The Dove by Kristy McCaffrey

Author:Kristy McCaffrey
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romance, new mexico territory, historical western romance, soiled doves, old west romance, santa fe trail, kristy mccaffrey, the dove, wings of the west series
Publisher: Kristy McCaffrey

Chapter Eleven

Logan inserted the key into the long rectangular box and was rewarded when the lid released, giving access to the interior and its contents. It had taken a bit of convincing to get Mr. Tannenhill to relax normal bank procedure—bypassing the standard signatures and identification protocols—to allow Logan entry into the rear of the bank where the safety deposit boxes were kept. Ultimately, Logan had appealed to the older gentleman’s business sense, stating the great need Maggie’s daughter had for additional funds to pay the outstanding saloon bills, and the hope that whatever Maggie had stashed away would help the White Dove through its current rough spot.

Tannenhill’s gaze, rimmed with sagging skin but still clear with intelligence, continuously darted to the welt above Logan’s eye and the man’s wariness was obvious. Oddly enough, however, he silently agreed to the request. Logan could only guess that the early morning hour helped; there were few people about and the bank was empty except for the two of them. But he also sensed the bank clerk had a weakness for the White Dove, or Maggie Waters, or maybe both.

Dressed in a conservative brown wool suit and with dark hair slicked back—emphasizing the prominent jowls below his chin—Tannenhill was likely not a great success with the ladies. Perhaps Maggie had lavished extra attention on him during his visits to the White Dove and in doing so instilled a loyalty that was about to pay off for Logan.

He lifted the lid and found a piece of paper inside which he hastily scanned. Trying to understand the implications, he read it several times before returning it to the box and securing the contraption.

Did Claire know about this? And if she did, why hadn’t she told him?

And why the hell would Luttrell do this?

He passed Tannenhill on his way out.

“Find what you were looking for?” the banker asked.

“Unfortunately no.” He shook Tannenhill’s hand. “But I appreciate your help all the same.”

As Logan walked out of the bank, he caught sight of dark smoke billowing upward several streets away.

A quick deduction sent a shot of adrenaline through him. The White Dove.

* * *

Claire stumbled about, her legs tripping over the hem of her nightgown. She flung an arm across her nose and mouth to block the smoke that filled the second floor of the saloon and was forced to close her burning eyes. She couldn’t stay here much longer.

She’d already made her way to Ellie’s room and found no one—she prayed Betsy had gotten her out. But Logan was nowhere to be seen, and Claire feared the worst. Heat from the flames rolled against her, and the wood that comprised most of the saloon snapped and crackled loudly as it was consumed. She ran down the hallway and used a hand to feel along the wall for the doorways, counting as she went. Her bare feet stepped on a hot spot, she shifted rapidly from foot to foot, and opened a door. Please let this be the right one.

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