“Shame on you, Kate. Such a thing to do! Besides, you’re just a child. What could you possibly know about love?”
Kate’s blue eyes sparked with mischief. “I see my poppa kissing Momma plenty of times.”
“Well, that’s private business which you should not discuss with me or anyone else.”
Tante Agnes called to Kate. “Time to finish your chores before supper.”
Not a moment too soon. Emily wagged her head as her impudent little cousin spun on her heel and headed off to do her chores.
Moving toward the front of the shop, Emily passed the workroom in which alterations were made. Occasionally customers came to Sundbergs’ Creations to have their dresses hemmed or seams let out or taken in when the ladies at Grauman’s Dressmaker’s Shop found themselves overwhelmed with orders. Tante Agnes and her older sister Tante Adeline also spun wool into various yarns and fibers in this room. Then Momma and Bestamor did the needlework at home on the small farm located about a mile outside of town. With Poppa being in the shipping business and her aunts running the boutique, the Sundberg name was well known in Manitowoc. And with all the wagging tongues in town, everyone would soon know how US Deputy Marshal Jake Edgerton had bowled her over during a brawl.
Poppa would have a conniption!
The tiny bell fastened above the door jangled, signaling customers. Emily glanced up and watched as Iris and Mrs. Hopper entered the shop.
“I knew I’d find you here.” Iris trotted over to her. “Deputy Edgerton is quite concerned about you.”
“Well, he shouldn’t be.” Emily lifted her chin. “He should just mind his own business and watch where he’s going.”
“I’m sure that’s difficult to do in a fistfight, Em.”
Mrs. Hopper sniffed.
“Deputy Edgerton?” Tante Agnes walked farther into the shop. “Who’s he?” Her gaze shifted to Iris’s aging grandmother. “And hello, Mrs. Hopper. Won’t you please have a seat? You look as though you could use a glass of cool tea.”
“Indeed I could, thank you.”
Iris pushed her spectacles higher onto the bridge of her nose. “Deputy Edgerton is in town for his grandfather’s funeral.”
“Oh?”
Emily regarded her aunt. “I just learned Mr. Ollie passed last night.”
“How sad.” Tante Agnes’s features fell. “He’ll be missed. He was a good man.”
“The deputy is the one who crashed through Mr. Fransmuller’s big plate window,” Iris said, “while apprehending a notorious criminal.”
Emily rolled her eyes at the exaggeration.
“As I walked from the scene, I overheard Deputy Edgerton tell the sheriff the whole story. Apparently Mr. Wilcox is wanted for postal theft, which, you know, is a federal offense. But he’s also done other terrible crimes.”
Everyone in the room drew in awed gasps.
Everyone except Emily. She almost smiled. Almost. How just like Jake Edgerton to turn the situation around and make himself look like the town hero!
CHAPTER 3
I APPRECIATE YOUR VISIT, Jake.”
“No trouble, sir, since I was in town anyway.” From his chair in Emily’s father’s prestigious office, Jake watched as the man strode to the edge of the imported carpet and stared out the tall windows banked at one end of the room. Captain Daniel Sundberg had always been a commanding figure, and now, as he straightened his shoulders and clasped his hands behind his back, he appeared even more so. Jake felt a remnant of that boyhood intimidation, like when he and Eden Sundberg were about to get a stern talking-to. The only evidence that ten years had come and gone were the silvery strands streaking the captain’s auburn hair and thick beard. “I felt I should let you know about what happened earlier.”
“But you say Emily wasn’t injured?”
Jake had explained the whole story. “She was breathing, talking, and walking last I saw her, sir.” He worked his palm along the rim of his Stetson. “Still, I’m a little worried about her. She took a hard hit for a woman.” He grunted out an amazed laugh. “For a man too.”
“Hmm . . . I find myself caught in quite the dilemma.”
Jake frowned. “How so?”
Captain Sundberg expelled a weary-sounding sigh and turned from the view of the expansive lake. “Well, you see, my paternal instincts tell me to rush out of here and find my daughter.” Again a heavy exhale. “But I can’t. Emily fancies herself an independent young woman and has made it clear to her mother and me that she doesn’t appreciate our interference.”
Jake rubbed his thumb over his mouth to keep from grinning.
“The only consolation is that my youngest sister, Agnes, lives nearby with her family. My brother-in-law’s brother owns the hotel almost directly across the street from them, and Mrs. Hopper’s boardinghouse, in which Emily resides with her friend Iris Hopper, is only two blocks west of there.”
“Sounds like Emily’s got places to go if she needs help.”
“My point exactly.”
And the captain’s got his spies. Jake made a mental note.
Captain Sundberg crossed the room and claimed an adjacent armchair. He gave Jake a speculative glance while stretching out his long legs. “As I recall from years ago, you and Emily have something of a regrettable history.”
“Regrettable?” That’s not the way Jake remembered it.
“Yes. I recall posting letters for Emily addressed to you in Montana.”
Guilt nipped at Jake. “Her letters arrived.” He remembered now. “And I always meant to reply.” Poor Emily had poured out her heart in each one, apologizing and asking Jake to forgive her. Nothing to forgive as far as he was concerned. Her conscience was a bit overactive, if you asked him. But her concern for his person did speak well of her character.
“You might have penned a short note in return.”
Jake heard the tightness in the captain’s voice.
“You tarnished my daughter’s reputation, after all. She bore the whispers, taunts, and teasing as well as a load of guilt for years.”
“Captain Sundberg, I had no idea.” Remorse set in, and Jake glanced down at his dusty boots. “And I’m sorry for my part in it. I never meant to hurt Emily. I was a kid—we both were.”
The captain said nothing, did nothing.
Jake decided to explain himself fully. “I’m sure you already know this, but shortly after I returned to Montana, my father was gunned down in cold blood. I watched from the barn. I heard my mother and sister screaming, and I never felt so helpless in all my life.” Jake could talk about it now. He’d had to recount the events for the sheriff and marshal, then a federal judge. “My senses returned, and I ran to Pa while the two men ransacked our home. They scared Ma and Deidre and roughed me up a little. Then they stole anything they could pack and carry before they took off. After Pa was laid to rest, I became the man of the family. I had to provide for and protect my mother and older sister.” Jake met the captain’s gaze. “Guess you might say life got a bit overwhelming. Kissing your daughter was a minor incident comparatively.”
“I suppose in that light it was.” The captain’s features softened. “And I’m sure that was a very difficult time for you.”
“Yes, sir, it was. But it made me the man I am today.”
“And what sort of man is that?”
Jake heard the ring of a challenge and glimpsed the captain’s grin beneath his beard. Jake didn’t mind giving the man an honest reply. “I’m not bragging, but I’m a man with deep Christian convictions and one who believes in justice, not revenge. I’m dedicated to upholding the integrity of our laws as well as our courtrooms.”
“Noble . . . ”
“I try. I’m hardly perfect, Captain. I know it. But I figure if I aim to shoot straight, the bullet’s bound to go in the right direction.”
“I like that analogy.” The captain stroked his beard, his assessing gaze moving up and down Jake’s face.
Well, let him do his appraising. It wasn’t the first time Jak
e had been scrutinized and it wouldn’t be the last. Not in his line of work.
“Captain, I’m sorry my boyhood foolishness hurt Emily.” As Jake recollected, she’d been adventurous and willing. Still, it hadn’t been right. Then she’d grown into a young lady, writing letters to him, hoping to set things straight. Jake saw the matter clearly . . . now. “I’ll make my apologies to Emily whenever I get a chance.”
“And I trust that you’ll never take advantage of her or disrespect her in the future.”
“No, sir.” He’d always held Emily in high regard. Always would.
“Good. Because the man who kisses my daughter marries her.”
“I’ll consider myself fairly warned.” Last thing Jake had on his mind was marriage.
“You do that.” The captain sat back in his chair, and the tension in the room abated.
Jake eased back too.
“I’m a man who believes in second chances. Lord knows I got mine.” The captain’s expression softened. “And, yes, Ollie told me about your father’s death. I know about your mother too.”
Sorrow wafted over Jake like a hot, sticky summer breeze. “It happened a little over a year after Pa’s death.” Suicide. Still so hard to fathom Ma doing such a thing. “It’s coming up on nine years now.”
“And no one knows what really happened.”
“Most of us reckon she couldn’t cope without Pa. Unfortunately we, being her family and friends, never sensed her pain and suffering. We never saw it coming.”
“Devastating to be sure.” The captain shook his head, a sad glimmer in his eyes.
Jake nodded. “I’m told there’s a purpose for everything.” Although he had yet to figure out the purpose behind Ma taking her own life.
“At one point I’d heard your mother planned to move back here to Manitowoc.”
Jake thought hard. He hadn’t been aware of those plans. And to this day he wondered if he could have somehow prevented his mother’s death. She must have been so unhappy . . . but she never said so. She didn’t act like it. She hid it well, smiling often and assuring Jake and his sister that God would provide for their every need. But inside she must have felt dismal, desolate, or she never would have gone to Suicide Bluff that awful day. If only she would have communicated how sad she really felt, then maybe Jake could have called a doctor—or contacted Granddad.
And he certainly wouldn’t have argued with her that fateful morning over a grocery list. He said words to Ma he regretted. Words he couldn’t take back now.
“Ollie took the news very hard. Your mother was very special to him, since your aunt ran off with that penniless vulture so many years ago. They nearly bankrupted Ollie, what with all their requests for handouts.” The captain cleared his throat. “Please forgive me if I spoke out of turn.”
“You spoke the truth.” His aunt and uncle were the reasons why he’d packed his bags and moved out of Granddad’s house. He’d stay at the hotel now that Granddad had passed on. He couldn’t bear their constant chatter about what they’d do now that they’d inherited Granddad’s money and possessions.
“In any case, I sympathized with Ollie because I’d be devastated if something dreadful happened to Emily, the way it happened to your mother.”
“I understand.”
Jake’s gaze wandered to the painting above the mantel, a likeness of Mrs. Sundberg wearing a fancy, ruffled gown. But then, looking back at the captain, Jake decided Emily definitely favored her father—without the beard, of course. Same wavy auburn hair and sky-blue eyes, except where the captain was stern and commanding, Emily was soft looking and . . . lovely.
“Let’s change the subject, shall we? How is your sister?”
“Deidre?” Jake smiled. “She’s just fine. She and her husband live on the ranch that Pa built. No young’uns yet, but they’re very happy.”
“What about you? Are you happy?”
The question threw him, but only momentarily. “I’d say so. I own a small parcel of the ranch’s land and live in a two-room cabin behind the main house. I’m not there much. Work calls me away a lot.”
“I assume your father’s death prompted you to choose your profession.”
“Yes—and I feel it’s the Lord’s calling on my life—to protect the innocent and see that justice is served to the guilty.”
The captain grinned. “Your grandfather bragged on you frequently. He was extremely proud that you chose a career in law.”
“Well, I’m not an important attorney like Granddad was. Just a deputy, assisting the US marshal.”
“I heard you’re thinking about becoming a judge someday.”
Jake chuckled at the notion. “I don’t know about that. Might have been Granddad’s dream more than mine.”
“Even so, Ollie was very proud of you.”
“I appreciate your saying so.” Those words were like a salve on his beaten heart. “And I always knew it.”
“My family and I will miss your grandfather, as I know you will also. If there’s anything my wife and I can do for you during this sorrowful time, please let us know.”
Jake merely inclined his head again. Sorrowful didn’t even come close to describing his feelings. Granddad’s passing busted a dam of regret. Should’ves. Would’ves. Could’ves. Those words swirled around and around in Jake’s head. Just like with Ma, Jake wondered if he should’ve done more. But just like her, Granddad kept silent about his failing health. If he only would’ve said something, then maybe Jake could’ve arrived ahead of Aunt Bettina and Uncle Dwight and spared Granddad some aggravation.
“When did you get into town?”
Jake snapped from his musing. “I arrived yesterday evening, just hours before Granddad passed.”
“At least you got to say good-bye.”
“Yes . . . ” It was hard to ignore the captain’s look of sincerity. “Thank you, Captain.”
“I imagine your uncle is the executive of your grandfather’s estate.” He held up one hand. “I take that back. It’s none of my business, really. My only concern is our shared property line. My father acquired the land on which my home and your grandfather’s sit from an Indian chief.” The captain wagged his head. “Unfortunately my mother was forced to sell it after my father had a stroke. I managed to purchase back some of it, along with my original boyhood home, although we’ve built on additions to accommodate our family’s needs.”
Jake chuckled. “I believe Eden and I did some painting on one of those additions. It was punishment for one of the many stunts we pulled, but we ended up right proud of our accomplishment.”
“Ah, yes . . . ” Captain Sundberg’s smile grew with obvious fondness.
“But back to your initial question . . . ” Jake had no qualms about answering it, and more. He knew of the captain’s trustworthiness. “Granddad’s funeral will be held on Tuesday, so the undertaker can do his business. My aunt and uncle want Mr. Schulz, Granddad’s attorney, to read the will tomorrow. They want to claim their inheritance . . . now. They cared nothing for Granddad. Only coveted his wealth.”
“Unfortunate, isn’t it.”
Jake pulled in a long breath. “But I’m afraid Aunt Bettina and Uncle Dwight are in for something of a shock.”
“Oh?” The captain regarded him askance.
“Yes, sir.” Jake sensed he’d soon have a fight on his hands too. “Granddad left his entire estate to me.”
“Emily, we’re best friends. We’re supposed to tell each other everything.”
“Iris, I knew Jake Edgerton back when I was thirteen years old.” And she wished she’d never met him!
A swell of regret plumed inside of her. Jake was the first boy—and the only one—to kiss her. It wouldn’t have been so bad if she hadn’t enjoyed it so much. She’d allowed Jake to kiss her on numerous occasions that summer. She’d even initiated them a few times. It was a shameful thing, feeling all those emotions when his lips met hers, awkwardly at first. However, it had been amazing how expert at kissing th
ey’d become by summer’s end.
Oh, God, I’m so sorry . . .
She’d whispered that prayer countless times over the years.
And then his betrayal. Jake must have bragged to all the boys after church one day. He wouldn’t have lied, she had faith in that much, but the truth became embellished and vicious rumors spread around town like the Peshtigo Fire. Emily was so ashamed.
She hoped and prayed that Jake would return and set the matter straight. But he never did. She wrote, asking for his forgiveness for her less-than-appropriate behavior, and prayed he’d reply that it was nothing. Kisses by curious kids, that’s all. He never wrote back, never relinquished her from all her guilt and shame. Mr. Ollie kept her abreast of the events in Jake’s life. She knew his father had been murdered and his mother fell off a bluff in some freak accident. She supposed he had an excuse for not corresponding. But just when she’d finally thought she’d put the matter behind her, Jake returns—bursting into her life, no less! A little too late.
“Well, I guess I can forgive you, Em.” A mischievous spark brightened Iris’s gaze.
“Don’t you always?” Emily smiled then realized it hurt. “Is the bruise on my cheek any worse?” With every muscle protesting, she lifted the tortoise-shell-framed mirror from off the top of her lace-covered bureau. The mirror had been a gift from Poppa, and now, as she stared at her reflection, Emily realized the bruise was the least of her worries. As stiff and sore as she felt, she’d be fortunate to walk tomorrow, let alone dance tomorrow night. “I rue the day I met Jake Edgerton!”
“Oh, now, Em. Live and let live. Besides, he’s awfully handsome, in a rugged sort of way.” Iris blushed. “I’m sure Granny would come to at least like him a little bit, don’t you think?”
“I think your grandmother should stop pressuring you to marry.”
“That’ll never happen.”
Emily sent her friend an empathetic glance. But Iris didn’t see it. Sitting in the wingback armchair in the far corner of the spacious room they rented, Iris lifted her feet onto the matching ottoman. Even though Iris was Mrs. Hopper’s granddaughter, she was expected to pay rent like all the other unattached ladies who boarded at the rooming house. Mrs. Hopper frequently said she didn’t want to show favoritism, now that Iris had reached the spin-sterly age of twenty-four.
Threads of Love Page 3