The Sheriff and the Miner's Daughter (Sweethearts of Jubilee Springs Book 4)

by P. A. Estelle

  On the other side of the house, out of eyeshot, the horses started raising a fuss. Amos got to his feet and picking up his gun said, “Something’s got them riled. Best see what it is.” Josephine kept her eyes on him as he walked into the darkness chewing on her bottom lip.

  “Are you alright, Joey. You seem a bit anxious.”

  “When your father and I went walking today, one of his mining boxes was broken. Somebody had tried to destroy it.” Josephine squinted to try and see Amos. ”And I had the strangest feeling we were being watched.”

  “Did you tell Pa?”

  “No,” she laughed shakily. “He would have just thought I was a silly old woman.” She craned her neck to see if Amos was coming back. “I don’t hear the horses anymore. He should be…”

  A shot exploded making the ladies jump to their feet. Two more shots followed.

  “Papa!”

  “Amos!”

  They rounded the house and saw Amos staggering toward them. “Get in the house and lock the door,” he moaned before falling to the ground.

  “Papa, you’re shot!” They each grabbed an arm and pulled him inside. Seemed like blood covered all of his clothes, shirt, and pants. “Please don’t die on me, Papa. I can’t lose you now.”

  He moaned but didn’t open his eyes. Tears streamed down her cheeks. “He needs a doctor. I’m going to town and you try to help him as much as you can.”

  Josephine looked up. “Charley, you can’t go out there. We don’t now who was shooting at your father. Chances are he’s still out there.”

  “There’s no choice. He needs help.” She got on her knees and kissed her father’s cheek. “I love you, Pa.” Before opening the door she asked, “Can you use a gun, Joey?”

  The woman shook her head. “I know what end the bullets come out of and I know what to pull. I just don’t normally hit anything.”

  Charlene went to the shelf and grabbed his old pistol. “Pa keeps this loaded. If anybody tries to come in you use this.”

  “No! You take this.”

  “Pa’s rifle is out there. If I see it, I’ll take that.” She leaned down and hugged her friend and slipped out the door. The bright moon wasn’t so appealing now. She felt like a target. Her pa’s Henry rifle was on the ground where he had fallen, shining in the moonlight. She picked it up, never realizing how heavy it was. She had to put the muzzle on the ground to cock it. She hurried to the shed with her heavy load and grabbed Queenie’s bridle. The rifle needed to stay behind. She could never ride and hold that, too. The quiet was deafening. The horses didn’t stir, even when she entered the corral.

  “Shhhh,” she whispered to her horse. She was trembling so hard her fingers weren’t working. When the bridle was finally on, Charlene decided to forgo the saddle. She chastised herself for having on a dress instead of pants, but there was nothing to be done for it. She quietly led Queenie out the gate and in one fluid motion was on the horse and racing away. She was crouched low over her neck when the ear-splitting sound of a shot pierced the air.

  She waited for a bullet to rip through her body, but nothing came. A sob caught in her throat. Was that meant for her or had someone gotten in the house? She urged Queenie on. Please, Lord. Let them be safe.

  It seemed as though she would never reach Jubilee Springs. Charlene rode through the park and down Church Street to the doctor’s office. It wasn’t that late and she prayed Dr. Adams was in. Her legs almost gave out when she jumped off Queenie and her thighs screamed from riding bareback all the way to town. She pounded on his door. “Dr. Adams! Please, Dr. Adams!” She screamed his name.

  “Hey!” A man stood in front of one of the homes that lined Church Street. “I saw the doc over at River Valley Inn not too long ago talking with Jude Deenham. Might still be there.”

  Without a word jumped on Queenie and rode to the Inn on Telegraph Street. She swallowed a sob when she saw the two men sitting on the porch.

  Bill Adams was on his feet in a heartbeat when he saw the girl ride up. She fell into his arms. “Please, Dr. Adams, m..m..my pa’s been shot.”

  “Jude,” Dr. Adams barked, “get my horse over at the livery. Who’s your father? How and where did he get shot”

  “Amos Lehman. Somebody shot him. I don’t know who but Josephine is with him and there’s blood all over. Please, we have to go.”

  “I’m going to run to the office and get my bag and some supplies. I’ll meet you at the Sheriff’s office. You need to let him know what happened.”

  “Please, you have to hurry!” He took off at a run while Charlene ran to the jail.

  She threw the door open and a sleeping Slim fell backward in his chair crashing to the floor. Scrambling to his feet he stuttered, “What, who, what is going on?” Slim was a few years younger than Jim but had thirty pounds on his boss. There weren’t too many that could best him in a test of strength, and though he would do anything for his boss, his shooting skills weren’t the best and any acts of bravery hadn’t been actually seen. He had sandy blond, shaggy hair, with laughing hazel eyes.

  “My father, Amos Lehman, has been shot. The doctor is getting his bag and he wanted me to tell you. We were outside when somebody out in the dark just shot him.”

  Slim’s face turned a shade whiter. “Not sure what I could do at night, I mean can’t see nuttin in the dark.”

  “Got the doc’s horse here.” Jude poked his head in the jail. “You going Slim? I can let Jim know in the morning.”

  He mumbled a bunch of words under his breath.

  “What’s that?” Jude asked.

  “Guess I should,” he said overly loud.

  Doctor Adams arrived, bag in hand. “Let’s go!” Charlene was out the door and on Queenie in a flash.

  “Someone should go tell Jim what’s happening. Maybe I ought to stop by afore heading out.” Slim’s eyes were hopeful.

  “I’ll tell him,” Jude said, a trace of disgust in his voice. “Get going!” Jude watched as the three of them disappeared into the night, a white cloud of dust following them.

  Chapter TEN

  Charlene stopped them at the bluff. “As I rode away there was a shot.” Emotion choked her. “I don’t know if it was at me or he got in the house.”

  The doctor looked at Slim. “What should we do?”

  “Hell’s fire, how would I know.”

  Charlene kicked Queenie, galloping towards the house. The doctor said a string of colorful words and started after her, with a terrified Slim behind him. Not bothering to put her horse in the corral, Charlene hollered as she jumped off Queenie at the door. “Josephine, it’s me. Are you okay? Open the door!”

  The door flew open and Josephine pulled Charlene into her arms, sobbing. “Thank God you are still alive. I heard that shot and didn’t know…” She hugged her again.

  “How’s Pa?”

  “Still alive but hasn’t stirred.”

  The Doc and Slim rode up. Doctor Adams jumped off his horse and pushed passed them, knelt down and got right to work. “I need some clean warm water and rags.”

  “I boiled some water while you were gone. Let me get you some more,” Josephine said, taking a pan of bloody water and throwing it outside then filling it again. “I removed his shirt and tried to clean him up, but he moaned so loud, I was afraid I was hurting more than helping and there was still so much blood.”

  Doc Adams didn’t seem to care if there was moaning. Using the rags, and a certain amount of pressure, he cleaned Amos up, regardless of the pitiful sounds. Slim stood rooted just inside the front door while Charlene and Josephine stood to the side, clutching each other's hands.

  “Here’s where the bullet entered,” Doc Adams said, pointing to the side, just under his ribs. “I need to check his back. Slim, since you’re doing nothing else, come and turn him for me.”

  Just as Slim kneeled down the front door burst open, making everybody scream, including Slim. Gun drawn, there stood Jim Hawkins, a look so menacing, nobody moved. He looked down at
Amos then took Charlene by the arms. “Are you alright?” he demanded.

  She couldn’t control her emotions any longer. Her hands covered her face and she cried her heart out. Jim pulled her in, holding her tight. “It’s okay. Cry it out,” he whispered.

  After a few seconds, she pushed away, sniffing, flustered. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what got into me.”

  “What did you find, Bill?” Jim asked the doctor, tearing his attention away from Charlene.

  “He was shot here in the side and went clean through. May have hit a rib, I just can’t tell, but he’s lost a hell of a lot of blood. There’s only so much I can do here. He needs to be at my place, where I can keep an eye on him.”

  “We can hitch up the wagon,” Charlene said. “But we aren’t sure if the shooter is still out there.”

  “You see anything, Slim?”

  The deputy stood and said in a low voice, “Boss, I was going to check on things, but the doc, here needed my help.” Three pairs of eyes swung over to look at Slim, who had the decency to blush. Clearing his throat he muttered, “Guess we should get out there and see what we can find.”

  “Jim,” Charlene said, touching his arm, “there was a shot when I rode into town. He’s still out there.”

  Jim’s face was almost nose to nose with hers. “You rode into town with a killer out there. You could have been killed!”

  Charlene stepped back and squared her shoulders. “My father needed a doctor!”

  “Fight with her later, Jim. I need to get this man into town!”

  “Let’s go Slim.” They slipped out the door. It seemed like hours before the two men came back. Charlene was pacing the floor, while the doc and Josephine readied Amos for the trip to town.

  “It was Owen Spencer,” Jim said when they finally returned. “Spotted a horse half a mile away. His body wasn’t too far from that. Amos must have gotten a shot off but was a little slow to do its job since he was able to shoot at you.” He kneeled down to look at a pale and unconscious Amos. “How is he, Bill? We hitched up the wagon and Slim’s bringing it around.”

  “Time will tell,” he replied gruffly. The sound of the wagon pulling up outside got the doc’s attention.“Bout time! Grab his feet, Jim.” Once Amos was settled in the wagon, they set out for the slow tedious ride back to town. “I’m going on ahead to get things ready. Do your best not to bounce him around.” Slim drove the wagon while Charlene and Josephine sat in the back. Jim rode along side.

  The long ride was done in silence, seemingly everybody lost in their own thoughts. Charlene’s haunted expression made it hard for Jim to take a deep breath. He wondered what she’d do if Amos couldn’t hold on. Would she leave Jubilee Springs? What if she did? Why did that thought make his blood run cold?

  When they arrived at Doctor Adams’ office he had a bed ready for Amos. The men carried him in. “I’m going to have to clean him up, completely. Maybe do some cutting. I’ll need help but I don’t want it to be his daughter.” The Doctor looked at Josephine. “What about you?”

  “I lived on a farm all my life and done my share of patching folks up. I’ll stay and help.”

  “I can’t just sit around and do nothing,” Charlene said. “There must be something I can do to help!”

  “Family members aren’t allowed in my back room.” He opened a door in the back of the room where her father laid. “I live here in the back. If you want to help keep coffee on the stove and make sure it’s strong and hot.”

  Before going in, she kissed her father on the cheek. “I love you, Papa,” she sobbed. “Stay strong and I’ll see you soon.”

  Jim followed her inside. “I’m going to check on things at the office, but I’ll be back. Will you be okay?”

  Charlene swallowed hard, nodding. Jim took her into his arms and she cried until her tears were gone. Putting his finger under her chin he raised her face. Lowering his head, Jim brushed her lips softly. He could see clear to her soul through pools of blue. His hands cupped the sides of her face. The second kiss started off tame enough but deepened as he pulled her closer. Her back arched and her arms wrapped tightly around his neck.

  A nagging feeling of guilt crept into the kiss. Jim knew she was vulnerable and wasn’t thinking straight. He untangled her arms and took a step back. “After you make Doc some coffee, try and get some rest.” He took hold of the doorknob but before leaving said, “Be ready for me, Charlene, because I plan on finishing this when your father is up and around.”

  Chapter ELEVEN

  The entire valley was an ocean of colored flowers. Hand in hand, Charlene walked with Jim, Sally running ahead of them. “Hurry up, Mama, I’m hungry. You are too slow.”

  Jim put his hand on her protruding stomach. “Your daughter is beckoning for you to feed her. Can’t you hurry any faster than that?” His brown eyes sparkled as he teased her.

  “Not unless you want you next son or daughter to come two months early.”

  Jim leaned in. “Nothing is going to happen to you or them. I’ll make sure of that.” Sally grabbed her arm vying for her attention, but she closed her eyes waiting for Jim’s kiss…waiting and wanting.

  Her arm was shaking still. “Charlene, wake up. Your father is awake and wants to talk to you.” She had fallen asleep, her head laying on folded arms while sitting at the table. Groggily she looked around. There was no field of flowers, no Sally, and no Jim. Doctor Adams was there and her father’s situation came flying back like a slap in the face.

  She jumped up, knocking the chair backward. “He’s awake? He’s okay?” She would have run from the room if the Doctor hadn’t stopped her.

  “I didn’t say he was okay. He’s awake but still needs a Doctor’s care and plenty of rest. It’s still touch and go.”

  When Charlene walked in Josephine was by his side. She was talking in a whispered tone, smoothing his hair from his forehead. When Josephine saw Charlene, she jumped to her feet, flustered. “He just woke up. I’ll leave you along with him.” She gave Charlene a quick hug then went to get some coffee.

  “Papa,” she whispered, taking his hand in hers, “It’s me, Charley.”

  He opened his eyes, taking a few seconds to focus. “Charley,” he breathed. “Are you okay?” He moved a little and grimaced in pain.

  “Papa, please don’t talk. You need to rest and get well.”

  He shook his head. “I need to tell you something.” From the few words spoken, Amos’s breathing was beginning to labor. “Never had much use for a bank and if something happens to me, you need to know where I put my money.”

  “I don’t care, Papa. I don’t need to know.” Tears sparkled in her eyes.

  “Yes, you do, Charley. You got no idea how happy I am you’re back in my life. Now that the Lord and me is on speaking terms and if he thinks it’s time for me to come home, I’ll die a happy man. I sure love you, baby girl.” He swallowed hard before continuing. “Now listen good. In the shed by the corral, there’s that water barrel. Under that are a few loose floorboards. The money’s there. You take it and make yourself a new life, a happy life.”

  “Okay, Papa.”

  He shut his eyes and Charlene thought he had fallen back to sleep but when she went to let go of his hand he tightened his hold.

  “I thought I heard Joey’s voice. Is Josephine here?”

  “The Doctor wouldn’t let me stay and help you so Josephine insisted on staying. She’s been here all night.” A ghost of a smile flickered across his face. He nodded and this time did go back to sleep.

  Doctor Adams and Josephine looked done in when Charlene joined them in the kitchen.

  “What now, Doc?” Charlene asked flopping down in a chair.

  “I think he’s going to be fine, but there’s still a chance of infection setting in. I’d like him to stay for a few more days.” He looked at Josephine. “I’ve got a small room with a small bed in it and I could really use your help while he’s here.” He rubbed his eyes with his fists. “Hell, I could use your
help full time if you would be willing. Aren’t you one of the women waiting to get married? You could stay and work here until you choose one of the miners.”

  Charlene could see panic in her friend’s eyes and everything became so clear. Josephine didn’t want a job. Josephine was in love with her father. “Joey,” Charlene piped in, “Papa would love having you here. Why don’t you stay and help till Pa’s better, then you can make up your mind.”

  Josephine exhaled, smiling. “Will that work, Doctor?” She asked.

  “Any help will do,” he yawned, getting up and walking out of the room.

  An awkward silence filled the room. Josephine got up for more coffee, filling a cup for her and Charlene. When she sat back down she started rambling about nothing. Charlene touched her friend’s arm and smiled warmly.

  “I’m so embarrassed. Am I that obvious?”

  “Oh no. I caught a glimpse of you with Papa when I came in this morning. The way you were talking to him, smiling at him, fidgiting with hair, told me you cared for him.”

  She blushed furiously. “Not likely he feels the same. He’s been alone a long time, from everything he’s told me.” She tried to chuckle. “A wife is probably the last thing he wants in his life.”

  “I truly don’t know, Joey, but I do know he asked if you were there. And when I told him you were, he drifted off to sleep with a smile on his face.” Charlene couldn’t help but chuckle at the expression on Josephine’s face. She got to her feet and went in to see her father one more time before leaving. “I love you, Papa.” She leaned over and kissed his forehead. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Josephine followed her out the office door. The sun was up, blinding them both. “What are you going to do? Where are you staying?”

  “I’m going home. I’ll be back tomorrow.”

  Josephine took a step back, a horrified expression on her face. “You can’t be serious! Charley, you can’t stay out there by yourself!”