Lincoln County Series 1-3

by Sarah Jae Foster

  Chapter Thirteen

  July arrived swiftly with an incredible force of hammering heat. Cameron wiped her perspiring brow with a cloth napkin and readied a table for teatime. She had given up on Thomas, who clearly had no care as to her existence. But it turned out to be no matter. She’d made a life here regardless. She was surrounded by people she cared about and who cared about her, what more could she want?

  Tonight, Liam was promoting a new imported beer and even hired a professional singer to entertain clientele. Cameron knew it was sure to be a crowded night and one that she would avoid. Since her humiliating moments after the picnic, she’d stayed away from the saloon as much as possible. And during the day, when no one was likely to be around, she and Andrew would visit over a cup of coffee. She enjoyed his simplicity and kindness and was impressed when he talked about his God. Cameron had no idea there was so much to the Bible. Although they were good stories to her, she could see how much Andrew believed in them.

  As she had done countless times in the past two weeks, she replayed over and over that formidable night. It was a blessing she didn’t remember everything, only she knew she’d made a fool of herself, throwing herself at a man—not just any man, but one of Thomas’s gang—as if that’d make her brother want to get to know her!

  There was something about Andrew that made her comfortable in sharing the mortifying event, maybe because she was confessing to a preacher, although it still made her cringe. When she did, he digested it and said thoughtfully, “We all make mistakes.” He folded his hands in front of him and leaned across the dining table. “Are you looking to have someone fill a void in your life? It’s something to think about, Cameron. Your pa abandoned you, and Thomas is not showing up as your family. We all want to be accepted, there’s nothing wrong in that.”

  He made comments to her with gentleness and without judgment. On the days when she felt she was no better than Charlotte or any of the other saloon girls, she realized Andrew’s friendship is what was beginning to matter, because she knew he did not believe that about her. Although she wasn’t quite sure about his God, she enjoyed their discussions.

  It was nearing time for her tea with Andrew and she was about to welcome him when she heard him coming. When she looked up to do so it wasn’t Andrew standing in the entrance of the restaurant, it was Jake. It was the first time she’d been face to face with him since the Fourth of July.

  *** *** ***

  Jake caught Cameron’s eyes with his and held them. There were unsaid things between them. They haven’t spoken since the night he wanted to punch Jesse’s face in. He watched her squirm uncomfortably. Finally she broke away from his intense look, and being the professional she was, she came over and offered to serve him some food. As he slid into the booth, he could not help but inhale the sweet scent of her. Her nearness brought the memory of their last moment together. He wondered if Jesse had ever made it back to complete what he’d begun. At the thought, Jake clenched his hands open and shut. So help him if he ever hurt Cameron.

  Andrew entered the dining room, breaking Jake away from violent thoughts. It hadn’t dawned on him that anything was out of the ordinary until he saw Andrew walk in a very familiar fashion towards Cameron. She said something, and only then did he make his way to Jake’s table.

  “Care to eat?” Jake offered.

  “I’ve already had something, thank you.”

  Jake noticed a lone table set for tea, then brought his attention back to Cameron. It didn’t take much to make out that Andrew had come for her company. He felt her body language shift and noticed she sought to keep busy. Her behavior was irritating and he’d not allow her to avoid him. “Cameron, why don’t you join us? There’s no one else here, come on now.”

  Andrew encouraged her as well, so she didn’t have much of a choice. Jake stood first, making it obvious she had to share the bench with him. He was being ornery, but something was up. He could feel it even if he didn’t know what it was. Once she planted herself inside, he sat. For a long while he did not move, not even an inch, trapping her between himself and the wall.

  “It’s nice to see you. Have you missed me?”

  She peered from him to Andrew. “It’s nice to see you too, Jake.” Her voice was controlled, her head bent as she stared at her hands resting in her lap.

  Andrew cleared his throat.

  What was going on? He didn’t care if he was being difficult. Why were these two suddenly the best of acquaintances? Did every man around these parts want Cameron? He twitched his jaw for calm and decided to get rid of his buddy.

  “Andrew, I saw Jim from the assayer’s office on my way here, said he needed to confirm a few things with you.”

  “I hope it wasn’t urgent.”

  “Nah, but I just remembered it now.”

  Andrew looked upon Cameron apologetically, which irked Jake all the more. He hated secret glances and unspoken messages. “Till later, Cameron?”

  She looked like she wished the seat would swallow her whole. “Yes.”

  As soon as Andrew departed, Jake decided to opt out of the teasing. Besides, he’d lost his teasing mood. “What’s that nonsense?”

  “What do you mean?”

  He would take a more humbling approach. “I never thanked you for seeing me when I was sick. No one else did—it was you who brought me food and kept me company. I really am grateful to you.”

  “Then why didn’t you see me at all during the festivities? I was hoping you would have picnicked with me.” She turned her honeyed eyes to him.

  “I was with a partner on business that day. We had to discuss an opportunity,” he said in his defense.

  “You managed to see her that day, as well as...”

  “What?”

  “Both times I saw you Jake, you were either waiting in line to kiss on Lacey, or in Charlotte’s presence. This is silly. Please...please let me out,” she pleaded.

  “Now hold on a minute! Charlotte spotted us, and before we could get away, she was on us like a frog on a lily pad.”

  “I think if you’d wanted to, you would have introduced me to your friend.”

  It was his turn to glance away. He refused to share what he felt upon seeing her in Jesse’s arms at that blasted dance. She was right. He didn’t go out of his way to see her—heck, he was still trying to figure out why this woman had the effect on him that she did. He was eleven years older, she was too young, too inexperienced. He’d lived a rough life, she, a sheltered one and still exploring her identity.

  He looked into her eyes and sighed inwardly. He knew she wouldn’t settle for what he wanted. She had more class and morality than that, even if she didn’t know it. But looking upon her physical beauty and sweet nature, it was not as easy as he thought it would be. Could he tell her that she was in his mind every day, all day?

  He toyed awhile with the teaspoon and decided to clear something up. “Am I the reason for you being with Jesse?”

  This thought had plagued him, though he was sure he knew the answer. He tried not to show anger, but it was all he could do to keep his focus on the shiny spoon in front of him.

  “I guess it was. I’m ashamed of it.” She turned her body fully towards him. “Can things just get back to the way they were? It’s not too late, is it?”

  He felt his jaw twitch. “I’m only glad that you fainted before...”

  “I won’t do anything as foolish as that ever again. I promise.”

  “None of us should make promises we can’t keep. I have no right to ask you to make such promises anyway.” He didn’t want her to think he was angry with her, but couldn’t accept the feelings stealing over him, so he said, “I’ve gotta check on the store. I’ll see you soon.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  The next morning Jake went to the dining room to catch a cup of fresh coffee before heading to the Gun Shop. For a few moments he watched Cameron serve a busy crowd of patrons. When she made her way to Andrew’s table, a smile eased over her soft featu
res and she poured him a cup of steaming coffee.

  He was uneasy at the familiarity the two had with each other. Looking intensely upon Andrew, he supposed females might call that handsome. He sauntered over and heard Andrew ask her to go on a ride that afternoon. When Cameron saw him, she was extremely discomfited. Good.

  “You’re welcome to come, too,” Andrew offered upon seeing his intrusion. So polite their reverend was.

  Cameron managed to slide past mumbling something about getting Hank Levins his hot cakes. Her departure left him standing there with the person he wanted to least be around at the moment.

  “I got work to do. Maybe another time, Rev.”

  *** *** ***

  It had been offered on impulse. Never was it Andrew’s intention to seek out Cameron’s attentions. Their initial times visiting were meant to move along the boredom of living in a hotel. He was in Lincoln County to begin a church, not spend time dilly-dallying around with friends. For certain he needed to be concentrating on the Lord’s good works. He would repent later, but for now, all reservations flew right on out of his mind when he saw Cameron emerge from the hotel. He bounded from the buggy seat and assisted her from the boardwalk step. “Well, don’t you look a picture.”

  “I hope that is a compliment.”

  “It is.”

  When they arrived at the blank slate of land that would host his future home, they walked a piece before settling onto a blanket. Cameron pulled out a chunk of cheese and set out dried apples, which they snacked on for a bit, comfortable in silence. His heart constricted. Cameron was kind, beautiful and eager to learn whatever he had to share. But she was also troubled and he sensed insecurity about her like a cloud. That was not something he wanted to interfere with. Perhaps coming out here alone wasn’t the brightest idea he’d ever had.

  She searched his face. “Care to share your thoughts?”

  He pulled a blade of grass and placed it between his teeth. “Just thinking about the church.”

  “We didn’t have a church in Ludenville, so I can only imagine what it’s like.”

  She nibbled on some cheese and he asked, “You planning on coming?”

  She shrugged. Not the response he’d been expecting. He didn’t want to press, so took to teasing instead.

  “You could pretend some enthusiasm you know.”

  Looking embarrassed, she amended, “Of course I’ll come.”

  “That’s better.” He pointed in the direction north of where they relaxed. “That’s where I am going to build. It’ll be a far cry from living in a three story home back East, but I’m looking forward to getting back to living in Kansas. I’ve missed it.”

  “Let’s go over to where you plan to build. I want you to make an imaginary outline of it for me.”

  She sprang up and waited for him to follow. He grinned. Cameron was so full of life, he wondered if he’d ever be able to resist her by saying no to anything. They got to the plot, and with his booted foot, he drew lines in the dirt where each room would be.

  “Two rooms?” She teased.

  Awkwardly he answered, “Just preparing for…family one day, I suppose.”

  “That’s wise. My mama and me had a big ‘ol farm all to ourselves. I loved being there with her, feeding the chickens, baking.” She studied him. “I bet you’re going to need something like that. You should be planning on more rooms than you can count. I’ve seen how those Swanson sisters swoon over you.”

  He was shocked to embarrassment at her blatancy.

  She giggled.

  “Now that was not amusing Cameron Engel!”

  “I thought it was. You should have seen the look on your face.”

  She headed off to the direction of their blanket and he followed. She was like nobody he ever knew and was fast making her way into his heart.

  *** *** ***

  Jake was in the saloon when Andrew returned Cameron to the restaurant. He sat in a chair with a precise view to the foyer of the hotel. He saw the couple come inside laughing together, and he noticed Andrew’s hand resting gently around Cameron’s waist as he guided her inside, as if she needed his help. Jake harrumphed and took a swig of his whiskey. One more glance at her and her mussed up hair told him that she’d had an enjoyable time.

  He never wanted Cameron more than he did now.

  Charlotte honed in like a viper. “You look like you could use another drink.”

  He snapped his bloodshot eyes at Charlotte, shaking his head as if to focus on her. Specks of perspiration dotted her upper lip, causing the red paint she wore to bleed through the tiny wrinkles that spiked away from corners of her full, lush lips like small streams in the mountains.

  “I miss you.” She ran her finger coyly around the rim of his glass, looking him up and down.

  He snorted in disgust. “I’m not interested anymore,” he said acidly. He tossed down the drink she brought him, and stared straight ahead.

  “Ignoring me isn’t going to work. I know you’re lonely. Is she ever going to give you what I can?”

  He glared at her. “Don’t you talk about her. You don’t know nothin’ about it!”

  “Well, you won’t to say it, but I will. No one else can love you like I can, you know that.”

  Angrily Jake scraped the chair against the floor and stalked off. Then he remembered he needed cured of Cameron Engel and her innocence, which he refused to ruin. Vigorously, he came back to Charlotte, pulled her into his arms and kissed her.

  *** *** ***

  It was dawn, the crisp morning air unaffected from the still rising sun. It was Cameron’s turn to assist Cook with preparing food for the day. She heard someone coming down the stairs at the early hour. Thinking it might be a guest, she went to offer her assistance if it was needed.

  She blanched when she saw Jake stop in the middle of the stairs to finish tucking in his shirt and buckle his belt. He adjusted the gun belt at his hip and slowly descended the last few steps. He halted when he saw her, and she thought she saw a flicker of remorse in his eyes, for what reason she wasn’t exactly sure.

  Until Charlotte practically danced around the corner. “Jake, honey. You forgot your hat.”

  “Cameron?” Cook called out to her. “Is something wrong?”

  She held Jake’s eyes with hers. “No, it’s just a cowpoke leaving a whore’s room.” She choked on a shaky sob and hustled back to the kitchen.

  Chapter Fifteen

  That evening, as the saloon was finally quieting down for the night, someone ran in and yelled. “Fire! About two miles that way… I think it’s the church!”

  Jake bolted up the stairs to Andrew’s room, knocking relentlessly.

  Andrew opened the door, rubbing his eyes.

  “Get your pants on, Reverend. The church is on fire.”

  Jake exited the hotel and witnessed a dozen outlaws swarming down the hill. He swore, and for what it was worth, ran to get the sheriff. He found Ed locking up the jail. “We got trouble!”

  At the same moment, it seemed the outlaws had made it to town and were pounding through the streets, smashing windows and breaking down doors in a pillaging rampage.

  With urgency and regret, Ed ordered, “Go get Thomas, this is too big for us.”

  *** *** ***

  Cameron and Lacey gasped as an intruder forced his way into the hotel. The man stood in the foyer, gun in hand.

  Lacey whispered, “Go to your room. I’ll deal with this.”

  “You know him?”

  “Ken Murphy, an enemy of that brother of yours.”

  As much as she wanted to flee at the sight of this grossly intimidating man who looked as though he would devour them, she wouldn’t leave Lacey alone with him.

  “What do we have here?”

  “Leave us alone, we have nothing to do with your business with Thomas.”

  Her words sparked anger. “Everything in this town has to do with my business.” He shoved them into the saloon. “I aim to take back what’s mine!”

/>   Another man entered and reported to Ken, “There’s a couple of old ladies up there and two little kids. I left Frank to keep watch. They won’t be of any good to us, that’s fer sure.” He laughed heartily.

  How many men were there? Where was Andrew? Cameron could barely think. Why couldn’t she be brave like Lacey?

  Charlotte appeared just then. She seemed oblivious to the fear and danger going on around her as she volunteered the worst information possible. “Have you met Lacey’s minion yet? Her name’s Cameron Engel… as in, Thomas’s sister.”

  Tauntingly, Ken made his way over to her.

  Lacey exploded, “So help me, you lay a hand on her and you’ll be sorry.”

  Cameron thought for sure they were both dead but Ken seemed amused. “Your men will soon be done fighting that fire. I need you two to keep us company until the big fish arrives.”

  *** *** ***

  Andrew fell to his knees in front of what used to be the entrance of his church. He seized raw dirt with his blackened hands and held it up towards the sky. “I don’t understand. What is Your plan in this?”