As Cameron rode up the dusty street she noticed Jake with a bag across his shoulder. She observed him for a moment. Something was different. He had his gun belt on and she took note of the horse tied loosely to the rail, fully loaded with a pack, blanket and rifles. An unwanted sensation gnawed in the pit of her stomach. He was leaving. She dismounted, keeping her eyes on him as she tied up her own horse.
“Jake,” she spoke softly. “Where are you going?” She placed a hand on his arm. “Don’t leave,” she pleaded.
“I’m going bounty hunting.”
“Why?”
“Because there are bad guys out there.”
“But you don’t have to go get them.”
Her heart was breaking over him.
He removed himself from beneath her touch. “I can’t pretend anymore. I can’t give you what you deserve and yet I want you so bad it hurts to see you and not touch you, or kiss you.”
He looked at her lips and she panicked.
“If you go, I’ll know it’s my fault. I don’t want to be the reason for you to leave your home. Please. Stay.”
*** *** ***
Roughly, and by the curve of her sweet neck, Jake pulled her into an embrace. He didn’t know what to say to her plea. He’d tried for months to ignore the furtive glances between her and Andrew. He needed time to get over feeling betrayed. He couldn’t stay, not even for her.
He loosened his hold and nearly caved when she said, “Promise you’ll be back soon?”
“I promise I’ll be back, that’s as far as I go.” Steadily, he placed his hands on her shoulders, and after a moment’s hesitation, leaned in to peck her scarred cheek, savoring the salty taste of her glistening tears. Holding her at arm’s length, he forced himself away.
He swung upon his horse and rode off.
A CHALLENGE OF THE HEART
SARAH JAE FOSTER
Chapter One
Lincoln County, Kansas
Reverend Andrew Jackson had waited in the foyer of Lacey’s Place far too long. If they didn’t get to the train station soon, it would leave without them. One would think his bride-to-be preferred to stay put rather than go back East and marry him.
His doubts dashed away the moment Cameron Engel’s lovely face emerged at the top of the stairs. Even from the distance that separated them, he could see red blotches patched like raspberries on her forehead and chin—a given when she cried. He could only hope her tears were due to being apart from his cousin, her best friend, rather than traveling off with him. If she had second thoughts, he wouldn’t know what to do.
She appeared shy, embarrassed for her appearance.
So he said what was true. “You look beautiful.”
He stepped forward to intercept her and noticed his cousin standing in the background, looking ready to call him out. He’d had enough of her petulance. “Really, Lacey. We’ll be gone for two months. We’ll come back and be with you for Christmas.” He was going to marry Cameron with or without Lacey’s blessing.
She speared him with an accusation, saying what no one else would dare. “You won’t even wait until Jake comes home.”
He attempted to shield Cameron from Lacey’s bitterness and pulled her close. Lacey blamed him for being the reason Jake Collins had been gone so long, but he would not allow her to speak unfairly. His cousin was rebellious and uncompromising, and looked condemningly at the both of them.
Cameron initiated the peace before he could respond. “We don’t know when Jake’s coming home, but when he returns we will all be together again. It won’t feel as if anything has changed except my name, all right?”
Andrew couldn’t help but wonder if Cameron was trying to reassure herself as well. Too much had happened the past year, and nothing would ever be the same again no matter how much they all claimed it would be. Not with Jake and Andrew being childhood friends. Not with Cameron choosing to be with the reverend over the bounty hunter.
At last, Lacey raised her chin and relented. “I will miss you both.”
The women held onto each other and another attack of impatience grabbed hold of Andrew. It was all he could do to not pull them apart. He opted to clear his throat instead. They could not miss this train.
Cameron righted herself and hooked her arm through his. “I get to come back as Mrs. Jackson!”
Her countenance came short of matching her tone and Andrew’s heart ached momentarily. Were they rushing to make this happen? He knew she loved him so why the misgiving thought? He took her in with all sincerity and wanted to offer her more time before marrying him. But he couldn’t say the words and instead squelched them down deep. He couldn’t risk releasing her.
“Come home to me real soon,” said Lacey.
Andrew tipped his hat. “Stay out of trouble.”
Cameron giggled as if his statement was made in vain and a smile came to him as well. She was probably right. Lacey had a way of finding unpleasant difficulties to deal with. As he searched his future wife’s expression, he saw no doubt, no hesitation, nothing but happiness radiating from her. All feelings of insecurity fell at his feet as they made their way to the train depot.
*** *** ***
From his place on the bed, Jake looked around his room until he felt its familiarity. He realized the booming whistle from the train was what woke him. He wondered if the iron horse was coming or going. He hoped it was departing. There were already too many people in his town. He rubbed at tired eyes, remembering he’d barely made it to the mattress before succumbing to sleep. He’d slept nearly two days and wasn’t sorry for it. Several weeks on the trail, tracking down outlaws in the blistering heat had been no picnic. He owed himself a few slothful days. After shaving, bathing and putting on fresh clothes, he saddled up Hunter. He had yet to decide if he would stay on a while or find another criminal to hunt down—that depended on what the outcome of his trip to town would be.
The moment he stepped foot inside Lacey’s Place, Lacey ran into his arms and cried, “I missed you so. Don’t you ever leave me again!”
He peeled her off. “Now don’t start. I ain’t promising you anything and you know it. Don’t go ruining my supper or crying all over it either. I’m starving and want to eat.” He set her from him, dismissing her. “I just want some grub.”
“Honestly! You’re getting meaner every time I see you.”
“Do I get some food or do I gotta go down to Harry’s?”
She studied him a moment, so he decided to take his leave. He didn’t need no woman causing a fuss.
“Since you aren’t here for my company, you can do whatever you want Jake Collins!”
Sheriff Ed Randall appeared next to Lacey in time to spare him from the guilt she tried to pin on him. Jake heaved a sigh of relief, as he didn’t want to eat at Harry’s.
“Good to see you.” Ed smacked him hard on the back. “And in one piece at that.”
He smirked. “I’ve had a close call or two.”
“Seems to me you’ve been doing just fine. Even making a name for yourself.”
Jake became somber. “Just doing what I’m hired to do.”
“You’ve become successful. I’m getting telegrams as far as Montana for your services.”
Uncomfortable at the undue praise, Jake scanned the restaurant.
Ed and Lacey exchanged glances, which set off his temper.
Sharply he asked, “Where is she?”
Lacey looked upon him and Jake recognized pity when he saw it. He was greatly annoyed.
“Cameron and Andrew went back East, to his mother’s home in Philadelphia...to get married. You only just missed them.”
The trio stood in awkward silence.
“Isn’t that how it should be?” Jake mumbled. It wasn’t really a question to be answered, simply a statement for his own ears to hear and pay heed to. Forgetting about food, he headed across the foyer to Liam’s saloon where he planned to drown his lot in life with a bottle of strong whiskey.
Chapter Two
“You don’t mean to go out in the winter do you? Stay on awhile, Lacey misses you.”
“She’ll get used to me being gone. She’s got you, hasn’t she?”
“Course she does. But have you ever considered the fact that if something happens to you, she’ll never forgive me? You’re like a brother to her.”
“I’ll try to save my skin so you can keep your girl.” Jake leaned forward. “Now, what’s the next job?”
Ed raised an eyebrow as if he wasn’t to be fooled. “I know it must be hard seeing Cameron married to Andrew. But you’ll need to settle with it sooner or later.”
Irritation grated on his last nerve. If Ed hadn’t known him better he might have backed off. In fact, friend or not, he’d best back off.
“I don’t want to talk about her,” he said firmly. “And just so you know, we were done for long before Andrew got involved.”
Ed acquiesced and nodded, shuffling some papers around his desk until he found a drawing of the latest wanted man. “Here he is. Robbed two banks last month, one in Clearwater and the other in Hynsdale, name is Joseph Smythe.”
Jake took the crumpled sheet, immediately smoothing out the crinkled edges for a better view. “Looks young.”
“Folks say he’s nineteen years old.”
“He’s either a fool, or he wants attention,” Jake said regrettably. He was only a kid.
“I think he’s both. You up to giving him the attention he’s seeking?”
“Where was he last seen?”
“He’s headed south, near enough that you shouldn’t have to be gone all that long. If things go well.”
“I should be back before first snowfall.”
*** *** ***
It had taken less than a week to track down Joseph Smythe. He was an immature bank robber and no match for Jake. He’d locked him up in one of Ed’s cells and took to waiting for the sheriff to return from wherever he was. Until then, Jake smiled easy and sat back comfortably at Ed’s desk.
When Ed arrived Jake made his announcement. “You’ll find the bank’s money in your top drawer.” He thrust his chin towards the desk.
Ed opened the drawer and nodded his confirmation. “I’ll wire Hynsdale for your share.”
“Sounds good.”
Jake hadn’t decided if he wanted to know or not, but gave in and asked anyway, “What’s going on? You seem a bit cut down.”
“A woman, Bethany Hoffman, arrived in town today. One of Randolph’s cowhands found her wandering the outskirts of town. She was on a stagecoach recently that was attacked and robbed.”
“She the only survivor?”
“Seems to be. A man shot and killed her husband right in front of her eyes. Out of five passengers and two drivers, she’s the only one got away.”
“That strike you odd at all? Her being the only one to make it out of a wreckage like that, alive?”
Ed pondered the suggestion. “It’s a delicate situation. It’s not like I can appear to doubt her story.”
“So you have thought her story could be fabricated.”
“I don’t know what to make of her story. Why are you set against believing her when you’ve yet to even lay on eyes on the woman.”
“That can change, Sheriff.”
“Only if you’re decent, otherwise leave her be, would ya?”
No doubt Jake planned to question this Bethany Hoffman. He’d gotten a taste for bringing justice to outlaws and relished in the fact there were some so close to his town. He stood to leave and suggested to Ed that he get some rest. “You’re looking awful haggard these days.”
“Gee, thanks, man,” Ed replied.
Jake headed for the restaurant, which was buzzing with noise. It was cold outside for sure, but not enough to keep folks confined to their homes and ranches. There would be plenty of cabin fever once the snow fell. At the entrance to the restaurant he glanced across the hall to the saloon and laid eyes on a woman he imagined to be Bethany. Lacey gestured a welcome to him and caught him staring.
She made her way to stand in front of his line of sight. “Don’t waste your time on her, Jake. The moment she checked into my hotel, she went straight across the foyer and asked Liam for a job. Liam! I offered her a place with me. I’ve yet to find someone to take over for Cam…” She stopped.
He groaned inwardly at the reminder. Was Cameron’s image always going to taunt him? How many times had he wished to walk into this place and see the bright smile she used to send his way?
“I didn’t mean to bring her up… though I don’t see how I cannot speak of her.”
She appeared contrite. As much as he wished his insides didn’t knot up at thoughts of Cameron, he’d better get used to seeing her real soon. She and Andrew wouldn’t be gone forever, unfortunately.
“Well? Finish your story about this Bethany.”
Lacey found her words again and exclaimed, “She would rather be a soiled dove than work for me!”
His curiosity was more than peaked. “Is that so?”
He entered the smoke filled saloon with Lacey in tow. Drinks were being carried from table to table by scantily clad women. But of course it was the new woman who caught his attention. She was entertaining a drunken cowboy near a poker table. Her husband had been murdered in front of her, she was alone in a strange town, and she chose to work with Liam over Lacey. It was an intriguing scenario, but Ed was correct. He couldn’t all out accuse her of lying. Not yet anyway, but something was off with this so-called story of hers.
Kimberly, one of the saloon girls, appeared and Jake accepted the offered shot of whiskey she held out. “Put it on Lacey’s tab.”
She let her gaze linger on him in a look of longing. It had been a while since he’d come to be entertained. The girls had given up on him when he began seeing Cameron because they all adored her, except for Charlotte who had let her jealousy be known. Now Cameron was absent and he felt anger build. He looked away from Kimberly and she took the rebuff in stride, passing out the remaining drinks.
After a while Jake took the hotel stairs until he halted in front of what used to be Cameron's door. He put out his hand to touch it and he could remember being there as if it were yesterday. He inserted the key he’d taken from the front desk and turned the lock.
*** *** ***
Hours later Jake had gone into Cook’s kitchen to steal a piece of meat, or anything he could find. He’d lost a lot of weight on the trail and it seemed his body could not get caught up to where it was before. Shoving a chunk of ham into his mouth, he grabbed a handful more and placed it in a cloth napkin, looking around for anything else handy. Seeing nothing at the ready, he replaced the dish of ham where he’d found it. No sense in causing trouble with Cook, or Lacey for that matter. When he got to the bottom of the stairs, sounds of keys being struck on a piano reached his ears. It was nearly pitch black and he wondered who was in the saloon in the middle of the night. Cautiously, he made his way, trying to muffle the sound of his spurs. His eye caught the slight figure sitting alone at the piano. Bethany seemed to be in a daze. He didn’t even think she was aware of his presence. In a ghostly, unemotional manner, she continued touching the keys, barely swiping each one with her fingertips.
He eyed her with growing concern. Maybe she was grieving what had happened to her after all, though his rational side couldn’t quite buy it. There was no way she could escape that band of stagecoach robbers, especially if they knew she’d witnessed everything, and it didn’t help her testimony that it’d taken place on open ground where she had no cover. He’d received the telegram from the sheriff in that jurisdiction, and the man knew more than she thought he did. The haunt
ing tune kept coming and it was unsettling. Or perhaps she was just loony. Even though he’d thought her a beauty, a thousand warning bells went off in his brain about keeping distance from this one. He didn’t need to know why, only needed to pay heed to it. He decided to leave her be.
Bethany continued her eerie composure and asked, “It’s Thanksgiving tomorrow, is it not?”
Like he’d been caught in an elicit act, Jake stood tall, a bit embarrassed. “I reckon it is.”
“I’m glad the saloon will be closed. It should be a day for families to gather and be thankful.” She closed the piano lid gently and walked sedately up the back stairs, stairs that took women to their rooms of “entertainment.”
She was too peculiar for the likes of him.
Chapter Three
Cameron sat beside Andrew in their newly acquired buggy and giddiness emanated from her. She was coming home as Mrs. Jackson! Not only was she now married to a most magnificent man, she was also en route to see her dearest friend. Looking around town and waving to the townspeople, she realized how much she’d missed Lincoln County. Her time back East had been enjoyable for the most part, but it was society centered. She’d felt out of place among Andrews’ friends and she couldn’t escape the whispers of his old admirers. Apparently, he’d been a most eligible bachelor once upon a time. With gratefulness that she’d been the one to earn his love, she linked her arm through his. She did not deserve a man like him, and yet, he was all hers.
He was searching her face and asked, “What’s this all about?”
“Nothing and everything.” She grinned. “I’m just honored to be Mrs. Jackson.”
“Glad to hear it, otherwise we’d be in quite a conundrum.”
They laughed together and were nearing the inn.
“I’m still wondering if you made the right call in not telling Lacey when we’d return,” he said.
In her eagerness, Cameron got herself ready to exit the buggy. “She’s taken it upon herself to surprise me a time or two—it’s her turn now.”
Lincoln County Series 1-3 Page 12