The House Of Crow Collection

16. Who Would Profit

Francisca stood looking out from her bedroom window. Beyond the yard were orchards now in full spring bloom. To the left were the gardens, also showing new growth. Many of the vegetable plants had started flowering. However, what she was most interested in was the big, handsome Mountain Man. Crow was striding across the yard to the hacienda, followed by Raul. Raul had stayed close to Crow since their return two days ago. Francisca noted that Crow didn"t seem to mind. "He appears to enjoy having him around," she contemplated.

LeRue, on the other hand, began socializing with the vaqueros and with several of the señoritas. She smiled, thinking about how LeRue had surprised everyone when he had picked up a guitar and began to play and sing. His voice was rich and very pleasant to the ear. He was also attractive to the ladies, which did not sit well with some of the men.

Francisca saw her brother leave the courtyard and greet Crow. “Buenos días, would you like to ride out with me to check on the hides?”

“Yes, I will get my possibles bag and rifle. After I saddle the gray, I"ll meet you here.”

Later, Carlos and Crow rode side by side. The hills and fields were full of life; birds, flowers, even an occasional deer. “My father is opening doors for you in San Diego,” said Carlos. “He likes you and hopes that you will stay.”

“That is high praise coming from your father. I want very much to stay here. I understand that I too must become a Catholic.”

“Si, we will see the priest when we return. The Don, my father, has already spoken to the priest. Once you are registered, he can begin teaching you.”

“Carlos, while we are alone, I think you have a serious problem. I think bandits are hiding out on your land. When I spoke with Pepe before his death, he told me that he had seen the man who shot him riding through the hills. I also think you may have some of them working for you, and that one of them killed Pepe to keep his mouth shut.”

Carlos reined his horse in and stopped. Crow pulled up next to him. “We have had very little trouble in the past. There were two attacks a few weeks before you and LeRue arrived.”

“Tell me, when these attacks happened, were either you or your father present?”

“I was at one, and we were together at the other. We were on our way to a fiesta at our neighbor"s rancho. The bandits fired at us from the trees as we passed. Our brave vaqueros charged and ran them off.”

“Who would profit from the death of you and your father?”

Carlos" face showed a trace of anger. His black eyes stared hard at Crow.

“I meant no offense,” said Crow. “But these attacks appear to me to be aimed at you and your father. No theft has occurred. Is there any cause for revenge against your family?”

Carlos saw that Crow was concerned and that his question had logic. His temper cooling, he began to think. “I had a run-in with a couple of Indian vaqueros last year. They had stolen two muskets and some money. I caught one and beat him rather severely. He threatened to kill me. I never took it seriously. As to who would profit from the death of my father and me, only my mother and sister.”

“I think we can eliminate your mother and sister,” Crow said with a hint of a smile. “But we should look at these vaqueros who threatened you. By the way, how long has Hector worked for your father?”

“Five years, I believe. Hector came up from Mexico and hired on as a vaquero. He is a hard worker and smart. About a year after his arrival, the foreman was snake bit and died. Father promoted Hector. It was a move he has never regretted. Why do you ask?”

“Just curious. Hector seems to be quite interested in Francisca.”

Now Carlos smiled. “It has always been thought that they would marry. That is until you came along.”

Crow felt a twinge in his chest, “What do you mean?”

“I think my sister has grown interested in a Mountain Man.” Crow began to ask another question but was left hanging when Carlos spurred his horse into a gallop.