“Then where’d he get the information?” Seamus hissed in his face.
“I don’t know, I tell ye.”
O’Rourke pushed Flaherty aside and pulled Cullen to his feet. “Where did he go when he left here?”
The truth slapped Cullen as surely as if Seamus Flaherty has issued the blow. Kevin O’Rourke killed Christopher Dougherty. Someone knew it.
O’Rourke dropped Cullen’s arm, grabbed him by the throat and slammed him against the wall. Kevin’s teeth gnashed. His eyes became thin slits. “Where?”
Cullen moved his lips, but no sound came. O’Rourke loosened his grip allowing a whisper. “De Grillet.”
Kevin dropped him.
He slid down the wall in a trembling heap. Cullen held his breath. He was about to die. The dull glint of O’Rourke’s metal-toed boot flashed before it struck Cullen in the side of the head. Then all went black.
* * *
Shannon didn’t bother to wait for Alain-Robert. Instead she swiped her bags and started walking. It was about three miles, but if she kept up her pace she could be there in thirty minutes.
“Widow O’Connor, wait.” Alain-Robert ran to catch up.
She didn’t even look back, though she felt a twinge of guilt remembering his face when she’d hurt her ankle. He hadn’t been around since. From what she could tell, neither of them had much of a life.
But she didn’t have time for niceties. She needed to leave off her things so she could get back to Samuel. With her hands free, she could hang on to him and get out without impediment. Out of their house, out of their lives. Away from James’s presence.
“Widow O’Connor, here. Let me take that.” Alain-Robert reached for her bags. Instinctively, she pulled back. They’d already grabbed her son from her. In fact, nearly everything she had had been pulled away in some sort or fashion. Sean, her parents, the ability to make her way in the world, her son and now her possessions.
“No. I’ll carry them.”
He appeared startled. And why not, he had offered to do something kind, and she’d just snapped at him. She shook her head, thinking she needed someone to shake some sense into her. “Fine, you take one, and I’ll take the other.” She offered the heavier one, feeling guilty for doing so.
He took the bag and matched her stride. She knew he wouldn’t start a conversation with her and didn’t feel like starting one herself. But the silence only added to her feelings of having mistreated him. Almost like she’d kicked a puppy.
“I appreciate your help. The bags were getting heavy.”
He stared at her as if he’d just seen a snake, and then back at the road ahead. “My pleasure.”
Succinct, with manners. It looked to be one very quiet hike home.
* * *
“They’ve got a lot o’ bodies there at that Crockett house. We’re gonna need more ’n just you an’ me.” Kevin O’Rourke quickly made plans, good plans. He liked the excitement and the power of surprise. He also knew his gang respected him for that ability. They could be called on a minute’s notice.
“How’d ye think they found out?” Seamus wasn’t much on brains, but what he lacked, he made up for in brawn. In any trouble, Kevin wanted Seamus on his side.
“We’ll know soon enough. I… Well, lookie here.” O’Rourke pointed. “I think I’ve figured it out, Seamus.”
“What? Who is that?” Seamus stared at the couple Kevin pointed out.
“It’s that lad what sits back in the corner at O’Keefe’s every night. I didn’t notice’m when I got back. He could’ve seen somethin’. They haven’t spotted us. Get over here.” Kevin pulled his partner behind some trees at the side of the road. There they could stay out of sight, but still keep an eye on the dark-haired lad.
“Who’s that with’m?”
Kevin motioned for Seamus to be quiet, then whispered, “I’m thinkin’ it’s Sean O’Connor’s widow. But why would she… Now I know who that is. He’s that de Grillet kid. His family is friendly with the Crocketts. That’s where O’Keefe said Crockett was headed, to see de Grillet.” Kevin knew he’d figured it out. And now he could do something about it. This current situation with the law left him more than unhappy. But this might fix a thing or two. He might even have some fun in the process. “You go get the lads. Hurry. Gather’m up quick an’ I’ll meet ye in the orchard by the Crockett house. I’ve got a score to settle here first.”
* * *
Alain-Robert could not wait to get done and back to the Crocketts’. Shannon O’Connor, though definitely lovely, was also a woman. And that made him uncomfortable. He did not understand women. He did not understand himself when he was around women. And he was never a big talker, but the fairer sex had a way of tying his tongue into one giant knot.
He had tried hard to converse with Shannon that day he’d seen her out, harder than he’d ever tried before to speak with a female. But once James was around, it was no use. Odd man out, that’s what he was.
Alain-Robert sneaked a glance at her and noticed the determined jut of her chin, the purposeful step after step. A woman with a mission. He only hoped it would not keep him in her company for long. But she was nice to look at; he had to admit that much.
A rustle among the trees at his right caught his attention. He turned his head. A body flew at him. It pushed him to the ground, knocking the breath from him, and landed on top. Alain-Robert raised his eyes. A rock came straight at his head. A sudden spray of lights.
Then only blackness.
* * *
“Where’s the Widow?” James hoped he sounded calmer than he felt. Ever since she welcomed him home, he’d longed to talk with her. All alone. He’d finally slipped away from his sisters. But Mimi de Grillet, not Shannon, played on the floor with Samuel.
“She wanted to take some things to her house. I told her I’d watch Samuel while she was gone.”
“You let her go alone?” The force of his words stunned him even more than the look on Tanté Mimi’s face. At that moment he realized more fear for Shannon than he had experienced for himself over the last twenty-four hours.
“No, no. Alain-Robert went with her.”
“Is he armed?”
“Oui, he has a pistol. She is safe, James. Do not worry. They will be back before dark and—”
James didn’t wait for her to finish. He tore down the stairs. “Joseph, Robert.” He ran through the rooms yelling. Both came running.
“Shannon is out there. She decided to walk home.”
“What?”
“I’m going for her.”
“I’ll go with you.” Joseph spoke first, checking his boot dirk.
“I’ll stay here then and let the others know.” Robert handed the pistol in his belt to James. “Go.”
James and Joseph ran out of the house.
* * *
Shannon screamed. The wild man brought the blow down on Alain-Robert’s forehead. Then he faced her.
Kevin O’Rourke.
She again screamed and swung her bag at him. He merely laughed and grabbed it. The force threw her to the ground, against the rocks. Her leg hurt, but she continued to scramble backwards out of his grasp.
“Yer not goin’ anywhere, Widow.” His laughter chilled her.
Grasping leaves, dirt, whatever she could, she threw it. She hit his eyes.
He roared, rising tall. He swiped his eyes clear. In two strides he caught her. Grabbing her by her hair, he lifted her. “I can have you anytime I want Missus Shannon O’Connor.” His breath burned her ear. “Anytime.”
She spit in his face.
He threw her back to the ground, wiping his palm over his nose and cheek.
Shannon knew now her leg wouldn’t hold her. She rolled over and started crawling. A swift kick in her ribs landed her on her back. Fire burned in her lungs.
“So yer still a brave lass. I’ll teach ye to remember yer place.” He reached into his coat pocket. What he brought out appeared so innocuous. A simple tool used by sheep farmer
s everywhere. But when the Combers used it, it was a weapon of fear. She trembled.
Using her good leg, she scooted backward on her bottom. Something blocked her escape. A tree. Wild with fear, she gaped at her attacker.
Kevin O’Rourke’s eyes gleamed.
Her heart beat hard enough to burst from her chest. She opened her mouth to scream, but her voice refused to work.
Slowly, he brought the wool card toward her cheek, letting each razor-sharp point graze her skin.
She pulled her head back as far as possible.
He teased her fear.
She knew it.
His eyes narrowed, and his hand raised the comb.
* * *
“Gone? What do you mean she’s gone?” Thomas stood in his daughter’s bedroom, his gaze searching as if Sarah played one of her childhood games with poor timing.
“Just that, Thomas. Sarah’s not here.” Meg wrung her hands. “I came in to see if she felt any better, and here Bridget lay in Sarah’s bed, in Sarah’s clothing.”
“Up. Get up.”
Bridget cowered before him. Stupid girl. She stood, eyes watching the floor.
“Thomas, you know Bridget didn’t do anything of her own volition. Sarah is behind it. You cannot blame Bridget.”
“I can blame whomever I wish.” He stepped closer and she cowered more. Grabbing at his hair, he turned away from the terrified maid. “But yer right. I know it, and ye know it. Sarah has a mind of her own. Just tell me where she went, lass. Tell me so I can bring her safely back.”
Bridget slowly raised her face. She didn’t trust him but right now his daughter’s safety was the important thing. “She’s away to Edenmore, sir.” She curtsied.
“Edenmore? I should have known she’d head right into the thick of things.” He strode to the door. “I’ll take six guards with me. Meg, you must keep everyone else here. Do not let another out or in this house until I return.” He turned back to Bridget. “Is that understood?”
“Aye, sir.” Bridget’s answer echoed after him down the stairs.
“Mount up.” Thomas bellowed as he headed for his stables. “All of ye.” He pointed to six private guards of Balleylawn tower house who did as ordered. With the front two holding aloft torches, they cantered as one to the end of the laneway, then broke into a gallop, Thomas Stewart leading. I will find a way to keep her safe if it is the last thing I do. With a grim reminder, he prayed she’d be safe until he could find her and keep his vow.
* * *
Alain-Robert’s head rang with noise. His leaded eyes fought opening. Light burned. He couldn’t focus.
Scrambled sounds came from near the trees as it all came rushing back. He felt at his belt. Yes, he still had his pistol. Pulling it out, he forced himself to a sitting position and pulled back the hammer. He couldn’t see. Swiping his face, he cleared his eyes. It was still too blurry. Alain-Robert blinked, squinted, and aimed as best he could. God help me. A breath and he pulled the trigger.
* * *
“Did you hear that?” James didn’t wait for an answer. He ran faster toward the sound. Blood charged through his veins sending him flying down the road. He couldn’t imagine what he’d find, but prayed it would be Shannon, unhurt.
* * *
The explosion came from nowhere. Shannon, blood pounding in her brain, longed to scream, but couldn’t get enough air.
Kevin’s eyes grew wide. He dropped to his knees and fell. On top of her.
Someone whimpered. The noise came from her. She hadn’t even the strength to push her assailant away. Her chest hurt too much to take in a deep breath. Pinned against the tree, under his body, she couldn’t move a muscle. Oh, God, if Ye’ve ever heard me, hear me now. Help me.
Chapter Sixteen
Where did they think they were going? Why would Shannon be out of the house?” Antoine could not understand how things were already so out of control.
Robert had found him speaking with the other two out in the barn when he delivered the message. “I explained, Father. James told Joseph and me that the Widow left for her house and he was going after her. Joseph agreed to go, so I gave my pistol to James. I said I’d let you know.” Robert held his palms out. “That’s all the story I have.”
Though it frustrated him, Antoine could see Robert had given all the information he knew. Turning on his heel, he announced over his shoulder. “I’ll talk to whoever is with the babies. Maybe then we’ll discover the rest of the story.”
He led Albert, Michael and Robert back into the house, all four traipsing to the nursery together.
The staircase could have been just one more mountain to be scaled today. Over and over Antoine’s emotions took a frightening ride. Just when he thought he had his loved ones protected, one more mountain loomed. He prayed this would be an easier climb.
The nursery door stood wide open. Mimi and Lucy sat on the floor playing with Samuel. Sarah Beth stood at the dresser, changing Wee Joseph’s diaper. Mary Frances and Sarah Stewart sat on the edge of the bed in conversation. All glanced up when the men entered.
“What do you know about the Widow O’Connor leaving for her house?”
“I told her I’d watch her Samuel while she was gone.” Mimi volunteered, her smile showing a hint of worry. “I do not think she planned to be gone long, though. Alain-Robert went with her.”
“How long ago did they leave?” Antoine felt somewhat better knowing the lass had not left alone. So why did James run after her?
“Not long. Maybe thirty minutes ago?”
Thirty minutes, not enough time to get there and back. But more than enough time for trouble to find them.
* * *
The grisly site appeared more like a battlefield than a familiar country path. Heart pounding in his ears, James spotted Alain-Robert first, lying silent on the road, his pistol still in his hand. Then he saw the body by the tree. “Where is she? Shannon. Answer me. Where are you?”
“Here.” Her voice was feeble, but he heard her. Following the sound, James found her beneath O’Rourke’s body. Her left eye was puffy, nearly swollen closed, while her left cheek showed faint scratches running from her ear to her nose.
James pulled the body off Shannon. Dropping to his knee, he felt for a pulse. O’Rourke had none. James pushed the corpse farther from her, then tried to pull Shannon to her feet.
“Ah-h-h.”
He let go, stooping next to her, brushing soft blonde strands from her face. “Where are you hurt?”
“Something…wrong…my chest. Hurts…to breathe. Right leg. Won’t hold me.” The skin around her mouth had taken on a pale bluish cast, and the notch at her neck deepened with each breath.
James glanced over his shoulder to find Joseph bent over Alain-Robert. “Joseph, she needs help.”
“So does he. He’s still breathing, but his head is in bad shape. He’s unconscious.”
“She’s in no condition to walk. What do you want to do?” James’s brain refused to work. He hadn’t planned beyond finding Shannon—safe and unharmed.
“I don’t know. Let me think.” If anyone could come up with a quick plan, James knew his brother would. He hoped.
The sun sank lower by the second and he now understood, more than ever, this was not the night to be out after dark.
* * *
“What about these bags? Where’d they come from?” Joseph grabbed up the one near Alain-Robert without waiting an answer.
“She says they’re hers.” James didn’t even turn but called out over his shoulder.
Joseph dumped the bag, picking up toddler-sized gowns, toys, personal items, ribbons and small blankets. He grabbed the other bag and dumped its contents as well. Here he found a woolen cloak, a couple dresses, and some female-type undergarments.
He stared at the contents. “I think I have an idea. Go find two long limbs, at least as long as you are. Longer is better. Bring them back.”
James didn’t move.
“Go! Now. Or else we’re a
ll stuck out here and she won’t get any help.” His brother only paused a second longer to look at Shannon. She gave a small nod and he was off.
Joseph began tearing a baby blanket into strips. “I’m sorry to have to do this with your clothes, Widow O’Connor. I’m afraid I’ll owe you some new things before we’re done. Right now, I need to bandage Alain-Robert’s head.” He used a second baby blanket to gently wipe away as much blood as he could from the man’s forehead before placing a thick pad of the torn blanket over the wound and wrapping the strips about to hold the pad in place. He wished for water to cleanse the wound. It would be a sticky mess before they got home.
Could he even get them home? No time to think about that now.
Next he picked up her two dresses, tugged on the skirts of each and settled for the chambray work frock. Stretching it out on the ground, he then placed the woolen cloak on top of it, studied it a moment, and then put the cloak to the side. Afterward he tore her muslin chemise into long strips. Taking two of the strips, he twisted them tight into a makeshift rope, tying knots at both ends. He repeated the method until he had four pieces of rope. They weren’t long but he hoped they’d be long enough.
James came out of the woods about then, dragging two long, dead branches behind. “What are you doing?”
“We need something for hauling him.” Joseph picked up one of the branches and worked it inside the dress, from the skirt to the bodice, making sure the narrower end came out the neck. He did the same with the other branch and tied the two ends together with one of his ropes. He spread the bottoms of the branches to the outer sides of the skirt.
The Crockett Chronicles- The Complete Collection Page 41
