by Laura Beers
Leaning forward, Dawson tucked a lock of her brown hair behind her ear. “You look rather fetching tonight, Mrs. Wayne.”
“As do you,” she stated. My goodness, did she just say that out loud?
He took another step closer, and now she had to tilt her head to look up at him.
“We haven’t discussed the sleeping arrangements for this evening,” he said, his eyes roaming her face.
She cocked her head. “I thought it might be best if you slept in the bedroom, and I’ll sleep in the main room.”
“I would prefer if we slept together tonight,” he remarked, waggling his brows.
She swatted at his chest. “You, sir, are a rogue.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment,” he replied with an impish grin.
Rolling her eyes, she asked, “Do you ever take anything as an insult?”
“Not from you,” he murmured, his eyes focusing on her lips. “Anything out of your mouth sounds glorious and beautiful.”
Suddenly, an unpleasant thought came to her, and she took a step to the side. “Do you flirt with all the ladies?”
He gave her a baffled look. “No. I do not. Why would you ask that?”
“I just feel…” Her words stopped. Alexina wasn’t very good at expressing her emotions. If anything, she would much rather ignore them, but she couldn’t seem to bottle up these feelings.
“You feel what?” Dawson asked, his eyes tracking her.
She pressed her lips together. “I just feel that your words sound too rehearsed, and that you are being disingenuous.”
“I see,” he said, crossing his arms over his wide chest. “You want to know if I have feelings for you, or if I am just playing games with you. Is that correct?”
The way he said those words made her feel embarrassed. Of course, he didn’t have feelings for her. What a foolish, inconceivable notion!
“Just forget I said anything,” she stated, ducking her head to hide her growing blush. “I… um… made you some stew for supper.”
“Alex,” Dawson murmured gently.
Keeping her gaze downcast, she continued. “It isn’t anything fancy but…”
He spoke over her. “Why won’t you look at me?”
Slowly, she lifted her head to meet his gaze. “I spoke out of turn. Will you please forget I said anything?”
“What if I don’t want to forget?” he asked, taking a step closer to her.
She put her hand up to stop him. “We’re partners. Nothing more.”
“May I speak?”
For a moment, she didn’t answer. She was afraid of what he might say, but he had a right to speak his mind.
“Go ahead,” she encouraged.
He uncrossed his arms, and his eyes gleamed with vulnerability. “Alex… I…”
A knock came at the door, causing them to both reach for their pistols.
“That must be Barrow.” She gave him an apologetic smile but was secretly pleased for the interruption to what was sure to prove to be an uncomfortable conversation.
Dawson walked over to the door and tossed it open. “Barrow, if you touch my sister, I will kill you,” he growled.
Barrow gave him a curt nod. “I understand, but can you keep your threats to a minimum. Timothy is in the wagon.”
“My apologies,” Dawson said, putting his hand up to wave at Timothy.
Shaking her head, Alexina stepped closer to Dawson. “Well done, Brother,” she remarked sarcastically.
Mr. Barrow smiled kindly at her. “You are looking beautiful this evening, Miss Wayne.”
“As do you, Mr. Barrow,” she replied, eyeing the cut of his fine black suit.
Placing his hand on the small of her back, Dawson leaned over to kiss her cheek. “Enjoy supper, babykins,” he whispered next to her ear before he stepped back.
“Are you ready to go, Miss Wayne?” Barrow asked, glancing between them.
“I am,” she said, stepping out onto the porch.
Accepting Barrow’s arm, she allowed him to escort her to the wagon and assist her as she climbed in.
“Good evening, Timothy,” she greeted.
Timothy responded by scooting closer to her.
Mr. Barrow walked around the wagon and climbed in. The team slowly made its way toward the town. “Normally, we walk into town, but I didn’t want to walk on the roads at night. It isn’t safe.”
“That sounds like a wise choice, Mr. Barrow.”
“William, if you don’t mind.”
She smiled. “William, it is. But only if you call me Alexina.”
“What a lovely name,” he commented. “Is it a family name?”
“I don’t believe so.”
William pointed toward the cottonwood trees behind their cottage. “We live on the other side of those trees.”
“We’re practically neighbors,” she admonished.
He chuckled. “You could say that, but I should warn you that those trees hold mountain lions and all kinds of vermin. I wouldn’t be traipsing through them, especially at night.”
“Mountain lions?” she asked, her voice taking on a frightened edge. “I’ve never seen one in person.”
“You are quite fortunate. They are mean-spirited animals that can kill a grown man in mere seconds.”
“Do you often find yourself strolling through those trees?”
William shook his head. “No, ma’am. I always drive the long way around.”
The wagon rolled into town, and William stopped in front of the hotel. “I assure you that Mrs. Richards is the best cook in town, despite being the only restaurant in town.”
She laughed as she stepped down from the wagon. “I am sure I will love anything that I don’t have to prepare myself.”
“Does your brother not cook?”
“He does. He is quite proficient at opening a can of pork and beans and warming them.”
William chuckled. “There is nothing wrong with a good can of pork and beans.”
“I have to agree with you there,” she replied, returning his smile.
They walked into the hotel and were immediately seated at a table in the front near a large window.
Her eyes admired the white tablecloths and nice dishes on the tables. “Thank you for taking me to supper, William. This place is rather fancy though.”
“It may look fancy, but the prices are reasonable,” he assured her.
A waitress came to take their order, and she was pleased when William let her order her own meal.
“How are you enjoying Hidden Ditch?” he asked, after the waitress left.
“It’s a wonderful place to live,” she gushed, knowing that was the answer he was looking for. “The people are friendly, and I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching the children.”
Glancing around the room, she noticed that the room was filled with mostly men, and they were all watching her and William.
Turning her attention back toward her suitor, she asked, “What do you know about the missing teachers?”
“I just know that they disappeared,” William replied, reaching for his glass of water, “and no one has found their…” He cleared his throat as he tilted his head toward Timothy.
Drat! She wouldn’t be able to ask William any questions about the women’s disappearances with Timothy present.
William grew silent for a moment before saying, “I couldn’t help but notice that you and your brother appear exceptionally close.”
“We are.”
He shifted his gaze over her shoulder. “It just seems odd.”
“Why do you say that?”
Frowning, he said, “Your brother almost seems more like a jealous suitor than he does a caring brother.”
She sighed. “He means well. He just comes across as a little overbearing.”
“A little?” He chuckled as he pointed his finger over her shoulder.
Turning in her seat, she saw Dawson was sitting at a corner table with a newspaper partially covering his face. Their e
yes met, and he slumped down in his chair.
Alexina rolled her eyes at her partner’s antics. What was he thinking showing up at the restaurant? She turned back to face William.
“When my brother was younger, he was milking the cow and got kicked in the head. Ever since then, he’s been slightly off. But he’s harmless, I assure you.”
William started to respond, but he let out a grunt instead.
“Miss Wayne,” a man’s voice came from behind her. A voice that she wished would go away.
“Mr. Stanbury,” she said as she shifted in her seat.
To her shock, Mr. Stanbury claimed the empty seat next to her and angled his chair toward her. “What a pleasure it is to run into you this evening.”
“I’m having supper with Mr. Barrow and his dear son, Timothy,” she replied curtly.
He reached for a piece of bread on the table. “Barrow and I are good friends. I’m sure he won’t mind if I join you all for supper.”
“I would mind,” she insisted. “Besides, I believe I made my intentions quite clear last night, Mr. Stanbury.”
“It was just a misunderstanding on your part,” Mr. Stanbury stated, waving the piece of bread in front of him.
William pushed back his chair and rose. “I believe the lady asked you to leave, Gerald.”
“I just need a moment of her time to explain the misunderstanding,” Gerald pressed, placing an elbow on the table, leaning closer to her.
“Gerald…” William growled.
Unexpectedly, Dawson spoke up from behind her. “Is there a problem, gentlemen?”
“No problem,” Gerald said, keeping his gaze firmly on her.
William walked closer to Gerald. “You need to go… now.”
Annoyingly, all three men began arguing, and Alexina had enough! She rose from her chair, and the men immediately stopped speaking.
“Gentlemen, I have decided to turn in early this evening. If you will excuse me,” she declared.
“Allow me to walk you…” Mr. Stanbury started, pushing back his chair.
William cut him off. “No, allow me.”
“No, thank you,” she replied forcefully. “I find that I do not want any company as I walk the short distance home.”
“None?” Dawson asked.
She tightened her jaw. “None.”
Taking a step back, Dawson nodded his acknowledgement.
Alexina placed her napkin on the table, gave Timothy an apologetic smile, and exited the hotel with her head held high. What a horrible turn of events, she thought to herself. First, Dawson had been spying on her, and then Mr. Stanbury had showed up and ruined her time with William.
Her mind barely acknowledged the sound of a wagon approaching from behind her. It had to be William. He most likely was trailing behind her to ensure she got home safely. At least, he was a gentleman.
The wagon stopped, and she heard the brake being set. That was odd. But as she started to turn around, everything went black.
Surely, he’d waited long enough to appease Alexina, Dawson thought as he walked the short distance toward their cottage. He’d a quick bite to eat at the restaurant before he departed to give his partner time to simmer down.
Perhaps trailing her to the restaurant hadn’t been the correct call, but he seemed to lose rational thought when he was around his wife... er… partner. It was becoming increasingly difficult not to confess his feelings.
Earlier tonight, he was about to state his intentions, but William had interrupted him when he arrived to court Alexina. No more courting by other men. He would convince Alexina to stay married to him, and she would fall desperately in love with him. That shouldn’t be so hard. He was quite a loveable guy.
The sun was starting to set as he saw the darkened cottage looming ahead. That’s odd, he thought. Why was Alexina sitting in the dark? Something wasn’t right. He ran toward the cottage and flung open the door.
“Alexina!” he exclaimed. “Where are you?”
Deafening silence. He ran into the bedroom, but there was no sign of Alexina. Where was she?
Running outside, he put his hands up to his mouth and shouted, “Alexina!”
Again, he was met with silence.
He kept shouting her name as he ran around the cottage and up to the schoolhouse. He jiggled the handle, but it was still locked. She wasn’t inside. Where could she be?
Standing on the stairs to the schoolhouse, he yelled, “Alexina!”
Coming from the direction of town, William urged his team forward until he stopped his wagon near the schoolhouse.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“My wife has gone missing!” Dawson declared, his eyes scanning the prairie grass.
“Your wife?” William repeated in disbelief.
He grimaced. That was a slip of the tongue they didn’t need. Well, he needed help to find Alexina, and William was going to help him find her. “Yes, Alexina is my wife.”
William frowned as he looked down at his son. “Perhaps you should start from the beginning.”
Stepping closer to the wagon, Dawson confessed, “My wife and I are Pinkerton agents, and we were hired to find the suspect who abducted Miss Jolley and Miss Price.”
“Let me get this straight,” William began slowly. “Alexina is your wife and your partner.”
“Yes.”
“You were using her as bait to see if your suspect would try to abduct her.”
“That’s precisely what we intended to do,” Dawson replied with a surprised look.
“And now your wife has been abducted by this mad man.”
He sighed. “Apparently, so.”
William took off his hat and wiped his brow with his sleeve. “Do you have any leads?”
“None,” he admitted. Suddenly, a thought occurred to him. “Wait, she might be tied up in the cottonwood trees.”
He started running toward the section of trees behind their cottage. He could hear William’s wagon behind him. His eyes roamed the trees until he found the one that Alexina believed was where a young woman had been tied up. But there was no sign of her.
William’s wagon stopped next to him. “Why did you think she would be tied to a tree?”
“Alexina was confident that this tree held one of the women. The marks in the bark proved it.”
Pointing toward the east, William said, “You can see our cottage from here.”
“I hadn’t noticed that before,” he admitted, seeing a small cottage in the meadow.
William jumped down from the wagon and walked closer to him. “I assure you that I would have noticed if a woman was tied to this tree and screaming for help.”
Dropping his head, Dawson said, “What a lousy partner I turned out to be. My job was to protect Alexina, and she was abducted right from under my nose.”
“We’ll find her,” William responded encouragingly.
Dawson grew determined. “Not we. I will find my own wife.”
A timid voice came from the wagon. “Are you and Miss Wayne truly Pinkerton agents?”
Surprised that Timothy had spoken, Dawson looked at him and nodded. “We are. And Mrs. Wayne is one of the best.”
“The bad man took her,” Timothy murmured.
Stepping closer to the wagon, he asked, “Do you know who the bad man is?”
The boy shook his head. “No, but I saw him put Miss Price into his wagon and drive away.”
“How did you see this?”
“From my bedroom window,” he admitted softly, pointing toward his cottage.
William asked in a firm but gentle voice, “Why didn’t you say anything, son?”
Timothy lowered his gaze. “I was scared that the bad man would come and get me, too.”
“Which way did the wagon go?” Dawson pressed.
He pointed toward the north. “Along that road.”
Directing his next question to William, he asked, “Who lives out that way?”
“Lots of homesteaders.”
<
br /> “Out of all those homesteaders, who comes into town the most frequently?”
William grew silent before saying, “Henry Davy comes in about once a week, and he lives about five miles out of town.” Then he shook his head. “It couldn’t possibly be him.”
“Why not?”
“Because he lives with his brothers on their ranch. Why would he need to abduct three women?”
“Doesn’t Henry have two brothers?”
“He does.”
“Have you met them?”
“No.”
“If it is Henry, then he abducted three women. And there are three of them living at the ranch,” he explained. “That would explain why we haven’t found any bodies.”
William shook his head. “Henry’s a decent chap. He wouldn’t resort to abducting brides.”
“Desperate men tend to do desperate things.”
“I don’t buy it. If he wanted a bride so badly, he could have sent for a mail-order bride,” William remarked. “A few men in town have even written to a few agencies.” He glanced down at his son. “I’ve even considered it.”
“I don’t know, but I intend to pay Henry a visit.”
“Would you like me to come with you?”
He shook his head. “No. You take care of Timothy. I’m going to get Sheriff Washburn.”
“Be safe,” William admonished.
With a solemn expression, Dawson confessed, “Alexina is an impressively capable agent. I have no doubt that she can take care of herself until help arrives.”
“Then go. If it isn’t Davy, then I’ll help you search tomorrow.”
Turning on his heel, Dawson ran and didn’t stop until he was outside of the sheriff’s office. He slammed opened the door, and Sheriff Washburn jumped up from his desk in alarm.
He grunted, “Good heavens, Pink. What is the meaning of this interruption?”
“Alexina has been abducted!”
“Not again,” the sheriff sighed. “Do you have any leads?”
He stepped further into the room and closed the door. “What do you know about Henry Davy?”
“Nothing, really. He’s a law-abiding citizen,” the sheriff said.
Dawson ran a hand through his hair in frustration. “I suspect that Henry Davy has abducted the three women as brides for him and his brothers.”
The sheriff chuckled dryly. “That seems rather an overkill, don’t you think? They could have just sent for mail-order brides.”