by Linda Broday
No one except her mother had shown caring or offered safety until Luke rode up on his beer-drinking horse.
Josie turned to glance back and saw a rider gaining on them. It had to be Luke.
Her mind whirled. What could she do to help?
He wouldn’t shoot with her on the horse. Jump off? She glanced at the ground skimming by. The fall would hurt bad. It might break her neck.
Nope. Only as a last resort. She thought some more.
A better idea would be to distract Brenner. Yes, that’s what she’d do. She could bite and hit. Maybe she could push him from the saddle. She’d love to inflict pain, to pay him back for some of the mean names he’d flung at her.
Mean, hateful names and they’d hurt. Oh Lord, how they’d hurt.
Armed with a plan, she settled back with a smile on her lips. He’d never know what happened. She unbuckled her empty gun belt and let it dangle from one hand. She’d sling it as hard as she could at his stupid head. Then whip his back and shoulders. That’d knock him from the horse for sure.
She hoped the horse stomped on him. Serve him right.
Patiently, she waited, willing Luke closer.
Except Luke was pulling up for some reason. What was he doing? Had his horse gone lame?
Brenner entered a thick grove of mesquite and she lost sight of the man she loved more than anything on earth.
Somehow, she’d take care of her rotten father and ride back to him.
As sure as whiskey flowed like water in the Lucky Lady, Brenner McCall would face his fate.
Thirty-five
The roan suddenly slowed, limping. With muttered curses and a sinking heart, Luke jumped from the saddle, watching the riders grow smaller in the distance. Whatever was wrong with the animal, he had to fix it and in a hurry.
He just prayed he could figure out the problem. And not with a bullet. He couldn’t lose the horse.
If he did, he’d lose Josie too.
An old saying flashed into his mind. What cannot be remedied must be endured.
Please, God, don’t let this be the time for this lesson.
Luke’s breathing was ragged as he ran his hand down the animal’s left leg. Nothing. He raised the hoof. There was the source of the limp—a rock was lodged deep between the shoe and tender tissue. Jerking his knife from his boot, he dug it out and mounted back up.
Behind, two riders were coming up fast. The marshals? Or his brothers?
A muscle worked in his jaw. He couldn’t let the marshals stop him from getting to Josie. No matter what he had to do, even if he had to kill them, he’d save her. Fear crawled up his spine. He had to do this. He couldn’t be too late.
The gelding shook his head and snorted, then took off in the fastest gallop Luke had ever seen. The ground flew under his powerful hooves.
A mile across the landscape, Luke saw them ahead, thankful that a horse with two riders was slower. Brenner’s mount had to be using a hell of a lot of energy and would soon wear out at this pace.
Slowly, bit by bit, Luke gained on them. They had almost reached Deliverance Canyon.
He made out Josie’s ashen face as she turned to glance back. Maybe seeing him would reassure her and give her strength. He yearned to take her in his arms and keep her safe.
Like he’d promised. So far, he’d failed.
Suddenly, Josie raised something. Her gun belt? She drew back and began whaling on Brenner McCall with it. The man struggled to stay in the saddle. He slipped sideways and clung by his fingernails.
As Luke watched the fight, wishing he could help, Brenner’s horse disappeared into a thick stand of mesquite. Luke was frantic with need to see Josie, to know she was all right. A minute later, he stopped short and got off. He’d flush Brenner out on foot.
Before drawing his Colt, Luke raised his hands to his mouth and gave the mournful howl of a coyote. This was the signal for danger that he’d discussed many times with Tally Shannon. At least they’d know trouble was near. A second later, he received an answering call from deep in the canyon.
Tally knew and would hide the women.
Now that he’d warned them, Luke slid the Colt from the worn, well-oiled leather and picked his way through the thorny mesquite.
Slow and steady.
His steps were silent.
Inch by inch.
Then he spied his quarry. Brenner held Josie in front of him with a gun to her head. Her torn, dirty clothes and the red mark on her cheek told him how the old outlaw had managed to regain control.
Something ugly and dark rose from deep inside Luke.
No one hurt Josie and lived.
Not while he had breath in his body.
He heard the faint sounds of other riders in the distance but he didn’t turn to see how close. His thoughts and focus were riveted on the woman he loved in the grip of evil.
“Stay back, Weston,” Brenner called. “You do anything foolish and she dies.”
Josie hollered, “Luke, just shoot him! He’s nothing but a rotten piece of shit.”
Didn’t she understand that he didn’t have a clear shot? He wouldn’t risk hitting her. Fear squeezed tighter and tighter until he couldn’t breathe. This was Angelina all over again. A bullet was going to steal Josie from him.
“You know you’re a dead man, Brenner. Turn her loose or I’ll kill you where you stand then let the buzzards peck out your eyes.” That was a promise Luke would keep.
The burst of Brenner’s .45 spoke for the outlaw. A bullet struck a mesquite tree, splintering the trunk. Luke crept closer, using the undergrowth as cover, confident Brenner couldn’t see him.
“Don’t worry about hitting me!” Josie yelled. “I know what to do. Just shoot the bastard!” With that, she stomped on Brenner’s foot as hard as she could and tried to elbow him.
Though Brenner called his daughter every bad name in his vocabulary and let out an oath that made Luke cringe, he held fast to her.
Luke moved in a circle. Closer and closer. He was set to tackle Brenner from behind when a couple of frightened ground squirrels rustled the brush next to Luke’s foot. Brenner whirled, firing. Luke dove to the ground.
“Brenner, let’s sort this out,” Luke said. “Just tell me one thing—why do you want to kill me so bad? Just tell me what I did to you.”
“I took in a snot-nosed kid that didn’t know shit. I got you cleaned up and offered you a fresh start. Treated you like my own son. And what did you do?” Brenner barked a laugh. “You turned your back on me like I was dirt. Betrayed me and your own kind. You were going to get amnesty and change your life. You thought you were better than me. Besides, you know too much. I can’t trust you not to turn me in, boy. Can’t trust Josie either. Can’t trust one damn person.”
The truth struck Luke. By trying to do the right thing and straighten his life out, he’d wounded Brenner McCall. Outlaws were a strange bunch. Loyalty to them protected you. But try to get out and they’d kill you. Being an outlaw meant being one for keeps.
“I owe you, Brenner. I will to the day I die.” Luke’s voice trembled. “Like you said, you saved me. I’m sorry you thought I’d turned on you. Your secrets were safe with me. But something else burns inside me now. I need to do right. I need my family.”
“I was your damn family!” Brenner yelled. “I’m going to blow Josie’s head off and you’re going to watch, knowing you can’t do a blessed thing.”
Cold terror washed over Luke. He had only one option. Josie would not die for him.
“Look, I’m going to lay down my Colt and walk toward you. I’ll face you alone. Unarmed. Let Josie go. You can take your revenge on me. She’s innocent in all this.”
“If that’s the way you want it.”
“Luke, don’t do this!” Josie screamed. “Don’t sacrifice yourself for me. Don’t!”
“It’s all right, Josie. I’ve always known this moment was coming. I’ll gladly give my life for you any day.” Luke stilled his trembling hand, took a ragged breath, and laid down his gun.
It suddenly hit him that this was what Stoker had been trying to do for him. Everything was as clear as day. This was what you did for the people you loved. When Luke came down to it, his life didn’t mean that much when Josie’s was on the line.
Hands raised, he rose from cover and walked slowly toward the man he’d once thought of as a father. Brenner cursed, flinging Josie aside. Orange flame shot from his pistol.
Hot lead ripped into Luke’s chest, sending fiery flames shooting through him. The pain was unbearable. The dream he’d had at Doan’s Crossing had come true.
What cannot be remedied must be endured flashed through his mind. He’d endure whatever he must for the woman who’d stolen his heart. His all was not too much.
Gasping for air, Luke fell.
Thirty-six
“No! No! No!” Josie screamed and flew to Luke. She couldn’t lose him now. Not when they were so close to having everything they wanted.
Not when he was within claiming distance of his birthright.
Sobbing, she dropped to the rocky ground and cradled Luke’s head in her lap. His eyes fluttered and he worked his tongue but no sound came out.
Brenner McCall stood over them with his gun aimed.
Josie stared up into his strange, glittering eyes. “I hate you with every bone in my body. I hope you die a thousand deaths with each more miserable than the last. And then after that I hope you burn in the fiery pit below.”
“Say your prayers, daughter,” he spat.
She lowered her eyelids so she could no longer see Brenner’s face. She’d die with the man she loved.
She’d heard it said that right before the end came, her life would pass before her eyes. Memories suddenly flooded over her. Of Luke’s kisses, the nights when he’d held her next to his scarred, hard body, and the times they’d made love in the squatter’s shack at Doan’s Crossing. The sinful, crooked smile that put a sparkle in his eyes and showed his white teeth. The assurance he’d help fix her life. Even though she hadn’t known who she was or where she’d come from, her heart had been light. Luke had driven out fear and replaced it with sure knowledge that she was safe with him.
She waited for the explosion of the gunshot that would end it all.
But the rustle, flurry of movement, and a deep grunt didn’t sound like a bullet. She opened her eyes to see Tally Shannon and five of her small army holding Brenner.
“We heard Luke’s warning call and came.” Tally shot Brenner a glare. “Just not quick enough.”
“Let me go!” Brenner shouted. “You’re gonna pay, just like Luke and Josie.”
“I’m afraid you’re out of luck, mister.” In a flash, Tally kicked Brenner’s feet from under him and he landed with a thud on the ground. After instructing her ladies to shoot him if he moved a muscle, she knelt to inspect Luke’s bloody wound.
“This is far worse than when we found him before and patched him up,” Tally murmured.
Josie’s breath froze as she met Tally’s eyes and saw the unvarnished truth in the woman’s blue gaze.
“I don’t see how he can live.” Tally covered Josie’s hand with hers. “I’m sorry.”
Luke gasped for air. “Listen to her, Josie. This is it for me.”
“No. You’re tough,” Josie insisted brokenly. “We’re going to be married and start a life together. You—you said you love me. No, I’m not going to let you die. I’m not.”
A gurgle came from Luke’s throat. He fumbled for her hand. “If you remember only one thing, remember that I love you and I…I cherish every second with you.”
His faint words struck fear into her heart. She clutched his hand, willing her strength to flow into him. She couldn’t accept this. She wouldn’t.
“We’ll have more times together, sweetheart. Listen to me, Luke Weston. You are not going to die, so get that out of your head.” Holding back a sob, Josie tenderly wiped a tear trickling down the side of his face. “You’re going to get well. We’ll have a wonderful future. And you’ll have the dream you’ve worked so hard for. I’m not going to let you give up, do you hear me?”
“Some things even you can’t stop, princesa.” He reached up to capture a strand of her hair between his fingers. “So beautiful. Go on with your life. Find someone who makes you happy.”
“I swear, Luke, you haven’t learned a blessed thing about me.” She pressed her lips to his, drinking in his love.
She prayed that her words had made a difference. Something had to. The minute a person gave up, they were done for.
Luke was not done. He had so much to look forward to.
He could claim his place at last in the Legend family.
She heard riders coming as though from very far away, then seconds later, Sam and Houston knelt next to their brother.
Like ghostly shadows, Tally and the others disappeared below. She and her friends had gone back into hiding. When Josie glanced up, she saw the reason why—two marshals strode into view. Brenner was on his belly with his feet tied to his hands, a gag stuffed in his mouth. No wonder he’d been so quiet. Tally’s soldiers had trussed him up tight. He glared at Josie with glittering eyes so full of hate. Satisfied that he couldn’t hurt anyone, she turned back to Luke, willing him to live. She squeezed his hand to let him know she was there.
Sam held a canteen to his brother’s lips. “Luke, we’re here,” Sam said. “Hang on and fight like you’ve never fought.”
Luke worked his tongue to speak and finally managed to say, “Take care of Josie. Give her my land—home.”
“Quit talking nonsense.” Sam yanked open Luke’s shirt and frantically pressed his bandana to the wound. “You’re not going anywhere. You’re going to pull through and make your home on the Lone Star just like you planned. Nothing has changed.”
“It’s only a scratch,” Houston muttered thickly. “You’re not going to let this get you, brother.”
Another gurgle came from Luke’s throat and blood dribbled from the sides of his mouth. His lips tilted up for just a second. “Funny.”
Houston stood, towering over the two marshals. Josie watched fury flash from his eyes and felt the heat of his wrath. In that moment, he looked like the spitting image of Stoker. One of the marshal’s Adam’s apple bobbled as he struggled to swallow.
“You ride like hell back to the ranch!” Houston thundered. “Get my father. And Doc Jenkins. Anyone can show you his house. Don’t bother to come back without both men—and a wagon. Got that? Return empty-handed and I’ll have a bullet waiting.”
“You can’t order us around,” a younger one replied hotly. “We’re lawmen and this man is a wanted murderer.”
“I don’t care if you’re President Rutherford B. Hayes.” Sam rose and stood beside Houston. “If Luke dies, we’ll hunt you down. I promise you that. Now ride!”
Without further argument, they hurried to their horses and set off at a gallop.
As the hoofbeats faded, Tally Shannon returned. “What can I do? Darcy and Holly Beth went for water and medical supplies.” She pushed back her hair with a tired hand. “I’d offer my home, but I think moving Luke will kill him for sure.”
Houston thrust out a large hand. “I’m Sam’s and Luke’s brother. I’ve never had the pleasure, ma’am. I overheard them talking once about you and the other ladies down in the canyon. Your secret is safe. I won’t do anything to bring harm.”
Josie watched deep emotion ripple across Tally’s face. Though the woman was dry-eyed, her lip trembled. Luke meant so much to her.
Tally glanced at Luke, lying so still. “If turning myself in would save that man, I’d do it in a heartbeat. Luke kept us safe and fed. We owe him our lives. He’s lik
e family and I love him like a brother.”
Sam put his arm around her and Tally clung to him. Josie watched how his gentle comfort slowly bolstered the stoic woman who’d weathered untold pain, heartache, and death. Minutes passed until Tally stepped away, her strength returned.
Josie envied Tally’s ability to bounce back and do what needed doing. Luke thought Josie was strong, but he didn’t know that inside she was a quaking mess.
She glanced at the bandana Sam had pressed to the wound. It was soaked with red. Luke’s life seemed to gush out—the blood mixed with hurt and loneliness. She dashed away sudden tears. Though Luke lay with his eyes closed, he wouldn’t see her cry. He’d see only the fiercely brave woman he thought she was.
Go on without him? How?
Darcy and Holly returned with blankets, water, and medical supplies. Josie washed the wound good and wrapped it with plenty of padding.
Frustration swept over her. When would they come back with the doctor?
Houston stood apart, staring toward the ranch.
As she fought impatience and fear, a strange thing happened. One by one, the women of Deliverance Canyon filed out and knelt to speak to Luke, telling how much they still needed him and thanking him for his care of them. Josie stepped aside, knowing they loved him just as much and had to be with him. Luke didn’t know just how much he’d touched their lives, as well as so many others’, in ways he never could’ve imagined.
He’d been so blind. Luke mattered. Dammit, he mattered to them all.
Sam retrieved the Colt from the dirt, unbuckled Luke’s gun belt, and slid the gun into the holster. After wrapping the belt around it, he handed it to Josie.
She clutched it to her. How many times had Luke fired this weapon to save someone’s life? He’d saved Josie when he didn’t have to. He could’ve ridden on to his meeting. But he’d stopped, and she would never forget the tenderness of his touch—even though he’d wanted to strangle her, both then and other times. Josie laid the gun belt and Colt next to him, just in case it helped him rest easier.
