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JACK AND FRITZI WERE the only ones on the school playground. Jack fumed. He threw the stick and Fritzi returned it for the hundredth time. When he left Alice at Lizzie’s, he told her he had more errands, but in truth, he wanted to give her time alone with her friend. He was glad to see Fin leaving shortly after.
He knew exactly why Harry wasn’t at the church. And he suspected Harry didn’t care that he knew or that Alice might catch him in the act. Jack saw him over Alice’s shoulder, strolling bravely up Betty’s front walk, while they talked in the churchyard. Harry waved.
He imagined what he would do when he got his hands on his brother and debated whether or not to tell Alice. He decided he’d talk to Harry first. Alice deserved the truth, he just hated being the one to tell her. He’d give anything, even give up his love for her, not to break her heart.
“Come on, boy.” He took the stick from Fritzi and returned to the wagon. “I have to get a few more things from Erikson’s before picking up Alice.”
* * *
JOHNNIE WAS BEHIND the counter when he walked in. “Haven’t seen you in a while, Jack.” He held out his hand. “What can I get you today?”
Lucy poked her head out of the office. She smiled and hurried out to stand beside her brother. “Father’s been calling for you, Johnnie. I can take care of Jack while you go find out what he wants.”
“I didn’t hear Dad.”
“Well, I did, and you better not keep him waiting. You know how Father doesn’t like to be kept waiting.” She turned her back on Johnnie, smiled at Jack, and tilted her head a little to one side. “I was sure happy to hear you and your family came out all right from the influenza.”
“We were lucky.”
Lucy waved a dismissive hand at Johnnie. “Are you still here? Don’t blame me if you get a whipping.”
He hesitated, eyed the door to the storeroom, and sighed. “I won’t be long. I’m sure it’s nothing that can’t wait.”
“Don’t hurry,” Lucy called over her shoulder. “So, what can I get for you today, Jack?”
He took the slip of paper from his pocket. “Boot black and ties, kerosene, a pair of work gloves, a keg of penny nails, and roofing shingles for me. Alice needs a spool of white thread, coffee, flour, and cinnamon.” He mulled over the jars of sweets. “I’ll take a dime’s worth of the peppermints, too.”
Lucy gathered all but the kerosene, nails, and roofing shingles. “I’ll have to ask Johnnie to get those for you. They’re too heavy for me.” She peered at him through her lashes.
Jack ignored her flirtations and stopped at the case of lady’s fripperies. “How much for the locket?” Maybe he’d buy it for Alice for Christmas.
Lucy opened the case from behind. “This heart-shaped one?”
“Yes.”
“Two dollars, but that includes the nice chain. Guaranteed to not turn a girl’s neck green. Would you like me to add it to your order?”
“Not today. Thank you.” Alice was worth every penny, but would it be appropriate to give such an expensive gift to his brother’s wife?
“You must have someone really special in mind.”
“I do.” Jack handed Lucy the money to pay for his order.
Johnnie reappeared from the storeroom. “I can carry that out for you.”
“He needs a few things from the storeroom, too.” Lucy handed her brother the list.
“No problem.” Johnnie carried the crate of goods out to the wagon. “I’ll be right back with the rest.”
Jack leaned against the wagon bed and popped a peppermint into his mouth. He tucked the bag of sweets into his jacket pocket. The breeze rustled the last of the dried leaves in the trees. Fallen leaves swirled and danced on the ground. The sun was shining, warming his face. He craned his neck to follow the clouds sailing across the blue sky. The air was fresh without the threat of influenza hanging over the town.
Betty’s laugh drew his attention away from enjoying what could be one of the last beautiful autumn days. She laughed again and linked her arm in Harry’s. Jack pushed off the side of his wagon. They were headed to Lizzie’s, both of them, as cozy as you would expect any couple to be. Except they weren’t a couple. And Alice was visiting Lizzie. This wasn’t how he wanted her to find out about her fiancé and her friend. He hoped he was wrong, or, at least, bring a halt to it before Alice saw them together.
Harry stopped on the front walk when he saw Jack watching them. He smiled and nodded. When Betty saw him, she let go of Harry’s arm and took a step away before continuing up Lizzie’s porch steps. At least Betty appeared to know this wasn’t right. But would it matter?
Johnnie pulled the cart around the side of the building to Jack’s wagon. “Here’s the rest of your order.”
“I hope you didn’t get in too much trouble with your father.” Jack watched Betty knock on Lizzie’s door and let themselves in.
Johnnie transferred the kerosene, nails, and roofing shingles to the wagon bed and slid the crate in tight. “Nah. Lucy was just trying to get rid of me. You do realize my sister has a thing for you.” He tied a tarp over everything to secure the load.
“I try not to encourage her.”
“The only way you get Lucy to stop making eyes at you is to hit her alongside the head with a shovel. And even then, she’d probably smile and say thank you.”
“Well, I don’t think I’ll go that far, but thanks for the advice.”
“See you around, Jack.” Johnnie waved and went inside.
“Later.”
Jack debated what to do next. Head home and let things play out how they will, swoop in to pick up the pieces after, or go over to Lizzie’s now and try to protect Alice from the worst of it. The decision was made for him when Alice hurried out Lizzie’s front door. She stopped, wiped her eyes with the back of her hand, and hurried down the road out of town.
Pick up the pieces after.
“Bastard!” Jack punched the side of the wagon. The horses startled. He cradled his hand to his chest while trying to calm them with the other. He did a quick exam of his throbbing knuckles. They were scraped and would definitely bruise, but he could bend his fingers so he doubted they were broken.
“What did that wagon ever do to you?” Fin crossed the street toward him. “Whatever it was, must have been pretty bad.” He laughed.
“Very funny. My hand is fine.” Jack flexed his fingers again. “What are you up to?”
“Lizzie wanted some time alone to chat with Alice earlier. I was headed back over to see if she was resting, and if she wanted to join us for dinner. What are you doing here?”
“Needed some supplies.” Jack nodded toward the tarp.
“Then it has nothing to do with Alice? I saw her run off.”
“Harry’s in there with Betty. And they seemed awfully cozy.”
Fin sighed and swatted at a leaf blowing by.
Jack eyed him close. “You know what’s going on, don’t you?”
“Both Lizzie and I have suspected for a few days now. Harry’s a fool if he’s giving up Alice for a flirt and schemer like Betty.”
“I’m going to put an end to this right now. You coming with me?” Jack didn’t wait for Fin’s answer, and he didn’t have to turn around to know Fin followed close behind.
“I’ll help, but let’s wait until he comes out. I don’t want us upsetting Lizzie.”
Jack stopped. He put his hands on his hips and took a deep breath to rein in his anger. “All right.”
They took up their vigilance from the bench in front of Erikson’s.
Jack held out the sweets bag. “Peppermint?”
“Thanks.” Fin helped himself.
They didn’t have to wait long before Harry came out. Betty was with him. She was frowning, shoulders slumped. Whether she was truly unhappy or merely acting for Harry’s benefit, Jack couldn’t tell. You never knew anything for certain with Betty. He took a couple steps closer to hear what they were saying.
Betty looked up at Harry, one hand on his arm. “Alice sure was upset to see us. And I would swear Lizzie glared at me as if I’d done something horrible to her when all I’ve ever been is her friend. I don’t understand.”
“Don’t worry about it.” Harry tucked her hand into the crook of his arm and gave it a squeeze. “They were probably talking about something else before we came in.”
“Maybe we shouldn’t see so much of each other. I know we’re just friends, but maybe Alice and Lizzie think otherwise.”
“Just friends?” Harry touched her cheek and smiled.
Jack’s blood boiled. He would have jumped his brother right then and there if Fin hadn’t stopped him.
“Let’s wait and see what else they have to say before we do anything,” Fin whispered. Jack reluctantly agreed.
“I’ve been hoping maybe we’re something more than friends,” Harry continued.
“Truly?” Betty’s voice caught and she gave him a brief smile. “What about Alice?”
“What about Alice?”
“You’re engaged to be married.”
Harry lowered his voice, forcing Jack to strain to hear him. “We’re not married yet, besides, I don’t even know if she still wants to marry me.”
“Why ever not?”
Harry pointed to his eye patch. “Then there’s Jack.”
“You’re not suggesting—” Betty put a hand over her mouth.
From where he stood, Jack saw a slight twinkle in her eyes. Was she enjoying playing the role of the sympathetic friend? Jack couldn’t hold his tongue any longer. “What about me?”
Fin placed a cautionary hand on his shoulder and Jack held back the punch he so wanted to swing.
Harry pointed to Jack’s hand. “What happened, little brother?”
“Nothing you need to concern yourself over. Tell me what’s going on between you and Betty.”
Harry smirked. “Nothing you need to concern yourself over.” He squeezed Betty’s arm. “Pay no attention to my brother. Go on home. I’ll deal with him and ring you later.”
“All right, but Jack, I want you to know I’d never do anything to hurt Alice.” She walked away.
Once she was out of sight, Harry returned his attentions to them. “So, Fin, did you come to save me from my little brother?”
“No, Harry. Like Jack, I came to get some answers.” Fin crossed his arms on his chest.
Harry’s mocking smile faded. He stared at Fin with dark and steely eyes. “I’d appreciate it if you minded your own business.” He turned to Jack. “As for you.” He lowered his voice to a growl. “Stay away from Alice and stop filling her head with nonsense about nursing.” He poked Jack in the chest. “She’s going to be my wife.” Poke. “Not yours.” Poke. “And she’ll do as I say.”
With each poke, Jack stumbled back a step, dropping his cane onto the walk. “Doesn’t look to me like you plan on marrying her. If so, where were you this morning when you were supposed to be meeting with the Reverend?”
Fin jumped between them and Harry raised his hands in surrender. “Alice knows I love her. Betty and I are just friends having a little fun.”
“Does Betty know it’s nothing but a little fun?”
“I’m done here.” Harry picked up Jack’s cane, tossed it to him, and walked away.
Jack sighed as Harry disappeared into Dooley’s. “His drinking is a big part of the problem.”
Fin patted him on the shoulder. “You go home and see to Alice. I’ll head over to Dooley’s and try to talk some sense into Harry.”
Jack nodded and glanced up at the sky. The clouds had thickened and grew dark. “I better get these supplies home before it decides to rain.” He stepped onto the wagon bench and took up the reins. “Let me know how it goes.” Jack snapped the reins and headed home.