A Family for the Holidays

by Sherri Shackelford

  “I need to find someone,” Lily began. She’d grown heartily weary of the current subject. Despite the outlaw’s warning, she saw no reason to doubt Emil as a guardian. “The children’s grandfather was supposed to meet our stagecoach. He’s late.”

  “Who is he? I know everyone in Frozen Oaks.” Regina flashed a spiteful grin. “And all of their secrets.”

  “His name is—”

  A blast of glacial air indicated the arrival of another customer. As the gentleman approached their table, Regina’s face lit up. Curious, Lily studied the newcomer. His extreme fairness caught and held her attention immediately. The gentleman’s pants were striped in shades of charcoal, his waistcoat was checked in burgundy, and he’d topped his outfit with a black suit coat. The only blemish to his neat appearance was the tail end of a blue bandanna trailing from his pocket.

  Though not exactly uncomely, everything about him was slightly off. He was at least a decade older than Regina, with a wide smile that stretched his loose jowls. His light blond hair was neatly trimmed, but shot with gray, washing out the color. Despite his jovial expression, there was sharp edge to his pale blue eyes.

  Regina rose to her feet, rattling the table and sloshing her coffee.

  “Vic,” she exclaimed, her voice breathless. “This is my friend Lily Winter. Lily, this is Vic Skaar. Vic owns the hotel and the lumberyard. He’ll own the whole town before long.”

  The man grasped Lily’s outstretched hand in a bone-crushing greeting. “A pleasure, Miss Winter.”

  Lily stifled a grimace at his clammy palm. “Mr. Skaar.”

  Regina scooted closer and Vic smoothly evaded her advance. Glancing between the pair, Lily frowned.

  “Call me Vic,” the gentleman said. “What brings you to our quaint town, Miss Winter?”

  He winked at her, a curious twitch of his left cheek that didn’t completely close his eye. His greeting was so at odds with the exchange she’d shared with the gunfighter, she paused a moment before answering.

  “Are you all right, Miss Winter?” Vic hoisted an eyebrow. “I didn’t mean to ask such a confusing question.”

  “I’m fine.” Lily straightened. “I’m just visiting.”

  “How fortunate for us.”

  The look on his face was cloying and hinted at the suggestion of something more. Lily sharpened her gaze. At the boardinghouse, she’d struck down more than one overly ardent suitor who thought the maids were providing more than fresh linens. She wasn’t completely naive.

  “My visit is brief,” she replied firmly. “Just until the children are settled.”

  Much to Lily’s chagrin, Regina had noted Vic’s interest. The other woman’s face took on a hard look, jarring Lily’s fragile nerves. Though Regina’s cloying affection struck Lily as contrived, the other woman was clearly warning her away.

  “When are you leaving?” Regina demanded.

  “The evening stagecoach,” Lily cut in quickly, seeking to ease Regina’s disquiet. “I’ve escorted Sam and Peter on the last leg of their journey. We’re waiting on their grandfather. He’s late.”

  Regina was the one person in town she knew, and Lily was loath to damage the relationship until she discovered Emil’s whereabouts.

  Vic followed her gaze and caught sight of the siblings in deep concentration over their checkers game.

  “What’s the gentleman’s name?” he asked. “Maybe I can help.”

  “Emil Tyler.”

  Vic’s grin faltered. “That might be a problem, Miss Winter.”

  Chapter Three

  Emil has gotten tangled in some trouble.

  Jake’s declaration ricocheted around Lily’s brain. Had he been implying something more sinister? The idea sent her strained nerves clamoring. What sort of trouble could an elderly man tangle with?

  “Emil missed the gentlemen’s weekly poker game.” Regina chuckled, though she didn’t sound particularly amused. “Emil never misses a poker game. No one has seen him in a week. Come to think of it, I heard he had a dustup with that gunfighter, Jake, a few days back.”

  Vic bestowed Lily with another of his odd half winks. “You’d best watch your back, Lily. With Emil gone, those two boys are ripe for the picking. Even I saw their luggage stacked outside the livery. One look at the brass fittings on their steamer trunks and everyone will know we have a couple of rich orphans in our midst. Folks around these parts will slit your throat for an acre of land, let alone a juicy bank account.”

  “Stop.” Regina playfully slapped his arm. “Vic, you’re frightening the poor girl.”

  With a gasp Lily half stood from her chair, then thumped back down. Only last week the St. Joseph Star had featured a story about gravediggers desecrating corpses in search of valuables. Greed drove people into all sorts of despicable acts. With Emil missing, how difficult would it be for someone to claim guardianship of the boys and drain their inheritance?

  Vic pried Regina’s fingers loose from his coat sleeve. “A fellow like Jake is dodgy. Considering his argument with Emil, maybe you should speak with the sheriff. A pretty girl looking out for two young, helpless boys needs protection.”

  Panic rose in the back of Lily’s throat. She was physically weak and shaken, and her thoughts were muddled; clearly she hadn’t yet recovered from her earlier faint. The room wavered and shimmered and she blinked her eyes back into focus.

  “You’ve had a long day,” Regina said. “You’re not thinking straight. Someone has to look out for those boys.”

  Hollow and bewildered, Lily gazed at the youngsters. Even if she was wrong, dare she put them at further risk? She’d made a vow to guard their safety.

  Jake had claimed he was enjoying the view. What if he’d dispatched Emil and was targeting the boys? She’d best act quickly.

  “Jake can be quite charming,” Regina said. “You wouldn’t be the first woman taken in by him.”

  Certainly, he’d played the gentleman. But then he’d practically ordered her to leave.

  Lily pressed two trembling fingers against her aching forehead. If her fears were unfounded, there was no harm in checking.

  “You’re right. I’ll speak with the sheriff.” Her thoughts jumbled, Lily gathered her reticule and stood. “Do you mind if the children stay and finish their game? I’d rather not upset them.”

  “Anything to help.” Vic grinned. “Since you’ll miss your stagecoach, let me extend my hospitality. We have plenty of rooms available at the hotel.”

  Regina’s expression shifted. “Perhaps it’s safer for all three of them if they return to St. Joseph as soon as possible.”

  “Nonsense,” Vic declared. “Sheriff Koepke will set this to rights.”

  “The sheriff can sort this out with Lily and the boys safely tucked on the stagecoach.” Regina’s voice took on a prickly edge. “There’s no use staying in Frozen Oaks if Emil isn’t coming back.”

  Lily hadn’t taken the gunfighter seriously, but she wasn’t making the same mistake twice. After donning her coat and assuring Sam and Peter that she’d be back soon, Lily followed Vic’s directions across the street. Trust no one, Jake had said. Frozen Oaks is a dangerous place.

  He wanted the three of them on that stagecoach and away from the safety of town for a reason. All of Regina’s sly innuendos about the siblings’ inheritance came rushing back. Sam and Peter were wealthy, vulnerable. Her steps slowed. Was she overreacting? Had she read too many of Peter’s dime novels lately?

  She picked up her speed once more. Right or wrong, something was suspicious about Emil’s absence. She wasn’t naive orphan Lily. She certainly wasn’t taking any chances. Emil hadn’t been seen in a week, which meant he’d gone missing only days after accepting guardianship. With their grandfather absent, only one last obstacle remained between the boys and someone who might want to
exploit them for their inheritance.

  She discovered the sheriff where Vic had predicted, sipping whiskey and playing cards in the saloon. Lily wrinkled her nose against the stench and forged onward. The lawman was wiry and small, barely larger than Sam, and had the bulbous pink nose of a gentleman who spent more time in the saloon than in church. He reminded her of a puppet with his exaggerated features and slim body. He was also her best option at the moment.

  The sheriff caught sight of her and winked. “What can I do for you, little lady?”

  Lily rolled her eyes. Was winking some sort of odd affliction amongst the men of Frozen Oaks?

  “I’m concerned about the disappearance of Emil Tyler.”

  “Old Emil? He’ll turn up. I don’t get paid to go looking for folks just because someone has their apron in a twist.”

  The pain in her temple throbbed once more. This day had gone entirely too long.

  “I think the gunfighter might be involved,” she said.

  “Jake?”

  Lily nodded.

  “Don’t go messing with that one. Even Vic steers clear of him.”

  “So I’ve heard.”

  “What do you think he’s done?”

  “I saw Jake watching Emil’s barbershop. Emil has disappeared. It stands to reason the two may be connected.”

  “Get me some proof, lady. Right now, all you’ve got is an old fellow who wandered off. For all we know, he ain’t right in the head. Old fellows get odd like that.”

  “Speaking from experience?”

  “Huh?”

  “Never mind.” Lily bit out the words through clenched teeth. “I’ll find the proof myself.”

  * * *

  Jake yanked open the lumber-mill door and searched the dimly lit interior. He glanced over his shoulder, then shut the door. Lily Winter had been trailing him for two days. Though his admiration was grudging, he had to concede she was rather good. She’d nearly caught up with him a couple of times.

  Clearly she thought he was involved with Emil’s disappearance. There’d been no developments on that front either. No one was talking. His entire network had gone quiet. A sense of anticipation permeated the air, as though everyone in town was waiting for something to break.

  A sound caught his attention and he spun around and met the muzzle of a quaking gun.

  A pair of familiar, pretty blue eyes peered over the barrel.

  “I was just wondering when something might happen.” Jake automatically raised his hands. “I thought I lost you at the livery.”

  “You knew I was following you?” She tossed her head. “How long have you known?”

  “I had a clue, yes. A lady in the bathhouse is bound to cause a stir.”

  A violent shade of pink suffused her cheeks. “That was an accident. I was following you and not paying attention to my surroundings. Thankfully, the bathhouse was empty.”

  The empty bathhouse had been more than fortunate. When he’d first caught wind she might be following him, he’d baited the trap. She’d followed him inside, then exited rather rapidly.

  “Since you’re here,” Jake continued, “how about you tell me why you’re following me?”

  “Vic said you had an argument with Emil. Why didn’t you mention your disagreement when we talked before?”

  “Vic is lying.” Jake held his hands in a placating gesture, stalling for time. “I’m only trying to help you, Miss Winter. You should also know that the sheriff is following you.”

  “A coincidence. I went to him for help when we first arrived.”

  “Then he’s letting you do most of the legwork. He waits until you follow me, and then he follows you.”

  “I’m inclined to believe you’re lying about that, as well. The sheriff doesn’t strike me as being much of a go-getter.”

  “You’ve been here for two days, Miss Winter. Have you discovered anything else that’s odd about the inhabitants of Frozen Oaks?”

  “Answer my questions first,” she demanded. “Did you kill Emil?”

  “No.” At least the question was finally out in the open. “And we don’t even know if Emil is dead. He’s missing. There’s a difference.”

  A myriad of emotions flitted across her face, a hint of sorrow and something more—a touch of anger. “People don’t just go missing. Either they disappear because they want to, or something bad has happened to them.”

  “I’m trying to help you, Lily. If Vic is attempting to turn your suspicions on me, there must be a reason.” Jake didn’t have much time. If Lily was here, the sheriff wasn’t far behind. He searched their surroundings and strained his ears, hearing only the scuffling of a mouse scurrying along the walls. “Don’t you find something odd about this place?”

  “I don’t follow.”

  “Isn’t it curious that there’s no lumber in the lumber mill? According to town gossip, the Frozen Oaks lumber mill once did a thriving business.”

  She tipped back her head and gazed at the empty rafters. “Not anymore.”

  “Precisely, Miss Winter. The lumberyard is empty. The hotel rarely has guests, and there’s room in the livery for plenty of horses. That doesn’t bode well for Mr. Skaar.”

  “Why the sudden interest in Vic?”

  “I’m trying to warn you. Don’t be fooled by Vic. There are things about him you don’t know.”

  “I’m done waiting. Those children deserve answers. Someone around here knows something. You’re the obvious suspect.”

  Jake grappled with his own frustrations. He’d been too slow in acting. He’d only become concerned with Emil’s absence when the boys had arrived unannounced on the same day Vic had become a housebreaker. But if Vic had already dispatched Emil to erase his gambling debt, what was his interest in the grandchildren?

  “I know you’re afraid,” he said. “I’m only interested in Sam and Peter’s safety, and yours, as well.”

  She raised the gun above her head and wiped her forehead on her shoulder. Dust motes swirled in the dim shaft of light streaking through a gap in the paneling.

  He took a step forward and she scurried back. “I’m warning you. You better not try anything, mister. If the sheriff is following me like you say, he’ll be here soon.”

  “Where’d you get the weapon?” he asked.

  She raised her chin a notch. “That’s none of your concern.”

  “Have you ever fired a gun before?”

  “I can pull a trigger.”

  His stomach pitched. There was nothing more dangerous than a greenhorn with a pistol. “Fair enough. But I think you need a little practice. You’re lining up your shot by the notch at the end of the barrel.”

  “Isn’t that how you’re supposed to line up the shot?”

  “There are actually two points that line up. When you squeeze the trigger, squeeze slowly. The kickback will pull your shot off target.”

  “Yes.”

  “Yes what?”

  “You asked me before if I’d noticed anything odd about the people living in Frozen Oaks. My answer is yes. Regina fawns all over Vic, even though I don’t think she truly likes him very much. The sheriff is more interested in discovering a straight flush than in trying to figure out why one of his local residents has gone missing. The strangest of all? The local gun for hire is teaching me to fire a weapon. While I’m pointing a gun at him.”

  “Trust me, Miss Winter. I’m looking out for your best interest.”

  “Trust you? How can I trust anyone? I have two young children who deserve a home. They deserve a family. Someone around here must know something. If you don’t start talking, I’m going to start shooting.” She raised her eyes heavenward. “Don’t worry, I’ll line up both sights.”

  “You won’t shoot a defenseless man.”

 
; “No. But then, you’re not a defenseless man, are you?”

  She wasn’t nearly as tough as she appeared. He’d conned his way through enough situations to recognize the signs. If the boys were in danger, she’d shoot. Without that incentive, he doubted she had the nerve. He only had to prevent her from accidentally firing the weapon until he regained control of the situation.

  “I’ll tell you what I know.” He lowered his hands. “Rumor has it that Vic lost money to Emil in a poker game. A lot of money.”

  “Vic has money to burn. How much could he lose to a kindly old grandfather?”

  “You’ve never met Emil, have you?”

  A lock of her straw-colored hair drifted across her cornflower blue eyes. “If you didn’t kill Emil, where is he?” She blew a breath, fluttering the strands aside. “Do you know what happened to him?”

  “No, I don’t. But I have a few ideas. Some suspicions. Why don’t you put down the gun and we can discuss my thoughts?”

  “Not likely.”

  If only he could simply tell her the truth. At this point, she’d never believe him anyway. This was the part of the job he loathed. After five years of running with thieves, corrupt lawmen and killers, he’d lost his ability for gentlemanly speech. He had no convincing words to soothe her with. And for the first time in his career, he desperately wanted those words.

  He shook off the hesitation.

  She was a distraction. The boys were vulnerable. Nothing more, nothing less. The sooner she left, the better. If the accusation in her melancholy eyes sparked his guilt, that was the price he paid for keeping her and the boys safe.

  He took another step forward and she stumbled back once more.

  “Don’t come any closer.” Her breath came in quick, shallow gasps. “I’m warning you, the sheriff knows all about your interest in the inheritance. He’ll take you to jail. Once we find proof that you’re responsible for Emil’s disappearance, jail is where you’ll stay.”

  An inheritance? The ramifications socked him in the gut. Vic didn’t want to erase his debt, he wanted a new influx of cash. All the pieces instantly made sense: Emil was missing. His grandchildren were the beneficiaries of an inheritance. Lily Winter was the only thing standing between the boys and someone who might take advantage of them.