Cowboy Father

by Linda Ford

  The sheriff turned from the window. “Good. I’ll let you know when I learn anything, but it might take a few weeks.”

  “I’ll be around.” He couldn’t say how long it would take to discover the whereabouts of the money, but he’d stay until there was news regarding the children. Then he’d find some other reason for hanging about town.

  He left the office, picked up Georgie, took Susie’s hand, and they made their way back to the manse.

  Susie’s grip tightened as they drew near. “You gonna leave us here just ’cause we got no mama and papa?”

  Georgie wrinkled his face, set to cry.

  Ethan stopped and squatted down to Susie’s level with Georgie balanced on his knee. He caught the little girl’s chin. “Honey, I am sorry about your mama and papa. It’s all right that you are sad. You will be safe at the Kinsleys, but I’ll stay too, until things are sorted out.”

  Susie leaned against his shoulder. “I try to take care of Georgie like Mama said, but it’s hard.”

  “That’s what adults are for. To help you. Will you let us?”

  She sighed and nodded. “You’re a nice man.”

  “Thank you.” He hugged both of them, then took her hand again and returned to the yard.

  Now all he had to do was convince Mrs. Roberts that she needed his help. That shouldn’t prove too difficult, considering the circumstances. And if it provided him an opportunity to observe her activities, he would take that as a gift from above.

  3

  Adele heard them return as she cared for the sick men in the addition. Rocky had taken a turn for the worse. She sponged him and applied the liniment in hopes of breaking his fever and easing his cough. She’d glanced out several times to check on the children. Donny and Blossom would stay put, but she wasn’t sure about Jake. He was eager to explore every nook and cranny, every rock and bug.

  Mr. Sandburg came to the doorway. “I reported to the sheriff.”

  She held a cup of cold water to Rocky’s mouth and urged him to drink. He swallowed three times then coughed hard enough to cause her to fear he would hurt himself. Done coughing, he lay back, spent.

  Mr. Sandburg continued. “You have your hands full, so I’ve decided to stay and help with the children. I hope you don’t mind.”

  She wondered if he would leave if she said she did, but she honestly could use some assistance. So she swallowed her pride and caution. “That sounds like a good idea.”

  Rocky’s breath rattled in and out. “I don’t know if you’re a believing man, but if you are, a prayer would be in order about now.”

  “I truly believe in God’s power to heal and help.” Mr. Sandburg’s voice rang with conviction.

  Adele told herself there was no reason she should think she heard a warning in his words. Nor would she allow herself to be swayed by his statement of faith. Floyd had gone to church and said all the right words too.

  Mr. Sandburg removed his hat and bowed his head. “Father God, these men are ill and need healing. The women in the house are also ill. Touch each one with your love and healing power. Comfort Susie and Georgie in their loss. And help Mrs. Roberts with all she has to cope with. Amen.”

  Adele couldn’t swallow. She’d expected him to ask for healing for the young men. But to hear him pray for her…

  It made her feel cherished and left her unsettled. She didn’t want to feel anything toward him but caution. Why was he here?

  “Thank you,” Rocky whispered.

  “Yes, thank you,” Cal echoed. “I think I’m feeling better already.” He attempted to laugh and ended up coughing.

  Adele took him some of the cough syrup Ma had prepared.

  “He prayed for you too,” Cal pointed out to Adele.

  She drew in a steadying breath before she faced Mr. Sandburg. “Thank you, and please call me Adele. It’s easier.” Being called Mrs. Roberts reminded her of her disastrous marriage. Something she would erase if she could. And if not for the dear little boy Floyd had given her.

  “You’re welcome, Adele. And please, call me Ethan, because it’s my name.”

  He seemed to think he was funny and so did Cal, which led to another coughing spell.

  “Now tell me what I can do to help besides keep an eye on this lot out here.”

  Adele joined him at the doorway, and they watched the children. Blossom and Susie admired Susie’s doll. Susie kept a close eye on Georgie, who joined Jake and Donny in digging a hole next to Donny’s barn.

  “They seem peaceful at the moment. Should that be cause for worry?” Ethan sounded wary.

  Adele knew how quickly that could end. “I need to take advantage of this interlude.” She carried the basin of water toward the house.

  Ethan followed on her heels. “I meant it when I offered to help. What can I do? Whatever you need.”

  She stopped to study him. Would he really do whatever she asked? “Very well. The slop bucket in the sick room needs to be emptied.” She pointed toward the place it was taken to. “I need potatoes for supper.” She indicated the garden. “There’s a shovel by the gate and a basket for the potatoes. Might as well bring me some carrots too. I need to make soup for the sick ones.”

  Before she finished speaking, he had returned to the addition.

  She would have watched to see if he did all she asked, but she didn’t have time. She went to Ma and checked on her. “How are you feeling?”

  “Tired, but I’ll be okay. Is your father back?”

  “Not yet.”

  “He’s probably found others in need of care.” She closed her eyes.

  Adele tiptoed out and crossed to Stella’s room.

  Stella opened her eyes at the sound of Adele’s approach. “I feel so useless. I was just beginning to get my strength back, and now this. Will I ever feel better?” Stella and her children had been with the Kinsleys several months, as Stella recovered from almost dying.

  “You will.” Adele touched her forehead. “At least you aren’t fevered. And your cough seems to have calmed.”

  “Are the children…?”

  “There’s five of them playing outside. Mr. Sandburg is watching them as well as helping with a few things.” She explained about Susie and Georgie.

  “Those poor children. I wish I could do something for them.”

  “We will all give them as much love as possible, but it takes time for pain to loosen its grasp on us.”

  Stella caught Adele’s hand. “I know I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating. I’m sorry about the loss of your husband. I know how difficult it is.”

  “Thank you. I know you do.” Except it was different for Adele. She hadn’t lost a man who held her heart. Rather, she’d been set free from his lawless life. However, she hadn’t told anyone what Floyd was really like. Partly to protect Jake, but also, she had to admit, because of her pride. It hurt to think she had been so easily duped.

  It would not happen again. No man would charm her to the point she was oblivious to the truth of who he was and what he did.

  She left the room and glanced out to check on the children. They seemed content. Her gaze went further, to Ethan in the garden. Was he trying to make her think he was something he wasn’t?

  He would not find her easy to deceive.

  She went to the stove. She needed to strain the beef broth she’d been simmering all day. As she carried the pot to the work table, a scream rent the air. She almost slopped the hot liquid over the edge but forced herself to move carefully. As soon as the pot was safely down, she dashed for the door.

  Donny, his hands fisted by his side, scowled at Susie who let out another scream. She dragged her little brother from the hole they had dug—really only a depression in the dirt. Blossom sat by the house, her eyes wide.

  She looked around for Jake. Every detail of the scene flashed through her brain.

  Jake toddled away, toward the horse.

  Lifting her skirts, Adele raced after her son.

  From the corner of her e
yes, she witnessed Ethan vault the garden fence and cross the distance to Jake in long, loping strides. He scooped up the little boy, earning him a rolling belly laugh.

  Adele reached their side and snatched Jake from Ethan’s arms. “Put that horse in the pen where he isn’t a danger to anyone.” She wanted to march away, her head high in indignation. But her legs failed her, and she sank to the ground, rocking Jake back and forth.

  Ethan unsaddled the horse, turned him into the pen, then squatted down beside Adele. “I should have taken care of Bolt before now. I apologize.” He touched Jake’s head. “But he wasn’t really in any danger. Look, we’re a good fifty feet from the horse.”

  His words did little to slow Adele’s racing heart. She forced herself to breathe slowly. Jake was okay. That’s all that mattered.

  Then another scream from the children sent fear shuddering through her veins.

  There was something about the vulnerability Ethan saw in Adele’s face as she cradled her son that triggered a protective urge in his heart. He stuffed it back. He would not allow himself to be deceived by a woman. Sure, she was concerned about her son. But it was possible to be a good mother and a good thief at the same time.

  He was almost grateful for the sound of war in the camp.

  He got to his feet and offered Adele a hand up, surprised when she accepted it.

  She withdrew her hand so quickly, he understood she had only done so out of necessity.

  They turned to the children. Susie screamed again and threw a clump of dirt at Donny. It landed to the right of the boy. Donny threw one back and hit Susie on the leg.

  More screaming from Susie.

  More stubborn scowls from Donny.

  Blossom and Georgie had retreated to the corner of the house where Blossom held the little boy’s hand.

  “Is she comforting him or herself?” he asked.

  “Probably both.” Adele planted herself between Susie and Donny. “I’m sure both of you have been warned by your parents not to throw things at others.”

  Donny jammed his fists to his hips. “She kicked dirt in my hole.”

  Susie pushed out her lips. “You told Georgie he couldn’t help you.”

  “He’s too little. Just gets in the way.”

  The pair faced off, ready for battle.

  Donny kicked dirt at Susie.

  Susie screamed, the sound tearing at Ethan’s ears.

  Adele put Jake down by Georgie and Blossom. “Susie, stop screaming. You aren’t hurt.” She reached for the girl, but Susie backed away, her screams continuing.

  Adele moved forward.

  Susie retreated further.

  Adele stopped. Studied the child, then shifted her gaze to Ethan as he stood by helpless to know what to do to bring an end to this torturous sound.

  “I think she is past the point of no return.” Adele raised her voice to be heard above the shrieks.

  “What do you mean?”

  “She’s worked herself into such a state she can’t stop. No doubt all the events of the past few days have caught up. It’s been traumatic for her.”

  Ethan could barely hear Adele’s words over the screaming, but she was right. The child had been with her parents as they lay sick and eventually died. She’d been tasked with caring for her little brother. When Ethan came along, she’d been uprooted again and was now with strangers. The poor child.

  She needed reassurance that she was safe.

  He only knew one way to give it to her. He crossed to her side, sat on the ground, and pulled her into his arms. At first, she struggled and screamed the louder, but he rocked her over and over, murmuring, “You’re going to be okay. You’re safe now. Hush. Hush.”

  After a few seconds that his ears thought lasted hours, she lay her head on his shoulder, and her screams turned into gut-wrenching sobs.

  He held her, his heart melting at her distress. He raised his gaze to Adele. As soon as his eyes met hers, she blinked, and whatever he thought he might have seen vanished. Not that he was certain what he had seen. Was it longing? Sorrow? Sympathy?

  She turned to Donny and squatted down to talk to him. “You remember how sad you are when you think of your pa?”

  Donny’s anger vanished, and he nodded. “I miss him.”

  “Susie feels even worse. She doesn’t even have her mama. We have to help her.”

  Donny pursed his lips. “She said I was stupid.”

  “Do you think you are?” Adele waited as Donny considered her question.

  “Nope. My pa said I was a smart little fella.”

  “Your father was right. Remember, just because someone says something doesn’t mean it’s true.”

  Donny looked at the little hole he had dug and back to Susie. “She can’t play with me.”

  “I don’t want to,” Susie yelled, startling Ethan, who had been watching how Adele handled this situation. She seemed to know how to calm the troubled waters but then, wasn’t learning how to make people believe whatever she said one of the skills a thief would have? A thief who took the ill-gotten gains without direct involvement in the crime?

  Adele sighed as she straightened. “It might be best if the two of you don’t play together for now.”

  Susie pushed from Ethan’s arms and trotted to Georgie. She grabbed his hand, ignoring the way the little guy hung back, not wanting to go with her.

  “Georgie won’t play with you either.”

  Georgie dug in his heels. “I like Donny’s barn.”

  “We’ll make our own farm.” She dragged the boy to the farthest corner of the yard and plopped down, pulling Georgie down beside her. She looked about, saw a scrap of wood, and began to dig at the ground

  Ethan stood at Adele’s side. “Now what?”

  “Seems we’ll have to settle for an uneasy truce.” She turned to the watchful pair beside the house. Blossom’s eyes were wide. Jake had found a rock to study.

  Adele tossed her hands upward. “I need them to all play peacefully so I can make supper.”

  “Mrs. Roberts.” A voice came from the addition.

  Adele sighed heavily. “Peace on all fronts would be good.”

  “You go tend to the meal. I’ll see what’s needed in there and then bring in the potatoes.” Ethan headed for the door before she could say yes or no.

  “I prayed for help, but it seems God’s plans don’t include making my life easier.”

  Before Ethan could think of a response, she went into the kitchen. He called after her, “I’m going to believe God has good thoughts and good plans for me.” Though he couldn’t say what God would plan for Adele Roberts, a woman who shared the gains of her husband’s robberies.

  What would she say if he came right out and asked what she’d done with his boss’s money?

  He snorted. He could hardly expect she would turn it over to him with a meek apology.

  With a check on the children, who all played happily at the moment, he went to see what Cal and Rocky wanted.

  Cal wanted to know what all the screaming and shouting was about.

  Ethan told him.

  Cal chuckled. “Two new ones to the mix has upset the balance.”

  Ethan guessed Cal was getting better. Rocky, however, was a different story. He struggled to breathe, his eyes wide with distress. Ethan had no idea what to do. If Rocky were a horse, he might have tried some strong liniment or a plaster. He’d seen Adele rub the man with something, so he looked around and found the jar.

  “I’ll put some of this on your chest. It should help.” He applied a generous amount.

  Rocky watched him. His gaze fearful.

  Ethan finished and stepped back. Should he let Adele know how much difficulty Rocky was having? But it seemed like she had enough to do. He tried to think what his mother would do in this situation and recalled a time he had a bad cold. Maybe it was pneumonia. She’d made a tent from sheets and steamed him. He’d been able to breathe easier after that.

  It was worth a try.

&nbs
p; Where would he find sheets? He checked the second room. It contained three narrow beds like the room where Cal and Rocky lay. There was another room, and he went to it. Cupboards, a cold stove, and shelves. A supply room. He opened the cupboard doors. Neat stacks of sheets and other bedding. He shifted the piles about, trying to decide which he should use to create a tent. He pulled out a sheet and shook it. It would do, but he didn’t know if some of the linens were meant for specific purposes. He better check with Adele. He folded the sheet as neatly as he could and returned it, then went to the garden to get the potatoes and took them to the house. “Can I use a couple of old sheets, a basin, and a kettle of hot water?”

  She stood at the cupboard, chopping meat into tiny pieces. Her hands grew still, and she slowly turned toward him. “What for?”

  “Rocky can barely breathe.”

  Before he finished speaking, she had the hot kettle in her hands and was headed for the door. He followed on her heels.

  They stepped into the addition. She glanced toward Rocky, his struggle to get in air signaled by the wheezy sound coming from him.

  She turned into the storeroom and opened a cupboard.

  He knew by the way she stared at the contents that she knew he’d been there.

  Slowly, she came round to face him. “Were you looking for something?”

  Suspicion flooded his mind. Why would she be so concerned that he’d looked in the cupboard unless there was something she didn’t want him to see?

  Too bad he’d been too concerned about Rocky’s breathing to search the shelves. No doubt, she would now make sure to move anything she had secreted away.

  4

  Adele stifled her fear and resentment. What reason would Ethan have for poking through the cupboard other than looking for something he thought might be hidden there? Well, let him look. Let him think she was part of Floyd’s nefarious activities. He could look all he wanted. Watch her every move, follow her everywhere, but he’d learn nothing.