Page 100 of The Ranger

“Don’t get me started, young lady,” she warned.

Maida turned around. Markhel had gone to the kitchen table and sat. “Do you know what’s going on?”

“Don’t say a word!” Grandma said pointing her spatula. “The only reason I’m putting up with all of this is because of Dallan and Shona. If any of this is true, then why aren’t they here?”

Markhel heaved a sigh. “Because it is dangerous for them.”

“I heard there were strangers in town, Mother,” Mama said. “Is that what you’re talking about?”

“Your sheriff said they were salesmen stuck here because of the repairs to the railroad outside of Union.”

“I heard about that too,” Mama said. “So what are you talking about?”

Before anyone could say a word, the back door opened and in walked Papa and Grandpa Harrison. The latter took in their company and smiled. “I say, I remember you.” He looked at Grandma then at Melvale. “You remember this chap. Grandma Waller said he always smells like cookies.” He took a step closer and sniffed. “By Jove, you do!”

Melvale offered him a hand. “It’s good to see you Mr. Cooke.”

“Harrison,” Grandma Sadie said. “We need to talk.”

“In a minute.” He hung his hat on a peg by the door, then beamed at Melvale. “Whatever are you doing in Clear Creek?”

Pa tipped his hat to Miss Radcliffe. “Ma’am.”

“Major, we need to talk too,” Mama said and grabbed his hand.

Miss Radcliffe blanched. “Wow, steaks! Gee, those smell good!” She elbowed Melvale in the ribs. It was hard to believe they were related. They didn’t look anything alike. And how could she not notice the steaks until now? Was she trying to distract her father?

“Itisa cattle ranch, Priscilla,” Melvale said.

“So, what brings you to town?” Grandpa asked.

“Harrison!”

“Sadie, dearest, I’m asking the man a question.” He gave his attention back to Melvale.

Grandma Sadie stomped her foot. “Harrison! They are here because they want Maida to marrythat man!”

Grandpa froze as his eyes slowly went to Maida, then to Markhel seated behind her.

Maida sucked in a breath and spun to him. “What?”

Markhel looked at her, and in the short time he’d been there, he’d gone deathly pale.

“Maida?” Pa said, his voice low, even, controlled. That meant trouble. “Go to your room.”

“But Pa!”

“Now.”

The back door opened again and Uncle Colin and Aunt Belle rushed in. “Jolly good, everybody’s here,” Uncle Colin quipped nervously. “Oh, crumbs, I see from the look on your face brother, they’ve told you something.”

Grandpa Harrison stared at him in shock. “Told me what?”

Uncle Colin rubbed his nose. “Well, I owe you an explanation.”

Grandma Sadie smacked him with her spatula. “Colin, you traitor! Why didn’t you tell us?!”

“Tell us what?” Harrison asked, eyes narrowed to slits.