Les sat down abruptly and Alex froze. They all fixed anxious eyes on Luther Moreland.
He was a tall man, too thin for his frame, with ears that protruded like handles from the sides of his slender face. Even so, Freddy thought, he would have been an attractive man if he hadn’t been so shy in the presence of women. Though Luther had known her and her sisters since they were children, their concentrated attention made him uncomfortable.
Dark color filled his cheeks, and he fumbled with the papers in his lap. “There’s one name remaining on the list of candidates, but I cannot recommend this man.”
Freddy spread her hands with an impatient gesture. “If there’s another trail boss who is willing to talk to us, then send for him. We can’t just give up.”
“Why can’t you recommend him?” Alex inquired, rolling her chair forward.
“Dal Frisco is a drunk,” Luther said with a frown. “He lost the last two herds he trailed, and consequently he hasn’t worked as a trail boss for two years.”
“I’ve heard that name,” Les said, tapping a finger against her lips.
“Frisco claims he’s been sober for eighteen months.” Luther spoke slowly, disapproval underscoring each word. “But he also said I could contact him at the Lone Star Saloon.”
“I remember now.” Les looked at Freddy and Alex. “Ward’s heard all about the disastrous drives that Luther just mentioned. He warned me that we shouldn’t even consider Mr. Frisco.”
Luther hesitated. “In fairness, I should mention that Dal Frisco was considered one of the best trail bosses in Texas before liquor ruined him.”
“He says he’s sober now?” Alex asked in a tight voice.
Les stared. “We can’t possibly hire a drunk. Ward would never agree.”
Freddy narrowed her eyes. “Ward doesn’t have a vote here.” Before Les could respond, she added angrily, “Maybe you don’t need Pa’s money, but I do. And I sure as hell am not willing to let Ward Hamm make my decisions for me!”
Les bit her lip. “I want my share of the inheritance as much as you do. But I don’t see why we have to make this decision today. We could print flyers soliciting more candidates.”
“Les, all of south Texas has known about your father’s will for at least a month,” Luther said gently. “The trail bosses who were interested in this drive have already contacted me. Those whom we interviewed today apparently believed they could get around actually using you three as full hands. There are no other candidates.”
Alex looked at Luther, and stated flatly. “Send for Mr. Frisco.”
“I agree,” Freddy said, annoyed that it was Alex who appeared to make the decision.
“What we’re deciding now is whether to abandon the cattle drive and forfeit your father’s estate to Mrs. Roark, or, before conceding defeat, at least talk to Mr. Frisco,” Luther said, still addressing Les. “I cannot recommend Mr. Frisco, but it’s my duty to mention that he’s offered himself as a candidate. The decision to interview or hire him is yours, not mine.”
It was then that the full impact of the day’s business truly made an impression. If Dal Frisco turned them down as the other trail bosses had, they would lose everything. Lola would win Joe’s estate by default. Fear flooded Freddy’s throat. “What happens if Les won’t accept Frisco but Alex and I want to hire him?”
“The majority prevails. I should mention that any of you can withdraw at any time. Should that occur, the inheritance will be split equally between the sisters who complete the drive and sell two thousand head in Abilene.”
Freddy folded her arms over her breast and glared at Les. “Fine. If you don’t want to talk to Frisco, then withdraw, and Alex and I will split a larger fortune.”
“Don’t take that tone with me! You don’t want to suffer this ordeal any more than I do!” Les threw out her hands. “I just think it would be lunatic to trust our future to a man who has lost his last two herds. We should at least be able to trust the man we hire!”
“Shall we have lunch while we wait for Mr. Frisco to arrive?” Alex inquired tightly.
Freddy couldn’t help it. The stress of the morning’s proceedings released in a sudden laugh. “The perfect hostess. Alex, it should have been you who went on the stage instead of me.”
Alex’s response was cool. “I think Father would have preferred that none of his daughters ruin themselves on the stage.” Turning her chair toward the door, she paused to give Luther the opportunity to jump to his feet and push her into the dining room.
Freddy didn’t immediately follow. Walking to the window, she stood looking out, fighting the resentment that burned in her chest.
Surely Pa hadn’t intended that the dispersal of his estate would be decided by an ex-drunk, but that’s what was about to happen. If Dal Frisco accepted the job and the conditions that went with it, then Freddy and her sisters at least had a chance to win their inheritance. If Frisco walked out as the other trail bosses had, then Lola and Jack would celebrate tonight.