Rachel (Bride Brigade Book 5)

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Rachel (Bride Brigade Book 5) Page 16

by Caroline Clemmons


  The two remaining members of the Cole gang each had a cot outside the cells, but they were handcuffed to the bars. They were complaining loudly at their so-called mistreatment.

  “Shut up!” Adam yelled. “If I hear any more out of you two I swear I’ll shoot you both and throw your bodies into that ravine where you sent Bronco.”

  “Having a good day?” Zane asked.

  The sheriff ran his fingers through his hair. “You are, or you will. Got a wire about the reward. You have twelve-hundred-and-fifty dollars coming on the stage tomorrow.”

  Zane dropped onto a chair. “Maybe I should become a bounty hunter. When you mentioned a reward, I had no idea there would be so much.”

  “Normally wouldn’t be. Turns out Cole’s bunch killed a couple of guards when they broke out. State frowns on that.”

  “That’ll sure help the injured men and be welcome by all of them.”

  “Your company, you can keep all of it.” He shrugged. “Reckon you know that and I knew you wouldn’t, but I had to tell you anyway.”

  “Appreciate your help. I’m here on that other matter we discussed this morning.”

  “No use being hushed about it. Not a person in town hasn’t heard Mrs. Hubbard’s claim by now. Never knew anyone who loved gossip so much or who excelled so well at spreading rumors.”

  “You made any headway?”

  “Not a lick. When I asked Mrs. Hubbard why she thought Rachel stole the jewelry since she couldn’t wear it or sell it in Tarnation. The old bat said Rachel would give it to you to sell in Fort Worth.”

  Right now, that news added to Zane’s desire to choke the Hubbard woman. “So, now I’m an accomplice, huh? The nerve of that woman amazes me.”

  Adam shoved his paperwork into a drawer and stood. “Come on, if I don’t go have a drink, I may resign.”

  Zane opened the door. “Hey, you’re the best sheriff I’ve ever seen. You can’t resign.”

  “Then get me a beer, man. I’m on the verge of going mad.” Adam grabbed his hat from the peg and clamped it on his head.

  They strode to the Golden Eagle Saloon. By this time it was still an hour before noon and the place wasn’t busy. A table of card players sat in one corner and a couple of men stood at the bar.

  Elias Kendrick, the saloon’s owner, greeted them. His reddish brown hair was perfectly groomed and his brown eyes radiated warmth. He made a great saloonkeeper and also owned the opera house. “Glad to see you up and around, Zane.”

  “I’m glad to be seen. About to go nuts stuck in bed.”

  Adam leaned an elbow on the bar and spoke to the bartender, “Bill, two beers.”

  Zane accepted his drink. “Sure appreciate your boys helping get us out of that ravine, Bill. You raised good young men.”

  The bartender beamed. “Thank you. They’ll be talking about that experience for a long time.”

  Elias leaned in. “Heard about Mrs. Hubbard’s claim. Don’t believe a word, of course, but wondered how the investigation’s going.”

  Adam rotated his glass on the bar. “Not well so far. I can’t figure where the jewelry went. Made her search her house for it. She was mad as I’ve ever seen a woman. Good thing she wasn’t carrying a gun.”

  Zane chuckled. “You made that harridan search her house with you there?”

  Adam took a gulp of his beer. “Yeah, but that doesn’t prove the set isn’t still in her house somewhere. I’m stumped. She hasn’t had any repairmen working and never leaves the door unlocked—or so she says. Besides, there haven’t been any vagrants around.”

  Elias shook his head and tapped his fingers on the bar’s polished wood grain. “No, a couple of drummers were in last week. One works for a stove company and the other for a hardware dealer. I’ve known them both for a couple of years and can’t imagine either one stealing anything.”

  Adam shook his head. “I know those men. They came in on Tuesday and left on Friday. No one got off here on Friday, just mail. No one’s ridden in except the cowboys or ranchers and they sure didn’t go to the Hubbard’s house.”

  Zane watched the men in the corner, one of whom was Elmo Hubbard. “So let’s consider what else could have happened. Elias, does Elmo play cards here often?”

  Elias glanced at the card players then returned his attention to Zane and Adam. “When he can get someone to take his IOU. His wife controls the money and she gives him a small allowance each week. He has money today but it won’t last long. He’s not as good at cards as he thinks he is.”

  Zane and Adam exchanged glances and Zane asked, “He lost big to anyone lately?”

  Elias nodded and his brows shot up. “Now that’s a good question. I’ll snoop around and let you know what I learn.”

  Zane and Adam finished their beers while Elias ambled to the card game.

  Zane paid the tab and wandered outside to the boardwalk. “I’m going to pick up dinner from the café and take it back to the office. You headed that way?”

  “Naw, Martha will send someone with food for the jail. Costing the county a fortune. I’m going to wire the Army post and ask why the hell they haven’t shown up to claim the bunch who tried to rob the bank.”

  Zane clapped the sheriff on the back. “See you around then. Hope the rest of your day improves.”

  Zane’s step was lighter since he’d thought of a person who had ample means to steal Jenny Hubbard’s jewelry. He didn’t want to build false hope for Rachel but looked to him like the husband was the only one who had access.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Rachel fought to concentrate. If only she could forget Mrs. Hubbard’s accusation. Instead, she couldn’t stop crying. She was on her second and last handkerchief. Next she’d have to use one of the towels from Zane’s office kitchen.

  Easy enough for him to say things would be all right. But, she had experience with this sort of thing which promised otherwise. Now no one in town would trust her to keep their books. They wouldn’t even want to be her friend.

  Zane strode in carrying a basket of food and with a broad smile on his face. “I saw your friend Lorraine coming out of the mercantile and asked her to let Lydia know you’re eating here.”

  Rachel shook her head as she cleared away her papers and ledger. “I’m afraid you wasted your money. I’m too upset to eat.”

  Zane set down the basket and pulled a chair closer to her desk. “Listen, you’re giving up at the first volley. Unknown to you, retaliatory measures are in play.”

  She sniffed and blew her nose. “What do you mean?”

  He lifted the napkin off the food and set out dishes of crisp fried chicken, black-eyed peas with snaps, potato salad, corn, and two hot rolls each. The lemonade was in a large jar and bowls of apple cobbler were for dessert. She accepted a napkin rolled around cutlery.

  He spread his napkin across his lap. “We think we know what happened to the famous Hubbard jewels and it’s only a matter of time until the culprit is apprehended.”

  She stilled, her heart pounding so loudly she thought he must be able to hear. “You’re not just trying to placate me, are you?” With hope and the delicious aromas, her appetite returned.

  He picked up a chicken leg. “Hey, how about a little trust here? I trust you and you should repay in kind.”

  She touched his arm and gazed into his lovely blue eyes. “I do trust you. In fact, you’re the person I trust most in the world. Second and third are a tie between Lydia and my brother.”

  He grinned and winked. “Well, that’s better. I’ll tell you what else I’ve heard around town. Adam is going crazy with his jail so full. He’s actually grumpy and he yelled at the prisoners who were complaining. The whiners were two men from our attack who’re sleeping outside the cells on cots. Their wrists are handcuffed to the cell bars.”

  “When is the Army coming for those men who tried to rob the bank? I thought they would have already been here.”

  “So did Adam. He was going to telegraph the post and ask where they were.
Of course, the criminals are in no hurry. They’ll hang when they get to the fort. Soldiers don’t go easy on anyone who’s killed another soldier.”

  “I’m sorry they’ll die, but if one of the men who died was my kin, I’m sure I’d be willing to shoot them myself.”

  “Due to the overcrowding, they’ve deputized several more men, including the fire chief and his deputy. They can’t pass around food or empty the buckets—sorry, I guess that’s indelicate, especially at mealtime—without armed guards pointing rifles at the prisoners.”

  “That’s a terrible situation. And think of the cost of feeding all those men to say nothing of the deputies’ pay. No wonder Adam is in a bad mood.” She leaned near him conspiratorially. “He and Lydia had a fuss.”

  “Poor guy can’t catch a break.”

  “It’s his fault. Since I trust you, I’ll explain. Lydia and Adam are in love but he doesn’t think he’s good enough for her so he won’t marry her.”

  “She’s wealthy plus her husband was like an adoptive father to Adam. Makes for complicated feelings.”

  “Doesn’t seem that difficult to me. They love one another, she doesn’t care whether he has money or not. Why not marry?”

  “I didn’t say I thought otherwise, Honey. I simply meant I can understand that the decision is complicated for Adam. Maybe all the weddings happening in town will make an impression on him.”

  “I hope so. Lydia is one of the nicest, most compassionate people I’ve ever known. She deserves happiness. So does Adam.”

  By strange coincidence, the door opened and Lydia came in. “I just heard, Rachel, and I had to come see if you’re all right.”

  “I’m doing better. I was crying too much to work earlier but Zane has done his best to cheer me.”

  Lydia pulled the second chair closer to the desk. “I confess I’ve never liked Jenny Hubbard, but I never thought she would do something like this and then spread tales all over town.”

  “She genuinely believes I’m guilty. I wish she didn’t, but she doesn’t know me.” Rachel explained about being in the Hubbard home.

  “I’m sure there’ll be a simple explanation. When there is, I’ll insist she apologize to you publicly. I believe in church would be a nice place, don’t you?”

  Rachel couldn’t stop her tears. “Other than my brother, you two are the only people who ever truly believed in me. You don’t know how much I appreciate that.”

  Lydia shook her finger at Rachel. “Don’t discount all of Tarnation’s residents so easily. Only Mrs. Jackson and Mrs. McGinnis will embrace the rumor. Those three are the scourge of Tarnation.”

  Rachel was aghast. “You believe most people will be open-minded?”

  “Of course, dear.” Lydia stole a piece of chicken, the pulley bone. She ate so delicately that she didn’t even get grease on herself.

  Zane’s gaze conveyed his love and trust. “You’ve made a good impression on your neighbors.”

  Lydia finished the chicken and pulled out her handkerchief to cleanse her hands.

  Zane used his fork to point to the other office. “There’s a pump, sink, soap, and towels in there.”

  Lydia rose and glided elegantly into the other room. “Adam said you and he have a lead.”

  “We think so, but this is too early to explain the plan. We hope it’s going to work out. Elias is scouting for us.”

  Lydia stuck her head around the door jamb. “Ah, then I know what the lead must be. You two are clever.”

  She walked up to Rachel and hugged her shoulders. “You know you’re not alone so stop worrying. Three men as intelligent as Adam, Zane, and Elias will soon expose the real culprit. I’m going back home. Have to get ready for the next ball.”

  Rachel stood. “Oh, I forgot. I’m so sorry to slack off, Lydia.”

  “Sit down, dear. You and Josephine are working and not expected to participate in preparations. Lorraine is involved in some sort of project. Of course, Angeline has her own home now. The rest of us have everything in hand.” She was out the door before Rachel could protest.

  Zane looked at the closed door. “Nice of her to come by. I’ll return the basket and our messy plates. Please wait for me… unless you’d like to accompany me.”

  She shrank in her chair. “I-I’m not ready to face people yet. Thank you for letting me remain here.”

  He shook his head as if in wonder. “You work here, so why not? In two weeks this will be half yours anyway.” He leaned down and captured her mouth with his. “I’ll hurry back.”

  Knowing there was a plan comforted her. Lydia was correct—three men as intelligent as Zane, the sheriff, and Elias Kendrick would be formidable foes. She remembered Zane had been a Pinkerton, so he must know a lot about investigating. There was hope, at least, that the real thief would be discovered.

  When Zane returned, she was polishing the windows. He pulled her around and removed the cleaning supplies from her hands. “Honey, this place is so clean the sparkle may blind us.”

  “I have to stay busy or I’ll go mad. Where’s the nearest mental asylum?”

  He chuckled and guided her toward his office. “I have no idea and don’t need to know. Why don’t we put the map in the frame? I’ve been looking forward to seeing it hanging on the wall.”

  “I was afraid to tackle it alone.” She pulled a stiff, thin piece of wood from behind her filing cabinets. “Buck made this backing.” She shined the glass until she was satisfied there were no smudges.

  He spread the map carefully then added the backing. “I had no idea the process was so complicated.” He gently tapped in tacks to hold the backing in place.

  “I’m sure you just see something you like and buy it, right?”

  “Actually, all I have at home are a couple of paintings I bought of Boyd’s and they came framed.”

  “Paintings are handled differently anyway. I didn’t see anything but your foyer and your… um, bedroom. I don’t know about the artwork you display.”

  He screwed in the eyes on each side then strung wire through them. “Bought a large spring landscape of bluebonnets and paintbrush in what looks like the pasture behind the warehouse. Also a smaller one of the mountains behind the town that’s much like the one you found for my office. I’m sure you’ll want to add many things to the place when we’re wed.”

  “Is the entire house furnished to match your bedroom?” She tightened and twisted the wire on one side while he worked on the other.

  “No. I saw that furniture in a Fort Worth showroom and had to have it. I got their catalog and asked Callahan to order if for me. I bought every piece in the set. Figured it’s easier to get rid of excess than try to find it later.”

  “I thought it was magnificent. Perfect for an important man like you.”

  He leaned in to give her a quick kiss then came back for a deeper kiss that melted her limbs and heated her body in surprising places. When he broke the embrace, he kept his arms around her waist.

  “I’m eager to give you a tour of our home. You can start making changes now if you wish.”

  She shook her head. “I’ve already cost you a lot with the things for the office.”

  “Don’t forget the reward. I have a couple of hundred coming for the capture of Dalton Cole and his gang.” He shrugged. “Actually, I’m not going to take any of the money, but I have a nice fat bank account.”

  She caressed his strong jaw. “I’d like for your bank book to stay fat. What if you’d been so injured you or your men couldn’t collect freight for months? Or, what if the wagons had gone over the edge and they and the contents were smashed below. You have to be prepared for adversity.”

  “I have insurance on the freight.” He pulled her to a chair and sat opposite her. “I need to talk to you about our future.” He took a deep breath. “My maternal grandfather died five years ago and left me what I consider a large legacy. That’s one of the reasons I decided I could settle down. So far, once I got this place built and the wagons and animal
s paid for, I haven’t had to touch the inheritance.”

  He stood, opened a desk drawer, and returned with an envelope. “I sent this to myself while I was in Fort Worth. Open and read the contents.”

  Puzzled, she did as he asked. She scanned the page then read again slowly. Tears gathered in her eyes. “Oh, Zane, this is before I accepted your proposal.”

  “Prior to leaving, I told you that you’re the one for me. I meant forever, Rachel. Unless you marry someone else, this is my will. I have enough in the bank to allow you to live modestly for the rest of your life.”

  She held the paper to her chest. “I-I’m flabbergasted by your generosity. I don’t have anything to give you in return.”

  “Your love and having you in my life are all I want or need. I suppose I’m wealthy by Tarnation standards, but that would be meaningless if you’d turned down my proposal.”

  He tugged her to stand then embraced her. Their kiss began as a sweet meeting of like hearts. Soon he parted her lips so he could thrust his tongue inside her mouth. Something wild inside her made her respond in the same way.

  When they heard the door open they parted, both gasping in ragged breaths.

  Buck asked, “Anyone here?”

  Zane called, “We’re in here hanging a map.”

  Rachel hastily smoothed her hair and straightened her blouse and skirt while Zane tucked in his shirt and adjusted his pants.

  Buck ambled back. “Need any help?”

  Zane picked up the hammer and a nail. “Will as soon as I get this nail in the wall. This will be too heavy for Rachel to hold.”

  He judged where the frame should hang and hammered in the nail. Then Buck helped him lift the map. They joined Rachel to admire the result.

  “Looks right nice, don’t it?” Buck asked.

  Rachel glanced at Buck. “Have you been all over Texas?”

  Buck scratched the top of his beard. “Matter of fact, I have. Didn’t like the far west. Too hot and dry. Coast is to humid and wet. Tarnation’s about perfect for me.”

  Zane clapped him on the back. “Lucky for me. I’d sure hate to lose you. Can I help you with something?”

 

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