Wilder felt his stomach rumble. He headed down to the restaurant and took a seat in the corner. Breakfast was served and he was just getting tucked in when another man entered the restaurant. The short, dark-haired stranger took his seat by the window. He gave the order for his breakfast to the waiter and peered out at the main street, making it clear he wanted to be left alone.
Wilder felt something shift in his gut when he got a closer look at the man's face in the light. Wilder knew that feeling. He had a nagging feeling the man was trying to hide something. Wilder had been a lawman long enough to recognize the signs.
The man glanced over toward Wilder and saw that he was being observed. The stranger's eyes flashed quickly away.
"Morning. You new in town?" Wilder asked casually.
The man merely looked at Wilder, but didn't elaborate. Wilder saw the man's brow furrow. For a long time, both men tried their best to avoid making eye contact.
After a while, Wilder tried again. "This is a fine little town," Wilder said trying to draw the man out.
Once again the stranger simply nodded and glanced toward the kitchen entrance, waiting for his breakfast to be brought to him.
"Have you and I met before?" Wilder asked deciding to press matters. He never did like that sensation that was burning in his gut. He knew it wasn't just being caused by the breakfast settling in his stomach. Wilder was certain he knew this man, but he couldn't place his face.
The stranger sighed impatiently and looked at Wilder. The man's eyes had a curious cast to them. There was a glassy expression in them, as if he had some kind of medical condition that made his eyes look like they had a translucent sheen. Wilder could imagine some men being caught off guard by that look.
When the man spoke his voice was dry and cracked like he hadn't drunk enough water for a long time. "Look, sir. I'd be obliged if I could be left in peace to enjoy my breakfast. I was under the impression the folks in this town were a courteous kind of people. Obviously you're not from here."
"I don't think you are either, Mister," Wilder replied firmly.
The man smiled and glanced down at his food. "I don't think there's any call for you and I to get unfriendly, is there?"
Wilder restrained the urge to rise from the table. "I figured two strangers in town might share a brief friendly moment over breakfast," he said grinning.
The man scowled. "Well, I don't go much for friendly chats with strangers over food, Mister. So, I'd be obliged if you keep yourself to yourself and I'll do likewise."
Wilder shrugged. "That sounds fine to me."
The rest of the meal was carried out in awkward silence. Wilder finished his food and left the table. He didn't give the stranger a look as he left the restaurant.
Pausing in reception, he saw that there was no-one around. He went to the counter and flipped the register around glancing at the list of hotel guests written on the wide, neatly columned page. The most recent entry was for someone called Lucius Bodie. Wilder assumed that must be the name the man in the restaurant had used when he'd checked into the hotel the previous day.
Wilder knew he'd have to keep an eye on Bodie. Wilder had been around trouble enough to sense when someone wasn't right. He decided it would be a good idea to let the sheriff know about his concerns.
He left the hotel and headed over to the sheriff's office. He went inside and found Luke emerging from the corridor at the back of the building where Wilder figured the cells must be. Luke was shaking his head as he closed the door behind him.
"Trouble last night?" Wilder asked
Luke sighed. "The usual. Liquor, women and cards. Bad combination, even in this town. I had to lock Jake up. He's a regular here, though. He usually wouldn't hurt a fly, but for some reason last night he didn't take kindly to losing a card game. Claimed he was cheated."
"Who by?"
"Jake said there's a stranger in town. Says he's a card sharp."
"Stranger you say? That's interesting," said Wilder. "I just had an exchange of views with a stranger over at the hotel. He wasn't particularly pleasant."
"Really? What does he look like."
Wilder described the man, making sure he didn't forget to mention the man's glassy staring eyes.
"That matches what Jake said about the man he claims was cheating at cards last night. Jake said the guy gave him a strange look, putting Jake off his game."
"Might be an idea to keep a watch on the guy. His name is Lucius Bodie."
"Strangers usually are trouble," Luke said. He smiled quickly. "Present company excepted, of course."
Wilder smiled back at Luke.
"How is your investigation going?" Luke asked.
Wilder told Luke about his brief confrontation the previous night with Lucas Monroe. He left out the details of his conversation with Amelia.
"You say that Lucas wouldn't answer your questions about his time in Minneapolis?"
Wilder shook his head.
"I know you haven't given me the details, Wilder. But, maybe it's time you let me in on some of the facts."
Wilder sighed and thought for a few moments. He had to agree. The appearance of the stranger in town might have nothing to do with his investigation. However, there was the chance that it might be connected. Maybe it was time that Wilder talked with Luke about the real reason he was in Montana Falls.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
"You still haven't told us why you're here in Montana Falls, Mr. Armstrong," Miss Hardie said.
They were sitting in the parlor of Miss Hardie's house. Tea and biscuits had been served and three pairs of eager eyes stared at Wilder awaiting an answer to Miss Hardie's question.
Wilder saw Amelia's eyes were fixed intently on him. He wondered what she was going to say. He figured she wouldn't reveal anything from the conversation she'd had with Wilder the previous night. He hoped she didn't.
Wilder glanced at Bethany sitting on the opposite sofa. She looked happier than at any time since they'd all arrived in Montana Falls. Obviously, the visit last night by Lucas had gone well, judging by the glow in Bethany's eyes.
Wilder saw Amelia's eyes narrow as she awaited his reply.
"I'm sure you know that a lawman can't talk about the cases he's working on, Miss Hardie. I wish I could, but I'm prevented by the code of my profession."
"That sounds so mysterious," Bethany gasped. "You have a code?"
Wilder smiled. "I'm sure you know I have to keep my investigations confidential. There are other people involved."
"People in Montana Falls?" Miss Hardie asked, her eyes narrowing with mild concern. "I do hope the town isn't about to become a centre of crime."
Wilder smiled. "I hardly think that's possible, ma'am. You've said yourself that this isn't a place that usually attracts trouble."
"I wouldn't put it quite like that," Miss Hardie said. "Would you like more tea, Mr. Wilder?"
"No. I'm fine, ma'am." Wilder saw Miss Hardie raise a brow, as if waiting for him to say something else. He raised his cup and smiled at Miss Hardie. "The tea is very nice."
Miss Hardie looked satisfied. "That's what that lovely young man, Lucas Monroe, said last night," Miss Hardie replied. She laughed and looked at Bethany and Amelia. "If it is the last thing I do, I'll get every cowboy and rancher in Montana to become a tea drinker." Bethany laughed at that comment. Amelia gazed at Wilder over the rim of her cup while she took a sip of tea.
Amelia wasn't saying much to Wilder and he wondered if Miss Hardie had noticed that fact. Wilder guessed there wasn't much that escaped Miss Hardie's attention. If Amelia thought she could hide any attraction she felt toward Wilder by just plain ignoring him, then he figured she underestimated the capacity of Miss Hardie to detect a growing fondness between two people.
Since he'd arrived at the house Amelia seemed to be going out of her way to pretend that last night hadn't happened. But, Wilder was certain she'd felt something as intense as the rush of excitement he'd felt being so close to her. Was that why she seemed
to be so determined to avoid saying anything to him? Was she trying to pretend there was nothing between them?
"How was your evening with Mr. Monroe? If you don't mind me asking," Wilder said. He saw Amelia's eyes flash in his direction.
Bethany smiled. "It was quite delightful. He seems like such a gentle, fine character."
"Really? That's nice," Wilder replied trying not to catch the withering look from Amelia. She knew he was fishing for information and she obviously didn't approve.
"Tell us all a bit about yourself, Mr. Armstrong," Miss Hardie said, adding some sugar to the new cup of tea she had poured herself.
Wilder saw Amelia grin. "Yes, Mr. Armstrong. I'm sure we'd all love to hear more about where you come from," she said. He was sure there was something mischievous about that grin, and he wasn't about to complain about it.
"Where do you want me to start?" Wilder said.
Miss Hardie smiled. "At the beginning is usually a good place. Don't you think?"
Wilder nodded. He saw Amelia's eyes narrow with interest. "I was born and brought up in Minneapolis. My parents had a hardware store and I was educated mostly at home. My mom believed in teaching kids real values and figured she could do better than anyone else in any school."
Miss Hardie ignored that last comment. "How did you get involved in the law?"
Wilder took a long sip of tea and thought for a moment. "I always felt sympathy for folks in trouble, ma'am. Guess it was my upbringing. A chance came up for me to work with a private law enforcement company."
"Like the Pinkertons!" Bethany exclaimed.
Wilder smiled at her. "I guess you could say they were like a small version of the Pinkertons. But local to Minneapolis. Anyhow, I had a mentor when I took that job. He taught me everything I know about working with the law."
"That must have been dangerous work for such a young man," Miss Hardie said.
"It had some scary moments. But, when you're a young man you think nothing bad can ever happen to you. You think you're immune to trouble. Turns out that isn't the case. But, I've survived. So far," Wilder said with a reassuring smile.
"I assume you mean you've seen your fair share of trouble," Amelia said.
"I sure have. It's been quite an education in the ways of the world."
"You make it sound so mysterious," Amelia said. He didn't think she sounded exactly genuine. It was almost as if she didn't believe a word he was saying.
Wilder shook his head. "It's not really. Most of the time we are investigating pretty mundane crimes. Working private cases for a fee. The kind of stuff regular lawmen won't touch."
Wilder wanted to change the subject. Desperately. He didn't feel comfortable discussing his personal life, but he understood everyone's need to know a little more about him.
"And your employers sometimes send you to different parts of the country."
Wilder nodded. "I've been to all points of the compass in this great country of ours."
"But, you have to work co-operatively with regular law enforcement," Miss Hardie said. "Otherwise, I suppose you could get yourself in trouble."
"It's like with the Pinkertons ma'am. Sometimes it takes more than the regular law to bring criminals to book," Wilder said.
Miss Hardie looked at Amelia and Bethany and sighed. "I don't know about you girls, but I think Mr. Armstrong should be complimented on his contribution to the safety and security of our wonderful nation. Don't you?"
The way Miss Hardie raised her brows at her girls made it well-nigh impossible for either of them to disagree, but he could see Amelia was doing a pretty good job of trying.
Bethany nodded excitedly, but Amelia seemed a little less enthusiastic. Wilder wondered what was up with Amelia. Surely she wasn't still holding a grudge after last night. It seemed like nothing Wilder could say would shift her suspicious attitude toward him.
"I think it's most admirable," Miss Hardie said firmly. "Amelia? Isn't there something you'd like to say to Mr. Armstrong?"
Amelia blinked as if startled. He saw her look at Miss Hardie. "I don't know, Miss Hardie," Amelia said hesitantly.
It looked like Miss Hardie had either figured out that Amelia was taking an attitude with Wilder, or she disapproved of anything that smacked of rude conduct when guests were visiting.
"I agree with Bethany," Amelia said slowly, glancing back and forth between Wilder and Miss Hardie. "I think it's rather wonderful what you do for a living, Mr. Armstrong."
Wilder had to contain his reaction. For a moment he felt stunned. Had Amelia actually said something complimentary to him? He could hardly believe his ears. Maybe she was merely responding to pressure from Miss Hardie. Perhaps it didn't mean anything, although, if he was asked, he desperately hoped it meant something.
Miss Hardie looked with visible admiration at Wilder. "I think we all agree you do a very important job, Mr. Armstrong."
"Thank you, ma'am. That's real kind of you," Wilder said. He looked at Bethany and Amelia. "And thank you, ladies."
They both smiled back at him. He laid his cup down on the table. "I'm afraid I have to be going." He glanced over at the grandfather clock. "If that's the real time, I have to be moving on. Got plenty to do."
He rose to his feet and they all stood. "It's been a real pleasure, ladies." They all seemed pleased with his courtesy, even Amelia whose sweet looking lips had creased into an attractive, cautious grin. It looked like he'd made at least some kind of good impression on her.
He started toward the hallway. As he made his way toward the door he asked a question over his shoulder. "When are you folks planning on meeting with Lucas Monroe again?"
He tried to make the asking of the question as casual as possible. When he turned he saw Bethany's bright eyes. "We've been asked to go to the Monroe ranch tomorrow."
"Really?" Wilder asked, trying to feign mild interest, but really wanting to know much more.
"They've invited Bethany for lunch with the family," Miss Hardie added. "I think it's a wonderful idea. Bethany can get to see how people live on a ranch."
"Are you going alone, Bethany?" Wilder asked.
"I shall be accompanying Bethany," Amelia said firmly.
"Of course you will," Wilder said nodding. "You two ladies have been like two peas in a pod since you got here," he said casually. Bethany laughed at that and Miss Hardie smiled.
He saw Amelia's brows furrow and figured that, yet again, he'd failed to find just the right words to express himself in a way that satisfied Amelia. She sure had a feisty spirit, and he liked it that way.
He took his hat from the hook and opened the door. He turned to the three ladies and bowed. "Thank you for a lovely little visit."
"You must call again, Mr. Armstrong," Miss Hardie said. "If your busy schedule allows, of course."
Wilder nodded. "I surely will, ma'am."
He gave them one final look and then turned to leave. However, as he did so, he was sure he saw Amelia's mouth open as if she were about to say something. In spite of that he kept going down the stairs. There was work to be done.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
As Wilder was about to open the garden gate, Amelia turned to Miss Hardie and Bethany and told them she wanted to ask Wilder a question before he left. Bethany nodded innocently, while Miss Hardie gave Amelia a knowing look.
Amelia grabbed the folds of her skirt and called after Wilder. "Mr. Armstrong. Wait a moment."
She saw Wilder turn and watch Amelia descend the stairs. Wilder stood by the open gate, hat in hand and a broad grin across his face.
"What can I do for you?" he said with a glance over her shoulder toward the front door. Amelia heard the sound of the door closing. Now that they couldn't be heard, she was free to drop the pretense of civility.
Wilder peered into Amelia's eyes and she felt an involuntary racing of her heart. She dismissed it as the effect of racing down the stairs, but the thought lingered that it could as easily have been the result of being alone with Wilder.
>
"Follow me," Amelia said, walking past Wilder. She wanted to make sure no-one inside the house could hear what she was about to say to Wilder. She made her way around the side of the house toward a tall tree which bordered Miss Hardie's house.
The tree provided a natural barrier from which it was impossible to be seen from the house. She rounded the tree and turned to see that Wilder had followed her. Once behind the tree Amelia prepared herself. She clasped her hands, straightened her shoulders and gave Wilder a stern look.
Wilder came up close to her and peered into Amelia's eyes. "What have I done this time?" he asked, his brow quirking.
Amelia tried not to respond to that look, but the shifting sensation in her middle wasn't making things any easier. "Did you have to continue your investigation in such an insensitive manner?"
"What do you mean, insensitive?" Wilder asked.
"That was like a game of twenty questions in there," Amelia stated firmly.
"I just thought it would help me find out just what kind of man Lucas is, that's all."
Amelia frowned. "Is that all?" she asked. "Did you see how Bethany reacted to some of your questions? She's starting to worry."
"It wasn't my intention to make Bethany worry," he replied.
"Well, the road to a certain place is paved with good intention, Mr. Armstrong."
"You think I'm going to hell?" he said slowly. He moved closer to her and she knew that neither of them could be seen from the house. It was cool in the shade. Wilder rested a casual arm against the tree and dipped his head close to Amelia. She refused to budge. She wasn't going to give him the slightest impression that he was affecting her.
"I didn't say that," Amelia replied, glancing up at the overhanging branches. Amelia knew he was looking straight at her, but she wasn't about to meet his gaze. She felt the cool breeze against her skin and saw the leaves moving slowly above her head like the waves of the Maine coastline she had known as a child.
"What did you say then, Amelia?" he murmured.
Amelia's Montana Wedding (Love In Montana Falls Book 1) Page 11
