Serepta opened her mouth to speak, then quickly snapped it shut. If she said she’d given the ring to Charlie, it would be as good as admitting they had a relationship deeper than employer and employee. And this crowd would be happy to think the worst. Which was no more than the truth. And that would be the end of any respect they had for her. She turned to Charlie, but his head was back down. He swayed, and a man put a rough hand out to steady him.
“Guess we’ve had enough excitement for one night,” Webb said. “I’ll take custody of the thief until we can turn him over to Chief Ash.” He took Charlie by the arm and jerked him across the room. “You good folks try and get some sleep now.” Before he left, he caught Serepta’s eye and touched his forehead with a knuckle. Then he grinned like the cat that ate the cream and hauled Charlie away.
chapter
twenty-five
Colman made sure Ivy, Maggie, and the baby were safe, then staggered to his father’s house and collapsed on the sofa where he stayed until morning’s song woke him. Dad was in the kitchen frying eggs and sausage. Colman washed his face and poured himself a cup of coffee.
“Webb had a chance to kill Jake McLean last night.”
Dad flipped an egg.
“He didn’t, though,” Colman added.
Dad pulled two plates down and began loading them with food. “Don’t have any bread this morning.”
Colman accepted a plate and sat at the kitchen table. “I can’t figure out why he didn’t do it.”
“Can’t you?”
“Well, Jake just pulled two women and a baby out of a burning building, but I didn’t expect Webb to go soft just because of that.”
“Ain’t that the baby you think is Webb’s grandchild?” A look of wonder flitted across Dad’s face. “That’d make him my grandnephew. How about that?”
“But Webb said it’s not Caleb’s child.”
Dad laughed and began eating. “Since when did what comes out of Webb’s mouth have anything to do with what’s going on inside his head?”
Colman mulled that over as he ate. “You think he’ll claim the boy?”
Dad shrugged. “I think Webb’s madder than a wet hen because he wants what Serepta’s got and he can’t figure out how to take it from her.”
They ate in silence a while. Finally, Dad spoke again. “You there for the to-do over Serepta’s man?”
“The what?”
“Guess since Webb couldn’t lay hands on Serepta, he turned some of his boys loose on ole Charlie and then accused him of being shacked up with his boss lady and stealing some girl’s ring.”
“I know they beat him up, but what’s this about stealing?”
“Johnny come by early and filled me in. Said you’d want to know about it. Webb hauled Charlie off. Said he was gonna turn him over to the authorities.”
“And Serepta let him?” Colman was dumbfounded.
“Guess she didn’t have much choice, unless she wanted to tell folks she had a black man in her bed. Way Johnny told it, she just let Webb march Charlie on out of there.”
Colman pushed his chair back and stood. “That’s pure crazy.”
Dad shrugged and put their plates and silverware in the dishpan. “Maybe. But there’s not much anybody can do about it.”
Colman frowned. “It’s getting to where I can’t tell whose side I’m supposed to be on. Nobody’s acting right.”
“Son, that’s been the way of the world since Eve plucked that apple.”
“Yeah, well, I don’t care if Webb takes on Serepta, but he ought to leave poor Charlie alone. I’m gonna see if I can’t do something about this.”
Dad nodded, then went to cleaning the dishes.
The last person Serepta expected to see when she walked down the stairs to talk to that good-for-nothing Harrison Ash about Charlie was Colman Harpe. And yet there he stood, glaring at her as though she were late for an appointment with him.
“Can I help you?” she asked.
“You can help the only person who’d give more than a dime for your hide.”
She raised her eyebrows. “I suppose I know who you mean.”
“It’s not a long list of possibilities. How could you let Webb haul Charlie out of here like that?”
Frustration fizzed beneath her skin, but she wouldn’t let it show. “I chose to bide my time. I will tend to the matter this morning now that tempers have cooled.”
“Well, your time is up. I checked before I came over and Charlie’s long gone.”
A feeling as hot as last night’s fire shot through her. “Gone? Gone where?”
“Webb and his gang put Charlie on a coal train headed west before dawn. And from what my cousin tells me, he went willingly. Like maybe he was glad to finally get shut of this mess.”
Ice ran through Serepta’s veins, and she could hear a buzzing in her ears. Charlie gone? It couldn’t be. “But Chief Ash—”
“Harrison Ash claims he was still at the Dunglen when they ran Charlie out of town. Says he didn’t have a chance to stop them. Seemed real keen on you knowing that.” Colman narrowed his eyes. “I’m of a mind to tear this up, but I guess Charlie wanted you to have it. Elam asked me to pass it on since you and him don’t run in the same circles.” Colman practically spit the words at her as he handed over a folded piece of paper. “If anybody ever needed the Lord, it’s you.” He spun on his heel and headed up the stairs—probably to check on that loose woman and her child.
Serepta didn’t remember walking back to her room, but she was suddenly there, checking to see that Emmaline was still sleeping. The child had been exhausted after their ordeal, and Serepta spent most of the night watching her sleep, wishing she could do the same. She sagged into an armchair and unfolded the paper. She’d helped Charlie learn to read and write, and he had a nice hand.
S, I’ve been a fool for too long. I thought if anyone had the courage, it would be you. I know you had to choose and I can’t say you chose wrong. Time I headed on. —C
Serepta stared at the paper until the lines blurred. Her only friend. Her only trusted companion. She crumpled the paper in her hand. Well, maybe she’d chosen wrong after all—back when she chose to trust someone. Maybe Charlie had never been what she’d imagined. She stood and began gathering their few things for the trip home, cursing the traitorous tears dripping from her chin.
Colman had never been so glad to see Thurmond disappearing behind him as he was this morning. It was hard to say why he was so mad about Charlie being run out of town—he hardly knew the man—but something about the way Charlie had been treated galled him.
He settled Ivy in her forward-facing seat and sat across from her. He wanted to sit right beside her and protect her from any comers, but he didn’t think she’d appreciate it. As disgruntled as he was, she was all sunshine and light. She jabbered on about that baby and how she’d been able to give folks who breathed in smoke tonics that helped them. He tried to listen, but instead he was stewing over Charlie’s treatment, the way Webb had missed shooting Jake, and the way Jake had looked at him . . . almost hopeful. His mind was a whirl, and he didn’t know what to think about any of it.
“Please do.”
Colman jerked his head up. Ivy was speaking to someone. He looked around, and there was Mack McLean settling into the seat beside her. He just stared. It seemed like he ran into a McLean everywhere he went these days. “Where’d you come from?”
Ivy frowned at him.
“I’m traveling from Cincinnati home again. What a coincidence that we should meet.” Mack smiled at Ivy. And she let him. “I heard there was quite a commotion in Thurmond last night. Shame about the Dunglen burning, but I’m glad no one was seriously hurt.”
“Charlie Hornbeck surely was.” Colman glared at the man sitting too close to Ivy.
“Not in the fire, as I understand it. The stationmaster mentioned that Mother left on an earlier train this morning, alone except for the child. Apparently, Charlie was waylaid by”—he looked Colman u
p and down—“some of your kin, I believe.” Colman felt heat climb his neck. “Shame. Charlie was a good man and loyal to my mother.”
“Do you think he’ll come home again?” Ivy asked, touching Mack’s sleeve.
“I doubt it. Mother’s unlikely to forgive him for leaving, even though he had little choice.” Mack laughed and laid a hand over Ivy’s. “She’s shrewd, and she never doubts her decisions. I’m sure she’ll find another helper to see to her household needs.”
“I hope Charlie’s alright. He really shouldn’t be traveling with his injuries.” Ivy frowned, and Mack squeezed her hand. It was all Colman could do not to reach over and push Mack away.
Colman suddenly stood. “I’m going to the dining car. Want anything?”
Ivy looked at him with wide blue eyes. “I’m fine, thank you.”
“Why don’t you walk with me?” Colman said to Mack.
Mack shook his head and worked his shoulders against the back of his seat. “I’m fine as well. But thank you for asking.”
Colman stomped down the aisle. Though he didn’t want to leave the pair of them alone, he needed some fresh air and a few quiet moments to think.
Serepta stared out the window, watching the scenery go by all the way to Hinton. She disembarked and was handed her luggage. She stared at it, thinking how Charlie would have whisked it away and home without her ever having to think about it. She clenched her jaw, hired a man to drive them to Walnutta, and sealed her heart up tight against any emotion. Even Emmaline seemed to sense her mood, remaining quiet and subsiding into the back seat of the car.
When she arrived at the house, no one greeted her. She had thought Mack at least would be around. Her mind flashed back to that figure the night of the fire. But no. Mack had no reason to visit the Dunglen Hotel.
She dragged her bag up the wide front steps, Emmaline trailing behind her. Hallie, the girl who helped in the kitchen, finally clattered into the front hall, fear painted across her dark features.
“Mr. Charlie ain’t sent word of your comin’,” she said. “You wanting supper? Where’s Mr. Charlie at?”
Serepta let her bag thump onto the hardwood floor. “Mr. Charlie has left us to fend for ourselves. I would be grateful if you could manage a simple meal.” She looked around the silent hall. “Is Mack here?”
Hallie got a cagey look. “He say he be back today.” She looked up at the ceiling. “He say he go to Cincinnati. Say you’re not to worry.”
Serepta nodded. What in the world had carried her son off to Ohio? “Emmaline and I will be upstairs resting from our journey. Please call us when supper is ready.”
Hallie made a motion that was almost a curtsy, then scurried back toward the kitchen.
“Come, Emmaline.” Serepta abandoned her bag in the hall and led the way upstairs, the child trailing along behind her. “We will refresh ourselves and look forward to something good to eat.”
As they reached the upstairs landing, Emmaline tugged at Serepta’s pant leg. “Momma?” Serepta froze. She’d almost forgotten that Emmaline had called her that before all the chaos. “Yes?”
“Where’s Charlie?”
Serepta closed her eyes and breathed slowly, in and out. She took the girl’s hand and led her into her own chamber. They settled on a chaise lounge positioned to enjoy a view of the rolling fields and hills beyond the window. Serepta drew Emmaline close.
“I will tell you a story,” she began. “Once upon a time there was a wicked queen who ruled the land with a fist of iron. A king came to her, but he was disguised as a peasant. No one, least of all the queen, saw him for what he was.” Emmaline leaned into her, and she stroked the girl’s silky curls. “But the queen began to sense that there was something special about the peasant. He was kind, generous, faithful, and always trustworthy. The queen began to care about the king in disguise, not realizing she was not worthy of him.” Serepta fixed her eyes on the distant hills where the sun chased shadow clouds. “Then one day the common people of the land captured the king in disguise. They didn’t know what he was either. They were cruel to him. Hurt him and banished him from the land.”
Emmaline stirred and tucked her little hand in Serepta’s. “Where did he go?”
“I don’t know,” she whispered.
“Why didn’t the queen stop them? Why didn’t she bring him back?”
“I don’t know,” Serepta repeated, “but maybe it’s better that she didn’t. Maybe it’s better that he goes to a country where his worth can be known.”
“What about Charlie?” Emmaline tipped her head up to look at Serepta with dark eyes.
“He went with the king, who needs his help more than we do.”
Emmaline looked back down and snuggled against Serepta’s side. “I miss him.”
“So do I,” she said as she watched the clouds chase nothing, going nowhere.
chapter
twenty-six
As Colman escorted Ivy back to her cottage, he felt a conviction that would not leave him alone. Preaching, telling stories, and ministering to the McLeans who came to his meetings wasn’t enough. He needed to strike at the heart of the darkness that had weighed on the region for too long.
It was time to witness to Serepta McLean herself. He’d rarely felt so certain about anything in his life. When he’d confronted her about her treatment of Charlie and her need of God, he’d spoken a truth deeper than he’d known. If he could win her to faith, surely the rest would follow. If he could lead her to peace, their struggles would come to an end. It was the only answer—the surest, fastest way to salvation for the Harpes and the McLeans.
Then maybe he could go home and stay there. And maybe he could take Ivy with him.
For the first time since leaving the cave, Colman felt strong. The knowledge of what he needed to do filled him with a vigor he’d been missing for too long. It was like hearing the ping of a perfectly balanced wheel that he knew would carry that train all the way to its destination.
The only question was how to begin. That would take some thinking, but first he would deliver Ivy home.
Hoyt was there to greet them as they crossed the stream and started down the path to Ivy’s garden. “’Bout time you two got back here. I’ve lost ten pounds eating my own cooking.” He wrapped Ivy in a hug. “And the hearth is a lonesome place of an evening when you’re not there to grace it.”
Ivy hugged him back and began chattering about her adventures. “Oh, but the garden. Have you been tending it?”
Hoyt shook his head. “Not as good as you. Go on and look after your plants.” Ivy darted ahead and began walking up and down the rows as if greeting old friends.
Hoyt turned to Colman, his expression of joy gone dark. “They’s rumors that a Harpe set fire to the Dunglen Hotel since it’s mostly used by the McLeans. Your name ain’t come up that I know, but it might.”
Colman tried to smile. “I thought I’d turned traitor by running off to preach to the McLeans.”
“Well, it just might turn out both sides think that about you. Could put you in a pickle.”
Colman nodded. “I’ve been thinking—”
Hoyt interrupted. “So have I. As much as Ivy and I enjoy having you around, I think it might be time we found you other accommodations.”
Caught flat-footed, Colman couldn’t think what to say.
Hoyt lowered his voice. “Ivy has a hard enough time as it is, what with people thinking she’s different. I couldn’t stand it if more trouble came to her door.”
“Neither could I.” Colman forced another smile. “You know of a good boardinghouse around here?”
“No.” Hoyt chuckled. “But there’s a cabin over near the salt spring that’s been abandoned for the past five years or so. Fella what lived there took to gambling up and down the line and quit coming home.” He made a face. “Either he hit it big or . . .”
Colman nodded. “Let’s hope he hit it big.” He rubbed his hands together. “Alright then, show me this cabin and I’
ll see if it won’t suit me fine.”
Hoyt slapped him on the back. “Sure thing. Come have some supper first and then we’ll walk over there together. Ain’t far.”
“You do the cooking?”
Hoyt moved ahead, shooting Colman a look over his shoulder. “I did, and if you want to know the truth, I gained five pounds while you’uns was gone. I’m a better cook than Ivy.” He winked, and Colman followed him into the cottage.
Mack arrived at Walnutta just in time to sit down to the simple meal Serepta and Emmaline were eating.
“What took you to Cincinnati?”
“Skipping the niceties, Mother?”
She speared him with a look.
“Mind if I join you?” he asked.
Serepta called for Hallie to bring a plate and waved Mack into a seat. He added cold ham and sliced tomatoes to his plate. “I had some suspicions about who was stealing our liquor. Unfortunately, they didn’t pan out.”
Had Harrison said something similar about suspicions? Serepta’s gut tightened. “I don’t suppose you stopped over at the Dunglen Hotel on your way home.”
Mack swallowed a bite of food. “I did not, but I certainly heard about its burning and I’m relieved to see that you and Emmaline are well.” He smirked. “Some people think Webb Harpe had something to do with the fire.”
Serepta tapped a finger against the edge of her plate. “He was there that night.”
Mack raised his eyebrows. “Was he? You saw him?”
“He had the opportunity to shoot your brother down in cold blood.” She paused, watching for her son’s reaction. “And apparently he chose not to take it.”
Mack set down his fork and rested his elbows on the table. “That’s strange. What was Jake doing in Thurmond?”
Serepta had a hard time reading her younger son. “I don’t know. I thought you might have a notion.” She lifted a slice of buttered bread. “Since you and he are working together now.”
When Silence Sings Page 20