by Karen Kirst
* * *
Preston must’ve been watching for her arrival from the window, because he exited his house before she’d even reached the door.
He met her on the street corner. “Here, let me take those for you.”
“They aren’t heavy.” She’d divided the shortcakes into two square baskets to prevent them from being crushed.
“No, but I’m sure they’re awkward to balance.” His gaze raked her from head to toe as he took one of the baskets and placed his other hand low on her back. “Come on inside. The party doesn’t start for another hour, so you’ll have plenty of time to arrange these how you’d like.”
His fingers burned into her as he guided her through the yard. Deborah reminded herself he was with Hildie now. He was simply being courteous.
His home was located on a quiet street, far from the hustle and bustle of the main thoroughfare. Built within the last year, the compact design was suited to a bachelor’s lifestyle.
“I’ve cleared this credenza in order to showcase your desserts.”
He set his basket on the table and, stepping close, took her remaining one. Was it her imagination, or did his fingers linger over hers? The single window in the space wasn’t large enough to dispel the shadows. The sun hadn’t yet set, but this side of his house faced away from it, darkening it and lending it an intimate feel that made her uncomfortable.
“Would you mind lighting some candles?”
“Of course. Whatever your wishes, Deborah, I’ll do my best to accommodate.”
A frisson of unease washed down her back. There was a certain gleam in his eyes that reminded her of the old Preston.
Trying to still her trembling hands, she began to arrange the shortcakes on the oval platters he’d provided. Even if Adam was right, it wasn’t as if Preston would act inappropriately. He was expecting guests any minute. Besides, he’d never done anything out of bounds.
He returned with a candelabra and took his time lighting each candle.
“Happy birthday, by the way,” she said to fill the silence. “I’m sure Hildie has chosen a memorable gift. She has excellent taste.”
Preston was suddenly behind her, so close his hot breath skimmed her exposed neck. Her stomach dropped to her toes.
“Since it’s my birthday,” he said huskily, “I’d like to ask a favor.”
Deborah spun around, shocked at how close he was. Preston was taller and, while on the lean side, certainly stronger than she. And they were alone in his home.
“Wh-what kind of favor?”
Tilting his head, he regarded her with curious awe. He extended a finger and slowly outlined her cheek and jaw. “Are you frightened, Deborah?”
She stiffened her spine. “Are you trying to frighten me?”
“I admire you above any other woman I’ve ever met. Why would I attempt to make you uncomfortable?”
Her pulse thundered in her ears. She glanced across the room at the only exit. Would he try to prevent her from leaving?
“What about Hildie? I thought she was important to you.”
His jaw seized and then relaxed. Taking a step back, he said, “I simply wanted to ask if you’d agree to join us for dinner tonight. As a favor to me, of course, to mark another year of life. Forgive me for getting carried away by your beauty.”
Deborah floundered for a response. His sudden retreat caught her off guard. “I don’t think so.”
Preston’s eyes darkened. He opened his mouth to respond, but was cut off by a persistent knocking. “It’s too early for any of the guests.” Clearly perturbed, he started for the hallway. “Excuse me.”
When he was out of sight, she sagged against the credenza and gulped in calming breaths. Deborah hadn’t yet finished placing the desserts, but she didn’t care. She wanted out of this house as soon as possible.
Chapter Twenty
She was exiting the room when she encountered Preston and a familiar face.
“Sadie!” she exclaimed, pressing her hand over her racing heart. “I didn’t realize you were on the guest list.”
“I’m not. I came to assist you.” Edging to her side, she grasped her hand. “I’m sorry I wasn’t at Aunt Mae’s in time to help carry everything over.”
Deborah attempted to keep the surprise out of her voice. “Oh, it’s all right.”
Preston’s mouth pinched. “We have everything under control, don’t we, Deborah? You’re free to return to whatever kept you,” he said to Sadie.
Sadie cast him a sugar-sweet grin. “Aunt Mae needs us both to assist with dinner,” she said airily. “The sooner we finish here, the sooner we can get back. I’m sure you’ve heard tale of her temper. Don’t want to rile Aunt Mae.”
Without waiting for his response, Sadie tugged Deborah to the credenza, chatting about Aunt Mae’s menu as if the stifling tension in the room didn’t exist. Preston stood like a disapproving sentinel in the doorway, his brows low over hooded eyes. When they’d unloaded the final cake, Sadie snatched up the empty baskets.
“Enjoy your party, Preston.”
They were passing him when his hand shot out and seized Deborah’s wrist. “Are you certain you can’t stay?”
She forced herself to be honest. “Even if I could, I wouldn’t.”
His nostrils flared with displeasure.
“Good night, Preston.”
Wresting free, she urged Sadie toward the front door. It wasn’t until they were outside in the fresh air and waning light that she could breathe freely.
“There’s something off about that man,” Sadie huffed, her pace akin to a startled rabbit. “Judging by the look on your face, I arrived in the nick of time.”
Deborah didn’t dare look behind her. If he’d followed her outside to watch her leave, she’d never sleep again. “How did you know?”
“That you might be in over your head?” Her eyes cut to her. “Adam sent me.”
She couldn’t summon anything but gratefulness. He knew people. He’d studied and observed and investigated all sorts. She should’ve listened to him.
“He’s probably in the same place I left him,” her friend surmised. “I may not know what he’s hiding, but his concern for you is genuine.”
Indeed, when they reached the gate, she spotted him through the tree branches. He was pacing the length of the porch in an endless rotation. At the creak of the gate hinges, he strode toward them, his gaze doing a quick inventory. His shoulders relaxed somewhat, but his brows remained drawn together.
To Sadie, he said simply, “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Her gaze bounced between them. “I’ll be inside if you need me.”
They both understood that it was a subtle warning to Adam. When they were alone, he peered deeply into her eyes.
“What did he do?”
“He didn’t actually do anything.” Except scare and intimidate her.
He obviously didn’t believe her. “You’re too pale, and you’re fiddling with your pin—a sure sign you’re either nervous or agitated.”
“He didn’t lay a hand on me. Well, that’s not quite true.”
Adam paled.
“He stood too close for comfort, and he caressed my face.”
A vein in his temple leaped. “Anything else?”
Biting her lower lip, she shook her head.
A muttered exclamation escaped his lips. “But he would have. If Sadie hadn’t showed up.”
“I don’t know.” The deep disquiet she’d felt inside Preston’s home lingered. “I can’t say for sure. But I’m glad you sent her.”
“I would’ve come myself, but I figured you’d rather have your friend there.” The wounded look in his eyes gutted her.
“Don’t look at me like that,” she whispered. “Because I’ll be tempted to seek solace in your arms, and I’ll forget why I’m upset wi
th you. Then we’d wind up kissing—”
Adam reached for her arms and tugged her against him. His strength and warmth surrounded her, driving away the last remnants of anxiety.
He buried his face in her neck. “I’ll make sure he doesn’t bother you again.”
Beneath her cheek, his heart pounded at a frantic clip. She sighed. Where was her indignation? Her determination to keep him at bay?
Pulling away, he settled his hands on her shoulders. “I can’t share the details of my case with you right now, but that doesn’t mean I won’t eventually. This is the one I have to get right. Can you try to understand?”
Could she accept his explanation? He was the first detective she’d encountered. It stood to reason she might not understand his methods.
“I can try.”
Relief flooded his features. “I want you to know I value our friendship. I don’t like it when you’re upset with me.”
Friendship. That’s all she could hope for with Adam. One day soon, he’d get his man and then he’d leave. She’d have to make do with memories and occasional letters.
The kids burst through the door and raced to her side, talking over each other about their afternoon at the ranch. She’d yet to see Liam so animated.
“Whoa! Slow down,” she chuckled. “I take it you both had a wonderful visit with Seth and his family.”
“Tate and I climbed so far up into a tree, we could see the church steeple,” Liam boasted.
Deborah intercepted Adam’s contrite gaze. “You allowed this?”
“I stayed in the barn with Lily. But as soon as Seth and I discovered the boys, we told them to climb down.”
Liam’s unrepentant grin stretched from ear to ear. “Tate’s going to ask Seth if we can build a platform on the sturdiest limb where we can go to escape the girls.”
“Violet doesn’t always play with me,” Lily protested. “Who else will I play with?”
Adam smoothed her braid behind her shoulder. “Violet’s had a rough start. Like you and Liam, she’s lost both parents. She was separated from Marigold for a time, and now she’s come to Cowboy Creek to discover her aunt is momma to three boys. I think she was expecting to have Marigold’s undivided attention like before.”
“Oh.” Lily frowned.
Deborah reached for her hand. “She could use a friend like you, don’t you think?”
She thought on it for a bit. “I’ll take my doll next time. We could play house.”
Liam grunted his disgust for that idea. Before the siblings could commence arguing, Adam turned them toward the porch.
“I don’t know about you two, but my stomach’s rumbling something fierce.”
Lily’s hand shot up. “I’m hungry!”
“When are you not?” Shaking his head, Liam shot up the steps.
“Be nice.” Adam’s laughter washed over her.
Deborah soaked in his handsome profile. The affection he felt for Liam and Lily was unmistakable. Had he considered how much he was going to miss them once he left? She might not be enough to hold him here, but were they?
Adam Halloway was devoted to his profession and content with his bachelor lifestyle. A runaway bride and pair of needy orphans couldn’t compete with the satisfaction of putting criminals behind bars.
* * *
Adam didn’t waste any time paying Preston Wells a visit. As soon as he’d eaten and thanked Aunt Mae for the meal, he made his way across town to the telegraph operator’s humble abode. He didn’t care that his arrival was untimely.
Preston, on the other hand, did.
“You’ll have to come back another time.” His angular body blocked the doorway. Beyond him, guests mingled in a tight living space with fragile cups and saucers in their hands. “As you can see, I’m entertaining at the moment.”
Adam kept his hands firmly in his pockets. “This won’t take long,” he said, not bothering to lower his volume. “I came to issue a warning. Stay away from Deborah.”
The chatter petered out. Color surging and waning on his cheeks, Preston affixed a false smile on his face. “I didn’t realize Miss Frazier had assigned you as her keeper. She’s past the age of requiring a guardian.”
The man’s smugness picked at Adam’s control. Deborah’s overwrought state had made this task necessary. Adam wouldn’t allow her to be bullied by this or any other man.
He stepped closer. “You brought her into your home and proceeded to make her uncomfortable. You’re fortunate nothing happened to warrant more than a vocal reprimand.”
“Whatever she told you is a lie.”
Adam pulled his hands out of his pockets, not willing to hear one word spoken against Deborah’s integrity. But before he could say or do anything, Hildie pushed into the space beside her beau.
“You shouldn’t be here, Adam.”
Her former friendliness had transformed into cold disdain.
“Neither should you.”
Her gasp competed with the sudden swell of crickets.
Preston’s face turned the shade of a boiled beet. “That’s it. I’m going for the sheriff.”
Hildie restrained his arm. “No need, my dear.”
“He’s ruining my birthday celebration,” he whined.
“Adam’s simply jealous,” she announced. “He had his chance with me and has realized his mistake too late.” Looking down her nose at him, she sniffed. “Go back to Deborah and those grubby brats. You’re not welcome here.”
“No, Hildie, you’re the one who’s not truly welcome. Ask Preston about his behavior today. Or better yet, ask Deborah.” His gaze snared Preston’s. “I won’t practice the same restraint next time. Remember that.”
Spinning on his heel, he stalked into the shadows. Anger fueled his steps. His mind wandered to the future. Who would protect Deborah after he was gone? Who would coax Liam out of the upper reaches of trees? Who’d teach him to hunt and fish and shoot?
Who would fill Adam’s shoes?
Deborah was a lovely, desirable woman with a sweet spirit and infectious personality. She wouldn’t be alone for long. His chest felt full of rocks at the thought.
He was imagining the unimaginable when movement at the mouth of the alley up ahead jerked him back to the present. The half-moon overhead shed scant light on the two figures locked in heated conversation.
Slowing, Adam used a tree as cover. He couldn’t hear their words, but he could tell they were both men. The one facing him moved farther into the light. The badge on his vest glinted.
Sheriff Getman.
Adrenaline pumped through his body. This didn’t look like a casual meeting.
Shifting to get a better view, he waited for a glimpse of the other man. Minutes ticked past. Leaves swayed with the occasional breeze, tickling his neck. He batted away a handful of flies. Surveying the street behind him and finding it deserted, he made the decision to get closer.
Crouching low, he crossed to a parked wagon near the livery and hunkered beside a rear wheel. Hopefully no stray dogs would catch his scent and alert the men to his presence.
“Where’s your lady friend been?” The sheriff sounded almost afraid to ask the question.
“Handling a personal matter. Why?”
A buzzing sound filled Adam’s head. He knew that voice. It hadn’t changed in the years since Zane Ogden and another sheriff rode onto Halloway land and delivered the news of their father’s disappearance.
“You sure you can count on her?” the sheriff asked.
“She’s devoted to me.” He snorted. “She’ll do anything I ask.”
A cat screeched in the distance, and the man angled his head, allowing light to spill over the craggy features. Age had weathered Zane Ogden’s visage and grayed his hair at the temples.
The world tilted. Adam put a hand to the hard earth.
His enemy stood within pistol range. It would be so easy to sink a bullet into him. After the damage and destruction Ogden had wrought, his death would be justified.
Sweat trickled beneath Adam’s collar. His weapon sat heavy on his hip.
Do it. Hasn’t this been what you’ve wanted all these years? To end him?
Squeezing his eyes shut, he petitioned God for a return of reason. He had to control the thirst for revenge pulsing inside.
Another scene taunted him. Another sheriff in league with Ogden, come to inform the Halloway brothers that their father had not only failed them but fled the area like a coward.
The pearl handle of his revolver fit in his palm like an old friend’s handshake. The metal slid silently along the leather holster.
Ogden deserved to die. Who else better to deliver justice than one of his victims?
Justice? Or revenge?
Seth’s and Russell’s faces swam in his mind’s eye. Adam wrestled with his knowledge of right and wrong. Maybe his brothers were right. Maybe this hunt had become less about exonerating their father and more about settling a score.
Adam let his weapon slide back into place. A verse he’d memorized as a lad cemented his decision. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
For the first time since embarking on this journey, he accepted that Ogden’s fate rested in God’s hands. Not Adam’s.
The men’s voices faded. During his moments of indecision, they’d finished their conversation and were leaving the alley.
He considered arresting Ogden, but without evidence to support Adam’s claims, no judge would convict him. Certainly Adam wouldn’t have Getman’s support.
No, it was smarter to wait until he had enough ammunition to put Ogden away for the rest of his days. He had to find the female. He had to make her talk.
Chapter Twenty-One
“I need a favor.” Adam pushed the paper and pencil across the top of the bookshelf toward his sisters-in-law.
Anna relinquished a stack of books into Marigold’s arms and inspected the blank paper before lifting her confused gaze. “What’s this?”