A Penny Shines (Cutter's Creek Book 5)

by Kari Trumbo

  “I’m going to kill him,” she whispered.

  “Only if your father doesn’t first.” Lily stood on her toes and Penny saw her father come into view. He had been in the house and Penny hadn’t even realized it.

  Josiah looked unhappy and nodded at her father. She wished she could hear what they said. Her gaze slipped to the woman. She looked positively rustic. Soon, Penny’s mother joined her father out in the street and they seemed to be debating something. The woman looked bemused, but didn’t join in the conversation. Her gaze kept wandering to their house and Penny wondered if perhaps she could see them looking out. Penny pulled Lily away from the window.

  “Change of plans. If he can forget me after a few hours, I’m sure I can forget him, too.”

  The irony wasn’t lost on Penny.

  Chapter eighteen

  Josiah looked over at the Hanover house just in time to see a flourish at the second story window. He didn’t know which room was Penny’s, but he could take a good guess. He locked eyes with Bill again.

  “Thank you, sir, for giving me another shot. I’m sorry about what I said in the jail. I was…well, I didn’t want to go back in there.”

  Bill clapped him on the shoulder and his wife Sarah invited the new young woman with her back to their house. Josiah watched Ruby Gresham cross the road. She might be pretty with a bath and a new dress. Not as pretty as his Penny, but she wasn’t hard on the eyes by any means.

  He tied the two horses at the post and walked the remaining short distance to the mercantile. Holston waved as he walked in.

  “What can I do for you today, Josiah?” He hopped down off his ladder.

  Josiah looked behind him and felt himself losing his nerve. “I would like…paper.”

  Holsten cocked his head to the side. “Note paper, drawing paper, brown wrap paper…?”

  “Stationery paper,” Josiah whispered, his glance dodging everywhere but at Holston.

  The merchant threw his head back and let a hearty guffaw. “You want to write my sister love letters? If that don’t beat all.” He strode to the back near the fabric. He should have known it would be near the frilly stuff he avoided.

  Holston brought two varieties to the front counter. “We have this off-white. It’s nice and thick, holds ink well. We also have the…pink.” Holston couldn’t keep his laughter under control. “I’m sorry. The idea of you, the big ox cart driver accused of shooting someone, not to mention sat in jail for three weeks, is going to sit down and write sweet nothings to my sister…” He bent over at the waist and held his gut. The laughter came so hard, Holston wiped tears from his eyes.

  “Are you finished?” Josiah waited.

  Holston breathed deeply and, though his eyes crinkled, he cleared his throat and didn’t laugh again.

  “Thank you. Which do you think your sister would like better?”

  Holston looked at the two. “Penny is sweet, but practical. I’d say, buy a few sheets of the white if you plan on writing a few letters, then the pink for any really important missive.”

  Josiah looked at the two options. “I only planned on sending one. I’ll take one sheet of the pink and an envelope if you have one.”

  “That will be five cents.” Holston grabbed an envelope from the bottom of the pink stack and one sheet of the paper.

  “You don’t have to wrap it. I’m gonna write and ship it right from here.” Josiah handed Holston the money for the items and a stamp before he took his purchase to the back of the store where he’d seen Penny sit on an occasion or two, looking for material.

  He checked the quill and ink available. It was fresh. Josiah held the tip over the inkwell to keep it from dripping on the expensive paper. Blasted ink pens.

  My Dearest,

  I’m so sorry to have brought this situation on you. You deserve so much better. If I could go back and do things differently, I would. I long to see your beautiful face and see the happy reflection in your eyes when you see me. Our love is new now, not like the old. I forgive your other relationship and hold on to the fact that you said you wanted to marry me after you were with him. I want you for my wife, not anyone else. Please shine for me.

  Yours,

  Josiah

  Holston handed him back a penny. “Save the cost of a stamp. I’m going home to dinner tonight. I’ll give it to her.”

  Josiah wrote on the front, To my dearest, from Josiah.

  He folded it and inserted it into the envelope. “Thank you, Holston. I’ll come back in here in another week to pick out the furniture for my new place.” He tipped his hat and left.

  ~~~

  Penny stared at the blonde sitting in her kitchen and glared. She would not keep quiet. The woman went on and on about how great Josiah was, how he’d found her and told her she didn’t belong out there. How her husband left her all alone to fend for herself. If she sat there a minute longer, she’d personally bring her back wherever she came from and lock her there.

  Her mother, ever kind to the plight of those on the run, ran her a bath and ordered Penny upstairs for a gown. Penny grumbled the whole way, if not out aloud, then definitely in her head. She pushed aside various gowns that were too pretty or so old her mother would scold her for offering them. She touched a few dresses that could work and then came across a cream colored, high-neck gown. Perfect. Everything covered and the color with her blonde hair would be boring.

  She clutched the dress and stomped back down the stairs. Her mother gave her a look that left no questions. She’d better put a stop to the rude behavior or, twenty-two or not, she’d face some punishment. Penny draped the gown over the kitchen chair and left to sit in the parlor, far away from the blonde with the pretty name who’d stolen her man.

  Holston walked in the front door. “Knock, knock. Anyone home?” He walked through the front entry and left something pink beside a pie on the dining room table. He veered right and met Penny in the parlor.

  Penny stood. “Holston, so good to see you away from the store,” she called.

  His eyes twinkled at her. “Good evening. I left something for you on the table in the hall. I think you’ll enjoy it immensely. How come Mother didn’t come to greet me? She always says I don’t come around enough.” He looked back through the dining room toward the kitchen.

  Penny yanked him back in the parlor and crossed her arms. “She is too busy helping Josiah’s new girl get pretty.” She couldn’t help a little pout.

  Holston shook his head. “I don’t know what you’re playing at, but Josiah’s heart is just where it’s always been.”

  Penny slapped his arm with her injured one. “You mean you knew…this whole time?”

  “I’m sorry, Penny. I’d heard you got your memory back. I just assumed you’d figured everything out by now.” He reached to put his arm around her, but she dodged away.

  “No. Don’t touch me. I can’t believe that all of you would do this to me.” She rushed from the room. Spying the pink envelope on the table, a hot tear burned its way down her cheek. She turned to look back at Holston, who seemed lost in thought as he looked out the window. No one else was there to see her take it. No one would know. She saw the writing on the front. Her Josiah had never written letters to her, and certainly not on such frilly paper. No, this had to be for the new woman who couldn’t really be new. It all made so much sense. He’d worked so much later than usual the last few months. Had been gone longer than expected when he had hard deliveries. He hadn’t been delivering anything at all. He must have been visiting Ruby the whole time.

  She snatched the envelope and ran up to her room, pulling the heavy sheet of gaudy pink paper out as she slammed her door. She read the letter over twice and tossed it across the bed. So he wanted his lovely Ruby. He was willing to forgive Ruby for her old relationship. Fine, so be it. She flopped a carpet bag onto her bed and opened the wooden handles. She bunched up two dresses and then just tossed whatever her hands happened to touch. She couldn’t see straight, much less think.
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br />   Her mother remained busy with Ruby’s bath. Holston was nowhere to be seen and her father had gone out when her mother mentioned needing a private space for the newcomer. She rushed out the back to the livery where her father kept two horses. The men didn’t even notice her. Saddling the horse was easy. She grabbed the horn and felt the tender muscles scream at her weight as she mounted the horse. She’d ride to Josiah’s and back through the trail to that cabin in the middle of the woods. If he pulled an ox cart through, she could follow the trail. Once she got to the abandoned cabin in the clearing, she’d stay there and decide where to go next.

  Chapter nineteen

  Josiah looked in his small shaving glass and twisted his jaw to make sure he got every hair. He had to look his best tonight. Bill had invited him over to tell them all about what he’d been doing the last few months and what his intentions were with his daughter. He’d hinted that if Josiah answered sufficiently, they might make Reverend Bligh a busy man the next day. He had to look good and be ready.

  He pulled on his black string tie and rubbed his tongue over his teeth. Better use the powder before he left. He pulled out his tin of tooth powder when someone pounded on his front door. He pulled off the white drape he’d covered his front with, to keep the paste from soiling his good clothes, and ran for the door. He swung it open. Holston stood waiting on the other side, his expression frantic.

  “She’s gone!”

  “Didn’t you give her the letter?” He pulled Holston in his house as he ripped the tie from his neck and pulled off his dress coat.

  “I left it on the table and told her it was there. The letter was gone a few minutes later, so I guessed she got it. Ruby went up to her room to rest a bit before dinner and found the crumpled letter with an apology for reading it from Penny in the room Sarah gave her.”

  “An apology? Why would Penny write an apology for reading her own letter?” Then it hit him. He hadn’t written Penny’s name on it.

  “I’m guessing she thought that the new girl you brought into town was her replacement. I had the strangest conversation with her earlier that didn’t make any sense at all until Ruby found that letter in her room. She sure is sorry.”

  “It ain’t Ruby’s fault.” Josiah rushed into his room, changed, and met Holston back by the front door.

  “Father is sending me down to the Yellow River, to the place where you found Ruby, to see if Penny would use the cabin left behind. James Cahill is looking down by the river and Beau is doing a search of all the buildings in town.”

  “What about the sheriff?” He yanked a wool coat on.

  “Sheriff is taking Shorty to the big court in Billings. He was found guilty but he wanted a new trial in Magic City thinking he might have more luck there.”

  Josiah thought for a few minutes. “I have an idea, but I hope she didn’t do it. If she did, she’s in danger.”

  Holston shook his head. “If there’s danger, that’s probably where Penny went. She invites it.” He turned and ran out toward the livery.

  Josiah said a short prayer as he saddled his own horse and directed it down the well-worn path behind his house. He put his foot in the stirrup and grabbed the pommel.

  “Josiah! Wait!” Mable rushed toward him.

  “Mable, I’m in a bit of a hurry. Can it wait?” He turned back without waiting. She grabbed his arm.

  “No, it can’t wait. You got that pair waiting for you at the cabin. They’ve been there the number of wait days and now they need you to pick ‘em up. They are a bit rougher than those you’ve had before.” She looked around to see if anyone was nearby. “The church wasn’t so sure of their history but wanted them moved on quickly. I’ve found them a place at the Loop, but you have to get them there quickly. I’m so worried about what they might do to my little cabin. I got word they are restless.”

  “Mable, I can’t deal with them right now. I’ve got to find Penny. She’s missing, and worst of all, I think she may have headed to your cabin.”

  Mable gasped. “You’ve got to get her. She can’t be out there alone with them men! I’ll get Beau to round up and deliver them. He can handle it.” Mable turned and hurried away.

  “Mable!” he called.

  She turned and waited.

  “Beau’s looking around town for Penny. Get him and bring him here. I’ll get the wagon hitched. He can help me look and do the delivery.”

  Josiah led his horse to the front of his wagon and hitched her and his other to the cart. Tonight there would be no flour or other goods to hide the men they transported. That was how desperate Mable was to get them moved on. Please don’t go to the cabin, Penny.

  Beau jogged into the stable and helped finish the job of harnessing the horses. “Just the horses tonight?”

  “I’m in a hurry. I’ve got to get to the cabin as quickly as possible.” He still didn’t want to see Beau. He tossed the lines up to him without another glance.

  “Why are you hitching the team to work when you should be out looking for her?” Beau glared at him.

  “Because this is a tough job and because…I have this awful feeling that she went out there. Maybe you’d hoped you could find her instead?”

  “Josiah Williams, you listen close. I never tried to get close to your Penny. I may have been tempted to, and if she wouldn’t have remembered you, you’re darn right I would have tried. But a friend doesn’t take a man’s woman.”

  “She remembered me?” He held the lines limp in his hands.

  “Yes. That’s what she was doing with the sheriff that morning. She was telling him she remembered everything. In fact, she remembered the man was short. The sheriff had that written down even before we got there with Shorty.”

  “So I made a fool of myself.”

  “I wasn’t hard for you to do.” Beau pointed to the woods. He held his hat as Josiah flicked the lines and the wagon lurched forward.

  ~~~

  Penny dismounted stiffly from the horse and looked around. Two trails. It had been dark when she’d ridden this path before and had slept most of the way back home. Right or left―which way did she need to go to get to the cabin? Neither path looked or felt better than the other. The forest had darkened over the last hour and Penny wished again that she’d thought ahead to bring something to eat.

  She looked down each path and decided she’d go right. She wasn’t at all sure, but it looked like higher terrain along that path which would make sense if she were headed to Rocks Peak. She gripped the pommel and her arm gave way under the strain. Penny cried out. She held her shoulder tightly against the searing pain. When she pulled her hand away, a small ring of blood stained her hand. She’d need to find shelter to rest and move further on later. Time to push ahead to the cabin.

  Penny spoke softly and moved to the front of the horse and around to its left side. She grabbed the horn with her left hand as she put her foot in the stirrup. The horse would have none of it and thrashed its head, yanking the reins from her and nipping at her thigh. Penny yelped at the sound of the horse’s teeth chomping within a breath of her flesh. The horse dashed off the way they’d come, leaving Penny alone in the darkening woods.

  She pulled her traveling cloak around her tighter and pressed her hand to the wound on her shoulder. It was bleeding in earnest now. The horse had taken her bag and everything. Soon it would be difficult to even see the unfamiliar path. She focused each step as she made her way down the path, her ears and eyes alert. Something sinister howled in the distance. Mother, forgive me for not listening when you tried to teach me what you know about survival. If I had only listened…

  Penny stumbled on the uneven ground and fell scraping her hands on the rough path. She lay there panting for a moment when she noticed a cleared space near the bottom of a cedar tree. It offered a little protection, at least from being readily seen, and it was off the cold ground. She climbed onto the thick branch and nestled herself where it forked. She could barely see out, which meant no one would think to look in. She
clutched her shoulder and let her eyelids drift shut.

  Chapter twenty

  Beau threw his arm across Josiah’s chest. “You hear that?”

  Josiah pulled on the lines. The horses came to a stop, the jingle of the traces the last to quiet. He waited and listened. A horse approached them in a hurry. They had no way to know if the rider would be friend or enemy. Beau jumped from the tall rig and set out in the direction of the sound along the edge of the trail. Josiah waited and listened. He heard as soon as the horse realized he’d been caught. Beau came back leading a horse and carrying a bag in his hand. He tossed it up to Josiah. The scent of it hit him. The bag belonged to the Hanovers. Its combination of soap and whatever else added to the scent that made up a family. More to the point, it smelled of lemons, the scent he’d bought for Penny for Christmas last year.

  Josiah looked down at Beau. “It’s hers.”

  “I suspected as much. But which trail did she follow?” Beau tied the horse to the cart and climbed back into his seat.

  “Neither route is safe. To the left is the cabin and a couple ruffians. To the right is Wolves’ Den and the men there. I don’t know which would be worse.”

  “Let’s hope we find her walking on the way to the cabin.” Beau pointed forward and Josiah flicked the reins.

  Beau sat on edge. He held his rifle, unlike usual and though he usually took point, he took it much more seriously now. Josiah searched the edges of the trail, back and forth, watching more for Penny than anything he normally cared to watch for. It might be careless, but it didn’t matter. The clearing came into view and Josiah yanked the horses to a stop. They whinnied in protest.

  “She wasn’t there, Beau. If they have her in that cabin and they hurt her, so help me…”