The Detective Bride

by Sylvia Damsell

  “I don’t want to go to court,” he said.

  “In that case we will interview them and catch them out so they have to admit they obtained the land fraudulently.”

  “Huh?” Miles looked bemused.

  Susannah stood. “We’ll contact you as soon as we’ve done all that. However, in the meantime it might be a good idea for you to stay away from the land because by law it belongs to the university and seminary until we prove otherwise.”

  “It’s mine,” he said.

  “Yes, but your ownership has to be proved. ”

  “Don’t make it long then. I want to build on the land.”

  “I understand that.” Susannah held out her hand and felt as if she was shaking hands with a snake. But she had to keep acting and hopefully she had done alright so far.

  “Goodbye, Mr. Miles. We will be in touch as soon as we can.”

  They left, climbed on the front of the cart and Susannah handed the reins to Noah. “Did I say too much?” she asked.

  “Not at all. It was just right. Who did the university and seminary actually buy the land from?”

  “It was done through a second party. Miles was right there. They were situated in New York but they’ve now moved and Clark says there is no forwarding address. However, the papers from the sale of the house are more authentic and decidedly better than what Miles just produced.”

  “Which is no proof,” Noah said. “Maybe it does belong to Miles.”

  “We have to keep an open mind, which is very difficult. We need to see Mr. and Mrs. Ballard because when I saw them in New York they thought I was a mail order bride. I should really go back there but there’s the children.”

  “They’re great kids,” Noah said. “But Blair really has complicated matters by adopting them. If he can find their mother it will be worth it but it doesn’t make our job any easier. I could go back to New York if you like.”

  “No. That isn’t fair on you.”

  “If it has to be done it has to be done. Could we ask the Ballards to come here?”

  “They did say they would be coming soon to see Vivien and family. I could ask Vivien when they’re coming.”

  “Let’s do that first then. I don’t really want to leave you. You won’t even have Blair to look out for you.”

  Susannah smiled. “Blair is a nice man but he doesn’t give me the confidence you do.”

  “I give you confidence?”

  “Yes.”

  “But you don’t need a keeper.”

  “No, I don’t, so don’t get cocky about it. We just seem to work together well, that’s all. We did in New York, don’t you think? When I sang that song on stage you cottoned on immediately and I depended on that because I couldn’t do what you did while I was singing. We made a good team. I think we will here too because we can watch each other’s backs. And don’t tell me I have a pretty back or it will spoil everything,” as Noah opened his mouth to speak.

  “I wouldn’t dare even though you do.”

  “That did spoil everything. Men do not have to keep giving women compliments. It isn’t obligatory.”

  “I’ll remember that in future. Do you think we’ll be back for the puppet show? I like puppets.”

  “We could well be.”

  And they were because the children had been playing games to start with and were just being ushered into their seats for the show. Hazel walked towards them as they came in from where she had just sat down with Bruce and Blair.

  “They’re having a wonderful time,” she said. “You’re just in time for the show.”

  “We were hoping we’d be,” Susannah said.

  “We’ll introduce you to a few people afterwards. They’re all very friendly and the church is getting as good as the one in Lower Pine, Clinton told us.”

  “Clinton?”

  “Benjamin’s father. He built quite a few of the props, Benjamin told Bruce when he asked him, Bruce said. This was all a surprise to me and I had been a bit worried about how we would entertain the children. I think they’re about to start.”

  Some music struck up, two puppets appeared and all of them were fascinated while they watched the show.

  Chapter 12

  Susannah looked at the lake as they drew up to it in Bruce and Hazel’s wagon and it was absolutely beautiful. Mountains on the opposite side from where they stood, some flowering cacti nearby, the water blue in the bright sunlight. There were a few people fishing not far distant from where they stopped and some others swimming, with a few boats moving along the lake.

  What a wonderful place to be baptised though she was a bit nervous about that, she had to admit. The morning service over, everyone made for their carts, all carrying food and obviously eager to join in the baptism and picnic. She had asked Hazel what she could take and Hazel told her nothing because this was her day to be spoilt.

  But she had made two large cakes and some fruit pies and brought tins of custard and a tin opener. Blair asked her what he should get and she suggested tins of cooked chicken.

  She climbed down from the cart and Blair virtually ran to meet her. “I bought twenty cans of chicken,” he said. “And also some vegetables. Bruce said we can heat it up over a fire which they usually light. I’ve decided to go on the stagecoach to Los Angeles tomorrow and I’m going to resign from the agency. I’ve saved enough to keep me for a while and I’m owed wages on what we’ve done here.”

  “You’re going to need some detective skills to find the children’s mother,” Susannah said.

  “Yes. I know. I have to find out why Dan and Becky were put in the orphanage in the first place. Surely a mother wouldn’t do that.”

  “Maybe she didn’t have enough money to keep them and knew they would at least be fed in the orphanage. We don’t know how she was financially when her husband died. The worst scenario is that she’s dead.”

  “Yes. What are you wearing for the baptism?”

  “What I have on. I’ve brought clothes to change into and also swimwear because Hazel said many of them do go in for a swim after the meal and some of the men organise games for the children.”

  “Yes. Zedekiah and I are going to set up an assault course. He says that’s very popular with both adults and children.”

  “Good.”

  “I’ll just go and say hello to the children. Are they being baptised too?”

  “They are.”

  “I’ve got presents for them.”

  “Presents?”

  “Yes. Come and look.”

  Susannah walked over to his cart and he had two child size bicycles. “I don’t know if they can ride,” he said. “But I’ll teach them when I come back or else you can.”

  “You’re getting quite fond of them, aren’t you?”

  “They’re nice for children. If you come to the mercantile in the morning you can have the wagon while I’m away.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Noah is here already.”

  “Yes.” She looked over to where Noah stood and where she had been looking at him surreptitiously since she arrived.

  “Do you like him?”

  “He seems to be alright. I met him in New York where he worked for the agency as a bodyguard.”

  “I haven’t had a chance to speak to you yet.”

  They both turned to where a young lady walked towards them. Dark haired, very pretty and they had not met her before. She held out her hand. “I’m Linda Barnsley, the minister’s wife, and I am really pleased to meet you.”

  “Thank you,” they both said in unison.

  “We never thought we would have a baptismal service when we returned and we’re both thrilled. Welcome to the community and welcome to the family of God.”

  “I’m going to Los Angeles tomorrow,” Blair said. “I want to find the mother of the children I’ve adopted.”

  “Dan and Becky?”

  “Yes. I didn’t know until afterwards that they have a mother.”

  “Where will you lo
ok?”

  “I’m not sure. I have to try to find more paperwork.”

  “Jonathon will be going to Los Angeles in a week’s time,” Linda said. “He’s been asked to speak at a series of meetings. I’m sure he would help in every way. I’ll get him to have a word with you.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I think we’re going to start the baptism.” Linda looked over to where people were settling on the ground or on seats which they had brought. “Do you have to change your clothes?”

  “We’ve brought clothes to change into afterwards,” Susannah said.

  “Come and join us then.”

  “Thank you.”

  Susannah looked over to where Noah was sitting next to Jude and Rachel. For no reason she felt she could explain she wanted him to be next to her, even to go in the water with them. But he did not move, just raised his hand when she looked in his direction. She sat near the front with Blair, and Jonathon and Zedekiah walked into the water.

  “We are really pleased to welcome Blair, Susannah, Dan and Becky to our community and church,” Jonathon said. “And we’re pleased they all now belong to the family of God. When people come to know and accept Jesus the angels rejoice and we have come to rejoice with them. I think maybe they even have a party, which is what we’re having today. Would you all like to come into the water and we’ll baptise you first, Dan and Becky, if that’s alright with you.”

  The children took Susannah’s hands on both sides and Becky put her hand in Blair’s as they walked down to the water. That was nice, Susannah thought, and would make him feel good. Jonathon asked them in turn if they had received Jesus and if they wanted to say anything.

  “I want Jesus to find mama,” Becky said. “She loves Jesus and she’ll be pleased we belong to Him now.”

  “Then we must pray and ask Him to find her,” Jonathon replied.

  “Blair’s going to Los Angeles on Monday to look for her.”

  “I’m going a week later so I’ll help him. Shall we pray first about that and then baptise you?”

  “Yes.”

  The children shut their eyes and put their hands together. Maybe taught to do that by their mother, Susannah thought. Jonathon prayed and after the baptism Dan and Becky made their way to a hut to change with Becky going with Susannah and Dan with Blair.

  “Jesus will find mama,” Becky said confidently.

  “He will.” But what if’s she’s dead?

  “I liked being baptised. I’m a new creation now and I’ve got two birthdays.”

  Susannah hugged the little girl. “You are and you have. I think God brought us all here so we’d realise we needed to ask Jesus into our lives.”

  “Papa asked Him in before he died.”

  Susannah looked at Becky with interest. “Oh?”

  “He was sick. He told us. Then he died and the naughty man came and asked mama for money.”

  ”Naughty man?”

  “He said he’d take us away if she didn’t give him money but she didn’t have any.”

  Becky was giving out information and Susannah didn’t want her to stop but didn’t know what questions to ask. Surely she should know in her capacity of detective.

  But she didn’t have to ask as Becky continued. “So mama took us to the orphanage because she said we’d be safe there.”

  “Do you know where she went afterwards?” Susannah asked.

  “No. We cried but she told us to be brave. We are brave, aren’t we?”

  Susannah helped Becky pull her wet dress over her head. “You’re the bravest people I know.”

  “Mama won’t know we’re here so she won’t know where to look for us.”

  “Blair is going to find her,” Susannah said. “Then he can bring her back to you or you can go to her.”

  “I like school. She could come here and marry Blair then he could be our proper papa.”

  Ouch! What would Blair think of that? “Did mama tell you at all where she might go?”

  “She went with the man.”

  “What man?”

  “She said he was a friend and told us to be good. We weren’t very good. Will Jesus be cross with us like the lady in the orphanage was? She hit us.”

  Hit them! Susannah wanted to run to Los Angeles herself and pulverise her. How dare she!

  “I cried,” Becky said.

  Susannah rubbed her with a towel and held her tightly. “Darling, I am so sorry.” She reached for her dress. “Can you tell me exactly what the man who was with your mama looked like?”

  “He had a funny foot. Can I go and play with the children now?”

  “Of course you can. Just let me rub your hair a bit and comb it. It won’t take a minute. Which foot was funny?”

  “This one.” Becky pointed to her right one.

  “What colour was his hair?”

  “Black. He had teeth missing.” Becky giggled. “He looked funny.”

  “He must have done. Any other distinguishing marks?” Susannah hurried on at Becky’s bemused expression. “Was there anything else different about him? Did he speak?”

  “His nose was a bit crooked. Do you think he’ll hurt mama?”

  “No, darling, I don’t. He would help her. Was he the same man who said he would take you?”

  “No.”

  “What did that man look like?”

  “Dunno. Can I go and play now?”

  Susannah kissed Becky and hugged her again. “Yes, darling. of course you can.”

  The little girl ran off and Susannah took off her own wet dress, her expression pensive. As she did so there was a knock on the door and it was Hazel.

  “Are you alright?” she asked.

  “Yes. Come in. Becky has just told me a few things which might be helpful in finding their mother.”

  “Oh?”

  Susannah repeated what Becky had said and was keen to tell Blair and Jonathon. She wished she could go to Los Angeles herself. But there was work to be done in Lower Pine and she just had to trust Blair to use his brains more than he had on their case. Maybe having Jonathon would help. She went outside and Blair walked over to meet her.

  “Jonathon suggested we go together,” he said. “He’s willing to go on Friday instead of the Monday after tomorrow.”

  “Becky told me some things that might help in your search.”

  “What things?”

  She told him and it was some time before he moved over to speak to Jonathon who by now was sitting on the ground with Linda and their five small children. Jonathon moved away a bit from Linda and Linda beckoned to Susannah.

  Susannah sat beside her and Linda looked at the children. “This is Susannah,” she said to them. “Do you want to tell her your names?”

  “I’m Rachel,” the little girl said.

  “I’m Mark,” said a little boy of similar size. “She’s my twin.”

  “I’m Jude,” said a smaller boy.

  Linda looked at David. “Tell Susannah your name, darling.”

  “David.”

  “That’s Seth.” Rachel pointed to the smallest child.

  “Egg,” Seth said, grabbing one from the plate in front of him.

  Susannah resisted the urge to giggle. They were absolutely adorable, but five small children! “I could help you get some food,” Rachel said, standing. She looked at her mother. “Shall I help Rachel get food, mama?”

  “That would be nice, darling.”

  “Come on then.” Rachel took Susannah’s hand and led her over to one of the tables. Susannah looked briefly round and Noah suddenly appeared beside her.

  “Hello,” he said. He bent towards Rachel. “And you are?”

  “Rachel. I’m helping Susannah get food.”

  “That’s nice of you. Could you help me too?”

  “Yes. If you like you can sit with us.”

  “Thank you.”

  They chose what they wanted and Dan and Becky walked over carrying plates of food. Blair and Jonathon moved back to the group
and Becky sat beside Blair and leant her head on him.

  “You’ll find mama, won’t you?”

  “I will,” he said. “Maybe we can talk about it when we get home.” He looked at the other children. “Could you all tell us your names?”

  They were more than willing to do so and Susannah could only be pleased. Dan and Becky were beginning to trust Blair and that was good, but would they expect him to then be their father in reality? If so it could complicate things. Even as she thought of it Becky looked at Blair.

  “You could marry mama,” she said.

  Susannah virtually held her breath as she waited for his reply. Please be tactful. Please.

  “I don’t think she’ll want to marry again just yet,” he said. “It isn’t long since your papa went to Heaven and she must miss him.”

  “Papa was always away,” Dan said. “He only came home to die.”

  “Oh.”

  And these children had gone through too much, Susannah thought, far too much. But at least they were now getting some information concerning the situation. They all ate and afterwards the young people went to do the assault course.

  “It’s for adults too,” Noah said, looking at Susannah.

  “Yes, I know.”

  “Shall we do it together?”

  Together? Help! “Shall we try it?” Jonathon asked Linda.

  “We could watch the babies,” Susannah said.

  “They’ll probably follow us. They usually do. The older ones do it themselves though with friends.”

  Noah put out his hand to Susannah. “Shall we?”

  If she refused it would sound churlish but if she accepted they would be in close proximity. Bruce and Hazel did it a few minutes earlier and had moved under the huge tarpaulin very close. They made their way to the start line where Zedekiah stood.

  “I’ll time you,” he said, poising his pen over the paper he held in his hand. “You start by going under this tarpaulin and then go over the other hurdles, ending with another tarpaulin.”

  “You can go ahead of me,” Susannah said to Noah. “I’m sure you’ll be faster.”

  “On three.” Zedekiah raised his hand. “One, two, three.”