A man stopped at their seats. He took off his tan hat, showing his graying hair. His smile didn’t look genuine; it didn’t reach his brown eyes. She studied his badge and reevaluated him. He stood so straight. Had he’d been in the military?
“I’m Sheriff Jed Farming. I’d like to speak with you, Miss Kagan.” He stared right at her. He already knew who she was.
“Wilma, get up so the sheriff can have a place to sit,” Mrs. Burns said.
“I just need to talk with Miss. Kagan. Ma’am, could we talk? I have a lot of questions to ask you.”
He was up to something. He had a look that suggested he knew something she didn’t. Almost a taunt and he was expecting to catch her in a lie.
“No, I’m not in the habit of speaking with strange men alone.”
Sheriff Farming grinned. “See, I’ve heard otherwise. I really need to ask you a few questions about the robbery.”
She stiffened.
“We can all leave, and you can speak with Miss Kagan. If it’s all right with you, Phoebe?” Shea gave her an encouraging nod.
“That would work,” the sheriff said.
Her heart fluttered. Why was she so nervous? She had done nothing wrong. The sheriff almost seemed to be hinting otherwise. Her heart hurt as it pounded.
“It’s true you can’t walk?” he asked as soon as they were alone.
“It’s true. I don’t know why you want to talk to me.”
“It’s reported that one robber gave you special attention. He was nice to you. Do you know him or the other three?”
“No, and I only saw three.”
He leaned forward, staring at her. “There were four of them. Now let’s get back to how one of them let you keep your necklace.”
She took out her crucifix, so it sat on top of her dress. “I believe he felt sorry for me and let me keep it. I was glad, but I don’t require a necklace to remember God; He is always with me.”
“How do you suppose the outlaw knew you couldn’t walk?”
“Maybe because I fell to the floor and found myself unable to get up with my assistant nowhere to be found,” Phoebe answered bitterly.
“People seem to think he already knew you.”
“Who are these people? When people jumped off the train, they left me on the floor with no means to get out. It was chaos, but these people you talk about walked right over me. Shea Kavanagh picked me up from the filth of the floor and carried me outside. He carried me and held me while we all were rounded up and made to stay together waiting to find out if we were to die or not.” Tears brimmed in her eyes.
He angled his head to the right and studied her but said nothing.
“Do you know how it feels to be utterly helpless, Sheriff?” She shook her head and blinked back the tears. “The same man who let me keep my necklace pulled my wheelchair away from the luggage car door. I thought it would be the next item thrown out onto the ground and broken, but he saved it.”
“I—”
“It’s been a long day. Let me tell you, I am recently crippled, and I’m terrified. The robbery just proved how vulnerable I am. Maybe the robber has a sister or mother who is ill. Some might have thought he was doing me favors. I maintain he pitied me. He was kinder to me than the other people who hadn’t taken a moment to help me.”
“So, you admit he was kind to you.” Sheriff Farming seemed to pounce. “Are you certain you didn’t know him? Think hard, I know they wore masks, but you might still know who he is. What about the other two you saw? Where do you know them from?”
If she could only stand up and walk elsewhere. A few tears escaped, and she dashed them away. This man liked weakness. Well, she would not give it to him. “I think our conversation is over.”
“No, ma’am. I have further questions. Where did the men go after they robbed the train? You must know where their hideout is. Also, which bag and berth are yours?”
“Are you checking everyone’s bags?”
“No, just people I have good reason to think are involved.”
Gasping she glared at him, hoping her expression was a fierce one. Enough was enough. She folded her hands and stared out at the scenery. He wasn’t listening to what she had to say, anyway.
“I’ll haul you off to the next car where I’m holding a few others that were apparently involved. I can handcuff you. I heard they are heavy and can rub the skin raw.”
Her hands fisted as she pursed her lips. She couldn’t turn around and search for Shea. She might fall.
“Go ahead then,” she said instead. “Take me away. I’m done with your questions.”
“Who is your companion? Was she involved? She can take care of you in the front coach.”
Phoebe glanced at him and started laughing. “Yes indeed, who is my companion? I’d like to know.”
“Sheriff, as you can see, Miss Kagan is tired,” Shea interrupted. “I think she’s answered enough of your questions.” He sat down next to her.
“I’m glad you’re here, Shea. I need you to carry me to the first car. I hope you’re really strong because I was told the handcuffs are heavy.” She gawked at the sheriff the whole time.
“What’s going on here?” Shea demanded.
Sheriff Farming stood and stepped into the aisle. “I have a few more witnesses to talk to. I’ll be back.”
As soon as he was out of sight, she gasped for air. She couldn’t get enough into her lungs.
“Breathe slowly,” Shea advised, looking worried.
From out of nowhere, Mary Ryan marched up the aisle, stopped in front of them, and raised Phoebe’s arms above her head. “Shea is right; take slower, deeper breaths.”
Phoebe was shaken, but her breathing was in her control. “Thank you, Mary and Shea. Mary, you arrived at just the right time. Is something wrong? You usually stay with your patient.”
Sadness filled Mary’s blue eyes. “Mrs. Cherny died this morning right after the robbery. She almost made it home, but she’s in God’s house now.”
“I’m so sorry, Mary. How ghastly for you.” Phoebe wanted to give Mary a hug, but it wasn’t possible.
“She’d been sick a long time. Her children couldn’t find the time to visit, so she decided to go to them and say goodbye. She has a son and a daughter. The reverend in the town is taking care of her burial. It is sad. We became fast friends.”
“What are your plans now, Mary? Do you have family?” Phoebe asked.
Mary smiled when she looked up. “No family. My husband is dead. I am happy that I’ve found a new position, and if it’s fine with you, a new place to live.”
Phoebe furrowed her brow and tilted her head. “Shea?”
He reached out and took her hand. “I hired Mary this morning, after… I planned on taking care of you myself, and I was hoping Mary could take care of things I shouldn’t. I found her coming out of the church weeping. It delighted me when she told me she was available.”
“It certainly has been a day of changes,” Phoebe said. “You, Mary, are the positive change.”
Shea turned his body, so he was facing her. “What took place with the sheriff?”
Shaking her head, she wondered if screaming would be out of place. “Well, first he thinks I was in on it or that I know the robbers. He wants me in the front coach with shackles on. He was certain to point out how heavy they are and that they cut skin. He wouldn’t listen to anything I said. He kept saying people told him this and that about me. I’m tired, and I’ll admit I’m scared. The sheriff has a way of twisting words around that I almost believed I knew one of the robbers.”
“I knew it!” A woman shouted behind her.
Phoebe held on to Shea’s arm and turned. “Adel? I thought you got off the train.”
“I knew there was something not right about you. To hear you confess you knew one robbers is probably the best evidence Jed has.”
“Jed?”
“He’s the sheriff.”
Phoebe closed her eyes and turned back around. Be strong
, be strong, be strong.
“Don’t listen to her,” Shea insisted.
He had no idea what it was like to have absolutely no control. Whether they wheeled her to a window that wasn’t her choice, or she was being accused of something ridiculous, there wasn’t much she could do. She had her one act of rebellion by not marrying the man her mother chose.
“Maybe I should help her lie down on her bunk,” Mary offered. Suddenly her eyes widened. “Oh dear, we might have to wait on that.”
Phoebe’s heart plunged. “The sheriff?”
He was there before anyone answered her. He held her bag in one hand and the shackles in another. She trembled. This was to be her fate. Please Lord, make it all quick. If I’m to be hanged, make it quick.
Chapter Eleven
Shea lifted Phoebe and began carrying her. It was better than the sheriff putting his hands on her.
“Wait.” The sheriff blocked them. He took her wrists and one by one put them in the shackles.
“Don’t you think that’s a bit much?” Shea asked in a no-nonsense voice.
“I realize who you are, Mr. Kavanagh, and it makes no impression on me. You might be her accomplice, I’m not sure yet.”
Sheriff Farming nodded his head at Mary. “Why is she here?”
“I’m Phoebe’s nurse. I have to be near in case she requires anything.”
“No! My men will take care of her.”
Mary started to talk, but they cut her off.
“I’ll sort it out,” Shea whispered to her. He was pleased she sat back down. One thing at a time.
Phoebe trembled as he carried her. He drew her close, hoping she’d not be so afraid, but it didn’t seem to work.
When they got to the front coach, two deputies remained at the far end. Mrs. Burns and her daughter were there and sitting next to them was a smiling Adel.
Phoebe relaxed. Her body went slack as though all her fight and energy drained. “You need to be strong,” he whispered. “Don’t waste your strength on false accusations. Try to be calm. I don’t think they’ll let me remain with you, but you could find a reason to have Mary with you.”
Her brow creased.
“Using the necessary perhaps?”
A whisper of a smile graced her face.
“You may place her there.” The sheriff pointed to a chair in the middle part of the coach.
Carefully and slowly, Shea set her down and boldly sat next to her. The deputies walked toward him, but the sheriff called them back.
“Mr. Kavanagh can view the evidence we found. I have a feeling he did not know his lady friend was so devious.”
Shea wouldn’t be baited. The only goal was to stay with Phoebe for as long as possible.
“Is this your bag Miss Kagan?” the sheriff inquired, his eyes focused on Phoebe.
“It looks like mine.”
The sheriff put his hand in and plucked out two bracelets and a ring.
Her sharp breath was loud. “It can’t be mine. I don’t have any jewelry except for my necklace.”
The Burns women frowned and shook their heads.
“You like jewelry,” accused Mrs. Burns. “You wear your necklace.”
“I wear this as a testament to my faith in Jesus. It’s a crucifix. Jesus died on a cross so we could have forgiveness of sins. He is the son of God. I don’t wear it because it’s pretty, I wear it because I believe.” She lifted her chin proudly. “I have complete faith in the Lord. He is everywhere.”
The sheriff shrugged his left shoulder. “This bracelet and ring were taken from Mrs. Burns during the robbery, yet they somehow ended up in your bag. Interesting, don’t you think? I assume the robber in the brown hat gave them to you. That plus your confession, which Miss Gates here witnessed, is sufficient for me to charge you.” He squared his shoulders. “We don’t cotton to train robbers in these parts. Half the towns around wouldn’t be here if not for the railroad. I’m sure the judge will throw the book at you.”
The look of sheer triumph on the sheriff’s face was disgusting. He acted more like a lawyer than a lawman. Shea studied everything about the man. He’d telegram his brothers and have help sent. Maybe they could find out who the man in the brown hat was. Like the sheriff had stated, many towns had cropped up along the tracks. Perhaps he was known in one of them.
Shea glanced at Phoebe and frowned. Her face was too white. This was not good for her. He just couldn’t think of an immediate way out of the situation. He was failing her. How long until the next stop? She couldn’t remain in shackles. They were just a symbol of the sheriff’s control. It wasn’t as if Phoebe could run or harm them.
“Will we be getting off at Chanute?” he inquired.
“No, they don’t have a judge. We’re continuing to Parsons. They have a judge there. It’s less than a full day away. We aren’t stopping at the two stops before it.” He grunted. “Security reasons. I’ll be able to hand you off to Sheriff Yardley.”
“I see.”
“Do you see? Do you really see Mr. Kavanagh? Do you see how foolish you were to become involved with this woman? You haven’t been fully eliminated as a suspect, yet.”
Shea looked around until his gaze met Adel’s. “I owe wages but making sure I’m not implicated is more urgent.” Jasper was too much a coward to inform his sister he had her wages.
Adel narrowed her eyes at him. He kept his face expressionless, but he wanted to smile. Jasper was true to character and didn’t tell Adel.
“I think it’s time you went back to your seat, Mr. Kavanagh.”
Shea nodded. “Just like your necklace is your show of faith, the shackles are a show of the sheriff’s supposed power. The distinction is your faith is real and his power isn’t. We will be going to Texas together.” He paused and leaned down, kissing her forehead. “Be well.”
She touched her cross and nodded. There was a spark of fight in her eyes. It was a relief, and he held on to it as he walked back to Mary.
* * *
If she had to remain in this coach, Phoebe was just as glad Adel and the Burnses were here too. There wasn’t even a sandwich for Mrs. Burns to dislike. She contemplated the situation she found herself in. Had the mother and daughter hidden the jewelry before getting off the train? Maybe they’d hidden it while the man in the brown hat confronted them. How many others hid their valuables? Selfish actions could have gotten them all killed.
And there was poor sweet Adel, who couldn’t run around with her friends.
Phoebe mentally shook herself. Showing them hate would get her nowhere. Shea was right she needed to conserve her energy. Bowing her head, she said the Lord’s Prayer.
“What’s all that noise?” a deputy yelled.
“It’s the shackles. I brought my hands together to pray.” She would not apologize for praying. “Please, sir. I require assistance to use the necessary, and my wrists are bleeding.”
“Adel, take her where she desires to go,” the deputy directed.
“I don’t work for her. I refuse to touch her.”
“Same here,” Mrs. Burns added. “We’re not touching a criminal.”
The deputy seemed perplexed. “I don’t—”
“Find Shea, you know who he is. He hired someone else to take care of me. He’ll show you.”
“I don’t know…”
What if she couldn’t keep calm? “One of you lawmen can carry me to and from. I need Mary to help because there is no way I’ll allow you to lift my skirt.”
He turned crimson and took off at once. The Burnses both turned and shook their heads at her, disgust showing on their faces. It didn’t matter, not one bit. Would they actually hang an innocent woman? She’d heard the West was a law unto itself and once sentenced that was that. Well, if they hanged her, there was no taking it back. God would protect her, and if that was His way of calling her home, so be it. Not that she wasn’t going to fight as hard as she could. God had His plan.
It felt good to tell the sheriff about Christ. Thou
gh he was probably one of those who feigned being Christian. She bit her bottom lip. She had no right to judge what type of Christian a person was. It was a person’s personal relationship with God that counted, and there was no way for her to know unless they prayed with her.
“I heard you need help,” Mary stated, not acting familiar at all.
“Yes, I was hoping Shea hired you.”
“He did. Nursing is all I know. Now which way is the—?”
The deputy cleared his throat. “I’ll carry her and remain outside the room. Follow me and no funny business.”
The deputy wasn’t gentle, and if there was a bump, he would be sure to drop her. She had her hands ready to grab his shirt if necessary, other than that she hoped the room was close.
“In here.” He set her down and grimaced. “No one has cleaned in here.” He waited until Mary entered and then closed the door.
Mary smiled. “As if there is a cleaning crew. I kept the one for ladies clean for my patient. And for you.” Mary quickly and efficiently helped Phoebe take care of her needs. “What can I do for you other than this? Shea will not carry you off the train. He plans to skedaddle to the telegram office and send for help. He told me to tell you to act weak and if they mention going in front of a judge, ask for the doctor. I’m going to see if I can stay at the jailhouse.”
“Mary, you don’t have to do that.”
Mary hugged her and then opened the door. “We’re finished. Be careful lifting her. As you can determine, I cleaned up in there. Is there a doctor on the train to bandage her wrists?”
The deputy lifted Phoebe’s bruised and raw wrists, and his eyes widened. “I’ll take you back and get these taken off. Then we can check about a doctor.”
Phoebe caught Mary’s gaze, and they both tried not to smile.
Once they returned to the area where Phoebe was being held, the shackles were removed. The sheriff wanted to see the damage.
Shea: Cowboy Chance: The Kavanagh Brothers Book 10 Page 6
