Love’s Sweet Revenge(133)

Randy watched Lloyd ride up to the veranda. Brian and Evie were approaching from their house. Lloyd dismounted and didn’t stop to tie his big bay before hurrying up the steps.

Kraemer nodded to Jake. “Does your whole family always surround you when they think they smell trouble?”

Jake took a drag on his cigarette. “Like ants on sugar.”

“Well then, considering your penchant for trouble, they must come running pretty often.”

Jake smiled. “Just a family tradition.”

Lloyd came up the steps and stood next to Jake.

“You already know my son, Lloyd,” Jake told Kraemer.

Kraemer tipped his hat. “Lloyd, your reputation runs a close second to your father’s, so I’ll be sure not to reach for my weapons.”

“Might be a good idea,” Lloyd answered with a hint of a grin. “What’s going on, Kraemer? We just finished lunch and have a lot of chores today.”

Kraemer nodded. “May I at least get down off this horse?”

Jake grinned. “Come sit on the veranda and out of the hot sun.” He glanced at Lloyd. “Didn’t take you long to get here.”

“I was out at the milking barn, talking to Rodriguez. Saw the marshal riding past the barn toward the house.”

Inside, Randy left the boys at the window. “I’m going out there to see what this is about,” she told them. “You three stay here.” She patted the sides of her hair and straightened her dress, then quietly walked out onto the veranda. Jake glanced at her as he and Lloyd sat down in wicker chairs. Jake kept his cigarette between his lips and nodded toward a wooden chair nearby as Kraemer mounted the steps. “Have a seat,” he told Kraemer.

Kraemer tipped his hat to Randy as she moved to stand behind Jake. “Mrs. Harkner, you’re looking lovely today, as always.”

Randy wished he wasn’t here but decided to be cordial. “Thank you, Marshal Kraemer.”

Kraemer heard whispers at the window as he took a seat. He glanced at the three young faces behind the screen. “I apparently have quite an audience.”

Lloyd grinned. “The place is overrun with Harkners. And two more are on the way.”

Kraemer shook his head, glancing at a very pregnant Evie as she and Brian came up the steps. He rose yet again and tipped his hat. “Ma’am, I remember how concerned you were last time I was here. I assure you I’m not here to bring harm to anyone or take your father away.”

Evie glanced at Jake. “Is it okay?”

“Go on inside where it’s cooler. It’s okay. Sadie is waiting for you to come take her home anyway.” He turned to look up at Randy. “Do you have some of that lemonade you usually keep in the icebox? I’m sure the marshal could use some refreshment.”

Randy didn’t want to serve the man anything, but she knew Jake was trying to keep the situation calm. “Certainly.”

Evie went inside with her, but Brian took another chair on the veranda, nodding to Kraemer. “Marshal.”

Kraemer nodded to him. “You’re Jake’s physician son-in-law?”

“I am.”

“Well, if anybody needs a doctor around close, it’s Jake.” Kraemer glanced at Lloyd. “Son, I heard what happened in Denver, and I’m damn sorry. You look like you’ve recovered all right.”

“I have, but it’s been a hard road. I still get tired easily and have pain. Brian says it’s just something that will take a long time to go away, and some of it won’t.”

“I know. I’ve been there myself, and so has your father. Comes with the territory, I guess.” He looked at Jake. “I have to say I’m glad you got out of that mess, Jake. Part of me figures the man you shot damn well deserved it, considering he was part of that disaster at Dune Hollow.”

“Yeah, well, I don’t like to talk about that. And thanks for your concern over Lloyd.” He drew on the cigarette again. “Why don’t you just get around to why you’re really here? Like Lloyd said, we’re pretty busy.”

Kraemer reached inside his duster, watching Jake move his hand closer to his gun when he did so. “Just getting out some mail,” he told him. He pulled out three envelopes. “I figured since I was coming here, I’d stop off in Boulder and see if you had any mail.” He handed it out.

Jake took it and laid it on a table next to his chair. “And?”

Randy came outside, carrying a tray that held glasses of lemonade. Kraemer rose yet again as she walked around to set everything on the table beside Jake. She picked up a glass and handed it to Kraemer.

“Thank you, ma’am. I’m right thirsty.”