Quinn's Promise

by Agnes Alexander

  “You swore you’d never come back here, Hank.”

  “Well, I am here.” When she didn’t answer he asked, “Are you going to ask me in?”

  “No. You know I’m seeing Ashe Montgomery.”

  “I know, but that’s no reason why we can’t have a little talk.”

  “I’ve said all I want to say to you. What we had is over.”

  Hank grinned at her. “My dear Princess, I’m not here to re-kindle a relationship with you.”

  “Then why are you here?”

  “Let’s go inside and I’ll tell you.”

  “No.”

  Hank turned his head and glared at her. “Who have you got in there? Is it someone Ashe should know about?”

  Lola looked flustered. “You know not! I just don’t want you in my house.”

  Hank stepped toward the door. “Well, my dear, I’m coming in whether you want me to or not. I have things to discuss with you and I don’t intend to do it on the porch.”

  She tried to stop him, but he pushed her aside and strode into the house.

  “Hank, please. Can’t you come back later?”

  “No.” He went into the parlor. “Are you going to join me or are you going to stand there?”

  She closed the door and came into the room. “Say what you have to say, then please leave.”

  “May I have a drink? I see your liquor shelf’s stocked with some fine whisky.”

  She moved to the side of the room and picked up a bottle. “What do you want?”

  He smiled at her. “Surely you remember we always drank Scotch together.”

  She poured Scotch into a crystal glass and handed it to him. “Now, say what you have to say.”

  “First, I want to ask you a question. Who’s here?”

  She stared at him. “What do you mean?”

  “I see two glasses sitting here on this table. Looks like you’ve been entertaining somebody.”

  For a moment she looked scared, but she seemed to recover quickly. “Who I entertain is none of your business.”

  He shrugged. “I wonder if Ashe would approve of this visitor.” When she only glared at him, he went on. “I guess it’s not my business, but I’m curious.”

  “Hank, if you’re going to talk about something, get on with it.”

  “I will if you’ll sit down and quit acting like a nervous spinster who’s been caught with her petticoat showing.”

  Lola dropped to the sofa and Hank took a chair facing her. “I had a visitor this morning,” he said.

  “Am I supposed to care if someone comes to see you?”

  “It was your aunt.”

  “Oh hell. What did she want?” Lola jumped up and went to the liquor shelf and poured herself a glass. “I hope you didn’t take anything the old bitch said seriously.”

  “She told me you took Fred Norwood away from her by using your old tricks.”

  “I can’t help it if Fred and I fell in love. He wanted me, not her. She was deluding herself when she thought he’d marry her. She’s nothing but a whore.”

  “My dear Princess, what do you think you are?”

  She slammed the glass down on the table. “I’ve changed and you know it.”

  Hank laughed. “You’ll never change.”

  She jumped up again and yelled, “I don’t have to take that from you. Who do you think you are anyway? You’re nothing but a broken-down gambler. I don’t see how you ever managed to get enough money to buy a saloon in this rundown town.”

  Hank ignored her tirade. When she calmed down he spoke slowly. “I see you’re entertaining, J.C. Templeton again.”

  “Hell and damnation! How did you find out? Did my whore of an aunt tell you?”

  “I see his good luck charm sitting on the table. I know he doesn’t go far without it.”

  Lola burst into tears. “What do you want from me, Hank?”

  “I’m not sure what I want, Lola. Right now, all I want is to let you know I’m watching you. Ashe is a friend of mine and I don’t intend to see him throw his life away on you.”

  She jutted out her chin and brushed the tears from her cheeks. “I don’t see how you can stop me from marrying him.”

  “I don’t have to. Ashe knows what you are. Do you think a man like him wants a wife who’s made her way in this world lying on her back and looking up at a different man’s face every night?”

  Lola picked up her glass and threw it at him. “I hate you, Hank Stockton.”

  He dodged the flying glass and stood. “Since you now know how things are, I’ll be on my way and let you get back to your visitor.”

  “You son-of-a-bitch!” she screamed at him.

  Hank didn’t answer, but went out the door laughing.

  * * * *

  “Well, well, that was interesting.” J.C. walked up behind her as she slammed the door.

  “Can you believe him?” She was still fuming.

  “Don’t let it get to you, honey.” He put his arms around her. “Come with me and I’ll make you feel better.”

  “Oh, Temp, I can’t stand the way some people treat me. I wish… I mean… I…” her voice trailed off.

  “What do you wish, my love?”

  “I wish they were dead.”

  “They? Who else are you talking about besides Stockton?”

  “My aunt. She’s here making threats, too.”

  He laughed. “Then you want me to do something about it?”

  “What can you do?”

  “I can do whatever you want me to do.”

  She looked up at him. “Can you do it without getting caught?”

  “I haven’t been caught yet, have I?”

  “I don’t want you to get in trouble because of me, Temp.”

  “Afraid if I get caught, I’ll squeal on you?”

  She glared at him.” Of course not.”

  “Then, don’t worry, baby. Accidents happen all the time. How could anyone blame me if a couple of unforeseen things happen in this backwater town?”

  “Oh, Temp, you’re so smart.”

  “Thanks, love.” He pulled her to him. “Now why don’t you show me how smart you think I am before I have to get out of here?”

  She giggled.

  Chapter 28

  The next afternoon Ashe Montgomery sat in the rocking chair and grinned as Quinn came into his room. “Hi, nurse. I’m glad you came—I’ve missed you.”

  “I was conned into coming.”

  “Oh?”

  “Beck came by the shop and said he had to go to check on something out of town and Cal was needed in town.”

  “And he asked you to come?”

  “I think he was afraid you’d do something foolish like trying to go to your office.”

  “I plan to do that tomorrow.”

  “Please don’t push yourself, Ashe. You’re up to sitting here in a chair and I’m sure you’re walking around some. That’s enough movement for the time being.”

  “No, it’s not, Quinn. I have a lot to do and I can’t do it if I hide in this room.”

  “Would you like to come into the parlor?”

  “No. If I have to sit, I’d as soon sit here.” He looked up at her and started to stand. “I’m sorry. Cal took the other chair back to the kitchen. You can have this one.”

  She put her hands on his shoulder. “Sit still. You need the chair more than I do.”

  He got up anyway. “I’ll stretch out on the bed. I’ve been up long enough.”

  As soon as he lay down, he began to nod. Quinn knew he was more tired than he wanted to admit. “You’re exhausted.”

  “I’m fine.”

  “You’re about to go to sleep, Ashe. Why don’t you give in and take a nap. I’ll sit here quietly and not disturb you.”

  ‘But I have something I want to talk to you about.” His eyes closed.

  “Why don’t you sleep a little then we’ll talk.”

  “I don’t need to sleep, but I’d really like a cup of coffee.”


  “Then I’ll get you one.”

  “Thank you.”

  Quinn was only out of the room a few minutes, but when she returned, Ashe was asleep.

  She smiled and slipped back into the kitchen, poured the coffee back in the pot and rinsed the cup. She would get him a fresh cup when he woke up.

  * * * *

  Ina Potter smiled when she opened the door. “Mr. Stockton, what a nice surprise to see you.”

  “I knew it was almost time for you to take a pie or something out of the oven for supper. I wondered if I might snag a piece.”

  “You might be able to.” She waved her hand toward the dining room. “If you want to take a seat, I’ll see what I can come up with.”

  “I’ll eat it in the kitchen.” He followed her through the door.

  “But the dining room is much nicer.”

  “But it certainly doesn’t smell as good. Is that cinnamon you’re using?”

  She grinned. “I made a couple of apple pies this morning.”

  He sat at the kitchen table as she poured him a cup of coffee and turned to cut a slice of pie. “You’re going to join me, aren’t you, Ina?”

  “If you wish.”

  “I do. I have something to talk to you about.”

  She took the chair across from him. “What did you want to talk about, Mr. Stockton.”

  “First of all, don’t you think it’s time you started calling me Hank? After all, we’ve known each other a long time.”

  “If you want me to call you Hank, I will.”

  “Good.” He took a bite of pie. “It’s as delicious as it smells.”

  “Thank you.” She eyed him.

  “Is Miss Goodspell out?”

  “Yes. She went to see about a dress Marlene’s sewing for her.”

  “That’s good. I don’t want anyone to know what I’m about to say to you. That way you won’t be embarrassed.”

  She frowned. “I hope you feel free enough to say most anything to me, Hank.”

  He nodded and took another bite. “I went to see Lola Norwood today.” When he saw the frown on her face, he added. “I wanted to warn her to leave Ashe Montgomery alone.”

  “Why would you care?”

  “Ashe is a friend of mine and I don’t want to see him hurt by the likes of her.”

  “I thought you and she—”

  “That was over a long time ago, Ina.” She nodded and he went on. “She’s wrecked a lot of lives. I don’t want to see her hurt anybody else.”

  “I’m sure the sheriff can take care of himself.”

  “I’m sure he can, too, but she might push him so far he can’t go on with the life he should have.”

  “I don’t understand, Hank.”

  He took a big breath. “The day you caught me with Lola was the worst day of my life.”

  “We’ve been through this before.”

  “I know, but I’ve been doing a lot of thinking. There are some things I need to tell you.” He drank some coffee and noticed Ina had hardly touched her pie. He went on, “I haven’t been back to see Lola until today. I kept hoping you’d give me a chance to make it up to you.”

  “You don’t owe me anything.”

  “Maybe not, but I hurt you, Ina. I know I did and I’ll regret it until the day I die.”

  “You shouldn’t, Hank. I’m fine now.”

  He looked at her a minute then said, “But I’m not. I miss you, Ina. I miss you more than you can ever know. You’re a wonderful woman and for a little while there I thought I might be able to have a regular life with you. I’m sick to my bones of women like Lola Norwood.”

  “But she’s so beautiful. I know a lot of men’s heads are turned by beauty.”

  “You may not know it, my dear, but you’re a beautiful woman, too. In fact, I think you have much more to offer a man than she does.”

  She shook her head. “Hank, I’m thirty-nine years old. I’ll be forty in three months. My hair is beginning to turn grey and I was never able to have a child. I’m no prize for any man.”

  He reached for her hand. “I think you’d be first prize for a man like me.”

  She let her hand remain in his. “What are you saying?”

  “I’m saying, I want a chance to make up to you for the things I’ve done. I want you to forgive me and if at all possible, I want you to be my wife.” When she started to respond, he added, “Don’t say anything now, Ina. I won’t pressure you, but promise me you’ll think about it.”

  “Of course, I will,” she whispered.

  Hank didn’t have a chance to say anything else because the sound of the front door opening filtered to the kitchen.

  “Hello,” a female voice called.

  “Oh, dear. I don’t recognize that voice. I’d better see who it is.” She scurried out of the room.

  Ina was gone for almost half an hour. Hank wondered if he should leave He’d said all he needed to say to her and now it was up to Ina. He hoped he didn’t scare her off by telling her he wanted to marry her. He was glad he didn’t say he was thinking of selling the saloon and building a nice hotel. He’d get into that later.

  When Ina did return she said, “The Gunter family is checking in. Their boy was shot during the robbery the other day. I’ve rented them the suite your nieces used.”

  Hank stood. “I know you’re busy.”

  “I’ve already changed the rooms and they’re settling in. I do need to start cooking more for supper.”

  “I’ll come back by in a few days to see what you think of my suggestion.”

  “Fine, Hank.” She gave him a sly smile.

  He returned the smile, then leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “Thanks for the pie and coffee.”

  Before she could answer, he was headed out the door.

  * * * *

  “Oh, Marlene, it’s lovely. I never dreamed you’d do such a good job. It’s so much better than the things I sew for myself.” Winnie twirled around in her yellow striped dress. “It makes me feel ten years younger.”

  “It makes you look younger, Winnie,” Deborah said. “Marlene has the knack of designing dresses to make a woman look wonderful.”

  “You two are going to make my head swell.” She twirled again. “Where’s Quinn. I want her to see me, too.”

  “She’s gone to check on the sheriff, but she said she was sure the dress would look lovely on you.” Deborah fluffed the petticoat she held up. “I don’t know if you’re interested, but when this came in I was sure it’d be the perfect under this dress. See the pretty yellow ribbons.”

  “Oh, yes. I love it and I’ll take it.” Winnie was grinning from ear to ear. “I’m so glad you opened this shop.”

  “Now what you need is a pretty hat. Why don’t you go see what Mrs. Forester has to compliment your dress.” Marlene grinned at her.

  “I will. It’ll be the first new outfit I’ve bought myself in a long time.”

  “Then shall I wrap it all up for you?”

  “No.” Winnie turned. “I want to wear it. Let me slip into the dressing room and put on the petticoat and I’ll go over to the hat shop.”

  “Then I’ll wrap the dress you had on when you came in.”

  Fifteen minutes later Marlene and Deborah saw Winnie to the door. She was almost prancing as she stepped onto the plank walk in front of the store.

  She waved to the sisters as she started to open the door to the hat shop. She didn’t get it open. A shot rang out and blood immediately covered the side of the pretty yellow striped dress.

  Chapter 29

  Quinn made a fresh pot of coffee and cooked a roast with potatoes and carrots while she waited for Ashe to awaken. When she thought she heard some movement in his room, she hurried down the hall. Ashe was sitting on the side of the bed.

  “I must have fallen asleep.”

  “I’m sure you needed it.” She smiled at him. “Would you like some coffee now?”

  “I sure would.”

  She brought two cups a
nd dropped to the rocking chair.

  He took a drink and looked at her. “It sure is good to see you in this room again.”

  “I figured you’d be glad to not have to listen to my bossy ways, for at least one day.”

  “I got used to your bossy ways and I miss them.”

  “Well, let me see what I can boss you around about today.” Her eyes crinkled at his crooked grin. “Give me a minute. I’ll think of something.”

  “You already have. You told me I had to take a nap and I did.” He shook his head. “No other woman in the world has that kind of power over me.”

  She cocked her head to the side. “Not even Lola?”

  “Quinn, please get it through your head Lola means nothing to me!”

  “Maybe when you quit visiting her,” she snapped.

  He frowned. “How do you know? Oh, you must have seen me headed to her house.”

  When she didn’t answer, he asked, “Is that it, Quinn? Have you seen me?”

  She nodded.

  “I’m sorry.” He sat his cup on the night table and reached for her hand. “I wish I could explain everything to you, but I can’t. Not now anyway.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “One day everything will be clear.”

  There was a moment of silence.

  “Quinn, I’m not sure what’s between you and me, but I know it’s there. I wouldn’t go as far as saying it’s love, and it may never go any deeper than it is now, but there’s something between us. I feel it.”

  She dropped her head. “I feel it, too, Ashe.”

  “There are many reasons why we shouldn’t let anything happen between us. One, I’m twenty-nine years old. Too old for you. Two, you’re a lovely lady and I’ve not been with a lady in a long time, if ever. Three, I was burned badly by a woman who I thought I loved and who said she loved me.” He chuckled. “And four is probably the best reason of all. Your uncle knows I like you a little too much. He told me I wasn’t good enough for you and he dared me to get any ideas in my head about you.”

  “My uncle has no right to say anything like that.”

  He reached up and touched her cheek with his long, callused fingers. “I was going to put this off until I arrested the robbers, but I want to show you something.” He let go of her hands and looked into her eyes.