Threads of Betrayal

by Monica Koldyke Miller

  Hogan spat a stream of tobacco juice. “That’s cuz it’s a pain in the arse.”

  By late afternoon, the men had reached their destination and were strategically hidden on both sides of a hairpin curve. Minutes turned into an hour then stretched into two before they heard the soft clop of a horse coming down the road. As Reagan peered through weeds, he could see a livery with Amanda slumped against the seat. He rose off his belly only to be halted by a hand on his shoulder.

  “Stay down, you damn fool!” Hogan hissed. “You cain’t be seen yet.”

  Reluctantly, he hunkered down as Hogan melted into the woods. Moment’s later, Reagan saw two men hurry from the trees, one on horseback. Once they gained the road, both turned toward the approaching livery, as yet unseen beyond the bend. When the buggy navigated the turn, Reagan and the others began creeping forward.

  Derrick swerved to avoid the man on horseback and his companion who had a pitchfork slung over his shoulder.

  “Hullo!” Hogan said, stopping his horse in the center of the road. Standing next to him, Reuben rested the tines of his pitchfork in the dirt. “Can you tell me how far the next town is? We’re looking for work.”

  “You’re two hours away,” Derrick snapped. “Now, if you’d be so kind as to step aside, the lady and I have business to attend.”

  Amanda sucked in her breath when she heard the familiar voice and lifting her eyes, was even more surprised to see Reuben Kincaid. Too late, she tried hiding her mistake by suddenly coughing. Yet, Derrick’s quick glance caught the moment of recognition in her eyes.

  As he groped for his weapon, Amanda seized her hatpin and stabbed the back of his hand. He bellowed, yanking the pin free to slap her brutally. Amanda’s hat flew when she fell against the seat. She immediately righted herself, gripping the sides as Derrick tried forcing the livery between the men on the road. But Reuben, emitting a loud cry, brandished his pitchfork in a back and forth motion until the terrified animal swerved. As the livery pitched sideways, Hogan pressed his horse close, pulling Amanda over his saddle before galloping away.

  With his hostage now gone, Derrick panicked. Snatching up his gun, he jumped free of the buggy only to trip and fall. Reagan dashed toward the livery while Derrick scrambled to his feet, unknowingly running in his direction. In one motion, Reagan leaped upon Derrick and slammed him to the ground. The forest exploded with swarming men as the two men tumbled among weeds. Reagan grabbed Derrick’s throat, but he wrested free, aiming his weapon at Reagan’s head. Reagan seized the gun, thrusting it upward as a shot rang out. Squeezing Derrick’s wrist, he pressed his forearm under the man’s jaw until he dropped the revolver.

  Without a weapon, Derrick quickly reverted to his street thug mentality and lunging forward, viciously bit Reagan’s ear. His fingers probed for Reagan’s eyes, but the lumberman bent his hand backwards until Derrick screamed.

  Rolling onto his knees, Reagan slammed his fist into Derrick’s belly. “You sniveling coward!” he spat as Derrick scrambled away. “Fight like a man!” Seeing other men circling around, Derrick turned back only to have Reagan’s knuckles ram his jaw.

  Derrick spit blood, stumbling back into the sheriff’s arMs. “Whoa,” Jim said. “I don’t want you yet. You’ve got a score to settle.” As he flung Derrick back, Reagan braced his feet, sinking his fist into the outlaw’s middle.

  When Derrick crumpled to the ground, he spied his gun amongst weeds. Scores of feet surrounded him as he crawled toward it. “I yield!” he panted. “I surrender.”

  Reagan was clearly in no mood to end the beating. “Get up,” he growled. “I’m not done.”

  “Stop! Please, stop!” Derrick writhed snakelike on the ground, covering the gun. “Don’t let him hurt me!”

  “Now Reagan, you’ve had your revenge,” Sheriff Hadley said, stepping between them. “There’s not a man here that doesn’t think he hasn’t gotten what he deserved. But, we have laws. Besides, we found the money he stole from you,” he indicated the valise held by a deputy. “As much as I’d enjoy it, I can’t allow you to beat him to death.”

  Reagan stepped back as the sheriff held up a hand. “I suppose it’s better to let the bastard suffer the fate he tried pawning on me,” he said, panting. “I’ll settle for watching him wear a noose.”

  No one noticed Derrick’s fingers curl around the revolver until he sat up and pointed it directly at Reagan. “You son-of-a-bitch!” he snarled. “I’d a had it all, if not for you!” He pulled back the hammer, his bloody lips twisting. “Naught what you do to me matters anymore! I’ll see you in hell-”

  Jim grabbed Reagan and threw him to the ground the same time a gun discharged. Derrick screamed, dropping his weapon while blood spurted from his shoulder. All eyes turned to see George holding a rifle.

  “Damned if I’m going to let you kill my son-in-law.” He grinned at Reagan’s astounded expression. “After everything that’s happened,” he shrugged, “I owed you one.”

  The sheriff hauled Derrick to his feet while Amanda rushed up and threw her arms around Reagan’s neck before breaking down in sobs. “Shhh,” he murmured, holding her close. “It’s all right.”

  After awhile, he lifted her chin and inspected her cheek. “I should’ve gelded him for touching you.”

  “It’s nothing,” she said, sniffling. “I barely feel it.” She stroked his face. “It was Derrick who killed Molly. I’m sorry I doubted you.”

  Reagan chuckled. “You made it up to me when you stabbed that bastard with your hatpin.”

  “If only I’d believed you,” she said. “None of this would’ve happened.”

  “You had plenty to consider,” he said. “There were times when I even doubted myself.”

  Twilight had fallen by the time the sheriff dispersed the posse. Two men assigned to guard Derrick tied his hands and placed him on a horse while Reagan led Amanda to George’s buggy. Her father had already lit the lanterns when Reuben approached.

  “Sorry, about your hat bein’ squashed, Miss Amanda,” he said, holding it out. “I couldn’t get the dents out.”

  “Don’t worry, Papa promised me a new one, didn’t you Papa?”

  George grinned as Amanda snuggled close. “If necessary, I’ll buy a hundred hats, with bigger pins.”

  “You won’t have to worry about any hats for at least a fortnight,” she said, touching her bruised scalp.

  “We’ll send for Doc Turner as soon as we get home,” Reagan said. “Perhaps, he can give you something for the pain.”

  “I felt better the moment I saw Hogan and Reuben standing in the road,” she said. “I can’t think of a better salve than dear friends coming to one’s aid.”

  “Huh!” Hogan said as he mounted his horse. “I expect there’ll come a time when you’ll be needing me again.” He gave both a knowing look. “A woman’s a curse. You cain’t predict whut she’ll do, and you sure as hell cain’t control her.” Grinning suddenly, he tipped his hat before heading into the dark. “Until we meet again.”

  Sheriff Hadley joined the group. “I’d like Reagan and George to come by my office tomorrow and give their statements. I’m filing charges against this derelict for theft, extortion and kidnapping.” Tipping his hat, he winked at Amanda. “And, please let me know if your husband ever neglects his duties,” he said, waggling a thumb at Reagan. “I’ve got plenty more empty cells.”

  Amanda glanced at her husband. “I’ll keep that in mind, sheriff.”

  Chapter One Hundred-One

  “Amanda,” George murmured, touching his daughter’s cheek. “You’re home, honey.” As comforting as it was to have her curled against him, it was time to return her to her husband. Reagan and George eased Amanda from the buggy and holding her between them entered the foyer of the Burnsfield home. It didn’t help Amanda’s headache when the hall resounded with excited shouts as Thomas and Katherine followed by Amy, Emily, and Gabriella rushed from the parlor.

  “Oh, my baby!” Emily nearly knocked George over in
her haste to embrace Amanda. “Are you all right?”

  Emily had almost fainted when word had reached her about Amanda’s abduction and not knowing where else to go, hastened to the Burnsfield home with Gabriella in tow. Her fears intensified when Thomas later burst in with a badly injured Beau. Having summoned Doctor Turner, they gathered round as Thomas recounted his discoveries about Derrick. Emily couldn’t stop weeping when she realized how the scoundrel had tricked her and slipping away, sat alone in the parlor. She thought long and hard about the decisions she had made over the years. How many other times had her judgment been wrong? Emily felt a crushing shame and as regret ravaged her soul, she wept. Later, Katherine had found her and brought her back to the parlor to wait with the others.

  “Reagan, thank God you’ve all returned safely,” Thomas said. “Did you apprehend that swindler?”

  “He should be sitting in jail, awaiting the doctor,” Reagan replied before describing Derrick’s capture.

  Katherine gently turned his face as she viewed his cut temple. “Are you hurt badly?”

  “I’ve never felt better. In fact, it’s one of the best days of my life.”

  “Just in case, Doc Turner’s still attending Beau. I’m sure he’ll want to check you both.”

  “How is Beau? I worried about him all day,” asked Reagan.

  “With a little care, he’ll be as good as new,” she said.

  Having waited long enough for her turn, Gabriella hugged Amanda then kissed her cheek. “We’re so thankful you’re home, dear. Although, you do look a little worse for the wear.”

  “I’m fine,” Amanda said. “Just terribly messy.”

  “We don’t care about that,” Emily stated. “We just want to know if that terrible man hurt you.”

  “Now Emily,” George said. “Amanda’s had quite an ordeal. Let Amanda go upstairs so the doctor can examine her. There’ll be plenty of time for explanations later.”

  “Of course, you must all stay,” insisted Katherine. “I’ve had guest rooms prepared. Amy, I’m putting you in charge of bringing refreshments while I show the Bruesters their room.” She turned to Gabriella. “If it’s satisfactory, the room you rested in earlier should accommodate you nicely.”

  “I know where it is,” Gabriella said, reaching for the banister. “It’ll be just perfect.”

  Reagan reclaimed Amanda’s arm, amazed at the obvious similarity between his wife and Emily now that the elder had lost girth. Indeed, in her youth, Emily must’ve been a very beautiful woman, and of a sudden, he felt compelled to make peace with her. “We’d be honored if you’d join us for breakfast,” he said, smiling at Emily.

  She smiled in return. “It’d be a pleasure.”

  Amanda too, sensed a shift between them. “I’m happy you’re staying, Mother. It’ll give us time to speak tomorrow, for I’m afraid I’m very tired now.”

  Reagan headed upstairs with Amanda while Katherine looped her fingers around George’s arm, leaving Thomas to escort Emily. As the elder Burnsfield offered his arm, she accepted, though she slowed her step until there was a distance between them and the others.

  “I have a confession to make,” Emily began, keeping her eyes on the stairs. “Ever since our broken engagement, I’ve held a grudge against you. Furthermore, I’ve stupidly allowed it to spill over onto Reagan.” She hushed Thomas’s attempt to interrupt. “No, please, let me finish,” she said, giving him an apologetic look. “All this time I’ve only thought about how angry I was, believing it was you who betrayed our love. I never considered how painful my rejection would’ve been to a man who offered all he had, only to find it wasn’t enough. I now realize what a fool I’ve been. First, for allowing others to govern my decisions, and second, for not appreciating George for the blessing he is.” Tears moistened her eyes as she looked at him. “All I want now, is to tell you how sorry I am, Thomas, for treating you so badly. You didn’t deserve it, and neither did Reagan.”

  Thomas halted. “There’s no need to apologize. Back then, my pride exceeded my sense. Had I loved you as a man ought, I wouldn’t have allowed your father to stop me. I thought if I tried again, I’d be proving I was pursuing your wealth. It wasn’t until later that I understood what real love was. So, it was just as much my fault as yours. Besides,” he said grinning. “We were always involved in one squabble or another. It probably would’ve been our undoing.”

  Emily laughed, recalling how each had more than a fair amount of will. “I suppose you’re right,” she said allowing Thomas to continue leading her up the stairs. “George possesses the gentlest spirit. I don’t know if another man could’ve put up with me.”

  “I think he’s the better man, by far,” he said, smiling. “And, he’s got a streak of bravery a mile wide.”

  “Are you saying it would take a brave man to marry me?” Emily asked.

  “No,” Thomas said. “He only has to love you. And that’s evident to anyone who sees George look at you.”

  “Thank you Thomas,” she said as she neared her door. “And good night.”

  “Good night, Emily.”

  By the time she entered her room, Emily felt a renewed appreciation for her husband. She determined to repair the harm she had caused him, starting tomorrow.

  After examining Amanda, Doctor Turner mixed a potent pain remedy, insisting she drink it. “I’ll return in the morning to check on you and Beauregard.” He then looked to Reagan who had earlier refused his attempt to minister his wounds. “When that medicine hits, she’ll feel dizzy,” he warned, shutting his bag. “You might want to stay nearby.”

  Reagan followed him to the hall while Amanda changed her clothes. “Don’t worry. I don’t plan on going anywhere except showing you the door.”

  “Stay. I can see myself out. It sounds like I’m going to the jail next anyway. By the way,” he paused, extending his hand, “congratulations on becoming a free man. It looks like the sheriff has the real murderer.”

  “Thanks.” Reagan clasped his hand before grinning. “And if you must medicate our jailed friend, don’t let him sleep too well.”

  Later, while undressing, Reagan could hear Amanda’s frustrated sighs as she sat at her vanity. Within moments, he was there, gently taking her hands from the tangled mess of her hair. “Here, let me,” he said. Amanda closed her eyes as he removed her pins and then taking a comb, spent several minutes working through snarls.

  “There,” he said, kissing the top of her head. “Milady’s toilet is complete.

  Though Amanda had every intention of rising, her lids felt heavy and she wavered on her seat. Reagan recognized the medicine was having an effect and gently scooped her up before easing her into bed.

  As she lay slumbering, he marveled at the chain of events that had taken him from accused killer to free man. In the process, he had regained his wife. Finally, he blew out the lamp and joined Amanda under the quilts, vowing never to lose her again.

  Chapter One Hundred-Two

  The sun had nearly reached its zenith by the time Amanda awakened to a knock on the door. “Come in,” she called. The maid entered, carrying buckets of hot water.

  “Good morning, Mrs. Burnsfield,” Lela greeted. “Mr. Burnsfield felt you’d be wanting a bath.”

  Amanda struggled to sit up. “That sounds wonderful. I could use a good soaking,” she said.

  As Lela went into the bathing chamber, Reagan stuck his head in the room. “Good morning, sleepyhead.” He entered, holding a vase of fresh flowers. “Mother insisted I bring these to you.”

  “They’re lovely.” She looked happily about the room while Reagan set the vase nearby and Lela departed. It felt good to be home. Throwing back the covers, a familiar sourness began in the pit of her stomach. Amanda paused, hoping the sensation would pass, but when the affliction grew stronger, she grew mortified she’d be sick in front of her husband.

  When Reagan saw her paleness, he tried getting her back into bed, but Amanda stubbornly refused. “You must leave!” she in
sisted as she groped under the bed, grasping an empty pan. “Please, leave now.”

  Reagan hurried to the room where Katherine and Doctor Turner were tending Beau. “Amanda’s ill!” he sputtered.

  “She’s ill?” Katherine looked toward the doctor. “May I check on her?”

  “Of course,” he said, taking bandages from her hands. “I’ll be there as soon as I finish.”

  Kneeling over the bedpan, Amanda didn’t see Katherine keep Reagan at the door so she could enter first. After wetting a cloth, she handed it to Amanda.

  “Thank you,” Amanda murmured, pressing its coolness against her face.

  Katherine looked into the pan before turning to Reagan. “She’s all right now.” She touched Amanda’s shoulder while removing the pan. “I’ll take care of this, dear. And Reagan, I think you better get Amanda her wrapper before the doctor comes.”

  Reagan hurried to the wardrobe. “What if he needs to examine her? Perhaps, she’s taken a turn for the worse.” Helping Amanda into the housecoat, he missed her wry expression.

  Doctor Turner came to the door where Katherine still held the pan. “Beauregard insisted I see to Amanda before I could change his dressings. Oh!” His brows shot up when he spied the contents of the bedpan.

  “We heard Amanda’s ill!” Emily barged in, followed closely by George. “Is something the matter?” She looked around fearfully until she realized nobody but Reagan appeared to be upset.

  Amanda sat on the bed. “No, Mama, I just had an upset stomach, that’s all.”

  “Doc, don’t you think you should examine her? I mean,” Reagan motioned toward the bedpan. “It’s not normal to become ill like this, is it?”

  The doctor set down his bag. “Oh, I’d say it’s very normal, actually.” Opening his jacket, he withdrew a wrapped cigar. “I didn’t expect I’d be using this,” he said, holding it up. “But it looks like we’ll have to.”

  Reagan’s perplexed expression grew even more so as he stared at the rolled tobacco. “Amanda has to smoke a cigar?”