“Without being introduced to this lovely woman you work with?” Edson said at his most urbane. He began to move in Jeanette’s direction.
Cassidy moved between them, her chin going up, her eyes shooting sparks.
“I mean it, Edson. Move along.”
Edson rolled his eyes like a child.
“Come now, Cass. I didn’t think you really meant it.”
“I assure you I did. Now do I have to send for the sheriff?”
The anger that lit Edson’s eyes was fleeting, but Cassidy knew she had hit the mark. Tipping his hat in a mock salute, his eyes no longer friendly, he slammed out the door.
Cassidy turned to find Jeanette visibly shaken and went to her. She hugged the older woman and then began to explain.
“I’m sorry you had to go through that.”
“Who was that, Cassidy?”
“My brother, and he’s not a nice man.”
“What is he doing here?”
“He moves around quite a bit, and he’s come to see if any money can be made in Token Creek. I’ve told him I won’t help him, but he’s not taking no for an answer.”
“But should you tell the sheriff anyway?”
“Not just yet,” Cassidy said, speaking from experience.
“But maybe he’s heard of him. Did you say his name was Edson?” Jeanette was frowning in thought. “Edson Norton. The sheriff might have a poster on him.”
“It’s Edson Sinclair,” Cassidy said quietly. She watched the shock that covered Jeanette’s face. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you before.”
“Cassidy,” Jeanette said quietly. “Is Edson Sinclair really your brother?”
“Yes.”
Jeanette was stunned. This was a name bankers knew. Not that he would use his own name when conning some poor soul to hand money over to him for phony investments and the like. His real name was known all over Montana Territory by everyone in the banking world.
“Why is your last name not Sinclair?”
“It is. But when I left Billings, I took a family name so Edson could not find me.”
“Oh, Cassidy,” Jeanette said. She pulled Cassidy close for another hug, her heart turning over with compassion. It was a shock to learn of her connection to this man, but she was still her sweet Cassidy. Jeanette suddenly held the younger woman away from her.
“So much makes sense now,” Jeanette said, her eyes wide.
“What do you mean?”
“Just who you are and how you do business.”
Cassidy was confused by this statement, but Mrs. Potts had come in.
“Good morning,” Cassidy greeted her. “How are you today?”
“I’m terrible,” the lady said, tending to be dramatic. “I’ve torn two of my best shifts, and I can’t find my best camisole.”
“Come and look at fabric,” Jeanette invited. “I know we have your sizes, Mrs. Potts. If you’ll just pick out what you want, we can get right to it.”
Cassidy watched Jeanette, surprised that she’d taken over, but as soon as Mrs. Potts had her back to the changing room, Jeanette nodded toward the window. Part of Edson could be seen past the lace curtains, standing outside looking in. Cassidy encouraged Mrs. Potts to take all the time she needed and then headed outside.
“What are you doing?” she asked him.
“I need a favor,” he began. Cassidy began to open her mouth, but Edson put his hand up. “Just hear me out.”
Before Cassidy could comment, he rushed on.
“I just need you to tell me who owns that big house at the end of the street. I’m sure you know them. Just tell me who lives there, introduce me as Ed Norton, your brother, and I’ll take it from there.”
“Edson,” Cassidy began, a calm patience filling her; she almost felt pity for him. “That’s not something I’m willing to do.”
“Why not?”
“I’m not going to help you cheat someone,” Cassidy said. She’d kept her voice low, but a man walked by and Edson glared at her.
“You’re being unreasonable,” Edson started, but this time Cassidy held her hand up.
“If by that you mean I’m done trying to reason with you, you’re right. Do not stand around my shop,” Cassidy said, and then noticed Neal across the street. “And take Neal with you.”
Cassidy did not wait for a reply but headed back inside. She was tense for a time, but when Edson made no other appearances, she relaxed. Mrs. Potts took a good deal of time, but she left a large order.
Not until almost dinnertime did Cassidy realize she hadn’t finished her conversation with Jeanette. Unfortunately that lady had gone home to dinner, and she was going to have to wait to find out what she meant.
“Why don’t you let me talk to her,” Neal suggested when he and Edson were back in Edson’s hotel room. “I’m sure I could make her see things your way.”
“No.” Edson’s voice was sulky. “She’s not afraid of you, and if you hit her, that ruins everything.”
“Why?” Neal asked, disappointed over not being able to do his job.
Edson shook his head. “We have to be seen as a happy family. We can’t do that if she’s covered with bruises.”
Neal looked affronted. “Bruises only show when I want them to,” he said, but Edson had already made up his mind.
“Token Creek is small but too much of a plum to give up that easily. I’ll stay clear of my sister for a time, and Cass will think I’ve lost interest. We’ve got all the information Bittner gathered while he was tracking Cassidy for us, and we’ll just take our time with how we use it. Cheer up, Neal,” Edson added when he noticed the other man’s face. “I’m certain there’s a profit to be made in this town and all the others.”
“You’re just so good at business,” Jeanette repeated.
“But I never worked with Edson,” Cassidy pointed out, hoping Jeanette was very clear on that.
“Be that as it may, your family must have a natural bent for business, even though Edson has chosen to use his wrongly.” Jeanette stopped for a moment and looked as fascinated as she felt. “It’s an interesting combination, sewing as beautifully as you do, knowing how to run the business, and working so well with people.”
“Thank you,” Cassidy said, seeing it for the compliment it was but not getting overly excited as it was coming at such a difficult time.
“I’ve been wondering,” Jeanette went on. “Will you warn people? I don’t mean the sheriff, but should Chandler know that your brother is in town?”
Cassidy wasn’t sure why she hesitated, but Jeanette couldn’t help but notice.
“What’s the matter?”
“I guess I’m just hoping he’ll go away. I’m hoping Edson will figure out that there’s nothing to be gained by staying and simply leave town.”
Jeanette nodded, seeing how she would want that. It was hard not to jump in and tell Cassidy what she should do, but in truth she knew that Cassidy didn’t need that. When Cassidy wanted and needed her advice, she always came to her. Jeanette thought that telling Chandler was the best idea, but it was not her news to tell. Another fine thing she’d learned from Cassidy over the months: keeping her mouth shut about customers and news that was not her own.
“What do you think?” Cassidy asked suddenly.
“I can see why you would hope he’d quietly go on his way, but I think I would still tell Chandler.”
Cassidy nodded, needing to ponder this for a time. The very thought of confiding in Chandler made something inside her hold back, but she couldn’t put her finger on what it was. It did not escape her thoughts that folks might feel betrayed. She had not lied about who she was, but neither had she been completely up front with everyone.
The women were working quietly along for a time—Cassidy’s mind full of her brother and what his presence meant in her life— when Rylan came in.
“How are you?” he asked of Cassidy, taking for granted that Jeanette knew about Edson.
“I’m fine. Edson hasn’t be
en around since this morning, and that’s been a relief.”
“But he did come here to the shop?”
“Twice.”
Rylan’s face gave nothing away, but as from the morning, he was concerned for her safety.
“What are you thinking, Rylan?” Jeanette asked.
“I’m not exactly sure what to think. I just want to make sure Cassidy is all right.”
“Why don’t you spend the night at my house, Cassie?” Jeanette suggested.
“That’s a good idea,” Rylan put in.
Cassidy looked as surprised as she felt and tried again to explain. “You don’t understand. I’m not in any danger. Edson will find a mark, someone with money or who even looks like he has money, and cheat him out of it. At the very least, he’ll cheat at a card game in one of the saloons at night. It might not be good for my business if folks connect Edson and me, but I’m not going to be physically harmed.”
Rylan wished he believed that. He didn’t know why, but it just didn’t seem logical to him that it could be that simple.
“Well,” Jeanette said before anyone could ask Rylan his thoughts, “if you change your mind—and not just tonight—you’re very welcome.”
“Thank you, Jeanette. I won’t forget your offer.”
Rylan did not stick around. He headed in the direction of home, forcing his mind to pray when he wanted to worry. He also asked God to help him to be more sensitive to things around him. Cassidy might not see danger coming, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t keep an eye out.
“Do you see that woman?” Neal asked of Edson on Saturday morning. They were eating breakfast in the hotel and had taken a table by the window.
“What about her?”
“She’s writing a book.”
“And I care about that for what reason?” Edson asked, his voice a bit testy.
Neal shrugged as though he didn’t care but still said, “It’s on Token Creek. She knows about everyone in town.”
The hired man suddenly had Edson’s attention. The woman was not impressive. She talked to herself and looked half crazy, but Edson still watched her intently until she moved out of sight.
Cassidy did not know when she’d been so distracted. She’d kept on, looking normal to everyone, but thoughts of Edson and what his presence in town meant filled her mind.
I don’t want to see my brother again, Lord, but You died for him, and if I could find a way to talk to him, maybe he would listen.
Cassidy lay in bed, her mind trying to think how that conversation would go. She didn’t think it likely that he would be overly receptive, but did that mean she shouldn’t try? She honestly didn’t know.
Maybe he’ll ask me, Lord. He knows the way Mama and I believe, but just maybe he’ll ask me why I had to get away and why I won’t help him.
Cassidy rolled out of bed, knowing the day awaited her. If she didn’t get going, she would not have time for breakfast, and her Saturdays were too busy to go without that meal. Besides, she was done with Hiram Brickel’s pants, and they had to be delivered today. She knew that that task would take some extra thought and time.
“It’s Saturday already,” Meg said to Patience at the breakfast table, Savanna at her breast. “The week has gone fast.”
“Yes, it has. And whenever your uncle works for Jessie, the days drag a little, so I’m glad to have you.”
“What time did he leave?”
“Just before you came down. He said to bring the baby over if you’re up to it.”
“I think I will. Jessie hasn’t seen her either.”
“I thought we would see more of Cassie while you were here,” Patience commented.
“You mean in the evenings?”
“Yes.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised if she came tonight. I assume she’s been busy.”
“Well, I hope she does. I’ll plan on her for dinner, and if she doesn’t show up, we’ll send Jeb to track her down.”
Meg would have laughed at her aunt’s tone and words, but Savanna had just fallen asleep.
What will you do if he wants to talk about his proposal? Jeanette’s question lingered in Cassidy’s mind all the way to the Brickel mansion, but in truth she didn’t even expect to see the man. If he’d been angry about her refusal to stay for coffee, he must be livid about her not wanting to marry him.
Cassidy almost laughed at her own thoughts—the whole notion was ridiculous—but she was nearly to the Brickel mansion and tried to prepare her mind for whatever might happen. Mr. Brickel’s answering the door, however, never occurred to her.
“Come in, Miss Norton,” he invited, and Cassidy was so surprised, she obeyed.
“Is Halston ill?” Cassidy asked.
“Not at all, but I thought that I would see to things myself today.”
“Oh, all right. Here are your pants,” Cassidy said, handing them to the man.
“Thank you,” Mr. Brickel replied, and Cassidy noticed that he didn’t even glance at them.
“Are you going to try them?”
“Yes,” Mr. Brickel agreed quickly, making himself look at the pants. “I’ll be right back.”
This said, he started away but came right back.
“Would you like to sit in the parlor, Miss Norton?”
“No, thank you,” Cassidy answered, and then stood still as he walked away.
She discovered something just then. Far more disturbing than an angry, bellowing Mr. Brickel was one who was charming and kind. It simply didn’t fit, and Cassidy didn’t know what to do about it. She was still trying to work it out when Mr. Brickel returned.
“Are they satisfactory, Mr. Brickel?”
“Yes, thank you. Here is your money.”
“Thank you, Mr. Brickel. I hope you enjoy your day.”
“You really would be happy as my wife.”
Cassidy had been turning for the door but stopped and looked at her customer. She did not want to do anything to encourage him in this line of thinking, but curiosity got the best of her.
“Why me, Mr. Brickel?”
“You would suit me perfectly, that’s why. I also know you would be happy.”
“How do you know that?” Cassidy found herself asking, not able to do anything else.
“Because you could do just as you please. If you wished to sew, you could. If you never wanted to sew again, you wouldn’t have to. If you wanted to cook, the kitchen would be all yours. If not, we would hire someone.”
Cassidy thought for a moment before asking, “What’s in it for you, Mr. Brickel?”
“Sons.”
Cassidy had not expected this, but she held the surprise from her face. She was not, however, able to disguise the spark of anger that lit her eyes. “Good day, Mr. Brickel,” she said tightly.
“I won’t give up,” he said this time, not trying to detain her, but some of the force coming back into his voice. “I know we should be married.”
Cassidy held her ground and spoke after taking a breath. “I would never want to do anything to deliberately hurt you, Mr. Brickel. My refusal is not meant to be cruel, but I hope you won’t be long in this belief because it’s simply not true.”
Cassidy nodded again, telling herself to be calm, and this time slipped out the door. She thought if she couldn’t see Meg and pour her heart out to her that moment, her head would burst. But she had a day of work ahead of her, and it wasn’t fair to leave Jeanette alone on a Saturday. She only hoped that Meg would be free that evening and ready to hear an earful.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
“OH, CASS,” MEG SAID COMPASSIONATELY when she’d heard about her friend’s week. Cassidy had never planned to share Mr. Brickel’s proposal, but after dinner, when they had some time on their own, everything came pouring out.
“He was so matter-of-fact about it, Meg, but I don’t know how I kept from slapping his face. He just wants someone to give him sons. I felt horrible when he said that, like some sort of broodmare. I wished I’d never asked.”<
br />
“How do you even know him?”
“I don’t. He’s seen me walking past his house. That led to my sewing a few things for him. That’s all.”
Meg didn’t know why, but she wanted Brad home so badly that she ached. He loved Cassidy as she did, and she wanted to tell him all of this and hear from him what he thought they should do.
“Are you sure you’re not afraid of your brother?” Meg couldn’t help but ask next.
“Yes. He’s greedy but not violent.”
“But what about this Neal person?”
“I don’t trust him at all, but there’s no sense in harming me. I’m sure Edson knows that.”
“I wish I shared your confidence.”
Savanna was looking for her mother, and Jeb brought the howling baby into the kitchen where the women visited. Meg fed her, and then Cassidy had the pleasure of playing with her for the better part of an hour.
By the time Jeb walked her home, Cassidy’s heart was much lighter. It had been a delicious meal and good to talk with a friend about life in the last few days. Nothing had been fixed. Cassidy was fairly certain that Edson was still in town, but having Meg know everything made all the difference in the world.
“I’m headed home,” Cassidy said to the group she’d been talking to after church. Chandler, Heather, and Miranda all wished her goodbye, and Cassidy started off.
Cassidy did not sense that something was wrong until she was right in front of her door. It wasn’t closed all the way, and she knew she’d locked it. Without having to think twice, she realized Edson was there. She opened the door, thinking she would tell him just what she thought, only to find both him and Neal inside.
“I can’t believe you broke into my apartment.”
“The door was open,” Edson began, but Cassidy cut him off.
“Even if that were true—and we both know it’s not—you have no business coming in uninvited.”
“That’s not very hospitable, Cass. I’m disappointed.”
“And I’m weary of your little games. I want you to leave.”
“Not until I get some information.”
“I’m not negotiating with you, Edson.”