The Widow of Rose Hill (The Women of Rose Hill Book 2), стр. 77
Clutching the reins with one hand while his other arm hung limp, Levi wasn’t prepared when the horse stopped abruptly. Levi flew through the air over the horse’s head and landed on the ground with a horrific thud. His head slammed into something hard.
The horse tore around the fallen tree that had blocked its path, leaving Levi gasping for air with lungs that wouldn’t work.
Dazed and in pain, he could hear Lopez and his men closing in. Had God seen him through four years of war only to let him die in Texas at the hands of a cattle thief?
Though he fought against it, his eyelids slid closed, and the world went black.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Hot tears stung Natalie’s eyes long after Levi rode away. Why must men act so foolishly? To come in here and accuse Alexander of stealing cattle was beyond ridiculous. He hadn’t mentioned any proof, only speculations and allegations. Perhaps his jealousy went so deep he intended to ruin the only man who stood in his way of having her. Yet even as that thought crossed her mind, she tossed it aside. Levi was not vindictive. Of that she was certain. But to accuse an innocent man of such a serious crime was uncalled for.
She frowned as she peered into the dark night. What had he said about the men working for Alexander? That they were well armed? Why would cowboys herding cattle need so many weapons? Of course, any number of predators lurked in the woods and brush, including bobcats, coyotes, and the occasional bear. They would need to protect the cattle as well as themselves while they moved the animals to … wherever it was they moved them.
Shadows of doubt crept across her mind. Armed cowboys. Cattle moved every few weeks. It did sound rather suspicious, especially when she considered the reports of stolen livestock.
She shook her head. Why, Alexander had proposed marriage to her, and she was giving it serious consideration. Surely she would have sensed something amiss all these months if he were involved in something sinister. His overbearing ways were disagreeable and often reminded her of George, but it didn’t mean he was a criminal.
“Miz Natalie, what you doin’ up so late?” Moses came around the corner of the porch. “I saw the light an’ thought I best come check on things.”
“I wanted to get a breath of cool air. The house is rather stuffy.” She didn’t mention Levi’s visit.
“The days shore are gettin’ hot. Well, I’ll turn in now.” He made to leave.
“Moses?”
“Yessum?”
She felt silly for allowing herself even the tiniest bit of doubt regarding Alexander’s practices with his own cattle, yet Levi had been so positive. “Have you noticed anything unusual about the cattle Señor Lopez runs through Rose Hill?”
His brow rose, but he turned his head. “I ’spect I don’t know much about raisin’ cows, but he don’t seem to have any particular kind the way your pappy and Massa Ellis used to run. Them were all the same breed, but the cows Señor Lopez brings in has lots’a different kinds all mixed in. I thought that a bit strange.”
She nodded. “What about the cowboys he hires? Have you noticed anything about them?”
“The few times I’ve run across ’em, they ain’t too friendly.”
“Were they armed?”
“Yessum.” Moses frowned. “Miz Natalie, why you askin’ all these questions? Is somethin’ goin’ on with Señor Lopez and his cattle I need to know about?”
She sighed. “I’m not at liberty to say why, but will you keep your eye on them, please? Let me know if you see or hear anything unusual.”
“You the second person to ask that of me today. The colonel seemed mighty curious about them cattle earlier.”
That didn’t surprise her. “Did he mention anything about Señor Lopez?”
“No, ma’am, just said to keep watch on them cows.”
She nodded. “Thank you. You turn in for the night now. I’ll blow out the lanterns before I do the same.”
He regarded her a moment, then nodded. “Good night.” He turned and disappeared around the corner.
The conversation left her with more questions than answers.
She went inside and locked the front door. She blew out all but one lantern, then carried the lit one up the stairs, all the while mulling over what Moses had said. He’d noted various breeds in Alexander’s herd. While having different breeds of livestock in one herd wasn’t evidence of stolen cattle, it was unusual. She recalled the many times Papa bragged on his cattle, declaring them the finest Herefords in all of Texas. He’d prided himself on buying the very best bulls in order to improve the lineage and health of the herd.
She readied for bed. A rose-scented breeze drifted in through the lacy curtains as she crawled under the cool sheet and blew out the light. Glancing toward the darkened window that faced east, she guessed Levi had reached Langford Manor by now. Was their conversation keeping him awake as it was her? Though she had to concede there were oddities about Alexander’s cattle business, she couldn’t go so far as to agree with Levi. Alexander had been a good friend the past year. The money he paid for leasing her pastures had kept the bankers from taking possession of her land and provided a security she would always be grateful for.
Sighing, she decided that on the morrow, she would have Moses take her to see Alexander’s cattle for herself. Then she would convince Levi he was wrong.
A toad croaking very near his ear awoke Levi.
Gradually opening his eyes to bright stars shimmering through tree branches, Levi couldn’t fathom where he was or why he was there. When he tried to move, a searing pain raced through his left shoulder, and memories flooded back.
He gave a humorless laugh then flinched with another wave of pain. Obviously, he wasn’t dead. Not yet, anyway. Only the usual night noises met his ears, echoing in the stillness of the wooded area. The toad