White Deception

by Susan Edwards

  One I threw away.

  For whatever reason, he had a second chance. Not just with love, but with everything. His gaze settled on Kealan. Already he felt like he belonged to this close, loving family.

  Worry churned deep inside him as he thought of Caitie and Daire. He vowed to find the other two.

  Mattie turned her head. He knew she was searching for him with her mind. He smiled and walked toward her. When she held out her hand to him, his breath caught in his lungs. He reached out, placed his hand in hers and allowed her to pull him deeper into the circle of love.

  * * *

  Where were they?

  Sheriff Tyler paced, wondering. He’d come as promised the day before, but neither Mattie nor Reed had been there. He’d waited until nearly nightfall before returning to town. He’d returned early this morning, going immediately into the barn. Raven was still missing. She wasn’t in the corral or the pasture.

  Though he knew no one would be home, he went to the door of the cabin. He entered. Maybe he’d missed something.

  A note.

  On the table.

  He frowned as he removed his hat. Now how had he missed that yesterday? Picking up the note, he unfolded it.

  Got the brats. If you want to see them alive again, it will cost you two thousand dollars.

  Each.

  Tyler sat heavily as he read the note. Dear Lord, he thought, staring at the heavy, scrawled print. What was going on? None of this made sense. The O’Brien kids had no enemies; they were well liked by all. Even the fights and pranks the boys pulled were tolerated, for all children were prone to such. Even Renny’s bad temper—

  Tyler jumped up.

  Renny!

  If the youngsters had been kidnapped, then something must have happened to her and Matthew! His heart pounded. Chills ran down his spine at the thought of anything happening to Renny. The woman was a damn stubborn mule, a sharp thorn in his side, but hell, their butting of heads livened up the dull days and eased the loneliness of having lost his brother.

  Hearing the sound of a horse outside, Tyler shoved the door open. Instead of Mattie and Reed, he spotted Paddy dismounting.

  “Sheriff.” Patrick mounted the steps.

  “Hello, Paddy.” Tyler moved aside to allow the older man to enter.

  Paddy removed his hat and glanced around. “How’s Mattie? Came to check on her, see how she’s holding up.”

  “Mattie’s not here. Neither is Reed.” He returned to the table. And the note.

  Paddy sent Tyler a sharp look. “What’s going on? You said we could trust the stranger to look after her.”

  At Paddy’s accusing tone, Tyler sent the man a sharp glare. “Wouldn’t have agreed to it if I’d believed otherwise.” Though he believed what he said, his confidence in Reed didn’t tell him where the man was or where he’d taken Mattie.

  He handed Paddy the note. “Found this. Wasn’t there yesterday. Bet my life on it.”

  Paddy read the note and whistled. “Two thousand each! Them kids don’t got that kind of money. Hell, I bet Henley’s the only one with four thousand to his name. He’s the richest man around. Why not kidnap his children?”

  “Don’t know, Paddy.” Tyler was worried. “I think we should ride out and find them. If they ran into trouble, they can’t be more than two days’ ride.”

  “I’ll get Gil.” Paddy turned to leave.

  Tyler reached out and gripped the older man’s shoulder. “No. Leave the boy here. I don’t want your wife or daughter left alone. Not until we find out what’s going on. We’ll ride over and let them know where we’re going.” With that, Tyler strode out the door and down the steps.

  In less than an hour, he and Paddy were riding away from the two homesteads. Worry for the O’Brien family slammed against his ribs with each breath he took. Especially for one hot-headed, hot-tempered, sharp-tongued woman who had somehow latched on to his heart like a tick to a bull.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Tyler and Patrick came upon Reed and Mattie and Kealan less than a day from the two homesteads. Mattie still felt the quiver of relief at their arrival, for it meant that they’d been able to get both Renny and Matthew home faster, and start the search for Caitie and Daire that much sooner.

  Restless and sick with worry, Mattie paced. Paddy had gone into town to gather men to help search for Caitie and Daire, and Reed had ridden out to look around on his own. Tyler had elected to remain at the homestead, determined not to leave any of them unprotected. Mattie appreciated his concern and help. She made her way silently to the alcove where Renny and Matthew were sleeping.

  Sitting beside Renny on the bed, she wished she could see them and know for sure they were all right. Reaching out, she found a tin cup sitting on the table by the bed.

  “Have more tea, Renny,” she begged.

  “No more, Mattie. I just want to sleep.”

  “Just another sip. A small one.”

  Pleased when she heard her sister obey, she left the bed, felt her way around and sat carefully next to her brother. “Matt? Are you awake?” She rested a hand on his chest. His breathing felt slow and even. She breathed a sigh of relief.

  The last two days, ever since finding them, she’d cursed her blindness more than once. She hadn’t been able to see for herself the extent of their wounds, or to tend them. She had to accept what others told her.

  She hated it. She’d come so close to losing Matthew and Renny, and she wouldn’t rest easy until they were both up and doing as normal. The fact that they were both in bed worried her. A lot.

  All she could do for the moment was take care of them as best as she could. Whether they liked it or not. She smoothed the covers over her brother’s sleeping form.

  “He’s awake. He’s faking,” Renny grumbled.

  “Matt?” She shook him. “You better not be!”

  Matthew groaned, proving he was. “Mattie, we’re fine. Go away!”

  Mattie sat up, uncertain. He sounded so unlike himself. Matthew never snapped. She started to leave.

  He snagged her hand. “Stay. We’re worried. And we’re mad that we’re stuck here when we should be out looking for Caitie and Daire with everyone else.”

  Mattie settled on the bed. “You feel as helpless as I do,” she said softly.

  “Yeah.”

  Renny struggled to sit; Mattie felt the mattress shifting. “Renny, you are not getting up.”

  “I can’t just lie here all day,” she groaned.

  “You can and you will.” The deep voice had all three O’Briens glancing toward Tyler. “You so much as step one toe out of that bed and I’ll truss you up like a pig.”

  “You can’t tell me what to do, Troll,” Renny bit out.

  “I can and did.” His heavy boots stalked away from them.

  “I think he means it, Renny,” Mattie said.

  “Let him try,” Renny muttered. But she lay back down. “As soon as he’s gone, I’m up and out of here.”

  Mattie smiled. Truth was, Renny would fall flat on her face if she tried to get up, and she knew it.

  A soft snore made her smile. It didn’t come from either Renny or Matt. Kealan was asleep in the middle of the bed, sandwiched between his older siblings. Their reunion had been full of tears and praise, but even a boy who felt like a man had to give in to his young body’s demands. Kealan had fallen asleep almost immediately.

  “How’s your leg?” Mattie asked Matt.

  “Fine.”

  She lifted a brow.

  “Warriors don’t admit to hurting. But if it makes you happier, it hurts like hell, okay.”

  “You were lucky. The bullet passed through.” And the herbs Renny had put on the wound would take care of the rest. Luckily, there was no sign of infection.
/>   “What are we going to do if they can’t find Daire and Caitie?” Renny asked softly.

  “They’ll find them. They have to.” Mattie couldn’t believe otherwise. She wouldn’t. After all, she’d feared once that they’d all been lost to her, and that had done no one any good. She stood and went to the window. Paddy had removed the canvas. The breeze coming into the room felt good. Fresh. Healing.

  “We have to get the money, Mattie. That will take time.”

  Mattie nodded. “We have some here, but not nearly enough.” Her father had been a wealthy man. Few knew that he had enough to buy a house wherever he wanted, but the family had chosen to live simply. She smiled sadly.

  Grady O’Brien had planned to build them a grand house after a few years, but she and the others had loved this small home that had been, and still was, a place filled with love.

  She thought of Reed and imagined them together. Here, or in their own house. They’d have his children, her brothers and sisters, and maybe babies of their own. Babies with dark hair and blue eyes, she thought as she lay down at the foot of the bed.

  Drowsy, she allowed herself to dream.

  * * *

  It was a clear day. A good day to get married. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky. She glanced up at her groom—Reed. He was there, smiling down at her. The minister stood in front of them. They were in the church, surrounded by their family.

  Without warning, the door crashed open. “Stop this wedding. Stop it, I say!”

  Mattie turned to see Katherine O’Leary stalking up the aisle. “You won’t marry my son. I will not have it!”

  Confused, Mattie turned to Reed. Then she screamed. It was Gil staring down at her. She turned back to her mother-in-law, but couldn’t see her. Smoke filled the church.

  A wall of flame rose in front of her. She heard the crackle of fire. It sounded as though it were laughing at her.

  “Gil,” she cried, grabbing his arm. He didn’t move. She glanced up. This time, it was Collin she saw. He fell back, into the flames. His mother shrieked and ran toward them.

  “It’s your fault. All your fault. He shouldn’t have died!”

  The words faded as a wall of flame lifted Mattie high into the air. No, it was wings—soft wings, carrying her away from the heat and hate.

  She clung to the giant bird as they soared. The owl turned his head. Mattie saw blue eyes. Brilliant blue eyes. Reed had saved her, and he was taking her away.

  They soared across the land, dipped down into valleys and rose high over the bluffs. The feeling was incredible. She felt free.

  “Mattie.”

  “I love you,” she whispered.

  “I love you too,” a voice whispered in her ear. “But perhaps this isn’t the time to be telling everyone that.” Reed’s hands were gentle on her shoulders as he helped her sit up. “Come on. Renny and Matt are sleeping.”

  Mattie realized then she’d fallen asleep. She heard the low murmur of whispers and realized everyone was back from searching.

  She let Reed scoop her up off the bed. He set her down in a chair. “Did you find them?”

  “No.” He sounded weary.

  Mattie, knowing they weren’t alone, resisted the temptation to reach out and touch him. “What now?”

  “We wait until day and start searching again,” Tyler said. “Paddy and Gil went home. They’ll be back at first light.”

  “Tyler, we have the money. We’ll pay.” To her mind, four thousand dollars was a small price to pay for the safe return of her brother and sister.

  A scrape of feet on the floor had her turning. “Why didn’t they just ask for money before? Why all the pranks? That shot taken at Mattie…? And why didn’t they grab the kids at the picnic? Anytime. Why wait?”

  “Renny, what are you doing up?”

  “I’ve slept enough.”

  “You sound terrible,” Mattie said.

  “Looks it, too,” Tyler added.

  “Thanks, Troll.”

  “One day, Renny. One day…”

  “Promises, promises.”

  Mattie smiled. Renny was obviously fine. She was going to be okay. Her first fear had been that the blow to her sister’s head would leave her blind. It looked like that worry was unfounded.

  “If you’re going to talk all night, then at least put some coffee on.” Matt’s voice was coming from closer. Mattie heard his crutch hit the floor as he slowly made his way to the table.

  “Matthew, you shouldn’t be walking on that leg.” She felt him lower himself into the chair beside her.

  “Don’t fuss.” He tempered the words with a fond ruffling of her hair, then he pulled her to him and hugged her close. “This involves us all.”

  Mattie was too happy to have him and Renny alive to argue. She smiled. “Come on in, Kea. You might as well join us.”

  Kea ran over. “How did you know I was awake, Mattie? Did you see me?”

  She laughed and pulled him onto her lap. “No. I just happen to know my brothers and sisters very well.” She felt the brush of his owl feather. He hadn’t let go of it since they’d found him.

  Listening to the others talk and argue, Mattie closed her eyes and sought Reed.

  He was there. Across from her. As before, the blue of his eyes chased away the darkness, and his warmth beckoned. She felt herself drifting toward him. The closer she got, the clearer he became.

  He had a face, a shape. Before, she’d had only the impression of the man behind the blinding blue blaze. She hadn’t minded not seeing him because she found such comfort and beauty in the blue that she now knew was part of Reed. His eyes were the shade she saw, but the blue meant so much more.

  The home of many spirits was in the heavens. Just as Reed’s heart and soul were home to her. Her people passed on to the spirit world through the sky. She would move from her world of darkness into his world of light. He was her heaven. She smiled against Kealan’s head.

  The fact that she could now see the man behind the blueness also meant he was seeing—truly seeing. And now, in turn, she could see him.

  Oh, it was her own conjured image based on what she thought he looked like, but didn’t we all see what we wanted to see, not what was there? She saw Reed not with her eyes but with her hands and heart. She knew the feel of him, every line, every scar, each feature intimately. His scent was locked into her mind as well. The sweat of him, the freshness after he’d bathed, and even the heat that engulfed her when they’d made love.

  Thinking of that wonderful night, Mattie sighed. Yes, she knew Reed. The man in her vision was the man who’d claimed her heart and shared her soul.

  Chapter Seventeen

  The new day dawned gray and overcast. Reed cast an anxious eye to the sky. Rain, he thought, grabbing his coat. He strode out of the barn, leading his horse to the yard. Noise filled the morning as men and horses arrived. Some talked. Some stood, their features tight and grim.

  The town had come to Mattie’s aid with a vengeance. Even the women were here, cooking, serving coffee and helping her through the wait and worry.

  Renny walked out of the house. Reed saw the sheriff cut her off. “You’re not going, Renny.”

  “You can’t stop me, Sheriff.”

  “Someone needs to stay here, in case your brother and sister are found.”

  Renny waved at the people. “I think there’s plenty of people here, Sheriff.” She winced. “Besides, I don’t think I can take any more of Mattie’s fussing. I’m fine, and it’s my family we’re searching for.”

  Reed stepped in. “You can ride with us. You know your land better than anyone, and that’s what we’re searching. Paddy will lead a second group over his land. The rest of the searchers will spread out.”

  The town had already been searched, but there we
re a lot of places to conceal two children, dead or alive. Reed’s plan was to start here and work north, the idea being that whoever took the kids had arrived back here to leave a ransom note. Unless there was more than one kidnapper.

  Even then, they would have to be close enough to communicate. He went group to group with Tyler, making suggestions, noting the areas covered and those not.

  Tyler whistled and drew everyone’s attention. “We meet back here at dark. If they are found, send the signal: two shots followed by three.” The groups of men, boys and even some women mounted up.

  It was the largest search party Reed had ever seen. He figured most of the town turned out.

  Mounted, Reed looked toward the house where Mattie stood on the porch. He didn’t ride over to her and pull her into his arms as he longed. Until she broke off the wedding to Gil, they would keep their feelings to themselves.

  He frowned. At least, he assumed she was going to break it off. After all, they’d talked about her coming with him or him staying. He wouldn’t worry about that for the moment.

  As though she saw him, she started down the steps. At the bottom, he saw her put her fingers to her mouth. He groaned as the shrill sound stopped every man in his tracks and startled a good number of animals. He glanced toward the corral.

  Raven was taking a flying leap. People and horses parted. Beside him, Tyler stared in disbelief. “She’s not!”

  Reed grinned. “She is.” He rode toward her.

  * * *

  Mattie felt him. Among all the people, she felt Reed. When his strong hands closed over hers, she turned her face toward him. “I’m going,” she said softly.

  “You need a saddle. Wait here,” he said.

  Mattie smiled as he led Raven from her without arguing. Behind her, women entered and exited her small house. Food cooked, women chattered and children played quietly.

  When Reed returned, she let him lift her onto Raven. “Come on, before they leave without us,” he said.

  Pleased, Mattie held the reins loosely. After the last couple of days’ riding, Raven would automatically follow Reed’s horse. Surrounded by the people she loved and knew well, they rode from the yard.