“It’s one of the bottling buildings,” Darcy said, smoothing her dress and reaching for the door handle. “They take the jugs and barrels they have collected and start pouring the hooch into bottles. Sometimes they add coloring, or other flavoring to make the stuff seem like it’s better than it really is. I was here once when Pierce had to check on a late delivery.”
“And you think he’s here now?”
“No, there are only a few men working here but one of them might know where the other hideout is or if Pierce has been through.”
Blake nodded opening his car door as she did the same and hurrying around the car. Gently he placed his hand at the small of Darcy’s back hoping to infuse her with a bit of courage he didn’t really feel. “Ready?”
“Ready,” Darcy agreed walking boldly toward the door and rapping on it three times. The light in the window flickered for a moment then the door swung open and an old man jerked with surprise.
“Why Darcy I didn’t expect to see you here.” The thin old man waved them through the door looking out into the darkness before pulling the door closed. “Fact is I heard tell you was dead.”
Blake’s hand inched toward the pistol under his arm but he stopped as Darcy laughed.
“That’s not too far from the truth,” Darcy laughed, taking a cigarette from her case and slipping it into the slim black holder. “I’m here trying to track down Pierce. I know he must be heartbroken without me. The thought of him thinking me dead is eating me up inside.”
“You always was a good girl,” the old man grinned. “I’ll bet Pierce will be happy to see ya again. It’s too late to travel them rough roads tonight though, so I’ll make ya a map and you can head to the hideout first thing in the morning.” The old man smiled again, his weary eyes scanning Blake. “Who’s this fella?”
“This is one of Pierce’s men. He’s the one that saved my life at the bank. Pierce told him to protect me so that’s what he did. Now he’s helping me get back to my man.”
The old man grunted but didn’t ask anything else. “You go on to the back and the wife will get ya some food. You can take the empty room down the hall.”
“Thank you Gregory.” Darcy touched the old man’s arm lightly then turned toward the door at the back of the room.
Blake wondered about the old man and how he had come to work for a reprobate like Pierce, but his thoughts were whisked away as he followed Darcy into a warm kitchen where a plump, gray-haired, woman clapped her hands in delight at the sight of them.
“Well, look at you!” she declared with a grin on her round face. “Darcy, you’re still as pretty as a picture, and who is this handsome young man with you? Don’t let Pierce know you’re traveling with such a good looking young man.” The older woman scowled for a moment before her face lit up once more. “Well no point worrying about that fella now is there. You two come in and sit. All I have is stew, but it’s hot and plentiful.”
Blake raised a brow as the woman hustled back to the stove.
“Blake this is Mrs. Withers,” Darcy introduce him to the woman’s back as they slipped into chairs at a battered table.
“Pleased to meet you ma’am.”
The old woman tittered, placing two large bowls of steaming stew before them.
“Now don’t you have nice manners? I’ll get you some bread and butter.”
Blake took up his spoon, thanking the older woman as she placed a cutting board with bread and butter in front of them. He hadn’t realized how hungry he was until the smell of food hit him like a physical blow. The stew was hot and full of flavor and he all but sighed at the delight dancing on his tongue.
“Now what brings you two here,” Mrs. Withers asked. “This far out, we don’t get many visitors.”
“I’m looking for Pierce,” Darcy answered the question, meeting the old woman’s gray gaze. “We were separated.”
“Separated, huh! When Pierce stopped by here for supplies a week ago he said you were dead.”
Darcy’s hand slipped to the wound at her side and she swallowed before speaking once more. “I was injured,” she agreed, “but thanks to Blake here I survived. Pierce told him he was to look out for me, and he did.”
Blake turned to study Darcy as she spoke. It hadn’t been the other man’s command that had compelled him to save Darcy, it had been his own heart and convictions. He could no sooner have left her in that bank to die than he could walk away from a wounded animal.
“Well I’m glad you’re on the mend then, and I’m right sure that Pierce will be happy to see you. He said things didn’t go well on the last endeavor. Still, I supposed you reap what ya sow”
Darcy flinched as the words hit her and she shot a look at Blake. Would her actions today be enough to redeem her after so many wasted years? Dropping her eyes she focused on her food, spooning it slowly to her lips as she ordered her thoughts.
“Gregory said we could stay here tonight. Can I help you get anything ready?”
“No, no,” Mrs. Withers said. “I’ll fetch some blankets, and you can fix yourself up the best way you can. Not much to offer folks here, but that’s the way they want it. Nothing to leave behind if we have to run.” She shook her head as deep seated sorrow marring her soft features.
Darcy placed her hand over the other woman’s fingers. “You’re only doing what you have to,” she whispered. “You know what will happen if you don’t.”
“Aye,” the old woman said her eyes flicking to Blake. “Best not to dwell on it though. Maybe one
