Under the Midnight Sun

by Tracie Peterson

Tayler felt a wave of relief wash over her. It seemed that it might be a happy Fourth of July after all.

  “Tayler Grace.”

  She cringed, knowing that only one person would call her that, besides her mother. She turned and found Emerson only inches away. “What do you want, Emerson?”

  “I want you, of course.” He smiled. “Honestly, Tayler, I want you to sit and talk to me.”

  “If I do, will you go away? Today even?”

  “Only if you come with me. You see, in losing you, I’ve come to realize just how important you are to me.”

  “That’s funny, because in losing you I came to realize I hadn’t really lost anything.”

  He had the good manners to look hurt, but Tayler didn’t think he really felt anything at all. Unless it was frustration. Emerson Pruitt was used to getting his own way, and now it was being denied. Frustration and anger were all that he probably knew at the moment.

  “Just talk to me.”

  Tayler had had enough. “Very well. Come with me.” She marched across the busy hotel lobby and outside onto the train platform. “You have exactly ten minutes. No more.” She held up her pocket watch. “Say what you want.”

  Emerson frowned. “I thought perhaps we could sit somewhere quiet and more intimate.”

  “Well, you thought wrong. You have nine minutes and forty-five seconds.”

  “Tayler Grace, doesn’t the past mean anything to you? We had such good times, and I know you cared for me. I was wrong. I understand that and I’ve changed.”

  “I’m glad to hear it. The life you were leading was sure to cause you nothing but sorrow.” Tayler could see he wasn’t pleased with her comment.

  Emerson moved toward her, and Tayler quickly sidestepped him. “You’re wasting time.”

  “I love you. You know that, but it’s more. I need you, Tayler Grace. Without you . . . well . . . my life isn’t worth living.”

  “Are you implying that if I refuse you, you’ll harm yourself?” She raised a brow. “Really, Emerson, we both know that isn’t going to happen. You love yourself far too much.”

  “You won’t even give me a chance.” He sounded pathetic.

  “I gave you several years of chances, Emerson. I even refused to believe the first stories I heard about your escapades. But seeing it firsthand convinced me that those stories were probably true. Even if they weren’t, what was happening in front of me was most certainly true.”

  “But they meant nothing.”

  “That makes it even worse, Emerson. You took advantage of young women purely to gratify your desires.” She shook her head. “Emerson, you need to turn to God . . . not me.”

  “I will. I have. I’ll go to church with you every day if that will show you how much I love you. Tayler Grace, you can’t leave me to face the future alone.”

  She shook her head sadly. “You wouldn’t be alone with God. Emerson, I’m not talking about merely going to church. I’m talking about a real relationship with Jesus. Without Him, you’re bound for hell. It’s just that simple.”

  He looked stunned by her comment, and Tayler found herself feeling great pity for him. “The choice is yours, Emerson. It always has been, and so far you’ve lived for yourself and your pleasures.”

  “But I promise, from now on I’ll live for you.” He reached out quicker than Tayler could move. He gripped her wrist so tightly that Tayler nearly dropped the watch.

  “I don’t want you to live for me, and I will never live for you. Now unhand me.” She fixed him with a stern look and waited.

  For a moment it seemed as though Emerson would ignore her demand, but finally he released his hold and stepped back. “Isn’t there anything I can do to convince you of my love?”

  Tayler nodded. “Yes. Let me go.”

  With his long legs eating up the distance, Thomas went to his favorite place atop Deadhorse Hill. It had been here that Cassidy had challenged him to seek the Lord and dare to be like Daniel in the Old Testament.

  It had been here that John had guided him in his faith and strengthened him as a man.

  It had been here that Allan had taught him about being a man who followed after God with all his heart.

  And it was here that he wanted to praise the Lord for his redemption again. God had seen fit for the truth to come out.

  While his heart ached for the Lancaster family having to deal with the deception of their daughter, it also rejoiced in the fact that he was proven innocent.

  Thank You, Father, for interceding on my behalf.

  He knew he was undeserving, but he was covered by the blood of Christ. And it was a beautiful thing.

  Scripture flooded his memory, and he wished he could shout from this mountaintop about how amazing God’s grace was. If only everyone could know this.

  His heart ached for a moment. Had anyone ever told Esmerelda about God’s grace? She was obviously miserable living the way she had been, and she seemed broken when her parents apologized to him for the accusation. What would happen to her now? The Lancasters said they were leaving Curry despite having paid for the summer. Would they send Esmerelda away? Would they go so far as to disown her? He knew what it was to be deserted by his parents.

  Kneeling beside one of the rocks they used as seats at the top of the bluff, Thomas closed his eyes and lifted his face to the heavens, thanking God for all He’d done, and then he prayed in earnest for the Lancasters . . . Esmerelda in particular.

  After relishing the wind on his face and feeling his whole soul washed clean, he stood and opened his eyes. Sitting on another rock in front of him was Tayler.

  “How long have you been here?” He felt his smile lift his lips.

  “Long enough to know I didn’t want to interrupt your time with the Lord.” Her voice was quiet.

  Thomas stepped forward, his heart overflowing. “Tayler . . . is it all right to tell you how much I care for you?”

  She smiled. “Yes.”

  “Well, I do. And I’d like to see what the Lord will do with this relationship.”

  “Only if you promise me one thing. . . .”

  “What is it?”

  “Promise me that we’ll keep Him first in our relationship. I’ve seen firsthand what happens when people take their eyes off Jesus.”

  Thomas nodded. “I agree. But we both know it won’t be easy. I may need you to remind me from time to time.”

  “I think I can do that.” She stood and walked over to him. “But only if you do the same for me.”

  He opened his arms and embraced her. Even with their difference in height, he felt like she fit perfectly, and if he wasn’t careful, he’d be tempted to stay here forever. But he’d made a promise to keep himself pure until marriage, and he was committed to seeing that through.

  Stepping back, he held her at arm’s length and looked down. It made him chuckle. “You know, you’re really short.”

  She walked right back into his arms and laid her head on his chest. “I don’t think so. See, I’m just the right height to be near to your heart.”

  WEDNESDAY, JULY 3

  Emerson sat in the dining room alone. Life at the hotel went on full speed, and no one seemed to even care that he wasn’t a part of it. In fact, the entire world seemed unconcerned by his absence.

  Things had not gone as planned, and tomorrow the deadline would be up. Why had he ever enlisted the stupid girl’s help? That had blown up in their faces. But at least she hadn’t talked about his involvement. He hoped her little plan had worked, and she’d taken the stack of cash he’d given her and run.

  But there was always the chance she’d come back for more. He could just imagine her telling her father, and he in turn contacting Emerson’s father. There would be no end of trouble if that happened. Of course, he wasn’t sure there would ever be an end of trouble at any rate. He needed enough money to keep her quiet.

  He looked at the empty cup in front of him. That was his life. Empty. Tayler said he needed God, but Emerson had a feeling ev
en God had no use for him.

  Now Thomas and Tayler seemed closer than ever. They’d been holding hands on a walk earlier, and it made him fume. How could she prefer Thomas over him? Emerson could show her an amazing life of luxury. Sure, it would come from her coffers, but he’d let her have a big opulent house with all the rich furnishings money could buy.

  But she didn’t care about those things. She had all that money at her disposal, and she didn’t even care. She never had. She’d always been content with her paints and her nature walks. Emerson shook his head. Why couldn’t she be more like her mother?

  A thought came to mind. Her mother. He knew the truth about what Mrs. Hale had done. She had deceived them all. She had lied about the will. He grinned. All he had to do was go back to her and threaten to reveal the truth. She’d have to pay him. The Hale matriarch would never let it be known that she’d duped her own son out of his rightful place.

  It was really quite simple. He’d return to Colorado and make his demands. But exactly what demands should he make? He could hardly suggest marriage, although that would be the optimum way to give him control. But no, that would create much too big a scandal. And his father would cut him off for sure.

  He would simply go back and demand she pay him monthly to keep his mouth shut. He would get her to first give him a large enough sum to pay off his debts and then a monthly stipend to allow him to get back on his feet. Perhaps, he’d even force her to sign over a few well-placed stocks. It was all coming together. He could see this working out just fine. If he could get away from Charlie’s goon.

  “So I don’t hear any wedding bells ringing.” Greg took a seat opposite Emerson.

  “Maybe not, but I’ve figured out another way.” Emerson could see the man didn’t appear convinced. “I promise you, I have. And I still have twenty-four hours.” The very real fear that he’d denied all this time started to build in his gut. His name and family money meant nothing to the Mafia.

  Greg shook his head. “I doubt it would help even if you had twenty-four years. You’re a loser, Pruitt. You had a fortune, and you lost it because that’s all you know how to do.”

  Emerson’s anger stirred. “I’m not a loser, and I’ll prove it to you. I just need time.”

  “But time isn’t something I’m willing to offer.”

  27

  Independence Day at the Curry put everyone in a celebratory mood. Well, nearly everyone. Earlier, Tayler had seen Emerson moping around the hotel lobby and dining room and knew that he wasn’t going to be swayed into happiness even with a big helping of Mrs. Johnson’s flag cake. She felt sorry for him but had no idea how to help him except to pray for him. He had, after all, once been a good friend. Very nearly a family member. She had even spoken to Thomas about their discussion, mentioning that she felt sorry for him because if he had truly come to realize his love for her . . . it was too late. Thomas hadn’t held much sympathy for Emerson, but he suggested that Tayler pray for him. She couldn’t help thinking, however, there had to be something more she could do. Maybe she could seek her brother’s advice on the matter.

  Walking across the lawn through the festive guests, Tayler caught sight of Dr. Reilly and Collette. They were strolling arm in arm—their heads close together as they whispered. The French girl had confided to Tayler about her boldness with the doctor. She had feared her words had been too much and that Matthew Reilly would run for the hills. But instead, it had served to give him the courage he needed to declare his interest. Mrs. Johnson said there was no living with Collette now. Her mind was never on her work.

  She searched through the crowds for Thomas, knowing he had promised to meet her in time for the evening meal, which was to be served buffet style outdoors. He and Allan had been busy with several outdoor activities, but all arrangements were to come to an end by five o’clock in order for everyone to have time to ready themselves for the evening’s events. It was possible they were already back and inside the hotel. With that thought in mind, Tayler made her way around back.

  “And, I’m tellin’ ya, she’s made her choice!” The boisterous voice of Daniel Ferguson could be heard.

  “Until I hear it from her, I won’t give up,” Bertram declared.

  Tayler could see Margaret Johnson standing in the back door watching the entire affair. Making her way over to join the cook, Tayler gave a wave. Bertram and Daniel didn’t even notice her as they stood nose to nose.

  “What’s going on?” Tayler asked as if she hadn’t already figured it out.

  “What do you suppose?” The older woman shook her head. “I know I have to stop this.”

  “So what’s stopping you?”

  Mrs. Johnson sighed. “I suppose I don’t like hurting a good man’s feelings.”

  “But you have to tell Mr. Wilcox the truth.”

  The older woman looked down at her. “Aye. I have to.”

  Tayler smiled and leaned in to whisper. “I’m glad Daniel won. You two just seem to belong together.”

  “It’s a curse and a blessin’, I’m sure.” Mrs. Johnson shook her head.

  “As I said, I’m not going until I hear Margaret tell me herself!” The railroad man pushed up his sleeves, and Daniel took off his chef’s hat.

  “Well, I’m telling you now, Bertram.”

  The men stopped bellowing and turned to face Mrs. Johnson as she made her way to where they stood. “Bertram, you’re a fine fellow and I’m glad to call you friend, but that’s all I have to offer, and if friendship isn’t good enough, then I suppose you’ll be needing to avoid the hotel.”

  The Scotsman threw the other man an “I told you so” glare and crossed his arms. Bertram looked as if he were going to say something, then began rolling his sleeves back in place.

  “Now, there’s no need to be fighting anymore,” Mrs. Johnson continued. “I’ve a fine meal for everyone to share and tonight is a celebration, in case you’ve forgotten. I’ll expect both of you to be civil and enjoy our Independence Day celebration.” She turned to Daniel, who was grinning like a wayward child who’d managed to steal cookies unnoticed. “And you . . . get back to the kitchen. You’ve got work to do.”

  This caused the Scotsman to roar with laughter. “Aye, indeed. I’ve got me work cut out.”

  Tayler moved on as Bertram ambled away, his shoulders a bit slumped. Mrs. Johnson and Daniel disappeared into the kitchen. Tayler couldn’t help smiling. Those two were meant for each other.

  The encounter had made her forget momentarily about finding Thomas, and when she started back for the hotel, she caught sight of a big, beefy man and Emerson. A chill went up her spine, but she didn’t know why. Something just didn’t seem right. The big man’s demeanor was threatening. He pointed to the forested hillside across the tracks, and Emerson seemed to be arguing with him.

  Emerson held his hands up and started walking.

  What was that other man doing? Would he hurt Emerson?

  She didn’t know why, but Tayler couldn’t help following after them.

  They seemed to walk forever, going deeper into the trees and farther away from the hotel. Tayler was careful to keep her distance in the seclusion of the trees. The closer she got, however, the more her stomach became unsettled.

  Maybe she should go get help.

  As she turned to go, the big man pulled an enormous knife out of his coat. There was no time! She had to do something. But what?

  “Time’s up.” The large man sneered.

  Emerson whimpered and put his hands out in front of him. “No. Please . . .”

  “This is your fault, Pruitt, so don’t go trying to plead your case to me. You owe Charlie and you can’t pay with money, so you pay with your life. You always knew the arrangement.”

  “But just give me another chance. I have a new idea of how to get the money. I might not have been able to convince Miss Hale to marry me, but I have something on her mother, and I know I can get the money from her.”

  “It’s too late for that.” The m
an pushed him to the ground.

  “But just hear me out.” Tayler couldn’t see Emerson, but his voice made it clear he was begging for his life. “See, I know that she forged her husband’s will. I have proof.”

  Tayler felt as if a knife had been plunged in her heart. She clutched her hand to her throat to keep from gasping. Could Mother really have done such a thing?

  “See, everything was to go to the son,” Emerson continued to explain, “but she and her no-good lawyer fixed the will so that she got control of everything. She’ll never want that to be known. She’ll give me whatever I ask. You can even accompany me back to Colorado.”

  “Pruitt, like I told you before, you’re a loser. Nobody is ever going to do anything for you.”

  Tayler had heard enough. She was heartbroken at the thought of what her mother had done, but she wasn’t going to allow this man to murder Emerson.

  “Stop!” She stepped into the small clearing. “How much does he owe? What if I gave you the money?”

  The big man turned to look at her. He wasn’t in the least bit unnerved by her appearance. “Why would you help him now? You wouldn’t marry him.”

  Tayler whispered a prayer and moved forward. “He’s been a friend of mine for a long time.” She looked at Emerson, whose pale face was frozen in fear.

  The big man shook his head. “I’m not stupid. You just want to have me arrested.”

  “No, I don’t. You’re here to collect a debt,” Tayler reasoned. “Isn’t that so?”

  The big man nodded. “I am.”

  “There’s nothing illegal about that. So far, you haven’t committed a crime, so why would anyone arrest you?”

  This seemed to momentarily stump the man. When he didn’t answer, Tayler hurried on. “I can get you the money. All I have to do is have it wired wherever you like. You can go with me and oversee the telegram yourself.”

  “You don’t even know how much it is.” The man pointed the blade in her direction.

  “I don’t have to. I have plenty left of my inheritance. And if it’s not enough, then I know Joshua will make up the difference.” She stepped a bit closer. “Then you wouldn’t have murder on your hands, and Emerson’s slate would be clean with your boss.”