by Kit Morgan
Dorcas’ eyes popped wide open. “Those Van Housens!”
“Yes, if my guess is right.”
Dorcas blinked and forced her mouth shut. Had Elwood rejected a match with a relative of one of the richest families in Denver? And reportedly the relatives in Boston were richer still. Why would he do that? Well, the woman did appear to have the personality of a banshee, but that couldn’t be the only reason …
… although she had rejected a marriage to a member of one of Denver’s richer families, purely because of his horrid nature. Maybe she really was his Vernon Fink.
“Why don’t you get dressed?” Daphne suggested. “I’ll go downstairs, get us some coffee and see what Norah has for breakfast. Would you like to eat up here?”
Dorcas nodded. The shock of finally realizing who this Gertrude was had left her speechless. Most men would jump at the chance to marry into the Van Housen fortunes. So why hadn’t Elwood? Was it just her personality? She couldn’t be sure until she spoke with him.
She ate breakfast slowly, unable to shake the idea that Elwood was still hiding something from her. Did he have secrets he didn’t want the Van Housens to know about? Was he in trouble with the law? Could she trust him? She nibbled on another piece of toast, pondering that key question. Maybe there was a simple explanation, like what he’d said yesterday. But could it be that simple? She didn’t think so. It certainly wasn’t in her situation. And what would she do if Vernon showed up?
She sipped her coffee as a longing crept into her heart. She wanted a husband, a home, children, to love and be loved. Could she have all those things with Elwood? And to think she’d been worried he’d pay more attention to his books than her …
“His books …” She set her cup down. Did he even want to get married? Maybe his books were so important to him that he passed marrying into a prominent family. If so, where did that leave her? To think they’d originally planned to get married that day. But she couldn’t, not with so many unanswered questions.
After her meal, she fixed her hair, grabbed her reticule and left to face her betrothed. Daphne was right – the sooner she spoke with Elwood, the sooner she could move forward. Where to, she didn’t know, but at least she was taking a step in the right direction. She didn’t want to be a coward anymore – she’d done that long enough with Vernon. She should have told Elwood at the onset, but fear held her back. Now look what had happened. As to why Elwood didn’t tell her about Gertrude, there was only one way to find out.
Dorcas arrived at the bookshop and marched straight inside. “Elwood?” Nothing. Wasn’t he here? She glanced around. Over half the shelves were now full, mostly on the perimeter walls. He must have worked hours the night before. Could he still be asleep? “Elwood?” she called again, louder this time.
Footsteps sounded in the back of the shop. Dorcas hurried in that direction – and stopped with a gasp.
“Hello, Dorcas.”
She gulped. “H-hello … Vernon.”
* * *
Elwood sat across from Sheriff Draven, looking grave. “I know it’s far-fetched, but after Gertrude showed up and threw such a public tantrum, I’d feel better if you made sure they’ve left the area.”
Sheriff Draven nodded. “Walker Brooks is thinkin’ the same – he was in here just before you.”
“Oh? Are you going to check things out, then?”
“I’ll take a ride, see if your Gertrude’s still around.”
“Not my Gertrude, Sheriff. She’s a mean-spirited, spiteful … well, you saw her. What do you think?”
“I think Bad Luck Chuck’s lived up to his name again.”
“Bad Luck … what are you talking about?”
Draven smiled, a fearsome sight. “Things don’t go well for folks who cross Charles Gant.”
Elwood thought a moment. “But I’m fine.”
“Ya didn’t cross him. The woman’s kin, though … looked to me like they weren’t here to defend their sister’s honor so much as to get rid of her.”
Elwood’s eyebrows shot to the ceiling. The Van Housen boys didn’t like Gertie anymore than he did, maybe less – they’d had to grow up in the same house as her. “Why, those devious …”
“Didn’t happen, did it? They’re stuck with her. Maybe I oughta just make sure they didn’t abandon her in the woods somewhere.”
“Yes, perhaps you’d best.”
“Meantime, weren’t ya supposed to get hitched today?”
Elwood slumped in his chair and sighed. “We moved it to next week. Now I’m not sure it’ll happen at all.”
“Aw, don’t fret, Hunter. Talk to the woman, bare your soul, lay your heart out and hope she don’t step on it.”
Elwood looked at him, aghast.
“Trust me,” Draven said. “I’ve been there.”
Elwood swallowed and nodded. He didn’t want to pry into the sheriff’s personal business … actually, he did want to, but Draven had made it pretty clear he wasn’t welcome to. Still, he’d heard stories of the man’s tumultuous marriage with Pearl. They’d never intended to marry, only to pose as a couple, but …
“Anyways, I’ll round up Marshal Gant and some other men and we’ll have a look ‘round.”
Elwood nodded. “Thank you, Sheriff. I’m in your debt.”
“Yeah, ya are. If I find the woman, I’ll make sure she heads back to Boston. Last thing we need in this town is a troublemaker like that.”
“She was the last thing Boston needed as well. I hope her family doesn’t send her back again.”
“Me too.” Sheriff Draven stood, put on his hat and headed for the door. “You comin’?”
Elwood stood and followed him outside, but his eyes drifted to the Golden Nugget.
“Seems to me ya got some unfinished business over there,” Draven said.
Elwood sighed. “Yes, I do.” He stepped off the boardwalk, headed across the street, entered the hotel and marched straight for the stairs, checking the women gathered nearby to make sure Dorcas wasn’t among them. She wasn’t – just Norah, Felicity Hammond and Daphne Brooks staring at him as if daring him to proceed. He took the steps two at a time, ran a hand through his hair, then went down the hall. He heard a few giggles from below, but ignored them. Let them think what they wanted – he would speak to Dorcas and that was that.
He knocked on her door and, waited a few seconds and, when no one answered, knocked again. “Dorcas?”
“She’s not here,” Daphne said behind him.
Elwood turned to face her. He hadn’t heard her come up the stairs. “Where is she?”
Daphne smiled. “She went to find you.”
His brow furrowed. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“We wanted to see how determined you were. I’d say you’re ready to talk.” Her smile broadened. “So’s Dorcas, thankfully.”
Elwood thought a moment. “I’m suddenly glad the wedding is next week – Dorcas and I need time to sort things out. Until they are, we shouldn’t get married.”
Daphne nodded solemnly. “I understand – that’s wise on your part. And I believe Dorcas feels the same way. Anyway, she went to your bookshop.”
“Thank you.” Elwood strode past.
“You’re welcome,” she called after him.
He ran down the stairs, out the door and straight to his bookshop. “Dorcas?” He went inside, checked the front and the back, but there was no sign of her. “Dorcas, where did you get off to?”
He left and looked around the street, wondering where else she might be. Then he snapped his fingers. “Jack’s.” He knew Dorcas was becoming friends with Birdie - perhaps she’d gone to the post and freight. He ran there and went inside. “Dorcas?”
“Dorcas?” Jack’s grandfather said from behind the counter. “Ya been spending too much time in the sun, young feller. My name’s Gus.”
Elwood smiled and shook his head. “No, no, I’m looking for Dorcas Minx. My betrothed?”
“You got married today? And didn’t i
nvite us?”
“No, Gus, I didn’t …”
“Dorcas got married?”
“No!”
Gus laughed. “Gotcha!”
“No time to joke, Gus,” Elwood sighed. “Have you seen Dorcas? Is she visiting Birdie?”
“No, ain’t seen her. Jack and Birdie are helping with the decorations this morning. Gonna be a grand celebration tomorrow.”
“Yes, I know.” He looked around.
“She ain’t hiding under a crate, ya know,” Gus pointed out.
“I know, I just … well, I’m not sure where to look now.”
“Everyone’s out and about working on things for tomorrow. Go out there and ask. You’ll find her.”
“You’re right. Thanks, Gus.”
“You’re welcome. Er … who ya looking for again?”
Elwood laughed, then looked confused. It was hard to tell if Gus was joking or actually forgetful. He shrugged and left, and saw Gus was right – plenty of people were out, all doing something to prepare for the Fourth of July. Flags were going up outside businesses. Women wrapped red, white and blue bunting around posts and rails while children painted signs. Tables were going up in the yard around the future church and schoolhouse.
Elwood hurried toward the new train depot going up across the street from Peregrines’. People there were decorating a dais specially built near the station platform for tomorrow’s patriotic speeches. Mayor Hardt would be giving one about the future of Noelle and handing out awards to the volunteers that were helping build the church/schoolhouse. It wasn’t done, but it was getting there. Elwood had accidentally slowed that down, pulling workers away to get his shop built, but he’d promised to work on the church and donate toward the effort once he was done.
But still no sign of Dorcas. The thought of her getting on a train and leaving town made him shiver – it was the last thing he wanted. He needed to talk to her. But there was no sign of her anywhere, and no one he asked had seen her since she left the Golden Nugget.
With determined steps Elwood made his way back up the street. Where was she?
Chapter Thirteen
“Vernon Fink, you’re despicable,” Dorcas cried when he finally removed her gag.
“I’ve been called worse,” he replied as he dismounted. He pulled her off his horse and set her on her feet.
She thought of running, but with her hands bound behind her back he’d catch her easily. He’d forced her at gunpoint to mount his horse behind the bookshop, rode them behind the buildings that fronted Noelle’s main street and slipped out of town. Everyone was busy with preparations for tomorrow’s celebration, so they weren’t spotted. He’d picked the perfect time. “What do you think you’re doing?”
“Taking you back to Denver, as any good fiancé would,” he said blandly. He glanced around as if looking for something.
“What are you doing?”
“I need a distraction. The last thing I want is for that Sheriff Draven to come hunting us.”
“Or Marshal Gant,” she said smugly. “You’re in more trouble than you know.”
“Gant?” His eyes darted upward in thought. “That name sounds familiar …”
“It should – he’s one of the meanest marshals in the country.”
Vernon’s eyes narrowed. “You’re lying.”
“I am not! And you’re not taking me back to Denver –”
“Shut up or I’ll gag you again. I have to think.” He began to pace. “Where are they?”
“Who?”
“Some men I had the pleasure of running into. They’ve got a little surprise planned.”
“Outlaws? Don’t tell me you’re working with an outlaw gang?”
“It’s none of your business who I work with, you little chit. And if you know what’s good for you, you’ll shut up! Or you won’t like what I do to you.”
“Do to me?” She laughed at him, not meaning to. It was just that he sounded exactly like a mustache-twirling dime-novel villain …
That set him off like a load of dynamite. “How dare you laugh at me!” He grabbed her by the shoulders and got in her face. “No one laughs at me, especially not my wife!”
“I’m not your wife! And do you honestly think I’m more likely to marry you now – after you abduct me?” She knew she was taking a risk, hoping that he’d start making mistakes and get caught if she rattled him enough. But she was through being his victim.
“It’s no such thing, my dear – I’m rescuing you.”
“Rescuing me from what – marriage to the perfect man?” Merciful heavens, did she just say that? She smiled to herself. Yes, she did. Her head was still working to trust Elwood, but apparently her heart had gone on ahead of it.
“Wipe that silly grin off your f … marriage? What marriage?!”
Dorcas straightened. “I’m getting married. And not to you.”
“To who?”
Dorcas did her best to imitate Gertrude Van Housen’s smirk. “None of your business.”
Vernon’s eyes narrowed. “You’re lying again. You came out here hoping to hide from me behind your friend Daphne. There was no other place for you to go.”
Okay, he’d figured that much out, but he still didn’t know about Elwood. “Daph being here was a side benefit – I came here to get married! He’ll ride out here and see you’re brought to justice!” There, let him chew on that.
This complicated things and they both knew it. To her satisfaction, Vernon looked worried for a moment.
Unfortunately, only a moment. “He’ll never find us. They’ll be too preoccupied.”
Dorcas had no idea what he was talking about. “What?”
“By the time they figure out you’re missing, we’ll be long gone.” He grabbed her, shoved the gag back in her mouth and sneered. “You’re mine, Dorcas. No one will tell me otherwise, here, in Denver or anywhere. They’re afraid of me, and you’d better be as well.” He yanked her back to his horse.
They were leaving. Dorcas hoped she could stall him and give Elwood, Gant, Draven, anyone more time to catch up. She squirmed as Vernon struggled to get her onto his horse, but get her on it he did, and quickly mounted up behind her. He spurred the horse into motion and they were off.
Things were looking bleak – and for all she knew, Elwood and the rest of the townsfolk didn’t even know she was gone.
* * *
“Mayor Hardt!” Elwood called. “Have you seen Miss Minx?”
Mayor Hardt was headed toward the depot. “No. Penny, have you seen Miss Minx?”
Mrs. Hardt shook her head. “No, I haven’t. She’s not at the Golden Nugget?”
“No. Daphne was there and told me she went to my bookshop, but she wasn’t there either.”
“I wouldn’t worry,” Mrs. Hardt said. “She probably got talked into helping with something. Everyone’s out helping get things ready. It’s going to be grand.”
“Weren’t you two supposed to be helping Jasper with the fireworks?” the mayor asked.
“Yes, you’re right,” Elwood said. “I bet she’s with him. Any idea where he is?”
“Woody was in charge of fetching them from Junction. They were storing them behind the Red Bird Stage barn. It’s up the street on the right.”
“Thanks, Mayor Hardt, Mrs. Hardt!” He hurried to the building and found Jasper talking with Woody Burnside, the stage driver as they fed a pack of mules. “Gentlemen …” Elwood caught his breath. “I’m looking for Miss Minx.”
Jasper scratched his head. “I ain’t seen her.”
“I did,” Woody said, “but … why ain’t she with you?”
“That’s what I’d like to know, but that’s another story,” he said with a weak smile.
“Oh yeah, ya mean yesterday with that woman,” Woody commented sheepishly.
“No need to soften it for me, Mr. Burnside. Gertrude is nasty, no matter how you look at her.”
Woody gazed off into the distance. “But how’d ya lose Miss Minx? I just saw ya
with her an hour ago.”
Elwood’s heart jumped. “You … did?”
Woody pointed toward town. “Yeah, back behind your shop.”
Elwood turned and looked. From where they stood he could just see one side of his shop and part of the back through the other buildings. “Where did I take her?” He shook himself. “I mean, where did they go?”
“Whaddaya mean?” Jasper said. “Yer standing right here.”
“Which means I’m clearly not the one she left with.”
Jasper stared, then gasped. “Then that means …”
“Who’s she with?” Woody finished.
“Unfortunately, I have a pretty good idea.” He glanced at the mule. “Can these be ridden?”
“Some,” Woody said.
“Good. Saddle me one, now!”
* * *
Vernon paced nervously again, leaving Dorcas to puzzle over his remarks about a band of outlaws. And what distraction was he talking about? She was still bound, but at least they’d stopped again. He’d pulled her off the horse, sat her on a rock and been moping ever since. Good – the more time he took, the more time someone from Noelle had to find her.
But how long would that take? They were at least several miles from town, she wasn’t sure where. If she wasn’t gagged, she’d ask, but for now she’d just have to sit and …
Snap.
Vernon spun toward the sound, drawing his gun. “Who’s there?”
Three men emerged from the brush, one of them clearly a railroad worker. Dorcas was relieved and panicked all at once. She yelled into the gag, but it came out a muffled squeak. She struggled against her bonds and tried yelling again.
“Quiet!” Vernon snapped. He moved behind her, putting his gun to her back. “About time you showed up,” he said to the men.
“Takes time to do these things, Mr. Fink,” the railroad man replied. “All the more when you want more than we originally planned.”
“Excellent. I want everyone in town to hear it. Mighty lucky, me running into you gents.” There was a rustling behind her as he holstered his gun. He stepped around the rock with money in his hands and began to pass it out. “As we agreed. Tell your employer I’m much obliged.”