Adam!
A rush of memories from last night brought her jerking to a sitting position. The brightness from the sun blaring inside the room made her head throb harder. Through squinting eyes, she peered toward the window to see if she could tell what time it was, but her headache wouldn’t let her look for too long.
“I’ve overslept!” Gasping, she jumped out of bed and hurried around the room, flinging her nightdress on the bed as she slipped into a skirt, blouse, stockings, and shoes. She had no time to dawdle this morning. She needed to find Adam and tell him about what she heard at the Irishmen’s camp.
She scampered down the stairs, nearly tripping on the hem of her skirt, and hurried toward the door. Someone grasped her arm, stopping her. Emily jerked her attention toward Hannah who stood behind her with wide eyes.
“What’s the emergency?” Hannah motioned toward the top of the stairs. “I could hear you in your room. I thought you had a party up there by the amount of clatter that was heard.”
Emily sighed. “Forgive me, but I need to talk to Adam.”
“Adam? But I thought he didn’t want to see you anymore.”
Inwardly, Emily groaned. She didn’t have time to explain everything to her sister. “I’ll tell you everything later, but I need to go into town and talk to Adam. There’s no time to lose.” Emily turned to head out the door, but once again, her sister stopped her.
“Whoa, there.” Hannah shook her head. “You’re not going anywhere until we fix your hair. Although you might be dressed, you’re in no way going out in public looking like you just woke up.”
Gasping, Emily touched her ratted hair. She groaned again. How could she have forgotten about that? “I really don’t have time.”
“You can spare ten more minutes.”
Hannah pulled on Emily’s arm until she followed her sister back upstairs and to her room. Hannah directed her to sit in front of her vanity while she brushed her hair. Emily’s mind kept spinning like a Texas tornado, but she let her sister brush her hair and pull it back away from her face with cut-glass studded hair combs.
“There, you’re done.” Hannah beamed with pride.
Emily jumped up and hugged her sister. “I promise to tell you everything, but right now, I need to talk to Adam first.”
Hannah smiled sweetly. “I hope he loves you as much as you love him.”
Emily chuckled uncomfortably. “Me too!”
With speed, Emily dashed out of the house, mounted a horse, and rode into town. When she reached her destination, she slowed the horse and stopped in front of the sheriff’s office. If anyone knew where Adam would be, it would be Sheriff Montgomery.
As she tied her horse to the post in front of the jail, she peered up and down the street, looking for the unmistakable tall, muscular, blond man who made her heart melt. However, as easy it was to recognize him because he was much taller than most men, she still couldn’t see him.
She walked into the building. Out of the four jail cells, only one had someone in it. The man was asleep on the cot. But, the sheriff wasn’t inside, and she knew she hadn’t seen him outside. Why would they leave the place without supervision, especially when there was a prisoner?
Taking quiet steps so she didn’t wake up the prisoner, she moved toward the back of the room to see if there were any rooms she’d overlooked. But only a back door greeted her. Cautiously, she opened it and peeked outside in case the sheriff had stepped out for a moment. The alleyway was deserted.
She frowned and returned to the middle of the office, looking around as she tried to decide what to do next. From outside the front door, voices were heard. She hurried toward the door, but before she reached it, the wooden door swung open. A handsome man with blondish-brown hair who wore a shiny silver star on his vest, stood in her way. Walking next to the sheriff was another man slightly older. They were both remarkably handsome, but the slightly older man had long, dark brown hair and wore a goatee. She’d never seen a man with hair that long. But for some reason on him, it looked good.
When the sheriff saw her, he stopped short, as did the man next to him.
“Hello,” she said sweetly. “I’m Emily Black—Hannah Hamilton’s sister.”
The sheriff’s eyes widened in recognition. He smiled widely, and a dimple in his cheek flashed. “Pleasure to meet you, Miss Black. I’m Colt Montgomery, and this,” he pointed to the long-haired man, “is my cousin, Jesse Montgomery. My cousin is visiting from Alabama.”
“Nice to meet both of you.”
“A pleasure, ma’am,” the cousin said and nodded.
She couldn’t help but notice how the long-haired man’s eyes were a remarkable color—like a greenish-blue. Amazing.
“What can I do for you Miss Black?” the sheriff asked.
“I’m wondering if you could point me in the right direction. I’m looking for Adam Hamilton, one of your deputies.”
“I’m sorry, miss. I haven’t seen him since yesterday afternoon. I know he was working late last night, so I presume he’s home sleeping.”
Home? She didn’t know where Adam had been staying since he stormed out of Hannah’s barn a week ago. Did she dare ask? If she did, would he think her too nosey?
“Does he work today at all?” she wondered.
“Yes. He told me he would work this evening.”
She wrung her hands against her waist as she shifted her weight from one foot to the other. She really needed to find him. It was a matter of life and death.
Sheriff Montgomery took a step closer. “Miss Black? Is there something I could do for you?”
“Well...” She nibbled on her lower lip, debating whether or not to tell him. But she must say something. People would be killed if she didn’t bring the law into this matter. And yet, she didn’t want Adam upset at her for enlisting others to help. Hopefully, he’d understand and forgive her.
She inhaled deeply and released it slowly as she nodded. “Actually, there is. I overheard something yesterday that’s very important to what Adam has been working on.”
The sheriff’s brows furrowed. “And what’s that, and does it involve his deceased brother?”
“Yes. What do you know about it?” Hope bounced inside of her. Perhaps Adam wouldn’t get upset if she mentioned something to the sheriff after all.
“Adam told me that he’s added a few people to his suspects’ list.”
She nodded. “Did he tell you about the Irishmen?”
“He’d mentioned them, yes.”
“Well, from what I overheard, they are definitely the ones who killed my brother-in-law and Adam’s family five years ago.”
The sheriff’s expression hardened. He and his cousin exchanged worried glances.
The sheriff removed his hat and raked his fingers through his hair. “Tell me what you overheard.”
“I will, but Sheriff Montgomery, you have to promise me something.”
“What’s that?”
“That you won’t let Adam try and take these men by himself. The three Irishmen have others in their group, and Adam will be walking into a trap.”
He rubbed his scruffy chin. “Adam won’t be alone. I’ll have more men on our side and we won’t let the Irish win.”
“And I’ll help you too, cousin.” The long-haired man gave Colt a sharp nod.
She sighed and gave the men a weak smile. “Thank you, Sheriff. Thank you, Mr. Montgomery.”
“Now,” the sheriff said, “tell me what you know.”
SINGING—LIKE HEAVENLY angels—floated in from the other room. A smile stretched across Emily’s mouth as she set plates on the table for dinner. Since her return from visiting the sheriff, she felt a sense of peace. She and Hannah played with the children, and Emily had such a wonderful afternoon. Now as she listened to her sister teaching Megan and Flynn a church hymn that their own mother had taught her children, Emily couldn’t help but feel everything was right with the world. Even for just a moment.
Several times since leav
ing the sheriff, her mind had returned to Adam. Had the sheriff told him what she’d overheard? Were they gathering men to arrest the Irishmen at this very moment? She dared not think negatively. That would only instill worry inside of her, and she’d go against Adam’s wish of keeping away from the Irishmen.
If she wanted Adam to trust her, she must do as he had requested.
The singing in the other room stopped, and Hannah walked into the room, grinning from ear to ear. It made Emily happy to know that Hannah was finally returning to the sister she remembered from yesteryear.
Hannah grabbed the silverware out of the drawer. “Here, let me help you.”
After a few moments of silence, Emily chuckled as she shifted her gaze to Hannah. “Hearing you sing with your children reminded me of when we were young, and we sang with Ma.”
Hannah sighed wistfully. “Yes, I thought of that, as well. I do miss the family. Perhaps the children and I will go with you to Texas when you return.”
“Go with me?”
“For a visit, of course.”
“Will it be safe for you to travel by yourself?”
Hannah laughed. “I won’t be by myself. I’ll be with you and the children, silly.”
“No, I mean when you come back to Savannah.”
“I should be all right. I’ll take the train, just as you did when you came here.”
“Then I’m sure you’ll be fine.” Emily smiled and walked to the stove to stir the chili.
Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted her sister watching her curiously. Finally, Hannah moved to stand beside Emily, touching her arm.
“Are you still thinking about Adam?”
Emily nodded. “It’s hard not to, but I must trust that the sheriff will have enough men to stop the gang of Irishmen.”
“I’ve only known Sheriff Montgomery for a few years, since he took over as sheriff after Mr. Barton left town. Both Jacob and I respected him. Sheriff Montgomery is a hardworking man, and the town can tell how he tries to protect us and keep the town safe.”
Emily released a pent-up breath. “I hope you’re right. It’s hard to trust someone I don’t know well.”
“Colt Montgomery has proved his worth, in my opinion. He was a very good friend to Jacob.”
“I’m glad.” Emily pointed to the oven. “I think the rolls are ready to come out.”
Hannah nodded, grabbed the thick hand-towels and pulled the large pan of rolls out. Once the hot pan was on the side table, she smeared butter over the top.
“You know,” Hannah said over her shoulder, “Jacob was one of Colt’s first friends when he moved to Savannah a few years ago.”
Emily watched the tender smile on her sister’s lovely face.
“If it wasn’t for Jacob,” Hannah continued, “Colt would have probably never become sheriff.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because at first, Colt was a shy man and didn’t have a lot of friends. The town’s folk were hesitant to get to know him, mainly because Colt’s mother lives in Ireland. In fact, he has other family members there.”
Emily froze, and her breath stilled. He’s from Ireland? Her blood turned to ice and her chest felt as if it was caving in. What have I done? The sheriff would most assuredly side with the Irishmen, which meant...
She jumped away from the stove as if she’d been burned and threw the spoon on the table by the rolls. “Hannah, I’ve got to go. Adam needs me.”
“What?” Hannah reached for Emily, but she dashed past her. “Stop. You need to explain yourself.”
“No. I need to hurry...or he’ll be dead!”
EIGHTEEN
Adam shifted slowly in his hidden position underneath the planks of the bank’s porch as he focused on the hotel across the street. Last night he’d been relieved that the Irishmen hadn’t attacked Mary’s parents, however, Adam’s gut feeling told him something would happen tonight. He’d stumbled across some information today that made him believe the Irishmen would make their move. The Hackney Carriage Company was throwing a gala for their British acquaintances. This would be the perfect place—and day—for the attack.
Earlier today, Adam had gathered some men to help him take down this rebellious gang of murderers. Adam’s plan was that he and his men disguise themselves—or hide somewhere close—and keep a watchful eye on the hotel. He knew that disguising himself would not work since he was so much taller, and his shoulders wider, than most men in Savannah, which was why he chose to stay hidden under the bank’s porch.
Some of his men were dressed like drunkards as they loitered around the boardwalk near the hotel. Other men had hidden inside the nearby shops, cautiously peering through windows. Adam felt good about this plan. Everything was in order and would play out smoothly. They wouldn’t give the Irish any time to attack before they swarmed on them like flies on fertilizer.
The only downfall in Adam’s plan was that the tiny space he had to hide in was not very comfortable, and he prayed the Irish came soon so he could get out of this self-imprisonment.
A bead of sweat ran from his hairline over his forehead. He was grateful that the sun was descending into the horizon and bringing with it lower temperatures. Unfortunately, it wasn’t fast enough.
Adam tried to make himself comfortable...well, as comfortable as he could while lying on the rocky ground, anyway. He studied every person that walked by, every horse and carriage, and every vendor pushing a cart. He’d been watching the Irish gang a lot this past week. He’d recognize them immediately.
Hope grew within him, and he followed it with a silent prayer. He’d waited five long years to bring these men to justice. Adam knew Jacob was anxiously waiting in Heaven for his brother to end this once and for all. And Adam would. Tonight! When the sun rose once again, he would begin his new life.
Slowly, shadows appeared on the ground just as he felt today’s heat dropping. Guests started arriving for the gala. Adam recognized Mr. and Mrs. Faraday. Mr. Wiggins was walking with a woman who Adam assumed was the man’s wife since he’d never met her. Mr. Tuttle and his wife followed. Adam’s former in-laws would already be there since they were staying at the hotel. A few other well-dressed couples entered the hotel.
It surprised Adam to see how many British couples lived in Savannah. But of course, that worried him, too. That just meant Adam and his men would have to try extra hard to protect them all.
Last night after talking to Emily, he had mentally debated about whether he should tell Sheriff Montgomery. Adam couldn’t be certain, but it was hard for him to trust that man. Of course, it didn’t help when during the week, Adam had witnessed the sheriff having drinks with some of the men from the Irish gang. Rumor had it that Montgomery’s family still lived in Ireland. Because Adam couldn’t trust the sheriff, he didn’t tell the lawman that he had already gathered some men for tonight’s event. But he was curious to why he hadn’t seen the sheriff since this morning. Usually, Montgomery was out riding his horse and checking on the welfare of the town.
Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, a woman dashed toward the hotel, holding her skirt high enough to see her black boots. But it wasn’t the clothes that he recognized, it was her glorious blonde hair flipping behind her. She stopped quickly as a man riding a horse got in her way. Now Adam knew for certain that this was Emily.
His heart sank, and his chest twisted. What was she doing here...and why was she heading toward the hotel? Groaning, he frowned. Apparently, she’d broken her promise to him to stay at Hannah’s until this fiasco with the Irish gang was all over.
But he definitely couldn’t let her go inside. And yet, if he chased after her, for certain one of the Irishmen would spot him and they’d know Adam was up to something.
He fisted his hand and pounded it into the ground. What was he going to do?
But there was only one choice. He’d have to risk people seeing him in order to save Emily.
He grumbled as he wiggled out of his hiding place. He glanced arou
nd him, grateful that the town was surrounded with more shadows. Cautiously, he darted from one spot to another, trying to keep hidden the best he could. But eventually, he’d have to risk being seen when he hurried into the hotel. Unless...
He stopped near the side of a building, assessing the perimeter of the building. Was there a back way inside the hotel? If he could go in by the back entrance, there might be a chance he wouldn’t mess up his plans.
With any luck, he hadn’t done anything to mess them up, yet. Then again, the only kind of luck he’d gotten in the last five years was bad. He should prepare for the worse, but pray for the best.
That’s all he could do.
THE SECOND EMILY MADE it inside the hotel’s grand ballroom, she came to a dead halt. A four-member orchestra sat in the corner of the room, playing soothing music. Unfortunately, nothing could calm her now. Not until she talked to Adam, and even that wouldn’t calm her completely. She’d certainly messed up by informing the sheriff about tonight’s event. She doubted Adam would forgive her at all.
Everyone stared at her as if she was a vagrant. It irritated her the longer they stared at her clothing in a judgmental fashion. Although she didn’t own elegant gowns like the women at this gala, she also wasn’t dirt poor, either. But they assessed her as if she’d just crawled out of the mud pit.
“Pardon me, miss,” the tall, thin gentleman said as he stopped beside her. “Are you lost? As you can clearly see, we are having a gathering here, and—”
“I’m not lost,” she snapped. “I’m here looking for someone.”
The man straightened his shoulders and lifted a chin, showing his arrogance. “Well then pray, tell me who it is so I can find him.”
“Deputy Hamilton—Adam Hamilton.”
Confusion crossed the man’s oblong face. “I fear, miss, that you wouldn’t find the deputy here.”
“Do you know who I’m referring to, sir?” She tried to act as sophisticated as she could, arching an eyebrow at him.
Surrender Your Heart Page 15