“I’m afraid to get too far from the house. Winnie’s still in bed and I try to stay where I can hear if she calls.”
“Could we go into the kitchen? I have something to tell you.”
“Of course.”
Ina washed her hands, got the pitcher of lemonade from the pantry, sliced pie and placed it on plates and set them on the table. “We could go to the Parlor, Hank.”
“I like your kitchen.”
She nodded and sat down across the table from him. She seemed to be a little nervous.
Hank decided to break the silence. “Ina, you know I want you to marry me, but before you give me an answer there’s something I have to tell you.”
She looked puzzled. “What, Hank?”
He knew he was taking a chance by telling her, but he wouldn’t let himself back out. If he was lucky enough to convince her to be his wife, he didn’t want any secrets between them.
“Ina, I’ve done things I’m not proud of, but I want to confess them to you.”
“You don’t have to, Hank. I know all I need to know about you.” She handed him a glass of lemonade.
“As my wife, I want you to know everything about me so if something comes up in the future there’ll be no doubt in your mind my trusting you.” He took a deep breath, sat the lemonade aside and went on. “I came west when I was only a boy. I worked all kinds of jobs to keep myself fed. I cleaned stables, swept stores, begged on the street and even stooped to stealing. When I grew older, I worked on ranches, in towns and in saloons. In the saloons I found I could make a living playing cards.
“I was working in New Orleans when I realized I’d made enough money to go into business for myself. At first all I had was a small room where I set up some of the business men to gamble. Slowly the business grew. I added a couple of girls to entertain these men and found my customers doubled in no time. After a few years, I met a madam who had several girls working for her. She suggested we combine our business. We did and we made a lot of money. I found out she’d been taking more than her half of the profits and decided I didn’t want to stay in New Orleans. Even with what I lost to her, I was a rich man. About this time I met a woman who I thought I loved. She was beautiful and she acted as if I was the most important man on earth though I was much too old for her.”
He paused and looked at Ina.
“Do you still love her, Hank?”
“No, Ina. I never really loved her. I was infatuated with her for a while, but it wasn’t long until I saw what I was getting into. I broke it off. It hurt at first, but now I’m thankful it ended.”
Again he paused and looked at her. “The woman was the person you know as Lola Norwood. Her real name is Princess and she was one of the best paid prostitutes in New Orleans.”
Ina gasped, but didn’t say anything.
“I want you to know the day you caught me with her, I was using her as her profession. I have no feelings for the woman. Since that day, the thoughts of her disgust me. I would never sink that low again.”
“I believe you, Hank.” She patted his arm.
He covered her hand with his. “Thank you Ina.”
“I know you think you need to tell me all of this, but—”
“I do need to. Please let me go on.”
She nodded.
“When I came to Tornado, I felt I’d found a home. I began investing my money, not only in the saloon, but in several businesses in town.”
“I know, Hank. Look at what you did for me.”
“It wasn’t enough, Ina. I still feel like I need to get things in my life straight. Oh, I don’t mean I’m ashamed of owning and running a saloon. It’s a business like any other, but I’m sure you don’t want to be married to a man who runs one.” When she said nothing, he went on. “I’ll sell the saloon if you say you’ll marry me.”
“You don’t have to. Everyone in town knows you’re an honest man and nobody thinks less of you because you have the Horseshoe.”
“I’m sure it wouldn’t matter to you, but there’s something about me that may send you running away from me forever.”
She frowned. “I can’t imagine—”
“I killed a child, Ina.”
She stared at him. After a brief pause, she said, “What happened?”
He squeezed her hand. “We lived in a small town in Maryland when I was a boy. I had a twin brother who happened to sire three beautiful girls, as you know. Anyway, Rodney and I used to gather with the other boys from school and go out to the river near the waterfall. It was a dangerous place, but as ten and eleven-year-old boys, it intrigued us. There was one boy who none of us liked. Teddy White was from a rich family and he was always lording it over the rest of us. One day when we were at the falls we tired of skipping rocks, and decided to see if we could swim across the river. We chose a place about a quarter of a mile up from the falls. We were all taunting Teddy and daring him to swim across first. When he refused, I decided to show off. I made it over and back. Rodney came next. He made it, too. I was the loudest when we all started making fun of Teddy and calling him a coward. He still wouldn’t get into the water, so I told him I’d help him in.” Hank swallowed. “I had no idea the boy couldn’t swim. When we saw him sinking, we all tried to save him, but it was too late. He was swept down the river and over the falls. His body was found the next day about two miles away.”
“Hank, you were a child. You didn’t kill that boy. It was only a horrible accident. It wasn’t your fault.”
“But I pushed him, Ina.”
“He should’ve told you he couldn’t swim. I’m sure nobody blamed you.”
He shook his head. “You’re wrong. Everyone blamed me. The Whites spread so much hate around the town people began to snub the Stocktons. It wasn’t long until nobody would invite my mother to their functions and Daddy was demoted. Rodney was the only one who would speak to me at home. Mother would only hide her face and cry. Daddy yelled all the time. I guess they took all they could, because one day I came home after being beaten up by a couple boys, Mother asked me why I didn’t die instead of the White boy. Daddy said the family would be better off if I didn’t exist. Rodney tried to talk me out of it, but I left home the next day. Rodney let me know later the family moved to Philadelphia and told everyone he was an only child. I was completely cut out of my parents’ lives. Rodney and I stayed in touch, but that was the only connection I had with my family.”
“Oh, Hank. I’m so sorry.”
He looked at her with haunted eyes. “I guess you don’t want to marry a child murderer.”
Ina moved around the table and threw her arms around his neck. “Don’t you ever call yourself that, Hank Stockton. You’re no murderer. You were a child and you participated in a terrible accident, but you didn’t kill the boy.” She kissed his forehead. “I love you, Hank. I have loved you for a long time and if you want to marry me, I’d be proud to be your wife.”
He pulled back and looked at her in surprise. “Do you mean it?”
She nodded.
“Oh, Ina. I love you.” Tears formed in his eyes, but he didn’t care. Ina had said yes. As his mouth covered hers, he realized he had a chance for a happy life at last.
Chapter 35
When Lola left the doctor’s office, her one concern was how to get in touch with J.C. It was vital she get to him. Sims Truman had to die tonight. He could wake up at any time and ruin all their lives. Lola had no intention of letting him do it to her. She’d always been able to use people who’d make things turn out to her advantage. She knew she could do it again.
First thing she had to do was find Templeton. After Slim told her they were hiding at the Harper farm, she asked around town and found out it was five miles east of Tornado. She couldn’t help grinning. If Ashe had known how close the bandits were it might all be over with already. But that wasn’t important at the moment. Now she had to get to Temp.
Instead of going home, Lola headed to the livery stable. “Get my buggy ready,” she
said when the man walked toward her.
“What in the world for, Mrs. Norwood?”
Lola flipped back her head. Why did everyone in town want to know what she was doing all the time? She almost told the livery man it was none of his business, but caught herself. She didn’t want to make him suspicious.
“I heard one of the women on a nearby farm’s having trouble and the doctor’s tied up. I’m going to see if I can help.”
“That’s right neighborly of you, Mrs. Norwood. I’ll get your horse and buggy ready right away.”
In a matter of minutes, Lola was heading out of town.
* * * *
Marlene ran out of blue thread while she was sewing the shirt Ashe ordered and went to the mercantile to get more. As she returned and started in the door of the shop she saw Lola drive by without speaking.
“What are you grinning about?” Quinn asked when her sister came in.
“Our neighbor went by in her buggy. She looked mad.”
“When doesn’t she look mad when she comes by here?” Deborah asked, looking up from opening a box of new supplies. “She was probably afraid she’d see Quinn.”
“Let’s leave me out of this.” Quinn folded the petticoat Deborah handed her.
Marlene looked at her and shook her head. “Did my material come?”
“It did. Quinn put it on the shelf in your sewing room.”
Quinn frowned. “I want to know why you need so much cream-colored material. Do you have a contract for a wedding dress?”
“Not yet, but I plan to make one. Maybe more.”
Quinn lifted her eyebrow. “Might not be a bad idea. Surely there are some women in this town who have hopes of marriage.”
“I’m going to make one to fit Deborah.”
“You can’t put my dress in the window. Cal might see it.”
Both Quinn and Marlene stared at her. Finally Marlene asked, “Has he proposed?”
Deborah turned pink. “I hope he will soon.”
Quinn shook her head and went back to her folding.
Marlene said, “Don’t worry, Deborah. I’m sure he will.”
“Has Beck said anything to you?”
It was Marlene’s time to turn red. “He told me about his first wife. He loved her very much.”
“That doesn’t mean he can’t love again.”
“I know, but I think he needs time.” She turned toward the counter and changed the subject. “What about you, Quinn? If I make a dress to fit you, would you worry Ashe might see it?”
“What difference would it make?” She snapped. “Ashe has no intention of marrying anyone. He’s made that clear on more than one occasion.”
“I didn’t mean to upset you, Quinn.”
“I’m sorry for snapping. It’s only…well…”
Deborah moved behind the counter and put her arm around Quinn’s shoulder. “We understand, little sister. You’re interested in a man who isn’t returning that interest and it hurts.”
“I’m not interested in—”
Marlene reached across the counter and took Quinn’s hand. “Don’t try to fool us, Quinn. We both know you like Ashe. If you ask me, he’s a fool for not seeing you care for him.”
“Why should he? He likes beautiful blonds. I’m a short redhead who’s too opinionated for any man. Much less a man like Ashe.”
“Quinn, stop talking like that. You’re a beautiful woman.” Marlene squeezed her hand.
“That’s right,” Deborah said.
Quinn gently pushed them both aside and smiled. “Look, my dear sisters. I’m a big girl. I know there’s a man out there for me somewhere. Wes Monroe came into town the other day to see the doctor. He asked me to go to supper with him one night.”
“Oh?” Deborah looked at her as if she didn’t believe it.
“Yes—he said since he lived after the robbery, he was going to do some things he’d been wanting to do. It seems getting to know me better is one of those things.” She smiled at them. “Now can we get back to work? Deborah and I need to get all the new items priced and on the shelf before we go home, and I think you have a shirt to finish, Marlene.”
With nothing else left to say, the sisters turned to their respective jobs.
Chapter 36
“Look who’s here.” Slim looked up at Lola as she stepped from the buggy.
“Where’s Temp?”
“What do you want with him when I’m here, sweetheart?”
Lola glared at him. “Where is he?”
He laughed. “Harper rode out to the back pasture to see if the hay was ready to cut.”
“I didn’t ask about Harper. I want to know where J.C. Templeton is.”
“Keep your bloomers on…on second thought—”
“Shut up.”
He shrugged. “After daddy left, Lilly motioned for Temp to come in the house. You’ll probably find them in—”
She slapped the reins around the brake stick. “Watch my buggy.”
Without giving him a chance to answer, she marched up the steps and went into the cabin without knocking. She entered the main room which was connected to the kitchen. It was empty.
Furious, she went down the hall. The first door she opened revealed an empty bedroom. She heard sounds from the next room.
Jerking open the door she wasn’t surprised to see J.C. in bed with a pretty young girl.
“You, bastard!” She yelled at him.
The girl screamed and Templeton whirled around. His eyes narrowed. “What the hell are you doing here?”
“I’m here to save your life.”
J.C. wrapped the sheet around his waist and sat up. “What are you raving about now?”
“Who’s she, Temp?” Lilly pulled the big feather pillow in front of her naked body.
“It’s Princess.”
“Oh, your sister.”
Lola frowned. “I’m not his sister, bitch. I’m the woman who has been sleeping with him for years.”
“Oh, you mean the whore he has to keep happy.”
“Why, you…” Lola lunged toward the woman.
“Hold it.” Temp grabbed her before she touched the girl.
“Make her leave, Temp.” Lilly moved her back against the wall.
“What do you want, Princess?”
“Get your clothes on and I’ll tell you.”
Temp shrugged and tossed the sheet over Lilly. He stood and reached for his pants.
“Are you going to let her watch you dress?” Lilly cried.
He reached over and patted her arm. “She’s not going to see anything she hasn’t seen a million times.”
“I thought I was—”
“Be quiet, Lilly. I’m sure Princess wouldn’t be here if she didn’t have something important to tell me.”
Lilly puckered her mouth and tears came into her eyes.
Temp ignored her and dressed. “Now, I’m decent. Do we need to go out to talk?”
“Do you trust her?”
“Of course he trusts me. We’re going to be married.”
Lola threw back her head and laughed. “Honey, if he married every girl he promised a wedding ring just to get her in bed he’d have at least a hundred wives.”
“Let’s go talk outside.” Temp jerked Lola from the room by her arm.
When they reached the front porch, he turned to her. “Now, will you tell me what’s so all-fired important?”
“Are you going to marry her, Temp?” She batted her eyes at him.
“You tell me you’re going to marry Ashe Montgomery. Why shouldn’t I get married, too?”
She sighed. “I may have to give up the idea of marrying Ashe.”
“So the man has come to his senses?”
“Don’t say that.”
“All right. Let’s get down to business. Why are you here?”
“Sims Truman is waking up and he’s talking.”
“Damn! When did this happen?”
“I found out about it today.”
“What are you going to do about it?”
“I’m not going to do anything. You are. I have a key to the doctor’s office and he’ll be out tonight.”
“Why aren’t you going to take care of it?”
“It’s more in your line of work.” She eyed him. “You’ve never refused to do away with someone who got in your way before.”
“I don’t think I should be the one to do it this time, Princess.”
“Why not? You have as much to lose as I do. He has to be killed tonight.”
“Why tonight?”
“I told you, Temp. He’s talking. It won’t be long until he tells them all about the robberies. I can’t be involved with that.”
“Honey, you’re as involved as the rest of us.”
“But—”
“Drop it.” He looked toward the horse and buggy. “Get on home. I’ll send somebody to take care of Truman.”
“Will it be you?”
“I don’t know if it’ll be me or somebody else, but you be home so we can come there.”
The front door opened and Lilly stepped out. She wore a cotton dressing gown. “Is she leaving?”
Without a word, Lola flung her arms around Temp’s neck and kissed him passionately.
“You whore!” Lilly screamed and grabbed Lola’s arm. “Get away from my man.”
Temp pulled Lilly away. “Calm down. She’s leaving.”
Lola flipped back her hair and smiled at him, ignoring Lilly. “I’ll see you later, Temp. I’ll be wearing that silk gown you gave me because I know you like your women in silk, not rough cotton.”
“Why you…you…”
Temp turned. “Lilly, go back in the house. I’ll be there in a minute.”
“But—”
“Go on.” He pushed her back through the door and turned to Lola. “Now, you head home.”
* * * *
As Lola drove off, Temp went into the house and slid his arm around Lilly’s waist. “I’m sorry she upset you, my dear. She won’t bother us again.”
“I don’t like her, Temp.”
“Neither do I, but she knows things that could put me away for a long time. I have to play her game.”
“But you’re still going to marry me, aren’t you?”
“Of course.”
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