Uncertain: Day 6

Word Count: 36,048

Summary of Events:

Hazel met Mr. Waller, a former Union Lieutenant, who offered to lead the search party for her, to which she agreed; he then addressed all the volunteers before everyone went to get supplies. Joseph spent much of the afternoon having to deal with people — particularly women, it seemed — who wanted confirmation that what Lavern alleged was true, to which he couldn't lie, even if he couldn't convince anyone Lavern was lying, and it was bothering him as he worked to prepare for undertaking a solo search effort . . .

Excerpt of the Day:

Joseph snapped his head up suddenly — inadvertently hitting the door behind him — what had Mrs. Robbins said about Lavern?

Immediately the words popped to his mind: “That’s what he said you’d say.”

So, Lavern was going even further yet than he’d heard last night.

Joseph surged to his feet and stalked out of his office. He stormed northward, where he saw a lineup of men waiting to have their chance to shop for supplies for their part in the search party he meant to show up.

Reaching Main Street, Joseph looked west and saw Lavern carrying an armload of supplies, including a shovel, an axe, and a sack of flour.

Immediately Joseph set off down the south side of Main Street, his long and brisk stride setting him up to gain on Lavern easily — especially seeing how Lavern was weighted down with all kinds of supplies for being part of the trek.

As he got closer to Lavern Joseph stepped off the boardwalk and stormed across the street before reaching around front of Lavern and seizing a fistful of shirt and tie by which he whipped Lavern around to face him before slamming him against the side of the building alongside which Lavern had been walking.

“What in blazes is your business in this town?” Joseph demanded. “Because I’ll have you know that no matter how much money you might have, I have the right to run you out of town if necessary.”

Lavern’s expression changed from wide-eyed and fearful to an expression of derision and he laughed aloud, which only added fuel to the fire of Joseph’s rage.

“I’d like to see you try,” Lavern chuckled. “Seeing how the public opinion is overwhelmingly against you.”

“Answer me you filthy liar!” Joseph shouted. “What is your business in Cimarron?”

“Well, I thought I’d try my hand at this sheep ranching business,” Lavern replied.

“Hm,” Joseph said, straightening and relaxing — but not releasing his hold. “From one textile business into another.”

“I’ll be as successful in this one as I was in the last,” Lavern replied confidently.

“Really?” Joseph queried. “You have no slaves to work for free so you can make the profits you did in cotton.”

“No wonder you’re out west,” Lavern spat. “Your father doesn’t have any work and no inheritance to give you.”

Instantly Joseph hauled Lavern’s face up to his own and glared into the dark brown eyes. “My Pa is the same place I’m sure yours is: the grave.”

Throwing Lavern away, Joseph stormed back whence he’d come, crossing the street earlier than Centre Avenue to avoid the throngs still at the General Store, and slammed both the main door into the sheriff’s office and the inner door into his apartment.

So Lavern intended to stay here. He intended to be a thorn in Joseph’s side or — worse yet — find a way to run Joseph out of town altogether.