An Agent for Hope

by Marie Higgins

  “Paperwork. I realized we hadn’t completed the paperwork for the last two cases we were working on. Archie kept hounding me about them, and of course, that’s when he mentioned the case I was supposed to be working on with my beautiful wife.”

  Hope’s cheeks warmed. She was glad Jesse couldn’t see them. Archie had once mentioned to Jesse about her looks, and Jesse couldn’t stop teasing her about it. She knew Archie didn’t think that way about her, especially since he was a happily married man.

  “I apologize for not sticking around and helping you with the paperwork. I was never very good at that, anyway.”

  “Yes, I know.”

  She bumped him with her elbow. “You don’t need to point out my faults.”

  “Hope, I wasn’t doing that.”

  “It sure sounded like it to me.” She folded her arms across her chest as irritation grew inside her again.

  “All I was saying,” he replied weakly, “is that there are certain things you are better at, which is why you never liked doing paperwork.”

  She shrugged. “If you say so.”

  A small growl came from him as he pushed off his hat and raked his fingers through his thick black hair. “Hope, why do you always think I’m trying to start an argument with you? Why can’t we just talk like normal people? We have done it a few times since we’ve been married, and I know we can do it again if you’ll just try—”

  “Oh, so it’s my fault?” Anger rose inside Hope as she stood and brushed off the dirt from her pants.

  It didn’t take long before Jesse had joined her and stood before her, grasping her shoulders, holding her firmly. He wasn’t a violent man, and he definitely wasn’t forceful. Right now, however, she wished he wouldn’t stand so close. During those months of training, every time he had gotten this close, it made it hard for her to breathe. It had also made her uncomfortable seeing his brilliant blue eyes up so close and smelling his manly scent. Thankfully, she couldn’t see his eyes now, but he still smelled good.

  “Hope, will you listen to me for once without letting your temper show through?”

  She stood ramrod straight and bunched her hands into fists at her sides. As she tried to remain calm, her mind swam around his question. During their time together, she had let her temper fly off the handle on several occasions, and now she wondered why. Jesse had always been a gentleman, and although sometimes he snapped back at her, he wasn’t forceful.

  “I’m surprised, dear husband. You should know by now how often I let my temper show through.”

  “Yes, I’m very much aware of it. However, I really wish you would allow me to explain things before you get upset.”

  Taking a deep breath, she slowly released it, trying to let the anger subside as well. “Fine. I won’t say anymore as you try to explain.”

  “Hope,” he said as his hands slowly ran up and down her arms, “It’s never been my intention to make you upset. As an agent, I think you are very capable of proving your worth. Archie is even proud of you.”

  She arched an eyebrow. “Are you saying you do think I’m capable of handling a case by myself?”

  He shrugged and motioned to the cluster of trees surrounding them. “Look how far you’ve gotten already. I’m quite impressed.”

  Her heartbeat quickened. Not very often did he praise her. She’d definitely cherish this moment. “Thank you, Jesse. I’m sure that was difficult to say.”

  “Actually,” he moved closer until she could smell the peppermint on his breath, “I should have told you that a month ago, before you left.”

  His hand moved to her cheek, and his warm touch startled her. She sucked in her breath. “Why... didn’t you?” she said softly.

  “I wish I knew, but I can tell you this.” During his pause, she noticed the whiteness of his teeth, which meant he was smiling widely. “I’ve missed you... even our arguments.”

  She wanted to laugh, but his sweet words caused a flutter to grow within her chest. As odd as it seemed, she didn’t even mind his tender caress. The urge to relax against him and allow his touch to do more came over her. “What are you saying, Jesse?”

  “I’m saying, that I want you to—”

  The alarming sound of a gunshot ripping through the stillness around them, made Hope jump. Jesse also jumped and withdrew his gun.

  Immediately, Hope fell to the ground as panic surrounded her.

  In haste, she swept her hand around the ground, searching through the darkness for her saddlebag. Once her hand bumped against the hard leather, she dove her fingers inside and grabbed her pistol. Just as she was standing, Jesse grasped her arm.

  “The shot came from the cabin,” he whispered. “Follow me.”

  She scowled, wondering why he couldn’t follow her, but Jesse was already moving, and she didn’t want to start an argument. Something was terribly wrong down at the cabin. The burning in her gut let her know she wasn’t going to like the outcome.

  The hillside was rockier than she’d wanted, and she slipped several times while following Jesse. But she didn’t want him to think she was weak. She didn’t need him trying to assist her, not when she could do it herself.

  As they neared the cabin, voices were heard from inside. A man’s calming tone was speaking to a crying woman. Jesse slowed his steps, and Hope nearly ran into him. The lantern inside the cabin blazed with light, helping to illuminate Kate and Frank. Kate’s shaky hand pointed the Derringer at Frank who stood ten feet away, holding up his hands in surrender. However, the train robber was not surrendering in the least. Their son, Robert, cowered in the corner of the room, sobbing.

  “I tole ya, Frank,” Kate’s high-pitched voice shook, “that if’n ye hit me one more time, I’d kill ya.”

  Jesse came to a halt near the window, and she stopped beside him. Shadows were all around them, so Hope doubted the train robber, or his wife could see them. One of Kate’s eyes was swollen and blood coated her bottom lip. Hope’s heart wrenched for this poor woman and what she had to endure being married to an abusive man like Frank.

  “Put the gun down, Katie. I won’t touch you again.”

  “No, ya won’t, cuz I’m gonna kill ya.”

  Kate’s hand trembled but she kept it pointed at Frank.

  “We need to stop her from shooting him,” Jesse whispered.

  Hope gasped. “Are you addled? Why would we stop her?”

  Jesse turned his head, peering at Hope. “Because Frank needs to confess where he’s hidden those things that he’d taken from the trains. He has money that belongs to the railroad companies. If he dies, those things will never be recovered.”

  Hope shrugged. “You don’t know that. Maybe his wife knows where it is.”

  “We cannot take that chance. We are here to arrest Frank. I’m sure justice will be served the right way.”

  “Or,” Hope folded her arms, cocking her head, “we can let his wife shoot him, which is what a man like that deserves.”

  “No, Hope.” Jesse grasped her upper arm. “You are not his judge or jury. It’s not your decision to make.”

  “True, but I think it should be his battered wife’s decision.”

  “I understand how easy it is to sympathize, but you must remember first and foremost, that you are a Pinkerton Agent. The law comes first, and I think you know me enough that I will follow the rules.”

  Perhaps that was the one thing that had bothered Hope since meeting the loyal Pinkerton man. Things were black and white with him and there was no room for different shades to cloud his judgment. Most of the time he was right, but times like this with Kate Hinchee, Hope felt that Jesse was wrong.

  “Then I’ll let you tell that to Frank’s wife after he escapes his jail cell – which we both know he’s capable of doing – and returns to beat his wife to a bloody pulp... or kills her with his bare hands, Agent Slade.”

  Jesse’s expression tightened and he inhaled deeply as if he was trying to calm his ire. “Deep down in your heart, you know I’m right.�
�

  “Actually, I don’t.” She pushed his grip off her arm.

  “Hope, this isn’t the time to argue. We’ll discuss this later.”

  The clicking of a pistol ripped through the air around them, followed by a man’s deep baritone laugh. “Much later, in fact.”

  Jesse whipped around toward the man, raising his gun, but the man pressed the barrel of his gun to Jesse’s head.

  “Drop your weapon, Agent Slade.”

  Fear mixed with panic filled Hope as she slowly moved her gun behind her back, tightening her fingers around the steel. How had Frank escaped his wife, and why hadn’t Hope and Jesse heard the outlaw sneaking up on them? Then again, Hope’s downfall was her temper, and once again, she put that first instead of focusing what was really important.

  “And you too, Mrs. Slade.” Kate’s rough voice came from behind Hope as she felt the point of the woman’s rifle press against her back. “Drop your weapon.”

  THREE

  Jesse tried keeping a clear mind, even though his thoughts jumped all over the place. Following the train robber’s instructions were necessary, but Jesse must also figure out how to protect Hope. He’d patiently wait the time when he could reach into his boot and pull out his knife. He’d learned by now to always have a backup weapon.

  “Mrs. Slade,” Jesse told Hope as he tossed his gun to the ground, “do as they say.”

  Frank’s eyes widened. “I’m surprised, Agent Slade, that you’re not trying to fight me. Some of the other Pinkerton agents I’ve dealt with weren’t as quick to obey.”

  “Well, since your gun is pressed against my forehead, I figured you meant business.” Jesse chose his words carefully. “Besides, I’ve not known you to kill anyone, and I pray you don’t break that trend now.”

  Slowly Frank nodded and pulled back his gun from Jesse’s head, but the outlaw still held it toward Jesse. “You’re correct. I haven’t killed anyone... yet. However, my wife has, so I suggest, Mrs. Slade, that you don’t make my wife upset.”

  Frank stepped back until he could look at both Jesse and Hope. The train robber motioned to his wife. “Get their guns from the ground.” Mrs. Hinchee hurried and collected the guns. “Now, if you’ll be so kind, Agent Slade, take your wife and go inside the cabin where we can keep an eye on you better.”

  Jesse turned toward Hope and slid his arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer. Any other time he’d tried to be affectionate with her, she’d pushed him away, but this time she seemed to cling to his side. Under the circumstances, she was probably frightened to death, so he wouldn’t read too much into her actions.

  When Jesse first stepped into the cabin, his attention moved to the young man in the room. Robert, Kate’s son, stood by the table, spooning some stew into a bowl. The kid’s gaze met Jesse’s and froze. Jesse didn’t know if Frank was the kid’s father or not. Maybe in better light Jesse would be able to look for resemblances between the two men. But for now, he’d just assume the boy was devoted to his family and wouldn’t want to help his father’s two prisoners.

  The inside of the cabin was small. The kitchen and the front room were combined, and a small hallway veered off to the side of the kitchen that could be a bedroom. Unfortunately, the only means of escaping would be through the front door, which is where Mrs. Hinchee stood, cradling her rifle as if she was ready to spring into battle at any moment.

  Frank shoved Jesse from behind. Jesse quickened his steps, and Hope kept up with him.

  “Sit down in the corner over there.” Frank pointed in the direction he wanted Jesse.

  Keeping his arm around Hope’s shoulders, he moved them to the spot indicated, and they sat side by side. Although he wanted to keep his arm around her, this was the time when he needed both hands free. He was glad when Hope cuddled against his arm. His heart softened, knowing that she sought protection from him instead of thinking she could handle things herself as she usually did.

  Frank’s smile was victorious, and Jesse wanted to smack it right off his face. For now, he’d let the outlaw believe he was in control.

  “I’d offer you something to eat,” Frank glanced at the pot of stew sitting on the table before looking back at Jesse, “but I’m not generally a good host, and since we didn’t know we were having company, there ain’t enough food.”

  “We’re fine,” Jesse answered for both him and Hope.

  Chuckling, Frank pushed his fingers through his thick crop of red hair and moseyed over to Robert. The fifteen-year-old’s eyes widened in fright and he stood ramrod stiff. Jesse guessed that Frank was not only beating his wife, but the boy as well.

  “I’m just very relieved that Robert mentioned seeing people watching us in the trees, or I would have never known.”

  Jesse hitched a breath. Robert had seen them? When? By the time Jesse had found Hope, it was nearly dark. Unless... He glanced at Hope who rubbed her forehead and closed her eyes. Perhaps his wife wasn’t as cautious as she should have been.

  Inwardly, Jesse groaned. Hadn’t she learned anything from when he taught her how to be a Pinkerton agent? But now was not the time to point an accusing finger. He must change their kidnapping into something positive. Jesse must believe that he could think of a way to get them out of this mess.

  “Yes, well...” Jesse cleared his throat. “You know us Pinkerton agents and how we’ll go to all lengths to catch our train robbers.”

  “Train robbers?” The man in his early forties threw back his head and laughed loudly. “Katie, did you hear that? They think I’m a train robber.”

  Mrs. Hinchee’s eyebrow arched. “Ya don’t say.”

  Frank’s dusty boots made the floor creak as he came toward Jesse and Hope. The man’s beady eyes were narrowed on Jesse as the man scratched his chin. “What evidence do you have that I have been robbing trains?”

  Jesse didn’t want to confess what the Pinkertons had against him, because if Frank escaped again, they needed to be able to find him, which meant Frank would have to do those things he’d been doing in order to follow the trail.

  Shrugging Jesse rested his hands on his bent knees. “Why do you think you’re innocent?”

  Frank spread his arms out as his gaze moved around the room. “You say I’ve robbed trains. Do I look wealthy?”

  Strange to think that Jesse had wondered the same thing. Logic quickly took over the doubts and he remembered that Frank was estranged from his wife, and this was Kate Hinchee’s cabin, not where Frank usually spent his time. The outlaw couldn’t think Jesse was stupid enough to believe the money stolen from the trains would actually be spent on Kate or Robert.

  “It’s obvious,” Jesse said, choosing his words wisely, “that you didn’t spend any of the stolen money on this place.”

  Frank stared at Jesse for several long moments. Jesse didn’t know what the outlaw expected, but he wasn’t about to come right out and tell Frank everything. Seconds later, the train robber threw back his head and laughed as he turned away from Jesse, moving back toward the table.

  “The Pinkerton agents have been trying to catch me for years, but the truth is,” Frank stopped at the table and grabbed his bowl of stew, “you are all too dimwitted to realize that I’m not the guilty man.”

  Frank motioned his hand toward Robert to move out of the chair. The young man stood so fast, his chair almost tipped over, but Frank saved it from crashing to the ground. As Frank sat at the table and stuffed his mouth full of stew, he muttered a few things to Kate.

  Releasing a deep breath, Jesse relaxed against the wall. He couldn’t hear the conversation between Frank and his wife, but right now, he didn’t care. Jesse needed to formulate a plan to get him and Hope out of this mess and to safety.

  He peered toward Hope. Her face wasn’t buried in her hands as it had been when he last looked at her. Instead, her gaze moved around the room in interest. Her pretty brown eyes were wide, and the light of awareness made them twinkle. He had worked with her closely enough to know that when her eyes
sparkled this way, she had an idea.

  Jesse waited patiently until her gaze stopped on him. He arched an eyebrow and whispered, “Care to share your idea with me?”

  When she glanced toward Frank and Kate, Jesse peeked in that direction. Thankfully, the train robber still conversed with Kate. Both of their weapons were resting on the table and within reach.

  Hope leaned her shoulder against Jesse’s. At first, he thought his wife was just trying to cozy up next to him – even though that wasn’t something she did – but then she tilted her mouth toward his ear.

  “I’m going to distract them so that you can wrestle the gun from Frank.”

  Jesse pressed his lips together for fear he’d laugh out loud and draw attention to his outburst. Was she serious? Wrestling for a weapon usually left one of the pair shot. Although, he had overtaken outlaws when they weren’t expecting it, and thankfully, he’d never been injured.

  But, there was a first time for everything.

  “You must have a lot of faith in me, my dear wife,” he whispered to her, still keeping his attention on the outlaw. “You must have forgotten that his wife has a rifle.”

  “I haven’t forgotten about her. You see,” Hope scooted closer, “Frank is going to send his wife outside because the coward doesn’t want to get caught. When that happens, you can jump Frank and take away his gun.”

  Breathing slowly and deeply, Jesse tried to imagine her plan so that he could work out those problem spots. There were always problem spots to any plan. He felt encouraged that Hope would have that much faith in him. Maybe she didn’t totally dislike him.

  “What are you going to do to distract him?” Jesse wondered.

  “I don’t know yet,” she whispered. “I’m still trying to decide.”

  Hope pulled away from him and sat straighter. Her mind was spinning, he was sure of it. The urge to smile tenderly at her was tempting, but he didn’t want Frank noticing and asking about it.

  From the first moment he met Hope six months ago in the Denver office, he had thought she was the prettiest woman he’d ever seen. Her thick, long eyelashes enhanced her lovely eyes, and her heart-shaped lips were made for kissing. The only time he was allowed that privilege was after his supervisor, Archie Gordon, had conducted the wedding and pronounced Jesse and Hope husband and wife, telling Jesse to kiss the bride. Hope had been reluctant, and when her mouth pressed against his, her lips were stiff and unresponsive. He didn’t mind, since they had only just met the morning of their wedding.