by Gold, Ciara
“Bryce Stanton.” Bryce held out his hand, which the man shook with ease and confidence.
“Dan Cochran. You aren’t related to William Stanton, by any chance?”
“Does a rattler have venom? That rascal’s my older brother. So how do you know him?”
“We were on a trail drive together some years back. He was a good hand, got along with everyone.”
William? “He ain’t like that now. He’s a cranky hombre these days.” Bryce arched a brow. The stern man he called brother couldn’t get along with anyone. William had become a controlling tyrant, worse than their father had been. Traveling to Colorado had given him a break from William’s heavy thumb. Finding Charley’s aunt had given him a valid excuse to accomplish three things: find an alternate home for Charley, rekindle his friendship with Emma, and take a breather from family.
“Sorry to hear that. So, what brings you to these parts?”
Kaitlin stepped forward. “Mr. Stanton brought news of my sister’s death.”
“My condolences, ma’am. So, what can you tell me about the window?” Cochran asked, nodding in the direction of the hallway. A definite chill had infiltrated the room now that a gaping hole let in the elements.
Kaitlin opened her mouth to speak, but Bryce interrupted. He didn’t trust Kaitlin to give the man the full story that included a pile of evidence, so to speak. Short and to the point, Bryce laid out the details. Both women remained quiet during his recounting of the event.
Cochran scratched his balding pate. “I don’t rightly know what you expect me to do about this.”
“We want you to catch the culprit, Mr. Cochran,” Maggie said.
“Well now, that may be harder than you think. A half dozen folks have reason to see the two of you put out of business. I just don’t have the manpower to conduct a full investigation.”
“I did get a rather quick look at the man’s face,” Bryce said.
“I tell you what. You come on down to the station. We started capturing mugs the first of the year. We have Alan Pinkerton to thank for the idea. Although we don’t have many, the practice being fairly new and all, you can have a look-see at what we do have.”
“Mugs?”
“Faces.” He gave them a sheepish grin. “It’s a theater term that my mom used quite frequently since she considered herself something of an actress. We’ve been taking photographs of any scoundrels we arrest just to keep a catalogue handy.” He scratched his chin. “Anyway, you might get lucky. That way we’d have a name to go by, someone to look for. Otherwise, I can’t do much for you.”
Bryce understood the policeman’s position. Short of watching the place day and night in hopes this anonymous miscreant would strike again, there probably wasn’t a whole heck of a lot anyone could do. He doubted he’d find the man responsible in a group of photographs.
Their dilemma only strengthened his resolve. Kaitlin was sure to put up a fuss. Maggie, on the other hand, seemed more reasonable, more likely to accept his offer of help. Ah well, he’d just have to charm them both into seeing things his way.
He turned toward Maggie. “Before you got back, I offered to stay with the two of you. I reckon I can provide protection in the event this happens again.”
Maggie beamed at him. “That’s awful nice of you, Mr. Stanton, but this isn’t your fight.”
“I know that, ma’am, but Charley’s my responsibility. I brought her here to meet her aunt. I want her to stay and get to know Miss Kanatzer, but I don’t feel right leavin’ her here if it ain’t safe.”
Kaitlin pursed her lips. “Back on up there, cowboy. There’s something bothering me about this whole deal, so let’s get a few things straight before we make any major decisions.”
“Like I said before, I’m all ears.”
“Just who is Charley’s legal guardian?”
Bryce stumbled over the answer. How would it look to this woman when he told her the truth? “That would be me.”
“I see. So you brought your ward, your responsibility all the way to Denver from Texas to drop her off at my house, to an aunt you know nothing about?”
He scratched his head. “Sounds right bad put in that light. You don’t sugarcoat your words, do you?” He scrunched his face and lifted his brows.
“The truth, Mr. Stanton.”
He blew out a stream of air and sighed. “Charley made such a nuisance of herself back at the ranch, William pressured me into doin’ something with the girl. I remembered Bethany had a sister, and I hoped, bein’ family, you’d want to help. Charley needs things only a woman can teach her.”
“Have you tried finding a wife?” Maggie popped off.
Bryce blanched but made no comment. For some reason, he didn’t want Kaitlin to know about Emma. It really wasn’t any of her business.
“I don’t see how this is serving the real issue,” Cochran said. “I think you two ladies oughta take advantage of Mr. Stanton’s offer to help. A man watching out for the place can’t be a bad thing, and who knows, he might be able to catch your varmint red-handed.”
“We do not need a man to look out for us. We’re quite capable of looking out for ourselves,” Kaitlin said.
“Damn suffragists,” Dan muttered under his breath. “Look, I don’t have the time to argue with you. I’ve got your statement, and I’ll do what I can, but don’t get your hopes up. In the meantime, I’ll leave you to work things out with Mr. Stanton.”
“Cochran has a point,” Bryce said after the policeman had left.
“But Mr. Cochran doesn’t live here. We do, and you’re not going to stay. End of discussion. You’re welcome to leave Charley for a time, but I’m not prepared to take her permanently.”
Bryce watched her frizzy curls bob. The woman could be downright tiresome with her arguments. “How ’bout we negotiate a trade?”
“You have nothing we could possibly want, Mr. Stanton.”
“Sure I do.”
“What would that be?” Maggie asked.
“Time.”
“I beg your pardon?” Maggie appeared puzzled.
“I’ve got time to ferret out the person responsible for all those notes. I’ll go down to the station tomorrow to look at those pictures. In the meantime, I have the time and skill to replace that window for you. In return, you give me a space on your floor. Seems like a fair exchange to me.”
“Agreed.” Maggie didn’t look at Kaitlin for confirmation. “I think we’d be pleased to accept your help.”
“Maggie.” Kaitlin narrowed her eyes. “Don’t you think we should discuss this?”
“There’s nothing to discuss. Mr. Stanton is willing to help us. It makes perfect sense.” Maggie smiled brightly at him.
Bryce nodded. He wasn’t sure he liked the sudden gleam that came into Maggie’s eye. He’d made the suggestion for more than one reason. Not only would he be able to keep an eye on Charley, but it would help save on expenses. Arriving during the onslaught of autumn storms had been poor planning on his part, and with the snows just beginning to fall, he’d likely have to stay a couple of weeks. Surely, that would be plenty of time to court Emma.
“Maggie.” Kaitlin drew out the name in a warning manner. “Maggie, may I have a word with you? Alone.”
“You’re not going to change my mind on this. These notes have been coming to our house long enough. They may be addressed to you, but I live here also. I, for one, will sleep a lot more soundly knowing Mr. Stanton is watching over us.”
“You don’t even know the man.” Kaitlin threw her hands into the air. “For all we know, he could be our note writer. The story he told about chasing some man down the street could be just that, a story.”
“Dan Cochran knows of him, and that’s enough for me.”
“Dan Cochran knows his brother, not him.”
“Ladies.” Bryce held up his hand. “Anyone ever tell you it’s rude to discuss a body when he’s standing right here? I promise I’m as harmless as a newborn chick. Ask me a question
, and I’ll surprise you with an answer.”
“Chicks have sharp beaks.” Kaitlin squinted her eyes at him. It made her look like a squirrel with a bad nut. He wanted to laugh but suppressed the urge. “Tell me about your relationship with my sister.”
Bryce hadn’t expected such a personal question. He frowned. “Anything but that.”
His flat response must have ruffled her feathers. She clammed up tighter than wet leather, turned on her heel, and left. It made no difference to him. He was just happy to have the matter settled to his advantage.
Four
Kaitlin lifted the boiling kettle of water from the stove. Hot tea would be just the thing for Charley’s cramps. The activity helped take her mind from other things, namely a stubborn cowboy by the name of Bryce Stanton.
“You still mad at me?” Maggie stuck her head in around the corner.
“Furious.”
Maggie stepped into the warm kitchen. “I don’t see why. He’s doing a right nice job of boarding up the hole in the window. Says he’ll have to order the glass, though.”
“Well, we could have boarded up that hole ourselves. We’re not helpless.”
“Nope, but why strain ourselves when we have a man to do the job, and a right handsome one at that.” Maggie wiggled her black eyebrows.
Kaitlin’s eyes widened. “You did this on purpose.” Hot water sloshed from the cup she poured, and she quickly jumped back.
“Whatchu talkin’ ’bout?” Maggie’s hands rested on her hips.
“Your bad English slips through when you have something to hide. Confess. You know I’ll find out sooner or later.” She grabbed for a dishtowel.
“I’s thinkin’ it might be better later than sooner.”
“I’m thinking I already know.” Kaitlin shook the dishtowel at her.
“Yeah? Whatcha thinkin’ you know?”
“You encouraged Mr. Stanton to stay here, hoping he and I might hit it off. You’re playing matchmaker again.”
“So what if I am? You can still be a strong woman, an independent woman with a man by your side.” Maggie grabbed a spoon and stirred the stew she’d started earlier. Rich, savory aromas filled the kitchen.
“I don’t want a man by my side.”
“You don’t know what you want, cuz you ain’t never had no man before. The right man can make your toes curl like there ain’t no tomorrow. It’s plain as the nose on your face that you’ve got eyes for him.”
“I do not.”
“Yep. You got eyes for Bryce Stanton, or you wouldn’t be wearing your best Sunday-go-to-meeting dress. You know what I think?”
“I’m not sure I want to know.” Kaitlin stirred honey into the cup of hot tea.
Maggie smiled, the white teeth a stark contrast against her silky brown skin. “I think you’re glad I took the decision out of your hands. Secretly, you’re pleased he’s going to be here, and you’re wondering what you can do to make him take notice of you.”
The precise English intonations Maggie had practiced so hard had returned. She must be feeling smug now and not guilty. The fact Maggie was right didn’t make Kaitlin feel any better. Those were exactly the confusing thoughts that had filtered through her mind. Knowing she stood no chance in attracting a man, she’d vehemently opposed the idea of him staying here. She hated failure of any kind. The outcome of a flirtatious relationship with this man was sure to leave her emotionally depleted. It was best she didn’t even try. But, oh, Bryce Stanton presented a tempting challenge.
“Best go tell your guests that supper’s ready. I’ll set the table before I have to go to work.” Maggie pulled tin plates from the cupboard.
Bang! The hammer pounded a nail in the next room. The plates rattled in Maggie’s hands. They exchanged looks. Curious, Kaitlin went to investigate.
Wham! Kaitlin flinched. Tap! Tap! Tap!
A delivery wagon from the local lumberyard had brought Bryce the piece of wood he’d ordered. He’d gone out immediately after Dan Cochran left. Kaitlin should welcome the help Bryce gave her, but instead, frustration set in. A complete stranger took over duties that should have been hers.
Wiping damp hands on an apron, Kaitlin approached Bryce. She watched unabashed as he brought the hammer back, aimed, and struck the nail dead on. Bang! The fluid motion of his strong muscular arm mesmerized her. Even through the thick flannel shirt, his muscles contracted and expanded with very little effort.
“There. That should hold the weather out until the new window pane arrives.” Bryce spun around to face her.
She stumbled back, surprised he knew she’d been watching. It was an awkward moment. She faced down countless men on a daily basis as she preached against the sins of liquor. Yet, this one man had the ability to fluster her.
“Thank you for seeing to it, though I suspect Maggie and I could have handled the chore.”
“Well now, reckon you could at that, but it made no sense to have you two ladies doin’ work meant for a man.”
Kaitlin gave him a seething glare. “You are so right. I doubt I could have hit that tiny nail with such a big hammer.”
“Sarcasm makes your mouth pucker all funny.” He frowned. “It’s not very becomin’.”
She twisted a handful of her skirt. This man knew just how to set her temper flaring. “Perhaps it would be best if you kept your compliments to yourself. You don’t want to turn my head on your first day here.”
“Don’t stick out those cactus needles on my account. I just say it as I see it. It’s just that you’d be a sight more appealin’ if you’d smile more often.”
The reference to her outward appearance made her bristle more. She’d never known a man to be so blunt.
“Mr. Stanton, I’ve agreed to let you have a corner of my parlor floor as a courtesy. I did not invite you here so I could be insulted.” She whirled around, intent on escaping back to the kitchen.
Strong hands grabbed her from behind. He turned her around to face him. “I meant no disrespect, ma’am. It’s just that I like women. I like ’em a lot. You’ve got a lot goin’ for you, and I just hate to see you so miserable.”
“You don’t know the first thing about me. And what makes you think I’m miserable?”
Bryce shrugged and dropped his hands from her shoulders. “A woman that uses sarcasm as a defense and never smiles can’t be all that happy with her life.”
“I’m quite content.”
“But not necessarily happy.”
“You presume an awful lot for having just met me.”
“May I make another assumption?”
“You might as well. I don’t see how I can stop you.”
“You’re a terrific cook.”
Her eyes widened and her head jerked back. She hadn’t expected that. “How would you know?”
“Whatever you’re cookin’ in there smells heavenly. We haven’t eaten since this mornin’. I’m assumin’ you came in here to tell me supper’s on.” He gave her a wink.
“You’re right about supper being ready, but Maggie’s the cook in this house.” Kaitlin graced him with a soft smile. “I’ve already woken Charley. She should be down soon. I think sleep made her feel much better.”
“See, you are pretty when you smile.”
Her skin grew warm. “And you...are an outrageous flirt.”
“Guilty as charged.”
Bryce followed her into the dining room. Thankfully, Charley was already seated at one end of the table and absorbed Bryce’s attention as soon as they entered the room.
Bryce walked over and gave Charley a gentle rub on the top of her head. “How’s my best girl?”
Charley ducked. “Don’t mess up my hair, Uncle Bryce. I’m better. It still hurts but not like it did earlier.”
“Where’s Maggie?” Bryce took a seat.
Kaitlin took a chair opposite Bryce, preferring to have Charley between them. “She works evenings. She’s the head cook for the Southern Belle Diner. Normally, she goes in around four, but wit
h this afternoon’s events, she’s running late. She’ll be leaving in a moment. I’m here alone most evenings.”
“When does she find time to cook for you?”
“We have a big meal at lunch, and I just snack for supper. This afternoon when you were getting supplies, she put on a stew that could simmer so you and Charley would have something to eat.”
“I’m much obliged to her then.”
“Would you care to say grace for us this evening, Mr. Stanton?”
“Yes, ma’am.” His voice was low, soothing as he recited words that seemed to come easy to him.
He ended the short blessing with an amen, and Kaitlin served their plates with ample helpings of stew, large cuts of meat and potatoes swimming in thick gravy. Surprisingly, Charley’s appetite seemed better than Kaitlin expected. As for Bryce, he helped himself to thirds before he declared himself stuffed. She basked in the compliment of knowing he had enjoyed the meal even though she hadn’t been the one to cook it.
“You mentioned this afternoon you hoped to be able to leave Charley here tomorrow while you run errands?” She presented the statement as more of a question, hoping he would satisfy her curiosity and tell her his plans.
“He’s going courting,” Charley announced.
“Courting?” The thought of Bryce with another woman should not upset her considering the length of time she’d known him, and yet, she found herself strangely disquieted by the notion.
“Yep. He thinks he needs a wife, so I can have a female influence in my life. I keep telling him it isn’t necessary, but he’s kind of stubborn.”
“So I’ve noticed.” Kaitlin speared a piece of meat and took a bite.
“Charley, I think I can speak for myself.”
“Anyone I know?” Kaitlin looked at Bryce.
Bryce shrugged. “Emma Hood.”
“That name rings a bell, but I don’t remember ever meeting her.” She toyed with the edge of her napkin.
Bryce leaned forward with his elbows on the table. “Don’t know if anything will come of it. I haven’t seen her in two years, but we write to each other now and then.”