Chapter 4
Chapter
James milled around the churchyard after services Sunday morning, shaking hands and jawing with the farmers and ranchers who came to town infrequently.
As the son of a rancher, he felt more at home among the men with cracked leather work boots than those sporting polished Oxfords.
Spotting his mentor, Henry Herron, chatting with the preacher near the church steps, James meandered that direction.
“How is your wife fairing?” Brother Cowan was asking. “I didn’t see Alice next to you this morning.”
“Bertie was feelin’ poorly. Alice stayed home to tend to her.”
“Sorry to hear that. I’m sure Jane missed having her in Sunday school. Jane always speaks highly of your young’uns.”
“And they, her.” Henry grinned. “They love Miss Jane’s class.” He glanced over at James, no doubt catching the movement of his approach from the corner of his eye. Once a lawman, always a lawman—at least regarding instincts and vigilance. His smile widened. “James! Good to see you, Deputy.”
He extended his hand, and James clasped it gladly. “Henry. How are those Herefords treating you?”
“Better than the outlaws I used to spend my days roundin’ up. I much prefer dodging kickin’ hooves than flyin’ bullets.”
James chuckled. “Can’t argue with that. Calving going well?”
Herron nodded. “Had two drop this past week. Got a couple other heifers showing signs of bein’ near their time as well.”
“Sounds—”
“Deputy Paxton.” An unwelcome voice broke into the conversation. “Might I have a word?”
James did his best to hide his frown as he glanced toward Arthur Clevenger, owner of Clevenger’s Emporium and self-proclaimed mayoral candidate for the next election.
James could understand a man having political aspirations—he did, himself, after all—but Clevenger’s ingratiating manner got under James’s skin.
He was one of those fellas who hobnobbed with those in power to elevate himself instead of standing on his own two feet.
Night and day different from his headstrong stepdaughter, who didn’t care who she vexed or what personal consequences she might suffer in her quest for reform.
“Come out to the ranch on your off day,” Henry offered in parting, his gaze glowing with sympathy and just a touch of glee that he was no longer the one whose time was not his own.
“I’ll show you the herd, and Alice will fill your belly with some decent grub for a change.
I remember how sorry your cooking skills are.
” He thumped him on the back, and James grinned.
“How do you know they haven’t improved since you hung up the star?”
Henry’s eyes glittered with suppressed laughter. “Boy, you couldn’t fry a potato without nearly burnin’ down the jail. If your skills had doubled, they still wouldn’t be worth a plugged nickel.”
James chuckled, well aware of Clevenger’s growing impatience beside him. “True. I’ll stop by on Wednesday.”
“See ya then.”
“Deputy.” The title burst from Clevenger the moment the last word fell from Henry’s tongue. “I really must speak with you.”
Biting back a sigh, James pasted a pleasant expression on his face and turned to the man who cared more about his own agenda than another’s conversation. “Clevenger. What can I do for you?”
The man’s mouth pinched beneath his thin mustache.
“It has come to my attention that my wife’s daughter might have been involved in some .
. . unsavory activities a few nights ago.
I wanted to apologize on her behalf and to assure you that her mother and I do not condone such bold behavior.
I will be making my feelings on the subject known to her today when she comes to Sunday dinner. ”
Nothing like a warmhearted family meal filled with lectures and accusations. No wonder Noreen chose to live at the boardinghouse instead of with her parents. Or parent, singular. Good old Arthur made it quite clear that he wanted no association linking him to his opinionated stepdaughter.
Cautious of others who might be near enough to overhear, James kept his voice boringly pleasant so as not to draw undue attention.
“I found nothing unsavory in Miss Noreen’s activities last Thursday.
She might have been sharing opinions that weren’t particularly popular in the vicinity where she’d chosen to linger, but there was nothing illegal nor unseemly in her conduct. ”
“It’s good of you to take that stance, Paxton. I appreciate your discretion. Heaven knows Noreen has none.” He laughed as if he thought himself quite funny.
James didn’t join in.
“Her mother and I have done our best to curb her outspokenness and redirect her political leanings, but that girl has a mind of her own, I’m afraid.”
Yes, James figured Clevenger was afraid of Noreen having her own mind. Afraid of how her choices might reflect on him and impact his political machinations.
“I actually find her quite admirable,” James said, taking pleasure in the shock that widened Clevenger’s eyes.
“It takes a lot of courage to stand for what you believe when others strive to undermine you, silence you, or even persecute you. Reminds me of Peter and John in Brother Cowan’s sermon this morning, standing firm in their mission even when the high priest ordered them to quit tellin’ folks about Jesus. ”
Clevenger opened and closed his mouth at least three times before he managed to get any words to spill out. “Surely you’re not comparing Noreen to the holy apostles?”
“Nope. Just her courage. And her dedication to her cause.” The woman’s methods might need some adjustment, and her delivery could use a little less vinegar, but no one with working eyes and ears could doubt her zeal.
The man’s face reddened, and he just couldn’t seem to get the drawbridge of his jaw to crank upward.
“Maybe take it easy on her at lunch today.” James touched the brim of his hat and eased away from the unpleasant man. “She has enough opponents in town. Might do her good to have a few more allies.”
“I’m glad to hear you say that.” A familiar feminine voice echoed directly behind him. “For I’ve been meaning to discuss that very matter with you.”
James’s stomach clenched. He slowly pivoted to discover Noreen O’Sullivan standing a mere three feet from him.
Surely, Noreen hadn’t been there the whole time.
He would have noticed. He was a trained observer.
James sorted through his memory and confirmed a total of four ladies in his vicinity when he’d approached Henry Herron a few minutes ago.
And none of them had wild, curly hair or eyes that snapped brown fire when they took aim at a fella.
That reassurance offered little comfort, however.
For this woman was on a mission. A mission that apparently involved him.
He swallowed and steeled himself for what was to come.
The tenacity he’d just admitted to admiring was about to bury its teeth into his leg, and he wasn’t at all certain he’d be able to shake free.
Butterflies assaulted Noreen’s belly the moment James Paxton’s eyes locked on hers.
How had she never noticed how blue they were?
More to the point, why was she noticing their color now?
This was no time to get distracted by attractive male attributes.
Broad shoulders, lean musculature, and a rugged jawline had absolutely no bearing on the present circumstance. She’d do well to remember that fact.
“Might I have a word with you, Deputy Paxton?”
James dipped his chin in consent at the same time her stepfather heaved a dramatic sigh. “For pity’s sake, Noreen. Leave the man alone. He has more important things to do than listen to you rant about closing the saloon.”
Noreen bristled, but before she could offer a retort, the deputy shot Arthur a pointed look. “I’m fully capable of deciding how to spend my time, Clevenger. I don’t need you screening my appointments for me.”
Noreen pressed her lips together to keep the shocked laughter from exploding out of her throat.
“I didn’t mean . . .” Arthur tightened his jaw, apparently realizing he would only make himself look worse if he offered excuses.
He turned his frustration on Noreen instead. No surprise there.
“Your mother needs your help with dinner. I’ll not have her working herself to the bone because you’re too busy with your personal schemes to give a thought to her health.”
If you’re so concerned with Mother’s health, why don’t you hurry home to help her?
She bit back the words, even though they begged to be spoken.
She knew from experience they’d have no effect.
Besides, she really did intend to help her mother.
Preparing Sunday dinner was one of the few times she and Mama could talk without Arthur overshadowing the conversation.
“I won’t be long,” Noreen promised.
“Perhaps we can chat on the way to your mother’s house,” Deputy Paxton suggested. “I’d be happy to see you home.”
Again.
They both seemed to hear the unspoken word, for something that looked very much like teasing glittered in the deputy’s eyes.
That man and his obnoxious charm. Good grief. She’d almost shared a smile with him. Thankfully, she’d stopped herself in time.
“A very practical suggestion.” Hopefully, her no-nonsense tone sufficiently hid the crack in her armor. Yes, she needed him as an ally, but she’d not have him thinking he could sway her just because he’d stood up to her stepfather.
Though that had been rather wonderful. And rare. Not even her mother spoke up on her behalf.
Noreen shored up the softening places inside her and coated them with a layer of steel. She couldn’t afford softness. Too much was at stake.
He gestured for her to lead the way, so she did, winding through the slowly dispersing congregants. Once they’d put some distance between themselves and the churchyard, she slowed her gait slightly and allowed the deputy to come alongside.
“So what did you wish to speak to me about?” he asked.