Page 14 of Beauty and the Baker
“A place called Creede, Colorado.”
“Well you can buy a new ticket, but’em, this here trains is stoppin’ there ‘morrow. I won’t say anythin’ if you just’em get off at the station.”
Georgina nodded. “Thank you, Mr. Smalls, I appreciate your help.”
Mr. Smalls nodded and continued back towards the dining car. Georgina returned to her seat and sat down. She might as well get some rest before the train arrived.
She was just about to close her eyes when the glint of something shiny caught her eye. On the bench across from her sat three brand new copper pennies. The same amount as a pot of tea. She gathered up the coins and put them in her pocket along with her letters. She closed her eyes and dreamed of Colorado.
Chapter 4
September 1873, Creede, Colorado
“Charlie!” Cassandra’s voice called.
He was hiding in Max’s office. His brother-in-law was an amicable sort, even if he was rather odd. Charlie noticed Max had a few peculiar habits, but Charlie just ignored them.
He really did like Max, and Max really loved his sister. That was all Charlie needed to know.
He hoped one day to have a love like that, but he knew it wasn’t for him. Women wanted men that were perfect. Charlie was far from that now.
He continued laying on the settee in the office and tried to ignore his sister’s voice calling down the hall.
“Here you are,” she said, entering the office.
Charlie laid the book he was reading aside and looked at her. He didn’t have much in the way of education, but he did learn to read and write when he was younger. His mother made sure of that.
He was more fortunate than others. Many of the boys working at the factory didn’t learn skills like reading or math. That was probably why the foreman felt safe leaving his papers in plain sight.
Only Charlie could read them, and he then knew what the management of the factory was up to.
“You’re dressed all fancy,” Charlie said. His voice was short. He didn’t mean to be short with Cassie. He was so grateful that Max and she took him in when he showed up in Creede unannounced.
He did have Ian send a telegram to Hal after the incident at the warehouse. Charlie would have sent one once he left the hospital, but that would have taken up much of his precious funds.
Charlie stopped by to see Ian before he left. Charlie had given Ian instructions that if he escaped, to send the telegram and then go into the apartment where Charlie lived with Cassie and Hal. Charlie told Ian where his secret stash of coins could be found and asked for him to collect a few other items.
If Charlie made it out of the situation he would come and see Ian about collecting those items.
Charlie had hidden the coins in the wooden bed frame. He carved a hole in one of the posts and then covered it with a decorative ornament. No one would ever have suspected to look there for a hidden trove.
Ian had collected everything for him, apart from one item he really wanted; a framed picture of his mother. Ian couldn’t find it. He gave Charlie everything he found, down to the last penny.
Charlie really didn’t have a better friend than Ian. Charlie refused to say good-bye as he hugged his friend. He didn’t know when or if he might see Ian again, but saying goodbye just seemed too permanent.
The next morning, Charlie hopped on a train with Sam and Duncan and headed West. Cassie didn’t ask any questions when he arrived. She simply wrapped him in a hug and said she was happy he was home.
Home.
Charlie’s new home was Creede. There wasn’t a chance that he would be able to return to New York now.
“Max and I are headed to the theater tonight. I just wanted to see if you want to join us.”
Charlie shook his head. “I don’t feel much like going out in public.”
Cassie sighed. “You can’t stay hidden forever, Charles. You really should get out and meet the town. They are really nice folks here.”
Charlie shrugged. “I don’t plan on staying hidden forever. Just for now.”
