“What do you mean, she’s running? You just let her go?”
No, she’s been gone over a week. Those kids have been lying to us all this time. She had them stall us so she could make tracks.”
Ike looked back at the rough drawing of the woman he loved. “Where’d you get this?”
“Daniel took it from the mail pouch I got from the District Court and showed it to Sarah.”
Ike glanced back at the poster. “It can’t be true. That woman did not kidnap those kids, much less steal anything.”
“Actually,” Abe said, “she did. But, she had good reason. The way Daniel explained it to me is that the kids were being mistreated and she brought them along when she left to save them from a worse fate. I’m not going to tell you the whole story, because it’s Sarah’s story to tell. I can tell you that she didn’t steal anything. She only took what belonged to her.”
“Do you believe Daniel?”
Abe shrugged. “I don’t know him well enough to tell if the boy is lying or not, but I do know that I don’t believe Sarah is capable of doing anything truly bad. She’s a good, decent woman who wanted to make a home for those orphans.”
Ike looked at the poster again and whistled. “The daughter of Mad Dog Keevers.”
“Yeah, that can’t be an easy truth to live with. No wonder she’s scared of people finding out anything about her.”
“How’d she come to be connected to an orphanage?”
“Daniel said she grew up there. When she turned eighteen, she made some deal with the woman that runs the place. In exchange for Sarah cleaning, cooking, and tending the children, the old witch let her have a blanket, pillow, and a place to sleep inside a storage closet. Plus, she allowed her to eat two meals a day. He said Sarah couldn’t bring herself to leave the orphanage when she got old enough because she couldn’t leave the children to that woman’s mercy.”
“Are we going after her?”
Abe grimaced. “We aren’t, but you are.”
Ike’s eyes widened. “You don’t want her back?”
“Don’t be a fool, of course I do. But I can’t just up and ride off not knowing how long I’ll be gone. I have a responsibility to these people here.” He finished rubbing Midnight down. “You, on the other hand, already have experience tracking people who don’t want to be found during your bounty hunting days. You’re going to track her and bring her ass back home.”
“What then? You can’t get past the fact she’s wanted. Are we gonna hide her out?”
“No, I can’t do that. I want the mother of our children to be free to come and go as she pleases without worry that someone will recognize her.”
“Well, then what will we do when I get her back here?”
“That boy says she’s innocent and I believe him. We just have to prove it, and live happily ever after.”
Ike laughed. “Just like that.”
“No, I’m sure it’ll be a might harder than that, but I think she’s worth fighting for. Now, are you gonna ride out after her? Daniel said she’s heading west of Jefferson City to some big town to get herself seen. Then she plans on heading east trying to fool them into believing she’s hiding back east somewhere.”
Ike shook his head. “Yeah, I’m going after her. I might tan her butt when I find her, but I’m going. Do me a favor and pack me up some food to last a couple of days while I saddle up Blackie. I’ll be in to get some clean clothes after I get him saddled.” He looked up at Abe. “I’ll tell you right now I’m getting things settled with her when I catch up to her. She’s gonna accept that the three of us are going to be a family.” He laid a blanket over Blackie’s back. “And I think I’ll tan her hide for making me chase her down.”
* * * *
Sarah gritted her teeth as she hefted the twenty-five-pound sack of flour onto the wagon. She’d traveled for two weeks before deciding to stay in Topeka. It had been difficult, traveling mostly at night to keep from being seen. She’d left most of her money with Daniel so she’d taken a temporary job delivering supplies for a local merchant. Topeka was building fast, and the general store did a mountain of business. She was beginning to feel the strain of all the lifting.
She’d been lucky. They hadn’t been suspicious of Samuel Kees when he rode in. The owner of the store had been grateful to find someone who wanted to work for the little he was willing to pay. The job included a cot in the lean-to at the back of the store. It was the perfect place to hide out for a couple of weeks, and then she planned on moving east. She would let herself be recognized a time or two, and hope the law thought she was moving east toward the more populated cities.
She finished loading the wagon and went into the store. She’d have to let Mr. Chanders know that she was ready to leave. She stopped and watched as he waited on a woman clutching a sleeping baby.
“Do you know of any place near here that would be safe from the Indians?” The woman rocked the baby back and forth in her arms.
Mr. Chanders scratched his head. “The Indians ain’t a problem anymore. They signed the treaty ceding their lands awhile back. They’re mostly living on some reservation west of here.”
Sarah knew that was only partly true. Yes, they’d signed the treaty, but all of them had not gone to the land the government set aside for them. Some had rebelled and still chose to lead war parties against unsuspecting travelers from time to time. She’d spotted one small group of braves on her ride north, but they were a good ways off and heading in the opposite direction. It had made her nervous and much more cautious in her travels. It was also what made her decide to head east sooner, rather than later. She’d briefly thought of heading west to give the impression that she’d been taken by the Indians, but was too afraid of it becoming a reality.
“You all loaded up, Samuel?” asked Mr. Chanders.
Sarah nodded. “Yes, sir.”
“Then go ahead and take off, son. There’s nothing more today, so when you get back, drop the wagon off at the livery and you can have the rest of the day off.”
Sarah nodded and started to turn away. She turned back when she felt a hand on her arm.
“Excuse me, but maybe you know of a safe place where a woman with a child could make a home without fear.”
Sarah looked her up and down. “Maybe you should think about heading east, and maybe a little south. There’s a town called Big Springs that’s a couple of week’s travel from here. Don’t try to make the trip alone. Find a wagon that’s headed that way. It’s a nice group of people, lots of families and even has its own church. I’m sure you’d be welcome there.”
The young woman nodded. “Thank you.” She turned to Mr. Chanders. “I’ve taken a room at Mrs. Beadle’s Boarding House at the end of Main Street. If you hear of any wagons heading that way, would you send me word?”
“Sure thing.”
Sarah stepped aside to let the woman walk out. The baby had begun to fret.
“Samuel, do you think you’d be able to handle a run up to St. Louis to head up a wagon train of supplies for me?”
Sarah flinched. She wasn’t ready to face St. Louis yet, even dressed as Samuel. “Thanks, but I’m heading west, not east. In fact, I’ll probably only be around a couple more weeks.”
Mr. Chanders sighed. “That’s too bad. You’ve been a good worker. I’ll be sorry to see you go.”
“Thank you, sir. I’m going to head out now so I can finish up before dark.”
“Okay, just be careful. My wife said to tell you she’ll leave you some dinner on the shelf out in the lean-to.”
Sarah smiled. “Be sure to thank her for me.” He waved her off and Sarah went outside and climbed onto the wagon. She grabbed the reins and slapped them against the mule’s hind quarters. “Git on.” Slowly, she began to move down the mud-caked street.
* * * *
Ike rode slowly down the heavily traveled main street. The place was pretty primitive, even for the west. Everywhere he looked there were rough-looking men carrying guns and n
ot a sheriff in sight. He’d been following Sarah’s trail for over a week, and it had led him straight to Topeka. Sarah, I can’t imagine you here. Are you safe? Are you afraid? He looked around and saw a General Store. If she came through here, she might have needed supplies.
He rode over, got off his horse and tied him to the hitching post in front of the store. His eyes darted back and forth over the crowd while he kept his gun arm free. Too many men seemed to be interested in his arrival.
Careful not to make any eye contact, he walked into the store and looked around. There was a woman off to the side showing ready-made shirts to a cowpoke, and one man behind the counter who was probably the owner. He made his way toward the back, careful to keep an eye on the cowpoke at the same time.
“Howdy, young man. My name is Aaron Chanders and I own this place. What can I do for you?”
“Hello, I’m Isaac West and I’m looking to catch up with a friend of mine. Perhaps he’s been here getting supplies.”
Mr. Chanders chuckled. “We get a lot of strangers through here. What’s your friend’s name?”
“He goes by Samuel Kees. He’s kind of short and thin with dark brown hair, although he always wears a hat so you might not have seen his hair.”
“Ha, you’re right about that. I’ve never seen him without that hat.”
Ike moved closer. “So, you’ve seen him.”
He smiled. “Not only have I seen him, I hired him to work for me.”
Ike glanced around. “He’s here?”
“Not right now, he’s out making deliveries, but he’ll be back by sunset, if not sooner.” He pointed to the back of the store. “There’s a lean-to out back that I closed in last year. It’s got a small stove and room for one cot. He’s been staying back there.”
“That’s good. Maybe I’ll get a bite to eat and come back and wait for him.”
Mr. Chanders shook his head. “I’ll sure be sorry to see the lad go.”
“He’s leaving?”
“You didn’t know? He told me today he’d only be here another week, maybe two.”
“Did he say where he’s headed?”
The man shrugged. “Not really, just said he’s heading west.”
“Thank you, Mr. Chanders. I appreciate the information.” Ike hesitated, and then crossed his arms across his chest. “If he gets back, would you not tell him that I’m here? We’ve been friends a long time and I’d like to surprise him.”
“You plan on traveling with him so he doesn’t have to be alone?”
Ike nodded. “It’s my intention to see that he doesn’t ever have to travel alone again.”
“That’s good. It’s not safe for a young man to travel west by himself. The Indians have signed treaties in Kansas, but further west it’s still awfully dangerous for a white man to travel. It’ll be good that Samuel has some company, and someone to watch his back.” He smiled. “Don’t you worry, son. I’ll not breathe a word of you to him. My wife’s planning on leaving dinner for Samuel out in his room. I’ll make sure she leaves enough stew and biscuits for the both of you.”
Ike tipped his hat. “Thank you kindly, sir. Could you tell me a good place to get a bite to eat around here?”
“They serve food at the saloon, but I don’t recommend it. You can head on down to the end of Main Street. Mrs. Emma Beadle runs a boarding house and for a dollar she’ll set you up with a fine meal.”
“Thank you. I’ll go see what Mrs. Beadle has to offer.” Ike walked out and glanced down the street. He could see the saloon and it looked like standing room only in the small establishment. I wonder if they even have a sheriff here. Sarah, are you gonna give me trouble about taking you back? He had the wanted poster on him so he could get around any lawman that tried to interfere, but he’d rather she agree to come peacefully. Right now I just want a hot meal and a cup of coffee. He’d had very little sleep over the last week, trying to make up time and close the gap between him and Sarah. Sighing, he mounted Blackie. “Come on, boy. I promise you’ll get a good rubdown and a bucket of oats before this day’s over.” He touched his heels to Blackie’s side and made a smooching sound, urging the animal to move along down the road. Soon enough I’ll have you, Sarah, right where I want you.
* * * *
Sarah held out a piece of apple and had to stifle a giggle when Duke’s hairy lips nibbled it off her palm. She’d finished her deliveries, and brought Mr. Chanders’s wagon and mule back to the livery. Then, she’d spent the better part of an hour giving Duke a thorough brushing, and a bucket of oats. She’d bought the apple at the store as a treat for the friendly horse. He’d only been out of his stall to stretch his legs a couple of times since she’d been in Topeka. It wasn’t fair to keep him corralled that way, but being out in the town made her nervous.
She stretched her weary muscles and headed over to the shack behind the General Store. She could see smoke coming from the chimney and knew Mr. Chanders had banked up the fire for her. He’d left the place toasty warm on each night she’d been late to make the deliveries. I wonder if the children have enough firewood for the winter. Sarah pushed the thoughts of home away. They only made her cry, and she didn’t want anyone to see her with tears.
Sarah’s stomach growled and she smiled. Mrs. Chanders had left bowls of stew and either cornbread or biscuits every night since she’d accepted the job. The dear woman always made sure she had at least one good meal per day. She chuckled. That’s more than I got at the orphanage some days.
She reached the lean-to and opened the door, hurrying to close it before she let in too much cold air. Before she could get the latch thrown to lock the door, someone grabbed her from behind, placing a hand over her mouth so she couldn’t scream. Sarah struggled, then, when the arms tightened, she used the heel of her boot to kick back furiously, slamming into the man’s shin. She heard a muffled groan.
“Settle down, you little hellcat. It’s me, Isaac.” He let Sarah go and she stumbled back.
“What are you doing here?” Suddenly, she remembered she was dressed as Samuel and lowered her voice. “You scared the hell out of me.”
“I think the better question is what are you doing here?”
Sarah took a step back and tried to slow her breathing. “I’m working, trying to decide if I want to move up this way.”
Ike narrowed his eyes. “What about your family?”
She shrugged. “They’ll be staying on the farm, everybody except Sarah.” She cleared her throat and looked toward the stove. “She’s gone back east to live with friends.” She walked closer to the door. “She didn’t like it here.”
He snorted. “To hell with this, we don’t have time for games.”
He grabbed Sarah by the shoulders and to her shock, pulled her close and kissed her. Her hat tumbled to the ground, her dark braid spilling down over her shoulder. His scent and the taste of his mouth were overwhelming, and she gave in, relaxing against his hard body, returning his kiss with all the feelings trapped inside her.
* * * *
Ike felt Sarah relax her tense shoulders, and then her hands slid up his chest, over his shoulders, and linked together behind his neck. He could feel her fingers sifting lightly through the hair at his nape. Her lips were soft under his, and he licked at the seam, coaxing her to open. When she did, he plundered her mouth, savoring the flavor that was uniquely hers. Breaking the kiss, he ran his lips down her throat, fumbling with the buttons on her shirt.
Sarah tried to pull away. “Wait! Before we do this, I have to tell you something.”
He took her face between his hands and placed a chaste kiss on her lips. “No, not now. Nothing is more important than this.” He sighed. “Sarah, I’ve waited long enough. Unless you plain don’t want me, I’m not waiting another minute. So, decide now. Is it yes or no?”
She gazed into his eyes and smiled. “Yes.”
Ike stilled her with a small kiss. “I would like nothing more than to strip off all your clothes and be buried inside your wa
rm, willing body.” He touched his forehead to hers. “You fill the empty places inside me, Sarah.” He took her by the shoulders and turned her around, quickly unbraiding her hair. When he finished, he turned her to face him and threaded his fingers through the soft strands, slanting his lips across hers.
His thought processes stopped at the touch of her soft, warm kiss. He skimmed the tip of his tongue across the seam of her lips, sucking lightly at the plump skin. “Open for me, Sarah,” he whispered. He took her lips in a deep, probing kiss, holding her body close. “I want you so much.” He trailed his kisses along her cheek to her ear, his tongue snaking inside to tease.
“Oh, God,” she moaned.
He chuckled softly. “No, honey, just Ike.” He trailed kisses down her neck, and then returned to her lips, twining his tongue with hers. Her mouth yielded easily, as if they were already lovers. “You taste delicious.” Sliding behind her, he ran his hands over her back and around to her belly. Slowly he began to unfasten the buttons on her shirt as he nibbled his way down her neck. “Why do you do this?” Ike rubbed her nipple through the thin cotton binding, and then untied the piece of sheet she had wrapped tightly around her chest and began to unwind it.
“I have to.” Sarah took a shaky breath, her hands coming up to shield her breasts when the bindings fell to the floor. “It helps me look more like a man.”
Ike turned her around and pulled her hands to her sides. “Sarah, nothing you could ever do will make you look like anything but the beautiful woman you are.” His thumbs circled her nipples, and then strummed back and forth, torturing them into hard buds.
Sarah’s eyes closed, her head falling back against her shoulders. “Ike, I haven’t, I don’t know what to do.”
“Shhh, don’t do anything.” He squeezed the tips hard, feeling the little tremors of excitement that flowed over her skin. Lifting his head, he searched her face for any signs that she had regrets. Seeing her rapturous expression, he tore at the buttons of his own shirt, dropping it quickly onto the dirt floor. He pulled her to him and gasped at the feel of her soft, warm body against his hard chest. Her small hands skated over the sensitive skin of his sides.
Martine, Missy - Star Wishes (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) Page 18
