Ilsa (Pendleton Petticoats Book 3)
Page 27
“Did you grow up in the South?” Caterina asked, catching one of the boys before he could smear sticky fingers on the skirt of her dress. She rolled her eyes at Kade and used her apron to wipe away most of the sweet residue.
“No, ma’am, I didn’t, but that’s a story for another day. I really should get the prisoner and be on my way.”
“It was very nice to meet you. I hope you’ll be through Pendleton again soon.” Caterina smiled as she picked up the twins, kissed Kade on the lips then rushed out the door.
Lars could hear her speaking in Italian to the boys through the open door as she carried them down the street.
Kade took a ring of keys off his desk and unlocked the door leading to the cells. He returned with the prisoner bound by both handcuffs and shackles around his ankles.
Lars kept his face void of any expression as the man looked him over. When he finished, Lars turned a questioning gaze to Kade. “What’s his story?”
Surprised when Kade laughed, Lars gave his full attention to the deputy. “If stupid had a face and name, you’re looking at it.”
The prisoner glared at Kade but remained silent.
“You don’t say?” Lars waited for Kade to continue.
“Wilburs, here, took a notion to rob the train. Apparently, he’d been involved in a few train robberies and decided he could make more money striking out on his own. A couple of kids noticed him jump on the train and before the porter could stop them, a group of men trussed him up like a Thanksgiving turkey and threw him off the train. We received a telegram from their next stop letting us know where to pick him up. He was still all tangled up in the brush, poked full of thistles and crying like a baby when we got there.”
“A real devoted criminal.” Lars attempted to keep a straight face as he picked up the basket Caterina left for him while Kade removed the shackles around the man’s ankles.
“Did you have to tell ‘im everythin’, deputy?” the man asked, hanging his head in shame.
“Yeah, I did. Maybe by the time you get out of prison, you’ll have wised up a little.”
“Maybe,” the man said as Kade led him out the door.
The two lawmen were silent as they escorted the prisoner to the depot and situated him in a seat at the back of the last passenger car on the train. Kade shackled his ankles, making sure the chain wrapped around the leg of the seat while Lars attached a chain to the man’s hands, securing it to his ankle chain. Even if something happened to Lars, the possibility of the man being able to move unassisted was slim.
Lars set the basket from Caterina beneath his seat then took a few steps away, far enough the prisoner couldn’t hear them speak. Genuinely liking the man, Lars reached out to the deputy and shook his hand.
“Please tell your lovely wife I appreciate the food. I haven’t been this well fed for a long time.”
“You’re welcome. She lives to make people happy through her cooking,” Kade said, smiling as he backed toward the door. “I’ll let her know you enjoyed it. Have a safe trip.”
“Thanks, Kade. Enjoy that nice little family of yours.” Respectfully, Lars touched the brim of his hat.
“I do, every day.” Kade hurried out the door.
Lars watched him speak with people as he made his way across the platform. The deputy seemed like a man who was content with life and himself.
Maybe someday Lars would know how that felt…
Find Marnie and other Shanna Hatfield books on Amazon.
Pendleton Petticoats Series
Set in the western town of Pendleton, Oregon, at the turn of the 20th century, each book in this series bears the name of the heroine, all brave yet very different.
Dacey (Prelude) — A conniving mother, a reluctant groom and a desperate bride make for a lively adventure full of sweet romance in this prelude to the beginning of the series.
Aundy (Book 1) — Aundy Thorsen, a stubborn mail-order bride, finds the courage to carry on when she's widowed before ever truly becoming a wife, but opening her heart to love again may be more than she can bear.
Caterina (Book 2) — Running from a man intent on marrying her, Caterina Campanelli starts a new life in Pendleton, completely unprepared for the passionate feelings stirred in her by the town's incredibly handsome deputy sheriff.
Ilsa (Book 3) — Desperate to escape her wicked aunt and an unthinkable future, Ilsa Thorsen finds herself on her sister's ranch in Pendleton. Not only are the dust and smells more than she can bear, but Tony Campanelli seems bent on making her his special project.
Marnie (Book 4) — Beyond all hope for a happy future, Marnie Jones struggles to deal with her roiling emotions when U.S. Marshal Lars Thorsen rides into town, tearing down the walls she’s erected around her heart.
Lacy (Book 5) — Bound by tradition and responsibilities, Lacy has to choose between the ties that bind her to the past and the unexpected love that will carry her into the future.
Bertie (Book 6) — Haunted by the trauma of her past, Bertie Hawkins must open her heart to love if she has any hope for the future.
Millie (Book 7) — Determined to bring prohibition to town, the last thing Millie Matlock expects is to fall for the charming owner of the Second Chance Saloon.
Dally (Book 8) — Eager to return home and begin his career, Doctor Nik Nash is caught by surprise when the spirited Dally Douglas captures his heart.
Quinn (Book 9) — Coming in 2018!
Tad’s Treasure (Prequel) — Tad Palmer makes a promise to his dying friend to watch over the man’s wife and child. Will his heart withstand the vow when he falls in love with the widow and her son?
Crumpets and Cowpies (Book 1) — Rancher Thane Jordan reluctantly travels to England to settle his brother’s estate only to find he’s inherited much more than he could possibly have imagined.
Thimbles and Thistles (Book 2) — Maggie Dalton doesn't need a man, especially not one as handsome as charming as Ian MacGregor.
Corsets and Cuffs (Book 3) — Sheriff Tully Barrett meets his match when a pampered woman comes to town, catching his eye and capturing his heart.
Bobbins and Boots (Book 4) — Carefree cowboy Ben Amick ventures into town to purchase supplies… and returns home married to another man’s mail-order bride.
Lightning and Lawmen (Book 5) - Coming in 2018!
Can forbidden love blossom amid the constraints of war?
“Strong characters, historical authenticity, and unique twists of fate blend with details of a wounded soldier's love.”
Jane Kirkpatrick
Award-winning author of This Road We Traveled
Garden of Her Heart (Hearts of the War, Book 1) — The moment the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, life shifted for Miko Nishimura. Desperate to reach the Portland Assembly Center for Japanese Americans, she’s kicked off the bus miles from town. Every tick of the clock pushes her closer to becoming a fugitive in the land of her birth. Exhausted, she stumbles to her grandparents’ abandoned farm only to find a dying soldier sprawled across the step. Unable to leave him, she forsakes all else to keep him alive.
After crashing his plane in the Battle of the Atlantic, the doctors condemn Captain Rock Laroux to die. Determined to meet his maker beneath a blue sky at his family home, he sneaks out of the hospital. Weary and half out of his mind, he makes it as far as a produce stand he remembers from his youth. Rather than surrender to death, Rock fights a battle of the heart as he falls in love with the beautiful Japanese woman who saves his life.
A poignant, sweet romance, Garden of Her Heart proves love can bloom in unlikely places even under the most challenging circumstances.
Grass Valley Cowboys Series
Meet the Thompson family of the Triple T Ranch in Grass Valley, Oregon. Three handsome brothers, their rowdy friends, and the women who fall for them are at the heart of this sweet contemporary western romance series.
The Cowboy’s Christmas Plan (Book 1) — Cadence Greer’s plans for a happy-ever-after are quickly derailed when
her fiancé runs off with his secretary a week before their wedding. Homeless, jobless, and jilted, she escapes to Grass Valley, Oregon, where she takes a job as a housekeeper and cook to seven cowboys on a sprawling ranch.
The Cowboy’s Spring Romance (Book 2) — Trent Thompson has carried a torch for the new schoolteacher since she moved to Grass Valley more than three years ago. Instead of asking her out, he’s dated every single female in a thirty-mile radius, giving her the impression he’s not interested in her at all.
The Cowboy’s Summer Love (Book 3) — Always the wild-child, Travis Thompson doesn’t disappoint as he rolls from one adventure to another in his quest to keep his adrenaline pumping. He needs a release for the tension constantly building inside him, especially after he discovers the girl he’s loved his entire life just moved back to Grass Valley.
The Cowboy’s Autumn Fall (Book 4) — Brice Morgan thought love at first sight was some ridiculous notion of schoolgirls and old ladies who read too many romance novels. At least he does until he meets Bailey Bishop at a friend’s wedding and falls hard and fast for the intriguing woman.
The Cowboy’s New Heart (Book 5) — Years after her husband died unexpectedly, Denni Thompson can’t bear to think of giving her heart to anyone else. With three newly married sons, a grandchild on the way, and a busy life, Denni doesn’t give a thought to romance until she meets the handsome new owner of Grass Valley’s gas station.
The Cowboy’s Last Goodbye (Book 6) — With his siblings and friends all entangled in the state of matrimony, Ben Morgan is more determined than ever to remain blissfully single. Despite his vehement refusal to commit to a relationship, he can’t help but envision a future with the sweet, charming woman who unknowingly captures his heart.
The Women of Tenacity Series
Tenacious, spunky women give the wild, rugged men who love them a run for their money in this contemporary western romance series.
Heart of Clay (Book 1) — Easy-going cowboy Clay Matthews is a respected college professor. He's the man family and friends turn to for help, or when they need a good laugh, since he's a huge tease and practical joker. Life would be almost perfect, except for the strained relationship with his once beloved wife... (Available FREE for electronic downloads.)
Country Boy vs. City Girl (Book 2) — A confirmed city girl finds herself falling for a wanna-be country boy. Sparks fly as a battle of stubborn will ensues.
Not His Type (Book 3) — After spending her entire twenty-four years hiding in the background and perfecting her status of wallflower, Anna Zimmerman arrives at the astounding conclusion it’s time for a change. Tired of living life in the shadows, she steps into the light, unprepared to handle the attention of the charming, handsome cowboy who works across the street.
Books by Shanna Hatfield
FICTION
HISTORICAL
Baker City Brides
Tad’s Treasure
Crumpets and Cowpies
Thimbles and Thistles
Corsets and Cuffs
Bobbins and Boots
Pendleton Petticoats
Dacey
Aundy
Caterina
Ilsa
Marnie
Lacy
Bertie
Millie
Dally
Hearts of the War
Garden of Her Heart
Hardman Holidays
The Christmas Bargain
The Christmas Token
The Christmas Calamity
The Christmas Vow
The Christmas Quandary
CONTEMPORARY
Learnin’ The Ropes
Love at the 20-Yard Line
QR Code Killer
Taste of Tara
Grass Valley Cowboys
The Cowboy’s Christmas Plan
The Cowboy’s Spring Romance
The Cowboy’s Summer Love
The Cowboy’s Autumn Fall
The Cowboy’s New Heart
The Cowboy’s Last Goodbye
Holiday Brides
Valentine Bride
Rodeo Romance
The Christmas Cowboy
Wrestlin’ Christmas
Capturing Christmas
Barreling Through Christmas
Silverton Sweethearts
The Coffee Girl
The Christmas Crusade
Untangling Christmas
The Women of Tenacity
A Prelude (Short Story)
Heart of Clay
Country Boy vs. City Girl
Not His Type
NONFICTION
Farm Girl
Fifty Dates with Captain Cavedweller
Recipes of Love
Savvy Entertaining
Savvy Autumn Entertaining
Savvy Holiday Entertaining
Savvy Spring Entertaining
Savvy Summer Entertaining
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hopeless romantic Shanna Hatfield spent ten years as a newspaper journalist before moving into the field of marketing and public relations. Sharing the romantic stories she dreams up in her head is a perfect outlet for her love of writing, reading, and creativity. She and her husband, lovingly referred to as Captain Cavedweller, reside in the Pacific Northwest.
Shanna loves to hear from readers. Connect with her online:
Blog: shannahatfield.com
Facebook: Shanna Hatfield’s Page
Shanna Hatfield’s Hopeless Romantics Group
Pinterest: Shanna Hatfield
Email: shanna@shannahatfield.com
If you’d like to know more about the characters in any of her books,
visit the Book Characters page on her website
or check out her Book Boards on Pinterest.