Last Chance Cowboys: The Outlaw

by Anna Schmidt

  The door opened slowly and in walked Dr. Addie Porterfield. Amanda squealed with delight as she ran to embrace her dear friend and sister-in-law. “You are exactly the medicine I needed,” she gushed. “Why didn’t you let me know you would be in town today?”

  Addie returned her hug before pulling off her gloves one finger at a time as she surveyed her surroundings. “I hadn’t really planned on it, but Jess had some business here, and I thought of you and, well, here I am. How is the tutoring going?”

  “It certainly makes me have a new respect for the teachers we tormented.”

  Addie smiled. “Remember when they built the schoolhouse in Whitman Falls?”

  They had been fourteen at the time—the same age as the Baxter twins were now—and up to then Amanda and Addie had pursued their studies at home. But when the town council decided it was time the community had its own school, their parents made sure their daughters were among the first to register. “Remember the teacher the town hired that first year?”

  “Mrs. Goodykuntz?” Amanda said, barely able to conceal a giggle.

  “She was so ill-prepared. Thank heavens for our parents and the lessons they had insisted on teaching us at home.”

  “And now you’re a doctor.”

  “And you, my friend, are a teacher. I’ll bet the Baxter boy is already half in love with you, and the girl wants to be just like you.”

  Amanda sobered immediately. “I wouldn’t say that. The truth is it has been…a little…disappointing.”

  Addie took hold of her hand. “Tell me.”

  And Amanda realized that this was exactly what she had needed—someone she trusted that she could confide in, admit her insecurities, and flush out her frustrations.

  “For a few days, I thought it was going to work out, but then Eli lost interest and reverted to his old ways, slipping away when he could. And Ellie became increasingly sullen and withdrawn. I can’t think what I might do to inspire the zeal for learning that you and I had. Oh, I have made some progress, but at times it’s like walking on thin ice. The children are easily bored, and that makes them uncooperative. Their father owns the local bank so he’s away at work from morning to night, and I fear that he will blame me for their failure.”

  “And the mother died, right?”

  Amanda nodded. “She died last fall. I think the daughter—Ellie—is having the most difficult time adjusting to her loss. The boy is just angry. They have a housekeeper, but…”

  “Are these children intelligent?”

  “Oh yes. The boy—Eli—is truly gifted, especially when it comes to subjects like math and logic.”

  Addie smiled. “Well, his father is a banker.” She perched on the edge of Amanda’s bed. “Perhaps you need to take some risks.”

  The suggestion was hardly surprising coming from her friend, who had never shied away from going against the grain, as Amanda’s mother used to say. “I am trying new ideas,” Amanda said, “but Mr. Baxter is—well, he is strict with the children and seems determined to prove something. Eli was dismissed from the public school, so Mr. Baxter removed Ellie as well. They aren’t Catholic, and according to Kitty, their housekeeper, Mr. Baxter will not consider sending them to the school run by the monks. I mean, if only he were reasonable, like my father or yours.”

  Addie frowned and then bit her lip. To Amanda’s shock, her friend’s eyes glistened with tears. “Addie, what is it?”

  “I did not come here to talk about teaching,” she admitted. “The truth is I need your help.”

  “I can’t imagine what I could possibly do to—”

  Addie’s expression transformed into a mask of sadness and heartache, as if someone had suddenly dropped a curtain over her. “My father is very ill, Amanda. He’s unlikely to…” Her voice caught, and a single tear escaped.

  Amanda put her arms around Addie and held her. “Oh, Addie, surely there is something…”

  “No. He has kept it from us for months now. I should have known. I should have seen the signs. They were all there, but I accepted his explanations—a cold he couldn’t shake, a lingering cough, weight loss, even the tone of his skin. And I call myself a doctor.” She let out a bitter grunt filled with disgust.

  “You are a doctor,” Amanda insisted as she handed her friend a handkerchief and fetched a glass of water from the pitcher she kept near her bed. “You are probably the best doctor this area has ever seen.” But all the while she tried to console Addie, she couldn’t help thinking of the changes Doc Wilcox’s illness would bring. Addie would no doubt take over the practice in Whitman Falls, meaning Jess would no longer seek election as district sheriff, meaning they would not be moving to Tucson, meaning…

  What on earth is the matter with you? She forced herself to focus on Addie. She felt selfish thinking of her needs and wants at a time like this. “How can I help?”

  “I wanted to ask if you might have some time to help me with the project I started to improve conditions for the prisoners at the jail. We’ve made some progress, but my fear is that if I can’t keep up regular visits, things will go back to the way they were. But now, I see you have enough to worry about without taking on my—”

  “Of course I’ll do it.”

  “But you’re already feeling a bit overwhelmed and—”

  “Nonsense. You know me. I’ve always been overly dramatic. This will all work out. And besides, the term is almost over, and then I’ll have plenty of time.”

  “I don’t know, Amanda. Perhaps…”

  “You just need to tell me what to do. We can start now. Maybe I can even persuade Miss Dooley to invite you to stay for supper, and then afterward, we can walk over to the courthouse.”

  As it turned out Miss Dooley did not need persuading. When Amanda introduced Addie, the landlady actually smiled. “Your husband is going to run for sheriff,” she announced, as if this were somehow her idea.

  “He would like to. However, I’m afraid we’ve had some bad news—news that will likely keep us both in Whitman Falls.”

  Once she heard of Doc Wilcox’s illness, Miss Dooley not only declared that Addie must stay for supper, but she also sent Bessie scurrying to prepare a pot of tea that she was to take to Amanda’s room, where she insisted Addie go to rest a bit. Once the tea had been delivered, and Miss Dooley had shut the door with a reminder that supper was at five, Amanda and Addie listened for the landlady’s footsteps descending the stairs, and then burst into laughter every bit as therapeutic as Addie’s tears had been earlier.

  “She’s straight out of one of Mr. Dickens’s novels,” Addie whispered as she poured each of them a cup of tea and then curled onto the bed the way they used to do when they were girls spending nights together.

  “She is certainly full of surprises,” Amanda agreed. “I think you just put me in good stead with her for the foreseeable future. Thank you.”

  “Does she not like you?” Addie was clearly surprised at the very idea.

  “I have perhaps tested her patience,” Amanda admitted, and then giggled as she relayed the story of her first dinner, followed by the breakfast, where she had decided she would go mad if they had to eat meals in total silence.

  “Now that is exactly what I was talking about earlier. It’s that kind of spirit that will win the hearts and minds of the Baxter children.”

  As always, Addie had brought Amanda out of her doldrums. Now it was her turn to cheer up her dear friend. “Tell me how I can help you with the jailhouse project.”

  They were still talking an hour later when Amanda became aware of footsteps on the stairway. “Oops! Time for supper.” The two women paused at the mirror to check their hair and straighten their clothing before hurrying to the dining room.

  Addie stopped at the door and grasped Amanda’s forearm. “That’s the stranger we saw in town before my wedding,” she whispered as she nodded toward Seth G
rover.

  How to explain the man to her friend when Amanda knew so little of him herself?

  “I know. He’s here on business. Just another boarder,” she whispered back, and hoped Addie’s hand was far enough away from her wrist so she would not feel the staccato beating of her pulse that occurred whenever she saw Seth.

  * * *

  As Miss Dooley introduced the other boarders to Amanda’s guest, Seth had an uneasy feeling about the lively young doctor. He could not have said why, but he had learned to have faith in his instincts, and as the meal progressed and news of her father’s poor health became part of the conversation, he understood that he’d been right to trust his gut.

  Addie Porterfield’s husband was supposed to become the new sheriff. He was someone Seth was pretty sure he could rely upon, unlike the man who currently held the position. Now it appeared that due to the poor health of Doc Wilcox, all plans had changed. Amanda’s friend—and sister-in-law—would take over her father’s practice, meaning her husband would not be moving to Tucson. This was not good news for Seth.

  “And what is it that you do, Mr. Grover?”

  All eyes turned to him. The question was one he’d been asked by the others, but had managed to dodge with a joke or a noncommittal reply. Addie Porterfield did not seem to be the type who would be placated.

  To his surprise, Miss Jensen came to his rescue. “Oh, it has something to do with investments and buying properties and such. Whatever it is,” the milliner said with a smile, “it takes him away from us far too often, and sometimes for days at a time.” The smile she gave him was possessive and knowing, as if the two of them shared a secret.

  “Actually, my job is quite ordinary—and boring, I’m afraid. Not nearly as interesting as yours, Dr. Porterfield.”

  “You do not enjoy your work, Mr. Grover?” To his surprise, this came from Amanda.

  “Like most jobs, it has its challenges,” he replied. He turned his attention back to the doctor. “I look for properties my clients might be interested in for various reasons. There’s really nothing complicated about it.” He hadn’t really lied. He did look at properties like the abandoned Frost ranch for his client, which just happened to be Wells Fargo.

  Thankfully, his response led to a discussion of a large parcel of land not far from Whitman Falls that had recently been posted as available for sale. Seth knew the story of the Tipton Land and Cattle Company and the brothers who had owned it. One brother had shot the other in a fit of passionate rage and had gone to prison. Now the business had no one to manage it. It seemed both Miss Dooley and Ollie Taylor were also eager to fill the widow and milliner in on the scandal.

  Blessedly off the hook as far as having the conversation focused on him, Seth took the opportunity to study Amanda. There was something different about her, something he thought must have to do with the arrival of her sister-in-law. He had a moment’s concern that perhaps she might decide to return to Whitman Falls as well. Of course, that would be the best possible news for him, because then she would be out of sight, eventually out of mind, and she certainly wouldn’t be making post-midnight visits to the stable to bring him a blanket. At any rate, with the school term coming to a close, and the examinations for entrance to the fancy boarding school scheduled for June, she would undoubtedly be gone by the end of the month.

  He began to relax and enjoy his supper.

  “Because of my need to spend as much time as possible with my father and manage his practice back in Whitman Falls, I have asked my sister-in-law to take on the work I began several months ago for the improvement of conditions in the district jail,” the doctor announced, dispelling a lull in conversation that had fallen over the table. “It is a worthy endeavor that has received strong support from Judge Ellis, among others.”

  Seth shot a quick look around the table, assessing the reaction of the other boarders to this announcement. The widow looked alarmed, while Miss Jensen looked disgusted at the very idea anyone would willingly interact with criminals. Miss Dooley smiled approvingly, but Ollie Taylor scowled and paused in the act of devouring his meal to focus on both Porterfield women. “I’m not sure that’s something you ladies ought to be getting mixed up in, especially not now that…”

  He paused, and his jowly face went red with embarrassment. Seth guessed he’d been about to warn them about having to deal with the current sheriff now that it appeared Jess Porterfield had withdrawn from the race. Clyde Richter had held his position for a couple of decades and, if local gossip was to be believed, profited handsomely from the job.

  “Any cause where people are suffering is one that must be pursued, Mr. Taylor, regardless of the risks,” Amanda said. “From the little Dr. Porterfield has told me of the current conditions, even with the simple improvements she and others have been able to make, conditions in the jail are still deplorable. Dr. Porterfield and I plan a visit this evening, so she can show me the work she is doing there.”

  Miss Dooley cleared her throat as the ritual of clearing the table began. “Well, it is a noble and needed effort, but hardly the kind of discussion suited to polite mealtime conversation. Now, who would like some cinnamon tapioca?”

  She nodded to Bessie, who removed the plates and returned with a tray loaded with small glass dishes and a large bowl of the pudding. As usual Miss Dooley served the dessert, and as usual the conversation turned to compliments for the fine meal.

  Seth said nothing as he spooned the pudding into his mouth, but his mind raced with ways he might steer Amanda Porterfield in a direction other than one that would have her visiting the jail, especially this evening.

  Earlier in the afternoon he had learned of the arrest of a young man matching the description of his brother. His intention was to go to the saloon, get into a card game, start an argument that ended in threats of bloodshed, and get arrested. It was the only way he could think of to get inside the jail without raising suspicion. After all, he was an outsider in Tucson, and to stop by the jail saying he was visiting someone would surely raise eyebrows—and a lot of questions he wasn’t prepared to answer.

  But then he had an idea. “Dr. Porterfield, I agree with Mr. Taylor’s concerns. I wonder if you and Miss Porterfield would mind if I accompanied you this evening. One of the services I provide for my clients is making sure the community is one they would be pleased to dwell in—safe and well-managed.”

  It was a long shot, but he was pleased to see that no one at the table seemed to think his request strange.

  “Delighted to have you join us, Mr. Grover,” the doctor replied with a sidelong glance at Amanda, whose cheeks had turned the most charming shade of pink.

  * * *

  “Why would you agree to such a thing?” Amanda whispered as she and Addie climbed the stairs to retrieve their bonnets and gloves. As soon as they had closed the door, she spoke in a normal tone. “What possible reason could Mr. Grover have for asking to accompany us?”

  “My question exactly,” Addie said. “One I believe I have an answer to.”

  “I’m listening.”

  “The man could not keep from looking at you throughout the meal. At one point, I seriously think he was debating which would be more delightful—eating his dessert or perhaps having you for dessert.”

  “Addie!”

  Addie laughed. “You know it’s true. Look at yourself in the mirror. Has there ever been a male who has come within ten feet of you and not fallen in love?”

  “Now you’re saying Seth Grover is in love with me?”

  “Not yet, perhaps, but well on his way. Listen to the doctor, Amanda. This man has no reason to come with us to the jail. He was alarmed when I brought it up and said you were coming with me. He is coming with us to protect you.”

  “When did you become such a romantic?”

  Addie smiled, and it was a smile Amanda could not remember seeing on her friend’s face before
. “I fell in love,” Addie said softly. Then she rearranged her features to reflect what Amanda thought of as her friend’s “doctor” face. “I recommend you do the same.”

  Amanda straightened the covers on the bed and handed Addie her hat and gloves before retrieving her own from the dresser in the corner. “You do realize that this is a ridiculous discussion we’re having?”

  “Ah, methinks the woman doth protest too much,” Addie replied as she stabbed the hatpin into the hat and her upswept hair and walked to the door. “Romeo awaits,” she added with a wink as she opened the door and motioned for Amanda to precede her down the stairs.

  On one hand, Amanda was relieved to have Seth’s attention focused on Addie as the three of them walked through town. He asked several questions about the project and seemed genuinely intrigued with the work Addie had already accomplished. On the other, she felt a bit like she had as a girl tagging along with her older brother and sister, listening to them debate some aspect of how best to break a horse or throw a proper lasso.

  She tried to think of something she might ask Addie that would sound intelligent and knowledgeable, but once Addie got started talking about something she was passionate about, there was little need for anyone to say anything else—especially in the short time it took them to reach the courthouse, where the jail was housed in the basement.

  Just as they prepared to mount the courthouse steps, Addie stopped talking mid-sentence and looked at a man standing just outside the door. “Well now, what have we here?” the man sneered. He was barrel-chested, chewing on a cigar, and wearing a tin star pinned to his vest. “If it ain’t the little troublemaker.”

  “Good evening, Sheriff Richter,” Addie said through tight lips. “As you are well aware, by order of Judge Ellis, I have a standing appointment to visit the prisoners.”

  “Not after courthouse hours, you don’t. And there’s nothing in whatever agreement you’ve struck with Judge Ellis that says you can come waltzing in here with anybody you like.” He fixed his gaze on Seth for a long moment. His eyes were cold and challenging. Amanda had spent enough time around cowboys and ranch hands to know this was a man looking for a fight.