The chatter turned to trivial things, and while it took place, she decided to befriend Bethany. She had to be utterly broken and alone, and Cameron was beginning to have a heavy heart about the matter.
*** *** ***
On his way to pay a visit to the sheriff, Jake noticed a bunch of women sitting on the lawns in the churchyard. His eyes found Cameron sitting amongst the group. She fit in perfectly, it being a wholesome place and all. It was good to see her returning to herself and the worry he’d been bearing on her behalf was lifting away. He moved onward, ready to make some plans with Ed.
He stomped his boots off on the boardwalk and entered the jail.
Ed immediately made an announcement. “I’m hearing-tell that the stagecoach robberies are making their way to trains.”
Jake let that sink in. “And we’ve got us a train.”
“I hesitate to tell you, Jake. You need to understand that it’s my job to bring folks to justice, not…”
“It ain’t my job.” A surge of adrenaline entered his bloodstream. They were making their way to Lincoln County territory, and if he could help it, he’d not allow them to make it within a mile of town.
“No, that’s not your job, but I’m thinking if they mess with us, we’ll get justice for Mrs. Hoffman. She’ll be able to confirm to us if we got the right criminals.”
Jake had a thought. “So long as they don’t shoot first, I’ll take ‘em alive. Doesn’t matter to me one way or the other.”
“Can I count on you to keep a cool head?”
“I always keep a cool head.” Jake smiled real wide.
Ed laughed at that. “Reckon we might have separate definitions on that but I’ll let it go. On the other hand, I haven’t had myself a good game of cards in a long while. What do you say, partner?”
“Let’s go.”
They crossed the street, Jake on the lookout more than ever, taking in every stranger around. They needed to be extra vigilant.
Jake and Ed found a table in the saloon, and per their request, Violet brought over plates of food from Lacey’s restaurant.
“Howdy, Jake. It’s been a while.”
Without looking at her he replied, “I’ve been busy.”
“It’s just that...”
Jake glanced up at her painted face. “Speak or don’t speak, it’s all the same to me.” He had no tolerance for people’s emotions.
She rushed away from him.
Ed placed a forkful of meat into his mouth and spoke through chewing it. “I got a feeling she’s keen on you.”
“Nobody’s keen on me, you idiot.”
“Why are you so mean to everybody?”
“I don’t like being around people.”
“What the heck am I?”
“Just shut up about it, will you?”
Hours later, Jake and Ed joined three other men in a great game of poker, while the bulk of patrons stood by watching. And Bethany Hoffman, as always, appeared aloof and emotionless. Jake watched her, still not buying her story. How she’d truly escaped still sat like a stone in his belly. He was bound by determination and the law to garner the truth.
He also knew she had no fondness for him whatsoever. Well, in her business, she could not be choosy. He tossed back his final drink and received a glacial stare as she caught him appraising her. Jake scraped back his chair, all the while keeping eyes on Bethany, and announced to his group, “Well, boys, I’ll be taking my leave now.”
He methodically scooped up his winnings and stuffed all but two of the bills into a pocket under his vest. He grinned in delight, ready to buy some time alone with the first woman he'd ever met who didn’t want anything to do with him. She didn’t yet need to know it was only to gain information. He’d let her squirm a bit while he sauntered over to Liam to pay for an hour of her time.
Chapter Sixteen
Two rough and tumble kids raced in and out between Andrew and Cameron as they strolled along, seeking a spot to claim for their picnic area. Twice now items have been nearly knocked from their hands. Andrew finally berated them, albeit kindly. “Boys, a lady is present.”
With dirt smudged faces they peered up at her. “Sorry ma’am!”
After they ran off she said, “They’ll only go bother someone else.”
Cameron scanned the area for a good spot to eat, grateful for the warmth of the sun on her back. She felt energetic for the first time in months.
“One day it’ll be our kids running around being scolded,” he said brightly, then took her in as if to see if his comment would be met with sorrow or hope.
She would not disappoint and smiled for him. “I agree!”
Andrew carried the large basket filled with enough food to feed many, and she perused the community’s celebration. Her second Fourth of July in the blessed town, which she never believed she could have dreamed of. They passed by tables laden with mason jars of pickled eggs, pickled beets, pickled cucumbers, pickled pigs’ feet, and anything else Kansas womenfolk conjured up to pickle, all waiting to be awarded the winner in the competition.
“This is as good a spot as any,” Cameron said as she planted herself. Andrew agreed and she laid out a soft quilted blanket and looked down Main Street. At the end of the street stood Lacey behind the famous kissing booth. It was the most successful fundraiser for the town’s coffers.
Cameron clucked her tongue and said absent-mindedly, “We need to find that cousin of yours a husband. I aim to do so if the sheriff doesn’t commit.”
Andrew looked at her. “She’s never told you about Blaine?” He seemed surprised that she might not know every secret of Lacey’s.
“I…I asked, but she said she didn’t want to speak of him.”
He helped smooth out the blanket. “That was an ordeal, to say the least.”
She pulled out two plates and napkins and changed the subject. “I’m going to invite Bethany over for tea someday soon.”
He looked at her, clearly surprised. Naturally he’d heard about her place of employment.
“Is that so?”
“I hope to make a new friend, let her know she’s welcome to come to church.” If he cared that she prostituted herself, he said nothing to the contrary.
“Sounds like a good thing to do Cameron.”
She noticed Kate Reynolds and her remaining children munching on sandwiches nearby. The ache of her unborn child hit her full force. How much worse was it losing a child you’d come to know? It was unbearable to witness the countenance of a mother who attempted to go on for her family. Would she be able to go on if something that devastating had affected her so? She closed her eyes and prayed immediately for God to give her strength, wanting to be able to draw upon Him in time of need, and not allow circumstance to take her out as it had before.
Andrew nudged her. “You feeling all right?”
She laced her fingers through his. “I am more than well.”
He looked beyond and above her shoulder. “Looks like we’ve got company.”
Ed and Lacey arrived before them.
Ed hunkered down next to Andrew and eyed the fried chicken in the basket.
“Help yourself.”
“Thanks, Rev, be obliged to.”
Cameron shared a smile with Lacey as she nestled onto the blanket. She handed out biscuits and on occasion searched faces in the crowd, but saw no sign of Thomas. She would have loved for him to join them.
For a while, there were two conversations going until she heard Ed speaking about Bethany and his plan to have her identify the gang who murdered her husband. She and Lacey stilled their words and listened.
“We hear one of the men is out looking for the witness to their crimes. Seems they’re very aware they left a survivor.”
Andrew wasn’t convinced. “You know how gossip happens. Everybody needs something to talk about. Before you know it, crimes are exaggerated and you have glorified train robbers.”
“Are you talking about them coming for Bethany?” Cameron was not
so sure she stood with her husband on this one. She looked at Andrew. “It makes sense—she escaped!”
Lacey harrumphed, but Cameron ignored her, knowing she was still sour about being rejected.
“I suppose you could have a point,” Andrew agreed.
Ed further explained, “They’ve shot through several counties so far. They zigzag ‘em so no one knows which they are hitting next.”
Cameron’s concern was for Bethany. “Don’t you think somebody ought to warn her?”
“It’s being handled.”
She shot Ed a look and tried to hide her growing fear. “You mean by my brother?” She wanted to snatch away the nearly bare chicken leg between his greasy fingers.
Thomas should be farming at home, getting married, growing old in peace. Not fighting outlaws. Ed seemed to sense her frustration and wisely put down his meal. She offered him a cloth napkin.
“Well not just him,” he capitulated. Jake’s in on it, too.”
Chapter Seventeen
The Jacksons stayed at the hotel rather than travel home so late, and awoke to the town looking near to normal. Cameron could hardly believe how quickly the people of Lincoln County had swept away all traces of the Fourth of July celebration.
Andrew pecked her cheek before stepping off the boardwalk and onto the dusty street. “I’ll see you for the noon meal?”
While in town they each had their list of errands and business to attend to.
“I’ll be done by then and waiting for you at Lacey’s.”
Cameron tied her bonnet securely atop her head and went to the mercantile. The sun was blazing upon her and she had no wish to have a burned scalp. That had happened once before and it itched for a week. Never again, no matter if she felt like a silly schoolgirl while wearing it.
It wasn’t much cooler inside the store but it was a nice respite from the heat. Once finished with her list, the owner rushed to her aide and held open the door.
“Thank you, Mr. Newberry.”
“My pleasure, Mrs. Jackson. Enjoy your day.”
Cameron carried the wooden crate of supplies, balancing it against her hip. With the buggy mere steps from the boardwalk, she’d declined additional assistance from Mr. Newberry. His store was filled with customers needing his attention and surely she could manage hoisting a small crate onto the wagon bed.
She was almost to the wagon when she slipped into a gap in the plank. It broke wide open and she fell through, twisting her foot. More embarrassed than hurt, she tried to get out, supplies scattered every which way. Worthlessly, she hoped to get free before anyone noticed.
*** *** ***
From the Gun Shop, the store Jake owned, he witnessed delicate Cameron bite the dust. He swore and looked around for someone to help. She appeared to be fine, so he would bide his time until she got loose or someone lent support. But blast it all, before that could happen, she looked across the way and saw him clear as day. He’d been caught. He swore another round, and with no choice, went out to her. Her face flamed seven shades of red. Not only her rump had been knocked down, but her pride as well—she was horrified. The more he drew near, the more upset set she became. Her absurd hysteria enraged him. He wasn’t the bad man in this.
She’d succeeded in scrambling up before he reached her but it appeared her ankle would not cooperate as she tried to stand. She hopped over to the nearest post, but clumsy as she was, tripped over her skirt and landed face down, catching herself with her hands. Jake squatted down to her level. “Are you finished?”
She nodded.
He lifted her upright before him. The reason was obvious why she was skittish. Many times after that occasion when they were alone in the saloon he’d surprised himself by wanting to apologize again and again. But seeing her here before him right now, he knew he could not ever do so, for he was not sorry.
“Thank you, Jake.” Her voice was soft and uncertain.
He couldn’t take her saying his name and he couldn’t take her standing so close, peering up at him, uttering thanks—not when his thoughts were on the kiss and, her lips. Everything about Cameron Jackson was forbidden. It was best if he said nothing and disappeared fast.
*** *** ***
Without a word Jake brushed passed her, leaving behind the scent of cigarette smoke, sweat and leather for her to breathe in. Unable to stop herself, she compared those smells to Andrew. He never had a whiff of this type of incense about him. He was squeaky clean, always smelling of pine soap. Suddenly, her face scalded and it wasn’t from the intense heat of the sun. How dare she compare the scents of a man, namely Jake, to those of her husband? She looked around as if someone might hear her guilty thoughts. Frantically she began picking up items and she thanked God above that Jake was no longer a gentleman and had not stayed to help her.
Cameron headed to Lacey’s and numbly sat in the first available booth. Lacey did not come to her empty-handed. She brought a tray of little sandwiches, frosted shortbread cookies and tea.
“It’s a tad hot for tea, but there is no fresh lemonade.”
“This is just fine, thank you.”
“Finished early with your shopping?”
Cameron held up the palms of her hands. “I fell.”
“Oh, you poor thing. I’ll get those splinters out of your hands.” Lacey went to fetch some tweezers then settled in across from Cameron.
Blushing furiously, she relayed the story of her incident and Jake.
“He’s a beast!” said Lacey while she plucked out the slivers.
“I’ve never been so humiliated!”
They burst into laughter so hard that tears rolled down their faces.
Cameron dabbed the corners of her eyes with splinter free hands. She placed a cube of sugar in her now lukewarm tea and stirred it thoughtfully. It was about this time last year that she began to listen to Andrew and attend church. Her life was so fulfilled now and she couldn’t help but wonder where she’d be without knowing God’s unconditional love. Compassion for her dearest friend in the world came forward and she could no longer keep such a wondrous gift to herself.
Although she felt emboldened, she wanted to choose her words carefully. “Do you think it’s time you started listening to Andrew about church?”
Lacey sat back—annoyed.
“I know how you feel about church and God and the Bible, Lacey. You had a terrible experience with your parents growing up, but they were so wrong!”
“I’ve heard enough.”
Cameron bit her lip, willing herself to be silent, but then had a change of mind. At times she felt older than Lacey, who was sitting across from her stubbornly and in blatant defiance. How would she ever hear it if everyone always played the coward to her extreme moodiness?
“Why not give yourself a chance for hope? You’ve said so yourself that I have changed.”
“I think you’ve just matured. Married life will do that to you!”
“How do you think I managed after I lost our baby?”
“You hardly managed. You were a hermit, never letting anyone, especially me, come and see you.”
“I meant eventually. I have a lot to learn about my life and about God. Now, wait a minute, you can’t get upset every time I say God… He’s my life. If you can’t accept that, then I suppose you can’t accept me.”
“Don’t be silly. Of course I accept you.”
Shaking her head Cameron continued, “What I’m trying to say is that, yes, something terrible happened. I know now that if I didn’t have faith, I would have been even more devastated than I was. I might have never come out of it and would have ruined my life and my marriage. It took a little longer for me than it does for some, I imagine. But learning to overcome is what causes us to grow in all of our relationships. Nothing and nobody is perfect.”
Lacey sat quietly in contemplation while Cameron lifted the teacup to her lips, unbelieving of what had just spilled out of her. She was trembling inside, but it felt good and it felt right. For now, it was ti
me to let it be. And as she’d had her own moment of reconciliation with God, she knew with all of her heart that someday Lacey would share one as well.
Chapter Eighteen
As another month rounded the corner and began to settle upon the town, it was rumored that Bethany Hoffman was indeed in a heap of danger. While Andrew was making rounds on a family who’d lost their farm to the bank, Cameron felt it her duty to lend support where she could, and went to the saloon.
Bethany appeared surprised to have the preacher’s wife walk in bold as the light of day and take a seat as if she belonged there. Cameron smiled in spite of herself. If Bethany had only known her history, she’d be truly astonished. Being morning, the saloon was empty and she had the impression she’d just happened to catch Bethany at the perfect moment.
“Good morning.”
Bethany looked upon her cautiously, seeming eager to be out of reach from any conversation.
Liam was drying drinking glasses and stopped to motion for Bethany to answer.
“Afternoon to you… Cameron.”
“It’s Mrs. Jackson,” Liam said in a curt tone.
“Cameron is fine. Please, join me a moment?”
Bethany frowned slightly but made her way to the table. Cameron gestured for her to have a seat.
“How can I help you?”
“I’m sure Sheriff Ed Randall has mentioned to you that you are in potential danger.”
Bethany shrugged.
“Do you have family?”
“Not here. Why are you asking me this?”
Cameron leaned forward. “You lost your husband on that stage. I should have spoken to you sooner and truly asked how you were doing—I’ve wanted to befriend you for a while now. Please forgive me.”
“You’re here to make yourself feel better, then.”
Although that was an untrue statement, Cameron supposed she had a right to be angry.
“I can see how it could appear that way. To be honest, I didn’t know how to respond once I’d heard you turned down working for Lacey to be a… well to work at Liam’s.”
Lincoln County Series 1-3 Page 17