Unending Devotion

by Jody Hedlund

  His gut wrenched with anger. He didn’t need to ask Lily what she’d done. It was clear. Her unusual acquiescence to his and Stu’s plans, the silence of the night before, the hesitancy.

  She’d been planning the escape. She’d intended to leave without any of them knowing it.

  Even the kiss. It had been a good-bye kiss. He was certain of it.

  And now, what had happened? Had she been hurt? Why was she turning to them now, unless something had gone wrong with her plan?

  At another shout, this one nearer down Main Street, she shuddered. “We need a place to hide and fast.”

  Before he could speak, she pushed past him, dragging Daisy in her wake. “Hurry. Close the door before Carr’s men see us.”

  Fear swirled with the anger roiling through his stomach. “What in heaven’s name do you think you’re doing?”

  “Shh.” She peered over her shoulder to the blackness of the night. “They’re already out looking for us. They know we’re nearby.”

  He clicked the door closed as quietly as he could. Then he grabbed hold of her arm and pulled her toward him. “Are you crazy?” His voice was a harsh whisper.

  She squirmed under his grip.

  He gave her a shake. “You could have gotten yourself killed.”

  A man’s voice called out from across the street, and she jumped. Daisy gasped and grabbed Lily’s arm. Lily quickly slipped her arm around Daisy and pulled her against her side.

  Footsteps drew nearer and paused in front of the door.

  They huddled together, not daring to move or talk or breathe.

  Heavy breathing came from just outside.

  Connell could only shake his head in frustration.

  His mind conjured images of Lily in the hands of one of Carr’s bouncers. Even worse was the thought of what Carr would do to her if he ever caught her. He’d witnessed the bloodied faces and bruised bodies of shanty boys who’d faced Carr’s brass knuckles.

  After several long moments, the footsteps moved toward the front window. Light from the searcher’s lantern spilled through the window.

  They shrank against the door, flattening themselves so that the light couldn’t touch them. Except for Daisy’s shaking, they stood in frozen silence.

  Finally, the light and the footsteps moved away.

  Next to him, Lily’s body slackened.

  “You should have waited for me,” he whispered.

  “And get you and Stuart into trouble?”

  His heated response died.

  The warmth of her breath hovered between them. “No. This was the best way. I’ll take the full blame for Daisy’s escape. Neither of you will have to suffer now.”

  “I was willing to help you, Lily.” At least that’s what he’d told himself over and over. But would he have carried through with the plans Saturday night? Would he really have been willing to sacrifice so much—even his life—if needed?

  “I know you were willing,” she whispered, leaning into him. “But you and Stuart wouldn’t have been able to get her. Not your way. You would have only gotten yourselves killed.”

  “You could have gotten killed too.”

  “But I’m willing to die for her. She’s the only family I have.”

  “She won’t have anyone if you’re gone.”

  “We’ll be okay. I’ll take Daisy far away, someplace where Carr won’t ever be able to find us.”

  He wanted to tell her that he couldn’t bear the thought of her dying. Or leaving. But he knew he had no claim to her, that she could do anything she wanted.

  She trembled.

  “You’re freezing.” He wanted to rub his hands over her back and arms and warm her up. But with a painful swallow, he stepped away from her. “I’ll get you and Daisy blankets.”

  “What’s going on here?” Stuart’s sleepy voice came from the stairway. He held up a lantern with one hand and rubbed his half-open eyes with the other.

  “Put out the light,” Lily said, glancing to the front window.

  But Stuart lifted it higher, bringing the front room to life with its clutter of papers, the crooked sampler on the wall, and the scattering of mismatched dirty socks. The light seemed to shine directly on Daisy, illuminating Lily’s coat, which couldn’t adequately cover her bare night shift and long slender legs.

  “Quick.” Lily waved at the light. “Extinguish it before anyone sees it.”

  Stuart rubbed his eyes as if he were still half asleep.

  “I’ve got Daisy.” She reached for her sister. “And if Carr’s men see the light, they’ll know we’re here.”

  Stuart’s gaze locked on Connell. “What are you doing down here without your clothes on?”

  Connell glanced down to his union suit. He hadn’t stopped to think about pulling on a shirt and pants.

  Stuart frowned.

  “If you snuff the light you won’t see him,” Lily said, her tone laced with irritation.

  At the distant bark of a dog and the shout of one of Carr’s men, Connell took three steps toward Stu, grabbed the light, and with one puff blew out the flame.

  Darkness descended over them.

  “What’s happening?” Stuart asked again, this time his voice more alert.

  “I’ve got to get Daisy out of town.” Lily edged toward the window and peered out. “But I don’t want to chance trying to make it down Main Street—not now with Carr’s men out searching.”

  “I don’t understand.” The perplexity in Stuart’s question echoed the confusion churning through Connell.

  He didn’t know what was wrong with him, but he loathed the idea of letting Lily go, letting her ride out of his life. What if she went someplace where he couldn’t find her?

  In hushed tones she explained how she’d managed to get Daisy out of the Stockade and how she’d planned to borrow Oren’s cutter.

  “If one of you will go get it for me,” she said, “then we can be well on our way before dawn.”

  “If Carr’s men see one of us riding through town,” Connell said, “they’re going to know we’re up to something.”

  Lily gave an exasperated sigh. “What do you suggest then? That we walk through town in broad daylight and catch a ride on the Pere Marquette?”

  “Oh, Lily,” Daisy said softly. “Maybe this is all too dangerous. Maybe I should just go turn myself back in.”

  “No!” Lily’s whisper was harsh. “Don’t even think about going back. I’ll keep you safe. I promise.”

  “Carr might be a cruel bastard,” Daisy whispered. “But he didn’t hurt me as long as I did everything he asked me to do.”

  “You’re not going back. Not now—now that you’re finally free.”

  “Maybe I can tell him you forced me to it.”

  “Daisy! Stop! How could you even say such a thing? Don’t you want to get away?”

  “Yes.”

  Connell’s insides twisted like the logs going through the giant circular saw blade at the mill. How could he keep Lily safe?

  He knew one thing. He wouldn’t let her step a foot outside the door by herself. And he certainly couldn’t let her ride out of town in Oren’s cutter. Carr would track her down within the hour.

  What other choice did he have besides driving her out of town himself and taking her somewhere safe?

  “What about one of your horses?” Lily asked. “If you get us a horse, we’ll take that instead.”

  Stuart looked out the window to the livery down the street. “I’ll go get mine.” But even as Stuart said the words, more footsteps echoed in the street outside the house.

  Lily jerked Daisy back with her against the door. Connell crouched and prayed Carr’s men weren’t coming back to break down the door.

  The footsteps and voices passed by, but Connell’s fingers were at his sheath nonetheless.

  After several minutes of silence, Lily finally whispered to Stuart. “Go now. If you bring the horse around to the back of the house, we’ll meet you there.”

  Connell b
uried his face in his hands. Stuart would throw himself onto the point of a dagger if Lily asked him to.

  Cautiously Stuart peeked out the window again.

  Connell shook his head. “It won’t work, Lily. You won’t be able to make it out of town. And if you do, they’ll be on your trail before you’re halfway to Clare.”

  She turned to Stuart. “Do you have a gun?”

  “Sure—”

  “Then we’ll be just fine.” She lifted her chin in defiance. “I’ve had to outrun bouncers before.”

  The razor-sharp saw blades in Connell’s gut whizzed faster. He had to do something to save Lily. And now. But if he did, what would that mean for his future? For McCormick Lumber? For everything he’d worked so hard to achieve for the company?

  “Let’s go,” she said. “We can’t waste any more time.”

  With a groan, Connell stood and reached for her. Through the dark his fingers found hers, and he captured them within his.

  She stopped, and this time she didn’t try to pull away from him.

  “I’ll take you,” he whispered.

  Her fingers trembled. “Take me?”

  “I’ll drive you and Daisy out of Harrison.”

  “You will?” Her question was breathless.

  “Yes.”

  Her grip tightened.

  The strength from her touch seemed to move up his arm and through his body. It swirled through the sawdust of his insides and finally landed in his heart, infusing it with resolve. And with something he’d never felt before. He didn’t know what it was. All he knew was that he couldn’t let her ride out of his life. Not yet. Maybe not ever.

  “I’ll make sure you and Daisy are safe. I’ll take care of everything.”

  At his soft promise, she sagged against him as if the weariness from her long night and the dangerous escape had finally settled upon her.

  “You and Daisy stay here until I come for you.” Even as his mind went to work formulating an escape plan, he tugged Lily’s knitted hat from her head, letting her long hair spill in disarray down her shoulders.

  She didn’t resist.

  He combed the curls away from her neck, letting his fingers revel in the silkiness. He bent his face into a handful, breathing in the scent, as sweet and thick as maple sap after a boiling. “While I’m gone, please don’t do anything impetuous.”

  “Me? Impetuous?” Her voice had a hint of a smile.

  He might have grinned if the situation hadn’t been so dangerous. As it was, he tugged her closer. “Promise me you won’t try to do anything more on your own.”

  “I promise.”

  “I’ll be back later.” With the firm self-control he’d cultivated over the years, Connell let go of Lily, dragged his fingers from her hair, and took several steps away from her.

  Now wasn’t the time to hold her again. He’d only end up thinking about the kiss they’d shared and how much he’d liked it.

  Nothing good would come of dwelling on the intimacy. Especially not when he needed a clear mind, keen instincts, and solidness of purpose.

  There was too much at stake for him to fail.

  He couldn’t bear to think what would happen to them all if he did.

  Chapter

  19

  Midmorning, Connell drove his team of horses hitched to the box sleigh around the back of Stuart’s house. He’d filled it with the usual weekly supplies from Sturgis’s Grocery and General Store—sacks of beans, cornmeal, potatoes, and barrels of flour. He hoped no one besides Mr. Sturgis would realize he was three days early for his usual pickup and delivery to his camps.

  He jumped from the high seat of the sleigh and glanced around to the scattering of other houses with the same weatherworn, peeling paint. They’d likely been white several years ago when they’d first been built. But now the boards were a dirty gray—the same color as the slush mixture that sat in lumps along the dirt streets.

  He hadn’t noticed before just how shabby and sleazy Harrison looked.

  With narrowed eyes, he surveyed the Stockade. From the outside, everything was placid and silent—just as it always was during daylight hours.

  But every place he’d gone that morning, everyone had talked about how Bella had run away during the night. And Carr was apparently handing out favors to anyone who could give him information about the girl or Lily. Apparently he’d put the rumors together and figured out Lily’s involvement.

  Connell had no doubt Carr’s men were still out searching.

  He tossed a canvas over the load of supplies and then turned toward Stuart’s house. His muscles were tight, and he prayed no one would suspect him.

  “Where have you been?” Lily met him at the back door, her brows wrinkled.

  At least she’d kept her promise and stayed in the house as he’d asked.

  “I couldn’t rush anything and draw attention to myself,” he said, stepping inside and closing the door behind him. “And of course I had to calm Vera and Oren down without giving away my escape plans. They’ll be safer not knowing.”

  She nodded, and the worried lines on her forehead eased.

  “Are you ready to go?” He peered past her through the kitchen to the front room, where Daisy lay curled on a faded settee.

  “Stuart found an old skirt and blouse that belonged to his wife.” Lily followed his gaze and her expression softened. “At first Daisy didn’t want to wear them. She thought they were too big and unfashionable. But I finally convinced her to put them on.”

  “No need to worry about fashion at a time like this.”

  “I offered her mine too, but apparently what I wear is even less fashionable.”

  He’d never paid much attention to her attire. “It doesn’t matter what you wear. You’re always beautiful.” The words slipped out before he could stop them. He ducked his head, but not before he caught sight of the smile that tugged at her lips.

  Fingers of heated embarrassment grabbed his neck. Why had he gone and said something like that? What was coming over him?

  “We need to be on our way,” he said quickly, starting across the kitchen, hoping to hide the color that was making its way to his face. “Before anyone sees the sleigh outside and starts to wonder why I’m here.”

  She followed him into the sitting room and bent over Daisy. “Connell’s back, my dear.” She smoothed Daisy’s hair away from her face, revealing features that were as smooth and pretty as Lily’s. It was a wonder Carr or Maggie or some other shanty boy hadn’t made the connection between the two sisters—that Tierney had been the one to see it.

  Daisy stirred.

  Lily combed her fingers through the girl’s hair. “Wake up, Daisy. We need to be on our way.”

  After a bit of coaxing, Lily finally managed to rouse the girl. In no time they were bundled in buffalo-skin blankets and ready to go.

  He hid them under the canvas among the supplies, tied down the covering, and started on his way, doing his best to act like he was on a regular ride out to one of his camps to deliver supplies.

  He took the tote road north out of Harrison, knowing he had to stay as far from the main roads as possible. The indirect route would make a longer ride for the women, but heading north around Budd Lake was the safest.

  His heart didn’t stop pounding in tempo to the horse hooves until after they made it over the border into Gladwin County. Even then he didn’t allow himself to take a break until they’d gone ten miles east of Harrison.

  He found a wayside tavern and refilled the coal warming box he’d brought along for the women. Briefly, he let them get out and stretch before starting on their way again.

  There was only one safe place he knew to take Lily, only one person in the world he trusted to take care of her as well as he would. He’d pushed the horses hard, trotting them at a brisk pace all day. And when they finally reached the outskirts of Bay City, night had fallen.

  “Where are we?” Lily’s voice was groggy. Thankfully, she and Daisy had slept most of the long d
ay.

  Daisy was still asleep and snuggled between them on the front bench of the sleigh where he’d finally agreed they could sit.

  “We’ve only got five more miles now.” The soft jingle of the Swiss bells that hung from the horses’ collars kept an easy rhythm with the swish of the blades in the snow. A quarter mile to the east, past the edges of the few remaining pines, lay Saginaw Bay and beyond that Lake Huron. It was frozen and lifeless now. But once it thawed, it would teem with ships from far and near coming to transport the bounty of the lumber camps and sawmills to ports in Chicago and the East.

  Lily sat straighter. Through the darkness in the distance, they could see the first flickering lights of the city. “Are we safe?”

  “Carr wouldn’t dare come this far after you.” At least he hoped.

  She didn’t say anything for a long moment. Then she reached across Daisy and found his gloved hand underneath the blanket on his lap. She squeezed it. “I know you’ve risked a lot today, doing this for us. Thank you.”

  He’d tried not to think about how much trouble the rescue was going to cause him. He’d told himself that Carr wouldn’t find out about his involvement, that no one needed to know why he left Harrison in the busiest part of the lumber season. He’d consoled himself with the instructions he’d given to Stuart to tell anyone who asked: He’d had to leave for a family emergency.

  But his insides had frozen into crusted ice, leaving an unshakable chill in the depths of his soul. He reminded himself he hadn’t done anything wrong, that he’d only stood up for what was right. If Daisy wanted to leave her life of prostitution, she should have the freedom to walk away from it without anyone trying to stop her.

  Carr had gone too far once again. And Stuart and Lily were right. It was past time for someone in the community—someone influential like him—to let Carr know he couldn’t get away with his vileness or his tight-fisted control of Harrison.

  Now that he’d taken the first step, surely others would follow. Wouldn’t they?

  And even if they didn’t, was it possible that God was nudging him to stop sitting back and to begin doing more to deal with some of the problems that surrounded him?