by Kit Morgan
He knocked on her door and, waited a few seconds and, when no one answered, knocked again. “Dorcas?”
“She’s not here,” Daphne said behind him.
Elwood turned to face her. He hadn’t heard her come up the stairs. “Where is she?”
Daphne smiled. “She went to find you.”
His brow furrowed. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“We wanted to see how determined you were. I’d say you’re ready to talk.” Her smile broadened. “So’s Dorcas, thankfully.”
Elwood thought a moment. “I’m suddenly glad the wedding is next week – Dorcas and I need time to sort things out. Until they are, we shouldn’t get married.”
Daphne nodded solemnly. “I understand – that’s wise on your part. And I believe Dorcas feels the same way. Anyway, she went to your bookshop.”
“Thank you.” Elwood strode past.
“You’re welcome,” she called after him.
He ran down the stairs, out the door and straight to his bookshop. “Dorcas?” He went inside, checked the front and the back, but there was no sign of her. “Dorcas, where did you get off to?”
He left and looked around the street, wondering where else she might be. Then he snapped his fingers. “Jack’s.” He knew Dorcas was becoming friends with Birdie - perhaps she’d gone to the post and freight. He ran there and went inside. “Dorcas?”
“Dorcas?” Jack’s grandfather said from behind the counter. “Ya been spending too much time in the sun, young feller. My name’s Gus.”
Elwood smiled and shook his head. “No, no, I’m looking for Dorcas Minx. My betrothed?”
“You got married today? And didn’t invite us?”
“No, Gus, I didn’t …”
“Dorcas got married?”
“No!”
Gus laughed. “Gotcha!”
“No time to joke, Gus,” Elwood sighed. “Have you seen Dorcas? Is she visiting Birdie?”
“No, ain’t seen her. Jack and Birdie are helping with the decorations this morning. Gonna be a grand celebration tomorrow.”
“Yes, I know.” He looked around.
“She ain’t hiding under a crate, ya know,” Gus pointed out.
“I know, I just … well, I’m not sure where to look now.”
“Everyone’s out and about working on things for tomorrow. Go out there and ask. You’ll find her.”
“You’re right. Thanks, Gus.”
“You’re welcome. Er … who ya looking for again?”
Elwood laughed, then looked confused. It was hard to tell if Gus was joking or actually forgetful. He shrugged and left, and saw Gus was right – plenty of people were out, all doing something to prepare for the Fourth of July. Flags were going up outside businesses. Women wrapped red, white and blue bunting around posts and rails while children painted signs. Tables were going up in the yard around the future church and schoolhouse.
Elwood hurried toward the new train depot going up across the street from Peregrines’. People there were decorating a dais specially built near the station platform for tomorrow’s patriotic speeches. Mayor Hardt would be giving one about the future of Noelle and handing out awards to the volunteers that were helping build the church/schoolhouse. It wasn’t done, but it was getting there. Elwood had accidentally slowed that down, pulling workers away to get his shop built, but he’d promised to work on the church and donate toward the effort once he was done.
But still no sign of Dorcas. The thought of her getting on a train and leaving town made him shiver – it was the last thing he wanted. He needed to talk to her. But there was no sign of her anywhere, and no one he asked had seen her since she left the Golden Nugget.
With determined steps Elwood made his way back up the street. Where was she?
Chapter 13
“Vernon Fink, you’re despicable,” Dorcas cried when he finally removed her gag.
“I’ve been called worse,” he replied as he dismounted. He pulled her off his horse and set her on her feet.
She thought of running, but with her hands bound behind her back he’d catch her easily. He’d forced her at gunpoint to mount his horse behind the bookshop, rode them behind the buildings that fronted Noelle’s main street and slipped out of town. Everyone was busy with preparations for tomorrow’s celebration, so they weren’t spotted. He’d picked the perfect time. “What do you think you’re doing?”
“Taking you back to Denver, as any good fiancé would,” he said blandly. He glanced around as if looking for something.
“What are you doing?”
“I need a distraction. The last thing I want is for that Sheriff Draven to come hunting us.”
“Or Marshal Gant,” she said smugly. “You’re in more trouble than you know.”
“Gant?” His eyes darted upward in thought. “That name sounds familiar …”
“It should – he’s one of the meanest marshals in the country.”
Vernon’s eyes narrowed. “You’re lying.”
“I am not! And you’re not taking me back to Denver –”
“Shut up or I’ll gag you again. I have to think.” He began to pace. “Where are they?”
“Who?”
“Some men I had the pleasure of running into. They’ve got a little surprise planned.”
“Outlaws? Don’t tell me you’re working with an outlaw gang?”
“It’s none of your business who I work with, you little chit. And if you know what’s good for you, you’ll shut up! Or you won’t like what I do to you.”
“Do to me?” She laughed at him, not meaning to. It was just that he sounded exactly like a mustache-twirling dime-novel villain …
That set him off like a load of dynamite. “How dare you laugh at me!” He grabbed her by the shoulders and got in her face. “No one laughs at me, especially not my wife!”
“I’m not your wife! And do you honestly think I’m more likely to marry you now – after you abduct me?” She knew she was taking a risk, hoping that he’d start making mistakes and get caught if she rattled him enough. But she was through being his victim.
“It’s no such thing, my dear – I’m rescuing you.”
“Rescuing me from what – marriage to the perfect man?” Merciful heavens, did she just say that? She smiled to herself. Yes, she did. Her head was still working to trust Elwood, but apparently her heart had gone on ahead of it.
“Wipe that silly grin off your f … marriage? What marriage?!”
Dorcas straightened. “I’m getting married. And not to you.”
“To who?”
Dorcas did her best to imitate Gertrude Van Housen’s smirk. “None of your business.”
Vernon’s eyes narrowed. “You’re lying again. You came out here hoping to hide from me behind your friend Daphne. There was no other place for you to go.”
Okay, he’d figured that much out, but he still didn’t know about Elwood. “Daph being here was a side benefit – I came here to get married! He’ll ride out here and see you’re brought to justice!” There, let him chew on that.
This complicated things and they both knew it. To her satisfaction, Vernon looked worried for a moment.
Unfortunately, only a moment. “He’ll never find us. They’ll be too preoccupied.”
Dorcas had no idea what he was talking about. “What?”
“By the time they figure out you’re missing, we’ll be long gone.” He grabbed her, shoved the gag back in her mouth and sneered. “You’re mine, Dorcas. No one will tell me otherwise, here, in Denver or anywhere. They’re afraid of me, and you’d better be as well.” He yanked her back to his horse.
They were leaving. Dorcas hoped she could stall him and give Elwood, Gant, Draven, anyone more time to catch up. She squirmed as Vernon struggled to get her onto his horse, but get her on it he did, and quickly mounted up behind her. He spurred the horse into motion and they were off.
Things were looking bleak – and for all she knew, Elwood and the rest of the towns
folk didn’t even know she was gone.
“Mayor Hardt!” Elwood called. “Have you seen Miss Minx?”
Mayor Hardt was headed toward the depot. “No. Penny, have you seen Miss Minx?”
Mrs. Hardt shook her head. “No, I haven’t. She’s not at the Golden Nugget?”
“No. Daphne was there and told me she went to my bookshop, but she wasn’t there either.”
“I wouldn’t worry,” Mrs. Hardt said. “She probably got talked into helping with something. Everyone’s out helping get things ready. It’s going to be grand.”
“Weren’t you two supposed to be helping Jasper with the fireworks?” the mayor asked.
“Yes, you’re right,” Elwood said. “I bet she’s with him. Any idea where he is?”
“Woody was in charge of fetching them from Junction. They were storing them behind the Red Bird Stage barn. It’s up the street on the right.”
“Thanks, Mayor Hardt, Mrs. Hardt!” He hurried to the building and found Jasper talking with Woody Burnside, the stage driver as they fed a pack of mules. “Gentlemen …” Elwood caught his breath. “I’m looking for Miss Minx.”
Jasper scratched his head. “I ain’t seen her.”
“I did,” Woody said, “but … why ain’t she with you?”
“That’s what I’d like to know, but that’s another story,” he said with a weak smile.
“Oh yeah, ya mean yesterday with that woman,” Woody commented sheepishly.
“No need to soften it for me, Mr. Burnside. Gertrude is nasty, no matter how you look at her.”
Woody gazed off into the distance. “But how’d ya lose Miss Minx? I just saw ya with her an hour ago.”
Elwood’s heart jumped. “You … did?”
Woody pointed toward town. “Yeah, back behind your shop.”
Elwood turned and looked. From where they stood he could just see one side of his shop and part of the back through the other buildings. “Where did I take her?” He shook himself. “I mean, where did they go?”
“Whaddaya mean?” Jasper said. “Yer standing right here.”
“Which means I’m clearly not the one she left with.”
Jasper stared, then gasped. “Then that means …”
“Who’s she with?” Woody finished.
“Unfortunately, I have a pretty good idea.” He glanced at the mule. “Can these be ridden?”
“Some,” Woody said.
“Good. Saddle me one, now!”
Vernon paced nervously again, leaving Dorcas to puzzle over his remarks about a band of outlaws. And what distraction was he talking about? She was still bound, but at least they’d stopped again. He’d pulled her off the horse, sat her on a rock and been moping ever since. Good – the more time he took, the more time someone from Noelle had to find her.
But how long would that take? They were at least several miles from town, she wasn’t sure where. If she wasn’t gagged, she’d ask, but for now she’d just have to sit and …
Snap.
Vernon spun toward the sound, drawing his gun. “Who’s there?”
Three men emerged from the brush, one of them clearly a railroad worker. Dorcas was relieved and panicked all at once. She yelled into the gag, but it came out a muffled squeak. She struggled against her bonds and tried yelling again.
“Quiet!” Vernon snapped. He moved behind her, putting his gun to her back. “About time you showed up,” he said to the men.
“Takes time to do these things, Mr. Fink,” the railroad man replied. “All the more when you want more than we originally planned.”
“Excellent. I want everyone in town to hear it. Mighty lucky, me running into you gents.” There was a rustling behind her as he holstered his gun. He stepped around the rock with money in his hands and began to pass it out. “As we agreed. Tell your employer I’m much obliged.”
“We will,” a second man said. He wore a suit, though not a fancy one. The third was in overalls and shirtless.
“You gentlemen done?” Vernon asked.
“With our part, yes.” The one in the suit stuffed the money into his pocket. “Nice doing business with you. How fortuitous to have met you on the trail.”
“Very. Now if that’s all, gentlemen, the lady and I will be going.”
They all turned and looked at her. Dorcas sat still as a statue, a trickle of sweat running down her temple. This was very bad. Elwood, where are you?
“That’s a mighty fine-looking woman,” the railroad man commented. “No wonder you came all this way to fetch her.”
“I didn’t come this far because of her looks, gentlemen. I did it because she wronged me and now she’ll pay for it.”
Dorcas held her breath. Oh please, someone, anyone, help me! But there was no one to rescue her. The other men took their money and walked off, leaving just Vernon. And he didn’t look happy at all.
“Er … can you ride, Mr. Hunter?” Woody asked as Elwood held the reins.
“Been some time, but how hard can it be?”
Woody and Jasper exchanged a look. “Least he’s facin’ the right direction,” Jasper said.
Woody nodded. “Yeah …”
The mule started walking, and Elwood barely managed to keep his seat. Okay, so not having ridden since he was six wasn’t helping his cause. “Which way did they go?”
“That way,” Jasper and Woody both said – but pointed in opposite directions.
Elwood sighed. “Not helping.”
“Ya didn’t see ‘em, Jasper,” Woody said, pointing again.
Jasper made a face. “Oh yeah, right.”
“Thanks.” Elwood gave the mule a kick and was off.
Behind him, he heard Jasper say, “Shouldn’t someone help him?”
“Yer right – somethin’s goin’ on. Better tell Draven.”
“He’ll be lucky to make it outta town, way he’s ridin’.”
“Poor Isabella,” Woody added. “Hope he don’t yank those reins too much – she’s got a tender mouth.”
Now he heard them following him down the street. Meanwhile, Isabella seemed to want to turn around and go right back to the Red Bird Stage barn. “Come on, girl, you can’t do this to me!”
“Ease up on the bit!” Woody called. “Just give Isabella her head!”
Elwood, doing his best to just keep his balance, obeyed – and wished he hadn’t. Isabella wheeled around, tossed him off and headed straight for Woody, braying all the way.
“Whoops,” Jasper muttered.
Elwood jumped to his feet, thankfully unhurt. “Bring that animal back here! This is serious!”
Woody grabbed Isabella’s reins and walked the mule to Elwood as he brushed off the dust from his fall. “Let’s get Sheriff Draven, Mr. Hunter.”
“I’ve already spoken with Draven. He’s out with a posse looking for Gertrude.”
“That harpy from yesterday?” Jasper croaked. “He’s lookin’ for her on purpose?”
“Yes, to make sure she’s left town,” Elwood explained. “Which she probably hasn’t. That must have been one of her brothers you saw with Miss Minx. Who knows what they’ll do to her!”
Woody’s eyes went round. “Wait here, Mr. Hunter! I’ll be right back with some help …”
BOOM!
The three men turned to the sound. “What in tarnation?” Jasper cried, turning to the barn behind them. “That weren’t the fireworks, was it?”
“That wasn’t no fireworks,” Woody said. “That was a lot bigger.”
Men began running past them. “What in blazes?” Mayor Hardt said as he went by, then stopped and turned back to Woody. “Get some horses – saddle as many mules as you can!”
“Mayor, what is it?” Woody asked.
“The only thing it could be – the bridge!” He took off again, joining the rest of the crowd heading straight for the center of town.
Elwood could see people gathering near the Golden Nugget, and some men taking off on horseback up the road. He knew a railroad bridge wa
s being built outside Noelle, and that the townsfolk were divided on its construction, but hadn’t ventured out to see it. He’d preferred to concentrate on getting his bookshop built. “But what about Dorcas?” he said over the ruckus.
“Ya heard the mayor!” Jasper cried. “Somethin’s happened to the bridge. Men might be hurt! We gotta go!” He started down the street, stopped, turned and ran back the other way. “I gotta help Woody saddle them mules!”
Elwood spun in a circle. Woody was already gone. So was Isabella. He cursed under his breath and followed. He had to find Dorcas – and if he had to do it alone, so be it!
Dorcas tried to keep her breathing steady, but it was hard.
Vernon circled the rock with a triumphant smile. “Did you hear that explosion? That means no one is coming to save you. By the time they do, we’ll be far, far away.”
She narrowed her eyes at him as one traitorous tear ran down her cheek. Great. But she felt more angry than afraid. Oh, if she just had one hand free, she’d snatch him bald-headed …
“Frightened? Good.” Vernon pulled her to her feet. “Time to go.”
“I don’t think so,” a gruff voice said from somewhere nearby. Dorcas couldn’t see where, but she instantly knew whom.
Vernon shoved her back onto the rock and looked around, gun drawn. “Who’s there?”
“Drop that weapon, son, and you won’t get hurt.”
Vernon snorted. “You aim to see the lady harmed? Well, I’d be glad to oblige you.” He went behind Dorcas and put the gun to her temple. The cold barrel against her skin made her wince.
A snap of twigs, a jangling sound, and Marshal Charles Gant emerged from the brush. Dorcas’ eyes narrowed. Was he holding up his pants?
Vernon noticed it too and laughed. “Don’t tell me you were …”