Wishing he could have stopped such a travesty from occurring in the first place, Noah pushed his emotions aside and performed his duty. Despite how still and pale she looked, there was still hope. He touched the side of her throat to check for a pulse.
As Derrick prayed fervently to the heavens above, Noah felt a faint, but steady beat beneath his fingers. Leaning near her face, he could feel the soft warmth of her shallow breath on his cheek. With a deep sigh, he reported, "She's alive."
Derrick closed his eyes for a moment. "Thank you, merciful God." He opened his eyes again, and turned to him. "What can we do for our sister now?"
Noah was already removing his coat. "We cover her, keep her warm. That's all we can do until Thad comes back with the doc, and a wagon." He draped the coat over her, leaving her face uncovered so she could get what little air she was able to draw.
As they sat there on the damp ground, watching over Miss Smart and waiting for help to arrive, he tried to control his emotions. The river of anger raging inside him was a stark contrast to the calm, babbling flow of the creek in front of him. How someone could be so brutal, so crass, and so cruel to a sweet person like Miss Smart was beyond his realm of understanding. She was a schoolteacher for Heaven's sake, a pillar of town, and a doting caretaker for a child not her own. She didn't deserve to be treated this way; ravaged and left for dead in some lonely forest.
He had no idea how long it took for Thad to return with Doc Wilkins, but by the time the mayor's son and the old Doc arrived, Noah was fairly seething. As Derrick, the Doc, and Thad carefully lifted Janice and got her into the Doc' wagon, he strode to Justice. The stallion stood obediently rooted to the spot he'd left him.
After he'd made sure Miss Smart was secured, he turned his horse toward town and took off at full gallop.
Posse or not, he wasn't going to stand for this is his own town.
He would get the bastards that had done this to Miss Smart, come hell or high water.
CHAPTER 10
Sitting in the parlor of the apartment, Valerie held Adam close to her heart. Mercifully, he'd fallen asleep, and that had given her respite from all the questions he'd been peppering her with about his Aunt Janice. She had no idea what to say to the child, but did her best to keep him calm and comfortable.
Across from her, Prudence was standing near the front window, looking down on Founder's Avenue. The drawn, tired expression on Prudence's face belied the long day she'd spent worrying about Janice's whereabouts.
Valerie released a pent up sigh as she cradled Adam's head to her chest. She was just as worried as they were about Janice, who was a good friend and a venerable educator for the children of Ridgeway. She hoped with everything in her that they would locate Janice, and bring her home safe.
Prudence spoke, breaking the heavy silence. "Noah's riding up the road, at top speed. Something's going on."
Valerie wanted to jump up, and join her at the window to see what was happening out there. Not wanting to wake Adam, she whispered, "Come and put him in my bed, then we'll go down there."
Prudence came over, and scooped the child into her arms. Once they'd tucked him into Valerie's bed, and let Bernard and Doris know they were leaving, they both dashed down the back steps and through the gate.
By then, Noah was hitching his stallion to the post outside the sheriff's office. Valerie rushed to his side, with Prudence on her heels. Curious citizens were milling about on the walk, and all eyes were on Noah.
Noah's angry expression gave her pause. His face was as red as a strawberry, and his mouth twisted into a scowl. She knew whatever news he was about to deliver would not be good.
Clearing his throat, he addressed the crowd of onlookers. "We've found Miss Smart."
Behind her, she heard Prudence let out a sigh of relief. For a moment, he was quiet, as if hesitating to say more.
Then he continued. "She's alive, but in dire need of medical attention."
"What happened to her?" The question came from Prissy, who stood on the plank walk in front of the library.
He took a deep breath. "I'm afraid she's been... assaulted and left for dead."
A collective gasp rose from the townsfolk assembled along the street. Valerie could hear some of the women weeping, and she had to cover her mouth with her hand to contain her own sob. Thinking of the horror Janice must have experienced put a pain in her chest and sent a chill down her back.
"Our own schoolteacher? Defiled by some cretin?" The angry words were shouted by Rod Emerson, the town carpenter, who held his fist in the air. "I've got a wife, a daughter, and a granddaughter, and I won't stand for it!"
As shouts of agreement rang out around her, Valerie couldn't help but wonder where all the commotion would lead. She hoped everything could be settled in a civil manner, but deep inside, she harbored her own anger at the situation. As a woman, she wanted to feel safe walking the streets of her own town. That wasn't possible with common brutes stalking about, taking advantage of innocent ladies.
Noah raised his hand and his voice to calm the assemblage. "I assure you, I'm just as mad as you are. Justice will be served on the disgusting excuse for a man who did this to our schoolmarm. I promise." His words were laced with venom and deadly intent.
The crowd erupted into shouts once again, and it sounded so loud that Valerie was tempted to plug her ears with her fingertips.
Then, a sudden hush fell over the group.
Only the sound of an approaching wagon could be heard. All eyes shifted toward the opposite end of Town Road.
Doc Wilkins was driving up, with Thaddeus Stern on the seat behind him.
Silence reigned as the wagon turned the corner at the intersection, and came to halt in front of the clinic.
Everyone began to move toward the clinic. Valerie hesitated, but Prudence caught her hand and pulled her along.
It took a few long moments to navigate through the crowd, but they finally arrived at the wagon, just as Doc Wilkins and Thad were climbing down from the seat.
"Ladies, I'd advise you to stay back," Thad warned as they approached.
Prudence shook her head. Defiance in her voice, she insisted, "I must see her."
Still clutching her hand, Valerie slowly stepped up to the side of the old wagon, and looked into the bed.
Prudence wailed.
There lay Janice, pale and bleeding, covered by a man's coat. Her face was so swollen it appeared misshapen, and her eyes were shut.
Seeing Janice in such a state made her stomach lurch and roil. Stepping back, she snatched her hand away from Prudence and ran to the grassy field beside the clinic to be sick.
When she composed herself, she returned to the wagon. By now, Rod Emerson and Noah were helping holding a cloth stretcher as Doc Wilkins and Thad moved Janice from the bed. As she watched, Doc Wilkins rushed ahead to unlock the clinic door, then swung it open. Janice's still form was carried inside, and the door was shut.
Prudence was still crying, dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief. "Who would do such a thing to Janice? "
Valerie opened her arms, and extended what comfort she could to her friend. "I don't know, but I won't feel safe until whoever did this is either dead, or rotting in a cell."
As she held Prudence close to her, her eyes raked over the crowd. Men were brandishing pistols and shotguns. Women were huddled together in groups, some crying, some talking in low voices. Children were being ushered into the diner or the hotel, the only two businesses in town open on Sunday.
Seeing one sandy haired boy being pulled into the Taylor Hotel, she thought of Adam, sleeping upstairs in her bed. What would become of him? Someone had to take care of him while his aunt was on the mend, and from what she'd seen of her injuries, the healing process would likely be long and difficult.
As if reading her mind, Prudence raised her head. "Oh my Lord. Whatever will we tell Adam? We can't let him see his aunt this way."
A male voice behind her interjected. "Tell him she's ill, and
needs to stay at the clinic for a while."
Valerie turned to see Noah standing there. Some of the anger had drained from his face, but his features were still tight.
Prudence nodded. "I'm going back inside. I'll talk to Adam. Let me know when I can see her, please."
"Doc will send Mary around when she's ready for visitors." Noah touched the brim of his hat as Prudence skittered away.
Left alone with Noah, Valerie didn't wait for an invitation. She needed his strength right now, so she pressed her body against his, and draped her arms around his waist. "What's become of our peaceful little town, Noah?"
He embraced her, then rested his chin on the crown of her head. "I don't know. But I'll see to it that we get our peace back. No matter what."
As the late September breeze wafted around them, they held each other close.
**
Noah did his best to remain calm, as he sat near the front of the lobby in the Taylor Hotel, listening to Mayor Stern ramble on. Because the town was without a proper hall for meetings, like the emergency town meeting now in progress, the Taylor Hotel staff rearranged the space to accommodate the crowd.
Dressed in one of his expensive navy suits from back East, Mayor Stern paced the floor in front of the assemblage as he spoke. The bald top of his head glistened with sweat, and he wrung his hands in an incessant, maddening way.
"So, what I'm trying to say is, in light of the recent events that have taken place in our town, I feel a change is necessary, to ensure the safety of our citizens."
Noah folded his arms across his chest as applause sounded in the room. He and his deputy had established that fact already, and he was losing patience with this drawn-out speech. The Mayor had always had a tendency to talk in circles, but with Miss Smart lying broken and defiled in the clinic at this very moment, Noah had no patience for his bluster.
"That's why, effective immediately, I've decided to resign as mayor. I've grown too old to deal with this type of madness, and I give my best wishes to whoever occupies the post next." The words tumbled from the Mayor's mouth like a torrent of water, and an awkward silence fell in the room as the townsfolk processed the declaration.
Noah, however, understood immediately. "So, you would leave us without leadership in a time like this?"
By then, the Mayor and his wife were already heading for the exit. "Like I said, I'm too old for this madness." With those words, he and Ella disappeared into the night.
Noah ran a hand over his face. Of all the foolish, pigheaded things to do.
A man stood in the audience. "I nominate Bernard Ridgeway as our new mayor."
Bernard, sitting near the center of the assemblage, stood to his feet. "As the son of the town's founder, I accept the nomination."
As sheriff, Noah knew the town charter gave him the power to oversee emergency elections. So he turned to those in attendance. "All in favor of Bernard Ridgeway for mayor, say 'Aye.'"
The response was a thunderous one, as the townsfolk gave Bernard their seal of approval.
Noah smiled. "All opposed, say 'Nay.'"
Silence.
"The ayes have it, and so shall it be." Noah extended his hand, and Bernard joined him in front. With a firm shake, he congratulated him. "So, Mayor Ridgeway, what is your first official act as mayor?"
Bernard didn't hesitate. "My first act is to call a posse for the protection of our citizens. Now, we'll need to do this on a volunteer basis until the budget is straightened out. Who will volunteer?"
"I will."
Noah shifted his gaze to the source of the sound, and was surprised to see Thaddeus Stern standing there.
"I thought you'd gone with your parents." Bernard's tone said he was just as shocked as Noah.
Thad shook his head. "I was born and raised in Ridgeway, and I'll be honored to help protect it, even if my Pa ain't inclined to do so."
Bernard gave him a pleased smile. "Then, welcome aboard, Officer Stern. Who else will help me protect our citizens?"
More men stood, and soon there was a reasonable force of four men: Thad, Rod Emerson, Ricardo Benigno, and the young Uriah Stevens. Uriah was a boy of about twenty, and as green as spring grass, but Noah respected the courage it must have taken for him to volunteer.
With Greg, Noah's deputy, and all the new volunteers assembled at the front, Bernard spoke again. "Citizens of Ridgeway, meet your light horseman force. Sheriff, they're all yours."
As the sounds of applause and cheers grew so loud they shook the building, Noah shook hands with each of the men. They were his friends and neighbors, and he was honored they'd chosen to serve alongside he and Greg.
When the meeting let out, the men stayed behind with Noah and Greg to be briefed on their new duties.
Greg asked, "So, are all of you in possession of a firearm?"
All the men gave affirmative answers.
"And all of you are able to operate those firearms?" Noah waited for an answer.
This time, all the men answered yes, except for Uriah, the youngest of the group. He was looking down at the Oriental rug covering the floor, as if he were ashamed.
Noah patted him on the back. "Don't worry. Between me, Deputy Simmons, and the other officers, we'll get you trained in no time."
"I'll be glad of it." Uriah's voice was very quiet as he spoke. "Since I'm the man of the house, Mama will be glad I'm able to fire on intruders if need be."
Noah knew that Uriah's mother was a widow. "Don't worry. We'll get you taken care of."
Greg interjected. "We'll get the smithy to make you all up some silver stars to wear. Uniform is denims, white shirt, and vest or overcoat. I've got a few spare hats in the supply closet you all can wear."
"First thing tomorrow, we'll meet at the festival grounds for some firearms training." Noah stood. "Ricardo and Uriah, you'll work the day shift tomorrow with me. Rod and Thad, you'll do the night with Gregory. We'll rotate next week."
When all the details were settled, a weary Noah went home to seek out the solace of his bed.
CHAPTER 11
The crowd was much thinner inside Ruby's Diner than it usually was on a weekday, and Valerie couldn't help noticing all the empty tables as she made her way to the back, near the window overlooking the duck pond.
Ruby ambled over, removing the pen behind her ear and readying her small pad of paper. "What you having today, Miss Valerie? The usual?"
Valerie nodded. "I'm looking forward to some of that delicious tomato soup. But I'm waiting for Noah to join me."
Ruby winked. "I knew you'd get on well with that handsome sheriff of ours. I'll come back in a bit."
After Ruby was gone, Valerie fixed her eyes on the glassy surface of the pond. There were a few mallards splashing about, and she took in the scene, hoping it would calm her nerves. In the four days since Janice had been found, she'd barely left the mercantile. Her father had insisted she stay inside while the new light horsemen settled into their job. She'd understood his concern, in fact, she'd shared it. Still, it felt good to be out of the house, especially since she was meeting Noah on his lunch break.
The bell over the door chimed, and she shifted her gaze toward the door.
There he was, looking as handsome as ever in his regular uniform. As he slipped the Stetson from his head, he revealed that glorious head of blond locks, the striking blue eyes, and the strong, manly features of his face.
When their eyes met, he gifted her with a bone-melting smile, then began striding in her direction. Moments later, he slid into the chair across from her. "Afternoon, Valerie."
She could feel the heat burning her face as she returned his greeting. "How are you today, Noah?"
"A little tired, but I'm doing much better now that I'm with you." He reached across the table, capturing her trembling hand in his large, sure one.
She held his gaze, sinking into the mesmerizing beauty of those eyes.
"Ahem."
She looked up to see Ruby standing over them, grinning. "Look at
you two." She placed two tumblers of cool water on the table, then readied her pencil again. "What'll it be?"
After Noah ordered his roast beef sandwich and Saratoga chips, Ruby sauntered away, leaving them alone again.
They ate their meal together in relative silence, with a bit of banter about the food and the weather. She wondered how he must be feeling, considering the events of the past week. Even with the new posse her father had installed, the large part of the responsibility for keeping the people of Ridgeway safe still rested on his shoulders. She wondered also how he felt about their relationship, now that he knew she could bear him no sons. He's shown little reaction when she told him, and hadn't mentioned it since, leaving her with no indication of his feelings.
When they'd finished eating, she set her empty tumbler down. "Do you have to be back soon?"
He pulled a gold pocket watch from the inside of his vest, then shook his head. "I've got a little bit of time. Let's go out to the pond. The men are still training at the festival grounds."
After he paid their ticket, he stood and extended his arm. "Shall we?"
She took his offered arm, as she smiled at the gentlemanly gesture. They left the diner, and retreated behind the building.
She could hear the sounds of the men firing their weapons a few miles away as they sat down in a soft spot in the grass on the pond's edge. He sat to her right, and she leaned her body against his, enjoying the comfort of his solid, steady presence. He draped an arm casually around her shoulder, and she inhaled the masculine scent of leather and tobacco exuding from him.
She let her eyes focus on the water, where a mother mallard and her ducklings were busy gliding along the glassy surface. Their rhythmic movements did much to soothe her busy mind.
"I will catch whoever assaulted Miss Smart. I want you to know that." His sudden declaration broke the silence.
She turned her eyes up to him. "I have every confidence that you will, Noah."
The hard lines of his face softened at her words. "I appreciate that. But I do have something to request of you."
Loving the Lawman (Roses of Ridgeway) Page 7
