“I’ve never seen it before.”
Brad nodded. “Well, it’s here in your room now. You think someone broke in and planted the gun in your room?”
“Could be.” Charlie regretted not bursting in now. At least he would have caught the person responsible.
“You might want to get the sheriff. It seems like it would be his business.”
Charlie nodded. “Yeah. I agree. I’ll go.” He left Brad in his room and went down the stairs. The first thing he’d do is pick up Mr. Higgins before he went to get Sheriff Fitzgerald.
Chapter 10
Addie couldn’t believe the change in Fallon. Or, make that Peter. It was going to be hard to remember to call him by his new first name. Yet, Addie felt as if she were seeing and talking to a different man.
His change was so complete that she had to agree, the old Fallon was gone. Doc Baker was wary around Peter, but she had to believe that Peter Fallon was a new creation.
Doc sighed and walked to the door. “Well, I’m going to go and visit the saloon and see if they have any need for my services.”
Addie shook her head but smiled at the lovable old curmudgeon. “I guess I can come and get you if we need you.”
“Yes, you can. Besides, I’m wondering what the saloon and Gabe are going to do without you, Fallon.” Doc grinned, but it wasn’t a friendly one. It was almost as if he were angry with Peter for changing.
Addie turned from the doc and looked at Peter. “I am so excited for you. How are you feeling?” She looked at him and skirted around the desk to take his pulse.
“Great. I have never felt so alive. Maybe it’s just because I drifted between life and death, but I believe it’s because the Lord walked into my heart last night.” Peter looked at her with a brightness in his eyes that had not been there before.
“I’m leaving.” Doc went out the door, shutting it with a bit of angry attitude.
Addie shook her head. “Doc is surly about the whole thing. I think perhaps his conscience is a bit rattled.” She faced Peter. “I agree with you. I remember when the Lord became real to me. Oh, I was always raised in the church, but one day, I was outside, and He spoke to my heart.” She smiled. It had been some time since she’d thought back on that day. And yes, everything around her had become more brilliant and life more thrilling.
Peter took the Bible from the desk. “I think I’ll read some more. It’s like I can’t get enough.”
“I’ll be in here watching the front in case someone needs Doc.”
“Addie, what will you do now? I know Charlie’s father hired you to watch over me, but now that I’m better, what will you do?”
Addie sighed and gazed outside. “I don’t know. I wouldn’t mind staying on, but I’m not sure that Dr. Baker has enough business to keep paying me. I do like it here in Lawrence, though.”
“I hope you stay.” He started to go to her but stopped and went to his room and shut the door.
Addie let out the breath she’d held in a low sigh. This new Peter had caught her by surprise. As handsome and charming as ever, he’d awakened feelings she’d kept at bay. Since her fiancé’s death, Addie had walled off her feelings.
Now, alone with her thoughts, Addie prayed that the Lord would let her know what she was supposed to do. Here she’d come to a strange town to watch over a gambler to save a scoundrel, and now, she had feelings for them both.
Not that they thought the same about her, but she was tired of living alone. She’d always wanted a husband and a family. After Robert died, she’d put her dreams away, but now, they were back.
She thought of each of the men. Peter Fallon had such a dramatic change. She’d been drawn to him even while he was in the coma, but now even more so. Then there was Charlie, the fun-loving scoundrel.
He’d been spoiled by his father and left completely rudderless in the sea of life. Yet, now, he’d decided to be a lawyer. She was happy he was going to work on the right side of the law. Out of the two, Charlie had shown her the most interest.
Yet, he was such a scamp that she didn’t know if he was trustworthy at all. And then there was the mystery of who had shot Fallon. She didn’t believe it could be Charlie, but he was a smooth talker. She grinned. He should make an excellent lawyer.
Addie had just finished straightening up the doctor’s supply room when Dahlia walked into the clinic.
The woman held her head high and stared at Addie. “Can I talk to Fallon?”
“Sure. He’s in his room.”
Dahlia walked past her and into Peter’s room.
Addie couldn’t imagine the shock the woman was going to find when she found Peter reading the Bible and talking like a preacher.
***
Peter looked up and saw Dahlia standing at the door. She was as beautiful as ever, but strangely enough, he didn’t find her attractive or enticing. Still, she was one that he needed to ask forgiveness from. Probably the most of any.
He stood and went to her. “Dahlia. I’m glad you came.”
She ran her fingers through his hair in that old familiar way. “How are you? I’ve been lonely at the saloon without you.”
He caught her hand and held it, stopping her from continuing the way she always had. He had changed, and she needed to understand that. “Dahlia, forgive me for all the times I’ve strung you along. I never intended to marry you. I suppose you knew that?”
Hurt shone in her eyes, briefly, and she recovered and gave him the grin she plastered on her face for saloon work. “Of course. Everyone knows gamblers and saloon girls never really get married.” She turned away from him.
Peter grimaced as he saw her shoulders shake slightly. He’d never seen her cry before. Gently, he turned her to face him, and his heart tore at the tears welling in her eyes. “Dahlia, I mean it when I asked you to forgive me. I’m sorry I’ve hurt you. I used you, and it wasn’t right.”
She wiped her cheeks but couldn’t stop the flow of tears. “You’re not dying, are you?”
He pulled a bandage from a tray and wiped her tears. “No, for the first time in my life, I am alive. In Christ. I’m a believer, Dahlia.”
She shoved away from him and mocked him with a harsh laugh. “What? Come on, Fallon. What is going on? Did that knock on your head make you silly?”
He stood before he and held out his arms. “No, I hovered between life and death. I chose life and Jesus. I’m a new man now. Peter Fallon.”
“Peter, huh? I’ll try and remember that.” She turned from him and walked to the window. “You coming back to work at the saloon?”
“No. I’m not sure what I’ll do, but I can’t work in a saloon anymore.”
Her shoulders slumped. “So, our life together has ended?”
Peter grieved for all the hurt he’d caused the woman. “Yes. I can’t go back. God has a plan for my life. I wish you would get to know Jesus and all He has to offer. I have never felt such joy and life.”
Dahlia whirled to face him. Her eyes were fiery, and all the tears were gone. “I’m glad it works for you, Fallon. I’ll be seeing you.” She rushed past him and stormed out of his room.
Peter felt a sadness in his heart. She didn’t want to change, but then if the roles had been reversed, he doubted he would have listened either. He’d pray for her. Maybe in time, she’d come around and become a new creation.
After he heard the door slam, he went into the waiting room to see Addie. He hadn’t told Dahlia, but since meeting the nurse, she was the only woman he’d thought of.
Addie looked up at him. “Dahlia didn’t look too happy.”
“No, I’m afraid I killed off some of her hopes. I told her I wouldn’t go back to work at the saloon, and she doesn’t want any part of the Lord. Not that there ever was anything between us, but it is over now.”
Addie nodded. “She was crying on the way out the door.”
He frowned. “I’m sorry about that. I asked her to forgive me.”
She smiled at him. “Sometimes, it t
akes people a little while to believe you’ve really changed.”
“I suppose you’re right.” He sat on the corner of the desk and gazed at her. “You were part of that change. It was your Bible I was reading. And it was you I heard singing over me that helped me come back.”
Addie smiled softly. “Thank you for telling me. Sometimes, I don’t know if what I do does any good or not.”
“I’d like to get to know you better. If that’s all right with you?”
She stared at him. A gambler, even if former, was not exactly what she wanted in a husband. Oh, she was attracted to him. He was a handsome man, and she didn’t doubt that every woman in Lawrence gave him a look or two. But she’d have to see how real the change in him was.
Not sure what to say and not sure she even wanted to encourage him, she stood. “As long as I’m here, I’d like to think of us as friends.” That sounded innocuous enough. Who knows, perhaps Peter had changed and wouldn’t go back to his wild ways. Time would have to tell that story.
Peter stared at her, smiled, and then went back to his room.
She sat back in the chair. One thing was sure, Peter Fallon was more attractive than Fallon, the gambler.
Chapter 11
Charlie walked into the sheriff’s office. The deputy was sleeping in the big chair behind the desk. Deciding to have some fun with Chester, Charlie slammed the door shut.
Startled awake, Chester came out of the chair, stumbled over his feet, and fell on the floor. Climbing back up, he looked at Charlie. “What’s the matter?”
“Nothing. I wanted to talk to the sheriff.” Charlie grinned.
Chester shook his head. “He’s not here right now. He said he’d be back later.”
The door opened, and Mr. Higgins entered. “I came as soon as I heard.”
“Good. Seems the sheriff isn’t here.”
Mr. Higgins stared at the deputy. “Where is the sheriff?”
“I’m not sure. He just told me to watch the office.”
Charlie grinned. “Looked more like you were watching your eyelids, to me.”
“Ah, fellas, don’t let on when the sheriff gets here. Please.”
“Don’t worry, your secret is safe with us.” Charlie pointed to a chair for Mr. Higgins. “I want to report a break-in in my hotel room.”
Chester grabbed a notepad and a pencil. “All right. Got it. I’ll send the sheriff to your room.”
Charlie looked at Mr. Higgins. “Why don’t you come with us, Chester. You can take the report.”
Looking impressed, Chester nodded. “Great, let’s go.”
Charlie walked with Mr. Higgins but didn’t say anything. He wanted them both to listen to the hotel clerk to validate the story.
When they reached the hotel, Charlie pointed up the stairs. And followed Higgins and Chester. Once at his room, Charlie opened the door, and Brad was sitting on the divan. He jumped up.
“No one came in or tried to. But just like Charlie said, we came in, and I found this derringer.”
Chester took it from him. “Think it’s the one used to shoot Fallon?”
Charlie looked at Higgins.
“That remains to be seen. Why would it be here? And if someone broke into the room, it’s quite probable they came to plant the gun.” Higgins looked at the door to the balcony and nodded. “This is where they came in. They were probably going out your door when they heard Charlie’s footsteps.
“Too bad I didn’t go in. I could’ve caught whoever planted the gun.” Charlie frowned.
Higgins shook his head. “More than likely, you would have caught a bullet.”
Chester nodded. “I think your lawyer is right.”
Charlie looked at Higgins. A cold sweat broke out as Charlie realized he could be lying on the floor dead. Maybe Fallon was right about God because something had made him stop before barging into his room.
Higgins patted him on the shoulder. “You’re using your head to think and not to fight. I’m proud of you, Charlie. Or should I say, Charles?”
Charlie smiled. “Maybe you’re right. If I’m going to put away childish things, then I should put away my childish name. From now on, Charles it is.”
After Brad and Chester left, Charles looked at Higgins. “What do you think? Should I talk to Dahlia?”
“No, you stay out of it. Let me and the sheriff handle the investigation. You read the lawbook and see how far you get.”
“Yes, sir.” Charles stared at the door on the balcony. “Someone is trying to frame me.”
Higgins nodded. “Yes, how is Fallon?”
“He looked to be doing fine to me. Said something about he’s a believer now, and his name is Peter Fallon.” Even now, Charles found it hard to believe. Yet, Fallon had seemed so different.
Higgins put a hand on his shoulder. “I want you to stay away from Fallon. At least for now until he’s up and about.”
Charles’s first thought was Addie. He enjoyed talking to her and had planned on seeing her for lunch. Then again, he could still do that. He’d just not talk to Fallon or go in his room. He’d stop by and walk Addie to the café.
Higgins looked at him sternly. “I mean it, Charles. If you’re not around Fallon, no one can accuse you of anything if something were to happen to him. Finding that gun in your room doesn’t help you any. Even though you say someone broke in and planted it, there is only your word for it.”
The impact of what the lawyer said made Charles agree. “All right. I understand.” Charles waved the lawyer on and watched him leave the room and shut the door behind him.
He locked the door. Then he checked his pistol to make sure it was loaded. He had a feeling he wasn’t through with trouble. He sat at the desk and flipped open the law book. At first, the words were hard to understand, but as he read, it became easier.
Yet, after ten pages, his mind began to wander. Who would want to kill Fallon? And why? And the last question, who had the derringer or access to it?
He put the three questions on the notepad beside the law book. Who was a hard one as it could be just about anyone in Lawrence that had ever played cards with Fallon? The gambler had cheated everyone.
Outside, a horse nickered, and Charles thought about Sinbad. That had been one of Fallon’s tricks, but Charles had outwitted him and made the sheriff and the gambler mad at him. Maybe it was time to come clean about the whole deal.
Yet, Charles didn’t trust the sheriff. The man had always seemed shady to him. Nothing he could ever pinpoint, but just something about the man didn’t seem right. Not that Charles had been on the right side of the law very much either.
Maybe it was because the sheriff practically lived at the saloon. Twirling the pencil, Charles thought about the sheriff and Dahlia. While Sheriff Fitzgerald seemed to like Dahlia, she didn’t show any affection for him.
In fact, just the opposite as she usually walked away whenever the sheriff entered the saloon. She’d made a play for Charles, but she wasn’t his type. Even in his wild state, he knew he didn’t want to settle for a stained dove. If he was to marry, it would be to a fine woman, like Addie.
He stared at the clock and saw that it was almost time for lunch. Charles stared at the law book and remembered Higgins's warning. He grabbed his hat and key and opened the door. It was when he heard Sammy’s still shrill voice that Charles knew what he’d do.
Trotting down the stairs, Charles stopped outside and flipped the kid a dollar. “Go to Doc’s clinic and tell the nurse that I’ll meet her at the café.” He started to walk down the street when he stopped and turned and caught the kid just as he was running by. “In fact, escort her to the café, and I’ll buy your lunch too.”
The boy smiled. “Yes, sir.” And he ran off.
Charles wanted to help Sammy in some way. The old man in the tent city had said the boy was alone. But Sammy was too young to fend for himself. He was likely to end up on the wrong side of the law if someone didn’t take care of him.
And like Pa alw
ays said, “If you see a job that needs to be done, then do it. It’s the lazy man who looks around for someone to order around.”
Charles grinned. For once, he understood his father’s wisdom. “I’ll do it. Besides, he liked the boy. The kid kind of reminded Charles of himself. So, if he could save Sammy from some trouble, maybe Charles could pay for some of his misdeeds.
He was across the street from the café when he saw the sheriff walk out of the saloon with Dahlia in handcuffs.
In shock, Charles watched as he marched her down the middle of the street to the jail. Even though it had to be her derringer that shot Fallon, he didn’t believe Dahlia would shoot the gambler.
He almost went to the jail when he saw Sammy and Addie walk to the café and enter. Charles went on to the diner. He’d stop by the jail later and find out what was going on.
Chapter 12
Addie had been disappointed that Charles had been late to come by the clinic for lunch, but when Sammy showed up and was so polite and cute, she couldn’t be angry. The boy held out his arm and escorted her like a proper gentleman.
“You say that Charles had something to do?”
“Yes, he’s a good man. I really like him.” The boy looked at her. “Do you?”
Surprised at the question, Addie nodded. “Yes, I do. He seems like an interesting man.”
Sammy laughed. “I’ll say so. He’s always been good to me. Gives me extra money and lets me ride his horse. Did you know that he won Sinbad from Fallon, who won him from the sheriff? That is one good horse.”
“That is interesting.” She stepped on the boardwalk on the way to the café and was impressed that Sammy made sure to keep her away from the street to protect her. Someone had taught him well.
“Do you like Fallon? He’s a slick one.” Sammy shook his head as if he wasn’t sure if Fallon was a good man or one to watch.
“He’s had a change of heart and now goes by the name of Peter Fallon.” She watched Sammy to see if he would believe it or not. Because she was having a hard time believing someone could change so radically in such a short time.
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