by Barbara Goss
Spence walked up behind Glenna as she was saddling a horse.
“Would you like to take Starfire? He’s all saddled.”
“No, this mare is fine,” she said.
“Are you going for a ride in the meadow?”
“Why?”
“Because the last time I had to go hunting for you, so I’d like to know, if you don’t mind. Your father and I care about you.”
Glenna sighed. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t be rude to Spence. She turned to him and smiled. “I’m sorry. I’m going into town to help Zeke to look for proof to lock Asa back up.”
Spence stared at her for several moments before whispering, “Be careful.”
His words warmed her. His eyes resembled someone who actually cared. She mounted her horse and said over her shoulder, “I will.”
She arrived at the land office at nine sharp. Zeke was already inside, searching inside a filing cabinet. There were papers strewn all about. He turned when she entered to greet her.
She asked eagerly, “Where should I begin?”
Zeke made a gesture by spreading his arms wide. “Just about anywhere. There are some large books on the shelf and boxes of papers in the corner. This may take some time.”
Glenna went over to the large shelf and brought down a dusty tome. “I might as well start here.”
~~~**~~~
Asa paced outside Lanahan’s cell. “Where’s that ledger?” he whispered loudly.
Lanahan sat with his back to Asa. “I’m not going down for this alone.”
Asa had always been a fast thinker which was why he was so successful. He rubbed his forehead. “I have a plan. You won’t be going down. I’ll have the miners break you out. The new sheriff is a joke. I don’t think he’s old enough to even shave yet. It will be a simple maneuver.”
“Then you won’t need the ledger.”
“I need the ledger now. The amateur sheriff has been tearing your office apart looking for it and if they find it, I’ll be locked up with you and unable to plan your breakout.”
“Let me think about it,” Lanahan said.
~~~**~~~
Glenna paged through sheets and sheets of papers, most of which she could neither understand nor decipher. Lanahan had horrible handwriting. She looked over at Zeke who was knee deep in paper from the filing cabinet. She continued sifting, thinking about everything Spence had said when he’d told her and her father about Lanahan and Asa’s arrest. He’d said Lanahan had been packing a valise. Obviously, he’d planned to leave town. It would seem strange for him to have left important evidence behind. Wouldn’t he have destroyed it or taken it with him? She was about to tell Zeke but something told her not to. She strolled to the back of the room and slipped into Lanahan’s private living quarters. There, on the bed, sat his suitcase, half open. She said a quick prayer, opened the valise, and shifted through his belongings. There, at the bottom, was a large, leather journal. It was thick but soft enough to fold. She put it behind her back and edged back into the office and to the door.
“I need to get my canteen from my saddlebag,” she said.
“I can get us some coffee or tea,” Zeke said without looking up.
“No, maybe later.” She backed out and slipped the journal into her saddlebag. Why was she hesitant to tell Zeke about it? Some inner voice warned her not to. Was she being unnecessarily paranoid? She’d have to put some feelers out first.
Glenna brought the canteen in and drank from it. “What will we do if we find what we’re looking for?” she asked. “With Asa on the loose, it could be dangerous for us.”
Zeke stood and brushed off his trousers. “I was thinking the same thing. I got this idea last night, but I’m not sure if you’ll go along with it. You seem fairly well-to-do, unlike me and my family.”
“What do you mean?”
“If Asa goes to jail, the salt mine and factory will close and all those men will be out of work. The families will suffer. What if we sold what we find back to Asa? We’d have a good deal of money, and Asa would continue to run the salt business. All of this will be behind him.”
Glenna simply stared at Zeke. She silently thanked God for the warning not to share what she’d found. No, she wanted Asa punished, and she wanted to give the proof to Spence, whom she trusted.
“That’s wrong, Zeke. You’re the sheriff. You took an oath to uphold the law.”
Zeke shrugged. “I thought it best for the town. Just forget I said anything.” He smiled at her and walked closer. “I hate seeing you on your hands and knees, going through all these worthless papers.” He put both hands on her shoulders. “Why don’t you go on home, and if I find anything, I’ll ride out and show it to you.”
“I have to admit, it’s all rather boring. If you don’t mind, I really am fed up with going through all of these ancient papers.”
“Go on home, and I’ll ride out to see you later. Maybe we’ll go for a walk or something,” he said with a wink.
Glenna backed out of the office and started for her horse. She spun around when she heard a horse racing toward her. It was Asa, heading for the land office. His face was red. She’d never seen him move so fast. Glenna thought about what she had in her saddlebag and fear froze her to the spot.
Asa ignored her and ran into the office. Somehow, he knew where the ledger was. Glenna jumped on her horse and flew as fast as she could back to the ranch.
~~~**~~~
Spence had finished the roof of the stables and was on a ladder, nailing up the sides of the building. He almost fell off the ladder when he heard someone galloping up the lane, fast as lightning. When he saw it was Glenna, he half-stepped off the ladder and half-jumped off. He ran to where she’d reined in.
She slid off her horse before it had even stopped and ran straight into Spence’s arms. He felt her shaking. He had so many questions, but the feel of her in his arms felt so good, he didn’t want to let go of her to ask them.
Finally, she pulled away and said, “Don’t leave me, Spence. I need to get the horse in the stables. Asa might be after me.”
Chapter Eleven
Spence bustled Glenna and her horse into the stables and closed and bolted the door. He turned to her and said, “What’s going on?”
Glenna pulled the ledger from her saddlebag and handed it to Spence.
Spence paged through it, and he could feel his eyes widen at what he saw; it was the proof they needed to hang Asa Livingston.
He glanced at Glenna whose face was still ashen. “I need to get you to a safe place.”
Tears rolled down Glenna’s face. “Where? Asa will find me. He’ll know I took it.”
After thinking for a moment, Spence came up with the perfect place for Glenna to hide. He wouldn’t even tell her father.
“I know where you’ll be safe, but we can’t tell your father. That way they can’t force anything out of him. He has to seem completely puzzled by your disappearance.”
“He’ll worry,” Glenna cried.
“I’m sorry, but it can’t be helped. Asa will do anything to get this ledger back. I’m putting it in Starfire’s saddlebag.”
After Spence put the ledger away, he turned to Glenna. “I want you to sneak into the house by the back door. I’ll go with you. Your father is out in the meadow, supervising a breeding. Throw a few necessities into a bag. I’ll be waiting for you in the back hall.”
Glenna did as she was told. She met him by the back door with a small satchel. “Now what?” she asked.
“Now, we need to find a way out of town, a place where no one can see us.”
“The river,” Glenna said.
“I’m taking you to Mead, and the road along the river will take us a good deal out of our way, but it’s worth it. We’ll need some food. I’ll see what I can rob from the chuck wagon cook, while you stay hidden in the stables.”
Spence walked her to the stables, made sure the doors were locked, and went in search of food for their trek.
&n
bsp; Glenna was pacing the stable floor when Spence returned with a bundle wrapped in a table cloth and two canteens.
Spence saddled his horse and put the supplies on the back of his saddle. He tied Glenna’s satchel to the back of her saddle.
“Now,” Spence said, “to get out of the stables and to the river without being seen.”
They froze when someone yelled outside the house, “Rory McKay! Come out here.”
“It’s Asa!” Glenna ran into Spence’s arms.
He held her close and whispered in her ear, “He’s not going to hurt you as long as I’m still breathing.”
He pushed her gently away. “Stay here. I’m going out there to deal with him.”
“Be careful,” Glenna whispered.
Instead of opening the large stable doors, Spence went through the back service door and motioned for Glenna to lock it after him. He walked around to the front of the house and confronted a red-faced, agitated Asa.
“Rory’s out in the meadow, conducting a breeding. What can I do for you?”
Asa, who was still on his horse, said, “Actually, I have business with his daughter. Fetch her for me at once.”
“I’m sorry, but she left early this morning. I think she said something about working with Zeke.”
Spence watched Asa’s face drop. “She hasn’t come home yet?”
“No. Her horse is missing and the house is empty. I can ring the bell for Rory, if you’d like.”
Asa scrutinized the area, either looking for a clue that Spence was lying, or deep in thought. In a kinder voice, he asked, “Is there anywhere else she’d go if she were upset?”
“Upset? Why would she be upset? Did Zeke try anything with her? Rory will kill him if he did.”
“He might have,” Asa said, thoughtfully. “They were alone in that office. She sped out of town like a swarm of bees were after her.”
“Dagnabbit! That churn-twisting rat! As soon as Rory comes back to the house, I’ll ride out with him, and we’ll put that clodhopper to rights.”
“See that you do.” Asa turned and rode slowly to the road.
As soon as Asa disappeared, Spence went to the stable’s back door and knocked. Glenna let him in. Her eyes were wide. “Is he gone?”
Once more, Spence found it difficult to resist her. She looked so scared and pathetic. He took her into his arms and held her. “I won’t let him or anyone hurt you. You’re getting yourself all upset for nothing.” He patted her back. “Calm down. We have a long trip to make.”
“What about my father?”
“I told Cookie at the chuck wagon that I had to return to Arkansas, but I’d be back in a few days. I told him to tell your father you were still at the land office, working with Zeke.”
“I guess we have no choice,” she said. “Let’s go.”
~~~**~~~
Rory McKay paced the front porch. He’d stop occasionally to tap on his pocket watch before pacing some more. The sun was slowly sinking below the horizon.
Rory breathed a sigh of relief when he heard a horse galloping toward the house. His relief didn’t last long—it wasn’t Glenna’s horse but Asa’s. What could he possibly want?
“Rory,” Asa said as he slid from his horse, “I’m here to see Glenna.”
“She isn’t here. I’m worried to death. She went to town today to work with Zeke, and she hasn’t come home.”
Asa’s mouth dropped open. “Then, where is she?”
“I don’t know. I’m riding into town to strangle Zeke.”
“She’s not with him, either. He claims she went home around noon,” Asa said.
“No, she never came back. That Zeke’s lying. What’s he done with her?”
“Where’s that marshal? Maybe he has her,” Asa said.
“No, he had to leave for Arkansas, but he’ll be back. He must have had special business there,” Rory said. “He’s not my concern. Where is my daughter?”
Asa shrugged. “He went to Arkansas? Hmm. Special business…Are you sure Glenna didn’t go with him?”
Rory frowned. “Not only would he never do that, but she would never go anywhere without telling me. We’re close. I’ve raised her since her mama died years ago.”
It was now dark. Rory sighed. “I’m saddling a horse and going out to look for her. Heaven help whoever is detaining her.”
~~~**~~~
Spence and Glenna plodded along near the river, keeping themselves close to the trees and brush. They finally came to an area where they had to veer from the river, but Spence assured Glenna they were far enough away from Salt Creek. He aimed to put them on the direct road to Mead.
Glenna nudged her horse closer to Spence’s. “How much further?”
“Another three hours, I’m afraid. Trailing the river put us behind.”
Glenna yawned. “I’m tired.”
“You must be joking—we’ve only been on the road for two and a half hours.”
She shrugged. “It’s been an emotional day, and I’m drained. Can’t we stop at a hotel or something and finish the trip tomorrow?”
Spence let out a laugh. “Do you see any hotels?”
Glenna glanced around. “Where are we?”
“There’s nothing but wilderness between here and Mead—no houses, no lights, and no hotels.” He looked at her drooping shoulders “We can stop for a rest; would that help?”
“Yes, please,” Glenna said.
Spence led them closer to some woods and tied the horses to some trees. He unsaddled his horse, pulled the blanket off, and laid it on the ground. “Here—sit down for a while.”
“Thank you,” she said with relief.
“Will you be all right here for a few moments?”
“W-where are you going?” she stammered.
“I’m just going to scout around for some water for the horses. That sliver of a moon won’t be much help, but I’ll try.” He handed her a canteen. “Are you hungry?”
“No, just thirsty.”
“I’ll be right back, but I won’t go so far that I won’t hear you should you call out for me.”
Spence didn’t find any water, but he knew there was a creek a mile or so up the road. He’d stopped there the last time he’d traveled to see Ruth Madison. Glenna would have to wait a bit longer. Maybe after she’d rested, she’d be able to go the rest of the way.
He returned to where he’d left her and sighed. She lay there, motionless on the blanket. “Glenna,” he called. “Glenna.”
He bent over her; she remained asleep.
Spence shrugged, unsaddled Glenna’s horse, and spread the blanket out beside hers. They’d have to spend the night. He slipped his gun beneath his blanket and fell asleep himself.
For some reason, morning felt especially good to him. He didn’t open his eyes right away—for a moment, he thought he was dreaming. Glenna was in his arms like she’d been in the stables that day. He smelled her hair and realized that dreams didn’t come with aromas. His eyes flew open to see Glenna’s arms wrapped tightly around his neck. He luxuriated in her arms for a few seconds longer, knowing his actions were wrong. He stroked her cheeks and kissed the top of her head. She was so lovely…even in her sleep.
Finally and reluctantly, he pried her hands free. She turned over, curled up into a ball and took his hand with her.
“Glenna!” he said, shaking her with his other hand. “It’s time to hit the trail.”
She groaned.
He finally pulled her up and left her rubbing her eyes while he pulled the knapsack from his saddle. He sat beside her and handed her a piece of fried chicken.
“I’ve never had chicken for breakfast before,” she said.
Spence thought she looked adorable with her hair falling from her bun and her eyes all sleepy. He could get used to seeing her like that every morning. He watched her bite into the chicken. She nibbled at it like a crow in a cornfield.
He handed her the canteen. “Just a few sips—it has to last us.”
&nbs
p; “Do you think Asa will try to follow us?” she asked.
“Nope. I threw him another bone to follow.”
“What do you mean?”
“I told the cook to tell your father I had to go back to Arkansas on special business. When he tells Asa that, he’ll think I have the ledger and am taking it directly to the U.S. Marshals. He’ll most likely try to intercept me with some of his men.”
Glenna stopped eating and looked up to him with a smile. “That was very clever, Spence.”
Her smile, along with her thinking him clever, did something to him inside. He touched her cheek with the back of his hand. Maybe they could somehow make the relationship work. He’d miss her if he went back to Arkansas, he knew he would. Spence came to the realization that she meant more to him than he’d thought. She was becoming irresistible, and she was drawing him to her like a magnet. Warnings sounded in his head. He knew he had to return to Arkansas, and he’d also promised her father he wouldn’t take her from him. A relationship between them was impossible, but he’d still do whatever he could to keep her safe.
Chapter Twelve
The sun’s rays pierced Glenna’s back. Her blouse felt wet with perspiration. She’d already removed her riding outfit’s jacket. It was nearly noon, and the July heat was already unbearable.
“How much further?” she asked.
“Another forty-five minutes to an hour,” Spence said. “It’s usually a four-hour ride but we had to detour around the river.”
Glenna picked up her canteen and shook it; there wasn’t much water left.
Spence’s hand reached over and handed her his canteen. “You can have mine.”
Glenna pushed it back at him. “I’m not taking yours. You warned me not to drink too much. You need it as much as I do.”