“The lock was undamaged,” Amanda admitted. “The mystery has yet to be solved.”
“I hear the slain girl’s father has no such uncertainties,” he said. “He’s convinced Reagan killed his daughter. He says there’s no other explanation for her body to be found there. I say the man has a valid point.” Derrick felt he was near to crushing her resistance and spoke before considering his words. “If you want proof your husband was involved with the trollop, consider that he paid her a large sum of money to keep quiet about the bastard she carried.” Seeing the bewildering hurt in her eyes, Derrick delivered his final blow. “Just weeks before she was killed, Molly cashed a cheque that your husband wrote for five thousand dollars.” Amanda became speechless as her last vestige of hope vanished. If Reagan gave money to Molly, that meant he knew her and was most likely guilty of her murder. Retrieving her hanky, she quietly wept as he continued. “She must’ve demanded more, and he had to get rid of her. Don’t you see?” he cajoled. “Divorce is the only solution you have left.”
Troubled by the image of Reagan paying the girl in secret, Amanda stared into her handkerchief. “Derrick,” she said, raising her eyes. “How’d you know Reagan gave money to Molly?”
Suddenly, a loud snap sounded beyond the briars. With a growl, Derrick withdrew his gun and at the same time snatched Amanda to her feet.
“Who’s there?” he demanded, holding her in front of him. “Come out!”
“You had something to do with Molly,” Amanda accused, twisting in his grip. “You knew her…you knew Molly.”
Derrick pulled her tighter against him. “Don’t struggle, my sweet,” he whispered, rubbing his cheek against hers. “She meant nothing to me. It was you I wanted, not that bitch.”
Amanda’s struggles only seemed to arouse him more. He pressed his lips against her neck while groping her bosom, evoking an indignant screech as she fought to free herself. With a mighty backward thrust of her elbow, she knocked his arm from around her waist. As Derrick teetered on his heels, he lifted the hand holding the revolver and slammed it against her head. Amanda’s last thoughts were that a sudden burst of a thousand stars had shattered the daylight. The sun’s light slowly shrank until it resembled a flickering candle before even that fluttered into merciful, oblivious darkness.
Chapter Ninety-Eight
Thomas and Beauregard took positions outside Gabriella’s home while Reagan entered the front parlor, calling Amanda’s name. When nothing but a ticking clock answered, he made a hasty but thorough search of the house. Dashing onto the porch, Reagan signaled the men before crossing the property to study recently made wheel prints in the lane. “It seems you were right, Beau,” he said, looking eastward, “these tracts head toward the river.” He mounted his horse while Thomas brought the buggy from where he had hidden it. “Did Derrick say where he was going?”
“Non,” Beauregard said grimly as he climbed into the conveyance. “Le loup only say that he had a surprise for her.”
At that moment, one of the new newly sworn deputies galloped toward them, reining in outside Gabriella’s gate. “Have you any news?” he called.
Reagan urged his horse forward and met him on the road. “We think Derrick’s headed east with Amanda. Tell the sheriff we’re going after them.”
Signaling his understanding, the man whirled and galloped out of sight. Reagan then headed in the opposite direction with Thomas and Beauregard trailing in the buggy.
Once they reached the meadow, Thomas pulled alongside Reagan who had halted to examine the ground.
Beau mopped his face. “Have they gone to the river?”
“It’s hard to tell. But, we can’t continue on without making sure. C’mon, let’s go,” said Reagan, kicking his mount.
Beau grew excited when he spotted a rented livery near the willows. “That’s the de voiture I see at Madame Gabriella’s!”
Thomas guided his buggy behind tall bushes and climbed down. As Beau followed at a slower pace, the elder withdrew a shotgun from the rear compartment. Reagan joined them after tying his horse and checking his weapon.
“What am I to do?” Beau asked. His hands shook as he loaded his gun. “My weaponry skills are not so good as yours.”
“Perhaps, you should stay and guard the livery,” Reagan suggested. “If they return, you can whistle a warning.”
The Frenchman seemed relieved. “Oui, I’ll hide thus,” he said, stepping behind a tree and peering through its branches, “and watch without being seen.”
“I’m afraid we’ll have to split up,” Reagan said to Thomas. “I can’t tell if they’ve gone up river or down.”
He gave Reagan’s shoulder a quick squeeze. “Don’t worry,” he said. “We’ll find her.” Neither made a sound as they moved through the copse in opposite directions.
Reagan looked for footprints near a briar patch when he thought he heard a muffled sob. When he advanced, he stepped on a dry branch and it snapped. Suddenly, he heard angry voices before a loud screech rent the air. Raising his rifle, Reagan rushed forward, coming upon a sight that nearly stopped his heart.
Amanda lay limply across Derrick’s arm as that one pointed a revolver toward the hedge opening. “So, that milksop let you out of jail!” Derrick snarled. “Tis a pity! I was looking forward to seeing your neck stretched!”
“What’ve you done to Amanda?” Reagan demanded. “I swear, if you’ve hurt her…”
“She’s not seriously hurt,” Derrick interrupted, signaling for the lumberman to back up, “unless you do something which forces me to change that.”
Reagan stepped back as Derrick advanced. “I won’t try stopping you,” he said, his gun lowered. “Just let Amanda go.”
“You think me a fool? I’ve no intention of letting her go.”
“She’ll only hinder your escape,” Reagan said. He saw Amanda’s eyelids flutter. “She needs a doctor.”
“A hunk of ice would work just as well,” Derrick said, shifting his burden. “See?” he jeered. “Your lady arises.”
Amanda wobbled unsteadily until Derrick cruelly bit her earlobe. “Arise, my sweet, you need to walk now.” She roused with a pained cry as her captor swung his gun toward her head. “Now, don’t try anything stupid,” he warned Reagan. “I guarantee you aren’t faster than a bullet.”
Amanda could hear voices as if from a distance. As they grew louder, a painful throbbing at the back of her head kept her from slipping back into oblivion. With effort, she opened her eyes but couldn’t make sense of the confusing images. She thought she saw Reagan and heard his voice, but the last she knew, he was still in jail. Yet, who was keeping her upright when she felt a great need to lie down?
“Take me instead,” Reagan said. “I’ll go wherever you want.”
“Are you kidding? She’s my ticket out of here. Besides, you haven’t repaid your debt. Now, put down your weapon and get back.”
Reagan lay down his rifle and backed away, watching as Derrick retrieved the weapon and tossed it over the riverbank.
“Well, Mr. Burnsfield, I must insist you stay in front of us so I can keep my eye on you.” The dandy then grasped a handful of Amanda’s hair beneath her hat. “Come, my dear,” he said, pushing her forward. “It’s time to go.”
All of Amanda’s efforts were used in staying on her feet with none left to discern the cause of her pain. When she stumbled, she found herself yanked against a hard chest, which only intensified the hammer-like pounding.
Derrick ignored Amanda’s distress as he forced her up the path and toward the livery. Reagan continued to back up, keeping Derrick from getting a clear view of the meadow. When the trio neared the clearing, Reagan raised his voice to an unnatural pitch.
“Derrick! If you let Amanda go, I won’t tell the sheriff which way you went. Please leave Amanda with me!”
Sensing his strategy, Derrick scrutinized the surrounding area before glaring at Reagan. “I swear, if anyone tries to stop me, I’ll kill her!”
“No!”
Derrick smirked. “So, you’ve feelings for the wench, after all. I suppose, she’s comely enough to satisfy most appetites. And when I’m through with her, perhaps I’ll leave a lasting legacy for you both.” He laughed when Reagan’s face contorted with rage. “As much as I’m enjoying our conversation,” he said, reaching the livery, “it’s time for us to go.” He yanked on the tether before retaking Amanda’s arm. “I’m afraid you must climb in yourself, my dear.”
Though Amanda’s pain overwhelmed her senses, she understood enough to know she didn’t want to go with the one who held her captive. With a sudden, downward motion, she jerked from his grasp.
At that moment, Beauregard stepped from behind a willow tree. “Monsieur Bad Man!” He held both hands to his weapon. “Let go of demoiselle!”
With an enraged growl, Derrick caught Amanda’s arm while firing at the Frenchman. He then pointed the gun at her temple, halting Reagan who had nearly reached Amanda’s side. “If you come any closer, the last thing she’ll ever see is your ugly face!” His lips twisted in hatred. “Now get back!”
Thomas came crashing through the brush to see Reagan retreating with his hands held high.
“Drop your weapon,” Derrick snarled. “Or, I’ll shoot you too.” Thomas complied, dropping his shotgun as Beauregard slowly crumpled to the ground. Screaming, Amanda covered her eyes as blood spread over the Frenchman’s chest.
“Get in!” Derrick thrust her savagely into the livery before scrambling in behind. Amanda fell in a corner as he lashed the horse into a frenzied gallop across the meadow.
“Get the buggy!” Reagan shouted to Thomas as he ran to Beau. Kneeling down, he tore open Beau’s shirt and stuffed a handkerchief against the wound. “Hang on, Beau,” he said, taking Beauregard’s hand and pressing it tight to the kerchief. “I need you to help me keep my best friend alive.”
“Je-” he panted, “je vous plains-” He grimaced as he endured a spasm. “I-I am sorry, Mon ami-”
“It’s all right,” Reagan said while Thomas brought the Phaeton alongside. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”
“Non-” Beau shook his head. “I hesitated…demoiselle may be lost…” he said weakly, “-mon fault-”
Reagan leaned over until his lips neared Beau’s ear. “Une bonne action ne reste jamais sans rècompense,” he whispered, gently wiping away Beau’s tears.
“Oui,” Beauregard tried to smile. “A good deed is never lost.”
Jumping from the buggy, Thomas paled at the sight of so much blood. “We must get him to a doctor!”
“You get him to a doctor. I’m getting Amanda!” Reagan said as Thomas picked up Beau’s feet. Together, they hoisted him into the buggy.
Climbing inside, Thomas gathered the reins while Reagan mounted his horse. As Thomas urged the courser to a speed worthy of saving a man’s life, Reagan kicked his mount into a full gallop. Leaning over, he scooped up Thomas’s forgotten shotgun before racing toward the road.
Within seconds, the only sounds heard in the willows were the soft rustle of leaves and the trilling of a bird as it called to its mate.
Chapter Ninety-Nine
Sheriff Hadley and his newly sworn deputies were just reaching the meadow when Thomas’s carriage flew past. Moment’s later, Reagan reined in sharply when he saw the band of men. “Derrick’s taken Amanda,” he informed them. “Since you didn’t pass him, he must be going east.”
George pulled up beside him. “Was that Beau who was injured?”
“Father’s taking him to the doctor,” Reagan said. “Derrick shot him.” He turned to the sheriff. “I’m guessing he’s heading to the nearest town.”
“Dammit!” The lawman looked guardedly at Reagan. “He probably won’t take Amanda where she could call for help.”
Reagan nodded, speaking so low that even George’s straining ears failed to hear. “I know.”
“What are we going to do?” George said, raising his voice. “Amanda’s still in the company of that vile man!”
The sheriff backed his horse until alongside George’s buggy. “We’re trying to determine how to apprehend Derrick without harming Amanda,” he explained.
“Can’t we somehow get ahead of him?” George shaded his eyes as he looked down the road. “Didn’t there used to be a road that cut through the gorge near here?”
“If there was, I never heard of it.” The sheriff turned toward the others. “Does anyone know of a short cut through the gorge?”
“I know the road,” Hogan said, urging his horse forward. “It’s about another mile down, and then cuts north, instead of the southern route the road now takes.”
“How much time can we gain by taking it?”
“About two hours,” Hogan calculated. “But no more. Don’t figure the wagon c’n make the steeper places lest the men get out and run alongside.”
“That won’t be a problem,” Jim said. “But what about Mr. Bruester’s buggy, can he make it?”
“I’ll go on foot if need be,” George vowed. “There’s no way I’m not coming.”
“If he’s that determined, he’ll make it,” the tracker said.
“Then, let’s go!” Hadley said. “Hogan, you show us the way.”
***
Derrick had whipped the horse to its fastest speed and it wasn’t until the road entered a patch of trees that he hid the livery among bushes. “Well, my dear, it appears we’re not being followed.” He glanced over his shoulder and then at Amanda, noting her queasy expression. “Once we’re safely away, I’ll grant you time to rest. After all, I’m not an unreasonable man.”
“Where are we going?” she asked, touching where blood seeped from a head wound, stickying her fingers.
“That depends on whether or not you behave. If you remain cooperative, you’ll stay with me until we can safely part ways.”
“And if I don’t?”
“Then, I’ll have the unfortunate duty to leave you where no one can find you. But first, I’d have the pleasure of sampling what should’ve been mine all along,” he said, his eyes raking her form. “The choice is yours.”
“Why should I trust you? You’re not an honorable man.”
“We can have an understanding, not unlike the arrangement I had with your husband. No harm will come to you if I get what I want. And right now, all I want is to get away with my hide intact.”
“I heard you say Reagan owed you a debt. Does that have anything to do with the cheque you claim Molly received?”
“In a way, yes. Molly was a simpleton. She needed someone to manage her life. I provided that service.”
“You knew the poor girl!”
“So what?” he growled. “Molly knew a lot of men. It’s how she made her living.”
“Then, how could she accuse Reagan of fathering her child?”
“Well, Molly tried bedding him once, to validate her claiMs. But, your husband wasn’t interested in a tryst. I should’ve expected it, seeing he had you to come home to every night.”
“But, I don’t understand. If Reagan wasn’t the father, how could she blackmail him? Why would he write a cheque to someone he’d met only once?”
“I suppose there’s no harm in telling you,” he said, flicking the reins, prompting the horse forward. “After that bastard stole you away, I broke into his safe and took documents that proved he married you for your dowry. When Molly failed to entrap him, I went to him and threatened to expose the documents instead. I didn’t care how I got my money, as long as I got it. When Reagan wrote me that cheque, he was simply paying for the return of one of his contracts. I used Molly’s name to endorse it so I couldn’t be linked to the transaction.”
“Did Molly know?”
“Not any more than she knew who got her with child,” Derrick snorted. “She claimed the brat was mine, but in truth, I didn’t care. Had I gotten the rest of my money, I wouldn’t have stayed long enough to find out.”
“So, when you said you’d regain my dowr
y for me, that was just another lie, wasn’t it?”
“Only the part about giving it back. I would’ve had it, too, if that wench hadn’t stuck her nose where it didn’t belong!” His face contorted. “She hid the documents. I couldn’t find them. After that, I decided I’d have to marry you.”
Turning toward him too quickly, Amanda was rewarded with a fresh stab of pain. “Is that when you killed her?”
“I didn’t murder the bitch! It was an accident! How was I to know the tramp would hit her head?”
“Then, why blame Reagan for her death?”
“I had to dump her somewhere. What better place than on Reagan’s doorstep? It got him out of the way. That was, until the sheriff started snooping around.”
“Why don’t you just let me go? Surely, I can be no further use to you.”
“You’re as mad as your husband, if you think me that foolish.”
“But, why?” Amanda pressed. “You’ve already escaped.”
“I told you, my dear. Your presence will ensure my continued good health.”
“When will you release me?”
“I haven’t decided,” he said, mopping the back of his neck. “Most likely, when I’m sure I’m out of harm’s way.”
Amanda believed she couldn’t outrun him, even if she jumped from the conveyance. She decided to look for an escape with better odds. Feigning fatigue, she pressed herself into the seat and on the pretext of touching her wound, she felt for the long, sharp pin that secured her hat. Grateful for that small bit of security, Amanda awaited her chance.
Chapter One Hundred
Hogan led the posse through a boulder-strewn gorge, grown even narrower from lack of use. At one point they unloaded the wagon and lifted it over a rocky patch. “Once we’re back on the road, there’s a bend in the woods a feller cain’t see around,” he explained. “That’s where we can catch him unawares.”
“I know that area,” Reagan replied, “although, I never knew about this shortcut.”
Threads of Betrayal Page 43