“Coffee?” Colton offered already pouring a cup. “I’m about to have some myself.”
“I’d be obliged,” the man replied. “Otis Fillmore, I’m with the postal service. You’re Sheriff Blake, correct?”
“What can I do for you?” Colton handed him a cup. “Have a seat.”
“I was told to keep an eye out for signs of danger. A few miles northeast of here, there was a newly hung man. It was all I could do not to cut him down and bury him. But I’m too exhausted and figured I couldn’t do it by myself. I’m hoping men from here can do so.”
Colton couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Had the outlaws killed someone from town? “I’ll get my horse. Best go out there and see who it is.”
The man let out a breath. By the forlorn look toward the stove in the corner, it was obvious he’d been looking forward to a hot meal and a bath after days of riding.
“What direction, I’ll go. You probably need to get some rest.”
The man gave him very clear directions and they walked out. Colton told him where to get a good meal.
Just then his deputy walked up and Colton held up a hand to keep him from going inside. “Don’t get comfortable. We’re going back northeast.”
Within the hour, they were making quick time, the horses at a fast gallop. It was a warm day with just enough of a breeze to alleviate any kind of overheating. His horse Gallivant was born to run and Colton allowed the animal free rein. Although Frank’s horse was also fast, the deputy was just a bit behind.
Finally they spotted the dead man. Whoever the unfortunate man was, he remained hanging from a thick branch. Colton brought Gallivant to a gallop and Fred caught up. They scanned the area, but there wasn’t anyone in sight. Just over a hill another mile or so was where the outlaws had been camped. From where he and Frank were however, it was impossible to see if the outlaws were still there.
“No one I know,” Frank said, looking up at the dead man and blew out a breath of relief. “Reckon it’s one of them?”
Colton shook his head. “No telling. Let’s bury him and go ask. They may not be as accommodating this time. Not sure if we shouldn’t have brought more men.”
At the sound of horse hooves from the direction of town, both dismounted and tugged the horses to a cusp of trees. After several minutes, Colton and Frank stepped out from cover once recognizing the men from Laurel Creek who approached.
Tobias and Marcus Hamilton scowled down at them just as Elias Jones caught up. The three were young ranchers from just outside town.
Marcus, the hot head of the trio, pulled up closest. “Have you gone crazy? Why would you come out here alone?”
The hazel gaze sized Colton up and down and he stared back. “I was just considering going back to get men before approaching the outlaws about this.” He motioned to the dead man, who Tobias was helping Frank cut down.
“Nah. You were going to go over there, confront them, and hope they didn’t shoot you,” Marcus shot back and dismounted. He was right.
Elias, Emmett Jones’ youngest brother, remained silent. He dismounted, grabbed Colton’s shovel, and began to dig. Soon both he and Tobias had dug a hole big enough for the body.
“Heck of a way to die,” Marcus said shaking his head. Colton remembered that Marcus had been badly injured and survived days out in the wilderness. He was sure the current situation brought back thoughts of it.
Tobias neared and nudged his brother. “You were too damn stubborn to die. But if you did, I would’ve buried what was left of you and made a cross and everything.”
At his brother’s comment Marcus huffed, but a moment later chuckled. “Thanks Tobias.”
Once the grave was covered, the five men headed to the outlaw camp. Within moments they were greeted without any kind of animosity. As a matter of fact, the men didn’t stop them from riding up to the camp.
The same man, who Colton presumed was the leader, walked up with just two men behind him. “What do I owe the honor of a second visit?” the man said, his eyes flat. “Miss me?”
The men at the campsite chuckled without mirth. Colton ensured to keep his attention on them. “There was a man hung just over the hill. One of yours?”
There was a hesitation as the leader of the group looked to the man to his left. “No. Three men rode by yesterday early. We didn’t invite them for tea, so they kept on their way.”
“Was one wearing a dark blue shirt, about thirty with light brown hair?”
The outlaw shrugged. “Whoever is dead is not one of us and we didn’t have anything to do with it.”
“Why are you here?” Marcus asked. “Isn’t it about time you went on your way?”
The outlaw held his arms out. “Free country. We can be anywhere we want.”
“This land belongs to my family,” Elias said in a flat tone. “It’s time for you to go.”
The group looked at Elias and then to each other. The muscular cowboy glared back in return. Colton wasn’t sure if it was Jones’ land or not. The three brothers had purchased hundreds of acres upon arriving from Boston, so it was possible. Especially since much of the land remained untamed as two of the brothers were doctors and didn’t spend time ranching like Elias did.
The outlaw finally nodded. “We were leaving.” He returned his attention to Colton. “Seems what we were waiting for didn’t happen.”
Colton knew he meant the gold. “It could be you and your friends need to head in a new direction.”
The man’s eyes narrowed and for a long moment Colton wondered if he’d said something that resonated. For some odd reason the men exchanged looks, but none reacted. As before, they allowed their leader to speak for the group.
“That’s what I’m thinking too,” the leader finally replied.
Tobias whistled and everyone turned their attention to a group of horsemen cresting over the hill. “Seems we’ve been gone too long.”
More men came from Laurel Creek. Colton couldn’t help but smile. “Yep. Let’s go.”
The outlaw looked to the arriving men. “We’re not looking for trouble.” He met Colton’s gaze. “You take good care of your people, Sheriff.”
“Yes, I do,” Colton replied and turned Gallivant around. The animal sensed another run and pawed at the ground with impatience. “Let’s go home boy.” He spurred the horse forward and headed back to Laurel Creek.
Once they returned to town, Frank would go directly to the telegraph office to send a message regarding the dead man. The man didn’t have anything in his pockets and other than a worn leather bracelet, nothing that would help identify him. Colton couldn’t be sure if the outlaw had told the truth. Colton had noted, there were the same number of men at the camp as the first time he’d gone there.
They had to know more about what had happened but decided to stay out of it since he was willing to bet most of them were wanted.
If it had been one or two men, he would’ve taken them into custody. But with there being ten of them, it wasn’t worth a gunfight or the possibility of any of his men getting killed.
“Kind of strange how those men acted. Don’t you think?” Tobias who rode next to Colton asked.
He and the Hamilton’s had been friends since childhood. They’d spent many days and nights together as children and had gotten into fistfights as teens. Now they’d fallen into a comfortable friendship.
“What do you think about them? Something seems off.” Colton trusted Tobias’ opinion. The more introspective of the Hamilton’s, he was smart and good at gauging character.
Tobias met his gaze. “I think they’ve come to the end of their run. They were planning one last thing. Something big.”
“If that’s the case, they’re not looking for trouble, quite the opposite, which would explain them remaining away from town.”
“It does,” Tobias replied and looked up at the sky. “Can I stay at your house tonight? Marcus and Elias are spending the night at Emmett’s, which leaves me without a bed.”
“You’re w
elcome to. Why aren’t you going home?”
Tobias shrugged. “Marcus and I came to town to purchase sundries for our homes. Lucille and Wilhelmina are annoyed they couldn’t come to town, so they sent us. Being we went out to find you, it’s too late to do all the buying and get home. The mercantile is already closed.”
“I’m going to the Richards for supper. I’m sure they won’t mind you coming along.”
Chapter 5
Isabel stole another look out the kitchen window toward the schoolhouse. So far there hadn’t been any movement all day. It was late afternoon, and she still had a bit of time before having to change for supper at the Richards that evening.
While it was daylight would be the best time to ensure the schoolhouse was empty so she could sleep comfortably that night.
For the third time, she lifted the shotgun and went to her home’s front door. This time, she exited and walked to the schoolhouse. Although it was a bit of a distance to the nearest neighbor, she was sure they’d hear a shot. She’d shoot in the air if whoever had snuck in was still there.
Feeling like a hunter, she took careful steps forward until standing just outside. Then she slipped sideways and peered in through a window.
The intruder was still there. Head hung, he wiped at his face with the back of one hand and then with his palm. Then he gripped his right leg and rocked back and forth. Whoever he was, he was obviously in a lot of pain.
Isabel wasn’t about to take any chances. She tiptoed to the front door, opened it and pointed the shotgun at him.
“What are you doing in here?”
He didn’t react. His reddened eyes lifted to her for a moment. “Just restin’. I’ll be on my way ma’am. It’s just I’m not sure I can walk.” Once again he wiped his eyes with the back of a hand smearing dirt across his cheek. “I’m sorry ma’am.”
The boy wasn’t much older than perhaps thirteen. It was easy to feel sorry for him, but at the same time he must have done something to be in the current situation. “What happened to you?”
“I jumped from the back of a wagon. Overheard my boss tellin’ someone he was going to hang me. I landed wrong and busted my leg.”
She looked him over. Tattered pants, torn dirty shirt and one shoe. He was too thin.
“I’ll get you some food and some water.”
His eyes lit up. “I’d appreciate it ma’am, but I don’t want to be any bother.”
“You’re already a bother.”
Isabel hurried to her house, grabbed bread, a couple slices of ham and placed them along with two apples in a bowl. She then went to a cabinet and grabbed bandages she’d made from old sheets and a few cloths to help the young man clean up. By the swelling, it looked as if he’d broken his ankle or lower leg. It was best to get him fed and bandaged before asking Mr. Richards to take him to see Emmett Jones. There was a pump between the buildings, so she’d fill a bucket there.
She rushed up the stairs and grabbed an old work shirt of her father’s. Nothing could be done about pants since her father was quite a bit larger about the waist.
The shotgun would have to remain behind. She’d not be able to use it anyway with everything she carried. Besides if the young man meant her harm, it wouldn’t be hard to knock him down with a swing of the basket.
His eyes rounded when she entered. It was as if he’d not expected it.
“I brought some food and once we get you cleaned off, I’ll get you to the clinic. Your leg looks bad off. I don’t think you’ll be able to walk on it for a while.” She waited for a reply, but all the young man did was nod.
“I’ll get some water. Here.” She placed the basket of items next to him on the floor. It was but a few moments and she returned with a bucket of water that she placed on a chair next to him. “Wash your hands so you can eat.” She handed him a bar of soap and cloths.
“My name is Thomas. I’ll be on my way once I get my ankle splinted if you don’t mind. It’s best I get away from the men who I was with.”
“Exactly how will hobbling out in the open wilderness help you get away? If they were passing through they’re long gone.”
Of course the poor boy didn’t have a reply. His thin shoulders rounded and he looked about to cry again.
She pushed the basket of food closer. “Eat and then wash up. I’ll be back shortly to see about your foot.” Standing to her full height, she did what always worked with her students. With a stern look, she pointed at him. “Don’t do anything stupid.”
“Yes ma’am,” he replied between mouthfuls. “Thank you.”
The walk toward the center of town was but ten minutes. She had to stop twice because several people wanted to know when her father would return. The man who was filling in for him on Sundays was apparently lacking in their estimation. Isabel reassured them he’d return in two weeks and continued on her way to find Emmett Jones.
Just as she got to the main street down the center of town, five horsemen rode into town. One of them was Colton. She blew out a huff and ignored them, turning to walk to the clinic.
It didn’t surprise her when the sheriff reined in his huge beast of a horse and dismounted. “What are you doing out alone? It’s late.”
Why did the man have to come around constantly? It was impossible to find someone else to court her if he would always be underfoot. Once her father returned, she was going to set him straight about the sheriff. Under no circumstances was he to ask Colton Blake to “keep an eye on her”. The man took it much to seriously.
“I’m on my way to the clinic. Someone’s hurt and needs a doctor.” She continued to walk with him on her heels.
“Who’s hurt?”
“A young man. Thomas. You don’t know him. He jumped from a wagon and hid in the schoolhouse last night.”
Isabel yelped when Colton took her arm and whipped her around to face him. With nostrils flared and his upper lip curled, he looked about to bite her or swear very loudly. Probably both. She’d not heard him approach.
“A stranger dragged himself into the schoolhouse in the middle of the night and you spoke to him? Not only that...you...you...”
His fingers tightened on her arm, but she didn’t think it was the time to point out he was being overly familiar. Besides, her main concern at the moment was that he seemed to have stopped breathing. Isabel leaned closer and rose to her tiptoes.
“I had a shotgun. Besides, he can’t walk. He didn’t drag himself. He hobbled. I don’t think he’s much older than thirteen. Poor thing, he’s so thin. I bet the man that threatened to hang him never fed him properly.”
The more she talked the redder Colton’s face became and his eyes bulged.
Thankfully, Tobias Hamilton walked to them, looking from her to Colton. “What happened?”
“She’s got a man at the schoolhouse who claims to have jumped from a wagon because a man threatened to hang him.” Colton gritted the words out. “What do you think Tobias? Was it a good idea for Miss Ward to be alone with this man?”
Tobias frowned and shook his head. “Where is he?”
Her arm was going numb, so she snatched it from Colton’s grip. “He is barely a man, more a boy really.” When both men glared, she let out a breath. “He’s at the schoolhouse. I’m on my way to fetch Dr. Jones. The young boy, Thomas, can’t walk.”
Colton rubbed a hand down his face. Tobias shook his head again and Isabel turned to continue on her way to the clinic. How annoying that Colton didn’t give her the benefit of the doubt when it came to keeping herself safe. Once again, he was treating her like a twelve-year-old.
“Can you take Gallivant to the stables for me?” Colton asked Tobias, who nodded. “I’ll go with her to the clinic and then go see about this young man. He must be speaking of the same man who had something to do with what we saw.”
They spoke of something she was considered too delicate to hear. Isabel wanted to kick Colton again, but she’d already done that and his leg was probably still sore. Thinking of it made he
r feel better about things.
“Why didn’t you come and get help before confronting the man alone?” Although his voice was quiet, she could tell he was restraining himself.
Sliding a look at him confirmed Isabel’s suspicion, his complexion remained reddened with anger. “Because I saw he couldn’t walk. Besides, when I peeked in the window he was crying. The poor thing has nowhere to go and is too injured to do much for himself.”
Colton let out an exasperated breath and moved to stand in front of her, blocking her from continuing forward. He leaned at the waist until they were almost nose-to-nose. “You complain about how I treat you like a child, but then you do the most dangerous things. A competent adult woman would be smart enough to know she cannot stand a chance of defending herself from a male, even if he is only a teenager. It could’ve been a trick to get you inside and do who knows what. Did you stop and think that perhaps it would have been better to come into town and find a man to come see about him?”
Her throat constricted and she could barely breathe. Anger radiated from Colton and all she could do was ball her hands into fists to keep from slapping him hard. Finally she had to gasp for air when her lungs protested.
“I did think about that, but I was afraid he’d run off and get hurt worse. There is no reason for you to speak to me in that manner, and I resent it. Get out of my way Colton and don’t ever speak to me again.” She pushed at his chest with both hands, but he didn’t budge. Instead he did the unthinkable and pulled her into his arms holding her against him so hard, she had to turn her head to breathe.
The thumping of his heart was hard and steady, and his hard chest perfect to lean against. Isabel sagged into his arms, all the fight leaving her when he pressed a kiss to her temple. “I don’t think I could ever forgive myself if something happened to you.” His voice was low and husky.
Then just as unexpectedly, he released her and looked past her scanning the street for anyone that may have witnessed the uncharacteristic display between them.
His gaze was warm, the deep golden flecks brighter than usual. When they flickered to her mouth, she wondered if perhaps he was aware of it. Did he care so much about her that he’d reacted or was he purposely trying to confuse the daylights out of her?
Isabel, An Independent Bride Page 4