For a Sister's Love

by Paty Jager

  Ty Bancroft stared at the woman’s shaking hands as she recounted who the likenesses were in the locket. He had to admit the stone was a dead ringer for the color of her fascinating, feline-shaped eyes. The girl in the locket appeared thin with her hair in braids. He studied the likeness, then peered at the young woman not three feet from him. She had dark curly hair pulled back in a haphazard bun at the back of her head. No longer a thin child, her curves filled out the work dress quite nicely. She didn’t carry an extra pounds but rather curvaceous in all the right womanly places.

  “Why were you headed to Silver City?” By showing interest she might concede he believed this was her locket. But he wasn’t letting it go until he had the full story. The wariness in her eyes and the fear for her sister pulled at what his grandmother called his stray dog illness. He had a penchant for helping those in need. And from their encounter so far, this young woman proved worthy of at least his attention.

  Her head snapped up from staring at the locket. “Our father was a minister. We were heading there to save the miners.” The righteous lilt to her words and the vindication in her eyes almost made him laugh. Would she shine that righteousness on him knowing what he did for a living?

  “I see. And what happened to your parents?”

  Pain briefly cloaked her eyes before rage smoldered in their depths, darkening the color and slanting the edges even more.

  “They were slaughtered by Indians. My sister and I were taken in by different families.” She ran her finger over her sister’s likeness. “The woman, Mrs. Freeman, who took me tried several times over the years to help me find Lora Beth. Her family never settled in Silver City either.”

  He’d make some inquiries on her behalf. He remembered where he’d won the locket. The man he’d won the trinket from had also offered up his daughter. Could that have been this woman’s sister? If so, hard telling where the sister might be now. Someone may have taken the man up on the offer. He couldn’t, in good conscience, send this woman off on a wild goose chase. He’d wait to give her any information until he knew if the sister still lived there.

  “The only thing I do know is I haven’t been to Silver City, Idaho in over a year. Other than that, I’m not sure where I won the locket.” He hated lying especially witnessing the sadness pulling on the woman’s pretty face.

  Her hand clenched the locket, narrowed eyes met his. “Then we’ll have to sit down, and I’ll write down all the places you’ve been, and I’ll start looking for her.”

  He glanced at her worn brown dress, work reddened hands, and thread bare men’s boots on her feet. She couldn’t afford to travel all the places he’d been the past six months.

  “I have a meeting tomorrow and need my sleep. Good night, Miss—”

  “Holmes. And you can’t just toss me out without telling me where to find my sister.” She put her hands firmly on her hips and glared at him. Miss Holmes had a cute air about her when miffed. Her small nose turned up a tad at the end, and her dark curls sprung out from her head in a just-had-a-romp-in-bed appeal.

  “I assure you I can set you out of my room.” He captured her arm, tugging her to the door.

  “You can’t do this. I demand to know where my sister could be.” The woman dug in her heels, and he looped an arm around her waist, drawing her body against his to lift her feet off the floor. The moment their bodies made contact and her round firm backside pressed against him, desire jolted like a flash of lightning—quick and earth shattering. Her underlying scent of roses induced light-headedness. He jerked the door open and deposited her on the wool runner in the hall. Before she could spin around, he slammed the door shut and locked it.

  Ty leaned his back against the cool wood and drew in a long breath. He quivered with desire. “Damn.” The last time he reacted to a woman that quickly his grandmother paid the woman to take an extended holiday. He frowned. If Jeannette could be paid off that easily, he was well rid of her, but he’d never forgive his grandmother for that and many other unethical deeds.

  He crossed the room and pulled the signed contract from his jacket pocket. Ainsworth, the owner of the Oregon Steam Navigation Company, contracted him to run the gambling salons on his sternwheelers traveling the Columbia River. Ty’s face ached he grinned so wide. This partnership was a huge step in the right direction. He’d prove legitimate gaming tables could make a profit. He didn’t have to sink to his grandmother’s level to become wealthy or put politicians in his pocket.

  Scuffling and a curse seeped in from the hall. Ty dropped the contract on the bureau and opened his door. He stepped through the threshold and kicked something. Confusion leapt to annoyance when he looked down.

  “What are you doing?” He reached down to grasped Miss Holmes’ arm. She jerked out of his grasp and curled into a tighter ball.

  “I’m sleeping here and following you around until you give me the list of places you’ve been.” She folded an arm under her head and closed her eyes.

  “You can’t sleep in the hallway. Go home.” His frustration slowly mounted into anger and fear for her. The emotions burned in his chest. She couldn’t sleep in the hallway all night. Some drunk could come by and think she was selling her body.

  “I’m not letting you out of my sight. You could slip away, and I’d never find you again.” Her lids raised and those striking eyes stared into his. “You’re my best hope of finding my sister.”

  Ty glanced away. Her beseeching eyes and forlorn downturn of her rosy lips tugged at his gut.

  “You can’t sleep in the hallway, someone may think you’re a sporting lady and take advantage of you.” He reached down. “If I promise not to leave town will you go home?”

  She shook her head.

  As much as her denial annoyed him he couldn’t fight the admiration he had for her tenacity to find her sister. He wiggled his fingers. “Then I guess you’ll have to sleep in here.”

  She tucked her hands behind her body and shook her head.

  “I’ll not have you sleeping in the hallway, it’s either my room or I send for the sheriff and have you locked up for stealing. That way I know you’ll be safe.”

  Her eyes rounded and her mouth opened, revealing a pink tongue and one crooked tooth on the bottom row. He used her shock to grab her under the arms and lift her to her feet. Ty propelled the woman into his room keeping as much distance between them as he could. He shut the door, and she spun to face him.

  “This is not a game.” Her eyes sparked with animosity. Her clenched fists hung by her side.

  “It feels like a childish attempt to get my attention.” He walked to the washbasin to finish his nightly routine.

  “Childish attempt! Why you insufferable…”

  “Kitten, ”—she did resemble a kitten all puffed up and spitting and he realized with glee, the name added to her ire—“you’re the one sleeping in the hall when you could go home and come back to talk with me tomorrow.” He faced her. “You don’t have to spend the night in this room. I’d prefer you go home. I won’t leave town, at least not for a few days. I just picked up a contract and have people to hire and goods to purchase, so I won’t be running away anytime soon.”

  Maggie twisted her hands in front of her. She didn’t want to spend the night in jail or this room. And she’d grudgingly admit, she might be acting a bit churlish. However, he happened to be the one and only person who knew where to find Lora Beth. She’d spent ten long years planning how to find her sister other than traveling to every town between here and where they were split up. This man could shorten that list and the cost immensely.

  She studied his eyes. He appeared sincere. But could she trust a gambler? He was her link to Lora Beth, so she didn’t have a choice.

  She put her hand on the door knob. His body tensed.

  “I’ll go home. But tomorrow, I want a list of the places you might have won this locket. I’m not giving up. I promised Lora Beth I’d come get her, and I don’t break promises.”

  Maggie slipped ou
t the door and leaned against it. The smile and light in his eyes tickled her ribs like a feather duster. She sauntered down the hall searching for a flaw in the man’s appearance. He dressed impeccably, his shirt had clung to his torso, revealing wide shoulders, narrow waist, and when he rolled up his sleeves, muscled arms. His trousers seemed to go on forever his legs were so long. And his face—Eyes bracketed with laugh lines, high cheek bones, square chin, full lips, and a slender nose all framed by curly dark blond hair. She sighed. A true vision to study.

  “Miss Holmes!”

  She stepped off the stairs and into the lobby. Mr. Buchanan, the owner, stood beside the registration desk. The registration clerk, Jarvis Finley, stood beside him his usual slimy smile pointed at her.

  “Yes?” She walked up to Mr. Buchanan and ignored the clerk.

  “You didn’t finish your rounds, and I’ve had a complaint. You can’t continue to speak your mind to the customers. I can’t have it. You only have this job as a request from Mrs. Freeman.”

  Maggie’s belly clenched. She knew the man had only given her a job because of her late benefactress. She’d been employed many places over the years and always her quick temper and penchant for speaking before she censured ended up getting her fired.

  “I’m sorry, sir. But today was my last day. I hope it doesn’t put you at an inconvenience that I’m leaving in such a hurry.” She’d made up her mind to gather her meager savings and find her sister the moment she touched Lora Beth’s locket. She’d hoped to have more funds by now, but Mrs. Freeman only left her a small sum and a room at the back of her sister’s dress shop. She’d lived meagerly to add to her “find Lora Beth” fund.

  The man stared at her, and the grin on Finley’s face slackened.

  “I’ll be by tomorrow to pickup this week’s pay.” She nodded and walked out the door. On the street, she raised the front of her skirt and scurried down alleys to the back entrance of the dress shop.

  She entered the storage room, pulled her nightdress off the peg on the wall and shoved it in her satchel with the rest of her clothes. Maggie untied her boots and lie down on the cot. As soon as the sun rose in the morning she’d be back at the hotel waiting for the gambler. Once she had the list of towns, she’d grab her bag and catch the next stage to the closest town.

  Maggie smiled. If all went well, she’d be staring into her sister’s eyes soon. Peace flowed over her like a soft spring breeze. This had been her dream since the day the wagons parted.

  She shot into a sitting position. What if the gambler just gave her a list of towns he’d never even been to?

  Two

  Ty brushed his hands over his vest, smoothing out the wrinkles and shrugged into his black suit coat. He had a list of items and men he needed to acquire today. The cab he’d hired would be in front of the hotel in ten minutes. He placed his Stetson on his head and grasped the door knob.

  Today would be a good day, he could feel it.

  Whistling, he opened the door. His eyes locked on Miss Holmes. A shrill note echoed down the hall. The persistent woman sat on the floor across from his door in the same drab brown dress she’d worn last night.

  “Did you even go home?” he asked, stopping in front of her and offering a hand. He had to admit he liked her tenacious spirit.

  “Yes, but I came back here at first light. I didn’t want you slipping away without giving me a list.” She grasped his hand and rose to her feet. The top of her head came to his shoulder. She tipped her face to look into his eyes. “The list.”

  She held out her other hand, and he realized he hadn’t let go of the one he used to pull her to her feet.

  “Well, I’m still pondering where I’ve been. My mind right now is focused on starting up a new venture.” He released her hand and strolled down the hall. His hand tingled from holding hers. What was it about this rag-tag woman that reeled his senses?

  “Where are you going?” She grasped his jacket and clung to him, matching his stride.

  “I have a meeting, several in fact.” He pried her hand from his sleeve. “Tell me where I can reach you, and when I find the time to put a list together I’ll have it delivered.”

  “Oh, no. You aren’t getting out of my sight. Not until I have a list.” She thumped down the stairs beside him.

  “Miss Holmes.” Mr. Buchanan’s tone sounded like that of a parent reprimanding an errant child. “I have your pay.”

  Ty watched the young woman’s face flush, wrinkle in concentration, and then go lax and her shoulders slump.

  She peered up at him. “Would you wait for me a minute?”

  “Why?” He wanted to reach out and push a wayward curl behind her ear, but restrained himself. He couldn’t let her see her vulnerability tugged at him.

  “So I don’t lose you. I’m not letting you out of my sight.” The desperation in her voice tipped his lips into a smile, which in turn narrowed her eyes to angry slits.

  “I’ve given you my word I’ll put together a list of places.” He spun away before he said something foolish like, tag along, I’d like to get to know you better.

  “Miss Holmes, are you harassing the guests?” Mr. Buchanan took a step toward them.

  Ty jumped to her defense. “No, we were just discussing the condition of my room.”

  “That’s interesting since she no longer works here.” Mr. Buchanan smiled smugly, and Miss Holmes ducked her head.

  “Mr. Bancroft, your cab is here,” announced the doorman.

  Ty stood in the lobby his mind buzzing. Why did Miss Holmes no longer work at the hotel? How would she travel to find her sister if she didn’t have money? By her appearance she had little. The doorman held the door open. He had appointments to keep.

  He tipped his hat to Miss Holmes. “We’ll carry on our discussion later.” He marched to the door and into the buggy waiting for him before her heartrending gaze weakened him.

  Maggie stared at Mr. Bancroft’s back. She wanted to run after him, but needed the pittance she’d made this week to add to her funds. She faced Mr. Buchanan and held out a hand.

  “I’ll take my wages now.”

  He clinked six nickels into the palm of her hand. “If anyone asks it was your idea to quit. I’ll not have Mrs. Freeman’s family or friends thinking I reneged on our deal.”

  Maggie rolled her eyes. “Why would I say anything other than the truth?” She slipped the coins into the pocket of her skirt and hustled out the door.

  The doorman stood stoically at his post waiting to open the door for customers.

  “Ray, where did Mr. Bancroft go?” The man had often shared guest’s destinations, overhearing their requests to the drivers.

  “He was headed to the gambling district in Fulton.” Ray scanned her from head to toe. “Shouldn’t you be cleaning rooms?”

  “Not anymore. Thanks!” How would she get the four miles to Fulton? Did she dare walk and hope she found him before he headed somewhere else? She couldn’t afford a cab or renting a buggy or horse. She’d start walking and catch a ride with someone headed that way.

  ****

  Ty’s heart pounded and his palms sweat just like when he held a winning card hand. Only this sensation was better. He’d just worked out a deal with two of the most honest dealers in the area to oversee the gambling salons on the riverboats. He wouldn’t have to always be in this area, though it was growing on him. Not nearly as hot as New Orleans it had the same river town feel to it.

  And he’d found more honest gambling houses here—A big difference from New Orleans and his family’s operations. Every last dollar invested in their gambling establishments and houses was tainted. He’d never go back. The dishonesty and palm greasing had never set well.

  He shook his head, but couldn’t shake the grin making his cheeks ache. He hadn’t planned to enter the gambling world, but when he heard Ainsworth was looking for someone with a background in gambling to run the salons on his riverboats, Ty couldn’t let an opportunity like that slide. It would be eas
ier than learning the hotel trade which he’d been trying to do for the last month.

  He stepped out of the gambling establishment and his feet stalled. Leaning against the cab he’d hired for the day stood Miss Holmes. She was harder to get rid of than drawing a hand of aces.

  “What are you doing here?” He hurried across the boardwalk and stared down at her.

  “I told you, I’m not leaving you until I get that list.” She straightened her spine and stared back at him.

  Damn. A flash of heat zipped through his lower body, jolting him. Her unusual eyes, tenaciousness, and belligerence affected him like no other.

  Her fierce loyalty to a sister she hadn’t seen in years boggled his mind. He could care less to ever see his family again.

  Ty nodded to the cab driver opening the buggy door.

  “You better get in. I have several more appointments to keep.” He held out his hand to assist her in climbing into the vehicle. She tentatively touched the tips of his fingers and scurried up the steps and into the buggy. He smiled at the way she made a production out of spreading her skirt and taking up a good deal of the seat.

  Ty sat beside her, scooting her skirt over, and getting close enough to once again be graced with her floral scent.

  “Since we’ll be spending time together today, I’d like to know your given name.” He shouldn’t become so involved, but he couldn’t walk away from her plight—or her. His need to help would get him into trouble one day. He watched the woman beside him, and his heart picked up speed. Perhaps this was the time.

  “Magdalena, but everyone calls me Maggie.” She stared at her hands a minute then raised her face to stare into his eyes. “What’s your given name?”

  “Ty short for Tyrone.” He caught her stifling a giggle. “What’s wrong with Tyrone?”

  “It sounds like a name for a king.” When he stared at her blankly she added. “You know, Tyrone, throne.” She blushed. “Oh, never mind.”

  He laughed and she soon joined him. “No one has ever told me my name sounded like a king’s. I’ll have to remember that.”