The man appeared and started to ask a question, but Cosgrove halted him. “Get the sheriff. Tell him I found a thief in my bank that he needs to arrest.”
Hannah’s heart raced. “No. I didn’t mean any harm. I was just curious.”
“Hold your explanation for the law.”
Hannah bowed her head. How was she going to explain this to Mitch? He already disliked her. Now he’d have more reasons to keep his distance.
Chapter 11
Mitch took hold of Hannah’s upper arm and marched her out of the bank. She’d tried to explain, but he refused to let her speak. He didn’t want Cosgrove twisting anything she had to say. And he would. No doubt. But Mitch also knew Hannah, and he knew whatever was behind her snooping she’d only been trying to help someone.
Inside the jail he walked her to the back and opened a cell door. His heart tightened. He didn’t want to lock her up, but if he didn’t Cosgrove would raise a ruckus, and no matter the outcome of the vote tomorrow Mitch would be out of a job. Not until the door was closed did he dare a look into her eyes. She was scared and angry and oh, so vulnerable that he wanted to wrap his arms around her and comfort her, but he couldn’t.
“You want to tell me what you were doing in that office?”
“I heard Cosgrove and Jenkins talking about the new names of the people who sold their votes. He said he had the list. Then he mentioned Chester and I thought if I could find either the list or maybe Chester’s mortgage I could prove Cosgrove had stolen it and you could get it back.”
Mitch rubbed his forehead. “Even if you had, that’s not up to me. That would be a matter for the judge to decide.”
“But if I could find that list, then we could expose those people and make them vote their heart and not their money.”
“Hannah, it doesn’t work that way. Right now the only one who broke the law is you.” His voice had risen as he spoke. He hadn’t meant to shout, but he was worried what might happen to her. “Breaking into someone’s office is a criminal act. If you don’t understand that, then you should catch the next train back to Cincinnati before you find yourself in trouble I can’t get you out of.”
As if suddenly deflated, she sank onto the cot. He couldn’t help notice how out of place she looked. Her rose-colored dress, the cameo at her throat, and her soft honeytoned hair didn’t belong in his rough and dirty jail cell.
“How long do I have to stay here?”
“I don’t know. It’ll depend on when Cosgrove comes to press charges.”
He couldn’t look at her any longer. It hurt too much. He turned to go. He had a lot of thinking to do.
“Mitch, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make trouble.”
“I know. You never do.”
Mitch tried to block out the image of the lovely Hannah locked in his jail. He came up with as many reasons within the law to release her as he could. Though he doubted the banker would agree to any of them. Cosgrove would want to press charges to the hilt. An unfamiliar sound reached his ears and he strained to make it out. When he realized it was Hannah crying, his heart ached. There was nothing he could do for her. Well, there was one thing. He could pray that Cosgrove would grow a heart before he got here. He wasn’t a religious man, but he believed and he read his Bible when he could.
Mitch stared at the door to the jail then at the clock on the wall. It had been nearly forty-five minutes, and Cosgrove had yet to show up. Maybe his prayers had been answered. A commotion outside on the sidewalk brought him to his feet as the door opened and Mrs. Cosgrove entered. What was she doing here? “Good day, ma’am?” Slowly Horace Cosgrove entered the office and stood a few feet behind his wife, his expression grim.
“Hardly a good day, Sheriff, when you arrest a fine young woman like Hannah. I’m here to see that she’s released immediately.”
“Does this mean your husband is not pressing charges?”
“He most certainly is not.” She glanced over her shoulder at her spouse. “In fact, I’m here to verify her accusations.” Opening her reticule she pulled out a piece of paper. “I believe she was looking for this. It’s a list of the people who foolishly sold their votes for a few pieces of silver.”
Mitch took the list. There were names here that surprised him. “You know that vote buying isn’t illegal. I can’t arrest either these people or your husband.”
“More’s the pity. I know that, but Horace is going to make an announcement that those who took money for their votes are released from their commitment and are free to vote as they please. Isn’t that right, dear?”
Cosgrove swallowed, his face pale. “That’s correct. I made a big mistake.”
“All right.” Relief washed through Mitch as he picked up the keys and went to the back to set Hannah free.
She was gripping the bars, her face angled between the rough iron rods. “Did I hear Mrs. Cosgrove correctly? She found the list?”
“She did, and apparently she influenced her husband not to press charges.”
She stepped out of the cell and into his arms.” I’m so sorry, Mitch. Really.”
She stepped back, leaving a cold aching sensation in his chest. He followed her out into the office, struggling to sort out the strange feeling in his chest.
Mrs. Cosgrove hurried forward and gave Hannah a hug. “I’m so sorry for all this.”
“It’s not your fault. I was wrong to look through your husband’s office.”
“Well, you should have come to me. I know where he hides things he wants to deny. I found the list in his safe at home. And I think he understands the consequences if he tries to win an election underhandedly.”
“Thank you. I can never repay you for this.”
“You already have. You have been a delightful addition to our town, and we look forward to more of your inspiring ideas. Don’t you agree, Sheriff?”
Mitch looked into Hannah’s green eyes and saw hope. Did she want him to agree? “I’m sure the folks here would like that.” He watched as that light of hope faded from her eyes. He wasn’t sure what he’d done, but the rift between them was as wide as ever.
He would never understand women.
Chapter 12
Mitch angled his hat on his head before turning to face his deputy. “Keep a sharp eye, Leroy. I’m turning in. Voting starts early tomorrow, and I want to make sure nothing disrupts the process.”
Leroy nodded and took a seat at the desk. “Like an eagle. You gonna vote for yourself?”
“A man’s vote is private. You know that.”
“Well, you can count on mine, Sheriff.”
“Thanks.” Mitch strode out of the office and down the boardwalk toward Mrs. Foster’s Boardinghouse. He normally took his evening meal with the other boarders, but he wasn’t in the mood to listen to the chatter around the table. He wasn’t hungry anyway. Every time he thought about how he had to drag Hannah to the jail, his gut knotted. He couldn’t imagine what she’d been thinking when she decided to snoop around Cosgrove’s office. His prayers for her had been answered in a way he never could have imagined. Apparently Mrs. Cosgrove ruled the roost in their household. She’d cut her husband off at the knees and exposed his scheme. He’d always heard that the money in the Cosgrove home belonged to the wife. Apparently that was true.
Mitch stepped through the door hoping to make a quick dash to his room, but Alice Lincoln stopped him with a smile and gentle hand on his arm.
“I’m so glad to see you. I just want you to know that you can count on my vote.”
“Thank you. I appreciate that.” He took the steps two at a time then closed and locked the door behind him. His room was generous. Mrs. Foster had given him the best one in the house facing the street with a shady tree outside the window. He had a desk, a comfortable chair, and a soft bed. Everything a man would need.
But lately he’d been feeling cramped in the space, edgy to move. He kept thinking about a house of his own, some land and a woman to share it with. A woman like Hannah. After pu
lling off his boots, he slipped his suspenders from his shoulders then dropped back on the bed, staring at the ceiling.
Any chance he’d had with Hannah was gone. He’d rebuffed her friendship from the first time he’d met her, shoving her into the same cubbyhole as Lydia. The arrest today had only sealed the deal. His big mistake was scolding her. But he’d been terrified of what might happen. He wanted to shake her and kiss her at the same time. Part of him admired her courage and determination, but the other wanted to wrap her in cotton wool and keep her safe away from even the smallest dangers.
He’d seen the look of hurt in her green eyes as he’d reprimanded her for her foolishness. Then he compounded it by telling her it was time for her to go home. He didn’t want her to go home. Ever. He rubbed his eyes. No use crying over spilled milk. Tomorrow would be a long day. He needed to rest. At this time tomorrow he’d either be employed or looking for a new job. At the moment neither option stirred any emotions. The only feeling he had running through his heart was for Hannah and his deep regret for chasing her away because he was afraid of risking his heart again. Maybe a man like him didn’t deserve to be sheriff.
Riverton Chronicle
September 24, 1881
Vote Today
Today you will cast your votes for one of two men running for the office of sheriff of Riverton. One man claims he’s the answer to the coming boom in commerce and expansion of our town, that under his leadership Riverton will be a beacon of respectability. Settlers will look to us as the place to raise their families in safety.
The other has had little to say about what he will do if he stays in office. But we all know exactly what that will be. He will be honest, he will walk the streets of our town, keeping a watchful eye on everyone and everything. He will settle disputes with simple strength. He will take the less fortunate under his wing and make sure they are cared for. He will stay up all night to catch a thief that is robbing an honest merchant.
His clear blue eyes see the way things really are. Not how he’d like them to be or how they might become. He is our anchor. Our steady compass in the storm. Dependable, honorable, good-hearted, loyal, honest, brave, and humble. The very definition of a sheriff.
I know who I’m voting for tomorrow. Search your heart, and I hope you’ll realize that the man in office today is the man we want for tomorrow and into the future.
The Advocate
Hannah stared at the latest edition of the Chronicle, her gaze focused on her final article as The Advocate. It was printed on the front page, but she realized now that she should have written it for the Wednesday edition instead. Today was the election. A Saturday, so everyone could come to town to cast their vote. All those who lived outside of town probably wouldn’t think about picking up a paper. They’d come to Riverton to get supplies and vote then head back home.
Not that it mattered. It was out of her hands now. She’d done all she could to help Mitch get elected sheriff. It had proven to be a pointless gesture. He probably hadn’t even read them after the first one had been printed.
She shoved the paper aside and stood, walking to the window and staring out at the town she’d grown so fond of. She had friends here, a purpose, a home with her aunt, and the potential to be a reporter—of sorts. Yesterday’s events had revealed the dangers of getting overly involved. Maybe exposing criminals wasn’t as exciting as she’d imagined.
She certainly hadn’t enjoyed being hauled off to the jail like an outlaw. But that’s what she was. She’d crossed over into criminal activity. A shiver chased up her spine as she thought about the hard, unforgiving look on Mitch’s face as he’d marched her to the sheriff’s office. Her heart squeezed knowing she’d lost any chance with him. He would never forgive her, and he would never care for a woman so brazen as to rifle through the bank’s files.
But it was his scolding that had ripped her heart to shreds. He wanted her gone. He practically ordered her to pack up and get out of town. Which is what she’d decided to do.
“Hannah, what are you staring at? Something going on outside?” Polly came and stood beside her, glancing from her to the view out to the street.
“No. Nothing unusual.”
“Oh, I see. Still stinging from your big adventure yesterday? You know, when I agreed to let you do a little reporting around town, I never imagined you’d get so involved. There’s a point at which you need to turn over what you discover and let the law handle things.”
“I told him, but he wouldn’t do anything about it.”
“So you thought you could do what an experienced, knowledgeable professional couldn’t?”
“But I was right.”
“And was it worth what it cost you?”
She shook her head. She’d lost respect, created an enemy, and lost the man she loved.
Polly wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “You’re young and enthusiastic and I daresay spoiled and indulged. You are a crusader at heart, and when you see something that needs changed you charge ahead. But you have to learn restraint, patience, and when to stand up and when to fight another day.”
“The fighting will be over today.”
“Yes, either Mitch will be elected or not. I’m praying he will. Let’s leave it in the Lord’s hands, shall we? Have you voted yet?”
Hannah shook her head. “I can’t imagine how Mrs. Cosgrove got the town fathers to agree to let us vote in this election.”
“After his vote-buying plan was exposed, I guess it was the least he could do. Let’s go cast our votes, then we can come back here and work on a special edition to announce the winner.”
Tears stung Hannah’s eyes as she thought about Mitch losing the election. She’d only meant to help with her articles, but her behavior yesterday may have erased all her good intentions. “He has to win, Aunt Polly.”
Gentle arms wrapped her in a warm hug. “You love him, don’t you? Maybe things will work out once this election is over.”
“No. I’ve thought it over and I’m going back home. I’ve already bought my ticket. I’m sorry it’s so sudden, but there’s nothing for me here now.”
“I wish you wouldn’t leave. I like having you here, and I enjoy having you help around the paper. Please, don’t make another rash decision.”
“It’s not rash. I came out here chasing a silly infatuation and I got what I deserved. I tried to make my fantasy come true.”
“Don’t give up hope. Sometimes dreams do come true when we least expect them. Let’s go vote for Mitch. Our two votes could sway the election.”
The rest of the day dragged on. Hannah wandered down past the Hallmark Hotel, which was serving as the polling location. People came and went. Often a small line would form of those waiting their turn, but Hannah could read nothing into the faces of those who had voted.
Finally the clock on the wall ticked down to seven. Hannah’s palms were moist and her heart thudded in her chest. The counting would begin. Part of her wanted to dash to the hotel and wait with the others for the final tally to be announced. Another part of her wanted to hide here at the Chronicle in case the news wasn’t good. Then she could grieve in private.
The shouting from outside pulled her from her contemplation. It was over. But who had won? Polly hurried to the door and opened it. Stopping the first person that passed by. “Who won?”
“The sheriff. By two hundred and fifty votes.”
Hannah sagged in the chair. Her eyes filling with tears. Her prayers had been answered.
“Did you hear? Mitch won. Good job, Hannah. Let’s go congratulate him.”
The thought of facing Mitch sent a wave of apprehension along her nerves. How could she face him after yesterday? “No, I don’t think I should.”
“Hannah, you need to face up to your mistakes. It’s the right thing to do. Come along.”
Reluctantly, she followed, trying to tamp down her emotions. All she had to do was say congratulations, smile, and then leave. She just had to remember to not look into his ey
es or she’d dissolve into a puddle of female histrionics, which would only drive him further away.
She squared her shoulders as they neared the sheriff’s office. She could do this. After all, the only thing that mattered here was that Mitch retained his job. He would be happy and go on to serve the town with honor. Her feelings shouldn’t enter into the picture at all.
She forced a smile and followed her aunt into the office.
Chapter 13
Mitch shook the hand of the local butcher, accepting his congratulations, and then did the same with the blacksmith. His office had seen a steady stream of well-wishers since the vote had been announced. The attention made him uncomfortable, but he couldn’t deny he’d breathed a huge sigh of relief when the outcome had gone in his favor. His faith in the folks of Riverton hadn’t been misplaced.
He glanced up as Polly and Hannah entered. The office suddenly became stuffy and small. There was so much he wanted to say to her, but this was not the time. She looked like a spring day in a flowered dress that brought out her beautiful eyes. She’d taken to wearing less fussy clothing the last few weeks, which only enhanced her beauty.
Polly came and gave him a hug and a soft pat on the shoulder. “I’m so glad you’re staying on as sheriff. We need a man like you around here.”
“Thank you. I’ll do my best to earn the people’s trust.”
“You already have that, Mitch. They showed that with their votes.”
Hannah caught his gaze. “I’m glad you won.”
Mitch’s throat constricted, and he wasn’t sure what to say, so he said the first thing that came to mind. “I told you I didn’t need any help.”
She went pale and for a moment he thought she might faint. Polly gave him a scathing glance then tugged Hannah away and out the door.
What had he said? He never knew how she would take things. It was exasperating. When he finally left the jail and returned to his room, thoughts of Hannah haunted his dreams all night, leaving him eager to get to the jail and keep his mind occupied with work and not the lovely Eastern girl with the stubborn chin and the challenging green eyes.
The Secret Admirer Romance Collection Page 12