Hurry
The trip into Nevada took about thirty minutes each way. Besides sending the telegraphs, they had also gotten some much-needed supplies. Will was anxious to hear how Julia was doing, and he didn’t want to stay cut-off from his family for too long, but he also wanted to make sure that Cordia’s father had the opportunity to receive the telegraph and calm down the authorities some before they headed back to Lamar. That was assuming that anyone was even looking for them. They weren’t even sure that Carey had reported anything to the sheriff at all. They decided to wait about a week before venturing back to the Adams Farm to ascertain the situation.
They had done their best to avoid as many people as possible, particularly other riders. The fewer people who knew the old Tucker homestead was occupied again, the better, especially since the town was alive with whispers and rumors of guerrillas and marauders. Despite the fact that the house she was staying in had been marked by vigilantes only a few years ago, as she returned home, Cordia felt safe. She felt that Will could protect her against anyone. And she knew how to use a gun, too, if necessity called upon her to do so.
Returning home before dark, they went about the evening chores, such as taking care of the horses. One of the first things Will had done was repair the old barn, and they were able to keep their horses in there until he had the chance to finish up repairs to the fence around the pasture. The soil had come back some these past two years, though it had been fairly unproductive the last several years his father farmed it. It was too late in the season now to plant much, but he had every intention of turning these 150 acres back into a working farm come spring. He explained his vision to Cordia over dinner, and she agreed to help him however she could, excited at the idea of having something that belonged to them.
They retired as soon as the sun went down, despite sleeping in so late that afternoon. Cordia was not so nervous now, and she was just as eager as he was to climb into bed. Even though she no longer lived in an enormous house, no longer had her parents and Frieda to take care of her, and she had left most of her worldly possessions behind, she was as happy as she could ever remember. She had found her home in Will’s arms, and that was all that mattered to her now
* * *
Isaac had returned from the Adams Farm, stopping by his house just long enough to assure Jane and Frieda that Margaret had heard from Will and Cordia and that they were safe. Both women were relieved. They had several questions, none of which did Isaac feel like answering, so he had made his way to the bank. It was afternoon by the time he had arrived at his office, but he would much rather sit at his desk and do some work than be bombarded with questions he would have to invent answers to.
He hadn’t been there long when a light knock on his door drew his attention. “Come in,” he yelled, looking to see whom it might be. He expected one of his colleagues to come through the door, but to his surprise, it was Mr. Ward from the courthouse.
“Afternoon, Isaac,” he said, holding a paper in his outstretched hand. “Wanted to get this to you right away. I know you been lookin’ for your girl.”
Isaac quickly grabbed the paper, reading it before Mr. Ward even let it go.
Daddy wanted to make sure you know I’m safe. Carey is the assailant. We will be back as soon. My love to you and Mama. Cordia.
Isaac nodded, rereading the short message. “Where did she send it from?” he asked.
“Vernon County’s all I know,” Mr. Ward replied. “You think that’s true, what she says there about Carey?” he asked. Of course, he had to read the telegraph as he was taking it down, but Isaac was a bit annoyed that he was prying into his personal business.
After a moment, Isaac replied, “I believe my daughter, if that’s what you’re asking.”
“Oh, no, of course. You don’t think Will Tucker forced her to send that message, do you?” Mr. Ward said a bit defensively.
“Of course not,” Isaac responded. “We had already figured out this morning that Carey was the perpetrator here. If he hadn’t disappeared out of town, I’d be sending the sheriff after him now.”
“Unbelievable,” Mr. Ward muttered, shaking his head. “Leader of the militia. And now he’s taken off to join Quantrill.”
“What’s that?” Isaac asked, his eyes snapping up from the telegraph and back into Mr. Ward’s face.
“Yep. Brandy Nance stopped by a bit ago, checking to see if she’d gotten any telegraphs from her husband, Bill. Said he rode off this morning with a band of fellers who was upset about the cavalry arriving in town. Said that Carey was leading them out to meet up with Quantrill,” Mr. Ward explained.
Isaac absently rubbed his head. “I’ll be,” he finally whispered in disbelief. “Well, I guess that answers any questions we may have still had about Lt. Adams’s character, doesn’t it?”
“Yes, indeed it does,” Mr. Ward agreed. “I just hope he isn’t planning on leading them in here,” he added. “Carey knows this town pretty well. Surely, he won’t allow them to raid Lamar.”
Isaac considered the possibility for a moment. Shaking his head, he said, “No, not even Carey is that malicious. If nothing else, it may be a reason Quantrill decides to bypass Lamar on his way down south and leave us alone. Maybe Carey will be good for something after all.”
“Hope so,” Mr. Ward said, turning to go. “By the way, Will sent word to his aunt and uncle, too. Says they’re planning on coming back in a week or so, unless Julia gets worse, and then to let him know. So, I figure that means somebody out there knows how to find your daughter, if you’re wantin’ to hunt her down.”
“Thank you,” Isaac said, already having that piece of information. At least with the telegraph, he would have something to refer to when Jane started asking questions. He wouldn’t have to lie anymore. If it wasn’t on the paper, then her guess was as good as his.
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