Cowboys and Highlanders

by Scott, Tarah

  “We don’t have a chance. He wins, and we lose.” Marion met Cassie’s stare then took a swig from the bottle. “I admit I enjoyed watching the weasel squirm when Sheriff Brady told Mr. Jensen he didn’t have access to Sandy’s money.”

  Cassie took the bottle and drank. “So the money, the contracts, and all this…” She handed back their shared bottle and splayed her hands wide implying all the furnishings. “…belongs to you?”

  “That’s how the sheriff sees it. Mr. Ezra Jensen owns the building, but he doesn’t own us.” Marion lit a cigarette and leaned back.

  “Mr. Weasel doesn’t know the sheriff like you do.” Cassie giggled. “I thought he was going to shoot himself in the foot when you introduced yourself. This town is going to be shocked when word spreads about you getting married. Train better watch his back. A few friends of yours aren’t going to be happy about your retirement.”

  “I wouldn’t worry about Train. He carries a big gun.”

  Cassie licked her lips and smiled. “Lucky you.”

  Two days after Marion received the news about the brothel she went to the livery to ask if there was an able man to ride to the Bester Ranch with an urgent message. For a small fee, the rider agreed to take her letter to TJ and immediately rode out of town.

  “Go for the sheriff, Cassie,” Marion said, with the window drapery pulled to the side.

  Mr. Jensen stood outside the brothel, on the other side of the street, an evil sneer on his face and a large bible in his hand.

  “Tell him I’m in need of his service.” Marion let the drape fall back into place and turned to her friend. “His professional service. This isn’t a social call.”

  An hour later, Sheriff Brady sat across from her in the kitchen and sipped a cup of coffee. “I don’t know what to tell you, Marion. He has a legitimate interest in the activities and goings on. This is his building.”

  “He’s scaring away business.”

  “I told Mr. Jensen to give you girls a couple of weeks. I don’t really have the authority, but I suspect he knows I could make trouble for him. Would you like me to stay with you until arrangements can be made to vacate the building?”

  “I appreciate the offer,” Marion said.

  “Where’s your husband, Mrs. Spencer? Or did you say that to intimidate Mr. Jensen?”

  Marion made a fist to feel her wedding ring bite into her skin. “It’s official. I’m not a working girl anymore. Train and I are married. I’ll be leaving town in a couple of days.” She put her hand on his thick forearm covered with curly back hair. “We’ve had some good times, Dale. I’m asking for a favor. When I leave, it’ll be for good. There won’t be any reason to return. The girls have until the end of the month. Most will find a new place. Watch them for me. Ezra Jensen makes me nervous.”

  Sheriff Brady set his coffee aside wearing a thoughtful look on his face. “I wired Helena to see if I could find anything out about Preacher Jensen. There’s a reason you should worry. Seems he and Sandy used to own quite a few whorehouses in Helena. That is, until he turned to the Lord. He and Sandy split. She came here and opened the Dusty Rose. He converted one of the brothels into his church. He’s been behind the pulpit damning whores ever since.”

  She nodded. “I’m not used to men looking at me with hatred in their eyes. Sandy’s brother is dangerous. Will you keep an eye on the Dusty Rose and the girls?”

  His gaze dropped to the diamond ring. “I guess I owe you one.” He covered her hand with his own. “You wouldn’t want to go upstairs for old time’s sake?”

  She smiled and kissed his cheek. “Sheriff, I’m a married woman now. I need only one man.” She gave him a wink.

  “Must be some man.” The Sheriff chuckled.

  “He is.”

  * * * * *

  Train watched the horses run along the flat open land of the Wyoming territory. He intended to purchase one stallion, two maybe three, high-quality mares, and be on his way back to Marion, but the stock was superior to reported understanding. Tipping his head back, he scratched the whiskers of his beard. “I’m impressed.”

  Amusement flickered in the old ranchers eyes. “You came a long way for a couple of horses. I thought I’d bring down my best to show you. Maybe make the trip worth your while.”

  “That you’ve done.” Muscular legs and a shiny coat became a blur across the landscape. “He’s amazing,” Train said of the stallion. “I want the Chestnut.” It was a good thing TJ didn’t care how much money he spent. He was about to make a huge investment.

  Train spent the afternoon looking at horseflesh and deciding how many he could safely take back without any help. “Could I hire one of your hands to help me get the stock back to Montana?”

  The rancher leaned against the fence rail. “Son, if you buy enough of my horses, I’ll pack your lunch, too.”

  Train shook his hand. California might have the best reputation, but this old rancher had the goods he was looking for. The horses were top quality and the facility kept the horses in excellent care. The stallion would be a busy stud come winter.

  * * * * *

  Marion kept the gun from under Sandy’s bed close when she was in the house. She looked at the furniture and fixtures with a critical eye. Knowing Train wouldn’t want much from the brothel, she’d already visited the church and arranged for them to pick up her donations. Bedding, red heart pillows, and most of the items from the kitchen, including the stove would be picked up the last day of the month. Marion wanted the beautiful Japanese furniture from Sandy’s office. She could almost hear Train complain. Their home was small and Sandy’s furniture was large and awkward. She made a mental note to hire someone to move the furniture before Train returned.

  A familiar voice called, “Marion!” She stopped what she was doing and rushed into the parlor throwing her arms around TJ’s neck. He held her tightly around the waist. “Why didn’t Sandy tell me?”

  “She didn’t tell anyone,” she said, brushing sudden moisture from her cheek. “You know how Sandy could be, never wanting to burden those around her. Everyone knew she was sick, but I don’t think anyone realized her time to pass would come so quick. I wish she’d let me know her illness was grave, maybe I could have made life a little easier for her. We talked about her passing, but she always made it sound like we had all the time in the world.”

  “You’re saying she suffered?”

  “Very much. She was stubborn until the end. The doctor has been treating her for some time. It was why she couldn’t stay long at the wedding. She didn’t want you to know.” She looked down at her feet. “I thought she was sick. I didn’t realize she was dying.”

  “She was a good woman. She was always there for me.”

  Marion raised her eyes to his. “Because she loved you.” She linked their arms. “I’m so glad you came. Train will be back in a few days, but I got scared. He’s eager to get back to the ranch. I can’t leave these girls out in the cold.”

  “Then you’ll be joining him?”

  Marion took a deep breath. “I didn’t write it in the letter because I want to be there when Allison hears.” She held out her hand. “He put the ring on my finger.” She couldn’t help the smirk on her lips. “You know what, TJ? I’m not going to have any problems being with one man.”

  TJ chuckled. “I told him he ought to take you to bed right away. He wouldn’t have had to work so hard convincing you he was the right one.”

  “Ain’t that the truth! Coffee or whiskey?” she asked once they entered the office.

  She informed him of the events that had transpired. “I know Sandy’s brother is watching me. At first, I thought he was only interested in the brothel, now I’m not so sure. I’m actually beginning to think it’ll be safer for the girls once I leave.”

  “Sandy had a head for business. I can’t understand why she overlooked the deed to the property.”

  Marion sat at Sandy’s desk and TJ began sifting through the papers on the sofa Marion deemed related
to the brothel. “TJ, the more I think about it, the more I suspect she knew exactly what she was doing. All the money Train paid her is in the account along with a whole lot more. I think about how much time all of us have spent on our backs making her rich and I can’t help feeling hurt. She was my friend. But first she was a business woman.”

  “My advice is to change the bank account into your name first thing in the morning.”

  “The money isn’t going to be in there long enough to matter.”

  TJ raised his eyes from perusing a paper.

  “First, Train gets back all his money. I’m not going to feel indebted to anyone, especially my husband. And I’m going to give the girls a few dollars to start a new life somewhere if that’s what they want.” She ran her hand over the smooth surface of the desktop. “I want you to keep the rest.” She put up her hand to squelch his protests. “Please, I know you don’t need any money from me, but it’s safe to assume Train won’t take it from me either. It’s my contribution to the future.”

  “Allison’s right,” he said, sipping his coffee. “You’re a good woman.”

  She warmed at the sentiment because she was starting to feel like one too.

  * * * * *

  Weather conditions were more cooperative on the return journey to Copper City. Running with a dozen horses filled Train with pride. Not only did he get premium quality, but the relief of not having to make the trip to California was a weight lifted from his shoulders.

  He bid his travel companion goodbye after he housed the horses at the livery and walked with a bounce in his step to the brothel. His heart raced in anticipation of seeing Marion after two weeks. Lost in the gaiety of his thoughts, he entered the brothel expecting to see gentlemen sitting in the parlor, and lovely ladies laughing. He stopped short by the absence of men, women, and furniture. A sinking feeling hit him in the gut.

  “Hello,” he called.

  No answer.

  Dashing up the stairs, he burst into Marion’s room. Empty. “Marion!” he hollered, running back down the stairs, his mind moving in a thousand directions.

  Train glanced in the kitchen, the office, and Sandy’s bedroom before acknowledging the apparent conclusion that she wasn’t there. The place was in shambles. Furniture was missing. Sandy’s office was barren. An ugly red sofa still sat in the room, but the desks and armoires were gone. “What the hell is going on?” he asked himself since no one was there to hear him.

  Upon closer inspection, he found Marion’s touch in Sandy’s bedroom. Her hairbrush sat on the dresser, and her favorite bodice and skirt hung over the back of a rocking chair. He took off his hat and kicked off his boots. Riding hard had taken its toll on his body. Now that he didn’t have the adrenaline of Marion’s sweet kisses keeping him going, fatigue overwhelmed.

  Train lay back on the bed and propped himself up against the headboard. Before he could light a cigarette, he took an intoxicating whiff of her pillow. Just for a minute, he closed his eyes. He drifted off to sleep in spite of his desire to wait for his bride.

  * * * * *

  Marion’s laughter echoed off the bare walls when she and Cassie returned from dinner. “Can you believe this place?” The brothel officially closed. Several of the girls had taken the money Marion offered and left without remorse for the time they’d spent together.

  “Marion, can I be honest with you?”

  “Girl, we’ve shared men, what in the world could make you ask such a question?”

  Cassie unclasped the front of her dress, letting her breasts free from the confines of her corset. “You don’t seem upset. I know you’re married now, but it’s beyond that. We’ve been a family for a long time. It’s as if our mother died and now we’re all fending for ourselves. I don’t think we’ll ever see each other again.” She sounded on the verge of tears.

  Marion sat down and rested her hands in her lap. “It wouldn’t have been the same without Sandy. And you’re right; I don’t want to be here anymore.” A sensation of lightness, like floating on clouds wrapped around her heart.

  “He must be amazing. You’ve never been shy about letting us know what kind of man you need.”

  Marion raised and lowered her eyebrows in a playful manner. “You won’t hear me complaining anymore. I swear, if he were in our line of work, he’d be the wealthiest man in the Montana Territory, because we’d be paying him.” Marion laughed, and then stretched her arms above her head.

  The past two weeks had been a whirlwind of activities. Although it had been draining, she could leave Copper City without worrying. Ezra Jensen still preached near the brothel. His sermons didn’t garner much support considering the Dusty Rose closed her doors. Marion breathed a sigh of relief every time one of the girls boarded the stage or took employment in another whorehouse.

  TJ had taken the furniture she’d wanted back to the ranch. What didn’t fit into the house, he said would be stored in one of the outbuildings. Now all she had to do was wait for the return of her husband who was already a few days overdue.

  “Are you worried about him?” Cassie asked.

  “Is a wife supposed to be, because I’m really not?” She shrugged. “If he’s not back in a couple of days, I’ll send for TJ again.” Stretching she said, “I’m going to bed. See you in the morning.”

  Cassie gave a little wave.

  Marion climbed the stairs to Sandy’s room. She opened the door and startled to see a man on her bed. She covered her heart with her hand, and smiled at her sleeping husband. She closed and locked the door. Trying to control her breathing, she slipped from her dress and crossed the room to the bed. She pulled the pins from her hair and quickly combed it out with her fingers.

  As softly as she could, she lowered herself onto the bed and lengthened out beside him. Running her fingers across his chest, she kissed his neck below the ear. “Welcome back,” she whispered when his hand reached around and cupped her bare buttocks.

  Train’s eyes opened to slits. Crushing his mouth to hers, he rolled until he was partially on top of her. “Sorry I’m late,” he said, stroking his hand down the side of her body.

  “I can think of a way for you to make it up to me.” She rubbed the front of his jeans.

  “I won’t last. I need you too badly.”

  “I don’t care. Take me now and make love to me later.”

  Train lowered his jeans enough to free himself and entered her willing body.

  “I missed you,” she said, wrapping her legs around him, the rough texture of denim rubbing her inner thigh.

  He filled her, completed her. Warmth surged through her as he leveraged on out stretched arms and pumped into her. Hot, hard and strong. She gripped his biceps and held tightly as she crested toward release.

  Train drove deeper, faster. Marion cried out as her body convulsed. A guttural groan erupted from Train. He tensed, muscles in his neck straining and his face reddening. He flexed for a moment and then stilled.

  Then he rolled to the bed beside her. “Damn woman, I missed you.”

  “Good.” Marion scooted off the bed. “Because I missed you too.” She put on a chemise and pantalets.

  “What happened, Marion? The place is deserted, not to mention a wreck.”

  “It’s over, Train. All of its gone, including most of the girls. Cassie is still around. Mary plans to take the stage to Salt Lake City the day after tomorrow. She wants to settle far from here and see if she can make a new life for herself.”

  She told him about Sandy’s brother and the loss of the building. “I thought about getting another building, and then I decided this was for the best. I don’t need ties to town.” She plopped down on the bed and crossed her legs one over the other. “Tell me about the mares,” she said, genuinely interested. Whatever Train involved himself with, she wanted to share. She’d seen his eyes light when he spoke of horses. That same light was there tonight.

  “The horses are beautiful. Twelve mares and the most magnificent stallion I’ve ever seen.” He
ran his fingers through his hair. “I went out on a limb with TJ, but when he sees the stock, he’s going to understand why I moved ahead without consulting him.” He leaned forward and quickly kissed her lips. “I’m hungry.”

  “Good idea. You could make something for me, too.”

  “Could?”

  She scurried off the bed when he reached for her. “Well yes, if we had anything here at the brothel, you could fix it for us. I don’t cook. Best we acknowledge our strengths and weaknesses right from the beginning, wouldn’t you say?”

  They went to the kitchen. The cupboards were bare. “Where is everything?”

  TJ had taken the dishes and pots with him when he returned to the ranch. He’d also taken the fine bone China and silver flatware Marion found in Sandy’s bedroom trunk. Marion distributed most of Sandy’s possessions amongst the girls. What was left had no monetary value and held little sentimental appeal. “Sandy’s brother can have the rest when he takes the building at the end of the month. I hope I never see him again.”

  Train found a can of beans. “Looks like we’ll need to find something to keep our minds off food until breakfast. Any suggestions?”

  Marion took him by the hand and guided him back to the bedroom.

  * * * * *

  Cassie sat in the parlor, staring into space when Train came down the stairs at first light. More than alone, she looked lonely. Clearly, the transition was hard on her. “Good morning,” he said, startling her.

  Her mouth only hinted at a smile. “I see you made it home.”

  “Not home,” he said, putting Marion’s carpetbag near the door. “We’ll be leaving for home after breakfast.” He slid his hands into his front pockets. “Come to breakfast with us. It’ll give you and Marion a chance to say goodbye.” She nodded. “Cassie, if you ever need anything, you know where we’ll be.”

  “I’m happy for Marion,” she said, standing. “How long before you’re leaving?”

  “Thirty minutes.” He was being optimistic. Marion poked around upstairs deciding at the last minute that she didn’t want to leave Sandy’s home in chaos. “If Marion can manage it.” He laughed.