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    Lone Star 54
    Lone Star 54
    Lone Star 54
    Ebook215 pages3 hours

    Lone Star 54

    By Wesley Ellis

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    About this ebook

    The hunt for a lawnman's killer pits Jessie and Ki against an outlaw with a double score to settle in fifty-fourth Lone Star novel!

    They call them The Lone Star Legend: Jessica Starbuck—a magnificent woman of the West, fighting for justice on America's frontier, and Ki—the martial arts master sworn to protect her and the code she lived by. Together they conquered the West as no other man and woman ever had!
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherPenguin Publishing Group
    Release dateFeb 1, 1987
    ISBN9781101169926
    Lone Star 54

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      Book preview

      Lone Star 54 - Wesley Ellis

      002

      Chapter 1

      Only the soft crying marred the serenity of the afternoon. The sun was shining brightly, but under the thick green canopy of the stately old oak a gentle breeze cooled the air pleasantly. All in all, it would have been a perfect day—for anything but a funeral.

      The minister’s full-bodied voice had bestowed the blessings on the deceased and was now busy elucidating the man’s good qualities. But Jessie Starbuck hardly listened. She stared at the pine-box coffin and was consumed by her own thoughts. The impressively attractive woman had come from her ranch in Texas to attend the funeral of her friend, Eugene Dixon—once Marshal Dixon, now simply the dear departed Mr. Dixon. Jessie brushed a lock of her tawny blond hair back from her smooth forehead. She had seen many a man buried in the dirt—many long before their time. As a lawman, Marshal Dixon was well aware of the dangers. He faced them every day, and he faced them bravely. He knew death could find him at any moment, and when he finally hung up his silver star he thought himself lucky for having beat the odds for so many years. With his wife, his daughter, and a well-earned pension, Eugene Dixon retired to his modest spread to lead the quiet existence of a small rancher. Therefore, it was ironic that death—in the form of two bullets in his back—had finally caught up with him.

      The scraping of the dirt falling on the wooden casket brought Jessie back from her private thoughts. Her cool green eyes studied the rather large assembly of mourners. The marshal was a respected, well-liked man. He made friends easily, and even more important, remained loyal and true to his friends. Yet someone had found a reason to want him dead.

      Standing beside her was Ki, a tall, muscular gentleman garbed in a somber black suit. Underneath his matching black Stetson, only his almond-shaped eyes and slightly sallow complexion spoke of his Japanese lineage. His mother was Oriental nobility, his father, an American busi nessman. Despite the fact that his build was Caucasian, Ki’s way of thinking was almost totally Oriental. Ki viewed death differently from his American companions. It was not the end of the line, but rather the continuation of a journey. His personal beliefs allowed him to look upon death stoically—even his own death. But those same beliefs also led him to fight strongly for justice.

      ... In the eyes of the Lord, no evil deed goes unpunished, the minister’s voice rang out solemnly, his words spoken with complete faith and conviction. For in the end, we must all stand before our Maker...

      Ki did not necessarily disagree with the minister’s words, but thought more in terms of fate and destiny than in terms of an Almighty. And though he agreed that in the end all wrongs were righted, he could not separate himself from the role he often played assisting fate to set the record straight. After all, he had his destiny to live out as well, and if fate had him serving as an agent of justice in the here and now, that was fine with him. He began to wonder what fate now had in store for him and Jessie. One thing was certain, Jessie Starbuck would not let the murder of a friend pass easily.

      Just then Ki spotted the reflection of the sun in the distant hills. It could be reflecting innocently off a piece of mica or some other mineral substance embedded in a rock, or it could be the reflection off a gun barrel or a pair of field glasses. There was no telling for sure, but Ki was alert to the possibilities.

      The service ended and the mourners passed by the grave and paid their respects to the grieving widow and daughter. Jessie hung back till most of the gathering had left before she went up to the Widow Dixon. She was always unsure what to say at such occasions; mere words never seemed to express her feelings adequately, but she knew that was no reason not to try. She approached the woman. Mrs. Dixon, I truly wish there was ...

      She was cut short as the widow drew Jessie to her. Jessie, Jessie, I’m so glad you could make it, she said in between sobs. Eugene would have been so pleased.

      I wouldn’t have missed it, Mrs. Dixon, you know that.

      Now, Jessie, I won’t have you standing on formalities, especially at a time like this. It was always Nell to you, she said with a smile.

      Jessie nodded and smiled at the woman. For all her years worrying about her husband, Nell had aged well. With her gray hair tied back in a tight bun, she had the attractive demeanor of a sophisticated older woman, though her sweet voice and warm smile still held all the charm of her younger years. Nell turned to introduce the young lady who stood next to her. Jessie, I don’t believe you ever met our little girl, Katie.

      She’s hardly a little girl, Jessie said with a smile. Katie was tall and slender, with long flowing curls of light-brown hair that added to her majestic stature. She had the blue eyes of her father and the high cheekbones of her mother. There was no denying it, Katie Dixon was a very pretty young lady. Your father has told me so much about you. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. Jessie regretted her choice of words almost immediately. At the mere mention of her father, Katie’s lower lip began to tremble and tears welled up in her eyes. I’m sorry, Jessie added quickly. I wish it were under different circumstances.

      We all do, Jessie, Katie replied with a feeble smile. Daddy spoke often of you too, Jessie. I’m surprised we never met before.

      The last few times I came through you were back East.

      Katie nodded. Living with my aunt in Boston. As she spoke her eyes wandered to the gentleman who stood next to Jessie.

      This is Ki, Jessie said simply.

      Hat in hand, Ki stepped forward and took hold of Nell’s outstretched hand. I met your husband in El Paso; he was a good man, Mrs. Dixon.

      He felt the same about you, Ki. But it’s Nell to you as well.

      All right, Nell. Ki turned to Katie, My deepest sympathies, ma‘am.

      It’s Katie to any friend of my father‘s, Katie said sweetly.

      You are your father’s daughter, Ki observed aloud. You have the same deep-blue eyes.

      Why, thank you, Ki. Katie curtsied politely. As she straightened up, Jessie could detect the faint trace of a modest blush. Dryly Jessie wondered if Katie had learned that at finishing school back East.

      You’ll be staying at the house with us? Nell asked, though it was more an invitation than a question.

      We’ve already checked into the hotel, Jessie said apologetically.

      That’s foolishness, Nell continued.

      We didn’t want to be a burden to you, Nell. We knew you would be busy.

      Then come back to the house with us now. Please, Jessie. There are some things I’d like to ask of you.

      Of course, Nell. Anything you need, don’t hesitate ...

      Not here. We’ll talk at home. Nell’s sweet voice was all seriousness.

      I’ll help you to your wagon, Jessie said as she took hold of Nell’s arm. Katie came around on her mother’s other side and, arm in arm, the three women left the cemetery. Ki followed quietly behind.

      The Dixon house was an unassuming log construction of a type popular throughout the region. Simple on the outside, it was nevertheless comfortably furnished. Though far from being lavish, the little touches—lace curtains, linen doilies, and braided rugs—added to the interior’s warmth and charm. Nell had done a nice job with her home.

      They sat in the main room of the house, Jessie and Ki on the large floral-print sofa, Nell in a sturdy, straight-backed rocker. Across from the fireplace was a thickly padded leather chair, no doubt Eugene’s seat of choice. Nell waited for Katie to finish serving the tea before addressing her. Katie, why don’t you show our guest around the place. There’s not much to see, Ki, but it’s all ours.

      Nell, anything you want to say you can say— Jessie began, but then stopped abruptly. She had naturally assumed that Nell was hesitant to discuss certain matters in front of Ki. Jessie was about to inform Nell that Ki was totally and completely trustworthy, when she realized that it was not Ki she wanted to leave the room but her daughter Katie.

      Ki rose to his feet, but seemed unconvinced as to what he should do. We’ll be okay, Jessie assured him.

      Oh, go ahead, Ki, Nell added. It’ll sure beat sitting around drinking tea with the womenfolk.

      Ki refrained from remarking that he didn’t consider drinking tea a womanly habit, or a waste of time, but with a polite bow excused himself and followed Katie out the door.

      Nell put down her cup and turned to Jessie. This is not an easy thing to ask ... I didn’t want to discuss it in front of Katie. I was afraid it would only disturb her further.

      I understand, Nell. And I think I know what you’re getting at.

      The older woman looked surprised. You do?

      Jessie nodded. The Circle Star is at your disposal. When we get back to town I’m going to cable my foreman and have him send up some ranch hands. I don’t want you to worry in the least about the roundup.

      Nell smiled, but did not seem any too relieved. Jessie, that’s awfully kind of you—

      I mean it, Nell. You have enough on your mind as it is.

      But I can take care of the ranch just fine, continued the widow. Don’t look so surprised. You’re not meanin’ to tell me ranching is not woman’s work, now are you? she added with a grin.

      Now, how could I tell you that, Nell? If you ask me, I think we women were cut out for ranching. I was just looking a bit surprised because, with the marshal gone, I was certain you’d be needing help around here.

      Nell nodded. Oh, without Eugene it’ll be harder, all right. He did most of the work himself, but hired seasonal hands when he needed them. I reckon I’ll manage the same.

      I know you can, Nell, Jessie added encouragingly.

      But I need another kind of favor from you. Something I can’t manage myself.

      Go ahead, urged Jessie.

      Despite Jessie’s invitation, Nell was still having difficulty. She fidgeted with her teacup and did not look at Jessie as she talked. I don’t know what you know of Eugene’s death ...

      I’ve heard talk around the hotel.

      Then you know he was murdered! Nell’s voice was stronger, her words came out easier. Jessie nodded. I want the man brought to justice. Again Jessie nodded, but said nothing. Nell fell silent, and when she spoke again her voice was quiet and unsure. You don’t think that’s wrong of me?

      Of course not, Nell.

      But it won’t bring Eugene back, Nell said painfully.

      No, it won’t. ,

      Then what’s the point? Revenge?

      No, justice, Jessie replied simply. The marshal spent the greater part of his life fighting for that, Nell. He would want any killer, not only his own murderer, brought to justice.

      I know that, Jessie. That’s why I want to enlist your help.

      I’ll do everything I can to find out who killed your husband, Jessie promised.

      It won’t be that hard, Jessie. I know who killed Eugene.

      Katie and Ki stood on the ridge that rose behind the house. Mama wasn’t being modest when she said there was not much to see.

      There are the wildflowers, Ki pointed out. The field was carpeted with colorful daisies and sweet williams.

      Katie smiled. Daddy always used to say if people bought flowers, we’d be rich ... Her voice trailed off, and she fought to keep back the tears. Once she regained her composure, she continued, Our land ends at that row of hickory trees, at least officially it does. Most of our neighbors also own small spreads, and by common consent, they’ve kept the range open and free.

      That suit everyone? Ki asked aloud.

      I imagine so, or they’d do something about it.

      Ki wondered if someone wasn’t already doing just that.

      The thing about an open range is that it benefits everyone equally, Katie continued. So it seems to me that most people would be satisfied with it.

      Most, except for that one greedy individual, Ki thought to himself.

      Well, now that you’ve seen this, I guess I’ll show you the barn. She started down the hill, then turned and let out a soft chuckle. I don’t think it was mama’s intention for me to give you the tour. She just didn’t want me to hear her discussion with Jessie. She still treats me like a little girl. She paused and seemed to want some response from Ki. When none was forthcoming, she continued coyly, You don’t think I’m a little girl, do you, Ki?

      I think there’s always a bit of a little girl in every woman, he said cryptically.

      Katie thought that over for a moment, then seeming satisfied continued briskly to the barn.

      As they entered the barn, Katie turned to Ki with a smile. "When I was a little girl I used to help my father pitch hay. Her foot kicked at the mound of hay as she reminisced out loud. As a reward he would let me go up there, and then I would jump down into his arms. Of course he would never catch me; I’d fall right into the pile, clear up to my ears." This time as she stopped talking she broke out into tears. Ki didn’t know if he acted first and put his arms around her, or if she first buried her face into his chest. Either way he was now cradling the crying woman close to his body.

      Katie tried to talk, but could not get the words out between sobs. Shh, don’t say anything. It’s all right, Ki said softly as he held her tight. She continued to cry. Sit down, you’ll feel better, he said as he tried to lower her to the hay. But she did not let go of him and they tumbled into the soft straw together.

      Katie nestled up against him, and slowly her tears subsided. Ki could feel her warm breath against his neck, and the smell of her freshly powdered body. It was beginning to have its effects; he felt his pants beginning to shrink. With every breath she took, her small rounded breasts pressed against him. Even through the cloth of her dress and his jacket he could feel her nipples growing taut. That proved too much for him, and his organ swelled to life. Foolishly he hoped she would not notice his growing erection, but a bulge that size was impossible to ignore. He only hoped she would not take offense.

      When her leg brushed against his erection, Katie gave a little shudder. For a moment Ki felt mortified and started to give a feeble apology, when Katie rolled on top of him, her pelvis pressing into him. Ki let out a soft groan. Immediately Katie raised herself off him. I hope I didn’t hurt you. Ki shook his head. I’d like to just lie against you for a few moments, Ki. If you don’t mind?

      Ki responded by stroking her soft hair. Katie lay back down on Ki, her thighs strategically placed on either side of his rigid shaft. It became quite clear she had no intention of just lying against him. Her hips began to rotate slowly, then picked up speed as she ground against him with more force. Her face was buried against his neck and Ki could feel her breath coming in forced gasps. Her movements had changed too. She wrapped her arms underneath his shoulders and with an arched back pulled herself up and down the length of his shaft. From her frantic, desperate writhings Ki realized it would not be long before she reached her climax. He ran his hands down her back and over her soft, rounded cheeks. The light pressure of his hands intensified her rasping breath. He squeezed her rocking bottom in his hands. She bucked twice, a tremor shaking her whole body. She let out a soft cry and lay still against him.

      Ki was thinking she had fallen asleep when

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