Quinn's Honor

by Shirleen Davies

  Quinn moved Warrior a few feet in front of the others, the reins in his left hand, one of his six-guns in his right. “It’s time to end this, lads.”

  “Wait.” Sam lowered the glasses, moving closer to the others. “There are three horses behind the casita.”

  “Let me see.” Quinn reached out, taking the glasses from Sam. Focusing on the small structure, his breath caught. “Moonshine,” he whispered, lowering the glasses.

  “What?” Blaine took the glasses from Quinn’s hand and looked through them. Lowering them, he glanced at Quinn, confirming what he’d seen. “It’s Emma’s horse.” He looked at Brodie. “The others are Jinny’s and Geneen’s.”

  Brodie’s jaw dropped, his features pinched in confusion. “What is my sister doing out here?”

  “What are they all doing out here?” Quinn growled. “If those lasses are hurt…” He let the thought trail off. They all knew what would happen if any of the women were harmed.

  Sam’s chest squeezed at the thought of Jinny being inside. “They’re smart. Assuming they’re hiding in the casita, they’ll stay down, away from windows. We surround the building and get the man Doggett’s after.” He took the glasses from Blaine, depositing them in his saddlebags before drawing his gun. He looked at Brodie and waited.

  “He’s right. Protecting our family means getting the man shooting at Doggett.” Brodie glanced at each of them. “Ready?”

  An instant later, they lined up, faces set, everything around them going still as they concentrated on what had to be done.

  “Now.” Brodie kicked Hunter into a gallop, Quinn on his right, Blaine and Sam on his left. All rode low over their saddles, guns aimed at the spot Sam had seen the shooter. No one spoke. No one had to as they raced ahead.

  “Stay back, Boyd. I’ll kill you the same as the others. It don’t matter how long we’ve known each other.”

  “It doesn’t have to end like this, Cliff. Give yourself up. I’ll do what I can to help you.”

  He responded with a bitter laugh. “No thanks. I’ll take my chances with you and everyone else.”

  Before Boyd could respond, a massive round of gunfire sounded, followed by a scream and shouting, then a low-pitched moan. One last shot rang out before everything went still, the wind passing through the trees the only sound.

  The women waited, not knowing what to expect next. Sucking in a deep breath, Emma braced her hands on the floor and pushed up.

  “We should go see—”

  The door of the casita crashed open, followed by a gust of wind, then no sound at all.

  Heart hammering in her chest, Emma took a tentative step forward, then another, her hands clenched at her sides. Scant feet from the door, she stopped, turning back to look at Jinny and Geneen.

  Emma couldn’t handle waiting any longer. She had to know what happened, who’d been shot. Biting her lower lip hard enough to draw blood, building up the courage to venture outside, she whipped back around, bouncing off the hard wall of flesh standing before her. Sucking in a shaky breath, she slowly raised her eyes.

  “Quinn.” A relieved cry broke from her lips.

  Stepping up, he wrapped his arms around her. “Emma.” Cupping her face with his hands, he tilted his head, lowering his mouth to hers.

  “Well, I’ve seen enough.” Jinny marched past them, placing a reassuring hand on Emma’s back as she left, noticing they never broke their embrace. She hadn’t made it two paces before coming face-to-face with Brodie.

  “Ach, lass. What are you doing out here?” Her brother’s voice was more scared than hard. She stepped into his open arms, sagging against him.

  “I hate to admit it, but I was scared, Brodie.”

  “I know, lass.” He pulled back, brushing a kiss across her forehead.

  Jinny smiled up at Brodie, her eyes misting, then going wide when she spotted Sam behind him.

  Clearing his throat, Sam took a couple steps toward her. “Jinny.” His face broke into a relieved smile. “I’m glad you’re all right.”

  They stared at each other, the air thick, neither allowing themselves to do more than look.

  “Thank you, Sam,” she whispered, her throat tightening.

  “Now what?” Quinn’s arm still held firm around Emma as they walked up behind Jinny, Geneen a few steps behind.

  “I’m glad you were here.”

  They looked over to see Boyd Doggett walking toward them, his arms slack at his sides.

  Brodie glared at him, fisted hands on his hips. “It would’ve been easier if you’d waited for me to release you from jail. We could’ve ridden out here together, rather than wasting time following you.”

  Boyd nodded. “I needed to do this myself. Track him down, see if he’d give himself up.” He glanced at the motionless body as Blaine covered it with a blanket.

  “Who is he?”

  Boyd sucked in a heavy breath, his face crumbling into intense sorrow. “My cousin, Cliff Doggett.”

  Epilogue

  Two weeks later…

  “You seem quite happy, lass.” Quinn leaned down, kissing his bride, feeling a sense of peace he hadn’t expected. The decision to wed right away instead of waiting until August had been a good one.

  After years of hoping, waiting, and loving this man, Emma couldn’t contain her joy. Sending him a saucy smile, she laughed. “I believe I made a very wise decision in marrying you, Quinn MacLaren.”

  He laughed along with her, tugging Emma close to his side. “Aye, lass. I’ll never argue the fact you’re wise. More so than me.”

  “All right, you two. It’s time to go inside and get ready for your trip.”

  Quinn wrapped his other arm around his mother. “Thank you, Ma. The wedding was perfect.”

  She brushed the compliment aside. “Ach. I’ve done no more than any another when her children marry.” She swiped at a tear, her eyes sparkling. “Now, off with you.”

  They didn’t need more encouragement before turning around and dashing inside.

  The four elder MacLaren women, Kyla, Audrey, Lorna, and Gail, along with Emma’s mother stood next to each other on the front porch of Audrey’s home, each exhausted and happy. They’d worked together to make Quinn and Emma’s wedding happen within the short time they’d been given.

  After the scare with Cliff Doggett, the couple refused to be apart. Emma still shared a room with Jinny, but Quinn slept in Brodie’s old room, unwilling to be the half mile away at his mother’s house. Today, with the blessing of a good number of townspeople, they’d married at Quinn’s home.

  “Where are they, Ma?” Colin put an arm around his mother’s shoulders, holding baby Grant in the other. “Certain, are you, they haven’t started their honeymoon upstairs?” He laughed when Kyla swatted his chest.

  “Ach, such language, and in front of your aunts. You still act as a brash young man, lad.” She watched her grandson wiggle in Colin’s arms, a sense of great contentment claiming her. “Give me the wee bairn while you go spend time with the other lads.” She held out her welcoming arms, taking Grant, then turning toward the other women.

  Shaking his head, Colin wasted no time finding Brodie, who stood with a group of other men, including Big Jim.

  “Congratulations.” Colin clasped him on the shoulder, then shook his hand.

  “Thank you, Colin. Her mother and I knew we’d lose her someday. We just hadn’t planned on it being so soon.” Big Jim sipped his punch, more than pleased Blaine had added something to it.

  “It was a good decision, working with Da and Uncle Ian to clear your debt.” Brodie knew it had been hard for Big Jim to confess how he’d gotten into so much financial trouble. Ultimately, it had been the right choice.

  “Having your family as partners is more than I could have hoped. After meeting with Lyman Ziller, hearing his offer, I’d have been a fool not to talk to Ewan and Ian. It was half of the first offer, which was far from fair. Now Gertie gets to stay in her home.” He glanced at his wife, surrounded by he
r friends—their friends. “I know he did nothing illegal, offering an offensive price, but I can’t help but think there’s something crooked about what happened. If Cliff Doggett had lived, perhaps we would’ve found out if others were involved.” Big Jim took a quick look at Boyd Doggett, who stood off to the side, watching the festivities, saying little. He’d been relieved when his foreman agreed to stay.

  “Aye, but the man chose his own course. He could’ve dropped his gun, surrendered. Instead, he continued to shoot, giving us no choice. I promise you. I’ll continue to ask questions, try to find someone who knew Ziller, maybe even who he works for.”

  “I hear the man disappeared after Big Jim turned him down.” Colin kept watch on his ma, a grin spreading across his face at the joy she got showing off Grant.

  “He did. And Sam hasn’t been able to find anything on the company he worked for. Allan Pinkerton is looking into it, too. I’m not giving up.” Between the disappearance of Ziller, no record of his company existing, and the strange conversation he had with Nate about a mystery man he’d seen in Chinatown, Brodie wouldn’t rest until he put all the pieces together. He didn’t want to see this happening to others in his town.

  As if being summoned, Sam and Nate joined the men, making toasts and congratulating Big Jim.

  “I understand Quinn and Emma will be riding into town, taking the morning steamboat south to Sacramento.” Sam stood next to Brodie, his eyes fastened on Jinny, who’d just stepped onto the porch.

  “Aye. They’ll be staying at the Gold Dust tonight. Maggie and I will see them off tomorrow.” Brodie watched his wife join Jinny and Geneen. He still couldn’t quite believe his good fortune in marrying her.

  Sam tilted his glass to his lips, casting another glance at Jinny. He didn’t think he’d ever tire of looking at her, fantasizing about having her in his life. Not long after he joined Pinkerton’s agency, he’d made a mistake with a young woman, telling himself lust was the same as love. They didn’t marry, and the parting had been painful, a circumstance he never planned to repeat.

  “She’s a fine lass, Sam.”

  Sam’s gaze shot to Brodie, seeing the amusement in his boss’s eyes. “Jinny’s an amazing young woman. More than most men deserve.”

  “Aye, she is. I have a feeling the lass may have an interest in one particular man.”

  Sam’s response died on his lips when Quinn and Emma walked out of the house, holding hands, smiling at everyone. He’d been at Brodie’s wedding, and now Quinn’s. In his mind, the three MacLaren men who’d found the right women were fortunate beyond reason. They believed once you gave your heart, it was for life. Sam thought the same, also accepting he’d never be blessed with their good fortune.

  Uncle Ewan wrapped Quinn in a hug, then kissed Emma on the cheek, turning them to the crowd.

  “It is my pleasure to congratulate the newest MacLaren couple. Quinn and Emma.” He hoisted his glass, yelling the MacLaren war cry in unison with the rest of his clan.

  Brodie glanced over at Sam, seeing his friend’s gaze still locked on Jinny. He wished the man would express his feelings, make his move, but Brodie would never push him. It had to be Sam’s decision.

  Sam cleared his throat. “I don’t suppose you’d be interested in renegotiating our deal.”

  Cocking a brow, Brodie turned to him. “I’d be interested in what you have to say.”

  Nodding, Sam watched as Quinn kissed Emma, then helped her into their waiting carriage. His chest squeezed at the obvious love they shared.

  “I might be willing to stay in Conviction a little longer. Given the right circumstances, of course.”

  Brodie chuckled. “Aye. The right circumstances are important. Would you care to share them with me?”

  Sam nodded, swallowing the last drop of his punch, then laughed. “That I would, Sheriff. Yes. I very much would.”

  Thank you for taking the time to read Quinn’s Honor. If you enjoyed it, please consider telling your friends or posting a short review. Word of mouth is an author’s best friend and much appreciated.

  Watch for book four, Sam’s Legacy, in 2017.

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  I care about quality, so if you find something in error, please contact me via email at shirleen@shirleendavies.com

  About the Author

  Shirleen Davies writes romance—historical, contemporary, and romantic suspense. She grew up in Southern California, attended Oregon State University, and has degrees from San Diego State University and the University of Maryland. During the day she provides consulting services to small and mid-sized businesses. But her real passion is writing emotionally charged stories of flawed people who find redemption through love and acceptance. She now lives with her husband in a beautiful town in northern Arizona.

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  Books by Shirleen Davies

  Historical Western Romance Series

  MacLarens of Fire Mountain

  Tougher than the Rest, Book One

  Faster than the Rest, Book Two

  Harder than the Rest, Book Three

  Stronger than the Rest, Book Four

  Deadlier than the Rest, Book Five

  Wilder than the Rest, Book Six

  Redemption Mountain

  Redemption’s Edge, Book One

  Wildfire Creek, Book Two

  Sunrise Ridge, Book Three

  Dixie Moon, Book Four

  Survivor Pass, Book Five

  Promise Trail, Book Six

  Deep River, Book Seven, Releasing 2017

  MacLarens of Boundary Mountain

  Colin’s Quest, Book One,

  Brodie’s Gamble, Book Two

  Quinn’s Honor, Book Three

  Contemporary Romance Series

  MacLarens of Fire Mountain

  Second Summer, Book One

  Hard Landing, Book Two

  One More Day, Book Three

  All Your Nights, Book Four

  Always Love You, Book Five

  Hearts Don’t Lie, Book Six

  No Getting Over You, Book Seven

  ‘Til the Sun Comes Up, Book Eight, Releasing 2017

  Peregrine Bay

  Reclaiming Love, Book One

  Our Kind of Love, Book Two

  Tougher than the Rest – Book One

  MacLarens of Fire Mountain Historical Western Romance Series

  “A passionate, fast-paced story set in the untamed western frontier by an exciting new voice in historical romance.”

  Niall MacLaren is the oldest of four brothers, and the undisputed leader of the family. A widower, and single father, his focus is on building the MacLaren ranch into the largest and most successful in northern Arizona. He is serious about two things—his responsibility to the family and his future marriage to the wealthy, well-connected widow who will secure his place in the territory’s destiny.

  Katherine is determined to live the life she’s dreamed about. With a job waiting for her in the growing town of Los Angeles, California, the young teacher from Philadelphia begins a journey across the United States with only a couple of trunks and her spinster companion. Life is perfect for this adventurous, beautiful young woman, until an accident throws her into the arms of the one man who can destroy it all.

  Fighting his growing attraction and strong desire for the beautiful stranger, Niall is more determined than ever to push emotions aside to focus on his goals of wealth and political gain. But looking into the clear, blue eyes of the woman who could ruin everything, N
iall discovers he will have to harden his heart and be tougher than he’s ever been in his life…Tougher than the Rest.

  Faster than the Rest – Book Two

  MacLarens of Fire Mountain Historical Western Romance Series

  “Headstrong, brash, confident, and complex, the MacLarens of Fire Mountain will captivate you with strong characters set in the wild and rugged western frontier.”

  Handsome, ruthless, young U.S. Marshal Jamie MacLaren had lost everything—his parents, his family connections, and his childhood sweetheart—but now he’s back in Fire Mountain and ready for another chance. Just as he successfully reconnects with his family and starts to rebuild his life, he gets the unexpected and unwanted assignment of rescuing the woman who broke his heart.

  Beautiful, wealthy Victoria Wicklin chose money and power over love, but is now fighting for her life—or is she? Who has she become in the seven years since she left Fire Mountain to take up her life in San Francisco? Is she really as innocent as she says?

  Marshal MacLaren struggles to learn the truth and do his job, but the past and present lead him in different directions as his heart and brain wage battle. Is Victoria a victim or a villain? Is life offering him another chance, or just another heartbreak?

  As Jamie and Victoria struggle to uncover past secrets and come to grips with their shared passion, another danger arises. A life-altering danger that is out of their control and threatens to destroy any chance for a shared future.

  Harder than the Rest – Book Three

  MacLarens of Fire Mountain Historical Western Romance Series

  “They are men you want on your side. Hard, confident, and loyal, the MacLarens of Fire Mountain will seize your attention from the first page.”

  Will MacLaren is a hardened, plain-speaking bounty hunter. His life centers on finding men guilty of horrendous crimes and making sure justice is done. There is no place in his world for the carefree attitude he carried years before when a tragic event destroyed his dreams.

  Amanda is the daughter of a successful Colorado rancher. Determined and proud, she works hard to prove she is as capable as any man and worthy to be her father’s heir. When a stranger arrives, her independent nature collides with the strong pull toward the handsome ranch hand. But is he what he seems and could his secrets endanger her as well as her family?