Quinn's Promise

by Agnes Alexander

  “I don’t know the man well, because he’s always shy around us, but I’m glad he’ll be all right.” She glanced at the curtain into the workroom. “Is Marlene working?”

  “Yes. She wanted to get Naomi’s dress finished today.” Quinn changed the subject. “Did you have a good time with Cal?”

  “I did.” Deborah glanced away.

  “Are you falling in love with him, Deborah?”

  In a quiet voice she said, “I’m not falling in love, Quinn. I'm already there.”

  “How does he feel?”

  “I think he loves me, too.”

  “I don’t want to be a wet blanket on your happiness, but you do remember how the banker’s son treated you in Philadelphia, don’t you?”

  “I remember. Cal is so much more man than Richard was.” Deborah chuckled. “As a matter of fact, I’m glad Richard dropped me. If he hadn’t I might be stuck in Philadelphia with a man I only thought I loved.”

  Quinn started to say something else, but changed her mind. She only muttered, “I’m glad it’s working out for you.”

  “Hi Deborah,” Marlene called from the backroom.

  “Hi yourself.” She turned toward Quinn. “Come with me. I have something I want to tell you both.”

  Quinn followed her and they pulled chairs up to the work table where Marlene was fitting a cream-colored bodice to a dark blue skirt.

  “Did she tell you about the shooting?” Marlene asked.

  “She did, and now I have something to tell you.”

  “Oh?”

  “After Cal left and I got everything cleaned up, I started out the door to come here. I heard Lola closing her front door none too gently. The next thing I noticed was Winnie Goodspell coming down Lola’s front steps.”

  “Winnie?” Quinn looked puzzled. “What in the world would she be doing at Lola Norwood’s house?”

  “I don’t know, but I didn’t want her to see me, so I slipped back inside until I saw her pass. When she turned down the street toward the boarding house, I came here.”

  Quinn shook her head. “It sounds crazy, but do you think Lola could be Winnie’s niece?”

  “She could be,” Deborah said.

  “If Lola’s her niece, why didn’t Winnie come out of the dressing room when Lola was here this morning?” Marlene looked at them.

  “Maybe she didn’t want us to know,” Quinn suggested.

  “Or she wanted to confront her away from everyone.” Deborah shook her head. “Winnie looked angry as she left. Maybe she and her niece don’t get along well.”

  “That could explain it.” Marlene went back to her sewing.

  Chapter 22

  The stage arrived at three on Wednesday. Ashe was walking down the street and paused to watch the passengers disembark. A short fat man with a gold watch chain was the first off. He reached up his hand and a skinny woman, at least six inches taller than he was, took it and got off next. She was followed by two children who looked to be ten and twelve. The boy was short like the man and the girl was tall like the woman. Ashe assumed this was a family, but he couldn’t help wondering what they were doing in Tornado. Of course he knew they could be passing through.

  Norman Coddler came out of the bank followed by Sims Truman and a teller Ashe didn’t recognize. Coddler glanced toward the jail and motioned for Ashe to join them.

  “Help us get the money box off the stagecoach and inside the bank, Sheriff. We actually got one through this time.”

  “I’m glad.” Ashe again looked at the family. “You know how the robbers have been shooting the men. Getting through may have saved the man and boy.”

  Norman nodded.

  The driver handed down the money box and Norman had the two men from the bank carry it. He walked in front and Ashe followed.

  For some reason the hair on the back of Ashe’s neck stood up and he looked around the street as he let his hand slide to his gun.

  His intuition paid off. Seemingly from nowhere four horsemen rode fast around the corner.

  “Hurry,” Ashe shouted. “Armed strangers riding in.”

  The men ran toward the bank with the box as the riders galloped toward them. Ashe yelled for the man and his family to get off the street. He whipped his gun from its holster. The family ignored his warning and stood beside the stage.

  The riders fired and in an instant Ashe felt a stinging sensation on his left shoulder. He turned his gun toward one of the riders and fired. A man tumbled from his saddle.

  Cal ran into the street firing his pistol. Another man slumped in the saddle, but didn’t fall.

  Ashe continued to fire, but the horses were spooked and began rearing and crying, making it hard to hit his mark.

  Bullets continued to fly and the teller fell as a bullet hit him in the chest. The end of the box he was holding fell to the ground causing Sims Truman to stumble.

  Norman Coddler turned and grabbed the box and urged Sims forward. They didn’t get far. A bullet caught Norman in the temple and Sims let go of the money box at the same time Norman did. It fell to the ground. Sims ran for cover, but he was too late. A bullet stopped him in mid-stride.

  Cal got off a better shot and another man fell from the saddle.

  The remaining two robbers must have realized they weren’t going to get away with the money. They turned and headed out of town, whipping their horses to their top speed.

  Holding his side, Ashe ran to Coddler. He was lying face down in the dusty street. He grabbed Norman’s wrist and felt a pulse. “Get Doc Wheeler,” he yelled.

  “I’m here.” the doctor came up beside him. “I saw it all from my window.”

  “Coddler’s alive. Take care of him Doc and I’ll see how badly the others are hurt.”

  Cal was bent over Sims Truman. “I think he’s alive, too.”

  “How about the other one?”

  Cal shook his head.

  A woman’s scream cut into the air.

  Ashe whirled around to see the woman from the stage holding her boy in her arms. Her husband stood beside her with his hands on her shoulders.

  “Doc! Come see about this boy,” Ashe called as he ran toward the woman and child.

  “Those awful men shot my son,” the woman said through her tears. “Why did they have to shoot Jimmy? He’s never hurt a soul.”

  Doctor Wheeler came over to them. “Let me look at him, ma’am.”

  “He’s dead. They killed him.” She was almost hysterical. “This is your fault, Willford. You had to take us out of New York to see the west. It’s all your fault my boy’s dead.”

  Her husband ignored her raving. In a calm voice he said, “Let the doctor look at Jimmy, Maude.”

  “No. I don’t want anyone to touch my son.”

  Cal walked up and took hold of the woman’s shoulder. “Ma’am, I saw your boy move his head. If you don’t let the doctor look at him, it won’t be the robbers who killed him. It’ll be you.”

  She glared at Cal, but loosened her grip on the child.

  Doctor Wheeler laid him on the ground and did a quick examination. “Doesn’t look bad.” He looked at her. “The bullet grazed his arm. He’s going to be sore, but he’ll be all right. I’ve got some men taking the other wounded up to my office. You can follow with your son.”

  When the doctor stood to leave he glanced at Ashe and frowned. “Damn, man. Why didn’t you say you’d been hit?”

  “I’m fine. It’s only a flesh wound.”

  “Let me see.”

  “You need to get to the seriously wounded men.”

  “Don’t be a fool, Ashe,” Cal said. “Let the doctor take a quick look.”

  Ashe pulled the collar of his shirt aside. “All right, look it over, then get to the men who really need you.”

  “It doesn’t look like much. You’ll probably be using your arm again in a day or two. Wash it good and come by. I’ll give you some medicine to put on it.”

  “I don’t have time, Doc. I’ve got to get a posse tog
ether.”

  “Forget that.” Cal took Ashe’s arm. “I’ll get the posse. You get your wound washed. I’ll find Beck.”

  “Where is he anyway?”

  “Said something about—”

  A horse raced into town. Beck was out of the saddle almost before the mount came to a stop. “What the hell’s going on?”

  “Had a little shoot-out,” Cal said. “Take Ashe into the dress shop and see if they can get him washed up. I’m going to make sure the money gets into the bank, then you and I are going after the holdup men.”

  “Not without me, you’re not,” Ashe protested.

  Cal snorted. “Of course we’re going without you.”

  Quinn came running from the store. “I saw what happened. Are you all right?” She looked at Ashe.

  “Yes.”

  “He needs to get this cleaned. Would you help me get him inside?”

  “Take me to the house.”

  “Whatever you want. It’s not far.” Beck looked at Quinn. “Would you go with us? I can’t stay with him because I’m going after the robbers.”

  “I’m going with you,” Ashe insisted.

  The doctor was headed toward his office and stopped. He motioned for Quinn to come to him. When she was beside him he handed her a small bottle. “This is laudanum. Put a spoonful in his coffee. He’ll not be going after any robbers after he gets a dose of this.”

  “Thank you, doctor.”

  “Good luck keeping him down until it takes effect.” He turned and headed up the steps. “I’ll come by and check him later.”

  * * * *

  Lola heard about the shooting and didn’t know what to do. She wanted to check on Ashe, but Mrs. Benson told her he wasn’t hurt badly. In fact, someone said they thought he left with the posse, but she learned later this was wrong. He was still at home. She had to decide if she should see him this evening. She also had to decide what to do about the banker. Why did her contact have to be the one shot? Or why couldn’t he have been killed, too? If Ashe suspected he had anything to do with the robberies and began to ask questions, the fool would probably confess everything. She knew her only hope was that he’d die from his injuries. Then he wouldn’t be able to implicate her.

  She was in turmoil.

  Why the hell did Temp do this? I told him trying to get that strongbox in town would never work. The fool should’ve listened to me and robbed the stage as usual. I hope he hasn’t blown the whole deal. The big shipment will be coming soon and that’s what he should’ve concentrated on. After we get that money I'll marry Ashe and that’ll help me be rid of all the people who can cause me trouble.

  She poured herself a glass of whiskey and sat down on the sofa to think. She wasn’t good when people were hurting and bleeding. By tomorrow the doctor would have Ashe patched up and probably back at work. If she went to see him in the morning, she could be sympathetic and offer to take care of him.

  Since he wasn’t in such bad shape, it could be fun.

  But first she had to make up her mind what she could do to keep her aunt out of her life. Maybe she could convince Ashe Winnie was crazy and had threatened her for no reason. She’d beg him to put her in an asylum where she couldn’t harm anyone. She’d ask him tomorrow when she went to visit.

  At least she hoped he’d help her get rid of Winnie. Lola was a little worried about Ashe being distant lately. Last night was a good example. It was late when he came, but he didn’t make love to her. He’d only wanted to talk and she’d gone along with it because she thought if she’d play his game she could convince him to marry her.

  That was if she could keep him away from the Stocktons. Why did those bitches come to town anyway? They were going to mess up everything if she didn’t get Ashe to put a ring on her finger fast. Well, not all of them. It would be great to have a dressmaker here who could design and sew the beautiful things she was going to need as Ashe’s wife, and from the example in the window, the one named Marlene was a good seamstress. When she got her party dress it would be the test as to whether she’d do business there again.

  She smiled as she changed into her pink nightgown and climbed into to bed. She’d get up early and visit Ashe first thing. Then she’d check on her banker friend. Now she was going to get a good night’s sleep unless Temp slipped in during the night. She hoped he would.

  * * * *

  Nobody disturbed her sleep and at nine-thirty the next morning she awoke. She made coffee, spent some time deciding on what she should wear and finally dressed in a blue satin dress with a low neck and snug-fitting waist. She hoped when she leaned over Ashe he’d be so enthralled he’d agree to anything she suggested. It kept creeping into her thoughts that he’d been acting as if he wasn’t as interested in her as he had been. She had to get him to think seriously about marriage. I wonder what the snooty Naomi Coddler will say when she has to accept me at one of her famous teas. She wouldn’t dare not invite Mrs. Ashe Montgomery.

  She put on a hat with pink and blue flowers and curled some of her blond hair around the edge.

  That blue hat Mrs. Forester made a few weeks ago would be prefect with this dress. I wonder who bought it?

  She frowned.

  The old crow wouldn’t tell me. Just said the man told her it was for his special lady.

  For a while Lola hoped Ashe had bought it for her, but since she hadn’t received it, she’d given up on the idea.

  Probably some old worn-out farm woman who won’t appreciate the beauty of it. It should have been mine.

  She smiled to herself.

  Maybe I’ll get Mrs. Forester to make another one like it and tell everyone Ashe gave it to me. Wouldn’t that raise some eyebrows?

  Picking up her drawstring bag, she turned from the mirror. “Oh, well,” she muttered. “It doesn’t matter. When Ashe and I get married I’ll be able to buy all the hats I want. I’m sure he won’t say a word about how much money I spend. He’ll want his woman to always look beautiful so every man in town will envy him.”

  She headed out the door wondering if she should have put on a more revealing chemise. This was the first time she’d been in Ashe’s house and she was sure he’d want her to climb into his bed before she left.

  Chapter 23

  The sun shown through the side window as Ashe opened his eyes. His shoulder and side were aching and he felt groggy. It took a few minutes for him to realize he was in his own bed. He frowned and started to sit up.

  He put too much pressure on his left arm and cried out. “Ouch.” He fell back and heard a chair scrape forward.

  He opened his eyes and was surprised and confused to see Quinn standing over him.

  “How are you feeling?” Her voice was soft.

  “I’m not sure. What are you doing here?”

  “Taking care of you.”

  He frowned. “I can take care of myself.” He started again to get up.

  “Not at this moment. Now you’re going to stay in this bed and get well. Then you can take care of yourself again.”

  “What happened?”

  “Don’t you remember?”

  “No…wait… Yes. A group of men came galloping in and started shooting up the town. A bullet grazed my arm.” He tried to sit up again. “I’ve got to go after them before they get too far.”

  Quinn placed her hands on his good shoulder. “That all happened yesterday, Ashe. Cal got a posse together and they’ve gone after the men. They’re not back.”

  His brow wrinkled. “Yesterday?”

  “Yes. Cal brought you here and I’m taking care of you.”

  “But—”

  “No buts. At first the doctor didn’t think you were hurt badly, but he came by and found you’d been shot twice and you’d lost a lot of blood. There was a bullet lodged in your side. He took it out and patched you up, but you’re going to be out of commission for a couple of weeks.”

  “I’ll be damned. I’ve got to…” Again he fell back when he tried to sit up. “Why the hell am I so we
ak?”

  “Don’t fret. You’ll be well soon.” She stood. “I made broth for you this morning. I’ll get you some.”

  “I’d rather have coffee,” He growled.

  “I’ll bring you coffee, too.”

  “Maybe it’ll make some of this pain go away if you lace it with a good shot of whiskey”

  She only looked at him and shook her head as she left the room.

  Ashe watched her yellow calico skirt swish as she disappeared. He took a deep breath, thinking things could be worse. At least, Quinn was the one looking after him. As that thought sank in, he smiled.

  Yep. I’ll sit back and let Miss Quinn Stockton sooth my aches and pains.

  Then his thought turned around.

  I can’t do that. It’s my job to catch the outlaws. I can’t sit here and flirt with this pretty woman while they strike again. Unless Cal and Beck could luck up and catch them today, I’ll need to head out tomorrow.

  He moved and pain spread across his body. He winced.

  Maybe I’ll have to wait a little longer than tomorrow to go after the thieves.

  He didn’t have time to think longer. Quinn came back with a tray in her hand. She sat it on the table beside his bed and spread a linen towel across his chest. She then put a collection of pillows behind his back. “Can you feed yourself?”

  “Of course,” he mumbled as he breathed in a faint whiff of lilacs. He wondered if she realized how close her breasts were to his chin. Even in his weakened state he was tempted to press his head against her, but reined in the urge before he embarrassed her.

  * * * *

  “Good.” She turned to place the bowl in his hands but he’d drifted off to sleep.

  “Yeah, you can feed yourself, big boy.” She put the bowl on the tray and removed the towel from his chest. “I’ll bring it back when you can keep your eyes open.” Of course he didn’t answer and she picked up the food and left the room.

  An hour later, Quinn finished hemming the skirt and was folding it when Ashe opened his eyes.

  He frowned. “Did I go to sleep?”

  “Yes, but you need to rest as much as you can.”