“Good morning, boss. Got a few minutes to talk?” Daniel strode into the jailhouse and closed the door.
“Coffee’s on, Deputy McLennon. What’s on your mind?”
Sheriff Robertson believed in strong brew. Over a cup of the worst coffee he’d drunk in his life, Daniel recited every argument he’d practiced into the wee hours of the night while completing his rounds, and later, while lying in bed prior to dozing off. He’d arrived armed with an arsenal of reasons. Hopefully, his boss would agree with his line of thinking.
Carl sat, arms crossed over his chest, listening to Daniel talk nonstop for ten minutes. Finally, he wound down, grimaced as he took another sip of his coffee, and then waited for his boss’s response. He stifled the urge to cross his fingers behind his back like he’d done as a kid, hoping for a wish to come true. Usually around Christmastime.
“So, let me get this straight. You’re bored with the mundane duties of a town deputy. The routine is getting to you, and you’re hoping I can assign you something a bit more challenging.” Carl raised one eyebrow. “That about cover it?”
Daniel nodded. “Sums it up perfectly.” Now, he hoped he hadn’t overstepped and found himself returning to the Double M, tail between his legs, begging for his job back. Could Fate be that cruel?
Carl leaned forward in his chair and tapped one finger on his battered oak desk. “Guess you figure on trading in saloon fisticuffs and petty thievery for murder and mayhem?”
Daniel smiled. “I suppose that’s one way of putting it.”
“Well, if you’re interested in a nightly killing and all manner of misdoings, then you’d better move to a big city.” Carl shook his head. “Ain’t able to accommodate you in Milestone. Can’t tell you the last time we had a murder, other than Sid Cameron’s killing. And the only thing qualifying as mayhem was that bank robbery back in March.”
Daniel slumped in his chair and heaved a sigh. “And you don’t want things to change. Running a peaceable town like Milestone suits you fine, doesn’t it?”
“Read me like a book, son.” Carl chuckled. “The point of law enforcement is keeping the peace. The fewer incidents the better.”
“I understand that.” Daniel shrugged. “But how am I going to learn anything, if I’m busting up bar brawls and checking locked doors?”
Carl rubbed his chin.
Daniel held his breath. Was he considering an alternative? Maybe he’d send him out of Milestone to train with lawmen in a busier town?
“There is one possibility,” Carl hedged.
“What would that be?” Daniel reckoned as far as a challenge went, dang near anything would surpass what he’d been assigned so far.
“You could work with Sawyer Manning.”
“With Manning?” Daniel frowned.
The retired Pinkerton had signed on with the local lawmen a few weeks back shortly after Jackson’s wedding. Daniel hadn’t seen hide nor hair of the former agent in a while and he hadn’t a clue what the man was working on. If he was working at all. Maybe Sawyer decided to take a vacation after years of working with the renowned detective agency. Daniel shifted forward in his chair. None of that mattered. “I’d offer up my eye teeth to work with a retired Pinkerton. Tell me when and where.”
Carl chuckled. “Okay, son, Monday morning. Nine o’clock. At the First National Bank.”
“Bank’s opening again?”
“Nope. Some fellow’s arriving from Butte, a representative sent by the bank owners. He’s meeting with Harold Watson, the new manager, and the local law regarding the robbery.”
“They’re still investigating that? I thought by now they would have given up any hope of finding the culprits.” Daniel met his boss’s eyes. “Or is this fellow coming to inform us they’ve caught the robbers?”
“Still working on it, far as I know.” Carl stood and refilled his coffee mug. “I expect the bank still hopes to recoup the stolen money, and the Pinkertons won’t rest until the fellows responsible are jailed.”
“Well, all right. I’ll see you at the bank on Monday morning.” Daniel caught himself beaming; no more ranching for him. He set his coffee mug in the washtub on the table near the woodstove and stuck his Stetson on his head. He looked Carl in the eye. “Thank you for this opportunity, boss. I won’t disappoint you. I can promise you that.”
“I believe you, son. Seldom seen a fellow better cut out for law enforcement work.” Carl slapped him on the back. “You’ll do us proud. I’d wager a month’s pay on it.”
“Thank you, sir.” Daniel appreciated his boss’s praise.
Now all he had to do was help folks catch the robbers and recover the stolen money. Sounded simple when his mind summed it up in a single sentence. Somehow he didn’t figure things would fall into place that easily. But no doubt about it… Daniel McLennon was up for the challenge. And he figured Honor would second the notion.
Tomorrow was Sunday and he hoped to see Iris at church. He couldn’t decide whether he should offer to walk her home after services or pick her up for an afternoon buggy ride. Maybe he should talk to Billy Turner at the livery to ensure he could rent a buggy before offering to take Iris for that jaunt.
Either way he’d see his pa and brothers at church tomorrow, and he couldn’t wait to tell his family about his new assignment. And he’d share the good news with Iris also, hoping she didn’t consider him bragging. He still hadn’t figured out what had spooked her after their supper at the hotel last Wednesday night. He hoped she would agree to him courting her.
Otherwise, how in the dickens would he convince her to change her mind?
Chapter 4
Iris rushed into the Milestone Community Church five minutes before the service began, hoping to avoid Daniel. Several people nodded or waved as she made her way through the vestibule and toward the pews.
She slipped into the first available seat she spotted and breathed a sigh of relief. Every Sunday, Daniel would be seated up front on the left with his family, occupying a spot on one of what everyone in the congregation considered ‘the McLennon pews’. Iris recognized the back of his head, all too familiar to her now. Thankfully, she wouldn’t be obligated to speak to him.
“Good morning,” Mrs. Landers whispered, haughtily.
Iris’s former landlady was the last person she intended to sit beside or join in polite conversation. Why hadn’t Iris paid closer attention to which pew she’d chosen?
“Good morning,” she muttered, staring straight ahead.
“How do you like living at Mrs. Carter’s?”
Iris heard the annoyance in the woman’s voice. She plastered a smile on her face and met the horrid woman’s eyes. “It’s quite pleasant actually. She constantly spoils me with sugary treats.” Her previous landlady complained endlessly if Iris used more than one towel a week.
“That’s lovely, dear, if you don’t mind growing large as a house.” Mrs. Landers huffed. “You’ll have absolutely no hope of finding a husband.”
“An occasional treat won’t hurt, and who said I wanted a husband?” Iris’s face warmed, listening to her own argument. She couldn’t believe she’d uttered such angry words, but the woman grated on her last nerve. Still it was an improper way for a schoolteacher to speak to one of the town’s older citizens. She glanced at her seatmate.
Mrs. Landers sat, a stunned expression on her face.
“I’m sorry. That sounded a bit harsh.” Iris backtracked. “I’ve a headache, but that doesn’t matter. Please forgive my inexcusable rudeness.”
“Yes, well, perhaps you should have stayed home,” Mrs. Landers suggested, through gritted teeth.
Iris almost agreed, but Mrs. Carter would have mothered her to within an inch of her life had she confessed to a headache, imaginary or not. Best Iris attend church and not create questions in anyone’s mind. Least of all Daniel’s. She would scurry out of the church at the first opportunity and race home before Daniel could approach her and initiate conversation.
And heaven forbid he ask her
to accompany him somewhere again.
* * *
Daniel glanced over his shoulder and his heart skipped a beat. He caught himself smiling. Iris looked lovely in a pretty blue dress and an unadorned chocolate brown hat. Iris had almost been late. But she was here, sitting in a pew beside Mrs. Landers of all people.
He faced forward again as Reverend Fitzpatrick greeted everyone and then announced the first hymn. Daniel stood to add his voice to the singing, knowing the next hour or so would drag by. The rented rig pulled by the spirited old horse named Hermes waited for them outside. Daniel planned to invite Iris for a buggy ride after services, culminating with Sunday lunch at his family’s ranch. He’d face an endless round of teasing from his brothers, but he couldn’t care less. He’d endure anything to spend more time with Iris.
As he’d suspected, the sermon dragged on. He twisted his Stetson in his hands, willing the clock to move faster. The congregation’s voices lifted in celebration of the Sabbath during the final hymn and then Reverend Fitzpatrick finally wished everyone a wonderful week. Daniel turned, expecting to see Iris saying a polite goodbye to Mrs. Landers.
He couldn’t believe his eyes!
He caught a glimpse of her blue dress disappearing from sight as Iris dashed out the door. What the heck? Was she intentionally avoiding him?
Adam touched his arm. “We need to talk.”
Daniel ignored his younger brother who’d replaced him working with the horses at the family ranch. Whatever Adam needed could wait.
“Excuse me, Pa,” he muttered, grasping his Stetson while making his way out of the pew and rudely pushing his way along the wall—the quickest escape route to his way of thinking—then heading for the main doors.
Daniel didn’t understand Iris at all. He’d been smitten with the light blonde, hazel-eyed beauty the first time he laid eyes on her. She stood tall and slim, perfect for a fellow six foot four. He’d enjoyed supper with her at the Milestone Hotel. They’d conversed on several topics, and he’d gotten the impression she’d enjoyed his company. Perhaps even reciprocated where mutual feelings were concerned. But he’d bet his next paycheck, she’d gone out of her way to avoid him this morning.
He gazed up Second Street and spotted her passing the Community Hall, no doubt heading for Mrs. Carter’s home. Unless he struck out after her in the buggy, he probably wouldn’t catch her before she reached her destination, and poor old Hermes would wonder when a race had been called.
“Something wrong?” Sheriff Robertson approached.
Daniel turned, settling his Stetson on his head. “It’s nothing.”
“The way you lit out of there I thought you’d spotted Milton Brown.”
“The missing bank clerk?” Daniel shook his head. “That I should be so lucky.”
“Who was it then?”
“Iris Lake, the new schoolteacher,” Daniel muttered.
“Why the interest in her?” the sheriff demanded. And then his expression softened. “Oh, I understand. Nothing to do with your job. Just a pretty girl.”
“Something like that. I invited her to supper at the hotel and we enjoyed a good meal and pleasant conversation.” Daniel shook his head. “Now…”
“She won’t give you the time of day?”
“Worse. She’s going out of her way to avoid me.”
“She know you’re a deputy?”
“I suppose so. Doesn’t everyone in town?” Daniel met his boss’s eyes. “What’s that got to do with it?”
Carl rested a hand on Daniel’s shoulder. “Son, some women aren’t cut out to be married to a lawman.”
“Married?” Daniel blurted.
“Now, I know you’re not thinking along those lines yet. But some women can’t abide the worry. Not knowing if a feller will be killed today, tomorrow, in a week. So figuring on avoiding heartache later, those women won’t even spend time with any man involved in keeping the peace.”
“You reckon that’s the reason Iris is avoiding me?” Daniel shifted to his other foot. “She’s afraid I’ll be killed?”
“Could be.”
“Doesn’t say much for her faith in my abilities,” he muttered.
“Not so much a man’s abilities.” Sheriff Robertson slapped him on the back. “More likely figuring Fate will deal a lousy hand and take the feller they love from them.”
“I suppose it makes sense,” Daniel conceded. “To a woman, at least.”
“I’ve known some mothers who constantly fear the worst also.”
“Thanks, Sheriff. I guess I’ll just concentrate on my job.” Daniel straightened and shook his boss’s hand.
“You should talk with Sawyer Manning about your aspirations.” The sheriff chuckled. “Now that Sawyer’s retired and moved to Milestone, a blind man could see he’s smitten with your sister.”
Daniel laughed. “I’ve noticed. Except for Jackson, the family is happy for Amanda.”
“What’s Jackson’s issue with him?”
“Thinks he’s too old for her.”
The sheriff appeared to be doing some cyphering. “Yeah, I guess he has a point. Sawyer’s thirty-one and Amanda just turned eighteen last spring. Thirteen years isn’t unheard of though. Your pa and ma had a substantial age difference between them, and they got on well until the day she passed.”
“Amanda isn’t bothered by the age difference, and to my way of thinking, her opinion is the only one that matters.” Daniel smiled at the sheriff. “If Sawyer treats her right, then they have my blessing.”
“Best attitude to my way of thinking, too. If they’ve set their minds on being together, nobody will have much say in it.”
Daniel laughed. “Got that right. Jackson set his mind to winning Lily’s heart and he made it happen.”
“True enough. Well, I’ll see you at the bank tomorrow morning. Nine o’clock. The bank representative is supposed to arrive in town sometime today. Farley reserved a room for him at the hotel. Said his surname was Andrews. Can’t recall if he gave a first name.” Sheriff Robertson walked away.
“See you in the morning,” Daniel called and strode toward the rented rig. He might as well drive some of the widows home since he’d rented the buggy and horse anyway. Do his good deed for the day. Might be invited to dinner a time or two. As long as it wasn’t Mrs. Barlow, the woman who cooked for the prisoners. In the right hands, her biscuits could qualify as lethal weapons.
“Mrs. Carter,” he called. She owned the Milestone Bakery and sold the best cinnamon buns in town. And since Iris lived under her roof, maybe the woman could provide some insight into the girl’s thinking. “Would you like a ride home?”
“Why, I would love a ride. Thank you, Daniel.”
“And maybe you can answer a question or two,” he added, helping her onto the seat.
“Any of these questions about Iris?”
“Probably.”
“Well, I’m not one for gossip, you know.”
“I’m aware of that. And it’s an admirable trait, ma’am.” Daniel climbed up beside her. “But most of the time, that girl has me plumb confused.”
Mrs. Carter laughed. “Then she must be doing something right.”
Daniel shook his head. Iris’s landlady probably wouldn’t prove one lick of help.
Chapter 5
The sun shone in a cloudless sky on Monday morning when Daniel arrived outside the First National Bank at the same time Sheriff Robertson rode up.
Daniel dismounted. “Morning, boss.”
“Morning.” Carl returned the greeting as he climbed out of the saddle. “You talk to Adam?”
“Yeah, he cornered me at the ranch after Sunday lunch. He discovered there are a half dozen Morgan mares missing from the Double M. Pa reckons we’ve got horse thieves in the area. Told them we’d keep a lookout. Adam provided a written description of the missing horses and I passed the list to Jim Snow when I spotted him doing rounds last night.”
“Good.” Carl wound his horse’s reins around the hitchin
g rail. “We need to nip this in the bud as soon as possible.”
“I suggested Jim make inquiries of other ranchers. See if they’re missing any stock. Also warn them to keep watch for anything suspicious.” Daniel followed the sheriff’s lead and secured Honor’s reins.
The two men climbed the wide curved steps and entered the gray wooden building. The room smelled musty, the air cold despite the morning’s warm temperature. Daniel wondered why someone hadn’t opened a window or started a fire in the woodstove. Even if the bank hadn’t reopened for business, the working conditions didn’t appear ideal for the newly hired manager. He’d met Jackson’s father-in-law and Harold Watson seemed popular with the townsfolk. Or they looked forward to the bank reopening and possibly considered congeniality the way to achieve that.
Daniel followed Carl across the floor toward the single teller window enclosed in mahogany wood and secured by metal bars. Two desks occupied the space behind the teller area and a small room to the left served as the manager’s office, with a vault built into the wall on the right. Daniel stepped around a blood-stained spot on the plank floor, evidence of the bank manager’s killing that occurred during the robbery. Judging by the size of the blemish on the wood, Sid Cameron had lost a lot of blood. No wonder Doc Bennett hadn’t been able to save him.
“Good morning, gentlemen.” Sawyer Manning shook hands with Carl and Daniel.
Daniel stared at the blood stain. Why wouldn’t someone have cleaned that up by now? Or had the Pinkerton Agency instructed Manning to continue to inspect the premises for clues and these details couldn’t be attended to yet?
“Is someone cleaning that up before reopening to customers?” Carl Robertson demanded of the stranger in the room, as if reading Daniel’s mind. Pointing to the floor, the sheriff continued, “Or will this be a permanent reminder of the tragedy?”
“Edward Andrews. First National Bank in Butte.” The fellow stuck out his hand while introducing himself. Forty or so and impeccably dressed in a three-piece suit, the man grasped a bowler in his other hand. He had a slight build, brown hair and brown eyes. A pair of thick glasses spoke of his less-than-perfect eyesight.
A Reinvented Lady (Sons Of A Gun Book 2) Page 3