Odell rolled his eyes. “Matt’s so full of manure, I’m surprised he doesn’t leave a trail of pies every time he takes a step.”
Tickled by that, she then relayed the details of Jarvis’s visit, adding, “Says he wants to build a mill.”
“According to what I’ve been hearing there’s a bunch of back-East fellas wanting to buy land here so they can chop down all the trees.”
Spring was confused.
He explained. “There’s a big thirst for lumber to build houses and such, but not enough trees anymore. So companies are turning their eyesto places out West. Man like Jarvis could make a small fortune with a mill, especially a new fancy one.”
“So has Jarvis approached you?”
“No. This is my first time hearing why he might be sniffing around. He can’t be very bright if he’s hitched his wagon to Ketchum.”
She agreed.
“And if Arnold Cale hears that Matt is telling folks his pa’s land was sold illegally, Arnold’s going to have his head. He takes a lot of pride in his reputation, and this would be a big smear if it were true, which it isn’t. Cale put adverts in papers from San Francisco to Chicago looking for heirs after Mitch Ketchum died. Didn’t hear a peep from Matt.”
“Anybody know where he’s been?”
“Hiding out, apparently. I heard rumors he was back East. That big politician in Cheyenne whose daughter Matt assaulted died recently, so I guess he figured it was safe to come back.”
“And stir up trouble.”
Odell nodded.
Spring admittedly didn’t pay much attention to politics but wondered if the Territory politicians were promoting the land sales to the big back-East investors. There were certainly plenty of trees to be had.
Odell added, “If you’re worried about your land being legal, don’t be. It is. I’ll be talking to Ben and some of the ranchers to let them know about the lies Matt and Jarvis are spreading and find out if Porter James knows about the mill Jarvis is talking about building.”
“Thanks, Odell.”
“You’re welcome, and we will find out who shot McCray, one way or another.”
“Regan’s offering a reward for information.” And she told him how much.
His blue eyes twinkled. “Mrs. Doc is such a gift to Paradise. That much money would tempt a saint.”
“I agree.”
He studied her for a few moments before asking, “The man means something to you, doesn’t he?”
She gave him a nod.
“Not many men worthy enough to be with a woman as special as you. I hope you know that.”
“I do.” She valued herself even if others didn’t.
“Walking through life alone has its advantages, but so does walking with someone you have feelings for. Keep that in mind.”
“Thanks, Odell.”
“You’re welcome, Little Rain Girl.”
His nickname for her made her smile. Over the years, whenever they discussed life or things close to the heart, he always affectionately addressed her that way. He also used it when he was upset with her about something she’d done, like not checking the hooves of her horse for stones or an ill-fitting shoe, or taking on a mustang he thought too dangerous for her to break. “Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure.”
“Why am I named after my grandmother? The way Ben felt about her, you’d think my folks would’ve called me something else.”
“Your mother wanted to honor your grandmother’s memory. Ben pitched a fit of course, but Isabelle didn’t care. She said your grandmother was due the tribute.”
“So I’ve been a lightning rod of sorts since I was born.”
He smiled. “I suppose you could say that, but like you, your grandmother had a deep well of strength. Ben stupidly used up every drop. It’s why she left.”
Her grandmother had rarely been discussed when Spring was young, but she knew a bit of the story about Ben and his Shoshone bride, and how he kept her from her people in a misguided attempt to turn her into what he called a civilized wife. She’d suffered loneliness, bore slurs from the townspeople, and one day Ben woke up to find his infant son Lewis tucked in bed beside him, and his wife gone. His search for her spanned years, but she was never found. “I’m going to check on McCray. You’ll let me know when his folks reply?”
“Sure will.”