Ignoring the guns pointed at them, Maggie’s anger peaked when the man yanked Jinny toward the back of the store. Grabbing a bucket off a shelf, she swung it at the leader, connecting with his head.
Shouting a string of curses, he released his hold on Jinny, then turned on Maggie, his gun aimed at her chest. “Make one more move and you’re dead.” He glanced over his shoulder at the other men. “Lock the door and keep the other women out here.” Waiting until he was certain his men did as ordered, he gripped Jinny’s arm in a punishing hold, causing her to shriek as he pushed her through the curtains separating the front from the storeroom in back. Shoving her forward, she stumbled, hitting her shoulder against a barrel and falling to the ground.
Sarah, Geneen, Emma, Maggie, and Mrs. Maloney huddled in a corner, glaring at the three men pointing guns at them. Flashes of her past assailed Maggie, her stomach knotting, chest tightening when she heard a groan from the back.
“What’s he doing to her?” Maggie’s composed features belied the rage burning within her.
“None of your business. You stay where you are, be quiet, and no one will get hurt.” One of the men stepped forward, staring down at them.
Maggie held his gaze. “Just because you don’t shoot us doesn’t mean he’s not hurting her.”
A loud pounding on the front door had the men turning, drawing attention away from the women. It was all the distraction the women needed.
Emma drew her six-shooter, firing at the man closest to her, hitting him in the leg. Yelling, he lost his grip on the gun as he fell to the ground.
Maggie scrambled to retrieve it, aiming at one of the other men, ignoring the gun pointed at her. “Don’t move. I’d have no problem killing you.”
He snickered, but moved away. Glancing out the front window, he saw people assembling, then switched his gaze to his wounded comrade.
Geneen and Sarah grabbed cans of food from the shelves, throwing them at the men as the pounding on the door grew louder.
“Get the sheriff.” Sarah’s screamed request seemed to fluster the men further, prompting them to hurry toward the back, ducking when Emma fired a shot in their direction.
“Captain, we gotta get out of here. There’s a crowd gathering outside.”
Their leader stood over Jinny, his face hard as he glared down at her. “You’ll be sorry you caused so much trouble.” He looked at his men. “Where’s the sergeant?”
“Shot,” one answered.
“Then we leave him. Let’s go.” Pushing open the back door, the leader checked the back street. “Come on.”
Rushing outside, they dashed between buildings, making it to the main street as the crowd burst through the door of the general store. Exchanging looks, they holstered their guns, walked to their horses, and mounted. Casting one more look at the general store, the three reined their horses around and rode out of Conviction.
Jack burst through the door of the jail. “Sheriff. There’s trouble at Maloney’s.”
Brodie finished pouring a cup of coffee, setting the pot down, giving his deputy a bland stare. “So handle it.”
“You don’t understand. There was a shooting, and your family is inside.”
Dropping the full cup on the wooden floor, Brodie pushed past him, running down the boardwalk, Jack right behind, to see a small crowd standing outside the general store.
“What’s going on?”
“You’d best get inside, Sheriff.”
Brodie couldn’t remember the name of the man who stood aside, or much of anything else as his gaze landed on Maggie, bucket gripped in one hand, Sarah standing next to her. As he approached, a deep moan had him shifting his attention to the man on the ground.
“Jack, get Doc Vickery. And find Nate.”
“Sure thing, Sheriff.”
Turning, he went to Maggie, seeing her body tremble. “Sweetheart…” Wrapping her in his arms, he closed his eyes, letting out a deep breath.
“Sheriff, you might want to come back here.” Deke stood behind the counter, his jaw tight.
Maggie pulled away, her gaze moving toward the storeroom. “Jinny’s back there, Brodie.” When he hesitated, she gripped his shoulders and turned him away. “Go. I’m fine.”
Glancing back once, he walked past Deke to see his sister sitting on the floor, Mrs. Maloney on one side, Emma and Geneen on the other.
He knelt down in front of her, taking one of her hands in his. “What happened?”
Mrs. Maloney answered. “Four men came in, grabbing things from shelves, stuffing their saddlebags. When we objected, they pulled guns. They locked the front door, then the leader brought Jinny back here.”
“Alone.” Brodie’s gaze didn’t leave his sister’s.
“Yes, alone.” Mrs. Maloney stood, moving out of the way when Doc Tilden walked toward them.
Jinny squeezed Brodie’s hand. “I’m fine. He threw me against the barrel. I hurt my shoulder.”
“Let me take a look.” Doc Tilden crouched next to them, taking Emma and Geneen’s place. “Doc Vickery is looking at the man out front.”
Mrs. Maloney continued. “Emma pulled a gun and shot one. When he dropped his gun, Maggie grabbed it, pointing it at the others.” She blew out a breath. “My, it all happened real fast after that.”
Jinny let out a groan, grimacing as the doctor continued checking her injury, looking for any others. “You should see to Maggie.”
Brodie crossed his arms, not making a move to leave. “You’re the one who’s hurt.”
She bit her lip as a shot of pain tore through her, then looked up at Brodie. “You may need to encourage her to talk to Doc Vickery. She hasn’t been feeling well.”
He dropped his arms, tilting his head. “Not well?”
Jinny sighed. “Talk to her. She’ll explain.”
“I’ll be back to help you get into the wagon.” Turning, he walked to the front as three men picked up the wounded man and hauled him outside.
“Wounded in the leg. They’re taking him to the clinic. I’m guessing you’ll want to transport him to the jail once I patch him up.” Doc Vickery stood, picking up his bag.
“Aye. I need to get his story.” He moved his gaze from the doctor to Maggie, not seeing her make any attempt to talk to him. “Uh, Doc. I hear Maggie hasn’t been feeling well. Can you check on her, too?”
“Brodie, I’m fine.” She backed away a step.
Sarah looked at her. “He’s right, Maggie. Tell Doc what’s happening. I’ll go to the back to see how Jinny’s doing.” She glanced at Brodie, a small smile tipping up the corners of her mouth.
Doc Vickery’s warm gaze landed on Maggie. “All right. Tell me what’s hurting.”
Chapter Seven
Brodie sat at his kitchen table, staring at a cold cup of coffee, while Maggie finished making supper. Between what happened at the general store and Doc Vickery’s announcement, the swing in his emotions had been extreme. He could still feel the gripping fear when Jack came into the jail, telling Brodie there were shots fired inside Maloney’s. Five members of his family had been at risk, and he hadn’t even known they were in danger. It made him wonder if he truly was the right person to be Conviction’s sheriff.
Doc Tilden had declared Jinny safe to travel back to the ranch, but warned of using her arm for a few days. After Brodie had gone back to the front to speak with Maggie, Deke had taken his spot in front of Jinny, holding her hand, telling her she’d be fine. Brodie knew his sister still cared deeply for Sam. He also wondered if Deke might be the man to help her forget.
“Are you all right, Brodie?” Maggie’s hand covered his.
He took a breath, dragging his gaze away from the tin cup to look at his wife. “Aye. I’m fine, sweetheart.”
“You aren’t happy about the news, are you?” She couldn’t hide the fear in her voice, which made Brodie feel worse.
He pulled his hand from her grasp, cupping her face. “Maggie, darlin’, besides the day we married, I’ve never been
happier.”
“Truly?”
“Aye, truly.” Leaning over, he kissed her lips, taking his time, letting her know how much he wanted this. Sitting back, he grasped both her hands in his. “We’ve talked about starting a family, and now we’ll have one.”
“I know it’s sooner than we planned.”
“Aye, but it doesn’t mean I’m not happy about having a baby.”
He’d thought some about a discussion he had a few months ago with the same man who’d talked Brodie into becoming the sheriff. August Fielder had asked him to consider stepping aside to help more on the ranch. Specifically the additional land acquired in a partnership between Fielder and the MacLarens. Brodie loved being the sheriff, had wanted to be a lawman his entire life. Between the job and Maggie, his life seemed perfect.
Then there’d been an increase in random shootings as more and more dangerous men rode into Conviction. Circle M would be safer for Maggie, and their future children. There was one major problem—she’d made it clear she would never move to the ranch as long as he remained sheriff. Their little house at the end of the main street suited her fine. Being too far away from Brodie didn’t appeal to her one bit.
Lately, he’d been thinking more about giving up the badge. His family did need him back at Circle M, and now he had a baby to consider.
If only Sam had stayed. With his Pinkerton background and months as a deputy, he would’ve made an excellent sheriff. Both Fielder and Brodie’s father, prominent citizens and members of the town council, mentioned they’d support Sam.
Although he had Sam’s information back east, he hadn’t wanted to bother him. Perhaps it was time to send a telegram.
“Do you want to make the announcement at Sunday supper?” Maggie set a plate of roast beef and potatoes in front of him. He hadn’t even realized she’d left the table.
“That would be fine, lass.” Picking up his fork, he speared a piece of meat. He couldn’t push away the thought of it being time for him to hand his badge to someone else. But who? Jack was eager, but not ready to become sheriff. If Nate wasn’t haunted by demons he wouldn’t discuss, he’d make an excellent choice.
Brodie had sent telegrams to San Francisco, Sacramento, and most of the towns in between, seeking a qualified deputy to take Sam’s place. The response had been weak. When he thought of leaving, the only image that popped into his head was the man who’d left to take care of business back east.
“I need to send a telegram to Sam.”
Maggie stopped chewing to stare at him. “You know how to reach him?”
“Aye. He’s staying with his family in Baltimore. I want to find out if he’s coming back.”
“That would make Jinny very happy. She hasn’t been the same since he left.” As she continued eating, Brodie could almost see her mind working.
“Say nothing to her, Maggie. I don’t want Jinny getting her hopes up.”
“All right.” She swallowed some of her coffee, then set down her fork. “Are you asking him to come back as your deputy or as the sheriff?”
“When I figure it out, lass, I’ll let you know.”
“You didn’t have to ride all the way out to the ranch, Mr. Arrington.” Jinny stood at her front door, her left arm bent and held tight to her side.
Deke fingered the brim of his hat. “I did if I wanted to see how you’re doing, Miss MacLaren.”
“Well then, you must come inside.” Opening the door, she let him slip past her, biting her lip to stifle a grin. “My mother made lemonade. Would you like some?”
“I would. Thank you.”
Jinny’s lips curved into a smile. “You can either wait in here or follow me to the kitchen.” She heard his footsteps as she walked through the dining room and into the kitchen. Selecting two glasses, she filled both, setting them on the table. “Is sitting in here all right?”
“Fine with me.” He waited for her to sit down, then took a seat across from her. “So, how are you feeling?”
“My shoulder is healing.” She wouldn’t burden him with the lack of progress on her shattered heart. No word from Sam bothered her more than any injury to her arm.
“You’re a lucky woman. It could’ve been much worse.” Taking a sip of his beverage, he pursed his lips. “Did you recognize any of them?”
Shaking her head, she tightened her grip on the glass. “Nae. Brodie believes they were ex-Confederate soldiers.”
“Why is that?”
“Accents, mannerisms. The lads called one a captain and another a sergeant, and one wore a cap the same as those used by the Confederate Army.” Jinny’s hand shook as she brought the glass to her lips.
“They left a wounded man behind. He could hang.”
“Would it bother you if he did?” She thought of the man dying for threatening her and her family, the carnage he could’ve caused. All for a few cans of food.
“Not in the least. Those men made their choice when they walked into Maloney’s and pulled guns. I’m more concerned about the rest of them staying close by, waiting for a chance to break their friend out of jail, or come after you.”
Jinny worried about the same, but never voiced it out loud. “Why would they come after me? I did nothing to them.”
“They probably believe you and your family are the reason one of their men is in jail. You’re the reason they didn’t get away with what they came for…food. And you’re the woman one of them took into the back room.”
Her eyes closed as she swallowed the bile in her throat. She’d never been so scared as when the man dragged her away from the others. “He didn’t do anything except throw me against the barrel.”
Deke leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. “Do you believe that was all he intended?”
Her eyes darkened as her gaze dropped to her lap. “I don’t know,” Jinny whispered the lie. She’d seen the man move his hand to his belt buckle, couldn’t have missed the sick gleam in his eyes.
“Are you able to ride?”
Her head shot up. “What?”
He grinned. “Is your shoulder good enough for you to take a ride?”
“Aye, it should be.”
Standing, Deke held out his hand. “Then let’s saddle your horse and get you out of the house.”
Jinny sat atop her horse, looking out on the vast acreage before her, all owned by her family. “Most days, I take for granted how prosperous our lives have been since moving from Pennsylvania.”
Deke sat next to her, following her gaze. “Uncle Rube told me you came out as part of a wagon train. It must have been a daunting experience.”
“I suppose so, especially for the adults and older cousins. For me, it was an adventure.”
He looked at her, admiring her strength. “Did you already have the land?”
“Aye. My father and uncles purchased it while we still lived in York. There were times they worried about being fleeced. They had the good sense to work with an attorney in Conviction who assured them the purchase was legitimate. Have you met August Fielder?”
Deke remembered a man of average height with thinning dark hair and a goatee. “Uncle Rube introduced me to him at the dance. He makes quite an impression.”
“My father and Uncle Ian created a partnership with him to purchase additional land. It doubled the size of our ranch.” Relaxing into her saddle, Jinny absently rubbed her left shoulder.
Deke didn’t miss the gesture. “Are you in pain?”
“No worse than normal. Doc Tilden said it could take a few weeks, but I’ll not be waiting that long to get back to my chores.”
Chuckling, Deke shook his head. “I’m certain you won’t. Are you ready to ride back?”
“Can’t we stay out a little longer?”
“As long as you want, Miss MacLaren. Lead the way.”
Baltimore
“Are you sure, Sam? Taking us with you is a big decision.” Thomas Covington didn’t look up from the chore his wife, Susannah, had given him.
“Having doubts, Father?” Sam studied the elder man’s face, seeing excitement, as well as concern.
“Not really, although it is a big decision for us. Everything else aside, your mother doesn’t want to live across the country from her only grandchild.” Thomas chuckled, glancing toward the kitchen where Susannah and Robbie made supper. “I believe she’d move to India if that is where you decided to live.”
They stood in the dining room, under instructions to pack the family china and linens with the greatest of care. A week of intense conversations ended with his parents deciding to sell their home, agreeing to accompany Sam and Robbie to Conviction. Sam had sent a confidential telegram to August Fielder, asking if he’d be willing to locate a suitable home for all of them. The affirmative response had been immediate. He had yet to contact Brodie.
“Your mother is excited about having him in her life.”
“And you, Father? What are your thoughts?”
Taking a deep breath, Thomas looked around the house they’d lived in since Sam’s birth. He’d struggled more than his wife about making such a drastic change. In their sixties, both born and raised in Baltimore, they were leaving lifelong friends and a familiar routine. A deacon in his church, and a member of more than one men’s club, his friends couldn’t believe they would leave it all behind, following Sam to California. They didn’t have the complete story.
Thomas knew Susannah had received several offers of marriage, many from men of great wealth, but she never wavered once she’d made her choice. Not after the deaths of two infants, nor when they’d struggled with money during the war. It was time to support her dream of being near her son and grandson.
“I’d do anything for your mother, Sam. If that makes me sound weak, so be it.” He picked up a dish, being careful to wrap and place it in the packing crate. “The truth is, I’m excited about the journey, seeing places I’ve only read about.”
Sam's Legacy Page 6
