An Agent For Cecily (The Pinkerton Matchmaker Book 8)

by Marie Higgins

  Sighing in relief, his body relaxed, but he didn’t lie back down. Instead, he leaned his shoulder against the cushions of the couch. “Good, because if you really wanted me to sing to you, I can assure you, it would have given you nightmares.”

  “Oh, you’re exaggerating. You have a nice voice.”

  “Wait to form an opinion when you hear me sing.”

  Silence passed between them for a few unsettling moments. He licked his dry lips and adjusted the blanket around his waist. “What do you suppose we should do now?”

  “Back home, whenever I couldn’t sleep, I would go for a walk outside. Of course, we didn’t live close to town, and I usually wore my nightdress because I knew nobody would see me.”

  She sat up fully. The blankets had dropped to her lap, and her white, long-sleeved nightdress was more noticeable. Her thick braided hair fell over her shoulder. He was relieved she didn’t leave her hair long.

  “We had a small creek running through our land,” she continued, “and on hot nights, I would soak my feet in the water.”

  The image of her doing that very thing filled his head and he grinned. “What did you do on cold nights?”

  “I sat in front of the fireplace. The fire would have died down to only embers, and I’d take a stick and stir the embers around, trying to draw a picture.”

  “Do you like to draw?”

  She shrugged. “Only in the fireplace.”

  “Did that calm you?”

  “Yes.”

  He pointed to the hearth. “Should I build a fire?”

  “No. It’ll make the room too warm, and then I won’t be able to sleep.”

  A few ideas popped inside his mind of ways to pass the time that might wear them out later. He shook his head. If she knew what he was thinking, she’d slap his face. And yet… he was her husband.

  Tanner, stop thinking like that!

  He would not use that as an excuse to take advantage of her. He must stick to the plan in order to obtain the annulment once her training was over.

  “Rick? Why don’t you tell me about some of your hardest cases?”

  “Why? Do you think they are boring and that they’ll put you to sleep?”

  “Of course not. I just like hearing the sound of your voice. It’s soothing.”

  Rick wanted to tease her more, but he actually enjoyed talking about some of the cases he solved. He was proud to be a Pinkerton Agent.

  “Some of my hardest cases, huh?” He scratched his chin.

  “Do you have any that you haven’t solved yet?”

  He nodded. “A few.”

  “Why haven’t you solved them?”

  “Because the men I’m searching for are outlaws. When I get too close, they run.”

  “That sounds very disheartening.” She climbed out of the covers and crawled to the edge of the bed. “Will you ever give up on trying to find and arrest them?”

  “Never.” He, too, scooted closer to her on the couch, but he kept the blanket around his lower half. “I’ve been through too much to give up. They may not be top priority right now, but they are still in the back of my mind. And if I run across them, I’ll arrest them.”

  “Like Mark Weller?”

  “Yes, Cecily. Just like Weller. Eventually, my path will cross with these other outlaws, and justice will prevail.”

  “I have faith in you. If you’re determined enough, it will happen.”

  “Oh, I’m determined.” He raked his fingers through his hair. “There’s a gang I’ve been after for seven months. That’s one gang I’ll never give up on… not until I see each of them six-feet under.”

  “Who are they?”

  “They call themselves the Sheldon Gang. A father and his two grown sons started the gang, but I believe they have added more members. I wouldn’t be surprised if they enlisted the help of the only daughter, too. I hear talk of a woman who answers to CJ that works for the gang. I believe this is Red’s daughter.”

  Cecily gasped. “The daughter? Oh, no. That wouldn’t be right.”

  “You don’t know these people. They are ruthless, cold-blooded killers. All of them.”

  NINE

  Cecily’s blood turned cold. Her Pa had called her CJ. But it didn’t matter if she had run away from her father and brothers, they were still her family. She disagreed with Rick. They weren’t cold-blooded killers. They were only stupid bank and stagecoach robbers.

  Although, she still suspected they had something to do with the real Ruth Livingston’s death – and the death of the others who’d been in that stagecoach. But until she saw proof that they were involved, she’d believe differently.

  For now, though, she must try to change Rick’s mind about her family. They weren’t killers.

  “Why would their daughter want to join the gang?” Cecily said nonchalantly. “She’s probably the only one in the family with any smarts.”

  Rick chuckled softly and shook his head. “No. I believe their whole family is that way. Why would one person be different? Mr. Red Sheldon probably raised his children to become thieves. And of course, when they became experts at that – and dodging the law – that’s when they turned to murder.”

  Cecily climbed off the bed, and on shaky legs, moved toward him. She wrung her hands against her middle. “Are you certain, Rick?” She sat next to him on the couch. The moonlight streaming through the curtains brightened this side of the room a little better. She now realized that Rick wore his union suit. However, most of the buttons down his chest were not fastened, and she glimpsed a few chest hairs.

  Heat scalded her face, and her whole body burned as if she was sitting directly inside a hearth along with a roaring fire. Nevertheless, she still touched his arm.

  “Rick, do you have proof that the Sheldon Gang has killed?”

  “Yes.”

  Rick’s voice was slightly deeper than before, and it stirred awareness inside her chest – awareness that they were both in their night-clothes, and sitting right next to each other. She couldn’t stop thinking that tonight should have been her honeymoon. She didn’t count the train ride since they were not alone. But they were certainly alone tonight.

  The rhythm of her heart quickened, and she wished it hadn’t. She’d never seduced a man before, and she wasn’t going to start with her husband. He either wanted her as his wife – for better or worse – or he didn’t. The decision needed to be his.

  “Yes, Cecily, I do have proof.” He covered her hand with his palm. “I witnessed them kill my brother.”

  She inhaled a shaky breath and fought the tears building in her eyes. “Nooo… No. I cannot believe they’d do that.”

  Rick gave her a gentle smile and cupped her face. “Cecily, don’t defend these people. They aren’t worth your sorrow.”

  “Wh-when did they kill your brother?”

  “Last October. He was a Pinkerton Agent, too. We’d heard the Sheldon Gang would be robbing the local bank, so my brother and I had decided to meet there earlier in the day. When my horse threw a shoe and I had to take the animal to a blacksmith, my brother decided to try and arrest them himself. By the time I’d arrived, his shirt was covered with his blood as he lay dead in front of the bank while the Sheldon Gang rode out of town as if the devil was on their heels.”

  Cecily’s heart broke a little more. She’d been making excuses for her family for too many years. She’d been trying to convince herself that they were only outlaws because they were bored and didn’t have regular employment like most men. And yet, deep down in her heart, she feared the worst. Now she must accept the truth, but it was so hard. And, at the same time, she couldn’t make Rick suspicious of her actions.

  A tear slid down her cheek, but before she could wipe it away, Rick’s thumb caught it. She inhaled slowly, forcing herself to hide her emotions.

  “I… I’m sorry about your brother.” She licked her dry lips. “That should not have happened.” Her voice broke, so she cleared her throat. “But if you had gone with hi
m, would you have been lying dead next to him as well?”

  “I don’t know. I want to believe that the two of us could have taken down this gang. But you’re right. I cannot say what would have happened if my horse hadn’t thrown a shoe.”

  How many other people had her family killed? Her blood chilled. She’d purposely placed herself in her own little world just so she wouldn’t have to think of the crimes they were committing. But now, she must face the truth.

  More tears filled her eyes and slid down her cheeks. She just couldn’t control them. Neither could she control the shakes taking over her body from the sobs she tried to keep hidden.

  “Oh, my dear Cecily. Please don’t cry.”

  Rick wrapped his arms around her and pulled her to his chest. With her cheek pressed against him, she heard the rhythm of his heart, and strangely enough, it soothed her. Being in his arms gave her comfort and strength.

  He stroked his hands over her back. Warmth gradually returned to her body. She didn’t want to move from this spot. She enjoyed their closeness. For the first time since they were married, she actually felt like she was his wife.

  “I…” she swallowed hard, “I hope you find this gang and arrest them.”

  “Thank you for saying that.” His knuckles under her chin tipped back her head until she was looking at him. “You know, once I’ve trained you, we might be able to search for this gang and capture them. You are a very intelligent woman, and I’m certain you’ll have some ideas I’ve never thought about.”

  If only he knew… No. She couldn’t tell him the truth. He’d hate her. He thought she was just like her family, and she didn’t think Rick would give her the chance to explain. “I hope I’ll be able to help in some way.”

  His expression softened the longer he stared into her eyes. Soon, his gaze wandered over her face and rested on her mouth. The emotion inside of her changed drastically. Now her body shook for entirely different reasons. They were alone and in their night-clothes. Would he follow through with his instincts, or would she allow temptation to lead her into taking the first step?

  “You know, Cecily, I was against marrying you – or anyone – just to train a female agent. But you are so very different. Most women I’ve met don’t say what’s on their minds. Shoot, they don’t even know how to think, let alone speak. But these past days with you have been entertaining, and I’ve enjoyed every minute.”

  Her lips trembled when she smiled. “You’re different, too. I mean, you act so aloof and like a stubborn know-it-all, but deep down inside, you are patient and understanding.”

  One side of his mouth lifted higher than the other. “A stubborn know-it-all, huh?”

  She chuckled. “Yes, but my first assumption was wrong. That’s not you at all.”

  “How am I now?”

  She caressed the ends of his hair resting on his nape. “You’re so very tender with me. You treat me like I’m something special, and… that’s something I haven’t felt for a very long time.”

  The humor left his face, but desire still made his gray eyes sparkle. “That’s because you are a special woman and whoever made you feel the opposite was wrong. You… astound me, Cecily.”

  Her crazily beating heart had climbed to her throat. If he didn’t kiss her now, she would surely make the first move. “And you, Rick Tanner, make me feel breathless whenever you are near.”

  He cupped both sides of her face just as he brought his mouth to hers. Closing her eyes, she fell into his kiss just as a heavy sigh escaped her throat. As his lips melded with hers, she rested her hands on his chest, not knowing where else to place them. Muscles bunched under her palms, and she could feel his fast heartbeat.

  Touching his skin made her more curious. Slowly, she moved her hands over his strong chest, admiring his frame. Heavens, this was so very… wonderful. Pleasurable. And her mind kept telling her not to feel guilty because they were legally husband and wife.

  Well… maybe not legally since she had used a different name.

  His arms wrapped around her body tightly as he deepened the kiss. He pushed her back on the couch until their chests pressed intimately against the other. Tremors of delight moved through her, relaxing her even more. His kiss was so very passionate, and it made her breathless.

  She never thought she’d feel this way with such a robust, handsome man – who wasn’t a criminal. For the longest time, she worried that the only men who would court her would be friends of her outlaw family.

  He broke the kiss as he raised up slightly, looking into her face. A small amount of light from the window shone across his face. He was the most handsome man she’d ever seen, and the passionate look on his face made him more desirable.

  His chest rose and fell quickly. As did hers. He stroked her cheek softly, and then dropped his hand to her collar of her nightdress. Expertly, he unlatched the first button, and then the next.

  She held her breath. This was it! He would make tonight their wedding night.

  A nagging thought tugged on her conscious. I’m not Ruth Livingston…

  She grasped his fingers before he was able to unlatch the third button, but she left his hand on her bosom. “Are…” She cleared her tight throat. “Are you sure about this?”

  He arched an eyebrow and his smile was higher on one side of his mouth. “I’m surprised you’d ask that. Usually it’s the man who asks the woman that question.”

  Embarrassment heated her face. “I know, but… I want you to be sure this is something you really want to do.”

  His features relaxed. “You are truly adorable, Cecily.”

  He lowered his head and captured her lips again. This time the kiss was wilder. More urgent. She loved the excitement building inside of her. She wanted more, but didn’t dare reach for it. Her whole life she’d tried reaching for things that were within grasp, only to have her father snatch them away and bring her back to reality.

  But now… her father wasn’t here.

  Suddenly, Rick stopped and raised his head. She could tell by his expression that something worried him.

  “Rick, what—”

  “Shhh…” He touched his fingers to her mouth. “Someone is at our door,” he whispered.

  Slowly he rose from off her and reached for his holster and gun which were on the coffee table. She listened closely, trying to focus on what he’d heard.

  Click… Scratch…

  Someone was messing with the knob on their door. She sat up, keeping her gaze on the door. The knob jiggled slightly. Whoever it was must not have a key. That ruled out an employee at the hotel.

  Rick glanced at her and placed a finger to his own lips, hushing her. She nodded.

  He raised his pistol, aiming it at the door as he stood. It was then when she finally noticed the full effect of his union suit. Heat crept up her neck to her face the longer she gazed upon the material that practically clung to his muscular form. She quickly ushered the thought out of her head. Now was not the time to think that way.

  Taking careful steps, Rick gradually moved toward the door. He stopped, just as the sound had.

  Cecily’s heartbeat knocked crazily in her chest as she kept quiet. Would someone get shot this very night? She prayed it wasn’t Rick. But deep down inside, she knew he would protect her. She hadn’t seen it firsthand, but he was probably really skilled with a pistol.

  After a few moments of silence, Rick moved again, going toward the door on careful – bare – feet. When he reached the door, he slowly leaned his ear against the heavy wood. He frowned and shook his head.

  Several more minutes passed, and he opened door. He must have suspected that nobody would be on the other side, because he lowered his weapon.

  Cecily breathed easier. And yet, someone had been at the door and tried to enter. What were the chances they were lost or thought they were entering a different room? She didn’t think so.

  Rick released a heavy breath and closed the door, locking it once more. He turned toward her and shrugged.


  “I’m glad they left,” she said. “I worried there might be some shooting tonight.”

  “I’m relieved I didn’t have to use my pistol.” He moved back to the couch, sat and placed his gun back in his holster.

  “Are you very skilled at pistols?” she asked.

  He nodded. “I’m not bad.” His expression relaxed as he stared at her. “What about you? Are you skilled at any weapon?”

  She chuckled. “I don’t dare answer that.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because you’ll laugh.”

  “Try me.”

  She enjoyed the way he looked into her eyes as if peering at something lovely. She was certain that’s what was in her eyes when she stared at him. “I’m actually pretty good with knives.”

  His eyes widened. “Knives?”

  “Yes. I was taught as a young girl. I throw them and hit the target nearly every time.”

  He cupped her face as his grin widened. “Cecily, why were you being taught to throw knives as a child?”

  Heat crawled to her face again, but she didn’t know if it was from his touch or their conversation. “I was bored.”

  He laughed. “I would really like to see that.”

  “All right. What about tomorrow?”

  He shrugged. “I suppose we can, but let’s visit the city offices first thing in the morning.” He picked up his timepiece sitting on the coffee table and checked the time. “But let’s try and get some rest tonight first, or not one of us is going to be very alert tomorrow.”

  “I agree.”

  She stood and walked past him toward the bed, but he grasped her wrist, stopping her. He placed a light kiss on her knuckles.

  “I think, Mrs. Tanner, that we should continue what we started here on the couch… tomorrow night.”

  She smiled. “Oh, I plan on it.”

  TEN

  The morning had never looked so bright, and the sky had never been so blue – reminding Rick of Cecily’s enchanting eyes. He hadn’t gotten much sleep because she’d been on his mind all night, but he still awakened with a smile on his face. There was also an extra bounce in his step.