Silver Belles and Stetsons

by Caroline Clemmons

  He kept his feelings for Penny locked deep inside. Eric knew people in town wondered about him. Some considered him odd. Girls complained about him showing no interest in any of them. How could he? The Marshal would never settle for anyone else. It wouldn’t be fair on them or him. Penny held his heart. Always had and would until the day he died.

  His attention was drawn back when Larissa announced she was hungry.

  “How about I ask Rosie to scratch something up for us?” Eric suggested.

  Rosie, the owner of the diner was a compassionate, generous woman and would be more than willing to make a meal for the grieving widow.

  “No.” Penny placed Larissa on her feet and stood. “I have beef stew on the stove, fresh baked bread and apple pie. Please stay and eat with us.”

  “Of course I will.” Eric said, trying not to sound too eager. His friend was dead and all he could think about was how much he wanted to be with Penny.

  Larissa grasped his hand and they followed Penny to the kitchen.

  Eric lifted the child onto a chair at the dining table. He crossed the room to help. As Penny reached to lift plates from a cupboard above her, he slipped in behind to help. His body pressed against hers as he reached over. His muscles tensed, his groin tightened. It was as though her touch had ignited every nerve ending he possessed. His manhood had reacted when he’d touched her in the past but it had never been as

  The plates wobbled in his hands as he fought to get himself under control. He almost dropped the plates on the counter. Penny turned to face him, her eyes searching his face.

  Had she felt it too?

  Chapter Three

  Penny tossed and turned all night. It was the early hours of the morning before she had finally drifted off. Larissa was sleeping with her. The child had been so distraught, it was the only comfort she could offer. After losing her father she needed the security of being close to her mother for now. She had woken with her child pressed hard against her.

  Thoughts of Eric swirled around inside her head. He had been wonderful. While Penny had readied Larissa for bed, he had washed the dishes and cleaned up the kitchen. When they had made their way back downstairs, he was seated on the sofa waiting. Strong, comforting.

  Larissa had thrown herself onto his lap, wrapped her arms around his neck and planted a wet kiss on his lips. Eric had hugged her close and reached for a story book on the table in front of them. He started reading and Penny padded out to the kitchen to make tea.

  It warmed her heart to hear her daughter giggling. The big man had endless patience with the little girl. He always had time for her, unlike Walt. Did Eric suspect she was his? If so, why didn’t he say something?

  Penny chastised herself for thinking ill of her dead husband when he wasn’t even buried. To be brutally honest, Walt had never cared for her or Larissa. He had told her a couple of years ago, she was the town prize and he had been determined not to let Eric have her. Walt was obsessed with winning at all cost. He didn’t care who he hurt as long as he got his own way. Eric going away had been the opening Walt had needed to take what didn’t, and never would, belong to him. The fact he hadn’t told her sooner, that Eric had asked her to wait for him, had been painful so she focused her attention on Larissa. She could never forgive him for not passing that message on. He knew how she felt, but it didn’t seem to bother him. In his mind he had won, by getting her to marry him.

  She hadn’t been able to confess to Eric that Walt had finally told her that Eric had asked for her to wait for him. She feared he would hurt Walt and end up in jail, away from her again. She had never really cared about Walt, at times she’d even hated him but she would never have wished him dead.

  Walt had been a handsome man and he was well aware of it. He had played on this fact for years. He was vain and deceitful, but she had only found this out after they were married. Rumors had abounded for years that he gambled heavily. Rumors she knew to be true. Rumors that Walt liked his booze and other women were also true. The gambling and drinking she could have accepted but other women? Never.

  For the past two years they had played house but lived separate lives. Having Larissa had been her salvation.

  Eric had been a good friend through the good and the bad times. She had fallen even deeper in love with him as she and Walt drifted further apart. He often escorted her and Larissa into town for supper when Walt was away and she knew the busybodies in town gossiped about it. Except for Larissa, it was the only bright spot in her life, and she treasured these stolen moments.

  Eric had been in her thoughts every day. In her dreams every night. She saw him in their daughter. She had never, and would never, stop loving Eric.

  When Eric had sidled up behind her in the kitchen, her body had gone on full alert. Her nipples hardened. Her stomach contracted and dampness seeped between her legs. Penny had felt Eric’s body stiffen, his manhood twitch against her bottom. She was pleasantly surprised.

  Did her one true love, still feel something special for her? Maybe it was just male need, but what if it wasn’t. That meant he still had feelings for her. Still loved her?

  ***

  Eric turned up promptly at ten o’clock to escort Penny and Larissa to the graveyard for Walt’s funeral. They both wore gowns with matching black bonnets. He hated seeing Penny and Larissa dressed in funeral garb. Penny’s face was pale, drawn. His little girl was somber, sad and far too quiet.

  Larissa raised her arms and he lifted her up against him. She snuggled into his chest.

  Penny took in the man she loved standing before her. His fair hair peeked out from under his black Stetson. She wanted to bury herself in the deep cleft in his chin but it was his eyes that were really compelling. They were the color of the sky on a dark, stormy day. He was brooding.

  His black suit hugged his frame and she was envious of the crisp white shirt stretched across his muscular chest. A thin leather tie was at his throat. He was indeed a handsome man. And he could have been hers. If fate and Walt hadn’t got in her way.

  Penny felt the juice of her lust rush to her thighs. How can you have such lustful feelings for another man on the day you are burying your husband? She chastised herself. Even though she had never loved Walt, she shouldn’t feel this way on the day of his funeral.

  “Ready?” Eric offered his hand and she didn’t hesitate to take it.

  They both started when they touched. Penny wondered if Eric’s body was reacting as dramatically to her as hers was to him. One glance at his face, his eyes hooded, said it was. He hadn’t forgotten the passion they had shared all those years ago.

  They slowly walked the few steps to the carriage Eric had waiting. Two magnificent black horses were hitched up front. Eric explained he had borrowed it from a friend. He lowered Larissa inside before lifting Penny in beside her. Had his hands lingered for a little longer than necessary? He took a seat opposite and told the driver they were ready to leave.

  The hearse with the coffin had left earlier and Eric told her, it would be graveside when they arrived. She nodded solemnly. The ride to the graveyard wasn’t very long. Penny lifted her hand to acknowledge townspeople who were walking to the cemetery, as she passed by. She was surprised by how many people seemed to be attending. Almost the entire town by the look of it.

  “I didn’t know Walt was so popular,” she whispered.

  He shocked her by saying. “He wasn’t but you are. They’re here for you.”

  The driver pulled the carriage to a stop and Eric lifted her and Larissa down. They each held a hand of the little girl as they made their way to the graveside. Penny was proud of her daughter. Normally she would have been chattering and wanting to skip but she had explained to her daughter what was happening and had asked her to be on her best behavior as her daddy was sent off to heaven. She walked quietly between them.

  Eric led them to chairs placed near the large wooden box and waited for the girls to be seated. He leaned over to whisper in Penny’s ear. “I need to speak wi
th Zac. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

  His Deputy had been hovering nearby. Eric hadn’t seen him since he’d sent him into the hills with a possé.

  “Sorry about Walt, boss. I know you were good friends.” Deputy Zac Peters said.

  “Thanks, Zac. What did you find?”

  “We got one man, Jim Chambers. He keeps saying he held up the stage on his own. Won’t tell us nothin’. He’s in the cells. Thought you might try questioning him later.”

  “Yep. I will. Let me get this over with first. I’ll take Penny and Larissa to the Kelly house and then meet you there. Is the possé still out?”

  “Half of ‘em. The other half came in for somethin’ to eat and a change of clothes. They’ll be back out again in the morning and the others will come in.”

  “Thanks. Go and get yourself a feed and a bath, ya stink to high heaven. Who’s at the jail now?”

  “Tom.”

  “I’ll see you down there later.”

  “Thanks, boss.”

  Eric watched his Deputy saunter away before joining Penny and Larissa.

  He sat beside Penny. April Kelly was seated beside Larissa holding her hand. Mitchell, April’s husband sat next to her.

  The Preacher cleared his throat. The burial service for his friend began.

  ***

  Eric leaned forward and kissed Penny’s cheek. Hoping people wouldn’t think it too presumptuous of him. Not that he cared about it for his own sake, but he wanted to protect Penny’s reputation. He swooped Larissa into his arms and hugged her before placing her down next to her mother. “I’ll be back as soon as I can,” he said.

  Penny tried to hide her disappointment. “You’re leaving?”

  Eric took Penny’s arm and moved her to one side away from mourners who were headed into April’s house. He leaned forward and lowered his mouth to her ear. The warmth of his breath set Penny’s body on fire.

  “The men caught one of the robbers. He’s at the jail. Zac hasn’t been able to get him to talk so I said I’d try.”

  Penny’s eyes widened. “You caught one?”

  Eric nodded. “I’ll question him and come straight back.”

  Larissa had been standing beside them and heard every word. “You caught one of the bad men?”

  Eric crouched down in front of the little girl. “Yes, baby. I have to go and ask him about his friends. He won’t talk to Zac and we need to find out where they are so they don’t hurt anyone else.”

  Larissa glanced at her mother before looking seriously at Eric. “I wanna come with you.”

  Penny crouched down next to Eric. “No, darling. You can’t go. It’s Finny’s job. You need to stay with mama.”

  Larissa stomped her foot. “I wanna go.” Tears welled in her eyes.

  Eric took Larissa’s hand. “Baby, I need you to stay and look after your mama so I won’t worry. Can you do that for me please?”

  Larissa pouted but nodded her head. Eric kissed her forehead before straightening up.

  He helped Penny back to her feet, turned and strode down the street to the jail.

  With tear-filled eyes Penny watched until he disappeared through the door into the building. She wanted Eric to catch the evil men who had done this terrible thing, but didn’t want him risking his life. She sent up a silent prayer for his safety and led Larissa into April’s home.

  ***

  Eric marched into the building with an air of stubborn determination.

  “Deputy.”

  Zac dropped his feet from the desk and stood. “Marshall.” He handed his boss the keys to the cells.

  Eric took them, pushed through a door and disappeared out to the back.

  Jim Chambers was lying on a cot in the cell, his hat covering his face.

  “Chambers!” Eric bellowed.

  Chambers removed his hat and cast his gaze in Eric’s direction. “What?”

  “Get up.” The Marshal shouted leaving the prisoner in no doubt, he wanted answers.

  The prisoner dragged himself to his feet and moved with insolent slowness to stand in front of his jailer. Only the cell bars separated them.

  “Marshal, what can I do for ya?”

  Eric studied the man before him. He was filthy and stunk even worse than Zac. Beard stubble covered his jaw. A large scar ran from the corner of his left eye to the corner of his mouth. His hair reached his shoulders and hung limply in rat tails. He was scrawny and would definitely benefit from a good feed and a long bath.

  “I want to know who was with you when you robbed the stage. And, don’t tell me you were alone because the injured driver told us there were four of you.” Eric didn’t mention, the driver had also told him he was pretty sure Walt was involved.

  “The driver’s injury musta scrambled his brains ’cause I’m tellin’ ya it was only me.”

  Eric wanted to drag the man through the bars reducing his body to ribbons. He knew the bastard was lying, he had the driver’s sworn statement.

  Eric grabbed the man’s shirt and slammed him against the bars. “Listen to me and listen good. I wanna know, who else was with you when you held up the stage.”

  Chambers cackled. “You can stay here ’til doomsday and I’m still gonna tell ya I was alone.” He managed to jerk away from Eric’s hold and threw himself on the cot.

  Eric exhaled loudly. He didn’t have time for this now. Penny needed him. He would have to come back after he’d seen her and Larissa home. Chambers wasn’t going anywhere. Maybe if he stewed in the cell for a few more hours, he’d be ready to talk. “We’ll catch ’em, with or without your help. And, you’ll all hang when we do.”

  Chambers laughed. “I don’t think so Marshal. I’ll be outta here before the day is over.”

  The man’s arrogance rankled Eric and he was worried. The prisoner was acting as if he didn’t have a care in the world. Most of the town was at April Kelly’s. His deputy would need to be vigilant. The Marshal wouldn’t get this man to spill so he headed back out front without saying another word to his prisoner.

  “Zac. Keep a close eye on that animal. The town’s quiet with everyone at the Kelly’s. I’ve got a bad feeling about this. The others might try something to get him free.”

  “Sure, boss.”

  Eric left the jail and headed down to where Penny and Larissa waited for him. It was wall to wall people when he entered the house. He scanned the living room first. Penny was seated on the sofa talking with friends. Larissa sat on the floor playing with other children.

  Penny glanced up and locked eyes with Eric. They stayed locked while he pushed his way through the crowd towards her.

  He crouched next to Penny. Larissa sprang to her feet and leaned against him. “Finny, did he tell you what you wanted to know?”

  “No, baby. He won’t tell us who was with him.” He turned towards Penny. “I’m sorry, we’ll keep trying.”

  “It’s not your fault if he refuses to talk.”

  “I know but it’d sure save us a lot of time searchin’ for the rest of them if he’d talk.” Eric was frustrated. He wanted the men who had killed Walt and injured the driver. He wanted them so bad he could taste it.

  “I’m going outside to play, mama.” Larissa skipped away.

  “Don’t go past the front gate,” Penny shouted to the little girl’s disappearing back.

  Larissa didn’t hear.

  “Get yourself something to drink and join us,” Victoria, a friend of Penny’s said.

  Eric got to his feet. “I’ll make a tea.”

  “There are sandwiches out there too,” Penny said. Amazing how much better she felt when Eric was with her.

  Chapter Four

  Larissa’s kept to the cover of the bushes so she wouldn’t be seen as she sneaked through the front gate. She raced towards the jail as fast as her little legs would move. She was going to help Finny catch the bad men. He would be so proud of her.

  She crept up the steps and hid next to the open doorway. Inhaling deeply, she slo
wly moved to peek inside. Zac’s feet were up on the desk and she heard him snoring. Stealthy as a cat, she slipped past him and through the door which led out the back to the cells. A man was lying on a cot. He was the only one in the jail so Larissa knew it was who she was looking for.

  “Mister,” she said softly.

  The man didn’t move.

  “Mister.” Louder this time.

  The man rolled on his side to face her. His eyes widened when he spotted the little girl. He pushed to his feet. “What do you want purdy little lady?”

  Larissa straightened to make herself appear taller. “I want you to tell me where the other men are who killed my daddy.”

  Chambers laughed. “Well, well. The Marshal is so desperate he’s sent a child.”

  Larissa fisted her hands on her hips and stomped her foot. The Marshal doesn’t know I’m here. Nobody does. I’m a big girl. I came by myself.”

  Chambers rubbed the stubble on his jaw. “Hmmm. Tell you what. You help me get outta here and I’ll take you to where the others are hiding.”

  “How can I get you out?”

  “You need to get the keys from out the front.”

  “I’m not allowed to do that.”

  Chambers sat on the cot. “Guess ya ain’t gonna find the others then.”

  Larissa’s brows creased as she thought for a moment. “Okay, but I’ll have to get mama first.”

  “Nope, this is our special secret. Just you and me or it ain’t gonna work.”

  “Okay. I’ll get the keys. Wait there.”

  Chambers chuckled. “I ain’t goin’ nowhere.” How trusting and foolish kids were. He was glad he never had any.

  Larissa crept back out front. No-one was there! How pleased Finny would be if she caught the baddies. She climbed on the chair, retrieved the cell keys from the hook and ran back to Chambers and handed them through the bars.