Melinda Heads West (9 page)

Sure enough, when he set her back on the ground, he gripped his chest with a tender hand, though he winked and said, “It was well worth the pain, my dear!”

Mindy turned and ran to the waiting coach. Boone had slung her bag inside and was holding the door. He wore a grim frown. Mindy ignored him as she climbed into the stagecoach. The faded velvet seating and wood interior made her feel like she had arrived home.

Mindy leaned back in the seat and sighed, as Lucas slapped Boone on the back and climbed aboard. Boone followed, closing the door. Before they were even settled, the driver started the horses into a canter. They were headed back to the land of the living.

• • •

“So, what’ll you do when we get to town?” Mindy asked Boone.

“I don’t have much choice. I reckon’ I’ll be heading out to find that bank money and bring it back.”

Mindy shuddered. “You can’t mean to chase after those fellows alone?”

“That’ll be up to the stage company. I’ll be reporting to them when we arrive. But I expect they’ll want me to head out as soon as possible. I’ll probably visit my mother and then head on out.”

“And your wife, I guess.”

“Yeah. Of course.” Boone mentally smacked himself again. A wife sure was a lot of trouble.

“Oh. By the way, I guess I can give this back to you now,” Mindy said reaching into her bag. She extracted a Bible wrapped in cloth and removed a picture from its pages. She handed it over to him. “Funny thing, you had it in your possession the whole time you were carrying my bag.” A faint smile crossed her face. “She sure is pretty.”

“Yeah,” Boone admitted. “She is that.”

• • •

Mindy fell silent. She had thought … she wasn’t sure what she had thought. But she hadn’t expected Boone to be planning to leave even before he arrived in Tipton. She looked out the window, past the faded, oiled-leather curtain. The landscape rolled past at a jarring pace. Again, she felt tears welling up in her eyes, but for the life of her she couldn’t be sure why.

• • •

In less than six hours, Mindy began to see signs that they were nearing civilization again. There was a steady stream of men on horseback traveling along the same road as they drew closer to Tipton. Just outside the town, Mindy saw a long line of wagons that obviously made up a wagon train. In a large, open creek bank, horses and cattle were enjoying the cool water. The sheer number of wagons and livestock was overwhelming. “Now, that’s a journey,” she commented.

Boone looked out the window on the same side of the coach. “Uh huh. There aren’t as many moving west by wagon as there once was. The railroad has cut down on the traffic, but when you’re moving your entire household, there isn’t much other way.”

Mindy watched women working near the wagons. Controlled chaos seemed to reign king. Children galloped and played nearby. “God bless ’em, is all I can say.”

Lucas chortled. “Yep.”

The stagecoach driver never gave any heed to the increased level of activity on the roads; he still drove like the devil was chasing him. The bouncing and banging reminded Mindy of her earlier complaints. Her attitude had changed, and she relished every jounce. It was better than walking any day.

Mindy watched, fascinated, as they entered into the cluster of buildings making up the town. Lines of wagons were parked along the roadside, forcing the coach to squeeze in between them.

When they pulled to an abrupt halt, Boone was already swinging out the door. Lucas exited and helped Mindy down, and she glanced around, taking in the sights. The wood-frame buildings stretched out in either direction, lining the narrow thoroughfare. Along one side of the street was a two story hotel, Peter’s Livery, Feed, and Sale Stable, a barber shop, and a furniture store. Past those, the brick exterior of The Bank of Tipton was visible.

On the other side of the road stood two barrooms side-by-side, next to Kit’s Eatery. All along the boardwalks were the good citizens of the town, and the folks securing provisions for the long wagon trip.

Several women cast a wary eye at Melinda as she alighted from the stage; no doubt her red face, mangled hairdo, and inappropriate garb caught their attention. Melinda straightened her shoulders and looked them head on, without shame. She had survived a grand adventure — the likes of which she could tell her nieces and nephews about with great fanfare. Many of the women turned away, not being able to withstand the hard stare Mindy offered.

Lucas arrived at her elbow. “Let me escort you to the hotel and make sure we get you settled in comfortably.” He glanced over his shoulder at Boone. “I’ll take that bag off your hands now, friend.”

Mindy’s Tormentor stood still as a statue for a minute, looking at Mindy as if he would speak, but then he merely handed over the piece of luggage. It certainly looked worse for the wear. Mindy hadn’t realized until now the beating it had taken.

“Will we see you again before you leave?” Mindy asked.

Boone studied her quietly. “I don’t know why. Looks like you’ve got everything you need.”

Mindy glanced up at Lucas who wore a broad smile. “That she does, neighbor, that she does.”

The men exchanged glances. “You better do right,” Boone said in a hard voice. “I’ll be close by, and there’s always talk.”

“Do right about what?” Mindy asked, glancing from one man to the other.

“I think he gets it.”

“I got it. No need for worries. See to your own troubles. Let us know if you make it back all right.” Lucas was being extremely magnanimous.

Looking at Boone, Mindy realized that this moment might be the last she would see him. Without considering her actions, she threw her arms around his neck, surprising them both. “Thanks for all you’ve done.” She leaned against him and said in a quieter voice. “I take back what I said — your wife
is
a lucky woman.”

Boone took her by the arms and set her away from him. “I better go.” He tipped his hat once and turned on his heel. Mindy watched him walk away.

“Come on,” Lucas said, moving with a light step. “Let’s get you checked into the hotel.” He tugged at Mindy’s arm.

Turning, Mindy sighed. It seemed her heart had dropped into her stomach.

“I’ve stayed here several times, and I feel sure you’ll like it.” Lucas’s grin made him seem sweet and appealing. “Hot meals are provided each day, and the owners offer tokens for the plunge bath down the road.”

The idea of a bath caught Mindy’s attention. “Oh, that would be heavenly!”

“Shorty said they were sending a stage to pick up our luggage. It should be here by tomorrow or the next day. If you have need of anything in the meantime, I hope you’ll let me know.”

“That’s all right. I have my own money. And besides, I would never take yours.”

“I hope the day will come when you may accept more than that from me, Mindy.” They had reached the wooden boardwalk and he turned her to face him. “I’d like the opportunity to call on you.”

“What?” Mindy said.

“Surely you’ve realized by now that I have feelings for you, Mindy. I know this isn’t the appropriate time or place. I had planned to discuss it over dinner tonight, but, well … ” He shrugged and smiled.

Mindy was startled … and flattered, but beyond that, she wasn’t sure what she felt.

“You don’t have to answer me now. Think about it, and we’ll discuss it more over our meal.” He took her arm and wrapped it over his, patting it gently. “Don’t worry. Everything will work out.” With that, he escorted her into the sumptuous hostel.

• • •

It took a moment for Mindy’s eyes to adjust after the bright sunlight. Once they did, she gasped. The interior of the hotel was sumptuously appointed, with floor to ceiling columns and rich, maple furniture. A piano sat to one side of the large receiving area and a writing desk sat to another. The walls were painted stark white and decorated with elaborate wooden trim painted the same shade. Cozy armchairs were scattered here and there. The reception desk sat at the far wall, and four large, crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling.

Mindy moved slowly through the room, touching various pieces of furniture and studying the patterned Brussels carpet beneath her feet.

“Is it okay to walk on this?” Mindy leaned over conspiratorially. “My shoes are filthy!”

“This hotel caters to ranchers and cowboys, among others. They’re used to much worse than dirt on these floors!” Lucas laughed.

A man approached wearing a sharp uniform and addressed Lucas. “It’s good to see you again, Mr. Wilhite. Will you be staying?” Mindy was surprised that he seemed to pay no attention to her state of dress or disheveled appearance.

“Yes, Curtis. I’ll need a room for myself and a room for Miss McCorkle. Please give her your best.”

“Nothing less.” The man named Curtis looked around them. “Are you carrying luggage, sir?”

“It hasn’t arrived, but we expect it tomorrow or the next day. Our driver said they’ve sent another stage after it. Please send Miss McCorkle’s to her room as soon as it arrives.” Lucas glanced at the dining room entrance. “Are the supper seatings still at five and seven o’clock?”

“They are, Mr. Wilhite. When would you like to dine?” Lucas told the man to save a table for them at the late meal.

Mindy listened to the conversation, faintly irritated that she had not been consulted. As good as food sounded, a bath and a good night’s sleep in a comfortable bed sounded even more appealing.

“Curtis, Miss McCorkle will want to visit the baths. Could we have our tokens immediately?”

“Of course, sir.” Curtis spun and headed to the reception desk to take care of the request.

When the man left, Mindy looked at Lucas. Her mouth was set in a hard line. “Lucas!” she hissed. “I can’t afford the most expensive room in the hotel!”

“Don’t worry about the details, Mindy. Leave them to me.”

Curtis returned with two keys. “May I escort you?”

“Not necessary. I’ll see Miss McCorkle to her room. Thank you.”

Together they walked through the lobby to a carpeted staircase. Lucas knew the way and soon had Mindy at her door. “I’ll leave you here. I look forward to seeing you at dinner.”

They said their goodbyes and Mindy stepped into her room. She was instantly taken aback by the decor and lavishness. She had a corner room on the second floor. White curtains fluttered in two windows.

A large, mahogany bed sat catty-cornered to the room, and a writing desk, chairs and fireplace completed the picture. Mindy sighed, wanting more than anything to fall into bed and sleep for hours. But she knew she’d feel better when she was clean again.

• • •

The bathhouse was a long structure with high ceilings and a large pool for bathing. It was intended for multiple guests at once. Thankfully, Mindy was able to secure a private room for her ablutions. She sank into the galvanized tub full of hot water and drifted away. When she awoke, the water was cool and she had to hurry to get ready for the evening.

The extra dress she had packed was a simple frock, but it was clean. Mindy delighted in sliding into the garment. She pulled her hair back and tied it with a ribbon, and felt like she could pass for a respectable female again.

Walking back to the hotel, she scanned the buildings around her for sight of The Blue Saloon, with no luck.
Another day.

She arrived a bit after seven and went straight to the dining area where Lucas awaited. His eyes grew wide when she entered. “How lovely you look!”