by Sherry Kyle
The bell above the front door jingled.
“Excuse me. I have a customer.” Lars strode past the curtain that separated the front of the store from the back.
Jonas picked up both ledgers. Yvette is a woman who enjoys lace and plenty of trimmings. Would he be able to satisfy her?
Chapter Thirty-Four
Standing on the worn wooden planks in front of the sheriff’s office, Jonas glanced at his pocket watch. Where was Nicolas? His hired hand was ten minutes late. From Jonas’s location, he could see the steamer near the pier. Had the captain gone ashore? Jonas rubbed his moist palms down the side of his trousers.
“You going to stand there all day or come in?” Sheriff Donders tapped Jonas on the arm. “Thought you might be by for a visit.”
Did the sheriff think he was there to discuss the drifter? Men who frequented the saloon didn’t have a clue who the cow thief was. He appeared to be a man without an identity. Didn’t make the killing any less important. God knew him by name.
“Have Mr. Cavegn and Peder been here?” Jonas followed the sheriff into his office and set the ledgers down on the desk.
“What you got there?” Sheriff Donders gestured, dodging the question.
“Some books you might find interesting.” Jonas rested his hand on top. He wasn’t ready to discuss the ledgers until Nicolas arrived. Where was he? Jonas peered out through the window.
“Looking for someone?”
Nothing got past the sheriff. Jonas scooted himself to the edge of his seat. “Can we cut to the quick? Are you going to arrest me for killing the cow thief or not?”
Sheriff Donders rested back in his chair, hoisted his feet on his desk, and propped his hands behind his head. “Nervous, are you?”
“I’m confident that I fired my weapon in self-defense. The man had shot Elena’s brother after stealing their calf, so I followed him. Wanted to see who hired him to steal the Seifert cows. I couldn’t believe my eyes when the only farm between our location and Cambria was the Cavegns’ place.” Jonas leaned forward. “The thief aimed his gun at me and fired. I shot him down with the third bullet.” Jonas ripped his hat off his head and hit his thigh. “You believe me?”
The sheriff’s boots hit the floor with a loud thud. “Calm down, Jonas. No charges have been filed against you. Wanted to hear your side of the story. Peder Cavegn came by days ago. Confessed the whole thing. Said you were only trying to save the Seiferts’ calf and that he’s the one who should be responsible.”
Jonas sagged in his chair, the burden releasing from his shoulders.
“Now I want to know what you got there.” Sheriff Donders propped both elbows on his desk.
“I’d like to wait until Nicolas arrives. He has the first part of this puzzle.” Jonas once again stared out the window.
“Does it have anything to do with your father?”
Jonas turned his head toward the sheriff. “In a way, yes. How’d you know?”
“My deputy and I have been watching the captain for the past six months. His dealings are shady. Cedric never told me directly, but when he refused a shipment of dairy cows, I knew something was up.”
Jonas’s heart lurched. In his own way, Pa alerted the sheriff. A sense of pride welled up inside. “Did you know the captain is not only guilty of Adrian’s death, but has been blackmailing Lars Rissler?”
The sheriff grabbed a fountain pen and dipped it into the inkwell. “Go on.”
Jonas settled into his chair and described the whole sordid tale—his father’s request, the captain’s threats, Adrian’s journal, and the ledgers. Jonas opened the books and showed the sheriff how Lars had kept records of the underhanded dealings.
“Blackmail is one thing, but murder ...” The sheriff wagged his head. “You sure Adrian didn’t die from disease?”
“That’s why I wanted Nicolas here. He has Adrian’s journal.” Jonas pinned his arms over his chest. “You can read in Adrian’s own handwriting how the captain threatened his life. Adrian was sure Captain Zubriggen would kill him.”
The sheriff raised a hand. “But how does that prove the captain followed through with his plan?”
“Don’t you see? Yvette’s grandfather begged me to protect Yvette and her son. My father made me promise to marry her. I’ve witnessed the captain’s threats to Yvette first hand. He wants that journal.” A horrible thought occurred to him. Only one thing would keep Nicholas from meeting him, as he’d promised. “For all we know, he’s with Nicolas right now.”
Yvette. Jonas had protected her from the captain all this time, but where was she now? A dreadful certainty settled over him. Was it too late?
He sprang from his seat. “I need to go.”
He ran out of the sheriff’s office, untied his horse, and raced toward the boardinghouse.
Elena couldn’t move from her seat behind the buckboard of Pa’s wagon. She laid a hand on her abdomen; sick with the knowledge she’d never feel a baby growing inside. Her whole life had been about helping Samuel. And now this, too? Could she truly marry a man she didn’t love so that her simple-minded brother would have a successful life? Must she let all her dreams and desires go?
It was too much.
The sound of a horse galloping toward her snapped her out of her musings—at least for the moment.
Jonas.
“Elena, have you seen Yvette or Nicolas?” He dismounted his horse and quickly tied the stallion to the post.
“No, I dropped off Yvette at the boardinghouse an hour ago.” Elena stepped down from the wagon and joined him. “I’ve been sitting here collecting my thoughts.”
Jonas flashed her a look of pity. Or was that concern in his eyes?
“Have you seen anyone come or go inside since you’ve been here?”
“No, but I must admit I wasn’t paying much attention.” Elena followed Jonas up the steps and into the boardinghouse. “I’ve received difficult news.”
Instead of asking her to explain, Jonas burst through the door. Wasn’t he the least bit interested in what she had to say?
Voices filled the air. Gabi rested one arm on the front counter, talking and laughing with Dana Cavegn.
“Have you seen Nicolas?” Jonas’s breath came out in quick succession.
“Hello to you, Jonas.” Gabi wore a dress that reminded Elena of a gown Yvette would wear—fancy and frilly. No more a simple farm girl.
Nicolas came down the stairs. “Sorry, Jonas. I saw the captain and feared for Yvette—”
“Where’s your sister?”
“Upstairs feeding Willie. I’m keeping watch.”
Sheriff Donder pushed his way past Elena into the boardinghouse. “I need to see her ... and that journal.”
Adrian’s journal. The one Nicolas searched for in the barn. Elena backed into the corner of the room. According to Yvette and Nicolas, Captain Zubriggen was not to be trusted.
“I’ll get Yvette.” Dana sent Nicolas a smile before leaving the room.
“I have the journal right here.” Nicolas removed it from his knapsack and handed it to the sheriff. “The pages are worn, but I’ve dog-eared the ones that incriminate the captain.”
“I appreciate that.” Sheriff Donder flipped through the book.
“Nicolas, with you here it may have worked to our advantage. The captain wouldn’t dare threaten Yvette.” Jonas’s voice held a note of concern.
Was it the sign of a compassionate man or a man truly in love? Elena bit her lower lip.
Yvette walked into the room. Dana followed, holding Willie.
Jonas rushed to Yvette and embraced her. “I’m relieved you’re safe.”
“Jonas?” Yvette’s neck and cheeks turned pink, her expression questioning. “I’m fine.”
The sheriff motioned them toward the parlor. “Come with me. We have plenty to discuss.”
Jonas led Yvette into the other room, his hand on the small of her back. Nicolas joined them.
Elena blinked hard. Her stomach twisted int
o knots. Jonas must care for Yvette after all. How could she have been so foolish?
Baby Willie squirmed in Dana’s arms.
“Allow me?” Elena approached, her arms outstretched. The sweet smell of the baby boy brought back her earlier pain. Her dream of becoming a mother was lost.
Another scent drew her from her thoughts. Cigar smoke turned the air sour.
“Captain Zubriggen, nice to see you.” Gabi, standing behind the front desk, spoke loud enough for the sheriff and the others to hear. “Can I escort you to your usual room?”
The captain strode toward Gabi. “Yes, thank you, my dear.”
Elena blanched. She clutched Willie to her chest and glanced toward the parlor. Without the captain’s knowledge, the sheriff was discussing his fate at this very moment.
She backed herself up against the wall. Lord, help us all.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Jonas stood opposite Yvette and the sheriff outside the captain’s room. Clutching his drawn gun, Sheriff Donder motioned for them to be ready, like they’d planned. With a dangerous man like the captain, anything was possible, including gunfire.
The sheriff rapped on the door.
“Who is it?” Captain Zubriggen’s tone was clipped, expectant.
“Yvette.”
Jonas didn’t like the idea of using Yvette as a ploy, but the sheriff insisted she’d draw the captain out of his room, especially if she said she had the journal.
“What do I owe the honor of your visit?” The man sneered behind the door. “Bored with the farmer?”
Jonas gritted his teeth and held his tongue.
Yvette glanced at Jonas.
He nodded for her to continue. Come on, you can do this.
She straightened her shoulders. “I have what you want. Open the door.”
The lock clicked. Jonas moved Yvette aside. The sheriff took her place. The moment the handle turned, the sheriff threw his weight at the door. Inside, the captain was knocked to the ground.
Jonas rushed forward, wrestled the man over, and ground his knee in his back. The criminal writhed on the floor.
Donder tucked his gun in his holster and wrenched the captain’s arms behind him, capturing his wrists with handcuffs. “Captain Zubriggen, you’re under arrest for embezzlement, blackmail, and murder.”
Expletives shot out of the captain’s mouth.
“Watch it. A lady is present.” Jonas glanced at Yvette, and she rewarded him with a smile.
Elena held Willie tight and strained to hear the conversation. Though Yvette’s voice carried clearly down the stairs, the captain’s responses were too muffled to make out. When a loud crash echoed throughout the boardinghouse, the baby let out a fearful squeal.
“Shhh. It’s okay,” she whispered in his tiny ear. “You’re safe with me.”
Chubby arms reached up to wrap around her neck, and Willie rested his downy head on her shoulder.
Something deep inside Elena broke loose. Tears prickled behind her eyes. If she married Lars, she would never comfort a babe of her own. Would never feel a precious, little hand grasp her finger. Would never soothe her own child’s fears. Would never peer down into a newborn’s face and recognize her eyes, and her mouth and a nose shaped just like…
No. That was a loss she could not bear, not even for Samuel.
Once the sheriff had escorted the captain to jail, Elena handed baby Willie to Gabi and scrambled to her wagon. She had to speak with Lars before she changed her mind.
At Cayucos General Store, Elena tied her papa’s horse to the post and marched in, heading straight down the center aisle toward Lars. He was busy with a customer. Elena’s heart pounded. Could she do it? Could she call off her wedding when so many people counted on her?
Help me, Lord.
The woman collected her purchase and grinned at Elena on her way out. “I hear it won’t be long until you’re Mrs. Lars Rissler.”
Elena’s mouth went dry. No words came.
“Not long at all.” Lars waved to the woman as the bell jingled at her exit “Elena, twice in one day. What brings you by?”
Elena stepped closer. “Lars, I can’t marry you.” Her voice wavered.
He grabbed her arm and pulled her to the back room. “Of course you’ll marry me. Is it because I don’t want children?” Lars’s face reddened. “We can discuss it, I promise—”
“Among other things.” Elena bit her lip. “Lars, you’re a good man and will provide well for a wife someday, but I can’t be your bride.” She inhaled deeply. “I don’t love you.”
“You’re going to throw away a secure future? Remember, you have Samuel to consider.”
“Samuel is a grown man. He can make his own decisions.” Her voice exuded more confidence than she felt.
“You’d rather be a poor dairy farmer’s wife?” Lars stabbed a finger at Elena. “You’re making a terrible mistake.”
She inhaled and slowly let out her breath. “I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life.”
After the hubbub died down, Yvette went to check on Willie, and Jonas searched the boardinghouse for Elena. Where had she gone? He wandered into the kitchen and tossed his hat on the small table next to the wood-burning stove.
“I had no idea you were involved in such a difficult situation.” Ma stirred a pot of vegetables with one hand, and with the other handed him a pumpkin muffin. “And to think your pa carried such a burden.”
Jonas bit into the moist cake and swallowed. “His refusal of the shipment didn’t go unnoticed.”
“I’m thankful that Cayucos has an astute sheriff.”
Now was the time to tell his mother what weighed heavily on his mind. He rested a hip against the counter. “On his deathbed, Pa asked me to marry Yvette. It took me a while to figure out why. But now that the captain is behind bars, Yvette doesn’t need my protection. Do you think I’m still obligated to marry her?”
She turned her head to peer closely into his face. “Only if you love her.”
“I care for her as a friend, but I’ve never been in love with her. I only wanted to honor Pa’s request.”
“Jonas, you’ve proven yourself trustworthy over and over.” Ma set down the spoon and laid a hand on his shoulder. “Your pa would want you to be happy.”
Ma’s words soothed him like butter on warm toast.
“Jonas!” Sabrina ran into the kitchen and wrapped her arms around his torso. “I’ve missed you!”
“I’ve missed you too, squirt.” Jonas ruffled her hair.
Sabrina patted her curls. “Hey, I’m not a little girl anymore.”
“You’re right.” Jonas took a step back and eyed her. “You’re practically all grown up.” He winked.
“Sabrina, help me make the crust for the apple pie.” Ma handed Sabrina the rolling pin.
Yvette entered the kitchen, diverting everyone’s attention. “Jonas, can we speak in private?” She spoke in a hushed tone and signaled for him to follow her. Her skirt swished as she moved across the wood floor and made her exit.
Jonas grabbed his hat from the table and followed Yvette into the garden.
She wrung her hands together. “Thank you for protecting me from the captain. I can relax now that he’s in jail.”
“I was honored to help you.” Jonas dug his hands into his trouser pockets. “And to clear my pa’s name.”
She stood next to the wooden bench by the large sycamore tree. “This is the exact spot where you asked me to marry you.”
Jonas removed his hat, his gut tightening at the thought. He kept his distance. “Yes, it is.”
Her eyes lowered. “Willie needs a father. ”
“I agree.” He inwardly cringed. Yvette was going to hold him to his promise.
“But I can’t be a farmer’s wife.”
He expelled a breath. Was she saying what he thought? What he’d hoped for?
She moved closer. “I’ve come to realize that I enjoy living in the boardinghouse with my grandfathe
r. And I like town life with the hustle and bustle of people and lights.” She took Jonas’s hat from his hands and placed it on his head. “But I know someone who would be perfect for you. Someone who shares your dreams of living in Harmony and working alongside you.”
Hope swelled in his chest, making it nearly impossible to breathe.
Yvette smiled. “We should both marry for love, don’t you think?”
Jonas agreed. “Yes, I do. Does this mean—”
“Yes.” Yvette didn’t waste another minute. “I’m releasing your from your promise to your pa.”
Jonas wanted to whoop and holler, but he kept his voice even. “Thank you.” He held out his hand. “Friends?”
“Definitely friends.” Yvette leaned forward and gave him a sisterly hug. She stepped back from the embrace. “I know a young woman who looks for you at every turn.”
His neck heated. “Do you know where I can find this someone?” He tucked his hands in his pockets.
Yvette tapped her chin with a dainty finger. “I haven’t seen her since the sheriff left.”
“I better not waste a minute.”
When he rounded the boardinghouse, his pulse spiked. Her wagon was gone.
Chapter Thirty-Six
The urgency to get away from Cayucos drove Elena back to Harmony. In one afternoon, peace replaced the conflict that had plagued her soul these past months. She wouldn’t become Lars’s wife. She couldn’t. Samuel would have to decide for himself whether or not to move into town, but she was a country girl and needed wide-open spaces, and the feel of grass and dirt beneath her boots.
She flicked the reins and rounded the hill. The view of her family’s home and property brought a smile to her face. The white clapboard house contrasted with the brightly colored wildflowers and golden hues of the hills. Trees dotted the landscape. Elena was home. She pulled back on the reins, and the team of horses came to a stop.
In her moment of happiness, she’d neglected to tell Yvette where she was going. She wanted to go home—where she belonged.
