by Lori Wick
“Yes. She got sick and wouldn’t go down to see the doctor. I was afraid to leave her. She died one night in her sleep.”
They looked at each other again.
“I went back to the cabin once, but you weren’t around.”
“When was that?”
“’Bout five years back I guess.”
Pup nodded; she could have been anywhere.
“I need you to know something, Jubal. I’m on the other side of the law from you. The man who brought you in is the friend who told me you were here. He’s very special to me.”
To her infinite relief, he only nodded. “Harrington’s all right. He was just doing his job. He doesn’t rough a man up when his hands are cuffed behind his back.”
“You’re right; he would never do that.”
“So you’re living here in Denver now—with him?”
“No, it’s not like that. I don’t live with any man. I’m still at the cabin.”
Jubal looked her up and down, not able to miss the fine cut of her dress. “You look good.”
“Thank you.”
“Did you and Govern talk before he died?”
“Not really. He was angry and wanted money.” Even if Jubal never wanted to hear from her again, she had to lay the truth between them. “Do you know who shot him?”
“I heard it was Harrington.”
“It was.”
“And that doesn’t bother you?” His voice was surprisingly mild.
“Of course it bothers me. It would bother me no matter who it was. McKay nearly died from the wounds Govern inflicted. That bothers me, too.” She knew she had to be blunt. “There was no talking to Govern, Jubal, and you know that. He shot first. It was a mess.”
They fell silent for a time. Pup couldn’t tell if he wanted her to leave or not. She remembered the basket in her hands.
“I brought you some cookies and a small loaf of bread.” She pushed the basket toward the bars which separated them. Jubal took it.
“You make these?”
“No, I’m an awful cook. Camille Wallace made them.” She again forced herself to be brutally honest.
“Camille Wallace,” Jubal said the name slowly, “as in the wife of Nick Wallace, head of the treasury?”
“Yes. I stay at their house when I’m in Denver.”
Jubal’s whistle was whisper soft. “You are on the other side of the law.”
Pup nodded, regret filling her. Not regret that she’d chosen the right path, but that, standing here now, she believed with all her heart that Jubal could have done anything, been anything, but he’d chosen crime.
“I’ve been learning some new things lately, Jubal. I’d like to share them with you, but I’m not going to be in town much longer.”
He nodded, his eyes still on hers.
“Will they allow you mail in here?”
“I think so.”
“If I write to you, will you read my letters and write back?”
“Yeah.” He seemed surprised that she would want to keep in touch. “I’ll write back to you.”
It was more than she could have hoped for.
“When’s your trial?”
“I don’t know. Do you know what I’m up for?”
“Yes, do you?”
“They told me yesterday.” His voice couldn’t hide his fear. They had everything on him. They knew about every dirty deed he’d done for Duncan Phipps.
Pup had to get away. The list of his crimes was a mile long. She was going to come undone if she stayed.
“I’m not sure when I’ll be back, but when I am, I’ll come to see you.”
“All right.”
“And I’ll be here for your trial.”
All he could do was nod.
Her heart felt as if it would break. She put a hand on the bars to steady herself. She spoke with tears in her eyes. “If you ever get out of this place, Jubal Hackett, you come to me,” she whispered furiously. “You come to me, do you hear? We should never have gotten this far apart.”
Jubal covered her fingers with his hand, tears filling his own eyes.
“I love you, Jubal.” She barely got the words out, her hand turning to clasp his tightly. Just an instant later she turned and fled down the hall, harsh sobs breaking in her throat. Nick met her halfway, his arm going around her as he led her outside.
As soon as the door shut she turned into his arms and cried. Nick held her for a few minutes before they began to maneuver their way out of the building. Once out front, he gently helped her into his buggy. It wasn’t long before they were back at the house, but part of Pup wondered why she’d bothered to leave: She saw nothing but Jubal’s face for the rest of the afternoon.
43
Nick came home in a great mood. The hidden files at the Phipps mansion had turned up a wealth of incriminating evidence; a good case was being put together. Duncan had hired Miles Jefferson, the best lawyer in the territory, but Nick wasn’t worried. No jury could fail to see this man for what he was and send him to jail—hopefully, for a very long time.
Richard Stuart’s arrest had paid off, just as McKay had speculated. He was already offering valuable information in exchange for a lighter sentence, and because of his no-record status and his standing in his hometown, he was soon to be released. As it was, Nick nearly skipped through the door that night, his heart lighter than it had been in months.
The kitchen was empty but smelled of a promising meal to come. Mr. Wallace made his way through the dining room and headed toward the stairs. He stopped short when he saw Pup coming down.
“Well, now,” his voice was as joyful as he felt, “what’s the occasion?”
Pup smiled. She had let Camille style her wig and was wearing a dress that she had picked out for her. The older woman had not liked the fact that she’d worn the navy just the day before, so she put the dark rose on. It was more feminine than her other gowns, and Camille had insisted it was just what she needed for the now-softer curls in her wig.
“I happen to be going out tonight.”
Nick smiled hugely. “I suppose I’ll be expected to pay.”
“Not in the least,” Camille spoke as she came down behind Pup. “McKay should be here in less than an hour, and I can tell you right now that you and I are not invited to join them.”
All joy left Nick’s face. Pup looked at him in compassion, but she was not going to spare him.
“A message was delivered after you dropped me off. It was from McKay. He said he’d been kept busy all day and would see me tonight. I find it hard to believe you would stoop to such tactics, Nick, but I know that’s what you did. You knew I wanted McKay there with me when I saw Jubal.”
His eyes drilled into hers, but she did not back down. She kept her voice kind but resolute.
“We have to talk, Nick. Obviously not tonight, but soon.” She turned to Camille. “Do the two of you have plans for tomorrow night?”
“No, I’m sure not.”
Pup looked back at the man who had been the closest thing to a father to her for more years than she could count.
“If McKay wants to see me tomorrow night, I’ll tell him I’m busy. Please, Nick. You and I have to talk. I’m probably going home first thing Saturday morning. Please don’t send me away with this unresolved.”
There was nothing else she could say. This home had been a haven for her. She felt loved and comforted within these walls, but if things remained so tense with Nick, she would feel unwelcome for the first time.
“Nick?” his wife now urged him gently.
“All right, Pup.” His voice was hard. “I’ll plan to be here tomorrow night, but I have some things to say to you—things you might not want to hear. I think this man’s attentions have turned your head. You’re thinking with your heart. Are you willing to hear how I feel about the matter?”
“Yes. Just so long as we’re able to talk.”
Turning away, he retreated into his study and shut the door.
“W
ill this ruin your evening?” Camille wished to know.
“No, but I’m a little worried about you, Camille. You have to live with Nick after I’m gone. If he feels we’ve ganged up on him over this, he’s going to resent you.”
Camille smiled. “You wouldn’t believe the things we’ve fought about over the years, my dear. Nick never holds a grudge against me. Even if he thinks I’m wrong, he never mentions that subject again.”
“You’re sure?”
“Absolutely. Now, you go into the living room and wait. I’ll let McKay in and bring him to you.”
Pup’s look was indulgent.
“Don’t you give me that look. It’s all part of the fun. You just go.”
Pup did as she was told, but not before shaking her head. Camille watched her go and even caught the little trip she made on the carpet. It was her turn to shake her head. It was a good thing McKay was already in love with her; otherwise, he might be scared to death.
For the next few minutes she worried about the food Pup might get on that rose gown, but then came a knock on the door. It wasn’t quite time, but Camille only smiled. The gentleman was anxious.
“Good evening,” McKay said as soon as he saw Mrs. Wallace.
“Hello, McKay.”
“I’m early; is that going to be all right?”
“Of course. Callie’s all ready and waiting for you in the living room.”
Camille had been brought up to think that it was more romantic to keep a man waiting, but she saw now that those were childish games. This couple didn’t need those ploys to add interest to their relationship. No indeed. The interest was so apparent you could almost feel it.
“Come this way,” she offered, showing him to the living room. She made herself stay back away from the entrance. Hearing the couple greet each other, she went to the kitchen to report to Miranda.
“You look nice,” McKay said as soon as he could think straight again. He’d never seen her in this color, and her hairstyle softened her face.
“You’re early—you must be hungry.”
McKay smiled. “Hungry,” he repeated. “If that reason works for you, we’ll go with it.”
Pup laughed. “I’m ready when you are.”
“Good. Our reservation is for 7:15, so we’ll just ask the driver to go slowly.”
Pup smiled at him, her heart burgeoning with love. She slipped past him to tell Miranda she was leaving and found Camille too.
“Have a good time,” they both bid her and beamed at her as she passed through the door.
McKay was waiting just inside the front door, and he watched her carefully as they moved outside. As soon as his hat was in place, he pulled her hand through his arm and walked her to the waiting hack. Pup kept looking at him, and in so doing tripped just a little on the front walk. McKay welcomed an excuse to slip an arm around her waist.
A moment later he had her in the buggy, his hand holding hers as the driver took them down the street. They had eyes only for each other. Neither one was aware of the man who stood at the window of his study, his brow lowered disapprovingly as he watched them leave.
“I thought about you so much today.” They were at the River House, one of Denver’s finest restaurants, their meal ordered. “Did you get to see Jubal?”
“Yes.”
“How was it?”
“Hard. But I’m so thankful, McKay. He talked to me. I wasn’t sure if he would want anything to do with me, but he talked. I was very honest—he even knows about you—but he was still willing to correspond with me. I told him I would be at his trial.”
“I can probably get those dates for you.”
As was becoming the custom between them, they fell silent. There was so much to say, but there was also no hurry. For the first time since they’d known each other, nothing hung over their heads. There was no fear that Pup would suddenly have to garb herself in a new identity and be off. During their silence the food arrived, and after McKay held her hand and thanked God for the food, they resumed their conversation.
“How is your meal?” McKay asked.
“Wonderful. Taste these potatoes. Is that a cheese sauce?”
“I think so. It’s excellent. I didn’t see Nick when I came. Was he there tonight?”
“Yes. He had taken himself off to the study. He’s agreed to talk with me tomorrow night, but he is not happy about tonight.”
“What did he say?”
“Only that he had some things to say that I wasn’t going to like.”
“You’ve upset his world,” McKay told her. “I can’t see him lashing out in anger, but this really has him bothered.”
“At least Camille sees things the way they are. We had the most wonderful conversation this morning. She has such a heart for spiritual things. I wish I knew more.”
“I’m sure you did fine.”
Pup made a face. “I don’t know. Christ died for all of us, didn’t He, McKay?”
“Yes, He did. First John 2:2 says ‘He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.’ And I could show you many more verses on the subject.”
Pup nodded with satisfaction and went back to her food.
“Watch your knife,” he said softly as he moved her water out of harm’s way.
Pup smiled at him and gave a huge sigh when McKay winked at her. He was the most wonderful man she’d ever known.
They ended the evening with a walk in the park near Camden Street. McKay held her hand as before, but this time she would not be headed back to the Phipps mansion. This time there was no worry of being seen together. Both of them were aware of this, and the excitement of being together escalated. They didn’t have much silence as they walked; their conversation roamed from one topic to the next. Pup had many questions about Scripture passages she had read, and, in truth, McKay didn’t know every answer.
“Why don’t you come to church with me Sunday morning? I know my pastor here in Denver, Adair MacKinnon, would be happy to talk with you.”
“I would if I were going to be here, McKay, but I was planning on leaving for Boulder Saturday morning.”
McKay brought her to a halt. He hadn’t been expecting this news. “I understand your need to go home, but I can’t help but wonder how we’re going to get to know each other if we’re not together.”
“I’ve wondered that myself. Did you think I was going to move here, McKay?”
“It’s crossed my mind. What do you think?”
“I’m not sure right now. The chance to see you every day would be wonderful, but I’m just not sure if I’m supposed to do that.” She gave a small laugh that ended in something that sounded much like a sob. “I can’t believe I just said that. You’ve given me an open invitation to join you here, see you, and be with you all week long, and I tell you I have to think about it.”
“It’s all right,” he said gently. “I know you want to be with me as much as I want to be with you, but the details just haven’t been worked out yet.”
“It’s my fault.”
“Why is that?”
“I haven’t been praying about it. With everything else, it hasn’t even been on my mind. How can God bring us together if we don’t ask?”
McKay laughed. “So you think God can’t work unless we tell Him what to do?”
Pup opened her mouth to argue but realized that was exactly what she’d said. She laughed as well.
“I think I’m a little too used to having my way,” she admitted.
“Be that as it may, as long as you pray wanting God’s will over your own you can ask for anything, even thanking Him ahead of time whether His answer is yes or no.”
Her chest lifted on a huge sigh. “I think you’re wonderful.”
McKay pressed his lips to her brow. “I love you, Callie Jennings.”
“I love you, McKay.” She smiled suddenly. “Jubal called me Pup today. After all these years, he still thinks of me as Pup.”
“That
name must hold warm memories for him, and right now you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to him. If he’s half as smart as his sister, he’ll have figured that out already.”
“Thank you, McKay. I wish I could see you tomorrow.”
“Maybe I can check with you in the afternoon about your plans to go home.”
She was silent for a moment and then admitted, “I hope things go well with Nick, but even if they don’t I’m catching an early train home Saturday morning.”
“All right.” He accepted her decision with equanimity. “What time should I come by to get you to the station?”
Pup could have hugged him. Instead she gave him the time and thanked him with a kiss to the cheek. After that it was time to head back. They walked the blocks to the Wallaces’ home, and McKay saw her to the door. He kissed her gently goodbye and told her he’d see her no later than Saturday morning.
Pup made her way inside. It wasn’t too late, but she still tried to be as quiet as possible—completely unaware that Nick was still in his study waiting for her return and that Camille wouldn’t be sleeping because Nick wasn’t in bed. The head of the regional treasury department waited just a few minutes for her to go upstairs. Finally able to seek his rest, he followed her.
McKay knew he had to work in the morning, but he did not let himself sleep. It helped him to remember what an awesome, loving, creator-God he had when he knelt to pray. This was the reason he was on his knees this night.
You know my heart better than I do, Lord. You know how I feel about that woman. I can’t think right now how we’re going to get together, but I’m going to trust You. It will be so hard to see her go, but You will bring us together again in Your time. Of this I’m sure.
McKay stopped before he could give in to the temptation of telling God how he wanted things handled. Reminding himself just how good God was to bring Pup into his life in the first place, he climbed into bed and fell asleep almost instantly.
44
Carlyle called McKay into his office first thing Friday morning. The younger man took a seat across the desk from his first in command, having shut the door as he was asked.
“I’ve just finished with your reports. Thank you for the detail.”