Cassidy's War

by Susan Macatee

  “You’re going to see Masters,” he growled. “I’d hoped he was finished.”

  “If he dies, you’ll be a murderer. And he’s a Pinkerton agent. You’ll have the entire force out looking for you now. Even if you didn’t pull the trigger, you’ll be responsible for his death.”

  “A Pinkerton agent?” Scott sputtered. “It’s your fault all of this happened. I’ll take care of you just like I did your father.” He grasped her slender throat and squeezed.

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  George startled awake. He’d thought the voices below his window part of a dream. A male and female argued. He glanced across the room to the chair, making out the outline of Cassie’s brother.

  “Quinn,” George rasped.

  Quinn’s shadowed form sat straight up. “George, what’s wrong?”

  “I hear voices outside. In the alley.”

  Quinn crept around the room. The gas lamp flickered to life.

  George struggled to breathe as a sharp pain knifed into his rib.

  “Don’t move,” Quinn ordered. “I’ll see to it.” He stepped away from the light toward the window and peered out. “Hard to see, but I think two people are struggling in the alley.”

  George’s pulse raced. “Do you think Cassie would’ve come back?”

  Quinn stepped back to the bed, so George could make out his expression in the dim light. His rusty brows rose. “I wouldn’t think she’d come alone, but then again...” He bit his lip. “It is quite possible. I’d best take a look.”

  “Be careful,” George warned.

  After Quinn closed the door, George grasped his revolver from the bedside table and tucked the gun beneath him.

  Heart thundering, his impulse was to leap from the bed and confront whatever awaited outside.

  Damn it all! If anything happened to Cassidy, he’d never forgive himself.

  ****

  Cassidy gagged as Dr. Madison’s hands tightened around her throat. She fought to breathe. He’d said he’d taken care of her father. Had he killed him? Raising her foot, she kicked him as hard as she could in the shin.

  “You bitch!” He released his grip, and she twisted free.

  She turned, prepared to race from the alley, but another man appeared in the dim light.

  Not knowing what to do, she stopped.

  “Cassie?”

  Recognizing her brother’s voice, she raced into his arms.

  “What happened, Sis? Who...”

  Movement behind them caused Cassidy to turn her head. A blow sent her brother’s body slumping against her. Dr. Madison stood in the shadows grasping a large wooden beam.

  Cassidy gasped, teetering off balance as Quinn fell to the ground.

  “You’ve got no one to save you now,” Madison growled. Dropping the beam, he grasped her arm, twisting it behind her back as he smothered her screams with his hand.

  ****

  Scott forced Miss Stuart down the alley toward the back entrance of the hotel. He’d make her take him right to Masters. Now he knew the man to be a Pinkerton agent, he’d have to make sure he didn’t live to report Scott’s involvement with the shooting. Otherwise, he’d end up on the run with nothing left to live for unless he took care of both of them. Now. Miss Stuart twisted, kicking at him, but he swiveled her body to and fro to keep her off balance. She opened her mouth and bit his hand.

  “Damn it! I’ve got a derringer in my vest pocket. If you don’t stay still, I’ll be forced to use it on you.”

  She stilled and allowed him to lead her to the back door. “If you see anyone,” he whispered in her ear, “you’re to nod politely and not say a word.” He twisted her arm for emphasis.

  She nodded and he propelled her forward. As luck had it, no servants appeared at the back entrance. He forced Miss Stuart up the stairwell.

  “Step lightly,” he warned. “I don’t want to alert anyone we’re on these stairs.” She trembled, her slight nod the only answer. He exulted in his feeling of power. Maybe once he finished off Masters, he’d spend a little time alone with Miss Stuart so she could atone for all her rebuffs.

  She stopped in front of a door on the third floor.

  “That it?” He nodded toward the door.

  “Yes,” she whispered.

  “Open it,” he ordered.

  As she opened the door, he glanced up and down the corridor to be sure no one saw them enter.

  He shoved her inside, then eased the door closed behind him, adjusting his gaze to the dim lantern lit beside the bed. A full-size body lay shrouded in a quilt.

  “Go over there and lift the cover.” He pointed to the bed. “No tricks, though.” He waved his gun.

  Miss Stuart eased toward the bed, glancing back once. She lifted the quilt, revealing Masters. His eyes were closed, his face relaxed.

  “Please, Dr. Madison...” Miss Stuart turned toward him, her eyes wide. “You don’t have to do this. Just leave town now. I won’t tell anyone I saw you. You can get away before it’s too late.”

  “Oh, my dear,” Scott said. “It’s already too late for me.” He raised the derringer, pointing the barrel at Masters’ face.

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  George kept his breathing even, peering beneath closed lids at Madison.

  He’d heard them in the hall and covered himself, so the doctor would believe he slept. With his revolver still tucked beneath his body, he’d fire if he had to. But he didn’t like Cassidy being too close. If only he could warn her to move away, but he didn’t dare reveal he was awake.

  The sky outside his window brightened. Morning had to be swiftly approaching. Folks would be up and about. He hoped that would work in their favor.

  Madison raised his gun. George slid his revolver out. At the same moment, Cassidy stepped in front of him.

  Damn, woman! He bit his tongue to stop himself from shouting at her to get out of the way.

  “Don’t do this,” she pleaded.

  Her skirts obscured George’s view between his shuttered eyelids. A scuffling sound, followed by a grunt, and she’d fallen from his field of vision, revealing Madison. George aimed at the doctor’s midsection and fired. The loud blast echoed in the small room.

  Madison’s gun slipped from his hand. His eyes grew wide. “You son-of-a-bitch!” he breathed, as he caught George’s gaze. The doctor grasped his stomach and slid to the floor.

  “George!” Cassidy struggled to rise. Her gaze shifted from George to the felled doctor.

  “Get his gun,” George said. “Bring it here.”

  She scrambled to her feet and lifted the gun, handing the weapon to George.

  “Is he dead?” he asked.

  She kneeled by the doctor’s side and performed a cursory examination. “No, but he’s not moving.”

  “Good. Get the sheriff.”

  She shook her head. “I won’t leave you alone with him.”

  He caught her gaze. “I’ve got his gun. What’s he gonna do to me?”

  Leaning toward him, her soft lips found his mouth. After a brief kiss, he leaned back. “Now go!”

  She nodded.

  “And what the hell happened to that brother of yours anyway?”

  “Oh...Quinn.” She indicated the prone doctor. “Quinn tried to help me, and he hit him with a beam. He may have killed him.” Her eyes widened as she met his gaze.

  “Get the sheriff up here, then see to your brother.”

  She kissed him again, then left, shutting the door behind her.

  George hoped she’d be able to get help in time, but if Madison revived and tried anything, he wouldn’t be long for this world.

  ****

  Cassidy raced through the hotel lobby, not caring what the patrons or workers thought. “A man upstairs needs help,” she cried. “And another one in the alley. I’m going for the sheriff.” She rushed out the door, not heeding the buzz of apprehension behind her. One of them would investigate and if not, she’d have the sheriff in tow when she returned.

&
nbsp; Racing outside, she jerked to a stop to avoid running into a young woman carrying a parcel. “I’m so sorry.” Glancing at the woman, she gasped.

  “Miss Baker!”

  “Doctor Stuart, whatever’s wrong? You look as if the devil’s on your tail.”

  Cassidy grasped the teacher’s shoulders. “You’ve got to help me. My brother is in the alley beside the hotel. He’s been beaten, and I’m afraid he may be seriously injured. I’m going for the sheriff right now. Can you see to Quinn until I get back?”

  Miss Baker gasped, but nodded. “Of course.”

  Cassidy pointed toward the alley. “He’s there. Should be just inside the alley. I’ll be right back with help.”

  The teacher gathered her skirts and scurried toward the alley. Cassidy took a deep breath and raced to Sheriff Carson’s office.

  “Sheriff,” she gasped as she burst inside.

  A deputy strode forward to take her arm. “What’s the problem, young lady?”

  “A man tried to murder George Masters. He’s a Pinkerton agent and staying at the hotel. He shot the man in self-defense and is now holding a gun on him in his room. Mr. Masters is recovering from a gunshot wound already and can’t leave his bed. You’ve got to help him.”

  “Now, calm down a minute, Miss. The sheriff’s in back.” He steered her to a chair, then stuck his head in the back room. “Dan, we got a problem over at the hotel.”

  Sheriff Carson stepped into the room, his brow quirking when he noticed Cassidy.

  She just then realized how disheveled she appeared. Her hat gone, hair falling from her bun, lying in a tangle on her shoulder and her skirt smeared with mud.

  “What happened?” the sheriff asked.

  Cassidy sighed in relief when the deputy explained for her. She didn’t want to have to go into the long account again.

  “The man who tried to kill Mr. Masters,” she added, “is Dr. Madison. Mr. Masters had been sent to town to investigate him. He also attacked me and my brother. Quinn’s lying in the alley alongside the hotel. I don’t even know if he survived the blow.” She caught her breath and twisted her hands in her lap as the shock of what had occurred sank in.

  “I’ll check the hotel,” the sheriff told his deputy. “You see to the man in the alley.”

  “I’m going with you.” Cassidy jumped up.

  Sheriff Carson shook his head. “You’ll stay right here where you’ll be safe.”

  “No, I will not.” She stared the man down. “I’ll take you to the room.” She glanced at the startled deputy. “Please, see to my brother, sir. The schoolteacher, Miss Baker, should be with him.”

  Carson nodded and the three left the office.

  ****

  George kept his gun trained on Madison, but the man hadn’t moved since Cassidy left. Maybe he’d died after all. He sighed. He didn’t wish to be associated with this mess. He’d have to answer a slew of questions when he returned to Pinkerton, but he’d fulfilled his main purpose to protect Cassidy. Knowing the bastard had put his hands on her enraged him. If Madison showed any indication he still lived, he might just be tempted to finish the job.

  The door creaked inward, startling him. He took a breath and raised his gun, then lowered the barrel toward the floor when the schoolteacher entered, supporting Cassie’s brother.

  “He told me to bring him here,” she explained. Her eyes widened when she spotted the body on the floor and the revolver in George’s hand.

  “Don’t worry.” He pointed to Madison. “I’m a Pinkerton agent. He’s the one who hurt Quinn and tried to kill me. Cassidy’s gone for the sheriff.”

  Quinn groaned.

  “Put him in the chair,” George told her.

  After settling Quinn’s lanky frame in the chair, she edged away, her back to the door.

  “Close the door,” George ordered. “I don’t want anyone taking us unawares. I hope to hell the next one coming through will be Cassie and the sheriff, but we have to be prepared for the worst.”

  She nodded, eased the door closed, then leaned against it. After studying the prone doctor, she inclined her head. “He shot you, Mr. Masters...?”

  “Feel free to call me George.” He glanced at Cassidy’s brother. “Is he all right?”

  “He was hit pretty hard. I found him lying in the alley where Miss Stuart told me to look. I had a hard time getting him revived and up here. He has a fair sized gash on the back of his head.”

  Quinn groaned again and slumped forward, cupping his face in both hands. The teacher moved to his side, then eyeing a towel on the nightstand, dipped an edge of the cloth in the wash basin filled with water, and pressed the rag to the back of Quinn’s head.

  “Quinn?” George winced as he rolled to his side, trying to get a better look at him. “You still with us?”

  “I’ve felt better.” He peered at Madison. “The son-of-a-bitch popped me with something big. Knocked me flat out.”

  “As you can see, I’ve dealt with him. Cassie and the sheriff should be here any minute and hopefully, all this will be taken out of our hands.”

  “Is Cassie all right?

  “Your sister is the bravest woman I’ve ever met.” George grinned. “She actually tried to shield me from his gun, but when he yanked her out of the way, I got a clear shot before he got me. Then I sent her for the sheriff.”

  Quinn sighed. “I’m glad he didn’t do her any serious harm.” He caught George’s gaze. “And did I hear you say you’re a Pinkerton agent?”

  George grinned. “I had to keep my identity hushed up. Didn’t want to alert Madison. I did tell Cassie, but only after she suspected I’d been unfaithful to her.”

  “I’d say it’s a very good thing you came back to town when you did.”

  The door flew open, causing his pulse to race, but the sight of the sheriff followed by Cassidy brought a sigh of relief.

  Sheriff Carson kneeled by Madison’s body. “He’s still breathing, I see.” He glanced up. “I sent my deputy to look on Miss Stuart’s brother, but I see he’s already here.”

  “Thanks to Miss Baker.” Quinn grinned. “She helped revive me and get me up here.”

  Carson pointed to Madison. “I’ll need a doc to examine him so I know how bad off he is.”

  Cassidy gathered her skirts and strode forward. “I’ll take a look at him.”

  George settled back on the bed, relieved the ordeal was over. After Cassidy declared Madison not mortally injured, although he’d require care in a hospital, the sheriff sent Miss Baker to find the deputy and ask him to bring a stretcher.

  “Sheriff...” Cassidy pointed to the prone body. “He told me he’d take care of me like he took care of my father.” Her hand rose to her throat. “Could he have killed him?”

  The sheriff frowned. “Your pa died in a carriage accident?”

  She nodded.

  “I’ll question the doc here when he revives. Maybe your pa’s death wasn’t an accident after all.” The sheriff’s gaze shifted to George. “And once you’re feeling up to it, Mr. Masters, could you and Miss Stuart stop by my office?”

  Once Madison was removed and the sheriff left, Cassidy embraced George gently. “I was so scared he’d kill you.” She buried her face in his shirt.

  Quinn’s brows raised at learning Madison had somehow been responsible for their father’s death. “I hope the bastard spends the rest of his life in jail.” He glanced at Cassidy. “What about Sarah?”

  “Oh...right! None of you know.”

  George and the others gazed at her.

  “Sarah had a boy. Both mother and baby are in Ma’s care right now. And I told her I’d send Quinn right over.”

  “What wonderful news!” Miss Baker hovered by Quinn’s side.

  “Reckon I’d best get over there, then,” Quinn said.

  “Get on home, Quinn,” Cassidy said, “I’ll come back later and take a look at your head.”

  “I may need a bit of help,” her brother said.

  “I’
ll be more than happy to see him home,” Miss Baker said. “If it’s all right?”

  “I think that would be just fine.” George caught Cassidy’s gaze. “I need a few minutes to settle some things with Cassie before she goes.”

  Quinn studied both of them, but nodded. “We’ll get out of here. I’d like to take a look at the new member of the family anyway.”

  Miss Baker helped him out of the chair and supported him until they reached the door. Once they’d gone, George turned to Cassidy. “’Bout time I finally had a few minutes alone with my future wife.”

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  On the second of June, a week after Madison was shot, George shrugged into his best coat and hat and descended the stairs of the hotel on his way to the Stuart home. Under Cassidy and Quinn’s care, his gunshot wound and rib had healed. He still had some pain when he moved, but day by day he noticed an easement and hoped to be back to his former self soon. He’d been lucky.

  Madison was recovering from his wound as well, so now stayed in the jail. Although the sheriff remained on the lookout for Nate Bartholomew, he didn’t have much hope of catching the man. George didn’t think they ever would, but he doubted the scum would show his face in this town again. Madison had admitted under questioning he’d been responsible for Dr. Stuart’s carriage going off the road that fateful night. So, even if his indiscretion against Miss Wellingham couldn’t be proven, he’d be held in custody for the doctor’s murder as well as his assault on George and the Stuarts.

  At a flower stand outside the hotel, George purchased an assortment of mixed blooms to present to Cassidy. Although he’d informally proposed, he intended to do so again today in formal fashion. He’d not allow the lady to slip his grasp again.

  Ascending the steps to the porch, he glanced at the house. As a boy, he’d dreamed of living in a place like this. He’d spent as much time here with Josh as he could. Going home to the shack he shared with his father shamed and depressed him, but he also had real fear of what his old man might do if he displeased him.

  Sarah greeted him at the door. She wore a wrapper, her hair hidden beneath a cloth cap. “Come right in, George.” She motioned him to beyond the foyer. “Cassie’s waiting for you in the parlor.”