Hyacinth nodded. “Frank hit Joey ’cause brother was protecting me.” She sniffled. “I was scared and couldn’t stop crying.”
Garnet hugged the little girl. “Of course not. That was a frightening experience that would make a grown up cry. I hope nothing that bad ever happens again.”
Garnet hugged Cordelia. “Thank you for putting duty above what must have brought back painful memories. I’m sorry you had to come here.”
Cordelia’s eyes were moist but she put up a brave front. “I’m the marshal and I perform my job as well as possible. I certainly wasn’t going to abandon you or these children.”
As her friend spoke, Garnet thought about the Millers. They had the ammunition they needed to say she was unfit to raise the children. What were they thinking even now?
Adam lifted Hyacinth. “Let’s go home.”
Aubrey twined his fingers with Cordelia’s. “Sounds like a fine idea. Bennett, I’ll see you get your reward for the three men. We won’t try to recover their bodies. Too dangerous.”
Cordelia turned to him. “You’d better believe that, Aubrey Bowles. The edge of that hole may crumble more. Someone needs to build a fence around there so no one accidentally falls into the crater.”
Aubrey sent her a weary smile. “Good idea. We don’t want any of the local daredevils going there. That’s the kind of thing teen-aged boys would do for adventure.”
They mounted their horses. Hyacinth rode with Garnet and Joey rode with Adam.
He led the way toward town. “When it’s daylight, I’ll come back to find the horses. I don’t know if any of my gear is still with my mule, but I hope so.”
Aubrey rode alongside Adam. “I’ll come with you tomorrow morning. Not too early.”
“That sounds about right. About ten good for you?”
“I’ll be at the café at ten.” He kneed his horse and led Cordelia toward town at a lope.
With the children riding double, Garnet and Adam rode slower. By the time they turned in the horses at the livery and carried the children home, the time was after midnight.
The Millers had left a note propped on the table and anchored by the salt shaker. Adam picked it up and handed it to Garnet. Heads together, they read it.
Doctor sedated Eunice. Hope you’ve got the children with you safe and sound. Front door is locked and I put a sign on the door that says Closed For Family Emergency so you don’t have to worry about the breakfast crowd tomorrow.
HM
Adam carried Joey but locked the back door. “Let’s get the kids to bed. They can clean up in the morning.”
Garnet hugged a sleeping Hyacinth to her. “I can make it up the stairs but not much farther. Bed will feel good.”
Harold poked his head out of the bedroom. “Thanks be to God for His mercy, you have the children. You can tell me about it at breakfast.” He retreated and closed the door.
When they’d tucked in the children, Garnet and Adam went to their bedroom. She removed her half boots and crawled under the cover fully clothed. “I’m too tired to undress.”
“I’m too dusty not to shed these clothes.” She heard him stripping but was asleep before he came to bed.
Usually, Garnet rose at half past five. This morning, the sun was up when she woke. “I’ve overslept.”
Adam shoved his shirttail into his britches. “Doesn’t matter. By now everyone in town knows what happened. Harold left that sign on the door so you’re covered.”
Garnet had never had a hangover but she thought this must be what one was like. Her head pounded and she ached everywhere, making her uncharacteristically grumpy. “Adam, of course it matters. There are a lot of strangers in town who have to eat somewhere. I’m losing money, money I’ll need to get through the winter.”
“You’re not a work horse and you needed rest. What’s done is done.”
Garnet sighed. “Sorry I snapped. We’ve both forgotten that this is Sunday and I’m always closed.”
She put her hands on her cheeks. “I’m so worried about what the Millers will say. We’ll have to go to court to get custody for sure. You know they’ll blame me for this. They’ll be right, too.”
“Lawson was a greedy killer. How is that your fault? No one could place this at your door.”
“I was in charge of the children and I let them out of my sight. That’s how I’m to blame.”
“You can’t be with them day and night. You can’t keep them in their rooms like a prison, either.” He opened the bedroom door.
Hyacinth and Joey were standing where they’d been waiting.
Garnet’s niece hugged her legs. “Joey said I couldn’t bother you. Grandma said I hafta take a bath. Do I?”
After lifting the little girl to her arms, Garnet hugged her. “Yes, dear, you need a bath.” She looked at her nephew. “You do, too, Joey.”
“I figured but I don’t care because I’m home with you and Adam.”
Garnet’s heart pounded so hard she thought Adam must hear. Now that Frank was no longer on the loose, Adam had no reason to stay. She held her breath, willing him to answer that he would remain here with them. She was disappointed.
Adam ruffled Joey’s hair as they headed toward the stairs. “That you are. Hope you’re recovering from your ordeal this morning.”
Joey was solemn. “I won’t ever forget that man grabbing us, but I knew I could depend on you two to rescue Hyacinth and me. I was sure scared that Frank might shoot you, though.”
Garnet had feared the same thing.
In the kitchen, Adam grabbed a cup. “Coffee sure smells good. Glad you started it, Eunice.”
Eunice tentatively smiled. “I thought we could all use some first thing this morning. You two sit at the table and I’ll make ham and eggs. My biscuits aren’t as fluffy as Garnet’s but they’ll do.”
Garnet couldn’t believe her ears. She was still shaky and was willing to sit and hold Hyacinth. Good heavens, the clock displayed eight o’clock. She couldn’t remember when she’d slept this late.
Adam sat with his legs outstretched until Joey climbed onto his lap. “We missed supper yesterday. I wonder if the rest of you are as hungry as I am.”
Harold rubbed his belly. “I figure I can afford to skip a meal or two. In spite of that, I’m looking forward to a big breakfast.
Despair wrapped around Garnet. Regardless of what Adam did, she could not lose these precious children. She dreaded a court battle. If Adam left, what chance would she have to win? None, that’s what.
Her niece threw her arms around Garnet’s neck. “I’m sure glad Joey and I have you and Adam. We’re a nice family, aren’t we?”
Garnet hugged Hyacinth to her. “The nicest.”
Harold looked at his granddaughter. “Nicer than your mother, Hyacinth?”
The little girl looked at him. “Different. Garnet said we can’t ever forget our real mama and papa. She hung a picture in my room and one in Joey’s to help us remember.”
Joey turned to look at his grandfather. “Adam spends more time with us than Papa did. Papa had to work in the mine all day. He didn’t get to see us much except on Sunday. Adam is here every day and talks to us and plays games with us. He’s even nice to our friends.”
Adam looked at Joey as if perplexed. “Of course I am. You’re a special boy and girl and they’re your friends. That makes them welcome here.”
Eunice served breakfast. “The range here sure is a nice one.”
Garnet took a slice of ham from the platter. “I agree. I love having hot water available.
The children brought the butter and jam to the table. They talked about the festival while they ate. Apparently no one wanted to relive the horror of the kidnapping.
Aubrey arrived as they were finishing their meal. “Sorry, I’m a little early.”
Eunice asked, “Have you had breakfast, sheriff?”
“Yes, ma’am, but thank you. Bennett, you ready to go?”
“I am.” He stood. “We’re going t
o find the horses those men used. We can’t leave them tied or hobbled somewhere with no food or water and no defense against predators.”
Joey grabbed Adam’s sleeve. “Can I come?”
“You promise to do exactly what I say?”
The little boy crossed his heart. “I will, I promise.”
Garnet’s temper flared. “Adam, he needs to stay here. He’s too young to go out like that.”
Adam took her hand and knelt in front of her. “Honey, Joey needs to go back there to conquer his fear. I know you’re especially good with the children, but I was a little boy and I know this. Going back up there right away is the only way he’ll heal from what happened.”
“You should have asked me before you asked him. We should have talked it over.”
He brushed tendrils of hair from her face. “You’re right and I apologize. I’ll remember in the future.”
She sighed. “You’d better make sure he doesn’t get hurt.” Did in the future mean he planned to be here?
Joey jumped up and down. “Yay, I get to go on a horse.”
Hyacinth patted Garnet’s face. “I don’t want to go. That horse was bumpy.”
“Thank you for staying here with your grandparents and me. We’d be lonely if both you and Joey went with Adam.”
Eunice grabbed Garnet’s hand. “We’d like to know what happened and how it all came about.”
“You deserve to know. Hyacinth, why don’t you go get Molly while I talk to your grandparents? I’ll bet you need to tell her what happened.”
The little girl’s eyes widened. “I do. I’ll bet she worried about me.” She ran up the stairs.
Garnet explained about the jewelry and Frank’s obsession with it. While she was confessing, she included why Adam had stayed there.
Harold appeared disapproving. “You mean you’re not really married?”
Garnet held up a hand. “Oh, yes, we’re married. Adam’s been wonderful about helping me. The children adore him. What I wanted you to understand is that he came here to find Frank Lawson, the man who kidnapped the children. When Frank broke out of prison, he killed a friend of Adam’s from Army days.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Adam kept scanning the area as they rode. That and making sure Joey didn’t fall off his horse. To be sure, Adam held the reins for now. Joey appeared content to hold on to the pommel.
The three of them circled the old mine. By day, the sight of that gaping hole was frightening. How he’d survived was a miracle. Chills ran up his spine. He almost hadn’t come out of that alive.
They widened their circle until they sighted the camp. His tent was set up and the horses hobbled between two trees. Adam tied up his rented horse and helped Joey to the ground. “Come on, son, and meet my horse, Brandy.”
“Hello, old boy. How have you been treated?” Adam examined the horse, looking for sores or pulled muscles. The horse nuzzled him as if happy to see him.
“He sure is a pretty horse.” Joey petted Brandy’s nose.
A loud bray made Adam laugh. “Come on, Joey, and I’ll introduce you to the orneriest mule alive.”
He strode to the animal. “I’m not forgetting you, Mossy. Sure glad to see you. How are you?” While he checked the mule, Mossy chattered at him.
Joey laughed. “Mossy sounds like he’s scolding you for letting those men steal him.”
“I’m sure he is. He has an opinion about everything.”
Adam was sure happy to see his saddlebags. He examined the contents. Clothes were missing, but he didn’t care about those. His papers and mementos were there.
Aubrey called, “You know if the horses stolen from your friend are among these?”
Adam strode to them. “These two on the end. See the LF brand?”
“Yep. Found old letters with what I guess are the names of the two helping Lawson. Match up to the wanted posters.”
Adam kept searching. “I found my rifle inside the tent, but don’t see my Colt. You come across one?”
Aubrey shook his head. “Naw, you might as well keep the one Cordelia gave you. Looks like a pretty good rig and whoever it once belonged to must be either dead or in prison.”
“Found my papers. Food’s gone, but most of the gear is here. Sure glad to have my animals and saddles back.”
They’d brought oats for the horses and Mossy. Once they animals had a chance to eat, he led them to a stream nearby. After they’d drunk and were back in camp, he saddled Brandy.
Adam felt Joey’s eyes on his every move.
Joey asked, “Will I get a horse someday?”
Adam was not getting caught in Garnet’s crosshairs again. “I’ll have to talk that over with Garnet, but I imagine so. You’ll have to be old enough to care for the horse as well as ride. A man needs a horse out here but they’re a big responsibility.”
He collapsed the tent and stowed it on Mossy, along with camping gear and bedroll. After covering the pack with a tarp, he secured the load.
“Joey, I’ll help you mount.” He didn’t know how he was going to lead four animals and keep tabs on Joey. He tied the reins of Joey’s horse to Mossy’s pack. The last thing the mule would do was bolt and run. He tied the horses in tandem them mounted Brandy.
“Sure feels good to be in my saddle on my horse.”
Aubrey led the two criminals’ horses and tied their reins to his saddle. “What will you do about your friend’s horses?” He mounted his horse.
“What do you suggest? Lance didn’t have any family but had hoped to marry soon as he found a wife.”
“Then I reckon they’re yours unless you want to donate them to the town or county.”
“If you think it’ll be okay, I’d like to keep them. Lance was a good friend. I don’t think he’d mind.”
“Shouldn’t since you tracked the man who killed him. Not much consolation for your friend, but justice in the broader sense.”
“Sometimes that’s all we have, isn’t it?”
“And, sometimes, not even that.”
***
When she’d finished explaining about Frank to the Millers, she called to her niece, “Hyacinth, you should have your bath before lunch.” To her guests, she said, “Will you excuse me? I need to hurry so I can finish preparing our noon meal.”
Eunice asked, “Can I give her a bath? It’s been so long since I bathed Desdemona.”
“If you wish. I’ll get her fresh clothes.”
Hyacinth skipped to the bathing room. “Don’t forget my bath time things.”
Garnet rolled her eyes, wondering if Eunice realized what her granddaughter’s baths involved. She gathered the clean clothes as well as the toys she wanted in the tub with her. Along the way, she grabbed a stool for Eunice to sit on while she helped Hyacinth.
“Remember, there’s only enough hot water for a few inches in the tub. Don’t try to talk Grandma into more.”
“Oka-a-a-y. Grandma, in summer I get to have the tub half full so I can play swim.”
Garnet opened a cupboard. “Here’s a towel and washcloth. Eunice, do you want me to stay and help or do you want to do this solo?”
“Let me do it on my own.”
“Call out if you need me.” Garnet didn’t know whether to go downstairs or wait nearby. She decided Eunice had survived bathing three children and could tackle one little girl of six.
Maybe.
Garnet recalled the scars on Dessie’s back. She had trouble visualizing the couple she’d come to know indulging in that inhumane behavior. Nevertheless, she’d seen the scars when she’d helped nurse Dessie during a bout of influenza.
With a sigh, Garnet went to the kitchen to prepare lunch. She’d already put the roast in the oven, usual Sunday fare because it cooked while they attended church.
She was setting the table when she heard a screech.
Hyacinth cried, “Garnet, Grandma fell.”
Chapter Twenty Two
Garnet raced up the stairs. When she reached the bathin
g room, Howard was helping Eunice to her feet.
Water pooled on the floor and Eunice’s dress had wet splotches, to say nothing of the back where she’d sat on the floor.
“I’m all right.” She shook free from Harold’s hands then grabbed his arm to steady herself. “Hyacinth Chandler, you are a spoiled child.”
Eunice glared at Garnet. “Does she make this much of a mess when you bathe her?”
Garnet shook her head. “Never. Hyacinth, what on earth caused so much water on the floor?”
“Grandma combed my hair while I was in the tub. She pulled and it hurt.” She looked down. “I musta splashed.”
Harold shook his finger at the little girl. “You need your hide tanned, young lady.”
Garnet wrapped a towel around Hyacinth and lifted her. “No child needs his hide tanned. I saw the scars on Dessie’s back. Anyone who treats a child like that needs to be horsewhipped.” She grabbed the clean clothes, turned, and marched to Hyacinth’s room.
She dried her niece and helped her dress. With a gentle hand, she combed tangles from Hyacinth’s hair. “You were rude to Grandma. Plus, she could have really hurt herself from slipping on the wet floor. What if there was so much water it ruined the ceiling downstairs?”
“I’m sorry.” Hyacinth crossed her arms. “I don’t like her taking care of me. Garnet, I want you.”
“People don’t always get what they want, dear. You will stay in your room until I say you can come out. I’ll go clean up your mess.”
Near tears, she feared what this had done to the chances of keeping the children. The entire weekend had been one disaster after another.
She carried the towel back to the bathing room and mopped up the water on the floor. After pulling the plug from the drain, she collected the toys her niece enjoyed having in the tub. She wrung out the towel and hung it over the rim to dry.
Hyacinth was a little spoiled, but Garnet thought that was a good thing. Dessie and Joe had started her that way and Garnet had continued. In her opinion, every child needed to feel special, especially one whose world had collapsed.
Adam had spoiled Garnet. Even though theirs wasn’t a true marriage as far as intimate relations, in other ways it was more real than hers had been with Michael. She wished Adam would come home and tell her he was staying.
Garnet Page 10
