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She would have to, though. If needed, she’d ask Trig to help her, even offer him his 50 percent to take Lucky to New Orleans.
She’d go to Wyoming then. That was what she figured, to the judge who wanted Mad Dog. The outlaw would follow her, and she hoped the judge would help set a trap for him. Wyoming was the opposite direction from New Orleans, and that was the most important thing. To keep Mad Dog as far off Lucky’s trail as possible.
Part of her wished Trig would never arrive, and another part wished he’d hurry up and get here, so she could get on with things. There wasn’t much she liked about Seattle. The vast number of people was overwhelming and made keeping her vigil, of watching for Mad Dog, more difficult than ever.
Word had spread of their mining success, and people flocked to them, right to their hotel room, wanting to sell things or buy shares in the Big Bonanza. Maddie gladly let Lucky talk to the visitors, but unfortunately he also accepted invitations from them. To an array of parties and dinners, things she’d never attended before. It was frightening at first, since she had no idea how to act or what to say, but Lucky told her not to worry, to just follow his lead.
She had, and soon knew exactly what fork to use when, and how to pretend she was having a wonderful time when she clearly wasn’t. By the second week, she wished she’d never learned such things so she’d have an excuse not to attend any of the lavish gatherings.
She continued to go, though, because Lucky wanted her to. He’d hired men, too, who followed her every step. He, too, knew Mad Dog was out there. Word had arrived by a ship that Wyman had tracked Mad Dog clear to Dabbler, but lost him there.
From across the room, Lucky’s statement penetrated her deep musing. Turning, she frowned. “I thought we were going to spend Christmas with Jack and Homer at the boardinghouse,” she said.
“We will,” he said, tying his tie. “Tomorrow. Christmas Day. Tonight we’ll attend a party at the mayor’s home. Jack will be there, too.”
“A party,” she repeated drily. That was not what she called them. So far none of them had been close to the happy celebrations they’d had back in Alaska, with Albert cooking venison and everyone chatting endlessly. Happily. People talked here, but only about money. Either how much they had or how much they wanted.
She’d discovered something else, too—something she’d always known. Men didn’t have to be outlaws to be treacherous. The rich ones they kept encountering would rob a man blind while looking at them. At least an outlaw did it on the sly.
The women here were just as bad. And, to her way of thinking, rather mindless. She wouldn’t trust a one even on a lead rope. To her face they were kind enough, asking where she’d gotten the dress she wore or some other article of clothing, such as the never-ending jewelry or shawls Lucky kept buying her, but that was where their eyes always were. On Lucky. Leaving her with a great desire to draw her gun and force them to keep their distance.
She didn’t draw her gun, but did keep it handy—a little derringer Lucky had bought that she could keep hidden most anywhere.
“Yes, a party,” Lucky said, picking up a fur shawl he’d purchased for her a few days prior. “Are you ready?”
She turned, letting him drape the garment over her shoulders, and picked up the matching muff. The fur was luxurious and she felt pretty wearing them, which left her sickened, knowing she was as bad as all the women she detested. “Where are we going now?”
“To buy you a dress for this evening.”
Stopping midstep, Maddie shook her head. “I have dresses. Lots of them. Some I’ve only worn once.”
Lucky propelled her toward the door. “A rich woman never wears the same dress to a party.”
“That’s a waste of money, if I’ve ever heard it.”
“Maybe,” he said. “But it’s how high society works.” He opened the door. “That’s what you wanted. To be a rich woman with a big house and servants.” Leading her along the hallway, he continued, “The mayor’s house is the largest in town. Many of the other people we’ve met will be there tonight, and they’ll remember what you were wearing last night and last week.”
Maddie frowned but quickly hid it. Lucky did seem to enjoy escorting her about and acted as if each event excited him as much as the one before. Deep down, she had her own reason for continuously accompanying him. They’d soon be parted, and she wanted to spend every moment possible with him.
