by Candi Fox
“Good to see you, say, did you see a woman come through here?”
Nik shook his head.
Cord swore, turning his ears red with the vehemence of it.
“What’s wrong that you’re peppering my ears with foul language?”
“The Mayor brought in the town’s newest resident. One Miss Monteith, the one and only daughter of Lord Monteith. It appears her train was robbed a few days back, and Zeke left the girl to her own defenses and went after that gang.”
Nik let out a soft whistle. “Poor woman, why are you looking for her?”
“I was going to get a statement, but she up and disappeared from inside. I hope she’s all right.”
“I’ll keep an eye out for her.”
“Thanks, Nik.”
He viewed Nikolas Frank
as a friend. The younger man seemed to be a little slow on the uptake, but he was a good soul. Cord followed him into the front of the store where his father stood with the store owners.
“Did you find her, son?”
He shook his head. “No sign of her.”
Ilsa Frank looked stricken. “I don’t understand what could have happened to her.”
“I’m sure she will show up. Maybe she just wandered off while everyone was talking.”
“She didn’t finish making her purchases.”
Ilsa turned to her son embracing him in a hug.
“Welcome home mein liebling. I’ve missed you so much.”
“Mama don’t fuss.”
“I’ll go looking for her. If you don’t mind, I have a piece of business I need to take care of first. Do you have any feather mattresses in stock?”
“Sold the last one a few days ago. I have some due on tomorrow’s train. I’ll hold one back for you.”
“Thank you, Jacob. If you all could tell me what Miss Monteith looks like?”
Cord listened intently each person gave their description. While the description seemed vaguely familiar there was no way he’d mistakenly bed some bit of English fluff. After all, Miss Monteith was hardly the only woman to depart from last night’s train.
Still the description niggled in the back of his mind. He needed to find this girl sooner rather than later.
“Pa, I’ll see you for dinner tonight.” He nodded his head to the Franks. “Thank you for your help. I’ll check on that mattress tomorrow.”
Chapter 11
Emma
Terrified when she heard the sheriff wanted to talk to her, Emma turned and ran down the aisle to the back of the store. Turning the corner in haste, she collided with a wall of muscle.
The stranger’s quick actions kept them both upright while his hand over her mouth kept her from calling out. Her eyes wide with fright she tried to back away. He held her arm firm. She looked up into earnest blue eyes the color of forget me knots.
She often picked the flowers on family trips to the Swiss Alps. They were incredible, full of warmth, like he was looking at a small child or an injured animal. He lifted his finger to his lips before taking her hand and leading her back the way she came.
He knelt feeling close to the bottom of the wall. Her hand flew to her lips to keep her gasp silent as the wall gave way to a hidden door. The stranger stepped out first, then offered his hand to assist her. Emma gathered her skirts in one hand, taking his hand with her other.
After helping her down, he quietly slid the door back in place before leading her away from the store. She swallowed, trying to unglue her mouth so she could speak. He waited patiently, his eyes never leaving hers.
“I need to hide from the sheriff.”
When one brow twitched slightly, she quickly added, “I promise I didn’t break any laws. I just… I can’t explain.”
Her face reddened at the thought of having to tell anyone why she had to avoid the town’s sheriff.
“You’re going to have to trust me.”
Emma nodded her head and followed him to the back of the mercantile. He led her to just inside the door then opened another secret panel. This one was in the floor.
“You’ll be safe there. It’s dark, and not very comfortable, but it’ll work in a pinch.”
She shivered thinking about being in a hole, but it was better than facing the sheriff. He handed her down, carefully replacing the wood and the rug on top.
Shortly after she settled in, she heard footsteps and voices. Emma held her breath until they left, letting it out slowly. She felt alone in the darkness, the stress of her journey weighing heavy on her heart. Silent tears slid down her face. Yet she remained quiet, waiting.
At least a quarter of an hour passed before the board was drawn away and sunlight streamed in. As soon as she stood, he bent down and lifted her out.
“Miss Blackwell, we need to think of a reason you left. Ma’s worried sick about you. Plus, all your items are waiting.”
He put the floor and rug back, stood up and offered her his hand. “I’m Nikolas Frank. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Emma blushed and put her hand in his. He raised it to his lips, brushing the back of her glove covered knuckles in a brief kiss.
“I need those things, but how can I go back?”
“Maybe you felt a bit peaked and needed some fresh air. Let me escort you to a safe place. Then you can wait a few minutes before you come back into the store. Prepare for my parents to fuss over you.”
“Thank you. How can I ever repay your kindness?”
“One day when you’re ready, tell me why you’re avoiding the sheriff.”
Emma swallowed the lump in her throat and nodded her head. The least she could do is tell her savior the truth. She just wasn’t ready, not yet. She still had to wrap her head around the event.
She allowed herself to be led out the back and down the alley to a bright corner with flowers in bloom. Her nerves began to fray again as soon as he walked away. One Mississippi, two Mississippi… She counted to a hundred before walking back to the store.
Emma had overheard a mother tell her young daughter that it took precisely one second to count using Mississippi. If nothing else, it kept her mind occupied while she waited. Her knees shaking, she made her way back to the mercantile.
The streets were getting busier as the morning wore on. Buildings lined both sides of the street. She spotted the post office, a café, the livery, and several other spots she would need to visit.
Today she hoped to complete her purchases at the Mercantile and retire to the rented house. She’d even forgo food the remainder of the day just to have solace and time to think.
The bell jingled as she walked into the mercantile, her face flushed with shame. She hated to lie but had no other recourse. At least not today.
She pasted a slight smile on her face and headed directly to the counter. Ilsa spotted her and flew from behind the counter to her side, before she knew it, the woman had her wrapped in a tight hug.
“We were so worried about you, mädchen.”
Emma knew that last word was the German word for girl. She reflexively hugged the woman back to start, but the longer Ilsa hugged her, the harder it was for Emma to be strong. She missed her mother.
Unable to hold back the tears any longer, she started sobbing in the older woman’s arms. Ilsa started muttering something German in soothing tones while she led her around the counter and to their living quarters.
“There now, Liebchen, you sit right here. I’ll go put on water for tea.”
Before she left, Ilsa took a blanket off the back of the couch and draped it around her shoulders. Emma sank back into the couch, no use in being a proper lady now. She’d broken down in public to near strangers.
Yemoja, please protect me from idle tongues and ease my parents’ travels. She sent up a silent prayer to Yemoja, the patron Orisha of women. Her grandmother secretly practiced Shongo. Over the years she passed a few things along to Emma when she had the chance.
Ilsa returned from the kitchen. “I’ve put the kettle on to boil. You must b
e overwhelmed from your trip.”
Emma nodded her head. Ilsa patted her hand. “You poor dear. I’ll take care of you. Have you had a chance to wire your folks and let them know you’ve arrived safely?”
“No, oh goodness. I should have already done that.” Emma moved to get up.
Ilsa’s hand made her pause. “I’ll send my Nikolas to the wire office. You need to rest. Stay put and I will be back before the kettle boils.”
Before she could respond, the woman dashed from the room. Her mother didn’t want Emma to travel ahead of them, but Father convinced her that it would be safe.
More than anything she felt she let everyone in her life down. What was she thinking, letting a perfect stranger make love to her? Don’t cry over spilt milk, another Americanism she heard on the trip from New York.
She couldn’t go back and undo the biggest mistake of her life; she had little choice but to press on and figure out how to deal with the consequences. If she could just avoid the sheriff long enough.
Ilsa came back as the whistle on the kettle started to sound. She hurried in the kitchen, coming out a few minutes later with a large tray laden with a tea set and a plate of cookies.
“Do you want cream and sugar?”
“Yes, please.”
Ilsa poured the tea, added cream and sugar before handing the cup and saucer to Emma. “I’ve sent Nikolas to the wire office. When he comes back, he will carry your purchases to the rental house. The mayor told me which one it is. Would you like a snickerdoodle?”
“Yes, I’d love one. Thank you and thank you for all your help.”
“Think nothing of it.”
They spent the next hour chatting and finally she felt calm enough to head to the rental home. Emma even remembered to add two hats to her purchase.
Chapter 12
Chandler
Present day
The woman had a lot of nerve. After talking to his parents and some fellow deputies at the sheriff’s office, he couldn’t find any connection between Cord and Evanora.
Next phase, to break into her apartment and search it. Without any criminal reason to get a warrant, he would have to break the law. Something he wasn’t looking forward to, but he had to save Emma.
On his next night off, he made his way to the professor’s apartment. Luckily, she lived on the second floor. Easy enough to get to when you’re nearly seven feet tall and have police training. The years of undercover work didn’t hurt either.
Providence greeted him in the form of a large black walnut tree. He easily scaled part of the tree and leaped onto the apartment’s balcony. Plants of all kinds greeted him. Chandler stopped to both admire and inspect the plants.
One section of the wall was covered with a vertical herb garden. Green plants bloomed in every corner radiating magickal energy. Evanora used magick to boost her plants and keep them alive. Though winter in Tulsa is milder than the northern states, these plants still could not thrive outside in December.
He pulled tools out of his back pocket and went to the door. Instead of a sliding glass door, the apartment boasted a set of French doors. It took him less than thirty seconds to pick the lock. As he stepped through the doorway, energy pricked at his skin like a thousand bees he pressed forward quickly pushing past the ward.
The large living room walls were painted gray. A plush teal sectional filled up most of the north wall. A black metal triple moon symbol hung centered on the wall behind the sectional.
Several small triangle-shaped wooden shelves were put together to make a larger shape. The shelves were lined with stones of various sorts. Moving through the apartment he scanned each room quickly, moving on until he found her magick room.
Powerful energy emanated from the room. An oaken bookcase lined one wall from top to bottom, filled mostly with books. Some potion bottles, and crystals also sat on the shelves.
Another shelf sat against the far wall with neat rows of labeled glass jars. He searched through the room thoroughly before to using a magickal incantation which revealed a spelled compartment.
Evanora’s grimoire and book of shadows were in the bookshelf in a hidden compartment. He pulled them out along with notebooks. With swift efficiency, he placed everything in his backpack before searching the rest of the apartment thoroughly.
* * *
Three hours later he spread everything across Emma’s desk. As promised, he would stay here and help watch after Luna. Mrs. Beasley lived on the property but went to visit her family every Sunday.
Several hours later as the sun broke the horizon, he climbed the stairs, eyes bleary. He climbed into bed fully clothed after removing his shoes, and within minutes he was in a deep sleep.
He woke to the smell of brewing coffee. After taking a quick shower, he grabbed his cell phone and sent a text to the priestess. Several of the pages he’d found were in Latin or ancient Greek. While he could translate the later, ancient Greek was another matter altogether.
She responded by the time he hit the kitchen. Mrs. Beasley handed him a cup as soon as he walked in.
“You were up late. Any luck?”
“Not yet. I have a few friends coming over to help.”
“I love company. Don’t worry about a thing. I’ll cook you all a nice dinner. Luna is asleep in my room. She seems a little depressed without Emma here.”
“I’ll spend some time with her when she wakes up. Maybe we can comfort each other. I’m a little depressed without Emma as well.”
Chapter 13
Emma
1875
Ilsa walked to one side of her while Nikolas followed behind them with all the packages. Emma followed the mayor’s directions walking to the end of Main Street to the last house on the left. The massive two-story structure took up much of the corner with a large garden behind it.
The deep vibrant blue and dark red stood out making the house, a true beauty to behold. Glass panes lined either side of the extra-wide blue door.
“This is beautiful.”
“Wait until you see the inside.”
She opened the door, stepping inside to the wide foyer. A deep red carpet covered part of the entryway floor with a massive ornate table sitting in the center. The place would be perfect to put fresh cut flowers.
Standing to one side she allowed Ilsa to lead the way into the kitchen where a large worktable sat in the center. After placing the packages on the table Nikolas went on the front porch to wait for his mother.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to stay?”
“Thank you, no. You have already shown me a great deal of kindness, Ilsa. I promise to come by in the morning for breakfast. I’m supposed to interview a Mrs. Derringer this afternoon. I’ll try and get settled in.”
They hugged one last time before Ilsa left with her son. She hated to see them go, she’d be all alone again. Emma didn’t like being alone. She had enough of that the last three days to last her a lifetime.
She took in the rest of the downstairs before heading upstairs to the bedrooms. Third door on the left would be her bedroom. Her father told her he had a surprise waiting for her.
Once Emma opened the door, she was rendered speechless. Her father took great care to have her room decorated.
An ivory French Aubusson rug covered most of the wooden floorboards. Tan and gold fold scroll work along with blooming roses in shades of soft pink with delicate green leaves.
The impressive four poster bed had matching drapes. The room was replete with a matching settee with tufted pillows, a chair covered in soft pink velvet sat in front of a dressing table with an enormous oval mirror for her to attend her morning toilette.
Large tears rolled down her face at her father’s thoughtfulness. She would have to find a way to keep her failure a secret. If the sheriff tried to confront her, she’d simply deny it; however, she planned to avoid him if possible.
Plans other than denial needed to be made. They would wait until she interviewed Mrs. Derringer and made some coffee.
She needed coffee and time to think.
A firm knock at the door had her picking up her borrowed skirts and heading swiftly down the stairs. Sparkling hazel eyes and a kind face stood on the other side of the door. The petite woman wore her silver hair plated and wrapped in a coronet around her hair. She wore a dark plaid walking skirt paired with a crisp white shirt.
“Mrs. Derringer?”
“Please call me Lila. You must be Miss Monteith.”
“Yes. Do come in. I did manage to make some coffee if you’d like a cup?”
“I’d love some, please lead the way.”
Not long after the two women sat chatting at the small table.
“Are your parents shipping the rest of the furnishings?”
Emma shook her head. “They wanted me to buy locally and support the town. I’m afraid I’ll need help furnishing and staffing the rest of the house.
“My friend Amanda will be along as soon as she gets better. I’ll send off a telegram to her in the morning to let her know I’ve arrived safely. She will be an immense help.”
They spent the better part of two hours talking before Emma’s stomach decided to rudely interrupt by announcing its hunger loudly.
She blushed before making it official. “I’d like to retain your services as housekeeper.”
“I’ll start right away by making you some dinner.”
“Mrs. Derringer, I’m ashamed to say I have not yet had the chance to shop for the larder.”
“Lila, please. You go take a nap and I will take care of that.”
“Let me get you some funds.”
“No need. I’m sure your father set up accounts with all the merchants. He’s very thorough.”
“I’m sure you’re right. I’ll be up in my room if you need me.”
….
The next several days flew by. Good news, she didn’t run into the sheriff, and her best friend Amanda would arrive late next week. Unwelcome news, her parents were delayed, though they did send more of her personal items.
