“I had nothing to do with anybody dying in my stead. But I was innocent, and Granny Larker got me out before I got hanged. What happened next was out of my control.” The control in Bronx’s voice surprised even him.
Scottsdale nodded. “That’s why I’m here. Miz Larker passed last year, confessing she’d come across the body of a poor drunken vagabond in a back alley. All wrapped in a shroud, the jailer believed it you. Nobody distrusts their granny, you know.” His lips twisted. “Which authorities deduced to mean the real Bronx Sanderson was likely still alive. So your brother rehired me. By the bye, he’s got a lovely wife and twin daughters. I’ll wire him soon as I leave here.”
Bronx’s spirits had no reason to rise. “Well, me being found alive likely gets me hung. Although, you appear surprisingly relaxed for somebody hired to turn me in.”
“No. Tull is my client. He has paid many of your fines. And Phillipps Percival, upon his very own deathbed, confessed to the murder of Marshal Connor.”
“I still got stolen horses to restitute.”
“Done.”
“Well, there’s a matter in Jasper.” Despite his new freedom and joy, Bronx had to set himself free, to get out of the bad box that had closed around him all these years.
“Yes. I tailed you to Montana, with the vigilantes.”
“That was you? For Tulsa?”
“Yes. I found witnesses to a man with your face. Shandy Brinks, but he was already on the move.”
“I don’t believe any of this. All this fear, this danger. Over and done? How’d you find me here?”
“I’m good at tailing. And you signed in to Gussie Blake’s in Glenwood Springs under your true name.” Scottsdale’s whisper bore a hint of conspiracy.
Bronx heated, and Lila’s eyebrows rose. Well, they hadn’t been together then. “Lila, I admit to Gussie’s being a sporting house, but it’s well run, and I was just there for a bath.”
“And a new life to start.” Matthias Scottsdale’s face was kind. Bronx guessed his assignments didn’t always end as cheerful as this one.
But Bronx held off about the ruckuses up north. It was a lovely moment, and he didn’t want to wreck it. “What about my brother? Where is he now?”
“Runs an orange grove in California. Successful at it, too. He never found gold at the worn-out mine your pa left him. His wife inherited some family money to get their start.”
“How lucky, that.” Family. Wife, and twins, yet.
“And your sister-in-law has a fine brother. Her twin. A preacher eager to preach despite having only one leg.”
“Gethsemane.” Lila breathed.
“Hard trudge up here on one leg,” Bronx smiled. “And then you wouldn’t have it to sell. For Malina. But Mr. Scottsdale, there’s also some business up near Jasper. In the dominion of Canada. I am not guilty, but unless the widow speaks, nobody will know I didn’t shoot her man.”
Miss Frieda tapped the floor with her French heel.
“Dynamite exploded my fine man with no pieces left to bury. The day we wed, to boot. Therefore, no babies. No household Nothing. And it became my lot to run this inn all alone, to meddle with others, being I never got a family of my own. I can’t stand by and Malina not know where her baby is. Or you, Bronx, being thought guilty, when somebody knows the truth. I’ve got a stash saved with no man or youngsters ever to spend it on. Mr. Scottsdale, must you leave here so soon? Might I hire you to find a missing baby boy and the widow who can clear Bronx’s good name the rest of the way?”
“I think we can shake on that. I’d like to finish what I start when I can bring innocence to a man. It doesn’t always happen like this. Now, what is that delicious smell?
“Could be my noodle pudding,” Miss Frieda said with a grin of pride, then scowled at Scottsdale’s frown. “Or apple pie. Either way, they’re ready now.”
“It’s a bit early for supper.”
“I don’t much like waiting. Life moves too quick. Now...” She offered him her plump arm and they headed to the dining room.
Lila threw her arms about Bronx, and buried her face in his chest. “I’m so happy for you. Finding Tulsa, and finding your truth. I’d never have thought a Pinkerton would be bringing you happy news. I have been so frightened.”
“It’s a nightmare I never imagined would end happy. I can’t wait to see Tulsa again. But Lila, you got family to find, too. Fixing things will make you feel better inside.” He sobered. “I realize that, after Rebekah, I had to make things right, or die.”
“I know. And I’ve got to forgive Emmett, too. Apparently, men have rather fragile sensibilities, no matter their broad shoulders.”
“I know somebody who claims pride is a very bad sin.” He smiled into her hair.
Her big eyes gazed up at him, unreadable this time. “It seems like we won’t have to get married tonight, or in a hurry. Or at all. With Absalom no longer a threat to your safety.”
“At least he got us to speak the words. But do you mean...you don’t want to?” Bronx spoke slow.