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“That’s not anything we want in Lookout. It’s bad enough having the saloon. Maybe I need to have a talk with Mayor Burke.”
    Jack toyed with the crutch’s wooden hand rest. “No evidence that I know of, but there is something else. Jenny’s received unofficial word that the railroad may be adding a spur out this way.”
    Luke’s countenance brightened. “That’s great news. Sure would cut down on my being away when I have a prisoner to take to Dallas. I’m surprised I haven’t heard anything about that.”
    “It’s in the very early stages of development—if it’s true at all. I was hoping the mayor would mention something about that in his meeting.”
    “Ah, now I understand why you’d risk your neck. That would be some story if you could get proof and be the first to write about it.”
    Jack nodded. “Yeah, but I don’t guess that’s going to happen with me laid up like I am.”
    Luke crossed the room and took the crutches from her. “Well, don’t be so down in the dumps. This week of bed rest will be over before you know it. And I’ll talk to your ma and see if she’ll let you come to dinner tonight, since it’s our first family meal with the new minister. If she agrees, I can carry you downstairs.”
    “I’d appreciate that, Papa.” She nibbled her lower lip, not wanting to voice her other thought. Still, if Luke hadn’t thought of it yet, he soon would. “What will happen to Garrett’s business if the railroad comes here? I mean, he can still deliver freight from the depot out to area ranches, but it seems it would cut his business sharply since he would no longer be needed to pick up deliveries in Dallas. It would be much quicker for them to come by train.”
    “Hmm, I hadn’t thought of that. I’ll talk to him about that. He’s been thinking of making some changes anyway. Might be a good time.”
    Jack leaned forward. “What kind of changes?”
    “Ah, no you don’t.” Luke grinned and tweaked the end of her nose. “I’m not one of those ogling, loose-lipped sources you can bat your long lashes at and get to spill the beans. If and when Garrett decides to make a change, you’ll find out like everyone else.”
    She lifted her wrapped leg onto the bed, scooted up against her pillows, and faked a glare. “No fair. Why’d you say anything if you weren’t going to tell all? You know how curious I am.”
    “That I do.” He placed the crutches in the corner behind the door. “Maybe hiding those there will keep your sisters from messing with them.”
    “I doubt it.”
    Luke chuckled. “Me too. I’d better get back to work. See you later.”
    “Don’t forget to talk to Ma about supper.”
    Luke waved. “I won’t.”
    She leaned her head back and closed her eyes. Having Luke become her papa was one of the best things that had ever happened to her. He was easier to talk to at times than her ma, who worried too much.
    Shifting her thoughts to the minister, she wondered what his name was. A man that large had to have a strong name like Sam or Duke, but then Duke hardly sounded like a pastor’s name. Max would have been perfect, but that had been the name of her and Luke’s dog. The old mutt had been dead more than two years, and she still missed him.
    On second thought, she hoped that wasn’t the preacher’s name. He’d have to be very special to deserve the same name as her beloved dog.

     
    Fragrant aromas emanating from the kitchen two stories below his room pulled Noah away from his studies. His stomach growled, reminding him that he hadn’t eaten since breakfast. He stood and stretched then strode to the bedroom window that gave him a bird’s-eye view of Main Street.
    Lookout had certainly grown since he was last here. The town had been shaped like a capital E before, but now it spread out almost clear to the Addams River. If he had to guess, his best estimate was that it had tripled in size. Pretty unusual for a town so far away from the nearest train depot. But