May couldn’t help showing her surprise at her father’s announcement. “Divorce?”
Reaching over, he took her hand in his. “I never should’ve married the woman. This trip made it all too clear how unsuitable we are for each other.”
“She’s a viper, Father.”
Dilly lifted a brow. “A viper? Why, yes, May. I do believe that is a good description of her. Although I never expected her to be a part of this.” He swept his hand toward the cells, looking at Gabe. “It’s hard to believe asking for a divorce would prompt her to kill Mrs. Worthington.”
“Oliver said it was about money.”
Dilly’s brows scrunched together. “How would killing her provide them with money?”
Gabe clenched his hands on the desk, shaking his head in a quick jerk. “I don’t know. But I’m going to find out.”
Caleb kept his hand on the small of May’s back as they walked Dilly back to the hotel. Afterward, they’d stop by the clinic to check on Clare. The only news they’d received indicated Charles and Clay had done what they could and she was still alive.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to sit with you, Father?”
Entering the hotel, he took her hand between his two larger ones. “There’s no need, sweetheart. I’d rather you find out how Clare is doing and let me know. Please let Charles know I’ll do anything I can to help.”
“Did you have any idea of the connection between Clare’s late husband, Raymond, and your wife’s late husband, Harry?” Caleb asked.
“Connection? I’m sorry, but I don’t know what you mean.”
Nodding toward an alcove in the hotel lobby, Caleb lowered his voice. “Pauline is Harry Billings’ widow. His brother, Raymond, is Clare’s late husband.”
Pinching the bridge of his nose, Dilly shook his head. “I had no idea.”
May touched Caleb’s arm. “How did you learn of this?”
“Oliver told us before I left to get Dilly. It took a while for us to sort out his ramblings, but we finally figured out what he meant. It still doesn’t tell us why he and Pauline wanted to kill Clare. All we know for certain is the shooting was about money.”
“I could talk to Pauline. Maybe she’ll tell me.”
“Thanks, Dilly, but Gabe, Mack, and Dutch will question her and Oliver. If anyone can get them to talk, it’s those three.” Caleb scanned the lobby, still on watch for Chad Devlin.
Dilly looked between May and Caleb. “I don’t believe I’ve met Dutch.”
“He’s another deputy. Dutch got back into town not long ago after helping a friend in Denver. He’s a former Pinkerton agent and is very good at interrogations.”
May worried her bottom lip. “Perhaps Charles and Clare know more, Caleb.”
“A good reason for both of you to leave for the clinic. I’ll be staying in my room. I need to pack Pauline’s and Oliver’s belongings. No matter what Gabe learns, those two are out of my life forever.”
Leaning up, May kissed her father’s check. “I’m so sorry.”
“It’s odd. When your mother died, I believed I’d lost everything. With Pauline, I don’t feel anything at all, except a bit of relief.”
May and Caleb watched Dilly walk up the stairs before leaving for the clinic. During their short time in the lobby, it had started to snow, the temperature dropping several degrees. Caleb wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close as they headed to the clinic.
Once inside, May knocked on the door to one of the examination rooms, holding her breath. When Charles opened it, she and Caleb were stunned to see Clare sitting up in bed.
“You’re all right.” May brushed past Charles. “We thought…”
“I thought the same when I first saw the wound,” Charles said. “There was so much blood, I couldn’t get a clear view of the damage. Of course, I was a little upset at the time, which may have added to the way I perceived the injury. Turns out, the bullet lodged in her shoulder. With rest, Clare will be fine in a few weeks.”
A broad smile broke across May’s face. “That’s wonderful news. We’ve all been so worried about you, Clare. How are you feeling?”
“Very sore. Charles said he could give me laudanum, but I don’t like the effects of it. Instead…” She held up a glass with a small amount of whiskey. “I’ll sip this when I feel the need.” She closed her eyes, leaning back against the pillows.
“I heard they caught the person who shot her.”
Caleb gave a terse nod. “He and his mother are in jail.”
“His mother?” Charles asked.
“Pauline Bacon. Well, Pauline Billings Bacon.”
Clare gasped at Caleb’s words. “Billings?”
He nodded. “That was Pauline’s married name. Her late husband was Harry Billings.”
Clare put a hand over her mouth, her panicked gaze locking on Charles. “Should anything happen to me, Harry’s heirs were to get my portion of my late husband’s estate.”
Caleb rested a hip against the bed. “If you’re up to it, perhaps you can tell me everything from the beginning.”
May sat on the floor with Isaac, playing with blocks, while Caleb helped Dilly prepare supper. It had been a strange day for all of them.
When Gabe presented the information Caleb had obtained from Clare, Pauline had screamed, pulling her hair while ranting about the Billings family and Dilly. She blamed Clare for taking all the money that should’ve been hers and Oliver’s. Four deputies listened to her ramble, slowly piecing together Pauline’s reason for wanting Clare dead. With what they’d heard, she and her son would be in prison a long time.
“Supper is on the table, May.”
Caleb’s deep voice broke through Isaac’s laughter, causing a rush of warmth to curl in her stomach. Inside this house were the three people who meant the most to her. She didn’t know what she’d do if she lost any one of them.
Standing, she held out her hand. “Come on, Isaac. Your father has supper ready.”
Jumping up, he ran to the table, climbing onto the chair Caleb had carved his name into. May went to pull out her chair, stopping when Caleb beat her to it. Scraping the chair over the wood floor, he waited for her to take a seat.
“This looks wonderful, Caleb.”
“Your father did most of the work.”
May tilted her head at Dilly. “I didn’t know you could cook.”
Shrugging, he scooped up a forkful of potatoes. “A man has to eat.”
Isaac chattered all through the meal while May and Caleb stole glances at each other. This was what May wanted. Being home every night with Caleb and Isaac, building a future with them, growing a family.
If only Caleb wanted the same.
Chapter Twenty-Two
After supper, Dilly offered to stay with Isaac while Caleb walked May to the boardinghouse. He kept his arm around her shoulders, unwilling to let her get even a few inches away.
As they walked, his gaze moved over the town, his gut sounding a warning he refused to ignore. There’d been no sign of Chad since he’d entered the kitchen and scared May. With no trace of him for several days, most men would believe the outlaw had ridden out of town by now. Caleb knew differently.
Chad had no reason to confront May, unless he meant it as a message for Caleb. The hairs on the back of his neck prickled as they approached the boardinghouse. Picking up the pace, he led her onto the boardwalk and through the front door.
Caleb dropped his arm, turning her toward him. “Stay here. I’ll be right back.”
“But—”
The door closed before May could get the rest out.
Rushing to the window, she watched Caleb walk across the street toward the livery. With each step, he shifted, glancing one way, then another. Stopping outside the livery, he turned back toward the boardinghouse before walking the short distance to the lumberyard. Again, he stopped, doing the same as outside the livery.
May didn’t have to be told whom he sought. Although he’d said nothing
, she knew Caleb still worried about the man who’d frightened her. He was certain the man was still in Splendor, even though no one had seen him in several days. She blew out a relieved breath when Caleb walked back toward the boardinghouse, still looking up and down the street. Her heart lurched when he stopped, then ran up the street in the direction of the St. James.
Hurrying outside, May watched, seeing him disappear behind the newly finished church. Chest tightening, she followed, knowing Caleb would chastise her for possibly putting herself in danger. Too bad. She had no intention of letting him walk into a dangerous situation alone.
Before she reached the church, Caleb came around the other side, muttering a curse when he spotted her. Stopping a few inches away, he placed fisted hands on his hips.
“What do you think you’re doing, leaving the boardinghouse when I told you to stay?”
She’d never heard his voice this cold, his face twisted in anger. May’s anger rose as well, but she forced herself to remain calm.
“I was worried about you.”
“So you just ran outside, not thinking how you might be putting yourself in danger?” His breathing was hard, his tone shifting from anger to disgust. Or was it concern?
Swallowing, she took a step toward him, reaching out to rest her palm against his chest. “I saw you run up the street. It scared me, so I followed.” Searching the lines of worry on his face, she leaned up, kissing his chin. “Were you looking for the man who came into the kitchen?”
“Ah hell, May.”
Placing a hand on the small of her back, he took quick steps toward the St. James, his gaze still searching the area. Guiding her inside, he headed straight to the desk.
“Good evening, Thomas.”
“Hello, Deputy Covington, Miss Bacon. Are you here for supper?”
“Actually, I’d like a room for May. One near her father, if that’s possible.”
“Certainly.” Thomas ran a finger down the guest list. “Let me see what we have.”
Gripping his arm, May tugged him away from the desk. “What do you think you’re doing?”
“Trying to keep you safe.”
“I’m safe at the boardinghouse, Caleb.”
“You’ll be safer here, May. Which means I’ll sleep better.”
“Deputy. We have a room right next to Mr. Bacon.”
“Thanks, Thomas.” Bending over the register, Caleb signed his name, paid for the room, and palmed the key. “Do you have an extra key to her room?”
Thomas’s brow shot up. “Well, yes. We always keep two extra for each room.”
Caleb held out his hand. “I’ll take one of them. And to answer your question, no, I am not staying with May.” A grin tipped his lips at the shock on Thomas’s face. Turning, he took May’s arm.
“I don’t want you paying for a room, Caleb. It’s too expensive and I don’t need it.” She tried to tug her arm free, feeling his grip tighten. “Darn you.”
Chuckling, he led her up the stairs. “Such language, Miss Bacon.” He ignored her derisive snort, escorting her to a room next to her father’s. Unlocking the door, he looked around, then guided her inside. “Stay here and do not leave. I’ll ask Suzanne to pack some of your clothes. Tomorrow is Sunday. I’ll be here with Isaac to escort you to church.”
Hands clenched in front of her, May stared at him as if he were mad. “You can’t force me to stay here. I’ll not allow you to order me around because of some whim.”
“Whim?” Caleb shouted, fisted hands on his hips. “Do you know why I ran up the street tonight?”
Lifting her face, she jutted out her chin. “No, but I—”
His next words cut off whatever else she meant to say. “Because I’m certain the man who frightened you was watching us. He stood in the shadows, and by your description, I’ve no doubt of his identity. He watched us from the livery until we reached the boardinghouse. I lost him for a bit, then saw him again near the church. That’s when I ran up the street.”
Crossing her arms, she glared up at him. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“And what would you have done?” He saw the instant his words registered, dropping his hands to his sides. Caleb didn’t want her to know the man’s true identity or his possible reason for being in Splendor. It would only scare her further. Voice softening, he took her hands in his. “This is my job, May. Until I know he means you no harm or he leaves town, I need to know you’re safe.”
Shoulders slumping under his pleading gaze, she let out a breath. “All right, Caleb. But I don’t want to stay here more than a couple nights.”
Leaning down, he brushed a kiss across her lips. “You may grow to like it. It’s certainly more convenient to get to work. Just walk down the back stairs and you’ll be in the kitchen.”
“With Christmas on Wednesday, I don’t return to work until Thursday. Gary offered to prepare food for the hotel guests. Lena doesn’t expect there to be many, so he won’t need my help in the kitchen.”
“Good. Then I’ll know where you’ll be.”
She lifted her chin again. “I am not staying in this room for four days, Caleb.”
“You’re right. You’ll be with me.”
Caleb stood with Gabe, several deputies, and Dom outside church, his gaze fixed on May. She held Isaac’s hand while speaking with Sylvia and a few other women. Church had ended ten minutes earlier, and he’d wasted no time calling the men together.
“You’re certain it was Devlin you saw last night, Caleb?”
“Not a doubt in my mind, Gabe. He never left town.”
“And he’s been watching you and May,” Hex added, scanning the crowd, the same as the other men. “The poster says he’s still wanted for murder and robbing more than one stage.”
Gabe’s gaze found Lena in the group of women, knowing how he’d feel if anyone came after his wife. “We need to find him.”
Cash rubbed his chin while he watched Allie talking with May. He looked at Gabe. “There’s a quick way to find him.”
Caleb watched a look pass between the two men, jaw clenching when he understood. “Absolutely not. We’re not using May as bait to draw Devlin to us.”
“Think about it, Caleb.” Gabe narrowed his gaze on him. “When Devlin is ready to make a move, he’ll want you to know it’s him. That means he’ll come out in the open. When he does, we’ll be ready.”
Dragging a hand down his face, he shook his head. “No. There has to be another way.”
Mack stepped next to him. “Tell us what it is. This is your decision to make, Caleb.”
Massaging the back of his neck, he blew out a breath. “I don’t have another idea.”
Seeing Noah standing near the church with Abby and their son, Gabe motioned him over. Waiting until his friend stood next to him, Gabe described his plan.
“Noah and Dom will be included. Noah will take a position upstairs in one of the buildings. Caleb, you and May will stay within a specific area between your house and the St. James, making it easier for the rest of us to keep you safe. Devlin will want to approach you at night when it’ll be easier for him to keep his identity secret. As a precaution during the day, May will need to stay inside or venture out only if she’s with several other people.” Gabe glanced around the circle of men. “I want this finished before Christmas.”
“If anything happens to her…” Caleb’s words faded at the unthinkable.
Noah placed a hand on his shoulder. “We won’t let it.”
Caleb sat with May, Isaac, and Dilly in the Eagle’s Nest early Sunday afternoon, doing all he could to hide his agitation. Gabe’s plan would start this evening, but he still hadn’t come to terms with putting May in danger.
Caleb had spoken to her father privately about the threat to May. He’d been taken aback when Dilly grabbed his arm, threatening death if anything happened to his daughter. Caleb understood the man’s fear. He felt it himself.
After their early supper, the four took a slow turn around town, ending at Ca
leb’s house. As planned, Dilly offered to watch Isaac so he and May could have some time alone. This meant another walk using a specific route, with Gabe, all his deputies, and Noah posted around.
Caleb not only hated the added danger to May, but the fact they weren’t alone. He couldn’t hold or kiss her, relax and talk of their possible future knowing numerous men watched over them. After an hour, he escorted May to the hotel, leaving within minutes to relieve Dilly.
Monday passed quietly, Caleb taking May and Isaac for a brief buggy ride. The cold wind chilled them as he drove north toward the Pelletier ranch, then turned back when a new wave of snow began to fall. At least the freezing temperature kept the road solid, avoiding the wheels being sucked into the mud, as would happen after a couple days of sun.
They repeated the same routine as the night before, taking a walk but still not drawing Chad out into the open. By Tuesday, Caleb’s patience had run out and guilt plagued him. He hadn’t been honest with May about her part in exposing Chad. She didn’t even know his name or his prior connection to Caleb.
Sitting across the desk from Gabe, he’d been prepared to call off another night of what seemed a wasted effort when the door crashed open and Dom walked inside.
“Devlin is camped to the northeast, just outside town. I saw him when I rode out to check some property I’m thinking of buying.”
“You’re certain it was Devlin?” Caleb asked.
“No doubt. By the time I circled around to come up behind him, he’d ridden off. The tracks showed him riding south toward Splendor.”
Gabe leaned forward. “Which means he might be planning something for tonight.”
Dom gave a curt nod. “The fact we didn’t spot him the last two nights doesn’t mean he wasn’t here, watching Caleb and May, figuring out how to get to them.” He glanced between Gabe and Caleb. “I’m certain he’ll make his move tonight.”
Pursing his lips, Gabe rocked back in his chair, jerking his thumb toward the door. “Caleb, find Mack, Cash, Beau, and the others. I’ll let Noah know we believe tonight is when Devlin will appear.”
Angel Peak Page 19
