by Tanya Stowe
So why, with all the building going on, did these two reputable businessmen seem so anxious to earn his contract? It was a question he would trust only one person to answer.
The banker was glad to see him. The early morning sun fell through a window and made Andrew Ardmore’s curly hair appear blond—a contrast to his very neat, very dark suit.
“How were your meetings?” Andy rose to his feet to shake Alex’s hand.
“Excellent.”
“But I can see you have questions.” Andy waved Alex into a seat across from him.
“Just one. With so much building going on in this town, why are these men so anxious to get the job?”
Andy frowned. “You’re very perceptive.” He walked around his desk and closed the office door before he slid into the chair next to Alex. “You met one of the reasons last night. Daniel Holloway.”
Surprised, Alex studied his friend. “You said his business was in saloons.”
“It used to be,” Andy said with a nod of his head. “But now I think Holloway’s got his fingers in almost every business in town. He’s half-owner of the only sawmill and I’m certain he sets the prices. The mill can’t keep up with the demand, so they can charge outrageous fees…for all except Holloway’s cronies and friends. As if that’s not enough to tip business in their favor, somehow, those same friends end up with the best contracts. It’s made it tough for the other builders.”
“Like Preston and Wolcott.”
“Exactly,” Andy said. “They’re fine craftsmen. But they need work if they’re going to stay in business and keep Bodie’s financial future out of the hands of one man.”
Alex smiled. “I’m beginning to see why you’ve been so willing to help me.”
“New money and investments are a welcome change in Bodie,” Andy replied.
“Sounds like you might be able to use a new lumber mill as well.”
“I wouldn’t presume…” Andy paused.
“I would,” Alex said. “In fact, I’m going to give it some serious consideration. But right now I have a more pressing matter to attend to.” He stood and held out his hand. “Thanks for your honesty.”
Andy hesitated. “You’re welcome. But I have a question of my own.” He released Alex’s hand. “That pressing matter wouldn’t have something to do with a lovely red-headed widow by the name of Marsden would it?”
“I see you put two and two together.”
“I don’t mean to pry, Alex, but after you left so quickly last night, I made the connection. There is a connection, right?”
Alex took a slow breath and nodded. He trusted Andy and knew he could count on him to keep his information confidential.
“She’s my wife.”
“Your wife! But she’s always claimed to be a widow.”
“She believed I was dead.” Alex chose his words carefully. “I was a prisoner of war with no way to contact her. We have no family so she was forced to leave home to support our daughter. I didn’t know where she had gone. I’ve been searching for her ever since the war ended.”
Andy let out a slow whistle. “Well, what are you doing here? Sounds to me like you have a lot of catching up to do.”
Alex shook his head. “I think so too, but it’s not going to be easy. A lot’s happened. I didn’t expect to find her as the owner of a saloon.”
“Yes, I’m sure it’s a surprise.”
“I’d appreciate it if you would keep this in your confidence, Andy. We’re trying to take it slow. This has been quite a shock for both of us. We don’t want to overwhelm our daughter the same way.”
“Of course, of course. For what it’s worth, Alex, she has a good reputation. Everyone in town knows she only serves liquor in her establishment.”
Alex studied Andy across the desk. “I never doubted it,” he said, knowing it wasn’t quite true. He had doubted…still did. He couldn’t forget the fear he had seen in the household. Did it come from danger or shame?
Andy slid his hands into his trouser pockets. “Well, there are others who might try to make you think different.”
Alex didn’t like Andy unwittingly confirming what Penny had said last night. “Exactly what do you mean?”
His friend shook his head. “Things have changed too fast in Bodie. Some men, like Holloway, have made it big and now use their newfound wealth to exploit others. They’re brash, bold and undisciplined. A line’s been drawn between the newly rich and the rest of the population. Not many people are strong enough to cross it.” He shook his head again. “If I were you, I’d be very careful how you handle this. It could make or break your stay here.”
4
Penny drew a line under her addition sum. Her hand trembled and the line wavered.
It was late morning. She’d expected Alex much earlier. Apparently, meeting his daughter wasn’t as important as he’d said. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
She wasn’t going to do this, wasn’t going to let him completely disrupt her world. She’d worked too hard for balance, for peace. She wouldn’t let him sweep in and destroy all she’d accomplished.
Penny added the column again. Last night’s totals were low. Today’s previously ordered liquor shipment would deplete her operating funds. It had been trucked over Bodie’s treacherous roads and the cancellation fees would be almost as much as the cost. Maybe she could cut back on her next order. Make this one last and get Max to pour a little less.
If Max even returned. After closing last night, her bartender and Jewel had words. Jewel didn’t trust the man.
Penny didn’t either, but she hadn’t been able to find anyone to replace him. It puzzled her. With so many men in Bodie looking for work, she didn’t understand why no one had accepted her offer. It was a bit of a mystery she needed to solve.
There was a soft knock on her door, and Jewel poked her head in. “He’s here.”
“Thanks. I’ll be right out.”
Penny clamped down on her fluttering stomach and carefully placed the pen back in its holder. Then she rose, smoothed her hair, and touched the coil at the back of her head. It was loose and she took the time to push the pins in further. She hadn’t been able to find her favorite ones this morning. She’d finally scrounged up some spares and managed to get her hair up, but it was nowhere near as tight as she would have liked it, especially today. She walked out of the office.
Alex stood near the front of the long room. Sunlight poured in through the window, bathing him in a golden light. In his dark gray suit, he looked like a businessman, the kind of hardnosed moneygrubber who had refused to loan her money.
Her stomach tightened even more. She noticed little details. His light brown hair still had a soft wave. He’d taken to wearing his sideburns longer. They made him look older, a little wiser.
There were some faint lines at his eyes and she had to wonder what he had seen. His arm hung at his side. Despite his claim that it was useless, it looked normal, healthy. He looked every bit the handsome man he had always been, maybe even more so. He’d lost some of his boyish good looks and turned into a strong, capable man.
“Well?” His gaze followed hers to his arm. “Is it so bad?”
Her gaze jumped up, startled by the concern in his tone. She shook her head. “No. Not bad at all. You look fine.”
“You look wonderful.” The deep, rich tone of his voice sent ripples over her skin.
She stomped down on the spike of pure pleasure that rushed through her. “Thank you.” She refused to let a hint of a smile slip over her lips.
“Brown again. My favorite color on you. Do you wear it often?”
“Always,” she said. “In your honor.”
They stood silent for a moment while he squeezed the brim of his hat. “I’m sorry I’m late. I had some business meetings that ran longer than I anticipated. I could have cancelled them, but I thought it best to keep up appearances.”
“I’m a businesswoman.” She nodded. “I understand.”
The loo
k on his face told her he wanted to say more, but he chose not to. Instead, he squeezed his hat again. Finally, he cleared his throat. “Where’s Lexie?”
“I sent her out to play with Jann. I think we should discuss a few things first.”
His body sagged, but his jaw tightened. “Are you planning to keep her from me, Penny?”
“I wouldn’t do that.” She clenched her fingers, feeling guilty because the idea had crossed her mind. She’d even considered running, just packing up and heading out on the stage. “I won’t do it,” she repeated, more for herself than him. “But I don’t want you to tell her you are her father.”
His hands dropped. “What?”
He might as well have cursed at her the way he said the word. It made her feel horrible.
“Just for the time being,” she rushed to say. “I don’t want to shock her, Alex. I fainted last night. I’ve never fainted in my life. I don’t want to do that to Lexie.”
He nodded. “I understand. It might be better to get to know her a little before I tell her.”
“Especially since we don’t know what’s going to happen.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” He frowned.
“I heard the criticism in your voice last night, Alex. You don’t approve of what I’ve done.”
“No man wants to know he left his wife unprotected, Penny.” His shoulders dropped. “I thought I left you safe, with enough money and friends to rely on.”
“I didn’t want to rely on anyone else. I didn’t want Lexie to feel helpless and looked down on. I lived my life that way, but she doesn’t have to. She deserves better. She’s your daughter.”
“Better?” One eyebrow lifted. “She’s growing up in a saloon.”
“It’s the only thing I knew how to do, Alex. And I thought I would be good at it. When I found out Ben Jeeters wanted to sell his small place in the Washoe silver fields, I jumped at the chance. I bought it with the last of your money.”
“Were you?” he asked his voice low. He studied her across the distance.
“Was I what?”
“Good at it.”
She took a small short breath. “I sold it within the year for enough profit to buy a bigger saloon.”
That surprised him. “So how many saloons have you owned?”
“The Copper Penny is my third, and I’m almost ready to—to move on. I’ve looked at boarding houses in San Francisco.”
“San Francisco?” he repeated.
She looked at her clenched fingers. “I wanted to go farther away, like San Diego. Someplace where no one would connect us with The Copper Penny and our life here. But I have a much better chance of success in San Francisco. The houses in San Diego are cheaper, but they’re turning less profit—” She broke off as she looked up and he shook his head.
“What is it?” Her tone was quiet.
“I’ve never heard you talk like this. I didn’t think you knew anything about business.”
“I didn’t. But I’ve changed. I’m not the girl you left in Los Angeles.”
“That’s for sure.” He slapped his hat against his leg. Everything about him, his tone, his stance, everything said he wasn’t pleased.
Penny’s ire increased by the moment.
She wanted—no, she needed to defend herself. She’d opened her mouth to do so when the door swung open. Cold air rushed into the room, carrying the sound of childish laughter with it.
Lexie dashed across the floor, giggling, and trailing a scarf and wet snow behind her. “Mommy!”
****
Alex turned.
His daughter had long copper-colored braids, dangling from beneath her knit cap. Hazel eyes with more green and yellow than brown shone above a smattering of freckles across her nose. Her face was heart-shaped. Even teeth and a bright smile. She was perfect. Just perfect.
“I wanna stay outside longer. But Jann says I have to ask.”
The big blond giant Alex had seen last night stood just behind her.
“All of her clothes are wet, Aunt Penny, and she’s shaking.”
“Lexie.” Penny said, her voice strained. “You interrupted.”
Alex’s daughter turned to him.
“Sorry,” she said, her eyes, wide and sincere.
“This is…Mr. Alex.” Penny’s voice was little more than a whisper.
“Hey, your name’s just like mine. I’m Alexa, but you can call me Lexie.”
Alex wanted to scoop her into his arms and hold her, but he restrained himself by extending his hand for a shake. He was reluctant to let go, but Lexie wiggled her wet glove free.
“You know, you look a lot like your mommy.” He touched a fingertip to her nose. “All except for the very pink nose and cheeks. They look a little cold.”
“That’s because Jann threw a snowball right in my face. I got him back though. I threw one at him, but I put a rock in mine.”
“Lexie!” Penny exclaimed.
“I told him I was sorry, Mommy, and I was. I kissed it. Twice. Jann says I’m stronger than I look. But I won’t never do it again. I hurt him.” She grasped Jann’s hand. “Look,” she pointed to a red mark on his face. “It might make a bruise.” She shook her head sadly.
Alex watched the play of emotions on her young, expressive face. She was exactly as Penny had said: beautiful, smart, and brave. Willful and probably even a little spoiled. She was magnificent. Wonderful. More than Alex had ever dreamed.
And she was worth it all. Whatever sacrifices Penny had made, Lexie was worth it. He was so thankful to Penny for bearing and protecting this marvelous little creature in front of him, he was at a loss for words. He looked up at Penny.
“Thank you.” His voice was hoarse with emotion. “Whatever you did, whatever you sacrificed, it was worth it. Thank you.”
Penny’s lips parted and her eyes filled with tears. Quickly, she turned away.
“What’s the matter, Mommy? Are you crying?”
“I’m fine, Lexie.” She didn’t turn around.
Alex distracted the little imp, giving Penny a moment to collect herself. “So, Miss Lexie.” He cleared his throat. “Tell me, what do you like to do besides throw snowballs with rocks in them?”
“I dunno.” She shrugged. “I like to play dolls.”
“And tag,” Jann interjected. “She loves to play tag here around the bar.”
“I do,” Lexie said with a bob of her head. “And Jann can never catch me ‘cause I’m fast, too.”
“Fast and strong,” Alex said with a smile. “You are quite the little lady.”
Suddenly somber, she shook her head. “Mommy says ladies don’t play tag. I’ll bet they don’t throw rocks either, right, Mommy?”
“That’s right.” Penny said, striving for a stern tone.
Alex hid his smile with his hand. “Well, I’m not one for dolls, but I’d like to play a little tag with you and Jann sometime.”
“Jann tells me boys don’t like to play with dolls all the time,” she said with a heavy sigh. “Will you really play tag with us, though?”
“I’d like that,” he said, looking at Penny. “If it’s all right with your mother.”
“I suppose it would be all right.”
Alex heard the hesitancy in her voice.
“Now, Mommy? Could we play now?”
Penny looked at Alex and he nodded. “Fine. You can play for a little while before lunch. But first you have to change. Your dress and pinafore are soaked.”
“OK. I’ll be right back, Mr. Alex.” She grasped her mother’s hand and they climbed the stairs, Lexie chattering all the way.
“Don’t worry,” Jann whispered when they reached the top of the stairs. “Aunt Penny told me not to tell Lexie you’re her pa. She says you’re waiting for the right time.”
At least Penny conceded there might be a right time, Alex thought.
Jann shook his head. “But I’m not sure I know what that means. If my pa was still alive, the right time to know would be right now.
”
Alex studied the young man. In spite of his limited abilities, he was very perceptive. And he loved Lexie. That was obvious. If Alex had not already developed a liking for the young man, he’d approve of him based on that fact alone.
Jann unwrapped a snow-soaked cloth from his fingers.
Alex could see his knuckles were bruised and bloody.
“What happened?”
The young man ducked his head. “I punched something.”
An idea occurred to Alex. “Did those men last night give you trouble?”
“Not all of ‘em. Just Brady Calhoun. He’s just plain mean.”
“Did you punch him?”
“Naw. But he made me so mad, I punched the wall, and this is what happened.”
Whatever Alex might have said was forestalled by a woman in the kitchen door.
She called Jann, then spoke to him in a foreign tongue. She wore an old-fashioned calico dress, what Alex’s mother used to call a prairie dress. Her braid was woven in a tight coronet around the top of her head, and a long white apron was pinned to her dress and tied at her waist. She chattered at Jann without a break. From the sound of it and the hangdog look on Jann’s face, he was the recipient of a scolding.
“Yes, Ma.” He looked at Alex. “Excuse me. I have to set the table for lunch now.”
“I’ll come with you.”
Jann’s mother turned quickly when Alex spoke, and a firm, almost tight look settled over her features.
If the women’s attitudes were any indication of the feelings around here, Alex could understand why Jann always greeted him with such relieved enthusiasm.
The young man needed some male support.
“Jann, would you introduce us?” he asked.
The young man ducked his head. “Sorry. I should have remembered. This is Ma…Inga. Ma, this is Mr. Alex.”
“Ma’am,” Alex said.
She gave him another tight nod, and then turned back to the stove.
