An Agent For Judith Page 2

  “That’s fortunate. There’s a small room adjoining the cloakroom if you’d like to freshen up for your wedding. The minister just united another couple and has joined us for lunch. I’ll go catch him before he leaves.”

  “Thank you. I’ll be ready in five minutes.” Or so. She figured it would take longer than that to calm Abigail.

  She went back to where the woman waited. “I won’t be much longer. They’re assigning an agent to the case and I’ll go with him.”

  Abigail crossed her arms. “We will go with him.”

  She took a deep breath. Mr. Gordon had said no civilians. Somehow she had to convince that rude Peyton person to overlook that rule. “That’s what I meant, of course. The director said there’s a room here where I can freshen up.”

  Abigail nodded to a closed door. “There’s a chamber pot through that door. That nice young lady let me use it after I finished my lunch.”

  “Good, I’ll hurry in and then I have to meet with Mr. Gordon again.” She was glad there was also a mirror, sink, and pump for water. She did hurry so she’d be able to head off the director before he saw Abigail.

  “Aren’t you getting lunch?” Abigail started to stand but Judith motioned her to remain seated.

  “Later, dear. There’s something I must do before we leave.” She hesitated then added, “Please read about New Mexico while you wait. Find Los Perdidos if you can.” She hurried away before Abigail could ask questions.

  When she returned to Mr. Gordon’s office, he guided her to a common room where her scowling groom waited. To her surprise, several women were there.

  Mr. Gordon’s booming voice announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, this is Miss Judith McAdams, soon to be Mrs. Peyton Knight.”

  People called “Hello” or “Best wishes” or “Poor woman”.

  Mr. Gordon proffered his arm and she laid her hand on it. They walked toward a man at a lectern. Her reluctant groom stood sullenly. Before the man’s officiating got underway, she handed a ring to her groom. “I’d like to use my late mother’s ring.”

  He took it from her as if she’d offered him a snake. He slipped it on the end of his little finger. “Fine with me.”

  He handed a different ring to Mr. Gordon. “She brought her own.”

  Archie smiled pleasantly and sat down then nodded to the official.

  The minister or whoever he was smiled as if he did this every day. Perhaps he did. “Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here to unite this man and this woman in the bonds of matrimony.”

  Judith had attended numerous weddings and had been a bridesmaid in two of them. This was definitely an abbreviated version of the vows. She supposed promising to love and cherish would have been inappropriate.

  When they were wed, they started toward the exit and she spotted Abigail standing in the doorway dabbing at her eyes. Judith widened her eyes and gave a tiny shake of her head. Quickly, Abigail disappeared from sight.

  When she and Peyton reached the luggage, he said, “I had my luggage sent to the foyer and placed with yours. Supposedly by now it’s loaded onto the wagon. We should be ready to go. You have the money on you to pay for the tickets?”

  “Yes. I’d better give you the cash to purchase them so people don’t think you’re a gigolo. I’ll be watching you, though.”

  “I’m sure you will.” He stopped short when he saw Abigail seated on a trunk in the wagon. “Who the devil is that?”

  “My traveling companion—our traveling companion, Abigail Davis. She’s like a mother to me and to my brother.”

  He shook his head. “No, no, no. I’m your traveling companion. Remember, no civilians.”

  Abigail crossed her arms with her mulish expression intact. “Young man, I was shooting guns and hunting before you were out of short pants. I am going with you to find Josiah. If he needs nursing, I’ll take care of him same as I did until he was grown.”

  He raised a hand as if pushing her away. “Look, we have rules—”

  “Ha, like a marriage which is temporary instead of forever.” Judith glared at him. “Abigail is going if we have to leave you here in the dust.”

  “Fine with me. Archie would never allow her to go with us.”

  “Mr. Gordon will allow it because I am the client and I am paying a heck of a lot of money for this trip. Now get in the darn wagon.” She stepped up on the wheel to climb in on her own, but the driver rushed to help her.

  Peyton stared back at the headquarters then at the wagon. He walked back and forth the length of the wagon as if pondering whether or not to go with her or go talk to the director.

  The driver appeared to enjoy the exchange far too much.

  She looked at Peyton. “The train to Santa Fe leaves in less than an hour. If you’re afraid to go with us, then say so.”

  “Afraid? Lady, I am not afraid of you or the two of you or anything this trip might bring.”

  She raised her eyebrows and stared at him.

  Muttering curses under his breath, he climbed into the wagon. He didn’t look at her or speak to her or Abigail. If he wanted to be childish and pout, let him. She was going to find her brother if she had to keep a gun aimed at Peyton Knight.

  Abigail leaned over near Judith. “That was a sorry excuse for a wedding.”

  “It’s only temporary. We’ll get an annulment once we get everything settled for Josiah.”

  “That sure isn’t the way marriage is supposed to work, Missy. Read the Bible and it says plenty different.”

  When Abigail called her Missy, she was angry. “I know that, Abigail. This is to protect my reputation while traveling with a man. Mr. Gordon didn’t know you’d be along to do that. I didn’t tell him because he said flat out ‘no civilians’. That’s why I’m now a Pinkerton agent, too. I’ve sneaked you on the trip without him knowing.”

  “Hmph, I’ll bet he knows. From what the girl who helped me said, I’ll bet that man knows everything that happens to his employees.”

  “Maybe so. Doesn’t matter now because we’re on the way.”

  Chapter Three

  She and Abigail debated over the tickets. As wasteful of money as it was, Judith wanted to choose a compartment for the first part of the journey.

  Abigail held her arm. “Listen here, Missy. You don’t know what you’re going to find when we locate Josiah. He may need all kinds of things. You know he needs more cattle. Save as much as you can.”

  “All right, but that means we’ll have to sit up all night. You’d better not let me hear you complain.”

  “Hmph, won’t be me complaining. You’d do better to save those words for your surly husband.”

  When Judith saw her new husband standing nearby and studying a wall map, she decided two things. First, Abigail was incorrect and he appeared concerned rather than his earlier surliness. Second, he had to be the handsomest man she’d met. Not pretty-type handsome, but magnetic and powerful.

  She discreetly handed him folded bills. “We elected to get seats rather than a compartment. This should more than cover the tickets and our dining expenses.”

  He accepted the funds. “Surprised you’re willing to relinquish this much control.” The censure in his voice annoyed her.

  “Do you have a brother or sister and living parents?”

  “One of each and both parents.” He cocked a dark eyebrow. “Why?”

  “The only surviving family members I have are Abigail and my brother Josiah. I strongly suspect he’s been attacked like the man who had the ranch before him and is injured. Possibly even dead.”

  She swallowed a lump in her throat. “The man who owned the ranch before him was beaten so badly he died in spite of anything Josiah and the doctor could do for him. Can you not understand why I am determined to go to my brother no matter what I have to risk? I hope that having you along will provide authority to my search.”

  As if she hadn’t explained, he tapped the map. “Look where you’d planned to leave the train. Pretty sure the place is too small to h
ave a wagon we can rent or buy and no idea what supplies are available. We’ll have better luck if we go all the way to Santa Fe where we can get the supplies we need for the trip to find your brother.”

  “We’ll need a lot—tents, food, bullets, bedrolls, cots, and more.”

  He faced her. “You’d better be able to pull your weight. I’m a Pinkerton agent, not a servant.”

  “I realize that. I had planned to hire a couple of men to go with us. I guess we could hire them here but I think when we leave the train we might find men who know something about the area of Los Perdidos. If they spoke Spanish that would help.”

  He nodded. “Right. I haven’t had an opportunity to read whatever Archie gave me. There’s not time before the train arrives. Give me a one-minute version.”

  She added the little she knew to what she’d already told him. “In four weeks, he could have been wounded and healed or he could have died. I feel like he’s alive but badly needs help.”

  “You have the deed to the ranch with you?”

  She glanced around to make sure no one would overhear. “Yes. The deed and the will are in an oilcloth bag inside my corset. I’m finding that an uncomfortable solution. I was afraid of train robbers, you see. I think I should leave them somewhere safe, like a bank vault. I’d intended to take them to the bank here in Denver but things moved too quickly. Perhaps in Santa Fe we can do so.”

  A glint of humor lit his eyes. “Probably a better choice but you may need it to prove you’re the owner and that your brother inherited the ranch. We should think about it on the way to Santa Fe. I’ll get our tickets.”

  He strode to the agent and purchased three tickets. When he returned, he gave each of them a ticket.

  “Ladies, the train is boarding. Let’s go select our seats. I might remind you to sit midway into the car to avoid unpleasant smells and unregulated temperatures.”

  Judith scrunched up her nose. “We discovered that on the way to Denver.”

  She put an arm around Abigail. “It’s not too late to change your mind and wait here, dear. This will be an arduous trip once we leave the train.”

  With a determined expression on her face, Abigail picked up her valise. “I’m going to find my boy. He may need my help.”

  They entered the rail car and chose facing seats. Abigail sat near a window and Judith sat across from her so she could tell Peyton about the letters as he read them. Besides, they were supposed to be a couple and she might as well start practicing now.

  ***

  Once they were underway, Peyton opened the envelope from Archie. Apparently the contents were letters.

  He read the latest two then folded them and replaced them in the large envelope.

  His new wife, who he thought of as Red, scowled at him. “Aren’t you going to read all of them?”

  He opened the valise at his feet and slid the envelope inside before fastening the latch. “Don’t need to. You tell me if there’s something else you think I need to know.”

  “The description of Los Perdidos and the land surrounding it. His thoughts on the area for ranching.” She crossed her arms. “Never mind.” She turned up her pert little nose.

  “I won’t, Red. The information I needed was in the two letters I read. Wake me when it’s time to eat.” He leaned back and tipped his hat over his eyes.

  Her huff reached him but he didn’t bother to react. Not until she hissed into his ear. “My name is not Red, I am Judith. Got that?”

  He didn’t move. “Every husband has a pet name for his wife. Mine for you is Red.”

  She poked his arm. “No, it isn’t. Not unless you want me to come up with an unflattering name for you.”

  He pushed up the brim of his hat. “Now what is unflattering about the name Red? You have red hair which appears natural. How could you mind?”

  “All my life I have been teased because I have red hair. People discriminate against anyone who has red hair. We’re treated as if we carry disease or something. Why do you think my father and brother taught me to defend myself?”

  He wriggled his shoulders against the back. “I don’t know but I have a feeling you’re going to enlighten me.”

  “Other kids picked on me unmercifully.”

  He raised his head and straightened on the seat. “Because of your hair?”

  “Yes, because of my hair.”

  He looked at Abigail for verification. She was tall and probably in her late thirties. An attractive woman, her brown hair was pulled so tight into her bun it must hurt her scalp. She didn’t dress like a servant or act like one. Apparently she was treated like family.

  She closed the book she’d been reading. “Judith came home with a black eye and a bloody nose and torn stockings and dress more times than I could count. Her father was still alive then and he took her in hand and taught her to defend herself just like he had Josiah. Josiah continued her lessons after their father passed. Not that it helped because she still got in fights.”

  Judith offered a triumphant smile. “But, then I won so often the others eventually stopped picking on me.”

  “So, when did you start acting like a lady?”

  Abigail rolled her eyes. “Hmph. She hasn’t started yet except when necessary. Rest of the time she acts like a hoyden. The good Lord knows I’ve done my best.”

  Red leaned toward her companion. “Abigail, you make me sound awful and I’m not.”

  Abigail reached across and patted Red’s knee. “No, you’re not awful, Judith. You’re a good person but you need to learn to control your impulses. I’m glad you’re married and now someone else can help me look out for you.”

  “You know,” she looked around to see who was listening, “ours is not a real marriage. It’s only until we find and help Josiah.”

  “Mmm hmm. We’ll see.” Abigail opened her book again. “Right now, though, I have help and it sure is welcome.” She met Peyton’s gaze. “So far.”

  He chuckled. “Warning received.” He had no intention of crossing Abigail. He remembered she said she could shoot as welle as anyone.

  In his mind he reviewed the letters. He figured if the brother was still alive, he was in deep trouble with this land hungry neighbor. Peyton’s trunk was loaded with his rifle, revolver, and plenty of bullets for both. All he had on him now was a derringer.

  He leaned near Red. “You have a revolver with you?”

  “We both do. Riding clothes for both of us. Abigail can ride but I’d rather she didn’t have to. I also have two knives and there’s an unassembled rifle in my trunk as well as boxes of cartridges and bullets.”

  “Good girl.” He pulled his hat back down and tried to sleep.

  He’d ridden through the country where the ranches were. Beautiful area but there’d been trouble north of it the past few years and he figured it would get worse. Josiah McAdams couldn’t have chosen much prettier or more dangerous land for his ranch.

  He’d give the brother credit that he didn’t exactly choose the ranch when he helped the former—now dead—owner. Josiah should have ridden clear of the area in the first place. Since he was old enough to have served in the Army he should have known better.

  Well, Peyton’s job wasn’t to figure out the man’s reasons. His job was to rescue him and get the man and the two women back to Santa Fe and safety. Problem was he couldn’t see the man giving up his ranch. Not in that country.

  He didn’t know how much trouble Abigail Davis would be. She was determined to rescue the man she called ‘her boy’. Peyton suspected she wouldn’t settle for less than a perfect solution.

  Red was going to be a pain in the rear the whole trip. She fancied herself some sort of guerilla fighter. He wondered if she’d ever seen a man die. He’d be surprised if she had. He took out a small notebook and started a list.

  That night, at dinner in the dining car, he decided to find out. “You ever see a man die?” he asked as he cut into his lamb chops.

  “I have. I volunteered at the hospital
when Josiah was in the Army. I read to the men and wrote letters for some. By the way, everyone but Abigail and I call him Mac.”

  Abigail nodded. “I went with her to volunteer at the hospital. I promised her father I wouldn’t let her out of my sight if I could help it until she was married and settled.”

  “You’re a good woman to keep your promise under the current conditions. We’ll get to Santa Fe tomorrow evening. We’ll need to stay there at least a couple of days to get supplies which means two nights. Probably three.”

  A frown crinkled Red’s perfect brow. “The less time it takes, the better. My brother needs us but I want to be fully prepared.”

  He pulled a sheet of paper from his jacket pocket. “Here’s my list so see if you want to add anything. I’ll make sure we have what we need if you have enough money.”

  “I do. See that you don’t waste it.” She patted the corner of her mouth as prim as any lady he’d ever seen.

  “Yes, ma’am.” He jumped. “Yeeowch.” He rubbed his shin.

  Abigail gasped. “Sorry, that kick was meant for Missy.”

  Red stared at Abigail. “What did I say?”

  “He gave you a list to read. Instead you acted uppity about the money. Read the list before you start complaining.”

  Red’s mouth opened and closed a couple of times like a landed fish. “Fine.” She read the list. “A covered wagon?”

  He leaned forward. “Then you two ladies can sleep in the wagon on the way. You’ll be protected from rain or sun or prying eyes. I expect we’ll encounter all three. My story will be that we’re looking for old land grants to buy. You see, with a wagon we won’t need to set up and take down a tent. Instead of men to do that kind of work, I’ll hire a couple who can handle a gun.”

  “How will you know they’ll remain on our side?”

  “No way to tell. All I can promise is to do my best. I’ll sleep in the wagon and they won’t know I’m not sharing your bed, Red. We have to appear happily wed.”

  Abigail shook her head. “Not with me in the same wagon. You’d better get two. I’ll sleep in one and you two in the other. Although I could do it, it will look better if one of the men you hire will drive mine. I brought my money and will outfit my wagon.”