“Yes’m.” Cody walked over to Phillip. “I’m Cody. C’mon, and I’ll show it to you. It’s a big hole in the ground.”
Phillip nodded and looked back at his father and smiled. The boys walked away; then Cody broke into a jog with Phillip following close behind.
Mr. Barlow watched with an unreadable expression on his face. “It’s good for my son to play with another boy his age.”
Sarah walked closer to him. “Are there none in town?”
He harrumphed. “None that Aunt Esther thinks are good enough. I’m sure if she saw Cody, she’d—” He removed his hat. “I don’t care to talk about her. I see your house is finished.”
“All except for the painting on the outside, but there is still much to do inside. I’ve only received one of my shipments of furniture so far. It arrived yesterday. Most of my things are still in the railcar at the depot, waiting until I have time to unpack it.” At least her bed had been in the shipment that she and Luke had sorted through. Once it was set up, she was able to give her cot to Claire until she could either order a bed for her or the men could find time to build one. With Claire still wetting her diapers, Sarah wasn’t willing to share her bed.
“Yes. I remember all that was involved when my wife and I moved to a new home. It’s quite a lot of work.” He stared off as if lost in thought for a moment then pinned her with his gaze. Unexpected apprehension flickered in his eyes for a moment. “Have you decided whether you can spend time with Phillip or not?”
Sarah nibbled her lower lip. “I have thought about it, but there’s been a complication.”
He lifted his eyebrows. “And what is the nature of this complication?”
“A little girl.”
“What?”
Sarah scratched some dried dirt off her finger as she wrestled with how to explain Claire. “I found—or rather—my brother found a little girl, wandering all alone. She looks to be around two. She was filthy and covered in scratches and insect bites.”
“That’s dreadful. Did you locate her family?”
She nodded. “We did, but her mother was dead. There was nothing in their meager supplies to indicate who they were.”
“So, why is this a problem? Surely you turned the child over to the authorities.”
She looked down. He had the same attitude Dr. Worth initially had. For some reason, with Stephen being a father, she’d hoped he’d feel differently. “No, I didn’t. She was scared and alone. I’m keeping her unless her family comes to claim her.”
Stephen’s eyes widened. “You can’t just keep any child that comes along, especially with you not being married. You should be concerned about your reputation.”
Her reputation was none of his business. People already looked down on her because she was a half-breed. At least she could help one child. “What would you have done? She’s a little girl, confused and frightened. She misses her mother. I can’t send Claire off to some lonely orphanage where she’ll be one of many unwanted children. I want her.”
“But she isn’t yours to keep.”
“She is unless her father or another relative comes for her.”
He lowered his head and shook it, as if sorely disappointed in her actions. The disappointment was hers. She’d expected better of the man, but then she barely knew him.
“And what of Phillip?” he asked.
“That’s partly up to you.”
“Me?” He looked up.
“Are you willing to let me spend time with Phillip if I have to bring Claire with me?”
“I dread to think what Aunt Esther will have to say about this unexpected occurrence.” He turned away and bent over with his gloved hands on one of the wagon wheels. “It was my hope that you could give my son your undivided attention.”
“I understand, but that’s no longer possible. Besides, it might be good for him to play with another child, even one younger than him. You saw how eager he was to join Cody. In fact, he merely waved at me then left with little hesitation.”
“I’ve explained to him that you are not his mother.”
Sarah walked over and stood beside him. “Good. He needs to understand that. How did he take it?”
“He was disappointed, of course. But I think he knew all along that was the case. I think he was simply flabbergasted at seeing someone who resembled his mother so closely that he overreacted.”
“Does that bother you?”
He turned. “Not at all. Although you have similarities to Rosalia, there are differences, too. You’re taller, for one. Your hair is a lighter shade, and your eyes are darker.”
Sarah swallowed at his intense stare. Was he looking for a replacement for his wife? Or merely someone to spend time with his son to give Aunt Esther a rest? She thought of all she had to do to get her house in order. Caring for Phillip would certainly cut into her time, but it would also give her some extra money. Still, she wasn’t ready to give him an answer.
“Who is that?”
Sarah glanced across the yard to see Luke standing at the corner of the house, his hand on his hips. “That’s a friend of mine, Luke McNeil. He’s helping with the cellar.”
Mr. Barlow turned toward her. “Is he married?”
“No, why do you ask?”
“It’s inappropriate for you to have an unmarried man here working for you. You must be fastidiously careful of your reputation, Miss Worley.”
“And exactly what does that mean?” She crossed her arms. “How do you expect me to get my house built without the help of men, not all of whom are married?”
“I didn’t mean to cause a disagreement. I’m only stating what others will say if you’re not careful.”
Luke started toward them. Cody and Phillip raced past him and ran toward the buggy. She had never seen Phillip so excited.
“I saw it, Papa. A cellar is a big hole. Does our house have one?”
“Come, Phillip. It’s time to go.”
“But I want to—”
Stephen glared at his son, and the boy quieted. Head hanging, Phillip walked toward his father then allowed him to lift him into the buggy.
Sarah’s heart ached for the lonely boy. Still, in light of his father’s accusations, she didn’t feel she could work for him. “I think, all things considered, that it’s better if I decline your offer.”
He stared at her a long moment then gave a curt nod. “I wholeheartedly agree. Good day, Miss Worley.”
Good-bye was more like it. Sarah managed a smile and waved at Phillip. The poor child looked on the verge of tears. Her heart ached for him.
“But I thought we were going to get to play longer.” Cody leaned against Sarah’s side, and she rested her hand on his shoulder.
“Not today.”
As the buggy turned, Phillip gave a limp wave.
Luke strode up to her. “Who was that?”
“It was that man I met in town who’d hoped I’d watch his son several days a week.”
“What did you tell him?”
The same thing I told you, she wanted to say but didn’t. Luke had done nothing to deserve her ire. “I said that it wouldn’t work out. I’m much too busy now.”
“Good. I don’t like the looks of that dandy.”
Jack saddled his horse at twilight. A week had passed since his attempt to lure Sadie away from the saloon where she worked had failed. Part of him wished he’d never promised to return, but how could he not at least try one more time to help the young woman?
He glanced across the field to his tent, illuminated from the lantern light in Luke’s tent. Cody was already asleep, tired from all the digging and other things he’d done today. How could one little boy run and climb and do so much without falling down exhausted?
“Where are you goin’?”
Jack startled at Luke’s voice. “Uh … got some business to tend to in town.”
“At this hour?”
“Yeah.”
Luke stared at him over the horse’s back. “Would it have
anything to do with that shiner you got?”
Jack didn’t want to talk about it, but he could see that Luke wasn’t going away. “Could be.”
Luke rested his arms on the saddle. “If you need help, all you have to do is ask.”
“I know.” What he didn’t know was if Sadie would even show, but if she did, he might need backup in getting her away safely. He still hadn’t figured out where he was going to take her. Guthrie would probably be as good as any place, but he couldn’t travel alone with an unmarried woman he didn’t know, especially one dressed in a frilly saloon gal’s outfit. He really hadn’t thought things through. He simply knew he had to keep his promise and show up a week from when he last saw her.
Luke had been a good friend and wouldn’t fault him for trying to help Sadie. With a sigh of resignation, he told his friend what had happened last time he’d gone to Anadarko.
In the waning light, Luke’s eyes widened. “You want to help rescue a shady lady?” He chuckled and shook his head. “I should have known you got beat up being a good Samaritan. Sarah was afraid you’d fallen into your old ways and had gone back to drinkin’. I reassured her you hadn’t.”
Sarah thought he’d told her a falsehood? That disappointed him more than he could express. “After those bruisers beat me up for trying to help Sadie, one of them poured whiskey on me. That’s why Sarah doesn’t believe me.”
“I never said she doesn’t believe you. She’s concerned that your grief over Cora’s death will push you to do something you wouldn’t normally do.”
That eased his conscience some where Sarah was concerned. She cared about him, and it was natural for her to worry. “I’ll never drink or do anything that could hurt Cody. He’s my main concern now.”
“And yet, here you are, ready to ride to town alone to help a gal who probably wants your help less than she wants the coins in your pocket.”
“I made a promise.”
“To a lady of the night.”
“Don’t forget about Jo. If she can escape that kind of life, other women can, too. You don’t know Sadie’s circumstances or how she ended up being where she is.”
“You’re right.” As if ashamed of his comment, Luke hung his head for a long moment. “If you’re dead set on going, let me ride with you and make sure you get out of there without a beating this time.”
Jack smacked the end of the reins against his hand. “With you here, I won’t worry about Cody. If he wakes up and doesn’t find me, he’ll go straight to your tent.”
“So? Take him to Sarah. She won’t mind keeping him. And she’ll probably tell you to bring Sadie back here. Sarah wouldn’t have the life she does now if Jo hadn’t taken her along when she escaped that bordello.”
Jack clenched his jaw. He’d hoped not to have to involve her this time. “I reckon you’re right. It would be good to have someone along in case of trouble. My ribs are still sore from last week’s walloping, so I won’t argue if you want to ride along, but I don’t know that it’s a good idea to bring Sadie here.”
“Then what did you plan to do with the gal if you did manage to get her to leave the saloon?”
“I hadn’t gotten that far.”
“Don’t cheat Sarah out of the chance to help someone in need.”
“You’re right.”
Luke straightened. “I like hearing that.”
“Don’t get used to it.” He tossed his reins to Luke. “I’ll get Cody. You might want to saddle your horse.”
“I already did.”
“I’m not surprised.” His heart warmed at his friend’s dedication. “You were coming along whether I wanted you or not.”
“Yep. Friends watch their friends’ backs.”
Jack chuckled as he walked toward his tent. The Lord sure had blessed him with good friends and family.
Thirty minutes later, Jack waited behind a tree out back of the saloon where Sadie worked. He had no idea when she’d come outside—or if she would. Did she even remember that this was the night he’d promised to meet her?
A door creaked, and he slipped behind the tree. As dark as it was at the back of the lot, he doubted anyone could see him. Still, he needed to use caution. He leaned to his right and peered around the trunk. His heart bucked. There she was. But she wasn’t alone.
A bearded man in overalls pawed at her as she tried to slip out the back door. “Aw, Sid. Leave me be. It’s time for my smoke.”
“I don’t mind keepin’ you comp’ny, darlin’.”
“Go back inside, and I’ll make it worth your time later.” She pasted a smile on her face that made Jack’s belly churn. No woman should have to live at the beck and call of a man’s lust.
“Promise?” The old geezer licked his lips and leaned forward.
Sadie grabbed hold of his beard and turned his head, placing a kiss on his leathery cheek.
Jack thought he heard the man chuckle. Sadie slipped out the door, free and clear, while the geezer disappeared inside. She glanced around as if looking for him. She muttered a curse. “I knew better than t’trust a man. They never keep their promises.”
Jack eased around the tree. “I do.”
She jumped then glared at him. After a long moment, she started toward him, but footsteps came toward the door. Jack ducked behind the trunk.
“What do you want?” Sadie obviously despised whomever it was she was talking to.
“Just checking on you. How come you’re out here?”
“I finished with my last bum and needed some fresh air.” She barked a harsh laugh. “The cowpoke smelled as if he’d been rollin’ around in cow patties. It sickened my stomach.”
The man guffawed. “Hurry back in before the boss notices you’re gone.”
“Thanks, Gus. I appreciate that you watch out for me.”
“Always have. Always will.”
After a few long moments, Sadie’s posture relaxed. Then suddenly she turned and ran toward Jack.
He grabbed her, pulling her behind the tree.
“We gotta go. Now!”
“All right.” Jack peered toward the door and saw no one. “C’mon.”
He grabbed Sadie’s hand, ignoring how she wreaked of smoke and booze—a pale comparison to the flowery perfume Cora used to wear.
“Hold it right there.” The man who’d thrown most of the punches at him last week stepped out the door, his gun trained in their direction.
Sadie uttered a noise like an animal caught in a trap.
“Shh …” Jack held tight to Sadie’s hand for fear she’d run back to her prison.
“No. You hold it, mister, and drop that gun while you’re at it.” Luke stepped out of the shadows of the alley with a bandanna covering the lower half of his face.
“Let’s go,” Jack urged her. She ran toward his horse and had her foot in the stirrup before he got there. He reached behind her to boost her up, but there was no decent place for him to put his hands. Thankfully, she mounted on her own. Jack slid on behind her, reached around and grabbed the reins, and then turned his horse and gun toward the man at the door.
“Get back inside before I blow a hole in your knee.” Luke played the part of a reckless henchman well.
“You’ll regret this. All of you.” The man backed inside the door then turned and moved out of sight.
Luke saluted Jack with his gun then backed away, disappearing in the dark alley.
“Hold on.” Jack parked his heels in his horse’s side, and the animal leaped forward. He turned his horse in the opposite direction of Sarah’s house and raced away from the Hairy Dog Saloon, fearing the men would follow. Once out of town, he reined his horse back toward her house.
“Yeehaw!” Luke rode out of the shadows.
Sadie jumped.
Jack glared at Luke, though he doubted his friend could see his expression. “Good thing both my hands are occupied, or you’d have a bullet hole in you. ‘Bout scared me half to death, you numbskull.”
“Howdy, ma’am. My name�
�s Luke McNeil.”
“Sad— Um … Charlotte VanBuren. I can’t thank you enough for helpin’ your friend get me free of that horrible place.”
“Happy to do so.”
Jack rolled his eyes as he shook his head. Leave it to Luke to take all the glory.
Chapter 18
At the sound of riders approaching, Sarah turned down her lantern then opened the door and peeked out. In the moonlight, she recognized the light color of Luke’s horse, and she could see enough to know that there were two riders on the other horse. When Jack had explained he’d been helping a saloon girl, she’d actually been relieved and chastised herself for doubting his good character.
She braced herself to host a guest. If only she had some parlor furniture or a place to sit. Hopefully, the fact that her home was a sanctuary away from that nasty saloon and horrid life where the woman lived would be enough. She rushed outside to the porch railing. “It’s about time you got here. I’ve been so worried I nearly wore a hole in my new floors.”
The horses stopped, snorting and prancing from their ride. Good thing there was a three-quarter moon tonight so they could see their way easily and safely. Luke hopped off Golden Boy and held the reins of Jack’s horse while he helped the woman dismount. He escorted their guest up the stairs while Luke took the horses to the pasture. It wouldn’t be good if men came looking for Sadie and found the horses still saddled and standing out front.
Sarah slipped inside and turned up the lantern just enough that they could see. She smiled, although the fresh wood scent of her home was replaced by the malodorous stench of smoke and whiskey. “Welcome to my home. I wish I had more to offer, but I’ve just moved in.”
Sadie laughed. “I’d stay in a pigpen if it got me outta that ghastly place.” She sobered and looked around the dim room. “I bet it’ll be real nice here once you get furniture.”
Sarah’s heart softened toward the rough woman. “Thank you.” She looked at Jack. “You’d best grab Cody and get to your tent in case we have any unwelcome visitors.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He started for the stairs then paused. “Sarah will take good care of you. I’ll see you in the morning, and we’ll make plans on gettin’ you away from this area.”
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