Forbidden Kisses

by Laurel O'Donnell

  Interesting how being friends for the last few years meant they could almost read each other's minds.

  "Do you think it's us? Did we bring this mess with us?"

  Just a few months earlier, they'd been hunting down the Bill Burns gang before being ambushed and gunned down. Someone or something had scared off the outlaws because both he and Brogan had survived the attack. Now, they were regrouping. "Why else would they bring others in?"

  "Hopefully, it's not us. If it is, we'll be ready for 'em," Lucas replied. Although internally, he wondered if bringing others in to the trouble that came for him and Brogan was worth it. Sure they could round up a large group of men. But in his opinion, his life was not worth losing the lives of innocent people. Perhaps the repose was over and it was time to go back to the nomadic life of a US Marshal.

  If the outlaws wanted blood, then it meant either leave, or put the entire town of Silver City in grave danger.

  Chapter Two

  "He's still there," Camille told her friend, Sarah, three days later. "The man comes by every day to check on me. I'm not sure what to think." She peered out the window to see Deputy McKade had made himself comfortable in front of her small shop. He sat in one of the rockers she provided for anyone needing a rest.

  Sarah laughed. "I think he's sweet on you and is taking advantage of the fact you were hurt as an excuse to see you."

  It was hard to keep from showing her true feelings toward the man. Her body reacted to his presence in such an unsettling manner she often had to steel herself to keep from shivering. Never had she had something so peculiar happen and Camille wasn't sure she liked it.

  The one relationship in her past had been hurtful and dark. Most of the time, when she recalled any experience with the man, the only emotions she could muster were disgust and anger. How she'd ended up with such a cruel man was a matter Camille tried to keep from recalling.

  For now, she was content in the life she'd constructed for herself. She owned the small apothecary, surrounded by the scents of herbs and dried flowers, along with perfumed oils. Her current situation was quite the contrast to the way she'd lived up until moving to Silver City.

  Instead of days spent outdoors and moving from place to place, she had stability and could actually breathe. The only thing that could ruin everything was to become entangled with someone like Lucas McKade. Not just a man, but also a lawman.

  "Camille?" Sarah watched her with interest. "Are you sure everything is all right with you? Seems to me you keep drifting."

  "I was thinking." Camille ensured her voice was light. "I may go on a short trip. Visit family."

  "Oh, goodness," Sarah exclaimed covering her mouth with her right hand. "Camille, you don't have any family. You told me so yourself when we first met."

  The thing about lying was remembering what story you told who. Now, Camille attempted to keep Sarah from dragging her back to the clinic and insisting she was somehow daft from falling out of the tree.

  "I have an aunt. She's very old, my only family, actually. I hadn't thought of her in a long time. I received a letter a week ago. She’s very ill."

  Although her friend's expression remained guarded, her brow crinkled and eyes narrowed, Sarah nodded slowly. "I am not sure you should make plans to travel so soon after such as a scare."

  "I'm fine. Really, I don't know why you and Mr. McKade are making such a fuss." Camille smiled at Sarah. "I do have to admit, it's nice to have someone who cares. Thank you for that, Sarah."

  "You should thank Lucas, too." Sarah's eyes twinkled with mirth. "I think he's adorable and quite handsome, too. Have you not noticed?"

  Of course she'd noticed. But she wasn't about to admit it out loud. "He's a nice man. But I am not at all interested in any assignation with a man at this point in my life. I know you are about to marry Sheriff Hage, but don't you wonder how they happened to come here out of the blue?"

  "The shootout with a gang of outlaws. Brogan was on death's door and Lucas saved his life. Shot several times himself, he managed to get Brogan on a horse to bring him here."

  Camille slid a look to the doorway. It was time to change the conversation. Why had she brought it up anyway? "Yes, well, that's true. Both have brought safety to our town. I better get these bundles finished up. Mrs. Blakely is coming to pick up the herbs for her tea party."

  "I am invited. Are you?"

  She nodded. "Yes, but I'm not sure I'm going. I don't do well around large groups of people."

  Thankfully, her friend didn't argue the point. They'd come to an understanding. Camille never attended local festivities nor did she accept invitations to dinners and such. Although she was taking a big chance by owning a business, she always managed to keep people at arm’s length. Other than Sarah, she didn't reveal more than necessary about herself to the other women in Silver City.

  From the window, she watched as two women walked past the deputy who'd begun a conversation with another man. Both ladies turned to study him, doing their best not to seem interested. He didn't notice their slowed pace until they were almost upon him. At that time, both he and the other gentleman touched the brims of their hats. Interesting that he did not exploit his attractiveness. At least, not that she could see.

  "I wonder if I shouldn't insist you take a sedative and lay down right away." Once again, Sarah brought her out of her musings. "This is most unlike you to constantly lose track of a conversation."

  Camille rushed away from the window. Even outside, Lucas McKade affected her too much. She pulled Sarah's hands. "I apologize. Please have tea with me. I need something to settle my nerves. I am most unsettled from the rumors about the upcoming train station. I am not sure how I feel about the possibility of Silver City growing." She took a breath and met Sarah's gaze. "You know how much I dislike large groups of people. Can you imagine if the town doubles in size?"

  "Very well," her friend replied seeming more at ease. "But I insist you get rest. Close the shop early today."

  "I will I promise."

  When Sarah left moments later, Camille went behind the counter and watched Sarah walk across the street to where Lucas McKade was sitting. She envied the easiness her friend displayed when approaching the men. Both men greeted her with ease and began some sort of conversation, probably about the weather and such since they all looked up to the sky.

  On her short forays to the mercantile or wherever she needed to go, Camille kept her head down hoping not to attract anyone's attention.

  There were too many risks involved in making friendships. The closer people became, the easier it would be for her to slip and allow the truth of her past to come to light. The truth of her past was one thing she could never afford to reveal.

  As she'd heard it said, the past was best left there.

  When Sarah left the apothecary, Lucas was caught off guard when she made a beeline toward him. With a basket hanging from her arm, she gave him a wane smile. Jacob Smalley, the butcher, who Lucas was conversing with stopped midsentence and greeted the pretty woman.

  "Hello, gentlemen. It’s a beautiful day, is it not?"

  Fluffy clouds floated in the bright, blue sky. The breeze was just enough to allow for a light chill in the air.

  "Will you walk with me a bit?" Sarah asked Lucas. Once they said goodbye to Jacob, they made their way down the walkway.

  "I'm a bit worried about Camille." She slid a look toward the apothecary.

  "What happened?"

  "She seemed confused... a bit distracted or something. I don't believe I've ever seen her in such a state." Sarah walked toward the mercantile and he fell in step.

  "Do you think she is affected from the fall?" Lucas tipped his hat at two women walking by.

  Sarah didn't say anything for a few moments and then placed her hand on his forearm. "Can you speak with her? I really think something is bothering her. Camille is not the kind of person who will share much. As a matter of fact, although I've known her for five years, it's not until the last few mon
ths that I've finally gotten her to open up to me some."

  His heart thudded at the opportunity to speak to Camille alone. Although he'd been checking on her daily, it was usually during her workshop hours. During the evenings, she retired to her small apartment above the shop, locked away from prying eyes, keeping to herself.

  "What makes you think she'll say anything to me?" Even after rescuing her and speaking on a daily basis, if anything, Camille seemed more distant each time.

  "I get the feeling she is not indifferent to you. One of the reasons she kept losing track of our conversation was that she kept looking out the window. You may be the ‘what’ that distracts her." It was what he expected to hear and he cleared his throat. "Me? I doubt it."

  "Yes, well, I am guessing. I hope so, anyway. I’d hate to think she's having other complications from hitting her head." They'd arrived at the mercantile and Sarah stopped. "Promise me you'll talk to her. See if you get a sense of what could be troubling her. It's not natural, the way she hides from people. I see the look of longing in her when spotting groups of people enjoying themselves. No matter what she says, like insisting she's a shy loner, I have a feeling it's not true at all."

  "Sometimes, people go through an experience that changes their nature," Lucas told her, his mind already turning on how to approach Camille.

  "That's true. And I am overstepping my friendship with her by speaking to you. It’s just that, for some reason, I can't shake the feeling something is horribly wrong." Sarah tapped his arm. "Come over for supper tonight. I'm making stew."

  "I will."

  "Deputy McKade," a red-faced man rushed to him. "There's brawling over behind the saloon. Two men against one."

  He gave Sarah a quick nod before rushing to where the man indicated.

  The burly man who sat in the cell a few minutes later spat blood on the floor and scowled up at Lucas. "I ain't stayin' here. Let me go, lawman. You got no reason to arrest me."

  Lucas tried to ignore his pulsing jaw and pointed to it. "I got more than reason enough."

  When he'd broken up the fight, the man in the cell swung at him and had connected with so much force that Lucas ended up on his bottom. "What are you and your partner doing in this town?"

  When the man's narrowed eyes met Lucas’ and his lip curled, some sort of sound resembling a chuckle came from the man. "I got my reasons. Needed to see some things for myself."

  "What kind of things?" Brogan walked up, his gaze shifting from Lucas to the man in the cell.

  The prisoner sat on the cot and leaned back against the wall, his dark gaze never leaving Lucas. "You'll find out soon enough."

  Brogan shook his head. "I suppose we will."

  Both lawmen walked out to stand outside the front door of the jailhouse so the man couldn't hear their conversation. Lucas looked back toward the inside. "What do you think he's implying? Gave us a look like it may have something to do with us."

  "I doubt it. That man wouldn't make it a day with Bill Burns’ gang. He and his friend are just looking for trouble. Maybe some sort of diversion so the other one can do something stupid. Let's look around."

  "I'll walk around," Lucas told the sheriff. "You on horseback?"

  After a nod, Brogan went to find his steed while Lucas took off on foot.

  An hour later, Lucas walked into the darkened saloon. The smells of furniture polish, whiskey and stale cigar smoke filled the air. Most of the tables were empty except for one in the corner where two old timers sat playing cards.

  Behind a huge, polished, dark, wooden bar stood the bartender and a woman he recognized as Lacy, who handled the women who worked in there.

  Since it was early afternoon, most of the girls were probably still in their rooms resting.

  The bartender, Will, lifted his hand in greeting. "Deputy, how are you today?"

  Lacy, a tall redhead, wasn't as friendly. Her green eyes raked over his length before she rolled her eyes and sauntered away.

  "You still mad at me, Lacy?" Lucas said to her back and she ignored him.

  A bark of laughter made him turn to Will. "She don't take kindly to being turned down."

  "I reckon not." Lucas smiled at Lacy who rolled her eyes again.

  "What can I get you?" Will placed an empty glass on the bar. "Whiskey?"

  "Nothing, thank you," Lucas let out a breath, he never could get used to the dank smells inside a saloon. "You need to air out the place."

  "Front door is open. Why don't you go out through it where the air is fresher?" Lacy snapped from across the room.

  Lucas ignored her. "Where did the other man go? The one who was with the one I arrested?"

  "He walked toward the stables. I reckon went to get his horse," Will said. "Not a good friend if he leaves the other one behind."

  "I doubt they are good people. They left poor Jim Horn pretty bloody. What was that about?"

  "They said he cheated at cards."

  "He probably did." Lucas felt bad for Jim, but the man was a cheat. The reason no one in town played cards with him.

  He walked out of the saloon and took a deep breath. He'd have to do something nice for Lacy. It wasn't that he disliked her, nor did he judge her occupation. But he'd grown up without a father and vowed never to sire a child, whom he'd not be around to raise.

  Lacy had expressed more than just wanting him as a client. She wanted a relationship and although the woman was attractive, he couldn't bring himself to care for her.

  Besides, it wasn't as if he could consider settling down. Although Brogan was set to marry Sarah, he wondered what would happen if the gang who'd they'd had the shootout with came looking for them. If they showed up unexpectedly and killed the lawmen, Sarah would be a widow soon after marrying.

  Life never gave any guarantees and he knew for a fact everyone lived on borrowed time. At the same time, Lucas figured when the time came for him to marry, it would be as obvious as the gun aimed directly at him.

  He dove for the ground behind a horse trough just as two shots rang out. Gun drawn, he crawled to the end of the trough and shot towards the man once.

  "Lucas McKade!" the man called out. "Your days are numbered." Another two shots rang out. Screams and the slamming of doors sounded as people rushed to hide.

  From his vantage point, it was hard to see where, exactly, the man had moved. From what he had seen, the man had two guns. "What do you want?" he called out.

  "Nothing much, just you dead," the man answered, giving Lucas an idea of where the shooter was. Lucas crawled to the opposite side of the trough and saw the man who shot at him.

  Why had he chosen this profession? Lucas pulled his other revolver and rolled out from behind the trough shooting. The man fell from the horse and hit the ground with a hard slam. Dust flew around his form as he struggled to lift his arm to shoot back at Lucas.

  Lucas rushed toward him and kicked the gun from his hand. "Who sent you?"

  Cold eyes met his as a trickle of blood leaked from the corner of the man's mouth. "You killed him. You killed my friend." The man's eyes went blank.

  "Was that the man with our prisoner?" Brogan came up and dismounted.

  "Yeah. Recognize him?"

  "No."

  "Seems familiar." Lucas studied the dead man's face. "Said something about me killing someone. I suppose he was out for revenge." Having been a US Marshal for many years, it was hard to recall each and every outlaw he'd been ordered to arrest.

  The men he killed, however, he never forgot. In total, he figured about ten. The only ones he didn't know for sure were the casualties from the shootout just earlier that year. Too many shots were fired and there were over ten outlaws involved.

  "He almost got you," someone said.

  "May have worked if they'd not gotten drunk and fought once getting to town." Lucas motioned to two men. "Get someone to bury him."

  As he headed toward the jailhouse, he looked to the apothecary. Camille looked through the glass, her wide eyes meeting his.
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br />   At the lurch in his chest, he could only look back at her. This was not the time to allow feelings in. He'd promised Sarah he'd speak to her and he would, but after that he'd keep his distance.

  Too many shadows in his life and there was no need to put anyone important to him in danger.

  Chapter Three

  The evening shadows filled her small shop and Camille stretched while yawning. It had been a rather slow afternoon. She’d taken advantage of it and done some sewing. Now, as the street outside was devoid of people, a tension formed. The front door was locked, as she tended to keep it once the daylight faded. Her customers knew to knock if they needed to come in late in the day.

  She didn't worry overmuch at being alone, but once evening came, she dreaded the darkness, the things that couldn't be seen. To her, it was eerie that manmade sounds dimmed as nature's became louder, bird calls echoed and the wind rustling through leaves could be heard.

  When soft knocks sounded, she jumped, her heart thumping against her chest. She stood and took tentative steps toward the door. The outline of a tall male made her shrink back against the wall. Camille couldn't help the wobbling of her knees. God, who could it be? Men rarely came to her shop and never at sunset. Not daring to move, she remained flattened beside the door.

  "Camille? Are you there? It's Lucas McKade."

  His familiar deep voice made her giddy with relief. "One minute."

  She unlocked the door and pulled it open. "Please, come in."

  The blue eyes she'd thought of almost nonstop in the last few days met hers. He studied her for a moment. "I won't come inside if it makes you uncomfortable."

  Taking a step back, she motioned with her arm for him to enter. "I am not uncomfortable with your presence.” That was a lie, but one she could live with. Her nerves on edge, it was all she could do not to beg the man to sleep there in the shop so she would not be alone.