An Agent for Julia

Pinkerton Matchmaker Series Book 79

Marianne Spitzer

An Agent for Julia

(Pinkerton Matchmaker Series Book 79)

By Marianne Spitzer

© May 2020

This book is a work of fiction. All the names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to persons living or dead, events, locations, or organizations is purely coincidental. All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced without the written consent of the author.

Contents

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Epilogue

The End

Acknowledgments

There are many people I would like to thank for their help and understanding while I wrote this book, but first and foremost, I want to thank God for all His blessings. I also wish to thank my family and friends for their patience and understanding when I disappear into my writing world especially my son, Lance, for his unwavering support. Last, but by no means least, I would like to thank my loyal readers who read my books and leave reviews. I couldn’t do this without you. You’re the best.

A special mention for the talented Virginia McKevitt for the beautiful cover design.

Chapter 1

Dark gray skies hung over the small convent nestled in southeastern Wisconsin’s countryside. Julia Masters made her way to the Mother Superior’s office, shivering in the hallway. She stopped in front of the heavy oak door and knocked.

“Come in,” Mother Superior’s voice sounded muffled through the wooden door.

Julia opened the door and stepped into the office. “Good morning, Mother Superior.”

“Good morning, Julia. Please sit. I’d like to speak to you.”

Julia obeyed and waited patiently for Mother Superior to speak.

When Mother Superior’s eyes met hers, Julia knew this wouldn’t be a casual discussion about some small infraction Julia had managed to commit again. This conversation would be serious, and Julia felt confused.

Mother Superior said, “From the expression on your face, you appear troubled. Don’t worry, you aren’t here for a lecture on behavior or failed expectations.”

Julia nodded.

Mother Superior continued, “You have been with us for two years, Julia. When your mother passed away, you came here seeking solace and said you wished to join the order. Over the two years, you’ve been wonderful with the children and a great help to the other sisters, but I don’t believe your heart is here with us. You take a great interest in the history lessons you help teach the children, and I’ve seen you daydreaming quite often with a book in your lap. I believe you have dreams beyond the walls of our convent.”

Julia dropped her head. Shame washed over her. When she looked back at Mother Superior, she said, “I’m sorry, but you’re right. I wanted to be here after mama died. Everyone was so kind, and no one expected me not to grieve or smile all the time. I had time to myself, peace, and women who cared for me.”

“But?” questioned Mother Superior.

“But I still love the other sisters, the students, and the peace I found here, but sometimes I dream about what my life could be outside of the convent.”

Mother Superior nodded, “I thought that would be your answer. You haven’t taken vows or made a commitment to the order and are free to leave any time you wish. Before your brother headed west in his search for a better life, he left money with me for this very reason. He was concerned you came here to grieve and not commit yourself. If you decide to leave, you will have enough funds to travel to wherever you feel you’d be happy and live until you find employment or a young man steals your heart.”

Julia blushed and asked, “You aren’t angry with me?”

“No, child, I’m not upset. Each of us has a path to walk in God’s plan, and this is not your path. Trust in the Lord, and He will guide you.”

“Thank you. I feel the same but wasn’t sure how to explain it to you. You and the other sisters have been kind and helped me these past two years. I felt I owed you my loyalty.”

“Any loyalty you owe is to God, my dear, and the best way to show that is to follow your heart. The Lord will guide you.”

“Thank you, Mother Superior. I’ll think about this, and when I leave, I think I might go back to Gentle Falls. My aunt and uncle own the mercantile there, and I believe I could be of help to them. I’ll write them a letter and let them know I’m thinking about returning.”

Mother Superior nodded, and Julia left her office feeling a bit frightened and excited all at once. She would start a new life, but would the outside world welcome her back?

Julia slowly walked back to the library, where she had been working before Mother Superior’s summons.

Winter was right around the corner, and there was a chill in the air Julia couldn’t shake. It was more than the cold breezes off the lake. Deeper. She had just turned nineteen when her mother passed away. She had helped her older brother run their farm and care for their mother, but the grief that consumed her disrupted her life at every turn. When her brother decided he wanted to head west and start a new life, Julia decided to join the convent. It had been two years. Her brother was somewhere in Wyoming or Colorado. The few letters he sent always said he was in a new place looking for his future.

What lay ahead for her future? She couldn’t roam the west like her brother, could she? She’d return home to the town where she was born and still had some family. Her Aunt Minnie and Uncle Louis would welcome her home. She had such fun growing up in the small town of Gentle Falls. The farm was still there. Her brother hadn’t sold it. Could she live there? Would the residents understand why she’d left the convent to return? Would they welcome her? So many decisions. She would write to her aunt and ask for guidance.

Settling down behind the small desk in the library, Julia removed a piece of writing paper from the drawer and picked up the pen and ink, trying to find the right words to explain why she wanted to leave the safety of the convent. She began:

Dear Aunt Minnie and Uncle Louis,

After much thought and heart-searching, I have decided to leave the convent. Robert left enough money with the Mother Superior before he left to help me come back to Gentle Falls or to remain here and find employment. I am not sure what I should do. If I decide to return home, would there be a place for me in town, or would I be able to stay on the farm? I could help you with the mercantile until I find employment. Please write back and help me decide what to do. The past two years have been peaceful, and my heart is mending. I need to move on with my life.

I have missed you terribly while I have been here. Your letters were always encouraging. I pray that you are both well. I hope to hear from you soon.

Your loving niece,

Julia

Julia slipped the letter into an envelope and rose to find her coat and prepared to post her letter. She hummed as she walked toward the small area of businesses near the convent. After posting the letter, she wandered around the small store and wondered how much life had changed since she entered the convent.

Not knowing what, if anything, she might need, Julia bought a peppermint stick and a newspaper. Perhaps reading news stories while waiting for her aunt and uncle to respond to her letter would help her learn more about the changing world.

Feeling a bit of freedom after spending two years at the convent, Julia decided to stop in the café and have a cup of tea. She would read the paper and enjoy seeing how, or if, the world had changed.

Settled at a table, the waitress brought her tea and said, “If you need anything else, just ask.”

Julia returned the young woman’s smile and said, “Thank you. I think this is all I need right now.”

Julia glanced at the paper, read a few short articles, and turned to the inside pages when an advertisement caught her eye.

The Denver Office of the Pinkerton Detective Agency was hiring female agents.

Female agents? Julia thought. How wonderful. Women are coming into their own, and becoming an agent would be an excellent career. Could I? Should I? I have enough money to travel to Denver. What would Aunt Minnie and Uncle Louis think? What about Mother Superior? She would frown at my idea of traveling to Denver alone. I’ve received a solid education. I could be an asset. I can do this, at least I can try. If I fail, I can always return to Gentle Falls. If I don’t try, I might regret it for the rest of my life.

Julia stirred sugar into her second cup of tea and smiled. Now, her only problem would be writing a second letter to her aunt and uncle and explaining her decision to Mother Superior. She loved her family, but her brother had set out on his own. Why couldn’t she? Thinking of every possible argument that could be made from the work is too dangerous for a woman to how could she ever expect to marry if she chose to work in a man’s place, Julia decided on answers to each conceivable question.

Gathering her courage, Julia paid for her tea and began her walk back to the convent, where she would write another letter to her aunt and uncle and inform Mother Superior of her travel plans. Worrying a bit about their reactions, and needing a firm plan, she stopped at the store again to inquire about the train schedule she had seen posted on the wall. Yes, she was ready to make a move to Denver and apply to be an agent with the Pinkertons.

Chapter 2

Denver Colorado

Marianne looked up from her desk when she heard the front door open. She smiled when she saw Agent West Lange enter carrying a bouquet of fresh flowers.

“Did you bring flowers for Archie,” Marianne asked the handsome young man.

“No, ma’am, these are for you. When I returned from my assignment, I heard you and Archie married. I want to offer my congratulations, and perhaps you would spare one flower for the grave of my broken heart,” West said, removing his hat and bowing with a flourish.

Marianne laughed. “You’re not only a flirt but dramatic. Perhaps you should leave the agency for a job on the stage.”

West held his hands up in front of him and said, “I’m only stating the obvious, but I’m pleased you and Archie are happy.”

“One day, you will find the same happiness,” Marianne assured.

“Me? Married? No, that will never happen. My sister is married with five children. Five little critters that spill milk, cry for no reason, and upend the household daily.”

Marianne laughed again.

West leaned a bit closer to her desk and whispered, “Life is far from calm at her home. It has gotten to the point that my brother-in-law stops each evening on his way home from work for a beer and a shot of whiskey. He needs the courage to face the wild bunch that has taken over his peaceful home.”

Marianne bit back more laughter and asked, “Could it be your brother-in-law enjoys his drink and uses that as his excuse?”

“Could be, could be, but still you’ll never see me married with wild critters running around,” West stated emphatically.

Marianne doubted his words but smiled politely and said, “Archie doesn’t have anyone in his office. You can go right in.”

“Thank you, I’ll do that,” West told her as he strode toward Archie’s office.

The front door opened again almost at the same moment that Archie’s office door closed, and a lovely young woman holding a newspaper approached Marianne’s desk.

“Good morning. My name is Julia Masters, and I’ve come about the ad in the paper for female Pinkerton agents.”

“Good morning, Miss Masters. I’m Marianne Gordon, and I can help you with the application process.”

“Please call me, Julia.”

“All right, Julia.

Marianne reached into her desk drawer and pulled out a packet of papers. “I have several forms and some reading material for you to go over before I introduce you to Mister Gordon, our top agent.”

Julia noticed the nameplate on Marianne’s desk and asked, “Gordon? That’s also your name. Are you his sister?”

“No, I’m his wife.”

“Wife? Are agents allowed to marry? It seems a dangerous and solitary occupation,” Julia mused.

“It can be, but there are many times when a couple can work together. We women are quite resourceful, you know,” Marianne said.

“That I do know,” Julia agreed and smiled. “I’m excited about this possibility.”

Marianne stood with the packet of papers in her hand and told Julia to follow her into the library where she could fill out the forms and read the information required.

“This shouldn’t take you more than an hour to complete and read. I’ll see if Mister Gordon is available for your first interview after you complete the paperwork. Would you care for some tea?” Marianne explained.

“No, thank you,” Julia said as she glanced around the well-appointed library. “I had breakfast shortly before I came here.”

“Very well. Bring the papers back to my desk when you’re finished,” Marianne said as she slipped out of the door.

Less than an hour later, Julia returned to Marianne’s desk papers in hand.

“I found the information quite useful, and I hope I filled out all the questions correctly,” Julia said.

“On many of the questions, there aren’t any right or wrong answers. They are to gauge your perception and problem-solving abilities--both important qualities for agents,” Marianne explained and then added, “Mister Gordon will be finished with his interview shortly. Please take a seat, and I’ll introduce you when he’s finished.”

Julia thanked her and took a seat in one of the comfortable dark blue chairs in front of the large window overlooking the street. A few minutes later, Julia heard a door open, and a handsome man with blonde hair and striking blue eyes approached Marianne’s desk but kept his eye on her nearly stumbling over his own feet.

West leaned partly across Marianne’s desk and whispered, “Who is the stunning brunette sitting across the room?”

“An agent applicant and don’t talk to her. I don’t want you to scare her off with your flirtatious nature.”

“But she’s beautiful,” West countered.

Marianne replied, “Yes, she is, and because of that, she needs to attract the attention of men with honorable intentions when she is ready to take that step. Right now, she wants to become a Pinkerton.”

West slapped his chest as if in pain and muttered, “Honorable? Am I not an honorable man?”

Shaking her head slowly, Marianne stared back at West. “Yes, in your professional life, you are honorable, but I know you love to flirt and aren’t serious about settling down. Remember the conversation we just had about you not wanting any little critters and your brother-in-law needing to imbibe just to survive his life?”

West shrugged, “There should be a middle ground somewhere in all this. Well, after this month-long assignment, Archie gave me a couple of days off, but I’ll be around.”

“We’ll find you if needed.”

West smiled at Marianne, nodded at Julia, pulled his hat off the rack by the door, and hurried on his way.

Marianne stood and invited Julia to follow her. After introductions were made, Marianne left the office, and Julia sat on a wooden chair, doing her best to keep her hands from shaking.

“Good morning, Miss Masters,” Archie began. “I see here that you’re from Gentle Falls, Wisconsin. I don’t believe I’ve ever heard of it.”

“It’s a small town about thirty miles west of Milwaukee. It’s not much more than a stage stop, but we’re hoping the train will come to town soon. As a matter of fact, before my uncle opened his mercantile, he ran the stage-stop. My parents traveled to the area and started a farm,” Julia explained, hoping she wasn’t sharing too much information without being asked and that she didn’t sound silly.

“I see. May I ask why you lived at the convent in Milwaukee for the past two years. It’s a bit far to travel unless your vocation was to become a nun.”

Julia smiled and began, “My father died several years ago. My brother took care of the farm for my mother. When she died, my brother wanted to leave and travel West. He developed wanderlust, and each of his letters has been from a different location. I didn’t know what to do. I was grieving my mother and felt a bit abandoned, although my aunt and uncle live in town.”

Archie nodded, and Julia continued, “My mother grew up in Milwaukee, and her dear friend is the Mother Superior. I wrote to tell Mother Superior of my mother’s passing and asked if I could come to the convent since I needed to find peace and solitude. I remained for two years.”

“You’re positive you don’t feel called to be a nun? Why would you apply to become a Pinkerton agent?”

“I know I don’t have the calling, and when I decided it was time to leave the convent, I wasn’t sure what to do. My brother sold all our livestock before he headed West and left money with Mother Superior in case I ever left the convent. At first, I thought about going back to the farm, but I saw the advertisement for female agents and took a train from Milwaukee to Denver. Here I am.”

“Your application meets all the basic requirements. We have a dormitory where you will reside while training. There is much to learn, but you seem to be a bright young woman. After initial training, you’ll be partnered with a seasoned agent for further training before taking on any assignments.”

“Does that mean I have a chance to become an agent?” Julia questioned, hoping she understood Mister Gordon correctly.

“If you do well in training, yes, you have an excellent chance, Miss Masters,” Archie told her. “Please see Marianne about housing and the training schedule.”

Julia stood, and Archie offered her his hand, and she shook it gratefully. “Thank you, sir. I will do the very best I’m able, and I look forward to becoming an agent. I hope that the last two years I spent in the convent won’t be held against me. I grew up on a farm. I am strong and capable and honest.”

“You won’t be judged on your prior life unless it was a life of crime. You do well in training, and I’ll hand you a badge when you graduate.”

Julia nodded and thanked Archie three more times as she made her way to the door and back out to the outer office.

Chapter 3

Two weeks later:

Julia sat quietly in a chair in front of Archie’s desk while he read through the papers in front of him. He looked up at Julia and smiled.

“I see you’ve done well these past weeks. I see no reason why we shouldn’t hire you. I believe you would be an asset to the agency. Before you would be a full operative, you must complete a mission with one of our experienced agents.”

Julia answered, “I understand, and I’m ready to learn whatever I can along with another agent.”

“Good, I have decided to partner you with West Lange. I believe you’ll work well together.”

Archie was interrupted by a knock on the door, followed by a voice saying, “You wanted to see me, Archie?”

Julia turned to see the same handsome man she had seen in the office two weeks earlier.

“Yes, West come in. I want you to meet your new partner and our latest agent in training, Julia Masters. Julia, please meet your new partner, West Lange.”

Julia started to rise, but West strode across the room and offered his hand before she could get to her feet.

“Nice to meet you, Miss Masters.”

“Likewise, Mister Lange.”

“Sit down, West,” Archie instructed. “Let me tell you about the mission, but first there is the small issue of the two of you working together as single agents. We can’t have any hint of impropriety.”

West shot to his feet. “Oh, no, you don’t, Archie. I told you when I watched many of the other agents marry for their assignments that I had no interest in marrying anyone for any reason, including marriage in name only for an assignment. Look how the other marriages worked out. They all remain married. I’m never marrying. Ever.”

“Married?” Julia stammered. “No one told me I had to marry, especially someone I don’t know and have a marriage in name only. How is that supposed to work?”

Archie cleared his throat, “When the assignment is completed, you may annul the marriage if you wish.”

“Annul a marriage made in the sight of God? Would I have to marry every agent I work with? I think I would be knocking on the gates of Hell. This can’t be right,” Julia said while shaking her head vigorously.

“Please, Julia, let me explain,” Archie said. “The marriage is performed by a judge, not a preacher. It is only for the sake of your name and reputation since this is your first assignment. After this, you would not be required to marry any other agent.”

“I see,” mumbled Julia. “This would not be a, um, physical arrangement?”

“No, not at all,” Archie assured. “West would be your husband in name only.”

“No, I wouldn’t,” West shouted. “I mean, yes, I wouldn’t expect to be physical. Oh, I’m not sure what I mean except that I am not marrying her for any reason.”

Archie tapped his fingers on his desk. “This case involves the murder of a priest and a treasure that the murderer attempted to steal. It has been moved, but the priest entrusted with the treasure believes he may have been discovered. He is a young priest and the nephew of a friend of mine. He wrote to me asking for help.”

“That’s horrible,” Julia interjected. “And you think we can help?”

Archie nodded, “This is a serious matter, and law enforcement in the small town where the murder took place has run into dead ends everywhere they looked. When you solve the mystery of who is trying to steal the treasure, you will find the murderer and hopefully save the young priest from the same fate.”

West dropped back onto his chair and groaned. “I don’t like this, Archie. I don’t like this at all, but with a life in danger, I can make the sacrifice.”

Julia blew out a breath. “Don’t make it sound as if you’re facing the gallows. I don’t like this any more than you do, but I’m willing to do what I must. I promised Mister Gordon that I would do my best.”

West glared at Julia, and Julia just smiled back.

“All right, now that this is settled, go see Judge Hotchkiss, get married, and leave on the evening train. All the information you need is in the dossier,” Archie said, handing the papers to West.

Archie stood and offered identification papers and a badge to Julia, “Congratulations, Julia. You’re an official Pinkerton Agent.”

Julia took the offered items and thanked Archie before following an obviously upset West out the door. She barely had time to say goodbye to Marianne before West rushed her out of the front door and down the steps of the building.

“Please slow down, we’re not going to a fire,” Julia pleaded nearly running to keep up with West’s long strides.

“If you’re going to be an agent, you’ll have to learn to be faster,” West retorted.

“I am an agent,” Julia insisted. “I could keep up if I was wearing pants.”

West stopped short and looked straight in Julia’s large brown eyes. “Pants? You can’t wear pants. You were a nun.”

“I was never a nun.”

“You were going to be a nun.”

“No, I wasn’t. Pay attention. I went to the convent to grieve the loss of my mother. When I was home on the farm, I wore pants when I worked outside. I can do most jobs on a farm, ride a horse, and shoot a gun.”

West laughed out loud. “Shoot a gun? You’d shoot your foot off.”

“I’ll have you know that my instructor at the shooting range was pleased with my ability with both a handgun and a rifle. If he wasn’t, why do you suppose I was issued a handgun? Maybe it was to help protect you,” Julia stated with both hands fisted at her sides.

West grumbled, under his breath, but the fire he saw building in Julia’s eyes told him to change the subject of their conversation.

“All right, we can practice a bit when we get to Wyoming. Right now, we have to get married. The judge’s office isn’t far. Come on,” West instructed and began to walk away from Julia.

Julia didn’t believe that marriage should be considered so lightly. If it was all in the name of justice and working to save someone’s life and find a murderer, then she supposed she could pretend until she was able to obtain an annulment.

West held the door to the judge’s office open for Julia to enter, and the kindly judge heard them before he saw them.

“Come in, please. Archie told me I’d have a new couple to marry today. It’s good to see you, West. Who is your lovely bride?” Judge Hotchkiss said, smiling at the couple.

“This is Julia Masters, your honor. You know we’re here to get married before we go on her first assignment.”

“I understand, but I still like to know who I’m marrying. This may not be a grand cathedral wedding, but I take all marriages seriously. Please fill out these forms, and we’ll get started,” Judge Hotchkiss said.

A few minutes later, the judge smiled and said. “I’ll make this brief, but you could smile. You both look as if you’re facing a firing squad.”

Both Julia and West tried to smile, but it didn’t reach either of their eyes.

“Do you Julia Ruth Masters take West Laurence Lange to be your husband in good times and bad, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, forsaking all others as long as you both shall live or until you decide to end this marriage?”

“I do,” Julia answered, trying not to sound as frustrated as she felt.

When the judge repeated the vows for West, he replied. “Yeah.”

“You’re supposed to say, I do,” the judge chastised.

“I do.”

Then by the power afforded me by the Territory of Colorado, you are husband and wife. I don’t suppose kissing the bride is in order here, but do you have a ring?” Judge Hotchkiss asked.

West shook his head. “I never thought about one. I suppose they might have some at the general store.”

“Wouldn’t a jewelry store be more appropriate,” the judge suggested.

“Jewelry store?” West stammered. “For just a simple ring that doesn’t mean anything. It’s a bit expensive, don’t you think?”

Julia offered, “I can buy my own ring. That way, I’ll know where to sell it when we come back.”

“Very good,” the judge said. “I wish you both success on your assignment, and please try not to kill each other.”

West raised his eyebrows, and Julia said, “I doubt if it will come to that. We’re both professionals.”

“At least one of us is,” West countered. “You still have a lot to learn.”

“I have my badge, and Mister Gordon said I was an agent. All you’re supposed to do is teach me anything I didn’t learn during the past week.”

West groaned, paid, and thanked the judge before offering Julia his arm.

“Shall we go, Missus Lange.”

“That’s right, I’m Julia Lange now. I suppose we should go get that ring before we pick up my things at the dormitory. Thank you for your time, Judge Hotchkiss,” Julia said, smiling at the judge before taking West’s arm and leaving.

Chapter 4

When Julia and West were seated on the train, West pulled the dossier from his case and opened the file.

“This case gets worse each time I learn a new piece of information,” West said, handing Julia a piece of paper.

Julia’s eyes widened when she read the paper. “A bounty? Someone put a bounty out on the treasure. How can you collect a bounty from an unnamed source? Who would pay anyone to steal a gold box that apparently has little value? Stealing is a crime.”

West shrugged. “The flyer claims the box holds no value unless it’s nestled inside two other matching boxes. I don’t understand it either unless it’s a ploy to keep whoever finds the box from stealing it themselves.”

“Good observation,” Julia agreed. “If the young priest hid the box, unscrupulous men would still try and find it. A five-hundred-dollar reward for the box or information leading to its discovery is a lot of money. Perhaps the box is actually worth quite a bit alone or even more if combined with the other boxes sort of like a collection piece.”

“Maybe, but I believe it’s worse than that. Most bounty hunters hunt not only for money but to see justice done and travel with a code of honor. Some will kill a bounty rather than try to bring them in, but most try not to kill the men they hunt. This treasure will bring a certain type of man into play. One more cold-blooded and callous.”

Julia tapped her lower lip with her index finger and tilted her head at West. “Can you explain that to me? I’m new at trying to understand the criminal mind.”

“Certainly, anyone who sees that flyer can decide to go after the chest. They won’t need a certain set of skills or care who gets in their way. They are driven by the want of money alone, and I think many would kill to get their hands on five-hundred dollars,” West explained.

“That I can understand. I suppose any man might pick up the flyer and look, but our information says the young priest is worried he may have been discovered. Do you think it was an accidental discovery, or are we looking for the same person that killed the priest in New Mexico?”

The screech of brakes stopped their conversation. The aging conductor dressed in a black suit, white shirt, and thin black tie hurried into the car and announced, “Debris on the tracks. Might be from a storm. No need to worry. Everyone, please stay seated, and we’ll be on our way shortly.”

West looked at Julia and slowly shook his head. “We haven’t had a storm recently. I think something else is going on. Stay in your seat no matter what happens. This might be a holdup. I’m going to look around.”

Before Julia could answer, West stood and strode toward the door at the far end of the car. Julia mumbled, “This isn’t fair. West goes to investigate, and I sit here like a frightened female. I’m an agent, too.”

Julia lifted her skirt and pulled the Pepperbox revolver from the holster strapped to her thigh. If there were bandits aboard the train, she would need more than the two-shot Derringer in her reticule. When she stepped out from her seat, the gasps from the other female travelers were audible in the train car.

Julia held up her free hand, “No need to worry, folks,” she explained. “I’m a trained agent. Just relax.”

As Julia headed for the front of the train car, she observed the leering smiles on some men’s faces and less fear on the females. Is this what it’s like to be a female agent? She wondered as she made her way to the door at the far end of the car.

Four gunshots echoed through the train car just as Julia reached the door. She pulled the door open to see West in the next car with his arm around the neck of a man wearing a kerchief over the lower half of his face. Julia looked down at the tracks visible between the cars, thankful that the train wasn’t moving as she made her way to the other car.

When Julia entered the second train car, she saw West struggling with the masked man. She called out loudly, “Stop and put your hands up before I shoot you.”

West and the man stopped momentarily to stare at the gun-wielding Julia as she stood just feet away from them. The distraction was enough for West to overpower the man and tackle him to the floor. With the bandit’s hands restrained adequately behind his back, West pulled him to his feet and looked at Julia.

“Thanks,” West said, and Julia smiled.

The conductor thanked West for his help as one of the train guards led the restrained man toward the baggage car.

West told Julia, motioning to the door, “Let’s get back to our car before the train starts moving again.”

When West and Julia entered their car, the travelers burst out in applause.

West smiled, nodded his head, and mumbled his thanks.

An elderly woman raised her hand and pointed at West. “Young man, don’t let our excitement go to your head. We’re grateful to this lovely young woman who was brave, strong and saved our lives. Where were you when she met the danger head-on with a gun in her hand? She’s an amazing agent.”

West merely nodded, allowing Julia to receive the praise from their fellow passengers. When he dropped back into his seat, his smile broke into a chuckle.

“Are you laughing at me?” Julia asked, narrowing her eyes at him.

West did his best to hide his grin and shook his head. “No, I’m enjoying the passenger’s response to you storming the other car gun in hand. She called you an agent. Did you tell them you were one?”

Julia nodded, “They were concerned when I stood with a gun in my hand. I wanted to assure them I wasn’t part of the robbery attempt and told them I was a trained agent.”

West couldn’t seem to control his amusement. “Did you flash them your badge, too.”

Julia didn’t answer, her facial expression told West she wasn’t pleased with his teasing, but he couldn’t contain himself.

“No, I suppose not,” he continued. “You do have that honest nun-like look about you.”

Anger flashed in Julia’s brown eyes as she leaned across the space between them and said through gritted teeth. “I’m going to tell you one last time; I was never a nun. Never was studying to be one. I was grieving and in pain.”

West raised his hands in submission and leaned back in his seat. “I’m sorry. I just see you as a nun.”

Julia gripped her hands tightly together and leaned closer again. “Stop thinking of me as a nun or potential nun. I am a Pinkerton agent and, unfortunately, your wife. Either should afford me your respect and stop your criticism.”

Duly chastised, West nodded. “I apologize. You did assist me when I needed it while apprehending that would-be robber. He was stronger than he looked.”

“You’re welcome. It’s what I do,” Julia responded before turning to look out the window and ignore West.

West leaned back and watched Julia doing her best to ignore him. In her burgundy traveling suit and the small hat with carefully placed small pink and white flowers, she looked like the perfect example of a dainty lady. She could walk down the streets of New York or St. Louis and draw attention. In a western saloon, she could start a brawl. She was beautiful and entertaining, but she was also right. She was an agent and his wife. He had to begin treating her as both.

West blew out a breath. He saw Julia glance at him out of the corner of her eye and smiled at her. “I truly am sorry,” he whispered.

Julia turned to look at him and said, “You are?”

“Yes, I know you were well trained. You don’t have field training, but you came to my aid and did what a partner is supposed to do. You also assured the public not to be frightened. That was a good call.”

“Thank you,” Julia responded, looking directly in West eyes. “I hope you remember that next time.”

“If I don’t, I think you’ll be sure to remind me.”

Julia thought for a moment and said, “You’re right. I will remind you. Mister Gordon said we were partners, and once this assignment is over, I may be assigned cases on my own or with another partner. We’re not going to work together forever. I think we can both survive this training case.”

“Did you forget we’re married?”

Julia closed her eyes and shook her head. “No, how can I forget that? It’s the only part of this partnership that made me think twice about joining the Pinkertons, but I’m going to do my best to be a good wife and partner. You deserve my respect for both, too, just like I expect yours.”

West smiled again. “You’re going to be a good wife?”

“Yes,” Julia snapped. “Within reason. Don’t get any ideas, Mister Lange. This marriage is on paper only. A marriage of convenience and necessity. Remember what Mister Gordon explained.”

“You can’t blame a guy for trying.”

“Oh yes, I can, and don’t forget I’m armed.”

Chapter 5

As the train began moving after filling with water at the tiny village stop, the conductor hurried up to West with a piece of paper in his hand. “This arrived at the telegraph office for you just before the train was about to leave,” the conductor explained.

West thanked him and took the offered telegram and scanned it.

“This case keeps getting more and more interesting,” West explained. “From what information the sheriff in New Mexico has gathered, our suspect is female.”

“We’re chasing a woman?” Julia asked, surprise crossing her face.

“Appears so,” West answered and held up the yellow telegram in his hand.

He continued, “What we know is she was born Kate Marie Schuman. Hated her mother for whatever reason, no one seems to know. Mother’s name is Marie, and Kate legally changed her name to toss away any connection to her mother, asking to become Kate Schuman Mulligan.”

“Mulligan?” Julia asked.

West shrugged. “Somewhere along the way, she either married some man named Mulligan or latched onto the name for more anonymity.”

“Interesting,” Julia mused, shaking her head. “If she hates her mother, it could be the catalyst for her wanting the treasure to best her but murder? If this is true, she killed the priest in New Mexico and attacked Father Dominic.”

“It wouldn’t be the first time a woman killed for money, love, or hate. A more detailed report should be waiting for us by the time we reach the train station,” West explained. “They’re sending additional information via telegraph and a written report that may not arrive for a few days depending on the mail.”

Julia bit her lower lip and scrunched her forehead in thought before saying, “I understand how a child-parent relationship can become tense or even brutal, but I can’t imagine hurting my mother the way it seems Kate has hurt hers. My world fell apart when I lost my mother, and if I could have her back, I’d never do anything to hurt her.” Julia turned her head to look out the train window, not wanting West to see the tears form in her eyes.

West shrugged, not knowing exactly what to say. “The world is full of people, and each one is different. Some have no empathy and were born cruel. I’ve seen men that I would swear had no soul, and if they did, they’d sold it to Hell long ago.”

Julia nodded her agreement. “It’s just hard to imagine that we’re chasing a female murderer and not just reading about it in a book or newspaper. I suppose it’s not out of the question to suspect a female, but I always thought they preferred poison. She hit the priest over the head.”

“You were sheltered in that convent too long,” West insisted. “The world can be an ugly place.”

“It can also be and usually is a beautiful place. You need to look past your negativity,” Julia retorted.

“Usually, if you’re not in our line of work. I’ve seen more negativity and crime than I care to remember,” West admitted.

Julia leaned closer and put her hand on West’s arm. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to imply that you were only looking for the bad in everything. I know you’ve seen much more than I have, and we have different perspectives.”

West looked into Julia’s large brown eyes and felt drawn to her as if he were drowning and didn’t care. He quickly shook off the feeling and answered, “It’s good that we see things differently. It makes us good partners when we can share different opinions and look at all the possibilities.”

West pulled back away from Julia, fighting his desire to reach out, pull her close, and kiss her.

* * *

When the brakes screeched, and the train began to slow, West said, “Are you ready to continue this investigation on a stagecoach and then horseback? I never did ask if you could ride. Did they allow you to ride horses in the convent?”

Frustration flashed in Julia’s eyes. “Is there something about me that bothers you? Every time you ask me something about my life or what knowledge I have or don’t have, you refer to the convent. I spent two years there. Two. Not my entire life. It was a time of reflection and healing. I grew up on a farm. Of course, I can ride a horse.”

“I’m sorry again. I don’t know how to explain this without sounding condescending, but you look delicate. I don’t know how to say it better. I’m afraid that you will go into a situation where you won’t be strong enough to fight your way out.”

Julia blew out a breath. “If it will ease your mind some, I can tell you that after my father died, my brother and I did most of the farm work. Mother seemed to lose part of her zest for life and stayed in the house, mostly baking or cooking. I learned how to dig post holes, set the posts, and nail the fence rails in place. I also helped my brother plant and bring in crops. Have you ever pulled hay bales into the hayloft?”

West slowly shook his head. “I grew up in town.”

Julia laughed. “I should have known. Don’t worry about me protecting myself. When Claude Kroll tried to kiss me at a barn dance, I flipped him onto his back and broke his arm. The broken arm wasn’t intentional, but he learned his lesson, and the other boys did, too.”

West, at a loss for words, simply nodded at the petite woman and reached above his head to pull down his traveling case. He hesitated for a moment, wondering if Julia would break his arm if he attempted to help her. Still, he decided she was his partner and wife, and he pulled her bag down also.

“Thank you,” Julia said in a melodious voice that made his heart beat faster. This woman would drive him insane before the case was over, he knew it for a fact.

When Julia stepped off the train in Cheyenne, she stopped for a moment to glance at her surroundings. The town appeared the way she expected a western town to be right down to men riding horses down the middle of the street wearing cowboy hats and six-guns. It was a far cry from the streets of Milwaukee or even Denver, and Julia thought she’d like the west.

Julia turned to West when she heard him drop her carpetbag next to her. “This town is as rustic as I expected. I think I’m going to enjoy this adventure. I mean case.”

“If you think this is an adventure, wait until we get to the small town where the priest has set up his church. I understand it’s little more than a stage-stop, and you’ll think Cheyenne is a huge city in comparison.”

“Come now, it can’t be that bad.”

West just shrugged. “If it helps you to get some idea, the place is called Smiley. It’s named after the man who runs the stage-stop. There’s a saloon, a small hotel and café, a general store owned by Smiley, and a questionable boarding house.”

“Questionable?” Julia asked.

West stared at his boots for a moment before saying, “Some of the rooms are rented by the hour.”

“I understand, but what confuses me is why a new church was built in such a small town? Do you suppose they have many parishioners?”

“I don’t know. I suppose there are ranches in the area, but how many we’ll have to wait and see. There must be a reason. Perhaps we’ll learn more in the information that I hope is waiting for us. Are you ready to head to the hotel? I could use a steak and a soft bed.”

Julia didn’t move, and West looked at her.

“What’s wrong,” he asked.

“The hotel. Are we supposed to say we’re married while here or not?”

“Of course, that is part of our undercover identities. We’re a married couple on our way to visit relatives or something. I’ll answer any questions that come up,” West assured her.

“All right,” Julia said, “but as a married couple, the hotel will give us a room with one bed. How are we supposed to sleep?”

West groaned. “I’ll sleep on the floor. I’ve slept on the ground many times while on a case; the floor will be better than that.”

“That wouldn’t be fair. We’re both working this case together. We should share the difficulties. We can take turns sleeping on the floor,” Julia insisted.

West shrugged and nodded, “All right, if you insist.” He knew he’d never let Julia sleep on the floor, but the prudent thing now seemed to be to agree with her.

West picked up their bags again, and Julia followed him to the hotel. With luck, the information they needed would be waiting for them when they checked in, and they could begin the investigation in earnest.

Chapter 6

Julia settled into the hotel room and watched as a young maid filled a large copper tub with hot water.

West said, “I’ll be gone for an hour to give you time for a bath and whatever else you need to do. I’m going to see if there are any telegrams for us.”

Julia smiled, and before she could say thank you, West hurried from the room. West strode down the hall, the stairs, and out the hotel’s front doors before he lost his battle to return and kiss the beautiful woman he just left in his, no their, hotel room.

West grumbled as he walked to the telegraph office. How could Archie force them to get married? If they were unmarried and just using marriage as part of their cover, he could share a room with her and see her as only a fellow agent. That wasn’t the case. They were married, but there were limitations in their agreement. Julia was a beautiful woman, but marriage was never on his horizon. Marriage was for men who wanted to settle down into a dull routine like his brother-in-law, wasn’t it? Of course, then why did he feel drawn to Julia, to his wife, when he didn’t want a wife? West tried his best to shake the thoughts from his head before entering the telegraph office.

Pulling open the door to the small office and stepping inside, West said, “Good morning,” to the bespectacled elderly gentleman behind the desk. “Do you have any telegrams for West Lange or for me and my wife, Julia?”

The man grinned at West and answered, “I sure do. Wondered when you’d get here. I have four of them. Two came in yesterday and two this morning.”

West took the four yellow papers and scanned them. He quickly wrote an answer and paid for the telegrams to be sent to Denver immediately.

Wishing the elderly telegrapher a good day, West hurried from the office and headed back to the hotel. He had information to share with Julia, but he stopped in his tracks and changed direction to the sheriff’s office. After a quick word with the sheriff, West hurried to the office of the stage company to inquire about the next stage to Smiley

* * *

When West arrived back at the hotel, he knocked before entering. The last thing he wanted to do was barge in on Julia while she was bathing--wife or not.

When Julia opened the door, West was immediately and pleasantly assaulted by the sweet smell of roses and lilacs. As he stepped through the door, he realized the closer he stood to Julia, the more her scent enveloped him. Why did she have to be so lovely? Why couldn’t Archie have hired a homely spinster? West breathed in deeply again and pulled himself back to reality.

“Four telegrams were waiting for us,” West said as he handed Julia the first one. “It seems as if Kate has disappeared into thin air. People saw her around town, and then she was gone, and no one recalls her leaving. She didn’t take the train, rent a horse or buggy, or hire a wagon and driver. At least not that the sheriff could discover. I also spoke to the sheriff here, and he said he hasn’t seen any newcomers matching her description.”

Julia bit her bottom lip and seemed lost in thought before she said, “She must have left town in disguise. If I were her, I’d dress as a man to fit in and leave without drawing any attention to myself.”

West grinned. “You’d never pull it off. You couldn’t hide being a woman under any amount of men’s clothing.”

Julia shot him a look with raised eyebrows, and West lifted his hands in surrender. “I’m sorry. That was inappropriate. I only meant it’s hard for a woman to hide in men’s clothing. They wouldn’t fit right.”

Julia shook her head. “It isn’t hard. Wear loose old clothes. Bind up what you want smaller and add a little padding where you want to look strong or bulky. Don’t underestimate the female mind.”

West nodded and handed her the second telegram. “The Bishop paid Archie a visit and reiterated that this must be kept as quiet as possible. I still don’t understand the secrecy, but I suppose we’ll find out more when we get to Smiley.”

He continued. “The third telegram is disturbing. Father Dominic was attacked in his church. He’s doing all right, but we need to get to Smiley quickly. I bought tickets for tomorrow morning’s stage.”

“That’s good. We need to leave right away,” Julia agreed. “If Kate found out where he was headed, she might have followed him. If he was attacked once, he’s in danger from another attack.”

“That could be, but the fourth telegram says that Smiley has seen an increase in shady characters in the past several days. No trouble yet, but these guys are just hanging around town,” West told her.

“They are after that ridiculous bounty, I’m sure,” Julia offered. “Wouldn’t it attract all sorts and the worst of the worst in the process?”

“Yeah,” West nodded. “Easy money always attracts the worst sort of person, especially when all they have to do is steal something. For that amount of money, many men wouldn’t stop at killing either. We need to see what’s going on with Father Dominic.”

“Agreed,” Julia said, “but first we need a good supper and some sleep.”

West followed Julia out the door to the dining room where they enjoyed a good meal and whispered about sleeping arrangements until West put his foot down. He insisted that not only was he the head agent on the mission but also her husband and Julia would sleep in the bed.

Julia glared at West but finally agreed that she would for one night, but the next night she would sleep on the floor.

* * *

The stage ride to Smiley was a bit rougher than West expected, and he glanced at Julia each time the stage hit a bump or rut in the road. At one deep rut, the coach rocked from side to side, and West reached out and grabbed Julia’s arm to keep her from falling off the seat.

“Thank you,” Julia said as she settled back onto the seat.

West didn’t release Julia’s arm and said, “I better hold onto you for the rest of the ride. I doubt the road is going to get any smoother.”

Julia smiled at West, and part of her wanted to tell him she’d be all right, and part wanted him to keep holding tightly to her arm. The independent woman and the gentile female in her fought, and she decided to let the gentle side win. She enjoyed feeling West close to her.

After several minutes, the road smoothed a bit, and Julia fell asleep. When she leaned toward West and her head snuggled onto his shoulder, he smiled and held her arm a little tighter.

When Julia woke, she sat up straight, quickly trying to disengage her arm from West’s. A blush crawled up her face as she tried to adjust herself in her seat. The elderly woman occupying the seat across from her with a broad grin across her face didn’t help Julia’s embarrassment.

“I’m sorry,” Julia stammered. “I never meant to fall asleep and lean against you.”

“No need to apologize,” West assured her. “It didn’t bother me at all,” he said and winked, causing the blush on Julia’s cheeks to deepen.

The elderly woman leaned a bit closer to Julia and said, “It’s nice to see a young couple enjoying each other’s company. Take my advice and remain close all your lives. No matter how old you are, a hug and a kiss can cure a multitude of problems between a husband and wife. I think if you remember that, you’ll also remember the love that brought the two of you together.”

Julia wanted to say it wasn’t love that brought her and West together, but she couldn’t find the words. How did you explain to anyone that you married for employment training and convenience? It sounded cold, and she worried the woman would see her as a conniving woman using West to gain a better position in life. Julia settled on a smile and a quiet, “Thank you.”

West’s eyes danced with mischief when he looked at Julia and whispered, “I like the idea of hugging and kissing whenever we disagree. It might make this case much more interesting.”

Julia bit back her retort. She wanted to tell West that hugging and kissing were not part of their case, but her heart raced at the idea of kissing West. She mentally scolded herself for having such thoughts, but her heart betrayed her. She just smiled at West, but she could tell from the look on his face that he assumed she agreed with him.

What was she getting herself into? This was her job. Her training as a Pinkerton agent. She couldn’t make time for romance, no matter how handsome or appealing her husband was. She had to force herself to see him as her trainer, not her husband.

Chapter 7

The stage stopped in front of a small, dilapidated building, and the driver yelled, “Smiley. Fifteen-minute stop. You can get out and stretch your legs or go in the station and get something to drink while we change horses.”

West asked the driver if there was a hotel in town because his new wife wasn’t used to stage travel.

The driver laughed and said, “Women are more trouble than they’re worth, but yes, there is a new hotel across from the saloon. It’s small, and they don’t get many customers. If you decide to travel on when I leave, she could get something to eat and rest a bit in Smiley’s.”

West nodded his thanks and helped Julia from the stage.

Julia glared at West, her brown eyes flashing anger. “You lied about me. Do you lie often?”

“I say what I have to when I’m on a case,” West whispered. “Besides, I didn’t lie. You’re my wife, like it or not, you don’t enjoy stage travel, and I know you’d like to rest, not to mention we need a reason to stay here and not continue on with the stage.”

Julia bit her lip in thought and said, “I suppose you do have to stretch the truth on occasion while investigating. Be sure to ask forgiveness.”

“Sure,” West mumbled, wondering if Julia possessed more nun-like qualities than even she realized. He’d never considered asking forgiveness for any of the roles he had to play while out on an assignment. They were part of his job. They weren’t lies in the true sense, were they? Now, she had him double thinking about the identities he used as an agent. This woman was going to drive him to drink.

After West checked them into the small hotel and arranged for a bath to be brought up for Julia, he told her he was going to send Archie a telegram. He needed to let him know they arrived and then head to the saloon for a while.

“It’s barely mid-afternoon,” Julia replied.

“I know, and I’m not going for the whiskey but to listen to conversations. Men like to talk in saloons, and I might learn something about the attack on Father Dominic before we see him tomorrow morning. If I’m lucky, I might get a clue to where Kate might be. She disappeared without a trace. Someone must know something or saw something odd. Listening to men who’ve had a few drinks usually brings good results, and it’s the one place you can’t go safely,” West explained.

“I’m not afraid of going into a saloon,” Julia insisted.

West chuckled, “I’m sure you’re not. Going in is not the problem. Getting back out safely would be your greatest difficulty.”

“I have my gun.”

“I know,” West said, doing his best to hide his frustration. “Maybe you could shoot your way out, but men don’t want to talk to women in saloons about anything other than what happens upstairs. You’d be outnumbered.”

Julia blushed and nodded. “I didn’t think about that. You go. I’ll have a bath.”

“That was my plan all along,” West said as he slapped his hat on his head and headed out the door.

* * *

“I still can’t believe this place doesn’t have a sheriff,” Julia said over breakfast the following morning. “Even back home in the small town of Gentle Falls where I was born, we had a sheriff, and Milwaukee has a police force.”

“You’ll find the further west you travel the smaller the towns are less likely to have a sheriff, and if they have one, he won’t have a deputy or anyone to help. That’s why you hear so many stories of ranchers and townsfolks taking the law into their own hands. Smiley told me the next town has a sheriff. If he needs help, he telegraphs him, but he’s over six miles away,” West explained as he finished his breakfast of steak and eggs.

“Then, did you tell Smiley who we are?” Julia whispered. “I know we’re supposed to let local law enforcement know we’re agents when we’re in town on a case, but Smiley isn’t law enforcement, is he?”

“No, and I didn’t tell him. I sent a coded telegram to my mother, Marianne, in Denver, letting her know we stopped in Smiley before continuing our trip.”

Julia giggled, “I can imagine those types of telegrams make her laugh at times.”

“She’s been my mother, grandmother, sweetheart, and sister at times when I need to let Archie know what’s going on. She’s used to getting those types of telegrams from the agents.” West said and stood holding out his hand. “Ready to go and talk to Father Dominic?”

Julia nodded and allowed West to help her stand and continued to hold his hand as they strolled out of the hotel giving the impression of two lovebirds on their honeymoon.

“I still don’t understand why they built such a large church out here in the middle of nowhere,” Julia said as they walked toward the white church that sat just beyond the edge of town.

“I’m sure there is a good reason, and with luck, Father Dominic can explain it when we speak to him. It must have something to do with the murder in New Mexico, that golden chest, its contents, and why they sent Father Dominic to the middle of Wyoming with the chest,” West mused out loud.

“Probably, and it might explain why Father Dominic was also attacked and if Kate Mulligan is responsible.”

“I’m sure you’re right,” West answered as they approached the church doors. He paused for a moment before opening one of the two large doors and escorted Julia inside.

“It’s not as large as it appears from the outside,” Julia commented before blessing herself with the holy water from the font near the doors.

West watched her and shrugged. “Maybe it’s the white paint and the fact it sits alone on the small rise like it’s watching over the town.”

“It isn’t, but God is,” Julia said and smiled at West.

“Welcome,” a male voice boomed in the empty church. “Please come in and sit. Is there anything I can do for you? I’m Father Dominic.”

West approached Father Dominic and held out his hand. “I’m West Lange, and this is my wife, Julia. We’re the Pinkerton agents from Denver. Our boss is a friend of your uncle’s, and I believe you wrote Archie a letter asking for our help.”

“Yes, yes, I’m pleased you are here. Since I wrote that letter, I was attacked. I sent a telegram to Denver stating I was attacked and hoped to get help soon.”

“We received that information when we stopped in Cheyenne,” West said. “Do you have any idea who attacked you?”

“Yes and no. I was here in the church when a young cowboy came in asking f I had a minute to talk. Of course, I said I did. We sat here in the front pew, and he said he had some troubles, and maybe I could help. When I inquired as to the nature of the troubles, the cowboy said he needed money and asked me for the gold chest. When I refused, he hit me with the butt of his gun,” Father Dominic explained.

“Did he find the chest?” West asked.

“No, it’s hidden well and not anywhere near here,” Father Dominic answered.

Julia looked at the white bandage on his head and asked, “Were you badly injured?”

“Not too badly. He did knock me unconscious, and when I woke, I noticed that my office and living quarters in the back were thoroughly searched.”

“Did he take anything?” West asked.

Father Dominic’s face saddened, “Only the map, but I doubt he would be able to find where I hid the chest.”

“Map?” West said. “Then, she has the chest.”

“She? No, I was attacked by a young cowboy, and I did make a map, but unless you ride to where I first noticed the hills, you wouldn’t be able to follow the map.”

West began to explain about Kate Mulligan and asked, “Is it possible your young cowboy was a woman in disguise?”

Father Dominic nodded and said, “Yes, now that I think about it, it might have been a woman in men’s clothing.”

Father Dominic rubbed his head and said, “My memory of his or her face isn’t good. I remember being hit on the head, but the face of the person who hit me seems blurry in my mind.”

Julia noticed blood on the bandage around Father Dominic’s forehead and said, “Your head is bleeding. Perhaps you should have the doctor look at that.”

Father Dominic shook his head. “We don’t have a doctor. After I woke, I stumbled to Smiley’s for help. He sent someone to the boarding house because they are the only ones in town with any medical knowledge, and they sent a young girl to stitch up my cut. That’s’ another thing I want to talk to you about.”

“I don’t think we can help you bring a doctor to town, but we can get you on a stage to the nearest town with a doctor,” West said.

“No, it’s not the doctor, it’s Meg.”

“Who’s Meg?” Julia asked.

“She a barely sixteen-year-old girl who was sold to the madam of the bordello boarding house to cover the gambling debt of a man she was traveling with. She told me the man romanced her when he met her in a town near Cheyenne and she ran away with him. When he got in trouble here, he arranged with the saloon owner to have Meg work off his debt at the boarding house.”

Julia, shocked at what Father Dominic had just told them, silently vowed she’d do something to help that innocent girl.

Chapter 8

Julia’s anger grew the more she heard about the young girl working at the supposed boarding house across the street. She couldn’t stand by and let a young girl’s life be ruined forever. Turning around, she stormed out of the church, ignoring West’s calls for her to stop.

Julia crossed the road and rushed up the stairs of the boarding house, stopping just long enough to catch her breath before she began pounding on the door.

The door was opened by a giant of a man who glared at her and said, “It’s too early to be waking folks up. What do you want?”

“I demand to speak to the owner of this establishment,” Julia answered.

The man shook his head, and started closing the door when a female voice behind him asked, “Who is it, Rudy?”

Rudy turned his head and said, “Some woman who says she demands to speak to you.”

Julia heard the female voice tell Rudy to let whoever it was in, and Rudy moved and held the door open wide.

Julia entered the dimly lit room and saw a woman wearing a pink satin robe who appeared old enough to be her grandmother sitting on a sofa smoking a cigarette.

“What can I do for you?” the woman asked. “You looking for a job?”

“Absolutely not. I’m here to discuss you holding a young girl by the name of Meg against her will to pay off a gambling debt,” Julia said, taking her best defensive stance.

The older woman snorted. “You dare to walk in here and demand anything. Do you know who I am?”

“No, and I don’t care,” Julia retorted. “I’m here to make sure you release that young girl immediately.”

The woman shrugged. “That could be arranged if you take her place. She’s not doing me any good, and she’ll never pay off that debt. All she does is cry whenever one of the men goes near her, and they all walk away, mumbling about her reminding them of a baby sister or cousin or someone.”

Their conversation was interrupted by a loud knocking on the front door and a near breathless West storming into the room. “She’s definitely not going to work for you. She’s my wife, and she’s leaving now.”

West grabbed Julia’s arm, and Julia yanked it free. “I most certainly am not leaving without Meg.”

The older woman laughed. “That girl has been nothing but trouble and hasn’t earned one cent, but I’ve fed her since she’s been here. She owns me more than the hundred-dollar gambling debt now.”

“How much can a girl eat in two weeks? I’ll give you the hundred dollars now, you forget about the cost of food, and she comes with me immediately.”

The woman shook her head. “I think she’s worth more than that. In time I can get her to stop crying.”

Julia nodded and responded, “That might be, but before you’re able to accomplish that, I’ll wire my cousin, Vance. He’s a U.S. Marshal. I know he’d be interested in this place, especially since slavery is illegal, and keeping a young woman to pay off another person’s debt is definitely slavery.”

The woman blew a smoke ring and shrugged again. “For a hundred cash, I’ll let her go now.”

Julia turned and pulled up her skirt, turning back around with five twenty-dollar gold coins in her hand.

“Get Meg now, and you can have the money. If not, I’ll leave, but I will return with help,” Julia insisted.

The woman tossed the coins in her hand and said, “Rudy, go get Meg.”

The large man nodded and hurried toward the back of the house.

“You know, you’re quite lovely,” the older woman said. “You could do well here. Are you sure you don’t want a job?”

Julia shook her head and answered, “I would never. I just left a convent where I lived for several years. Now, I’m on my wedding trip with my new husband.”

The woman dropped back down on the sofa and laughed. “A newlywed nun? My friends will never believe this. Here’s Meg. Take her before I change my mind.”

Julia saw a young girl in a tattered nightdress enter the room, the fear etched on her face palpable.

Julia spoke to Meg. “You’re coming with me. You’re safe now. I’ll help you get back home. Do you have anything else to wear?”

Meg shook her head. “No, they sold some of my things and burned the rest. I have this and a dress I can’t wear in public.”

Julia turned to West, “Give her your coat.”

West obliged and slipped his coat off and helped Meg into it while staring at Julia, who seemed to be in control of the situation.

Julia took Meg by the hand and led her toward the front door. She looked over her shoulder and said to the other woman, “We’re done here. You have your money. Don’t send anyone after us or come near Meg again.”

“Are you threatening me,” the woman scoffed.

“No, I’m telling you that you will not like what happens if you try to hurt this child again,” Julia insisted just before leaving the house with a wide-eyed Meg and a speechless West.

West found his voice as they walked closer to the church. “Have you lost your mind? No one other than Father Dominic is supposed to know why we’re here.”

Julia said, “No one does. That woman thinks I’m a newlywed nun and most likely a bit crazy.”

West spoke quietly, so Meg couldn’t hear him. “You lied to that woman. Are nuns supposed to lie? She could have killed you.”

Julia stopped in the middle of the road and glared at West. “I said what I needed to get Meg out of there. That woman thinks I’m just a newlywed. I never mentioned that I’m an agent or on a mission, and I’m not a nun.”

“But are you supposed to lie that way?”

Julia blew out a breath. “If I need to lie to cover us when we’re working, God understands, but I still ask for forgiveness. It’s part of my job. People think we’re happily married. That’s a lie, too, but it’s part of our job.”

“All right, all right, but what about that story about calling your cousin the U.S. Marshal? You can’t say things like that to criminals. It doesn’t go over well. If you’re going to weave a story, it needs to sound realistic,” West insisted.

“Who said it was a story?” Julia said.

“What?” West stammered.

“My cousin Vance is a U.S. Marshal working out of Texas. He told me if I ever needed help to send a telegram to him and if he’s not available, someone will come and help me. You have to stop looking at me as just a naïve nun,” Julia smiled. “I had a life before I went to the convent. I have family and friends. I’m more capable than you give me credit for. Now, let’s get Meg safely to the church.”

Julia turned and continued walking toward the church, leaving West speechless again.

Meg whispered to Julia, “Are you in trouble with your husband? I don’t think he likes that you helped me.”

Julia assured Meg, “He’s just learning he married a strong woman. He thinks I’m weak and dependent on him for everything. I lived in a convent for two years after my mother died, and he still thinks I’m more nun than woman.”

“But nuns are women, and they have to be strong to do all the things they do,” Meg said.

“You know that, and so do I, but West is still confused.”

Father Dominic looked up when he heard the church’s door open and smiled when he saw Julia enter with Meg.

“I wasn’t sure what you were planning to do when you left, but I prayed whatever it was that it worked. It seems my prayers were answered. Welcome, Meg. I’m pleased to see you here,” Father Dominic said.

Meg nodded and wrapped West’s coat tighter around her slim shoulders and said, “thank you, but what do I do now.”

“Now, you sit and let me get you a blanket to cover with,” Father Dominic instructed before he hurried to his office, returning with a warm wool blanket.

Julia asked, “Can Meg stay here until we can get her back home?”

“Of course. The church can offer sanctuary to any soul in need, but from what I know of the town, it would be beneficial to help her leave as soon as possible.”

“We can do that,” Julia said. “Will you stay here with her now while West and I return to our room and get some clothes for Meg. They burned all her things.”

“I assure you she’ll be safe with me. When you leave, I’ll lock the doors, and while I do my best to spread love and kindness, I was given a rifle when I left New Mexico for the ride here, and I have kept it. Protection is also important.”

Julia smiled at the kindly priest and hurried off with West to find some suitable clothing for Meg. On the walk back to the hotel, West tried to get Julia to understand they didn’t have time to help every lost soul she found.

“Our cover is that we’re newlyweds and are taking a wedding trip. Who comes to someplace like Smiley and stays for any length of time on their wedding trip? Staying here to help Meg gives us an excuse to be here, and we’ll have time to investigate,” Julia explained.

Before West could utter a word, Julia smiled and added, “Stick with me, and you’ll learn something.” She winked at West and continued walking toward the hotel, leaving him speechless for the third time that day.

Chapter 9

West watched Julia fill a small traveling bag and asked, “Does she need all of that?”

“Of course, she does. Did you see what she’s wearing? She can’t go out in public dressed that way, and we can’t send her home without some clothes. I have more back in Denver and can always buy a few new dresses and underthings. You’ll need to measure her feet. They look bigger than mine, and she’ll need you to get her a pair of boots,” Julia explained as she closed the bag.

“Julia, we’re not adopting that girl,” West asserted.

Julia spun to look at West with her fists on her hips. “Haven’t you ever done anything for someone because they needed it? You don’t need a reason.”

“Well, yeah, I have.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

“I don’t know,” West answered. “We’re on a case.”

“And Father Dominic is a big part of that case. Right now, he’s also caring for a girl in trouble. It’s what he does. We can do both. Help Father Dominic help Meg and find Kate Mulligan.”

West shrugged. “You’re right.” He stopped talking and stared at Julia.

“What,” she asked.

“Nothing. Sometimes I’m not sure what to say to you.”

Julia laughed. “That’s a male problem, not just yours. Come on, let’s get these clothes for Meg back to the church and start the plan to find Kate.”

* * *

West and Julia found Father Dominic sitting in the front pew with his head bowed in prayer. Meg was nowhere to be seen.

Julia rushed forward and asked, “Where’s Meg? They didn’t come and force her back to the boarding house, did they?”

“No, no, she’s all right. She was tired, and I sent her to my office to sleep. I told you I would keep her safe.”

“I know,” Julia said, lowering her eyes in embarrassment. “It’s only that some of those men might be angry and come to try and take her.”

“Julia,” Father Dominic said softly. “I understand your concern, but I have found that most men, even the ones with terrible reputations, have some respect for the church and it’s ministers. There will always be some that don’t care who they hurt in the pursuit of what they want, but I have faith that God will protect both Meg and me from that type of man.”

“I do, too, Father. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to doubt you,” Julia said.

“Don’t concern yourself, my child. You have a job to do, and I don’t want your mind on Meg and her safety when you need to worry about your own.”

Julia nodded, and West said. “Can you draw another map from memory?”

“I’m sure I can,” responded Father Dominic. “But all the land looked familiar, and I’m not sure if I’ll remember where the map began unless I ride back down the trail out of town.”

“Why is that?” Julia asked.

“On my way here, I kept wondering how I would keep the chest safe. I took the train to Cheyenne and then instead of taking the stage, I bought a horse and rode here. I didn’t think I would draw much attention that way. I wasn’t sure where I was and passed a couple in a wagon and asked how far I was from Smiley’s station. They said about a mile.”

Father Dominic stood and paced back and forth for a few moments deep in thought before continuing.

“I thought a mile would be far enough to hide the chest safely and close enough to the church for me to ride and get the chest when needed. I saw the hills in the distance and rode toward them. About two miles from the road, I rode down a shallow arroyo and found a small cave opening. The cave is large inside, and I thought it would be a good place to hide the chest.”

“You left the chest there?” West asked.

Father Dominic nodded. “In the deepest part of the chamber behind some loose rocks that had fallen against the wall of the cave. No one would suspect where it is.”

Julia asked, “Have you been back to look for it?”

Father Dominic shook his head. “I was attacked two days later, and I didn’t feel up to riding. I know that whoever the cowboy was, he might have had the map, but he had no idea where the actual cave is. I didn’t start the map at the copse of trees where I left the road, just from when I found the cave entrance.”

“I saw a copse of trees about a mile out of Smiley when we came in on the stage. Julia and I can head in the direction of the arroyo and look for that cave. The chest must be kept safe from Kate Mulligan. We don’t know what her intentions are, but they aren’t good,” West explained. “Now, what direction did you take when you left the road?”

“It was early afternoon, and the sun was just a bit lower than straight overhead, and I followed the sun, so I’d say that must have been west. Maybe a bit northwest,” Father Dominic said. “I could come with you, but I need to watch over Meg.”

“Yes, that’s important, and I can’t let Julia stay here to watch Meg because two women alone would be a greater attraction to some men. Besides, she’s my partner,” West told Father Dominic.

Julia smiled when she heard West’s reasons for not trying to leave her behind. Maybe he was seeing her as an equal finally. She still hadn’t won the battle over who slept on the floor, but she was determined to win that one eventually.

“Are you ready to go and retrieve the chest,” West asked.

Julia nodded and handed the bag to Father Dominic, saying, “Since Meg is asleep, West can’t measure her feet and buy her some boots. I packed everything she needs, and there is a thick pair of socks in the bag she can wear instead of boots until we return.”

Father Dominic thanked Julia, and West took her arm and led her from the church.

Once outside, West said, “I didn’t realize women packed warm socks when they traveled.”

“Some might if they don’t have slippers, but the socks were yours. I didn’t have anything thick enough to protect her feet.”

West stopped and stared at her. “You took my socks?”

“Of course, why not?”

“You didn’t ask.”

“Did I have to? We’re married, right. What’s yours is mine,” Julia winked as she walked toward the livery stable.

West wasn’t sure how to answer, and it frustrated him that she kept putting him in situations where he couldn’t find the words to answer her.

As he followed her to the livery stable, he couldn’t help but admire how well she looked in a riding skirt and blouse. How could Archie put men and women together as partners and not expect them to develop some feelings for the other? Did he have feelings for her? Certainly not, but then again, when she winked at him, he felt something he never felt before. Did she feel the same?

“West. West?” Julia’s voice drifted into his musings from somewhere when he finally realized she was speaking to him.

“What?”

“I asked if you had a preference for horses. We’ll need two that will carry us for several days if we can’t find what we’re looking for right away. I like this gelding,” Julia said excitedly. “He reminds me of a horse we had back home.”

“He’s too big for you,” West insisted. “This pretty little mare is more suitable.”

Julia laughed. “You don’t think I can ride the gelding?”

West shrugged. “I don’t know. It looks like a strong wind would blow you away. You’ve spent the last two years in a convent. You’re umm, well, gentile, not strong.”

Julia, hands fisted at her hips, glared at West. “How many nuns do you know?”

“None,” West confessed.

“If you did, you’ll know they’re strong. Do you think they just sit and pray all day?”

“They don’t pray all day?” West asked confusion crossing his face.

“Of course, they do,” Julia said. “But they do it while working. Hard work. They’re nuns, not the ladies you are used to who sit and drink tea all day.”

West mumbled his apologies, desperately trying to find the words yet again to express what he felt. What was it about this woman that tongue-tied him?

“West looked at the hostler. “We need to rent two horses for a few days. The lady prefers the brown gelding.”

The hostler cleared his throat, “I have another gelding, this black. He’s nearly as good and fast as Major there, but I think the little lady has her heart set on Major.”

“We’ll rent them both,” West said.

West saddled the black while the hostler saddled Major, and West was impressed that Julia double-checked the cinch before mounting Major. His wife surprised him more each day. He had to stop thinking of her as his wife and only as his partner. He vowed to have a word or two with Archie when they returned to Denver.

After stopping at Smiley’s place to stock up on supplies for a few days, they headed back the way they came, both hoping the map Father Dominic drew was good enough for them to find the cave and the chest.

Chapter 10

West and Julia found the copse of trees easily enough a little over a mile from town. A small stream winding through the trees added the needed moisture to grow the trees in the middle of the prairie. While their horses drank and munched on the available green grass, West and Julia scanned the area, trying to decide on the best direction to search.

Julia said, “Those hills must have caves, but they surround us to the west and north. Father Dominic said he thinks he went west or a bit northwest. Which direction do you want to try first?”

“We head west to start with and see where the largest hills are. If Father Dominic were looking for someplace to hide the chest, I think he’d be drawn to the taller area with the most foliage,” West offered before mounting his horse again and began riding west.

Julia agreed and followed West toward the hills, and she hoped they found the hiding place before Kate Mulligan did.

Julia rode up next to West and asked, “Are we sure that Kate Mulligan stole the chest? What about that ridiculous bounty?”

“The description of the person who attacked Father Dominic fits, and she disappeared about the same time Father Dominic left town. It wouldn’t have been difficult for her to follow him here. Dressed as a cowboy, Father Dominic might not have noticed her, and if he did along the way, he would probably have dismissed her as another traveler,” West explained.

“That makes sense,” Julia agreed. “How are we going to find the right cave? That map just shows some bushes and trees and a stream.”

West shrugged. “We’ll use our uncanny abilities to solve mysteries and try to think like Father Dominic and look for what we might consider the ideal spot for hiding a treasure.”

Julia laughed. “Yes, you can teach me how to be the perfect agent by finding the cave with your eyes closed.”

West looked at Julia, ready to explain that it was his training that would help find the spot when she winked at him and spurred her horse to ride in front of him. That woman was driving him slightly mad. He would need time off to recover after this case.

They rode for several hours comparing the scenery to the crude map Father Dominic had given them. Each time they found a possible match to the plan, they couldn’t locate a cave. West finally decided that it was getting too dark to properly search the area, and they should make camp.

West built a small fire, and Julia made coffee. They shared the bread, cheese, and fruit they bought from Smiley’s.

Each was quiet after their simple meal until Julia broke the silence.

“So, tell me,” Julia said as she sipped her coffee. “Tell me about your family. Do you have a lot of brothers and sisters?”

West shook his head. “No, I have one sister. No brothers.”

“Same with me, just my brother and myself. Makes for a small family.”

West laughed out loud. “My sister has five children. I saw a circus that came through Denver last year that was quieter and tamer than her house. I have never seen or heard the kind of ruckus those five children can cause.”

“How old are they?” Julia asked.

West tapped his palm on his knee and stared off into the trees for a moment. “The oldest is six, maybe seven. The baby is almost a year old. Three boys and two girls.”

“That sounds like a delightful family. I’d like to have a half-dozen children.”

West paled, and Julia laughed.

“Don’t worry yourself, husband. Our marriage is in name only, remember. I’m not planning on having all my children with you,” Julia said, doing her best not to laugh at West again.

West nodded, blowing out a breath of relief, wondering if he was genuinely happy to hear that or a bit disappointed.

“Tell me about your life back in Wisconsin,” West suggested.

“There’s not much to tell. I grew up in the small town of Gentle Falls. My aunt and uncle own the mercantile. When my father died, my brother and I did our best to help our mother keep the farm going. When she died, my brother said he was tired of farming. My spirit broke, and I went to stay with the kind sisters. The Mother Superior and my mother went to school together, and I knew I’d be welcome,” Julia shared.

“So, you just left the farm unattended?”

“I didn’t, but my brother did, for the most part. I’m sure my uncle is having someone go out and check on things, but my brother did sell off all the animals. He left some money with Mother Superior knowing one day I would leave the convent. It’s how I afforded to make the trip to Denver,” Julia said.

“And now?” West inquired.

“I don’t know. I have no idea where my brother is. He said he’d keep in contact with my Uncle Louis. Since I’m an agent now, I’m not opposed to selling the farm if my brother wants. When I first decided to leave the convent, I thought I’d go back to live on the farm, but it’s hard work alone.”

“I think the agency could find your brother. We have agents all over. A name and general description just might bring in some information,” West told Julia.

“Maybe, but not now. He hasn’t been gone that long, and he might have written Uncle Louis. My brother wanted to strike out and find gold or whatever dream life could offer him. I found mine, he deserves time to find his.”

“You found yours?” West asked a bit of unexpected hope in his voice.

“Of course,” Julia said and winked. “I’m a Pinkerton Detective, aren’t I?”

West was getting more and more exasperated by Julia’s ability to render him speechless. He managed to mumble, “At least we don’t have to argue about who gets the bed and who sleeps on the floor tonight.”

Julia’s soft voice floated across the campfire to him. “I told you I don’t mind the floor. I used to sleep in the barn when I was a kid. When one of our horses was ready to foal, I didn’t have the heart to leave her alone. I did it with our dog, too. My mother would tell me that girls shouldn’t sleep on barn floors, and my father would say it would make me stronger and prepare me for life. I don’t think he ever expected it to prepare me for this night.”

West nodded and said, “I think he’d be proud of you.”

“Thanks,” Julia answered before turning over and pulling her small blanket over her shoulder.

West did his best to settle into his bedroll and fall asleep. Still, his mind kept drifting to the beautiful woman who was technically his wife and was stealing his heart, but he didn’t know how to stop it.

* * *

After a quick breakfast of coffee, bread, and fruit, West and Julia resumed their search for the hidden cave. After two hours, Julia pointed to a possible direction they might follow.

West shook his head. “No, I see trees and the tall bushes, but there aren’t any shorter bushes which might be berry bushes or something. We need to ride further.”

“Let me see the map,” Julia said, holding out her hand.

After scanning the map, she said, “Why are you looking for berry bushes?”

“Look at the map. Father Dominic said there were bushes and trees. He drew where they were to the best of his recollection.”

“I know that, but I don’t think these are berry bushes on the map. Did you ask him what they were?”

“No, he said bushes and trees,” West insisted.

“Look at the map again and look in the distance. I don’t think those are bushes, I think they are rocks, and if so, the map matches the pile of rocks there between the trees and the tall bushes. I think you’re reading the map wrong,” Julia insisted.

West grabbed the map from Julia and stared at it and then off into the distance. After he did that three times, he smiled at her. “You may be right. Let’s look.”

As they drew closer, West commented, “I see rocks and some short scrubby bushes. Maybe Father Dominic didn’t think the rocks were important.”

“Possibly,” Julia answered. “When he rode around looking for a place to hide the chest, he might have been more concerned with the hiding place than finding it again. He has the place in his mind, and if he were here, I’m sure he could point it out easily.”

“I think you’re right,” West answered as he rode up to the trees. “Look, I can see rocky terrain behind the trees. Maybe we’ll find the cave. Let’s leave the horses here where they can rest and drink at that small pond.”

Julia dismounted and followed West into the tree line. When they emerged from the other side, they saw that Father Dominic’s second map of the cave opening was nearly perfect. There behind some more scrub brush and a large boulder was an opening to a cave big enough for them to walk into without hitting the top of West’s head.

Chapter 11

“Before we enter, let me look around a bit,” West suggested. “If Kate has been here, she might have left a clue behind.”

As West searched near the cave entrance, Julia walked off in the opposite direction when she heard a horse whinny. Hidden in the trees, Julia found a horse tethered to one of the larger trees complete with saddlebags, bedroll, and a rain slicker. She hurried back to where West was searching and told him of her discovery.

“It could be that Kate left her horse and might be in the cave,” West suggested. “We’ll have to search it carefully.”

West found a used torch near the cave’s entrance and lit it with a match from his pocket.

Julia asked, “What is that smell?” as soon as she entered the cave.

“Most likely, this cave was used by some animal last winter,” West explained.

“Do you think any person would come in here and hide something valuable with the smell and the possibility that whatever made that smell might return?” Julia asked, trying not to take in deep breaths.

“I think this would be an ideal hiding place. Who else would want to come in here?”

Julia had to admit that it made sense and followed West further into the small cave.

The torch didn’t cast off a lot of light, and Julia stood still in the center of the cave while West searched for any possible clues.

“Look here,” West said, and Julia took small steps to reach him afraid she’s trip on the cave’s floor that she couldn’t see.

“What?”

“This cave has been inhabited by something other than an animal. There’s a small remnant of a fire over here and a couple of empty food tins.”

“You think it was Kate?” Julia asked.

“Could be, but then again, I’m not sure how many people might be aware of this cave. It looks like a good place to spend a cold or rainy night as long as the animal that calls it home has left.”

Julia shuddered. “I’m not sure I’d want to sleep in a cave where a bear might come wandering in at any moment.”

“That’s why you build a good fire and keep your rifle close,” West explained.

“But,” Julia stammered. “I don’t have a rifle, and neither do you.”

“I didn’t expect we’d need one.”

“I intend to buy one as soon as we get back to wherever I can find a store that sells them,” Julia insisted. “I don’t ever want to be out in the middle of nowhere with who knows what walking around only armed with my handgun.”

West wanted to reassure her. “Don’t worry. I don’t think whatever lived here will be back for a while, and if it does come back, we have two guns, and that’ll be enough to take care of any problem.”

Julia wasn’t sure about West’s statement but nodded her head in agreement and then realized he couldn’t see her in the dark cave.

“All right, I’ll trust you on that,” Julia finally said. “Now what?”

West lifted the torch higher and saw the cave split in two directions. “We have a decision to make. Do you want to go left or right?”

“You want me to go into one of the tunnels alone? I don’t have a torch. How will I be able to see?” Julia questioned.

West chuckled. “No, I’m only asking your opinion on which way we should go.”

“Don’t laugh at me.”

“I’m sorry. Truly I am. It’s just that you can be so cute when your confused,” West admitted.

Julia huffed. “I am not confused. I merely asked a question. And I don’t like being called cute. I’m not ten years old.”

“All right, I’m sorry I called you cute. Would beautiful be better?”

“It might, but how can you see me in the dark? I can’t see you.”

West chuckled again. “I remember what you look like. You are beautiful, you know.”

“Thank you, but don’t you think we should decide which way to go?”

West said, “That’s what I asked before we got into this odd conversation. Which way?”

“Right,” Julia said.

“Follow me. I’ll go slow so you can stay right behind me and see. I’ll hold the torch as high as the ceilings will allow.”

Julia gripped the back of West’s shirt and said, “Don’t worry. I’m right behind you.”

West smiled, enjoying the feel of Julia’s hand clinging to his shirt for safety. Anything that brought her closer to him was welcome.

The torch’s light formed a small semi-circle in front of West as they moved through the tunnel.

Julia said, “Do you think this leads to anywhere Kate might have hidden the chest? The further we go, the worse it smells.”

“I don’t know. I think something died in this tunnel, and I hope it wasn’t human.”

Julia shuddered.

West stopped abruptly and said, “The tunnel ends about two feet in front of us, and there’s a pile of eaten and partially eaten small animals causing the smell. We need to turn around and try the other tunnel.”

“I don’t think there’s enough room for you to get past me,” Julia said.

“Just turn around, and you can carry the torch. I’ll follow right behind you.”

Julia held the torch as high as she could and carefully watched her feet as she slowly walked back the way they’d come.

“Ouch,” West grumbled.

“What’s wrong,” Julia asked, stopping in her tracks. “Are you all right?”

“Yeah, I forgot about that low spot and didn’t see it before my head connected with it. I need to keep my head lower,” West answered as he drew closer to Julia and lowered his head to her shoulder.

Julia smiled at West’s closeness and slowly began walking again, enjoying feeling him near. She had to stop her emotions from taking over her common sense. She and West would go their separate ways when this assignment was over, and she would only see him if their paths crossed in Denver. If only she could get her heart to agree.

When they exited the tunnel into the larger room of the cave, West said, “We’ll try the left one, and I’ll carry the torch again. I value my head.”

Julia giggled, “I didn’t have any trouble seeing. You’re too tall. Did you eat everything in sight as a child the way you do now?”

“I don’t do that,” West emphatically answered.

“No, then who was it that finished part of my steak and half my apple pie at Smiley’s?” Julia asked.

“I didn’t want it to go to waste and thrown out to the hogs. That apple pie was good considering Smiley made it,” West defended.

“If you say so,” Julia said and winked again. “Lead the way.”

West raised the torch high, and they slowly entered the remaining tunnel.

“I do hope we find that chest,” Julia said.

“Let’s hope we don’t find Kate hiding around a corner with a gun,” West stated as he slowly advanced through the narrow tunnel.

“I don’t know how she could stay in here with the smells,” Julia wondered aloud.

West replied, “You’d be surprised what a criminal will tolerate in pursuit of what they want.”

“I suppose,” Julia said.

“West stopped suddenly, and Julia asked, “What’s that noise.”

“Shhh,” West said. “It’s a rattler, and I can’t see exactly where it is.”

West held the torch higher and whispered. “Stay quiet and don’t move.”

Julia obeyed. She’d never seen the snakes here in the west. They had Timber Rattlers back home, but she was fortunate to never have seen one of them either. The stories she heard about Diamondback Rattlesnakes made her shudder.

She felt more than saw West’s right arm move slowly to his side and pull the gun from its holster. The noise of the gun’s report in the narrow tunnel nearly deafened her, but she could make out West telling her it was all right. He got the rattler.

She nodded her head when West asked if she was all right. She really wasn’t, but she couldn’t tell him that. After all, she was a Pinkerton agent, and she couldn’t let an unseen snake affect her even if it did, but West couldn’t know that. She would keep it to herself.

“Good,” West said. “let’s keep moving. I think I might feel air moving. Maybe there’s another entrance up ahead somewhere.”

Julia grabbed West’s shirt again and assured him she was all right before they moved forward into the tunnel. Julia prayed hard that the rattler was not the mama to a nest of more snakes or had a group of friends waiting around the next turn.

Julia scolded herself for not feeling as brave as she thought she was. She was going to face whatever danger lay ahead and help West the best she could. Julia kept telling herself she was an agent and strong. At least she was when snakes weren’t involved.

Chapter 12

Even with the torch West was carrying, Julia had a difficult time seeing in the darkness of the cave. She tried her best to avoid the loose soil and rocks while watching for any indentations on the cave floor that might trip her, and the fear of another rattlesnake gripped her. When she felt a slight tremor move through her body, she stopped.

Alarmed, she looked at West and asked, “What was that?”

West’s answer came quickly and sharply, “Run.”

West grabbed Julia's hand and pulled her as fast as he could back toward the cave’s opening. Julia was nearly out of breath as she fell to her knees after tripping over an unseen obstacle. West pulled her to her feet and kept dragging her toward the cave’s entrance.

The rumbling and shaking grew stronger and louder as the light from the entrance came into view. West practically threw Julia out of the cave and covered her with his body while the entrance crumbled behind them with a crash and a thick cloud of dust.

Julia coughed the dust from her lungs and spit out several pieces of dirt. She turned her head toward West and said, “Thank you. I never would have gotten out of there if it hadn’t been for your help.”

West pushed himself to his feet and held his hand out to help Julia. “It’s my job as your partner and husband,” he said, grinning at her.

“Thank you,” Julia replied again, standing and brushing off her shirt and trousers.

West looked at the massive pile of rocks and debris in front of the cave and said, “I think that’s the end of Kate and her misdeeds.”

Julia shuddered. “If the cave-in didn’t kill her, she’ll die alone of starvation in the dark. No one deserves that.”

“Maybe not, but she did kill the old priest, and that’s a hanging offense. I think I’d prefer not to hang at almost any cost.”

“Hey, are you two all right?” The booming voice startled Julia, and she spun around to see a huge man with a graying beard that hung to his mid-chest.

“Who are you, and what are you doing here?” West demanded.

The old man laughed. “That would be my question. I live here around the bend in the creek. I’ve seen men come and go looking for gold, silver, or anything of value in these caves, but it took a city boy and a woman to cave it in. Name’s Colby.”

West stood straighter and pulled his shoulder’s back. “We’re here hunting a criminal.”

“Bounty hunters?”

“No, Pinkerton agents,” Julia answered before West could snap at the man again.

“Did you catch him? Looks as if you didn’t bring anyone out with you.”

“No, we lost her in the cave,” Julia said. “I’m sure she’s dead or dying.

“Her? A woman? Red hair, maybe? Pretty? Name’s Kate?”

“Yes,” West answered, stepping closer to the old man. “How would you know?”

“I’ve seen her around her a lot the last few weeks. She has been in and out of that cave several times. Might be she found the chimney and got out before the cave-in.”

“Chimney?” Julie asked with furrowed brows.

Colby nodded and asked, “Did you two get as far as the large room?”

West shook his head, “No, we were still in the left narrow passageway when the tremor started.”

“If you’d gone on a bit further, you’d run into that large room and see the sunlight streaming through the hole in the ceiling. I’m not sure if it’s a natural chimney or some minor dug it out as protection in case of a landslide. If that girl you’re hunting is smart, she’d have a rope coming down through the chimney as an escape.”

West looked up the hill and asked, “Is there a path up that hill? I couldn’t find one.”

Colby nodded, “Right behind that large outcrop of rocks you’ll find a path that leads up around the hill to the top. Once you’re up there, you have a dozen directions she could run.”

West took off at a run heading for the outcropping, and Julia thanked Colby before following him.

Within a few minutes, Julia reached the top of the hill and saw West walking in circles.

“She must have been up here several times. There are a lot of footprints, and they lead in different directions,” West called to her as Julia came into sight.

Julia began examining the ground as well and, after a few moments, asked, “I think maybe I found where she went. It rained last night, and the ground is soft. These tracks are a bit deeper as if she recently walked on the wet ground.”

West strode to where Julia pointed at the tracks and smiled. “I think you’re right. You might make a good agent after all.”

“Hey, I’m already an agent. I’m becoming a more knowledgeable agent each day.”

West turned and winked at Julia, “That you are. Come on, let’s follow her tracks.”

Julia and West followed the tracks for a half-mile until they reached the edge of a small cliff. Sitting on a large boulder staring out across the vast expanse of wild grasses at the bottom of the cliff was Kate.

She was humming a tune and bouncing her handgun up and down on her thigh.

West pulled his gun and motioned for Julia to stop. Kate never turned around but spoke to them in a loud, clear voice.

“I suppose it’s all over,” Kate started. “You know I never meant for that priest in New Mexico to die. He fell, and I ran. I heard later in town that he died, and rumor was that he died for keeping the treasure safe. No one knew where the treasure was, but they talked about a young priest leaving town, so I nosed around and found the direction he went. I followed him here. I never meant for him to be hurt either, and I’m glad I didn’t kill him, too.”

Julia began to walk toward Kate, and West tried to stop her, but Julia shook her head. When Julia was within five feet of Kate, she stopped and spoke.

“Kate, my name is Julia, and the man with me is my husband, West. I’d like to know why you needed the treasure and what made you follow it all the way to Wyoming.”

Kate turned and smiled at Julia. “You look like a nice person. Maybe you’d understand.”

“I would like to try,” Julia said.

West, hoping he could help the situation, and possibly get close enough to Kate to grab her weapon said, “Julia used to live in a convent. She’s a very understanding person.”

Kate chuckled. “A convent. Why would a beautiful girl want to be a nun?”

“I wasn’t going to be a nun. I needed a quiet place to grieve my mother’s death.”

Sadness washed over Kate’s face, and she said, “Then you understand grief?”

“All too well,” Julia admitted. “You look as if you’ve experienced it, too.”

Kate nodded. “My baby died.”

Julia drew in a quick breath. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know you had a baby.”

“It was five years ago,” Kate explained. “I was married and realized I made a mistake, but I stayed because I was pregnant. Marie died two days after she was born. My husband was so angry with me, blaming me for not having a healthy child that he beat me severely. The doc said I would never have another child after the beating.”

Tears flowed freely down Kate’s cheeks, and Julia did her best to keep a professional manner and not allow Kate’s pain to affect her.

“I’m terribly sorry to hear that. Did I hear you right when you said your baby’s name was Marie?”

Kate nodded.

“May I ask you a question,” Julia asked the sobbing young woman.

Kate shrugged, and Julia said, “I read that you changed your name and removed the name Marie from your name because it was your mother’s name, and you hated your mother.”

Kate shook her head violently back and forth. “No, I loved my mother. Marie is a family name, and it had been a part of my mother’s ancestors for several generations. When my Marie died, I couldn’t keep her name as part of mine. It was too painful, and I had to come up with a reason the court would understand when I asked to change my name.”

“I understand,” Julia said. “Your name is Mulligan. Did you marry again?”

Kate spat, “No. I would never marry again. Men are the cause of all women’s troubles, and I despise them. The judge said I needed a last name since I was divorcing my husband. I didn’t want my family to find me and couldn’t use my maiden name. Mulligan was the name of the local saloon, and I used it.”

West kept creeping closer as he listened to Julia and Kate talk.

“Well, that explains a lot,” Julia said, “but it doesn’t explain why you wanted the treasure.”

“I needed the money.”

“That’s a lot of money. You could get a job,” Julia said.

“You don’t understand. I want a baby. A baby girl like my Marie. I went to an orphanage, and they said I had to be married to adopt a baby, but the head of the orphanage said something might be arranged for a price—a substantial price. I was desperate and heard about the treasure. If I could get it and sell it, I could get another baby.”

Kate broke down in sobs again before she looked back up at Julia and said, “I can’t sell the treasure now, and without it, I can’t get a baby. There’s no reason for me to keep living.”

West leaped at Kate and grabbed her arm just before she tried to push up off the boulder and jump off the edge of the cliff.

Kate screamed and fought, but eventually settled down and laid on the ground sobbing.

“Be gentle with her,” Julia told West. “She has suffered a lot and requires medical help.”

West nodded and helped Kate to her feet but bound her wrists in front of her and searched her for any hidden weapons.

“The courts will decide what’s best for her,” West said before addressing Kate.

“Miss Mulligan, where is the gold chest?”

Kate shrugged. “I’m not sure. When I heard the rumble, I thought there was a cave-in, so I had to drop the chest and scramble up the rope to get out.”

Chapter 13

West guided Kate to a nearby tree and told her to sit.

“Don’t move,” West told Kate. Julia knows how to use that gun, and she won’t hesitate to shoot you if you run. I’ll be right back.”

West walked closer to Julia and said, “I need to go back down to where we left the horses and get a rope and a few other things I need to go after that chest.”

“You’re going back into the cave?” Julia stammered in shock.

“I don’t have a choice. We need to find the chest. Sit on that boulder and keep your gun on Kate. I’m serious, if she runs shoot her. I’ll be back up here as soon as I can.”

West hurried away from Julia and left her confused. Shoot her? Julia had never shot anyone. How was she supposed to shoot a person? She dropped down on the small boulder and looked directly at Kate, hoping to sound convincing.

“I will shoot if you run,” Julia said.

Kate smiled. “I don’t think you will, but I’m not willing to take the chance.”

Julia nodded, hoping Kate meant what she said. She knew she would have to use her gun if needed but didn’t want to do it. After a moment of considering the situation, Julia decided she might get Kate to just sit and not cause trouble if she spoke with her.

“Tell me,” Julia began. “Did you really expect to just get a child from an orphanage. You know it’s illegal to buy or sell anyone.”

Kate shrugged. “Maybe, but the man I spoke to at the orphanage said for the right amount of money, a legal adoption could be handled. He said he would handle all the paperwork and had a judge that would sign the adoption papers.”

Julia shook her head. “That wouldn’t be a legal adoption. If I know the law correctly, you need to be married. A single woman can’t do much without a husband and certainly not adopt a child.”

“True,” Kate admitted, “but for the right amount of cash, a husband’s name and a marriage license proving a marriage existed could be acquired.”

“You sound as if you had this well planned. How did you decide to go after the chest?’ Julia asked as she shifted her weight on the boulder.

“I heard a rumor going around town that the priest at the mission had a treasure chest. I know it sounded ridiculous, but I was desperate. I knew I’d never be able to save the money from the job I had at the local dressmakers and a woman is limited in what she can do. I couldn’t walk into the saloon and gamble my way into a fortune, and I’m not strong enough to mine for gold,” Kate explained.

“I suppose I understand that,” Julia answered, and before she could ask anything else, she heard West returning.

West strode over to Kate and told her to stand. “Walk to that tree and sit down.”

Kate shrugged and followed directions. When she sat, West tied her to the tree, wrapping the rope around her chest and arms three times and then added two additional loops around her neck before securing her to the tree.

Julia walked next to West and asked, “Is that necessary?”

He nodded, “Yes, I have to go down into that cave and may need your help. I don’t trust her. She’s a killer, and as long as she doesn’t try to escape, she’ll be fine. If she does try to wiggle out of the ropes around her chest, the ones around her neck will tighten, and she’ll stop trying to get loose. Works every time.”

Julia bit her lip and looked between West and Kate and wondered if she would ever know as much about criminals as West did, and even if she learned, could she put it to use. A male criminal would have been much easier to deal with on her first case. She sighed and followed West to the chimney opening.

West tied another long rope to a nearby tree and then slipped it around his waist.

“I’m going down into the cavern and search for the chest.”

Kate called out, “If it helps since I’m never going to be able to sell it, you should find the chest near where you’ll land when you go down. Also, there’s an oil lamp close by to help you look if it hasn’t been damaged by falling rock. Be sure and tell the judge that I’m cooperating.”

“We will,” Julia assured, and West cast her a scornful look.

“What?” Julia whispered.

“Don’t promise anyone you’ve captured anything unless it’s to get them to tell you something you desperately need to know. Criminals are sneaky, and they’ll use every word you say against you if it helps them in court,” West snapped at her.

“All right, thanks for letting me know,” Julia said although she felt chastised and didn’t understand why.

When West disappeared into the chimney opening, Kate called out to Julia, “Your man sounds a bit boorish.”

“He isn’t,” Julia defended. “He’s only helping me learn what I don’t know.”

“Well, take my word, and the first time he hits you…run. Don’t wait for an apology or an explanation. Run and don’t look back. If he hits you once, he’ll do it again,” Kate said while wiggling to try and get comfortable but not strangle herself in the process.

Julia walked a few steps closer to Kate and said, “He’s not like that, and we’re not together that way.”

Kate laughed. “I can see the way you look at him. You love that man.”

Julia shook her head violently, trying to ignore Kate’s words but knew they were true.

Kate laughed again. “I see how he looks at you. I can’t say he loves you because I don’t believe any man is capable of love, but he wants you.”

Julia blushed and walked back to the chimney opening to call down to West and inquire about his well-being.

“I’m at the bottom and found the lamp,” Julia heard West call back.

Julia turned when she heard Kate roar with laughter.

“What is wrong with you now?” Julia asked.

“I was just sitting here wondering if I looked as sappy as you do when I first met that miserable excuse for a man that I married. I believed in him, too,” Kate confessed.

Julia tried to find some words to say, but when Kate’s laughter turned into heart-wrenching sobs, Julia decided to let her cry and wondered about the young woman’s emotional health.

West’s loud yells brought Julia back to the opening.

“I found the chest. I’ve tied it to the end of the rope. Pull it up and then toss the rope back down so I can get out. The other opening in this cavern is completely blocked,” West said.

When Julia pulled the chest up from the opening and untied the rope, Kate shouted at her.

“Don’t toss that rope back down. Let him stay down there. Untie me, and let’s take the chest. When we sell it, they’ll be more than enough money for me to get a child and then for all of us to go to California and live a happy life without men. You can be my daughter’s aunt.”

“I can’t do that,” Julia retorted.

“Why not, I just want a child,” Kate pleaded.

“Because he’s my partner,” Julia said emphatically before tossing the end of the rope back down to West.

When West climbed out of the opening, Julia called him over to her. She was kneeling next to the chest in the shade of the large tree West had used to tie off his climbing rope.

“The lock is broken,” Julia said, looking up at West.

West spun to look at Kate. “Did you tamper with this chest? Break the lock and hid the treasure or sold it?”

“No, the cave-in might have broken it. I never opened it. I heard the true value of the box was that it contained a treasure more valuable left unopened and felt with the heart instead of being held in the hands. I thought it was some religious nonsense,” Kate tried to assure West.

West bent over next to Julia and slowly lifted the heavy gold lid. He reached for the piece of parchment paper he saw inside.

Julia grabbed his arm. “Don’t. You have no idea how old that paper is. We may have already damaged it by exposing it to the light and air.”

West looked at the paper again and asked, “What does that say? Amare? One word is a treasure? I think this is some kind of joke.”

Julia slowly shook her head. “It isn’t a joke. Amare is Latin for love. Who knows how old this is? It’s priceless.”

“Priceless,” West asked. “How can the word love be priceless?”

Kate snorted and laughed again. “He’s right about that. There is no such thing as love.”

Julia answered, “Neither of you understands. Love is important. I believe this is a message meant to be believed and not seen. In 1 Corinthians, it says, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

West shrugged as Julia closed the golden lid, and he said, “I suppose you know best. You did spend all those years at the convent.”

Julia smiled, “I spent a lot of time reading my Bible before I went to the convent. I think you should spend a bit more with yours, and you’d realize how important love is.”

West didn’t answer but untied Kate and handed the end of the rope to Julia. “You can make sure she doesn’t run off while I carry this chest back down to the horses. It’s too heavy for you to carry.”

Julia knew she could carry the chest but allowed West his moment of masculine bravado and followed him with a subdued Kate as they headed down the hill.

Chapter 14

Colby was waiting for them at the bottom of the hill. He shook his head when Julia, Kate, and West came into view.

“I see you found Miss Kate. Did you need to bind her up that way?” Colby inquired. “She’s just a little bit of a thing and a lady.”

“She killed a priest,” West said. “She attacked another priest in Smiley. We can’t take the chance that she’ll escape.”

“Say it ain’t so, Miss Kate. You didn’t kill no priest, did ya?” Colby asked with sadness and confusion running across his face.

“It wasn’t intentional. The man fell and hit his head. I didn’t mean to hurt the priest in Smiley. Never mind. You’re a man you’ll never understand,” Kate grumbled as her eyes cast daggers in Colby’s direction.

Colby shook his head again as he carried his rifle and disappeared into the trees.

“You have a cruel streak, Kate Mulligan,” West commented. “I can’t wait until the marshals come and get you.”

“Marshals?” Julia asked. “We’re not taking her in?”

West shook his head. “No, she’s charged with murder. We’ll let the marshal’s take that responsibility, It’s a long ride to New Mexico.”

Kate groaned. “It was a long ride here. I don’t look forward to the ride back.”

“Maybe they’ll bring a tumbleweed wagon, and you won’t have to ride a horse,” West told her.

“Tumbleweed wagon?” Julia asked. “What is that?”

“It’s a jail cell on wheels. They use it to carry several criminals or ones that are considered extremely dangerous. Murder of a priest and the fact that she’s a woman makes her dangerous to transport,” West explained.

“I didn’t kill anyone,” Kate shouted.

“Tell it to the judge,” West said. “C’mon, let’s get the horses and take this chest back to Father Dominic.”

They arrived back at Smiley’s station just before dusk. West hurried inside to speak with Smiley while Julia kept watch over Kate.

“Are they going to hang me?” Kate asked.

Julia stammered, “I, I don’t know. I didn’t know they hung women. I think you’ll go to prison for quite some time.”

“Maybe,” Kate replied. “The judge and jury will all be men. None of them will care why I needed that chest of gold.”

“You’ll have the opportunity to tell them,” Julia explained.

“It won’t matter. They’ll say it was intentional, and I killed the priest for no reason because the chest is empty. I suppose the chest itself is worth something, but not enough to get me a child. This was all a waste of time,” Kate whined.

Julia, at a loss of what to say to Kate, sat quietly and waited for West to return. Kate kept mumbling about her troubles, and finally, tears ran down her cheeks. Julia let her cry, hoping it might ease her mind.

West walked out of Smiley’s and strode to Julia’s horse. “No sheriff in town means no jail either. I sent a telegram to the marshals and told them we have Kate. Smiley said he’ll tell me when an answer comes in, and we can keep Kate in the barn. There’s a couple of empty stalls.”

Julia nodded, “I take it we keep her tied up until the marshal’s arrive since there’s not a jail cell to lock her in.”

“That’s about it,” West answered. “I’ll stay in the barn to watch her, and you can get some sleep back in our room.”

“Absolutely not,” Julia insisted. “She’s as much my prisoner as she is yours. We’ll take turns watching her and sleeping in one of the stalls. I already told you I’m not opposed to sleeping in a barn.”

After they made Kate as comfortable as possible in a stall tied to a post, West left to check on any incoming telegrams and to bring food back for both Julia and Kate.

Julia sat on a wooden crate, not knowing what to say to her prisoner. Her heart felt for the young woman, but she did cause the death of the priest and attacked Father Dominic. Was it her place to question Kate or have a conversation with a prisoner? She remembered from her training that she could write down anything Kate said as evidence, but was it correct to play on the young woman’s emotions to get her to talk? She didn’t have to make that decision. Kate began talking again.

“I was serious before,” Kate stated. “I know you love that man, and you don’t have to kill him. Just hit him over the head and tie him up. The chest is worth money, and we can get away and sell it. I’ll share it. I can always find another way to get enough money to get back to that orphanage or find another. There are always people willing to turn a blind eye when cash is involved.”

“You have a very cynical view of the world. You should have spent some time in a convent the way I did learning more about love and peace than hatred and greed,” Julia admonished.

“Maybe,” Kate shrugged. “But I didn’t. I married an evil man and paid for my stupidity, as did my daughter. All I wanted was another chance to get what I lost.”

“There were orphans at the convent. The nuns cared for them. You could have gotten a job at an orphanage and made those children happy. All children need love. Buying a child is wrong, and West assured me the man who offered you a child will be prosecuted. You had a chance to do some good in this world and decided to break the law. You had a chance but took the wrong path,” Julia said.

“I suppose,” muttered Kate. “But it’s too late now.”

Kate stopped talking when West returned with telegrams and two plates of food.

“We received two telegrams. The marshals should be here in two days to escort Kate back to New Mexico for trial. I have to speak to Father Dominic and see if he wants to press charges against her for the attack. I know he said he didn’t, but he might have changed his mind. There is also one from Meg’s family. They want her to come home as soon as possible. She can ride the stage back to Cheyenne with us and we can make sure she arrives safely,” West said before returning to Smiley’s for his own plate of food.

“Who’s Meg?” Kate inquired.

“A young lady I’m going to do my best to help so she doesn’t end up taking the same path in life that you did,” Julia answered. “She’s young and impressionable.”

“I hope you can do that. Be sure to tell her to stay away from men.”

Julia didn’t answer but knew that Meg had already learned a lesson about men, at least the wrong type of men.

* * *

Two days later, shortly after dawn, a U.S. Marshal and his deputy rode up to Smiley’s and took possession of their prisoner and the coveted gold chest.

“West explained to Julia, “They are going to travel overland instead of taking the road back to Cheyenne and then catch a train to New Mexico. The marshal said he didn’t want to expose innocent citizens to Kate on the stage, and he didn’t want to wait for the tumbleweed wagon to make its rounds.”

Julia nodded. “I suppose that makes good sense. Kate may try and escape. They are better off taking her somewhere she can’t cause any trouble.”

“I agree. Smiley said the stage is due here in about an hour. We have time for breakfast, and then we can catch the stage back to Cheyenne and catch a train to Denver.”

“Will we have to travel to New Mexico and testify at her trial? She told me all the reasons she wanted that chest,” Julia asked.

“That will be up to the prosecutor. If he needs us, he’ll send a telegram to Denver after he reads our written reports,” West explained.

The stage ride back to Cheyenne was peaceful, and Julia felt calmer than she did the first time she took the stage at the start of their assignment. The job had gone well, and she had learned quite a bit about being a better agent. Helping Meg had been a plus to her feeling of accomplishment.

Julia knew that either in Cheyenne or on the train back to Denver, she and West would have to discuss the timing of the annulment, but she did her best not to think about it.

Annulment. Her heart ached each time the word forced its way into her thoughts. Why did she have to fall in love with West? It was foolish of her not to guard her heart, and healing from her heart breaking would be the price she’d pay.

Once they arrived in Cheyenne, Julia gave Meg her address in Denver and told the girl she could write her anytime. Julia’s heart filled with joy when she saw Meg’s family waiting for the stage and embracing the girl with tears and kisses. Julia felt that Meg had learned a valuable lesson, and would move forward in her life a more confidant yet cautious young woman.

West booked them back into the same hotel they stayed in before they left for Smiley’s. After a bath and supper, Julia was sure she would feel much better.

“I’m certainly happy this case ended without either of us having to shoot Kate,” Julia said as they returned to their hotel room after supper. “I’m not sure how well I would sleep, knowing she was hurt or worse.”

“At least tonight, you can sleep in a soft bed and not on the ground or in the barn at Smiley’s,” West answered.

“Yes, but I do believe it’s your turn to sleep in the bed.”

West strode up to Julia, cupped her face in his hands, and kissed her deeply. When he dropped his hands, he whispered, “I hoped we might share the bed tonight.”

“I did, too,” Julia said and winked.

Epilogue

Two weeks later:

West hurried up the stairs of the attractive three-bedroom house he and Julia purchased on the edge of Denver’s residential neighborhood. Pushing through the front door, he called, “Julia, are you home?”

“In the kitchen,” came Julia’s response.

West walked into the room, holding a yellow slip of paper. “This arrived today from the New Mexico prosecutor. The trial is over.”

“That was quick, “Julia said.

“Not really,” West explained. “Kate confessed, the church didn’t want to press charges for the theft of the gold box, Father Dominic didn’t want to press charges, and the doctor agreed that the priest in New Mexico died as a result of a fall. I think the prosecutor and judge took into account that Kate didn’t mean to kill the priest. I believe your letter to the prosecutor explaining that you thought Kate had an emotional problem rather than a criminal one helped them come to a conclusion.”

West handed the telegram to Julia, and she read it. Shaking her head slowly, Julia said, “I’m not sure which is worse, being sent to prison or being sent to an asylum for an indeterminate amount of time, but I do hope they help her there. She was worried they would hang her.”

“In some towns, they may not have believed that she didn’t intentionally kill the priest, and she could have been hanged. Maybe she’ll get the help she needs at that asylum,” West said.

“I believe they allow patients to write letters, and I wouldn’t be surprised if she sent you a letter. You seem to be her one hold on sanity.”

Julia said, “If the agency and her doctors allow it, I’ll write to her. I can offer her encouragement, hope, and prayer. She will need all three to recover.”

“Yes, she will, and I know you won’t forget her. Neither will Meg, I don’t think. We’ve been back for a week and a half, and she already sent you one exceptionally long letter.”

Julia smiled, “She’s just grateful I came to the bordello. Part of that letter was from her mother. They have accepted Meg home without question. Meg says it feels as if she never left. I think she will be happy from now on knowing what can happen when you try to run off on your own.”

“Isn’t that what you did?” West asked. “You ran to Denver.”

“I didn’t run. I took a train,” Julia laughed. “Seriously, I was older and wiser than Meg, and I wasn’t running off with some shady conman. By the way, there’s a newspaper on the table. I think you’ll be interested in the front-page article.”

West picked up the paper and read the article.

“Hopefully, this will stop men trying to acquire the chest for the bounty. The bishop is quoted as saying the chest has been placed in a secret church chamber back east but doesn’t mention where.”

Julia said, “Wherever it is, I’m sure it’s secure. Hiding it in a small church out west didn’t keep it safe. A larger church will have much better security.”

“True,” West agreed. “Oh, I saw Archie at the office. He says we have three more days to enjoy our honeymoon before he sends us out on an assignment.”

“You mean assignments, don’t you? We don’t have to go on assignments together any longer.”

West picked Julia up and spun her before he set her back down and kissed her. “I told Archie I needed to be close to you at all times and to try and find us assignments we can work together.”

Julia took a step back and glared at West. “You didn’t? Archie is going to think you think I can’t work on my own.”

“No, he won’t, and he doesn’t. He told me I was overly protective and that you were a fine agent. I think he was pleased with how you managed to get the true story of Kate’s plan for that chest. She never would have told me.”

“It’s only because she hates men and thought I’d help her escape.”

“Whatever it was, it worked well, and Archie was pleased.”

Julia winked at West, “Then that’s settled. I can work on my own from now on.”

“If we’re lucky, you’ll soon be with child and can’t work at all,” West insisted.

“Is that so? Haven’t you ever heard of hiring a nanny? I didn’t become an agent to quit and raise children,” Julia retorted.

“What? We’re not having a lot of children. I planned on a half-dozen. Isn’t that why we bought a house with three bedrooms?”

Julia laughed as she set the supper plates on the table. “I thought your sister’s children drove you to distraction.”

“Ours will be different,” West insisted.

Julia answered, “We’ll have as many as the good Lord gives us, and yes, I plan to raise them unless you want to stay home with the children while I work.”

West laughed out loud. “That will never happen, my dear. Women and children belong at home.”

“Times are changing, dear husband. Times are changing.”

The End

Thank you for reading my story. I hope you enjoy the Pinkerton Matchmaker series as much as the other authors and I enjoy writing them. If you have a free moment, please leave a review. It helps authors more than you know. Thanks, and God bless.

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