“You’re right.”
She raised one brow. “Don’t think I’ve heard that before.”
He nodded tightly. “I assure you that you won’t hear it again.”
Chloe waved a hand toward the town. “Get a move on, then. Time is ticking away.”
Gideon slipped away from his own confusion, shutting the door on it until they accomplished what they’d set out to do. He rode into town with the eye of a trained soldier, taking in the sleepy feel of it, the well-swept wood-planked sidewalks and the curtains in the windows. It had the air of a safe place, but he would remain on guard.
They stopped the wagon at the end of the street next to the mercantile. The livery was close by as well. Chloe looked around with more suspicion than he did. He still wished the Devils were there with him too and not just one small, ornery woman.
“What now?”
He jumped down, and before he could get to the other side of the wagon, she was down and waiting for him. With a frown, he took her arm.
“We’ll go into the mercantile and make friends, so be a good girl and pretend we’re happily married.”
As they walked in, a small bell tinkled over the door. She pinched him under the arm hard enough to make his eyes water. Instead of annoying him, her gesture made him smile. She was a warrior, full of fight and life.
His boots thunked on the well-swept but worn floor. It wasn’t the largest store he’d been in, but it was neat and looked cared for. A young man appeared from behind a blue-curtained doorway on the left.
“Evening, folks.” He stepped toward them.
Gideon took the man’s measure and saw nothing in his stance or demeanor that suggested he was a threat. “Good evening. I’m Gideon Blackwood and this is my wife, Chloe.”
She accidentally stepped on his foot. “Pleased to meetcha.”
“Likewise, Mrs. Blackwood. I’m Joseph Newton. What can I help you with?” The stranger’s blue gaze was guileless.
“We were ambushed about two days back. We lost our money and my good horse. I was hoping there was a bank in town, and I could get some money wired to me to buy new supplies.”
The man nodded, his black curls bobbing with the movement. “Sure thing. Ambrose Moore runs the bank. He’s likely still there. Why don’t I take you over there, and Mrs. Blackwood can start getting what you all need.”
Gideon glanced down at her. She looked like she had no idea how to even pick a spool of thread much less what was needed for a hard trail ride.
“You have someone who can help her?”
“Yup, my wife Daisy is upstairs taking care of her daddy. This used to be his store.” Joseph stepped toward the curtain and pulled it back. “Daisy, can you come down and help some folks?”
Gideon heard a faint feminine response, then the sound of footsteps coming down the stairs. When Mrs. Newton appeared, he couldn’t help but smile. She was as small as Chloe, with light brown hair, a bit plumper, but she could help his “wife” pick out clothes that would fit her.
“Mrs. Newton, my name’s Gideon Blackwood and this is my wife, Chloe. I’d be grateful if you could help her pick out new clothes, any sundries she needs and food for a week’s trail ride on horseback.” He tipped his hat, and she smiled broadly, her apple cheeks rosy in the evening light.
“Sure thing, Mr. Blackwood. I’d be happy to help.” She stepped toward the corner of the store stocked full of ready-made clothes, but Chloe didn’t follow.
“I don’t need no clothes.” Her fierce whisper was meant for his ears only.
“Yes, you do. You need a split skirt to ride, and I would actually pay her to burn that thing you’re wearing.” He leaned down, seemingly to kiss her cheek, but instead he bit her earlobe.
She jumped a few inches and stared at him with wide eyes.
“Spend as much as you want. We’re not leaving here until you have the clothes you need.”
“You’re loco, Gid.”
“I’ve heard that before.”
He turned to follow Joseph out of the store before she could say another word. Gideon glanced back and was pleased to see Chloe over by the clothing while Mrs. Newton chattered away at her.
Chloe had never bought ready-made clothes before. Heck, she’d never even touched them before. The storekeeper’s wife was friendly enough, but she was pulling out all kinds of frilly things Chloe wasn’t sure what to do with.
She finally had to say something, much as it pained her. “My husband and me ain’t been married long. I don’t know much about how to dress proper.”
Daisy stopped and regarded her with her pretty brown eyes. “Don’t worry, Mrs. Blackwood. I can show you everything you need to know.”
Chloe wasn’t sure what “everything” meant, but she nodded anyway. Then her lesson began in how ladies dressed. There were layers and layers, plus something called a corset—which she refused to wear—and lacy stuff until she thought she’d run from the store.
When Daisy pulled out a simple cotton chemise and drawers, Chloe was grateful to see just how plain they were.
“Those two.”
The shopkeeper frowned at them. “Are you sure? These are just cotton.”
“I’m sure. I don’t need anything fancy.” She took the garments from Daisy, surprised by how soft they were.
“Now you’re about the same height as me, so I know what will fit you.” Daisy fussed around for a few minutes, pulling out a few dresses, skirts and blouses. She stopped and snapped her fingers. “I know just the thing. One of the rancher’s wives makes leather clothing for me to sell. She made this riding skirt last year, but it’s too small for most everyone. It was a leftover piece of leather, and she thought maybe someone would buy it for their daughter. Nobody did.”
Daisy dug around on a shelf until she pulled out the most beautiful skirt Chloe had ever seen. It was the color of butternut squash, obviously well tanned and softened. She reached out to touch it and found it softer than the cotton undergarments in her hand.
“It’s beautiful.” Her voice was barely above a whisper.
“It’s yours.” Daisy handed it to her. “I never thought I’d sell it, and I know Beatrice would be glad someone would get use out of it.”
“I can’t take this without paying for it.” Chloe rubbed her cheek on the leather, breathing in its rich scent.
“You’ll pay for everything else, so we’ll just call this one a gift for a weary traveler.” Daisy smiled. “Now let’s get you a blouse to wear, a couple dresses, stockings and some boots. Then we’ll work on supplies for your trail ride.”
Chloe hadn’t met anyone like Daisy before, but she liked her. She was honest, nice and respectful, didn’t treat her as if she was lower than dirt, like some folks did. Whether it was due to the promise of Gideon’s money or the woman’s innate goodness, Chloe wasn’t sure she wanted to know.
After a brief conversation and a wire to Tanger, the banker gave Gideon a letter of credit to use with the merchants in town as well as one hundred dollars cash. He’d had only ten dollars of travel money, and he’d needed a lot more to get what they needed. Besides, he’d already decided to give the Ruskins money for the rest of their journey. It was the first step in not feeling helpless anymore. After he sent a wire to Nate to let him know he wasn’t coming, he sent another to Zeke. Having a sheriff as a cousin had its advantages.
“Anything else I can help you with?” Joseph Newton had stayed with him the entire time it took to get everything done. They were walking back toward the mercantile.
“I have a wagon we found abandoned in the woods. It looks like a peddler’s wagon, but it’s in rough shape, smells like an outhouse in the sun.” Lying to the folks who were helping him didn’t sit well, but he couldn’t very well tell the man he’d stolen it. Gideon stopped and tipped his hat back. “I don’t know what to do with it, but I thought maybe I could trade it to the livery for a couple horses.”
“Let’s go see if Frank is there. He owns the livery here i
n Westville and has a few horses he keeps for renting to folks.” Once again, the shopkeeper proved to be invaluable.
Frank was an older German man with a thick accent, big arms and an even bigger chest. He was soft-spoken but eyed Gideon with great consideration after the offer of the wagon. Joseph was there to vouch for him as well.
“I saw it there and wondered. I’ve seen it before.” The blond giant stared hard at Gideon. “It belong to a hag who smell bad. She cheated me when she sold me tools last year.”
Gideon took a breath. “It still smells like her.”
Frank laughed. “Then I chop it up and burn it. Her nags will be good for ladies and the kinder to ride. Nice and slow.”
Gideon suspected Frank didn’t believe his story about finding the wagon, but Lady Luck had shined down on him. The hag had cheated one too many people.
“I appreciate the trade. There’s a few quilts in the back with supplies that belong to us. I need to keep those, if you don’t mind. I’ll pay for saddles and full tack.”
“Of course you will. I have good quality.” Frank led him and Joseph to the corral to look at the horses.
Gideon found two bays that were perfect for them. One mare and one gelding, both young and healthy. The three of them chatted as Gideon inspected the tack. It was good quality, but he took his time examining each piece. He needed information.
“Two men took our wagon a couple days ago.” He looked up at Frank and Joseph. “They took my wife’s little sisters and grandmother too.” He let that information sink in. “I think they were headed this way, near as we can tell. It’s a big wagon with a canvas on it, raised up about four feet with a frame under it to let folks ride in the back. They probably left the girls and Granny with one of them, and the other would have ridden in for supplies.” He watched both men carefully for any reaction. “Besides me and Chloe, have there been any strangers through here in the last day?”
Joseph shook his head. “They haven’t stopped at the store.”
Frank stroked his beard. “There was a man came in early this morning with a broken cinch strap. I repair it for him.”
“What did he look like?” Gideon was in the dark about who he was dealing with. Hell, he didn’t even know what their hair color was, how big they were or even their ages.
“Young man, a few years younger than you. He wore a hat, but what he had of a beard was light brown, pockmark scars on his face. Not as big as you, Mr. Blackwood, perhaps Joseph’s size.” Frank was clear about the details, and Gideon knew it was all true.
“Did he have an accent? Speak with a lisp or something like that?”
“Nothing like that. He sound like he’s from anywhere.”
“Did you see what direction he rode off in?” Gideon wanted to throw his fist in the air in triumph. This was the first sighting of one of the men he figured had taken the Ruskins.
“Southwest, out the end of town toward the river. It’s about ten miles outside town.” Frank narrowed his eyes. “You talk like a man of the law.”
That made Gideon smile. “Former soldier is more like it. My cousin is the sheriff at home, and I’m afraid I fall into old habits.”
“Good habits, I’m thinking.” Frank gestured toward the south end of the street. “You should talk to sheriff here and get help.”
“I will. Thank you for everything, Frank.” He put his hands on two saddles. “I’ll take both of these, with blankets. My wife is small, and we’ll need to adjust the stirrups for her.”
“She’s about Daisy’s size,” Joseph added.
“I can get it all ready for you, Mr. Blackwood. Come back in thirty minutes.”
Gideon thanked the man before he walked out with Joseph. “Where is the sheriff’s office?”
“Will Cannon is the sheriff. He keeps the office at his house, the big white one at the end there.” Joseph pointed down the street. “Do you want me to come with you?”
Gideon shook his head. “No need. I’ll take care of this part myself. Please tell my wife I’ll be there in a few minutes and that we leave in thirty.”
After the shopkeeper went back toward the mercantile, Gideon headed off to speak to the sheriff.
Chloe could have wept for the softness of the garments she now wore. Everything was comfortable and fit her as if someone had made them specially them for her. It was astonishing what the simple act of putting on new clothes did to her.
She felt like a woman.
Daisy smiled, her cheeks dimpling as she walked around Chloe. “You look lovely, Mrs. Blackwood.” She turned to her husband, who was behind the counter tallying the items piled high in front of them. “Doesn’t she, Joseph?”
“Almost as pretty as you.” Joseph winked at his wife. “Your husband is going to be pleased as punch to see how you look, Mrs. Blackwood.”
“Please call me Chloe. I don’t think I’ll ever answer to someone calling me missus.”
“You said you haven’t been married long?” Daisy’s question made Chloe freeze in mid-motion. “I know it took me at least a year to get used to being called a missus myself.”
“No, not long. Before we left Virginia, Gideon and I got hitched.”
“Starting a new life in Texas?” Daisy’s eyes were full of compassion as she took Chloe’s hands.
It was odd to be holding hands with a stranger, but at the same time, it felt right. Chloe decided being with Gideon had scrambled her brain.
“Yes, something like that.” She swallowed back the lump of emotion that appeared in her throat. Chloe could not afford to be weak, especially in front of this nice lady.
The door to the mercantile opened, and the tinkling of the bell sent a shiver down Chloe’s spine.
“There you are, Mr. Blackwood. I was just telling your wife how lovely she looks.” Daisy moved out of the way, leaving Chloe directly in Gideon’s line of sight.
He stared at her, his blue eyes drinking her in, up and down, and again, until she thought she’d have to kick him. Gideon walked toward her, then circled her as he continued to stare.
“Much better than the burlap one.”
She would kick him.
He picked her up, his arms holding her tight against his firm body. Leaning in until their noses touched, he spoke softly so only she could hear. “You’re exquisite. The most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”
His heart thumped against hers, and she knew he was telling her the truth. That silly lump decided to come back to her throat for a second time. This time it wasn’t because of sadness.
“Let me down, you big oaf.” She swatted at his shoulder, trying to regain control of the emotions running rampant through her.
He kissed her hard, twice, then set her on her feet. The grin he turned on the Newtons was nothing short of blinding.
“She looks perfect, Mrs. Newton. Now all she needs is a hat.”
“I have a hat.”
“She needs a hat that doesn’t look like a cow turd.” Gideon tipped his hat to Daisy. “Pardon my crude language.”
Daisy giggled. “No need to apologize. I’ve seen the hat.” She turned toward Chloe. “We already picked out a new one.”
He picked up the chocolate brown hat that was sitting by the pile of supplies. After a brief examination he plopped it on her head.
He blew out a breath. “Now I’m in trouble.”
This time when Chloe smiled, it was one of genuine happiness. Gideon’s words, his gestures, his reactions, were gifts she never expected to receive in her lifetime. She felt beautiful and special, much more than she ever had before.
“The horses should be almost ready. Let’s pack up the supplies and get going.”
“You’re not going to spend the night in town?” Joseph frowned. “It’s almost dark.”
Gideon glanced at her for approval, which made her feel ten feet tall. She nodded, pleased to see he considered her opinion before speaking.
“We need to keep going.” Gideon shook the man’s hand. “Thank you for
everything, Joseph. I won’t forget it.”
Before Chloe knew what was happening, Daisy enfolded her in a hug. “Good luck, Chloe.”
Gideon paid an astonishing amount of money for their supplies, more than she’d ever seen. She kept her surprise and her protests to herself though. Now wasn’t the time to be taking him to task for overspending.
Within a few minutes, they headed toward the livery with their supplies packed neatly into small packages to fit into the saddlebags. A big blond giant with a beard greeted them, shaking hands with Gideon. Had he made friends with the entire town?
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Blackwood.”
Chloe managed to smile at him, although she had never been this friendly with strangers in her life. Thank goodness they were heading out of town.
“The horses are ready. I put your packs on the back of each.” Frank led them into the barn where the cool darkness took a few minutes to get used to. “Here is your horse. Her name is Lightning. The other is called Thunder. They had the same dam, but Thunder is two years older.”
She was surprised to see a small mare saddled and waiting. Chloe had spent most of her time in the saddle on mules or packhorses, never on a beautiful horse like this. It was a day of new experiences and possibly new friends. She petted the horse’s velvety neck and was rewarded with a snuffle to her belly.
“I think she likes you,” Gideon teased as he loaded their supplies into the saddlebags. “Can’t say as I blame her.”
Chloe whispered in the horse’s ear. “You ride like you’re named, okay, girl? Help me find my family.”
The horse’s ears twitched as if she understood. Gideon put a mounting block beside the horse and motioned her to mount.
“Ready?”
“Let’s go find those bastards.” She ignored the livery owner’s chuckle and focused on Gideon’s tight smile.
Gideon: Devils on Horseback, Book 5 Page 11
