My Heart Will Find Yours (12 page)

“How far are we from town?”

“About two miles from the court house. Actually, we’re on the outskirts. I wouldn’t be surprised if in a year or two more houses spring up around us. Town keeps spreading in all four directions.” He’d already begun to wonder if he’d bought too close in. At least he’d had the foresight to buy fifty acres.

Texanna continued to watch the passing countryside but from time to time would cast sideways glances his way. The third time, he muttered. “What is it? What’da you want to ask?”

“Why do you wear a coat everyday? It’s hot out here. And what about those white shirts? You don’t expect me to wash and iron them, do you?”

“I wear a coat because it’s expected of me.”

“By who?”

“The city council. And don’t worry about the shirts. I take them to the Chinese laundry in town.”

“Whew! What a relief. I was afraid you’d expect me to wash and iron them. I’d hate for you to have to wear scorched shirts.”

Yeah, well, he’d hate it too. So, ironing was something else she didn’t remember how to do, or maybe he should say hadn’t learned. Hell, these were skills all young girls in this neck of the woods were taught early in life. How could she have grown up without learning how to do home chores?

“You do have to wash the sheets and the rest of our clothes.”

“They may not look good the first time or two until I get the hang of it.” He’d never expect perfection, and he bet she’d do just fine.

“Royce, how can you afford a house like yours on a marshal’s pay?”

His house did look better than most with its wide porch and second story. He’d built it, with the help of Matthew and Jason, during his spare time, often working past dark. It had been a labor of love for his soon-to-be wife, Pearl.

Before this morning he’d have wanted her to say
our
house, but after seeing the pictures, he felt pretty sure she wasn’t Pearl. Until he figured out what to do, they’d have to keep up the pretense.

“Jason and I own part of the farm. Matthew pays us a small percentage of what the farm produces in return for using our sections. My pay as marshal is more than enough for us to live on.” And what they didn’t need they banked for hard times. He wanted Garrett to get a college education if the boy wanted one.

“And from time to time you sell a painting.”

“Really?” She looked surprised.

“Folks around here love your portraits. They press you to do a painting of their kids or their families.”

A smile hung on the edges of her mouth. He wondered what was going on in that head of hers.

“How about Aggie? How does she manage?”

“She has her house and a garden in the summer. It always produces well, so she puts up vegetables, pickles, fruit, and chow-chow for the winter. And folks around here help her out. We take turns making sure she has firewood and help with any repairs needing done.”

“That’s good. I’m glad. You’re a nice man, Royce Dyson.”

He couldn’t respond. What could he say? What kind of man wouldn’t help out a widow in need? People took care of each other when times were hard. But her comment touched him and pierced the sturdy shield around his heart.

He coughed to clear the emotion that had a hold on his throat. “For the rest of the summer, I’d like for Garrett to visit Aggie from time to time. That way she won’t feel like she’s accepting charity when I pay her what she’s been used to making.”

She nodded.

“It’ll give you time to paint and learn how to cook and do laundry.

Her snort made him grin.

They rode quietly for a while. She watched him from the corner of her eye and appeared to be mulling something else over in her mind. Why couldn’t she just spit it out? Before he could ask, she pulled Josie to a stop. He paused beside her, curious at the concern in her eyes.

“Ah, I...I heard you last night.”

His jaw clenched. “Just what did you hear?” His nightmares were private and none of her business.

She studied her hands on the pommel. “I just heard a bunch of muttering and then you yelling, ‘No,” real loud.” Her eyes lifted to his face. “Then Garrett woke you. I’m sorry, Royce. Were you in the war? Does it still haunt you?”

He couldn’t keep the anger from his voice. “It’s none of your concern, so forget it.”

Her hurt expression shamed him, but he wouldn’t go baring his soul to this woman. “Anything else you want to know?”

Shoulders rigid, she spat. “No, nothing that’s any of my business, that is.” She kicked Josie into a trot, and he stayed behind and let her lead.

When they neared town, he drew up alongside of her. “I’m sorry for being surly.”

“No problem. I assume I’ll adjust.”

Damn, she wouldn’t let him off the hook easily. Fine with him. He sure as hell wasn’t going to walk on eggshells around her. He’d say his mind like he’d always done, and she’d better get used to it.

As soon as they reached the center of town, the sidewalks began to fill. Hats were lifted, hands waved, and greetings shouted.

Sam Howard left his barbershop and headed for the hardware store across the street. “Howdy, Marshal. Ma’am. I’m needin’ to buy a new broom today.”

Royce shook his head as folks poured from the hardware store, the feed store, and Maybell’s to greet Texanna. As gracious as a queen, she replied to their many questions. Her responses were perfect and left them smiling.

****

Texanna felt like she’d been plunged into a history book. Dirt streets, false front buildings, and the clothes. When she’d stepped off the train, she’d been too shocked to take in much of the surroundings. Now she couldn’t wait to see every inch of the town. Then the people filed out to greet her, and the buildings and landmarks faded into the background. Tears pricked her eyes at the warmth of these nice people. Oh, how Pearl would have loved this welcome.

Then the First National Bank of Waco loomed before them. The bank was a two-story building. It sat on a corner, and the street that ran alongside was narrow. She reached out and touched Royce’s leg. He looked at her in response.

“I’d like to see the First National Bank of Waco.”

“We just passed it.”

“I know, but I’d like to go inside and look around.”

“We don’t bank there, Texanna. Why would you want to go inside?”

Good question. Why did she want to when the shoot-out after the bank robbery would take place on the side street by the bank? It was important to check all angles and positions. “I’m interested in the architecture. I might want to do a painting with it in the background.”

He gave her an odd look but didn’t ask questions. “Maybe Jason can take you over to look around.”

“That’d be great. I’d like to see the store, too. And the library.”

“Do you need something at the store? Charge anything you need.”

Yes, she needed some things, but she didn’t think the store carried the items. Underwear would be nice. She’d buy “grannie panties” and not complain.

“No. I just want to explore.” And get the lay of the land.

They stopped in front of the jail. Somehow word had preceded them, and a small crowd blocked the hitching post.

Royce said, “‘Scuse us, folks.” They parted so he could tie his horse.

Texanna started to jump down but decided to wait and see what was considered proper dismounting etiquette. With a hand on Josie’s hindquarter, Royce moved around the horse and helped her down.

“Welcome home, Pearl,” said a young woman with a toddler on her hip.

“Howdy, Pearlina. Glad you’re home.”

Smiles and words of encouragement echoed around her.

“Be sure and come to the quilting bee Monday.”

She stumbled, and Royce caught her arm before she fell. Voice thick with emotion, she said, “Thank you all for the warm welcome.”

These good people were Pearl’s friends and neighbors. What would they think if they knew the truth, and how would they react when she disappeared again? More importantly, what would Royce think? Surely Pearl thought about the repercussions before hatching her plan? Maybe she thought Royce would accept her message at face value so Texanna could return home without complications. No, that wasn’t right.

“Are you all right?” His breath was warm on her ear.

Texanna flashed him a smile and hoped he didn’t notice her tears. “I’m fine.”

They stepped inside the jail’s front office. A deputy jumped to his feet. “Howdy, ma’am. It’s sure good to see you.”

“Hi, Pete.”

He eased his tall, lanky frame around the desk to shake her hand. She had to crane her neck to look him in the face. His dark eyes twinkled. “Glad you came back.”

A snort came from the other side of the room, and she turned to see a young man walk toward her. In his early twenties, Jason was a younger version of Royce, yet his self-confidence made him appear older. His hair was dark, but not black, and his eyes were brown. Right now they were crackling with humor.

His good spirits were confusing considering he’d told her never to come back. Before she could respond, he grabbed her around the waist and swung her around the room. When he sat her feet on the ground, he held her close a minute and whispered in her ear. “I’m glad you returned. I don’t know why, but I think helping you leave was a mistake.”

Texanna was relieved he felt that way. She didn’t want him to think she was Pearl, but then again, she didn’t want him to be filled with remorse for the rest of his life.

Royce untangled her from Jason’s arms. “What are you whispering in my wife’s ear, runt?”

“Runt? Who’re you calling runt, old man?” Jason pummeled Royce on the arm, and, before he’d gotten in his second punch, Royce caught him around the neck. Both men were laughing when they broke apart. “I told her since she’s home maybe you’d be decent company.”

“Don’t count on it.”

Texanna enjoyed the warm exchange between the two. She was glad Royce wasn’t holding a grudge against Jason for helping her leave.

He turned to Jason. “Texanna wants to tour the First National Bank, the store, and the library. Think you can do that and see her home?”

“I can get home by myself. Jason has better things to do.”

Royce cupped her chin. “Don’t argue with me on this.” His blue eyes flicked to her lips, and for a second she saw heat blaze there. Unwillingly, her body responded, and she stepped back to cover her confusion.

“Alright. We’ll stop and get Garrett on the way.” She knew how and when to choose her battles, and this one was of little importance. He wouldn’t like it if she defied him in front of his deputies.

Jason strapped on his gun belt and grabbed his hat. “I’ll have her home by six o’clock.”

Royce cocked an eyebrow at his brother. “Why so early?”

Jason blushed. “I’m seeing Sally tonight.”

Royce frowned and shook his head. “If you marry that girl, you’ll regret it. She’s too mule-headed to make a good wife.”

Texanna gasped and turned on Royce. “What a male chauvinistic thing to say.”

All three men stared at her. She sputtered. “You know, macho, machismo.” She pounded her chest and called out, “Ohooo, uh oh, oh, ooh. You Tarzan, me Jane.” She stomped her foot. “Bossy, bull-headed, know-it-all men.”

Royce cleared his throat, “Well, uh...”

Texanna grabbed Jason’s arm. “Let’s go.”

****

The First National Bank of Waco occupied the corner of Austin Avenue and Fourth Street with Miller’s Hardware across Fourth. Both possessed a steady flow of traffic, as did the barbershop facing the bank. The McLelland Hotel took up the corner on the diagonal block.

When they walked into the bank, a clerk jumped up from his desk near the entrance and started toward them. Jason raised his hand. “Keep your seat, Hershel. Texanna wants to look at the architecture for one of her paintings.”

The young man approached anyway. “Well, that’s fine, ma’am. Just take your time. We’re honored you are interested.”

Since the bank building was narrow and deep, the main entrance was on the corner, and another opened onto Fourth Street. Texanna wondered if there was a back door. Yeah, there had to be.

“Excuse me,” she glanced at the nameplate on his desk. “Mr. Brown, would it be possible to see the back?”

“Well, that’s highly unusual. But, I don’t guess we have to worry about the marshal’s wife robbing the bank. Haw, haw, haw.” Herschel’s laugh came out like a donkey’s bray.

As he led them back to the teller enclosure, she noticed the staircase along the back wall that led to the upper story. Behind the barrier where the tellers worked, she could see the vault and, yes, there was the back door.

She shook his hand. “Mr. Brown, thank you so much for showing me around. This is a beautiful building.”

“You’re very welcome.”

Outside, Texanna looked up and down each street, making a mental note of where windows and doors were located. She didn’t know anything about robbing banks, but could see the robbers would have a variety of places to station themselves until they struck. They could easily blend with the crowd and be harder to spot while making their escape.

Texanna flinched as a dog’s pitiful yipping split the air. “My, God, what’s happened? What’s wrong with that dog?” She turned in the direction Jason faced.

He shook his head. “Bull Tate probably kicked the poor thing again. One of these days someone is going to see he gets a dose of his own medicine.”

She stared at a large man’s back as he walked farther away down the street. An ugly, long-haired dog, tail between its legs, followed a few feet behind. People moved aside to let the man pass. She shivered.

“We better get started home. You don’t want to keep Sally waiting this evening.”

Jason blushed. “What about the library? I thought you wanted to see it.”

“I do, but it can wait until another time.”

Texanna stopped at Aggie’s to pick up Garrett. Obviously excited, Garrett talked non-stop to his uncle all the way to the house. The two of them groomed Josie. Then, after helping Garret milk the cow, Jason rode back to town.

Texanna fixed scrambled eggs to go with the ham and leftover biscuits. She needed to figure out something else to cook—their diet was becoming monotonous.