The elderly woman gasped. “Who would do such a thing?”
“We think it was a man named Lonnie Becknell. The sheriff and his deputy are out trying to find him now.”
“That makes me so angry I could eat a bug. Sounds like something that worthless Lonnie would do. As if having your lovely home burn wasn’t enough of a trial for your family.”
Alexandra helped her up the steps to her porch. “You know Lonnie Becknell?”
“I’m sorry to say I do. His mother was my cousin from my mother’s side. Poor Odelia had a terrible life. Her husband wasn’t worth much, but at least he was better than that lazy Lonnie.”
Lula opened the door for Mrs. Tucker to go inside her home. “If he’s not at the quarry, the sheriff will be stumped.”
Mrs. Tucker sat in a chair and tapped a finger to her chin. “He’s probably on that wreck of a boat he keeps on the Trinity River. When I saw it years ago it looked like it wouldn’t last another day but I’ve heard he’s living there since his wife left him.”
Excited, Alexandra leaned down to hug the lady’s shoulders. “Thank you, Mrs. Tucker. You may have saved my father and brother’s lives. We never knew about the houseboat.”
Mrs. Tucker tutted. “Calling it that is generous. It was an old sand dredge but Lonnie and his father decided to build a little shack on it for fishing. As I recall, he had a bed and cookstove but no real comforts. Odelia and I didn’t linger there.”
The elderly woman shook her head and gave a dismissive wave. “Oh, my dear, that Lonnie isn’t worth the bullet it would take to shoot him. I hope you lovely girls soon have your kin back safe and sound. Virgil is a good sheriff so I’m sure he’ll find the two Mr. Novaks.”
Alexandra asked, “Can you tell us how to reach this boat?”
“It’s hard to describe. Let me get a pencil and paper and make you a map.”
When they had the map that Mrs. Tucker had drawn and explained, Alexandra hugged her again. “I can’t thank you enough.”
Lula hugged Mrs. Tucker. “Thank you from me, too. We’ll visit you when this is over and tell you all the details.”
“I’ll hold you to that promise.”
After they’d left Mrs. Tucker’s, the two of them went back to retrieve Buddy. Alexandra was so elated she could skip—or fly. Freddie walked with them. Buddy cavorted and tugged to get ahead as if he knew where he was going.
Chapter Thirteen
Virgil and Milton checked several places before they gave up. About six o’clock they rode into Pearson Grove and went straight to the Novak house.
Freddie Pate rushed up to take the reins of their horse. “Miss Novak said I’m to take care of your horses and you’re to go in for dinner.”
Virgil dismounted. “What if we’d gone straight to the jail?” He beat the dust off his clothes.
Freddie giggled. “Ervin Miller is waiting with his father to tell you to come here. Well, he was. By now they’ve probably left a note on the door and gone home.”
Milton climbed to the ground and used his hat to slap at the dirt. Dust and horsehair flew from him.
Virgil gave Freddie a quarter. “Thanks, Freddie. We’ve had a hard day. I could sure use a hot meal. Would you check with your mother and see if you can stay here tonight?”
“As soon as I take care of your horses, I’ll run home and ask. I know she’ll let me, though. We’re awful grateful to Mr. Novak for hiring Pa.”
Virgil smiled at the boy. “Good lad.”
Freddie led the horses toward the carriage house stalls and Virgil headed for the house.
Milton kept in step with him. “I’m hungry enough to eat anything, including my boot.”
When the door opened, Alexandra and Lula both stood just inside with his dog. Alexandra wore what looked like her brother’s britches, with the legs rolled up so she could walk. A wide ribbon tied them at the waist. Her hair was braided and the plaits wrapped in a sort of bun on top of her head.
“Buddy?” He hugged his dog but he looked at Alexandra. “You ladies were supposed to stay here today. Alexandra, why are you dressed like that?”
She took their hats. “We’ll answer all your questions. First, go into the kitchen. We’re eating informally there.”
Plenty of questions popped into his head as he proceeded toward the kitchen.
Lula gestured to the kitchen table. “Please be seated. Mrs. Connor, a saint of a woman, is with Mrs. Novak. Alexandra and I cooked supper but the other ladies have already had theirs.”
Milton plopped onto a chair and tucked the napkin across his lap. “Real nice of you to feed us.”
Virgil sat down across from his deputy and narrowed his eyes at the woman he figured was the ringleader of whatever plot was afoot. “What’s going on?”
Sweet as if sugar melted in her mouth, Alexandra carried a large tureen to the table. “We thought you’d be hungry and so are we.”
Lula carried a skillet of cornbread. “We have apple pie for dessert.”
“Since we weren’t sure what time you’d return, we made stew because it can simmer a long time if necessary. The cornbread is still warm because it’s been resting on the range shelf.” She filled a bowl with steaming stew and set it in front of him then did the same for the others.
Lula poured coffee for the four of them then cut the cornbread and set the skillet on the table. She passed the butter to him.
Alexandra said the blessing and added a plea for safety for her father and brother and those rescuing them.
All he and Milton had had to eat today was jerky he kept in his saddlebags. The stew’s aroma was too tempting to resist.
Around bites of the delicious meal, he speared Alexandra with a glare. “Start talking, Miss Novak.”
A wide smile appeared on her face and her blue eyes sparkled. “The most wonderful thing happened. Lula and I found where we think Papa and Ron are being kept.”
He paused. “Where?”
“That man who you said probably kidnapped them has an old houseboat where he’s supposedly living now. It’s on the Trinity River.”
“The devil you say.” He exchanged a glance with Milton. That would explain why they hadn’t found a trace of him. “Who told you and how reliable is the information?”
“The strangest coincidence happened. Mrs. Tucker is his mother’s cousin. She’s the one who said that’s where he’s been living since his wife left him. She was there years ago and drew a map for us.”
He extended his hand. “May I see this map?”
She made no move to hand over the drawing. “Maybe. We have to negotiate first.”
He pinched the bridge of his nose. He should have known she’d plot to go with him and Milton.
Virgil lowered his hand to the table. “Alexandra, these are the lives of your father and brother. Don’t play games.”
She huffed. “Lula doesn’t know how to swim, so she’s elected to stay here. I can swim like a fish and I intend to go with you.”
He leaned toward her. “How can I make you comprehend my position? N. O. As in no way are you getting involved. You think I want you killed or badly injured? You stay here and wait for us while we do our job.”
Tears in her eyes, she rose. “May I speak to you privately, Sheriff?” She gestured toward the front of the house.
He exchanged glances with Milton then rose and followed her.
When they were in the parlor, she punched his chest with her finger. “You need to understand why I have to go, Sheriff Witt. My own brother said he was ashamed of me for the way I acted with Scott and with Lula. Papa hinted at the same thing. I hurt Lula’s feelings even though she’s being nice about it.”
She heaved a few breaths and pleaded, “Don’t you see I’m trying to redeem myself and help with the rescue? You simply have to let me go with you.”
He stood and grasped her shoulders. “Alexandra, our investigation proves Lonnie Becknell has crossed from being a bit touched to complete madness. Be reasonable.
You don’t realize what’s at risk.”
She raised her chin so she could meet his eyes. Her blue eyes sparked with indignation. “I certainly do—lives are in peril. Believe me when I say with or without you, I’m going to that boat. Unless we do something fast Papa and Ron will die. So, stop arguing and finish your meal so we can get moving.”
What was he to do about this woman? He knew her stubbornness and realized she meant her threat. If he didn’t take her with Milton and him, she’d likely sneak out there on her own and get herself and others blown to kingdom come.
Virgil exhaled a breath. He might as well keep her where he could protect her. “Do you give me your word you’ll follow my instructions?”
“You’ll let me go with you?” She threw her arms around his neck.
“Only because I figure you’ll go on your own and get all of us in trouble or yourself killed. As much as it goes against your nature, you have to do as I say.”
She lowered her arms and backed up a step. “I will. You’ll be glad I’m along, you’ll see. Let’s finish eating so we can leave.”
He couldn’t win with her. He followed her back to the kitchen and resumed his place. He exchanged glances with Milton and rolled his eyes. Virgil was convinced he would not be glad she was along. She would be in the way and hinder their progress.
He turned to Lula. “You’ll be all right. If you have any problems, send for Claud Miller or Scott Ferguson. I’ve asked Freddie Pate to spend the night here so he can take messages for you if he’s needed.”
“That’s a wonderful idea.” Lula sliced the pie and handed each of them a slice.
Virgil picked up his fork. He cut a bite and forked it into his mouth. The crust was too thick but the filling tasted good. “Who made the pie?”
Alexandra beamed like a lantern. “I did. It’s the first one I’ve made.”
Milton scraped his plate. “Nice meal. Appreciate it.”
Lula pushed her chair back and stood. “Would anyone like seconds?”
Virgil shook his head. “We need to get on our way.” He turned to Alexandra. “Do you have a horse saddled?”
She shot him a superior glance. “Waiting in the carriage house with yours. Two others are waiting to take with us for Ron and Papa to ride home.”
“Then, let’s go.” He had to admit she’d planned ahead. Now he hoped they’d find the Novak men and rescue them and that the two would be in condition to ride. He grabbed his hat and clamped it on his head.
Milton was on his heels and did the same thing.
Alexandra planted her hat firmly on her head. “I figure from a distance at night, I’ll look like a man.”
She could think that if she wanted to. To him she looked all woman, whether in a dress or those ridiculous britches.
***
If Alexandra hadn’t been so worried about her father and brother, she’d have been euphoric. She was too nervous to wait patiently at home while Virgil and Milton rescued Papa and Ron. Surely she could be of help.
Clouds drifted to obscure the quarter moon’s scant moonlight from time to time. A light breeze perfumed the air with late summer scents. In spite of the warm weather, she’d worn long sleeves as protection if they passed through brush. In addition, she remembered being on the water lowered the air’s temperature.
They rode for what seemed like hours. Her legs and bottom were reminding her she hadn’t been riding lately. She would never complain. Never.
When the river came in view, the scene resembled a painting her parents had in the parlor. Serene and peaceful. Except for the odd-looking boat. Hard to reconcile the beauty of the site with what Papa and Ron must be experiencing.
As they approached the river, Virgil reined to a stop. He spoke low, “According to Mrs. Tucker’s map, this is the right boat. Lonnie may or may not be there.”
Milton added, “Let’s hope he’s at Robert’s Roost drinking his fill about now.”
Alexandra leaned toward Virgil. “Mrs. Tucker said Lonnie buys a lot of his liquor from a little riverside store called Brady’s. Mr. Brady is kin on Lonnie’s Becknell side. She figured he’s on his boat drinking himself unconscious.”
Virgil muttered under his breath. “You were right, Milton.” Virgil dismounted and dropped his horse’s reins.
Alexandra climbed off her horse and clung to the saddle a few seconds before she looped her reins loosely around a branch. Then, she did the same with the reins of the two extra horses she’d been leading. Obviously Virgil’s horse was trained to stand when his reins were on the ground, but hers wasn’t.
She sent up a prayer that they’d be taking Papa and Ron home. They hadn’t brought a horse for Lonnie. Perhaps he kept one near the boat. As far as she was concerned, the horrid man could walk all the way to the jail.
Milton sounded angry. “After this is over, I plan to raid that lying Brady.”
Virgil clapped him on the back. “We will. No telling what else the man is doing.”
They walked as quietly as men in boots could manage. The so-called houseboat had a light glowing. The place appeared to be a shanty. The boat wasn’t moored to the dock but anchored about the center of the river. A small rowboat was tied to—she had no idea of the navigational term—the end.
Virgil muttered to himself before he said, “Bad luck, looks like Lonnie is there. Only way to get on board is swim.”
Alexandra whispered, “Maybe he’s passed out drunk.”
He held her by her arm. “Are you listening, Alexandra? Wait here while I go investigate.”
He scratched an X in the dirt with the toe of his boot and pointed at it. “Don’t move from this spot. Understand?”
She looked into his face even though the night concealed most of his features. “I do.”
She tiptoed and kissed him. “See you don’t get shot, sheriff.”
He caressed her cheek. “That’s my plan. Milton, I’ll signal as soon as I see what’s what.”
She asked, “How can I help?”
He pointed at the X. “Stand or sit right there unless I call you. I imagine your father will be in a bad way and will need your care.”
She gasped and wrung her hands.
Virgil melted into the shadows. She was surprised a man as large as he was could move without making any noise. At the water’s edge, he removed his boots and his gun belt and placed his hat on them.
She leaned toward the deputy. “Is he carrying his gun in his teeth?”
Milton’s gaze never wavered from the sheriff. “Has to keep the rounds dry. I’m afraid he’ll need that gun. Man, firing it sure will be dangerous with all that old dynamite in there.”
Her stomach hit her feet and she thought she might collapse as she kept track of Virgil’s head moving through the water. “Old… old dynamite? Neither of you mentioned there was dynamite there. What does the old part mean?”
He shifted his weight from one leg to the other. “Um, forget I said that, will you? Virgil would pound my face in if he knew I shot off my mouth.”
“Milton Sprouse, I’ll pound your face right now if you don’t explain.”
“Aw, Miss Novak. Virgil’s gonna kill me.” He explained about the leaking dynamite they’d found and how dangerous it was.
“You believe he has this crate of old sticks on the boat?”
“We reckon so. Neither of us thinks Lonnie plans to release your father or brother. He’s crazy and has it in his head they’re to blame for all his misfortune. We figure he’ll keep them alive until he has the money, though.”
Her heart skipped a beat. “That’s only a few more hours.”
He patted her arm. “Plenty long enough for Virgil, you watch now. Sure lucky you found out about this boat if that’s where they are.”
Her legs would support her no longer. She sat on the damp ground. Virgil reached the boat and appeared to listen before he climbed aboard midway of the structure. He paused briefly then signaled to Milton.
“Wait here. We’ll signa
l you if we need you.” He sped to the water’s edge and repeated Virgil’s routine of stacking boots, gun belt, and hat before he slipped into the river.
Chapter Fourteen
Virgil shoved his revolver into his waistband and continued listening.
Lonnie sneered at Byron and Ron, promising them retribution for foreclosing on his business. Neither man answered, which was a bad sign. Virgil peeked through a window. Sure enough, both men were there, not gagged but each tied.
The leaking box of dynamite set closest to Ron. Virgil watched Lonnie drink from a whiskey bottle. His back was to the window so Virgil risked letting the Novaks see him. Both looked to have been beaten.
Byron sagged and didn’t look up. Ron looked directly at the window and raised his chin slightly. At least Ron knew help was on the way—if Virgil could figure out a way to do so without the Novaks or him or Milton dying. He’d like to capture Lonnie alive, curse his sorry hide. Virgil’s main objective was to save Byron and Ron.
Lonnie waved his arms around and looked as if he was turning. Virgil quickly bent so his shape wouldn’t be visible from the interior. Milton reached the boat’s hull.
As quietly as possible, Virgil helped his deputy on board. “He’s still upright but drinking heavily. I figure he’ll fall into a stupor soon. Let’s wait. As long as he’s ranting, they’re all right.”
Milton lay on his stomach. “Left your woman sitting on that X. Told her we’d signal if we needed her.”
There was no point trying to deny she was his woman. He would work on that dilemma if he got out of this alive. “If she stays there, it’ll be a miracle.”
They spent uncomfortable time listening to the crazed ranting of the man inside. The breeze wasn’t stiff but they were wet through and through and Virgil was uncomfortably cool.
Milton shivered. “Cold out here on the water.”
Lonnie leveled blame for his misfortune at everyone but himself. “Don’t think I’m letting my wife get away with leaving me. Or her father up and selling my home out from under me. That’s no way to treat family. I’ll show them the business end of my gun, see if I don’t. Then, when I have the ransom money, I’ll take my kids to California.”
Alexandra's Awakening (Pearson Grove Book 2) Page 10
