by Diane Ashley
❧
Asher threw his pillow on the floor, relieved that the sky outside his bedroom window was finally beginning to lighten. It had taken him a long time to fall asleep last night, and he had not enjoyed his normal restful repose.
Haunting dreams had featured a disappointed Rebekah shaking her head and calling him heartless right before she was attacked by a wild-eyed Indian brave. No matter how hard he’d tried to save her from harm, by the time he reached her, she was dead. And when he turned to wreak vengeance on her attacker, the Indian faded into the shadows and disappeared.
He pushed back the bedcover and got up. One thing was for certain. Once all of this mess about the Marshall farm had been settled, he was going to Rebekah’s home and ask for her pa’s permission to marry. He had been foolish to put the matter off. That was the real reason Rebekah was unhappy with him. Never mind that he felt it was rushing things. If his Rebekah wanted to have their relationship formalized, he would do it.
So what if they had to live with his parents for a few months until he could put together enough resources to buy or build a home fitting the position they would hold? Look at Alexandra’s relatives. Several married children lived with her grandmother at Tanner Plantation.
As he dressed, Asher got more and more excited about the idea of approaching Mr. Taylor. He couldn’t think now why he had not done it sooner. He bounded down the stairs to tell his parents the exciting news before going to collect Wohali and Colonel Lewis. When he reached the first floor, however, he realized something was wrong. Several people were talking in the parlor.
He opened the parlor door to find the main participant in last night’s dreams staring straight at him. “Rebekah! What’s wrong? What are you doing here? Did someone attack your pa’s farm?”
She was sitting between his parents on the sofa, her gloved hands clenching her reticule as though it held priceless treasure.
His ma stood up and gestured for Asher to take her place on the sofa. “Miss Taylor has some important information I think you should hear.” She smiled at Rebekah. “Mr. Landon and I will be in the dining room, dear. Call for us if you need anything.”
As his parents left the parlor, Asher took the seat his ma had vacated. “What’s wrong, Rebekah?”
Rebekah moved away from him a little. “What’s wrong? Everything is wrong, Asher. The whole world has gone mad, and you with it. Pa brought me to town last night to try and avert disaster.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I’m talking about you invading Wohali’s home and dragging him away from his wife on some trumped-up charges that you know are not true.”
Asher stiffened. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“I know there’s no way that Wohali was involved in the murder of that poor family.”
“You cannot know that.”
She turned her gaze on him once more, her brown eyes pleading. “Asher, you know Wohali and Noya were staying with Aunt Dolly. Do you really think he sneaked out that night to murder the Marshalls and burn down their home before returning to Nashville and slipping back into his role as a civilized man?”
“I’ve seen a lot of things, Rebekah. A lot of things you don’t need to know about. You’ve been protected from some of the harsh realities of life, and it’s my intent to make sure you remain that way. Trust me when I say that a man can lose his grasp on civility in the blink of an eye. Even the best man can turn into a murderer under the right circumstances.”
“But there are no circumstances that would compel Wohali to murder. I know him, and I know his wife. They are good Christian people who are trying to embrace our way of living. Why would he suddenly decide to kill a bunch of strangers and put his whole future at risk?”
“I saw the evidence with my own eyes, Rebekah. I cannot give you a reason why Wohali would do anything so horrendous, but I know he did it.”
Rebekah’s eyebrows drew together. “You cannot know that.”
Asher pried one of her hands from her reticule. “How can I make you understand the truth? Your innocence leads you to believe the best of people, but sometimes they don’t deserve your trust. Do you know how scared I was when I realized that the weapon used to kill Mr. Marshall belonged to a man who lived next to you and your family? I must have died a thousand deaths on the way to Wohali’s farm. I was so afraid that he might have turned his rage on you.”
Rebekah jerked her hand away. “You have no need to worry about me anymore.”
“Please, Rebekah, let’s not start that same argument over again. You know I love you, and I know you love me. I promise you that I’m going to talk to your pa as soon as this is all—”
“Do not use that patronizing tone with me, Asher Landon. I’m not a child you can pat on the head and make empty promises to. I may have been protected by my loved ones, but that doesn’t mean I’m stupid or easily misled. If anyone is being misled in this room, it’s you. You are so blind you cannot see beyond your own nose. Noya has given me the only tomahawk that her husband owns.”
Asher raised his eyebrows. “And you believe her?”
“Yes, I believe her. Coupled with the fact that Pa has worked side by side with Wohali for all these months and the fact that I know where he was that night, I have no doubt that Wohali is innocent. Instead of being so eager to believe that only Colonel Lewis and his daughter know the truth, why don’t you ask yourself who might benefit from having Wohali arrested?”
If the situation had not been so serious, Asher would have laughed at the jealous comment she made. But it was serious. A man’s life hung in the balance. “I cannot believe you think I am incapable of discerning the truth.”
“And I can’t believe you’re not taking me seriously. Asher, I was willing to give you the benefit of the doubt. I was willing to believe that we could still have a happy marriage even if it meant I had to move to Nashville. But now I realize that you are not the man I thought you were.”
“Rebekah—” Asher tried to break in, but her words struck him like blows, robbing him of breath. The expression on her face brought back his nightmare with vivid clarity.
“That’s my fault, not yours. It’s become obvious to me that there is a chasm between us which cannot be bridged. I was too self-centered to realize it earlier, and for that I do apologize. When Pastor Miller helped me realize that I had not been asking God for His leading, I turned to Him and asked for a sign that we were supposed to be together.”
Asher had to be dreaming. That was it. That was why he couldn’t make his tongue work—why he couldn’t stem the flow of Rebekah’s words.
“I guess the fact that you will not listen to reason is a pretty clear sign, so I want to formally release you from your promise.” She stood up and walked across the room. “I pray you find your way to happiness.”
❧
Rebekah rushed outside after her argument with Asher. She couldn’t bear to face his parents. They were wonderful people, and they were worried about Asher, too, but she needed to be alone to get her emotions under control.
A sob nearly broke loose, but she choked it down. She climbed into Pa’s wagon and grabbed the reins, turning the horse’s head toward Aunt Dolly’s home. As they traveled the streets of Nashville, the rhythmic sound of the wheels seemed to declare the verdict. . .over. . .it’s over. . .over. . .it’s over.
Her eyes stung, but she refused to let the tears fall. Was this how it was supposed to feel when one followed God’s path? She could not believe Asher was truly lost to her. But since she’d left Nashville, he had gone even further down the path away from God. She could not join him there, even if it tore her heart out. She would collect Pa and go back home, and she hoped she would never have to set eyes on Nashville again.
A breeze caressed her cheek like a gentle hand, and peace settled inside her bruised heart. In that instant, she knew that their separation was necessary. Her heavenly Father knew what was best for all of them and she would trust His j
udgment.
As she neared her aunt’s home, a song of thanksgiving filled Rebekah’s mind, and she began to pray. She prayed for Wohali and for Noya, but most of all, she prayed that God would protect Asher and lead him into a bright future.
She felt her heart begin to break as she realized that future would not include her.
Seventeen
Asher rode from the livery stable to the jail, leading Wohali’s horse. But his mind wasn’t on the Cherokee. It was on the scene with Rebekah.
After she had left, he tried to convince himself that it was for the best. He would go on with his life in Nashville, and she would live out in the country like she wanted. He would marry someone else, someone who respected him as a capable provider. Not someone who questioned every decision and tried to force him to bend to her will.
He would see Rebekah every now and then—when she came to visit her aunt, or when he had business in her area. Perhaps eventually they could even reclaim the friendship they’d once had. By then, he would probably have a couple of children, even if none of them sported her golden hair or soft brown eyes. Would she marry someone else? The pain that swept through him at the thought almost made him bend over his saddle.
She couldn’t marry some other man. But if she didn’t marry him, she would find someone else. . . .
He pushed the thought away. If he continued focusing on Rebekah, he would not be able to see things through for General Jackson and Colonel Lewis. And then he would lose both his love and his position.
The city was beginning to awaken as he reached the jailhouse. Hitching both horses to the rail, he went inside and asked the sheriff to release the prisoner.
The sheriff stood up. He was taller than Asher and probably outweighed him by a good thirty pounds. “Where are you wanting to take him?”
“Colonel Lewis and I are continuing our investigation under the direction of General Jackson.”
The sheriff pulled out his ring of keys and walked over to Wohali’s cell. “Make sure he doesn’t plant a tomahawk in your scalp.”
Asher rested a hand on his holster, glad he’d thought to buckle it on before leaving his parents’ home. After the scene with Rebekah, it was a wonder he’d managed to do anything practical. “There’s no danger of that.”
Wohali looked the same as the day before. Stoic was the word that came to Asher’s mind. The man’s face could have been carved from stone.
Asher wished he could feel as unperturbed as Wohali seemed to be. He nodded at the Indian, who preceded him to the hitching post. He kept the reins of both horses in his hand as they headed for Colonel Lewis’s home. “I trust the sheriff made sure your basic needs were met.”
“The sheriff is a fair man.”
They rode on in silence for a few moments, but Asher could not resist trying to break through Wohali’s composure. “Are you curious about where we’re going?”
“Do I seem curious to you?”
“No, but if I was in your place, I would be.”
Wohali shrugged and turned his black gaze to the street. “You do not hold power over me.”
Asher snorted. “I wouldn’t be so sure about that. I’m about the only person in Nashville who wants to be sure you’re guilty. If it were up to others, you would already feel the pinch of a noose around your neck.”
Wohali glanced upward. “I answer only to my Lord and Savior. He knows my heart, and He alone will judge me.”
Asher felt like he’d been slapped. He looked at the tall man who swayed to the rhythm of his horse. He felt small in comparison. How had that happened? He’d been certain he held the upper hand, but this Indian had put him to shame with a few simple words.
❧
The woodcarver was not sitting outside when Asher and Colonel Lewis arrived with Wohali. Asher dismounted and stood at the horses’ heads and waited while the colonel went in to get the man.
After a few minutes, he returned with the woodcarver. The colonel pointed at Wohali. “Is he the man who bought your tomahawk?”
“Yep, yep.” The woodcarver wiped his hands on his pants. “That’s the same one. Tall fellow, dark hair. That’s the one alright.” Another swipe of his palms on his trousers. “The very Indian that bought the tomahawk you fellows showed me t’other day. Yep, he’s the one alright. Yep, yep. That’s him.”
Asher frowned. The woodcarver was not acting the way he had when they brought the tomahawk to him. He’d been calm then—proud of his craftsmanship and secure in his abilities. Today, he was exhibiting clear signs of extreme nervousness. He hadn’t even looked at Asher. Or at Wohali. How could he be sure Wohali was the one who’d bought the tomahawk when he kept his head down and his gaze trained on the ground? He was also repeating himself again and again. Something was wrong.
Asher looked toward the colonel, but the older man didn’t act as if anything was out of place. A glance toward the impassive Indian told him nothing.
The woodcarver was still talking about how they’d caught the right “varmint” and he’d be proud to be present at the hanging. Asher wanted to yell at him to quit talking. Every word he uttered convinced Asher that he was lying.
Rebekah’s voice echoed in his head. “Who might benefit from having Wohali arrested?” Was this a conspiracy? If so, who were the conspirators?
Eighteen
Sisters were a headache.
Asher wished he had never agreed to escort Mary to the dressmaker’s, but he had been trying to mend fences with his family. They had been so cold and distant since that morning when Rebekah came to see him. Did they, like Rebekah, believe he was incapable of discerning the truth?
“Why, Captain Landon, I never expected to find you visiting a dressmaker.” Alexandra’s sultry voice interrupted his melancholy thoughts and brought a smile to Asher’s face. She was dressed in a nice outfit—not that he knew much about women’s clothing, but he thought the navy blue color made her eyes shine. And it had plenty of bows and lace. He knew from listening to his ma and sister that those types of notions made a dress more desirable.
He bowed and straightened. “What a pleasant surprise.”
She breezed up to him, a smile on her face. “You say the kindest things, Captain. I’m so glad to run into you. I have the most exciting news—”
“Who are you talking to, Alexandra?” The colonel’s bass tones were unmistakable. “Captain Landon!”
“Good morning, Colonel.”
“Papa, I was just about to tell the captain about your decision to run for office.”
Asher looked from one to the other, his mind in a whirl. “Run for office, sir?”
“Well, yes.” Colonel Lewis lowered his voice, even though there were no other customers in the shop. “I guess it’s acceptable to tell you, but I didn’t want it bandied about just yet.” He pointed a finger at Alexandra. “If I thought you were going to announce it to the whole world, young lady, I never would have told you.”
“I’m sorry, Papa. But Asher is not the whole world.” She put her hand on Asher’s arm. “He’s practically one of the family.”
Asher could feel heat rush to his face. His initial pleasure at seeing Alexandra was drowned in embarrassment. While he enjoyed her friendly attention, being referred to as family was something else entirely. He refused to accept that things would not work out with Rebekah. She was the only family he wanted at this point.
He pulled his arm free from her grasp. “You are too kind, Miss Lewis.” He turned to her pa. “Please be assured your news is safe with me.”
Mary came out from the dressing room. She sized up the situation with a speed that pleased her brother. “Oh my, we’re late for our appointment, Asher.” She threw a smile in the general direction of the Lewises. “Please forgive me for dragging my brother away.”
The next thing Asher knew, they were out the door. He breathed a sigh of relief. “That’s the last time you will get me to go shopping with you.”
Mary pouted at him. “And here I thought I’d
rescued you handily.”
“Maybe so, but I wouldn’t have needed rescuing if you hadn’t dragged me into that shop in the first place.” Asher helped her into the carriage and looked around to make sure Alexandra hadn’t decided to pursue him. Something about Alexandra’s announcement was bothering him. He looked up at the driver. “Take Mary back home, and do not let her talk you into stopping anywhere else.”
“Aren’t you coming with me, Asher?”
Asher shook his head. “Tell Ma I’ll be back later. I need to do some thinking.”
She started to say something, but he closed the carriage door on her protest. As the driver pulled out into the busy street, he wandered in the other direction, his mind in a whirl. Why had Colonel Lewis suddenly decided to run for office? And why hadn’t he told Asher himself? Why try to keep it a secret? It made no sense to him at all.
Asher was surprised to look around and find himself back at the woodcarver’s shop. It looked different today. All the windows had been shuttered, and the carver’s bench was no longer sitting on the front porch.
Curious, he climbed the steps and knocked on the front door. It swung open as a result of his knock. “Hello? Is anyone here?”
He walked inside and looked around, his mouth falling open in shock. All the handles that had been hanging on the walls last week were gone. Not a single one remained. The only things left inside the store were a broom and a broken chair.
“What are you doing in here?”
The belligerent voice behind him startled Asher, and he spun around to find the woodcarver outlined in the doorway. “I found myself in the area and decided to stop by.”
The woodcarver grunted. “I’m closed.”
“I can see that. It looks like you’re not planning on reopening.”
“I came into some money, so I decided to close down this two-bit operation and open up a store in Philadelfy.”