Lacey nodded jerkily. "You're not capable of murder, Sam. I meant what I said that night we made love, the night before Taylor was shot. God, it seems so long ago."
"I've been a bastard, haven't I, love? Forgive me. Jail is no place for a declaration of this sort, but it has to be said. I love you, Lacey. I fought it for six years but was never able to completely forget you. I prided myself for having banished you from my memory, but I was only fooling myself. Had I never run into you in Texas, I would have gone to my grave still wanting you. When fate brought us together I could no longer deny the love I'd refused to acknowledge during our years apart. I love you, Lacey. I'll always love you."
Sam watched the play of emotion on Lacey's lovely features and wished he could dissolve the bars and hold her in his arms.
"You mean it, Sam? Truly?"
"Truly, love. Now dry your eyes and tell me what you found in Cramer's safe."
Lacey gave him a watery smile. "Gold, lots of it. Letters from various people, and deeds to properties in Texas, Arizona and New Mexico."
Sam frowned as he mulled over everything Lacey had told him. "What in the world did he want with all that land?"
"I don't know. It's all so puzzling."
"Did you visit Cramer's lawyer?"
Sam could tell by the look on Lacey's face that something had happened. "What is it? What did Cramer's lawyer tell you? Did Cramer leave a will designating an heir other than yourself?"
"No, I'm Taylor's sole heir. It's...well, I don't trust the man. He and Taylor are cut from the same cloth."
Fierce anger welled up inside Sam. "What did he do to you?"
"Nothing. I wouldn't let him. I questioned him about Andy but he appeared to know nothing about our son's disappearance. He said he hadn't spoken to Taylor in several weeks."
Damn! Someone has to know something."
"That's what I told Sheriff Hale."
Sam felt so damn helpless. His son was missing and the woman he loved was going through hell, and it tore him apart.
"If only I were free..."
Would he ever be free? Unless someone came forward with information, he was likely to hang. Western justice was swift and lethal.
"You will be free," Lacey said fiercely. "I just know that something or someone will turn up to clear your name."
Sam wished he were as confident as Lacey. This surely had to be the lowest point in his life. His life had taken many downward turns, but this was by far the worst.
"Don't worry about me, love. I'll beat this somehow." His words held little conviction. "Concentrate on finding Andy."
"We'll get our son back," she said with a determination that further endeared her to Sam. "And we'll be together as a family again. I love you, Sam."
"Those words are all that I need to see me through this ordeal," Sam said.
Lacey lifted her face up to the bars and Sam leaned forward until their lips touched. An aching sweetness stole through him. He pushed his arms between the bars and drew her close, but cold metal prevented the closeness he yearned for. He deepened the kiss, fearing this might be the last kiss they would share. The raspy sound of someone clearing his throat broke them apart.
"Sorry to disturb you," Sheriff Hale said, "but something interesting just turned up."
Lacey's face lit up. "You found Andy!"
"No, but I think you'll welcome this news. Move aside, Lacey, so I can unlock the cell."
Sam sent Hale a wary look. What was going on? Was there a necktie party waiting for him? Was he to have no chance to prove his innocence. It was Dodge City all over again. Lacey stepped away from the bars and Sheriff Hale unlocked the cell door.
"Follow me," Hale said.
"Where are you taking him?" Lacey asked anxiously.
"There's someone in my office who I'm sure you'd like to thank."
Sam's spirits soared. Had someone stepped forward and confessed to Taylor's murder? Holding tightly to Lacey's hand, he followed Hale down the corridor. He blinked in surprise when he saw Doctor Larsen waiting for them. What kind of trick was this? What could the doctor know about Taylor's killer? He didn't arrive at the scene until the murderer had escaped.
"I assume you both know Doctor Larsen," Hale said. "I want you both to listen to what the good doctor has to say."
Sam's heart pounded erratically. He glanced down at Lacey and saw that her eyes were wide and hopeful. He prayed that whatever information the doctor was about to impart would not disappoint her. As for himself, he feared raising his hopes too high for nothing had gone his way thus far.
"Go ahead, doctor," Hale said. "Tell us what you found."
Doctor Larsen raised his hand, palm up. Sam leaned forward, frowning when he saw the bullet resting in the doctor's palm.
"This is the bullet I dug out of Mr. Cramer," Doctor Larsen explained. "Thought you should see it. Came from a rifle."
"I've already examined the bullet," the sheriff said, addressing Sam, "and sent for the gunsmith to verify my findings. If he agrees with me, you'll be released."
Lacey gasped. "Sam! Did you hear that?"
Sam heard but was too stunned to answer. He picked up the bullet and took a closer look. He knew enough about bullets to know that this one did indeed come from a rifle. He owed the doctor more than he could pay for bringing this to the sheriff's attention.
"I'd heard that Taylor was shot with a .45 caliber pistol and thought it strange that the bullet I'd removed from Mr. Cramer came from a rifle," Doctor Larsen continued. "I didn't want to see an innocent man hang for a crime he didn't commit and decided to come forward with the information."
"I know for a fact that Gentry didn't have a rifle," Hale revealed. "The gun in his hand was a .45 and there was no rifle in his saddle boot. That's when I realized there might have been a killer hiding in the bushes, just like Gentry said."
Sam grasped the doctor's hand, pumping it vigorously. "I don't know how to thank you, Doctor."
"Glad I could help, son."
"Ah, here's the gunsmith," Sheriff Hale said. "Come in, Stevens." He retrieved the bullet and handed it to the gunsmith. "Can you name the weapon the weapon this bullet came from?"
Stevens held the bullet up to the light and studied it carefully from all angles. "The bullet came from a rifle, Sheriff."
"Are you sure? Could it have come from a .45?"
"This ain't no .45 bullet, Sheriff, I'd stake my life on it."
Lacey made an inarticulate sound, clinging to Sam as if he were a lifeline.
"Thanks, Stevens, you've been a great help."
"Is that all, Sheriff?"
"Yes, you're free to go now."
"What about me, Sheriff?" Sam asked. "Am I free to go?"
"In a minute. What can you tell me about the man who shot Mr. Cramer? Can you describe him to me? There's a killer on the loose in my town and I want him behind bars."
"I didn't see the man," Sam recounted. "I saw the rifle barrel protruding from the foliage, realized it was pointed at Cramer and Lacey, and my gut reaction was to shoot into the bushes before he fired. I don't even know if my bullet hit him. When I went to look, he was gone. As far as I know, his identity is a mystery. I sure as hell hope you find him."
"So do I. I reckon you can go now."
Sam breathed an audible sigh. Now he and Lacey could get on with their lives. "I'm eternally grateful to you, Doctor Larsen. If there's anything I can do for you, don't hesitate to ask."
"You're welcome, son. I'll remember your offer."
"You'll want your guns," Sheriff Hale said as he opened his drawer and withdrew Sam's gunbelt. "I hope this is the last time you're a guest in my jail."
"You can count on it, Sheriff," Sam said as he buckled his gunbelt around his hips. "I've got a son to find."
"Rest assured I'll do everything in my power to restore your son to you."
Despite his worry over Andy, Sam felt nothing but elation as he left the jail a free man. He'd had enough dealings with the wrong side of the law to last
a lifetime. From here on out his life was going to be a peaceful one. Dull, even.
He glanced at Lacey. She appeared dazed. "Are you all right, love? You look shaken."
"You're free, Sam, truly free. When we find Andy, we can get on with our lives. We'll be a real family."
Her bottom lip was trembling and Sam wanted to take her into his arms to reassure her. But that would come later. They had something more important to do first. "We'll get Andy back, sweetheart, I guarantee it. But there's something we need to do first."
"Nothing is more important than Andy," Lacey protested.
Sam said nothing as he guided Lacey down the street with a firm hand against the small of her back.
"Where are we going?"
Sam gave her an enigmatic smile. "To see the preacher."
"To make Taylor's funeral arrangements? Why is that important to you?"
"I don't give a hoot about Cramer. We're going to see the preacher for another reason."
Lacey's confusion made him chuckle. But he didn't bother to explain for they had reached the parsonage. Sam opened the gate, grasped her arm and guided her up to the house. Before Lacey could question him further, he rapped sharply on the door. The door was opened by a plump little dumpling of a woman.
"We'd like to see Reverend Garland," Rafe said.
"I'm Mrs. Garland, please wait in the parlor while I get my husband."
"What are you doing?" Lacey hissed after Mrs. Garland showed them into the parlor and bustled off.
"Patience," Sam said.
Reverend Garland appeared a few minutes later. He stopped abruptly when he saw Sam.
"You! What are you doing out of jail?"
"The sheriff turned me loose when evidence proving I wasn't guilty turned up."
The preacher's skeptical gaze shifted to Lacey. "Is this true, Mrs. Cramer?"
"It's true, Reverend. The sheriff has positive proof that Sam didn't shoot Taylor."
The preacher looked immensely relieved. "I've been expecting you, Mrs. Cramer. I assume you want me to speak words over your husband's grave."
"I...I...yes. I'm sorry it's taken so long to make arrangements. I'll let you know the time," Lacey stammered.
"That's not the only reason we're here, Reverend," Sam revealed. "Lacey and I want to get married. Right here. Right now."
"We do?" Lacey gasped.
"You do?" Reverend Garland echoed.
"We do," Sam said firmly.
"But...but..." the preacher sputtered. "Mrs. Cramer was just married yesterday."
"That was yesterday. Today Lacey is a widow. Is there a legal reason why we can't marry?"
"No, of course not...except, well, it doesn't seem proper. There's been no period of mourning. The man isn't even buried yet."
Lacey tugged on Sam's sleeve. "Are you sure this is what you want, Sam?"
His voice was low and ardent. "I've never wanted anything more. I love you, Lacey. You're the mother of my son. For all we know you might be carrying another child of mine."
Reverend Garland gasped audibly. "Is that true, Mrs. Cramer?"
Lacey blushed and lifted her head proudly. Sam had never admired her more. "Sam is telling the truth, Reverend. I married Taylor Cramer because he held my son hostage. He refused to release Andy until I agreed to become his wife. I've always loved Sam and I still do."
"Well, now, that puts a different face on things. I'm not one to stand in the way of true love. I'll fetch my wife to act as witness."
"Thank you, Reverend," Sam said gratefully.
"You could have asked me first," Lacey hissed after the preacher left the room.
"I was afraid you'd refuse," Sam replied. "I wanted us to return to the ranch as husband and wife."
Reverend Garland returned with his beaming wife. Sam and Lacey stood before him, holding hands and smiling into each other's eyes as he read the vows. The ceremony was blessedly brief. With heartfelt relief, Sam turned to kiss his bride. Lacey lifted her mouth and he tasted the sweetest kiss he'd ever known.
When the papers were signed and delivered, Sam realized he lacked the funds to pay the preacher. Lacey must have realized his dilemma for she promptly pulled a greenback from her pocket and offered it to the reverend. Garland's eyes lit up when he noted the large denomination of the bill, and his gratitude was long and profuse.
Once the parsonage door closed behind them, Sam pulled Lacey into his arms and kissed her properly. They were both breathless by the time he broke off the kiss.
"That's just a prelude to what I'm going to do when I get you alone," Sam promised. "Let's go home, love."
"There's something I have to do first," Lacey said. "I'm not looking forward to it, but he has no one else."
"Arrange for Cramer's burying," Sam guessed.
"I should make arrangement with the undertaker and pay for the burial. You don't have to come with me if you don't want to."
"You're not alone anymore, Lacey. I'm your husband. You have my support in everything you do."
The undertaker appeared relieved to see them. "I was beginning to worry when I didn't hear from you, Mrs. Cramer. The body is ready for viewing. I gave your husband the finest casket I had in stock. I suggest we hold the services as soon as possible. Tomorrow morning, if that meets with your approval."
"There will be no viewing or services," Lacey advised, "but tomorrow will be fine for the burying. Reverend Garland promised to say words over the grave. Will you inform him of the time?"
The undertaker sent her a puzzled look. "What time would be convenient for you?"
"I won't be attending."
"You're not gonna attend your own husband's funeral?"
"That's right." She pulled the remaining greenbacks from her pocket and handed them to the undertaker. "Will this cover everything?"
The undertaker stared at the money. "It's more than enough. That's mighty generous of you, Mrs. Cramer."
"She's Mrs. Gentry now," Sam informed him. "We were married today."
The undertaker appeared shaken. Sam grinned. He and Lacey were going to be the talk of the town. They took their leave a few minutes later, retrieved their horses from the livery and headed back to the ranch. All they needed to make their happiness complete was Andy. To that end, Sam intended to ride out to the Cramer spread in the morning and personally interrogate each and every cowboy working for Cramer at the time of Andy's disappearance.
Sam's heart swelled with happiness when the B&G came into view. The farm back in Kansas had been the only home he'd ever known, until he and his brothers had lost it. He wasn't by nature a roamer, and had felt like a fish out of water without a place to call home. He didn't know a whole lot about ranching but he intended to make this spread prosper for Lacey and Andy's sake.
"What are you thinking, Sam?" Lacey asked, disturbing his introspection.
"About you and Andy. I'm going to make the B&G a place you can be proud of."
Lacey's sob tore at his heart. He reined in beside her and lifted her from her mare, settling her before him in the saddle. "Don't worry, love, we're going to find our son."
"I want to believe you, Sam, but Taylor was so secretive I fear we'll never find him."
"Cramer had to have had an accomplice." His jaw firmed, his conviction unshakable. "We'll find him."
Sam and Lacey's return to the B&G was greeted with boisterous enthusiasm. Questions came so fast and furious that Sam held up his hand to stop them.
"Whoa, boys, one at a time," he said as he dismounted and handed Lacey down. "Let's start with Rusty."
Rusty stepped forward, grasping Sam's hand and pumping vigorously. "If you don't beat all, Sam. I thought you were in jail. Miz Lacey didn't break you out, did she?"
Sam laughed at the thought of Lacey storming the jail. "The sheriff received proof of my innocence and released me. I owe it all to Doc Larsen. He dug the bullet out of Cramer and realized it came from a rifle, not a .45. All I carried was a .45 so I couldn't be the killer."
Suddenly Rusty sobered. "What about Andy? Any clues to where Cramer hid the boy?"
Sam's arm crept around Lacey's waist, bolstering her with his strength. "No, but we haven't given up. Not by a long shot. I won't give up the search until I find him."
"You'll find him," Rusty concurred."
"Where are you gonna make your home, Miz Lacey? You own two ranches now," Amos called out.
"That's easy, Amos. I'm not giving up the B&G. My home is here."
"There's something else you should know," Sam said, beaming down at Lacey. "Lacey and I were married today."
"Well I'll be a flop-eared jackass," Rusty guffawed. "Keeping up with you two is nigh on impossible. Married, not married, married. After all that, I'd say you two belong together. Congratulations. Andy will be tickled pink to have his parents together."
The mention of Andy's name seemed to dampen the enthusiasm. Lacey's smile faltered. "Andy will be thrilled with the way things turned out." She squeezed Sam's hand. "Shall we go up to the house and tell Rita our good news?"
Hand in hand they walked to the house, surprising Rita in the kitchen.
"Senor! Dios!" She made the sign of the cross. "I thought, we all thought, you were in jail."
"It was all a misunderstanding, Rita," Sam said, giving the rotund woman a hug. "I'm home now, and I'm not going anywhere, except to find Andy and bring him home." He gave Lacey a wink. "Do you want to tell her or shall I?"
"I'll tell her," Lacey said. She grasped Rita's hand. "Sam and I were remarried today."
A delighted grin spread across Rita's handsome features. "Dios. That is good news. Now Senor Sam cam look after you and Andy. Senor Sam is strong. He will find Andy. I will cook a festive supper tonight to celebrate your marriage."
Sam had other plans. "Thank you, Rita, but I think we'd prefer something on a tray. Lacey is exhausted and clearly in need of rest. Andy's disappearance has taken a toll on her. Don't fix anything fancy. Set the tray outside the door before you leave for the night."
Rita's eyes twinkled. "I understand. Good night, Senor, Senora."
Lacey didn't argue when Sam scooped her up in his arms and ascended the stairs. With Sam's comforting arms around her, she had no difficulty believing he'd find Andy and they'd live happily ever after. He was so strong, so vital, so indestructible, and she loved him desperately. Neither years nor distance had destroyed that love, and she knew now that Sam felt the same despite the way he'd fought against loving her when fate reunited them.
The Outlaws: Sam Page 26
