Redheads on the Loose: Flame Series #21
Chapter 7
The Bourbon Orleans
Bernard Jasper took his position as a hotelier seriously. It wasn't just a job to him. Caring for the Bourbon Orleans was more of a life's commitment. Like so many other fine establishments in his hometown, this hotel had been at the mercy of carpetbaggers since the end of the war. It was with a bit of luck—and a lot of prayer—that it had been salvaged by a decent man. Theodore Woolsey, was a banker from New York. He had not only enjoyed the luxurious lodgings many times before the war, he had also met his wife in the ballroom of the Bourbon Orleans.
So, when Bernard found a telegram that one of his guests had given to the night manager, still laying on the counter, his chubby cheeks burned red with anger. Wesley Nittler was a nineteen-year-old, indolent, arrogant boy; but…he was also Mrs. Woolsey's only nephew.
Bernard had watched the two lovely ladies from Kansas, come and go, on their first day. Now, he stared at the message, that should have been sent last night. It was brief: Being careful, love you; but was enough to keep their family from worrying. The meticulous man pondered his next move, before finally deciding to send the telegram. Better late than never, he concluded. He would explain everything to the ladies when they returned.
((((()))))(((((())))))((((()))))
Kitty walked, arm-in-arm, with her daughter down Bourbon Street. "You know what I'm thinking?"
Calleigh grinned and leaned in closer. "That you want to cut the trip short and go back home?"
Laughter followed the two, as they continued their journey. "It scares, me that we think so much alike sometimes. Yes, that is exactly what I was thinking. Still, you know how much I've enjoyed this time with you."
"I know, but I also know how much we both miss the rest of the family." Calleigh paused, entertaining a more serious thought. "But, we still have to get that ship for Cooper. Let's go to Chalmette this afternoon and get it for him. Then, we can take the late train home."
"Okay. I'll send a wire to your dad to let him know."
Calleigh's eyes flew open wide, as she grabbed her mother's arm. "No! Let's surprise them." Calleigh watched doubt overtake her mother's face and quickly began to beg. "Come on. Pleeease? We'll be in Dodge by the next morning. Picture the look on everyone's faces when we come strolling into the Prairie Rose."
Kitty's face resembled a kaleidoscope of emotions: First, surprise; then doubt; and finally, calm curiosity. "How do you know they're going to be at the Prairie Rose?"
The young redhead stopped, one hand arrogantly planted on her hip. "Yeah, like any of those guys are going to make breakfast for the kids." She uttered a sarcastic laugh. "Not to mention the fact that, between the four of them, they can't make a decent pot of coffee to save their lives!"
With her curiosity satisfied, Kitty laughed, as they resumed their walk back toward the hotel.
Dodge City Jail Dodge City Jail
Barney was out of breath when he stepped into the jail. "It came!" Holding the yellow sheet of paper in one hand, the other went to his heaving chest. "I ran… all the way… over… here."
Matt sprang up, bouncing the battered desk chair off the brick wall behind him. Without a thank-you, or a greeting of any kind, the marshal snatched the telegram from the wheezing man.
"It's about time!" He quickly read the brief message. "Humph! She doesn't even bother to say why it's late." Although he was still irritated, his fears were defused. "Thanks, Barney. I appreciate you bringing it so quickly." Matt knew that his brief acknowledgement didn't cover the fuss he and Newly had created, but—at the moment—it was all he had to offer. "I'll stop by the office tonight."
Barney nodded and uttered an irritated sigh of his own. "Be glad when those ladies get home!" He mumbled the complaint loud enough for the marshal to hear.
TBC