SIX
It only took two days for Josie to make her newest contraption. She was vastly relieved that it didn’t blow up on her as the rug cleaner had done. She’d sanded down the rolling cart and had even painted it white. And now as she carried it to the hotel, she walked with a bounce in her step and a prayer in her heart that Elizabeth would like the idea and let Josie use it while she was at work.
Up the street, she noticed Wyatt standing on the boardwalk in front of the milliner’s shop talking to Miss Sarah Tollman. Off and on these past couple of days, Josie had spied Wyatt around town asking questions about the death of the girls Josie had worked with for a short time. As she waited patiently for him to ask her the questions he’d been asking everyone, she prepared in her mind what she’d tell him. Her answers would be short and to the point, since she’d not been good friends with any of them. She’d talked to them on rare occasions, but that was it.
Josie hurried inside the hotel. Immediately, she noticed Elizabeth talking to the hotel’s handyman, Tom White. It appeared something must have come loose on the counter and Elizabeth was demonstrating to him how it had come apart. But when her cousin’s gaze met Josie’s – and especially the cart in her hands – Elizabeth’s eyes widened and she slowly stood and moved toward Josie.
Saying another silent prayer that her cousin approved, Josie smiled as Elizabeth approached. “Good morning, Elizabeth.”
“Good morning.” Elizabeth’s gaze dropped to the cart. “Josette? What is this?”
“It’s something to help in the kitchen.” Excitement bubbled inside of her. “You’re going to be amazed at what this can do.” She motioned toward the kitchen. “Please let me show you.”
“Of course. I can’t wait to see what it’s for.”
Josie could tell her cousin’s smile was forced, but she’d prove to Elizabeth that the cart was a good thing to have for the waitresses. Seconds later once they’d entered the kitchen, Josie took a breath for courage. With her heart hammering out of control, she demonstrated the cart’s purpose. The more she showed her cousin how it could be used to transport things back and forth between the kitchen and the dining area, the more Elizabeth’s face relaxed and her smile widened. By the time Josie was finished explaining, she was out of breath.
“Josette, I have to admit, your idea is brilliant. In fact,” she grasped Josie’s hands, “let’s have Adam make a few more just like this one. This will cut our time in half, I’m sure of it.”
Tears of joy pricked Josie’s eyes and she nodded. “I’ll be happy to show your husband how to make this. It didn’t take very long at all.”
Slowly, the other waitresses wandered into the kitchen. When they saw Josie’s cart, they chuckled and gave her a critical stare. As always, Josette tried not to let it bother her, but she couldn’t stop the pain from entering her heart.
Elizabeth stepped next to her and wrapped her arm around Josie’s shoulders. “Ladies,” Elizabeth announced, “I want you to see this wonderful invention that my cousin made for all of you. This little cart right here will help all of you with the delivery of both food and drink to our patrons. This next week, my husband will make more. But until then, I want you all to observe how Josette uses it because you will all be using this cart, soon.” Elizabeth glanced at Josie and winked.
Her nerves jumped inside of her because she wasn’t certain how the other waitresses would treat her now. Would they look down their arrogant noses at her as they’d done before, or would they finally treat her as a friend?
She didn’t dare hope that they’d be nice. They hadn’t so far.
The whistle of the train pulling into the station announced that their first group of patrons would be arriving any time now. Josie hustled into the kitchen and grabbed her apron, quickly tying it on. She then rushed to the stove to get the coffee and teapots, carefully taking them to the cart, placing them on top. She collected a few teacups and extra linen napkins to place on the other two shelves. When the first voices from the train’s passengers were heard entering the dining area, Josie bustled into the room with a bounce to her step.
The morning passed quickly, and she was relieved to see the cart held up beautifully. And... her feet didn’t hurt. Every once in a while, Elizabeth stepped into the dining area with her child, Rose, to watch Josie and her cart. Her cousin talked to passengers as she pointed toward the cart Josie was pushing. Many people she didn’t know gave her approving nods. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been this happy.
The one thing Josie needed to work on was the squeaks from the wheels. A few times, she noticed that the wheels scratched up the floor. For certain, she’d get this fixed if she wanted to continue to use the cart.
Right after the mid-afternoon rush, Josie glanced out the window and noticed there was a commotion in town. People were rushing back toward the thicket of trees in a panic. Josie held her breath. The last time something like that happened...
Footsteps pounded out in the hallway before Adam Brody hurried toward his wife. He pulled her away from the person she’d been talking with before he whispered in her ear. Elizabeth’s face paled and she sagged against him.
Josie glanced at the three other waitresses. They had been watching the exchange, as well. Harriet and Jeanette gasped and covered her mouths, and Abigail darted out of the dining room, running outside and toward the thicket of trees.
Within minutes, the last of the train’s passengers left the hotel and boarded the train. Josie stood by the window and watched in fear as the townspeople rushed back and forth from the thicket of trees. Women left the grove of trees sobbing, and the men frowned and shook their heads.
Josie’s throat tightened the longer she waited to hear the horrific news. Finally, she noticed Elizabeth and Adam returning to the hotel. Josie met them in the lobby. Elizabeth’s eyes were red and swollen. When she looked at Josie, more tears gathered in her eyes.
“It’s Salina Lewis. She’s... dead.”
Josie stood frozen as her heart squeezed in a painful sorrow. She’d been trying to make friends with Salina. At least she hadn’t been rude to Josie. In fact, when she’d taken Salina the soup the other night, the girl had kindly thanked her for being so thoughtful.
A tear slid down Josie’s cheek and she wiped it away. Why Salina? She had just gotten engaged to Larry Wilson two weeks ago. After the wedding, they were going to move to Wichita where Larry was going to start his new job working for the railroad.
Mindlessly, Josie wandered out of the hotel and walked toward home. Gray clouds hid the sun, and the slightly cooler weather gave a hint to the storm that was coming. No longer did she have the desire to work, and she definitely didn’t care about her cart.
As she passed a small alley between two buildings, she noticed a lone figure leaning against the wall with his head in his hands. She stopped and stared at Wyatt as he slowly sank down to sit on his heels. He appeared as miserable as she felt.
Her heart went out to him, and she couldn’t stop herself from moving in his direction. His wife had been the first one to die so unexpectedly almost thirteen years ago, and Josie’s father had found Marjorie. Josie was sure Salina’s death had brought back awful memories for Wyatt, and she wanted to comfort him in any way possible.
Her footsteps crunched on the dry grass, alerting him. His head snapped up, and when their gazes met, he rose. She moved closer and touched his arm.
“Wyatt, I’m so sorry—”
In an instant, he gathered her in his arms. She lost her breath from surprise, but then the comforting warmth of his body next to hers eased her pain slightly. She wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her head on his chest. He buried his face in the crook of her neck.
She didn’t know if he was crying, but he held her so tightly that she wanted to cry. Slowly, she rubbed her hands up and down his back, trying to comfort him. Words would not be as effective right now.
Josie didn’t know how long they stayed in each other’s a
rms, but gradually his body relaxed, and his breathing wasn’t as tight. Still, no words were spoken between them, but she’d never felt closer to him than she did right now.
Swallowing hard, she moistened her dry throat and slowly moved her head to look at him. His eyes were watery, and it broke her heart even more. But then a different expression crossed his handsome features when his gaze dropped to her mouth.
Once again, her chest became tight, but the feeling rushing through her now was far from what she’d just experienced. Her breathing turned ragged as her heartbeat quickened.
Suddenly, he bent his head and placed his mouth over hers. She became dizzy with excitement, and her heart sang with happiness. She melted against him and kissed him back.
If this was one of her daydreams again, she prayed she would never awaken.
SEVEN
Wyatt couldn’t understand the emotions rushing through him. At first, as memories of the past filled him, he’d felt heartbroken all over again. But then Josie was by his side comforting him, and he knew he had to take her in his arms. It amazed him how glorious he’d felt just holding a woman. There hadn’t been any words between them, because the feelings he experienced had been enough. And when he kissed her...
What had started out as an impulsive urge, had blossomed into the best thing he could have ever imagined. Her lips were so responsive. She fit perfectly in his arms, and he never wanted to let her go. But this was his little runt. This was his best friend’s sister.
Wyatt pulled away from Josie just far enough to peer into her shadowed eyes. Passion was written all over her expression – the same feeling that made his heart beat out of control to the point that it was difficult to even breathe. And yet, kissing her had never felt so right. He couldn’t believe how calm and relaxed he was at this moment.
He caressed her cheek and she smiled. His heart melted again.
“Thank you for being here,” he said softly.
“I’ll always be here for you.”
Her lips beckoned him, but his mind tried to fight it. Yet, his heart wanted to feel whole again. He wanted to feel like a real man and not someone who’d been broken in several pieces and was beyond repair. Kissing Josie had made him feel in a way he never thought was possible.
Slowly, he lowered his mouth to hers, but she met him halfway in an eager kiss. Her response made his heart burst with happiness. As he deepened the kiss, he held her tighter than before, enjoying these newfound feelings.
He moved his hands over her back, recalling her womanly curves and wondering what she would feel like in his arms. Now he knew – and it was the best feeling in the world. No longer was she his runt, but a desirable woman, instead. Her fingers threaded through his hair, and her tender touch made him burn with longing.
Time seemed to stand still while they kissed, but gradually, he was able to pull away. Somehow, she had healed him.
When she opened her eyes and looked at him, he smiled. “I suppose I should apologize for kissing you like that, but I can’t seem to find the words. The truth is, I’m not sorry for kissing you. Please don’t hate me.”
A light laugh bubbled up from her throat. “I don’t want your apology, Wyatt.”
“But you’re James’ sister, and—”
“I’m also a woman who needs affection.” She cuddled back into his embrace. “I beg you, Wyatt, don’t look at me as your friend’s sister – or a runt – any longer.”
He stroked her cheek and kissed the top of her head. “After that kiss, there’s no way I can think of you as my runt.”
She laughed and tilted her head back to look at him. “Good.”
He sighed as sadness filled him. “Although I’d rather stay like this for the rest of the evening, I have a killer to catch.”
Nodding, she stepped out of his arms. “What can I do to help?”
He loved how kindhearted she was, and that she was willing to assist him in finding the murderer. “I want you to listen to any conversations you can. Because you serve people at the hotel’s restaurant, you have the chance to eavesdrop.”
“I can do that, however, most of the people who come in to be fed are from the train.”
“Then listen to the other people.” He winked. “The person who is doing this dreadful thing is right here in town.”
“Are you certain?”
“My gut tells me it’s someone who we see and talk to every day. Unless it’s someone who is a family member that only comes to Topeka to visit once in a while.”
“I’ll keep my ears open at all time,” she said heartily.
“Josie? How well did you know Salina?”
Frowning, Josie shook her head. “Not as well as I’d liked. She wasn’t rude to me like some of the other people in town, but she still didn’t talk to me very much. I knew she was engaged.” She shrugged. “When I took the soup to her the other night, she was polite.”
Wyatt’s thoughts came to a sudden halt. Colonel Gordon had the doctor do an autopsy, and the doctor suspected that poison had killed Salina. “That’s right. You took her some of Annie’s soup.”
“Yes. Salina had been sick for a few days. Annie thought it might build a relationship with Salina so that I could call her a friend.”
Unease settled inside his gut, making him restless. Was this why Colonel Gordon thought Josie could have possibly been the killer – because she was so eager to make friends and then when it hadn’t happened, she retaliated? Now Wyatt doubted his own thoughts. After all, Josie had taken Salina the soup...
He shook his head. Ridiculous! There was some piece of evidence right in front of him that he wasn’t seeing. But the murderer definitely wasn’t Josie. However, he would talk to the Allen’s cook, Annie, tonight if possible.
“Josie? How well did you know the other girls who’d been killed?”
“Well... I’d only met your wife when she’d come to Topeka that one time. I knew the others, but only because we attended the same school a few years ago. I also knew them because their fiancées were friends of James.”
Wyatt’s interest lifted. “All of the men were friends with James?”
She nodded. “Do you think that means something?”
“I honestly don’t know. Although this town is bigger now than when I first lived here, it’s still considered a small town. So naturally, everyone will know something about everyone.”
“Very true.”
He studied Josie’s pretty face. Her blonde hair had fallen out of the bun it’d been in earlier. He liked the way it waved around her shoulders and down her back. She looked so alluring, and he wished he didn’t have to leave. Cuddling her in his arms sounded more enjoyable than tracking down a killer.
He stepped closer and cupped her cheek. She snuggled against his palm, smiling. “I need to find your brother. He’s supposed to be helping me search for clues.”
She snorted a laugh and rolled her eyes. “James? He hasn’t had a clear head since after the war ended.”
“Why?” Wyatt asked the question that had been plaguing him since his return. “Why did your brother turn to drinking?”
“I’m not certain.” She frowned. “He was miserable the moment he came back home from the war. I kept waiting for him to snap out of it, but he always seemed so gloomy. As the years passed, he withdrew and took to the bottle. He doesn’t talk to me anymore.” She shrugged. “I wish I could figure him out.”
“Has he continued to visit the saloon these past few days?”
“I’m not sure. During the morning, I work at the hotel, and when I return home, I change my clothes and head right into the barn to work on my inventions.”
“All right. I’ll find him.” He gave her a quick kiss on the forehead, only because he knew if he kissed her mouth again, he’d want to turn the mood more passionate. “You’d better get home. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
She nodded. “Goodbye, Wyatt.”
He watched her walk out of the alley, and his head spun with unanswered ques
tions. In the last two days, he’d gathered a lot of information, but none of it pointed to the murderer. Yet, he still felt there was something right in front of him that was within his grasp. He must believe he’d find what he was looking for. There could not be another killing. And he’d do everything he could to stop it from happening.
“SUPPER SMELLS HEAVENLY, Annie.” Josie smiled widely as she dreamily entered the kitchen. Annie looked at her with her big brown eyes.
“What is wrong with you, child? I’ve never seen you look so... so...”
“Happy?” Josie supplied the answer.
Annie narrowed her gaze. “Yes, I suppose that’s exactly what you look like.”
Giggling, Josie sat on a stool and sighed. She didn’t know whether to tell anyone about what had happened to her earlier this evening. Perhaps she’d wait and see what Wyatt wanted to do, first. People would certainly doubt her if she told them about Wyatt’s passionate kiss.
“Oh, I’ve just been thinking about a certain man in town.”
“Josie-girl, I’m sure I know who is on your mind, but... did you not hear about what happened to Salina Lewis?”
Reality hit Josie like a board smacking her between the eyes. How could she feel like sliding down a fluffy rainbow when there was a murderer in town? A killer – she reminded herself – who killed young women who were blonde and who had just been engaged. “Yes, I heard.” She frowned as she twisted a blonde lock of hair. “I was at the hotel when Elizabeth received the shocking news.”
“It’s just the saddest thing when we can’t even trust our own neighbors.” Annie stirred the pot of stew.
“I agree.”
A knock came upon the back door. Annie quickly put down the spoon and hurried to the door. Josie held her breath, hoping it was Wyatt coming to see her. But then, why would he come to the back door?
Secrets of the Past (Kansas Crossroads Book) Page 5