Quinn's Promise

by Agnes Alexander

  “I’ve been wondering when you were going to open.”

  “I think we’re about ready.”

  She looked at the dress in the window. “It’s lovely. Do you do the work?”

  “No. My sister, Marlene, does the sewing.”

  “She does a beautiful job and since your window isn’t far from mine, I think I’ll see if I have a hat ready that’ll compliment the dress.”

  “That’s a lovely idea. If a lady buys a new dress, why shouldn’t she have a new hat to go with it?”

  Mrs. Forester chuckled. “I agree. I suppose you’re going to sell accessories with your clothing.”

  “Some, but not to the extent you have. We plan to handle gloves, stockings and undergarments in the beginning. I think it would be better to suggest our customers come to you for things we don’t supply.”

  “That’s wonderful. Of course we’ll return the favor.”

  Quinn turned toward the door. “Would you like to come in and see how we’re setting up?”

  “I’d love to.”

  Quinn stood back as Mrs. Forester walked around the new business. “It looks like you’re all ready to open.”

  “We plan to be here in the morning. My sister is at the boarding house finishing up another dress to display. We hope to change the window every week or two.”

  “I’ll keep an eye out, and as I said, I’ll change my hats to compliment the dresses you put in there.”

  “Mrs. Forester, come into the back and let me show you what we have in stock.” Deborah stood in the door of the back room.

  After Mrs. Forester left, Quinn knew she didn’t have any more reason to stay at the shop. Though she didn’t want to, she decided it was time to get more cleaning done on the house. There were only six more days before the end of the month.

  “Deborah, I’m going to the house to clean. Will you stay here until Marlene comes back?”

  “Of course.” She grinned.

  Quinn picked up her straw bonnet. “I’ll see you at supper.”

  “Actually, Cal Montgomery asked me out for supper tonight. I told him I’d go.”

  Quinn was surprised, but she didn’t let Deborah see. She wasn’t sure she approved of her sister going out with one of the Montgomery men. Yet, Deborah seemed to enjoy his company. The only problem was, she’d seen the reaction of the other women in town. The Montgomery brothers were considered quite the catch and she didn’t want Deborah be spurned again by a man who was probably the type to change women like some people change their socks. Since she couldn’t think of anything else to say, she muttered, “Then I’ll see you later.”

  * * * *

  Ashe Montgomery was leaning back in his chair in his usual position with his feet propped on his desk. He and his two brothers were into a deep discussion. The door to the back room which housed two jail cells was closed and they were sure nobody could hear what was being said.

  “So, why can’t you go with us to check out the canyon Zek told us about?” Ashe looked at Cal.

  “I asked Deborah Stockton to have supper with me at the hotel dining room and I don’t want to cancel unless it’s necessary.”

  Ashe looked at Beck. “I guess we can handle it.”

  “I’m sure we can, but I wish I had a date with Marlene. Why didn’t I think of asking her out before you asked Deborah?”

  “Sorry, brother. I’m working overtime to make that woman notice me. Why the hell do you think I spent a week building shelves?”

  “I worked, too.” Beck pushed his hat back. “Even old Ashe here put in some time with the hammer. Maybe he wishes he’d thought to ask feisty little Quinn out.”

  “I’m too old for Quinn.” Ashe shifted his position slightly. “Besides, you know I can’t do anything until this case is solved.”

  “Until then, I assume you’re stuck with the lovely Mrs. Norwood.” Beck pointed a finger at him.

  “You assume right.”

  “Well, Ashe. It doesn’t seem to be such a bad situation. You come to town and in record time you’ve set yourself up with a mistress and all you have to do is be there when she wants you. Or is the other way around?”

  “It’s not as great as you think it is.” Ashe took a cheroot out of his pocket and lit it.

  Beck laughed. “I heard the woman is saying you’re going to be her next husband.”

  “There’s not a chance in hell of that.”

  “Good,” Cal said. “I don’t think she’s the kind of woman you want to introduce to our mother.”

  “I don’t think so either,” Beck agreed. “And no matter what you say, neither do I think Quinn Stockton is too young for you. Wouldn’t it be a hoot if the three of us ended up with the Stockton sisters?”

  “You’re dreaming, unless you plan to resign your job.” Ashe chuckled. “A US Marshall doesn’t need to be thinking about marriage.”

  “Well, if you’re not interested in Quinn, maybe some of these local cowboys who’ve been eying her will step in and win her heart? I think Wes Monroe has ideas there and maybe Sims Truman.”

  “I’ll be damned. Quinn Stockton is too much woman for either of those local boys. I don’t care if she is young, it’ll take a strong man to handle her, not somebody who thinks all they need to do is marry a woman and set her down on his ranch to bear his children.”

  “Did you hear what Ashe just said?” Cal eyed his brother.

  “I sure did. Sounds like he’s interested to me.”

  “I’m going to ignore you two.” Ashe pulled his feet down. “Now let’s get down to business.”

  “Has anything more come in?” Beck became serious.

  “This.” He tossed a paper across the desk. “It says only the bank manager will know from this point on when there’ll be gold on the stage.”

  “Who’s the manager here?” Cal asked.

  “Norman Coddler. He’s been here for five years.”

  “Does he own the bank?” Beck asked.

  “No. Some business men in Denver own it, but they don’t come to Tornado often.”

  “Then I doubt any of them are involved.” Beck shook his head.

  Ashe rolled up the papers. “I think Coddler’s an honest man, but I still want to watch him. Somebody at the bank is giving out information and I’m sure they’re giving it to Lola Norwood.”

  “Well, we can’t help you there. You’re going to have to keep working on that alone.” Cal stood. “I’m going to head out. I need a bath and a shave. If you need me, send word. We’ll be at the hotel dining room.”

  “Have you got somebody to watch the prisoners while we go to the canyon?” Beck asked.

  “Rober Crews is coming in.”

  “Good.” Beck stood. “I’ll head out, too. Meet you at the house in time to go to the canyon.”

  The Walk-in Café delivered a meal for the prisoners at five. Ashe took it to the cells. “Eat up, fellows. The circuit judge will be here tomorrow and I’m sure the prison you’re going to won’t have this kind of food. You have thirty minutes to eat.”

  Rober arrived when Ashe was collecting the dirty plates. After a few brief instructions, Ashe headed down the street. It was his habit to check the doors on the businesses in the afternoon before going home. He couldn’t help smiling when he noticed the dress shop. The peach-colored dress in the window caught his eye and he wondered which of the Stockton girls would be wearing it. For some reason he didn’t think it belonged to Quinn. He wasn’t an expert on women’s clothes, but for some reason he didn’t think the color would go with her red hair.

  Damn, there he was thinking about Quinn again. Why couldn’t he get her off his mind? His brother was right about him being attracted to her. There was nothing he’d like more than to get that sweet little thing in his arms, but it could never happen. Well, not until this case was over anyway. Now he had to concentrate on his assigned duty. Hell, maybe Cal had the right idea. Resign and settle down with a good woman and raise a bunch of kids. Ashe wondered if Cal had found th
e woman he wanted to settle with in Deborah.

  For some reason, it crossed his mind since Margaret, Quinn Stockton was the only woman he’d met who might tempt him to think about settling down. Of course, it’d never happen. He liked his job and he liked being free. Hell, he even liked taking women like Lola Norwood to bed. It satisfied his manly needs and it was safer than having to go to a brothel. Probably also safer than a wife who could easily turn out like sweet Margaret Brown, the woman he’d loved with all his heart until he came across her in the hayloft with her father’s foreman.

  Cursing, he whirled around and looked at the sun. There was plenty of time. He decided he’d go by the Norwood house on the way home. Who knows? He might pick up a bit of information, but if he didn’t, he’d at least get Quinn and memories of Margaret out of his mind.

  Ashe was getting angry thinking about what a fool he’d been when he was younger as he rounded the corner to Denver Street. He walked faster toward Lola’s, but came to an abrupt stop when he glanced at the white house in the middle of the block. He was having a hard time believing his eyes when he saw Quinn Stockton sweeping the front porch.

  He didn’t know what to do. Should he speak to her? Should he turn and go back the other way? For some reason he didn’t want her to see him heading down this street.

  Before he could make up his mind, she looked up and saw him. At first she simply stared at him for a few seconds. Then she slowly nodded her head.

  He nodded back, knowing he had to speak. He headed up the path leading to the front steps. “Why in the world are you cleaning this house, Quinn?”

  “My sisters and I are moving here in a few days. I’m trying to get it in livable order.”

  “I didn’t know you were looking for a house,” he said to have something to say.

  “Uncle Hank owns this one and insisted we move in.” She put the broom against the wall. “In fact, I’m looking forward to being in a house, doing our own cleaning, and cooking our own meals again.”

  “I’m sure you’ll be happier than living in a boarding house.”

  “I suppose you’re right.” They looked at each other for a few minutes. Quinn spoke first. “Thank you for stopping by, but don’t let me hold you up.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I’m sure you didn’t come down this street looking for me.”

  “I check all the streets, Quinn.”

  He noticed she only gave him a half smile when she said, “Whatever.” She then turned and set the broom in the house and closed the door. “It’s time I headed to Mrs. Potter’s. Winnie will be mad if I’m late for supper. She likes to eat on time and I’m sure Mrs. Potter wants us there when the meal’s ready, too.”

  “I’ll walk with you.” He wondered why her eyes didn’t smile as her mouth did even if it was only half way. Could she possibly know where he was headed? Would it upset her if she did?

  “Don’t bother, Sheriff. I’ll be fine. I’m sure you have something more interesting to do than walk me to the boarding house.”

  He gave her a smile. “You’re wrong, Miss Stockton. I’d be delighted to walk you to Mrs. Potter’s Boarding House.”

  “Suit yourself.” She went down the steps.

  Ashe moved beside her and took her elbow. He felt her grow rigid. “You don’t like me, do you, Quinn?”

  She turned and faced him. “I have no reason not to like you, Sheriff. You’ve always been kind to my sisters and me.”

  “I’m not talking about human decency. I’m talking about you personally. Do you like me at all?”

  She took a deep breath, but it was a few moments before she answered. When she did, it was barely audible. “I like you, Ashe. I don’t want to, but I like you a lot.”

  He was stunned. He expected her to say she didn’t care for him at all. Now here she was saying she liked him. And whether he wanted to admit it or not, he realized there was a meaning behind her words. He didn’t want to question her further. Not now. He couldn’t. Things had to be worked out about the robberies first. He simply said, “I like you, too, Quinn.”

  They walked the rest of the way in silence.

  Chapter 14

  Deborah wished they hadn’t put her new peach colored dress on display in the shop. She would’ve liked to wear it tonight to have supper with Cal. She knew if she asked, Marlene and Quinn would have told her to put it on, but she knew it wouldn’t do to wear it and then display it. People would think they were showing old clothes.

  She settled for a pale green frock with sprigs of ivy printed on the material. It was four years old and had been worn frequently, but not since they arrived in Tornado. She hoped the lengths of green ribbon Marlene put in her upswept hair would draw attention from the worn look of the dress.

  She was getting nervous. It was the first time she’d been out with a man since being so rudely dropped by the banker’s son back in Philadelphia. Though they hadn’t been really serious she was less confident around men and now, much as she liked him, she wished she’d refused Cal’s invitation.

  Maybe she would anyway. She could send Marlene to the door and tell the man she’d come down with some malady. Maybe a headache. She’d heard other women use that excuse when they wanted to get out of something with a man they didn’t admire.

  Trouble was she admired Cal Montgomery. She admired him a lot. He was not only handsome, he was kind and had perfect manners. She wondered if he was putting on an act. She’d often heard men did this to work their way into a woman’s heart, then they’d get the woman to give in to their needs and abandon her without a backward glance. But for the life of her, Deborah couldn’t see Cal doing this.

  A rap on the front door brought her from her thoughts. She stood as Winnie raced to the door.

  She saw Cal remove his hat and smile at Winnie. “Good evening, ma’am. I’m Cal Montgomery and I’ve come to escort Miss Deborah Stockton to supper.”

  “Well, it’s nice to see you again, Mr. Montgomery. I remember you as one of the men who rescued us when we went through the awful stagecoach robbery.”

  “Yes, Miss Goodspell. I remember you, too. I hope the event hasn’t left a bad impression of the west on you.”

  “Oh, no. Not at all.” She stood back. “Won’t you please come in?”

  Cal stepped inside. “Thank you.” He then spied Deborah over Winnie’s shoulder.

  She would almost swear she saw his eyes light up as she walked toward him. “Good evening, Cal.”

  “Hello, Deborah. You look lovely tonight.”

  She blushed. “Thank you.”

  “Then if you’re ready, shall we head out to eat?”

  “Yes, I’m ready.”

  “You two have a good time.” Winnie followed them to the porch. “Don’t keep her out too late, Mr. Montgomery.”

  “I wouldn’t think of it.” He took Deborah’s hand and led her down the steps. “Since it’s not far, I thought we’d walk. Do you mind?”

  “No. I love walking in the evening.” She turned and handed him the green shawl she had across her arm.

  He took it and held it for her to slide across her arms.

  “Thank you,” she said then turned back toward the house. Winning was still standing on the porch. “Good-bye, Winnie.”

  Winnie nodded and stepped back in the door, but didn’t close it.

  When they reached the street, Cal whispered, “I thought there for a minute she was going to come with us.”

  Deborah laughed. “She’d probably like to. She’s a nosy lady.”

  “I gathered that.” Cal dropped her hand and slid her arm through his. “Do you mind?”

  “No.” She couldn’t tell him being so close to his side was affecting her more than she wanted to admit. Especially when she got a whiff of the spicy scent of his manly soap. She knew he’d taken a bath and had shaved to come for her. She was glad she’d spent the afternoon in the hip bath Mrs. Potter often let them bring to their room for their personal use.

  “
So, Deborah, how does it feel to be a business woman now you’re about ready to open the shop?”

  “We’re opening tomorrow, but the shop’s more Marlene’s than mine. I can do some simple sewing, but not the fancy needlework my sister does. We’re getting a sign made for the store and we’re calling it Sisters Dressmaking, but underneath Quinn and I decided we’d put, Head Seamstress, Marlene Stockton.”

  “That’s sweet of you. I know you’ve worked hard to get the place open.”

  “Yes, but Marlene will be doing most of the hard work when we actually start making dresses.” She looked up at him. “I’m going to enjoy working with my sisters, though.”

  “I’m sure you will. My brothers and I work together well.”

  “Are there any other brothers in your family, Cal?”

  He laughed out loud. “No. The three of us are all.”

  “I think three is a nice family.”

  “The Montgomery men believe in families.”

  “But none of you are married.”

  “Ashe came close to marrying a few years ago. Thank God, he found out the woman was a…well, she wasn’t the kind a man wants to introduce to his family.” He glanced at Deborah. “Beck was married, but he lost his wife in a boating accident three years ago. She was about to have the first Montgomery grandchild, but it perished in the accident with its mother.”

  “Oh, how sad.”

  “Yes, it was, but Beck’s recovered. He loved his wife and was excited about the child, but he learned he couldn’t grieve forever.” Cal paused at the hotel’s front door. “Here we are. I hope you’re hungry tonight. I hear their food is good.”

  The waiter met them at the dining room door and seated them immediately. Their table was private, but near the window which overlooked the main street of Tornado. He gave them menus and said he’d return for their order shortly.

  Deborah perused the offerings. “I’m surprised to find such varied choices.”