“Loving these practice sessions,” he said.
She stood to her feet. “Yes, well first things first. We are no further ahead with a plan of attack.”
“Where did you leave the gun? They took mine.”
“Immediately behind where I came out of the trees you will see a bush. My handbag is stuck in the middle somewhere.”
“Did I say a proper thank you for saving my life?”
She laughed. “Don’t flatter yourself. I had to come back to see if they’d killed my brother.” She meant it as a joke, but when the shadow fell again, she tried to soften the blow.
“I was teasing, Trace.”
“I’ll wait outside until you get ready for bed.”
“I was thinking of sleeping in my clothes, in case we are wakened unexpectedly. A girl doesn’t want to traipse in front of that sorry lot with her nightgown on.”
“Nothing will happen tonight. Get ready for bed.”
And with that, Trace jumped from the back of the wagon and closed the flap. She stood with hands on her hips and her mouth open. Now what was that about? Why the cold shoulder suddenly and how could he be so sure Andrea’s knight in shining armor wouldn’t choose tonight to come and rescue her? She lay in bed a long time before Trace snuck back into the wagon. He’d found the gun. After ripping a small section of his pillow, he wiggled the firearm into the middle. He fluffed the stuffing and placed the cushion under his head, taking his guard once again by the door.
Although she watched him by the dim light diffusing from the night sky, he never once glanced her way. She felt more confused than ever. She’d hoped their kiss had wiped away all that separated them, but it appeared not.
Chapter 10
In the middle of the night, the ruckus began. Trace bolted to attention and jumped from under his cover, colliding into a shocked Gen.
“You never changed out of your dress?” he said, pulling the gun loose from inside his pillow.
“Women’s intuition. Had an inside hunch something might come down tonight.”
“Remind me to listen next time,” he said. “Sounds like new forces have arrived. We’re going to sneak out of here while they play catch-up, and head for the tree line before they come looking for us.”
“We tried that - remember,” Gen said.
“There is too many for us to eliminate while prisoners in the camp. Stay low and follow close behind me.” He peeked outside. “Lots of cloud cover so we have that in our favor. Try not to trip.”
On the way out, Gen dove her hand into the medical bag, and pulled out a derringer. She grinned at Trace and dropped it in her pocket. He was impressed. Two guns – the woman was full of surprises. He scanned the middle common area on the front-side and noticed no stragglers. The men congregated around the fire, drinking and slapping one another on the back. Trace counted, five of the original men and now three more. Eight became his new lucky number.
Trace turned and helped Gen from the wagon. He squeezed her hand and pulled her behind him. They stayed low and the only sound was crickets and the sound of the new horses settling in with the others by the corral. Beyond the tree line, they picked up the pace and didn’t stop until he reached a natural protection.
“Are you all right?”
“I am, but I don’t see what we can do here,” she said.
“I’m hoping to draw them out in small numbers and lessen the odds.”
That excited Gen. “I can do that. Entice a dawdler and draw the chap into the woods where you will be waiting to put him down.” The smile died on her lips. “Are you going to kill them all?”
“I’m hoping to bind them and drag them back to the jailhouse. I don’t kill unless I have to.”
Trace was alerted to a noise in the bush. He pushed Gen to the side and pulled his firearm from the back of his pants. They stood silent, waiting for the noise to reveal itself. Nick inched out and when he caught sight of his sister and Trace, he threw his hands in the air.
“The Pinkerton man! Why am I not surprised?”
“Maybe you’re not, but I am,” said Trace. “Why did you leave Andrea alone in the camp?”
“They’ve already come to view the merchandise. Didn’t seen too worried about me. But they should be.”
“Are you saying they just let you walk out of camp?” asked Trace.
“Not exactly. I pretended to be asleep when they hauled Andrea off.”
“So, who are the new boys and what do they want?” asked Gen.
“Appears our trail master is up to no good. I didn’t stick around for the full story but good-old Terrance has arrived which sent Andrea’s silly head in a spin. Think she’ll soon discover that all is not as it seems on that home front.”
“Poor girl. But I suppose she’ll be more agreeable to us taking her home,” said Gen.
“Us?” He moved closer so that he and Trace stood eye to eye. “Tell me my sister is not a Pinkerton lady detective?”
“Her choice, Nick. I only met her after she joined.”
“So, this honeymoon thing is a farce?”
“Not completely. We are newlyweds.”
Gen came and pulled the men apart. “Stop this nonsense. I am a grown woman, Nick, and will do as I please. We both know I can look after myself with a gun or a knife. Now I get paid for it.”
“We’re all focused on saving Andrea, right? So, together we now number three against eight,” said Trace. “That’s better odds.”
“Agreed,” said Nick, backing down.
“You’re sure she’s safe, Nick?” asked Gen.
“For the time being. That’s when I split, figuring I could do bigger damage from a distance.”
“My thoughts exactly.” Trace glanced at Gen who was heading back into the trees. “Where are you going?”
“Since I have two men waiting on the sidelines, I can lure multiple fellas your way. Let’s get to work, boys.”
Nick grumbled. “Always was the bossy one in the family.”
Both men hurried to catch up. “You’ll have to run hard Gen, once you get their attention.”
“And try not to cause a loud ruckus and bring them all down on us at once, guns blazing,” said Nick, doubt and a touch of anger in his voice. It was obvious his protective instincts were kicking in. Two looking out for Gen brought a sense of relief to Trace.
A few hundred feet closer, she stopped to scan the area. “You fellas wait here. I’ll get some cowboy to chase me right into your trap.” All Trace could do was gape at her, this woman who shared his name and took their job as seriously as he did. He’d dreamed of such a partner. But did she have to be so dag-gone beautiful? All he wanted to do was lock her safely inside his home to mind a house full of babies, cook his supper, and live a long life. One’s expiry date in this line of work was unpredictable at the best of times.
Archie would not like the direction his mind was taking. The boss-man hoped to put together teams of men and women that lasted longer than one or two cases. He snapped out of it and turned to Nick. “Let’s try to down these boys quietly. How are you with your fists?”
“I can hold my own. You just better hope my sister doesn’t get caught in the middle of this.”
“You heard the woman. She is independent and daring. I’ll do my best to protect her, but once again, she chose this job and no one is going to talk her out of it.”
Nick mumbled and Trace moved to the other side of the clearing. No sense bunching up. Every moment he waited, his trigger finger itched more. What was taking her so long? Caution – breathe easy man. The woman wasn’t stupid and would hold off for a couple of dawdlers. He paced his tiny square and swore this would be the last time she’d go off alone. He’d need to somehow convince her that he was the agent and she his underling.
He heard the noise in the bush and glanced over at Nick, who stood ready for whatever came out of the bush. With skirts pulled up around her knees Gen raced into the clearing and continued across, her eyes peeled to the ground and
her breathing haggard. One man almost landed in Nick’s lap and the tussle began. The second emerged further down – probably split up to see if they could head her off. His lustful eyes remained fastened on Gen as he sped forward. Momentarily he stopped and bent over in the middle to catch his breath, his attention drawn to the fight happening off to his left.
The surprised bloke never saw Trace jump him from the right. He pinned his man to the ground, and with both legs squeezing the man’s sides, Trace took advantage of his position by landing a few solid hits. The man’s face became a puddle of red, so even when he managed to throw his assailant off, he stumbled awkwardly to his feet. His vision handicapped from bleeding eyes and balance definitely not in his favor, the man swung wildly in the air. Trace ducked to avoid the flailing arm and dove into his middle, throwing his opponent back to the ground. This time, the man struck his head on a rock and passed out.
Trace scanned the area and saw Nick dragging his man off into the bush and he did likewise. Together they went looking for Gen. They found her sitting on a stump. She glanced up when they approached, a wide grin of first conquest covering her face.
“We did good, right?”
“Very good,” said Trace. “Thanks to you.”
“You two look terrible,” she said with a chuckle. “Out of shape, boys?”
Trace pulled her to her feet. “Hard keeping up with you, woman, but I think I like it. You are remarkable.”
“So glad you think so, husband dear.” Nick sauntered up to them.
“Yeah, well I could have told you that about her. But I’d label her reckless, with a saintly quality. The girl never gives up on a mission until she sees that her contributions are no longer necessary.” Nick gazed at Gen. “That’s why you left the farm, right? Time to hand the reins over to the new Mrs. Trafton?”
“Thought backing out was best for everyone, big brother. And since the fellas stopped knocking on my door a long time ago, I decided to go find me one of my own – well, it sort of happened that way. The man came with the job.”
“And this one – he’s treating you good?” asked Nick.
“Besides putting me in the frontlines of danger, he is treating me perfectly.” She grinned mischievously at Trace.
Trace threw his hands in the air and Nick laughed. “Rest easy, mate. Guess we both know where we stand with this lassie.”
Trace’s gaze connected with Gen and he held her there, a moment stolen in time. The mask concealed her heart today and he moaned. If only he could read her like he did others; it would help him know where he stood with her. Trace chastised himself for even caring. He was losing control of the borders that defined their relationship, and it made him angry. At the present moment, she appeared to be happy, so he’d be smart to settle with that.
“That brings the male forces against us down to six.” She addressed Nick. “Did you see what they did with the baby?”
“The painted ladies are tending to him, and are not too happy about it. Claims it wasn’t part of the bargain. One complained and it got her a slap in the face. Left a nasty bruise. She and the other two stay close to their wagon mostly. This is definitely not the party the men who hired them offered.”
Gen snickered. “Think I saw the red-head trying to entice the fella by the horses. He’d almost succumbed to her invitation, when her supposed husband showed up and slapped her, again. Now her cheeks are a matching pair. She huffed away, and he followed. Left the poor man minding the horses as easy prey when I beckoned him into the woods.”
“What about the second man?”
“The man following the hussy turned back, just in time to spot me. I flashed him a come-on, before disappearing behind the trees. Then I ran for all I was worth with the two panting rascals on my tail.” Gen sidled up against Trace. “Bet they never suspected I had two gallant gentlemen waiting to defend my honor.”
Trace roared. “Did anyone ever tell you that you’re a tease?”
“My sisters – but I told them they were just jealous that they couldn’t get their own way with a man.”
“Doesn’t make a husband too comfortable knowing you are gifted in such deception,” said Trace.
Gen appeared shocked at his accusation. “I’d never attempt to deceive you, sir. Not on purpose.” Her face did not entirely convince Trace. “Now if you will excuse me, I believe all that running has got mother-nature activated.” She disappeared behind a string of trees.
The boys gathered to compare war wounds from their recent scuffles and were not paying attention when a voice called out.
“Hands up, fellas, and drop the guns on the ground. This rebellion is over and you’re wanted back at camp.”
Trace removed the gun tucked into the waist of his pants and turned slowly, dropping the gun and raising his hands into the air. He’d let down his guard. What was wrong with him? Having feelings for a woman was proving to be a hazard in this profession. Nick did the same, kicking it a couple feet off to the side.
“Where’s the Mrs.?” the man asked.
“Right here,” came a voice from behind as a chunk of hardwood came crashing down on his head. He dropped to the ground. Trace scooped up his gun and raced over.
“Dag-gone it, woman. Are you everywhere?”
“Caught sight of him sneaking up before I got down to business. Decided to come to the rescue instead,” said Gen.
“Well, don’t let me stop you from taking care of nature’s business in the bushes. I’ll get rid of man number three.” Trace tried not to let the irritation he felt enter his tone. He hated being at his wife’s mercy. But she sensed it, and he witnessed the excitement drain from her face. She tossed her wooden weapon aside and made her way back into the trees.
Nick moseyed up behind him and slapped him on the back. “Kind of messed that opportunity to express your undying gratitude to the little woman.” His voice changed to a girly-squeak and mocked Trace. “Why thank you, darling, for saving my life – a second time.”
“Shut up. Help me drag this sorry carcass to rest in peace with the other two.”
Chapter 11
The three crouched low, close to the fire where four of the five remaining men lingered. Zack Scott, the trail master, Frezner, Andreas’s original connection, and three-piece suit, and another sidekick talked or rather argued.
The well-dressed gentleman, with the appeal of a slithery snake, appeared to be in control now. “Where’s Splint? Should be back with that runaway gal by now.”
“She’s got two men out there with her. Give me a break,” said Zack.
“And we appear to be missing three. They’re picking us off.” The man’s voice grew angry. “We’ll sit tight and let them come to us.”
“Good idea, boss,” said Frezner, his yellow-heart ringing out through his shaky voice.
“They all kind of favor the young miss, over there. Maybe we should make an example of her?” suggested the fourth man.
“Idiot. She’s our bread and butter in this operation,” said the well-dressed gent, that Gen took to be the illustrious Terrance Laker.
“She hasn’t taken too kindly to her future husband, if you ask me,” he mocked.
“No one asked you, so mind your own business. When her old man pays up, we’ll all have enough to retire on and she can crawl home with her tail between her legs. Maybe she won’t buck the next wealthy gent her old man picks out for her.”
Terrance’s voice drifted through the night and Gen spotted Andrea by a wagon, sniffling quietly with a hankie covering her face.
Gen’s gaze shifted to Trace and she witnessed confirmation in his eyes. She could almost feel the depth of the girl’s heartbreak. This was indeed Andrea’s love-interest, Terrance, the alleged father of the child, the one who organized this do-gooder trip as a front for his kidnapping plan. The misguided heir hovered close to the back of the wagon, wrapped in a heavy shawl and watching the same scene through red puffy eyes. While Gen’s heart reached out to the naïve girl, she
sensed Nick’s tension beside her and turned to see the anger building in his fired-up glower. They needed to bring this ordeal to an end.
A rider came in. “Message delivered.” He’d be the fifth man left standing Gen concluded.
“Was the man reasonable?” asked Terrance.
“Are you kidding? He blew his stack. Said he’d have the law after us.” The man slid from the back of his horse and grinned. “But I reminded him we held his daughter. The first lawman we saw, she’d be dead. He backed off.”
“So, he’ll be at the meeting place at two?”
“With the money,” he laughed. “Said we better bring the girl.”
The trail-master laughed. “Got that covered, boss-man,” he said, his laughter riddled with mockery. He aimed his pistol at Terrance.
“What do you think you’re doing?” asked Terrance, surprise glaring through every angle of his expression.
“You and your sidekick there, drop your guns. I’m running the show now.”
Frezner came up behind the men and disarmed them. “My, how the tables have turned,” he taunted. Sticking the barrel of his gun in the small of Terrance’s back, he pushed. “Over there, against the tree.”
Terrance stood his ground and yelled at the trail master. “Fool! I started this job and I’ll finish it.”
“Reckon you’re not needed anymore,” Frezner sneered shifting the barrel of his gun to the back of the man’s head.
Frezner looked at Zack, and Gen watched in horror as the double-crosser nodded confirmation for the take-down. The gun shot rang out in the early morning and within seconds, Terrance lay in a pool of blood on the ground. His surprised side-kick had no chance. Within seconds he joined his partner in crime and fell beside him.
Gen brought a hand to her mouth to stifle her outburst. Her eyes pivoted to where Andrea stood and the girl had fell into a dead faint. Gen grasped Trace’s arm and he covered her hand with his and squeezed, bringing much needed comfort to her soul. Gen had never witnessed such brutality before and it caught her off-guard.
An Agent for Genevieve Page 8