Renegade Husband, page 10
Christopher stood several feet behind her with Jed.
“I’m sorry. Every step I took there were more flowers, and then I saw these yellow ones on the other side of a stream. I nearly slipped on the rocks getting to them.”
The older woman reached her and expelled a heavy sigh. “I didn’t know how else to warn you,” she whispered.
“I saw him earlier.”
“Has my sweet lady been picking flowers?” A grin spread over Christopher’s face. “You are so much like a whimsical child, and I’m fortunate to call you mine.”
His words clawed at her heart, along with his endless lies and deceit. She forced a smile. “I hope you haven’t been waiting long.”
“Long enough to be concerned, but the Masters said you’d gone for a walk.”
She laughed. “If I’d brought a pole, I might have followed the water to where I could fish for trout. And I’d be there still.”
“Aren’t you the youngest in your family?” he asked.
She nodded. “And used to getting my own way.”
He linked her arm with his. “I don’t mind. Beauty like yours needs to be indulged. You must ease this heart soon and tell me when we can marry.”
She despised her role in this charade. Dear Lord, I pray You are leading me in this, for I’m beginning to feel vile. “I think we can decide on a date. Perhaps on the ride back to Earnest?”
Christopher shouted like an Indian heading into battle. “Did you hear that, Jed? We’re deciding on a wedding day this evening.”
“Make sure you give her plenty of time to sew her weddin’ dress and all those other things women fuss about,” Jed said.
“I agree,” Naomi said. “Audra will be the prettiest bride Earnest has ever seen.”
Christopher laughed. “If it will hurry the big day, I’ll get all the women in town to help her.”
How long must this all continue?
❧
Caleb realized the time had come for him to take action and stop allowing his friends to risk their lives in protecting him. A meeting between Jed and Governor Eaton held a lot of merit, but Caleb didn’t need a trip to Denver to understand the authorities required hard evidence. Audra had made headway with the widow, and maybe the woman would testify when the time came. Still, the answers always returned to the same problem: Someone needed to locate the money and stolen goods. Chris probably stored the items right under everyone’s nose.
I’ve been a fool. Why didn’t I see the sheriff and Chris were in this together? Jim Hawk may be a part of their gang, too. Who else is involved?
Chris had always been the clever one, but desperation had a way of smarting up a man, too. And Caleb had been dodging the law and his outlaw brother for a long time. Now, with the realization that a fine woman had touched his heart, he had even more reasons to bring justice to the surface.
He allowed his thoughts to linger on Audra awhile longer. If Chris wasn’t arrested soon, she could get hurt. He saw a willful side of her that worried him and a fearlessness woven with determination. He also saw a spark of caring. The latter could cause her to act without thinking. He should know; all manner of reason left him when he looked into those heaven-sent eyes. The two of them didn’t dare be alone again, not until Chris sat behind bars.
In the past, Caleb had eluded those after him. He played a cat-and-mouse game, and the law or his brother did the chasing. With other innocent people involved, he realized the time had come to trail Chris’s every move. He’d follow his brother day and night until he found the evidence.
I’ll settle for a bullet or a noose around my neck before I allow those near me to suffer.
Twelve
“You cannot wander off anymore,” Christopher said. Evening snatches of light played through tree branches in shadows that reminded her of giant fingers. Audra thought how romantic a wagon ride could be with the right man. She’d gladly exchange the queasiness in her stomach for a glowing light in her heart—for Caleb.
“I couldn’t resist the wildflowers. You remember Nebraska. This is so different, and I wanted to capture a part of Colorado beauty.”
“At the risk of my brother capturing you? Sweetheart, he could hold you for ransom—he is capable of a lot of things.”
She swallowed an angry retort. She must continue playing naïve. “I’m sorry you were worried. I’m used to living free and enjoying the land.”
“And you will soon again. Caleb can’t run forever, unless he leaves the territory.”
“I dearly wish the outlaws were caught.” And you were behind bars.
He sighed. “I know, and so do I. In the meantime, think about the possible danger. I’m afraid my brother is up to something—and you might be part of it.”
She touched her lips. “Has he said so?”
Christopher paused, most likely to conjure up a story. “He said you were much too beautiful for me. And he reminded me that he had kissed you first.”
Someday everyone will know the truth. “How cruel.”
“He made a few threats, but I refuse to repeat them.” He shook his head and took a deep breath. “Just promise me you will take heed.”
“I will. I can do no less than to ensure you peace of mind.”
He glanced her way and grinned. “You can give me great joy by telling me when we can wed.” He chuckled. “Tomorrow?”
Audra detested the tone in his voice, as though he might truly care. She wanted the charade to end soon. This very night if possible. She’d gladly tell him how despicable he was and never see him again, but the problems wouldn’t vanish.
Her finances had dwindled to a critical stage. No matter how many times she counted her meager funds, she had barely enough to live at the boardinghouse two weeks longer. She must seek employment and accept the fact that Christopher would be furious with the idea.
“Are you going to make this poor heart beg?” he asked, interrupting her musings.
“Of course not. I think perhaps four weeks from this Sunday?”
“No sooner?”
His pitiful begging unnerved her. “Christopher, I want everything to be perfect, and even four weeks gives me little time.” She considered touching his arm, but the fear of him stopping the wagon to steal a kiss halted her. “Won’t you need to summon a pastor from a neighboring town?”
“We could ride there tomorrow and make arrangements.”
“Is he a friend of yours? I mean is he a good pastor?”
“The best. And I want the best for us. We will remember our wedding day for the rest of our lives.”
And my wedding won’t be with you. “Now I feel better.”
“Shall I kiss you soundly to seal the date?”
She gasped and stiffened. “I think not. I’m saving all of my affections for our wedding night.”
He laughed. “Such a surprise you are, Audra. To taste your sweet lips, I’ll wait the month’s time. I can hardly wait to tell our congregation. They will be pleased.”
And I have four weeks to find the evidence to prove you guilty of all the crimes blamed on Caleb. His kiss is the one I crave, and his arms are the ones I long to hold me.
Back in her room, Audra asked God to give her continued guidance and strength. For certain the next time Christopher made calls, she’d keep a short distance behind him.
❧
Audra dreaded Sunday. To her, announcing the wedding date to the congregation was like standing in front of God and lying. Deceiving God’s people on a Sunday morning worship service? Had she stooped to the same level as Christopher? The reality made her stomach churn. She wanted to bathe in the hottest water imaginable and scrub her skin raw.
“You will make a wonderful pastor’s wife,” a matronly woman said. “Our sweet pastor needs someone to help him with the responsibilities of the church. It appears to me that you are as beautiful on the inside as you are on the outside.”
“Thank you.” Audra smiled to keep from crying. Were her near-tears a result of misleading these people or the idea of possibly disappointing God? Or both?
“We need to get you involved in Bible study and our other ladies’ meetings.” The same woman nodded as if to punctuate her words. “But we’ll wait until after the weddin’. My husband is one of the elders, so you and I will get to spend lots of time together.”
“I appreciate your thinking about me.” What else could she say? It was easy to make a fuss over small children and babies, even spend a few hours in the company of godly women. But discussing her wifely duties after exchanging marital vows with Christopher? Heaven forbid!
She hated all of this. Audra took a deep breath to control her emotions. She wanted a home and family someday, but not with Christopher.
A little boy tugged on her yellow and green flowered dress. She lifted the toddler into her arms, glad for the diversion. “Where is your mama?” she asked.
He promptly stuck his thumb into his mouth and leaned on her shoulder.
“You have the touch,” another woman said. “Edna Sue, come look where your son is.”
A young woman with dark hair and eyes stepped up to her. “I hope he hasn’t bothered you, Miss Audra. Although when he gets tired he is picky about whom he wants to hold him.” She held out her arms, and the child reached for her.
“I enjoyed your son for the brief time I held him.” Audra patted his back. He closed his eyes and snuggled up to his mother.
The members thinned out from the churchyard until she stood alone. With no sign of Christopher, she climbed the steps to the church. She hoped he’d left to tend to something—anything—but he always waited for her. The cross on the wall behind the pulpit caught her attention. She hadn’t considered this church a real house of God since she learned the truth about Christopher. But now, alone and surrounded by the symbols of worship, she felt the presence of the heavenly Father.
God is here, because those folks who worship seek Him with all their hearts.
She smiled and sensed the love and peace she’d come to recognize as the Lord’s special gift to her. If only Christopher had listened to God’s voice and responded in obedience instead of rebellion.
Glancing about, she noticed a few hymnals hadn’t been replaced, a task she normally completed with Christopher. A few moments later, she had everything in order and still no sign of him.
A small room to the right caught her attention. Christopher entered the church sanctuary from this area and made his announcements before beginning the sermon. The offering plate was stored in the small room. Perhaps he and the elder who held the position as treasurer were gathering up today’s offering.
Audra moved to the door and listened. Hearing nothing, she saw it wasn’t closed completely and pushed it slightly with her finger, just enough to take a peek. Christopher stood counting the money from the collection plate. She started to speak since he didn’t note her presence. At that moment, he stuck a handful of the money in his pocket and the rest into the bag that went to the treasurer.
Immediately she stepped back and tiptoed to a pew midway through the church. Trembling, she picked up a hymnal and pretended to read it. Her frenzied emotions refused to calm, and she willed her heart to cease its incessant beating.
Stealing from his own church—not his church but God’s church. The alarm racing through her body shouldn’t surprise her. If he robbed and killed the people of this town, would he not take their money from the collection plate?
For once she wished she were a lady lawman or a Pinkerton. Why, she’d arrest him this very instant. She’d march into that little room and pronounce him a murderer and a thief.
“Audra, dear, have you been waiting long?” Christopher closed the door of the small room and interrupted her contemplations.
“Not at all.” How could he look so innocent? And his voice sounded quiet and calm, like a pastor’s. It sickened her.
He held up the familiar leather bag. “This task was left to me today. Do remind me to take this to the bank later.”
She smiled and stood. “I can take it for you. It will give me an errand to do.”
“Thank you. This is my week to get paid, and I want money there to cover my salary.”
His last words burned inside her. All she managed was another smile to keep from screaming at him for dipping his hands into the collection plate.
“You look lovely this morning.” He offered her his arm. “We have a dinner invitation. This is a family who gives generously, and we don’t want to keep them waiting.”
What an incorrigible man.
❧
Caleb punched his fist into his palm. He’d rather punch his fist through the side of Jed’s barn, but nothing would come from it but a broken hand. He felt weak, helpless, and frustrated. Jed had ridden to Denver to see the governor and hadn’t returned. What had taken him so long? Caleb should have gone, too. After all, he was the man with the questionable reputation. He held little hope that Governor Eaton would believe his story. With all the wanted posters, the truth looked far from Earnest, Colorado.
At this very moment what bothered him the most was Naomi’s news from Sunday morning church. Chris had announced his marriage to Audra for Sunday, July 9. He knew Audra would refuse to go through with it, but she was in an uncomfortable, even perilous, position. The whole situation with Audra and his brother’s plan to fake his own death and leave her a widow heated his blood to boiling.
So far, Caleb had spent every spare minute with his eyes on Earnest and their pastor. Nothing had happened yet. Chris may have decided he had enough money and to give up robbing folks. That didn’t take away from the fact he’d committed crimes against good people.
A figure in the doorway captured his attention. “Naomi, I’m on my way,” he said.
“Keeping vigil on your brother?”
He nodded. “I expect his Sunday afternoons are spent at some poor unsuspecting person’s house for dinner, but I can’t take any chances.”
“I figured as such. Do you need anything before you leave?”
“No, ma’am. I do appreciate the news about Chris and Audra.”
“She doesn’t have much time.”
“Why did she give him four weeks?” Caleb asked. “It doesn’t make sense.”
“I imagine she wants him to think the date has something to do with her livelihood. Chris stole her money, except for a little he overlooked, and she doesn’t have any income. Now, don’t you go thinking she will go through with a wedding so she can survive, ’cause that’s not what I’m saying.”
“What are you saying?” Caleb asked.
“He’s going to make life miserable for her when she backs out, and so will every member of his congregation. But that’s not the answer. Don’t you understand?”
Realization hit him like a bolt of lightning. “She purposely set herself up to find the evidence in four weeks.”
Naomi nodded. “If things aren’t resolved by the time of the wedding, she’ll find herself a job and do just fine. But by that time she will have lost Christopher’s confidence and the hope of helping you.”
“I’d have given her money.” His words sounded angrier than he intended. “And I never wanted her to help me.”
“She’s a strong-willed girl, and she’s proud. I know she approached the owner of the general store and the boardinghouse for work, but neither of them had a job for her.” Naomi sighed. “She told me she had the qualifications to teach school.”
“I’d like to see her teaching. I think she’d do a fine job.”
Naomi walked to where he stood and handed him the food. “God will triumph over this. He will not let Christopher go free and leave you to suffer.”
Caleb pressed his lips together. “I want to believe the same thing, and I understand His ways are best.” He leaned against the side of a stall and uncovered the plate. “I’d gladly give my life for my brother, if it were any situation other than this. In fact, I’d die right now if this would bring him to his knees.” He shrugged. “Maybe that is the answer.”
“I hope not.” A tear slid down Naomi’s round cheek.
“I’m not a brave man, Naomi. Not a real smart one either. But I do know God has a perfect plan.”
“Do you trust Him to see you through this to the end?”
He straightened. “Yes, Naomi. I know if I’m looking down a hangman’s noose or the barrel of a rifle, He’s with me.”
“With your kind of faith, this will work out for the best.”
He wrapped one arm around her and pulled her to his side. “I pray so.” The smell of roast pork tugged at his stomach. “Thanks for taking care of me.
“You’re welcome. I wonder if you should be having a conversation with Audra.”
He raised a brow. “Why?”
“Because you love her, and she loves you.”
He hesitated. How much of his heart dare he confess to this woman? “If my name is cleared, I will approach Audra. Until then, I am a wanted man who can offer nothing but a life on the run.”
“Surely there is a place where you two could live in peace.”
He smiled. “You are talking like a mother. At least I think so, ’cause I never knew mine.” He wiped the tears from her cheeks. “The only safe place for a wanted man is a grave. I will not give up on this fight—not now or ever.”
“I understand, and I’m being a silly old woman who loves you like a son.”
“We’re just stuck, aren’t we?” With those words he winked and moved to saddle his horse. He meant those endearing words. A minute more and he’d be behaving like a kid instead of a grown man, crying on her shoulder. Odd how feeling alone made a man vulnerable to his feelings.
“Be careful. Jed should be home on Tuesday.”
“I will. I’ll check in with both of you that evening.”
“Watch out. I don’t trust one of the ranch hands—Les.”
Caleb sighed. “I’ll make sure it’s late—like an outlaw.”
❧
On Tuesday morning at breakfast, Christopher stated he needed to visit a family and would be gone most of the day. “Those folks have a sick mama. She’s not doing well at all. I’m afraid she won’t make it.”
