by Nancy Pirri
Strange how his words brought a chill to her for those had been nearly the same words Clive had spoken to her.
Janie opened her bedroom door a crack and peered into the hall. One lantern against a wall burned with a low, yellow light and illuminated Simon’s face. She gasped, surprised to see him asleep in a chair directly across from her room. Darn it, apparently, he didn’t trust her. Dressed in the same clothes he’d worn at the dance she knew he hadn’t sought his bed last night. She opened the door wider—thankfully, it didn’t squeak. He didn’t budge. Observing him, she saw his hat tipped low over his forehead and his arms folded across his chest. She waited. His light snoring told her he was sound asleep.
She opened the door wide enough to take her bag out with her as she stepped into the hallway on silent feet. Her skirts rustled as she headed for the stairs, pausing to look at Simon again. He hadn’t heard her and he slept on. Taking the steps quietly she reached the bottom and breathed a relieved sigh.
As she stepped outside, darkness met her eyes. It was four o’clock in the morning and the town was quiet, not a soul stirring. She stepped down from the boardwalk into the street, looked up and down at the shops darkened windows and swiped at a tear sliding down her cheek as she headed toward the end of town to meet her fate. She knew she would be several hours ahead of Simon for she had no doubts he’d track her down. But then she’d be married to Clive. It would be too late.
Clive had arrived early, thank God. He slid out of his carriage and assisted her inside without a word. Janie couldn’t see his features well, but she thought she caught a satisfied look in his eyes, heard the quiet tone in his voice when he said, “We’ll be marrying tomorrow. I’ve made all of the arrangements.”
She had no idea what to say, until he said, “Well, have you no words for your soon to be husband?”
“No, not a word.”
Janie gasped when suddenly he lurched up and sank onto the seat beside her. He took her face in one hand, squeezed her cheeks hard. “That’s what I like, sweet Janie. No words. Just use those lips in the only way I want you to—kiss me.”
She pulled away from him, shaking her head from side to side. “I hate you, Clive. Things didn’t have to be like this between us.”
Clive sank back against the seat and folded his arms. “No, they didn’t have to be—but it was your choice that made things turn out this way. I’ve…you know I’ve loved you, even before Robert staked his claim to you.”
“You’ve no idea what loves means,” she whispered, thinking about Simon. She’d left him a note, begging him not to come after her, for his own protection. She didn’t explain any more than that, but she also left a note for James Freeman, asking him to restrain Simon from following her. In her note, she’d explained how Clive was a powerful, dangerous man and would kill Simon if he came after her.
Simon sat in a wooden chair in James’s office, spiking his fingers through his hair.
“My God, man, I didn’t think it was possible but your hair’s turned grayer overnight.”
“That’s what worry will do to you,” Simon snarled as he crossed one leg over the other knee. When are we leaving for Butte?”
James sat in his chair behind his desk and stretched his arms above his head. “As soon as Harry and Roger get here. Listen, Cane wanted to come, too, but with the baby being sick and Annie not doing so well, he can’t leave them.”
“Tell him when you see him not to worry. His family needs him,” Simon said.
James continued, “I’ve wired ahead to Chase Borgstrom, the sheriff in Butte, explaining the situation. He said he’d go out to the Miller homestead and check things out. But if Janie appears willing and isn’t being held against her will, there’s not much he can do, he said.”
Simon nodded. “I know. But he is holding her against her will, though she won’t fight him and likely won’t say so, either.”
“I know. She doesn’t want you to die.”
“But I’m dying inside at the thought of living my life without her,” Simon groaned.
“Yeah, well, if we don’t bring her back with us Katie threatened not to let me through the doors of The Palace,” James grumbled.
At that comment Simon raised his brows. “That sounds…dire.”
“You know Katie.”
“Sure do. You’ve got nothing to worry about any way this turns out. You can do no wrong in Katie’s eyes.”
“And that’s the way I feel about her. Thanks for the encouragement.”
The two deputies arrived. Then the four men set out on horseback for Butte. Along the way, a thought struck Simon. He guessed Clive wanted to make an honest woman out of Janie and prayed they wouldn’t be too late.
As Simon rode beside James, he said, “I’ve got a plan.”
James grinned. “I figured as much since you’ve been quiet for a while. Let’s hear it.”
Once Simon explained, James said, “Did I ever tell you you’re a damned smart man, my friend?”
Simon raised his brow. “On several occasions.”
Laughing, they whipped their horses into a swifter gait.
“I’m not wearing a wedding dress, Clive.”
“Well you sure as hell aren’t wearing widow’s weeds!” He snatched up the slightly yellowed gown she’d worn when she and Robert married and tossed it at her. “Put the damned thing on or so help me God I’ll put you in it myself.”
Janie sat on a bed—her old bed in the home she’d shared with Robert, feeling light-headed. He suddenly squatted down in front of her. As she looked at his angry face she wondered how they could have been friends as children. He took her hands in his, startling her. When she went to pull them away he gripped them tighter.
“Why can’t you love me, Janie?”
Stunned, she looked down at his bowed head as he kissed her knuckles. “I’ve loved you forever it seems,” he said with a sigh.
“I don’t love you, Clive. In fact, I hate you. Is that what you want in a wife?”
“No, but at this point, I’ll take what I can get from you.” Arrogantly, he added, “Someday you will love me.”
“No, never, love, Clive. We were friends, before I married Robert. But everything changed after that. You’ve ruined my life by taking my home and my husband from me. Did you think I’d be grateful?” she scoffed.
“Yes, Robert beat you so often I’m amazed there are no scars.” He rose to his feet and scowled down at her. “You will appreciate what I did for you…one day.” Turning on his heel he strode to the door, pausing there to give her a warning. “Get dressed. Ceremony’s in an hour.” He left, slammed the door behind him and she flinched.
Her old homestead was only ten minutes by buggy from town so she had a few minutes to collect her thoughts—thoughts that included more thinking on how to get herself out of this situation. But then she thought of Simon again and knew there was no way out; she loved him and wouldn’t have his death on her conscience for the rest of her days.
She heard a wagon’s wheel in the drive and moved to the window overlooking the yard. One of Clive’s hands drove the wagon and Clive waited for her leaning against it, smoking a cheroot. Clive looked polished and shiny, and appeared in control of the situation. That control unnerved her. Never had she realized how tenacious Clive could be; never had she realized what an awful judge of character she was.
Just then Clive looked up at her window. She saw a wicked smile slide across his face and she shook her head, dismayed. He shouted, “Finish up, Janie. We’re leaving in five minutes, whether you’re ready or not.”
She turned away, picked up her reticule and left the bedroom. She opened the door leading outside and paused at Clive’s words.
“I asked you to change your clothes.”
Lifting her chin, she said, “And I chose not to.”
He grimaced and watched her come down the steps. Once she reached his side he fairly tossed her up onto the wagon’s seat. Oh, she knew he was not happy for his grimace dee
pened and his hold on her waist had been painful. What she’d done—leaving Bozeman for Simon’s safety—she didn’t regret because Clive was ruthless and mean enough to kill Simon.
Clive tried several times engaging her in conversation but she turned her back on him and stared out the window, tears filling her eyes. The thought of being held hostage for the rest of her life was awful, but to save Simon’s life, she had no choice. Eventually he cursed and gave up.
They arrived at the town hall. Clive had wanted her to marry him in the First Presbyterian Church but she’d refused. A legal ceremony was all he’d get from her.
A deputy strolled into the hall shortly after they arrived. “Judge’s on his way over. Just a couple more minutes, folks.”
“Not more than that,” Clive snarled as he pulled Janie over to a bench and sat down beside her. He picked up her hand and held it on his knee. She struggled for ownership of it but he wouldn’t release it.
The deputy frowned. “Something wrong, folks?”
Clive squeezed her hand hard in warning. “Oh, nothing but a bit of a quarrel,” that’s all,” he said. “When did you say that judge is getting here?”
“He’s here now,” a low, firm voice said.
“Oh, no,” Janie whispered. She knew the owner of that wonderful voice.
“What in the hell…” Clive began then yanked her to her feet and wound an arm around her waist.
Simon strolled in and stopped in front of Clive. His clothes were dusty from his travels. He tore off his hat and slapped it against his thigh which set Clive coughing. Janie covered her mouth with her hand and she cast a pleading look at Simon.
“Where’s the judge?” Clive demanded.
“That’s me,” Simon said, keeping a jocular tone though he wanted to pound the man.
“The other one!”
“Sorry, he couldn’t make it. Which is rather unfortunate for you,” Simon said, keeping his voice calm though it was damned difficult. Simon narrowed his eyes and added, “Because there’s no chance in hell I’m marrying the two of you, especially since Janie wants no part of it. I’m only going to say this once; let go of her and stay out of her life. She’s returning to Bozeman with me and we’re getting married.”
Clive immediately released her, then yanked up his pants and puffed out his chest. “She’s consented to be my wife. She came of her own accord.” He nudged Janie’s shoulder. “Tell him it’s so.”
“It’s true.” She looked at Simon, her eyes begging him to understand.
Simon shook his head, took her hand and pulled her toward him.
Clive protested, “She said she’s marrying me!”
“She did but I don’t believe her. I know a threat when I see one, and she’s only going along with you to protect me.” Simon looked into Janie’s eyes and added, “But she doesn’t have to do that.” Then he turned to Clive again. “Now get the hell out of here.”
“Says who?”
“Says me and four other deputies from Bozeman.”
James Freeman and his deputies stood just inside the door, hands resting on their guns, ready if necessary to defend Simon and Janie.
“Got some trouble brewing, boys?”
Simon saw Sheriff Chase Borgstrom standing behind James and his men.
“Not anymore,” James said as he moved aside to allow Borgstrom into city hall.
Borgstrom looked at Clive. “Appears you ain’t getting’ married after all, don’t it?”
Clive’s face turned red, then purple in his rage as he headed out the door. From outside he shouted, “You ain’t heard the last of me yet!”
Simon looked at Janie, saw tears sliding down her cheeks and she hastily brushed them aside. Simon took her in his arms and held her tight against him. Knowing they required privacy, the others filed outside and closed the door. Simon walked backwards until he felt a desk at his legs. He sank down on it and pulled Janie between his thighs.
“What in the hell were you trying to do?” he asked, concerned.
“You know!” Her voice wavered as she wound her arms around his neck and leaned against him.
“Clive threatened to kill me, didn’t he?” At her nod, he added, “I figured it had to be something like that.”
He sighed, loving the feel of her in his arms, unable to even think what could have happened if he’d arrived too late. She sobbed against him until she’d thoroughly drenched the front of his jacket. Then she stepped away from him but Simon pulled her back into his arms.
“Don’t ever run away from me again,” Simon warned, his smile slipping away. “I make my own decisions. I take care of myself and what belongs to me.”
She pressed on his shoulders until he released her. “You’ve no business telling me what I can and can’t do, Simon Hopkins. I’m a woman full grown.”
“Who behaved rather childishly…and completely unselfishly.” He smiled again. “Like I said, don’t ever do that again.”
“You don’t know how tenacious Clive is, Simon. You don’t. My husband died because of him.”
“Has he killed men in the past?”
“I have no idea, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he has. At any rate, he hasn’t been arrested for any crimes. But like I told you before, he’s wanted me since before I married Robert. He won’t forget this happened, and that worries me.”
“I’ll do the worrying. In fact, speaking of worrying, according to James, you’re turning my hair gray”
“It’s already gray—just a bit.”
“It sure is but it doesn’t need to get any grayer—for a while.”
Chapter 5
On an early spring day in May, Simon saved Janie from marrying Clive Miller. He married her himself, in the First Lutheran Church in Bozeman. It appeared the whole town turned out for the ceremony, even though Janie hadn’t wanted a big fuss. But then, lots of folks had come to know and like Janie, and everyone had known Simon for years. She couldn’t invite one without inviting them all.
Simon thought Janie the most beautiful woman in the world as she walked down the aisle toward him. She wore white silk and carried a bouquet of yellow roses. As a judge, Simon had married plenty of couples but never had he viewed a more stunning bride than Janie.
She reached his side at the altar and he took her hand then turned to face Reverend Anderson. Simon heard Janie sniffling beside him and wondered if she wasn’t coming down with a cold. But when he looked at her he saw love shining in her eyes and knew her emotions were running wild. His were too, but he kept them confined.
It came time to pledge their troth to each other and she replied to the reverend with the words, “I do,” in a trembling voice.
Finally, the reverend took them each by an elbow and turned them to face the congregation. “I present to you now, with much joy, Mr. and Mrs. Simon Hopkins.”
The congregation applauded and cheered as Simon kissed his bride.
“I love you,” he whispered, unable to believe he’d been so lucky in finding Janie.
“And I love you, always,” she whispered against his lips.
Solicitously taking her arm, he guided her swiftly down the aisle while the organist played a final song. Janie’s cheeks were pink and she gave Simon a dazzling smile. She exited the church with Simon close behind holding her hand as they made their way to the carriage. Everyone was eager to be on their way to Katie’s Palace, where they would imbibe in a fine meal and beverages.
A shot rang out. The crowd exiting behind them were laughing and talking loudly and didn’t seem to notice the shot, but Simon had. He didn’t take the time to look but pulled Janie down to the ground. Folks behind them dropped to the ground as well at the sound of another shot. Women were screaming, men shouting, children crying as the rapid fire from several guns rang out.
It was only after he and Janie had hit the ground that Simon saw the blood on his hands. He looked at Janie with horror and his voice rang out a tormented, “No!” Her eyes were closed and her face was devoid of
all color as he held her close. He saw her lips move and he leaned close.
She opened her eyes and whispered, “I’ll be okay, Simon. It’s Clive, I know it. Please, don’t leave me.” She closed her eyes then and Simon caught the sob in his throat.
“Lay still, sweetheart. I love you and I’m not going anywhere.”
Janie opened her eyes a moment and smiled. “And I love you, too, forever and always.”
He saw the tears in her eyes just before she shut them again. His heart clenched and his body shook in horror as he cursed Clive to hell.
Thank God, she was still breathing.
He half sat up, looked around and saw people lying huddled on the ground in front of the church right behind he and Janie. He noticed their carriage a short distance away, straight ahead. A movement at the side of the church made him tense up until he saw it was James, head sticking out and motioning to Simon to head for the carriage. Simon started to rise, bent to pick up Janie when another volley of shots came. He sank to the ground again and covered her body, trying not to hurt her any more than she already was. If she died, his life would be meaningless. And Clive will have written his own death warrant.
He cursed himself for having believed they could be happily married; cursed himself for not having protected her; and cursed himself too for having married her and bringing this danger upon her.
A thud on the ground beside Simon made him look up and into the stark dark eyes of his friend, Cane Smith. He’d helped Cane from spending his life in jail for a robbery he hadn’t committed.
“I owe you,” Cane said, laying low beside him.
Simon knew Cane had always wanted to pay him back for his help. It seemed now he’d have his chance.
“Here’s the plan,” Cane said. “There are four of them—only four. On our side, there’s you, me, James and two other deputies. Other than you and me the other two are in position alongside either side of the church. The shots are coming from beyond your carriage, in the brush along the road. So that you can get your wife into the carriage, I’m going to cover you, understand?”
