“You tell me. In my way of thinkin’ a man is free until he’s married.”
“Even if there’s an understanding? An engagement?”
Bixby removed his glasses and swiped his hand across his face. He resettled his spectacles on his nose. “That’s right. Engagement is a time of discernment. It’d be dishonest to marry someone if a person has fallen in love with another. Now, running around and looking for it is something different entirely, of course. I’m not talking about that—sometimes things just happen. But, breaking a promise is a lot kinder than a life of misery, regrets. Just my opinion.” The kitten squirmed and jumped from the old man’s embrace, hiding beneath the boardwalk when a dog trotted by. “But, once those vows have been said, that’s another story entirely.”
John grunted, thinking about what Bixby had just said. What were his feelings for the two women? Both were beautiful and strong in their own right. Falling in love with Emmeline had been easy, and fun. But life wasn’t all lollipops and roses and was never meant to be. Protectiveness for Lily surfaced and he had to tamp it down, reminding himself that most likely it was the highly charged Comanchero attack that made him feel so.
“You ever been married?” he asked, looking at the old man.
“Nope.”
“Why not? I’m sure there were plenty of women around Rio Wells that would’ve loved to have hitched up with you.”
“Just never meant to be. Time marched on and then I found myself ready to retire. Be careful, boy. Days are long, but years are short.”
“I can’t believe that.” It was a moment until Bixby returned his look. Even in the fading light, his haunted expression couldn’t be masked and John wished he hadn’t started this line of conversation.
“Actually, I was in love once,” Bixby finally admitted. “But that was many, many years ago. She was a married woman.”
John wanted to ask if she still lived in this dustbowl of a place. If he ever ran into her from time to time. He wanted to, but wouldn’t. His ma was big on not prying into other people’s business. You might learn something you didn’t need—or want—to know. The proverbial Pandora’s Box, so to speak.
Tucker opened the door and stuck his head out. “I’m going down to the livery to see Theodore, see if he needs anything.”
“I’m sure Cradle has him all set up. Sure glad he had that inexpensive room for that young man to rent. I like him, he’s nice,” Bixby said. “But, go. Have some fun. Just be sure the two of you stay out of trouble.” The door slammed and Tucker disappeared back inside, apparently intending to use the quicker route to the livery out the back.
John hitched his head. “He’s a good boy, too. It’s a shame about his hand.”
“It is indeed.”
The atmosphere had turned a little depressing, so John decided to ask the question he’d been curious about for several hours. “So, did you count the money?”
Bixby straightened. “Sure did. I can’t believe how much hard-earned cash those townsfolk were willing to throw my way to haul that junk away.” He laughed. “Never thought anything good would come from my collection. “Three hundred seventy-three dollars even.” He shook his head in disbelief. “I have you to thank. I’d never have gotten that place cleaned out on my own and it would’ve fallen to you or someone else after I’d died to—”
“Now, wait just a minute,” John said, cutting him off. “Who said anything about you dying? I’m just glad we had such a great turnout.”
“Tomorrow I’ll give Lily and Harriett their half. It’ll be a good start for them.”
“That’s generous of you, Bixby, and I for one, appreciate it.”
Three men walked up the boardwalk in their direction from Main Street. When they were closer John recognized Sheriff Dane and the deputy, Pete Miller. The third man was unfamiliar. John and Bixby stood.
Chapter Twenty-One
“How’re you, Sheriff?” John asked, shaking the sheriff’s hand while taking in the hard expression of the third man. He wondered who he was. Uncertainty swept through John’s mind as he looked at him.
“Good.” He nodded a greeting to Bixby.
“Just making the rounds?” the old doctor asked.
“No, actually. Wanted to introduce you all. This is Lector Boone. Seems he’s investigating a robbery that he’s followed all the way to Rio Wells. I’ll let him fill you in.”
Boone was dressed in all black, which in a way matched his demeanor. Hard lines accentuated his face and his build was tall and strong. Twin Colt 45s were holstered on his thighs and tied in place with a leather strings. The man slowly stepped forward with the confident swagger of a gunfighter who relied on the persuasion and power of the weapons strapped to his legs.
“I’m here to retrieve a jewel that was stolen from my client in Boston,” he said, barely above a whisper. “It’s taken some doing, but I’m positive it was smuggled to Rio Wells on the last stage from Concepción.”
John masked his surprise, though moisture instantly slicked his palms. It was just this morning after church that he’d locked the subject of the conversation into his safe, not ten feet from where they all stood now. Was Harriett a jewel thief? That was unthinkable. Granted the woman was addicted to drugs, which sometimes led people to do things they wouldn’t normally do, but still. He didn’t believe it. And it wasn’t Lily. Even if she hadn’t brought the gem to him, proving her innocence, he wouldn’t have believed her capable of such a deed. Still, the women would be suspects to Boone. And he knew he’d be a prime suspect too, as he’d traveled the said route that the precious stone had to reach town.
“Who’s your client?” John asked to keep the conversation moving. “I didn’t catch the name?”
“That’s of no importance to you, doctor,” Boone replied. So, the sheriff had already told Boone who he was, had been discussing him, and possibly Dr. Bixby, too. This wasn’t just a chance meeting.
“No?” Irritation bubbled inside. Bixby gave him a long look, so he changed tack. “Guess you’re right. What can we do for you?”
“Just answer a few questions.”
“I will if I can.’
“Me too,” Bixby added.
“Have you seen or heard anything unusual? Any new faces?”
John glanced at Bixby, who shook his head. “Can’t say that I have.”
“Me either,” John said. “But I’m relatively new in town. Can’t say I’d be able to distinguish between new or old. On the other hand, Cradle Hupton, the livery owner, told me he’s been seeing a lot of new faces around Rio Wells lately. Some he wouldn’t want to meet in a dark alley.”
“We’ll talk to him next,” Sheriff Dane said to Boone.
“Is this robbery common knowledge? Was it in the papers?” John wanted to know if there would be other bounty hunters showing up in Rio Wells looking for clues, as he was sure that was what Boone was.
“A crime of this size is hard to cover up,” he replied. “But to answer your question, yes.”
The men looked around at each other, then the deputy spoke up. “I guess we can expect more visitors to Rio Wells then.” His hat was tipped back and his eyes were clearly visible. “Maybe we should deputize more men.”
“That’s not necessary, deputy.” Boone lifted his lips in a cold smile as he glanced around in the darkness beyond. “Shouldn’t take me long to find the guilty party, if they’re still here. I’m not about to muck up my perfect record now.”
The town clock clanged seven times. “Gentlemen, I’m off,” John stated. “I have a dinner date with my sister and I don’t want to keep her waiting. If you have any more questions, Sheriff, you know where to find me.”
John walked away. His mind whirled, trying to figure out just where the stolen stone had come from. Thank goodness Lily had done as he’d asked her and brought it to him. At least it was locked safely away. He’d have to get to the bottom of this before the gunfighter did. If not, who knew what the outcome would be.
The wo
rkday on Monday went smoothly with everyone’s help. Their new shop, the little storeroom, now christened Lily’s Lace and More, at Tante Harriett’s insistence, had been gutted, washed inside and out, stripped of its old paint and paper and then painted a cheery yellow on the outside, with a soft cream tone on the inside. All the door hinges were tightened and oiled, windows were washed, floors were mopped, the indoor water pump checked, re-worked and greased, and wall lamps hung.
Tucker had returned from Grady’s Mercantile with two strong locks and keys, one for the front door and one for the alley door. Even with only one hand, he was able to remove the old locks and install the new. Being tall, Dustin did most of the outside painting, using a buckboard and ladder when he needed to reach the high spots. His sisters had a grand time laughing at his yellow-speckled face.
Mrs. McCutcheon donated a beautiful pair of pale emerald curtains made of velvet. Becky said her mother had stored them away after she’d redone her bed chamber at the ranch and wanted to give them to Lily. They fit the front window perfectly, and looked so beautiful Lily was barely able to hold back tears. She’d been overwhelmed several other times throughout the day too, as when she’d seen the two small beds for her and Tante in the two bedrooms upstairs. There was also a small table with a couple of chairs in the back of the McCutcheon’s big buckboard.
Theodore, having an artful touch, was chosen to make two signs—a large for the front of the building, and another smaller one to hang on the boardwalk.
John and Chaim, working well together, built a small dressing room in the main body of the shop, which was finished off with another matching curtain from the emerald set that garnished the front window. Once the two got to building, they were impossible to stop. Next they constructed an elevated platform by the window, so Lily could adjust hemlines with ease. Then they made a cutting table and some shelves to show off her fabrics, and put up a handful of pegs on the opposite wall to display spools of different types of lace she’d made.
With the shop taken care of, they continued working and updating the tiny kitchen area in the rear of the first floor. They quickly built a wall that went halfway across the room, so the kitchen had a little privacy and a homey feel. Lily was amazed at their speed and skill. Then, just for fun, they fashioned together a large frame, the size of a window, on which Lily could stretch fabric. Later, when she had time, she would add handfuls of old buttons, sequins, glass beads and such she and her aunt had collected over the years. It would be a piece of novel decorative art. It was a clever idea Charity had dreamed up and Lily looked forward to starting work on it.
Within the day, Lily’s Lace and More was done and ready for customers. Lily and her aunt’s belongings had been moved over from the hotel and put away upstairs. When she and Tante Harriett had gone to pay the bill, they found it had been taken care of and nobody would tell them who was responsible. The day had turned out better than any fairytale she’d ever been told.
Lily moved around the upstairs rooms getting ready for the big party out at the McCutcheon ranch. She’d been thinking about it all day, and now that it was almost time to go, she was filled with excitement. She had grown close with Charity today and with Becky and Madeline as well. The cousins were so much alike, yet different, too.
“Tante Harriett, would you like some warm water for a bath?” Lily asked, looking at the little clock on the bedside table. She dried behind her neck with a fluffy towel, another generous gift from John’s aunt, then padded to her closet for her wrapper. “We will be leaving within the hour.”
“Please forgive me if I don’t go. The thought of snuggling into my bed holds much more appeal.” She had already removed her heavy, purple dress and presented an adorable picture in her petticoat and stockings.
“Of course you are going,” Lily insisted, donning her housecoat and all but running to her aunt’s room. “I would not have a good time if I left you at home.”
Harriett yawned as she patted Lily’s arm several times. “Of course you will. I’m so pleased you now have three wonderful girlfriends.”
Lily admitted to herself that staying home was probably better for her aunt. “Well, if you’re certain. I will have Doctor Bixby check in on you later. He is staying home, too.”
“Fine, dear. But only if it will make you feel better. She bent over slowly and picked up the kitten. “See. I have all the company I need.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
John pulled up in front of Rim Rock Ranch and set the brake with his foot. The buggy rocked forward and back several times as it settled to a halt in the gravelly dirt and the gangly old bay in the harness nickered to the animals in the corral. John had rented a two-seat buggy from Cradle so they could all ride together. Lily sat beside him, dressed in a pretty pink dress with a shawl draped over her shoulders. Charity was wedged in back between Theodore and Tucker and had been conspicuously quiet ever since they’d left town. John looped the reins around the bar running the length of the front dash section of the carriage, then hopped out, extending his hand to Lily.
With his help she stepped to the ground and straightened her dress as the others descended. The house was ablaze with light from within and a ranch hand came out of the barn and took the horse and carriage away.
The ranch house door opened and Becky looked out. “They’re here,” she called out excitedly and ran to meet them. She hugged Charity and Lily, then went straight to Theodore’s side. “How are you, Theo?” she asked in a shy voice. She laced her fingers together behind her back and looked up at the young man with worship shining in her eyes.
Theodore looked embarrassed. “It’s only been a few hours since I’ve seen you, Becky. I was fine then and I’m still fine,” he replied stiltedly, slipping in next to Charity as they all walked to the front door.
“Welcome, come in,” Uncle Winston boomed in a voice that echoed through the room. John found it amazing how much of his own father he recognized in his uncle. Not just in his physical attributes, but in his actions and expression as well. “How was the drive out?” he asked, looking directly at John.
“Good. It’s a nice, easy ride.” John shook hands with the three men, ending with Dustin. They looked each other in the eye, not knowing what to say.
Aunt Winnie came dashing in from another room. “Where is she?” she asked in excitement. Spotting Charity, she pulled her into a hug. “I was so surprised when I heard you’d come to town on Sunday. I guess we just missed each other.” She backed up to get a good look. “You’re beautiful! I can’t even begin to tell you how glad I am to have you and John here. It’s just…” Her words trailed off as her eyes welled with tears.
“Just too much emotion,” Winston said, laughing. “Calm down, woman. We have the whole night ahead of us and you’re going to wear yourself out in the first five minutes. Charity is going to be staying on in Rio Wells for some time. I’m sure you’ll have plenty chance to get acquainted.”
Winnie dabbed at the corner of her eyes with the tip of the apron. “You’re right. Tonight is not a time for tears, but one of joy. A celebration. To welcome John and Charity to Rio Wells and to congratulate Lily on her fine new shop.”
Again Winnie marshaled her emotions. “I know Tucker here, welcome, young man, but who is this tall fellow?” she asked, looking at Theodore.
“A friend from Y Knot,” John answered. “He made the trip south with Charity. Seems he’ll need a job.”
Everyone nodded and Theodore’s face went scarlet.
Winnie smiled at Lily. “Where is Harriett? I hoped she would be joining us tonight. I haven’t yet met her.”
“I wanted her to come along, also, Mrs. McCutcheon,” Lily said. “But all the activity the last two days has completely worn her out. She sends her regrets.”
Winnie nodded. “That’s totally understandable. Rio Wells can be exhausting. Now,” she said, gesturing to everyone. “Come into the dining room. Maria and I have cooked up a feast you’ll not soon forget.”
The sight of the beautifully decorated table almost took Lily’s breath away. It was opulently laden with china and sterling and eye-catching linen finished off with intricately stitched lace that Lily longed to inspect. Two candle stands held six candles each, giving the room an enchanting amber glow.
“It’s stunning,” Charity gasped. “You really shouldn’t have gone to so much trouble, Aunt Winnie.”
“Of course we should have,” Madeline corrected her. “You’re family.” She proceeded to walk beside the long table, glancing at the place cards above each plate. “John, you’re down here.”
Lily glanced at the table, noticing the name cards for the first time. Dustin was on this end of the table, at the head. She was next to him, on the corner to his right, with Chaim on her other side. John proceeded to the opposite end of the table where Mr. McCutcheon was already standing at the other head spot. It felt like a mile away. John pulled out Madeline’s chair for her and pushed it in as his cousin got settled. He looked up and his gaze met hers.
Tucker and Theodore sat opposite each other in the middle. Becky waited patiently, gazing at Theodore until he grasped her meaning and pulled out her chair, making Lily smile.
“Lily?” Dustin said, as he pulled out her chair for her. Chaim took hold of the back of her chair also. After she was seated her chair fairly flew forward as both men pushed her in.
When Lily looked up, John was smiling at her. Again. The nod of his head was so imperceptible she had no doubt no one else noticed. Maria came in with a
tray laden with slabs of meat still crackling and popping with a detectible buttery scent.
“It’s beef,” Winston assured the guests. “Of the finest cut. Porterhouse for the men and filets for the ladies. There’s plenty more in the kitchen, so don’t be shy.”
Dustin stood and went to the sideboard. Taking a decanter full of wine, he went around the table, filling everyone’s glass. Tucker looked up in surprise. “Go slow, young man,” Dustin said. “I don’t want Bixby coming after me.”
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