Smith took a deep breath, composing himself. "I tried to tell myself that, at first. But I know better. It damn near broke my heart when she shot me, Tom. But I'd forgive her in a minute, if she'd have me. And not just for the land. Yeah. I guess… Maybe I do love her."
Carver looked down, hiding his roiling thoughts. He'd known it might come to this. He'd been friends with Arnie ever since their school days. But he didn't intend to allow friendship to stand in the way of what he wanted – what he needed. The saddlery business was failing, now that Jake Hoskins had opened his shop over in Hobart. It was time for a new line of work. He figured Allie Taylor was ripe for the picking – along with her spread. But he didn't plan on keeping a bunch of orphans there. In fact, once she was his, her little half-breed kid would find himself gone, as well – one way or the other.
He stood up, as if to take his leave. "Why'd she want all boys, Arnie? Ain't one girl in that bunch of orphan kids."
"Said she wanted to buy cattle," he scoffed. "Make a ranch out of the place. Don't know how I'm gonna talk her out of that, now that the boys are already there."
Carver smiled at his morose tone. That was one thing Arnie wouldn't have to worry about anymore.
He drew his pistol and cocked it, leveling it at Arnie's wide midsection. A smile turned his lips at Arnie's disbelieving expression. Looked just like he had when Allie Taylor had shot him. Must be a helluva note to be plugged twice by different people in the space of a couple of days.
"Tom? What the hell?"
"Just easin' your mind a bit, Arnie. Allie Taylor ain't gonna marry you. The whole town knows that – everybody 'cept you, that is. So you won't mind bowin' out for good…and lettin' me give it a try."
"Put that gun up, Tom." Arnie relaxed back onto the couch. "You been drinkin' or what? I love that girl. But it don't mean shit. I know she don't want me."
"You're still in my way, though." Carver shook his head. "I hate to do this, but it's the only way."
The realization that he meant it slowly dawned in Arnie's eyes, followed by anger. "You little bastard. This was my idea! Hiring the gun hawk, payin' your part of the money—"
"Don't worry. I'll buy your casket." The gun was comforting in his hand. Soon, he'd be one step closer to his prize – Allie Taylor – and her spread, of course.
"Don't do this, Tom."
He cocked his head. "Got to. No other way to get what I want – not as long as you're in the runnin'."
"You damn fool. Ain't neither of us 'in the runnin' – not since Brandon Gabriel came on the scene. Didn't you see the way she looked at him, Tom?" He shook his head. "I'm lucky she didn't just kill me when she had me in her sights."
"Yes. You were lucky, then, Arnie. But your luck just ran out."
****
Doc stopped Ol' Rooster near the creek just outside of town to collect his thoughts. There would be questions he needed ready answers for, now that Owen wouldn't be accompanying him as expected. Old Mrs. Bell would be the first one to greet him – and notice he was alone.
He'd always been truthful. But in this instance, truth could bring everything to a head too soon. He dismounted, leading the horse to the water. Doc leaned against an oak tree, stretching his muscles. He felt naked without his medical bag. Couldn't remember the last time he'd been without it. He grinned to himself. He swept his hat off and mopped his brow with his handkerchief. May never changed. It was always hot, but this year it had gotten hotter quicker, it seemed like.
He had other patients who needed him. Mrs. McNally was due to deliver any minute. Mrs. Shaklee needed her broken arm checked. The Simons twins had been sick with summer complaint. And Arnie Smith. Maybe he could talk some sense into Arnie. He gave a snort of disgust. Smith was contemptible, and he wouldn't even bother with it, except for the fact that he felt some responsibility to Jimmy. Jimmy's mother had died in childbirth – the only woman he had ever lost in the birthing process. Had she lived, Jimmy wouldn't have been at the mercy of his father. But she hadn't, and Arnie was all Jimmy had.
How was this going to end? Allie and Brandon deserved their chance at happiness. As far as the men of the town that had participated in the ambush, there were several who'd had second thoughts. Which way is the tide running now? He sighed heavily. Tom Carver, Arnie Smith, Abe Johnson…those were the bad apples. People like Zach Anderson were just along for the ride. The mob mentality. Thank God Allie had shown up when she did. Bad as it was for Brandon, it could've been so much worse.