“Looks like you got yourself a fine stud horse as a result of that little shoot-out a few days ago,” one of the men on horseback called to her. He waved his hand in the direction of the corral by the barn where Cloud continued to nicker and prance along the fence line.
The rider leaned forward in the saddle, and casually rested his elbow on his saddle horn. He spit tobacco juice on the ground, and leered at Laura.
“What’s it to you?” Laura called in a loud voice. She stood tall, giving no indication that these men intimidated her.
“Seems only right that you ought to hand him over to us. We lost a man the other day. Too bad your friend was too slow on the draw in the end.”
“You’re not going near that horse,” Laura called back. “If you had wanted him, you should have taken him with you the other day, rather than high-tailing away from here like the cowards you are.”
The man sneered, and sat up straighter. “You got quite a mouth on you. We’re getting fed up with your prissy attitude.”
“And I’m getting fed up with you riding onto my property and harassing me all the time.”
The four men laughed.
“Lady, we ain’t givin’ you half the harassing as what you get in town. Sooner or later, you’re gonna crumble.” The man who looked to be in charge of this group, leered, and turned his head to snigger at his companions for confirmation. The three others nodded dutifully.
“You ain’t fit to be walkin’ among decent folk. Hell, even little kids run in fear when they see you.” He laughed, and rubbed at his chin. Slowly, he pulled his leg out of the right stirrup and over the back of his saddle. “’Course, it don’t matter to some men. It’s not like we’d have to look at ya if ya let us get under your skirts.” Slowly, he stepped toward her, his spurs jingling with each step.
Cade pulled away from the window. He eyed his saddlebags that Jonah had dropped on the ground.
“Where’s my hat?” he asked in a whisper.
Jonah scrunched his forehead. “I think I seen it in your room.”
“Run and fetch it.”
The little boy dashed for the bedroom.
Cade grimaced and reached for his saddlebags, taking care to stay out of sight of anyone who might glance into the window. The lace curtains offered some cover, but anyone looking in from outside could see movement in the house. He opened one of the bags, and rummaged through a few shirts, and some dried venison wrapped in cloth before his fingers made contact with the cold steel of his Colt Peacemaker. Luckily, he always kept this gun in his saddlebags as a spare. He cocked the hammer halfway, and checked the barrel for bullets. Satisfied, he straightened just as Jonah returned with his hat.
“I want you to go back to the bedroom and stay there until I come for you.” Cade shot Jonah a stern look.
Jonah’s wide eyes filled with fear. “Are those the men who shot you?”
“Probably,” Cade confirmed. “Do as I say, so I can help Miss Laura get rid of them.”
“What if they shoot you again?” Panic made the boy’s voice shrill. Cade held a finger up to his lips in a warning gesture.
“I won’t get shot. Now do as I say.” Cade forced a smile. “Go.”
Jonah hesitated for a moment, then nodded reluctantly, and headed for the rooms at the back of the house.
Cade pulled his hat down low over his forehead, inhaled a deep breath, and opened the front door.
“Let go of me,” Laura insisted. The man who’d gotten off his horse had a hand wrapped around her arm. She tugged away, her basket falling to the ground, and eggs splattering in the dirt.
“Take that cover off your head, so we can see what you look like,” the man sneered. He reached his hand up to grab at Laura’s shawl.
“I think the lady said to let her go,” Cade drawled in a low tone, but loud enough to be heard. He leaned against the doorframe, the pistol casually in his hand. He kept one eye on the man grabbing Laura, while concentrating for movement from the other three who still sat their horses.
The man’s eyes nearly popped from their sockets with surprise as his head shot up to stare toward the house. Laura pulled free from his grip and stumbled backward. The man sneered at Cade, and his hand moved to his hip. Cade raised the colt, took quick aim, and fired.
The man jumped back in surprise. He dropped the revolver he’d pulled from its holster, and gripped his hand.
“Just to be clear.” Cade pushed away from the door, and took a step outside. His eyes locked on the man in the yard. He cocked the hammer on his pistol again. “I didn’t miss. That was just a warning. Now I suggest you do as the lady asked, and get on your horse and ride away.”
Movement from one of the riders caught his eye, and Cade turned slightly. He fired, sending a hat flying off one of the men’s heads. Their horses pranced in panic.
“I ain’t gonna tell you again.” Cade gritted his teeth against the dizziness that overtook him. He wouldn’t be able to disguise his injury much longer. “I’m about done being charitable. My next shot is gonna put a bullet in one of you.”
“Who the hell are you?” the man who’d grabbed Laura asked. Slowly, he moved toward his horse.
“The one who’s gonna put you underground if you don’t get on that horse of yours and ride off,” Cade called. He pointed his pistol at him.
The man moved faster, and caught his excited horse by the reins. Mounting up, he shot a hate-filled look at Cade, then yanked at the reins and kicked his mount into a run. The other three followed.
Cade expelled a sigh of relief, then stumbled backward to lean against the house. He clutched at the bandage around his chest. Laura rushed up the porch, and grabbed his arm to steady him.
“You need to get inside,” she said, her hazel eyes filled with worry. Cade glanced down at her, and locked his own eyes on hers for a second. He grinned.
“It’s been a while since I’ve had this much attention from a pretty woman.”
Her eyes narrowed instantly, the shawl wrapped around her head doing little to conceal a spark of suspicion.
“Let’s get you inside before you pass out right here on the porch.”
Cade nodded, and, with the last of his strength, allowed her to lead him back into the house and to his bed.
Chapter Six
Cade stared up at the ceiling, gnashing his teeth. He cursed the bullet hole in his chest that had kept him bed-ridden for four days. After all the moving around, and firing his pistol at those men the day before, his chest hurt worse than ever. He’d leaned heavily on Laura as she’d helped him back to his bed like an invalid. The soft fragrance coming off her clothes and skin had left him even more light-headed.
“Thank you,” she’d told him simply once he’d sat on the mattress. Their eyes had met, a silent understanding passing between them. She’d clearly had her reasons for not wanting to say anything more about the incident. Cade hadn’t pressed. He had his own reasons for keeping silent on the matter. For now.
She’d offered a weak smile, and dropped her gaze, as if she’d suddenly become self-conscious. She’d left the room after extracting his word that he’d stay put for a while, promising to come back with some food after he’d rested. Jonah had looked in on him a few times during the day, and Cade had assured the worried kid that he would be all right.
He’d apparently slept the rest of the day and into the night, fitful dreams haunting his sleep. Images of his time in prison mingled with those of a dark-haired, smiling young woman, whose image had transformed into Laura’s face. A baby had cried in terror as gunshots filled the air.
Soaked in sweat, Cade had startled awake. He’d bolted upright in bed, then sank back onto the mattress, clutching at his chest. He’d lain there, running a hand over his face, trying to get the images out of his mind until he’d drifted back into a merciful, dreamless sleep.
With a groan, Cade pushed himself from the bed. He’d been cooped up too long. This room and bed had become his latest prison. Thankfully, he w
as still clothed. His lips twitched. Miss Laura Engelman wouldn’t have dared to undress him a second time. The very idea brought a rush of heat to his insides, which also aggravated his wound.
Shaking his head to get rid of those crazy thoughts, he reached for his boots and pulled them on. He strode to the window, and peered out.
“Looks like you slept half the day away, Cade,” he mumbled while glancing up at the sun poking out from between some thick, white clouds.
Turning, he headed for the door, and pulled it open. A female voice drifted down the hall, followed by a second one. Cade paused in mid-stride. Laura had company again, by the sounds of it.
“I left little Paul with my brother and his wife,” the strange female voice said. She sounded hesitant. “So I can’t stay long, but maybe you’ll be up to come for a visit soon.”
“I wish you would have brought him, Sally,” Laura’s soft voice held a hint of sadness. “I’m fine. Really.”
Cade moved down the hall toward the main room. By the sounds of the voices, the women were in the kitchen.
“I wasn’t sure,” the newcomer said. “I know you’re still grieving, Laura, even if you say you’re all healed.”
Laura’s laugh was barely audible.
“I’ve learned that some things just weren’t meant to be, and I have to move on. Some days are harder than others.”
“Yes, especially days like what you just described to me.” The woman named Sally raised her voice. “I can’t believe a gun fight broke out on your property. That little boy outside is lucky to be alive. You’re lucky to be alive. It’s time to talk to the sheriff, Laura. It’s not right that you’re hiding out here on this farm all by yourself because of those dreadful lies that man has been spreading about you in town. And now you’re being harassed on your own land.”
“He’ll learn soon enough that I don’t scare that easily. This is the only home I have, and I’m certainly not hiding.”
“When’s the last time you’ve been to town?” Sally challenged.
There was a pause before Laura answered. “I haven’t needed anything in town.”
“The last time you went was with Ethan and me, over a month ago just before Paul was born, wasn’t it? And I remember those nasty busy-bodies staring at you, and what their children called you. I’ve talked to Trace, and he’s trying all he can to get that man to stop pestering you. So far, he hasn’t done anything illegal. He lets his men do all the dirty work. I’m just sorry what he’s doing to you otherwise.”
Laura emitted a heavy sigh. “There’s nothing to be sorry for. At least I have you and Ethan as my friends. I can deal with a bunch of ignorant people talking behind my back and calling me names.”
Cade’s forehead wrinkled. The conversation he shouldn’t be privy to made no sense to him. Why was Laura ostracized by the townsfolk? She’d been nothing but caring and helpful to him, and most certainly to Jonah.
“Fine,” Sally said in a tone that clearly conveyed that things were far from fine. “Tell me some more about Jonah and the man who’s in your house.”
“I don’t know anything about him. I haven’t had much of a chance to talk to him.”
“You have a complete stranger in your home, and you didn’t bother asking him who he is or where he comes from?” Sally sounded shocked. “What if he’s one of them?”
“Why would they shoot and nearly kill one of their own men?” Laura laughed. “He chased them off yesterday when they came to call again.”
Sally scoffed. “Well, you’d better find out who he is, and what he wants.” Her voice dropped to an urgent whisper. “Laura, you live here alone.”
“He doesn’t strike me as the dangerous sort. Besides, he’s the one who got shot. He didn’t open fire first. He looks like a drifter, just passing through. Once his wound is healed, I’m sure he’ll be on his way.” There was a lengthy pause before she added, “I couldn’t simply let him die. Besides, the little boy . . .” Her voice trailed off.
“What’s a drifter doing with a child? Is the boy his?”
“I don’t know.” She sounded defeated.
“Laura, send this man on his way.”
“He’s in no condition to go anywhere at the moment.” Laura’s voice rose adamantly. “Sally, I’m the last person who’s going to judge someone based on how they look. He’s done nothing that would seem threatening.”
“Well, just in case, I’m going to send Ethan, or Trace, over to check on you.” Sally sounded unconvinced.
Cade scuffed his boot on the wood floor, loud enough to be heard, and headed for the kitchen. He’d done enough eavesdropping, and Sally’s mention of his long-time friend spurred him forward. Would Trace Hawley’s sister recognize him? He mentally shook his head. If she’d ever seen him, it would have been in passing, and his appearance now was vastly different than five years ago. He probably wouldn’t recognize her, either, if they passed each other in town.
Both women glanced up the moment he entered the kitchen. Sally Hawley, or whatever her last name was now, appraised him from top to bottom with a critical eye. Cade forced his mouth into a tight line to keep from grinning at her. Trace had always described his little sister as too perceptive for her own good. Sure seemed as if he’d been right.
“Good mornin’,” he said, glancing at Laura. Rather than the shawl she’d wrapped around her head the only other times he’d seen her, she wore a faded blue prairie bonnet, which covered her face just as much, if not more. The head covering completely obstructed her eyes. What the hell had happened to her that would make her hide her features?
“Good morning, Mr. Cade,” Laura said, and shot a satisfied look at her friend. “You look much better than you did yesterday.”
Cade smiled. “Reckon one more day off my feet helped. I feel much better. My apologies for interrupting.” He darted a hasty look at Sally, who stared at him with calculating eyes.
“I’ll get you breakfast,” Laura stammered, and scurried around Sally to the stove. “You must be famished. I didn’t want to wake you yesterday.”
“Thank you kindly, for all you’ve done for me and Jonah.”
She stopped in her tracks, turned, and their eyes met. Sally’s gaze volleyed between them.
“Jonah’s outside, playing with the barn kittens. I’ve been trying to keep him out of your room so you could rest. He’s been very worried about you.” She gave a short laugh. Cade nodded.
“If you’d allow me and Jonah to stay one more night, we’ll be on our way first thing in the morning.” Cade ran his fingers through his beard, and met Sally’s stare. “I’ll bunk down in the barn.”
Laura opened her mouth as if to protest, when Sally spoke first. She tilted her head, and her eyes narrowed on him even more.
“You look familiar. Have we met?”
Cade’s heart jumped in his chest. She’d recognized him. If she knew who he was, she’d also know that he’d been in jail.
“I don’t believe so, ma’am.” He shook his head.
“Where did you say you were from?”
Cade clenched his fist at his side. “Originally from down in Texas, but more recently I come from Vancouver, in Washington Territory.”
Sally’s brows shot up. “Sounds like you’ve been all over the place, Mr. Cade.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Cade smiled. He hadn’t completely lied. She’d asked where he was from, not where he currently or recently called home. He nearly laughed out loud. He didn’t have a home at present.
“Have a seat, Cade,” Laura said from behind her friend. She poured coffee into a mug and set it on the table. “I forgot I need to get some more eggs from the chicken coop. Would you come with me, Sally?”
“I need to get going,” Sally said, still scrutinizing him. “I’ve been away from baby Paul longer than I should be.” She reached for Laura’s hand.
The women left the kitchen. Cade headed for the main room after the front door closed. He peered out the window. Afte
r a quick embrace with Laura, Sally climbed into a buggy that was parked in front of the house. She waved to her friend, then turned to head back up the porch. Cade scurried back to the table and sat. He reached for the mug, and sipped at the strong coffee.
“I’m sorry about my friend,” Laura said before she even reached the kitchen. “She can be rather forward at times.”
“Sounds like she’s just looking out for you.” Cade set the mug down, and looked up into Laura’s soft, hazel eyes. He nearly opened his big mouth and told her to remove that silly bonnet, to stop hiding away her features.
Laura looked away first. She turned to head for the stove.
Cade followed her movements while she worked, cracking eggs into a frying pan, slicing bacon and forking it into a skillet. He didn’t comment that she’d said she needed to gather more eggs. A smile formed on his lips. She hadn’t seemed nervous the previous day or even the night he walked up on her in all but his bare essentials, but this morning, she acted downright flighty in his presence. Sally’s visit must have had something to do with that. Maybe her friend had given her more to think about in regards to keeping a stranger under her roof.
“Where’s your husband?” The words were out before Cade had time to think.
Her spine visibly stiffened. She hesitated, then turned from her work at the stove.
Looking squarely at him, she lifted her chin. “My husband is dead.”
Cade’s jaw muscles tightened. He had already guessed as much. “What happened to him?”
Laura lowered her head. She turned her attention back to the sizzling bacon in the skillet. Forking it onto a plate, she added some fried eggs and several slices of bread, and set the food in front of him. She refilled his coffee mug before taking a seat opposite him.
“Eat before it gets cold.” She waved a hand toward the food.
Cade’s mouth watered, but he focused his gaze on Laura rather than the food. Her cheeks had taken on a rosy hue, and her skin glistened with perspiration. Why did she insist on wearing that damn head covering? Something Sally had said about healed injuries, and the comments from the men earlier, left him suspecting she might be hiding something of that nature, but Laura didn’t strike him as a vain woman.
In His Touch: Blemished Brides Book 2 Page 4
