The Cowboy Who Caught Her Eye by Lauri Robinson Page A

used the movement to check for traffic as he crossed Huron’s main street, and then headed down a road that led to some of the more stately homes.
    His undercover work told him no one knew about Molly’s condition—yet. He’d been careful there, too, just weaved in tiny bits and pieces into discussions with customers and other folks in town. One man had claimed to have courted Molly, but soon admitted he’d lied. Carter probably shouldn’t have threatened the man as he had, but he wouldn’t have anyone spreading rumors about her. Molly didn’t deserve to be persecuted, not by the law and not by the people of Huron.
    No different than little Ivy. Indian or not, she was one smart little girl who deserved to be in school just like every other kid in town.
    A soft spot formed in his heart and he let it be. Even smiled at it. He still didn’t know how Ivy had convinced him to have a tea party with her and her dolls, but he had. He’d sat right there on the floor next to her little table and pretended to drink tea while talking to the painted-face toys as if they were real people. There wasn’t a Pinkerton man out there—not one that knew him—who would have believed it. Carter hadn’t believed it himself, but Ivy’s joy had been worth it. That’s when this idea came to mind, while talking with Ivy and her dolls. The child had no one to play with, and he was set on changing that.
    He would miss her during the day, since she was practically glued to his heels when not doing her school lessons, but lessons were what she needed. He’d never attended school outside the classes at the orphanages. After leaving New York, he never slowed down long enough to do much more than stand outside, wondering what all those kids were learning inside a school building every now and again.
    Things would be different for Ivy. She would go to school. He’d see to it.
    Carter stopped, glanced up at the big brick home his mission had carried him to, and before he could think much more about it, he raised a hand and knocked on the door.
    When Mrs. Rudolf answered the door he pulled up his most charming smile. Today was Saturday, the day of the woman’s garden party with the wives of the city council members. He was going to take advantage of that, as well as the crush the older woman had on him. She’d been at the mercantile every day since her cups had arrived, and always insisted he wait on her. The role he was playing was a bit hellish at times.
    “Good day, Mrs. Rudolf,” he greeted, removing his hat. “I just wanted to stop by, make sure those new teacups were working out for you today.”
    “Why, Mr. Buchanan,” she said, blushing brightly and batting her eyelashes, “how kind of you. Do come in, let me introduce you to everyone.”
    “I’d be obliged,” he said, stepping over the threshold.
    It worked, and by the time Carter left the Rudolf home, Ivy had a place in the school. Every woman at the party personally promised they’d see that Ivy would be welcomed. At that, he’d insisted she be treated just like every other child. No special attention, just included. That’s how it should be.
    As long as he was out and about, Carter stopped by the railroad headquarters, to meet with Wilcox. The man was due an update. They hadn’t met since the day Wilcox apologized to Molly about the broken cup, and he would soon know Carter was out and about today. Wilcox’s wife had been at the garden party.
    As it was Saturday, Wilcox was the only one in the office space above the depot, and they spent an hour or more going over details they both already knew. Carter gave him the five-dollar bill from his pocket. They hashed out possibilities, but no conclusions were found. Carter was about to leave when Wilcox said something that snagged more of his attention than it should have.
    “Why is he coming out here?” Carter asked, referring to James J. Fredrickson, part owner of the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad.
    “He’ll just