A Family for the Holidays by Sherri Shackelford Page B

haven’t gotten any dispatches from Emil Tyler, have you?”
    â€œThe name doesn’t sound familiar.” The woman set down her quill and knocked over her ink well in the process. “Oh, dear me. Look at that.”
    She hastily mopped up the mess, darkening her white handkerchief an indigo blue.
    â€œEmil Tyler.” Jake concealed his impatience. “Owns the barbershop.”
    â€œNo. I can’t say that I’ve had any dispatches from someone by that name. ’Course, I’m not the only one who works here. You could ask one of the other ladies.” She pinched the soaked rag between her thumb and index finger and dropped the mess in the wastebasket. “We’re all ladies running the telegraph machines. Western Union figures we’re cheaper than men. They’re right, you know.”
    Not in the mood for small talk, Jake gave a curt nod. “Thanks.”
    He stepped onto the boardwalk and froze.
    Regina had cornered Lily and the boys.

Chapter Seven
    W ith Sam and Peter eagerly trailing behind her, the three of them had made their way to the barbershop unimpeded. The town was quiet, the boardwalk deserted for the noon meal. Lily gathered their bags and paused. A stack of correspondence sat on a side table. On impulse, she stuffed the mail into her bag. While the chances of discovering a clue were slim, they were running out of possibilities.
    â€œAll right.” She faced the children. They each carried a single small bag. “How are the two of you holding up?”
    â€œWe’re doing great.”
    â€œThis is neat.”
    Lily sighed. At least their enthusiastic embracing of the situation was better than fear.
    She looked them up and down. They’d dressed in double layers with their hats pulled low over their ears and yards of knitted scarves wrapped around their necks. The weather was cold, but not frigid, and there was barely a breeze stirring the air. As long as she kept a close eye on them, they shouldn’t come to any harm.
    â€œStop worrying,” Sam said.
    â€œI’m not.”
    â€œYou’re chewing on your lip and frowning.”
    Lily touched her cheek. “I guess I am worrying. Just a little. I was hired to keep the two of you safe, and I’ve involved you in a jailbreak and a cross-country escape on horseback. Believe me, if I thought there was another way, I’d never put you two through this ordeal. I don’t trust Vic Skaar. I still think we have a chance of finding your grandfather. I’m not giving up just yet. I will never do anything unless I truly believe my actions are in your best interest. I promise.”
    Sam grew serious. “Kids aren’t as dumb as adults think. For the first few months after our parents died, we did nothing but travel. We traveled across Africa, we traveled across the ocean, we traveled across America. The whole time I felt like a burden. I never felt like that before. I never understood what it was like when nobody wanted you. For the past week you’ve been fussing over us. I never thought I’d miss my mom fussing over me, but I do. She was trying to show us she cared. That’s how I know you care. You just keep fussing over us, okay? And we’ll keep pretending like we’re annoyed.”
    â€œI will. I promise.” She drew them both into a hug. “Your parents must have been very special people, because they raised two very special children.”
    Peter pulled back. “We’d best get going or Mr. Jake will be champing at the bit.”
    She stuck out her hand. “All in.”
    Peter set his hand over hers, and Sam followed suit. “All in!” they shouted in unison.
    Lily opened the door and searched the empty street. “It’s as quiet as a Sunday morning during church service.”
    Halfway down the stairs, she paused. A movement caught her attention and she glanced at the hotel across the street.
    â€œWhat is it, Miss