“We certainly are. I only wish she’d realize we think of her as family and feel the same way about us. I’m afraid she considers us only as her employers. I asked her to join us for supper earlier, but she declined. Now she refuses to have dessert with us.” Henrietta sighed. “In some ways, I think she still feel like that poor lost young girl she was when her parents died.”
“Again, I know she cares about us because she works so hard and not only that, but you said she didn’t want to take a salary until this crisis is over.”
“Maybe we should try harder to include her, and then she might join us,” Sophie suggested.
Teddy said in his young matter-of-fact voice, “I think you’re thinking too hard. Maybe she didn’t want to join us for dessert ’cause she don’t like peach cobbler.”
They all laughed and Sophie reached over and ruffled her brother’s hair. “I bet you’re right, squirt.”
They all laughed again.
Chapter 12
Lance stared at Virgil Danforth and he could see there was maybe a little resemblance to Shawn Parnell. Though he had no idea of why Danforth wanted to find his brother, he saw no reason not to tell him he’d had the boy in jail.
“I had to arrest him for shooting up the town a short time back.”
“I suppose Nelson Parnell paid his fine or whatever was due to get him out of jail?”
“He did.”
“That means he’s here, too.
“He is.” Lance lifted an eyebrow. “Do you mind telling me why you’re looking for your brother?”
“I promised Mama on her death bed I’d get him away from Nelson Parnell. The man’s not Shawn’s father though Shawn thinks he is.”
Lance frowned. “I don’t understand.”
“It’s a little convoluted, but I’ll try to explain. I barely remember my father. He died when I was seven, and when Mama fell in love and married Nathanial Parnell, I was delighted. He was good to me and I felt I had a father again. Two years later, Shawn was born. My new dad traveled a lot, but he’d come back to St. Louis often and spend time with us.” Virgil shook his head. “Then one day, it all changed. His twin, brother, Nelson, showed up and told Mama Nathanial had been shot and killed in a poker game. Mama told me when it happened, but she never told Shawn his dad died. Shawn was so young he always thought Nelson was his father. I don’t know what Nelson held over Mama’s head, but she continued to let Shawn believe the man was his father.”
“Why didn’t you tell him the truth?”
“Mama asked me not to. I was busy at school and didn’t see the harm at time. Nathaniel was a nice man, and I figured Nelson was also so I said nothing.”
Lance nodded and Virgil went on. “I was in my last year of school when Nelson came to St. Louis and took Shawn away. Mama was never the same after that. I returned home to find her grieving herself to death. I did all I could to find out where Nelson had taken Shawn, but at the time I couldn’t leave Mama except for short trips. Mama died two years ago, and her last words to me were, ‘please find Shawn.’ After the funeral, I sold everything she’d owned, which wasn’t much, and headed out to find my brother. I’ve stopped in any town I came to and in the ones where Nelson had been; I was always too late. It was a couple of months ago that I got word Nelson was in the Settlers Ridge area.”
“That may be why Parnell is satisfied to gamble in our little saloon. He has probably been trying to hide.”
“You may be right; I don’t know what his game is, but for sure he has something in mind. Nelson has never been married as far as I know and he certainly never had children that he claimed. I don’t know why he wanted to saddle himself with a twelve-year-old.”
“That would make Shawn about sixteen. I actually thought he was a little older.”
“He looks it, but he’s not.” Virgil chuckled. “Of course I’m sure he’s like a lot of teenage boys, he tries to be a big man. He likes to act older around women and some men. He began to act this way the last time I saw him, and he was twelve at the time.”
Lance realized the kid had certainly tried to act older around Grace, but he didn’t say anything. Instead, he said, “According to the barkeep at the Wildcat Saloon, Nelson Parnell comes into town to gamble almost daily.”
“To be honest, Sheriff, I don’t want him to know I’m in town. I’m going to stay as anonymous as I can because if he does recognize me, I’m sure he’ll run again.”
Lance nodded. “In the meantime, why don’t you go to Brown’s Mercantile and talk to Wilma Lawson and Stanley Brown and ask them to help dress you up like a working cowboy. You look too much like a lawyer in your suit. If Nelson happens to see you, he’ll probably know you immediately.”
“Thanks, Sheriff Gentry. I’ll do that.” Virgil stood. “I appreciate you listening and I hope I can resolve this without trouble.”
On impulse, Lance said, “I tell you what. My friend Grace Hunter works in the hotel dining room and she brings food for my prisoners. If I get a lead on when your brother is in town I’m sure Miss Hunter won’t mind taking a message to you.”
“I appreciate that very much, Sheriff. May I shake your hand?”
“Of course.” Lance offered his hand. “And I’d be much obliged if you’d call me Lance.”
“Then it’s Virgil.”
When the door closed and Lance found himself alone again, he was in no mood to do paper work. Cramming the papers back in the drawer, he muttered, “I’m going to go upstairs and fix myself some dinner.”
* * * *
Shawn Parnell knew his pa was taking a nap, because Nelson intended to spend most of the night in the saloon gambling. Shawn slipped into the barn and saddled his horse. He thought this would be a good time to go into town and see if he couldn’t stir up some action. Though he’d probably be in trouble later, he felt it was worth it. They’d stayed in some small towns before, but he’d never seen one as dead as Settlers Ridge. Even the saloon lacked action. The two women who worked there seldom showed themselves and none of the pretty young town women were on the streets. He still thought that little waitress was pretty, but he’d learned his lesson about her. No way was he going to get in any more trouble with the sheriff if he could help it. The beating his pa gave him last time cured him of her in a big way.
It wasn’t the first time his pa had laid hands on him. In fact, he’d been doing it ever since they left St. Louis a little over four years ago. The first time was a surprise, but after that the beatings came so frequently he began to expect to find his pa’s big hands knocking him around every time he upset the man. He wanted to hit back, but he didn’t dare. His pa was a big man and he had a fierce temper. If Shawn dared to stand up to him, he might kill his son and never think twice. After all, Shawn had watched his father kill other people with no remorse.
Shawn had his left foot in the stirrup and was about to sling his leg over the horse when a deep voice startled him. “Where in the hell do you think you’re going, boy?”
Shawn’s heart began to pound. He couldn’t tell his father that he was going to town. He tried to think fast and it came to him. “I was bored and thought I’d take a ride out on the range. Rocky said it was nice out there.”
“Rocky’s right, but do you think I’m fool enough to believe you?”
Shawn was beginning to feel desperate. “I’m not lying, Pa.”
Nelson walked up, grabbed Shawn’s shoulder and jerked him backward. “Damn you boy, I know when you’re lying.”
Shawn fell on his side on the hard packed dirt floor. He felt a stabbing pain in his arm and at the same time he heard a crack. He knew without saying anything his arm was broken.
“Now get up from there, unsaddle this horse and put him back in the corral. Then get back in the house and help McCormick fix something to eat. I’m hungry and I want to eat before I go to town.”
“Pa, I think my arm’s broke.”
“It might be a little bruised, but it’s not broke. Now, stop acting like a d
amn crybaby and do what I said before I decide to break your neck.” Nelson turned around and headed back toward the house.
Shawn couldn’t help the tears that ran down his cheeks as he struggled to get to his feet. In pain, he tried as hard as he could, but there was no way he could loosen the cinch under the horse’s belly.
He heard footsteps coming up behind him. Oh, Lord, don’t let him hit me again. My arm is killing me and I’m doing the best I can.
“Let me do that for you, Shawn.”
Shawn turned to see Rocky coming toward him. “Thank you. I’m sure my arm is broken.”
“Let me look.” Rocky gently took hold of the arm and nodded. “It is broken. Wait here. I’m going to tell Nelson I’m taking you to the doctor.”
“No, Rocky. Can’t you set it or something? I don’t want you to get in trouble.”
“Don’t worry. I won’t. Can you ride?”
“I think so.”
“Then leave your horse saddled. I’ll be back in a minute.”
Shawn wasn’t sure he should listen to Rocky, but his arm hurt so badly he didn’t argue with the man. He walked over to a bale of hay, sat and waited.
* * * *
Lance smelled the potatoes burning and saw the smoke rising from the pot. He jumped from the chair, grabbed the pot and let out a curse word as he burned his hand on the hot handle. He reached for a dishtowel and pushed the pot to the back of the small stove in the one-room apartment over the jail. “Where did I ever get the idea I could make a good meal?” he grumbled aloud as he reached for a spoon to see if he could salvage any of the vegetable.
He’d been looking forward to having the potatoes with the bacon he’d fried earlier, though now the bacon was cold and looked a little under done. He didn’t have any bread so he wasn’t looking forward to eating the meat by itself, even if he was hungry. He sighed and threw the dishtowel on the shelf. It didn’t look as if he’d be having his dinner here, but where and what was he going to eat?
Now that Kemp had been released on probation and Dade Webber was serving a two-year sentence the judge had handed down to him, there was no food coming to the jail from the hotel. Of course he figured Kemp would be back behind bars before too many days. Lance kept telling himself he missed the food because Effie was an excellent cook, but deep down he knew he missed Grace bringing it to him.
He checked to be sure the fire in the stove was secure and reached for his hat. He knew he could probably get something at the saloon, though he’d rather have some of the supper Effie cooked at the hotel. Though the place was closed to diners, he wondered if he knocked on the back door she would let him have a plate even if there were no prisoners in the jail. Maybe he’d try and see if he could talk her into feeding him.
Going down the stairs and using the door that opened onto the street instead of the one that went into the jail office, he headed for the hotel. He couldn’t help thinking he might get to see Grace. After all, he’d have walked her back to the hotel after the funeral if Hal hadn’t called to him. Maybe he owed Grace an apology. That would be a good reason to seek her out.
* * * *
Grace opened the door when he knocked on the back door of the hotel kitchen. She looked surprised to see him. “Don’t tell me you have a prisoner and we missed feeding him?”
He grinned. “Nope. Nothing like that. “I burned my dinner and I’m hungry. I was hoping I could talk Effie out of something decent to eat, so I wouldn’t have to go eat that awful grub they serve at the saloon.”
Grace laughed. “I’m disappointed. I thought it was my charming company you wanted.”
Lance chuckled as he reached down and took her hand in his. “Grace, my dear friend, your charming company is always an added bonus.”
She giggled and he was surprised at how good it made him feel, not only to hear her happy sound, but by the feel of her hand in his. It was as if it belonged there. He shook the thought away and stepped inside.
“Hello, Mr. Sheriff,” Effie said. “So, you burnt your dinner?”
“I sure did. Would you happen to have a little something to hold me until supper?”
“You know I do. Sit yourself down, and I’ll dish you up something.”
“I can get something for him, Effie.”
“I’ll do it, Grace. You don’t always put enough on a plate for a big hungry man like our sheriff.”
Lance laughed as he took a seat at the worktable. “I appreciate you, Effie. I know you’ll never let me go hungry.”
“That’s for sure, son.”
Grace shook her head. “At least, I can pour him some coffee.” She moved to the dish cabinet and took a cup.
When she sat it in front of him he said, “How about joining me.”
“I’ve already eaten; besides, I promised Henrietta I’d wash the dishes for her and I still have some to wash.”
Effie put a full plate before him. “You go right on and eat. If you want any more just let me know.”
“I will, Miss Effie.”
“Now while I’m gone, you just ask Grace for anything you need. She’ll get more for you if you smile at her with those big blue eyes of yours.”
He laughed.
Grace looked at her. “Where are you going, Effie?”
“I want to make a special gravy for tonight and I need some more spices.”
“I could go…”
“No. I’m going. You finish your dishes and I’ll be back soon.” She took off her apron, hung it on the peg beside the cabinet, and slipped out the door.
“She couldn’t have been more obvious, could she,” Grace muttered and moved to the sink to wash the dishes.
“I don’t mind being here with you.”
She smiled, but didn’t answer.
Lance watched as Grace immersed her hands in the soapy dishwater. She looked so pretty standing there he couldn’t help thinking she’d be nice to look at as she did the cooking and cleaning up in some man’s home. No, not some man’s home. Mine. Before he could stop himself, he was thinking of the little house behind the jail the town said could be his. He’d decided the one room over the jail was more convenient, but if he were to marry, the house would be perfect for newlyweds.
This thought shook him and he tried to push it out of his mind by thinking of what needed doing at the office. That didn’t work so he tried to concentrate on his food. It was good, but it didn’t keep him from stealing glances at Grace every time he looked up. As he watched her, the picture of that little house floated to his mind in spite of all he could do.
Grace finished her dishes, hung up the towel then turned to him. “Do you need more to eat?”
“No, I’m fine.”
She poured another cup of coffee and took it to the table. “Then I might as well join you.”
“I’m glad. I’m kind of used to sharing my meals with you.”
“We have shared several meals haven’t we?”
“It’s almost like we’re together in my house.”
She frowned. “I didn’t know you had a house.”
“The house is on the street behind the jail, and the town says it’s mine if I choose to use it instead of the room above the jail.”
“That’s nice. Everyone should eventually have their own house.”
“I guess when they gave it to me they thought I’d get married and have a family. I do use it occasionally, but I find the room above the jail is more convenient for me. I usually sleep there.”
“Is your house furnished?”
“There’s a bed and enough furniture to get by on for a single man.” He smiled at her. “Of course, when I get married I’ll have to buy more things, and it sure needs a woman’s touch. I don’t think the woman I marry will like the burlap bag over the back window or the straw mattress. Of course, I don’t think we’ll have to worry about bugs in the straw or anything like that.”
“I certainly hope not, but you haven’t told me you were getting married.”
Lance put
his fork down, reached over, and took her chin in his hand, gently turning her head toward him. Their gazes locked and his heart began to race. He felt her tremble, but she didn’t pull away. He lowered his head and whispered, “My dearest friend, if and when I decide to get married, you’ll be the first to know.”
She smiled and her eyes were shining. Their lips were almost touching. The back door opened and they jerked apart.
Effie stopped abruptly and gasped. “Oh, Lord, I come back at the wrong time. I’m so sorry. If I’d known, I’d have waited to come in.”
“It’s all right, Effie.” Lance straightened and picked up his coffee cup. “I need to get out of your way anyhow.”
“Now, you know you two ain’t in my way. Take your time.”
Lance put his cup down and stood. “I wish I could, but I’ve got to go check on something.”
“And I have to wash the dishes we’ve messed up.”
“Thanks for the wonderful food, Effie.” Lance glanced at Grace. “Maybe you could slip up to the office later with those dumplings Miss Effie plans to cook for supper?”
“I’ll make sure she does,” Effie said as she headed toward the pantry with a small bag that contained her spices.
Lance touched Grace’s shoulder. “I’ll see you later.”
She nodded and her heart pounded as she walked him to the door.
* * * *
Sheldon glanced at the tall lanky cowboy who introduced himself as Rocky then he turned to look directly into Shawn’s eyes. “How’d you break your arm, son?”
Shawn wouldn’t meet the doctor’s eyes. “Fell off my horse.”
“Must have been a hard fall.”
“It was in the barn. The floor is hard there.”
“I see. Well, your arm’s broken in two places. It’s going to hurt like hell when I set it. Grit your teeth.”
Shawn screamed when the doctor twisted the arm back in place.
“Sorry, son, but it has to be set.” Sheldon looked at Rocky. “Want me to give him a dose of laudanum to help kill the pain?”
“Ask him.”
Grace's Dream Page 11
