Keegan's Bride (Mail Order Brides of Texas 2) by Kathleen Ball Page B

out.
    Peg wrapped her little arms around Keegan’s neck. Her shrieking stopping but tears rolled down her face. “We’ll be fine, Peg.” He glanced over at Addy who also had tears rolling down her face.”
    “I could take her,” Shannon offered.
    “No. I want to keep this all within the law, since I’m stretching it a mite. Keegan takes her. I’m assuming you’ll bring her in to see her ma—her aunt daily.” He stared Keegan in the eye until he nodded. “Okay, did I leave anything out?”
    “Kooky,” Peg wailed. “I want Kooky home.”
    Judge Gleason’s brow furrowed. “Kooky? What’s a Kooky?”
    “The puppy she named after Cookie,” Keegan replied.
    “Kooky.” Peg nodded.
    “Kooky goes with the girl. Now, let me see what I can find out about William Bartlette.” He moseyed out of the office yelling for the spectators to go home.
    Cinders cleared his throat. “I’ll have one of the hands bring Kooky by your place.”
    Keegan nodded while he rubbed Peg’s back. “Thanks for everything.”
    “If you need us…” Shannon kissed Peg’s cheek and squeezed Keegan’s shoulder.
    It was silent when they left. Shane sat in his chair and rearranged his desk, and Addy simply stared. He wished he’d never met her. The hurt of his heart was too much to bear. He needed to get out of there before he fell apart. “Come on, honey, let’s get you home.”
    “With Mama?”
    Keegan closed his eyes before tears fell. “Not today. We’ll come back tomorrow and see.”
    “Mama?” The quiver in her voice almost broke him.
    “It’s fine, Peg, you go home with Dad—I mean Keegan. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She gave Peg a small smile. “Go on, and be a good girl.”
    “Come on, Daddy, we have to do what Mama says.”
    Keegan sighed, turned and left. “I’m coming but first I have to return this paint and get Strike back.”
    Peg pointed at the horse “Whore?”
    Despite the circumstances, amusement tugged at his lips. “Not whore, horse.” He untied the reins and led the horse behind him with Peg shouting “Whore!” at people they passed. He was never so glad to get Strike saddled. “Let’s go home, Peg.” He lifted her up onto the horse’s back and mounted behind her, holding his precious bundle in front of him.
     
    ****
     
    Judge Gleason paced back and forth in front of Addy’s cell. “I’m as sorry as can be. They died of a wasting disease.”
    A shiver went through her body. “Both of them?”
    “Peculiar, if you ask me,” Shane commented.
    Judge Gleason nodded. “Very.”
    “I haven’t been gone that long. They were fine when I left. My parents were very well off, and I bet money is involved somehow.”
    The judge stopped in front of the cell and stared at her. “Keegan isn’t very well off, yet. I have faith in that boy, but maybe you didn’t want to wait. Maybe you wanted a bigger house or new clothes.”
    Her jaw dropped. “I know where this is going, and no, I didn’t do anything to my parents. I’m well. I was happy to be away from them and William. Besides, I happen to love the ranch. We have a milk cow now and some chickens.” Tears welled in her eyes. “I never even got a chance to learn how to milk the cow.” She dashed the tears away with the palm of her hands.
    “I believe you.” Judge Gleason gave her a nod. “I’ll get in touch with the lawyers and see about the will.”
    “The will?” she asked.
    “It might be a motive for murder, or the reason Mr. Bartlette is here. If the will provides for the child, it would be reason enough to make the trip out here. Of course, this is all speculation. Sorry, Addy, my dear, but you’ll need to stay put for the time being.”
    She nodded. His words gave her hope. Maybe she’d get out of jail, but then what? One-step at a time.
    “At least the food is good.” Shane said. “I’m sorry too, Addy. Well I need to make my rounds. I’ll be back as soon as I can. Judge, I’ll walk out with you.” Both men left,