Chapter Thirty-Nine

 

Poor Mildred. What a horrible way to die. Sorrow gripped Ashley as she followed Francis up the street, moving quickly to keep up with his long stride. A few bystanders lingered on the boardwalk, glancing toward the old woman’s house, which used to be a haven of hominess, in need of a little upkeep outside but cozy. Deputy Clark stood next to Jed Kasterlee, the hotel proprietor. She heard in passing the undertaker was on his way to collect Mildred’s body.

“Francis, you never said if you found anything inside her house. You were gone more than a few minutes. Can you share?”

“Not here. And not until Roady hears what I have to say. The boys were having a meeting this morning, and I went and forgot.”

“That’s because you were speaking with me in the schoolhouse.” She responded to his warm smile with one of her own. “Where are you going now, back to the hotel?”

His jaw clenched and released several times, capturing her attention. He was a good foot and a half taller than she was, and with his wide shoulders, strong, chiseled chin, stately nose and oh-so-expressive eyes and eyebrows, she thought he was just about the most handsome man she’d ever seen. And he seemed so wise for his age. She liked that about him. Most men’s gazes went to one place fast. She’d never noticed him once trying to ogle her in that way.

“Not quite yet,” he replied. “This money clip is burning a hole in my pocket. The sooner I find out about Huntsman, the better. If the piece is not his, my work is not done.” He stopped his strides and looked down into her eyes. “Do you have to be somewhere? Or do you want to come along? My work could turn into your work too.” He smiled.

I need to be harvesting my apples, but I really want to spend time with Francis. What will a few more minutes matter? “Yes, now that you’ve involved me in your detective work, I’m curious as well. I hope and pray Tilly’s husband’s not involved.”

“In what?”

They both skidded to a halt, and she exchanged a wide-eyed glance with Francis when she realized Jed Kasterlee had caught what she’d said as they passed by his door. She’d had to put the man in his place a time or two over the years, but now he treated her with respect.

“In letting the secret out about a gathering I’m planning for the coming baby,” Ashley blurted, feeling horrible about being the one who may have blown Francis’s cover. “I’m having a small surprise for the ladies.” She waggled a finger in his direction. “Now, don’t you go and say anything to her or anyone else.”

He smiled and ambled out of his doorway where he’d been standing in the shadows. “I don’t much speak with Tilly anymore. Neil makes sure of that. Your secret is safe with me.”

“Thank you, Mr. Kasterlee.” She chanced a glance up at Francis, who regarded her with a skeptical half smile. “Sorry,” she said quietly as they walked off. “That was close. I’ll have to learn to keep my mouth shut if I’m to help you.”

His brows rose but he didn’t stop walking. “Does this mean you’re on our side?”

The small sardonic smile was back, making little flutters warm her insides. “Partially. And if I learn information that will corroborate Blanche’s story, I’ll share that as well. I’m keeping an open mind.”

“That’s all I ask.” Francis opened the door to the small bank next to the mercantile, allowing Ashley to enter before him.

Neil was in the back of the room, doing something next to a large standing safe. When he turned, a friendly smile lit his face. “Miss Adair. What brings you into the bank today?” He glanced at Francis and nodded.

She was at a loss and glanced at Francis.

“Hello, Mr. Huntsman. I don’t know if you remember me. I’m Francis, and I work for the Heart of the Mountains ranch in Y Knot. I’m the one needing your help. Miss Adair was just showing me the town.”

The corners of Neil’s lips pulled up into a small smile. He gave her a secretive wink.

Word would be around town that she was stepping out with Francis. The thought pleased her until she thought of her mother and Blanche. Neither one would welcome the news.

“What can I help you with, Francis? Did you want to open an account?”

“Uh, no. We’ll all be gone as soon as Luke’s released from jail, and we expect that to happen soon.”

Neil’s brows rose. “I hope you’re right. Then what do you need?”

“Can I get a wire transfer from the bank in Y Knot? We’re running low on funds.”

Was that true? Everyone knew the McCutcheons were wealthy. Hadn’t Luke’s wife arrived in town a few days ago? Surely she’d have brought enough money to last the extent of their stay.

“Not until Priest’s Crossing gets another telegraph,” Neil replied.

“Any plans for that to happen?”

“Nope. I’m sorry. Not much call for wire transfers, although that doesn’t help you. If you’d like, I can talk to my boss about giving Mrs. McCutcheon a loan for the time you’re here, but under the circumstances, that might be a problem as well. But I won’t know for sure until I speak with him.”

Francis leaned his elbow on the counter between them and rubbed his chin.

Ashley didn’t like fooling Mr. Huntsman, even for a good cause.

“I’ll tell Mrs. McCutcheon.” He straightened and crooked his elbow. “Ready, Miss Adair? I guess we’ll…” He quickly turned back. “Oh, by the way, I overheard talk in the café that you have a special money clip that looks like a gun. Thing is, I have a memory of something like that from before I was taken in by the McCutcheons. Way back when I was a child.”

Neil’s smile faded. “Who was talking about me? Do you remember when it was?”

Francis shrugged. “The days are all runnin’ together like molasses in a can. Even if I could recall, I hardly know anyone. Just wondered if I might have a look, for old time’s sake.” He held up a hand. “But only if you don’t mind.” He glanced at Neil’s pocket.

Neil gave a small laugh and headed to the back of the room. “I keep that piece locked up. Give me a moment.”

Francis seemed intent on looking at the teller’s feet.

“What on earth are you doing?” she whispered close to his ear.

Francis hadn’t stopped looking at Neil’s boots since the teller turned away. “I’m killing two birds with one stone.” He smiled into her eyes, making breathing difficult. “Would you say he and I wear the same size boot?”

Shocked, she pulled back. “What?”

Neil worked the combination to the safe.

“His boots?” He held up his for her to see.

She glanced to the door and windows. “You’re crazy.”

“Maybe. But check out his feet before he comes back to the counter.” He glanced at the safe and then back at her. “Well?”

“Uh…” Francis was much taller than Neil. “His are smaller,” she whispered.

“You’re doing fine,” Francis softly said. “I like working with you. I think we make a darn good team.”

Heat rushed to her face, which only made his smile widen.

Mr. Huntsman was on his way back with something in his hand.

“Well, I’ll be,” Francis said, his eyes going wide. “It’s just how I remembered. Would you mind if I…?” He held out his hand.

“Course not.” Neil placed the clip in his palm.

“Where’d you get it?” Francis asked, never taking his attention off the clip. “I’d swear the design is exactly like the one I recall. But that’s all I remember. Not where I was or who I was with.”

“A peddler came through town about a year ago. Had a bunch of stuff in his wagon, but only two of these.”

A clue! Francis really was good at this.

“Two, you say. Do you know who purchased the other one? I’d sure like to see that too.”

Neil lifted a shoulder. “Nope, I don’t. When I bought mine, the other was still there.”

Francis handed back the money clip.

She almost laughed at his dreamy look of nostalgia. He was a good actor, as well as a good detective. An aspect of him she should remember.

“Thank you, Mr. Huntsman. I appreciate your time.”

Back out on the boardwalk, she grasped his arm and hauled him to a stop when he started toward the hotel. “I’ll ask again… what on earth? What was all that business about boot size? I’ve never heard the like.”

“Just doin’ a day’s work.”

Feeling a bubble of annoyance she stepped back and raised her chin. “You’re not the kind of man who does senseless things to impress others or get a laugh, I hope. I didn’t take you for that, Francis, and I’m disappointed if you are.”

He let out a loud chortle. “No. I’m just a regular ranch hand, nothing more, nothing less. Matter of fact, most times I let others run the show. But not now. Luke’s life is too important. And I like Tilly too much to hornswoggle her husband. Mrs. McCutcheon isn’t really looking for a loan, but at the time I needed an answer that made sense. And I can tell you I’m greatly relieved I can mark Neil Huntsman off my list of suspects. I never want to see anything bad happen to Tilly now that she’s found happiness.”

That was a sweet sentiment, she thought, moving slowly by his side. Francis was clearly enjoying himself. His eyes fairly danced with humor.

“I guess I better get back to my work, and then I have more harvesting to do.”

She dreaded going home. Surely her mother would ask where she’d been for so long. She’d only meant to stay at the school for a few minutes. To get out of the house and stretch her legs. Now she’d have to do some explaining.

But why should I have to? I’m an adult. I have a job and am making my own way, albeit with my mother, but I’m supporting her as well. Do I ever get to have a life of my own?

An unbidden thought of Y Knot slipped into her mind. What would life be like there? Living on her own? Working hard but enjoying every moment? With Francis to keep her company and other friends to make? Did the town really have young women with whom she could socialize? The thought was more enticing than she’d like to believe.

Francis never looked as handsome as he did today, and the fact he had her grandfather’s manly name made him all the more attractive. Was she just a summertime fling to him? Did he sweet talk all the girls? Did he have young women all around the countryside sighing at his every word? Surely someone as handsome as Francis must have admirers falling at his feet. As soon as the trial was over, would he pack up and leave, move on to another adventure and another woman? She needed to be smart. She didn’t want to end up with a broken heart.

“I’m sorry to part ways, Ashley, but I have to go find Roady and see what I missed at the meeting. He won’t be happy that I skipped. Thanks for your help—and company. Remember what I asked you.”

He warmed her with another heart-stopping smile. “I’ll not say a word,” she replied. “You already have my promise, but if you want to double-pinky promise, I’m willing.”

He chuckled. “Double-pinky what?” He cocked an eyebrow. “What’s that? And do I really want to know?”

She quickly glanced around and then pulled him into an alley by his shirtsleeve. Satisfied they weren’t the object of anyone’s attention, she explained, “It’s a practice that comes from Japan, of all places. Go like this.” She held up her baby finger and waited until he did the same. Going slowly, she wrapped her finger around his, all the while smiling like a fool. The contact of his rough skin on hers caused a cocoon of euphoria. She thought she might faint. The only thing that kept her on her feet was the fact he was grinning like a fool as well. They stared into each other’s eyes, the feelings holding her spellbound.

He gave a gentle tug.

She came closer. So close the front of her blouse touched his shirt. With the brevity of a sparrow’s wing, he brushed her lips with his. She felt her heart melt, and she opened her eyes to find him smiling still. “You’re not acting now, are you, Francis?” she whispered, her lips touching his.

“I can assure you I’m not, Miss Adair. And if you give me permission, I’d like nothin’ better than to kiss you again. A proper kiss, not that little peck. I’m hoping you’ll say yes.”

Giddy happiness bubbled inside as Ashley nodded and waited for another trip to heaven she knew was about to happen in Francis’s arms.