When the race was finished, Bert McNair won. Joey was fourth place.
He dragged his feet coming over to them. “I didn’t win and didn’t get a ribbon.”
Adam ruffled his hair. “We’re real proud of you. You held your own again larger and older boys and girls.”
Joey looked up at him. “You’re not disappointed in me?”
Adam knelt in front of him. “Of course not. You did your best and that’s all anyone expects from you. We’re proud of you for trying.”
Garnet hugged his shoulders. “That’s right. We’re proud of both of you. Now, what shall we do next?”
Harold surprised her. “I believe I’ll try my hand at horseshoes. I’ve been watching and it doesn’t seem too hard.”
“Joey and I’ll go with you, Harold. What do you say, Joey, you want to try pitching horseshoes?”
“Sure.”
Hyacinth tugged on Garnet’s skirt. “Do girls play horseshoes?”
“I don’t know. Let’s go see.” Garnet had held her niece’s hand as soon as Adam set her down.
“Sorry, Hyacinth, there are no women or girls playing. Let’s just watch Adam and Joey and Grandpa.”
While they were there, Eunice wandered to stand with them. She was ashen.
Garnet touched Eunice’s shoulder. “Are you all right? Do you need to sit down somewhere?”
Eunice took a handkerchief from her sleeve cuff and dabbed her eyes. “I never realized how poor some of the people here are. Yet, they’re all so cheerful.”
“We’re sort of like a large extended family. We take care of one another when we can, offer comforting words when needed. You see, we survived a horrible tragedy by banding together and that’s how we’ve gone on each day.”
Eunice pulled her collar up around her throat. “Do you think Dessie was happy in this barren place?”
“I’m positive she was and she didn’t think of it as a barren place. She and Joe were a truly devoted couple. They loved the children and showed they did every day. I’ve carefully followed Dessie’s schedule for Hyacinth and Joey. Even though they lost their parents, they haven’t had to endure other significant changes.” She hoped Eunice got that hint.
Hyacinth hugged Garnet’s skirts. “I love you. You always take good care of us.”
“I love you, too, Princess Hyacinth. I’ll always do my very best for you.” She gestured to the horseshoe court. “Look, Grandpa and Adam and Joey are having their turn.”
Hyacinth craned her neck this way and that. “I can’t see.”
Garnet lifted her niece. “Now you can.”
She felt Eunice’s eyes watching her but she didn’t care. If the woman didn’t approve of showing affection in public then so be it. She wanted the children to always know they were loved.
Chapter Eighteen
Garnet saw Harold blush when he learned Eunice had witnessed his game. “Didn’t hurt anything to pitch a few horseshoes.”
Eunice sniffed. “Did I say anything to the contrary?”
He pulled at his earlobe. “No, but I know that face.”
Garnet indicated the hotel behind them. “I hear they’re judging the pie contest now. After they’ve finished, they’ll cut the pies and sell slices. Shall we go inside?”
Adam peered over those in front of them. “The place is jam-packed. Eunice, why don’t you wriggle in and find a seat. We’ll wait out here until there aren’t so many people.”
“You wouldn’t mind?”
“Of course not. Or, if you prefer, you can go to the rooms over the café and watch the goings on up and down the street.”
Eunice brightened. “What a good idea. I’ll go upstairs and look out the bedroom window. I’ll see you later.”
Harold nodded to them and rushed after his wife. “Wait, I’ll come with you.”
Adam leaned near Garnet’s ear. “Finally rid of them and on our own. Are you enjoying the afternoon?”
“Watching the races with my family was wonderful. I hope this is an annual event.”
“Sure to be.” He gestured in an arc. “Look around us. People appear to be enjoying themselves. More people are arriving the later it gets. I hope you plan on dancing with me tonight.”
“I didn’t know if we’d go to the dance. I’m sure Eunice and Harold won’t approve.”
“Aw, they don’t approve of much. Try to give yourself a break and forget about the Millers for a while.”
“Adam, I confess I can’t completely relax. I examine every stranger’s face. I wonder if he’s one of Frank’s gang. I don’t know how you do this as an occupation. I’d go mad.”
He scanned the crowd. “I’ve looked at everyone who’s passed us. Believe me, this is my final case. After Lawson is captured, I’m retiring to a nice, normal job with no travel.”
She hoped he’d stay in Wildcat Ridge. “The reward bounty should help you start whatever business you wish. Have you given thought to what that might be?”
“I’ve given it a lot of thought, Mrs. Bennett. When I have the cash in hand, then I’ll share my decision with you. For now, things are too iffy.”
“Man of mystery.”
Joey tugged at Adam’s sleeve. “Can we go sign up for the three-legged race? Hyacinth and I practiced at home.”
Adam knelt to look the two in the face. “Are you sure?”
Hyacinth put her hand on his cheek. “I can do it, Adam. Brother helped me learn.”
Joey laid his hand on Adam’s shoulder. “We did it in the hall at home.”
Adam stood and looked at Garnet with widened eyes, as if to ask what he should do.
She knelt in front of them. “The road won’t be smooth like the hall. Remember how many children fell in the sack race?”
Joey clasped his hands as if begging. “Please, oh, please, Garnet. Fergus and Jon are entering. So are Orla and Nula.”
She stood. “I suppose so, but it’s against my better judgment.”
“Yay.” Hyacinth clapped her hands.
Joey took her hand. “Come on, let’s go get ready.”
The two ran ahead.
Garnet called, “Children, wait for us.”
Adam called, “Joey, Hyacinth, stay with us.” He grabbed Garnet’s hand. “Come on, I’ve lost sight of them.”
They threaded their way through the crowd.
They reached the start of the three-legged race. Children were lining up at the start line.
Garnet searched each direction. Panic rose in her throat. “I don’t see them.”
“I don’t either. Let’s ask the man running the contest.”
Garnet tugged his hand. “Mr. Reilly, have you seen my niece and nephew?”
He peered around. “They were right here not five seconds ago but I don’t see them now.”
Tommy Bridges stopped wrapping his leg to that of Sean and turned to Garnet. “I saw them. They went with that man who said he was your cousin. They didn’t look happy.”
Garnet sank to her knees. “Dear merciful heaven, Frank has them.” She wanted to curl into a ball and weep. She couldn’t give in to her fright. What She had to do was find her children.
Adam lifted her up and supported her. “Tommy, which way did they go?”
He pointed. “Down to the end of the block and then they turned north.”
“Tommy, Sean, this is real important or I wouldn’t ask you to skip the race. The man who took them is a killer. I need for you to find the marshal or the sheriff and tell whichever one you find what you just told me. Tell them Frank Lawson has Joey and Hyacinth Chandler. Frank Lawson, got that? My wife and I are going to the café kitchen to see if there’s been a ransom note.”
He placed an arm around her shoulders. “Come on, honey, we have to get back to the café. He may have left a note for you. You can do it, put one foot in front of the other.”
Tears fell from her eyes. “I will, Adam. Oh, no, what will Eunice and Harold say? They’ll never agree to leave the children here now.”
<
br /> He shepherded her toward the café. “Don’t think about that now. First I have to find them and bring them home.”
When they reached the café’s back door, they found a piece of paper wedged in the door.
Garnet grabbed the note. “Open the door, so we can see what it says.”
Someone had left a lamp burning on the table. Garnet and Adam rushed to the light.
Bring the jewelry to the old mine or the kids die. Be quick. If you’re not here by midnight, they’re dead.
She sank onto a seat. “It’s in Wells Fargo’s safe except for the pieces I promised you for helping me.”
“Maybe that’s all we’ll need. Are the others in a case, a box, what?”
“They were in Great-Gran’s jewelry box, which is in delicate condition. I-I kept the box and put the jewels in a small purse.”
“Get the box and the pieces you saved out. Are you able to do that? If not, tell me where they are and I’ll get them.”
Cordelia and Aubrey rushed in the kitchen.
“You have a ransom demand.” Aubrey grabbed the note.
Cordelia patted Garnet on the shoulder. “Doc Spense is on his way. He’ll give you something to calm you.”
“I don’t want to be calmed. I want my children.”
Adam knelt in front of her and took her hands. “Tell me where the box and the pieces you saved are.”
“In the chest of drawers but I’ll come with you. I’ll have to tell Eunice and Harold something.”
She rose but leaned heavily on Adam. “How difficult it must be to always have to be strong like you are.”
“You’re always strong. Just hold on for a few more hours.”
Chapter Nineteen
In their bedroom, Adam guided her to the chest. She opened a drawer and took out an aged jewelry box. Inside were the brooch and bracelet she’d saved for him.
He took them from her. “Will you wait here and rest?”
“You know the answer to that. Frank will expect me to come.”
When they were in the hallway, Eunice and Harold came out of their bedroom.
Eunice hurried forward. “What’s happened? What’s all the commotion downstairs in the kitchen?”
“There’s no good way to say this. The children have been kidnapped.”
“What are you doing here then?” Harold demanded.
Eunice started sobbing. “Those poor children. They’ll be so scared.”
Adam guided Garnet toward the stairs. “The county sheriff and town marshal are downstairs. We came back here to see if there had been a ransom demand and there had been. Garnet had the ransom—at least the part we’re taking—in our room.”
Harold motioned them ahead. “We’ll follow you to the kitchen.”
They went to the kitchen table and Garnet sat before she collapsed. Eunice and Harold also took a seat.
Aubrey had unrolled a map and had it spread on the table. He and the marshal leaned over it. “Cordelia and I can stay hidden here.” He tapped the map.
Harold slapped a hand on the table. “I’ll go along.”
Aubrey sent Harold a glare. “No, just us four—Garnet, Adam, Cordelia, and me. More than that might cause Lawson to do something foolish.”
Garnet used a handkerchief to dry her tears. “Frank has a terrible temper. I think he’s insane.”
Adam stood behind her, soothing her by rubbing her shoulders. “He must be mad to have done the things he has. Don’t worry, honey, we’ll get our children back.”
Aubrey rolled up the map. “Bundle up. We’ll go to the livery and get horses. Garnet, can you ride?”
“Yes, and not just sidesaddle.”
The timbre of Adam’s voice changed. “Each of us needs a lantern. We’ll also need a rope to tie up the men we capture.”
Garnet knew his mind was at the mine, already plotting this fight. She held tight to the jewelry box. Yearning to hold the children almost defeated her.
Adam clapped Harold on the back. “We leave you two in charge. People may stop by to inquire about the kidnapping. I don’t think there’ll be another ransom demand, but we can’t be sure.”
“Eunice and I will keep watch.” Harold nodded goodbye to those leaving.
The four strode quickly to the livery. Jasper Jones helped saddle and bridle the horses he’d chosen. When they’d mounted, they headed for the mine.
Garnet wasn’t dressed to ride astride. She tried in vain to adjust her skirt so her ankles and calves didn’t show. She soon gave it up as unimportant when the children’s lives were at stake.
Cordelia visibly shuddered. “This brings back bad memories of the mine disaster. I’ve avoided this place.”
Aubrey patted Cordelia’s arm. “No wonder. You can go back if this is too hard for you. We’ll understand completely.”
She had a disgusted expression on her face. “I’ll do my job same as you do yours.”
Eerie silence engulfed them. The Harvest Moon cast golden light. Even the predators like wolves and wildcats were quiet tonight.
As they approached the old mine, Aubrey held up his hand. “We’ll tie the horses here and go the rest of the way on foot.”
Adam helped Garnet. “He’s bound to have heard us approach. I haven’t spotted a lookout.”
“Neither have I. The mine opening is over here.” Aubrey turned toward a dark patch on the landscape.
Cordelia warned, “A gunshot inside the tunnel is likely to cause another disaster.”
Garnet summoned all her fortitude to step to the mouth of the tunnel. She imagined Cordelia was suffering from the same memories as she.
Pointing his revolver at them, Frank called, “That’s far enough. Let’s see the jewelry.”
Adam took the box from Garnet and held it so the lantern illuminated it. “I have it here. Let’s see the children.”
Frank reached to the side and grabbed Joey and Hyacinth. He shoved them in front of him.
Hyacinth was sobbing. “I want Garnet. I want her to take us home with Adam.”
Joey’s lips trembled, but he wasn’t crying. “See, she and Adam are here like I said, sister, and we can go home in a few minutes.”
Frank yelled. “I told you brats to keep quiet.”
Joey and Hyacinth winced. Garnet wanted to rush Frank and pummel him hard then shoot him. Then stomp on him.
Beside her, Adam stiffened. “Send them over here if you want the box.” He was inching forward by moving as if he were shifting his weight.
Frank held Hyacinth by her braid. “How do I know it’s not empty? Let’s see some proof.”
Adam opened the box so only he could see inside and then held up the brooch. “This what you wanted?”
Frank licked his lips. “Maybe the box is empty now.”
Garnet warned quietly, “Frank’s planning something to double cross us. Hear how his voice changed?”
Just as quietly, Adam agreed, “I noticed. Be ready to run.”
Adam opened the box and took out the bracelet. He dangled it on his finger. “This proves this box is the one Great Gran gave Garnet. If you want it, send me the children.”
Frank stayed where he was, gun in one hand and the other on Hyacinth’s head. His evil grin sent chills up Garnet’s spine.
“You bring the box here.”
Adam smiled as if this were a pleasant day’s outing. “Glad to, but I won’t hand it over until I have the children.”
Frank released Hyacinth and stuck out his hand to receive the jewelry box.
Adam lunged for the children and shoved the box at Frank. “Run!”
Adam scooped up the children and ran. Frank fired at him and missed.
A horrendous boom shook the earth and the tunnel fell into the abyss. Garnet felt the earth falling away beneath her as she ran. She turned to see Adam and the children.
Cordelia grabbed her hand and tugged her with Cordelia and Aubrey. She looked over her shoulder.
Adam tossed the children towards her. The
y ran the rest of the way. The ground beneath Adam crumbled until he dropped from sight and only his fingers showed.
“Adam!” She edged toward him.
“Stay back, I’ll pull you down if you try to help. Get the rope. Hurry, I can’t hold on much longer.”
Aubrey ran up with the rope and looped it around Adam’s arms. He and Cordelia and Garnet pulled. The edge of the cave-in crumbled and spread as they worked. The hole was like a great vortex growing wider and wider.
They appeared to be making no headway as they backed up further and further. Adam’s weight crumbled the crater’s edge. Finally, Adam inched his body upward little by little until he was on solid ground. He rolled free of the pit, sat up, and removed the rope.
Both children threw themselves at him. Garnet joined the children in embracing Adam. For a few minutes, she thought they’d lost him.
Joey hugged him. “I knew you’d come get us.”
Dust created by the cave-in had turned the tears on Hyacinth’s face into muddy tracks. “He did, Adam, he told me you’d come. That mean man said if you did he’d kill you and Garnet. I was sure scared.”
Garnet hugged all three of them. “I was scared, too. I can’t be without my family.”
Chapter Twenty
Adam stood and dusted himself off. “Sorry about your family jewelry box, Garnett. I couldn’t find a way to save it.”
He reached into his pocket and pulled out the brooch and bracelet. “I saved these for you.”
She gasped. “I was positive you put those back into the box.”
“I hoped that’s what Frank would think. Apparently he did.” He walked toward Aubrey with his hand outstretched. “Thanks for saving me. No need for a trial for Lawson and his buddies.”
The sheriff shook Adam’s hand. “Saves money and trouble. He can’t break out where he is.”
Aubrey knelt in front of the children. “Were there other men in there as well as the one who spoke with Adam?”
Joey wouldn’t let go of Garnet’s hand. “There were two. They were mean-looking but they didn’t hurt us. They just did whatever that Frank said. He acted crazy, always having temper tantrums over nothing.”
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