by Barbara Goss
So Abe and Jeb packed up, split the money, and left.
Garrett and Brock soon grew tired of watching the bank. They paced restlessly a bit before leaning on the post again.
“Maybe they aren’t coming,” Brock said.
“They might be passing us by and going on to the next town.” Garrett stretched his arms. “I wonder how long Pete wants us to stay here.”
Brock shrugged and then nudged Garrett. “Who’s that?”
Garrett saw three men ride slowing into town and stop in front of the hotel. “Better run and tell Pete. There’s only three of them, but we'd better play it safe.”
Brock charged into Pete’s office where he stood at the window, watching the three men.
“I wanted to alert you to the strangers,” Brock said.
“I think we’ll let Cole and the men behind the office go home,” Pete said. “You can go back to the bank, and tell Garrett to go back to the livery. I don’t think the gang is stopping here. Cole said he saw some movement up on the hill yonder, and he thinks they saw how prepared we were and moved on.”
“What about those three strangers?” Brock said.
“They may be harmless, but I’ll keep my eye on them.”
“By the way, Pete, about me and Elaina—”
“She’s as good as free, Brock. No need to even mention it. Just promise me you’ll do good by her.” Pete turned away and straightened his desk. “I’ll start the paperwork for the annulment so she’ll be free quicker.”
“If you still care about her, Pete, I’ll stop seeing her.”
“I still care, but she needs a man like you who can give her the things she deserves; the things I can’t,” he said.
“But I hate to see you so miserable, especially when I know I’m the cause of it,” Brock said.
Pete put his arm around Brock’s shoulders and gave him a manly, one-armed hug. “You’re a good man, Brock. Take good care of her for me, that's all I ask.”
After everyone had dispersed, Pete strolled over to the hotel. He examined the three horses on his way in to see that they were well rested‒odd that travelers would be riding horses that weren’t in the least bit lathered.
He walked into the hotel and greeted Clint who was behind the hotel desk.
“Did you just sign those three men in?” Pete asked.
“Yes. They claim they’re on their way to Abilene.”
“Did they say where they rode in from?”
“Texas, originally. Spent the night in Hays, one of them said,” Clint told him.
“Can I see the book?” Pete swung the sign-in book around and read the names: Sam Smith, Robbie Smith, and Rupert Smith.
“Are they brothers?” he asked Clint, swinging the book back to face him.
“Looks that way, but they look nothing alike. One of them's older, and Robbie's young. Maybe father, son, and uncle, or something,” Clint suggested.
“What room are they in?”
“We don’t want any trouble, Pete. We have a lot of decent people in the other rooms,” Clint said.
Pete knew exactly who the men were. He’d thought about paying them a visit, but Clint was right: this wasn’t the time or place. So far, he had nothing on them.
“You’re right,” Pete said. “Do me a favor, though: if you see or hear anything unusual, can you let me know?”
“That I can most certainly do. Are you expecting trouble?” Clint asked.
“Definitely.” Pete walked out of the hotel rubbing his temples. He had to find a way to protect both the bank and Elaina‒primarily Elaina.
He walked over to the livery to discuss what he’d discovered with Cole and Garrett.
The three men walked from the hotel to Rusty’s for a bite to eat. When Rusty brought their food to the table, Rupert asked him the question that was foremost on his mind: "You know a man named Mullins?"
“Pete? Sure, everyone knows him. He’s the constable,” Rusty said. “Is there anything else I can get you gentlemen?”
“Yes,” Rupert said. “I have a package to deliver to him. It’s a surprise for his wife. Can you tell me where he lives?”
“No, I wouldn’t know that. I know he doesn’t live here in town, though. If you ask at the livery, I’m sure they’d know.”
“Thank you,” Rupert said.
After they’d eaten, the other two men went back to the room to count their money, and Rupert walked to the livery.
Cole, Garrett, and Pete were sitting in the livery office having a cup of tea, and discussing the newest development involving the Lowery Gang.
“The men claimed they’d ridden in from Hays?” Cole asked. “And their horses were not the least bit sweaty?”
“That tells me they're lying,” Pete said. “And if they’re lying about that, what else do they have to hide? Could the gang have split up?”
Just then, the door opened, and a stranger walked in, which wasn’t unusual, since any stranger just getting off the train would most likely want to rent a vehicle.
“I’ll take care of him,” Cole said. He stood and walked to the main room of the livery.
“Can I help you, sir?”
“I need directions to the Mullins home. I have a package to deliver for Mrs. Mullins,” Rupert said.
Cole hesitated and then said, “I’ll draw you a map.” He then went back into the office where he could tell by their expressions, both Pete and Garrett had heard the conversation.
“A gift for my wife?” Pete whispered. “That must be Rupert.”
“Yup,” Cole said. “What should I do?”
After much thought Pete said, “Give it to him, but tell him my wife is out of town until tomorrow.” He rubbed his forehead. “Make up something, like tell him he can leave the package on the doorstep, or something, just so he thinks you believe his tale.”
Cole came back to the man carrying a paper and pencil. “Okay, you go to the end of this street, turn right and go about a mile, then turn left and after about a half mile you’ll see a big old, gray farmhouse. That's the Mullins place.”
Rupert grabbed the paper and stuffed it into his pocket. “Thanks.”
“However,” Cole said, “Mrs. Mullins is out of town visiting a friend today‒I know, because she rented a buggy. She said she’d have the buggy back by tomorrow morning, but you can leave the package by the door.”
“I’ll do that,” Rupert said.
“Will you be needing a horse or buggy?” Cole asked.
“No, I have everything I’ll be needing.”
After Rupert left, Cole went back into the office. “What’s your plan, Pete?”
“First off, I don’t want him to know where Elaina is, so this will throw him off that trail, and it'll allow me to form a welcome party for him tomorrow.”
“If you need me or Garrett, we can put one of the workers in charge of the livery,” Cole said.
“I’m still in the planning stage, but I’m thinking I'd like some backup.” Pete stood and walked to the door of the office. “Now, I need to make sure Elaina stays in the house.”
Pete walked over to Edna’s and knocked on the door. Elaina answered it and stood there frozen for several seconds.
“Pete!” she said. She hesitated a bit before saying, “Um, would you like to see Edna?”
“No, I’ve come to see you. May I come in?” he asked.
“Oh, I’m so sorry. Yes, please come in.” She held the door open wide. “We can go into the sitting room.”
Pete walked in and removed his hat. “I’d also like to speak to Edna.”
“All right, I’ll get her. Please have a seat.”
Pete sat down in an armchair, and waited for Edna.
Edna came out of the kitchen drying her hands on her apron. “Why, Peter, how nice of you to stop by. Can I get you some tea?”
“No, Mrs. Smith, but thank you. This is a business visit, I’m afraid.”
Both women took seats on the sofa and waited expectantly for his news.
He wished Elaina wouldn’t look him in the eye the way she had when she answered the door because it made his heart pound, and he’d almost forgotten why he was there. Those big, expressive, blue eyes would be the death of him.
Elaina sat and awaited Pete’s news. She figured it must have something to do with the bank robbers Brock had told her about. She’d been shocked out of speech when she’d answered the door to find the object of her daydreams standing there in front of her; it felt almost like magic.
“The Lowery Gang seems to have split up, at least that’s what I surmise. Three strangers came into town and booked a room at the hotel. I caught them lying about where they’d been, and they looked shifty. One of them came into the livery while I was there, and wanted directions to my place because he had a delivery for my wife.” Pete emphasized the word, "wife."
Elaina gasped. “Rupert Fillmore!”
“I’m here to warn you, Elaina. Remain in the house and to let no one in that you don’t know,” Pete said.
“What will you do when they go to your place, Pete?” she asked, a bit worried about him. She knew how brutal men like Rupert could be.
“I plan to catch them and put them all in jail,” he said.
Elaina cringed. What if Rupert killed Pete? She looked at him and knew she’d be heartbroken. The fact that he was in potential danger made her true feelings evident; she loved Pete. It would be all her fault if he died. She sat and played with the fringe of her lace pocket.
“Won’t you be in danger?” she asked, looking up at him.
He smiled. “No more than usual. The constable is always the bad guy’s target.”
He stood. “Well, I’ll be going. I’ll stop by after it all goes down and let you know it’s safe to go out of the house again. I had Cole tell him that he rented you a buggy to visit a friend out of town and that you’d be back tomorrow. This will give me time to set up for his arrival.”
“Oh, Peter, do be careful,” Edna said. “I’ll be praying for your safety.”
“I’m always careful, Edna, but thank you.” He gave Edna a hug.
“Pete…” Elaina began.
He spun around and raised his eyebrows. “Yes?”
She fumbled around to find the right words, if there were any right words to find.
“Despite our problems, I care about what happens to you. Please be careful,” she said.
“Thank you, Elaina. That means a lot to me,” he said.
They stood holding eye contact for several moments before Pete turned and left.
Chapter 12
After Pete had left, Edna and Elaina sat back down and Edna saw tears in Elaina’s eyes.
“What’s wrong?” Edna asked.
“I just know Pete’s going to get hurt or even killed, and it will be all my fault.”
“Why would it be your fault, dear?” Edna asked, patting her hand.
“Because it’s me Rupert wants, not Pete.”
“I’m sure Peter will be just fine. Don’t worry,” Edna said. “How’s your relationship with Brock coming along?”
“It isn’t,” Elaina said, tears streaming down her face. “I like Brock, but it’s Pete I love.”
“Oh, Elaina! That’s nothing to cry about. It’s good news. Peter’s a wonderful man,” Edna said.
“Not only did I mess up my relationship with Pete, but now I’ve put his life in danger. I feel horrible. I wish…I wish…”
“What do you wish?” Edna prompted.
“I wish I could do it all over again. I wish I'd encouraged him more that night he kissed me, and we'd have consummated the marriage. I just hated the house and all the work he expected of me, and I felt overwhelmed.”
“And now that’s changed?” Edna asked.
“If he can put his life on the line for me, I suppose I could jab some chickens, cook on that old stove, and do all the other chores. Love's more important than any of those things.”
“I agree, but how will you let Peter know that?” Edna asked.
“Oh, I couldn’t. He’s already accepted it and moved on with his life; I can tell.”
“It’s worth a try,” Edna said.
“Yes,” Elaina said thoughtfully, “it’s worth everything.”
That evening, Brock VanSickle came to call. Edna led him to the sitting room and called Elaina from the kitchen where she was finishing the dishes.
“You have a visitor, Elaina,” Edna said.
“I’ll be right out.” Elaina dried her hands knowing it wasn’t Pete or Edna would have said it was. Who else would call on her? She hoped it wasn’t Brock since she didn’t know how to tell him that no matter how nice he was or how rich, she loved Pete Mullins.
She walked out and Brock stood, holding his hat. They exchanged greetings. He resumed his seat in the armchair and she took a seat on the sofa.
“Would you two like some tea?” Edna asked.
“None for me, Mrs. Smith,” Brock said.
Elaina shook her head, too busy thinking about how she was going to tell Brock her true feelings.
“If you need me, I’ll be in my room,” Edna said.
Elaina was still trying to think of how she would tell Brock she wasn’t interested in a relationship with him, when he spoke first.
“I’m here because I need to talk to you. There’s something bothering me. I need to set things straight,” Brock said.
Now Elaina was even more confused.
“I really enjoyed your company, and the sweet kiss we shared was more than pleasant, but I don’t really feel from you what I should. I mean…this is difficult to explain.” He sat forward with his elbows on his knees. “It’s like this: I can tell from your response and mannerisms that you have no romantic notions toward me, and I can accept that, since it’s early in our acquaintance, yet I feel guilty since I know Pete still cares for you, and he’s a good friend of mine. I respect Pete.”
Elaina could do nothing but stare and nod.
“I spoke to Pete about us, and he said he was okay with my courting you because he cares so much for you that he wants you happy. He thinks that because I’m wealthy, you’d have all the things he couldn’t give you, which would be true if I felt you really cared for me. Even so, I’d feel badly for Pete. What kind of man almost pushes the woman he loves toward another man just so she can live a better life? Only a man who is deeply in love.
“I’m a religious man, and I try to live by the Bible as much as I can. God has blessed my family, that’s true, but I don’t want a woman attracted to me just because I’m rich. I don’t know how I’ll go about finding a wife, since everyone knows I’m wealthy, but I’ll leave it to God. Sometimes being affluent works against you.
“One thing is for certain: I don’t want a woman who’s in love with another man. I don’t want a woman, no matter how lovely she is, if she’s inside the heart of one of my best friends.”
Elaina smiled. She could tell by his expression that he was relieved when she did.
“I admire you, Brock, and I like you very much. The thing is, I do love Pete, but his house and all he expects of me just turned me sour on him. I wish I had a second chance with him, I really do,” she said.
“Why don’t you tell him that? He’d be over the moon if he heard what you just said.”
“It’s hard to admit you’re wrong, but I need to, and I plan to,” she said.
“I’d love nothing better than to see Pete happy with you.” Brock stood. “Do you have any message to give Pete? I’ll be glad to relay it.”
She stood and walked him to the door. “No, I’ll take care of it myself. I made the mess and I’ll clean it up.” She smiled. “Thank you for coming and sharing that with me.”
“No problem. I feel better now, too,” he said with his hand on the doorknob.
“I have an idea for you,” she said. “I know a way you can find true love without the woman knowing about the size of your bank account.”
“You do?”
“Yes‒find yourself a mail order bride.”
“But once she gets here‒”
“Oh, we’ll find a way around it. Trust me. I’ll be your official helper.”
Brock winked, opened the door, waved, and left.
Now that Elaina knew Pete cared for her, and perhaps even loved her, she knew what she had to do.
Pete didn’t think he needed too many men as backup since there were only three of the scoundrels. He decided there should be three of them, as well. He chose Garrett, Cole, and himself.
Garrett and Cole came to the constable’s office after they’d left work for the day. They sat down and planned their attack.
“If they come to the front door intending to grab Elaina when she answers it, we’ll surprise them. No one will answer the door, but it will be unlocked. Once they enter and see no one in the living room, they’re sure to go into the kitchen. In fact, I’ll try to rig something to make a noise in the kitchen that will lure them in there.
“While they’re walking to the kitchen, Garrett, who will be upstairs, will come down and go behind them. That way we'll have them covered, front and back.”
“In the meantime, Cole and I'll be in the kitchen pointing our guns at them,” Pete explained.
“Ah, I get it; good plan.” Cole shifted his feet and leaned against the desk. “How do we get them back to the jailhouse?”
“My wagon,” Pete said. “Which reminds me: it’s full of hay. I’ll clean it out tonight.”
“What time are we heading out to your place tomorrow morning?” Garrett asked.
“Early. I can make us a quick breakfast when you two arrive,” Pete said. “How about seven?”
They both nodded.
“Now, to think of some kind of noise I can create in the kitchen to draw them there,” Pete said, rubbing his temples. “What can I rig up?”
“How about putting something on the stove that would sizzle?” Garrett said.
