Her spine straightened a bit more then, and her chin jutted forward the way it always had as a kid when she was about to start ordering him around. “Malachi and I will ask the questions that need asking. Henry and Bertie, you’ll keep to your normal routine. No need to probe anyone for information. However, all four of us will keep our eyes open for anything that seems unusual. We’ll report our findings back to the others here in the evenings, when we can be assured of privacy.”
Mal bit back a grin. She’d found her bossy britches again, and they looked good on her. How this woman could have ever doubted her ability to lead was beyond him. She’d been made for it. Concern for those under her care—all those under her care—radiated from her. As did intelligence and foresight. She might be a bit impulsive at times, but she could also examine a situation with a banker’s acumen, weighing future outcomes against current need. Oh, he had no illusions about her intent. She was bent on “saving” the woman he suspected had been dragged into this scheme, whoever she was. And for Emma’s sake, he hoped the woman proved worthy of her efforts. If not, he’d take whatever steps were necessary to keep the people he cared about safe.
Done with her directives, Emma pushed back her chair and rose to her feet. A hint of a smile played at her mouth as she tipped her head at him. “Malachi, I think it’s time you were officially introduced to the women of Harper’s Station.”
12
Deciding it was too early to call at the boardinghouse, Emma opted to take Malachi to the farm first. Betty always had her assistants up with the roosters and busy with chores. When they strolled up the path to the house, Emma spotted Katie scattering chicken feed. She lifted a hand in greeting.
“Good morning, Katie.”
The girl twisted her head around then smiled and waved. “’Morning, Miss Chandler. Are you needing to talk to Betty?”
“Yes, please. And Helen, as well. I thought it best that everyone have a chance to meet Mr. Shaw, since he’s going to be helping us out for the next few days.”
Malachi tipped his hat, and Katie’s gaze trailed over him in an appreciative manner. “Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Shaw. I’m Katie Clark.”
“Miss Clark.”
She giggled, the high-pitched titter grating on Emma’s nerves. Katie sauntered over to where they stood, her basket of feed swinging unsteadily on her arm. Probably because her hips were swaying as wide as the pendulum on Aunt Bertie’s grandfather clock. Emma raised her gaze to the sky. Good grief. Couldn’t the girl be at least a little subtle?
Katie halted before them and reached a hand out to touch Malachi’s sleeve. “‘Miss Clark’ sounds awfully stuffy. I’d much prefer you call me Katie.” She batted her lashes. Twice. “It’s such a blessing having a man like you around to protect us. I feel safer already.” The lashes started to dip a third time, but Emma interrupted before they could make a full descent.
“Yes, well, you were going to fetch Miss Cooper for us?”
Katie’s bat morphed into a startled blink at the sound of Emma’s voice. She turned. “Oh, of course, Miss Chandler.”
The way she said Miss Chandler made Emma feel like an old-maid schoolmarm. Which was ridiculous, seeing as how Katie was only a year younger than her. But Katie wasn’t in charge of the colony or a bank or even her own daily schedule. Emma bit back a groan. Maybe she was old. She certainly felt it next to the bubbling, coquettish Katie.
Reluctant to leave, Katie tossed a coy glance over her shoulder at Malachi. “I’ll be right back.”
Malachi tried to smile, but the effort more resembled a grimace.
The girl scampered off, and Emma apologized. “I’m sorry. I’ve never seen her behave like that before. She’s always acted quite sensible around me.”
“Ha!” The shout came from behind them. Emma pivoted to find Betty Cooper marching toward them, dressed in trousers and a man’s shirt, a shotgun propped backward across her shoulder. “That’s because you ain’t a man, Emma.” Betty gave Malachi a stern, measuring stare as she strolled up. “And you best not get any ideas about my Katie or any of the other womenfolk around here.” She poked her finger into the hollow of Malachi’s shoulder. “You’re here for one reason. To clear out the mangy coyote tryin’ to break up our town. We don’t need you for anything else. Flush him out, round him up, then hit the trail. Got it?”
“Betty. Really. Where’s your hospitality?” Heat crept across Emma’s cheeks as she snuck a peek at Malachi. The poor man looked as if he’d been skewered with a spit and placed over an open flame to roast.
“I’m just statin’ facts. Best he know right from the start that I won’t tolerate any hanky-panky goin’ on with any of our girls. We keep men out for a reason, Emma. I agreed to let this one come because you and your aunts vouched for him and because we ain’t got the firepower or experience to stop this outlaw on our own, but that don’t mean I trust him in other matters. He’s still a man.”
“But, Betty—”