Padraic Murphy nodded. “Aye, ‘tis a fact you’ve lost all around, Tom. We’ve talked it over and elected O’Leary to lead us from now on. Me daughter Maureen and he are to be wed, and he’ll make us a fine leader. You’re out, man, for you’ve not done right by us. O’ course, you’ll be turning over the group’s funds to O’Leary.”
Tom squinted through blackened, swollen eyes. “I’ll do no such of a thing. I’m the leader here until I say otherwise.”
“You can’t cast me brother out like that.” Mort balled his fists, but a glance around and he dropped his hands to his sides.
With finality, Padraic said, “It’s done. We’ve all agreed that Will here is the leader. Sure and his father did a fine job, didn’t he? We think Will can do as well for us, for he’s a fair man with a cool head.”
Will stood as if proud of his new title. “And the time for fighting is done. The best man won, Tom.” He jerked his thumb toward Dallas. “Shake his hand and let’s go.”
Tom hunched his shoulders and surveyed the men who stood together. “Aye, he’s won this round.”
Dallas was amazed when Tom stepped forward with his hand extended as if he intended to shake hands. Warily, he stuck out his own. Tom all but staggered toward Dallas, but at the last moment, he lunged and grabbed Cenora. At the same time he yanked her to him with one giant paw, a knife appeared in the other hand.
“Now there’s a new round, buffer. I have her and if you follow me, she dies.” Tom backed up dragging Cenora with him, the knife at her throat.
Her eyes were wide, but she didn’t make a sound. Dallas saw a drop of blood against her ivory throat where the point of the knife had pricked her skin. He flexed his battered fingers. The fight had left them stiff and sore, and he wondered how well he could draw his gun. “Let her go. Set her free, and I’ll give you the stallion.”
Men drew their weapons, but no one dared shoot for fear of striking Cenora.
Tom looked wildly about. “Augie, give Mort a hand with the horses. We’ll take the stallion, and the mare that this highhanded buffer bought off o’ me.”
Augie didn’t move. “Never. Ma told me how you treated her. Now I know what you are, you black-hearted devil. I’d see you in hell afore I’d help you.” He spit on the ground.
Dallas flexed his fingers and gauged the distance to Cenora. The crimson drop had turned to a tiny trickle of blood that ran from the cut to the hollow of her throat. He prayed he wouldn’t freeze into a trance again, prayed for the strength and accuracy to help her.
Mort stepped toward his brother, hands out. “There’s no sense in this, Tom. You’re letting your balls do your thinking. Can this be worth giving up your home, your friends, your way o’ life? Let the lass go, and let’s get out o’ here.”
Face contorted by rage, Tom backed toward his horse dragging Cenora with him. “I have no friends, weren’t you listening? I’ve nothing but a wee wagon while that buffer lives in a mansion with strong barns for his fine horses.”
Dallas inched closer. “You’ll never get away. Look around you, man. Give her up before it’s too late.”
Tom appeared to count the odds. For a moment he looked defeated, as if he might surrender. Dallas prepared to make a dash for his wife. In a lightning flash change, Tom’s rage resurfaced, and he raised the knife high. “If I can’t have the bitch, no one will.”
He started the downward slash of the knife, but a single shot rang out. Tom dropped to the ground, a neat bullet hole in the center of his forehead.
Mort yelled his brother’s name in an agonized cry.
Cenora screamed and was pulled to the ground when her captor fell, but she quickly rolled away.
Dallas ran to her and helped her rise. “Are you all right?” He stroked her arms and searched for injuries.
She fell against his chest, sobbing her relief. “Husband, ‘tis wondrous fast you were. You saved me from that brute’s knife.”
“Aye, you saved me sister twice now.” Finn clapped Dallas on the back. “Sure and ‘tis a great debt owed you by the O’Neills.”
The Traveler men took over the care of Tom Williams’ corpse. Mort blew his nose on a grime-covered handkerchief.
Dallas tugged Cenora with him, unwilling to let her go. “I’m sorry, Mort. I wish there’d been another way.”
Mort shook his head. “Aye, don’t we all? I’m not blaming you. Tom always was a hard man, and he got worse each year. Lately, he’d gone mad, but I had to stay and look after him. For all his wearisome ways, he was me brother, and I owed it to our folks.”
Dallas was stunned. He’d thought Mort approved of his brother’s actions. Maybe he’d hoped to temper Tom’s ways just as Finn had for Mac.
Mort turned and followed the men bearing the body, but stopped and came back. “If ‘tis all right, could we bury him on your ranch where we camped by the river? ‘Tis a peaceful place with a pleasant view for a man’s remains.”
How could he deny the request? “Yes, and I’ll see he gets a marker.”
Mort nodded and followed the other tinkers.
“Your face is looking abused, but ‘tis fine to see you standing.” Finn clapped Dallas on the shoulder again. “Mac and me will take Dominion back to his stall and reward him with a fine measure o’ oats and a rub down.”
Mac wouldn’t meet Dallas’ gaze. “We’ll be waiting for you at your home.”
Dallas figured it cost Mac to speak his mind. “Thanks for rescuing Dominion for me. I’m in your debt.”
Mac stood straighter and joined his brother. Dallas watched them walk away, never easing his arms from around Cenora. After such a harrowing experience, he wanted her near. Come to think of it, he plain wanted her with him forever.
The ranch hands mounted their horses but waited. Dallas looked for Armando, but he wasn’t there. “What happened to Armando?”
Xavier shook his head. “He was hit from behind and has a bad headache. Rosa will patch him up, and he’ll be fine in a day or so.”
Cenora asked, “And the dogs?”
“Sleeping. I think they were fed laudanum or something like that. Probably they wake by the time we are back.” Xavier paused by Dallas and Cenora. “You’re all right now, eh? We go home and get to work.”
“Thanks.” Dallas raised his voice. “Thanks to all of you for coming to our aid.”
The men rode off. Only Dallas and Cenora remained in the clearing.
Cenora had never been so frightened in her life. She had been sure Tom would slit her throat or stab her, agonized whether her man would freeze into himself again.
She placed her hands to cradle his face. “Oh, Dallas, you shot sure as ever a man could. Sainted Mother ‘O God, I feared for you.”
Dallas’s gaze searched her face, and she saw the pain in his eyes. “Is that why you left without me?”
“Aye.” She had a lot of explaining to do, but now there’d be plenty of time for the two of them. “I wanted to spare you, ‘tis true, and thought to be back with Dominion afore you waked and missed us.”
He pushed a lock of hair from her face. “Couldn’t sleep without you. I waked alone and went down, but only Vourneen was there.”
She looked toward Mac and Finn as they rode away with Dominion trailing them. “I looked out the window, and in the moonlight, I saw them leaving. ‘Tis ashamed I am to say so, but with Mac involved I feared the worst. When I came downstairs, Vourneen was in me kitchen and told the tale. I had to see you got back the stallion that means so much to your ranch.” She thought it sad her brother’s wedding night had been interrupted. “When I found me brothers they were on the way back.”
“When I saw Williams had you, my only fear was my hands were too battered to handle the gun.” He embraced her. “Don’t ever leave me again, angel. Promise?”
She nodded against his chest. Even with all that had happened, he still wanted her near. Mayhap he cared for her at least a little.
“Long ago I should have made you understand that yo
u mean more to me than all the stallions in the world.” Dallas kissed her temple. “I had the devil of a time getting Vourneen to speak English so I could understand.”
He hugged Cenora to him so fierce he near crushed her bones. “Angel, when Williams had you, I almost went crazy. All I could think of was getting you away from him. That and the fact that, well, I never told you I’ve fallen in love with you. I didn’t realize how much until I thought I might lose you.”
At last, the words she’d longed to hear. “I love you, husband, but I never thought to hear you say the same.”
“I remember the first time I saw you singing and dancing in Hotaka Gap. You were the prettiest woman I’d ever seen, and your voice was that of an angel. I had to force myself to move on and take care of delivering the mares instead of gawking at you.”
“Akh, I didn’t know you’d seem me there. But I remember you riding in like thunder to save me when those two devils had me. And then, even though you could barely stand, you thought to give me your shirt.”
She sighed against him. “Sure and Ma was right. The good saints delivered you to us in answer to our prayers.”
He chuckled. “I can’t see myself as the answer to anyone’s prayer. I know I’m apt to be too quiet and forget to share my thoughts. Maybe you can train me.”
She tilted her head and met his gaze. “I heard you tell your uncle that you’d not let a woman change you. And here you’re asking me to train you.”
He crushed her to him. “What a fool I was. Please don’t hold those words against me. I hadn’t any idea what it took to make a marriage.”
“Nor did I. Your Aunt Kathryn helped me learn what being a rancher’s wife was about. I think I’ve been doing better.”
He looked down at her, and his beautiful dark eyes sparkled. “You’re doing a fine job. I’m proud of you.”
“Even though I cost you your brood mare and her foal?” She chewed her lip, hating the memory of her mistake.
He caressed her back. “I know you did your best, angel. Who could ask for more? But I wish I could have seen you in Mac’s clothes shoveling manure. What a sight that must have been.”
His soft chuckle fanned his breath against her hair. “Knowing you’d do that to help Fred and me makes me proud.”
“Oh, husband, you are the best man in the world, and I’m the luckiest o’ women.” All the luck in Ireland couldn’t match hers.
“I didn’t want to love you, angel, and I fought against it, but I couldn’t help myself. After traveling so many years, I was afraid you’d tire of settled life and leave me.”
How could he have thought she’d leave? Only a fool would have given up all he offered her. “Never. But I thought you’d tire of me. I thought that’s why you asked Ma and Da to stay, so they’d be handy when you wanted to send me away.”
“Never.” He sealed his declaration with a kiss.
When they broke for air, she met his gaze. “And I’ve something grand to tell you.”
He shook his head. “Nothing could be better than knowing you’re safe and you love me.”
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, please let him be happy with me news.
She leaned back so she could watch his face when she told him. “Not even a son or daughter?”
His face broke into a wide grin. “You mean you’re...um, we’re gonna have a—”
She nodded. “I’ll be making you a Da just after the new year.”
“Me? A Da?” He swung her up and twirled around. “Yee Haw!” Abruptly he stopped and set her gently down. “Sorry, angel. Guess I should be more careful of you.”
“Not so much now. There’s plenty o’ time for that later. And I suppose we’ll be turning the spare bedroom next to ours into a spot for a wee babe.”
“I hope this is the first of many children, angel. And I hope several are beautiful red-haired girls with bold green eyes like their mother.”
“I’m hoping for many wee ones also, but I want the boys to be like you, husband, tall and strong and kind.” She grinned. “Won’t Ma and Da be pleased with the news?
“Yes, but I doubt they’ll be surprised.” He pushed at his bruised jaw and split lip.
She kissed his battered cheek. “Mayhap now we should take ourselves off to our grand house so we can see to your wounds.”
“Yes, angel, let’s go home.” Dallas set her up onto Queenie’s saddle. “We’ll celebrate you being safe and the baby being on the way, then I’ll spend the rest of my life showing you how much I love you.”
Around them birds delivered a timeless song. Overhead the sky was a brilliant blue. Dallas mounted Red, and Cenora guided Queenie beside her husband. They urged their horses into a gallop and soon crested the hill overlooking their home. Friends and family waited for them there.
Elation filled her, and she thought of Da’s blessing. The sun shone warm upon her face, and a gentle breeze nudged her back. The devil had met his due; heaven awaited her and her husband in the life they’d share together.
Her heart overflowed with happiness. It bubbled up to erupt in joyous laughter.
The world was hers.
About the Author
Caroline Clemmons writes mystery, romance, and adventures—although her earliest made up adventures featured her saving the West with Roy Rogers. Her career has included stay-at-home mom (her favorite job), newspaper reporter and featured columnist, assistant to the managing editor of a psychology journal, and bookkeeper. She and her husband live in rural North Central Texas with a menagerie of rescued pets. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with family, reading, travel, browsing antique malls and estate sales, and genealogy/family history.
Excerpts from some of her exceptional reviews can be found on her website at www.carolineclemmons.com. Sign up for her newsletter to receive notice of new releases, fun contests, recipes, and giveaways.
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Code of Honor
Texas Code Series
Book One
By
Carra Copelin
Code of Honor
By Carra Copelin
Copyright 2013 Carra Copelin
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in, or introduced into a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.
Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, businesses, events, or locales is purely coincidental.
Acknowledgements
This book is dedicated to my DH, Darlin' Husband, Jerry, and family.
Thank you to my critique partners, Caroline Clemmons, Geri Foster, Brenda Chitwood, Lyn Horner, and to my extraordinary reader, Randye Cross.
A special thanks to Phil Carr, Brady Cope and Steve Lawson for keeping me straight in those nasty but necessary technicalities.<
br />
And last but not least, thanks to my editor, Stephanie Suesan Smith.
Chapter 1
Washington, D.C.
Graeme McAlister pushed open the door to his apartment with his right boot and kicked his duffle bag into the entryway with his left. The backpack slid off his shoulder, landing in a heap at his feet. He closed the solid wood slab and turned the deadbolt.
Home. Well, his home away from home, he reminded himself. But, truth be told, he had no timetable of when he'd return to Texas. At least not as long as he kept this job. And, with the number of terrorists and other crazies growing exponentially every day, that looked like it'd be a long time.
He grabbed the six pack of beers he'd bought out of the duffle, popped the top on one and made his way toward the couch. He passed the message recorder and the stack of cassettes that'd collected while he'd been gone. Learning early on that the missions could last anywhere from a few days to months, he'd utilized this outdated recorder to receive messages from family and friends. Plus, in his line of work, it never hurt to have a hard copy.
His close friend, Amanda Hartford, watched the apartment, gathered his mail and replaced the cassettes when necessary. He smiled at her OCD as he sifted through the tapes and noticed the beginning and ending dates marked on each one. He hadn't really realized how long he'd been gone until he saw the date on the earliest one.
September 23. Three weeks after the last barbecue at Ben McTiernan Ranch and the day his foster brother, Wyatt Benning, died. With equal parts curiosity and trepidation, Graeme placed the micro cassette into the machine and hit play. He listened as the recorder engaged, heard his own message, "I'll call you back." then, "Grae, this is Lucky." Graeme grinned as he remembered the day he'd given Wyatt the nickname. "I know it's been a long time since we talked, and we didn't exactly part on the best of terms, but I need to pick your brain. Swear to God, this will take you right back to high school and Ol' Hammer Head. I sure wish you were home. Damn . . . I miss you, man."
9 Ways to Fall in Love Page 29