by Lopp, Karen
“Hell, yes. Give me a badge, too.”
Barker slapped a dingy silver star on the desk. “You swear to uphold the law?”
“Yes.”
“Good enough for me. Let’s go.”
Mike snatched the star and pinned it on as he hurried back to the hotel.
Kathleen would pay for her crimes. Pay for deceiving him. Pay for stealing a piece of his heart. Damn, he was a fool.
Barker huffed beside Mike as the two men climbed the stairs. Hawkins sat on the floor, his head bowed and a string of curses flowing from his mouth.
Mike burst into the room. Kathleen was gone. The blanket she stole from his house, the one he’d wrapped her in, lay in a heap at the foot of the bed. The bed that he so recently had vacated. The bed he’d held her sensuous body next to his in. Damn, damn, damn.
“I’m sorry, Mike. Somebody snuck up and clobbered me over the head. She must have been listening to our conversation. They went out the back door.”
Mike’s chest rose and fell as he gasped for air. He glanced at the cuffs dangling from his fingers, at the unpolished star on his shirt pocket. He shouldn’t be surprised. Kathleen had managed to evade the law for years now. What made him think he’d be the one to best her? “Can you describe the man?”
“No. I only got a glimpse. He did have dark hair.”
Hawkins crawled to his feet and squeezed Mike’s shoulder. “Want me to get a posse together?”
“No.” Mike patted his badge. “I think I’d like to do this one alone. Any objections, Barker?”
“You just be careful out there.”
“I will.”
Kathleen huddled in the corner of Mr. Hawkins’ room and listened to the muffled voices. Shivers rattled her bones as she stared at the pages scattered on Mr. Hawkins’ bed. Each one came from a different state and each listed a host of crimes beside a perfect description of her. Three even had a good likeness of her painted on the page.
First, someone tried to rob her, and then kill her, and now this? Why? The only thing of value she owned was her land. And according to the law of the land, a husband owned whatever a wife possessed. If someone found gold or silver they’d go after Mike, too. But his name didn’t appear on these warrants. His description wasn’t printed as an accomplice. And the sheriff wasn’t looking for him.
She tiptoed to the door and peeked through a tiny crack. Mike had a pair of cuffs dangling from his hand and when he turned, she noted the star on his right breast pocket. The stiff set of his shoulders sent a new spike of fear through her. Quiet and slow, she eased back to the corner of the room. Hawkins had told her Mike had gone to the sheriff. She didn’t expect to see a badge on Mike. Or him holding cuffs. Cuffs meant for her.
Nausea boiled in her stomach. Mike believed these lies. Once again, he was out to get her. And after he’d held her so tenderly, kissed her so passionately, and whispered sweet words of comfort in her ear. Right now, the only person who stood to gain by framing her was Mike. If he really knew she was Simpkin’s heir, why the games? He’d get the land without a fight. No judge would deny him. Not with these falsified documents.
But why? She didn’t give Mike any reason to believe she’d pursue an annulment last night. A raging heat flamed across her cheeks. If she hadn’t been injured and fallen asleep, Mike wouldn’t have even needed to ask if she’d consummate the marriage. Nope, all he had to do was keep kissing her because she was helpless in his hands. Incredibly stupid, also.
The door creaked and Kathleen pressed deeper into the corner. Did Hawkins betray her?
“It’s me.” At Hawkins’ whisper, Kathleen pushed herself up.
He stripped the blanket from the bed and handed it to her. “Mike’s now a deputy. Barker’s letting him chase you.”
She jerked her gaze to Hawkins. “No.” A ripple of fear coiled around her throat. Not Mike. He had an uncanny ability to find her.
“I’m afraid so. He’s hot on the trail of you and an imaginary man.” Hawkins chuckled. “He’ll be long gone soon. Then I can whisk you off to a safe place.”
“Why don’t you believe these wanted posters?”
“Have a seat, Miss Barnes. You look pale.”
“Don’t avoid my question.”
“I’m not. Please get comfortable and let me explain.”
Kathleen eased down onto the bed and curled her legs under her. Might as well listen to the man. He did seem to want to hide her from Mike. Probably just as a means to get back at him. She doubted he really cared one way or the other what happened to her. But right now, she’d take what she could get. With a hefty dose of caution.
Mr. Hawkins leaned against the windowsill. “It all started about a year ago. Ben Simpkins was murdered. No trace of the killer ever turned up. When his will was found, Barker gave it to me. I immediately hired the Pinkerton’s to track you down or you’d still be sitting in that sweat shop in New York.”
Hawkins crossed his arms. “I also asked for a complete background check on you.”
“Then why can’t that report be sent to Sheriff Barker to clear my name?”
“The agent responsible for the report was killed during an apprehension.”
“Mr. Turner’s dead?” A frown tugged at her lips as a flash of sorrow for the nice young man shot through her.
“I’m afraid so.”
“But shouldn’t his report be on file?”
“I’ve already sent a telegram asking about it. When I receive an answer, I’ll let you know.”
“You’re a very efficient man, Mr. Hawkins.”
“Tobias. Remember?”
The cramping knots in her stomach unwound and Kathleen relaxed. With Tobias on her side, things didn’t look so grim. All she had to do was wait until the Pinkerton report showed up. Then she could come out of hiding, get released from this marriage, and prove her innocence. “What now, Tobias?”
“How about a new dress?”
Kathleen grinned. “And some breakfast?”
Tobias smiled back. “Of course. Anything else?”
“No. When do we leave?”
“Dark. So you rest your pretty little head and don’t aggravate that wound.”
“Thank you.”
“It’s my pleasure.”
Kathleen waited until the door clicked shut before she dared peek out the window. Sunlight drenched the rough wooden buildings and dust hung in the air like a cloud, waiting for a breeze to blow it away. Shortly, Tobias came into view and she pressed her forehead against the cool pane as he entered the restaurant. The spurt of energy that flowed through her veins at the anger and necessity to evade Mike had waned and she slid to the floor. Food would help regain some of her strength but right now she craved a cold drink to ease the dryness in her mouth and cool her heated body. It was going to be hot one today.
Tobias Hawkins left the hotel with a spring in his step. Finally. He had possession of Miss Barnes and Baca was on a wild goose chase. Alone. Perfect.
He whistled as he meandered down the sidewalk as the town bustled with early morning activities. Several men swept off the boards in front of their business and the barber shook out his linens. At the door to Dr. Pages’ office, he didn’t try to suppress the grin curving up his lips.
He knocked and pushed the door open. “Good morning, Dr. Page.”
“Tobias, what brings you here?”
“I’m worried about Sally. She’s devastated over this mess with Baca and isn’t sleeping. I wanted just enough laudanum to knock her out for a few hours, so she can get some much needed rest.”
“You have to be real careful with that stuff.”
“I trust you, Doc. I don’t want to overdose her.”
“Well, then, just this once.”
“That’s all I asked for.”
“Thank you, Doc.” Hawkins stuffed the vial into his vest pocket and went to the mercantile to make some purchases then went to Aunt May’s for breakfast.
“Good morning, Mr. Hawkins. Eggs or flapjacks this morning?” May’s friendly daughter asked.
“Eggs. And do you have any soup left from last night?”
“Sure do. Want some?”
“After I’m done. One of my hands had a little too much to drink last night and I need him sobered up.”
The waitress laughed and went off to the kitchen to fill his order.
A tall, lanky man strode up to the table and sat down. “Mornin’, boss, you wanted to see me?”
“Baca’s out looking for his missing wife. I don’t want him to come back. Ever.”
“Yes, sir.”
“And tell Barney and Jose to come to my room at dusk.”
“On it, boss.”
Finished with breakfast, Hawkins took the warmed-up soup to his room. Kathleen reclined on the bed.
“Here’s your breakfast. I didn’t find a pretty dress so I’ll have my daughter loan you one.”
“Be sure to thank her for me.”
“I will. But I have some bad news.”
“What?”
“Barker has more than Mike out looking for you, so you need to stay here and be quiet.”
The color drained from her face. “What if they decide to search every room?”
Hawkins suppressed a smile. Kathleen was falling into his hands. “They won’t. I told them you left. Besides, Barker knows better than to bother me.”
“You sure?”
“Yes.”
He dug out a book and handed it to her. “Here, thought you might like something to occupy your time with. I assume you read.”
“Of course. And thank you, Tobias. That was thoughtful of you.”
“I want you to feel welcome here. And to trust me. I do know the people of this community.”
“Will they ever accept me?”
“Certainly.”
“I don’t know. The ones I’ve run into so far didn’t want me around.”
“As soon as the truth comes out, all will be well.”
“If you say so.” Kathleen gave him a watery smile.
“That’s the spirit. Now eat up while it’s warm.”
Hawkins stared out the window while Kathleen ate the laudanum-laced soup. In a few days he’d marry her, inform the town of his unexpected nuptials, and explain her reluctance to receive visitors until the bruises Mike had left on her faded and she could get out of bed.
At the clatter of a spoon falling to the floor he turned. “Are you all right, Miss Barnes?”
Clumsy and sleepy. That’s all.”
He bent to retrieve the silverware and took the empty bowl from her. “You rest now.”
When her eyes drifted shut, Hawkins bound Kathleen’s feet to the bed, rolled her to her side, and coiled a tight knot around her wrists and gagged her. Satisfied she could not escape or make enough noise to draw attention, he locked the door on his way out.
Over at the saloon, Hawkins ordered a whiskey. Barney and Jose came wandering in and flopped into the chairs.
“What you need, boss?” Jose asked.
Hawkins slid the key across the table. “At dark, go to my room and bring the girl out to the abandoned mining cabin.”
He passed the vial to Jose. “Give her this to keep her quiet. It won’t take long, but don’t let her scream while you pour it down her throat.”
Jose smiled. “She won’t.”
“Good.”
“Can we play with her?”
“No. She’s going to be my bride and I want a few sons. Sons that look like me, not you.”
Barney threw his head back and laughed. “Congratulations, boss. Have fun on your honeymoon.”
“Don’t fail me.”
“We won’t.”
Chapter 14
Mike jogged to the stables, his thoughts a whirling mass of chaos. He didn’t know what direction to start his search for Kathleen because there were no tracks he could find. Dust rose from his feet as he skidded to a halt. Frozen to the spot he glanced around. That old familiar instinct that had saved him during the war punched him in the gut. Someone was watching him.
He ducked inside the livery and faded into a dark corner. As the minutes ticked by, he cursed himself for a fool. This was all just a little too easy. How did Hawkins know he’d had Kathleen in the room with him? Why did he have those posters instead of Barker?
He had been proven wrong about her once already. And she’d ended up hurt. Now she was gone again. And who stalked him? All questions he didn’t have answers for. Time he quit letting the scent of a woman lead him around. Time to dig up some answers. Time for the patience he’d learned in the war as a sniper to kick in. Enemies didn’t have much patience. He did.
After a while, when no one followed him inside, Mike saddled Blackie. With a casual gait that belied the hot tingle between his shoulder blades, he led the horse outside, mounted up and headed north. The prickle between his shoulder blades didn’t cease until he cut behind some close-packed aspens.
He flicked the thong of his holster loose, shoved his emotions aside, and searched his back trail. The overwhelming urge to run back and kick down doors until he found Kathleen battled against the strategy of leading his foe into a trap.
With a hard shake of his head, Mike shuddered. He was married to a criminal. Or was he?
Worry chewed a hole in his stomach. A host of disturbing questions about Hawkins swelled in his thoughts. Hawkins had left no doubt that he still wanted Mike to marry Sally. So whoever chased him couldn’t be working for Hawkins.
However, Kathleen was a threat to Hawkins. Maybe Hawkins was behind all the nasty rumors flying around about Kathleen. That would explain why he’d had those wanted posters instead of Barker. Food for the gossips. And Hawkins had the money to buy excellent forgeries.
Mike rode behind a cluster of rocks and reined in. He dismounted and left Blackie free. The horse never strayed far. He liked the little treats Mike always carried. Rifle in hand, Mike circled around and hunkered down beside some scrub oak. He wanted this over with so he could get more answers.
He didn’t have long to wait. A tall stranger, riding a mustang, came into view. The man stopped and scanned the area. Mike held still. The man studied the rocks Mike left Blackie behind then dismounted. Slow and careful, he wove from tree-to-tree until he was a few feet away.
Mike stood. “Looking for me?”
The man spun and fired. Mike dove for cover, aimed low, and returned fire. A dead man couldn’t tell him who he worked for. The man crumpled to the ground but emptied his gun in Mike’s direction. He cursed, threw the gun down, and crawled toward his horse.
Mike lunged to his feet, rushed to the man, and pressed the barrel of his rifle to the stranger’s temple. “Who sent you?”
“You’ll never find out.”
“Your boss worth dying for?”
“I’m dead anyway.”
“You have a busted leg, but you could still ride. Give me a name and I’ll let you go.”
The man snorted. “I’d be a fool to believe you.” “Not everybody’s like you. I don’t want to kill you.”
The man jerked and stabbed out with a knife.
Mike jumped back as blood flowed from a wicked cut just above his boot. He kicked the knife out of the man’s hand. “Get up. I’m taking you in.”
“I won’t rot in some jail.”
&n
bsp; “You don’t have a choice. Now move.”
The man yanked a pistol from his boot and fired. Mike sent two well-placed shots at the man’s chest and grimaced as the man twitched once then lay still. Blood soaked the stranger’s shirt. Mike reloaded and turned away. Gun smoke wafted in the air and cramped his throat. He tore off a sleeve of the dead man’s shirt and tied it around his leg. Limping to the rider-less horse, he tugged the animal to the dead man. After a few heaves, he had the man hefted over the saddle and whistled for Blackie. The faithful horse trotted up and paused as Mike mounted. Leg stinging like the devil, he gathered up the spare horse’s reins and headed into town.
Half a mile outside of town, Mike hustled off the trail, not wanting to have a confrontation as Hawkins came riding out toward him. Alone. The crimped nerves in Mike’s chest eased. One person accounted for. He glanced at the dead man. Dark hair. Hawkins had said Kathleen had left with a dark-haired man.
He nudged Blackie forward and, staying in the cover of the trees, rode home. Barker wouldn’t be any help and now that he had a badge on his vest he could investigate this in his own way. At the ranch, Mike found Hank busy cleaning the barn.
“Hey, boss, how’s your wife?”
“Missing. Where’s Juan?”
“Checkin’ on the cows. What do you mean missing?”
“Come outside and tell me if you know this man.”
Hank leaned the shovel on the wall and stalked up to the dead man. “I don’t know him.”
“Somebody sent him after me.”
Hank’s eyes grew wide. “Why?”
“That’s what I need to find out. Go get Juan we have work to do.”
“Sure, boss.”
“And hurry.”
Hank leapt on Blackie and tore off. Mike dumped the body in the barn and went in the house. He poured some water in a bowl and cleaned his cut. He had just finished tying a fresh cloth around the gash when Juan and Hank burst inside.
“Hank showed me the body. I don’t recognize him either.”
“Let’s move on. I’ve got two problems. First, Kathleen has disappeared. Second, somebody wants me dead. If I stay out of sight I can buy some time and maybe flush the culprit out.”