Page 316 of The Texas Sterling Collection
Still drowsy from sleep, Felix heard shouting, then footsteps pounding up the wooden stairs. The door to Joey’s room across the hall slammed open, then seconds later, the door to his room slammed open. He gasped and tensed as his father rushed into the room, eyes narrow and an expression on his bruised face like he smelled something terrible.
“Father…” Felix said, surprise and fear in his voice.
“So this is what they’ve done to you, is it?” Cornelius shouted.
Now wide awake, Joey gasped and reached back to protect Felix from the madman standing in their room.
“Helen said you two became close friends. I didn’t know it included sharing a bed. You disgust me, boy.” His father’s nostrils flared as his face morphed into an evil, toothy sneer.
“Cornelius, you need to leave,” Mabel shouted, entering the room. “You have no right to come into our home.”
“Bonner,” Grover’s voice came loud and clear from the hallway as he bounded up the wooden stairs. “Get out!” Grover reached the doorway and pulled Mabel out to protect her, then stood and blocked the exit, arms crossed. “Do I have to drag you down the stairs and throw you out of my house?”
Cornelius moved to the window, turned to face everyone, and pulled a revolver out of his waistband. The gun clicked as he cocked the hammer. “We’ll see about that, Sterling. I suggest you back off unless you want your boy with a bullet in him.”
“Father,” Felix shouted. He bolted over Joey and lay in front of him. “Don’t you dare hurt Joey. What do you want?”
“Get dressed, boy.” Cornelius spat outboylike it was a swear word. “You are my flesh and blood, and no big-hearted do-gooder will get away with stealing my property. I need you in the store.” Cornelius waved the gun around like he meant business.
Felix’s narrow, angry eyes glared at his father as he reached for his clothes. “I’ll come with you, but if you harm anyone in this room, I’ll make such a mess of that store you’ll wish you never had me.”
“What was that?” Cornelius said through gritted teeth, not taking his eyes off Grover.
“Bonner, you won’t get away with this,” Grover growled.
“This revolver says different,” Cornelius waved the gun.
“No gunfire. I’m hurrying.” Felix kept an eye on his unstable and irrational father. The least little thing could set him off.
Grover stood firm, his angry breath heaving, unable to move at the risk of someone getting shot.
Cornelius waved the gun at Joey. “You. Go get his horse ready.”
“Yes, sir,” Joey said with a shaky voice. He reached for his clothes and dressed as he hobbled toward the bedroom door, hopping on one foot as he pulled on his boots.
Grover backed into the hallway to let Joey pass, then reentered Felix’s room, arms still crossed.
As long as a gun was involved, Felix knew there was nothing Grover could do to help him. He pulled on his clothes and boots, his heart pounding and his hands shaking. He was scared for the Sterlings and angered at his father.
“Let’s go, boy. We need to open the store.” Cornelius waved the gun toward the door, the menacing scowl still on his face.
“Father put the gun away. I’m going with you like you want.”
“I don’t trust you, boy. You surprised me when you stood up to me in the store. I’m not going to be surprised again. C’mere.” Cornelius waggled his fingers at Felix.
Felix went to him, and Cornelius grabbed his shoulder and pushed him in front, holding the gun to his back. “Anyone tries anything, Felix gets it.”
Grover backed into the hallway, protecting Mabel. Felix felt the gun pressed against his back and his father’s hand fisting his shoulder. Their boots clomped down the stairs. Felix pushed the screen door open, and they crossed the porch and walked toward the gate. Grover and Mabel followed them, keeping a distance between themselves and the unstable madman, Cornelius.
Joey held the reins of Sparkle, waiting. Felix saw the worry in Joey’s eyes, and he winked and mouthedI love youas he saddled up. His father rushed to his own horse and climbed on.
“Let’s go,” Cornelius growled, waving the gun at Felix.
They tore down the ranch road at a fast gallop. Felix knew Grover and Joey would come after him. He only needed to please his father until his rescuers arrived at the store.
* * *
“What are we going to do, Pa?”
