The Fire in Ember - DiAnn Mills [107]
Mixed into the crowd were a few storekeepers and business owners. Rocky Falls hadn’t grown as much as other towns, but John believed their isolated status would change once the narrow-gauge railroad line grew to a standard gauge. Timber and the stone quarries were bound to draw the attention of huge railroad conglomerates who had roared through from the east, developing areas and providing jobs wherever they laid down track. All of this confirmed the town’s need of a lawyer … possibly a future position for John.
Oberlander slowly walked to the front of the church, his boots tapping along the wooden floor. The man had sat in the back, and John figured his march down the aisle was so everyone would take note that the largest landowner in the area had come to address them. The move accentuated the man’s pride—something John disagreed with. Even if half of Colorado belonged to John, he’d still remember who’d provided it for him and not have people look up to him like he was a god.
Oberlander stood behind Preacher Waller’s pulpit bearing the commanding stance of a military leader. “Folks, I want to thank you for coming out tonight. I won’t take up much of your time. We’ve had trouble in our area, and although our marshal and deputy along with a US Marshal have worked hard and caught one of the lawbreakers, more are still on the loose. This meeting is not about our lawmen, because I think they’re doing a fine job. This meeting is about how I can help some of you who are struggling with loss of livestock.”
He took a step down from the raised pulpit and unbuttoned his coat. “We’re a community, and although I’ve had my losses, it’s a drop compared to the devastation some of you have experienced. The idea of a man worrying about keeping his land or putting food in his children’s bellies doesn’t sit well with me. That’s not how a Christian man is supposed to live.”
John maintained a stoic composure. He chose not to look at Bob or Wirt beside him. Oberlander was laying the groundwork for something sure to benefit himself.
“All of my ranch hands have been ordered to shoot anyone who rides across our land. I’m sorry if some of you take my measures personal, but I’m not losing one more cow or horse to a thief. If you have business with me, come to the house. I won’t be held responsible otherwise.”
He paused and looked out into the crowd. “A few of you have indicated your losses have ruined you financially, and I hate to hear some of you have chosen to leave our area. I’d like to help in one of two ways. I can offer you cash loans with the same interest rate as a bank, even sell you some cattle, or I can buy you out at a fair market price.”
John’s insides twisted. At this rate, Oberlander would end up owning most of the land around Rocky Falls. A hard and devious man preyed on those who were down on their luck. He paused in his thinking. Perhaps he hadn’t given Oberlander a chance. Maybe the man meant well.
But the longer he observed Oberlander and his pompous ways, the more something didn’t sit right with him.
I know I’m right. I just need to find a way to prove it.
Some folks might think Oberlander’s offer was an answer to prayer—a way for them to start all over again, whether they chose here or somewhere else. But not John. And the longer the cattle baron talked about hard times and opportunities closer to Denver where the law could keep their families and property safe, the more his mind swayed toward what he felt in his gut.
After the meeting, several men and women crowded around Oberlander. He joked and complimented the women like a politician who was only interested in votes and not the real problems and concerns of the people. John had never seen this type of behavior in his Uncle Parker, and it sent a ripple of doubt through him about every good and decent thing Oberlander had ever done.
John left the church with Bob, Wirt, and