Beloved Hope (Heart of the Frontier Book #2)

by Tracie Peterson

  “I won’t give the court a chance to let you go,” she said. Her voice was even and steady.

  “Shoot me then—if you can,” Tomahas replied, still smiling. He moved toward her as far as his chains allowed, causing her to back up several paces. She stopped only when she bumped up against Lance.

  Startled, she turned to face him. Lance pushed the pistol aside but didn’t attempt to disarm her. He raised a brow and smiled. “I hope that isn’t intended for me.”

  Her eyes widened. “No. It’s for him.” She jerked her head toward where Tomahas still stood leering.

  Lance put his hand on her shoulder. “He’s not worth the effort.”

  Seeing her relax, he took the revolver from her without protest and led her from the jail. Outside, the sentries jumped to attention, unable to hide their surprise.

  Looking at each man for a moment, Lance admonished them. “It would seem your personal matter interrupted your duties and caused lives to be endangered. I’ll see both of you in my office when you come off duty.”

  “Sir, yes, sir!” their voices sounded in unison.

  He fixed them with a hard gaze. “I want your word that neither of you will speak of this incident. It wouldn’t bode well for any of us if the citizens of this town knew someone could just sneak past our sentries.”

  “No, sir . . . I mean, yes, sir,” one of the men responded. The other nodded.

  Lance shook his head again, wondering at the quality of men protecting the country. He took hold of the woman’s elbow and moved toward the bridge. He didn’t speak until they were across and back on shore.

  “I can hardly blame you for desiring to see them dead, but if I allowed you to shoot that man, it would be murder.”

  “I don’t care. He needs to die.”

  “And he will.”

  She looked at him, fire in her eyes. “You heard what they said in court—the lawyers say we don’t have the right to put them on trial. And there are rumors that the judge intends to let them go as a gesture of goodwill.”

  Lance felt sorry for her. She was terrified. He could feel her trembling. “May I walk you home?”

  “You’re not turning me over to Marshal Meek?”

  He laughed. “For trying to do what everyone in town wants to do?” He looked down at her and saw the dark lashes that lined her crystal blue eyes. “No. I figure you have a reason for hating that man.”

  She drew in a deep breath and nodded. “I do.”

  “If you promise me you won’t try this again, I’ll keep it to myself.”

  She stopped and turned. “I don’t know if I can make that promise.”

  “Well, why don’t you think about it while I escort you home?”

  “Home is several miles outside of town.”

  He nodded. “Then I’ll get my horse and borrow one for you. Better yet, I’ll borrow a carriage or wagon, since you’re hardly dressed for riding, Miss . . .”

  “Flanagan. Hope Flanagan.”

  He smiled. “I’m Lieutenant Lance Kenner.”

  Chapter

  7

  Hope found it impossible to still her trembling even after they were well on their way to her house. She still couldn’t believe she’d actually gone to shoot Tomahas. She couldn’t believe it had been so easy to get to him.

  Would I have pulled the trigger?

  Now that the panic that drove her to the jail had faded, Hope could scarcely believe what she’d done. Her sisters would be appalled. The lieutenant said he wouldn’t say anything, but how could she explain him bringing her home? She’d told Grace that she intended to stay in town and spend the night at Uncle Edward’s. They wouldn’t expect her back, and they would assume something was wrong. At least Grace would. She always had a sense about these things.

  “How long have you lived here?” Lance asked, breaking through her deep thoughts.

  “Since we were rescued and brought here from the mission.” She held on to the side of the wagon seat to keep from bouncing into the soldier. She would have jumped down and bolted for home, but something told her this man would just chase her down. Besides, he was being kind in overlooking what she’d done.

  “That must have been a terrible ordeal. I’ve seen what the Indians are capable of.” He gave her a sidelong glance, but Hope found it difficult to meet his gaze.

  “I . . . well . . . thank you for not turning me in to the marshal. I felt justified in what I was doing, but . . .”

  “I’m sure you were,” the lieutenant said when Hope failed to continue. “And even if you had fulfilled your task, I’m fairly confident no one would have wanted to see you prosecuted for murder. Still, it would have been a difficult thing for someone as gentle as you to live with.”

  She shook her head. “I don’t know why you think me gentle.” She felt her strength returning and turned to face him. “I was set to kill that murderer.”

  “But you didn’t, and you won’t.” He spoke in a serious tone, yet he offered her a hint of a smile.

  “You seem quite sure of me, and yet you know nothing about me.”

  “But I’d like to.”

  Hope was surprised by his boldness and turned her attention back to the road. She steadied her voice. “Why?”

  The lieutenant laughed. “Because I admire you. Because you intrigued me even in the courtroom before you went to the jail. Because I could use a friend.”

  “A friend?”

  “Yes. A friend. Just a friend.” He smiled. “I don’t really know anyone here. The townsfolk aren’t exactly in favor of the army, and no one ever extends invitations to us. There have been a few gatherings with some of the men in charge, but otherwise nothing.”

  “I see.” Hope looked down on the Willamette as the road rose higher. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I neither need nor want friends.”

  For a while Lieutenant Kenner said nothing, and Hope feared she’d offended him. How could she explain that she’d refrained from even making friends among the women of Oregon City, much less the men?

  “How did you get your hands on a Colt pocket revolver? They’re a very new design.”

  She nodded. “I know.” There was no harm in telling him the truth, and it might ease her guilt over dismissing his friendship so quickly. “I just wanted to feel safe, so I talked to Dr. McLoughlin. He used to be the factor at Fort Vancouver, and he has steady shipments to his store in Oregon City.” She cast a quick side-glance at Lance, and when he nodded, she continued.

  “His friend came with one of the shipments late last year. He brought a couple of the new revolvers and suggested McLoughlin sell them to women because of their light weight and . . . the need for protection on the frontier.”

  “Sounds reasonable.”

  “I spin yarn and sell it to the women in Oregon City and had put aside quite a bit of money. I begged Dr. McLoughlin to sell me one and show me how to use it, and he did.”

  “Are you any good?” the lieutenant asked, grinning.

  Hope nodded but couldn’t bring herself to smile. “Good enough. Especially when my target is just five feet away.”

  She thought he might admonish her about the dangers of firearms and the importance of the court system and letting justice run its course. It was what she would expect from a soldier.

  To her surprise, however, he took the conversation in a different direction. “Do you like it here?”

  “I do, to a degree. It’s peaceful, and because it’s such a large settlement, there isn’t any real fear of the Indians attacking. At least not lately. Knowing the difficulties between them and us, I doubt it will stay quiet for long.”

  “I’ve only been here for a short time, but it seems quite nice. Unless the river floods. We—that is, the army—were alarmed at how rapidly the water rose and the destruction it caused last December.”

  Hope nodded. “It wasn’t so bad the first year we were here. Last year was the worst it’s been in several years. We used to live in a cabin right on the river, but t
hankfully we were on higher ground when the floods came. The cabin withstood the flood, but it was damaged and filled with mud and debris. It belongs to my uncle and hasn’t been lived in since. He also owns a sawmill, and much of that was destroyed too. He’s still working with my brother-in-law to rebuild it.”

  “Was that the man I saw sitting with you in court?”

  “My brother-in-law?”

  He nodded.

  “Yes, he’s married to the woman who sat beside me. My sister, Grace.” She was surprised at how calm she felt. This man had a strange ability to put her at ease.

  Lieutenant Kenner chuckled. “I figured you two must be sisters, even though her eyes are green.”

  “We have a third sister, Mercy. She’s not yet fifteen, so she’s been in school.”

  He sobered. “Were your sisters also at the mission when it was attacked?”

  Hope drew in a long breath and let it go before replying. “Mercy was. Grace was off helping a friend at another mission.”

  “So at least you had each other.”

  “Yes, but I cannot say that made the captivity any better. I feared what the Indians might do to Mercy and worried constantly about how I might protect her.” Hope could scarcely believe she was saying all of this to a virtual stranger. She hadn’t spoken with such open candor to anyone—not even Grace.

  “But they left her alone?”

  She looked up to see the concern on the lieutenant’s face. “Yes.”

  “But not you.” There was only tenderness in his words. No judgment or condemnation.

  “No.”

  “I’m sorry. No woman should ever be treated in such a manner.”

  Hope didn’t know what to say. She was puzzled by this man’s interest and gentle nature. She’d only agreed to let him take her home because he was in a position of authority, and after what she’d done, she was afraid to refuse him. But now she found that she actually felt safe in his company. It was a strange and unexpected feeling.

  Lieutenant Kenner maneuvered the wagon down the narrow lane to the farmstead, letting the silence of twilight wrap around them. When he brought the horse to a stop, Hope hurried to jump down before he could offer to help her.

  “Thank you for bringing me home.” She turned to go.

  “Hope?”

  She stopped and drew a deep breath. “Yes?” She turned back around.

  “You might want this.” He held out her revolver.

  “Yes, thank you.” She went to the wagon and took the gun. Placing it in her pocket, she felt she should say something more, but words wouldn’t come.

  She glanced up and found him watching her. He smiled and tipped his cap. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Miss Flanagan. I hope we will meet again very soon.”

  That evening Grace was surprised when Alex returned to the homestead with Sam. They had expected Hope to stay in town with Uncle Edward, so Alex must have felt it was all right to bring his friend to the house. Grace had no chance to warn him, but to her surprise, Hope actually welcomed the Nez Perce brave without any animosity. She even joined them for dinner, though she left before dessert to tend to the sheep.

  Grace could see how happy Sam’s return had made Alex. The two were longtime friends and had spent many years trapping with their friend Gabriel. Alex had even lived with Sam in his village for a while.

  “I have apple crumble if you’re of a mind to eat dessert.” She put the baking dish in the center of the table. “It’s still warm.”

  “You don’t have to ask me twice,” Sam said, grinning. “The love of sweet food is one pleasure I’ve easily picked up from the white man.”

  “Better that than alcohol,” Grace countered.

  Sam laughed and reached for the spoon. He helped himself to a heaping portion then offered Alex the spoon. Alex didn’t need any more encouragement and followed Sam’s example while Mercy excused herself to tend to her homework.

  Grace brought the pot of coffee to the table and placed it alongside the crumble. “I’m going to see if Hope needs any help and then tend the rest of the animals. You two enjoy a nice long chat.”

  Alex caught her hand and drew it to his lips. He placed a kiss on her palm then smiled up at her with such love that Grace felt her heart skip a beat. “You’re a good wife,” he said. “The best west of the Rockies.”

  “Just west of the Rockies?” she teased.

  The men laughed, and she left them to discuss the affairs of the world. She made her way outside, glad that the drizzling rain had stopped. There was still plenty of light, and far across the field she saw Hope walking with the flock. To her surprise, Hope was singing, something Grace had not heard her sister do voluntarily since their days at the mission.

  She decided to investigate and walked through the wet grass, thankful she wore her high-top boots. The hem of her gown soaked through up to her knees, but at least her feet were dry.

  “I heard you singing,” Grace said as she approached Hope. “You always remind me of Mama when you sing.”

  Hope seemed almost embarrassed. “The sheep like it.”

  “I’m sure they do. It’s soothing.” Grace stopped to pet one of the curious lambs. “I want to thank you for your kindness toward Sam.”

  With a shrug, Hope stared off across the field. “I know he’s been good to you.”

  “He cares deeply about you as well. I remember how upset he was when he came back from seeing you and Mercy after the attack. He was so distressed that Telokite wouldn’t let him take you with him.”

  Hope looked at Grace. “He tried to reassure us that all would be well, but he knew just as we did that there was no guarantee of that happening.”

  “No. I suppose we all knew that.”

  “I thought for sure they would kill us. God knows there were times I wished they had.” Hope shook her head. “How strange it is to have it all back in front of us again. I knew the trial would be hard, but . . . seeing him . . .” She fell silent.

  Grace closed the distance and took Hope’s arm. “I wish I could keep you from having to return.”

  “I do too,” Hope admitted. “A part of me wants to see Tomahas and the others get what’s coming to them. I just don’t want to have to relive the details of why they deserve to die.”

  “Alex said the governor told him the trial would most likely conclude tomorrow. At least your part of it.”

  Hope’s brow furrowed. “Will it really be that quick?”

  “The governor doesn’t want it stretched out. He believes it would be too hard on you and the others. He said tomorrow would be testimony, and then the matter would be in the hands of the jury. He doubts they will need much time to deliberate.”

  “No, I don’t imagine so. I hope the governor has no intention of pardoning them.”

  Grace squeezed her arm. “I don’t see how he can. Not now. Too many people have demanded those men pay for what they did.”

  Hope sighed. “I hope you’re right. I’ve been so afraid they would be let go on the basis of some undeserved charity to show how forgiving we are. I feel no forgiveness where they’re concerned.”

  “It would be to your benefit if you did.”

  Her statement clearly surprised Hope. “Why?”

  Grace dropped her hold and crossed her arms as the chill of her damp gown began to make her shiver. “Because forgiveness is more beneficial to the one forgiving than to the one being forgiven. A tremendous burden is lifted when you’re able to forgive those who’ve harmed you.”

  Hope looked at Grace as if she’d grown a second head. “Forgive? You want me to forgive that animal? I’m not going to forgive him.”

  “But if you don’t forgive him, he continues to hold you hostage.”

  Hope gave her a blank stare. Grace knew there was no sense in belaboring the point. It would take Hope time to process the past and all that it had cost her.

  After tending to her chores, Grace made her way back to the house, desperate to feel the warmth of the fire. She spi
ed a horse tied to the post outside and realized they had company. Entering the house as quietly as possible so as not to disturb the men, she heard the unmistakable voice of Governor Lane.

  “I need you to do this, Alex. It’s important and might very well be the difference between peace and war.”

  “I’ll have to speak to Grace about it. I can’t just take off for several weeks, even months, and not consult her.”

  “Once she sees the importance of the matter, I know she’ll agree.”

  Grace eased closer to the fire, which just happened to take her nearer to the kitchen, where the men were seated around the table. Where did the governor want to send Alex? And why now?

  “The Indians of that region know you and trust you,” Governor Lane stated. “I believe they’ll listen to you, especially since Sam will be with you. When their chiefs return to tell of the trial and hanging, it will be important that you offer my desires for a peaceful future. They should know that we don’t plan further bloodshed or retribution. We must convince them that it’s in their best interest to make peace with the settlers. I can’t speak to all of the details, but there is a bill before Congress even now that deals with the Indians and this land. If it passes as it is expected to do, they will find everything changed.”

  “That hardly seems reassuring,” Alex countered.

  “Better that they know and understand from someone they trust.”

  Sam spoke up. “It’s true, Alex. I know my people will listen to you.”

  “They’ll trust their own people first, as they should. Let them tell what has happened and what you want for the future.”

  “Alex, I know the people will be less inclined to listen to anything a white man has to say, but you have lived among them. They know you from experience to keep your word and speak honestly to them. If you go as my representative, then you can help them understand that white men want peace.”

  “I’m not against going,” Alex replied. “I just doubt the impact I can have. I think you give me too much credit for being a peacemaker.”

  “But all of the Cayuse chiefs know you. The Walla Walla and many others as well. You lived among the different tribes for a great many years. I believe you’re the only man who can go, and I feel confident of the impact you’ll have.”