Birdie's Nest

by Linda LaRoque

  It would be so easy to lose herself in this man, forget her goal, but she couldn’t. She had to save her home. She broke the kiss and tried to smile, but the expression wobbled on her face and she choked out, “I thought we were going to take a drive.”

  He caressed her cheek as his thumb caught a tear and wiped it away. His blue eyes dark with concern and longing made her wish things would be different. “What is it sweetheart? Why are you crying?”

  She caught his hand and kissed the palm. “I can’t fall in love with you, Tad, no matter how much I want to. I’ve got to buy land and build a house.”

  The furrows in his forehead eased somewhat. He kissed her lightly and then nuzzled her ear. “Come on before we cause a scene out here and set tongues wagging.”

  She couldn’t resist a wet snort. “You don’t think they are already?”

  “No, I’ve not heard anything, and believe me, Mother would have boxed my ears if I was anything other than circumspect.”

  “You mean she wouldn’t be offended by that kiss out here on a public road?”

  He winked. “If she saw it she would.”

  Birdie laughed and turned her attention to the river and the land that followed its path. She grabbed Tad’s forearm. “Can we stop up ahead?”

  “Sure.” He pulled the buggy onto the grass by a For Sale sign. “Is this far enough?”

  Breathless, she gasped, “Yes.” After he set the brake she jumped down from the surrey and strode past the sign into the grassy field.

  Before she could get far he was beside her and tucked her arm through his. “So, this is the place, huh?”

  Her heart in her throat, she nodded and looked around.

  “It is beautiful,” he allowed. She smiled and nodded again. He looked thoughtful. “I bet it gets a wonderful breeze off the river.” Then, his brow furrowed. “Did your home ever flood due to rising water?”

  She managed a squeak. “Yes…several times in its earlier days. But over time, the river was rerouted and Birdie’s Nest wasn’t as close to the water.”

  “That’s not good.”

  “No, it’s not, but this time I’ll build it farther back so rising water won’t be a worry.”

  He chuckled. “Pretty sure of yourself, aren’t you?”

  “I have to be. Don’t you see, if I don’t, no telling where Aunt Patty will end up living.”

  They walked back to the buggy and Birdie noted the real estate agent’s name and the amount of acreage available. Thirty acres, exactly what they started out with before selling off some of the land. She wanted to jump for joy. Maybe her plan would work out after all. She tapped the sign. “I’m going to stop by the office tomorrow and see how much they’re asking for this property.”

  “Do you think you have enough saved?”

  “I don’t know. I have close to a thousand dollars, but I hate to spend it all.”

  “Maybe the owner will let you make payments.”

  That would be perfect. She had three jobs now and was doing pretty well financially. Though she didn’t work much at the school, she was working with the ladies from the Reservation. Detective Ethan insisted she wear a long cloak with a hood. They worked in the basement of one of the houses. “I’ll ask them tomorrow.”

  If she could stop spending money on clothes, it would help. The cool weather required that she buy a warm cloak and now she needed a couple of warmer dresses. There was no end to expenses. Plus, she wanted to buy her own horse. She’d given up on the idea of moving out. When moving was mentioned, Olivia insisted there was no need as Birdie had a home with them.

  Tad took her arm and looked up at the sky. “We better get home. It will turn colder here soon.”

  Once they were in the buggy, Tad reached back and lifted a blanket from the back seat. “Wrap up in this if you get cold.”

  “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” He released the brake and turned the surrey around in the road. When they were on the road leading out of town, he took her arm and tugged. “Scoot over here closer and keep me warm.”

  It was chilly so she inched nearer and threw one end of the blanket over his shoulders and twined her arm with his. “Warmer now?”

  He winked. “Yes, indeed.”

  Her heart thumped in appreciation. This man tempted her like no one ever had before. Oh, she’d had relationships, but none held the charismatic lure he did. “What am I going to do with you, Tad Lockhart?”

  “Well, sweetheart, you could take my courting seriously. Why don’t we take a picnic lunch out to one of my favorite spots on the ranch this Saturday if the weather is nice?”

  She would like to see more of his property, what all ranching involved. “All right, on one condition.”

  He cocked an eyebrow. “And what would that be?”

  “You help me pick out a mare Friday afternoon. It’s time I bought my own horse.”

  “You have a deal.”

  * * *

  Birdie couldn’t believe her luck. The agent told her the land she wanted was being sold for $600.00. “Would you like to ride out to see it?”

  “I saw it yesterday and it’s beautiful…perfect…just what I want. Now, we are talking about the parcel where your sign was posted, aren’t we?” Be her luck to buy some land and it wasn’t the property she wanted.

  “Yes, miss, right on the Brazos River, approximately one mile north of the suspension bridge. Thirty prime acres.” He pulled out a surveyor’s map so large it covered most of the counter. “Here let me show you the exact location.”

  Sure enough, they were talking about the same place. Six hundred dollars? Birdie couldn’t believe her good fortune. Maybe land didn’t cost as much as she thought in this era, but she’d expected to pay a lot more.

  “I’d like to buy it and will pay cash.”

  His bushy eyebrows rose in surprise. “Without even seeing it? Young woman, you need to go out and walk every inch of the land before you buy the property.”

  Maybe he was right. “All right, I’ll do that, but will you let me pay down on it so no one else can buy it?”

  “Sure thing. How much will your deposit be?” He lifted a receipt book from underneath the counter and started filling in the form.

  “One hundred dollars.”

  “That’ll be fine.” With his pen, he tapped the map. “See, it’s written right here. This is parcel ten. Thirty acres is written right there. I’ll put the details on your receipt.”

  When he’d taken her name and she’d signed the receipt, he gave her a carbon copy. She tucked it into the pocket of her riding skirt. She’d done it; she’d actually bought the land that was her heritage. Joy filled her and she resisted the urge to dance a jig. Instead, she grabbed the land agent’s hand and shook it eagerly. “Thank you, sir, for being so helpful. I’ll be in tomorrow to pay the remainder and pick up the deed.”

  “I’ll have everything ready.”

  In her excitement, she slammed the door too hard and the glass rattled. She looked back at the realtor and mouthed sorry.

  She mounted Molly, and spread her wool cloak back across the horse’s withers. It was perfect for the cold days and it resisted moisture. Anxious to get home and tell Tad about her good fortune, she prodded the mare into a trot. “Let’s go home, girl.”

  * * *

  Tad looked up from brushing down his horse just in time to see Birdie leap from Molly and come running into the barn. She flew at him, grabbing him around the neck. He landed on his back in the hay with Birdie sprawled on top of him. Before she could move, he caught her around the waist, held her close, and captured her lips in a kiss.

  She jerked back, rolled off him, and sat up in the hay. Cheeks flushed from the cold, her eyes sparkled like a child’s on Christmas morning.

  He winked. “Well, darlin’, this is a nice surprise. Miss me that much?”

  “No, you oaf! I’ve got good news.”

  “Well, let’s hear it.”

  “I bought the land.�
�� She grabbed his hand and squeezed. “The seller only wanted six hundred dollars. Can you believe it?”

  He sat up. “Well, no. That’s an outrageous deal. Who’s the seller?”

  Frown lines wrinkled her forehead. “I don’t know. He didn’t say and I didn’t ask.” She pulled the receipt from her pocket and handed it to him. “Does it look legit? I didn’t get gypped, did I?” She scooted closer and looked over his shoulder.

  He studied the document. “Looks legal to me and this land agent has a good reputation.” He handed the paper back to her. “I don’t think you have anything to worry about. It’s possible the agent bought it outright from someone down on their luck.”

  She plopped back down on her back in the hay. “Whew! Scared me there for a minute. I didn’t question the transaction until you were surprised about the price.”

  With her arms thrown up behind her head, Tad couldn’t help but enjoy the view where her cloak gaped open. What would she do if he reached for her waist and smoothed a hand up her rib cage to cup a breast? Probably put him a death grip like she had that cowboy at the dance. He picked up a piece of straw and twirled it in his fingers. “I’m glad you got the land. You’re one step closer to seeing your home built.” He leaned back in the hay and propped his head in his hand so he could watch Birdie’s reactions.

  Her face glowed with happiness. “Thank you, Tad. You and your family have helped make it possible, you know. You took me in and gave me a job. I can’t imagine how frightening it would have been without your family’s support.”

  With the straw, he outlined her lips. She giggled and swatted his hand away. “Stop it. That tickles.”

  “Hmm, just thinking, with your good news and all, maybe we should celebrate with another kiss.”

  She arched a brow and grinned. “Well, I guess I could bear another.” With her forefinger, she tapped her rosy cheek. “A small one right here.”

  Before she could resist, he leaned over, grabbed her waist, and pulled her closer. His noise an inch from hers, he asked, “Like this?” He moved to kiss her cheek, and then allowed his lips to trail down to her jaw before rising to her mouth. “And this?”

  Her pulse rate increased and matched the tempo of his. “That’s not my cheek.”

  “Oh, but darlin’, these lips are such a temptation.” He nibbled at each corner before claiming her mouth and kissing her in earnest. When she didn’t push him away, he deepened the kiss and explored the inner recesses of her mouth. Sweet, her taste was sweet like cinnamon rolls. Had she visited the bakery again for lunch? Her arms circled his neck and held him close, her curves crushed against his hard chest. His body craved hers, he wanted to touch every inch of her, learn the texture of her skin. He cupped a breast, amazed at the softness. Thank God she wasn’t wearing a corset. His thumb brushed across her nipple and she gasped. He couldn’t stifle the groan that rose up from his chest. “Birdie, I want you so. Why won’t you marry me?”

  “Oh, Tad, you don’t love me. A marriage can’t work without love.”

  “If this isn’t love, I don’t know what is. I’ve never wanted anyone like I do you. Honey, I think about you almost every minute of the day.” He was happiest when in her company.

  “But I don’t love you, at least I don’t think what I feel is love. Yes, I want you, I enjoy being with you, and I respect you.” She stroked his cheek. “But, I’m not sure it’s enough.”

  “How will you know unless you try, unless you give us a chance?”

  “But, I’ve got to concentrate on building my home. Surely you understand that.”

  “Of course I do.” He stood up and offered her a hand. “And I promise I’ll do everything I can to help you get it done in time, even if it means picking up a hammer and pounding nails.”

  Her eyes rounded in surprise. “You’d do that for me?”

  How could she doubt that he’d help? He was crazy about the woman. Birdie was nothing like anyone he’d ever known or was likely to meet in the future. She’d never bore him. Yes, she had a little bit of a wild streak. Well, maybe not wild, but she did things different, but in time she’d accept the restrictions of this society and fit right in.

  “I’d do anything for you, sweetheart.”

  He watched as she chewed on her lip trying to make up her mind. “I’ll give you an answer tomorrow.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Birdie sat across from Detective Ethan in his office. “None of our men on duty have seen a thing. He must know we’re out there hiding in the bushes.”

  There had to be a way to trick him. What was it? “Call them off for a few days, maybe a week, and let him think we’ve given up. What we need to do is dress up a couple of police officers in women’s clothes as bait.”

  He guffawed and pounded the desk. “I don’t know how the heck I’ll get volunteers for this duty.”

  “You’re the boss. You assign your best men to do the job. I’d be willing to dress up like one of the girls.”

  “Lord, help us. If Tad found out he’d murder you and me both.”

  “He won’t find out. Plus, we’re not married. He doesn’t tell me what I can and can’t do.”

  He shook his head, brow furrowed. “If folks found out, Birdie, they’d ostracize you.”

  She shrugged. “So be it. My goal is to catch this weirdo, not make friends.”

  “I don’t care. This is where I draw the line.” Ethan opened his desk drawer and lifted a bundle of envelopes out and placed them in front of them. With a pair of tweezers, he removed the items and placed them on a white sheet of paper. “Let’s review what we have here.”

  Two envelopes had similar gray fibers. Birdie had examined them closely under a microscope and concluded they came from the same garment and were wool. At the scene where Lila was attacked, they’d found the matching gray button, and a cigarette butt from boxed cigarettes. At the second scene, they’d found another cigarette butt and on the woman’s clothes, a tuft of hair. “Wouldn’t you say this hair is auburn, Lloyd?”

  He pulled a magnifying glass from his desk drawer and peered closely. “I believe you’re right, but I believe I see one gray strand so our culprit most likely is middle-aged.”

  “I agree,” said Birdie. She removed the small square of folded paper. With tweezers she carefully laid it flat against the paper and using the magnifying glass, tried to read the small print at the edge. It didn’t make sense to her at all. “Does this print mean anything to you?”

  Ethan studied it closely. “It’s possible it’s part of a receipt, but I can’t be sure. We’ll have to recover the rest of it to make that determination.”

  A receipt? Would they have to canvass stores and get a copy of each of their receipts for comparison? She sighed. There were a lot of stores in Waco.

  “I’ve collected several more cologne samples and none were familiar to Lila. I think I’m going to recruit Mattie to help me out.” They needed more help to scour the expensive tailors and haberdashers in town. “I believe you’d be the best person to visit the local tailors and ask about the button. Since you’re official, maybe they’ll talk to you and keep the information under wraps.”

  He nodded. “Yes, I’ll do that. So, our plan of action is to pull our men from the Reservation for, say a week. I’ll see if I can find some men to dress up for the next step of our plan.” He rubbed his chin. “We’ll plan to put the plot in motion the middle of the month.”

  * * *

  Birdie, head bent against the wind and to hide her identity, walked past the gazebo to where she had her police loaner horse tied to the hitching post. She chuckled at the ridiculousness of her situation—living in 1890, skulking around incognito. What’s so odd, Birdie? You did the same thing when undercover. She’d just finished her self-defense class with the ladies of the night.

  If she thought some of the young girls resisted exercise, they were nothing compared to the doves on the Reservation. Birdie complained to the madam on duty at the last session about their la
ck of enthusiasm. Evidently she’d met with the other house owners and tattled. There was less griping today and a little more effort exhibited. One more class and she’d be through with the group. She’d taught them basic defensive skills. What they did with it was entirely up to them.

  She tightened the girth on Brownie, and patted her neck before mounting. Some years younger than Molly, she had more spirit but Birdie had learned to control the horse. In just thirty minutes she’d be meeting Tad in front of the Pacific Hotel for a light meal before heading out to his friend’s ranch. Her stomach rumbled with hunger as her heart thumped with a need of another kind. How was she going to answer Tad’s question of last night? She could only pray the answer would strike her suddenly.

  A groom waited for her at the police stables. He took Brownie’s reins and handed her Molly’s. “Thank you for having her ready.”

  He doffed his cap. “Happy to help, miss.”

  Molly butted her with her head. “Are you happy to see me, girl? I’ll make sure you get some extra feed tonight.” She stepped up into the saddle and headed for the hotel. She leaned forward and patted the gentle animal’s neck again. “I guess you’ve heard the talk around the stable… that I’m going to buy a horse. Now, don’t be hurt. That doesn’t mean I don’t like you. I just don’t want to overwork you.” Molly tossed her head. “Guess that means you understand.” She turned Molly toward Franklin Avenue and Fourth Street.

  Tad stood outside the hotel talking with a gentleman. When she rode up, he bid the man good-bye and came to help her from the horse. Like she needed help but there was this gentlemanly thing in this era. He flipped the reins around the hitching post beside his mount Chester and took Birdie’s elbow. “Ready to eat?”

  “Yes, but you’re so dressed up and here I am in a work dress.”

  “You look just fine, sweetheart.” A grin stretching his face, he leaned in closer and spoke softly. “You want me to kiss you right here and show you how wonderful I think you look?”