Hannah spoke with gentle authority. “I know the sheriff in Zenith. His sister-in-law trained me to be a bounty hunter. Jackson and I think we should go file charges against Elliott. If we both say we were kidnapped, then hopefully they will put out a wanted poster for him, and no other girls will suffer at his hands.”
“There was also a third girl that we know of, Melissa,” Jackson said. “I helped her get away, but I don’t know where she’s at. I’m hoping she’s filed her own charge against him.”
The two looked at each other. Then Adam said, “We could get married in Zenith and spend the night there after we filed the complaint.”
The girl smiled shyly at him. “I like that idea. Then the next morning, come back to our little place.”
“If you’d like, I could marry you,” Jackson offered. “I’m a preacher.”
They both smiled at him. “I’d liked that,” Adam said. “I think it's fitting.”
Beth glanced at Hannah and Jackson. “In the morning, let’s ride to Zenith.”
Hannah introduced Jackson, Adam, and Beth to Zach as they stood in the sheriff’s office. A shiver of fear clenched her insides, but she forced the emotion away. No longer would she let apprehension guide her life. No matter what the circumstance, she had to stand up and be strong.
“My stepfather, Elliott Potter, kidnapped Beth to sell her into prostitution. I’d gotten word he was going after another girl, and we followed him out of town. Then Beth came up missing in Dyersville. We’d both like to file charges against him.”
Zach nodded and sat down behind his desk. He pulled out the necessary paperwork and began to fill it out, asking Hannah and Beth all kinds of questions, while Jackson and Adam stood in the background and watched.
When Zach had gotten everything he needed, he looked up from his writing. “I’ll have this telegraphed to surrounding towns because he won’t stop just because he’s wounded. He’ll be searching for another victim.”
Maybe this would stop his sadistic hunt for young women. She didn’t understand what was driving him to do such a terrible act. But whatever it was, he had to be stopped.
“On more pleasant news, this young couple was supposed to be married yesterday. Since that ceremony never happened, they’d like to get married today. I’m a preacher and can marry them. Is there some place in town where we can hold a ceremony?”
Just then, Meg opened the door and strolled in, her swollen belly preceding her. “Zach?” she called then saw the group of people. “Hannah, you’re back.”
“Not for long,” she replied, giving her friend a hug. She quickly filled Meg in on what was going on.
Zach grinned at his wife. “Honey, this young couple wants to marry. Can you think of anywhere in town where Jackson could marry them?”
“Of course. They can get married at the farm. We’ll all be witnesses. In fact, young lady, you need to come with me. We’re going to find you a dress that will be perfect for the occasion.”
“That’s one of the things I love about my wife,” Zach said, smiling with his loving gaze directed at his wife, “her take charge attitude.”
The girl’s eyes widened. “Thank you, but we could never impose.”
Hannah knew exactly how the young woman felt. She’d thought the same thing. “The McKenzie women will love fussing over the two of you. You go with Meg. I’m going to ride out and speak to Ruby.”
Now that Hannah had been out on her own for a while, she wanted to ask Ruby some questions and talk to her about almost killing Elliott and how Jackson had warned her about shooting him in the back.
Jackson’s brows rose, but then he nodded toward her. She didn’t need his permission to go somewhere, yet it was almost like he was telling her he understood. Their week spent together in that cabin had certainly made them attune to one another.
Meg took Beth by the arm. “I’m a dress designer. In fact, you’re currently wearing a skirt I made for Hannah and my sisters.”
“I love it. It’s so easy to ride in.”
“I saw the design in one of those New York magazines, and I knew I could do the same thing. Now come on, let’s get you ready to marry that boy who is clearly infatuated with you.”
The girl blushed. “I’m crazy in love with him.”
Jackson grinned. “What time is the wedding?”
“Let’s make it four o’clock at the farm. That will give us time to get Beth ready and gather everyone. Then you two can ride back into town and stay at the hotel.”
Adam came over to Beth and gazed down at her. “Are you going to be okay?”
She smiled, lovingly staring up into her future husband’s eyes. “I’ll be fine. The next time I see you, we’ll be standing in front of Jackson, saying our vows.”
He grinned at her, his fingers reaching out to brush a strand of hair off her cheek. “See you soon.”
Glancing at Meg, he said, “She’ll be safe with you?”
Meg laughed. “I may be expecting, but I still know how to use a pistol. Honey, will Beth be safe with me?”
Zach shook his head. “I’d pity the fool who was stupid enough to take on my wife. We’ll see you at the farm. You need to go arrange a hotel room and a ring.”
Later that afternoon, Hannah stood with the rest of the people she called family and watched as Jackson wed the young couple. During the ceremony, Annabelle and Beau’s daughter, Charlotte, started crying and Beau took her outside. The baby was six months old and her parents’ pride and joy. Meg’s baby was due the next month, and Zach doted on her. Ruby and Deke were also in attendance.
Hannah had spent the afternoon talking to Ruby about Hide Town and her stepfather. She’d confirmed what Jackson had told Hannah. If she’d shot her stepfather in the back, it would have been considered murder. She guessed she owed Jackson a thank you, but the words had not spilled out from between her lips. They seemed stuck in her throat.
Watching Jackson perform the marriage ceremony cemented the fact that he was a preacher, a man of God, and though he was gorgeous as sin on Saturday night, they could never be. Until recently, he’d had a congregation where he was the pillar of strength, the person they all tried to emulate, and she would always be that soiled dove who’d escaped the madam, that poor soul who’d been sold into prostitution.
Not exactly church material. Yet, they seemed to have this thing developing between them she’d never experienced before. And that, frankly, frightened her almost as much as taking the madam down.
“By the power invested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife,” Jackson said, jerking Hannah out of her musings.
She watched as Adam brushed back Beth’s hair and kissed his bride tenderly on the lips. For a moment, Hannah felt envious. She’d never have a man look at her that way. She’d never have a husband or a family. All of that had been taken from her the moment Elliott had given her to the madam.
Biting her lip, Hannah concentrated on the wedding. Today, Beth looked beautiful dressed in a blue muslin dress Meg had had in her shop. She’d given Beth the dress as a wedding gift and asked her to send new customers Meg’s way. Just like she’d given Hannah the skirt she was wearing.
The McKenzie women were strong and helped people achieve their dreams. She owed her life to this family, and she’d do whatever she had to, to protect them. Yet, she envied the life they had. Loving husbands, babies, and an unbreakable sisterly bond, everything Hannah would never have.
Annabelle stood. “Give me just a few moments, and I’ll have supper on the table. We can celebrate this couple’s new beginning.”
Caroline McKenzie, their cousin, jumped up almost knocking over the oil lamp. “I’ll help Annabelle.”
Meg tried to go in and help too but was quickly shooed out of the kitchen by Ruby and Hannah. “Go sit down before you go into labor. Today is not the day we’re having that baby.”
With a laugh, Meg returned to the rocking chair.
“Come on,” Ruby said to Hannah. “I need some space from
Caroline. She’s acting a bit crazy today. Her mother is pushing her to marry that pig farmer, and she’s almost foaming at the mouth with anger.”
Hannah chuckled at the idea of Caroline and the pig farmer. The woman’s mother had been pushing the man toward her daughter for months now. “Has she gotten any better at shooting?”
“Yes, I think she can handle her own now, but I hope she never goes out alone. That mother of hers doesn’t realize it, but she’s pushing Caroline right out the door.”
“At least she still has a mother who cares.”
“What’s wrong with you? You’re acting sad, and you should be joyous.”
Hannah shook her head, knowing she would never do anything to mar the young couple’s day. “It’s nothing.”
How could she whine about her life when she was now a free woman? No, this wasn’t the life she’d chosen, but she was independent, strong, and would soon get the revenge she craved. No, it wasn’t a perfect life, but she was no longer working in a profession she’d hated, and that made it a good day.
“You know, Hannah, in the last six months I’ve learned to read that pretty face of yours. To someone who knows you, those expressions can easily be deciphered,” Ruby said, smiling at Hannah like she knew exactly what she was experiencing.
“Well, let’s keep this beautiful occasion focused on this couple. I’m so happy we found Beth before the madam got her.”
“And you should feel proud you were the one who saved her.”
“I am. I just wish someone had rescued me.”
“Hey, I rescued you.”
Hannah laid her head on Ruby’s shoulder. “And I will be forever grateful.”
Time would heal her wounds, and soon she would be making enough money to live on her own. She had to keep repeating that mantra over and over to herself.
Ruby sighed. “I know you wished it had been sooner, but you’re still that beautiful young girl who one day is going to be standing before everyone saying I do.”
“Oh, no,” Hannah said, shaking her head. “No man is going to want to marry a soiled dove.”
“You know, I thought you were a lot keener than that. I’ve been watching that preacher, and he can hardly keep his eyes off you.”
Hannah turned and stared at Ruby. “Jackson? That would work as well as tying a bobcat with a string. Me, an ex-whore, with a preacher man? I’m sure his church would fire Jackson faster than a deacon taking up a collection on Sunday morning. Besides, he’s not interested in me. He feels guilty because he didn’t believe me and never helped me escape. That will soon pass.”
The sun was blazing a hole in Ruby’s brain, if she thought Jackson was interested in Hannah. Sure, he’d kissed her, but that was more to irritate her than being serious. And yes, they seemed to have this urgent need to be together, but that would end once they were no longer together for any length of time. Then they’d go back to just being a man and a woman who solved crimes together.
Ruby shrugged her shoulders. “Maybe so, but the only time I’ve ever seen a man look at a woman like he gazes at you is when he wants her in his bed.”
“That’s not happening.”
Leaning in close to Hannah, Ruby lowered her voice. “You know, with the right man, sex is beautiful. You’ve been exposed to the worst side of the physical act, but when you’re with the man you love, it’s very enjoyable. Let’s just say Deke knows how to make a woman sing.”
Hannah shook her head at her friend. “And I’m sure your husband would be very embarrassed to hear you tell me about his bedroom capabilities.”
Ruby put her arm through Hannah’s. “There is not much I can do or say that embarrasses my husband. He knows exactly who he married, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Later that evening, they all gathered outside to tell the young couple goodbye, and Beth hugged Hannah close to her.
“Thank you. Because of you, I’m back with Adam, and we’re married. I can never repay you for what you’ve done.”
Tears gathered in the corners of Hannah’s eyes. “I’m just glad we found you.”
As the couple prepared to leave, they promised to visit the McKenzies once they were settled. At first, Hannah had experienced guilt for wishing someone had saved her from Elliott’s clutches, but after Beth’s sweet thank you, she’d felt a rush of happiness that she’d helped someone. The McKenzie sisters had told her she’d done a good job, and they were proud of how they’d taught her to be a bounty hunter.
Now, Hannah knew it was time to get serious once again about Hide Town.
Jackson came up beside her. “That was what you call a happy ending.”
“Yes,” she said, watching the newlyweds ride away and avoiding eye contact with Jackson.
“You still mad at me?”
“Damn straight. But I talked to Ruby, and she said you were right. I would have been charged with murder for shooting him in the back. Thanks.” Those words were so hard to say, yet they needed to be out in the open.
Jackson grinned at her and even gave her a brief hug. “Don’t get discouraged. We’ll get, Elliott. I’ve been talking to Zach about how to clean up the town. I’ve made a decision.”
She glanced at him, trickles of worry going through her. “What?”
“I’m going back to my congregation. I’m reclaiming my church.”
“Jackson, I don’t think that’s a good idea.” The thought of him going back to those people who hadn’t supported him and the men who’d nearly beaten him to death frightened her.
He smiled and wiped a piece of her hair away from her cheek. “It’s what I’ve got to do.”
“You’re still hurting. Let’s just go back and hide out in the cabin until you’re well. We can make that our headquarters and return there whenever we run into a problem.” She didn’t know if his body could handle the torture if they beat him again. No matter what, she didn’t want him hurt.
“No. I want to be out in the open, where they know I’m coming for them.”
“Do you want to die?”
“No, but I’m not going to be a coward, and I’m going to fight for what’s mine.”
Uneasiness scurried along her spine. She’d begun to think of them as a team, and he was making the decisions. She had her own battles to fight in Hide Town, and this time she would win. “What about me?”
“You’re going with me. We’re going to clean up the town, together.”
Zach walked up to them. “Sorry to interrupt, but we’re getting ready to leave, and I wanted to give this to Hannah.”
He handed her a wanted poster. “When I filed the complaint on your stepfather and sent out my telegrams, I received a message back from a sheriff in East Texas. It seems your stepfather is wanted for murder. He killed his first wife.”
Hannah cursed. “I knew it. I knew he murdered my mother, and the madam helped him cover it up. They said she fell down the stairs, but why would my mother be in the bordello? No one would listen to me.” Fury rushed through her, leaving her shaking.
Yes, it was time to return to Hide Town, and though she wasn’t certain, maybe the time had come to quit skulking about and get on with the battle.
Hannah glanced at Jackson. “We leave at daylight to return to Hide Town.”
Chapter 6
Hannah worriedly glanced behind her at the sky. Dark clouds roiled in the west, like boiling water, changing from light blue to almost purple. Springtime in Texas was often filled with storms as the weather changed from cool to hot, just like the way people went from warm to cold when they learned of her past.
“There’s a thunderstorm brewing behind us. I think maybe we should bed down here for the night and hope the rain travels north of us,” Hannah said, riding alongside Jackson.
He gazed at the rapidly moving clouds. “We’re directly in the rainstorm's path. We’re going to get wet.”
A semi-circle grove of trees came into view. They wouldn’t be under the trees, but at least they might get some help
with blocking the blowing dust and wind. Trees were scarce upon the prairie, and when you found some, it was wise to take advantage of their shelter.
Riding into the center, Hannah pulled her horse to a stop and slid down from the animal. “I’ll get a fire started.”
Jackson stepped off his horse and gazed at the clouds for a few minutes. From inside his saddlebags, he pulled an oil-skinned tarp. “I’ll build a lean-to to shelter us during the storm.”
“If we get wet, we’ll dry out.”
“Not with wet wood we won’t,” he said.
She watched as he scouted around the area until he found branches he could use to create the cover.
The idea of being snug in a cramped space with Jackson was not exactly her idea of fun, but she hated storms. The power of them roaring across the prairie, where they had very little shelter, frightened her. About the time she got the firewood gathered, thunder rumbled in the distance. Lightning streaked the sky.
“Oh dear,” Hannah said, her nerves skittering down her spine at the dominance of nature.
Within minutes, she had a fire roaring, while the clouds grew darker and the wind began to pick up, whipping the flames. Jackson immediately kicked dust onto the fire, extinguishing the blaze.
“Why did you do that?” she asked, looking stunned.
“Because I don’t want to start a prairie fire.”
“You’re right,” she said with a sigh.
“Put the wood you collected under the tarp,” he said. “We’ll need a fire to dry off after the storm passes.”
After stacking their firewood inside the shelter, she stood. A gust of wind slammed into Hannah, and Jackson caught her.
A bolt of lightning hit the ground less than a hundred yards from them. She screamed and wrapped her arms around him, her body shaking. “I hate lightning.”
“Shh, it’s okay,” he said, patting her on the back, his body surrounding and protecting her. He held her in the safety of his arms while tremors rattled her bones. In his embrace, a sense of safety and belonging overcame her. Something she’d experienced very seldom in her life.
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