Sweetwater (Birdsong Series) Read online

  “That son of a bitch,” Blake growled. “I’d have shot him. Didn’t anyone come to your aide?”

  “”Yes, but not before Sam jumped Lucas. It was like David and Goliath, only David didn’t stand a chance. The sound of a gun exploding ripped through the air, and I watched Sam slowly slide down into the dirt, landing in a bloody heap. The bullet had gone clean through him, leaving his lifeless eyes staring up into the heavens. Poor Sam. Thankfully, Alice never knew her dear husband was gone. She passed that day, too.”

  Emily tried to stand, feeling the need to gather her strength. Blake helped her rise and got her a glass of cool water from the pitcher.

  “Drink this, Emmie.”

  “Thank you.” She gratefully accepted the glass and drank it all down. “Mmm. That’s good,” she sighed. “I think I want to rest now.”

  “But Emmie. What happened to you? Did you find someone in town to care for you?”

  “No.” She shook her head as she crawled under the soft covers and drew them up to her chin. “Everyone was afraid. Lucas took me with him. Good night, Blake.” She closed her eyes.

  Blake knew he should leave the room and seek his own, but he simply could not leave her alone after what she had told him. He could not believe the horrendous events that she had been forced to endure. If Lucas was the bastard she saw outside the saloon, no wonder she reacted the way she did. He swore to double his efforts at finding the identity of the two men, and if they proved to be same ones, a slow death would be too good for them.

  All night, the doctor sat rocking and watching his love, peacefully sleeping. At least she was safe here, at the hotel, in his arms. He’d vow never to leave her unprotected. Tomorrow morning, he’d talk to her friends and make certain that someone always accompanied her, even when she gardened. His instincts told him she was still in danger from that devil.

  *

  It tickled. Blake swatted at the bug, or whatever it was, flitting around his nose. “Damn it!” he mumbled, as he swatted again. It lit on his lips. This time, he heard the slightest giggle, and opened one eye. Leaning down, just in front of his face, was a smiling Emily and she was holding a feather in her hand. She gave it a little flick, right under his nose, causing him to sneeze.

  “Ha, ha. Gottcha. You fell asleep when you were supposed to be protecting me. I think I pay you too much,” she teased.

  He grabbed her by the waist and pulled her down to him, where he sought a morning kiss. Pressing his mouth upon hers, he slid his tongue between her luscious lips and nearly exploded with pleasure. He held her and kissed her deeply, barely coming up for air.

  “Oh, Emmie. Good morning. And for what it’s worth, you don’t pay me anything.”

  “That’s good, because that’s what you’re worth.” She laughed out loud. “Of course, you know I’m only joking. I really appreciate you staying in here, in that chair, all night. I was thinking . . . tonight . . . you might want to sleep somewhere that’s infinitely more comfortable.”

  “No, I think this room is fine.”

  “You misunderstand me, Doc. My bed is . . . infinitely more comfortable.” She grinned, exuding a sexual confidence he had never seen in her before.

  “Are you sure, Emmie? Do you know what you’re saying?”

  She nodded. “I’m sure of something else. I’m starving! Let’s go down to the kitchen.” She turned and ran down the stairs, giggling like a schoolgirl followed by a smiling doctor close on her heels.

  “Good morning, everyone!” Emily called out, cheerfully. She was finally happy—too happy, and that was worrisome.

  CHAPTER SIX

  As Dr. Donovan passed by the front desk, Patty grabbed his arm tightly, keeping him from following Emily into the kitchen. In a low voice she demanded he answer her questions. “What kind of miracle did you perform on our Em? And do not tell me you did nothing, because I know your bed was not slept in. As God is my witness, Doc, you better not say you compromised her.”

  “Calm down, Patty. I admit to spending the night in her room . . . but in the rocking chair, and I’ve the stiff back to prove it. As for her sudden change of mood, it’s not such a good thing for her to be this happy after what she’s been through. She’s trying too hard. We talked last night about her childhood. Do you know anything about where she came from?”

  She shook her head, sending her mop of red curls bouncing. “No. She’s been most secretive of her past. I do know that it was quite traumatic and that those men she saw that night, in front of the saloon, reminded her of it. Am I on the right track?”

  “Yeah. She’s scared stiff that they’ll find her and hurt her again, and I believe she’s frightened for her friends, as well. I’m going to hold a meeting right after Emily goes outside to tend to her garden. It’s going to take all of us to keep her safe.

  “Come on out to the kitchen when you can. But for now, I’m going to get me some grub.” Blake hurried across the lobby to the kitchen, eager to join the others.

  Emily was ravenous and had piled her plate two hands high. She had at least one of everything on the table, making Dora happier than she’d been in days.

  “There you go, dear. Eat a hearty breakfast and you’ll feel like your old self, soon enough. It’ll put some roses back on those cheeks. What do you plan to do today, honey?” Dora inquired. She knew she was prattling, but couldn’t seem to stop herself. Her nerves had been so stretched, lately; it felt good to be speaking of everyday, mundane things.

  Between bites, Emily tried to respond. “I’ve been away for so long, I’m certain that everything needs attention. I’ll start with the vegetable gardens, and if there is still enough light, I’ll head to the cutting beds. Tomorrow I’ll tackle the play yard. It’s getting too tall. My roses will have to wait a few more days.”

  Blake spoke up, with his mouth full of biscuits slathered in blackberry jam. “Whiskey is going to help you with the vegetable gardens today. Ain’t that right, Whiskey?”

  The old man was surprised, but he knew the Doc has his reasons for assigning him this particular job. “That’s right. I ain’t got nothin’ else to do, and I’m hankerin’ to get my hands good and dirty. If that’s all right with you, Emily?”

  She smiled brightly, “I’d love to have you work with me, today, Whiskey. It’ll give me someone to talk to besides the zucchinis.” She giggled. Wiping her face on her napkin, Emily announced she was stuffed, and ready to go outside and get started.

  Everyone let her go. It was only after the door closed that they all began to talk at once. Patty joined their number. “So, Doc. What’s the plan of yours?”

  “I believe that Emily may be in real danger from her stepfather. He’s a bastard and none of you ladies are truly safe around him. I want you all to be on the lookout for a big, bearded man hanging around the hotel. He answers to the name of Lucas. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a real good look at his face, but I could smell him from across the street. Her brother may have been with him. I don’t yet know what part he has to play in all this. Emily told me that many years ago, her stepfather murdered the elderly couple that was caring for her. He’d tried to sell her.”

  The women gasped. Whiskey swore under his breath and fisted his large hands. Cassie’s eyes were as big as saucers and all the blood had drained from her innocent face.

  “She ran away, more than once, I’m guessing. I didn’t learn the whole story, but obviously she fears the man is alive and is still a danger to her. I’m going to turn this town upside down looking for him or anyone that might know him. In the mean time, Emily is going to need all of you to stay close. Make sure someone is always with her. Don’t let her stay out in the yard by herself. Don’t let her go to the Post Office or the mercantile alone. Find some excuse to accompany her. She won’t like it if she thinks we’re guarding her, but I believe it’s necessary for a while.” He looked at all the stunned and worried faces.

  Dora stood up and cleared her throat. “I’ve fought Injuns, fever, and floods. I figure
I can stand up to a stinkin’ drunk. I’ve got me a pistol in my drawer and I’m gonna put it in my pocket. And don’t you fear none—I know how to use it.”

  Whiskey growled and cracked his massive knuckles. He nodded and left the kitchen through the garden door, without saying another word. His intentions were clear.

  Patty was obviously shaken by the disclosure. “I love Emily so much, but I don’t know what I can do? I keep a shotgun below the counter, but I honestly don’t know if I could use it. Perhaps I can ask a few gentlemen to keep their eyes open—discreetly of course. I’ll watch the play yard from inside the lobby, and I’ll keep my ears open, telling you if anything sounds helpful.”

  “That will be fine, Patty. But remember, the man is dangerous. Please be careful.” Blake was concerned for all the residents of the hotel, but he was especially worried about the women. The small and elegant Patty, and the sweet, vivacious Cassie could very well be in danger of this madman. He prayed Dora could take care of herself.

  Cassie’s eyes lit up with an idea, and she announced, “I’m bored staying around the hotel. It’s time I got out some. Naturally, I’m still unsure of walking by myself through the streets of town . . . so, therefore, I will insist that Emily allow me to walk with her when she goes out. She’ll be doing me a big favor.” She smiled, thinking she was very clever. “I think I’ll also mention this to my corporal. He may know something. Maybe this old man has been to Fort Hays.”

  Blake was shocked. Why hadn’t he thought of that? He grabbed Cassie by her soft pink cheeks and kissed her right on the lips. “I love you, Cassie! You’re brilliant!”

  Then he, literally, ran out the front door and straight to the livery, where he saddled his horse in record time. He would go to the fort and inquire about this man. He wasn’t a ghost. Somebody must know who he is.

  Cassie lightly touched her trembling fingers to her lips, in a thoughtful pose. Then, with a slight look of anxiety on her face, she muttered to Patty, “Gee, I hope Emily doesn’t find out the doc kissed me. Wouldn’t want to make her jealous.”

  Patty giggled, and put her arms around Cassie’s shoulders. “Que sera, sera,” darling. What will be, will be.”

  “Huh?”

  * * *

  A month had gone by with no news of Emily’s stepfather. Things were slowly getting back to normal. Everyone still kept vigilant, but the feeling was less urgent than before. Even Emily seemed to settle back down to her daily routine. Dr. Donovan never again spent the night in her bedchamber, much to his disappointment, but he was waiting and hoping for an invitation.

  Farmers were coming in to sell the last of their season’s harvest. The days were growing shorter and cooler. Soon there would be harvest dances to attend and holiday planning. Once winter blew in, the people would hole up in their cozy homes until spring. Winters were brutal on the Kansas plains.

  Emily was clipping the last of her roses when she heard a wagon pull up and stop in front of the hotel. Guests normally came in on the train or stage. If they rode in, they stopped at the livery before arriving at the hotel. Curious as to who would park their old wagon in front of the hotel entrance, she stood up and got a good look.

  “Eve! Ty! Oh, my lord,” she shrieked, dropping her shears and the yellow roses she had gathered, as she ran toward the newcomers. “Dora! Patty! Eve and Ty are here!” she yelled as she ran to greet her friends.

  Before she reached the steps, a happy and excited Patty was throwing her arms around Eve. Dora burst through the door, crying from sheer joy, and went straight to baby Carol.

  “Let me at that baby!” she cried. “Oh, she’s just beautiful. Look at her.” She squeezed the child so tightly the little girl began to struggle. She wanted her papa.

  “Glad to see you too, Dora,” Ty teased. He chuckled at the woman cuddling his daughter. “Patty, Emily.” He tipped his hat. “Where’s Cassie?”

  Patty smiled at Eve’s handsome, cowboy husband. “She’s got herself a beau. He’s a corporal at Fort Hays . . . and a very nice young man. They went to the mercantile to buy some trinkets for her. He spoils her, terribly.” She grinned.

  Dora was still fussing with Carol. “She’s so big now. What’s it been? Six months, I reckon. Shame on the two of you for stayin’ away so long. When you married, you promised to come to town ever’ month or so. Six months is five months too long.”

  “Well, that’s probably been my fault,” Eve explained. “I’ve got so much to tell you. Let’s step inside. I don’t want the baby to get chilled and I do believe the temperature is falling.”

  They all traipsed into the hotel lobby. “It looks beautiful, girls,” Eve said wistfully, as she surveyed the sparkling room. The Birdsong would always hold a special place in her heart. “Where’s Whiskey?”

  Dora blushed. “He’s doin’ some shoppin’ of his own. We ain’t told no one yet, but now is as good a time as any, I ‘spect. He went to buy a ring.”

  “What?” they all gasped.

  A deep, gruff voice spoke from the open doorway. “I got my bride a weddin’ ring. We’re gettin’ hitched this comin’ Sunday, right after Sunday meetin’. You and Ty gonna be able to stay that long, honey?”

  Tears filled Eve’s extraordinary eyes. Whiskey thought she was still the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on, and she was his daughter . . . of sorts. She stood and walked over to the big man. Giving him a huge hug, she whispered in his ear.

  “Frieda would be so pleased to know you’ve found a good woman, like Dora. Be happy.”

  He had to clear his throat a few times before he could speak. “This is a special day, indeed. It ain’t ever’day that a man tells of his upcomin’ nuptials and sees his long lost daughter.” He laughed.

  “Well, Ty and I have an announcement of our own. The reason we didn’t visit sooner was that I just didn’t feel up to it. You see, I was sick most of the time. I’m going to have a baby.” Eve beamed with the good news.

  The noise of the congratulations carried all the way out onto the sidewalk. The dirty man, leading an emaciated mount, bit down hard on the cigar stub he held between his yellow teeth. His Emily was in that house, celebrating. She had no right to be happy when he was so miserable. After asking around, he discovered that she was part owner of this fine hotel. He figured she must have a lot of money and he was in need of it. She owed him, by God. A little thievin’ bitch like her deserved nothing, he reasoned, and he’d get his just rewards from her or die trying.

  Cassie and Adam hurried up the steps, taking no notice of the stranger lurking about the exterior of the hotel. Grabbing Adam’s hand, Cassie pulled him through the doors and into the middle of the room.

  “What’s going . . .” Cassie was shocked speechless.

  “Cassie, darling. Give me a hug,” Eve pleaded, putting out her arms.

  Cassie did just that. “Oh, Eve. We’ve all missed you so much. Have you missed us?”

  Eve was crying. “You know I have. I think about you all, everyday, and I include all of you in my evening prayers. But I must say . . . the hotel never looked better—even when I was running things. Patty, you’re a genius.”

  Patty blushed. “Thank you, but don’t forget, you left this hotel in the very capable hands of the four of us. It wouldn’t work nearly so well, if we all didn’t do our part. We’ve even needed Whiskey, a time or two.”

  Everybody laughed at her joke, including the old man. His heart would always be rooted here, on this little spot of dirt in the center of town, and he’d never leave it again, until they carried him out feet first.

  “I’ve got some more good news,” Eve continued. “It’s really remarkable news and I wanted Whiskey to hear it from me. One evening, a poor cowboy rode up to our farm needing shelter for the night and a hot meal. He’d been searching for his daughter whom he hadn’t seen since the beginning of the war. Can you imagine? It seems that she was taken from her dead mama and put on an orphan train.”

  She reached out and took hold o
f the old man’s hand. “Her name was Evie, Whiskey, and she was just five years old when she disappeared. He remarked as how she had hair the color of mine.” She started to tear up, watching the look on the old man’s face. He knew what she was going to tell him and he smiled.

  “Whiskey . . . my papa found me. After all these years, he found me on Ty’s farm. And did you know that Ty was on that same orphan train with me? We didn’t recognize each other because we had found such wonderful people to care for us and help us overcome our physical problems. My papa wants to meet you and thank you for taking such good care of me. I told him all about Frieda.”

  Scratching his beard, Whiskey muttered, “Well, I’ll be skunk’s uncle.”

  Again, they all laughed.

  Dora was holding a sleeping Carol close to her chest, as she stood and directed everyone to the kitchen for some refreshments. They had a lot to celebrate. A joyful group followed the woman and spent the next several hours telling and reliving their amazing times together. Everyone got to know Cassie’s corporal and they all heartily approved of her choice.

  Cassie was overjoyed that Adam was a part of all this. She had fallen deeply in love with the handsome soldier and it was important to her that the family accepts him.

  Sunday was chilly, but you’d never know it by the warm glow on the happy faces of the newlyweds. Frieda’s bell rang loud and clear from the church steeple that morning, announcing to one and all, the marriage of Bernard Allen to Dora Cambridge. People from all around stayed to celebrate the love these two fine folks shared. They were well thought of in Hays City.

  Whiskey took center stage, as he announced, “You all come back to the hotel for some fine vittles. Dora made her own weddin’ cake,” Whiskey laughed. “Said she didn’t trust anyone else to do it the way I like it. Shucks, she’s a fine woman.”