Words of contradiction sprang to Naomi’s lips, but Sally held up her hand. “What’s true is true. Words don’t change it. Anyway, we were married. Clayton was a salesman who often went on business trips. It wasn’t until two years later than I learned he had another wife and children in another town in another state. Everybody in the whole town knew, but me. I felt like such a fool.”
“I know what you mean. I feel the same way. I couldn’t believe I was so blind. Maybe I just didn’t want to see. Looking back, I can see the signs, but not then.” Naomi pushed loose tendrils of hair from her face.
“I couldn’t either. So you see, I know first-hand you can live with a man and not know him. That’s one of the reasons why I believe you.” Sally patted her shoulder.
“Oh, I’m so sorry,” Naomi whispered.
“Don’t be. It was a long time ago.”
“Does it get easier?”
“Yes, it does. I married Mr. Craine ten years ago. We’ve been happy ever since.”
“That’s wonderful. I’m so glad for you. Your sons are fine-looking young men.”
“Stepsons. Me and Mr. Craine don’t got no kids. He’s got three from his first wife. He lost her early on.”
“I see. What happened to him? Mr. Pendleton, I mean?”
“A jealous husband shot him.”
“Oh.” Naomi didn’t know what else to say, so she kept quiet.
“So who are those men chasing you?”
“I don’t know. Wes thinks they’re some of Roy’s gang and that they think I know where the stolen money is, but I don’t. I swear I don’t.” Despite her resolve to not weep, hot tears slid down Naomi’s cheeks.
“There, there, honey. Don’t get upset. It’s all going to work out. You’ll see. Wes won’t let anything happen to you.”
A knock sounded at the door. Sally opened it and then stepped aside. Two young boys entered, both carrying pails of hot water. After they poured the water into the tub, they dashed out the door without a backward glance.
“Now,” Sally said, “I’m going to stop asking questions and get out of here so you can bathe. You’ll find soap and towels in that cabinet.”
“Thank you so much.”
“I could scare up a nightgown if you like. Robert’s daughter Elizabeth left some things here after she got married. She’s about your size.”
“That would be wonderful.”
“In fact, I’ll pack some of them for you to take with you. We women are strange creatures. We can face almost anything with clean clothes.” She pointed at a door Naomi hadn’t noticed. “You can sleep in there. Make yourself at home. Good night, and I’ll see you in the morning.”
Naomi smiled her thanks. Then she was alone. She stripped off her dirty clothing. After fetching soap that smelled of roses and a plush towel, she climbed into the tub. As she sank into the hot water, a sigh slipped from her lips.
Heavenly.
The exhaustion slipped from her shoulders. She closed her eyes and let her worries wash away with the trail dust. After several long moments, she bathed, stepped out of the tub, and dried. After wrapping the towel around her, she picked up the lamp and walked to the door. As she opened, it squeaked loudly.
The bed, covered in a multi-colored quilt, beckoned invitingly. A lacy nightgown of baby blue lay on the bed. She shrugged off the towel and hung it over the back of a chair. With a sigh, she pulled the nightgown over her head, fingering the soft material. It’d been three long years since she’d slept in something so fine. She smiled, threw the covers back, and blew out the lamp.
As she climbed into the soft bed, she wondered what Wes was doing. Had he thought of her? Sally’s words echoed in her mind. He’s married to his job. He’s married to his job. He’s married to his job. Not that he wanted to marry her. Not that he loved her, but deep in her heart, Naomi knew her feelings for the lawman had run the gamut of emotion. She’d started out hating him. That had changed to gratitude and respect.
Then it had happened. She didn’t know exactly when she’d started loving him, but somewhere along the line…
Sleep crowded in on her, but she fought it for fear the nightmare would come again. Finally, exhaustion won out, and sleep claimed her. When it did, the nightmare came—immediately. As the gunshot sounded in her unconsciousness, the smell of death was real and threatened to gag her. Roy’s bloody body appeared in her mind’s eye, as well as that of the dead woman who was supposed to have been his mistress. The man on the stairs stepped closer, his evil aura choking her. She could almost see his face. She screamed soundlessly. His image vanished.
Naomi thrust the bed covers aside and jumped out of bed. Her breath came in ragged gasps. A few steps took her to the window. She yanked up the sash and gulped in the cool night air.
Movement by the barn caught her attention. She sucked in a scream. Had the outlaws intruded into her safe haven? Could it be one of the guards? The man stepped out into the open. Silhouetted against the moonlight sky, she could make out the man’s identity. Wes leaned against the corral and lit a cigarette.
So he couldn’t sleep either.
Why?
Had Mr. Craine been unhappy that Wes had brought her—and danger—to his ranch and family? A sudden urge to talk to the lawman attacked her. She tried to talk herself out of it, but soon found herself creeping down the back stairs. As she opened the back door, loud squeaks pierced the silence. She drew back in the doorway and waited. When no one appeared, she made her way toward the corral. The animals must have caught her scent for they moved restlessly.
“Who’s there?”
“Wes, it’s me. Naomi.” She emerged from the shadows.
“Naomi? What are you doing here?” He moved forward until he stood face to face with her. “You shouldn’t be out here. It’s dangerous.” He grabbed her arm and pulled her back into the barn. “Those men are still out there. They might even be close enough to take a few shots at you.”
“I just wanted to talk to you.” She pulled away. “You don’t have to worry—no one saw me.”
“What’s so important it couldn’t wait until morning?” His lips set in a grim line.
“I didn’t know if I’d have any time alone with you tomorrow.” She took a deep breath, forcing her pulse to slow. “I thought this might be my last chance, you know. I just wanted to say thanks for all you’ve done for me. You saved my life several times, and I…well, I mean…”
“Shhh. I know what you mean.” He pulled her into his arms. “You don’t have to say it.”
“Yes, I do.” His scent wrapped around her, sending her heart into her throat. His touch sent chills chasing down her spine. Burning need spiraled throughout her body, settling in her lower region. She wrapped her arms around him. As she pressed her body to his, she felt the evidence of his desire. “Kiss me, Wes.”
“Naomi, we, I shouldn’t. It wouldn’t be right.”
“I know, I know. You’re a lawman, and I’m a convicted murderer. You’re supposed to investigate me and find all the money and stuff Roy and his gang stole.” She stroked his cheek, the stubble of his beard tickling her hand. “I know there can never be anything between us, but that doesn’t keep me from wanting, from needing.”
“I know”—his hands entwined in her hair—“but…”
She raised her head. His lips hovered above hers. “Stop talking, Marshal Cooper, and kiss me.”
“Dammit,” he cursed. “Naomi, you affect me like no other woman has ever done. It’s hard to say no to you.”
Then he claimed her lips. At first, his lips were soft, caressing, pliant. Then he deepened his kiss, thrusting his tongue between her lips. She opened her mouth to him. He flicked his tongue against hers, stoking the fire within her, sending her doubts flying. Naomi’s legs went weak beneath her, and she swooned. Until this moment, she’d never believed a woman could pass out from a man’s kiss, but now she knew it was possible.
It would be madness to fall in love with him, but it was too
late. That had already happened.
He lifted his head and stared down at her. “Naomi, honey, while there’s nothing in the world I want to do more, I can’t do this. It wouldn’t be right. It wouldn’t be ethical. I’m a lawman and—”
“I know. You’re a lawman who’s investigating me.” She shrugged out of his embrace. “Well, you can investigate as long as you want, but the end result will always be the same. I didn’t kill Roy. I didn’t kill that woman. I don’t know of any money. I’m sorry for what Roy did, but I can’t change it.” Tears ran down her cheeks like fat raindrops. She swiped at them with the sleeve of her nightdress. “So you can take your ethics and go to hell.” With those words, she turned and ran. She didn’t look back.
****
The next morning, a pounding headache awakened Wes. After his confrontation with Naomi last night, he’d lost himself in a bottle of whiskey. His head felt like it would explode at any moment. He dragged himself out of bed and to the washstand. A bleary-eyed cuss stared back at him. After he cleaned up, shaved and dressed, he made his way down the stairs to the kitchen. The tantalizing smell of baking bread met him, and he sniffed appreciatively.
Even though he was early, the huge kitchen was full of people. A quick glance showed a pale-faced Naomi sitting beside Sally. She shot a glance in his direction, but quickly averted her gaze, her mouth tightening into a thin line. He caught Sally’s gaze and knew she’d seen the exchange between them.
Dammit!
He spotted Robert on the other side of the room. He snatched his hat off and joined the older man and his sons. “Morning, Robert. Morning, boys.”
“Coop,” Robert acknowledged and waved at the cook to bring coffee. “You look like shit.”
Wes grinned at his host. “Thanks. I feel much better now.”
The cook appeared at the table and handed Wes a cup of coffee. As he sipped it, the pounding in his head subsided to a dull roar.
“My men said it was quiet last night. They didn’t see anything or anybody.”
“Good. Those coyotes know they’re outmanned and outgunned.”
“Yeah. I sort of wished they’d started something. I’d like to have put some lead in them bastards. Listen, Wes, I’ve been chewing on this. I’m sending a few men to town with you and Naomi today. We need some supplies, and today is as good as any other day.”
Naomi, huh? That was a good sign Sally had approved of her. While Robert thought he ran the Rocking R, his wife was the true force behind him. “Thanks, old friend. I’m much obliged.”
“You’d do the same for me. While you finish your breakfast, I’ll see if Sally’s got the list ready.” He rose and joined his wife.
As Wes watched, Naomi spoke to Robert who grinned and patted her hand. Sally put her arm around the girl and shot him a warning look. He knew what it meant. Don’t hurt this girl any more. He’d never wanted to hurt Naomi, yet he knew he had. He’d always regret it.
He wolfed down his steak and eggs and then motioned for more coffee. When he finished the coffee, he walked outside where Robert’s men had already saddled the horses. Robert’s sons and four ranch hands appeared.
“You think that’s enough men, Wes?” Robert, Sally, and Naomi appeared at his side. “All of them are crack shots.”
“Yeah. Can’t tell you how much I appreciate this.”
“Well, you’re welcome.” Robert stretched out his hand. “When this is all over, come back and we’ll do some hunting in the high country.”
“Sounds good to me.” Wes shook the outstretched hand, then climbed into the saddle, the other men following suit.
Something suspiciously sounding like crying caught Wes’s attention. Sure enough, both women had tears in their eyes.
“You take care of this girl, Wesley Cooper. You hear me?” Sally yelled.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“If’n you don’t, I’ll have your hide.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He touched the brim of his hat. As soon as Naomi mounted, he led the way out of the yard. As they left, the sun peeked over the horizon. In an effort to speak to Naomi alone, he fell back beside her. But if looks could kill, he’d be a dead man right now. She spurred her horse and joined Robert’s sons. The look on their young faces said they liked the attention. Despite the fact that he knew she was only doing that to spite him, jealousy, sharp and biting, cut him like a knife. With a muttered curse, he pulled his hat low over his brow to hide the green-eyed monster.
About an hour later, the walls of Blanco Canyon towered against the azure blue sky. The sun-bleached cliffs caught the light and appeared to be on fire. Their path lay through the buttes—a perfect spot for an ambush—and the last place where their pursuers could hide between here and town. He kicked his horse into a trot and caught up with the Caine brothers. “Hold up, boys.”
“Yeah?”
Wes pointed at the peaks. “If our friends are going to try anything, I think it’ll be in Blanco Canyon. Lots of places to dig in and ambush us. We’ll be sitting ducks.”
“You’re right, Marshal,” John agreed.
“We can go around,” Joseph added. “But it’ll cost us a day’s ride.”
“I know, but it might be worth it.”
“But there’s seven of us,” Joseph protested. “Only four of them. They’d be stupid to try anything.”
“Only four that we know of—and desperate. This is their last chance before we reach Gila Bend. Besides, they’d have position on us,” Wes reminded him. “They can sit up in those rocks and pick us off one by one.”
“So what do you want to do, Marshal?”
“I think I’ll ride in and check it out. Maybe flush them out. You all stay here.” Wes pulled his rifle, checked the ammunition, and glanced at Naomi. “I don’t want to endanger anyone.”
“Don’t be a fool, Wes. That’s suicide,” Naomi said sharply. “I’d rather take the long way around.”
He shook his head. “The other way is more dangerous. The longer we’re out here, the most vulnerable we become.”
“You’re not going in there without us.” John pulled his rifle. “I’d rather face whoever’s in there than face my pa and tell him we let you go in there alone.”
“Amen, brother,” Joseph added.
The other men grabbed their rifles. “We ain’t facing Mr. Craine by ourselves either. No siree.”
“Oh, you men. You’re all crazy,” Naomi yelled as she pulled her rifle from its boot. “Well, you’re not leaving me. Let’s go.”
An eerie silence fell over them as they entered the canyon. No wind whistled through the peaks. No birds sang in the morning stillness. No movement caught Wes’s attention. He didn’t know if that was good or bad.
He led the way, followed by John and Joseph. The Rocking R hands brought up the rear, circling around Naomi, forming a protective barrier. The sun glinted off the white peaks, forcing him to raise his hand to shield his eyes. The further they rode, the hotter it seemed to get. Sweat ran down his back and between his shoulder blades like a waterfall.
A hawk screeched from its perch high atop the steep cliffs, sending pebbles down the rocky slopes as it soared into the air. Wes tightened his grip on the rifle. Beside him, the ranch hands readied their guns. “Something spooked that hawk. Get ready.”
Just as he said those words, a bullet thudded into the dust in front of him. His horse reared, and he grabbed the saddle horn, squeezing his knees against the horse’s flanks to stay in the saddle. He returned fire, as did John and the other men.
He turned to yell at Naomi to hide in the rocks. To his surprise, she fired her rifle at a glint of sun off metal. Her bullet hit the rock, and a chink of stone sparked off. The other riders opened fire, peppering the same spot with a hail of bullets.
“Ride,” Wes yelled. “Get Naomi out of here. I’ll cover you.”
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw her jab her heels into her mount’s flanks, sending the animal galloping down the canyon path, two ranch hands f
ollowing close behind her. As soon as she was out of sight, Wes jumped from the saddle and dove behind a boulder. John and the others did the same.
“Cover me,” he yelled. Crouching low, he darted toward the next outcropping of stone as the men fired non-stop at their attackers. Dust kicked up as a bullet landed at his feet. As he zigzagged to his left and then to his right, the bullets followed him. He winced as a bullet hit his arm. Just a flesh wound. A curse slid from his lips.
Finally, he made his objective, a natural path in the rocks that wound upward. If he could get high enough, he might get a drop on the shooters. Loose stones slid beneath his feet, and he struggled to keep his balance. From behind him, the men continued their assault. At last he was high enough, almost level with his attackers.
Positioning himself between two boulders, he had a clear target in front of him. Taking careful aim, he fired. His bullet found its mark. The man toppled over the cliff and plummeted to the rocks below. Then Wes turned his attention to the second shooter who soon met the same fate. The other outlaws scrambled away and made their escape.
As Wes climbed down from his perch, he glimpsed Joe and two of the Rocking R hands riding up. “Naomi?”
“She’s safe,” Joe answered.
“Good. Let’s get outta here just in case there’s any more of these bastards hanging around.”
As they rounded the bend in the road Wes saw her. He sighed in relief. She jumped to her feet and raised her rifle. As he reined in his horse, she darted forward.
“You’re all right. Oh, thank God.” She glanced at the others. “All of you, thank God.” Then she saw the blood on his arm. “You’re bleeding. You’ve been hit.”
“Just a flesh wound. Nothing to worry about. Mount up.”
She hesitated. “Go on now,” he urged. She climbed into the saddle and followed the men out of the canyon.
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