Harmony (Journey's End Book 3)

by Victoria Phelps

  “Thank God,” Matt said. “It’s going to be a long walk out of these mountains.”

  “We’re walking out?” Harmony gasped. Her hand flew to her bosom and clutched at the brooch fastened there.

  “Don’t have a choice. Those guys were right. It’ll be a while before men from the Union Pacific get here to search. They won’t know we’ve had trouble for two more days when we don’t arrive at the next station.” He shrugged. “I’m sorry, Harmony. There’s no other way.”

  He sat down and pulled her into his lap. Harmony laid her head on his shoulder. A train ride through treacherous mountains, an avalanche, murder, robbery – this was all so far outside her experience she was dazed with disbelief. Matt was patting her back with rhythmic taps, and it helped. It soothed. She felt his lips soft as a butterfly’s wings brush her cheek.

  “I’ve been thinking on that avalanche. Do you remember the boom we heard before the snow came crashing?” Matt asked.

  Harmony ran the events through her mind before giving a response. “Yes, I remember.”

  “Those men set a charge to start the avalanche, and they picked this spot. The train slid, but it was never in danger of falling over a cliff. It’s an unusual place in the mountains. They knew this train held the payroll. This robbery was planned, carefully planned.” His words were soaked in disgust and dripped revulsion. “Hector and Jim – at least we heard their names. That will be considerable help to the sheriff. The short one had a long, shaggy beard, but that can always be cut off or shaved away.” He shrugged massive shoulders. “But the names will go a long way in the hunt for those outlaws.”

  “What now?” Harmony asked.

  “I’m going to wrap the bodies in a blanket and leave them in the freight car. They will be fine in this cold, and when the train folks find them, they can get them to their loved ones.” Matt retrieved a blanket and laid it over Jeb. He struggled to his feet with the man in his arms and stumbled down the stairs. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

  Harmony sat on the edge of the seat. She didn’t like being separated from Matt even for a brief moment. She was scared and hungry and cold and not at all sure she could walk out of the Rocky Mountains. Wrapping her arms around her middle, she held on tight.

  “I’m taking Nan now,” Matt called through the open door. “Stay where you are.”

  “All right,” her voice quivered. The sun would soon disappear over the top of the mountains and deep dark would be left behind. They would disappear into the absence of light. She groaned. In Chicago streetlights illuminated the night if one went out, and Grandmama’s servants kept all lamps in working order and a fire in every grate. She shivered and pulled the cape tight around her shoulders.

  When Matt returned, he sank into the seat across the aisle. His pants were wet from the knee down, and he blew into his hands before tucking them in his arm pits.

  “Which leg?” he asked.

  “Pardon?”

  “Which leg is injured,” he clarified.

  “Oh, my right,” she replied. “But I’m sure…”

  Before she finished the reassurance on the tip of her tongue, Matt had lifted her right leg and set it across his thigh. He’d raised her skirt for a better look and untied her stocking. She struggled to retrieve her leg.

  “Matt, please, I’m sure my leg will be fine,” Harmony spluttered.

  “Stop that,” he ordered, but she continued to squirm.

  “What do you think you are doing?” She swatted at his hand.

  “Harmony,” Matt’s stern voice brought her wiggling to a stop. “We have a rough road ahead. It’s going to take all the energy and spirit we can muster. If you’re injured, things get that much tougher. Now stop that fussing. I plan to have a look at your leg.”

  With that admonition ringing in her ears, she watched as he flipped her skirt higher and held her leg in his two brawny hands.

  “Where does it hurt?” She pointed at mid-calf. “I broke it just about there.”

  He massaged her calf and ankle and turned it this way and that. “There’s a bit of swelling, but it’s not broken. I’ll get some snow, and we’ll pack it for a bit. I know that doesn’t sound too pleasant, but it will help the swelling go down.”

  She shivered. “That doesn’t sound good, but I know it helps,” Harmony agreed.

  “The stove broke loose. That’s what hit your leg. We won’t have any heat. I don’t believe I’d light it even if I could. Those two might see the smoke and come back to finish the job.”

  Harmony lifted eyes wide with fear to the big man’s face.

  “I don’t mean to scare you, Harmony, but we’re in a tight spot, and there’s no denying it. There’s a little town about twenty miles from here. That’s not so far when the sun shines and the ground is dry, but twenty miles through snowy mountains will be a trial. I don’t want to sugar coat it.” He gave a decisive nod. “We’ll follow the train tracks. If a train passes going either direction, we can flag it down. I doubt there will be one, though. This one was unusual and only went to carry that payroll. Trains won’t run regular until late spring. Winter in the Rockies is too unpredictable. That’s enough talk for tonight. We need to gather the food scattered in the car and eat. We best eat lightly. Tomorrow I’ll find what food the guards had in the freight wagon. Twenty miles at five miles a day makes at least four days more likely five before we reach Franklin. We’ll ration what we have to cover that. I might get a rabbit, but we best not count on it.” He paused. “We’re going to wrap up together in those blankets tonight.” Matt pointed at a pile on the floor.

  “Together?” Harmony squeaked. “Wrap up together?”

  “When the sun goes behind those mountains,” he pointed through the window at the towering precipices, “the temperature will drop. I already explained that we can’t start a fire tonight, so body heat is our only source.”

  Harmony stilled for a moment before she nodded her head. “I understand. According to Chicago society, I’m already ruined. The two of us alone, unchaperoned, is enough.” She shrugged her shoulders, “I guess sharing a blanket can’t make me any more ruined.”

  “Now see here,” Matt fumed, “I don’t aim to ruin you. I aim to keep you safe and alive and deliver you to Melody.”

  “I know,” she said. “Chicago society is full of whispers and innuendo. I don’t plan to go back there, so what they think doesn’t matter.”

  “I’m right pleased to hear that, Harmony,” Matt confessed. “Now help me by looking into the bundles that were tossed around when we rolled. We need to see how much food we can find. While you start with that, I’ll go get some snow for your leg.”

  Harmony searched the car and found three bags of food. She retrieved the slices of apple they’d been ready to eat before the avalanche hit the car and wiped them off on her skirt. The bread was wet and soggy, so she left if on the floor. The cookies had fared better, and she placed them with the bags.

  When Matt returned with snow, he packed it around her leg. It was so cold it hurt, but Matt held her hand and that warmed her up. She didn’t understand the feelings this small-town sheriff created. Heat and wanting and a little confusion mixed in. Grandmama always told her that strong emotions were unladylike, and she should not entertain them. She’d never had to worry about it with Jerome. The strongest feeling he’d engendered was a slight revulsion when she feared he meant to kiss her. She’d avoided it by pleading maiden fears and modesty, and he’d said he understood.

  She wanted Matt to kiss her. That maiden fear and modesty were melting with the snow around her leg. She wanted his big hands to trace the outline of her body. She wanted much more but couldn’t put a name to it. Matt would know. She was sure of it.

  “We better get your leg out of the snow before it’s frostbit,” Matt brushed the slushy mess away and held her leg between his large, warm hands for examination. “Doesn’t look too bad, darlin’,” he reassured. “We’ll stay here tomorrow and let it rest, but the nex
t day we’ll need to get moving.”

  Matt held his hand out to her, “Let me help you up. I made a bed for us at the front of the car. You know,” he made a strangled cough, “skin to skin would produce the most heat, but we’ll do the best we can through all these clothes.”

  Harmony sank to the floor, and Matt followed her. He pulled blankets over them before lifting her to her side and pulling her back to his front. He locked her in with his brawny arm and cradled her legs with his own.

  “We’ll look for better clothes for you tomorrow. I think Nan was about your size,” he said into her hair.

  “There’s nothing wrong with my clothes.” Outrage and indignation colored her words fighting red.

  “Maybe not in Chicago society, but they might get you killed in the Rocky Mountains.” He paused to pull her more snugly to his body. “You’re just going to have to learn to mind me, Harmony. You know how to survive a dinner party in Chicago, but I know the wilderness.”

  “But…” a retort sharp and stinging took shape in her mind.

  Matt leaned back and laid a swat on her bottom. “The only butt you need to worry about is this one.” He repeated the spank. “Go to sleep. We’ve got big days coming up. We’ll talk tomorrow.”

  He resettled his large arm around her middle and pulled her closer still.

  She opened her mouth to issue her complaint at such treatment, but just before the protest crossed her lips, she bit them back.

  He was right. They were not at a Chicago dinner party. They were stranded in the very large, very cold, very scary Rocky Mountains. She never imagined a man might spank her. The idea was ludicrous and not to be considered, but she couldn’t deny the feelings of safety and security this man with his bossy ways created. She wiggled closer.

  “Go to sleep,” he growled.

  She obeyed.

  Chapter 4

  Matt opened his eyes as first light reached over the towering mountains. He removed a strand of honey blonde hair stuck to Harmony’s cheek, laid it gently over her shoulder, and regarded the sleeping beauty. His attraction for Harmony was bone deep. It pierced through and through. He needed to protect, to have, and hold. Damn, his manhood was standing tall and saluting.

  He grimaced at the memory of his infatuation with Melody. Why, that had been nothing more than his body responding to her beauty. He imagined half the men in Ford tried to hide their enthusiasm for the woman after she walked by swinging that sassy bottom.

  His love for Harmony was physical without a doubt. He hoped she didn’t feel his hardness thumping against her backside as she lay scooped into his body. He snorted. But it was more than that, much more. He wanted to surround her with his care. Protect her from harm. Hold her. Love her. Punish her if it was necessary to keep her safe. Most husbands, he knew, used the occasional spanking to safeguard the woman they loved.

  He kissed Harmony’s forehead. Her blue eyes, still clouded with sleep, opened.

  “Good morning, darlin’,” Matt greeted her.

  “Good morning,” she replied. “What are the plans for today?”

  “First, we need to look through Nan’s trunk and find warmer clothes. Ones that let you breathe and move as well as keep you warm. I’m hoping her boots fit you,” Matt sat up and began removing the remaining pins from Harmony’s hair.

  Her hand flew to her head. “Stop. What are you doing?”

  “You need a simple braid,” he replied. “Your hair is beautiful, but for hiking it’s best kept out of your way.”

  He’d removed the last of the pins. Placing his hand under her hair at the base of her neck, he dragged his fingers through to the end. When most of the tangles had been subdued, he divided it into three sections and wove it into a plait hanging down her back and to her waist. He secured the end with a piece of string he had in his pocket.

  “There.” The one word held a world of finality.

  “Where did you learn to braid hair?” Harmony reached behind her and felt the thick rope.

  “Sisters,” he laughed. “Little sisters who needed help.” He gave her shoulder an all done pat. “Clothes next.”

  “I couldn’t possibly take Nan’s belongings,” Harmony began.

  Matt’s stomach twisted. She was sweet and innocent, but in the wilderness that could get you killed. “Darlin’, Nan won’t be needing them. I know that sounds cruel, and I don’t mean it to be, but her clothes could keep you alive. I think Nan would want you to use them.”

  Harmony sat still. Her blue eyes focused on a spot just over his right shoulder. She nodded in slow, reluctant agreement.

  “I’ll go to the freight car and find her trunk,” Matt rose to his full height. “If you need to go outside, it should be safe. Those two varmints are far away by now.”

  Once in the freight car, Matt moved Harmony’s three trunks out of his way. He took the two packs left by the guards and slung them over his shoulder. He selected a shotgun that lay on the floor and removed the belt of shells from a dead guard’s body and fixed it around his own waist. He checked for food and stuffed what he found into one of the packs.

  The four dead bodies lay on the floor. Matt didn’t like leaving them behind. He tucked blankets around each one and made a solemn promise to have them retrieved and given the burial they deserved. He took another long look. He didn’t plan to return to the car again. It was just too darn sad.

  “I’m sorry, Nan,” he whispered. He returned to her shrouded body, lifted the blanket and removed her boots. Chances are they were her only pair. He swaddled her feet again and gave them a final soft pat. When he saw nothing else to help them on their trek out of the mountains, he swung Nan’s trunk to his shoulder. He pulled the sliding door shut behind him and fixed the lock so no animals could get to them. He had done all he could. It would have to be enough. Time to save the living.

  “Here’s the trunk. Let’s see what we’ve got.” Matt rubbed his hands together like a kid at the Thanksgiving table.

  Harmony joined him as the lid went up. Matt pulled out a skirt and blouse in heavy wool. There was a hat with flaps that pulled down over a person’s ears. Knitted long johns the color of oatmeal came next. The bottom had a flap help up by two large, black buttons. Thick socks, flannel bloomers and chemise and a thick, thick sweater. Matt dug a little deeper and pulled out a pair of jeans.

  As if she’d been stung by a bee, Harmony jolted to life. “Oh no, no, no, I am not wearing those,” she declared.

  Matt observed her through narrowed eyes. “Well, we’ll take them along just in case. You could always wear them under the skirt.”

  “Under the skirt and over these charming long johns, I believe you called them,” she held the offending garment up and sneered.

  “We’re not going to be in the Easter parade,” Matt muttered. His temper was on a short string, but he wanted to be kind and understanding.

  Tears rolled down Harmony’s face. “I’ve never seen such ugly garments,” she pouted. Her lower lip trembled.

  “I’m sorry, but you have to wear them. We have to survive, Harmony. When we get out of these mountains, you can buy better clothes or borrow some from Melody.” He pointed at the pile on the floor. “You can change in the back of the car. I’ll keep my back turned.”

  Matt breathed a sigh of relief and moved to the rear of the car. After much grumbling and swishing, Harmony returned.

  “You look right nice, darlin’,” Matt spluttered and his face flushed pink. The elegant, citified, poker-stiff girl he’d met in Denver had transformed into a comely western gal. He liked it. No, he loved it. Hope rose like an injured bird in his chest, wings bravely flapping. There might be hope for him yet.

  “Let’s have a bite to eat. We need to talk about the best way to get out of here,” Matt began.

  “I thought we were walking, following the tracks,” Harmony furrowed her brow.

  “We are. I’m glad you remembered.” He paused. “Harmony, do you remember just before the avalanche hit the train
, I told Jeb to get Nan on the floor behind the seat?”

  “Yes, I do,” she replied.

  “What happened?” he asked.

  “Well, she ignored both of you and ran around the car in a panic,” Harmony said.

  “It’s possible that if she had listened to him, they would both be alive today,” Matt told her. “He spent those precious minutes chasing her instead of keeping her safe.”

  “You’re right. I wish she’d listened to both of you.” Harmony nodded.

  “Right. If he’d done what he should have before they faced an emergency, she might be alive.”

  “What should he have done?” Her eyebrows pulled into a frown.

  “He needed to be sure she would follow his instructions. He hadn’t done his job to protect her.” Matt’s head bobbed in agreement with his words.

  “How would he do that?” she enquired.

  “What would a man in Chicago do if their woman didn’t let him keep her safe?” Matt wondered.

  “But Chicago is safe. At least where my grandmama lived was. But if Jerome was unhappy with me he would frown and purse his lips like this,” Harmony scrunched her lips into a grimace and lowered her brows.

  “Frown?” He sought confirmation.

  Harmony nodded.

  “Did that change your behavior? Was a frown enough to make his point?” Matt scowled. A frown might serve as a little warning, but was useless for anything else.

  Harmony laughed. “No, I didn’t enjoy being scowled at, but I didn’t really care.”

  “Well, men in the west take a more direct approach. One that their woman will care about,” he began.

  “What is that?”

  “They spank them, Harmony, for their own good. To keep them safe. If Jeb had spanked Nan a few times, she would have paid attention. He would have gotten her behind that seat without a struggle,” Matt explained.

  “Would you spank me? I shouldn’t allow it if you tried,” Harmony’s words flamed with indignation.

  “When you tried to stand before the avalanche, I did give you a spank. Not much, but it got your attention,” Matt said.