Although he’d been angry when they parted, she had thought he might come to the late service. In truth, she’d fully expected him to appear. She’d even been a bit disappointed when he didn’t. Not because she wanted to see him, but because she wanted an apology for his behavior when he’d driven off yesterday. And perhaps she wanted to believe he wasn’t who he now appeared to be.
She picked up one of the papers and moved it to another pew as a knock sounded at the door of their living quarters. “Just a moment.” She pushed a wayward curl behind her ear and hurried to the door. “Kirby! What are you doing here at this time of day? Is something wrong?” She peered around his shoulder in the direction of the mine.
“No. Not unless something happened in the last half hour.” He moved a step closer, and she backed away, permitting him just enough space to pass by. Before she could object, he was inside the living quarters. He nodded to the stove. “Coffee?”
“I’m afraid not,” she said.
He glanced toward the other end of the car, then sat down. “Your father in there going over his sermon for tonight?”
“No.” She hoped he wouldn’t ask her to elaborate. “He’s gone for a while, so you really need to leave. It isn’t proper for us to be alone together.”
A slow smile spread across his face. “Where is he?”
“He went squirrel hunting with Luke, but they should be back any time now.” The first part of what she’d told him was the truth; she prayed the second part would be true, as well. “If you want to talk to him, you should wait outside, or I can ask him to pay you a visit at your office when he returns.” She remained standing near the door, but he didn’t get up.
“I hope you aren’t angry with me about my reckless driving yesterday. I know I was going too fast when I made that turn. I think the fender can be repaired so my father will never know it happened.” He leaned back and met her gaze. “What did Luke say about the wreck?”
She frowned. “He had to have a couple of stitches to close up that cut, and I’m sure he’s thankful he jumped out of the truck before it hit the tree. Otherwise he might be dead.”
Kirby chuckled. “I think you’re exaggerating just a little. The accident wasn’t serious enough to kill anyone. Besides, I recall that Luke was feeling good enough to kiss you when you started talking to him.”
Kirby’s tone made her squirm. She peered out the window, but there was still no sign of her father. “I want you to leave, Kirby. My father wouldn’t approve of your being here.”
He stood and drew closer. His eyes dropped from her face down the length of her figure. “And what about you? Do you approve enough to let me kiss you?”
“No, I do not.” The hair at the nape of her neck prickled. She needed to get him out of these tight quarters. She took another step toward the door, but he blocked the path. If she couldn’t get him to leave, maybe she could escape through the sanctuary.
He offered an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry, that wasn’t appropriate, but you can’t fault me for trying. I promise it won’t happen again. In truth, I’d already guessed that Luke stole that kiss. I knew a proper young lady such as yourself would never do anything to compromise your self-respect or that of your father.” He leaned against the metal doorjamb, his stance now relaxed. His eyes shone with intensity, however. “What was it you were saying to Luke when he forced himself on you? I thought I heard you say something about an odor. Am I right?”
His sudden change of attitude and abrupt question jarred her. “W-what?”
“I heard you say something about an odor, and Luke mumbled a reply before he kissed you. But I didn’t hear what either of you said.” He straightened and looked her in the eyes.
Her stomach churned. She couldn’t tell him what they’d discussed, but he wasn’t going to leave without a response. “You’re right. I did say that I thought there was a strange odor and I wasn’t able to distinguish it. I think Luke said it was likely some sort of fluid leaking from the truck. I’m not sure because I was so surprised by his unexpected behavior.”
Kirby’s gaze didn’t waver. He seemed to be deciding whether she’d told him the truth. “So what kind of fluid did he think it was? He must have mentioned it after you went to the doctor’s office with him.”
His tenacity was beginning to frighten her. Did he suspect they knew the truth or was he seeking an assertion that proved he had nothing to fear? If she was going to get him to leave, she needed to reassure him.
She prayed her response would have the desired effect. “I’ve told you what little there is to relate about our conversation. I’m confused as to why you’re so concerned about that silly conversation about an odd smell in the truck rather than Luke’s injuries from the accident. I have to say I’m disappointed you haven’t shown more compassion. I think your concerns are misplaced. You seem to care more about your truck than Luke’s welfare.”
“Luke’s welfare? You’ve already told me the doctor stopped his bleeding with a couple stitches and that he’s out hunting. I don’t think his condition requires any further inquiry.”
“Truly? Then why does my mention of an odor in your truck require so many questions?” She’d decided to try a new tactic and put Kirby on the defensive. Maybe that would force him out the door.
Instead of heading off, he dropped to a chair and folded his arms across his chest. “Oh, I don’t know. Once I found out you were alone, I thought it would be a good time for us to visit. As I’ve said before, we never get much time alone.” He pointed to the opposite chair. “Sit down and let’s talk some more. I promise I won’t ask any more questions about the accident. Truth is, I’ve been thinking about going back to Pittsburgh for a visit, and I thought you might like to join me on the train. You could come along and meet some of my family and visit a few of your old friends. I was going to ask your father if he’d approve. That’s the real reason I came to see him this morning.”
Hope’s mouth dropped open and she stared at him. There must be something wrong with him. Maybe he’d hit his head in the accident and didn’t realize he’d injured himself. His behavior was making no sense, and now she worried he might actually hurt her if he didn’t like her response.
She sent up a silent prayer asking God to deliver her. Her father had warned that a man who felt trapped could come out fighting. If this was Kirby’s way of fighting, not only was it underhanded, it was terrifying.
Luke followed behind the preacher as they picked their way back to the road. They’d made the trek in silence, and Luke had been careful to cover their tracks during the descent.
When they were out of the woods, Luke detailed the operation. “Sure is a lot bigger than what I expected to find. If it’s Kirby that’s running it—and I’m sure it is since we smelled the moonshine in his truck—then he’s bound to be putting some of the other bootleggers out of business. It’s not gonna take long before they figure out what he’s doin’, and he’s gonna find himself in more trouble than he knows how to handle.”
The preacher pushed his hat back on his head. “But you still don’t think it’s Kirby who’s making the moonshine?”
Luke shook his head. “Naw. There are two stills in there, and they both look to be like the others I’ve seen in these parts. He wouldn’t know how to make a still, and there’s nobody gonna teach him. Leastwise I don’t think so. And like I said, he doesn’t have time to sit on the mountain making shine.”
“So how do we find out who’s helping him?”
“I’m not sure about that just yet.” Luke shifted his shotgun to his other shoulder. “I could plant myself up there and keep a lookout. Could be a might dangerous, but the only other way I know to find out for sure is if Kirby tells us. I don’t ’spect he’s gonna do that, but you never know. If he thinks it will keep him out of trouble, he’d likely turn on his own kin.”
“That’s a harsh judgment, Luke, but you may be right. Let’s head on back. We can tell Hope what we found, and you can pick up the notes
I made for you on tonight’s sermon.” He smiled. “You did a fine job. As usual, I didn’t have many comments.”
Luke hadn’t received help with his sermons while the preacher was recovering from his illness, and folks thought he’d done well filling in for the preacher. But Luke wanted to prepare himself to be more than a substitute. He’d prayed long and hard about the future and believed that one day he would lead a church of his own. When that happened, he wanted to know he’d done everything he could to be prepared. They’d agreed that Luke would continue to preach at one of the meetings each day, yet Luke insisted the preacher examine his sermons. Even though Hope’s father thought the review unnecessary, he’d agreed.
One of the miners was hunched on the boardwalk outside the general store. His face was covered by his hands, and his miner’s hat was lying on the ground in front of him. The preacher glanced at Luke. “Let me go and talk to him. You go on over to the chapel car. I’ll be along in a few minutes.”
Luke didn’t argue. There was little doubt the miner had problems that needed both prayer and advice. Luke knew the preacher would provide both, along with a strong dose of comfort.
Taking long strides, he walked to the depot, then crossed the tracks toward the spur. Several windows of the chapel car were open, and the sun glistened on the shiny brass rail that surrounded the rear platform. Eager to tell Hope what they’d discovered, he loped across the grassy thicket, but then stopped short when he neared the window of the living quarters.
Luke’s heart started pounding. He sprinted toward the chapel car, straining for a better view. He clenched his jaw.
Kirby was alone with Hope.
CHAPTER
24
Luke charged toward the platform, his feet hammering the ground and his racing heartbeat pounding in his ears. He was reaching for the platform railing when a flicker of light on the tracks captured his attention. He released his hold and rushed toward it.
A lit fuse shot sparks into the air as it sizzled toward three bundled sticks of dynamite. Without thinking, Luke lunged toward the dynamite, grasped it in his hand, and hurled it into a gully behind the rail spur. Before he could hit the ground and cover his head, a thunderous explosion rocked the area. Windows in the chapel car shattered, rocks and gravel flew in all directions, branches broke loose from nearby trees, and the tangy-sweet odor of dynamite hung in the air.
Luke lifted his head from the rail spur and shook off the fog that had invaded his mind. Hope! He struggled to his feet, gained his footing, and rushed toward the railcar. “Hope! Hope! Are you okay?” He gasped for air. “Answer me!”
“Luke!” She appeared on the platform, her features twisted in fear. Her auburn curls flew in countless directions, and a sleeve of her dress revealed a jagged rip.
He ran to the platform and extended his arms. Gently he lifted her down and held her close. He longed to erase the horror she’d experienced. “Are you hurt? Do you need the doctor?”
“No. What about you?” She brushed the dirt from his cheek. “I was so frightened, and then I realized you were out there on the tracks. I tried to get to you . . .” She coughed. “Kirby caught me when the explosion happened, but I fought myself free of him. I had to know you weren’t injured.”
“You don’t have to say a word, Hope, but if I don’t declare my love to you, I’ll regret it forever. In those few seconds before that dynamite exploded, I regretted I’d never said those words to you. I know I’m not worthy of your love. You deserve a man who can give you a fine home in a big city, not a poor miner like me.”
She touched her fingers to his lips. “Please don’t ruin this moment by saying I deserve a man who is better than you, Luke. I could never find a better match. You’re honest, kind, trustworthy, and you love the Lord. How could I ask for anything more?” She leaned back and looked up at him. “I love you, Luke. I don’t need a fancy house in a big city to make me happy. I need only you.”
He leaned down, brushed a curl from her temple, and gently kissed her on the mouth. “I could hold you like this forever, but I s’pose we should check on Kirby and see if he’s hurt. What was he doing inside with you, anyway?”
As he and Hope returned to the chapel car, she recounted Kirby’s unexpected appearance and how strange he’d been acting. Before he could press for more details, Luke pushed open the chapel car’s door and led the way inside the living quarters. She stood in the doorway and glanced over her shoulder at Luke. “Kirby’s not here.”
Luke followed her into the living quarters. Using his boot, he pushed aside shards of glass scattered across the floor. His gaze settled on the books and papers that had been tossed from shelves and tables and now lay strewn on the floor. He shook his head. “It’s a wonder you weren’t hit on the head by falling books or cut by flying glass.”
Hope gave him a weak smile. “I don’t know why, but now that I’m back inside and see all this, I can’t seem to stop shaking.” Luke pulled her into his arms, and she leaned heavily against him. “I have no idea what happened to Kirby. I’m amazed he’s gone.” She looked up at Luke. “Did you see any sign of him before you came to the railcar?”
Luke smoothed her hair. “No. He must have gone out the door at the other end of the car. There’s no way I would have seen him. I’m guessin’ he’s not hurt since he took off in such an all-fired hurry.”
“I suppose, but I can barely hold my thoughts together. I don’t know how he could jump up and run off like that. I feel like I’ll never stop shaking.”
“I understand. It’s like hoping you’ll wake from a nightmare, but having to accept what happened is real.” Luke held her close. “I’ll be more than happy to have you in my arms until you stop trembling.” He smiled down at her, hoping his words would ease her fears.
She nodded. “Thank you, but I don’t think it would be proper for you to embrace me quite that long.”
He chuckled, pleased she’d been able to tease him. “I’d sure like to know who put that dynamite out there—and why. Nobody’s got a bone to pick with you or your pa, so I’m thinkin’ this has something to do with Kirby.”
Before they had a chance to talk any further, the shouts of men and the sound of pounding feet could be heard through the open windows.
Luke released her and peered outside. “Looks like the off-duty railroaders are comin’ to find out what’s going on.” The group of men ran toward the spur, some bearing weapons, others carrying picks and shovels. “From the looks of what they’re bringing with them, I’m not sure if they’re planning to shoot someone, plant a garden, or dig for coal.”
Hope stepped forward to look for herself. “I’d say they grabbed whatever was close by that might be used as a weapon.” She shivered. “I wouldn’t want someone coming at me with one of those picks.”
Luke smiled. “I don’t think you need to worry about that.”
One of the approaching men shouted at the railcar, “Anybody inside? Anyone need help?”
Luke stepped out onto the platform. Hope followed him outside, her hair blowing in a breeze that remained scented by the odor of dynamite. She waved to the men. “The railcar’s a mess, but we’re okay.”
The two of them stepped down as the railroaders gathered around. One of the men leaned on the handle of his shovel. “What in the world happened out here? We heard a blast when we were in the roundhouse, but couldn’t figure out what was going on.”
Luke shrugged. “I can’t tell you much.” He quickly related what he’d seen and how he grabbed the dynamite and tossed it in the gully.
“Why in tarnation would anyone wanna dynamite the chapel car? Ain’t nobody got hard feelings toward the preacher.” He nodded toward Hope. “Or Miss Hope. Don’t make no sense.” He scratched his head. “I guess we ain’t the ones needin’ to figure it out.” He gestured to the men. “C’mon. Let’s see what we can do to help Miss Hope get things cleared up inside.” He turned back to Luke and pointed to a large tree not far away. “You two had enough ex
citement for one day. Sit down over there by that tree and try to steady yourselves a bit.” The railroader nodded toward the station. “Looks like your pa got wind of things.”
Hope saw her father hurrying across the area. She waved her handkerchief, calling to him, “I’m fine, Papa! Don’t run.” She looked at Luke. “We’re both fine.”
Her father didn’t heed her words. Instead, he picked up his pace until he’d reached her. “Someone in town said they heard there was an accident over here. I went up on the hill with a miner and didn’t know until I got back to town.” His eyes shone with panic as he looked her up and down. “You sure you’re not hurt?” His gaze drifted to the railcar. “What happened?”
She grasped his arm. “I’m fine. Just a tear in my dress that can be easily mended. Come sit down. Luke and I will explain what we can.”
The three of them settled beneath the tree while they told her father what had happened. Afterward he raked his fingers through his hair and said, “I have to think that someone was attempting to either scare or hurt Kirby. Whoever it was must have followed him. Makes me wonder if they would have set off dynamite near the boardinghouse if he’d gone in there.” He shook his head. “I’m thankful you were able to pitch that dynamite away from the railcar before it went off, Luke. I don’t know how I can ever thank you for saving Hope’s life.”
Luke grinned. “I might be able to come up with an idea in the future.”
Hope squeezed his hand.
Her father sighed. “Who would do something like this?”
“I’ve been thinking about that,” Luke said, turning serious again. “It has to be someone riled up enough to want to make a point.”
The Chapel Car Bride Page 24