The Fire in Ember - DiAnn Mills [82]
John wanted the rustlers caught, but he wasn’t about to organize a group of vigilantes. “Deputies don’t hang lawbreakers. They bring them in to stand trial.”
“Right,” Wirt said. “Neither Bob, John, nor I will put up with a hanging party.”
“I’ll make a deal with you.” Oberlander adjusted his hat. “Whoever finds those thieves first gets to choose how to deal with them.”
Wirt shook his head. “I don’t make deals like that.”
“Neither do I.”
John read the challenge in Oberlander’s eyes, a trait he’d seen in him before. “I’m asking you real politelike not to take the law into your own hands,” John said. “I’d welcome men who’d be willing to ride with us, but not on your terms.”
“And I’m telling you that I’ve put up with your law-abiding ways long enough.” Oberlander walked to his horse and grabbed the reins. “No man’s going to rustle my cattle and get away with it. I’ll pick my men, and you pick yours.”
“Don’t do anything you’ll regret,” Wirt said.
“No chance of that. One more thing, Zimmerman. Stay away from Leah. You’re not good enough for her.”
Wirt squared off with Oberlander, eye to eye, shoulder to shoulder. “Miss Leah is quite capable of choosing which man she wants—if she wants either of us. I don’t cower to a threat. Neither do I run. Stick that in a piece of cornbread and swallow it.”
John stood back and attempted to dispel his own aggravation at Oberlander. Mama might not have all the things Oberlander had to offer, but the price she’d pay for his disrespect of the law and his temperament weren’t worth it. Yet Wirt had handled himself well, and John was pleased. Could probably take a few lessons himself since John still fumed with the arrogant owner of the Wide O.
“John, you could ride with me,” Oberlander said. “No need wasting your time with the local law and a coward of a US Marshal. You’re good with a gun, and I need men who aren’t afraid to bring a man down.”
“I believe in enforcing the law.” John put his heart behind his words. “If a man takes the law into his own hands, then he isn’t any better than those rustlers.”
“I take that as an insult.”
“Take it any way you like, Mr. Oberlander. I’m committed to the law.” John breathed in satisfaction for standing up to the man. But this wasn’t over yet. In fact, the problem had just grown worse.
CHAPTER 38
Leah stole a glance at Ember while the girl finished setting the table for supper. With the knives, forks, and spoons in place and the plates directly in front of the chairs, Leah fretted over what must be bothering Ember. Ever since Leah and Mark had returned from their afternoon ride, the girl looked pale, and her brows knit together as though she were in pain.
“Are you feeling all right?” Leah whispered.
“I’m fine.” Ember smiled, but Leah could tell it was forced.
“I don’t believe that.”
“My side’s bothering me.” She avoided Leah’s gaze.
“Ah, I see. I can fix you a cup of ginger tea to ease the cramping.”
“Thank you. I’d appreciate the relief.”
Leah wrapped an arm around Bert’s waist, and she winced. “I’m sorry. Sometimes my womanly time pains me too. The supper you’ve fixed here is wonderful. Almost like a celebration.”
Ember shrugged. “I wanted to show you how much you all mean to me.”
“Oh, we know, sweet girl. All any of us need do is look at your face.” She stroked Ember’s hair, which had continued to grow and taken on the look of spun honey.
The door creaked open, and John and Wirt stepped inside. Leah sensed her insides bouncing as if she were a silly girl. Mercy, Wirt seemed to get more handsome every day, his shoulders broader.
“Mama, I asked Wirt for supper. Hope you don’t mind,” John said.
Leah laughed. “Ember has quite a feast for us tonight. And of course I don’t mind.”
Wirt lifted his chin. “Smells wonderful.”
Was it Leah’s wishful thoughts? Or did he seem nervous? Of late, her words twisted and stuttered