A Clear Hope (Kansas Crossroads Book 5)

by Amelia C. Adams

  Mr. Thomas nodded. “I understand.”

  As the handcar moved down the tracks, Abigail felt her exhaustion catching up with her, and she curled up in a corner and rested her cheek on her hand. “Go ahead and sleep,” Gabe said. “Everything’s all right.”

  She trusted him implicitly, so she closed her eyes, thinking she’d never be able to sleep in such a strange place, passing under countless stars, but she did, and she didn’t wake up until they stopped at the station.

  Chapter Ten

  The men from the railroad camp stayed with Gabe and Abigail until the station master arrived the next morning. Gabe hadn’t expected it, but he was glad for it. They provided another barrier against Mr. Thomas’s escape. At first, he’d been concerned that these might be friends of the accused, but the looks on their faces showed their disgust with what he’d done, and Gabe felt he could trust them.

  When the train pulled into the station, Gabe met with the conductor and verified that yes, there was a secure car on the train. He loaded Mr. Thomas into it and took up a position just outside the door, his gun at the ready.

  “I feel so guilty, having a seat in the passenger car while you’re out here,” Abigail told him. “And you didn’t get any sleep last night. Will you be all right?”

  Gabe smiled at the sincerity on her face. When was the last time someone had cared about him this much? It had been so long, he couldn’t even remember—if it had ever happened at all. “I’ll be fine. Maybe you could bring me out a drink of water after a time.”

  “I will. And if you can think of anything else, please let me know.”

  She disappeared into the main body of the cabin, and Gabe tried to get comfortable on the rickety chair the conductor had dragged out from somewhere. This was going to be a very long ride, but he couldn’t ignore the swell of satisfaction he felt. Now he had the right person. He’d done his job once again. He chuckled. He’d done it with Miss Peterson’s help.

  ***

  As soon as the train came to a halt in Wichita, Gabe paid a boy to go fetch the marshal. It wasn’t long before Timothy Thomas was loaded into the paddy wagon, headed off toward a jail cell. Abigail smiled as she watched Gabe’s shoulders relax.

  “I bet that feels good,” she said.

  “Hmm? What does?”

  “Turning the responsibility over to the Wichita office.”

  Gabe turned to her and grinned. “It does. And do you know what’s going to feel almost as good? A bed, and a bath, and some dinner.”

  “I agree.” Every one of those things sounded like sheer heaven.

  “There’s just one thing we have to do first,” Gabe said. “We need to send a telegram to Topeka and let Colonel Gordon know what happened. I’m sure Margaret is more than ready to leave the church building by now.”

  ***

  When they reached the hotel, Gabe headed straight for his room, but Abigail decided she’d like to bathe before she slept. The hotel arranged it, and she scrubbed off every speck of dirt she’d picked up along the way. She put on her remaining clean dress, asked that her other be washed, and then she tumbled into bed. She was hungry, but at the rate she was going, she’d probably fall asleep in her soup, so taking a nap first was probably a good idea.

  As she drifted off, she couldn’t help but think about Gabe. If she admitted it to herself, she hardly ever stopped thinking about Gabe. The stories he’d told about his summer with the Indian tribe fascinated her. He’d never outright said what he’d gone through as a boy or why he felt that his absence wasn’t missed when he took off into the desert, but she imagined that given enough time, he would. She just hoped their friendship, or acquaintanceship, or whatever this was would last that long.

  Now that she’d started thinking about Gabe, she couldn’t sleep. She rolled onto her back and stared at the ceiling. She’d never been good at taking naps—when the sun was up, she wanted to be up too. So, despite her exhaustion, she got out of bed. Remembering that Gabe had gotten some paper and ink from the front desk the last time they were here, she decided to write Jeanette a letter, and headed downstairs for the needed supplies.

  As she passed Gabe’s room, she had to smile. He was snoring so loudly, his door almost vibrated. Good for him. He deserved the rest.

  ***

  Gabe slept almost till dinnertime. Then he woke and took a bath. By the time he met Abigail in the dining room, he felt more human.

  “You look well rested,” she commented as she took his arm.

  “I do feel much better. You?”

  “I wrote to Jeanette and told her all our adventures. Then I was able to doze off for a little while. My mind was just so jumbled, I couldn’t sleep until I sorted everything out on paper.”

  They took their seats, and Gabe grinned at her across the table. “This is becoming quite the habit, the two of us eating here.”

  “And you’re sure Colonel Gordon is all right with paying for everything?”

  “We’re on official business. Don’t be concerned.”

  It was bliss to sit across the table from Gabe without the pressure of the investigation weighing on them. In fact, it felt like all the walls between them had been removed. He was the Gabe she’d come to know in Topeka, and she realized just how difficult his job really was. He had to remain vigilant every minute, aware of everything, while working a case, and that must wear him out just as much as going without sleep for two days in a row.

  “That was very good,” Gabe said after chewing and swallowing his last bite of steak. “I wonder, Miss Peterson, if I could interest you in an evening stroll. Or would you like some dessert first?”

  “I would be delighted to stroll with you, Deputy. And no, I don’t care for dessert, but thank you for asking.”

  They stepped out through the doors of the hotel. With the cooler temperatures created by the setting of the sun, a breeze had kicked up, and Abigail turned her face into it. Gabe reached out and caught a tendril of her hair as it escaped its bun.

  “Where would you like to go?” she asked him, looking up and down the street for interesting places.

  “With all the sitting we’ve been doing over the last few days, I’m eager to walk anywhere just for the sake of walking.”

  “Then let’s take this little street. It looks quite pleasant.”

  They passed several homes, some with gardens, some with flower beds, and some with no yards to speak of at all. Once in a while, a dog barked, but that was the loudest sound. Abigail was enjoying the silence and didn’t feel the need to clutter it up with chatter. She was glad Gabe felt the same way. After all the chaos of the preceding week, if she didn’t have a few moments of quiet, she would go mad.

  As they turned another corner, Gabe took her hand. “I’m almost reluctant to go back home,” he said, his voice husky. “These last few days with you . . . it’s been like living in another world. A world with mysteries to be solved, of course, but a world where you and I are together, sharing ideas, and I’ve enjoyed it.” He came to a stop, and so did she.

  “I’ve enjoyed it too,” Abigail replied, feeling her heart hitch a little. “But we’re needed in Topeka. We can’t stay here forever.”

  “I know.” Gabe reached out and fingered that tendril again, the one that wouldn’t stay in place. “But I don’t want things to go back to the way they were before.”

  “We were friends before. Is there something wrong with being friends?” She held her breath as she waited for his answer.

  “Yes. There are a great many things wrong with it.”

  She barely had time to take a breath before he caught her up in his arms again and was kissing her. The scent of his soap overwhelmed her, and she wondered if it had been concocted with a magical potion designed to make her go weak. When he pulled away, he looked deeply into her eyes. “Isn’t that better than just being friends?” he whispered.

  “Oh, yes. Much better.” She glanced around, suddenly realizing where they were. “Are you sure it’s appropria
te for us to be kissing in the middle of the street?”

  “I wouldn’t say we’re in the middle of the street. I’d say we’re more off to the side. And no one here knows us, remember? They can be shocked and scandalized all they want, but we won’t even be here in the morning.” He kissed her again, completely wiping away any objections she might have had. Once back at the hotel, Abigail floated to her room, hardly noticing any of the people she passed. Gabe would be picking her up for breakfast at eight, and she couldn’t wait. She realized how foolish that was—she’d just now said good-bye to him, and now she was counting down the minutes until she saw him again. Well, if that’s what it meant to be in love, she embraced it wholeheartedly.

  During breakfast, she couldn’t concentrate on her food. Gabe just looked so devilishly handsome in his blue linen shirt that she kept staring at him. Granted, it was the same blue linen shirt she’d seen him wear dozens of times, but this morning, for some reason, he looked all the better in it.

  “If you don’t eat now, you’ll be mighty hungry later,” he said, a tone of amusement in his voice.

  “What? Oh. Sorry. You’re right.” She picked up her fork and took a few more bites of egg. Had he seen her staring at him? Did he know why she was so distracted? And would it be a bad thing if he did?

  They finished their meal, and still had a while to wait for the train. Gabe wanted to check in with Deputy Earp one more time, so they headed over to the marshal’s office. Abigail thought it was a remarkably beautiful day, and commented on it.

  “It always does seem like a beautiful day after you get a case resolved,” Gabe replied, but then he reached out and took her hand, and she smiled. He knew what she was talking about. But what next? A few kisses in the moonlight—as wonderful as they were—didn’t spell out their futures. Were they courting? What did all this mean? And why hadn’t he said anything about it?

  Deputy Earp rose and shook Gabe’s hand as they entered his office, then he gave Abigail a nod. “Please, take a seat, both of you. I appreciate the fine work you’ve done on this case. I’ve spent some time talking with Mr. Thomas, as has Marshal Meagher, and we’re convinced you brought us the right man.”

  “It was our pleasure,” Gabe replied. “We’re glad to have done our part.”

  Deputy Earp turned to Abigail. “And what did you think of your first foray into law enforcement, Miss Peterson?”

  “It was fun,” she replied honestly. “But I believe this will also be my last foray. I enjoyed lending a hand where I could this time, but I have no interest in pursuing it further.”

  “That’s a shame. From what I understand, your contribution was invaluable.”

  “We’ll be taking the train shortly, but I wanted to ask a few questions before we left,” Gabe said. “One thing that kept me awake last night—was Mrs. Thomas telling the truth when she said she had no idea her husband had been in town? The lies she told made it difficult for me to believe anything she said.”

  Deputy Earp nodded. “Understandably. I spoke with Mr. Thomas at some length, and he says he never approached his own house and he never saw his wife across the way. I believe we can reasonably trust that she was telling the truth, that she didn’t know he was there. Of course, they could both be lying to keep her out of trouble, and I’m keeping that in the back of my mind as a possibility, but with the information I have right now, I’m willing to let it go.”

  “What will happen next?” Abigail asked.

  “We’ll make an appointment with the judge, and a trial will be held. Deputy Hanks, you’ll most likely be called upon to testify, as you were instrumental in the case. I hope you’re prepared to come back.”

  “Of course,” he replied.

  Deputy Earp looked at his pocket watch. “Now, I’d say you have a little time before the train rolls in. I wonder, Deputy Hanks, if you’d like to join me for some target practice.”

  A slow smile grew on Gabe’s face. “I’d be delighted. What do you use?”

  “I prefer a Remington.” Deputy Earp unholstered his pistol and laid it on the table. “And you?”

  “A Colt.” Gabe laid his pistol on the table as well, and the men took the opportunity to look over each other’s weapons. Abigail couldn’t help but smile. They were like two boys comparing their favorite new marbles.

  “I have some hay bales set up for target shooting not too far from here,” Deputy Earp said, rising and sliding his Remington back into its holster. “Miss Peterson, will you come along and keep score?”

  “Of course,” Abigail said, rising as well.

  The next hour was very enjoyably spent. Abigail found herself a place to sit on a hay bale under the overhang of a barn. A tower of bales had been set up on the far side of an empty corral, and the two deputies matched each other shot for shot, chatting as they reloaded their guns. Abigail lost count of how many bottles and cans went flying from the top of that barrier.

  “We’d best get you off to the train,” Deputy Earp said at last, wiping his brow on his sleeve. “It’s been a pleasure, Hanks. I’m glad we had this chance to work together.”

  Gabe shook the other man’s hand. “As am I. And thanks for the target practice. I’ve gotten a little rusty, I can tell.”

  “Hardly,” Deputy Earp replied. “You may be my equal, and I don’t say that often.”

  Gabe and Abigail took their leave, collected their bags from the hotel, and reached the station just minutes before the train arrived. “Thank goodness we made it,” Abigail said as they boarded.

  “Didn’t you fancy spending another night in Wichita?” Gabe teased her.

  “Well, I’m certainly enjoying the chance to spend time with you, but I’m anxious to get back home and talk to Margaret, to see how she’s holding up. And I’m sure Olivia’s more than ready to give me back my job.”

  Gabe chuckled. “Well, from what I understand, the pastor planned to eat all his meals at the hotel while Olivia filled in for you, and I imagine he’s eaten better this week than he has since he and Olivia got married. Maybe he’d like us to stay gone a while longer.”

  Abigail laughed. “She’s getting better. Honestly, from her first attempts to now, there’s a huge difference.”

  “That frightens me. It truly does.”

  As the train left the station, Abigail settled back in her seat with a sigh. Gabe’s fingers soon wrapped around hers, and she closed her eyes and slept.

  Chapter Eleven

  Margaret flew through the front doors of the Brody Hotel and gathered Abigail in a tight hug. “Thank you,” she said in Abigail’s ear. “Thank you so much. If you hadn’t believed in me . . .”

  “You’re more than welcome.” Abigail returned the hug and then stepped back, glad to see the color in Margaret’s cheeks. “You look like you’re feeling better.”

  “I am. Of course, when Colonel Gordon came by the church and told me I’d been cleared, that did me a world of good.” She looped her arm through Abigail’s, and they walked up the steps to the hotel. Gabe had said he’d collect the bags, and Abigail assumed he’d be along shortly. “I just can’t believe it was Timothy. He was always such a kind neighbor—it’s hard for me to imagine him killing anyone.”

  “Anger and betrayal will bring out the worst in us,” Abigail replied. The two women sat down in the parlor. Abigail couldn’t help it—she glanced around the window to see if Gabe was on his way yet.

  “I take it more happened than just a murder investigation,” Margaret said, nodding toward the window. “Where is the deputy?”

  “Getting our bags. And yes, you could say that other things happened.” Abigail’s cheeks warmed—when would she ever stop blushing when she was embarrassed?

  “What sorts of things? Was our good deputy not on his best behavior on your trip?”

  “No, no, nothing like that. Except . . . well, I’m not sure.”

  Margaret looked at her expectantly. “Come on. Out with it.”

  “But I want to hear about you,” A
bigail protested.

  “We can talk about me anytime. We need to talk about you before the deputy gets here. Now, what happened?”

  Abigail glanced toward the dining room, where a dozen or so passengers from the train were being seated for their meal. She couldn’t see anyone standing near enough to overhear. “He kissed me. A couple of times. And he held my hand, and it was wonderful, but he hasn’t said anything about courting or what happens next or anything. So yes, something happened, but I don’t know if it means anything.”

  Margaret reached out and squeezed her hand. “Of course it means something. He’s an honorable man—he wouldn’t kiss you if he didn’t care for you.”

  “I hope you’re right. Oh, here he comes now.” Abigail stood and met Gabe at the door.

  He handed over her bag, then nodded at Margaret, who had come into the foyer behind them. “How are you feeling, Mrs. Smith?”

  “Much better. Thank you so much, Deputy. I owe you my life, in every sense of the word.”

  “I’m glad I could help. Ladies.” He tipped his hat, and then he was gone. He didn’t even step inside the hotel, but stayed on the porch. Abigail didn’t know what to make of that.

  “He’s just tired from the trip,” Margaret said consolingly. “And I’m sure you are as well. Why don’t you take your things upstairs and rest for a little while? Olivia’s in the dining room, so you can leave everything to her. And Harriet will clean up after her.”

  “You’re right. Sleep sounds wonderful.” Abigail turned toward the stairs, her bag in hand. “But after I’ve rested, you and I need to talk, all right?”