Renegade

by Anna Schmidt

  He shrugged. “Sometimes to work out a problem with a case. Sometimes just to remind myself there’s more to life than the day-to-day routine. And lately, to think about you. About us.”

  “I think about you—us—a lot,” she admitted. “I don’t have a special place though. Just the hotel.”

  “I’ll share this one with you,” he said, “as long as you promise you’ll only come here with me—not alone.”

  She smiled. “And just how am I supposed to think with you here to distract me?”

  “That’s kind of the point,” he chuckled. “That and the fact that there could be snakes or other varmints sharing the space with you.”

  She ran her finger over his lips. “I don’t like snakes,” she admitted.

  “Good. Maybe that will keep you from going it alone. Something I suspect you have a habit of doing far too often.” When she had no sassy reply, Cody tilted her chin so she was looking at him, even though his face was hidden by the oncoming night and the brim of his hat. “Lily? I didn’t mean—”

  “Did it ever occur to you that once you know me, you might not like what you find out?”

  “Whatever Victor Johnson did to you doesn’t matter to me. I know none of that was your fault.”

  “And what if I told you there’s more?”

  She felt him tense. And just when she was sure he was about to lead the way back down the path and say a good night that would surely be goodbye, he sat cross-legged on the rock and tugged her down to sit facing him. “Okay, tell me.”

  She hesitated. Was she ready to reveal her past? All of it? Things she had not shared even with Emma or Grace? He reached for her, but she raised her hands and stopped him. If she told him her past and he rejected her, at least she wouldn’t have to endure the pain of him physically releasing her. Still, she couldn’t resist taking hold of his hand herself.

  “My father died suddenly when I was eleven,” she began. “A year later, my mother remarried. The man was the son of a wealthy businessman. He spent his days at his private club and his evenings at dinners and parties. Sometimes, he escorted my mother to these social events, but more often, he went alone. He was a stickler for wanting things just so. He pretended to be very devout. Said it was good for business.”

  “Sounds like somebody I wouldn’t get along with,” Cody ventured.

  “My two older brothers had already gone on to lives of their own. We rarely saw them, so it was just my mother and me—and my stepfather when it suited him. There were servants, of course, a butler and valet and cook and personal maid for my mother. But life was lonely and dreary.”

  “When did you leave?”

  She hesitated. It was a simple enough question to answer by saying something like “when I turned sixteen.” But nothing about the life she’d known was that simple. Either she was going to trust Cody with all of it, or she needed to end any association with him here and now and without further explanation. She drew in a long breath.

  “I left the morning after he came to my room for the third night in a row. He would lie beside me, covering my mouth with his hand, while whispering threats of what he would do to my mother if I screamed or called for help. He waited until I agreed—I had to nod—and then he’d let me catch my breath. Then he’d—” Her voice trembled, and she shivered violently. “And then,” she whispered, shutting her eyes against the vile memories of those nights.

  Cody scooted around until he was sitting behind her. He pulled her against him, his arms a comforting embrace meant to send a message of protection and shelter. “That’s enough,” he said softly. “There’s no need to say more, Lily. It means a good deal to me to know you trust me to hear this.”

  She didn’t pull away but looked up at him. “All of it? Because I think I need to finally tell someone the whole story. If you’d rather, I can tell Emma. I trust her. Either way, I realize it’s time. If I don’t tell someone, I’ll never move forward.”

  “Why put yourself through the pain of those times?”

  “Maybe I’m beginning to realize that facing all of it—my father’s sudden death, the time with my stepfather, even believing Victor’s lies—is the best thing. If I stop running from it, it might help me understand why I seem incapable of finding true love. Real love.”

  Cody continued to hold her. “Maybe,” he said softly, “it’s not so much about finding love but more recognizing it when it comes along.”

  “You mean like Jake?”

  “Not exactly. I reckon the kind of love you’re talking about is the kind where both sides feel the same. Two people working together toward the same end.”

  She relaxed in his arms, listening to the night sounds as she considered what he’d said. “My stepfather was a horrid man, and so is Victor. But still, I allowed them to take what they wanted from me.” She felt Cody tense. “Not all of it,” she hurried to assure him, not wanting him to think any worse of her than her story already warranted. “Not even Victor got that.”

  “But you were married. Or thought you were.”

  “He was drunk and when he couldn’t…when he failed, he forced me to satisfy him in other ways. The same ways my stepfather had demanded. And then he passed out.”

  Cody cupped her face with his large hands. “Lily, do you know what this means? The way you’ve blamed yourself, punished yourself, thinking you weren’t—”

  “Chaste? Pure? Innocent? Choose any word, Cody. It’s not what I think. It’s the truth.”

  “No, darling Lily, it is not. None of it was your doing.”

  She felt a kernel of hope. “What are you saying?”

  “I’m saying now that you know Victor tricked you and there is no legal bond, allow yourself to find love, Lily. ‘Real love,’ as you put it.” He kissed her tenderly. “And once you decide to follow that path, I’d really like to be considered as a prospect.”

  Her answer was to urge him to kiss her again.

  The church tower chimed three quarters of the hour.

  “I have to go,” Lily whispered, making no move to leave.

  “Tomorrow?” he whispered, sowing kisses along her temple, cheek, and jaw.

  “Yes. I’ll meet you here as soon as I can get away.” She turned her face so their lips met.

  Reluctantly, they pulled apart, and he stood and helped her to her feet. “Let me call for you.”

  “No. For now, Cody, I need us to find our way without the others watching it all. They mean well, but if nothing comes of this thing between you and me—”

  He wrapped his arm around her as he led the way back down the trail toward town, taking care she didn’t trip or stumble. “We’ll do things your way, for now. As for nothing coming of ‘this’? I’d say we’ve passed that point several kisses ago.”

  Lily couldn’t seem to stop smiling. She’d told Cody the very worst of her past, and still he wanted to move forward. Was it possible that at long last, she had found a man who would love her the way she’d always dreamed? Was it possible she’d found a man she could love in return?

  Once they reached the plaza, she kissed his cheek and, feeling as if she’d sprouted wings, ran the rest of the way to the rear entrance of the hotel just as the church clock chimed ten.

  * * *

  Cody watched her until she disappeared inside the back entrance of the hotel. He felt happy—more than happy. What filled his heart and mind was the kind of pure joy a man experiences when he knows another piece of the puzzle that is his life has just clicked into place.

  It had been enough to know that Lily wasn’t really married to that scoundrel Johnson. But now, to know that in spite of her stepfather’s abuses and in spite of Johnson’s trying to trick her, neither had managed to defile her was an unexpected gift. He was well aware that Lily carried a good deal of shame for what those men had done to her, taking the blame on herself. He would need to take what
ever time was required to convince her that she carried no guilt for their actions. It would take patience and tenderness—and love.

  While making his rounds, he planned their next meeting. Tomorrow, when she met him on the hillside, he should have a surprise for her. A box of sweets from Tucker’s store, or better yet, he’d bring a lantern and a book of poetry. Women liked poetry, didn’t they? Maybe after breakfast at the hotel lunch counter, he’d step into the reading room and see what he could find on the shelves. Maybe Aidan would have some ideas. He seemed like the kind of guy who might be familiar with poetry.

  He’d need a clean shirt. The woman who did his laundry for him wasn’t due for another two days. Once a week, she brought him freshly washed clothes and took away the dirty ones. He’d either have to buy a new shirt or wash out the one he was wearing. Except buying meant stopping at Tucker’s and maybe running into other customers who would speculate on why the sheriff needed a shirt. Washing the one he was wearing made a lot more sense, so as soon as he finished his rounds, he stepped around to the back of the jail, removed his shirt, and washed it out in the tin pan of water he kept there for the drunks who were the usual occupants of the cells inside.

  He scrubbed the neck and cuffs with a bar of lye soap, rinsed, tossed out the soapy water, and pumped fresh into the pan. It was a quiet night and unlikely any of the cells would get used, but he liked to be ready, just in case. Inside, he draped the shirt over the back of his desk chair to dry near the open window and was just about to turn in for the night when he heard the jingle of harness and the creak of a wagon passing his office.

  Unusual for this time of night, he thought as he opened the door and looked out. Sure enough, a buckboard was just turning the corner of the plaza, headed south out of town. The driver was alone, dressed in dark clothing with a hat pulled low over his forehead. But in spite of the man’s attempts to remain unrecognized, Cody was pretty sure he knew who the driver was.

  So Victor Johnson hasn’t left town after all.

  Chapter 10

  Lily could barely contain her euphoria as she hurried inside the hotel. From the small room on the far side of the kitchen, she heard voices—Emma and Grace. And then a third voice, Miss Kaufmann. Using a shiny saucepan as a mirror, she examined her face to be sure she looked presentable for an encounter with the head waitress. She crossed the kitchen and called out, “I’m back,” as the clock in the lobby echoed the last of ten bells. She wanted to leave no doubt that she had returned within the limits of Miss K’s strict curfew.

  All three women looked at her expectantly.

  “Did you have a nice evening?” Emma asked.

  “Yes, thank you, but I’m here now. You should get some rest.” She removed her shawl and set it aside. “Miss Kaufmann, good evening.” She picked up the half-empty pitcher of water next to Grace’s bed. “I’ll just refill this.”

  They all continued watching her, their eyes bright with what she supposed was curiosity—curiosity she was not yet ready to satisfy. But to her surprise, what she’d viewed as curiosity turned out to be excitement.

  “We have news,” Grace announced.

  Lily set down the pitcher. “The baby?”

  Grace laughed and laid a protective hand on the mound of her belly. “The baby is fine. Emma has news.”

  Emma’s cheeks flamed a bright, mottled pink. “Well, you see, Miss Kaufmann has decided to move back to Virginia to be closer to family, and she has asked me to be her replacement.”

  “Emma was the only possible choice,” Miss K announced as if Lily had raised an objection.

  “Of course she is,” Lily said and hurried around Grace’s bed to hug her dear friend. “I just knew this would happen one day. Didn’t Grace and I tell you?” She was so happy for Emma that she broke the hug and turned to Miss K, taking the older woman’s hands in hers. “You couldn’t have chosen better,” she exclaimed. “Emma will make a wonderful head waitress.”

  “And housemother?” Miss K lifted an eyebrow. “I have to wonder how the two of you will fare, Lily. I mean, you do have a rebellious streak that must be tempered. I sincerely hope Emma’s promotion won’t be a problem.”

  “We are friends first,” Lily assured her.

  “Yes, that’s precisely my concern,” Miss K replied before turning her attention to Grace. “I’m pleased to see you look far better than when you arrived, Grace. I know the circumstances are less than ideal, but clearly, Dr. Waters made the right decision having you stay here in town.” She patted Grace’s foot before turning to go.

  “When do you leave for Virginia?” Lily blurted.

  “Lily!” Emma whispered.

  “Well, if we’re to arrange a party, we need that little detail, don’t you agree? There are only so many Sundays, after all.”

  This time, it was Miss K who blushed. “There’s really no need to make a fuss.”

  “Of course there is,” Lily insisted. “Appreciation for all you’ve meant to the Palace Hotel staff as well as a celebration of Emma’s promotion. It deserves a real fandango. Leave it to Grace and me.”

  “I suppose it would be nice to be able to say a proper goodbye,” Miss K mused.

  “And you’d be doing Grace a huge favor. Planning a gala for you and Emma will give her something to pass the time while she’s confined here.”

  Miss K smiled at Lily. “I will say this once, Lily Travis, and deny it vehemently should any of you repeat it. You have this way of bringing us all alive. Your impetuous nature can be highly contagious.”

  Grace clapped her hands. “A party to plan. What fun!”

  “I’ll let you know my date of departure as soon as I’ve finalized my travel plans,” Miss K promised. “And, Emma, in the meantime, I’ll need to hold regular meetings with you in order to pass the baton, so to speak.”

  “Of course,” Emma agreed. “Thank you so much for your confidence in me.”

  “Well, off to bed with you both,” Lily said, shooing them from the room. “Our Grace needs her rest.”

  Grace groaned. “Rest is all I do these days.”

  “Then I need my rest,” Lily countered with a grin. While she refilled the water pitcher, she could hear Emma and Miss K talking as they climbed the stairs, planning how to begin the change in leadership. Lily was so very pleased for Emma. For the first time in weeks, it seemed as if at least three Harvey Girls were all well on their way to better days.

  * * *

  The following morning, Cody went straight to the livery. Mick Preston was standing over an anvil, pounding a horseshoe into shape. He was a broad-shouldered, muscular man, maybe thirty, maybe older. He went about his work without bothering to socialize with his customers. If a man came to rent a wagon or horse, the deal was struck with a minimum of words. But Cody needed information this time and had little patience with Mick’s usual reticence.

  “I noticed Victor Johnson driving one of your wagons last night,” Cody said after Mick had acknowledged him with a nod.

  Mick gave the horseshoe a final tap. “Yup.”

  “He’s back in town then?”

  “Yup.”

  “Any idea for how long?”

  A shrug.

  “How long’s he keeping the wagon and team?”

  “Paid for a week.”

  Cody blew out a breath loaded with pure frustration. “Mick, I need information.”

  Mick glanced at him. “Why?”

  “I can’t really give you details, but don’t you find the man’s actions suspicious? He leaves town, then all of a sudden, he’s back?”

  “None of my business. He paid hard cash for the week. Long as he returns the wagon and team on time and in good condition, that’s all I need to know.”

  It was more than Cody had ever heard the man say before. Maybe they were finally getting somewhere. “Look, Mick, I’ve had word to be on the look
out for trouble—trouble that could affect the whole town. And the first place I look for trouble coming is at strangers who come to town with no apparent reason and stay longer than a day or two. If that stranger makes a show of leaving, then comes back in secret, I get curious.”

  Mick appeared to ponder this for a moment. “Not my nature to get involved in the business of other folks,” he muttered as if trying to convince himself he should make an exception. Mick met Cody’s gaze, squinting into the sun that poured in through the open double doors. “I don’t know what I can tell you, Sheriff.”

  “Do you know where he’s staying?”

  Mick shook his head, then snorted. “I reckon he’s not the sort to enjoy sleeping under the stars.”

  Cody realized the blacksmith had nothing useful to offer. “Thanks, Mick. If you think of anything more, let me know.” He started for the door.

  “Had a fella with him,” Mick called out. “The night he showed up here wanting the wagon. Scruffy-looking. Not from around here.”

  Cody paused. “I only saw Johnson driving the wagon.”

  “Other fella left on horseback while I was hitching up the team.”

  “Did they both go the same direction when they left here?”

  “North,” Mick replied.

  “Thanks, Mick. Thanks a lot.”

  Back in his office, Cody stood staring at the large map of the area he had nailed to one wall. He ran his finger north from town, looking for reasons Johnson might have gone in that direction. Nothing up that way except mountains and desert…and an abandoned miner’s camp, perfect for a couple of outlaws to hide out while they plotted their strike. Cody punched the map with his forefinger. “Gotcha,” he muttered.

  Only he didn’t, not really. He had no proof that Victor was planning anything illegal. He might not seem the type to go exploring, but the stranger from the East had every right to rent a wagon and team and set up camp in an abandoned cabin. He had every right to travel with a sidekick. He had every right to be just outside Juniper.

  Cody ran a hand through his hair. He checked his watch. He’d promised to see Lily after she finished her shift later that evening, but he needed cover of darkness to ride out to the miner’s cabin and have a look around. And he also didn’t want to alarm her by letting her know Victor was still in the area. Maybe if he simply told her something had come up—official business he couldn’t put off—she’d understand.