“You did.” Shep put several spoonfuls of sugar in his coffee.
“It says she’s in the Seattle General Hospital, and that the police and Pinkertons have decided she’s safe enough to pull the extra guards from her room. She’s supposed to leave the hospital altogether tomorrow.” He read on further to see if anything else might be helpful. It wasn’t.
He glanced up and smiled. “Now we know right where she’ll be, and with a little bit of luck, we can get her out of that place.”
“But then where are we gonna go? Can’t stay here, not since she’s had her picture in the paper and all.”
Hiram nodded. “I’m already thinking about that. I have no idea where she has her necklace and gold, but we need to get that straightaway. After that we can get out of the area. I think maybe we should head down to Sacramento or San Francisco. Those towns are good sized and should be useful to us. That area of the country also knows about dealing with gold.”
The waitress returned with their breakfast. “You fellas want anything else?” She fixed Hiram with a smile.
“No, nothing,” he said, hoping his gruff tone would keep her from coming back.
She frowned and put their ticket on the table. “Pay up front.”
Hiram didn’t bother to reply. Instead, he focused on the food and considered how to go about his plans. He wasn’t going to get caught again. If this was some sort of setup, and it was always possible that it was, Hiram was going to be two steps ahead of the law.
The day passed without any new developments or difficulties, much to Addie’s relief. She knew what had been done with the newspaper and what was planned; however, she had serious doubts about whether or not they could accomplish what they intended.
Since their childhood, Addie had always known what a conniver Hiram was. He was smart and mean, and the combination gave him a natural edge. Poor Shep was just a follower. Without Hiram to boss him around, Shep would most likely stay out of trouble. But not Hiram. There was something in him that just demanded he break the law and take matters into his own hands.
“We won’t be that far away in case something does happen,” Pearl told Addie as they finished up their visit. “Otis even suggested we come and stay with you somehow, but I know they won’t allow it.”
“No, and you must keep out of harm’s way. You have the baby to consider,” Addie said, smiling with delight. “I’m going to love spoiling this child.”
“And I will let you, so long as we get out of this.” Pearl sounded more than a little worried.
“Try not to fret, Pearl. I know we’re in God’s hands, and that things will come together in His perfect way. I can see now how often we go through things that we’d rather not—things not of our doing or choosing. But God has a plan in how those situations will change our hearts and grow us in Him. I’m just glad you never gave up on me.”
“How could I? You’ve been as dear as a daughter or sister to me,” Pearl replied.
“Are you ready to go?” Otis asked from the open doorway.
“I am.” Pearl leaned down and kissed Addie’s cheek. “Tomorrow all of this should be behind us, and you will marry Isaac. I’m so excited for that to happen.”
Addie met her loving gaze. “I am too. I’m also glad that you agreed to stand with me, for I have no dearer friend.”
They shared a quick embrace, then Pearl headed for the door. “We’ll be back early in the morning.”
“It might be best to call first and see what’s happened. I wouldn’t want you to get in the middle of it.”
Pearl nodded and took her husband’s arm. “Until tomorrow then.”
Addie waved to them and settled back into her bed. Her arm still hurt something fierce, but the other places where she’d been hit were starting to calm and heal. She couldn’t imagine wanting to hurt someone the way Hiram must have wanted to hurt her. For all her anger toward him, Addie couldn’t bring herself to desire his pain.
“God, I know You could still change his heart. He could come to an understanding of who You are and seek forgiveness.” She murmured the prayer even knowing that such things were not likely to happen.
“Want some company?” Isaac asked from the open door.
“I’d love some, but visiting hours are over.”
He strolled into the room with a boyish grin. “I know, but I have been given special privileges.” He came to the bedside and kissed her forehead.
She took hold of his hand, reluctant to let go. “I’m glad you came back. I’m not nearly as brave as I pretend to be.”
“You never have to pretend with me, Addie. I want to know the truth—always.”
Addie knew he meant every word, but it still amazed her that he was so determined to love her. “I do wish things could have been different, Isaac. We had such hopes and dreams. Things were going to be perfect.”
