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Jeremy waited as Hunter seemed to gather his thoughts.
“Try to see Emily. I’m sure she’s in pretty bad shape right now. From what I’ve been told she found Louis’s body, and has also learned that I stand accused of his murder. She has no one to lean on, she’s all
alone. There is the funeral to get through, and business dealings with Smith’s partner that she’ll have to handle.”
He pounded his fist on the table, creating enough noise that the door opened and the guard stuck his head in. “Everything all right in here?”
Both men nodded.
“You have another three minutes, Henderson.”
Once the door closed, Hunter said, “Help her, Jeremy. Please. If you can’t do anything else, watch out for her. Since the police aren’t looking beyond me for a suspect, whoever killed Louis could have done it for a reason that puts Emily in danger, too.”
Guthrie, Oklahoma Territory
“Murder?” Tori sat abruptly and stared at Jesse. “Hunter’s been accused of murder? That’s preposterous.”
“Unfortunately in typical telegram style, he gives no further details.” He handed the telegram to her.
Arrested for murder(stop)Please come to Galveston(stop) Hunter
Jesse ran his fingers through his hair. “I’ve cleared my calendar for Franklin’s campaign. The case I’m working on now ends with today’s court appearance.”
“If you go to Galveston there goes your efforts with his campaign,” Paul said.
“Yes, I imagine you’re right.” He regarded this son of his on the cusp of manhood. “Tell me, Paul, you know how much I want the governorship for Franklin, and how I hope it will help me in my run for governor next time. What would you do if you were me?”
Paul appeared to give the question considerable thought. “I would go to Galveston.”
Jesse smiled. “Good boy. That’s precisely what I’m going to do. Remember, family always comes first.”
“Shall I go with you?” Tori asked.
“No. I have no idea what I’m walking into down there. This might be a simple matter that’s already cleared up before I even get there. Or, it could take a great deal of time to iron out. You’re needed here with the children.”
They walked out of the dining room together. Tori watched as Jesse checked his appearance in the small mirror in the hallway. “Will this really end you working on the campaign?”
He took his Homburg from the hat rack and leaned his shoulder against the wall, twirling the hat in his hands. “I’m afraid so. Even if it turns out to be nothing, you can bet whoever’s been feeding information to the newspaper will grab onto this one.” He shook his head. “Murder.”
“I’m sorry. I know how much you wanted to be involved in this.” She brushed a speck of lint from his jacket.
“I do. There’s no denying that. But I also want my family to be happy and healthy. That will always come first.”
“You are an amazing man, Jesse Cochran.” She raised up on her toes and kissed him. Jesse wrapped his arms around her and took the kiss deeper.
“Will you two please stop that!” Fifteen-year-old Priscilla hurried down the stairs and flew past them. “It is so embarrassing.”
They broke apart and grinned. Jesse settled his hat on his head and giving Tori a chaste peck on the cheek, left the house.
Chapter 17
Galveston, Texas
“Mrs. Smith, the Police Chief and another officer are here and wish to speak with you.” Martin, who had taken over front door duties with all the callers in the last two days, regarded her with the cool disdain he’d shown toward her ever since Louis’s death.
Murder. She shuddered every time she thought of that word.
It had been a horrible two days. The only thing she could compare it to was the death of her parents. But then she’d had Louis to lean on. As a friend of her father’s, he’d swept right in and took over everything. She’d been so grateful at the time. And look where that had gotten her.
