“What can I do for you, Trey?” she inquired.
He smiled and leaned back in the soft chair. “I wanted to stop by and make sure you were feeling better. The last time I saw you, you were a bit under the weather.”
“I’m fine.” Her voice was frosty.
Trey leaned forward in the chair to reach out and clasp her hands in his. “You’ve been going through a difficult time, and I want you to know how much I care about you.”
Sabrina tried to pull her hands free, but Trey tightened his hold on her. His touch left her feeling dirty. How many people had he killed to get her land?
“Thank you,” she said distantly.
His voice was soft and cajoling, “I think it’s time you faced the truth of the situation, Sabrina. You’re going to lose the ranch.”
Sabrina felt her defenses rise, preparing to do battle. Her whole body stiffened. “I don’t think so.”
Trey sighed. “I know all about your threats to Sam Bradley. It won’t work, Sabrina.”
“How do you know? But then again, you’re probably involved since your father is the one who wants the Big C.”
He smiled. “You’re absolutely right. My father wants the Big C and Patrick’s land, and he will get them.” Trey paused. “It’s only a matter of time, Sabrina, but as my wife—”
“I’m not marrying you, Trey. I don’t love you. I don’t like you, and I’m not marrying you,” Sabrina insisted. She tried to pull her hands free. “Let go of me.”
“You’re not looking at your choices very closely, Sabrina.” She pulled on her hands again, but he gripped them harder, causing her pain. Trying to control her rising panic, she gazed into his eyes. The green irises were glazed with madness.
“Patrick is dead. The money from the cattle is gone, and my father won’t allow the bank to give you more time.”
“I knew your father was behind this, but he won’t be for long. I’ve written Captain Sparks of the Texas Rangers, asking for his help.”
Trey laughed, his voice sounding evil. “Hon, my father can buy Captain Sparks. He’s not going to help you. He’ll slip him a couple of hundred dollars and he’ll look the other way.”
Sabrina tugged on her hand. “Not everyone is as crooked as your father.”
“I’m going to forget you said that. Especially since that man will soon be your father-in-law.”
“I’m not going to marry you.”
“If you want to save the Big C, you’ll marry me, Sabrina.”
“I love this ranch, but not enough to spend the rest of my life shackled to the likes of you.”
Trey yanked her up out of the chair. “I’ve tried to give you time to come around to me, but I’m tired of waiting. Tonight, you will become my wife.”
Sabrina stared at him, her eyes wide with fright.
“You have two choices. You can go with me agreeably, or I can drag you. It’s entirely up to you, but we’re getting married, now.”
“I’m not marrying you, Trey,” Sabrina shouted. “Maria! Buckets!”
Trey sighed. “I didn’t want it to be this way.”
He pulled her wrists together and held them with one hand. With his free hand he reached into his pocket and pulled out a length of twine.
Sabrina, seeing the cord, pulled against Trey. She screamed and kicked his shin with her foot. Trey quickly twisted her arm around her back and moved behind her, out of range of her kicks. She continued struggling until he pulled her arm up high behind her back, causing her pain.
“Quit fighting me, Sabrina. I don’t want to hurt you.”
“My men will stop you!”
He wrapped the cord around her wrists, securing them together, behind her. “I know that in time you will come to accept me and appreciate what I’ve done for us today.”
“Trey, you can’t force me to marry you.” Sabrina’s voice raised to a hysterical pitch. “Maria!”
Trey smiled “Yes, I can, Sabrina.” He paused. “Your men and Maria are away from the house. I’ve been waiting and watching.”
“No one will marry us, because I won’t agree.”
“I have a preacher waiting for us. If you say I forced you, no one will believe you. I’ve thought of everything.”
“Do you know what the penalty is for kidnapping?”
“No. Because after tonight you won’t consider it kidnapping.”
Trey pulled Sabrina toward the door. Sabrina cried out, “I’m not going. I swear I’ll scream all the way into town.”
Sabrina opened her mouth and Trey clamped his hand across it. He pulled out his handkerchief and stuffed it into her mouth. “Sorry, sweetheart, but you left me no choice.”
Trey gave her a gentle shove toward the door. Sabrina started to run, but her long skirts tripped her and sent her sprawling to the ground with a hard thud. Panic was starting to overcome her as she realized she was alone. There was no one to stop this madman.
Laughing in soft mockery, Trey reached down and yanked her off the floor. “Don’t be foolish. You’ll never get away from me again.”
Grasping her arm, he led her out the door and down the stairs. He lifted her, placing her on his saddle sideways, and then climbed up behind her.
Much to Sabrina’s relief, she watched Maria run around the side of the house. Lifting the heavy shotgun, she aimed it at Trey. She squeezed the trigger, but the impact of the gun knocked her to the ground and the shot went high, peppering Trey and Sabrina with buckshot.
Trey turned his horse, laughing as he rode away toward town with Sabrina slung across his saddle.
* * *
Patrick saw Sabrina’s home and the rhythm of his heart beat faster. The long ranch house was a welcome sight to a man who had been traveling for four months.
Most importantly, he wanted to see Sabrina. Two months ago, no one could have convinced him he’d ever miss seeing her blonde hair and blue eyes. Now every day he’d thought about her, wanted her, missed her. She would be a welcome sight.
The ring he’d bought in Dodge City was still in his pocket. Tonight he would ask her to be his wife. The last few weeks had made him realize just how much he loved her. It was the first time they’d been apart since the start of the cattle drive and he’d missed her like water in the desert.
Captain Sparks and the rangers rode into the yard with Patrick. Patrick anxiously waited for Sabrina to come running out the door, but no one came. An eerie silence filled the yard.
Then suddenly, Maria stumbled around the side of the house, tears streaming down her face, the shotgun in her hand. When she saw Patrick, her tears turned to sobs and she ran to him, talking in Spanish.
Patrick dismounted and hugged the older woman, her sobs frightening him. “What’s wrong, Maria? Speak English.”
“Madre de Dios. You are alive! You are alive!”
Patrick looked puzzled. “Of course I’m alive. Didn’t Buckets receive my note in Dodge City?” Fear trickled down his spine. He paused and watched the older woman shake her head and sob into her apron. Her actions frightened him.
“Where’s Sabrina?”
The woman’s sobs got louder. “You must help her.”
“What’s wrong, Maria? Talk to me.” Patrick wanted to shake the older woman. Concern for Sabrina overwhelmed him.
“I hear shouting. Mr. Trey, he take her. When I came around the house, Mr. Trey has Miss Sabrina tied up. He put her on his horse and rode off with her. The men are gone. I had no one to help me.” Maria wailed and spoke rapidly in Spanish.
“Please, Maria, English. When did they leave?” Patrick’s heart was beating rapidly. He had to stop Trey.
“Less than an hour ago. Please hurry and catch them, Senor Patrick. He is crazy with wanting to marry her.” Patrick turned his horse. He glanced at Captain Sparks and the rangers that had accompanied him and Matt from Fort Griffin. “I’m going after them. Meet you in Sherwood.”
“You lead the way; we won’t be far behind you,” replied Captain Sparks.
/> Matt spoke up. “I’m going with you, Patrick.”
* * *
Sabrina couldn’t believe Trey had brought her to the preacher’s house.
She’d known Trey wanted to marry her, but never thought he would resort to force. No one in his right mind would marry them. Or would they?
Trey pulled the horse up at the hitching post. The evening sun was beginning to sink, bringing with it the lengthy shadows of night, just as marriage to this man would darken her life. He would have to drag the words from her lips before she would say the vows.
Trey jumped down and then turned to lift her off the horse. “Do you want to say your vows with your hands tied or untied?” he questioned.
He laughed as he realized she was still gagged. He pulled the handkerchief away from her mouth. “Sorry, hon, I forgot.”
“I’m not marrying you, Trey. You cannot force me to repeat the words.”
“If you don’t repeat them, I’ll say them for you. Either way, we’re getting married here, tonight.”
“What about the town, Trey, and your father? I’m sure they are expecting a big wedding from you.”
“I don’t want one.” He paused and pushed a stray lock of hair away from her face. “I only want you.”
Sabrina was beginning to feel terrified. She’d tried everything she could think of to talk him out of this, but he turned away every reason. She was beginning to realize that Trey was demented. He seemed lucid most of the time, but, there were moments when reality slipped away from him. Now was one of those occasions, and it frightened Sabrina.
“If you promise not to fight me, I’ll untie your hands.”
In a situation like this, Sabrina felt no remorse about lying. “I promise.” To herself she thought, I promise to fight you every step of the way.
Trey untied her hands and then smoothed her hair into place. “I’m glad you were wearing a dress today. I didn’t want to marry you in pants.”
Trey took the back of her arm and gently guided her up the steps of Reverend Jones’s home. Attached to the church, his home was situated on the edge of town. Sabrina could scream and no one from town would hear her shouts for help.
When the preacher opened the door, Trey smiled. “We’re ready, Reverend Jones.”
The Reverend smiled and motioned to his wife. The four of them filed into the chapel. “We’re so excited about this marriage,” he replied.
Sabrina frowned at the older couple. “I don’t want to marry him.”
Trey smiled while his hand gripped the side of her arm in a painful hold. “She’s just nervous.”
“I am not nervous. I don’t want to marry this man. I don’t love him; I hate him. He’s forcing me!” Sabrina fairly shouted.
Trey grabbed Sabrina by the face, twisting her around to face him. “Honey, I forgive you for everything you just said, but we are going to be married today.”
“No, Trey. I won’t marry you.” Sabrina watched his face twist with rage. She was pushing him, straining his grip on reality.
The reverend cleared his throat. “Maybe you two should talk about it some more and then come back.” Trey shouted. “No. You’re marrying us now, tonight”
His voice echoed in the small chapel and the older couple stared in shock.
Sabrina cringed. They would be of no help because they were clearly terrified of him. “This will be a forced marriage if you sign the marriage certificate. I am not doing this willingly.”
Trey ignored Sabrina and turned to the reverend. “Let’s get this over with, Reverend, so I can spend time with my bride.”
“Son, she obviously doesn’t want to marry you.”
The whir of leather and metal drew everyone’s attention. The click of a gun echoed in the chapel. Trey pointed the six-shooter at the preacher. “Marry us, Reverend. Now.”
Sabrina glanced at the cold six-shooter Trey pointed at the reverend. Her eyes looked into the glazed-over green eyes of Trey and recognized the madness that swirled in them. The quiet evenness of his voice frightened her almost beyond control. How could she spend the rest of her life with this man?
The parson opened his Bible. His wife sobbed quietly, her body shaking in fright. The minister’s voice shakily responded to Trey’s command.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here . . .”
* * *
Patrick saw Trey’s horse tied outside the chapel at the edge of town. He prayed, please, dear God, don't let me be too late. Jumping off his horse, he hurried to the front door. With his ear pressed against the door, he listened. The ceremony had just started. Matt rode up and Patrick motioned him around back.
It seemed odd to trust Matt enough to help protect his life; but after the last two weeks, Patrick had faith that Matt would do whatever was necessary to save his sister. When he thought Matt had enough time to reach the back, Patrick pulled out his Smith and Wesson. With a powerful kick he sent the front door flying open crashing against the wall. The preacher’s wife screamed and promptly fell to the floor in a dead faint. Sabrina and Trey whirled around.
Trey cursed.
“Patrick!” Sabrina cried out stunned. She started toward him, only to be jerked back by Trey. He placed his six-shooter against Sabrina’s temple.
“You’re just in time to see us married, Patrick.” Trey laughed, a demented cackle. “You can be the best man.”
“You can go to hell, Trey. There’s a group of Texas Rangers following me, coming for you. They’re mighty interested in knowing if you have any information about Sabrina’s money that disappeared, and my death certificate.”
Trey laughed. “You’re alive. It was a big mistake, and Sabrina’s money will be mine anyway once we’re married. All her possessions become mine, including her money and her ranch.”
Sabrina’s head jerked in the direction of Trey; her eyes flashed with fury. “You stole the money?”
He ran his hand down her hair. “Don’t worry your pretty head about it, honey. It’s in a safe place.”
Patrick watched the color in Sabrina’s cheeks flame a brilliant red and her eyes glare with intense hatred. He’d seen that look many times and knew an explosion was about to occur. He cursed beneath his breath. Now was not the time for her to lose control.
“Trey, you’re the lowest form of scum,” Sabrina spat with fury.
He jerked on Sabrina’s arm, the barrel of the pistol pressed into her temple. “That’s no way to talk to your husband. Preacher, finish this ceremony.”
Silence filled the church. Trey glanced behind him where the reverend had been standing and found empty space. “Damn you, Patrick! If you want her to live, get the preacher.”
“No,” Sabrina cried. In a split second she threw her arm up in a violent motion and struck the arm that held Trey’s gun. The movement knocked the gun away from her head and the room resounded with gunshots.
Sabrina ducked and screamed in fear as flashes of light exploded from Patrick’s gun and a deafening roar filled the room. The smell of gunpowder permeated the air. She looked down to find Trey sprawled at her feet, bleeding from the head and chest. Sabrina stared. Two shots? She looked behind her and saw Matt putting away his gun. He grinned at her and gave her the thumbs-up sign.
She turned back and Patrick was at her side. “Are you all right?” he asked anxiously
Sabrina threw her arms around Patrick and clung to him. Tears streamed from her eyes. Patrick kissed the top of her head, pressing fervent kisses all the way down to her cheeks. His lips found hers, and they drank from each other as if they’d suffered a long drought. He broke off the kiss and continued to rain small kisses on her cheeks and lips.
“I thought you were dead,” she sobbed. “I saw your grave. I thought you’d been killed.”
“Your brother saved my life.” Patrick rubbed his hand up and down her back. “I sent a message to Buckets saying Matt and I were going after the money. Didn’t you get it?”
Sabrina’s tears slowed to a trickle and she look
ed up at Patrick. “I didn’t get any message. Matt helped you?”
“Yes, Matt. He also talked with Captain Sparks of the Texas Rangers. They should be arriving any minute now. Matt confessed everything. He admitted to the cattle rustling and gave them enough evidence against Carson that he’ll probably hang. Because of his information they’ve agreed not to prosecute him regarding the cattle rustling.”
“What kind of information did he give them?” Sabrina asked. Patrick took her hand, led her to a pew, and sat her down. “Carson killed my family and your father—all for the land.”
“I suspected as much. I found out today that he had purchased all the land surrounding our ranches except for yours and mine. He also has control of the bank.”
“That’s why Sam wouldn’t give you an extension?”
“Exactly. Carson needed Sam.”
“The rangers will arrest Carson and Sam.”
Sabrina threw her arms around Patrick and held him close. The tears flowed down her cheeks again. “I love you so much and I thought I’d lost you. I thought I would never get a chance to tell you how sorry I was I didn’t believe in you. I was wrong about everything, Patrick. I should have stood by you.”
“Sabrina, it means so much to me to hear you say those words.”
“And I promise nobody will ever come between us again.”
Patrick kissed her gently on the lips and then leaned back and gazed at her. “The day Trey and Redd tried to kill me, I was coming back from the mercantile with this.” Patrick reached into his pocket and pulled out the ring. “Will you marry me, Sabrina?”
Sabrina laughed and threw her arms around him. “Nothing could stop me from marrying you.”
The sound of applause startled them. They looked up, and crowded in the door were the men from the Big C and the Texas Rangers that had accompanied Patrick back from Fort Griffin.
Sabrina and Patrick blushed. They stood up and greeted their friends. Buckets came running down the aisle of the church, almost hopping with glee. “Boy, I’m so happy to see you. I knew they couldn’t get you. I just knew it”
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