Monica's Mystery Read online

  “It's a pleasure to meet you, sir.”

  “The pleasure is mine—Miss Benton, is it?” His lips spread into a warm smile as he accepted her hand with his. The roughness of his palm told her that he rode often, and worked very hard. It tickled the tender surface of her skin before he drew his hand back.

  “Yes, but call me Monica.” She settled her hand against the skirt of her dress and did her best to ignore the flush that threatened to rise in her cheeks. She felt annoyed—he was just a man after all. But Gabriel—well, he seemed different somehow, different from the men in her town. He wasn't a farmer or a blacksmith, and he exuded a confidence and strength that was impressive, commanding.

  “Gabriel is the head of the local Texas Rangers,” Ellen explained. “Please, come in for some tea, Gabriel.” Ellen stepped away from the door to allow him entrance. Monica stepped aside as well, though her head spun with his introduction.

  In front of her was the very embodiment of what she craved to become. A ranger. And not just a ranger, but the head of the rangers with all of the experience and authority to keep law and order. Everything about him fascinated her, from the creak of his boots as he walked, to the muscular ripple of his back as he sat down in one of the dining room chairs.

  “Thank you, Ellen, that would be quite kind of you. I've been on the plains most of the morning, and it's a hot one out there.”

  “Yes, it is. How are things on the plains, Gabriel? Jacob mentioned there has been some trouble.” As she prepared the tea, Monica lingered close to her, eager to help with anything she needed. However, Ellen produced everything seamlessly as if it had become habitual for her. When she set the teacups to the table, there was one for each of them. Monica moved toward the chair farthest from Gabriel, but Ellen swept in and took it before she could. Monica was forced to sit directly beside the man who inspired both curiosity and fascination, and despite a million questions, Monica found herself speechless.

  “There are rumors of a band of thieves moving into the area. I'm hoping to stop them before they get close. Unfortunately, I haven't found a trace of them.”

  “They wouldn't be very good criminals if you did.” Monica picked up her cup of tea and took a sip. The hot liquid singed her tongue, as if to warn her about her words.

  “I suppose not.” Gabriel shifted his gaze back to her, weighted with emotions she couldn't quite discern. His eyes were guarded, heavy and stern, and for a moment she wondered if her first impression of him was wrong. Did he ever smile? “Did you hear about the train robberies last year? Five of them, and not a single trace of evidence to track the criminals,” Monica declared.

  “I have heard of them, yes. In fact, we believe that the group of them passed through Galveston a few months ago. Unfortunately, we were away and not able to catch them at the time.” He lowered his eyes to his tea, and she watched as his hand tightened around the delicate cup. The strength of his grasp made her wonder if it would shatter before he had a chance to take his next sip.

  “Well, for those types you have to lay a trap. Something to draw them out. To force them into a mistake. It's the only way to catch a smart criminal. You have to outwit them.” Monica took another sip of her tea.

  “Is that so?” Gabriel glanced up at her for a moment, then over at Ellen, as if for an explanation.

  “Monica is a very talented detective. She solved crimes and mysteries back home all of the time. She also reads everything she can about criminal behavior, crime solving, and investigations. In fact, just today, she solved a mystery in town.”

  “How interesting.” His lips curved just enough that Monica might have called it a smile were it not for the furrow of his brow. “And what do you hope to achieve with your—involvement in solving crimes, young lady?”

  “Perhaps—a badge like yours, one day.” Monica's eyes locked to the badge he wore on his shirt. It was the only thing shiny on him. Clearly, he took pride in it and made sure that it was cleaned each day.

  “A badge like mine?” He laughed, although not a cruel laugh, yet his amusement did nothing to lighten the weight of his gaze. “Do you intend to turn in your skirts and bonnet?” he asked with what appeared to be sincerity.

  “Given the chance, in an instant,” she declared and held his gaze without the slightest hint of shame in response to his smile.

  “You are an interesting woman, aren't you, Miss Benton?” He took a long sip of his tea, and then set the cup down on the table. The lightness of his tone disappeared as he rested one elbow on the table and leaned so close to her that she could smell the spice of the tea on his breath. His gaze locked on hers with such magnetism that she didn't even consider looking away.

  “Let me explain something to you, before you get it into your head that Galveston is anything like the small town you hail from. The criminals here are neither stupid nor sloppy, and they are not interested in women's rights. If you involve yourself in the crimes that take place here, the only thing you will gain from that is pain and possibly death. Here, crimes are left to the lawmen and the rangers to handle, and that applies to residents and visitors equally. There is nothing tame or poetic about what is hidden behind the surface of this busy town, and no amount of wit or intelligence is going to talk a criminal out of harming you if that is his intention. Ellen already knows it is not safe to wander around unescorted, and I'm sure she's warned you about this, as well. If not, I’m doing so now, so please hold on to your skirts and bonnets, and put out of your mind any thought of becoming a ranger.”

  With each word he spoke, her heart sank just a little further. It wasn't as if she expected him to pin a badge on her chest, but she didn't anticipate being spoken to as if she were a child or witless woman. She could have remained with her father and Jeb if she wanted to endure that.

  “If that is the way you think, then it is your loss. I would think a lawman who let train robbers slip through his fingers, and criminals hide out in his town, would accept any help he could get.” She narrowed her eyes sharply as she looked away from him and back to the tea before her. There it was, the temper and mouth that her father lamented over from the first moment she could speak in coherent sentences. He’d been certain that no man would ever be willing to marry a woman with such a fierce tongue. He was probably right.

  Gabriel coughed on the last sip of his tea and set his cup down rather roughly against the table.

  “Is that so?” His chair scraped against the floor as he pushed it back.

  “Gabriel,” Ellen started, “Monica is just visiting for a little while. I will ensure her safety while she's here.”

  “Actually, that's not quite true.” Monica exchanged glances with Ellen and then met Gabriel’s eyes without the slightest hesitation and offered a small, challenging smile. “I intend to stay in Galveston. I am never going back home. I will find a way to support myself here, on my own, so that no man will ever have a say over what I do with my skirts or bonnets.” she declared with extra emphasis.

  “And just how do you intend to do that? Do you have some wealth to support you?” Gabriel’s tone shifted from irritated to intrigued as he stroked his gaze along her frame once more. “I'm sure plenty of men would volunteer to be your husband, why make it so difficult on yourself?”

  “I have no wealth, and I do not need a husband. I’m quite capable of taking care of myself. All I need is an opportunity. I'd hoped that Galveston could be that for me. However, it appears that the views here are just as backward as they were in my hometown. There is no difference between a man and a woman, at least nothing that should stop a woman from succeeding on her own, given the same opportunity and rights.”

  “Monica, Gabriel is not exactly versed on the suffragette movement, he spends most of his time on horseback. I don't think that—”

  “I can speak for myself, thank you, Ellen.” Gabriel shot her a polite smile that almost appeared genuine before he locked his intense eyes on Monica's again. “I have no doubt that a woman can be as capable as a
man. In fact, I've known a few who were. But that does not change the way things are at the moment. You have no wealth, and no interest in a husband, yet you expect everyone else around you to change to suit you? Let's see how that plays out in Galveston. As for women's rights, here in the Wild West, there are only two rights you are entitled to, regardless of who you are, the right to live and the right to die. Please don't mistake my warnings for threats. I hope that not a single hair on that beautiful head of yours is ever harmed, but I'd regret it if I didn't make it clear to you that you are not in a safe place, where a daring girl with a bold attitude is rewarded for her pluck and determination. You are in a savage place, where gaining attention leads to the wrong kind of man taking an interest in you.”

  He stood up from his chair in one swift movement. His full height of well over six feet towered over her as he continued. “When that happens, Monica, I do hope that you'll remember my name, and be unafraid to summon my help, because I protect all people of Galveston, equally.” He tore his eyes from hers and tilted his head in Ellen's direction. “Thank you ever so much for the tea and your kindness, Ellen. Jacob should be returning by tomorrow evening. I hope that you will have a nice visit. And, Monica,” he paused on his way toward the door, “I'm quite certain we will meet again.”

  She stared after him as he opened the door and walked through without a backward glance. Dozens of thoughts swirled through her mind, but she could not form them into a sentence. He’d closed the door before she could even utter a response. Never had she met a man that could go toe to toe with her. She couldn't figure out if she was thrilled, or furious, but whatever the heat and flutter were that caused her reddened neck and face, she had no control over it.

  “Monica!” Ellen sighed and rested her head in her hands. “That's Jacob's superior.”

  “I'm sorry, Ellen. I don't know what came over me.” She frowned and reached out to touch her friend’s arm. “I didn't mean to be so defiant, I just can't stand to be told what to do, or what I can’t do.”

  “Why didn't you tell me you intended to stay permanently?” Ellen lifted her head from her hands, her clear blue eyes shining. Was she blinking back tears?

  “Oh no, I've upset you, I'm so sorry, Ellen, please forgive me.” Monica stood up and wrapped her arms around her friend. Only then did she notice the shake in her shoulders. A peel of laughter escaped Ellen's mouth before she could say another word. “Ellen?” Monica released her friend and backed up to get a good look at her— only to find a huge grin parting her lips.

  “I have never seen Gabriel get so red in the face before. You really got under his skin. I've never seen him squirm like that. It was all I could do to hide my laughter. Oh my, but you could have gotten me into so much trouble!” Her words dissolved into laughter as she leaned into Monica's side. “How I've missed you, my dear friend, how I've missed the way you make me laugh, and remind me, that there is much more to life than simply doing as you're told.”

  “Well, yes, there is.” Monica joined in her laughter, but quickly sobered. “I truly didn't mean to get you or Jacob into any trouble. I hope I haven’t.”

  “Don't worry about that. Gabriel comes across as a tough man, but really he is quite caring and intelligent. I was terrified of him when I first met him, but after I spent some time with him around Jacob, I realized he's completely different when he's relaxed. I think he just spends too many hours alone with a horse.”

  “Then what's my excuse? I was quite rude.” She sighed as she sat back down at the table.

  “You've spent too many hours around a horse's rear end.”

  Both women burst into laughter that transformed the tiny cottage from a prim and proper space into a long-forgotten treehouse that had once been filled with the merriment of two young girls—a time long before they knew the reality that one day they might be forced into roles that would never suit them.

  4

  Early the next morning, Ellen summoned the carriage again and they made their way back into town.

  “I can't wait to see Jacob tonight—it's been weeks.” She clutched her hands together in her lap and smoothed her fingertips across the ridges of her fingernails. “I get so excited when he comes home, and I just want everything to be perfect. I'll pick up his favorite foods for dinner tonight.”

  “I'm looking forward to meeting him. From what you've told me, he seems like a wonderful person.” Monica smiled at her friend, though a heavy weight tugged at the corners of her lips. Now that her secret was out, that she intended to stay, she wondered how Jacob would react to it. After all, despite Ellen's invitation, the house that she lived in still belonged to her husband, and he would be the one to make the final decision about how long she could stay.

  As they shopped for Jacob's welcome home dinner, Ellen talked about his favorite foods, how much he enjoyed her rubbing his shoulders, and their dreams for their future together. All of it sounded sweet to Monica, but it also reminded her that she didn't want to be in the role that Ellen was. She didn't want to wait for her husband to come home, and then do everything she could to please him. She knew that Ellen did it out of love and that Jacob treated her very well in return, but the very idea of waiting on a man's every whim made her sick to her stomach. Could a man ever accept her for who she was? Would he tolerate her adventures and need for independence? She doubted it. If that man existed, she had certainly never met him.

  That evening as they prepared the meal together, Monica was quiet. She didn’t quite know what to do with Ellen’s excitement around Jacob’s return. Was she being judgmental of her friend? Did it bother her that Ellen had made peace with the idea and reality of being a wife? Or that she was happy in this new role? Maybe it did. But Ellen was in love, and Monica was happy for her, she just didn't think it was something that could ever make her happy. She resolved to be more supportive of her friend.

  Just as Monica finished slicing some vegetables, the creak of the front door alerted both women to someone's arrival. It was followed by a thick deep voice that called out from the doorway.

  “Where is the most beautiful woman to ever walk the face of this Earth?”

  Ellen laughed with glee and rushed to the door to greet him. Monica picked up the spoon Ellen dropped in her haste, and kept herself occupied stirring the soup. The last thing she wanted to do was to intrude upon their reunion or cut it short.

  After a few minutes, Ellen called to her to come meet Jacob. She set the spoon beside the pot and turned to join them. Jacob was a short man, with a high forehead, well-defined cheekbones, and a strong jaw. There was no question in her mind that he was handsome, and a perfect compliment to Ellen's delicate features. He smiled as he looked in her direction.

  “Monica! It's wonderful to finally meet you. I'm Jacob.” He offered her his hand.

  “I've heard so much about you, Jacob. It’s wonderful to finally meet you.”

  “All good things, I hope.” he smiled as he hugged Ellen to his side. “I've heard many wonderful things about you, as well, Monica. Ellen has been looking forward to your visit. My wife can be quite generous with her compliments.” Jacob looked over at her with a tender smile. “One of her many treasured qualities.”

  “Listen to you, Jacob, flattering me. You don't have to lie to Monica, she knows me better than anyone.”

  “Which means I know he's telling the truth.” Monica's heart filled with warmth in response to her friend's modesty. Ellen had always been a little shy. She knew instantly that she liked Jacob from the way he spoke to Ellen.

  As they shared dinner, Jacob filled them in on the treacherous state of the areas he patrolled. “Honestly, sometimes I feel like we're at war. That's why I get so nervous about you being here alone, Ellen. I'm so glad that you're here now, Monica, and I hope that you plan to stay for some time.”

  “Actually, I was mistaken, Jacob. Monica is not here for just a visit, she's planning to make a life here.” Ellen dabbed at her lips with a cloth napkin, then looked over at M
onica. “Isn't that right?”

  “I'd like to, yes.” Her heart raced as she wondered how Jacob would react. With her fingertips dug into the wooden chair, she forced her gaze to his.

  “Oh?” He raised an eyebrow and looked across the table at Monica. “How do you intend to do that? Of course, you may stay with us as long as you would like. Are you intending to marry?”

  “Thank you, Jacob.” She breathed a sigh of relief, then straightened her shoulders. “No, I have no intention of marrying. I do believe I can set up a business and a home of my own here.”

  “Ah. What kind of business?” He took a sip of his wine and continued to study her. Suddenly she felt shy and hesitated to respond. What was wrong with her? Was she intimidated by the fact that he was a ranger like Gabriel? Luckily, Ellen spoke up for her.

  “Monica is a fantastic detective. I'm sure that she could turn that into a business for herself.”

  “A detective? Really?” He set his glass of wine down on the table. “Well, Monica, Galveston isn’t a small town. It can be a dangerous place, despite the fact that there are many wonderful people here.”

  “I’m not a child. I can handle myself.” Monica cleared her throat as her defenses began to rise.

  “Can you handle a gunslinger?” His long, thick eyelashes tightened around his brown eyes. “An armed thief? A man who will want to claim you as his own?”

  “Jacob, don't.” Ellen's spoon clattered into her bowl as she looked across the table at her husband in alarm.

  “It's the truth, Ellen. This is not a safe place for a woman to be on her own. No, in fact, you will stay with us until you decide to marry, and that is the end of it.”

  “Jacob, she has no desire to marry. Monica is a very independent—”

  “Ellen, you have not seen the things that I have seen.” His jaw clenched, and then he took a long, slow breath. When he spoke, his tone was calmer, but still serious. “It is not my intention to upset either of you, but you must be realistic. If you came to the west thinking that you would have greater freedom, you are wrong in some respects. Here, you are at greater risk. I am happy to welcome you into our home, Monica, for as long as you would like to stay, but I cannot support the notion that you will strike out on your own in a place where single women are at unquestionable risk. It would be like allowing you to step off the side of a cliff. Can you truly blame me for cautioning you about that?” He met Monica's eyes with a pleading in his own.