“Which way did they go?”
She pointed. “Toward the storage sheds. Harrumph, I can just imagine what they plan to do there where they’ll be alone.”
At a run, Finn called, “Please tell that to anyone you see, will you? The man has kidnapped her.”
He barely heard her say, “Well, I’ll swan.”
Which storage building? There were several located beyond the store. As Finn approached, he slowed and scanned the ground for Stella’s footprints. Not at the first building.
Moving as silently as possible, he approached the second shed. No prints, so he moved on. At the last building, he spotted the telltale print of a woman’s shoe.
He listened with his ear against the shed’s thin siding. From inside, he heard the low murmur of voices. Stella’s voice. He strained to catch the words.
“James, you’re making a mistake. None of us have done anything to you. Why do you hate us so much?”
“You think I want to be stuck in this life? Monticello’s owner has offered me enough money to start my own business somewhere. If you’d been friendlier, I might have taken you with me.”
“You’ve killed people, James. How could you murder your friends and coworkers?”
“All necessary to the plan. Monticello wants this mine closed and I aim to make it happen.”
“You can’t be sure killing Finn and me will accomplish that. Why not put down the gun and let me go?”
As Finn feared, James had a gun. He pulled his small gun from his boot. Not much help unless he was close. Would James let him get within two feet before he fired?
Then he spotted the wire winding toward the second shed. Peering under the building in which Stella was captive, he saw three dynamite sticks. He reached for them, careful not to shake them.
Finn knew nothing about dynamite. He worked the coal while men who specialized in explosives handled blasting. Cautiously, he drew the bundle near. Sweat beaded on his brow as he warily unfastened the wires.
When the fuse was removed, he threw it away from him. Painstakingly, he picked up the dynamite bundle and took it to the next shed. He saw Council and Lance approaching. Aleski must have spotted them because he changed his trajectory to meet theirs. He put his fingers to his lips and pointed at the third shed.
When the men arrived, he whispered the status and told them to stand back because James was sure to fire his gun.
Council said, “I’ll storm the shed where Stella’s held and you follow.”
“No need in making a target o’ yourself.” Finn showed them his gun.
Aleski grimaced. “Your pea shooter won’t help much if he’s a revolver. Mine’s the same or I’d offer you my gun.”
“Whatever he has, there’s no point in us all getting shot. Council, you have a family. You do too, Aleski. Lance, stay with your father. I’ve also a knife in me boot.”
Aleski pulled his pepper gun from his boot. “We’ll catch him if he escapes the shed.”
Reluctantly, Council and Lance agreed to wait behind the second shed. Aleski said he’d open the door for Finn, then run and hit the dirt in the direction opposite Council. That way, they’d have James covered from either direction.
Finn pressed his ear against the wall while Council and Lance reached cover.
James’s voice held derision. “Thought you were too good for me, didn’t you? But you went stepping out with the Irishman and even let him call you by your first name. This will teach both of you, plus show your uppity father he can’t top me.”
“I didn’t call you by your first name because I didn’t want to have a relationship with a miner. I’ve hated this kind of life. Finn O’Neill plans to buy a ranch someday. Surely you can understand my feelings since you want to escape mining too.”
“Why bother talking? ‘Bout time your lover got here.”
Stella protested, “We’re not lovers. We’ve behaved properly and only held hands and exchanged a few innocent kisses.”
“Ha, I saw your ‘innocent’ kisses at the boulder. Fairly melted the rocks it did.”
“You! You were the reason the boulder fell.”
“Thought you were supposed to be smart but you’re sure slow to catch on. Enough of your pleading and questions.”
Finn crept toward the door. He pulled his knife and held it while Aleski opened the shed door and Finn leaped inside. He poised only long enough to throw the knife as James fired.
Pain ripped through his shoulder and he staggered. His knife stuck in James’s thigh. Frantic to remove the knife, James lowered his gun. He lunged at James before the other man could fire at Stella.
“Run, Stella!”
She scooted toward the corner. “I’m tied.”
James drew the knife from his leg and tossed the blade aside. He raised his gun toward Stella but Finn shot him. In his haste, he missed the man’s heart and struck his shoulder. He and James scuffled on the unpainted floor. He gripped the gun James held and succeeded in wrestling it from his hand only to drop the revolver when James tackled him.
“Roll toward the door and outside. Aleski’s there.”
James gripped Finn’s throat. “You’ll never live to see her again, Irish.”
He couldn’t breathe, things around him grew fuzzy. With a giant upward chop to James’s arms, he managed to break the strangle hold. His shoulder burned like hell and he hoped James’s did too.
Finn kicked James’s knife wound. Blood increased to a rapid flow. “Better let me get you help or you’ll bleed to death.”
James crouched to attack. “Don’t think you can trick me, Irish. I’ll see you dead before either of us leaves here.”
He was ready when James lunged. He swung a hard uppercut to the other man’s chin then followed with one to his midsection. When James leaned forward from the impact, he thrust a double-fisted blow on the man’s neck.
James went down on his knees, but he reached for the revolver only a foot away. Finn dove for the gun, grasped the weapon, and fired. This shot was true and hit the other man’s heart. Surprise spread quickly over James’s face before he fell to the floor.
Finn knelt over the man he’d thought of as a friend. Blood pooled under him, mostly belonging to James, but some his own. He felt the other man’s neck. No pulse.
He stood and staggered out of the shed. At least a dozen men stood with Council and Lance. They advanced toward the shed.
Stella rushed to throw her arms around him. “Finn, I knew you’d come and I was afraid for your life.”
He embraced her. “You’ll stain your dress, love.”
Tears streamed down her face when she met his gaze. “Do you think I care? I thought I’d lost you forever. I thought we’d both die.”
“That was his plan. Had sticks o’ dynamite under the shed.”
“He said vile things. I hope I can forget them.”
“I doubt you’ll forget but mayhap ‘twill fade in time. ‘Tis not likely we ever will forget this day.”
“I’ve been so foolish. I don’t care if you pretend you’re a mind reader and run off to join a band of gypsies, I want to be with you forever.”
He laughed. If only she knew he’d lived with a band of gypsy-like Irish Travelers. “Stella me love, I’ve finished me roamin’ and will be going to me ranch soon as this mess is straightened. Will you be going with me?”
Her smile radiated love and her beautiful eyes sparkled with tears. “If you’ll still have me, nothing would make me happier.”
Council extended his hand. “A handshake is little for saving my daughter’s life, but perhaps you’ll accept the gesture for now.”
Finn shook his soon-to-be father in law’s hand. With his other, he rubbed at his aching throat. “Sure, and ‘tis asking for your daughter’s hand I’ll be doing.” He looked at the woman he loved. “Go with your father and get the stain off that dress. I’ll be along when I’ve talked to Farland and the sheriff.”
She held his hand as her father tugged her away.
“And the doctor,” she called.
“Aye, you bossy red-head.” He laughed as he spotted the Lignite sheriff approach.
Aleski said, “I’ll stay and back you up, O’Neill. Though I doubt I’m required. Appears word traveled fast.”
In the distance, Farland strode rapidly toward them. Finn had a few private suggestions for the mine’s owner, but that could wait.
The sheriff’s expression left no doubt he was in a foul mood. “What’re you involved in now, O’Neill?”
Finn explained about the kidnapping, dynamite, and death. Aleski backed him up as he’d promised.
The man removed his hat and ran his fingers over the gray tufts on his scalp. “You telling me one man, this Llewellyn, was to blame for all the incidents? He must have been twins.”
Finn’s throat burned like fire from the strangling he’d endured. He croaked when he tried to speak. “I only know what I heard, sheriff. He claimed to want to make Council Clayton look guilty then punish him. Said Monticello Mine’s owner recruited him and offered a large sum if Farland’s mine went bankrupt.”
Farland heard the last sentence. “I knew Monticello was behind this. Didn’t I tell you, Thad? With Llewellyn dead, there’s no proof.” The man let out a string of curses.
“Hold your horses, Wally. I’ll search the dead man’s gear to see if there’re papers that connect them. Man must have had a guarantee of payment unless he’s an even bigger fool than he appears.”
Aleski interrupted, “If you don’t mind, gentlemen, Irish here needs medical attention. He’s bleeding like a stuck pig.”
Farland appeared to see Finn’s wound for the first time. “All right, man, go to the infirmary. The nurse can deal with you until the doctor gets here.”
Aleski took Finn’s arm. “Appears to me you’re wobbling so I’ll just go along in case you fall on your face.”
By the time they reached the infirmary, he spotted Stella and her sister and mother in the distance, hurrying toward him. He tried to wave, but his arm wouldn’t work properly.
Aleski shoved him into the building. “Time for wooing your woman later. You’re losing blood like it a faucet.”
Finn admitted he was glad to fall across the bed next to Mick. He tried to lift and straighten his legs but hadn’t the energy. He closed his eyes. Sounds came as if from far away.
Mick asked, “What happened, Finn?”
Finn heard, but couldn’t answer. He flicked a hand toward Aleski.
The Pole adjusted Finn’s legs onto the bed. “I’ll explain later, Gallagher. For now, this man needs patching.”
The nurse hurried in carrying a tray of supplies. “Someone went for the doctor, young man. In the meantime, I’ve taken care of many a gun wound in my day.”
On the side opposite the nurse, Stella laced her fingers with his. He recognized her soft hands and delicate rose scent but couldn’t force his eyes open. Apparently her mother helped the nurse for he heard them discussing the wound as they cut away his shirt and union suit. Nettie talked to Mick, explaining what had happened.
Stella leaned in softly and brushed a cool hand across his brow. “I’m here, Finn. You’re going to be all right now. Mama and Nurse Williams will fix your wound.”
He opened his eyes long enough to see her beautiful face. With a soft exhale, he gave himself over to care and sleep.
When he woke, Stella sat beside him reading. His shirt was gone and bandages swathed his chest. A cloth wrapped his throat.
Stella closed her book and poured a cup of water. She raised his head so he could swallow. “Mama fixed the throat poultice to help take away the soreness. The doctor was here and applied some ointment to your stitches but said Nurse Williams did a fine job removing the lead and sewing up the hole.”
“How long did I sleep?”
“You’ve been here about forty-eight hours.”
He wondered if he’d be cheated out of his bonus. “Has Farland been by?”
“Yes, he said come to his office when you’re well enough.” She reached for his hand. “Finn, I hope you’re not angry, but I sent Lance to wire your sister. I know with the new baby and all, she can’t come. But if Lance had been wounded so badly, I’d want to know.”
“Might send someone else to fetch me. When I know more, I’ll write her.”
“I’m glad you’re not angry. I-I know I didn’t have a right, but I thought how I’d feel if I were in her shoes.”
“You’re a good woman. Glad you’re my woman and I’m your man.”
She leaned over and kissed him.
A deep voice said, “Looks cozy.”
Stella jumped as if a kid caught stealing candy.
He laughed. “Josh, you sure got here fast.” He turned to Stella. “This rogue is Josh McClintock, Dallas’s rascal cousin that’s more like his brother. Josh, this beautiful woman is Miss Stella Clayton, my fiancée. See you remember I’ve already spoken for her.”
Josh removed his Stetson. “The author of the wire. Cenora said to tell you she sure appreciates you letting her know her big brother’s hurt. Not sure I appreciate being sent here, but gave me a chance to travel a little.”
“Haven’t you been over this country before?” Finn asked.
“Nearby but never been to Lignite. Not much to look at, is the place?”
Stella giggled. “You should have to live here.”
Josh pretended to be horror stricken. “No, thanks. Say, Finn, they have a hotel here? I have orders to make sure you’re walking around before I return. I’m supposed to bring you back, but I suspect you’ll be delayed on account of your fiancée being so pretty.”
Used to Josh’s flirting, Finn didn’t bother to comment on the calf-eyed stares Josh sent Stella’s direction. “There’s a hotel up the hill by the mine office.”
Finn glanced at Stella before answering. “I don’t plan on being delayed long. Stella’s willing to return with me to McClintock Falls.”
Stella nodded. “The sooner the better.”
Nettie came in and stopped when she saw Josh. Her blue eyes widened. “Sister, I came so you could go home to supper.”
Finn made introductions.
Josh’s eyes lit with interest. “Another gorgeous Clayton woman. I swear your parents must have a corner on the market.”
Nettie stared as if unable to speak. She blushed and came to stand beside her sister.
Stella rose. “Mr. McClintock, if you’d care to accompany me, you’re welcome to eat supper with my family. Simple fare, probably stew, but Mama’s a good cook.”
“I’d be pleased, Miss Clayton. Please, since we’re going to be family, call me Josh.” After a gallant bow, he offered his arm.
She sent Finn a parting smile. “I’ll see you later, Finn.”
Nettie stared after them as if in a trance.
“Have a seat, Nettie. Don’t let Josh turn your head. He’s not the sort to settle down. More like wooing every single woman in the state.”
“He’s very handsome, but I recognize the type. He’d never be seriously interested in me.”
Finn shook his head. “Quite the contrary, he will be. I spotted the interest. Why I’m warning you is that he never stays interested. He flits from woman to woman like a butterfly in a flower garden. He’s not mean-spirited. Though he’s old enough, he hasn’t grown up yet.”
“I see. Thanks for saying he’d be interested in me, Finn. That was kind of you.”
“I wasn’t being kind, Nettie. I hope to save you a broken heart. Josh is the love-them-and-leave-them type and that’s not you. You’re the strong, one-man woman type who’ll make some man a great husband.”
“Thank you again, Finn. That’s a very nice comment. I’m glad Stella and you are going to be married.”
Chapter Eighteen
Finn was able to leave the infirmary two days later.
With Stella beside him, he walked to Farland’s office. “I hope he doesn’t welsh on our deal. Or try to pay my bonus in scrip.”
“Do you have paperwork?”
“No, but Grandpa McClintock heard him promise.”
She gave his arm a squeeze. “We’ll manage no matter what Mr. Farland does. You can always go back to work for your brother in law, can’t you?”
“Sure, but…well, here we are. I’ll save other news for later.”
Josh had stopped by and told him Grandpa had the ranch all ready for him. Most of Lippincott’s hands were remaining. Lippincott left a few pieces of furniture that didn’t fit in the house in town. Grandpa had even negotiated two hundred head of cattle. With news like that, how could he not feel good as new?
He longed to be there with Stella by his side to walk through the house, the barns, and ride across the land. And he set Josh to thinking on a job for Council that would get him out of mining. Rather than build false hopes, he decided to wait until the deal was sealed before he mentioned details to Stella.
She waited in an outer office while Finn went in to speak to Farland.
The man stood when he walked in. “Have a seat, O’Neill. Can’t tell you how happy I am to have this ordeal behind me.” He sat on his office chair.
Finn took the chair indicated. “I’ll be going back to McClintock Falls now, Mr. Farland. I came for my bonus.”
“Sure, sure. Let’s see now, what did I say that would be?” He searched through papers on his desk.
“You guaranteed me double the salary so I’d have a down payment for me ranch.”
“So I did, so I did. Of course, your salary’s been in scrip.”
“Don’t try to push off scrip on me for the bonus. Your uncle heard you agree to the terms and I’m holding you to them.”
“You act as if I’d cheat you. Let’s see,” He jotted on a scrap of paper. Pulling out his checkbook, he wrote a draft.
Finn looked at the amount. Anger boiled in him. “You have tried to cheat me, Farland.”
“I gave you the same exchange I gave Mr. Karpinski. That’s only fair.”
“No, you weren’t fair to him or to any o’ your employees. Let me tell you what’s fair. You’re going to lower the charges in your store to what it costs you to provide them. You’ll build a library and a better equipped school that offers adults a chance to learn to read and write also and you’ll hire qualified teachers for I think the Clayton sisters will no longer work for free.”
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