“She’s the woman I love. The woman I hope to convince to marry me a second time.”
Griff clasped him on the shoulder. “Good answer. Well, I’ll leave so you two can start this courting business.”
“We’re going to the Great West Café. Why don’t you join us?”
“Thanks for the offer, Bay, but the two of you need time alone. Besides, I’ve got a hankering to eat at the Gold Dust, then mosey over to Buckie’s. I’m feeling lucky tonight.” His brows flickered a little on the last. Grabbing his hat, he started for the door. “I’ll be staying at your house tonight, Bay. Unless you two…” His voice faded as he walked out, leaving them to figure out his meaning.
“I’ll be sleeping alone tonight, Griff,” Suzette yelled after him, hearing his deep chuckle a moment before the door closed.
Dropping his arm from around her waist, Bay stalked to the table, lifting the decanter before sending her a questioning look.
“Glasses are in the cabinet.”
Pouring a small amount, he took a sip, then held the glass up to the light of a nearby oil lamp. “Is this the whiskey August gave you?”
“Yes, it is. Why?”
Swallowing another sip, his gaze narrowed on the remaining whiskey. The bottle at his house tasted sweet, metallic. When he thought about it, Bay realized he’d never tasted whiskey quite like what he had at home. Dismissing the uneasy feeling, his attention returned to Suzette.
“Nothing.” Taking the last swallow, he set the glass down, moving to her. “Are you ready for supper?” Wrapping his arms around her, he bent down. “I’ve been wanting to do this since we parted.” Claiming her mouth in a hungry kiss, he crushed her to him. He couldn’t get over having her in his arms again, feeling her respond much as she used to, before their lives took a tragic turn.
As much as he wanted to continue, Bay refused to push her too fast. Decreasing the pressure, he raised his mouth from hers, whispering against her lips. “I don’t want to stop, but if we continue, I’m going to scoop you into my arms and carry you to bed.”
Glazed, languid eyes met his. “Would that be so bad?” The low, sultry voice almost melted the little resolve he had left.
“No. And yes.” His eyes sparkled in amusement before sobering. “I’m not going to do anything you might regret.” Grabbing her hand, he lifted it up to place a soft kiss on her palm. Feeling a shiver run through her, Bay reluctantly moved away. “Are you ready?”
Unable to form a coherent thought, she nodded. Although in her heart, Suzette wasn’t quite certain if she was ready or not.
Chapter Eleven
Brodie studied the wanted poster in front of him before sliding it across his desk toward Colt. Seth sat next to him, glancing at the poster.
“He shaved his beard and trimmed his hair, and he wasn’t wearing the fancy clothes he is here.” Seth tapped the paper. “But I’d swear the man I met today is Ev Hunt.”
“Did he give you a name?” Colt continued to study the image as if he hadn’t seen it a few dozen times.
Seth smirked. “Bill Jones. Says he’s a rancher from Sacramento. Rode up here on business.”
Brodie rested his arms on the desk. “Did the lad say anything else?”
“No. I left him alone. He left a few minutes later. I’m telling you, Brodie, he isn’t who he says he is.”
“Aye, Seth. But he may not be Hunt. Do you know where he’s staying?”
“Sorry, boss. I didn’t see where he went after leaving the Gold Dust.”
Rubbing his chin, a muscle in Brodie’s jaw twitched. “If it is Hunt, he’s in town for a reason.”
Colt massaged the back of his neck, a cold feeling rushing through him. “And it has nothing to do with ranching or cattle.”
Seth leaned the chair back on two legs, tapping his fingers on his thigh. “We need to find him. Whoever he is, I guarantee Bill Jones isn’t a rancher from Sacramento.”
Standing, Colt moved to the door. “I’ll send a telegram to the sheriff in Sacramento. If he hasn’t heard of Jones, maybe he can check around for us. I don’t want to be accusing an honest man of anything, but I’m not willing to take a chance he’s Hunt and we don’t find him.”
Seth joined him by the door. “I’m going to start looking for him. It’s suppertime. My guess is he’s at one of the restaurants, or maybe one of the saloons in town.”
Pushing out of his chair, Brodie strapped on his gunbelt and grabbed his hat. “Maggie and I are to be having supper with Colin and Sarah at the Great West Café. I want to know right away if either of you lads find him.”
“It’s a real pleasure to have the two of you in here tonight.” Tricia glanced between Bay and Suzette. “Is this a special occasion?”
Without looking at Suzette, Bay nodded. “In a way. I’ve asked Miss Gasnier if I may court her. To my great surprise, she agreed.”
Tricia gasped, smiling down at them. “That’s wonderful. Is this your first night out together?”
“It is.”
“Then you must allow me to bring you a bottle of our best wine.” Tricia waited for Bay’s nod before returning to the back.
Suzette worried her lower lip. “Are you certain announcing what we’re doing is what you want?”
Turning toward her, he lifted brow. “Are you ashamed of being seen with me, Miss Gasnier?”
Huffing out an irritated breath, she glared at him. “Of course not.”
Reaching over, he rested his hand on top of hers. “What is it, Suzette?”
She didn’t know how to tell him of her fears. What if he changed his mind? What if they encountered another obstacle and instead of facing it, he left again?
Shoving aside those fears, she lifted her chin, offering a weak smile. “It’s nothing, really. Probably unease at being out in public after so long being alone. I haven’t had supper with anyone in a very long time.”
For the first time, Bay began to understand the depth of her loneliness, how she’d isolated herself because of his actions. Her one female friend, Maddy, had married Fletcher MacLaren and moved to Circle M. Prior to leaving, she’d lived in one of the bedrooms in Suzette’s house, the two sharing meals on occasion.
Gaze softening, he squeezed her hand. “You aren’t alone anymore, Suzette.”
“For how long, Bay?”
Opening his mouth to reply, he shut it at the sound of the front door opening. Lifting his head, he glanced at her then stood, extending his hand.
“I didn’t expect to see you folks in town this evening.”
Colin MacLaren and Brodie shook his hand before stepping aside so Bay could kiss Sarah and Maggie on their cheeks. The whole time, the four MacLarens cast curious looks at Suzette, saying nothing.
“You all know Suzette Gasnier.”
She greeted them, her voice barely above a whisper. “We haven’t ordered yet. Would you care to join us?”
Colin’s wife, Sarah, spoke first. “We’d love to.”
Tricia approached, bringing more handwritten menus with her. “Why don’t you all sit at the big table in the corner?” She nodded toward a table big enough for eight. “I’ll move your wine and glasses, Bay.”
A couple minutes later, the six were seated, already sipping wine. As yet, none of the MacLarens had broached the one topic Suzette dreaded. She knew their silence wouldn’t last long.
Colin hadn’t mentioned to anyone what he’d learned from Bay at Fletcher’s wedding. The news his friend and Suzette were married, had been for several years, stunned him. Colin had made the decision to let him decide who else learned their secret.
Setting down his wine glass, Bay took Suzette’s hand. “Miss Gasnier has consented to let me court her. This is our first supper together.” He ignored the odd look Colin shot him, focusing his attention on the other three. Lifting her hand, he placed a kiss on her knuckles.
Sarah put a hand to her chest. “What wonderful news. You two seem, well…I don’t know. Perfect for each other.”
&
nbsp; Suzette’s eyes flickered, lips twitching, before her features stilled. Risking a glance at Bay, her chest tightened at the look of longing on his face.
“I happen to agree with you, Sarah.” Bay took another sip of wine, setting his glass down. This time, he chanced a quick look at Colin, who’d sat back in his chair, studying him. He owed his friend an explanation, but it wouldn’t come tonight.
A moment later, Tricia began setting full plates in front of them, making three trips to the kitchen. “Please let me know if you want anything else. Oh, and we have berry and custard pie.”
The six tucked into their meals, no one speaking for several minutes until Colin broke the silence. He looked at Suzette.
“Has Bay shown you the property he bought from us?”
Suzette felt her face flush, remembering yesterday afternoon and all she and Bay had discussed. “We rode out there yesterday. It’s beautiful with the river on one side, groups of boulders, and big stretches of pastureland. I didn’t realize he’d purchased it from you.”
Colin chuckled. “Not me, lass. The family made the decision.”
“Aye, and it was a good decision.” Brodie stuck another piece of meat into his mouth, the corners of his eyes crinkling in amusement. “It’s always good to have a gunslinger as a neighbor.”
“Ex-gunslinger,” Bay corrected, his face splitting into a wide grin.
Shoving his plate away, Brodie sent an apologetic look at his wife, Maggie. “Apologies, lasses, but I need to speak with Colin and Bay.”
Maggie lifted a brow, sending a mischievous glance at Sarah and Suzette. “So talk. We’ll keep our mouths shut. Won’t we, ladies?”
Slipping an arm over her shoulders, Brodie placed a kiss on her forehead. “I don’t believe in miracles, lass.”
Setting down his fork, Colin’s features turned serious. “What is it you’re needing to tell us, lad?”
Removing his arm from around Maggie, Brodie lowered his voice. “We’ve two outlaws in the area. One has a sister living not far from Circle M.”
“What’s her name?” Bay asked.
“Maria Delgado Smith.”
Brows rising, Bay’s lips twisted into a frown. “Is her brother Andrés Delgado?”
Brodie’s eyes widened. “Do you know him?”
“Heard of him. He’s one of the nastiest outlaws out there. I believe the man enjoys killing.” Bay glanced at the women, offering a silent apology. “Delgado doesn’t care if his victims are men, women, or children. He shows no mercy and no remorse. You say he has a sister?”
“Aye. Colt Dye is here looking for Delgado, plus the other outlaw. According to his information, Maria is his older sister. The lad brings the lass money almost every month. I’ve got a deputy posted near her farm. We’re hoping to catch him the next time he visits.”
“Do you need more men posted, lad?”
Brodie shook his head. “Nae, Colin. I’m not putting the family in danger. Colt and my deputies will take care of him. Assuming the lad does show up.”
Bay rested his arms on the edge of the table. “Who is the second outlaw, Brodie?”
“Everett Hunt. He’s also known as—”
“The Outlaw Doc.” Bay blew out a quiet curse.
Brodie’s eyes narrowed on him. “Tell me what you know about him, lad.”
“Delgado’s a worthless miscreant, but at least you know what to expect from him. Ev Hunt is different. He’s a trained doctor, and although not as good as me, he’s a deadly shot. Gambles, too. Not so much to earn money, but to identify the big winners. Those men become his targets. If they’re lucky, he takes their money and leaves. Those who protest are pistol-whipped or lassoed and dragged behind Ev’s horse until they’re unconscious or dead.” He shook his head, snickering. “Other times, he’ll spend an entire day tending to a rancher or farmer who’s been injured, showing compassion and tenderness. According to what I’ve heard, he’s an excellent chemist. There’s not much he doesn’t know about killing using…” Bay’s voice trailed off, a flash of understanding stalling his thoughts.
“Using what?” Brodie asked.
Blinking, Bay shook his head. “Poison. He knows a great deal about killing people with strychnine, mercury, cyanide, thallium, and arsenic.” Running a hand along his jaw, he lifted a worried gaze to Brodie. “Do you believe he’s in town?”
Brodie explained about the man Seth saw and what they believed to be his alias of Bill Jones. “Colt sent a telegram to the sheriff in Sacramento to see if he knows the lad, but we haven’t heard back. Seth is certain Jones is Ev Hunt.”
Pinching the bridge of his nose, Bay reached over, taking Suzette’s hand in his. “Ev might be more dangerous than Delgado. If you need help searching—”
Brodie held up his hand, stopping whatever else Bay meant to say. “Nae, lad. I’ll not be putting you in danger. If I do need help, I’ll ask.”
Bay gave a curt nod of understanding, his mind beginning to piece together events of the last few weeks. Tomorrow, he’d speak with Jasper and August. He had questions and hoped they’d have answers.
Then he’d take the bottle of whiskey from his house and ask either Doc Vickery or Doc Tilden to look at it. If they weren’t able to come up with answers, he’d ask them to send the whiskey to a chemist in San Francisco.
A sick ache roiled through him. If his suspicions were true, the future he’d hoped for with Suzette might turn out to be a dream and nothing more.
“I had a wonderful time tonight, Bay. Thank you.”
He’d grabbed Suzette’s hand the instant they left the café. Even now, standing on her front stoop, Bay didn’t want to let go. The knowledge Ev Hunt might be prowling the streets of Conviction had dampened his mood, forced him to think about his own history as a gunfighter.
Bay had no doubt Ev had found him after reading the article in the newspaper. He’d heard it had been republished in several bigger town papers, making it an unrealistic hope no one would come after him.
What he couldn’t figure out was why Ev had come to Conviction. Although good with a six-shooter, he wasn’t a gunslinger. Still, Bay didn’t doubt the outlaw had showed up here because of him.
Lifting her hand, Bay kissed her knuckles, then her palm. “The pleasure was mine, sweetheart. I want to take you out again tomorrow night.” He watched regret cross her face.
“You know I must return to the hotel. August gave his approval for me to hire an assistant manager for the restaurant and hotel, allowing me to return to the kitchen. He has someone arriving on tomorrow’s steamboat for me to meet.”
“I’ll speak to August.”
She shook her head. “Please don’t. I want to help select the new person. After all, I’ll still be the manager, even if I’m working in the kitchen most evenings.” Suzette stifled a laugh when Bay’s face twisted into a grimace.
“I want to see you again tomorrow.”
Her brows lifted at his tone. The vehemence in his voice surprised her. “You could come here for lunch before I leave for the restaurant.”
A sly grin lifted one corner of his mouth. “If I spend the night, I’d already be here and could help with breakfast and lunch.”
Suzette felt her heart rate increase as an anxious jolt rolled through her stomach. “We agreed you’d give me time. I’m not at all ready for what you’re proposing.”
“What I’m proposing is a night making love to my wife.” He saw her eyes flash, a tinge of red coloring her cheeks. “But you’re right. You do need time, and it wouldn’t be seemly for me to be seen going into your house and not coming out until tomorrow.”
The relief mixed with disappointment surprised her. Suzette wasn’t close to being ready to allow him back into her bed. Still, she remembered what it was like making love with Bay. Slow and gentle, they often took hours pleasuring each other. A shudder passed through her at the memory.
“Are you cold, sweetheart?” He placed his hands on her arms, rubbing them up and down.
&
nbsp; “What? Oh, no, I’m fine.”
A knowing grin curved his lips before he leaned down to kiss her. To her dissatisfaction, it didn’t last more than a few short seconds.
“I should let you get some rest. Tomorrow will be a long day for you.” Bay stroked the back of his hand over her cheek, caressing her lower lip with his thumb. “Think of me tonight.”
Without another word, he turned, taking the steps down. An instant before reaching the street, he groaned, a deep, guttural sound which had Suzette hurrying to him. He’d already gripped his head in both hands, bending over at the waist.
“Bay, what is it?” She touched his arm, but he swung away, still grasping his head. “Please, tell me what is happening.”
A moment later, he let out a ragged breath, dropping his hands to his sides and straightening. The color had leached from his face. “I must have had too much wine.” Given how much Suzette knew he could drink without effect, Bay realized the excuse sounded feeble. “Or perhaps I’m more tired than I thought.”
She touched his arm. “I can take you over to the clinic. Doc Vickery or Doc Tilden would certainly get out of bed to check on you.”
Sucking in a slow breath, he shook his head. “I’m fine now.” He kissed her cheek once more before taking the last step to the street. “I’ll be here at noon, if that suits.”
Her worried gaze studied him, knowing he wasn’t being truthful about the pain. At lunch, she’d ask more questions. “Noon is fine.”
“Sleep well, sweetheart.”
She watched him walk down the street, a strong sense of foreboding tugging at her heart.
Chapter Twelve
“Where’s the sheriff?” Ira Greene, the manager of the telegraph office and the town postmaster, stepped inside the jail, waving a telegram in his hand. “This came first thing, Deputy. Seemed important to me.”
Sam hid a grin. He’d known Ira long enough to understand almost all telegrams seemed important to him. “He hasn’t come in yet. I’ll take it, Ira.” He held out his hand, taking the missive from the man’s shaking hand.
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