“Here you go, boy.” Daisy chopped an apple and held it out for Clancy. The animal’s warm soft neck made a cozy resting place for her to lay her head. She combed her fingers through his long dark mane. Money was no longer an issue, as long as she could keep riding for the company. She had food to eat and a safe place to sleep at night, that is, when she wasn’t out on a run. A combination of contentment and angst filled her life at the moment; the only burr under her saddle was Randall Butchovick. “How much longer must I wait, Lord, before he’s arrested for killing Pa and Ma?”
Billy burst in through the side door and sidled up to her. He thrust a hat at her. “Put this on, quick.”
“What? Why? This isn’t even my own hat, Billy,” Daisy protested.
“You need to, there’s no time for explanations. Now, will you hush and do as I say? The superintendent is back and he’s snooping around the bunkhouse, asking Johnny all sorts of questions.” Billy’s eyes widened in distress.
Daisy gasped. She yanked the cap from Billy’s hands and stuffed her hair up into it.
“Billy, this hat is way too small,” Daisy stammered.
“I got it for my nephew and haven’t sent it yet.”
Daisy didn’t have the time to pin her hair up, but she didn’t have any other options at the moment. Their boss tramped through the barn entrance.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Cook. I know it’s only been a few days, but I’ve decided to pay you another visit,” Mr. Andrews declared.
Daisy turned to see the superintendent fold his arms across his chest. She kept silent, afraid her feminine voice would give her away. She kept busy grooming her horse and prayed Mr. Andrews would leave. Instead, he followed her everywhere. For more than an hour he trailed behind her like an orphaned puppy in desperate need of some love and attention.
Hoofbeats announced the arrival of a rider coming. Daisy was all too anxious to get out of there. She saddled Little Joe and prepared to lead him outside when she felt someone tap her shoulder.
“Pardon me,” Mr. Andrews said, “but would you mind putting your hand on this Bible and swearing that you’re a boy? We can’t have ladies riding for the company, you know.”
“Oh,” Daisy yelped. Her eyes scanned the vast confines of the barn but saw only Billy standing at the entrance, his eyes wide and his mouth agape. Her mind whirled. She silently beseeched God for help. Where was He when she needed Him?
Before she could comply, the horse whinnied and bucked, yanking the reins from Daisy’s hands. Her hat fell off her head and her long hair tumbled down her back.
Horrified, Billy watched Daisy scramble to pull her hair into a knot and tuck it back under the ill-fitting cap. If only he’d had the opportunity to run to the bunkhouse and get her own hat for her. It might have contained her tresses a little better.
“Mr. Cook?”
Billy clenched his fists when Mr. Andrews snapped at him. “Yes, boss.” It wouldn’t do any good to argue with the man.
“Get another rider for this run,” Mr. Andrews continued. “I have a few things to discuss with the lady, and then I want to see you.”
“Yes, sir.” Billy bolted toward the stalls and hitched a saddle to a fresh mount.
“Young lady.” The superintendent addressed Daisy. “If you don’t want trouble with Russell, Majors, and Waddell, you’ll tell me everything.”
Billy tried to ignore Mr. Andrews conversing with a blubbering Daisy, but how could he? Swallowing the lump in his throat, he led Little Joe from the barn to the waiting Gabe Jackson. Gabe tapped his foot and drummed his fingers against the mochilla.
“Here you go,” Billy said.
Gabe placed the mail pouch over the saddle and climbed on the horse. “Hiyah!” he shouted and kicked the animal’s flanks. They raced toward the horizon.
Swiveling to his left, Billy caught sight of Daisy as she fled the barn and sprinted to the bunkhouse. No doubt she had confessed to their boss. Billy couldn’t imagine her telling a lie, or even skirting the truth, given her devotion to her faith.
Mr. Andrews stepped from the barn and marched toward Billy. The man’s face and neck were as red as a ripe tomato.
“Mr. Cook.” Mr. Andrews’s chest heaved as he spoke.
In desperation Billy sent another prayer heavenward. He thought of his nephew. If God was merciful, he wouldn’t lose his job and he’d still be able to provide for the lad.
“Yes, sir.” Billy gulped, but the lump in his throat wouldn’t budge.
“This company doesn’t abide by liars and rule breakers. You’ve done both. Don’t try to deny it. That girl told me everything.”
“But, sir,” Billy pleaded. He hated sounding desperate, but he was desperate to provide for his nephew.
“Don’t give me any excuses, young man.”
Sweat beaded on Billy’s forehead as his boss continued.
“You and that girl are fired.”
Chapter Nine
The rough wool blanket Daisy wiped her tears with scratched at the tender skin around her eyes, but she didn’t care. She was fired. So was Billy. How would she pay for food for Green Grass’s family and medicine for Little Bear?
“Where are you, God?” she whispered. “You said You’d be our provider; now look at the mess we’re in.”
Without a job, she’d be out in the streets. To make matters worse, if she moved back into town, Butch would have a greater opportunity to find her and kill her. By now he had to be aware that she and Billy were on to him. Considering the things he’d done, Daisy didn’t think Butch would hesitate to murder her and hide her body where nobody would find it.
Shivers swirled in her gut at the thought of his calloused hands on her body, and her skin crawled as if a thousand bugs marched over her. She’d rather die by rattlesnake venom than fall prey to the likes of Randall Butchovick.
Daisy dried the remnants of her tears, vowing they would be the last she’d shed because of that odious toad. She had to think of others, too. Billy was also without a job. How would this affect his sickly nephew in that run-down orphanage? Oh what a mess, and all because she had to provide for herself and her friend’s family. Yes, she craved a life of adventure, too, but things like adventure sure didn’t matter now.
“Lord, please help me, and please help Billy. He only let me ride because I pestered him. Please don’t let him suffer on my account.”
Daisy flinched when the door to the bunkhouse flew open. Billy stood in the doorway, the lines of his jaw cold and hard.
“Didn’t I tell you this was a bad idea?” he growled.
He folded his arms over his chest and glared at her with eyes as icy as a glacier in January. She squared her shoulders and stood straighter. Determined to find a way out of the financial sinkhole that threatened to swallow her, she drew from her deep well of faith.
“I know this looks bad, but I trust that God will find a way to get us out of this dilemma.”
“There you go with that God stuff again. I tell you, I’m sick of hearing about God. If He’s as compassionate as you claim, then where was He when my folks died, when my sister and I nearly starved and froze to death in a cold, damp orphanage? Why did He let my sister die without a soul in the world to comfort her except my nephew? How could He condemn my nephew to the same horrible fate?”
Daisy took in Billy’s blond ruffled hair and pale blue eyes. Only a moment ago, those sky-blue eyes were filled with anger. The emotion was still there, but now she noted a measure of sadness in them also. She knew all too well, the pain of losing one’s parents. Her heart ached for Billy and his nephew.
“I’m sorry I haven’t been more understanding about your past, Billy. I should have taken the time to listen more. I’m sorry. Please forgive me.”
“That’s all fine and dandy, but your fancy words don’t do a thing to help save my nephew.”
“You’re right. I’ll speak with the boss and see what I can do to get your job back. With all you’ve done for me, it’s the least I can
do.”
By the way the man rolled his eyes at the sky and shook his head, her promise didn’t placate him. He leaned against the door frame, arms still crossed over his chest. “Just what are you aiming to say to make him change his mind?”
“I don’t know, Billy. I’ll think of something.” She’d decided not to run anymore, and she had vowed to end Butch’s criminal activities. She and Billy had come so far in their investigation. She couldn’t allow herself to stop now. Did she dare go back to town and confront Butch?
Feeling a wave of inner strength and courage sweep through her, she pulled her trunk from under her bunk. She undid the buckle, opened it, and commenced the task of packing her meager belongings.
“What are you doing?” Billy asked.
“I’m packing my belongings. If I’m not employed by Russell, Majors, and Waddell anymore, there’s no sense in me staying.”
“Where will you go?” Billy huffed and threw his hands in the air.
He pushed away from the door frame and stepped into the bunkhouse, but still kept his distance.
Tears brimmed in Daisy’s eyes at the indifference in his tone. She choked them back and turned to face him. “I’m headed into town to face Butch and put an end to his insane behavior.”
“On your own? Yeah, good luck,” he scoffed. His chuckle reverberated off the interior of the structure. He obviously didn’t take much stock in her ability to stop Butch. Did he even care?
No, Billy didn’t seem to care what happened to her, and that knowledge stung. Her chest constricted like a dozen belts circled her. Had she lost his friendship? She gasped as if they’d cinched tight. With moving from one town to the next over the past year she’d said good-bye to a number of folks. It hadn’t bothered her until now. Why did the possibility of losing the affections of this tall, rugged cowboy matter so much?
“Eh-hem.”
Daisy’s thoughts were unceremoniously interrupted as the superintendent cleared his throat. Daisy’s former boss stood in the doorway, his gaze bore into her. What could that man possibly want now? Hadn’t he done enough damage already? Daisy’s heart constricted.
“Excuse me, Mr. Cook,” Mr. Andrews continued. “I need to take Miss Hollister into town. I have instructions from the owners to bring in any females caught riding for the company.”
The words punched into Billy’s gut. He had been mad enough at Daisy to let her think he’d allow her to ride away and face a killer. He wouldn’t have really permitted her to go alone, but he was too angry to let her think otherwise.
Now their former boss wanted to take her into town where Butch was and face the owners of the company? He couldn’t let that happen.
“Look here, sir,” Billy said. He glanced at Daisy, her ashen face the color of the sheets Adrianne had hung on the line yesterday. “You don’t need to take her. Why don’t I ride into town with you and we can get this whole thing straightened out?”
“No, it’s imperative that I take Miss Hollister, alone.”
Billy’s suspicions stirred. Something didn’t feel right. Daisy gasped. Granted they had broken the rules of the company, but that was no excuse to frighten the lady and take her away unchaperoned.
“Oh.” Daisy gasped again.
Billy’s pulse quickened. “I’m sorry, but I can’t let you ride off with her alone.” He clenched his fists to his sides. He might be hopping mad at Daisy, but he was still a gentleman, and in no way would he allow this man to compromise her.
“Two of my men have just arrived. They will be accompanying us, so you can rest assured we won’t be alone.” Mr. Andrews puffed out his chest as he spoke. The man lunged toward Daisy and grabbed her by the arm.
Billy jumped between them. “You can’t take her.” The words rumbled out of his mouth, the raw harshness startling him.
“Billy, please,” Daisy yelped.
“Don’t make this any more difficult, Mr. Cook.” The stark bunkhouse walls amplified his bellow. He yanked Daisy from the dwelling. Billy followed close behind. In front of the main house he spotted two men standing beside a surrey. One was lanky but had been blessed with height. The other wasn’t as tall but appeared stocky enough to wrestle bulls. Billy didn’t consider himself a coward, but these two wouldn’t be an easy duo to reckon with.
In the seconds that it took Billy to realize the seriousness of the situation, the tall man pulled a gun and leaped to assist Mr. Andrews. Horrified, Billy saw Daisy struggle against the man’s grip.
“Now hold on just a doggone minute!” Billy’s stomach curdled at the way the tall man handled Daisy. He’d never shot a man in cold blood, but he wished he had his pistol with him at that moment.
The shorter man took two steps forward.
Billy raised his fists, ready for a fight, but the man flipped his revolver and hammered him over the head with the butt end.
Billy’s sight blurred. He dropped to his knees and sucked in air, pain reverberating through his temple. Stars danced in his field of vision. He heard the muddled voice of Mr. Andrews as he loaded a frightened-sounding Daisy into the buggy. With one last measure of chivalry he lunged toward Daisy.
His fingers grasped the hem of Daisy’s clothing, but it did no good. Something heavy and metallic snapped his head back. Darkness swallowed him.
Chapter Ten
I demand to know the meaning of this!” Daisy squirmed in her seat in a desperate effort to wrench free from the man who’d assaulted Billy. She prayed that he was okay.
“All in due time, missy,” the shorter man said.
A taller, darker man drove the buggy, and her former boss followed them on his horse.
“Do take gentler care of the lady,” Mr. Andrews said to the two surly men. “Miss Hollister, I apologize for these measures, but all will be explained in due time, when we get back to the hotel.”
Daisy refrained from struggling further. The worst thing she could do was upset them more than they already were. But they were taking her back to the hotel, where Butch was staying. She didn’t relish the idea of facing the outlaw, but figured she could somehow handle him if she had to. A part of her wanted to square off with him and get justice for her ma and pa. Would the company owners detain her in some way and thwart her hope of doing that?
Daisy sent silent prayers toward heaven and clamped her mouth shut as they rode along in silence.
Soon the tall clapboard front of the hotel appeared in the distance. When they arrived, the men jumped down from the buggy and tied the reins to the hitching post. Daisy alighted and managed to stand on shaking legs.
The three men pushed her through the batwing doors to her former place of employment. The aroma of roast beef wafted from the kitchen to the lobby and made Daisy’s mouth water. She remembered her carefree days of cooking in the kitchen and wondered how things could have gotten so bad. If only she hadn’t been caught riding for the Pony Express.
Mr. Andrews escorted her to a corner where they met up with an older couple. Daisy noted the three exchanging glances. Were these people in cahoots with Butch? No, that couldn’t be, but the uneasiness twisting in her middle told her something was up.
“Excuse me, where are the company owners?” Daisy asked as they moved from the corner to the stairs. This older couple didn’t look like the tintype she’d seen of Russell, Majors, and Waddell.
“Please be quiet, Miss Hollister. I’ll explain in a moment,” Mr. Andrews whispered. He shoved her up the staircase.
Thus far, her protests hadn’t been so desperate, but when the boss dragged her into a room she grew more desperate. The couple followed them inside and closed the door behind them.
Daisy searched the room for some means of escape. She spotted a man in army blue. This wasn’t a meeting with the owners of the Pony Express. This was a setup. No matter how many hounds of fear nipped at her heels, she had to keep her wits about her.
A scream for help erupted from her mouth. She tried to push past Mr. Andrews and escape from the room, but he
blocked her path. The soldier clamped his hand over her mouth.
“Please Miss Hollister, allow me to explain. This is all for your protection,” Mr. Andrews said. He moved to the window.
Daisy watched and struggled to breathe as he looked down to the streets below. Mr. Andrews nodded to the soldier, who released her. She sucked in a few gasps of air and found her voice. “Protection? From what?” She planted fists on her hips. “And who’s to protect me from the likes of you?” she demanded.
“Miss Hollister, this is Mr. and Mrs. Tully. The parents of Private Daniel Tully who was killed a year ago near a railroad camp, under suspicious circumstances. That man over there is Jake Hunter, dearest friend of the deceased Private Tully.”
Daisy’s stomach roiled in confusion. “What does that have to do with me?”
“We’ve been investigating the death of Private Tully and suspect Mr. Randall Butchovick is responsible. The man has discovered how close we are to arresting him, that you can identify him as the murderer of your parents, and that we’ll tie this whole case together. Thus, he’s threatened your life.”
“Why couldn’t you just tell me that at the way station? Why couldn’t you have explained that to Billy?” Daisy demanded.
“Randall Butchovick is on the loose, possibly headed to the way station as we speak, and will no doubt pressure Mr. Cook into divulging information about you. The less he knows about your whereabouts, the safer you are.”
“But that puts Billy at risk!”
“You are a witness to a crime, Miss Hollister. The United States government needs your testimony to convict a ruthless killer. We can’t risk Mr. Butchovick getting his hands on you.”
Daisy’s thoughts swam with all the added information. “How do you know all this, sir?” she finally managed to ask.
A sardonic grin crept across the face of her former boss. “Why, Miss Hollister, one doesn’t become a Pinkerton detective without knowing a great many things.”
The Courageous Brides Collection Page 24