Manny's Triumph: Sequel (Secrets In Idyll Wood Book 2)

by Marisa Masterson

  “Let’s just leave your papers here and walk to my father’s bank.” The steadiness of his voice impressed Manny since he was a jumble of hope and fear at seeing his father again.

  Carlene turned and stared at him for a moment. Then she nodded but didn’t comment. Manny wondered if her silence betrayed her anxiousness at meeting her father-in-law.

  A familiar face headed toward them as they moved down the boardwalk towards the bank. Carl Sittig wore a crooked grin and a vacant expression as he stopped in front of Manny and Carlene to stare at them.

  “I know you,” the man said with a slur to his voice. “Why do I know you?”

  Manny couldn’t keep the disgust out of his voice. “Of course you know me, Carl. We’re friends. It’s me, Manny and this is my wife Carlene.” Then even though he knew what a struggle it was to stay sober, Manny couldn’t resist the jab, “Isn’t it too early in the day to be drunk?”

  Carl shook his dark head. “No, not you. Her. I know her. Ma told me my twin died, but here she is. She even has a name like mine.” Carl lunged toward her and Carlene dropped her hand from Manny’s arm to quickly move away as Carl tried to embrace her.

  Manny yanked his arm so he couldn’t reach Carlene. Thankfully, Sheriff Redmond had noticed Carl’s odd behavior and was moving in their direction. As soon as Carl noticed him, the man disappeared down a shadowy alley.

  When the sheriff reached them, he asked, “Has Carl been telling you anything?”

  Both Manny and Carlene turned to look at each other with confusion. Odd that the sheriff wasn’t interested in the odd behavior he’d just witnessed. All he wanted to know was what Carl might have said?

  Manny assured the lawman, “He wasn’t telling any stories if that’s what you mean. Said something odd though.”

  Redmond stiffened at that. “Odd? Did it have anything to do with the accident?”

  This was news to Manny. “Carl had an accident? What happened?”

  Redmond gave an eerie laugh in response to Manny’s question. “Didn’t ya notice a strange look in his eye and maybe some slurring when he talked? Beat near to death last month at the same time that Ralph was killed. The man hasn’t been right in the head since.”

  That news shocked Manny. “I thought Ralph was in jail with my brother.”

  “Nah, I let him go. That same night someone made a bloody mess of him and Carl.” The sheriff shook his head as if the news was distressing, but Manny noted an oddly smile on his face.

  Something about this conversation made Manny uncomfortable so he rushed to let the sheriff know what had happened. He just wanted to get his wife away from the man. “I thought he was drunk. He didn’t act too different from that. Had to keep him away from my wife.” Manny noticed the sheriff look to Carlene with a quizzical gaze so he rushed on to explain before the man expected her to do so. “He thinks Carlene is his dead twin.”

  “Is that so? Queer goof. Well as long as he didn’t tell you about his beating, it don’t much matter to me.” With that, the sheriff tipped his hat to Carlene and cautioned, “Don’t think Halderson is too happy you took off on him, little lady. Best be on guard.” Chuckling, he left them alone in front of the bank.

  Chilled by the sheriff’s laugh in the face of a threat to his wife, Manny moved her quickly along the street so he could get her into the safety of the bank. Escorting his wife inside, Manny greeted a man standing behind the bars of a teller cage. “Howdy Robert.” At the startled expression on the man’s face, he laughed. “Yep, it’s me. But no worries. I’m not back to steal your job.”

  Manny turned to Carlene. “This is Robert Miller. I went to school with him.” Proudly he introduced, “Robert, this is my wife Carlene.”

  A loud harrumph forestalled any response Robert might have given. Manny’s father stood in the open doorway of his office. He glowered at them before commanding, “Almanzo Strong, bring the young lady and come into my office.” Without waiting for a response, he left the doorway and disappeared back into his office.

  Probably like any orphan, Carlene had imagined her father appearing one day at the orphanage. He would sweep her up into his strong arms. With his cheek pressed to her he would say, through tears, “My precious girl. I’ve finally found you!”

  Her father-in-law wasn’t fulfilling her ideas about a father. He didn’t seem glad to see the son who’d disappeared months before. In fact, she thought the man might be angry that he’d come back.

  Arm in arm, they’d followed him into the office. The man had already seated himself behind his desk, making it clear he didn’t intend to welcome either of them with a hug. With a raised eyebrow, he gestured for them to sit.

  “Well, young man, do you expect to work once again at the job you abandoned? You won’t find me so forgiving,” the man said with a growl to his voice.

  Manny jumped up from the seat he’d just taken and leaned over his father’s desk. “Sir, I have a job and a home. I simply wanted to introduce my wife and let you know where I will be living.”

  A small smile appeared on the man’s face. The man seemed to like Manny’s show of aggression, Carlene thought with some confusion. Just what kind of father was this?

  With a tinge of satisfaction in his voice, the older man rubbed a hand across his chin. “Well, maybe you can make something more of yourself besides just being a pathetic drunk.” After biting out that insult, he too rose. “I’ve met her. What else do you want?”

  Carlene was surprised that he asked no questions about where Manny had been or even truly acknowledged her presence. The man seemed anxious to shove Manny once again out of his life.

  Holding out his hand, Manny helped her to rise. As they were about to leave the small office his father sent one parting shot their way, “No matter what you may say during the trial, your brother will be a free man soon. Don’t think he’ll forgive your betrayal.”

  As soon as they were on the street in front of the bank, Manny started to shake. The tremors were light at first, but soon she could feel them as she gripped his arm. Even though the behavior was inappropriate, she hugged her arms around his waist and squeezed. In a low, comforting voice she urged, “You don’t need him. I’ve never had a father and I’m getting along okay. Especially since I have you.”

  At that comment, he snorted. She pulled back to look into his eyes. Doubt, fear, and hurt were plainly evident there. “Whether you are Manly who works in a logging camp or Manny Strong who has a nasty father, I like you. Never doubt that.” After that, she took his arm again and they returned to the buggy.

  At the mercantile, Carlene met Mr. and Mrs. Olsen who welcomed her warmly to Idyll Wood and their store. Though Mrs. Olsen was constantly busy filling orders or cleaning, Mr. Olsen leaned on the counter and gossiped. He yammered on as Carlene selected items and she all but tuned out his talk about the people she didn’t know.

  When he mentioned the strange death of Ralph Stinson, something the sheriff had also talked about, she listened more closely. “Funny that the sheriff let him out of jail when I heard he all but confessed to kidnapping Zelly Fuller. Ralph stopped here just after getting out. Told him to take himself off as I didn’t want his trade. All the while he was here, the man kept muttering about white slavers. As if there was such a thing! Mr. Halderson certainly didn’t appreciate the lies Ralph spread about him.”

  As Mr. Olsen mentioned Halderson’s name, the bell above the front door jingled. Carlene looked over her shoulder and recognized the desk clerk from the hotel. The man looked around the store and then headed straight for her. Stopping in front of her he pointed a finger in her face and hissed, “Best keep mum about anything you think you heard at the hotel.” With a nod in Manny’s direction, the man went out the door.

  So far, some of Idyll Wood’s residents didn’t seem too welcoming. Sighing, she looked up into Manny’s face. “I’m glad we aren’t living in this crazy town.”

  He patted her hand and then paid Mrs. Olsen. Carlene hurried out to the buggy
while Mr. Olsen and Manny loaded their purchases into it. For the second time in her life, she felt the strong urge to escape from Idyll Wood.

  The couple spent the next few days doing whatever Greta Hoffman needed so there was little time to work on the cabin. Each evening, Carlene cleaned while Manny repaired the roof of the cabin, following Mr. Hoffman’s weakly whispered instructions on how to do so.

  Carlene didn’t feel like they would be truly married until they moved into the cabin together. Manny continued to sleep on the floor each night rather than share the cozy bed in which she slept. He started each night in the bed with her, kissing and touching. When his breathing became faster and grew ragged, he always left her to lay on a pallet on the floor. Stubborn man!

  This night they had moved their belongings into the small home. Lars and Sven helped them carry everything across the field, chattering about the fun of living in a cabin rather than a boring old house. To young boys, she supposed it must sound like an adventure.

  Moving to the rope bed that stood unmade in the corner, Carlene made sure to tighten the ropes. After all, she’d learned the rhyme as most children did. Good night. Sleep tight, and don’t let the bedbugs bite. Sleeping tight was a reminder to be sure the ropes were taut before getting into bed. Tonight, she wanted a firm and cozy bed. Keeping that in mind, she made the bed and covered it with a lovely wedding ring quilt the pastor’s wife had given them as a wedding gift.

  While she unpacked, the boys nosed around the cabin and played with the old pump that stood outside, near the backdoor. Just before dark, she pointed them toward home and remind them that their mother had said to come directly home.

  Once the boys were gone, Carlene stood on her tiptoes while she pulled her husband’s face down. Then she kissed him.

  He pulled back and ducked his head. “I’d better check a couple of the animals in the barn.” As he headed to the door, Carlene beat him to it and stood, arms akimbo, in front of it.

  She wanted to glare at him. Oh, the man could be frustrating! Rather than glowering at him, she forced a warm smile on her face as she gently chided him in a sweet tone. “Now, we both know there aren’t any animals to check on. What is it that keeps you from wanting me?”

  There! She’d said it. The elephant in the room was being addressed. Would this change anything?

  While she watched, Manny’s Adam’s apple bobbed nervously and he ducked his head. Then he looked at her, letting her clearly see the intensely longing in his eyes. “What if I am nothing but a pathetic drunk?”

  Wanting to giggle at the lost little boy sound in his voice, Carlene schooled her features into a solemn expression and stepped closer to him. Putting her hands on each side of his face she spoke softly, “You are a man who has the courage to daily battle your demons and don’t take the drink I’m sure you crave. I’ve read about it in newspaper articles.”

  When he didn’t say anything, she continued. “You are the man who works hard each day to provide and had the good sense to bring us here where not only do we have a warm home but are also badly needed.” Pausing she stared up into the face she cradled between her palms. “You are the man who is making my dreams of home and family come true and you are the man I want.”

  Suddenly, Manny swept her off her feet and twirled her around the room. They both began laughing. It was the joy of being together. A celebration focused on the future, releasing the chains of the past.

  Setting her feet again on the floor, Manny lowered his head to hers and kissed her. At first, it was a gentle seeking. Then, as the pressure of his mouth grew more intense, Carlene had the satisfying feeling that he would truly be her husband before the night was over.

  Chapter 6

  As enjoyable as it was to see his friend again, Manny dreaded the reason that Hart was back.

  The day after they moved into the cabin, Manny and Carlene walked hand in hand to the main house. He stopped them behind the barn and leaned down to give his wife a lingering kiss. Then, whistling happily, he swung her arm as they walked up to the porch.

  Mrs. Hoffman met them on the porch with a basket. “Carlene, I’ve no eggs left. Please go poke around those nests for some. And Manny, the cows are waiting for you.” The fact that the woman didn’t greet them before giving her instructions alerted Manny. He looked at her closely and noted her tightly-held mouth and her wrinkled forehead. Mr. Hoffman must have had a bad night.

  Over breakfast, the Andersen boy rode up with a telegram. Concerned, Mrs. Hoffman held it with shaking hands. After reading it, she gave her first smile of the day to the people gathered around the breakfast table. “Hart is arriving today.”

  Hart Bahr and his wife Zelly had arrived on the train late that afternoon. Mrs. Hoffman sent Manny in with the buggy to pick them up, giving both men time to reconnect on the trip back to the farm.

  At first, the three only shared pleasantries about health and the weather. Then Manny asked, “You’re back for the trial, right?”

  Hart somberly shook his head. “Not just for the trial. I’m worried about my uncle. In her letters, Aunt Greta makes it out like the man is dying.” Hart picked up his wife’s hand and Manny wondered if Hart was trying to comfort her or himself by holding it. He looked to Manny as he asked, “Is it as bad as she makes out?”

  Manny sat silently for a moment. When he spoke, it was with a great deal of pain evident in his voice. “Sorry to say it, but Mr. Hoffman seems to get worse every time I see him. He barely has the energy at times to explain tasks to me and never can come to the barn.”

  Zelly let out a quiet cry. “Rebecca will have to come home. No matter how sick that baby is making her feel…” Her husband cut her off with a reassuring squeeze of her hand and a low shush.

  In a voice that betrayed his fatigue and sadness, he thanked Manny. “I like my job and my new home. It’s so great for you to be there on the farm so I don’t have to move back.”

  His words made Manny feel like he was doing something more important than just milking cows and feeding the animals. And maybe he was. After all, he was seeing a family through one of the toughest things people can experience.

  Feeling good about helping not only the Hoffmans but also his friend, Manny assured him that he enjoyed being on the farm. “Glad to be here to help them. But, you know, come next spring, I’d sure like for you to be here for a few days to teach me how to plant the fields. I get the cold sweats just thinking about everything I don’t know. And it’s embarrassing how much the young boys have to teach me each day.” Manny shook his head as he said those last words.

  Once at the house, Sven and Lars met them as the buggy pulled up in front of the house, with both boys jumping and waving their arms like anxious puppies. They grabbed onto first Zelly’s green skirt and then Hart’s wool-clad legs, giggling with the joy of once again seeing people who had been a part of their daily lives just a few months prior.

  Over a meal of roast beef, mashed potatoes, and green beans canned the summer before, Zelly and Carlene began what promised to be a warm friendship. Since Carlene didn’t possess a shy bone in her body and Zelly, though hesitant around strangers, sincerely liked her at first sight, they carried on an easy back and forth conversation.

  This left Manny and Hart free to speak with the Hoffmans during the meal. From Hart’s expression, Manny knew he was realizing just how true his aunt’s letters had been. Hart’s uncle was dying.

  Later in their cabin, cuddled under the quilt, Carlene rested her head on Manny’s bare shoulder and sighed. “I like Zelly and her husband. I felt terrible as I watched Hart at the dinner table. It was as if he was already mourning his uncle, but the man isn’t dead yet.”

  A sleepy Manny only responded with a slow, “mmm,” so he continued. “I was surprised that Mr. Hoffman didn’t already see the doctor. When the man comes tomorrow, maybe he will be able to help.”

  Manny opened his eyes and rose above her. “If you’re going to talk and keep me awake, I think I can find a better u
se for your mouth.”

  Smiling, Carlene puckered up her lips. She gloried in Manny’s attention.

  Laughing, he leaned down and he pecked her lips. “This wasn’t what I meant by a better use for your mouth. We need to be praying rather than worrying.”

  Carlene nodded. “Yes, of course. Tomorrow morning, I will take up my beads and pray…”

  Shaking his head, Manny interrupted her. “We can pray together right now. Pastor Nillson taught me a verse that helps me remember to speak to the Lord each morning. It’s I Peter 5:7. ‘Casting all your cares upon him; for he careth for you.’ It means we can come directly to Jesus and pray about anything that touches our hearts.”

  Taking her hand, Manny began, at first hesitantly, to pray aloud. He asked for wisdom for the doctor and healing for Mr. Hoffman. Carlene felt somehow closer to him at that moment than she even did when their bodies were joined.

  When he finished his prayer, Manny looked at her quizzically, as if he wanted to be sure she wouldn’t condemn him for praying. She hugged him and asked, “When you read your bible in the morning, will you read it aloud.”

  He nodded and smiled. Carlene had a satisfied feeling that they truly were becoming a family.

  The next morning, Dr. Weber fought his way into the house. Carlene considered it a fight since Mr. Hoffman had pulled himself up out of the rocking chair and stubbornly stood in the doorway to refuse the doctor entrance. The man swayed and weakly held onto the doorframe and the doctor waited him out.

  When his possible patient’s legs began to buckle, the doctor rushed forward and caught him. Then he carried him inside to the bedroom indicated by Mrs. Hoffman. Once there, he checked the weakened man over.

  Carlene, who had followed them to the bedroom, shut the door as the examination began and returned to her work. A yell startled her as did Mr. Hoffman’s words, “I’m not giving you any pee.”

  Soon though the doctor appeared, holding a glass jar containing yellow liquid. Moving to the kitchen window which provided the best light, he held up the jar. Then he lowered it.