Cassidy (Big Sky Dreams 1) (20 page)

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"OH, CASS," MEG SAID COMPASSIONATELYwhen she'd heard about

her friend's week. Cassidy had never planned to share Mr. Brickel's proposal, but after dinner, when they had some time on their own, everything came pouring out.

"He was so matter-of-fact about it, Meg, but I don't know how I kept from slapping his face. He just wants someone to give him sons. I felt horrible when he said that, like some sort of broodmare. I wished I'd never asked."

"How do you even know him?"

"I don't. He's seen me walking past his house. That led to my sewing a few things for him. That's all."

Meg didn't know why, but she wanted Brad home so badly that she ached. He loved Cassidy as she did, and she wanted to tell him all of this and hear from him what he thought they should do.

"Are you sure you're not afraid of your brother?" Meg couldn't help but ask next.

"Yes. He's greedy but not violent."

"But what about this Neal person?"

"I don't trust him at all, but there's no sense in harming me. I'm sure Edson knows that."

167."I wish I shared your confidence."

Savanna was looking for her mother, and Jeb brought the howling baby into the kitchen where the women visited. Meg fed her, and then Cassidy had the pleasure of playing with her for the better part of an hour.

By the time Jeb walked her home, Cassidy's heart was much lighter. It had been a delicious meal and good to talk with a friend about life in the last few days. Nothing had been fixed. Cassidy was fairly certain that Edson was still in town, but having Meg know everything made all the difference in the world.

"I'm headed home," Cassidy said to the group she'd been talking to after church. Chandler, Heather, and Miranda all wished her goodbye, and Cassidy started off.

Cassidy did not sense that something was wrong until she was right in front of her door. It wasn't closed all the way, and she knew she'd locked it. Without having to think twice, she realized Edson was there. She opened the door, thinking she would tell him just what she thought, only to find both him and Neal inside.

"I can't believe you broke into my apartment."

"The door was open," Edson began, but Cassidy cut him off. "Even if that were true-and we both know it's not-you have no business coming in uninvited."

"That's not very hospitable, Cass. I'm disappointed."

"And I'm weary of your little games. I want you to leave." "Not until I get'some information."

"I'm not negotiating with you, Edson."

"How well do you know Hiram Brickel?"

Cassidy only stared at him, her arms crossed.

"How about Jeanette Fulbright? I know you know her well. Is she as wealthy as she looks?"

"Have I ever told,you what happened to me, Edson?" Cassidy

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began, feeling tired and helpless and unable to find any other words. "It was life changing, I assure you."

"You're not going to start that, are you?" Edson suddenly wasn't so comfortable. "Mama tries that all the time, and I don't want to hear it."

"It's the only thing worth telling you," Cassidy said, realizing how true it was. "Nothing else has near the value."

Edson rose to his feet now, and Neal followed suit as he moved toward the door. Cassidy had not started this line of talk to chase them away, and in fact, she truly wanted to tell her brother about the way she'd come to Christ as a seventeen-year-old girl. Her mother had believed at the same time. Edson's retreating back made it obvious there was no opening here for that news.

"It's all pointless, Cass," Edson stopped at the door long enough to say. "If you won't help me, someone else will."

"I don't think so, Edson," she said quietly. "You need to leave Token Creek. You're not going to fool anyone here."

Edson left without another word, Neal in his wake. Cassidy felt shaken over the interchange. They had not threatened her in any way or messed up her apartment, but each time she spoke with her brother it seemed to take a little more out of her. Wondering how much more she could take, Cassidy started on dinner, not really caring whether she ate or not.

"She's not saying much, but she's been hit pretty hard," Sheriff Kaderly said to Rylan as the pastor came into Abi Pfister's small house on Monday morning. "She asked to see you the moment I got here."

"Hello, Abi," Rylan came close to say. Her face was turning black, especially around the eyes, and her mouth had a deep cut. "I'm sorry this happened."

169"Why did it?" the woman rasped, able to see him with just one eye.

"Do you know who hit you?" Rylan asked, not understanding what she meant.

"Why did God?" Abi tried again, and Rylan pulled a chair up. "Why did God allow this?" Rylan double-checked.

Abi nodded just a little, her one eye looking tear-filled.

"We live in a sinful world, Abi. Whoever did this to you was wrong,

but if it's got you to thinking about God, that's a good thing." "He could have stopped it," she said.

"That's true. I wonder how many other things He's stopped over the years that you know nothing about. For some reason, He let this go on."

"Please find out what happened," the sheriff whispered, suddenly near his ear. "I can't get anything out of her."

"Do you want to tell me what happened?" Rylan asked. "I couldn't see him," she said.

"Why not?"

"Dark."

"And he just started hitting you?"

"No. He wanted to know things."

"What things?"

"About my book."

Rylan looked at the sheriff, both men frowning in confusion, but her answer did explain why the papers had been strewn about. Before Rylan could ask her anything else, the doctor showed up. Someone had been sent to find him, and that had taken some doing.

Rylan stayed out of the way, but by the time Doctor Ertz was finished, Abi was asleep. Rylan left word with Missy, the woman who had found her hurt, that he would be back later. Abi had started a line of questioning that Rylan was not about to drop. Until Abi said she didn't want to hear any more, he would keep answering her questions.

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On Monday afternoon Edson walked away from the Brickel mansion nearly shaking with rage. That he'd not been able to get past the man who answered the door infuriated him. He knew his sister had gotten in, but not even at his most charming had he been able to persuade the man at the door that he had an investment Hiram Brickel would want to hear about.

His sister had said that no one would fall for his schemes in this town, but he knew that she'd not told the sheriff he was here. Planning to hit two other houses before the day was through, he went back to the hotel for a quick drink and tried to calm down.

"How are you?" Rylan asked when he was back at Abi Pfister's bedside.

Abi put a hand up in a small wave but didn't try to answer.

"Do you want me to talk to you any more about the question you

asked earlier?" Rylan asked, not wanting to press her when she wasn't

ready but certainly wanting her to know he was willing. "I'll send Missy," Abi managed.

"When you're ready for me to come back?" Rylan checked. Abi gave a small nod.

"All right. I'll plan on that. Do you mind if I pray with you before I leave?"

"No," Abi said, and Rylan bowed his head.

"Heavenly Father, thank You for Abi Pfister. Thank You that she's interested in others and wants to write this book about Token Creek. Please put Your healing hand on Abi, Lord. We don't know exactly how You're going to use this in her life, but help us to see Your hand working. Thank You, Lord, that Abi and I have had a chance to talk about You. Thank You for being the saving God that You are. Bless

171Abi this night and help her to rest. I ask all these things in the name of Your Son. Amen."

The hand came up again when Rylan said goodbye. He left, still praying, hoping that Abi would do as she said and eventually send Missy to get him.

It was Wednesday morning before Edson went back to see Cassidy, and he was not happy. He asked to see her alone when he found Jeanette in the shop as well, and even though she didn't want to, Cassidy agreed. She walked into the rear of her shop, the part that was partitioned off, and Edson followed. He wasted no time.

"It's like this, Cass. You help me or I'll ruin you."

Cassidy wondered again how much more she could take, but her voice was calm when she said, "I don't know why you think threats will work on me, Edson. They never have before."

"You've built up a nice little business here, Cassidy. I can't think why you would want to see it ruined."

"I don't know what you're planning, but no matter what it is, I won't help you cheat people out of their money."

Edson's smile was not nice. "Don't say I didn't warn you."

Cassidy didn't say anything. She let Edson walk away, her heart heavy. Had Jeanette not come to check on her, she might have gone on standing in the back of her store all day.

"Come on," Jeanette said, having heard every word. "Start your day off now. Head to my house and tell Heather I said to pamper you."

It sounded wonderful, but Cassidy asked, "What if Edson comes back?"

"Unlike you, he scares me. I'll send for the sheriff."

Cassidy had to smile. She knew Jeanette would do it.

"Go," Jeanette sent her.

Cassidy took the offer. Heather was surprised to see her but recovered swiftly and knew just what to do. Cassidy soon found herself

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sitting in a comfortable chair, her feet propped up and a cup of hot tea in her hand. Letting the conversation with her brother fall away, Cassidy began to pray. She prayed for Edson for a long time and then for her future. It had always been in God's hands, but that was never more apparent to her than at that very moment.

There had always been quiet days in the business, but when both Thursday and Friday were almost without customers, Cassidy knew that Edson had been at work. She didn't know what he was saying or how he was going about it, but he'd been good at his word. He was ruining his sister's business. Cassidy wondered if he was even still in town or if he had done his dirty work and gone on his way.

One thing was clear, there was no point in Jeanette coming in and sitting around with Cassidy. She could do that on her own. It had been hard for both of them, but Cassidy had told Jeanette not to come in on Saturday. The older woman had argued, but Cassidy had pled her case, and Jeanette could see that she was right.

It was for this reason that Chandler found Cassidy alone on Saturday morning. The bank was open, but he'd left Mr. Falcone in charge, coming to Token Creek's dress shop looking for some answers.

"Hello, Cassidy," the banker spoke quietly.

"Hello, Chandler." Cassidy's voice was just as quiet. It was clear that he had something on his mind.

"I wondered if I might talk with you."

"Certainly."

Cassidy sat at her sewing machine, and Chandler took one of the chairs. He did not start right away, and Cassidy did not help him. His demeanor made her uncomfortable. Chandler had always been open and friendly with her, but everything about him today was guarded and suspicious.

"I understand your brother is in town," Chandler said at last.

173 "Yes."

Chandler had not expected her to admit this, and for a moment he was taken aback.

"So it's true," he said, forgetting all of his carefully planned questions. "Your brother is Edson Sinclair?"

"Yes."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"For many reasons," Cassidy said quietly, feeling attacked and worse about this than about her lack of customers.

"Do you know howl found out?" Chandler asked, his heart telling him he'd been betrayed and still feeling the sting.

Cassidy didn't answer.

"He came in to see me!" Chandler sounded as outraged as he felt. "Edson Sinclair walked into my bank as though he owned the place and informed me that your name isn't Norton; it's Sinclair. He said that you'd helped him on many deals and that the very funds you used to start your business here in Token Creek was money you'd earned together!"

Cassidy said not a word.

"Nothing, Cassidy?" Chandler was not just hurt now; he was angry. "No explanation? No reason for why I had to find out from one of the biggest swindlers in the state that you're not who you say you are?"

Cassidy felt as though she'd been cut with a knife. That Chandler would treat her this way was beyond what she expected. From the customers it made sense, but not from the church family, and certainly not from her friend Chandler Di Fiore.

While Cassidy's mind was trying to make sense of the pain and confusion, Chandler suddenly stood.

"It's clear that I'm not going to hear any more from you now than I have in the past. So I'll just be on my way."

Even if Cassidy had been ready to speak, Chandler would not have given her time. He was out the door a moment later, not slamming it, but closing it with a finality that made his feelings all too clear.