Montana Sky: Slater's Bride (Kindle Worlds)

by Patricia Thayer

  He frowned. “He can’t. Your mother has a third of those shares, and Dad votes for her. The shareholders all trust him.”

  “Not for long. Besides, you only have Mother’s shares because you’ve kept her drugged. Well, she's not drugged enough because she talked to me, and had me come and find Johnny. She wants out of her marriage.”

  “It’s still not enough to stop us.”

  “Yes, it will,” she challenged.

  “That is right, I heard in town you married.” He shook his head. “Now, why did you go and do that, Loretta?”

  Letty folded her arms across her chest. “My, you seem to know a lot about my father’s will. But yes, I did marry, and Johnny has my proxy. He plans to vote my share and convince the shareholders that he should take over running the company.” His glare frightened her.

  He shook his head. “Well, it seems we have a problem, don’t we?”

  “You should worry, because Johnny is in Chicago, and he’s helping Mother.”

  Hank came to her, gripping her by the arms.

  She could smell the rancid odor of alcohol on his breath. Her stomach soured.

  “Do you think any of this will stop us?” he gloated. “Your father thought he could.” A cynical smirk appeared on his face. “Dad won that battle. It was a shame he had an accident. Machinery can be so unpredictable…and dangerous.”

  Letty’s eyes widened as she realized the meaning of his words. She thought back to the plant accident during the night shift. Somehow, her father fell into the conveyor belt and was crushed when the machinery couldn’t be stopped fast enough. “Oh, God, you had something to do with his death?” She had to swallow back the rising bile in her throat.

  He arched an eyebrow. “How could I be involved? Dad and I were at our home, entertaining friends.”

  “You did it!” she screamed and took a swing at him. “You killed my father, or you had someone else do it. You’ll pay as soon as I tell Johnny.” She pounced on him, pounding her fists on his face and body.

  Pulling away from her assault, he backhanded her, sending her to the floor. He sneered. “You think I’m worried about Johnny?”

  She started to get up.

  That’s when he drew a gun from his pocket and pointed it at her. “I suggest you stop, Loretta, or I will stop you.”

  Her heart raced with anger but she paused, knowing by the look in his eyes he meant every word. “What do you want from me now? You’ve taken everything.”

  “Since you’re already married, it seems we have one extra husband. Such a shame that I need to make you a widow.”

  She froze. “No, Hank. You can’t.” She couldn’t get Paul involved in this any deeper. “Just take whatever you need from me.”

  “I need you to marry me so I can have your inheritance. And as long as you’re already married, that won’t work.”

  Letty couldn’t let him harm Paul. She had to convince Hank to leave here and fast. “Then take me with you to Sweetwater Springs. I know a lawyer there, and he can legally handle the transfer of my money to you.” Hank didn’t look convinced about her idea.

  “There isn’t a lawyer in Morgan’s Crossing, and everyone here knows Johnny and Paul. It has to look as if I went willingly. I’ll leave a note and convince Paul that I couldn’t stand being away from Chicago.”

  “Won’t your bridegroom be brokenhearted?”

  She shook her head. “Our marriage was in name only.” She knew, whether she agreed to go with him or fight him, the result would be the same. “My leaving with you is the best way, Hank,” she begged him.

  “I can’t trust you.”

  “You have no choice.” She had to get him out of there before Paul came home. “I won’t sign if you kill Paul. And since I gave Johnny my proxy, this is the only way. We need to go to Sweetwater Springs now.”

  He finally nodded.

  “I’ll pack and leave a note for Paul.” She didn’t wait for him and ran upstairs to get a few things to make Paul aware that she really left him. Downstairs in the kitchen, she sat down and began to write the words that would make Paul believe she was truly leaving him. She fought tears as she took off her ring and set it down on the folded paper.

  Hank had ridden in on horseback, so she needed a mount and saddled Duke. In the note, she’d told Paul she’d leave the horse in Sweetwater Springs. Wearing her jeans, she climbed on Duke. She took one last look at the ranch, and then rode off with Hank. Once under the ranch sign, they turned away from the town, away from her love and her happiness.

  I love you, Paul Slater.

  ***

  Paul stayed out most of the day, searching everywhere for any sign of cattle, alive or dead. Truth was, he didn’t want to go home. Letty would tempt again, and he was too weak to fight her any longer. Besides that, he’d broken his own rule and had fallen for her.

  “You better get back here, Johnny Mac, or I won’t be responsible for what happens with your sister.” He headed toward the barn, dismounted and walked Simon inside. He was surprised when he saw Duke’s empty stall. Letty shouldn’t have gone riding. Had she needed something in town?”

  He took Simon with him up to the house and tied him at the railing. Inside, he called her name, but there wasn’t any answer. Suddenly, panic set in as he walked around the house. Her room was clean, but some of her clothes were missing. He hurried downstairs and into the kitchen. That was when he saw the note.

  Paul,

  I don’t know how to tell you this, but I’ve

  decided it would be best if I went back

  to Chicago. If anyone asks about my husband,

  I will tell them you are busy with the ranch. I’m sorry, but I suddenly realized how much I need and miss my mother.

  I could never thank you enough for what you’ve done for our family. As soon as I reach Chicago, I will contact a lawyer, and begin the annulment proceedings. I’ll leave Duke in Sweetwater Springs.

  Thank you for everything,

  Loretta Drennan Slater

  He cursed and tossed the letter. Unable to stay in the house that reminded him so much of Letty, he went back to the barn and climbed on Simon, then headed to town. He rode hard, but he didn’t care. Letty was gone. Although he should be relieved, he was worried. Was she out there by herself? Had she said something to Prudence, or anyone?

  He was headed to see the mayor and his wife when he was stopped by Marla walking along the street.

  “Hey, Paul,” the brassy redhead called. “Did Letty’s friend get out to the ranch okay?”

  He climbed down, anxious to hear. “What friend?”

  Marla shook her head. “A man came into the bar and asked me if I knew a woman name Loretta.” She shrugged. “He paid me to keep it quiet, but I’m not loyal to a stranger.”

  “Did you get a name?”

  She nodded. “Hank. He wouldn’t tell me a last name.”

  Damn, her stepbrother was here? He reached into his pocket and started to take out some money.

  But Marla stopped him. “No, Paul, don’t. I didn’t like this man, but he said he was her stepbrother. He wanted to surprise her. I shouldn’t have told him where she was. You better go find your wife and see if she’s okay.”

  “Thank you, Marla.” He climbed on Simon and rode fast down to Michael’s house.

  The mayor came to the door with a smile. “Paul, good to see you.”

  “I wish I felt the same, Michael. I need your help to find Letty. She’s been kidnapped.”

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  By nightfall, Letty was tired and wanted to stop, but she was afraid of the consequences. She glanced at Hank, who held Duke’s reins. All those years back in Chicago, she’d managed to avoid Hank, Jr. She wasn’t sure what he’d try with her in the wild.

  She shivered from the cold and from the fear for her life. She wanted to live, if only to bring Hank and his father to justice. And she would do everything she could to survive this, because nothing would give her more pleasure than watch
ing Hank hang for his crimes.

  He’d killed her father. A tear ran down her cheek. John Drennan would be alive today if not for those greedy bastards.

  “If you’re back there thinking on how to make your escape, you can just put it out of your head. I’m an excellent horseman, so I will catch you, or shoot you.” He laughed. “Where the hell is that cabin?”

  She didn’t recognize this road. “I don’t know this route.”

  “That’s good. I heard about this route from that teamster, Davis. He comes this way when there’s been a lot of rain, or he has deliveries to the ranchers out here.”

  Fatigue was quickly setting in, and she had trouble keeping on her mount. “We need to stop, Hank. I can’t go any longer.”

  He pulled on the reins, bringing her up beside him. “We’ll stop when I say so.”

  “But what about the horses? They need rest, too.”

  He growled. “All right, we’ll go another mile and if there isn’t any sign of a shelter, we’ll have to camp on the ground.”

  They rode another twenty minutes or so. Then he finally said, “There it is.” He picked up the pace until they arrived at the ramshackle cabin.

  Letty swung her leg over the horse and nearly slid to the ground from the long ride.

  “Go inside, and don’t do anything stupid.” He shoved her bag at her, and then led the horses to the back of the shelter.

  Letty pushed open the door and peered inside. With the little daylight left, she saw a lantern on the table. She found some matches, then struck one and touched it to the wick. Soon there was a soft glow in the room, not that she wanted to see the shabby interior. She hugged herself inside her coat to keep from shivering, not because she was cold, but because she was scared to death.

  She glanced around. The place was similar to the way station she and Paul had stayed in just weeks ago. Against the wall were bunks. The odor was a mixture of burnt wood and dampness. At the tin sink, she began to prime the pump until water came out. She drank eagerly then splashed some cold liquid on her face, hoping to clear her head. She needed to think of something to save herself, because she was all alone.

  Johnny is far away, and Paul…Oh God, Paul thinks I left because I don’t love him.

  She swiped at her tears. Had he found her note? Would he care enough to worry that she’d be safe? If only she hadn’t had to hurt him.

  Maybe, when night came, she could get away, and maybe Duke could take her back to the ranch. No, that would put Paul at risk.

  Dear Lord. Help me, please. I have to find a way to get away from him. She quickly looked around, searching for something. A few cans of beans were on the shelf, along with some plates. She shoved them aside and froze, seeing a knife with a four-inch blade. There was no time to check for sharpness. She grabbed the knife and pulled up her jeans, then slipped the cold metal into her boot. Her panic rose again when she heard Hank at the door.

  He walked in and closed the door behind him. “It’s not the Palmer House in Chicago, but the accommodations will have to do until I get my money.” He went to the window and adjusted the shutters to close in any sliver of light.

  Shivering, she finally looked at him. “Do you want me to start a fire?”

  “Why? So you can let everyone know where we are?”

  “If they aren’t traveling this road, how will they know we’re here?”

  He came to her and suddenly backhanded her, causing her to fall on the floor.

  She let out a cry as the pain shot through her head. Not only on her cheek, but on her back and hips.

  “Keep your smart aleck mouth shut. If I want anything from you, I will ask.”

  Letty nodded as she slid backward to lean against the wall. She studied the short man with his thinning hair. His build might be stocky, but he was muscular, his nose long and hawkish. He was about three years older than her handsome brother, Johnny. Since her mother married and Henry Jensen had moved in the house, everything with Hank became a rivalry, from riding, to shooting, to winning the hearts of women. She’d had no idea what a sick man Hank was.

  Hank’s anger was evident as he paced. “You Drennans think you’re so much better than the rest of us just because you have money. You got everything handed to you, and never had to work a day in your life.”

  That wasn’t true, her grandfather came to this country as an immigrant and worked in a factory. “My father helped Henry, too.” She recalled when her father came home and said that the Jensens had lost all their wealth. He told Mother that he was going to offer Henry a job.

  “He gave us pity.”

  “He gave your father employment with his company.”

  Hank swung around, looking enraged, and he came toward her.

  Letty started for her hidden knife.

  Suddenly he let out a growl then turned and walked outside.

  She collapsed back against the wall, praying once again for someone to help her.

  ***

  Paul stood by his horse, wishing he had more daylight, but night had fallen, and there was only moonlight to guide them along the trail. He’d recognized his horse’s distinctive shoe print, showing that Hank and Letty had turned off on a side road, which would also take them to Sweetwater Springs. Now, he only had to get there in time to save Letty.

  “Surely they will rest the horses tonight,” Paul said to Michael. They also brought along one of the mine’s guards, Hector. The tall man had wide shoulders and a barrel chest, and his black hair was tied back with a leather strap. Troublemakers didn’t mess with the one-time fur trapper and guide. He knew the area very well.

  Hector came up to them. “There is a miner’s shack about a quarter mile up the road. It’s the only shelter until town. I’m thinkin’ we take the horses a ways farther, tie ’em up, then we go the rest of the way on foot to sneak up on them.”

  Paul nodded. He was desperate to try anything to make sure Letty would be safe. He had a lot of things to say to her, things that were long overdue. He closed his eyes, remembering the sound of her laughter. Those rich brown eyes of hers that darkened when he kissed her. How excited she'd gotten riding Duke to catch that runaway steer.

  He mounted Simon. He was going to find her, and take care of Jensen. Then he had to make a decision: ask her to stay, or send her back home to Chicago.

  A ways down the trail, Hector raised his hand to signal they were close to the cabin.

  After tying up the horses, Paul checked his sidearm. He usually didn’t carry a gun, but he was willing to take out Jensen without feeling a second of regret. The man kidnapped his wife, and he was going to get her back.

  ***

  Letty stayed as far away from Hank as possible.

  He was seated on the bottom bunk, leaning back against the wall. She wasn’t about to rile him up again. So she waited and watched to see his head nodding as if he were falling asleep. Could she be so lucky?

  She glanced around, wondering if he slept soundly enough that she could escape. She closed her eyes and sent up a litany of Hail Marys, hoping that they’d be answered and she could escape.

  Then the soft sound of snoring filled the room.

  Slowly, she breathed out the air trapped in her lungs and willed herself to relax so she could do what needed to be done. Then she reached into her boot and drew out the knife. Gripping it in her hand like a dagger, she would be ready if he caught up to her. She refused to be held captive any longer.

  Letty stood, but waited a moment, then silently started for the door. Each step was echoed by the heartbeat drumming in her ears as she made her way across the room, and to freedom.

  Suddenly, she felt an arm go around her neck, and jerked her backward, then a barrel of a gun in her ribs.

  “So, you think you’re going to run out on me? Never!” he cried and pulled her back.

  Letty fought him. She couldn’t let him have control. She broke loose and rammed the knife into his middle. “Let me go!” she cried, hearing his grunt. Then she heard t
he gunshot as pain pierced through her side.

  ***

  Paul, Hector and Michael had reached the porch when they heard the sound of gunfire.

  Paul had his gun drawn. He kicked in the door and saw Letty lying on the floor and Jensen standing over her, holding a gun.

  The man raised it toward him.

  Without any hesitation, Paul pulled the trigger and the stranger fell to the ground. He rushed to Letty and gently rolled her over. “Letty. Letty, it’s Paul. You’re safe now.”

  She blinked her eyes and looked at him. “You came.” She raised her hand to his face. “I didn’t want to go. Hank made me.”

  “I know,” he told her, looking for where all the blood was coming from. “We need to get you help.”

  “He killed him, Paul. Henry killed my father.” Her eyes fluttered shut.

  He knew he had to get her help.

  Hector had examined the body. Then he brought over the lantern, adding some light so he could examine her wound at her side. “I think the bullet missed any organs, but she still needs a doctor.”

  Michael knelt down at his side. “It’s closer to go back to Morgan’s Crossing. Doc Rawlins can help her.”

  Paul knew they had to take the close route. “Then that’s where we take her.” He looked around for something to help stop the bleeding. Finding Letty’s bag, he dug inside and found her petticoat. He tore the material into strips, and Hector helped him wrap them around her middle.

  With each movement, she groaned in pain.

  He spoke words of comfort, but he couldn’t stop his task. Once finished, he picked her up into his arms and carried her outside. “Get me Duke. He’s probably tied up out back. He’s rested for a few hours and he’s a sturdier mount.” Michael came back with his bay as Paul transferred Letty into Hector’s arms. He climbed into the saddle, and the mine guard lifted Letty up to him. Paul cradled her lifeless body, praying they’d make it back in time.

  Michael brought his horse up beside him. “I’ll ride on ahead and tell Doc so he can get prepared. Bring Letty to his cabin. Hector knows the way. I’ll send someone back for Jensen’s body and the other horses.” He slapped his mount’s rump and took off toward town.