The Timeless Love Romance Collection

by Dianne Christner

  She lifted a man’s empty glass.

  He held up his hand. “Whoa! That’s not what I was drinking, miss.”

  “Oh. I’m sorry.” Edie realized she had been daydreaming. “I’ll be right back with another pitcher.” She wheeled around and nearly ran into head waitress Gibson.

  “Miss Harris, Ranger Sloan would like to speak with you about the you know.”

  “He’s here now?” Edie scanned the room.

  “Yes, see—over by the door. I told him your shift was nearly over and it was fine. Only, please take him to the Rotunda so that you may speak more discreetly. I’ll take the pitcher and see that your customer gets his drink.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Edie looked toward the door again, and when the tall ranger gave her a friendly wave, her heart gave a little stir. “Thank you, Miss Gibson,” Edie said, drawing in a deep breath for calmness.

  Wade watched his witness approach. Strands of hair had worked free from her pinned-up style, her face flushed with first-day fatigue.

  “Hello, Mr. Sloan.” She smiled. “If you will please come with me.”

  “Ma’am,” Wade said, sweeping off his Stetson and falling into step beside her. “How was your first day on the job?”

  She shook her head. “Hectic. With the robbery and everything. I’m thankful for a reprieve.”

  He held the door open. “I’ll not keep you long.”

  They walked to the registration lobby in silence. He had to keep from chuckling when Miss Harris sank into a plush chair and gave an unfeminine sigh of contentment. She motioned for him to sit in the neighboring chair. “Now then,” she said as if she were the one in charge. She folded her hands in her lap and looked up at him with that revered expression that had captured his attention on the train, the one that pleased him so.

  Wade leaned close and said confidentially, “Since we spoke yesterday, I’ve telegraphed headquarters with the information you gave me. Seems we have more than one bandit in the Arizona Territory with a disfigured hand. It’s a common malady for a gunfighter. They often take a bullet to the hand.”

  Her eyes widened. “That’s fascinating!” Her gaze shifted to the ranger’s hands.

  He laughed and turned his palms up. “I happen to have all ten fingers.”

  “Congratulations.” Her blue eyes twinkled with mischief then softened. “I’m glad.”

  She was delightful. Even though he had told her he would keep it short, he found himself desiring to stretch out the interview. “Miss Harris, may I ask you a few questions about the man you saw?”

  “Most certainly.”

  “You said his eyes were grayish blue, hair light brown?”

  “His eyes were a dull blue. And that’s correct, light brown hair.”

  “How old do you think he was?”

  “Hmm.” She tapped her finger. “Old for someone in such a dangerous occupation, I’m sure, but not old enough to be, say, my father. Perhaps thirty, forty?”

  Wade glanced sideways. Was she teasing? No, she seemed serious. He reasoned she was the sort of woman who processed her thoughts aloud as she spoke. Often he found her type annoying, but Miss Harris was entertaining. “I see. Thirty or forty.”

  “But his hair wasn’t gray, was it?” she reconsidered.

  “You said it was brown, light brown,” he encouraged.

  “Yes. So I’ll guess thirty, then.”

  “How tall was our adversary?”

  “His head clearly filled my window, but I didn’t see his, um—legs.”

  “I understand. His face was covered with a red kerchief?”

  “Wait! Did I tell you it fell, and he reached to pull it up? I remember his arm was long. So he must be tall!” She became more animated as she reasoned. “There you have it. Yes, he was tall.”

  “Good deduction.” Wade could not fault her roundabout methods, for she provided a far better description than the average witness. “You saw his entire face?”

  “I did.” She bobbed her head emphatically.

  “If I brought a sketcher to the hotel, do you think you could help us create an accurate portrait?”

  She straightened. “I do. His awful face is vividly ingrained in my memory.”

  “Good. I mean, I’m sorry. It’s just that I’ve been pursuing this gang for a long while. This is the best lead I’ve had. Sometimes if we apprehend one member, we can get names of his companions. I’ll ask around and find someone to do the sketching.”

  Her hand rested on his arm like it had on the train, and it felt comforting.

  “You won’t have to do that, Mr. Sloan. My roommate is an artist. She has lined the walls of our room with wonderful drawings and paintings.”

  Another pleasant surprise. Wade beamed and patted Miss Harris’s hand where it rested on his arm. “You have been such a help. Could I meet you both here tomorrow evening?”

  “I’ll have to ask Dinah. And could we make it later, after our shift?”

  “Of course. Thank you.” Wade helped her to her feet and bid her good evening. Totally enchanted, he watched her leave then started toward his own hotel room. Often he camped under the stars. On occasion, however, he took a room and enjoyed the luxury of a good meal and bath. Tonight he would sleep in a soft bed, and maybe he would dream about how he would capture the long-elusive criminals, maybe even dream about one fascinating Harvey Girl.

  Edie left the ranger and went to the dormitory-style room she shared with Dinah. Working at the Grand Canyon is turning into the perfect adventure, she mused happily while washing her face at the basin. She slipped off her black shoes, plopped on the bed, and closed her eyes, letting her body relax from her shoulders to her toes. The image of the handsome ranger filled her thoughts. She hoped Dinah wouldn’t mind that she had volunteered her. As if responding to her thoughts, the door opened, and her roommate entered the room.

  When Dinah saw Edie on the bed, she gave her a sympathetic smile.

  “I’m exhausted,” Edie replied. “I’m not sure why. I worked this hard at my last location, too.”

  “Probably just the stress of having everything new. But if you’re exhausted, you won’t be happy to hear Miss Gibson is looking for you.”

  Edie sat up and swung her legs off the bed. “Why? What’s wrong?”

  Dinah joined Edie on the narrow bed. “She wants you to return to close out your station.”

  “Oh bother. I thought I was dismissed for the evening.” Edie eased off the bed and reached for her shoes. “I should have known better. I’ve never made so many mistakes in my entire life. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

  “I’m sure she understands it’s been an unusual day for you.”

  “I’m about to find out,” Edie said, giving Dinah a lopsided grin.

  “I started to do it for you, but Miss Gibson wouldn’t allow it. She said she wanted to talk to you anyway. I’m sorry.”

  “Not your fault. Thanks.” Edie turned to go, wondering what Constance Gibson wished to talk about. The robbery again? When she entered the restaurant, Miss Gibson was by the cash register talking to the Harvey manager, Mr. Niles. Trying not to draw their attention, she quietly slipped to her station and started wiping down a working surface.

  Miss Gibson saw her at once. She crossed the room and inquired with a low voice, “How was your interview with the ranger, Miss Harris?”

  “I was able to give him a description of one of the robbers.”

  “I hope you can put the dreadful experience behind you.”

  “I’m afraid that won’t be possible. He wants me to help him sketch the outlaw.”

  Miss Gibson clearly disapproved. “How awful. I don’t suppose there’s any way you can decline?”

  “Why would I wish to do that? Do you object?”

  “Since you are under my care, I’m only concerned for your safety.”

  Edie frowned. She had been so fascinated by Ranger Sloan and so proud of being able to identify the outlaw, she had not considered the danger. She
returned to her scrubbing. If Ranger Sloan apprehended the outlaw and he was sent to jail or sentenced to be hanged, what if he escaped? Would he take his revenge out on her? She scrubbed harder. He knew she had gotten a good look at his face. What if he came after her, even now, anticipating her involvement?

  “Miss Harris? Are you all right? I didn’t mean to frighten you. I am only concerned for your welfare.”

  Edie stopped scrubbing. “Sorry. I was just thinking of that man’s evil face and wondering if he will come looking for me.”

  “You’re perfectly safe here. There’s always a crowd in the restaurant and even in the dormitory. But perhaps you shouldn’t wander off alone for a while. Of course, it’s never wise to do so anyway. I think what you need most is rest. Let me finish cleaning this for you.”

  “Oh no. I couldn’t possibly let you do that. I’ve already made too many mistakes for one day.”

  “I saw your file, Miss Harris. Your record is impeccable. You’re just experiencing a rough start. Thank you for returning, but run along now, dear. My orders.”

  “That’s kind of you. Thank you.” Edie gratefully returned to her room and prepared to relax for the second time that evening.

  Dinah looked up from sketching at her desk. “That didn’t take long.”

  “Miss Gibson asked me a few questions then ordered me back to my room.”

  “She really is a good boss.”

  “I’ll say. She’s been more than fair with me today.” Edie gave a little wave. “Don’t let me keep you from your work.”

  Dinah smiled. “It’s not really work. It’s how I relax.” She took up her pencil again.

  “You’ve been in the West awhile, right?”

  “I’ve been here seven years. I’ve seen a lot of Harvey Girls come and go.” Her voice turned regretful. “Many get married.”

  “Well, I didn’t come here to get married.”

  Dinah looked surprised. “Why are you here?”

  “For the adventure. Speaking of which, do you think that outlaw is going to come looking for me since I saw his face?”

  Dinah’s hand stilled. She turned. “How would he know where to find you? He doesn’t even know your name, right?”

  Edie relaxed. “He doesn’t know my name, but he can assume I’m at the hotel.”

  “Does the ranger have any idea who he is?”

  “Not yet. He wants to use my identification for a sketch.”

  Dinah’s interest was piqued. “Who’s going to do the sketching?”

  Edie gave her a crooked grin. “You, I hope. I told him you were an artist. He asked if we could meet him in the Rotunda tomorrow evening after our shift. I hope you’re not mad.”

  Dinah laid down her pencil, crossed the room, and hugged Edie. “I can tell that having you for a roommate is going to be the most exciting thing that has happened to me. Of course I’ll help you. If that robber gets any crazy notions about finding you, he’ll have two women to deal with.”

  “Thanks, Dinah. I couldn’t have asked for a better roommate. And don’t worry,” Edie said with more courage than she felt. “That outlaw won’t stand a chance against the two of us.”

  Once Dinah returned to her sketching, Edie prepared for bed and took out Armed and Dangerous.

  Soon after daylight, the pretty and unsuspecting señorita left the adobe house and started to the well to draw water. She hooked a bucket to a long rope and slowly lowered it. A rustle sounded behind her, and a hand clamped across her mouth. Another clasped her waist. The señorita struggled, but she was no match for the man who dragged her across the desert soil to a band of groping men who tied her hands and threw her across a saddle.

  Edie snapped the book closed and placed it on her nightstand. Tonight was not the time to read about kidnapping outlaws. She could feel the señorita’s shock and horror as if they were her own, as they very well could be, she reasoned. She rolled over and tried to dispel the image, the interloping fear that clutched her heart. Suddenly a memory from her childhood came to mind. Mother always prayed with her before bed. After mother died, she and papa never prayed. She wondered if it would help now.

  Chapter 3

  The following evening Edie felt lighthearted, almost giddy. It had been a good day at the restaurant, and rooming with Dinah was fun. They bantered back and forth as they changed out of their drab black skirts, plain high-collared shirts, and black stockings and shoes. Edie pulled on a colorful skirt and added a wide, ornately buckled belt. Her white blouse had soft, wide pleats. She stepped into comfortable kid slippers, and they started to the Rotunda for their appointment with Ranger Sloan.

  “I heard the ranger is tall, dark, and handsome,” Dinah teased.

  “How the gossip flies.”

  “He ate in the restaurant today.”

  “I know. Honestly, he is like a storybook character. Tall, fearless, white hat, big guns.” Edie put both thumbs in the air and used her hands to illustrate.

  “Like the ranger in Armed and Dangerous?”

  Edie giggled. “How did you know?”

  “The cover,” Dinah said. “I’m always interested in book covers.”

  “Shush! There he is,” Edie whispered. “Behave yourself.”

  Wade waited at a table in the corner of the Rotunda, hopefully out of the way of the hotel’s customers. The last thing he wanted to do was draw a crowd. After a good night’s rest and plenty of time to clear his brain from Miss Harris’s charms, he was eager to get the sketch and hit the trail before he let his heart trick him into something different than the free lifestyle he was used to. He was grateful to see Miss Harris appear down the hall and noted that the woman with her carried a sketch pad.

  Extending a cheerful greeting, Miss Harris asked, “Been waiting long?”

  He felt his resistance slipping already. He could get accustomed to her rosy cheeks. “No, not long.”

  The woman accompanying her was introduced as Dinah Weston. She seated herself and prepared her sketch pad and pencil. Wade explained the procedure. He would ask questions, and Dinah would use her own ingenuity to sketch according to Miss Harris’s responses. Afterward, they would work together to make any necessary changes.

  Starting the questioning, Wade asked Edie, “Did the man in the window have a thin face, round face, square face?”

  “Lean, rugged.”

  Dinah’s hands made quick, fluent strokes.

  Wade pointed at Dinah’s sketch. “Like that?”

  “Yes, that’s good.”

  “Okay, what can you tell us about his eyes?”

  Edie closed her own to recall the image from memory. “They were evil, squinting as if he were laughing at me. Deep lines, here.” She pointed to her brow then straightened her spectacles.

  A few strokes later, Wade asked, “Better?”

  “Yes.”

  “Once the other facial features are added, we’ll come back to the eyes and see if they need to be spaced closer or farther apart.”

  Both women nodded.

  As the portrait fleshed out, Wade was disappointed he didn’t recognize the face, but he figured somebody at headquarters might. When they were nearly finished, Dinah broke her pencil and left them to get a different one.

  While they waited, Wade couldn’t resist a flirtation. “There’s a saying we have in the territory, Miss Harris, that any woman can come west on a wagon train, but only a lady can become a Harvey Girl.”

  “I’m glad the territory speaks so highly of us. Kansas also has a saying about the Harvey Girls. They say the Harvey Girls are civilizing the West. But now I see the truth. It’s the rangers doing that job.”

  “Civilizing the West takes a concerted effort. May I ask what made you decide to become a Harvey Girl?”

  “My father.”

  “He found you the job?”

  “No, he was my inspiration.”

  “Sounds like you love him.”

  “I did. My father loved adventure. Mother died when I was young, and
he gave up that lifestyle to raise me. He always told me the most wonderful stories, and one day his dream for adventure became my own. Then when he got sick, I saw the Harvey advertisement. I told him not to worry about me because I was going to become a Harvey Girl and see the world. It made him so happy. He passed soon after.”

  “I’m sorry. I’m sure he was very proud of you. Do you like your job, Miss Harris?”

  “Please, call me Edie. It’s getting better. I trained in Chicago then worked for a year in Kansas. When I heard about the canyon, I just had to come and see if it was the place for me.”

  “Is it?”

  Edie shrugged. “So far it has been exciting. How about you? Do you like your job?”

  “Most of the time.” Wade spoke in a personal manner, something he didn’t often do. “At this particular moment I do. I like being here and talking to you.”

  “You’re very kind. You impressed me, too, from the start.”

  He knew that if he didn’t wish to pursue Edie, now was the time to back out of this conversation. But he couldn’t help himself. He wanted to know her better. “Why is that?”

  “I liked the way you stopped to comfort that boy on the train. Don’t take this wrong, but it surprised me to see a sympathetic lawman.”

  He was sorry she felt that way and hoped he could express the truth that compassion came from God, no matter what one’s occupation. “Lawmen are only people. We eat and sleep and hurt like everyone else. And, Edie—”

  “Yes?” She was giving him that look again.

  “I’d be honored if you’d call me Wade.”

  “Wade,” she said breathlessly. “Do you think the bandit is going to come looking for me? To keep me from”—she shrugged—“identifying him?”

  He had not seen this coming, but now he recognized the look of fear. Poor thing. He needed to answer her honestly yet give her reassurance. Lord, help me here, he quickly prayed while she silently waited. “I doubt it,” he began. “Today I rode back out to Canyon Diablo to look for clues. I couldn’t find any. Since I don’t know yet whom we’re dealing with, anything is possible. I’ll pray for you, if you’d like.”