A Bride's Agreement

by Elaine Bonner

  “I’m sorry to hear this happened. We’re glad to know your missus is going to be fine.” J.M. spoke for the brothers. His square jaw tensed as if he, too, held anger inside. “Jorge said you haven’t had anymore problems, right?”

  Eduardo nodded. “Everything’s been quiet.”

  “We took the liberty of having Jorge take us to where your wife was attacked.” Señor Elias glanced at his brothers, who were murmuring among themselves as they examined the arrow. “We found the spot where the shooter hid. There was sign of one horse and one man.”

  Eduardo frowned. “One? Apaches don’t fight like that.”

  “We scoured the area, looking for sign of any others that were hidden elsewhere. Jorge also talked to us about the evidence you’ve found that someone is watching your ranch house. He took us to that spot, too.”

  Rico and the vaqueros moved closer. Eduardo could tell by the tense set of their shoulders that they suspected what J.M. was leading up to. He could feel it, too. He tamped down the ire, waiting for the Apache fighter to continue.

  “This arrow—” The eldest Elias plucked the weapon from his brother’s hand. “This is not an Apache arrow. It isn’t even a very good imitation. Someone wants you to think Indians have attacked you. We think the person who’s been watching the ranch is the same one who shot your wife. This has nothing to do with renegade Apaches.”

  Anger burned through Eduardo, making it impossible to think. Who would do such a thing? Who would try to kill him or Chiquita? Which one of them had been the real target of that arrow? A thousand questions raced through his mind—questions for which he had no answers.

  CHAPTER 11

  Morning. How’s the leg?”

  Chiquita sighed. Eduardo had asked her the same question every day for the last week. She still limped, and her leg was sore to touch, but it had healed very fast.

  Pilar was amazed with her progress. “I’ve been treating wounds for years, and I’ve never seen anyone heal this quickly,” she’d told Chiquita.

  Chiquita thought the reason had to do more with the God Eduardo talked and read about, but she didn’t know how to tell him that.

  In the last week, Eduardo not only read to her about this Jesus in the Bible, he also talked about Him afterwards. She’d learned so much and longed to know more. Eduardo seemed to know the questions her heart wanted to ask. Last night, he talked to her about sin. He explained that every person ever born, other than Jesus, who was the Son of God, had sinned. She had trouble going to sleep last night, thinking about how she was a sinner and couldn’t get into heaven because of that. Eduardo promised to tell her tonight about the special way God provided so anyone could get into heaven. She wondered what that way would be. Would she have to do some special service? Did this God require money or some sacrifice like they did in the time of the Bible? When she thought about knowing, anticipation made her anxious. She pushed the thoughts from her mind and went to tend to the milk, hoping to show Eduardo her leg was fine.

  “Jorge saw the Elias brothers yesterday afternoon as they were heading for Tucson. They asked him to let us know there’s no sign of any uprising.”

  Chiquita gave him a puzzled look. Her fingers brushed across the partially healed wound on her leg.

  “I didn’t tell you before. I didn’t want you to worry.” Eduardo tugged on the side of his mustache. “The Elias brothers are experts on the Apaches. They’re sure the arrow you were shot with isn’t an Apache arrow, although someone took pains to see that it looked like one.”

  Chiquita could feel the blood draining from her face. What was Eduardo saying? If the Indians hadn’t shot her, then who did?

  Eduardo crossed to her and grasped her shoulders. “I don’t want you to worry. I only told you so you would be careful. You can work in the garden and around the house, but I don’t want you to go any farther. No more gathering yucca or anything else. If you need something, someone will get it for you.”

  She could see the tightly controlled anger in his gaze. Did he blame her for this? She wanted to step away, yet she wanted him to hold her and tell her everything would be fine.

  “I have to go out with Rico and the boys today. We’ll be gone all day. I’ve asked Pilar to check in on you. If you’re outside and you hear the dogs barking, get inside, okay?”

  She nodded. Uncertainty made her nervous. The longing to ask questions made her throat tight. Opening her mouth, she tried to make sound come out. Fear that she couldn’t succeed kept her quiet. Turning to the stove, she dished up breakfast. Today, while Eduardo was gone, she would spend some time working on her reading and writing. She could read simple words now. If she practiced and worked hard, maybe soon she could talk to him through writing.

  A few minutes later, Chiquita watched as Eduardo stalked across the yard to the barn. She wished he had talked to her about what was bothering him. Ever since she’d been shot with the arrow, he’d been distant. He seemed to be holding something back from her. Her inability to express herself and ask what was wrong chafed at her.

  Anger simmered deep inside Eduardo. This was a different kind of anger than he’d had before. This was a helplessness to protect his family and holdings. Frustration at not knowing who was trying to hurt him constantly aggravated him, wearing away all of his defenses. He could feel himself slipping away from the Lord. He needed to turn to prayer to solve the dilemma, but he ignored the small voice nudging him in that direction. Today, he and Rico would take the others and scour the ranch, looking for sign of misdeeds. Whoever wanted to hurt him or Chiquita had to leave some sign somewhere, and he intended to find it.

  They were all gathered at the barn, their horses saddled and waiting. Even Lucio had come out to see them off. He’d been disappointed when Eduardo told him he would stay and watch the ranch, but they all knew he still didn’t have the strength for a full day of riding. Besides, with the threat hanging over them, someone needed to be here in case of trouble. Lucio should be able to handle most anything. He could be trusted to watch.

  Eduardo took the reins of the gelding readied for him. He’d chosen not to take El Rey on this trip. He didn’t want to put the stallion in any danger. He was too valuable an animal.

  “Jorge, I want you and Tomás to ride across the river and scour the hills over there. Be careful. Watch for any signs of trouble, no matter how insignificant. I don’t know for sure what we’re looking for or who is behind this.” He fixed them with a serious gaze. “Don’t take any chances. At the first sign of trouble, get back here. Don’t do anything foolish. Is that clear?”

  “Sí señor.” Jorge nodded. He and Tomás reined their horses around and loped along the road leading to the river.

  Eduardo watched them go, uneasiness stirring inside. Saying a quick prayer for their safety, he turned to Rico. “Let’s go. We’ll take the hills behind the house. It will take longer, but I think we should stick together.”

  Rico nodded. “We could cover more territory if we just stay in sight of each other. That way, if something happens, we would be able to help the other one pretty fast.”

  “Okay.” Eduardo kneed his gelding. “Let’s start in the east and work our way west. That way, we’ll have the sun at our backs this morning.” Their horses’ hooves thundered across the ground as they left the yard. Eduardo glanced at the house.

  Chiquita watched from the kitchen window. Her pale countenance gave him a momentary pang of guilt. He knew she didn’t understand his concern, and he hadn’t wanted to fully explain. He wanted to keep from scaring her. Deep down he knew, too, that he wanted her to trust him without fear. Maybe he was being unfair, given her circumstances. How he wished she could talk to him!

  By noon, they’d found no sign of anything wrong. Eduardo called a halt, swinging out of the saddle, landing on the ground with a thump that jolted his leg. The gelding stepped away, probably too tired to do more. Eduardo knew the horse could sense his mood. The boiling cauldron of rage inside him threatened to explode. He needed t
o figure out who was attacking him and why.

  Rico groaned and arched his back, stretching to relieve the cramped muscles. Eduardo knew the older man had much more trouble spending hours in the saddle, yet he hadn’t complained at all during the long morning hours. Rico rummaged in his saddlebags, pulling out the lunch Pilar sent with them. Chiquita would have sent something, too, but she hadn’t been told early enough to contribute. Eduardo hadn’t wanted her to know what they were doing. She’d faced enough trouble in her life. He didn’t want her worrying further.

  Taking off a bite of tortilla, Rico indicated the hills spread out before them. They were high enough to have a good view of the hills and valleys leading back to the ranch. The snakelike river wound through the bottom of the valley, weaving in and out of view as the mountains permitted. From up here, the large trees close to the water appeared to be a carved set of child’s toys.

  “Do you mind me making a suggestion?” Rico glanced at Eduardo.

  “I’ll take any help you have to offer. I know I’m not thinking straight.” Eduardo took a drink from his canteen. “Do you think I’m imagining the threat?”

  Rico’s eyebrows drew together. “No. Jorge and Tomás have found too many signs that someone is watching us. At first, we didn’t mention this to you. They thought it was a drifter passing through.”

  “You mean this has been going on longer than we thought?” Eduardo clenched his jaw.

  “No, not that long. Only a few weeks.” Rico waved a hand in the air as if dismissing Eduardo’s concern. “The boys often find evidence that someone has spent the night in the hills near the ranch. I think these men want the safety of being near the house, but not the contact. I don’t think they’re dangerous or responsible for the attack on your wife.” He gave Eduardo a steady look.

  “So, who do you think is doing this?”

  “Someone who wants to hurt you.” Rico gazed out across the valley. “You and your father only have one person I know of who might do this. You are very well thought of by everyone else.”

  “Diego Garcia.” Eduardo could feel his stomach knot. That man had been a thorn in his flesh for years. He’d thought that by marrying Diego’s daughter, their conflict would be at an end. “I have no way to prove it’s him.”

  “I remember your father saying when you have a rogue animal that needs taking care of, you track him to his lair.” Rico raised his eyebrows in a questioning glance. “We aren’t all that far from the Garcias’ place. We could drop in and see how Diego is doing.”

  Huffing out a breath, Eduardo nodded. “I guess you’re right. Perhaps it’s time for Diego’s son-in-law to visit.” He twisted the strap on the canteen. “After knowing the way he treated Chiquita, I only hope I can keep my temper in check when I see him.”

  They finished their meal, tightened the cinches, and mounted. Eduardo led the way over the hills to the rutted road that led to the Garcia place. When he thought of confronting Diego, all he could see was Chiquita and the way she feared men because of what had been done to her. Although she had an uncommon strength, anyone who knew her at all could see the terror in her eyes whenever any man showed a force or anger about anything. She seemed to always think the anger was directed at her. Getting rid of her fear might take years.

  His roiling emotions calmed as he thought of Chiquita. During the last few nights, she’d seemed so eager to hear the Bible. Last night he’d wanted to explain salvation to her, but he could see her eyelids drooping as he talked. Since she rose so early, she didn’t like to stay up late. Still, she refused to go to bed while he was awake. Despite the short time they’d been married, already he couldn’t imagine life without Chiquita. If only she would learn to relax around him and trust him. He had to fight this tendency to become angry.

  The Garcia home was little more than a shack. The cluttered yard and shabbiness of the house lent an air of abandonment to the place. A dog slunk around the corner of the house. Eduardo could count the pup’s ribs without any trouble. The poor thing looked half-starved and cowered as if it had been abused, reminding him of Chiquita. His hands tightened on the reins.

  The door creaked open. Teresa sashayed out, lifting a hand to her brow to block the sun. He knew when she recognized him. She smiled, and her swaying walk became even more pronounced.

  “Why, if it isn’t my favorite brother-in-law.” She stopped beside Eduardo’s horse and gave him a coquettish look.

  “I’ve come to see your father. Is he home?” Eduardo resisted the urge to move his horse away from Teresa. She made him uncomfortable now, although she hadn’t when he met her before.

  “He’s gone right now. Maybe I can help you.” She gave him a smile that made him pull on the reins, causing his horse to dance away from her. “Are you having trouble with Fealdad? Papa can come and give you some lessons on how to get her to do what you want.”

  For a minute, Eduardo had no idea what she was talking about. Then he recalled Diego using that despicable name for Chiquita. His muscles tensed as he fought down the wrath. How could he have ever thought Teresa would make a good wife?

  “Where is your father?”

  She took a step closer, reaching out to run a hand down his horse’s neck. “I don’t know. He likes to go off by himself. Says he’s going hunting.” She shrugged. “Ever since his cousin stopped by for a visit a few weeks ago, he’s been hunting a lot.”

  Rico snorted. Eduardo glanced at him and could see his foreman’s suspicions. Diego must be the one who watched his place and shot Chiquita. But why? Was he there now, watching the place?

  Teresa’s hand drifted closer to Eduardo’s leg. He tugged on the reins, making his horse back away. “When your father gets home, tell him I was here.”

  “Wait.” Teresa raised her hand.

  Eduardo wheeled around and raced from the yard. Rico followed close on his heels. The ride home seemed to take forever. They took a shortcut, riding silently, looking for signs.

  “Eduardo, stop.” Rico’s sharp tone halted Eduardo. They were on a hilltop with a clear view of the ranch house, although a very distant one. “Look at this.” Rico hopped off his horse and knelt down.

  Eduardo joined him. The hard dirt showed the scuffing of hoofprints, as if a horse had been tethered here for a long time.

  “Can you smell it?” Rico tilted his head.

  Eduardo sniffed lightly, noting the scent of horse, sweat, and something else. “Someone’s been smoking here.” He followed as Rico edged along the ridge. On the far side of a large boulder, several cigarette butts were squashed into the earth to make them less noticeable.

  “Someone’s been here recently.” Rico poked at one of the cigarettes. “This one is still warm. I’d say he heard us coming and hightailed it.”

  “Why would they be here watching? You can’t see much from here.” Eduardo narrowed his eyes, trying to make out any detail in the house below them.

  “If you had a spyglass like they use in the cavalry, you could see plenty.”

  “Let’s go.” Eduardo surged to his feet and strode to his horse. He couldn’t explain the sudden urgency to get back to Chiquita. With every bit of evidence, this was getting more serious.

  They made their way to the ranch in grim silence. Desperate thoughts plagued Eduardo. Did Diego mean to harm him or Chiquita? Was it even Diego doing this? Rage kept rearing its ugly head. As they came over the last ridge, Rico gave a cry and pointed to the yard. In front of the house stood two strange horses. Wrath blurred his vision as Eduardo kicked his mount to a full gallop.

  Before the horse could slide to a stop, he jumped from the saddle and sprinted to the house. If anyone had harmed Chiquita, they wouldn’t live to tell about it. He ignored Rico’s shout as he jerked the door open and raced inside.

  CHAPTER 12

  The door hit the wall with a crack like thunder. Chiquita jumped to her feet. Eduardo dashed into the room, rage nearly choking him. All he could see was Chiquita’s face turn white. Her mouth thinned, her
back stiffened. The fear that shone momentarily in her eyes receded. Eduardo didn’t slow until he stood in front of her. She was all right, only terrified of him.

  Swinging around, Eduardo saw Pilar seated, holding a glass in her hand. Across the room two men sat with their backs to the sun, their faces in the shadow. One of them wore a gun. They rose. Relief flooded Eduardo, leaving him almost weak from the intensity of his ire.

  “Quinn. Conlon. I didn’t expect to see you here. Those aren’t your normal mounts.” He strode across the room and shook hands with his two friends. “What brings you out this way?”

  Rico stepped inside, his stance wary. Eduardo could see his friends were puzzled at the reception they were receiving. He nodded to the door. “Perhaps we could go outside and talk.”

  Glancing over his shoulder, Eduardo could see that Chiquita still stood ramrod stiff, waiting for her punishment for whatever crime she thought she’d committed. “Go on out with Rico. I’ll be there in a minute.”

  Pilar frowned at him, picked up the glasses left behind by the men, and went to the kitchen. Using slow movements, Eduardo approached Chiquita. He knew he’d scared her once again. He hadn’t meant to, but he’d been so afraid something had happened to her. The thought of someone hurting her had driven him crazy, yet he didn’t know how to tell her that without sounding insincere.

  He touched her cheek. There was only the slightest flinching. Her pale skin felt cool. The smell of his mother’s lavender soap drifted to him. “I didn’t mean to startle you.” Running a thumb over her lower lip, he wanted to kiss her. Would she be afraid? Unyielding as she was, he knew he shouldn’t push intimacy, although with each day, it grew harder to keep away from her. He longed to take her in his arms, to whisper his love to her.

  “I have to go talk with my friends. I’ll explain what happened later. Please, don’t think I was mad at you. I wasn’t.” As he spoke, she opened her eyes. Her amber gaze, still a little fearful, made him take a deep breath. He turned away before he lost all reason and forgot that his friends were outside waiting for him.