Stone of Vengeance Read online

  She brought a hand to her temple, badly swollen, but not bleeding. Shaking from cold and pain, her words sounded unclear, jumbled, ‘Where are you taking me?’

  Ty Garrison didn’t need to answer for they were already passing under the Double S sign and heading toward Swen’s house.

  Fear increased the throbbing in her temple. Her gun, if Ty hadn’t picked it up, lay in the mud near the abandoned pickup. Helplessness gripped her, making her feel like a prisoner being dragged before some pitiless judge.

  Swen, alerted by their approach, stepped outside. He waited under the cover of the huge, circular porch. Rain drummed against the roof and poured from the overhang. Kate could barely make out his words. ‘I thought you’d be in the hospital. What are you doing out in this storm?’

  ‘She found the vehicle that wrecked her squad car,’ Ty replied. ‘Not far from here, on our land. She must have pulled up before the driver had a chance to get away. She’s been hurt.’

  ‘Hurt? How?’

  ‘I was struck from behind. I never saw who hit me.’

  ‘Let’s get her inside.’

  Kate, allowing Ty to assist her, leaned against him. Swen led them into a cosy room where high bookshelves towered between a huge stone fireplace. The lapping warmth of flames battled against her reluctance and fear.

  Swen quickly left the room.

  ‘How did you find me?’ Kate asked. ‘What were you doing out there?’

  ‘I began to search the minute we got the call about the wreck,’ Ty said. ‘But don’t try to talk now. Let me see how badly you’re hurt.’

  Swen returned with a towel and a pan of water. Ty carefully cleaned the wound, then gently wiped the mud from her face. ‘She’s got to get into some dry clothes,’ he said. ‘Do you have something she can wear?’

  In Swen’s room Kate changed into faded jeans and a shirt sizes too large for her. She had stopped shivering by the time she returned to the fireplace.

  Swen was talking on the phone. ‘Ty found our truck, the one that maniac used to crash into the patrol car. Sheriff Jepp is injured, but not seriously. She’s here at the Double S.’

  When he hung up, he remained seated, his hand still on the phone. ‘Ty filled me in on all that’s happened. You’ve got real spunk, kid,’ he added with a slight smile. ‘I’ve been kicking around the notion of offering you a job.’

  Ty with the same look of approval handed Kate a cup of hot coffee. She took a bracing drink, wondering how in such a short time she could be feeling safe and comforted.

  ‘I’m going to need all the help I can get,’ Swen said. ‘I knew the minute I heard about that fool ‘stone of vengeance’ left at the crime site, that I was being set up. And now this. You can see what Kingsley’s killer is trying to do to me.’

  ‘The rustling started about three years ago,’ Ty explained. ‘All this time both Swen and I have believed Kingsley was stealing our cattle just for spite. But we had another incident this afternoon. A fence broken, several animals missing.’

  ‘Hal Barkley is a scoundrel,’ Swen chimed in, ‘but without Kingsley behind him, he wouldn’t have the guts to keep stealing on his own.’ Swen’s voice lowered, blending with the sound of crackling flames. ‘That’s why I’m beginning to have second thoughts.’

  ‘What thoughts?’ Kate asked.

  ‘The rustler may have been targeting both ranches all along,’ Ty answered for him, ‘knowing both of us would blame the other. He, in fact, may not be associated with either the Rocking C or the Double S. But whoever he is, we intend to track him down.’

  ‘We’re willing to work with you, Kate,’ Swen declared. ‘Together we’ll catch that thief, the man who murdered Kingsley.’

  Kate glanced from one to the other again. If the Double S were involved, it made little sense that they would use one of their own trucks to crash into her car. Ty wouldn’t have shown up on the scene to help her either, and under no circumstances would he have brought her here. Despite all of today’s problems, she had at least made some progress: she was gaining the confidence of two very capable men. ‘What would you suggest we do?’

  ‘I have a little plan,’ Swen said, leaning forward. ‘And I’ve half a mind to let you in on it.’

  There couldn’t have been a worse moment for Jeff to burst into the room. He stood at the entrance, uniform soaked, water making trails through his hair and across his face. Some time for him to show up, at just the moment Swen and Ty planned to confide in her. She could tell by Jeff’s aggressive attitude that he was going to ruin everything.

  ‘So you found the truck,’ he said, pointing an almost accusing finger at Kate. ‘And Garrison just happened to be on hand. Why didn’t you take her to the hospital?’

  ‘Because we were very close to this ranch. And I didn’t need to go. I’m perfectly all right, Jeff.’

  Jeff stepped belligerently forward, hands on his hips. ‘The vehicle belongs to the Double S. How do you explain that? Your foremen had no trouble at all locating this pickup, even though our entire patrol unit failed to find it. Just what do you say to that?’

  ‘I’d say you’re lucky,’ Swen drawled, ‘that Ty found her when he did.’

  ‘You have some real explaining to do, Swen!’

  Swen’s features tightened, became hard and tough. ‘What’s there to explain? This is a frame-up. I’ve been set up.’

  ‘Did you give anyone permission to drive your truck this evening?’

  ‘Of course I didn’t. Someone stole my pick-up to incriminate me. It would be easy enough to do. I always keep it parked out by the barn.’

  The room fell silent. The fire in the grate had died down and left only the storm outside, the billowing wind and the sound of splashing water.

  ‘Swen leaves the keys in the ignition,’ Ty’s manner became as hostile as Jeff’s.

  ‘Why’s that?’

  ‘So the hands can use it anytime without bothering me,’ Swen replied.

  ‘Jeff, I’ve got their statements,’ Kate cut in, ‘no need to go over the details again.’

  ‘I want to hear them myself.’

  Angrily Kate rose. Jeff was deliberately alienating people who were in a position to help them. Not to mention the fact that he was openly challenging her authority.

  All trace of cooperation drained from Swen’s voice. ‘What do you think we’d gain by rigging this accident? We have no reason to harm Kate.’

  Jeff continued to stare at Ty, although he addressed Swen. ‘Someone, maybe someone you hire, might not want Kingsley’s death investigated.’

  Ty stepped forward. ‘Just be careful. Don’t think you can come here and make accusations you can’t back up.’

  Jeff glared at Ty’s clenched fist. ‘What? Do you plan to attack me, too, just like you did Kingsley’s foreman?’

  ‘Don’t believe any of that nonsense Hal Barkley told you,’ Swen said acidly. ‘He came over here in a rage, accusing us of cutting a fence line, of letting our cattle run with his. You know how mean he gets. Ty did what he had to do.’

  ‘Doesn’t quite sound like the story Barkley told me,’ Jeff said. ‘Come on, Kate.’ Jeff started away, then swung back. ‘We had your pick-up taken to Rock Creek for the lab to go over.’

  ‘Fine,’ Ty responded coldly. ‘You’re not going to find proof that anyone from the Double S was driving that truck tonight.’

  ‘Then I’d say,’ Jeff returned, ‘that we’re looking at one very strange coincidence.’

  Glad to have the office to herself, Kate sat alone in the evidence room, the items found in Swen’s black pick-up spread on the wooden table before her. She studied the contents taken from the cab. Expected items had been stuffed in the glove compartment: registration, statements from the co-op and from feed stores, a tattered map of Belle County.

  She lifted the clip-on earring that had been found crushed on the floorboard of the truck. Mud mashed into the intricate beadwork of a lovely Sioux design. Black background and red and blue beads m
ade a unique geometric pattern. The Indian style reminded her of Charles Kingsley’s love for the Wild West.

  The leather backing looked relatively new which caused her to discard the idea that the beadwork was part of the Kingsley collection. But it was expensive, and pricey jewellery like this was usually sold as a set.

  Jeff didn’t believe it had been lost by the driver of the pick-up, but Kate had her doubts. A woman might have been behind the wheel. The earring could, in fact, belong to Mary Ellen Kingsley.

  If Kate asked her outright, she would get only a denial. Moreover, finding the owner wouldn’t necessarily prove any connection to the crime. Kate decided to keep this evidence confidential for the time being, hoping that she might locate a matching bracelet or necklace.

  The department’s spare vehicle looked almost as battered as the squad car Kate had wrecked. Still, it had wheels and a motor, which was all that Kate needed to take her back to the scene of the crime.

  After visiting the Double S, she saw Kingsley’s vast, sprawling estate with new eyes. The towering house appearing in hazy glimpses through thick branches, had been modernized throughout the years. Even the huge gazebo and the columned porch, whitewashed and impressive, seemed added on as if in competition to Swen, as if the men were playing some kind of Western version of ‘keeping up with the Joneses.’

  Back at the office she had checked the phone records: the 3p.m. callphone call Kingsley had made to Mary Ellen to tell her of his marriage, the 3.45p.m. call Mary Ellen made to the Belle County Museum. Kingsley had arrived at the house about 7.30p.m. on Monday. Unusual for him, he parked his truck in the garage, maybe to make carrying items inside easier. The only clear tracks were from his vehicle. Of course the driveway that enclosed the garden and gazebo were of blacktop.

  Kate glanced towards the gazebo. Lacework, pale and delicate, decorated the sides. The small structure rose high in the air, suspended on stately, stilt-like braces.

  As Kate half-circled the gazebo, her attention was caught by a fresh upheaval of earth on the side hidden both from the house and from the main road. No reason for anyone to be digging under there. Strange Lem and the boys who had gone over the yard hadn’t noticed that this small area, about the size of a revolver, had been disturbed. With pounding heart, thinking she might have found where the killer had disposed of the murder weapon, Kate hurried toward it.

  Kneeling, feeling soreness from last night’s wreck, she began scooping away the loose soil. The ground soon became solid against her fingers, impossible without a tool to dig. Her excitement died as quickly as it had flared: she had discovered nothing.

  Rising, wiping her hands against the legs of her uniform, she looked up, facing the curious glances of hired men loitering near the corral. She started toward them. Of the four, only one looked friendly enough to address. ‘Is Hal Barkley around?’

  ‘In there,’ he answered, waving an arm toward the barn.

  Kate, glad to be putting distance between her and the Rocking C’s rough-looking cowhands, hurried toward the old-fashioned barn, recently painted a dark red. She passed through the open doors into the dimness, heavy with the scents of horses, of hay and grease.

  Eyes adjusting to the changing light, she halted. The last thing she had expected was to find Charles Kingsley’s foreman with a woman in his arms.

  ‘Mr Barkley,’ Kate said, her voice resounding in a loud, startled way.

  Almost guiltily, the two broke apart. If this were some stolen moment of love, Kate saw no evidence of it on the woman’s face which registered, not joy, but stark pain.

  Hal Barkley’s burly arms dropped to his side. He stepped forward threateningly, as if all of his battles were physical ones. In the background, the woman wiped at her tears.

  ‘Just what kind of department are you running, anyway?’ he demanded.

  Light from the door caught his features, the generous nose, the bearded chin. Many women might find his aggressive maleness attractive, despite the slight beer gut that strained his tight t-shirt and the fact that he probably had the brains of a moose.

  ‘You should have done your job!’ Barkley accused. ‘No one notified poor Jennie of Charles’ death! She drove out here yesterday morning, all smiles, expecting to make plans for her honeymoon and instead she’s planning a funeral!’

  ‘You weren’t contacted?’ Kate asked, astounded.

  ‘She had to hear it from me!’ He hit his fist against his open palm. ‘This senseless blunder never would have happened if Ben were the one in charge!’

  Kate shouldn’t have turned the job of contacting Kingsley’s new bride over to Jeff. ‘I’m sorry you had to find out like this,’ she said sincerely.

  ‘Sorry?’ Barkley boomed, taking another step forward.

  Jennie placed a restraining hand on his arm. ‘I borrowed a car from my friend. No one would have been able to find me, Hal.’ Her voice caught in her throat, caused her to stop and dab at tears. ‘Out of the blue, I just decided to drive down here and surprise him.’

  Kate liked the way she didn’t place blame. Using a car with different licence plates, no wonder Jeff hadn’t been able to contact her once she had left Casper. Still if Jeff hadn’t put his work off, he could have reached her before she got on the road.

  ‘When did you leave home?’

  ‘After Charles left, I got to thinking I should have gone with him. So, on impulse, I decided to find some way over here.’

  Jennie Irwin Kingsley, his bride of one day, wasn’t at all what Kate had expected. She had imagined some cheap, brassy gold-digger with dyed hair and calculating manner. Jennie’s natural beauty, her honey-blonde hair and frank, soft blue-eyes took Kate by surprise. To coin a couple of old clichés, she looked as nice as pie and wholesome as whole wheat bread. If Kate could depend on looks not being deceiving.

  Kate turned to Barkley, saying, ‘I heard that you and Ty Garrison got into a fight at Swen’s ranch.’

  ‘So you’re here to arrest me for that.’ Barkley advanced from the shadows, stopping only a foot or so from her. Sunlight played across the cuts and bruises that marked his face, the dark ring of black that encircled his left eye.

  ‘No one’s pressed any charges. But I do want to hear your account of what happened.’

  ‘In the first place, Swen and that hired gun of his are lying.’

  ‘So far, I haven’t even told you what they said.’

  Barkley, waving away Kate’s remark, raged on, ‘I stopped by to let them know they were to fix that fence between our properties. And what happens? Swen sets his hired thug on me. Ty Garrison attacked me!’

  ‘He claims you started the fight.’

  ‘His word against mine. They want that fence down so it’s easier for them to steal our cattle.’

  ‘Our records report stolen cattle from both ranches,’ Kate said.

  ‘A cover-up. Swen’s stealing from us, all right!’

  ‘Would you give me a statement as to your whereabouts Monday, after you left their ranch until the time Mr Kingsley was shot?’

  ‘I left Swen’s about seven, went into town, had a few beers at the Lazy Z. After that I headed directly to my house.’

  ‘Can anyone back that up?’

  ‘What do you think?’ he answered gruffly. ‘I live alone, ten miles down that road north of here.’

  Kate studied Barkley. He didn’t have an alibi, but then he didn’t have much of a motive, either. If Swen had been murdered, it would have been a different story, but Barkley worked for Kingsley and the Rocking C.

  ‘Mr Barkley, what do you know about the lawsuit your employer was intending to bring against Swen?’

  He shrugged. ‘We’ve been missing cattle for several years, but as of late, it’s getting worse. Old Swen’s behind this, you can bet on that. He’s been stealing our calves and rebranding our cattle. He does it because he hates Charles, it’s game to him. And he’s slick. Until recently, we’ve been unable to make any case against him.’

  ‘Wh
at evidence did Mr Kingsley have against Swen?’

  ‘He didn’t tell me,’ Barkley said.

  ‘Since you’re his foreman, why didn’t he share this information with you?’

  ‘Charles said he had proof positive. He would have told me all about it if he’d had a chance. If Swen or his hired hitman hadn’t sneaked in and murdered him.’

  Kate’s gaze strayed from Barkley’s tough, bearded face to Jennie. As she did, she felt a jolt as she noticed her expensive, Western-style earrings, long loops decorated with diamonds and turquoise. In spite of her wholesome appearance, Jennie, now Kingsley’s direct heir, loomed as the one most likely to have killed him. Moreover, Hal Barkley’s embrace had seemed to Kate much more than an expression of sympathy and comfort.

  ‘Mrs Kingsley, I’d like to have a word with you. Why don’t we go into the house?’

  ‘I’ll come with you,’ Barkley interceded.

  ‘No need to,’ Jennie told him. ‘I’ll be all right.’

  ‘I’m just Jennie, to everyone,’ she said as they walked toward the towering house. Jennie, as if the place had always been hers, led Kate into the kitchen. In an almost automatic gesture of hospitality, she drew out Ironstone mugs, filled them with coffee, and slid one forward.

  ‘This has really thrown me,’ she said, sinking down across from Kate and absently stirring her coffee.

  ‘It’s a terrible shock, I know,’ Kate replied. ‘What are your plans now?’

  Jennie looked up as if the question surprised her. ‘Why, I intend to just go ahead and move in. I’ve already quit my job and given up my apartment. I can manage the ranch, I guess, with Hal’s help.’

  ‘What about Mary Ellen?’

  ‘She tells me she will be leaving as soon as possible. I know this has been her home since childhood, and she’s welcome to stay until she finds a suitable place.’ Jennie stirred her coffee, staring at the black liquid morbidly. ‘I’m alone, again. Alone, forever.’

  In the stillness Kate thought of Hal Barkley.

  ‘No other man will ever measure up to Charles.’

  ‘What made you decide to make an unexpected trip to Rock Creek?’