Love Finds You in Tombstone, Arizona by Miralee Ferrell Read Free Book Online

her heart. Molly. Her sister had borne that name and died a number of years back when Molly’s young son, Toby, was only a toddler. So many bad memories from her past continued to haunt her, and her sister’s wasn’t the only one. “Congratulations. I hope you’ll be very happy.”
    “Thank you.” Molly’s face turned somber. “It’ll set us back a mite, though, what with those bandits taking the gold we saved.” Eager curiosity illuminated her countenance. “What did he look like? The man who fixed up your arm.”
    How could she convey to these people that the fingers that touched her arm had been tender, yet firm? His deference and care toward her had hinted at a gentlemanly upbringing, but his clothing and occupation belied that suggestion. These travelers wouldn’t believe her, no matter what she said. The man had been riding with the outlaws and must be part of their group, regardless of his claims. “I’m sorry, but I couldn’t say.”
    “What do you mean? Rodney here got a glimpse of the two of you when the robbers moved us toward the front of the stage. The man had his back turned and his hat on, but he removed his mask, so you surely got a good look at him.”
    Rodney leaned forward. “You need to give a description so they can round up the gang.”
    Christy didn’t reply but looked instead out the window of the bouncing stage. The veil resting on top of her hat offered privacy, and she dropped it back. Distant hills could be seen through the clouds of dust kicked up by the wheels. They’d arrive in town soon, and hopefully she could distance herself from these people who seemed so intent on getting answers.
    The man in the bowler hat cleared his throat. “Miss?”
    “Yes?”
    “You’ll need to talk to the marshal about what happened.”
    “I understand. I’ll do so after I’ve had my arm looked at and I’ve seen to my sick mother.”
    Molly’s brows drew together. “Why won’t you tell us?”
    “I’d rather not discuss it, if you don’t mind. My arm is throbbing.”
    “Oh.” The woman sat back. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking.”
    Christy turned her attention back out the window. They passed the first buildings on the outskirts of Tombstone. Soon she’d see Joshua and her mother and get this arm tended to. Her heart faltered at the thought of her mother. If only things would be different this time. Ma had the idea Christy had abandoned her when she’d chosen to stay in Last Chance, but she couldn’t return to her old life. The last thing she wanted was for her mother to remain angry with her and prayed coming to care for Ma would set things to rights.
    She didn’t know what she’d say if the marshal questioned her about the man who’d unmasked himself in order to help her. One thing Christy knew. She’d given her word, and she’d not break it no matter what anyone said or threatened to do.

    Nevada pushed his horse hard, cutting across country and avoiding the road the stage would take into town. He wanted to be on hand when the coach rolled in and see if he could catch a glimpse of the injured woman’s face.
    He rode down Allen Street in the midst of Tombstone. He’d heard about this small city that grew up almost overnight but hadn’t known what to expect. He’d been in many a cattle town over the years, but this mining town beat all. As Nevada rode he noted numerous saloons, hotels, stores, barbershops, gambling halls, restaurants, and a jumble of humanity thronging every side. Most looked like prospectors, but gamblers, cowboys, and teamsters helped fill out the crowd, along with an occasional woman. Some of those were pleasant, homebody types, but he spotted more than one woman who would only fit in a bordello or dancehall. Boardwalks lined the dusty avenue, and buckboards, wagons, and buggies of every shape and size rolled along its length.
    Hotels and several homelike edifices with a signboard advertising them as boardinghouses beckoned to weary travelers.