“I’d like to take you on my afternoon rounds tomorrow,” Luke said to Judith. “There are some people I’d like you to meet.”
“Who will you bring along to chaperone?” Marshall asked, keeping his tone light.
“Junior, of course. He’s in the barn waiting for me now.” Luke offered his arm to Judith, and she gladly took it.
“What direction will we be going?” she asked. “I need to drop off some things in town.”
“We can do that on the way back.”
“That would be lovely.”
Marshall and Doris walked with them to the door making it awkward for Judith to bid Luke good night.
“Is he going to give you a hard time when you go back inside?” Luke asked on the step.
“I can hold my own against my brother.”
Luke lifted her hand and kissed it. “Tomorrow then. Dress warm.”
She watched as he skipped down the steps and had to bite back a laugh when he slipped on the bottom step. Once he’d caught his balance, holding his hat to his head, he turned around and grinned at her before he strode toward the barn.
“Come inside before you freeze to death,” Marshall said.
Judith smiled, letting her brother take her arm and lead her into the house.
9
Luke was grim faced as he stepped into Sheriff Vosburg’s office. It’d taken most of the morning to get the monster-dog photo taken and then developed.
“Have yourself a cup of coffee there,” Abe said, indicating a pot on the stove. “Charles ought to be back from his rounds soon, and I’d like him here for this.”
“I appreciate it. This is surely brass-monkey weather we’re having this year.” Luke put the folder with the photographs for the sheriff down before going for some coffee. He took a seat and watched as Abe studied the pictures.
“That’s one mean-looking dog,” the sheriff finally said, setting the photograph down. “It looked worse in person. One of those beasts was bad enough. We’re lucky it didn’t go after any people.” His voice softened. “Or the school kids.”
His mouth dry, Luke met the older man’s concerned gaze. With the weather so cold, only the children who had rides had been coming to town for school.
“I’ve lived here in Lilac City for a dang long time, Luke, and I’ve never seen anything like this. Even as bad as things have been with the sheep wars, there’s something especially ugly about this dog.” Abe rubbed his face. “Ever since I investigated the first attack, it’s been troubling me. I was sure it had to be a lone wolf.”
“I’d wondered the same thing,” Luke said, staring out the window.
“Dogs prefer to run in packs.”
Luke shifted to look at the sheriff, “If we’d been dealing with a rogue dog—”
“We’d likely have had more attacks in the surrounding area. That’s what Charles and I had decided anyway. It’s easier for a wild dog to go after sheep on a smaller farm.”
“Any sheep farms reporting missing or killed animals?”
Abe gave a disgusted snort. “They’re always reporting missing animals, but it’s usually cattlemen who are responsible. There haven’t been any tracks to match that beast’s.”
Luke rose and strode to the window. “It’s a real uncomfortable position to have someone come after me.”
“The only thing that’s different from last year is your three sisters.”
“What would be served for William Lancaster to come after my catt—” A possibility struck Luke, and he broke off, his stomach tightening into a knot. As far as they knew, the girls’ uncle hadn’t heard about Doris’s marriage to Marshall Breckinridge. Lancaster would be assuming she and Frances were still living at the Lucky L with Luke as their only protector.
“What’s on your mind?” Abe asked, coming to stand by the window.
Luke told him.
“No other protector, huh?” The sheriff scratched his grizzly beard. “A man would have to be pretty desperate to try to ruin you so your sisters would have to turn to him for support.” Abe grunted. “Well look who Charles is bringing back with him.”
“I’ve been wondering when Edgar would finally show up.” Luke was still angry with the man. After William Lancaster had discovered his oldest niece, Maude, had already married, he’d coerced Marshall’s cousin to come out to the Circle B with the intent to woo away either Doris or Frances. They still hadn’t figured out what was driving Lancaster to go to such extremes.
“Charles looks like a man with a message.” Abe opened the door then shut it behind them as soon as they’d entered.
“Are Wyoming winters always this bad?” Edgar Lowell asked, going immediately to the potbellied stove and holding his hands near it.
“Not usually this early.” Luke said, “What news have you?”
Edgar turned to face him, his expression bleak. “I did try to get more details, but William Lancaster is suspicious of everyone. He wasn’t pleased at all that I hadn’t managed to secure Miss Doris’s affections yet and lure her back to Indianapolis.” His expression blanched. “He made it quite clear what would happen to me if he had to call in his Italian friends.”
“Tell them what you did find out,” Charles said.
“Just that he has something in the works he’s sure will secure his possession of Doris and Frances by midwinter.”
Luke exchanged glances with Abe.
“What?” Charles asked, looking between the two men.
The sheriff slid over the photograph of the dog. Edgar made a choking sound and sank to a chair as he stared at the picture of the dead animal.
“I take it you’ve seen that beast before,” the sheriff said dryly.
“Those Italian men I told you about.” Edgar swallowed. “They threatened me with an animal like that. Said they were trained trackers as well as attack dogs.”
“So, William Lancaster is behind this,” Luke growled, grateful the man wasn’t in the same room.
“They?” Charles asked. “The Italians have access to more than one dog?”
“I saw four of them and got the impression there were more,” Edgar said.
“Did they have a handler?” Luke asked.
“Yes. A big, ugly brute of a man who spoke another language. My guess is German. He was as intimidating as the dogs.” Edgar shuddered. “I swear I will never gamble again.”
“This is looking like you are being targeted, Luke,” Charles said, his voice low, “and there could be more of these monsters in the area.”
“Sounds like it.” An intense need hit Luke to protect his family and his ranch. A lot of people depended upon the jobs he provided. “Edgar, can you describe the handler well enough for Doris to sketch his likeness?”
“Why?” the man asked warily.
“Good idea,” Abe said. “We can ask around to see if anyone recognizes him.”
“I’m worried if that handler’s around here, he’ll have heard about Doris marrying Marshall,” Luke said. “If he sends word back to Lancaster, he’ll realize Edgar’s been keeping things from him. Did their uncle act like he believed you?”
The poor man’s eyes had widened, but then he frowned and slowly shook his head. “Mr. Lancaster didn’t act suspicious of me, just angry at my lack of success. One of the Italians had to do some translating for the dog’s keeper.”
“We have to find him,” Charles said, his jaw muscles tight. “He and those dogs are a danger not only to my wife and her family but to anyone who might cross their path.”
“Have you heard anything about getting Maude’s inheritance,” Luke asked.
“Lancaster’s attorney is making excuses about needing more time to liquidate assets and other nonsense.” Charles snorted in disgust. “I don’t care about the money, but there are things in the house that belonged to their mother.”
“You need to put more pressure on your father to discover what he can about what William Lancaster has his hands in,” Abe said. “I’ll bet you anything there�
�s something those girls stand to inherit the man wants.”
“I’ll ask Maude tonight what she remembers about her father’s business dealings,” Charles said.
“I’ve got an appointment I need to get to,” Luke said. “Edgar, I can take you out to the Circle B. That’s where I’m headed. Be sure to see if Doris can sketch the German’s likeness.”
Edgar nodded.
10
Judith kept telling herself Luke could be delayed in coming for her. He’d said he had to take care of business in town beforehand, something to do with the attack dog. She should not be so nervous, but her sleep had been troubled, full of dreams where Luke would come to her as Teddy had to say they would not suit.
She’d distracted herself by spending the morning working with Mrs. Hauser and Doris. The poor young woman had not been prepared to run a house, and there was much for her to learn. Judith only had a few months’ experience with it herself.
They’d inventoried the bedding. A successful summer of dude ranch guests had taken its toll. With Marshall already receiving reservation requests for the coming spring and summer, they needed to be prepared.
The ladies sat around the fire doing simple mending on some sheets that didn’t need replacing. It was the most pleasant morning Judith could recall spending with other women. She wasn’t a very good seamstress, doing better with fine needlework, something her mother had insisted upon.
Judith’s stomach growled in a most unladylike manner, and she was glad Luke hadn’t arrived yet.
“I suppose I should see how the soup is coming,” Mrs. Hauser said, setting aside the sheet she’d been stitching. She rose, but paused at the sound of bells, looking out the front window. The housekeeper smiled at Judith and said, “Ah, it looks like Mr. Luke has arrived. And he’s brought Mr. Edgar.”
Judith’s dreams from the night before came back. Would Luke have decided his offer to court her had been a mistake? Oblivious to her distress, Doris began to put away the work, so Judith helped to tidy the room.
Edgar strode in, Luke not far behind, bringing a bitter chill with them.
“I have returned, ladies. Judith.” He gave a sweeping bow. “Doris.” When he straightened, all the bravado was gone, and he said, “I’ve been given an assignment I’ll need your help with, but it will wait. Your brother has news for you that I will leave to him.” He gave Judith a quick kiss on the cheek and left the room.
“That sounds quite ominous,” Doris said, stepping up to Luke who’d entered the room. She gave his cheek a quick peck. “I’ll help Mrs. Hauser set up for lunch.”
Judith’s heart was thumping so hard it was giving her chest a thorough pounding. How could she bear it if Luke rejected her now?
When he took her hands, he frowned. “You’re so cold.” He brought first one and then the other to his lips.
Judith wanted to cry with relief. And to slide into his arms and kiss him. When she rose on her tiptoes and lightly brushed her lips with his, he froze, closing his eyes. What did it mean? He didn’t open his eyes again until she stepped back, but he smiled.
“As a man of my word and for the record, I didn’t initiate that. But I want you to know that I’d like very much to kiss you thoroughly.”
Judith said a silent prayer of gratitude he hadn’t changed his mind. Luke offered her his arm, and she took it.
“What is this news Edgar brought?” Judith asked, working to keep her voice steady as they walked toward the dining room.
“It appears the attacks on my herd were initiated by William Lancaster.”
“No.” Judith paused and made him face her.
“Yes, but I’d rather not tell the story twice, so let’s save it for after lunch.”
“Come, Daddy,” Florence was saying as she and Lydia towed their father from his office.
Marshall scooped Lydia into his arms and blew into her neck and made the sounds of pretend-eating. “I’m already stuffed with blueberry muffin.” He set her down and did the same to Florence. “And chocolate cake.”
“I used to consider it undignified,” Judith said to Luke, her voice soft.
“And now?”
“I love it.” Her voice broke, and she had to blink her eyes to keep from crying. She was so emotional today, yet she couldn’t help wishing her father had behaved like her brother.
“Is Edgar joining us?” Doris asked, accepting a kiss from her husband.
“So, the lost sheep has finally come home, has he?” Marshall asked, dryly
“And he brought some answers to questions we’ve had.” Luke pulled out a chair for Judith. “We can discuss it once the girls have finished.”
“Aww,” Florence groaned.
“They never let us hear about the interesting things,” Lydia said, her bottom lip stuck out in a pout.
“I heard once,” Luke said, his tone teasing, “that children should be seen and not heard.” At the children’s insulted expressions, he winked at them.
“That smells delicious, Mrs. Hauser,” Edgar said as he entered the room. He strode to Marshall and extended his hand. The two men exchanged a meaningful glance, and Edgar took a seat.
“Where are you taking me today in this frigid weather?” Judith asked Luke after the blessing on the food.
“To the Knox homestead.”
“What’s there?” Marshall asked.
“Hank Knox is one of my scholars,” Doris said. “His grandmother makes the loveliest quilts. Her needlework is the finest I’ve ever seen.”
“I suppose we’re going out to see needlework?” Judith asked.
“Yes. And meet a woman who’s the salt of the earth.” He reached across the table and covered Judith’s hand with his. “You’ve been looking for other types of art to display for the Christmas Fair, and she has some pieces you might want to include.”
Quilts weren’t what she’d hoped to add to the list of displays, but she recalled the conversation they’d had the day before. Perhaps this was how he meant to help her to meet and learn to value the people here.
Because of the girls, they kept the meal conversation light. Doris then prepared to take Florence and Lydia to the nursery.
“Doris should stay for this,” Luke said.
“All right, girls,” Marshall said. “You may sit in the parlor and read.”
“Yes, Daddy,” Florence said.
“I get to read A Visit from St. Nicholas,” Lydia cried, running ahead.
Florence abandoned all decorum and chased after her.
Doris took her seat again and looked at Luke expectantly.
“It appears your uncle has a man here. From now on, we need to give the appearance you’re living at the Lucky L,” Luke said.
“Now wait just one minute,” Marshall said, his eyes flashing.
“Appearance,” Luke stressed. He explained what they’d discussed at the sheriff’s office. “It’s not just Doris who’s in danger if this spy reports back to Lancaster.”
“Indeed,” Edgar said with a rush of emotion. “We do not wish for this man to get wind that you’re married, and I’ve been lying to your uncle.”
Doris had looked about to argue, but Luke shook his head.
“Are you willing to put Edgar’s life in danger?” he asked.
“No. Of course not,” Doris said.
“I did not just get married so my wife can move back into her brother’s house,” Marshall looked at Doris with a tender expression, “especially now we’re expecting.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful,” Judith cried and hugged them both.
Marshall shot Luke a worried look, and he understood. Since Marshall had already lost his first wife from complications following childbirth, he would be watching over Doris very carefully.
“It’s fortunate the weather is so cold. Following Luke’s suggestion,” Judith said, sitting beside him again, “Doris can go incognito whenever she leaves the house. Wearing work clothes and a good scarf, no one would be able to know who she is. In this dr
eadful cold, I seriously doubt this man would be lingering around the Circle B Ranch, when he appears to be targeting the Lucky L. It also begs the question of where he’s been staying.”
Everyone started talking at once, and Luke reached over to take her hand.
“Brilliant,” he said.
A peacefulness Judith hadn’t felt in years filled her.
11
“It looks like you’ve got your work cut out for you,” Luke said, pulling out his pocket watch. “We’d best get going if I’m to get Judith back here and still leave in time to get to the Lucky L before dark. Sorry we can’t help you clean up.” He rose and pulled Judith to her feet.
“Did you bring a chaperone, or shall I provide one?” Marshall asked.
“I’ve got Junior keeping warm in the barn,” Luke said.
“I’m not a child,” Judith said, sounding irritated.
“Neither was I.” Marshall shot her a knowing look, and she flushed. “But you’ll also be with Luke, who seems to have a target on his back.” At the sound of bells, he said, “It appears we have company.”
Luke followed Judith to the window. It was Frances and Nick.
“Why are they here?” Luke asked, alarmed. He stepped toward the door, but Doris had already opened it. She hurried the pair inside.
“What brings you to the Circle B?” Luke asked, his breath slowing at their unconcerned expressions.
“Doris’s order for more cranberries came in, and we decided to drop it by,” Frances said.
“We tried to keep them warm, so I hope they’re not frozen,” Nick said as he handed the box to Marshall. “But it’s that cold out there.”
“It’s all right.” Doris started opening the box. “Mrs. Hauser knows just what to do with them if they are. The girls will be delighted. We’re going to display Judith’s clever designs at the Christmas Fair.”
Luke glanced at her, and she ducked her head.
“I still haven’t been able to see your garlands. I’d like to,” Luke said softly to her. Raising his voice, he said to the others, “That’s a great idea, but we need to get going.”
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