by Sara Jolene
“I said, where ya headed!” he called again.
Sophia fought the sickness in her belly and clicked her heels gently against Marigold, prodding her to speed up. Swallowing her fear, she rode on, ignoring him as thoroughly as possible. All her focus turned to arriving at the livery.
Otto stood in the large door of his livery, his eyes trained on the figure in the distance, a silhouette that everyone in town was staring at—a woman riding into town on horseback. Otto watched for a different reason than the others. He watched to make sure no one bothered her and she got where she was going safely. The others were watching because they’d never seen such a sight. They’d rarely seen a female on a horse, and he couldn’t recall ever seeing one ride through town without an escort. She was at the end of the road. As he watched, her body stiffened slightly, and Marigold moved a little quicker.
“Archie’s down there.”
Otto spun to face the voice. He was becoming less surprised by the elder man’s sudden appearances. “Should I go to her?”
The man shook his head. “No. Let her come on her own. You have to treat her gently. I shouldn’t have to tell you this. You saw her yesterday.”
Otto turned his back to the man to continue watching Sophia as she moved down the half-destroyed street. “Who are you? How do you get in here?”
He didn’t bother turning around. Just kept his eyes on the woman coming closer every second.
“I’m not going to bother answering your second question. You already know the answer. The first, I will. I am Tecu.”
Otto had recognized the tribal clothing the man was wearing. He didn’t recognize the man’s name though. “Why are you here?” Otto turned briefly to ask the question.
“I was sent to save you from yourself.”
Tecu looked Otto straight in the eyes, and when he spoke, Otto couldn’t dispute the truth to the man’s words. He’d never known someone to be so sincere in his life.
Otto wanted to respond, to defend himself in some way. He didn’t need saving. He’d been doing fine all on his own. But he didn’t have a chance to voice any of it. He blinked and Tecu was gone once again. He turned back to see Sophia approaching. She’d made it past The Nugget and the mercantile. She’d be there in a moment, if the livery was her destination. He hoped it was.
Sophia focused so hard on the livery that the rest of the town seemed to blur in her peripheral vision. All she could think of was getting there. Seeing the man who’d had her captured shook her to her core. She didn’t feel as free as she had before—she hated Archibald for that even more than she did for putting her in that cellar.
Otto was waiting outside for her when she steered Marigold up to the hitching post behind the livery.
“You made quite a stir today. It seemed every man in town came out of doors to watch your ride through town.”
Sophia dismounted, and once settled on her feet, looked at Otto with what she hoped was a neutral expression. “Well, maybe more ladies should ride in a saddle rather than a buggy, then.”
She removed the gloves from her hands and placed them in the bag she’d brought to carry her goods back to the cabin.
“Did you enjoy yourself?”
Otto stepped right up to her. Too close.
“I did. Thank you.” They looked at each other for a long while before she spoke again. “Would it be okay for me to leave Marigold here with you while I go to the mercantile?”
Otto nodded and tipped his hat. “I believe it would be best if you did.”
Sophia wasn’t sure she liked the implication of Otto’s words, but she appreciated him allowing her to leave the horse there. She knew Marigold would be safe. She wasn’t as sure of her own safety now that she knew Archibald was in Creede, but she wasn’t about to admit that.
“Thank you, Mr. Clay.” She went to turn away from him, but he gently took hold of her arm. She was surprised, and it knocked the wind from her lungs. Her first instinct was to jerk her arm away from his light grasp. But instead, she turned into it and found his eyes. They were looking at her softly, and his hand was loose on her arm. She told herself to breathe.
“Please, call me Otto.”
She held his gaze longer than necessary. She was finding that she might like his hand on her arm. She knew she shouldn’t, though, so before she nodded she pulled away slowly. “Mr. Otto.”
“I didn’t know old Mrs. Sanderson had any horses up there at the cabin.” Mortimer was more inquisitive than usual as Sophia bought two cookies and a few other things. She needed some new fabric to attempt her sewing. She had decided that since the quilting had gone the least horrific and she’d at least made some progress at it, she’d better practice that one thing. Maybe if she practiced and worked on one chore at a time, she’d master them all eventually.
Sophia set the things she wanted to purchase on the counter in front of the man. “She has two. The mare you saw me with today and another black-coated mare called Midnight.”
Mortimer wrote her up a receipt. “You gonna buy a buggy? Bring Mrs. Sanderson into Creede?”
Sophia couldn’t help but laugh. She’d never get the woman out of that cabin no matter how hard she tried. “Unfortunately, no. I am, however, looking for employment. You wouldn’t have seen any adverts or know of any positions?”
Mortimer shook his head. “Sorry, miss. I’ll keep watch, though.”
Sophia thanked him for his kindness, as well as the items she’d purchased, before heading out into the sun—and running right into Archibald.
“Well, hello again.”
Sophia froze.
“I said hello.”
Sophia swallowed. She wished he would step back. She couldn’t. Her body was completely frozen, but her arm was touching his chest and she didn’t like it. “Afternoon, sir.”
He stayed where he was. He used the hand that was closest to her to take hold of the bag in her hand. “Did you bring me one of those delicious cookies? I can’t get enough of sweet things.” His hot breath grazed her face as he spoke.
She nodded. “There are two cookies in the bag. Take them.”
Archie lifted the bag so it was level with their eyes. His were dark and cloudy, making Sophia think he’d been drinking. “What kind of man would I be if I didn’t share? You were sweet enough to purchase me a cookie … sharing it is the least I could do.” He lowered the bag and placed his hand on her waist. “Come with me. I know the best place. We can sit and talk about your trip from Denver—and why you didn’t go on to Durango.” He winked at her and slid his arm tighter around her waist. “We’re going to rebuild The Nugget, you know. Maybe you could work there instead of minding Mrs. Sanderson. Your uncle … it was your uncle you worked for before, right?” He tightened his grip even more, tugging her away from the door. “I’m not sure he’d make the best reference if you wanted to be a nanny or something. Folks around here can handle a lot, but they don’t take kindly to …” He paused and made her spin to face him. He stared her in the eye, “…ladies of the night caring for their children. You and I both know your skill set is limited.”
He turned her body so they were heading in the same direction. He didn’t let go of her waist. His hands felt as if they were burning through her dress, leaving greasy handprints on her skin that she’d never be able to scrub off.
Her whole body went cold as they turned the corner and were suddenly completely out of view of the main street through town. It was too private back there. For the first time since she’d been let out of that cellar, she felt truly trapped and terrified.
“Come on. It’s just this way. We can discuss your employment options and share a cookie.”
Otto went back to work, but not completely. His mind wasn’t on the buggy he was creating a new bench for. He had one eye on the mercantile, waiting for Sophia to come out.
“You should go to her.”
Tecu had once again appeared suddenly. He handed Otto the hammer he’d been looking for. Otto nearly jumped. May
be he wasn’t as used to Tecu showing up randomly as he’d thought he was.
“What do you mean, go to her?”
“Your lady friend. I know you’re not this dim-witted. You know why I’m here, and I’m telling you to go to her. Now. Before it’s too late.”
Otto didn’t give himself the luxury of examining all the things Tecu had just dumped on him. He only registered the last part and was on his feet, sprinting toward the mercantile.
Chapter Five
Otto hadn’t seen Sophia come out of the mercantile, but Tecu hadn’t been wrong yet, so he ran as fast as his legs would take him. He burst through the door and swept the small space with his eyes while frantically rushing Mortimer.
“Sophia?” he managed to get out while trying to get air in.
“Just left.”
Otto was kicking himself. He shouldn’t have let her leave on her own. He should have insisted on going with her. He turned and bolted out the door before stopping dead on the hard-packed dirt road right out front. He had no idea where she’d gone, in which direction to go.
Tecu appeared. “Too slow.” He pointed to the side of the building. Otto was immediately in motion. He was wrong this time. Had to be. He’d get to her, save her from whatever it was that was trying to harm her. Tecu couldn’t always be right. So what if he had been so far?
Otto slid to a stop, dust kicking up in front of him, when he heard her voice.
“Things are different now. I’m not that girl anymore.”
“But that’s where you’re wrong. You are that girl. You can’t undo that kind of thing. Once you’ve been soiled, you’re soiled. You’ll never be pure again. Accept that, and everything will be just fine. We’ll hire you on. I realize The Nugget burning down was unfortunate, but we’re up and running elsewhere, we can …”
Otto didn’t need to hear any more. His blood grew hotter with every word. He was ready to combust. He followed the voices as rage boiled through his veins. He knew that voice, knew he didn’t want it anywhere in Sophia’s vicinity. She was far too sweet to have to know that men like Archibald Grady even existed.
Otto rounded the corner to find Sophia pushed against the back of the mercantile, her arms at her sides and her head turned so that her perfect cheek was being scratched against the side of the wood.
“Enough, Archie!” Otto called out as he watched the man get as close to Sophia’s face as possible without actually touching her. He had grabbed her wrist and was sliding her arm up the wall. Archie stopped at Otto’s command but didn’t release Sophia’s arm.
He laughed. “Trying to play the hero, are we? Think you’re saving the lady from the evil man?” He ran his nose along Sophia’s jawline. Otto lunged forward, but Archie must have squeezed Sophia’s wrist because she cried out in pain.
“I wouldn’t if I were you. How about you just go back to your horses and leave the girl and I to our business? We’re just talking. Right, sweetheart?”
Otto saw that tears were welling in Sophia’s eyes. They were bright and watery as she attempted to look at him. She couldn’t move because Archie held her so tightly. She attempted a smile as she slowly shook her head.
“Let. Her. Go.” Otto completely ignored Sophia’s silent plea. Bending slightly, he ran full force at Archibald’s back, aiming for the middle. When Otto’s head hit Archie’s back, he heard the wind leave the man’s lungs. He immediately released Sophia, gasping for air and stumbling around. Otto left Archie to try to regain his breath. He grabbed Sophia by the arm and towed her out in front of the mercantile.
“Are you alright? Did he harm you?” he asked her frantically as he let her go and looked her over.
Sophia shook her head.
Sophia couldn’t stop the rise in panic that was causing her heart to race. Archie wasn’t still imprisoned, as she’d previously thought. He was walking around town and could get to her at any moment. She knew what he’d been asking and even what it implied. All the secrets and the work she’d been doing, were all for naught. Archibald Grady was the one who’d kidnapped her, and he knew what she was. He would tell them all. He would tell Otto. She felt like her heart was constricting.
She shook her head frantically as she tried to slow her heart. “You shouldn’t have.”
Otto stepped toward her. She stepped back. “Sophia.”
She kept shaking her head. “It’s worse now. Everyone will know. It’s worse now.”
She was not succeeding in calming herself. Bile rose up her throat and burned as it sat, threatening to make her sick.
“Back to the livery.” Otto took her arm and guided her back down the road.
People were outside and glanced at them as they walked by. Beatrice was standing out front of the mercantile with her husband Arthur, their adorable baby on her hip. She started to come toward them. Sophia swallowed everything she’d been fighting letting loose and found her words.
“Afternoon, Beatrice.” She nodded to her husband. “Arthur. I’ll stop by this afternoon on my way out of town, if you’re agreeable.” She looked pointedly at Beatrice, who stopped moving toward them and nodded in understanding.
Sophia allowed herself to be towed along by Otto. As much as she didn’t want to go back to the livery, to have to explain herself to him, she couldn’t think of a place she’d rather go or a person she’d rather be with. She knew she’d be safe with him. Besides, once he knew the truth, he wouldn’t want to spend time with her anymore. She needed to enjoy every moment.
They passed the horses and the buggies before heading in a smaller side door. Sophia quickly realized, as Otto pointed to a chair and commanded her to sit, that they were in his home. His kitchen actually.
Sophia took the moment that Otto spent searching for a cloth and then dampening it to look around. She noted that, though small and obvious that no female had added her touches, the place was well cared for. She thought about how a single man could live. She’d heard stories of layers and layers of dust, unwashed clothing, and after all she’d seen at the saloon, she knew men weren’t always well kept. She found herself surprised by the pride that began to well up in her. She had no business being proud of a man she barely knew.
She then remembered why she was there. She shouldn’t be with Otto. Soon the entire town would know who she was, and when they did, they’d take it out on him. He’d lose business and who knew what else. She couldn’t allow that. She needed to go. She started to get up, but he stopped her by handing her the cloth he’d been rummaging for and working on.
“Hold that to your cheek. It should help.”
Sophia looked up at the kind man before her and did as he asked. Her cheek felt fine until she put the fabric against it. She must have scraped it on the wood trying to avoid letting Archie’s lips touch her skin. He’d been so close to her she’d felt the moisture from his hot breath dampening her skin. She shivered at the thought of him seeping into her pores.
Otto sat across from her. He didn’t look at her. She supposed that was justified. He might not know everything, but he’d seen enough. He knew what Archie had wanted, what he seemed willing to take.
“You shouldn’t be out riding or walking on your own anymore.” He rolled his eyes as he lifted his head. “Never should have been, but I figured you wouldn’t have taken my word for it. Now there’s proof, so I’d like you to heed the warnings and stop traveling alone.”
Sophia smiled. The care and concern that were obvious in his voice warmed her. She deserved neither. She shook her head. “I am sorry, but I can’t do that, Mr. Clay.”
“Otto.”
“I thank you for coming to my aid, but I can’t, I won’t live in fear. I have to take care of myself and Mrs. Sanderson, which means coming to town.”
“Otto.”
“Mr. Clay, I realize that Archibald Grady is a snake of a man, but …”
“Otto. I’ve asked you to call me Otto.” He got up from his chair and came to stand in front of her. “Otto.” He stared at her.
> Her heart had been slowing but she made the mistake of letting her eyes connect with his. They were deep and dark. Dangerous. She got lost. “Otto,” she breathed.
He held her gaze for what felt like forever. “That was easy, wasn’t it?” he finally said as he blinked, releasing her.
Sophia nodded and gathered her courage. She had to warn him, fend him off. It was for his own good. She was mesmerized by him and knew that he was the type of man she’d be in danger of caring about. She couldn’t allow that.
“Otto. You don’t know the whole story. Please, can we put this behind us? You sell me a buggy and go on with your life. I’ll pay for the buggy and go on with mine.”
Otto still stood in front of her chair. He moved his arm close to the hand that held the cloth to her scratched face. He looked at her, questions written all over his face. She nodded, knowing that she shouldn’t but having no control over herself. She was about to crush whatever she was starting to feel—she wanted to have a moment with it one last time.
Otto put his hand over hers and gently moved it to adjust the cloth.
Sophia leaned into his hand, heard his breath catch. “Otto. I have to go. This isn’t fair to you. You’re a wonderful man, but I’m not who you think I am.” She pushed his hand away and tried to stand.
Otto allowed her to push his hand from hers, but didn’t step back and she fell back into the chair.
“I know plenty. Now sit.”
Sophia left her hands in her lap. She didn’t care about her face. She had to make him understand, even if the only way to do that was to tell him the truth. He would never speak to her again … but that was her problem, not his. She couldn’t live with herself if he got mixed up with her.
“Otto …” He finally sat and waited for her to go on. “Otto, I’m not who you think I am. The fact that Archie felt comfortable enough to approach me the way he did, talk to me the way he did, isn’t just because he’s a weasel.”
