Dan listened intently to whoever was approaching. From his spot in the tree, he had a wide view of this side of the ranch. Once someone came through the woods, he’d see them. Sure enough, there came a short figure. No mistaking it either. Dan looked twice to be sure. It was a woman. A woman cattle rustler. Petite, he thought, and very nice hips. She approached the fence slowly and his mouth dropped open as her hat slid back. It was the blonde girl from town he had winked at! She was a rustler? No, this must be the girl Frayne had told him about, trying to apply as a cowhand. Surely this little town didn’t have two women who ran around dressed in men’s clothing! No way she’s a rustler, he thought. But what’s she doing out here if she isn’t? Dropping from the tree silently, he stepped up behind her as she started to climb the fence. Slapping one hand over her mouth, her pulled her soft body down, holding her against him. “Don’t scream, and I’ll let you go,” he said softly, “I have no intention of hurting you, unless you make some noise. Understand?” She nodded. “I’m going to let go. And I mean it, don’t start hollering. I can reach my gun faster than anyone can hear you.” Trixie nodded. Why was this deep voice sending shivers down her spine, and yet . . . not from fear? Dan released her and she turned slowly, blue eyes widening. “You!” “Me,” he replied with a slight smirk. Very pretty, he thought, now that he was seeing her up close. Lively eyes, feisty spirit, and lovely body. Just the way he liked his women. “You’re the rustler!” she said angrily. “Shhh. No. I thought you were but then I decided you must the fool woman who tried to convince Frayne to hire you.” Dan liked the way she blushed. “I have a brother who looks like my twin,” she said with a sniff and toss of her curls. “I used his name.” “Belden,” Dan smiled. Trixie’s eyes narrowed. This man sure seemed to know a lot. “Since when did Mr. Frayne start posting his cowhands on lookout duty?” she demanded. “Since his cattle started disappearing, not that Mr. Frayne’s business is any of yours,” he said pointedly. “This is my town,” she said, “and I’m not going to let anyone come in and here and steal our cattle!” Feisty indeed, he thought with a smile. Stepping closer to her, he towered over her petite frame. Trixie swallowed when he suddenly moved closer. The moonlight made his rugged features dangerous . . . and appealing. But it was the dark eyes that held her mesmerized. “Miss Belden, rustlers don’t play games. Had I been one, you’d be likely be dead, or worse. As the case is, I work for Mr. Frayne, and I’m protecting his assets. Now I suggest you get yourself home and protect your own by staying out of this.” “I don’t let men tell me what to do!” she said angrily. “Especially strangers to my town! So don’t think that because you’re a man-“ Dan leaned down and pressed his lips against her to shut her up. Her lips were soft like the rest of her, and Dan pulled her closer. Heat shot through Trixie, curling in her stomach as her head swam and her knees started to buckle, until she stepped back and slapped him. “How dare you!” she hissed. “You-you-rogue!” Dan smiled just a bit, and Trixie felt that shiver again. “Miss Belden, if you’re worried about your reputation, I assure you, it’s not that of a pristine lady, seeing as how you run around in men’s clothes. However, I shall tell no one of this little tryst,” his twinkling eyes belied his serious tone but Trixie didn’t notice as anger rushed through her. “You infer I’m not a lady?” she demanded. “Miss Belden, ladies don’t sneak around in the middle of night, nor pretend to be men to get hired on to do men’s work.” “Men’s work!” now Trixie was really winding up. “Men’s work! You dare to presume that because I don’t want to sit at home and sew that I’m not a lady? I have plans, Mr.- Mr.-” “Mangan,” he drawled calmly. “Mr. Mangan! I have plans and they don’t include sticking around here in a domestic trap while you big strong men go and have all the fun!” “I’m not going to stand here and debate the finer points of life from male and female views,” he said calmly. “But in about fifteen minutes my relief will be here, and then you really will have a mark on your reputation-lady or otherwise.” “Why you-“ Trixie was cut off as he gripped her arms and lifted her up kiss her again. When he set he down, her legs were shaking. Without a word, Trixie glared, slapped him as hard as she could, and stormed off, praying her legs wouldn’t give out on her and her heart would stop pounding. Dan chuckled. He was going to have to learn a bit more about the charming Miss Belden. Two kisses weren't nearly enough. *** Trixie watched as Di was whirled away by her brother. Madeleine had lent Di one of her pretty dresses since they were almost the same size, and Di’s new ones hadn’t arrived yet. Trixie however, who was much shorter than her friends, wore her Sunday best, a pretty, dark blue skirt with a lacy white blouse, and a matching dark blue jacket. At her throat was Helen’s cameo, pinned into the lacy collar. Brian had given her a white prairie rose earlier to wear in her hair. An odd gift from her older brother, but Trixie adored Brian so she wore it nestled in her sandy curls, wondering why it looked familiar. Tonight the moon was almost full, and lanterns were hung around the square for more lighting. The four-man band played enthusiastically, and refreshments were inside the small schoolhouse. There was dancing in and outside the schoolhouse, couples of all ages swinging each other around. Peter and Helen Belden were enjoying a dance, as Matthew Wheelr looked on, accompanied by his young cousin and groom, Regan. The two tall redheaded men stood out of the way of the dancers, and Regan looked decidedly uncomfortable as Jane Morgan stared at him hungrily from across the crowd. Mrs. Wheeler was nowhere to be seen. Sheriff Molinson strolled around arrogantly, keeping the peace while nibbling on cookies and cakes. Trixie's foot was tapping to the beat as she watched Bobby dance with Carolyn Lynch, one of Di's younger twin sisters. "If it isn't my favorite cattle rustler catcher," a low voice said in her ear. Whirling, she was startled to see Mr. Mangan behind her. Her heart pounded as she realized how close he was to her. Surely he wouldn't kiss her here! His hair was almost black, she realized, thick and curly and semi-long. The eyes she thought were black like her brother's were actually dark brown with almost a hint of green, and every bit as intense as they had before. Tonight he was clean shaven, and wore snug fitting breeches that showed off muscular legs, and she was horrified at herself to realize she missed the way his chaps hugged his thighs. He wore a black vest over his white shirt and looked rather handsome. Trixie noted his suit was very new, or else rarely worn, and fit him too well to have been purchased in a store. It flattered his frame as if it was made for him. She could see now his hair had quite a bit of curl, and the fact she thought of wanting to run her fingers
through it irritated her. "You're the rustler, Mr. Mangan," she said, blue eyes sparking fire, "and I'll prove it!" "I do like my women lively," he said with that slow grin that made her knees weak. "I'm not your woman!" "They're playing our song Miss Belden, dance?" Dan asked, his eyes twinkling merrily at her. Before she could protest, he had her in his arms and they joined the lively crowd. Trixie had to admit he was a good dancer; he kept the time and pacing quite well. She resisted the urge to enjoy the way he held her. Instead, she wondered how a cowhand could afford a suit that was so soft to the touch, and cut to fit him perfectly. The starched white shirt against the black brought out his merry eyes, and Trixie was amazed at how well he danced, never stumbling once, his hold on her secure. And where did he learn to dance so well? "Mr. Mangan-" "Dan," he interrupted. "My name is Dan." "Mr. Mangan," she ignored him, "it is entirely inappropriate to force a girl to dance." "I don't force women to do anything," he said sharply, then his eyes twinkled again. "Though I have been known to encourage." Trixie's mouth fell open as he whirled her around. Jim’s emerald eyes followed Trixie as she danced with his cattle hand, Mangan. There was something going on between them he thought. Jim’s rose was in her hair, courtesy of Brian, and her cheeks were red from dancing. At least he hoped it wasn't from Mangan. While he did enjoy Brian’s company, he had every intention of maximizing his new friendship with Brian to get to know her. "Jim, these are my brothers, Mart and Bobby," Brian had joined him. Jim turned and did a double take. This had to be the brother Trixie had tried to impersonate. But his sandy hair had been cropped close to his head. The ten year old with him however, had a full head of curls like Trixie's. Jim introduced himself and they all shook hands. He wasn't about to tell them about Trixie's little disguise. All he had told Brian was he had encountered Trixie and found her to be a fascinating young lady. Brian had immediately gotten a suspicious expressiona nd quickly apologized for whatever shenanigans his sister had pulled. Jim laughed it off, and commented she was the most interesting young woman he had ever come across. A stunning girl in a lavender and purple dress slipped her arm through Mart’s. The stunning colors of her dress brought out the violet eyes, while her shiny blue black hair was swept up elegantly. With her was a lovely young woman with honey colored hair that was pulled back and curled, her pale yellow gown complimenting the honey colored hair and fair complexion. Enormous hazel eyes centered on Jim. This girl was familiar to Jim but he couldn’t place her. Jim noticed Brian had suddenly gone speechless, as Mart bowed to the young lady in lavender. "Jim, may we present to you Miss Diana Lynch and-" Mart faltered when he realized he didn't know the new girl. "Miss Madeleine Wheeler," Brian said, smiling softly at her. Madeleine gave him a shy smile. Jim wanted to laugh. Young love, he thought, Brian’s quite taken with her. Madeleine’s shyness indicated it wasn’t unrequited. “James Frayne, but please call me Jim.” he introduced himself with a quick bow. “You wouldn’t happen to be related to Mr. Matthew Wheeler of New York City?” “Why, he’s my father,” Madeleine answered, startled. Brian felt his heart sink. This couldn’t be a good sign for him. “My father does business with him on a regular business,” Jim smiled. He knew Wheeler but had never met the girl, but she was the spitting image of her mother. Odd, he thought, we lived in the same city and never encountered each other “I believe they’re quite good friends and had some schooling together.” “What a pleasure to meet you!” Madeleine treated him to a warm smile. Oh no. Please don’t let her like Jim! Brian thought. If their fathers knew each other . . . "Hey, Trixie's been dancing with that man for the last two dances," Mart frowned. “Bobby, go cut in." "I don't wanna dance with her!" Bobby protested "I'll rescue her," Jim said, his eyes very green, stalking towards the couple. Mart and Brian exchanged a glance. Once Jim was making his way towards Trixie, Mart turned to his older brother. "Am I being confounded by the materialization of not a solitary, but a deuce of gentlemen in quest of our less than ladylike feminine sibling?" Di smacked his arm. "Mart you know perfectly well Trixie has turned into a lovely girl. The only reason boys won't court her is because of you." "Or the fact she's crazy and as unladylike in opposition to your existence as the pinnacle of femininity," Mart said softly. "Come, my dear, let's dance." Brian found himself alone with Madeleine, who just smiled shyly at him. "Would you . . . would you like to dance?" he asked hesitantly. "I'd love to!" she smiled up at him, her hazel eyes shining. Dan was not happy when his employer cut into his dance with Trixie. He resolved to catch her back after two songs. Trixie didn't seem thrilled either, though she noticed his arms were strong, and he was a good dancer as Mangan. What is it with these men? she thought. They just barge in and whisk me off to dance!Admittingly, she found it a bit exciting. Some ofher schoolamtes, like Thaddues Webster and Nicholas Roberts would never have been so bold. Well, Nicholas wouldn't. And Trixie had no desire to dance with Thaddeus. "You look much more fetching in that outfit," Jim said as they whirled around the floor. "It's not proper to dance with a girl without an exchange of introductions," she said stiffly, trying not to notice the strong jaw line, and broad shoulders. His well-developed arms held her at proper length, and his emerald green eyes twinkled at her. He led the dance easily, giving her a crooked smile. His dark gray suit fit well and he looked very comfortable in it. Again, Trixie noted the quality of the cloth, knowing the Frayne's had quite a bit of money. "Propriety didn’t seem to matter to you the other day,” he teased. “But to humor you, my friends call me Jim. Jim Frayne." "As in crazy old Mr. Frayne?" Trixie asked, startled. Jim laughed, as she turned red. "Yes, he's my great uncle. He requested me to come out here and try to find out who’s stealing his cattle." "Oh dear, and I was so rude to you!" "Don't worry, I asked a couple questions and found out you're the local William Pinkerton. Besides, I know your brother Brian, and I just met Mart." Trixie wondered if her face could turn any redder. "Your determination is quite an attractive trait," Jim told her. "Not too many women are like you." "Mart says he thanks God for that regularly," Trixie sighed. "I just might joing him in that," Jim’s eyes danced at her. Trixie blushed when he continued, "Too many women cattle hands would be a serious threat to the men of this country." The music was changing and he knew one of her brothers would be cutting in shortly. But it was Dan instead. "Thank you for wearing my flower," Jim bowed and stepped away as Dan swept her back to him. Trixie was stunned. His flower? That’s why it looked so familiar! They grew rampant on the Frayne estate. She had seen them just the other day.
Dan hid his frown. What was Frayne doing, giving her flowers? His employer must be interested. Well, he thought, he might be here to do a job but he liked Trixie's spunk and wasn't about to let Frayne just waltz in. Literally or figuratively. Brian, Mart and Bobby spent half the night trading dance partners, after it became apparent that Jim and Dan were competing for Trixie's attention. Bobby even convinced Terry and Larry to run interference. Finally Trixie was able to slip away and grab her friends. The girls managed to hide around the back of the schoolhouse for a few minutes with cups of lemonade. They could hear the music and laughter and talking of the crowd. "Lands! I think those men are possessed!" Trixie exclaimed, fanning herself. Even after dancing, Madeleine still looked perfectly put together and Di had never looked lovelier. Both girls glowed. If she had found a mirror, she could bet her face was the color of a beet. Trixie knew her curls were damp and disarrayed, and she was burning up. Once again, she found herself envying her composed friends. "I think it's quite obvious they intend to pursue you," Madeleine giggled. Trixie's mouth fell open. "What? But Di gets all the boys!" Di snorted in a very unladylike manner. "Like I want them! You know I care for Mart." "Brian is quite the gentleman," Madeleine said softly. Trixie groaned. "You two get my dopey brothers, and I get the battling baboons. Lovely." "I don't know Trix. They're both very good looking. That brunette has a very nice dangerous look going," Madeleine chuckled. "The redhead, Jim, seems very interesting. And I happen to know he comes from a good family. My father speaks very highly of Mr. Frayne.” Trixie ‘hmmphed’ as she fanned herself. "I bet that Mangan is an outlaw and Mangan isn't even his real name! I think he's here to steal Mr. Frayne's cattle!” Trixie burst out in a whisper. “And even that young Frayne-don't you two think it's odd he suddenly shows up when Mr. Frayne's cattle are being stolen? None of us ever knew Mr. Frayne had family after his wife, Miss Nell died. He and Mangan show up at the same time, both with an interest in Mr. Frayne’s cattle." "Why Trixie, you think they're frauds?" Madeleine asked, hazel eyes wide with disbelief. "Trixie suspects everyone for everything," Di giggled. "Ever read about Allan Pinkerton?" "Of course," Madeleine replied. "I always thought it would be so fun to have an adventure like that!" "You can have them," Di laughed, "I've had enough!" The three laughed. "We better get back before a posse comes looking for us," Madeleine giggled. "Mart would scour the earth for Di and something tells me my eldest would happily come after you," Trixie grumbled. "If they don't kill each other first, your admirers will be chasing you down," Di teased as they climbed the steps to the schoolhouse. It wasn’t too long after that the evening was almost spoiled. Dan was standing outside with several other cattle hands when a group of four men walked by, and one of them muttered “. . . stinking cattle chasers. Smell like cows and try to take up with our women then move on.” The speaker shot them a dirty look and Dan groaned inwardly. He did not want a fight tonight. “Shrimpy” Davis, one of the cattle hands that Dan knew had been around for a while, frowned. A short, slender young man, his height had earned him the nickname, but Dan also knew he was a fine cattle hand. “Hey Mundy, where do you think you get your beef from?” Shrimpy snapped. “You so dumb you think it drops out of the sky?” The four farmers stopped and turn, squaring off with the cowboys. “You think you’re better, Davis? You and your short little-” Jerry Vanderhoef started to speak. “Hush all of you,” Dan snapped, stepping forward. “Stop acting like a bunch of schoolyard kids. The farmers are just a valuable as –“ His sentence never finished as Mundy’s big fist slammed into his jaw, sending him backwards to the ground. Chaos broke out as the other cowhands came swinging at the farmers, and almost every young man in the vicinity got involved, whether trying to pull their friends out of the melee or taking advantage to settle the score. Shrimpy Davis had jumped the back of Mike Larson, a tall, skinny farmer who had been with Jerry and Lester. Trixie, coming out of the schoolhouse, saw the whole incident but stayed on the steps, not wanting to get hit by accident as she watched the first unfair blow knock Dan off his feet. Dan got to his feet and reached for Shrimpy, to pull him out of the fray. Someone stumbled into him from behind and he half fell into Mundy, but this time Dan saw the fist coming and ducked, swinging one of his own that knocked Mundy down. A gun fired and the young men froze as an angry, plump Mrs. Vanderpoel came striding forward, carrying a shotgun. “Now you boys stop all this ruckus! It's this kind of thinking one of you is better than the other than started the Civil War! Now all of you get up! This is a party and we're gonna dance!” Grudgingly, the young men helped each other stand. Mrs. Vanderpoel ordered the band to start again, holding the gun on the young men that interrupted the fun. The older citizens were frowning and Sheriff Molinson was striding forward angrily. “Now all of you get to dancing!” she ordered. Trixie hurried off the steps. “Dan!” He turned in a defensive stance, then relaxed when he saw it was her. “I didn’t start it,” he growled. “I know that. I saw the whole thing from the stairs. You’re bleeding!” she said, dismayed. Removing her handkerchief from her sleeve where it was tucked, she reached up and dabbed at the blood leaking from his lips. His hand enclosed around hers and she stopped, her bright blue eyes staring up at him, wide with wonder. “Thank you,” he said softly. “But I’ve had much worse.” The next voice he heard made him wince inwardly. “What the devil is going on here?” The Frayne cattle hands turned to see their furious employer standing behind them. Dan released Trixie's hand but kept her handkerchief. “That Mundy kid started it,” Dan growled at Jim. “I done tried to stop them but then he done sucker punched me.” “That’s how it happened, Jim.” Trixie said quickly, wondering why Dan’s previously eloquent speech pattern had suddenly changed. “I saw all of it.” “Be that as it may,” Jim’s green eyes were cold as he stood with his hands on his hips. “You all represent the Frayne estate and I won’t tolerate fighting and such disgraceful behavior. I want all of you back at the estate. Now.” The other three glared at Jim for a few seconds but it was Dan that acquiesced and led the others away. Trixie turned to Jim. “Was it necessary to ruin their evening?” Jim’s eyes softened as he stepped closer to Trixie. “I didn’t want to,” he sighed. “But I’m still the new man in charge and I can’t let them test me. I don’t doubt they didn’t start it but what they do does reflect on me, and my great uncle. Are you upset with me?” “No,” she said honestly, smiling up at him. “As long as you’ll dance with me again.” Dan and the other cattle hands slipped from her mind as Jim gave her a crooked smile and led her back towards the dancing crowd.
 
*** Author Notes
- a huge thank you to Julie, for editing this! Any mistakes are mine!
- Allan and William (his son) Pinkerton were two of the most famous detectives in American History, and rode with some of the most famous lawmen. Allan’s agency, the Pinkerton National Detective Agency is still around, and in 2000, celebrated 150 years.
Pinkerton is a fabulous long article on him.
-of course you remember Shrimpy Davis, Lester Mundy, Jerry Vanderhoef, and Bill Wright!
- yes the fight scene was inspired by and based on a scene from Oklahoma! Hell, this whole Universe was! *g*
- Word Count 3,890
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