"For nothin'?" Dary interrupted quietly, reading his answer in Ben's scowl. "No, I didn't think so. You'd have to pay her. Most folks will believe she'd say whatever she was paid to say. An' I'm not sure I wouldn't believe that too. "
"The point is, she'll swear up and down Watts was paid by the Johnsons to murder Russell Warner."
"Anyone else hear his confession?"
"I did!"
"So…' Dary said, sighing and chewing on the end of a fat cigar, "We got your word and the word of a whore…" He paused and looked at Addie sheepishly. "'Scuse me, ma'am. I meant-“
"I know what she is," Addie assured him dryly. Dary turned again to Ben. "Your word and Jennie Watts's against the Johnsons', An' no proof."
"I've already told you one of the hands saw his bunk empty the night of the murder."
"He mighta just gone outt' take a… " Dary paused and looked at Addie, clearing his throat. "T' relieve himself. 'Scuse me, ma'am."
"One look at Ben's shoulder is proof of what he claims," Addie said. "Why do you think Watts shot him? Because Ben found out the truth and confronted him with it."
"Or maybe it was.just a cussin' match that got outta hand. Cowmen have been known to shoot each other with less reason."
"Dammit to hell. You're falling all over yourself to make excuses for him."
"Ben, I know how riled y'are. I know what you believe, an' I believe it too. But you can't convict a man without more evidence than we got. You know that. "
Ben muttered something under his breath, staring out the window with hard green eyes.
"Tell you what I can do," Dary continued. "I'll take the Johnson boy t' my office in town and question him. And I'll have a talk with Big George, let him know the suspicions a whole lotta folks have 'bout him. The Johnsons are gonna lie for a long while, I c'n promise you that. It'll give y'all a chance to git back on your feet. They won't make trouble for you."
"We'd appreciate that," Addie said quickly, before Ben could reply.
"Alrighty," Dary replied, and picked up his hat. "Well, I'm gonna ride out to the shack an' take a look before goin' to the Double Bar. Ben-"
"I'll have one of the boys show you the way," Ben said, swallowing his frustration as best he could.
"I'd do more 'f I could, Ben."
"I know."
The two men shook hands, and Addie preceded them out of the office. She stood on the porch with Ben and watched the Sheriff ride off in the direction of the burned-down line shack. As she looked up at Ben's stiff-jawed profile, she understood how painful it was for him to have to sit back and do nothing, knowing the Johnsons would get a slap on the wrist.
"I know you feel helpless," she said quietly.
The words seemed to spur him into action. "Not for long." He settled his hat on his head and pulled the brim low over his eyes.
"Where are you going?"
"To pay the Johnsons a visit. Before Dary gets there."
"You mean you're going to settle the score," Addie said in panic, following as he started to walk away. "Wait. I'm going with you." He wouldn't do anything rash or dangerous if she was with him.
Ben stopped and faced her. "No."
"You can't keep me from going. I'll follow you."
"You'll stay here if I have to tie you to a tree."
"Why not lock me in my room? I'll be less trouble to you that way. Or don't you remember what you told me that night about giving me freedom?"
"No. You're not going to win that way. This has nothing to do with that."
"I believed you when you said you wouldn't hold me back."
"Dammit, Addie-"
"I have a right to go. He was my father. And I was practically engaged to Jeff. "
"I have to keep you safe-"
"What's the danger in this visit? What are you planning to do, brandish your guns and start shooting?"
He looked at her without saying anything, his face set with anger.
"Take me with you," she urged. "I won't say anything. But I have to be there. You're not the only one who has ghosts to put to rest. How can I face the future, always looking over my shoulder?" She went over and touched his hand, her eyes locked with his. "Don't leave me behind. My place is by your side."
For a moment she thought he would refuse her. But then his fingers closed around hers.
They weren't stopped by the Double Bar men as they rode over the property line and up to the Johnsons' main house. The sleeves of Addie's black dress fluttered in the breeze like banners. Respectfully the cowboys touched the brims of their hats as she rode by, and she wondered how many of them might have suspected the Johnsons were behind her father's murder.
When they reached the house, Ben helped Addie down from Jessie, his hands tightening around her waist. She threw him a quick, nervous smile. They walked up the steps and were met at the front door by Harlan, who was trying to conceal his anxiety.
"Mornin', Ben, Miss Adeline-"
"We're here to see Big George," Ben interrupted. "Ben, I'm sorry t' tell you he's in the middle of somethin', some business stuff, but if I can help you with somethin' -"
"I'm sure he wouldn't mind sparing a minute or two for a neighborly visit."
"No, but-" Harlan was cut off as Ben shouldered him aside.
"I didn't think so." Solicitously Ben took Addie's elbow and drew her to his side. "George in his office, Harlan?"
"Yes, but-"
"Thank you."
Addie swallowed hard as they entered the cluttered office, unprepared for the tide of hate that swept over her as she saw Big George and Jeff sitting at a mahogany table. They rose to their feet as she walked in, Big George grunting with the effort of raising himself out of the chair. Jeff stared at her with unblinking blue eyes. How could they look her in the face after what they had done?
"Looks like we got visitors," Big George said, turning and indicating his chair with a meaty hand. "Have a seat, Miss Adeline?"
She shook her head, falling back a step closer to Ben.
"Seems you had quite a night, Ben," George continued, his mouth crinkling with the hint of a smile. "Lotta folks glad to see you still in one piece."
"Some more than others."
Big George chuckled. "You're a lucky man."
"Watts wasn't," Ben said, and let the silence draw out until the other man's smile had died away. "From what I saw, you can pour what's left of him into a teacup."
"What's that got to do with us?" Jeff burst out, and Ben smiled grimly.
"Please. Save the show for Sam Dary."
"Dary?" Big George repeated, his eyes narrowing.