The Engagement Charade

by Karen Kirst

  Gatlinburg’s sheriff and deputy were seated at the table near the stairs, nursing mugs of strong coffee and wearing matching inscrutable expressions.

  “What are you two thinking?” Alexander wanted answers. No, he wanted Ellie here. Safe and happy.

  Ben fiddled with his Stetson where it rested on the tabletop. Beside him, Shane sipped his drink and sighed. “I’m afraid you won’t like what I have to say. From what you’ve told me, Ellie was very upset. So much so that she left the holiday celebration early and didn’t return.”

  “You’re saying I drove her to make a rash decision.”

  He held up a hand. “I’m saying that someone in her position might look at an invitation like the one she received as a tempting solution. An escape, you might say.”

  Alexander groaned and passed a weary hand over his face. The thought of Ellie traveling all that distance alone, and in her condition, made him crazy. He couldn’t accept he’d never see her again.

  “Fine. I’m going after her.” He had one foot on the bottom tread when Ben spoke up.

  “Wait.” Scraping his chair back, he pushed to his feet. “Before you pack your bags, there’s one more thing we should do.”

  Shane arched a single brow. “What’s on your mind?”

  “She would’ve had to hire a driver in a hurry. Let’s pay Mr. Warring over at the livery a visit.”

  “Can’t hurt.” The sheriff grabbed his hat and stood. Thanking Margaret for the coffee, he strode for the exit. Ben followed suit.

  “I’m going with you,” Alexander said in a voice that brooked no argument.

  “Me, too,” Margaret piped up.

  He paused on the threshold. “I need you to stay here, sis. In case she shows up.”

  June came alongside and put her arm around her. “Why don’t we whip up a batch of cookies? It’ll give us something to occupy our hands while we wait. And I’m sure the men won’t complain.”

  Nibbling her lower lip, Margaret nodded. Alexander reached over and gave her a quick hug. “I’m sorry your trip was delayed, but I’m glad you’re here.”

  “I would’ve worried myself silly if I’d left.”

  He pulled away. “You sent the telegram?”

  “Thomas and Lowell know I’ll be arriving later than expected.”

  “Good.”

  Hurrying out the door and into the sunshine, he caught up to the lawmen halfway down the alley. Impatience rode him. Where was Ellie now? Was she okay? The need to hold her, to profess his feelings, had become a desperate ache.

  At the livery, Mr. Warring greeted their group with wariness. He listened to Shane’s explanation of the information they sought and denied any knowledge of a sudden departure involving a pregnant woman.

  “What about your employees?” Shane said. “Mind if we talk to them?”

  “Durwood’s the only one working today.” He jerked a thumb toward the rear entrance. “He’s out back unloading grain sacks.”

  Murmuring his thanks, Shane led the way through the stable and to the rear alleyway behind this side of Main Street’s businesses. The Little Pigeon River flowed between steep banks, with the mountainside rising up sharply behind it.

  “Afternoon, Durwood,” Shane greeted, going over to relieve the young man of his burden. The hefty sack hit the pile with the others.

  “Sheriff. Deputy.” His wide gaze bounced between the three of them. Propping his gloved hands on his waist, he said, “Something the matter?”

  “I’d like to ask you a question or two. That’s all.”

  Losing some of his apprehension, he wiped the sweat from his brow with a hanky. “Sure.”

  He gave a description of Ellie. “Did you happen to see her around anytime today?”

  His attention shifted to Alexander for the slightest second before snapping back to Shane. “Couldn’t miss a lady like that. She came in around ten o’clock asking if I knew of a driver for hire.”

  Denial rose within him. He took a step forward. “What did you tell her?”

  Durwood spat a stream of tobacco in the dirt. “I didn’t know of anyone, but the mercantile’s regular delivery man from Sevierville was fixing to leave. I told her to ask him for a ride.”

  “Where was Mr. Warring?” Ben said.

  “With a customer.”

  Shane nodded in the direction of the mercantile’s exit stairs, which were visible from their vantage point. “Did you see her leave?”

  “I didn’t see her ride out of town, if that’s what you’re asking.” He indicated the sacks. “Mr. Warring keeps me busy every minute. Last thing I know, she was walking toward the delivery wagon.”

  Shane thanked him for his cooperation. Alexander was tempted to linger in this last spot where Ellie had been, to pepper the worker with more questions, but Ben clapped him on the back and urged him onward. They stood in the shade of the livery roof.

  “I’m sorry, Alexander.” Shane wore a frown. “I know this isn’t the news you wanted to hear.”

  “She hasn’t been gone long,” Ben pointed out. “Still time to go after her.”

  Alexander stared at the mountains framed by pale blue skies and grappled to accept she’d actually left without saying goodbye. “Maybe it’s best if I don’t. She clearly wants distance between us.”

  “There’s a chance she’ll get to Sevierville and have a change of heart,” Shane offered.

  “Yeah. Maybe.”

  There was no hiding the despondency in his voice. It bled through, permeating his entire being. Ellie was gone. His second chance at love, of having a home and family, was slipping through his fingers, and he didn’t know what to do about it.

  * * *

  Ellie stared at the rafters overhead and prayed for sleep to claim her. Three nights she’d been in her old bed, and not once had she slept for more than an hour stretch at a time. Her lack of rest, combined with her constant state of anxiety, couldn’t be good for the baby. She lightly rubbed her stomach, comforted by the periodic kicks and pokes her little one doled out.

  Shifting onto her side, she squinted to make out the gold numbers on the silver clock face. A deep sigh escaped. Four o’clock. Another hour to go before Ralph would rise to get a head start on the day. Nadine’s promises had seemingly been forgotten. While she rose far earlier than in the past, she expected Ellie to fall into their previous routine. Ellie was used to doing chores, but her fragile emotional state made even the simplest of tasks seem insurmountable.

  A single tear slid onto the pillow.

  “Oh, Alexander,” she whispered, her heart aching to see him.

  He dominated her thoughts. It hurt to think what he must be feeling. She kept reliving their last moments together and imagining a different outcome. Perhaps she wouldn’t be trapped in this living horror story if she had set aside her pride and told him how she truly felt.

  A floorboard creaked, followed by a shuffling sound.

  Ellie’s heart thudded heavily. Pushing the covers aside, she sat up and placed her stocking feet on the ratty rug by the bed. Her fingers dug into the ticking, the dry straw crunching inside.

  Muted footsteps drew nearer and halted. Inch by inch, the privacy curtain was slid to the side. The bearded face peering at her registered in the darkness.

  “Ralph,” she gulped. “What are you doing?”

  Edging close, he put his finger to his lips and glanced back over his shoulder. “Shh. Nadine’s a light sleeper.”

  He sank onto the end of the bed, and Ellie popped up, moving until her heels hit the wall. Her brother-in-law used to be on her side—not overtly, but quietly, behind the scenes. That had changed since her return. He fed into his wife’s deranged desire for a child, discussing plans in front of Ellie, emphasizing her complete lack of power.

  “I
didn’t mean to frighten you.”

  She crossed her arms, chilled physically and mentally. “What do you want?”

  “To reassure you.” Pinching his nose between his fingers, he said, “I’m going to get you help as soon as I’m able.”

  Cold air crept up her nightgown. Goose bumps riddled her skin. “You’ll understand why I don’t believe you,” she accused in a high whisper.

  “My wife is ill.” His shoulders slumped. His voice carried the weight of grief and disillusion. “I’ve been aware of her deep need for a baby. I just never thought she’d go to this extreme. I won’t allow her to keep you here against your will, but I have to be careful. She’s in a fragile state, Ellie. I’m not sure what would happen if she found out I was helping you.”

  A match flared in the living room. Ellie cringed.

  Ralph leaped to his feet. “Nadine!”

  The flickering flame cast the blonde’s face in a disturbing light. Her eyes looked wild.

  “You’ve been pretending all this time?” she accused, devastation wracking her. “My own husband lying to my face? Coddling me like an errant child?”

  Ellie’s knees threatened to give out.

  Ralph slowly approached. “Listen to me, sweetheart.”

  “Don’t call me that,” she spat. Digging in her pocket, she retrieved a knife and flicked the blade out. Her hand shook. “Don’t come near me.”

  He kept the sofa between them. “I may not agree with what you’re doing, but husbands and wives have arguments sometimes. Doesn’t mean I don’t love you, Nadine.” Gesturing behind him, he said, “This isn’t right. We can’t hold Ellie here like a criminal.”

  “You don’t understand.” She shook her head. “You never have.”

  “Let her go. We’ll figure this out together.”

  Nadine’s gaze landed on Ellie, who remained still and passive. Please Lord, convict her heart and mind of the injustice of her actions. Protect me and my baby.

  Nadine jutted her chin. “Leave this house, Ralph.”

  “What?”

  “You heard me. I don’t want to see you right now.”

  “You’re being rash. Let’s have breakfast and a cup of coffee, then we can sort through this.”

  “First I’m ill. Now I’m rash?” Teeth bared, she advanced with the knife out, moving in Ellie’s direction. “If you don’t leave my sight, right this minute, I’ll have my pa run you out of town with nothing but the clothes on your back. Our marriage will be finished for good.”

  He rounded the sofa toward the door. “Promise me you won’t hurt Ellie.”

  By this time, she’d reached Ellie’s makeshift bedroom. “Leave!” Her scream rent the air.

  Ellie jumped. With one lingering glance, Ralph hurried out the door, abandoning her to his wife’s whims.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  “Alexander.” June wiped her hands on her apron and motioned him in. “Have you heard from Ellie?”

  His heart heavy, he held his hat in his hands and entered the living room. Being here was more difficult than he’d thought. “I don’t have news. I—I’m not certain why I came.”

  “You wanted to feel close to her,” she surmised. “I understand because I miss her, too.”

  He nodded and glanced around, looking for what, he couldn’t say.

  “Can I get you tea? Coffee? Or milk?”

  “No, thank you.” Surprisingly, his ulcer hadn’t flared up. “I’m not thirsty.”

  She situated herself on the rocker by the fire. “Your sister get home okay?”

  He remained standing, restlessness eating at him. “I assume so. She’s supposed to send me a telegram. I expect to hear tomorrow, or Tuesday by the latest.”

  “Will you be following her out there soon?”

  “I’m considering it.”

  He was reluctant to leave Gatlinburg. Something inside nagged at him. He was being foolish, of course. She’d been seeking a way out of town and had obviously found it.

  Silence descended. June set the chair to rocking and stared out the window.

  “I have a strange request,” he blurted.

  She turned her wise eyes on him. “Shoot.”

  “If you don’t mind, I’d like to look through her room. I understand it’s already been looked at, but I...”

  “You’d like to be sure we didn’t miss anything.” Levering herself upward, she motioned for him to precede her. “I don’t mind at all. Look to your heart’s content.”

  “Thank you, June.”

  “No need to thank me.”

  She remained in the doorway while he scanned the dresser’s surface and inspected the drawers. There was nothing beneath the bed, no clues in the cedar chest. After fifteen minutes of searching, he acknowledged it was a fruitless search.

  “There’s obviously nothing to find,” he said at last.

  “Give it time. I believe she’ll get to her destination and realize she has unfinished business here. She cares about you, Alexander.”

  “Kind of hard to believe right now.”

  They reentered the living room. Alexander’s downcast gaze caught a glint of colored glass. He bent to pick it up.

  “Break something recently?”

  Twisting on his haunches, he held it out for June to inspect.

  Brows drawn together, she scrutinized the green-hued shard before turning her attention to the cabinet against the wall. “I can’t believe I didn’t notice it before.” She touched an empty spot. “I had a decorative bowl sitting right here. It’s gone.”

  “Apparently someone tried to hide the fact it got broken.”

  “We both know Ellie wouldn’t have done such a thing.”

  Alexander stood to his feet and as he did so, noticed a groove carved into one of the wall logs. He passed his fingers over it. “What happened here?”

  “I’ve no idea.” By now, June’s expression was as grave as his likely was.

  “Something gouged the wood. A knife or sharp object.” Examining it further, he discovered the damage was deeper than he’d thought. “June, I think a bullet was discharged in here and lodged in the wall.”

  Worry darkened her eyes. “If that’s so, Ellie didn’t leave on her own.”

  Fury momentarily blinded him. Smashing his hat on his head, he strode for the door. “I’m an idiot for not going out to that cove to check for myself!”

  “But what about that livery man? His account backs up what Ellie wrote.”

  “Some people will do anything for the right price.”

  Slamming out onto the porch, he freed his horse and mounted up.

  “Be careful,” she called after him. “And bring Ellie home safe!”

  “I intend to.”

  He couldn’t cope with any other outcome. Alexander rode hard and fast into town, sliding from the saddle in front of the livery and hollering for Durwood. Warring and the handful of men inside stared in wary surprise.

  “What can I help you with?” The livery owner separated from the group.

  “Durwood,” he snapped, slapping his hat against his thigh. “Where is he?”

  Movement out of the corner of his eye distracted him. The young man must’ve heard the commotion.

  “You there!”

  Durwood bolted toward the service lane alongside the river. Alexander pushed through the knot of men and raced after him. They’d reached the mercantile when he caught a fistful of his shirt material, jerked him backward and shoved him against the wall.

  “You didn’t speak to Ellie, did you? You’ve probably never even met her. Who paid you to lie?”

  Panting, he jutted his chin. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  There was a telltale glint of unease in Du
rwood’s eyes that contradicted his claim.

  Anger collided with fear. He shoved his face close.

  “She’s pregnant and alone and in grave danger. If something happens to her, you’ll swing from a tree.”

  Beads of sweat popped out on Durwood’s forehead. His gaze swung to the men who’d followed them.

  “What have you done, Durwood?” His boss, Warring, addressed him.

  He paled. “I didn’t know she was expecting. I—I thought it was harmless.”

  “Who was it?” Alexander fought the urge to take his frustration out on the younger man.

  “Some blonde woman. Tall. Blue eyes. Kind of rough-looking.” He grimaced. “She came to me and offered coin if I’d tell you a story.”

  Alexander released him.

  Nadine. He should’ve known. Should’ve at least gone to the cove to rule it out.

  God please, I can’t lose Ellie. I’d never recover.

  He jogged to the café to retrieve his pistol and rifle.

  Please give me a second chance to tell her how much I love her.

  Back at the livery, he strapped his rifle to the saddle and mounted his horse.

  There’s nothing I’d rather do than be Ellie’s husband, Lord, and be the best father possible to that baby.

  “Copeland!”

  Alexander blinked the moisture from his eyes and, twisting in the saddle, spotted Ben riding his direction.

  “I don’t have time to socialize, Ben.”

  “I heard about Ellie.” Beneath his hat brim, his expression was stark. “I’m going with you. Shane will catch up.”

  Grateful for the assistance, he thanked him.

  Ben reached over and gripped his arm. “We’re going to bring her home. That’s a promise.”

  Alexander couldn’t speak for the emotion clogging his throat, so he settled for a nod. They both knew there were no guarantees she was safe. They were clinging to faith, hoping and praying God had His hand of protection on her and her baby.

  * * *

  Dusk was settling in, another day in captivity drawing to a close. Tonight would mark her fourth night in this cabin, only Ralph wouldn’t be around to temper his wife’s madness.