“I hope so, Clint. I really do.”
“I’m counting on it.” He shook the reins. As the horse galloped off he called, “Tell Rose I’ll be back before supper.”
Clint thought about Fiona all the way into town. He couldn’t get the sight of her looking up at him holding her ugly straw hat which was about to fly away out of his mind. Her blond hair was falling across her forehead and those beautiful blue eyes looked at him as if she could see through him. In fact, he’d hardly had her out of his mind ever since she’d come down the stairs into the hotel lobby almost a week ago. Those eyes had at first burned a hole in him as he explained he and Rose wanted to talk with her. Now he wondered if it had been a good idea. The trip to Oregon would take at least four months and if there was trouble, it could take more. How in the world could he keep his feelings in check that long? But he knew he had to. He wouldn’t let Rose down. There was no way she could face a future with a baby without him. Besides he owed her. If she hadn’t helped him get out of Baltimore six years ago, he’d probably be rotting in some jail somewhere. He had to keep his feelings in check. No matter how attracted he was to the beautiful Fiona, he was going to continue being Rose’s husband. It didn’t matter if he would never love her as his wife. He would always love her as his best friend.
Clint turned the buggy in at livery stable for his buyer, then went to the general store to get the promised peppermints. When he stepped in the door, he heard a man’s voice.
“Yep, I’ll be right there when the wagons pull out tomorrow. I don’t give a damn what everybody says, I think Fiona Webb is among ’em. Her trail ends here and where else would she go? They won’t be able to hide her forever.”
“Sir, I’m sure if the woman you’re looking for was among the wagon train folks we would’ve seen her in here by now.” The clerk sounded exasperated. “Now, is there something else I can get you except the chewing tobacco?”
“I don’t understand why everybody in this town wants to protect the bitch.” Luther Markin slammed his money down on the counter. “There’ll be hell to pay when I get my hands on her. She’ll wish she never left Kentucky.”
As soon as he heard the voice, Clint wanted to knock the man down. Instead he fought the impulse and turned his back. He was looking into a barrel of tools as Luther went out of the store, letting the screen door slam behind him.
When he was sure Markin was gone, Clint walked up to the counter. “I believe he’s unhappy.”
The boy behind the counter laughed. “I should say so. He’s been in here every day for about a week. He’s trying to find some woman and a kid. I think he intends to do them harm when he catches up to them.”
“What kind of harm?”
“Who knows? He could be all talk, but he says he’s going to work the boy on his farm.”
“What about the woman?”
“He said wouldn’t nobody miss her if she disappeared so he might take her to one of the mining camps and dump her. Said those men don’t have a lot of female company and would pay a hefty price for a woman like her.”
Clint felt his temper rise. Would this man actually do something so vicious to Fiona? She’d be better off if he planned to kill her. He took a breath, trying to get himself in control. “Well,” he managed to say without showing emotion, “I guess there’s nothing we can do about it.” But he knew he would do something about it if the man ever came around him again.
“Everybody who works in this store will be glad to see those wagons pull out. Maybe he’ll follow it and leave us alone.”
It was hard, but Clint still looked calm when he ordered the tin of peppermints. “Also, I’ll take a box of licorice. I’m sure my nephew will like that, too.”
“I’m sure he will.” The clerk put the candy on the scarred wooden counter and Clint took out some money. As he handed it to the clerk, he glanced at a small gold ring with a blue stone in the center sitting on the shelf behind the clerk. It reminded him of Fiona’s eyes. “Could I see the ring with the blue stone?”
The clerk took it down and handed it to Clint. “Your wife will love it.”
Clint nodded. He had no intention of telling the man he wasn’t thinking of buying it for his wife, but for a woman he’d only known a week. Because he felt guilty for thinking of Fiona and not Rose, he pointed to a small cameo pin. “I think I’ll get that as well as the ring.”
“Yes, sir. There’s going to be one happy woman when you get back to her tonight.”
“I don’t plan to give it to her tonight. I figure it’ll get hard out on the trail and there may come a time when she needs something to lift her spirits.”
The clerk grinned. “You’re a thoughtful man. More husbands leaving on this journey should think ahead like this.”
Clint paid for his purchases, left the store, and headed toward his horse. He couldn’t help feeling a little guilty about the ring, but he couldn’t help buying it. It was something he knew Fiona would like, or at least he thought she would. He almost laughed to himself because he was aware he knew very little about Fiona Webb. All he really knew was that she was a beautiful woman who made his loins ache every time he looked at her and that she was hiding from a man named Markin. The only other thing he knew was the little boy with her might or might not be her son. With the slips Joey had made, Clint couldn’t help but doubt the truth of his parentage.
Before he had time to think about it very long, a voice stopped him and he turned to see a young man running toward him. “Mr. Larson, I thought I recognized you. I’m glad you’re still in town. I was afraid I’d have to go out to the wagon train to find you.”
“What is it?”
“I have a message for you.”
“Thanks.” Clint took the slip of paper and tossed the boy a coin. His heart dropped when he read the words. Detectives said Rose was in Independence with you. I’m coming to get her. Don’t you dare head back to Texas. The telegraph was from Wade Fillmore.
Chapter 4
Things were bustling at the campsite. It seemed everyone had last minute chores to do. Fiona and Rose were no exception. They spent most of the morning repacking some of the things in the wagon to make more room for a mattress because Clint knew Rose would want to sleep there, not on the ground. With the bed in place, they milked the cow, saved enough for Joey, and shared the rest with their fellow travelers, several of whom had children.
They made plans for a big supper so there would be extra for the next morning. They spent some time with their neighbors, as they began to think of the other wagons. The Watsons had become good friends and so were the Fritzes. Their daughter, Susie, was close to Joey’s and Benny’s ages. Though they played well with the other children it seemed the three of them had formed a bond and were happy to be together.
By late-afternoon Rose looked tired. “Why don’t you rest for a while?” Fiona suggested. “We had a hard time making you a bed in the wagon. I think you should try it out.”
Rose laughed. “It wasn’t an easy job to get things arranged, but I feel like I should help do the cooking.”
“Rose, there’s nothing much left to do. Anyway, I’m here to do the work when you’re tired.”
“I’m so glad you’re here, Fiona.” Rose took her hand. “I don’t know if I could have handled this trip on my own.”
“I think we’re both lucky. I could’ve never made this trip alone, either.”
“You’re right about me needing a nap.” Rose sighed and headed for the wagon. “If I go to sleep, please wake me when Clint gets back.”
After Rose climbed into the wagon, Fiona busied herself fixing supper for the four of them. The stew was simmering in the big black pot hanging over the fire and the coffee was ready when Sarah Hogan ran up. “Hide, Fiona. A man is demanding to look in every wagon in the train for you.”
“Where’s Joey?”
“I sent him to the creek with Benny and Stanley. He knows to stay there until I come to get him.”
Fiona nodded. �
�I can’t hide in the wagon. Rose is taking a nap there.”
Sarah looked around. “Hide over there in those bushes. They’re thick and he won’t be able to see you. I’ll be here by your camp fire so he won’t be suspicious.”
Fiona darted to the row of bushes growing a couple hundred feet from the wagon. She squatted down and tried to still her pounding heart. “Oh, Lord, please let this end soon. Let us get away from here without Luther finding us.”
Sarah was stirring the stew when Luther Markin walked up to her, leading his horse. “So, you’re here again.”
She stepped back. “Of course I am. This is my family’s wagon. What do you want with me now?”
“I don’t want you, girlie. I want Fiona Webb and the boy.”
“I don’t know any Fiona Webb.”
“The hell you don’t.”
“I don’t care whether you believe me or not, but I sure wish you’d find her so you’d leave my family alone.”
“I’m going to look in your wagon.”
“I’d rather you didn’t. My sister is in there...”
“I don’t believe you.” He stomped toward the wagon, pulled the flap open, and jumped on the tailgate. “Come on out, Fiona!” he roared.
Rose sat up and screamed.
In the confusion, nobody noticed Clint ride up, but before Luther could react to Rose’s scream, a strong hand grabbed his shoulder and jerked him to the ground.
“What the hell are you doing?” Clint demanded.
From his position on the ground, Luther stammered, “I thought...”
“I don’t give a damn what you thought.” Clint pulled his gun and pointed it at Luther. “You’ve bothered my family for the last time. I want you to get out of here and I never want to see your ugly face near this wagon train again.”
Markin scrambled to his feet. “I didn’t mean no harm. I thought...”
“I said I don’t give a damn what you thought. Get out. If I catch you at my wagon again, I’ll put a bullet in you.”
Hate shot from Luther’s eyes. “What have you done with Fiona? I mean to have her and that boy. She deserves to be punished for what she’s done...”
Before he could finish, Clint’s fist connected with his mouth. Luther fell backward onto the ground. Blood spurted from his lip.
A crowd began to gather.
“What’s going on?” Rufus Watson asked.
“This fool keeps looking for a woman named Fiona. If any of you know who the hell he’s talking about, I’d be obliged if you’d tell him so he’d leave my family alone.”
Nobody said anything.
“I’ll give five dollars to anyone who’ll tell me where he’s hiding Fiona Webb.” Luther got up and looked over the crown.
“I don’t know any Fiona Webb,” a woman said.
The group began to shake their heads.
“I’ll give ten.”
Clint was furious. “If you don’t shut your mouth and get out of here, I’m going to use this gun.”
“I’ll leave as soon as I find her,” Luther shouted.
“The woman you’re looking for is not here,” a woman said.
“You fools.” He glared at them. “I’m offering good money. All you have to do is tell me where the bitch is.”
Clint started for the man, but before he could, a deep voice said, “What’s going on here?”
“Who’re you?” Luther demanded.
“I’m the wagon master and I know everyone going to Oregon. Ain’t nobody in this group except families.”
“I think you’re lying.”
Zeke grabbed Luther by the shirt collar and pulled his face close to his. “No man calls me a liar.”
Markin tried to pull away. He looked a little scared of the burley man he’d insulted. “I guess I lost my head, but I can’t help being so damn mad. Nobody will tell me where Fiona and the boy is.”
Zeke shoved him backward. “You come back around here again and you’ll lose more than your head. Somebody will shoot you and nobody in this camp will see a thing. Now get on your horse and get out of here.”
“Are you threatening to kill me?” He spat on the ground.
Clink cocked his gun.
“Are you going to let him shoot me?” Luther glared at Zeke.
“I don’t see nobody doing anything they shouldn’t.”
“You heard him, Markin. You better get out of here while you can.” Clint glared at him. “And don’t forget what I said. If you come around my family again, I’ll kill you.”
Luther Markin mounted his horse. “You’re a bunch of fools. I’ll find her yet,” he yelled as he rode off.
Clint turned to the wagon and saw Rose was sticking her head through the flap. He went to her and held out his hand. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine.” She smiled at him. She took his hand and let him help her down. “He’s an awful man, Clint. He really wants to get Fiona and Joey.”
“I don’t think he’ll be back now.” He put his arm around her shoulder. “Where is Fiona?”
“She’s hiding over there in the bushes,” Sarah said. “She’ll be here as soon as he’s out of sight.”
He let out a sigh of relief. “Good.”
Rose smiled at him again, but he didn’t notice the strange look in her eyes.
* * * *
It was dawn. The emigrants had eaten a breakfast of cold biscuits and whatever was left over from the night before. They didn’t want to build fires and cook a big meal because they’d cook on the trail. The wagons were lined up ready to pull out. Clint’s wagon was between the Watson and the Fritz families. Everyone was anxious to leave and were only waiting for the wagon master’s signal.
“Why do Joey and I have to hide back here?” Fiona demanded as she watched Clint tie the cow and his horse to the back of the wagon.
“Because I’m sure Markin is around somewhere. I want him to see me driving the wagon away with Rose at my side. Sarah and her boy will be walking along beside us. When we’re sure he doesn’t follow, you can get out of the wagon. I’ll let you know when.”
“I’ll never be able to repay you and Rose for all you’ve done for us.”
“You’ve helped us a lot, too, Fiona.” He finished securing the animals. “Now you and Joey stay out of sight. We’ll be leaving shortly.” He gave her a smile and headed toward the front of the wagon.
Fiona sighed. Lord what Clint’s smile did to her.
“What’s the matter, Ma?”
She grinned at her nephew. “I’m fine, Joey. I think I’m excited about leaving.” She hugged him to her. “Do you realize we’re actually getting ready to leave for Oregon?”
“I can’t wait to be a cowboy.”
She smiled at him. “Yes, Joey. You’re going to be a cowboy.”
His eyes sparkled.
A few minutes later Zeke Marshall’s voice was heard as he galloped up and down the line of wagons. “Wagons Ho!”
There were ten wagons in front of them, so it was still several minutes before their mules began to move. Finally, there was a jerk, then a creak, and eventually the wagon wheels began to slowly turn.
“We’re going, Aunt... Ma! We’re really going.”
“Yes, Joey. We’re on our way.” Fiona could hardly believe it herself. They had actually gotten away. There was no way Luther would follow them any further. At least she hoped not. The man couldn’t be crazy enough to come after the wagon train. Of course she didn’t think he’d follow them from Kentucky to Independence. It was no telling what a man as crazy as Luther Markin would do. Clint was right. She and Joey had to stay hidden.
* * * *
Luther Markin sat atop his horse on the edge of the camp as the forty-four wagons pulled away. When the Larson wagon went by, he wondered if he could possibly be wrong. There was no sign of Fiona or the boy. Yellow-haired Sarah was walking along and there was a boy with her. Maybe he did make a mistake. But where did he make it?
When his family had co
me to the deserted Webb farm on Saturday, he knew Fiona had pulled a fast one. She had no intention of letting him have the boy or letting him be around her. He knew she’d figured out he wanted her as well as the boy. She’d outsmarted him and this made him furious. Not only did she deny him the child, a child he’d already killed for, but she’d also made a fool of him. He knew his crazy Jesse wouldn’t keep her mouth shut. He had to do something about it. Nobody made a fool of Luther Markin and got away with it. He’d make the beautiful, but deceitful Fiona pay for what she’d done if it took a year to find her. Hell, with the money he’d taken from her brother, he could follow her for months no matter where she was going.
As soon as they discovered Fiona and the boy were gone, he’d sent Jessie and the brats back to the farm with enough money and instructions to run the place until his return. He didn’t tell her that he might not return. After they got settled at home, he saddled his horse, and rode out. After two days of hard riding, he knew he was on the right trail. Fiona and Joey had stopped in some of the settlements along the way and bought supplies. When he finally got to Missouri, he knew their intent was to join the wagon train. It had to be. Her trail ended in Independence and there was nowhere else for her to go. She was on the train and his intent was to stop them from getting away.
Now he watched the wagon train pull out and she and the boy were nowhere in sight. Of course, he knew they could be hiding in one of the wagons, but which one? Nobody seemed to care if she was a single woman with a boy she didn’t need. A boy he was going to have even if he decided not to go back to Kentucky and his brood of cackling girls. He’d figure a way to make money with the kid. A lot of hard-up farmers would pay a good amount for a kid they could train to do a man’s work. But more than that, he wanted to get his hands on Fiona Webb. She was one bitch he intended to train himself.
He knew he’d shot his mouth off about taking her to one of the mining camps, but he realized he wouldn’t do that. Not for a while, anyway. Hell, he thought. Jessie has let herself go and she sure ain’t much to look at anymore. That’s why I’ve been frequenting the women in Kentucky who don’t mind doing what a man likes. Now, I figure, it’ll be fun to try my hand at a pretty young thing like Fiona Webb. I bet no man’s ever had her before. He grinned his evil grin. I’ll be her first and no matter what happens, if they live long enough, a woman always remember the first man to take her.
Fiona's Journey Page 5
