The scarred one neared and looked down at the unconscious young man. "Do what you can, Doc. We'll be nearby. I'll return in a couple days to check on him.” There was concern in the man's face when, once again, he studied the younger man. "Don't let him die."
It was clear then who the father was.
"Is it them?" Lucas stood with Brogan looking from the front of the jailhouse.
"Not sure," Brogan replied, his brow furrowed. "If so, one of them is injured."
They'd seen two riders come past earlier with an injured man. Had not caught but a glimpse of one of the faces. Brogan hadn't seen enough to recognize them. Now they were at the clinic and he had an uneasy feeling. Although the doctor would ensure his daughter's safety in case the men tried something, it could prove futile. If these were the same outlaws he'd tracked, Bill Burns’ group, they were ruthless.
"I don't want to go over and make things worse, but if that's Bill Burns, we can't let him get away," Brogan said as he fastened his gun belt on and waited for Lucas to do the same. "Where's Sheriff Douglas?"
"Went home right before you got back from eating at the hotel. Not feeling well. Looked rather pale." Lucas puffed out his cheeks. "Of course, this is probably a good time to point out if it is the outlaws and they recognize us, it could be very dangerous for the doctor and Sarah."
"I'll go around to the back and try to get in without them seeing me." Brogan was already walking away, heading around to the back of the Sutherlands’ house so he could make his way without being seen from the front of the clinic. Lucas stepped back out of the doorway so he couldn't be spotted either.
Brogan made his way to the back of the doctor's house and went to the door. Instead of knocking to not make any noise, he tried the doorknob and found the door unlocked.
Except for the tick-tock of a clock, it was quiet inside the room as he closed the door behind him. Just as he reached the door to the back of the clinic, it opened and Sarah stepped through.
Her eyes rounded and she gasped. "Brogan, what are you doing here?" she whispered.
It did not escape his notice that in her startled state, she'd called him by his first name. Instead, he pulled her away from the now closed door. "The men, are they still here?" he whispered.
"No, they left the injured man behind, said they'll return for him."
He let out a relieved sigh. "They're outlaws. I suspect the same ones we were tracking near here."
Once again her eyes were big. "The ones who shot you?"
He nodded. "Yes."
"Oh, my goodness. They are coming back," she repeated. "I don't know when, they didn't say. Father and I suspected they were the type wanted by the law, because they kept insisting on taking the near-dead young man with them. Father convinced them he could not be moved."
"Who is he?" He motioned to the door.
"A young man, early twenties I'd say. Seems one of the men was his father, or relative at least."
He would be surprised if the men would return. Somehow he doubted it, but didn't tell Sarah what he suspected. "I came to ensure you and your father are unharmed."
It was then he realized he'd not released her arm. His hand was wrapped around her upper arm.
Sarah seemed to notice it as well, but she made no move to back away. Instead she studied his face. "Most people find you intimidating. You have a reputation for being a ruthless man."
He'd earned every bit of the reputation for being cruel. Yet he did not feel burdened, nor any regret over anything he'd ever done. "Are you scared of me Sarah?"
"It would be the smart reaction. However, no, I am not. If anything, I feel a draw to you." Her brows furrowed. "I think about you often. I shouldn't," she finished in a soft whisper.
Instead of a reply, he cupped her face and tilted it up. "You shouldn't, Sarah. I am not a good man."
Her eyes searched his face. "Tell me."
Whatever she wanted him to say was lost to him. The pull between them was too strong and he was too weak to resist. When his mouth covered hers, his every thought left. The only thing real for Brogan at the moment was how much he'd wanted this. She responded by falling against him, her arms encircling his neck, giving him free access to wrap his own around her slim body. The kiss was like nothing he'd ever experienced. It was heated, yet innocent, fulfilling, yet not enough.
Sarah moaned and opened her mouth inviting Brogan to take more of her, to delve into a place from where he may never return.
Under his palms, the dip of her waist and flair of her hips shot heat through his entire body. His shaft was immediately swollen and hard. Before losing control, he grasped her shoulders and pushed her back. Both dazed, their eyes locked and lips parted, gasping for breath.
"I--I am not sure what happened," Sarah flattened a hand over her chest with a shocked expression, yet she still managed to look beautifully enticing.
The proper response at the moment would be to apologize, however, Brogan was not in the least remorseful for what happened between them. "We kissed," he replied not looking away.
Her lips trembled as she attempted to hide a smile. "I know that."
"Sarah?" her father called from the other side of the door making them step apart.
"I should go around to the front," Brogan said before she could reply to her father's request. "I will speak to your father in a few moments."
Sarah smiled and nodded.
Just as she stepped to the door, he pulled her back and kissed her soundly once again.
When Sarah walked into the clinic, her father gave her a quaint look. "You seem to be in a daze. Do you feel well?"
"I'm perfectly fine, Father."
Chapter Seven
"The young man died. You think they'll return?" Lucas walked up to the clinic's front door beside Brogan.
"Don't think they ever planned to." Brogan let out a breath. As much as he wanted to see Sarah, he didn't want to see her in front of either Lucas or her father. Although the older man could miss any overlong looks, his friend knew him too well. "I should probably go back to the jailhouse. Not sure why both of us need to be here."
The droll look Lucas gave him made Brogan pause. "What?"
"You don't want to see her.” It wasn't a question, instead a flat statement. "Something wrong between you two?"
He ignored Lucas and knocked on the door, a bit too hard. The doctor opened it and invited them inside.
The delight in finally being kissed by Brogan and floating on air changed to confusion when he didn't come to call and seemed to avoid her for the next three days. She brushed then arranged her hair in the mirror and turned side to side to inspect her upswept tresses.
Perhaps she'd taken his kisses to mean more than it should have been. A kiss was not a contract made between a man and a woman, but instead a gesture, the culmination of an attraction between two people. What she needed to do was let it pass, not read more into it than warranted.
When thinking how she'd admitted to thinking of him constantly, she became mortified. At no time had he reciprocated, not admitted to any feelings for her.
Brogan Hage was a man of the world. He'd experienced so much more than she. Traveled across the ocean to come to the western United States. She wasn't sure how old he was, but no doubt much older than her own twenty-one. It made absolutely no sense that he would at all be interested in a naïve small town woman who'd barely experienced life.
She heard the voices coming from the clinic and her stomach dipped when she recognized Brogan's accented, deep voice. Once again she studied her appearance. Thankfully, she had plans to attend tea with several women, so she'd not be forced to remain in the room with the man she was growing to care too much for.
Brogan did not feel the same for her and it was best not to make more of a fool of herself. With her reticule in hand, she made her way to see her father.
"Good afternoon, gentlemen," Sarah said, proud of her even voice. The three men stopped talking and turned to watch her walk into the room.
"Miss Sutherland, you look very nice," Lucas said with a wicked grin.
"Enjoy yourself, dear," her father said and kissed her cheek.
It was Brogan's turn to say something. His brow furrowed when his darkened eyes met hers. "Miss Sutherland. Good afternoon."
With a smile and nod, she left the room. Her heart hammered in her chest and eyes watered at Brogan not complimenting or offering to escort her.
The house where the tea was being hosted was within walking distance away from the outskirts of town. Although her father had offered to get the wagon and horse ready, she figured the walk would do her good and besides, if it was late after the tea, she'd ask one of the other ladies to bring her back in one of theirs.
Lost in thought, it wasn't until the horsemen were almost upon her when she took notice. It was the two men who'd brought the sick young man to her father.
What would she say? If she told them the truth, it was possible they'd retaliate by harming her. On the other hand, if she told them to return to the clinic and speak to her father, she would be putting him in danger. Of course if Brogan and Lucas were still there, it would be the best recourse.
"May I speak to you in private, Sheriff Hage?" Doctor Sutherland asked just as they exited the clinic to the porch.
Lucas gave them a salute and sauntered toward the jailhouse, whistling.
The doctor's solemn eyes met his. "How are you recovering?"
He knew exactly what the doctor spoke of. Although sensation had returned, the pains continued. Brogan had to admit the truth. "The pain continues. It's constant. Will it go away?"
"I don't know. It's still too soon to say. Doesn't help that you don't get all the rest you need. Nor does it do any good for you to ride a horse. I saw you the other day."
Properly chastised, he bowed his head and considered what to say. "I can't remain indoors, nor do I wish to drive a wagon. I feel best when atop a horse."
"Even now?" The wise man's gaze was accompanied by raised eyebrows.
"No," he admitted truthfully. "You said I might never live pain free again. I am accepting it and attempting to make the best of my situation."
"There is something else," the doctor continued. "My daughter."
At the words, he couldn't help stiffening. "What about her?"
"I'm traveling to Boise in two weeks. Have to attend a medical convention. New medical breakthroughs in the care for influenza will be discussed. Can I ask that you and McKade keep a vigil? She insists I go, but I am worried with those outlaws out there. They could very well return."
He swallowed, not liking the idea of watching over her, of the constant temptation. Although Lucas would be a good one to guard Sarah, he'd be damned if the man would have any opportunity to be alone with her. "Yes, of course."
"I get the feeling you are uneasy and not at all comfortable around women. If I didn't know better, I'd say you are somewhat fearful."
Brogan had to admit the man was right. He'd lain with many women and each time it had been a one-time occurrence. Not only did he not feel comfortable when around the fairer sex, but also with Sarah he felt something new. Unworthy.
"You are correct. I am a man who has killed many. Although not unwarranted, I took lives without regret. More at home chasing outlaws than settling down. Although I am thankful to be the town's sheriff, it has been an adjustment for me." He let out a breath. "Women don't want anything like that."
The doctor nodded and shrugged. "The right one will change your mind, young man. Just you wait."
"Perhaps," he replied placing his hat on. "Where did Sarah go today?" He wasn't sure why he asked other than a distinct feeling something was wrong.
"To the Langstons for tea. They own the farm alongside the creek, about a mile from town."
"Should she have walked alone?"
The doctor was thoughtful. "It's her routine to do so. If she requires a ride back, one of the women brings her in their wagon."
As he made his way down the main street in the center of town, Brogan stopped and looked between the buildings toward where the doctor had indicated.
With miners and other rough characters about town, he didn't understand why anyone would leave a woman unescorted, even worse after outlaws had come to town. If going by Sarah and the doctor's attitude, the people of Silver City were much too trusting. Brogan had learned years ago, he'd rarely been wrong to mistrust as he did. It had saved his life more times than he could count. That was the reason that when he mounted, he headed out of town instead of going back to the jailhouse.
She sat upon a fallen tree, her hair disheveled and bonnet in her hands. Sarah didn't look up right away as he approached; instead she kept her face down. Brogan dismounted and neared only to stop when he realized she was crying.
He rushed to her and lifted her tear-streaked face. "What happened?"
"I had to tell him his son was dead. The man is heartbroken," she said, then pulled her face away and covered it with her hands. "As much as he doesn't deserve pity, I can't help but feel sad for anyone losing a child." Her hands muffled her words. "Please leave me be."
"Do you realize they could have harmed you? Those men are heartless, could have retaliated by killing you."
"I know, but I couldn't put my father in danger by sending them to the clinic."
It was useless to argue with her at the moment, she was much too upset. "Come on, I'll take you home."
When he touched her arm, she stiffened and moved out of his reach. "It's not necessary Sheriff Hage."
"I insist."
For a long moment, she didn't reply. She kept her face averted, not looking at him. When she finally met his gaze, he wanted to kiss away the hurt in her expression. "It’s best if I walk back alone. They won't return and certainly won't harm me, if they didn't already."
It was true, yet he refused to not remain with her, so he walked alongside pulling his mount behind. "I need to explain why I did not return to speak to you after..."
Sarah lifted her hand, the palm to him. "No need to explain. I am not the type of woman that would ever interest a man like you."
What was she saying? Had the most intriguing and beguiling woman he'd ever met just admitted to not feeling worthy of him? "That is not the reason. Quite the opposite."
She slid a look in his direction, but only sniffed and continued walking. "If you say so."
They continued for a few minutes in silence, finally Brogan pulled her to stop. "Let me explain."
"No." She tried to snatch her arm away, but he held it fast.
The thundering sound of pounding hooves got their attention. Four riders headed directly toward them. Instinctively Brogan took Sarah by the waist and lifted her to thehorse’s back before mounting and holding her against him. He spurred the horse to gallop toward town. Whoever the riders were meant harm by the bullets whizzing past his ear.
Chapter Eight
"Why are they shooting at us?" Sarah screamed clinging to his arms.
Brogan did not reply but instead he urged the horse to go faster. Thankfully they had a good head start. He'd managed to mount with her and gallop away before the men who now pursued them got too close. Once they got to town, he guided the horse in between the jailhouse and the bank building. Then he lowered her down and dismounted.
As he pulled her along toward the front of the buildings, he limped noticeably.
"Hurry." Brogan grabbed her arm and practically shoved her into the jailhouse before closing the door behind them. "Go to the back rooms and close the door behind you."
"I won't leave you here alone.” She eyed the rifle hanging on the wall behind the desk. "I can shoot just as well as anyone."
"No." He glared at her and swung around just as gunshots rang out and Lucas rushed into the room asking, "Who are they?"
"I don't know," Brogan replied. "Started shooting at me before I could introduce myself."
Lucas gave him a flat look and Sarah wanted to tell them it was a serious situation. Instead, she
took the rifle from the wall and stood back.
Brogan glowered in her direction, but then went to the window and peered out. "They're still on horseback. Lined up out front."
"Long hair gave you away. Must recognize you from somewhere," Lucas looked out another window. "Four of them."
"Any of them have flowers for me?" Brogan asked.
"Not unless you count the ones they hope to put on your grave."
Sarah let out an exasperated breath. "Instead of joking about the situation, shouldn't you speak to them? Perhaps it's a misunderstanding." She stopped talking and leaned against the wall when both men gave her incredulous looks.
"They are not the kind of men that would welcome a conversation," Lucas said.
Brogan flattened against the wall when a bullet rang out. "Go ahead Lucas, ask them if they'd like a cup of coffee."
Another gunshot sounded and a bullet flew through the window directly into the wall next to where Sarah sat. "This is ridiculous. Why are they shooting?" Sarah screamed and covered her ears when Lucas and Brogan shot back.
When the four men began shooting without stopping, Sarah slid against the wall until reaching the nearest window. She pointed the rifle through a hole in the glass and pulled the trigger.
A man fell off his horse and landed in a heap on the ground. The others hesitated, which gave her an opening to shoot another.
Needing to reload, she pulled back only to notice both Brogan and Lucas watching her with shocked expressions.
"You are aware we're the law here, aren’t you?" Lucas asked frowning.
She gave him a droll look. "They are trying to kill us and neither of you are shooting well enough to kill them."
"Because you wanted us to talk, have a discussion," Brogan explained just as another few shots sounded.
"Oh," Sara said and bit her bottom lip. "I don't think they'll want to talk now."
The men turned to the windows and after shooting twice, opened the door and stepped outside. Lucas first, followed by Brogan who gave her a warning look not to move. Through the window she caught sight of one man holding his hands up in surrender, one writhing on the ground holding his lower leg and two men dead on the ground.
Beneath a Silver Sky Page 4
