Nick handed him two rifles and cradled three in his arms. “We’ll need to take the long way around and come in behind the back of the hotel.”
Francis nodded.
Nick had followed orders and thought quickly on his feet. Maybe the two had more common ground than Francis had previously thought. “I’m counting on Roady having that back door unlocked. I’m ready to go. How about you?”
Nick nodded. The creaky floor was unnerving, but they’d cleared the area. No one was around to hear. Pink hadn’t been anywhere near the livery, and the windows of his small shack out back were dark. No telling if he was in or out.
They emerged from the rickety building, keeping to the tree line. Hunched over with their load, they snuck along the side of the road and then ducked behind some underbrush. They were about to start picking their way toward the hotel when Francis pulled up short.
Someone whispered.
He put a finger to his lips then placed his feet carefully so as not to snap any twigs. They went farther into the brush, curious to see who was out there. Ike! Jonathan Burg! Other men from the ranch. Francis straightened and walked forward to a barrage of guns drawn from their holsters. “Hold your fire.”
“That you, Francis?”
Relief surged through him. “Sure, it’s me! And Nick. Am I ever glad to see you. How could you leave the ranch?” Bob and Tanner were there as well… and Leonard Browning, attorney in Y Knot, and the ever straight-standing Judge Harrison Wesley. Francis hadn’t seen the judge since last May when he’d come through Y Knot to take care of the Sangers. “I can’t believe my eyes!”
“With no new reports reaching our ears and no one returning, we got worried,” Jonathan said, his beat-up, sweat-stained hat still pulled low over his eyes, even in the darkness. “We got word back from Flood. They’re set to reach Y Knot tomorrow, so they sent us on ahead. Didn’t want to risk somethin’ happenin’ to Luke.” He glanced around at the others, who nodded. “Justin’s still in town as well as Hayden Klinkner, Morgan Stanford, and others. This was important.”
Ike’s face was drawn. “We wanted to come sooner. But we couldn’t until we got an order. Browning returned from Waterloo on the same day the judge here meandered into Y Knot with his family and two loaded wagons.” His crooked smile appeared in the scant moonlight. “We were just about to ride into Priest’s Crossing and find you men, but the hour’s late. We didn’t want to startle Jack, knowing his history. We don’t want a war.”
Jonathan edged in closer. “Felt prudent to wait until morning to see who was friend and who wasn’t.” He eyed all the weapons Francis and Nick held awkwardly in their arms and gun belts buckled around their hips.
At the moment, Francis felt a little amused himself.
“And what in sake’s name are you two doin’? Raiding the town of their guns?”
“No, but that’s not a half-bad idea,” Nick said.
Francis pulled back his shoulders. “We’re gettin’ ready for trouble. Jack confiscated my firearm when I arrived and will take yours as well or anyone else associated with Luke. Before he could take these, I told Roady and the others to hide ’em. Today Nick heard talk of a lynching. They don’t like the fact Harrison and Luke are friends. Think the judge will be partial. We don’t want to be unprepared if they decide to act on their words.”
“A lynching will not take place,” Harrison barked out. “After all the years judges serve riding up and down the territory, we end up knowing everyone. The outlaws, the law keepers, and everyone between. Jack Jones and the rest of Priest’s Crossing can go suck eggs for all I care. Familiarity can’t be helped with so few judges serving the territories.”
Nick tipped his head. “They might not be quite so understanding.”
“Don’t bother me in the least,” Harrison replied.
Francis was close enough to see the fire in the judge’s eyes.
“How’s Luke holding up?” Leonard Browning asked. “His confinement’s going on two weeks. That would be difficult for anyone.”
Francis and Nick exchanged another brief glance. The men would be shocked when they saw Luke. “Not good,” Francis said. “Townsfolk blame his Cheyenne blood. Rumors have run rampant. In their heads, he’s been tried and convicted. Luke’s confinement is hard on Faith and Colton as well. Sooner this is wrapped up and we’re on the way back to the ranch, the better. Oh, another interesting fact. An old woman died last night. They say she fell and broke her neck. But to me, looked like she’d been doing some entertaining. The killer may have struck again.”
“That’d be a bold move. Killing twice in the same town,” Ike mumbled.
Francis shrugged. “Maybe he’s gettin’ jittery. Maybe she knew something…”
The horses looked worn out. They stood quietly as Bob held their reins. A modicum of pride stirred in Francis’s chest. He realized, without being asked, he was almost running the show. A fleeting thought of Ashley went through his mind, and he was grateful she was home in her bed, safe from murderers feeling the heavy burden of their guilt.
“What do you think about staying out here for a while longer?” Francis asked the men. “Let Browning and the judge ride in together alone tomorrow morning?” He glanced at Nick. “Just keeping some cards close to the vest feels righter than wrong. Things have been strange around here. No one’s talking sense. They believe the widow’s far-fetched claim of Luke killing her husband for money and then beating her too. To tell you the truth, I don’t know what the heck will happen.”
“I can’t be plotting a breakout or sneaking around,” Harrison said.
“Me either,” Browning joined in. “We’ll follow the law.”
Francis nodded. “Good. That’s what Luke wants. You tell the town that and see if they listen.”
Jonathan gripped Francis by his shoulder.
In all actuality, seeing these friendly faces was nice.
“You can count on me, Bob, Tanner, and Ike, to remain here. Is this the best place to camp to stay out of sight? Sure wish we still had Uncle Pete with us.”
Pain at their fallen comrade’s memory sliced at Francis. “I know. I miss him too.” He glanced around. “This is as good a place as any. Now, Tanner, being new to the ranch, I have a different job for you. No one knows you around these parts or even much in Y Knot, so you’re gonna do some undercover work. Come into town but steer clear of us. Pretend you’re a stranger. You might learn something we can’t.” Fighting to get under the three gun belts buckled around his hips, he fished in his pocket and pulled out the money clip. “Flash this around and see what happens. Someone’s bound to know something.”
The men gathered around to see what Francis was talking about.
“That we know of, only two of ’em were in town. Neil Huntsman, Tilly’s husband and the clerk at the bank, owns one, and he’s been cleared. I found this one at Benson’s cabin, wedged in the cushions of a chair. Might belong to the killer. Find out what you can.”
Tanner, the youngest of the Petty boys, flashed his easygoing smile. “Will do, Francis.”
“Good man.” Francis glanced to the judge and attorney to see if they would object.
“That’s not breaking any laws that I know of,” Browning said. He shrugged and looked at Judge Wesley for confirmation.
“None. Just don’t ask me any questions, and I won’t have to lie.”
“Good enough, then,” Francis replied, feeling a whole lot better about the situation. He and Nick still had to get the guns back to the hotel unseen, and the hours were slipping away. “Luke will be damn happy to see you, Harrison. You too, Browning.” He grinned at the ranch hands. “And you know how he feels about all you. Thank you for coming. We never thought this arrest would go on so long.” Francis hefted the two rifles back into his arms. He looked to Nick. “You ready?”
“As much as I’ll ever be. That’s a good idea with Tanner, I’ll give you that.”
Francis smiled, knowing how much that compliment must cost his
rival. “Wish us luck, boys,” he said, looking at the group. “We’ll see some of you in the morning, God willing.”
Chapter Forty-Six
Like a trembling rabbit, Ashley crouched behind a thick brambleberry bush, her breath hissing between her teeth. As she’d made her way to town along the road, she’d gotten the distinct feeling she was being followed. At first, she’d shaken off the wariness, believing the sensation was just her fears running wild. She could walk to town in the middle of the night if she wanted without being questioned for doing something crazy.
Fortifying her mind, she’d briskly walk on. But then she’d thought, or imagined, she’d heard something behind her. The sound fueled her imagination. Was Blanche trailing her? Had her friend gotten up, rattled by her accomplice chancing the midnight visit, and observed Ashley leave from the kitchen side of the house? The memory of Blanche’s eyes filled with insanity sent a chill up her spine. Did her friend believe Ashley was turning her in? If yes, surely the woman would want to prevent her reaching town. Maybe she’d even take some deadly action. If Ashley had her way, come morning, her former teacher would be in the jail cell that held Luke McCutcheon now, and he’d be free.
With her heart rate back to normal, the dizziness in her head gone, and the intention of continuing onward, Ashley straightened. In her fright, she’d veered off the side of the road to hide in the brushy landscape. Now she needed to press onward. Town was close. She’d arrive in less than five minutes and find a place where she could watch for the midnight caller. Identify him. Perhaps she could climb onto the roof of some building. Afterward, somehow, she’d find Francis and report what she knew. She’d not trust Jack Jones or Deputy Clark. For all she knew, the man outside Blanche’s window could be either of them.
Just as Ashley took her first step, she glanced over her shoulder one last time. Some distance away, the cloak-covered man stood very close to a large oak, as if trying to hide. He was wrapped in darkness, and she still couldn’t make out who it was.
He’s waiting for me to make the next move. Stupid! I’ve been so stupid to come off the road. Down here, no one will find me.
She didn’t have a second to spare. Benson’s murderer—Mildred’s too—was planning to make her his next victim. With every ounce of strength she had, she pushed off with her back leg and darted in the opposite direction than he’d expect her to go, taking her away from town, but toward a deer trail that would bring her back in and around. The undergrowth here was dense and unforgivable. Her every move was hampered.
She heard a curse. Then he came after her, the crashing of his feet loud. He didn’t care who heard. A desperate man was dangerous. Her life could end in the blink of an eye. Gasping for breath, she dug deep for energy and pushed off. She had to get away.
Ashley stumbled. Searing heat sliced across her cheek. Ignoring the pain, she sprinted on, pushing at branches and jumping the difficult-to-see rocks and logs that threatened to trip her stride. She had no choice but to outrun him. How far away was the trail? She should have reached it by now. The going was difficult. By the sound, she thought he’d reach her any moment. Her cloak caught, and she almost fell again but jerked the fabric away to freedom. Hot tears scalded her cheeks. She had to tell someone the truth. She had to free Luke McCutcheon. She was his only chance. And what about Francis? Her heart surged at the thought of him. Her legs faltered, and her lungs screamed for air, for rest, for life.
Unable to sleep and sick with worry, Faith sat at the hotel window, staring out on the quiet town, the darkness reminding her of evenings back on the ranch. Would their lives ever be the same? What was in store for Luke? Surely the townsfolk of Priest’s Crossing would come to their senses. Today, after she’d left Colton with Smokey, she’d sought out Joe and Pearl Brunn. Finally getting a chance to talk face-to-face, they were more able to speak freely since she was alone. She saw the guilt in Joe’s face. He was trying to help—talking to people and countering suspicions and lies when he heard them.
It was Pearl who worried Faith. The new bride held firm to her conviction Blanche would never lie, especially not about her beloved brother’s death. When Joe said something positive, one would only have to look at Pearl’s face to make no progress at all. As Faith spelled out the impossibility of Luke being guilty, she did her best to hold her temper. The woman’s steadfast demeanor was infuriating.
Tomorrow she’d walk out to the Adair house and speak with Blanche herself. That chore was long overdue. If the woman wouldn’t come into town, Faith would search her out. Roady had questioned her, but Faith wouldn’t get another wink of sleep until she took care of that task herself.
Movement on the street below caught Faith’s eye. In the darkness below, someone was creeping along, staying close to the ground. A cloak covered most of him—no, the person might be a woman. Was Blanche up to no good? Moving slowly, carefully. Now in front of the eatery, the person paused, but then moved forward again. Did whoever was out there have a gun? Were they set on shooting Luke before he could prove his innocence?
Faith pulled on her boots and gave Smokey’s shoulder a shake. “Someone’s outside. Sneaking toward the jail.”
Smokey sat up instantly. “Wait. Shad’s out there standing watch, but…”
Faith was already out the door.
By the time Faith ran down the hotel stairs and into the lantern light of the boardwalk, the cloaked figure had spotted her and was coming her way. Did Blanche want to speak with her as much as she wanted to question the woman responsible for jailing Luke? Or did malicious intent move her forward?
The cloak fell away just as the person reached Faith.
“Mrs. McCutcheon! Thank God I’ve found you,” Ashley gasped and then crumpled into her arms. A bleeding scratch marred her left cheek, and the fabric of her dressing gown was torn at the hem and one sleeve.
Had the young woman Francis was rumored to be taken with just run to town without dressing?
Ashley gripped at Faith’s arms as she looked over her shoulder her body shaking. “We have to hide. He’s coming!”
“Who?” Faith asked. “What’s wrong? What’re you frightened of?” They stole close to the side of the building as Smokey and Roady appeared.
“Catch your breath,” Smokey said. “You’re safe now. We won’t let nothin’ hurt ya.”
“But… but my mother could be in danger. I need to get back to my house before something terrible happens. Blanche might turn on her.”
“What’s going on?” Roady asked.
Ashley took a deep breath, clutching her cape at the neckline. “Please, I need to speak with Francis.”
“He’s not here,” Roady said. “He’ll be back soon.”
She glanced back the way she’d come. “We need to get out of sight. The person chasing me was on his way back to town. I ran cross-country to get to Priest’s Crossing first so I could identify him. He’s the one who killed Benson! Along with Blanche. He was tapping at her window…”
Roady drilled her with a stare.
Excitement roared through Faith. Finally someone who could, and would, clear her husband’s name. “What do you—”
“We can’t stay out here,” she whispered. “Jed Kasterlee might see us. Or he might be the one. I don’t know.” Ashley stepped inside the open hotel door and the others followed. Her frightened gaze searched Faith’s. “The man probably already knows we’re here.”
Fear skittered around Faith’s chest. She searched the darkness outside, feeling like they were being watched. “We need to take care of that deep scratch on your cheek.”
Ashley pressed a handkerchief to her face that Smokey had given her.
Roady touched her arm. “Do you think your mother’s in danger?”
She told them everything she’d witnessed that night.
“How frightening!” Faith said. “And brave.” She glanced at Roady. “Should we tell Luke? What if Jack is guilty, or his deputy, Hoss Clark? No wonder they’d want to keep him locked up a
nd tried for their crime.”
“We won’t tell Luke—yet,” Roady said, keeping watch at the street. “We’ll wait until Francis and Nick get back with the weapons.” He scanned the alley. “I need to return to the back door of the hotel. That’s where Francis is bringing the guns. Faith, take Miss Adair upstairs to your room and tend to her wounds.”
Faith arched her eyebrow. “Don’t you think Mr. Kasterlee would have heard us by now and come to see what was happening, if he were here? Maybe he’s the one chasing Miss Adair.”
Roady nodded. “Could very well be, but we have to keep an open mind. Since the old lady died, this town’s a powder keg. People are scared. Even though Jones and Clark are passing the death off as an accident, some of the townspeople are changing their minds about Luke. The killer must be anxious to hang him before that happens. We need to be careful.”
Ashley fisted her hands. “But my mother!”
“Smokey, saddle up and ride out,” Roady barked. “As soon as Francis and Nick return, which should be any moment, I’ll send Nick to your house as well. You’ll have to tell Jack tomorrow what you know. Think you can do that?”
Ashley nodded. “I’ll tell everything, Mr. Guthrie.” She looked at Faith. “Your husband won’t take the blame for Blanche’s crime, even though she was once my friend.”
Overwhelmed with gratitude, Faith reached out and stroked her arm. “Thank you.” Her throat tightened and she had to look away.
“You might suffer at the hands of the others who think she’s innocent,” Roady said.
Ashley shrugged. “That can’t be helped.”
“Good. Faith, take her upstairs and be sure to lock the door. The killer thinks you know the truth about him. Pedro is in the next room. I’ll be in to check on you just as soon as Francis and Nick arrive.”
Faith placed a guiding hand on Ashley’s back in a surge of thankfulness. Miss Adair had put her life on the line to get the truth back to town. Faith owed her so much. Perhaps by tomorrow noon Luke would be free. That was a thought too good to be true.
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