“Lola, for heavens sake, listen to what I have to say!”
“Alright, my love. Come in and I’ll listen to anything you want to tell me.”
“I’m not coming in. I’m only here to deliver a message.”
She threw her head back. “What message?”
“Sims Truman has regained consciousness. He’s asking to see you.”
* * * *
Ashe knew Lola would be surprised, but he wasn’t expecting her to turn deathly white and grab the door for support. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.”
He watched her take a deep breath, but he didn’t say anything.
Finally she said, “I wonder why he wants to see me?”
“I wondered the same thing.”
She seemed to be recovering. “Are you jealous of him, Ashe?”
“Don’t be silly. I have no reason to be jealous.”
“Don’t be too sure. Your brother wanted to stay here yesterday, but he thought it would upset you.”
Ashe wanted to tell her Cal didn’t stay because he would never be interested in a woman like her when he had Deborah Stockton, but he held his tongue. Instead he said, “Nothing you could do would upset me, Lola.”
“I don’t believe you.”
“I don’t give a damn whether you believe me or not. Now, I’ve delivered the message. Maybe you should go see Sims.”
“Can’t you come in for a little while?”
“No. Hank drove me here in his buggy and he’s waiting for me.” Without another word, Ashe turned and hurried across the yard to the buggy.
“What did she say?” Hank asked as they pulled away.
“Scared the hell out of her when I told her Sims wanted to see her. I could see it in her eyes.”
“Do you think she’ll take the bait?”
“Probably. Are Beck and Cal in place?”
“Yep. It’s all set up.”
“Thanks for the help, Hank.”
“I want to get this settled. I’m working on some plans of my own.”
“Oh?” Ashe looked at him.
“I’m not ready to talk about it yet, but I may be changing some things in my life.”
“I won’t pry, but whatever it is, I hope it works out for you.”
“Thanks, Ashe.”
The men rode back to the center of town in silence.
* * * *
Cal and Deborah sat on her front porch drinking coffee and eating the cherry cobbler she’d made for him.
“This is great.” He grinned at her.
“I remembered you liked it the night we went to supper.”
“Are you always so thoughtful, Deborah?”
She blushed. “I try to be.”
He grinned wider. “You’re going to make a wonderful wife and mother someday.”
She grew redder and mumbled, “I hope so.”
After a slight pause he said, “Have you ever thought you’d like to get married and have children?”
“Of course. I think all women dream that will happen for them.” She gave him a quick look. “What about you, Cal? What do you want?”
“I want the same thing, Deborah. A wife to love me and give me children. Then I’ll settle down with her on a nice little spread of my own. The folks would like for us to get married and move back to their ranch, but I think we’re all too independent for that. I wouldn’t mind living near them, but not on Dad’s land.”
“It’d be nice to be near family.”
He sat his empty dish aside. “That was wonderful.”
“Would you like some more?
“I’m full.” He finished off his coffee and put the empty cup down. “Do you think you’ll ever want to go back to Philadelphia?”
“At first, I thought I would, but not now.”
“Oh?”
“I’m beginning to like the west, Cal. I’ve met some wonderful people. There’s nothing left for me in Philadelphia.”
“Do you think you’d like to live on a ranch?”
“I’m sure I’d adjust to it.” She eyed him.
“I think you’d make a wonderful ranch wife.” He wondered if he should go ahead and propose to her. After all, she was the woman he wanted to take back to Wyoming as his wife.
Before he could decide, a door slammed down the street. He glanced in the direction of Lola Norwood’s house. Sure enough, she was coming down the street. He was sure she’d be heading to town as they thought she would. He now had to put his thoughts of a life with Deborah aside and concentrate on the plan Ashe had laid out for them.
Stretching he said, “Looks like your neighbor’s heading out for a stroll.”
“She goes in and out a lot.” Deborah laughed. “I wonder if she’s going to the shop to harass Quinn. She seems to get pleasure out of that.”
“Doesn’t like the fact Ashe has an interest in Quinn, does she?”
“She keeps telling Quinn Ashe is going to marry her.”
“Let me assure you, Ashe has no intention of ever marrying Lola Norwood.”
“Are you sure, Cal?”
“I’m positive enough to stake my life on it.”
“That’s good. I don’t want to see my sister hurt.”
Lola was now passing in front of the house. She glanced in their direction than jerked her head around.
“Not very friendly, is she?” Cal chuckled.
“No. She never speaks to us unless she has to. When she comes in the shop she will mutter to me, but she ignores Quinn except to say something about marrying Ashe. She’ll talk to Marlene, but that’s only because she likes the way my sister sews.”
Cal pulled his watch out of his shirt pocket. “It’s about time I got back to work. I told Ashe I wanted to spend the whole afternoon with you, but he said unless I wanted to get fired, I’d better get my a— I mean myself back to the office by two.”
Deborah raised an eyebrow at him and in a teasing voice she said, “If you hurry you might be able to catch Mrs. Norwood.”
He shook his head. “I don’t want to catch Mrs. Norwood. Why do you think I’m stalling?”
She giggled. “She’s a beautiful woman, Cal.”
“Maybe so, but she’s sure not my type.”
“Oh?”
“She was giving Ashe a fit at the office the other day. He wanted to get rid of her and asked me to walk her home.” He took a deep breath. “I walked so fast I was panting by the time I got back. I told Ashe he’d better never rope me into anything like that again.”
“I’m surprised she didn’t invite you in so you could rest there.”
“She did, but I wasn’t about to get caught in her trap.”
Deborah grinned. “I’m glad.”
He raised his eyebrows at her. “You are?”
She nodded.
“I’m glad you feel that way.” He stood and offered her his hand. “She should be to Main Street by now. Let me help take these dishes inside. Then I’d love the honor of walking you back to the shop.”
Chapter 33
Milburn Wheeler looked up when Lola came into his office. “What can I do for you?”
“I was told Sims Truman wanted to see me.”
The doctor came from around his desk. “I’m not sure he’s still awake, but come on and we’ll see.”
She followed him down a short hall and into a small room on the right. She walked up to the bed and looked down at the unconscious man.
“He’s asleep,” she said.
“Looks like he’s out again. It’s been like this for a couple of days. “He’ll open his eyes, say a few words, then he goes right back into unconsciousness.”
“So, I’ve made this trip for nothing?”
The doctor shrugged. “Maybe you could sit here for a while and see if he comes to.”
“Do you think he will?”
“Who can say? I told you he goes in and out.”
“Has he been talking?”
“Some. Of course, most of what he sa
ys makes no sense.”
“Tell me what makes no sense.”
“He’s called your name a couple of times. He also keeps saying, ‘Lola must know when’ and ‘Got to warn Lola.’ Does that mean anything to you?”
She flipped back her blond hair. “Why should it? As you said, it makes no sense.”
“I’ve got to go to the boarding house and re-bandage the Gunter kid’s arm. He’s the one who was shot during the bank hold-up. Do you want to stay here or come back later?”
Lola took a deep breath. “How long will you be gone?”
“Not more than thirty or forty minutes.”
“Then I guess I’ll stay here for a little while.”
“Want me to give you a key in case you have to leave before I get back?”
“You lock the door?”
“Sure. I get all kinds of patients. Some are hunted men. I find it best to lock them in when I leave.”
“Then give me a key. I’ll bring it back to you whenever I’m in town.”
“Good. I don’t want anyone seeing me coming to your house to get it. My reputation, you know.”
“You son-of-a-bitch.”
He laughed. “Sorry, Lola, but I know how things are on Denver Street.”
“Give me the damn key and go.”
The doctor tossed her a key and headed out the door. In a few minutes, the outer door slammed and Lola knew she was alone.
She turned back to the bed. With hands none too gentle she punched Sims in the shoulder. “All right, Sims, wake up.”
He didn’t move.
“Damn it, I said wake up. I have to know what you’re saying to these people. I can’t let you ruin everything.”
Sims was still unresponsive.
“You better wake up and talk to me, you bastard. You’re going to be sorry if you don’t.” She paused, but when he remained still she went on, “All right, have it your way, you fool. I’m not going to let you mess up my plans. If you don’t wake up in two minutes and talk to me, I’m leaving.”
He was still silent.
Lola spoke one more time. “You’ve been duly warned and I’m going to do what I have to do. I should smother you with your pillow, but I’m afraid the doctor would be suspicious. I know a better way and nobody will be the wiser. I’ll arrange for your demise tonight and it’ll never be questioned. I’m good at that sort of thing. When he killed Fred for me, nobody ever thought it was anyone except a disgruntled miner. When your visitor gets here, he’ll make sure you never again mutter those things that make no sense to anyone except me.”
* * * *
When he heard the outside door slam, Beck stood and stretched his full six-feet-three inches. Squatted in the corner behind the screen hadn’t been comfortable, but it had been worth it. Ashe was right. Lola Norwood was up to the tip of her pretty nose in these robberies.
Ashe had been right about something else. She was capable of doing anything to keep from being discovered. They needed to get someone here to guard Sims Truman tonight. Though Doc said Sims would never recover, at this point he was still alive. They needed to see nobody murdered him before his time.
As soon as he was sure Lola was out of sight, Beck slipped down the stairs and headed for Ashe’s house. When he arrived he found Ashe, Cal and Hank at the kitchen table drinking strong coffee.
“Cal saw her leave her house as soon as Hank and I came back to town.” Ashe looked at Beck. “How’d it go with you?”
“Better than I expected.” He walked to the shelf and picked up a cup. “Let me get some coffee and I’ll tell you all about it.” He filled his cup, sat down and recited the one-sided conversation Lola had with the unconscious man almost word for word.
When he finished Ashe said, “I’m glad my intuition was right and Sims was her bank connection. I’m sure she’ll send someone to kill Sims tonight. Someone has to be there.”
Cal looked at his older brother. “Your instincts were right again, Ashe. Lola Norwood is the criminal you thought she was.”
Ashe shook his head. “I knew she was crooked, but I never dreamed she killed her husband.”
“I’m glad you didn’t really care for her, Ashe,” Hank said. “I know she’s a beautiful woman, but you deserve better.”
“I agree,” Beck put in. “Ashe thinks because he was duped by one deceitful woman, he doesn’t deserve happiness.”
“If you’re honest with yourself you’ll find happiness is closer than you think.”
Ashe frowned at Hank. “What does that mean?”
Hank kind of smirked. “You’re a bright man. Figure it out.”
Ashe shook his head and said, “As I said, we have to have someone with Sims tonight. I’ll go.”
“That’ll never work, Ashe.” Cal said. “You’re still recovering. I know it isn’t likely, but the man could take you. Beck and I should go.”
“I hate to admit it, but you’re probably right. I can’t see myself hunkered down for any length of time.”
“Then, we’ll do it, but you get the screen tonight,” Beck said to Cal.
A knock on the back door interrupted the conversation.
Hank was closest so he opened it. “Come in, Doc. Want a cup of coffee?”
“Sure.” He pulled out a chair and sat down. “Did you learn what you wanted to at my office?”
Ashe nodded. “Sure did. I appreciate your cooperation.”
“I didn’t mind, but that damn woman forgot to lock the door when she left.”
“I noticed.” Beck laughed. “I saw you coming down the street, so I didn’t think there was any danger of leaving it unlocked.”
Hank handed Milburn a cup of coffee.
“Beck and Cal will need to be at your office tonight, Doc,” Ashe said. “We expect Lola Norwood to stage an attempt on Sims Truman’s life. Can we move him to another room?”
“Sure. I have a couple of rooms behind my office. We can put him there.” He glanced at Ashe and started to say something, but Ashe spoke first.
“Don’t say it, Milburn Wheeler. I’ve been seeing the woman because I was suspicious of her. I don’t care if she does say it was more, it wasn’t. She means nothing to me.”
“Glad to hear it, Ashe.” He chuckled. “I guess that means I can’t pursue Miss Quinn Stockton.”
“You damn right, it does.” Ashe’s voice was sharp.
Hank frowned and everyone else laughed.
“All right, that’s enough. Let’s get tonight’s plan firmed up. I don’t want anything to go wrong.” Ashe sat his cup down. “Beck will be on the bed as Sims and Cal will be there to make sure nothing happens to him. I’m going to station myself somewhere out of sight near the bottom of the steps.”
“I’ll be at the saloon, but I’ll keep a sharp eye out.”
“Thanks Hank.” Ashe looked at Milburn. “Is there something you could do to keep you away for the night?”
“Mr. Willis almost lost his arm when his wagon pinned him down while he was trying to change a wheel. I can ride out there.”
“Good. When you get back to town, come here. I’ll leave the door open. When we have everything handled, we’ll come back here.”
“I appreciate that, Ashe.” He chuckled. “I guess you’ve seen me shoot.”
Ashe shook his head. “No I haven’t. I’ve never seen you carry a gun either. I figured it wasn’t one of your strengths.”
“I’m from Chicago. What do you expect?”
They all laughed and continued to plan the night.
Chapter 34
Leaving Ashe’s house, Hank had a lot on his mind. He knew the Gunter family planned to leave on the morning stage and he knew Ina didn’t have any other boarders, with the exception of Winnie. During their last conversation, the woman had hinted she was ready to give him an answer to his marriage proposal. Now that the Montgomery brothers were about to finish up their assignment in Tornado, he expected Cal to ask Deborah to marry him.
There was no doubt in his mind his
niece would say yes. He was happy for her. Cal was a good man and he’d make Deborah a good husband. And if his instinct was right, it wouldn’t be long until Beck proposed to Marlene. He’d be happy for her, too.
But Quinn and Ashe’s relationship gave him pause to wonder. He was almost sure it would be better if Quinn looked in another direction for a husband. Maybe Milburn Wheeler. He’d indicated this afternoon he’d like to see more of Quinn. And Wes Monroe had shown an interest, though he was still at his father’s ranch recuperating from the shooting.
Probably the best thing that could happen to his youngest niece was for Ashe to finish up his job here and head out. If he didn’t, he might end up breaking the girl’s heart. And Hank wouldn’t like that.
He shook his head. His nieces were women, not children. He was going to have to back off and let them handle their lives. He would be here for them if they needed him. It was now time he started handling his own life.
He decided tonight he was going to ask for Ina’s answer, but first he knew he had to level with her about the horrible mistake he’d made as a boy. If she was to be his wife, she deserved to know all the bad as well as the good.
When he rounded the corner leading to the boarding house, he spied her in the fading light working in the brightly colored flowers beside the front steps. “Hello,” he called before getting close enough to scare her.
She looked around and smiled up at him. “Hello, Hank.”
“I’m sorry I’m interrupting your work, but I sure would like a glass of your good lemonade.”
“I’ll be happy to get you one. It’s time I went in anyway.” She laughed. “I love working in my flowers and often find myself out here even when the sun is gone.”
“Their beauty shows it.” He offered her his hand and she took it. “Do you have any new boarders coming in?”
“No. The Gunters have packed up and plan to leave on the early stage to finish their tour of the west. Then it’ll only be Winnie and me.” She smiled at him. “I have some leftover pie. Would you like a piece?”
“Sounds great. Ashe wants me to help out with something later, but I have time.” He glanced down at her and added, “First, I’d like to talk with you, Ina. Could we go for a walk or something?”
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