by Ana Leigh
“Would you gamble his safety on that?” Jed asked quietly.
She turned away in despair. “I want to believe it.” Tears glistened in her eyes when she turned back to him.
Her agony was so real, so raw. Jed gathered her into his arms and leaned his forehead against hers. “I know you do.”
When he pressed a kiss to her temple, she drew back. For a long moment they stared into each other’s eyes, then he gently wiped away a tear sliding down her cheek, lowered his head, and claimed her lips.
Sizzling sensation surged through her, and she felt the loss when he broke the kiss. Too breathless to speak, they stared at one another.
Surprise and shock was on her face from the excitement his kiss had generated.
Bewilderment was on his, as to why he should be so shaken by a kiss.
“I won’t say I’m sorry, Caroline,” he finally said. “I’ve wanted to kiss you for a long time.”
“I understand. It’s been an emotional time for both of us. And since we may never meet again, it was only natural that we’d kiss good-bye. I’ll never forget you, Jed. Every time I look at my son, I’ll remember how indebted I am to you.”
“Then do me a favor and come with me to my brother’s.”
She shook her head. “I’m sorry, but I can’t.”
Nathan called from the doorway, “Ready to leave anytime you are.”
Jed released his grasp on her, and she slipped from his arms.
When Jed rejoined them for the trip to town, Garrett was sitting between Nathan and Caroline on the buckboard seat. Buffer was stretched out in the bed of it, and Jed tossed his seabag next to the dog. Buffer raised his head, sniffed it, then stretched out again.
Jed mounted Liberty, and as they rode away, he turned to look back at the Collins’s house, feeling an odd sadness to be leaving.
CHAPTER
6
The ride to town was quiet. The men talked softly to each other, Caroline read a book, and even Garrett silenced his usual chatter and crawled into the back and lay down next to Buffer.
By the time they reached the town, Jed had two hours remaining before his train was due to arrive. He agreed to meet the others for lunch in thirty minutes and departed in search of Vincent Calhoun’s office.
A shiny brass-trimmed sign indicated he’d located the attorney, and the gray-headed man seated behind a massive oak desk glanced up when he entered.
“Good day, sir, I’m looking for Vincent Calhoun,” Jed said.
“You’ve found him.” The man rested his lit cigar in an ashtray and rose to his feet. Portly and short, Calhoun appeared to be in his sixties. He reached across the desk and offered his hand. “What can I do for you, stranger?”
“Mr. Calhoun, my name is Jed Fraser,”
They shook hands, and the attorney indicated for Jed to sit down.
“Fraser. Sounds familiar. Where are you from, Mr. Fraser?”
“Virginia.”
“Hmmm, there’s a passel of Virginian Frasers up at the end of the valley. Wine growers, I’m told. You related to them, Mr. Fraser?”
“I’m proud to say that I am, Mr. Calhoun.”
“Seems a lot of you Virginians have come West. We’ve got a couple more right here. If we get many more of you, we’ll soon have to change the name of the state to West Virginia. Oops, there’s one of those already.” He chuckled at his own joke.
When Jed failed to be amused, Calhoun cleared his throat. “So what brings you to Napa, Mr. Fraser? You figure on settling here?”
“I’m here as a guest of my former captain, Nathan Collins.”
“Zat so.” His leery gaze swept Jed. “I’m well acquainted with the family.”
“So I’ve been told.”
“Are you Nathan’s attorney, Mr. Fraser?”
“No, I’m just looking out for their welfare. I have a few questions regarding this railroad transaction.”
“I’m sorry, but if you’re not their legal representative, Mr. Fraser, I’m not at liberty to discuss their private affairs with you.” He shifted his gaze to the door. “Sorry I can’t be of any further help. I’m sure you can see your way out.”
“I intend to do so, Mr. Calhoun, as soon as you show me that you’re authorized to represent the railroad.”
“I would be glad to, Mr. Fraser, but since there’s no mortgage or lien against the property, you apparently have no financial investment, either.
“As I said I’m just a family friend.”
Calhoun studied him intently, then asked, “On second thought, maybe you do, Mr. Fraser?” After another long inspection, Calhoun nodded. “Yes, I think I see. Possibly a physical one, Mr. Fraser.
“What do you want, Mr. Fraser?”
“Yesterday the Collinses had a serious accident, and Garrett was almost killed. I’m here to suggest it better not happen again.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Calhoun leaned forward, his eyes as cold as steel. “Are you threatening me, Mr. Fraser?”
Jed rose to his feet. “If any more accidents occur to any member of that family, I assure you that you’ll suffer the consequences. In the meantime, I’m advising the railroad of the tactics you’re using to acquire that property on their behalf. I’m sure they don’t want their reputation blemished by an unscrupulous shyster.”
Calhoun burst into laughter. “Blemish their reputation! When was the last time you read a newspaper, Mr. Fraser?”
“I stand by what I said, Calhoun.”
“Strong words for a man who has no dog in the hunt, Fraser.” Calhoun stood up. “Without any proof to back up your allegations, I’ll sue you and the Collins family for every square inch of that property.”
“We have proof to show that the axle of the buggy has been sawn through.”
Calhoun snorted. “What proof is there that I had anything to do with it?”
“Captain Collins has a distinguished reputation. I’m sure his word will stand up in any court, as will my own testimony. He informed me of your threat to his daughter and grandson.”
Calhoun laughed again. “Distinguished reputation? A couple of gunrunners during the war? Any judge west of the Mississippi—and most certainly the judges in the California courts—would be happy to see you both hanged for your treason during that war.
“And as for you, sonny, your word ain’t worth spit in the wind. You tell Nathan Collins that I’ve withdrawn the railroad’s offer. I’m gonna buy his property myself. I’ll give him ten cents an acre, and he’d be wise to take it and clear out of here while he has the chance, or he’ll be leaving in a pine box. Now get the hell out of my office, or I’ll have the sheriff haul your Rebel ass out of here.”
“Court or no court, I don’t back down from Yankee carpetbaggers. So save your breath for someone who’ll swallow your bull.”
Jed paused at the doorway. “And if anything happens again to one member of that family, I will settle with you personally.”
The moment Jed entered the restaurant, Caroline sensed the news wasn’t good. Funny how in such a short time she had grown to recognize some of his body language. Could he do the same with hers?
His handsomeness and carriage were obvious, but what she found even more attractive was his aura of confidence. At first she had mistaken it for arrogance, but she’d realized it wasn’t cockiness at all, but his positive attitude about life.
If only he wasn’t a Fraser. She sighed and forced the thought from her mind as he ruffled Garrett’s hair and sat down next to her son. Jed genuinely liked Garrett; that was clear. And there was no question that Garrett worshipped the ground the man walked on. Another complication in her already muddled life.
“What luck did you have with Calhoun?” Nathan asked.
“Not good, sir. Matter of fact, I may have exacerbated the situation.”
“In what way?”
“In the beginning Calhoun denied any connection with the buggy incident, but by the time we finished, he was threa
tening you’d leave here in a pine box and told me to tell you he’s withdrawing the railroad’s offer and will pay you ten cents an acre—like it or not.”
“That blunderbuss! Who does he think he is?”
“A very dangerous man, Captain Collins. I think you should take his threats seriously.”
“Are you suggesting I sell out, man? That’s practically stealing the land. I have no intention of selling, no matter what the snake would offer.”
“I think he’s very aware of that, sir. That’s when he interjected the pine box into the conversation.”
“What are you going to do?” Caroline asked.
Nathan slammed his fist on the table. “Not bow to his threats; that’s for certain.”
“Mama, what did Mr. Calhoun mean when he said Granddad would leave in a pine box?” Garrett asked.
“It’s just an expression, sweetheart. Have you decided what you want for lunch?” She glanced helplessly at Jed. “I think we should order. You have a train to catch.”
“You just don’t want me to know what you’re talking about,” Garrett said.
Nathan chuckled. “You’re a smart lad, my boy. You do your old granddad proud.”
“You ain’t so old, Granddad. Bet you could beat the tar out of that Mr. Calhoun if you wanted to.”
“Garrett, that’s no way to talk,” Caroline said.
“Well he could, Mama.”
“Your mother’s referring to the word ain’t, Garrett. It’s improper.” Jed winked at her.
“And you know your mother don’t like no improper grammar,” Nathan teased with a twinkle in his eye. “Ain’t that right, honey?”
Caroline sighed in exasperation. “How can you two grown men make light of this situation? We have a serious problem.”
Garrett’s eyes rounded in astonishment. “Just ’cause I said ain’t?”
Try as she might, Caroline couldn’t keep a straight face when the men started laughing. Garrett looked perplexed as he glanced around the table, then he added his boyish laughter to theirs.
Their laughter was a momentary release to their tension, but once it ceased, Caroline’s thoughts returned to the seriousness of the situation they faced. What chance did the three of them have against the power of Vincent Calhoun? Could a man’s greed for wealth threaten their well-being? Was a piece of property worth jeopardizing the lives of the two people she cherished more than anything on earth?
When she looked across the table at Jed, his gaze was on her. She didn’t have to be told that he had no intention of deserting them. But he was only one man.
She picked up the menu. “Shall we order?”
As they lingered over coffee, Nathan reminded Jed it would soon be time for his train to arrive.
“I know I can’t be of much help, sir, but if you have no objection, I’d like to hang around for a while longer.”
“Jed, this isn’t your fight,” Nathan said.
“I made it my fight when I spoke to Calhoun.” He glanced at Caroline. “Do you have any objections if I remain?”
Of course she objected; she wanted him out of their lives. But at the same time, she welcomed his protection. They had no one else to turn to.
“Only the same as my father’s, Jed. There’s no reason you should put yourself at risk for our sake.”
“I can think of three good ones,” Jed said.
“What are they?” Garrett asked innocently.
Jed smiled. “They’re all seated at this table, Garrett.”
“Can he stay, Mama?”
“That decision is between your grandfather and Mr. Fraser, honey.”
The boy looked hopefully at his grandfather. “Can he, Granddad?”
Nathan grinned. “He’s too big a fellow for me to wrestle, son.”
“Yippee!” Garrett swung his glance to Jed. “I’m sure glad you’re staying, ’cause I like you a lot.”
“I feel the same about you, pal. But I don’t think your dog will welcome the news.”
“Oh, don’t worry about Buffer. He just don’t like having strangers around.
“He doesn’t like strangers,” Caroline corrected.
“See, Mama agrees. Once he gets to know you, he’ll like you, too. I’m going outside to tell him the good news.” Garrett dashed outside.
Caroline stood, too. “While your presence will be a relief, Jed, be careful you’re not jumping into waters that are over your head.”
“I’m pretty good at testing the waters.”
“The water might be deeper than you think, so be careful you don’t drown, sailor,” she warned.
Jed grinned. “I’m a pretty good swimmer, lady.”
Caroline enjoyed this little sparring between them, but the physical attraction she felt to Jed made it dangerous.
As she reached the doorway, the bright sunlight momentarily blinded her. Suddenly a hard shoulder slammed into her, and only Jed’s body behind hers prevented her from falling.
“Oh, it’s you,” Ben Slatter grumbled. The smell of alcohol was strong on his breath.
“Yes, it’s me. And as usual, Ben Slatter, you’re reeking of alcohol,” Caroline said in disgust.
When he started to shove past her, Jed said, “I believe you owe the lady an apology, sir.”
The man stood eye to eye with him, with a withering glare. “Who in hell are you?”
“Name’s Jed Fraser.”
“Is that supposed to mean something to me?”
“Mr. Fraser is a close friend from Virginia, Ben. He served on my father’s ship during the war.”
Slatter snorted. “Yeah, I can see he was a real close friend. So he’s the little bastard’s daddy.”
Despite Slatter’s size, Jed grabbed a handful of the man’s shirt, lifted him off his feet, and slammed him against the wall. “The apology, Slatter.”
Slatter’s alcoholic bravado was no match for the fury in Jed’s eyes. “Okay, okay, I’m sorry.”
“Tell that to the lady.” Jed fortified the command with another slam against the wall.
“Excuse me, Caroline,” Slatter grunted.
Jed released him, and the dazed man slumped against the wall.
“The lady accepts your apology, Mr. Slatter.”
“I see you’re still sword rattling, Mr. Fraser.”
Jed swung around to see Vincent Calhoun smiling smugly at him.
“Miss Caroline.” He tipped his hat to her and moved on.
“The more people I encounter in this town, the more I wonder why you want to remain,” Jed grumbled as he adjusted his clothing. “Didn’t you say that you turned down Slatter’s proposal?”
“Yes, and it appears that I’ve made an enemy for life.”
“I wonder if his resentment is enough to drive him to harming you or Garrett.”
“You said Vincent Calhoun admitted to threatening us.”
“He didn’t come right out and admit it, but Calhoun strikes me as the kind who wouldn’t dirty his own hands. He’d use an accomplice to do the dirty work.”
Nathan and Garrett were waiting on the buckboard when they reached it. Jed helped Caroline climb on, then mounted Liberty. As they rode past the railroad station, the conductor shouted, “All aboard.”
“Jed, it’s not too late for you to change your mind. You can still get on that train,” Nathan said.
Jed winked at Caroline. “I prefer the company I’m with right now.”
Garrett giggled. “Even Buffer?”
The dog raised its head and was staring at him intently, as if waiting to hear his reply.
“Well, I guess there’s no utopia, pal.”
“Mama, what does utopia mean?” Garrett asked.
“It’s an imaginary perfect place to live, honey.”
Unable to resist, Jed interjected, “Like Virginia.”
A faint smile curved her lips. “As I said, sweetheart: it’s imaginary.”
Garrett hugged his faithful companion, who was stretched out with his head on his
lap. “You know what, Buffer? Sometimes adults sure are hard to understand. I’m glad you and me don’t have that problem.”
With the shrill toot of a whistle and the hiss of clouds of steam, the train slowly puffed out of the station.
Jed glanced back for a final look. What have you got yourself into this time, Fraser?
CHAPTER
7
Later that evening, having tucked Garrett into bed, Caroline sat down at the piano. Playing usually calmed her, but tonight she couldn’t concentrate on the music. The fragrant scent of roses carried into the room and soon drew her to the open door.
The garden was bathed in moonlight, and she stepped outside, leaned back against one of the porch columns, and took a deep breath of the sweet fragrance as she gazed up at the stars, so close she felt she could reach up and pluck one out of the sky.
She found solace in the garden’s sweet-scented serenity. A light breeze dallied with the hair on her temple, and she pulled out the pins that restrained it and shook out her hair. The heavy mass dropped to her shoulders, and she brushed her fingers through its thickness, then raised her face to catch the breeze.
A figure stepped out of the shadows. “Moonlight becomes you, Caroline,” Jed said.
The butterflies that his nearness always awakened began fluttering in her stomach.
“Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?”
The soothing sound seemed to stroke her soul.
She leaned back against the column again. “I was enjoying the night’s tranquility.”
Jed walked over and set his hands against the column, confining her between his arms. His closeness and the desire in his eyes were an irresistible draw. And she had been naïve enough to believe she could fight it. Lord, how she was losing the battle!
“I know how worried you are, Caroline, but I won’t let anything more happen to you or your family.”
She looked directly into his mesmerizing brown eyes. “And what about you? If Calhoun is willing to harm one of us, he certainly won’t have any qualms about doing the same to you.”