Gentrys of Montana: Gentrys of Montana

by Hildie McQueen

  Linc narrowed his eyes. “We’ve know each other our entire lives, but I don’t suppose it matters, does it?” He shoved the man aside. “I’m not going to die for what you did.”

  Nelson stood watching him walk away, his arms to his sides, not moving.

  * * * *

  “Where could he have possibly gone?” Jane wrung her hands and once again looked up to Emerson, Linc’s brother. “I left him here and told him I went to get you.”

  The marshal’s brows furrowed. “Linc is good at hiding. The rascal won’t get found unless he lets it happen.”

  The man’s hand was heavy on her shoulder; Emerson was just as worried about Linc as she was. “Did he tell you who murdered McKade?”

  “No, only that he was going to get the man to confess.”

  Loud banging sounds had both hurrying to the front door. Maddie was breathing hard, her eyes wide. “They’ve got him.” The words made Jane’s throat constrict. “A group of men just brought Lincoln over to the jailhouse.”

  All three ran to Emerson’s office and indeed, just inside Linc was up against the wall. His face was bruised, knuckles raw. He’d attempted to hold his own against three men. Rory, Emerson’s deputy, stood in front of Linc, keeping the men at bay. He looked over to them and nodded at Emerson.

  The marshal looked first to his brother and then at the three men who waited as if expecting to be rewarded for bringing in the wanted man. “Thank you, gentlemen. I’ll take care of this.”

  One of the men crossed his arms over his barrel chest. “I’m not too sure about that Marshal, being that he’s your brother and all.”

  In two strides, the marshal stood merely inches from the man. “What do you suggest we do then Smith? Take him out and string him up without a trial just to make a point to you?”

  Finally Smith backed away. “Nah, I trust ya to do what’s right.”

  “Let’s get you in a cell, Linc.” Emerson took his brother by the arm and guided him to one of the back cells.

  Jane waited to see if he’d make eye contact, but Linc was too busy looking at Emerson.

  “We need to talk,” Linc told Emerson. “I know who killed Tobias McKade.”

  The room went silent, waiting for his next words. Instead of asking a question, Emerson continued to tug Linc to the back. “We’ll talk.”

  “It was only a matter of time, Lincoln Gentry,” a man called out before exiting the building. “You killed McKade. No one else was there.”

  Maddie touched Jane’s arm. “Let’s go have some tea. It’s best we let the men talk.”

  She allowed her sister to pull her out toward the back of the building. The cottage Maddie and Emerson shared was small, but tidy and well lit.

  “Here, come sit down. Tell me what happened between you two. I couldn’t help but notice the way you looked at him.”

  In that instant, Jane forgot about the situation at hand. Her mind was reeling for a way to keep Maddie from knowing her feelings for Linc. They’d only known each other days. It was impossible to fathom how much she felt for him. Surely she was confused. With all the emotions, all the changes, her mind was just in a weak state.

  “Ah, so you are in love with him.” Maddie’s wide grin almost made her smile. But the situation was dire. This was not a time for lightness.

  “I am not.” Jane straightened in the chair. “Goodness Maddie, the things you say sometimes.”

  “Fine, don’t admit it.” Maddie put a teakettle on the stove and pulled out two cups. “I saw the way you looked at him. And now all the expressions on your face. You’re scared silly something bad is going to happen to him.”

  “Of course I’m worried. He could hang for murder. Why you aren’t upset is the better question.”

  Her sister lowered to a chair across from her. “Of course I’m worried, but Emerson thinks he knows a way to prove Linc’s innocence.”

  Jane tried hard not to become hopeful. “Are you sure?”

  “If not then he’s going to help him escape and go back into hiding. There’s no way he’ll allow his brother to hang. Linc didn’t kill that man McKade.” Her sister got up and began to pour hot tea into their cups. “They have family in Wyoming. He’s going to convince Linc to go there.”

  “Its best he does leave either way. Too much speculation will be over him and it will be hard to remain in a town where people will wonder if he’s a murderer.”

  They drank their tea while Maddie told Jane all about her honeymoon. Soon it was easy to forget the troubles of the day as her sister brought out several gifts she’d purchased for her. They laughed at Maddie’s tales of traveling blunders and before they knew it the afternoon flew by.

  * * * *

  Emerson had always reminded him of a storybook warrior. Now his brother, towering over him, full of anger, sent him back to when he was five and in trouble.

  “You could have sent word you were alive. Instead of traipsing all over the place licking your wounds, a telegram, a damn smoke signal. Some news would have been appreciated.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “That doesn’t make up for us thinking you were dead,” his brother snapped.

  It was evident how worried his brother was, and although furious, his relief at seeing him was evident. Suddenly the air left his lungs when his brother grabbed him and held him in a tight embrace. “Don’t ever do it again, Linc. You come to me.”

  At the sound of his brother’s gruff tone, he had to blink back tears. “I’m sorry ’Merson. I should have contacted you.”

  His brother let him go and he sunk into the cot in the cell.

  Emerson wiped at his face with his arm and cleared his throat. “Now tell me what happened.”

  Finally the time came to talk and he let out a breath. Rory, Emerson’s deputy, looked to him, his eyes filled with warmth. “Take yer time boy. Tell us.”

  “I was going to spend some time with Sally Jean. You know I rarely went to the saloon, but since it was my birthday, I figured what the heck.” He hated the heat rushing to his face, but he trudged on. “She went upstairs while I finished my poker hand. Then I stopped to talk to a couple of people before making my way up.”

  “I remember you left your hat on the bar,” Rory added.

  Lincoln continued. “I went up the stairs and overheard some banging. That’s when I walked in and saw McKade beating on Sally. She’d fallen over on the bed crying. I grabbed McKade by the back of his shirt and dragged him out in the hallway.”

  “You threatened to kill him and others overheard,” Emerson added.

  “Well yeah, you know that part. Then I left, once I saw another girl going in to check on her. That’s it, I went outside the back door and headed home. We left on the cattle drive the next day.”

  “Someone killed McKade that night behind the saloon. When he was found dead behind the saloon two days later, everyone assumed you’d done it.” Rory frowned. “So who did it?”

  “It was Thomas Nelson. He is sweet on Sally Jean, always bringing her gifts and such. That night, when I walked into her room, I saw his hat on the dresser. He must have forgotten it.”

  Rory nodded in agreement. “He was there that night.”

  “How to prove he did it?” Emerson scratched his head.

  “We’ll just have to get him to confess. Can’t be so hard.” The mayor, Edgar Higgenbottom, had entered without them knowing. “I believe you, young man,” he announced as if he were a judge and could set him free. “Therefore if you will allow me to assist. I have a plan.”

  Chapter Six

  Jane’s hand shook as she wrote the letter. It was best to return to Virginia. A life with Clarence was what she’d wanted after all. Sure, at first tongues would wag, but after a while, things would settle and they could have a good life together.

  Her heart skipped at seeing Linc’s shirt thrown across the bed. She’d planned to mend it after washing it.

  In love. Maddie had said the words out loud that she’d not dared even t
hink. Was it possible?

  No. It was just the aftereffects of having made love with him. The closeness that came from intimacy. But surely not love.

  She reread the letter. It was clear and to the point. Instructions for Clarence to remain in Virginia. She’d return and they’d marry. She told him she would not accept anything less than marriage and a home not very far from her parents. If he agreed, then she’d accept his proposal.

  The letter written, she placed it aside. She’d ponder on it for a couple of days before posting it.

  She’d prepare the lesson plans for the children. School was to start in just a couple weeks. Once that was complete, she’d find a way to tell Maddie about her plans to return and ask that her sister take over teaching until a new schoolteacher was hired.

  It broke her heart at leaving Maddie, but her sister had found true love and her life would be rich and wonderful with Emerson Gentry.

  Besides, she could visit. Especially once Maddie and Emerson moved out to his land where he planned to build a large home.

  An errant tear escaped as she looked around her neat cottage. She’d grown to love her home, a dream come true really to live in a cottage while teaching. But once her mind was made up and she returned to Virginia, she was sure she’d love her life there as a wife.

  Her breath caught at thinking of children. She could not have children. That gift was stolen from her. She glanced over at the letter.

  What a fool she was. Of course she could not return to Virginia. Could not possibly. She would write another and turn Clarence down.

  “Jane?”

  Maddie walked in and she carried a small basket. “I came to bring you some stew.”

  Jane laughed. “So you feel as if you have to feed your poor lonely sister now?”

  Maddie gasped. “Oh, of course not.”

  “I’m kidding. Thank you.” Jane smiled at her sister.

  “I was right!” Maddie ran to the bedroom, picked up Linc’s shirt and laughed. “You and Linc.”

  “Hush Maddie.” Jane tried to form a serious expression, but it was hard. Instead she snatched the shirt away. “I was merely going to mend it for him.”

  “Mmm hmmm.”

  “Any news?” Jane asked, trying to steer the conversation away.

  Maddie shrugged. “They’re over there talking still. Emerson, Rory, Linc and the mayor.”

  “Higgenbottom is there?”

  “Interesting, isn’t it?”

  “Indeed.”

  “So you do love him then?” Maddie eyed the shirt that Jane had, without realizing it, clutched to her chest.

  * * * *

  In the saloon that night, Higgenbottom watched as Nelson downed another shot of whiskey. “So it seems Lincoln Gentry will hang. Although the boy deserves it, it’s hard to accept. Known him since he was a child.”

  Nelson didn’t raise his gaze, but kept it on the table. “It must be done.”

  The mayor refilled the man’s glass. “It’s a shame too.”

  Without waiting, Nelson chugged the drink and signaled for another refill. “Someone has to pay.” The man’s words are slurred now. “That bastard desherved to die.”

  “McKade? Yes he was not a good man.”

  “He beat her.”

  “That’s what I hear.”

  Nelson concentrated on the now refilled glass. “I don’t regret a Gentry dying. They always had it easy. Sally was going to lay down with Lincoln, you know?”

  “I know Linc didn’t do it, but can’t say I’m sorry to see ’im hang.” Higgenbottom said. “Although in my opinion, whoever did, rid this town of a no good card cheat.”

  Nelson’s lips curved and he leaned forward after looking over his shoulder. “I reckon I did.”

  Just as Rory’s hand fell on the man’s shoulder it was evident Nelson realized his mistake. “I mean to say something else. I didn’t do it.” He began shaking and somehow managed to dash from the room.

  Rory and Higgenbottom gave chase, past stunned women and men through the back hallway to the rear of the building.

  Thomas Nelson stood with his gun in hand. “I am not going to hang for killing him. The bastard deserved to die.”

  “Put the gun away,” Rory told the man in slow words. “Don’t do anything stupid. I’m sure this can be worked out.”

  “No.” Nelson shook his head side to side. “Don’t tell my wife.” He lifted the gun to his temple and pulled the trigger.

  * * * *

  The next day, Linc sat back in the chair at his brother, Grant’s, house. Too much food and hugs later, he felt almost back to normal. Since leaving the jailhouse, he’d only been able to talk to Jane briefly in public. Her gentle smile had been enough to make him even more secure in his decision to marry her.

  “Did you hear me?” Grant, his other brother watched his face. “Pa’s here.”

  Kyle Gentry entered the room. Immediately his eyes locked to Lincoln. “Glad to see you’re back, son.”

  His father did not make to move closer, instead remained by the doorway. Linc never lacked love while growing up. He always knew Emerson would be there for him and Grant, taking care of them, spending time with both he and his brother, a constant source of support. Kyle Gentry on the other hand, remained distant, only speaking to them to give orders or to discipline.

  “I hear you formed a posse to hunt me down.” Linc could not keep the resentment from his voice. He stood and neared his father. “Would you be as glad to see me if I was guilty?”

  There was no warmth in Kyle Gentry’s gaze. “Take it any way you want. But it’s true. I won’t abide having a murderer for a son.” His cold eyes roamed the room.

  “If you need work, there’s plenty at the ranch.” He tipped his hat at Maddie and Grant’s wife Julia and turned to leave.

  “I will be there,” Linc said and his father nodded.

  After their father left, Maddie smiled at Linc. Her face was much like Jane’s, only not as soft and, in his opinion, not as beautiful. “I’m sure he is ecstatic to see you.”

  The brothers laughed until finally Emerson patted her hand and kissed her cheek. “That is one word I’d never put in the same sentence as our Pa.”

  Jane had not joined them. She’d had tea planned with the women of Rutgers Ridge to plan for the opening of the schoolhouse.

  “Getting some fresh air.” He stood and went outside. Grant, as he’d expected, followed him. Although the three of them were close, Grant and he being closer in age were even more so.

  “You’re staying here with Julia and me.” Grant came to stand beside him on the porch and put a protective arm around his shoulders. “It was hard to conceive you could be dead.” His brother cleared his throat. “I couldn’t accept it. Emerson either.”

  “I’m sorry for not sending word. At first I was too ill, then later I was afraid someone would find me before I was well enough to ride here and confront Nelson.”

  Grant nodded in understanding. “Can’t believe he killed himself. Although I suppose hanging isn’t something to look forward to.”

  “He had just cause to be angry. Love makes men do stupid things.”

  “Not enough to kill a man. Beating up Sally Jean was bad and I don’t blame Nelson for doin’ it. Especially as he seemed to care for her more than we knew.”

  Linc decided to confide in his brother. “I aim to marry Jane Conner.”

  Grant’s eyebrows rose and his lips curved. “Is that so?”

  It was as if she waited for him. Sitting by a light reading, she stood and rushed to him when he came in the back door.

  “You really should lock that door, Jane.” Linc closed it and leaned to kiss her lips.

  “I really should,” she agreed, allowing him to pull her toward the bedroom. “I’m glad I didn’t,” she told him between kisses.

  “Let me love you.” Linc began unbuttoning her top and slid the clothing from her shoulders. He pressed kisses to her neck and she grappled with his shirt, untying
the fastenings.

  “Yes.”

  Skirts, pants and shoes followed, all falling to the floor as the oblivious lovers only saw each other. Pressing skin to skin, two pairs of hands skimmed over bodies. Jane’s nails dug into his back when he cupped her bottom and lifted her to grind into her sex.

  The warmth, softness and plush curves were like a dream. Linc moaned at the pulsing of blood rushing through his veins when she licked a trail from his jawline to his shoulder.

  They fell into the bed together and he rose over her, looking down at her. Hair splayed over the pillow, she peered back at him with half closed eyes. Her arms lifted and she pulled him down for a kiss. “Love me, Lincoln Gentry.”

  He took her mouth with a hunger like no other. He needed more and more of her, not quite sure how long he could last without entering her body and making her his. Their tongues tangled, fighting for supremacy over the other. Finally, she won, suckling his into her mouth. She clawed down his back to take hold of his buttocks.

  “Not yet,” he said pulling back and moving down to take a taut nipple into his mouth. At the same time, he reached between them and slid his fingers through her folds, to find the small pearl.

  Jane cried out and trembled. He circled the nub and slipped two fingers into her wet center. He continued to stroke her while trailing his mouth to the other breast.

  “Linc. Oh!” She dragged her fingers through his hair. “God.”

  Linc moved to settle between her legs. “I want you so much Jane, but want to make this last.”

  Her lips curved, as her gaze traveled down his body. “You are a beautiful man, Linc.”

  She pushed him back and he allowed it. Expecting her to mount him, he was surprised when instead she kissed his chest, her hand caressing his stomach then moving to between his legs. Her fingers wrapped around his hard member and automatically his hips jutted up.

  “How can I please you, Linc?” Jane watched his face while her hand moved up and down his hardness. “Tell me what feels good.”

  “Your lips.”

  She bent down and kissed the tip of his now pulsing member then circled the tip with her tongue.

  Linc groaned at the wonderful assault. Jane suckled at the tip while continuing the movements with her hand until he pulled her up, cupping her face. “I am about to come. Don’t want to unless we’re joined.”