“Thank God.” Mrs. Belford took a step away, a hand going to her chest as she rested against a boulder. “I knew those boys would come.”
Nate accepted the field glasses Sam held out, watching the riders for several minutes. “I don’t think they’ve seen the camp. They seem to still be searching.” Handing the glasses back, he took another look at the men in the camp. “There aren’t any guards posted. The raiders seem oblivious to the activity around them.”
Sam looked at Theo. “You need to let the MacLarens know we’re here without alerting the camp. Can you do that?”
“Yes, sir.”
Sam looked through the glasses, then held up his hand. “Wait, Theo. Brodie’s signaling the others to rein up. He’s dismounting and looking over the edge of the trail to the camp below.” He lowered the glasses to his side. “They’ve found them. We need to be prepared to move when they do. My guess is Brodie and the others will plan to go in at nightfall when it will be harder to spot them.”
Mrs. Belford placed a hand on his arm. “Who’ll protect Jinny from getting shot?”
Sam’s mouth went dry, his throat tightening at the thought of her getting hurt. He had to believe Brodie wouldn’t do anything to endanger his sister. The sheriff always thought everything through as he formulated a plan.
Sam pushed aside his own concerns, facing the widow. “Don’t worry, Mrs. Belford. The MacLarens won’t make a move until they’re certain Jinny is safe.” He turned toward Theo. “It’s time for you to let the MacLarens know we’re here. Tell Brodie we’ll be waiting to move when they do. The more confusion we can cause in camp, the better the chances of rescuing Jinny.”
As much as he hated waiting, they needed to move when the others did, and not before. He and Nate walked with Theo to his horse, waiting for him to mount. Sam grabbed the reins before Theo could ride off.
“Don’t worry about coming back here. Go in with them. I don’t want to take a chance of the raiders seeing you.”
“Yes, sir.”
Sam let out a frustrated breath, dropping the reins so he could ride away. All they could do was wait for the MacLarens to act, and pray nothing happened to Jinny.
Switching his gaze between the camp below and the rim across from them, Sam saw the instant the MacLarens became aware of a rider approaching. Most drew their guns, aiming at Theo, before Brodie recognized him and stepped forward.
It had taken him longer than Sam anticipated to reach the MacLarens. He continued to watch through the glasses as Theo’s animated gestures had the others turning to look in the direction he pointed. A moment later, several pulled out their own glasses, searching the rim until they spotted Sam, Nate, and Walt. Even from this distance, Sam could see the relief on their faces.
“Here. Eat this.” Mrs. Belford had left a few minutes before, returning with a couple wrapped packages containing hardtack and jerky. “I don’t have a lot, but you’ll need it all before nightfall.” When her hands were empty, she looked at Sam, lines of worry creasing her eyes and the corners of her mouth. “Did Theo make it?”
“Yes, ma’am. The MacLarens know we’re here.”
Her features relaxed at the news. “Then I’ll get ready.”
“Ready?” Sam asked.
“To ride when you do. I hope you didn’t think I’d stay up here by myself while you young men went for Jinny.” As she started to turn, Sam grabbed her arm.
“Listen to me, Mrs. Belford. You have two boys at home who need you. Think about what will happen to them if you get hurt or killed. From what I can see, there are six men in camp and fourteen of us. With those odds, it would be real foolish of me to let you go down there.”
Her brows knit together as she crossed her arms. “Let me go down?”
If it weren’t for the dire situation they found themselves in, Sam would’ve laughed. “I mean no disrespect, ma’am. I just want you to think of Martin and Brandon. You’ve already done your part by riding out in search of Jinny. You and your men found her. Now let the rest of us go down and get her.”
He could see her rolling his words around in her head before she nodded. “All right. But when you’ve got those varmints cornered, I’m joining you. Jinny will need another woman with her once everything settles down.”
The sun finally began its descent behind the western hills. For Brodie, it couldn’t come soon enough. He and his family had discussed their options several times before agreeing on a plan. Brodie, Fletcher, and Deke had ridden in a wide arc to the east, then a little south, coming up behind the camp. On the northeast rim, the others waited for his signal—a bird call he and his cousins had perfected when they were boys. Once Colin responded, it would be his signal to ride in. He hoped Sam and Nate were ready when the MacLarens made their move.
His job was simple. He’d move up behind Jinny and pull her out of the line of fire, clearing the path for the others to surround the camp. It all made sense, but Brodie pinched the bridge of his nose, knowing nothing ever worked out quite as planned. He prayed the chaos would pull the raiders attention from Jinny long enough to get her to safety.
“How much longer, Brodie?” Fletcher knelt beside him, his hand steady as it rested against the butt of his gun.
“A few more minutes. Then it will still be light enough for the lads to see, but dark enough to help conceal their path. Make sure you and Deke are ready to cover me.” Brodie looked at Jinny once more, who hadn’t moved. “I’ll be moving a wee bit closer to see if I can get Jinny’s attention.”
Fletcher’s stern gaze locked on his brother. “Aye, Brodie. We’ll be ready for your signal.”
Leaving his rifle between Deke and Fletcher, he started forward, keeping low to the ground. He didn’t want to scare her or alert the men in camp while he found a spot to hide until the sun dropped behind the hills. Getting to within five feet of Jinny, he crouched, drawing his gun from its holder.
“Jinny,” he whispered, his voice a low rasp. Getting no response, he tried again, this time a little louder. “Jinny.”
Her head snapped up, back straightening.
He edged a little closer. “I’m behind you, lass.”
“Brodie.” She breathed out his name, almost too low for him to hear. He could see her chest rise and fall as she bent her legs, turning her head a couple inches toward him.
“Aye, lass. Are the men close?”
“Nae. They’re on the other side of the camp. Are you alone?”
“Nae. The others are hidden in the rocks, waiting for my signal. Once the sun sets a little more, I’ll alert them we’re ready. As soon as Colin replies, you’ll be needing to scramble toward me as fast as you can. Can you do that, lass?”
Her relief was so great, she could barely think. It wouldn’t be long before she’d be free of the rope around her wrists and the men who held her.
“Lass?”
She nodded enough so Brodie could see. “Aye. On your signal, I’ll move to you.”
He wanted to ask if she was hurt, but couldn’t afford to chance being noticed when they were so close to reclaiming her. Instead, he leaned back, his heart in his throat as dusk approached. It wouldn’t be long now.
His gaze wandered past Jinny, seeing the men milling about, unaware of the wrath about to rain down on them. They seemed relaxed. One group played cards while a couple other men drank coffee. Their inattention made Brodie wonder if he’d missed something. Was there a seventh man posted in the rocks, guarding the camp in stoic silence? It was what Brodie would do, especially holding a prize as rare as Jinny.
These men seemed to have no worries, not a single concern about being discovered. Sucking in a breath, Brodie counted down as the sun disappeared, throwing the camp into twilight.
“Ready, lass?”
She nodded once, pulling her legs closer to her chest, prepared to run at his signal.
“Be sure to wait until Colin replies and the lads start to ride. There will be a few others coming from your left. Don’t be worried. The
y’re with us.” He didn’t mention Sam, concerned his presence might distract her at a time she had to focus on getting away.
Glancing behind him, he sent a grim smile to Fletcher and Deke. Both stared back, their faces set. Taking in a slow breath, then letting it out, he brought both hands up, cupping them together. Bringing them to his lips, he blew, shifting his hands to create the bird call his family would recognize.
Jinny swallowed her fear, knowing a wrong move on her part could result in someone she loved getting shot. Her body began to tremble as she waited for Colin’s answering call. A moment later, the reply came, followed by the sound of horses. She sprang into motion, scrambling to reach Brodie’s outstretched arms as gunfire ripped through the still evening air.
Stumbling into his embrace, she closed her eyes, burying her face in his chest.
“I’ve got you, lass.” His grip tightened as her hands dug into his shirt. He barely registered Fletcher and Deke moving in front of him, guns firing, covering the men who rode into a camp mired in confusion.
Jinny’s body shook with such force, she could barely take a breath. The sound of gunfire, men shouting, and the subsequent moans of those hit sliced through her. She wanted to move out of Brodie’s embrace, unable to find the strength.
“I must help the lads, Jinny. Will you be all right?”
She nodded vigorously. “Aye. Go. Help the others.”
Gripping his gun, he pinned her with a stern look. “Do not come out until one of us comes for you. Do you understand, lass?”
She nodded, her eyes wide with fear. Not so much for herself as for the family who’d come to rescue her. She gripped his arm. “Be safe, Brodie. Please…”
He didn’t respond before turning away, finding a target, and firing. Brodie could see Fletcher and Deke on his left and right, hidden behind rocks as they fired. A yell drew his attention. One of the raiders scrambled for cover as shots hit the ground around him. Lifting his gun, the man screamed as Brodie’s bullet blasted through his shoulder, spinning him around and to the ground.
Jinny watched from her hidden position, wishing she had a gun, wanting to be part of doling out justice to those who’d taken her. Most of her family remained hidden behind rocks and shrubs, mere ghosts, turning lawlessness into righteousness.
To her right, she spotted Deke, relief rolling through her. He’d survived, joining in the search with her family. Covering her ears, she took a deep breath, opening them again when she heard the MacLaren war cry. Creag an Tuirc, the Boar's Rock, fought to be heard over the blasts of gunfire, shouts of the raiders, and screams of those injured. Jinny prayed none of her family had been shot. She’d never forgive herself if any of them gave his life to rescue her. Brodie’s loud voice broke over the noise, silencing the sounds of gunfire.
“Drop your weapons and hold up your hands.”
Jinny leaned out from her hiding place, her breath catching at the sight of Eplett and one of his men standing at the edge of camp, their guns aimed in the direction where Brodie stood with Fletcher, Deke, Caleb, and Quinn. More of her family circled the two men, ready to shoot if they didn’t comply with Brodie’s order.
Brodie tried again. “There’s no chance you’ll make it out of here alive. Give yourselves up, stand trial, and perhaps you’ll live.”
She could see Eplett waver, the ex-Confederate beside him glancing at Brodie, then the captain, his gun arm shaking.
“Four of your men are dead. You’ll never make it out of here alive unless you give up.”
Jinny saw the instant Eplett made his decision. She’d thought he’d fire, refuse to be taken prisoner. Instead, he threw back his head and laughed, lowering his gun, then dropping it into the dirt. A moment later, the man beside him did the same.
“You win, Sheriff.” Eplett held his hands in front of him, an unapologetic sneer on his face. “Let’s see if you can keep me locked up.”
Sam’s heart beat wildly at the scene before him. Four were dead, and from his vantage point, not one of the MacLarens or their cohorts had been shot. A miracle, considering the chaos that ensued when Brodie gave the signal.
Holstering his gun, Sam moved his horse out of the shelter of the trees. He had a mission to get to Jinny. She hadn’t seen him, had no idea he’d been part of the group who searched for her. Brodie had planned for her to learn of his return at Sunday supper—a meal that hadn’t happened. Instead, she’d learn now. The thought didn’t bother him at all, until Jinny dashed from her hiding spot, running toward a man Sam didn’t recognize, throwing herself into his arms.
Sam’s gut clenched, his heart squeezing in pain as he watched the way they looked at each other. Great affection passed between them, the kind he and Jinny had once shown for each other. The man he believed to be Deke Arrington tightened his hold around her, then pulled back. He placed a kiss on her forehead and her cheek, then tucked her head against his chest.
Pain tore through Sam as he continued to stare, unable to pull his gaze away. As he began to rein his horse around, he heard a gasp. A piercing ache sliced through him when Jinny pulled away from the man, an agonized look of disbelief on her face when she recognized him.
Chapter Nineteen
Less than a week had passed since Jinny’s rescue, and Sam hadn’t seen or heard from her. Not that he expected to. He stayed busy, trying not to dwell on what he’d witnessed at the camp or the look on her face when she’d seen him.
He settled his family into their home, accepted his badge from Brodie, and returned to the same routine before his abrupt departure. To those who didn’t know him, his life fell right back into place. To Sam, all his hopes and dreams for the future died at the sight of Jinny in Deke’s arms.
He’d left the camp soon after the shooting stopped, satisfied Jinny was all right. At the time, he hadn’t returned to his official capacity as a deputy, and knew Brodie didn’t need him to help transport the two prisoners to Conviction. From what he’d heard, half the MacLarens took Jinny back to Circle M while the other half accompanied Brodie, Nate, and the prisoners to jail. They’d be facing trial within days.
“It’s good to have you back, Sam.” Jack set his hat on a hook before filling a cup with coffee.
Sam looked at the revolver he’d been cleaning, mulling over how to respond. Nothing about the last few days had been anything like the first time he’d come to Conviction when he worked for Pinkerton.
“I’m glad to be back.” It wasn’t a complete lie. He’d always liked the town and the people, feeling a sense of belonging he’d never achieved in Baltimore.
“Brodie says your father came back with you.”
“And my son.”
Jack choked on his coffee, wiping moisture from his chin. “Your son? I didn’t know you were married.”
“I’m not. I found out about Robbie when I went back east.” Sam had already told the story to August Fielder, Brodie, and Nate. He had no desire to repeat it again, except to Jinny, and he doubted if she’d care.
Scratching the stubble on his jaw, Jack lowered himself into a chair. “Well, I’ll be. How old is he?”
Sam grinned, thinking about Robbie this morning when his grandfather told him he’d take him for a ride around town. “Almost five. I told him he could have a horse.”
“Guess you’ll be riding out to Circle M. From what the sheriff says, Fletcher and Sean are the best at breeding horses.”
“That’s what I understand.” After the rescue, he’d put off riding to the MacLaren ranch. He didn’t know when he’d be ready to see her again. Accepting she’d moved on didn’t come easily.
“Lads.” Brodie walked in, his gaze landing on Jack. “Are the prisoners causing any trouble?”
“No sir, Sheriff. Quiet as lambs.”
Sam smirked at Jack’s comment. They all knew the three men wouldn’t remain quiet for long. They’d raised an uproar several times each day, demanding to be released, later insisting they needed an attorney. Brodie had ignored the first request,
introducing them to a lawyer to meet the second. The man wasn’t bad at his chosen profession, except for the days he buried himself in a bottle of whiskey—which he did with regularity.
Brodie shook his head. “Well, they’ve a lawyer, so that should satisfy them until their trial on Friday.”
“Do you think the judge will make it this time?” Sam had heard how many times Terrence Card’s trial had been postponed.
“Aye. He’ll be here. If not, I’ll be riding the trail to find the man.”
Sam stared at the wall separating the front of the jail from the cells, knowing the prisoners could hear them. “And I’ll go with you, Brodie. The men who took Jinny need to meet their fate.”
Jumping up from the chair, Jack hurried to grab his hat. “I’m off, Sheriff. Need to make my rounds so I can be at the docks before the next steamboat arrives. I don’t know why some of those gamblers have to cause so much trouble on every trip.”
Watching Jack close the door behind him, Brodie’s mouth twitched. “He’s a fine lad.”
“Very exuberant,” Sam added, his lips twisting into a reluctant grin.
“Aye. And dedicated. I could use a couple more like him.”
Sam laughed. “I believe he’s one of a kind, Brodie.”
Brodie leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk, steepling his fingers below his chin. After a moment, his shoulders relaxed, as did his features. “Jinny is one of a kind, too.”
The comment jolted Sam. “No one knows that better than me.”
“Aye, but you’ve made no time to visit her. I thought you cared about her more than it appears.”
Pushing from the chair, Sam paced toward the wood stove, then back to the other wall, shoving his hands through his hair. “She’s not mine to care about any longer, Brodie. You saw her with Arrington at the camp. It’s him she wants. Not me.”
Sam's Legacy Page 17
