by Karen Kirst
“Stop by the store when you’re ready.”
“Thank you, Quinn.”
After relating the nature of her errand to her sisters, Isabel saddled Honey and headed to Ben’s place. Like it or not, she and the deputy were a team. Her connection to him was no longer merely professional. And while her feelings for him simultaneously confused and terrified her, she was certainly capable of focusing on their mission—finding answers for Eli.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
“Annie Howell.” Quinn ran a finger over the ledger entry. “That’s her right there.”
They were crammed into the mercantile’s windowless, narrow office, Quinn seated at the desk and a welcome buffer between Ben and Isabel. Standing on either side of the businessman, their gazes clashed. The worry glimmering in her eyes amplified the feeling of helplessness that had taken up residence in his gut. There were too many unanswered questions. This was the part of his job that made him crazy. He knew from experience he wouldn’t know a moment’s peace until he solved the mystery.
Isabel had awakened him from a fitful slumber. Her presence in his home had been jarring, bringing him to full alertness in half the time it would’ve taken a cup of coffee. Still upset over their heated exchange, she’d reverted to her old manner of addressing him—as if he was unworthy of her valuable time.
He never should’ve breathed Marianne’s name.
Isabel bent over the desk and squinted at the page. “Does it indicate where she was staying?”
“Afraid not.” Quinn sank against the chair. “I recorded the item she traded in and the amount of credit she had left over.” He looked at Isabel. “In fact, this credit should go to Eli.”
She straightened, her expression somber. “He could use clothing items. I’ll compile a list.”
“I’m sorry I couldn’t be of more help.”
Quinn’s assistant appeared in the hallway outside the office. “Sir, the postmaster sent over a telegram for the deputy. It just came in.”
“Thank you, Henry.”
Ben accepted the message and, unfolding it, quickly scanned the contents. “I have to go to Pigeon Forge.” He couldn’t avoid telling Isabel. “There was a robbery last night. The sheriff has a witness whose description fits our man.”
“I want to come with you.”
His shock was tempered by the knowledge that Isabel’s quest for answers trumped her discontent with him. Ben cast a sideways glance at the shopkeeper, who’d twisted in his seat and was observing them both. “We’ve taken up enough of your time, Quinn. You’ve been a huge help.”
“I wish I could’ve done more.”
“You gave us a name. That’s a key piece of information.”
They filed out of the office and into the crowded mercantile, garnering many curious glances. Once outside, Ben navigated the busy street, his mind racing ahead. Isabel kept pace beside him. “This involves me, Ben. I want answers as much as you do.”
He unlocked the jail and proceeded to gather extra weapons from the safe. “Our bank robber has nothing to do with Eli.”
“You can’t know that for sure. The timing is suspicious. What if the bad man Annie spoke about was the same person who held a gun on me?”
He swiped one of the Winchesters from the rack above his desk. “What will people say if they find out you spent the day with me? No one knows you’re involved in this.”
“It’s a risk I’m willing to take.”
He stopped what he was doing. She’d remained by the door, an immovable sentry. “Our thief isn’t the real reason you wish to go, is it? You think you might learn something about Annie and her baby.”
“Pigeon Forge isn’t that far from here. It wouldn’t be a stretch to think she’d visit Gatlinburg, especially if she had relatives living in the area. This Happy person could be a resident of one of the outlying coves.”
Without a description or actual name for Eli’s caretaker, Ben hadn’t been able to adequately canvass those residents who shied away from town.
He closed the distance between them and settled his hands on her shoulders. “What purpose will it serve to learn Annie and her child died in childbirth?”
She lifted her chin. “Eli won’t be left wondering what happened to his loved ones. He’s young now, but he’ll ask questions as he grows older. He deserves to know the truth.”
“What if we locate Annie’s parents or grandparents or cousins? Decent people who might want to raise Eli?” He tightened his hold. “If that’s the case, you need to prepare yourself for what might happen.”
Her eyes clouded over. “I’d have no choice but to give him up.”
That would devastate her. Him, too, if he were honest. He’d grown fond of Eli. Like any natural father, Ben was driven to protect the boy.
“And I’d have no choice but to uphold the law.”
Her palpable sorrow kicked him in the sternum. “Eli deserves to have a family. He should be raised in a loving, nurturing environment, whether that’s provided by me or blood relatives. I only want what’s best for him.”
Like she wanted for her sisters. Why did others’ happiness have to cost Isabel hers? She’d shouldered the burden of her father’s sins so that her sisters could have a better life. They’d been affected, too, but not nearly to the extent she had. They’d retained their faith in love and marriage. Isabel couldn’t even bring herself to consider opening herself up to it. Eli had been like a gift, an amazing opportunity for Isabel to be a mother to a needy boy. That there was even the slightest chance it could be ripped from her made him feel ill.
Ben dropped his arms and turned away before he could do something stupid. “I can’t promise this trip won’t turn out to be a waste of time.”
“I know.”
With the desk safely between them, he leveled her a warning look. “I also can’t promise to keep your name out of it.”
That no one had discovered he’d spent numerous nights on her property was surprising.
“I know that, too.”
“Fine.” He consulted the clock on Shane’s desk. “I’ve got to let Grant know where I’m headed and ask him to cover for me until we return late tonight.”
“And I need to inform my sisters.”
“I’ll meet you at the edge of town in an hour. Beside the abandoned well.”
Once she’d gone, he sank onto the desk and glanced at the ceiling. “Whatever we’re headed into, God, I ask You to give us the strength to handle it.”
* * *
Isabel’s pulse raced later that afternoon as Pigeon Forge’s sheriff lifted a wanted poster from the stack and placed it on the desk.
“Isabel?” Ben bent slightly to peruse the image. “Is that him?”
The scene in the alley rushed at her, the cold dread of her brush with death easily conjured. “Y-yes. That’s the man who threatened my life.”
Sheriff Langston’s astute gaze shifted between them. “My witness didn’t interact with him. He hid in the shadows while Theron Franklin filled his pockets with my citizens’ hard-earned cash.” He scowled. “Can’t expect a young man to face off against a criminal, but I wish he’d been quicker to come and fetch me.”
Theron Franklin. According to the poster, he was wanted for the murder of a young man from the middle of the state and other, less serious crimes. She couldn’t suppress a shiver. Ben shifted closer but didn’t touch her. He’d spoken very little during the long ride here. Not that she’d been in the mood to chat, either, not with anticipation warring with dread. She had to remember that God had a plan. Until today, she’d been confident that plan was for her to become Eli’s permanent guardian. The possibility of relatives who might want him had put a dent in her confidence. Perhaps Eli’s presence was always meant to be temporary.
Lord in heaven, Your Word promises to give me
strength when I need it. Please lead us to the answers we seek. Please help me to accept Your will, no matter what it may be.
She glanced at Ben’s profile. His jaw was locked tight, his mouth hard.
Help Ben accept it, too.
She wasn’t the only one whose life had been affected by Eli’s arrival. Watching them together as they made cookies yesterday, it had been impossible not to notice their deepening connection. Ben was the epitome of patience. Unlike Isabel, he was okay with messes. He’d let Eli measure the ingredients, mix the dough and roll it into balls. And Eli’s initial reticence around the lawman was a thing of the past. Absolute trust had blazed from his big blue eyes. How easy it was to imagine the three of them as a real family. Ben would make a good father. No, a great father. He’d never do anything to hurt his children. He’d guard and protect them, nurture and guide them.
If she wasn’t an avowed spinster and he a confirmed bachelor, they might’ve raised Eli together. Given him lots of brothers and sisters…
“Isabel?” Ben’s fleeting touch on her elbow halted the disconcerting train of thought.
“Yes?” Both men were watching her. “Sorry, I didn’t hear what you said.”
Ben’s brows tugged together. “The sheriff hasn’t heard of Annie, but there was a lady by the name of Ethel Howell who lived on the outskirts of town.”
“Was?”
The sheriff laced his fingers over his chest. “She passed several months ago. Late July. No surviving kin that I’m aware of.”
“Would you mind if we went out to her place and took a look around?” Ben asked.
“Be my guest. I can’t say what the status of the place is. Could’ve been ransacked by looters by now. Or four-legged critters may have moved in.”
“We’ll proceed with caution. Thank you, Sheriff.”
“I’ll contact you if I get more information about Theron.”
“Let’s hope next time he strikes, you’ll be there to capture him.” Ben pointed to the wanted poster. “He’s proved he’s willing to do whatever is necessary to get what he wants.”
Isabel took one last look at Theron’s likeness and prayed she’d never meet him face-to-face again. There’d been times she’d wished Ben hadn’t happened upon that deserted alley. Now she thanked God for sending him when He did.
Outside the jail, people bustled about the streets with packages in their arms, their friendly faces and good cheer a sign of the season. Christmas was approaching, and instead of making preparations, she was playing detective with Ben.
He must’ve noticed her distress, for as he unhitched their horses, he said, “You’ve been distracted ever since we got here. What’s the matter?”
She gestured to their festive surroundings. “We don’t have a tree. Eight days until Christmas, and I haven’t started a single pie or cake. The gifts aren’t ready.” She walked to the boardwalk’s edge. “I know those things pale in comparison to the reasons we’re here.”
His eyes softened with understanding. “It’s hard to enjoy the preparations when you’re worried about your future.”
“I wanted to make this Christmas special for Eli. And now that I know this year will be Honor’s last under our roof…”
“You still can, you know.” He tilted his chin to the festooned storefronts and wagons creaking past. “I don’t have anyone depending on me. I have time to devote to this case. There’s no reason for you to be dragged into this.”
There wasn’t an ounce of self-pity in his voice. Still, something about his stance struck her as off. And his expression told of dreams relinquished. Did Ben truly wish to be alone? Or did his past entanglement with this Marianne woman strike fear in his heart to ever try again?
“I’m already square in the middle of it. I insisted on coming along, remember?”
He cast her a wry glance. “I remember.”
He handed her Honey’s reins, and they led their animals along the street. Isabel noticed that, for most women they passed, one look at Ben wasn’t enough. They smiled and batted their eyes. Some even said hello. In the past, he would’ve poured on the charm. Not today. He didn’t even seem to notice they existed. If she were honest, she’d admit he hadn’t lived up to the Debonair Deputy’s reputation in weeks.
Ben stopped before a steaming cart. “Do you like roasted chestnuts?”
As it was midafternoon, and they’d eaten a hasty packed lunch on the way, the treat would be a perfect snack. “Very much.”
When she fumbled for her reticule beneath her cloak’s folds, he forestalled her. After paying the man for two full sacks, Ben handed her one and they continued on their way. The sound of musical instruments drew her attention. In an empty lot beside a leather goods store, a crowd had gathered to listen to carolers.
Noticing her interest, Ben nodded toward them. “We’ve got time to listen to one or two songs.”
“Are you sure?”
He gave her a half smile. “Let’s pretend for a few minutes that we’re not on a serious mission but out on a holiday shopping excursion.”
Despite the strain that had characterized their interactions of late, he was trying to give her a bit of cheer. His thoughtfulness touched her. “I like that idea.”
They spent a good half hour listening to the carols. Isabel couldn’t help humming along with the familiar songs. It was a moment to reflect on the reasons for Christmas and God’s unconditional love. He wasn’t like her earthly father. God saw her faults and loved her anyway.
Too soon, it was time to go. They mounted their horses and rode in silence to the homestead that once belonged to Ethel Howell. The isolated property had an abandoned, unkempt look. There were no animals stirring about. One of the windows had broken panes.
After securing their horses, Ben told her to wait while he walked the perimeter and peered into the windows. Satisfied there weren’t any unwelcome human guests inside, he stepped onto the low porch. “Ready?”
Nodding slowly, she stared at the house and wondered if what was behind the door would grant them the answers they sought.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
The interior of Ethel’s farmhouse was dark and dusty. While Isabel tugged aside curtains to admit more light, Ben picked up a dining chair off the floor and righted it.
He checked the kitchen cabinets and drawers. “Doesn’t look like anyone’s bothered the place. There’s silverware and a silver tea service in plain view.”
“I feel strange doing this. Like I’m invading someone’s privacy.”
Isabel hovered in the doorway, too beautiful for his peace of mind. Being alone with her on the open road or a busy street was one thing. Here, in this house, he was attuned to the oddest things. Her soft, rhythmic breathing. The sigh of her full skirts against her leather boots. The tiniest hint of her orange-laced scent teasing his nose.
“We’re searching for information, nothing more.”
Her lips turned down at the corners. “I didn’t see any personal effects in the living room.”
“Let’s check the bedrooms.” He walked behind her to the rear section, his gaze drawn to her exposed nape above her cloak and the stray tendrils caressing her smooth golden skin. He paused in the hallway outside the first one. “You want this room while I take the next?”
She took a deep breath. “Sure.”
Ben was accustomed to this type of work. Isabel wasn’t. “If you come across anything you’d rather not examine, holler for me.”
He proceeded to the second room, his gaze alert to clues but his ears straining for Isabel’s movements. Focus, MacGregor. This must’ve been reserved for guests, because there was nothing of interest. He was heading to the last room when she called for him, a curious note in her voice.
“What have you found?”
“Look at this.” She han
ded him a photograph of a family. Mother, father and two older adolescents…a boy and a girl. “Turn it over.”
He read the neat script aloud. “‘Jim, Abigail, Annie and Harry.’”
Isabel came closer, her brown eyes alight with excitement. “Annie must’ve been Ethel’s granddaughter. Look at her. It’s obvious she had lighter hair than the others. And Eli has her chin.” She tapped the young man’s image. “And her brother, Harry? Don’t you agree the name could be mispronounced by a small child?”
He raised his head. “You think Happy is actually Harry?”
“Maybe Eli’s initial attempts to say his name sounded like the word happy and it stuck.”
“Makes sense.” He motioned to the open box on the bed. “Are there any other photos?”
She shrugged. “I haven’t had a chance to go through that stuff. This was on top.”
“Looks like important papers. Some letters. We should take them with us to sort through later. I’d like to talk to Ethel’s neighbors.” Ben glanced out the window. Because they had opted to listen to the carolers, they’d lost some daylight. “I didn’t pack supper and had planned on eating at one of the establishments in town before heading back.”
Isabel’s forehead bunched. “I thought we weren’t going to remove anything.”
“If we stay here any longer, we’ll be forced to rent rooms for the night.”
“My sisters would be worried.”
“As soon as we’re finished with Ethel’s belongings, I’ll mail them to the sheriff and he can bring them back out here.”
She agreed to his plan. Ben did a final check of the house before carrying the box outside and putting it into his saddlebag. They rode to the farm they’d passed earlier and spoke with the owners. The couple confirmed that Ethel had grandchildren but said they hadn’t seen Annie or Harry in a while. Apparently Ethel had become a recluse in recent years. She’d paid a young man to fetch her items from town and assist around the farm, but he turned out to be a swindler.
Ben and Isabel thanked them for their time. What was supposed to be a quick meal in town turned out to be an ordeal that lasted an hour and a half. The harried waitress failed to place their order and then served chicken that was too tough to eat. The proprietor had apologized and set things right, but it had cost them traveling time. The sun had long since dipped below the mountain ridges when they started the trek back to Gatlinburg. As darkness blanketed the countryside and stars began blinking in the expanse above, cold seeped into his bones. He glanced at Isabel riding alongside. She was an indistinct form on horseback, her cloak’s hood covering her head and her scarf pulled up over her chin.
