Soon enough, the evening’s mood seemed to be ignited by the drink and laughter that followed and he began to teach Cameron how to play.
Jesse found himself Kimberly and they snuggled up to the piano where Violet played a fast-paced tune and the trio began to sing a terrible, side-splitting, off-key song. Unfortunately the racket seemed to draw Charlotte out of bed and in all her glory she sauntered down the stairs, instantly fixating her lusty gaze on Jake. She started to offer him her best smile when her eyes swayed to Cameron where her smile faltered, then vanished altogether. He planned to ignore her too, but it proved to be difficult as she walked into the room in her sultry way, provocatively sliding her hands across Mack’s back. As if that’d make him jealous. He nearly scoffed out loud as she made her way to Lance, but then it was his turn. She got to him and walked her fingers across his shoulders and lingered her jeweled hand there to squeeze him possessively.
He would not oblige her with any reaction, but it did concern him knowing how she’d feel about Cameron. Her type just didn’t belong there—her drinking sarsaparilla, soaking up all his attention, playing cards with him—her with that dress way up to her chin. For Cameron’s sake, Jake shifted uneasily under Charlotte’s unwanted hold. He knew exactly what she was doing, and he didn’t like it one bit. He would put up with it only because of Cameron. He met Lacey’s eyes now and he read in them her warning to watch himself. He raised his glass to her and saluted her smartly with a mock toast.
One by one, his peers started to break off from the card game. They talked gently to one another in hushed tones. Once in a while an occasional laugh would break out. The piano playing died down to the last note and Jesse and Kimberly headed upstairs together without so much as a good-bye. Cameron arose and began picking up the many glasses used throughout the evening and placed them on the bar. Liam adamantly refused to let her wash them as she had requested. But she stayed at the bar anyway, talking to Liam, toying with a glass.
It was all Jake could do to not shake Charlotte off and go to her. The intake of alcohol was having its influence on him and his eyelids felt heavy, leaving him very, very relaxed. Charlotte had kept his alcohol supplied for hours and he’d had too much. His mind wanted to walk Cameron to her room, see her safe inside, but Charlotte had a vice-like grip on him and he was steadily losing focus. She helped him to a standing position, where he wavered and he knew she’d won. Blast it! He tried to look upon Cameron and the look she sent his way made him angry. Why should she care about his drunken state? He didn’t need nobody judging him. “Come Jake,” Charlotte purred. “I’ll get you settled into bed.”
*** *** ***
Lacey offered Cameron a brief look of pity. She accepted it, already disappointed in herself for being affected by Jake. She came to this town to find Thomas, not be fooling around! Quietly, she said good night to Liam and walked out of the saloon. Lacey met her at the bottom of the stairs, and like a big sister, warned her, “Jake will hurt you. He wouldn’t mean to, but he surely will if you don’t keep your distance.”
Chapter Five
Cameron had just finished an errand for Lacey and took a couple of extra minutes to enjoy the outdoors. The recently flooded street had been cleaned of all debris and a walk would do her good. From a distance, the town looked crude with its makeshift sidewalks and murky ground. Uneven, unmatched wooden planks filled in every space possible for people to walk from place to place and go along with their daily business. Ironically, the sky didn’t match the dreary look of the town. The sun seemed to miraculously explode, shattering the blackness that had enveloped the heavens just two days before and was generous in giving off its heat for the end of May.
Cameron wrapped her mama’s shawl tightly around her, feeling its hug—breathing in its scent made her think of home. Her mama had always loved this time of year, citing it as a new season, a time of rebirth and life. It described her life right now, new beginnings. She liked this part of herself, exploring and learning, gaining a passion for life, for friends, and with all of that came confidence—something she had never really possessed in the past. She whispered a thank you to her mama for giving her this gift, for sending her to Kansas.
She noticed in the distance the train making its way towards town. She wondered what type of visitors it would bring and went to ready the restaurant.
She walked in to find Lacey pacing uncharacteristically, looking irritated and flustered and not in the mood for chit chat. Cameron deposited the mail she’d picked up on her outing and finished setting the tables. An hour later, Lacey announced she would return shortly.
When she did, she was truly beside herself. Following her was a short, buxom older woman wearing a traveling suit and in her hat were several brightly colored peacock feathers, adding the height which she lacked.
She walked just as gracefully and had the same regal air about her as Lacey did.
The woman sized up the hotel, going into the saloon and back, then checking out the restaurant. “You have done very well my dear niece. I have to admit I didn’t think you had it in you to work so hard.” She smiled and patted Lacey’s cheek. “Well done, my dear, well done.”
Lacey squeezed her eyes shut and let out a slow breath, Cameron looked upon her curiously.
“Now, where are my rooms?”
A clerk from the depot arrived and asked where to place her luggage. Lacey ordered them to follow her. He carried up two suitcases and announced that another trunk was on its way. Cameron looked after the parade going up the stairs and went about her work.
A man, tall and slender, came into the restaurant and upon seeing her, removed his hat. “My mother and I are staying here and I believe she’s just arrived...?”
Cameron welcomed him with a broad smile. “Does she have feathers in her hat?”
He laughed, a kind, wholehearted laugh. “That would be her all right. I suppose she’s already settled?”
“Yes, she is working on it. Here, let me show you the way.”
“Actually, I know the way. But I’ve yet to meet you.”
“My name is Cameron Engel.”
“Miss Engel, then. I bid you good day for now.” He bowed slightly and replaced the derby hat upon his head.
Jake chose to come in just then on one of his frequent visits to the inn. Uninvited, he came up close to Cameron, where, instantly, strong scents of tobacco and leather assailed her.
Quite forthrightly, he put his hand on her upper arm, turning her fully to him. “Are you all right?” He asked tenderly.
No she was not all right. She had no reason to be jealous and yet she was. He seemed concerned and she appreciated that. But her focus needed to be on Thomas’s acceptance of her, not Jake’s.
Someone interrupted them by calling his name. They turned to see Charlotte in the entrance.
Cameron edged away. “You should go to her.”
*** *** ***
Cameron awoke abruptly at some point in the middle of the night and, for a moment, wasn’t sure why, until an echo of a loud popping noise seemed to catch up to her senses. She heard it again, two, three more in succession. Nervously, she sat up in bed and pulled her knees to her chest. She heard doors opening from the rooms on either side of her and murmuring worried voices ensued. Cameron drew on her cover up, and with all the courage she could assemble, cracked open her door an inch to peek out. A few men were gathered at the top of the stairs, crooked suspenders holding up pants put on in haste. Lacey was there in their midst, looking as awake and vibrant as she did when she came down to breakfast every morning. She opened the door wide for Lacey to enter.
“What do you think happened?” Cameron asked.
“Probably nothing out of the usual. A sore loser at cards maybe.” Lacey stood and looked out of Cameron’s window. Moonlight illuminated her pale face. “My aunt’s here,” she stated bleakly.
“I gathered that when she called you her dear niece.”
“She comes once a year and utterly turns up my l
ife. She lives back East with my cousin Andrew and feels it her responsibility to make sure that I’m still alive.” Her arms were crossed in front of her like a spoiled, petulant child.
Cameron knew it was not the time to laugh and make light of this situation, blown out of proportion she was sure. “Andrew. Is that the young man who is with her?” She sat cross-legged on the bed and put her elbows on her knees.
“Yes, he just graduated from college, theolo...something. Anyway, he’s now a minister.” She looked over at Cameron and wrinkled her nose. “A minister! What a waste of a nice, handsome man!” Lacey then looked upon her as if she were plotting something. “You do think he’s handsome, don’t you?”
“Oh, no you don’t! I have already made a fool of myself twice over this month.”
Lacey swept past her dramatically. “Well I am going to need help in keeping my aunt and cousin entertained. I expect you will assist me in this.”
*** *** ***
Lacey’s demand was an easy one to obey as her aunt captivated Cameron. Grace Jackson was a remarkable woman, having not a meek bone in her body. It was difficult for Cameron to understand Lacey’s irritation towards her as she didn’t carry the same feeling for her cousin Andrew. She might tease and mock his profession, but she genuinely seemed to like him. During the breakfast meal Grace insisted they all eat together, causing them all to wait until the restaurant was closed so Cameron could join them.
Andrew turned out to be delightful company. He brought with him many entertaining stories from back East. He talked of all the balls and society events, and he had Cameron’s apt and mindful attention when he described the plays and the operas. He was different from any man she had ever known. There were kind people in Lincoln County, but there was something deeply instilled in Andrew Jackson that caused people to be drawn to him.
Delicately, Grace sipped her tea and chose this time to share her news. “My son is going to start a church here.”
Lacey choked on her coffee, causing a fit that lasted several moments. Her eyes watered, and she placed a hand over her throat as if it to smooth it all down.
“My dear, are you all right?” Grace’s eyes twinkled as she smiled behind her teacup. Cameron thought she imagined the eloquent aunt actually taking delight in Lacey’s distress.
“A… a church?” Lacey sputtered. A couple more coughs escaped her. She turned on Andrew. “Is this true? Will you be staying here?”
No one could tell if she was happy about this or not. Lacey forced a smile and asked, “Aunt Grace, will you be staying here as well?”
This time, her cool demeanor fooled no one.
“Only for a little while. I want to help in every way that I can, and of course to see my son settled in.” Then she said as an afterthought, “And that could take a while I suppose.”
“Mother.” Andrew scolded.
The bells at the front door chimed, allowing Lacey to excuse herself to see to her customer. Cameron heard her exclaim, “Jake!” As hard as she tried, she couldn’t untwist the knot of jealousy forming in her stomach. She envisioned Lacey hugging him, welcoming him, and wondered if she’d ever be so bold.
“Well, look who’s here!” In two strides Jake walked over to their table. “How’s my old pal doing?” He smacked Andrew loudly on the back.
“Cameron,” Grace solicited. “Make room if you will for our good prodigal son.”
Chapter Six
Andrew wasted no time in calling on the town to host a church-raising party. Within the week it was formed and construction nearly begun. There hadn’t been church meetings for almost two years and teaching the Good Word was long overdue. He dressed down to pants and work boots, the same type that the farmers wore. His Eastern derby hat completed his ensemble, striking up a few good-natured laughs. He hadn’t shaved in a couple of days, spending all of his time organizing the church-raising event, and he barely took a minute to eat, much to his mother’s displeasure. He was unaccustomed to his new facial hair and scratched at it often. But his mind and his heart were wild with joy and excitement. His very own church! Well, God’s church, but he got to watch over His flock. He could barely sit still and exercise the fruit of patience as he saw the workers coming. Men pulling wagonloads of lumber, tools and, yes, even the new church bell he had ordered special from back East. He’d had it placed on a train and paid extra to have it tended to carefully and properly. The beautifully shaped bell was his pride. He had big hopes for this town and he had been praying for her people long before arriving with his mother.
His heart was back in Lincoln County once again. He was convinced his destiny was to reach the lost in the town of his birth. As soon as the first wagonload was close enough for him to unload and get started, he leapt down eagerly from his perch on the tree stump.
By noon, four walls were up and the men were tuckered out. The June heat added to the extra burden of fatigue. All of them lost the motivation to work as soon as the ladies appeared with baskets of homemade food. By the end of supper, the men had consumed generous portions of fried chicken, corn on the cob and tart rhubarb pie.
“Hey, Reverend!” Jake called, a smart grin on his sweating face.
“Yes?” Andrew lifted his brow, knowing his friend was jesting, but he liked the new name “Reverend.” Besides his graduation commencement, he’d not been addressed as such.
“Where do you want this?” Jake held up a fancy cut of wood.
“That’s for the cross. Set it down yonder under that tree.”
The crew stretched their work until the last of the light of day disappeared and fireflies began to flash about, dodging in and out of the almost finished structure. Andrew inhaled the smell of sweet maple and oak emanating from the fresh cut lumber. It was time to be done for the day. It was going to be a perfect building; a place of worship for those who put in so much time with their loving hands of labor and donations of food. Andrew vowed not to let these people down. They were expectant—he could see it through the dirt smeared, glistening faces all day—except for perhaps Jake, but Andrew had plans to work on him, too.
Jake appeared at his side, and the two men stood for a moment, taking in the stillness of the warm night.
“I wish I could offer to buy you a drink, or something.”
“No need friend.” Andrew placed his work roughened hand on Jake’s shoulder. “I’m going to sit on here awhile, savor the sight of her.”
Jake shifted uncomfortably. “Yeah, well I guess I’ll see ya tomorrow then.”
Chapter Seven
The next morning Jake opened a small window to let out the smoky, bacon scent filling his kitchen. He stood and breathed in the fresh, cool air that filtered through, and scrubbed out the iron griddle, stubbornly hanging onto burnt bacon and tough grease. Jake let his eyes settle onto the endless fields of wheat that now belonged to his neighbor.
He never had an interest in farming. In his childhood years he’d fought his father every morning during chore time. He’d toss buckets, wasn’t kind to the animals, and never did anything extra. In his adolescence, he did not appreciate his father or the hard work the old man did for his family. Despite his children’s disrespectfulness, their father had done his best by them.
It was just one of the things Jake wished he could go back and do all over again—he would have been a good son. Regrets always came too late.
His sister Jenny had been too wild at heart to settle down doing women’s farm work, let alone keep house. She barely knew how to bake bread and refused to hang laundry. When his father died, Jake had to make himself stay home and protect his sister the best he could; they fought constantly.
He wished he could forget the day that Jenny was in a frenzy, her flawless, heart shaped face twisted into something unrecognizable. She threw her “unfit” clothes at her brother, screaming at him to provide better for her. Jake remembered thinking he only needed to leave her be. He’d never hit a girl before and was getting close to doing so. He didn’t come back for
three days, and by then, Jenny had gone off to live on Thomas’s ranch.
Jake dried his hands, grabbed his gun belt and methodically headed to the store he owned in town.
*** *** ***
“Good morning Mr. Collins.”
“Did we have a good week?” Jake asked his employee as soon as he entered “The Gun Shop.” The sound of his boots scraped on the wooden floor as he came up to the counter. He set his hat down and ran a hand through his too long hair, something he did when he needed to get down to business.
“No sir, not much traffic through here and we aren’t getting our inventory until Monday.”
Jake was disappointed. “Go on and get out your pay, William.”
“Yes, sir.”
William shut the till and carefully laid out his pay onto the glass countertop above the large display of guns. Jake counted it out and signed the receipt.
He went into the exceptionally small room in the back of the store, which served as an office and proceeded to go over the books. An hour later he was done. He withdrew what surplus was left for his own earnings and headed for the bank.
“Mr. Collins!”
Jake cringed at the high pitched, nasally voice of Miss Evah. She was surely sentenced to be a spinster the rest of her days. He composed his nerves and turned around to face her. “Mornin’ Ma’am.” He forced a broad smile and tipped his hat to her.
“I haven’t seen you around. Are you hiding out in that lonely home of yours?” she asked coyly, doing something with her eyes that should constitute a flirt.
Jake took in her tall, shapeless body and her long, pointy nose and that voice....
“Where are you on your way to?” she queried.
His hands itched to smooth out the sound but any attempt would be futile unless he snatched out her vocal cords. “I’m going to the bank. You have yourself a good day.”
Before he could turn away from her, she linked her arm with his. “Me, too!”
Lincoln County Series 1-3 Page 3