Sheriff Barnett shook his head. Michael shifted in his seat. KodyAnne sat straight with her feet on the floor and her arms still crossed. She looked right at the sheriff. “Grandpa Matthew’s greedy lawyer took it all. He sent Papa so little it almost wasn’t worth getting, except every little bit helps when you’ve got mouths to feed. Now when Uncle Mark, on his deathbed, gave my papa what’s in that box, do you blame him for wanting to get it without going through some lawyer and some judge who would dip in and take it all? That is if there’s even anything in there to take.”
“I see.” The sheriff let out a puff of air and turned to Michael.
Michael shrugged with lifted eyebrows.
“I have to detain her.” The sheriff bypassed her and spoke to Michael. “You know that, don’t you?”
Michael frowned. “Detain? What do you mean by that?”
“He wants to arrest me. Put me in jail.” It was obvious to KodyAnne what he meant. “He’s just like that bank president. He thinks Papa’s an outlaw. That makes me one, too.”
“She did interrupt the bank robbery when she screamed and ran out the door.” Clint lifted an eyebrow at Michael. “Mr. Grimes and Mr. Davis both said she called you her husband and ran into your arms as if you hadn’t seen each other in a long time.”
Color crept up Michael’s neck, but he only shrugged.
The good sheriff needed a lesson in manners, talking about her to Michael as if she wasn’t even there. But right now, KodyAnne wanted to hear what he had to say about her. Sometimes a person learned more by being quiet than they did sticking themselves forward so much. Other than that deepened color on his neck, Michael didn’t let on how he felt. They’d both be surprised to know she had the keys to Papa’s box in her purse. He passed them to her when he was lying out there on the street. It was his way of telling her to get the box. She would, too, soon as she got the chance.
The sheriff spoke again. “She’s still involved, Mike. She was in the bank when the attempted robbery took place. I have to hold her. There’s nothing I can do unless I find proof she wasn’t involved, I’ve already wired the U.S. Marshall. He’ll want to question her at the least.”
Michael sprang to his feet, a terrible scowl on his face. “No, you are not taking her to that filthy jail. She isn’t going, Clint. There’s no way. She was standing at the door. She wasn’t involved. Tell him, Andy. You weren’t there to rob the bank.”
A smile crept across KodyAnne’s face and her insides skittered in a way she hadn’t expected. Andy. He called her Andy. “Oh, Mike. You haven’t forgotten.”
“Of course, I haven’t.” Michael turned his frown on her, his eyes boring into hers.
All at once the confusion on his face cleared, and she laughed inside. He did remember. He hadn’t meant to call her Andy. It just slipped out. From the first time they’d met, Andy had been his special name for her. No one else ever called her that. He wouldn’t let them.
~*~
Michael’s heart sank. Had he really called her Andy? He hadn’t been thinking. Andy was his pet name for her, the way he thought of her. Yeah, he remembered the name, all right, and he remembered giving it to her.
He remembered because he’d never really forgotten. Only he couldn’t call her Andy now. That was too personal. He focused on her smile and forgot what he’d been about to say.
Clint stood, pulling him from his thoughts. “Mike, I’m sorry. I understand she wasn’t directly involved, but I wouldn’t be doing my job if I let her go. I don’t have a plush hotel for refined lady prisoners. However, if you know someone who would assume responsibility for her, I could allow her to remain free as long as she doesn’t leave town.”
“Responsibility?” Michael tried to concentrate on Clint’s meaning. He tore his gaze from KodyAnne’s face and walked across the room with his friend. “Like the local minister?”
Clint laughed. He kept his voice low and stopped in the farthest corner from KodyAnne. “Since the local minister is unmarried, or was until today, I don’t think that’s a good idea. What would you do with her at night?”
“At night?” Michael sent a look toward KodyAnne. His brain refused to work.
“Well, are you married or not?” Clint didn’t even crack a smile this time.
“No.” Michael stepped back.
“Then how do you know this woman?”
Michael lowered his voice. “This is none of your business, but since you’re the law and the best friend I’ve got in this town, I’ll tell you. As long as you promise it goes no further.”
Clint held up his right hand. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”
“Okay.” Michael nodded. “I knew her back in New York when we were kids at the orphanage. She was scared of getting on the Orphan Train and asked me to pretend to marry her so she’d have a connection. It was just to let her think she’d always have someone even if we got separated.”
“Really?” Amusement danced in Clint’s eyes. “Why’d she pick you?”
“Because I rescued her from the streets.” Michael growled the words. “She was only seven years old, Clint. She was tiny. Still is, in case you haven’t noticed. She wouldn’t have survived. She’s innocent. Look at her.”
Both men turned to the delicate-looking young woman, sitting prim and proper across the room. She was like a breath of fresh air to Michael. Her beautiful face lowered toward her hands clasped before her as if she were praying. She couldn’t have done anything wrong.
“Her uncle was an outlaw. He robbed our bank a few years ago. I’ve got a poster on his gang.” Clint shrugged. “She’s right about nothing being taken from the bank, but because of the attempted robbery I can’t let her go without the U.S. Marshall’s approval. She could be the key to getting the rest of Delmont’s gang. Maybe keeping her here will draw her brother back, too. You can’t deny his involvement.”
“No, but only in an attempt.” Michael frowned. “Is he wanted?”
Clint shook his head. “Not that I know of. I sent Pete Davis out with a posse to look for him, although he could be anywhere by now. I’m not even sure I care if he’s found. I lost my motivation when your ‘wife’ started to cry, saying I’d shot her papa for no reason. Then, too, no one else was hurt and the bank wasn’t robbed.”
“Yeah.” Michael understood the feeling. KodyAnne had always been good at bringing out the protective instinct. In him for sure. That’s one thing that hadn’t changed.
“If you’ll keep tabs on her for a few days, maybe we can find a woman for her to stay with at night.” Clint turned back toward KodyAnne, and Michael followed.
She looked up at their approach.
Clint cleared his throat. “Miss Delmont, I’ve talked your situation over with Reverend Wellington. While, as you say, nothing was taken from the bank, there was an attempted robbery. I’m detaining you for questioning and have asked the reverend here to find someone you can stay with. You won’t be allowed to leave town for a few days.”
KodyAnne stared up at the sheriff. “I’m staying here with my papa. When he’s better, I’ll need to take him home.”
Clint shook his head. “I’m sorry, but are you aware of your father’s affiliation with his uncle’s outlaw gang?”
“Uncle Mark?” KodyAnne expression softened. “He was a nice man, but he’s gone now. And Papa’s no outlaw. He was never part of Uncle Mark’s gang.”
Clint’s eyebrows lifted as if he didn’t believe her. He gave his head a quick shake and let out a rush of air.
“I could arrest you for assaulting an officer of the law, Miss.” Clint lifted the handcuffs hanging from his belt where she could easily see them. “As it is, I’m only detaining you for your part in the attempted robbery this morning.”
Although he spoke in a gentle tone of voice, KodyAnne’s head jerked up.
Her chin lifted as she stood with one hand on her hip. “Well, you don’t have to be rude about it. If you acted nicer, maybe people would be more willing to do what you want.”<
br />
With her head held high, she marched toward the outside door. She didn’t look back at them, but reached for the door handle.
Clint hurried after her. “Miss, wait . . .”
She didn’t stop.
Deputy Dan Harris turned as she stepped out. Michael shoved through the doorway at the same time Clint did. They separated and each grabbed one of her arms, flanking her on either side.
Someone called out, “There’s the outlaw’s woman.”
KodyAnne moved closer to Michael.
Michael tensed as the waiting townspeople pressed forward at the same time a flash of light exploded and a puff of smoke rose.
Chapter 3
“Ya taking that outlaw to jail, Sheriff?” A man standing in the back of the crowd yelled out. Snickering and guffaws followed his question.
A tremble passed through KodyAnne’s arm, and Michael wished he could silence Jake Turner. The man was a decent sort, but he didn’t know when to keep his mouth shut. Michael moved his hand to KodyAnne’s shoulder and squeezed gently.
Oliver Grimes, the banker’s son and the local newsman, emerged from behind his camera with his dimples flashing. “Thanks for the photograph. You got a good story to go with it, Sheriff?”
Clint released KodyAnne and held up his hand to silence the murmurs and remarks that began. “Hold on, folks. Contrary to what you may have heard, there was no bank robbery today.”
KodyAnne moved against Michael’s hand. He shouldn’t let her stand so close, but she might collapse if he pulled away. He had to admit he liked the feel of her slight weight pressing against him.
“Then what was all that shootin’ about?” Another man called out. “We saw that little lady cozyin’ up to the fellow you shot.”
“There was an attempt.” The sheriff shook his head. “Miss Delmont was not involved. Her father used force in trying to get possession of his deceased uncle’s belongings. She was in the diner across the street while the shooting took place and saw her father fall. As far as I can tell, she has done nothing wrong.”
Oliver scribbled furiously on a pad of paper. A low murmur rose from the townsfolk, but Michael couldn’t make sense of anything he heard. Thomas Allen, an older man who ran the stagecoach and freight depot, spoke up. “You gonna get a posse together to chase down that other bank robber or just let him go?”
Clint shook his head. “That’s already been done. Pete took a group of men out, but like I already said, there wasn’t a robbery. The man their looking for isn’t wanted, but if he returns, I’ll certainly detain him same as Miss Delmont.”
“How about you, Preacher?”Oliver’s pencil poised above his notepad. “What’s your relationship with Miss Delmont?”
More than a dozen pairs of eyes gawked at him and KodyAnne. No doubt Oliver had already talked to his father. Mr. Grimes heard KodyAnne scream and call him her husband. Warmth flooded Michael’s neck and rose toward his ears.
His hand on her shoulder tightened. “I’m—”
Clint moved forward. “As the only pastor in Willow Creek, Reverend Wellington has been asked to act as a sort of guardian for the young lady while she’s here. She’s being detained until the U.S. Marshall is notified, and that could take a few days. Until then she will be required to keep either myself or the reverend notified of her activities.”
“So the rumor that this woman is your wife is not true?” Oliver grinned.
Michael’s heart took a dip as a low murmur rose from the crowd. KodyAnne looked up at him with pleading in her eyes. For what? Did she want him to admit they’d been married once—by another child in a fake ceremony? He wouldn’t do that. He steeled against her magnetic pull and turned back to face Oliver. “No, that is not true.”
Was that a sigh of relief he heard from KodyAnne? He didn’t dare turn to see.
“So you’ve never met before today?”
Again Clint spoke before Michael could. “I fail to see where you’re going with this, Grimes. Are you wanting facts for your paper, or do you print silly rumors? If you have no more questions, we’ll consider this interview over, if that’s what it was.”
“The man you shot.” Oliver nodded toward the clinic behind them. “What’s going on there? Will he live to face trial?”
Michael gave KodyAnne’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze. The man had no business asking such questions in front of her. She’d been through more than enough this morning. This time he answered for Clint. “The doctor’s with Miss Delmont’s father right now. We’ll know more about his condition when he finishes.”
Clint spoke up then. “For now, Miss Delmont needs a place to stay until we get this all straightened out. As I’ve already said, Reverend Wellington or I will be responsible for her whereabouts during the day, but if any of you ladies could open your home to her at night . . .”
His voice trailed off as several of the women walked away.
Clint frowned and raised his voice. “Miss Delmont will be staying in Willow Creek for a while, so I’m asking you to welcome her and make her a part of our community. She isn’t responsible for what her father’s done.” He spoke over the hum of the townspeople. A few more left.
One woman stepped over to join them. She smiled at KodyAnne. “I’d be glad to offer my home, but I don’t have a lot of room.”
Clint jerked his hat off. “Mary Sue.”
Michael hid his smile. Amazing how this woman always seemed to fluster their strong, confident sheriff.
Mary Sue turned her smile toward Clint. “Hello, Sheriff. I’d be glad to share my living quarters with Miss Delmont, but I’m thinking she might prefer staying at the boarding house instead.”
Clint’s brows drew together. “Yes, that’d be a good choice if Mrs. Clemmons doesn’t object.”
“Oh, I don’t think she will.” Mrs. Taylor turned her attention to KodyAnne. “I’m Mary Sue Taylor. I own The Emporium and am mother to two, a five-year-old girl and an eight-year-old boy. Welcome to Willow Creek. I’m so sorry about your father.”
“Thank you.” KodyAnne gave her a smile.
Mrs. Taylor’s clear blue eyes searched KodyAnne’s face. “How do you feel about staying a few days in the boardinghouse? Sisters run it and the diner next door.”
KodyAnne nodded.
“You probably met Melanie in the diner. She’s nice, and so is her sister, Mrs. Clemmons. She’s the one who owns both businesses, so she’s the one you’ll need to talk to.”
“Why do you call one by her given name and the other by Mrs.?”
Mary Sue laughed. “I honestly don’t know. That’s the way it’s been ever since Melanie showed up here. Mrs. Clemmons is at least twelve years older than Melanie. That might be part of the reason, but when the Clemmons moved here and started the boardinghouse they went by their formal names and it stuck even after his death. I’m sure Melanie would love your company, and I think we can talk her sister into it.”
“If she doesn’t mind.” KodyAnne glanced at Michael and batted her eyelashes. “And if it’s all right with my guard.”
Michael cocked a brow at her.
Mary Sue laughed. “You’re welcome to come to the store with me, if you’d like, Miss Delmont. There’s plenty to browse through there.”
KodyAnne again met Michael’s gaze while a cloud seemed to shadow her expression. “Maybe another day. I hope you understand I want to stay close to Papa. The doctor is working on him now. And please call me KodyAnne. I’m not used to going by my family name.”
Mrs. Taylor smiled, her eyes twinkling. “I will if you’ll call me Mary Sue. You know, KodyAnne, I have a feeling we’ll become good friends while you’re here.”
“Oh, I hope so.” KodyAnne smiled.
Michael watched KodyAnne chat with Mary Sue. She’d grown into a beautiful woman. Her dark brown eyes glistened with unshed tears even when she smiled. Sorrow and fear hovered over her, making him want to banish her problems. He’d felt that way ever since she fell into his arms this morning when
he thought she was an innocent young lady in need of rescuing. Maybe she was.
The sun rising in the sky behind him touched the boardwalk on the opposite side of the street. Morning was half-gone. He touched KodyAnne’s elbow. “How’d you get into town?”
“I rode Pistol.” Her eyes widened. “I need to take care of my horse. He’s waiting in front of the bank.”
When she started away, Clint stopped her. “Hold on a minute. We’ll take care of your horse.”
“KodyAnne crossed her arms and tossed her head. “Sheriff, if you don’t trust me, just say so. I already told you I’m staying right here until Papa’s ready to go home.”
“Hey, Jake.” Clint turned and called to the man talking to his deputy a few feet away.
“Yeah, Sheriff.” Jake walked over and Dan followed. “What do you need?”
“Would you take that horse in front of the bank down to the livery?” Clint nodded in the general direction. “That is, if you’re working there today.”
Jake’s lopsided grin appeared as lazy as he acted. “Just on my way. Be glad to help out.”
“Thanks. Tell Devin we’ll settle up with him later.”
“No problem.” He gave the sheriff a quick nod, but his eyes continued smiling at KodyAnne. “That your horse, miss?”
Before she could answer, Michael stepped in front of her. “It’s her horse. I’m sure she appreciates you taking good care of him.” He turned toward Clint. “If that’s all you need, I’m taking Miss Delmont back in to check on her father.”
Clint gave a quick nod. “Yeah, that’s about it. If you need me to go with you to the boardinghouse, just let me know.”
“All right.” Michael turned KodyAnne away from Jake, who hadn’t moved and didn’t seem to know he should keep his admiring glances to himself.
KodyAnne had been in Kansas since she was eight years old and too little to fight her own battles. A stiff, westerly breeze would still blow her away. She certainly didn’t belong on Jake’s farm scrubbing dirty overalls and chopping wood. She probably couldn’t even lift an axe. If Jake was looking for a wife, he needed to look elsewhere.
The Preacher's Outlaw Bride Page 3
