The Angel and the Outlaw. Kathryn Albright

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СКАЧАТЬ teaching going?”

      “Well, I think. The most difficult part is getting some of the local children to show up regularly. Last Tuesday I caught several boys heading toward Old Town to watch the horse races.”

      “Perhaps you won’t have long to worry about such things,” said Emma. “You will settle down with some lucky man and start your own family. Except, of course, that would mean the town would need to hire another teacher.” She laughed softly.

      Rachel tensed at her words. Although none of these folks knew much about her past, she’d already spent most of her life taking care of her father and Caleb, following the whim of a man caught up in gold fever. She forced a smile and tried to keep her voice light. “Oh, I don’t know. I rather like making my own way at the moment.”

      Terrance raised his brows. “I should think marriage, taking care of one man and raising his children would be enough to satisfy a woman.”

      A slow burn started inside her. “I like teaching. And I’m good at it. Don’t I have a responsibility to use this gift?”

      “Yes,” Terrance said, frowning slightly. “Of course, for your own children.”

      “Ah-hem.” Reverend Crouse placed his napkin carefully by his plate, signaling that supper—and this conversation—was over. She bit back her retort. “Rachel, if you’re still set on riding out to the lighthouse, we’ll go first thing in the morning.”

      Terrance paused in taking his last bite of strawberry dessert, looking from the reverend to Rachel. “Uh…if you don’t mind my asking, what business do you have at the lighthouse?”

      “I want to invite Mr. Taylor and his daughter to attend services,” the reverend answered.

      Terrance quickly covered his mouth with his napkin, subduing a snort. “Good luck, then. He’s been living out there for nearly a year and this week was only the third time I’ve ever seen him in the store. He’s a lost cause—his daughter, too. You shouldn’t waste your time on those two.”

      “Lost causes are the Lord’s specialty,” the reverend said, rising to his feet. “And I’m beginning to believe Rachel’s too.”

      The others followed suit. Amid compliments to Rachel and Emma for the fine dinner, they gravitated toward the parlor to play games.

      Terrance stayed behind as Rachel began to clear the table. “Excellent meal, Rachel.”

      “Thank you.” It had better be edible; she had been cooking since she was fourteen. “Oh, you don’t need to help—”

      A loud knocking on the front door interrupted her.

      “Rachel?” Reverend Crouse called. “You’d best come here.”

      She put down the dirty plates and walked into the parlor. Sheriff Thorne stood in the entryway holding firm to Caleb.

      “Miss,” he acknowledged her and then the small group, sweeping his battered hat off belatedly. “Perhaps we’d better take this out on the porch so your guests can carry on.”

      She nodded and followed him outside, feeling Terrance’s presence behind her. Thorne was the town’s part-time sheriff, splitting his time between La Playa and Old Town San Diego. She didn’t know him well, but he drew a lot of respect from the people here. “What is going on?”

      “I caught your brother with his friends, startin’ a fire down by the old hide houses. A fire this time of year could destroy the whole town.”

      Her brother hung his head and didn’t look at her.

      “This is one more mishap in a line of minor scrapes, miss. You’re his guardian. I’d suggest you keep a closer eye on him.”

      She nodded, acknowledging the responsibility. She couldn’t believe Caleb would try something so foolish on his own. It had to be the coercion of the other two boys. “Have you got anything to say?” she asked her brother.

      His jaw set, he glared at her from under his red brows and shook his head.

      “Then go to your room. We’ll talk about this later.” He shuffled past her and inside the house.

      She turned back to the sheriff. “Thank you. I’ll watch him more closely.” She didn’t know how she could, but she’d try. Every day Caleb pulled further and further away from her. She was losing him. Her one bit of family left.

      Sheriff Thorne touched his hat. “Sorry to intrude upon your day.”

      She watched him stride down the steps and back toward the Custom House that held the small, makeshift jail.

      Terrance stepped onto the porch from the doorway. “I’ll help the best I can, Rachel. Boys can be tough.”

      A heavy sigh escaped. “He won’t listen to me anymore. Not like when he was younger.”

      “His father should be the one looking out for him,” Terrance said. “Not you.”

      Rachel pressed her lips together. Her father hadn’t taken much of an interest in either of them since her mother passed away. He’d just been interested in finding gold. If only Caleb had someone who could help him through this rocky stage. She certainly wasn’t much help. The tighter she held on, the harder he pulled away. Plus she worried about how Caleb’s actions would affect her standing in the community. The selfish thought nudged her and she felt small for thinking it. But she still worried. Teaching was her livelihood—and Caleb’s too, for the time being.

      Terrance cleared his throat. “About tomorrow. I…wish you would reconsider about going out to the lighthouse. It will be a long ride, and Taylor won’t take you up on your offer.”

      “I don’t shirk a challenge, Mr. Morley. The girl needs to be in school and I’m going to convince him of it.”

      By the look on his face, it wasn’t the answer he’d wanted. “Nothing I say will dissuade you?”

      “My mind is made up.” She didn’t add that the more students she had in school, the better job security for her, although the thought had crossed her mind a time or two since seeing the girl.

      “It seems like everyone dislikes him. Are they true—the things I’ve heard?” But even she could hear the beginning of doubt in her voice.

      “Rumors have some truth to them in most cases. Otherwise how would they start?”

      She shook off the misgivings. “I’m sure I’ll be safe enough with Reverend Crouse.”

      “Yes…well,” he said, his gaze hardening slightly, “you know how I feel about you going out there. It’s a fool’s errand.”

      He waited. Probably still hoping she’d change her mind. When she didn’t say more he continued. “Thank you for supper. Until Sunday services then.”

      She nodded and watched him walk down the porch steps to the street. Sunday was the furthest thing from her mind.

      Chapter Three

      Reverend СКАЧАТЬ