Liberty Belle (14 page)

Flora placed a hand on her shoulder. “Oh my. Look at those mountains.”

Libby nodded, dried her tears, and tried to quiet her doubts.

“Oh, I have never seen anything so majestic. Libby, I know we did the right thing. I can’t wait to get to the city. To our new life.”

Her aunt’s joy broke through Libby’s doubtful mood. She rolled her shoulders and rubbed her neck. After all, she’d chosen to go west on her own. She didn’t need Wade or Harley or anyone else to plan out her life. She and Flora were going to be fine.

In minutes, they’d be in Denver City. All they had to do was find a hotel. Fingering her reticule, Libby choked.

The money.

She’d completely forgotten about being robbed.

###

Wade kept his eyes trained on the scenery outside the window. The sadness he’d seen on Libby’s face tore at his heart. He’d hurt her, but he couldn’t give her what she deserved. Why did God see fit to choke his life with failure? Never enough, never at the right place at the right time, and never good enough.

The distant mountains whispered the promise of a welcome change. Rising from the flat plains, they stood tall as if guarding hidden treasure. Most the people going to Denver were searching for gold. If he could have provided for her, he’d have settled for Libby.

The stage slowed. Wade stiffened at the sight of an Indian village.

“We’re just about there.” Samuel’s jovial voice caused Wade to look at him.

Wade pointed. “They friendly?”

“For the most part. Not any more dangerous than the rowdies in the city. The first building in Denver was a saloon. It’s got lots of company now. Mostly a city of tents, but that’s changing now with the new saw mill.”

Harley yawned. “I’m the new owner of The Yellow Slipper. I’d like to buy you a drink.”

Snorting, Samuel stretched. “I’ll be there. I have developed a powerful thirst.” The big man turned and winked at the women. “Miss Libby, Auraria is on the west bank of Cherry Creek. Denver City is on the east. So you’ll have quite a walk. Were you meeting someone?”

Libby cleared her throat. “No. Mr. Samuels, will there be a coach we can hire to drive us to a hotel?”

“There’s a livery not too far from the depot. The Denver Hotel is nice and across from the stage office. Denver’s a booming city with new buildings going up every week.” Samuels wiped a handkerchief over his brow.

Concern troubled her brow. “Well, I am sure we’ll find something ... I didn’t think to inquire before we left.”

Wade shook his head. Just why were two women going to Denver all alone? Libby had never explained their circumstances. He glanced at her. She was as nervous as a hen watching a circling hawk. “You said you were going to teach. Do you have the name of someone to contact?”

Startled, she looked up, her eyes darting like a trapped rabbit. “Just the ad from the paper. I didn’t think the city would be this big.”

A gentle nudge in Wade’s heart pushed him. Reluctantly, he obeyed the suggestion. “I’ll stay with you and Flora until we find a place. This city doesn’t look safe for women, alone or otherwise.”

Libby sighed and closed her eyes for a moment. “Thank you.”

He knew she wanted to say more, but the catch in her voice made him thankful she’d stopped. Her tears would have been more than he could handle, and he’d likely agree to most anything to make her stop crying.

The coach halted. Down the street, Wade saw the Denver Hotel. Maybe they’d have rooms for the women.

Dusty opened the door and offered his hand to Libby. “Well, folks, welcome to Denver City.”

She exited and then Mark and Flora.

Wade followed them and waited for the driver to throw down their belongings. He picked up his saddlebag and nudged Mark. “We’re here. Now all we have to do is get us a horse.”

The boy grinned. “I’ve been prayin’ about that.”

Wade made a playful frown. “We better watch out for a stampede then, hadn’t we?”

Mark laughed and ran to pick up Libby’s valise. “I’ll carry your bag for you.”

She laughed a gentle ladylike sound that tickled Wade’s ears. “Mark, that satchel is almost as big as you.”

What had Harley said? A southern belle. With Libby’s Georgia drawl, he didn’t doubt it. Remembering her injured ankle, he watched her walk. She took several steps and had to stop.

He rushed to her side. “Lean on me and you can sit on that bench.”

“I’ve been sitting for seven hundred miles. I think my ankle will feel better if I walk.”

She took a few more steps, grimaced, and gave him a pleading gaze. “Maybe I’ll sit a few minutes while you check on the hotel.”

He nodded. He helped her up the steps and onto the log that served as a bench. “Mark, you stay with Libby and Flora.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll protect ’em.”

“I bet you’ll do a good job, too.” Wade eyed the men on the street. They already had their heads turned in Libby’s direction.

Samuels, bag in hand, met him in the middle of the dusty road. “I’ll watch the women and kid for you. I don’t think it’s a good idea to leave them alone. Mostly saloons on this street. After a few drinks, whatever goodness men got left, they tend to lose.”

“Thanks.”

Wade looked at Libby, but she was talking with Flora. He turned and walked toward the hotel, tapping the gun in his holster. The cool metal gave him comfort. Women and children prayed. He’d rely on his wits and pistol to keep himself and Libby safe.

The Denver hotel was nicer than he’d expected. The foyer sported couches, pictures on the walls, and even a desk clerk wearing a suit. Several men were seated on the various chairs and sofas reading newspapers. The place held an air of the expensive, but he figured the women had enough money for a room.

Wade stepped up to the desk.

The clerk nodded. “Can I help you?”

“I need a room for two ladies and a boy.”

“Sorry. Had a couple of wagon loads of newcomers come into town and all the rooms are taken.”

“You know of any other places I might try?”

“Not Likely. Maybe in Auraria across Cherry creek.” The man pointed west.

“Any wagons or coaches for hire?”

The clerk glanced at his pocket watch and shook his head. “Naw, about this time everything closes down and the men go to the saloons. There ain’t hardly any women in this town so all they can do is drink and gamble.” The man raised an eyebrow. “You say you got two women? They going to work the saloons?”

Wade scowled. “No. Thanks for your trouble.”

And that’s what he had, two women and a boy full of trouble.

Chapter 15

Libby perched on the edge of the hard, wooden bench. She kept her back straight, head up, and tears shuttered. She must remain strong for Flora and Mark, but her erratic heartbeat belied her pretense. Cold and exhausted, Libby prayed Wade would return with a ride to a hotel. One they could afford.

Minutes passed. She clutched her reticule so hard that a point from the tin star pricked through the material. Icy fear crawled up her spine. Would Wade walk away from her and the boy, throwing them away as he had the badge? How did she know she could trust him? Or anyone?

To stop her rising panic, Libby turned her attention to her ankle. She wanted to take a peek and see if her foot was as swollen as it felt, but a quick glance across the street assured her that she’d not lift her skirt even for the tiniest moment. She already felt disrobed by the ogling stares of several men leaning against the wall of the nearest saloon. Even as she watched, two unshaven rascals crossed the street, traded coarse laughs, and pointed her direction.

Flora grabbed her bag and struggled with the tie. “Oh dear.”

Libby touched her aunt’s shoulder. “Wait, I think Samuels is going to talk to them.”

The affable salesman met the two at the steps of the boardwalk. By the sound of the scoundrels, they were already inebriated. Samuels shook his head, chuckled amiably, and pointed to the saloon. The men were far enough away that she couldn’t make out the words but could see their annoyance at Samuels and the leering glances toward her.

Mark raised his fists and stood in front of her. “I’ll keep them men away from you.”

Tempted to correct his English, Libby changed her mind when the no-goods struck Samuels and sent him tumbling onto the street.

With perverse grins, the dirty rogues eyed her up and down as they climbed the steps with deliberate slowness.

Libby jumped up and hugged Mark to her.

The biggest and meanest-looking one advanced with his filthy hand extended. “Ain’t you little ladies somethin’ to look at? We mean you no harm. Just want a little fun.”

Rubbing his hands, the other one sneered. “Step aside, boy. This is man’s work.”

Libby pulled Mark behind her and glared. “Get away from us.”

Flora stood and with a  shaking hand pointed her revolver at them. “Don’t come any closer.”

The big one stopped and raised his arms. “Whoa, lady. Someone could get hurt with that thing.” He nodded to his friend.

Out of the corner of her eye, Libby saw him circle behind them.

Flora nudged her. “Oh, I can’t.”

Anger stepped in front of the fear in Libby. With a quick move, she took the gun from Flora. Facing the man now only feet from her, Libby pulled back the hammer. “I’ve never shot anyone before, but today might be the day.”

He stopped, uncertainty squinting his eyes. “Doubt you could hit a barn with that thing.”

Palms sweaty and heart pounding, she stood her ground. “Doubt I could miss at this distance.” She hadn’t come all this way to be ordered around by a drunken fool.

With evil in his eyes, he retreated a step but nodded to the man behind her. “No sense in getting riled. Ain’t that right, Simpson?”

The hair on the back of her neck prickled. The man behind them could just wait. She had no intention of being distracted and let him take her gun. Keeping the pistol leveled at the big man in front of her, she nodded at Flora. “Watch the one behind me. If he moves let me know.”

Libby kept her attention focused on the man in front of her. “I may not get your friend, but I will shoot you.”

Samuels, huffing and rubbing his jaw, came up behind the man in front of her. “I got him covered. You want to shoot him or shall I? You can get the other one.”

The rascal froze. “We don’t want no trouble. Do we, Simpson?”

Footsteps shuffled on the boardwalk behind her. “I’m leavin’. You’re on your own, Red.”

“Flora, did the one behind us leave?”

“Oh my. Did he ever.” She giggled. “He’s already across the street and still leaving.”

“I’ll give you to the count of three to join your friend.” She waved the pistol.

The scoundrel didn’t answer, just fled.

Flora pushed her spectacles up with one hand and fanned her face with other. “Oh, Libby. I can’t believe you chased those men away. Could you have shot them?”

Feeling suddenly very scared, Libby collapsed onto the bench. “I’m not sure. What has gotten into me? I would have never done such a thing back home.”

Mark scampered in front of Libby. “You sure sent those men running. Wait till I tell Mr. Wade.”

“You were remarkable, ladies.” Samuels winced as he touched the growing red spot on his cheek.

Libby eased the hammer down and dropped the gun onto the bench. The loud clunk of metal on wood caused her to startle. Wiping her hands on her skirt, she gave him a weak smile.  “I am sorry you were hurt, Mr. Samuels, and they didn’t leave until you came to our rescue. Thank you.”

“Anytime, but if you don’t mind, I see your brother coming, and about right now, I could use a good stiff drink to ease the pain of my wound.” He tipped his hat, rubbed his jaw, and ambled across the street to the saloon.

Her breath whooshed in a relieved sigh. Wade hadn’t abandoned them. She watched him come her way, his handsome, lanky form setting off sparks inside that were not meant for any
brother.
She would have to set that right.

Mark ran to him. “You should’ve seen Miss Libby. She almost shot a man.”

Wade’s face darkened. He nodded at Mark and turned his gaze toward her. Displeasure colored his countenance and furrowed his brows.

Libby braced for an argument.

He gave a quick glance to the saloon and back to her. “Glad you’re all safe. I wouldn’t have left if I thought anyone would try and harm you.”

She’d misread his demeanor. He wasn’t angry at her. If she had to guess, his foul mood was turned on himself. Her heart went out to him, but she had no idea what to do to ease his mood. So she smiled her Georgia best and drawled. “Between Mr. Samuels, Mark, and Flora’s gun we were in good hands.”

The muscles in his jaw flexed. “Yeah, well just the same, it won’t happen again.”

A chilly breeze swept over her. She’d not brought a thing for cool weather. A look at Flora, and she knew her aunt hadn’t prepared either. Of course, the woman hadn’t known where they were going until they left. Even Mark had nothing but a cotton shirt.

Wade remained in the street, defeat in his stance. “The hotel is full. The clerk didn’t think there’d be any rooms in Denver. A couple of wagonloads of newcomers rolled into town and everything is booked. He said there might be some in Auraria.”

Libby felt her optimism and determination slip to the downside of hope. As if to emphasize her plight, the sun slipped between a couple of peaks and winked goodnight. The faint light of dusk wouldn’t last long, and seemingly in minutes shadows merged and spilled darkness over the streets.

Taking hold of her valise, Libby nodded. “Let’s go. The air is cold and walking will help warm us. We haven’t traveled seven hundred miles to let a few more stop us.”

After stuffing her pistol into her bag, Flora grabbed her satchel. “I agree. Surely, we can find some kind of shelter. And food.” She rubbed Mark’s head. “I know this growing boy is hungry.”

Libby led the way down the stairs. Two steps and her ankle rebelled. Pitching forward, she braced for the wooden steps rushing toward her.

###

Wade charged, wrapped an arm under Libby, and pulled her to his chest. Off balance, he twisted and crashed to the ground, keeping her on top of him.
Safe.
At least he’d prevented her from further injury, but he should’ve been there to protect her from those men.