Mail Order Bride - Westward Justice: Historical Cowboy Romance (Montana Mail Order Brides Book 6) (2 page)

Dear Sammi,

              Your letter was different than any others I’ve gotten so far.  Most of the women that are writing don’t seem to fit into what I’m looking for.  I hope you don’t mind, but I did ask Joe about you and he seems very fond of you.  His description of you was pretty much how you described yourself, too.

              Since you were so direct with me, I’ll give you the same courtesy.  I may not be ready to have kids quite yet, but I would like to have them in the future.  What are your thoughts on that?  It’s nice to hear from someone who seems to get what my life is like and that a lot of times my job comes before my personal life.

              I need someone independent like you, but I also want someone I can spend time with and have fun with.  I think I’d like to see you shoot.  It doesn’t bother me that you wear pants and such.  Joe also told me that they suit you very well. 

              I’ve been a deputy in Dawson for about five years now.  I used to be a deputy near Helena but moved here when I saw they were looking to hire a deputy.  I did not get along with my boss there because he was lazy and didn’t seem to want to do much investigation.  That’s not my style.  I don’t just want to sit behind a desk all day.  Being out and about is the best way to do my job and Sherriff Allen is the same way.

              I make it my business to know everyone around here and notice if someone strange comes to town.  I’m not afraid of a fight but I’d rather avoid one if I can.  I’m supposed to keep the peace not create havoc. 

              I have a house that I’m fixing up in my spare time.  It’s one of the larger houses in town, but it needs a lot of work.  I got it cheap because it’s pretty run down.  I like fixing things, though, so I don’t mind a bit.  I realize that it may not be a dream home, but it could be someday.  I’m not rich, but my salary is decent.  Since you’re an independent type of woman, I don’t have a problem with you working somewhere.

              Farm work isn’t easy, so you must be strong and I like that in a woman.  I also like that you seem to know what you want and aren’t wishy-washy like some women.  I don’t have time for guessing games, so we’re agreed on that.  Well, I’ll close for now. 

Take care,

Mitch

              Sammi laughed as she finished the letter.  Joe had come through for her and given her a recommendation.  When she saw him, she would give him a great big kiss.  As that thought crossed her mind, she realized that she wanted very badly to go to Dawson and meet this deputy.  She lay down on her bed for a moment while she thought about how she was going to respond.  Should she keep writing or just tell him she wanted to come to Dawson?  Maybe that would scare him off, although he didn’t seem the type to scare easy.  Sammi sat up as another idea came to her.  She grabbed her tablet and pencil and started writing.

Dear Mitch,

              I really enjoyed your letter and I’m glad that Joe was able to give you some more information about me.  He’s a lot of fun.  I helped him get Lacey’s mare Polly when he came to Walhalla to buy her from Lacey’s creep of a father.  I hate him and I’d like to shoot him. 

              Anyway, I’ve been meaning to come to Dawson to visit Lacey and Jamie anyway, so maybe we could just meet then and see where things lead?  That way there wouldn’t be any pressure and if we don’t like each other, you’d still be able to find someone else.

              As far as kids go, I don’t want five, but I’d like to have a couple, so there’s something else we agree on.  Well, let me know what you think about that plan.  I’d like to get out there before bad weather hits, so don’t wait too long to get back to me.

Watch your back out there,

Sammi

              Mitch rode down the street as he thought about Sammi’s last letter.  Joe spoke highly of her and she seemed like a woman who would be a good fit for a man like him.  He liked her idea of seeing what she was like when she came here for a visit.  It was practical and certainly less stressful than meeting strictly for the purpose of getting married.  Plus, she would have entertainment when he was working, which would make him feel better.

              He made up his mind just as Pricilla Samuels flagged him down.  Mitch groaned.  The woman was famous for complaining about petty things and it wasted his time.  He put on a polite smile and stopped to see what she wanted.

              It was after six until he got home that night.  He’d stopped to eat at the Grady House and had brought a piece of cherry pie home with him.  Lighting a lantern, Mitch sat it on a table in the front parlor that was constructed out of a door and some wooden workhorses.  It really wasn’t a table at all.  He was working on sanding down the door and repainting it.

              Then he hung his hat on a peg by the door and undid his vest.  He hung it beside his hat and shined his badge with a shirt sleeve.  Mitch always kept his hat and vest by the door so he could grab them quickly if need be. 

              Beulah whined and Mitch said, “You’ve already had your supper and you’re not getting any of that pie.  Mitch took off his shirt and hung it on the back of a chair.  Off came his boots and he flexed his feet.  Mitch sank down into the one comfy chair in the parlor and sighed.  It had been a long day and he was ready for a little relaxation.  He put his head back on the chair and closed his eyes.

              Sammi’s letter came to mind and he decided that he would write her back that night so the letter would go out tomorrow.  He got up and went into his study where he had an actual desk and chair.  He sat down and set about penning a letter.

Dear Sammi,

              Hope you’re doing well.  I think your idea is a great one.  It shows me just how practical you are; something I greatly admire.  So come on out whenever you want.  Just let me know so I can pick you up at the depot.  We have a lady coach driver named Beth.  She’s a real character and keeps a tight schedule.  You’ll like her. I look forward to introducing you around.

Take care,

Mitch

              Sammi grinned as she read Mitch’s letter.  She had succeeded and felt excited about her upcoming trip.  Immediately she sent him a response and decided that she would set out at the end of the week.  She’d have to give notice at the farm and get packed.  Of course, she didn’t own a whole lot outside of her clothes, guns, and knives.  Sammi looked at her rifle and knew she wasn’t going to be able to take it with her.  It would have to be sold.  Then she thought about Joe’s money and figured that she’d be able to buy a rifle in Dawson.  Since she wasn’t busy that night, Sammi decided to start packing.

Dear Mitch,

              I’ll be leaving on this Friday evening so I should arrive in Dawson by the middle of next week.  See you then.

Sammi

              Mitch felt butterflies in his stomach as he read Sammi’s short response.  It was Tuesday morning so that meant she might be there tomorrow.  Mitch panicked a little because his house wasn’t ready for company.  Maybe it would be good if she stayed at the hotel until they saw how things went and he could make his house a little more presentable.

              There was a little paperwork he wanted to get done, so he tried to concentrate on it, but couldn’t.  Sherriff Allen hadn’t come in yet and Mitch surmised that his boss had probably stopped at the Grady House for some coffee.  Just as Mitch was actually starting to make some headway with the paperwork, Gus Richardson flew into the Sherriff’s office.

              “Mitch!  You gotta come quick!  It’s the Sherriff!  He’s dead!” Gus said.

              “What?” Mitch said as he gripped the arms of his chair.  “Where?  How?”  He rose from his chair and followed Gus out the door.

              “He’s at the Grady House.  He came in for some coffee and a cinnamon bun and right in the middle of eating, he fell off his stool.  Could be a heart attack.  We sent for Doc,” Gus said.

              Mitch’s stomach churned at this news.  He respected Travis Allen immensely and had learned a great deal from the man.  He ran down the street, overtaking Gus and burst into the Grady House.  Sherriff Allen lay prone on the floor.  Upon seeing the deputy, Jake Henderson, owner of the Watering Hole, the local bar, backed away.  Mitch noted that his face was white.  Stepping over to the sheriff, Mitch knelt by him and put his head on Travis Allen’s chest.  He felt no rise or fall of his chest and no heartbeat sounded in his ear.

              Mitch raised his head and shook it.  Alice Booker, one of the regular waitresses began crying and Jake sat her at one of the tables.  Doc Turner came in the door and Mitch moved out of his way.

              “He’s not breathing and there’s no heartbeat,” Mitch told him.

              Doc said, “Ok.  Thanks, Mitch.”  Doc performed a thorough exam, and then looked sadly at Mitch and said, “You’re right.  He’s gone I’m afraid.”

              “Damn it!” Mitch said and pounded a table with his fist.  He turned away and looked out the window as he composed himself.

              As he turned back around, Jessie Wilkes, the mayor came into the restaurant.  He looked at Travis and shook his head.  No one liked Jessie very much, but he was the only one who’d run for mayor last time, so they were stuck with him until the next election a couple of months from now. 

              Doc rose from the floor.  He grimaced at the pain in his knees from kneeling.  He hated it because it just reminded him that he wasn’t getting any younger.  “He’s gone, Jessie.”

              Jessie sighed and then turned his blue eyes on Mitch.  “You know what this means, don’t you?”

              “What?” Mitch said.

              “You’re the new sheriff,” Jessie said.

              Mitch felt a strange hollow sensation in his stomach as he realized it was true.

              Jessie stepped over to the sheriff and would have removed the badge on the left side of Travis’ jacket, but Mitch stopped him.  “Don’t do that.  He’s gonna be buried with it.  There are some extras at the office.  I’m going to notify Amelia.”

              Doc said, “I’ll get him to the morgue.”

              Mitch nodded and left the restaurant.  He ran down the street to where he had Rico tied and mounted up.  He galloped to the Allen residence which was a little ways out of town.  Slowing Rico to a walk, he rode up their short drive and stopped.  Mitch dismounted and stood gathering his wits for a few moments before going up to the front door and knocking.

              Travis’ wife, Amelia answered the door and smiled at Mitch.  Her fondness for the deputy shone in her dark eyes.  “Hello, Mitch.  How are you?”

              “I’m fine, ma’am.  Might I come in?” he said.

              “Certainly, although, Travis went to town a while ago,” Amelia said as she stepped back.

              Mitch followed her and closed the door.  “Let’s sit down,” Mitch said. 

              Amelia began to get nervous.  She recognized the official tone Mitch used.  “Is the kitchen ok?”

              “Sure.”

              They sat at the table and Mitch said, “Amelia, I have some bad news for you.”

              “What is it?” Amelia asked with fear in her eyes.

              Mitch took another breath and said, “Ma’am, I’m afraid that Sherriff Allen had a heart attack while he was at the Grady House.”

              Amelia put a hand to her lips and then said, “Is he with Doc?  How is he doing?”

              “I’m afraid that he passed on, Amelia,” Mitch said gently.

              “No.  It can’t be.  He only left the house about an hour ago,” Amelia said as she shook her head.

              “I’m so sorry,” Mitch said.  “I wish I didn’t have to tell you this.  You know how much I admire Travis.”

              Tears fell from Amelia’s eyes as she said, “He felt the same about you, Mitch.  I can’t believe it.  Oh, Travis.” 

              As she began to cry in earnest, Mitch embraced her and tried to comfort her.  “How about I go to Dottie’s and let her know what happened so she can come be with you?  You shouldn’t be alone at a time like this.”

              Amelia nodded against his chest.  “Yes.  Thank you.  Oh, my goodness, Mitch,” she said and raised her head.

              “Yes?”

              “You’re the sheriff now,” she said. 

              “I guess so, but I wish I wasn’t because then Travis would still be with us,” Mitch said as his throat thickened with emotion.

              Amelia drew back and looked him in the eye.  “This is a most horrible circumstance for our community, but I know Travis would approve of you moving into his position.  He talked about it, actually.  He said when he retired that you would do an excellent job for Dawson.”