Shotgun Bride

by Lopp, Karen

  Mike strode slowly down the deserted hallway to Kathleen’s room. Her proposal had surprised him, but he understood. She was alone and had had two scares already. Make that four. But what really bothered him was who wanted him dead? So her room had been broken into. The other attempts had all involved him.

  He snorted. No way was he going to convince Kathleen of that. At least not tonight. When he came in and saw her huddled on his bed, he wanted to hold her close and soothe her fears. Not a good idea after the effect of her kiss. He’d want another. He already did. And alone, in the night, with her in his bed? Nope, he knew better. It was going to be hard enough getting to sleep knowing she lay just a few feet away.

  Damn it. Why did his body decide to get all hot and bothered at the sight of a long-sleeved, ankle-length cotton gown? Someone was out to kill him and all he could think about was Kathleen, sprawled on the sheets. Her hair down. The moon’s beams caressing her bare skin.

  Hell. Fun as it was to have these fantasies, he needed to concentrate on who and why someone had made all the attempts on his life. He jerked the blanket off the bed, tucked the pillow under his arm, and snatched up her ragged bag.

  He stopped in mid-stride and felt like a fool. Why didn’t he think of this sooner? All this started after his engagement to Sally. Somebody wanted him out of the way so they could get the prize. Made sense. Some folks will do almost anything to seize land the easy way, instead of putting in the hours of labor and time necessary to work the land.

  Well, that settled that. He’d pay a visit to Sally tomorrow, let her decide how to end the farce, and then spread the word. Let Sally and Hawkins deal with her next suitor.

  Now, he had to face the temptress in his room. He grinned. Playing knight-in-shining-armor to a damsel-in-distress had its perks. Maybe she’d give him one more kiss for his sacrifice in the morning.

  “Why aren’t you in bed?”

  “I told you I probably couldn’t sleep. Every little noise makes me jump.”

  Mike dropped his burden in the corner. He wasn’t going to be able to sleep, either, but it wasn’t because of noises. “I have a deck of cards. Want to play something?”

  “I don’t want to keep you up.”

  “Too late for that. What games do you know?”

  A mischievous smile curled her lips upward. “Poker.”

  Mike laughed and lit the lantern. “What are the stakes?”

  “I don’t have anything.”

  “Yes, you do.”

  Suspicion exploded in her eyes. “What are you talking about?”

  He shrugged. “Oh, how about another kiss?”

  The play of emotions in her expressive eyes amused him. She wanted to be offended, but a sparkle of adventure battled there also. And her cheeks turned the prettiest pink. Like a rainy evening sunset.

  “And what are you offering me if I win?”

  “Name it.”

  “Go with me over the pass tomorrow.”

  Since he was going that way anyway he couldn’t lose. “Deal.” He dug his deck of cards out and the game commenced. She was good. This wasn’t going to be a quick win. And it wasn’t. They played until the first rays of sun slanted across the floorboards.

  “Ha. You lose,” he declared, grinning.

  Kathleen flopped back against the headboard and appeared ready to cry.

  “Aw, don’t look so sad. I’ll still go with you.”

  She threw herself at him and planted a fervent kiss on him. Surprised, he didn’t have time to react before she clambered off the bed, a huge smile on her face. “Thank you.”

  She must really be scared. “I still think they’re after me not you.”

  “Then why did that man come to my room? You were listed on the register. I wasn’t.”

  Good point. Mike raked his fingers through his hair and climbed off the bed. Still, the man had been looking for a ‘he.’ And he was the only man Kathleen had spent any amount of time with. Not to mention their public display on the sidewalk for everyone to see.

  Mike threw his hands up. “Then, we stick together.”

  “Good. Now turn around so I can dress.”

  “Spoil sport.”

  Kathleen glared, opened her mouth to say something then smiled. “I guess you earned the right to tease. Now turn.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Mike couldn’t remember when he had had a better time. Danger aside, Kathleen had a charming sense of humor and didn’t use feminine wiles to try to cajole him into doing what she wanted. He liked her. Liked helping her. Liked her honesty.

  At the rustling behind him, Mike didn’t bother trying to block his imagination. She didn’t have to know what went through his mind.

  “I’m done.”

  He wasn’t. “Let me check the hall first.”

  “Shouldn’t you get dressed?”

  His ears burned. Mike briefly closed his eyes and shook the enticing images of Kathleen out of his thoughts. He forgot he was barefoot and shirtless.

  Chapter 7

  Jittery butterflies of excitement and fear filled Kathleen’s stomach and made her palms sweaty. The ride over the Raton Pass was the last leg of her journey. She would soon be in New Mexico, where she would put down roots and make a home for herself. But doubts about Mike’s theory that he had been the target of these murderous attempts wiggled and wormed up and down her spine.

  She couldn’t get rid of the spooky feeling that disaster loomed ahead like the thunderclouds peeking over the mountaintops.

  Mike handed her into the stagecoach. “I’ll be right back.”

  Kathleen glanced out the window. Mike spoke too soft for her to overhear as he conversed with a couple of men. She turned away and leaned her head back against the cushions, her sleepless night beginning to take effect.

  The coach swayed and Mike jumped inside. “Found out we’re the only passengers. That make you feel better?”

  “I guess. How long do you think it will take?”

  “Depends on the condition of the trail. There’s been two days of rain up there. I hope we don’t have to stop and shove rocks out of the way.”

  Kathleen gazed at the magnificent scenery of mesas and mountain peaks. At the top of the Pass, she should be able to get her first glimpse of the countryside where a part of the land was hers.

  Her gaze swiveled back to Mike sprawled comfortably in the seat next to her and she shook her head. Sound asleep. Like she should be, gritty as her eyes felt.

  She had been rash last night, and fortunate Mike was good-natured enough to put up with her unseemly demand. Most men she’d encountered would have tried to take advantage of her instead of simply playing cards all night. Yes, he wanted a kiss, but after the one on the street so did she.

  Mike didn’t shove her up against a wall, didn’t wrap her in an unbreakable embrace, or have wandering hands when he did kiss her. She could have stepped away at any time. She ran her tongue over her lips. She’d enjoyed Mike’s kiss. More than she ought to have. A foolish tangle with infatuation would only increase the ache of loneliness deep in her heart.

  Soon, they would go their separate ways. Mike to his life, and she to her uncertain one. One Kathleen hoped didn’t include the drunken sot who plagued her footsteps.

  She rubbed her dry eyes and rolled her shoulders. First thing on her agenda once reaching Raton was a soft bed. She shuddered. No, first purchase a shotgun, then she could sleep.

  In a sleep-deprived daze, Kathleen tried to focus on the approaching storm as Mike slept. Clouds chased one another across the sky and soon became a dark mass, blotting out the warming ray of sunlight.

  Gunshots rang sharp and clear in the quiet day. Kathleen clutched the seat as her heart slammed her ribs so hard the air whooshed out of her lungs and sailed
right out the window. She lunged for Mike’s gun but he beat her to it as he shoved her low.

  “Stay down.”

  She hit the floor as the stagecoach swerved to an abrupt halt. Mike tumbled beside her and peered out the window. This couldn’t be happening. Not again. Kathleen wanted to hit someone. Hard. Or kick them. Or shoot them. Maybe all three.

  “I see three horses tied up over yonder.” He checked his gun and snapped the cylinder back. “If you get a chance, run to them and get out of here.”

  “And you?”

  He patted his pistol. “I have six bullets. That’s two apiece.”

  The door swung opened to reveal the gnarled old driver, hands up and a gun pressed to his temple.

  “Get out.” The same man from Dodge and last night stood sheltered behind the driver.

  “You.” The word flung from Kathleen’s mouth. The man was relentless.

  “Hello, lady. Miss me?”

  Mike’s body jerked. “You know this man?”

  “He was the one in my room last night.”

  “No more talk. Get moving.”

  Kathleen clambered out, followed by Mike.

  “Step away from the girl.”

  Mike moved to the side. His stance casual, yet ready, and his slow shuffle put him in a better position to shoot. She glanced around. Where were the other two? Or had this man come alone?

  “You, missy, come to me, and no funny stuff.”

  Kathleen headed toward the outlaw but veered a little to the right to allow a clear shot for Mike. She really hoped his brag of not missing was true.

  As she reached the man, he shoved the driver toward Mike then lunged at her. Mike shot. Out of the corner of her eye, Kathleen saw another man and dove to the ground. The dead outlaw landed inches away and she clamped her jaw against the urge to retch. A crimson pool seeped around him. She squeezed her eyes shut.

  Two more blasts erupted and the acrid sting of gunpowder assaulted her nostrils. She ripped her eyes open.

  “Good shootin’, young man.”

  Kathleen wholeheartedly agreed with the driver’s assessment of Mike’s ability with a gun.

  Mike rushed to her side and offered a hand. “It’s over.”

  She placed a shaking hand in his and allowed him to help her up. Then she sagged against Mike’s chest.

  “Why does someone want me dead?”

  “This wasn’t aimed at you.”

  She sucked in a ragged breath. “You keep saying that, but you heard him. He was after me.”

  Mike eased her out of his arms and tilted her chin up. “I think I’ve finally figured it out.”

  At Mike’s confident tone her pulse slowed to a manageable run. Her heart still jumped around like a jackrabbit and a shiver did a waltz down her spine. “How?”

  “I know one of them. Miguel works for my neighbor, Hawkins. Back in Dodge, he saw us bump into each other and insinuated I was cheating on Sally.”

  A cold fist slammed into her stomach. “Who’s Sally?”

  “My fiancée.”

  Kathleen yanked her chin out of Mike’s grasp and stepped back. “You despicable leach.”

  Kathleen slapped a hand over her mouth, pivoted, and ran. How could she have so misjudged Mike? How could he flirt with her? How could he kiss her? And have the audacity to ask for another if he was spoken for?

  Heavy footsteps followed her. “Wait. It’s not what you think.”

  She stopped and swung around. “Really?” She crossed her arms and glared at him.

  “I’m not going to marry her.”

  Kathleen arched both brows and snorted. “So you just go around asking girls to marry you with no intention of following through? Sounds like a perfectly reasonable explanation to me.”

  “It’s not like that.”

  “Ha. You conveniently forgot to mention a fiancée. And you.” She stabbed a finger into his face. “Kissed me. Not the actions of an engaged man. Or at least not one I have any respect for.”

  Mike grabbed her arm. “Spending the night in my room isn’t the behavior of a respectable woman either. So don’t go all righteous on me.”

  Words spiraled in her throat but her tongue twisted in to many different directions to get them out in any coherent form. She marched to the coach, climbed inside, and slammed the door.

  A hard shudder struck her as she stared at the empty seat across from her. All this time, her proximity to Mike had put her in danger. Much as she hated to admit anything he said was true, Mike’s assessment of the events did make some sense. She didn’t have any enemies.

  A rival for a girl’s hand could resort to killing. Or at least attempt to scare Mike off. She blew out a breath. They must not realize he had no intention of marrying the poor girl. A twinge of sympathy for Sally pricked her.

  Damn it. Weren’t there any nice men in the world or did she just have the misfortune to meet all the those only interested in using a woman for a good time with no thought of good intentions?

  Thunder rumbled in the distance. Great, just great. A slick, muddy trail was going to make the trip slow. If Mike chose to ride inside, she had every intention of riding up there with the driver. And that meant a good soaking. Neither appealed to her.

  Mike glanced up at the storm clouds, dark as his mood, scuttling across the sky. Queasiness bubbled in his gut as he helped load the two dead bodies onto horses. The necessary self-defense didn’t ease the sickness welling up inside him, or curb the anger.

  Marriage to Sally offered land, cattle, and money. Men killed for less. But to involve an innocent young woman in their greed induced plot festered like an open wound.

  “Let’s get a move on before that rain slows us down.” The driver led the horses to the back of the coach and tied them.

  Mike scowled at the closed door of the stagecoach. Getting in there would be like crawling into an angry bear’s den. He climbed up top.

  “Ain’t you gonna ride with the lady?”

  “I figured it’d be better to have a second pair of eyes scouting the trail.”

  “You better pull out your slicker. Those clouds look heavy.”

  The driver’s prediction proved true and Mike huddled under his slicker as water pelted from the sky. He could be inside and dry if he’d only managed to keep his big mouth shut about Sally. And not lost his temper and accused Kathleen of inappropriate behavior. She’d only sought a safe place to pass the night and he had refused to lend her his gun.

  He’d also kissed her under false pretenses. Then suggested another as the stakes for the poker game. She’d agreed but the kiss she’d given him this morning held no hint of passion. Just the briefest brush of lips. Hell. He should suck it up and apologize.

  A loud rush of hail pounded the hillside and the driver hauled on the reins and bailed off. Mike followed. Together they tugged the horses under the branches of a pine. Icy pellets stung Mike’s hands and cheeks.

  Lightning reached down with searching fingers and split the top of a nearby tree. The horses whinnied in fright and tried to rear in preparation for a mad dash. Mike grabbed the bit in one horse’s mouth and yanked down. He would not be responsible for any more danger to Kathleen.

  When the thunderstorm ceased its violent assault on the mountain, the air filled with a sharp odor of damp earth and the refreshing smell of clean air. A cool breeze danced across the treetops, shaking droplets of water from the pine needles in a gleeful display of mischief. Little rivulets raced each other down the ruts in the road, each in a desperate attempt to win. Hail covered the ground, leaving the appearance of snow.

  “Why don’t you climb in with the lady and make sure she’s not frightened while I get us over the hill.”

  Mike shook water and pea-sized hail from his hat, took
off his slicker, and opened the door.

  Kathleen glanced his way, huffed, and turned her back to him. He shook his head. Maybe it was safer up top. “I’m sorry, all right?”

  She sniffled. Damn. He hated tears. They made him feel helpless. “Aw, don’t cry. I shouldn’t have got mad and snapped at you.”

  “I’m not crying.”

  The hitch in her voice said otherwise. So did the stiff posture and refusal to face him.

  “Did the storm scare you?”

  Kathleen whirled around and Mike braced for a slap. Which never came. The sparks flashing in her eyes would ignite wet wood. “I’m not a child.”

  Mike pinched the bridge of his nose. The temperature inside dropped several degrees. “What do you want from me?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Can’t we call a truce?”

  “You should have told me you were engaged.”

  “You’re right.” Mike drummed his fingers on the seat. For some strange reason Kathleen’s good opinion mattered. He needed her to understand this wasn’t his typical action.

  “You really think all this being shot at and chased is over?”

  Mike fought with the smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Yes. I still don’t know who’s behind this but soon as I get home, I’m breaking it off with Sally. That should put an end to it.”

  “Why?”

  He furrowed his brow. Because he didn’t love Sally? Mike fiddled with his boot. Or because he wanted Kathleen more than he realized? A thin sheen of sweat broke out on his upper lip. What plausible reason could he give that wouldn’t make him sound like a callous bastard?

  “Sally didn’t have much of a chance to say ‘no.’ Her father pushed for the marriage. Pushed real hard.”