Hannah Grace by Sharlene MacLaren

surprised when Gabe told him Hannah had stationed herself in the jail cell with the boy, determined to win him over. "Sounds like something one of those Kane girls would do," Ed said. "They have spunk, every one of 'em. 'Course, they come by it naturally. I've known Helena ever since she and Simon arrived here from England with their boy, Jacob. He must've been about eleven or twelve at the time. Like so many others, the family wanted a new start in America, so when Simon inherited a good amount of money after his parents' passing, they landed here and started up Kane's Whatnot. Right from the beginning, Simon got little Jacob involved in the general store, and it's a good thing. In 1879, Simon passed on very suddenly from a bad cough, almost the exact same time as my Marian. Later, folks speculated diphtheria was the culprit. It sent a number of folks to their graves that year. It could be quite an epidemic in those days, sweeping through both small towns and big cities. Anyway, that forced Jacob into the retail business full time. I think he was just out of school. He and Helena braved things together, but times weren't easy for a lot of folks."
    Gabe detected the hint of reminiscence in the widower's faraway gaze, but he bypassed the temptation to prod him. Ed Bowers was a man who could converse for long periods, given the chance, but right now, other matters occupied Gabe's mind. `Any idea where I might start looking for this boy's parents?" he asked.
    "What's that? Oh, that lad who jumped on your rig? Well, now, might be he's on his own. No telling how long he's been fending for himself."
    "You mean, you think he's an orphan?"

    "Can't say for sure, but there's a good chance. 'Lot of lingering unrest what with the aftereffects of the Civil War still weighing heavy on our nation, not to mention the westward expansion. 'Lot of youngsters have been lost in the shuffle. From what you tell me, this boy's experienced some pain along the way, physical and emotional. You might better take 'im over to the doc to see if he can find anything wrong with 'im:
    "You're the second one who's suggested I do that. Problem is, he's not my son. I don't have time for messing with him,"
    The judge's brow angled into a thoughtful frown. "I s'pose you could take him back to where you found him,"
    `And do what with him? Leave him in the street? Come on, Ed, is that the best you can do? Isn't there some sort of orphanage or holding place where I can take him? Do you know of anyone around here who would foster him-at least until I can figure out what to do with him?"
    The man's frown deepened as he pinched the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger and set his chin at a tilt. "There's no children's home in Sandy Shores, or anywhere in River County, for that matter, but I'll ask around to see if anyone would be willing to take him in. Don't go getting your hopes up, though. It's asking a lot to expect someone to take in a little rapscallion like the one you just described,"
    "What about the churches? There must be some family who'd have room for him,"
    The judge gave a pensive nod. "That's a possibility. I'll see what I can find out for you."
    "What should I do with him in the meantime?"

    Ed moistened his lips and fixed Gabe with a confounded stare. "Well, I guess that's something you and Miss Kane will have to decide together. Seems to me you both got yourselves into a pickle with this one."

    he boy had spent the last hour staring daggers at Hannah, refusing to move from the cot. That's a good sign, she figured, considering he could have been throwing his fists at her. She coaxed, prodded, and talked in a gentle voice, but he maintained his obstinate demeanor.
    `Are you hungry?" she ventured. "My grandmother makes a fine chicken and vegetable stew. Does that sound good to you? I know it's stew night, because I saw her dicing up potatoes and carrots yesterday evening, and she had my sister slicing up fresh chicken."
    He licked his lips