It wasn’t just missing him on such a lovely, fun day. It was the fact that she wouldn’t have the chance to discuss with him her questions about scripture anymore. It had been his idea to study the book of Daniel.
He wasn’t there to advise her about the work she was doing for the Express. And she wished she could talk to him about what she’d discoveredas she worked for Mr. Crowell. Would he approve of her spying for the government? If he’d already been helping, then surely he would.
Her mind spun with all the what-ifs. Especially when it came to the fact that she’d lied to the COC&PP owners. A matter she needed to fix, and soon. Why did she keep putting it off? Her excuse had been the busyness around the station. Maybe it was time to swallow her excuses and just do it. Dad would want her to be honorable and honest.
Thoughts of him as they drove out to Carson Lake only brought her grief to the forefront again. Jackie shook her head of the sad thoughts. Grief had reared its ugly head a few too many times lately. And she was tired.
Heavenly Father, I don’t know why this has been such a difficult time for me. You know how much I miss Dad. I know I’ve made a lot of mistakes. Please forgive me, Lord. Forgive me for all the ways I’ve failed You. And God, if You would, please help me to get past the grief that is wearing me down. I know Dad wouldn’t want it. But I miss him.
Her wagon hit a large bump and she almost let go of the reins. With a deep breath, she pulled herself together. It would be a good day. A fun day. A short time of Sabbath. And they all needed the brief respite despite the fact that the Express had to function seven days a week.
Marshall Rivers had instilled in all of them a strong work ethic. And while their business indeed required seven days of work a week, he insisted that they all take a brief time of respite—or Sabbath—each day. Especially on Sundays. Jackie realized how important it was and how she had neglected it. No wonder she felt weary.
The ride out to the lake took the better part of an hour, but the wagons were filled with laughter, silly songs, and wild stories from the riders. They told so many crazy stories they’d heard as they rode the Express that Jackie wondered how many of them were actually true.
As they emptied the wagons and laid the blankets out on the ground, she caught sight of Elijah out of the corner of her eye. He hammered a stake into the ground and yelled, “Who’s up for a game of quoits?”
“As soon as we eat, I’ll take that challenge.” Michael ran a basket over to her and threw a thumb over his shoulder. “I think I need to teach thiscity boy that out here we use horseshoes.”
She laughed at the face he made. “I’ll cheer you on.”
Their luncheon of ham sandwiches with pickles and thick slices of Mrs. Liverpool’s prized dairy cows’ cheese was laid out in short order. Michael joined her on her blanket, and even though she’d secretly hoped that Elijah would sit with them, she deflated a bit when he sat with Mr. Crowell. Why did she care so much anyway? She’d get to see him the whole time they were here, and then perhaps he would join her at the fireplace tonight—since that had been his habit since he arrived. Pasting a smile on her face, she determined to enjoy the picnic.
Lunch was consumed in what seemed to be record time. Then everyone headed to the area where Elijah had placed the stakes.
As she lifted the edge of her skirt to make her way over the rough terrain, Jackie’s mind wandered to what it must be like to live in the city. With all the beautiful gowns the women wore, the headdresses, beaded jackets, and embroidered hats that matched each outfit. They probably never had to worry about purchasing boots that were sturdy enough to withstand the prickly ground of the West. Or keeping their skirts and petticoats free of the sagebrush and tumbleweed.
While she’d never had a chance to wear anything fine like that, she did enjoy talking about the latest fashions with June and looking through Godey’s every time a new issue arrived. She’d often peruse each one for months and dream up her own elaborate dress complete with jewels and a handsome man at her side.
The romantic side of her wasn’t something she let anyone see. But oh, she could dream. Perhaps Mother was a woman who loved fine things as well. She definitely didn’t get it from Dad. Marshall Rivers was as down to earth as a man could be. And while he cleaned up good, he was always about the practical. Whenever she asked for new ribbons for her hair or a new dress, he’d often give her a look she couldn’t quite decipher. But being the doting father he was, he usually gave in and ordered her something pretty. She’d never forget the first time she asked him to buy a china tea set. His face had been almost comical.
Cheering and the clanking of iron against iron brought her attentionback to the small group in front of her. They might not be wealthy by any means or dressed in finery, but they were happy and together.
Joining the spectators for the exciting tournament of horseshoes, she glanced at Elijah as he held a horseshoe in his right hand. He cut a fine figure in his blue suit and leather shoes with the contrasting toe caps and heels. Her mind automatically imagined what it would be like to dress in something fancy and accompany Mr. Johnson to an elegant affair in Kansas City.
“What’s put the smile on your face, Jackie?” June Liverpool walked up to her side, one eyebrow raised and a hand on her hip.
Jackie felt a blush rising to her cheeks at the realization that it had been far too easy for her thoughts to jump to that daydream with Elijah. “Oh, just thinking about a new dress that we saw in Godey’s.”
“Oh, which one? The ‘Extremely tasteful dress of white glacé silk; the skirt in nine flounces, pinked in large scallops; the berthé finished by a bouillon of violet silk, and a bow of the same shade, with flowing ends, placed in the center of the corsage below it. Simple wreath of violet primroses, without foliage, in the hair’?” She took a deep breath. “Or did you mean the ‘Dinner-dress also suited to a concert or opera. Dress, itself, of lustrous blue glacé silk; the bottom of the skirt trimmed by six narrow puffs, or bouillons of the same material; corsage rather low, with a tucker of white muslin, drawn by a narrow black velvet ribbon’?”
Jackie laughed. “Did you memorize the magazine, June?”
Mrs. Liverpool laughed along. “Almost. I tell you, I get so bored most days, I find myself rereading the Lady’s Book every chance I have.” A dramatic sigh followed. “I cannot tell you how much I miss being closer to a city and society. But poor Mr. Liverpool’s constitution would never be able to withstand it. And I wouldn’t be able to withstand life without him.” The woman fanned herself with a delicate pink fan even though there was no need for it in the beautiful fall weather.
“I’d imagine that your cheese-making would take up a good deal of your time. It is quite scrumptious, I must say.”
The fan moved at a faster pace. “Why, thank you, my dear. It does take a decent amount of time, but you know me. I like to be busy, busy, busyand keep my mind and hands occupied.”
Indeed. Jackie suppressed a giggle.
“Are you certain that the reason for the smile on your face wasn’t due to a certain fashionable gentleman?”
“June … I …” Had she been so transparent?
Her friend put a hand on her arm. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry—well, maybe I did a little. Just know that whenever you need someone to talk to, I’m here. I am the only other woman around.” The older lady laughed at her own joke. “I haven’t been able to have any children of my own, and I’m much too young to be your mother, but I’d love to fill a role as maybe … older sister. Now that your father is gone. If you’ll have me.”
“Thank you, June. You are very dear. You’ve always been like an older sister to me, and I can’t imagine what I would do without you.”
“I hope you know I feel the same about you. It’s just different once both your parents are dead. You always were such a daddy’s girl—following him around like a little puppy. And he adored you. For the longest time, I didn’t feel like you needed anyone else in your life.”
Another resounding clank made their little group cheer all the more.
“Well, it seems we have ourselves quite the competition.” June walked closer to the game, never to be left out of anything important. She waved Jackie forward.
Jackie followed along, not just dutifully as the only other woman, but as a friend. And because secretly she wanted to see Elijah win.
As soon as the thought filled her mind, she wondered where it had come from. But it was true. She couldn’t cheer for one and not the other though. Michael was, after all, family. Oh, what was she thinking? Mr. Johnson would be leaving at some point in the near future, and he wouldprobably never return. She needed to get her head out of the clouds and back on solid ground.
After several rounds of horseshoes were played and the men had all touted their successes, Jackie realized it was about time to head back if she wanted to ensure she was ready for the Express—just in case it was early. Which happened more often than not.
Just as she was about to call out to everyone to gather their things, a ball of mud-colored fur raced past her. What in the world?
Trying to make out whatever the blur was, she got bumped from behind.
“Sorry!” Michael’s voice rushed past her as he went in pursuit of whatever it was.
Letting out a huff, she put her hands on her hips. What was he up to now?
Mark ran up to her side. “It’s a puppy…. We found it over there”—he spoke between gasping breaths and jerked his head to the left—“and must’ve scared it, because now it just runs and runs … while we chase it.” He bent over and put his hands on his knees. “But the only one with any energy left is Michael.”
“I thought your whole job was delivering the mail faster than anyone else, yet you can’t keep up with a puppy?” she teased.
“Give me a horse, and I’ll chase him down any day of the week.” Laughing, he lay down on the ground. “But on foot? I’m plum tuckered out.”
By this point, everyone was watching the chase and laughing every time the small canine outmaneuvered Michael. Jackie watched along with them, laughing and cheering with their group as they loaded the wagons. But her breath caught in her throat when, in a split second, the pup jumped off a ledge into the water below. A scream formed in her throat. “No! Michael, don’t—”
Splash!
Michael followed whether he wanted to or not, the momentum of the chase preventing him from stopping.
She covered her mouth with her hands and started running toward the water. The lake was deep on that side.
Jackie had no idea if anyone else knew what was going on, but she had to help him. As she reached the ledge where they’d jumped off, she reached down to tear off her shoes.
A strong hand stopped her. “He can’t swim, can he?” Elijah’s voice cut through the fog in her brain.
Shaking her head and biting her lip against the tears that threatened, Jackie implored, “Please … help him.”
Elijah nodded while he took off his shoes, and in the next moment, he dove into the water below.
The seconds that passed felt like hours—even though it couldn’t have been that long because she held her breath the entire time. Hoping and praying that Michael would be okay.
Nothing could have prepared her for the way she felt. The pain of losing Dad came flooding back. Tears raced down her cheeks as she thought of losing Michael too. No, God, please, no.
Just when she thought her lungs would explode, she saw Elijah’s head come to the surface, followed by Michael’s. He sputtered and coughed. Then she saw that Michael held the wiggling pup in his arms. Gasps were heard throughout the group.
Elijah glanced up at her.
She mouthed, Thank you, her hands clutched at her chest. How would she ever repay the man?
Elijah swam them over to shallower water where they could climb out.
Grabbing Elijah’s shoes, she then ran over to the soaked men.
Michael caught her gaze and shot her a smile. “Can I keep him?”
The puff of smoke from the fat man’s cigar wafted up into the air.
Carl watched the man thumb through the forged notes. “Are you finished with them?”
“Quite.” The man handed over the documents, his pudgy hands covered in ink.
“Good.” Carl walked back behind his desk and examined each one. The guy was good, he’d give him that. “The last order needs to be ready in four weeks.”
“It’s gonna take longer for an order that size. You should know that. Six at the very least.” Another puff of smoke filled the air with a gray haze.
Carl eyed the man. “Six weeks. Not a day more.” That would be cutting it close, but if he played his cards right, he could make do.
“Fine. I’ll be seein’ ya next week for the deposit.” The man waddled out the door. They’d agreed at the beginning of their business arrangement that they wouldn’t know each other’s name. That way, if either one of them was confronted, they had nothing to give up.
But this guy was greedy. Carl wished he did know who he was so he could find him and take care of him quietly when all was said and done. He narrowed his eyes and turned to his nephew. “Did you make sure all the letters were delivered?”
“Yep. They should make for lively discussion whenever someone comes lookin’ for the forged treasury notes.”
“Good.” Carl tucked his hands into his tweed coat pockets and wentover to the window. “Pretty soon we’ll be on our way to Mexico, and no one will be the wiser.”
His nephew chuckled. “Can we get a place to live by the water? It’s so stinkin’ dry here. If I see one more tumbleweed, I’ll be tempted to shoot it.”
“It’s called the beach.” The imbecile. If even a bit of brain lodged in the kid’s head, Carl would be surprised. “And yes, I think it would be nice to walk out every morning and gaze at the ocean, a cool breeze on my face. But we will get separate houses. I’m not living in filth.”
“I’ll get me a senorita or two. They can clean up after me.”
Carl shook his head. There was no chance he wanted to live anywhere near members of his family. He hadn’t spent ten years of his life getting educated and learning how to be part of high society just so he could live out his days in a pigsty. No. He enjoyed the finer things in life, and he planned to have them.
Just because the rest of his family looked the part of criminals didn’t mean he had to like it. His nephew had served a purpose. He and the rest of the family could rot in jail for all he cared. They were a means to an end.
As soon as he had all the forgeries, he’d finish cashing them in. Plenty of idiots were jumping at the chance to obtain the notes in hopes that they could get more of the interest from the government. Since he was willing to get rid of them for a fraction of their worth, distribution had been easier than he’d thought. He’d take the last bunch to San Francisco before he left for good. Enough ne’er-do-wells waited there to do business that he could easily get lost in the crowd.
When those stupid men who worked for the Treasury finally figured out they’d been duped, he’d be long gone. They’d find the letters incriminating Marshall Rivers as the mastermind and the box at the bank in Virginia City full of a stack of forgeries. All in Rivers’s name. There’d be no reason for them to look anywhere else.
He could live the life that he deserved in the lap of luxury.
No one could ever talk down to him again.
Carson Sink Station
Sitting in front of the roaring fire, Jackie worked on darning one of Michael’s
socks. Michael had a blanket wrapped around his shoulders as he lounged on the floor with the puppy. It really was a cute little thing, but Jackie wasn’t sure they needed a pet underfoot in such a busy station. What if he got caught under the hooves of an Express horse? Or what if he ran out in front of the stage? But for now, she couldn’t deny Michael the little fellow.
At least the pup had finally calmed down after their little dunk in the lake. And it had stuck by Michael’s side ever since.
The young man she thought of as a little brother had done nothing but shiver ever since they returned home—even now, after he was in clean, dry clothes, wrapped in a blanket, and sitting only a foot or so from the warmth of the fire. She prayed he wouldn’t catch his death from his little swim.
Poking her needle back through the heel of the sock, she watched him play with the little ball of fur. “He sure is adorable.”
“Yep. And fast too. Did you see how fast he could run?” Pride rang in Michael’s voice.
Footsteps sounded down the hall. Elijah came around the corner and headed for the fire. “He definitely could outrun you. We all had the privilege to witness that.”
Michael laughed and held out his hand. “Thank you, again, for saving me today.”
“Think nothing of it. You’re welcome.” Elijah shook his hand.
Jackie raised her eyebrows at the comment. “It most certainly will be thought of, Mr. Johnson. You saved Michael’s life, and I will be forever grateful.” She went to the kitchen and poured a cup of coffee.
She walked back to the parlor area and handed it to the man who’d jumped in the lake to save Michael. The man she couldn’t seem to stop thinking about.
He took it from her, and as she went back to her seat, the fresh scent ofhis hair pomade, soap, and … something else very masculine and appealing lingered in her senses. He’d taken a hot bath when they’d returned since he too had been soaked to the bone. Jackie found that she liked the way he smelled. The soap that they made out here for themselves wasn’t all that pleasant, and most of the Express riders and workers smelled like sweat and leather. But whatever cologne Elijah Johnson used was just another reminder that he was a gentleman and not from around here.
The Express Bride Page 13