by Gold, Ciara
“But if you don’t meet him, you’ll have to travel the whole way without an escort and through some pretty rough territory.” Maggie shot her a worried glare.
“Then I guess I best hurry so he can be my escort.”
Maggie gave her a speculative look. “Ain’t planning no hanky-panky, are you?”
Kaitlin felt her palms grow sweaty. Maybe. Having Bryce all to herself for four days did sound appealing. She sighed. It wasn’t anyone’s business but her own. Besides, the ride would give her time to sort through her emotions and come to grips with seeing Sarge again.
“Just rent me the horse, Maggie. Please. I need to do this. I need closure to this part of my life. I’m going to Oresonville, with or without your help, but I’d rather have your support than not.”
Maggie gave her a great big hug. “Oh Lordsy, this is the best news I’ve had since Jack proposed.”
Kaitlin couldn’t quite summon the same enthusiasm, but she understood Maggie’s exuberance. She’d been harping at Kaitlin for two years to mend fences with Sarge, and now, Kaitlin was about to oblige her. She shook her head and smiled. “Well? Don’t just stand there grinning. I’ve got to move quickly if I hope to locate Bryce en route. I sure don’t want to make that journey by myself.”
Eighteen
Bryce hadn’t wasted any time in leaving. Kaitlin had been riding hard for two hours, and there was still no sign of the man. According to Maggie, he had a three-hour lead on her. At least the weather cooperated. Although brisk, a clear sky graced the horizon with no hint of snow.
Kaitlin leaned further into the horse, urging the gelding into a faster gait. It wouldn’t be long before hazardous roads would demand a slower pace. She needed to gain as much time as possible before travel conditions worsened.
Smiling, she reveled in the freedom of the ride, enjoying the simple pleasure. It had been years since she’d been atop a horse. Though she hadn’t forgotten how to ride, her thighs began to ache with the unaccustomed exercise. By morning, she would probably pay dearly for this folly, but for now, she allowed the wind to caress her cheeks and the motion of the horse to guide her forward.
She slowed, coming upon a treacherous bend in the road. Low tree branches meant ducking to avoid being scraped off of the horse. A tall cliff shadowed her on one side, while a dangerous drop-off loomed menacingly to her left.
Kaboom! The shot rang out in the stillness of the day, ricocheting off the side of the cliff, and sending bits of rock careening on top of her. The horse reared, his hind legs coming dangerously close to the edge of the road.
Kaboom!
Another shot exploded in the dirt before her, sending the gentle mount into a mad dance. She guided the horse as far from the edge as possible, offering soothing words. Dismounting, she held the reins tight and calmed the skittish beast with loving strokes.
Kaboom!
Kaitlin screamed and plastered herself against the jagged rock face. The gelding fought against her tight hold, almost jerking free. A body toppled from the cliff above her, caught the edge of the road, and fell down the steep gorge. Her breath caught and her heart raced. The grisly sight paralyzed her.
Up ahead, movement caught her eye. Snapping out of her shocked trance, she buried her face against musky hide and whimpered. She’d just witnessed a man’s death. What should she do now? Her heart hammered against her chest. Was the shooter still above her? Did he think she’d witnessed the gruesome event? If so, then her life could be in danger. The thought galvanized her into action.
There wasn’t much room to turn the horse, but fleeing in the direction she’d just come seemed the safest course. Maneuvering, she carefully turned her skittish ride around, hoping she’d have enough time to escape the murderer.
“Kaitlin. Stop.”
Bryce’s voice caught her as she tried to lift herself in the saddle. With her foot in the stirrup, she looked up to see him riding toward her. A huge sigh of relief escaped her lips. She lowered her leg and sagged against the side of the horse. “I’m so glad to see you. A man was just shot.”
Bryce made no comment. Grimly, he stared from his perch atop his horse. Did he not comprehend the news she’d just given him? Did he not know that danger lurked nearby? “We—we have to get out of here. Someone shot and killed a man, and the fiend could still be close.”
“You fool.”
“What?”
“Those shots were meant for you.”
She sagged against the horse’s side, nauseated. Someone tried to kill her? No. Bryce must have it all wrong.
“What are you doin’ here? You could have gotten yourself killed.” The toneless comment snapped her from her silent contemplation.
“That was the plan. Just come out here for an afternoon ride and get myself shot at.” She tried to make light of the situation, but inside, she quaked with the aftermath of fear. Had someone actually tried to take her life? Bryce dismounted and walked to the edge of the cliff.
She pulled away from the horse and joined him as he looked down upon the dead man. Loosening her bonnet, she pulled it back from her face. Gazing at the lifeless body some five feet down, she shuddered. Her gut twisted. Recognition of the victim made it difficult to swallow. While she harbored no feelings for the deceased, she never wanted the man dead.
“That ring glitterin’ on his pinky and his physical traits match the description Pete gave me. Anyone you know?” Bryce asked.
“James Latham,” she whispered.
“A friend?”
“No. One of my ghosts.” She wasn’t about to explain James’s relationship with her. Part of her past had just died. Any grief she might have felt lay buried long ago, a lifetime away.
“Any idea why he’d suddenly want you dead?”
Her body trembled. James had tried to kill her? Pain knifed through her heart, resurrecting memories best left buried. “No.”
“You’re just full of no’s today, aren’t you?”
She didn’t miss the sarcasm that laced his words. He didn’t seem very happy with her, yet she should be angry with him. He headed toward her past without permission. He presumed way too much.
“How did you know I was in trouble?” She turned her gaze from James’ twisted body, swallowing the lump of emotion that made her voice harsh.
“Heard the first shot. It was so close, I thought at first it was aimed at me. You were near enough when I backtracked, I saw you dodge the second bullet. I got lucky. I saw a flash, probably the reflection of the sun off of his gun, and I shot. Which leads me to the next question. What the hell do you think you’re doin’ out here all by yourself?”
She flinched. “You needn’t shout at me, and you certainly don’t need to cuss at me. Why is it okay for you to ride off by yourself, but because I’m a woman, men assume I need an escort?”
“Nice.” He pushed the brim of his hat back to study her. “You like divertin’ the subject when it doesn’t suit you.”
“Yes, sir, and I don’t like some tinhorn cowboy poking where he doesn’t belong. You had no right opening my mail the other day, but traipsing off to Oresonville to dig around in my business sounds like trespassing to me.”
“What’s in Oresonville? What am I goin’ to find there that has you all worked up? Tell me what you’re so all-fired afraid of.”
The question made her pale. What was she afraid of?
“Ghosts.” She swallowed hard, pleased that the contents of her stomach managed to stay put. “What should we do about the body?”
Bryce shrugged. “Let the mountain lions have him.”
“He should have a burial.”
“As soon as we reach our destination, we’ll report the incident.”
Incident. A man’s death had been reduced to nothing more than an incident? She fought the sudden urge to cry, pushing away tears. The deceased had once been her fiancé. A brutal man with few scruples, James Latham didn’t deserve her sympathy. Nor did he deserve to be dinner for some wild animal.
/> Neither one commented. After a charged silence prevented either of them from making intelligent conversation, Bryce remounted. Kaitlin followed his lead and climbed into the saddle.
She’d come a long way since her youth-spent days riding across the Silver Saddle Ranch. When she’d left, she had vowed to close the door on the many insecurities that Sarge had fostered in her. Did she hate Sarge? Perhaps hate was too strong a word to describe her confusion regarding the man. Time had lessened the pain brought about by their turbulent relationship. But she hated what he’d tried to make of her, hated the domineering way he’d tried to suffocate her; yet, he was still her father. When they next met, she would not make things easy for him.
She readjusted her bonnet, shielding her eyes from the sun’s glare. The idea of Bryce meeting her father didn’t sit well. Sarge was sure to say cruel things, and she didn’t want Bryce witnessing their less-than-loving kinship. Perhaps Bryce would agree to escort her to the ranch without staying. He could return to Denver, Charley, and the women he’d begun to court, yet feel comfortable knowing he’d delivered her safely.
“I rode hard to catch up with you,” she said. “I was hoping you’d agree to escort me to Oresonville.”
“Since I’m headed that direction, I don’t see why we can’t keep each other company.”
“You misunderstand me. I don’t want you to stay there. You can escort me, then return to Denver.” She peered at the distant horizon. “I’ll be safe there, so you don’t have to play watchdog.”
“As I recall, I promised to investigate, to find out who’s been terrorizin’ you. You gave me a place to lay my head, and so now it’s my turn to live up to my part of the bargain. I aim to find out who Sarge is and why the other letters came from Oresonville.”
“Bryce, please.” She twisted in the saddle and beseeched him with her eyes. “I don’t want you asking a bunch of questions that’ll only get folks riled up.”
“Then tell me what I want to know. The threatenin’ letters are a nuisance, but getting’ shot at is far more serious. Some lowlife, curly wolf wants you dead. It may not be of great concern to you, but, lady, the thought leaves my blood cold.”
She shivered. The attempt on her life had affected her more than she wanted Bryce to realize. If he sensed her unease, he’d be more difficult to send away.
“Why?” Her hands gripped the reins. “Until a month ago, you didn’t even know me. Why in the world do you care so much?” The minute the words left her mouth, she regretted the impulsive question. It implied she desired his attention. And she did, more than she cared to admit.
“If you get hurt, Charley will suffer for it, and that I won’t allow. You can whine and carry on all you want. I’m goin’ with you to Oresonville, where I plan to make the skeletons in your closet dance.”
She flinched. He made no mention of caring for her. Only Charley held his devotion. Anger made his voice brittle. She’d heard him yell at Charley before when he’d been upset, but never had she seen him so cold and distant. It was better this way. She didn’t want or need another complication in her life. But why should her desire to retain secrets cause such a heated reaction? It was her life, her past.
“You’re going to be disappointed when you discover that my skeletons are nothing more than a pile of old bones.”
“Even ole bones have a way of hauntin’ our memories.” His tone gentled. “It’s okay to need someone, Katy.”
Maggie kept saying the same thing. When Kaitlin said nothing, he leaned over and caught her bridle. The horse tossed its head, but Bryce held fast. Kaitlin tugged ineffectively on the reins. He brought them close enough his knee brushed the top of her thigh.
“You keep accusin’ me of being stubborn, but I think you have me beat.” He pushed his Stetson back, displaying the hard glint in his dark brown eyes. “Look, I’m not just along for the ride. Your life is in danger, so from here on out, we play by my rules.”
She straightened. “I didn’t realize this was a game.”
“Damn you. It’s not a game.”
“Very well,” she replied, peering up at him from under her bonnet. “What rules do you wish to impart, your majesty?”
He seemed to let her sarcasm slide. “Where you go, I go.”
“Even when I have personal needs that need to be tended to?”
“Yeah, even then if I think it’s necessary,” he barked. “From this point forward, we treat this journey as if the very devil wants your soul. When I give you an order, you obey without question. It might save your life.”
“Anything else, oh omniscient one?”
“You start carryin’ a weapon with you at all times. We need to buy you a gun and some ammunition when we get the chance.”
“That won’t be necessary. I—” She started to tell him she owned a gun and would be retrieving it upon arrival, but he cut her off.
“I’m in charge here, and I say it’s necessary.”
“And what will the big, bad cowboy do, if I choose not to follow his rules?” This she said in a sulky, little-girl voice that caused his eyes to narrow. Maybe baiting him wasn’t such a good idea.
“Don’t push me, Katy.”
Kaitlin swallowed, her heart beating erratically from the charged atmosphere. Truth was, she didn’t know if she’d be able to follow Bryce’s lead once they reached the end of their journey. For all his bravado, she doubted Bryce would be able to stand up to Sarge. Suddenly, fear hit her so hard she had to catch her breath. It wasn’t herself she worried over. It was Bryce. Sarge wouldn’t appreciate Bryce’s interference, and if she remembered correctly, Sarge didn’t play nice. Once more she felt inclined to change Bryce’s mind.
She pushed the bonnet from her head, turning beseeching eyes his way. “Please, Bryce. You can’t stay. You have to turn back once I’m there.”
He searched her face. “What are you so afraid of?”
“I’m afraid that if you stay, you’ll get hurt. I don’t think I can live with that.” Her heartfelt words hinted at deep feelings, and she wondered if he noticed.
He suddenly leaned over and grabbed the back of her neck. With a gentle tug, he pulled her closer. “I lied earlier.”
His breathy words sent tingles of warning along her spine.
“How?”
“When I said I was only worried about Charley’s feelings. I care about you, too.”
She swallowed hard. “I—I know. Everything you do shows your concern, and I appreciate all...”
“Ask me, Katy.” He cut her off with a husky whisper, and she knew exactly what he alluded to.
“Please, Bryce.”
“Please, what?”
“Kiss me.” It was a secret desire she didn’t realize was there until she’d spoken the words.
“Don’t ask me.” He dropped his hand from her neck. “Show me. Show me what you want.”
She only hesitated for a moment before placing her hand around his neck in the same way he’d held her. He resisted slightly as she tugged his head closer to hers. He wasn’t going to make this easy for her, nor did she want him to. His brown eyes were heavy-lidded with an unspoken invitation.
At her gentle tugging, he needed no further prompting. His lips settled upon hers in a passionate locking of two obstinate souls. Beneath her, the horse pranced restlessly. Kaitlin tightened her grip, taking the kiss deeper. Calloused fingers stroked the soft skin on her cheek. His tongue snaked in between her teeth, exploring, tasting. She flinched from the foreign sensation, but quickly absorbed the shocking invasion. She wanted him to stop. She wanted it to last forever. Breathe.
Having initiated this union, she would have to end it. Slowly, she pulled away. Her lips tingled, feeling pleasantly bruised. How should she react after such an intimate touch?
“Now what?” she asked, not knowing what he expected of her.
“I don’t know.” He stared ahead, not meeting her eyes. “I honestly don’t know.”
“Bryce?”
“Yeah.” His gaze connected with hers.
“Thank you for not laughing at me.”
“Damn, woman.” He seemed to take offense at that remark. “You must think me an ogre. Why would I laugh at you? If anything, I should laugh at myself for thinkin’ one taste would do. Now that I know what kind of punch you’re packin’, I want more, and next time, I plan to do the askin’.” He pushed his hat back into place and pulled the horse away from hers. “Come on. Let’s get movin.’ We’re burnin’ daylight.”
He snapped the reins and trotted off before Kaitlin could respond. She pulled her bonnet back on top of her head and retied the strings before prodding her gelding into motion.
Gingerly, she touched her lips, marveling at the sensations one kiss had evoked. Bryce had kissed her, really kissed her. Inadvertently, he’d given her a new memory to help combat the old. Would it be enough to override the dark well of emotions that waited for her at the end of the trail?
Nineteen
They followed the wagon road to Idaho Springs, where the waning sun made temperatures drop several degrees below freezing. It had been an exhausting ride wrought with tension. Since their kiss, Bryce had scarcely said two words. Silence seemed to punctuate the treacherous road as the horses slowly picked their way forward. Patches of snow glistened brightly, and she squinted her eyes against the glare from the setting sun, her bonnet offering limited protection from the brilliant light. Sore muscles in her inner thighs added to her discomfort, a sure sign she’d overdone things a bit.
Bryce stopped in front of a hotel, signaling her to do the same. Grateful for the chance to stretch her legs, Kaitlin dismounted.
“Looks to be as fancy as some of the hotels in Denver. Reckon this will do right nicely. You stay here with the horses until I see if they have rooms available,” Bryce directed. Kaitlin wanted to object to the way he ordered her about but felt too tired to argue. Instead, she caught herself watching the play of muscles across his trim backside as he sauntered toward the front doors. Disgusted with herself, she averted her gaze.
