“It is.” Dorothy’s lips set in a thin line. “Lydia, take Ella to our room. I’ll wait in the foyer for the police.”
“Yes, Mother.”
Lydia led Ella out of her prison. When they were safely situated in the Jeffersons’ room, two doors away from Howard’s, Ella started to relax. She opened her mouth to ask Lydia where she was from when a loud crash sounded down the hall. Angry shouts accompanied the racket. Ella couldn’t hear the words, but she recognized the voice.
Howard was back.
She sank into a chair, her legs refusing to hold her up any longer. Lydia clutched her hand in silent support. Ella shook, her mind on the danger still at hand. She closed her eyes and prayed the authorities arrived soon.
CHAPTER 25
It was past midnight by the time Cody and Travis rode into Helena. Cody took in the surprisingly well-lit town. Raucous laughter and music came from the saloon down the street, and several buildings shone with gas lamps. People roamed the streets in packs. A patrol wagon sat outside a large hotel.
“That’s our destination,” Travis said, pointing to the inn. “Looks as though someone will be available to talk.”
Cody’s stomach sank. Why would a patrol wagon be outside such an establishment at this hour? The hotel looked respectable. Dread pulsed through him. If Ella was here…and the authorities…
Please, Lord, I can’t lose her!
It might have nothing to do with his wife. Still, worry gnawed at him like a ravenous wolf as they directed their weary horses to the stable. A boy came running to meet them, eager for the coins Travis placed in his hand with instructions to brush down the two steeds and give them water and hay. As soon as the boy had the reins in hand, Cody strode for the hotel.
Travis grabbed his arm before he could barrel into the building. “Hold on. We need to go slow. Observe our surroundings before making any hasty decisions.”
Cody plunked a hand on his hip. “Why’re you always right?”
His friend chuckled. “It’s a gift.” Travis’s focus sharpened. “In we go. And let me lead, okay?”
“Fine.”
They walked into the hotel. All looked calm. The only person in the foyer was a sleepy-eyed bellhop standing behind a counter. Travis led the way to the young employee. He flashed his badge. “Howdy. We’re from Harmony Springs, looking for a woman who may be at your hotel. She would’ve been brought here against her will.”
The kid straightened. His eyes sparked with recognition. “Yeah, she’s here. Some jerk had her tied up in one of the upstairs rooms. I got the marshal while a couple ladies freed her. They’re still here.”
“She’s safe?”
Cody’s voice sounded rough in his relief. The bellhop’s eyes widened.
Travis waved a hand. “He doesn’t mean to growl. That woman is his wife. He’s been understandably worried.”
“Oh.” The kid relaxed. “Yeah, mister, she’s safe. The marshal is with her and the other ladies in the tea parlor.”
“And the man who kidnapped her? Is he…”
“Cody?”
Ella’s voice spun him around right quick. His legs ate up the distance between them until she was wrapped snug in his embrace. Cody wasn’t sure he’d ever let go. Judging from how tightly she held him in return, she felt the same.
When at last they pulled back, Cody cupped her cheek in his hand, keeping his other around her waist. “I was so worried. When Travis said he found our wagon…” He broke off suddenly, taking in the right side of her face. “Someone hit you.” Anger flared. “Who took you, Ella? Was it one of Howard’s cronies?”
“No.” Her throat bobbed. “It was Howard.”
Cody fought to control the anger turning to fury. He traced the mottled bruise on her fair skin. “Did he do anything else?”
A tremor went through her body. “He threatened to. Thank God Lydia and Dorothy found me before he could.”
“Who?”
Ella pulled out of his arms. Cody wanted to grab her back, but he settled for taking her hand. She smiled at two women who approached from what must be the tea parlor. “Cody, meet Dorothy Jefferson and her daughter-in-law, Lydia. They rescued me from the room Howard locked me in.”
