Chapter Twenty-Two
“Don’t try to lie to me, Colin MacLaren. You’re going after them, aren’t you?” Sarah stood in their bedroom, fists on her hips, eyes blazing.
Colin had climbed the stairs at a slow pace, sorting out his thoughts, trying to figure out how to tell Sarah he’d be leaving in the morning. He wouldn’t lie to her, but he couldn’t be completely honest. Entering their bedroom, he knew by looking at her something was wrong.
Tossing his hat on the bed, he leveled his gaze. “Going after who, Sarah?”
“Coffman.”
“Where’d you hear something like that? Seems like a pretty foolhardy idea to me.” He hoped she’d back away, but the tightening in his stomach warned him she wouldn’t.
“Aye, it would be. And exactly something you, Quinn, and the others would try.” Dropping her arms to her sides, she walked a few steps closer to him. “Tell me I’m wrong.”
Turning away, he slipped out of his shirt and walked to the washstand, dipping his hands in the cool water, splashing it on his face. Picking up a sliver of soap, he scrubbed his hands, then rinsed them. Reaching for the towel, he saw Sarah holding it out to him, a scowl marring her normally cheerful face.
“Thanks.” He took his time drying his hands while making a decision. Tossing the towel aside, he sat on the edge of the bed, reaching out his hands to her. “Come here, lass.”
Hesitating, she swallowed the lump of fear in her throat, not sure she wanted to hear what he had to say. Stepping in front of him, she kept her hands clasped in front of her. “Just tell me, Colin.”
Prying her hands apart, he engulfed them in his much larger ones, pulling her to him, settling her on his lap. Nuzzling her neck, he let his lips drift lower, hearing her sigh just before she pushed both hands against his bare chest and stood.
“You’re not going to distract me. I want to know if you’re going after Coffman.” The way her brows furrowed, eyes narrowed, and lower lip trembled, he knew what she wanted to hear…but he couldn’t lie to her.
“Aye.”
“Why? It’s not your job. You’re a rancher, not a gunslinger or the law.” Her voice held a pleading tone he’d never heard before.
Taking a clean shirt from the wardrobe, he slipped it on, buttoning it as he turned toward her. “Because the law won’t do it. Coffman killed Da and Uncle Gillis…and Sheriff Walker. He’s the one who took our cattle. There’s every reason to believe he’ll try to rustle from us again. He knows Yost won’t do anything, and we can’t get any help from federal law enforcement.” Spreading his arms, he held his palms out. “We’re the ones who must protect the ranch and our families from Coffman and men like him.”
“It doesn’t have to be you. You can hire others. Gunmen, bounty hunters, men who do it for a living. You don’t have to risk your lives when you can hire someone to go after them.” Sarah turned away, attempting to control the moisture building in her eyes. She didn’t want him to see how afraid his decision made her, how she didn’t know what she’d do if she lost him. Whirling back around, her glassy eyes beseeched him in a way that tore at his heart. “If you decide to leave, I don’t know that I’ll be here when you return.”
Her words struck him as if she’d thrust a spear into his gut. The death of his father had been the one other calamity that had hit him this way. His jaw tightened as his mouth twisted into a thin line, eyes showing the pain her words caused.
“We will not handle troubles by walking out on each other, Sarah.” His words were calm, hard, spoken with an unyielding certainty. “I’m sorry if you don’t understand why I must do this. I hoped to have your support. If I don’t, I will go anyway, and I expect you to be here when I come home.” Grabbing his hat off the bed, he slammed it on his head. “If you aren’t, I will find you and bring you back.”
Colin hadn’t expected his last night home to be this rough or this painful. He and the others spent considerable time preparing to leave the following morning
He’d been surprised Heather hadn’t put up more of a fuss when he told her she wouldn’t be riding with them. She’d argued, throwing out every reason she should be included. In the end, her shoulders sagging, she promised not to follow them and walked away. Quinn had also tried to talk to her, but she’d shut him up quickly, telling him Colin had already told her the decision. At least they didn’t have to worry about her on the trip. Not so with Sarah.
“You know she’d never leave you, Colin.” Blaine settled a hand on his shoulder and squeezed.
“You heard?”
“Our bedrooms are right next to each other and the walls are thin,” he smirked. “If it gives you peace, I doubt Ma or anyone else heard.”
“How can you be so certain she won’t run when I don’t even know it myself?” Colin closed his saddlebags, placing them over the saddle on a nearby stand.
“The woman’s daft for you,” Blaine chuckled. “Besides, she’s not a fool. Once she thinks through our reasons for going, she’ll understand why this must be done.”
Colin hoped Blaine was right, but his chest still tightened at the thought she might not be waiting when he returned.
When he slipped into their bedroom close to midnight, he spotted the small bump under the covers. He sat on the edge of the bed, stroking her hair, watching her breathe. He loved her so much, yet he couldn’t do what she wanted. He knew if she stayed, there’d be many times they’d disagree. She’d have to learn you don’t solve differences by running.
Taking off his clothes, he slid into bed, wrapping his arms around her, and pulling her back into his chest. No other woman would ever feel this right. He prayed when she woke and found him gone, she’d think of all the reasons they were together—and be here when he came home.
Sarah woke with the sun streaming across the bed. Stretching, she reached behind her, sitting up when she felt the cold sheets. Her mind raced as she jumped out of bed, dressed, and hurried downstairs. She came to a halt in the kitchen door at the sight of Kyla, Aunt Audrey, Geneen, and Heather sitting at the table, holding hot cups of coffee.
“Have they left?” she gasped, hoping she hadn’t missed him.
“Aye, lass. About an hour ago. Colin said you looked so peaceful, he didn’t want to wake you. He said he’d see you when they got back.” Kyla filled a cup with coffee for Sarah, then indicated the chair next to her. “We were talking of the boys growing up and how little has changed. They are still stubborn and willful. It’s the way of a MacLaren, I’m afraid.”
Taking a seat, Sarah wrapped both hands around the cup, gripping it tight. Staring at the hot liquid, she glanced up, her gaze on Kyla. “I don’t know if I can do this. The waiting, not knowing if he’ll return.”
“Ach, of course you can, lass,” Kyla scolded. “You’re much stronger than you know. Colin’s always believed it. That’s why he waited all those years for you.” Her uncompromising gaze focused on Sarah. “You cannot be paying him back by being afraid or taking off like some weak female.”
Sarah winced at the subtle rebuke, not knowing how to respond. She wasn’t as certain about her strength as either Colin or her mother-in-law. Although her da had been stern with his daughters, he’d also protected them from many hard aspects of life.
“She’s right, Sarah. If you’re thinking of going, you need to push it from your mind. You’ve accepted this life, this family, and you’ll not be leaving us.” Audrey gave her a warm smile, resting her hand on the top of Sarah’s. “Besides, I don’t care to imagine what Colin will be like if you aren’t here when he returns.”
“You all talk as if you’re certain they’ll all come home safe.” Sarah wished she had the same faith.
“We are. What good would it do to think otherwise?” Kyla walked to the sink, rinsing her empty cup. “Now, we all have chores.”
“Geneen, if you’re up to help, we could use an extra rider to keep watch on the herd.”
Heather’s comment surprised everyone, no one more so than Geneen.
She jumped up, excitement on her face.
“Of course I’ll help. Let me get my gloves and—”
“First, come with me. I have some pants and a shirt in my saddlebag that should fit you. They’ll be better than your dress.”
Geneen followed Heather, almost giddy with anticipation of being out with the herd.
“Well, I’ll be…” Audrey’s voice drifted as she hurried to the front window, watching the two young women talk, Heather gesturing toward the far pasture.
“You know what I think?” Kyla asked. “It’s a sign all will be well.”
“Crocker is a short distance ahead. We’ll camp here.” Colin had to raise his voice to carry over the pounding rain, which had started a mile back. They’d been prepared for it, already wearing their dusters.
“We should move off the trail. Down there.” Quinn pointed toward a clearing hidden behind a thick stand of trees and brush.
The rain stopped as swift as it had started. As much as they wanted a fire, they didn’t think it wise to draw attention to themselves this close to town. Besides, Coffman’s place might be real close to where they stood.
“You still want Blaine and I to ride into town tomorrow, find out where Coffman lives?” Brodie crouched down next to the others, tearing off a piece of jerky and chewing.
“I don’t see any reason to change,” Colin answered. “No one’s seen either of you. The rest of us were in the saloon a couple months ago, spoke with the bartender and the owner of the general store. I think you’ll have a better chance of getting information for us.”
“I’d start with the owner of the general store, maybe the blacksmith. Try to avoid talking to the bartender. He’s real suspicious of newcomers. Don’t mention you’re from Conviction. Just say you’re riding through on your way to Oregon. We don’t want them connecting you to Da and Uncle Angus.” Quinn took a bite of hardtack, wishing he had coffee to wash it down with instead of tepid water.
“Do you think Coffman got a look at you two when he rode into our camp a couple weeks ago?” Colin wondered why it hadn’t occurred to him before.
“Heather and I were crouched down behind some bushes, and Brodie was with the men scattered behind the boulders. Even if he noticed the number of horses, it’s doubtful he would’ve spotted us.” Blaine stood, stretching his arms above his head. “I’m going to get some shuteye.”
Colin watched as Blaine grabbed his bedroll, placing it under a tall pine. He hoped they hadn’t made a mistake deciding to come on their own. As he told Sarah, there wasn’t anyone else. Everyone, including the law, feared Coffman. Sheltered in the small town, protected by other outlaws, he came and left at will, robbing banks and rustling cattle with no one to stop him. It would take at least thirty lawmen to get close to ridding the town of its outlaws.
“It’ll be all right. We MacLarens are a lucky bunch.” Quinn glanced at him as if he’d read his mind.
“And what about you almost dying in River City?” A slight smirk crossed Colin’s face.
“Lucky shot, nothing more.”
“Well, it has to be done. Caleb’s taking first watch, then I’ll relieve. You okay with the third watch, Quinn?” Colin stood, looking at the surrounding area, spotting nothing through the thick brush.
“I’ve got it. Get some sleep. We’re all going to need it.”
“What can I do for you gents?” The thin, elderly shopkeeper stroked his beard as he looked them up and down.
“Coffee, sugar, and bacon.” Brodie glanced at the shelves behind the man. “And some of those dried apples.”
“Anything else?”
“That’s it.” Brodie pulled out some money as the clerk scratched out the totals on a piece of paper. “You been here long?” He kept his voice casual, as if just making conversation.
“About ten years. Long enough to see it change.”
“Change?”
“Used to be a quiet spot on the way west. Now, most wagons go around us, only sending in a few men to buy supplies.” The old man glanced out the window, as if keeping watch.
“What happened?” Blaine asked, stepping forward.
“You men aren’t from around here, are you?”
“Nae. We’re from down south, heading to see friends in Oregon,” Blaine answered, resting his hands on the counter.
“Well, you boys watch yourselves. We’ve got some bad elements in this town. Me and the missus been talking ‘bout leaving, but don’t know where to go. We got a small house a ways from the north end of town, so nobody much bothers us. Those on the east, well, let’s say they’re living too close to the devil to suit me.”
“Sounds like that’s an area for us to avoid,” Brodie replied, crossing his arms.
“There’s a man who lives out that way—”
“Hey, old man. The boss needs coffee, flour, sugar, and molasses. And make it quick.”
Brodie and Blaine turned at the loud voice coming from just inside the door. A man of average build with a double set of pistols on his hips glared at them, daring them to start something.
“Nice talking to you boys. Have a safe journey.” Turning, the old man got to work putting together the new order.
Taking the hint, Brodie and Blaine picked up their supplies, passing the gunfighter on the way out.
“Let’s talk to the blacksmith before we head back.” Brodie swung up on Hunter, glancing over his shoulder at the man who continued to glower at them. They rode toward the other end of town, dismounted, and walked their horses toward the smithy.
“Do you have time to check my horse?” Brodie asked, coming to a stop several feet from the forge.
The blacksmith looked up, then walked over to the horse, lifting his leg up. “Looks like it’s loose. It’ll take a couple minutes and you’ll be on your way.” The blacksmith set Hunter’s leg down, then searched for the right nail.
“You been here long?” Brodie asked.
“Long enough. Thinking I’ll head toward Conviction after the winter.” Leaning against Hunter, he wrapped a large, brawny hand around his leg, lifting it so he could work on the shoe.
“Not enough business?”
He glanced up, a look Brodie couldn’t decipher passing across his face. “Enough. Just time to move on.”
“We’re looking for a place east of here. Maybe you know where it may be.” Blaine moved up closer, watching the man finish with Hunter.
“Got a name?”
“Coffman. We’ve got a message to deliver to him.”
Not answering his question right away, the blacksmith quoted a price for the shoeing. Swiping a dirty sleeve across his forehead, he looked them over, then shrugged. “Take the road east out of town. When it forks, take the trail to the right. A friendly word of advice, though. Unless you’re looking for trouble, I’d stay far away from there.”
“Thanks for the information.” Brodie paid the smithy, then took Hunter’s reins and walked outside before turning to Blaine. “I think we have what we need. Let’s head back.”
Riding through town, no one seemed to spare them a glance as they disappeared out of sight.
Chapter Twenty-Three
“We agreed?” Colin asked, glancing up at the others, seeing each nod. “We’ll move out late tonight, finding a place to camp close to Coffman’s place. We’ll keep watch until we’re ready to take him.”
Taking a trail around the town, they took the road heading east, Caleb keeping watch behind them, Blaine riding ahead to spot anyone coming their way. They never would’ve found the cutoff if there hadn’t been a clear sky and partial moon. Within a few minutes of the fork, they heard the sounds of laughter, then spotted smoke drifting skyward. Riding closer, they saw a cabin nestled between dense pine trees in the distance.
“Let’s backtrack and leave the horses. We’ll go the rest of the way on foot.” Colin reined Chieftain around, riding until he found a place well off the trail, but only a few hundred yards from the cabin.
Spreading out, they c
overed the distance in little time, the noise from the house covering their approach.
“I don’t see any guards. Guess they’re pretty certain no one will ever find them.” Quinn hunkered down next to Colin.
“Or they don’t believe anyone would have the guts to come after them.”
“If that’s the case, we’ll have surprise on our side. I’m going to move up close, see if I can get a look in a window.” Quinn moved toward one side of the house. Stretching up, he peered inside, his head shifting as he got a good look. Glancing back at Colin, he held up four fingers.
He flattened himself against the side of the house at the sound of approaching horses. Nodding to Colin, he bent low, dashing to the back where Caleb, Brodie, and Blaine had taken positions.
“I’ll put the horses away, Lon, while you go inside.” Deft grabbed the reins to both horses, walking to the stable along the side opposite Colin.
Glancing toward the back, Colin saw Quinn slip along the side, waiting under a window until Coffman had gone inside, followed by Deft several minutes later.
“You got news, Lon?” one of the men asked.
“We leave day after tomorrow. The boys confirmed there’s enough of a herd to make it worth our while. I’ve heard back from Smith. He’ll be waiting at the same place.” Coffman set his hat on a hook, leaving his gun belt secured around his waist. “No drinking tomorrow night. I need everyone clearheaded.”
“Guess tonight’s our chance to go back to town for drinks. You got objections to that, boss?”
“Not as long as you’re sober tomorrow night.” Lon settled into a chair as all the men, except Deft, started to grab their gear.
Quinn had heard enough. He signaled Brodie, Caleb, and Blaine to circle around to meet Colin. Within minutes, he’d joined them. Waiting until they’d returned to their horses, he kept his voice low.
“Lon Coffman is there. He’s the tall, hulking one that rode up last with the black hat. He told the others they got news about a herd large enough to take. They plan to ride out day after tomorrow.”
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