Mae placed her hand on Miss Lady's thin shoulder and smiled down at her, careful to disguise all signs of frustration. Ever since the slight woman came to look after her when she was a toddler, Miss Lady always seemed to sense every one of her emotions. After so many years, Miss Lady was more a mother than her caregiver or housekeeper. Mae couldn't imagine living without her.
"Nothing you have to worry about, Miss Lady," she replied airily and bent to press a kiss on the soft mahogany cheek. "That damn Butch tried to get fresh with me in the back hallway, demanding and threatening as usual. I held him off and just now sent Ruby-Lynn over to placate him."
"We need to just get Big James to kick his no-good carcass out," Miss Lady huffed, scanning the room in search of her nemesis. "He'll think twice 'bout messin' with you. The man has no scruples."
The oversized bartender, James, looked over at hearing his name, and Mae shook her head to let him know all was well. If she could have done it, she'd have thrown Mason out a long time ago, but her hands were bound. "Now, Miss Lady, don't you go fretting. You know I can take care of myself. Besides, Captain McClain happened by and Butch went on his way."
"Did he now?" Miss Lady cackled. "I bet the handsome Captain told him a thing or two about bothering you. He is a good man, sees after his own."
Mae took a breath and looked about the room to see if the object of their conversation had returned from out back. Perhaps the Captain had left after all. "No, Miss Lady, he didn't say anything to Butch. Probably thought we were fooling around. You know John McClain always thinks the worst of me." Her chest constricted, she forced the annoyance away. It did not matter what the man thought of her. After all, most people would agree with him.
"Well no matter what he thinks, a man should always come to the aid of a lady." Miss Lady huffed and patted her hand. "I think he sees you with different eyes -- as what you are. And you is worthy, Mae Hawkins."
"Look, Miss Lady, that boy is dragging Janelle out to dance. He's about to get some sore feet. You know she can't dance a lick." Mae purposely changed the subject and was grateful when Miss Lady began to chuckle and clap along with the music. Glad for the reprieve from Miss Lady's implying that she should be treated like a lady, Mae moved away to circle about the room and greet customers.
Just then, one of her girls stuck her head out from the hallway and scanned the room until locking on Mae. Pale and shaking, the girl beckoned frantically.
At seeing her pallid face, Mae hurried closer. "Are you all right? Calm down before you attract attention. Whatever is the matter with you?"
The girl's mouth opened, but no sound came up. She held one hand flat against her chest and pointed toward the kitchen with the other. "I think there's a dead man out back. He's laid out on the ground." She heaved a shaky breath. "I went out to get fresh air and tripped over him."
Her heart quickened, and Mae released a gasp, but quickly recovered and forced a calm façade. "Goodness. I will fetch James. Now you go upstairs and splash cold water on your face, then stay there and get some rest. And don't say a word to anyone." The girl's head bobbed up and down, and she flew from the entryway up the stairs.
Mae turned away and took her time walking through the saloon, trying not to rouse any suspicion. Once she reached the bar, she waited to get James' attention and whispered for the burly bartender to follow her. "Wait just a few moments. I don't want to attract unwarranted notice," she instructed, and the man gave a barely-perceptible nod in return. Mae stopped to make small talk as she made her way out of the saloon, dreading what she'd find once she exited the house.
Who could it be? No one is missing.
The kitchen door remained open, and the cool breeze blew through the airy space, but she barely noticed in her rush to see who the unfortunate person was. Mae picked up her skirts and stepped through the doorway.
At first she didn't see anyone, her eyes not adjusting to the darkness, then she looked straight down and froze. A pale John McClain lay sprawled on the ground, eyes shut, not moving.
About the Author
Whether a rancher, a highlander or a hunky cowboy, you will fall in love with Hildie McQueen's heroes!
Hello, Dear Reader. Writing is my dream come true. There is nothing I love more than bringing my characters and stories to life and sharing them with you.
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Where The Four Winds Collide Page 21
