by Linda Broday
The house exploded with a loud blast, shooting flames high into the midnight sky. The force pitched Tait to the ground, and a scream tore from his mouth. Pieces of jagged iron from the cookstove fell about him, and kerosene fumes went up his nose.
Part of the blazing wooden roof landed on Kern, trapping him underneath. Screams of agony and pleas for help filled the air.
When the projectiles settled, Tait used all his strength to get to his feet, gripping his weapon. He stared at the horrible sight, Kern’s clothes in flame and his lower half pinned by the rubble.
“Trinity, help me. Pull this off!” Kern begged. “Help!”
The smell of burning flesh filled Tait’s nostrils and coated the inside of his mouth. He knew seconds counted, but he couldn’t take that step. Maybe he’d go to hell for it, but this felt an awful lot like justice—for Lucy, for Claire, and for Becky.
“Sorry.” A bullet whizzed past Tait’s head. Crouching low, he whirled and fired. The shooter went down.
Pain stabbed his ribs, nearly taking his breath, and sickening nausea flooded his senses. Another shot hit the ground by his feet, kicking up dirt. Though in agony, Tait kept shooting, driven to rid the world of the evilest family he knew.
When he swung back around, Kern had gotten to his feet and was fully engulfed in searing flames. “Shoot me, Trinity!” Kern screamed. “I can’t stand this!”
The man seemed too far gone for saving, so it was a surprise when Kern fell to the ground and began rolling around in the dirt, desperately trying to put out the fire. From the corner of Tait’s vision, a man ran toward them.
Tait faced the new threat while Kern’s agonizing screams behind him almost drowned out the roar of the burning house. Chaos lay everywhere he looked. The dark figure who had been running toward him dove to the ground and fired.
Tait fired back and barked, “I’m riding out of here, and no one is going to stop me. Draw or get out of my way.”
When the man raised his gun, Tait shot him.
The sudden lack of noise behind him made him whirl. Kern stood, his weapon pointed at Tait. He’d managed to smother the flames of his burning clothes, but they were nothing but blackened rags. He breathed hard, but he was still able to get enough air to taunt. “You’re hurt, Trinity. I’m betting you’re woozy, and I know your ribs are killing you. You may not be as fast a draw as you were a few days ago.”
“Don’t waste time. I mean for this vendetta to end right here. Right now.”
“The big bad Tait Trinity, burning for justice.” Light from the roaring fire shone red on Kern’s blistering face. His lips curled in a sneer. “Do you know where Melanie is? Are you sure she’s safe where you left her? Might oughta check the ashes.”
The words sent doubts careening through Tait. He wasn’t sure of anything. Still, Kern would use every trick he could think of to get into his head. A bead of sweat trickled down Tait’s back between his shoulder blades. He kept his gaze tight on the man who’d robbed him of the people he’d loved.
“I’ll see you in hell.” Tait fired, shooting the gun out of Kern’s grip. Kern cursed, cradling his hand, and Tait leveled his pistol. Tears rolled down his face. “This is for Lucy.” He sent a bullet whirling into Kern’s leg.
Cursing and screaming, the man went down to his knees.
“This is for our baby.”
The bullet entered Kern’s arm. “Stop! Stop! I’m sorry.”
“Too late.” Tait took aim again. “And this is for Claire and Becky.”
The bullet struck Kern’s heart, and blood flew from his chest. He fell to the ground.
Another shot rang out—not from Tait’s gun this time. Tait dropped low and whirled. Melanie stood five yards away, the red glow of the fire tangling in the strands of her hair, smoke curling from the barrel of her .45.
Frank Berringer lay sprawled in his own blood.
Melanie stumbled to Tait and gently placed her palm over his gun hand. “That’s enough. It’s over, Tait. We won.”
His hand went limp and the gun fell into the dirt. He took her in his arms and held her, shuddering, his face buried in her hair, soothed by the faint scene of wild honeysuckle.
Behind them the house still gave off enormous heat. The gunfight was winding down, and they’d see what was left once the smoke cleared. But for now, maybe this was the heaven’s gate that preachers spoke of. In a way, it felt a lot like heaven. He only knew he’d found the woman of his dreams and he wasn’t letting her go.
Thirty-six
“Can you think of easier ways to give me a heart attack, Tait?” Jack walked slowly toward them, a big grin covering his face. His ruddy skin reflected the red glow of the fire behind him.
When he got close enough, Tait clasped his hand. “Thanks for not listening to me, brother.”
“You look like hell.”
“Better than dying.”
“A darn sight better than that.” Jack’s gaze dropped to Tait’s feet. “Nice boots.”
“Markey didn’t need them anymore. Never had any made of snakeskin before.” Tait looked into the eyes of his best friend and knew—Jack would have gone all the way to the gates of hell and beyond to try to save him. And Tait would do the same for him as well. Nothing would break their bond.
Tait put his arm around Melanie who was holding the edges of her ripped bodice together. He drew her against his bare chest, wishing he had a shirt to cover her with. Maybe he could find a blanket. “Jack, ridding Texas of this vermin was a team effort, and my wife risked more than probably anyone. But next time you let her ride into a hornet’s nest, you and I are going to fight.”
Melanie gazed up at him, her dimples deepening. “Sweetheart, don’t be angry at Jack. I had to do a lot of talking to convince him. And I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”
Tait grunted, knowing she meant every word. “How’s Becky? Is she really all right?”
“The little darling is fine, just worried about you. She’ll be happy to see you.”
Relief swept over him. He tightened his arm around Melanie. “I say we go get some sleep. I need a doctor, a bath, and to lie next to my wife.”
Sam and Clay strode up to join them. “Glad everyone’s in one piece,” Clay said. “Hate to say it, but I never expected to see you alive, Tait.”
Tait grinned. “Makes two of us.”
Sam glanced at the broken bodies of Kern and his son. “They have a lot of holes in them.” He exchanged a glance with Tait and gave him a nod. “Clay and I just completed an assessment of the dead, and I think we got every single one of them. We can come back tomorrow and haul them into town. Some might have prices on their heads.”
Now that everything was over, Tait’s legs buckled underneath him, and he dropped to the ground. Pain rushed through him, and he struggled to draw breath.
“Sit right there while we get the horses, sweetheart.” Melanie left for a moment and came back leading a pretty buckskin. Kern wouldn’t be needing horses anymore. Not where he’d gone.
She helped Tait stand, and he pulled himself into the saddle with a groan. They rode double with her behind, holding him upright. He didn’t remember much about the trip. The next thing he knew he was falling into a bed that had the softest sheets he had ever felt, and Jack was following Clay out the door.
“Just sleep, sweetheart.” Melanie lay down beside him and covered them both with a quilt.
His world righted, and he pulled her close, grateful to live one more day.
* * *
Melanie opened her eyes at dawn and stared at Tait, his head on the pillow next to her. With tentative fingers, she touched his long hair and then his stubbled jaw. He was bruised and bloody and desperately needed a bath, but he was alive. And he was hers.
Unshed tears burned as she thought of how easily Kern Berringer could’ve stolen his life. She would probabl
y never know the details of what he’d gone through in Kern’s clutches, but that was all right. It was enough to know that he had given himself over to save Becky.
She’d let him sleep for now, but sometime this morning she’d bring the doctor to look at him. Then they’d have a better timetable of when they could leave for Hope’s Crossing.
With a soft sigh, she rose quietly and dressed. She had to check on Ava and her father and find out if Judge McIlroy was truly dead. Lots to do.
Melanie leaned over Tait and placed her lips to his before quietly slipping out. She met Sam and Jack at the stairs. “Morning, gentlemen. We had a short night.”
“That we did,” Sam agreed. “I’m heading out to see if I can locate the rotten sheriff and find McIlroy’s body.”
“Good luck.”
“Care to wager the sheriff is long gone?” Jack asked.
“Please don’t say that, Jack.” Melanie shot him a frown. “I want him behind bars.”
Turned out, they didn’t have to worry. Virginia met them outside the hotel. “If you’re looking for our former sheriff, Quitman’s at the mercantile. Mac tied him up and is standing guard over him. He tried to break into the store and either kill us or take Ava. Not sure which.”
The news sent surprise washing over Melanie. Her father? The man who had made a habit of running away from problems. Would wonders ever cease? “And McIlroy?”
“He died from your gunshot. I doubt anyone will say too many words over him.”
“I’m sorry it came to that. He gave me no choice.” The world did seem a better place without him. Melanie hugged Virginia. “I’m glad Mac rose to the occasion. How’s Ava?”
Virginia smiled. “Much better today. Her head is clearer. Doc thinks she’ll be up and around later this afternoon.”
“That’s excellent news!” Melanie beamed, her heart overflowing. Tait, Becky, and Ava were safe and recovering. Kern and McIlroy were dead, and the rotten sheriff was going to jail.
Life could look so bleak one minute and blind a person with its radiance the next.
Virginia glanced across the street. “Becky was a little angel. When the news came in with the riders that Mr. Trinity was free, she was all smiles.”
“I can’t wait to see her. That reminds me. I need to send a telegram to the boys.” Melanie stepped across to telegraph good news to the twins then went to the mercantile with Sam. Jack headed to the café for breakfast with a promise to take Tait to the bathhouse later.
Becky came running with arms outstretched when she opened the door. “Mellie!”
Melanie picked her up and gave her a long hug. “I’m so happy to see you, and I’m glad you’re smiling.”
“Wuncle?” Becky pointed in the direction of the hotel.
“Yes, honey, he’ll be along in a while. He’s just tired.”
But she didn’t fool one bright little girl.
“Him hurt.”
“He’ll be all better soon.” Melanie kissed her cheek and handed her to Virginia. “Wait here for a minute and I’ll be back.”
Melanie followed Sam to the back of the store. Mac sat there, a gun pointed at Quitman.
The man raised his head when Sam ducked under the low beam and stepped into the room. Quitman brimmed with arrogance. “It’s about time. I want this man arrested.” But when he recognized who he was ordering around, color suddenly drained from Quitman’s face.
Sam straightened. “I take it you know who I am.”
Quitman nodded.
“You’re under arrest. Stand up.” Sam helped him up and handcuffed his hands behind his back. “You’re going away for a long time. You’re a shame to your profession.”
“I should’ve kept riding when I had a chance.”
“But you didn’t.” Sam gave Melanie a nod. “I think this concludes things.”
On the way out the door, Quitman sneered at Melanie. “Me and McIlroy almost got away with it.”
“Almost doesn’t count in anything except a game of horseshoes. Your problem is that you underestimate women. Give us a cause and we’ll bury you.” She turned to Sam. “I gave McIlroy a fourth of the money, and Mac can take you to the rest. We buried half before coming into town. I’m assuming some is still on the packhorse.” Then she stepped over to the storeroom to see Ava.
Her sister wore a big grin, her eyes much clearer. Color had begun to return to her cheeks. “Melanie! I’m glad you’re back.” Ava sat up, self-consciously patting her chopped, reddish-brown hair the judge had butchered. “I’m feeling more like my old self. By tomorrow I’ll be back to normal, at least according to Doc.”
Melanie sat on the side of the bed and drew Ava into a hug. “That’s great news.” She leaned back for a good, long look. “You’re amazing, Ava. I don’t know how you hung on.”
“I knew you’d be back and that gave me strength. You always keep a promise.” Tears filled Ava’s eyes. “My hair is gone, and I’m missing a tooth. I feel so ugly.”
“You’re beautiful. Your hair will grow back, and you’ll be as ravishing as ever.”
Ava sniffed. “You always make me feel better.”
“I’m heading to the café. What would you like me to bring back?”
“An egg and a fluffy biscuit.”
“You got it, sis. Be back soon.” Melanie collected Becky. “Let’s go eat.”
Becky’s face lit up and she clapped. “Eat.”
That was indeed a sign that things were looking up. Melanie ended up getting food enough for everyone and took it back to the mercantile. Then she bought some clothes for Tait and headed back to the hotel.
Tait was sitting on the side of the bed, his head in his hands. His bruises looked ten times worse in the daylight, with his ribs, back, and midsection almost solid purple and black. Though the sight brought instant tears, she held them back and gave him a wide smile, holding up the new shirt. “I thought you might need this in case you feel up to a stroll. Becky’s wanting to see you.”
“Give me a minute to wash.” He glanced down. “I have so much blood on me I’ll scare her to death.”
“Let me help.” She laid his shirt on the bed and went to the water pitcher, finding it full. She filled a ceramic bowl and reached for a cloth. “Lay back.”
“Yes, ma’am.” His groan told her how much the request cost, how much the slightest movement was excruciating.
She started with his face and moved down to his chest. Dirt had mixed with the blood before it dried, and it took several bowls of water to get him clean.
Tait sighed. “Did you know that you can lull a man right out of his senses?”
Happiness surged inside. “You don’t say?” She helped him turn over, and he let out deep groans with the movement.
“I’m living proof.” He breathed heavily. “I can’t wait to be able to make love to you.”
Melanie gently washed his back, biting back tears. As stove-up as he was, it would be a while. “I’ll hold you to that, cowboy. I need to get the doc here to check you out, but we should consider staying here for at least a week before we head home.”
“Might not be a bad idea to rest up. Don’t need a doctor though.”
“Sorry, but I disagree. We need to know how badly injured you are.”
“Hell! You’ll just waste the poor man’s time.”
“I doubt he’ll complain.” She sponged the blood from the gunshot wound in his side. Dr. Mary’s careful stitches were all busted out. Another reason for the doctor.
Tait looked around. “You never told me how you happened to be in Canadian. You were supposed to stay with the boys.”
Melanie told him about the telegram from the judge that had started her whole wild ride. “After my father accepted that the money wasn’t his to take, he actually turned out to be pretty helpful.”
“Imagine
that. I’m sorry you had to do that by yourself though.”
“I’m not. It toughened me up, made me realize I’m stronger than I thought.”
“Lady, you have a lot of guts, and I’m proud you’re my wife.”
A warm glow filled her. “You have a way with words, sweetheart.” She pressed a kiss to his back, between his shoulder blades. “By the way, Jack said he’ll take you the bathhouse later.”
“Good. I can use a long soak.”
When she finished washing him, he got to his feet with considerable effort, and she helped him into the clean clothes and his fancy boots. “My, my. I’ve never seen a more handsome man.”
“You probably say that to all your admirers.” He buckled on his gun belt.
“How did you guess?” She raised on tiptoe, clung to his shirt, and brushed a kiss across his lips.
“I’m wise to the ways of women. Shall we?” He reached for his hat.
“Lean on me, sweetheart. We’ll take our time.”
As it turned out, crossing the street took a while. Men and women alike came out to say how glad they were he’d made it and to thank him for getting rid of McIlroy and the Berringers.
At last they made it to the mercantile, and Becky came running. “Wuncle!”
He sat down in a chair and pulled her into his lap. She frowned and patted his cheeks. “Hurt?”
“I’ll be fine, honey. Don’t you worry.”
“Love you.”
“I love you more. Do you miss your brothers?”
“Uh-huh. Home.”
“That’s right.” Even though he had to be starving, he sat there holding Becky until she squirmed to get down.
Melanie brought him a plate and a cup of coffee, and he set to work, not stopping until every morsel was gone. Jack and Clay stopped by to let him know that they were going back out with Sam Legend to clean up the mess at Kern’s place. Then she helped Tait back to bed and went for the doctor.
Not long after, she stood quietly at the end of the bed while Dr. Levi completed his examination. The man’s face remained expressionless, not giving any indication of his thoughts. It seemed to take forever, but she wanted him to be thorough.