Cowboy Lawman's Christmas Reunion

by Louise M. Gouge

  “What brings you to our little town, Mr. Giles?”

  “Simply traveling the country.” Giles offered a pleasant smile that seemed sincere.

  “At the start of winter?” Justice kept his tone good-humored.

  “What can I say?” Giles chuckled and shrugged. “Probably not the best idea I’ve ever had.”

  A vague answer, but not enough to unduly raise suspicions. Yet he hadn’t offered a solid reason for choosing the stop in Esperanza, a town with no saloons or gambling halls, which he probably knew by now. Could be he wasn’t a gambler, despite his slick, dandified appearance.

  “You’re welcome to town. Folks here are pretty friendly. A tight community. Everybody looks out for everybody else.” Again, he kept his tone light so the warning didn’t sound ominous but still made his point.

  Oddly, Giles’s face brightened even more. “Sounds like a fine place to settle down.”

  “You looking to settle down?”

  “Well, no.” He shrugged and chuckled again. “Well, maybe.”

  Justice acknowledged his remark with a nod, taking note of Giles’s self-contradiction. “You let me know if you need anything.” He hoped the man would take the hint and leave so he could get over to the library.

  “Thank you, Sheriff. I shall.” Giles donned his hat and gave Sean a friendly nod. “Deputy.” Then he left.

  “Huh.” Sean stared after him. “Wonder what that was all about.”

  “Same here.”

  Justice had learned from Jubal Tucker not to judge a man too quickly but also not to ignore his instincts. Giles seemed to be a fine fellow, almost to the point of perfection, but something about him made the hairs on the back of Justice’s neck stand up. After all these years lived among cowboys who were mostly rough around the edges, he had a hard time in the company of someone who represented all he himself might have been, had his father not lost his fortune and died. Still, despite the emotional pain he’d endured, he wouldn’t trade these past eleven years for anything, except to have his father back, because his trials had made a man of him.

  He should have remarked about Giles’s Cajun accent. Should have mentioned he’d come from New Orleans and was part Cajun himself. The quickest way to dispel those nagging feelings of unease concerning the man was to learn more about him, which was often accomplished by finding common ground. But Justice wanted to get over to the library before Evangeline closed it for the day, so he’d deal with Giles later. After telling Sean he’d return shortly, he left the office. A glance westward revealed Giles had crossed the street and now ambled down the boardwalk toward the hotel, twirling his ebony walking stick as he went. He was a dandy, all right. But that didn’t mean he was harmless.

  As Justice headed east toward the library, annoying anticipation arose in his chest, probably because of the smile Evangeline had given him over Thanksgiving dinner the day before. He tried to ignore the urge to seek her advice about those drapes and other furnishings for his house. If he were to ask any woman for help, it would be Mrs. Winsted, a middle-aged widow with excellent taste who would sell him quality merchandise at a reasonable price without entangling his heart. Or perhaps Mrs. Jones, the mayor’s wife, or...well, anyone but Evangeline.

  * * *

  “There you are, Adam.” Evangeline’s hands shook as she finished checking out Michael Faraday’s Experimental Researches in Electricity—Volume I to Adam Starling. On another day, one when she wasn’t worried beyond distraction, she might try to engage the young man in conversation about his interests. She hoped her smiles would catch people’s attention rather than her trembling fingers and frame.

  “Thank you, ma’am.” Adam gazed at the book with excitement, so at least he didn’t notice her nervous twitching. “If you can find some similar books, I’d greatly appreciate it.”

  “I’ll see what I can do. The library association has given me a budget for new acquisitions, so I’ll make certain to look for books about the latest scientific advancements.”

  Adam thanked her, and she turned to the next patron, Mrs. Trujillo, whose husband owned a large ranch north of town, according to Susanna. “Did you find anything to your liking?”

  “I did.” The dark-haired woman held out the final copy of Jane Eyre for Evangeline to record. “I’m surprised I snatched this up before Georgia.” She glanced at Georgia Eberly, who stood nearby watching the proceedings. “We all know how she loves a good romance.”

  “Yes, I do.” Georgia laughed. “I’m happy to say we own a copy of Miss Charlotte Brontë’s fine novel, among others, and I’ve read all of them over and over. When you finish reading Jane Eyre, we should get together to discuss it.”

  Mrs. Trujillo raised her delicate black eyebrows. “What a grand idea. Mrs. Benoit, what would you think of starting a book club right here at the library?”

  Evangeline gulped down a sob, changing it to a strangled laugh. “A book club is indeed a grand idea, especially in the winter when fewer outdoor activities are available. And a library is the perfect place to hold such meetings. You must spread the word and find out the best evening for everyone who wants to take part.”

  Everyone but her. Only the Lord knew where she’d be in the coming days, but it certainly wouldn’t be in this town she’d come to love.

  After Hugo accosted her in front of Williams’s Café, offering outwardly polite greetings infused with intrusive inquiries about the children that sent more chills down her spine, he’d stepped into the street and headed for the jailhouse...and Justice. Evangeline fled to the library, planning to close it and hurry home so she could explain everything to Susanna and Nate before Justice apprehended her. She must beg her cousins to protect Isabelle and Gerard from Hugo, to take care of and perhaps even adopt them, once she was arrested. Would they do it? After all, Gerard had been minding Nate recently, and everyone adored Isabelle.

  When she arrived back at the library, however, it was crowded with too many eager patrons for her to chase out or trust to Georgia. The young lady still had much to learn about Evangeline’s procedures. Unable to leave, she did her best to work as though nothing were wrong, praying no one would notice her fearful trembling.

  Moments after she’d talked herself into a dismal resignation regarding her future, Justice walked into the building. As always, the outdoor light behind him hid his expression, but from his posture, she could see he was staring in her direction.

  He approached, and she nearly reached out in supplication to plead for her children’s safety. Yet when he stopped in front of her desk, she could see his pleasant smile. His relaxed smile. She tried to return the same, but every muscle in her body shook with fright.

  “Are you ill?” Compassion and kindness now shone from his eyes. “Do you need a glass of water?”

  “Mrs. Benoit?” Georgia leaned down to grip Evangeline’s shoulders and study her face. “Are you all right?”

  “Yes.” The word came out as a croak. “Just...a bit overwhelmed. It’s been a busy day.”

  Justice fetched her a glass of lemonade from the refreshment table. “Maybe this will help.” He set it on the desk.

  “Sheriff.” Georgia huffed playfully. “Never put a damp glass on wood.” She lifted the vessel and placed a thick woolen coaster under it. “There.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Justice chuckled and gave the feisty girl one of his casual grins.

  In those few seconds, Evangeline frantically tried to evaluate her circumstances. She could see Justice hadn’t come to arrest her...unless he planned to wait until all the patrons left the library. But surely he wouldn’t be so cruel as to banter with someone he planned to put in jail, unless it was his way of throwing off her suspicions so she wouldn’t try to escape. She sipped the sugary lemonade to give herself even more time to think, but no sensible thoughts came to mind.

  “Mrs. Benoit.�
�� Georgia leaned close again and studied Evangeline’s face, concern filling her blue eyes. “Why don’t you let the sheriff take you home. I’ve been watching you work, and I can manage the library. Truly I can. I haven’t mentioned it yet, but I think you should take Saturdays off and let me take over for you so you can stay home with Gerard and Isabelle.”

  “That would be lovely.” Before Hugo’s alarming arrival, Evangeline wondered what to do with the children when she needed to work and they weren’t in school. Now, as she was about to lose everything, her children’s future care was her greatest worry. This put everything else in perspective. Perhaps she’d been too possessive of the library. Georgia was a responsible girl, and now it would be in good hands once Justice took her into custody. “Thank you.”

  “That settles it.” Justice beckoned to Adam Starling. “Would you fetch Mrs. Benoit’s buggy and my horse?”

  “Yessir.” Adam dashed from the building at his usual running pace and headed toward the livery stable.

  Justice wended his way through the crowd of library patrons to the coatrack at the back of the room, returning to the desk with Evangeline’s hat and coat. “Permit me.”

  Filled with trepidation, she stood and permitted him to help her into the wrap. Was it madness to go with Justice, to be alone with him? Would he question her about her debts, about Hugo? As his large, strong hands rested briefly on her shoulders, warmth beyond what the coat provided swept down her being. How easy it would be to lean into his broad chest and feel his strength supporting her. To tell him everything and beg for his help, praying he retained a remnant of his long ago love for her.

  But she had no such claim on him, and he was a lawman with the power to destroy all she held dear.

  * * *

  Against all reason, Justice felt an overwhelming desire to protect Evangeline. He told himself those feelings were due to her widowhood and his own protective nature toward those who were helpless, the trait that had drawn him into law enforcement. For those few seconds he’d let his hands rest on her shoulders, he’d been tempted to turn her around and pull her into a comforting embrace. What frightened her so badly that she still shook as he helped her into the buggy Adam fetched?

  Once seated, Evangeline sat as far from him as she could on the driver’s bench. Her gloved hands were tightly clasped in her lap, and her blue eyes stared straight ahead. Even her lips formed a tense line. This was more than anxiety over the library’s opening. If anything, from what Justice had seen in his few minutes there, the event was a huge success. As much as he intended to remain aloof from her, he couldn’t keep quiet.

  “Look, I’m not trying to intrude into your affairs, but—”

  Evangeline’s delicate jaw dropped, and she stared at him. She gave her head a little shake. “No, I’m sure you’re not. I do appreciate your taking me home, but I really could have driven myself.”

  He could see she was trying to redirect the conversation, which made him all the more curious about her distress.

  “Evangeline, what upset you back there? Did something happen at the library? Was someone rude to you?” The thought stirred his temper despite his efforts to distance himself from her, as she’d distanced herself from him on this bench.

  “No. Everyone was wonderful. They love having a special place to find good books at a leisurely pace instead of having to crowd into the corner of Mrs. Winsted’s store.” She sent him a quick smile, then looked away again. “Speaking of books and readers, I think Adam Starling should have the opportunity to further his education. He’s interested in science, specifically electricity. If he can’t attend college, perhaps the library can acquire more science books, and he can teach himself.”

  She was avoiding Justice’s questions. All right, then. He would follow her lead, since she didn’t want to confide in him. At least he was taking her home to rest. He’d make sure Susanna knew why Evangeline had come home early. Perhaps she could ferret out the cause of her cousin’s distress.

  He considered asking Evangeline’s advice about the furnishings for his house—merely to have something to talk about, of course—but with her refusing to discuss her problem with him, he certainly wouldn’t share that part of himself with her. He doubted she even knew or cared he was building himself a house. So they rode in silence for the thirty or so minutes it took to drive from town to the farthest house on Four Stones Ranch.

  They drove onto the property to find the children playing tag in the barnyard. Spying his mother, Gerard dashed to the buggy the moment Justice stopped by the back door hitching post. When the boy saw Justice, his bright face and open smile clouded up like a sudden rainstorm.

  “What’s he doing here?” For a ten-year-old, he sure did have a grown-up growl to his voice.

  “And hello to you, too, Gerard.” Evangeline smiled at her son as she hurried to climb down before Justice could offer his assistance. “I see you’re playing nicely, so run back to your game.”

  “Is he staying?” The boy jutted his chin toward Justice.

  She didn’t answer him. Instead, she turned back and offered a grateful, if tight, smile. “Thank you for bringing me home. Would you like to come inside for coffee?” Everything about her expression and posture conveyed hope he wouldn’t accept.

  “It was my pleasure to bring you home, but I’ll pass on the coffee.” He touched the brim of his hat and turned the horse toward the barn.

  Wes met him by the corral and took over tending the horse and buggy. Justice untied Thunder from the rear of the conveyance, mounted up and kicked his horse into a brisk canter. Only when he reached the main road did he remember he’d planned to tell Susanna about Evangeline’s distress. He dismissed his worries about the failure. After all, Nate’s wife was caring and perceptive, especially toward her loved ones. She and Nate would see to her cousin’s needs.

  Yet Justice experienced a lingering, bitter regret that he couldn’t be the one to solve Evangeline’s problem, whatever it was.

  * * *

  At Sunday morning services, Evangeline kept her eyes on the minister as long as she could before involuntarily turning to survey the congregation. Would Hugo be there among the decent Christians gathered to worship the Lord? Would he torment her with those Lucius-like eyes and wily smiles that hid his threats from all except his victim? After the service ended, would he tell the minister and Justice of her debts, both real and false, in front of her new friends?

  But he hadn’t come to church. And if Justice’s friendly nod in her direction was any indication, Hugo hadn’t told him about her crime. Like a snake waiting to strike, he’d hide himself until his revelations could inflict a fatal bite.

  Reverend Thomas read the passage from the second chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, which told about the flight of Joseph, Mary and Baby Jesus to Egypt to escape Herod’s wrath. Then he set aside his sermon notes and stepped to the side of the lectern. “With Christmas approaching, you all will realize this is a bit out of order for the happenings in scripture, but the Lord impressed upon me early this morning that I should address this passage.” He continued with his exposition in his usual conversational fashion.

  Without meaning to, Evangeline found her thoughts wandering. Her flight might not have been righteous, as the biblical family’s had been, but she knew the desperation Joseph surely must have felt as he fled an evil king to save God’s infant Son. Like him, she’d run from an evil man to protect her own son and daughter after Hugo revealed his plans to have her declared incompetent so he could seize custody of her children. They would become his minions, trained in his wicked ways. With his proclivity toward mischief, her son might easily slide into true wickedness. Isabelle’s sweet innocence would be destroyed. Even now, Evangeline shuddered with fear and ached with shame for calling to mind such thoughts while she sat in church. Beside her, Gerard questioned her with an innocent gaze. She gave him a sidewa
ys hug and tried again to listen to the sermon. And again failed.

  During the flight to Egypt, did Joseph employ any diversions as she had done? Evangeline had traveled east by train from New Orleans, hoping if Hugo tried to track her, he’d assume she’d traveled to Marietta, Georgia, where Susanna’s brother lived. She wouldn’t think about her disappointment in Edward Junior’s refusal to offer her a safe haven, only of his news that Susanna still lived and might give her a home. After she and the children reached Memphis, she’d changed their tickets to a westbound train and eventually reached Esperanza. The town’s name was Spanish for hope, and she’d hoped it was a sign the Lord would give her safety with Susanna. But Hugo had found her. What hope did she have now? And yet, until Hugo struck, she had no choice but to continue on as before.

  “Dear friends,” Reverend Thomas said, “perhaps you are fleeing from some sort of danger, real or imagined, physical or spiritual. Be assured of this: just as the Lord led Joseph on the right path of protection for His Son, He will guide you in your time of need if only you call upon Him.”

  Of course God would protect and guide His perfect Son. But what about a desperate mother whom some would call a thief who was fleeing debts she could never repay?

  The minister concluded the service with an invitation to anyone who might want to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. After the closing prayer and hymn, several people approached Evangeline and complimented her work at the library. Justice wasn’t among them, but he did send her another friendly smile across the room. He’d never know how much those smiles meant to her.

  * * *

  Evangeline delivered the children to school the next morning, then proceeded to the library. Before opening it to the public at ten o’clock, she spent almost two hours working on the Christmas village despite doubting she’d see it completed and unveiled after the Christmas pageant. For Hugo undoubtedly would persuade Justice to take her away in handcuffs before then.