Journey to Peace
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Cullen Delaney clipped a few more stems from the rose bushes before he heard the train whistle in the distance. Once the train pulled in to the depot, they could expect a new batch of tourists to begin arriving within fifteen minutes. Cullen hurried to rake up the rose bush clippings and toss them into his wheelbarrow to insure the well-groomed appearance to the grounds.
Being the assistant groundskeeper didn’t pay much, nor did it keep him busy. His idle hours found him more and more often down at the sheriff’s office, until Sheriff Grant Harper declared if Cullen was going to spend so much time there, he might as well be Harper’s deputy on a part-time basis. The hiss of steam and screeching of steel on steel announced the train’s arrival. Cullen dumped the wheelbarrow into the waste pile behind the tool shed and put his equipment away.
A young woman carrying a shabby carpetbag and cloth sack walked up the hotel drive. She couldn’t possibly be a tourist. The wealthy always arrived in fancy carriages. Her clothing, while clean, was wrinkled and threadbare. Her footsteps and posture bespoke of discouragement. But there she was, heading toward the front door of the hotel like she was a paying guest.
Judging by her appearance and her baggage, Cullen calculated her goal was likely employment, but if she committed the faux pas of walking in the front door, she’d be rejected before she could even inquire. He glanced about, hoping to intercept her before anyone else noticed her.
“Excuse me, miss.”
The young woman halted and turned, and Cullen smiled at her. She dropped her gaze.
“Good afternoon, and welcome to the Mountain Park Hotel.”
She peered up at him for a brief moment. “Thank you.”
He could barely hear her, and he stepped closer. As he did so, she stiffened and shrank back. What could possibly cause her to react with such timidity?
“I–I–” Her chin dipped and her neck muscles convulsed as she swallowed. “I’m looking for work. The man at the train depot said I might check here.”
Despite the fact she wasn’t looking at him, he smiled anyway. “I’m an assistant groundskeeper, so I don’t really know whether or not they are hiring inside, Miss …”
Her head jerked up and her eyes widened. She stammered. “Uh, uh, M– M– R-Rose. Rose … Miller.”
Goodness, but he’d never encountered anyone so shy. She could barely spit out her own name. How did she think she was going to ask for a job?
“Pleased to make your acquaintance, Rose Miller. I’m Cullen.” He stuck his hand out but she again drew back, so he turned and pointed around the side of the building to the employee entrance. “Go on down that way, just past the stone wall, and turn left. You’ll see the gray door that says ‘Staff.’ Go in there, and ask to speak with Miss Templeton.” He lowered his voice. “Miss Templeton can be a bit … intimidating, but don’t let her scare you.” The truth was Miss Templeton could frighten Goliath into surrender, but he hoped Miss Miller would be less timid once she got inside.
A shudder visibly shook Miss Miller’s shoulders. He almost asked her if she wanted him to accompany her, but he sensed the offer might embarrass her, and his presence wouldn’t impress Miss Templeton.
She rearranged her grip on her bags and straightened her shoulders, as if fortifying herself to face a formidable adversary. She cleared her throat. “Thank you–” She seemed to have forgotten his name, but Miss Templeton’s name was far more important.
He tugged on the brim of his hat. “Good luck.”
She started down the side drive toward the employee entrance. Cullen watched her go. Her extreme shyness and hesitant stammering when he asked her name piqued his curiosity. Speculating what kind of life she’d led before arriving at Hot Springs arrested his thoughts. Had she been abused? Was she in trouble? Cullen raised his eyebrows. Was she running from something or somebody? Working part time with Sheriff Harper had increased his awareness of odd behavior in people. Harper had taught him to be watchful. For sure, he wouldn’t mind watching Rose Miller.