Page 2 of Wild Spirit Revival

He raised a brow. “Daft?”

She tapped the side of her head. “Daft. Up here. Anyone with sense would’ve known something was wrong when he ran this way.”

Scratching the back of his neck, he stared at his boots before meeting her hostile gaze with one of his own. “You’re sure he came this way?”

Molly set fisted hands on her waist and glared at him. “Are you deaf? I’m positive he ran this way. He stole my money and a watch my grandmother gave me, and I’m not going to let him get away.” She turned to leave when he grabbed her arm.

“Tell the sheriff. Let him and his deputies find the thief.”

“He’ll be long gone by then.” She tugged her arm free of his grasp and tried to hurry away before he grabbed her arm again.

“Look, the sheriff here is a good man. If you give him the thief’s description, he’ll have his men scour the town.” When he saw a slow smile form on her face, he relaxed.

Glancing over her shoulder to see one of the deputies, he was about to call out to the man when she once again shrugged off his grasp and took off.

He placed his hands on his hips and shook his head. Even wearing a skirt and boots, she shot away from him, pumping her legs faster than he’d thought possible.

“What’s going on?”

Eli Beckett turned to see Deputy Angus McGregor standing beside him, shielding his eyes to look down the street.

“Is that a woman running in the middle of the street?”

Eli nodded. “Sure is.”

“Where’s she headed?”

“She’s after the thief who stole money and a watch from her.” He looked at Angus. “They were on the train.” Eli tapped his temple. “I don’t think the woman’s right in the head.”

“Then, I’d better go after her. If she’s deranged, it’d be best to get her off the street and someplace safe. Maybe the doc can help her.”

He nodded. “Good idea. The doc should keep watch on her for a bit. I’ve got to get the supplies back to the ranch.” Eli turned away, then stopped. “She’s tricky, as well as daft. Don’t let her sweet talk you.”

Long strides took him toward Bozeman’s general store, his thoughts still on the crazed woman. She was a menace. It would do her good to sit a few hours in the doctor’s office and cool off.

The Bozeman railroad station bustled with activity as Molly O’Sullivan maneuvered through the crowd. The cacophony of chattering passengers filled the air, but Molly’s emerald eyes remained fixed on the clerk’s counter.

Gandy Broom’s round face lit up as Molly approached. “What can I do for you, ma’am?”

Her lips quirked into a smile. “I’m Molly O’Sullivan. I was a passenger on the train. I’ve come to retrieve my equipment and belongings.”

“Of course, of course.” Gandy glanced to the floor beside him. “I’ve been keepin’ ’em safe and sound for you.” Bending down, he hauled the wood box filled with photographic equipment around the counter before retrieving a trunk and a large satchel. “Three items, correct?”

As he set her belongings beside him, her gaze wandered, taking in the station’s rustic charm. Though the station was new, the windows were already crusted with dirt, and the scent of coal smoke lingered in the air. She couldn’t help but feel a twinge of excitement at the prospect of capturing Bozeman’s essence through her lens.

“Yes, just the three. Mr…”

“Broom. Most people call me Gandy.”

She smiled, curiosity getting the better of her. “Mr. Broom, I assume you know everyone living around here. What can you tell me about Bozeman?”

His eyes twinkled. “Oh, Bozeman’s a right fine place, miss. Full of opportunity for those willin’ to seize it. Why, just last week, we had a lady open up a millinery shop on Main Street. Caused quite a stir, I tell you.”

Her eyebrows rose with interest. “A woman-owned business? That’s wonderful.”

“Oh, we’ve got our fair share of forward-thinkin’ folks here.” He chuckled. “Bozeman’s growin’ fast, and with that comes new ideas.”

She studied her belongings, bending to run a hand over her camera case. “Thank you for holding these for me, Mr. Broom.”

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