The sheriff didn’t wait for any of the others but walked on into his office and plopped onto his chair. This was Rebekah’s first time inside the building, but by the look of it, he spent plenty of time inside. His chair was worn, and a spot on the desktop revealed that the sheriff’s boots spent a great deal of time propped there. She didn’t dare stare at the dust and trash covering everything, or she wouldn’t be able to stay. If the sheriff didn’t uphold the law, what exactly did he do around here? Finally understanding what Nate meant, she turned to glance at him.
Tipping back in his chair, the sheriff bumped his hat farther up on his forehead and then crossed his fingers across his plump belly. “Now, what’s this all about?”
Rebekah noticed Nate give an almost imperceptible nod at Thomas before turning to answer the sheriff.
“Andrew’s been kidnapped, and I think Thomas had something to do with it.”
Nate’s bold and direct statement almost made Rebekah choke. She noticed Thomas was in the same condition, his face now red, his cheeks puffed out with unspent air.
The sheriff leaned forward over the desk, his expression revealing his shock as his eyes shifted to her. “Perry’s boy’s been kidnapped?” He switched his gaze toward Thomas and thumped his fist on the desk. “Did you do this, Thomas?”
The breath Thomas had been holding exploded in a gust as he started pacing. “I’m full up sick of being accused of this. I’ve had more than my fill of being blamed for all that goes wrong in this town. I’m outta here.”
As Nate stepped in his way, the sheriff pulled his pistol, cocking the hammer at the same time.
Thomas spun around to face him, his hand going out in front of him. “Now, hold on there, Sheriff.”
Nate moved between the sheriff and Thomas. “I don’t think that’s necessary, Sheriff. Thomas will stay and talk.” He turned. “Won’t you, Thomas?”
Thomas nodded nervously. “Yeah, sure.”
Rebekah’s heart pounded. This wasn’t what she’d expected. They were supposed to alert the sheriff to Andrew’s kidnapping.
“Sit.” The sheriff motioned to a chair beside the desk. “I won’t have you running off again.”
Once Thomas occupied the chair, the sheriff holstered his pistol and returned to his seat. Instead of questioning Thomas, Sheriff Caldwell turned to Nate. “What makes you think Thomas had anything to do with the Weaver boy disappearing?”
Nate’s eyes narrowed just a bit. Rebekah had gotten to know him well enough to realize he didn’t like something the sheriff said. She could almost see his thoughts spinning.
Finally, he strolled closer to the desk. “Because I’ve accused him of several things, and he hasn’t denied even one.”
The sheriff leaned back again as he eyed Thomas. “Accused him of what?”
“First and foremost, that he took Andrew.”
Rebekah’s heart nearly stopped. She knew Nate thought Thomas had something to do with Andrew’s kidnapping, but she now realized she’d never heard Thomas deny the accusation. Her mind scrambled back to their ride. He did seem unaware that Andrew was missing.
Thomas’s face turned red again. “I didn’t take the boy.”
Nate leaned close. “But you either know who did or where he is, don’t you?”
Holding her breath, Rebekah waited for his answer, while feeling shame that Nate had her doubting her friend.
Arms crossed, Thomas remained silent.
Nate stood upright again. “All right, let’s try this one. You’ve been the man leaving notes at night, haven’t you?”
Rebekah gasped, then covered her mouth. Why would Nate think that? But the way Thomas jerked his head up in surprise, suspicion crept in once again, especially when his mouth bobbed open and closed but not a word came out. His silence declared his guilt.
Chapter Thirty-seven
The sheriff leaned forward, looking just as surprised as Rebekah felt. “You’ve been leaving the notes?”
“No. Well, I—”
This time, Nate thumped the desk. “Spill it, Thomas. You’ve basically just confessed.”
Thomas glared at Nate and clamped his mouth shut. Heart aching, it was time for her to help get the truth out in the open. She moved to Thomas’s side and crouched, then grasped his forearm as she peered into his eyes.
“Please, Thomas, if you know anything at all, tell us. Andrew needs us. You’ve been our friend and helper since we’ve known you. Please help us again, right now.”
Tears formed—for fear of possibly losing Andrew and the pain of possibly losing a friend—and began to roll down her cheeks.
Thomas stared into her eyes for several long moments before sighing and putting his hand over hers. “All right. I’ll tell you what I know. Then I’ll tell you what I think.”
Confused at his last statement, she let it pass. Time was running short, and Andrew needed them. “Thank you.”
He gave a slight shake of his head. “I have been writing notes.”
The sheriff released a low whistle while Nate blasted out a growl, then mumbled, “I knew it.”
Thomas tensed and leaned forward. “Let me finish.” When everyone was quiet again, he relaxed a bit. “Like I said, I have been writing notes, but they were love notes.”
Brows raised, Rebekah couldn’t help but smile. “You wrote those notes to Cora and Mrs. Phipps?”
He nodded. “But I only wrote those kinds of notes. I never wrote any threatening ones.”
Nate leaned against the desk. “So the rumors about the same man writing both kinds of notes—”
“Are wrong,” Thomas finished for him with some force in his voice. “I wouldn’t hurt anyone in this town, especially the Weaver family. I only wanted to make sure…” Thomas looked away.
Rebekah knew him well enough to know he was embarrassed. “To make sure of what, Thomas?”
Still avoiding her eyes, Thomas ran his hand across his whiskers, the stubble creating a scratching sound against his palm. He blew out another breath. “I don’t want the people I like to go through life being alone just because they’re too shy to let someone know they care.”
Throat closing from so many emotions, Rebekah’s eyes filled with tears again. She’d known since he kept her from burning to death that Thomas had a soft heart. She gave him a hug.
“This is all well and good,” the sheriff’s gruff voice boomed, “but we’re still nowhere near finding the Weaver boy. What else do you know, Thomas?”
Wanting to strangle the unfeeling wretch, Rebekah turned and stared at the sheriff. The way he pulled his head back, she knew her emotions were apparent. She decided not to scold the brute.
Thomas changed his position but kept hold of Rebekah’s hand. “I don’t know anything else. The rest is all what I’ve come up with by noticing things and pure guessing.”
Before anything else was said, Nate pushed away from the desk, retrieved a chair from the far corner of the room, and brought it to Rebekah. Pulling a kerchief from his pocket, he wiped the dust from the seat. When she’d smiled her thanks and sat, Nate motioned to Thomas.
“Let’s hear what you’ve noticed.”
The fact that he emphasized the last word didn’t get past Rebekah or Thomas. She couldn’t believe Nate still didn’t trust Thomas. Silently, she threatened with her eyes that he’d better watch himself or she’d give him the scolding she didn’t give the sheriff.
Thomas tilted his head up toward Nate. “I’ve noticed that a couple young men strut around here like they own the town. And very likely, they soon may, if my guess is right. I’m also pretty sure they aren’t trying to own the town alone. And lastly, I heard a couple men talking as they passed the livery this morning.” The confidence left Thomas’s attitude. “They’re the reason I left the livery. I wanted to follow them.”
Nate leaned forward. “Do you think they have Andrew?”
Thomas shrugged, looking miserable. “I don’t know. Maybe.”
Pushing away from the desk, Nate faced
the sheriff. “One more question, Thomas. Is the sheriff involved?”
Sheriff Caldwell reared back. “What? Me? Hold on there.” He rose to his feet, his hand going to his pistol.
Nate beat him by pulling his, then motioning the sheriff’s hand away. “Put your gun on the desk, Sheriff.”
“But I didn’t do anything.”
“Then you shouldn’t mind giving up the gun for a while.” Nate motioned one more time, and the sheriff finally pulled the gun and tossed it onto the desk.
“Now, have a seat.”
His anger evident, the sheriff dropped onto his chair. Rebekah’s head spun with all that had happened. When did Nate learn to pull his gun so fast? What was he going to do to the sheriff? And why did he sound so much like a lawman?
Nate picked up the sheriff’s gun, then holstered his own. “Where were you this morning, Sheriff?”
“What do you mean, where was I? I was right here.”
“And what about last night after I left? Where’d you go then?”
The sheriff suddenly acted nervous, not looking at anyone. “I didn’t go anywhere.”
Nate moved to stand behind the sheriff. “Then why didn’t you answer the door when Perry came by?”
Swallowing hard, the sheriff slouched in his chair. “Perry came by? I didn’t hear anything.”
“Then where’d you go?”
Slumping forward and putting his head in his hands, the sheriff shook his head. “I didn’t go anywhere. I was right here all night.” He yanked out the bottom drawer of the desk and pulled out a jug. “Thanks to this, I slept through everything.”
Rebekah’s mouth dropped open, as did Nate’s. That certainly explained a lot.
Nate moved to the sheriff’s side. “Where’d you get that?”
A miserable expression on his face, Sheriff Caldwell sat back in his chair. “From those two men I arrested that day you came to town. They said they’d keep me well supplied if I let them have some fun in town without giving them trouble. Then when you showed up, they wanted me to give you a bad time so you’d leave.”
Rebekah couldn’t believe what she was hearing. What kind of man was the sheriff to allow such activity, not to mention risking the lives of those in town by drinking too much?
Nate put his hands on the desk. “And the night you tried to arrest me?”
The sheriff nodded. “Those men wanted me to bring you to them.”
Disgust for the sheriff almost glowed from Nate’s face. He paced a few moments before he stopped again. “Well, that explains a lot, but we still have to find Andrew. Do you know where we can find the ruffians, Sheriff?”
The sheriff shook his head. “I tried to find them a couple times when they didn’t bring me my jugs. I never did find out where they stayed.”
“I might know where they are.”
At Thomas’s words, everyone turned to him. A spark of Rebekah’s anger lit. Why did he wait until now to say something? He knew she was afraid for Andrew’s life. How dare he keep information from her? She grabbed Thomas’s arm.
“Where’s Andrew, Thomas?”
He turned to her. “I honestly don’t know. But I might know where those boys are.”
Rebekah stood, pulling on his arm. “Then what are we doing sitting here? Let’s go.”
Nate moved to her side. “I agree.”
Thomas stood, looking Nate dead in the eyes. “Not you. I still don’t trust you.”
“What?” Both Rebekah and Nate responded at the same time, but Nate took a step forward.
“Why? What have I done to make you say that?”
“It’s in your eyes.” Thomas stood as tall as he could stretch his spine. “I’ve been watching you along with everyone else, and there’s something you’re hiding.” He moved a step closer. “Tell me I’m wrong.”
Rebekah examined the shock on Nate’s face and knew Thomas was right. Her heart shriveled. What could he be hiding and why?
Nate took a step back and sat on the corner of the desk, stunned disbelief on his face. When he remained silent, Rebekah stood in front of him.
“Out with it, Nate. It’s obvious you’ve kept something from us. What do you know?”
Shaking his head, he pulled a leather pouch from his pocket. Slipping a piece of paper from inside, he opened it and held it out for them to see. “It says I’m a deputy marshal. I’ve been assigned here to find out who’s been burning and exploding the businesses in and around town.”
“What?” The sheriff stomped around the desk and grabbed the paper from Nate’s hand. He took a few moments to read it, then shoved it against Nate’s chest. “Why didn’t you tell me? I’m the law here. I had a right to know.”
Nate folded the paper and replaced it in his pocket. “Like it says in this letter, I’m supposed to be undercover, mainly because you were named as a suspect.”
The sheriff’s mouth dropped open. “Me? Who pointed the finger at me?”
Nate shrugged. “My boss didn’t say—only that I was to keep an eye on you.”
“I wrote the marshal’s office.” Once again, Thomas managed to shock them. “You gotta admit, Sheriff, you’ve been acting a bit odd lately.”
Patience gone, Rebekah grabbed Thomas’s shirt sleeve. “Where can we locate those men? We need to get Andrew.”
“Right.” Thomas moved to the door and held it open. “We’ll need to find me a ride.”
“No, we won’t.” Nate strode out the door and untied the reins to his horse. “Rebekah isn’t going. You can use her mule.”
Temper flaring, Rebekah marched across the boardwalk and loosened the mule’s reins. “I’m going. Andrew’s my brother, and if he’s with them, he’ll be scared, and I want to be there for him.” She faced Nate, daring him to argue. “And you can’t stop me.”
He moved to within inches from her. “I can if I take your mule and leave you on foot.” He grasped her by the arms. “This could be dangerous, Bek, and I don’t want you getting hurt.”
She pulled free. “I won’t get hurt, and I will be going, even if I have to borrow someone’s horse.”
Nate took two steps away, his hands curled into fists. “How does your father deal with you?” He turned back to face her. “All right, but only if you stay behind us. I want your word, or I’ll lock you in one of those jail cells.”
“You wouldn’t dare.”
He strode up to her and leaned down until their noses bumped. “Don’t tempt me, Bek. I’ll do what’s necessary to keep you safe.” He motioned to Thomas. “Let’s get to the livery and find you a ride. We need to get moving.”
Though anger boiled below the surface, Rebekah had never loved Nate more. When she caught Thomas grinning at her, she made a face and determined not to look at him again. Emotions swirling worse than the river water during spring melt, she allowed Nate to help her onto the mule, then followed him without another word.
Chapter Thirty-eight
As they all rushed toward the livery to find Thomas a ride, Nate wavered in his decision to allow Rebekah to join them. He’d never forgive himself if something happened to her. But if the look on her face was any indication, she’d find some way to follow.
While Thomas ran inside for another mule, Nate helped Rebekah to the ground so he could put a saddle on hers, knowing it would be more comfortable than riding bareback. One look at the sheriff, wobbling in his horse, told Nate the man wouldn’t be much help.
Joining Thomas in the livery, Nate slid to a stop when he almost ran into Thomas standing in the middle of the building.
“What’s wrong?”
Thomas motioned to one of the stalls. “The only mule left is Twister.” He turned a helpless look toward Nate. “If I ride him, we won’t get to leave town.”
Any other day, Nate would have found the situation humorous. Today, his mind scrambled for answers. “Saddle him.”
“What? Nate—”
“Just do it, Thomas. I think if I keep to his left and hold his bridle, we
can get him to walk a straight line.”
By the time Nate had Rebekah’s mule saddled, Thomas had Twister ready and was struggling to get him out of the livery. About to help Rebekah up, she stopped him.
“Wait. We need to check for a note before we leave.”
He’d forgotten all about that. “Wait here. I’ll look.”
Racing through both buildings, Nate didn’t see any sign of a note being shoved under the doors. He returned and, at Rebekah’s questioning gaze, shook his head. He lifted her onto the saddle, then climbed onto his own. Nudging his horse next to Twister’s left side, he leaned and grasped the left rein.
“All right, which way, Thomas?”
He pointed west. “Toward the river.”
With a nod, Nate headed that way, certain they’d end up in the area where he saw Thomas the day of the picnic. Fighting Twister all the way, the trip took them much longer than Nate had figured. They had to cross the river at a low, and Twister all but landed everyone in the water with his weaving and curling and tossing of his head. Finally on the other side, Thomas grabbed Nate’s elbow.
“There’s a shack a short distance up that hill. I think they might be in there. If not, they’re back by the Loomis home.”
Nate couldn’t believe his ears. That was the exact opposite direction of where they were right now. Frustrated, he nudged his horse forward, wishing Thomas had mentioned the other place earlier. “Let’s get moving.” Catching an odd look on Thomas’s face, he frowned. “What?”
His mouth opened, then he shook his head. “Nothing.”
With no time for another discussion about mistrust, Nate pushed Thomas from his mind. They’d find Andrew first. A few minutes later, Nate spotted the shack through the trees. He motioned for everyone to stop and to remain quiet. Dismounting, he crouched for a better view, taking time to figure out the best approach. He didn’t bother asking the sheriff. They were fortunate he managed to stay in the saddle on the ride there.
Thomas knelt next to him. “Any ideas how to get in there without anyone getting killed?”
“I got one, but it’s not great.” Nate faced Thomas. “I’ll need your help.”
Love Finds You in Silver City, Idaho Page 24
