by Karen Kirst
An argument arose between one of the patrons and the owner, Mr. Lowell. The patron was demanding his money back after discovering mold on his cinnamon bun. But instead of accommodating the man, Mr. Lowell refused.
Someone jabbed a finger in Deborah’s direction. “You should take baking lessons from her.”
Heads swiveled her direction. Liam and Lily grew still, while Deborah squirmed in her seat.
“I tasted her pastries once,” another man piped up. “Melted in my mouth. I’d pay double for food like that.”
Deborah couldn’t enjoy the praise with so much male attention focused on her. They seemed to expect a response. What was she supposed to say when the proprietor’s wares were being demeaned?
Mr. Lowell glowered, his jowly cheeks flushing. “This ain’t her bakery, Lewis. It’s mine. If you ain’t happy, get out.”
Tossing the plate with the moldy bun on the table, Lewis grumbled beneath his breath and lumbered outside, the door slamming behind him. A hushed silence blanketed the room. Deborah sensed Mr. Lowell’s anger shifting toward her.
She ushered the children outside, leaving their food unfinished.
“I’m still hungry,” Lily said in a small voice.
“There’s always leftovers at Aunt Mae’s. We’ll get you something there.”
Already unsettled, Deborah couldn’t hide her surprise when they reached the yard and found Anna waiting on the porch swing.
Russ’s wife stood awkwardly to her feet, her hand flitting to her bulging middle. “Good morning,” she greeted with a self-conscious smile. “I hope you don’t mind the unannounced visit.”
Deborah joined her on the porch. “No, of course not.”
Sending the children inside, she offered Anna something to drink.
She laughed softly. “I drank three cups of hot tea with my omelet and fried potatoes. I can’t manage anything else at the moment. Another hour or two, however, and I’ll be ready for a snack. I didn’t anticipate how hungry I’d be.”
Deborah settled in a lone wicker chair opposite the swing and waited for Anna to resume her seat. The notion of having a child with the man she loved was foreign yet wondrous. She wouldn’t have that luxury. Any dreams of being with Adam, of being a family with him and the children, had evaporated with his accusations.
Clasping her hands tightly together, she said, “For what’s it worth, you are the picture of health.”
Anna blushed. “That’s kind of you. But I didn’t come here to discuss my impending motherhood.” Her forehead wrinkled. “I came to ask how you’re faring.”
“Me?”
“My husband told me what transpired with Adam.”
Flustered, she adjusted the bloom nestled above her ear. “Do you know about my arranged marriage and the groom I left in St. Louis?”
“I won’t speak of it to anyone,” Anna reassured her. Compassion shone in her expressive eyes. “I’m sorry you were put in that position. My sister, Charlotte, was promised to Russell at one time. She was in love with someone else, however, and stayed true to her heart. If she hadn’t, I wouldn’t’ve wound up with him.”
“I had no idea.”
“What I’m trying to say is that I commiserate with your situation.”
“Thank you.”
“Adam must also be relieved you followed your heart.”
“Why would you say that?”
“He cares for you. He’s miserable over what he’s done.”
“You’ve seen him?”
“He’s been staying with us.” At Deborah’s sharp inhale, she lifted a hand. “Not that he’s there often. He drops in at odd hours, and not for very long. I don’t know where or when he’s sleeping.”
Concern blossomed inside Deborah. Was he getting enough to eat? Was he being careful? The man she’d encountered briefly in the alley, the Halloway family’s greatest enemy, struck her as being ruthless.
No matter how hurt, no matter how brokenhearted, she didn’t want any harm to befall Adam.
“Are they close to capturing Ogden?”
“I don’t know. Russ has been going into the office every day as usual, to keep up appearances, and afterward he disappears. He returns in the wee hours of the night, exhausted and reluctant to share details. He’s trying to protect me, I know, but I’m worried.”
“I will continue to pray for their safety.”
“Once this is resolved, will you give Adam a chance to redeem himself?”
“I honestly can’t say what will happen between us. His lack of faith has devastated me.” She drew in a shaky breath. “I’m also beginning to think I need to go home and sort things with my father before I can move forward.”
Anna frowned. “I thought you wanted to make Cowboy Creek your permanent home.”
“I do.”
When she’d fled St. Louis, she’d been thinking only about herself. With the distance of time, she was starting to comprehend how her actions had made others feel, including her father, Tobias and their many guests. She’d been selfish and cowardly, and that didn’t sit well with her.
“What of Liam and Lily?”
“I will take them with me, as long as my petition for guardianship is granted.”
“What if your father’s stance remains unchanged?”
Deborah opened her mouth to speak, but an unfamiliar voice supplied the answer.
“It hasn’t.”
Standing, she glared at the gentleman ambling across the yard.
“I know why you’re here,” she sputtered, “and I can promise you won’t get what you came for.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
The Pinkerton agent stopped a polite distance away and, tugging at his hat brim, bid them both a good afternoon.
“I was hoping we could have a rational conversation, Miss Frazier.”
Anna moved close and laid a hand on Deborah’s arm. “Do you know this man?”
“We haven’t been formally introduced,” she said, trying to exude calm when a storm of anxiety raged inside. “This is Lyle Canton, the man my father hired to retrieve me.”
His muddy gaze reflected amusement. “You make it sound like you’re a child or a favored pet.”
“My father affords his pets greater freedom than he does his daughter.”
His brows hit his hairline. “It’s my understanding you went along with the wedding plans, Miss Frazier. You attended an engagement celebration, assisted in the choosing of church decorations and made no protest in the days before the ceremony. That sounds like a willing bride-to-be, wouldn’t you agree?”
Anna exuded disapproval. “Deborah, would you like for me to summon Aunt Mae?”
“That’s not necessary.” Crossing her arms, she said, “I’ve been expecting Agent Canton’s visit.” Dreading the meeting, truth be told, but she was ready to be done with it.
His gaze bounced between them. “I’m sorry to keep you waiting. Your friend, Adam, has intentionally kept me preoccupied.”
“Doing what?”
He wagged his finger. “I’m here to discuss your case, not Adam’s.”
“I am not a case.”
Gesturing to the house, he said, “Am I to be invited inside?”
“This won’t be a lengthy discussion. I have decided to return to St. Louis.”
Lips parting, he took a step forward. “I’m happy to hear that. We can go to the depot together. Your father sent enough money to cover the ticket cost, of course. How long will it take you to pack?”
“You misunderstand. I’m not going today, and I’m certainly not going with you.”
He lifted a hand. “Miss Frazier—”
“Canton!” Russell’s harried hale reached them from the street. Astride a black horse, he waved his hand high above his head to get their attention. He dismounted and pushe
d through the gate. He wasn’t his typical unflappable self. His suit jacket wasn’t in evidence, and both his vest and shirt were wrinkled. A shiny leather gun belt encircled his waist, weighted by a revolver, which was out of character for the lawyer.
The agent twisted toward him, impatience flashing. “You can tell your brother I’m through playing games. He can’t keep me from speaking with Miss Frazier indefinitely.”
“This isn’t a game,” he retorted, his gaze hard. “Adam’s in trouble. He’s minutes away from meeting with Ogden. I couldn’t dissuade him.”
Deborah’s heart climbed into her chest. “He’s facing him alone?”
Russell’s glance encompassed her and his wife. “The rumors about gold on Seth’s land were a ruse to lure Ogden out of hiding. Adam ran out of patience, so he arranged a meeting by posing as a hotel employee with evidence of Ogden’s part in the local mishaps and he’s demanding payment for his silence.” He turned to the Pinkerton agent. “I need you there not only to aid in his capture, but as a witness. I’m family, so I don’t count.”
Agent Canton nodded his acquiescence. “We’ll have to continue this discussion at a later time, Miss Frazier.”
She descended the steps. “I’m coming with you.”
Russell’s head reared back. “You can’t. Adam would kill me.”
“He’s right. This is ugly business,” Canton stated. “You’d only prove a distraction, just as you’ve done since the moment Adam met you.”
The men weren’t giving her an option. Russell hugged Anna before hurrying to his horse. Canton reached his and, without a glance back, nudged the animal into motion.
Deborah followed them into the street, desperate to reach Adam but with no way of doing so. By the time she borrowed a horse, they’d be long gone, and she had no way of knowing where they were headed.
Anna approached and put her arm around her. “He’s going to be fine.”
“I hope you’re right.”
Because if he wasn’t, she’d never get to a chance to tell him she forgave him.
* * *
He’d been waiting his whole adult life for this moment.
Clad in the official uniform of The Lariat—black with maroon and gold accents—Adam rode into the agreed upon field, his Stetson sitting lower than usual on his brow. Dusk blanketed the prairie in a yellow haze. Soon the sun would disappear beneath the distant horizon.
His palms were clammy, his stomach leaden.
I’ve made a lot of mistakes, Lord. I haven’t always done things Your way, and I’m sorry about that. Please forgive me. Please end this with Ogden. Put a stop to his reign of corruption. Give us the answers we’ve longed for.
Thundering hooves signaled the approach of more than one rider. Sliding out of the saddle, he withdrew his weapon and guided his horse beneath the cover of a nearby tree. Ogden had agreed to come alone. They both had.
Trusting Ogden to adhere to their terms had been a risk. He surely wouldn’t have brought Dora with him, but he might’ve brought the other Maroni “brother.”
Adrenaline arrowing through his veins, Adam couldn’t get a good grip on the gun handle. His usual composure had deserted him. If he lost this chance, he might not ever get another.
He watched the three men from behind the cover of green leaves. The moment he recognized them, he left the safety of his hiding place and charged toward them.
“What are you doing here?” he barked.
The trio managed to keep their mounts from trampling him.
Glaring, Russell pulled back hard on the reins. “Are you trying to get yourself killed?”
“I told you I was coming alone.” He pointed at Seth. “Why did you involve him?”
“This is a family matter,” Seth said calmly, patting his horse’s heaving flank. “It involves all of us.”
“I’m here to provide an objective witness account,” Doc drawled.
Scanning the surrounding fields, Adam checked his pocket watch. “Ogden will be here in ten minutes. You three have to find a place to hide.”
Fortunately, he’d chosen a spot near the river with plenty of trees and underbrush. Doc immediately went to do just that. He should’ve guessed his older brothers wouldn’t do his bidding.
Dismounting, Russell and Seth regarded him with matching hangdog expressions.
“Don’t make any sudden moves,” Russ advised.
“But be ready in case he does,” Seth tacked on.
“I’ve trained for this moment,” he told them, inwardly relieved they’d shown up despite his express wishes otherwise. “And I’ve prayed all I know to pray.”
Seth nodded in approval. “We’ve got the womenfolk praying, as well.”
Thoughts of Deborah threatened to carve up his remaining veneer of calm. She was desperately unhappy with him. It wasn’t likely she’d bother to pray for him, even if she had been aware of what was about to take place.
God, please soften her heart. I’m not asking for a life with her. I know that’s out of the question now. But I’d like to have her forgiveness.
His brothers retreated into the lengthening shadows between the trees. Adam got a better hold on his weapon and braced himself for the coming confrontation. The minutes crawled past. He paced a line in the grass, trampling the tender stalks and sending insects scurrying. He checked the hour a dozen times until, at long last, he heard the distinct sound of a rider.
Zane Ogden entered the clearing without a hint of reserve. He was either arrogant or stupid, and history had proven he was clever.
Remaining in the saddle, he thumbed his hat up and took Adam’s measure.
“You were in the alley,” he stated. “Why’d you come after me? I didn’t lay a finger on the woman.”
Adam swallowed, his throat parched as if it were high noon. Ogden hadn’t connected him with Big Bend. Eighteen at the time, Adam hadn’t had much interaction with the man posing as a wealthy, kindhearted entrepreneur.
“I’ve been after you for four years.”
Confusion—not wariness—flickered over his features. He assumed a cocky smile. “You don’t work for the hotel, do you?”
“No.”
“That’s too bad.” His hand went for his saddlebag. Adam raised his weapon.
“No need to get antsy. I’m only going to retrieve the money you asked for.”
Ogden slowly lifted a bulging sack and tossed it to the ground near Adam’s feet.
“Count it. It’s all there. Plenty of coin to leave behind whatever petty life you lead for a more lucrative one.”
“Pinkertons don’t accept bribes.” He watched with satisfaction as Ogden shifted in the saddle. One didn’t toss out the respected name without a reaction. “That’s right. I’m in the employ of the Pinkerton National Detective Agency. But this isn’t official business. It’s personal.”
His lips thinned. “Who are you?”
Removing his hat, he said, “You don’t recognize me? Adam Halloway’s the name. I’m the youngest son of Gilbert Halloway.”
Finally, there was a flicker of unease in the other man’s eyes. “Ah, you do remember our ranch in Big Bend, Missouri. You remember murdering my father and forging his signature on a loan document, don’t you?” He cocked the revolver and lowered the hammer, the click loud in the hushed evening. “My family has gone without answers for nearly a decade. I’m not leaving until I get them.”
Ogden shrugged. “Not much to tell. I remember your father. He was a thorn in my side, warning the others and trying to sway them against me. I would’ve gotten rid of him sooner, but I was too busy emptying ranchers’ pockets.”
Anger whipped through Adam like a grass fire. It took all of his self-control not to shoot him square in the heart. “What happened that night? When he challenged you?”
“Why does it matter?” he drawled, n
ot an ounce of remorse in his tone. “Won’t bring him back from the grave.”
His father didn’t have a grave. Didn’t have a proper burial.
Adam’s hand trembled. “Tell me.”
“I put a bullet in his chest. The good sheriff helped me dispose of the body. When I had the brilliant idea to implicate Halloway in a loan, he agreed to assist with that, too.”
The confession didn’t take away his anger, didn’t wipe out his grief or make him feel better. But it did confirm what they’d assumed happened to their father.
“Doc,” he called over his shoulder, “I hope you wrote all that down.”
Ogden didn’t react when Doc materialized from the trees. Something wasn’t right. He should be reaching for his weapon. Trying to escape.
The haze had thickened to near-night. Ogden squinted into the darkness around them.
Adam waved Doc forward. “Ogden, meet my colleague, Agent Canton. He’ll be joining me as we escort you to your temporary home—the nearest jail.”
“You’ve already met my colleague,” Ogden retorted, nodding to a spot behind them.
Adam turned in time to see Seth and Russ approaching with their hands above their heads. The man who’d forced them from their hiding place was none other than Cowboy Creek’s sheriff.
Adam’s temper threatened to boil over. He had a knack for discovering weak-minded men to whom justice held no meaning.
“Where’s your other accomplice? Your supposed brother?”
“That was a ruse. I pretended to be two men. It’s not that difficult to alter your appearance these days.” Ogden’s eagle gaze sharpened. “Some people change as they age. Take you, for instance. I wouldn’t have pegged you as Gilbert Halloway’s youngest.” Grinning ruthlessly, he nodded at Seth. “He’s another story. He’s your brother, is he not?”
“I’m the one who decided to ignore Adam’s convictions and satisfy your loan requirements,” Seth growled, lowering and fisting his hands. “You will pay for your crimes, Ogden. God will see to that.”
The sheriff poked his gun in his back. “Hands above your head.”
Russell spoke up. “I’m part of the family, too. Remember me?”