Liberty Belle (37 page)

What had Rowen been up to?

###

Libby’s palms grew sweaty, her stomach roiled, and she saw those little silver birds fluttering about her.
Mother is here
. She took her hands from the bars and stepped away when all went black…. Keys jingled, and the sheriff opened the iron door.

“My, baby. Honey, what has happened to you?”

Hands lifted her to her feet and led her to the cot.

Trembling, Libby focused her gaze on the couple standing beside the sheriff.

“Mother, Father.” New tears released.

Her mother swamped Libby in a hug. “It’s going to be all right, Mother’s here. James, see if you can’t talk some sense into that constable.”

With a dismissive wave to her father and the sheriff, her mother turned to her. “Now tell me. What you have gotten yourself into?” She wiped her gloved hand over the rough excuse for a bed and frowned. “I told you not to go. You’re so impulsive. If only you’d listened.”

Putting a hand to her forehead, Libby revisited her reasons for leaving home. But decided having Mother and Father here was an answer to prayer. One she’d not prayed but somewhat of a welcome relief.

“Mother, please. I have enough problems without your adding to them.”

“Yes, I can see. Never did I think my daughter would be in jail. What did you do?”

Raised voices from the sheriff’s office distracted them.

“Murder! You can
not
be serious.” Her father’s words charged into the cell.

Libby cringed at her father’s tirade, but after a quick glance at her mother, a wave of shame went through her. Mother’s shocked expression quickly slipped to a disappointment that made standing before a court appear easy.

“Liberty Auraria Longstreet, what did I just hear?” Her mother waved her fan. “This can’t be happening to me.”

Irritation fueled Libby’s anger. Standing abruptly, she slapped her hands on her hips. “It isn’t happening to you. It is happening to me. I have a life, Mother. And I will be the one living it. No more yellow curtains. No more husbands you think I should marry. No more manipulating my life.”

Libby fought to slow her breathing.
She’d said it. Declared her independence
. And here in jail, she finally felt free.

Her mother looked down, her shoulders shaking. With a hand to her mouth, she gave a sorrowful groan.

The crushed look on her mother’s face pierced Libby’s heart. Although the woman controlled the household, Libby always knew it was out of love.

Lips quivering, the life in her mother’s eyes dulled. The woman seemed to age years, taking on a sadness Libby had never seen in her before. Her mother edged toward the door. She stopped, shoulder’s slumped. “I am sorry, Libby. I only did what I thought was best for you.” She stumbled out of the cell and into Father’s arms.

The disappointment, even disgust, on his face drove Libby to sit on the cot. She’d never seen him so angry.

He frowned sternly. “We’ll be back. The sheriff said you’ll have to stay in jail until the trial.”

He hugged his wife. “I’m going to take care of Eleanor. You hurt her, Libby. … I’m not sure I know you anymore.”

Footsteps echoed, the barred door clanged shut, and quiet swallowed her.

The hollow feeling of loneliness collapsed about her. She’d shot her boss, apparently killing him, and now she’d driven away her parents. Falling to her knees, she poured out her shame, asking for forgiveness, hoping God had not forgotten her.

###

Wade finished bedding down the mare Libby had taken. He couldn’t bring himself to say stolen, even though the sheriff had already added it to her list of crimes. Outside, he breathed in the night air. Still and warm, it failed to refresh him. Gazing skyward, he frowned. Only a sliver of a moon. A dark night to go with a gloomy day.

Giving Fuego a needed rest, he mounted a smart bay. The sooner he got back to jail, the sooner he’d be with Libby. He tapped the horse’s sides, but changed his mind and slowed to a walk. To see her in jail, to think of her on trial, and the incomprehensible, to think of a life without her were too much for him to deal with alone.

After reaching the jail, he paused and let the animal drink from the trough. Stalling, he searched for the strength to face Libby. A rat scurried through a hole in the wall of the building next door. Wade straightened his shoulders and entered the office.

The sheriff sat at his desk.

“Thought I’d come back and see how Libby was doing. That okay with you?”

Bill waved him back to the cells. “Since you’re here, I’m going to turn in. It’s been quiet. I think the town’s reconciled to waiting for a trial.”

“That’s comforting.” Wade said it sarcastically, wishing he could take her away.

The sheriff nailed him with a somber gaze. “I was afraid there’d be a lynch mob. Rowen was a powerful man and generous to a fault.”

Wade walked past him. “Your mind already made up?”

Without lowering his eyes, the sheriff shook his head. “No, can’t really believe she killed a man. But … well the jury will decide.”

Jaw clenched, Wade grabbed the keys.

“By the way, Judge wants to start the trial Monday. If you got any ideas to help her, better be quick about it.”

Wade let the words fall off his back and strode to her.

She stood with her hands wrapped around the bars, her head resting against them.

His heart tore. She looked so helpless. “Libby.”

She sobbed.

He opened her cell and wrapped her in his arms. “I’d give anything to trade places.”

She rested against his chest. “My mother and father are here. Maybe they can help with the trial.” She sighed. “I hurt my mother’s feelings. Very badly.” Quiet sobs shook her.

He pressed her head to his shoulder. “Shh. Let’s forget about everything except that we’re going to be Mr. and Mrs. Calder. The wedding is still on, isn’t it?”

Her gaze drew on him, hope shining in her eyes. “You’d marry me? Even after—?”

He answered her with a kiss, settling the question with all that was good between them.

She relaxed, and leaned against him. “I need you, Wade. Don’t leave me.”

Shame battered him. He was supposed to protect her. Keep her from harm. He sat, holding her to him. Her quiet sobs eventually turned into exhausted breaths of sleep.

Later, a gentle shove on his shoulder woke him.

The sheriff handed him a blanket. “Wouldn’t look good if my deputy spent the night in a jail cell with a female prisoner. She doesn’t need any more damage to her reputation.”

Wade settled Libby on the cot and covered her with the blanket. Standing, he stared down at her and felt as if he were leaving a part of himself.

A hand rested on his back. “Time to go.”

“I’m marrying her Saturday. Watch over her for me?”

Surprise registered on Bill’s face. “Guess nothing’s going to change your mind. I’ll keep her safe.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I’ll be honest, it doesn’t look good for her.”

The sheriff’s last words took the breath from him. Unable to voice a response, Wade nodded. With heavy steps, he left the office. The thought of breaking her out toyed with him, mocking the badge he wore and the promises he’d made to the Lord. He turned and stared at the building.

Dark and quiet, the window to her cell watched, luring him to free her. Cold sweat tracked down his spine. The night pressed in, oppressive, as if evil itself hovered around him. He stepped back and shut his eyes in an attempt to stop the temptation.

He couldn’t lose her.

He couldn’t throw down his badge.

He couldn’t win.

Chapter 38

After a night of fitful sleep, Wade stumbled out of his bedroll and grimaced at the new day. The weather apparently agreed and hid the sun behind overcast skies. The gray clouds magnified the mixture of fear, anger, and restlessness that nagged him to do something.

Wade stopped pacing and glanced east. A golden ray slipped through a break in the monotonous gloom. He had to believe everything would work out. Believe God was for him and not against. Believe Libby would be safe.

He saddled Fuego and set out to find a minister. One who wouldn’t be opposed to marrying someone in jail. Flora had told him about a little church she attended. Maybe her preacher would perform the wedding.

He reined the stallion toward The Yellow Slipper. Thunder rumbled from the foothills. He said a quick prayer for Mark and Tobias and hoped they’d return in time. Then again, he wasn’t sure how Mark would react to Libby in jail. What a mess.

Only a few riders dotted the quiet streets. Wade rode past the saloon, dismounted, and raced up the stairs to Flora’s. He knocked, hoping she was awake.

A yawning Daisy opened the door and smiled. “Come on in. Flora is working on the dress. I think Libby will be pleased.”

“Oh, Wade. I’m so glad you’re here. How is Libby?”

He took off his hat and entered the room. “Scared, bewildered. … Flora, you think that preacher of yours would agree to marry us tomorrow and in jail?”

With a dreamy look on her face, Flora ran a hand over the dress. “I am sure he will.

“I’ll need directions to find him.” He cleared his throat. “There is another favor.”

“Yes?”

“Libby’s parents are in town. They’re staying at the Denver Hotel. Think you could tell them about the wedding?”

“Do they know Libby is in jail?”

He nodded. “They went to the sheriff to find her. Libby confided in me that she hurt her mother’s feelings. I’m not sure they’ll come but would you tell them?”

“Oh dear. I’ll get Harley to drive his buggy. Eleanor, Libby’s mother, can be quite vexing. She
is
the reason Libby struck out on her own.”

A warning itched in the back of his mind. He added a troublesome mother-in-law to his problems. Wade glanced at Flora. “The dress looks nice. I better find the preacher.”

He left Flora in a flurry of activity. Outside, he studied the directions she’d given him. His stomach knotted. It’d been a long time since he’d set foot in a church.

He mounted Fuego and hoped the man wouldn’t be one of those angry preachers. Between Libby’s troubles and his past, there’d be plenty of reason to yell.

The church was little more than an oversized tent. A wooden cross, mounted on a pole beside the canvas door, offered a welcome to the faithful. Palms sweaty, Wade dismounted, tied the horse to a post, and hoped God knew what He was doing.

A smiling man dressed in black trousers and white work shirt stepped out of the canvas building.

Wade took off his hat. “Preacher Harold?”

Sleeves rolled up and sweat beading his brow, the man held out a calloused hand. “Yes, I am. And what can I do for you, friend?”

The man’s accepting manner set Wade at ease. He could see why Flora thought so highly of this man of God. “I’m Wade Calder. I’m getting married tomorrow and need a preacher.”

“A wedding. One of the things I love to do the most. Of course, be glad to.” He studied Wade. “Are you and the bride-to-be Christians?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Good, good. Holy matrimony between believers is a gift from God. When and where?”

The moment of truth
. Wade swallowed. “Tomorrow.” He looked the preacher in the eye. “At the jail.”

Harold cocked his head. “Your bride in some kind of trouble? She the one who killed Rowen?”

Keeping his eyes locked with the preacher’s, Wade stuffed down the anger ready to explode. “That’s what some think.”

The man recovered his smile and clasped Wade’s shoulder. “I’ll be there. You know, Wade, the Lord has a way of making all things work out to good. Hold that thought in your mind and soul.”

Wade’s eye moistened as his heart drank in the preacher’s words. “Thank you, sir.”

Rubbing Fuego’s muzzle, Preacher Harold grinned. “You run along, get things ready, and we’ll have a grand ceremony.”

Leaving the church, Wade sat taller in the saddle. Everything would work out. Cody would come back with the knife and canvas bags, and the court would have to believe Libby shot in self-defense.

Yes, like the preacher said, everything would turn out fine.

###

Flora had worked all yesterday and most of the night to finish Libby’s wedding dress. She was pleased that with the wedding only hours away, she was ready. With love and sadness in her heart she covered the gown with paper and folded it neatly.

A knock brought a smile to her.
Harley
. She wondered what mood the man would be in. He’d wanted to marry Libby. Sadness blanketed Flora’s heart. He never really noticed her but that had been her lot in life. Someday—

Another rap captured her attention. “Oh, come in, Harley.”

The gambler shoved open the door. “You ready?”

“Of course I am. This is an important day for Libby.” His frown added another disappointment to her heart. But that man was handsome. She sighed and scolded herself. What was she thinking? Harley gambled, ran a saloon, and she didn’t even want to think what else.

His scowl turned sad. “She might not have many days left. Word on the street is she’ll hang.”

“Harley Mason! I will not have you talking that way around Libby or her parents … or me. I am believing God is going to provide a ram stuck in the bush like he did for Abraham and Isaac.”

“Woman, you do confound me with your words. I don’t know any Abraham or Isaac, but I can bet they don’t live in Denver.” He shrugged. “But I’ll go along and won’t let on.”

She shoved her glasses. “Thank you. Now let’s meet Libby’s parents.”

###

Harley drove the carriage in silence. Somehow he didn’t seem to be so upset that Libby was marrying Wade. He even surprised himself in that he liked the deputy. Flora sat next to him humming one of her church songs. Sometimes, in his office below her room, he’d hear her singing. Her soothing melodies almost made him want to go to church. But he was doubtful the Lord would welcome him after the wild path he’d chosen.

Flora set her hand on his arm.

His heart lightened as her soft touch eased his mind.