A DISTANT ECHO, PART FIVE: WESTERN TIME TRAVEL ROMANCE Page 5

  “I’m not certain I can pinpoint it exactly. What I’ll do is try and locate it underground. What’d you plan to do with the map, Eli?”

  “Give it to Smiley, or one of the other foremen. Even if they don’t believe me, maybe just looking at it will help when the time comes.”

  Tom sighed in frustration. “I’ve told Smiley and everyone else I could get to listen to me exactly what’s going to happen, but they just figure I’m a well-meaning crackpot. Maybe you’ll have more luck.” Tom smiled at the earnest young man. Being at the police barracks had brought out the best in Eli, proof that the choice he’d made was the right one for him. “I’ll draw what I can and try and find the place inside. I’ll give it to you the next time I see you.”

  Drawing the map for Eli reminded Tom that he’d also told Jackson he would write down all the details he could remember of the train robbery. He’d deliberately held off doing so, hoping that Jackson would come to his senses in the meantime.

  Now he wrote out everything he could remember. That evening he shoved the closely written sheets in his jacket pocket and walked to the Imperial where Jackson was working behind the bar.

  Tom hadn’t seen his friend since the morning they’d quarreled. He sat on one of the bar stools, sadly aware that behind the wide, welcoming grin, Jackson was wary of him.

  “Hey, Tom, how’s it goin’, good buddy?” He tapped Tom’s shoulder with his fist and plopped a brimming mug of draft down.

  “Have one on me.”

  The bar was quiet. Jackson polished an already spotless glass with a white towel, his every movement reflected in the long mirror behind him. “Heard you’ve moved from the Ralstons’. Leona was talkin’ to Zelda.”

  “You probably know what went down then.”

  Jackson nodded. “Yeah. Sorry to hear about you and Zelda. Hear you’re bunkin’ over at the Miner’s. You coulda come here, y’know. I’d’ a got you a room. My old one’s empty now that Leona and I are sharing a suite.”

  It was obvious that Jackson was ill at ease. For the first time in their long friendship, Tom, too, felt awkward.

  “Thanks, but I’m fine where I am. It’s not for very long, anyhow.” Tom waited while Jackson served whisky to two rough-looking men at the other end of the bar. “You remember that matter we talked about last time I saw you,” he said in a low tone when Jackson came back. “You still going along with it?”

  Jackson’s easy smile didn’t waver, but the glance he shot Tom was cautious. “Same plans as before,” he said softly. “Same time, same place.”

  “I wish you’d change your mind.”

  Jackson moved his head slowly from side to side. “Sorry, partner. Not a chance.”

  Tom stuck his hand in his pocket and withdrew the pages he’d written out, handing them to Jackson. “Maybe this’ll help then.”

  Leaving the beer untouched, he walked out of the bar.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  “Good afternoon, Miss Ralston.” Corporal Allan stood just outside the studio door, and as soon as Zelda opened it, he stepped inside.

  His massive bulk made the room suddenly too small. His eyes made a swift survey behind Zelda, lingering on one photograph and then another. She’d been planning to pack everything into boxes this afternoon, in preparation for the move, but she hadn’t started yet.

  Her heart slammed against her chest, and fear blossomed. “Oh, my goodness. It’s Eli, isn’t it? He’s been hurt--- ”

  Allan gave her a startled look and shook his head. “No, no, the lad’s fine. He’s running an errand for me at the moment. No, Miss Ralston, I’m here on police business.”

  Instantly, the thought of Leona and Bill Miner and train robberies ran through her head, and her stomach roiled. She fought to keep her expression from revealing any of her thoughts, and the animosity she felt toward Allan now took precedence over fear.

  This was the man who’d had her arrested and flung into a filthy cell like a common criminal, she reminded herself. Well, he’d get nothing out of her.

  “May I?” Without waiting for an answer, he stepped neatly around her. He moved directly to an enlargement she’d made of a provocative photograph of Leona, reclining on a chaise lounge with rather a lot of bosom and leg exposed and a feather boa draped across her arms.

  Zelda’s hear sank as Allan studied it in silence. She would say absolutely nothing, of course, no matter what atrocities he threatened her with. But what would become of Leona? Surely they couldn’t imprison a woman big with child. She’d have to contact other members of the Women’s Temperance Union immediately, and see if they would assist her in coming to Leona’s aid.

  “Hmmmm.” His already florid face was crimson when he at last turned to another photo, giving it the same intense scrutiny. “Eli tells me your father is not well. I hope his condition is improving?”

  If only it were. “I’m hoping the warm weather will help,” she said evenly.

  “Extend my regards.” He went from one photograph to the next, studying them as if they were police exhibits. “Yes. Well. Your brother told me you were an exceptional photographer, Miss Ralston, and I see he didn’t exaggerate. Well, now.” He clasped his hands behind his back and rocked on his heels.

  Zelda felt like screaming with frustration. Why didn’t he just come out with whatever it was he wanted?

  “I haven’t had occasion to speak with you in quite some time, Miss Ralston. Am I to understand that you’ve given up your attempts at closing down the local drinking establishments?”

  Zelda lifted her chin high and looked at him defiantly. “Without the support of the law, there wasn’t much chance of success, was there, Corporal? And as I’m sure you know, my neighbor’s husband fortunately left town before he succeeded in murdering her, so the motivation hasn’t been as urgent in recent months.” She didn’t add that her convictions weren’t as clear-cut as they once had been.

  “I see.” Zelda could have sworn there was a gleam of humor in his eyes. “Well, since you’ve become a law-abiding citizen, I wonder if you’d consider doing photography for the North West Mounted?”

  Taken aback and totally confused, she repeated stupidly, “Photography? Me? For the Mounted?”

  “Yes. I’m afraid some of it isn’t all suitable for a lady, but your brother assured me you were a professional, not given to hysterics or the vapors. You see, we need photographs taken occasionally, portraits of our members, of criminals we’ve arrested, of crime scenes, and unfortunately, sometimes of the victims of violent crimes as well, bodies and so forth. We’ve contracted until now with Mr. Beaseley, but unfortunately, he’s developed something of a, ummmm, a drinking problem, and is no longer reliable.”

  His gray eyes met hers in an assessing stare. “Are you interested in taking on the contract, Miss Ralston? The Mounted will pay whatever reasonable rate is mutually acceptable.”

  “Yes. Yes, of course, I’m interested.” She’d have to be a fool to refuse. It was exactly the sort of work she’d dreamed of getting, both steady and lucrative. It would help immeasurably with the doctor’s bills, steadily increasing as Virgil’s illness worsened. “I’m---we’re---moving soon, to a house on the other side of town.”

  “Eli mentioned that. It’s actually much closer to the detachment, so that will be an advantage, should we need you in a hurry. That’s good then. Settled.” He nodded, turned to the door, and hesitated. He whipped around to face her. “Your young brother is a fine young man, Miss Ralston,” he said in a formal tone. “We’re very fond of him at the barracks. He’ll make a good policeman when the time comes. He’s both honest and intelligent, and hardworking to boot. I understand you helped raise him, madam. You are to be commended.” He shot her a keen look. “He’s indicated you are less than pleased at his being associated with the North West Mounted.”

  Knowing she might be about to lose the opportunity that had just presented itself, she still had to tell the truth. “Lawmen are generally not well educated, Corporal. They’r
e generally a rough lot, in my opinion.” It was still painful to acknowledge her failure. “I wanted more for Eli, I wanted him to have an education, so that if he chose, he could become a lawyer, or a doctor, or whatever profession appealed to him. I was, I am---”she swallowed the tears that seemed to lurk just behind her eyelids these days---“bitterly disappointed that Eli quit school and chose to work for you.” She turned away, forcing her voice to remain even. “I am despondent about it, Corporal. You see, until this past year, Eli was a good student, with a promising future.”

  “And what happened to change that, madam?”

  She told Allan about the abrupt departure of Mr. Beebe, and, not bothering to mince her words, described the drunken sot who’d succeeded him and brought about Eli’s refusal to go to school. She didn’t add that in her heart she also laid a large share of the blame on Jackson and Tom and their stories of adventure, although that conviction gnawed at her still.

  Corporal Allan nodded thoughtfully. “And, of course, Eli is at a time in his life when he wants to begin testing himself, making his own decisions. The transition to manhood isn’t always an easy one.”

  Zelda bristled. She’d heard quite enough on that score from her father and Tom. “Quitting school doesn’t seem very sensible to me or very mature. I would think that even a policeman could appreciate that, Corporal.”

  “I am an advocate myself of education, Miss Ralston,” he replied politely, apparently not offended. “Not to sound pretentious, but I am rather well versed in such areas as mathematics, Latin, and history. In fact, I was a teacher in a rather elite school for young gentlemen before I left England in search of adventure with the Mounted.”

  He thought for a moment and seemed to come to a decision. “How would it be if I suggested to young Ralston that he spend his idle evenings exploring some of my textbooks with me? I have rather a good collection, if I do say so myself.”

  It took a moment to register. “You’re---you’re offering to tutor my brother?”

  He raised his bushy eyebrow. “One can only lead a horse to water, madam. Whether he chooses to drink is quite another matter.”

  “Yes. Of course. I understand.” She didn’t at all. She had no idea how this had all come about, but it seemed a miracle. “Oh, I’d---I’d be most grateful if you would try, Corporal. I’ll have a word with Eli--- ”

  The ferocious look he gave her silenced her.

  “Indeed you will not. Worst thing you could do. Let Eli make his own choice, Miss Ralston, or I guarantee he will refuse to open a single book. I’ve had a great deal of experience in this regard, and believe me, pushing a young man of Eli’s age and temperament into doing something you think best for him will always result in his running as fast and as hard as he can in the opposite direction.”

  Zelda could only stare at him. It came to her suddenly that she’d been hearing the same advice over and over, in different ways, from her father, from Tom, from Eli himself, and ignoring it. For some reason, hearing it from Allan forced her to recognize it as truth.

  “I’ll do as you suggest,” she said quietly. “I still have a sum set aside for his education, so whatever your fee---”

  Allan looked horrified. “There will be no talk of fees, Miss Ralston. I thought I’d made myself clear. The matter is not your affair. It will be entirely between Eli and myself. We will work out a suitable arrangement between ourselves. He would be furious to learn that his sister was involved in any way.”

  Slowly, she nodded, aware for the very first time that Eli was no longer the little boy she’d protected and cared for all these years. Her role as mentor in his life was over, had been over for some time, although she’d been far too stubborn to recognize it.

  The realization left her feeling empty and immeasurably sad, but it also was a kind of freedom, one that would take time to get accustomed to. Her relationship with her brother had changed. She must try to establish a friendship with him, instead of a stewardship.

  Tears welled up and spilled over. She reached out her hand, taking Corporal Allan by surprise. It took him a second to respond, but at least he clasped her hand in his huge warm paw.

  “Thank you, Corporal.” For far more than you realize.

  “Perhaps a glass of water, Miss Ralston?” He was so obviously horrified and ill at ease with a weeping female that her tears gave way to amusement. She wished she’d known long ago that female tears had this effect on him; she might have avoided several nasty confrontations just by dabbing her eyes with a lace handkerchief.

  The moment Allan detected the faint trace of a smile on her features he looked vastly relieved and dropped her hand like a hot scone. He stepped back several paces and adjusted his Stetson so it was again at a precise angle to his square jaw. “Well, that takes care of everything then, Miss Ralston. You’ll be notified whenever we need your services.”

  He turned to the door, then paused. “There is one other annoying little matter.” He cleared his throat several times. “Your brother has repeated to me, and, unfortunately, to half the populace of the town, a disturbing rumor about Turtle Mountain. He’s been most vocal about it. Embarrassingly so. I have had to warn him about the dangers of hearsay. Now, I know where the tale originated, of course, as you do. I believe you were present when it was told the first time.”

  He fixed her with that intense stare. “I understand Mr. Chapman boarded here for some time. Is he still in residence? I would like to have a word with him.”

  Would she ever hear Tom’s name without this sinking feeling in her stomach, this desolate emptiness that threatened to destroy her?

  “Tom doesn’t live here anymore.”

  “Where can I find him?”

  “I have no idea,” she lied. “Probably at the mine, doing his job like any other honest man.” She wasn’t about to tell him where Tom was or to allow him to criticize him in any way. “I think you should know that in my opinion every single word Tom Chapman said that day was the truth. My family, and as many of our neighbors as we’ve been able to convince, are going to evacuate our homes on or before April twenty-eight, Corporal.” She drew a deep breath and looked him straight in the eye. “I believe, and so do they, that there will be a devastating Slide early on the morning of the twenty-ninth, and that much of this village will be destroyed and lives lost.” She gave him a pleading look.

  “Corporal, you could help so much. You could order all the houses along these rows evacuated. You could warn people about the Slide. They’d pay attention if the alarm came from you.”

  Zelda’s heart sank, because already he was shaking his head in vehement denial. “Rubbish. Poppycock, Miss Ralston. It was my opinion a year ago, and it remains my opinion today, that Mr. Chapman suffers delusions, and that unfortunately, he’s good at making them sound convincing. He’s obviously heard the tales the Indians have spun for years about the Turtle, and his demented mind has enlarged on that fantasy. Why, I’d be laughed out of town if I took stock of such insanity.”

  “Tom is not crazy.” Her hands were on her hips and she glared at him. Once again they were adversaries. “I’m ashamed of you, Corporal Allan. I thought it was your duty to protect the citizens of this town, but obviously all you’re concerned about is your own reputation. You’re going to be a sorry man afterwards, knowing you had the opportunity to save lives, and didn’t do it.”

  “I intend to protect the town and its inhabitants, Miss Ralston. I have already told Eli he is not to go about mouthing this nonsense, and I shall pay Mr. Chapman a visit and warn him to cease and desist with his foolishness, or I shall be forced to take further action.”

  “You’d better be quick about it then. April twenty-ninth is next Wednesday. You have four days left to prove yourself an utter fool, Corporal.”

  PART SIX OF A DISTANT ECHO COMING

  FEBRUARY 2ND

  OTHER BOOKS BY BOBBY HUTCHINSON:

  TIME TRAVEL:

  NOW AND THEN, COMPLETE SERIES

  YESTERDAYS’S
GOLD

  ALMOST AN ANGEL

  AND MORE:

  HIS GUARDIAN ANGEL

  LANTERN IN THE WINDOW

  SILENT LIGHT, SILENT LOVE

  SNOW KISSED CHRISTMAS

  FOLLOW A WILD HEART

  A LEGAL AFFAIR

  ISLAND SUNRISE

  SPECIAL EDUCATION

  HOW NOT TO RUN A B&B

  ALMOST AN ANGEL

  GRADY'S KIDS

  LOVE OF A RODEO MAN

  KNIGHTS OF THE NORTH

  NOW AND THEN

  SAMPLE, YESTERDAY'S GOLD

  "You invited Elvira to come with us? Mother, how could you do a thing like that without even asking me?"

  Hannahwas staring at her mother, aghast. Hadn't the day been difficult enough without this? The beginnings of a headache thrummed just behind her ears, and she had to struggle hard to control the urge to out-and-out holler at Daisy.

  The only thing that really stopped her was knowing that if she raised her voice to her mother, Klaus would leap up from his pillow near the fireplace barking hysterically. He'd growl and nip at Hannah's ankles with his sharp teeth, wrecking her panty hose, and these were the last pair she had without runs. Damn, she hated that dog.

  "I don't think I really came out and invited Elvira, Hannah. I think actually it was she who suggested coming along when I mentioned the trip yesterday, and what could I say?” Daisy lifted her hands in a helpless little gesture. "She's my best and oldest friend, after all. I've known her since you were nine. I know she's got her funny little ways, but she promised to share the gas and motel expenses, and there's plenty of room in the van. I really didn't think you'd mind.”