“Of course, he told Clara she couldn’t go to the sheriff—not if she wanted to see the children again.”
“Despicable.” Judge Walker was clearly perturbed. “I’ve always hated to see the weak being attacked or taken advantage of by the strong, but this goes beyond that. I am completely appalled. So what is it you want from me?”
Clara lost no time. “We need you to marry us—Otto and myself.”
“Well, I can’t say I expected that request.” As he buttered his toast the judge looked at Paul as if he hadn’t heard right. “Not only that, but I no longer have any authority to do the job.”
“She doesn’t want you to really marry them. We just need the pretense of a wedding at the ranch. We’re hoping that once Vesper believes himself to be married to Clara, he will produce the children and then we can reveal the truth and have him hauled off to jail.”
The judge smiled. “That, I can do. Tell me when you want to hold this . . . wedding.”
“At noon.” Clara drew a deep breath and continued. “My brother-in-law has the children hidden somewhere, presumably with someone. He wouldn’t say anything more than that. We need to reach the sheriff and have him out at the ranch to take Otto into custody. However, I don’t know if he’ll bring the children or arrange to have them delivered, so I hardly know how this will play out.”
“He could even have them hidden away in town. If that’s the case, you might have to return to town in order to get them back.”
“I had thought of that but figured it unlikely. I know my brother-in-law. He’s a man of secrecy and is conniving. He wouldn’t risk someone seeing or hearing the children, so I’m guessing he has them locked up elsewhere . . . away from town.”
The judge nodded. “That makes sense. He’s obviously thought this through. I’ll get one of my boys to go for the sheriff and have him come here as soon as he is available. Then we can ride out to your place, and that’ll give me time to explain everything. Hopefully we can be there well ahead of time.”
“I have no way of knowing if Otto knows who the sheriff is, so you might want to have him stay out of sight.” Clara looked at the people around the table. They meant the world to her, and it touched her deeply that the Walkers would care enough to go to such extremes.
“I’ll make sure he does just that,” Judge Walker replied. “Now, you don’t fret about anything. We’ll see to it that the children are safe and sound before anything else happens.”
“Thank you.” Clara looked down at the plate of food and picked up a piece of bacon. She didn’t want to be rude after all the trouble Mrs. Walker had gone to. “Thank you for this as well.”
Otto hummed a tune as he walked back to the hotel. As they’d previously arranged, he’d met with one of his cohorts and learned that the children, although frightened, were well and unharmed. They didn’t like being tied up and gagged, but Otto couldn’t care less. He’d given the men money in order to feed the twins, then instructed the men to have them out at the ranch by one o’clock. He figured that would give the judge plenty of time to perform the ceremony. The men were to keep the children hidden until he was able to step out onto the porch. He would stand there bareheaded if everything had gone as planned, and they would know they could let the children go. However, if he came out with his hat on, things hadn’t gone as planned, and they would need to take the children back to their shack. Either way, Otto would meet up with them later that night to give them the rest of their pay, and if necessary deal with the children.
He smiled. He wouldn’t have to hurt them. Clara would cooperate as long as their lives were at risk. In the future he would no doubt be able to control her through the twins. If she failed to do as he wanted, Otto would threaten to send them away to boarding school or simply arrange it so that she was unable to see them.
It was all going to work out just perfectly. Finally he would have his brother’s ledgers, Clara’s designs, and the trust fund. He breathed a sigh of relief. Once he was back in New York, he would abandon further work for the enemy and bide his time. The war wouldn’t last forever.
As he entered the hotel he found a very impatient Harriet Oberlin waiting for him. “Where have you been?” she demanded to know.
“Taking care of a few loose ends. I had to rent a carriage for us. The drive out to the ranch is none too pleasing, but given the fact that it will be the last time I ever have to endure that trip, I’m more than happy to make it.”
“It is abominable. I’ve never understood why anyone would live out in the middle of nowhere.” Harriet gave a shudder and shook her head. “I’ve always hated that ranch.”
“Well, soon you’ll never have to worry about it again. I won’t allow Clara to be making any more trips west.” He drew out his watch and checked the time. “We should probably leave in an hour and a half. That will give us plenty of time to reach the ranch by noon. It would also be wise to have all of your bags readied for the trip home. I’ve checked the timetable, and if we return immediately to town, we can make the afternoon train.”
“That would be grand,” Harriet replied. “My maid is already arranging for my things. Will you need assistance as well?”
“No. I brought very little with me and can tend to it myself.”
“I suppose there will be a great deal of luggage to bring back from the ranch. Perhaps a small carriage won’t accommodate it, and I wouldn’t count on Clara’s aunt and uncle to be of any help.”
“Clara can just leave it all behind. I’ll buy her whatever she and the children need once we’ve returned to New York. Besides, I’m sure she left plenty of her wardrobe behind at the house.” He smiled, feeling quite satisfied with the turn of events.
“I don’t like any of this.” Curtis paced the front room, his limp quite noticeable. “I wish there were another way.”
Clara felt sorry for him. There was a time when his body would have allowed for him to take matters into his own hands and fight Otto physically, but his injuries made even the ride to and from town quite painful.
“It’s the only way I could think of.” She pulled back the lace curtain and looked out for some sign of Otto and her mother’s carriage. Would they bring the children with them? How she longed to hold Hunter and Maddy. She knew they must be terribly afraid, and that grieved her as nothing else could.
Curtis came behind her and pulled her back against him. “I’m sorry. I’m not helping matters.”
“It’s all right. I’m not sure there is any help for this—except prayer. I feel at such a loss. I’ve never been separated from them like this.” Tears filled her eyes. “I keep thinking they might be hurt. I know they must be terrified and . . .” She couldn’t go on.
“Shhh, don’t get yourself all worked up.” Curtis turned her to face him. “It’s going to be all right.”
She looked deep into his eyes. “I want to believe that.”
“Then do. Otto has done a lot of terrible things, but I don’t think he’ll hurt Hunter and Maddy.”
“He most likely killed his own brother. Why would he refrain from harming his brother’s children?”
Madeline appeared just then. “They’re approaching. Curtis, you’d better get out of sight. I don’t think it would be wise for you to be here when they arrive.”
Curtis nodded. He bent and gave Clara a gentle kiss. “I won’t be far.”
She didn’t want him to go but knew he must. He couldn’t very well stand at her side while she pretended to marry another man.
“I’ll be fine.” She wiped her tears and sighed. “I’m sure it will all go as planned.”
Madeline led Curtis from the room. She spoke to him in hushed tones too low for Clara to hear. No doubt they shared some last-minute plan or suggestion. Clara pulled back the curtain once more and saw the dust cloud that rose up from the road.
Clara let the curtain fall back in place and checked her dress. She hadn’t wanted to change, but Otto had requested it of her, and she didn’t want to do an
ything to rile him. The mauve-colored gown fell to the floor in a more or less straight line. It was comprised of two pieces. One was a simple sleeveless shift of silk with tiny black beading at the squared neckline. Over this was a pleated silk and lace coat of the same color that hooked at the waist with black frog closures. It was by far the nicest gown she’d brought with her, but after today she intended to burn it.
Her aunt and uncle entered the room with Judge Walker. She wanted to ask her aunt if the children were with Otto and her mother. Instead, Clara glanced at the window once again and bit her lip to keep from crying. Otto and her mother were alone.
“Hunter and Maddy aren’t with them,” she said, turning to face the others.
Madeline nodded. “Your uncle already told us. Try not to worry. They must be close by.”
At the knock on the front door, Paul left momentarily, then returned with Otto and Clara’s mother. Otto smiled approvingly at Clara’s appearance, while her mother immediately began to fuss.
“Your hair is done up quite plain.” She turned to Madeline. “You could have helped her to style it more fashionably.”
“My hair is fine, Mother. Please don’t go on so.”
Her mother fussed with the collar of the gown. “Where are the children?”
Clara stiffened and looked at Otto. “Well, they are . . . that is to say—”
“I asked that they not be present for the ceremony,” Otto explained. “I prefer we not tell them until we’re back at home in New York City. No sense startling them with yet another change in their life. Better to return them to the comfort of their home and familiar surroundings.”
“This has been their home all summer,” Madeline protested. “And they’re quite comfortable and familiar with everything here.”
Otto gave her a rather curt nod. “I’m sure they are, my good woman, but I prefer it this way. They will join us shortly.”
Clara took hope in that. “Well then, we should probably get on with this. Judge Walker no doubt has a great many things to attend to back in town.”
“I still think you should wait a few months.” Harriet’s comment took everyone off guard. It seemed all eyes turned her way, and Clara wondered what her mother was up to.
“You’re the one who told me I needed to remarry, Mother.”
“Yes,” Otto added, stepping closer to Clara. “I thought we both agreed it was for the best.”
“Well, it hasn’t even been six months. People will talk”—Harriet shook her head—“and not in a beneficial manner.”
“You should have considered such things before nagging Clara to wed,” Madeline said in a huff. “You really should be ashamed of yourself, Harriet.”
Clara’s mother looked at her former sister-in-law with disdain. “I have nothing of which to be ashamed. I have only helped to arrange a stable life for my daughter and her children. There is nothing dishonorable about that. And, although they are marrying much sooner than anticipated, it is a good match, and therefore I will approve.”
“Well, thank goodness for that,” Madeline replied sarcastically. Paul put his arm around her and she fell silent.
For several long moments no one said a word. Finally Judge Walker went to stand in front of the fireplace. “If you’re both ready, we will proceed with the wedding.”
“I am more than ready,” Otto said, taking hold of Clara most possessively. He all but dragged her to where the judge stood waiting. “I’m sure she is as well.”
“Yes.” It was the only word she could force from her lips.
Judge Walker recited the words Clara had heard at every wedding she’d ever attended. He spoke of the importance of marriage and asked if anyone objected to this union. Clara kept her mouth clamped tight for fear she herself would offer just such a protest. Everything in her mind and soul revolted against this ceremony, even if it was a pretense.
“Clara, will you take this man?”
Clara almost smiled at the judge’s omission of words. He didn’t ask her to take this man as her lawfully wedded husband.
“Yes,” she whispered.
“Will you take this woman?”
“Most assuredly, yes,” Otto declared with a broad smile.
“Place the ring on her finger.”
Otto frowned. “I didn’t think to bring one.”
“It’s not important,” Judge Walker declared. “You can always get one later. As for the ceremony, that’s that.”
Otto looked momentarily confused. He glanced at Clara and then to the judge. “That’s all?”
“Yes. Your ceremony is concluded. That will be ten dollars for my services.”
“Well . . . I suppose . . .” He turned to Clara and surprised her by pulling her into his arms. “I’m at least going to kiss the bride.”
Clara was too stunned to react. Otto held her in a crushing embrace and pressed his lips to hers before she could say a word.
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Clara remained stiff in his arms until finally he pulled away and smiled. She wanted to wipe the taste of his lips from her mouth but didn’t want to cause a scene.
Otto fished out several bills and handed them over to the judge. “Money well spent,” he told the man.
“Well, I for one am glad to have this over with,” Harriet said. “The sooner we get back to New York, the happier I’ll be.”
“I believe we will all be happier,” Otto agreed. “Clara, why don’t you go gather what little you and the children will need for the trip home. Don’t worry about packing up everything. I’ll buy you and the children whatever you desire once we return home.”
“I see no reason for us to leave just now. The children are hardly in a position to . . . say goodbye to all they’ve come to love.”
“Well, dear wife,” he said, emphasizing the words, “they will soon be very glad to join us on this journey. Now, why don’t you get your aunt to help you with your things while I finish with the judge regarding our marriage certificate?”
Clara momentarily froze. They hadn’t considered that Otto might want legal proof of the union. She looked at the judge, trying her best to mask her horror at the thought that they were about to be found out.
“Oh, we don’t do things exactly like other states,” the judge said.
“Somehow that doesn’t surprise me,” Clara’s mother said, rolling her eyes. “They are so primitive and backward here in the wilderness.”
Otto frowned. “Then how will it be handled?”
Judge Walker smiled. “I will complete the paper work and register it with the state. Then you’ll have to wait until a copy comes to you, at which time you can sign it and register it with your state.”
Clara knew that wasn’t the way things were done, but she admired the neat and orderly fashion in which the judge resolved the matter.
“Very well,” Otto said. “I will give you the proper address. I wouldn’t want the certificate to go astray. After that, I believe I’ll step out on the porch for a bit of air. It’s rather warm in here today.”
Madeline came alongside Clara. “Shall we go get your things?”
Clara wanted to scream that the only thing she wanted was the safe return of her children. Nevertheless, she nodded and followed her aunt from the room. Once they were well away, Madeline put her arm around Clara.
“Try not to worry. So far everything is going along just fine.”
“I thought we’d be found out for sure when Otto asked about the certificate.”
Madeline nodded. “I did too.”
They entered Clara’s bedroom and looked at each other. It was obvious Clara wasn’t going to pack anything, but they would need to at least wait long enough to give that pretense. On the other hand, Clara considered that it might serve just as well to tell Otto there was nothing she wished to take back with them.
“I hate that man,” she murmured.
Madeline shook her head. “No. Don’t hate him. That just gives him a kind of power over your spirit. It’s best to jus
t forget about him altogether.”
“I can’t. At least not until Hunter and Maddy are safely home. I don’t know what I’ll do if Otto has hurt them . . . or killed . . .” She couldn’t finish that thought. Tears came to her eyes. “Oh, Aunt Madeline, I don’t know what I’m going to do if this doesn’t work.”
“Shhh, it’s going to work. You’ll see. If all else fails, the sheriff will take Otto into custody and he’ll have to tell him where the children are.”
“Yes, but what if he doesn’t?”
“Well, that kind of thinking is only going to cause further grief. I suggest instead that we pray.”
Clara closed her eyes and drew in a deep breath as her aunt began to petition God on her behalf.
“Lord, we know you promised to never leave us—to never forsake us. Right now we’re trying our best not to worry about Hunter and Maddy, but, Lord, it’s hard. Please bring the children home safely. Help us to foil the dastardly deeds of Mr. Vesper, and give Clara a peace of mind and heart to know that you have heard our prayers and will protect the innocent.”
Her aunt continued to pray, but Clara found her mind wandering. God didn’t always answer prayers the way people thought He should. What if He didn’t give Hunter and Maddy back to her?
Father, they are innocent and they need you so. Please help them.
“Amen.”
“What?” Clara opened her eyes and looked up.
Her aunt smiled. “I said amen. Would you like to continue the prayer?”
“I don’t think I could concentrate.” She fell silent. She’d heard something. Cocking her head, she looked to her aunt, and then the sound came again. It was her children crying out for her.
Pushing past her aunt, Clara ran through the house and out the door. Hunter and Maddy were running across the yard from the direction of the trees.
“Mama! Mama!” Maddy called out between sobs.
Hunter waved his arms. “Mama!”
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