“Nate, would you—” A loud bang made Rebekah spin around. Nate wrestled with one of the mules, which had him pinned against the stall door. She wanted to laugh. “Not that one, Nate. Get the one in the stall next to you.”
Nate tied the rope in his hand to the nearest pole before retrieving the correct mule. She made a note in the journal which animal the Shire brothers borrowed, then sent them on their way.
Nate sauntered toward her. “What’s wrong with that first mule I grabbed? He tried to climb on my back instead of the other way around.”
This time Rebekah did laugh. “We’re not sure why, but that mule always wanders to the left. He can’t go in a straight line to save his life.”
Nate turned to stare at the mule. “I’ve never heard of such a thing.” He shook his head. “A cross-eyed cat and a mule that only turns left. Let’s see. You named the cat Mercy, so I’m guessing you named the mule Lefty.”
Laughter bubbled up once again. “No. Daddy named him Twister.”
Nate chuckled. “Suits him. You oughta warn a body before letting them near the critter. Someone’s bound to get hurt. A mangled toe, if nothing else.”
“I’ll let you take that up with Daddy.” She moved to stroke the mule’s nose. “Even though Twister is pretty much useless, Daddy can’t seem to give him up. Something about him being a reminder that we’re all God’s creatures, despite our imperfections.”
Nate joined her. “Your dad’s a good man. Where is he?”
“Checking on Mama. He’ll return soon, but I need to get back to the store.”
She spent a few minutes filling in Nate on some of his responsibilities before leaving. He was kind and had a sense of humor, but even he couldn’t look her full in the face. For the first time in many weeks, she no longer felt healed of her burns.
Chapter Eight
Nate left his hotel room early the next morning and rushed to the livery, hoping to catch Thomas alone before the man left for the day. Before falling asleep, Nate decided to try a different tack by being more friendly and asking fewer questions. Maybe Thomas would warm to him and be more open like he was to Perry. As things stood, Thomas was more likely than Mercy to scratch Nate’s eyes out. Why there was bad blood between him and Thomas, Nate didn’t know, but if he allowed it to stand, he’d likely not learn much more from or about the man.
The livery doors stood open. Someone was already up and about. Once inside, he paused to allow his eyes to adjust to the dim interior. Scattered rays of early morning light filtered through the slats in the walls. Not a sound could be heard except the munching and shuffling of the three remaining mules. Thomas couldn’t be gone already. Maybe he was at the store getting breakfast from Perry. Nate headed that way, only to stop when straw trickled from overhead. In seconds, Perry’s feet appeared as he started down the ladder.
“Tell me you didn’t sleep up there.”
“Whoa.” Like a strange, overgrown crow, Perry perched on the top rung a moment before continuing his descent. “Don’t scare an old man that way, Nate.”
“When I see one, I’ll be sure to remember that.”
Now that his boots were firmly on the floor, Perry clapped him on the back and grinned. “I appreciate that, but I feel much older than I look.” He brushed the straw from his clothes. “You’re here early.”
“I could say the same for you, except I don’t know what time you usually open up. We didn’t get much discussed about the job yesterday.”
“True enough. Seemed unusually busy.” He motioned toward the small desk. “We can take care of that right now.”
They spent the next several minutes going over duties and money figures. Nate knew some because of Rebekah’s help the day before. She seemed a capable young woman—one her dad could rely on. A shame she was disfigured.
“That oughta do it.” Perry settled against the desk. “Any questions?”
“Don’t think so. Not yet anyway.” Nate glanced up at the loft. “What about Thomas? Will I be working with him?”
Perry shoved all the papers back in the drawer. “Rarely. He keeps himself busy elsewhere.”
“He gone already?”
“I don’t know.” Perry scratched his head. “Near as I could tell, it looked like he never slept there last night. Not sure if I should be worried or not.”
“Breakfast.” Rebekah stood in the doorway, holding a tray.
Nate rushed to take the load from her. He hadn’t realized how hungry he was until the incredible scent reached his nose and his stomach growled.
Rebekah beamed up at him. “Sounds like I arrived just in time.”
“You did. The walls of my stomach nearly started a fire from rubbing together.”
The second the words were out of his mouth, he could have kicked himself. What a stupid thing to say to a woman with burn scars. But her smile never wavered, so either she didn’t notice or didn’t care. Rebekah never stopped amazing him. Most scarred women wouldn’t leave their houses, so as not to be seen. Yet here she was, out in public, facing customers on a daily basis.
He set the tray on the table Perry had just cleared. Much as he wanted to yank off the towel covering the food and dig in, manners made him wait for Perry to do the honors. Thankfully, he didn’t take long, saying a short blessing before grabbing a biscuit.
“Mama in the store?” Perry mumbled through the crumbs.
“She’ll be there soon. She sent me on ahead so you wouldn’t have to wait.” She glanced around. “Where’s Thomas? We made enough for three.”
Perry licked his lips. “He wasn’t here. I don’t think he slept here last night.”
Rebekah stared at her father, as if waiting for him to say more. He didn’t. “Should we be concerned?” she asked. “He’s never missed a night since he got here.”
“I told Nate the same thing.”
The stare continued, making Nate uncomfortable and slowing his appetite, and her gaze wasn’t even aimed at him. He glanced at Perry to see how he fared. Didn’t seem to bother him in the least.
Rebekah’s hands went to her hips. “Well, if you’re not going to do anything, I will. Cora told me she’d seen Thomas headed southwest out of town. I’ll start looking for him in that direction.”
Now she had Perry’s attention as he stood and reached for her. “Hold up, Rebekah. You shouldn’t go by yourself.”
“Oh, Daddy. You know it’s safe in the daylight. All the trouble’s been at night.”
Perry shook his head. “All the same, take Andrew with you.”
Sweet laughter bubbled from her. “Yes, he is a scary sort, likely to frighten off even the most stalwart of men, but he’s spending the day with Martin, remember?”
Nate felt for Perry’s dilemma. No doubt he wanted to know Thomas was safe, but he also wanted to make sure his daughter wasn’t in danger. He almost volunteered to escort her, especially if it gave him a valid excuse to see how Thomas filled his days. Perhaps he’d even catch the man in some criminal activity. But this was also Nate’s first day on the job, so he filled his mouth with another bite to keep from speaking. If Rebekah didn’t have an escort by the time he swallowed—
“Nate, would you mind going with Rebekah? You’ll get a chance to see more of the area, and you’ll give me peace of mind by keeping my little girl safe.”
He forced the half-chewed food down his throat. “Sure. I’d be happy to.”
“I’m not a little girl, Daddy. Just give me a gun, and I’ll be fine.”
Perry choked, then started coughing. Nate thumped him on the back a few times. They grinned at each other until Rebekah growled and crossed her arms.
Perry wiped his mouth with a napkin, successfully ridding himself of his smile at the same time. “Sweetheart, I’ve kept a pistol under the store counter since we opened, and you have yet to touch the thing. You know you couldn’t shoot anyone.”
She glared. “I don’t know. I’m coming pretty close right now.”
Nate ducked his head
to keep her from seeing his widening grin. The girl had spunk.
“Aw, quit your laughing and come on if you’re escorting me.” She started for the door without waiting for him to finish breakfast or even respond. “You’re a bigger shadow than I’m used to, but I guess you’ll do. At least I won’t have to worry about pranks.” She stopped and turned. “Or will I?”
Eyebrows up, Nate shook his head. “No, ma’am.”
Her eyes narrowed. “I’m not a ma’am yet.” She disappeared out the back door.
Nate rose to follow, then stopped long enough to grab another tasty biscuit before racing after her, Perry’s chuckle trailing behind.
Nate fell into step beside Rebekah before realizing he chose the wrong side. Every time he turned to look at her, he’d see her scar. He didn’t want that to impede his time with her, yet to move to her other side would be too obvious. He’d just have to keep staring at the ground. Uncomfortable with the silence, he fished his mind for a topic.
“What trouble?”
“Huh?” Rebekah tilted her face up to his.
He slowed his step, hoping she’d do the same. He wanted plenty of time to talk before reaching their destination. “You mentioned trouble only happening at night. What did that mean?”
“Oh, that.” She slowed to his pace. “I thought you said you’d heard about the fires, thefts, and killings around here?”
“I know a little about the fires and some explosions.”
“That’s right.” She tucked some hair behind her ear as she looked up at him. “You fought one of the fires.” She shrugged. “That wasn’t the first. More like the third, maybe fourth since we arrived.”
“So how long has your family lived here?” Perfect. This conversation would help with many of his questions. Not only would he learn more about the family, but he could continue finding out more about the trouble, the town, and its residents.
“About a year. A little longer, I guess. It’s been quite an adjustment.”
“I would imagine. Mining towns are always rough.”
She peered up at him. “You know this by experience?”
How’d he manage to get trapped into that one? He never planned to talk to anyone about his past. “Some. My dad and brother mined gold for a while.”
“Where?”
“Colorado.”
“Mmm. Didn’t find much?”
How did he tell her they’d found too much, which led to their deaths? “They did all right. For a while, anyway.” He glanced at her before returning his gaze to the ground.
“And you decided to try your hand at it now?”
He hoped his grimace would be mistaken for a smile. “Something like that.”
Rebekah stopped and peered at him, and he prepared for another tough question. Instead, she stepped around him, squatted to pick a flower, then stood and started walking again. Only this time she stayed to his left. He examined her out of the corner of his eye. Did she sense his discomfort of her scar? If so, she was very sensitive. But was it for him or for herself? How old was she? Perry called her his “little girl,” but she was no child. Was it because of what she’d been through? How to find out? He didn’t want to hurt her feelings even a little.
“Most women your age and as pretty as you are married and raising at least one child.”
She tilted her head toward him. “Is that your way of asking my age?” She laughed softly at his obvious embarrassment. “I’m twenty-one, and I did have a suitor soon after we arrived.”
“What happened?”
Her gaze dropped to her toes. “Daddy. He told Cole he couldn’t call on me if he wouldn’t attend church.”
Nate shook his head. “Cole’s mistake. I’m surprised he gave in so easily.”
“I don’t know that he did.” The obstinate curl blew across her face again. She slipped it behind her ear once more. “Daddy told me he found Cole dead a few days after”—she cleared her throat, her hand going to her cheek—“after the fire. From a gunshot.”
More violence. The town seemed to thrive on it. And this time the bloodshed had gotten awfully close to Rebekah. “I’m sorry.”
She shrugged. “I didn’t really know him well.”
He let that pass. Death was hard, no matter how well you knew someone. “How long have you known Thomas?”
“Almost since we arrived.” Her tone warmed with affection. “He was here first but kept to himself. He had built quite a protective wall. Took weeks to break it down.”
“Protective of what?”
She looked at him, her expression showing her confusion. “I guess tall men wouldn’t understand what an unusually short man goes through, especially when his feet are smaller than those of an average woman. The constant teasing, ridicule, belittlement. Who wouldn’t want to close themselves off from the rest of the world?”
The air got colder, and it had nothing to do with the outside temperature. Nate imagined Rebekah knew all about being ridiculed, probably by the other girls in town. No wonder she befriended and championed Thomas.
“I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking.” That was an understatement. Forethought and understanding had disappeared with the deaths of his father and brother, replaced by resentment and suspicion.
The easygoing atmosphere vanished, and silence returned. He almost allowed shame to sweep over him until he remembered he was only doing his job. More questions remained, but maybe he should ask someone else. In the meantime, he could turn the conversation to something lighter. At least for a while.
Thumping could be heard in the distance, like someone chopping wood. He glanced around at their surroundings. The aspens and firs responding to the breeze made him think of home. He still thought Colorado was prettier, but this place held a close second. Or maybe his heart still remained back where he grew up. Surely that would change someday. It had to. He never intended to return unless it would bring him closer to his dad and brother’s killers.
The slow but steady incline made their trek more difficult. Yet Rebekah’s breathing wasn’t any more labored than his, right up until she stumbled. He grasped her arm and held her until she regained her balance. He took the opportunity to examine her more closely. The first time he’d seen her, she was drenched, making her hair look much darker. Today, dry and full of waves, the color was more a light brown. But where the sun touched her tresses, a hint of red could be seen. Rebekah was a very attractive woman….
What was he thinking? Time to get his mind back on track. He released her arm. “Where are we?”
“Southwest of town.” She pointed to her left. “Over there is where you fished us out of the stream.”
Nate fought a smile. Women were so literal. Did she really think him lost? Females were usually the ones who didn’t know directions. “Let me try that question again. Where exactly are we headed?” Her answering laugh reminded him of the beautiful tinkle of his mother’s expensive bells in the wind. “What’s so funny?”
“Typical.”
“What’s typical?”
Her smirk pulled slightly to the left. “Men. They’d never admit to being lost.”
“But I’m not lost.”
The smirk still on her face, she shook her head. “Of course not.” She pointed up ahead. “Not too much farther is an old homestead with a new family. I thought we’d check there first.”
He stared in surprise. “How do you know that? You seem to know everyone in town.”
Her expression revealed her amusement. “No. Regardless of the large number of people in town, word still gets around rather fast. Especially if you have a friend who makes it a point to know everything about everyone.”
“Let me guess—your friend Cora.”
Rebekah’s sweet laugh made him want to keep her in high spirits at all times.
Just then the tinkling laugh was replaced by a gunshot. The bullet hit the tree next to him, showering them with shards of bark.
Chapter Nine
Rebekah ducked her head, only
to be tackled to the ground by Nate, knocking the wind from her lungs. He pushed away from her.
“Stay down.”
Right. As if she’d get up when she couldn’t breathe. Her chest burned like fire before the air decided it would let her live and rushed to fill her lungs. She gasped twice just to make sure she still had the ability.
Blinking away the stars dancing in her eyes, she spotted Nate hunkered behind a large tree, pistol in hand. The rattling she heard in her ears came from either the wind blowing the aspen leaves behind them or the clattering of her teeth. Maybe both. Pounding in the distance pulsated at half the speed of her throbbing heart. She hadn’t been this scared since her skirt caught fire almost a year ago.
“Who shot at us?” She cringed when the question came out louder than intended.
“Don’t know.” He pressed a finger to his lips before pointing down the path and peeking around the tree.
She rolled onto her stomach and peered through the trees. As if she didn’t know to be quiet. His gruff whisper reminded her of her father’s tone when she went hunting for deer with him once back in Kansas. She never intended to do that again. Too bloody. And the blast of the gunshot was just as loud and scary then as it was now. By the look of things, today could wind up being even worse than that hunting trip.
Who would want to kill Nate, and why? He was new to town. Not many people knew him yet. Or did they want her dead? After learning the fire that burned her wasn’t an accident, she was ready to believe most anyone could be the culprit. But why? She hadn’t done anything to earn anyone’s wrath.
Disbelief changed to annoyance, then to outrage. Rebekah gritted her teeth. Of all the nerve. She had just as much right to live in Silver as anyone. Her outrage grew until she could no longer fight her aggravation and curiosity. She pushed to her knees for a better look.
Nate turned, mouth open and brows nearly touching. He placed his hand on her head and shoved her back to the ground. “Have you lost your mind? Stay down before you get your head blown off.”
Before she could respond, he held up his hand and stood noiselessly. If she didn’t know better, she’d think he’d done this before.
Love Finds You in Silver City, Idaho Page 5