“Ladies.” Cody reached out to shake their hands. “Thanks for saving my wife.”
“Our pleasure, young man.” Dorothy patted his arm. “Always happy to do a good deed for another.”
While Travis was deep in conversation with a man in a uniform, Cody moved closer to Ella. “Was Howard caught?”
Her face dimmed. “No. He went into a rage when he discovered me missing. Lydia and I could hear him from her hotel room.”
“And I saw him when he stormed into the foyer.” Dorothy frowned. “Then he disappeared. The authorities haven’t been able to find him.”
Travis joined them with the officer. “This is Marshal Quincy. He plans to help us find Howard.”
The stocky man looped his fingers around his belt. “My guess is this man will try to get on an outbound train. We’ll put a watch on all of ’em and see if we can flush him out.”
A shiver of uneasiness glided down Cody’s spine. “He could be anywhere.”
Travis crossed his arms. “That’s why I’m keeping watch tonight. You and Ella get a room for yourselves, and I’ll station myself by the door.”
“We can’t do that,” Cody protested. “You’re just as tired as I am after that ride. You need rest.”
“I’ll rest tomorrow.” Travis’s tone left no room for argument.
Ella hugged him. “You’re a good friend, Travis.”
“Excuse me.” The bellhop appeared, the young stable hand with him. He looked at Cody. “This boy claims your horse won’t settle, sir.”
The boy nodded. “He don’t seem to like his stall.”
“I’ll see to him. Thanks.” Cody squeezed Ella’s hand. “For now, can you get my wife and me a room?”
The bellhop nodded. “I’ve got a couple ready. Upstairs or downstairs?”
“Upstairs,” Travis replied. Under his breath, he muttered, “Less chance of Howard breaking in through a window.”
“Good thinking. Take care of Ella. I’m gonna head to the stables now.”
Ella clung to his hand. “I’m coming with you.”
Cody nearly resisted. Howard was still out there. He couldn’t risk Ella’s safety.
Before he could protest, Travis stepped in. “I’ll come along too.”
“As will I. Someone needs to keep a watch out.” Marshal Quincy motioned for them to follow him.
That calmed Cody’s fear. Ella would be well protected.
The Jefferson women said goodnight and headed up the stairs. The others stepped out into the street. The stable boy ran ahead of them, soon disappearing from sight.
Ella looked around, eyes wide. “Why are so many people still awake?”
“It’s the territorial capital, ma’am. It expanded rapidly once the railroad came a few years back.” Marshal Quincy shrugged. “The town never sleeps.”
Cody pulled Ella close. There were too many people prowling the streets. At least the area was well lit. He’d never seen so many gas lamps in one place.
Quincy kept them away from shadowy corners and dark alleys. He walked on Ella’s free side while Travis stayed behind, a protective barrier around her. Between the three of them, she should be safe.
When they approached the stables, the marshal held up a hand. “Let me check inside.” He went in. Cody stayed with Ella while Travis stood like a sentinel, his eyes methodically sweeping back and forth. Quincy came out after a few minutes. “All clear. I’ll watch from here while you care for your horse.”
The stables were as bright as the rest of the town. Cody shook his head. “How does anyone get any rest with all this light?”
