Monica's Mystery

by Kate Cambridge

  As they reached the house, she slid down from the horse and looked back at him. “I did what I thought was right, and though I can't apologize for that, I will apologize for involving Ellen.”

  “You shouldn't have to apologize for that, Monica. It was my choice.” She turned to face her husband, with her chin lifted in the air, and her shoulders straight. “Just because I cook your favorite dinner, and rub your shoulders, that doesn't mean I don't have a mind or opinions of my own Jacob. You knew that when we married. If you're having regrets now—”

  “Don't.” He caught her hands with his and brought them both to his lips. “Don't ever even think that, Ellen. Let's just let this rest. A boy was saved, a horse was returned to its rightful owner, and we all made it out unscathed. Let's have lunch and celebrate, hm?”

  “Good idea.” Ellen smiled then leaned forward to kiss his cheek. “I do love you, Jacob.”

  “I love you, too, Ellen.”

  As they stepped into the house, Monica watched their arms wrap around each other and heard their whispers of affection. It was one of those moments that confused her, when she unexpectedly, quite undeniably, craved the love that they displayed. She placed her hand against her chest to remind herself that it came with its own pitfalls, that no man would be able to tolerate her independent streak, and her focus needed to be on how to create a life for herself, one that lacked the fantasy that she believed would always be out of her reach.

  6

  Over the next few days, Monica did her best to keep out of trouble. Because of her mounting reputation in town as a crime solver, she was approached by a few women who needed her help. They were not impressive mysteries, but they did afford her a small amount of money and inspire a hope that perhaps over time she would be capable of earning an income from her work.

  While in town with Ellen one afternoon, a young man approached her. She noticed that he had a bit of a swagger in his step, and he wore his hat tipped to the side. His lips were curved into something between a smile and a smirk, and his dark blue eyes sought hers without the slightest hesitation.

  “Monica Benton?”

  “I'm sorry, have we met?” She swept her gaze over his faded, worn clothing and the muscular frame that they draped over. Ellen lingered close to her. Her fingertips brushed nervously along the skirt of her dress.

  “No, I'm afraid I haven't had the pleasure, but I am so grateful to have it now.” He thrust his hand out toward her. “Avery Boggs.”

  “It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Boggs.” She took his hand in a firm shake. Instead of participating in the handshake, he drew her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles.

  “It's an honor, Miss Benton. I've heard so much about you, your bravery, your cleverness, your beauty.” His eyes shined as he reluctantly released her hand. “And I can see that the rumor of your beauty was not in the least exaggerated.”

  “Monica, we should be off—we're meant to meet Jacob for lunch.” She caught Monica by the elbow and tried to pull her away from Avery.

  “Aw, don't rush off.” Avery stepped in front of them before they could move past him. “I just want a few moments of your time, Miss Benton—Monica, if I may. I've heard that you can solve crimes, and that you help those in need. I am very much in need. Let's take a walk together, and discuss it. Hm? Your friend there, she can rush off to meet her, let's see, husband?” He grinned. “Maybe I'm a detective, too.”

  “Maybe.” Monica laughed, intrigued by his playful nature. He was charming, and energetic, and wanted to hire her. What could be better?

  “Go on, Ellen, I'll be fine.”

  “I don't think so, Monica. It's not proper for you to be off on your own with a stranger.”

  “I'm not a stranger, I'm Avery Boggs. And I could be mistaken, but I had the impression that Miss Benton was a grown woman, more than capable of handling herself. Aren't you?” He looked back at her with a wide smile. “I promise to behave.” The flash of his eyes and the mirth in his voice coaxed her interest.

  “What could a little conversation hurt?” Monica shrugged and began to follow Avery toward a nearby shop.

  Although her instincts warned her that she was taking a risk she shouldn't, her need to prove herself as a true detective outweighed them. As they reached the shop, she glanced back over her shoulder to find that Ellen had disappeared. When she turned back to Avery, he grabbed her by the hand and tugged her into a small space between two buildings.

  “What is it that you need my services for?” She pulled her hand back from his as her body tensed. Within seconds she was thrust back against the wall of the building behind her, and his face was mere inches from her own.

  “I want to know where you get off interfering with one of my boys. Can you tell me that, Miss Monica Benton?” His blue eyes grew dark, threatening as he glared into hers. “Did you think you could steal from me, and get away with it?”

  “I have no idea what you're talking about. Get your hands off of me—this is your only warning.” She turned her head to avoid his lips as he leaned even closer to her. They trailed the ridge of her cheek before he pulled away and looked into her eyes again.

  “That horse was rightfully mine and would have been in my possession had you not stuck your nose into things. My boy found him wandering around, and rescued him, that is until you interfered.” His lips spread into a cruel smile. “Perhaps you didn't consider the consequences of your actions?”

  “Have you considered the consequences of your actions?” She slammed her foot hard into the top of his and the moment he let out a yelp, she twisted her body and landed her elbow deep into his stomach. It was a move that had fought her brother off many times when they were kids. However, despite his growl of pain, Avery Boggs wrapped his arms around her before she could escape. He slammed her back against the wall of the building again and pinned her there with his full strength. She gasped in pain.

  “I suggest you stop fighting me, or this will be more unpleasant and painful than it needs to be.”

  “Let me go.” She squirmed in his grasp, her breath labored and shallow. “Let. Me. GO!”

  “You have the wrong impression, darling. I don't want to hurt you.” He smiled again, a cruel and strange smile as he studied her, watched her chest rise and fall. “I think we could be beautiful together. It's unusual to find such a strong, defiant woman—that is the kind of woman that I need by my side. We can work together, Monica—we can rule Galveston and then move on to more. I can give you everything you want, freedom, wealth, adventure.”

  “Stop it, I'd never be with you, never! Unhand me!” She shoved hard at his chest, but he didn't budge an inch.

  “Look me in the eye and tell me that it wouldn't be the best life you could have.” His heated gaze sought hers. “Or would you rather be some man's breeding mare? Would you rather get locked away in a kitchen, with a baby in your belly and three around your feet? Does that sound more appealing than exploring the west with me? Is it better than going wherever you please and taking whatever you want?”

  Her heart pounded so loud the sound filled her ears as he leaned close enough to kiss her, but hovered just out of reach. Her emotions were twisted in a strange flurry of repulsion and desperation. Of course, she could never be a criminal, yet some of what he described was appealing; she wanted freedom and equality, just not at the hands of a criminal.

  “You heard the lady. Unhand her now, or pay the price.”

  Monica recognized the voice the moment she heard it. Deep, with just an edge of roughness and unquestionable authority. A tilt of her head revealed that Gabriel pointed a revolver directly at Avery Boggs’ head.

  Avery wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her against him like a shield.

  “What are you going to do, Ranger?” he taunted and then chuckled, his breath hot against the curve of her ear. “Are you going to risk striking this pretty face with a bullet? I don't think so. Miss Benton and I were only having a conversation.”

  “I
have perfect aim. Yours the only life at risk. Only a coward would use a woman to shield him.” Gabriel's gaze remained steadily locked on his. Monica drew shallow breaths and remained as still as she could. Any sudden move might cause Gabriel to pull the trigger, or Avery Boggs to harm her or Gabriel. She wanted neither. Boggs’ muscles flexed against her body as he held her securely in his arms.

  “Then do it. Go on, Ranger, take the shot.” He brushed his lips through strands of Monica's hair and nuzzled her neck. The heat of his lips caused her to shudder from head to toe.

  “Let me go, Mr. Boggs! There's no escape.” She tried to pull away from him as desperation flooded through her.

  “That's where you're wrong, my spirited damsel. Unlike you, I will never give up my freedom. Not for him, not for you, and not for anyone.” With a sudden flick of his foot, he sent a shower of sandy soil into the air. In the same moment, he shoved Monica sideways, straight into Gabriel's arms. She had the wind knocked out of her as she collided with Gabriel's chest, and his arms wrapped securely around her. For a moment she forgot the danger she’d been in, and the man who had shoved her. For a moment she forgot the danger she’d been in, and the man who had shoved her. She felt an overwhelming flash of security and warmth, safe in Gabriel’s arms. Dazed, she looked up into his eyes.

  “Are you hurt?” He moved her to arms length, keeping his eyes on Avery.

  “No, I'm fine.” She stumbled over her words and was about to say more when Avery Boggs turned and ran. Gabriel brushed past her and broke into a full sprint after him.

  “Monica!” Ellen's voice carried to her, but she couldn't tear her gaze away from Gabriel. He'd come to her rescue when she needed him the most, but that wasn't what surprised her. He was a ranger, and he would have protected any woman in danger. What surprised her was the way it felt to have his arms around her. She'd never experienced anything like it before. “Monica, are you okay?” Ellen spun her around to take a look at her. She assessed every inch of Monica, just as Jacob caught up with them.

  “What happened? Where's Gabriel?”

  “He went after Avery. They took off that way.” She raised her hand in the direction of the wide flat plains in the distance. From her vantage point, they looked endless.

  “The two of you need to get home. Gabriel will ride for hours before he decides to give up. Let's go, I'll get you a carriage.” He steered them both toward the main road. From the pressure of Jacob's hand on her back, Monica guessed that he was just as frustrated as Gabriel.

  “I'm sorry, Jacob.” Her voice thickened with shame as her heart flooded with regret. “I never should have taken such a chance—.”

  “We'll discuss it later. Now, I just want you safe at the house. Ellen, stay with her at all times, understand?” He opened the door to the carriage.

  “Yes, Jacob, I will.” Ellen grabbed Monica's hand and pulled her into the carriage with her. As they began down the road, Monica had to fight back tears. Her wrists ached where Avery Boggs had seized them. When she looked down at them, she saw the beginning of dark bruises. Ugly reminders of the mistake she made. If Gabriel hadn't been there... she cringed at the thought.

  7

  Back at the house, Ellen made them both some tea. Monica couldn't look away from her hands. The bruises didn't disturb her—what might have come after did. The memory of Avery Boggs’ breath on her skin, and his lips as they touched her, made her skin crawl with disgust and fear. But the worst part was her role in the entire event. She was disappointed that she had entertained his talk of freedom, even if just for a moment.

  All she’d had to do was listen to Ellen, all she had to do was consider Jacob and Gabriel's warnings. Instead, she stubbornly put herself at risk, and maybe even her dearest friend.

  As Ellen set her tea down in front of her, Monica lifted her gaze to her friend.

  “Thank you, Ellen.”

  “For what?” She picked up her own tea and took a sip.

  “For being wise enough to go for help. If you hadn't, I can't even think of what might have happened. I was so foolish.” She frowned as she stared down at her tea. “I will understand if you ask me to leave. Perhaps it is time for me to go.”

  “No, don't say that Monica. You made a mistake, that's all. I'm just so grateful that you're safe. When I found Gabriel, he bolted so fast that he was like a blur. I've never seen him react like that before. I think he—well, I think he might care for you.”

  “Care for me?” She laughed, then forced down a sip of her tea. “I think he despises me.”

  The front door swung open and Jacob stepped inside. He closed the door firmly behind him, then took off his hat and hung it on a nearby hook.

  “Unfortunately, Gabriel was not able to capture Avery Boggs.” He walked over to the table and sat down. Ellen stood up to pour him a cup of tea as well. Monica didn't dare to look in his direction. Perhaps Ellen was forgiving, but she doubted that Jacob would be quite as merciful.

  “Please apologize to him, for me Jacob.” She folded her hands together to hide the bruises on her wrists.

  "You can apologize to him yourself. I've invited Gabriel to dinner." He accepted the cup of tea from Ellen.

  "Oh, do you really think that's a good idea, Jacob?" Ellen frowned as she glanced over at Monica, then back at her husband. "Maybe it's not the best time. Monica needs rest after all she went through today."

  "It's the least I could do." Jacob clenched his jaw as he sat his hat down on the table beside him. "I can't begin to explain to either of you just how furious he was. I believe you've been warned enough times, Monica, haven't you?"

  She tugged at the sleeve of her blouse and refused to look in Jacob's direction. Her heart ached as her mind replayed her mistakes. Some detective. She'd walked right into the arms of a criminal.

  "Jacob, please, she's been through enough. Don't you think she knows that she made a mistake?" Ellen tried to catch her eye, but Monica kept her gaze trained to the table. Her shoulders rounded, defeated.

  "If it weren't for you running for help, who knows what might have happened to Monica. Honestly, I can't blame Gabriel for being upset. I'm more than a little upset myself."

  "I'm sorry." Monica finally lifted her gaze to Jacob's. Her cheeks flamed with embarrassment. "I was foolish, I can't deny that I still can't understand why I went with him when I didn’t know him."

  "Because he's a criminal. He knows how to manipulate to get what he wants. The question is, what did he want from you?" He searched her eyes, as if he could discover the answer whether she volunteered it or not.

  "I'd rather not discuss it, Jacob. It doesn't matter now. It's over." She swept the hair that had escaped her bonnet together and tucked it behind her ears, cringing at the pain in her arms. She guessed that there would be bruises there to match those on her wrists. "This is your home, and of course Gabriel should be welcome here. I owe him an apology, as well. I know it might not be enough, but I am sorry to have put either of you in a dangerous position."

  "I'm glad that you understand the severity of what happened." Jacob's stern expression eased into an empathetic frown as he noted the purple marks on her wrists. "You shouldn't have gone off with him, Monica, but it wasn't your fault that you were harmed. That is on him. He's a very dangerous man, and it concerns me that he's taken an interest in you. I'm just glad that Gabriel arrived when he did."

  “So am I. I think I'll rest until dinner. If you don't mind.” She pushed herself to her feet and shivered noticeably as pain coursed through her.

  “Monica,” Jacob's voice softened as he stood up, as well. “I'm sorry that this happened to you. I meant what I said—it isn't your fault. Are you sure you’re alright?”

  “Thank you, Jacob. I just wish I could believe that, and yes, I’ll be okay.”

  She closed herself off in her room and finally allowed the tears to flow. The fear she’d experienced while in Avery Boggs’ grasp was the first true fear she'd ever experienced. All of the confidence she once had
, in both her ability to protect herself and in her skills as a detective, were now in question.

  As the minutes slipped by, her stomach churned with a mixture of anger and regret, and mostly embarrassment. How would she ever face Gabriel?

  Soon she had her answer, as she heard the hoofbeats against the ground. Her heart fluttered at the thought of being face to face with him again. She stood and walked to the window. She watched Gabriel approach on horseback. She couldn't deny the sensations that swirled through her at the sight of his regal posture and broad shoulders. He slid down off of his horse and walked it over to a post. With two secure knots, the horse was safely tethered. He reached up and pulled off his hat. As she watched, he ran his fingers through the thick brown waves that crowned his head. With his fingertips, he smoothed down the collar of his shirt.

  She smiled to herself at how careful he was to present himself well. Just before he turned away, he patted the horse's neck and leaned close to whisper something, and then walked toward the front door. Monica’s heart leapt at his display of affection toward his horse, and then she ducked away from the window before he could catch sight of her. He was a good man.

  A few moments later, his familiar voice filled the house, along with Jacob's. She heard the men talk with muted voices for a while before Ellen joined them.

  Monica knew that she would be expected to step out of her room, but she couldn't bring herself to move her feet. Her stomach fluttered, then twisted at the thought of facing Gabriel. Would he still be upset about their encounter earlier in the day? Of course he would.

  She rubbed her hands together in an attempt to calm herself and found them to be unusually damp. From the table beside her bed, she snatched a handkerchief and used it to dry her palms. Perhaps she could feign illness in order to escape the meal. It wouldn’t be all that far fetched in light of all she’d been through. She was in the process of deciding whether or not she should claim to be sick when there was a light knock on her door. Her lungs expanded with a deep breath, then deflated as she released it. No, regardless of the confusion that brewed inside of her, she couldn't be rude to a guest in Ellen's house. She owed both her and Jacob far more than that. And she owed Gabriel an apology.