But she knew better. Cooper Dalton was having a profound effect on her. She'd almost had a heart attack when he'd appeared from the parlor. Closing her eyes she took a deep breath and tried to settle her nerves.
"I don't have to stay in this town. I can always move on, and if things get too difficult that's exactly what I'll do."
The thought gave her a boost, and determined not to let the handsome sheriff get to her, she rose slowly to her feet, brushed her hair and left the room. As she started back down the stairs she could hear him talking to Ruby, though she couldn't make out what he was saying, but reaching the foyer his voice became clear. She smiled. He was talking about the hot weather. Relieved they weren't discussing her, she moved down the short passage and into the comfortable parlor.
"I've made you a ham sandwich and coffee," Ruby declared, "and there's a small slice of cake for you as well."
"That cake was amazin'," Cooper declared, standing up from the couch as she entered. "I'm sure you'll enjoy it too, Rose. It's about the best I've ever had."
"Sheriff, you always say that!"
"No-one bakes a cake like you do, Mrs. Elwood, and that's the truth."
As Violet sat on the chair across from him, she eyed the sandwich hungrily, then picking it up she took a bite, then a second, and washed it down with her coffee.
"My goodness, I knew I was hungry but I didn't realize just how much until this minute," she said earnestly. "Ruby, thank you."
"It's entirely my pleasure. I'll fetch the coffee pot. I can see you'll need a refill in a minute."
"When was the last time you put food in your stomach?" Cooper asked as she continued to devour the snack.
"The places where the stagecoach stopped weren't very appealing. I did have a bread roll last night. It was dry though. I didn't care for it."
"You did all that travelin' and you didn't eat?"
"I didn't think about it," Violet replied, "and with all the jostling of the carriage my stomach wasn't feeling very well."
"Poor child," Ruby tutted, overhearing Violet's comment as she returned with the coffee pot. "I'm sure you'll feel better now, and I am sorry but I must get back to my kitchen," she announced, filling up their mugs. "I still have dinner to prepare. Sheriff, I look forward to seeing you in a couple of hours."
"Thanks for the coffee and cake. Hit the spot."
"You're always welcome, you know that. Just leave everything when you're done, and Rose, be sure to take a nap."
"I will. Thank you again."
"You sure disappeared quick," Cooper remarked after Ruby had left. "Not even a goodbye."
"I'm sorry. I wasn't feeling very well and I didn't know why you'd been called away or how long you'd be. I wanted to pick up the few things I needed, then get back so I could have a lie-down."
"Uh-huh."
"What was so urgent? Was one of those boys in some kind of trouble?"
"A rat was runnin' around. Apparently the older boy is terrified of them. He was so scared he was standin' on the cot shakin' like a leaf."
"I don't blame him. Rats are hideous creatures. Were you able to get it out of there?"
Cooper abruptly realized she'd done it again. She'd steered the conversation away from her.
"Yep, I got it outta there, but Rose, I reckon I owe you an apology."
"For what?"
"It's my job to learn about the folks that move into this town, but you were uncomfortable. I should've backed off and waited until you'd settled a bit. I didn't mean to upset you."
"I think I'm just a bit tired, Sheriff."
"Regardless, I'm sorry. I am gonna say one thing though."
"You're right about this cake," she remarked. "It's excellent. What's that flavor?"
"Rose, you're real good at changin' the subject, but I am gonna say what I need to."
Reaching for her coffee mug, Rose used it as an excuse to lower her eyes. He'd cottoned on to her again. Was she being clumsy in her attempts to steer the conversation? Was she really that exhausted?
"It's obvious you left San Francisco in a hurry. If you're tryin' to get away from someone you'll be safe here. I'll watch out for you, and that's a promise. If you're runnin' from the law, you'll still be safe here," he assured her, then paused, hoping for a response, but she didn't say or do anything. "You don't know me, but a few years back I was a bad man."
"You?" she said, staring at him in disbelief. "I find that hard to believe."
"I was a fighter. I was a gambler, and I was a gun-for-hire. I was headed for a wooden box or a square cell, but I met a man who saw some good in me, good I didn't even know I had. That's why I became a sheriff. I wanna help people the way he helped me. There are some folks in this town with a history, not a good history, but they got their second chance here."
"Why are you telling me this? Do you think I'm some hardened criminal?" she asked, pretending to be shocked that he might believe such a thing. "Are you suggesting I might need a second chance?"
"I'm just sayin' if you do, or if you're in some kinda trouble, you can count on me. Maybe you're not, maybe you're just a lady who's a bit different and doesn't need a lotta paraphernalia, but if you do need help, I'm you're man. There's only one rule. You've gotta come clean, all the way clean. If a fella's been givin' you trouble, I need to know what kinda trouble and everything involved. If you've gotta problem with—"
"Excuse me, Sheriff. The only problem I have is that I need to lie down. I don't know if it's because I've finally eaten, or if the journey is catching up with me, but I really am feeling rather queer."
Leaning forward in his chair he studied her face. She wasn't being evasive. She really was out of sorts. Her eyes had lost their sparkle, and her face was oddly pale.
"I'm sorry. I need to go," she murmured, rising unsteadily to her feet, "but I do appreciate what you said."
"Can I help you up the stairs?"
"I, uh…"
The wave of giddiness came out of the blue, and darting forward he managed to catch her just as she slumped.
"I'm takin' you up to your bed then gettin' the doc," he said solemnly, sweeping her up.
"No, really," she managed, wondering why her voice sounded so feeble. "I'm fine. I just need some sleep."
"You're seein' the doc," he said firmly as he carried her into the hall. "You're about as fine as a rainy day in the middle of winter. Mrs. Elwood?"
"You called, Sheriff. Oh, my stars!"
"She was passin' out. I'm takin' her up and fetchin' the doc."
"Poor thing. I'll come up and get her into bed while you're gone."
"This is too much fuss," Violet mumbled as he started up the stairs.
"Little lady, there's somethin' the matter with you and we're gonna find out what it is. Probably just tuckered out, but you're in my town and that means you do as I say. You're goin' to bed and seein' the doc."
She surrendered, and it wasn't just because she was feeling too weak to resist. She was lost in the sheriff's strong arms, and the glorious feel of his naked chest against her face.
CHAPTER FOUR
Cooper had laid Violet gently on the bed, but to his dismay her dizzy spell appeared to be getting worse. She was whimpering and mumbling things he couldn't understand. Growing more worried, he left her with Ruby and hurried away to fetch the doctor.
Violet couldn't think. Not only was her head foggy, she felt sick to her stomach and she didn't have a stitch of strength. As Ruby undressed her she wanted to protest, but as the covers were draped across her, and Ruby's kind voice told her everything was going to be all right, she sank into the mattress and closed her eyes.
"Landsakes, child," Ruby said, sitting on the edge of the bed and moving the hair from her face. "You're as white as a ghost, and you're skin and bone. I sure would like to know what happened to you, but don't you worry, I'm not leaving your side until Doc Blake gets here."
"Doc Blake?" Violet managed to mumble as the haze slowly began to lift. "What happened to me?"<
br />
"You were dizzy and the sheriff brought you up here. He's gone to fetch the doctor."
"Yes, I remember now. I suddenly felt funny. I still feel funny. It was probably the trip. It wasn't very nice."
"Those coaches are dreadful. All that bouncing around! It's no wonder you're not feeling well. Listen. You hear that? Thank goodness, it's the sound of boots on the stairs."
"Tell the sheriff thank you."
"You can tell him yourself," Ruby assured her. "He just tapped on the door. Come on in."
"How is she?" Cooper asked, walking in with the doctor at his side.
"A little better."
"I'm just a bit worn out from that journey."
"Doc Blake, this is Rose Hamilton."
"Hello, Rose. It's a pleasure to meet you. Let's take a look at you."
"No, honest, I'm all right."
"The doc's gonna check you out," Cooper said firmly. "Let's go downstairs, Mrs. Elwood."
"Can I get you anything Doctor Blake? Coffee perhaps?"
"No, but thank you."
"Then we'll see you in the parlor when you're done."
Waiting until they'd left and closed the door, the doctor sat on the edge of the bed and placed his hand on Violet's forehead.
"You are pale," he remarked, "but you have no fever. Tell me what happened."
"I stood up, and then I felt ill and everything started to spin."
"The sheriff tells me you may not have eaten much in the last couple of days," he continued, feeling the glands around her neck. "Is that true?"
"The places the coach stopped at weren't very good, and the ones that were cost too much."
"You sure are thin," he said with a heavy frown, "and you didn't get that way in just a day or two. You've gotta tell me how you ended up in such a state."
"There's nothing to tell. It was just a long journey."
"You don't have to worry," he promised, sensing the young woman was afraid to share her story. "Anything you say won't be repeated to another livin' soul. That's the doctor's oath."
"I'm just tired."
"That's for darn sure. Exhausted more like. The week before you left San Francisco how much did you eat?"
"Uh, I don't remember. Maybe a bit. I was saving for this trip, and other people needed the money more than me."
"Other people?" he asked softly.
"For their little ones."
"You mean children?"
"Uh-huh. I hated to leave them," she said sadly. "I had no choice, but it's fine, really. I just need a good night's sleep."
Doctor Blake shook his head and let out a sigh. The young woman wasn't just exhausted and starving, she'd been carrying a heavy burden. She'd been helping those in need to the detriment of herself.
"Why did you have no choice?"
"I, uh, I can't talk about that, not to you, not to anyone, and please don't tell the sheriff I said it, but Doctor, do you know what's wrong with me? To be honest, I uh, I don't feel fine at all," she finally admitted.
"You're sufferin' from lack of food and rest. You need to stay in bed for a day or two, and I'm gonna tell Mrs. Elwood to start feedin' you. I'm also gonna leave this tonic. It'll help. A good swallow three times a day. I'll be back to check on you in a couple of days."
"Thank you, Doctor Blake. My bag, it's on the chair. I can pay you."
"You can pay me by doin' what I say. Eat and rest."
She watched him leave the room, and swept up by a long yawn, she closed her eyes and snuggled under the bedcovers. She'd never felt so tired in her life, but as she drifted away she knew she'd sleep in peace. There was no fear of the beastly Detective Connelly bursting through her door with his constables blowing their whistles behind him, and Cooper said he'd watch out for her. She hadn't had anyone looking out for her in a very long time, not since her parents had died and she was sent to the orphanage. Recalling the horrible place made her cringe. She'd escaped and made her way in the world on her wits, and regardless of what he'd said about giving people second chances, she could never tell him the truth about herself. She couldn't risk it.
Yawning again she surrendered to sleep, and her last thought was how marvelous she had felt being carried in the handsome sheriff's strong arms.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Joining Ruby and Cooper in the parlor, Doctor Blake had given them the reassuring news that Rose would recover, and there was nothing seriously wrong.
"But there will be if she doesn't stay in bed for at least a couple of days and get some nourishment," he warned. "I don't know what happened to her, but that young woman has been through a very hard time. She's literally been wastin' away."
"Did she tell you anything about herself?" Cooper pressed. "Do you know why she hasn't been eatin' or sleepin'."
"Now Sheriff, you know I can't repeat anything she may have said, but she is one special young woman."
"I may have only known her five minutes but I couldn't agree more," Ruby said earnestly. "She's so pleasant and polite."
"She is both of those things, but that's not what I'm talkin' about. I'm sorry I can't say more than that. Just know she's got a generous soul, generous to a fault."
"That doesn't surprise me one bit," Ruby declared. "She strikes me as a very kind young lady. Wouldn't you agree, Sheriff?"
"A kind young lady, yes," he murmured, thinking Rose was carrying a dark secret.
"She's probably asleep by now. Poor thing was tuckered out," the doctor said solemnly. "I don't know when she had her last meal, and if she eats too much too soon she'll get an upset stomach. Some broth and a small amount of beef and vegetables to start. See how she does with that. If there are no problems you can increase the portions tomorrow."
"I want to take care of her bill," Cooper said, rising to his feet. "What do I owe you?"
"Thank you, Sheriff," the doctor replied, also getting up, "but I'll tell you what I told her. I don't want any money."
"But you came over here, you should be paid."
"I appreciate the offer, but it's was an honor to treat her. I'll be back in a couple of days to see how she's doin."
"Thank you, Doctor," Ruby said gratefully. "I'll make sure she gets what she needs."
"She's worthy of your kindness, Mrs. Elwood. I'm glad she's here."
As Ruby walked him to the door, Cooper sat back down and tried to make sense of what he'd just heard. What the doctor had learned had made a profound impression.
"Who are you Rose Hamilton?" he muttered to himself. "What are you hidin'? Or is it someone you're hidin'' from?"
"My goodness, that has my curiosity stirred up," Ruby remarked as she walked back in, "but folk are entitled to their privacy. Can I get you more coffee, Sheriff?"
"No, thank you, Mrs. Elwood. I'd best be gettin' on."
"You're still invited to dinner."
"That's real kind of you, but—"
"I insist. Excuse me for sayin' so, but you're alone too much, Sheriff."
"Not every man is made for marriage, Ruby."
"Every man surely is," she retorted, "you just haven't accepted that fact yet, but you will. When you meet the right woman, you will."
"I'm not sure what to say to that."
"That's because you know I'm right. I'll expect you for the evening meal at six just like we planned, but we'll still have that special supper for Rose when she's feelin' better."
"It would be nice to enjoy your cookin'."
"Then it's settled. Six o'clock."
"Yes, ma'am," he agreed, picking up his hat. "I'll see you then."
She walked him to the door, but as he stepped outside and started down the street, he couldn't ignore the feelings rattling through him. Holding the lovely young woman in his arms and carrying her up the stairs had stirred his heart—and his body. In spite of the repeated attempts by the ladies of the town to get his attention, his cock hadn't reacted to any of them in such an ardent way. Why was Rose different? Still deep in thought as he turned the corner, he
decided to stop into Al's Mercantile. Rose had been shopping there. Perhaps she'd said something that might give him a clue about her life in the city.
"SHERIFF!"
It had been a woman's voice, and he saw Hannah waving at him from across the street. As he waved back she gestured for him to join her. It was late in the day, the street was busy, and dodging the horses and hackneys he jogged over to find out what was so urgent.
"Hannah, what's the problem?"
"No problem, but I heard there's a new woman in town."
"News travels fast."
"I heard she's from San Francisco. Is that true, Sheriff?"
"From what I understand," he said vaguely. "Where did you hear about this?"
"From Mary Jamison. She overheard the woman talking to Al. Mary said she's real pretty. Do you think she's pretty, Sheriff?"
"I can't say I noticed, and why are you askin' me all these questions? I'm a busy man."
"A girl's curious. Mary said the woman went into your office and stayed a while."
"I'll see you later, Hannah. I don't have time to gossip."
"But, Cooper, this isn't gossip."
"Sheriff," he corrected her, looking at her sternly.
"Won't you please come to my house for supper?" she begged, ignoring his reprimand. "Ma and pa would love to have you."
"You know I won't. Be a good girl and go on home."
"Stop talking to me as if I was ten years old," she said angrily. "I'm seventeen."
"Hannah," he said softly, "you're a very sweet girl, but you've gotta find a nice boy and forget about me."
"You're not much older than I am."
"Maybe not in years, but that's neither here nor there. I like you but not in that way. Now do as I said. Go on home."
"Or what? You'll spank me?"
"Nope, but I'll sure as heck tell your ma to take a wooden spoon to your backside if you keep pesterin' me. Go on now."
"This isn't fair."
"Life often isn't, Hannah, but you've got it better than a lot of other girls your age. You'd best remember that."
As he turned and walked away he heard an exasperated grunt. There was nothing he could do for her, and putting the conversation out of his mind, he hurried back across the street and continued on his way to Al's.
SHERIFF: His Town. His Laws. His Justice. Page 4