Threads of Betrayal

by Monica Koldyke Miller

  “Tis true,” Beauregard laughed. “Misfortune arrives on horseback, but departs on foot.” He patted her hand. “But what of you? How do you feel about him?”

  Amanda searched her heart. Did she still love Reagan? The ache in her breast seemed to indicate so, even as Derrick’s offer had presented an appealing escape. When she considered being another man’s wife, her emotions had splintered into a thousand broken pieces. “I…”

  A sharp rapping drew their attention. Amanda set down her teacup. “Who could that be?”

  “Perhaps, someone is calling on Gabriella,” Beauregard said.

  “If so, they’ll be disappointed. Ben took her to visit my mother this afternoon.”

  As Amanda entered the foyer, Beauregard strained his ears. He soon heard voices and then Amanda entered the parlor with none other than Derrick Banning.

  “Oh,” Derrick said. “I didn’t realize you had company.”

  “Derrick, you remember Beauregard, don’t you?” Amanda prompted. “We were just having tea.”

  Derrick appeared pained. “But, my dear, I promised you a ride in the country. I’m sure Mr. Barrington will understand.”

  “But, Beau has just arrived,” Amanda said. “Please, have a seat.” She tried withdrawing, but found her hand trapped in Derrick’s.

  “My dear, I really must insist. What I mean, is,” he smiled over gritted teeth, “I have a surprise, and it requires that we leave immediately.”

  “Not to worry,” Beauregard said, rising. “I can return another time.” He approached Amanda, bringing her free hand to his lips. “Rest assured, milady, I shall soon return.” Then, touching his brow stiffly, he hurriedly left the room.

  Chapter Ninety-Four

  Sheriff Hadley had been studying the Rochester Hotel ledger when he heard an insistent rapping on the jailhouse door. Suddenly, George burst into the room followed by Thomas. Both men began talking at once as the sheriff looked on in bewilderment. “Hold on!” Jim placed a marker between pages of the ledger. “I can’t understand unless you speak one at a time.”

  George’s breath came in short gasps as he fumbled with the flap of a satchel. “Sheriff, we have some information…”

  Thomas squeezed past, interrupting George. “Release my son at once! Reagan is being blackmailed by a man who might be involved with that girls’ murder…”

  “Men!” Jim held up his hands. “Stop! My ears can only digest one thing at a time.” He pointed to George. “Mr. Bruester, I actually sent for you, but you’d already left the bank. So, why don’t you begin? But please,” he said, “at least have a seat so I can understand what you’re saying.”

  George hurriedly took a chair, withdrawing several papers from a satchel. “We just left Simon and Helfrich’s,” he began. “I received information about a man who stole a cheque from my office. His name is Orville Farnsworth. But, I knew the man as Derrick Banning.”

  “Derrick Banning?”

  “Yes,” Thomas broke in. “And that’s not all. Derrick Banning is blackmailing Reagan. Due to the circumstances, I think he may have something to do with the murder of that girl.”

  “Molly Carnes,” Jim said, holding out his hand. “Let me see those papers.” As he scanned them, he continued to speak. “You may be surprised to know I’m already investigating Mr. Banning. As a matter of fact, I spoke to him only an hour or so ago.” He looked at Thomas whose knuckles were turning white gripping his knees. “Just yesterday, Reagan informed me of a cheque he’d written to keep Derrick from spreading information about his marriage.” He gave an apologetic glance toward George. “In fact, I was going to verify Reagan’s story about hiring a detective later this afternoon.” Neither man noticed how nervous Thomas looked as he realized what damning information Derrick had discovered.

  “At the moment, that’s not my concern,” George said, believing the sheriff was about to reveal his sister was accused of transporting slaves. “Right now, it appears this man Banning isn’t who he portrays himself to be and may be dangerous.”

  Thomas couldn’t hold back. “If Derrick Banning is blackmailing Reagan, I believe he’d have had access to Reagan’s office, which places him under suspicion of murder just as much as my son.”

  The sheriff flipped through several pages, stopping when he encountered the purloined cheque. “Gentlemen!” He looked up, his voice filled with excitement. “We may have evidence to link him to both crimes.” Dropping all but the cheque, Jim opened a drawer and removed another cheque.

  “What do you mean?” asked Thomas.

  Sheriff Hadley laid both cheques on the edge of his desk. “Look at the handwriting. If you notice, the inscription ‘M. Carnes’ on this document looks identical to the handwriting on the cheque made out to Orville Farnsworth. And not only that,” Jim flipped around the ledger, opening it to the marked page, “it looks just like the signature on the register from the Rochester Hotel, signed by Derrick Banning.” He tapped the cheques. “It appears that Derrick Banning has just implicated himself with Molly Carnes.”

  “Does this mean that Reagan can be released from jail?” asked Thomas.

  Sheriff Hadley grinned. “That depends on whether or not you want to punish him further. It sounds as if Reagan has committed a few sins.”

  “By all means, let him go!”

  “I heartily concur,” George said, immensely relieved that Reagan wasn’t a murderer. He could hardly wait to go home and report the news to Emily. The poor woman hadn’t been the same since the wedding. She had lost much weight from worry, which accelerated after Amanda’s trip to the lumber camp. By the time Reagan was arrested, she had become a shell of her former self. If not for his concern over her lack of nourishment, George could’ve appreciated how much his wife now resembled her former self.

  Jim reached for the keys when the door burst open and a rather breathless Frenchman ran in. “I must speak to Reagan immédiament!” He skidded to a stop. “Monsieur Sheriff!” Beauregard took in a few ragged breaths, pointing toward the open door. “There’s outré chose amiss! The knave Banning, is acting most ètrange when he came to see Madame Burnsfield…”

  “Hold your horses! I didn’t understand a word you said,” Jim said. “Speak English!”

  “Eh Bien!” Beauregard said, gripping a chair. “Why does no one learn the French tongue except Reagan?”

  “What about Madam Burnsfield?” Thomas had caught that much of Beau’s words. “Were you visiting Katherine?”

  “Écouter-Listen,” Beauregard looked imploringly at the sheriff. “Monsieur Banning is at Dame Gabriella’s, and is acting most strangely…”

  Jim’s jaw dropped as he slapped his forehead. “Good Lord! I completely forgot. Derrick said he was seeing Amanda today.”

  He grabbed the keys and hurried toward the back room, emerging seconds later with Reagan close behind. “Dammit Reagan,” he said, slapping on his holster and buckling it in one motion. “I couldn’t do anything else with the evidence I had. You had to be locked up.”

  “You could’ve believed me…” Reagan stopped when he saw the others. “Beau, what’s going on? And what are you two doing here?”

  “Calm down,” the sheriff urged. “First of all, I need to fill you in on what’s going on.” He quickly went over the information Thomas and George had given him and then continued. “Beauregard’s just come from Gabriella’s…”

  “That’s because I asked him to watch over Amanda,” Reagan said, interrupting. “I wouldn’t put it past that snake to try something while I was in jail.”

  “I’m afraid Derrick’s wasted no time,” Jim said. “And he’s at this moment plying your wife with promises of becoming her new husband-after your demise, that is.”

  “Tis true,” Beauregard said, motioning toward the door. “Monsieur Banning says he has a surprise. He took Amanda for a ride.”

  “I need a horse and a gun,” Reagan said. “I’m going to Gabriella’s.”

  Hadley pulled a rifle from a rack, tossi
ng it to Reagan. “Take this, and take my horse. He’s already saddled. I’ll round up a few men once I saddle your horse. He’s still in the pen out back. The sheriff turned. “George, I need you to go to Madam Stroebel’s boardinghouse and ask for Joe. His cap’s set for her daughter and that’s where he is when he isn’t here.”

  As George hurriedly left, Reagan grabbed Beauregard’s arm. “Come with me. We’ve got vermin to hunt down.”

  “Bon ami,” Beauregard opened his coat. “I have non armé.” He looked to the sheriff. “Do you have a small weapon? My hands do not do so well with grand piéce d’artillerie.”

  “I believe I’ve just the thing.” Jim opened a drawer and removed a derringer. “I took this off a gambler who liked recovering his losses in back alleys.” Scooping up a handful of bullets, he handed them to the Frenchman.

  “Merci.” Beau pocketed the bullets as he gingerly handled the gun. “I’ll do my best not to shoot myself.”

  “I’m coming too!” Thomas insisted. “I’m pretty handy when it comes to shooting rats. I always keep a gun in my buggy.”

  “Is Gabriella home?” Jim asked the Frenchman.

  “Non,” Beauregard assured. “She’s not there.”

  “Let’s go then. I’ll rendezvous back here in one hour with any men I can muster. We’ll split the posse to cover all roads leading from town. Reagan, if you haven’t returned by then, my group will head directly to Gabriella’s. Be careful until we get there.”

  “Come with me!” Thomas tugged Beauregard’s sleeve as they went outdoors. They turned the Phaeton around and followed dust kicked up by Reagan who rode Jim’s horse to its swiftest gait.

  Chapter Ninety-Five

  After Beauregard left Gabriella’s, Amanda wanted to scold Derrick for the way he had ordered Beau from her parlor. To that end, she insisted she needed to change before taking a ride. When she descended the stairs with her parasol, the mantel clock had long since chimed the half hour.

  “There you are, my dear.” Derrick rushed forward to take her arm before opening the front door. “It’s such a beautiful day, don’t you think?”

  “It is, indeed,” Amanda agreed, trying to shake the feeling something was amiss. Derrick seemed nervous, which awakened reservations about leaving the protection of Gabriella’s home. “You’ve raised my curiosity,” she said. “Why do we need to go somewhere else? Can’t you give me your news here?”

  “You’ll know very soon,” Derrick said as he led Amanda to his rented livery, helping her inside. “Yet, let me delay a little longer, so I can give you the grand news in the perfect setting.”

  “Where are we going?”

  “Somewhere peaceful,” he said, setting the buggy in motion. “And private.”

  They rode in silence until they reached the willows along the river. Halting the conveyance, he set the brake and took her hand before speaking in a rush. “My dear, I’ve found a way set you free!”

  “What do you mean?” Amanda felt uncomfortable with his tight grip on her fingers. “The investigation isn’t over yet…”

  “Why don’t we go for a stroll?” Derrick suggested. “I know a perfect place where we can enjoy the river while we talk.”

  Suppressing her growing anxiety, Amanda accepted his assistance, deciding she’d remain agreeable until regaining the safety of Gabriella’s home. Afterward, she’d rid herself of all distractions until Reagan’s fate was resolved. It was the least she could do, considering the life growing within her.

  Because of the carriage’s design, Amanda couldn’t see the valise tucked in the storage compartment behind the seat. As she opened her parasol, Derrick reached inside and removed a snub nosed revolver before dropping it into his pocket. “Are you ready?” he asked pleasantly. “There’s a nicely secluded spot just around that thistle patch.”

  Chapter Ninety-Six

  George rushed past a vagrant dozing on a bench as he entered Stroebel’s boardinghouse. “I must speak to Joe Welch immediately!” he demanded of the woman behind the counter.

  “May I ask who’s calling?”

  “I’m George Bruester,” he said impatiently. “My daughter, Amanda, is in the company of a suspected murderer! The sheriff sent me for Joe while he rounds up a posse.”

  Mrs. Stroebel set down her pen. “I’ll get him right away. He’s in the garden with my daughter.”

  George paced the floor, unaware he had caught the vagrant’s interest. “Did’ya say your daughter was Amanda?” the man asked. “Amanda Burnsfield?”

  George mopped his brow, looking surprised. “Y-yes,” he stammered. “Do you know Amanda?”

  “My name’s Hogan. Last winter, she hired me as a guide.” He stood, gripping a knife beneath his jerkin. “Is she in some kind of danger?”

  Just then Joe entered the room, followed closely by a young woman and a concerned Mrs. Stroebel. “You’re to come with me,” George grabbed the deputy’s arm. “Amanda may be in peril!” Needing no further incentive, Joe hurried toward the door as Mrs. Stroebel handed him his hat.

  “I’m a’comin’ with you,” Hogan growled. “No one’s gonna hurt that girlie whilst I’m around.”

  By the time George, Joe and Hogan returned to jail, the sheriff had sworn in several volunteers with newly dispatched badges. Among them was Reuben Kincaid who had grabbed a pitchfork when he left the dry goods store. A large wagon was brought around for those on foot while others clustered on mounts, awaiting the sheriff’s instructions.

  “Men!” Hadley raised his voice above the excited babble. “We’re looking for a man who may be responsible for the murder of Molly Carnes.” He held up his hand as fresh murmurings swept the crowd. “He’s gone by the name of Derrick Banning, but we believe his real name to be Orville Farnsworth. We believe he may’ve kidnapped Amanda Burnsfield to make good his escape. In view of the evidence against him, I’ve released Reagan Burnsfield to help in the search. Understandably, he’s gone ahead of us to find his wife. Now, we don’t know which way our suspect has gone. I want some of you to go with Ed, who’s going south toward Rock Creek, and some with Joe, who’s going west. The rest of you come with me. Each group will be looking for a well-dressed man in a buggy with a young woman. Do not,” he emphasized, “attempt to apprehend the man. Instead, I want you to send someone from your party to get me. I’m heading to Gabriella Bruesters, where our suspect was last seen. If he’s not there, I intend on going east toward Giddings. Once we find out where he is, we’ll formulate a plan of action.” As the men broke into groups, the sheriff signaled to the buckboard, “C’mon men, let’s go find us a skunk.”

  Chapter Ninety-Seven

  Amanda followed Derrick down an obscure path that led to a little-used stretch of riverbank. “There, my dear,” he said, dusting off a large, flat rock inside a hidden alcove. “It’s now tidy enough for you to sit on.”

  As Amanda sat on the makeshift seat, Derrick stood and admired the river’s view. “Isn’t this a beautiful spot? When I found this recess, I knew this to be the perfect place to give you my grand idea.” Facing her, he quickly assumed an air of concern. “It’s weighed upon my mind how your circumstances have grown steadily more dreadful. With your husband all but convicted of a heinous crime, I can no longer watch your honor be destroyed.” He knelt, placing his hands over hers. “So, I’ve taken it upon myself to seek a solution.” Smiling at her perplexed expression, Derrick continued. “Ever since you accepted my proposal…”

  “Derrick,” Amanda broke in. “I’ve already told you, I must wait until I know what’s to become of Reagan.”

  “You’ll not want to do that, once I give you my news,” he said as irritation crept into his voice.

  Swallowing, Amanda determined she would hear him out before declining whatever it was he was about to say. The more time she spent with the dandy, the more she realized she could never consider Derrick for a husband. He simply annoyed her too much! “All right,” she said. “I’m listening.”

  “I’ve
retained the services of a lawyer who can have your marriage dissolved. However, it must be done before Reagan’s trial so you can free yourself from the slur of his name.”

  Derrick placed a finger over Amanda’s opened lips as he braced himself for the lies he was about to say. “I told the lawyer we’d start divorce proceedings immediately. Furthermore, I told him I’d pay for it, myself. It’s the least I can do,” he said, giving what he hoped was an adoring look. “I planned on having money wired from New York. But, the lawyer insisted he needed the funds today.” He took a deep breath before hurrying to finish. “So, I’m asking for an advance until my funds arrive, whereas I can then repay you. Since I knew you’d want to start right away, I told him I’d procure the money this afternoon.”

  Amanda was stunned. “You told him,” she choked, “I’d pay…”

  “It would only be a thousand or so dollars,” he said, frowning. “Nothing you can’t afford.”

  “I’m not ready to forego my marriage,” Amanda said, yanking her hands free. “At least until I know whether or not I’m wed to a-a murderer.” She searched his eyes. “That’s not asking too much, is it?”

  Derrick’s agitation grew with her resistance. “But, dear, I think I know what’s best for you.”

  “This time, I think not,” she snapped.

  He stood to avoid glaring at her. Placing his hands behind his back, he gazed at the swift moving current. “I suppose you could be right,” he sighed, glancing from the corner of his eye. “After all, there is the outside chance Reagan is innocent, even though the girl was found in his office. Tell me,” he said, looking over his shoulder. “Was the mill broken into, or were the locks intact? Surely, that would indicate whether or not an intruder committed the crime, don’t you think?” Derrick recalled how he’d opened a window, and after entering the dark interior, had unlocked the entrance from the inside. He knew Amanda was unaware of his brief employment and his familiarity with the building.