by Lopp, Karen
She bailed off the horse, stripped her bundle of supplies from behind the saddle, and tethered him to a nearby branch. Sheets of water drenched the land and she climbed to a small overhang, barely wide enough to stash away her stuff. Water soaked her boots and the hem of her skirt. Arms crossed, she attempted to shield the front of her blouse from the downpour without much success.
When the torrent stopped, she stripped off her wet clothes, wrapped up in the blanket, and dug out some food with shaking fingers. A fire would be welcome, but she didn’t want to take the chance of being seen. Especially not by Mike, just in case he came searching for her. But why would he? He got what he wanted. Gradually, warmth returned to her damp skin and as her eyelids grew heavy, she drifted into an exhausted sleep.
Mike found no evidence of anyone coming along the road to his ranch. His repeated calls were met with silence, but he really didn’t expect to hear Kathleen. If she’d passed this way, she left no sign. He cursed the approaching rainstorm and headed for the corral.
When Blackie didn’t come trotting up for his favorite treat, Mike sighed. That darned horse always managed to get out. Blackie was a firm believer that the grass tasted better on the other side of the fence. Not too worried, since Blackie never went far, Mike dropped the reins and circled the corral. Petite boot prints led north. He ran to his horse and mounted. Eyes on the ground, he followed Blackie’s trail. His gut roiled like the impending thunderstorm. If those footprints were Kathleen’s, he would strangle her. She had no business out in this weather, not to mention trying to traverse the mountain alone. Raindrops spattered the ground and he shucked on his slicker.
He turned in the saddle, and then faced forward and eased the horse to the right. If Kathleen went in a straight line she’d wind up in a box canyon and forced to turn around. He hoped he guessed right because her trail rapidly disappeared in the deluge.
Blackie was a good horse, his best, and Blackie loved to be home in his own barn. He would find his way home, if only Kathleen would let him have his head. Mike sighed. That was a futile thought. He sloshed through the rain at a slow pace, searching for a patch of black.
Mike cursed. By Kathleen’s sign, she was no tenderfoot. He rubbed a hand across his jaw, what was he going to say to her when he found her?
Where the hell did Miss Barnes disappear to? Hawkins slammed the whisky glass on the bar and ordered another. He had fully expected the girl to come crawling to his door, seeking his help and protection.
“Who you mad at?” The bartender topped off Hawkins glass.
“None of your damn business.”
“I know you had your hopes set on Baca marrying your daughter. And all these wild stories? Mike never acted that way before. Always worked hard and minded his own business.”
“What are you saying?”
“Well, what did this girl gain by marrying Mike? Has to be more than just a husband.”
“I know. I’ve sent out some telegrams checking into her background. By morning I should have a few answers.”
Lies, of course, but Andy didn’t need to know that. No one did. His plan of pitting Mike and Kathleen against each other was risky. If they ever decided to set down and talk it out he’d have to change tactics. But for now, the small populace of Raton seemed eager to lap up the juicy tidbits of gossip about Kathleen’s supposed wild history and do most of the work for him.
“Might check with the sheriff. See if she’s wanted for something.”
Hawkins grinned, saluted Andy, and gulped down the pricey whiskey he made the bartender keep in stock just for his personal consumption. The man just gave him another idea to add to his arsenal for the unsuspecting Miss Barnes.
He’d always made it his business to support the current politicians and those high up in law enforcement. A little favor every now and then was all he asked in return. Time to collect on one.
“Give me another, Andy.”
Andy laughed. “You better slow down or there won’t be any left before the next shipment arrives.”
“Then order more next time.”
“Yes, sir.”
Hawkins tapped his fingers on the glass. The new Mrs. Baca would soon be a grieving widow and he’d be the only one consoling her. Two ranches in one fell swoop. He downed the glass and strode outside.
The woman would soon be begging him to take her in. Maybe he’d try for a few sons before he got rid of her. Tall, strapping lads he could teach how to expand the Hawkins Empire.
He clomped down the sidewalk to the sheriff’s office and stepped inside the dim room. The smell of burnt coffee and sweat permeated the jailhouse. Barker never did keep the place clean but Hawkins didn’t care as long as the man obeyed orders.
“You keep an eye out for Baca’s new bride. She’s up to no good and I want to talk to her. Lock her up when you find her.”
“On what charge?”
“Fraud, disturbing the peace, I don’t care just do it.”
“What if Baca objects? I don’t want a fight with him.”
“Baca doesn’t keep you in this job. I do. Don’t you forget it.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Don’t mess this up. I want Baca to see he’s chained to a thieving, lying, hussy.”
“Why?”
“You fool. I didn’t plan my daughter’s wedding to Baca just to have some whore come along and snatch him right out from under my nose.”
“Right.”
“And keep your damn mouth shut or you’re fired.”
“Yes, sir.”
Hawkins left the sweating Barker, satisfied with his work. One more stop by an old friend that had a knack for drawing up false documents and the noose around Miss Barnes’ neck would be complete.
With a huge sigh, Mike reined in. Kathleen made a pretty picture curled up under his blanket, her hair spread around her like a frame. He started to dismount but settled back in the saddle to enjoy the view. She would not appreciate waking with him looming over her. “Kathleen. Wake up.”
Her eyelids fluttered in a struggle to open. She yawned, stretched, and Mike grinned. It would be fun to kiss her awake. “Open your eyes, Kathleen.”
Her eyes flew open. Kathleen gasped and jerked up, clutching the blanket to her breast. “Stay away from me.”
“I’m not going to hurt you.”
“Go away.” She glanced around and scrambled back.
“I know you didn’t have anything to do with those two men.”
“You expect me to believe anything you have to say? I’m not a fool.” She hugged the blanket and shuffled further from him.
“Let’s go home and I’ll explain everything along the way.”
“Me? Go with you?” Kathleen’s tone bordered on the incredulous.
Hands draped across the saddle horn, he shifted. “If I meant you any harm why, would I have called out to wake you instead of slipping up on you and tying you up or something?” Kathleen scooted further away until the edge of the boulder stopped her. “Watch where you’re going.”
“I—” Her reply was cut off by a cry. She fell backward, an arrow protruding from her shoulder.
Mike rolled off his horse and the sting of an arrow creased his back. Dropping to his knees, he fired from under the horse’s belly at the charging Ute’s. One stumbled and was caught up by his friend and dragged back. The third didn’t move.
Mike grabbed the reins of his horse, lunged to his feet, and scurried to where Blackie was tied. He tugged both horses along as he dodged around the pile of rocks.
Another arrow clattered across the rocks inches from his head. Mike ducked and crawled to where a large rock wedged against another. He took off his hat and eased it in sight as he peered through the opening created by the angle of the fallen rocks.
A dark
stain of blood smeared a nearby rock and Mike spotted a darker patch of brown and sent two rapid shots at the exposed leg. With a yelp, the Ute jerked back. Mike shoved his hat back on and loaded three shells into his Colt before snatching up the trailing reins of the horses and scrambling closer to where Kathleen had fallen.
At a muted rush of hoof beats, Mike scanned the area and holstered his gun as a grim hush settled over the canyon. Three horses topped the rise and disappeared. Mike wiped sweat from his eyes, looped the reins around a branch, then went in search of Kathleen. At the sight of a patch of white petticoat and one bare foot propped over a rock, Mike clambered to her side. “Kathleen?”
A nest of writhing vipers took up residence in his stomach. She didn’t stir. Blood oozed from her shoulder and soaked her chemise. He knelt and ran a shaking hand over her body. When he didn’t feel any broken bones, Mike scooped her into his arms and carried her to a soft patch of pine needles. He yanked off his bandana and tied it around her shoulder. One hand braced around the shaft of the arrow then he broke it off as close to her flesh as possible. With bloody hands, he ripped a strip of material from her petticoat and wrapped it multiple times around the wound.
With the spare horse tied behind Blackie and Kathleen bundled in the blanket, Mike hurried from the canyon.
Halfway home, Juan and Hank met him.
“We heard gunshots. Figured you might need help.” Hank glanced at Kathleen. “She hurt bad?”
“I don’t know. She took a nasty fall. I’m taking her to the doc.”
“Who’d you run into?”
“Some Ute’s.”
“Boss, you’re bleeding.” Juan’s black eyes scanned the area.
“Just a scratch.”
“You need me or Hank to ride along with you?”
“No, but I’m staying in town tonight. See how she’s doing and maybe get something decided. Keep the cows home.”
“We will, boss.”
Mike untied the roan and kicked Blackie into a gallop, worry a heavy weight on his shoulders. If he hadn’t threatened Kathleen, she probably wouldn’t have ran. He was responsible for her condition.
Kathleen moaned and put a hand on her head her gaze unfocused. She tried to sit up.
“Easy, now, I’m taking you to the doc.”
“What did you do to me?”
Mike leaned down to hear the muttered question and frowned as she sagged in his arms.
“I didn’t. A few Ute’s admired our horses and tried to steal them. You have an arrowhead in your shoulder.”
“I hurt all over.”
“You fell. The doctor will check you over.”
Mike urged Blackie faster. The sun dipped below the mountain and bathed the landscape in soft pinks, purples, and oranges. A few tears glistened at the corners of Kathleen’s eyes and a white line formed around her clamped lips.
“I’m sorry I accused you of being involved with the plot to force me into marriage. I know you’re innocent.”
“Don’t try to sweet talk me.”
“I’m not. Another woman showed up and confessed. She also told me Sally hired her and those two men.”
“Your fiancée?”
“Yes. Don’t know why she didn’t just tell me she didn’t want to marry me.”
“That is the most ridiculous story I’ve ever heard.”
Mike tensed.
“Ow.”
He relaxed his grip on Kathleen.
“Sorry.”
How could he convince Kathleen he told the truth? Why did it matter anyway? He planned on getting rid of her as soon as possible. But he wanted her to have a good opinion of him. See him as a decent, honorable man. Not some thief that took her money or some leach that pinned her to the bed and offered to take her by force. “I know it sounds farfetched. But it’s the truth. Believe me.”
“Why should I? You didn’t believe me.”
“And I should have. What I did was wrong. What do you want me to do?”
“I want my freedom and all my possessions back. But that’s not what you have in mind, is it? I know what you’re after.”
A muscle twitched along his jaw as he ground his teeth. She believed all he wanted was up her skirt?
“You’ll have your money back just as soon as you’re off my lap and I can reach my pocket.”
“And?”
“Soon as you’re able we’ll go find a judge in Santa Fe and get shuck of this marriage. Then you can do whatever the heck you want.”
Kathleen slapped him. Well, tried to. More like brushed his cheek. But the effort made her wince.
“Be still, you’ll only hurt yourself more.”
“You lowdown, despicable crook.”
What the hell was the matter with her? Did the fall scramble her brains? He’d just offered to do everything she asked and all she could do was try to hit him and call him names. “Listen, I don’t know what else you want, but that’s my offer.”
“I want my land back.”
Mike arched his brows.
“What land?”
“You know what land. Playing ignorant won’t work.”
Mike drew in a deep breath. Kathleen wasn’t making any sense. He furrowed his brow and felt of her forehead for signs of fever. “You can have whatever you want. I promise.”
“Don’t try to hoodwink me.”
“I won’t.”
She didn’t feel hot. He’d ask the doctor about her fall. Maybe the lump on her head had caused delirium. “Why don’t you close your eyes and rest a bit?”
Mike chafed at the distance to town and tried not to fret. But her ramblings about land gnawed at his mind. Damn it. He did not want her brain permanently damaged. She was young, vibrant, and deserved a happy, healthy life.
He brushed a strand of hair from her face and his lips curved up at the memory of their shared kiss; their all-night poker game; the quick peck on his lips when she lost; how she had turned to him for help and protection.
His smiled faded. In a fit of temper, he’d wiped away every trace of trust she had in him. He’d wiped away the twinkle in her beautiful eyes, and any tender feelings she may have had for him. His heart constricted and as the night grew darker, so did his melancholy.
Chapter 12
Silver moonbeams cast long shadows when Mike dismounted in front of the doctor’s office and kicked the door open. He laid Kathleen down on the table and rushed upstairs. “Hey, doc. Got a patient for you.”
“I’m coming.” The alertness of Dr. Page’s voice verified his ability to wake promptly.
Mike ran back downstairs, lit a couple of lanterns, and went to Kathleen. “The doctor will be right down. He’ll fix you up.”
Kathleen glanced around and nodded. Heavy steps clomped down the stairs and Dr. Page hurried to Kathleen.
“What happened?”
“She took an arrow in her shoulder and fell a good ways into a pile of rocks.”
“Put some water on to boil.”
Mike hustled to do the doctor’s bidding as he removed the blanket from Kathleen and began an examination. She flinched and sucked her lower lip between her teeth when he unwound the bandage from her shoulder and probed around.
“Bring a lantern closer and hold her down. This is going to hurt.”
Mike placed one hand on her chest and the other on her arm, not happy about what Kathleen was about to suffer. Tears ran freely and a few whimpers floated out her clenched jaw as the doctor cut and tugged on the arrowhead. When he finished, Mike wiped Kathleen’s tears with his thumbs and kissed her sweaty forehead. “It’s almost over.”
“Where did this happen?” Dr. Page asked.
“North of my place, up in that box canyon.”
Dr. Page
snorted as he began sewing. “Why didn’t you just take her home? No sense fooling around out in the open like that.”
Kathleen gasped and Mike stared. “What are you talking about?”
“She’s your wife, now. No need to sneak around anymore. That’s what got you in trouble in the first place.”
“We weren’t sneaking.”
Dr. Page cocked a brow and ran his gaze over Kathleen’s scantily clad body. “Really, Mike. Next time just take her home where there’s four walls and a door.”
“It’s not what you think. She got caught in the rain and took her wet clothes off.”
Dr. Page cut the thread and tied a neat knot. He pinned a cold glare on Mike. “I don’t appreciate being lied to. The whole town knows. I just never expected you to fall into the clutches of a loose woman.”
“She’s a good girl.”
“Good girls don’t share a room all night long with a man they aren’t married to.”
A wave of heat crawled up Mike’s neck and spread up his face. He glanced down at Kathleen and spotted fury, embarrassment, and suspicion swirling behind the pain in her eyes as she shot an icy glower his way.
Great, now she suspected him of spreading rumors about her. What purpose did it serve Sally to besmirch Kathleen’s name now? Or his? The damage was done. They were married. Sally won.
And who saw Kathleen come to his room in Trinidad? “Where did you hear that?”
“It’s all over town.” Dr. Page chuckled as he shuffled to the stove, dipped a towel into the hot water, and returned to clean the blood from Kathleen. “You two provided the gossips a good six months’ worth of entertainment.”
He bandaged her wound and dropped his tools in the simmering water. “Take her to bed and leave her alone for a few days. I don’t want to have to sew her back up.”
A cold silence descended as Dr. Page disappeared upstairs. Mike picked up the blanket, turned down one lantern, anything to avoid the inevitable accusations. He now understood a little better how Kathleen must have felt when he pointed the finger of blame on her. Not a pleasant feeling. He didn’t like being lied about. She wouldn’t, either.
