by Lisa Harris
Not that he was having second thoughts about bringing Harrison in. He couldn’t forget that the man who killed his father was a smooth-talking con man. A charlatan wolf dressed in sheep’s clothing. No doubt he found it to his advantage to continue playing the role of innocent farmer, believing it would somehow help him get off. No. He wouldn’t let Harrison’s smooth exterior and cunning ways cause a moment of weakness on his part. That very identity was one Harrison had taken on in order to charm everyone around him. He was simply playing another role.
Give it up, Corbin. The man you’ve been looking for is behind bars. Period.
Catherine’s image surfaced again in his mind’s eye, uninvited. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t get her out of his head. Her stubbornness made him madder than a hornet; her insistence that Harrison was innocent made him question his own professionalism; and her presence…her presence made him wonder why he hadn’t ignored her protests and married her all those years ago.
Because she’d made it clear she didn’t love him, and that there could never be anything between them.
He let out a deep sigh. And nothing had changed since that day. He had let Grady O’Conner’s comments the night of the party and the town’s whispers since then mingle in the recesses of his mind until he’d convinced himself he’d seen something in her eyes. But he’d been wrong. And as soon as the last member of the Masked Gang was hanged, he was going to leave Revenge forever.
The front door of his office slammed open, jerking him away from his turbulent thoughts.
Audrey stormed into the room, slammed her handbag onto his desk, and planted both fists on her hips.
Corbin caught her insolent stare. “Miss Morgan. Can I help you?”
“You can start by telling me what’s going on.”
Corbin moved behind his desk, suddenly feeling the urge to run. Two women after him in the course of an hour was two too many. “You talked to Catherine?”
“Catherine? No. I ran into Mrs. McBride in front of the hotel. She saw you ride into town with Harrison in handcuffs.”
His Adam’s apple bobbed. “She’s right.”
Audrey’s face colored. “You arrested him?”
“I had no choice. I’ve been hired to uphold the law—”
Audrey smacked her hands against the desk. “Harrison had nothing to do with those robberies, and if I have to find a way to knock some sense into you personally, Sheriff, I’ll do it.”
Corbin pressed his lips together. Apparently Catherine wasn’t the only Morgan in this town who harbored a temper. He motioned to the chair, offering her a seat. With his track record, he’d prefer tangling with a copperhead over fighting one of the Morgan sisters.
“I’ll stand, thank you.” Audrey rubbed the base of her neck with her fingertips. “Harrison had nothing to do with those robberies.”
“So you’ve just said.” Corbin proceeded cautiously. “But I’m afraid I have evidence that says otherwise.”
“What kind of evidence?”
“An eyewitness, for starters.”
“They’re mistaken.”
“I also happen to know that there is no record of him staking a claim in the Alaskan territory.”
For the first time, Audrey seemed at a loss for words. “Harrison—Harrison likes to tell stories. We all know they’re often embellished, but that doesn’t make him a murderer.”
“It’s not his stories that put him here.”
Audrey looked up at him, her lashes laced with tears. “So you believe he’s guilty?”
“I have no doubt that he’s guilty, but that’s not up to me to decide. My job is to follow the evidence and, with that knowledge, to make an arrest. Which is exactly what I’ve done. Harrison will have to defend himself, but Miss Morgan…you’re going to have to prepare yourself that there’s a good chance he will be found guilty.”
Her shoulders slumped in defeat. “I…I don’t think I can do that.”
Corbin combed his fingers through his hair. He didn’t want to hurt her, but her love for her fiancé didn’t change the circumstances. “Miss Morgan, please. I understand how upsetting this is, but you must realize that when I find evidence regarding a crime, I must follow through with it. Harrison’s real name is William Marker. He’s a con man who knows all too well how to weave his way into the lives of young women.”
Her face paled. “What are you implying, Sheriff? That this isn’t the first time he’s done this?”
Corbin proceeded cautiously. “I’m sorry, Miss Morgan. I truly am. But it’s far better to know the truth now than wait until you’re married.”
Corbin pressed his lips together. He knew the promise Catherine had made to her mother, and knew that what happened to her sister would be just as painful as if she’d had her own heart betrayed. Even the sweet satisfaction of revenge did little to salve his guilt. Audrey Morgan wasn’t the only one ready to hang him on the nearest tree for doing his job. Catherine had made it quite clear that he’d arrested the wrong man. The problem was, neither of them realized just how convincing a man like Harrison could be. He knew what to say and when to say it. Everything necessary to make the very women they were conning come forward and defend them with their lives.
Tears began to roll down her face. “I just don’t understand. We had plans to expand the farm…to add wheat next year…have children. I know Harrison. He’s not that kind of man.”
“I am truly sorry.”
The sobs increased.
“Miss Morgan, please don’t cry.” He reached into his front pocket and handed her his handkerchief.
“I want to see him.”
“He…he requested no visitors.”
“What?” Audrey dropped into the chair. “But I’m his fiancée.”
“I realize that, but Harrison made it quite clear that he doesn’t want any visitors,” he repeated. “Including you.”
“You must be mistaken.”
“Please, Miss Morgan, don’t make the situation more difficult than it already is.”
She dabbed at her face with his handkerchief then grabbed her purse off the desk. “You’re wrong about Harrison, Sheriff Hunter, and I’ll find a way to prove it.”
A moment later the door slammed behind her as she slipped outside into the humid afternoon air. Corbin knew that Audrey Morgan wasn’t the only person determined to prove Harrison’s innocence. But while Catherine was resolute in her stance, he also knew that there was something she wasn’t telling him. And it was up to him to find out what it was.
Chapter Sixteen
Corbin glanced up from his desk at the unannounced visit from the second Morgan sister in a space of less than thirty minutes. He pushed his chair backward, not relishing the anticipated confrontation. Besides, he was the sheriff, and it was his responsibility to ensure the safety of this town. Something Catherine was going to have to accept.
Dismissing her obvious irritation, he beat her to the punch. “Your stubbornness this afternoon could have endangered both of us.”
Her eyes widened. “My stubbornness?”
“You refused to obey a direct order from an officer of the law.”
The look of exasperation on her face grew. “Have you questioned Harrison yet?”
“Yes.”
“And…”
Corbin folded his arms across his chest. “He continues to claim that he had nothing to do with the string of robberies.”
“But you don’t believe him.”
“How can I? I have a witness who identified him as the leader of the Masked Gang. Frank Sutherland ran with them for the past eight months. If anyone knows, he does.”
“He could have been lying.”
“Why? The man was dying.”
“He lied for the same reason someone gave you the anonymous tip that pointed to Harrison. To take the heat off himself and keep you running in the wrong direction.”
“And you have evidence for this. Clear, solid evidence that will hold up in a court of law.
”
She folded her arms across her chest and frowned. Obviously not.
“Can I talk to him?” she asked.
“No.”
“Please, just let me talk to him. I’m the only person who knows the truth about Harrison.”
“Then tell me. What do you know that you haven’t told me?” He moved around the desk, feeling torn by her presence. “You have an obligation to divulge any information you have regarding this crime. If not for my sake, do it for your sister’s sake.”
Catherine’s gaze flickered. She was wavering. “And I have an obligation to my family.”
“As I have an obligation to uphold the law.”
“Let me speak to him.”
“No.”
“Just give me five minutes.”
“Miss Morgan…” He combed his fingers through his hair. He needed any information she had.
“Please, Sheriff. You want the truth as much as I do. Just let me talk to him.”
Catherine stepped to the edge of the jail cell and pressed her hands against the black iron bars. Harrison sat on the one wooden bench, shoulders slumped, hands in his lap.
“Better not get too close. You’re talking to a hardened criminal,” Harrison told her. “Besides, I told the sheriff I didn’t want any visitors.”
Catherine ignored his protests. “Why didn’t you tell the sheriff the truth?”
“The sheriff doesn’t care about the truth. Or so it seems.”
“Sheriff Hunter’s a good man. A bit stubborn at times, but—”
“His stubbornness is going to get me hanged on charges of murder.” Harrison combed his fingers through his hair then stood. “Murder. I didn’t even want to shoot that weasel this afternoon.”
“If you ask me, it’s your own stubbornness that’s about to get you hanged for murder.”
Harrison paced the small space. “You know what’s going to happen when Audrey finds out the truth. I’ll lose her.”
“So you’d rather be hanged by a lynch mob than tell her the truth?”
“Yes…no…I don’t know.”
“Harrison, look at me. You’ve made some mistakes, but you’re lucky. Audrey loves you. If you’re willing to tell her—and the sheriff—the truth, you have a chance to put all this behind you.”
“I can’t tell her.”
“You have to. Don’t you realize the odds you’re facing? They’re not good. The Masked Gang killed Sheriff Hunter’s father. Do you think he’s going to simply let you go because he feels sorry for you?”
“Just give me some time to think.”
Catherine shook her head. “You don’t have time.”
She left the small hallway and slammed the door between the two rooms. Corbin sat at his desk, holding a cup of coffee.
“Did he talk to you?” he asked.
“He’s as stubborn as you are.”
“Meaning?”
Her hands clenched at her sides. “Give him twenty-four hours to come to his senses. Maybe then the reality of his situation will finally sink in.”
“He may not have twenty-four hours. Do you realize what will happen once word gets out that I have the leader of the Masked Gang in custody?”
“He’ll tell you,” Catherine insisted.
“And if he doesn’t?”
“I said, he’ll tell you.”
“I could arrest you, too, you know. After your stunt at the farm and now this. You need to tell me what’s going on.”
“And I need you to trust me.”
Corbin pressed his lips together.
“Just give me twenty-four hours. And if he hasn’t told you the truth by then, I will.”
Catherine connected the call at the telephone switchboard the next afternoon then glanced up at the clock that hung on the wall beside her. Three o’clock. How much more could change in the scope of twenty-four hours? While Audrey stayed with Emily, Harrison sat in the town’s jail cell refusing to speak. She had no idea what motivated him. If he was worried that he’d lose Audrey with his confession, not telling the truth was a guarantee that was going to happen. Yet the man refused to swallow his pride and confess what he’d done.
Not that he was the only man in this town who couldn’t get beyond his pride. Corbin was so intent on arresting his father’s killer that even if she did tell him the truth, and he discovered he had the wrong man, she wasn’t certain he’d listen. According to him, he had all the evidence he needed to hang Harrison. Including several triangular-based bullets found at the Tucker farm.
Which had to have been planted, because as far as she was concerned he was innocent.
The front door of the store jingled. She looked up from her post. Where was Lily? She’d invited their father for dinner in hopes of distracting Audrey. Something she’d been unable to do so far. With Harrison sitting in a jail cell and the wedding temporarily postponed, nothing had helped soothe her sister’s despondent mood.
Pressing down the folds of her skirt, Catherine got up and glanced into the store. Ike Larrick stood by the counter. Catherine cringed. All it would take was a word of encouragement on her part and she wouldn’t have to be the town’s twice-jilted spinster any longer. Except that Ike Larrick was twice her age, had three boys, and lived with his mother on a pig farm. Life as a spinster suddenly didn’t seem so bad.
“Miss Morgan. You’re looking lovely today.” Mr. Larrick pulled off his Derby hat, revealing too much grease.
“Can I help you with something this afternoon?”
His smile widened, revealing two missing front teeth. “It’s been awhile since I’ve seen you, Miss Morgan.”
“So it has.”
“I’ve been in Lancaster the past three weeks on a bit of business.”
Catherine forced a smile. “How nice.”
“I was wondering if you’d like to accompany me on a buggy ride this afternoon? The weather is perfect and—”
“While I do appreciate the offer of the ride, I’m afraid I have quite a lot to do today.” Catherine cut him off before he could finish his sentence. She searched for a better excuse but came up empty-handed. No matter. Her excuse was perfectly valid.
“What about tomorrow?”
“And tomorrow…I have to work tomorrow.” While she didn’t want to hurt the man’s feelings, neither did she want to encourage him. She quickly changed the subject. “Was there something specific you were looking for? Something for the farm, or your mother perhaps? We just received some lovely fabric she might like.”
“No, thank you. Though I might have her come by later this week.”
“That would be fine, Mr. Larrick.” Catherine glanced at the door. Where was Lily? She’d never been good at dealing with pushy men.
“You can call me Ike if you’d wish.”
Catherine suppressed a groan. Kindness obviously wasn’t working. “Mr. Larrick is fine.”
“Nails. I need half a pound of nails and a pound of coffee.” Mr. Larrick leaned against the counter and chewed a wad of tobacco, not seeming to realize she was putting him off. “Have you heard the news?”
Catherine reached for the coffee. “What news?”
“There’s a stranger in town.”
“Who?”
“Care to guess?”
Great. He was going to make her drag it out of him. “Not really.”
Mr. Larrick’s smile faded, but only momentarily.
“A Pinkerton agent just showed up in town. I understand he hails from Chicago.”
A Pinkerton agent? Catherine’s mind reeled as she closed the lid on the coffee. She’d gambled on keeping Harrison’s secret for twenty-four hours, believing it would give Harrison time to come to his senses. She’d never dreamed the law would move that fast. She turned back around to Mr. Larrick. “And what would a Pinkerton agent be doing in Revenge?”
“Must have something to do with the arrest of Harrison Tucker, though the sheriff’s managed to keep things pretty quiet. I heard from my ma that you’re friend
s with the sheriff.”
Mr. Larrick leaned forward. So that’s what he wanted. Not to give out information, but to get it. Something he wasn’t going to get from her. She was the one who needed information at this moment. She had to talk to the sheriff.
She set the package of coffee on the counter then turned to the bucket of nails and eyed the front door. Where was Lily? “I’m sure the sheriff has a reason for keeping things quiet.”
“The sheriff better realize that none of us want a murderer sitting in our jail.”
“I’m sure that the sheriff is doing everything he can to ensure that justice takes place.”
The bell jingled again, and Catherine sighed with relief as Lily burst through the door.
“I’m sorry I took so long, Catherine.” She turned to Mr. Larrick without taking a breath. “Mr. Larrick. How are you today?”
“I’m fine, thank you.”
Catherine coughed. “I’m sorry to have to leave so quickly, but I have something I need to take care of now that Lily’s here.”
Lily took her place behind the counter.
“The phone’s been quiet this afternoon, and I promise I won’t be long,” Catherine told her.
Mr. Larrick turned his wide smile to Lily. Apparently anyone who hadn’t walked down the aisle was fair game in Mr. Larrick’s mind. Catherine hurried from the store, praying it wasn’t too late to save Harrison.
Corbin poured a second cup of coffee then slid it across the table to the man sitting across from him. Tailored suit, derby hat, and New York smile—the man didn’t belong in a town like Revenge.
“I didn’t expect you to get here so fast. It’s not even been twenty-four hours since I contacted you.”
“I wouldn’t have, except I’ve been working nearby. Your timing was perfect.” Brad Sanders took a sip of the coffee. “And I want to add how pleased I am, along with the rest of the company, of your involvement in catching this murderer.”
Corbin strummed his fingers against the desk. “There is something I need to talk to you about regarding our prisoner.”
The front door flung open, and Catherine flew into the office. Her hat sat askew atop her head and her cheeks were bright red. Whatever had her in a tizzy had her running like her skirts were on fire.
