Escaped (Intrigue Under Western Skies Book 4)

by Elaine Manders

  She gripped his hand with both of hers. “Jake, it’s beautiful. The tree line reminds me of our property back in Georgia, but the grass in various hues is all Nebraska. It’s like the two worlds have come together.”

  “Then you like it?”

  “From what I can see from here, I love it. Who owns the land?”

  “Rhyan Cason, of course, but I’m pretty sure he’ll let me buy five acres. That’s all we’ll need.” He wouldn’t mention the part about a mortgage yet. Silence fell between them, and he coughed. “When Clay was building his house—the one that burned down—he sent off for some house plans. I’m going to order some from that company, and we’ll decide what we want.”

  A lump rose in his chest when her smile faded. Then she seemed to shake herself from whatever despondency she’d seen. “I’m sure, in time, we can agree on the house plans.”

  There wasn’t enough conviction in her voice to suit him.

  ***

  Childish giggles floated from the nursey. Juliette picked up her steps in that direction, the tension in her shoulders easing. She hoped Annie was in there with Miss Sykes and the children. More importantly, she hoped all had gone well in her absence. Yesterday, Annie had cloistered herself in the bedroom with her cats while Juliette was at the library, but today she’d had found her missing.

  Effie Sykes and another lady were sitting in the corner, deep in conversation. Annie played with a little boy of about three on the floor stacking blocks on a diagonal instead of straight. It soon became evident why. Taking turns, each of them were placing the blocks until the stack toppled, at which time the boy squealed with giggles.

  It was a game Juliette recognized that Pa used to play with Annie and the boys.

  When she entered the room, the ladies rose. “Oh, Juliette, allow me to introduce the children’s grandmother, Mrs. Arabella Cason.”

  The strikingly beautiful older woman held out a veined hand, “Please, call me Arabella. As you probably have already noticed, everyone is treated like family in this house.”

  Juliette pressed Arabella’s soft hand warmly. “I have, and it’s an honor to be treated like family.” She wondered if they had coaxed Annie to the nursery. If so, it was a good idea to get the girl out of her room, and she’d always loved little children.

  The little boy ran up. “Our baby is named Arabella too, but we call her Airy. Airy Fairy.”

  Arabella placed a hand atop the toddler’s head. “This is Davy, my grandson, and a big part of my heart.”

  Juliette squatted in front of Davy and shook his small hand. “I’m pleased to finally meet you, Davy. I’m Miss Juliette. I see you’ve already met my sister, Annie.”

  Davy nodded so vigorously his shiny, brown curls trembled. “Yes, she knows lots of games, and she let me play with her kittens. I like her a lot.”

  “We say ‘yes ma’am’ to ladies, Davy,” Effie admonished.

  Davy poked his bottom lip out and furrowed his brows, then his eyes widened. “I forgot you’re a ma’am. Annie’s not a ma’am yet.”

  He was adorable. “That’s right. Annie is a playmate.”

  Harriet popped into the room. “Effie, Mrs. Cason had a caller. She left the baby sleeping in her bed.”

  “Excuse me, I’d better go get her,” Effie said.

  Arabella sent Juliette a concerned look. “Carianne isn’t bouncing back from the birth of this baby like she did with Davy.” She shifted her gaze to Harriet. “Who is calling?”

  “I don’t know, ma’am, but she asked that Miss Juliette and Annie join her in the library.”

  Juliette started. Why would Carianne want her to meet the caller? Perhaps it had something to do with her library duties, but if so, why did she wish Annie to come? Nevertheless, she beckoned to her sister. “Come, Annie. Let’s see what’s going on.”

  Anxiety nagged her all the way down the stairs as she tugged a reluctant Annie along.

  She knew where the library was. Just off the foyer. It was large, with lots of nooks and crannies, but she spotted Carianne before they entered. She sat at the long table with another woman who had her back to the door. Papers covered the tabletop between them.

  Carianne looked up, her characteristic smile in place. Now that Arabella had mentioned it, she did look pale.

  The stranger rose when Carianne did and turned. “Juliette, Annie, this is Mrs. Rhoda Darlington. She’s the nurse I told you about. After discussing the matter with her, I think she can help restore Annie’s voice.”

  Annie crushed Juliette’s hand. “It’s all right,” Juliette whispered. “The nurse only wants to help you, Annie.” Aloud, she added, “Thank you for coming so soon, Mrs. Darlington.”

  “I’ve dealt with several similar cases. I hope you both look upon me as a friend.” Mrs. Darlington smiled and took first Juliette’s, then Annie’s hand. “Annie, Carianne tells me you brought your pet cats with you. Will you take me to see them?”

  Annie released her grip on Juliette and nodded, but before Mrs. Darlington could move, a man burst into the room from behind. He made straight for Carianne and wrapped his arms her, then lifted her and swung her in a circle.

  Carianne squealed, whether in delight or fright, Juliette couldn’t tell. Apparently Annie thought the latter because she grabbed the paperweight from the table and flung it at the man.

  The paperweight struck the man’s back and crashed to the floor. Everyone froze, the shock on everyone’s face expressing what they thought. A quiet moment charged the air like that of an approaching storm. Carianne broke the silence. “This is my husband, Annie. He means me no harm.”

  No one had mistaken Annie’s sudden rage. But in a flash, a blank stare glazed her eyes, indicating she’d returned to her own safe world. Before Juliette could reach her, Annie turned and bolted out of the room, leaving everyone to stare at each other awkwardly.

  “I’m sorry, Mr. Cason.” Juliette said. And this was the man the whole family depended on to provide an opportunity for a new life. The man Jake depended on.

  He inclined his head, the glint in his dark eyes might have been humor—or anger. Disparate to escape, she didn’t want to find out which. “I apologize, Carianne. If…you’d explain—” She pivoted to the nurse. “Mrs. Darlington, I’ll take you to Annie.”

  Ordering her nerves to calm, Juliette crossed the foyer, Mrs. Darlington’s high-heeled boots tapping the tiled floor. What would Mr. Cason think? Once he understood the situation, he’d probably allow them to stay, and there was no reason for him to hold this against Jake. But would he agree to help her fight Abner Wexman?

  Maybe it would be better for her and Annie to return to Georgia, though who would help Annie there?

  The mere thought of leaving Jake squeezed her heart. She couldn’t imagine life without him.

  Chapter 15

  Jake sat on one of the matching wrought iron benches of the side garden, his injured leg stretched out on the space beside him. Waiting for Juliette. They had plans to discuss. Problems to solve. Future arrangements to make.

  The late afternoon August sun sent long shadows through the cedars standing sentry over the garden. He drew in a deep breath of the pleasant, woodsy scent and lifted thanks into the cloudless, cerulean sky. God had let him step on that bear trap to knock some sense in his head and heart. Made him face his situation.

  Then God had not only blessed him with assurance of everlasting life, but had sent him the perfect woman to share his walk here on earth. He was so unworthy of such love, both God’s and Juliette’s.

  She was worried about Annie. He was too. Their hope that the troubled girl would snap out of whatever paralyzed her voice was fading.

  Speaking of Annie, Mrs. Darlington was walking around the flower gardens in back with Annie. She probably thought it best to get her patient away from everyone to access her condition. He saw them through the foliage. They probably couldn’t see him, but he could hear the nurse droning on, though he couldn’t make out what she said. Annie
didn’t appear to pay any attention.

  Fortunately, the boys had settled in well. Jake rode out with Deck to check the pregnant cows, and Corky and Thad followed Deck’s every instruction so seriously, Jake almost laughed.

  But honestly, if he’d taken the job that seriously when he’d first hired on, he’d probably have his own spread by now. In fact, it wouldn’t surprise him if the boys hadn’t taken his and Deck’s places in another ten years.

  Yeah, those boys were so grateful for the chance to become cowboys, they’d take on any job, no matter how nasty. And Jake knew their desire to get away from the farm in Georgia had nothing to do with the people or the place. They wanted to get away from their step-father.

  He leaned his head back and frowned. That was another matter he had to discuss with Rhyan. Harp Munson had no hold over Juliette since she was of age, but, as their legal guardian, he could force the youngsters to go back. Jake didn’t know enough about the man to decide whether he would or not. Juliette didn’t seem to think he’d want her siblings.

  Nevertheless, Jake intended to ask Rhyan to find out if he and Juliette could adopt the children as soon as they got married. Nothing else would ease his mind about the situation. Because the truth was, he’d come to care for Juliette’s siblings like his own.

  He closed his eyes, and he prayed that nurse Carianne had brought in would help Annie return to the pretty, normal girl she should be.

  A shadow fell over him. He knew it was her before opening his eyes. Her familiar floral scent overtook the cedar and pine, and one glance was enough to send a gut punch to his stomach.

  With a grunt, he started to move his leg, but she laid a hand on it. “No, stay put, I can sit over here.” Her touch traveled all the way through the thick fabric of his jeans and the layers of bandage.

  He preferred her sitting beside him. How could he wrap his arm around her if she sat on the bench opposite? But she sat on the edge, leaning forward, cutting some of the distance between them.

  “How are you feeling?” Her slow, honeyed voice held breathless concern. “You didn’t do too much today?”

  He laughed. “Not hardly. I rode out with Deck, but I stayed in the saddle the whole time. The only thing I did was write down numbers and the date the cow is liable to drop her calf.”

  “You identify the cows by number?”

  “Yeah, right below the breed. When the cows are…serviced…her number is recorded along with the date and the bull, the breed, and a couple of other things. With a ranch this big, you need to keep records.”

  She smiled. “I suppose so. And Corky and Thad went with you?”

  “Yeah, you’d’ve thought the fate of the nation depended on how well they learned everything. They must have been good students in school.”

  “Good, but not exceptional. It’s probably their desire to prove themselves that motivates them to learn ranching.”

  “That’s the truth. Wish I’d been more motivated. I was just thinking I might have had my own place by now if I’d had as much drive as Thad and Corky. And we could’ve gotten married right away.”

  Her gaze dropped to the ground for a split second, then she glanced at him from under her lashes. “Would it be all right if I dine with the boys in the bunkhouse dining hall tonight? I’d like to see them.”

  He silently chided himself for not suggesting it earlier. Of course she’d want to see her brothers. “Sure, and I’ll eat supper out there too. Hank, our cook, dishes up some fine grub. Not as fancy as Sulee, but good. You think Annie will want to join us?”

  She didn’t hesitate to shake her head. “No, that wouldn’t be a good idea. Annie is uncomfortable with a lot of strange men.” She hastened to add, “I’m sure she’ll come out of her shell in time.”

  “Sure she will. The supper crowd will be thin tonight. Most go to the dance on Saturday night. You and I could go after supper, if you like.” He laughed. “I won’t be much of a partner, but you’d enjoy the music.”

  “No, I’d prefer to stay here with Annie tonight. Besides, I haven’t learned the names of all those I’ve met in the house yet.” That concerned look that was all Juliette’s came into her eyes. “And, I really don’t think you’re ready to go out either.”

  “Not if you don’t want to go. Maybe we could go to the chapel in the morning.” Truth be told, he’d never been one to go to church, but the importance weighed on him now.

  He could tell she wasn’t pleased with that idea either, but she smiled. “If you want to go.”

  She agreed only to please him, but he appreciated how readily she’d compromise. Rhyan had told him that was something a married couple had to do. “You’ll love the little cowboy chapel. The preacher, Brother Hal, has so much humility about him, you hardly notice how his sermons cut into you.”

  “Then we’ll take the boys,” she said.

  He stretched his arms overhead and released a sigh. He’d just as soon stay right here all evening, listening to her sweet voice, looking into those deep blue eyes. Drinking in the fragrance of summer flowers. But the sinking sun had turned the horizon into shades of red and orange and pink. “We’d better go see Rhyan. He’ll be getting ready for supper soon.”

  “You haven’t already spoken to him?”

  “Yes, about the Fitzgerald settlement, but not much about us. I thought we should talk to him together.”

  She moistened her lips as he stood, making him long to kiss them. He positioned his crutches and led the way down the stone-paved path.

  ***

  Rhyan Cason was a handsome man, and Juliette would have found him intimidating but for his smile, hitching double laugh lines on both sides and punctuated with a dimple on the right. He indicated the leather side chairs for her and Jake as he lowered himself to his seat behind the Cherrywood desk.

  His fame hadn’t spread to Georgia, but by the time they had arrived at the ranch, she’d heard all about Rhyan Cason—some critical but mostly good. She’d already decided to like him, not the least because of all he’d done for Jake.

  “Jake and Juliette. I hope you don’t mind if I call you by your first name, Miss Kendal. Carianne can get away with it, but some ladies object.”

  “No, I don’t mind. Thank you for giving my brothers and me jobs, for helping Annie, for…everything.” She’d already gotten used to the casual, friendly way everyone spoke on the ranch.

  “And now, we want to ask for something else.” Jake laughed.

  Rhyan responded with a throaty chuckle and stretched back in his chair. “That’s the way it usually works.” He kept his gaze on Juliette. “Jake has already told me about your legal situation. Have you ever heard of Matthew Ward?”

  Juliette furrowed her brows. She’d read the newspapers in the Ocilla library, but it carried little but community news. “No, should I have?”

  “I thought you might. He’s the best lawyer in Georgia.” He shifted. “In the country, in my opinion. He’s a criminal defense lawyer, actually, but I think he might be able to help us. After twenty years he’s never lost a case, and because he’s so good, he’s in demand. But since he owes me a favor, I think he’d take your case.”

  “Then that’s who we want to represent us,” Jake said. Juliette couldn’t hold back a smile. He was already thinking of her and her family as one with him. “Why do you think he’s so successful?”

  Juliette had a question of her own. “I thought property disputes involved civil law. Do you think Mr. Ward would be interested?”

  Rhyan laced his fingers behind his head and stared at the ceiling. “Let me answer the first question, first. Why is he so successful? I watched him in court once. A murder case. The relative of one of my cowhands had named him as a conspirator. That was at least five years ago. Before I’d met Carianne.”

  Juliette exchanged a glance with Jake as they waited for Rhyan to collect his thoughts. Jake shielded his face from Rhyan with his hand and mouthed, “A story is coming.”

  “Anyway, I had a long d
iscussion with Matt. He told me most lawyers assume their clients are telling the truth, but that’s not always the case, and it’s more important to get the truth from his client than the accuser.”

  “Why would his clients lie?” Jake asked.

  Rhyan twisted his swivel chair from side to side. “There are all sorts of reasons people lie, and there are some lies people are willing to go to their deaths for.” He sat up straight and propped his elbows on the desk. “I understood what Matt was saying. When I was seven or eight I went to this school run by an order of nuns. My desk was situated directly in front of a little girl who had this sweet, low voice. Can’t even remember her name, but your voice reminded me of her, Juliette. It’s more mature, but there’s that same cadence that demands attention, like the mewing of a kitten.”

  He smiled. “I think this little girl liked me because she talked to me during class—something strictly forbidden by the teacher. The nun couldn’t hear the little girl because her voice didn’t carry far, but she heard me.”

  Jake laughed. “So you got in trouble.”

  “Exactly. The first two times, the nun would hit the back of my hand with her ruler, and for a little woman, she could land quite a whack.” He looked at his hand like he expected to see the imprint of that ruler. “The third time, she’d send me to the headmaster for a proper lashing.”

  Interested now, Juliette chimed in. “But you never thought of tattling on the little girl.” She’d helped teach children enough to know boys, especially, would die rather than tattle. It was some unwritten pact.

  “Never, and I never even told the little girl to stop…because, I guess because she liked me.” He laughed. “Or maybe she just liked getting me in trouble. I learned a lot about women in school.”

  His dark, probing eyes challenged her, and she stared at her lap, unable to bear the scrutiny. She understood why one would hide the truth to protect someone. That’s what he was saying—or maybe God was saying it through him. There was no way Rhyan Cason could know she’d killed Harp. Or that she’d gotten rid of his body to protect her family.