Lightning and Lawmen by Shanna Hatfield

Author:Shanna Hatfield [Hatfield, Shanna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-06-27T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

“Evenin’, Miss Robbins,” the telegraph operator said as she stepped up to the counter to send the weather report to the home office. The man slid a telegram across the counter to her. “That just came for you a few minutes ago. I knew you’d be in soon, or I would have had it delivered.”

“Thank you, Mr. Smithfield.” Delilah took the telegram in her hand then gave the man her outgoing message.

While he sent the report, she read the brief missive.

“Oh, no. This is horrible news!” Delilah’s hand went to her throat.

Dugan had been half-listening to one of the old-timers tell a story as he waited for Delilah to send the evening report. At the look on her face, he stepped close beside her. “What’s wrong? What happened?”

She handed him the telegram and leaned against the counter.

ROSS INJURED IN FALL. UNABLE TO TRAVEL. TRIP HOME DELAYED. STAYING WITH US. TRUNKS ON TRAIN.

Dugan read the message a second time before he handed it back to her. “I’m so sorry, Delilah. Is John Vanguard a friend?”

She nodded. “He and Papa have been friends for as long as I can remember. They served in the Army together and lived just a street over from our house. I used to play with the Vanguard girls sometimes.” A sigh worked its way out of her chest. “I just wish I knew the extent of his injuries and if he needs me to come take care of him.”

“It sounds like he’s hurt, but not too badly. If he was in really bad shape, he’d probably be at the hospital instead of with Mr. Vanguard. And a delay in the trip is better than it being canceled,” Dugan said, trying to sound encouraging. “What does ‘trunks on train’ mean?”

“It means, Major Vanguard made sure the trunks and crates Papa planned to ship after he packed up the house are on the train.”

“That’s great news, then,” Dugan said, smiling at her. “You’ll have all your nice things from home, soon. You’ve mentioned how much you miss your outdoor furniture and your parlor set. Will those things be on the train?”

“Yes, I suppose so. Papa was even going to pack a few of my favorite birdhouses and garden statuary.”

Delilah read the message again. “I’d feel better if I knew more about what happened. I think I’ll send a telegram to John for more details.”

Dugan waited while she wrote out the message and Mr. Smithfield sent it. After Delilah paid him for the telegrams, Dugan took her elbow in his hand and guided her outside into the bright spring sunshine.

“How about I treat you to supper at the café?” he asked as they strolled along the boardwalk.

“Supper?” Delilah snapped her head up, as though she’d stepped out of a fog, and looked around. “Gracious! I forgot I promised Deputy Harter I’d meet him for dinner at the hotel. I’m so sorry, Dugan, but I really must go. Thank you for keeping me company earlier.”

“Anytime,” he said, watching her hurry down the street to the hotel.

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