She looked around apologetically, and Belle wanted to pull her into a hug, but she knew the townspeople, who had helped immensely in the search, did deserve to know. And the only way to make them stop asking would be to tell them the tale.
“The peddler was agreeable and only too happy to bring out a sample of a cow’s gallstone, dried and sealed in a jar. Then a hornet’s nest and snake bile. Then he began speaking about”—she snapped her mouth closed and leaned close to whisper into Belle’s ear—“a male dog’s long part, if you know what I mean. But he said the word that begins with a P to me.” She looked around. “I became frightened. I thanked him and went to leave, but he grasped my arm. I pulled away, but someone grabbed me from behind and pressed his hand over my mouth. He wrestled me into the back of the wagon and locked the door.”
Katie’s face had turned pasty white.
“You don’t have to talk about it, Katie. You’ve said enough already.”
She shook her head. “I want to, Belle. I must!”
“Let her speak,” Blake said, low. “Better to talk now than have nightmares later.”
That made sense to Belle. She noticed Blake’s scar for the first time in a while, the one that had been so frightening when they’d first met. Now it seemed a part of him—a good part.
Tears leaked from the corners of Katie’s eyes, and Santiago handed her a white handkerchief to wipe them away.
“I thought I would die. The walls pressed close. I couldn’t breathe. The man was so large. I had no way to fend him off. He bound my hands and feet and then gagged me. I was sure I’d never see any of my sisters ever again.” Katie gulped for air. “The wagon became hot. I cried and prayed. I prayed so hard I thought my heart would explode.” She looked at them all for several long seconds. “The worst part was that you’d never know what had happened to me. You’d worry and search, and the whole thing would be awful, because I know how I’d feel if any one of you went missing.” She reached out and touched Belle’s arm, then Mavis, Emma, and Lavinia. “I don’t think I could live through that. The wagon wheels turned and turned. Anger replaced my fear. I was furious at the men, but I was also livid at our father for living here! For demanding our return to this wretched place! Mother was right to take us away. Danger lurks on every corner. I had a lot of time to consider each and every moment. I wished I was back in Philadelphia. I thought if only I could get back there, where it’s safe, I’d never leave again.”
With trembling lips, she swallowed and then wiped more tears, which had again filled her eyes.
“And then I thought I heard your voice.” She looked into Blake’s face. “But I wasn’t sure. I worried my mind was playing tricks. The gag was extremely tight. I’d only have one chance to alert you to my presence. I tried to calm myself, waiting for the right time. What if they killed you? I couldn’t bear that thought.”
Blake squeezed her shoulders.
“When I heard you speak like a country bumpkin, my heart rejoiced. That meant you knew I was there, and were trying to trick them.” She smiled at Blake and looked around.
Belle encouraged her with a nod.
“But still I doubted. What if I was wrong? What if it wasn’t Blake? What if whoever was out there rode off without helping? Fear almost overtook my resolve. I called out as loud as I could. Suddenly, they were fighting. Soon the old peddler appeared in the back, and I thought he was going to kill me because he hefted a shotgun.” Her voice grew quiet. Blake tightened his hold. “But he didn’t shoot me. He pointed the barrel at the back door and stood there. A moment later, Blake opened the door. That’s when I lifted my bound legs and kicked the peddler from behind as hard as I could. He fell and dropped the gun.”
Blake smiled. “Katie saved my life. I wasn’t fibbing about that. The shotgun was aimed point-blank at my face. There wouldn’t have been much left if he’d pulled the trigger. I’m in her debt.”
Belle stood back as Blake started for the hotel with Katie under his arm and Santiago on her other side.
We were blessed to have found her before it was too late.
But one thing still worried her.
Is Katie right about Mother? Is Eden too dangerous for us all?
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Unsettled by the day’s events, Blake decided to remain in town for the evening to make sure Katie and her sisters were doing all right. After leaving them in the hotel room, he’d gone out and walked the streets, unable to get the picture of John’s youngest in the back of the peddler’s wagon out of his mind. If he didn’t have the roundup tomorrow, he’d have booked a room himself. As it was, shorthanded, he couldn’t spare an extra day. Finally, he’d ended up in the hotel café for supper. Blake folded his napkin and set the cloth on his now-empty plate.
“Is there anything else I can get you, Blake?” Karen asked. Perhaps he was being too conspicuous, dining in the hotel, but he wondered what was going on in the girls’ rooms. He was sure as the sun would rise tomorrow that they were all together. Will they decide to return to their city lives and not even last a month? To his surprise, the thought disappointed him. He’d enjoyed the last three days. Belle asked intelligent questions. She’d ridden next to him and endured being saddle sore. He’d bet she’d shape up into a competent hand if she gave herself the chance.
Henry came through the hotel door just then.
Where has he been all day?
“Henry!”
Seeing him, Henry started for his table.
“Pull up a chair.”
“I heard what transpired with Katie. How terrifying. And how fortunate to have your fast thinking. In a few hours, who knows what could have befallen her? I’m indebted.”
“Nobody’s indebted to anybody,” Blake replied. “I’m just glad it’s over and Katie is in one piece. Dr. Dodge just left her room. He’s been checking in every few hours.” He took a sip of his coffee and noticed the dark circles under Henry’s eyes. “Where were you all day? After our talk in the street, you all but disappeared.”
“I had business in Dove Creek. Got back an hour or two ago, and have been in my office.”
Dove Creek? It was a small town north of Eden. What could Henry have to do there?
The whole thing sounded suspicious to Blake, but he’d not question his friend. He seemed to have a problem he was wrestling with.
Is going to Denver part of it?
Karen approached the table. “Henry?”
“Just a cup of coffee, if you have it brewed.”
“Sure do. Coming right up.” The waitress hurried away.
The two men looked at each other.
“What do you think the girls are contemplating after today?” Henry asked.
“Their applecart’s been upended,” Blake said thoughtfully. “And I really can’t blame ’em in the least. When Belle told me she was staying in Eden tonight with Katie, the look in her eyes was unclear. None of the sisters would meet my gaze.”
Henry shook his head.
“The thought of what could have befallen Katie freezes my insides, Henry. As cold and brittle as any blizzard.” He looked out into the darkness on the other side of the window. “Before you came in, I was considering going up to their room to see if Belle had a moment to talk before I start back to the ranch.” He switched his attention to the coffee at the bottom of his cup and then glanced at his friend. “I feel anxious inside. I’d like to speak with her, but I don’t even know what I’d say.”
“We can’t make up their minds for them. And we can’t make them stay.”
“No, we can’t. But in less than a week, I’ve become pretty used to having ’em in Eden. I can’t say I won’t be sorry to see them go.”
“Yeah, I know what you mean.”
Henry smiled at Karen as she set a cup and saucer in front of him as well as the sugar bowl. She knew him well—and the rest of the town too.
She stopped and tipped her head. “What’s got you two fellas so down in the mouth? I’d think you’d be c
elebrating tonight.”
“Nothin’,” Blake said, knowing that wasn’t the truth at all.
Henry slurped the hot coffee. “You go see if Belle wants to talk while I drink my coffee. Now I’m as interested as you are to see what they’re thinking. Can’t hurt to ask. You are their partner . . .”
Blake stood. Henry’s nudge was the push he’d needed. “I think I’ll do just that. I’d like to know what the future holds.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Blake found himself in front of room number three listening to undecipherable murmurs coming from within. Without giving himself time to decide what to say, he lifted his hand and rapped his knuckles on the wood. The low hum of conversation stopped.
Mavis opened the door, still dressed as she’d been earlier.
“Evenin’, Mavis,” he said, a little unsure of what to do with his hands since his hat still hung on the hat rack downstairs. “How’s Katie tonight?”
Mavis opened the door wider so he could see Katie, Emma, and Lavinia sitting on the bed. Belle was in one of the chairs by the window. Belle watched him intently.
Suddenly feeling shy, he dipped his chin and smiled. “Ladies.”
Still in her riding clothes, Belle stood and came over to the door. “Would you like to come in, Blake? I can get a chair from the other room. You’re welcome to join us.”
“I was actually wondering if you might have a moment to speak with me in private, outside. You know, with the roundup tomorrow, I just wanted to get a few things organized.” Well, that was a stupid thing to say. What on earth would she need to help with? “You’re a partner in the Five Sisters.” He jerked his gaze up to look at the rest of the girls. “You all are.”
Belle lowered one shoulder and looked back at her sisters. “Katie, you’ll be okay if I go out for a minute or two?”
Katie sniffed. “Of course. I’m not a child.”
Her smile looked like a scared little girl’s. Blake didn’t miss her red, puffy eyes. The direness of the situation had probably hit her after she was alone with her sisters. He didn’t blame her in the least.
Belle looked up at him. “All right, let me grab my shawl.”
At the dresser, she draped a feminine garment over her shoulders. “This is going to look silly with my pants and boots, but it’s the best I can do at the moment.”
“We’ll get you a real jacket tomorrow,” Blake said.
If you decide to stay.
Feeling like a square peg in a round hole, he followed Belle down the hall to the stairway, then descended into the hotel lobby. The café was quiet, most of the diners gone. Henry sat alone, a small smile on his face. Belle saw him and hesitated, but Blake directed her toward the door. He plucked his hat from the hat rack and donned it as they proceeded out into the night.
She gazed up at him, bringing a strange rush into his head. “Would you rather sit inside?” she asked. “The place looks pretty empty, so we’d have our privacy.”
“I’ve been sitting in there for the last two hours. I need some fresh air.”
She glanced up. “I thought you would be gone by now, on your way back to the ranch. Can the horses see in the dark?”
“They do fine, especially when they’re familiar with the way. I’ll head back to the ranch as soon as we talk.”
She stopped. “This sounds serious.”
“It is. We’re worried about Katie. And the rest of you.”
“We?”
“Me and Henry.”
“He sent you to find out?”
Blake shook his head. “Nope, not at all. I’ve been pondering the situation for hours and couldn’t stay away any longer. Are the five of you headed back to Philadelphia?” he asked straight-out. Beating around the bush never was his style. He was a straight shooter and always would be. He motioned to the bench in front of the hotel wall. They’d have a little privacy there. “Would you like to sit?”
Belle nodded and sat on the hard pine seat. She pulled her shawl more firmly around her shoulders.
Leaning forward, he rested his forearms on his thighs, knitting his fingers together in an attempt to calm his nerves. His sun-weathered hands looked dry, lined. He wouldn’t win any beauty contests. The glow from two lanterns hanging on a nail nestled into the corner posts gave off plenty of light for him to see Belle.
He turned his head and looked at her. “Well, don’t keep me in suspense.”
“I don’t deny that Katie wants to go home. The sooner the better.”
“What about the rest of you?”
“I’m surprised to say Lavinia wants to stay, at least for the six months. While she was searching the town for Katie, she discovered the orphanage. She hasn’t stopped talking about it since. I can tell she’s anxious to get involved, which would be wonderful for the orphans—and also for her. She’s always loved children and dreams of one day having a houseful of her own. If we do end up staying in Eden, I doubt we’ll see much of her out at the ranch.”
He nodded. One to go, and one to stay.
“To each his own. What about Emma? How’s she feel?”
“She waffles back and forth, agreeing with whoever’s talking, but leans more on the side of returning. She has a job in a knitting shop.”
She glanced at his face, and he noticed her chapped lips. She needs to wear her hat while she’s ranching.
“Don’t laugh. I know that sounds silly, but she’s worked there since she got out of school and loves the owners. They’ve been very caring and are more like parents to her than our detestable guardians ever were. The woman never had a daughter of her own, so she’s taken Emma under her wing and taught her all she knows about wool, and the business. I think she fancies Emma marrying one of her sons. Emma’s rather an expert on sheep and the different types of wool they produce. You should speak with her about her favorite subject sometime. I’m not surprised Praig heard her talking about sheep. She’s written the owners faithfully every day, so if a vote were cast tonight, I believe she’d choose to return.”
Woolies! Not my favorite subject at all!
“When and if we go back, we’d need to find a new place to live since we’ve learned the truth about the Crowdaires.”
Belle shivered, and Blake wondered if she even realized she had.
She went on. “But that shouldn’t be too difficult with the funds we’d have from Father’s will.” She gave a small laugh. “Since I know your next question will be about Mavis, I’ll save you the effort. She’s sympathetic to Katie’s fear and Emma’s homesickness, but she has hurtful memories of Philadelphia. Darvid’s death, for one. I think she’s willing to begin afresh. Take on a new life—here in Eden.”
Two to go, one to stay, one undecided. What about you, Belle? How do you feel about Eden? About me?
“I know Katie wants to be a teacher,” Blake said. “She’d have a chance if she stayed on because Eden’s schoolmaster is about a hundred years old. Maybe that’s not enough to sway her. I’ve never heard what you do in Philadelphia. I’m assuming you had a job too. You’ve never said what that is.”
“That’s because I’m shockingly bad at it. It’s just a means to an end.”
“I hardly believe that.”
She sent him an incredulous stare. “I work for a caterer. Four nights a week.”
Belle? A waitress? He couldn’t picture that in the least after seeing her ride and ranch. “And your vote?”
“You already know how I feel. I’m promised to Lesley. You’ve met him yourself.” The smile on her lips didn’t reach her eyes. “He’s waiting for me. And he wasn’t all that pleased I’d committed to stay for the six months. So, until then, unless we go home early, I’m just biding my time.”
Home? This is your home, Belle. You just don’t remember that yet.
He pushed his spine to the wall, feeling it bite into his back and ground his wandering thoughts. “Yeah, that’s what I figured.” Rolling his shoulders, he sucked in a breath of fresh air. “So we begin the ro
undup tomorrow. That’s what I really wanted to discuss,” he said, changing the subject. “If all goes well, we’ll be finished bringing them in, in about a week or two.”
“Is that usual? Sounds like a long time.”
“Pretty much. I’m factoring in our shortage of help. But we’ll get the job done, the calves branded, the six-month-old bulls castrated, and the heifers checked for disease. It’ll be a lot different without John. I still can’t believe he’s gone.”
He blinked out into the darkness of the street. After the girls leave, the town will feel so much lonelier than before they arrived. At least back then, everyone was hoping they’d return. Now that they’re here, everyone would be sorry to see ’em go. Me included.
CHAPTER THIRTY
Belle reminded herself that Blake was still grieving her father as well. He’d lived with him for eighteen years. They must have had an incredible bond. Blake hadn’t said much, but at the strangest times, his eyes would fill with pain, and she’d know he was remembering. He isn’t made of steel, like he’d have me believe. And he doesn’t have the support of four sisters to lean on.
He’d looked so sad earlier, his head bowed as he listened to their plans about whether they’d leave Eden and return to Philadelphia. She needed to be support for him. Maybe talking would help.
She laid her hand atop his warm, entwined fingers to make a point. “We had a father who loved us, Blake, who wanted us, who was waiting for our return.” She dropped her gaze to the boardwalk and shook her head. “Month after month, year after year. If that isn’t the saddest thing I’ve ever heard, I don’t know what is.” She closed her eyes for a moment, letting a puff of cool air calm her mood. If she didn’t get her emotions in check, she’d cry. “If only we could go back, do things over. I’d not trust Vernon and Velma for one second. I can see so clearly now how they manipulated all five of us. It’s criminal.”
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