Elizabeth loosened her dress, allowing the evening breezes to sooth her skin. “Okay, Lord,” she whispered. “I’ve learned my lesson, I promise!”
Chapter Eighty-Seven
Deputy Welch stood up as Reagan and Sheriff Hadley entered the jailhouse. “Will you be needing me tonight?” he asked.
Jim rested his hat on a peg. “Give me a couple hours,” he said while motioning Reagan to sit. “If I decide Mr. Burnsfield is staying, I’ll send a message with you to his family.” With a nod, the deputy left the room.
Reagan removed his hat. “So, Jim, what is it that has you in such an uproar?”
The sheriff sat behind his desk before propping his jaw against a palm. “You don’t seem overly concerned,” he said, watching Reagan closely. “I’m just wondering if you realize what a predicament you’ve gotten yourself into. In particular, why you didn’t tell the truth about your involvement with Molly Carnes?”
Reagan looked genuinely surprised. “As far as I know, I have been factual about my encounter with the girl. What have I omitted?”
“You said you only met the girl once,” he said, keeping his expression blank. “Are you sure you didn’t meet her before or after that particular time?”
“That’s right,” Reagan nodded. “I don’t recall meeting her before, and I most certainly haven’t seen her since.”
“You’re positive you’ve not had any contact, either in person or in the form of written communication?”
Jim picked up a pencil, tapping his notes. He had read them many times, hoping to find a flaw in Phineas’ words. And yet, when combined with the cashed cheque, it was the only thing that made sense. Reagan would absolutely not hand over a large sum of money to a complete stranger.
Reagan folded his arMs. “Are you implying that I had some kind of relationship with the girl?”
“The evidence would certainly suggest that,” Jim said, looking squarely into Reagan’s eyes. “How else can you explain that Molly’s father knew all about you and that Molly planned on marrying you?”
“You’re out of your mind,” Reagan exclaimed. “Do you honestly think I’d pursue, let alone marry a woman like that when I was already courting Amanda?”
“According to her father, Molly was not…employed…at the time. It wasn’t until afterward, she began working at the saloon.” He dropped the pencil and leaned back. “Supposedly, she needed the coin to make herself look like a woman of means.”
“It’s a lie,” Reagan said, jutting his chin. “I never met her before, nor would I have entertained the notion of marrying her. You know me better than that.”
Jim sighed. “I used to think so,” he muttered, opening a drawer.
“Used to?” Reagan echoed. “What foolishness did Molly’s father spew to cause you to doubt me?”
Jim withdrew the incriminating cheque and held it up. “It wasn’t anything Mr. Carnes said so much as what this paper indicates.” He placed the cheque on the desk, pushing it toward Reagan.
Immediately, Reagan recognized it as the cheque he had written to Derrick Banning. He looked at the sheriff and smiled. “This I can explain. But, I don’t know what it has to do with the girl you found in my office.”
“Oh?” Jim voiced as he pulled out a clean sheath of paper. “Why don’t you explain it?” He held up his pencil expectantly. “I’m all ears.”
Reagan tapped the cheque, realizing he could no longer conceal his thorny predicament. “Well,” he said as he lowered his gaze, “as you can see, I was being blackmailed by a scoundrel.”
“I had assumed as much,” Jim said, his heart sinking. “Tell me how it came about.”
“Last spring, we were fortunate enough to garner several large contracts. To fulfill the company’s obligations, I needed to build another mill. When my funds ran low, I-uh…” Reagan hesitated, knowing the sheriff would disapprove of his solution. “…married Amanda to procure her dowry.” Even to him, it sounded like a poor excuse. To a straight shooter like Jim, it would lack moral integrity. “As you can see,” he said, giving the sheriff a lopsided grin, “my mind wouldn’t have been on anything or anyone else.”
“I’m listening,” Jim encouraged.
“Unfortunately, one of Amanda’s suitor’s felt I’d stolen his rightful place as her intended, and decided to pursue her even after we wed.”
“What has that got to do with this cheque?” Jim asked, feeling as if he were being taken on a wild goose chase.
“It has everything to do with it!”
Jim bit his lip. “Go on,” he gestured, his pencil poised again.
“This man stole our contracts and threatened to expose why I married Amanda. In order to keep him from going to George and laying bare the truth, he demanded payment before he’d return the contracts.” He gestured toward the cheque. “As you can see, this was hush money.”
Jim looked at Reagan with something akin to muddled confusion. “That still doesn’t explain why you gave this cheque to Molly Carnes.”
“Mol-” Reagan burst in exasperation. “-Why would you think I gave it to Molly?”
Jim picked up the cheque and flipped it over. “Because, she’s the one who cashed it.”
Reagan gaped at the signature. “B-but-I gave this cheque to Derrick Banning.”
“Who?”
“Derrick Banning. The jackass who stayed with the Bruesters while I was courting Amanda.” Reagan stared at Jim. “How could she have gotten this cheque?”
“That’s what I’m trying to find out,” he exclaimed. If Reagan was putting on an act, it was a damn good one. “So, you’re telling me you gave this cheque to Mr. Banning and not to Molly?”
“That’s exactly what I’m saying.”
“Do you have any witnesses to corroborate your story?”
“No. He came into my office when I was alone.”
“Did you tell anyone immediately afterward? Did you tell your father?”
“I told no one,” Reagan said. “The only thing I did was go to Simon and Helfrich’s Detective Agency to have the man investigated. I was determined to not pay another cent.”
The sheriff looked heartened by this small tidbit. “What did you say to the investigators about Mr. Banning?”
“That the man was costing me a lot of money by having information he shouldn’t have.”
“Then, it sounds as if you did tell them, in so many words.”
“I hope so,” Reagan said. “Now I understand why you were so suspicious. I’d appreciate it if you could speak to the detectives yourself.”
“I most certainly will,” Jim said, smiling. “If I can prove a connection between Derrick and Molly, perhaps we’ll find the truth about the death of this poor girl.”
“There’s got to be a connection.”
“But, without proof,” the sheriff interjected. “I have nothing to corroborate your story.”
“With you leading the investigation,” Reagan said, “I’ve full confidence you’ll uncover the whole unsavory plot.”
“Perhaps,” he said. “But until I can satisfy the judge, I’m keeping you here. There’s still the unexplained reason why Molly told her father she intended to marry you.”
“I’m truly mystified about that,” Reagan said, shaking his head.
“Is it possible she mentioned the hotel room because you were a previous client of hers?” Jim asked delicately.
“I’ve never been interested in doxies,” Reagan said. “My preferences run higher than that.”
“I see,” the sheriff nodded. “Well, at least I’ve something to go on. If I find a connection between Molly and Derrick, perhaps I can discover the answer to these other things.”
“If you’re bound to keep me in jail, then I’d ask that a message be sent to Beauregard Barrington. I need to speak with him immediately.”
Jim looked suspiciously at Reagan. “Now why would you need to do that?”
“Because I don’t trust Derrick while my wife is staying at Gabrie
lla’s and I want someone to keep watch over them.”
The sheriff sighed, shaking his head. “Reagan, my friend, you’ve a talent for attracting trouble. What did you do, to deserve such a fate?”
“Most likely, I’m reaping the harvest of my wicked deeds.” Reagan rubbed his eyes, feeling tired. “I suppose I’ll now get to sample Jane’s cooking, won’t I?”
“She’ll be mighty displeased it’s not at our table,” Jim said. “She was looking forward to meeting Amanda.”
“Once this situation is resolved, I hope the invitation still stands. Amanda would find Jane charming.”
“That’s how I found her nearly fifteen years ago,” Jim agreed, checking the coffee pot. “And, if you’re exonerated, then of course, you’re welcome to grace our table.”
“So, you still doubt me?” Reagan asked as Jim started a fresh brew.
“I don’t get paid to believe you or anyone, my friend.” He grinned beneath his mustache. “But of course, I’ll be thrilled to discover you’ve done nothing worse than rescue Amanda from an evil suitor. The rest, with Molly of course, is deplorable. If Derrick Banning had anything to do with it, I hope to set him in front of Judge McCleary with enough proof to ensure a short drop and a quick stop.”
Reagan felt an uncomfortable tightness around his neck. “I hope that’s not your intent if you can’t exonerate me,” he said. “Because I can assure you, I had nothing to do with Molly’s murder.”
Jim motioned Reagan toward the back room. “That remains to be seen.”
“That’s not funny,” Reagan said, scooping up his saddlebag. “You just remember who I am.”
“Innocent before proven guilty,” quipped Jim, giving Reagan a gentle push.
Now that he had an explanation for the cheque, Jim hoped to prove Reagan innocent of murder. Still, there were many questions to be answered. It would take more than a simple explanation to corroborate Reagan’s story. He would start with the hotels and boarding houses that permeated Cantonsville. He was anxious to find this Derrick Banning and see for himself if the man was capable of such acts. If not, it’d be the hardest thing he’d ever have to do to lead Reagan Burnsfield to the hangman’s noose.
Chapter Eighty-Eight
The time Amanda spent with Gabriella had done little to resolve her dilemma as she vacillated between ending her marriage and waiting to see if Reagan would be vindicated.
“I don’t know what to believe,” Amanda said as her teacup rattled against its saucer. “How can I make a decision when I can’t tell which story is true?”
Gabriella stirred honey into her tea. “My dear, all I’m asking is that you consider facts, not hearsay. I’d hate for you to make a decision based on what others think.”
“I’m not brave, like you,” Amanda said, looking at her fingers as if they were the hands of a coward. “I wish I could share your certainty that all will turn out a‘right. I’m afraid to trust my own judgment.”
“I understand,” Gabriella said. “This isn’t the first time I’ve seen lives ruined by the meddling of snooty blatherskites.”
Amanda suppressed a smile. “Really, Aunt Ella! Since when do you keep abreast of gossips and snoops?”
“Hmmph!” Gabriella took a sip. “One doesn’t have to look very far, even in one’s own family.”
“What do you mean?”
“I think it’s high time I spoke up,” Gabriella said, setting down her cup. “I’ve been quiet these many years, and all it’s gotten me is severe indigestion.” She gave her niece a meaningful look. “Once before, I mentioned I’d reveal the reasons for your mother’s ill temper. I thought to wait until your life was settled with children of your own. However, since it appears that possibility may be in jeopardy, the time has come.” Amanda dropped her gaze at Gabriella’s words for she had yet to divulge her condition.
“This may come as a shock, my dear, but long before Emily showed an interest in my brother, she was secretly engaged to Thomas Burnsfield.” She paused, allowing her niece to grasp the significance of her words. “At that time, Thomas wasn’t nearly as prosperous as he is now, but he was well on his way.”
“Your mother was very beautiful and Thomas loved her. For that reason he worked hard to obtain the kind of wealth necessary to ask for her hand.” Reaching over, Gabriella gently lifted Amanda’s sagging jaw. “I know, ‘tis a shock to hear this, for Emily has treated Mr. Burnsfield with contempt since before you were born. But, it was when Thomas petitioned for Emily’s hand that her father forbade the union. Of course, Thomas demanded that they marry without her father’s consent. She refused, thinking Thomas would persist until he could change her father’s mind. Yet, she misjudged Thomas’s pride. It wasn’t long after that he began courting Katherine. Emily never forgave him, and rather than admitting her mistake, confirmed it by chasing after my brother, George. The poor man was smitten by Emily’s beauty, and quite helpless, I might add. Within a year of Thomas’s marriage, George and Emily were wed.”
Amanda’s eyes grew wide. “Do you mean to say my mother only married father because Mr. Burnsfield didn’t wait for her?”
“It would seem so,” Gabriella nodded. “Instead of being happy as any new bride should, Emily was miserable and treated George accordingly. It’s a wonder you were even conceived, my dear, all things considered.”
“Why do you think father stayed all these years? It doesn’t seem right for a person to suffer so.”
“Because he loves you,” Gabriella said, giving Amanda’s hand a gentle squeeze. “And believe it or not, he continues to love Emily.”
“I see.” Amanda rose and gazed out the window. “Although this explains mother’s behavior, it doesn’t make clear which path I should take.”
“What I’m trying to say is that things aren’t always what they seem.”
Amanda wrung her hands. By refusing Reagan’s husbandly rights, did she cause his first unsavory step toward infidelity? Did that start a chain of events that led to another’s death? She turned from the window. “I’ll think about it, I promise.”
“There’s one more thing,” Gabriella said as she reached for her cane. “And then this old woman will forever butt out.”
“Don’t say that,” Amanda said. “You know I always listen to your advice.”
“I have a bad feeling about that Mr. Banning who called on you yesterday.” Her eyes lit at the memory of the nattily dressed dandy who seemed anxious to dismiss Gabriella from her own parlor. “I know it’s none of my business, but it seems mighty peculiar he should be making suggestions about ending your marriage even before the sheriff’s had a chance to clear Reagan’s name.”
“Why, Aunt Ella! Were you eavesdropping while Mr. Banning was here?”
Gabriella thumped her cane before shaking a finger. “I’ll be stone cold before I let that kind of chicanery go on in my own home! I hope you set the coxcomb on his ear, for proposing such outlandish ideas.”
Amanda raised an inquisitive brow. “Since you’re so well informed, why don’t you tell me what I said?”
“I can’t,” Gabriella said, frowning.
“And, why’s that?”
“Because that’s when Ben came in,” she complained with another thump. “I couldn’t let him see me listening at the door.”
“I told Mr. Banning I’d make no decision for the time being,” Amanda said.
“Well, thank God for that!” Gabriella said. “The fact your mother preferred Derrick over Reagan causes me to distrust him.”
“In case you forgot, Reagan has been accused of a very serious crime.”
“As long as there’s breath in this old shell,” Gabriella said, tapping her chest, “I’ll never believe him capable of such a despicable act.”
Chapter Eighty-Nine
As the days passed, Elizabeth Hampton found herself burdened with recurring bouts of retching, which she hid from her father. After counting for the hundredth time the days since her last monthly, she felt the walls clos
ing about her. No longer uncertain about her condition, Elizabeth decided to arrange an extended vacation. She would send a letter to her Aunt Emmaline who lived in a neighboring state. The distance wasn’t too far for a journey, but far enough to prevent the travel of errant news. She would then explain to her father that the change would surely cure her ailment. Lastly, she’d need to engage in a conspiracy with Aunt Emmaline to not inform her brother of his daughter’s shameful condition.
Elizabeth had few memories of her mother. Josephine Hamilton died when Elizabeth was nine years old. What she did recall was her Aunt Emmaline coming to live with them the months following her mother’s funeral. As Sam’s older sister, she had taken over the household much the same way she had while raising Sammy when their parents died. Young Emmaline had girded herself with an implacable nature in order to be a steadying force in raising her younger brother. That same nature had come to the fore when Elizabeth’s mother had fallen ill and died shortly thereafter. As Emmaline seemed no stranger to adversity, Elizabeth clung to the belief her aunt would know what to do. With her new course of action and some luck, she hoped to escape being branded a loose woman.
With insight usually reserved for those of greater age, Elizabeth determined her child wouldn’t be sullied with a label. To that end, she would undertake whatever was needed to protect the babe.
“That much I can do,” she murmured to herself. “Even if it takes my last breath.
Chapter Ninety
A satchel-clad messenger entered the cool interior of the Bruester Bank and Trust and approached the bank officer’s desk. “I have a communication for George Bruester,” he said.
The bank officer looked over the courier, recalling him to be the young man who had opened a savings account less than a year ago. At that time, he had listed his employer as Simon and Helfrich Detective Agency and since then made weekly deposits of five dollars. “Hello, Johnny,” the officer smiled.
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