Montana Promise (McCutcheon Family Series Book 10)

by Caroline Fyffe

  He nodded. “You’re right on all counts.”

  Blood pounded in her ears. She clenched her hands. “Don’t you dare agree with me, Luke, not today. I won’t be bullied—or sweet-talked. We both realize this is much more serious than we first thought. The whole town is building a case against you. Everyone in Priest’s Crossing has lost their minds. Something’s wrong with this town. Any other sheriff wouldn’t have locked you up in the first place, let alone say he believes lying Blanche Van Gleek. And look at you!”

  She hated to bring up his appearance, but he’d gone behind her back and arranged for Smokey, along with Nick riding guard, to head back to Y Knot with her and Colton this afternoon, leaving the group short of men. Well, by God, she’d not go. And he couldn’t make her.

  “What about me?” Luke gritted out, pacing his cell, all the while never taking his gaze from hers.

  “Your hair,” she sputtered, realizing her bringing this up was childish, but she couldn’t switch horses in the middle of the stream now. Luke would pounce on her weakness and have her agreeing to go home.

  “What about my hair?”

  “It’s…” She waved her hand around her face, not wanting to hurt his feelings. “I’ve done my best to keep you cleaned up, with laundered clothes and such, but Jack won’t let you have a proper bath. He’s terrified you’ll escape.” She’d found the sheriff at his desk, fearfully muttering in his sleep about being scalped. He’d better watch out, or she just might scalp him herself. “If you look like this now, can you imagine if I weren’t here? If nothing else, I see you get clean water and soap.”

  Halting his pacing, Luke frowned, anger simmering on his face. “Think of Holly. She’s still tiny. What if something happened to her ma? And Dawn? You think either girl would ever get over losing you?”

  At the mention of her daughters, she blinked back tears. Every night sleep eluded her as she imagined all of them together in the big bed, snuggled together. She missed them with all her heart. “Lay all the guilt you want, Luke, but I’m not going!” She grasped the bars to make a point. “And since you’re locked up, you can’t make me.”

  His nostrils flared. “Smokey,” he said low.

  The man jerked straight. “Yeah, Boss?”

  “Why don’t you go out and join Colton? See what he’s doing. I’m sure your ears are scorched red by now. Go make sure he’s still close where I told him to remain.”

  “Sure thing.”

  She was relieved both the sheriff and deputy were nowhere about. This angry exchange was the first for their marriage, and she felt off-kilter. Of course, they’d had their fair share of disagreements throughout the years, but they’d been civil and always ended with a kiss… and maybe more. Today was different. She’d made a stand, but to do so she had to make her point. She wouldn’t back down. And she wouldn’t care. He’d do the same for her in a heartbeat.

  “I can see your mind is set, wife,” Luke said. “Without a thought to your boy out there or your girls at home. Never mind that you’re their only ma. You’ll keep yourself in danger, no matter what I say. Did you hear about elderly Mildred Kane? She died last night, right here in town.” His eyes glittered with irritation.

  “Yes, I did. She fell and broke her neck.”

  “You sure about that?”

  Inwardly Faith shuddered. What a horrible way to die. She nodded.

  “Francis feels different. He had a look around. She’d made a cake that had a couple of slices cut out. From the stack of dishes in the dry rack, looks like she’d entertained. Everything was clean and in place except for some straw on her floor that smelled like manure. Unlikely for her state in life.”

  A chill crept up Faith’s back. Could a man actually kill a defenseless old woman?

  “Will you reconsider?”

  Everything in her hated to go against him, but there was no help for that now. “I’m not sure about anything. That’s what I aim to change.” He seemed ready to explode. Did she dare provoke him more? “My mind is made up. One other small fact: I’m not being followed around by Smokey any longer. I can do and learn things, but not with him announcing my arrival more flagrantly than if I carried a tall McCutcheon family flag.”

  He slammed his palm against a bar. “You’ve lost your mind, woman! I don’t want anyone to get hurt. And they will if a gunfight over me erupts. My men won’t let things go too far before they step in. You or Colton could be hit, God forbid, or one of the men. I don’t want that to happen.”

  Strain showed on his face and in his eyes. She swallowed, regretting such a scene. He’d never looked so lost. Beaten. They needed each other. But feelings would have to wait. “Maybe I have, but at least I’m finally voicing my mind. And taking a stand. I won’t put myself in any undue danger. But sometimes a woman can find out things a man can’t.”

  In a swift move, he grasped the bars. “Don’t you do it, Faith! Leave this to the boys. They’re making headway. Neil Huntsman has been ruled out. Francis told me so about an hour ago. Just be patient a little longer.”

  A wave of warm longing washed over Faith. Everything about Luke was special. She loved him more than the air she breathed. These last few days had drawn her back to the time he’d been helping her escape Ward. Begging her to tell him the truth. She should have then. She’d not make the same mistake now by burying her head in the sand and hoping the danger would go away. She was a McCutcheon! She’d go after this head-on. Just changing her thinking felt right. Still, she needed to console him. She went to the bars and reached though, caressing the side of his stress-lined face. Drawing her fingers through his whiskers. Were those tears in his eyes?

  “I love you so much, Luke, I won’t let you take the fall for some monster. You’re the most decent man I’ve ever known. Nobody can fill your boots. Please, trust me. I won’t be foolish.” She felt the depth of his emotion down to her soul. “Just give me your blessing. All I want is a little freedom to do my own investigating. That’s all.”

  When he leaned his cheek more firmly into her palm, her heart thwacked painfully against her ribs. He took her hand and stroked the back. “Faith, if things don’t go as planned… I mean, if Harrison Wesley doesn’t show up soon and the town gets impatient, you’ll tell Holly and Dawn about their pa?”

  She jerked back. “What on earth are you saying? Stop this inane talk. Nothing will happen.”

  His lips pinched tight. “I just want your word.”

  She leaned in, getting closer. “Your children will know all there is to know about what a wonderful man you are, but the telling won’t be from me. They’ll learn from watching you and loving you. You’ll be the one raising them; I have no doubts at all.”

  “I don’t want to lose you,” he whispered.

  He wouldn’t say the words, but she could see the stark fear deep in his eyes. “You won’t lose me. And I’m not losing you.” She waited until his gaze connected with hers. “I promise.”

  His cheek in her palm and forehead resting on the cold steel were enough to freeze her insides. He didn’t believe that they’d beat this travesty. He thought he would hang.

  Chapter Forty-Two

  Smokey put out his arm, blocking Francis’s entrance. “I wouldn’t go in there if I were you.”

  Confused, Francis darted a glance at his companions, Shad and Nick, and then back to Smokey and Colton. He turned his ear toward the building. Several moments passed in silence. “Jones and Clark?” he asked, not hearing anything.

  “No. Luke and Faith.”

  Francis snapped straight. He couldn’t remember ever witnessing an argument between the two, except when they’d been on the cattle drive when Luke first brought Faith back to the camp site, her old dilapidated wagon squeaking along. Luke had been mighty put out with her presence, even though she’d just had a baby. But the ranch hands were delighted. Luke worried her being there would be a disruption to his men. Someone might get hurt. The distracted person had turned out to be Luke.

  “T
hat’s too bad,” Shad said. “Darn sad to hear that news.” His brow pulled down as he leaned his shoulder against the building. “I thought Smokey taking Colton and Faith back to Y Knot was a good idea. Then none of us would have to worry about ’em. You know, with the possibility of a gunfight…”

  Colton stood straighter. “I’m not going anywhere. I’m glad my ma is laying down the law.”

  Francis playfully punched the boy’s shoulder. “You best be careful what you’re saying. Your pa wears the pants in the family, and you shouldn’t buck his wishes. If he asked me to…” Francis let his words trail away. He realized that if Luke asked him to leave now, he wouldn’t go either.

  “Miss Adair has a ring in your nose already, Francis,” Nick said and then smirked. “You wouldn’t leave Priest’s Crossing because of her, not Luke.”

  Francis had heard enough from Nick for a lifetime. He stepped forward, chest to chest. “That so?”

  Shad grasped Nick’s shoulder. “I told you to lay off Francis. I’m not tellin’ you again, brother. Rein in your mouth!”

  “I can speak for myself, Shad,” Francis shot back, his body still tensed. “You don’t have to ride herd over Nick. He doesn’t scare me.”

  “Aren’t you boys supposed to be doing something about the you-know-whats?” Smokey asked.

  “Roady changed his mind. Town’s too busy today,” Francis said. “We’re goin’ out tonight.”

  Faith stepped out of the doorway, color high and eyes glistening with unshed tears.

  “You ready to go back to the hotel, Faith?” Smokey asked, keeping his gaze directed across the street.

  “Not quite yet. I think I’ll take a turn around town while the sun is still out.”

  Smokey hitched up his pants, a smile spreading. “Anything you want.”

  “Alone.”

  The men gaped.

  “You no longer have to escort my every move. Everyone has to step up their efforts, and that includes me. I can’t be efficient with a ranch hand by my side day and night.” She smiled warmly at the bowlegged cowboy. “As much as I’ve enjoyed your company, Smokey, you’re released from your assignment. I expect you men to dig deeper as well. Leave no stone unturned.”

  “Yes, ma’am!” they said.

  “I want Luke out of that cell!”

  “Yes, ma’am!”

  “Colton, you’re to stay with Smokey, just like before. Do I make myself clear?”

  Her smile wasn’t fooling any of them. She was scared to death.

  “Yes, ma’am. Can Smokey and me go to the mercantile?”

  “Why would you want to?”

  “Tilly invited me. She has fresh cookies, but I knew I had to wait to ask.”

  She connected with Smokey’s gaze for a moment then shrugged. “I don’t see why not.”

  Across the street at the undertaker’s, the sounds of hammering rang out into the stillness.

  “That’s pretty creepy how old Mildred Kane died last night,” Nick said. “I spoke to her a time or two, in the café or on the street. She was friendly.” He looked at Francis and then the others. “Just goes to show, you can’t know the mind of a killer.”

  Faith tugged at the collar of her blouse. “She fell. Died from an accident. Or perhaps she died first, and that’s what made her fall. Don’t get spooked.” She looked around the group. “Where’s Roady? I haven’t seen him since leaving the hotel early today.”

  “That’s a good question,” Francis said. “I spoke with him a little while ago. May have gone looking for Pedro. He hasn’t checked in since the meeting, and he may have something to tell him.”

  “For those of you who haven’t heard, Jack got word Judge Harrison Wesley is on his way to Y Knot and may even be there now. If that’s the case, and he got the news about Luke, perhaps he’s on his way to Priest’s Crossing. I won’t breathe easy until I see his face.”

  “Judge Harrison?” Smokey’s face split into a wide grin. “That’s good news.”

  Francis nodded. “I’m sure everyone is glad to hear that. I can’t say how many games of checkers he’s beat me at, but I’ll let bygones be bygones if he gets Luke out of that cell.” As good as saying those words made him feel, Francis agreed with Faith. He wouldn’t let down his guard until the judge arrived.

  Chapter Forty-Three

  Standing from the small eatery table he shared with Roady in the hotel lobby, Francis stretched and glanced out the window. Darkness had replaced twilight. Shad sat with Nick. Pedro was out somewhere, hidden on the street, keeping an eye on the jail. He’d be relieved by Shad sometime after midnight. Smokey had retired upstairs with Faith and Colton.

  Jed Kasterlee sat half a room away at his counter, reading a paper and drinking the same rotgut coffee they had in their cups.

  Most places in town closed up tight after eight o’clock. The plan was when he and Nick left, Roady would keep Jed talking so he didn’t venture out and see where Nick and Francis went. Earlier, Shad and Pedro had quietly pried some loose boards free in each room of the old hotel and made space for the weapons. They didn’t need much if the guns were stacked.

  Nick stood and reached for his hat on the rack.

  Francis did the same and, making sure his voice carried across the room, said, “We’re gonna take a walk round around town. Stretch our legs. Can’t remember ever feeling this useless.”

  Mr. Kasterlee looked up.

  “You be sure to stay out of trouble,” Roady replied sternly. “We’ve got enough on our plate. Don’t stay out long.”

  “Just going to the saloon for a quick beer.”

  Shad chuckled. “We’re turning in shortly. To be young again…”

  Francis almost rolled his eyes. As if Shad were old? “We won’t get into trouble. I don’t think any could be found in this place. Makes Y Knot feel like a metropolis.”

  “Metropolis, Francis?” Shad laughed, a silly grin on his face. “That’s a mouthful to use.”

  Francis tossed him a cranky stare. “Coming from you, Petty, that’s rich.”

  When Roady’s eyebrow tweaked, Francis ambled over to Jed.

  The hotel owner glanced up from the newspaper. “What?”

  Francis positioned his foot as close as he could to the man’s without seeming suspicious.

  Kasterlee frowned and leaned back.

  He must not like me in his space. “Just wondering what you’re plannin’ to serve in the mornin’? I’m sort of tired of the breakfast Clevenger dishes out.”

  Everyone agreed the cold oatmeal the hotel served was a last resort and took their meal in the restaurant.

  A pleasant smile replaced Kasterlee’s frown. “I think I’ll make flapjacks, if you’re interested.”

  Miracles do happen. Francis gave a hearty nod and rubbed his hard belly. “Good. Count me in.” With a glance at Roady, he followed Nick, who’d been waiting at the door, out into the night. “Well?” he asked.

  “Too close to call in the dim light.”

  They paused, letting their eyes adjust to the darkness.

  “And even if his boot did fit the print,” Nick said. “Doesn’t make him guilty.”

  Francis drilled him with a look. “I know that. I’m narrowing the field.”

  “Just wanted to be sure you were aware there’s some play in this reasoning.”

  “I’ve thought of everything.” Francis scanned the street, sure Nick was doing the same. All seemed quiet. Across from the hotel was the jail. Behind the backdrop of darkness, two lanterns burned inside, illuminating Jack behind the desk, writing away at something.

  “Wonder where Clark is?” Nick whispered at his side.

  The abandoned house where the guns were stashed was around the corner from the livery, which was all the way down at the end of the street past the mercantile and bank. Around the corner in the opposite direction from the livery was the pitiful establishment the residents called a saloon, set out by itself on the edge of town.

  Nick hitched his head ac
ross the street. “Should we stop in and check on Luke?”

  Walking slowly side-by-side, Francis looked around. “Not yet. Maybe after we get the job done. Then we’ll have something to report. Besides, if he’s restin’, I don’t want to bother him.”

  They paused at the eatery window. Tilly was having supper with Neil, but Daniel Clevenger was nowhere to be seen. When Nick went to move on, Francis touched his arm. “Wait. I want to see if Clevenger comes out of the back room.”

  After about ten minutes, Francis felt certain the man wasn’t around. “Give me one second.” He left Nick on the boardwalk and stepped inside, removing his hat. Going to Tilly’s table, he smiled. “Evenin’, Tilly, Neil.”

  Tilly smiled back. “Evening, Francis.”

  Neil set down his fork and nodded, wiping his mouth.

  “Was wonderin’, is Clevenger anywhere about? I have a message for him from Roady.”

  Tilly glanced toward the stove and then back at him. “I haven’t seen him. Has his assistant cooking tonight. Is the message important? Something I might pass on if he does come in?”

  “Nope. Just a request for the mornin’. We eat here pretty much every day. But thanks.”

  Back outside, the sounds of a horse coming up the street drew their attention. They waited as a stranger rode past on a tall bay without so much as a nod. They continued on. Across from them, the mercantile was buttoned up tight, and a light shone in the upstairs window. Christine Meeks and her children hadn’t yet turned in.

  Between the empty building and the undertaker’s, Francis paused, and Nick followed suit.

  Nick unbuttoned the top button of his shirt. “What d’ya think?” he asked, the words barely audible. “Feels deader than a doornail. Should we go straight to the shack and get to work?”

  They shouldn’t be hasty. If they messed this up and Jones and Clark confiscated their weapons, they’d be defenseless if a sudden move happened on Luke. They couldn’t chance the risk. “No, we stick to the plan. Head to the saloon, spend some time over a drink, and then we’ll decide. One chance at this is all we get.”