Where Wildflowers Bloom: A Novel Read Free Page B

would be splendid.” She decided not to mention that she’d be in charge the next time they returned as well.
    When they left, she closed the door, then dropped into one of the chairs next to the stove. She felt like she’d been thrown into Pioneer Lake and expected to swim.
    Faith tapped a finger on the wooden arm of the chair. A glance at the clock told her the newspaper editor should be in his office at the Noble Springs Observer , although one never knew with Aaron Simpkins. He loved to act like a big city reporter. He could be off chasing rumors of bank robberies or someone’s barn going up in flames. Noble Springs hadn’t escaped the unrest that seethed through the Ozarks in the wake of Lee’s surrender.
    Faith popped out onto the covered boardwalk and hurried next door, fingers crossed that Grandpa wouldn’t return in her absence and find the mercantile unattended. When she entered the office, her nose prickled at the smell of ink and hot lead.
    Mr. Simpkins smiled at her from his desk, his gold-rimmed spectacles glinting in the light. “No new reports. The telegraph’s been silent this morning.” His smile faded to a look of sympathy. “Miss Faith, it’s been a year. I hate to say it, but you need to accept that Royal Baxter is dead, even if we don’t have confirmation. I’m told some men were so—” He cleared his throat. “What I mean is, we may never know all the names.”
    She pressed her lips together. She’d accept no such thing. “Thank you, Mr. Simpkins. I’ll stop by again.”
    He shook his head. “Feel free to drop in any time. But the answer will be the same.”
    “I hope so. If he’s not on a casualty list, then he’s alive. Somewhere. Good day.”
    She trotted toward the mercantile only to stop abruptly at the sight of the delivery wagon tied out front. Grandpa opened the door, his brown eyes snapping with anger. “You went off and left the cash drawer unlocked. Anyone could have walked in and robbed us blind.”
    Her breath caught. Although managing the store would be temporary, she intended to do her best. Faith stared at the toes of her boots through tear-blurred eyes. “I’m so sorry. I just forgot.” She felt his thumb lift her chin so she could look into his face.
    Grandpa patted her shoulder. “We all make mistakes.” He handed her the small silver key, then stepped inside and propped the “Closed for dinner” sign in the window. “It’s nearly noon. Let’s go home.”

     
    Curt Saxon leaned against the doorway of the livery stable and watched while a yellow wagon rolled by. He didn’t need to read the black letters spelling “Lindberg’s Mercantile” on the side to recognize the girl on the seat next to her grandfather. The owner of the livery had told Curt her name when he asked soon after hiring on as stableman. But until today she hadn’t noticed him.
    He traced his index finger along the scar on his neck. Did he look that frightening? Miss Faith’s expression when he’d asked her to follow him said he did. He’d have to change that impression.
    The wagon stopped in front of a two-story brick home farther down the street. Once the judge and his granddaughter entered, Curt stepped into the dim interior of the stable.
    “Mr. Ripley. With your permission, I’ll take dinner break now.”
    “Told you, call me Rip.” The owner of the livery stepped from the tack room. A gnome-like man with a curly black beard, he clutched a half-eaten sandwich in one hand. “You don’t need my permission. We got no one wanting a horse now anyway. Go on with you.”
    Curt thanked him and left the stable. Instead of turning toward West & Riley’s, the restaurant across town, he walked toward Judge Lindberg’s house. He’d find something to eat later.
    When he reached the front door, he grabbed the knocker and rapped before he lost his courage. The door opened almost immediately.
    The judge peered out, frowning. “Yes?”
    Sunlight poured onto the polished entry hall