Page 77 of Charlotte's Reckoning
“Good idea,” Violet agreed. “But he’d have to wield a big dick, like Fenton.”
“She means a big stick, someone influential,” Charlotte quickly corrected.
“No, she got it right,” Janelle said, blushing when they both looked at her wide-eyed. “Though it pains me to admit, it’s a man’s world. Sometimes a woman needs a man with a big, uh, personality,”—she blushed deeper as Violet chuckled—“someone other men respect.”
“Or fear,” Violet added. “That works too.”
“And since he’d be Charlotte’s employee, she’d still be in charge.”
She preferred handling things herself, but recent incidents proved she couldn’t do it alone. “Thank you for the suggestion, Janelle, and the lawyer recommendation.”
“Anytime. And I mean that. What you’ve been through is horrific, but you’ve landed on your feet the best you knew how. Jenny, Wisteria, and I were talking. We’ve all been through our own trials, not even close to yours, but we understand. Without the Jacksons, any of us could be in your shoes,” she said, then quickly added, “That isn’t a criticism. It’s not your fault how...or what...or why… Oh, I’m making a mess of this.”
Charlotte reassured her, “I understand. An old friend of mine put it perfectly—‘there but for the grace of God go I.’”
“Exactly,” Janelle agreed.
“And I dare say you’re right. If I’d met a Jackson at the right time or place, things could be different.”
“Too bad there isn’t a fourth brother,” Violet chimed in.
A wagon pulled up behind them in a cloud of dust. “There’s my ride,” Janelle said, waving her hand in front of her face to clear the air. “Can I take you somewhere?”
“No, thank you. I have other errands and a letter to post.”
“Are you sure? I have a driver as required, so Aaron can’t complain. I mean, he can. And probably would—”
“No ride, but…” She looked down at the envelope. “Could I ask a favor?”
“Certainly,” Janelle assured her.
“This letter is to a solicitor back East. I’m hesitant to give him my last name and the Red Eye as my return address if I can avoid it.”
“Understood. Use mine,” she offered.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. If it’s from a solicitor, what harm can there be? I need a name to look out for in the reply.”
She hesitated.
“You can trust me, Charlotte.” She raised her hand in a three-finger salute and said the strangest thing, “Girl Scout’s promise.”
Janelle had an odd twist to her, but she was so likable, also funny and compassionate. She never once looked down on her for her profession, instead treating her with respect and understanding. That Aaron, her husband, was among the few men she trusted was another point in her favor.
Therefore, she divulged her secret.
“Expect the reply from a Mr. Paul Abernathy. It might be addressed to Rowena Eldridge, or Dunn, my married name.”
Janelle’s face lit up with curiosity, but her questions remain unasked. “When it arrives, I’ll get it to you straightaway.”
Her driver helped her into the wagon, then she and Violet watched it drive away.
“She’s an odd bird,” Violet observed. “She said, ‘where I come from.’ Where do you suppose that is?”
“I can’t imagine.”
After adding Janelle’s return address, she posted her letter without issue. Next, she stopped by Mr. Bennett’s office and made an appointment for two days later, when he returned from Denver.
