“We all do. Please, we have to make sense of this so we can get them back. Virgil is getting Dr. Ross and Milton and then he’ll come here.”
Lula spoke through sobs, “All my life I thought if I could find my real father I’d be all right. Things were finally starting to work out so I could have a normal life.”
She wiped a hand across her cheek. “Somehow, I feel guilty. Maybe this is my fault because I was greedy and wanted too much.”
She held Lula’s hand in hers. “Lula, it isn’t your fault at all. We think it’s a man named Lonnie Becknell. Papa had to foreclose his business. He threatened Papa but Virgil knows where he lives.”
She hoped. At least Virgil had known the man’s name. What if it was someone else, though?
Dr. Ross opened the door and strode in. “You ought to keep your doors locked.”
Mrs. Connor sent him a glare. “We never have and neither do you.” She stepped aside so the doctor could examine Mama.
“Gave her tea, did you?” He sniffed the cup. “I’ll adjust the sedative accordingly. Come now, Alyssa, let’s get you upstairs.” He took her by the arm and tried to guide her.
Mama jerked away from him. “Not until I know what’s happened to Byron and Ron.”
Mrs. Connor took Mama’s other arm. “Now, now, there’s nothing to be gained by you fretting yourself sick, Miss Alyssa. The sheriff is already at work so you can rest easy. By the time you wake up, they’ll probably be here waiting for you.”
Between them, the doctor and Mrs. Connor ushered Mama upstairs.
Alexandra shoved the cup and saucer toward Lula. “Come on, drink your tea or I’ll ask the doctor to give you a sedative.”
Lula’s teary eyes sparked with anger. “You will not. I’ll not accept one.” But, she drained the cup of tea.
Virgil came in. “Don’t you ever close your doors?” He removed his hat but held it.
“No, we leave them wide open all the time,” snapped Alexandra. “Of course we do, but I knew you and the doctor would be along.”
Deputy Milton Sprouse followed Virgil into the parlor.
Lula crossed her arms on the arm of the couch and rested her head on them as she sobbed.
Seated beside her, Alexandra gently tugged Lula into a hug, patting her back as if she were a baby. After a few seconds, she said, “Please stop this right now. Pull yourself together for Papa and Ron’s sakes.”
Lula twisted away and swiped at her eyes with her fingers. “You and your mother don’t want me here. Papa and Ron are the only ones in the world who care about me and now they’ve been kidnapped. It’s too much, just when I thought things might be all right.”
Virgil stepped their way.
Alexandra shook her head at Virgil and held onto Lula’s shoulder. “You’re wrong, Lula. I’ve always wanted a sister.”
Lula lowered her hands and met Alexandra’s gaze. “Ha, I don’t believe you.”
“You can ask Moriah Ferguson. I was at the counter when she received a letter from her sister. Months ago while the Singletons were still in England. Moriah and Felicity are such good friends and their closeness sounded so nice. I admitted to her that I’d always wanted a sister. I used to pretend Corrine was my sister instead of Evelyn’s.”
Lula tapped her chest. “Maybe, but you didn’t want me as part of your family.”
She couldn’t lie so she tried for misdirection. “Didn’t you think we had a nice time at the dressmaker’s shop? That milliner was awful but I had fun shopping with you. And, I enjoyed going to the drug store. Look how you helped me after I fell in the mud.”
Lula used her handkerchief to dab at her eyes. “That… that was like sisters, wasn’t it?”
Alexandra nodded. “If the kidnapping hadn’t happened, we’d be planning an afternoon tea for others our age to help you get acquainted. I planned for us to invite Moriah, Deborah, Felicity, and Corrine.”
Lula sniffed but met Alexandra’s gaze with a frown. “Truthfully?”
Alexandra clasped Lula’s hand in hers. “Yes, and we will as soon as Papa and Ron are safe. Please stop crying and help us figure out what to do to help them.” She gave her sister’s hands a squeeze and released them.
Lula pushed stray curls from her face. “I’m sorry I sort of fell apart. That’s not at all like me.” She took a deep breath and looked at Virgil. “What can we do?”
“You two remain here while Milton and I pursue this.”
Alexandra said, “We could help.” And she would, whether he wanted her help or not.
“Can you raise the ransom?” Virgil held up a hand. “I don’t mean for you to part with it, but I need to know if you can appear to raise the money.”
“I don’t know how much money Papa has.” Alexandra shook her head and smoothed her skirt, a nervous habit of hers. She caught herself and stopped. “I mean, we’ve just rebuilt and refurnished this house and Mama wanted the best. I’d be surprised if there was much in savings.”
Virgil rubbed his jaw. “Even if he had insurance that expense would still have been a drain. Would your mother know?”
Alexandra slumped against the back cushions. How sad that she knew so little about their finances. “Trust me, Lula and I know more than Mama. Papa did have insurance on the house but I don’t know about the furnishings.”
She sat up. “Mr. Pate would know how much money we have in our account. He’s head cashier and Papa said he’s really sharp.”
Virgil turned and used his hat to gesture to Milton. “Would you ask Fred to come here? We need his knowledge of the situation plus he needs to be informed.”
“Sure thing.” Milton left in a hurry.
Dr. Ross and Mrs. Connor came down the stairs.
The doctor nodded at Virgil then addressed the sisters. “Alyssa is resting and will be sound asleep until morning. I’ll be on my way unless you ladies need me.”
Alexandra forced a smile. “Thank you for coming, Dr. Ross. We know we can always depend on you. Lula and I are upset but neither of us requires a sedative.”
Mrs. Connor appeared exhausted. “If you don’t need me, I’ll go to bed. The doctor was kind enough to supply a sleeping powder.”
He turned to her. “Just enough to relax you so you can sleep.”
The housekeeper directed her gaze to Alexandra. “Wake me if you hear any news.”
“We will, Mrs. Connor. Thank you for helping Mama.” Alexandra rose to act as hostess and walked the doctor to the door. “Thank you again, Dr. Ross. Goodnight.”
She returned to the couch and folded her hands in her lap. “While we’re waiting on Mr. Pate, tell us what your plans are and what we’re to do.”
Virgil shifted from one foot to the other. “The two of you need to remain here in the house. There’ll be another note telling you where to take the ransom. Milton and I will go to the quarry and see if Lonnie’s there. If he’s not, then we’ll start asking questions and see if we can find him.”
Lula looked at Virgil. “But, I want to help.”
“Staying here will help. I can’t concentrate on looking for Byron and Ron if I have to watch out for you two.”
Alexandra glared at him. “We are neither babies nor invalids. You need not worry about us, Sheriff Witt.”
He grimaced. “Alexandra, don’t get huffy. I need your cooperation. The kidnapper will have to contact you about delivery of the ransom. When that happens, I’ll need one of you to let me know immediately.”
A knock on the door preceded Milton and Fred Pate entering.
The deputy appeared embarrassed. “I let myself in since I knew you’d be waiting.”
Virgil gestured them into the room. “Fred, come in and sit down. I guess Milton told you about the kidnapping. We need your help figuring out the ransom.”
Milton sat in another chair.
Mr. Pate pushed his hair from his eyes and sat in Mama’s chair. “This is a terrible thing to happen. Mr. Novak doesn’t have the five thousand in his account. I mean,
there are investments and he’s good for that and much more, but he’d be foolish to keep everything in cash.”
Alexandra leaned forward. “Can we raise the ransom?”
Fred nodded. “We’ll have to if I have to embezzle the amount.”
“Fred? Remember I’m here and heard that.” Virgil paced. “We’re not breaking any laws to catch the kidnapper and rescue Byron and Ron. Tell me what you know about the events leading up to this.”
“Byron should have foreclosed months ago. He gave Becknell a six-month extension because he felt sorry for the wife and children then waited another two months before he foreclosed. The quarry is a family business that Becknell’s father started and he did fairly well.”
Virgil sat beside Alexandra. “Recently there was a confrontation, wasn’t there?”
“Yes, the day you… um, the day Miss Novak fell into the mud and you tried to help her. Becknell came in about half past four. He was in Mr. Novak Sr.’s office but we could hear every word because of his shouting.”
Mr. Pate leaned back. “He said his wife had left him and taken the children and that it wasn’t his fault the business was in trouble. It was Scroggins fault and Mr. Novak’s fault, everyone’s but his own.”
Mr. Pate waved a hand dismissively. “You probably know Mr. Novak is a generous man. He has government rules to follow—though they change real often—and also a responsibility to the depositors. You wouldn’t believe all he has to put up with.”
Virgil said, “Back to Lonnie Becknell.”
“Mr. Novak told Becknell he’d given him all the time he could. Becknell told him he’d be sorry. He slammed the door so hard when he left the office it’s a wonder the glass didn’t shatter.”
Milton asked, “Can you think of anyone else who might have a grudge against the bank?”
“Not enough to kidnap the Novaks. Like I said, Mr. Novak is as lenient as he can be and stay within the rules. He’s even used his own money to make small loans for people who don’t have any collateral but who he feels will repay him. He’s been a hundred percent right so far.”
Alexandra held Lula’s hand. “I’m glad to learn of Papa’s generosity, aren’t you? I knew he was a good person, but I didn’t realize how good.”
Lula squeezed her hand. “Makes me proud to be his—” she paused and glanced around, “um, his kin.”
Virgil asked, “Fred, do you have keys to the bank for tomorrow?”
“Yes, I always get there a little early. I know where the combination to the safe is kept, although I’ve never opened it. We can get by even though it won’t be the same.”
Virgil clapped Mr. Pate on the shoulder. “Reckon you can get on home to sleep, Fred. Sorry to have bothered you but thank you for coming.”
Mr. Pate stood in front of the two women. “Sure sorry to hear what’s happened. I’ll help any way I can.”
He turned toward Virgil. “For now, I’ll go on back home if you’re sure there’s nothing I can do to help.”
Virgil said, “I doubt we’ll hear from the kidnapper tonight but I imagine he’ll contact Miss Novak tomorrow.”
With her mother sedated, Alexandra filled in as hostess. She took Mr. Pate’s arm. “Thank you for coming. I’ll walk you out.” When she returned to the parlor, the clock chimed nine o’clock.
Virgil shook his head. “Too late to talk to Ambrose Green tonight. He goes to bed about now. I’ll talk to him in the morning to see if he can add anything to what we know. You two might as well get to bed. Lock up down here first.”
Alexandra nodded. “I will.”
He took Alexandra’s arm and guided her in front of him. “I’ll walk with you while you lock the back and side doors.” He followed her to the kitchen and checked the corners and pantry for intruders.
When she’d locked the door, he pulled her toward him. “I give you my word I’ll find your father and brother. You must promise me you won’t take matters into your own hands.”
Guilt claimed her for she’d thought to do that very thing when he’d told her to let him take care of the matter. “I can’t promise, Virgil. You can imagine how much I want to help. If a way arises, I’ll be bound to do so.”
He brushed a stray curl back from her face. “Please, Alexandra. I don’t want anything to happen to you or Lula. I think she’ll follow you in whatever you do.”
“So, you’re worried about her?”
He cupped her face. “About you both, but not in the same way, as you should realize by now.”
“How could I? You’ve done everything in your power to chase me away.”
He pulled her against him. “The fact that I can’t afford you doesn’t mean I don’t want you. Any man would be a fool not to desire you for his own.”
She nestled her head against his broad chest. “Oh, Virgil, I’ve been attracted to you since you moved here five years ago. I remember the first time I saw you.”
“You don’t mean that? You were just a girl.”
“I was Lula’s age. You were barely old enough to be sheriff. I saw you when I was coming out of Papa’s bank. You were walking down the street with Mayor Paine. I was mesmerized. That moment is frozen in my mind forever.”
“Aw, Alexandra, sweetheart.” He tilted her face and kissed her. His soft kiss changed and his lips pressed firmly against hers.
She threw her arms around him and returned his kiss with fervor. His lips sent warmth swirling through her to pool in an embarrassing place. She wanted him closer, to hold him and be held forever.
He pulled away, his breathing as ragged as hers, and caressed her cheek. “What am I doing? Your father and brother are in danger and here I stand kissing you.”
“You’ve comforted me, Virgil. You have no idea how much I needed your arms around me. I’m trying to be strong, but so much has happened in the past year.”
“You’re resilient. Lula needs you to help her. She appears tough and calm most of the time, but she’s insecure. You helped her immensely tonight.” The gaze he sent her as he brushed his fingers along her cheek melted her bones. “We need to go back into the parlor, sweetheart.”
She rested her hands on his chest. “Oh, Virgil, am I your sweetheart? Really?”
“I can’t fight my feelings for you any longer.” His hand at her back guided her into the parlor.
Lula looked up from the couch. “I thought you two had gotten lost.” Her eyes were red from crying, but she grinned.
Alexandra returned the grin. “I’ll walk Virgil to the door.”
Lula called, “Virgil, Milton went to check the saloons and said he’d meet you at the jail.”
At the door, Virgil lingered. “Lock the door behind me. Don’t open it for anyone you don’t know.”
“Please take care of yourself.”
“I’ll check with you in the morning to see if there’s been another note, but I’ll talk to Ambrose Green first.” He pressed a quick kiss to her lips and closed the door behind him. She saw him through the beveled- and stained-glass insert in the top portion of the door. He waited until she shot home the bolt before he walked on his way.
When she returned to the parlor, Lula waited for her. “I’m glad at least that things are better between you and Virgil.”
“I am, too.” She returned to sit beside her sister. “I don’t know what to do. We need sleep but I don’t know if I can.”
Reaching a decision, Alexandra stood and held her hand out to Lula. “Let’s go upstairs to our beds where we can rest. Tomorrow will be even harder than this evening.”
Lula stood and held Alexandra’s hand as they walked toward the stairs. “When Virgil comes in the morning, perhaps he’ll have news for us. Should we take turns watching to see who delivers the next note?”
“I don’t think the kidnapper will be the one to deliver it. Would you? I’ll bet he hires some boy to bring it, someone who doesn’t know him.”
“Of course. That’s what I’d do. That or sneak up at night, but that’s risky.
>
Alexandra scoffed, “Phfft, so is kidnapping. Our shrubs offer concealment. Those at the front didn’t get burned in the fire.” She recalled hiding by them when she followed her father and Ron. A man could do the same.
At the top of the stairs, Alexandra paused by her door. She wasn’t certain whether she should offer or not. “You don’t have to sleep alone if you’d rather share my bed.”
The gratitude in Lula’s eyes made her glad she’d spoken. “I don’t want to be alone right now, do you?”
Alexandra shook her head. “No, every tiny noise would scare me. Why don’t you grab your nightgown and come to my room?”
In less than a minute, Lula was back. “Thank you, Alexandra. I dreaded going to my room to be alone while I’m so worried.”
Alexandra unfastened her dress and reached for her own nightgown. “What’s a big sister for if not to share problems?” She was surprised to realize she meant her comment.
Chapter Eleven
Back at the jail a couple of hours later, Virgil conferred with Milton.
Milton leaned his elbows on his knees. “I know Lonnie drinks at Robert’s Rest when he’s in town. He wasn’t there or at Sloan’s.”
“I looked up a couple of his former employees who live in town. According to Cliff Harper and Bill Marsing from the time they worked at the quarry, Lonnie always kept a bottle with him. He has to get them somewhere but there’re a dozen places close.” Using his desk as a table, he unfolded a map of the county.
“I’ll put this tack where his quarry is.” Virgil pressed hard enough to anchor the tack into the blotter underneath the map.
Milton leaned over the desk. “Closest place to liquor up would be Hilderbrand Corners.”
“Might be some little place closer.”Virgil brought out his magnifying glass. “Here. Doesn’t old man Cobb have a two-bit store about here on the Trinity River?”
“Yeah, I forgot about him.” Milton pointed to another place. “There’s Brady, too. I’ve suspected he makes moonshine as well. That’s the kind of operation that would appeal to Lonnie.”
Virgil rubbed at his jaw. “We have to be especially careful with a nut case like Lonnie involved. He’d as soon kill the Novaks as not.”
Alexandra's Awakening (Pearson Grove Book 2) Page 8
