by Carré White
Shocked that I had been caught, I prayed he hadn’t noticed the fear in my eyes. “I wanted to buy mother something nice on one of our stops.”
“The money.”
Devastated by his, I reached into the pocket of my skirt extracting the dollars I had stolen. “I did want to buy something for her.”
“Liar.”
I had lied, and I would not feel guilty about it. Desperate for escape, my mind spun with a multitude of ideas for fleeing this situation. I glanced at the fellow passengers, several of whom had fallen asleep. No one knew of my struggle. They could not fathom that I had been kidnapped, and, if I caused a fuss, no one would believe me. Ignoring Mark, I waited patiently until the porter announced our arrival in Oklahoma City, a buzz of excitement rippling through the car. People got to their feet, preparing to disembark.
Once we stopped, pulling into the station after sunset, I glimpsed the lights of the depot out the window. “It doesn’t look like much.”
“These are smaller towns than back east. You sure came out to the middle of nowhere.”
I tried to go as far as I could to get away from you. “My husband’s in the cattle business. I went where he was.”
“He’s not your husband,” he grated. “Get that idea right outta your mind, young lady.”
I glared at him. “I beg to differ. He’s my husband in every sense of the word. When he finds me, he’ll shoot you.” Crossing my arms over my chest, I wanted to believe every word I had just said, but my future remained in doubt. I would do everything in my power to find a way to tell Jack where I was.
“You’ll marry who we say you marry. You’re an impertinent girl, Lola. You’re willful and disobedient. We went wrong somewhere in your upbringing, but, once you’re back home, that’ll all change. You’ll be watched like a hawk every minute. I’m going to hire a female companion for you. She’ll make sure you’re employed in a useful activity every moment of the day. You won’t be able to go to town willy-nilly to send off letters to strangers. You’ll be monitored at every moment.”
“Through a hole in the wall, like you’re so fond of doing? I’m going to tell mother about that. I’m going to tell her everything.”
Hints of color graced his cheekbones. “And you think she’ll believe you?”
He had a point, but it hardly mattered. I would not live in their home. I’d rather fling myself from a bridge, than have to live under those conditions. “I don’t care. I’ll tell Pastor Hendricks what a pervert you are. I’ll tell everyone.”
“And they’ll all think you’ve lost your mind. You’ll find yourself in a sanitarium, if you’re not careful.”
That thinly veiled threat sat uneasily with me. “I’m not crazy.”
“If you go on like that, everyone will know you are.” He gazed at me smugly, confidence oozing from him.
I longed to scratch his eyes out. “You underestimate my husband. He’s going to find me. When I spoke my vows, I gave myself over to his power. I’m connected to him forever, until death do us part.”
People had begun to exit, the aisle filling with travelers. “You blather on about that, if you wish. It’ll make absolutely no difference.” He got to his feet. “Let’s go.”
The prospect of freedom propelled me to stand. Every stop might provide an opportunity for escape, and I would keep my eyes and ears open for such an event. Mark escorted me from the train, while the platform bustled with travelers, who seemed eager to find the nearest restaurant. We had been given two hours to eat, which was ample time to enjoy a relaxing meal. But I felt nothing but anxious excitement, my eyes scanning everything, every carriage, every building, looking for a means of escape.
“I think we’ll skip the depot restaurant. I’d rather find something in town.” He led me to a waiting cab, where he instructed the driver to take us to the finest hotel, assuming there would be a restaurant.
I gazed unhappily at the people milling about, most of whom were train passengers. “It looks like everyone got off.”
“Indeed. It’s good to stretch one’s legs.”
As with most small western towns, the region of commerce had turned down its shades for the night, save for the saloon, the brothels, and places to eat. I stared out the window at strangers who were mostly men, although a smattering of women existed among them, several appearing to be working girls. The hotel stood in the center of town, majestic-looking, with two-story windows that glowed from gaslight. Several cabs had stopped before the entrance, because other train passengers had the same idea.
“It’s crowded,” I murmured.
“This is close enough.” The driver pulled to the side, and Mark handed him a coin. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, sir.”
“It wasn’t that long of a drive. We could’ve walked,” he said, reaching for my hand. “And saved the money.”
“I agree.” Glancing at a wall of windows, I spied ladies and gentlemen inside sitting at tables. “Is there room?”
“We might have to wait to be seated. Come along.”
He propelled me before him, keeping his hand on my shoulder, which I found irksome. Inside the establishment, the aroma of coffee and cigars lingered, with dozens of voices in boisterous conversation. The front desk held an assortment of cabinets with small boxes for all the keys to the various rooms. An enormous fern grew in a white and blue ceramic pot in the corner, while a chandelier hung from the ceiling.
“We’ll wait a few minutes.” Mark ushered me to a chair. “You may sit, my dear.” He glanced around the entryway, as more couples arrived for dinner. “What a crush.” One woman held a white, fluffy dog in her arms.
Feeling a prickle of awareness, I turned to look at the doorway, where several men had just entered. Within the space of a second, I recognized Mr. Brittle, whom I was not especially fond of, but seeing him had my heart leaping for joy. He spied me as well, his expression remaining neutral. He stood with two other men, one I vaguely recognized as someone my husband employed. I wanted to jump to my feet and run in their direction, but Chuck held a finger to his mouth in a gesture of silence. His behavior seemed odd, but something in his look told me that I was the reason for his arrival. He whispered to the man next to him, who then rushed for the doors.
“Mr. Mellon,” said a man dressed in a crisp white shirt with a black vest. “Your table is ready.”
“Thank you.” He held out his hand, which I ignored. “Come along.”
The maître d’ brought us to our table, pulling out my chair. “Thank you.” A napkin landed in my lap.
“Your server will be with you in a moment.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I glimpsed Mr. Brittle signaling with a hand. He seemed to be gesturing for me to come to him. Praying that Mark had not seen that, I said, “I … I need to visit the washroom.” Getting to my feet, I thought he might follow me, but he remained seated.
“Do come right back.”
“Oh, I will. Please order me a coffee.”
“All right.”
Knowing I was without money, he did not seem too terribly worried I would try for escape. I wandered amongst the tables, passing happy couples, while talking and laughter floated around me. Upon reaching the doorway, Chuck approached.
“You’re a hard woman to find.”
Not being one of my favorite people, because of my distrust of him, I smiled happily nonetheless. “Oh, thank God!”
“Never thought you’d be pleased to see me.” He grinned. “We’ve been riding like the banshee to get here. Mr. Kelly’s waiting outside.”
Tears of joy filled my eyes. “Thank God!”
“He’s debating what to do about that stepfather of yours. You better cool him off before he drags that man out and shoots him.”
I hurried for the exit, not wanting to linger another second. “I want to see Jack!”
Chuck and his men followed, all of them smelling of sweat and horse. They had indeed been riding the entire day. The door to a waiti
ng carriage remained open, and after taking the first step, I came face-to-face with my husband.
“Jack!”
His eyes lit upon seeing me. “Lola. Thank the good Lord.”
I found myself in his arms, although my shoulder throbbed. “Oh, gracious be! That was dreadful. He came to the house prattling about the marriage being false and some other nonsense. He told the sheriff he was my guardian. I had no choice but to go with him.” The carriage began to move. “Where are we going?”
“Away from the restaurant. I still haven’t decided what I’m going to do with that man. I want to kill him.”
Staring at him, I felt the anger now that I hadn’t perceived before. “I don’t know what to tell you, but, if you kill him, you’ll make my mother a widow. I’m not pleased by his behavior, but I don’t want my mother to suffer for his actions.”
He held my face. “How are you? Did he hurt you?”
“No.”
“How’s your shoulder?”
“It’s sore. I never did see the doctor again.”
“I returned home yesterday, and you weren’t there. I’ve never been more worried and angered in my life. We took off immediately to find you.”
“I … I saw you in Lamy … on the street. I wanted to say something to you, but … ”
“But what? Why didn’t you let me know you were there?”
“I saw you with that Vanessa woman. It was a shock.”
Understanding dawned. “Oh, I see.”
I scooted a few inches away from him. “You went to Lamy to see your mistress. I don’t think I like that. I’ve decided something during the last twenty-four hours. I really don’t wish to share you with another woman. You need to decide if you can live by my terms, Jack. I can’t bear to think of someone else kissing you.” Our eyes met, as something indefinable passed between us. “I think I might love you. Seeing you with her hurt dreadfully. It hurt worse than anything I’ve ever felt in my life. I have to know that you’re mine. Only mine. If you can’t promise me faithfulness, then please turn this carriage around and leave me at the hotel. I’ll go home, and you’ll never have to bother with me ever again.”
Chapter 17
His smile was disarming. “You drive a hard bargain, Mrs. Kelly.”
“This isn’t a joking matter.” I glanced out the window. “And where are we going?”
“A friend of mine lives here. We’ll be at his house soon, but the matter of your stepfather has yet to be resolved.”
“Quite a few things have yet to be resolved.”
He sat back, eyeing me judiciously. “I’ll think on what you asked. I’m sorry seeing me with Vanessa bothered you, but she was not the reason I went to Lamy. I had business there. I happened upon her in the street, where she promptly asked for more money. I denied her. She tried to persuade me with her feminine charms, but I was unmoved. I’m done with that lying, conniving little baggage. I’ve resolved to put her in the past. I owe her nothing more. I told her as much.”
Dare I believe him? I still knew so little about my own husband. “They say we’re not legally wed.”
“It’s a technicality. I forgot to change your surname on the certificate. That was my error. I’ll remedy that at once. We may even have another wedding, if you wish.”
“Do you still want to marry me?”
He blinked. “I consider us already married, but yes. Why wouldn’t I?”
“I’ve caused such trouble.”
“So have I. You took a bullet, if you will remember. Being with me nearly killed you.”
He had a point. “Yes. We’ve gotten off to the worst start imaginable.” Tears formed in my eyes. “I prayed I’d see you again, but I worried I wouldn’t. He’s determined to take me back to my mother. He wants me to marry someone of his choosing and remain in Virginia.”
“That’s not going to happen. We must decide his fate. Do I have him shot or do I let him go?”
I sucked in a long breath, knowing what I had to do. “I’ll write him a letter, but I must hurry. The train leaves in an hour. I’ll tell him I’m with my husband, and he’s never to seek me out again.”
“If he does,” something dark flashed in his eyes, “I will kill him. Make no mistake about it.”
There was a hint of ruthlessness to his character, which explained his success in life. He wasn’t a man to be gainsaid. “Yes. You have my permission to end his life, if he persists on being a threat to us.”
We had drawn up to a large brick house. “Where are we?”
“Our home for the night. We’re taking the morning train. I’ve been on the road all day, and I have no wish to travel tonight.”
“Me either.” My things remained on the train, but I did not need them. “I can’t believe you found me.”
“It wasn’t hard to figure out which train you took. We rode like hellion’s to get here. We exhausted several pairs of horses.”
The driver held open the door. “Thank you.” Stepping from the carriage, I glanced at the house before us, noting the stone staircase with carved balustrades. “This is lovely.”
“He’s in the grocery business. He’s made a fortune in it, but he’s not at home at the moment. Whenever I’m in town, I stay here. His housekeeper has a room for us.”
We stood on the front steps, while the softness of night lingered, the air cool against the back of my neck. The strain of my ordeal having dissipated, I could breathe freely again. “I was so worried.”
“As was I.”
“I knew you’d come for me.”
“How could I not? It grieves me to know seeing me with Vanessa caused you pain. I could feel your anguish. It was illuminating.”
That confused me. “How do you mean?”
“Your feelings are beginning to run deep. I will confess, when I first heard you’d been taken, my vision went red with rage. I’ve never been so angry with anything in my life.” He touched my face. “Then I realized my feelings run rather deep as well. There was no earthly way I was going to let that man get his hooks in you. Never. No man, for that matter.”
Wrapping my arms around his neck, I inhaled his pleasing fragrance. “Then maybe we aren’t doomed after all.”
“No, darling. No.”
“I’ll write that letter as fast as I can, and then we’ll put it all behind us and start afresh.”
He pulled away, holding me at arm’s length. “That’s an excellent plan.”
I grinned. “It is.”
* * *
Handing the folded paper to Jack, I said, “Here. That’ll make it clear I’ve been reunited with my husband, and I will not be continuing on to Virginia … ever.”
“I’ll give it to Chuck, who will pass it along.” He held another piece of paper. “This is a message from me.”
My eyes widened. “What message?”
“I’ve told him in no uncertain terms that, if he ever tries to contact you again, I’ll kill him.”
I shivered, knowing he spoke the truth. “Goodness.”
“I’m letting him leave with his vitals intact, Lola, although I’d rather shoot him. I had every hope of tying him to a tree and beating the tar out of him. Because of your mother’s welfare, I’ll let him go … this time.”
“You’ve been more than fair.”
“I’m glad we see eye-to-eye on this.”
“We do. I’d be happy to shoot him myself, if he ever dares to set foot on my property again.”
He grinned. “I like the sound of that. I’m glad you think of The Kelly Ranch as your home.”
“It is. It’s my children’s home too, when I have them.”
The grin broadened. “We’ll have to remedy that. I’d hoped we would start tonight.”
“Then give the letters to Chuck. As far as I’m concerned, I’m putting it all behind me.” I longed to wash up and change out of the clothing I had worn for two days straight.
Striding from the bedroom, he said, “Yes, my lovely wife. I’m forever your humble
servant.”
I chuckled at that, while quickly undoing the buttons on the calico dress. Eager to wash several days’ worth of travel from my skin, I dunked a cloth into tepid water, using a square of soap to lather a portion of fresh-smelling suds. By the time Jack had returned, I was as clean as possible, having only my chemise and drawers on.
His appreciative gaze raked over me. “Let me find some alcohol for your shoulder. It looks red.”
“I washed it, but I worry it might be infected.”
“I’ll be right back.”
When he returned, I waited for him on he bed. “I’m so happy I’m here, Jack. I can’t tell you how relieved I am you found me.”
He poured the whiskey onto a cloth, dabbing at my shoulder. “Does that hurt?”
“It stings.”
“Good. It’s cleaning away impurities.” His smile fell. “I feel dreadful about this. It’s my fault you were injured.”
“Those men came to the house to kill you.”
“These are dangerous times, and lawlessness is rampant.” After he had finished soaking the wound, he lifted the bottle to his lips. Taking a sip, he grimaced. “Ugh! That’s rot gut right there.”
“It smells like it could remove varnish from a table.”
“Indeed.” He placed the bottle on the nightstand. “Now, how are you?” He pressed his hand to my forehead. “Fever?”
“No.”
“Cold sweats?”
“No.”
“Heart palpitations?”
A smile lifted the edges of my mouth. “Now, yes.”
“Is that so?”
“When you touch me like that.”
His lips neared mine, brushing against me gently. “How about that?”
“That makes my belly feel funny.”
“Your belly?”
“It’s like being tickled from the inside out.”
“I’m not sure Doc Baker can fix that, honey.”
I snaked an arm around his neck. “No, he can’t. We didn’t have a proper wedding night, Jack,” I murmured. “I don’t want any interruptions.”
