Under the Midnight Sun

by Tracie Peterson

  “I’ve always been true to you, Miss Tayler. I won’t let you down. I promise.”

  “Thank you.” Tayler’s heart raced. What would Emerson do when he discovered she’d gone? “You didn’t get in trouble with Mother when I left, did you?”

  Millie shook her head. “No. She never even asked me anything. She’s been so different since your father passed. Always busy with that Mr. Dunham. They’re constantly discussing business and financial matters that go way beyond me. But your brother sent me a telegram after you left. My mother sent word for me to come home—that she had something for me. When I got there she gave me the telegram, and a packet followed after that.”

  Joshua had been wise to contact Millie’s family instead of writing to her directly. Mother would never have understood the maid receiving personal correspondence from Joshua.

  “I’m just so thankful I didn’t put your job at risk. With Mother acting so strange, I wouldn’t put it past her to fire the entire household staff.”

  “I appreciate your concern, Miss Tayler. But your brother has promised us that if anything happens, he’ll help us. We have only to let him know.”

  Tayler remembered the horrible days after Dad’s death. The reading of the will and all the technicalities that went along with the vast Hale empire of businesses. Everyone had presumed Joshua would be in charge of everything business related, but most of the family holdings had gone to Mother, with the exception of a small inheritance to Tayler and Joshua. Tayler had been surprised by this. Joshua too. Father had groomed Joshua for years. Of course, Joshua had businesses of his own and was financially independent, but he’d expected to step in upon Father’s death. Instead, Mr. Dunham announced that the will had been changed and Mother was in charge. Joshua’s hurt was clear to all, but Mother assured him it wasn’t a slight on him, but rather Father’s yielding to her request. It made her feel more secure. She tried to smooth things over, telling Joshua and Tayler it would all be theirs one day and that in the meantime, Joshua would be needed to help her manage it all. Joshua left after that, much to their mother’s disapproval, but little else had been said on the matter.

  “Where will you go?” Millie’s question brought Tayler back to the present.

  “A good distance from here. If I don’t tell you, then you won’t have to lie. If anyone asks, you don’t know where I’m going.”

  Millie nodded and bit her lip. Her head ducked for a moment as she fiddled with a string on her skirt. “What if I were to go with you?”

  The sweet offer touched Tayler. No one had ever done anything like that for her before. “Oh, I wish you could go with me. Truly I do. But I don’t have the funds to take you with me, nor do I have a place for you to stay . . . or employment for you, for that matter. I’m so sorry, Millie, but I’m touched that you offered.” Tayler wanted to cry. She looked toward the trains, then peered back at the woman who’d practically grown up beside her. Only three years her senior, Millie was the closest thing Tayler had ever had to a best friend. “I’ll write often—I promise—and once I’m settled, if there’s employment and housing for you, I’ll let you know. Would you come then?”

  “Of course.”

  Most young women of Tayler’s age and societal connections didn’t think of working or even going to college. But Tayler did both. And Millie had quietly cheered her on. What must she think of her? “May I have your folks’ address to send letters?”

  “Of course.” Millie sniffed and pulled out a pencil. “I’ll write it on the back of this train schedule.”

  “And you promise you won’t tell anyone about this?”

  “I promise, miss. Only your brother, and I’ll tell him that I found you and delivered his packet. He was expecting me to be gone a few days.”

  Tayler put her sketch pad and pencils back into her bag and then reached for her purse. Pulling out a crisp twenty-dollar bill, she handed it to Millie. “This is one of the new bills. You’ve probably seen them, but they’re smaller. I just didn’t want you to think it was counterfeit. Please, take it. You’re going to need a place to stay and food to eat.”

  “Oh no, miss, I couldn’t take your money. That’s far too generous. Your brother gave me plenty of funds.”

  “Well, then, you should explore the park. It’s absolutely breathtaking, Millie. You’ve never seen anything like it. Buy yourself and your family some souvenirs, or a new outfit, or a hat. Please, I insist.” She tucked the money into her friend’s lap as another train pulled into the station. This time, it was hers. “I’ve got to go, Millie.” She hugged her maid and grabbed her things. Thankfully, her cases would all be checked and loaded for her. The thought of wrangling all her luggage was a bit daunting.

  “I’ll be praying for you, Miss Tayler.”

  “And I you, Millie. I will be in touch.”

  She waved good-bye and headed to the train just as the conductor shouted his “All aboard!”

  Tayler boarded the train in her blue suit jacket, blouse, and matching skirt, feeling quite smart in her t-strap shoes and cloche hat. Instead of being the wealthy socialite, she was simply Tayler. Headed for an adventure in Alaska.

  It had been so nice the past couple weeks to wear her plain uniform rather than change clothes several times a day to abide by all the rules of society. While she appreciated her family’s wealth and their impact on the world, she found she really didn’t care for all of the rules.

  When she settled herself into a seat, she peered out the window and saw Millie waving. Tayler waved back and hoped her friend would be all right. Prayerfully, she hoped Millie wouldn’t divulge her secret. Her boss at Yellowstone was the only one who knew where she was headed, and he’d sworn himself to secrecy when she left.

  Finally, the train started moving forward, and Tayler released a long sigh. Remembering the packet from her brother, she reached into her bag and pulled it out. Since there wasn’t anyone around her, she opened the top of the envelope and peered inside. A large stack of bills greeted her and a folded paper.

  She pulled out the paper and tucked the envelope back into her bag.

  My Dear Tayler,

  I’ve had a lot of time to think since you left, and I’m realizing that I’ve made some missteps. I’m so sorry for Mother’s encouraging you to marry Emerson. While it is true that Dad invested heavily in Pruitt companies, that doesn’t sway me in my thinking. Money doesn’t mean anything if I lose my family over it. And I fear I have lost you. I know my absence has been difficult, but there are things I can’t tell you right now. Please know that I’m doing everything I can to bring the truth to light and to be here for you. It devastated me to lose Dad, and the change of the will was like a betrayal. I know you’re grieving as well, and you probably feel as though you’ve lost your big brother in the midst of it all.

  I don’t know how Mom will deal with your prolonged absence, but I’ve sent Millie to you with this note so you know that I am behind you. I know you want to make your own way, but please, allow me to help provide for you. It will comfort me to know you have enough in case of any emergencies that should arise. I’ve also set up a private account for you at our bank. I will place funds in there monthly, and should you need anything, just contact the bank and they will wire it to you, no questions asked.

  I know Mom loves you. She has dreamed of this wedding between you and Emerson for many years. When you broke off the engagement, I thought she would get over it. But once Dad was gone, something snapped inside her. Many of her decisions have been strange, to say the least.

  So now she’s focused on this union for you and Emerson. And you know her, once she gets attached to an idea, it’s hard for her to let it go. But I pray I will be able to convince her in the time to come.

  Please accept my apology for my absence. I know it is too late for that, but I wish you well, my darling sister. Believe and know that I am here for you. I promise.

  Please let me know how you are doing.

  Love,

  Jos
hua

  Tayler folded the paper and put it in her bag with the envelope. Wiping a tear from her eye, she knew that only time could heal these wounds. Her heart felt such a sense of relief in hearing from her brother. Joshua had been grieving just like she had, so she really couldn’t blame him for his absence from her life, but now she understood there was more to the story.

  The burdens he must have had to carry alone all this time! It made her sad. And made her determined to send him a long letter in response. A small spark of hope started in her chest. Maybe there was a chance of a renewed relationship.

  She eased back in her seat and watched the world go by. Her family had once been such a comfort. How she longed for that again. Even Mother with her quirks and concerns about what society thought weren’t such a bother with Dad to balance things out.

  She thought back to that day so long ago in Estes Park when Emerson had asked her to wait for him. She genuinely thought herself in love—thought he had been as well. He even wrote her dozens and dozens of letters talking about how much he cared, how wonderful their future together would be. But then the letters were fewer and fewer as the years went by. Then comments were made at social events about his antics, and it wasn’t long before the truth came out about his affairs.

  It was like the entire bottom of her world had fallen away, and Tayler was falling without hope of something to hang on to.

  God is always there to hang on to, a voice seemed to whisper.

  It was true. She knew that well enough. God was the only one who had gotten her through these difficult times.

  Why must these things be, Lord? Why must Mother push me to marry a man I don’t love and can never respect?

  Tayler sighed. What had happened to her family?

  CURRY

  Margaret Johnson slid into a pew in the little Curry chapel, hoping Cassidy would arrive soon with the twins. She looked forward to seeing them every day.

  Footsteps sounded behind her, but when she looked up, it wasn’t Cassidy Brennan and her little family. It was none other than Bertram Wilcox—the railroad man who was brother to the pastor—along with Daniel Ferguson.

  Both men grinned down at her.

  “May I?” Bertram held his hat in his hands.

  “May you what?” Margaret sent him a frown.

  “Sit in this pew?” The man wouldn’t stop smiling.

  She shifted in her seat and shrugged her shoulders. “It’s no matter to me where you sit, Mr. Wilcox.”

  “Please, call me Bertram.” The man stepped out of the aisle and sat on the end of the pew right next to her.

  Bothersome man. She scooted more toward the middle and hoped Cassidy would hurry up and get there. What could be taking so long?

  “Ahem.” Chef Daniel winked at her.

  She rolled her eyes. “What is it you need, Mr. Ferguson?”

  “I’d like to sit in this pew.”

  “Good heavens, there’s plenty of open seats. I don’t know why you two insist on invading my pew,” Margaret barked at him.

  But it didn’t faze him. He was used to her bite. “I’ll just scoot in, if that’s all right.”

  Before she could say anything to stop him, the big man pushed his way past Bertram on the end and squeezed his way past her. “Ow!” Nothing like getting her toes stepped on by that big lug.

  “Forgive me, lass. I didna mean to step on your foot.”

  “Oh, just sit down,” Margaret huffed.

  “You’re glad that I’m sitting with you, aren’t you, dearie?” Daniel wiggled his eyebrows and then his mustache.

  Piano music fluttered over them. “Shhh.” Bertram leaned around her and frowned at Daniel. “The service is starting.”

  “Don’t be shushing me, Mr. Wilcox. It’s simply the prelude.” Daniel frowned.

  Margaret looked to the ceiling for rescue as words flew between the two men, but none came. So there she sat. Sandwiched between two men who seemed determined to sit with her . . . if not on her lap.

  “Hush, both of you. I’ll not have you arguing during church.”

  For a moment, she thought they’d be quiet, but then one of them asked the other about his favorite Bible passage and if he’d been reading his Bible every day. Then the other asked how it felt to be a heathen, and the argument continued.

  Margaret tried to tune them out and listen to the piano, but to no avail. Finally, she stood to her feet before it went any further. “Enough!”

  Everyone in the little church looked at her.

  But she didn’t care as she wiggled her way past Mr. Wilcox—you’d think the man would make it easy for her to move, but no—and she prayed for a way of escape.

  “Gammagammagamma!” chimed two little voices from the back.

  Margaret turned and saw the Brennan family entering the door of the church. “Praise be to God.” She looked to the ceiling and several chuckles sounded around her.

  Opening her arms to the toddlers, she embraced them and then let them lead her to the front pew, where she sat with one cuddly boy on either side.

  Cassidy and Allan joined them and the pew was full. Thank goodness.

  Margaret smiled down at each of the boys nestled by her side. “Now, these are two men that I will allow to fight over me.”

  Cassidy gave her a puzzled look.

  “Don’t worry. I’ll tell you all about it after church.” Margaret snuggled with her two favorite boys and wondered what she would do about the two big boys who were in the back, probably fuming.

  She didn’t have enough energy for this. At her age, she shouldn’t have men squabbling over her. It was ridiculous.

  Although she had to admit, the attention from two men was heady. The thought made her smile as Pastor Wilcox walked up to the pulpit. But a scuffle in the back made the pastor’s eyebrows rise. “If everyone would take their seats, please? Let’s open our hymnals to ‘Blest Be the Tie That Binds.’”

  Voices in the back continued in argument.

  Margaret didn’t have to turn around to see who was involved.

  Maybe if she ignored them, it would all just go away.

  But it didn’t.

  “Gentlemen!” The pastor never raised his voice like that.

  Silence filled the room.

  Pastor Henry cleared his throat. “As I was saying, let’s all turn to the hymn and sing together.” He lifted his book as the piano played an introduction. “A song that seems very appropriate for this morning.” His eyes focused on the back.

  Margaret knew exactly who was arguing. She was pretty sure the whole congregation knew.

  Voices rang out together in their little chapel. A bit louder than normal.

  “Blest be the tie that binds

  Our hearts in Christian love;

  The fellowship of kindred minds

  Is like to that above. . . .”

  If only Daniel and Bertram got the point.

  WEDNESDAY, MAY 8—CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

  Greg DeMarco knocked on his boss’s door.

  The door opened a crack and Bucko gave him a nod. The bodyguard was almost as large as the doorway, but that’s how Charlie hired them—big and intimidating.

  Bucko allowed him entry, and Greg walked to the desk. “You wanted to see me, boss?” The boss’s chair was facing the other wall. So Greg straightened his suit, took his stance, and clasped his hands in front of him.

  The large leather chair turned around. A fat puff of smoke floated into the air. Charlie “the Chisel” Lorenzo held a cigar to his lips and squinted at Greg. “Greg-o. I got another job for ya.”

  “Whatever you got.” Greg lifted his chin.

  “Good. I like a man who’s eager to serve.”

  “You know me, boss. Just your average public servant.”

  His boss almost grinned. “This kid”—Charlie slid a folder toward him on the desk—“is overdue. Way overdue. And my patience is runnin’ thin.” He leaned back and took another puff of the stogie. The gold rings on his fingers cla
nked together as he knocked off the ash. “I need you to take care of it.”

  Greg nodded. “What means?”

  “Any means necessary.” Charlie nodded to his bodyguard.

  Bucko held out a case.

  Greg took it. “You got it, boss.”

  “This one might take some time, and I don’t care how far you have to go. I want what belongs to me, and if I can’t have that . . . I’ll take his life. Make it clean. Some kind of accident.” Charlie pointed his cigar at him. “Obviously, I’d prefer getting what’s mine . . . but sometimes, examples need to be made. Understood?”

  “Yep.”

  “Good.” Charlie turned his chair back around.

  Greg took the cue and exited the office. When Bucko closed the door behind him, Greg glanced at the file.

  A curse left his lips.

  This one wasn’t going to be easy. Why did these rich kids think they could play with fire?

  Shaking his head, he let out another curse. He’d have to get creative. Rich and famous families tended to have more attention in the public eye. Well, it was a good thing he knew how to make people disappear.

  7

  THURSDAY, MAY 16—CURRY

  The rocking of the train slowed as they approached Curry station. Tayler couldn’t believe she was finally here. After days of train travel and delays, she’d boarded the ship to Alaska in Seattle. The seas hadn’t been kind, though, and Tayler found out firsthand how horrific seasickness could be. Weak and weary, she was grateful when she made it back on land. But this morning when she’d discovered there weren’t any roads to Curry, she raced to catch the train. This last leg of her trip had been beautiful, but she was ready to be done with travel. For a long time.

  Added to that, she needed a nap. An extended one. She hoped no one expected her to work the day she arrived. She simply didn’t have the brain power or physical energy.

  As she stepped off the train onto the wooden boardwalk, the bustling activity around her welcomed her to Curry. Young men in their spiffy hotel uniforms and caps greeted passengers and took their bags.