Hunter's Prize (29 page)

“The coral’s venom is worse, but he’s less likely to bite you. A cottonmouth is more aggressive.”

“And there are really nests of them in the water?”

“Not nests exactly, but large groups will ball up during mating. You don’t want to fall into one of those.”

Charlie shuddered.

“Sounds bloomin’ awful,” Denny said.

“And you don’t have to fall on one to be bitten,” Pearson continued. “They’ll chase you down.”

Charlie gaped, his mouth slack.

Denny tilted his head. “Are you having us on, mate?”

Pearson gave him a blank stare. “Come again?”

Charlie smiled. “He’s asking if you’re having a laugh.”

Staring toward the lake, Pearson shook his head. “There’s nothing funny about a cottonmouth.”

The other fellow, the bloke called Theo, strolled toward them. “I’d sooner face a snake than another giant fish.” His eyes widened. “I think the one we saw this morning swallowed Jonah.”

Pearson laughed. “He was as big as a baby whale, but that’s not likely in these parts.”

His eyes widening, Charlie whistled. “That large, was he?”

“Stretched as long as two grown men,” Theo said. “When he surfaced alongside the boat, I almost bailed out the other side.”

Denny cleared his throat. “I can’t make out why you fellows are risking your hides out here. Must be something special hid down in that mud, eh?”

Pearson’s mouth tightened. “What one man considers special wouldn’t carry the same weight with another.”

Denny shrugged. “Still …” Leaning closer, he narrowed his eyes. “How weighty is this prize you seek?”

Dodging the question, the blighter tossed Denny’s words back at him. “You two are risking your hides just the same, aren’t you? And for as little as a day’s pay.”

Not willing to push too hard, Denny laughed and slapped his leg. “You’re a tough one to crack, you are. Well, you can’t blame a chap for trying, can you?”

Gripping the end of a rope, Pearson wound it around his arm. “We’llcall it a day, gentlemen. It’s been a long week. I’d like to be home in time for supper.”

Theo smiled. “Now there’s an idea. Besides, we’re getting nowhere.”

Hopping to the ground, Denny swatted Pearson’s back. “Whatever you say. You’re the boss, ain’t you? Besides, there’s always tomorrow.”

Pearson shook his head. “Not tomorrow. It’s the Sabbath.”

Since the start of the job, the man’s silly observance of a holy day had cheated Denny and Charlie out of a day’s fair wages. Struggling to hide his impatience, he nodded. “Right. My mistake.”

Laying aside the rope, Pearson gripped his arm. “Say, Denny, I’ve been meaning to invite you to join Theo and me for church. If you’d like to come tomorrow, you’ll be properly welcomed to the community, and Reverend Stroud prepares a soul-stirring message.”

He smiled over Denny’s shoulder. “You, too, Charlie.”

Fighting a sly grin, Denny thoughtfully nodded. “You know, that sounds right nice, Pearson. Charlie and me, we’ll be there.”

Charlie frowned. “But Den—”

Slapping him hard on the back, Denny laughed. “The walls may cave when we walk through the door, but you can look for us, all right.” He shook Charlie’s shoulders. “We’ll be there, won’t we, Charlie?”

The old fool scowled but managed a nod.

“Good,” Pearson said. “That’s good.” Tipping his hat, he pulled his horse around and climbed into the saddle. “When you get to town, unload the equipment behind your boardinghouse and turn in the wagon. There’s no sense paying the extra day’s rent. We’ll hire it again on Monday.”

Denny saluted. “Sure thing, boss.”

Returning the salute, Pearson rode away beside Theo.

Charlie jabbed his arm. “Why’d you go and tell him we’d be in church? I don’t want to go.”

“Oh yeah? Well, you’re going, so get used to the idea.”

“But why?”

“Why do you think, Charlie? Use your noggin, will ya?” He ticked off the reasons. “We show up at church. Meet the Lady Whitfield, all proper-like.” Grinning, he wiggled the last digit. “Next stop, the old girl’s mansion for tea.” He pretended to hold up a cup, his little finger extended. “I can see meself hobnobbing with Marshall’s finest, can’t you?”

Finally catching on, Charlie beamed. “I reckon you’re the smartest chap I know, Den.”

Hitching his thumbs in his collar, Denny struck a noble pose. “Charlie, old boy, I just might be.”

Twisting in the saddle, Theo stared behind them, his face set in an ugly frown.

Pearson whistled for his attention. “What’s so interesting back there?”

He lifted the side of his cap and scratched his head. “I don’t trust those two.”

“Save your eyesight, friend. I doubt they’ll do anything crooked while you’re watching.”

Theo sniffed then settled to the front. “You really think they’ll be in church?”

“I hope so. I really do.”

The reins slid in and out through Theo’s fingers. “Pearce, you may not like what I’m about to say.”

Pearson slumped in good-natured defeat. He hadn’t liked it the first three times Theo said it, but it didn’t sway him. “Let me guess. You’re certain we’re hunting in the wrong place for the
Mittie
. That, or else Denny and Charlie have already found her.”

Theo winced. “We’ve wallowed in mud for so long, I’m starting to snort and squeal.” He spread his hands. “With nothing to show for it.”

Staring off into the tangled brush and low-hanging trees, Pearson nibbled inside his cheek. “I admit it’s getting harder to believe she’s down there. But everyone we talked to pointed us to Tow Head.”

Theo shook his head. “That’s pretty vague. It’s a big area.”

“It’s a big lake. I’m starting to fear we jumped in the water too soon.”

They shared a wry grin.

Pearson sighed. “We need more information.”

Theo cut him a doleful glance. “We need Catfish John.”

“I’m beginning to think Catfish John has a lot in common with Santa Claus.”

Theo chuckled. “I’m beginning to think the
Mittie Stephens
has a lot in common with both of them.”

They rode in silence for a few yards before Theo looked his way. “There’s something else I’ve been meaning to say. You want to guess this one, too?”

Thinking the quiet was too good to last, Pearson smiled to himself. “I’ve run out of guesses. Just say it.”

“I don’t know.” Theo winked. “You get all grumpy when I sweettalk you.”

Wishing he’d been less accommodating, Pearson groaned. The twinkle in Theo’s eyes scared him. “Do I want to hear this?”

“No, but listen anyway.” The teasing gone from his voice, he leaned forward in the saddle. “I just want to say that I’m proud of you.”

“Me? What for?”

“For working through your anger with God.”

Running his thumb along a seam in the pommel, Pearson smiled. “I don’t have all the answers about that night, buddy. I probably never will. But I’m ready to trust God without answers.”

Theo wiped his eyes with his sleeve. “I’m glad, Pearce. And happy for you. Do you mind if I ask what changed your mind?”

Pearson released a cleansing breath. “Reverend Stroud helped me realize something I’d been missing.” He met Theo’s earnest gaze. “My family died tragically, and I lived. Most folks would say I’m the lucky one. Only I didn’t get the better outcome. They’ve tasted heaven and wouldn’t trade places with me now. I’m the one left to slog through life until it’s my time to enter glory.” He laughed. “I used to feel guilty because I thought God took my family in death and spared me. Now I’m tempted to be angry because He left me behind.”

Theo smirked. “He left you here for my sake. He knows how much trouble I get into without you.”

“If I thought that was true,” Pearson said, feigning a threatening glare, “you’d be in so much trouble.”

A
ddie barely noticed her supper, though the heaping plate sat right in front of her. She took a bite or two of pork roast, a swallow of sweet potato, and nibbled the corner of her muffin, but it all tasted the same.

Eating, along with other mundane activities, had taken a trifling place in her life. Only breathing and being with Pearson held any importance now, and not necessarily in that order. Thoughts of him consumed her waking hours, visited her at night in pleasant dreams.

How glorious the act of falling in love! How soul consuming! She couldn’t fathom how she’d lived thus far without knowing such bliss. Surely she was the first since the dawn of time to love so deeply. Otherwise she’d have heard the virtues of love extolled, the aching beauty of sheer emotion shouted from lofty places.

Pearson’s dining-room behavior hadn’t changed. He still jabbed her with his elbow, pulled his chair too close, and whispered playful taunts, his breath warm in her ear. The difference was in how it made her feel.

Priscilla cleared her throat, pulling Addie from her fog.

The sound lacked the same effect on Pearson, who seemed engrossed in tracing the crocheted pattern on Addie’s sleeve.

Embarrassed, she pulled her arm into her lap and nudged him.

Glancing up with glazed eyes, he nodded at Priscilla. “Yes, ma’am. I agree.”

She covered her mouth and tittered. “I appreciate your agreeable spirit, dear, but I haven’t said anything yet.”

Addie sucked in her bottom lip, biting hard to keep from laughing.

Theo, showing less restraint, nearly spewed a forkful of meat.

Squaring his shoulders, Pearson pressed his napkin to his mouth—more likely to wipe off a guilty grin than food. He seemed less interested in eating than Addie did.

Priscilla pushed aside her plate and smiled. “There’s a wonderful baked custard on the sideboard, Theo.” She glanced at Addie and Pearson. “I doubt these two are interested, but I’ll cut us a slice, if you’d like.”

“Oh yes, ma’am,” he said. “I’d like.”

Addie sat back and idly propped her elbow on the chair arm.

Drawn to her crocheted pattern again, Pearson ran his finger along her sleeve.

“As for you two,” Priscilla said, swiveling their direction, “I suggest you step into the parlor and wait for us.”

Pearson stood, perhaps a little too fast, and pulled out Addie’s chair.

Narrowing her eyes, Priscilla shot Addie a pointed look. “Sit on opposite sides, please.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Pearson said, ushering Addie across the room.

“And leave the door open,” Priscilla called as they ducked into the hall.

Laughing uncontrollably, they burst into the parlor, Pearson holding his side. Offering his arm, he strutted to the sofa and eased her down. With a lively bow, he marched to the chair across from her and sat. He angled his head, a pleasing grin stretching his full lips. “You look nice tonight.”

Satisfaction warmed her heart. The extra time she took while choosing a dress had paid off. “Why, thank you.”

“What about me?”

She glanced up. “Pardon?”

“Don’t I look nice?”

She giggled. “Oh, Pearson!” He looked much better than nice, but Addie dared not say so.

Pearson laughed at his own joke then sobered, staring at something over her head. He sat quietly for so long, the click of the parlor clock began to wear on her nerves.

She strained to see where he looked. “Um … is something wrong?”

He scooted to the edge of his seat. “How do you feel about the ocean?”

The question caught her off guard. “I’ve never given it much thought.”

He raised his brow. “Will you?”

She tried to swallow, but her throat was dry. “Will I …?”

“Give it some thought. I’d be interested to know if you’d consider living on an island someday.”

The vague nature of his question, confusing yet fraught with insinuation, left her at a loss. He’d told her he never intended to return to Galveston, so why should her opinion of the ocean matter? “I’ll think about it.” She tucked her chin. “But I’d like to know why you’re asking.”

He grew silent again, but this time it felt different—like the hush after the last chord of a beautiful song.

“Addie, look at me.”

Cheeks warming, she tilted her face.

Pearson smiled, mostly with his eyes. “That’s better. I don’t want to say this to the top of your head.”

Her insides quivered until she feared he’d notice her shaking. “Yes, Pearson?” Her voice came out barely a whisper. “Addie, I—”

A scream echoed through the house. Footsteps thundered down the hall from the dining room.

Addie and Pearson bolted from their seats and dashed for the door. They met Theo and Priscilla near the stairs.

“Merciful heavens!” Priscilla shouted. “That was Delilah.”

“Where did it come from?” Pearson asked.

They didn’t have to wait long for the answer. She screamed again, and the door behind the stairwell flew open, striking the wall with a bang.

Addie ran around the banister with the others on her heels.

Delilah met them running down the hall. She shook violently, and her eyes were wide and staring. “There’s somebody out there,” she shrieked.

Priscilla gripped her shoulders. “Calm down. Where?”

She pointed a shaky finger at the wall. “Right outside. They peered through the glass at me.”

Pearson and Theo needed no further information. They spun as one and rushed down the back hall.