The Detective Bride

by Sylvia Damsell

  And the children when she told them what she and Blair had done were eager to receive Jesus too and had obviously not been told about their need of Him before. When Hazel popped in after they went to bed Susannah told her and Hazel said they needed to all be baptised soon.

  Baptised? She had been christened, she told Hazel. Which was good, Hazel replied, but this was a witness to everyone of what had happened to them. Their sins had been buried with Jesus, which was denoted when they went under the water. They then rose to a new life with Him which was denoted when they came up out of the water. When Susannah heard about it she was eager for it to happen though a bit wary about going under water.

  “Jonathon and Linda are coming home on Saturday,” Hazel said. “So we could have it on Sunday.”

  “Will they mind?”

  “They’ll be delighted. We’ll make food for a meal near the lake for everyone. I’ll let Zedekiah and Elise know.”

  “I feel as if I’m in a bit of a dream,” Susannah said.

  “A good dream?”

  “Very good. Thank you. The children were so eager to receive Jesus. It was lovely to see.”

  “Larry and Tony received Jesus soon after they came to us and it was a wonderful time for us also. The children have an active part in the church and they enjoy the Friday Bible studies and take part.”

  “That will be nice for Becky and Dan.”

  And for her and Blair, Susannah thought, though she felt a bit guilty concerning Blair. It would have been nice if she could have fallen in love with him but she knew she couldn’t. Why, she wasn’t sure, though she had an inkling. She fetched her Bible after Hazel left and spent some time reading it.

  Chapter 10

  “I want to go and look at the site,” Susannah said to Blair who she had found standing outside the school when she came into town with Bruce and the children.

  “Oh.” Blair sounded less than enthusiastic.

  “You don’t have to come. I just need the wagon.”

  “Zedekiah invited me round to them for the morning and the midday meal. If you drop me off you can take the wagon. Just don’t forget to pick me up again.”

  “What time?”

  “About two. We could tell Zedekiah I can’t come.”

  “No. You go and spend time with them. I’ll be alright. I just want to look round the land, that’s all.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Quite sure.”

  He needed time with them, she thought on her way to the site, because she couldn’t be as much help as they would. She felt he had some issues to work through and maybe one thing was whether he should carry on with being a detective, which was something she felt relatively sure he did not want to be. Zedekiah would be better at giving him advice than she would because he was a minister. He was also a man and they seemed to think differently to women.

  Which was good really because that meant they complemented each other. That was what her mother had told her. Also maybe Blair was thinking about how he had used the children for his own ends and she hadn’t been very tactful about that.

  “I’m sorry, Father.”

  She spoke out loud though the words were almost lost with the thunder of the horses’ hooves. Father. That was nice, knowing God was her Father. She had a nice earthly father, of course, but this was different. She continued to speak.

  “I wasn’t at all tactful but he really shouldn’t have adopted the children and particularly without knowing anything about them. He read the notes but he didn’t do it very well because he didn’t realise there could be a mother. I think his father wants him to be a detective because he doesn’t seem to want that, nor is he cut out for it. Please let Zedekiah help him so he knows what to do and let him be at peace about it.”

  Peace. She hadn’t used that word much in the past, maybe because she hadn’t been so peaceful herself. She certainly wasn’t tactful, that she knew, either to her family or anyone she might think was being stupid.

  Did God expect her to change? Maybe He did because she was thinking about it, which she wouldn’t have done before Tuesday. She must speak to Hazel about it because Hazel never condemned, just made suggestions.

  She had told her a bit about when she came to Lower Pine and some of the things which happened to her before. What she experienced had been very difficult but she said it caused her to appreciate what she had now. It had certainly made her a nicer person, she said, but Susannah rather suspected she had been nice before.

  She looked at the hospital when she passed it. Why was it that Miles wanted the other land and not theirs because the seminary and university weren’t that far away? She had studied the documents Hazel lent her but they didn’t seem to help where that was concerned. She glanced sideways at the hospital as she passed it and there were some builders near it.

  She frowned as she looked at them and pulled in the reins. Tall, muscular, ideal for a bodyguard and unmistakable. Leaping off the front of the wagon she ran across to where they were working.

  One of them whistled and the tall, muscular man glared at him and made a remark Susannah could not hear. She looked up at him. “Could you help me with my wagon?” she asked.

  “I’ll help you, ma’am.” There was a chorus from the men but the tall man was already down. She made her way to the wagon and he followed her.

  “I don’t need a keeper,” she said, turning to face him when they got there. “Tell Mr. Clark that.”

  “I don’t work for the agency anymore,” he said.

  “Then why are you here?”

  “I just thought I’d check on how you’re doing with the case and have a well earned holiday. Clark doesn’t believe in holidays.”

  “Then you’re spying on me,” Susannah said. “There are plenty of other places nearer to New York where you can have a holiday.”

  “I fancied California.”

  “Lower Pine is not a holiday resort.”

  “There is a health resort not that far from here. I may go there when I’ve earned a bit of money. They pay well here so I’m stacking up my finances a bit.”

  “Where are you staying?”

  “I’ve only just arrived.”

  “I don’t believe you. Where?”

  “I’m renting a house.”

  “On Bruce Long’s ranch. You ARE spying on me.”

  “You shouldn’t be out on your own,” Noah said.

  She raised her eyebrows. “I may be a woman but I’m not helpless. I came to do a job, not sit at home sewing and knitting.”

  He smiled. “I can’t imagine you sewing and knitting. I’ve been snooping around a bit to see why Miles wants this land so much.”

  “I don’t need help.” Susannah paused. “What have you found?”

  “Not a lot but I have a feeling that there’s been mining activity in the area.”

  “Mining activity?”

  “Yes. I’ll show you later if you like but I can’t leave now because I’m working. What’s wrong with the wagon?”

  “Nothing. I can’t meet you later. I have the children to care for.”

  “Wilde’s children. Why do you have to care for them?”

  “It’s complicated. When do you finish work?”

  “At five.”

  “Come round after that then.”

  “You shouldn’t go snooping around,” Noah said. “I’ve seen men come on and off the land and it could be dangerous.”

  “Many men?”

  “Quite a few though not all at once. Why isn’t Wilde with you?”

  “He had a previous engagement though he offered to break it. I said I would come alone. I’m going to have a look around. I’m not frightened of being attacked and, as I said, you’re not my keeper.”

  “Do you have a gun?”

  “Yes, but I’m not shooting anyone. I became a Christian a couple of days ago and I’m not killing anyone.”

  “I’m a Christian and I wouldn’t kill either. If you’re a good shot you don’t have to.
”

  “Being religious doesn’t make you a Christian.”

  Noah smiled. “There are a lot of religions. I’m a Christian because I gave my life to Jesus. I’m glad you have as well.”

  “So am I. You’d better go back to work and I’ll be alright. I’ll see you later.”

  “Okay.”

  He walked away and she wished he would stay. Not for the reason of protecting her but she didn’t want to think of the reason. She drove on to where the unfinished buildings of the seminary and university were situated and a man was standing nearby.

  She pulled up to look at him. “Hello,” she said for want of something better to say.

  He frowned. “Who are you?”

  “Just an interested looker on. The building work has stopped here. Do you know why?”

  “I heard the land belongs to someone else so the buildings will have to come down.”

  “And what interest do you have in it?”

  “I work for Mr. Miles.”

  “Then we’re in the same camp because so do I. My name is Susannah Crane. I use the name Shawe here. I wanted to look round so I can make a case against the university and seminary.”

  “And how will you do that?” the man asked.

  “I’m working on it. I have copies of the papers which state that the land belongs to Mr. Miles but what I can’t understand is how the body who is building the two colleges were able to purchase land from someone other than him. Do you know who they bought it from? I need to interview him.”

  The man frowned. “Ladies aren’t lawyers,” he said.

  “They are but I’m not. I’m a detective. You can check with my agency if you like. It’s in New York.”

  “I’m not likely to go there.”

  “Check with your boss then. He knows a woman is dealing with the matter. Do you know who sold this plot of land?”

  “He wishes to remain anonymous.”

  “There must be deeds somewhere.”

  “You ask too many questions,” the man said.

  “That’s because I’m a detective. What’s your name?”

  “None of your business.”

  “I’ll ask Mr. Miles then.”

  “You’re trespassing,” he said.

  “I’m not because I’m working on the case. Are you going to be here long?”

  “Hello, Susannah. How are you?” Susannah turned in some relief at the sound of Benjamin’s voice. The sheriff and that made her feel a bit safer than she was feeling at this minute. He rode up and looked at the man. “And you are, sir?”

  “I work for Mr. Miles,” he said.

  “Your name?”

  “Bert Segal.”

  “Do you have identification?”

  “Why would I need that?” he asked.

  “Because it’s usual. You’re on private property because, until this matter is cleared up, the land belongs to the university and seminary.”

  “Then she’s trespassing also,” the man said.

  “I’ll deal with her later. Would you leave, please?”

  The man muttered something unintelligible and went for his horse and cart which stood nearby. He drove off and Benjamin turned to look at Susannah.

  “I’m a detective,” she said. “And I do have proof of my identity.” She delved in her coat pocket and held it out. “I’m looking into what’s going on.”

  He looked at her identification but did not take it. “Who are you working for?” he asked.

  “Larson Miles. The agency I work for were hired by him. However, I’m not interested in trying to prove he’s the owner. I’m trying to find out the truth about it all. That man you just sent packing said he works for Miles too but he wouldn’t answer any questions. What I’m trying to find out is who sold this land and how he could do it if it belongs to Miles.”

  “We’d all like to know that,” Benjamin said.

  “And the sooner it’s sorted out the better. Are you going to tell me I’m trespassing too and send me away?”

  “No. I’m going to help you find out what you want to know. What are you looking for exactly?”

  “I’m not a hundred percent sure. I have a hunch that there’s something valuable on this land which maybe Mr. Miles knows about.”

  “But you’re working for him,” Benjamin said.

  “I’m working for the detective agency who have been hired by him. He’ll have to pay them whether he wins this or not. In fact, knowing my boss, he had to pay quite a lot upfront. I’m not a lawyer so I’m not acting for Miles in that capacity. He didn’t say whether he has a lawyer or not. All he wants is to get the land which makes it rather puzzling as to why he would employ a detective.”

  Benjamin looked at her thoughtfully. “Did he know a woman was coming?”

  “Yes. He specifically asked if the agency had any women working for them and said females have better powers of deduction.”

  “Which he obviously doesn’t believe. I’m sorry, Susannah, but I think that why he actually wanted a woman was because he thought a female would have less brains and powers of deduction, not that they’d have more.”

  “And that brings me down a peg or two.” Susannah’s expression was wry.

  “He belongs to the ignorant set of males who don’t think beyond the end of their noses. I wouldn’t let it worry you. Shall I set Arena on him? She’d reduce him to a shivering mess in seconds.”

  Benjamin grinned and Susannah laughed. “I’ll introduce them when all this is over.”

  She looked back at the sound of wheels and Benjamin’s hand went to his holster. But it was Blair and the last person Susannah was expecting. He braked the bicycle he was riding and dismounted.

  “Why are you here?” she asked.

  “Because I didn’t like the thought of you being alone.” He looked at Benjamin. “Has there been any trouble?”

  “No. I come out here quite frequently to check everything’s alright or else one of the deputies checks. What do you want to do, Susannah?”

  “Search around a bit. Maybe there’s something on the land which makes it valuable.”

  “What kind of something?”

  “Has there ever been any mining round here?”

  “I don’t know but I could probably find out.”

  “It’s the only reason I can think of that would make someone want to acquire the land.”

  “We’re supposed to be working for Miles,” Blair said.

  “If he didn’t want us to snoop around he shouldn’t have hired us. How extensive is the property, Benjamin?”

  “I can take you round the edge of it,” Benjamin said. “Maybe you’d be better to leave the wagon here and ride. Do you ride?”

  “Yes, and that’s a good idea. What I really want to do is examine every inch of the land. However, as Miles probably has his spies everywhere if he’s trying to get the land illegally it needs to be examined without him knowing. How can we do that?”

  “We could put sheriffs round the perimeter but that would take a lot of sheriffs and I’m not sure we have enough for a twenty four hour cover.”

  “No. We’ll have to think about what we can do. Blair and I are going to Independence on Saturday to see Miles so I may be able to get more information then.”

  “I don’t really want to remain on the case,” Blair said. “I’ve telegraphed my father to send someone else. What I want to do is find the children’s mother. But I can’t leave you on your own.”

  “I know someone who can replace you.” Susannah looked over to where the hospital stood not too far distant from them.

  “Who?”

  “He belonged to the agency in New York. He’s come here on holiday but he’s earning a bit of money on the building site. His name is Noah Howes. I can telegraph New York and ask them to pay him so he doesn’t have to work on the site.”

  “I thought he’s working for them already.”

  “He left, he said. Let’s go round the property and then I’ll speak to him. I thin
k it would be really good if you search for the children’s mother. Maybe we can go over everything this evening though you need all the papers you can get hold of where the children are concerned.”

  “They arrived this morning. I asked for them. I just haven’t had time today to look at them.”

  “Bring them this evening then.”

  “Can you carry on looking after Becky and Dan?”

  “Of course I can though they’ll miss you. They’re getting quite fond of you.”

  “Really?” Blair’s expression was eager.

  “Really. Shall we go?”

  They trotted slowly round the perimeter of the property and then across some of it but there was nothing untoward to see. It needed much closer examination, Susannah said, which they could do maybe tomorrow with Noah.

  She made for the hospital site afterwards and Blair and Benjamin went back into town. She would pick Blair up from Zedekiah and Elise after she fetched the children, she told him, and later they would discuss everything. She made for the hospital building site and Noah was laying some bricks.

  “I need you,” she said, then bent her head to blush as she realised what it must sound like. Noah grinned and wiped his hands on his pants.

  “That’s what I like to hear. Why do you need me?”

  “Blair wants to look for the children’s mother. It’s a complicated story which I’ll tell you later. I’m going to telegraph New York and tell Clark to rehire you.”

  “Tell,” Noah repeated.

  “Yes.”

  “I’ll telegraph him. He didn’t want me to leave so I’m sure he’ll agree to me working on the case. Did you find anything out?”

  “Not much. The sheriff came and we looked round the property. I’m sure there’s something valuable there.”

  “I’ll get my coat,” Noah said. “And my pay. We get paid by the day. I won’t be long.”

  “I’ll wait for you.” He walked away and she bent her head, willing herself not to watch him. He was altogether too good looking and he would be better to work with than Blair. They had worked together well before. As he disappeared Rachel came out of the hospital and walked over to her.

  “Are you alright?” she asked.

  “Yes, thank you. I’m waiting for someone.”