Maggie's Valley (Strong Hearts, Open Spirits Book 1)

by Danni Roan

  Vane instantly disliked him even before he noticed the tin star pinned over his breast pocket. The man’s voice was rich and full of authority.

  “I believe the lady said she would not be available for lunch today.” He stated firmly. Maggie looked up at Jason and a fleeting expression of relief flickered across her face then was gone. “As a matter of fact, I believe you are just the man I was hoping to speak to today. I hear you got a pretty good spread here, probably the biggest cattle operation in the area.”

  Vane narrowed his eyes and looked at the stranger. “And what is it to you if I do?” he asked belligerently.

  “Just heard talk about it around these parts. It’s always good to know about places you come to. Seems like Sawbrush is a mighty nice little town; I wouldn’t want people leavin’ who wanted to stay. Seems there’s plenty of space for everyone, don’t you agree.”

  A long silence stretched between the two men both understanding the unspoken threat looming menacing over them.

  Then Donavan Vane, did something completely unexpected; he smiled. “Well ain’t that the truth now Marshall.” He chortled, though no laughter reached his cold hard eyes. “It’s as fine a town as any and people sure are puttin’ down roots. Now my Pappy, God rest his soul, he came out here early on and started our ranch. Now he’s gone and it falls to me to see it carries on. Sawbrush is sure enough a sweet little town.”

  He then turned back to Maggie the smile still stretched across his features like a mask.

  “I guess I will have to take no for an answer now won’t I but it’s such a shame. There are so few women round this little town, and none nearly as pretty as you. But don’t you worry. I’ll be seeing you soon.” And with that he turned on his heel and walked away.

  Silence hung heavily, suspended like a gallows rope, for nearly a full minute in the little store after the door closed behind Donovan Vane, then Chaz sidled up to Maggie and softly asked. “Miss Maggie, do you reckon it’s a sin if I say I just don’t like that man?” At that everyone smiled and turned back to their tasks.

  With her permission Jason escorted Maggie and Chaz back to the hotel and together they had a hearty lunch. Conversation was pleasant but the tension of the town was still palpable. After they’d finished their meal Jason excused himself saying he thought he’d ride out and see if he could talk to some of the farmers in the area.

  Maggie watched him place his hat on his head, pick up his warm coat and head out into the street with troubled eyes. Then she did the only thing within her power and bowed her head and prayed for his safety, never even imagining that in a matter of hours it would be her own safety she would be praying for.

  Chapter 13

  Charlie had seen the Marshall coming and had his big gray gelding saddled and ready to go as he reached the stables. Jason thanked him then swung up and turned his mount out of town toward the small farms he’d seen the day before, doing his best to ignore the eyes of the tough looking cowhands, loitering about the town. He kicked the gray into a trot and left Sawbrush behind, but even while sharp eyes scanned the trail for signs of trouble, his mind remained on Maggie. It was going to be a long, tiring day investigating the rumors of trouble for the farmers, but just maybe he’d be back in time to have supper with her.

  As the afternoon passed more riders wondered into town and before darkness had even come the saloons were doing a roaring business. Just before dusk Maggie and Chaz walked to the livery to see that their items were stowed and ready for the trip back. They checked the stock giving each of their equine companions a treat and talking to Charlie.

  While Chaz and Charlie were discussing stock and Chaz was dreaming of getting a few head of cattle Maggie remembered one more thing she would have liked from the store and decided she would head there before going to the hotel. Seeing that Chaz was having a good time with the old hostler she told them that she’d just pop over to the store and then go on to the hotel where she’d wait for Chaz in the dining room, then left. The sun was a hazy line on the horizon as she stepped out of the relative warmth of the barn into the cold street.

  What little warmth had come from the bright sunshine seem to have evaporated with each degree the town had sunk into the shadows of night. Pulling her heavy coat and shawl around her she walked briskly toward the store just a few doors down. She had just reached the point where she could make out a light still shining in the window as she approached and gave a sigh of relief as she quickened her step even more, almost jogging now, when the sudden thunder of hoof beats startled her.

  Before she even had a moment to react a group of cowboys, racing hell bent for leather, down the main street of town came into view, whooping and hollering into the night headed straight for her. She raised her arms to protect herself and suddenly found herself being swept up into the saddle of a racing horse by strong hands. A harsh laugh broke around her, spilling over her in waves as she was crushed between the pommel of the saddle and the hard chest of the rider.

  She struggled, kicking and batting as best she could without being thrown to the ground racing by at break neck speed. She tried to scratch, scream or anything, but only connect with a graze to the assailant’s neck, the man yelped, then struck her on the jaw with his closed fist and everything went black.

  It was late when Jason rode wearily into town. He was cold and tired and angry. The first farm he’d come to the family was packing their belongings and preparing to move on. They had been harassed non-stop by wondering cowboys that had been trampling their fields even driving off their stock. They looked tired, wary, and fed up. Jason sat at their table drinking coffee for over an hour listening to their concerns but bit by bit he convinced them to stay. Again and again the same name came up, just as it did at farm after farm as he made his way around the outlying community. Vane.

  By the time he returned to Sawbrush all of his suspicions had been confirmed. Donavan Vane was trying to push men with legal claims off their land so he could take it over and expand his range at no cost. So far no one had been killed but at least two of the farmers were laid up with broken bones from beatings they’d taken at the hands of Vane’s men. It would have to be stopped. He would have to take Vane in and one thing was for sure, the man wouldn’t come easy.

  Jason ran a cold hand across his face, feeling the stubble of a day’s growth on his jaw. He found himself wishing he could clean up then call on Maggie but it was far too late for that now. He’d have to settle for whatever grub could be found and his bed. He’d see Maggie in the morning. He could hear loud music coming from the saloon along the street as he let the big gray meander toward the livery stable at the edge of town but before he was half way there a familiar voiced called out and reined his horse to a stop as Chaz stepped down from the boardwalk calling to him.

  “Marshall? Marshall?” his voice cracked as his agitation rose. Jason scanned the street looking for trouble. “She’s gone marshal; I can’t find her no wheres!” the boy said stepping up to him in the street.

  “Whoa, slow down son.” Jason said steadily. “What’s going on here, where’s Maggie?”

  “That’s what I’m sayin’ she ain’t here. She was supposed to meet me at the hotel fer dinner but she never showed. I been all over, even had the clerk help me check her room, but she ain’t here. She said she’d come, straight from the mercantile.”

  A cold chill traveled all the way down Jason’s spine as the words hit him like a fist to the gut. Mustering all of his will power to keep his voice calm he turned back toward the young man staring anxiously up at him. “Tell me what happened from the beginning.”

  Maggie woke to deep darkness. She was in a strange room and in a moment of groggy confusion thought she might be in her hotel room in Sawbrush, but then the events of the evening came crashing down around her encasing her in a net of fear. She closed her eyes, willing herself to calmness then whispered a prayer.

  Opening her eyes once more she tried to make out her surroundings, and remember exactly wh
at had happened. She was on her way to the general store. She heard racing horses… gingerly she reached up to touch the tender spot on her jaw and winched away from the pain. Someone had struck her but who? She tried to remember anything but it was all just a blur. Turning her head slightly she noticed the light coming under the door of the room and tried to sit up but a wave of dizziness struck her and her head swam. Finally, little by little she wedged herself into a sitting position on the bed. Her stomach roiled but then the dizziness passed. She had to figure out where she was and who had taken her.

  On the other side of the door she heard a chair scrape across the floor then muffled voices as someone approached. Quickly she lay back on the bed and focused on breathing evenly as if in sleep. A sliver of soft light crept across the room, spilling over the bed in a sharp line. She heard a grunt from the door way then a click as the door snapped shut again.

  “You musta’ hit ‘er harder than you thought, Boss.” A voice called from outside the door. “She’s still out cold.”

  Maggie prayed they’d continue to think she was unconscious for a long time yet. She had no idea what time it was or where she was or even who had taken her. Again she strained to see her surroundings, hoping they would give her some clue as to what had happened. Focusing her thoughts, she began using her other senses to understand her environment.

  Gently she smoothed the blankets on the plush bed, they felt soft and of good quality, a thick quilt, with heavy ticking for winter use. Lowering her hand further, she felt along the bed rails and was surprised to find that they were smooth and well-polished instead of the rough slats she expected. The mattress was thick and the pillows plump.

  Gradually as her eyes became more and more accustomed to seeing in the dim light she made out a large mantle over a cold fire place, on the opposite wall from the foot of the bed, the dark recess of the fire box making clear what the object was. To her right, on the wall next to the door a soft glow of barely reflected moon light bounced off of large mirror sitting above a heavy dresser and the wall on the other side of the bed had a large armoire pushed up next to the single window. Where ever she was obviously was well appointed and obviously showed some indications of wealth. Although still slightly groggy from being struck on the jaw Maggie was beginning to piece things together, getting a picture of what must have happened and the only conclusion she could draw was that she was in the home of the wealthiest person in Sawbursh; Donovan Vane.

  On the dark street of Sawbrush Jason Danvers sat his horse in numb silence. Removing his hat he ran a hand that trembled ever so slightly through his dark hair and sucked a steadying gulp of air into his lungs. Then, his voice firm with determination, he turned to Chaz.

  “Chaz, you go fetch Charlie and tell him what’s happened and ask if anything strange occurred since you left the livery. Then go find the store clerk, I think his name is Brown and ask him again if Maggie ever made it there. I’m going in to the saloon to see if anyone knows anything there.

  The Marshall’s boots echoed on the hard dry wood of the boardwalk in front of the saloon. Light, accompanied by loud, riotous music splashed across the gray wood through the bat-winged doors. Muffled voices and loud laughter could be heard over the tin type pianos rapidly rolling keys. The smell of stale beer and unwashed bodies assailed him as he swung the doors wide and strode onto the sawdust strewn floor.

  First one then another head swiveled toward him all eyes going to the brightly glowing star pinned to his jacket, as one by one the patrons grew silent, leaving only the discordant notes of the player piano to fill the empty night until even that was snuffed out by a girl in a bawdy dress who stepped over and turned it off. For long moments silence, heavy with anticipation, crept across the room.

  “Well Marshall.” The bartender finally drawled, “It sure is nice to see you here tonight, you come on over here to the bar and I’ll pour you a drink on the house.”

  “I’m afraid I’m not here for a drink tonight barkeep.” Jason replied calmly, his eyes carefully scanning the crowd before him.

  “I’m looking for someone who’s gone missing I’m afraid. I woman by the name of Mrs. Maggie Weston. Any of you see her this evening?”

  Heads swiveled as men looked at their neighbors, each in turn shaking his head. Many of the men, drinking and gambling that night were honest cow pokes, just blowing off steam in town, but there were more than a few saddle tramps, and toughs in the crowd. Tension crouched at every table like a stalking beast until once more the bartender spoke up.

  “Well I don’t reckon you’d find a nice lady like that in here now marshal.” A weak chuckle broke out. “Reckon she musta’ gone on home or something.”

  “I’m afraid that’s not the case my friend.” Jason called. “But since I’m already here I’m putting everyone on notice. If I see any signs of trouble, any indication of harassment to farmers and settlers in town. I’ll shoot first and ask questions later. Sawbrush is a peaceful town from here on out and if you think it’s getting to quiet for your taste I’d light a shuck now and be well rid of any temptations.”

  He then turned on his heel and stalked away into the night. In the street he found Chaz and Charlie waiting for him each with their own mounts in hand. “What do you two think you’re doing?” He asked.

  “Well we reckon we’d best start scoutin’ around to see if we can maybe help figger out what happened to Ms. Maggie.” Charlie stated boldly, his whiskered chin jutting out with determination.

  For a moment Jason felt like telling them to get on home and leave this to him, but he realized that both of these men held Maggie dear in their own way and that it would be unfair to leave them there to worry. Instead he sketched out a plan.

  Chapter 14

  A cold dawn was climbing its way over the horizon as Maggie waited to see what would become of her. Gradually the gray light of early morning crept into the room where she lay. The room outside had grown quiet long ago and she could only assume that the men had drifted off to sleep. Soon she knew they would come to wake her and she only prayed she could face them bravely.

  Fear had left her hours ago and now determination to get home safely was all she felt. Just as the golden dawn reached the top of the hills, spilling warm light into the room the door opened and Donovan Vane stepped in.

  “Well look, there. You’re finally awake.” He drawled. “You had us plumb worried, we thought you’d never wake up. I brought you a glass of water.” He added placing a glass on a small table next to the bed. Maggie sat up and gazed at him waiting to hear what more he could possibly have to say for his behavior. “You remember anything of last night?” He finally queried.

  For a long moment Maggie simply blinked at him trying to figure out what he could possibly be up to. Then in a rush he continued. “It sure is a good thing my boys and I were headed home just as those men were riding out of town with you slung over their saddle. Well there’s no telling what they had in mind for you. I mean if we hadn’t come along when we did…” his voice ran out as he looked intently into her face.

  “Oh!” her gasp of surprise was real but only in the fact that he could blatantly stand there and lie to her without even so much as batting an eye lid in response. “I’m afraid I don’t remember any of that.” She responded innocently. “I must have fainted.” She added trying to look stunned and helpless at the same time.

  “It must have been very trying for a woman such as yourself but don’t you worry anymore. I’ll take real good care of you. “Again he smiled that disturbing smile; Maggie felt a shiver run down her spine. “I imagine you’d like to freshen up a bit so if you’re up to it you come on out and I’ll show you to the water closet then we’ll have a little breakfast. How’s that sound?” Maggie’s smile was weak but she managed it and standing followed the man out of the room.

  As Maggie followed Mr. Vane through the house she quickly realized it was much larger and much better appointed than she would have ever expected. He even had indoor plumbing
on the second floor which he showed off with boastful pride.

  Maggie closed the bathroom door grateful for a few moments of privacy to think. While washing her hands and face she took time to look out of the window at her surroundings. Several small, squat, solid buildings sat off the back of the house. These she thought must be bunk houses. She could just make out the corner of a huge barn that must have sat at an angle across from the front of the house. Mostly she needed to think.

  Why in the world had Donovan Vane kidnapped her? There was no other word to describe it, he had swept her up right off the street in Sawbrush and had brought her to his home without her consent. And what could he want with her now that she was there. So far he had not tried to force himself on her at the moment at least he was being quite attentive.

  She would just have to see how everything played out and trust that the good Lord was watching over her. Taking a deep breath she stepped back out into the hallway of the large sprawling ranch house and was surprised to see Donovan still waiting for her. He smiled, flashing his white, even teeth.

  “Can’t be too careful now can we, what with men snatching woman right off the street. I’m sure my men will track them down though and then you’ll be just as safe as can be. In the mean time you make yourself right at home here with me. I got a nice spread here don’t you agree?”

  Maggie nodded her head agreeing that in fact he did have a nice place. Donovan then offered his arm which she took reluctantly then escorted her back down the stairs and into a large kitchen where food was being laid on the table by a disgruntled looking man in a large white apron. Mr. Vane seated her at the foot of the table and then sat at the other end.

  “Now isn’t this just cozy? You look like you belong right there, as if the place was meant just for you.”