Ev glared down at him. “If I don’t?”
Calvan leaned closer. “The sheriff will get word someone’s been poisoning Donahue, and your name will be included.”
“He’ll also learn who paid me to do it.” Ev didn’t notice Calvan’s hand whip out until he choked on the hard grip around his neck.
“You’ll say nothing. Remember, I know things about you any lawman out here would be happy to hear. You’d be in jail, tried, and hung before you can spit.” Calvan tightened his grip before shoving Ev away. “Me and the boys are going back to the saloon. I’ll get word to you when I’m ready to make my move.”
Bay walked back to the Great West, his heart pounding at what had happened, sending up a prayer Camden would be all right. He hadn’t known what to expect when he heard the gunshots. For a brief moment, and for reasons he couldn’t explain, he’d expected Dave Calvan, not two drunken cowhands standing in the middle of the street, a hand hovering over his gun.
He stepped inside the café, Griff right behind him, coming to an abrupt stop. Suzette and Vangie were gone.
“Suzette said they were going to the mercantile before returning home. I’m going to stop by there, make sure she and Vangie are all right.”
Griff nodded. “I’m with you.”
The street and boardwalk were quiet, showing no signs of what had happened earlier. The drunks were in jail, probably unaware one of them might end up going to trial for shooting Camden.
The men walked into the mercantile, spotting Suzette and Vangie within seconds. They were huddled over a bolt of fabric, talking as if nothing had happened to one of their friends. The moment Suzette saw them, she hurried to Bay, gripping his arm.
“How is Cam?”
Griff walked away, heading for Vangie.
Rubbing the back of his neck, he shook his head. “Doc Tilden is getting the bullet out. If there’s no infection, he should be all right.”
“Thank God. I’ve been so worried. I wanted to go to the clinic, but Vangie thought it would be best to come here, let the doctor take care of Cam without distraction.”
His features softened. She had been thinking of Camden, doing what she could to take her mind off him lying on a bed in the clinic. Knowing it was inappropriate in a public place, he cupped her cheek with his hand, his thumb rubbing over her bottom lip.
“I want to kiss you. If we were at home, would you let me?” He dropped his hand, not stepping away.
Pursing her lips, she tried to ignore the hunger rolling through her at his touch. He’d said home, as if staying in her house meant more than keeping him safe from the man trying to poison him. She found herself hoping it did.
Each day, it became more difficult to remember how they’d gotten to this place. It had taken several long talks with Vangie to accept she’d played a part in the way he reacted to seeing her with Calvan.
If she hadn’t been so ashamed and afraid that night, Suzette would’ve met Bay’s gaze, giving him some sign of her distress. Instead, she’d refused to look at him, unable to see the disgust on his face. A couple years later, she wondered if revulsion was what she would’ve seen. If she’d tried harder, done whatever she could to signal her anguish, perhaps things would’ve turned out differently.
Still, her friend recognized Suzette’s fear of trusting Bay again. She also understood how much Suzette still loved her husband. And only a fool could miss the love in Bay’s eyes whenever he looked at his wife. Vangie also reminded her of the fact they were still married, as neither had taken the steps necessary to end it.
Chest tightening, she whispered close to his ear. “Yes, I would let you kiss me.” She stepped away when he stiffened. “Unless you were just teasing.”
The wariness in her voice stung him. “Darlin’, there’s nothing more I want to do right now than kiss you.” Bay saw the relief on her face. Reaching up, he ran the back of his hand down her cheek. “I want all of you, Suzette.”
She wanted to reply, say something light to soothe the passionate tension between them, but the lump in her throat made it impossible to speak.
“I need to get back to the office, Bay.” Both turned at Griff’s voice.
Taking a step away, he nodded, glancing back at Suzette. “Would you like us to walk you two home?”
Ignoring the surge of disappointment, she shook her head. “We’ll be fine, Bay. And, Griff, thank you for lunch. We hadn’t expected it.”
A grin tugged up the corners of Griff’s mouth. “My pleasure, Suz.”
Bay cleared his throat, catching her attention. “I’ll see you at the restaurant tonight.”
Suzette nodded, then watched the two men leave, feeling an unfamiliar sense of loss. She didn’t know why, except she’d never been able to control the incessant craving when it came to Bay.
Bay and Griff walked several feet from the mercantile before Bay stopped. “I’m going to the clinic to see how Cam’s doing.”
“Don’t blame you. I’ll let Jasper and August know.”
“Thanks, Griff.”
Slipping between horses and wagons, he crossed the street, hurrying along the boardwalk. As he approached the clinic door, Bay stopped, seeing a group of riders led by Sam. Moving to the edge of the boardwalk, he waited for Ewan, Kyla, Colin, and Quinn MacLaren to dismount.
Joining Bay, Colin’s voice held a hard edge. “How’s my brother?” His mother, Kyla, stood at his shoulder, features stoic.
“I was just about to find out.” Bay opened the door, letting the MacLarens enter before him. Sam stepped beside him, nodding before following his in-laws inside. He walked in behind Sam, feeling a little out of place.
Sam’s wife, Jinny, stood with the rest of the MacLarens, speaking in a low voice. “Cam’s asleep now. Doc Tilden got the bullet out. He said it was a clean wound and if there’s no infection, Cam should recover fine.”
Kyla stood next to her. “When can we take the lad home?”
Jinny shook her head. “He didn’t say, Aunt Kyla. Brodie is in there with Cam. He’s refusing to leave until the lad wakes up. I’m sure the doc will let you in.”
Ewan walked to the door, knocking until Brodie opened it. “Kyla wants to see Cam.”
“Aye. I’ve been expecting you.” He stepped out of the room, allowing Kyla and Colin to enter before closing the door.
Ewan moved next to Brodie. “Did the lad say anything?”
“Nae, Da. Doc says he’ll know more in a couple days. He wants Cam to stay here until then.”
Pursing his lips, Ewan nodded. “Kyla will be wanting to stay. I’ll get her a room at the hotel.”
“Let me do that for you,” Bay said. “Do you need one room, or will everyone be staying?”
“I’ll be staying, lad.”
“All right. Three rooms. One for Kyla, one for Ewan, and another for Colin. The keys will be at the front desk.” Leaving the MacLarens to wait for more information, Bay headed for the Feather River Hotel. After he’d made the arrangements, he headed to Suzette’s house.
Walking inside without knocking, he moved toward the sound of voices in the kitchen. As he got closer, he heard Suzette say his name. Bay knew he should let the women know of his presence. Instead, he hesitated.
“I do love Bay, Vangie. I’ll always love him.”
“But you don’t trust him.”
“I never doubted him before Calvan showed up.” He heard Suzette let out a sigh. “If Bay had only stayed and not run. Five days he was unconscious. Five days, Vangie. I held his hand, never leaving for more than a few minutes, waiting for him to wake up. Then he was gone.” Her voice broke on the last.
A sharp pain pierced his heart, chest squeezing to an agonizing degree. He’d hurt Suzette in so many ways, and he didn’t know how to make it up her. Bay loved her more than his own life, wished he could relive those days before he left St. Louis. But he couldn’t.
Unable to listen any longer, Bay crept back to the door, opening and closing it loud enough for the women to
hear. This time, he called her name as he approached the kitchen.
“Suzette?”
“In here, Bay.”
Letting out an unsteady breath, he stepped into the kitchen, halting at the sight of her red-rimmed eyes. “Suzette?” He moved to her, his features taut, full of concern. “What’s wrong?”
Bay already knew the answer, wanted to pull her into his arms, make whatever promises she needed to relieve the pain. Instead, he waited.
Unable to look at him, she turned away. “It’s nothing.”
“Nothing?”
“Nothing you need to be concerned about.”
He sent Vangie a questioning look.
She stared at him a moment, her eyes showing the sadness she felt for Suzette.
A moment later, Suzette turned around, forcing a grim smile. “It’s time I prepare for work.” She glanced at Vangie. “Why don’t you stay here and keep Bay company.”
Watching as Suzette walked out of the room, Vangie turned toward Bay, saying nothing. Taking a seat at the kitchen table, she stared at the folded hands in her lap.
Taking a seat across from her, Bay leaned back. “I don’t know what to do.”
Vangie lifted her head, staring at him. “Do about what?”
“Suzette.” He pinched the bridge of his nose.
Her eyes widened for an instant, surprised at his request. Watching him, she noticed the deep lines of worry on his face, the sadness in his eyes.
“You still love her.”
He nodded.
“I don’t know what you want me to say.”
Strumming his fingers on the table, he shook his head. “Forget I said anything, Vangie.” Standing, he moved to leave.
“Wait.”
Turning back to her, he let his arms hang loose at his sides. “Yes.”
Standing, she walked toward him, stopping a foot away. “Just love her, Bay. Give her time and love her.”
Chapter Nineteen
“I must go to the office for a while, but if you’d allow me, I’d like to escort you to a late supper.” Several minutes after Suzette left for work, Bay sat across the table from Vangie, both sipping coffee. “You’ll be able to see where Suzette works, join her in the kitchen if you’d like. She usually waits to have her supper until I arrive.”
“That would be lovely, Bay.” She tapped her fingers against the cup. “Would you have time to take me by the clinic? I’d like to find out how Mr. MacLaren is doing.”
A slight smile tilted the corners of his mouth. “I’d be happy to take you there before supper.” Finishing his coffee, Bay stood. “I’ll be back at seven.”
Heading back to his office, he let Vangie’s words roll through his mind.
“Just love her, Bay. Give her time and love her.”
Bay knew he could do both. He also realized there was something else Suzette needed to know about his decision to leave St. Louis. To leave her.
Walking down the boardwalk, he felt hope for the first time since Suzette agreed to give them a second chance. A second chance dependent on her ability to trust him again. Bay would make certain she never again had a reason to doubt his love or devotion.
Seeing a young couple coming toward him, struggling to contain four children, a smile crossed his face. He and Suzette had once spoken of buying a house on a few hundred acres not far from St. Louis. They’d raise several children. Three boys and three girls, if he remembered correctly.
He now owned two thousand acres. Not on the outskirts of St. Louis, but a short distance from Conviction. Bay had bought the land from the MacLarens, hoping Suzette would share it with him someday.
An architect in San Francisco had been retained to draw plans for a house. It was to be as close as Bay could remember to the one they once fantasized about between bouts of lovemaking. Two stories with a wraparound veranda on three sides, six bedrooms, and three indoor washrooms, similar to the large hotels back east.
She also wanted a big kitchen with a table large enough to accommodate eight. The formal dining room table would seat at least twelve. There’d be three fireplaces and a stove for each bedroom.
As he approached his office, Bay’s good mood continued. The moment he received the plans, he’d arrange a quiet, special supper with Suzette. He’d present the design, making any adjustments to make his wife happy. Bay prayed she didn’t rip the paper to shreds.
“Bay!”
Hearing his name, he whipped around to see Seth rushing toward him.
“Come to the jail with me. I need to speak with Brodie.”
“Why is that, Seth?”
“While those drunken cowhands were creating chaos, I saw Ev Hunt with a group of men.”
“You’re certain it was Hunt?”
Seth glanced over Bay’s shoulder to see a man watching them. “Yes. Don’t turn around. One of the men with Hunt is outside the gunsmith shop. Just walk with me to the jail and I’ll explain everything to you and Brodie.”
Giving a quick nod, Bay unconsciously touched the gun on his right side as he fell into step next to Seth. Neither spoke until they were inside the jail. Sam sat at the desk, a telegram in his hand.
“Do you know where Brodie is?” Seth asked.
Setting down the message, Sam nodded. “He’s at the clinic.”
Seth took a seat, motioning for Bay to take another one. All the deputies and most of the townsfolk knew if Brodie wasn’t around, Sam was in charge.
“I saw Ev Hunt during the shooting.”
At Seth’s comment, Sam straightened in the chair. “Where?”
“With a group of men outside the land office. They watched the drunks, then walked to Buckie’s.”
Standing, Sam grabbed his hat, adjusting his gunbelt around his waist. “You’re certain it was Hunt?”
Seth nodded. “No doubt.”
“Did you recognize any of the others?” Bay asked.
“No, but I was concentrating on Hunt.”
“Seth, stay here while I get Brodie. Bay, are you coming with me?”
He provided his answer by standing and following Sam outside.
Both stopped for a moment, glancing up and down the street, before continuing to the clinic. Shoving the door open, they stepped inside. Brodie, Colin, and Jinny sat close to each other, looking exhausted.
“Any news?” Sam asked.
“Doc Tilden says Cam may sleep until late tonight.” Brodie heard the door to the examination room open. Kyla stepped out, closed the door, and sat down next to Colin.
“The lad is still sleeping. There’s no fever or infection.” She let out a weary breath, resting her head against Colin’s shoulder.
He wrapped an arm around her. “You should be going back to the hotel, Ma. I’ll come for you if anything changes.”
Straightening, Kyla shook her head. “Nae. I’ll be staying here until Cam wakes up.”
Bay studied the strained faces, the worry in their eyes. “I’ll have supper brought over.”
Jinny sent him a hollow smile. “Thank you, Bay.”
He knelt beside her, taking her hands in his. “You must believe Cam will be fine. He’s too contrary to do anything else.”
A sad chuckle escaped her lips. “The lad is rather ornery, isn’t he?”
“Quite.” Bay grinned, a spark of amusement in his eyes. Standing, he looked at Brodie. “Do you have a few minutes to speak with Sam and me?”
The three stepped outside, Sam explaining what Seth had seen. “What do you want me to do, Brodie?”
“I’ll speak with Colin, let the lad know about Hunt, then meet you at the jail.” He looked at Bay. “Do you want to be a part of this, lad?”
“You wouldn’t be able to keep me out of it.”
Chuckling, Brodie’s gaze narrowed. “Aye, I thought so. You’ll be doing what I say.”
Glancing away, Bay let out an angry breath. “Fine.”
Brodie sent him a knowing look. “I’ll have your word on it, lad.”
“Br
odie—”
“Your word, Bay.”
Muttering a curse, he nodded. “You’ve got it.”
Suzette moved through the familiar duties in the restaurant kitchen, her mind on the conversation with Vangie. Her friend’s advice had always helped her sort through difficult decisions. She’d been the one person who supported Suzette’s desire to move away from Grand Rapids.
Her parents were adamant in their disapproval of her longing to become a chef. She was a woman, after all, and no one had ever heard of a female running the kitchens in larger, renowned restaurants. Vangie didn’t agree, encouraging Suzette to follow her dream, congratulating her when she received the telegram from St. Louis inviting her to become an assistant in the kitchen. Suzette had always been grateful for Vangie’s unwavering support.
This time, her advice had been spoken in a firm, quiet voice.
“You’re his wife, Suzette. Bay loves you and you love him. Don’t let it slip away because you’re afraid of taking a second chance. The worst would be finding he truly cannot be trusted, which I believe is a flawed concern. The best would be the life you always dreamed about with a man who worships you, children, a large home, and a job you adore. Think carefully before throwing that chance away.”
Suzette hadn’t been able to refute any of it. Acknowledging her only decision was to either take a chance or obtain the divorce Bay offered, she did the one thing her heart would allow. When he came into the restaurant tonight, she’d prepare their suppers, order a bottle of wine from Ezekiel, and announce her decision.
Once she’d made her choice, the hours crept by with agonizing slowness. Besides preparing meals for the patrons, she busied herself jotting down ideas for new menu items, including several suggestions from Ezekiel.
He’d proven to be invaluable. August proposed offering him the assistant manager position in the hotel, matching his position in the restaurant while doubling Ezekiel’s responsibilities. After Suzette agreed to the change, August mentioned a higher wage, gaining the approval of the other partners.
She’d told Ezekiel of the change when he’d arrived that afternoon, receiving an impromptu hug in thanks. When Suzette thought of the red tinge on the big man’s face, she grinned.
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