The Pony Express Romance Collection

by Blakey, Barbara Tifft; Davis, Mary; Franklin, Darlene

  “We meet again,” a voice hissed near his ear. “How does it feel to be on the other end of my gun?”

  The man who had come after BethAnn last week.

  Fox dared not move. “What do you want?”

  “I don’t take kindly to people interfering in my business. It’s good to know that you won’t always be at the station to protect BethAnn.”

  He hated that this scoundrel was right. “There are plenty of other men who will look after her.” Maybe he should quit riding and stay on at the station as a simple hand. The pay wouldn’t be nearly as good, but BethAnn and Molly were more important than money.

  “Don’t matter. I’ll come better prepared. Bring a few men with me.”

  Fox’s stomach tightened. BethAnn was no longer safe at the station, whether he was there or not. “Are you gonna let me face you? You obviously don’t intend to shoot me outright, or you would have already.”

  The pressure of the gun barrel left his back.

  “Nice and easy. And keep your hands where I can see them.”

  Too bad weight kept riders from carrying a gun on Pony rides. Unfortunately, Hall was in no danger. Fox held his arms out from his sides and turned slowly.

  Hall stood eight inches taller than Fox, but strangely the man didn’t intimidate him, even with a gun, like he would have thought.

  Fox had apprehension all right, but not for himself. “What’s your business with Miss White?”

  Hall narrowed his eyes. “What’s it to you?”

  “Call me curious.”

  “She owes me money. A lot of money. Signed a contract.”

  Fox’s fear for BethAnn increased.

  Hall sneered. “It’s time for her to pay up.”

  “And if she doesn’t have the money?”

  “Then she can work off what she owes me in my saloon.”

  As Fox had been afraid of. “Why’d she need money?”

  “Her family needed doctoring and medicine. Those aren’t cheap.”

  And this scoundrel had taken advantage of her tragic situation and, no doubt, doubled the repayment amount. Molly had said that their parents and two other sisters had died of diphtheria. “May I see the contract?”

  Hall cocked his head. “Why?”

  “I want to see how much she owes you.”

  The swindler produced the document from his pocket, shook it out, and held the unfolded piece of paper in front of Fox’s face.

  Of course he would carry it with him.

  Fox read quickly, disgusted by what this man had done. “I’ll buy Miss White’s contract from you.”

  “Where would you get that kind of money?”

  “I’ve been saving my Pony Express pay. I’ve got it. I’ll bring it next week when I make my run.”

  “Or you might take BethAnn and skedaddle to parts unknown.”

  “You have my word that I’ll bring you the money.”

  “You really got the money?”

  “Yes, I do.” It would be almost his entire savings. But if it would free BethAnn from this man’s clutches, he would gladly give up buying his own spread. He could get another job after the Pony and save up again.

  “I don’t reckon I’m foolish enough to believe you. But I’ll follow you. If you don’t have all my money, I’ll be taking BethAnn with me.”

  Fox would never let that happen. Fortunately, he had the money, so BethAnn would be in no danger. Also, Fox would be riding faster than Mr. Hall, so he would get to the station first. “There’s an outcropping of rocks a mile west of the station. Wait for me there. I’ll bring you the money.”

  Though Hall nodded, Fox doubted the man would wait. Fox would just have to get the money and cut Hall off before he reached the station. He didn’t want BethAnn to know this scoundrel was anywhere near her again.

  Chapter Seven

  The following morning, Fox stood outside the Salt Lake station. The incoming rider should arrive any minute. He hoped the rider today hadn’t run into any trouble like the last time. Fox was anxious to get back to BethAnn—um—er—the station.

  While he waited, Hall rode up on a prancing black stallion along with two other men on horseback. All three had guns strapped on. “Weren’t thinking of leaving without me, were you?”

  Fox had hoped to escape without the scoundrel. Would give him a bigger lead. “Can’t wait on anything or anyone. Once the mochila arrives, I’m off.”

  From the top floor of the building, the call came out. “Rider coming in!”

  Good. Fox wanted to be off. He tossed the saddle across the back of the waiting mustang and cinched it down.

  Martin reined in his pinto and jumped down.

  After taking the mochila, Fox threw it over his saddle. “Any trouble?”

  The rider shook his head.

  Fox wished he could say the same. His run back hadn’t even begun, and he already had trouble. Three times the trouble.

  Donald rushed out of the station building, unlocked the way pocket, and marked the time card. “You’re good to go.”

  Nodding, Fox swung up into the saddle and took off without even glancing back to see if Hall and his men were following. He knew they would be. But their horses weren’t designed for nor used to the rigors of the trail like the mustang was. His pony would outdistance their horses soon enough.

  Surprisingly, the trio didn’t fall too far behind and caught up to Fox at the first relief depot at Mount Dell. They had run their horses too hard.

  With his gun, Hall bullied the stationmaster into giving him relief horses with the promise to return them on his way back. With Pony Express horses, the three kept up after that and acquired new horses at each outpost, still pushing the horses too hard for their extra weight on them.

  A mile short of his home station, Fox hauled back on Juniper’s reins. The mustang snorted his displeasure at the delay. By Fox’s calculation, he was a bit early, so he could afford a brief stop.

  Hall and his two men reined in also. “Why are we stopping?”

  “This is where you wait.”

  “So you can send BethAnn away or hide her?”

  “I need to deliver the mochila and retrieve my money. Give me fifteen minutes.”

  Hall didn’t reply, only squinted.

  “Do you want to risk the stationmaster seeing you? He’ll shoot first and ask questions later.” Fox took off.

  If the man was smart, he would stay put. If not, things could get messy.

  Fox didn’t hear any trailing hoofbeats. But that didn’t mean one or all of them weren’t stupid enough to follow at a distance. He couldn’t worry about that. He needed to finish his duty and then pay off Hall to rid him from BethAnn’s life for good.

  The mustang skidded to a stop in front of the main building. As Fox swung down, three things happened at once. He glanced back down the trail for signs of anyone following. A wrangler took charge of Juniper. And BethAnn stepped out the front door.

  A beautiful sight for his sore eyes. But she needed to get back inside. He didn’t want her in harm’s way if Hall chose stupid over patience. He couldn’t exactly order her to go in. What excuse could he give? She and Wayne and everyone else would want to know why. Best to pretend this was an ordinary run.

  After the mochila was transferred, Wayne unlocked the way pocket and marked the time card. “Any trouble?”

  Not the kind Wayne meant. “Nothing to speak of.” Fox stepped closer to a nearby rider who wasn’t the one scheduled to ride. “Would you saddle me a fresh horse?”

  Kentucky gave him a quizzical look. “What for? You just got in.”

  “Personal.”

  “Does this have anything to do with—?”

  “It’s best you don’t ask that question.”

  The man nodded. “Horse’ll be ready.” He walked away.

  The outgoing rider took off.

  Fox tipped his hat to BethAnn and Molly then headed straight for the bunkhouse. He didn’t have time to make pleasant conversation with the
m and then try to figure out how to excuse himself.

  In the bunkhouse, he lifted his gun belt off the bunk post. If Hall’s men were armed, it would be wise for Fox to be as well. He strapped on his Smith and Wesson and prayed he wouldn’t have to use it.

  He strode to the main building, nodded to BethAnn, and found Wayne. “May I speak with you privately?”

  The stationmaster stepped toward him and lowered his voice. “What is it?”

  “I need my money.”

  “Sure. Come into my quarters.”

  Fox followed.

  The stationmaster had two rooms, the first a sitting area, the other where Mrs. Greenberg convalesced. Wayne sat at the small table, unlocked his strongbox, and pulled out his ledger. “How much you want?”

  “All of it.”

  Wayne jerked his gaze up. “Don’t tell me you’re leaving us.”

  Fox shook his head. “I just need my money.”

  “If I asked you what you need it for, would you give me a straight answer?”

  The stationmaster likely suspected exactly what he was up to. “It’s best you don’t.”

  “Do you want company? Someone to watch your back?”

  If Hall saw anyone but Fox, he might get trigger happy. “I’d like that. You’d have to stay out of sight though.”

  Wayne strapped on his gun belt. “Not even you’ll know I’m there.”

  Fox counted out what he needed, put the gold and silver coins in a leather pouch, and dropped it into his trouser pocket. He put the rest of the coins in another pouch and crammed that down into his boot. If Hall got difficult, maybe he could placate him with more money.

  He stepped out of Wayne’s quarters and stopped short, facing BethAnn.

  She smiled. “Ready for lunch?”

  “Um. I can’t eat just yet.”

  “Why not? Is everything all right?”

  “Of course.” At least it would be as soon as he completed his mission.

  “You seem preoccupied. Like something’s wrong.” She glanced at his gun belt.

  He didn’t want to lie to her, but he couldn’t tell her what he was up to.

  Wayne came out of his room. “Fox. We need to get going.”

  “Yes, sir.” Fox turned back to BethAnn. “I need to go. I won’t be gone long.” At least he hoped not. He strode out without looking back. Because if he glanced at her, he might do just what Hall suspected. Take BethAnn and Molly and get as far from here as possible. But then BethAnn would always have one eye cast over her shoulder. He didn’t want that for her.

  By the time he hustled into the barn, he realized Wayne had lagged behind. Probably to reassure BethAnn and to keep her from trying to delay Fox.

  Kentucky handed him the reins of a horse. “You want company?”

  “Thanks. Got company. Could you saddle a horse for Wayne? Tell him I’ll be a mile down the canyon.” Fox led the horse out the back of the barn, past Rusty’s forge. The fire was cold, and the blacksmith wasn’t there. Good. One less person to question him. His fifteen minutes were running out. He swung up into the saddle and raced off.

  He found Hall and his men where he’d left them, looking as though they were about to mount up.

  “You came back. I was beginning to wonder if you skipped out on our deal.”

  “I have your money.” Fox swung down and pulled the pouch from his trouser pocket. He was glad to know Wayne was nearby.

  Hall’s eyes widened, and his mouth twisted into a grin. “Give it here and let me count it.”

  “The contract.”

  Hall retrieved the paper and with his other hand, palm up, wiggled his fingers. “Hand over the money first.”

  Fox didn’t have much choice. He turned over his savings and, with it, his future spread.

  Hall poured the coins into his hand and counted fast. “Well, look at that. You had the money. I didn’t believe you.” He tossed the contract onto the ground. “Pleasure doing business with you.” He swung up into his saddle and galloped off with his two men on his heels.

  Fox picked up the paper and unfolded it to make sure the scoundrel hadn’t swindled him. BethAnn’s signature was scrawled at the bottom. He breathed easier. She was free at last.

  Excitedly, BethAnn stirred the green beans as they heated on the stove. She hadn’t realized how much she’d been anticipating Mr. Fox’s return in light of all his drawings of her. She still hadn’t decided whether or not to tell him she had seen his sketchbook of her.

  She hoped he would be back soon. What kind of mission could Mr. Fox and Mr. Greenberg be on when Mr. Fox had only just returned? Why couldn’t he have sent someone else who was rested?

  Molly opened the door of the warming oven a crack. “Should I take the biscuits out?”

  BethAnn shook her head. “Let’s leave them in a little longer. We don’t want them to be cold for Mr. Fox.”

  The biscuits shouldn’t dry out too much if this secret mission didn’t take long. The gravy from the fried chicken drippings would soften them up if they did get a little hard.

  She wished she knew just when he would return. Then she could gauge the heating of the food better. Should she take everything off the heat and start over in ten minutes? Half an hour? Men had no idea what it took to have everything hot and ready at the same time.

  Horse hooves galloped outside the open kitchen door and stopped.

  She sucked in a breath and exchanged glances with her little sister. BethAnn peered outside warily.

  Rusty jumped off a panting horse and headed straight toward her.

  She breathed easier.

  But the blacksmith’s grave expression worried her. “I need to talk to you.”

  She hoped it was nothing bad. “All right. Do you want to sit down and have a cup of coffee?” She motioned toward the dining room.

  He shifted his gaze to Molly then back to BethAnn. “Privately?”

  That was a strange request. “All right.” She spoke to Molly. “Make sure Mr. Fox’s food stays warm but doesn’t burn.”

  Molly nodded. Her sister liked taking charge.

  BethAnn stepped out back. “What is it?”

  He rubbed a hand across his mouth. “I don’t know how to tell you this.”

  “Is something wrong?” That’s when she noticed his gun belt. “Why are you wearing a gun?” Was he expecting trouble? She looked around. Why were several men at the station acting strangely and wearing guns? And where had the blacksmith been? One thing she could count on was that Rusty and Mr. Greenberg never left the station. And here both had left at the same time. And Mr. Fox, too.

  The blacksmith glanced down at his weapon. “Um.”

  “Has something happened to Mr. Fox?” He’d been wearing a gun as well when he left and seemed distracted. And secretive. She wished Rusty would simply tell her.

  “No, but this does have to do with him. I saw the Fox with that Hall fellow.”

  “When? Last week?” She knew about that.

  “Just now. Down the canyon about a mile. Fox called for a horse to be saddled when he’d just gotten back. I thought something was going on so I followed him and Wayne.”

  BethAnn gasped and clutched her throat. “Mr. Hall’s here?” She needed to hide.

  “No. He rode off back down the canyon.”

  “I don’t understand. What’s this all about?”

  “I don’t know exactly. But I saw the Fox give Mr. Hall a whole lot of money in exchange for a piece of paper. Must be mighty important to pay so much for it.”

  Her contract? How had Mr. Fox found out? And now he owned it and knew the depths of her shame. Her face burned. What did he intend to do with it? Her breaths hitched, and her chin trembled.

  “I figured anything to do with Hall had to do with you. I can tell you have feelings for the Fox, but if he’s making deals with a man like Hall, I thought you ought to know. What’s on that paper?”

  “Nothing.” How humiliating. She couldn’t stay here. She had to leave. Now she w
ould be running from Mr. Fox. How could he do this to her? Her eyes stung. Things went fuzzy around her.

  Rusty gripped her arm. “Are you all right?”

  She shook her head and pulled free of the blacksmith. “I’m fine.” She rushed inside.

  Voices came from the dining room. Molly’s and Mr. Fox’s.

  Keeping out of sight, BethAnn slapped away hot tears and took several deep breaths to calm herself. Then she squared her shoulders and marched out to the table where Mr. Fox and Molly sat.

  He smiled up at her. “This fried chicken is the best I’ve ever tasted.”

  How could he act as though nothing had happened?

  “Molly, go into the kitchen.”

  “I don’t want to. I want to talk to Mr. Fox.”

  BethAnn jerked one arm out toward the doorway. “Go.”

  “But—”

  “Now.”

  Molly harrumphed but stood and walked away.

  BethAnn rammed her fists onto her hips. “You purchased something of mine from Mr. Hall.”

  Mr. Fox remained very still and stared at her.

  “Do you deny it?”

  He wiped his mouth with a napkin and stood, no longer wearing his gun. “How did you find out?”

  More hot tears stung her eyes. She had thought better of him. “Rusty saw you in the canyon paying that man.”

  “I’m sorry you had to find out this way.”

  She was sorry, too. Sorry he wasn’t the man she had thought him to be. Now she knew why he’d acted odd when he returned from his run. “I never would have thought that you would be just like him.” She turned and marched back toward the kitchen.

  “BethAnn, wait.” He caught up to her and blocked the entrance to the kitchen. “Let me explain.”

  “What do you intend to do with my contract? That is what you bought from him, isn’t it?”

  “Yes, it is.”

  “And your intentions?”

  “I had intended to give it to you.”

  “No one just gives up that kind of money without expecting something in return.” Mr. Hall certainly hadn’t.

  “I did.”

  “Really?”

  “Not everyone is a greedy scoundrel.” He moved past her and walked out through the dining room.