"I did," came the curt reply. "I hated the idea you had to come to us. That your life would be as unbearable as mine. Now I didn't just have to worry about me, but had to watch you be mistreated as well." Her aunt's dull eyes moved past her to the interior of the house. "I'm sorry I didn't protect you more."
"Come with me." It was obvious her aunt had suffered a great deal over the years and had given up on herself. "Please."
The woman's soft smile broke her heart. "It's too late for me. I would only slow you down and we'd get caught. Go, Camille. Go far. Be happy." She pointed to a tree line in the distance. "Just inside the woods there is a saddled horse. Go now, hurry, there's no telling who saw me heading over here. Ride south, there are a few more towns in that direction, so you can stop and get food or shelter if needed."
Not needing any more encouragement, Camille reached to touch her aunt's hand. "Thank you."
"Go on now." Her aunt's shoulders dropped and she turned back to go inside the house.
Wearing only her torn chemise, Camille ran toward the woods, her heart racing as she looked around to ensure no one was about. The horse was tethered to a tree, nibbling on grasses, completely unconcerned by her appearance it seemed.
"You and I are about to spend a lot of time together," Camille told the animal who looked at her with a bored expression.
Once she tied the satchel to the saddle, she mounted and rode south. Without a destination in mind, Camille wanted to cry in frustration. More than anything she wished for Lucas. He would protect her. But it was unfair to go to him. She'd thought herself married and still allowed intimacy between them. Lucas would, no doubt, be shocked and hate her when he learned of her past.
No, it was best she go in the opposite direction of Silver City; start anew in a different place. She urged the horse to a steady trot. No use in tiring the animal since she had no idea how long they'd travel for the next few days, weeks even.
A few minutes later, she guided the horse to a clearing. While it grazed, she quickly changed into the britches and shirt, cinching the pants at her waist with a piece of fabric she tore from her chemise. Once dressed, she braided her hair and put it up, shoving it under a hat her aunt had deposited into the bag. The woman had thought of everything.
Hopefully, at a distance, she'd pass for a lone male rider and keep from attracting unneeded attention. Nervous at being alone, her hands shook when she finally finished changing. It took a few moments to put her soiled clothes into the bag, but she managed between deep breaths and jumping at every sound.
Finally done, Camille mounted and once again set off.
* * *
"What can I get you gentlemen?" A man stood behind a dark wooden bar in the small saloon studying Lucas and Brogan with wary eyes.
"Information," Lucas said leaning an elbow on the surface. Other than the barkeep, there was only one other man at a table in the corner staring into his glass as if the weight of the world was upon his shoulders.
The barkeep's eyes locked on to the tin stars on both their chests. "What about?"
"A man with a wagon, coming through here. Thin, lanky, simple-minded," Lucas said, moving closer. "We know he came here, wondering if you know him."
"That's Billy Charles ain't it?" the man at the table asked the startled barkeep whose eyes moved back and forth between the three men.
"I don't know anything," the barkeep finally replied. "Ask him."
Lucas went to the man at the table, leaving Brogan to deal with the barkeep. "Where does this Billy Charles live?"
"Big house on the north end of town. They ain't there though. Heard they're riding out to Silver City."
"Shut up Fred," the barkeep called out. "You're gonna get us killed."
Fred chuckled and once again stared at his glass. "Could be, but I don't care no how."
No other information could be gleaned from the men in the saloon. Either out of fear or because neither seemed to know anything about a woman with Billy Charles and from what Lucas could tell, they didn't lie about it.
Minutes later, they rode close to the house the man described. No one was about, the front door locked and when Lucas walked around it, the only peculiar thing was a boarded up window. Both he and Brogan tugged until they removed a plank. The room was empty, the door to it open. Lucas called out Camille's name, but no one answered.
"No one's there." An older woman came from around the side of the house holding a basket. "They've all gone out of town."
The woman's face drooped on one side and she glared from Lucas to Brogan. "Lawmen," she stated simply before turning and walking away.
Lucas caught up to her. "Do you know where Billy Charles is? I'm looking for a woman he brought here."
The haggard woman stopped and let out a breath. "What do you want with her?"
"I'm concerned for her. She's important to me.” Desperation grew at the thought something horrible had happened to Camille. Surely the men didn't take her with them back to Silver City. And from what they'd been told, the men were, for some reason, heading back there. No doubt to bring trouble. "Please lady, do you know anything about her?"
The woman studied him for a long moment. "Camille is gone. Headed south. I helped her escape. If she's important to you then find her and make her happy. If Bill Burns gets ahold of her, he'll kill her this time."
"I don't understand. Why did Billy Charles bring her here? Is she related to people here?"
The woman nodded. "Unfortunately. She's my niece. Was married to Bill Burns’ son. Ran off years ago. Probably doesn't even know the boy is dead now. He got killed in a shootout with lawmen just outside Silver City." The woman's dull gaze honed in on his star but she did not say anything else.
Married. Lucas could only stare at the woman, realizing who exactly Camille's husband had been. He'd shot and killed several of the outlaws during the shootout near Silver City. One of the dead had been a Burns. He'd killed Camille's husband.
"Thank you." He turned on his heel and rushed back to where Brogan stood with the horses.
Brogan kept watch, his gaze scanning the surroundings. "I need to go back to Silver City."
The implication was clear. Brogan knew Lucas would keep searching for Camille.
"She is alone and probably frightened. I have to go after her." Lucas was torn. He didn't want Brogan heading to danger alone. "What do you plan to do?"
"Don't worry about that. Go on find her and bring her back home."
Moments later, the men headed in opposite directions, each with a grim determination and knowledge things were about to change drastically.
CHAPTER NINE
DUST ROSE, CREATING A CLOUD around Silver City. The wind had picked up considerably, blowing across the area as Bill Burns and his son looked down from a nearby hill. "Don't see much commotion yet," Bill grumbled, wondering what took the men he'd sent so long to find the lawmen.
"Lots of people about," Billy Charles commented while fidgeting with the horse's reins. "They got lots of candy at that mercantile."
Bill reached over and smacked him on the head. "Yer not going to the mercantile. Don't even think about it. Once we leave the bank, hightail it back home. You understand?"
Billy Charles rubbed at his head and nodded. "I know Pa. I was just talkin' to talk."
Two shots rang out and people scrambled towards buildings. A grin etched across Bill Burns' face. "Let's go."
They rode to the bank, bringing the horses to the side of the building. Bill listened for more shots and, moments later, one single shot sounded. Once again, several people ran past and Bill pulled Billy Charles' shoulder. "Come on, let's go."
The front of the bank was empty as expected. What he didn't expect was for the door to be bolted shut. Bill Burns went up to the window and peered in. The bank was empty.
Damn it. He'd not counted on the bank folks locking up at hearing a commotion. Now that he thought about it, it made sense. Not a big problem. If the men he'd hired killed the sheriff and brou
ght him McKade, he'd just have to pay up from his own money.
A shot sounded, followed by ringing in his ears.
"Pa!" Billy Charles screamed.
Bill Burns turned to find him lying on the ground gasping for breath. His eldest son held both hands around his neck while blood poured out between the fingers. His mouth gaped open and closed as his wild eyes searched in vain for help.
"What the hell?" Bill Burns took a step towards Billy Charles only to stumble backwards when another shot sounded and a fiery sensation entered his chest. He fell to his knees and looked across the way to meet Raymond Childs’ flat eyes. "Why?" he screamed out.
"Let's say I owe the Scotsman a favor. He gets killed, I end up hung."
Before Bill Burns could lift his gun, two additional shots rang out and he toppled sideways onto the ground, his dead eyes meeting his son's.
Billy Charles died minutes later, one hand outstretched to his father. The simple man never realized how much the man disliked having him as a son.
"The sheriff's coming!"
Brogan raced in to town, bringing his horse to a stop at seeing two dead men and Raymond Childs and another man standing nearby, both with guns holstered. He dismounted and glanced at the dead men. One was Bill Burns, the other had to be the son.
He looked up to the burly, bearded man who returned his gaze. "You hoping to get a reward?"
Childs chuckled without mirth. "Doubt they'd pay it, being it's probably the same as the price on my own head."
Suspecting the other man was also an outlaw, Brogan did not expect introductions. "I am indebted to you."
"I'd say it makes us almost even," Childs replied. "You kept me from getting hung, so I'd say you are still one up on me."
"I don't believe in an innocent man being killed," Brogan replied. "Have you found out anything?"
Raymond shook his head. "It's almost as if the bastard vanished into thin air. Fell into a hole or something. Been all over, searched everywhere. No one's seen or heard from him. I'm beginning to think he's dead."
"Even if you find him, he’ll never confess to killing your wife. You should..." Brogan was about to say give up, but then thought of Sarah. If someone harmed her, he'd never give up. Never stop searching for whoever it was and wouldn't rest until seeing the person die.
"I'll see you around, Sheriff." Raymond Childs and his friend walked away while Brogan watched.
"Why didn't you arrest them, Sheriff?" A man came up and looked at the departing men. "We all saw them kill these two."
"The dead men are outlaws. They came to rob the bank."
The man blinked and stared down at the bodies. "Well, goodness gracious. What is the world coming to?"
With the danger at bay, Brogan considered if he should send help for Lucas and whatever happened with Camille.
It was probably of little use. There was no possible way to catch up to Lucas now. It was sundown and he decided it was best to go and let Sarah know of what happened. Surely his fiancée was worried about him and about what happened to her friend.
Knowing Lucas, he'd not stop despite nightfall. The man would not rest until finding Camille. Although Lucas had not said anything, it was obvious his friend was in love with the woman.
As Brogan watched men load the bodies of Bill Burns and his son, he could only surmise neither would be mourned much.
He headed to the opposite end of town to see his soon to be bride. Hopefully, in another day or two, Lucas would return with Camille.
* * *
As the sun fell behind the horizon, its rays continued to reach up toward the now darkening space of the sky. Lucas let out a breath and scanned the surroundings. Camille could be anywhere. Alone and no doubt afraid, he hated to think of what she was going through at the moment. It would be too dangerous for her to light a fire to keep warm by, so she was probably huddled somewhere attempting to keep warm.
The horse snorted and its ears twitching as it looked to the left. The animal had either heard or smelled something. Lucas pulled the animal to a stop and listened intently. Very softly at first, but then he heard what sounded like the breaking of branches. He pulled his steed to stand behind a copse of trees and dismounted. After tethering the horse, he went toward the noise on foot. It was becoming dark and soon he'd not be able to see much.
Whatever made the noise stopped and he cursed inwardly, unable to decipher where the sounds had come from. Once again, he remained still listening for any sounds. Finally, he heard it again. This time, the sound was moving away from him. As quickly as possible, he went in the direction of the sound ensuring not to make any noise.
Someone had placed a log up against others forming a type of shelter. He watched as the outline of the person disappeared into the shelter. If he'd not seen him or her go into the shelter, he'd probably have ridden without seeing or noticing anything.
He listened once again for more noise and when it stayed silent, he moved closer. Just as he reached the shelter, he heard sobs.
It was a woman. Could it be possible that he'd stumbled upon Camille?
He crouched down and attempted to peer into the shelter, but whoever was in the shelter was proficient and had covered both sides.
"Camille?” he whispered. "Is that you, sweetheart?"
"Lucas?"
There was scrambling and then a figure, dressed in britches with long, loosed hair, scampered to him. Camille threw her arms around his neck and began crying so hard her entire body shook. "I was so scared," she told him. "I am so cold and hungry."
He smiled despite her state. She felt wonderful in his arms. Unharmed and, although upset, she seemed to be in good health. When she trembled, he hugged her tight. "You're safe. I've got you, darling. Don't cry please."
He held her for a long time, comforting her while stroking her hair, allowing her time to settle and calm down.
Finally, she took a shaky breath and loosened her grip on him. "Are you sure someone didn't follow you?"
"No one's been following me at all. I'm positive."
Her wide eyes met his. "How did you find me so soon?"
"I couldn't stand the thought of you out here alone. I suppose desperation helped. Your aunt, she told me the general direction you went."
"Oh Lucas." Once again, she clung to him with her face hidden in his shirt. "I am so happy to see you. The thought of never seeing you again tore at me."
They would talk eventually, discuss the notes she'd written and what it meant. For now, he'd let it pass and bask in the fact his woman was safe and sound.
"There's a small town not too far. Let's get you some food and a warm bath.” He lifted her onto his arms and carried her back to the horse.
Less than two hours later, they settled into a small room in a small inn. The woman who let rooms had ensured they ate well and although she kept stealing glances at Camille, refrained from asking why she was dressed so oddly and about the bruising on her face. Instead, she seemed reassured by Lucas' badge and concentrated on feeding them and drawing a bath for Camille.
"I can send my son to come and empty the tub later," the woman told Lucas.
"No need. Just leave it. My wife and I are very tired. Once we wash up, we plan to promptly go to bed."
"Very well," the woman replied with a smile.
Camille was so tired, she didn't resist him undressing her and lowering her into the hot water. She let out a happy sigh and her head lolled to the side of the tub. "This is heavenly."
He smiled down at the woman who had no idea what a beautiful picture she presented. "Do you need help washing up?"
When her eyes met his, there was warmth. "Join me. I'm sure you'll enjoy the water."
Not a fool, he undressed and slid into the tub behind her. She fit perfectly between his legs. Lucas pulled her back against him, careful not to move too much since the water threatened to spill over.
"Did Burns hit you?"
She reached up and touched her jaw. "Yes, he is a cruel man. I have
to explain..."
"Not tonight, love. We'll talk tomorrow. It will take us into the night to reach Silver City."
Camille was quiet and he did not ask what she thought. He had an idea. But taking his own advice, Lucas decided not to delve into what her reasons were.
Taking the bar of soap that was left beside the tub with both hands, he began washing her hair. Once he was satisfied it was all soaped up, he slid the bar down the front of her body, his hands sliding over her generous breasts giving each attention. She fidgeted; her bottom enticing against his erection.
Camille’s head fell back against his shoulder when he continued his ministrations down past the soft swell of her stomach to between her legs. The apex promised so much and he couldn't resist caressing, touching.
A gasp was followed by a throaty moan. Camille twisted to face him and took his mouth with hers. She pulled the soap from his hands and began lathering his hair. She moved back and smiled at him. "You are most handsome, Lucas."
"I'm glad you think so," Lucas replied dunking to rinse the suds. Camille chuckled. "There is too much soap in here to rinse clean, I'm afraid." She went to move away, but he pulled her against him, taking her lips with hunger.
He wanted her, but more than that, he needed her. The craving was soul deep. Never had he ever felt so overcome with not just want, but appreciation, to be able to hold this woman in his arms.
Camille relaxed against him, her fingers raking through his hair. His hands slid down her back to cup her bottom and pull her closer.
Water sloshed over the edge, the splashing sound seeming loud. "Oh, dear." Camille looked at the floor. "We're making a mess."
Lucas stood from the water and climbed out. "Stand up."
For a long moment, she seemed enthralled by the evidence of his arousal and, damn, didn't that just make him even harder.
Once she stood, he retrieved the water pitcher and poured clean water over her hair. Finally, he leaned over the tub and did the same to his. Satisfied both were rinsed, he retrieved a towel and helped her from the tub.
Wrapped in the large cloth, Camille leaned against him and pulled it around them both. "I still cannot believe this is real."
Seven Nights of Sin: Seven Sensuous Stories by Bestselling Historical Romance Authors Page 49