Satisfied that the man really was telling the truth, Reagan plunked Tom back onto one of the room’s cots, and then shut and locked the door behind him.
“It’s not what you think,” Pike spat. “Hunt doesn’t own her. The girl simply owes him some money.”
Reagan spun to face him. “How much?”
He shook his head. “Not my business. I don’t know.”
“You know anything about the man that was shot in camp?”
Pike shook his head and the other two followed suit. “Didn’t see anything like that, Sheriff.”
Reagan collected the bowls and utensils from everyone, and then banged out into the autumn morning.
He had a man to visit about a girl. And questions still lingering about a murder.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Joe tried not to think about how little sleep he had gotten the night before as he escorted Liora and Tess toward town the next morning, leading his horse behind him. Instead he chose to concentrate on the good.
It was one of those fall mornings that could almost make a man forget that summer was behind him. The sun already warmed them, even though it was just past seven, and all around them dew drops fractured shards of light into rainbow prisms. Mist rose up from the ground cloaking them in a veil that reminded a man of a bride on her wedding day.
He clenched his jaw and angled a glance toward Liora. Okay, maybe only a man like him, who had been turned down flat by his prospective wife the day before.
She marched primly by his side, tugging on the cuffs of her gloves as though they hadn’t quite gone on right the first time. He recognized the gesture for the nervous one it was. The crest of the hill just this side of town had come into view a few minutes ago—the one where he always left her to walk the rest of the way into Wyldhaven by herself. And he knew by the way she kept opening her mouth like she wanted to say something and then snapping it shut again, that she was worried he wasn’t going to do the same today.
And she’d be right.
Come what may, yesterday had marked a turning point in their relationship that he didn’t intend to shy away from.
He’d lain awake long into the night pondering on their relationship—from the earliest days when he’d only seen her as a hurting woman who needed someone’s help and friendship, to the more recent days in which he’d thought of her each time he had something he wanted to share with another. He’d come to her first when Reagan had agreed to let Marshall Holloway headquarter in these parts and he’d been concerned over losing his job. She’d reassured him that Reagan was a fair man who would never go behind his back on something like that. He smirked at that memory now, because what did he plan to do first thing when he got into town but resign his job as deputy.
It was going to take all his time and effort to guard Liora from here on out, at least until John Hunt was dealt with. Things would be tight for a while since he didn’t want to dip too deeply into his savings, but he could make it.
And she was worth it.
All his pondering the night before had made him realize just how much he’d come to care for Liora over the years. His love had grown slow and steady. Each time he’d watched her marvel over something new the Lord had revealed to her through His Word. Each time she’d acted unselfishly and given of her time or money to help another. Each time she’d listened quietly as he’d unburdened himself. Each time he’d listened to her own cares and concerns. Their friendship was like a deep river, running still and slow. And now it was time for him to stir things up. Get the waters moving a little. Show her that she truly was worthy of love and respect.
But they had a few obstacles to get past. And he knew exactly the place to take her to start the conversation.
He couldn’t help but grin a little in anticipation.
Liora glanced his way and narrowed her eyes.
He scrubbed one hand over his mouth and glanced behind them, feeling the bite of her irritation. This transition wasn’t going to be easy, and that was certain.
Tess trailed in their wake. She seemed to be taking everything in as though she’d just been released from years of living in a dark cave and was seeing the light for the first time.
And maybe she was. How long had Hunt been forcing the girl to whore for him? His gut cramped. Lord forgive him, but there were some men who didn’t deserve to take one more breath this side of eternity.
They’d reached the crest of the hill now and Liora stopped. “We’ll be fine, from here on in, Joe. Thank you.”
He kept his expression bland and ignored her clear dismissal. “I know.”
When he didn’t move to head off into the woods like she’d expected him to, she spun to face him. “Joe?”
He adjusted his hat to block the rays of sunlight that had just broken over the tops of the trees. “I’ve never condoned hiding truth, Liora. It was one thing for me to let you walk into town on your own when all I’d done was ride out to escort you, but I’ll not hide the fact that I stayed out at your place last night. It’s the truth, though we did nothing wrong.”
Moisture gathered on her lower lids, and that was almost his undoing. “This is exactly what I’ve been trying to keep you from for all these years. Don’t throw away all that effort.”
Uncaring that Tess was right there watching him, he dropped his mount’s reins, and stepped toward her.
She gave a little gasp and stepped back.
The flash of fear in her eyes stopped his intention to cup her cheeks and swipe away her tears with his thumbs. He propped his hands on his hips. Studied her.
Face flushed now, she looked away.
He decided to let the matter drop. If he wanted to gain her trust, he was going to have to take this slow. Be smart and thoughtful. “I never should have let you worry about my reputation. Spending time with you has been my privilege. And it’s not something I’m ashamed of.”
“I know that. It’s just—”
“Liora.” He looked deep into the blue of her eyes. “Everything’s going to be fine.”
Her lips pinched together. She stepped farther back, shook her head, and opened her mouth, but her gaze flicked to where Tess had stopped several paces behind. The girl was bent in study of something in the grass beside the road. By the look on Liora’s face, she didn’t want to have this discussion in front of the girl.
Nevertheless, it was probably best not to give her more time to debate. He retrieved the Paint’s reins, and started walking again. For a long moment he thought she wouldn’t follow, but then he heard her release a sound that was half sigh and half growl. An instant later, her slapping footsteps resounded in his wake.
He bit back a smile of victory.
When they walked into town, Mrs. Hines was out sweeping the mercantile steps. Of course she was. Because the woman seemed to always turn up where she wasn’t wanted. Joe had hoped they might be able to ease into this transition, maybe explain their side to a few of the more reasonable people in town before the news spread from someone else, but it didn’t look like they were going to get that chance.
Mrs. Hines’ broom froze, and her beady gaze followed them all the way to the alley that led to Jacinda’s place.
He waited while Liora ushered Tess into Jacinda’s. She wasn’t gone long, but when she returned, a world of discouragement weighed down her shoulders.
“What’s the matter? She not have any work for Tess to do?”
“No, Joe, it’s not that. Jacinda said she’d be happy to teach the girl to sew and pay her too.”
He fell into step beside her as she started toward Dixie’s. “So why the long face?”
She marched into the alleyway and for several steps he thought she wasn’t going to answer, but then she stopped and spun to face him. It was all he could do not to crash into her.
“She saw us, Joe. And word’s going to be all over town before noon.”
He nodded. “Without a doubt.”
Liora’s shoulders slumped. “You’re likely going to lose
your job. And I might lose mine. Why are you doing this? Things have been just fine. We’ve been—”
“Because you’re worth it.” The words emerged straight from his heart. “And I haven’t been treating you like you deserve.”
Her blue eyes narrowed a bit as though she were trying to determine what language he was speaking. She shook her head. “I don’t understand. You’ve always treated me with the utmost of care.”
“Have I? Enjoying your company when we are on our own, but then parting ways before we get back to town?”
The furrow on her brow deepened. “But I’ve never been hurt by that, Joe. In fact, I think it is wise.”
“Why?”
She gave him a blank look.
“Why is it wise that I not be seen with you in public?”
Her shoulders slumped. “You know why.”
“Maybe you would have been right at one point in time. But you are no longer that same woman, are you?” When she only scuffed at the ground with the toe of one boot, he pressed on. “No. You aren’t. You’ve been made new. Changed from the inside out. And you are worthy of both respect and love—have always been worthy of love, even if it wouldn’t have been right for me to spend time with you back then—no matter what those around us might say.”
She sighed. “Maybe, yes. I’m certainly glad the Lord used you to open my eyes to His love. But what ought to be, doesn’t change what is. I just hate to see you throwing away everything you’ve worked so hard for.”
“Listen, Liora.” He took a step closer to her. “You might be right about the town council voting me out. But I plan to quit my job this morning anyhow.” At her gasp of protest, he held up a hand to stop her interruption. “Dixie is not the type who is going to fire you over something like this. Any reasonable person in town is going to see that you need protection and I’m giving it. Please don’t worry further.”
If her shoulders drooped any more, she was going to be bent half way to the ground. “Maybe I made a mistake helping her escape him. Maybe I should have thought things through a little better.”
Blast if he didn’t want to pull her into his arms and show her that everything was going to be all right. He contented himself with words instead. “It’s never wrong to help out a person in need. And don’t you worry any more about it. I plan to give Hunt a visit today. And I think he and I will come to a clear understanding.” A very clear understanding.
Alarm tightened her features and she searched his face.
This time he couldn’t resist. He reached for her hand, but the moment his fingers grazed hers, she folded her arms and stepped back. He pushed the wave of discouragement away and adjusted his hat to a more comfortable position. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. We’re both going to be fine. You did the right thing. Don’t give up on that now.” It was time to lighten the mood. He gave her a quick wink. “And don’t forget you promised me you wouldn’t be busy after work today.”
He was happy to see a glimmer of curiosity replace some of the discouragement in her eyes. “I haven’t forgotten.”
“Good.” He started walking before she could ask any questions—and before he could give in to too long a contemplation about what it might feel like if he had the freedom to drop a kiss against those soft-looking lips.
He escorted her to Dixie’s kitchen door, bade her farewell, and then shored up his gumption with a deep breath. It was time to go quit his job. Reagan wasn’t going to be too happy about that. They were already shorthanded, but there wasn’t much he could do about it. Liora’s safety would come first every time, in his book.
Reagan was just exiting the sheriff’s office as Joe started up the steps. He retreated to the roadbed. Maybe he should find out some details before he quit outright. “Did they tell you anything?” He nodded to where he knew the men arrested the evening before were locked up in the cells inside.
Reagan shrugged. “Nothing that I didn’t already suspect. I was just heading out to have a chat with John Hunt. See if I could learn anything about the man Liora and Tess saw him shoot.”
Joe considered. Speaking to Hunt as part of the law would certainly hold more weight than if he were simply to approach the man on his own. “I’d like to come with you if you don’t mind.” He pushed away the niggle of guilt that said he might be taking a bit more advantage of his current position than he ought to, considering he’d been ready to turn in his badge not five minutes ago.
Reagan pegged him with a look. “Are you too close to this one?”
Joe raised his hands and allowed a quirk of his lips. “I promise to be on my best behavior.”
Reagan didn’t look like he much believed him but he gave him a nod anyhow. “All right. You can come along. I just need to let Zane know that he’s going to be in charge in town while we’re gone.”
They found Zane at Jacinda’s place, eating pie at her kitchen table—a fortuitous turn of events for Joe since he needed to ask if Tess could stay a little later than Liora had planned. He also gave Jacinda the order he’d penciled out and asked if she’d be willing to surreptitiously get it to Dixie a bit later. He couldn’t deny that he felt a bit of relief when she agreed to both requests. But he could concentrate on that surprise later. For now, he needed to focus.
It didn’t take them long to get to Camp-Sixty-Five. Nor to find John Hunt. He was at his usual place, leaned up against the bar in his favorite saloon.
Just the sight of the man had Joe’s anger at a near boil. Reagan must have sensed his mood because he cleared his throat softly. Joe gave him a nod and willed himself to keep it under control.
Reagan stepped to the man’s side and leaned his arms on the bar. “Morning, Hunt.”
Hunt tossed back his whiskey and lifted his finger gesturing for the bartender to pour him another. “Callahan,” he greeted as the bartender complied.
“You know anything about a scuffle that took place at Liora Fontaine’s place last night?”
Hunt’s glass paused halfway to his lips.
Joe had to admire the way Reagan had thrown the man off his guard. He’d probably expected questions about the shooting.
Hunt gave a snort that was more air than sound. “And if I do?”
“If you do”—Reagan turned to face the man—“then you should know that I have four of your men down to my jail for shooting up the Fontaine place. And one of them tells me that a girl named Tess owes you some money. What can you tell me about that?”
“What I can tell you is that a man’s business is his own.” Hunt started to rise.
Reagan’s hand shot out and clamped onto his arm. “Not when it comes to the peace in my jurisdiction, it’s not.”
Hunt stared at Reagan’s hand for the span of several heartbeats, his eyes slitted up like a rattler’s.
Joe reached down and slid the strap off his pistol.
Hunt must have seen the gesture from the corner of his eye because he settled back into his seat. “Can’t say as I rightly have any men, leastwise not the way you meant it. But I may have mentioned to some friends of mine that a girl named Tess did run off while she owed me some money.”
Joe’s fists clenched. He folded his arms and settled in to his heels, reminding himself to proceed calmly. “How much does she owe you?”
Hunt swiveled a quarter turn on his stool and assessed Joe from head to toe and back again.
Joe held his ground and John’s gaze.
Finally, Hunt gave a flip of one wrist. “I would have to check my books. There are a lot of people that owe me money.” His mouth tilted up at one side.
“We’ll wait.”
Hunt didn’t move, but leveled him with an assessing squint.
Joe pulled in a calming breath. “I’m here to pay what she owes you. But I’ll want to see it in writing.”
Hunt gave a soft chuckle, yet there was a hard glint in his eyes that told Joe he didn’t like his interference. Not one little bit. His look was likely meant to cow Joe into backing off. But Joe
met him gaze for gaze without flinching. After a long moment, Hunt lifted one finger to a man at a table just to their left. The man scurried over with a leather accounting book in his hands and laid it on the bar.
With a long-suffering release of air, Hunt dropped the cover of the book open and ran his fingers over the alphabetized tabs along the right edge. He flipped open the “T” section and turned pages until he came to Trenton, Teresa. “It says right here that she owes me thirty-three dollars and two bits.”
Thirty-three dollars and change? Joe gritted his teeth. For an average month’s worth of pay, this brigand had been willing to go after two women, endangering not only their lives but the lives of everyone around them!
Joe reached into his back pocket and pulled out the bills he’d tucked away there. He’d been prepared to pay more. He counted off the proper amount and then dug into his front pocket for the two bits, then slapped all of it onto the bar before Hunt. He leveled the man with a look to make sure he had his attention. “Consider her debt paid in full.”
Hunt didn’t look too happy about it, but he did start to gather the money.
Joe leaned close and spoke low. “I also want you to know that both Tess and Liora are now under my personal protection. If there is even a rumor of danger where they are concerned, I’m coming for you, do you understand me?”
There was a flicker of something in Hunt’s eyes, and Joe knew in an instant that the man was going to swing. And sure enough. Hunt swung. He swung fast. And he swung hard. But Joe’s half second of advantage stood him in good stead. He ducked under the blow and landed two solid punches of his own to John’s exposed solar plexis.
Air whooshed from the man’s lungs and he bent double in pain.
Joe grabbed Hunt’s arm and twisted it up high along his back, shoving him down on to the bar until his cheek pressed against the wood. “I’m going to overlook the fact that you just tried to assault a man of the law, Hunt. We came here peaceful-like. And I don’t intend for it to go down any other way. So you just let me know when you are ready to act peaceable.”
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