A Truth Revealed (The Heart of Cheyenne #3)

Chapter 18

18

Will was surprised when Mr. Cooper showed up at Bradley’s Furniture Store with a message for him. He opened the piece of paper and saw that Granite Evans was summoning him to the house that morning, immediately if possible.

Will had tried to see Granite Evans at the store the day before, but he was gone, and his staff didn’t know when he would return. The invitation to the house was more than Will had hoped for. After arranging with Mr. Bradley, he ran all the way to the Evans house, not even remembering that his leg had been broken. He was immediately ushered inside by Mrs. Duffy, who didn’t seem the least bit surprised to see him.

“Mr. Evans is waiting for you in his office,” she said, leading the way down the hall. She paused at the closed door and knocked.

“Enter!” Evans’s strong voice called out.

Mrs. Duffy pushed open the door and stepped back. “Would you like me to bring coffee?” she asked Mr. Evans as Will crossed the room to where the older man sat at a desk.

“Would you like coffee, Mr. Porter?” Evans asked.

“No, thank you.” Coffee was the last thing on his mind.

“No coffee, Mrs. Duffy. Just leave us.”

“Yes, sir.” She looked at Will. “May I take your hat, sir?”

He’d forgotten to even remove it but pulled the hat off now. “No, I’m fine, Mrs. Duffy.” Having the hat gave him something to do with his hands.

“Take a seat, Will. I’m glad to see you up and about. You seem no worse for the accident.”

“No, I’m completely healed. I even ran from Bradley’s to your house.” Will took a seat in a high-back leather chair and rested the hat on his lap.

Granite nodded. “Youth definitely has its advantages. Healing quickly is one of them.”

Will said nothing. He was so anxious to hear what Evans had to say and then question him about the necklace.

“I’ll get right to the point,” Evans began. “I understand you were looking for me yesterday, and I know why. Laura told me that the necklace I gave her for her birthday belonged to your sister, and that it had been taken off her when she was killed in the Indian raid on the stagecoach.”

“Yes.” He had summed things up so succinctly that Will had nothing to add.

Granite Evans leaned back in his chair. “A stranger approached me and offered to sell it to me. He was an average man—nothing special at all. Dirty, unkempt, the roaming type. He had a worn-out horse and saddle and offered to sell me a few things that he had traded for. The necklace was one of those things. I did the sale with him for the necklace but had no interest in anything else. The man then went on his way, and I have no idea of where he went or what his name was.”

“He didn’t give you a name at all? You hadn’t seen him before?”

“No on both counts.”

“When did this happen?”

Granite shrugged. “I don’t really remember.”

“You don’t remember!” Will barely held himself in check. “How can you not remember? It couldn’t have been that long ago.”

The older man looked at him with an expression that suggested he didn’t care for Will’s tone. “It wasn’t of any great importance to me, Mr. Porter. Things like that happen all the time. I suppose it must have been around the time of the party I threw.”

Will calmed. “Why did he seek you out?”

“As I said, things like that happen all the time. I often get fellas stopping by to sell me items. It just happens when you own a store. Folks figure you might buy goods similar to what you carry and then resell them. We have a section of jewelry in our store, and the man probably assumed I would be interested in seeing what he had.”

“Besides the necklace, did he have other jewelry? Like rings? My sister would have been wearing a pearl ring. My mother would have worn two rings. Her wedding ring was an engraved gold band. The other ring was a large emerald, square cut. My mother might also have worn other jewelry.”

“No, he didn’t show me anything like that. Just the necklace. It reminded me of Laura and her love of Scripture, so I purchased it. The rest of the things were of no concern to me.”

“And he said nothing about where he was headed? Are you sure he didn’t stick around in town?”

Granite shook his head. “No, he told me specifically that he was on his way out of town. Just needed to get some supplies, but first needed to make some money.”

“So he would have gone to other stores. Maybe someone there learned more about him. What did he look like?” Will knew he was again sounding more demanding than curious.

“Very much like every other drifter in this town. Dirty, threadbare clothes. He wore a faded blue shirt, and I couldn’t tell you what color the pants were. They were filthy. He smelled horrible, as most of those men do. I tell you, Will, I just wanted to get rid of him as soon as possible. I didn’t even argue when he asked me to give him two dollars for the necklace.”

“It was worth twenty,” Will muttered.

“I know. I recognized the value of it. I’m certainly sorry I failed to pay the man much heed. He was just unremarkable, and like I said, I was focused on moving him along.”

“He must have gone to at least one other place to get the supplies he needed. Did you happen to notice the direction he went?”

“He got on his horse and headed south. That was the last I saw him.”

“Have you talked to the sheriff about this?” Will shifted and leaned forward. “They need to be able to find this man. We need to know how he came by the necklace.” Will paused and fixed Evans with a look. “Did he say where he got it?”

The older man seemed to consider that. “I think he said he traded with some Indians.” Evans thought a moment longer. “Yes. Yes, I’m sure that’s what he said. Met up with some Sioux up north and traded them. He had food, and they were hungry. Yes, I remember him saying that.”

“Where up north was he when he made the trade?”

“I can’t tell you that. Honestly, Will, it’s fortunate that I even remember that much. We didn’t do a lot of talking. He was in a hurry, and so was I.”

“Well, we need to go speak with the sheriff. The army needs to know all of this since they’re out looking for the Indians.”

“Yes, I understand, and as soon as I finish up here, I’ll stop in to see him on my way to the store. I have just a few things that I must tend to first. I hope you know how sorry I am. I’ve already apologized to Laura. Pretending I had purchased the necklace and had it engraved for her was wrong, and I’m deeply ashamed.”

“I appreciate that you care about getting this figured out,” Will said, getting to his feet. He could see that Evans was anxious to get back to his work. “I’ll let myself out.”

“Just a moment, Mr. Porter. I had hoped to find out how you’re doing. Have you given any thought to my offer of a job? I can always use industrious, honest men such as yourself.”

“I haven’t thought about it. I’m rather caught up with this and some other projects.” But even as he spoke, Will knew he had little desire to work with Evans. There was something about the man and his ambitions that was off-putting to Will.

“Well, just know that the offer stands. Come see me if you need a good-paying job.”

“Thank you. I appreciate the offer.” Will walked to the open doorway and paused. “And thank you for your help.”

Evans stopped fussing with the papers in front of him. “That’s quite all right, Mr. Porter. I’m afraid it won’t give you much to go on. Drifters show up here every day, especially now that the weather has warmed up. There’s just no way of knowing who this fella was or where he’s gone.”

Will nodded. “I know the odds are against us, but I have to try to find him.”

“Why?”

Evans’s simple question caused a momentary sense of confusion in Will. Why was he looking for this man? What could he possibly offer Will? It wasn’t like he was responsible for his mother’s and sister’s deaths, nor did he have any of their other items. At least not according to Evans.

Will met Mr. Evans’s questioning gaze. “I don’t exactly know. I just know I must do whatever I can to get justice for my mother and sister.”

“Will, it won’t change what’s already happened. You can’t bring them back by finding the things that were taken from them. That drifter can’t help you with identifying the Indians responsible. One Indian looks pretty much like another, and if they’re wearing war paint, it’d be even harder to separate them out. And if they know someone is trying to find them, they’ll protect their own. I’m telling you, it would be better for you to just give this up.”

“I can’t give up. My mother and sister were killed only two months ago. Those Indians are around somewhere, and I intend to see the guilty parties brought to justice.”

“Those Indians are long gone. They’ve been causing havoc all along the UP line. They’ve just been waiting for warmer weather to clear out and head up north to their hunting grounds. They’re probably in Canada by now.”

“Still, I must try, Mr. Evans. It’s important to understand why they did what they did. Why did they attack and kill helpless men and women?”

“Why do the Indians do any of their killing? They hate the white man. They don’t care if those men and women were helpless. Hate is a powerful force to reckon with, Mr. Porter. A powerful force.”

Granite Evans immediately called for Curtis and sent him with a note for Gus. “He should be at the warehouse. But if not, find him. Don’t leave it with anyone else.”

“Yes, sir,” Curtis said, hurrying out of the office.

Granite checked the clock, then poured himself a drink despite it not being noon yet. He slowly sipped the contents and wondered how long it would take Gus to get here.

As it turned out, Gus showed up much sooner than even Granite had expected. In fact, the man was so good at sneaking around that he had made entry into the house and into Granite’s office without anyone raising the alarm to let Granite know someone had gotten into the house.

“You wanted to see me?” Gus asked, moving to stand near Granite’s desk.

“Yeah, thanks for making it quick. I’ve had nothing but one problem after another.”

“What do you want me to do?”

“Get the things from the stagecoach attack and send them to Chicago. I made a big mistake and gave Laura the necklace that was removed from one of the women. Told her I had it custom-made for her. The dead woman’s brother recognized it as one he bought for his sister, and now he’s all up in arms to find the man who sold it to me.”

“Sold it to you, eh?” Gus shook his head. “Well, I can arrange for the stuff to leave Cheyenne tonight. No problems with that. There’s not all that much to see to. The rings, the pocket watches, a couple of fancy-made wallets, and a few other things that were probably meant to be gifts. It won’t be hard to get it out. My cousin Tilly has been hankerin’ to see her ma, who lives near Chicago. I figured when you gave the word, we could send the stuff with her. Her ma has brothers who can get it sold. Won’t cheat us. They’re family, and there’s a code.”

“The more I hear about your family, the more I like them. In fact, why don’t you crate up the other stuff we’ve collected from previous jobs. Take it all to Chicago. The real purpose of robbing that stage was the money box. The rest is just extra, and we need to get rid of the evidence. No sense in having someone find it and come after us. I’m not going to ruin my political ambitions on a handful of goods that might only bring in a few hundred dollars.”

“That’s a lot of money to some folks, Mr. Evans.”

Granite was surprised at the comment. Gus wasn’t one to share his thoughts unless directly asked for an opinion. Granite had always liked that about the man. He found it strange that now, out of the blue, Gus was worrying about money.

“You having financial troubles?”

Gus shrugged. “The family’s got some problems. Nothing we won’t work out.”

Granite nodded. “I tell you what. Take that stuff and make sure it never sees the light of day around here, and you can keep the profits. All of it. You’ve earned it. You and those cousins of yours have been a tremendous help to me.”

The look on Gus’s face said it all. “Thank you, Mr. Evans. You won’t regret it. My family knows how to be loyal. Ain’t a one of them ever betrayed another. It wouldn’t be tolerated. I’ll send Tilly as soon as I can. Tonight if possible.”

“Good. Then I’ll consider the stuff no longer my concern. Now get out. I have other work to see to. We’ve got a governor to kill.”

Gus smiled. “I’ll be anxious to hear what you have in mind.” With that, he exited as quietly as he’d entered.

Laura wasn’t surprised to return home from visiting Marybeth and Melody and find her father absent. She found him gone more and more these days. She had thought once the president made the gubernatorial appointment that Father would have more free time, but that didn’t appear to be the case. It seemed his business was consuming all his time. She didn’t know what he was doing but figured if he wasn’t working toward finding her a husband, she could live with his absence.

She’d barely made it to her room when a knock came on her door. Laura opened it and found Rosey.

“I heard you come in, Miss Laura. I’ve come to lay the fire for your evening.”

“Thank you, Rosey. I thought perhaps you were Etta coming to help me change my clothes.” Laura began taking off her gloves.

Rosey shook her head. “Etta quit. She went home not long after you left this morning. She was terribly upset.”

“About what?” Laura couldn’t imagine the housekeeper just up and quitting without notice. She set her gloves aside.

“I don’t know, Miss. She seemed afraid. But of what I couldn’t say. She came into the kitchen and told Mrs. Murphy and me that she was leaving and not coming back. She said there were troubles all around, but I don’t know what she meant by that.”

“I don’t either.” Laura knew Etta Duffy to be levelheaded and of sound mind. What could have upset her so much that she felt she had to leave her job here? “She needs the work. Her family depends on her.”

“I know, Miss.” Rosey finished with the wood and kindling and lit the fire. It wasn’t long before the flames caught, and the dry wood began to burn.

Laura was deeply troubled by the news about Etta. They had gotten to be good friends and often confided in each other. It was hard to believe Etta didn’t feel she could wait to talk first with Laura about whatever was behind this sudden action.

Rosey left, and Laura walked to the bedroom, shaking her head. What had happened that was so terrible Etta couldn’t even wait to give notice and quit in a manner that would ensure she got good references for future jobs?

Laura heard the mantel clock chime the hour. It was only four. There was still plenty of time before supper. Laura hurried back to her sitting room. She grabbed her gloves and purse, then headed downstairs. She would go see Etta and find out what had caused her to leave her post so quickly. If there was a problem, Laura wanted to help.

She made her way to the carriage house. Etta’s place was a bit far to walk, and Laura didn’t want to risk walking back in the dark in case she was long at the Duffy house. Mr. Grayson was likely driving her father around, but Curtis would be able to hitch up the smaller carriage.

“Curtis, I need you to ready the carriage. I want you to drive me over to see Etta.”

“I heard she quit.”

“Yes, well, I think it was just a misunderstanding.”

“I don’t know where she lives, Miss Laura,” the boy said, moving to get the horse.

“I have her address. Just please hurry.”

He had the carriage ready for her in a very short time and thankfully knew the way to Etta Duffy’s small house once Laura told him the address. When they arrived, Laura wasn’t surprised to find the neighborhood much poorer than her own. There were several small wood-framed houses sitting side by side. They looked practically identical. All were painted with whitewash and had a door and one decent-sized window to designate the front of the house. The yards were quite small and unadorned for the most part. The Duffys’ yard had a single very small tree.

Laura made her way to the door and knocked. It was only a moment before an older woman appeared. She smiled. “May I help you?”

“Yes, I’m Laura Evans. I’ve come to see Etta.”

The woman frowned and bit her lower lip. She glanced over her shoulder as Etta moved up behind her.

“It’s all right, Ma. I’ll talk to Laura.”

The old woman nodded and moved aside. Etta motioned Laura to come inside. “Welcome to my home.”

Laura glanced around. It was a neat and homey place. The furnishings were modest, but clean and nicely arranged. Etta led her to an overstuffed chair by the fireplace.

“You might like to sit here. It’s quite comfortable.”

“Thank you, Etta.” Laura settled in and continued. “I know I’m intruding, and I am sorry. However, when I came home and learned from Rosey that you had quit, I had to come and speak to you.”

“I am sorry for the way I acted, Laura. I should have given notice.”

“But why would you want to quit? I had no idea of anything being wrong. Were you unhappy with your duties?”

“No, there was no trouble with my duties.” She looked away as if nervous.

Laura couldn’t tell what was going on. Etta had always seemed willing to talk about most anything, but now she seemed quite tight-lipped.

“Please tell me what happened, Etta. I want to help, and I want you to come back to work.”

Etta glanced over to where her mother still stood. “Ma, would you go see to the ham, please?” She waited until her mother left the room, then took a seat in the rocking chair not far from where Laura sat. “I’d rather not say what happened. It frightened me.”

“Why can’t you tell me about it?”

Etta looked down at her clenched hands. “It wouldn’t be right to trouble you with it. Just allow me to say that I am sorry. I didn’t want to leave in such a fashion. I thought perhaps I could send word that I wasn’t well.”

“You’d rather lie than be honest with me about what happened?”

She could see that Etta was more than a little upset by the matter, but it wasn’t something Laura felt she could leave alone. “Did someone hurt you? Threaten you?”

“No.” Etta looked away and shook her head. “Miss, I overheard your father say something. I don’t want to speak ill of him, and maybe I misunderstood, although I feel certain I didn’t.”

Laura felt her stomach sour a bit. She was now the one to clench her hands. “I must admit there are things I’ve heard my father say and do that I don’t understand. He lied to me recently. I didn’t tell you about it yet because, frankly, I wasn’t sure what to think.

“I can see how that would be the case. I was shocked by what I heard.”

“About what, Etta?”

“The necklace that your father gave you for your birthday. It’s part of what I heard your father talking about.”

“What did he say? Who did he talk to?”

“First, he talked to Will. He sent for him, and Will came to the house while you were visiting. Your father told him that you revealed the necklace belonged to his dead sister. It seems a drifter had sold him the necklace.”

“Yes, that’s right. He told me that as well.”

“He promised Will he’d speak to the sheriff about it, and then Will left.” Etta stared at the dying fire and said nothing for a long moment.

Laura was just about to ask her why that should have distressed her enough to resign her position when Etta began again.

“After Will left, I went about my business, but then a little while later, I saw someone slip into your father’s office. I knew it wasn’t anyone I had let into the house, and Curtis and Rosey were in the kitchen helping Mrs. Murphy polish the silver, and Mr. Grayson had just left to ready the landau for your father. That meant someone had come into the house without the usual formalities. I figured it might be your father’s man. A real bad character named Gus Snyder. Although you didn’t hear his name from me.”

“I think I know the man you’re talking about.”

“I went to the closed door of your father’s study and heard the two men talking. I ... I ...”

“It’s all right, Etta. Tell me what you heard. I’ll believe you.”

“Your father ... he talked ... to the man about the stagecoach attack. He told the man to take the stuff they’d taken off those people and get it to Chicago so that no one would know they had it. He wanted him to sell it.” Once she started talking, Etta didn’t seem able to stop.

“The man said he’d get his cousin to help. He would send her on the train tonight. Your father told him he could keep the money, but just make sure no one knew about the stuff. And it seems there were more things from other ... jobs.” She buried her face in her hands as tears came. “Oh, Miss Laura, I’m so sorry.”

A tight band formed around Laura’s chest, making it impossible to draw a breath. She struggled for a moment and sat up a little straighter. It didn’t help much, but she managed to gasp in air.

“So they ransacked the dead after the Indians attacked and killed them?”

“Your father said the money box was what they were really after.”

“I suppose Indians wouldn’t have even known about the money box.” Laura was feeling sicker by the minute. Had her father’s men stood by watching when the Indians attacked and killed those poor people? Had they done nothing to help because they wanted to rob the stage?

“And that’s not all,” Etta said, raising her eyes to meet Laura’s. “Your father said he’s going to kill the governor.”