Page 63 of Mail-Order Bride Runaway
Riley turned to address them. “Mr. Luckham says an unsavory man was asking where the Shannon ranch was. It sounded like this Mr. Hartman you two mentioned.”
Della gasped, her rib cage freezing solid.
Riley continued, “Mr. Luckham didn’t tell him because he didn’t think he was the sort of person we’d want to have calling.”
Blood surged through her veins and stung her cheeks to think the man was this close.
She saw the look exchanged between Riley and Andy. Riley glanced past her to Luke who listened. There was no need of words for her to know what they meant. It was only a matter of time before someone told him where to find the Shannon ranch.
She was certain no one could understand the depth of her fear. Andy squeezed her hands, his so warm in contrast to how cold hers were.
“Did anyone hear anything about the track repairs?”
Had Andy asked the question in the hopes of diverting her thoughts from Mr. Hartman? Or was he thinking she needed to leave as soon as possible?
“I did,” Luke said. “Reports are that it should be repaired by Thursday.”
* * *
Thursday.That left Andy four more days in which to guard her and keep her safe. He wouldn’t let her out of his sight until she was on the train heading home. He might even accompany her just to be sure Mr. Hartman didn’t go after her. And then what? He couldn’t stay in Toledo. Or could he? At least until she was out of the country. He tossed the idea around as they traveled home.
They all gathered in his house. Eating together was a tradition started by his pa after ma died. One meal a week where everyone was in attendance. Though since his brothers had married, they had occasionally chosen to have a private dinner with their wives. As usual, the food was plentiful and the conversation was noisy. But neither he nor Della did much but listen. He knew she was as frightened by the nearness of her pursuer as he.
At the end of the meal, he followed the other men outside, but he didn’t go twenty steps away from the house. The trees suddenly crowded to the houses. The buildings were too close together making it possible for a man to duck from one to another without detection. He searched the horizon on all sides. Nothing but shimmering heat waves.
Riley sidled up to him. “We’ll all stay close by until this man is apprehended.”
“He’s done nothing that would warrant him being arrested.”
“At least not that we know of. I asked Mr. Luckham to send a wire down the line asking for more information on him.”
“Thanks.”
Riley clapped him on the back. “That’s what big brothers are for.”
Andy rolled his eyes. “And here I thought it was only to annoy younger brothers.” He knew his voice carried affection.
“That too, of course.” Riley checked the horizon just as Andy had and did again. “Sure wish it would rain.”
“Pastor Ingram prayed it would.” They both looked west to the mountains. “There’s a cloud the size of a man’s fist.” They chuckled at the reference to Elijah praying for rain.
The women came from the house. All except Della who lingered in the shadows.
Andy went to her and drew her out. “You’re safe with us.” Mr. Hartman had no way of getting to her while surrounded by all the Shannons.
She took his hand and glued herself to his side as they followed the others.
16
Despite her worry over Mr. Hartman, Della enjoyed the Sunday afternoon. The men must have made some pact to stay close because they all bunched around her as they and their wives drew her and Andy along the trail on a leisurely walk. Though they didn’t go far before returning to the buildings. She was relieved when they did so. Hiding in the house, away from windows and doors would have suited her, but Andy held her hand tightly enough she couldn’t go anywhere without him.
She told herself she was safe in his presence. She’d be all right back home as well, she assured herself, but a shudder rattled her teeth. Until that man found someone or something else to pursue, she wouldn’t be free of her fear.
The group wandered past the house and toward the barn. The dog, Scamp, that she’d seen a few times lay in the doorway, watching them without lifting his head.
“Scamp, come along.” Andy snapped his fingers. The dog’s eyes turned upward but nothing else moved. Andy sighed. “He could be more of a watchdog but the only thing he’s interested in anymore is chasing cows.”
“He’s getting up in years.” Riley bent over to pet the animal. “Aren’t you, old fella?”
