“Yeah, well, things have changed around here, Will.”
“I see that. Whether Rickert helps or not, I’m getting my sister back.”
“I wish you luck. I really do. Like I say, Pew’s got some tough men on his payroll. Especially that Sheffield. He’s a rough character.”
“I’ll be all right.”
Mr. Lennox was silent for a moment. He looked troubled, and Will could tell he had more to say.
Finally, Mr. Lennox said, “Pew’s right in with the scalawags. Welcomed the Yankees with open arms. I hope the bluebellies leave you alone.”
“I hear most of the Union troops stationing here don’t have a lick of experience.”
“Seems that way. But they got a detachment of cavalry that rides a circuit across the region, and they’re nobody you’d want to mess with. They come through here now and then, and every last one of them looks hard as nails.”
“Well, I don’t see where rescuing my sister from a kidnapper would be any concern of theirs.”
“You wouldn’t think so, would you? But be careful. Try not to stir things up.”
“Thanks for the warning, Mr. Lennox. I’ll try. But Rose is coming home today one way or the other.”
He wrapped up with the hostler, who refused payment. “You go talk to Rickert. I wish you luck.”
Will thanked him and left the livery and walked down the street to the sheriff’s office.
Will pushed through the door and locked eyes with Sheriff Rickert, a gray-haired, tired-looking man who sat there with his boots on his messy desk and his hands folded atop his stomach.
“Will Bentley,” Rickert said. “Ain’t seen you in some time.”
“You know why I’m here.”
“Can’t help you, Will. If your sister wants to marry Isaac Pew, that’s her business, not mine.”
“She doesn’t want to marry that old coot and you know it.”
“I know no such thing. Why just the day before yesterday, I was over to Pew’s ranch, and apparently, she’s champing at the bit.”
“She didn’t tell you that.”
“No, but Pew did.”
“And you believe him?”
Rickert spread his hands. “Pew’s a powerful man in these parts. Especially now. His son-in-law is tight with the Yankees. What do you expect me to do?”
“Your job.”
Rickert’s face reddened at that. He brought his boots off the desk and stood. “I am doing my job.”
“Doesn’t seem that way to me, Rickert.”
Rickert’s eyes flared with anger. “You mind your tongue, Will Bentley.”
“You start minding this town, I’ll mind my tongue. Looks like I gotta take care of this myself.”
“Don’t you go over there and give Mr. Pew trouble. You hear me, boy? You give him trouble, I’ll be forced to haul you in.”
Will stared at him in silence.
