“You’re firing me?”
“Why not? I fired myself from being your guide.”
Adam’s brows shot up. “Don’t tell me you’re reneging on our deal. You don’t strike me as a quitter.”
Little ripples marred the hot liquid’s surface as she blew on the tea. “You still want my help? I shouldn’t have reprimanded him for speaking his mind.”
Uncrossing his ankles, he leaned forward. “He could’ve been more subtle. You were upset on my account. You stood up for me and my plans.”
“You’re truly not angry?”
“I’m touched.”
“I confess to being very curious about you.”
He laughed off his initial surprise. “I’m not that interesting.”
“I’ll be the judge of that. Tell me about your family. Are both your parents living?”
Sobering, he ran his fingers along the crease in his pant leg. “My mother is alive and well. My father is gone.”
Dangerous emotion swirled in his eyes and, for an instant, she felt the pure force of it directed at her. She blinked, and the moment was gone.
“I—I’m sorry about your father. I’m acquainted with the difficulty of losing a parent. Of course, having a sibling to share in your grief can be beneficial. Where are your brothers now?”
“I’ll be honest, Deborah. I’m a private man. I don’t make a habit of speaking about my family.”
“I see.” The birds’ song didn’t sound quite as cheerful as it had when she’d first sought solace in this out of the way spot.
Adam stood and moved closer. “It’s nothing to do with you,” he said softly.
Deborah plastered on a smile. “You don’t have to explain.”
His astute gaze roamed her features. “Take your time out here. I’m going to have a word with the reverend. Find me when you’re ready, all right?”
“All right.”
She watched him stride the length of the veranda and enter through the side door, then set down her teacup and went to stand at the railing. If there was one thing she’d like to change about herself, even more than her tendency to speak without discretion, it was her sensitive nature. Adam hadn’t been rude or condescending, even though they were recent acquaintances and she’d been poking her nose where it wasn’t welcome.
With a prayer for courage, she joined him in the Gardners’ parlor and resumed her duties. He remained pleasant, but there was a new reserve about him that puzzled her. His stated preference for privacy had only enflamed her curiosity, unfortunately. Why did he not like talking about his family? Had something tragic occurred? Was there a black sheep in the Draper family?
Deborah doubted these questions would ever be answered. He was here alone in Cowboy Creek, so there’d be no fishing for clues among his friends. Disappointed, not to mention confused by her interest in the enigmatic cattleman, she focused on guarding every single word leaving her mouth. To her relief, there were no more mishaps.
When the event had wound down and it was time to gather the soiled dishes, Sadie and Walter waved Adam away to mingle. As soon as he was out of earshot, Walter cornered her.
“What do you know about him?”
“Adam? Very little.”
“Where’s he from?”
“Big Bend, Missouri. Why do you ask?”
“I’m convinced our paths have crossed before, but I can’t pinpoint the particulars. My mind won’t rest until I determine whether or not I’m mistaken.” His brows drew together. “Do you know if he served in the war?”
“He did.”
Walter made a considering noise in his throat, then turned to address Sadie. “You know I dislike unsolved riddles. I will send for the photographs I took during those years.”
Sadie paused in stacking plates. “I’d be happy to help you look through them.”
“It will be a tedious process.”
Admiration brightened her eyes. “To you, maybe, but I’m eager to see more of your work. Besides, any time spent in your company is far from tedious.”
He flashed a rare smile and kissed her hand. “Have I told you lately how delightful I find you, my dear?”
Feeling as if she were intruding, Deborah left them, carrying empty platters through the kitchen and out to the wagon. While she was thrilled that Sadie had found happiness with the photographer, witnessing their devotion highlighted the fact that she was alone, far from home, separated from her sister and her few close friends.
She was returning to the house when something in the grass caught her eye. Moving closer for a better look, she realized it was a porcelain doll. She picked it up and brushed the dirt from its clothes and yellow curls. Judging from its decent condition, it hadn’t been exposed to the elements for very long. Daniel and Leah’s daughter, Evie, was far too young to be toting around a doll, and there hadn’t been any children in attendance this afternoon. But there was a doll missing from Booker & Son’s mercantile.
Deborah ventured farther into the yard, combing the ground for more clues. Were Seth Halloway’s boys telling the truth? Had there been stowaway children on the bride train?
Holding the doll to her chest, she debated what to do. Children roaming the town without supervision were susceptible to all sorts of threats. They’d need shelter, clothing, food and water. The bride train on which the Halloway boys had traveled had arrived two months ago. Only desperation or fear would keep anyone in hiding for that long.
Leaving the doll in its original spot in case the owner came searching for it, she made plans to return that night.
“What are you doing?”
Deborah whirled. “Adam, I didn’t realize anyone else was out here.”
Her apron in his hands, he studied her with unsettling intensity. “I felt bad for abandoning you in the midst of cleanup. Sadie sent me in this direction.”
She considered sharing her suspicions, only to dismiss the notion. He’d probably think her naive. If no one else in town had been able to solve the ongoing mystery of the petty thefts, how was she going to accomplish it?
Perhaps if she knew him better, she could ask him to assist her. They could work on solving the puzzle together, like amateur detectives.
“There wasn’t much to do.” She accepted the apron and put it with the platters. “Your goal was to mingle with the locals and town leaders, anyway. Would you consider the night a success?”
Walking to the house side by side, he nodded. “I enjoyed myself, thanks to you.”
The words sounded forced, his customary charm worn thin.
“I’m happy to hear it.”
At the door, he turned to regard the area from which they’d come. His gaze became hooded, and there was a grim set to his mouth.
For a man in town with a straightforward purpose, he seemed awfully troubled.
* * *
An innocent woman didn’t hide fried chicken legs in her reticule and slink off into the night. Adam trailed her along the side street past the school and onto Lincoln Boulevard. For someone with a hidden agenda, she didn’t bother to check whether or not anyone was aware of her movements. The thought that she could be taking food to Zane Ogden made his stomach churn. Not Deborah, his mind protested. She’s too sweet, too earnest.
Hesitating on the corner across from the Gardners’, where