Charlene Sands (15 page)

Mr. Crockett helped her down from the coach, while the other driver handed out bags and small trunks to the passengers. “I’d be happy to escort you to the hotel once we get unloaded.”

“Thank you, Mr. Crockett. I’d appreciate that.”

He tipped his hat then retrieved her bag. “Will you be entertaining in Pine Ridge?”

“I hope to,” she said, darting a glance around the town. Pine Ridge wasn’t the size of Bridgeton. The shops were sparse in number, the streets narrow and, from what she could tell, the establishments were run-down, many in need of repair. “I’m looking for a man named Jake Trundy. I don’t suppose you’ve heard of him?”

“No, miss, can’t say as I have.” Mr. Crockett shook his head as he led her toward the hotel. “I’ve been driving the stage now almost eight years and I’m ashamed to admit most names and faces jumble up in my head.”

Emma hid her disappointment. “I understand.”

He quickly explained further. “Except when I meet someone like you.”

“Me?”

“Miss Marie, you have a voice that’s unforgettable.”

“Thank you, Mr. Crockett.”

“I’m sure you’ve been told that a thousand times,” he said apologetically.

It was a welcome sentiment after such an arduous day. Mr. Crockett assumed Emma had a good deal of experience performing and that was compliment enough. She wasn’t a seasoned performer, but a novice who needed reassurances. “No, not a thousand times. It’s always nice to hear,” she said genuinely.

When they reached the hotel, Emma seemed to have lost Mr. Crockett’s attention. He stared down the street on the east side of town with a look of distress.

“What is it?” Emma asked curiously, unable to see what Crocket was looking at, her vision blocked by a wagon filled with water barrels.

The driver turned back to Emma. “Probably nothing. But that man who just rode into town has been dogging our stage since Bridgeton. Benjamin had his rifle aimed on him for miles, but he never approached.”

Emma placed her hand to her chest. “Thank goodness. Do you think he meant to rob us?”

Mr. Crockett shook his head. “Doubtful. In eight years, Benji and I haven’t been robbed. From what we saw, he was a lone rider. Probably just traveling to Pine Ridge like the rest of us.”

Emma felt some relief. She’d never given thought to the pitfalls of traveling by stage. But she also had never ventured this far from home. She realized she should start thinking like a woman who’d be on her own for a good length of time. A thought struck. Now was her chance to act.

“Mr. Crockett? I wonder if you wouldn’t mind doing me a favor.”

E
mma sat in the Pine Ridge Church of God and said a prayer of thanks to the Lord for getting her this far safely. Though she’d missed the Sunday sermon, the pastor kept the small church open afterward for all worshippers.

Back home in Fresno, going to Sunday mass at Saint Luke’s Catholic Church had been a family affair. Her grandfather, Miles Rourke, had always taught the value of keeping faith in her heart, no matter what the outside world brought forth. Even after seeing the devastation of war between brothers and countrymen, he’d never questioned his faith in the Almighty.

This was only the second time in weeks Emma had the chance to attend church since she’d left her home. As she sat in the wooden pew of a church that held little adornment, she read a passage from the Bible and hummed a tune she would sing while in the choir back home.

“That’s a lovely melody,” Pastor Burke said quietly as he approached. “It’s worthy of a place in our small choir. Will you be staying on for any length of time, Miss Marie?”

Emma closed the Bible and peered into kind, aging eyes. “I don’t know for sure. I’m searching for my father.”

The pastor waited patiently and, after a moment’s hesitation, Emma revealed the truth. “He was an outlaw. I never knew him, but he served his time in prison and I hope that now he has found a better life.”

“Do you believe him to be in Pine Ridge?”

Emma shrugged, unwilling to hide her frustration from the pious man. “I don’t know where he is. From his last correspondence five years ago, he planned on heading north toward San Francisco. I’m traveling and hoping to find out something about him.”

“What is your father’s name?”

“Jake Trundy.”

The pastor blinked and paused for a moment, as if searching his mind. “I’ve heard that name before.”

“Recently?” Emma asked, daring to hope.

The pastor shook his head. “I can’t recall when, but I do remember the name. He came through here in his travels. I’ve counseled many in my thirty years serving the Lord. I’m sorry my memory isn’t what it once was.”

Again, Emma felt a measure of hope. “You think you might have counseled him?”

“Yes, my dear. I do believe so.”

“Oh, this is good news.” Emma’s greatest fear was that her father had continued on as an outlaw even after serving time in prison, but now she had to believe that Jake Trundy had changed. Maybe he had remarried. Maybe he held a respectable position. If he sought counsel from Pastor Burke then surely that meant he wanted a different life.

Emma closed her eyes and sent up a prayer.

“I’m sorry I can’t be of more assistance.”

Emma smiled wide. “Oh, you’ve been of great assistance to me, Pastor Burke. Thank you.”

Emma rose from the pew, her heart lighter now. “I’m staying for a time at the Pines Hotel. If you remember anything else, please send word. This is truly the best news I’ve had since I began my search.”

“I promise to press my memory, Miss Marie. I’m happy to have lifted your burden even a small bit.”

Emma said farewell to the pastor and left the church, heading for the marshal’s office.

The walk from the church on the hill overlooking Pine Ridge to the main street of town took only a few minutes. Emma had a bounce in her step now. Humming gaily and garnering curious stares from the townsfolk, Emma reached the marshal’s office, hoping he had better news than that from Sheriff Murray in Bridgeton.

Emma grabbed the knob, but the door pulled open briskly from the other side. She stumbled forward awkwardly. “Oh!”

A man grabbed her, keeping her from falling flat on her face. His hands gripped her under the arms, his fingers pressing gently into her back with the palms of his hands tucked just under her breasts.

Humiliated, Emma felt quite the fool. Heat rushed up her neck. “This is quite embarrassing, Marshal,” she said, lifting herself upright and raising her head to stare straight into the handsome face of a smiling Bodine.

“Hello, Emmy.”

Emma sat in the Pines Hotel eatery facing Bodine. He’d waited for her at the marshal’s office then ushered her away once her business had concluded, claiming he was famished. Since Emma hadn’t eaten all day she hadn’t refused his offer. “I still can’t believe you’re in Pine Ridge.”

“I told you at the marshal’s office, I’m following a lead on Metcalf. It brought me here.”

Then Emma recalled her conversation with Mr. Crockett from the Pioneer Stage Company. “I thought I’d seen the last of you, but you were riding behind the stagecoach today, weren’t you?”

He nodded.

“You should’ve let the drivers know you didn’t mean them any harm.”

“Sorta hard to do that with a shotgun aimed at your head.”

“The drivers were worried.”

“I kept a good distance away. Couldn’t very well ride up and tip my hat to you.”

Emma chuckled. “Bodine, the thought never crossed my mind.”

She couldn’t imagine Bodine as a true gentleman. He wasn’t the kind of man who knew of social graces. She admonished herself for the thrill she experienced while with him. Nothing could come of it. More times than not, he infuriated her. Still, she wouldn’t deny he’d been a welcome sight today.

The waitress came and they ordered the night’s special of fried chicken and biscuits, simple fare but one that whetted her appetite.

“At least you’re getting some leads.” She sighed halfheartedly, today’s stage ride and the events of the day wearing on her. “I had hoped the marshal knew of my father, since the town pastor remembers him coming this way.”

“That so?”

“Yes, Pastor Burke thought he counseled my father at one time. He remembers the name. But the marshal wasn’t able to help. I hope to find out more while I’m here.”

Bodine studied her for a moment. Deep in thought, his pensive eyes never wavered from her face. “What is it?” she asked.

He scratched his jaw, his stubbly beard making him look more like the villain than the hunter. “I was thinking.”

Emma grinned. “That much is clear.”

Bodine didn’t smile. “Hear me out, Emmy.”

“I’m listening,” she said, noting his serious mood.

“You’re going after your father. I’m going after my brother’s killer. Metcalf’s trail is leading me toward San Francisco. Seems you’re heading in the same direction. Why don’t we team up?”

“Team up?” Shocked, Emma’s eyes went wide. Her heart pounded. “What do you mean?”

“Don’t be so surprised. When I stole you away from Hurley, I told you I was headed to San Francisco. You agreed to come along.”

“Bodine, it was either go with you or face Hurley’s wrath. You know I didn’t have a choice.”

“But now you do.” He leaned in, bracing his elbows on the table. “Listen up. Every town you come across isn’t going to be as friendly as Bridgeton. I know this area, Emmy. Many places aren’t fit for a lady. Since we’re both in search of someone, it makes sense that we ride together and find out as much as we can before moving on.”

Emma shook her head. “I don’t know, Bodine.”

The idea wasn’t sitting well, yet her heart pounded even harder at the prospect. In Bridgeton, she’d had a friend in Carlotta, which had made a big difference. From the cold, suspicious looks she’d already received in Pine Ridge, she’d concluded that this town wasn’t nearly as welcoming to newcomers as the one she’d just left.

If what Bodine said was true then she’d be a fool not to agree. Having him alongside would be a comfort. He was a man she could trust with her life, and a professional tracker could only help in her search.

Even so, could she forget those wonderful moments in the cabin when Bodine had made her feel like a desirable woman? Could she put that out of her mind and only consider him as a friend?

“How was the stage ride today?” Bodine asked, out of the blue.

“What?”

“Did you enjoy it?”

Perplexed, Emma answered, “Surely, if you like being packed in tight like a pickle in a jar, bumping knees, trying not to bounce on top of the passenger sitting beside you. Trying even more not to upchuck your last meal.”

“Then ride with me, Emmy. You’ll make better time. Travel when you need to without waiting on schedules and late stagecoaches.”

Emma knew enough about Bodine to realize he didn’t do things out of the goodness of his heart. He had to have good reason for wanting her to tag along. Skeptical, she asked, “What’s in it for you?”

Bodine grinned as if she’d caught him red-handed stealing candy from a babe. “I’ve seen the crowds you draw, Emmy. People come to your performances. It’s a hell of a lot easier that way to ask questions and meet the townsfolk. Both of us will benefit in our search.”

“I thought you’d gotten a lead on Metcalf.”

“That’s true. But he’s cagey and he knows I’m after him. I won’t find him unless he wants me to.”

Emma understood that when the time came, Bodine wouldn’t hesitate to risk his life to capture the killer. Fear entered her heart when she thought of losing him to the outlaw. Emma knew of Bodine’s strength and capability. She’d seen it firsthand many times and all she could do was pray for his safety and hope that things would turn out well. What she couldn’t do was fall in love with him.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“Why not?”

The waitress came by and set two platters down in front of them. They stared at the sumptuous meal before gazing up again to search each other’s eyes.

Emma blinked, her mind going back to all those times Bodine had kissed her and held her and made her tingle with desire.

He leaned forward and kept his regard steady, as if he’d read her thoughts. “You won’t have any worries with me.”

This time she believed him. He’d declared his intentions and the life he had planned with his brother’s widow. She knew his future didn’t include her.

“You won’t undo my buttons then?” she asked quietly.

He cocked his head and cast her a crooked smile. “Only if you ask me real nice.”

Surprised, Emma sighed. “Bodine.”

His striking grin seared straight through her heart. “Do we have a deal?”

Emma looked at his outstretched hand, the debate going on in her head. In truth, she didn’t know if this was a wise move. For all his gruff ways, Bodine had charm and she wasn’t immune to it. Or maybe she’d just gotten to know him too well and liked him more than she should.

He’d hurt her and she wouldn’t forget the betrayal. Now, all he offered was a partnership to achieve their goals.

She made her decision.

Emma grasped his hand and shook it once. “We have a deal.”

Four nights later, Bodine sat at the front table of the Bristle Pine Saloon, watching Emmy perform her vast array of songs before a largely respectful audience. Sitting up close provided him the means to see that the patrons behaved themselves. It was a hell of a lot easier protecting Emmy now that she believed they’d teamed up to search out both outlaws. He’d had to make her think he was tracking Metcalf when, in fact, Bodine hadn’t picked up one dang clue to his whereabouts yet.

But Emmy had gotten suspicious seeing him turn up in every town she’d traveled. In those first weeks when she didn’t know him and couldn’t recognize him, shadowing her had been much simpler. After that, he’d had to resort to a wagonload of lies to stay by her side.

But it had worked.

He spent time with her every day and sat in on her performances at night. She didn’t go anywhere that he didn’t know about, which eased his mind. And he walked her safely back to her hotel room after her last performance each evening.

Bodine thought he’d tire of her tunes, hearing them every night, but Emmy never disappointed him. Though her voice was pure and honest, beautiful in range and depth, Bodine found himself irritated at the rounds of whoops and hollers and loud applause each night. The jealousy he felt that night in Bridgeton hearing her sing for strangers was still strong, niggling at him.

He sipped his whiskey and watched as Emmy took her bows. He kept his eyes trained on the men approaching her as she asked about the two outlaws whose paths he was certain had never crossed.

Half an hour later, Bodine gulped the last of his drink and rose from the table. Emmy settled up with the saloon owner then approached him, wearing that pretty silk gown with her hair falling in curls around her shoulders. The disappointment on her face couldn’t be missed.

“No luck?”

She shook her head. “None. No one seemed to recall my father.”

“Then we’re off to the next town first thing in the morning.”

“I really hoped that I’d learn something more. The pastor seemed so sure that he’d spoken to him.”

Emmy put her coat on and Bodine walked her out into the chilly night air. They headed toward the hotel. “No one seemed to know about Metcalf, either,” she said.

“We’ve been here four days, Emmy. We could stay on another day, but I doubt anything will turn up.”

“I’ve spoken to shop owners and everyone I’ve met on the street in the past four days. I don’t see any point in staying, do you?”