by Jodi Thomas
CHAPTER 33
Travis knew if trouble found them, it would be before sunset. He'd talked with Roy and Dillon after breakfast. The three old maids seemed to think the Rangers protecting them were gentlemen callers. They were happy to be in protective custody.
Dillon said he had one Ranger follow behind Mike and Sage as they left Austin. After a few miles they were well ahead of him, so the shadow stopped and waited. No one else followed the couple. So Travis assumed Sage was safely on her way home.
Travis almost laughed. If Mike Saddler thought he had trouble with him, wait till her met her other two brothers.
Mrs. Vivian's slave was still missing, but at least they hadn't found a body. Travis considered that good news.
Dillon planned to bring Haskell in for more questioning, but he thought the saloon owner was probably only guilty of wanting to make some fast money.
That left Dottie and Rainey to watch over. Whoever was trying to wipe up the mess left from the kidnapping would want them the most. Dottie had shot one of the brothers, and Rainey had not only ruined their plan, she'd killed another brother. If Eldon wanted revenge on Travis before, he must be double mad at the women.
Travis leaned against the wall and tried to sleep. Anyone trying to enter the restaurant from the front would have to make some noise and he'd long ago trained himself to come fully awake at the slightest sound.
In a few hours the saloon would open next door and they'd no longer be able to slip into the place through the cellar. It was only a matter of time before someone figured out where they were and came after Dottie and Rainey. He thought of taking them and running, but he didn't want either woman to spend her life looking over her shoulder.
He hoped they'd get this mess straightened out before anyone found Rainey or the widow. The Ranger station was half a block away. Close enough to hear a shot if Travis needed help.
Travis fell asleep and dreamed once more of the smell of tea around him. He was reading in a chair by a fire and all was right with the world. He shifted in his sleep and the dream shifted as well. Now he was standing before a man holding up a Bible. Travis looked down into the man's eyes and saw a question, even though he stood silently in front of Travis. As before in his dream, Travis knew the Bible held a gun.
The light touch of a little hand on his arm woke him.
Travis growled at Duck. "Morning, son."
Duck smiled and growled back. He climbed into Travis's lap and stared up at him.
Travis patted the boy's head. "I needed to talk to you," he began. "If trouble comes…" He hesitated, thinking of how to word what needed to be said. "If I pull my gun or anyone else does, I want you to disappear as quick as a rabbit jumping in a hole."
Travis looked at the boy. He knew there would be all kinds of trouble if he tried to make Duck leave him, but he didn't want to think about the boy being in harm's way. "Do you understand?"
Duck nodded and leaned against Travis.
Travis whispered, more to himself than the boy, "They'll be coming after Rainey, if they come. I'll need to be protecting her, so I have to know you're safe."
Duck pulled the knife Travis had given him from his pocket. It wasn't large, but it was still too big for him to open.
Travis smiled. "I guess we're about as ready as we can be."
Duck nodded and slipped his knife back into his pocket. He pulled out a string and began playing with it. Travis watched him for a while in the silent stillness of the morning.
Roy wandered in with a cup of coffee and sat down across from Travis. He watched Duck for a few minutes and said, "Beats me how kids and women take to you, McMurray. You're about as friendly as a rattler. I never see you say one nice thing to that pretty little Rainey Adams, and you growl at the kid like you're a bear fixing to eat him."
"Mind your own business," Travis said without looking away from the window.
"You see." Roy pointed at him. "That's what I mean. We've been riding together off and on for years, and I didn't even know you have a ranch north of here. Wouldn't know now if Rainey hadn't told me."
Travis changed the subject. "Do all women talk so much?"
Roy laughed and straightened. Now they were on a subject he considered himself an expert in. Women. He opened his mouth to start twice, then stopped. Finally he simply said, "Yes."
They sat in silence watching the street beyond the boarded window come to life.
Roy finally remembered his coffee. After he took a drink, he put his elbows on his knees and leaned forward. "They found some interesting things in Mrs. Vivian's room last night. It seems she was a bit of the thief. She not only stole from her boarders from time to time, but she lifted things from homes around her block when she knew her neighbors were away. Even furniture. She must have had some help because there was no way one woman could haul a dresser down the street."
Travis listened without being surprised.
Roy continued. "She'd been selling some stuff off. According to her accounts at stores around town, she was in deep debt, but the day of the kidnapping she paid for everything with cash."
Travis grew more interested. "You think someone paid her off to be gone during the kidnapping?"
Roy shook his head. "I think someone paid her to tip them off that Sage was coming that morning."
"But she knew I was a Ranger and always traveled with Sage."
Roy nodded. "I think she was planning on that. She took the money and tipped the Normans off thinking that you'd be in the foyer like always and you'd save the day. Then her house would be talked about in a good way. Sage would be safe. The Normans would be in jail or dead, and she could keep the money. I think the old crow thought she'd come out ahead."
Travis agreed. "And since she was gone at the time it happened, no one would look in her direction."
"Right. There was only one person close enough for her to pass the message to when Sage came."
"Haskell," Travis answered. "No matter which way we turn, his name keeps coming up."
Rainey stepped into the front room. "Morning," she said, aware that she had broken up their conversation. "Sorry to interrupt."
Roy stood and offered her a chair, claiming she'd always be a welcome interruption.
Travis studied her. Something had changed about her. She hadn't said a word all morning, but he could tell something was different. She moved with more confidence. There was a glow about her. He grinned, wondering if it could be something as simple as the fact that she knew she was loved.
"Rainey," Roy commented. "Are you sure there were four horses?"
Rainey frowned. "It all happened so fast. I could be wrong."
"The undertaker put Seth's out front of his store yesterday as soon as he got the box made. Several people walked by and identified him before they nailed the lid on." Roy glanced at Travis. "We kept a man watching. No sign of Eldon or Old Man Norman."
Rainey looked from one to the other. "You were hoping Seth's body would draw them out?"
"It was a chance. We'd like to get this wrapped up."
"It would be a bigger chance of him coming out if he knew where I was."
Travis wanted to call her a liar. But she was right. He also knew she was drawing a target on her back.
Rainey straightened her shoulders. "Tell Dillon I'm tired of hiding. Dottie and I have been talking about opening this place back up as a bakery someday. Tell Dillon someday is coming tomorrow."
Roy said he'd be back as soon as he could and left. When he was gone, Travis said as calmly as he could, "You shouldn't have done that." He'd considered yelling but knew it wouldn't change her mind. She'd run into trouble full speed since the night she'd met him and thought she was saving him from the cowhands. She'd done it again to save Sage.
She faced him. "I can't hide forever. I've been thinking about it. If Eldon knows where I'm at, he'll come after me. I've got you and Roy to protect me. Mamie may be hiding somewhere with no one watching over her."
Travis read her mi
nd. "You know where the slave is, don't you?"
She raised her chin. "I have a good idea."
"This isn't a game, Rainey. Mamie may already be dead. You're betting your life here."
"Then why didn't you stop me?" She moved closer.
He shrugged. "Because I'd have done the same thing. The longer we wait, the less the threat seems real. In a few days, a week, we'll get reckless, take chances we shouldn't. If trouble's coming, I'd just as soon face it now."
He circled his arm around her. "And if trouble comes for you, he'll have to step over me to get you."
CHAPTER 34
At twilight Rainey lit the lamp in the kitchen and felt a shift in the air. A breeze, as if someone had opened a window in another part of the house. Only there were no windows in Dottie's kitchen.
She glanced at Travis and saw him lift his head ever so slightly. He'd felt it, also, but he made no sudden move.
The day had been exhausting but they were still both on full alert. First, when Roy returned just before noon, he brought two Rangers with him. He said that if she wanted to make pies, they'd go get her supplies from the Langland place and bring it over. He also said Dillon had told him to unblock the front door. The restaurant might not be open for business, but they were no longer hiding. The Rangers would bring her supplies in through the front.
When Rainey nodded, Roy winked and added, "We all think you are one brave lady, and we'll do our best to protect you."
"Thank you," she said, hoping the best would be enough.
An hour later Dottie's dead husband's partner showed up to demand they leave. He claimed the smell of pie was filtering through to his half of the building, and he was losing customers. Apparently the smell reminded the drunks that they needed to go home.
Dottie stood up to the man. She was surprised how fast he backed down and started acting respectful. She didn't see Roy standing behind her checking his gun. By mid-afternoon the little kitchen was as busy as a train station with Rainey making pies and Dottie visiting with people who stopped by to see what was going on.
The judge dropped in to tell Travis the group of lawyers had approved him to the bar. Judge Gates promised if he'd hang around for six months and intern, the judge would sign his state license to practice.
Rainey was surprised at how little the news seemed to matter to Travis, but she had a feeling the judge understood.
Pearl and Jason followed the Rangers carrying supplies over to make sure Rainey was all right, and she stayed to hear all the details.
Even the three sisters came over with their protectors in tow. Rainey had to admit that they all looked fine, dressed for their stroll.
By the time she finished baking, everyone in town knew where she'd be staying for the night. The place was finally quiet. Dottie, Rainey, and Travis ate the soup she'd made while Duck played on the floor. He'd eaten too many slices of pie to want supper.
"Roy will be back before it's late. He just went home to say hello to his wife," Travis volunteered to break the silence.
Rainey wasn't hungry, but she took another bite. She hadn't been alone with Travis all day and knew there would be no chance of it now. He'd want to stay with Duck and Dottie to make sure they were safe. Anything said between them would be heard by all.
"This is good soup," Travis added, as if he were making an effort to say something.
"Thank you." She smiled at him over her cup of tea. He hadn't mentioned marriage in a while, and she wondered if he even wanted to marry her any longer. She told herself that it wouldn't be a bad thing if they were friends, maybe even lovers. She'd see him whenever he came to town and they'd write.
It surprised her to realize how much more she wanted from Travis. She wanted to sleep with him. She wanted to wake up with him beside her. She would almost give up her freedom for the pleasures of being with him as man and wife. Almost.
She touched the tiny bag at her throat and remembered what her mother's life had been like. She also remembered the promise she'd made to herself the night she'd boarded the train. Never would she be worthless again.
Dottie cut another slice of the bread Pearl had brought them. "You going to take the judge up on his offer?" she asked Travis. "He told me he'd swear you in as a lawyer any day you wanted. The judge and I talked about it, and we thought we'd give you a party at his house after the ceremony."
Travis looked at Rainey. "I haven't decided yet. I'm not sure I have a reason to stay in Austin."
She didn't meet his eyes. She knew how much his love meant to her, but she couldn't return it. She couldn't give up the freedom she'd fought so hard to get.
Something rattled beyond the door and all were silent. It was probably only the bartender moving down the stairs for more beer, but still they listened and waited.
"I locked both the doors when the sisters left," Travis said.
Dottie nodded, but didn't look reassured. "Want to play some poker?"
Travis declined. "I've never won at that game. As far as I'm concerned, it's a waste of time to play."
Rainey agreed just to calm Dottie. Travis stood and paced around the room. He barely limped, but she noticed when he thought no one was looking he sometimes rubbed his leg as if to force the pain out.
"Roy will tap three times when he wants in." He told them the code they already knew. "Once he's here, we can settle down for the night."
Rainey tried not to look like she was watching him, but she knew Travis was on edge. Every now and then he touched the handle of his gun, and his gaze circled the room every time a log snapped in the fire. Somehow his gaze always ended on her as if watching her relaxed him.
Rainey took a deep breath and jumped at the sudden crack of wood. Duck dived beneath the table, disappearing completely in an instant. Dottie's cards flew across the table.
Travis pulled his gun and stepped in front of the women. "Get down!" he yelled.
Rainey hugged Dottie, and they joined Duck beneath the table, holding on to one another tightly.
She heard a thump. The door to the cellar crashed open and slapped against the floor.
Dottie screamed as a man tumbled with the door to the floor of her kitchen. He jerked once, twice, then collapsed. The back of his head was splattered with blood.
A moment later Roy appeared with a board in his hand. "Got him, Travis!" He laughed, and a wildness danced in his eyes. "Eldon came through the cellar just like you said he would."
Travis fired one signal shot that echoed off the walls like thunder. Then, as calmly as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened, he turned and held his hand out to Rainey. "Come on out. It's all over."
Rainey wasn't sure she wanted to, but she took his offered help and crawled out from beneath the table, pulling Dottie with her. The little widow jumped up like a jack-in-the-box asking questions in rapid fire.
Travis pointed with his gun. "Ladies, I'd like you to meet Eldon Norman, the last brother. We've been waiting for him all day."
Dottie took a few steps toward the man. "Is he dead?"
"No," Roy answered. "I kind of hope he wakes up so I can hit him again. He's sneaky. I never seen a man move so silently. He'd crossed the cellar and was halfway up the stairs before I even knew he'd come in from the alley."
Roy pulled Eldon to his feet as Rangers stormed both the front door and the back stairs. They'd obviously been near, also watching and waiting.
Rainey stood frozen. It was all over. The nightmare that began when she heard men talking of kidnapping Sage had finally ended. All the outlaws had been caught.
In all the confusion, Travis moved close to Rainey and asked quietly, "If you ladies have no objections, I'd like to have a few of the men take you back to the Baileys' house. They'll stay with you until I get there. I'd like to go with Eldon to jail and see what the man has to say for himself."
Rainey nodded. She was ready for a quiet room, a cup of tea, and a real bed. "What about Duck?"
"He can go with me." Travis pulled the boy f
rom beneath the table, but when Duck climbed out, he took Rainey's hand.
Travis raised an eyebrow. "You want to go with her for a while, son? I should be back at the Baileys' house before you go to bed."
Duck nodded.
Travis touched the boy's head as he looked at Rainey. "You don't mind taking care of him?"
"Of course not. He can be my guard." She smiled down at the boy, having a feeling that her pies did more to win him over than anything else.
They left by the front door for the first time. The air felt cool and fresh. Rainey couldn't remember how long it had been since she'd taken a deep breath.
"It's finally over," Dottie said. "I'm terribly sorry it happened, but it did get me off the rock I've been sitting on for a year and back into living. Nothing like worrying about getting killed to make you wanta live."
The Baileys treated them as family when they came in. Mrs. Bailey ordered them both a bath, and Dr. Bailey wanted to take a look at Dottie's arm as soon as possible. The housekeeper and Dottie kept Duck busy in the kitchen while Rainey took a quick bath and changed into a clean nightgown and robe.
When Rainey joined them in the kitchen, she heard Duck laugh and it warmed her heart. An hour later when she rocked him by the fire in the tiny sitting room between Travis's and Sage's rooms, she hummed softly. "You're too big to rock," she whispered, "but thanks for letting me. It's nice to relax."
He looked up and smiled, not at her, but at the man standing in the doorway watching.
Travis crossed the room without a word and took Duck from her. He knelt and laid the boy in his covers by the fire. "Sleep well," Travis said as he covered Duck. "You did a great job of doing just like I told you."
Duck closed his eyes and Rainey knew that he felt safe for the first time in days.
They moved away from the boy and into Travis's bedroom, but he didn't close the door. "What did you learn?" she whispered.
"Eldon confessed to killing the barmaid. She drove him to it, he claimed. Seems he'd always been jealous of Seth and her. He couldn't understand why she'd be upset about his brother's death when he was standing right in front of her alive." Travis shook his head. "He wasn't too bright. It took Dillon less then an hour to have him confessing everything. He told Dillon about jobs his brothers did that the Rangers hadn't even connected them to yet."