Chapter Six
Darkness had long since fallen. Luke, the dizziness having faded away, climbed on his cot and stared out back, not a soul in sight. Where was Colton? What was taking him so long? Not being able to protect his son was the worst part of this charade.
A hot wind puffed inside, and his anger was replaced with a mustard seed of alarm, a feeling he was unaccustomed to. What would happen? Did Jack really believe he could get away with something so dishonest? Or did the thick-skulled man really think Luke’d committed a crime? He still didn’t know what he was accused of. The look of the battered woman pointing at him was burned into his mind like a red-hot brand.
Scuffling sounded. The door between the cells and the office opened. Still standing on the cot, Luke looked over his shoulder at the sight of his dejected boy approaching the cold steel bars. He stepped down and went to his son.
“Colton.” He tried to infuse calm into his voice. “What did you find out?”
“Nothin’, Pa,” Colton responded. “Couldn’t find the sheriff or the deputy. I did find out the telegraph operator skedaddled out of town last month, taking most the equipment.”
Okay, there are other ways. “Did you find Trent Herrick?”
“He’s nowhere, Pa. I went to that shop and banged on the door until someone else came from next door and told me to stop making a ruckus and go away. I tried to ask him about Jack Jones or the deputy, but he just shooed me off.”
Luke sucked in a deep breath. Let’s not panic. “And the church?”
“Everyone’s gone. Even the reverend. I went to the livery to see if Mr. Herrick’s team was still there, and it is. As well as his buckboard.”
Still a chance to get word home. “That was good thinking, Colton. At least we know Trent hasn’t left town.”
“I’m sorry I let you down.” Colton’s shoulders slumped, and he didn’t even try to shake away the hair that had fallen into his eyes. Smudges of dirt marked his shirt that hadn’t been there before he’d left.
“Come here.” In the dark jail, Luke reached through the bars and took hold of Colton’s hand giving it a shake. “Don’t worry. They can’t hold me for something I didn’t do. Tomorrow, this situation will get straightened out. I’ll be released. We’ll head back to Y Knot. Even do some hunting along the way.” That scenario sounded better with each word and yet didn’t bring a smile to Colton’s face. “But on the off chance we do have more problems with Jack, I want you to be at that leather shop before sunup. We can’t chance missing Trent’s departure. Tell him what’s happened and ask him to get word to the Heart of the Mountains as soon as he reaches Y Knot.”
Colton nodded. “But the trip back in a wagon will take him a good five days.” His eyes grew large. “That’s a long time. Can’t he do something here to help?”
That’s a good question. “I don’t think so. Jack won’t listen to anyone. He likes the power he wields, especially against me. I’d rather know that word was heading toward the ranch hands. They’ll know what to do.” At least, I hope they do. With his pa, brothers, and Brandon all down in Cheyenne, Luke wasn’t quite sure yet what that help might be. Roady was at the ranch with Sally and their new two-month-old daughter. Still, he’d think of something.
“I won’t let Trent get away, Pa. Not without talking with him first.” A wobbly smile appeared. “You can count on me.”
“I know I can. Now, go back to the hotel and get some sleep.” Luke straightened and glanced out the door. “Wait. You haven’t had any supper. Those little portions at the wedding weren’t enough to feed a mouse.”
“You didn’t either.”
Under the circumstances, Luke hadn’t even noticed he’d missed a meal. “I’ll be fine.” Luke reached into his pocket for the silver room key, which he was surprised Jack had missed. Unfortunately, the implement hadn’t worked on the cell door. “I know you already have a key to our room, but take this one too. See if Mr. Kasterlee at the hotel can find you something for supper. Be sure and ask. He can charge that, and whatever else you might need, to our room. Do you have any money left?” He placed the key into Colton’s palm as his son nodded. “Good. Jack took my money clip when he grabbed my gun.”
Colton wasn’t saying anything, but even in the semidarkness, Luke could see the apprehension lurking in his eyes.
Luke grasped his shoulder and gently squeezed. “Go on, the time’s gettin’ late. Everything will be all right. We just have to be patient. Get some sleep and then get over to that leather shop bright and early. Catching Trent before he heads out of town is important. He may be going at dawn.”
Colton just stared.
“Later tomorrow, I’d appreciate you bringing me my trail clothes.” He didn’t have to look to know his dress clothes were rumpled and stained. “I’ll be more comfortable.” Colton looked young and frightened. His eyes drooped with fatigue. Luke longed in the worst way to pull his son into his arms and assure him of their future. Problem was, the bars prevented that, and he wasn’t all that sure himself what tomorrow would bring.