Wild Rain

by Beverly Jenkins

  She met him measure for measure, enjoying the rawness, his growls, and the lust that pierced her like shards of lightning. When completion came amidst the answering springs of the bed, she again cried out his name while he emptied himself with a lusty roar. And when they were done, they melted into each other’s passion-damp arms, hearts racing.

  Later, after sharing the tub and having dinner, they sat nestled together on her fancy sofa, watching the crackling fire and listening to the patter of the rain against the windows.

  “You should know that once I go home and take care of some things, I’m probably coming back.”

  She rose up and studied his face. “Why?”

  “I’m thinking of making Paradise my home.”

  Spring wasn’t sure how she felt about that. One part of herself embraced the idea. Other parts were concerned about the reasons.

  He continued, “A bit has to do with you, but it’s mostly because I like the freedom I find here. Porter James has offered me a job, so I’ll be able to make a living. I’d eventually look into buying a small plot of land and building me a house.”

  She thought about the implications. “I’m not looking to marry, Garrett.”

  “Not expecting that. I’m content with whatever we’re calling this for as long as it lasts. If it comes undone, I’ll still want to set my life here.”

  Their eyes met and she said quietly, “I just wanted to make that clear.”

  “I understand. I’m not putting any expectations on you or the future.”

  “Good. I don’t want you to be disappointed.”

  He placed a kiss on her brow. “I appreciate your honesty.”

  “How long do you think it will take to put your affairs in order back at home?”

  “I don’t know. There isn’t much to do really. My parents are going to voice their concerns, so that will be the biggest thing to contend with.”

  “They’ll probably worry about you being so far away.”

  “I know. We’ve lived fairly close to each since Freedom.”

  “They’ll miss you, too.”

  “And I’ll miss them, as well.”

  Where would they be in a year? she wondered. Still cuddling together like this or having gone their separate ways? Only the future would tell so she left it at that.

  “Who should I speak with about buying land?”

  “Arnold Cale at the bank, or Odell. He and Ben own most of the unoccupied land. I didn’t get a chance to tell you, but Jarvis stopped by earlier and wanted to buy some of my land. Said he wants to open a sawmill.”

  “Are you selling?”

  “No, but he also said Matt Ketchum is accusing me of having stolen the land from his father’s estate.”

  “Do you have a deed?”

  “Spoken like a lawyer. I do, and so do the others who purchased the bigger parts I couldn’t afford.”

  “Like whom?”

  “Nelson, Odell, and Ben. I’m wondering if Jarvis said anything to them about Matt’s lies.”

  “Are you worried?”

  “Not really. Randolph Nelson is one of the wealthiest ranchers in the Territory and the head of the Republican party. If Matt takes me on, he’ll have to take on Randolph, too, and he’d be a fool to try and run roughshod over someone that influential.”

  “I agree but let me know if you need my help. I may not have liked being a lawyer but I’m good at it.”

  “I will.”

  “Sounds like the sooner I get home, the sooner I need to get back, if Ketchum’s bent on trouble.”

  She agreed and it would be a lie to say she wouldn’t miss him. Becoming attached to him was one of the most surprising things to happen to her in quite some time. That and learning from him that sex was a form of art. She smiled.

  “Why the smile?”

  “Just thinking about how good you are in bed.”

  “There’s not a man alive who doesn’t like hearing that.”

  “It’s the truth, but don’t let it swell your head. Sooner or later I’ll find something you’re terrible at.” She turned to get a look at his face. “What are you terrible at?”

  “Nothing that I know of.”

  She playfully punched him in the shoulder before resettling against the comfort of his chest. “Such modesty.”

  “You asked.”

  “Which I now regret.”

  Garrett wanted to spend the rest of his days holding her in just this way. Although he still had a few days to enjoy her company, he was missing her already. If the future was kind, he’d return, and over time have all his questions about her answered. Any she had about him would be answered, as well. Outside, he heard the rumble of thunder. “Does it storm this way often?”

  “More in the spring and autumn than the rest of the year.”

  She asked, “Do you hunt and fish?”

  “I do, but why’d you ask?”

  “Just thinking about some things we might do together. Would you like to go fishing with me when you return?”

  “I would.”

  He saw her nod. She was so unique. He’d never had a woman ask him that before. “Do you have a favorite place?”

  “I do. It’s a small cabin up in the foothills. I do most of my hunting from there.”

  He wondered how many men, if any, had been gifted such an invitation, but again he decided it didn’t matter. She’d chosen him for now, so he contented himself with holding her close and listening to the rain.

  Chapter Ten

  The following morning, after helping Spring with the breakfast dishes, Garrett prepared to leave for the day.

  “What are your plans?” she asked.

  “I want to stop by your brother’s place and hopefully make arrangements to interview your sister-in-law before I depart for home, then ride into town. I need to send off this latest set of notes to my father and let them know the date of my return.” His sadness tied to leaving her had not lessened.

  “Dinner?” she asked.

  “Here, if you aren’t sick of me.”

  She rolled her eyes. “I suppose I can put up with you for another evening.”

  “You’re so kind.”

  “Don’t tell anyone. I’ve a reputation to maintain.”

  He laughed, then placing a light finger beneath her chin, raised her lips to his. The kiss, the first of the morning, added to the growing connection and pleasure he’d found in her. “I’ll see you later,” he murmured.

  “I’ll be here.”

  He left her, mounted the gelding, and rode off for his first stop.

  The sound of a baby’s angry cries hit his ears as soon as he stepped onto the porch. He debated whether to knock on not. By what he was hearing, Mrs. Lee had her hands full, so being the gentleman that he was, he decided to see her later on his way back to Spring.

  Resuming his ride, he took in the beauty of the countryside and thought about his parents’ reactions to his plans to leave the city. His father would be unhappy, mostly due to his desire to see his son married to a woman of class. His mother, always steady and practical, would miss him, as he would her, but she’d be more concerned with his happiness. His sister, Melody, would miss him, and he’d miss her sunny smile and sharp wit, as well. Hopefully, he’d return to visit when he could, and they’d find a way to visit him in turn. He was certain once they took in the Territory’s beauty, they’d partially understand his decision.

  Up ahead a mother duck and a line of ducklings were crossing the road. Smiling, he halted the horse to let the family pass. The sound of gunfire startled him. Hastily looking around for the source, a pain like a hundred hot pokers slammed into his back. Crying out, he gathered the reins. Before he could ride away, more bullets, this time shoulder high, toppled him from the saddle and onto the hard dirt road. More shots rang out. He knew he should scramble for cover, but his legs wouldn’t obey. He couldn’t breathe. In agony he touched his side and drew back blood-stained fingers. Again, he tried to get out of the road, but couldn
’t move. As consciousness faded, his last thought was of Spring.

  Spring slid quickly from Cheyenne’s back and ran to her brother’s office. A gaggle of people were out front. Pushing them aside, she yelled, “Get out of my way!” Ignoring their reactions, she reached the door, and, finding it locked, pounded on it like a woman possessed. Inside, Whit looked out the window.

  “Open the door!” He quickly complied, and she entered. “Where is he?”

  “Colt’s working on him now. He’s been in there awhile.”

  “I want to see him.”

  “Let your brother work. He doesn’t need you distracting him. He’ll come out when he’s done.”

  Only then did she see her grandfather seated across the room. Ben was the one who’d found Garrett bleeding and unconscious in the road. After bringing him to town, he’d sent Odell to let her know about the shooting. Heart in her throat, she’d ridden off, leaving Odell to follow at his own pace. “Thank you for bringing him here.”

  Ben nodded.

  “Did you see who shot him?”

  “No. Whoever it was is either gone or hiding out of sight in the trees. From the amount of blood on him, I don’t think he’d been in the road very long.”

  That gave her hope. She turned to Whit. “Ketchum did this. I know it as well as I know my name, and it’s because of what happened at Glenda and Arnold’s party.”

  “I wasn’t there, so tell me what happened.”

  She did and when she finished he said, “Thanks, but I’ll need evidence, Spring.”

  She had all the evidence she needed in her bones, and if Garrett died . . . She forced her mind away from that terrible possibility.

  Whit told her, “I’ll question Matt, but I can’t charge him without a solid reason.”

  “He shot him in the back, Whit!”

  “I understand. Nothing lower than that. Nothing. But you’ll hang if you take the law into your own hands.”

  He knew her well. Fury made her want to hunt Matt down and treat him to a few well-placed bullets of her own. “Even if you do have solid evidence, Garrett’s a Colored man. The courts aren’t going to care.”

  “I’ll do everything in my power to make sure they do. I promise you. If you hang it’ll break Regan’s heart,” he said solemnly.

  “Thanks for that,” she countered coldly.

  “It’s all I have, Spring. I know you! Don’t take this on yourself. Let me do my job.”

  He turned to Ben. “Where exactly did you find him?”

  Ben explained, adding, “I tied a bandanna to one of the trees to mark the spot. I figured you’d want to take a look around.”

  “I do. Maybe I can find something that might narrow down who did the shooting. Spring, you’re welcome to come along and help me look. Two pairs of eyes are better than one.”

  She agreed.

  A pounding on the door heralded Odell’s arrival. The curious crowd remained out front. Whit let him in.

  Upon seeing Spring, his first words were, “Oh good. You’re here.”

  “Where’d you think I’d be?”

  “Already out gunning for Ketchum. The way you and Cheyenne took off, I was worried.”

  The concern in his eyes mirrored Ben’s, so she said to him, “Whit says he’ll handle things.”

  Odell replied, “And if he doesn’t, I will. Shooting a man in the back justifies an eye for an eye.”

  Whit snarled, “Odell, you’re not helping.”

  Ben warned, “Then you better find whoever did it and make sure he’s brought to trial.” His deadly tone made the hairs rise on the back of Spring’s neck. Ben held her eyes for a long moment before declaring, “We live by mountain law. Justice will be served one way or another.”

  For the next hour it took Spring everything she had to sit and wait and not pace like a caged cat. The more she silently willed her brother to appear with news about Garrett’s condition, the longer time passed with no word. Finally, Colt came out of the surgery. There was weariness in his face and blood staining the blue leather bib apron over his shirt and trousers. “I’ve done all I can for now, but he’s strong. I’m confident he’ll pull through.”

  Emotion clogged Spring’s throat, and her shoulders slumped in relief.

  “He had three bullets in the back and two in his right shoulder. I’ll give them to you, Whit, soon as I clean them off.”

  “When do you think he’ll be able to answer questions about what happened?”

  “Maybe tomorrow or the day after. Not today though. He’s full of laudanum.”

  “Okay. I need to send a bulletin on the shooting to the US Marshal in Cheyenne. Spring, stop by my office when you’re ready to help me survey where McCray was ambushed.”

  “I will.” The number of bullets caused Spring to wonder if Ketchum had enlisted help. Would Jarvis have assisted him? She didn’t know enough about the man to speculate, but that Matt may have had accomplices was something to consider.

  Whit asked Colt, “Can I let the folks outside know you think he’s going to be okay?”

  “Yes, if that will make them go home.”

  After the sheriff’s exit, Spring asked, “May I see him?”

  Her brother hesitated.

  “Please.” Spring rarely pleaded, and that must have made an impression.

  “Come, but just for a minute.”

  Ben rose to his feet and joined Odell at the door. “I’ll stop back later on my way home.”

  Spring took in the man responsible for setting her on the harsh road that led to the woman she’d become, and the decades of animosity cracked a little. “Thank you again.”

  He nodded and he and Odell departed.

  She followed Colt to the back.

  Garrett was lying so still it took her a moment to reassure herself that he was truly breathing. His chest was partially covered by a blanket, and the white bandages encasing his shoulder and torso stood out starkly against his brown skin. Her heart broke seeing him that way, especially knowing his injuries were tied to defending her. Eyes on him, she asked Colt quietly, “Are you sure he’s going to be okay?”

  “Pretty sure. It will take him a while to get back on his feet though.”

  Colt quieted for a moment, then asked, “You care about him, don’t you?”

  She nodded solemnly. “I do.” There was no denying the truth.

  “He cares about you, too. Very much.”

  Her awareness of how Garrett felt about her couldn’t be denied, either. He’d made it plain in an unassuming way devoid of any expectations of commitment on her part. “Do you think we should let his family know what’s happened?” she asked.

  “Seeing as how it’s going to be a while before he’s able to travel, yes.”

  “Odell should know where his telegrams have been sent. I wouldn’t know how to word it without scaring them to death. Would you take care of it?”

  “I will. Let’s let him rest.”

  “I’ll be back this evening.”

  “That isn’t necessary, Spring.”

  “It is. He was shot for standing up for me, Colt, and he’ll need someone to watch over him while you sleep—at least for the first few days.”

  Colt sighed but didn’t argue. “Okay. Let Regan know what’s happened, and that I’ll be sleeping here for a day or so.”

  “Will do.” She ran concerned eyes over the sleeping Garrett—her partner. “Take good care of him.”

  He showed a soft smile. “I will. You remember to let Whit do his job.”

  She didn’t make any promises. “I’ll be back later.” Glancing at Garrett one last time, she left him in her brother’s care.

  When Spring and Whit spotted Ben’s red bandanna tied to a low-hanging branch of a big oak near the edge of the road, they dismounted. In the dirt a few steps away was a patch of blood where they assumed Garrett had fallen. After viewing it, Whit scuffed it with the toe of his boot until it was gone. Swallowing her anger, a grim Spring followed him into the brush an
d trees lining the road. Because of the dense cover, they felt safe in assuming the shooter or shooters had hidden there as opposed to the more wide open landscape on the road’s other side.

  Figuring they could cover more ground if they split up, they went in different directions, and a short while later Spring came across boot prints in a small clearing between two pines. Noting that the spot offered a good view of the road, she called for Whit. He joined her and studied them.

  “Looks like two different sets,” she pointed out. “See the difference in the heel marks?”

  “I do.”

  One had a well-worn uneven heel.

  Like Spring, he glanced out at the road. “This could be where they were.”

  “Or where two people answered nature’s call,” she replied.

  “That, too.”

  They investigated further but turned up nothing more.

  To be thorough, they left the spot and searched the other side of the road. Whit asked, “Do you know if McCray made any stops on his way to town?”

  “He said he was going to see Regan to set up a time to interview her, but I don’t know if he did. I’m going to stop by there on my way home. I’ll ask her.”

  “That would be helpful.”

  She glanced around the area again. They’d found nothing. “I wonder if whoever shot McCray had been keeping an eye on my place, hoping to catch him alone.”

  “That’s a possibility.”

  “So had I been with him they might have shot me, too?”

  “Maybe.”

  She wanted answers, but there were none, so they mounted up.

  “I’ll be back in town later,” she said to him. “I’ll let you know what Regan says.”

  “Okay, thanks.” He paused for a moment, and said quietly, “Spring?”

  She took in the serious set of his face.

  He continued, “Sorry for yelling at you the way I did back there. I’ve known you most of your life and feel you’re as much my little sister as Colt’s.”

  “I know. Sometimes I need to be yelled at, so no apologies needed.”

  He nodded. “Be careful going home.”