Undercover Sheriff

by Barbara Phinney

  “I told the sheriff only after she’d died, but he didn’t think my attacker was her murderer. He just said that Liza was a beautiful woman, but she wasn’t the smartest. He also reminded me that her profession is a dangerous one. Liza knew a lot of men, so trying to narrow down who had attacked me, or her, based on who she knew would be fruitless.” Rachel swallowed and looked away.

  “And that’s why you go to them every night? Because you know you’re to blame for this?”

  She whirled back to face him. “No! I am not to blame for Liza’s murder! Nor did I steal their money! But since I can’t prove it to you, I’m not even going to try.”

  Zane furrowed his brows, a handsome gesture she found more unique to him than shared with his twin, although her dealings with Alex had been limited to a few polite chats after church and reporting Rosa and Daniel’s disappearance.

  She shut her eyes. Rosa, come home if you can. Bring Alex.

  Opening her eyes again, she studied Zane. Last night, when she’d asked for his side of the story behind his mayor’s accusations, he’d walked out of the nursery without defending himself. She’d taken it to mean he was guilty. But then, hadn’t she done the exact same thing here?

  Doubt trickled in. Stung by his accusations, she had refused to say anything more in her own defense. Had Zane done the same thing for the same reasons?

  He leaned down to her slightly. “We’re getting off topic, Rachel. You are still not going out to White Horse Bluff tonight. And you are not to withdraw money from your bank, either.”

  She wanted to correct him that it was her mother’s bank, not hers, but another thought hit her. If he was a thief, wouldn’t this be the perfect opportunity to insist she withdraw money and take it himself? He could claim he’d completed the drop-off without her and keep the money, saying the kidnappers had taken it.

  Instead, he was insisting the money stay safely in the bank. Relief surged through her, but it was short-lived. Even if his decision seemed honorable, it didn’t mean he wasn’t guilty of theft back in Canaan. Just because she couldn’t defend her innocence didn’t mean he followed the same reason for refusing to explain himself. There was still the matter of why he considered her the main suspect in her own assault. It must have been because he would do the same thing.

  “Did you hear me, Rachel?”

  She focused back on him. “Yes. You don’t want me to withdraw any money.”

  Zane took a step closer. His expression softened as it had when he’d warned her that Rosa and Alex might not be alive. “Rachel,” he began, her name barely above a whisper, and she hated that she liked the sound of it on his lips. “It’s for the best. When you suggested I fill in for Alex, it was on the assumption that he was still alive and someone might give themselves away should ‘Alex’ return to work. Now, we also need to consider the fact that Alex and Rosa might be dead.”

  “How can you say that?” Tears again blurred her vision.

  “Because Daniel has been returned. A mother would fight to keep her child with her, rather than having him returned to town with nowhere for him to stay and no one to see to his care. But if Rosa is no longer alive to look after her son, then he’d become the kidnapper’s responsibility. A toddler isn’t easy to look after, especially one who’s ill. But the kidnapper can safely use the boy as a means of sending in a ransom note because Daniel can’t identify his captor.”

  The small meal she’d had for breakfast sat heavily in the pit of her stomach. “Don’t say that. Please, don’t. I can’t bear the thought of losing a third woman.”

  “A third? Who was the other besides Liza and Rosa?”

  “A childhood friend of mine, Bea.” Rachel swallowed, feeling the struggle to hold in her emotion even now, after all these years. “I don’t often talk about her.” It had been cruel the way things had turned out for Bea.

  But maybe she should tell Zane the bare facts. “As soon as I learned Bea had begun to sell herself after her family had fallen on hard times, I offered her some of the money my grandparents had left me. She refused. It was her pride that ruined everything.” Rachel blinked. She’d fought her own pride when she’d realized she should have checked up on Zane before encouraging the mayor to hire him.

  “So she was too proud to take your charity?”

  Rachel set her jaw. “Yes, but I didn’t try hard enough. The money could have been a loan, one of those open-ended types. I know I could have convinced her, but I didn’t push it. She hated what she’d become. She took her life. I’ve had to live with that.”

  She rubbed her temples. “I should have promised her to make up a simple contract. I could have taken her home that night I saw her selling herself. But instead I went home by myself to a warm, comfortable bed, feeling sorry about everything. I even remember my maid bringing me hot milk to drink in bed. I woke refreshed, until I learned what had happened in the night. Because of Bea’s death, I decided to help all those women. I do what I can to lighten their burden. I cook, bandage, and I have even cleaned their cribs to try to keep the women from catching diseases.” She curled her fingers and hid her hands. “The soap the doctor suggested is harsh.”

  Suddenly she glared at him. “As you can see, I didn’t need that money you suggested that I’d stolen from those women. I used an inheritance from my grandparents for my ministry. My father couldn’t take it away from me because my mother was in charge of overseeing it.”

  “Was it enough to last you all this time?”

  Rachel bit her lip. “Well, no. It ran out shortly after my father began to withhold his allowance. After that, I was doing the ministry with precious little. But Mother would give me some on occasion. Yes, she can be far too shallow when it comes to keeping up appearances, but, oddly, she would give me money every now and then so I could continue. Her only stipulation was that I didn’t tell anyone. Until now, I never have, so please don’t mention it.”

  “I find it hard to believe that your mother would approve of you going out like that and even help fund it.”

  “Believe it or not, my mother is a Christian, and our pastor had already set in place a system to ensure my safety.” Rachel frowned. “My mother is a rather complex woman. She’s hard to figure out, so don’t even try. As for the money, I wasn’t going to look a gift horse in the mouth. I took whatever she offered and it has kept me going.”

  “I look forward to meeting her.”

  Rachel suppressed a smile at Zane’s acerbic tone. “You say that now, but hold that thought,” she answered spritely. “If you must know, I think Mother wanted to be known as disapproving of this lifestyle. And she does a good job of presenting it. Rosa commented once that she thought my mother was mean.”

  “Is your mother a social leader in this town?”

  Rachel laughed, but it was short. “She is the social leader in this town, yet, deep down, she has a caring heart.”

  Zane’s shoulders dropped slightly. “I’m sorry I had to bring up the reality that Alex and Rosa might be dead, but we need to face that possibility.”

  Rachel looked down at her hands. Without warning, Zane took them in his, holding her fingers lightly. She could feel his warm touch even through the thick calluses that covered her fingers and palms. It was a comforting action, and shame at having such awful hands caught in her throat.

  How could she have let them get so bad? Zane had already noticed them, even commented on them.

  She quickly withdrew her hands.

  Chapter Nine

  Zane allowed her hands to slip from his fingers. At least he had the reason for why they were so rough. He’d seen her last night, dealing with Annie’s injuries. He could easily imagine, as the bartender had suggested, that she did all the cleaning. Lye soap was hard on the skin, as were the cold nights out here. The air was too thin and dry and it would be hard to bandage women up weari
ng fine calfskin gloves.

  She stepped away from him, her cheeks becoming a bit too pink. What was going on in that aristocratic head of hers?

  It didn’t matter. What mattered was that she was going to do as he said and stay home. She’d be able to help the case from there. Perhaps if Daniel was feeling better, he might be able to communicate what had happened to him since he had been kidnapped, in his own simple way that maybe Rachel could interpret, as long as she didn’t lead him in her questions.

  A wry smile twitched at the corners of his mouth at the thought of an obedient Rachel Smith. Yes, the best chance for success was if he went out alone to White Horse Bluff to see who showed up. He’d have to be careful, though. If there was more than one kidnapper, capturing the one who came expecting money might result in Alex and Rosa being killed. There could be a plan to shoot them if the one who was to meet Rachel didn’t return.

  “So, where is White Horse Bluff?” he finally asked.

  Smoothing down the neat, lightweight jacket she wore, the one that matched her skirt perfectly, Rachel straightened. Whatever shame or conflict she’d felt was now gone. “Come into my father’s office. He has a map there. But I’m sure the sheriff’s office has one, as well.”

  “I expect so, but I am not supposed to be so much of a newcomer that I have to study maps. The deputy might get suspicious. Remember, Alex has been here for months.”

  With a nod, Rachel led him into her father’s office. It sat to the left of the front door, and its window looked out at the front yard, a large square of crisp, dried grass, frosted by a thin layer of snow. A fine picket fence cut through the southwest view of the town. Zane had also seen the view from the morning room a moment ago. It looked out at the flagstone patio and yard that rolled southeastward toward the river. It was a pleasant morning view. But this view, so appropriate to a banker’s private office, looked out onto the busy main street.

  Rachel left the door open and walked to the desk. “You’ll need a horse.”

  “I’ve met Alex’s gelding already. He knew I wasn’t him but he’s fine. Wearing Alex’s clothes helped.”

  “They’re smart animals. But I think you should take one of our mounts.”

  “Why?”

  “It’s possible that the kidnappers would recognize the horse. My mother and I use several fine piebald mares that are well-known in town. They’re quiet and calm, but sturdy enough to reach the top of White Horse Bluff.”

  “Have you been up there?”

  “Not for years. The church in Castle Rock once hosted a picnic and invited our church up there. It was very exciting. I remember the boys daring each other to get close to the edge.” She pulled a rolled map from a brass urn behind the desk.

  Automatically, Zane helped her smooth it out. “That’s a fine urn,” he commented with a glance back at it. “It looks like it could hold a lot of maps.”

  “Father liked to collect maps of all the places where the bank held mortgages. He even had an original map drawn by General Pike himself when he explored the source of the Arkansas River. When he died, Mother donated all but one large map to the Recording Office. The new Recording Officer, Mr. Livingstone, was glad for them as theirs were getting tattered. If you need to know anything about the county, it’s best to go there. But today, we need a map that’s a little closer to home.”

  She pointed to the middle of the paper. Proud Bend was clearly shown. Zane could see the map was well detailed with prominent businesses and even contour lines. It would be an appropriate map to keep.

  Within minutes, Rachel had located and pointed out White Horse Bluff. They leaned close to identify the surrounding landmarks, but the printing was small. Zane could smell the faint scent of cologne on her, something flowery, but what it was he didn’t know. He was a lawman, not a horticulturist.

  Still, he found himself drawing in a deep breath, and, he realized with a frown, enjoying it. He immediately pulled back and waited as Rachel took a magnifying glass from the top desk drawer. The glass sat on its own stand and offered a powerful view of the map’s small details.

  “It’s south of Proud Bend and west of Castle Rock.” She glanced up from the glass. “When I was up there, we traveled in a cart. It took a long time, but it wouldn’t if you were on a horse.”

  They were still too close and Zane shifted back. Yes, the office door was wide open, but considering a household like this would boast a large staff, it would do no good to cultivate any rumors about Rachel and Alex. It wasn’t fair to either and nor was it proper. He was leaving as soon as this terrible business was over and refused to drop his brother into the rumor mill. “What exactly is White Horse Bluff? A cliff?”

  “Yes. Look at the contour lines. It’s a hill with one steep side. They say the bluff looks like a horse’s head when viewed from below.” She shrugged. “I don’t remember seeing it.”

  Zane pointed at one ranch that had been circled. “What’s this?”

  “It’s Mitch MacLeod’s ranch. He’s going to marry my cousin, Victoria, in the spring. Father had wanted the mineral rights under the ranch, but Mitch refused. It was where my father lost his life.”

  Of course. He’d read all about the various attempts to ruin Mitch MacLeod with the hope of forcing him into bankruptcy so as to claim the property away from him. “I remember reading about the accident. As well, you mentioned you have clothes that belong to his children up there in your nursery.”

  “He’s a widower with children. Victoria often has them here for an evening of games, mostly on Saturdays.” A playful smile hovered on her lips. “Personally, I think she prefers to ensure they have a decent bath before church the next morning.”

  “She lives here, too?”

  “Yes. She’s out with Mother this morning doing some wedding planning.” Rachel lifted her chin and her smile turned sly. “I’m going to be her maid of honor. Jake is going to escort me down the aisle. He’s Mitch’s best man.”

  Their gazes locked and Zane could feel something hard form in his chest. Why had she told him that? A reminder that Jake had stood her up the previous night, albeit only because he was sick, lingered on Zane’s lips. But he held his jaw tight.

  He focused back on the map. He could hear Rachel chuckling softly and found himself irked that she seemed to be teasing him. When he turned his head, he gave her a stern look. “This is not the time for games, Rachel. The note said at the top of White Horse Bluff there will be a box. I see there’s a trail that reaches it from the west. Is it flat up there?”

  Rachel’s smile slid away. “At the top, yes, but beyond that is an open-pit mine. The bluff has a good view of Castle Rock, but it won’t be as pretty as it’s shown on those postcards. It’s full of scaffolding and mining junk. I don’t know why all that stuff is still there, because it’s not even used anymore. But the slope coming up to it from the west is much gentler.” She studied Zane. “I’m sorry for teasing you. I am taking this seriously, but at the mention that I am to be a maid of honor, you seemed a little scared.”

  “I’m not afraid of anyone.”

  “Not even a maid looking for a fine young man to accompany her to a wedding?”

  “You’ll have Mitch’s best man to escort you.” He felt irritation grow again. “What’s his name again?”

  Rachel looked surprised. “Jake Turcot. How much do you know about weddings?”

  “Enough. I was Alex’s best man.”

  The surprise increased. “Alex is married?”

  “He was. His wife died a few years back.” Despite the passage of time, and even the fact that Zane hadn’t had the opportunity to get to know Nicola well, her death continued to sting him. But it had hurt Alex far more. Perhaps that was what hurt Zane.

  He didn’t want to talk about it. Didn’t even want to think about it. Alex had been running from his grief for a long t
ime. Zane had hoped that Proud Bend would help to settle him down, but in case it hadn’t, he didn’t want anyone, especially Rachel, to know that Alex might have disappeared of his own accord because of that grief.

  It didn’t seem likely now. Not with the ransom note. It mentioned Alex. Or was the kidnapper lying to get more money? Zane stole a fast glance toward Rachel. Who would be aware that she would be willing to pay for both Rosa and Alex?

  He didn’t know enough people in town to find the answer to that question. Roughly, he began to roll up the map again. “I’ll need to borrow this. I’ll keep it in my room. I don’t want the deputy to suspect I needed a map.”

  “I doubt that Deputy Wilson would suspect anything based on a map.”

  “I don’t want to take the chance. The day he disappeared, Alex said he was going south. That’s what the deputy put in his report, so perhaps he saw Alex consulting another map.”

  Rachel bit her lip. “When will you leave?”

  “Tonight, about an hour after dark. The note wants me there at ten.”

  “They want me there at ten. With the money,” she reminded him.

  “Forget it. You have a ministry to run and a child to care for.” He eyed her sideways. “Do you think that this whole plan is to get you away from those soiled doves?”

  She frowned. “To what end?”

  “What trouble do the women here face the most?”

  Rachel scoffed and Zane knew it was a naive question. “Not getting paid. Proud Bend doesn’t have an establishment that controls the women and demands payment up front.” She looked grim. “It used to, but the old lady who ran it died. Afterward, Mayor Wilson was asked to rid the town of the women, but I managed to get his support to help them. Now they are a loose group with no protection.”

  “They have you.”

  She sniffed. “But I don’t run a brothel, if that is what you’re suggesting.”

  “No, you’re trying to help those women out of a difficult life choice.”