by Sara Orwig
“How was the house this afternoon?” she asked when he appeared in the doorway. He leaned against the jamb and watched her move around the kitchen, relishing the scene, knowing he would never forget it.
“I cut myself. I hit my hand with the hammer.” She turned to stare at him as he listed the calamities, and suddenly he saw her eyes sparkle with mischief and delight.
“It isn’t amusing, Mary. I can’t concentrate. And this isn’t going to help.”
“I’m not laughing because you hurt yourself. I’m laughing because you won’t acknowledge what’s happening, no matter how obvious it becomes. And because you’re doing the same things I did. I walked off stairs I’ve been going up and down for years. I should know them blindfolded. At least I can acknowledge why I did that.”
“Lord, something’s burning.” He saw smoke rising, and stepped past her to move a pan quickly.
She turned around and let the subject drop while she got food on the table. The beans had burned, but the rest of the dinner was fine, and Dan sat down to a table laden with delicious steaming potatoes, brown gravy, and thick slices of salted meat he had stored in his cellar. She had baked bread, and he shook his head as he stared across the table at her.
“You’ve worked all afternoon.”
“No, I really didn’t. I napped for a short time. I had a bath and washed my hair. I looked at your house.”
As she talked, Dan thought about her napping and bathing and roaming through his house, being here alone all day, and his appetite vanished. He had been famished, and the food was delicious, but suddenly he ached to hold her. He hurt so badly he couldn’t eat, and he couldn’t think.
“Mary, I have to take you home,” he said, and she stopped talking to look at him, a wide-eyed, solemn look coming to her face.
“Can’t you eat the supper I cooked?”
“No. It doesn’t look as if you’ve touched much of yours either.”
“I don’t eat very much a lot of the time, but I know you do.”
He stood up and she stood up as quickly. She moved out from behind the table, coming closer. “Dan, we’re going to have to face what we feel,” she said solemnly, and he could have groaned. She was lovely. Her hair, soft and shining, framed her face and was tied behind her neck the way he liked. His kitchen was warm and smelled inviting, and Mary was in it, but each minute with her made it more difficult for him to keep his control.
“I’ve told you how I feel, and I’m sticking by that. I won’t betray a trust.”
“No matter how much it hurts someone else?”
He blinked, feeling as if he had been struck. “You know I don’t want to hurt you, but I don’t think you have any idea what you’re doing. I don’t want to take advantage of Silas’ absence. I think the minute he comes back to town, you’ll find you love him.”
“Do you think I can’t understand my own mind and heart?”
“I think you’re too inexperienced to make the right judgment. And I can’t betray Silas’ trust. Our friendship went deep. When a man saves your life, you owe him a great deal.”
“You don’t owe him a lifetime of misery. And that’s what it will be for me. I love you.”
Dan stood quietly, trying to breathe, feeling as if he were being pulled apart by an invisible force that tore at him bit by bit. He hurt, and it took all his self-control to keep from reaching for her.
“Mary, I can’t go back on my promises. If it helps any, you know I love you. And I’m going to take you home.”
“If you do, Dan Castle, you may regret it forever.”
Jamming his hat on his head, he yanked on his jacket and held her sweater.
“Dan.”
He picked her up and carried her outside to swing her onto his saddle. Then he climbed up with her to head for town and the boardinghouse.
“Dan, please,” she said, turning to press against his chest, to cling to him, winding her slender arms around his waist beneath his jacket.
Staring stormily ahead, he couldn’t answer. He hurt too badly, and didn’t trust himself to do the right thing if she kept on pleading with him. He was acutely aware of her arms locked around him, her breasts pressed against his chest. The ride to her house was interminable, but they were finally in front of the boardinghouse and he dismounted, setting her down. “Should I carry you inside?”
She looked up at him, and tears streaked her cheeks. “Good-bye, Dan,” she said quietly, and moved away, her back to him. He watched her climb the stairs, and wheeled his horse around to ride back home to a house that was filled with her scent, her memories. He worked almost through the night before finally falling into bed.
He stood a block away from the boardinghouse, waiting. He saw Brian leave, moving with a jaunty stride. Dan turned the corner of the block, stepping back to wait. He knew Brian would come this way, headed toward the livery stable. He heard bootheels, and Brian came around the corner. Dan pushed away from a wall and stepped into his path.
“Dan. What are you doing?”
“I’m waiting for you. How’s Michael?”
“He’s better,” Brian said cheerfully. “He’s up helping Mary and getting stronger by the day. That Kiowa has the magic touch. Or Doc Felton. I don’t think Michael will have bad scars.”
When Dan didn’t move or say anything, Brian frowned. “Was there something you wanted?”
Dan moved his hand quickly, waving his palm in a gesture that was sign language for a warning. Brian’s frown changed to a scowl, and he shot Dan a questioning look.
“What the hell’s that mean?”
“You know what it means. Now, I wouldn’t give a damn if you ran with every thief from here to California, but you have a sister I do give a damn about, and consequently I’m not going to let you hurt her. If you don’t stop running rifles, I’ll turn you over to the sheriff.”
“Dammit, the Kiowa talked! You can’t tell me what to do, and what I do won’t hurt Mary. She’ll never know, unless you turn me in. That’s a hell of a way to keep her from getting hurt.”
“That’s better than what will happen to you if you keep it up. What about the goods you’re getting in exchange? Think no one is getting hurt?”
Brian’s face flushed. “I’m warning you, Castle, you’re sticking your nose into other people’s affairs and you’re liable to get hurt.”
“No, Brian, that’s what you don’t understand. I’m not the one who is going to get hurt here.”
“Are you threatening me?”
“I’m threatening you with bodily harm as well as arrest. I’ll take care of you myself before I turn you over to the sheriff. When I think what you’re doing and how it can hurt Mary, I could tear you apart. And Michael will wish he were back with the bear.”
“Michael? You’d threaten Michael?”
“Yes.”
“I thought you had some sense. Michael can smash you like an ant.”
“He’s going to have to. Find some honest endeavor. Mary didn’t raise you to be a criminal.”
“Look, I can take care of myself, and what I’m doing isn’t that bad.”
“The hell it isn’t.”
“You came from San Antonio, a city, not the frontier. It’s a tough life here, and I don’t want to live like Pa and Mary.”
“Have you ever thought about helping Mary?”
“Sure, I help her. And Silas will come home a wealthy man and take care of her, but I have to take care of me!”
“You’re going about it a damned poor way.”
“Mind your own business, Castle, before you get hurt badly. And leave me the hell alone.”
He started to shoulder his way past Dan, but Dan yanked him into the space between two buildings. It was early and the street was deserted, the buildings empty. The moment Dan yanked Brian, Brian’s temper exploded. He swung his fist. Dan ducked, slamming into Brian, and both of them went down, rolling. Dan gave him a chop against the side of the neck. Brian slammed a fist into Dan, making him stagger, but
he came right back with a swift punch that sent Brian stumbling.
Brian rushed up at him to strike him a blow on the jaw that made Dan reel. Dan threw his weight behind a punch and knocked Brian into the wall. Dan followed, raining blows on him until he knew Brian was barely conscious. He held him up, pulling out a knife, placing the point against his throat and pricking his skin.
Brian’s eyes grew wide and he frowned. “Hey, Dan!”
“Listen to me!” Dan snapped. “I know what crime is. I’m wanted for murder. I’ve killed before. I’m a wanted man.”
Brian focused on Dan, swiping at the blood on his cheek and mouth as he blinked. “Murder?”
“They can only hang me once. You’re not to trade rifles or do anything else illegal that can hurt your sister. Do you understand.”
“If you murder me, it’ll hurt her.”
“I won’t murder you. I’ll turn you over to the sheriff. But don’t come after me.”
“You’re wanted for murder?”
“Where can I find Michael and talk to him?”
“He’s working around the house. If I get Michael, we can hurt you, Castle,” Brian said, but all conviction was gone from his voice.
“Yes, I suppose you can. But you’ll get hurt in the process, and it won’t stop the sheriff from learning about what you’re doing. Remember, I’m not the only one who knows.”
Brian blinked. Dan released him so suddenly he fell. Dan wiped blood off his mouth and put away the knife.
“Why did you tell me you’re wanted? I can turn you in.”
“Yes, you can. I don’t think you will. Your brother would be dead if it weren’t for me. And your sister wouldn’t have fared so well up there in the mountains with your ‘friends.’ ”
Brian’s face flushed, and he looked away. “Where are you wanted for murder? In Texas?”
Dan gave him a level look as he brushed off his pants and turned to walk away. His back prickled, because Brian O’Malley was tough. Dan had fought a dirty fight. They had become friends in the past months, and he had caught Brian by surprise. He knew both factors slowed Brian’s reactions and dampened his anger.
Michael O’Malley would be another matter, because Dan could imagine Michael’s strength, and he didn’t know Michael at all.
As he approached the boardinghouse, he halted at the back to avoid seeing Mary. His nerves couldn’t take the continual encounters. Each one became more difficult to handle, harder to control. He watched the house and finally he saw Michael emerge. Dan whistled to catch Michael’s attention.
Michael looked up, saw Dan motioning to him, and sauntered toward him. He was almost completely healed, with only a bandage around his temple and one around his wrist and forearm.
“Mr. Castle?”
“Yes, can you come back here where we can talk in private?”
“Sure.” Michael’s eyes were filled with curiosity. “You don’t want Mary to see you?”
Without answering, Dan moved around to the back of the shed and leaned against the wall.
“What is it?” Michael asked politely, studying Dan. “Looks as if you’ve been in a fight.”
“I have, with Brian.”
“Did Brian give you trouble?”
“No, as a matter of fact, I gave Brian trouble. And I’m going to give you some too.”
A twinkle came to Michael O’Malley’s eyes, and Dan knew how sure Michael was of his own strength.
“I don’t want to hurt you, Castle. You saved my life. We don’t have any argument between us, but I’d whip you in a minute.”
“I’m surprised you didn’t whip the bear,” Dan said dryly.
“He was a big one. My rifle jammed. What’s the problem?”
“I happen to think a lot of your sister.”
“I heard how you and Silas are such friends.”
“Yeah. Well, it goes beyond my friendship for Silas. Mary is special.”
Michael frowned and placed his hands on his hips. “Get to the point.”
“I don’t want her hurt. You owe me, Michael. And I can hurt Brian. While you’re stronger than I am, there are things that make us equal.”
“Such as what?” Michael snapped, his easygoing manner vanishing.
Dan drew a sawed-off Colt from his waist and pointed it at Michael.
“You wouldn’t shoot me,” Michael said with more amusement, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
“I just told Brian. I’m already wanted for murder. And robbery, and theft. I’ve been on the wrong side of the law and I know how disastrous it can be.”
Michael’s amusement vanished, replaced by shock. His blue eyes filled with curiosity.
“I’m not going to sit by and let you two get hurt while in turn you hurt your sister. Mary deserves better, and it was a pleasure to give Brian the beating he deserved. I wish I could give you one, but your ribs are taped and you’re in no shape to fight. I know about the rifles and the stolen goods.”
“You’d fight me?”
“Yes, Michael, I’ll fight you. Without the Colt.”
“Come on,” Michael said belligerently. “Come on, Castle. Put the pistol away. I don’t care if my ribs are taped. I’m not afraid of you, and this shouldn’t take any time at all.”
“If I hurt you now when you’re just recovering, Mary wouldn’t ever forgive me. I’ll fight you, but you have to get well first. In the meantime, you’re to stop trading rifles to the Apache.”
“How the hell did you know? Someone at camp talked?”
“No. It was something Brian did.”
“Go to hell and mind your own business.”
“I’ll turn both of you in. I’m not the only person who knows, so if something happens to me, you won’t be safe. You’re running with damned poor company with the likes of Sorghum and Donner. Do you know what they would have done to your sister if they could have?”
“What are you talking about?”
“They tried to take her one night behind the cabin.”
“You’re lying.”
“Ask Mary.”
“I will. Dammit, I will. How badly did you hurt Brian?”
“Not as badly as I should have.”
“When I leave Denver, you won’t know what I’m doing. You can’t be everywhere at once.”
“No, but I can keep up with Brian, and if I find out that you two are still at it, I’ll go straight to the sheriff.”
“That’s a hell of a way to keep Mary from getting hurt.”
“I wish your ribs weren’t taped. Do you have any idea how much she loves you? You two are like children to her. And it’ll be a pleasure to fight you, Michael, because you’re the one who should be more responsible and know better. You’re older than Brian. You’re the one who should be looking out for his younger brother, not trying to get him into trouble.”
“Oh, to hell with that!” Michael’s face flushed. “Dammit, we aren’t hurting anyone.”
“You know better than that. When you get over being angry, we can talk. I’d be glad to have you work for me. I’m not offering because you’re Mary’s brother. I’m damned particular, and I only hire good carpenters. Mary showed me the furniture you made. You do good work. And for that matter, if you’ll ask, you’ll find out that your brother is doing a good job at the livery stable. I did ask. He’s a competent carpenter. Not as good as you—you have a natural touch for it—but he can do a satisfactory job. I’d even put him on my payroll if he wants. You think about it. Now, get on back. I’ve got to go to work.”
“You’re wanted for murder? Why would you tell me?”
“The same reason I told Brian. You should know what kind of man I am. And I know what it’s like to be on the wrong side of the law. It’s bad, Michael. It’s hell to be hunted.”
Michael studied him as Dan moved away. Dan tucked the pistol in his waistband and turned his back to walk away. Once again, he tensed, expecting to be jumped. He knew if he hurt Michael at all, Mary would be in a rag
e. He also knew that Michael O’Malley could probably beat him badly.
He prayed he had done enough to make them stop what they were doing. He didn’t want Mary hurt. He would do whatever he could to try to protect her, but he really couldn’t control her brothers. If he could just get through to Michael and make him think about it, Michael might do the rest. But the O’Malley boys would have to want to change.
21
Louisa stormed back and forth in her room, furious with Dan. She kept thinking about Reuben, who was becoming more possessive and ardent as time passed. Tonight he had urged her to break off with Dan, telling her that he wanted her for his wife. Now she wished she had given him more encouragement. She rubbed her brow, trying to figure out how she could get back at Dan. She also wanted to see Reuben again. He was usually out of his office during the noon hour. If she passed by in her carriage at noontime, she might see him. Or she could just wait. Lately he had been dropping by at odd times in the evening and on weekends with the excuse he wanted to talk to her father, yet he had spent more of his time talking to her.
She mulled over what to do, and finally decided on a course of action. Midmorning the next day, she dressed in one of her new creations, a pink dimity. At twenty minutes before twelve, she left home in the carriage, telling her mother that she was going to call on Emily. She gave the driver instructions to go back and forth along the street where Reuben worked with his father. On the second time past, she saw Reuben come striding out. She called to Franklin to halt the carriage, and she waved at Reuben, who changed direction and came over to speak to her.
“Get in, Reuben,” she said. He slid onto the seat beside her and ordered Franklin to go ahead and drive around town for a few minutes.
“I need to talk to you, Reuben. It’s urgent.”
“Ah, he said, his gray eyes lighting with curiosity. “You were waiting for me?”
“Yes.” She lowered her voice and leaned close to speak into Reuben’s ear. “Dan Castle has insisted I give him an answer, and Papa has agreed to announce our engagement this weekend. I have to tell him if I’ll wed him.”
