part0008

Mark left Evangeline at the depot, retrieved the cuffs, and set off to the jail. He had some questions to ask. Just how guilty was Sam Russell? He only had a few minutes, but it was enough.

The sheriff took them and stared at him. “I find it a little confusing that you sent the little lady to get Russell by herself.”

“She’s a Pinkerton and capable. By the way, what evidence did you have against Russell?”

The sheriff went to his file drawer and pulled out a packet. “Enough to sentence him to death.”

“Two. One is dead. The other is in California now. They claim they saw him shoot down Andy. They were out on the range, pushing some cattle.”

“That, I don’t know. Bothered me, though. But then Russell’s angry demeanor took away any sympathy I had for him. Still, there are things that bothered me about the case. I don’t like that when I have to hang a man. Honestly, I was glad when your partner took him off my hands.”

“Thanks, Sheriff. I better go and catch my train.” Mark heard the train whistle and ran for the depot, hoping that Evangeline was still there.

He rounded the corner and saw the train pull into the station. Evangeline was sitting where he’d left her.

He nodded. “He told me there were two eyewitnesses. One is dead, and the other is in California. But the sheriff couldn’t figure out why your brother would kill Andy. He had his doubts.”

She smiled and put a hand over her heart. “Thank you, that’s the best news I’ve had since this all started.”

He went to the conductor and made sure the horses were loaded. Evangeline had stayed with their bags and waited for him. Mark studied her as he walked back. She looked a little more relaxed as if his news that Sam might not have killed the rancher gave her some room to breathe.

Then he was in front of her. “Let’s board the train.” He held out his hand to her.

She took it and even smiled at him. “Thank you for asking the sheriff about Sam’s trial.”

“Remember, he was still convicted. Hopefully, he’s not the leader of the gang roaming the area. If he is, I’ll expect you to act like a Pinkerton.”

She nodded. “I will. Thank you for not turning me over to the sheriff.”

He helped her on the train, and they sat almost where they had been the first time. “You’re not going to run off on me, are you?”

“No. I saved Sam from the hangman’s noose. That was all I wanted to do. From now on, I’m your partner. I’ll do what you say.” She held up her hand. “As a Pinkerton agent not as a wife.”

Mark grinned. “All right. I can take that for now. But I have to warn you, Evangeline Johnson, someday you are going to discover that you love me. I can wait.”

She scrunched back in her chair as if to consider such a thing was impossible. “We’ll see. I agreed on this case. I didn’t promise anything else.”

“I know. You’ve said it repeatedly, temporary with limitations.” He stretched out and put his feet on the opposite chair. “Think I’ll take a nap.” He set the hat over his eyes but left enough light that he could see her. She wasn’t running out on him again.

Evangeline had slept off and on during the train ride, but now she was ready to stretch her legs and get to the hotel. Mark had promised a night in a hotel before they set out to ride all over the territory.

The riding she had done had left her sore enough. Still, she owed it to Mark to go along and be a good partner. She didn’t want anything to happen to him. She’d prayed her brother wasn’t part of the outlaws they were tracking, but she didn’t know Sam anymore. He’d changed.

“Ready to go?” Mark was standing and holding his hand out to her. “I’ll carry the bags. The first thing we’ll do is find the hotel and get you situated. Then I’ll see to the horses and buy provisions for tomorrow.”

“Bright and early.” He grinned at her. “You going to be up to it?”

“Yes, I am.” She rose without his assistance and to his challenge. She might be a woman, but she’d hired on to do a job, and she wasn’t going to let him or the Pinkerton Agency down. With head up, she waited for the train to stop.

Mark stepped off first and helped her down. Gunshots sounded down the street as a couple of cowboys shot in the air and then galloped away. Mark shook his head. “Welcome to Cheyenne. It’s still wild.”

He pointed down the street. “The hotel is just across from the depot. Let’s get our rooms.” He took the bags and started walking, leaving her behind.

“Some husband you’ll make.” She held her skirt to keep it from dragging in the muddy street. From what she’d seen, there would be no benefit from staying in town. It was dirty, loud, and full of men waiting for their turn in the saloon.

Mark took her arm and propelled her past the line of women-starved men. “Let us through.”

Evangeline stayed close to Mark until they reached the other side of the street, although it wasn’t much better. The town was full of men, rowdy unclean men.

“I’m afraid this is the wild part of town. On the other side of the tracks, you’d find it much different.”

He shrugged. “Didn’t think about it, but I guess we could. For one night anyway.” He took her by the elbow and shoved through the unruly horde until they reached another street.

The street was less crowded and sported buggies more than wild cowboys.

“There is a hotel somewhere up here. I’m not sure we’re dressed for it.”

She glanced at him. “Thank you for getting me out of that mess. I don’t think I’d have slept a wink.”

He studied her. “You sure you’re cut out to be a detective? You know we don’t usually go after the kind of people you find on this side of town.”

“Really, I wasn’t aware that sin took a break by crossing the tracks. I’m sure there are unscrupulous and scandalous people in fine clothes and fancy hotels. Why we might even find our outlaw gang there. After all, they have money.” She laughed at the shocked look on his face.

“Perhaps, we should go incognito and not let on that we’re Pinkerton agents. It would seem to me that the outlaws would have to have someone on the inside telling them when there was a stage worth holding up.”

Mark stopped and eyed her with a stern look. “Are you sure you’ve never done detective work before?”

“Definitely not.” She quieted as a lovely couple passed them on the boardwalk. After they were far enough away, she smiled at Mark. “It’s purely common sense.”

She jabbed him in the side to quiet him. “The hotel, it’s not far?” A well-dressed man passed them.

Evangeline stopped by a store window and glanced at her reflection. “Oh, dear. I look a sight.”

She smiled. They did make a nice couple. He was tall and strong. His eyes quick and alert. His brown hair, while a bit of a mess as it extended beneath his hat and on his neck. But overall, she could have done much worse.

Evangeline nodded and walked with him. With Calvin, back in Dodge, he never really treated her like a gentleman. He was a farmer with a farmer’s ways. Everything and everyone had their place and their chores to consider.

When Calvin courted her, it was usually because of a purpose that suited him. He took her for granted. Any walks in town they took were as if to say that he’d chosen her and that was that. She had no regrets about leaving him. It was a good thing because he told her not to expect him to be waiting. In fact, he already had his sights set on Rebecca Wade.

They had never gone on moonlit walks or Sunday picnics. It was as if Calvin had purchased a cow that he had to curry and pay for before taking it home. Evangeline glanced at Mark.

He was so different. And she knew that he’d shocked even himself by saying he loved her. She wouldn’t believe it except his love for her shone in his eyes. Perhaps someday, she’d feel the same about him or someone else.

Right now, she had a job to do. And there were still the problems with Sam. Her heart remained heavy when she thought of him. Ever since they were children, they had a special connection. Women at church said twins often had a close feeling with one another. Evangeline could attest to that.

Mark took a gentle hold of her elbow. “Let’s go. I still need to take care of the horses.”

She let him guide her to the hotel. It was considerably newer than the one by the depot. She hoped he had enough money for the rooms. He opened the door for her, and she walked in and concentrated on not gasping.

A brilliant chandelier graced the foyer. The front desk was polished wood, maybe even cherry. Green and gold velvet sofas lined the interior. In front of them were fancy low tables with complimentary newspapers.

Mark smiled at her. “You can go ahead and sit here and wait for me. Looks like there’s a short line.”

He was right. Apparently, the train had carried several people interested in staying in the hotel. She looked at those in line. There were two couples and three men. The men interested her. What if one of them was the person the outlaws received the information from?

They would have to visit the stage line while they were here. Maybe one of those men would be riding the stage. She shook her head. Calvin had told her she had too vivid of an imagination for a plain farmer.

Finally, it was Mark’s turn. She saw him talking to the clerk. With a shake of his head, the clerk handed him a key. One key.

Mark paid and then came to her. “Sorry, there’s only one room. I can go to the other hotel or stay in the livery with the horses.”

“No, we can work it out. Besides, we don’t want to arouse suspicion. Did you tell him I was your wife?”

Mark smiled. “That I did. I explained you had a headache and wanted to remain in a darkened room.”

“Well, it’s a good thing I feel much better. Must be the,” She coughed and fanned the air around her. “the clean air in town.”

Mark laughed. “That must be it. I did arrange for a tub and a bath for you. I figure after you’ve had a rest, we can have dinner down here. The hotel is supposed to have wonderful food.”

Evangeline stood and went to Mark’s side. “I don’t think we’re appropriately dressed.”

“Think nothing of it. This is Wyoming. The West. It’s not quite civilized yet.” He gently turned her around to see a cowboy whose clothes were red with dust climbing the stairs. “He’s a cattle boss. Just brought a herd up from Texas. Taking them on up to Montana.”

“They were. All thousand head of them. But the mining camps in Montana are hungry for beef. He’ll drive them from here.”

Evangeline walked toward the stairs. “I’m ready to relax in the room. Alone.”

He nodded and handed her the key. “The clerk said the bath will be up shortly. I think I’ll go see what I can find out.”

Eager for a warm bath to get rid of the layer of dirt, she went up the stairs to Room 11. She unlocked the door and saw that the tub was already in. A knock on the door behind her showed the busboy with buckets of water.

She gave him a tip and then locked the door. In minutes, she was in the tub with her eyes closed and relaxing in the warm water. She picked up the lavender soap and sighed. This was heavenly.

Her eyes locked on the door. What if he came back? She’d seen the clerk give him two keys. If she hadn’t been so tired, and the warm water so soothing, she might have jumped out and dressed.