Jefferson stepped outside into the sunshine. He walked to the small pen and lean-to where he’d put the horse. Anearby stream would supply the water, but Jefferson would have to carry full buckets to the trough in order to see the animal through the day. Thankfully there was also enough grain and hay left from their last trip that Jefferson wouldn’t have to worry about feeding the animal for at least a week.
He had just come to the gate of the pen when he heard a noise off to his left. He glanced over, fearing perhaps a bear or other wild animal was upon him. The horse whinnied and took a little side step, furthering Jefferson’s concern.
As the noise subsided, a different sound came from behind him.
“Jefferson Lane, hands up. You’re under arrest by the authority of the Vigilante Committee of Cheyenne.”
He slowly raised his hands as he considered making a break for it. If he could get beyond the cabin, there was a steep trail that led higher up into the mountain. He turned to find a man he didn’t recognize coming forward with a rifle pointed at Jefferson’s midsection.
“I’ve seen that look before. Don’t even think of trying to run for it. You’re surrounded. Come on out, boys!” the man called.
Men stepped out from the brush and trees. Jefferson could see they had fully encircled him. There wasn’t any hope of escape.
“Roberts, go check the cabin and find that money. Davis, get the boy’s coat and hat.” Two men headed off to do the man’s bidding.
“We’re headed back to Cheyenne, Mr. Lane, where you’ll stand trial for bank robbery.”
22
“Let me grab my sunbonnet, and I’ll help you with the laundry,” Melody told Marybeth after they finished up the breakfast dishes.
Edward had gone to work before sunup, and now at nearly eight thirty in the morning, Melody felt she’d been lounging around all day. It wasn’t Marybeth’s normal routine to sleep so late either, but she said that Edward had encouraged her to go back to bed that morning since Carrie was still asleep, and she had complied.
Melody was glad for the extra rest. She’d been tired for so long. Da being sick had prevented her from sleeping deeply as she worried about his needs. These last few days since the funeral had been hard to face, but at least sleep had come.
Between sleeping and praying, there was always Charlie. His love and gentle encouragement had seen her through the worst of times. Marybeth and Edward’s love had also helped. And that, along with Carrie’s happy-go-lucky spirit and antics, was enough to chase away most of the sadness that surrounded Melody like a heavy blanket.
She had just started back from her upstairs bedroom when a loud knock sounded on the front door.
“I’ll get it,” she called out in case Marybeth was still in the house.
She opened the door and found Charlie standing there, handsome as ever, hat in hand. “Good morning, Charlie. I was just about to lend Marybeth a hand with the laundry.”
“I want you to meet someone.” Another man stepped up from the side. “This is my father, Mr. Bertram Decker.”
“But you can call me Father, if you like,” the man offered. “I hope that isn’t out of line, but Charlie tells me the two of you would like to marry.”
Melody smiled uncertainly. “Yes, we want very much to marry.” She said nothing about calling him father. While she had never called Dafather, it wasn’t easy to think of this stranger as such.
“Won’t you come in?” Melody said, stepping away. “As I said, I was just going to go help Marybeth with her laundry, but I can take a few minutes to visit with the two of you.”
The men came inside, and Melody led them into the front room. “Have a seat, and I’ll bring tea.”
“Don’t bother. We just had breakfast and drank an entire pot of coffee,” Charlie said. “Sit with us for a moment.”
She took a seat in Marybeth’s rocking chair while Charlie and his father took the sofa.
“I’ve told my father all about Jefferson Lane and the robbery. The embezzlement too,” Charlie explained. “I’ve also told him about us and my desire to own a school and teach.”
She immediately feared the worst. Charlie had warned her about his father and his attitude toward having each of his sons follow him in banking.
“I can tell by the worried expression you wear,” Charlie’sfather interjected, “that you’re concerned I would disapprove.” He chuckled. “I must say that the old me very well would have.”
Melody found his comment even more concerning. What did he mean by the “old me”? She shifted her weight and let the rocker move back and forth at a slow pace. It comforted her. She needed to let go of her growing fears that Charlie’s father might start arguing for his side of the matter.
“You need not fear, my dear. I am a changed soul, as Charlie can confirm. Goodness, I wouldn’t have even called him Charlie before my remaking. No, I assure you, God has taken hold of me, and I am a different man.”
“It’s true, Melody.”
