“My throat, you’ve poisoned me. Stupid woman, I’ll kill you for this.”
“You saw me eat the same food as you. How could I poison you and not be sick myself?”
He started toward her and then dropped to his knees. “Aiii, my stomach is killing me.” A horror-stricken look passed over his face as he retched into the dirt. He raised his head and dropped the rope as he hurriedly unfastened his pants. “I will kill you slowly.”
The unmistakable sound of his severe diarrhea and continued retching greeted her as she threw off the rope and ran for her horse. Grabbing the reins of his horse, she led it as she raced away. She heard a shot and felt the sting of a bullet graze her arm. She wouldn’t stop now, not until she reached civilization in some form. But where was that?
Chapter Thirty
Zach waked to Seth pounding on his shoulder.
Seth sobbed as he yelled, “Pa, Pa, come quick Mama was cryin’ and those bad men got Mama and they were gonna shoot me but she made ‘em stop but they got her and they’re gonna hurt her I know they will but you got to save her.
His son’s words sent him into action. “What? Slow down, son.” He stepped into his britches and shoved his feet into his boots as he spoke.
Micah stuck his head around the doorjamb. “Did I hear right?”
Zach gestured for his brother to come into the room.
“Seth, come here, son.” Zach’s heart beat so fast he thought he’d keel over, but he lifted Seth into his arms. “Now, tell me everything that happened as quickly as you can.”
“Harry waked me up and I heard the door close, so I looked out. Mama was hurrying to the barn. I followed her fast as I could, but by the time I was dressed and saddled Bonnie, Mama was already down the road.”
“Wait,” Micah said. “Why was she going down the road in the middle of the night?”
Seth shook his head. “Maybe it says in the note she left Pa on the table.”
Zach set Seth down and grabbed his hat. “Son, you stay here and guard the aunts.”
“Pa, don’t let those men hurt my new mama, okay? They wanted to take me with ‘em but she shot one’s hand and told me to run for home.” Seth brushed his sleeve across his eyes.
Zach’s stomach dropped to the floor. He could have lost his entire family in a few hours. “Can you tell me where they had Alice?”
“By the pasture where we flew my kite. ‘Member the far one over the hill toward the back part of our ranch.”
“Sure, son. That was clever of you to remember.” Damned if he’d let those bastards hurt Alice. “We’ll catch them, son. You and Harry guard the house.” He strapped on his gunbelt and hurried down the stairs. By this time, others had joined Micah in the hall.
Zach called orders over his shoulder. “Eduardo, can you come with us? Jorge, can you stay with the women in case the sonsabitches come here?”
He grabbed the paper on the table as he raced out. He didn’t stop to learn if the men agreed. He knew Micah would follow him and thanked God Joel had stayed over and was bedded down in the bunkhouse.
Micah and Eduardo had joined him by the time he alerted Joel, Bert, Slim, Rabbit, and the two Rangers. They hurried to the barn. “Rabbit, would you tell Mick to stay here and help Jorge guard the women before you join us? Who knows if those bastards will come here to make more trouble while we’re tracking them?”
In the lantern light, he hastily read Alice’s note. He dropped to a hay bale and rested his head on his knees. Kirbys. She’d lived with the Kirby Gang. And they were taking her to Vargas.
Joel gripped his shoulder. “Zach, what is it, little brother?”
Zach handed him the note. While Joel and Micah read it, he took a deep breath and steadied his nerves. He’d never asked Alice her stepfather’s name. All this time, he’d assumed it was Price. He fought to gather his wits and saddled Solomon.
“Vargas!” Without another word, Joel handed him the note and Zach stuffed it into his shirt pocket. They’d hunted Fernando Vargas years ago but the man always escaped. People feared him and wouldn’t reveal his whereabouts. Zach figured Vargas went back to Mexico where he was supposed to have a rancho.
The men mounted up and Zach did the same. He didn’t take time to speak to those camped under the trees by the creek, but caught sight of Slim stopping near two men. Those with Zach galloped down the road toward the spot Seth had described. When they got there, they lit lanterns and looked for sign.
“Over here,” called Eduardo. “I see their tracks.”
Zach examined the trail. “Good place to camp over the ridge.”
They rode slower now, fearful of a trap. Moonlight peeked through scattered clouds, providing barely enough light to see. If Zach was wrong and the men holding Alice turned off, they’d lose valuable time.
As they neared the spot Zach targeted, he stopped. “I’ll sneak in close and see if they’re camped where I believe.”
He smelled camp smoke and walked stealthily until he sighted the two horses and a mule. Then he spotted the bodies. He drew his gun in case he’d found a trap. When he was nearer, he realized the men were dead. Both shot at close range. Had Alice shot them?
Scouting around, he saw a place another man had stood and where two more horses had waited, and which direction they headed out. He raced back to the men and his own horse.
“Kirby brothers are dead. Vargas must have Alice.”
Joel nodded at the two campers who’d joined the group. “Madison, Studemier, would you two take charge of the horses and the two bodies? Take them to town if you don’t mind. No need to upset the women more than they are already.”
“Come on, if you’re coming with me. They’re headed toward the river.” Zach rode off.
He heard horses behind him, but couldn’t slow for them to catch up. Fernando Vargas had his Alice. He’d kill the man if he hurt her. Zach prayed as never before.
Shortly after dawn they rode up on a campsite. At first, he thought it deserted. He checked the ground, and heard a whining from behind a bush. When he looked, he saw a pitiful sight.
Fernando Vargas lay in a pile of vomit at his head and feces at his bare rear. “She poisoned me. If I live, I will kill her when I catch her.”
He held a pistol in his hand, but apparently lacked the strength to move.
“You smell worse than an outhouse.” Zach kicked the pistol away and backed off. “Joel, if you want him, this one’s all yours. Better see if he has some clean clothes.”
Vargas whined, “She took them. She took my horse and clothes and ammunition and left me sick as a dog.”
“You’re not worth comparing to a dog.” Joel jerked Vargas’s arm. “Get your britches up, man. You’re a disgrace.”
Eduardo announced, “Phew. This disgusting man, he is not riding with me.”
“You work it out, I’m going after Alice.” Zach followed two horses’ path. He wasn’t surprised when he determined her trail wove in a broad circle. Poor Alice, she must be scared out of her mind. Still, he couldn’t keep a smile from his face. Would she ever learn a sense of direction?
He sighted her ahead crossing a meadow. He kneed Solomon into a gallop and caught up with her. When she spotted him, she stopped and slumped in the saddle.
Tears streamed down her face. “Did you come to arrest me?”
He pulled her from the saddle to sit across his legs. “Yes, and take you to my house to imprison you there forever.”
Burying her head in his shirt, she sobbed, “You can’t mean it. Didn’t you read my letter?”
“Yeah, and I like to have passed out when I saw Vargas’s name. Honey, he’s wanted in several states and in Mexico. The thought of him capturing you made me weak in the knees.”
She sniffed. “Nothing makes you weak. You’re strong as the mountain named after you.”
“Not where you’re concerned. Honey, how could you leave me after what we shared? You know I love you.”
Between sobs, she choked out, “My st
epfather and his kin destroyed your life. Who knows how many other lives as well? I knew you’d hate me when you found out. I couldn’t stand to see your love turn to hate.”
He kissed her and cupped her chin so their gazes met. “Do I look like I hate you?”
“N-No, but you still might come to, and your family sure enough will. I love your family, Zach, and I won’t stand between you and them.”
“Honey, you can’t be held accountable for what your stepfather and stepbrothers did. All three of them are dead now and your stepfather’s brother is in jail. We have your share of the money, and I reckon Joel and the Rangers will find the rest.”
She sniffed again and met his gaze. “You’re truly not arresting me? You’re not sending me away?”
Relief burst from him as a laugh. “Honey, I’ve been jilted twice. I’m keeping you.” He kissed her again. “Besides, I promised Seth I’d bring his mama home.”
Chapter Thirty One
Joel knocked on the door. “Hurry up, ladies. Church is filling up and people will be getting restless.”
Hope adjusted a fold of Alice’s dress. “Now we each will have a sister. I am so happy for you and Zach, and happy for myself also.”
“Thank you for your help. I am happy to have a sister like you. The Stone family is wonderful, especially Zach.”
Alice smoothed her fingers over the pink coral gros grain of her mother’s wedding dress. The low neck almost bared her shoulders and sent a six-inch point lace ruffle shimmering on her upper arms, anchored by a cluster of gros grain roses at the front. A matching rose garland wound through her hair. The dress’s fitted waist drew to a point in front and two more point lace ruffles of different lengths shirred at her hips.
Even though the beautiful dress’s style was outdated, she loved that this small contribution from Mama was part of her wedding. Alice wore Mama’s earrings and matching necklace of pearls with a central coral pink medallion. She sensed that somehow Mama watched and smiled.
She wondered if this lovely dress was one of Mama’s ball gowns from before her father disowned her. Had Mama been happy when she wore it, or did the Hardemans’ disowning her ruin Mama’s special day?
So far, Alice’s own day exceeded her dreams. “People have been so understanding about me being mixed up with Pa’s gang.”
Hope tut-tutted. “Do not say it like that. You were a victim too. Did you and your mother have friends come to call? No. Did you go to town to see other women? No. Were you allowed to travel? No. Were you lonely? Yes.”
“That’s all true, but we thought Pa was taking care of us. I can’t speak for Mama, but at the time I didn’t realize Pa was keeping us to himself so no one would know anything about him. Or us.”
“Look at you now. Zach’s heart may burst in his chest when he sees you.”
Alice smiled. “Don’t be making me a widow so soon, Hope. I expect him to hang around for at least fifty or sixty years.”
Joel knocked again. “You ladies having a sewing session or coming to a wedding?”
Hope chuckled, looking beautiful in a pale yellow pongee dress. “He is as nervous as if it were his ceremony. You are perfect. Shall we go?”
Alice pinched her cheeks for color and straightened her spine. “I’m shaking, but reckon we need to start the wedding.”
Joel ushered them from the parsonage to the church next door. He checked the time on his father’s pocket watch. “Time we got here.”
Alice was happy Joel had recovered the timepiece and ring stolen from his Pa when Rusty’s belongings were checked.
She was surprised when she stepped into the church. People filled every pew of Radford Crossing’s Church. Seth stood at the altar with Zach, both of them looking handsome and happy. Micah served as his brother’s best man.
From the back of the aisle, Joel offered his arm to Alice.
She slid her hand onto his arm, grateful he offered physical as well as moral support. Her legs threatened to give way from nerves.
Speaking softly, she said, “Thanks again for not arresting me.”
His mustache twitched with a smile. “Couldn’t, little sister. Zach would have shot me.” He guided her up the aisle.
As matron of honor, Hope walked gracefully ahead of the bride. Alice mimicked her sister-in-law’s gliding steps. For once, Alice actually believed herself attractive.
Ahead, peeking from the front, Maggie and Lizzie smiled, but each sniffed and daintily dabbed a lacey handkerchief to the corners of her eyes. Sunbeams poured through the stained glass window and cast Zach and Seth in a halo of blue, gold, and white. They were her very own angels sent to light her life.
Dear Lord, this is your servant Alice Price, soon to be Alice Stone. Thank you for saving me, Lord, and for pairing me with a good man like Zach Stone. And thank you for giving us Seth. You sure dealt me a winning hand this time around. I ask your blessing on this union, Lord. Amen.
Everyone smiled or nodded as she passed. Almost everyone. Holly Dalton’s mouth looked like a prune. Alice offered a grin, extending good will even to that woman. After all, Holly’s mistake had been Alice’s blessing.
At the altar, Rev. Billings looked solemn in his black suit, but his dark eyes twinkled. “Who gives this woman to this man?”
Joel answered clearly, his deep voice carrying throughout the church. “Her new family and I do.” He placed her hand in Zach’s and stepped away.
Joel’s answer surprised and thrilled her. Her new family. How wonderful that sounded. Her new family loved and supported her. Encouraged her. Accepted her.
Alice fought to concentrate on the preacher’s words. Zach and Seth consumed all her attention. Her new son beamed back and forth from her to his pa. She smiled at him, loving him as much as if he’d been born to her.
When she gazed at Zach, she recognized love shining in his blue-gray eyes. Did he see her devotion shining back? Happiness filled Alice until she wondered she didn’t explode into a burst of fireworks.
After the wedding, Micah announced that everyone was invited to a reception and dinner fiesta at his and Hope’s ranch. Then Zach guided her down the aisle to the carriage he’d hired from Mr. Hoskins at the livery. He lifted her in and hopped up beside her.
Seth climbed in on her other side. “Do I have to keep wearing this here jacket?”
“Just a while longer. Once the reception is going good, you can slip it off and play with the other kids.”
“I’m sure glad we’re all married now and you’re sure ‘nuff my forever mama.”
Sliding one hand to Zach’s arm and her other arm around Seth, she said, “That we are, son. We’re married and a family for all time. Forever and ever.”
A Peak at Bluebonnet Bride, Men of Stone Mountain Book 3
Bluebonnet Bride
Chapter One
Cartersville, East Texas near Cedar Bayou, 1873
Rosalyn Vandagraff stood on her cot to peer out the cell window. Dark clouds gathering in the west matched her somber mood. Beside the jail, two men constructed a gallows--the one on which she’d hang tomorrow afternoon at one o’clock. The sight tore her heart to shreds. So much for justice in this town.
One of the workmen spotted her. “You never should have poisoned your husband. Hanging serves you right for killing a fine man like Robert Vandagriff.”
She called to the second man, “You know I’m innocent, don’t you, Tom?”
Tom refused to look at her. “Ain’t up to me. I’ll lose my job ‘less we get finished up ‘fore that storm hits.”
She stepped down from the cot. What was the use? In less than twenty-four hours she’d be dead and her brother-in-law would gain custody of her daughter. The thought of shy, gentle Lucy with that man drove Rosalyn into a frenzied panic. How long would it be before five-year-old Lucy met with a so-called accident so her share of the many Vandagriff business interests went to her legal guardian?
The sheriff’s door opened and Birdie, Rosalyn’s former nanny and now her m
aid, rushed in carrying Rosalyn’s dinner. What did she need with food?
Without bothering to stand, Sheriff Boudreau gestured Birdie to his desk. “Here now, woman. Let me check that basket.”
Birdie bristled but set her basket in front of him. “You know it’s just Miss Rose’s supper.”
“Smells like fried chicken.” He rummaged his big paws around checking the contents. “Well, well, I sure do like your cooking, and fried chicken is my favorite.” He plucked a couple of drumsticks from the food, then waved her on toward the cells.
Birdie thrust the basket near the bars and whispered, “Don’t worry, Miss Rose. I made extra cause I knew he’d steal some.”
Rose took a pulley bone, and forced herself to take a bite since Birdie had gone to the trouble of preparing her meal.
“Here now, you stop nibbling and eat up. You got to keep up your strength.”
“I’m sorry, Birdie, but I’m not hungry. I can’t eat or think of anything but Lucy.” Tears filled her eyes, in spite of the fact she’d thought she’d cried them out all by now. “Have you had an answer to the wire Luther sent the governor?”
“Luther done rode to Jefferson to check but no wire come. If you was to get a fair trial, you’d go free.”
Birdie leaned close. “Listen, we got a plan. I got two trunks packed with your and Lucy’s clothes and such and they’s loaded on the wagon. Tonight, Luther’s gonna bring his chain and horses and pull the bars out of the window. Then we’ll take you and Lucy to Louisiana, down on the bayou where we have some kin. Won’t no one find you there.”
“Thank you, Birdie, but it wouldn’t work. The sheriff is sleeping here tonight so he’d hear Luther. No point you two being in jail too. You’re needed to look after Lucy. You’re my only hope to help her.”
“I’ll sure enough look after her if...if you’re not here.” Birdie’s voice caught and she sounded like she choked back tears. “But I ain’t givin’ up. The Good Lord’s bound to have heard some of the prayers I been sendin’ up.”
High Stakes Bride, Men of Stone Mountain Book 2 Page 19