Baxter jingled the gold, seeming to regain his confidence from the sound of the rattling metal. “Well? What will it be? Life as a rich man or getting run out of town?” His grin tempted and lured. “I’m sure the wife would like to live in luxury, and you could give your little girl everything her heart desires.” He pocketed the bag. “Well, Reed, what’s your answer?”
Chapter Sixteen
Charlotte should be happy. She had Sasha. She had a home. She had everything she’d thought she wanted, but when Wyatt walked away from her after the proceedings, she’d acknowledged to herself that she longed for more.
She wanted the family that they’d become in that moment when Wyatt stood up for Evans Grove. Sasha needed a father, and none could be better than Wyatt. The little girl sparkled whenever she was with him. He’d become her hero, and, if Charlotte was honest with herself, he’d become hers, too. Not only had he married her and helped her adopt Sasha like he’d promised, but he’d stood on the side of justice and supported Evans Grove’s petition.
So many people congratulated her and remarked on what a fine man she’d married. Not Beatrice Ward, of course. Thankfully, the formidable spinster hadn’t returned after storming out of the town hall at the end of the morning session.
“Congratulations, Charlotte and Holly.” Mayor Pauline Evans embraced each of them warmly, almost chasing away Charlotte’s blues.
Maybe all the acknowledgment would help Wyatt see how much he was wanted and needed here. He had looked pleased when man after man came forward to clap him on the back. But then, after adopting Sasha, he’d slipped away. The terms of their marriage agreement settled like lead in her stomach. Once they adopted Sasha, he was free to leave. He’d insisted upon it, and she’d agreed.
She closed her eyes against the storm of regret.
“I’m so happy for you both,” Pauline continued. “We fought and won. All the children can stay.”
“Except Heidi,” Holly reminded her.
In all the excitement, Charlotte had forgotten about Heidi. Poor girl. That explained Rebecca’s subdued reaction and her retreat from the afternoon session as soon as her part was over.
“Isn’t there any way that Heidi can stay?” Charlotte asked.
Pauline blew out a sigh of frustration. “A family needs to step forward. I would consider it if Robert was still alive.”
In the pause that followed, Charlotte felt the depth of the woman’s loss. Pauline and Robert Evans had been close, still acting like newlyweds after years of marriage. Her heart must ache. Charlotte hurt at the thought of losing Wyatt, and she barely knew him.
But Pauline was strong. With determination, she snapped out of her sorrow and back to business. “Speaking of men, have either of you seen Mr. Brooks?”
Charlotte searched her memory. “I saw him with you this morning, but I don’t remember seeing him this afternoon.”
Holly agreed. “When did you last see him?”
“Curtis joined me for lunch but then said he had to send a wire and never returned.”
Holly nudged Charlotte. Pauline had used Mr. Brooks’s Christian name.
“I’m sure something came up with the bank,” Holly said.
Pauline frowned. “At the end of the day? What could be so important that it needs to be taken care of at once? Why, that man buzzes around like a housefly. I just wonder what he’s got himself into now.”
Holly and Charlotte had to chuckle. Pauline complained that Mr. Brooks nitpicked her every move, when everyone could see that he wanted to win her favor. Pauline was the one who wouldn’t budge an inch.
“Maybe he went to check the post with Rebecca,” Holly suggested.
Since the mail was distributed at the telegraph office, there was a chance Mr. Brooks would still be there.
“The post. That’s what I forgot to do,” Pauline said a little too brightly. “I should check for mail before they close down for the day. I’ll see you both later. Congratulations again.”
The mayor bustled off, leaving Charlotte alone with Holly and the worry that Wyatt was preparing to leave. He’d headed toward the livery. He must figure his job was done, so he’d saddle up Dusty and go back to Greenville. Would he really leave without saying goodbye?
Her chest constricted so she could hardly draw a breath. His name floated on her lips, but even if she didn’t have Sasha to watch, she hadn’t the strength to chase after him.
Holly squeezed her arm. “What’s wrong? You look pale.”
“It’s nothing.”
“It’s most certainly something. What happened?”
Charlotte hesitated. She hated to reveal anything personal. It’s what had kept her silent all those years of marriage to Charles, but look what that had brought her. The town adored Charles and believed their marriage perfect. She’d lived a lie. Never again. She needed to talk to someone. If she couldn’t confide in her dearest friend, who could she tell?
She took a deep breath. “Wyatt’s not going to stay. He, that is, we—” This was difficult to say. “We agreed to stay together only as long as it took to adopt Sasha.”
To her surprise, Holly didn’t seem shocked. “Does he know you love him?”
“Love him?” Charlotte pulled out her handkerchief and wiped away a tear. “Do I?”
“It’s obvious to everyone,” Holly said. “You look at him the way I used to look at Mason, like you’re afraid to let him know how much you care about him.”
Charlotte bowed her head. “It’s true.”
“But you have to tell him how you feel. Trust me on this. It’s frightening and risky, but there’s no other way.”
“Just like that?” She fussed with her skirts and checked on Sasha, who was playing with Lynette and the other children.
“Just like that. For too long Mason and I made the mistake of not saying how we felt toward each other.”
“It’s not the same.” Charlotte shook her head. “Everyone could see you and Mason were meant for each other. I knew that in time he’d see it, too.”
“So will Wyatt.”
“I’m not so sure.” Charlotte bit her quivering lip. “He’s been so set on leaving, and once Wyatt sets his mind on something, he won’t change course.”
“He changed his mind about the orphans,” Holly pointed out.
“That’s different. He loves children.” She lowered her gaze. “But me? No.”
“What a fool notion. I don’t believe it for a minute. I’ve seen the way he watches you when you’re not looking.”
Charlotte’s cheeks heated. “You must be mistaken.”
“That’s what I said when people told me Mason looked at me that way, but they were right.”
Charlotte held her breath. Did she dare to believe that Wyatt felt something for her? “But...” She choked on the reality of the bargain she’d made with him. “He made me agree to let him go once Sasha was adopted.” She shook her head. “He hasn’t said he changed his mind.”
“Maybe he hasn’t said he wants to stay, but he does. I saw that from the start. If I hadn’t, I would never have agreed to witness your marriage. Just tell him how you feel and hand the rest over to the Almighty.”
Holly made it sound simple, but Charlotte knew from experience that whenever she pushed, Wyatt retreated. “But what if Wyatt doesn’t feel the same way? What if he leaves?”
Holly smiled knowingly. “What if he doesn’t?”
* * *
“Well?” Baxter glared at Wyatt. “What’s your decision?”
Wyatt knew better than to answer from this secluded spot behind the mill. Though Baxter didn’t strike Wyatt as the type to do his own dirty work, he did have a temper, and Wyatt doubted he’d respond politely to someone telling him no.
“I’m thinking it through.” Wyatt ambled toward the front of the mill.
“Where are you going? We’re not done yet.”
But, as Wyatt anticipated, Baxter followed. Wyatt continued walking until he stepped onto Liberty Stree
t in full view of the sheriff’s office. People still clustered outside town hall. Charlotte stood there, as pretty as a summer rose. Sasha played with a couple of girls her age. His chest swelled. They were his family. His responsibility.
“You walk away, and I take my business elsewhere,” Baxter threatened as he trotted along on Wyatt’s heels.
“Fine by me.” Years of duress had taught Wyatt to keep his voice low and calm when threatened. It generally rattled the other person into thinking he was holding something back. He usually wasn’t, but this time he wanted out of this job, plain and simple. Everything about it was wrong. “I’m done with this job.”
“No, you’re not. I’m not letting you out of it. We made an agreement, shook hands on it. I expect you to make good on your word, or—”
Before Baxter could add to his threats, Wyatt spun to face him, spread his feet, and exposed his pistol.
Baxter flinched when he saw Wyatt close his hand on the weapon. “No need to get riled. I’m just asking you to enforce the agreement Greenville made with that orphan society. It’ll be to your advantage.”
“Not mine.” Wyatt hated the man’s wheedling. “Take your business elsewhere. I don’t want it.”
Baxter feigned shock. “I’ll triple the rate.”
The man definitely had something suspicious going on, something that Wyatt was going to discover if it took the rest of his life. He itched to reveal his deputy sheriff badge, but that would only send Baxter running.
He set his jaw. “I won’t do it at any rate.”
Baxter’s face darkened. “Then you’ll pay the price. No one takes a job from me and doesn’t finish.” He glanced down the street to where Charlotte stood. “Don’t get too comfortable here. So many tragedies have happened in this town. Funny how they tend to come in bunches.”
“That had better not be a threat.”
“Just an observation.” Baxter glanced back at the mill. “You never know what will happen.”
For a second, Wyatt wondered if Baxter had something to do with the dam break, but that was nonsense. It’d washed out in a storm. Besides, Baxter had nothing to gain from it. Or did he? The man operated a supply store. The town needed supplies to rebuild. He’d have to ask Brooks if the town was buying from Baxter.
“I’m not changing my mind,” Wyatt said.
The weasel’s black eyes glittered like the gold in his bag. “If you do see reason, I’ll be eating dinner at the hotel before heading back to Greenville.” He made a show of looking at his gold pocket watch, engraved with the swirling letters F. B. “That gives you two hours to come to your senses.”
“My senses are just fine.” At that moment, they screamed danger.
“Are they?” Baxter paused before leaving. “If they are, then I’ll see you later.”
Baxter’s smugness unsettled Wyatt as he watched the man return to the hotel. Baxter didn’t make idle threats. He intended harm if Wyatt didn’t do as instructed. And he wouldn’t—couldn’t—do what Baxter wanted. But that meant that he’d made a powerful enemy, who wouldn’t hesitate to lash out. Wyatt had no choice. His presence here endangered Charlotte and Sasha.
For their sakes, he had to leave.
* * *
Charlotte stayed at the town hall until only she and Holly remained. Sasha, minus her playmates, whined and tugged at Charlotte’s skirt, but she couldn’t face an empty house. If she returned to find Wyatt’s saddlebags gone, she’d know he left.
“I need to fix supper,” Holly finally said. “Will you be all right?”
Charlotte nodded. She couldn’t put it off much longer. “I’ll walk with you to your house.”
Holly raised an eyebrow. “It’s out of your way.”
How could she explain the terror building inside her? If Wyatt was gone, she didn’t know how she’d carry on.
Her friend seemed to understand. “Better to find out sooner than later.”
Charlotte supposed she was right, but she dreaded learning the truth. She had made the bargain. Now she must accept the consequences.
“Come along, Sasha.”
But before she got ten steps, Rebecca hurried toward them waving a piece of paper. From the look on her face, something horrible had happened.
Holly retraced her steps and met Rebecca at the same time Charlotte did.
“What’s wrong?” the two women said simultaneously.
“I-i-it’s Heidi.” Rebecca’s pretty face crumpled, and the tears flowed.
Charlotte located her handkerchief while Holly comforted the younger woman. “It’s all right. Tell us what happened.”
Rebecca dabbed at her eyes with Charlotte’s handkerchief and then handed the paper to Holly. “Read for yourself.”
It must be a telegram. Charlotte’s heart started to pound. Heidi was at the general store. She’d seen her leave with the Gavins and Lynette. What urgent matter could affect her? She gasped as realization dawned. “Something happened to Jakob.”
Rebecca shook her head violently, and the tears welled again.
Holly handed the telegram back to Rebecca. “They’ve given up placing Heidi. Rebecca’s supposed to take her back to New York.”
“H-h-how will she ever get a home?” Rebecca stammered.
Charlotte ached for the girl. “I wish I could take her.” But she didn’t dare with Wyatt leaving.
Rebecca drew a quavering breath. “And how will her brother find her? He’s out there all alone, enduring who knows what hardship all to find his sister, and now they want me to take her back to New York. He’ll never find her. Oh, what am I going to do?”
“Delay,” Holly said emphatically.
Rebecca blinked, her tears stemmed for the moment. “Delay?”
“Yes.” As always, the ever-sensible Holly seized on the solution. “The telegram doesn’t say when you need to return, so take your time. Wait until Jakob shows up in Evans Grove.”
“But what if he doesn’t?” Rebecca whispered. “What if he never does? I wish Mr. Armstrong had hired Mr. Reed.”
Charlotte did too. It would have kept Wyatt here longer. “I could try again to persuade him to look for Jakob.” But only if he was still in Evans Grove.
Holly started. “That’s it! It’s the perfect solution. The way I see things, Jakob is a missing person who has probably reached the county by now. That makes this police business.”
Charlotte understood what she was getting at. This could solve both Rebecca’s problem and hers. This could keep Wyatt in Evans Grove. Give him another job, one sanctioned by the sheriff.
“Would Mason agree?” she asked Holly.
The schoolteacher grinned. “If he doesn’t, he’ll discover just how persuasive I can be.”
Chapter Seventeen
By the time Wyatt finished his business with Brooks and hurried down the hotel staircase, he hoped Baxter would be gone. Unfortunately, the weasel was still in the dining room, engrossed in conversation with someone. Thanks to the wall, Wyatt couldn’t see who it was, and he couldn’t risk going into the dining room where Baxter would see him. He tried to catch a glimpse from the porch, but the sun reflected off the windows and obscured his view.
His next stop should be the sheriff’s office, but Mason was probably home with his new bride and son. Wyatt’s resignation would have to wait until morning. After that, he’d head out. Once Sasha fell asleep tonight, he’d tell Charlotte that he was leaving. He owed her that much. Hopefully the provision he’d just made for their daughter would soften the blow.
The stagecoach rolled to a stop in front of the hotel. Baxter could come out at any moment, so Wyatt hurried toward the telegraph office. From there he could spot who left the hotel with Baxter while staying out of the man’s sight.
He stepped onto the office’s low porch and pretended to examine the rates posted on the window, while keeping an eye on the hotel. An elderly couple got off the stagecoach. The bustle of removing their luggage blocked his view for a time. Then a wagon pulled in fr
ont of the coach, making it impossible to see who’d boarded. Wyatt growled in frustration and hurried toward the livery to get a better angle of the front of the hotel.
“Mr. Reed!”
The sharp command made Wyatt jump to the side before he crashed into Beatrice Ward.
“Ma’am.” He touched a finger to his hat.
“Humph.” She shot him a withering glare. “I would think a man would be home with his wife and child at this hour.”
An ordinary husband would, but Baxter had just taken that away from him.
* * *
Charlotte held supper as long as she could. Thankfully, it was only salt pork and cabbage. When Sasha complained that her tummy hurt, Charlotte fed her, but she waited and waited to eat herself.
Surely Wyatt wouldn’t have left town without his saddlebags. The moment she’d arrived home, she’d climbed the ladder to the loft and found them still there. But if he hadn’t left town, what was he doing? Had Mason cornered him already? Had Wyatt gone to look for Jakob Strauss?
Sasha sighed, and her eyelids drifted shut. The little girl had curled up in her chair with Katya. The day’s excitement had prevented a nap, and despite a valiant effort to stay awake, she finally succumbed. Charlotte carried her to the bed and laid a quilt over her. Rising, she couldn’t help but see the ladder to the loft.
What if Wyatt’s saddlebags were empty? She hadn’t looked inside. Maybe he’d taken what he needed and left the bags behind. No, that was ridiculous. Either journey he might take—to find Jakob or to leave her—required saddlebags. Unless he was trying to mislead her. He wouldn’t do that, would he?
After wringing her hands and pacing back and forth until twilight fell, she decided to check. She climbed the first two rungs of the ladder, but the shifting shadows made her less surefooted. She saw herself falling from the ladder again, felt again the impact of hitting the barn floor. She clung to the ladder, frozen in place as the front door opened.
“Charlotte? What are you doing up there?” Wyatt strode across the room.
She felt a little foolish. “I—I wondered if you left town.”
Christine Johnson Page 17
