by Linda Broday
She’d arrived at the decision after much soul-searching. A selfish part of her cried for her mother’s embrace. If she could just feel the warmth of her mother’s touch one more time… But her head told her to spare Phoebe Sutton the townsfolk’s retribution.
Bart Daniels kicked on the door to the jail for Luke to let him in. Since hearing rumors of a forming lynch mob, they’d kept the door locked.
“A durn turtle’s slow, Luke. Jessie’s food’ll be colder than kraut.”
“Sit steady in the boat, you old coot.” Luke slid the bolt. “And what in the heck would you know about kraut?”
Bart’s porcupine mustache bristled. “More’n you. For your information, my ma was a full-blood German. Pay attention sometime and you might learn a thing or two.”
“Peas n’ taters! Always spouting about something. Let me have Jessie’s food. After that walk, you most likely need to sit down and rest your bones a spell.”
“Ain’t a dad-burned thing wrong with me. An’ I’m not too old to whip some of that sass outta you either.”
The affectionate banter between the two men lifted Jessie temporarily from the doldrums. Her fondness for Luke grew. He saw the old sheriff’s value and respected the man.
Luke’s deep caring for her welfare went beyond mere words. For instance, he’d rigged some blankets around her cell that she could pull shut when she wanted privacy. Duel and Luke shared more than simply a last name.
Then, when you threw the sheriff onto the pile, the odds in her favor grew. She harbored no doubt. Sheriff Daniels and Luke would lay their lives on the line to keep her safe. For the first time since she’d arrived in El Paso, she didn’t tremble inside. She accepted the warm plate of food.
“Thank you, Luke.”
The man returned her fleeting smile and winked. “Don’t worry about Duel. He’ll come soon.”
“Yes, you’re absolutely right.” She lifted the blue-checkered cloth that covered the plate. The red beans and cornbread smelled good, only she wasn’t hungry. Her appetite had vanished when she’d left Tranquility.
“Think we have a mess of trouble, Luke.” Bart peeked through the curtained front window.
Light from burning flares first entered the jailhouse as dancing shadows, twisting on the walls. Jessie stared at the kaleidoscope of color in fascination. The red glares became as bright as the midnight sun, while a loud babble outside grew to a roar.
“Reckon how many?” Luke jerked rifles off a rack on the wall and began shoving cartridges into them.
“Can’t say.”
“What’s happening?” Fear put the sharp tone in her voice.
“Probably some liquored-up folks spoiling for a fight. Don’t worry, we’ll handle it, Jess.”
“Open up, Sheriff. Got half the town out here. We want the woman.”
“Over my dead body, you law-breakin’ varmints.” Bart broke a corner glass pane and propped the rifle barrel on the wood. “All of you go home ’fore someone gits hurt.”
“Through you or over you, makes no nevermind to us. We mean to see justice done.” The determined answer echoed through her cell. Like the fingers of death, they reached inside and closed around her throat, making it hard to breathe.
No one had to tell her justice meant swinging from the end of a rope. The blood drained from her face. She moved to crouch on the floor against the wall. Lucky for her she did, for a rock hurtled into the space she’d just occupied. This came from the barred window in her cell.
They had the jail surrounded!
“Jessie Foltry, you’re a murderin’ tramp!”
“Yeah, we’ll make you pay for what you done.”
“Burn in hell, Jessie Foltry.”
The threats continued with no sign of abating. This angry mob had become inflamed.
From amid the chaos, shots rang out. Bullets whizzed past the lawmen’s heads. Breaking glass flew. Jessie stuck her fingers in her ears and watched in horror as Luke and Bart returned fire. Thank goodness both still stood after the initial skirmish.
“Let’s burn ’em out!” shouted a voice during a momentary lull.
“You boys burn the jail, and you’ll have every Texas Ranger in the state riding down here!” Luke didn’t budge from his lookout. He kept his rifle aimed, and Jessie knew he’d not give her up without a fierce fight. Not because she’d married his brother, but because he lived and breathed duty and honor.
“I’d pay a mind to him if’n I was you. Wanna step into a den of rat’lers, you just go right on ahead and light that fire.”
Silence met the sheriff’s warning. Perhaps he’d gotten through to them. She prayed.
“The citizens of this town have the right to defend it against murderin’ harlots. All we want is justice. Bible says an eye for an eye.”
So much for hoping they’d seen reason. These men seemed determined to administer their brand of revenge. The weight on her chest grew heavier until it threatened to choke her.
“You’ll get your justice,” Luke shot back. “This woman is gonna get a fair trial. That’s the law.”
“Only two o’ you agin’ fifty o’ us,” a voice called.
“Good enough odds if you ask me!” The sudden deep timbre released a swirl of excitement in her. She’d never forget that voice if she lived to be a hundred. “Besides, me and this Schofield are thinking of evening things a bit.”
Could it be true? Maybe she’d only imagined it.
“Duel, that you?” Luke called.
“Yeah, brother, it’s me.”
The air Jessie had kept at bay expelled in a rush. He was here. He’d come! Her promise-keeper hadn’t forsaken her.
Yet now that he’d arrived, would the mob kill him? After all, he stood out there among them.
“That woman in there that you’re so all-fired anxious to string up is my wife. I’ll kill any man here who tries to do her harm.”
Dead silence ensued. Then Jessie listened to the loud murmurs.
“That’s Duel McClain!”
“I heard tell o’ his skill with a forty-five.”
“Me, too. Ain’t fool enough to go up agin’ him.”
“I ain’t aiming to git myself killed.”
From the sound of it, the mob was dispersing. She’d known of Duel’s bounty-hunting past, but she’d never dreamed he’d forged such a formidable reputation. Simply his name alone had put the fear of God into this unruly group. This was a different side of the kind, compassionate man she’d grown to love.
Time stood still as she waited for the first glimpse of her beloved. Evidently, he wanted to make sure the crowd scattered before he let down his guard and came inside.
Anxious, she smoothed back her hair and shook the wrinkles from her skirt. She must look a sight.
Sheriff Daniels unbolted the door. Luke stepped outside to greet his brother.
Suddenly, the click of paws on the wooden floor drew her attention downward.
“Yellow Dog!”
Before she could gather her composure, Duel’s large frame filled the doorway. Her throat constricted and tears filled her eyes. She didn’t remember him being so tanned. Or quite so tall. Or quite so dangerous. No wonder he’d sent the crowd home. He was a vision of power and tenderness all wrapped up in one.
He had come.
Twenty-nine
A telltale wetness in his lady’s blue eyes captured Duel’s attention first. The sparkling orbs glistened, beacons of light from a colorless face.
His inadequacy as protector of the one he loved rolled around in his belly like a gut full of buckshot. He should’ve taken her and Marley Rose so far away no one, not even Luke, could’ve found them. High up in the Rocky Mountains lurked many hiding places.
But he hadn’t. The heavy bars between them told more than words that he’d let her down. He removed his hat and twirled it between his hands.
Do you, Duel, promise to protect, to cherish her, to keep Jessie in sickness and in health, as long as ye both shall live,
so help you God?
Damn! He’d broken every vow he’d made when they stood before the preacher. How could a man claim to cherish his wife if he hadn’t protected her? And the sickness and health part—right now she didn’t appear too healthy.
When his gaze traveled past her face, he noticed how frail, almost gaunt she’d become. Her clothes hung on her frame, her once lush curves no longer rounded. He’d failed her in every way that mattered. Now, she couldn’t help but see the mistake she’d made in taking up with a man like him. Guilt forced away his scrutiny until the toes of his boots slid into focus.
“You came!” Jessie’s breathless declaration stirred his remorse until it became a frothy foam. “I was worried, afraid something had happened.”
“Or that I changed my mind?” There, he might as well say what she already thought. He stopped the hat-twirling and held the worn Stetson in a steel grip. Her tone told him what he knew he’d find written on her face if he dared look up.
“But you didn’t.”
From the corner of his eye, he watched her hands slide from the iron bars that separated them. His jaw clenched.
“Nope.”
“You’re not that kind.”
Hope fluttered on bruised, battered wings. Maybe Jessie wasn’t disappointed in him after all. Maybe she didn’t regret claiming his name. Maybe she could find a reason to return the love he felt for her. Suddenly, the toes of his boots held about as much attraction as a tree full of hoot owls.
He searched for the right words to tell her how he felt. In the silence, a whine drew her attention again to Yellow Dog. She knelt and rubbed his head. “Hey, boy. I didn’t expect to see you here. Duel?”
“The fool wouldn’t stay behind. Walked all the way to Austin. Guess he’s come to trust me. At least he tolerates my rough ways.” Duel’s confidence returned. “Or maybe he hungered for your tender touch…like me.”
Jessie reached for his hand. Palm to palm they stood. The heat from her gaze drove away any remaining doubts. He pitched his hat toward a spindly chair, ringing it on the sharp wood that rose from the high back.
She ran her tongue slowly across pearly white teeth. “I’ve missed you, sodbuster.”
The steady beat of his heart picked up the pace. Without taking his gaze from her face, he hollered, “Bart, open this door so I can kiss my wife.”
“Orders, orders, orders, that’s all I git around here.” Bart pushed aside the rifle he’d been cleaning and stood, his arthritic bones creaking. “A body would think I ain’t nothing more’n a lackey.”
The jangle of keys mingled with Bart’s grumbling.
When the cell door swung open, Duel scooped Jessie into his arms. “I’ve waited too long for this, Mrs. McClain.”
Then, he kissed her forehead, her eyes, and her nose before he settled his mouth firmly on her lips and sampled his fill. His topsy-turvy world righted on its axis for one brief moment. He was with his lady.
Her breath came in excited gasps when he released her at last. “I’ve lived in fear that you wouldn’t get here in time. That they’d hang me before I got a chance to see you again.”
“And deprive the world of the best sweet-potato pie maker I ever saw? I gave my word I’d come, and a McClain never goes back on his word.” Except the one about protecting. He felt the shiver that coursed through her.
“Those men seem bent on keeping me from reaching trial.”
“Hush, darlin’.” He held her tight, his chin resting on the top of her head. “I’m here now. No one is gonna hurt you. No lynch mob, for sure.”
They stood as one until her trembling stopped.
“I love you, Jess. Don’t ever forget that.” The pounding against his chest, where her breasts were becoming familiar with his shirt, aroused a desire so strong he almost forgot where he was. He wanted to take her to the nearest bed, kiss away every problem that worried her.
“I won’t forget. No more than I can lose sight of how much I love you.” Her husky reply made tracks up his spine.
“Hey, Jessie, look who I’ve got.” Luke ducked through the door with Marley Rose riding on his shoulders, oblivious to the scene he’d interrupted.
“Mama, mine Mama!” The excited child put a stranglehold on Luke’s head and dug one leg into his collarbone as she tried to climb down from her perch.
“Whoa, Peanut.” Luke turned in a circle in his attempt to disentangle himself. Yellow Dog added to the melee, barking and nipping at his heels. “Duel, help me. I’ve crossed the trail of mountain lions, cougars, and some of the meanest desperados in the territory, but this little girl puts ’em all to shame.”
“Marley Rose! You didn’t tell me our daughter came with you.”
Duel accepted her look of reproach with good grace. The sound of that “our daughter” part turned his insides to jelly. The buckshot that’d rolled in his belly earlier melted from the warmth. Everything that he’d endured had been worth it just to see the pretty flush on her face.
Grinning, he followed on her heels. “I didn’t get around to it yet. Had a few other little incidentals on my mind.”
Luke yelled again as Marley bounced up and down, grabbing two handfuls of hair.
Leaning back in his chair at his desk, Bart howled with laughter until tears ran down his face.
“Ain’t a dadblasted thing funny, you old coot. You could offer me a hand, you know.” Luke grunted in pain as he plucked Marley’s fingers from his right eye.
“This is the darn-tootin’est sight I’ve seen in all my born days.” Bart wiped his face on his shirtsleeve.
Stretching over Jessie’s head, Duel lifted Marley from his brother’s shoulders. “I could’ve warned you about putting Two Bit up there. I learned the hard way.”
“Lord have mercy!” Luke rubbed his afflicted eye, then the reddened skin on his neck. “That child is dangerous.”
Marley snuggled in welcoming arms. “Mine Mama,” she said, patting Jessie’s cheek while glaring at Luke as if daring him to object. Which he didn’t, because he was busy nursing his wounds.
Duel cleared his throat, suddenly overcome by the sight of the two people who filled his world. The girl had missed the comfort of her mama’s caress. More than that, Two Bit missed her cooking, because she’d eaten very little of what he’d stirred up.
The excitement over for the moment, Yellow Dog sat on his haunches, his tongue lolling from the side of his mouth. Duel wasn’t surprised that the animal’s watchful eyes never left his beloved family.
Tom Parker ambled inside, doffing a handsome black derby when he passed through the door. His cane thudded on the planks as he joined the party.
Duel brought his former father-in-law forward.
“Jess, this is Tom Parker, retired judge and the best darn lawyer in the whole state of Texas.” He basked in the light of hope that shimmered in her eyes. “Just like I said.”
Jessie’s chin quivered as she grasped Parker’s extended hand.
“Judge, meet Jessie, my wife and this little angel’s mama.”
Marley Rose pointed to the silver-haired man. “G’anpa.” Then, she patted Jessie’s cheek again, her voice soft with love. “Mine Mama.”
This time Luke coughed, clearing the way for speech. Duel could see the emotion in his brother’s face. “Judge Parker, Duel forgot his introducing manners. Don’t rightly know if you remember me. I’m his brother, Luke, and the codger wearing the silver star over there is Sheriff Bart Daniels.”
“Wouldn’t have recognized you, son. Last time I saw you, you were wet behind the ears.” The man accepted Luke’s handshake.
“Not much has changed, Parker,” Bart said, sauntering over. “Still wet, though I tried to teach him ever’thing I know.”
“Now, look here, you old goat.” Luke waved a finger beneath Bart’s nose. “I’ve got more sense than you can shake a stick at.”
“Depends on if you’re usin’ a puny twig or a hickory limb,” Bart returned, not letting Luke get one up o
n him.
“How about an olive branch, boys?” Duel shoved his way between the squabbling twosome. “We have some business to get to.”
“Mister Parker.” Jessie ignored the ruckus. “I’m pleased to meet you. You were Annie’s father?”
“None other.”
Through narrowed eyes, Duel watched the former judge size up his lady. Whether Parker accepted Jessie or not remained to be seen. But one thing for sure, he’d best not hurt her.
Jessie touched his arm lightly. Then, with deep sincerity spilling from her face, she spoke from her heart. “I’ve got some awfully big shoes to fill, sir. Not in a million years can I measure up to the special kind of woman Annie was. Heaven forbid I try to replace her, that’s not what I want. I’ll do my best to keep her memory alive. I only hope to never bring shame to the McClain name.”
Judge Parker looked astounded. Whatever picture of Jessie he’d formed in his mind, Duel could tell this hadn’t been it.
“I thank you for your honesty, madam. I wasn’t prepared to like you.”
The man’s brutal frankness didn’t put a dent in Jessie’s smile. “I’m sure you miss your daughter terribly.”
“For a fact.” A soft swoosh of air left the man’s mouth. “For a fact,” he repeated sorrowfully.
“Did my husband explain what you’ve gotten yourself into, Mr. Parker?”
“The main parts. Tomorrow will be soon enough to fill in the gaps.” He stared wistfully at Marley Rose resting her head on Jessie’s bosom. For a moment, Duel could’ve sworn he saw a mist clouding the man’s eyes. “That’s a fine girl you’ve got there, Miss Jessie. She’s mighty lucky to have a mother who loves her so much.”
Parker turned to Luke. “Now, son, show me to the nearest hotel. These weary bones need a soft bed.”
“Yes, sir.”
Before Tom Parker turned away, he winked at Jessie. “Don’t worry about a thing, madam. The cavalry’s here.”
“Duel, you coming?” Luke asked.
“Not yet. Be along in a while.” He hadn’t come all this way to sleep.
Since his hands were pretty well tied in regard to breaking Jess out of jail, making sure she got a fair trial was one promise he meant to uphold. Come hell or high water.
