Jackson stepped up to the bar. “Whiskey.” He bought the drink from the barkeep and owner, Charlie Hughes. “Thanks, Charlie.”
He approached the man’s table and stood staring at him. With a wave of his hand, the stranger invited Jackson to sit and he settled onto the wooden ladderback chair across from him.
“Remember me? Name’s Jackson McLennon.” He introduced himself again with a salute of his glass. Gaze never leaving the man across the table from him, Jackson took a sip of his whiskey and then set the glass down on the scarred pine table.
“Mr. McLennon, what can I do for you?” The fellow leaned back in his chair.
“You can tell me your name.”
“Sawyer Manning.”
“Well, Mr. Manning, you told me I was completely off the mark when I accused you of being up to no good the other day.” Jackson crossed his arms over his chest. “Prove me wrong.”
Manning stood, grabbed Jackson by the arm and hefted him off his chair.
“What the—” Jackson began.
“Keep your mouth shut about this.” The man guided Jackson toward a quiet corner in the back of the saloon, pulled aside his jacket, dug something out of his vest pocket, and then revealed what he held in his hand.
Jackson’s head whipped up and he met Manning’s eyes. “Are you…?”
“That’s an official badge,” Manning whispered.
“It’s official all right. I’ve seen them before.” Jackson followed Manning back to their chairs.
Manning leaned back in his chair, one hand hanging over the arm and his other hand resting on his thigh.
“Can I buy you a drink?”
“I don’t drink when I’m working.”
Jackson raised an eyebrow. “You’re working now?”
“I’m always working on one thing or another.” Manning waved his hand. “Crime never takes a day off, neither do I.”
“But you won’t tell me what you’re working on,” Jackson speculated.
“I’ve wound up my business here, and I’m heading out of town in the morning.” The stranger took a sip of his beverage.
“Your business here is done?” Jackson straightened in his chair.
“That’s what I said.”
“But you won’t explain what your assignment was.”
Manning shook his head.
An idea popped into Jackson’s mind, but he considered the possibility he’d be opening a can of worms by trusting the man. But if you couldn’t trust a Pinkerton agent, who could you trust?
“Let me ask you this… have you ever heard of a woman named Lily Watson?” Jackson met the agent’s eyes, watching for a tell-tale reaction. Of course, the trained agent gave nothing away.
“Can’t say that I have. Should I know her?”
“Not necessarily. Unless someone hired you to find her,” Jackson hinted.
Manning smiled. “Why don’t you just ask if someone hired the agency to locate her? Or are you harboring a lady you don’t want found? Perhaps a fugitive from the law?”
Jackson shook his head. “She’s not wanted by the law. Perhaps someone of questionable character and unscrupulous morals might want her found though.”
“And you thought that was why I arrived in Milestone,” Manning said, more a statement of fact than a question.
“Crossed my mind.”
“You’d be wrong.” Manning straightened in his chair.
“Because you were successful at whatever purpose brought you here? Or have you failed and given up?” Jackson forced himself to remain straight-faced. He suspected Pinkertons hated nothing more than failing, and no agent worth beans would ever give up.
Manning glared at him and Jackson grinned. Bull’s-eye. He’d hit a sore spot for certain.
“Ride out to the Double M Ranch for supper tonight. You should meet Lily Watson and hear her story. The McLennons would like to hire you to investigate the situation she left behind in Boston.” Jackson stood and rapped the table with his knuckles. “Lily’s father could find himself in a mess of trouble if my suspicions prove right.”
“Her father?”
“If he sobers up long enough to realize the precarious situation he’s put himself and his daughter in.”
Manning’s one eyebrow rose. “You’ve piqued my interest. What time should I show up?”
“Supper’s at six. Half past five sound good?”
Manning stood and stuck out his hand. “Looking forward to it.”
“If you need directions, ask anyone. They’ll know the way.” Jackson shook hands with the Pinkerton. “Lily’s a good person and I’d hate for someone to take advantage of her, or her father.”
“How did she find her way to your ranch?”
“She was engaged to my father. He just didn’t know about it.” Jackson winked at the Pinkerton who looked confused. “Of course, the wedding was called off on account of that latter part.”
“Are you pulling my—”
“See you tonight, Manning,” Jackson interrupted. He touched the brim of his Stetson and strode out of the Copper Nugget.
He unwound Dixon’s reins from the hitching rail and mounted up. “We’ll let the Pinkerton chew on that for the rest of the afternoon,” he muttered to the horse. His knees nudged Dixon’s sides and they headed back to Amanda’s Clothing Emporium.
Jackson needed to invite Lily and Amanda to supper. And he should warn Lily that the Pinkerton would be coming also. If Lily wasn’t assured the agent intended to help, Jackson feared she’d collapse in a dead faint when the man walked through the door, certain he’d escort her back to Boston. And then, at the first opportunity, hand her over like Sunday’s roasted chicken on a platter to that scoundrel Connors.
“Not happening as long as I’m still breathing,” he muttered. “If anybody’s marrying Lily Watson, it’s going to be me.”
He shocked himself with that statement. He’d been attracted to her since the moment they encountered each other at the general store the day she arrived in town. But his feelings for her had only grown stronger with each passing day.
He couldn’t lie to himself any longer.
No doubt about it.
Jackson McLennon was falling in love with Lily Watson.
* * *
Standing in the middle of Amanda’s Clothing Emporium, Lily swung around and met Jackson’s eyes, hoping her heart wouldn’t stop. She almost dropped the beautiful gown she was hanging up for display. “You did what?”
“I invited him to supper. He’ll be arriving at the ranch around five-thirty,” Jackson repeated.
“A Pinkerton agent?” Lily stumbled across the floor and flopped onto a chair beside the four-sided dressing screen. “Please tell me you’re having a little fun with me.”
“Not in the least. I intend for you to explain everything to Manning that you shared with us. About your mother’s passing, your pa subsequently losing himself in drink, about his partner’s shenanigans regarding their joint business ventures.” Jackson crouched next to her and reached for her hand. “The threat of the arranged marriage. All of it.”
Lily gasped. “He’ll haul me back to Boston before you can blink an eye!”
“No, he won’t. We’ll hire Manning to travel alone to Boston. To check on your father and to determine what Connors is up to. Manning needn’t mention your name at all, Lily. There’s really no better way to protect your father and his business interests from that shyster.”
“You go ahead and talk to this Mr. Manning. Do whatever you feel is right.” Lily waved off his plans. “I’m leaving town. No one is taking me back to Boston.”
Jackson stood. “What?”
“If he’s just pretending to be working on something else, and Connors actually hired the man, then you’re just handing me over to him.” Lily leapt to her feet and strode down the hallway toward the stairs leading to the living quarters. “And I thought I could trust you…”
“You can trust me.” Jackson chased after her and reach
ed for her hand. She brushed him aside. “I would never do anything to put you in harm’s way.”
“You just did.” Lily turned on her heel and glared at him. “Inviting the man to supper and expecting me to be there… What were you thinking?”
Jackson pulled her into his arms. “No, sweetheart. Manning wasn’t looking for you. He wouldn’t tell me what he’s been working on, but he claimed he’d finished his work here and he’s leaving tomorrow morning. I’m hoping we can hire him and he’ll travel to Boston to investigate what’s going on with your father.”
“And insist I go along with him,” she blurted, shaking her head. “I won’t do it. I won’t risk being forced back into that situation. I’m leaving town.”
Amanda appeared in the doorway, and judging by her expression, she’d no doubt overheard their heated conversation. “Running away won’t solve anything, Lily.”
“Sweetheart, don’t you want your father’s situation sorted out?” Jackson pleaded. “Don’t you want him out of the liquor establishments and back behind his desk, looking out for his business interests? Where he belongs?”
Lily ignored the endearment but her face reddened with Amanda standing there. “Of course, I want Father back to his old self.”
“Then let Manning help.” Jackson gently took her by the shoulders and guided her back to her chair. “We would never allow him to remove you from the ranch tonight or from this store. There’s nothing for you to fear.”
Lily heaved a sigh. “If you promise you can keep me safe from this Manning fellow, I’ll tell him what happened. Why I left and why I refuse to return. But you must assure me, he’s not taking me back to Boston.”
“Over my dead body,” Jackson blurted.
Amanda glared at him. “Manning is not taking you anywhere, Lily. Jackson will hogtie him if he even tries. My other brothers would do the same. You’re staying right here in Milestone until you decide to leave.”
“Thank you.” Lily hugged her friend tightly.
Jackson stuffed his hands in his pockets to keep himself from wrapping her in his arms as well. He’d given himself away with that outburst; his sister would have guessed his feelings for Lily. Jackson didn’t care if Amanda realized he was falling in love with her friend. He’d protect Lily from anything and everything, or die trying. And that included protecting her from Sawyer Manning.
Chapter 15
Although the watch pinned to Lily’s floral dress indicated five-thirty, the sun still warmed the air and a breeze ruffled the leaves in the towering trees flanking the main house on the Double M. Having done nothing wrong and not wanting to appear purposely trying to impress, Lily wore an unadorned rose-colored dress. She stood at Jackson’s side on the front veranda, watching the lone rider approach.
Sawyer Manning, Pinkerton Agent.
At least, the man believed in punctuality.
Floyd raced out from under the veranda and stood barking by the fence.
“Floyd, that’s enough,” Jackson scolded the cattle dog who sat and politely waited for their visitor to reach the house.
Lily’s breath caught. She hadn’t done anything wrong. At twenty-one years of age, she should be allowed to decide her own future, to chart her own course in life. And marrying a despicable man like Mr. Connors would never be a part of that future, if she had one iota of say in the matter.
The Pinkerton handed off the charcoal gelding’s reins to the stable hand who met the visitor at the fence. “Take good care of him.”
Floyd sniffed Manning’s boots and gazed up at him.
“You know I will, sir, or I’ll answer to the boss.” The ranch hand pointed to Jackson and smiled.
Manning patted the horse’s neck, and then walked up the stone path with Floyd trotting along at his side. Lily noticed the dog hadn’t growled at Manning, which could indicate a testament to the man’s character. Or was it his impeccable appearance in the three-piece suit, white shirt and bowler that impressed the dog? If only she could trust the Pinkerton agent in equal measure. Of course, Floyd wouldn’t be forced to return to Boston any time soon. Lily Watson was another matter.
The ranch hand headed toward the barn with the magnificent gelding, and Floyd trotted back to his spot under the house.
“Good afternoon, folks.” Manning climbed the wide wooden stairs and shook his host’s hand.
“Same to you. A rental or have you purchased a horse?” Jackson inquired.
For a moment, the two men stood on the veranda, eyeing each other. “Rented him from Billy Turner at the livery. A most agreeable animal named Hermes which seems fitting. And he’s a pleasure to ride.”
Lily recognized the name of the Greek god of travel. The Pinkerton was educated or well-read, if nothing else.
“Lily, this is Agent Sawyer Manning with the Pinkerton Agency,” Jackson said, formally introducing him. “Manning, this is Lily Watson from Boston.”
The agent removed his bowler and stuck out his hand. “Pleased to meet you, Miss Watson.”
“Pleased to meet you, sir,” she replied in a croaky voice as she shook his hand. Had her voice given away her little white lie? She was anything but happy to make his acquaintance.
The front door swung open with a soft squeak of one hinge. “Welcome to the Double M,” AJ offered, stepping outside and shaking the Pinkerton’s hand.
“Sawyer Manning,” he said, introducing himself.
Lily noticed he hadn’t offered AJ his official designation as a Pinkerton agent. Nor had he shown his badge. Did Mr. Manning consider this an unofficial visit? A simple invitation to supper? Was he curious as to her situation and nothing more? Had she worked herself into a lather for no reason?
“A. J. McLennon. Come on in.”
The Pinkerton stepped across the threshold and hung his bowler on one of the hooks inside the door. “Thank you, Mr. McLennon. I appreciate your son’s invitation to supper. For me, home-cooked meals are few and far between.”
“I would imagine so… in your line of work,” Jackson observed.
His father glared at him then turned his attention to their guest. “Please call me AJ. Could I interest you in a drink?”
“He doesn’t drink when he’s working.” Jackson repeated the man’s claim today in the saloon.
Manning ignored Jackson and met AJ’s eyes. “Not working a case at present. I’ll have whatever you’re pouring, sir.”
“Whiskey it is.”
“You’ve got an impressive spread here, Mr. McLennon. I enjoyed the ride from town. Spoke with a couple of the ranch hands I encountered while traveling across your land.” Manning took the glass AJ offered.
“Thank you. I worked the ranch as a young man and then inherited it from the original owner, Michael Miller, when he passed without heirs several years later.” AJ settled onto his favorite parlor chair and indicated a nearby sofa to Manning. “A good man, Miller. Like a father to me. Miss him to this day.”
Lily stood behind the chair Jackson chose, uncertain whether or not she’d be welcome if she decided to stay.
Just then Amanda swept into the room. “Mrs. Sheridan sends her apologies. Supper won’t be ready for another twenty minutes.”
“Perfect. Gives us a chance to get acquainted. Manning, this is my daughter, Amanda.”
The agent leapt to his feet and shook her hand, smiling warmly. “ Sawyer Manning. I’m very pleased to meet you.”
Amanda blushed and stuck her hands in her dress’s pockets. “Pleased to meet you, too.”
“There’s a seat here.” Manning pointed to the spot on the sofa beside him.
Amanda met her father’s eyes and he nodded. She settled on the edge of the sofa, as if prepared to run at the first opportunity. Mr. Manning settled back, looking completely relaxed.
Lily couldn’t mistake her friend’s discomfort. Amanda had voiced her support for Lily against the agent, assuring her that none of the McLennons would allow him to take her back to Boston, or to allow any harm to befall her becaus
e of the Pinkerton. But Lily hadn’t missed the spark of interest in Mr. Manning’s eye.
“Jackson, pour Lily a sherry, please. Lily come sit.” AJ waved her toward the chair to the left of his.
“Are you certain you don’t mind me joining you?”
“Goodness, no,” AJ said, dismissing her concern.
“In fact, I insist,” Manning chimed in, smiling at Amanda. He sipped his whiskey, and then looked at Lily. “Jackson alluded to your troubling situation and I’d like to learn the details from you. If you’re willing to share them with me.”
Lily gasped and met AJ’s eyes; she hadn’t expected to be questioned before they even started the evening meal. AJ noticed her distress and nodded. “You’ve nothing to worry about. Just tell Mr. Manning what you discussed with us.”
Manning set his glass down on the side table and pulled out a small notebook from his pocket. “I may be able to help.”
Lily took a deep breath. “As mentioned, I grew up in Boston where I’ve lived my entire life. My mother passed in January and my life completely fell apart as a result.” Once she started talking, the story tumbled out of her like stacked wooden blocks in the hands of a toddler. Mr. Manning scribbled an occasional note in his book while he listened intently without interruption. When she mentioned Mr. Connors and AJ’s suspicions that her father’s business partner could be up to no good, a frown creased Manning’s face and he added more notes to his records.
“You said this man’s name is William Connors?” Mr. Manning inquired. “Never Bill.”
Lily swallowed hard, his intense gaze somewhat discomforting. “Yes, that’s right,” she whispered and then cleared her throat. “Father and William Connors were friends since childhood. Going into business together seemed logical and benefitted both of them financially for years.”
Manning nodded. “And this Mr. Connors has never married?”
Lily shook her head. “Not surprising. He’s not a likable man. Bossy. Impatient. Disrespectful of everyone, especially women of any age. Mama confided her strong dislike for the man, but she tolerated him for Father’s sake. William Connors makes my skin crawl, but I followed suit as well and endured his company when necessary for my father’s benefit.”
Canceled-Order Bride (Sons Of A Gun Book 1) Page 11
