She growled and attempted to bite at his face, but Ashley lifted out of her reach. "Stop now, hold still. I don't want to hurt you."
"I want to hurt you. Get off me," she replied and attempted to buck him off. Small as she was, the movement barely registered. Despite the now dull ache, his body responded to the female under him.
Ashley stretched her arms up over her head and let out a breath. "I'm going to release you and walk out of here. Don't you dare shoot me in the butt for doing this, you understand?"
Her eyes met his and for a moment the only sound in the room was their heavy breathing. Then something unexpected happened. Her eyes slid to his mouth.
The woman caught herself and jerked her face to the side which only affected Ashley more as the slender expanse of her neck led his gaze to travel to her chest which heaved up and down with every breath, two buttons had popped off and he could see the swell of her breasts, the creamy skin begging for his touch.
Ashley cleared his throat. He had to get off her and fast. "Answer me."
"Fine. Yeah." She rolled to her side when he lifted off of her just enough so she could breathe easier. "Let me go."
He rose, grabbed the rifle and moved to stand between the woman and the doorway. Her eyes locked onto the weapon, but she did not show any signs of fear, quite the opposite, her right eyebrow rose in a challenging manner. "What are you going to do with that?"
"I'm going after my brother, make sure he doesn't get hurt. I'll return it afterwards. And I'll come back to be locked up if it's still required."
She frowned but said nothing, her left hand lifted to her right upper arm and she began to massage the skin where he'd grabbed her.
"I'm sorry if I hurt you," Ashley told her meaning it and backed toward the doorway. "I have to get to my brother."
"It's a stupid thing to do." Her eyes narrowed and she went to sit at the desk. "But suit yourself."
Ashley turned and walked out.
****
Grayson and three men he convinced to come along to search for the stranger rode hard for two hours to the general location Nora directed him to. The path, once connecting Alder Gulch and Virginia City, had become overgrown from lack of use, but they managed to keep the horses on the trail. Since the railroad, most people used the lower roads closer to the tracks, which made this a perfect place for someone to hide. He hoped Nora was correct and there was a cabin nearby, otherwise, he was wasting an entire day for nothing. It bothered him that Nora knew this stranger. He would ask later how she was acquainted with this man and where he hid.
"There," one of the men motioned with his hand. "I see something."
Guiding the horses around the perimeter of the clearing where a lone shack of a house stood, the men kept quiet using only hand signals to communicate. Once they got to a distance where the sounds from the horses could give them away, they dismounted and walked.
The lone dilapidated hovel appeared empty, but the evidence of recently chopped wood told of a recent visitor.
Branches crunched under his boots with every step as Grayson moved from his horse to take shelter behind a tree to get a better look at the dwelling. The sounds of hooves made them all turn to see Sheriff Dawson and his deputy arrive. Grayson swore under his breath. Of course the man would try to stop them, he'd be damned if he'd allow it. Without waiting for the sheriff to get any closer he bent low and ran to the seemingly empty shack.
Grayson peered through the grimy windows and saw evidence that indeed someone was using the place and recently by the looks of it. A plate and cup were on the lopsided table as well as a dirty coffee pot on the wood-burning stove. He peered at the rumpled bedroll. No one was inside.
"Cole don't you go in, none of you move," Dawson called out. Good thing it was empty, otherwise the sheriff would have given whoever was inside, plenty of notice. Cole continued to the front door and dashed inside.
The sheriff materialized on his heels, but no one else moved. Obviously, the other men had taken heed and remained outside with the deputy who stood a safe distance away. "Dammit, Grayson, what the hell are you doing?"
"What you're not," Grayson replied rifling through a rucksack he discovered. He pulled out a money clip with a big "W" engraved as well as a watch. "Bet if you check, these things belonged to Watson." He threw them onto the table and stalked from the place.
Another horseman neared and everyone pulled their guns holding them at a ready. Grayson squinted and let another ripe curse out. "Put your guns down, it's my brother."
The sheriff walked outside pointing his gun at Ashley. "I'm not so sure I shouldn't shoot him for escaping from jail."
"The hell you will," Grayson held the nuzzle of his gun to the man's temple not flinching at the click of another weapon at his own, held by the deputy.
Ashley raced closer, his horse heaving hard breaths and prancing when he pulled it to a stop. His keen eyes locked onto the sheriff. "I'll go back to jail, just making sure my brother didn't come to harm."
The sheriff did not lower his weapon, his gaze slid to Grayson, who continued to hold his gun up. "Both of you will be locked up if this doesn't clear you." He gritted. "Where's Grace?"
Brows drawn, Ashley gave the sheriff a one-shouldered shrug. "If you're referring to your newest deputy, last I saw her she was sitting at the desk. Mad as all get out, but unharmed."
Finally the lawman lowered his weapon and the other two lowered as well. "There better not be one bruise on her." He looked to Grayson. "Even if these articles prove to be Watson's, it doesn't prove Ashley's innocence. A judge will have to decide."
The sheriff stalked to his horse and mounted, followed by his deputy. Ashley remained mounted, his eyes sliding over Grayson as if to ensure he was unharmed. Grayson cleared his throat. "Is my brother to remain your prisoner?"
Annoyance etched across Dawson's features as he regarded Ashley. "I suppose you'll stick around if I let you go, but be warned if I find you're the one who's been hiding out here, I'm coming back for you."
"Wait," Ashley moved closer to the sheriff whose entire body tensed. Ashley held out the rifle he'd stowed on the saddle holder. "It's yours." It disappeared from his hand and the sheriff huffed and shoved it into his own holder. "See that you stay around these parts, Ashley." With one last glare at Grayson, the lawman guided his steed away and kicked it into a gallop. The rest of the men followed suit, several of them shaking their heads and finally allowing smiles loose at the sheriff's retreating form.
With purposeful strides Grayson went to his horse and mounted, he drew up next to his brother. "Should we find a comfortable place to camp? The stranger, whoever he is hasn't left; all his things are still in there,” he motioned toward the shack with his head. “Maybe he's isn't aware we came here and will come to see about his belongings before leaving."
Ashley frowned and scanned the area. "It's hard to tell, with so many horses and all the ruckus if he was near, he's clean gone by now."
The brothers settled soon after, in a clearing not too far from the stranger's hiding place. Grayson looked to Ashley. "Thank you."
Ashley grunted and chewed on some jerky. "It's what brothers do. 'Sides you did all this because of me."
Chapter Twelve
Nora settled into her steamy bath and sighed. Finally, relaxation after a day of flinching every time the door to the mercantile opened. In the quiet of the moment, her mind wondered to Grayson. Had he found the stranger? If so what had occurred?
Gossip from two women that entered the mercantile informed her that Ashley was no longer in jail and that the sheriff was enraged at his daughter Grace for allowing him to escape.
She tried to picture Grace Dawson; the young woman had always been on the fringes of her friendship circles, preferring ranching to sewing and teas. Much to her mother's chagrin, the sheriff encouraged the girl's wild ways. Although she'd spent time with her years ago when attending Sunday school, she was older now maybe she'd grown to be more feminine.
When someone rapped on the front door, she gasped and realize she'd been in the water so long it had cooled considerably. Nora didn't expect anyone, for goodness sakes, it was almost seven in the evening. The only person who visited so late, on occasion was her brother. Reaching for a towel, she climbed from the tub and dried before wrapping a robe around her body.
Trembling from the cool air, she tiptoed to the window and peeked out through the curtains. A dark figure stood at her doorstep, the face hidden by shadows, but she could tell it was a male by the size of him.
"Nora? It's Sheriff Dawson."
Relief left her in waves as she went to the doorway. She cracked it just enough to peek out. "I'm sorry, Sheriff Dawson, I'm not dressed. What can I do for you?"
The man looked away, his face reddening. "I do apologize for the lateness, but I must ask you some questions. I can wait out here until you dress."
She nodded and looked past him to the street. Last thing she needed was gossips wondering why the sheriff visited and the news getting to Mitch. "Please come in, I'll be right back." After opening the door, she dashed to her bedroom to change.
Nora poured hot coffee into a cup and continued in her attempt to make up a story as to why she was aware of where the stranger lived. "So as you see the other day, after the stranger came to the mercantile, I happened to be out riding and caught sight of the man going toward the abandoned cabin over by the lake. I mentioned it to Grayson Cole when he came to the store a day later and told me he'd heard about an argument between Walker and a stranger."
"Why would Cole confide this information to you?" Sheriff Dawson frowned while waiting for her reply.
"We were, er...are...engaged."
His brows rose and he blinked several times before formulating some sort of reply. "I wasn't aware."
Nora took a breath. "Is there anything else, sheriff?"
Dawson studied her for a moment. "I wonder if you would assist in any way to free your future brother-in-law."
Since it was not a question, Nora remained quiet while she pictured kicking the irritating man under the table. Sheriff Dawson was not a bad person, if anything he was an excellent lawman. But this questioning could have waited for a more sensible hour to say the least.
Relief filled her when he reached for his hat and stood. "Again I apologize for coming so late. It's just that wondering how you knew where that man hid, would have bothered me all night. Thank you for your time, Miss Banks."
She followed him to the door and waited patiently until the man descended the stairs from her porch before she closed it behind him and sagged against the door. If only she knew where the stranger was, it would be easier to keep from running into him. Or worse, that Mitch happened upon him.
"Nora?" Mitch knocked on her bedroom door. "Are you all right?"
She bolted upright and noticed that the room was alight with sunshine. "Oh lord, how late is it?" she mumbled, scrambling from the bed, grabbing her robe and wrapped it tightly around her just as Mitch walked in.
His eyes assessed her and a smile curved his lips. "You sleeping in today, sister? Ma sent me to check on you when you didn't show up at eleven. I used my key to come in when you didn't answer my knocking."
"What?" she searched around until seeing the small clock on her dresser. "Goodness, I've never slept this late."
"You deserve the rest, probably need it especially after how unwell you looked yesterday. Why don't you spend the day at home?"
An idea came to her and she nodded to her brother. "Good idea, I will take a day of leisure. As a matter of fact, I may just go for a ride. Get some fresh air."
"I can go with you when I finish unloading. It won't take me long." Of course, her brother always protective would insist. Nora could kick herself for blurting out the idea.
"Well, I'm not sure yet. If I do, I will come fetch you." She gave him what hopefully came across as a bright smile. "I better get dressed and make some tea. Care for some?"
He shook his head and moved toward the door and stopped abruptly. "Why are there two coffee cups on the table? Who was here?"
Frozen on the spot, Nora looked to the table as if to confirm what he stated. "I--I suppose I've been getting messy, no one has been here, both are mine."
Mitch was already heading outside and she breathed a sigh of relief, with only a tingle of guilt. Her brother trusted her, never expected her to keep any secrets from him. And she'd never lied to him before, but in this it was imperative he not find out who was in town.
After dressing in a simple fade calico shirt and a serviceable riding skirt, she pulled her long wavy hair into the familiar hairstyle of a loose bun at her nape. She placed her hat low toward the front of her face and left to where her horse was stabled.
The sheriff hadn't arrested the stranger, so he was still loose. Her mind was made up. She'd kill him before allowing harm to come to Mitch or her.
Riding astride, Nora made good time to the one area she avoided for many years. The grass was tall and green from the recent rains and wild flowers bloomed adding sprinkles of blue and yellow. With a loud squawk, a falcon flew overhead and she followed its decent into the tree line noting how dense the forest had become.
Once she left the pathway, she slowed keeping a keen ear for any noise. From her vintage point atop the horse, Nora didn't have to go too close to get a good view of the shack.
Looking to the right and left, she found a place where she'd tether the horse and she guided her stead there. With swift moves she dismounted and tied the horse to a low branch. Her vision blurred and she held her hand up to the tree. God she needed to keep it together, no matter how terrifying the situation, there was not other way. This man took so much from them already. She would not allow him to take anymore. Nora pushed past the panic that threatened to choke her and inhaled deeply.
Unaccustomed to the weight of a gun belt at her hips, Nora pulled at it with shaking hands and arranged the leather.
She pulled the revolver from the belt and turned toward the shack only to gasp when a hand covered her mouth and an arm coiled around her center.
Terror squeezed in her chest, made it impossible to breathe. She was dragged backward a few feet before she remembered she had a gun. Waiting for the perfect moment, Nora allowed the man to continue to drag her until he finally stopped and spoke. "What in the hell are you doing here, Nora?"
It was Grayson. Tears of relief stung and she blinked them away only to notice he stared at the gun in her hand.
Determined not to show weakness, Nora looked him straight in the eye. "There is something I have to do. To protect Mitch." Chin jutted forward, she held her head high. "You'd do the same for your brother in my place."
"He has," Ashley stepped out behind Grayson.
"I don't know why you think your brother needs protecting but you have to leave," Grayson neared and took her by the shoulders. "This is too dangerous. We are waiting for the stranger and going to take him in if he's not spooked by now with so many people coming and going." Brilliant blue eyes bore into hers. "Please."
"At this point, it's more dangerous for her to return alone," Ashley chimed in, his deep voice flat.
Grayson sighed and looked towards the shack. "I think it's a lost cause anyway, he didn't show last night, I think he's on to us, probably long gone. Why are you so adamant about this man, Nora?" He dropped his hands from her shoulders and Nora could not think of what to say, not to him, never would she admit her shame.
Taking two steps back, she turned toward the house and holstered her gun. "He's not there?" her voice barely above a whisper.
"Nope, I think we need to head back to town," Grayson replied, coming up behind her. "Do you know this man?"
An involuntary shudder shook her. "In a way, yes."
"You planned to kill him didn't you?"
"Yes, I did," Nora told him, her eyes meeting his. "I want him dead."
It struck her as strange that Grayson did not react. He looked toward the shac
k instead. "Let's go, Nora, I'll escort you home."
Perhaps the stranger was gone and nothing would come of it. For a few more seconds she stared at the house. Hopefully all the comings and goings did spook him into leaving town. Unfortunately the heaviness in her stomach warned her that something bad was about to happen.
"Are you all right?" Grayson took her arm and turned her to face him. "You've turned pale. Talk to me."
The earnest depth of his expression almost brought the story out of her, but she bit down against it. "It's nothing more than fatigue." Without meaning to she glanced back toward the shack. "I sure hope he's gone."
"Come on." Grayson led her to where her horse was tethered and gave her a leg up to mount. Once she did, he motioned for her to remain. "Let me get my horse, I'll be right back."
Grayson dashed into the trees.
His watchful gaze on his brother's retreating form, Ashley moved to stand next to her. Both remained quiet waiting for Grayson.
A loud pop sounded echoing through the woods, dread slammed into Nora and she jerked toward Ashley who sprinted in the direction Grayson had gone.
Chapter Thirteen
"Are you sure you found Nora to be well?" his mother asked for the third time, her eyes going from Mitch to the door. "It's not like her to amble all day in bed."
Mitch reached behind the counter to find a cloth and wiped the sweat from his face. He eyed the large bags of rice he'd just carried in and nodded. "Yes, Ma, she was just tired. Said she planned to rest today. Also said if she decided to go out for fresh air, she'd come by and fetch me to go with her."
A woman neared and glanced at him, obviously she'd been listening in on their conversation. "I just saw Nora heading out of town on horseback. Riding astride no less." She lifted her nose in distaste. "In my day, women would never be caught riding, much less astride."
A Different Shade of Blue, Shades of Blue, Book 2 Page 9