the out-of-tune piano from the saloon down the street. She shoved aside a half-rotted crate and placed the basket against the wall. The kids would come for it. They always did.
Livy turned to go.
Rustling echoed behind her. She hesitated. A rat? Or the kids? She couldn’t tell . . . the noise had come from the other end of the alley.
She gestured in the direction of the basket. “I brought some corn bread, fried ham, and two more blankets. I know you’re there, and I understand why you won’t come out. I just want you to know that—” she paused for a moment—“all of you are welcome at the orphanage. It’s not much, but at least there’s a fire to keep you warm and food to eat.”
No response. Had she really expected any?
Livy pulled her cloak close. Unbidden, hot tears sprang to her eyes and overflowed, burning icy tracks down her cheeks.
Lord, why won’t they listen? How many have to freeze to death before they realize I only want to help them? Show me what to do, where to go. Take me to them, Lord, or bring them to me. Before it’s too late. No matter what it takes, please help me save these children.
She waited until the cold seeped through her cloak and into her bones; then she turned away. She’d done all she could for now. She didn’t have to tell them how to find the orphanage. One of them had followed her home one night. He hadn’t tried to talk to her or come inside, but he’d been curious enough to find the place. She had thought she’d have time to win him over, but the sudden drop in temperature worried her. Trust didn’t come easy for kids who lived on the streets. She knew that better than anybody.
She left the alley, hurrying through the deserted town toward the warmth of home. She stepped off the boardwalk and skirted a patch of ice, concentrating on her footing. Too late, she caught a glimpse of movement seconds before colliding with a solid wall of muscle and sinew. Steel bands reached out, grasping her shoulders to keep her upright.
“Whoa.”
Jake Russell.
Her heart skittered against her rib cage, and she fought the urge to wrench herself from his grasp and flee into the night.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She’d done nothing wrong. Nothing. She’d been on an errand of mercy—nothing more, nothing less.
“Livy?” He gave her a gentle shake. “What in the world are you doing out here so late?”
“I had an errand to run.”
“It couldn’t wait until morning?” he asked. “You don’t have any idea the kind of riffraff wandering the streets at night.” He jerked his head in the direction of the bawdy music. “Especially this close to the saloons.”
His brows drew together in a concerned frown. The man only wanted to protect her. He couldn’t know she’d seen much worse than anything the small town of Chestnut offered.
She patted his arm. “It’s all right. I know what I’m doing.”
“I’ll escort you home.” He pulled her gloved hand through the crook of his arm. “Not only are drunkards and gamblers roaming the streets, we’ve got those street kids from Chicago to deal with.”
Livy’s heart skipped a beat. Had the boys done something foolish? As long as they stayed out of sight, the townspeople wouldn’t give them a second thought. “What’s happened?”
“Somebody broke into the laundry last night.”
Oh no. “What did they take?”
“Some blankets and coats and stuff. Not much.”
“They’re freezing.”
“Yeah, but that’s no reason to break in to someone’s business.”
Livy stopped and held out her hand. “Give me your coat.”
“What?” He scowled.
“Your coat.” She glared at him. “If you don’t think freezing is a reason to steal a coat, you haven’t had to do without one.”
Jake exhaled. “I’m sorry. You have a point, but they could ask someone for help.”
“They’re afraid, and they’re just trying to survive. They don’t have any place to sleep or anything to eat. I’ve been—” Livy broke off.
“You’ve been what?” Jake stepped closer and grasped her shoulders. His hooded gaze searched her face. “That’s what you were doing out here tonight. Trying to find those kids.”
She went limp. He’d guessed right about her actions tonight. But she’d almost told him about her past. She should know not to open her mouth. “Not exactly.”
He frowned. “What do you mean?”
“I already know where they are.” At least I have a pretty good idea. “I’ve just got to convince them to come to