“Don't mess with him, Sarah. He's a snake with venom worse than you've ever tasted.”
Sarah looked back at Charlie and winked. “I've had worse than snakes and you know it.”
Across the bar, Jack smiled as the blonde woman slowly walked toward him. The sway of her hips was exaggerated. He knew the show was just for him. “That's it darling, come to poppa,” he muttered under his breath.
He's older than I thought, Sarah noted as she got closer. She was a bit disappointed as she got nearer to the man but had given her favours to less attractive and older men for nothing more than a night’s sleep in clean sheets.
“I understand I have you to thank for this?” Sarah said, waving the champagne glass in the air and kneeling in a fake curtsy. She smiled and stopped just short of the tall, well-dressed man sitting at the bar.
Jack nodded and grinned lasciviously. “Yes indeed, my dear. You deserve that and much more.”
Sarah surveyed the man, noting the touch of silver in his hair and his dark eyes. He seemed to look right through her. She swallowed the nervous bile building in her gut. You look familiar, she thought. “My name is Sarah, Sarah Sweet, and you are?”
“Just call me Jack,” he said as he stood up and extended a hand. “That's all you need know for now.”
Sarah pasted on the smile so fake, it was in danger of slipping off her red painted lips. There was something dangerous about this man that was enthralling and sickening all at the same time. She took a deep breath and took his hand, watching as he raised her fingers to his lips.
“It's my pleasure to meet you, Sarah Sweet,” Jack released the young woman's hand and sat back down. “Care to join me?”
Sarah hesitated. “Well, I'd like to, but I'm supposed to be working right now.”
“If you’re worried about old Charlie, don't be. He and I go way back. He won't mind you keeping me company for awhile.”
Sarah turned back to see if Charlie was watching, but he had his back turned. Damn it! “Of course, Jack. Thank you,” Sarah said as she hoisted herself onto one of the bar stools. She fought back the feeling that she had met this man before.
“Don't let me stop you from enjoying your champagne, my dear.”
“It's lovely,” Sarah said as she took another small sip of the bubbly liquid. She had no intention of getting intoxicated. What's your game? “So, Jack, have I seen you before?”
Jack grinned and slapped his knee. “Smart girl! I doubt we've met personally before today, but you may have met my son. He works here in town.”
“Really?” Sarah tried hard to think of who it might be.. “Would he be in his thirties maybe? Tall, dashing good looks? Dark eyed?”
“I would assume so. I've not seen the boy for a bit.”
A thought popped into Sarah’s mind, but she decided to stay quiet for the time being. If she was correct, the fun in this town was about to begin. “I'm sorry to hear that, Jack. What brings you back to our fair town?”
Jack stood up, adjusted his coat and smoothed the wrinkles from his pants. “Business, my lovely Sarah. I have big business here. Tonight I’m going to investigate a new piece of acquired property. My business associates should be holding a party in my honour. Would you care to accompany me?”
A thrill ran through her body. Sarah loved the idea of being escorted to a fancy party by a wealthy man. She nodded in agreement. She quickly dismissed any thoughts of Tom from her head.. Seems like I have bigger fish to fry now, she thought. “It'd be an honour, Jack.”
A loud, deep laugh escaped Jack’s throat as he tossed his hat back on his head. “I doubt honour has anything to do with it, my dear. Let's not fool ourselves. Put on a pretty frock and I'll come back within the hour!”
Sarah giggled with delight, swallowed the last gulp of champagne, and quickly ran across the bar and up the stairs. As Jack stepped out of the saloon, he smiled to himself. The evening was shaping up quite nicely.
“Ole Jack is back home!”
Nine
A light breeze was blowing and a million stars glittered in the night sky. Finally, Zooey and Josh came upon the Duncan family homestead. It was a two-story house made from hand-hewn logs and stone. A small barn and corral were set up to the right of the property. A large, seasoned woodpile was stacked in a shabby shed attached to the house. The front porch looked like it had been white washed recently. A few sparse apple trees dotted the surrounding property. The remainder of the yard was cast in the shadows.
“It's so big, Josh! How do you keep it up on your own?” Zooey asked while suppressing a yawn.
Joshua chuckled. “It looks much nicer in the day. I have a housekeeper who comes in once a week. I do my own cooking, though. Not so bad really and I like the peace and quiet.”
Zooey dismounted Gypsy and stood for a moment, taking in the house, the stars, and the cool night air. She closed her eyes and inhaled. It was the first deep breath she had taken all day.
“Are you alright, Zooey?”
“Not really, but this is helping. Thank you for bringing me here, Josh.”
Joshua smiled and lightly touched Zooey's shoulder. “I'll show you where Gypsy can stay tonight and then give you a tour of the house.”
“You don't have to, Josh. I know you need to get back in to town and work on Pops' case. I'll find my own way around.”
“Are you sure? I doubt I'll be back here tonight to check on you.”
“I'll be just fine. I know how to use a weapon.”
“Yes, I know, Zooey. Come on back over here and we can get Gypsy settled.”
Joshua led Zooey and her horse to his small but comfortable stable. He watered his own animal and watched as Zooey cooed and comforted Gypsy, rubbing her flanks and the tip of her nose. You are a couple of tough nuts, he thought.
Zooey felt Joshua staring at her. A flash of heat rose to her cheeks. She looked over her shoulder and smiled. “I think Gypsy will be okay. Just show me the front door and you can head back to town.”
Joshua motioned toward the front of the house and walked behind Zooey as she walked up the front steps
As Zooey opened the door she noted the fire blazing in the hearth and a hurricane lantern set on the dining room table.
“Looks like Mrs. Newcomb was here. She hates it when I'm gone too long without a fire. She always gets upset with me for allowing a chill to set in.”
“Sounds like she cares about you. You’re lucky.”
“True,” Joshua nodded. “I suppose in a way, she's almost like family. With both my parents gone, I'm on my own...kind of like you.”
Zooey felt tears sting her eyes. “Yes. It's finally starting to sink in.”
Joshua instantly realized the weight of his words. He moved to stand next to her and placed a long arm around her shoulder. “I'm sorry. Don't cry, Zooey. It was a stupid thing to say.”
For a moment, the two stood very still. Zooey felt the warmth from Joshua's arm seep through her coat. It was comfortable and reassuring. She closed her eyes and relished the moment.
Joshua wasn’t sure whether to disconnect from Zooey. He wasn’t even sure that he wanted to. The logical part of his brain eventually kicked in and he began to pull away, but not before kissing the top of Zooey's mass of red curls. “I have to go.”
“I know. I didn't mean to get all emotional.”
“You are allowed, Zooey. Anyone would be after what you’ve been through. . Don't apologize.”
Zooey sniffed and nodded. “Thanks, Josh. I think I'll make that bath and try to sleep.”
“Good idea. See you it the morning, Zooey.”
Zooey stood in the doorway a minute longer and watched as Joshua mounted his horse and turned back toward town. “You are good man, Josh,” she whispered. “A very good man.”
Ten
Joshua didn't look back as he rode away, but somehow he knew that Zooey was still there, watching him leave. In a way, it was comforting. The further he got from the house, though, the angrier he became.
Damn Tom Brennan and damn his boss, too! Joshua's thoughts were scattered and angry. He hated that Zooey was in pain. She didn’t deserve this. Joshua could only hope that he would get Tom Brennan in his clutches before day break. Something is going to happen at Pinkerton Ranch tonight. I just know it. I'll be damned if I'm going to let Brennan get away again!
After a few minutes, Joshua’s thoughts turned back to Zooey. He knew she was tougher than she looked, but part of him just wanted to protect her so she wouldn’t have to be so tough. After all, he thought. That's what friends do, right? Were they friends or was it something more? Joshua never had time to devote to finding someone special. After the death of his mother and the disappearance of his father, he had put walls around his heart. Zooey was the first person who had really broken through.
Not that he and his father had gotten along well. It had been a strained relationship at best. After the death of his mother, his father had never even contacted him. So, he shut down his feelings altogether – except for anger, that is. Jack Duncan was a tall, dark haired Scotsman with a vicious temper and a penchant for drink. His favourite game used to be hide and seek. If Joshua didn’t hide well enough, he could expect a whipping with a leather strap across the back of his legs until he bled. He still had the raised scars today. When he looked in the mirror, it was a bitter reminder of who his father really was. It was the bane of his existence. Joshua shook away his thoughts. As he rode back into town he found a half dozen deputies waiting outside the door of his office.
“What's up gentleman? Any news on the Pinkerton Ranch?”
“I'd stay on your horse, Sheriff,” replied one of the older deputies.
“Give me the news, Franklin.”
The short older man spat a wad of tobacco on the ground and continued, “Gossip around town is something big is going on down there. Tom Brennan has apparently been seen about with a tall stranger. ”
Joshua agreed. “No doubt it’s his boss. Had some intelligence earlier today that he said he was headed into town. Now is our chance to get Brennan and this boss of his.”
“So, how do you want to do this, Joshua?” Another deputy spoke up.
“We can't just ride in there with guns blazing. We’ll be outnumbered gun for gun. I'm sure there will be outlaws from all over and a few businessmen, too. Those Palominos are worth a small fortune.”
“It's got to be big if the boss is willing to risk being seen.” Franklin added.
“Andrew Pinkerton was a small fish when it came to the gambling money. It’s got to be the property and the horses they was after.” Joshua said.
“Funny that they let the daughter live. Where did she end up anyway?”
“Zooey is in a safe place. Her father trained her same as any of his cowboys. She's good with a pistol and even better with a horse. Now, let's go inside and figure this out. Franklin, put on a pot of coffee. It's going to be a long night!”
Eleven
The Pinkerton Ranch was alive with light, music, and the smell of meat being roasted over open flames. Women off all shapes and sizes were meandering around, lifting their brightly coloured skirts to entice the men with a flash of bare skin. The atmosphere was more than jovial. There was an underlying tension that bordered between excitement and fear.
For the men standing guard inside and outside the main building, it was an opportunity to prove themselves to their de facto leader, Tom Brennan. For others, it was their chance to step out of the shadows and meet the boss face to face.
“I need a drink!” One of the ragged, burly men called out. “Damp out here tonight.”
“I'd rather the warmth of one of these women. Look at them parading around half dressed,” said another.
“I'd rather you both shut up before I blow your fool heads off!”
Tom Brennan walked forward from the shadows, brandishing his rifle. “You two are not here to party. I need your eyes and ears sharp. With the boss coming out, we don't need that idiot Sheriff sneaking up on anyone. Understood?”
“Yes sir,” they answered in unison.
Tom laughed and turned back toward the house. Not one in the bunch has any balls. All the better for me. He had managed to sneak a note into Sarah's room earlier on. As he looked around, he noticed that she hadn't shown up yet. His mood soured instantly. To hell with her, he thought. Plenty of women out here who would be happy to be under me tonight.
“Tom! Mr. Brennan. We have company!”
Tom's focus switched to protection mode. He took out his rifle and headed back to the men outside. “Where?”
The taller of the two men pointed at the road leading into the ranch. Tom strained to listen. He could hear the hoofs of no more than two horses. “It's the boss. The Sheriff wouldn't be riding in with only one man at his side.” Or would he?
“Now how do you know that?” One of the men asked.
“Listen! If you pay attention, sounds can tell you everything. Now get back to your post and look smart! I know that's hard for you, but fake it alright?” The sarcasm was not lost on the men and they moved back to their places in silence.
Tom looked ahead into the darkness. When he could finally make out two riders, his heart settled back into its normal rhythm. The last thing he needed was for Sheriff Duncan to plan some kind of attack on the ranch. Even he wouldn't be that stupid.
After a minute, Tom realized there were three people on two horses. Two he recognized as his boss and the security detail, but the other, smaller figure, he couldn’t make out. Who the hell is that?
“Evening, Tom ole boy! My thanks for putting this all together on such short notice. You already know Eddy?”
“Evening Jack...Eddy,” Tom responded with curt nod. He squinted to make out the small, hooded figure that Jack was helping off the back of his horse. Once the woman slid the dark hood off of her face, Tom's blood began to boil.
“Well hello again, Tommy. Wasn't it lovely of this gentleman to escort me here?
Tom glared in silence as Sarah revealed her sexy, blood red dress, and fashionably curled up-do. With her painted red lips and kohl lined eyes she looked like an overdone porcelain doll. The silky material of the dress clung to her curvy figure. It was clear she had taken extra care for her cleavage to be on full display. As Tom inhaled, he took in a long draw of her sickly sweet perfume. They walked past, arm in arm, smiling at one another.
“Lovely creature. I'm a lucky man to have such a woman on my arm tonight. Don't you think so, Tom? Let's all head inside and say hello.” Jack said as an evil grin spread across his face. “Tonight is going to be quite the affair.”
Tom cringed. Nothing with Jack was ever an accident, so he knew that Sarah was being used to taunt him. Despite that, Tom seethed with each step he took to toward the main house. He wanted a drink. Just wait until I get you alone, Sarah Sweet. You won't be anyone's “lovely creature” once I finish with you.
Sarah could feel her heart speed up as she walked past Tom. She knew if it wasn’t for Jack, she would be on the receiving end of a vicious beating. She purposely held her head up high and tightly clasped Jack's elbow. This is my time now, Tommy, she thought. Tonight is my night to shine as Jack's lady. You had your chance.
Jack could feel the tension between Sarah and Tom as he guided his lovely new mistress into the main house. Jack had suspicions about Tom. He was pretty certain Tom had been making motions to take over his business. This was a reminder as to who was in charge.
“Eddy!”
“Yes sir.”
“Escort Miss Sweet inside and get her something nice to drink. Keep her company for a few moments. I will return shortly.” The outlaw held out his arm out to Sarah. She gave a nervous look up at Jack.
“Don't you worry, my dear. Eddy will take care of you in my absence. I have a few things to chat about with the boys and then I’ll be right back.” Jack placed a hand under Sarah's chin and tiled her head upward for a kiss. .
Reluctantly, Sarah allowed herself to be led away. She pas
ted on a smile and took Eddy's arm. “Don't be too long, Jack,” she purred.
Jack waved his hand and smiled, watching Sarah's hips as she sashayed away. “Been awhile since I've had a woman like that.”
Tom came up behind Jack and peered at the back of his head. It was taking everything in him not to wrap his hands around the old man's neck.
“Now Tom, there’s no need to make a fool out of yourself over a woman. We are here to accomplish bigger things. Are you with me or against me?” Jack quickly turned and matched Tom scowl for scowl. After a few breaths, Jack smiled and held out his hand. “I'll take your silence to mean that I can still count on you, Tom.” It wasn't a question.
Jack pulled his hand back, straightened his jacket and winked at Tom. “Gentlemen! I can't tell you how happy it makes me to see you all here in this place! This ranch is now a testament to your hard work. Shame about Pinkerton, but we all know what happens when you try to fool with old Jack Duncan!”
Sarah's ears perked up as she sipped the glass of champagne Eddy had poured for her. So that's where I know you. Joshua Duncan's father. I knew that handsome face was familiar. Interesting. Sarah's thoughts became excited as she sipped the frothy bubbles in her glass. She wondered if the Sheriff knew that the notorious ‘boss’ was his own father. “Do you think Jack will be long out there?”
Eddy looked the petite woman up and down. “I don't presume to know those things, Miss. I just do as I'm told. Life is safer that way. I'd suggest you remember that.”
A nervous tremor shook through Sarah's shoulder. “Don't you worry, Eddy, I'll keep that in mind.” Just as Sarah raised the glass to her lips once more, the group of men just outside the door began to holler and cheer. Sarah moved forward to see what was happening but found herself restrained by the iron grip of Jack's henchman. “Guess I'll be saying right here,” she said.
Zooey Pinkerton- a Daughter's Right Page 4