Twisted Time

by Candi Fox

  Half-mercantile/half-residence, the building stood out on Main Street. After he assured those nearest the cougar sighting was a freak incident, then assuring them he would later go hunting for the beast, he headed after his mate.

  As expected, Nikolas answered the door. He heard Emma’s cry after he spoke. Both men headed toward her, the larger man arriving only a split second before he did. He took the time to close the door so as to not alarm anyone else.

  A red splotch on her delicate wrist must have been the cause for her cry. Damn, he made her nervous enough she burned herself. He could smell the anxiety coming off her.

  Another thing he noticed the last few days, his preternatural senses seemed to be tuned in all the time. He didn’t have to concentrate any more to use them. Every time he had contact with Emma, his senses seemed to sharpen, it must be part of being a fated mate.

  He added that to the list of things he needed to ask his father, and maybe his mother as well. At twenty-nine, he’d long since given up on finding his fated mate. His parents married when they were sixteen and seventeen.

  Cord watched as Nikolas looked after her. Taking the cup from her hands and placing it on the table before looking at her burn. Surprised his cat didn’t get all possessive he was content to watch the scene unfold. At least for now.

  She looked up at him. As their eyes met, he could hear her heart beating wildly against her ribcage. Scenting the air, a smile crept across his face. He may have rattled her, but he could smell her desire.

  Of course, it could be for Nikolas, but he didn’t believe so, at least not all of it. He witnessed their kiss and knew of their attraction to each other.

  “Emma,” he kept his voice soft, “I just need to talk to you about the train robbery. Do you feel up for it?”

  She nodded her head.

  “Nikolas, could you get her a sherry?”

  “May I have brandy instead?”

  “Of course. Brandy and bourbon coming up. It’s Nik, Cord.”

  He took a seat in the chair, figuring sitting next to her would be too tempting for him and might overwhelm her. While they would finish the conversation about her first night in town, he would wait until another day.

  Nik came back with three glasses. He took the proffered glass, swallowing half of it in one gulp. The familiar sting took the edge off the day.

  Choosing to focus on the robbers would help distract him from his wreck of a private life. Something he wanted very much to solve. Emma didn’t seem to feel the same, until he could figure out a way to persuade her to see things his way.

  He watched her take a few sips of her brandy.

  “Can you tell me everything you remember about the robbery?”

  “Where should I start?”

  “Wherever is most comfortable for you.”

  He listened intently as she recounted the train robbery.

  “It was the evening of the fifth of May, around six by the sun’s location. We heard gunshots and a loud sound like an explosion. Suddenly the train came to a screeching halt, throwing everyone around.

  “Zeke came into my private car and urgently ushered me into one of the main passenger cars. We slid into the back row of seats moments before masked men entered the front of the car.

  “Zeke went for his gun, but more armed men came in from the back the moment he stood. I watched anger flash in his eyes for the briefest moment before he relaxed and handed over his gun.

  “The man shoved him roughly back into the seat. A woman’s scream drew my attention to the front. One of the bandits, a shorter man with stringy dark hair and wild eyes. Eyes so dark I swear they were black...”

  Emma stopped mid-sentence he saw her visibly shiver.

  “A chill ran down my spine the second our eyes met. I only meant to see why the woman screamed. I hadn’t intended to look into the eyes of the devil himself.”

  “I swear the man licked his lips when he looked at me. He hit the woman who wanted to keep her wedding ring. Hit her in the face with his fist while his eyes were locked on me.”

  “Emma, take another sip of brandy.”

  He rose from the chair walking over to the settee. “I think if you sit between Nik and I while you finish the story you would be more comfortable.”

  She nodded moving closer to Nik, as he moved closer to the end of the settee. Once they were done Cord took a seat beside Emma.

  He moved one hand closer to her, watching for a reaction. When she didn’t say anything, he took her small, soft hand into his larger rough one.

  “He wanted me to see who was in charge and let everyone know what to expect if they didn’t hand over all of their valuable possessions.”

  “While they worked their way toward the back, I managed to hide one bank note in the lining of my valise. Looking back, I should have known Father would have already set up accounts at the bank.

  “By the time they got to me, they already killed one of the passengers.”

  He felt her tremble next to him, then draw a few deep breaths.

  “When the devil himself stood by my seat, he had two men pull Zeke out then leaned in real close. I knew he wanted to frighten me. He seemed to enjoy it. I didn’t move or react. I just waited for him to say something.

  “Eventually, after he licked my cheek, he demanded my money. I gave him everything. Then he took Mamit’s cameo brooch. It’s not worth anything.”

  Her breath hitched.

  “One of the other bandits even said as much, but his mind was made up. It was special to me, something I could wear anywhere without worrying someone would steal it.”

  He noticed her heartbeat became more erratic and her breathing faster and shallower.

  “You okay to continue?”

  She nodded her head, but he saw tears slip from her eyes.

  “You’re safe now, Emma.”

  “Cord and I will protect you, engel.”

  “I don’t think I’ve ever been more scared than to be that close to evil. When he demanded I give him everything I told it was all I had, confident the bank note wouldn’t be found. I even opened my valise and handed it to him. He dumped the contents on the seat between us sliding far enough apart and giving me a blessed reprieve from his nearness.

  “He examined everything, then took my handkerchief and all my calling cards. After he swept the rest on the floor, he leaned over, grabbing me, taking us both to our feet. Then he led us out the back of the car and off the train.

  “The man continued to drag me along the cars until we reached the baggage car. All the while he muttered that I was holding out on him. He called me Hope.”

  “Can you remember his exact words?”

  She looked thoughtful for a few moments. “I believe his exact words were, ‘I know you’re holding out on me, Hope.”

  “Was there anyone named Hope on the train?”

  “I don’t recall anyone with that name.”

  “I’m sorry, please go on.”

  “He finally stopped in front of the baggage car. One by one he pulled out all the bags making me identify the ones that were mine. He made the other bandits take them with them. He threatened to take me, but another man stepped in and told him no.”

  “I thought the devil was in charge, but I’m certain it was the taller man who led the pack. I don’t think the other guy would have backed down otherwise.”

  “Finally, they left. Zeke headed straight to the freight car holding his horse. A few of the other men followed suit. He rode back to tell me he recognized one of the robbers.

  “The short one I believe is the one that killed his brother. After they left the baggage car was reloaded and we headed on our way to the next town to report the robbery.”

  Chapter 20

  Emma

  She answered Cord’s questions for the next two hours. Mostly they went over minute details that might help him identify the robbers. Emma spent the remainder of the day with the Franks. Later, Nik walked her home and insisted on sleeping on the
porch once again.

  Early the next morning, she washed. Taking extra care with her toiletries today, she wanted to look perfect. Once dressed, she headed to Ruby’s to join Miss Maggie for breakfast. It only took Emma three days to find out that Miss Maggie owned and ran Ruby’s, the local brothel.

  She also found out that Nora worked at Ruby’s. The woman seemed to be everywhere she went. Always scowling at her, talking behind her back. Most of the town seemed oddly accepting of Nora. For a fallen woman, she gained entrance to most places they wouldn’t be welcomed.

  Emma had yet to see someone give her the cold shoulder. Given Nora and Cord dated for over five years, another little tidbit she garnered since her arrival, it’s a given that some of the town warmed up to her.

  Cord was a well-liked and highly respected man. Still, something about the situation niggled at her mind. Emma smiled, waving and greeting people as she traversed the distance between her house and Ruby’s.

  Rae Hollister waved her over as she passed the mercantile.

  “Miss Monteith, it’s so nice to see you again. I’m sorry we didn’t have more time to speak at the dance. Would you care to have breakfast with me, I’m heading to the diner?”

  “I’d love to, Mrs. Masterson, but I already have a breakfast date with Miss Maggie. Please, call me Emma.”

  Rae surprised her by smiling genuinely. “Do you mind if I tag along? I’d love to catch up with Maggie.”

  “You don’t mind her business?”

  “Not at all. Maggie is a good woman. I’d be pleased if you’d call me Rae. Did I see you riding with my son yesterday?”

  “Yes, we went for a ride. He thought it might be easier for me to talk about the train incident.”

  She hated to lie. It was the truth, just not all of it.

  “Oh, child. I’m so sorry you had to endure that.” Rae placed a caring hand on Emma’s shoulder before slipping an arm through hers. “Let’s go see what Maggie’s chef has whipped up.”

  Rae Masterson surprised her by leading them right through the front door of Ruby’s rather than using the side door.

  The sound of laughter greeted them as they opened the doors. It took Emma’s eyes a few minutes to adjust. Nora sat on one of the deep ruby colored settees that decorated the large parlor. A swarthy man beside her had his hand resting on her lap.

  Maggie spotted them immediately, gliding across the room to greet them. She wore a deep green gown with gold trimming.

  “Emma, it’s so good to see you, and you brought a friend along.”

  Emma returned the older woman’s embrace.

  “I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Well now, who’s the belle fille, Miss Maggie?”

  She saw the look of disgust pass through Maggie’s eyes before she answered.

  “This is Miss Monteith. She’s visiting me for breakfast and not for the likes of you, Jacque Beaufort.”

  Nora pushed her way in, placing a possessive hand on Jacques.

  “He has no interest in this girl.”

  “Careful Nora, your claws are showing. Ladies, if you will follow me, chef has prepared a morning feast.”

  Emma nodded in acknowledgement to Jacque’s presence out of politeness.

  “I’d love to. I’m positively famished.”

  “Didn’t my son feed you yesterday?”

  “He did not.”

  Nora’s face was nearly the same shade as the furniture by the time they left the parlor.

  Maggie led them down the hall and through a set of double doors into a large poshly furnished suite. A large, highly polished sideboard sat to the left of the room, laden with food.

  “Please, ladies, help yourself.”

  Emma’s stomach rumbled as she explored dish after dish. Kippers, herbed eggs, crumpets, bacon, sausage, fried potatoes, biscuits, and gravy.

  “Oh! You have kippers and crumpets. That’s ever so thoughtful of you, Maggie.”

  Maggie kissed her on the cheek. “I thought you might enjoy a taste of home. Chef makes a mean steak and kidney pie. I’ll have him whip one up for dinner Thursday night.”

  “I’ll bring dessert.”

  “Rae, would you and Hollis join us for dinner?”

  “We’d love to, may I bring Cord along as well?”

  “Yes, please do.”

  The next two hours flew by. Emma laughed so hard her sides hurt and her face felt locked into a permanent smile.

  Rae insisted on going back out the front door. Emma was unsure if she wanted the town to stop shunning Maggie or if she liked to poke at Nora.

  With their arms linked at the elbow, the two ladies strolled down the hall and into the parlor. Looking out of place Rae wore a crisp white shirt that had lace around the high collar and cuffs. Her long blonde hair put up in a fashionable bun, not a strand of gray to be seen. A deep blue walking skirt and matching hat lent an air of sophistication to the handsome woman.

  Emma chose her ensemble with great care. Her floral green chiffon dress was cut in the latest style. The layers floated as she walked. Her dark hair pulled up from her face with dark curls framing her face and making her neck look graceful.

  Her hat made from the same color pattern sported dozens of light green feathers nearly the same shade as her eyes. A delicate gold and green garnet necklace with matching earrings completed her outfit.

  Nora made her way across to intercept them, a sour look on her face.

  “I bet you think you’re better than us, waltzing in here like you own the place.”

  A part of Emma felt guilty for sleeping with Cord, but as far as she knew Nora didn’t know that, so why the attack?

  “I beg your pardon?”

  “You should beg. Thinking you're better than everyone else.”

  “Miss Standhope, would you care to explain the grievous affront I have caused you?”

  The woman looked at her, or rather up at her, Emma had a few inches on the dark-haired woman. She waited for a response. None came. Nora continued to stare at her. She could see thoughts racing behind the woman’s eyes.

  “You’re trying to steal my man. I’m every bit as good as you. I have jewels and clothes. I can give him everything you can give him, and more.”

  “I’m not sure to whom you're referring. I have made no moves to stake claim on any man in this town.”

  “You were out with Cord yesterday.”

  “The Sheriff had questions.”

  “What could he possibly ask you?”

  “About a train robbery. I’m afraid that’s all I’m at liberty to say. Did you need the name of a good seamstress? That style is about four years out of date.”

  Emma didn’t wait for Nora to answer. She simply started walking out, she and Rae still hooked at the elbow.

  As soon as they were outside Rae burst into laughter. “Now why couldn’t my boy find a woman like you? I like your spirit, Emma Monteith.”

  “Thank you, Rae. I like yours as well. I’ll see you at dinner Thursday.”

  “You will, dear girl.”

  Emma checked her reflection one last time before heading down the stairs. Butterflies danced in her stomach; Cord would be there. She wanted to see him, and she also wanted to run screaming the other direction.

  The sleeves on her fancy dress were two inch wide silk ribbons. The multi-hued gray dress was accented with black. Tear drop pearls decorated the wide black ribbon that adorned each of her three flounces. Two bold prints that she would have never dared put together in a dress made her feel like a princess.

  She added a double strand of black glass beads. Resting them against her throat allowed the beads to drape down her bare shoulders. Matching black glass droplet earrings graced her delicate lobes.

  Her hair pulled up high into a large soft bun. Wisps of hair framed her face. Satisfied with her reflection she donned black lace gloves before slipping on a black velvet shrug.

  A knock at the door had her hurrying down the stairs only to hear Mrs. Derringer open the d
oor.

  “Good evenin’, Sheriff. Is Miss Emma expecting you?”

  Emma heard his gruff, familiar voice.

  “No ma’am. My parents and I are attending the same dinner and want to extend an invitation to Miss Emma to ride in our carriage.”

  “Please come in. I’ll go fetch Miss Emma.”

  Emma stifled a giggle ducking around the corner. She schooled her face before rounding the corner seeing Mrs. Derringer head her way she waved and continued downstairs.

  The older woman smiled but didn’t say a word. Emma used her advantage to study the sheriff. He looked handsome in a dark black suit. The crisp white shirt was tied with a black silk bolo.

  “Good evening, Sheriff.”

  “Evenin’ Miss Emma. Please call me Cord.”

  “Cord, I accept your offer of a ride.”

  His smile produced a dimple that nearly made her melt. Instead she smiled and took his arm. He led them to the carriage and helped her up beside his mother before joining his father in the front seat.

  “You look incredible, Emma. I’ve never seen a dress like that, it’s stunning.”

  “Thank you, Rae. Elspeth made it. She’s simply magickal when it comes to sewing.”

  “I’ll have to hire her. I could use a few new dresses.”

  The two women chatted the few minutes it took to arrive at Ruby’s. Rae once again insisted they go through the front door.

  Cord offered his arm after helping both the women from the carriage. Before she could take it, Hollis Masterson slipped in.

  “I believe it’s elders’ choice. Cord escort your mother to dinner.

  “Miss Emma, it would be my pleasure.”

  She laughed, slipping her arm into his. Hollis’s silver-gray hair did nothing to detract from his good looks. The man was every bit as magnetic as his son.

  Loud music and feminine laughter greeted them as the doors opened. Women in various stages of dress lay all over men who were mostly dressed.

  Nora sat on Jacque’s lap, her breasts nearly out with his face in them. She saw Cord falter, seconds before Nora saw him and shrieked.

  Miss Maggie flew out of nowhere to see what was going on. The entire situation struck Emma oddly and she burst out laughing. To her surprise, Hollis joined in, as did Rae.