CHAPTER
24

Luke charged toward the platform, his feet hammering the ground and his racing heartbeat pounding in his ears. He was reaching for the platform railing when a flicker of light on the tracks captured his attention. He released his hold and rushed toward it.

A lit fuse shot sparks into the air as it sizzled toward three bundled sticks of dynamite. Without thinking, Luke lunged toward the dynamite, grasped it in his hand, and hurled it into a gully behind the rail spur. Before he could hit the ground and cover his head, a thunderous explosion rocked the area. Windows in the chapel car shattered, rocks and gravel flew in all directions, branches broke loose from nearby trees, and the tangy-sweet odor of dynamite hung in the air.

Luke lifted his head from the rail spur and shook off the fog that had invaded his mind. Hope! He struggled to his feet, gained his footing, and rushed toward the railcar. “Hope! Hope! Are you okay?” He gasped for air. “Answer me!”

“Luke!” She appeared on the platform, her features twisted in fear. Her auburn curls flew in countless directions, and a sleeve of her dress revealed a jagged rip.

He ran to the platform and extended his arms. Gently he lifted her down and held her close. He longed to erase the horror she’d experienced. “Are you hurt? Do you need the doctor?”

“No. What about you?” She brushed the dirt from his cheek. “I was so frightened, and then I realized you were out there on the tracks. I tried to get to you . . .” She coughed. “Kirby caught me when the explosion happened, but I fought myself free of him. I had to know you weren’t injured.”

“You don’t have to say a word, Hope, but if I don’t declare my love to you, I’ll regret it forever. In those few seconds before that dynamite exploded, I regretted I’d never said those words to you. I know I’m not worthy of your love. You deserve a man who can give you a fine home in a big city, not a poor miner like me.”

She touched her fingers to his lips. “Please don’t ruin this moment by saying I deserve a man who is better than you, Luke. I could never find a better match. You’re honest, kind, trustworthy, and you love the Lord. How could I ask for anything more?” She leaned back and looked up at him. “I love you, Luke. I don’t need a fancy house in a big city to make me happy. I need only you.”

He leaned down, brushed a curl from her temple, and gently kissed her on the mouth. “I could hold you like this forever, but I s’pose we should check on Kirby and see if he’s hurt. What was he doing inside with you, anyway?”

As he and Hope returned to the chapel car, she recounted Kirby’s unexpected appearance and how strange he’d been acting. Before he could press for more details, Luke pushed open the chapel car’s door and led the way inside the living quarters. She stood in the doorway and glanced over her shoulder at Luke. “Kirby’s not here.”

Luke followed her into the living quarters. Using his boot, he pushed aside shards of glass scattered across the floor. His gaze settled on the books and papers that had been tossed from shelves and tables and now lay strewn on the floor. He shook his head. “It’s a wonder you weren’t hit on the head by falling books or cut by flying glass.”

Hope gave him a weak smile. “I don’t know why, but now that I’m back inside and see all this, I can’t seem to stop shaking.” Luke pulled her into his arms, and she leaned heavily against him. “I have no idea what happened to Kirby. I’m amazed he’s gone.” She looked up at Luke. “Did you see any sign of him before you came to the railcar?”

Luke smoothed her hair. “No. He must have gone out the door at the other end of the car. There’s no way I would have seen him. I’m guessin’ he’s not hurt since he took off in such an all-fired hurry.”

“I suppose, but I can barely hold my thoughts together. I don’t know how he could jump up and run off like that. I feel like I’ll never stop shaking.”

“I understand. It’s like hoping you’ll wake from a nightmare, but having to accept what happened is real.” Luke held her close. “I’ll be more than happy to have you in my arms until you stop trembling.” He smiled down at her, hoping his words would ease her fears.

She nodded. “Thank you, but I don’t think it would be proper for you to embrace me quite that long.”

He chuckled, pleased she’d been able to tease him. “I’d sure like to know who put that dynamite out there—and why. Nobody’s got a bone to pick with you or your pa, so I’m thinkin’ this has something to do with Kirby.”

Before they had a chance to talk any further, the shouts of men and the sound of pounding feet could be heard through the open windows.

Luke released her and peered outside. “Looks like the off-duty railroaders are comin’ to find out what’s going on.” The group of men ran toward the spur, some bearing weapons, others carrying picks and shovels. “From the looks of what they’re bringing with them, I’m not sure if they’re planning to shoot someone, plant a garden, or dig for coal.”

Hope stepped forward to look for herself. “I’d say they grabbed whatever was close by that might be used as a weapon.” She shivered. “I wouldn’t want someone coming at me with one of those picks.”

Luke smiled. “I don’t think you need to worry about that.”

One of the approaching men shouted at the railcar, “Anybody inside? Anyone need help?”

Luke stepped out onto the platform. Hope followed him outside, her hair blowing in a breeze that remained scented by the odor of dynamite. She waved to the men. “The railcar’s a mess, but we’re okay.”

The two of them stepped down as the railroaders gathered around. One of the men leaned on the handle of his shovel. “What in the world happened out here? We heard a blast when we were in the roundhouse, but couldn’t figure out what was going on.”

Luke shrugged. “I can’t tell you much.” He quickly related what he’d seen and how he grabbed the dynamite and tossed it in the gully.

“Why in tarnation would anyone wanna dynamite the chapel car? Ain’t nobody got hard feelings toward the preacher.” He nodded toward Hope. “Or Miss Hope. Don’t make no sense.” He scratched his head. “I guess we ain’t the ones needin’ to figure it out.” He gestured to the men. “C’mon. Let’s see what we can do to help Miss Hope get things cleared up inside.” He turned back to Luke and pointed to a large tree not far away. “You two had enough excitement for one day. Sit down over there by that tree and try to steady yourselves a bit.” The railroader nodded toward the station. “Looks like your pa got wind of things.”

Hope saw her father hurrying across the area. She waved her handkerchief, calling to him, “I’m fine, Papa! Don’t run.” She looked at Luke. “We’re both fine.”

Her father didn’t heed her words. Instead, he picked up his pace until he’d reached her. “Someone in town said they heard there was an accident over here. I went up on the hill with a miner and didn’t know until I got back to town.” His eyes shone with panic as he looked her up and down. “You sure you’re not hurt?” His gaze drifted to the railcar. “What happened?”

She grasped his arm. “I’m fine. Just a tear in my dress that can be easily mended. Come sit down. Luke and I will explain what we can.”

The three of them settled beneath the tree while they told her father what had happened. Afterward he raked his fingers through his hair and said, “I have to think that someone was attempting to either scare or hurt Kirby. Whoever it was must have followed him. Makes me wonder if they would have set off dynamite near the boardinghouse if he’d gone in there.” He shook his head. “I’m thankful you were able to pitch that dynamite away from the railcar before it went off, Luke. I don’t know how I can ever thank you for saving Hope’s life.”

Luke grinned. “I might be able to come up with an idea in the future.”

Hope squeezed his hand.

Her father sighed. “Who would do something like this?”

“I’ve been thinking about that,” Luke said, turning serious again. “It has to be someone riled up enough to want to make a point.”

The preacher arched his brows. “Any ideas?”

Before Luke could answer, the railroaders who’d been working inside the railcar appeared, with Jed King taking the lead. “I think we done about all we can. You’ll need to get things organized a might better, Miss Hope.” He shifted around toward her father. “I’ll send some wood over so you can board up the broken windows, Preacher.”

“Thanks for your help, fellows. I trust you’ll all be back for the preaching tonight?”

“We’ll be here,” several of them called as they headed back toward the roundhouse.

Luke hunched forward. “I do have an idea about who might have been angry enough to do this.”

The preacher nodded. “Who’s that, Luke?”

“Jasper Rollins and Mort Smalley have been pushing hard for a strike ever since the cave-in. I know it couldn’t have been Mort ’cause he’s still having trouble with his arm, but Jasper’s rough as a corncob so I wouldn’t put it past him. He and Kirby were in a ruckus just the other day over the conditions in one of the tunnels. I think I’ll go find Jasper and see where he was this afternoon.”

“Sounds like a good idea,” Hope’s father said. “Maybe I should come with you.”

Luke shook his head. “Thanks for the offer, but I think Jasper would be unwilling to talk if anyone else is along. Besides, I think Hope could use some help inside.” He motioned toward the roundhouse. “Looks like Jed’s got some wood he’s bringing over, too. I think you’ll be plenty busy right here. I’ll stop back after I talk to Jasper. Maybe you’ll find those notes for tonight’s sermon while you’re going through the papers.”

The preacher chuckled. “We’ll do our best.”

As Luke ambled back toward town, he decided he’d stop at the mine before going up the hill. Maybe Jasper had been working all day. If so, it would rule him out as the culprit. Besides, Luke could try to find out what had happened to Kirby after the explosion. Maybe he’d hightailed it, figuring there might be another detonation. Yet he’d given no thought to Hope before he’d run off. For a man who was supposed to be capable of running a mining company, Kirby sure acted more like a coward than a leader.

Luke strode toward several young men who were picking coal near the mine entrance. “Hey, fellas. I’m lookin’ for Jasper. He in one of the tunnels or is he off today?”

Two large white eyes peered at him from a face layered in coal dust. “Ain’t seen nothin’ of Jasper today.” The boy’s flesh-colored lips and pink tongue appeared strangely out of place as he spoke.

“You sure?” Luke said.

Another young man looked up and bobbed his head. “We always know when Jasper’s around. If he’s at work, he’s tryin’ to get everyone riled up. Been pretty quiet today, so you kin be sure he ain’t here.”

Luke turned to leave and then stopped. “You seen anything of Mr. Finch today?”

“Ain’t seen nothing of him neither, but he could be in the office. Don’t never see him down here lessin’ there’s a problem.”

“Thanks.” Luke headed toward the office. He’d at least ask about Kirby before he went up the hill to locate Jasper. He pulled open the door, stepped into the hallway, and stopped outside Mr. Farragut’s door.

The older man looked up from his ledgers. “Luke? Something I can do for you?”

Luke glanced toward the office down the hallway. “I was wondering if Mr. Finch was in today. I wanted to speak to him about something.”

Mr. Farragut shook his head. “I can’t tell you where he is. If it’s important, you could stop by the boardinghouse. I wouldn’t think he’s there, but I can’t say for certain.” His brow creased. “Is the truck out there? He might be on one of those trips he makes with the preacher’s daughter.”

“I’m not sure about the truck, but he’s not with the preacher’s daughter. Thanks, Mr. Farragut.” Luke tipped his hat. “If he returns . . .”

“I’ll tell him you were looking for him.” Mr. Farragut smiled and picked up his pen again.

Luke spotted the company truck parked in its usual place when he exited the office. No telling where Kirby might be. And he wasn’t going to stop at the boardinghouse—speaking to Jasper was more important.

He climbed the hill quickly and went directly to the Rollins house. After he’d rapped several times on the rickety door, Jasper’s young wife appeared. She pushed the hair off her forehead, then swiped her hands down the front of a smudged apron. She squinted against the afternoon sun as she pushed open the screen door. “What kin I do fer ya, Luke?”

“I’m looking for Jasper.” Luke nodded toward the interior of the house. “He in there?”

“No. He should be out in the garden. If not, he’s in the woods somewhere. I ain’t too sure. You kin go back there and see fer yerself, if ya want.”

“Thanks, I’ll do that.” He rounded the house and walked the short distance to Jasper’s garden plot. He was about to leave when he caught sight of Jasper in a distant cornfield. He yanked off his hat and waved it overhead. “Jasper!”

Jasper turned, shaded his eyes with his hand, and waved in return. As Luke approached, Jasper stepped to the edge of the field. “What you needin’, Luke?”

“Guess you know about the dynamite explosion over at the railroad spur earlier today.” Luke waited, hoping Jasper’s response would give some hint that he’d been involved.

Jasper shook his head. “Naw, ain’t heard nothin’. Too bad it weren’t Kirby’s truck—with Kirby in it.” He guffawed and spit tobacco juice.

The fact that he’d mentioned Kirby set off a silent alarm. “You sure you weren’t down near the rail spur earlier today?”

“I said I weren’t. I ain’t got no cause to be at the railroad spur. It’s you that’s always sniffin’ around that chapel car, tryin’ to have a fling with that city gal.”

“And it’s you that’s always talking about hurting Kirby Finch. Who do you think was in that chapel car when the dynamite went off, Jasper?”

“Dunno, and don’t care. But since ya asked like that, I’m guessin’ Kirby was there.”

Luke lurched toward him, his anger flaring. “That’s right. And so was Hope. You could have killed her. If I hadn’t gotten to that dynamite before it exploded, you’d have killed her right along with Kirby.”

“Whoa!” Jasper placed his large hand against Luke’s chest. “Hold up, Luke. I weren’t never off the hill today. You can ask around. I was over at Junior Harding’s all mornin’, and I been out here in the garden ever since. You check around. There’s plenty of folks seen me up here, and you ain’t gonna find a soul that can say I was anywhere else.”

Luke drew a deep breath and forced down his anger. Jasper appeared to be telling the truth. Besides, it would be easy enough to check out his story. He couldn’t have made it down the hill and over to the spur without someone seeing him come through town.

Jasper wiped the perspiration from his forehead and met Luke’s stare. “I understand you being all fired up about that woman being hurt, but you need to look somewhere else. There’s a whole bunch of folks who’d like to see Kirby dead or gone, and most don’t care which it is. That man’s got a long list of enemies and a short list of friends.” He gave Luke a pat on the shoulder. “You been knowin’ me a long time, Luke. I ain’t one to mince words or raise my fists, but I ain’t no liar. I had nothin’ to do with whatever happened today.”

Luke considered his words before finally nodding. But if Jasper wasn’t the one who set off the dynamite, then who was?

Hope gathered the stacks of papers the men had piled onto the table and sifted through them while Jed helped her father board up the broken windows. Weary from her chore, she stood and walked into the sanctuary, where the two men were still hard at work.

She pointed to the door. “I’m going outside to pick up the pieces of glass around the car. Some of the children don’t wear shoes. I don’t want anyone to get cut.”

After retrieving an empty box, Hope stepped down from the car. Pieces of glass sparkled in the bright afternoon sun. One by one, she gathered them into the cardboard box and continued to move along the spur. She’d gone only a short distance when she noticed a piece of dark blue printed fabric clinging to a bush not far from the tracks. Her brow furrowed as she drew closer. It appeared to be a man’s handkerchief. She leaned down and pulled it from a thorny spike on the bush. Could this have belonged to the person who set off the dynamite? It was close to the spot where the lit fuse had been. She dropped it into the box with the shards of glass. Maybe it would prove helpful.

She’d ask Luke as soon as he returned. She turned and looked at the chapel car. Having been tattered by the explosion, it seemed to fit better in Finch now. She felt an odd kinship to the chapel car. She, too, felt battered tonight. The events of the day had not only bruised her body, but had also bruised her heart. Finch—the miners, the railroaders, the wives, the children, Nellie, and of course Luke—had become her home.

So who in her home had almost killed her?