Regardless, Mrs. Baker had promised not to divulge Maddy’s new residence to anyone, including Fletcher. With Suzette’s house located well off the main street, there was every likelihood they might never see each other again, never have the conversation Maddy knew he deserved but she didn’t want to voice.
The thought of his response to her situation caused a sharp pain in the area of her heart. She knew he’d question the baby’s parentage, wonder how a saloon girl could be certain of the father. As far as he knew, she entertained other men. Maddy had never done anything to make him think otherwise, which she now regretted. He’d been the only man to share her bed, and she relied on Frankie to keep her secret from everyone, including Fletcher.
She shuddered at the thought of one other man, the person who’d dishonored her, ruining Maddy for a decent marriage. After all this time, there were still days she couldn’t get the vile smell, the disgusting touch of him out of her mind.
Fletcher’s gentle ministrations and soothing words had helped diminish the bad memories, and he’d never even realized it. He’d come to her bed believing her nothing more than a saloon girl, offering favors to those who paid. Although she’d never lied, Maddy hadn’t told him the truth, either. She wasn’t what he thought, and now the results of her silence were hers to carry.
Standing, she forced herself to shove aside the thoughts haunting her and focus on the new life Suzette offered.
Circle M
“How long do you think the body’s been here?” Fletcher stared at the tattered remains of another U.S. Marshal, shocked they’d found two bodies in such a short time. Pulling the bandana over his nose, he kneeled, checking the man’s pockets, finding nothing except the badge still pinned to his shirt.
Camden knelt beside him, his bandana also covering his nose. “Brodie said nothing to me of another lawman being out in this area. I’d rather we found the cattle than this.”
Tossing a blanket on the ground, Bram frowned. “Aye. It may be the lads rode together, then split up. Still, it’s not explaining why no one told Brodie of another missing marshal.”
Camden and Fletcher each took a side of the blanket, spreading it out next to the body. The three worked in silence, rolling the body inside before securing it over the saddle of Bram’s horse. Fletcher and Camden mounted their horses, Fletcher reaching out a hand for Bram to swing up behind him.
Camden led the way home, holding the reins of Bram’s horse, glancing back at the others. “We’ll need to be riding into town with the body.”
“Aye. It should be done tonight.” Anxious to speak with Maddy, Fletcher had planned to ride to Conviction anyway.
“We’ll be riding in with you, lad,” Bram said from behind him. “Unless Ewan or Ian order otherwise.”
Camden looked over his shoulder. “They’ll be wanting to get the body to town, lad. I don’t think they’ll be asking us to stay at the ranch.”
Approaching the ranch, the lack of activity caught their attention. Fletcher let out a breath, wishing they weren’t the first to arrive. “It appears the other lads haven’t returned.”
Camden led them to a corral at the far end of the compound, wanting to keep the body away from as many of the family as possible. “We’ll need to be leaving the body outside somewhere.”
Fletcher pointed to an area behind a stack of firewood. “Over there. We’ll need a tarpaulin. I don’t want the young bairns to get curious and investigate.”
“I’ll get the tarpaulin.” Bram slid off Bullet, heading for the closest of four barns. Emerging, he caught sight of a group of riders coming from the north. Ewan and Ian led the group, Colin, Quinn, and the others following behind. Waving, he waited until they reined next to him.
Ewan nodded toward Fletcher and Camden. “What did you find?”
“Another body. A U.S. Marshal.”
Ewan, along with several others, cursed. “You’ll need to be taking him to town tonight.”
Bram began walking toward the body. “Cam, Fletch, and I’ll be taking him to Brodie. He’ll want to know right away. Did you find the cattle?”
Ewan’s lips curled, a scowl marring his normally calm features. “Nae. Colin and Quinn found tracks, following them until they disappeared when the rustlers took them across the river. We’ve had horses and cattle stolen. We cannot lose any more.”
Colin and Quinn reined next to Ewan, following Bram to where Fletcher and Camden laid the body.
“Thane is getting the wagon ready,” Colin said, his voice sharp with anger. “That makes three lawmen dead. Two on our land. The other several miles south of here.”
Quinn’s mouth twisted in disgust. “Three lads we know of. There could be more. Who knows how many they sent out to find the escaped outlaws.”
Ewan sent a hard glare at Colin and Quinn. “You lads need to remember they could still be around here. You’ll not be going out with less than three in a group.”
Rubbing the stubble on his chin, Colin watched as Thane stopped the wagon next to the body. “Aye, Uncle Ewan. I’ll be having the lads bring the cattle closer until we know what’s happening. We’ve a smaller herd since driving so many to Sacramento.”
Quinn’s attention focused on his brother, Bram. “We’ll be needing all the lads here, watching the herd. And I want Thane with us. The younger ones, Kenzie, Clint, Banner, Chrissy, and Alana, can keep watch on the horses so Bram, Fletcher, and Camden can be with the cattle.”
Colin pressed his lips together, frowning. “With those three gone, we’ll be putting off the horse breaking for a time.”
Quinn shrugged. “Aye, but it can’t be helped. We’ve got rustlers stealing our cattle and horses and killing lawmen on our property. Brodie doesn’t have enough deputies to help. It’s up to us. I’ll talk to the lads and let them know to ride right back after they deliver the body to town. We can’t have them going out and drinking tonight. They need to get back before dark.”
The others knew what he meant. With the rustlers still close by, anyone riding after dark put themselves in danger. Men who’d kill a lawman wouldn’t hesitate to kill anyone else.
Conviction
Fletcher’s jaw clenched, his shoulders tight as the three rode to town. Quinn’s orders had been clear. They were to deliver the body to Brodie, explain what was happening at the ranch, and ride back before the sun set. He knew the instructions were meant to keep them safe. Still, he didn’t like it. The order meant there’d be no time to visit the boardinghouse and speak to Maddy.
He thought of writing her a note, asking Brodie to deliver it to Mrs. Baker. The idea was discarded right away. Brodie would have questions, and Fletcher had no intention of explaining himself to his older brother.
Bram stopped the wagon in front of the jail, the scene eerily similar to when they’d brought the first body to town. Camden dismounted and looked around before going inside. A moment later, Brodie and Sam walked out, their faces grim.
Pulling back the tarpaulin, Brodie grimaced. “Where’d you find him?”
Fletcher described the location, the stolen cattle, reminding Brodie they’d never found the missing horses. “We can’t be letting them steal more animals or kill anyone else.”
The cords in Brodie’s neck tightened. “Aye. I don’t have enough deputies to help, but I might be able to ride out.”
Fletcher shook his head. “Nae. You’re needed here. I’m just telling you none of the family will be riding to town until we’ve taken care of the danger.”
Another pang of disappointment flashed through him. He’d have to find a way to get to town and speak with Maddy, even if it went against Quinn’s instructions. The family hierarchy was clear. Orders from Colin or Quinn were to be taken as if they came directly from Ewan or Ian. Going against them would mean bringing their wrath down on Fletcher, but especially his father, Ewan.
It wasn’t that he didn’t care about his family and their concern for each member. He did, but he needed to see Maddy, explain his reasons for
leaving and asking Bram to deliver his message. Plus, he needed to learn why she’d returned from San Francisco. Fletcher couldn’t deny he hoped a large part of her decision had to do with him. Knowing she lived at Baker’s brought an urgency he hadn’t felt when considering hiring a private investigator.
Fletcher stared down the street, his gaze landing on the boardinghouse, a strange excitement claiming him. Maddy lived less than a hundred feet away. Soon, she’d be within his grasp, and it couldn’t come too soon.
Chapter Eight
Circle M
A week had passed since they’d taken the second body to town and he’d missed his chance to see Maddy. Fletcher couldn’t wait any longer.
There’d been no more missing cattle, no more stolen horses. Fletcher, Bram, and Camden took turns staying behind to break and train horses while the others guarded the herd. Soon, they hoped to return to their normal routine.
They had a buyer in Sacramento with an open order for fifteen horses. The loss of six set them back a couple weeks. The inability to continue breaking and training set them back even more. Now they had a chance to catch up and Fletcher saw an opportunity to see Maddy. He wouldn’t waste it staying another night at the ranch.
“If you’re determined to do this, we’ll be riding with you, lad.” Bram grabbed a bridle.
“Nae. I’ll be going alone. It’s been quiet, but it doesn’t mean the rustlers have left the area. I’ll not be shorting the family three men.”
Camden crossed his arms. “Your da is going to be furious when he learns you’ve ridden to town, Fletch.”
Tightening Domino’s cinch, he grabbed the reins. “Aye, and that’s another reason you lads are staying here. I’ll not be having you in trouble because of me.”
An amused smile tilted one corner of Bram’s mouth. “Do you know what you’ll be saying to the lass when you see her?”
Swinging into the saddle, Fletcher shook his head. “Not yet. I’ll be thinking on it the entire ride to town, though.”
Face sobering, Bram walked toward him. “You be careful, lad. We’ll not be wanting to hear any bad news.”
Camden stepped next to Bram. “Are you sure you’re wanting to go alone, Fletch? I’m not feeling good about us staying behind.”
“I’m sure, lad.” He reined Domino around, riding out the back door of the barn, through the corral, and toward the trail so no one would spot him.
“We’ll be making some excuse so no one comes looking for you,” Bram called out.
Fletcher raised a hand in acknowledgment, not looking back.
Conviction
Her body sagged in exhaustion. More than normal at this time of night. Maddy had been working a mere two hours of the full six, wanting nothing more than a long nap.
During the last week, her stomach seemed to double in size, her skirt becoming too tight. Suzette had given her a larger size six days earlier, but Maddy already needed a bigger one. Same with the white blouse. Soon, there’d be no way to hide her condition. When that happened, Suzette might no longer be able to keep Maddy at the restaurant, and cleaning rooms would be difficult.
If she weren’t so underweight when she got pregnant, she may have been able to conceal it longer. The fact she hadn’t been able to gain weight for almost six months didn’t help.
“I’m seating August and Bay at their usual table.” Suzette nodded to the back corner, knowing it meant Maddy would be serving them.
Dread sliced through her at serving two of the owners of the Feather River Hotel and Restaurant. Men who, if they paid close attention, would figure out her situation and direct Suzette to end her employment. Lifting her chin, she walked to their table.
“Good evening, gentlemen. Will you be having wine tonight?”
August grinned. “Good evening, Madeleine. You look lovely tonight.”
His compliment surprised her, giving her a renewed sense of confidence. “Thank you, Mr. Fielder.” She shot a quick glance at Bay, noticing his attention on Suzette, who stood across the room, talking to a table of men.
“I’ll have a whiskey tonight.” August lifted the menu, scanning tonight’s offerings.
“Mr. Donahue?”
Pulling his gaze away from Suzette, Bay didn’t smile. “Whiskey. A double.”
“I’ll leave you to read the menu while I get your drinks.”
Walking away, she let out a shaky breath. Even though August made a nice comment about her appearance, neither man really looked at her. If they had, she doubted either could miss the growing swell of her stomach.
Pouring their drinks, Maddy scanned the other tables, seeing no need to walk by them before delivering the whiskeys to August and Bay. That was when she saw it again—Bay’s gaze locked on Suzette, a look she couldn’t quite define on his face. Loss or hurt perhaps, but she couldn’t be certain.
“I’ll take these to them, Madeleine.”
Maddy’s eyes widened at Suzette. “Are you sure? I have time before I need to check with my other tables.”
She held out her hands. “I’m certain.”
Holding out the glasses, Maddy watched as her boss made her way to the corner table, noticing Suzette’s back straighten with each step. Believing a history existed between Bay and her, Maddy’s respect for her boss rose.
One day, she’d find the courage to ask Suzette about it.
Tossing Domino’s reins over the rail, Fletcher did his best to brush trail dust off his clothes. Removing his hat, he pushed open the door of Baker’s, hesitating an instant when Henrietta’s dark gaze landed on him. Clearing his throat, Fletcher continued forward.
“Good evening, Mrs. Baker.”
Lifting a brow, she leaned a hand on the counter, the other fisted on her waist. “Fletcher.”
Fingering the brim of his hat, he sucked in a breath. “Is Maddy here?”
“No.”
“Working tonight?”
Henrietta smirked, seeming to enjoy Fletcher’s discomfort. “I wouldn’t know. She doesn’t live here anymore.” At the look of shock on his face, she chuckled.
“Where’d the lass go?”
Pushing away from the counter, she smirked. “Sorry, but you had your chance.”
Blowing out a frustrated breath, Fletcher took a step closer. “Rustlers stole some cattle. I was needed at the ranch and couldn’t leave until now.”
“Yes, I heard about the problems you’re having, including the two bodies found at your place, and I’m sorry about it. Still, I’m not letting you know where that girl is. She has enough going on and doesn’t need a friend who I suspect isn’t one.”
Furrowing his brows, he cocked his head. “Isn’t one what?”
“I’m not certain you’re a real friend to her, Fletcher. She’s a wonderful girl with a good heart. Something tells me you may have something to do with the sadness she carries with her.”
Shifting his feet in discomfort, he began rolling the brim of his hat in his hands. “That’s why I need to be seeing her, Mrs. Baker. Can you at least be telling me if the lass is still in town?”
Letting out an uncertain breath, she crossed her arms. “She is, but that’s all I’m going to say.”
Realizing he wouldn’t get any more out of the dour widow, he thanked Henrietta and left. Stepping outside, Fletcher looked up and down the boardwalk, his gaze moving to the other side of the street. The thick cloud cover created a darkness that didn’t help his search.
At least he knew Maddy hadn’t left Conviction, which also meant she still had a job somewhere in town. A voice inside him insisted he wouldn’t find her at one of the saloons. Those women didn’t rent rooms at a boardinghouse, saving money by living where they worked.
Removing his hat, Fletcher scratched his head, his mind sorting through the possibilities. He’d already decided she didn’t work days, which meant he wouldn’t find her at the mercantile or similar business. She knew how to serve drinks, make people comfortable with her quick smile and easy laugh. Maybe she ha
d a job at one of the growing number of restaurants. He had no idea where to start, but he couldn’t stand there any longer doing nothing.
Settling the hat back on his head, he grabbed Domino’s reins, swinging into the saddle in one smooth motion. Riding down the street, he stopped in front of the Gold Dust. Leaning down, he peered through the window, watching for a few minutes before satisfying himself Maddy wasn’t inside.
Moving on, he passed two more restaurants, doing the same as he’d done outside the Gold Dust. Reaching the end of the street, he shot a quick look at Brodie’s house, knowing his brother and his wife, Maggie, were inside with their young son, Shaun. For a shocked moment, Fletcher felt a pang of jealousy. Not because of Brodie’s happiness. In amazement, he realized he wanted what his brother had—a wife, children, his own family.
Knowing he’d find a few more restaurants on the next street, he continued, believing the search to be a complete waste of time. Still, he couldn’t bring himself to ride home. Fletcher simply couldn’t give up—not yet.
Maddy leaned against the wall dividing the dining room from the kitchen, her body aching and weary. It had been busier than expected for the middle of the week. A good kind of busy, as it kept her mind on work and not Fletcher.
Ever since Mrs. Baker told her of his visit, Maddy couldn’t get him out of her thoughts. Of course, she’d never been able to rid him from her mind. Not when she carried his baby. Not when she’d always love him.
“You look exhausted. The place is almost empty. You should go on home.” Suzette stood next to Maddy, looking as fresh as she did when leaving the house before noon.
“You don’t look tired at all. What is your secret?”
Suzette chuckled. “I’ve been doing this a long time. After a while, you get used to it. I’m as tired as you, Madeleine.”
Brows furrowing, she took a careful look at her boss, for the first time seeing the dark circles under her eyes, the pronounced lines on her face. Maddy wondered how she hadn’t noticed them before.
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