by Connie Mason
“How in the hell did this happen?” he wondered aloud as he dipped a cloth into the water and pressed it to her wounds. “No wonder she was in so much pain.” He cursed fluently. “I should have killed Jones.”
He had just finished bathing Belle’s wounds when the doctor bustled into he room. He pushed Casey aside so he could get to his patient.
“How did this happen?” Doctor Peabody asked.
“I don’t know.” Casey then launched into an explanation of Belle’s abduction. “Do you think Jones could have used a whip on her?”
Peabody shook his head. “No, it appears like she’s been mauled by an animal. I’ll need to douse it with a strong antiseptic and put in a few stitches. If infection doesn’t set in, she should heal without leaving too many scars.”
He worked quickly and efficiently, not pausing until the bandage was in place. Then he treated the minor cuts and abrasions on Belle’s arms and face. Finally he examined her lame leg. Casey sighed audibly when Peabody pronounced it badly wrenched but not broken. When he finished he asked everyone to leave the room so he could perform an internal examination to determine if any harm had been done to the babe Belle carried.
Casey paced the hallway, waiting for the doctor to finish with his examination. After what seemed like hours, Peabody opened the door and motioned Casey inside.
“She’s awake,” the doctor said as he returned to his patient. “I know you’re both anxious about the baby. As far as I can tell, the child is firmly entrenched. Belle told me she took a nasty fall. I’d say this child is determined to be born. If Belle hasn’t miscarried by now, she probably won’t. Nevertheless, she should stay in bed a week or two to be on the safe side.”
All the while the doctor spoke Casey sat on the edge of the bed, holding Belle’s hand. He didn’t ever want to let go of her.
“I’ll leave something for pain and a salve for her back,” Peabody said as he gathered up his paraphernalia and prepared to leave. “Send for me at the slightest sign of infection. Right now the best thing for your wife is rest.”
“Thank you, doctor. Greta will see you out.” The door closed softly and Casey returned his regard to Belle. He squeezed her hand. “Do you want to tell me about it, love?”
“There’s not much to tell. I know I shouldn’t have gone out alone after being warned not to, but I wanted to see Harry. The poor man is so very ill. Time ran away with me. It was dark when I left the jailhouse. I wanted to hire a hack but none was available. I was relieved when one finally turned in my direction, and I hailed it.”
“It must have been Jones,” Casey bit out. “He’d probably been waiting and watching for just such an opportunity.”
“I didn’t realize anything was amiss until it occurred to me that it was taking too long to reach home. By then the hack was speeding down the road too fast for me to jump out.”
“Did you learn why Jones killed McAllister?”
Belle nodded. “It’s a strange story but true nonetheless.” Then she related everything Jones had told her, including the letter he had found in his mother’s belongings.
“You’re right, it’s just farfetched enough to be true. How did you escape him?”
“It was easy. Jones was drinking heavily. He grew groggy and unsteady on his feet. When he came after me, I shoved him off balance, ran out the door, and fled into the hills. The pace proved too strenuous for my lame leg. The pain was nearly unbearable. I must have blacked out for a short time. When I came to, I heard Jones crashing through the underbrush. It was dark, he passed me by without seeing me.”
“How did he find you? And what happened to your back? The doctor thought you had been mauled by an animal.”
“I must have blacked out again. When I awakened it was still dark, but dawn was closing in fast. The bobcat found me shortly after that. I played dead. He mauled me but eventually lost interest and wandered off. Jones found me then and you know the rest.”
“I was out of my mind with worry when that street urchin delivered the note from Jones. Mark and I set out to find you. A bit of luck and a little detective work led me to that abandoned hut. I should have done a better job protecting you. I’m going down to the sheriff’s office soon to press charges against Jones. The bastard will hang for his crimes this time.”
“What about Harry Hopkins?”
“Once Jones confesses, Hopkins will be set free.” He forced a taut smile to his lips. “And I promise you he’ll confess.”
“Casey, I …” She yawned hugely, suddenly exhausted. But she wanted to make certain Casey understood what she’d tried to tell him before. She wanted to tell him she loved him again and again, until he tired of hearing it.
“Enough talk,” Casey said, aware of her fatigue. “I promised Tommy he could see you after the doctor left and I’m sure he’s anxiously awaiting my summons.”
“Wait,” Belle said as Casey rose to leave. “I just want to tell you that I knew you’d find me. I never doubted that. My greatest fear was that I’d lose our baby. The doctor said it could still happen.”
Casey knelt beside the bed and kissed her gently on the lips. “You’re not going to lose the baby, love,” he said, splaying his hand over her belly. “He’s still inside you. His tiny heart is beating strongly.”
She bit her lip. “But if I do …”
“Then we’ll make another when the doctor says you’re ready. Shall I call Tommy now?”
Belle gave him a misty smile. “I love you, Casey Walker. By all means, call Tommy. I can’t wait to see him.”
Casey left mother and son to their tearful reunion, his heart pounding with joy. All of his life he’d been a loner. Of course he’d always had Mark. But Mark was a grown man and hadn’t really needed him. Casey’s life had been mostly one of work and loneliness. But no longer. He had a family now. A wife he loved beyond reason, a son he’d proudly claim as his own, and a much-anticipated baby he had created with Belle.
A short time later Casey left the house and went directly to the sheriff’s office. Mark should be back with Jones by now and there were things the sheriff needed to know about the killer.
Casey found Mark and Sheriff Rogan deep in conversation when he arrived at the jailhouse.
“Casey, how is Belle?” Mark asked with obvious concern “Has the doctor seen her yet?”
“Belle is as well as can be expected under the circumstances,” Casey replied. “She took a nasty fall and was mauled by a bobcat. No woman should have to endure the terror Jones subjected her to.”
“The baby …”
“She hasn’t lost it … yet. We have every hope that all will be well. Did Jones give you any trouble?”
Mark grinned. “Not much. Without his guns he’s a coward. He’s locked up safe and sound.”
“Your brother was trying to explain the situation, Walker,” Sheriff Rogan said, “but now that you’re here you can take up where he left off. Why did Jones abduct your wife?”
“Sit down, Sheriff, this is going to take a while.”
“I’ve got time.”
“It all started years ago when T.J. McAllister cheated his two partners in a mining venture. He led them to believe the mine was worthless and offered to buy them out. Harry Hopkins took McAllister up on his offer and lit out for greener pastures, but Arnold Jones didn’t believe McAllister. McAllister arranged an ‘accidental’ death for Jones and then turned around and bought Jones’s share of the partnership from his widow for a mere pittance. Hank Jones is Arnold’s son. After his mother’s recent death, Jones discovered a sealed envelope which contained a letter written years ago by his father. The letter implicated McAllister in his death. Hank decided to come to San Francisco and demand retribution from McAllister. But McAllister wasn’t about to part with any of his money.”
“So Hank Jones killed McAllister with your wife’s gun,” Rogan surmised. “He must have been watching the house closely.”
“Exactly. But Jones wasn’t satisfied that McAllister wa
s dead. He wanted money. I assume that’s why he remained in town. When Harry Hopkins confessed to the murder, he felt he was in the clear and began to explore ways to get money from McAllister’s heir. Things started going awry when Belle got the notion into her head that Hopkins was innocent.”
“Why in the hell did Hopkins confess if he was innocent?” Rogan wanted to know.
“He took a liking to Belle. He was dying and knew it. He wanted to do one meaningful thing in his lifetime, and saving Belle appealed to his sense of honor.”
“Evidently Mrs. Walker wasn’t satisfied. She came to me and openly accused Hank Jones of murdering her father-in-law. I thought she was deranged.”
“Belle was more insightful than any of us,” Casey admitted. “Jones broke into our house, intent upon killing Belle, hoping it would stop my investigation of the murder. When Jones’ assassination attempt failed, he abducted Belle. He sent me a note demanding a ransom.”
Rogan whistled in appreciation. “Now I know why you’re considered one of Pinkerton’s best detectives. Finding your wife was one of the best pieces of work I’ve ever encountered.”
“Jones confessed,” Mark said at the first lull in the conversation.
Casey was stunned. “He did? In front of the sheriff?”
“I told you he was a coward,” Mark smirked. “He sang like a bird to the sheriff.” Mark rubbed his bruised knuckles. “Probably figured he’d rather take his chances with a jury than with me or you. Damn smart of him.”
Casey clapped Mark on the shoulder. “I don’t want the details. It’s enough that the bastard confessed.” He turned to Rogan. “Is Hopkins free to go?”
“Just as soon as I complete the papers. Frankly, I didn’t expect him to live long enough to face the hangman. He’s a tenacious old codger, though. I’ll give him that. Too bad he doesn’t have a family. Seems a shame to turn him loose to die alone.”
“He has a family, Sheriff,” Casey returned. “I’m taking him home with me.”
Rogan’s brows shot upward. “That’s mighty generous of you. I’ll go get him.”
A few minutes later Harry Hopkins stood before Casey and Mark, clearly confused. “What’s this all about, Mr. Walker? The sheriff said I’m free to go.”
“That’s right, Harry. We know you didn’t kill McAllister. The real killer has confessed. Hank Jones is in jail where he belongs. I’ll tell you all about it on the way home.”
“Home? You know I ain’t got no home, Mr. Walker.”
“You do now, Harry. You’re coming home with me. Belle would skin me alive if I let you disappear from her life.”
Shaking with emotion, the old man walked out of the jailhouse a free man. He was sick, possibly dying, and bent with age, but his weathered face glowed with joy. When he passed the gallows he kept his eyes carefully averted. He needed no grim reminder that his life could have ended violently the day after tomorrow.
Wan Yo and Harry Hopkins got along famously. Now Tommy had two surrogate grandfathers and a surrogate grandmother in Naomi. Harry rallied somewhat after being released from jail and seemed to prosper. At least for the time being. Everyone was aware that the old man was dying but hoped it wouldn’t happen for a long time.
Belle remained in bed for ten days before Casey let her up to test her leg. The doctor had removed the stitches from her back and pronounced it healing well with no sign of infection. The baby still grew inside her and Belle felt confident that she was no longer in danger of miscarrying. As for her leg, it would always be weak and she’d always be lame, but it no longer pained her. When the doctor suggested that she exercise her weak leg, she was giddy with happiness. She was thoroughly sick of lying abed and couldn’t wait to join her family at meals … and be a wife to Casey again.
Since her abduction he had treated her like a piece of fragile glass, even sleeping on the daybed in their room so as not to hurt her. But Belle wasn’t about to let that continue. The doctor had just left and she intended to surprise Casey with her excellent health. She had the doctor’s blessing to resume normal marital activities and couldn’t wait to tell Casey. She’d missed him dreadfully. Missed having his body next to hers at night. Missed feeling him inside her, loving her the way only he could do.
And there were things they needed to discuss. Casey had been so busy with the winery and other related business that they’d had precious little time together lately. Not that she lacked for company. It seemed as if her room was always crowded with visitors. Tommy, Greta, Mark, Naomi, Wan Yo, and Harry. She thrived on their attention, but it wasn’t their attentiveness she craved. She wanted Casey. And now that she was well, she wanted him in every way a woman wanted the man she loved.
Casey couldn’t help staring at Belle throughout the meal that night. It was the first time she’d been out of bed to join them since her abduction, and he worried that she was a trifle premature in thinking she was significantly recovered from her ordeal. He had even insisted on carrying her down the stairs. She certainly looked well, he thought. She was wearing a midnight blue dress that brought a glow to her amber eyes and made her skin appear translucent. She looked fragile enough to break if he touched her.
Casey couldn’t recall when he’d wanted to caress a woman as desperately as he did Belle. But he wasn’t going to do anything to harm either Belle or his child. He would wait until after the birth of their babe to make love to her if necessary. Lord, he hoped he didn’t have to!
“You look wonderful tonight, Belle,” Greta said encouragingly.
Belle directed her reply to Casey. The smile she gave him was filled with promise. “I’ve never felt better in my life. Casey said Hank Jones has been tried, found guilty, and will hang for his crime the day after tomorrow. In a way I feel sorry for him. T.J. did cheat his family out of what was due them.”
Casey groaned in dismay. “Your soft heart is going to get us into trouble one of these days. McAllister was a manipulative bastard but he didn’t deserve to be murdered. If you’re finished eating, I think you should go to bed. This is your first day up and I don’t want you suffering a relapse.”
“Very well,” Belle agreed with a sassy grin that should have warned Casey. She held out her arms. “Will you carry me?”
“My pleasure,” Casey said, trying not to appear too eager. He lifted her easily, handling her as if she were made of delicate porcelain.
“Good night, everyone,” Belle called over Casey’s shoulder as he carried her from the room.
Belle clung to him, resting her head against his chest, inhaling his fresh, masculine aroma. When they reached their room he set her carefully on her feet. “Should I call your maid to help you undress?”
“Not tonight. Perhaps you could act the ladies’ maid this once.” She turned her back and lifted her hair so he could reach the fastenings on the back of her dress.
Casey stifled a groan. Didn’t Belle know what she was doing to him? He grit his teeth and lifted shaking hands to the hooks holding her dress together. One by one he released them, swallowing convulsively when a provocative expanse of delicate curves was revealed in the opening.
“Can you manage on your own now?” Casey asked. Proceeding further would sever the last slim thread of his control. “I need to discuss something with Mark before he retires for the night.”
Belle turned to face him and the bodice of her dress slipped past her shoulders and down her arms. Grasping the skirt, she slid it down her hips until it formed a puddle around her feet. She wore no corset, for the confining garment would have irritated her healing wounds. She smiled up at Casey, her charms seductively displayed in a diaphanous shift that ended at her knees.
Casey’s heated gaze followed the outline of her breasts and hips, past the hemline of her shift, all the way down to her ankles then back up to her breasts. The taut peaks, larger now in pregnancy, poked temptingly against the thin material. His gaze slid downward again, his body reacting violently to the glistening sable triangle between her legs. Just gazi
ng upon her was pure torture.
Belle noted Casey’s reaction and smiled inwardly. “I don’t want you to leave, Casey. We haven’t had any time alone since … since Jones abducted me. There is so much we need to discuss. So much I need to explain to you.”
She grasped his hand and led him to the bed. Casey resisted, but finally succumbed to her urging and sat down beside her. “You don’t need to explain a thing.”
“I do. I’ve loved you for a very long time, Casey, but was afraid to admit it. I’ve never forgotten that everyone I loved left me. My mother, my father, Tom. They were all so young. I felt guilty, thinking it was somehow my fault my loved ones deserted me. I feared you’d leave me just like they did.”
“Sweetheart, I understand. You didn’t know me when I arrived in Placerville. You naturally mistrusted strangers, especially with McAllister hot after Tommy. I insinuated myself into your life at a time when you were vulnerable. At first I just wanted to get close to you, to learn for myself the kind of woman you were. It wasn’t long before I realized McAllister had lied to me about you. You weren’t a whore. You were a loving mother who worked hard to support her son. That’s when I fell in love with you.”
“I should have trusted you when you claimed you didn’t betray Tommy to his grandfather. But all I felt was guilt for being in your bed when Tommy was abducted. My whole world disintegrated when I allowed you to seduce me and I lost Tommy. You were my betrayer. I hated myself almost as much as I hated you.”
“I loved you even then.”
Belle studied her hands. “I guess I knew that, but I was so afraid. Then when you went to Arizona I was sure you’d never return. That’s why I didn’t tell you about the baby when you did come back. I kept expecting you to leave.”
“I’m here to stay, you ought to know that by now.”
She nodded solemnly. “I know. I’m so grateful you put up with me for so long. I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy.”