by Debra Cowan
She lifted her skirts to climb the two rough-hewn porch steps. Riley swiped his hat from his head and knocked. She barely had time to smooth her hair before the door was opened by a slender woman.
At least six inches taller than Susannah’s five foot three, the woman smiled, though it didn’t reach her hazel eyes.
“Good afternoon, Cora.”
“Hello, Riley.” Patting her neat brown hair, Cora turned to Susannah. “You must be Mrs. Phelps.”
“Yes.” Susannah shook Cora’s hand, marveling at the strength in her long fingers.
She stood straight and tall, putting Susannah in mind of her posture lessons from Miss Wentworth. The sun picked up an occasional gray thread in Cora’s sleek bun. Her slightly lined face bespoke someone who usually met life’s challenges with a smile.
Susannah’s heart tightened at the woman’s recent loss. “I appreciate your seeing me.”
“I welcome the company. Gettin’ a little sick of my own.”
“I’m sorry to hear about your husband. If this isn’t a good time, we can come back later.”
“No, no, come on in. Now is fine.”
Riley put a hand to the small of Susannah’s back, sending a burst of warmth through her as he guided her into the house. She stepped away once they were inside.
“Let me show you the place.” Cora closed the door behind them. “It’s not much.”
A colorful rag rug warmed the rough pine floor in front of a dormant fireplace where a kettle hung. Savory scents of meat and bread lingered in the air. “This is the kitchen and back there is our bedroom. We have a room built onto the side. Ollie did it so we’d have an extra if we ever needed one.” Her voice drifted off.
Susannah caught a flash of pain in the other woman’s eyes.
“Sometimes stage passengers rent the room,” Riley explained.
Sunlight streamed through plate glass windows on either side of the front door and two windows along the wall to her left, giving the small space ample light. Oil cloth tacked above each window could be let down for privacy.
A deep sink, complete with pump handle, stood against the far wall next to the center fireplace. From what Susannah could tell, this front room served as a gathering place for visitors and meals. She speculated that the door behind Cora led to a bedroom. On the wall to her right was a doorway covered with a long, blue calico curtain.
Cora walked over and pushed aside the fabric. “Ollie was always thinking ahead.”
“It’s a nice room,” Riley stated.
“It’s private.” The older woman patted the door frame. “If you’d like, Susannah, I can probably talk Riley into putting on a real door.”
“I’m sure this will be fine.” She moved over to stand next to Cora and look into the room that would be hers. “I don’t want to be any trouble.”
Across from her, a narrow bed stretched against the long wall. Within arm’s reach to her right, a wide washstand with two drawers held a pitcher and basin on top. A window near the foot of the bed drew Susannah. She walked over to stare out at the prairie grass. The throaty cluck of chickens sounded from behind the house. She turned, spying a wooden-framed mirror over the washstand. The three hooks on the wall beside the mirror weren’t nearly enough to hold her clothes, but she would make do.
“It’s very nice. I’m definitely interested.”
The bed was half the size of hers at home, but it looked sturdy and comfortable and clean.
“Wonderful,” Cora said. “We can work out the terms in the other room.”
“I think you should know that there will be two of us.” In an effort to still the sudden trembling in her hands, Susannah placed them on the slight swell of her stomach.
“A baby?”
She nodded, carefully keeping her gaze from Riley, who leaned one shoulder against the jamb and watched with that unsettling intensity.
“Wonderful!” the other woman exclaimed. “When do you expect the little one?”
“Sometime in February. You don’t mind about another person?”
“Goodness, no.”
“I’ll pay extra, of course.” She’d figure out a way.
“We’ll talk about that if we need to.”
“Yes.” Susannah slid a look at Riley to see if he might say anything about the baby. He stood silent, a message in his eyes that told her this was her decision.
Cora laid a comforting hand on Susannah’s arm. “Riley told me you’re recently widowed yourself. I’m sorry to hear it.”
“Thank you.”
She looked down, her conscience twinging. She didn’t like deceiving people, but she wouldn’t allow her child to be treated badly because of her foolish belief in a man who didn’t love her. “How long has it been, dear?”
Susannah froze. She hadn’t given a single thought to when she’d lost her fictitious husband. Or how. “Uh, n-not too long,” she stammered, a flush working under her skin.
“I’m sorry. The memories are probably too fresh for you to want to discuss it.”
“Yes, I’m afraid so.” At least Cora’s kindness would gain her some time.
“Susannah was supposed to meet her husband in Abilene, and arrived there to find him ill,” Riley said. “Unfortunately, he didn’t make it, but she came on to Whirlwind, where they’d originally planned to settle.”
Susannah struggled to keep the surprise from her face. She certainly hadn’t expected him to help her with her deception. His explanation was simple and easy to remember, thank goodness.
“Bless your heart,” Cora said. “You don’t have to talk about it. That will come in its own good time.”
“Thank you.”
Tears glimmered in the other woman’s eyes and she glanced down quickly. Susannah threw a grateful look over her head to Riley.
He gave a small nod.
Cora ran a hand along the edge of the washstand. A simple scroll pattern bordered both sides and was burned into the top. “Ollie made this washstand. And that bed.”
“Is there anything you need done around here, Cora?” Riley asked. He was obviously trying to change the subject.
Susannah glanced at him before saying, “Seems like Ollie could do just about anything.”
“He could.” Tears swam in the woman’s eyes and Susannah’s heart went out to her.
Behind Cora, Riley shook his head at Susannah, clearly not wanting her to pursue the topic. Her lips tightened. She hadn’t lost a husband, but she had lost her home and family. “How long were you married?”
“Thirty-five years.”
Riley’s frown deepened and he gave a more violent shake of his head. His features twisted as if he’d been seized by a cramp. Susannah shot him an irritated look. Why did he keep interrupting the widow every time she talked about her husband?
“We met in Dallas and came out here as newlyweds.”
“My goodness. Did he always drive the stage?”
“Yes.” Cora turned to Riley, her voice cracking. “Remember how you boys used to beg to drive it?”
“Yes, ma’am.” He shifted from foot to foot as if the floor had suddenly gone hot. “I think I’d better check on the chickens.”
His boots thudded heavily across the wooden floor as he walked out.
Cora wiped at her eyes and a smile touched her mouth. “He doesn’t want me to be upset.”
“Would you prefer not to talk about it?”
“I’d like to, since you asked. It’s nice having a woman around. These kinds of things make those boys uncomfortable. His brother, Davis Lee, is the same way.”
“I know what you mean. My brother can’t take his leave fast enough when subjects like this come up.”
The other woman smiled. “Let me get you some tea. You look like you could sit a spell.”
“That would be wonderful.”
Several minutes and one cup of tea later, Susannah had reached an arrangement with Cora about the room. She’d also learned that Ollie Wilkes had been killed the same
day she’d arrived. A band of outlaws called the McDougal gang had been responsible not just for widowing Cora, but also for robbing other stages and a train in Abilene, and killing people throughout Texas.
Cora was obviously hurting, but going on with her life. Susannah hoped she herself could be as strong in her present circumstances.
She paid for the first week’s room and board. “I’d like to help around here. I’m afraid I don’t know how to cook, but maybe I could help with the chickens?”
Cora tucked the money into an old tin. “No offense, dear, but do you know anything about chickens?”
“No.” Susannah smiled brightly, swallowing her uncertainty. “But I can learn. Don’t you think?”
“Of course. Let’s go out and have Riley show you.”
She followed Cora out a side door hidden in the corner next to the sink. A fence squared off a large area. A barn stood several yards directly behind the house; next to it was a fenced-in round pen.
“Chickens are in there.” Cora pointed at the rectangular building to their left.
A curse sounded from inside the long shed and she chuckled. “My hens don’t like Riley any better than he likes them.”
Here, the grass was cropped close to the ground; near the barn, it grew high enough to brush Susannah’s hem.
As she and Cora approached the barn, red dust puffing around their feet, a big, black horse appeared in the barn door.
Susannah froze, her heart hammering painfully against her ribs.
“Hello, Prissy,” Cora crooned, changing direction to stop and stroke the huge animal. A white star between its eyes was the only color on the coal-black beast. Dark eyes stared unblinking at Susannah.
Aware of the size and power of the horse, she stayed where she was, falling into step when Cora rejoined her. Even though she knew the horse was a safe distance away, she couldn’t help looking over her shoulder.
A clatter, then the angry flutter of wings sounded as Cora opened the door to the henhouse.
“Give me that egg, you witch.”
“She’s my best hen, Riley. She doesn’t like to be upset,” Cora said.
He turned, sunlight sliding through the planked roof to light one side of his face. He looked more than vexed. Susannah would’ve grinned, but she was debating the wisdom of offering to care for the chickens.
Dusting off his hands, he stepped forward into full sunlight. He gestured toward a small pile of eggs just inside the door. “You’re the only one who can handle that old grouch, Cora.”
“Nonsense.”
“What happened to you?” Susannah glimpsed a raw place on Riley’s hand and tried to squash the alarm that shot through her. “You’re bleeding!”
He glanced down, then shrugged. “The old witch pecked me.”
She fumbled in her reticule for her handkerchief. “We’d better clean it up.”
“I’m sure it’s fine.”
She took his hand, dabbing gently at the blood across his knuckles until she’d cleaned the deep scratch. As she worked slowly around the wound, she realized the air had suddenly become thick and hot. Charged.
She looked up into his eyes, saw a flash of raw hunger that tripled her heart rate. His thumb came up and covered hers. Oh, mercy!
He jerked away the same time she did, and turned to Cora. “What are y’all doing out here?”
“Susannah is going to help me with the chickens,” the older woman said.
Susannah crumpled her handkerchief and pasted a smile on her face, hoping Riley couldn’t see how his touch had affected her.
He arched a dark brow. “Do you know anything about chickens?”
“Not yet.” She lifted her chin, not liking the skeptical tone in his voice. “Maybe you’d better show me, Cora. I don’t want to end up like Riley.”
Cora chuckled. “Use a gentle touch. Just talk to them and nudge your hand under their bellies like so….” She demonstrated on a sedate looking bird. “You don’t have to try and wrangle them like a steer,” she said with a meaningful look at Riley.
He gave the widow a crooked grin, and Susannah bit back a smile.
“You try it, Susannah. This hen usually lays this time of day, though I’ve never figured out why. The others typically lay at night or early morning.”
Susannah stepped up, apprehensive but trying to copy Cora’s movements exactly. She slid her hand beneath the hen’s plump, soft belly and touched a warm, smooth surface. She drew out an egg while the bird blinked sleepily.
“Look!” She held up the object, thrilled that she had managed to retrieve it without incident.
“Good.” Cora tucked the egg into her skirt pocket. “We’ll come out again in the morning.”
As the three of them walked back to the house, the older woman invited Susannah to bring her things from the hotel and move in that evening.
Susannah smiled. “Thank you, I will. In the next few days, I’ll be able to pay you for the whole month. My brother will send me some money, and I’m looking for a job.”
“A job?” Riley halted in midstep. “Just what kind of position do you think you’re going to find in Whirlwind?”
“I don’t know.” She stiffened. “Please don’t sound so shocked. I didn’t say I was going to become the sheriff. I have excellent penmanship and I’m fair with figures. I’m sure I can find something,” she said with a lot more confidence than she felt.
“I’m sure you can, too.” Cora patted her arm and gave Riley a look Susannah couldn’t decipher.
She and Riley bade the other woman goodbye and started back toward the hotel.
“Thank you for introducing us. I think things will work out wonderfully.”
“You think the room will suffice?”
“Oh, yes. I don’t need much.”
If he disagreed, he kept it to himself. “I’ll help you move your things.”
“Thank you.” She slid a look at him, thinking about the way her nerves had hummed when he’d touched her hand out behind Cora’s house. “I appreciate you helping me with the story about my husband. I haven’t thought out everything yet.”
“You’re welcome.” He stopped in front of the Pearl. “Are you serious about finding a job?”
“I have to. I’m responsible for another person now.”
“Look, I could get you a ticket back home. Or I’m sure Adam would come for you himself, if you asked.”
Reminding herself of Riley’s help today, she tried to squelch the burn of irritation his offer caused. “I’m not going back to St. Louis. I appreciate your help in finding me a place to live and I can tell I’m going to love Cora, but I think I can handle things from here.”
“Are you telling me to mind my own business?”
Heat flushed her cheeks, but she held his gaze. “I wouldn’t put it so bluntly, but…”
“All right, but if you need anything, let me know.”
“I appreciate the offer, but I’ll be fine.”
“Life out here can be pretty unpredictable.”
“You’ve made it plain you don’t think I’ll last, but you’re wrong.”
He stared into her eyes for a long moment, then touched the brim of his hat. “Let’s get your things and get you out to Cora’s.”
“I’m sure I can manage.”
“I’ll help you.”
“It will take me awhile to pack—”
He was already walking into the hotel.
Puffing out an exasperated breath, she followed, staring a hole in his back. It wasn’t hard to see why he got along so well with Adam. Men!
Chapter Five
All the next morning and into the afternoon, Riley tried to shake thoughts of Susannah, but they clung like a cobweb. Until yesterday, he’d managed to stay away from her for three days. He’d agreed to mind his own business. Maybe being left alone was the only way she’d realize she didn’t belong here. Maddie had been determined, too. And she’d paid a steep price for it. Riley would hate to see that happen to Susa
nnah.
He glanced down at the still-red scratch across the knuckles of his right hand. The memory of her touch on his skin, her scent drifting around him, had his body going tight. She was a fine piece of woman and he didn’t have any business thinking about her.
He stepped up on the stall slat he’d just replaced. Even though it held his weight, he cussed. His concentration was shot clean to hell and supper was still two hours away. Joe and Cody Tillman, the father and son who worked as Riley’s ranch hands, were stringing fence in the south pasture, and would probably stay out there again tonight. He might as well go to town and check on that pump part he’d ordered.
An hour later, Mr. Haskell looked at him as if he’d asked to try on a bonnet. “That pump part won’t be here for at least a month, Riley. It’s coming from back East. Didn’t I tell you that the other day when you ordered it?”
“Did you?” He thumbed back his hat, trying to recall.
“Is there anything else I can do for you? Need any supplies?”
“No, I’m all set.” He glanced over his shoulder and out the large plate glass window, turning slightly when he caught sight of Cora rushing past the store. “Maybe some peppermint. A quarter pound. Thanks.”
Mr. Haskell measured out the sweets, wrapping them in brown paper. “Here ya go. That’ll be a nickel.”
Riley handed him the coin and took his candy as he moved away from the counter.
Cora was alone and covering ground fast. Holding her hat onto her head, she rushed as if she were being chased, into the sheriff’s office.
Something had happened. The McDougal gang? Susannah?
Riley strode over to the jail, stepping inside in time to hear Cora say “…should’ve been back by now.”
“I agree,” Davis Lee said, rising from his chair behind the desk. “Abilene is a trip that can easily be made in one day.”
“What’s happened?” Riley shut the door, noting the frantic look on Cora’s slightly lined features.
“That’s what I’m trying to find out,” his brother said.
“Susannah headed out to Abilene this morning and she hasn’t returned.”
“Why did she go to Abilene?” Riley and Davis Lee asked in unison.
Riley’s brother shot him a look, but he ignored it and kept his gaze on Cora.