Chapter Forty

Colton hunkered down by the front door of the sheriff’s office, his chin resting in his palm as he gazed into the street. He was forbidden to leave this spot. His pa had asked him to keep an eye out for clues, but Colton knew that was just his way of making him feel better.

Everyone thought him a kid. Even Pa. Especially Pa. If Colton hadn’t snuck off the morning of the wedding, none of this would have happened. A deep, hurting hole opened up inside.

How Luke must rue the day he set eyes on me. Because of Colton, Luke might actually be hanged for murder.

Nobody, not even Francis, had shared with him about the bloody boot print the men found in the cabin six days ago. He’d heard bits and pieces from the hands by eavesdropping.

Sullenly, he kicked out and sent a dirt clod into the street. His mother was in the jail now, with Smokey and his pa. What would happen? Each day that passed, Colton’s fear grew. All sorts of horrible outcomes tortured his mind. How he wished his grandfather were here. Flood would take care of the misunderstanding straightaway. Or either of his uncles. Jack Jones, or, more to the point, Hoss Clark, his toad-faced deputy, had the men at a standoff.

Francis secretly, but slowly, ruled out suspects, but the process took too long. Reverberation of the wooden boardwalk made him look around.

Tilly and the woman from the mercantile were headed his way. Feeling conspicuous, he glanced in the other direction as they advanced, his face heating, cheeks stinging with shame. His pa had taught him a man didn’t ignore anyone. To do so was rude. Everyone deserved at least to be acknowledged, even with a dip of a chin or a touch to his hat brim, but he just couldn’t today. He’d been the recipient of countless angry, speculative looks.

“Colton?”

Too bad. She was using proper manners and not giving him an easy out by walking by without a word. Heat stung the backs of his eyes. He turned up his face and then slowly stood. Tilly’s boss, Joe Brunn’s sister, looked none too pleased to be speaking with the enemy.

“I thought that was you,” Tilly said with a caring smile. She wore a starched white apron over a pink dress. A creamy-white cameo was pinned just below the soft-looking lace around her neck.

He knew the story of how she used to be a saloon girl in Y Knot and how she’d set her cap on marrying a McCutcheon—especially Luke. Colton didn’t remember much, being he was younger when he’d first come to town with his ma. But Tilly had been there then, behind the scenes, vying for his pa’s attention. At least, that’s what Billy told him. None of that mattered now. Her worry-filled eyes were almost too much for him to endure. He glanced up for one second, smiled, and then looked away. “Yes, ma’am.”

“What are you doing out here?”

Embarrassed to tell her the truth, that he was forbidden to take a step away from the sheriff’s office door without his protector, Smokey, he shrugged. “Just passing some time is all.” He chanced another look at Mrs. Meeks.

The woman checked her watch and then stared at the mercantile.

Colton wished they would do the kindly thing and move on.

“If you have time, why don’t you come to the store? I have a plateful of fresh oatmeal cookies on the counter I just took from the oven not fifteen minutes ago. They’re for our customers.” She winked. “A way to draw them in. There’s plenty, and I’d enjoy getting to know you better. I’ve seen you around but haven’t had a chance to talk.”

Her words strengthened him. Not everyone considered him a dung beetle. “I can’t, ma’am, but thank you all the same. I’m keeping watch out here.” Sort of the truth.

Mrs. Meeks snorted. “I need to get back to the store, Tilly,” she said. “I don’t want to leave Joe for long. He’s only so good with the customers.”

Colton hadn’t missed her disdainful expression. As she walked away, he heaved a sigh of relief.

“I admire your pa, Colton,” Tilly said, placing one hand on his shoulder and the other on her growing stomach. “All the McCutcheons, really. Back in the old days, when I was a saloon girl, they never looked down their nose at me. Not a one of them. And that was rare. Good things happen to good people. Don’t you worry about your pa. Somehow, this whole mess will be cleared up, and the nightmare will be over.” She tipped his chin up with a gentle finger and then leaned close to whisper, “I believe your pa is innocent. He’d never murder anyone. I don’t know why Blanche is saying the things she is, but I’ve never liked that woman. Something dishonest about her.”

All the attention from the ex–saloon girl had his face aflame and heart pounding. But hearing her proclamation roused his courage.

“Unfortunately,” she continued softly, for his ears only, “because of my past, not many hold my opinion in any esteem at all. Still, I’m on the lookout too. You have a friend and ally in me. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to seek me out. Do you know where I live, with my husband, Neil?”

Gratitude for her heartfelt words washed through him. “No, ma’am.”

The restaurant man was watching their conversation with interest, but he couldn’t hear their words.

“Down that way, at the end of the street, are some small houses. Mine is in the middle of two others. I have yellow curtains in the window. Come by any time you’d like to talk. And until then, I’ll be keeping your pa in my prayers.”

Colton took a deep breath and couldn’t believe that a smile popped out. “Thank you, ma’am. I’ll keep that in mind.” He’d heard his ma say those words more times than he could count. Perhaps Tilly was right, and this nightmare would work itself out. Then again, wishes didn’t always come true.

She didn’t ruffle his hair like every other adult in town who thought him a child but put out her hand, and they shook, sealing their friendship.

The man across the street tossed his cigarette into the dirt and stalked back into his restaurant.

“Mr. Clevenger’s not real happy to see us talking.”

She glanced over her shoulder at the now-empty boardwalk. “He doesn’t frighten me, Colton. I’ve faced many a worse adversary. I’ve come to know that only things we fear can hurt us. Neil has taught me not to worry about what others think. Their opinions are none of my business.” She smiled and tipped her head. “Remember what I said about the cookies. The invitation is extended to your mother and Mr. Smokey as well.”

He watched her walk away. He liked Tilly a whole bunch. Maybe things weren’t as bad as he thought.

Two men riding up the street all but stared him down.

Then again, maybe they were.