Brides of Arizona, page 19
Curling in a ball, Kathleen sank onto her side on the cot. Her tired brain barely registered the scratches dug into the adobe bricks. Prisoners before her had carved their initials or little notches, perhaps to count the days spent in this dismal place. Her eyes drifted shut. She knew she should pray for strength, for comfort, for the will to live—but she couldn’t.
“Now, Glorianna, please calm down. If this is your cousin, I’ve taken good care of her. She even had supper from Señora Arvizu’s.” Quinn bit his tongue to keep the stupid thing from flapping anymore. He’d rather be caught between a mother grizzly and her squalling cubs than to face an angry Glorianna.
The trio continued down the darkening street. Lamplight shone through windows. They kept to the edge of the walkway to avoid any refuse that might have been thrown out. Quinn knew the cities back East had a system for getting rid of sewage that kept their streets from smelling and looking so awful, but Tucson still hadn’t advanced that far. Only in the past year had the Apache uprisings been brought under control, paving the way for more people to immigrate to the Southwest.
Deep shadows covered the door of the jail. Metal clanked against metal as Quinn inserted the key into the lock. Beside him, Glorianna tapped her foot. Conlon’s low chuckle made the heat rush to his face. The cavalry lieutenant must know his spunky wife was making Quinn nervous. A grating sound accompanied the turning of the key. The door swung open.
“If you’ll wait here, I’ll light the lamp so you don’t trip in the dark.” Quinn stepped through the door. Silence greeted him.
“Do you mean you left Kathleen in the dark?” Outrage echoed in Glorianna’s voice.
“Now you don’t know if this is your cousin for sure.” Quinn tried to defend himself. “Just wait until you get a look at her. I’m telling you, she fits the description I got of the Veiled Widow.”
Flame flared, causing Quinn to squint as he lit the lamp. He lowered the wick, then turned to beckon Glorianna and Conlon inside. Glancing at the cell, he thought at first his prisoner had escaped. Lifting the lantern high, he was at the door in two strides. The black lump on the bed proved to be the woman, curled in a tight ball, her face resting on one palm. If not for the soft cadence of her breathing, he wouldn’t have known she was alive.
“Kathleen!” Glorianna grasped the bars with her hands, trying to tug them open. “Quinn, you open this cell right now. That’s my cousin, Kathleen. She is not the criminal you’re looking for.”
Quinn hesitated. “Are you sure? I don’t want to let you in there if you’re not positive she’s your cousin. I can roust her so you can be sure.”
Glorianna swiveled around to face him. Her fisted hands dug into her hips. Quinn fought a smile at her feistiness.
“I’d suggest you let my wife in the cell.” Humor crackled in Conlon’s tone. “I don’t know of a criminal anywhere who could stand up to her. Do you?”
Quinn couldn’t help the chuckle as he reached over to shove a key into the lock. “I see your point, Conlon. Maybe I should caution Glorianna not to harm my prisoner.”
The door creaked as it swung open, but the woman on the cot didn’t stir. With her knees drawn up near her chin, she reminded Quinn of a little child. A powerful longing swept over him to sit down, pull her into his lap, and let her know everything would be all right. He mentally shook himself as he stepped aside for Glorianna. He couldn’t afford to become soft, or every lawbreaker this side of the Mississippi would be heading this way for the easy pickings.
“Kathleen?” Glorianna started to kneel by the cot, then leaned over, instead. Quinn figured her condition hindered her movement. She brushed a hand across the woman’s creamy cheek, getting no response. “What have you done to her? Did you knock her out so she wouldn’t try to escape while you strolled around town at your leisure?”
“Now, Glory, you know Quinn wouldn’t do such a thing.”
She sighed and sank down on the edge of the bed. “I know. I’m sorry, Quinn. You’re only doing your job. I’ve been as cantankerous as a grizzly bear lately.”
Conlon chuckled, then sobered as she glared at him. “I imagine Kathleen is exhausted from the trip across the country. That’s enough to wear anyone out.”
Glorianna nodded as she continued to stroke Kathleen’s forehead. “What should we do? We can’t leave her here all night. We don’t have the wagon for her to ride home in, either. When we found her bags, Pedro took them on home. I suggested to Conlon that we could walk to Señora Arvizu’s to see if Kathleen was waiting there.”
“Tell you what.” Quinn hoped to get in Glorianna’s good graces with his suggestion. “I noticed Doc Meyer’s buggy tied up in front of the drugstore. Why don’t I run down there and see if I can borrow it to take you home?”
A frown creased Glorianna’s forehead. “Don’t you let Doc Meyer drive us, though. That man goes faster than a hawk can dive. He’s a danger to this town.” Conlon laughed. “He’s never run over anyone. Besides, maybe he’s trying to create a little business for himself.”
By the time Quinn returned with the buggy, Glorianna informed him they’d decided to not wake her cousin since she appeared to be so exhausted. As Conlon helped his wife outside, Quinn picked up Kathleen. Amazement streaked through him at how light she was. How could he have made such a mistake? He gave a silent groan as he considered that he hadn’t even asked her name or the identity of the person she planned to meet. What kind of lawman was he?
Turning sideways to ease past the bars, Quinn noticed the black hat and veil still resting on the cot. He paused, gazing down at the birthmark on her cheek. Some people would say it marred her beauty, but he knew differently. This was one special woman. The star-shaped mark proved that. He would leave the hat and veil here. Tomorrow, when she’d had a chance to recover some, he would show up at the Sullivans’ home to apologize and return her belongings. Then he would have one more chance to see those gorgeous hazel eyes.
The aroma of bacon frying tried to draw Kathleen out of her sleep. She fought waking, burying her face in the soft pillow, breathing in the freshness of newly washed laundry. Her eyes snapped open. A pillow? Clean, sweet-smelling sheets? Last night she’d fallen asleep in a grimy jail cell. Where was she?
She lay on a mattress on the floor of someone’s parlor. A tall writing desk stood in one corner, the top open, with pen and paper ready for use. A small bookshelf stood nearby, holding several volumes. An oval braided rug covered most of the floor, the mix of colors testifying to someone using scraps of material from her sewing.
Kathleen sat up. A momentary wave of dizziness washed over her. She couldn’t remember when she’d been so worn out. It was hard to even think. How had she come to be in this house? Surely that deputy wouldn’t have allowed her to leave … and if he did, how did she get here when she didn’t recall a thing?
A table near the doorway held a large pitcher and basin. A cloth for washing and a towel lay beside them. Kathleen stood on protesting legs and made her way over. Right now, washing up sounded like the biggest treat she could have. The cool water refreshed her, giving her a renewed desire to find out where she was. She turned to the bed, pulled the covers down, and searched for her veil. Her headgear was nowhere to be found. How could she go anywhere without it?
Soft footfalls sounded in the hallway outside the room. Panic shot through Kathleen. She gave the room a frantic glance, wondering where she could hide even when she knew hiding was futile. Whoever brought her to this place knew she was still here.
“You’re awake.” Glorianna’s familiar voice brought Kathleen around. Tears of relief burned in Kathleen’s eyes.
“Oh, Glory, it’s so good to see you.” Kathleen rushed into her cousin’s embrace. She had no idea how she’d gotten to Glorianna’s, but her heart sang a song of thanks to God. Had the jail and her arrest been only a bad dream? Somehow in the light of day, with her cousin’s arms around her, it seemed that way.
“I thought you were going to sleep until Christmas.” Glorianna’s green eyes sparkled.
“What time is it?”
“Almost time to start some lunch for us. You’d better take time to eat a little breakfast first.” Glorianna began to tug on her arm to pull her down the hall. “We can talk while you eat, then I’ll see to getting you some bath water. I remember traveling out here and how much I wanted a bath.”
“That sounds like heaven.” Kathleen could feel the heaviness of yesterday fading. The smell of food made her mouth water and stomach growl. She waited to speak until she was seated at the table with Glorianna, a plate of food in front of her.
“I feel so disoriented. I remember falling asleep last night in a jail cell. Was that a bad dream? How did I ever get here without remembering anything?”
As Kathleen ate, Glorianna filled her in on the previous night’s events and how their friend, Deputy Quinn Kirby, had mistaken her for a desperado. In the bright light of day, with a stomach full of food and the promise of a bath, Kathleen could finally see humor in the mistake.
“Tell me about the baby, Glory.” Kathleen reached over to give a soft pat to Glorianna’s rounded stomach. “When do you think the little one will arrive?”
“Not soon enough.” Glorianna groaned and relaxed in the chair. “This one has to be a boy with six legs and eight arms. He kicks and pushes on me all the time. I had no idea babies could be so active before they were born. Who knows how I’ll be able to keep up with him once he’s here.”
Kathleen laughed. “Sounds to me like you might be having a girl like you. I remember your mother making a few complaints about the trouble she had with you.”
“Me?” Glorianna batted her eyes, then laughed. “I’d say that I hope the baby would be more like Conlon than me, but I’ve heard from his mother, and he wasn’t an angel, either. I think we’re doomed no matter what. This one will be the terror of Tucson.”
“Speaking of Conlon, when will I get to meet this mysterious husband of yours?”
“He’ll be home this evening. Every day he rides out to oversee the building of the new Fort Lowell. It’s about six or seven miles from town. The first buildings are almost done.”
“I thought you were living at the fort.” Kathleen took a long drink of water to finish washing down her breakfast.
“We were.” Glorianna sighed and shook her head. “Conlon decided I needed to be somewhere else. Because of the old fort’s location, there’s too much sickness. That’s why the cavalry is building the new one outside of town.” She leaned forward and rubbed her back. “It should have been done ages ago, but they have had so many delays for money, goods, and all. I can’t wait to move there. Maybe in a few days Conlon can drive us to see what they have done.”
Kathleen frowned. “If the drive is that long, maybe we should wait until the baby comes.”
Glorianna stood. “I don’t know. Maybe the rough wagon trip will convince the baby to get here faster. Come on, I’ll show you to your bath. I had Pedro draw the water for you.”
A sigh of contentment escaped as Kathleen sank into the warm water. The tub was smaller than the one she used in her parents’ home, but this one felt better. Her aching muscles protested every movement, and she hoped the warmth would loosen them. Glorianna left her with a bar of lavender-scented soap and instructions to be sure to take her time. She was to rest up for a few days anyway. Kathleen didn’t argue. She had to smile at the changes she’d seen in Glorianna—the calmness and peace she didn’t used to have. There was still the same bossy girl underneath, however, this time tempered with God’s love.
After washing the grit from her hair, Kathleen frowned at the dingy water left in the tub. Who would have thought a person could get so dirty just from traveling? This water looked as if a bunch of hooligans had trekked through mud, then bathed.
Donning a fresh gown retrieved from her trunk before bathing, Kathleen felt almost presentable. She combed her long hair, twisting it up on her head in the latest fashion. The only things missing were her hat and veil. She didn’t mind leaving her face uncovered around Glorianna, but she couldn’t go out of the house without being concealed. Maybe Glorianna knew where it was. She’d have to ask.
Her shoes clacked noisily on the floor as she headed for the kitchen. Glorianna said she would probably be there working on lunch. At the time, Kathleen couldn’t imagine eating anything else, but already her stomach seemed to have ideas of its own. She’d never had an appetite like this.
“Glory, have you seen my hat and veil? I can’t find where I placed them last night.” Seeing her cousin at work near the stove, Kathleen stepped through the kitchen door.
Glorianna turned, a smile lighting her face. “I believe you’ll find them on the table.”
Puzzled, Kathleen turned, wondering why she hadn’t noticed they were there when she ate breakfast earlier. Deputy Quinn Kirby sat at the table, a grin on his face, her hat and veil dangling from his fingers. Kathleen slapped a hand to her cheek and wished the floor would open up and swallow her.
Chapter 4
Turning her face to the side so her birthmark was away from the deputy, Kathleen held out her hand for her headgear. She couldn’t imagine why Glorianna allowed this man in here. Then she remembered all the times Glorianna lectured her on not hiding her beauty behind that veil. Glorianna always thought Kathleen’s mother had done her a disservice by convincing her she should conceal her shame.
From the corner of her eye, Kathleen could see the deputy grinning at her. Was he making fun? Did he think he could waltz in here after the fiasco yesterday and laugh at her? Anger swelled through her in a mighty wave.
“I believe you have something that belongs to me.” She reached out to grab the items from him. “And I see no reason to laugh at someone for a deformity.” The infuriating man swept her hat and veil to the side, out of her reach. His grin faded to be replaced by a look of astonishment. A faint red flush colored his cheeks.
“I am not laughing at you, Miss O’Connor.” He stumbled to his feet as if he’d just recalled his manners. “I had no intention of coming here to gloat at your expense.” He moved closer. “Besides, I smiled in an effort to ease the way to an apology since I mistook you for a criminal yesterday. It was an honest mistake, but one I’m heartily sorry for.”
Kathleen considered stepping away as he approached. After what he’d done to her yesterday, she had every reason to dislike him. Instead, she found herself drawn to him. Most likely as a moth is drawn to a flame, she chided silently.
He reached out and grabbed her hand, sending a shock through her. “Here are your belongings. They were left at the jail.” He still held her. She wanted to pull free, but couldn’t seem to move.
“Furthermore, I can’t stop you from hiding behind that silly thing, but I will say this: I think it’s a fool thing to do. You have beautiful eyes and a beautiful face.” He tugged her an inch closer, his eyes gray with emotion. “I don’t know why you’re ashamed of yourself, but I think it’s too bad.”
“I beg your pardon.” Kathleen found the strength to try to free herself from his grasp. He held tight. “I am not ashamed of myself, and if I were, it would be none of your business.”
“If you’re not, then why do you hide behind that veil? You sure acted embarrassed yesterday when you lost it.”
Kathleen tried to think of something to say. Was he right? Had her mother’s shame become her own? For so long, she’d convinced herself she wore a covering to protect others. That had to be the reason.
“I know how people are horrified to see something like the mark I have. I’m simply saving them from embarrassment.”
An emotion she couldn’t identify swept across his face. Was it sympathy? Understanding? His expression softened, and a small smile lifted the corners of his mouth.
“I do understand. Perhaps more than you know.” His grip loosened, and she pulled free, clasping her hands together to keep from shaking. He glanced down, then up into her eyes. “If I’ve offended you, I apologize. I still think you’re hiding a lot of beauty. I’d appreciate your not wearing that contraption around me.”
He slapped his hat onto his head and stepped toward the door. Nodding to Glorianna, who for once had been silent during the whole interchange, he opened the door. He looked at Kathleen and tipped his hat. “Remember what I said. I’d hate to mistake you for some criminal and have to arrest you again.”
The door had barely closed behind him when Glorianna burst into peals of laughter. She clutched her sides, gasping for air. Kathleen didn’t know whether to join her cousin laughing or to stomp her foot in anger. She looked at the pathetic scrap of netting in her hand and decided merriment was much better than anger.
“I declare, Kathleen.” Glorianna’s face nearly matched her red hair. “I believe you two are meant for each other.”
The laughter died in Kathleen’s throat. “I can’t believe you said that.” Horrified, she stared at her cousin. “You know I can’t be serious about any man—especially not one like that.”
“I only know I haven’t seen sparks fly like that since Conlon and I met.” Glorianna grinned. “Besides, I know nothing of the sort about you not being able to get married. That was your mother’s notion and a wrong one at that. My mother always encouraged you to consider marriage.” Setting the pot on the stove to simmer, Glorianna crossed to the table, where a pile of sewing waited.
Sinking into a chair across from her cousin, Kathleen watched Glory’s needle dip in and out of the white material. What looked to be a baby’s nightgown rapidly took shape beneath her nimble fingers. Glancing at the pile of diapers waiting to be hemmed, Kathleen took up a needle, thread, and a diaper and joined Glorianna in her work. She needed time to think.
There had been a mistake here. She felt no attraction to the deputy. The very handsome deputy with the compelling eyes, she found herself thinking. The needle poked into her finger. She wiped the blood on a scrap of cloth before continuing.
