Deadlier Than the Rest

by Shirleen Davies

  Eugene had let her stay, instructing Nettie to let her help in the kitchen and garden. She had her own small room. One day Eugene had returned from Charleston and placed a package on her bed. Meggie stared at it before ripping the paper open to expose three dresses. She pulled one out, holding it to herself, and turning in a circle. It was the loveliest thing she’d ever seen.

  She ran out of her room looking for Eugene, spotting him in his study. Breathless, she walked into the room. “Thank you, Mr. Jackson. It is the most wonderful gift I’ve ever received.” Her smile lit the room, her joy at his small token so much more than he’d imagined.

  He didn’t answer, just stared behind her. Meggie made an abrupt turn to see Dodge Delaney leaning against the wall, his arms crossed. She stared at the impression he made—confident, knowing, as if he understood something no one else did. Her heart beat faster and a swallow lodged in her throat. His effect on her was unnerving.

  “Oh, Mr. Delaney, I didn’t see you there.” She looked back at Eugene. “Well, thank you, sir. They’re wonderful.” She dashed out the door as fast as she’d entered, leaving Dodge to stare after the beautiful young woman.

  ******

  Present day

  Meggie felt something tickle her face and swatted at it with her hand. A moment later it happened again. This time she opened her eyes to the first light of dawn. Morning!

  She jumped up, grabbed her quilt, and ran for the house, trying to get into the kitchen before anyone saw her. Her pace slowed when it was apparent that no one was up. The house was quiet. She crept into the kitchen, built a fire in the cook stove, and began preparing oatmeal. Moments later Nina and Ada joined her, surprised to see Meggie still in her sleeping dress.

  Ada walked up and took the spoon from Meggie’s hand. “I’ll take this. You dash upstairs and change before Jeremiah sees you.”

  Meggie didn’t waste a moment, taking the stairs two at time. Within minutes she was back in the kitchen, waiting for their husband and the girls to appear. That had been close. Her heart pounded in fear. Her disobedience hadn’t been discovered—at least not this time.

  Chapter Four

  Salt Lake City

  Connor skirted the throngs of people standing outside talking, waiting to enter the meeting hall. He knew it would be the same discussion as a few days ago, but it was the one place where numerous men of the Mormon faith gathered where he was allowed to attend. As an outsider he wasn’t allowed in their Temple.

  Unlike last time, he took a seat in the middle of the room on an outside aisle. It gave him a good viewpoint without being as obvious as he felt the week before. He spotted Parley Smith as he entered and took a seat near the front. Smith hadn’t noticed Connor. MacLaren’s eyes wandered over the other men but none fit the sketch or were as tall and muscular as the detectives had described.

  “So what would you have us do, Elder Snow, divorce our wives and push them aside?”

  “And what of the children, Elder Snow? Would they still carry our name, live in our homes?”

  The questions brought Connor’s attention back to the front. The men had genuine concerns about the new law against plural marriages, how they could abide by them and still handle the responsibilities they’d accepted with more than one wife. Most of the men in the gathering held leadership positions of some form in their church. They’d accepted the doctrine of polygamy as part of their faith, but they also understood the need to comply with the laws of the other states. Utah aspired to statehood and it would never be achieved as long as plural marriages were accepted.

  “I have three wives, Elder Snow. If I divorce my second and third wives, where will they live—how will they live?”

  Elder Snow held up both hands, palms out. “Please my friends, let us discuss your concerns and what we might do.”

  The discussions that followed were heartfelt and difficult, resulting in high emotions, confusion, and anxiety. Connor watched it all play out. Most understood the need to go along with the new law, which had the potential of garnering support for their faith from a public who’d scorned their beliefs for decades.

  There were some, however, who scorned the new law and were determined to continue the lifestyle endorsed by their leaders for years. Connor could pick out the men he thought would go deeper underground to protect their way of life. These were the ones who’d know the man he sought.

  He kept his eyes on the men he viewed as dissenters—those who’d refuse to give up their additional wives. Two groups formed. One near the front consisted of seven men. The group of eight at the back tucked into an alcove with one member peering over his shoulder to be sure they weren’t overheard. Both groups spoke in quiet tones, formulating their next steps.

  Connor stepped near one group, pretending to read the document in his hand while listening to their hushed voices.

  “We will move farther out, Robert, away from those who would persecute us.”

  “How far away can we go, David? We must travel to town for supplies and we need to have neighbors for protection.” Robert replied.

  “We can form our own community. Share trips to town and protect those left in the homes. It is better than divorce and watching our wives and children being raised by others,” the one named David replied.

  “We will speak with Moser. He lives several miles out with three wives and their children. Few settle out that far. He once said there is much more land around him that is available to farm. We will seek his counsel,” Robert suggested.

  “Ah, Mr. MacLaren. I see you have joined us again tonight.”

  Connor’s head snapped up to see Parley Smith standing beside him. He hadn’t even noticed the man’s approach. His first inclination was to ignore the man and continue eavesdropping, but he knew that would be impossible.

  “Mr. Smith, it is good to see you again,” Connor replied, still trying to listen to the conversation a few feet away.

  “I’ve been thinking about your invitation. Would you have time tomorrow? It seems it would be good if we got to know each other a little better.”

  “Tomorrow would be fine. You name the place.”

  “Shall we say Beaton’s at noon?” Parley suggested.

  “I’ll see you then, Mr. Smith.” Connor watched the man walk away then turned his head toward the group of men, but they’d vanished. He wondered if it had anything to do with Parley being so close. Smith didn’t seem like the kind of man to go underground but perhaps he knew those who did.

  ******

  Grace was late. Even though she lived just above the restaurant, she’d over slept and now hurried down the outside steps while fastening the last of the buttons on her dress. She hoped no one spotted her in the early morning light. Head down and concentrating on her task, she rounded the corner and plowed smack into an immovable object.

  “Whoa there, sweetheart, before you hurt yourself.” Strong hands gripped her upper arms, keeping her upright. Without his help she would’ve bounced back and off the wooden walkway.

  “Let go of me,” she snapped and tried to pull away, but his grip held.

  “Well, I can do that but not until you apologize for almost running me down,” Connor replied. He’d recognized her in an instant with her red hair and violet blue eyes.

  “Apologize? Are you daft? You’re the one who ran into me,” she stormed, twisting her body from one side to the other, trying to free herself.

  “Is that so?” His deep, soft voice floated over her just as it had in her dreams of him last night. He stared at her another moment then loosened his hold and stepped back.

  She took a steadying breath and brushed stray hairs from her face. Grace knew she’d turned red—heat radiated in waves off her cheeks.

  She lifted her gaze to his and licked her lips.

  Connor watched her attempts to compose herself as her skin faded from deep red to a soft, blush pink. He had to adjust his previous thoughts on her—she was a beauty. Then she licked her lips. The small movement hit hi
m like a kick to his gut.

  “You’re right,” Grace mumbled.

  He tried to focus on her words. “I am?”

  She took a calming breath before glancing up. “Yes. I ran into you, and, well, I’m sorry. I was late for work. Actually, I am late and need to leave, now.” She hurried around the corner and in through the front door of the restaurant. Passing the waiting customers, Grace dashed into the kitchen to hang up her coat, then rested her back against a wall. She took another deep breath. He was even more handsome when a mere six inches away.

  The man was tall, with broad shoulders, and a muscular frame. He wore almost all black, with a white shirt opened at the collar. His hair was dark and wavy, falling onto his forehead. Her fingers had itched to touch it and she’d found herself fisting both hands in her pockets to stop herself from acting on the impulse.

  “Gracie, you ready to work yet?” Jasper asked as he poked his head around the corner. “You all right?”

  “Yes, I’m fine. Just overslept. I’ll head out front right now.” She grabbed an apron, tied the knot, and pushed through the door to the front. Connor was just hanging up his hat when she walked in, a grin still played on his lips.

  “Hello again.” Connor looked her up and down before taking a seat. “No injuries I hope.”

  “No injuries,” she glanced at the other waiting customers. “Do you want the special?”

  “Sure, as long as it’s eggs, ham, flapjacks, and coffee.” He kept his voice low. Connor leaned back in the chair and watched her blush. God, she was pretty when she blushed.

  “I’ll get it right to you.” Grace’s voice was just above a whisper. She turned, sucked in another breath, and stepped to the next table.

  He sat, watching her, how at ease she seemed around everyone—except him. Truth was, he felt the same around her. A little off, like he was somehow disconnected from his body. It wasn’t a comfortable feeling and one he meant to shake. He had no business wanting anyone, especially someone as sweet as her.

  Chapter Five

  “Meggie! Where are you?” the girls squealed as they ran through the barn trying to find her. She’d found a great spot this time, in a pile of hay just outside the small storage closet. The girls stopped, whispering to each other, then she heard them take off again. Sometimes she’d move, to throw them off, but this time Meggie decided to stay beneath the hay. Eventually they’d find her, then the game would start again.

  Jeremiah had left before noon, taking Nina and Ada with him to a neighboring farm. A man had ridden up a couple of days ago saying they needed him at a meeting. Afterwards the women would be providing supper for everyone. Meggie had been instructed to watch the girls and not go beyond the bounds of the immediate house area.

  It had been a wonderful day, just she and the children. The chores were done, a chicken stew warmed on the stove, and the knowledge that her husband wouldn’t return for a few more hours filled her with a peace she hadn’t known for a long time.

  Meggie could hear the children in the distance, still yelling her name. She closed her eyes and relaxed under the warmth of the hay. She thought of another glorious day, years ago when she still lived in Eugene’s house.

  Charles, South Carolina, several years before

  There’d been a stream on his property. He’d escorted Meggie there several times after her work was done, asking questions, and coaxing her to talk about herself. She’d been a scared, pitiful creature when Eugene had introduced her to Ben and Nettie. Now, weeks later, she’d gained more confidence, and believed she’d found a place in his house.

  “Do you have family, Meggie?” he’d asked on one stroll.

  “Yes, I have two brothers. One is five years older and the other just a year. We lived in a small boarding house in Red Hook.” She glanced up at him and added, “That’s in Brooklyn.”

  “Yes, I’ve heard of it. A shipping harbor, as I recall.”

  “My oldest brother worked at the docks, the other apprenticed with a tool maker.”

  “You miss them?” Eugene had asked.

  “I do, but I’m sure they’ve forgotten all about me. It’s been so long since Carter’s men took me.” She stared at the rolling stream and wondered where the water stopped, if it had a destination or continued to flow in circles, like her.

  Eugene winced at her comment. He’d been told that Meggie had come to Carter willingly. That she’d run away. “So, you didn’t run away from your brothers? They didn’t harm you?”

  Meggie’s head snapped around. “Why, no. Is that what Mr. Carter told you?” Her eyes searched his. She needed the truth.

  “Yes, he did. Foolishly, I believed him.”

  They stood in silence for a long time before Eugene broke the silence.

  “Would you like me to hire someone to find them?”

  “You’d do that?”

  “Of course, Meggie. It’s not my intent to hold you here against your will. Just tell me their names, and I’ll do the rest.”

  Before she realized what she was doing, Meggie had launched herself into his arms. “Thank you,” she’d whispered as tears formed in her eyes.

  Eugene gently moved her away and offered a folded handkerchief. “Don’t thank me yet. I don’t know what luck we’ll have, but at least we’ll give it a try.”

  ******

  Present day

  “Hah! We found you,” the girls sang over and over.

  She’d lost track of time as the memories rolled through her, but now she had to get the children fed and in bed before the others returned.

  “Yes, you did find me. You are all so clever.” The girls skipped back to the house, holding hands and laughing.

  Meggie watched them lead the way and wondered how she could escape from Jeremiah’s clutches, and start a new life. She couldn’t do that without money, and she had none. Then an idea hit. Jeremiah kept money in a tin box in his study. He didn’t realize she knew what it was, but Meggie had seen him drop money into the tin a few times. Could she take the chance? What if he’d counted it before he left and checked it again when he came home? She’d make sure the tin was still where he’d hidden it, count the money, and decide if she’d take some tonight or wait.

  The girls had finished dinner and were tucked in bed. She came downstairs, lantern in hand, and checked outside. No one. The moon was still bright enough that Jeremiah would definitely come home and not stay at the gathering. Sometimes he did stay, but only when Nina was at the house, not just Meggie. She knew he didn’t trust her, and in that, he was right.

  The tin was on the third shelf up, behind his desk where he could reach it by twisting in his chair. She set it on the desk and opened it. There were coins and silver certificates, plus some other currency she didn’t recognize. Meggie counted what she could and was stunned at the amount—almost three hundred dollars. She’d just placed the lid on the tin when she heard the kitchen door fly open. She returned the tin to its place, grabbed the lantern, and ran to the foot of the stairs just as Nina and Ada walked around the corner.

  “How was it? Did you have a good time?” Meggie asked, trying to calm her racing nerves.

  “Oh, yes, it was wonderful. There must have been fifteen men and close to forty women.” Ada walked to the hall tree to hang up her bonnet. “I so wish you could’ve been with us.” She gave Meggie a brief hug before walking up the stairs to check on the children.

  While Jeremiah was occupied outside, Meggie said her goodnights to Nina and followed Ada up the stairs. Her husband would almost always leave her alone if she were already asleep.

  Except sleep didn’t come. Her mind was occupied with schemes that would lead her away from Moser. The one that kept popping back into her head involved waiting until Jeremiah was gone. Most times he’d take either Nina or Ada to worship services with the children, leaving two wives at home. Meggie was always one of them. The only time he’d taken everyone was several weeks ago. They’d gone to services, then driven straight back to the farm, not s
taying for dinner as most of the members did.

  If Nina stayed, she’d have no problem getting away without her noticing. She paid little attention to Meggie, focusing on the children and her chores. It was different with Ada.

  Meggie was close to Ada. When it was the two of them they spent their time together with the girls, doing their work and playing. It would be too difficult to leave if Ada was the one who stayed with her. Even though Jeremiah’s second wife had never been treated in the same way as Meggie, she sympathized with the younger woman, and wished there was something she could do to help. Of course there wasn’t. Ada was pleased that Grace had gotten away.

  It was an easy decision. Wait until Jeremiah took Ada to temple with the children, grab the money, and leave.

  ******

  Jeremiah unharnessed the horses from his wagon and groomed them, all the while replaying the discussions he’d had tonight with the other men. They wanted his advice—how he managed to live so far from town with three wives, continue to buy supplies, go to temple, and not draw attention. Could it be done if they formed an organized community of those who wished to continue the principle of plural marriage that Joseph Smith introduced into the church? Could they erect their own Temple, eliminating the need for all of the men to travel to town each week?

  He knew he wasn’t like most of the men who believed in the practice because it was a principle of their faith. Jeremiah also realized that the majority of those who practiced polygamy were church leaders or had relatives in a leadership position. He practiced the principle for two reasons—his half-brother was a church leader and encouraged the practice, and Jeremiah could indulge in his particular needs without drawing attention. He’d kept those needs hidden until he’d paid money to a stranger for Meggie. He expected little from her other than she bow to his wishes.

  Jeremiah finished putting the horses away and pulled out a thin cigar. He liked the ideas of a society outside the normal community. A group of like-minded men who were willing to live a quiet life away from the interference of those who didn’t understand their ways. Plus, he liked the fact that these men looked to him for guidance and leadership. He could help mold the group in a manner most beneficial to him. They planned to meet again in another week. There was much to think about before then.