Garnet

by Caroline Clemmons

  Chapter Four

  Adam had an apron tied around his waist and was stirring potatoes and onions in a skillet when a woman wearing a badge entered from the dining room. A man who also wore a badge accompanied her.

  “You must be the marshal, the very person I needed to see.” The britches he wore stopped above his ankles and the shirt sleeves ended above his wrists. At least they were clean, but he must look like a kid who’d outgrown his clothes.

  “I am indeed Marshal Cordelia Wentz. Garnet said your name is Adam Bennett.” Cordelia gestured to the man beside her. “This is County Sheriff Aubrey Bowles. He’ll be interested in hearing about what happened here.”

  Adam shook the sheriff’s hand. “The prowler returned last night but got away again. However, this time I know who he is.” He proceeded to tell them about Frank Lawson and his connection to Garnet Chandler.

  He reached over to the next skillet and turned the ham slices while he kept the potatoes and onions browning. “Since he wants the jewelry Mrs. Chandler has, I’ve advised her to take it to Wells Fargo and have the gems locked in their safe. Perhaps that will redirect Lawson’s attempt to steal them.”

  Cordelia assessed Adam. “How are you recovering from that beating?”

  He felt a flush travel across his neck and face. “Good food and a night’s rest indoors has me feeling much better. I confess I’m still no match for those three. I managed to surprise Lawson last night or I’d never have been able to tackle him. He’s wiry but surprisingly strong. I’m embarrassed to admit he got away.”

  The sheriff nodded. “From what I’ve heard, Lawson’s also vicious and doesn’t like to leave witnesses who could identify him. You’re lucky to be alive.”

  Adam scooped the potatoes into a large bowl and set it on the warming shelf. “Believe me, I’m aware of that fact. If I hadn’t fallen down the ravine, I’d be dead for certain.” He chuckled. “As it turns out, I’m only halfway there.”

  Garnet—he called her Mrs. Chandler but thought of her by her given name—came in and helped several plates. “Thank you for keeping things going in here, Adam. Have you explained everything to the marshal and sheriff?”

  He grinned at her. “I’ve been telling them of my exciting escapades.”

  She loaded the filled plates on her arms. “Cordelia, Aubrey, thanks for talking to Adam. I’ve been worrying about this but now I feel better.” Before anyone could answer, she pushed through the swinging door into the dining room.

  Cordelia met his gaze. “You joke about your fate, and that says a lot about you. I take it you’re staying on to help Garnet for a while?”

  “Mrs. Chandler asked me to help with the heavy work while I’m healing. You can see she needs someone else here.”

  Joey looked up from the table. His wide eyes carried sadness and worry. “I help all I can.”

  Adam turned toward the boy. “I know you do, Joey. Your aunt told me what a big help you are. The thing is, she needs an adult here while you’re in school. I guess that’s me for a while.”

  The boy’s expression showed his relief. “Soon we won’t have school ’til spring ’cause of the snow. Then I can help all the time.”

  Adam turned back to the marshal. “Does that mean people won’t come to the café during the bad weather?”

  She grimaced. “Not as many, but the customers who live in town will come here. She doesn’t serve supper during the winter, just breakfast and lunch.”

  “So, her income will really decrease. That’s too bad.”

  The marshal shook her head. “Garnet’s a good businesswoman and I’m sure she’s going to be all right. In fact, I think most people in town are recovering from the disaster if Mort Crane will let them.” She gave a dismissive wave, as if consigning the Crane character to perdition. “Now, about this Lawson. I believe I had a wanted poster come through about him.”

  The sheriff said, “Yes, I remember the name. He killed a guard breaking out of prison. That’s why there’s such a big reward.”

  Adam looked from marshal to sheriff. “He also shot a friend of mine in order to steal a couple of horses. No need to kill him other than just plain meanness.”

  Aubrey slashed the air with his hand. “Like I said, doesn’t leave witnesses. The man has to be stopped. But, why did you feel that was your job?”

  “The man Lawson killed served with me in the Army. When we got out, all Lance wanted was to live peacefully on his small spread, marry, and start a family. I became a bounty hunter but planned to retire and set up in some little business. I’m ready to retire from the bounty game but I won’t stop until my friend’s killer is either dead or back in prison.”

  The sheriff pointed at Adam. “Listen now, we don’t hold with killing a culprit unless he can’t be captured alive.”

  Adam held out both hands. “Don’t worry, I’m not one of those who’d shoot a man in the back to get a reward.”

  He noticed the spatula he held was dripping grease and returned it to the pan. “I won’t shoot the scoundrel at all unless there’s no other way to bring him to justice. I want Lawson back in prison where he has time to regret his ruthlessness before he’s hanged.”

  Garnet sped in with a load of dirty dishes. “Joey, Hyacinth, time for you to go to school. You’ll need a warm jacket this morning.” She immediately loaded up more plates before she left.

  Joey donned his jacket. Hyacinth tried slipping out without one.

  Joey stepped between his sister and the door. “You’re supposed to wear a coat.”

  The little girl gave a toss of her golden curls. “It smooshes my sleeves so they don’t look as pretty.”

  Adam pointed his spatula at her. “Young lady, you heard your aunt say you should wear a jacket. Do as she said.”

  With a pout, Hyacinth stomped to the low row of pegs on which her coats and sweaters hung. “Oh, all right. I don’t know why everyone always bosses me.”

  When the children had gone out the back door, Cordelia chuckled. “Those two are another reason Garnet needs help here.”

  Adam turned back to the skillets. “I agree even though they seem like nice kids.”

  Garnet brought in an empty coffee pot and collected a full one. “Adam, would you start another pot brewing? And I need three eggs over easy.”

  “Coming right up, Mrs. Chandler.” Adam dumped the grounds into the large slop jar. A man collected the edible refuse for the Rafter O Ranch’s swine. Soon Adam had more coffee on the way. He broke three eggs into the skillet but they turned crusty and brown around the edges.

  Garnet was back and peered at the pan. Her face was flushed from hurrying and a few tendrils had escaped her hairdo. She was a beautiful woman who created yearnings he had no business having. He was tempted to lean forward so he could kiss her full, pink lips but that would be inappropriate. He’d better get his mind back on Lawson.

  He met her gaze. “Sorry, I’ve ruined these.”

  Her blue eyes sparkled with humor. “Um, maybe I should do this order.”

  Adam stood aside. “Tactfully said, Mrs. Chandler. I’m better at scrambled eggs. I can cook meat, beans, and coffee on a campfire, but that’s the extent of my culinary skill. Actually, I think eating is where I do my best work.”

  The sheriff laughed. “Just when I was admiring your prowess in the kitchen, Bennett. Guess you’re not that different from me, after all.”

  Garnet adjusted the flue then slid the crusty eggs onto a plate she set aside. She chose three eggs and broke them into the same skillet. Flawlessly, she flipped the eggs and soon moved them to a fresh plate, added a slice of ham, a scoop of potatoes, and gathered a basket of biscuits covered with a napkin. With a smile, she backed against the swinging door and exited the kitchen.

  Adam stood with hands on his hips. “She makes cooking appear so easy. I hope I don’t ruin anything else. She’s letting me sleep in the storeroom and eat in exchange for my help.”

  Cordelia clapped him on the back. He fought not to
wince because she’d struck a sore spot. But, most places on his body were sore.

  The marshal said, “Glad you’re here to help her. We’ll keep a look out for Lawson. He won’t be far if he wants Garnet’s jewelry. Might be something else he wants in this area.”

  Aubrey appeared to be deep in thought then he looked up. “We need to take that wanted poster and show it to all the businesses in Wildcat Ridge. If Lawson’s here, he’ll need grub and feed for his horses.”

  “One of which is my horse and two that belonged to Lance plus my mule. I want my animals back as well as the gear. That rat thought he took everything I had. My fall down the ravine kept him from getting a couple of things.” He told them about Lawson’s companions wanting his coat and boots.

  The sheriff speared him with a gaze. “Let’s hope Lawson doesn’t learn you’re here until you’re recovered. We’ll get on our way and see what we can learn. We’ll keep you posted.”

  ***

  When Garnet and the children had gone to bed, Adam launched his plan to regain his strength. Lifting things for Garnet had worked out some of his kinks. She appeared delicate and frail, but she had to be strong to have managed the chores on her own.

  With one hand he lifted a chair over his head three times then did the same with the other hand. He’d planned to repeat that on each side, but he had no stamina for more. Using a can of peaches for each hand, he sat on the chair. He raised the can from his arm outstretched to bent to his shoulder then straight up over his head.

  Next, he did pushups. Every muscle in his battered body reminded him he needed rest. Tomorrow, he’d work more tomorrow. Now, he had to sleep.

  Chapter Five

  Garnet’s nerves were taut as fence wire. Three nights with no prowler didn’t reassure her. Frank Lawson wouldn’t be so easily discouraged. She was waiting for him to strike again. How had he discovered where she’d gone?

  She’d known him all her life, and been afraid of him that long. Even as a child he was a bully. His idea of a practical joke was mean-spirited. He was also vicious around animals.

  Whenever possible, Garnet and her mother had avoided Frank. The problem was, Frank visited her great-grandmother often. Garnet loved her great-gran, who lived with Garnet’s grandmother. There was simply no way to avoid seeing Frank if she wanted to see the two grandmothers.

  Great-Gran had passed away during Frank’s trial. Garnet had a forgiving nature, but that didn’t apply to Frank Lawson. She was certain knowing he was a criminal had hastened Great-Gran’s demise.

  When they’d closed for the day, Garnet got ready for tomorrow’s rush. “Thank you again for helping, Adam. You have no idea what a difference your presence has made.”

  In her mind, she thought of him as the bearded giant. He wasn’t really much taller than Michael had been. He was broader in the shoulders and appeared more imposing.

  “The least I can do in exchange for room and board. You need someone helping permanently, Mrs. Chandler. Once Lawson is captured and in jail, I’ll have no excuse to remain.”

  “I know, and I have conflicting wishes. I want Frank captured and back in prison but I enjoy having your help.”

  She didn’t add that she wished he would stay. How could she? Why would a man want to remain in the café’s storeroom instead of moving on to something more permanent?

  As she was lining up supplies for the next day, someone rapped at the back door. She jumped as if shot.

  “Want me to answer?” Joey asked.

  She shook her head and motioned Adam into the storeroom. “No one’s supposed to know Mr. Bennett’s here, remember?”

  When Adam was safely hidden, she opened the door to the alleyway. Tommy Bridges, son of the telegrapher, stood there.

  “Hello, Tommy. A wire for me? Just a moment.” She opened the cupboard and retrieved a nickel from the dish of loose change she kept for such occurrences.

  When he’d gone, she tore open the telegram.

  She dropped to sit on the stairs. “Oh, no!”

  Adam hurried out of the storeroom. “What’s happened?”

  Joey and Hyacinth ran over to her.

  Tears welled in her eyes and overflowed as she gathered the children to her. “It’s from your grandparents.” The telegram slipped from her fingers.

  Adam bent to retrieve it. He read aloud:

  Arriving Wednesday STOP Single woman not suitable guardian STOP. Taking children to live with us STOP

  He held the paper. “You do a fine job with them. I know you love them and they feel the same for you.”

  Terror crossed Joey’s face and he grabbed her arm. “Don’t let them, Garnet. Please don’t let them take us.”

  Hyacinth clung to Garnet’s neck, sobbing. “I don’t want to go with them. Grandpa and Grandma are mean.”

  Adam raised his brows and his eyes held question. “When did you last see your grandparents?”

  Joey clung to Garnet. “When our great-grandmother was dying we went there. We hated it.”

  Garnet hugged each child to her again. “Dessie talked about her parents. They’re far too . . . um, I don’t know how to put it.”

  Joey raised his head and tears streaked his face. “Like sister said, they’re just plain mean. Mama didn’t even want to go visit them but she wanted to say bye to her grandmother.”

  Adam glanced from her to Joey. How long ago was this? Maybe they’re nicer now.”

  “I was seven and now I’m eight. I bet they haven’t changed. They were mean to Mama when she was growing up and mean to Papa when he wanted to marry her. They were mean to us when we were there. They say children should be seen but not heard.”

  Garnet’s stomach churned and knotted. One week to get ready for the Millers. “They confuse being narrow-minded with being Christian. When she was growing up, Dessie had to sit on the sofa all Sunday afternoon while wearing her best dress. Her older brothers had to sit there while wearing their church clothes. Her parents thought it would be sinful to play on the day of rest.”

  He shook his head. “Inconsiderate, but hardly cruel.”

  “That’s just one example. They believed in ‘spare the rod and spoil the child’. Dessie had scars to prove it. She told me many times that if anything happened to her, she wanted me to raise the children.”

  Adam tugged on his beard. “I see. Did she put this in writing?”

  Garnet shook her head. “Only a handwritten copy but nothing witnessed.”

  She pulled both children to her again. “Oh, what am I going to do? I don’t want to think about not having these precious children with me. Or about them growing up in unloving circumstances.”

  Adam thought for a second. “Is there a lawyer in town?”

  Garnet brightened. “Yes, Owen Vaile.”

  “You still have time to see him this evening. More than you will in the morning.”

  “You’re correct. Children, you stay here and behave for Adam while I go talk to the lawyer.” She kissed each one. “I intend to fight to keep you.”

  Adam picked up Hyacinth and laid a hand on Joey’s shoulder. “What say we go to the table and play a game? You two choose.”

  Garnet drew on her coat and hurried toward the lawyer’s. In her rush down the street, she bumped into someone.

  “Whoa, Garnet. What’s the hurry?”

  She looked up to find she’d run into Mayor Hester Fugit, who was with the lawyer Garnet needed to see. “I’m sorry, Hester. I’m so worried it’s a wonder I didn’t walk into the side of a building.”

  Garnet nodded to the mayor’s companion. “As a matter of fact, I was hurrying to find Mr. Vaile.”

  He gave a slight bow without dislodging Hester’s hand from where it rested on his arm. “Here I am, at your service.”

  Hester’s smile lighted her face. “Why don’t we go to my place so you’ll have some privacy but can confer in comfort?”

  “Oh, thank you, Hester. The most horrid thing has happened but I’ll wait until we’re in your
home to explain.”

  The three walked quickly to Hester’s house only a couple of blocks away. When they were in her parlor, Hester hung her coat on a hall tree.

  “You two have a seat. I’ll prepare coffee while you two talk.” She walked into the kitchen portion of downstairs.

  Garnet explained her dilemma. “Is the handwritten designation good enough?” She held her breath while she waited for his answer.

  “Since she didn’t have it witnessed or notarized, I’m afraid it isn’t quite sufficient.”

  Garnet’s heart sank to her knees. “Dessie’s parents are so harsh. She had no joy in her life until she married Joe. You should know the children want to stay with me.”

  Owen leaned back in his chair and drummed his fingers on the chair arms. “Frankly, the court would favor the children’s grandparents since you aren’t even a blood relation.”

  Garnet leaped to her feet and paced the small room. “You must understand that I have to find a way to keep these children. In addition to the fact it’s what their mother wanted and what they want, I can’t bear to be parted from them.”

  Owen’s expression held sympathy. “Is there a chance you could marry right away? That’s the only instance I can see of you keeping them.”

  Hester carried in a tray loaded with what they’d need to have coffee. “Is there a single man in the area who attracts you?”

  Garnet reclaimed her seat on the couch. “Well… there’s one possibility.” She looked into Owen’s eyes. “You’re sure that’s the only way?”

  “I am. You’d be taking a big chance with a trail.”

  “There’s a bounty hunter who’s been helping me at the café. He was beaten and robbed.” She set her cup back on the saucer and explained about the prowler and why she’d asked Adam to stay.

  Owen smiled and rubbed his hands together. “Sounds like a possibility. You could wed in name only and the children’s grandparents would never know the difference.”

  He held up a hand. “Understand you’d be risking your café, though. You know if you’re married your husband has a controlling interest.”