Now what game was he playing? “Where?”
“In the mine.”
Getting up, Jay walked in the direction of the mine. Frank was more trouble than a kid. And more aggravating, he might add. “Where are you?”
“In here.”
“Where?”
“Toward the front of the shaft.”
“What are you doing in there?”
“Quit talkin’ so much and get in here, will ya?”
Turning away, Jay went back to the log. Frank got himself in there—he could get himself out. Jay didn’t care what happened to the old fellow.
“Hold on a minute, buddy boy. I got myself a problem this morning. A bad one.”
Jay sat back down. “Join the crowd.”
“I’m serious. Git back over here.”
“No.”
“Just git over here!”
Getting up again, Jay walked to the entrance of the sealed shaft. “You are getting on my nerves, Innis.”
“I hate to tell you this, but I’m stuck.”
“Stuck?”
“Stuck.”
“How could you be stuck? You come and go as you want.”
“I don’t know how it happened. One minute I was moseying through the mine, and the next I was trapped. Cain’t move a muscle, buddy boy. You’re gonna have to help me.”
“What do you expect me to do about it?” Jay wasn’t a miracle worker, and he’d had his fill of Frank Innis. In spite of what Frank had said the last time they’d talked, he wasn’t convinced the old miner had a change of heart. Innis and Tucker had accomplished what they’d set after. Patience was gone. They should be happy.
“Help me figure out a way to get unstuck.”
“The shaft’s sealed. I can’t get in there. Is there another entrance?”
“Yeah, about three feet from where yore standin’.”
He knew it.
Jay laughed. “When did you ever think about my needs when you were causing all the cave-ins and rigging up the women’s picks to knock them senseless, trying to run Patience off? Remind me again, Frank, why I should lift one hand to help you?”
“I’m serious, buddy boy. You gotta do something. I’m a mite uncomfortable.”
Jay shifted on one foot. Guilt nagged him. Not five minutes ago he was asking the Lord for forgiveness and mercy. He had to help the old man, even though everything in him wanted to walk away.
“Are you in pain?”
“In a lot of pain. Now get to thinkin’. What are we gonna do about this?”
Crouching, Jay ran his hands around the entrance, now crumbling. “The dirt’s packed pretty tight. I can’t get to you.”
“Yes, you can. Think.”
Jay knelt, his eyes assessing the situation. He could hear Frank clearly—that meant there was an open hole somewhere. “Where are you?”
“’Bout fifty or so feet inside the shaft. Ya know that outcrop of shale just to the left as you come into the mine?”
“Yes.” Jay knew it well. Went by it every time he entered the mine shaft.
“That’s where I am. Wedged in between two big rocks.”
Rising, Jay looked around for something to dig with, but his shovel seemed to have disappeared.
“You can’t dig me out,” Frank called. “You’re gonna have to blast me out.”
“Blast you out? Why, that would—”
“Kill me?” Frank mocked. “I’m tough as cowhide. I’ll survive the blast, but if you leave me here, I’ll die a slow, agonizing death. Air’s runnin’ out, buddy boy. Ya have to do something—there’s a couple of sticks of dynamite in the dugout. Go get ’em.”
Jay glanced toward the dugout, puzzled. “Patience didn’t keep explosives in the dugout.”
“Just go look,” Frank said crossly.
When Jay returned, he was carrying the two sticks of dynamite he’d found in the dugout. They had been lying in the middle of the kitchen table, a placement he found bizarre.
“You find ’em?”
“I found them.”
“Good. Tell me when you’re gonna light the fuses. I’ll plug my ears.”
“You better plug more than your ears—” This was insane. He couldn’t kill the old man, no matter how tempting the thought. When he lit the dynamite, that shaft was going sky-high.
“Jest do what I say! You ain’t gonna hurt me!”
“You just said you were in pain!”
“Don’t worry ’bout me! Just light the fuses!”
Jay searched his pockets. “I don’t have any matches.” How was he going to get out of this? Did Innis have a death wish?
“Good grief, boy! Have I picked an idiot to free me? There was matches layin’ right next to the dynamite. Didn’t ya see ’em?”
Jay stiffened. Name-calling now. Anger surged and he wished he had a match. A box of them. “I didn’t see any matches.”
“Well, go look.”
“Hold on.”
“Yeah, like I’m goin’ somewhere,” Frank muttered.
Jay was back in a minute.
“Got ’em?”
“I have them.”
“Get to blastin’.”
Jay began to set the charge, praying. Lord, stop me. Revenge is the devil’s tool, and you’ve been too good to me to let me fall again. I don’t know how I’ll get him out, but I refuse to light the fuse.
“Now, you are going to Patience, ain’t ya, buddy boy?”
Jay glanced up. “What?”
Suddenly Innis stepped into the open. His eyes twinkled with devilment. Outside the mine; he’d been outside the shaft all along. Jay’s jaw dropped.
“I said, you are gonna marry the little Smith gal, ain’t ya?”
“Innis—what kind of game are you playing now?” This was getting downright aggravating! Jay straightened, about to walk away, when Frank walked closer, holding a match.
“What’s your answer?”
“It’s none of your business what I do about Patience and the boy.”
“You are gonna marry her, ain’t ya? You ain’t gonna let that pride of yours stand in the way of love, are ya?”
“Okay—yes. Soon as I’m well enough, I’m going back to Denver City. If Patience will have me …” He paused. That was a big if. Would she have him?
“Gonna take good care of the boy, see that he gits a good education?” Innis asked.
“What’s the sudden interest in Patience’s and Wilson’s futures? You never cared before.”
“I told ya. I took a likin’ to the boy.” The old man’s features softened. “I’m old—don’t have much time left here on earth, and I shore don’t need the gold, so I’ve been thinkin’ that before my days are through I might ought to do something worthwhile.”
Jay frowned. “What are you talking about? Because of you and Tucker—”
“Aw—I was jest fillin’ time with Silas. Had me a little fun ‘haunting’ the mine, owner after owner. That ole coot prospector wouldn’t scare off. Then the woman came along, and I thought to myself, Frank, you ought not to scare women and children, so I decided to go to work on you.” He scratched his beard. “That didn’t work out either—but then I kinda liked the boy—never had any kids myself, and the little tyke’s kinda cute with all his animals and his grown-up talk.”
Leaning forward, Frank struck a match and touched the end of the fuse. “So if you’re watching, Lord, I’m doin’ somethin’ nice for a change. Shore hope you make note of it.”
Jay backed up, his eyes on the sizzling fuses. “Innis—you’re nuts. That shaft’s going to blow sky-high—”
“I’m ready, buddy boy! Let ’er blow!”
Jay dived for the old prospector, trying to pull him to safety at the same time a thunderous explosion rocked the Mule Head, showering dirt and catapulting debris straight up.
Dust settled and Jay slowly got up, his eyes searching for Frank. “Frank!” The name echoed over the mountainside. There wasn’t a sign of the old prospector. Dropping
to his knees, Jay frantically dug into the shale, trying to locate the old man.
A ray of sun suddenly caught a shining speck on the ground. A moment later a second ray caught another, then another. The brilliancy that suddenly surrounded Jay was blinding.
Scraping up a handful of nuggets, Jay studied the findings. Slowly lifting his head, he looked around, realizing that he was sitting in a pile of more gold than he’d ever seen in his life.
Huge, unbelievable stones covered the ground as far as the eye could see.
Bursting into laughter, he scooped up handfuls of the enormous nuggets, tossing them into the air, delirious with joy. The mother lode! He had hit the mother lode!
His laughter died away as his eyes searched for Frank. Had he done this? Had he finally relinquished the gold?
“Frank,” he called hesitantly. “Are you still there?”
In the distance he heard distinct footfalls and an unmistakable heh, heh, heh.
Jay grinned. Why, that old fool!
Chapter Twenty-Six
“Jay’s here.”
Patience glanced at Wilson from the open oven door, wiping a stray hair out of her eyes. “Who?”
“Jay.”
Lugging the heavy roaster to the cooling board, Patience set it down with a thump. “That isn’t funny, Wilson.”
“I’m not being funny. He’s really here.”
Patience turned, her heart hammering against her rib cage, halfway believing him. “Where?”
“At the front door. He doesn’t look like riffraff anymore, Patience. He looks rich.”
“Rich?”
Wilson nodded. “Really rich. I’ve never seen Jay looking so good.”
Dropping the hot pads, Patience touched her hair, wishing for a comb. “Dear God, please let it truly be him,” she whispered. It had been nearly two months since she’d returned to Denver City, and she hadn’t heard a word from him.
Shrugging, Wilson sneaked a bite of the roasted hen. “Filthy rich, actually,” he murmured.
Racing down the hallway, Patience wondered what he really looked like and immediately decided that it didn’t matter! He could be wearing sackcloth and ashes for all she cared. Please God, let it be him.
Rounding the corner, Patience came to a sudden halt. Standing before her was the most handsome man she had ever seen in her life.
Lily stood in the doorway, her gaze fastened on the handsome sheriff and a goofy grin on her face.
Jay’s eyes met hers over Lily’s head. As they gazed at one another, there was no need for words. His expression told her everything Patience needed to know.
Giving a squeal of joy, she flew into his arms, nearly bowling Lily over in her exuberance.
Clasping her tightly to him, Jay kissed her. Rockets exploded, colored lights flared, and the roar in Patience’s ears sounded like a dynamite blast.
“Patience Smith!” Lily gasped.
The taste of him, the feel of him—Patience couldn’t get enough! The shameless, passionate embrace was embarrassingly prolonged.
When they finally parted, Patience took both his hands, smiling up at him. “You’re a little late.”
“I have a good excuse.” Leaning forward, he kissed the tip of her nose. “By the way, I love you.”
“Mmm,” she whispered, returning the embrace. “I love you too.”
Quickly and without taking a breath, he told her about his injuries and why he hadn’t followed her to Denver City immediately.
Shutting her eyes, she willed back tears. Thank you, God. I knew there had to be a reason.
Lily cleared her throat, closing the front door. Realizing her lack of propriety, Patience quickly apologized. “I’m sorry, Lily—it’s just … I’m so glad to see him!”
“Can’t blame you,” Lily murmured.
Still holding tightly to the sheriff, Patience pulled him inside the parlor, where the pastor, his wife, Mary, and Harper sat. He looked so … different today. Dressed in a suit of pearl gray worsted, under a brass-buttoned greatcoat, his snowy white cravat studded with what must surely be a diamond set in pure gold, he bore little resemblance to the scruffy miner or the town sheriff. From the crown of his beaver hat to the toes of his polished boots, he was bandbox fresh and a joy to behold.
“Look, everyone! Sheriff Longer is back.”
The minister rose immediately, reaching for Jay’s hand. “Good to see you, son! We’ve been worried about you.”
“Thank you, Pastor.” Removing his coat, hat, and gloves, Jay handed them to Lily, who had followed them into the parlor. He grinned and winked at the flushed young woman. Once everyone was comfortably seated, Patience reached for Jay’s hand, unable to leave him alone.
“Pastor, Mrs. Siddons—I’ve come to ask for Patience’s hand in marriage,” Jay began quietly. “I know you’re not her parents, but she thinks of you fondly. It would be well and good if you were to grant that permission, but I must warn you, I love this woman with all my heart and soul, and I will marry her no matter what you say.” He turned to look at Patience. “Me and God had a misunderstanding for a while, but we’ve worked it out.” He smiled. “Like you say, P, God is good.”
“Oh, Jay.” Patience was so proud of him she could burst. “You said that so well!”
He nodded, courtly indeed. “Thank you, Miss Smith. I thought I did a rather good job myself.”
“Marry her!” The pastor’s grin widened. “Why, that’s wonderful, son.” He glanced at Patience fondly. “You have my and Mother’s deepest blessing.”
A grin spread across the sheriff’s face. “I think you should know that Patience is an extremely wealthy woman, sir. She and Wilson and Lily, Harper, and Mary will want for nothing.” His gaze met Patience’s. “Absolutely nothing.”
Patience covered her mouth with both hands. Rich? Her?
“You hit the mother lode, sweetheart.”
“Oh, Jay!” Springing to her feet, she flew back into his arms. There would be time later for him to explain everything. Right now it was enough to know that he loved her enough to marry her—rich or not!
Pastor Siddons smiled. “Wealth is subjective, Jay. Good health, love—”
“Two million isn’t, Pastor.”
Patience’s soft intake of breath filled the stunned silence.
“Two … million,” Mary repeated lamely. “Dollars?”
Jay grinned. “Give or take a few hundred thousand.”
“Well, goodness.” Harper fanned herself. “Ain’t nothin’ sub—subject—whatever you said, about two million dollars!”
Later, Patience drew Jay into the parsonage kitchen, where they could be alone. The door closed behind them and she turned into his arms.
“Oh, I’ve missed you so,” she whispered.
His mouth lowered to take hers. Between patchy kisses, he managed to tell her in greater detail why he had failed to come back that day. He explained how he would have died if Frank Innis hadn’t found him and taken him to Elga’s house.
“But the money,” she whispered. “Were you making that up?”
Chuckling, he held her tightly. “The money is real. Innis gave us the mother lode, darling.”
Frowning, Patience looked up at him. “Innis?”
“The man I told you about—the one posing as Gamey O’Keefe’s ghost. He admitted he’d been trying to scare us into leaving, so he and Silas Tucker could jump the claim, but seems like Innis felt guilty for what he’d done. He convinced Tucker he’d lied about the mine having the mother lode. He’s the one who helped us find the gold.”
“Oh,” she said lamely. “There really was a man?”
Resting his lips on her hairline, he whispered, “It doesn’t matter if you believe there was or wasn’t. He believes in us.”
Laughing, he kissed her bewilderment away. “There is so much we have to catch up on and to learn about each other. On the way over here, I looked up Red and Luther and paid off the gambling debt. I knew you wouldn’t mind.” He held her clo
sely. “I’ll make you and God a solemn promise: I will never wager money again.”
“Oh, darling, I love you so,” she whispered. “Then we truly are rich?”
“Honey, we can burn money for firewood.” He grasped her shoulders, slightly moving her back so he could meet her eyes. “Chappy Hellerman told me you hadn’t deserted the mine, that he was holding the deed. Strange, I never saw him around, but apparently he made it known you were away on business.”
She smiled. “I never gave up the dream, and I trusted Chappy to guard my secret. When you didn’t come back, I knew I had to really think about Wilson’s future—but deep in my heart I knew you would come for us. If for no other reason you would return to Denver City and your job. I knew when you did, I would chase you shamelessly until you were mine.” She kissed him briefly. “What d’ you think of them apples?”
“I love them—and I love you more.”
Closing her eyes, Patience thought about what the money would mean to Mary, Harper, and Lily. “Thank you, God,” she whispered.
“This is all well and good, but what about me?”
Springing back, Patience saw Wilson sitting at the table, calmly stuffing cookies into his mouth.
“What about you?” Jay reached over and rumpled the boy’s hair. “You can have your own zoo now, kid, complete with elephants and giraffes, if you want.”
“I’d like an elephant, perhaps one giraffe, but that isn’t the point.” The child wasn’t to be deterred. “I know you’ll take care of me because Patience will make you.”
Jay’s tone gentled. “Wilson, I would take care of you regardless, but knowing you, you’re about to make a point. What is it?”
“The point is you hurt my feelings.”
When Jay glanced at Patience, she shook her head warningly. Wilson had been angry with him from the moment they left the Mule Head. It would take a while for the child to forgive and trust again.
Kneeling beside the table, Jay said softly, “I’m sorry I hurt your feelings. Do you want to tell me what I did so you won’t resent me anymore?”
Wilson’s countenance turned grave. “Patience and I waited all day for you to meet us, but you didn’t come. It was cold, and we waited all day. You didn’t come.”
“I didn’t come because I couldn’t. Because Red beat me up. I did a stupid thing, and I paid for it by temporarily losing the two people I love most.”
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