Bittersweet

by Jannine Gallant

  “Let Tess go, and we’ll leave. You have my word.”

  Craven laughed. “My advice is to turn around and go home before someone gets hurt.”

  “I’m not going to do that. We’ll shoot our way in if we have to.”

  “Give it a try. Two against four; I like our odds.”

  “You’re mistaken. It’s four against eight, and the odds are in our favor. You might pick off one or two of us, but we’ll take you down in the end.”

  “You’re bluffing. Jim saw two men.”

  “I went for reinforcements after your boy scurried back inside to report. If you don’t believe me see for yourself.”

  Nathan gestured the men forward but pushed Hank deeper into the shadows. The others stepped out into the moonlight one by one. Daniel glanced down the line. The show of force was impressive.

  Craven didn’t move. “Why would these men risk their lives for a woman? They don’t have the nerve. If any of you doubt my aim think back to the shooting contest. I’m good, nearly as good as you are, Swift.”

  “We’re not afraid,” Daniel yelled. “Every one of us cares about Tess.”

  “Maybe I’ll kill her now.”

  Daniel’s heart stopped. Fear launched him forward.

  Nathan grabbed his arm. “Do it and you’re all dead. We’ll sit here till the end of time if that’s what it takes to starve you out.”

  “It seems we’re at a stalemate.” Craven’s words echoed across the glade.

  “I suggest we start from scratch. This is between you and me, Craven. I’ll send my men away if you’ll send yours.”

  “Explain yourself,” he shouted.

  “My men leave and so do yours. I stay to escort Tess home, and you go on your way.”

  “How would I know they’ve left?”

  “Send that boy up top to watch. In the moonlight, he can see seven horses riding away clearly enough. When you’re satisfied, send out your last two men. I want the first one before we get started as insurance the rest will follow.”

  “What’s to stop you from shooting them as they ride across the glade?”

  “You have Tess,” Nathan said.

  “And if I agree, then what?”

  “You and I will face each other. You bring Tess to me, and I’ll throw down my gun.”

  “I’ll have to think about it,” Craven called. “I’ll let you know my decision.”

  Nathan lifted his hands. “Now we wait.”

  “Do you think he’ll agree?” James asked.

  “He should. He’s got nothing to lose.”

  Daniel stared at Nathan. “He’ll shoot you the second you drop your gun.”

  “I’ll have back up.”

  Craven stepped out onto the porch. “We’ll do it. Jim’s climbing to the top of the cliff now, and Buster will be ready to go in a minute.”

  “We’ll be waiting,” Nathan called.

  Daniel frowned. “If you think I’m leaving Tess, you’re mistaken.”

  “That’s why I held Hank back. They’ll be looking for only seven riders. Go hide your horse and keep under cover until Craven’s men leave.”

  “I’ll do better than that. I’ll find a way up those cliffs if it kills me. I want Craven between us when he brings Tess out of the cabin.”

  “Do what you can. It’s a good idea if you can climb the rock. Just don’t let the boy see you.”

  “I won’t.”

  Daniel guided his horse through the passage and tethered it in the shelter of the cliffs. Running back, he looked for a way up the sheer face. There wasn’t one. He pulled off his boots, grasped a small outcropping of rock, and pulled himself up. His toes clung and his fingers scrabbled for something to hold. Sharp rock sliced his skin. Sweat dripped into his eyes as he inched his way up. The muscles in his arms burned as he heaved himself onto the rock ledge above.

  For a moment he laid still, his face resting against the stone surface while he caught his breath. A movement to his left caught his attention, and he flattened himself behind a large boulder. The boy walked out to the cliff edge and waited. After a time Daniel heard horses’ hooves ringing on the hard packed earth as the posse rode away. The boy melted into the darkness.

  Daniel stood and moved quietly across the rock on bare feet. He stopped when he heard an unfamiliar voice below him.

  “She’s a nice gal. I did my best to keep Grady away from her.”

  Mother of God! The words pierced his soul. He leaned forward, and his foot slipped.

  “What was that?”

  “Probably some animal disturbed by your boy.” Nathan’s voice carried on the night air. “You and your friends had better ride far and fast, Buster. I’m going to watch to make sure you do.”

  “We’ll ride about as far as your men did. What’s that, a mile or two?”

  “They’ll ride far enough.”

  Daniel rubbed his ankle as pain shot up his leg. Gingerly he put weight on it. He could still walk. Hopefully he could climb. Somehow he had to get down the sheer wall behind the cabin. Staying low, he hobbled across the top of the cliffs. When the boy and man left the cabin, he dropped to his stomach. They rode across the glade, and Daniel made his move. He raced to the edge of the cliff and looked down. Head spinning, he lowered himself over the side and prayed.

  * * * *

  “Looks like it’s just you and me,” Craven said. He touched a loose strand of Tess’s hair. She flinched.

  “Nathan is out there. I’m not alone.”

  “Sure he is, but not for long. If he really is stupid enough to drop his gun, it will be the last move he makes.”

  Tess looked into his cold gray eyes and shivered. “You’d shoot an unarmed man?”

  Craven laughed. “I wouldn’t lose any sleep over it, either.”

  “You’re completely without morals. I hope Nathan has better sense than to trust you.”

  He turned back to the window. “We’ll find out, won’t we? There’s our hero now.”

  “Craven,” Nathan shouted. “Send Tess out. I’m waiting.”

  Tess hurried to the door. She saw Nathan outlined in the moonlight on the far side of the glade and stepped onto the porch. Craven grabbed her arm.

  “Don’t be in such a rush. We’ll take this at my pace, and I don’t intend to hurry.”

  He strapped his bedroll to his horse and filled his saddlebags with the last of the supplies. She looked on, her fingers clenched around the porch rail. Where is Daniel? Craven led his horse around the side of the cabin as Nathan approached. Grabbing her around the waist, he held her against his chest.

  “You couldn’t wait for us to come to you?” Craven asked.

  “There’s no point. Let her go, Craven.”

  “Not until you throw down your gun.”

  Fear slammed through her. “Don’t do it,” she shouted.

  Nathan’s eyes shone in the moonlight. “I’m no fool. Are you all right, Tess? Did they hurt you?”

  She tried to smile, but her lips trembled. Her voice shook when she spoke. “I’m fine. I just want to go home.”

  “You will. I promise.”

  Craven snorted. “Very touching. If you don’t toss down your gun, neither of you will leave here alive.”

  Very slowly Nathan drew his gun from its holster with two fingers and dropped it on the ground. Tess dug her nails into Craven’s arm. He tightened his grip around her chest, cutting off her breath. Her eyes widened when Nathan kicked his gun several yards away.

  Craven laughed and eased his hold. “Fool!”

  “No!” Tess screamed. With a mighty shove, she broke away from Craven as he raised his gun.

  “Don’t do it,” a voice called.

  Craven spun. Nathan dived for his gun. Tess stood paralyzed with fear. A shot echoed in the stillness of the night.

  “That’s for Tess!” Daniel shouted as Craven dropped to his knees. A patch of blood stained the front of his shirt. He raised his gun, and Daniel fired again. Craven fell face down in the
grass.

  “That’s for Rory,” he said softly.

  “Oh, Daniel.” Tess stumbled toward him. He caught her in his arms. “I thought you’d gone.”

  “I would never leave you. You know that.”

  She sobbed in relief, her face pressed against his chest. His heart pounded beneath her ear.

  “Is he dead?” Daniel asked.

  Nathan knelt by Craven’s fallen body and felt for a pulse. He stood and nodded. “Nice shot.”

  “I could hardly miss from such close range.”

  “That’s what I was counting on. I’m glad he didn’t hear you coming.”

  Tess smiled tremulously. She wiped the tears from her face and winced when her hand scraped her bruised cheek. “Thank you, Nathan.” She held out her hand. “Thank you for risking your life for me.”

  Nathan stepped forward and took her hand in both of his. “You’re very welcome, but Daniel deserves most of the credit.”

  “We did it together,” Daniel said. “I told you before I’m no hero.”

  “You are to me.” Tess looked up at him and gasped. “Your face! What happened to your face? It’s covered in blood, and your hands. Look at your hands.” They were torn and bleeding.

  “I’m fine. I lost my grip coming over the edge of the cliff. I’m not as agile as Craven’s boy.”

  “Oh, Daniel, some of those cuts look deep.”

  “A scar or two is a small price to pay for having you back safe.” With a shaking hand, he stroked her tangled hair.

  Nathan cleared his throat. “I have to catch up with the posse and chase down those other three before they get away. I don’t imagine they’ve gone far.”

  “Please don’t hurt Buster, Nathan. He was nice to me.” She shuddered. “He tried to help me.”

  Daniel stiffened, tightening his arms around her. “Did one of those men put his filthy hands on you?”

  “Craven slapped me a couple of times.” Tess stared down at the dead body. “But it was Grady who wanted to—” She let out her breath. “I’m just glad you found the passage when you did.”

  Daniel’s fists clenched against her back. “We don’t need the posse. The two of us can ride down those three without any help.”

  Nathan pointed. “Here comes James and the others now. They must have heard the gun shots. I wonder if Craven’s men did, too.”

  The posse rode across the glade, stopping when they reached Nathan. Hank dismounted and came over to hug Tess.

  “I sure am glad to see you. You gave us a few uneasy moments. Your pa is worried sick.”

  “He knows?” Tess asked.

  Daniel nodded. “He came with the posse but stayed at the farm with Emily and Fay.”

  “Poor Emily.” Tears sprang to her eyes. “She must be so frightened and confused.”

  “You’ll have her in your arms by morning. Let’s go home. I’ll leave it to Nathan and the others to catch the rest of the men.”

  Tess sighed. “Right now home sounds like heaven.”

  The eight-man posse rode out of the glade while Daniel lifted Tess onto the back of Craven’s horse. “You’re sure you can ride?”

  She nodded and urged the horse forward. It shied as it stepped around Craven’s body. Tess stopped the horse and stared down at the dead man.

  “Will they come back for him?”

  “Just as soon as they catch the others,” Daniel answered.

  “Good. I don’t want to think of him rotting in this beautiful place.”

  “It’s over, Tess. It really is over. Rory finally has his justice.”

  “You gave it to him.”

  Daniel didn’t answer, but his lips curved in a smile. Dawn broke over the horizon as they turned the horses toward home.

  Chapter 19

  It was late morning when they rode into the farmyard. Tess stopped her horse and sagged in the saddle. Her ribs ached and her face throbbed, but her heart sang with happiness. As Daniel lifted her down from the horse, Wesley and Fay burst through the kitchen door. Nora followed, holding Emily. They wrapped her in their arms, laughing and crying at the same time.

  “Mama,” Emily said, reaching for her. “Mama.”

  “Oh, Emily,” Tess crooned, gathering her child to her chest. “My sweet baby, Mama is so very sorry.”

  “She missed you,” Nora said through her tears.

  Fay’s eyes were full of concern behind her spectacles. “How are you, Tess? They didn’t hurt you, did they?”

  Tess pressed her face against Emily’s auburn curls and smiled reassuringly. “I’m fine, just a little bruised. Daniel and Nathan found me in time.”

  “What happened to Craven?” Wesley asked. “He didn’t get away again, did he?”

  Daniel shook his head. “Not this time. I shot the bastard. Nathan and the posse went after the rest of his men.”

  “Good,” Wesley said. “Good! You can both get on with your lives knowing Rory’s death has been avenged.”

  “I hope so.” Daniel looked at Tess, his steady eyes full of love. “I hope we’ll have some peace at last.”

  Tess tore her gaze away when a buggy pulled into the driveway. Rebecca set the brake and jumped down. She ran to Tess and hugged her tightly. Lottie alighted and slowly crossed the yard.

  “I see you made it back safely, Tess.” She flipped her curls over her shoulder. “I knew you would.”

  Tess smiled hesitantly at her sister. “Thanks to Daniel. Why don’t we all go inside? The only thing I want more than a bath is food.”

  “You both must be starving!” Nora exclaimed. “I’ll have breakfast ready in a jiffy. What about you two girls, have you eaten?”

  “I couldn’t,” Rebecca said. “I was too worried.”

  “I’ll make enough for everyone. Lottie, go fetch some eggs from the hen house, please. Tess, come inside and sit down. You look dead on your feet.”

  With a final glance at her sister, Tess followed Nora into the house. Exhaustion threatened her. She sank onto a chair, holding Emily tightly. Her ordeal was over, but she still felt shaky and ill at ease. Only Daniel’s presence calmed her nerves.

  Hoof beats rang out in the farmyard, and she jumped in her seat. Rebecca flew to the door. “It’s Nathan.” She stepped out onto the porch. “Where’s James?” she called.

  Tess heard the faint sound of Nathan’s voice along with her sister’s higher pitched tones. She was too tired to get up and see what had happened. Too tired to care.

  “Praise be!” Rebecca clattered across the porch and down the steps.

  Lottie entered with Nathan in tow. Daniel shut the screen door behind them. “What happened?”

  Lottie nudged Nathan toward a chair and pushed him into it. His gaze darted around the room. He looked like a man longing to escape.

  “James has two of the men in custody. I shot the one called Grady when he drew on me. We brought his body and Craven’s back for burial.”

  Tess leaned on her elbow, feeling numb. “I’m glad it wasn’t Buster or Jim. I wonder how a kid like that got mixed up with Jack Craven.”

  “Jim is Craven’s son,” Nathan answered.

  She closed her eyes. “What’s going to happen to them now?”

  “They’ll both spend a lot of years in prison. Neither is wanted for murder, so I doubt they’ll hang. Craven and Grady did all the killing.”

  “Does Jim know I shot his father?” Daniel asked.

  “I didn’t tell him, but he’ll find out soon enough. You had to do it, Daniel. Craven would have killed both of us if you hadn’t shot him first.”

  Daniel’s eyes burned in his pale face. “I’m not sorry. Jack Craven deserved to die.”

  Tess reached over and squeezed his hand, and Nathan’s lips tightened. Nora handed him a plate full of eggs and pancakes, and he ate quickly. With a nod of thanks, he carried his plate to the sink. When he slipped out the kitchen door, Lottie hurried after him.

  Tess ate slowly, forcing down each bite. Her appetite was gone, but
she finished her food to please her mother. She pushed back her chair and carried her plate to the dish pan.

  “Breakfast was delicious. Thank you, Mama.”

  Nora’s lips trembled. “I’m just grateful you’re home safe. We were all so worried.”

  Fay laid her hand on Tess’s shoulder. “I’ll take care of the dishes just as soon as I get a cold compress for your jaw. It’s turning a nasty color.”

  “I’m too tired to worry about it now. After I put Emily down for a nap, I’ll take one myself.”

  “Don’t you want a bath first?” Nora asked.

  Tess looked at her filthy clothes and sighed. “I certainly need one.”

  “I’ll put water on to heat. You go upstairs with Emily. As soon as we finish cleaning up the kitchen, your pa and I will go and let you rest.”

  “A bath sounds wonderful.” Tess scooped Emily out of her highchair and headed for the stairs. Daniel followed her. He watched in silence while she put the baby in the crib and stroked her hair. She glanced over her shoulder and met his gaze. “She’s so precious.”

  “Yes, she is.” He walked with her to the window and wrapped his arms around her. “No more precious to me than you are. I was so afraid for you, Tess.”

  Her heartbeat quickened at his touch. “I was desperate for you to find me but feared Craven would kill you when you did. The thought nearly tore me apart.”

  She looked out over the farmyard and leaned against his chest. The scene was blessedly normal. Hens scratched around the chicken coop, and Shadow sniffed a fence post. Daniel’s horse and the one belonging to Craven munched the long green grass growing near the watering trough.

  Tess gasped. “My goodness.”

  Daniel raised his head. “What?”

  “Look at Nathan and my sister over on the far side of the corral.” The couple stood very close together. As she watched, Lottie tugged Nathan’s face down to hers.

  Daniel’s arms tightened around her. “He didn’t waste any time.”

  “It looks like Lottie has him pinned to the fence.” Her cheeks heated as the two deepened their kiss. Nathan’s hands crept down from her sister’s waist to cup her behind.

  “Does it bother you?” Daniel asked. His breath was warm against her ear.

  She looked away from the window and into his eyes. They were full of love and longing. “No, it doesn’t bother me.”