Cassidy's War

by Susan Macatee

  He steered her into the narrow space, expecting her to protest, but she allowed him to guide her.

  After propping her against the brick wall, he searched her face. Her lower lip trembled, and the urge to kiss her overwhelmed him. He leaned in close and, pushing the brim of her hat back, touched his mouth to hers. She tensed for a moment, then softened, leaning into him.

  Encouraged, he deepened the kiss, tracing his tongue along her lush lips. She opened to him, and he reveled in her sweet taste.

  She stiffened, breaking the spell. He came up for air and followed her gaze. A man walked by the alley, but continued on.

  “It’s all right,” George whispered. “He’s gone.”

  She lifted her gloved hand to stroke his face. Her light touch sent waves of fire through his body. His shaft throbbed with want. If they didn’t get out of this alley, he’d be tempted to take her right here. But it wouldn’t be right. Not for a lady like her.

  “Cassie, I need to get you home.”

  “No, George. You’re not being honest with me. I have to know you won’t leave me or take up with someone else.”

  He sighed. “You’re still worried about my trip to Philadelphia...the nurse at the hospital.”

  She lifted her chin. “I won’t be strung along again. Not by you or anyone.” Her lower lip trembled.

  He leaned forward to kiss her again, but her downcast expression halted him. He had to tell her the truth, whether it redeemed or damned him in her eyes.

  “Cassie...” He placed a finger under her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. “Since I returned to town, I haven’t been entirely honest with you.”

  She lurched away from him, but he held her fast.

  “You’re still the same man you were before the war. My mother and sister warned me, and now you’ve proven them right.”

  He shook his head. “No. You don’t understand at all. No one in this town does.” He took a deep breath. “The reason I’m investigating Dr. Madison is not because the colonel hired me, although it’s true the doctor did assault the colonel’s daughter...” He hesitated, knowing he had to tell her, but afraid of the results.

  “So why are you investigating him?” Cassidy’s glare pinned him.

  “I...I’m working for the Pinkerton Agency. William Pinkerton sent me to investigate at the colonel’s request.”

  Cassidy sank against the wall. “You’re a Pinkerton agent?”

  “Shh.” He pressed a finger against her lips. “I don’t want this getting around town, at least until my investigation is finished. That’s why I couldn’t tell you.”

  She lifted a hand to cover her mouth. “I can’t believe this. How long have you been an agent?”

  “Not long. About six months. Before that I earned my living as a professional gambler.”

  “George, this is just too much for me to take in.” She frowned. “The reason you went to Philadelphia...”

  “Was because Mr. Pinkerton sent me an urgent message. He wanted me to interview a nurse who once worked for the Madisons.”

  She scowled. “And Mrs. Claymore?”

  “She works for the Pinkertons as a messenger. She stayed in town to relay messages back and forth for me.”

  Cassidy swallowed. “You couldn’t telegraph...?”

  “Too risky.”

  She wrapped her arms around his shoulders enclosing him in her scent. “I’m so sorry I doubted you. Please, stay with me. I need to learn more.”

  “All right.” He pushed her away with a gentle grasp of her shoulders, then glanced down the alley. “But I think we need to talk about this somewhere else.”

  “We could go to your room.” She caught his gaze, her intent clear.

  “No, Cassie, I don’t want to ruin your reputation.”

  “Blast my reputation! All it’s gotten me is a proposal from a man who attacks women under his care.” She grasped his shoulders. “Please, take me to your room.”

  “All right. But just to talk.”

  As he led her from the alley, he wasn’t sure if he could keep his promise. With the woman of his dreams in the privacy of his hotel room again, there was no telling what might happen.

  ****

  After Cassidy ran off, Scott lost the little composure he had left and kicked three pickets from his fence. He would have knocked down the entire blasted thing if passersby hadn’t stopped to gawk.

  His only choices were to go inside and stew or go after the woman who ruined all his plans. Glancing down the road, he caught sight of her skirts as she raced away. He’d go after the little bitch and force her to listen to reason.

  He strode down the road, ignoring the stares of townspeople, but before he could reach her, another man raced forward, stopping her flight.

  Scott halted, trying to get a closer look at the man. He might be one of the local shopkeepers, in which case Scott would stroll up and take over. But as the man turned his way, Scott’s face heated.

  George Masters! Damn it! I was right about the two of them.

  Scott flattened himself against the nearest building and watched. He hoped she’d send Masters away, and he could catch her before anyone else did.

  Miss Stuart leaned into him. He put his arm around her and led her back this way. Scott glanced from side to side. He couldn’t allow either of them to see him, but he had to know where they were going.

  He crouched to stay out of their sight, relieved when they entered an alley next to the hotel. He moved to a better vantage position to wait them out.

  A few minutes later, they left the alley and stepped around the other side of the hotel. Racing across the street, he watched as they walked around to the back.

  Blast it all! He’s sneaking her into his room!

  His jaw clenched as he realized he could do nothing to stop them, but, by God, they would both pay for this.

  ****

  Cassidy woke to a shaft of sunlight in her face. She frowned as she realized this wasn’t her room. Moving her hand to her side, she found a hard, warm body beside her.

  George!

  Her heart lurched. She hadn’t meant to fall asleep. Grasping the sheet against her bared bosom, she scanned the room for the clock.

  “Oh, no!” Seven in the morning. Her mother and Quinn would be frantic.

  George stirred beside her. He opened an eye as she surged out of bed searching for her clothes.

  “Cassie?” he croaked.

  “I’ve got to get home.” She settled her chemise over her head and tied on her drawers. “We fell asleep. My family...”

  He lurched from the bed. “I’m sorry, Cassie. I should’ve taken you home last night before it got too late.”

  She hesitated, eyeing his naked body. Heat crept up her face. He grasped his drawers and yanked them on.

  Finding her stockings, she rolled them up, then fastened her petticoats, all the time fearing the reception she’d have once she arrived home.

  “What will I tell my family?” She searched George’s face. His frown told her he didn’t have an answer.

  “We’ll think of something.” He pulled on his trousers. His gaze swept the floor, and his hand wrapped around his wrinkled shirt.

  By the time she’d settled her gown over her head, he shrugged into his coat. He reached for her and kissed her, his scent and taste causing Cassidy’s breath to catch.

  He stroked her cheek and searched her gaze. “I’m so sorry, Cassie. I’ve likely ruined your reputation beyond repair.”

  She smiled. “I don’t care anymore. I love you, George. I reckon I’ve always loved you, even when we were children and you teased me without mercy.”

  He smirked. “I was in love with you then, but you wouldn’t give me the time of day. I was afraid if I went too far, you’d bust me in the nose.”

  She laughed at the memory. “I think all the boys were afraid of me.”

  He brushed a hand over his jaw. “If they didn’t want you to sock them. We were all afraid of Josh, too.”


  “I know.” Her eyes misted as memories surfaced of her oldest brother. “I miss him, George.”

  “So do I.” He glanced at her hat on the ottoman. “You’d best get yourself presentable, so I can walk you home.”

  “Reckon we can get out of here without the whole town knowing?”

  “I’ll see if I can sneak you out the back.”

  She pinned on her hat and reached for his hand. “No matter what happens, George, I’ll never be sorry for this.”

  He nodded and lifted her hand, allowing his lips to brush her knuckles. Delicious anticipation sent her stomach fluttering, but she couldn’t stay.

  He opened the door, glanced outside, then reached for her hand. “Let’s get you home.”

  ****

  By afternoon, Cassidy could stand no more questions from her mother and retreated to her room. She and George concocted a story of his being ill and her staying to be sure he was all right, but her mother and brother didn’t seem convinced. Quinn’s stern gaze swept over them, while her mother sniffed into her hanky, eyes red rimmed from crying the night before.

  Cassidy apologized for making them worry, but caught Ma’s scowl at George. She had to suspect what had happened last night. Cassidy believed her brother knew, though he wouldn’t betray his suspicions to Ma. Should she just admit they’d found solace in each other after so long and had given in to lust?

  But their tryst hadn’t been pure lust. She loved George. And he’d promised not to leave her again. Now she knew he was working as a Pinkerton agent, the pride she felt for him added to her trust. She felt sure he wouldn’t leave her now. But she had to take care she didn’t reveal his identity to anyone else in town, including Quinn.

  A knock at her door roused her from her thoughts. “Who’s there?” she called.

  “Cassie,” her mother called through the door. “Someone’s come to pay you a call.”

  “George.” She slid from the bed and patted her hair into place before the mirror, then opened the door.

  Ma eyed her and shook her head. “It’s not George.”

  “Then who? I don’t want to see anyone else right now.”

  Her mother sighed. “Dr. Madison. He insists he must see you.”

  Cassidy’s heart lurched. “He wants me to accept his marriage proposal and I can’t.”

  “I can see that.” Ma searched her gaze. “But you must see him and tell him outright. You’re obviously in love with George. Just tell Dr. Madison, so he’ll leave you be.”

  Cassidy reached for her mother’s hand. “Are you very disappointed in me?”

  Ma’s gaze dropped, but a soft smile played about her lips. “What I want is for all my children to be happy. If George makes you happy, who am I to argue?”

  Leaning forward, she kissed her mother’s cheek. “Thank you, Ma. It means a great deal to me that you have faith in my choices.”

  “Of course, dear. Now, go see Dr. Madison and let him down easy.”

  “I’ll try.”

  She found him in the parlor, gazing at the family daguerreotypes. When she entered, he turned her way and lifted one of the photos. “Your oldest brother, I surmise.”

  She gazed at the photo of Josh, standing tall and proud in his uniform. “Yes, he was killed at Gettysburg.” She stepped toward him and waved an arm for him to take a seat.

  After setting the photo back, he sat and waited for her to do the same. She perched across from him, smoothing her skirts. She didn’t want him near enough to touch her. Just the thought repulsed her.

  His gaze darkened as he held hers. “I’ve been patient with you, Miss Stuart, and bowed to your wishes of taking our courtship slow, but now...” He waved his hand. “I see why you won’t accept my proposal of marriage.”

  “I—I don’t know what you mean?” Her heart leapt into her throat as he glowered.

  His voice lowered, taking on a dangerous edge. “I saw you and Masters last night after you ran from me. Sneaking into his hotel. You were with him last night, weren’t you?”

  She swallowed, but she should have known someone would see them. By now, no doubt, gossip engulfed the town. Smoothing her skirts, she tried to think of what to say.

  “I was with him, yes.” Her gazed locked with Madison’s. “I love him, and that’s why I can’t marry you.”

  His face colored and he rose to his feet, grasping his hat. “I thought you were a moral, respectable woman I would be proud to have as my wife, but now I see you’re nothing but a strumpet.”

  She rose to face him, her face heating. How dare he after what he’d done to other women? “I’d like you to leave now, Doctor.”

  “Oh, I will.” He waved his hat. “But you’ll be sorry you humiliated me like this. Both you and Masters. You’ll pay for this.”

  She scowled. “How dare you insult me in my own home? You can spread whatever gossip you like, but I’ll not have you threaten me or Mr. Masters.” She waved her arm in invitation for him to exit the room. “Now, please leave!”

  “With pleasure.” He strode to the door, set his hat on his head, and stormed out.

  Once he’d gone, she glanced down the road, but she didn’t see him or his carriage, if he’d brought one. She let out the breath she’d held, closed the door, and leaned against it.

  Just what did Madison’s threats mean? Would he dare to harm her...or George? She had to warn him.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  After the incident with Madison the day before, Cassidy paced the floor, unable to relax. She sent a note with Matt to deliver to George at his hotel warning him about the doctor.

  Her mother, although she could tell she didn’t quite believe her story concerning the night she’d spent with George, kept her peace, but she did tell Cassidy Dr. Madison was angry that she’d turned down his proposal, and her mother feared he’d react badly.

  Quinn told her he’d seen Miss Baker, given her a clean bill of health, and talked her into an outing at the ice cream parlor. The teacher admitted to Quinn she feared Dr. Madison but wouldn’t tell him why. He planned to gently pry it from her.

  Late Wednesday afternoon, Cassidy walked into town to pick up the mail but glanced over her shoulder at every sound. She didn’t think the doctor would try to accost her in public but also didn’t relish the idea of the whole town talking about her and George.

  She sighed. Seems she had no choice but to show her face in town and get it over with.

  On her stroll through the streets, she noted a few women with their heads together whispering behind their hands. She ignored them and called out a greeting to everyone she passed.

  She stepped onto the walk of the post office, looking over her shoulder for any sign of Dr. Madison. Once inside, she stayed on guard, her gaze sweeping from the counter to the door, while the clerk, Clyde Johnson, checked for her mail.

  “Here you are, Miss Cassie.” Mr. Johnson handed her three posts, two addressed to Quinn and one for her. She gasped as she read the return address, Female Medical College of Pennsylvania.

  Her hands trembled as she held the post.

  The clerk eyed her. “Aren’t you gonna open it?”

  She pursed her lips. “Yes, I guess I should.” Her hands shook so bad, she had trouble breaking the seal.

  “Hope it’s not bad news, Miss,” Mr. Johnson said.

  “I surely hope not.” She turned her back to him and straightened out the fold of paper. Her eyes misted, and she had trouble making out the type.

  “Focus,” she whispered. Blinking her eyes, she scanned down to the body of the letter.

  Dear Miss Stuart, we are pleased to accept you as a student at the Female Medical College of Pennsylvania for the class starting September 1870.

  Cassidy whooped and spun toward the startled clerk.

  “Good news, Miss?” he guessed.

  “The absolute best! I’ve been accepted to medical school.”

  “Glad to hear it, Miss Cassie! I know you’ll make a great doc.”

 
“Thank you, Mr. Johnson.” She had the urge to throw her arms around the man but held back, instead clutching the post against her chest. She gathered her brother’s letters and turned toward the door.

  A gasp escaped her when she caught sight of Dr. Madison outside. She should have known she wouldn’t get home without bumping into him. Thoughts of retreating back into the post office were thwarted when he caught her gaze.

  “Miss Stuart.” He tipped his hat. “I’m glad I’ve run into you. I wanted to see you today...to apologize for my behavior yesterday.”

  She frowned. “Why bother?”

  “Cassie...” He shook his head. “I was hurt, and understandably so. I felt betrayed. But last night I realized Masters isn’t the type to stick around, even to make a woman respectable.”

  She swallowed. The last thing she wanted to do right now was to stand here conversing with Madison in front of the post office. “Doctor, if we could discuss this later?” She glanced up and down the street, noting people eyed them.

  He sighed. “Please, I’ve asked you to call me Scott.”

  She bit her lip.

  “But there’s still time to quell all the gossip.” He reached for her hand. She pulled away.

  “Cassie, I can make you respectable if you’ll only accept my proposal. You know from past experience, Masters won’t stay in town long. He’ll leave and you’ll be disgraced.” He glanced at her stomach. “Or worse if he’s left you with child.”

  Her body heated with fury at his implications. She slapped his face. Her hand stung, but it felt good.

  He gaped at her. She spun on her heel and strode away.

  ****

  Early evening, Cassidy stepped into the lobby of the hotel. She no longer cared what anyone in town thought. She had to see George tonight.

  Earlier, when she’d first returned home, she showed the post from the college to her mother and Quinn. Her brother was ecstatic, assuring her he knew she’d be accepted. They both congratulated her, but her mother didn’t seem thrilled with the idea of Cassidy going off to study in Philadelphia.

  “Cassie,” Ma had said, “you’ll be so far away for so long.”