Texas Gold

by Tracy Garrett

  “Take it easy, McCain,” the shooter in the alley called out. “I’m on your side.”

  Calvin bolted upright at the sound of the voice. Rachel had enough presence of mind to grab his arm and hold him in place. Too bad she hadn’t been smart earlier and stayed out of the way.

  “Let me go.” The boy struggled, trying to pull loose.

  “Calvin Richards,” the voice came again. “You mind your manners.”

  “Pa!”

  Calvin tore from Rachel’s grasp and raced across the street. Jake moved fast, trying to keep a clear shot as the man stepped into the open, but it wasn’t necessary. A bear of a man dropped his rifle and went to his knees as the boy threw himself into his arms. It was the tracker who’d been traveling with Harrison. Tears streaked down the man’s cheeks and disappeared into his rough beard. Jake hadn’t figured on Wolf being so big up close. He looked huge as he clutched the boy to his chest.

  “Pa, I knew you’d come. I just knew it.”

  “Are you all right, son?”

  They spoke over each other, words tumbling out of them. Jake scooped up the dead outlaw’s pistol and strode across the street to pick up Wolf’s rifle. Leaving them to their reunion, he scanned the area once more for any more threats. Daniel Parker was already heading for the schoolhouse to check on Nathan and Matthew. Satisfied it was over, he went to Rachel. When Hank walked into the open from the direction of the park, Jake could tell by the set of his mouth and his angry stride that Harrison had escaped. The bitter taste of failure filled his mouth and his anger erupted at Rachel.

  “Damn it, woman,” he raged, pulling her to her feet. “What the hell were you thinking?” He grabbed her shoulders and gave her a hard shake. “You could have been killed, and there was nothing I could do to stop it.”

  Without any warning, fear overwhelmed him and he dragged her into his arms, holding her with no consideration of who might be looking. Burying his fingers in her hair, he kissed her hard, then folded her into his arms again. “Don’t ever do anything so stupid again, do you hear me?”

  He felt her slight nod, only dimly aware that she probably couldn’t breathe, let alone speak. He loosened his arms just enough to look down at her face. The echo of terror was still evident in her shadowed blue eyes. Shame washed through him, but the apology he owed her wouldn’t come. He kissed her again, more gently this time. “You have to trust me to do my job, Rachel.”

  “Nathan?” The whisper was soft, but enough to break the spell. Releasing her, he turned his back and waited while she straightened her dress. By the time she was set to rights, his jaw ached from gritting his teeth against the need to sweep her up and carry her away from here. She’d never know the effort it took to calmly take her arm and lead her toward the crowd that had gathered once they knew the shooting was over. Nathan and Matthew were at its center.

  “Sis!” The young man became a boy again with one word and threw himself at Rachel. “Are you hurt? You scared me to death. Don’t ever do that again!”

  Rachel didn’t respond. She just gathered him close and held him for long, silent minutes. Jake looked up as the crowd parted to admit Calvin and Wolf. Daniel Parker walked behind them, his shotgun loaded and ready to fire. Matthew was at his father’s side. The townsfolk stepped back, well out of reach.

  “Ranger.” Wolf stopped within reach of Jake, letting him know without words he was through fighting. “I’m Cain Richards. Thank you for rescuing my son.”

  Jake studied the man. He was half a head taller and several pounds heavier than Jake. Intelligence shone in his gray eyes. And he held his son’s hand in a gentle, unbreakable grip. “You’re the one they call Wolf.” It wasn’t a question, but Richards answered.

  “I am. Everything you’ve heard is probably true, except for the reason I’m with Harrison.”

  “Which is?”

  “He had my children. It took me nearly three months to find the son of a—” His shoulders heaved with the effort to hold back his rage. “I needed a way to stay close. A good tracker was useful to him, so he took me on. It let me run him in circles a few times and mess up some of his plans.”

  “Like at the cave.”

  “I hoped it was you that had my children. I wasn’t going to risk losing your trail, but I gave you as much time as I could.”

  “It was enough.”

  Wolf hugged Calvin close, leaning over to examine a bruise coloring his cheek. When he straightened, Jake read resignation in his eyes. “Do what you have to with me, just promise you’ll see my children taken care of.”

  Calvin surged toward Jake. “You leave my pa alone!”

  Wolf caught the boy around the shoulders. “Easy, son. The Ranger has a job to do. We have to let him do it.”

  Jake eyed Wolf, taking his time, measuring the man and the boy he protected. Jake knew the man had joined Harrison’s gang, but his name was never mentioned in connection with the mayhem. He’d only gone along with them to save his children. The trapper was deadly in his own right, but Jake didn’t believe he was a murderer. He’d bet his life on it. But then, it wasn’t his life that mattered. If he let the man go free, he’d be betting Rachel’s life on it.

  The people gathered nearby tensed, waiting to see if Jake would trust the man, but his decision was already made. He’d heard about this tracker and his kindness to friends and strangers alike, even while in Harrison’s employ. More than one person had regaled him with stories of the man’s generosity and gentle nature. Everything Richards said just confirmed what he already knew. Wolf Richards was not a criminal.

  “I’ve got no reason to hold you. You’re free to go.”

  Jake held out his hand and Richards took it. The tension in the crowd around them relaxed and people began to whisper among themselves.

  “I appreciate it Ranger McCain.” Wolf hugged his son close, and ruffled his blond hair. “Now I need to find my little girl.”

  A cry ripped from Calvin. Wolf dropped to his knees in front of him. “What is it, son?”

  “I’m sorry I wasn’t good enough, Pa,” he sobbed. “I couldn’t save her. I tried and tried, but I couldn’t. I’m sorry, Pa. I’m sorry.”

  As realization hit, the mountain of a man crumbled. Agony etched deep lines on his face. He aged a lifetime in an instant, and tears again streaked the dust on his cheeks as he pulled Calvin into his arms. “It wasn’t your fault, boy. I know you did everything you could. You have nothing to be sorry for.” He rocked his son in his arms, comforting him. “Amanda’s gone to be with Mama now.”

  “Mama?” Calvin’s horrified whisper tore at Jake.

  Wolf nodded. “I’m sorry, son. She died soon after you were taken away.” His voice broke, cracking wide open with his grief. He held Calvin tight, and they both cried for what they’d lost.

  Jake looked away, giving them a small measure of privacy. “You folks clear out, now. There’s nothing more to see.” Rachel stood to one side with Nathan and Hank Gerard. She was dusty and her dress was torn, but she looked unharmed. Relief made him lightheaded. Giving in to the need, Jake covered the space between them and pulled her into his arms, kissing away her protest and the last of his fear.

  When he lifted his head, she slipped her arms around his waist and laid her head on his shoulder with a sigh. She didn’t seem to remember they were standing in the middle of the street, and it felt so right that Jake didn’t care. Abby’s laugh of delight brought them back to the present. Rachel tried to move back, but Jake didn’t want to let go. He kissed her once more before releasing her.

  “I—uh...” Rachel put a little more distance between them, smoothing strands of hair from her face. Her normally neat twist hung off center, and had partly fallen. The blush in her cheeks made her look like he’d just kissed her senseless. He liked it.

  “You and Nathan should go home, Miss Rachel.” Hank Gerard smoothed over the awkward moment like the gentleman he was. “Ranger McCain has work to do here.”

  “Yes, of course. I
—uh...I'll just go home. ” She lifted a hand as if to touch Jake, then turned away. “Mr. Richards, why don’t you and Calvin come with us?”

  She didn’t even consider that the man might be a criminal. Jake opened his mouth to argue, then stopped. Richards was no danger. He knew it in his gut. After what the outlaw had done to his family, he couldn’t doubt the man’s reasons for being with him. Wolf would keep Rachel safe until Harrison was found. Jealousy twisted deep inside, but he fought against it. Rachel’s safety was more important right now.

  Wolf Richards stood in silence, watching Jake, waiting for his decision. Jake hated that he was so transparent. “I’d appreciate it if you would. Unless I catch Harrison first, he’s liable to come back for her.”

  “He can try,” the big man growled.

  Jake almost smiled. Rachel would be safe with him. He turned Rachel to face him and ran his hands down the length of her arms until he could capture her fingers in his own. He knew he was staking his claim in front of everyone in town, but didn’t care. “Pretty girl, don’t go anywhere without Mr. Richards, you hear me? Promise me.” He knew she was shaken when she didn’t protest his order.

  Wolf hugged Calvin close to his side. “I need to get my horse and gear.”

  Jake looked over Rachel’s shoulder at the man. “Where did you leave it?”

  Wolf indicated the direction of the park. “We tethered them all behind some trees on the left side of the clearing.”

  Jake nodded. “If it’s still there, I’ll bring it along when I come. I want you to take Rachel and the boys home where it’s safer.” Jake waited. If Wolf objected, he might have to rethink his decision to trust the man.

  Wolf didn’t even hesitate. “I’d be obliged. Assuming Harrison didn’t steal everything,” he added.

  Jake relaxed a little. “I’ll add it to the list of his crimes.”

  “That’s got to be a damned long list, begging your pardon, ma’am.” Wolf tipped his hat in apology, earning a smile from Rachel. Jake’s gut twisted. He didn’t want her smiling at the man that way. Richards offered his arm to escort her and Rachel accepted, laying her fingers on his sleeve.

  Nathan and Calvin ran backward and talked non-stop as she walked away with Wolf. The urge to go after her and bring her back took Jake by surprise. They looked so much like a family. Turning away from them was the hardest thing he’d ever done. He told himself nothing would happen. Rachel was just being herself, offering shelter to someone in need. And if feelings did develop between them, that was a good thing, wasn’t it? He believed Richards was a good man. He’d make a good husband for her, certainly better than Jake could ever be. So, why did Jake feel like he’d torn out his own heart?

  With effort, he concentrated on the task at hand. The outlaw that Richards shot still lay in the dust. He’d get no information from him. He sent Hank into the schoolhouse to check for anything left behind.

  “C-can I help?”

  Jake looked up to find Daniel Parker at his side. The man was so upset, he was shaking, but he stood ready. Jake shook his head. The man would be worse than useless in the fight that was coming. “I think we’ve got it under control. You need to see to Matthew.” He stood and offered his right hand. “Thank you for your help. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

  Parker mumbled something and wandered away. Matthew caught up with him and turned him toward home.

  “Excuse me, Ranger McCain.” Arnold Miller stepped out of the small crowd that still loitered nearby.

  Jake glanced around and recognized the self-proclaimed leaders of Lucinda. “What is it?” He didn’t have time for this.

  “We want to thank you for what you did today. You saved our little town. They could have done so much damage to our community. Oh, and for helping Miss Hudson and the children, as well, of course.”

  It was all Jake could do not to plow his fist into the man’s face. “Just doing my job.”

  “Yes, well, we are most grateful. Anything you want, Ranger, anything at all. You have only to ask.”

  “Give Miss Hudson her job back.”

  Silence descended on the group. The man blinked twice, too surprised to answer. “I beg your pardon?”

  “Send the children back to school. Miss Hudson did nothing wrong, today or before. She doesn’t deserve to be cut off by the likes of you.”

  The insult struck its mark. Arnold Miller straightened to his full height, the flush of anger bright on his face. “I see. We did promise to grant your request, and if that’s really what you want—”

  “It is,” Jake interrupted.

  “Very well, she may return to the schoolroom in the morning.” He spun on the heel of his highly polished shoes and stalked away. Lucinda Miller glared at Jake. Hate hung thick in the air between them. When she flounced after her husband, the rest of the citizens dispersed.

  “Ridiculous fools.” Hank Gerard joined Jake in front of the barn, turning his hat around and around in his hand. “I’ll be glad to finally leave this place.”

  “I can’t understand how you’ve stood it this long.”

  “It is home,” the man replied simply.

  Home. Jake had never called any place home, not even the house he grew up in. What would it feel like, to come back to the same place night after night, Rachel waiting for him with supper on the table? Wait a minute. Rachel? Home? What the hell was the matter with him? He knew better than to build dreams of a wife and family. An outcast like him would never have a home.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Jake turned his attention to business. “Someone needs to bury this man.”

  “I can make the arrangements.” Hank settled his hat on his head. “Aren’t you going after the other one?”

  “Not until I get some supplies and my horse.” Jake sat on his heels next to the dead outlaw and searched for identification and valuables. “Harrison’s injured. He won’t make it too far.” Finding nothing on the dead man besides a couple of coins and his revolvers, Jake stood. “Take these. It’ll cover the cost.” He handed Hank what he’d gathered. “Tell the undertaker I’ll be back to check on his work.”

  “Where are you going?”

  “Hunting.”

  “I will accompany you.”

  Jake studied the man. The flat sheen of purpose shone in his dark eyes. He would be a good man to have along. “I’d welcome the help.”

  “First, I must take care of that.” Gerard’s lip curled in distaste at the body in the dust. “Tell me where to find you.”

  “My horse and gear is at Rachel’s.”

  “Fine. It will take a little while to gather what I need.” He slid a shiny silver pocket watch from his vest. “Shall we say an hour?”

  Jake checked the angle of the sun. “Make it faster. I don’t want him to have any more of a head start than necessary. We leave as soon as you arrive.” Jake strode off, heading for the park. He needed to look for Harrison’s tracks while there was still enough light. He found where the horses had been hidden. Three remained, tied to a low branch, a well-bred chestnut mare, a sleek dappled gray gelding, and Jake’s own packhorse, Duchess.

  “Why didn’t he take you with him?” He moved slowly, keeping his voice low, careful not to spook them. Duchess recognized him, whinnying and bumping his chest for attention. Jake scratched her ears before turning to the other horses.

  The gelding had been hard-used, but his spirit was intact. He tossed his elegant head as Jake checked him for injury. The mare was well cared for, her big brown eyes shining with health and intelligence. Judging by the size of the animal and the gear on the saddle, this horse was Wolf’s.

  He considered taking Duchess along with him when he went after Harrison, but dismissed the idea. She’d covered a lot of miles the past couple of days and deserved a rest. He scratched the little mare behind the ears and under the bridle, smiling when she bumped his chest again, trying to get closer.

  Maybe Rachel would want to learn to ride. Duchess had a gentle personalit
y and would make a fine saddle mount. He imagined teaching Rachel, sharing with her the sun and the wind, the freedom he found on horseback. He could see her joy, could almost feel her unbound hair brushing his cheek as they rode side by side...

  Jake shook off the wishing for something he’d never have. Riding the gray and leading the other horses, he quickly covered the distance to Rachel’s. When the cabin came into view, Wolf was on the porch, keeping watch over the area. A little of the tension left Jake. At least Rachel was in good hands.

  Wolf met Jake near the lean-to. “No sign of Harrison?”

  Jake handed over the reins of the mare and started removing gear from Duchess. “He mounted up and took off southwest.”

  “Back toward the cave.”

  “Has he used that place long?”

  Wolf lifted the heavy packs from his horse and set them aside. “Don’t know. The day you found Calvin was the first time I’d been there.” He unbuckled the saddle and slid it off, careful not to drag the stirrup on the animal’s hide. “Calvin might be able to tell you.”

  “I don’t want to ask him. How he was left there was...”

  The big man’s shoulders tensed. “I’ll kill the bastard,” he whispered.

  “I can’t promise you’ll get the chance.”

  Wolf faced Jake over the back of his horse. “I have the right to avenge my family.”

  “I’m not arguing that. But I’m not going to risk him escaping just so I can bring him back here for you to shoot.”

  “Then let me come along.”

  “No.”

  The narrow-eyed glare Wolf shot him told Jake a lot about the hatred and fury bottled up inside the man.

  “This is my job to do. I need you here, to protect Rachel and the boys. If he gets by me, Harrison will come for her.”

  “Then don’t let him get by you.” The big man reached for a bucket of water and began washing the dried mud from his horse while Jake unsaddled the gelding.