Pauline smiled at her aunt. “I thought so.”
Her aunt looked at the two men. “Of course she thinks so. She was the one who planned it and scheduled the photographer. But, I’m sincere when I say it was very nice.”
Uncle Henry hurried into the room. “Here’s the photo that shows Jasper Taggart clearly.” He took it out of an envelope and held it in front of the marshal. “That’s him there on the left.”
Marshal Murray studied the photo. “May I borrow this to show around town and see if anyone remembers him?”
“As long as we get it back. No, wait. Considering things, I guess I’d rather lose the picture if it means catching whoever set Creighton’s workshop afire.”
“Papa has one. If this one gets lost I’ll have the photographer make another from Papa’s.”
The marshal tucked the photo back in the protective envelope. “I’ll take care with it. What I want is for you folks to take care of yourselves. You talk about escape routes in case this house is attacked. I hope it won’t be and I’ll have a deputy patrolling around the place. Keep the doors and windows locked until this person is under arrest.”
Creighton took Pauline’s hand. “I know it’s not polite to ask but could I talk you into cooking us breakfast?”
Pauline leaped to her feet. “My stars, I should have thought of that. I’ll have it ready right away.”
Her aunt said, “I can peel the potatoes, Pauline.”
Her uncle refilled empty cups then set the coffeepot back on the range. “Marshal, I think we may be next. My niece and I are the reason my brother-in-law fired Taggart.”
Pauline turned from mixing biscuits. “Mainly me. I suggested Papa observe the way Jasper treated employees when he thought Papa wasn’t around. When he did, he fired Jasper. There might have been more because Papa was going to hire an investigator.”
Creighton gasped. “I wonder what the investigator has learned.”
Uncle Henry sat at the table. “I supported Jasper for a long time. Then I noticed little things that bothered me. I didn’t see anything where I had evidence I could call Jasper on or report to Fred. I suspect there’ll be questions raised.”
The marshal had written information in a small notebook he carried in a pocket. “I’ll contact Mr. Brubaker at his office. He needs to be warned as well.”
Pauline almost dropped the pan of biscuits she was ready to slide into the oven. “Good heavens, Mama and Papa are in danger. Please warn them right after breakfast. They won’t be awake yet.”
She cooked breakfast in record time. “Would anyone prefer toast instead of biscuits?”
Marshal Murray heaped food on his plate. “Not me. This is real treat and I thank you for including me. I don’t think I ever got supper last night and I’m so hungry I could eat this plate and all.”
Her uncle helped himself to sausage and eggs as well as biscuits. He sent her a guilty expression. “This is a special occasion.”
Aunt Nancy shook her finger at Uncle Henry. “You know the doctor said you’re not supposed to have that greasy sausage.”
Pauline pretended to glare at him but she couldn’t keep her frown for long before a smile broke through. “Well, it’s definitely an occasion and I forgot to cook oatmeal.”
As soon as he’d eaten, Marshal Murray left to get on with the investigation.
Although obviously still upset, Creighton appeared to be falling asleep in his chair.
Uncle Henry caught Creighton by the arm. “Come on, young man. You need to sleep and we have a spare room if you don’t mind sharing with Nancy’s sewing supplies.”
“I have a bed in the carriage house.” His protest sounded half-hearted.
Her uncle persisted. “You don’t need to be out alone. We don’t know this person has left. You sure don’t want to lead him to your new home.”
Creighton let himself be guided toward the sewing room. “I’m disheartened someone would be so vicious. I’m a peaceful person and I’ve never knowingly harmed anyone.”
Pauline called, “We’ll try to be quiet so you can get some sleep.”
“As tired as I am, I doubt a locomotive would wake me once I fall asleep.”
They left with Uncle Henry sympathizing with Creighton, “You know if Jasper was the one who did this then it isn’t anything you’ve done. He must have …”
Pauline couldn’t hear the rest. She couldn’t get out of her mind the thought of someone lurking, waiting for them to expose their vulnerability. Of course they were at risk with Aunt Nancy not being able to leave the house.
When her uncle returned, she gestured to him to come to the table. “We need an escape plan in case we need to leave this house in a hurry.”
Aunt Nancy eyes widened. “You think this person might set fire to this house? Ooooh, please no, I hope not. Since this house is smaller than the one we had in Denver, we pared down our possessions to only those that had meaning to us. Some of them are irreplaceable.”
Pauline patted her aunt’s arm. “I know, but you and Uncle Henry are especially valuable. We must devise a plan to get you out of here and to safety quickly without damaging your leg.”
Uncle Henry looked at his wife. “Short of carrying her, I can’t think of anything.”
Her aunt shook her head. “That would be too hard on your heart, Henry. In addition to my weight, this cast is not light.”
Pauline wanted to reassure them without offering false hope. “We know this person might still be in Creede and we think he might be Jasper. The wheelchair is difficult to get up and down the porch steps. What could we use as a makeshift ramp?”
Her uncle tapped the table. “We could turn this upside down and use it. The wheels would clear the table legs.”
“Brilliant. We’ll have to be careful or the wheelchair will tip over and spill Aunt Nancy.”
Aunt Nancy gripped the wheelchair arms. “Wait, I don’t want to do anything that might cause another fall.”
Pauline patted her aunt’s arm again. “Don’t worry, Aunt Nancy, this is only in case of an emergency escape. Not for a minute do I think we’ll need to implement it, but we need a plan.”
“I know you’re right. I think it best if you two just run like crazy and leave me to deal with Jasper or whoever it is.”
Uncle Henry appeared incredulous. “Surely you can’t think I’d abandon you to save myself.”
Her aunt looked at her uncle. “There’s nothing to be gained if both of us are shot, dear. Better you should escape.”
“Now, just you look here, Nancy Chambers, what kind of man do you think I’ve become? Just because I had to retire doesn’t mean I’ve turned into a… a…”
“Stop this silliness right now.” Pauline stomped her foot to stop the argument. “This discussion is only a precaution. No one is abandoning anyone. Understand?”
Her aunt and uncle had the good sense to look embarrassed and then both laughed.
Aunt Nancy knitted while her uncle worked a jigsaw puzzle. Hours passed slowly for Pauline. She wanted to check on Creighton but feared she might wake him. She would like to go curl up beside him while he slept. If his arms were around her, she’d feel a lot better.
Pauline jumped at every noise. She cleaned things that weren’t dirty then prepared a light lunch. She made a hearty soup that included beef tips and vegetables. Served with bread she’d baked yesterday it would be filling.
About one, Creighton wandered in. He’d washed his face and hands. “Sorry I’m so dirty but I don’t have any clothes here so I can’t change.”
Uncle Henry appeared surprised. “You didn’t sleep long.”
“Too much going on in my head.”
Pauline reached for a bowl and went to the range. “We had soup and I saved yours. If it’s not hot enough, let me know.”
She set the bowl in front of him. “What do you want to drink—coffee, water, or milk?”
“I’ll take milk, thank you.”
He had taken only a couple of b
ites when someone rang the doorbell. Uncle Henry went to see who it was.
He came back into the kitchen accompanied by the marshal.
Pauline gestured to the table. “Would you care for a bowl of soup and some bread?”
Marshal Murray took a seat. “Thank you, if it’s no trouble.”
Creighton took a swallow of milk and set down the glass. “Have any news, KC?”
“Heard back from Denver police. They can’t find Taggart there. They started investigating his background at Mr. Brubaker’s insistence. Turns out Taggart’s references were fakes but good ones.”
“Have they found out where he really worked before?”
The marshal dipped a corner of his bread into the soup. “They don’t think Taggart is his real name. Mr. Brubaker showed them his copy of the same photo you loaned me. Near as they can figure, his name is Jared Tarpley, a man wanted for a lot of crimes that include arson, assault, and murder in Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska.”
“My parents—are they all right? Is anyone protecting them?” Pauline’s heart pounded. If she hadn’t met Creighton, she might have let Jared convince her to marry him. No, she knew she would never have weakened to wed that man.
Uncle Henry shook his head. “I’m stunned. I don’t know how he was promoted as high as he was. Had he worked in merchandising before?”
“Briefly. They’re still gathering information about him and will send it on the train. Probably won’t arrive until later in the week.”
The marshal used the last of his bread to soak up the remaining dribble of his soup. “Mr. Brubaker hired several men to protect your home. He’s remaining at home with your mother, at least for a few days.”
He looked at Uncle Henry. “I don’t have the men to keep your house under guard. I can ask several of the men I use as spare deputies if you’re willing to pay them. Otherwise, I doubt they can afford to miss their regular work.”
Uncle Henry slapped his hand on the table. “You bet I’ll pay them. This is our home and I won’t let a cheating rascal drive us away.”
Pauline set dishes of cobbler in front of each person. One thing she’d heard from women who visited with Mama was that in times of trouble, feed everyone.
Creighton pushed his soup bowl away and started on his cobbler. “Who will you ask?”
“I’ll stop back by to let you know after I’m sure who’s available.”
Creighton frowned and looked down at his clothes. “I sure need to go to the house for a bath and a change of clothes. I smell like smoke and look disreputable.”
The marshal stabbed a finger on the table as he spoke. “Listen carefully, Creighton. I know you’re itching to do something but don’t. You need to stay right here until this man is captured. Otherwise it’ll be your house that burns to the ground or you shot on the street. Right now he doesn’t know where you are. He may suspect you’re here but if he doesn’t see you he can’t be sure.”
“You’re right about me wanting to take the town apart looking for this guy—if he’s the one who’s responsible for the fire, and I think he is.” He held up a hand. “I’ll stay here if Mr. and Mrs. Chambers approve.”
Aunt Nancy said, “Of course we want you here as long as needed.”
Uncle Henry shook his head. “I imagine you’re uncomfortable in those clothes. I don’t have anything that would fit you. I’m shorter and wider than you are.”
KC exhaled as if frustrated and tore a sheet of paper from his little notebook. He handed the paper and his pencil to Creighton. “Write your sizes on this and I’ll pick you up a couple of clothing changes. I guess you have an account at Crowther’s Dry Goods?”
“Yes, although I haven’t bought anything there in quite a while.” He wrote a few minutes then handed the piece of paper to KC. “I sure appreciate this.”
He stuffed the paper in his pocket with the notebook. “Yeah, yeah. Don’t tell anyone I did this. People will be asking me to run errands all over town.”
Aunt Nancy cocked her head. “I know you do errands for several elderly people all the time so your secret is not a secret.”
The marshal relaxed his stance and winked at Pauline as he left. She cleaned the few dishes from lunch. Her aunt and uncle went for their nap.
Creighton paced back and forth. “This is like being in captivity.”
She hoped she could cheer him. Poor man had good reason to be distraught. “Surely being locked in with me isn’t that bad.”
He came over to her and rested his hands on her shoulders. “I’m sorry. That sounded rude and selfish. You and your aunt and uncle are trapped inside, too. In fact, your aunt has been trapped inside for weeks.” He looped his arms around her.
She rested her head on his broad chest. “I understand you need to do something to fix the situation. Right now, your patience is being tested.”
“Thank you for not getting angry with me. I’m not getting any work done, not getting our house ready to move into, not helping capture Taggart. I feel useless.”
“You’re protecting us. I certainly feel safer with you here and I’m sure my aunt and uncle do, too. The sheriff can’t be everywhere.”
“I hadn’t thought of that. I don’t know how much protection I am and I hope we don’t find out now.” He dropped his arms and pulled out his pocket watch. “KC ought to be back soon.”
“He hasn’t been gone long enough to accomplish all he mentioned. Why don’t we play a game of chess, cards, or checkers? That might help the time pass.”
“Not chess—I don’t think I could concentrate enough for chess.”
“Afraid I’d win, huh?” She spun away to get the checker set and a deck of cards.
Chapter Eleven
Creighton mentally scolded himself for his lack of concentration. Good thing they weren’t playing for money or he’d have empty pockets. Pauline had a natural ability at chess and checkers but tonight she was as distracted as he was.
They were engaged in a game of twenty-one when KC returned.
The marshal handed over a parcel. “Receipt’s in there. Crowther said you can exchange them if you don’t like what I chose.”
He rubbed his hands together. “Now, we have four men who will work twelve-hour shifts, two at a time, until this is resolved.”
Pauline tapped his sleeve. “Pardon me for interrupting, but would you like a cup of coffee and a dish of cobbler?”
“I sure would.” The marshal took a seat at the table.
Creighton motioned for KC to continue. “Who’s coming?”
“Bert Holland and Cal Worcester will be here in a few minutes. At eight, Ted Ross and Dub Dennis will relieve them until the same time in the morning.”
He wondered aloud, “Where will you have them wait?”
“I figured one would wait on the front porch and one near the back porch. There are chairs both of the places so they won’t have to stand up all the time. Standing for twelve hours would be hard on them. All four are strong but not used to just standing. They’ll walk around part of the time.”
The doorbell rang. KC set down his spoon. “I’ll see who that is. Don’t let anything happen to my cobbler.”
Henry Chambers wandered into the kitchen. “Did I hear the doorbell?”
The marshal came back into the kitchen with two men. “Folks, this is Bert Holland and Cal Worcester. Men, I reckon you know Creighton Reed and Henry Chambers. This is Miss Brubaker, Henry’s niece who came to help take care of Mrs. Chambers.”
They exchanged greetings then the marshal showed them where to stand guard. KC returned to the kitchen to finish his cobbler. “Ted Ross and Dub Dennis will show up at eight. You know them?”
Creighton said, “Know both of them. Good men as far as I know.”
Henry sat at the table. “I feel much better with them here. Maybe I can relax.”
“Don’t relax too much even though they’re here. As Creighton said, they’re good men but two men can only cover so much territory.”
&
nbsp; “I’ll be listening. Pauline probably will but Henry needs his rest and so does Mrs. Chambers.”
Pauline looked at him. “You’re right about me listening for strange noises. I’m a pretty light sleeper anyway. Won’t the men on the front and back porch give away that Creighton is inside?”
“I put out word that I was worried about your aunt and uncle since your uncle had once worked with the man.”
“Good idea.” Creighton leaned his elbows on the table. “You do look worried, Marshal. Is there something you’re not telling us?”
KC finished his cobbler and leaned back to stretch his arms over his head. “Has been… but now is as good a time as any to tell you the bad news. Sol,” he glanced at Pauline, “that’s the man who runs the rail depot, is sure he recalls seeing this man back in town.”
After his stretch he crossed his arms across his chest. “Newell and I have been taking turns showing the photograph to every business along Main Street. Wes at the barber shop spotted him yesterday. He says the man had a trim and a shave when he was here a few weeks ago. He’s sure he saw the same man walk by his shop.”
Pauline frowned. “You’d think Taggart or whatever his real name is would try to hide the fact he’s here. Sounds like he’s flaunting his presence.”
Creighton agreed. “Maybe he thinks with all the people coming and going each day that no one would notice him.”
KC shook his head. “Lately about three hundred people have arrived in Creede every day by train and the same number left. I guarantee you that I could lose myself among that many and I’ll bet you could, too. My guess is he thinks he’s smarter than we are and it gives him a thrill to take chances in order to put one over on us.”
The marshal pushed back from the table and stood. “So far, he’s ahead but we’ll catch him soon.” KC left.
The day dragged. For him, in one way it seemed he’d been here days. The heat and sound of the blaze wouldn’t leave him. His escape had been a close thing.
Creighton took a sponge bath and changed into his new clothes. He’d never had two sets of new clothes at one time before now. KC had done a credible job of choosing shirts he’d like. Both shirts were blue and the pants tan, which was what the soiled ones were. He’d forgotten to ask for new suspenders so he had to use the dirty braces. He washed his hair under the pump in the kitchen. After cleaning up, he sure felt and smelled better.
Polka With Pauline Page 8
