Her Bodyguard by Geralyn Dawson Page A

her, she made her way down the narrow aisle past businessmen in suits who sat beside farmers wearing denim overalls. She smiled at a demurely gowned lady who sat across the aisle from a gaudily dressed woman busy sending bawdy winks toward a cowboy searching for a seat. Mari spied an empty west-side seat and considered claiming it by setting down her satchel. Upon noting that the seat behind it contained a trio of boys remarkably reminiscent of her brothers, she decided to try another car.
    It took her at least five minutes to make her way through three of the railcars. Summer heat created a stifling atmosphere inside, the odor of unwashed bodies mingling with the aroma of fried chicken rising from picnic baskets, floral perfumes, and a toddler’s dirty diaper. Mari fanned her face and hoped that the three long toots of the train whistle indicated an on-time departure. Having fresh air blowing through the windows would be a relief.
    In the fourth car, she was hailed by an acquaintance of her mother’s. She dodged probing questions, then quickly took her leave. The train was starting to roll and her nerves had gone tense by the time she entered the passenger car nearest the locomotive. Had Luke Garrett stood her up?
    “Not real good at following directions, are you, Miss McBride?”
    He lounged like a sleepy mountain cat across two seats at the very back of the car, the broad brim of his black felt hat pulled low on his brow, his arms folded over his chest, his long denim-clad legs outstretched and his booted feet crossed at the ankles. The seat across the aisle from him and the four directly in front were occupied by, of all people, nuns.
    Nuns who knew her. Knew her well.
    “Maribeth McBride,” said Sister Gonzaga. “I understand you haven’t attended church since your parents left town.”
    That caused Luke Garrett to sit up and push his hat back. Interest gleamed in his tawny eyes.
    “I…um…”
    “Your sister is in church every Sunday.”
    “Yes…well…”
    Luke Garrett’s lips twitched.
    “Father King hears confessions on Saturday afternoons. I’ll tell him to expect you. Will you and Emma be back from your travels this coming weekend?”
    Mari couldn’t think of a single response that wouldn’t get her into trouble, so she shot Luke a “help me” look. He was supposed to be her bodyguard, wasn’t he? He should do something to save her!
    When mischief sparked in his eyes and his dimple creased his cheek, she figured she’d made a big mistake. Watch him say something outrageous, something sure to ruin her reputation at home. Something that would ruin her business. I should have anticipated that I might see someone I knew on this leg of the trip. I should have had an excuse or explanation at the ready.
    I’m so out of practice at Menacing.
    Mari held her breath as Luke unfolded from his slouch and leaned forward. “Sister? Miss McBride could use your prayers in the coming days, your prayers and your discretion.”
    Sister Gonzaga twisted in her seat and shot him a suspicious look. Luke continued, “Miss McBride has received information that her sister might have survived the Spring Palace fire after all, and she’s traveling to San Antonio in an attempt to confirm it.”
    The truth? He’s using the truth for an excuse?
    What a novel idea .
    “Little Kat? Alive?”
    “It’s possible, but in my opinion, unlikely.” Ignoring Mari’s little murmur of protest, he continued, “However, Miss McBride must do all she can to put the matter to rest one way or another as soon as possible, certainly before her family returns to Texas. The McBrides have suffered tremendously from the loss of their Kat. If this rumor proves false, the fewer family members who have their hopes raised then dashed, the better.”
    “Of course. Young Billy especially has had an awful time of it.” The elderly nun looked at Mari, her eyes brimming with compassion. She reached over and patted Mari’s hand. “You’re a good