Page 311 of The Texas Sterling Collection
The sheriff detected a tremor in Bonner’s voice as if unsure of his statement. There is a big difference between loud voices in a saloon down the street and the shattering of glass objects. Bonner clearly became aware that his story didn’t make sense.
“That saloon does get out of hand sometimes.” The sheriff nodded again. “Another question, did Sterling give any reason for attacking you? The other day, I heard about the incident where he threatened to take things to the street. Why do you think he chose a Sunday afternoon when he knew the store was closed and you were unlikely to be there?”
Cornelius closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose for a few seconds, then lowered his hand and looked at the sheriff. “I have no idea what motivated Grover Sterling to attack me or what was going through his head.”
“True enough. It seems like you have a good case. I guess I’ll have to bring Sterling in. Are you prepared to file charges?”
“You bet, sheriff.” The worried expression changed to a wide grin. The first time he’d ever seen Bonner grin. The man usually kept a scowl on his face.
“Okay.” The sheriff took his hat and rose to leave. “Oh, one more thing. How do you explain the fact that Grover Sterling and his family have been at Bowden Farm since two o’clock this afternoon? The Bowdens verified that.”
Cornelius lowered his gaze to the floor and said nothing.
Hattie rose. “Let me show you out, Sheriff.” Her angry face and gritted teeth spoke volumes.
As he left the porch, the sheriff could hear her raised voice. Hattie was furious. Cornelius Bonner was about to experience payback for years of oppressive behavior.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Breakfast in the Sterling household was always an event. When Felix joined the family, everyone was in their place by the time the sun's early rays painted the ranch in gold.
Grover reached for a biscuit. “Felix, can we talk after breakfast?”
Felix paused, eggs on his fork midway between his plate and mouth. “Sure, Pa. Anything I should worry about?”
“No, Felix.” The knife clattered as Grover picked it up. He scraped the end through the butter. “I need to share a few things with you.”
“Can I come too, Pa?” Joey asked, a chaw of biscuit shoved in his cheek.
Grover saw the raised-eyebrow curiosity on Joey’s face. “I suppose so. No reason not to include you both.”
“Joey and I are finishing riding fences today,” Felix said.
“I guess I'd better pack you two a lunch.” Mabel reached over and tousled Felix’s hair. “Ham sandwiches, okay?”
“Ham sandwiches are great, Ma,” Joey said.
“I’ll get those made up while you saddle your horses,” Mabel said. “Now finish breakfast so we can have our talk.”
They gobbled down the rest of their breakfast. When Ma and Pa finished, they all went to the parlor. Ma sat in her favorite rocking chair near the unlit fireplace, and Pa took his wingback chair. Joey and Felix took the sofa.
Grover leaned forward. “Felix, do you know what happened between your father and me?” He motioned his hands as he spoke.
“No, sir.” Felix shook his head and frowned. “What did Father do now?”
Grover sat back in his chair. “After your father sent the last letter, I was angry about how he treated you. I went to his store and asked him not to send more berating letters.”
Felix studied Grover. “You did that for me, Pa?”
Grover leaned forward, elbows on the arms of the chair. “Felix, you are a bright, intelligent, talented young man. Joey has been a new man since you came. Mabel and I love you like you were our son, and I need you to have the respect you deserve.”
Felix blushed. “Thank you, Pa.”
“Your father didn’t like it much. We yelled at each other, and several people heard us.”
“Father is good at yelling,” Felix nodded. “I heard him raise his voice a lot.”
“Yesterday, your father tried to frame me for beating him up. The sheriff came to the Bowden’s to ask if I had been to town.”
