Gideon, Lee and Zeke rose to their feet as well, ready to tell Phineas exactly what he could do with his revisions. The tension in the air was tight and palpable. Phineas held up his hands, palms out.
“Gentlemen. No need to get up in arms. Please sit down. I only wanted to extend our agreement to include a few more items.” His grin widened. “I hear nothing but good news about your work, nothing but good. Even heard about some possible sparking going on with our fine women.” Phineas winked at Gideon and Jake’s stomach twisted into a painful knot.
“What do you want with us?” Gideon’s voice reflected a barely controlled anger.
“I was hoping we could discuss adding a new chore to your list. You see, most folks in town are distressed about the men going off to war and getting killed, and the womenfolk getting kidnapped.” He shook his head with enough drama to qualify him for a stage production. “I’ve got to help the citizens of my town and you are just the men for the job.” He looked at each of them in turn, sending a shiver up Jake’s spine. He didn’t trust Phineas Wolcott for even a second.
“You want us to go after the women,” Gideon said flatly.
“Exactly!” Phineas mopped his brow with a pressed handkerchief. “I know it’s quite a lot to ask, but without the women, our town will surely not survive. You understand that, right, gentlemen?”
Jake understood a lot right then. When the mayor had hired them, it wasn’t just to fix the town up and help them back on their feet. He was also using their backs and their guns to find the women so he could get his breeding stock back. Phineas wanted them to get acquainted with the town, perhaps get involved with the folks and get a stake in what happened to them. Manipulative bastard that he was, Phineas knew exactly what he was doing every moment.
“We aren’t here out of the goodness of our hearts.” Gideon’s eyes narrowed. “We don’t do any work outside of town, regardless if it’s for the town or not, without pay.”
Phineas had the gall to look surprised. “Our agreement clearly covered anything we needed you to do.”
Gideon stalked toward the round little man, with the rest of the Devils behind him. To his credit, Phineas didn’t back up an inch, but he sure as hell looked like he wanted to.
“Our agreement didn’t cover everything. We’ll gladly help fix up the town and use our guns in town when needed. If you want us to track and find those women, you’re going to have to open up that wallet of yours and pay for it.” Gideon poked one finger at the man’s shoulder. “I am not a puppet, Wolcott, so don’t try and pull my strings.”
They filed past Phineas, their stares never wavering from the mayor’s. He watched them go with pursed lips, anger swirling in the depths of his eyes. Jake spied the corner of a yellow piece of paper in Phineas’s pocket and figured it was a telegram.
After the Devils got outside, they walked toward their temporary quarters, each quietly digesting the confrontation with the mayor.
Zeke broke the silence. “We’re going to go after those women anyway, aren’t we, Gid?”
Gideon sighed. “Of course we are. I can’t imagine not helping them, no matter what Wolcott tries to trick us into doing.”
“Jake’s going to have to find out what that little turd is up to before I have to kill him,” Zeke growled.
“Hell yes.” Lee pounded his fist into one leg. “I wanted to punch his doughy face in. Lying two-faced bastard.”
“I agree, but only if Jake is willing to.” Gideon put one hand on Jake’s arm. “Your choice.”
The prospect of breaking into the mayor’s house had occurred to Jake, and he was certainly able to perform the task. Now, however, he wanted to get in there and find out what was really going on.
“Wild horses couldn’t stop me.” Jake grinned, his blood heated by something other than Gabby. “I can’t wait.”
“I can’t help thinking the raiders are connected to Wolcott somehow.” Gideon tucked his hands into his pockets. “From what I understand, he hasn’t been in town but a couple of years. Tried some fancy footwork with businesses in town, and somehow ended up mayor.”
“I thought about that too,” Zeke offered. “I’d like a chance to track those bastards and see what hole they’re hiding in before anyone else gets hurt.” From the look in his eyes, he was thinking of Allison.
Jake considered Gideon’s idea. The fact that the raiders knew Gabby by name suggested someone in town had given them information, or perhaps had hired them. “Makes sense to me. How would they know who Gabby was or where she was? Someone from Tanger has their hands in this dirty business. I still think that woman who’s been following me is part of this. I need to find out who she is. Maybe she’s working with him.”
“Phineas is a lying bastard, that’s the God’s honest truth.” Lee was quieter and calmer than usual. “But if what Jake found out is true, then I think he’s right and someone in town is working with the raiders. I’m ready whenever you are.”
Gideon clapped him on the back. “Let’s get some supplies together and slip out. I don’t want anyone knowing what we’re doing.” He glanced at Jake. “Two of us need to stay in town—these people are counting on us to protect them.”
“Dammit, you’re going to tell me to stay, aren’t you?” Lee groused. “One-armed cripple can’t do anything.”
“That’s not what I said and damn sure isn’t how I feel.” Gideon’s brows snapped together. “Everything isn’t about you, Lee. I think Zeke needs to stay here and watch out for Jake. You and me can go after those raiders. Out of all of us, you have the best tracking skills.”
Lee opened his mouth but didn’t say a word. He frowned then nodded, amazingly he even looked contrite.
“Good, then it’s settled. Lee and I will go hunting while Jake and Zeke keep their eyes on the town.”
Just like that, the Devils had changed their strategy. Instead of waiting for something to happen, they’d go looking for trouble.
Jake couldn’t wait.
* * * * *
Gabby watched them split up, two men went down the street while Jake and the blond fellow Zeke stopped to talk. She knew she shouldn’t be staring but sometimes she couldn’t stop herself. Jake’s eyes glowed with excitement and although she couldn’t quite hear what they were saying, she knew they were up to something.
She walked toward them, intent on finding out what was going on. Gabby had spent too much time trying to protect Tanger and herself to not know. Jake saw her and gestured to his friend. They stared at her as she approached, two big men wearing guns and identical scowls. Gabby, however, wasn’t intimidated in the least.
“Good afternoon, gentlemen.”
They both offered a polite greeting.
“Miss Rinaldi.” Jake touched the brim of his hat. The formality in his tone cut deep, but nothing she didn’t expect. “I’ll finish the work on the wheel in the next few days if that’s what you needed.”
“No, that’s not what I needed.” God knew she needed a lot more than that, starting with a normal relationship with a man, a life that didn’t involve blood and guns, and some peace. “I saw the four of you talking and I want to know what you’re doing.”
“Excuse me?” Zeke’s eyebrows rose.
Gabby ignored him. “I know Phineas hired you to help out the town, but any fool can see that wasn’t the real reason. You are nothing more than hired gunslingers and if something is going on, I demand to know about it.”
The scowls grew deeper.
“I don’t see you handing us any pay, little girl.” Zeke stepped toward her. “Don’t think for a second you can demand anything from us.”
Truth was, he scared her a bit with his cold, flat stare. She had no idea what Allison saw in him. Jake looked angry as well, but she wasn’t the least bit frightened of him, at least not physically.
“Gabby, we were hired for a number of
reasons. You are not the only person in Tanger who needs our help.” Jake touched his friend’s arm. “I think you’ve made it clear how you feel about us, but like it or not, we’re here until the job is finished.”
Gabby reeled back from the venom in his voice. “It doesn’t matter what Phineas says, without the townspeople behind you, this job is finished.” Her heart smacked painfully against her ribs, reminding her that she’d invested much more than time with Jake. He already owned part of her and was throwing it back in her face, just as she’d done to him.
“We’ve already got the townspeople behind us,” Jake scoffed. “Hell, half of them want to marry Gideon, Zeke and Lee. What makes you think what you say means a damn thing?” He leaned in close, his blue eyes blazing. “No woman dictates to the Devils, especially you.”
Gabby slapped him so hard, she felt the ring in her own ears. A red mark precisely the shape of her hand blossomed on his freckled cheek. To his credit, he didn’t say another word. Instead he walked away, followed by a fuming Zeke. She could see the fury in that one’s eyes and it sent a shiver down her spine.
Sometimes Gabby didn’t think before she spoke or acted, her passion ran strong and deep for so many things, including Jake Sheridan. Whatever they’d had between them had just been trampled into the dust by their angry words. Pain radiated through her, leaving her short of breath. As her throat closed up, she turned toward home, wondering if the doctor had a cure for stupidity.
She walked slowly, waving hello when needed, but she was very far away. Back to that magical night by the water when she and Jake had shared the most perfect moment in her life.
* * * * *
“Tell me what just happened, Jake.” Zeke caught up to Jake, wheezing as if he’d run a mile.
“Sorry, Zeke, I forgot you’re still recovering.” As he slowed his pace, Jake’s stomach cramped up so hard, he thought he might be sick. Confronting Gabby like that in front of Zeke had turned him inside out. Feelings, thoughts and everything in between whirled through him so fast he could hardly see straight. He didn’t answer Zeke, instead he walked straight toward the river to dunk his head in the cold water.
Zeke seemed to understand there was something going on besides an angry woman, and he kept quiet as they walked. By the time they got close to the river, tears stung his eyes for the failure he’d become.
God, why did he have to be who he was? Why couldn’t he have been a Blackwood for real, not just an illegitimate cousin tolerated by the mighty family and ignored by the man he thought was his father? He dropped to his knees on the riverbank and grabbed scoopfuls of water, trying to wash away the shame, the hurt and the anger.
He knew Zeke was beside him, silently waiting for the storm to pass. They’d been close as brothers all their lives, always looking out for each other, which was sort of odd considering Zeke had a brother already. Zeke was the storm cloud to Jake’s blue sky, they complemented each other. Jake often wondered if Lee resented the closeness between his brother and the redheaded ne’er-do-well.
Zeke touched his arm, not the comforting gesture of Gideon, but with the steadfastness of a true friend.
“You ’bout done?”
Jake slurped a mouthful of water, easing the tightness in his throat. “Yeah, I’m done.”
He sat back on the grass, his knees up, wondering just how he’d gotten so lost.
“You fall for her?” Zeke was a man of few words, and generally, they were well aimed.
Jake rubbed his eyes. “Yep, I did. Don’t know how it happened, I just did.”
“Sorta like Nate and Elisa. Those two were like tomcats fighting, then suddenly they were humping like bunnies.” Zeke shook his head. “Love surely ain’t for weaklings. I hope like hell it leaves me alone.”
“I think it’s too late for that. I saw the way you looked at the preacher’s daughter.” Jake glanced at his friend.
Zeke stiffened. “I ain’t in love, for Pete’s sake. She’s pretty and sweet is all. It’s been a long time since a lady paid me attention.”
Jake snorted. “That’s a fat lie. You are just as handsome as Nate and you know it. You might not be a charmer, but all you’ve got to do is stand there and women follow you. There were at least a dozen women in town following you around like bitches in heat.”
“I surely didn’t ask for it.” Zeke frowned. “When I was hurt, I had this dream that Allison, well, she… Never mind. I wish life wasn’t so damn upside down anymore.”
“Good wish.” Jake sighed. “I’m not sure what it is about Gabby, but I’m obsessed, Zeke. There isn’t another word for it. I think about her constantly. And one night”—he swallowed hard—“one night, she was mine.”
Zeke sucked in a breath. “Did you break her in?”
“Jesus Christ, Zeke. Shut your mouth.” Jake punched his friend’s arm. “Besides the fact it’s none of your business, Gabby is a lady.”
“She’s a pushy lady,” Zeke groused. “With a big mouth.”
“True. I think it’s the Italian side of her.” Jake closed his eyes and tried to find his way back. “I think she made it obvious she wants nothing to do with me again. I feel so damn lost.”
Zeke’s solid presence reminded Jake that he still had his friends, no matter what.
“The best thing to get over a woman is to work. I’d be happy to watch you do it.” He stood with a grunt and cocked one eyebrow. “Ready?”
With Zeke’s help, Jake rose on his shaky legs. “Not really, but let’s get to it so we can get out of this town.”
“Amen to that.”
As he and Zeke walked back into town, Jake couldn’t help but feel the eyes of the unseen watcher on him again. The next order of business after snooping in the mayor’s house was finding out just who the woman was who’d been watching him, and what she was up to.
Chapter Seven
“You be careful.” Gideon’s warning wasn’t needed but Jake knew he’d say it anyway. It was his way.
“Yes, Cap’n.” Jake saluted with a snap.
“Smart aleck.” A playful swat landed on Jake’s arm.
“Don’t worry, I’ll be on watch.” Zeke took everything he did seriously. Jake was glad of that considering how many times his friend had saved him from himself, and sometimes, even a hangman’s noose. “Be back here by dawn in two days.” Zeke looked at both Gideon and his brother, Lee.
“Do I need to salute you now?” Lee grinned.
“Only if you want trouble.” Zeke gestured to the mid-afternoon sun. “Y’all had better get moving.”
“If you’re not back in three days, we’re coming after you.” Jake and the Devils had split up before for many missions, but this one felt different. It wasn’t wartime anymore, yet they were still fighting battles. Tanger had pulled them back into the muddy trap they’d just gotten out of.
“I expect I won’t need to be rescued.” Gideon winked. “But thanks.”
As the four of them stared at each other, Jake again felt an unbreakable bond between them. He gave Gid and Lee brief hugs, then walked away before he embarrassed himself. He heard Zeke talking to them quietly, then he fell into step beside Jake.
“Want to work on your mill wheel today?” Zeke offered. “We’ve got at least four hours of good light left.”
Jake wrestled with what he should do with what he wanted to do. Truth was, he didn’t want to finish the damn wheel at all, but then he thought about poor Mr. Rinaldi and Jake’s selfish thoughts seemed petty. The man needed help, and Jake would be no kind of man if he didn’t give it.
The thought of running into Gabby after their last confrontation put a knot in his stomach the size of a watermelon. Jake looked forward to the day when he could leave Tanger behind and start over again.
As they approached the mill, his step faltered at the sight of Gabby and Allison. Zeke sucked in a breath.
“You want to head someplace else?”
“No, we’ll just say our howdys and get to work.” Jake was determined to ignore his feelings for Gabby. He had to finish what he started on the mill—the town counted on the Rinaldis for flour and more.
Allison straightened up and darted behind Gabby. She peeked out from behind the taller woman and when she spotted Zeke, her eyes shuttered. Stepping forward, she smiled and gave a little wave. Jake actually felt pain in his chest at the welcome emanating from Allison.
“Good afternoon, gentlemen.” Allison’s gaze never left Zeke.
“Ladies.” Zeke tipped his hat. “Jake here is gonna finish up the wheel this afternoon while I watch.”
Gabby nodded jerkily. “Appreciate your help.” She took Allison by the arm. “We’ll be out of your way in a minute.”
Allison glanced at Gabby with a frown. “We won’t be in the way. Why, I’ll bet we can even help, can’t we?”
Zeke was apparently unable to resist the woman. A grin split his face. “Absolutely. You can hand up the nails and wood.”
Jake resisted the urge to run like hell and leave Zeke to finish the job Jake had started. He didn’t say anything though, instead, he walked past the women and toward the back of the mill. The sound of the rushing water soothed his agitation a bit, but he still felt as tense as a piece of wood. The stacks of fresh lumber sat waiting for them to begin.
After Jake stopped the wheel, he removed the boards and replaced them one by one while Zeke sat and handed him nails. Allison stood below them, smiling and making cow-eyes at Zeke while Gabby spent her time snapping at them. After an hour, Jake’s patience reached its limit.
“Enough. Jesus, what is this, a circus tent?” He climbed down from the wheel and came nose to nose with the woman currently making him loco. “If the two of you are going to distract us we’re never going to finish. Can’t you go someplace else?” Jake growled, surprising himself with the vehemence of his reaction.
Jake, Devils on Horseback, Book 2 Page 12