The marshal and sheriff had dropped by again. Lawson was rumored to be camped just outside of town, Adam figured likely in the tent that had been on his pack mule. No one had spotted the camp but one of the saloon patrons had tipped Cordelia that the man had been in with two others.
Aubrey rode out each day but hadn’t encountered Lawson. Adam asked him not to go out alone looking for a backshooting killer. Aubrey said it was his job but agreed to wait a few more days.
Adam figured Lawson would make his move at the Harvest Festival coming up this weekend. Had the killer realized he was here yet? Would Lawson recognize him as he looked now?
Chapter Fifteen
This evening, Garnet knitted in the parlor. She was making a sweater for Hyacinth in the pink the little girl loved. “This is the first year the town’s had the Harvest Festival but it’s sure to become an annual event. One last event before the heavy snow sets in.”
Eunice was also knitting. “We’ll be leaving as soon after the festival as the stage runs. We can’t risk being trapped here all winter.”
Harold’s brow furrowed. “Our neighbor is watching our place until we get back, but he won’t tolerate us being gone much longer. Don’t much hold with festivals myself but Eunice wants to see this one. Always too much gambling and drinking and folks carousing.”
Adam stuck a slip of paper in his book and closed the pages. “There’ll be a lot of innocent activities. I hear there’ll be a sack race, apple dunking, pie contest, and horseshoes.”
At times like this Garnet wished he was her real husband instead of just on paper. “Don’t forget the checkers tournament in the café.”
Eunice knotted her thread and held up a red scarf. “This is for Joey so he won’t feel bad when Hyacinth gets a sweater.”
Garnet glanced up from her own knitting. “That’s thoughtful of you, Eunice. I’m making him a red sweater next. He’s growing so fast now.”
Eunice actually smiled. “Teen years are when boys really grow. We had a hard time keeping the oldest one in clothes when our boys were that age.”
Harold nodded. “Now they’re getting a taste of that. Oldest grandson is sixteen.” He sat straight and added, “Named Harold after me and his dad. Boy has a good head on his shoulders.”
“You’re fortunate your sons live near you.” Adam laid his book on the side table. “If Joey wishes, he can take over the café, but he won’t be pressured either way.”
Harold reared back aghast. “But he’s not your son. What if you have more children and one’s a boy?”
Adam looked at Harold. “Joey is our son same as if he’d been born to us. And, Hyacinth is our daughter. We couldn’t love them more.”
“Well, I’ll be dogged. Didn’t figure on that happening.”
Eunice pulled her handkerchief from her cuff and dabbed at her eyes. “We still haven’t decided whether or not to go to court over custody. Hyacinth and Joey are all we have left of our darling Desdemona . . . Dessie.”
Quickly changing the subject, Garnet said, “I forgot there will be a clothing exchange at the mercantile on Saturday. I won’t get rid of anything for children in case Adam and I have children in the future, but many of the residents will be trading clothes.”
Harold nodded. “Good idea. Save a lot of money that way.”
Eunice laid her knitting supplies aside. “We should have thought of something like that when our children were young.”
Garnet continued knitting on Hyacinth’s sweater. “The situation here is desperate. So many of the town’s residents are widows with children and no income or very small salaries. They simply haven’t the funds to purchase necessities for their children.”
Harold rubbed a hand across his chest. “The poor will always be among us. Can’t help all of them. I believe I’ll head to bed.”
Eunice stood. “I’ll come with you. Joey can’t go to sleep until we get out of the parlor.”
When they’d gone, Joey donned his pajamas. He’d sat in Adam’s lap while Garnet read a story to him.
She ran her fingers through his hair. “Crawl in bed now.”
He stood beside his temporary bed. “Grandpa doesn’t care there are poor. Isn’t that what he was saying?”
Garnet exchanged gazes with Adam. “I’m not sure exactly what he meant. Maybe he meant that so many people are poor he can’t help all of them. We have to give him the benefit of the doubt because we don’t know what was in his mind.”
Joey crawled under the covers. “I still think he doesn’t care about the poor.”
Garnet leaned over and kissed his forehead. “Goodnight. You’re doing a wonderful job being respectful. I’m proud of you.”
His smile rewarded her. “Goodnight.”
Inside their room, Adam dallied with the clothes in his part of the chest. “Joey is a smart boy. He has Harold pegged all right. I’ll bet the man has never given to the poor.”
She knew he was giving her time to get into her nightgown and appreciated his effort. He was a gentleman in every way.
“From what Dessie said, you’re right. I imagine they have quite a bit saved because she said they never spend a penny unless it’s necessary.”
“Makes me wonder if they use a bank or hide the cash in their home somewhere.”
Garnet crawled in bed. “I can’t see them trusting a bank or wanting the bookkeeper to know the amount of money they had. They’re missing a lot of joy in their lives.”
“They’d never have let a mud-covered stranger into their kitchen and fed him. I’m sure of that.”
“Then they’d have missed getting to know a very nice person. I’m glad I know you.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Bennett. I’m glad too.”
She tucked the cover under her chin and closed her eyes. Here she was sleeping next to a man to whom she was married. Yet, even though they were wed, they’d had no intimate relations. In a way this had become normal to her. In another way, the situation was surreal.
Usually, she was optimistic and cheerful. Frank’s prowling and the Millers’ extended visit was changing her. The strain had her jumping at noises and expecting the worst. Without Adam’s reassurance, what would she do?
Thank heavens, the Millers would only be here until Wednesday. Having them out from underfoot would help her and relieve the children. Poor dears were constantly afraid they’d be forced to leave with their grandparents.
What about Frank? He was a dangerous man at best, and he wasn’t here on good behavior. There had to be a showdown between him and Adam, hopefully including Aubrey and Cordelia.
Dear Heavenly Father, hallowed be Thy name. Thank you, Lord, for sending Adam to help us. Bless him, Father, as his presence has blessed us. Protect Adam from harm. He’s a good man. I ask that you keep Joey and Hyacinth in Your care also. I pray that they be allowed to remain with me. Bless all who live in Wildcat Ridge. Amen.
Chapter Sixteen
Midmorning, Adam sat in the marshal’s office. “Mark my words, Lawson will make his move during the Harvest Festival.”
The sheriff pushed his hat back slightly. “I agree. Cordelia and I have deputized several men to help.”
Cordelia held up a badge. “I can do the same for you.”
He shook his head. “Thanks but I need the bounty and a deputy wouldn’t be eligible.”
Aubrey speared him with a stare. “The deputies will be spread out through town and will be watching for Lawson. What’s your plan?”
“I see him striking at one of two places. One is the Wells Fargo safe. Second, and the one that scares me most, is Garnet and/or the children. Protecting them in a crowd will be near impossible.”
Cordelia returned the badge to the desk drawer. “We’ll do our best. I’m sure you will too.”
Aubrey shook his head. “My suggestion is for you to stick close to Garnet all through the festival.”
“I’ll be like glue.” Adam planned to be by her side the entire event. “In the meantime, all I have is a
derringer that was in my boot when I was robbed. I’m hoping you’ll loan me a spare revolver you took from someone. I give you my word I’m not trigger happy. I hope to capture that murdering scum Lawson alive.”
The marshal opened a gun cabinet. “I don’t approve of anyone but lawmen carrying firearms in town. In this instance, though, I think you’d better be prepared.” She handed him a revolver, holster, and gun belt. “This belonged to a man who fought capture.” From her desk, she handed over a box of ammunition.
After sticking the box in his pocket, he buckled on the belt and pulled his coat closed to conceal the firearm. He couldn’t help wondering who had worn the gun before Cordelia acquired it. “I appreciate your trust and assistance. Now, I’d better get back and help Garnet in the kitchen.”
Adam strode toward the café, wondering if Lawson was in one of the buildings he passed. If so, would the man recognize him? Adam rubbed his cheek. From what he saw in the mirror he appeared a different person. But, how would others see him?
He entered through the back door. Harold was prowling around the kitchen. Granted the man must be bored just hanging around while he and Garnet worked and the kids were in school. Would it kill him to lend a hand?
Adam hung his coat on one of the pegs by the door. “Anything unusual happen while I was gone?”
Harold closed one cupboard door and opened another. “Nothing except people coming into the café. I never realized so many people ate in cafés and restaurants. Where do they get the money?”
Adam had wondered the same thing.
Harold turned around and stared. “You’re wearing a gun. What’s that about?”
Drat, he’d forgotten Harold was here. “Town marshal deputized me for the weekend during the festival. Lot of strangers will be in town and she wants to keep things peaceful.”
“Seems peaceful now.” He closed the cabinet door and sat at the table. “Surprised Garnet can stretch to run this café even with your help. Looks run off her feet to me.”
“Garnet’s business will slow down soon. We mentioned the stage stops running after the first big snow, which will probably happen around the end of next week. Whole town changes. No school, no tourists, just residents.”
Harold harrumphed. “Don’t know what attracts tourists in the first place. Nothing unusual to see.”
Adam pretended a graciousness he didn’t feel. “There is. Next time you come perhaps we can go up to see Angel Springs. There are hot springs and people come to bathe in the waters for their arthritis and such. Heard it’s mighty pretty up there with lots of flowers blooming near the steam that won’t grow elsewhere on the mountain.”
Harold pulled at his ear lobe. “Reckon that would be helpful. Don’t imagine we’ll ever get back this way. We’re better off at home.”
Adam didn’t express his opinion that they should have stayed in Wyoming in the first place. He lugged a large soup kettle half full of water to the range. While the water heated, he peeled potatoes, onions, and carrots.
Garnet came into the kitchen carrying dirty dishes. “Oh, good, you’ve started stew. Are there enough of those beef scraps left?”
“I’m ahead of you, my dear.” He gestured to a bowl filled with bite-sized chunks of beef. “There are plenty for a hearty stew. Need more cornbread and biscuits, though.”
He stood with arms outstretched to show off his weapon. “Marshal Wentz deputized me for the festival. Lot of strangers in town and she’s deputized several men to help keep watch.”
Her expression assured him she received the message. “There are a lot of strangers coming into town.”
She looked at the kitchen clock. “Closer to lunchtime, I’ll make the breads. Have you seasoned the vegetables?”
“Thought you’d want to do that.” He leaned down and kissed her cheek, speaking low, “Don’t worry. You keep your Colt in your pocket.”
“I will.” She laid a hand on his arm. “You’re correct, kind sir. I’d also like to add a couple of jars of the canned tomatoes from the storeroom shelves.” She quickly measured out salt, pepper, and a couple of spices.
He guided her to a chair. “You sit while you can. I’ll get whatever else you want in the kettle.”
Garnet sank onto a chair. “Royal treatment today.” She looked at Harold. “How have you kept yourself entertained this morning?”
“Went for a walk through the town. Lot of excitement about this Harvest Festival. Kind of silly, if you ask me.”
Adam hadn’t asked him. He set the jars on the counter and opened them. “Things like the Harvest Festival help the town quite a bit. Create community. People here are close-knit.” He poured the tomatoes into the stew and stirred.
The bell on the outside dining room door let them know a customer had come in. Garnet sprang to her feet and hurried to investigate.
Harold stared at the swinging door through which she’d just gone. “Girl doesn’t let moss grow on her feet, does she?”
“She works hard and people respect and admire her. She still finds plenty of time for Hyacinth and Joey.”
Harold sent him a triumphant look. “She still isn’t blood kin. No way she can change that.” He headed for the stairs. “Believe I’ll go rest a bit. Won’t have the chance once we get home.”
Adam frowned into the stew. Good riddance to the man. Nosy old goat.
Chapter Seventeen
Garnet tied a pink bow on Hyacinth’s second braid. “You look lovely and your hair will stay out of your face. Let’s see if the others are ready to leave.”
Eunice approached them. “I still can’t believe you’re closing the café with so many potential customers in town.”
“I’m only closing early. The checkers tournament starts at two, which is in a few minutes. I can’t serve food with that going on. Joey and Hyacinth want to see the games.”
Harold ambled toward them. “You certainly spoil the children. Eunice and I worry about them believing the world will pamper them.”
She tried to keep her voice light even though she would like to rail against these two. The horrid way they’d treated Dessie was what they’d intended for Hyacinth and Joey. She couldn’t allow that to happen.
“They already know firsthand that life can be difficult. All children—and adults, too—need to know their home is a place where they’re special. I intend to make sure Hyacinth and Joey know how much they’re loved and valued.”
When they were outside, Eunice sniffed. “I might as well have stayed upstairs. I don’t want to play any of these silly games.”
“Perhaps you could go to Tweedie’s Mercantile and help hand out clothes. Adam took Mike’s and Joe’s over for me yesterday. They need help and mothers will want to see their children in the games.”
“I suppose I could do that if they have a chair so I don’t have to stand too long.”
Adam said, “They already had a couple of chairs and a table set up when I was there. You wouldn’t have to stand.”
Harold held his arm for Eunice to latch onto as they walked. “I know where it is and I’ll see you there. Once you see how they’re set up you can decide whether or not you want anything to do with them.”
The Millers walked toward the mercantile but Garnet and her family stayed in front of the café. The games area was on Front Street in front of the Ridge Hotel and Crystal Café.
Adam laid his hand on Joey’s shoulder. “Well, son, what do you intend to enter?”
“The ring toss and the sack race.”
Hyacinth clapped her hands. “Me, too. I don’t like dunking for apples ’cause you have to get your face wet.”
Garnet took her by the hand. “The sack race starts a little later. Let’s get you two in line for the ring toss.”
They laughed together while watching the antics of other contestants.
Adam nudged the two. “Go ahead, children. It’s your turn.”
Joey accepted his rings. He placed one foot at the line and one behind then did a lunge for
ward. His ring landed on the peg. He did that two more times.
“I did it, I won.”
He accepted a blue ribbon from Alec Terry.
Hyacinth stepped up. She tried imitating Joey and fell.
Garnet helped her stand. “Just throw the ring your way, dear. Don’t try to be like Joey.”
Hyacinth threw and missed each time. She started crying. “I wanted to win. I wanted a ribbon like Joey’s.”
Adam lifted her to his arms. “Not everyone can win, Princess Hyacinth. Remember, Joey is older and more mature.”
Joey smiled. “Maybe you can do the sack race.”
Children lined up with their legs in burlap sacks. Joey raced over to get ready.
Hyacinth shook her head. “Those look scratchy and dirty. I’ll just watch brother.”
Garnet noticed that when he lifted and carried Hyacinth, Adam’s coat parted and glimpses of his gun and holster showed. She stood next to him, heart pounding and her own revolver in her pocket. He held Hyacinth with his left arm and had his right around Garnet. How would he get to the gun in time if assaulted?
She glanced at every stranger who passed them. Harold ambled to stand with them.
Adam turned to Harold. “We’re waiting for Joey in the sack race.”
Harold looked at the line of children. “Older boys than him are lined up, too, so I don’t reckon Joey stands a chance.”
“We’re proud of him for trying. He won a blue ribbon in the ring toss.”
She heard the annoyance in her husband’s voice even though he was polite. Funny that after knowing him such a short time, she already knew the inflections of his voice and posture. He really was a remarkable man.
Hyacinth clapped her hands. “Go, Joey.”
Garnet and Adam yelled encouragement, too. She was shocked when Harold let loose a big yell.
“Come on, Joey. You can do it.”
Adam sent her a surprised smile which she returned.
The course was littered with children who’d fallen over. No one was hurt—many got up and kept going, others quit. Garnet laughed at the mayhem and Adam joined in. She even heard chuckles from Harold.
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