“Beatrice, where are you old girl?”
“Harvey, you call me old again and I will sew your trousers together.”
An older, dark-haired lady, all of five-foot nothing, walks out of the back room. She doesn’t flinch when she sees me standing by the door, and that is odd in itself.
“Beatrice, this is Grant. He has just acquired a new wife and she is in need of a few necessities.”
“You’re the one who acquired the Lieber girl?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Well, you might be monstrous in size, but at least you have some manners. I would like to say that I have her sizes on file, but that bastard never once brought the girl in here for any of her needs. I watched her go from a smiling, youthful girl to a haunted, shallow woman because of him. Men like that should be forced to know what it feels like to be knocked around with no way of defending themselves.”
“I agree ma’am and I plan on paying him a visit here shortly.”
“Best thing I’ve heard all day! How much are you planning on spending so that I don’t get ahead of myself?”
“She’s in need of everything, and money is not an issue.”
“Hmmm, money is always an issue dear, but I understand what you are saying.” She walks over to me and looking up from hersmall height, I feel like a youngster. I know she is trying to figure out if I am worthy of her time or not.
“You stink and could use a good brush and trimming yourself. Go on and take care of your business, and I will have a few dresses, a nightgown, and some necessities ready for when you come back. Does she need shoes as well?”
“Yes ma’am, I have her boots in my saddlebags.” Reaching into my worn pants pocket, I pull out two five-dollar bills and hand them to her. “She has nothing, and I don’t know what all a woman requires. I would appreciate it if you could gather more than just clothing for her. She is now my wife, and her comfort is a top priority for me.”
Old man Harvey speaks up, “I will retrieve the boots from your gear, but where is your pistol, Grant?”
“Figured I’d take a piece of out his hide, flesh to flesh if you catch my meaning.”
“Boy, you might be the largest man in this valley, but flesh won’t stop a bullet, and cowards like Oren don’t fight fair. If he beats something as small as your new wife, he would easily shoot you in the back.”
“I will take your words into account and won’t underestimate him. I left my pistol at home with Lauren. I didn’t want her to feel unsafe out there all alone.”
“You go on then. I’m sure you’d like to get back to her as soon as possible.”
“Which home is it?”
Harvey knows precisely what I am asking.
“Leiber works for the lumber mill, so lodging is part of their pay. It’s the last house in the back row.” Just as I start to open the door, he grabs my arm.
“Don’t make that girl a widow, Grant. Oren is dangerous and right now, he thinks what he’s done makes him look more like a man. But when he wakes up to no breakfast and a cold bed, he’ll realize what he’s done. Don’t be shocked if you see him show up unannounced with the marshal, trying to take her back.”
“No one touches what’s mine!” I nod my head, “ma’am,” and walk out, my steps sure and steady as I make my way behind the lumber mill. Watchful eyes trace my footsteps as I stroll down the muddy road, my destination clear for all to see. Strolling up onto the narrow porch, I pound on the door.
I hear him cussing from the other side a second before it opens. Oren’s eyes get large when he first sees me there and he quickly goes to shut the door in my face. When I put a foot inside the doorway to stop him, he roars, “You’d better not be here thinking I’ll take her back!”
“I want her belongings.”
“She has nothing.”
“Well, let’s take a look together and just see.” Pushing my way through the door, I grab him by the back of the neck, holding him off the floor. My eyes glance around the small, clean home. Tightening my grip, I throw him across the room and he lands in a heap, holding his hands up in front of him. “I don’t want no trouble from you, Beast.”
“Good, now let’s have this conversation again. Where are her things?”
He points toward the room right behind him. When I turn that way, he scrambles onto his feet, hurrying in front of me. The light smell of lavender lingers in the room and on the bed, a pillow and crocheted blanket lie tucked neatly around the worn frame. Even though Lauren was abused, it’s obvious she did her best to take care of him and make this a home.
Picking up a small hair comb off a dresser, I see a few strands of golden blonde hair hanging off the edges. He is instantly in front of me. “Nothing here belongs to that worthless whore. Give that back, it might be worth something.”
