Tracks To Love (Birdsong Series)

by Alice Addy

  Eve didn’t have to say that twice. Emily, Cassie, and even Patty, flew up the stairs to make themselves beautiful for a day of shopping and greeting folks. They really had had no time to meet people, other than the guests passing through on the train. They were happily chattering like magpies when they left.

  Looking up at Dora, Eve asked, “You’re staying here?”

  Nodding, Dora replied, “Yes, sweetie. I’ve got Pearl to take care of. I hope to bring her downstairs in just a little bit. She’s embarrassed about us finding her the way we did, and she’s shy about her appearance. I told her she didn’t look that bad, but she knows better.” Dora grinned broadly. “That baby is sure kicking up a storm, today. I think he likes it here. I don’t mind telling you, I was scared that beating might have hurt him some, but I’m not worried no more.”

  “Just what do you know about Pearl, Dora?” Eve asked.

  “I know she’s all alone in this world. Her ma and pa took sick with the fever a while back, and she went to work at the Tumbleweed when she was only fifteen. Imagine that. It was there, that she met him. She fancied him. He paid her a lot of attention and spoke pretty things to her. He flattered her and led her to believe that he loved her, too. It wasn’t until she started gettin’ sick in the mornin’s that he showed his true colors. She was happy to tell him he was gonna be a father, thinkin’ they’d get married, for sure. Instead, he left that saloon and abandoned her. It took Pearl a while to find where he’d gone, but she ran into him, yesterday. She begged him to take care of her and the baby. I guess she made quite a scene, and he didn’t like that, so . . . he tried to shut her up—permanently.”

  “You’re saying, he meant to kill her and the baby?”

  Dora nodded.

  “What a monster! Why won’t she tell you who he is? He should be in jail for hurting her in her condition . . . or shot.”

  “The girl’s plum loco over him. Love don’t make no sense at all.”

  Eve thought for a moment. “I’ll find out who he is, if it’s the last thing I do. This will not be allowed to stand.” Quickly, she twirled about and stomped out the front doors to get some air and do some heavy thinking.

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Pearl thrived under the loving care and watchful eyes of Dora and Eve. They made certain she received plenty of good, nutritious food and easy exercise, to build up her strength. She had regained some color in her cheeks, revealing a very petty girl. Dora noticed Pearl had the same coloring as Eve, and that was rare in these parts.

  One afternoon, Eve asked Dora if she had learned anything more about Pearl.

  “Not so much as her last name. She’s a sweet child, but she’s hidin’ somethin’. I don’t know if she’s scared or protectin’ someone. Don’t make no difference to me, though. I’ll give her my last name for the baby, if’n she’ll allow it. It would make me awful proud.”

  Eve smiled as she gave Dora a hug. “You’re a special kind of woman, Dora, and you make me awfully proud to call you my friend.”

  “Oh, how you do go on,” gushed Dora. “Don’t we have some guests to see to?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Eve saluted, and having been given her marching orders, she was off to change the sheets.

  All the women had fallen into a comfortable routine at the Birdsong. In the evenings, Eve would often sing for their guest’s enjoyment. The food was superbly prepared and the beds clean and comfortable. With its European influence, the Birdsong Hotel had become a popular destination. Money was pouring in.

  One afternoon, Eve decided it was time to make an important announcement. All the women, including Pearl, gathered around the table, enjoying a fluffy lemon cake that Dora had prepared just for them. Cassie poured the tea.

  “Okay, ladies. I have an idea and I wanted to get your approval before I go to the bank. As you all know, most of our rooms have guests. Most of our rooms are occupied everyday. And with those patrons, comes a lot of money. I’m here to tell you, that this hotel is doing very well financially. We have no debt, and nothing needs to be done to the hotel. Naturally, cash needs to be held in reserve for the lean times and for unexpected emergencies, however, a large amount is still available for discretionary use.

  “What I would like to do, is share the profits with all of you. You’ve worked very hard and none of this would have happened without you. When I think of where we started and where we’ve come, it stuns me. So . . . I can open accounts for you at the bank, or I’ll give you the cash to do with as you please. What do you think about that?” Eve waited for their response.

  The four women sat silently, pondering what they had just heard. It seemed impossible that they were going to benefit from the hotel, as if they, too, were owners.

  Pearl was the first to speak. “Eve, do you mean I get a share, too?”

  Eve smiled at the young girl. “Of course, you do. You do all that is asked of you. Your share will be smaller than the others, but I assure you, this will not be the only time you profit. Would you like the cash, Pearl?”

  The girl smiled slowly, as her good fortune finally started to sink in. “Can I buy things for my babe?”

  Everyone giggled. “Lands sake, child,” Dora exclaimed. “That’s your money to do with as you please. You can buy whatever you choose. I know I’m gonna buy that little tyke a few things.”

  Cassie jumped in, “I’m going to buy sheet music and a yellow dress!”

  “You can keep my share in the bank, Eve,” Patty said quietly. “This town doesn’t offer anything that I want or need. Perhaps someday, I will have to travel. Thank you, for your generosity.”

  Have to travel? The oddity of that statement didn’t escape Eve’s notice. She’d speak to her about it later. “You’re welcome, Patty. It will be there when you need it.

  “How about you, Emily? What would you like to do with your share?”

  “I’d like to save up for a place of my very own. I want my own garden and maybe an orchard. It would be real nice to put down permanent roots.”

  Eve’s eyes lit up. “Emily,” she practically shouted, “I think I know of the perfect place. It’s been empty for a really long time, and it needs a lot of work, but the land will steal your breath away. It overlooks a small, peaceful lake, too. If we can find the owners, I bet you can get it for next to nothing. Would you like to ride out and have a look soon?”

  Emily was on her feet with her hands clasped to her chest. Tears were threatening to overflow her enormous eyes. “This is truly too good to be true. Bless you, Eve.” It was rare to see the reserved Emily showing such genuine emotion.

  “I guess you’re gonna want to know what to do with my share,” Dora stated emphatically. “Well, I’m too old to go anywhere and I think I have pertinear ever’thing I want or need. I plan to buy a cradle for the little one, but as for the rest, I’d like to keep it in the bank and give it to them that needs it.”

  Eve rushed over to Dora and put her arms around her. “You are an angel straight from heaven, Dora. It’s yours to spend or give away to anyone you choose.”

  The women felt rich. For the very first time in their lives, they had their own funds to do with as they wished. They weren’t dependent on someone else for a living. It was such a relief and such a generous gift. After they retreated to the privacy of their own rooms, they each spent hours thinking and dreaming of all the possibilities now open to them.

  Later in the week, Ty rode in, expecting to spend some quality time with the woman he loved. As he climbed down from the wagon, he stood outside, looking up at the pristine exterior of the finest hotel in Kansas. It was hard to believe that Eve, along with the help of four miraculous women, could have made this all a reality. His chest swelled with pride knowing that such an amazing woman had chosen him to share in her life.

  There were families sitting, contented to watch their children at play in the fenced green space, so lovingly tended by Emily. Some older folks were sitting on the expansive porch, rocking to and fro. Some were knit
ting. Some were snoring softly. The picture they painted was pleasant and serene. It was truly a home away from home, for these folks.

  Ty shook his head in wonder. Eve had done all this. He could just imagine the home she would create for him and their children.

  “Ty!” A feminine voice called down to him.

  Brought out of his reverie, Ty looked up and saw young Cassie waving from an upper floor window. As usual, she was all smiles.

  “Morning, Cassie. Eve about?” he asked.

  “She sure is, Ty. Eve’s behind the desk. She’ll be mighty happy to see you.”

  Not half as happy as I’ll be to see her, Ty thought. He practically ran up the steps, nodding at the guests as he rushed through the doors.

  He came to a halt just inside. He didn’t see her at first. However, as Ty wandered closer to the desk, he heard a quiet rustle of papers. Looking down toward the floor, he smiled mischievously. Turned up toward him, was the cutest, plump bottom he had ever had the good fortune to see. He recognized it belonging to Eve.

  Clearing his throat, he laughed as she jumped up, startled at having been caught in such an awkward position. “Oh, forgive me, sir,” she said, before recognizing it was Ty.

  “Ty! I’m so happy you’re here, and I’m so grateful that it was you seeing my bum in the air and not old Mr. Thompson. He may be ancient, but he’s as randy as a kid. I’ve learned not to turn my back on him,” she laughed. “Actually, he’s lonely and I enjoy having him around. He leaves in a couple of days and I’ll miss him.”

  “You talk too much,” Ty whispered, as he pulled her close to him.

  “Ty, not here. What if someone should see us?”

  “What would they see, Eve, but a couple in love and intending to marry? When are you going to say yes, Eve?” He looked deep into her eyes.

  “Soon, Ty. Very soon.” She looked away, and proceeded to straighten the stack of papers she’d dropped on the floor, and had been retrieving earlier when he walked in.

  “Why don’t you sit for a spell? I’ve still got some bookkeeping to do, but then we can go and have some lunch.”

  Ty pulled back slightly. He noticed that Eve was not as attentive as she had once been. Lately, when they were together, she seemed distracted and somewhat remote. This sudden change in her demeanor had Ty concerned.

  While he sat in the lobby, the cowboy watched the guests come in and go out. They paid their respects to Eve, always complimenting her on all her hard work and her beautiful hotel. “How proud the city must be to have you and your establishment in their town,” they’d say. It was one compliment after another, and all well deserved. Ty wondered if Eve had any need of him at all?

  A very handsome man walked up to the desk and was speaking quietly to Eve, forcing her to lean forward to hear him. He was obviously taking in her unique fragrance. Ty could tell. This man was trying to attract Eve. The sidewinder was flirting with her. But, it wasn’t until his fingers lightly grazed hers, that Ty flew into action.

  Jumping off the settee, Ty was there in a flash. “Sir, I would appreciate you not fondling my fiancé,” he growled. His eyes were cold and deadly serious. His hand rested on the butt of his colt.

  “Ty! I’m surprised at you,” Eve scolded. “Mr. Johnson was only asking directions. Please apologize to him.” Eve was embarrassed and insulted at the way her intended had reacted to such an innocent situation. It wasn’t good for business and it wasn’t good for their relationship.

  The handsome guest raised his hand to silence her. “There is no need for the gentleman to apologize, Miss Birdsong. He is correct. I was overcome with the urge to touch you. You are the most beautiful and alluring woman I have ever met. Tell me you are not really going to marry this . . . cowboy.” His upper lip curled back slightly in disgust.

  Before Eve could nod, Ty had grabbed the man by the lapels of his immaculate coat and turned him around. Everything happened so fast after that, that Eve was never certain who threw the first punch.

  The sound of grunts and groans filled the quiet space and traveled out through the open doors, bringing all the guests in to see the ruckus. Mr. Johnson may have been a city dude, but he was no lightweight. He gave as good as he got—maybe better. Ty was thrown against a table, toppling a very expensive imported lamp, and sending it crashing to the floor. Mr. Johnson fell over the top of the counter, clearing it off, making a huge mess on the floor—including Eve’s carefully stacked papers.

  “Stop it! Stop it, I say,” Eve kept yelling. She looked at her guests for help, but they were a collection of old men, women, and children. There was no one to come to her aid.

  Then it happened.

  A wall of water came crashing down on both men standing in the center of the room. They came up sputtering and swearing, trying to clear their eyes. Ty slipped and fell on the wet floor, but not before catching the toe of his boot on the trouser leg of the stranger, bringing him down on top of him.

  “Ugh!”

  “Oomph!”

  All the air was knocked out of both men, leaving them weak and defenseless.

  “What the hell?” one of the men yelled, after he caught his breath. Both were sodden and bleary eyed. Red rivulets ran down their noses and onto their once white shirts. Ty’s cheek was swollen and Mr. Johnson couldn’t see from his left eye. Broken glass was strewn across the floor and all of Eve’s carefully transcribed records were soggy and unreadable.

  A loud authoritative voice cut through the silence. “That’s about enough of that kind of foolishness. You men are worse than children, and you shouldn’t be allowed in a respectable hotel. Apologize to Miss Birdsong and then shake hands . . . right before you volunteer to clean up this mess. I got meals to prepare.” Dora grabbed her empty water pail and headed back to the kitchen, muttering to herself. She didn’t have time for this idiocy!

  Ty walked up to Eve and started to stutter. “F-f-forgive me, Eve. I’m truly s-sorry.”

  “Yes, Miss Birdsong, I, too, am mortified at my indiscretion. I am usually not so reckless, nor so improper, but you bring out the beast in me, I’m afraid. I would like the opportunity to apologize in private, if I may?”

  “Damn it! There you go again, stranger. You’re just beggin’ for another ass whuppin’. Come on outside,” Ty ordered.

  “Ty! That’s enough!” Eve exclaimed. “You both are not forgiven. Mr. Johnson, in all the months that I’ve managed the hotel, I have never had to turn out a guest, but for you, I must make the exception. You may stay here, this evening, but you will need to find new lodgings tomorrow.”

  He tipped his hat. “Yes, ma’am. I will do that, for you. May I call upon you?”

  “I’m warning you, one last time, mister. Leave my fiancé alone!” Ty hollered.

  “Ty, you will be quiet,” Eve insisted. “I can’t tell you how disappointed I am in your behavior. You will not be staying at the Birdsong tonight. Nor will I have dinner with you, as I now have to rewrite all my records for the month. You may call upon me, tomorrow. Now I would like to be left alone. If either of you continue on with this childish behavior, I will call the sheriff and have you arrested. Am I clear, gentlemen?”

  Both men nodded, and the curious guests began to disburse, mumbling and shaking their heads. The beautiful hotel lobby was a wet, soggy disaster and the pretty little woman didn’t deserve this.

  Eve went into her office and listened for the sounds outside her door. The two culprits were grumbling, but sounded as if they were at least attempting to get along. She collapsed into her comfortable chair, closed her eyes, and pictured Ty raging at the not so innocent guest. They acted like badly behaved children, she thought, and soon started to giggle at the absurdity. They had been entertaining, certainly, and the other guests would most assuredly go home with tales of the big brawl over the little lady. Within moments, her giggles had grown into great peals of laughter. She recalled Ty losing his footing on the wet floor and pulling the big man down on top of him. That had to hurt, she s
urmised. Eve laughed so hard her sides hurt. “What on earth got into Ty?” she asked herself.

  He’ll probably sleep down at the livery tonight, she thought. Ty liked it there and she knew the place well. Eve decided that later, that evening, she would sneak down to the stables and greet Ty properly. She was slightly flattered that he had gotten so jealous of another man simply touching her hand. Of course, the stranger was very handsome, almost as handsome as Ty. It just proved Ty loved her.

  Ty Fenton was mad at himself and quite miserable. He’d arrived in Hays City in such a good mood, looking forward to spending precious time with Eve. His body cried out for hers. He couldn’t keep his mind from drowning in the thought of her in his arms. He had planned to spend the night making love to her, showing her how much he cherished her and needed her—but now it was all ruined. And it was his own fault.

  Eve had become successful on her own. Perhaps she had outgrown him. He was, after all, just a cowboy. He lived on his parent’s ranch, slept in their house, and ate their food. What did he really have to offer an independent woman like Eve? He had to come to grips with the chance that perhaps Eve had changed, and maybe, she no longer wanted to share his life. It would kill him, but he had to face that very real possibility.

  He slowly walked in the direction of the livery stable. He’d sleep with the horses. That’s where a dumb cowboy like him belonged, he figured. He struck out at a dirt clod with the toe of his boot, and sent it sailing over the hitching rail and accidentally through the barber’s glass window.

  “Shit!” Ty stood there, waiting for the inevitable.

  Sure enough, the sheriff had been making his rounds, and because of the ruckus at the hotel, he was on alert for troublemakers.

  “Well, son. Looks like you’re in some trouble. That window glass is expensive and I saw it was deliberate. You got the money to pay for it?”