The Fire in Ember - DiAnn Mills [110]
“He was interested in Leah?”
“Oh, yeah. Like a backwoods fool, I didn’t take note of it for a long time.”
“Sounds like you believe his befriending you was due to his interest in your ma.”
“I do. And a few other things too, which I mentioned earlier.”
Parker pulled in the reins of his horse, and John did the same. “I think you’re right.”
John nodded. “Makes sense, doesn’t it?”
“Especially with what I learned. Rocky Falls is on target to grow, bringing business folks from all over. Land prices are going to jump.”
“When I think of all that’s happened, it makes me mad enough to ride over there and confront him. But I don’t have anything to go on but the feeling in my gut.”
Parker urged his horse on. “Can’t fault a man for buying up land. We’ve got to catch him negotiating.”
“Nice way to say hirin’ a gun. Did you have any luck with Simon?”
“He refuses to talk. Most likely his brothers are still working for whoever’s behind this.”
“When I asked Ember about the trip she made here with her brothers nearly two years ago, she said Simon claimed to have business with a man living in this area. No name. Then Simon made a trip back alone. That’s when he returned riding Oberlander’s mare. He said the owner gave him the horse. I mentioned this to Wirt and Bob, but neither of them thought it was reason to suspect him.”
Parker nodded. “I’d like to pay the Wide O a social call once we finish in Rocky Falls. Nothing like saying hello to an old friend. You know, most folks would think Simon Farrar meant he stole the mare, but you and I think differently.”
“I wonder if Oberlander gave him the horse to seal the deal and make himself look innocent. It would also pave the way for what would happen to other ranchers by being the first victim. And—” John hesitated.
“Speak your mind.”
John thought a minute longer. “My other thought is Simon did steal the horse to make sure Oberlander kept his side of the bargain.”
Parker grinned. “A man who thinks like me. But we still have to prove it.”
“Wirt may have a few ideas. Now that you think I may be on to something, he and Bob might listen.”
“They didn’t always agree with me either.”
“It’s the Timmons in us.” A memory of his Uncle Parker’s trials and triumphs flashed in his mind. “I’ve thought of keeping a vigil on the Wide O. Might have to dodge his ranch hands since all of them have orders to shoot trespassers on sight.”
“Could be a long process.”
“If we can—”
“We?”
John ignored the sarcasm. “As I said, if we can get Bob and Wirt to help, the job wouldn’t be so taxing on a single man.”
“Single as in one man doing all the work, or single as in a man who’d rather be spending his time courtin'?”
“Does Sage take this from you?”
“What do you think?”
“You probably give her no choice. But she does have her pet hawk to protect her.”
Parker laughed. “That’s exactly why I’ve been storing it all up for you.”
“You can spread it out among my brothers.”
“Oh, I will. Are you reading the law books I sent?”
“Reread a few of them. Another topic I want to discuss with you.”
“And here I thought you wanted to invite me and my family to another wedding.”
“Soon, I hope.” John relished this time with his uncle. Here he could be himself — not have to worry about appearing brave or sounding logical. The prospect of marrying Ember pleased him. Pleased him a lot. “You and I may be talking all day and night. But first tell me about Sage and the boys.”
During the rest of the way into town, Parker told one story after another about his family. He and Sage had weathered a rough start with her job as a bounty hunter and his position as Rocky Falls’ marshal. Neither one of them liked the other until they realized love didn’t always beckon a man and a woman who have everything in common. The differences were what made them one. John wanted a marriage with Ember