blowed off.”
McIver slammed out of the jail and stomped down the street.
Jake stared after him, wanting to hit something or someone. Had Livy pulled the wool over his eyes? Maybe skipped town in the middle of the night? If she’d made up the story about Luke trailing the thief to the old barn on the outskirts of town, then she’d know that the jig would be up come morning. He rubbed a hand over his face. She’d be long gone by now, so there was no need to rush over to the orphanage to question her again.
The sick feeling in the pit of his stomach reminded him of how much he wanted her to still be in Chestnut, how much he longed for her to be telling the truth.
Chapter Twenty
“Luke, where are we going?
“You’ll see.” He looked away from Jessica’s accusing gaze. He’d made the decision to take her to the orphanage late last night. Butch and Grady had been combing shantytown for them, and he couldn’t risk them nabbing the little girl. Miss Livy would take care of her.
He halted a couple of blocks away from the jail and looked both ways. As he stepped out into the street, the blacksmith came stomping down the boardwalk from the direction of the jail, muttering to himself. Luke jerked back and pushed Jessica into the alley behind him.
“Shhh.”
After the blacksmith passed by, Luke grabbed Jessica’s hand. They’d take the long way around to get to the orphanage. Better that than get caught close to the jail.
“Ouch.” Jessica tugged against his grip.
“Sorry.” He loosened his hold on the little girl’s hand and pulled the blanket tighter around her shoulders. “Come on.”
Movement in front of the mercantile caught his eye, and he stopped.
Will McIver swept the boardwalk in front of his father’s store. Luke stared at the tall, lanky young man. Will reminded him of the thief, but he couldn’t be sure. What if it wasn’t Will? What if it was somebody else, and he got Will in trouble for no reason?
He slipped away, towing Jessica behind him. Who should he tell? Miss Livy wanted to help, but what could she do? She’d just tell the deputy. What good would it do for the sheriff and his deputy to know? They’d simply arrest him, and Luke’s brother would still be locked up in that factory along with a bunch of other kids nobody cared about.
Luke frowned. He had information that might free his brother.
And he intended to use it as soon as he got Jessica to safety.
* * *
At least Jake had given her the benefit of the doubt last night. And Livy knew how much trusting her cost him. The first light of dawn split the sky as she slid a pan of biscuits out of the oven. Then she turned the ham, sniffing at the enticing aroma wafting from the pan. She’d bought the ham with her earnings from Emma’s. Thank You, Lord, for extra income to feed the children. Ginger rubbed against her skirt, purring in contentment. The kittens lay snuggled together in a tangled wad, sound asleep.
A soft knock sounded on the kitchen door. Livy frowned and glanced at Ginger. “Wonder who that could be so early?”
She wiped her hands and hurried to the door. Luke stood there, a little redheaded child wrapped in a tattered blanket clutching his hand.
Livy blinked. “Luke. What a nice surprise.” She stepped back. “Won’t you come in?”
Luke nodded at the girl and tugged her inside. Both looked like they might bolt at any minute, and Livy figured the girl would have if Luke hadn’t held fast to her hand.
Pushing the child forward, Luke cleared his throat. “This is Jessica. Jessica, Miss Livy here will take good care of you.”
Big eyes stared at Livy from a gaunt face. Livy knelt in front of her. “What is it, sweetheart?”
“I want Bobby,” she whispered.
Livy glanced at Luke. “Who’s Bobby?”
“Her brother.” Luke touched Jessica’s shoulder. “Jessica, Bobby’s got to work. He’ll come see you as soon as he can. All right?”
Livy smiled at the girl. “Are you hungry?”
She didn’t respond, so Livy cut her eyes at Luke. “I bet Luke’s hungry. How about I fix you both a ham biscuit?”
Jessica sniffed and looked at Luke. He nodded and urged her to sit at the table. Livy sliced open two biscuits and placed a piece of ham inside. After pouring two glasses of milk, she set the offering on the table. Jessica started eating immediately. Luke ate his