“Who takes care of the land around the hacienda?”
“Quinn, Caleb, Bram, and Blaine take turns staying there and overseeing the men. Before Quinn married Emma, he and Caleb stayed there most often. Caleb makes most decisions regarding the men who work the northern property. Pa says that may change now that the family and Mr. Fielder have decided to buy the Evanston ranch.”
“I heard your father talking to Quinn about it this morning while you were getting ready. He mentioned Caleb.”
Jinny reined her horse to an abrupt stop. “Did he say Caleb would be made foreman of the Evanston property?”
Taking off his hat, Deke scratched his head, then swiped an arm across his forehead. “No. He said he wanted Caleb involved. Why? I didn’t think the MacLarens made anyone a foreman.”
Jinny thought of Heather and how easily she became upset at any possible slight. If her da and Uncle Ian put Caleb in charge, Jinny felt certain Heather would return to the main ranch rather than take orders from him.
“They didn’t used to, but times are changing. The four elder MacLarens ran the ranch with Angus, who was the oldest, having final say. When he and Uncle Gillis were murdered, Da and Uncle Ian took over. As the ranch expands, they’re not able to manage all the men themselves, so they identify who is in charge each day.”
Deke settled the hat back on his head, nudging his horse as Jinny picked up the pace. “Seems it could be confusing, changing who’s in charge each day in each section of the ranch.”
Nodding, Jinny glanced toward him. “It is. With the family owning half the Estrada spread and buying the Evanston ranch, it will get worse. Colin, Quinn, and the others have talked about it with Da and Uncle Ian. They’d much prefer having one foreman named for the Estrada land, another for the main ranchland, and one for the Evanston ranch. So far, they’ve made no final decisions.”
She worried her lower lip. Emma, Sarah, and Jinny had talked a couple times about who they thought would make the best foremen. If there were three, Colin, Quinn, and Blaine seemed to make the most sense. Fletcher and Sean were needed at the main ranch for the horse breeding. Neither Bram nor Camden had an interest in being a foreman, at least not yet, and the others still had much to learn. Although not a MacLaren, Caleb would make a strong foreman. When he spoke, everyone listened. She knew he’d be put in a position of authority someday.
Then there were the MacLaren women. Heather and Emma were the most accomplished and understood how to run a ranch. After her marriage to Quinn, Emma had started working with Fletcher, Bram, and Sean.
Heather could be a problem. She saw herself as a foreman, believed her skills were as good as any man’s, and would fight to make her wishes known. Somehow, Jinny didn’t see her getting her wish anytime soon.
That left Geneen and Coral. They were good ranch hands, but had no interest in being in charge.
Of course, if Brodie quit his job as sheriff, it would change everything. He, Colin, and Quinn would be the three chosen as foremen. She snorted, knowing he’d never give up the job he’d dreamed of his entire life.
“What’s so funny?”
Shaking her head, Jinny smiled. “Nothing. Sometimes it’s a bit of a challenge being part of a large family. Race you to the ridge.” Without further warning, she kicked Dancer into a run, leaving Deke behind.
“There they are, Captain. Looks like they’re in a race.” The private handed over the field glasses.
Eplett watched Jinny laugh as her horse pulled farther ahead of her companion. He wondered if she knew the man held back on the reins just a little, allowing her to cross an imaginary finish line ahead of him. Probably not. Women like her thought they were owed everything, even victory in a meaningless race.
“Excellent. We’ll follow, staying far enough behind to keep them close without spotting us. They’ll stop at some point. That’s when we’ll close in.” Handing the glasses back, Eplett turned to the others. “Let’s go.”
They didn’t have long to wait for the two to find a spot under some trees and dismount. Eplett slid his own field glasses from their pouch in his saddlebag, holding them so he had a clear view of their actions. Untying a blanket, the man spread it out as the woman unwrapped their food. Eplett smirked at the perfect timing.
Stowing the glasses, he turned to his men. “It’s time to move into position.”
The group of men split off. Half skirted behind the couple, and the others moved forward. Their experience in battle, as well as their lawless journey across the country, trained them to move silently, even when mounted on temperamental horses. It took little time to surround the man and woman who were so engrossed in their own conversation that they didn’t notice the group of men ride up until it was too late.
Eplett leaned forward, resting his arms on the saddle horn. “So, we meet again.”
Jinny gasped, her stomach clenching when she recognized the man who’d terrorized her at Maloney’s.
Jumping to his feet, Deke reached for the six-gun strapped around his hips.
“I wouldn’t if I were you.” Eplett nodded behind them, causing Deke to spin around toward the second group of men, all with guns aimed at him. Letting his arms hang loose at his sides, he took a step toward Eplett.
“Who are you and what do you want?”
“I’d think it obvious.” Eplett swung his leg over the saddle to dismount. “We want the woman. She and I have unfinished business…don’t we.” It was less a question than a statement. His feral gaze settled on Jinny, his mouth twisting into a confident sneer. “She’ll be leaving with us.”
Deke rushed forward, stopping when a series of bullets hit the ground at his feet. Before he could move again, two men came up behind him, removed his gun from its holster, then bound his wrists and stuffed a handkerchief into his mouth.
“We’ve no reason to harm you. It’s the girl we want.”
Her throat thick with fear, Jinny steeled her courage, crossing her arms. “I’ll not go anywhere with hoodlums such as yourselves. You’ll be releasing Deke now, or my family will come for you. And trust me, you’ll not be liking the consequences.”
A burst of laughter surrounded her, doing nothing to dampen her anger.
“I don’t believe you’re in a position to dictate what my men and I will do, Miss MacLaren. And Deke will not be harmed if you come with us without a struggle. However, if you put up a fight, it will be my distinct pleasure to put a bullet in him and leave him for the varmints to discover.”
Her eyes widened in shock. “You wouldn’t.”
Crossing his arms, his voice hardened. “I would. He means nothing to me. You, however, are worth a great deal.”
She glanced at Deke. To her surprise, no fear showed in his eyes, only anger and disgust at the men, or the situation, or perhaps both. His helpless struggle to loosen the ties reminded her of the danger.
“If I leave with you, do you swear Deke will be safe?” She ignored Deke’s growl as he shook his head.
Eplett took a step closer. “I swear he won’t die from one of our bullets.”
Swallowing the fear gnawing in her gut, Jinny nodded. “Fine. I’ll go, but know this. If anything happens to either of us, my family won’t rest until they track you down and watch every last one of you hang.”
Yanking her toward him, he tied her hands together. “It’s doubtful, but I do admire your spirit and belief that your family can save you. Few people would put that much trust in someone else.” She yelped when Eplett yanked the rope tighter. “Sorry, but I don’t want you to think you’ll be able to get away.”
Turning her around, he shoved her toward his horse, signaling to one of his men. “Untether their horses and run them off.”
Jinny stopped, shifting to face him. “No. You promised he’d be safe. He’ll have no way to get back if you run off the horses.”
“I promised we wouldn’t shoot him, Miss MacLaren, not that he’d be safe.” Before she could reply, he mounted, then waited while another of his
men lifted her onto the horse. “I know you’re an excellent rider, so I’ll expect you to still be sitting behind me when we reach our destination.”
Jinny glanced back at Deke, mouthing an apology, then looked forward again. “And what is our destination?”
“Someplace your family will never find you.”
“What do you mean they’re not back?” Quinn paced away from the front porch, staring north into the darkening sky. “Did they take the usual trail?” Hands fisted on his hips, he turned to glare at Emma.
“They planned to ride to the old Estrada hacienda, then come back. Maybe they decided to stay the night.” Emma covered her mouth as soon as the words were out. Too late, she saw the flaring of her husband’s nostrils at the insinuation. She walked down the steps to join him. “Not that they would ever, well…you know.”
He moved toward her. “Not what? Behave like you and I did?” Removing his hat, he shoved a hand through his hair. “This isn’t at all like Jinny. We have to start searching for them. I’ll let Colin and Blaine know.” His features stilled. “Does Uncle Ewan know she’s not come home?”
“You’re the first.”
“I’d best be the one to tell him. You head up to Colin and…” His voice trailed off at the sound of horses. Spinning around, his chest tightened at the sight of Dancer and Deke’s horse running into the compound and toward the barn.
“My God, Quinn. It’s their horses.” Emma took off at a run, Quinn right behind her, following the horses into the barn. “Something terrible must have happened. I’ll take care of them while you get Uncle Ewan and the others.”
He turned to leave, then stopped, sending an anxious look at Emma. “Find Bram. Tell him to ride into town and get Brodie.”
“Where are you taking me?” Jinny gripped the horse with her legs, doing her best to grasp the cantle, swaying as they moved over the rocky terrain. No matter how experienced the rider, having your hands tied together and riding behind someone, made it difficult to stay on top. The fact her heart raced from worry didn’t help.
Eplett ignored her question, the same as he had the others she’d shouted at him. He had to admire her courage, even as she tested his patience. With weapons pointed at her friend, she held her head high, chin jutting out. Jinny MacLaren wasn’t a woman who’d grovel.
The raiders needed to get back to camp, make certain his friend and fellow soldier hadn’t been surprised by any unknown visitors. For several nights, they’d heard the unmistakable roar of a mountain lion. The animal hadn’t been spotted. Still, a wounded man was powerful bait for a large and dangerous cat.
They wound through the low hills, across two streams, and through thick brush before coming upon their camp. Eplett knew something had happened. The air had changed, the feel of death surrounding the area.
Staring at the spot where he’d left the sergeant, Eplett reined his horse to a stop, swinging his leg over the horse’s neck to dismount. He glanced over his shoulder at one of the men.
“Get her down while I find Parry.”
His gut twisted as he followed the unmistakable tracks of someone dragging themselves to a bush a few yards away. Once there, his stomach lurched. Parry’s body lay in a heap, blood soaking the ground around him, his dead eyes wide with fear. Turning and bending at the waist, Eplett retched, his face and neck breaking out into a cold sweat.
“Captain…” The words died as the private stared at the sight before him, then turned to mimic Eplett’s reaction. Straightening, he swiped an arm across his mouth. “My God. It must’ve been the cat we’ve been hearing.”
Gulping down deep breaths, Eplett turned to face the carnage. “Parry didn’t stand a chance.” Regret twisted its way through him, making him wish he’d allowed the sergeant to ride along to get the MacLaren woman.
Scrubbing a hand down his face, he let out a bone-chilling cry, cursing the cat, their circumstances, and the people of Conviction.
“Get some men and dig a grave. We’ll bury the sergeant, then send word to the sheriff about our hostage.”
“Yes, sir.” Reeling from what he’d seen, the man’s shaky feet propelled him to the others, who hadn’t dared approach when they’d heard their captain’s anguished cry.
Eplett watched as they dragged Parry’s lifeless form away, a cold knot burning its way from his throat to his gut. He’d lost a close friend, an ally, and a darn fine soldier. None of the other men compared to him, which meant Eplett was as alone as he’d ever been.
His need for the young woman no longer held any appeal. Of all the remaining men, Private Terrence Card had been with him the longest. A sudden need to make the exchange and ride hard and fast from Conviction claimed him. He wanted to leave this place and all the bad memories behind.
Chapter Sixteen
Jinny sagged against a boulder, her back, arms, and legs aching. They hadn’t untied her hands or allowed her to take a much needed relief in the bushes. Instead, their attention had been focused on something behind a group of thick bushes.
Shifting to get more comfortable, her gaze snapped up as the men dragged a blanket-covered body across camp, one carrying a shovel. Pulling him past a low shrub, the blanket snagged, revealing the ravaged body. A scream tore from her throat as her stomach convulsed.
“Shut your mouth.” Eplett loomed over her, his features twisted.
“But…” Jinny couldn’t finish, her stomach roiling again.
“Look the other way if it’s too much for you,” he hissed, bending to check the rope around her hands, tugging one end until she whimpered in pain.
“His throat. It was…it was—”
“Gone. He was attacked by a mountain lion while we went after you.” Leaning closer, his hot, foul-smelling breath nauseated her. “All you need to do is stay quiet and wait until the sheriff gets word about my demands.”
“My brother?”
Eplett’s eyes widened before narrowing. “Your brother is the sheriff?”
“Aye, if you’re speaking of Brodie MacLaren.”
He’d known the sheriff was one of the many MacLarens. Eplett had no idea the woman he’d captured was his sister. A feral smile crossed his face as he realized the prize sitting at his feet. MacLaren would do whatever it took to get his sister back, including releasing Terrence Card.
“Is your brother a reasonable man, Miss MacLaren?”
A thin, blonde brow lifted as she cocked her head to the side. “Aye. He can be. My brother can also be fiercely stubborn when it comes to family.”
Rearing his head back, he laughed, the deranged sound making Jinny cringe. “I’m counting on him being stubborn about his family. The decision he makes will determine whether you live and are returned to your young man, or if you’ll face the same fate as the man being buried.”
Gasping at the threat, Jinny stared past Eplett to where the men dug a shallow grave, fighting the fear slicing through her. His meaning left no doubt as to her fate should Brodie not do as the madman asked. They’d abandon her, letting her destiny rest with the mountain lion who’d already killed one of the men.
Jinny dragged her gaze to where Eplett had been standing a moment before, seeing him move quickly across the camp to speak with one of his men. Less than a minute later, the man saluted, mounting his horse and reining it south toward Conviction. She didn’t have to be told where the messenger rode.
Sucking in a shaky breath, she thought of Deke, praying he’d been able to loosen his ties and find one of their horses. Bram had trained Dancer well. Her horse could be attacked by a snake, but her flight of fear would take her no more than a couple hundred yards away. Worst case, her mare would run home, alerting the family something was wrong.
For so many months, her thoughts had centered on Sam, wishing he’d return or at least send word of his intentions. Being taken captive, held against her will, forced Jinny to think of the present and the reality of her life. Sam had no intention of returning. No matter how much he might have cared, he left her beh
ind without a backward glance.
The thought of never seeing him again left a cold ache in her chest—a dull throb she’d lived with day and night since he’d walked away.
Even if he returned to Conviction, resumed his role as a deputy, it would be with Jinny knowing he’d never taken the time to pen even one letter or a brief telegram. She refused to see him as a man without character. Instead, she forced herself to accept whatever duty called Sam home meant more to him than a future with her. Returning to Conviction wouldn’t change the fact he’d forgotten all about her within moments of riding out of town.
Resting her head against the tree trunk, she closed her eyes, pushing away her current predicament to dream of what her life might be like if the right man came along. She wanted someone who loved and valued her above all others. A man who appreciated the open land and accepted her large, unruly family. Someone who had the same sense of dedication to the ranch while craving a home and children. A man who could laugh at himself, respect others, and worked hard.
For an instant, Sam’s face crossed her mind before being replaced by an image of Deke. Her heart didn’t race the way it did when she thought of Sam. Thinking of her brief time around Deke, she experienced a sense of comfort, similar to the feeling she got each time she walked into her bedroom. It was a familiar space with no surprises, comfortable, like a well-worn dress.
She yawned, her thoughts drifting to Brodie and Maggie, Quinn and Emma, Colin and Sarah. Jinny knew each couple possessed a passion so strong a stranger could sense it. Love and devotion flowed between them, creating a bond strong enough to withstand all obstacles. Jinny wanted what they had, and wondered, if given enough time, she might find it with Deke.
“Get up.”
The gruff voice jolted her, reminding Jinny of the danger and uncertain outcome she faced. Bracing her back against the tree, she pushed up with her legs. She felt herself sway, about to topple to the side, when a rough hand gripped her arm, jerking her forward.
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