When he walked through the door, his eyes searched her face, or what was uncovered as she wore a bandana over her mouth and nose. She held one up to him. "Put this on, if he's contagious, it's better to be safe than sorry." Sarah motioned to the drawn curtain. "A miner is very ill. I can't handle him alone. If you can please get someone to help me undress him and get him comfortable, I'd appreciate it."
Instead of a reply, he moved past her to the room and studied the sick man who turned his head from side to side moaning. "What do we need to do first?"
"If you will take his clothes off, I will get some cold water. I need to wipe him down and attempt to bring his temperature down."
Several hours later, the exhausted couple went to the living room and lowered to a sofa. Sarah stretched her neck and looked to Brogan. "He'll be fine. Needs to rest."
His dark eyes met hers for a long moment. "You are good at caring for the sick."
The compliment warmed her. "I like doing it. To be honest, I would have rather spent the evening reading my book." She shrugged. "But..."
Brogan kissed her then. The unexpected motion startled her to opening her mouth. His tongue delved in past her parted lips sending currents of want immediately to every extremity.
It was impossible not to respond. As much as Sarah wanted to play coy, she wasn't the type to do so. She held his shoulders to keep him close and kissed him back.
When he pulled away, his darkened eyes searched hers. "I can't stop thinking about you, Sarah. What have you done to me?"
She laid her head onto his shoulder, smiling when he embraced her in return. "Why can't you allow yourself to care? It's all right, Brogan, I won't hurt you."
His chest expanded and lowered with a long breath. "I know."
Many replies came to mind, but she didn't want to allow her true emotions to surface. He had the upper hand in the situation. She already loved him and if Brogan Hage did not care more than just thinking about her, he could potentially devastate her. "I'm so tired. I'll sleep here on the sofa. Can you stay please? I don't want to be alone in case he wakes. You can sleep in my father's room."
"No, go on up to your room. I'll stay here with him. Go on, get some rest.” He stood and assisted Sarah to her feet.
She cupped his jaw, so many words caught in her throat yet all she could do was smile at him and turn away.
The sound of male voices woke Sarah and she jerked up. From the light through the windows, it was already well into morning. She looked to the clock as she grabbed a robe and wrapped it around herself.
Who was downstairs? Someone spoke to Brogan and from the sound of it, was not happy. At the top of the stairs, she recognized Martin's voice. "I'll remain with Miss Sutherland, Sheriff, you can return to your duties."
"My duty is to remain here as her father asked," came Brogan's deep reply.
"There is no need for you to sleep here. Certainly you can see I am perfectly capable of ensuring her safety."
"I gave her father my word. As you can see, Miss Sutherland is not down here. There is a sick man in the house, she couldn't be left alone with him, nor could another woman be summoned to do so."
Martin was quiet for a moment. "Just the same. Since I'm here, no need for both of us to remain."
"Tell Miss Sutherland I'll return later this afternoon."
"No need to return, Sheriff, as her intended, I am responsible for her well-being," Martin told Brogan, who she assumed left at the sound of the back door closing. She moved back from the stairs to stand at the bedroom door.
"Sarah?" Martin went to the bottom of the stairs and called up. "Are you dressed?"
"No, I am not. Please go and return later."
"The Sheriff says there's an injured man here. I don't feel comfortable leaving you here alone." She heard him move about as if to ascertain that, indeed, a man was there.
"Then you shouldn't have sent Sheriff Hage away. Please go. I'll be fine."
A moment later, he finally replied. "Very well. I will return in an hour or so."
"That's fine."
Although Martin meant well, Sarah would never return his feelings. It was not right to give him any hope, but she'd tried to give him enough hints the man should have realized she was not interested at all. Instead, he'd become more persistent of late. He'd told Brogan he was her “intended”, which was not true. She would have some words with him when he returned. All her carefully laid out plans with Brogan flew out the window now. If anything, she would be lucky if Brogan didn't think her a harlot for allowing him so many liberties while engaged to another.
With a huff, she washed her face and dressed in a hurry. Afterward, Sarah put her long blonde hair into a high French twist and headed down the stairs.
The ill man was awake and sitting up in the bed when she entered the room. "Hello, Mr. Owens. How do you feel?"
Owens looked around the room, his eyes wide. "What happened, why am I here?"
"You were feverish and incoherent. Several men brought you. They said you didn't have any kinfolk. Is it true?"
He looked down at the clean shirt he wore, one of her father's castoffs and loose fitting pants. "No. Can I speak to the doctor? Where are my belongings? Someone stole them."
If there was a time when she needed someone there, this was it. The man seemed to grow agitated. He stood and weaved unsteadily on his feet. When Sarah neared to assist, he grabbed her upper arm. "Who brought me? Did they take my things?"
Sarah cringed at the tight squeeze. "Let me go." She attempted to pull her arm away, but he held it, pressing harder.
"Let her go," Brogan stood in the doorway.
At his icy tone, the man released her. "I just want to know where my things are."
Brogan went to the side cabinet and lifted a sack. "All they brought you with were these filthy clothes and a small satchel. It's all here.” He shoved the bag at the man. "Take it and go."
The man gave Sarah an apologetic glance. "I'm sorry Ma'am. How much do I owe the doctor?"
"Pay what you think is fair," Brogan interrupted and moved to stand between the man and Sarah.
The man's hand shook when he placed coins onto Brogan's palm. "Is it true? Yer the Mad Scot?"
Brogan nodded once, his gaze never leaving the man's face. "Aye, it is."
All color drained from the man's face, he stumbled back and hurried out the door.
"Thank you," Sarah said walking to the bed and yanking the sheet off. "I don't know why some men have to be so aggressive. All he had to do was ask and allow me to respond."
Brogan went to the door and pulled it open. "I'll be outside until your fiancé returns.” He walked out.
"Ugh," Sarah said to the empty room and continued stripping the bed. Would he believe her if she denied it? It was best if she sent Martin away and ensured he understood she would never marry him. Even if she and Brogan didn't work out, she was not going to marry Martin Langston.
Things were a bit complicated at the moment, too many things happening as of late. Sarah wondered if she'd wake from it and find out it was all a dream.
Chapter Ten
Engaged. He walked to the jailhouse grateful to find it empty. He limped to a chair and sat down. Instead of waiting in front of the clinic, he'd watched from the front of the bank until Martin Langston returned. The man had not stayed long. Moments later, he stormed down the street to the stables and galloped towards where he lived.
Whatever occurred, Langston was not happy about it. If Sarah was engaged, she'd not acted as if so. As a matter of fact, other than the time he'd seen her walking with Langston, as far as he knew they hadn't spent time together. Of course, she was on her way to his home when accosted by Bill Burns.
He scowled at his empty cup, didn't remember drinking it down. Just then a young boy rushed in, a telegram in hand.
The breathless kid held up the paper. "Papa said to bring this to you right away."
He waited with wide eyes as Brogan reached for the paper and handed hi
m a coin. "Thank you." With a wide smile, the boy scampered off.
He dropped the paper to his desk just as Lucas walked in.
"What's the telegram say?"
"Cavalry heading this way. They're escorting a shipment of gold heading from California to Richmond. Along with that, a representative is coming with them to speak to the mayor about the silver mines. They want one of us to accompany him to the mines."
Lucas sat down and looked to Brogan. "What are we expected to do?"
"Not much I suppose. You know it means the silver mines will get more attention than ever, so more people moving here."
"More population and more trouble." Lucas nodded. "May need more deputies."
Brogan agreed. He’d been considering hiring three or four additional men. The sheriff had moved out of the house next to the jailhouse and in with his daughter and son-in-law. Either he or Lucas would take the house and the other would remain in the rooms behind the jail. He planned to allow Lucas to take the house. The man was itching to settle down and begin a new life.
He, on the other hand, wanted to leave now. The fact his back still ached and it was still uncomfortable to ride for long periods, kept him from doing so.
Admittedly, the allure of Sarah Sutherland had been a motivator to remain. If she was engaged to marry, then it was best he not go near her with expectations of anything physical between them.
He'd been prepared to tell her how he felt about her. That he wanted to court her with the expressed purpose of marriage. Before he could make a fool out of himself, Martin Langston had uttered the words that continued to echo in his mind.
Her intended. The man didn't deserve her.
Who was he fooling? If anyone didn't deserve Sarah Sutherland, it was he.
That evening he and the pup walked to Sarah's planning to walk around the home to ensure everything was locked tight and afterwards return to the jailhouse. The days were shorter now, so it was almost six in the evening and the sun had just set. Long shadows splayed across the house as he neared.
Brogan heard voices and realized Sarah had company. Through the front window he spied her sitting at the kitchen table with another woman. Olivia Blakely, the mercantile owner's wife, shook her head at whatever Sarah had said. "I'm sorry. Seems you've got yourself in a pickle. Now what do you plan to do next?"
Her chin resting on her palm, Sarah sat leaning forward with both elbows on the tabletop. "I don't know. Martin led Brogan to believe we're engaged. When I confronted Martin, he was so angry. He vowed to find out who I'm so interested in that I would refuse him. Truth is, I never planned to allow anything between us. I should have been clearer, just hated hurting his feelings."
Brogan moved away from the window, not wanting to eavesdrop anymore. Whatever happened, if it involved him, then Sarah would come and speak to him. He knocked on the door and waited for the door to open.
Upon opening the door, Sarah's eyes widened. "Oh. Sheriff Hage, please come in." She moved back so he could see the other woman seated there.
He didn't enter. Instead, he touched the brim of his hat. "I came by to remind you to lock the doors. If you need anything, let me know."
"Thank you, but it won't be necessary to bother you. We will be fine. Olivia is spending the night here.” Sarah smiled brightly and he wanted to return the gesture, instead he scowled.
"Very well. Goodnight ladies."
Sarah leaned against the door, her wide eyes meeting Olivia's. "Do you think he heard us?"
"No. I doubt it. He's not the type to eavesdrop. Besides, even if he did, you spoke of Martin and what transpired earlier. Nothing that would lead the handsome sheriff to know we're coming up with a plan for you to speak to him alone.” Olivia was right. Of course he'd not heard anything that would ruin her plans.
She sat at the table and looked to Olivia. "All right, you claim to have a good idea. Tell me what is it?"
The more her friend explained, the clearer it was, and the plan was perfect. By this same time the next evening, Brogan Hage would either tell her he cared, or she'd know for sure there was no chance and let him go.
"Sheriff Hage," Olivia Blakely started when she came to the jailhouse the next day. Her cheeks were flushed and eyes moist, as if she were about to cry. "I need your help."
Brogan looked to see if Lucas was within earshot, but the door between the office and the living area was closed. They were set to leave for the mines and he didn't have time for a setback. If Lucas didn't hurry, they'd be late to meet the government people who came to tour the area. Afterwards, he planned to remain near the stagecoach station to greet the cavalry and gold shipment.
"Mrs. Blakely, if you would please calm down and explain what has happened, I'd appreciate it."
The woman swallowed air and bobbed her head up and down. "Yes, well, it’s just that I am supposed to go out to the creek with Sarah. I went to her house but she's already left thinking I am coming. Now she's out there all by herself. I feel horrible, but Melly, my youngest, is sick, so I can't go. Can you go see about her?"
"I'm very busy Mrs. Blakely. Can't you send one of the older boys?"
"They are in school," the woman said with a sniff. "Oh no, what can I do?"
Lucas stood in the doorway, his arms crossed. "I can handle the mine and town tour. You go and see about Miss Sutherland."
It didn't make any sense. Why hadn't the women met up in town and rode out together? Besides, what was Sarah doing out there alone, knowing full well she was not to go gallivanting about unescorted? If something happened to her, he would not be able to face her father. The closer he got to the area Mrs. Blakely had indicated, the angrier he became. Women were odd creatures. He'd never understand how they thought.
He spotted her sitting in a grassy area. A blanket was spread on the ground on which she sat with a book in hand. There was a basket that he presumed held a nice meal and from all outward appearances, she'd ridden out alone. If she was aware of the rider approaching, she gave no indication.
Just as he reached her, she whirled to look at him and her eyes widened. It was hard to tell if she was unhappy about it or not. "Sheriff Hage, what are you doing here?"
"Mrs. Blakely came, she was worried you'd be out here alone as she cannot make it.” He dismounted and walked to her. Torn between anger and relief to find her unharmed, he decided to be angry.
"What are you doing out here alone? Do you not stop and think before doing stupid things? Why would you come out here without someone? Of all the dumb things." Brogan stopped talking at her outraged expression. The slap that came next made his ears ring.
"Go away and leave me be. I came to meet a friend. How was I to know she would not come? I am perfectly safe. Leave, Brogan, just go." Her voice cracked on the last words. She pointed toward town. "Go."
"Not until I help you pack up and return to town.” He fought the urge to smooth the smarting cheek. "I'll get the picnic basket."
She folded her arms across her chest and didn't move. Then without a word went to her wagon and climbed onto the bench. The horse that'd been grazing looked back, startled when she pulled on the reins. "Come on Biscuit, let's go."
Brogan remained behind, standing on the blanket as she left. Some of the anger evaporated to be replaced by guilt at yelling at her. She was right to slap him.
He picked up the blanket and her book fell to the ground. The pages fluttered open and a note floated out. When he picked it up, he saw his name. Upon it, in flowery handwriting, Sarah explained her feelings for him.
Dearest Brogan,
You will never see this, yet by writing it, I feel closer to you.
What I feel for you is so deep, it scares me. I relive the
day when you made me feel such wonderful sensations. My love for you
constantly fills me with warmth each time. I want you so much I cry.
For the first time in my life, I am in love and it's a wonderful,
beautiful feeling.
Yours,
<
br /> Sarah
She loved him.
He let out a breath and carefully returned the note to the book. Once he mounted, he decided to hell with the gold, the cavalry and the silver mine tours. He had to claim the richest prize. He would catch up with Sarah, explain he loved her, too, and finally have the woman of his dreams. Sarah Sutherland was to be his woman, unfortunately, at the moment, she was very angry with him.
God, the very idea of losing her terrified him.
Just as he reached his horse, gunshots sounded.
Chapter Eleven
Hot angry tears flowed down Sarah's face as she paced the length of the living room. He treated her like a child, acted as if she didn't have common sense. The idea of a romantic picnic had, instead, turned into a humiliating experience. Hard knocks sounded and she ignored them. Brogan could leave everything outside, she was not going to open the door and allow him to continue to berate her.
"Miss Sutherland, are you in there?” It was a boy, Olivia's oldest who knocked. She wiped hastily at her face and went to the door. When she opened the door, the boy glanced at her then away, obviously more interested in whatever happened in town than seeing her.
"Yes Thomas, I'm here. What is it?" she asked, not having patience for the boy at the moment. No doubt Olivia had sent him to find out if she'd returned from the picnic yet and to ask her to come to the mercantile so she could tell her what happened.
"Mama wanted me to make sure you were all right." He said looking at her again for only a brief moment.
"Yes, tell her I'm fine.” As the boy scampered off, Camille came to the door. Unfortunately, unlike the young boy, she noticed Sarah's distress. "It is an upsetting time. I fear the days of peace for Silver City are long over. I just heard what happened, but decided to come and have our tea anyway. I refuse to let all those criminals change my life."
Sarah blinked. "What? What happened? I'm confused as to what you're referring to."
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