Redeeming Lies

by Samantha St. Claire

Jessie gasped and grabbed Bart's arm. Lena visibly paled.

  Maddie pulled in a shaky breath. "I've got to leave! I can't endanger the rest of you!" She bolted for the stairs. Someone grabbed her arm.

  David pulled her back into the room. "You aren't going anywhere!" His eyes blazed, his voice commanding. He neither looked nor sounded anything like the quiet, unassuming man she'd first thought him to be.

  Despite being momentarily stunned by his behavior, Maddie used her free hand, attempting to pry his fingers from her arm. "You don't have the right to stop me!"

  "Maddie! No!" Lena placed a strong, restraining hand on Maddie's shoulder. "We aren't going to let you face this alone." Maddie heard the hard resolve in Lena's voice even before she saw it reflected in her eyes.

  "This isn't your problem!" Her throat burned. "It’s mine alone and no one else's." She broke free of them, running for the stairs.

  Behind her, she heard Lena's cry, "David, stop her!"

  Before she reached the door to her room, David grabbed her hand yet again. There was no way to escape his grip this time, his fingers a vice. She spun fiercely, facing him, losing her balance on the stair as she did. With a small cry, she fell forward. Only David's outstretched arms kept her from falling down the flight of stairs.

  He held her there, halfway up, halfway down the staircase, as she sobbed bitter tears into his shoulder. David supported her like the ancient oak she'd swung on as a child. In its branches, she'd found solace after the death of her mother. Protected from the rain, she'd cried until her eyes could yield no more. To the same tree she'd fled to vent her sorrow at leaving her friends when her father had announced his plans to leave the only home she'd known. From that tree, her father uncurled her fingers to leave her childhood home. With roots ripped from her safe world, she’d been forced to board the train taking them on a journey as vagabonds and thieves. She was scarcely seven.

  She was a child again, and she dug her fingers into David’s jacket, feeling this time the hard muscle beneath, like the sturdy oak trunk, strong and comforting.

  He whispered into her hair, “We’re here, Maddie. You aren’t alone.” His voice grew husky. “I’m here, Maddie.”

  When she'd quieted, too weak to resist any longer, he led her down the stairs, releasing her into the arms of the two women. Maddie sagged onto a chair.

  David paced at the side of the room, his face hardly recognizable to her, wearing a dangerous expression. "So, it's up to us then, to convince these men that Maddie is not an obstruction to their mission to retrieve their share of the stolen money."

  Evan nodded at Bart, his face resolute. "There's only two of them and four of us."

  Bart's mouth twisted into a grin. Folding his arms across his chest, he asked, "How hard can it be?"

  Cummings snorted from his corner of the room. His complexion resembling white chalk, he gave his laconic answer. "You have no idea who you're dealing with."

  David demanded, "Why have we never heard of them? We aren’t living that detached from the rest of the country."

  "They don't want to be known, of course. For the most part, they limit their activities as predators upon their own people, the poor Italian immigrants. Why her father got them into his scheme is beyond me." Cummings wagged his head. “I thought he was smarter than that."

  "So how do we appease them?" David pressed him for an answer. "Can’t we just find out how much was taken from them and return it?"

  Cummings pulled himself to his feet. "We don't appease them! We can't! These men are organized. Their ruthless reputation precedes them. That's why they can get away with what they're doing. No one dares to challenge them. Law enforcement steers a wide berth around anything they’re involved in."

  An icy, anxious silence filled the room. Maddie felt it flow into her lungs as she took in the peril she’d brought to her friends’ doorstep.

  "Then we have to be more organized." Lena's quiet voice came from Maddie's side.

  Cummings laughed, that same humorless guffaw she’d heard in David’s office.

  The chill she’d felt moments earlier returned, clearing her mind. She rose to her feet. "Deflection," Maddie said quietly.

  "What?" David asked.

  "My father told me a few things when he was in a talkative mood, things he probably didn't think I'd even remember." Maddie pulled the memories to the forefront, past the gates of fear. "He said it was all about deflection, like a magician's trick. Make the mark look the wrong way."

  David strode to her side, laying his hand on her arm. "What did he mean?"

  "We trick them into thinking the money is in one place, when it’s actually in another," Jessie said. All eyes turned to Jessie's round innocent face. "What? You think that Maddie's the only one with an imagination?"

  Evan started, "But that doesn't solve the problem . . ."

  "Why don't you just arrest them?" Lena asked.

  Cummings’ eyes flashed with heat as he answered tersely, "I'm an investigator. Besides, I’m here on my own."

  "Then we go to Sam," Bart suggested.

  "One man against professional killers?" Cummings laughed, mulishly. "Besides, I’ve met your friend, Sam."

  "We'd back him up," Bart said, looking supremely pleased with himself.

  Cummings shook his head. "But they haven't committed a crime yet, at least nothing we can pin on them in this Territory."

  "They'd have to be caught in the act of stealing the money," Evan volunteered.

  Maddie said softly, "Or attempting to kill someone." The room went quiet as all eyes turned to her. "I can be the bait," she said flatly.

  David folded his arms across his chest, his feet spread wide as though bracing himself for a fight. "That's not happening."

  "But it's logical." Cummings rubbed a hand across his chin, obviously already thinking how to arrange it.

  "I said, no!" David turned on the man with a fury. "Maddie is not going to put her life in jeopardy."

  "David, it does make sense." Maddie stood to his side, surprised by the calm that had overtaken her. "It's the only way."

  Lena brought her fist down on the table, rattling teacups with the force of it. "There has to be another way. Maddie said deflection is the key. Let's think about that." A smile stretched wide across Lena's face. "Maddie, come here."

  Maddie navigated the table to Lena's side.

  "Turn around," Lena said.

  Maddie obeyed, baffled. Lena stood by her with her back to the others. "How tall are you, Maddie?"

  "I suppose, the same as you, five feet, eight inches," Maddie answered.

  Jessie bounced in her chair, pointing at the two. "Look at them!"

  Evan scratched his head and grinned. "They could be twins just looking at them from the back like this."

  Jessie said, "See, Bart? Their hair is nearly the same shade of brown. I suppose Maddie’s is a bit lighter, but other than that. Why, Lena could fit the description on the wanted poster!"

  Lena turned back to face them. "I have a white blouse almost identical to this one that I'm wearing."

  Ely chimed in. "All these men know is the description on the wanted poster. Ja? That didn't say much more than the color of her hair and that she was tall."

  "Precisely," Lena said. "We divide these two men by tricking them into pursuing two women. They'll split up and it will be easier to catch them. As soon as they try to either steal the money or . . . " She paled slightly. "Or attempt to do one of us harm. Sam and Mr. Cummings can apprehend them and charge them."

  David stood stiff-backed, a muscle twitching in his jaw. "This is not a plan. You're playing at intrigue. We aren't acting out some bit of detective fiction."

  Bart asked, "Do you have a better idea?"

  David turned a cold eye on Cummings. "What I don't understand is why you don't have the ability to handle these men yourself. I thought the Pinkertons always got their man. Isn't that your proud motto?"

  Cummings shifted on his feet. "I told you that I inves
tigate. Besides, I was hunting a lone woman, and I did catch her."

  "Why did the agency send only one?" David pressed.

  "Sometimes that's the way we work." The man pulled himself up a little straighter. "As a matter of fact, I do have three more agents still looking along the line from Shoshone to Hailey."

  David said, "Then it seems time to contact them. We do have telephones that connect us to Hailey and Shoshone. Couldn't you contact the sheriff in Hailey?"

  The agent sputtered something unintelligible before saying distinctly, "That sounds reasonable. Yes, I'll do that. We can have our agents on the train out of Hailey to pick up the two men."

  "And why don't we just wait for them to come here?" David asked.

  Cummings seemed to grow more confident as he answered, "We still need to catch them in the act of a crime. If they catch wind of my agents, they'll bolt and just come back when we're gone. No, we need to force their hand. I think Mrs. Hartmann is correct in her suggestion of a bit of subterfuge."

  Evan put his arm around Lena's shoulder. "Well, she isn't doing it without me at her side. If they are as tough as you say they are, they won't be scared off by one man, right?"

  Cummings scanned Evan’s six feet of lean muscle, then nodding his head, saying, "As long as you don't look too tough yourself, Mr. Hartmann."

  Evan laughed. "Not sure I know how to untoughen myself, Mr. Cummings. Suppose I could wear a lace collar or something, maybe one of those ascots."

  Bart snorted.

  David took Maddie’s hand. "Maddie are you all right with this?"

  Maddie smiled, less brave than she sounded. "I don't know what choice we have." Then turning back to Cummings, she said, "But some holes still exist in this plot. How do we draw them out? They don't even know where I live."

  Cummings rocked back on his heels, avoiding David's scowl. "I think they'll have that figured out soon enough. If I found you here, they will too. When I saw them, they were talking to your waitress friend at the cafe. By the way, I think she's a bit sweet on you, Dr. Reynolds." The man seemed miffed that no one reacted to his jibe. "If I were to make it known that I was a Pinkerton agent, and I had found you, we could manage to let them accidentally hear someone informing on you. We could lead them to believe that you were leaving town with the money."

  Evan said, "Go on."

  "If we can get them to come to the train station, we'll have them in a somewhat controlled space. When they make their move, we'll have reason to take them into custody. Your sheriff should be able to help us accomplish that."

  David shook his head, his face dark with disapproval. "This seems to rely too much on luck rather than sound planning. I think we should wait for your agents."

  Cummings didn't miss a beat. "I don't think we have that luxury. These criminals tend to act somewhat impulsively and that’s something we can turn to our advantage. Someone meets me at the cafe and acts as an informant about Maddie’s plan to take off on the morning train."

  Evan exchanged a look with Lena. "I think we can make it work."

  "I'll be the informant!" Jessie announced. "I'll make up a great story. Besides, who wouldn't believe a woman in my condition?" She patted her round tummy, grinning like a fox.

  Bart scowled at her. "I know I can't stop you, so you just tell them what they need to hear and get out." He shot a look in Cumming’s direction cold enough to freeze oil. "And, just so you know, I'll be sitting at the next table with my gun out of the holster under the table aimed at these men with reputations."

  Cummings didn't argue, simply nodding his head.

  David, arms still locked in front of him, directed his words to Maddie. "I'll take care of Maddie. I'm certain I won't scare them off," David's mouth became a thin hard line. "But if they try anything, it'll be the last thing they do." He looked at Evan, "You still have that Colt revolver?"

  Chapter 29

  For the next two hours, they rehearsed their diversionary plan, each time finding another possible way it could go disastrously awry. Tempers flared at times, usually between the men, as to a particular point dealing the women’s role. Evan lost his argument to carry a handgun when Cummings explained the need to appear vulnerable. Cummings only grudgingly conceded to allow the men to accompany Lena and Maddie, Evan having put his foot squarely down on the alternative.

  Bart argued for his presence at the station. Considering himself the better marksman, he proposed backing them up with a rifle. It was Cummings who debated the point most vigorously by explaining the need to allow the criminals close access to their target. The objective of their charade was to draw out the Sicilians and catch them in the act of a crime. Cummings further explained that a gun fight with bystanders would be ill advised for both sides. Bart remained unconvinced and sulked for the better part of an hour.

  Cummings elected himself to inform the sheriff of their plan and his role.

  At last, realizing they could not prepare for every contingency in such a volatile situation, Ely startled them by suggesting they call in for extra help. Maddie caught the slight twitch of his lips beneath his mustache.

  Ely winked at Lena first, then at Maddie. "If you would not think me presumptuous, I'll say a prayer to the Lord of Heaven's Armies."

  Before they each turned in for the evening, Bart, Evan and David agreed to take shifts guarding Maddie's door. Cummings chose to sleep in the parlor close to the front entry, borrowing Evan's shotgun at his suggestion.

  Lena gave Maddie a fierce hug before they parted. "It's going to be okay. I can just feel it, Maddie. I know it will be difficult, but try to get some sleep. We'll be celebrating tomorrow when those two criminals are behind bars. Ely will play for us and we'll dance again." She pulled away, a weary smile softening her features. "We're in this together. Remember that."

  Behind her closed door, she could hear Evan settling in on the other side. His boot heels scraped against the wood floor as he lowered himself to a sitting position. She breathed in a steadying breath and slipped into her nightclothes. Beneath the quilt, eyes closed, she tried to will herself to sleep.

  Outside her door, she could hear Evan shifting, probably working to keep his own eyes open. She wanted to suggest he return to his bed and get the rest he'd need for tomorrow, but the next moment she knew he'd refuse. For some reason she could not fathom, these people had taken on her burden as though it were their own.

  Resigning herself to the idea that sleep would not be her friend tonight, she pulled on a wrap and sat down to her desk. A small stack of blank paper called to her hand, and she picked up her pen and began to write.

  Hours passed, stars rotated outside her window, muffled voices seeped through the cracks around her door. She heard Evan rise heavily to his feet and clump wearily down the stairs. David had begun his shift. Maddie sat back against her chair, listening to the sounds of his settling in, his back sliding down the wall as he positioned himself on the floor. She imagined she could hear his breathing, but dismissed the fancy.

  Laying down her pen, she tiptoed to the door. She held her breath, her ear pressed against the wood. Unable to remain in her lonely state, she called his name, "David?"

  She heard him startle, his shoulder brushing the wood frame. "Yes, Maddie. Why are you still awake?"

  She laughed lightly. "That's one of the silliest things I've heard you say."

  He let out a breath of a laugh. "I suppose so."

  She brought her fingertips to touch the door where she imagined his head might be resting on the other side. "Thank you."

  Softly. "You're welcome."

  Sliding her back down the door, she sat on the floor opposite him, imagining the wood between them gone. "Thank you, not just for standing guard. Thank you for believing me." She drew her knees to her chest and hugged them. "You really didn't have a reason to, especially when you learned I was a liar."

  She strained to hear something, a word, a sigh. Silence.

  Her chest felt tight, her throat constricted. "I'm sor
ry."

  "It's all right."

  "No, it's not. You wouldn't have lied. You can scarcely tell one fib, let alone the mountain of lies I've told."

  A heavy pause, boots scraping along the floor. In her mind’s eye, she saw him stretching out his long legs. "Who's to say what I or anyone else would have done in your situation? You feared for your life. You lied to survive, Maddie. That’s a little different."

  "You would have found another way, an ethical way. I didn't even consider there might be another way out of my situation." A groan escaped her lips. Her stomach churned as she found herself back in those first moments of revelation when she’d seen her father’s body on the train platform.

  "Maddie, listen to me. You aren't your father any more than I am my father. We make our own choices, but we don't make them in a vacuum. I had a very strict upbringing, but I also had privileges afforded to a few. Your circumstances of birth were quite different from mine. You are a survivor, Maddie. You’ve been forced to do things you shouldn’t have had to do."

  She twisted her body to position her shoulder against the door. Her hand reached up lightly touching the hard wood paneling between them. "But at what cost? I'd always hated the lies my father told, the deceit. I hated being his tool. He convinced me that he needed me." Her voice faltered. "I thought that was love."

  A whisper. "I know."

  She closed her eyes. "He used me, David."

  "Yes."

  She stroked her fingers along the smooth wood, seeing through to the man on the other side.

  David said, "I didn't know your father, but I think he did love you in his own way. He didn't have to go back to the school for you. He could have left you alone to deal with the consequences of his actions. He didn't. In the end, he took you with him for your safety, I think."

  She held her breath, considering the explanation, hoping but not knowing for certain. She’d never know the truth.

  "And he gave you the satchel with instructions that were the best he could give based on his experience. He told you to disappear."

  She could hear her father speaking the words, the softness and concern in his eyes as he uttered them. She heard the unspoken words too.