“Look.” Samantha whispered. “Isn’t that a light? Look at that window by the door.”
The faint glow of a lantern flickered then held steady. KodyAnne’s wild heartbeat slowed. Michael was all right. He’d have a headache, but he wouldn’t die.
“Come on.” Tyler helped Samantha on his horse then turned to KodyAnne. “Let’s get out of here before he comes looking for us.”
“I’ll walk. You two go on. The boardinghouse is only a couple of blocks down this same street.”
Tyler nodded. “Fine, but we’ll wait in the shadow from the barn and watch to see that you make it.”
“There’s no one out to bother me. It’s two o’clock in the morning.” Sometimes big brothers could be worse than a mother hen. She folded her arms and glared at him.
He led the horse around the corner of the barn then motioned for her to move. “Go on. We’ll wait right here.”
KodyAnne rolled her eyes, although he probably didn’t see her. For good measure, she stomped her foot. “Fine. I’ll go. Bye Samantha, it was nice meeting you.”
She swung around, set a quick pace to the street, and turned toward the boardinghouse. Would Melanie still be asleep? She hoped so.
Tomorrow, she’d have to find a way to get some mourning clothes. Charlotte would need something to wear, too. Papa didn’t think much of mourning customs, but far too many people did. If she was going to hold her head up here in Willow Springs, she’d better have a black dress at the very least. If she could get to the house, she might make use of the dresses Charlotte wore after Mama died. She’d probably outgrown them by now, and they could be taken in to fit KodyAnne. So that left Charlotte in need. KodyAnne sighed. Seemed like you couldn’t turn around without having to spend cash money.
Even the dogs were quiet as KodyAnne walked the short blocks into town. Not a soul stirred that she could tell. She stifled a yawn and whispered. “Papa, I’m going to miss you something fierce. With you and Mama both gone, it’s just the three of us left. Well, four now that Michael’s here. Maybe five with Samantha. Who is she, anyway? I didn’t get time to ask, but if I see her again, I will. I’m sorry I can’t hold Mike to that promise. In fact, if he thinks he has to marry me, I’ll tell him no. It isn’t right to tie him down when he doesn’t want to be. I did that once when we were little kids. I won’t do it to him again. I hope you understand.”
KodyAnne let out a sigh and walked the rest of the way in silence. She knew Papa wasn’t listening, but it still felt good to talk to him. To pretend one more time she could talk things over with him. She looked up at the dark night sky. From now on, she’d be doing more talking with her heavenly Father.
She stopped in front of the boardinghouse, opened the door without a sound, and slipped inside. Upstairs, she found Melanie’s room and turned the knob. A sigh of relief escaped. It was still unlocked. She went in the darkened room and closed the door, then slid the little lever above the knob to lock it. Melanie’s soft breathing was the only sound in the room. So far, so good.
KodyAnne undressed and put her nightgown back on. She slipped into bed as easily as she could then slowly tried to let her muscles relax.
Melanie rolled over. “Did you go see your father?”
Her soft voice gave KodyAnne a jolt. Tears sprang to her eyes, and she blinked. “Yes.”
“And?”
A sob caught in KodyAnne’s throat. “He went to heaven.”
“Oh, KodyAnne, honey, I’m so sorry.” Melanie’s touch on her arm released the tears.
She couldn’t stop them. Next thing, she and Melanie were sitting in bed crying together. Melanie’s embrace and the comforting pat and rub she did on her back were so like Mama’s that she cried for her, too.
Finally the tears slowed, and KodyAnne wiped her eyes. “I’m sorry. I should be cried out by now.”
“It takes time. You get some rest, honey.” Melanie fluffed KodyAnne’s pillow and laid it down. “There’s about three hours before we have to get up. Let’s try to sleep now.”
“Okay.” She wouldn’t be able to sleep, but for Melanie, she’d try. At least she’d be quiet.
~*~
Michael woke the next morning with a headache. He lifted his hand and cupped the top of his head that seemed to lift with each beat of his heart. What was wrong with him? Then his fingers touched a tender spot and he winced. He finger-walked toward the back of his head and found a bump. A goose egg. He’d hit his head somehow.
He opened his eyes and waited while the room settled down. This wasn’t his bedroom. He was in the parlor. The lamp on the round occasional table cast a dim glow against the wall in the corner. He never left the light on all night. He never slept on the sofa, either.
He laid back and tried to think. Where was he last night? Here at home? No, he’d gone somewhere, William Tate’s farm. His father, Able, had been injured. He and Doc went out to see about him. Had Doc brought him home? He shook his head and grabbed it again. It hurt even to think.
Andy.
Why’d she come to mind? She was part of the puzzle. Floating just outside his memory. He’d seen her somewhere, and she looked frightened. She’d called out as if she was in trouble. If someone hurt Andy he’d have to forget he was a preacher until justice was done. Had she only been in a dream?
Michael tried to sit up and sank back with a groan. After a moment, he tried again, this time much slower. He sat on the sofa leaning forward, his head in his hands. When he finally stood, he extinguished the light and went outside. Would he need his horse? Naw, he’d go to the diner first and check with Melanie. See if KodyAnne was missing.
He stepped lightly from the porch and stopped as another memory surfaced.
“Fireball.” He spoke the name under his breath. The memory of a boy racing his mustang past the Tate farm registered in his mind.
He headed toward the barn, walking carefully to keep from jarring his head. Fireball’s whinny welcomed him.
“What are you doing here, boy?” Michael rubbed the horse’s nose. Maybe he’d dreamed the whole bizarre night. No one took Fireball. He hadn’t gone to a brothel. A harsh laugh tore from him. Why would he? He hadn’t been to such a place since he was ten years old and swore he’d never set foot near another.
He looked up and saw Steady. The big horse stood in the next stall. Had he ridden William’s horse home and put him up, maybe fell and hit his head, then stumbled into the house to the sofa? Who lit the lamp? Maybe he had before he fell asleep.
Nothing made sense except he needed to know KodyAnne was all right. He closed the barn door and began a slow walk toward town. The image of KodyAnne standing in front of the willow tree across the pond from him hovered at the edge of his mind. Everything was blurred beyond the frightened look in her eyes.
Michael hesitated in front of the diner. She had to be here. With a deep, calming breath he opened the door, setting off a jangle of bells to announce the customers. He grabbed his head and let the door swing shut.
“I’ll take care of this one.”
Michael heard KodyAnne’s voice, but he couldn’t see her since his eyes were squeezed tight. Slowly, he relaxed and the pounding inside his head slowed.
“Oh, Mike.” KodyAnne’s sweet lilac scent surrounded him. Her touch on his arm soothed him. “Come here. You need to sit down.”
He let her lead him to a table in the corner.
“I’ll be right back with coffee. Do you want cream or sugar?”
“Black.” Convinced his head would stay in place, he lowered his hand.
KodyAnne swung away from the table and soon returned with a cup and saucer. She set it on the table as if she worked there. He kind of liked having her wait on him. Made him feel as if she cared.
“Would you like something to go with that?” She held a paper pad in her hand, a pencil poised above it.
Michael frowned. “Sit down with me.”
“I’m going to serve you first. You need to eat.”
Oh, so s
he was playing a game. He relaxed. “Fine, get me whatever the special is.”
The coffee helped. He drank half of it before she came back. Another table filled with ranch hands. Thomas Allen and his son came in and sat down. The other girls waited on them.
“Here you go, Preacher.” KodyAnne set a plate filled with biscuits and sausage gravy with eggs on the side before him. “Let me refill your coffee.”
“It’s okay.”
Before he could stop her, she hurried away. What kind of game was she playing? Helping Melanie? The diner wasn’t that busy. Melanie or one of her girls should be waiting on him. This time when she returned, he took her hand in his.
“I don’t know why you’re doing this, but I want you to sit down with me. You’re flitting around so much I’m getting dizzy.”
“Oh, Mike, I’m sorry.” KodyAnne set the coffee urn on the next table and sat across from him. “Did you want to pray so you can eat?”
“Yeah.” He closed his eyes and wished he could sleep. “Father, we pray Your blessing on our food. Amen.”
He looked up at her concerned gaze.
“Does your head hurt?”
“Only when I move.” He touched the back. The bump didn’t seem as big. “I think I hit my head last night.”
Her eyes grew wide. “You don’t know?”
He started to shake his head, but stopped. “No, but something happened. I’m all right.” He cut into his biscuit and gravy. “What’s wrong with Melanie?”
“Melanie? Nothing that I know of.” KodyAnne motioned toward the back of the diner. “She’s in the kitchen. Why?”
He swallowed. “Then why’d she let you take care of me?”
“Oh that.” KodyAnne met his gaze. “I work here now.”
“You what?” He grabbed his head.
“Melanie gave me a job.”
“You are not working, KodyAnne. We’re getting married, and I won’t allow you to work.” He pressed against his temples on both sides. His blood pressure must be at the boiling point the way his pulse pounded in his head.
“Michael, listen to me.” She leaned forward, her arms crossed on the table. “Papa passed away last night. I was with him.” Her eyes were bright, but there were no tears. “He smiled, took a deep breath, then just left. I have responsibilities now that I didn’t have before. I’ve got a younger sister, Charlotte. She’s fifteen, and she’ll have to come here with me because we can’t make a living on the farm. In town we’ll have a chance. Melanie offered me a job, and this morning Mrs. Clemmons said Charlotte can work next door in the boardinghouse. We’ll share a room as part of the pay. Surely, you can see I have to do this.”
“Not if you marry me.” Why was she ignoring her father’s request?
She shook her head. “You don’t have to marry me, Mike. I’ll be all right.”
Michael stared at her while his head continued to pound. His brows drew together from her stubbornness as much as from the pain. He pointed his fork toward her. “We’re getting married, KodyAnne. It’s for your good. Not only did I promise, but the sheriff promised me it’ll keep you out of jail.”
He braced himself for the outburst he could see building in her narrowed eyes and stiffened posture.
Chapter 9
KodyAnne glared across the table at Michael. How dare he tell her marrying him was for her own good. What kind of proposal was that, anyway? She rolled her eyes. Oh, what was she thinking? He hadn’t proposed. He’d ordered. Well, she didn’t accept orders.
“Keep me out of jail?” KodyAnne tossed her head with a quick laugh. “Ha! As if that sheriff could put me in his jail.”
When Michael opened his mouth, she held up her hand with a shake of her head. “Oh, no, you don’t. I know perfectly well he could put me in jail. I’m just saying I assumed he’s an honest lawman.”
“Of course Clint’s honest. What’s that got to do with anything?”
KodyAnne leaned closer and lowered her voice as they seemed to be attracting attention from the other customers. “Everything, Michael. Because I’m innocent. What did I do wrong? Just tell me. And that means if your sheriff’s honest, he isn’t going to do anything to me.”
She flopped back against her chair and folded her arms. “Besides, he’s already done all the damage he can, don’t you think?”
Michael’s gaze shifted to his plate. “Yeah, I guess so.”
Good, now he wouldn’t be pushing her to marry him because he felt responsible for her. He’d taken care of her when she was little. Had even gone to the orphanage with her. He hadn’t wanted to. She saw the fear in his eyes when he looked up at the three-story brick building, but it hadn’t stopped him. She let him give up his life to take care of her then because she hadn’t known what else to do. Now she could take care of herself. She wouldn’t tie him down again.
“We’re still getting married.” Michael’s brows lowered. “I made a promise, and I plan to keep it.”
She brushed his words aside with a wave of her hand. “Oh, Mike, you didn’t even know what you were promising. Papa wouldn’t hold you to that. He just wanted to be sure Charlotte is taken care of. She’ll be fine right here with me. Melanie said we can start the first workday after the funeral. I need to see about that, I guess.”
“No, the sheriff will take care of it.”
“We’re talking about my father, Mike.” KodyAnne leaned forward again. “I want him to have a Christian burial. Your sheriff had better not think he can just dig a hole and push my papa in it, because that isn’t going to happen. I want you to handle the service, please?”
“Okay, I’ll talk to Clint.” Michael picked up his cup and took a swallow.
He seemed to have more color in his cheeks than he had when he walked in the door. KodyAnne studied him. Did he know what happened last night? He didn’t act like it. She expected questions, but so far there’d been none. He’d ignored her when she asked about his head. Even said he didn’t know what happened to him. Maybe that hit to the head knocked out his memory of the whole night.
“Are you feeling better now?” She probably shouldn’t remind him, but she needed to know if he’d seen Tyler.
He set the cup down. “A little. I think the coffee helps. So where’s your sister now?”
“At school, I imagine.” KodyAnne watched Michael’s expression. “She spent a couple of nights with her best friend. Do you know where I can get a wagon so I can go get her?”
“What?”
Of course he didn’t like her idea, whatever would make her think he might? She swallowed a smile. “A wagon. Unless your sheriff friend will let me have Pistol back. Wouldn’t take as long that way, either. She can ride Snowball here.”
“Snowball?” Michael raised his eyebrows then shook his head. He lifted his fingers to press against his temple. “No, you can’t go by yourself, if at all. I’ll talk to the sheriff and see what he says. With his approval, I’ll get a wagon and take you.”
“What about your head?”
“My head’s fine.”
“I’m glad.” KodyAnne leaned back and waited while he finished his breakfast. He didn’t look well to her. Could he make the trip in a wagon? She could drive if she had to, but would he let her? She shrugged. If he passed out, he wouldn’t have any choice. But he’d better not pass out. Ty shouldn’t have hit him so hard. Next time she saw her brother, she’d tell him a thing or two. Hurting Mike didn’t set well with her.
~*~
By the time Michael talked to Clint, borrowed a wagon from William Tate, and got permission to keep Steady another day, the pounding in his head had receded to a dull ache. Melanie’s good cooking must’ve helped. Either that or the coffee. He held KodyAnne’s hand while she climbed on the wagon.
As soon as he settled beside her, she turned toward him. “So the good sheriff decided I’m not such a horrible threat to the safety of his town, did he?”
He let his eyes rove over her petite form. Dressed in a dark blue skirt and matchi
ng shirtwaist, she looked nothing like an outlaw. Maybe a schoolteacher in mourning, but certainly not dangerous. “Where’d you get those clothes?
“Mary Sue Taylor, the lady who runs the emporium, let me take them until I can pay. She said I couldn’t keep wearing my best dress. I should have proper clothing for public. I’d save my best dress for when I listen to you preach only I can’t now I’m in mourning.”
“Tomorrow’s Sunday.” He lifted the reins and set the horse moving. “Will you be there?”
“Charlotte and I both will. We don’t like to miss church.”
“You better get some things from your house while we’re there. You can’t keep borrowing clothes.” He concentrated on guiding the big horse onto the road leading out of town. So she liked attending church. Good, preacher’s wives should like to go to church.
“I intend to, but these are mine now. Bought with my own money from the diner.” KodyAnne grinned. “I don’t like borrowing. I now have an account at the Emporium.”
“About you working.” Michael cleared his throat. “I don’t want to start a fight, but I can support you. I don’t make a lot preaching, but I help out at the livery part of the time when Jake can’t. During the summers, I do pretty well helping with haying and other jobs the farmers have. There’s no reason for you to take that job.”
KodyAnne let out a long sigh, plenty loud enough for him to hear over the creak of the wagon and the clomping of Steady’s big feet against the dirt road. She turned to face him. “I appreciate your concern for me, Mike. I’ve got a lot of good memories from back when we were kids. Just getting through each day was a losing battle, but I remember how you took care of me and kept anyone from hurting me. You were my hero. I’d have done anything you asked of me. When you decided we needed to go to the orphanage, I didn’t question it. I just went.”
“I did what was best for you.” He spoke around the knot in his throat. He remembered those times, too. KodyAnne was little enough to hide in his room at the brothel. The madam never knew she was there. She’d have kept her for sure if she had. That’s why he figured he’d better take her someplace safer. Their luck on the streets and in the brothel couldn’t last forever. That’s what he thought then. Now he figured God’s hand had been on them the whole time.
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