She said it with such relish that Luke drew back.
“I understand the importance of paying one’s debts,” she continued. “Are you certain about this, sir? You’re agreeable to traveling with me to find our siblings?”
“Agreeable probably isn’t the word I’d choose, but yes, I’m willing to go.”
She clicked her tongue as she mentally chewed the idea. “Well,” she said finally with a sigh. “All right. You may accompany me as my bodyguard. However, I expect you to remember that this was your idea.”
Narrowing his eyes, Luke studied her. Mari McBride boldly returned his stare. Hmm…something else was going on here, some detail that in his weary state, he wasn’t picking up. Sensing he might be making a mistake, he nevertheless said, “Fine. So what time’s the train?”
“Four o’clock.”
“What time is it now?”
“Quarter till noon.”
Damn. No rest for the weary. Luke sighed heavily, then nodded. “I’ll meet you on board. Go early and get us a good seat. We want to be on the west side.”
“The west?” Her pert nose wrinkled. “But won’t that be hotter in late afternoon?”
“Yeah, but it’ll be safer.”
“Safer? Why?”
“On the flatlands between here and San Antone, train robbers like to use the setting sun to shield them from sight.”
“Oh. Well.” She shrugged. “I guess you’d know.”
Blandly, he drawled, “I guess I would.”
“Very well, then.” She slipped her arm through the handle of her handbag and picked up her parasol. A light that looked suspiciously like satisfaction gleamed in her eyes as she dipped her head in a nod and turned to leave. “Until later, Mr. Garrett.”
“Later, Miss McBride,” he said to her departing figure.
While Luke took a moment to mentally make a list of things to do in the next few hours, he strolled over to the window and absently watched Mari McBride sashay her way up the street. She distracted him from his thoughts when she gave her parasol a jaunty twirl. She got his total attention when she stopped and blew a kiss to a pair of catcalling cowboys. Finally, just before she turned the corner and disappeared from sight, she glanced back over her shoulder toward the Blue Goose and let loose a honey of a smile.
In that moment, Luke knew for certain. He didn’t know precisely why and he didn’t know exactly how, but one way or another, he’d just been had. The woman was a fraud, a bamboozler.
Mari McBride was a Menace.
CHAPTER FIVE
“HE BOUGHT IT, EMMA. It worked!” In the kitchen at Willow Hill, Mari grabbed her sister in a heartfelt hug. “I haven’t lost my touch. Luke Garrett insisted on escorting me to San Antonio to search for Kat and that rat Rory Callahan.”
“And this is good news?”
“Oh, Emma,” Mari said, a sigh in her voice.
“I don’t care. I don’t like this plan. The man is a convicted criminal. He’s Rory’s brother. How can you possibly believe a word he says? What’s to keep him from robbing you or abandoning you or…or…taking advantage of you?”
An image flashed through her mind of Luke Garrett nibbling at her throat. She gave herself a little shake, then said, “I need to finish packing. Come upstairs with me, would you?”
Once in her bedroom, Mari opened her bureau drawer, removed a stack of clean lingerie, and added it to a half-filled trunk. “We’ve been through this before, Em. I can’t do this alone. As much as I hate to admit it, it wouldn’t be safe for me to undertake this search without a man’s protection.”
“Then hire someone to be your escort, or ask Uncle Tye.”
“Aunt Claire’s baby is due in little more than a month. I refuse to drag Uncle Tye away from Fort Worth at a time like this. As far as hiring an escort, who could possibly be better for the job than Luke Garrett? I promised Papa that I’d stay out of trouble if he left me behind, and that’s what I’m trying to do.”
“By going off with the most notorious man in town?” Emma threw out her hands. “And to think that you’re the one who worked so hard to leave your McBride Menace reputation behind you.”
Mari waited a moment, then said softly, “He’s the best man for the job, Em.”
Emma sat on the edge of Mari’s bed, closed her eyes and rubbed her temples. “It scares me. Mari, if something were to happen to you…”
Mari’s shoulders dipped beneath the weight of her family’s grief. She sat beside her sister and took her hand. “I give you my solemn word that I’ll be as careful as possible. This isn’t a mischievous McBride Menace escapade. In fact, this is just the opposite. This is acting responsibly in the best interests of our family.”
Emma smiled, her eyes pooling with tears. “I know I’m being a ninny. I know that it’s best for the family for you to pursue this personally, now, rather than to wait for Papa to come home or for Aunt Claire to have her baby so that Tye is free to leave. I’m frightened for her, too. She had such a difficult delivery the last time. It just scares me. Everything scares me these days.”
“That’s because you live a frightening life these days, Emma, tutoring those Harrison twins,” Mari said, attempting to lighten the mood. “Those boys are terrors.”
Emma smiled. “They’re darlings and you just watch, I’ll have them ready to impress their stuffy old grandfather when he comes to town next month. He’ll have no excuse to try to take those children away from Mr. Harrison. None at all.”
A glance at the wall clock told Mari she’d best return to her packing. Standing, she moved to her wardrobe. “Think how wonderful it will be when I bring Kat home, Emma. Imagine Papa’s and Mama’s faces.”
“It’s a lovely dream.”
“I think it will happen. I truly do. And I think Luke Garrett will play a pivotal part in making that dream come true.”
Emma eyed her thoughtfully. “One of your hunches, Maribeth?”
“Maybe.” She shrugged. “But it’s a logical conclusion, too. Think about it. Because of the family connection, he’s motivated. Because of his…um…occupation, he has a certain expertise which might possibly come in useful. And he passed my character test.”
“I still think that was a stupid idea.”
“It worked, didn’t it? He acted just like Papa would have, Emma. It was obvious that he thought I was acting like a foolish twit.”
“Which you were.”
“Yes, well. That’s beside the point. Luke didn’t react like a criminal, he responded like a protective male. Just like when he brought Billy to Mama the night of the fire. I know about Luke Garrett’s criminal history and infamous reputation, but from what I’ve seen personally, I believe him to be an honorable man.”
“Maybe you’re right. I hope you’re right. I hope he hasn’t fooled us all just like his brother.”
“Kat was the only one fooled by Rory Callahan. The rest of us knew he was no good. Papa forbade her to see him, remember?”
“I remember that he wasn’t all that happy that you batted your lashes over bonbons with Luke Garrett the day of the fire.”
Remembering the incident, Mari grinned. She had been rather overbold that afternoon. “Papa doesn’t like his girls flirting, period. He’d have acted the same way had I been smiling at that handsome, unmarried Methodist minister who’s just moved to town.”
“True. Still, if he knew what you’re planning…”
“I’m planning to bring Kat home. Papa wouldn’t argue with that.”
Mari finished packing while Emma filled a picnic basket for her and Garrett to share on the train. Then the two women wrestled Mari’s suitcase and trunk downstairs shortly before the baggage man she’d hired arrived to ferry the items to the rail station. He loaded the items in his wagon and departed minutes before potential trouble arrived in the form of their father’s twin.
“Uncle Tye!” Emma called upon answering the door, making sure to speak loud enough for Mari to hear. “This is a nice surprise.”
“Why is it a surprise?” came the beloved masculine voice. “I check on you two every day, don’t I?”
Mari set down her large travel handbag and took off the hat she’d just donned. It wouldn’t do at all for Uncle Tye to discover her plans, and he had a sharp eye. She’d best play this meeting with care.
“You check on us every evening,” she said, breezing into the entry hall. “Although I think that’s an excuse to sample whatever sweets I’ve brought home from the shop that day.”
He grinned sheepishly. “Pregnancy is difficult on a man when his wife is a baker confined to bed and unable to bake. I’m accustomed to my desserts.”
“So is your sweet tooth acting up early?” Mari asked as he bent to kiss her cheek in greeting. “It’s only midafternoon.”
“Your shop is closed today. I’m concerned.”
Darn. She’d hoped to get away before he noticed. “No need for concern. I felt poorly this morning, but I’m doing better now.”
“Poorly?” Worry dimmed his moss-colored eyes. “What’s wrong? Should we call a doctor?”
“I’m fine.”
“Are you sure? Should you be in bed? Do you have a fever?”
Mari patted his hand and employed the excuse sure to shut him down. “Female troubles, Uncle Tye.”
“Oh. Well. All right, then.”
“I have a batch of fudge I brought from the shop to send to the Harrisons with Emma. Would you like some to take home?”
“Chocolate fudge?”
“Yes.”
He wrapped her in a loving hug. “Mari McBride, you are my favorite niece.”
“Well,” Emma said with a huff, though the amused light in her eyes belied her tone. Tye McBride habitually declared all his nieces and nephews his favorite. “I like that. And to think I intended to stop by your house this evening and take all the children out for ice cream to give you and Aunt Claire some time alone.”
Tye released Mari and pulled Emma into his arms. “Emma McBride, you are my favorite niece.”
The sisters managed to reassure their uncle and hustle him on his way within a few minutes’ time. Despite their hurry, Mari reached the depot later than she’d intended. Luke Garrett might have to do without his west-side seats.
White smoke puffed from the locomotive on the track and the sounds of goodbyes filled the air. Her heart thrumming with excitement over the possibilities of the upcoming trip, Mari set her satchel on the platform and embraced her sister. “You be careful,” Emma said, tears in both her eyes and voice.
“I will. I promise.” Mari batted her lashes rapidly to blink back her own tears. “I’m sorry to leave you to face Uncle Tye by yourself, but tell him I’ll write every day and report in by telegraph as often as possible.”
“I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about me or the family or your shop. I’ll hold the fort while you’re gone.” Emma gave her sister one last squeeze before stepping back.
Mari reached up and clutched the sapphire pendant of her necklace. “I’ll bring her home, Emma.”
“I know.” Emma clasped her own ruby pendant. “If she’s alive, I know you’ll find her.”
“She’s alive,” Mari declared. After blowing her sister one final kiss, a scant ten minutes before the scheduled departure, she boarded the passenger car next to the caboose.
The train was crowded. In light of her tardiness, Luke might well be on board already, so Mari decided to make a quick walk through of all the cars before choosing a seat.
Holding her satchel in front of her, the picnic basket behind her, she made her way down the narrow aisle past businessmen in suits who sat beside farmers wearing denim overalls. She smiled at a demurely gowned lady who sat across the aisle from a gaudily dressed woman busy sending bawdy winks toward a cowboy searching for a seat. Mari spied an empty west-side seat and considered claiming it by setting down her satchel. Upon noting that the seat behind it contained a trio of boys remarkably reminiscent of her brothers, she decided to try another car.
It took her at least five minutes to make her way through three of the railcars. Summer heat created a stifling atmosphere inside, the odor of unwashed bodies mingling with the aroma of fried chicken rising from picnic baskets, floral perfumes, and a toddler’s dirty diaper. Mari fanned her face and hoped that the three long toots of the train whistle indicated an on-time departure. Having fresh air blowing through the windows would be a relief.
In the fourth car, she was hailed by an acquaintance of her mother’s. She dodged probing questions, then quickly took her leave. The train was starting to roll and her nerves had gone tense by the time she entered the passenger car nearest the locomotive. Had Luke Garrett stood her up?
“Not real good at following directions, are you, Miss McBride?”
He lounged like a sleepy mountain cat across two seats at the very back of the car, the broad brim of his black felt hat pulled low on his brow, his arms folded over his chest, his long denim-clad legs outstretched and his booted feet crossed at the ankles. The seat across the aisle from him and the four directly in front were occupied by, of all people, nuns.
Nuns who knew her. Knew her well.
“Maribeth McBride,” said Sister Gonzaga. “I understand you haven’t attended church since your parents left town.”
That caused Luke Garrett to sit up and push his hat back. Interest gleamed in his tawny eyes.
“I…um…”
“Your sister is in church every Sunday.”
“Yes…well…”
Luke Garrett’s lips twitched.
“Father King hears confessions on Saturday afternoons. I’ll tell him to expect you. Will you and Emma be back from your travels this coming weekend?”
Mari couldn’t think of a single response that wouldn’t get her into trouble, so she shot Luke a “help me” look. He was supposed to be her bodyguard, wasn’t he? He should do something to save her!
When mischief sparked in his eyes and his dimple creased his cheek, she figured she’d made a big mistake. Watch him say something outrageous, something sure to ruin her reputation at home. Something that would ruin her business. I should have anticipated that I might see someone I knew on this leg of the trip. I should have had an excuse or explanation at the ready.
I’m so out of practice at Menacing.
Mari held her breath as Luke unfolded from his slouch and leaned forward. “Sister? Miss McBride could use your prayers in the coming days, your prayers and your discretion.”
Sister Gonzaga twisted in her seat and shot him a suspicious look. Luke continued, “Miss McBride has received information that her sister might have survived the Spring Palace fire after all, and she’s traveling to San Antonio in an attempt to confirm it.”
The truth? He’s using the truth for an excuse?
What a novel idea.
“Little Kat? Alive?”
“It’s possible, but in my opinion, unlikely.” Ignoring Mari’s little murmur of protest, he continued, “However, Miss McBride must do all she can to put the matter to rest one way or another as soon as possible, certainly before her family returns to Texas. The McBrides have suffered tremendously from the loss of their Kat. If this rumor proves false, the fewer family members who have their hopes raised then dashed, the better.”
“Of course. Young Billy especially has had an awful time of it.” The elderly nun looked at Mari, her eyes brimming with compassion. She reached over and patted Mari’s hand. “You’re a good girl, Maribeth. The sisters and I will pray for God’s blessing upon your quest.”
“Thank you,” Mari replied with complete sincerity. “I trust you’ll be discreet with this information?”
“Of course, dear.” Then the nun’s eyes narrowed and she turned toward Luke. “And just who are you, sir?”
He removed his hat. “My name is Luke Garrett, ma’am. Miss McBride has asked me to provide her protection during her search.”
“Garrett? Yes. I should have recognized you.” She gave him t
he look Mari and her sisters had dubbed “The Evil Eye” in their youth. “You’re the wicked lost soul who leads God’s wayward children into sin in Hell’s Half Acre.”
He winced, scratched the back of his neck, then sighed. “I shouldn’t do this, but…” He leaned forward and lowered his voice to just above a whisper. “That’s not my true identity, Sister Gonzaga. I’m actually a Texas Ranger working incognito in Hell’s Half Acre.”
Mari rolled her eyes.
The nun clasped her hands above her prodigious bosom and studied him. Mari thought he must have inherited some of his brother’s acting talent, too, because he managed to appear totally sincere.
Watching him, Mari knew a brief moment of doubt. Surely he wasn’t telling the truth about that, too!
No, the idea that Luke Garrett could be a Texas Ranger was too big a stretch to believe. Incognito, indeed. Why, to pull that off, he’d need acting skills to put ol’Rory’s to shame. Besides, Mari personally knew two Texas Rangers. They traded in her shop. One was tall, thin and talkative, the other short, stocky, quiet and shy. They were different as night and day. Yet both men possessed a certain quality, a quiet confidence, which identified them as members of the Ranger corps.
Luke Garrett, on the other hand, had the brazen swagger of a criminal. He was nothing like the Texas Rangers of her acquaintance.
Sister Gonzaga must not have known any Texas Rangers, because apparently she bought into his story. Nodding, she said, “I will pray for you both.”
“Thank you.” To Mari, Luke said, “Do you intend to stand all the way to San Antonio?”
Mari didn’t really want to sit behind the nuns for the next three hundred miles. A quick scan of the car for an available seat told her she didn’t have much choice. By now, undoubtedly, the seats in the other cars had been filled. She smiled wanly and sat beside her bodyguard on the hard wooden seat.
Luke put his hat back on, tucked his chin against his chest and promptly fell asleep. Without an excuse or apology, he just closed his eyes and started to snore.
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