“Those hurt or dying were left behind while their brothers in arms ran. Ran to the next battle and left behind the wounded to die in the mud,” Eli drops his head at the image of his baby brother screaming in pain, begging for help. “She heard that scream, and she answered. What must that take?”
“How about money,” Eli snorts.
“Shame on you!” Rooster shouts and shoves him. “Not everyone in this world is out to get you or your money.”
“Rooster?” Eli is shocked. Rooster never raises his voice.
“And, what if he did promise her something in return. Does that matter? Oliver was held in the arms of an Angel for the last few seconds of his life, and she gave him comfort so he could die in peace. Is that not worth something to you?”
“Of course, it is!” Shame ripples over Eli. “For God’s sake, you don’t even know her.”
“I don’t need to Son. Her actions speak loud enough. That’s a heavy burden to carry alone, and you aren’t making it any easier on her.”
Eli sighs in frustration. “Your right. I will spend some time with her and make this right.”
“Good, but first get cleaned up. You stink!” Rooster stomps back to his horse and mounts up.
Savannah is working in the garden, weeding and enjoying the sunshine when a shadow falls over her, startling her.
“Miss Ward, making yourself at home, I see,” Eli teases.
“Oh! I didn’t know you were home, Mr. Irwin.” Savannah finishes pulling the weeds and placing them in her basket before standing up and straightening her sun hat.
“Obviously. Where is my Mother?”
Savannah dusts the dirt and grass from her simple skirt and walks towards the shade of a tree. “Your Mother insisted on weeding the beds. I promised to work in the garden if she promised to lay down for a nap.”
“That’s very kind of you,” Eli barks, “but I hired staff to care for the gardens. You don’t need to earn your keep, Miss Ward.”
A huff of irritation erupts from Savannah. “I only wished to help. Your mother has no business on her knees…”
“I’m aware of what my Mother needs, Miss Ward,” he grumbles.
“Enough!” Felicia says from the doorway. “You two squabble like siblings. This is ridiculous! I don’t need you to fight over my care.”
“I beg your pardon, Mrs. Irwin. I’ll just get cleaned up for dinner. Excuse me.” As a parting shot, she shoves the basket of weeds into Eli’s stomach, savoring the rush of breath.
“You should know what do to do with these. You seem to reap weeds wherever you go.” Savannah stomps inside and up to her room.
Felicia has to smother a laugh at the look of outrage on Eli’s face. “Don’t you dare laugh, Mother!”
“Why are you so hard on her, Eli? She’s a kind, God fearing woman, with no agenda as far as I can tell.”
“I don’t know, but I promise to try harder to make her comfortable. For you.” He offers her an arms and guides her back inside. “Now, what’s for supper? I’m starved.”
Chapter 15
Kristin glances through the kitchen door and into the Saloon. “What are you doing, girl? Get that food to table two, before he sobers up!”
She jumps, “Yes, sir.” Walking quickly, she places his food on the table in front of him.
“Here’s your order, Sir.”
Fred’s eyes light up when he glances at Kristin’s figure. “Well it’s my lucky day, beauty and she’s good in the kitchen. Are you good in any other rooms?”
“That’s a horrid thing to say,” Kristin spins to return to the kitchen, but Fred stops her with a hand on her wrist.
“Forgive me,” Fred sips his beer and runs his thumb over her wrist enjoying the thump of her pulse.
“Take your hand off me,” she snaps and her eyes narrow as she decides which bone to break if he doesn’t get the message.
Fred immediately releases her with a sniff of indifference, “Alright, if you can’t provide that type of service, perhaps you could give me some information. I can pay for your time.”
Kristin smiles and nods, “I’m listening.”
Fred dives into his food, ignoring the look of disgust at the way he eats and talks with his mouthful. “I’m looking for a woman, named Savannah Ward. Ring any bells?”
“You’ll have to be more specific. We get a lot of visitors.” Kristin is surprised at the coincidence but covers it well.
“Came in two days ago on the train. Staying at the Becker House hotel.” Fred drains his third beer and hands her the glass.
“Let me ask around and see what I can find out.” Kristin hurries to the bar and asks for a refill. She decides to keep Mr. Anderson serviced with a constant stream of beer. Perhaps he will loosen his lips. Maybe Eli would like to know someone is searching for his new girlfriend.
Three beers later, and two shots of whiskey and Fred Anderson’s lips are loose. Kristin smiles and wipes down the tables being sure to listen to him. He’s talking to one of the Saloon girls and spilling all kinds of information. Kristin grabs a third shot of whiskey and moves back to Fred.
“Dahlia, could you give us a minute?” Dahlia jumps up and hurries away in relief.
“Yes. I’ll be back. Don’t keep him too long. He’s paying for my time tonight.” Dahlia straightens her dress and hurries away.
“Sweet flower,” he slurs and smiles as Kristin slides another shot of whiskey to him.
“Okay, Mr. Anderson. This one is on the house.”
After he struggles to drink it, she thinks he’s ready to talk. Sitting down she leans forward, “Fred, I found the girl you’re looking for checked out this
