Lone Star 05 by Wesley Ellis Read Free Book Online

weathered hat like dough in his big hands, “this here is Miss Jessica Starbuck, come all the way from—”
    â€œStarbuck!” he boomed. “Are you kin to that young killer we have locked up in the jail?” His dark eyes bored into her, demanding an answer.
    Jessie was startled by the power of his bass voice. Clearly he was used to catching strangers off guard and assuming immediate authority in any situation. But she wasn’t about to allow him to intimidate her.
    â€œIt seems, Mr. Carpenter, that Thomas Starbuck is trying to convince a lot of people that he’s my father’s son. I have no solid evidence, and neither does the boy, I gather. In any case, I must be allowed to see him to find out. That’s why I came to Skyler, and I won’t leave before I can talk to him.”
    â€œI’ve heard about your family, young mistress, and how your father amassed a wealth of worldly possessions before he was cut down by the hand of God. Every man receives his just reward—as the boy murderer shall receive his!”
    Jessie was halfway between rage and tears. “My father was not cut down by any hands except those of thieves and murderers and corrupters. You have no business judging my father, Mr. Carpenter. He was a good man. But I am not here to defend his reputation. I just want to get to the truth of the Thomas Starbuck matter.”
    The Mormon patriarch was a bit startled, and he looked over to Deputy Marshal Ulysses Scott. “You brought this impudent child to me, Marshal? She certainly does not help your cause. I cannot allow you or this girl access to the prisoner—now or ever. You are dismissed.” He sat down behind his crude desk and began shuffling through the soiled papers, pushing aside the plate of food. He fully expected them to leave.
    Jessie, however, stood her ground. “Wait a minute,” she said. “You can’t get rid of us just like that. The marshal here has a federal warrant for the boy. And as a blood relative, I have a right—”
    â€œSo, then, you do claim to be the killer’s sister,” Carpenter snapped. His fierce eyebrows rose and fell as he parried her renewed thrust.
    â€œIf that will get me in to see him, yes,” she replied. She would not let him cow her or frighten her away.
    â€œYoung woman, are you a believer?” the Mormon leader demanded.
    â€œI believe in God, if that’s what you mean,” she said. The blood rushed to her face, and she stood flushed but unflinching. She would answer his questions, but she would also continue to press for a commitment from him to let her see the prisoner.
    â€œThat is not enough!” Carpenter boomed. “There is only one true manifestation of the Lord—and that is through His holy Church.” He rose from his chair and pounded his heavy fist on the table. “If you are not baptized in the Church, you are unclean and not fit to traffic with the Lord’s people. Like the Gentiles of old, you are not sanctified by the grace of our angry God. As such, you are fortunate to set foot in this house!”
    As he roared on, two bearded men, each bearing a shotgun, stepped into the front room and took their places on either side of Carpenter. His eyes gleamed fanatically.
    â€œHarken to the word of the Lord! Verily He shall smite down the enemies of his people and raise up the Chosen Children to rule over all the earth; and His name shall be spoken in fear by the peoples who oppose Him!”
    Scott tugged at her sleeve, indicating that it was time to leave. Jessie, though, stood her ground. Ignoring the gun-toters behind the angry prophet, she continued to press her case doggedly.
    â€œThere’s no need to resort to threats, Mr. Carpenter. I, respect your religious beliefs and have no thought of opposing them. My only interest here is to speak with the prisoner, to find out who he really is. I mean no harm to you or your people.