Love on the Line - Deeanne Gist [123]
Luke lifted his hat, then resettled it on his head. “If you aren’t with Comer when he splits up the money, how do you know you get a fair shake?”
“Comer divvies it up different fer each feller. The ones who have children get the most. Then ones who’re married. Then fellers like you and me. I’m purty sure that’s why Necker got married. We do most o’ our robbin’ between harvest and plantin’.”
“And Necker married Lulie after the harvest?”
“Yep.”
“That still doesn’t guarantee the money is split like it should be.”
“Aw, ya worry too much. Frank Comer’s the best dad-blamed outlaw to ever live. He wouldn’t cheat nobody.”
Other than the people he robbed, Luke thought. Or who want out of his gang.
He placed a hand on Duane’s shoulder. “You be careful tomorrow.”
“Don’t worry. Everything’ll be just fine.”
Nodding, Luke opened the gate and let himself into the boardinghouse.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Luke needed to alert his captain. The lines in town were down, but everything originated at Georgie’s cottage. So the wires going to rural areas would still be functioning. He waited in his room, allowing Duane time to make it home, then set out.
After these last few months, he knew every shortcut and back alley, especially to Georgie’s. He kept well out of sight until he was practically at her door.
Circling to the front, he knocked. “Georgie? It’s me. Can you answer? I need you to make a call.”
“Luke?” He heard her scramble; then a light came on in the living room.
The moment she opened the door, he pushed inside and closed it behind him. Instead of a nightgown, she wore a calico. What was she doing dressed at two in the morning?
“They came back,” she said, distress etched on her face.
He sucked in his breath. “Necker? He was here? Did he hurt you?”
She took a step backward. “Is that who it was? Arnold Necker?”
His pulse thrummed. “Did he hurt you?”
“No, no. He didn’t come in. He stood out front and fired his pistols, making all kinds of racket. It scared me so much, I crawled to the switchboard and tried to phone the sheriff. But the lines won’t work.” Her body trembled.
Pulling her against him, he rubbed her back. He hadn’t had a chance to think much about their argument. Truth was, he understood her position and deep down respected her for it. But the thought of doing without her kisses was not to be borne. Still, now wasn’t the time.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “The wires in town were shot down, but everything else should be working.”
“They aren’t. Nothing’s working. I tried every single one.”
“Blast.” He gave her shoulders a squeeze, then released her. “I’ll be right back. I need to check something outside.”
He didn’t have to go more than halfway down the walkway to see every telephone line on the pole had been shot off. He cursed. Necker had made sure there would be no way for anyone to communicate with the outside.
Why had he done that? Did he suspect something? Did he suspect Luke? Was that the real reason for tonight’s prank?
Taking the steps two at a time, he darted back inside. “Everything’s down. He shot the lines clean in two. There’ll be no way to use the telephones or the telegraph. We’re completely without communication.”
She glanced out the window. “Why would he do that?”
Walking over to his desk, he yanked open a drawer and pulled out schematics for the various lines. “I need to reach my captain. Do you know offhand which line runs out to Industry?”
“The one that leads to the Dobbings’ place.” She joined him at the desk. “What’s wrong? What’s happening?”
“I’ll be right back.” Grabbing the lantern, he hurried out to his tool cart and snatched up his gloves, climbers, splicing pliers, and wire grip. But when he reached the pole, he stood amongst a tangle of wires, having no idea which one went where. It would take sunlight and a great many hours to sort them out.
He returned his tools to the cart, resisting the urge to vent his frustration. But there was no time.
Georgie met him at the door. “Too dark?”
“And too much of a mess.”
“What’s happening? What