By this time, Winfield’s men had been shot or had given up. The deputies had them in handcuffs.
Cautiously, Bret approached the spot he’d last seen Winfield. On the porch, he found a trap door ajar. He called to the sheriff then opened the door wide. Did he dare go into the tunnel? He had to get Winfield. The sheriff stopped beside Bret.
Bret stared into the dark underground passage. He needed a source of light. “Winfield must have a lantern or torch with him. Do you see anything like that we can use?”
The sheriff strode to the front door. “I’ll try the house.”
In a short time he returned with two lanterns. “Spunky little lady inside said she’s the cook and housekeeper. Listen, I think I ought to take this route while you ride to check on Mrs. Dunn. I figure that’s where he’ll go.”
“I know you’re right. All right if I take Moose with me?”
“Sure, you can’t go wrong if the Kid is with you.”
Bret called to Moose, “Let’s go check on the Dunn family. Winfield is likely going there for revenge against Charlotte.”
“Reckon you’re right—let’s ride.”
***
Charlotte stood guard with the rifle while the boys did the morning chores—milked the cows, fed the stock, and collected eggs. When animals were involved, some chores had to be done every day regardless of the circumstances. Otherwise she would never have let them leave the house.
Accompanied by the two dogs, Davie carried two buckets of milk to the house. Jimmy toted a basket of eggs. As soon as they were inside, Charlotte locked the door. She leaned against the cool wood with relief. She prayed Bret and Moose were unharmed and successful.
“Children, I’ll make cookies to cheer you.”
Jimmy set the eggs on the counter. “Hooray! I love cookies.”
Davie transferred the milk to the containers they used in the cool space. Next he scrubbed the milk buckets to have them ready for the next milking time.
Susie looked cute in her little pinafore apron. “I’ve finished dusting the parlor.”
“Now you can bring a toy or book to the parlor or kitchen so we’re all together.”
Jimmy came back with his toy soldiers. “It’s hot in here. Can I open the shutters and raise a window?”
She was hot, too, and regretted promising cookies. With the windows shuttered, it was dark in the house. Lamps and lanterns added to the heat.
“No, son, think about what you asked. We need to be as secure as we can until all the rustlers are in jail. That includes Mr. Winfield. When Bret and Moose return and we know there’s no threat, then we can open the windows.”
Susie had arranged two of her dolls and their clothes on the couch. Davie had the stack of Missouri Kid novels and reread them while he sat in the overstuffed armchair his father had used. Jimmy arranged his toy soldiers on the floor at the edge of the braided rug that lay in front of the fireplace.
“Thank you for being such obedient children. I’m proud of you and I know your Papa would be, too.”
Susie asked, “Do you really think he’s in heaven watching us?”
Charlotte arranged ingredients for the cookies. “Yes, dear, I believe that. I’m sure he’s pleased with each of you.”
Her daughter tilted her head. “Do you think he’ll mind when you marry Bret?”
Charlotte almost stumbled. “Susie! Why would you say such a thing? Have you forgotten Bret is going to San Francisco?” Secretly, she hoped he’d changed his mind and planned to stay here.
“He looks at you the way Mr. Quinlan looks at Mrs. Quinlan. I think he’s in love with you. I’ll bet he asks you to marry him.”
Jimmy paused while setting up his soldiers. “I hope so. I miss having a Papa.”
“Dears, please don’t mention this subject again. You don’t understand how complicated it is to be an adult.”
Davie looked up and smiled as if he knew a secret. Fine. All she needed was three children campaigning for her to marry Bret. They didn’t realize she hadn’t been invited to become Mrs. Bret Craig.
What would she say if she was asked? That depended on how he asked. She was more than halfway in love with him but wanted love in return. One loveless marriage was enough.
She mixed up the children’s favorite oatmeal cookie recipe and dropped the dough by spoonsful onto the cookie sheet. She had just taken the first tray from the oven when she heard a step in the hall. In alarm, she put her hand into her pocket and gripped the revolver.
Elwood Winfield walked into the room, gun drawn. “Hello, my dear. How sweet of you to bake cookies for my visit.” He motioned to Davie. “I saw you look at the rifle over the fireplace but don’t even try it. Shooting you would give me pleasure.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Charlotte grasped at anything to distract Winfield from her children. “How did you get in?”
“My knife worked wonders on your shutters and window locks. Why don’t we sit down and I’ll have a few cookies while we wait for your two friends to arrive.”
He sat at the table so he had a view of both doors and the parlor. “Join me at the table, my dear.”
“What makes you think they’re on their way here?” She sat as far from him as possible.
“They called on me earlier. As most do, they underestimated me and I escaped. They won’t be so lucky. I’ll take pleasure in eliminating them. Then, when you sign over the deed to this property, I’ll have what I’ve wanted all along.”
“What makes you so sure I’d sign over the deed to you?” As
