Daliah Read online

  Spencer stubbed his toe on a rickety chair and hissed a breath through clenched teeth to stifle the pain, but still he was no closer to finding anything. Moving around the small house he dug through drawers, checked between books, and looked under furniture, but came up empty handed.

  As the minutes ticked by and he realized he wasn’t going to find anything without a daylight search, Spencer crept out the back door and took a turn around the back yard. In the far corner of the over grown space a large bucket sat below a tree. A warm breeze ruffled the leaves of the old cottonwood stirring the ashes in the bucket and Spencer hurried forward to peer inside.

  Several small, partially burned pages fluttered in the wind and Spencer pulled the pieces that were still intact carefully to him trying to read them by the light of a half moon.

  Giving it up for a bad job, Spencer slipped the pages into a pocket and let himself out of an old misused gate. This was taking too long. Any day now, someone could find Daliah in Needful and she would know he had failed.

  Making his way back to the jail house where he had taken up residence, Spencer lit a lamp then sat at the big desk flipping through the bits of paper. The numbers, and markings made the hair on the back of his neck stand on end, and Spencer knew he had found his first real proof.

  ***

  “Spencer you’re coming with me,” Marshall Eagan said, rattling the cell where Spencer spent every night. “You’ll need this,” the Marshal added, tossing the man a badge, with a grin.

  In the weeks he had been back in Smithfield, Spencer had worked tirelessly tracking down every lead he could to clear Daliah of any wrong doing, but every night he would return to the jail house trying to put the pieces of information together that would let him go home.

  He had talked to the bank president, shop keepers, and acquaintances. None of them could believe that Daliah was guilty of wrong doing but the circumstances surrounding the loss of the large sum of money and the conscience of Daliah leaving the wagon train along with her previous dismissal for missing funds had prompted the bank’s owners to act.

  “What’s happening Tom?” Spencer asked, pinning the badge to his coat and hurrying to catch up.

  The old Marshall grinned, his mustache quivering over thin lips, as he shoved a telegram into Spencer’s hands. “We’re going to make an arrest,” he said pushing his ten-gallon hat onto his head and opening the door to the jail.

  The raid happened in what seemed like seconds. Together Spencer and Tom swooped into the bank, hauling Mr. Shaw the bank manager from his tiny office.

  “Unhand me!” the man barked as the Marshall took him by one arm and Spencer by the other. “You can’t treat me like this!”

  “Mr. Shaw you are under arrest for embezzlement from the Smithfield bank, and for trying to pin it on a young woman who wouldn’t hurt a fly.” Tom Eagan said roughly.

  “It’s a good thing the law got to you first,” Spencer hissed at the little man whose forehead now glistened with beads of sweat. “You should be horse whipped for what you did Daliah.”

  “I didn’t hurt no one,” the man quivered with fear leaning closer to the Marshall. “What’s that useless orphan to you anyhow?”

  Spencer balled his fist and turned his eyes blazing at the man with hard eyes. “Daliah Owens is a kind, gentle, and loving woman, and my fiancée,” he hissed. “You practically ruined her for a fist full of dollars.”

  Mr. Shaw gulped his eyes going as wide as saucers as he crowded closer to the Marshall while the town’s people watched the procession down the street to the jailhouse, with morbid curiosity.

  By the time Mr. Shaw was safely locked away in the cell, the weasely little man had confessed to everything, cringing each time he looked at Spencer. As worried as he was about Spencer’s anger he seemed almost relieve to have been caught. At least behind bars the men he owed money to wouldn’t be able to get to him.

  “Well I’d say that about does it then,” Marshall Eagan said with a grin as he closed the door to the room containing the cells. “Daliah’s been cleared and won’t need to serve time for a job you didn’t do. I sent a few men over to Mr. Shaw’s house to find the strong box and recover what’s left of the money.” he added, with a shake his head. “Fool man, getting himself into that kind of debt gambling. I’ll send out notices canceling the wanted posters too,” he finished.

  Spencer unpinned the badge from his coat and handed it toward the Marshall. “Thank you for believing me.”

  Tom Eagan chuckled. “I’m a sucker for a love story I guess,” he said. “You keep that,” he added, nodding toward the badge. “I have a feeling it might come in useful, on your trip home. You never know when you might need to sort out a mystery, or wrangle someone back onto the straight and narrow.”

  The Marshall moved to a small stove in the corner of the office and filled two cups with coffee handing one to Spencer who tucked the badge into his breast pocket.

  “I don’t understand,” Spencer said sipping the black brew.

  “Son, you gathered more evidence in three weeks than I had in nearly three months. I didn’t believe that girl could have pulled off that kind of stunt you see. You don’t think I didn’t try before sending those posters out do you? No, everything I found was pointing to that worthless being sitting in my jail cell, I just didn’t have enough evidence to prove it until I got that telegram. You’ve got good instincts and more importantly a good heart. You’ll be just what that new town needs as it grows.”

  Spencer raised a brow over his cup of coffee, but didn’t say anything. All he knew was that this mess was over and he could go home.

  ***

  Spencer walked down the stairs of the small court house a bright smile on his face as he headed for his horse and pack mules.

  The trial had been short and sweet and the sentencing just. Mr. Shaw had confessed to everything. There was little else for him to do but beg for the mercy of the courts since he’d been caught with the bank’s money in his own home. Even with all the trouble the man had caused, and the pain he had caused Spencer and those he loved Spencer still offered a prayer for him as he reached the street.

  “You ain’t leavin’ without saying goodbye are you?” Marshall Eagan said catching up and extending his hand.

  Switching his reins to his other hand Spencer clasped the Marshall’s hand. “I’m headin’ home,” Spencer said. “Just as fast as I can.”

  “You have something nice to go home to,” the Marshall said, clapping his other hand over Spencer’s. “Looks like you’re ready for a fast trip,” he added, releasing the younger man and nodding toward the extra riding horse and the mules.

  “I might set a record,” Spencer said, with a laugh. “I hope my brother gets my letter before I get there,” he added. “I’d like him to know what happened.”

  “Pretty soon you’ll have the railroad coming your way there in your little town and that will make life a bit easier. What d' you say it’s called?”

  “Needful,” Spencer said. “Just like all of us.”

  “Good luck Spencer,” the Marshall said, with a wave as the younger man swung into the saddle and turned away.

  Spencer spurred his horse into a trot as he left the edge of town. They would all be trail weary before they reached Needful, but they could rest at the end of the ride. He was going home. Home to his son and home to his heart.

  Chapter 23

  Daliah walked to the edge of town under the watchful gaze of Dan Gaines. In the past few weeks it had become a ritual that each evening as the sun was setting behind her Daliah would watch at the edge of town, gazing over the prairie and scanning for any signs of Spencer.

  It had been nearly a month and a half since Dan had returned from Dallas and had taken up his watchful care over his brother’s betrothed.

  A full moon hung low in the sky as the golden rays flashed their last light across the green prairie and Daliah sagged with disappointment as no sign of a lonely rider could be seen.

&n
bsp; Ever since Dan had received the telegram stating that Daliah had been cleared and that Spencer was on his way home, she had watched anticipating his return, but once again, the day ended without the better part of her heart coming home.

  Turning she took a step toward Dan just catching the hint of movement to the North. Whirling she stepped further out onto the grass her heart pounding as a rider topped the nearest rise, a string of mules trailing behind.

  Dan Gaines jumped to attention when Daliah stepped out onto the prairie. Had she seen something?

  Grabbing his horse he swung into the saddle his eyes scanning the darkening sky as an inky silhouette caught his keen gaze, and he raced to catch up to Daliah, offering her a hand and pulling her up behind him on his horse, as they raced out to meet the arrival.

  “It’s him,” Daliah said, clinging to Dan as he raced across the trail. “I know it’s Spencer,” she cried.

  Dan pulled rein in front of his brother a few moments later, barely able to keep Daliah from falling off the horse as she dropped to the ground only to be swept up into Spencer’s strong arms, his feet hit the earth.

  “You’re here,” Daliah sobbed burying her face in his shoulder as she clung to him.

  “I’m here, darlin’, I’m here,” he crooned looking up and offering his brother a nod of thanks.

  Daliah looked up pulling away from Spencer, her face flushed as she wiped the tears from her eyes, but Spencer didn’t let her go.

  “Good to see you made it back in one piece,” Dan said, leaning down and offering his brother his hand. “Look a little the worse for wear though,” he added with a chuckle rubbing his chin in imitation of Spencer’s ragged beard.

  Spencer’s sharp bark of laughter didn’t even garner a raised head from his weary stock. “I might have pushed it a bit,” he agreed then looking down at Daliah added, “it was worth it though.”

  Dan climbed down from his horse then hugged his brother. “You two go on,” Dan said, handing the reins to his brother, his eyes taking in the joy on Spencer’s face and wondering if he would ever have a woman look at him the way Daliah was looking at Spence. “I’ll bring your stock.”

  Spencer helped Daliah up into the saddle in front of him then swung up behind her, his eyes going to his brother in thanks. “I’ll see you later,” he said, itching to spur the fresh horse to where he knew his son would be.

  “Is everyone doing well?” he asked instead as he turned the horse toward Needful. “The Hampton’s, Chad?” he asked his voice growing husky as he tightened his grip on Daliah.

  “Everyone’s fine,” Daliah said. “We’ve been watching for you every day since Dan got the note.”

  It was only a matter of minutes before they were climbing down at the Hampton House, and even in the dim light, Spencer could see how much the place had changed.

  The once simple structure was a full two story building now with oiled paper in the window openings, and a front porch with a plank floor.

  Helping Daliah down, he leaned forward resting his forehead against hers. “I know you prayed every day for me,” he said. “I could feel those prayers all the way in Missouri,”

  Daliah closed her eyes breathing in the smell of horse, trail dust, and Spencer himself. “I’m so thankful you’re home,” she whispered as he turned his head dropping his lips to hers.

  “Pa! Pa!” Chad burst from the front door wrapping himself around Spencer’s legs and squeezing tight.

  Spencer leaned down picking up his boy and hugging him. “You’ve grown,” he said his voice sounding gruff in his own ears.

  “It’s all the good cookin’,” the boy said, leaning back to run his hands over his father’s dark beard then wrapping his arms around him again. “Are you home forever now?” the boy asked, holding on tight.

  “Forever and ever,” Spencer said, pulling Daliah closer as together they walked into the welcoming dining hall.

  Chapter 24

  “Pa, do I have to wear this?” Chad asked, the next Sunday as his father pulled a string tie around the boy’s collar.

  “Yes, you have to wear the suit and the tie,” Spencer said. “Today Daliah is going to become my wife and your mother,” he finished standing and adjusting the black tie around his own collar. He grinned checking to see that he’d shaved carefully enough. For some reason Daliah hadn’t cared much for his beard.

  “Then we’ll move into our house right?”

  “That’s right,” Spencer said.

  “Then we’ll build a jail in case bad people come to town.”

  Spencer chuckled. “You don’t miss much do you?” he said.

  “Everyone’s talking about it,” Chad said. “Uncle Dan said you was gonna be the Sherriff.”

  Again Spencer chuckled. He didn’t know how he’d let his brother and the others of the town talk him into it, but he had agreed to be the Sheriff of their burgeoning town. He couldn’t help but wonder if Tom Eagan had also had a hand in the nomination somehow, but it felt right.

  “Well the town had a need for a Sheriff,” he admitted combing his hair down.

  “Cause our town’s Needful,” Chad said his blue eyes sparkling.

  “That’s right son, and right now we need to get ready before your new ma thinks we changed our mind.”

  Chad climbed up on a box and looked into the tiny mirror next to his father. “We look pretty good don’t we?” he said sticking a finger in his collar and tugging slightly.

  ***

  Daliah smoothed the dress she had put away so many weeks ago and tried to slow the flutter of her heart.

  “You look beautiful,” Mrs. Hampton sighed clasping her hands as she stepped back from fixing Daliah’s hair.

  “You are beautiful,” Rosa said handing her a small bouquet of wild flowers. “It is our first Needful wedding,” she added adjusting Christine on her hip.

  Daliah moved to the tiny woman wrapping her in her arms. “Won’t Raoul be surprised when he returns from the cattle drive?” she asked, knowing that Rosa must be missing her husband more than ever today.

  A soft knock fell on the door, and all three called for Mr. Hampton to come in. “You ready?” he asked, his eyes glowing with appreciation. “Your men are gettin’ fidgety in there.”

  “I’m ready,” Daliah said, gliding to the old man who had done so much for her and taking his arm.

  In what felt like the blink of an eye, she was standing hand in hand with Spencer before the preacher and saying her vows while Chad fidgeted with the pillow that held the rings. It seemed like a dream to finally say the words that would bind them together for life.

  As she repeated the word that tied her to Spencer, her heart filled with praise to a God who had never forsaken her and had worked for her good.

  When the preacher pronounced them man and wife, and Spencer had sealed their love with a kiss, the whole town erupted in loud cheers as they welcomed the new couple as part of Needful Texas.

  The party that lasted into the night solidified the growing kinship of the town that had changed so much, and as the wedding supper was served, the men turned to discussing changes that would come to their town.

  “We’ll need a mayor,” Mr. Scripts said.

  “What do we need a Mayor for,” another man spoke up, “we already got Dan.”

  Laughter filled the dining hall, but others weren’t done yet. “We already got a new Sheriff,” another man said, “Not that he’s got much lawin’ to do yet, why not elect a Mayor as well.”

  “I nominate Dan Gaines!” someone in the back of the room called out.

  “I second,” someone else added their voices as Spencer took Daliah’s hand and led her outside.

  “I think Dan’s about to become a town official,” he said, letting the cool evening air wash over them as they escaped the overly full room.

  “You think he’ll accept?” Daliah asked, shivering slightly.

  “I don’t think he’ll have much choice,” Spencer said, lifting her fingers to his li
ps. “But that’s his problem,” he added. “For now I’m taking my new bride to my new home and starting a new life.”

  “Daliah!” Chad burst from the Hampton House’s front door racing toward her, an excited grin on his face. “You forgot your hat,” the boy said skidding to a stop. He’d talked about nothing but the fact that he would be spending the night with Trey and the Scripts for the night, and his eyes sparkled with a clear blue light.

  Daliah let go of Spencer’s hand and pulled Chad into her arms. “I don’t think I’ll be needing that now,” she said taking the hat from the boy’s small hands and smoothing the rumbled brim. “I think maybe you could keep it and take care of it for me,” she added with a happy tear as she settled the hat on his head.

  “You mean it?” Chad asked breathlessly trying to look at the hat brim above him.

  “I mean it,” Daliah said. “I know you’ll take good care of it and now that I have you and your father to love, I feel like this hat is ready to be of real use again.”

  Chad threw his arms around Daliah’s neck squeezing her tight. “I’m sure glad you married my pa,” the boy said, stepping back and placing a hand over the hat as he bolted back to the festivities.

  Epilogue

  Spencer grabbed the young miscreant by the collar and tossed him into the wood slat cell slamming the door home. “You can sleep it off in there,” he said, as the man dropped onto the bunk with a loud belch.

  Some men from the surrounding ranches seemed to have too much time on their hands recently, and he thought he might have a talk with the Mayor about the catcalls, and whistles the decent women of the town had been subjected to recently. A new ranch had started up to the south east, and the men there were unruly at best.

  “That’s the third one this week,” Daliah said, stepping into the tiny office with a pot of coffee and a fresh mug. “I guess it’s to be expected with so many single men in town.”