Caught in the Middle (24 page)

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The line at the courthouse was short when Nick arrived thirty minutes before the polls opened. What was the point of secret ballots? No one had voted yet, but from the men’s reaction to his presence he could gauge their opinion. And overall it was positive.

As the time for the opening of the polls approached, many walked up the line to shake his hand or wish him luck, but a few dropped their voices as he neared and murmured in a most disapproving fashion.

What had Ian Stanford accused him of? No way would Ian leave the election up to chance, and no way would he feel any compunction to tell the truth. Funny how quickly, how completely, a friendship could disappear. He thought of Ophelia and all the times she’d tried to engage him in small talk as if she genuinely cared about his opinion. He thought of Ian’s flamboyant praise and predictions of his success, but when it came down to it, they were only there to see what they could get out of him. When he ceased to be useful, they wanted him buried six feet under.

He’d won the bridge vote, but there was much more to fight for. Nick couldn’t leave the county in the hands of a crooked judge and a ruthless businessman. Anne’s trouble devastated him, but he couldn’t lose sight of his purpose. Just as she wanted to rescue Sammy, he was obligated to bring justice to the political process. The two didn’t conflict, but one would have to wait until the other was settled.

The courthouse door cracked open, was shoved wide and propped open by a pollster. Up the steps went the line, and soon Nick was holding a ballot.

The blue ink smelled fresh. The orange county crest proudly denoted an up-and-coming community that could afford two-tone printing. He scanned the short list of sheriff, treasurer, and commissioner candidates until he saw his name:
Nicholas Lovelace—County Commissioner,
District #5.

He ran his finger over the print. His name. While inclusion on this list of who’s who hadn’t taken much effort, it had cost him everything. He’d volunteered to finish Richard Garrard’s term only thinking of the prestige it’d bring, but staying true to his oath and his own conscience meant that he’d lost more than he’d imagined possible.

He hoped he’d never look back and regret what he’d done. With every hardship, he’d have to remember that obedience had led him to that consequence. As much as he enjoyed fine things, he’d have to learn to appreciate honest austerity over guilty luxury.

Nicholas lifted the pen from the inkpot and tapped the excess on the rim. With a quick flourish he circled his name, marked the other candidates he’d chosen, and dropped the ballot into the glass jar.

One vote. That was all he had to give today at the courthouse,
but much more would be required at Anne’s side. Was what he offered enough?

She followed Joel like a criminal to the gallows. Sammy rested on her hip, drawing attention with his grins and babbled greetings to everyone they passed. If she only had the grace to return the cheerful acknowledgments . . .

Courage. She needed courage, because this wasn’t the end. Today was Election Day and Nick wouldn’t miss it for a joyride to Indian Territory. When she thought of all he’d given up to oppose the Stanfords, she knew he wouldn’t hesitate to fight this injustice, as well. Nick was taking care of her. And Sammy. He wouldn’t let Finn’s family win.

But there was Joel. Anne couldn’t imagine Nick openly opposing his deputy friend, which left two options. Either Nick planned to challenge the grandparents legally, or he would distract Joel to give her an escape. Most likely he’d try the first and save the latter for use only if the situation became desperate.

The cold air tingled on her cheeks. She tucked Sammy tighter against her duster. Mrs. Puckett had begged her to dress appropriately, thinking that a good impression might sway the family. Despite her pleas, Anne refused. She wouldn’t rely on the kindness and judgment of strangers—or friends for that matter. All she could count on was the abundance of a forest to feed and conceal them if needed. And for that she couldn’t be decked out in a cumbersome skirt.

Anne’s steps slowed as they neared the train station. Joel turned quick as a cat, ready to snatch her if needed. He transferred her bag to his right hand and took her arm with his left.

“We’re almost there,” he said.

Barely two months ago Anne had arrived in Garber. Two months ago if Sammy’s grandparents had claimed him, she would’ve thanked the Lord, handed him over, and trekked back to Pushmataha to resume her hunting. Now she was determined to keep him, no matter what the cost. But giving up buffalo hunting had been easy compared to walking away from the weeping Mrs. Puckett . . . her son notwithstanding.

“You don’t need to drag me.” Anne pulled away from him. “I’m right behind you.”

“Do you want the porter to take that knapsack?”

“No. It has Sammy’s food, diapers, and pins in it. I can’t expect the porter to get it every time he’s wet or hungry.”

“At least put your guns with the luggage. We’re going to be on the train for two days. You won’t need them.”

“Have you forgotten?” Nicholas joined them, his own satchel in hand. “Anne saved my life in a train holdup. If anyone has a right to be armed, it’s her.”

Warmth crept across Anne’s chest in response to his thoughtfulness. Of course she needed to be armed. Finally she wasn’t facing a battle alone.

“You voted already?” She tried to tuck a stray curl behind her ear, but her hat got in the way.

“I did. Harold and I went over any possible decisions he might need to make in my absence, and rebuttals in case the Stanfords choose to protest today’s results. With that done, I’m at your service.” His eyes didn’t sparkle with their usual merriment but watched her intently, his thick lashes tipped in gold.

“I’ve already purchased the tickets.” Joel handed Nick two slips of paper and took his satchel from him. “Maybe you want to carry the babe.”

“I think Anne’s quite capable.” But he took her arm, which seemed to pacify Joel and bent to whisper, “He’s behaving poorly because he caught you sneaking out of the house.”

“The fact that he was sitting in a tree doesn’t speak in his favor.”

“Well, we’ll do what we can to cooperate. No use making his job any more unpleasant than it is.”

And no use raising his suspicions again. Nicholas was right. The more they pretended to go along with Joel’s plan, the easier it would be to break away.

She wasn’t as upset as Nick had expected. Naturally, she bristled whenever Joel spoke to her, looked at her, or made his presence known in even the most innocuous fashion. Still, she hadn’t transformed into the raving lunatic that he’d feared would appear.

The miles flew past them, at least twenty an hour from his estimation, and Sammy spent the majority of them alternating between banging on the window and sleeping on Anne’s lap. Soon they’d stop in Pushmataha for supper, and then the bunks would be lowered and the railcars prepared for the night.

“It’s been awhile since you’ve seen the other hunters in Pushmataha,” Nick said.

“They’ll be glad to see Sammy. Those who frequented the depot saw him often. Anoli in particular had a soft spot for him.”

Nick caught Joel’s eyes as they darted to Anne and then away. The deputy’s index finger tapped against the wooden arm of the bench. He was thinking hard on something, and
Nick could probably guess what had him troubled. Anne knew her way around Pushmataha better than anyone, and she had friends there—rough men who were a law unto themselves. If she was going to make a run for it, it would be there.

The train whistle blew as they approached the station. The clatter of the wheels slowed, and the brakes screeched as the brakemen on top of the cars did their jobs.

“I’ll check in the kitchen to see if the crew is in town.” Anne leaned forward, her face almost in the empty seat across from her as she fished out her knapsack. “You can ask there to find me.”

Joel stood, blocking her way. “Do what you want, but leave the boy with me.”

Anne adjusted her knapsack and straightened her shoulders. “They’ll want to see Sammy. They knew both of his parents, and if I don’t visit when we’re in town, they’ll take offense.”

Joel’s face was granite. He didn’t move.

“I’ll stay with Sammy.” Nick stood. “We all have to get off the train to eat. If she wants to poke around town, I’ll go, too.”

Joel’s shoulders relaxed a bit. Nick felt for his friend. As a young deputy Joel didn’t want to fail at his assignment, but coming between a woman and the child she loved wasn’t easy on him.

“All right, then,” Joel said, “but first let’s get some grub.”

From the smile Anne flashed Nick, his offer pleased her. Maybe after thinking it over she’d decided Sammy would be better off with his grandparents. She’d definitely resisted when first given the responsibility of caring for the child.

Their meal of lamb chops and custard wasn’t half-bad. The cook Anne had hired back in Garber was obviously working
out splendidly. Sammy ate his custard with enthusiasm and smacked the end of a spoon before flinging it across the dining hall.

This stop would be the longest while they waited for the porters to prepare the cars for the night. Anne barely touched her food, instead making sure that Sammy ate his fill. She watched Nick’s plate, too, and when he’d scraped the last spoonful of the tomato sauce she stood.

“Let’s go.”

Nick looked to Joel, who nodded and chewed his dinner roll thoughtfully as they departed.

Anne stuck her head into the kitchen. The cook recognized her immediately and unlatched the Dutch door to allow them entrance.

“Finally you’re back. I didn’t expect it to take you so long.” She tickled Sammy under the chin, which he seemed to loathe.

“I’ve missed being here. Do you know if Anoli and the other men are in town?” Anne asked.

The cook nodded. “They grabbed their meals from the back door and headed to the stable to eat. You’ll find them right across the way. Does your baby want another roll?”

Sammy turned his head by way of rejection.

“I’ll save it for later. It could be a long night.” Anne tucked it into the deep pocket of her duster.

Nicholas followed her out the back door of the depot kitchen and into the street. Anne did a complete scan of their surroundings. Her eyes lingered on the depot window. She took Nick’s arm and pulled him around the corner to the blind side of the wood-planked building.