Without accomplishing anything.
Devin was quiet for a moment. “You could help your grandmother through this difficult time. I know it would be good for you both.”
She nodded and stared off into the distance. Her trip out West was a bust. “I should probably tell Earl about the fossils on the Meyer ranch, so he can explore that area later.”
“That’s a good idea. He’ll be thrilled, I’m sure, at your discovery.” The chipperness in his voice sounded forced.
“He will.” But the discovery would then be someone else’s. She shook her head. It didn’t matter. She didn’t need credit. All she’d done was make a mess out here anyway. It was time to salvage her dignity and go home. “I’d like to speak to Mrs. Adams, and then would you take me out to the train station? I might as well make arrangements so that I can pack.”
“Of course.” He reached over and patted her knee. “I’m glad you’re coming home.”
She met his gaze, covered his hand with her own, and squeezed. “Me too.” And she meant it. At least she wouldn’t have to deal with Devin’s absence and what that would do to her heart.
They drove up to the Adams’s home, and the sheriff was on the front porch.
“I hope he’s waiting to give us some answers.” Devin set the brake, hopped down, and came around to assist her.
The sheriff walked off the porch and over to them. “I’m glad I caught you. Mrs. Adams said you were at lunch.”
“Yes, sir. Is everything all right?”Please let the news be good.
The sheriff dipped his chin. “It is. We arrested Mr. Meyer just a little bit ago.”
She jerked back. “Whatever for?”
“For the murders and all the other chaos that’s been happening out on that ranch all these years. Apparently, that’s been his cover while he’s been hunting for his father’s gold.”
That didn’t make one bit of sense! “I don’t understand. Did he confess to this? That doesn’t seem anything like the man I spoke with.”
“Well, no, he didn’t confess. But his sister’s husband brought the accusation forward last week. Horris is now dead. And when we confronted Lucas, he didn’t deny it. One of his hands brought some hefty accusations against his boss as well.” The man rubbed his jaw. “And his sister substantiated the rumors that Ford Meyer came here with a lot of gold. Which also disappeared when the family did.”
“How does that prove that Lucas Meyer did it?” Devin scratched his ear and studied the sheriff. “Seems to me that’s a bit of a stretch. Besides, the note that was in Eliza’s picnic basket told her to stop digging. Why would Meyer write that when he seemed excited when she found the fossils? Why would he even allow her to search there in the first place?”
Eliza’s gaze snapped back to the sheriff’s. But instead of answering, his brow furrowed. Then he shrugged. “But if we do have the right man behind bars, then Eliza shouldn’t be in danger anymore and no more craziness should happen out at the Meyer ranch. Mr. Friedman was pretty convincing.He seemed to think that Lucas was behind everything at the quarry as well. As a diversion.”
It was great to think that she wouldn’t receive any more threatening notes, but that would only be true if Lucas Meyer was truly guilty.
The sheriff slapped his hat against his leg, dust flying off it. He settled it atop his head and nodded at the pair. “I need to get back to the ranch. My deputies said that two more hired hands wanted to give testimonies.”
“Thank you for letting us know, Sheriff.” Devin shook hands with the man and watched him walk away. Once he was out of earshot, he turned to Eliza. “If it were just the word of the brother-in-law who we heard was a gold-digger anyway, I wouldn’t believe it. But if several people have the same testimony...” With a shake of his head, he grimaced. “I guess then maybe it’s true.”
The sound of horse’s hooves pounding the ground made her turn. It was the young boy from the telegraph office.
His horse skidded to a stop, and he hopped down. “Miss Mills, this is for you.”
She reached into her pocket and handed him the only coin she had with her. “Thank you.” And took the envelope. “I hope it’s not from Grandmama. Prayerfully all is well at home.” Lifting the flap, she opened it and pulled out the small piece of paper.
Miss Mills,
Apologize for delay. Train hit a herd of cattle. Waited on repair, but my wife has gone into labor, and I must cut trip short. I shall travel to DNM at a later date.
Dr. Masterson
“Wait a minute.” She read it again and then shoved the paper at Devin. “Is that saying what I think it’s saying?”
Devin took the missive and read it. Then he looked at her, his blue eyes wide. “So, if Dr. Masterson never made it out here...”
Eliza swallowed hard, pressing a hand to her racing heart. “Then who on earth was that man we spoke with?”
