by Sherry Kyle
Lars stepped back. “Sorry for my clumsiness.”
For a split second Elena felt sorry for Lars. He had all the romance of a sunken log. “Don’t apologize, Lars. Shows me you do care for me—”
Lars moved closer, backing her into the tree. He lifted a hand and placed it against the tree trunk above her right shoulder.
Elena’s stomach clutched. “Lars, I—”
He kissed her again with more force.
When he pulled back, something flashed in his eyes. Was it desire ... or a case of indigestion?
Elena wanted to be loved, longed to be loved, but not like this. Lars’s attempts were awkward, stilted, and dare she think ... unsettling. Her heart pounded. She had to distract him. “Did Samuel tell you about our newest arrival?”
“The calf?” Lars straightened.
“No, no. The mare.” Elena pointed to the paddock. “Come see her.”
She took steps away from the hidden darkness of the tree, and he followed her across the field to the paddock.
Standing at the split-rail fence, Lars grimaced. “Where did you find such a thin bedraggled-looking specimen?”
“Someone left her here. I’ve sent word through the valley, but no one has claimed her.” Elena reached down for a handful of grass and fed it to the horse. “I’ve been trying to fatten her up. Papa says he’ll bring her to Cayucos when she’s ready.”
Lars shook his head. “I don’t have room to house such an animal. As it is, I have to pay the livery to take care of my team. She’s better off here.”
How would she live without her own horse to ride? Tears pricked at her eyes, but she blinked them away.
He reached out to touch her, but dropped his hand. “Elena, dear. After we are married, you may use my carriage any time you wish.”
It wasn’t a carriage she needed, but to ride horseback and feel the wind whip through her hair. “Thank you for your generosity, but—”
“Think nothing of it, my dear.” Lars straightened. “I will be able to give you many of the finer things you’re unaccustomed to. Your life will be different living in town.”
Different was an understatement.
A woman wearing a tattered oversized coat stepped out from behind the barn. “Excuse me, but that’s my horse.”
Elena looked the disheveled woman up and down, surprised at her sudden appearance on her farm at night. “How do I know this is your mare?” She challenged.
“Look at her.” Lars’s upper lip curled, his words for Elena’s ears only. “She’s as unkempt as her horse.”
The woman thrust both hands deep into her coat pockets. “Can I please have my animal? Then I’ll be on my way.”
Lars unlatched the gate.
“Wait.” Elena reached to stop him, tugging on his sleeve. “We don’t know this woman.”
Lars obviously didn’t understand how much she loved this horse, needed this horse. Every day since the mare’s arrival, she’d fed, brushed, and given her the love and care she obviously lacked. Just because this woman claimed the horse as her own didn’t mean Elena could stand by and let her take it. She needed proof.
Elena lifted her chin. “How old is she?”
“What?” The woman’s eyes darted to the left.
“If the horse is yours, you’d know.” Elena rubbed the mare’s neck.
“My dear, why do you have to quiz this woman? If she claims this is her mare, then it’s hers.” Lars guided the animal out of the paddock. Did he truly believe this woman was the horse’s owner, or did he not want Elena to have the mare?
“Please, Lars. Let her answer the question.”
“Seven.” A male voice called out from behind the barn.
“Who’s that?” Elena craned her neck.
“Don’t mind my husband. He’s shy.” The woman’s voice warbled. “That’s the reason he sent me.”
Elena’s throat constricted. The man was right. All the horse’s permanent teeth had come in. The mare was at least seven years old. But by the wear, Elena would’ve guessed the animal to be ten.
“There, you see.” Lars raised a hand. “They’re the rightful owners—”
“One more question.” Elena interrupted Lars midsentence. Didn’t he understand how much she wanted to keep the animal? “Why was the mare left here and what took you so long to come back?” She directed her words at the small woman.
“She ran away.” The woman fidgeted with a button on the oversized coat. “We only now located her.”
“Like I said before, this must be your horse. Please, take her.” Lars gestured to the mare with a flick of his hand.
“Thank you, sir.” The woman dipped her head, slipped a rope around the horse’s neck and guided her toward the backside of the barn.
The gift Elena thought God had given her slipped from view.
“I don’t mean to run off, but as I mentioned before, I do have work to do this evening.” Lars closed the gate and clapped the dust from his hands.
The man wasn’t in tune with her feelings at all. Couldn’t Lars see she was upset? “Don’t let me keep you.” Her tone sounded distant even to her own ears.
“I’ll walk you to your door.”
At least he had the decency to be a gentleman.
“I’ll be fine.” Elena wrapped her arms around her waist. “I’d like to remain outside a few minutes longer.”
“As you wish.” Lars tipped his hat, sauntered to his carriage, and climbed in. With a flick of the reins, he was off to Cayucos, the town that soon would become her new home.
She rested against the fence post and inhaled the country air. Would she be able to find the peace she was looking for? From her vantage point, she didn’t see how.
“You almost blew my cover.” He grabbed the rope that was around the horse’s neck and led her away from the Seifert property.
“What do you mean? If it weren’t for me, that mare would still be in that paddock.” The woman clutched the oversized coat near her throat. “Now give me my money.”
“Don’t you make a decent living working in the saloon?” He raised a brow.
“What does my work in the saloon have to do with you paying me now?”
He scratched his chin, digging his fingers through his mangy beard. “I don’t have it. Told you it might be awhile.”
“When?” Her voice held a note of desperation.
“I need to snatch another cow before my boss will give me more cash.”
“Well, you’re here, aren’t you? Why not take one now?”
“And risk getting caught? That’s the reason I didn’t take my horse in the first place. Are you crazy?”
“Crazy to help you!” She snarled. “And unless you pay, I’ve got a mind to talk with the sheriff.”
“Like he’ll believe the likes of you.”
She shrugged a shoulder. “I need money, plain and simple.”
“All right, you win. Go on. My mare and I will wait until the pretty little country girl goes inside before we grab the calf. That oughta bring in a good sum.”
“It better. I’m down to my last dime.”
He wished he hadn’t brought a saloon girl into his scheme, but he was eager to get his horse back. And now he was going to pay the price.
One cow. That’s all he needed.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
With Lars gone, her mother would be laying out her sewing supplies to continue to work on her wedding gown, and Yvette would be in the back room caring for Willie. Everything seemed right in everyone’s world except Elena’s. She twirled a piece of stray hair near her temple.
By now, her papa and brother would be done with chores and discussing who would keep an eye on the cattle through the night. Jonas had the night off. She should offer. Papa wouldn’t like the idea, but Elena couldn’t sit idly by. Her parents’ future on the farm depended on finding the cow thief before Mr. Cavegn did. The last thing she wanted was for him to buy the family property or have rights to the spring—their only so
urce of water for the animals.
Elena marched to the barn, determined to help. As she opened the doors, the kerosene lamp went out.
“Hello? Papa?” She stepped inside. Her heart beat a staccato rhythm.
No answer.
Quickly, Elena lunged toward the corner of the barn and grabbed the pitchfork. “Who’s there?”
Footsteps came toward her. She gripped the handle tightly between clenched fingers. “I have a weapon.”
A minute passed. Would anyone step forward—or worse, try to hurt her?
“Elena, it’s me.” A resolute male voice called out.
She wracked her brain trying to place the voice with a face. Nicolas. What was he doing here?
“Nicolas?” Elena loosened her grip on the pitchfork.
Yvette’s brother stepped forward. She could make out his silhouette from the moon’s rays coming in through the barn door.
“Please put the pitchfork down. I promise I won’t hurt you.” Nicolas removed his hat.
Could she trust him? Nicolas was the one who grabbed her and held her captive in the Bollinger barn. If it weren’t for Jonas, Nicolas would’ve hauled her off to the sheriff and accused her of bashing Jonas in the head. “How do I know you’re not the cow thief?” The question flew from her lips.
“I’m not stealing your cows. I’m here for a different reason.” Nicolas’s voice softened.
Elena didn’t know what to believe. “State your business. Why are you hiding out in my parents’ barn?” She continued to protect herself with the pitchfork.
Nicolas dropped his gaze. “I was looking for something in Yvette’s things.”
What would bring a man to rummage through his sister’s private luggage? Would he steal from his own flesh and blood? “Why didn’t you come to the house and ask her instead of being secretive?”
“Because I don’t know who to trust anymore.” Nicolas moved closer. He approached and gently took the pitchfork from Elena’s grasp, and placed it back in the corner of the barn.
“Nicolas, you’re not making sense.” She fidgeted with the hem of her blouse. “Why don’t you come inside the house? Talk with Yvette. She’ll help you settle your suspicions.”
“If it were only that easy.” Nicolas’s voice sounded rough.
She glanced at the pitchfork.
“I’m sorry, Elena.” Nicolas hooked his thumbs in the waistline of his trousers. “Sorry again for the night I held you captive.”
His apology softened her heart. “Forget it ever happened.”
“Thank you.”
“Are you going to settle down near here? Jonas told Yvette that you latched onto farming like a new calf to its mother.”
Nicolas hunched his shoulders. “I don’t work for Jonas anymore.”
“What changed?” Elena’s cheeks flushed. Would her body always heat up at the thought of her childhood friend?
“He let me go this morning.”
“Just like that? Did he give you an explanation?”
“I’m heading out of Harmony tonight.” Nicolas placed his hat back on his head.
“Where are you going?”
“Taking the next steamer. It’s time I make something of myself.”
Had Nicolas been hitting the bottle? Elena leaned in to get a whiff of Nicolas’s breath. “I see.” She folded her arms across her chest. “Dairy farming isn’t good enough for you.”
“No, don’t get me wrong. Working with animals is highly respectable. Why, if I had my own piece of land, I could consider starting a family of my own.”
No doubt Nicolas was thinking about Dana Cavegn. The two had their sights on one another. “Then, why don’t you?”
“Because I don’t have any money. And the only way I’m going to get it is if I find what I’m looking for—”
“Among Yvette’s things.”
“That’s right.” Nicholas nodded. “Let’s keep this little encounter between the two of us private. She doesn’t need to know.”
She never imagined Nicholas would stoop so low as to steal from his very own flesh and blood. “You’re making a big mistake. I don’t know why Jonas let you go, but I have a feeling his reasons were valid.” Her heart fluttered. “My papa and brother should be coming to the barn any moment. If I were you, I’d make myself scarce.”
She didn’t like the fact that Yvette planned to marry Jonas, but she’d grown to appreciate the woman. Nobody should have her belongings rifled through like this.
“What about you, Elena?” Nicolas turned the topic around. “Don’t you like life on the farm?”
His question caught her off guard. She shivered.
“Anyone who has eyes can see the way you look at Jonas,” Nicolas continued. “What would it take for you to marry him instead of the shopkeeper?”
Elena swallowed the lump in her throat.
Nicolas stepped closer. “We can work together so that we both get what we want.”
She hesitated. Could she help Nicolas and have Jonas too? Life would be much more peaceful on the farm. She imagined days working beside her beloved and nights sitting on the porch, gazing up at the stars.
“What do you say?” Nicolas’s smooth tone woke her from her reverie.
How could she consider joining forces with a man who Jonas fired? She stepped toward the corner of the barn and the pitchfork “Nicolas, I don’t know what you’re up to, but I know it can’t be good. And I’m not going to be a part of it.”
“Whoa now.” Nicolas held up both hands. “No need to make rash judgments.”
“What’s going on here?” Papa’s voice bellowed. He and Samuel approached.
Perfect timing.
“Nicolas has come to see his sister. Isn’t that right?” Elena walked over to her father and brother and stood between them.
Nicolas dipped his head. He brushed past the trio with a scowl on his face. “Yes, I wouldn’t dream of coming here without spending time with Yvette.”
Elena gripped her papa’s arm and sent him a look.
“Why don’t we all walk back with you and have a nice visit? There’s plenty of fried fish and cranberry cobbler if you’re hungry.”
Good. Her father could sense Nicholas was up to no good.
“Mind if I stay here and keep watch, Pa?” Samuel rubbed his belly. “I’m awfully full from dinner.”
“Good idea, son. You stay here.” Her father patted her brother on the shoulder. “I’ll light the lamp so that you’ll stay awake.” He winked.
Would Nicolas run or face Yvette? Elena walked beside her father as they headed toward the house.
Nicolas’s earlier question darted through her mind. What would it take for you to marry Jonas instead of the shopkeeper? If it was in her power to change the course of her life, would she? Her fingers hovered over her mouth, remembering Lars’s unwelcome kiss.
What did Nicolas want among his sister’s things? A niggling feeling grabbed her gut. A thought occurred to her, and brought with it a longing almost too hard to bear. If she searched through Yvette’s luggage, maybe she’d find the one thing that could change her future as well.
Her father opened the front door. “Anja, we have a guest. Let’s give this man a cup of coffee and supper.”
“Nicolas!” Yvette jumped from her seat by the fire. “I’ve been worried about you.”
Face to face with Jonas’s intended, guilt churned in Elena’s chest. What had she been thinking a moment before? She couldn’t force herself to be deceitful enough to search Yvette’s belongings. Besides, why should Elena take things into her own hands when she’s always believed God was in control? Better leave the orchestrating of events to Him. If He wanted her to marry Jonas, He’d provide a way.
Please, Lord.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
The house was quiet— eerily quiet. Jonas sat in Pa’s rocking chair, pushing himself back and forth. He missed his mother and sisters, and especially his pa. He recalled the night he returned from San Francisco,
watching his father through the window playing the banjo, seeing Gabi and Sabrina dance like they hadn’t a care in the world, while his mother looked on. It was an eternity ago, and yet felt like yesterday.
Part of his melancholy tonight was because of Nicolas’s departure. For a short time, as they worked together side by side, Jonas pictured his hired hand working next to him for many years to come. Everything changed when he learned that Nicolas didn’t trust him anymore.
He reached for the water pitcher and poured himself a glass. He downed the drink in a few gulps. Captain Zubriggen was responsible for Adrian’s death, and Jonas wouldn’t sit idly by as his father had. Something must be done. But what?
Thoughts blazed through his mind like flaming arrows. Finally, he reached a decision. He crossed the room, shrugged into his coat, and placed his hat on his head.
Time to take action.
It was a slow night for such a busy town. Jonas sat astride Shadow as the horse trotted down South Ocean Avenue toward the Burkhart Boardinghouse. What was he hoping to prove by coming to Cayucos? He couldn’t put his finger on the exact reason, only that a strong gut feeling had brought him here.
Then again, he had the same feeling when he left Harmony for San Francisco and look how that turned out.
He shook the thought away. No, this was different. This time he was helping someone else instead of focusing on his own desires.
As he rode, he kept his eye out for Nicolas and Captain Zubriggen. Wouldn’t be good to come face-to-face with them now, since he didn’t have the proof he needed to convict the captain.
He passed the general store, the infirmary, and the saloon. The boardinghouse windows were all dark. Must be later than he’d realized. He rode around the back of the building and tied his horse to the sycamore tree. The kitchen light was on.
As he approached the back door, he spotted his mother through the window kneading a mound of dough. No surprise to find her working at such a late hour. That had always been her way. He knocked.
A smile spread across her face, and her eyes lit up. She wiped her hands on a nearby rag and opened the door. “Jonas, it’s good to see you. But it’s late. Dinner was served an hour ago. What brings you by at this hour?”