by Natalie Dean
"I hope you don't think I'm like that," Lance retorted.
"It was a misunderstanding. So how will we get Daniel Langton? He had to of found some way to lure Johnny Eagle to the bank."
"The rest of the money has to be in his room in the hotel. He was smart coming forward as a witness against Johnny. He has no ax to grind with him, so he was a good witness. The magistrate is coming through tomorrow for the court case."
"Then you shall need my assistance. Don't say anything, Lance," she fluttered her eyelids as she said his name. "You said he thinks I'm dead so I can search his room while the trial is on in the saloon. If you raise his suspicions, he'll be gone."
"But what if you don't find anything?" he asked. He didn't like the fact that she was putting herself in danger again.
"You can't think like that. Daniel is a vain man. He thinks he has masterminded this and will get away with it. It will make him sloppy. One thing I do know is men and how they think."
Lance agreed. It made sense. They needed proof that Daniel was behind this and better still if they could link him to the other robberies.
"You should get some shut eye. I'll stay on guard, and we'll head into town at first light. I'm afraid I'll still have to wrap you up like you're dead. We'll tell no one except for Doc."
"We can't keep it from Lottie. She'll be so upset." Cecilia was horrified at the thought of Lottie thinking she was dead.
"Exactly, I need Daniel to see Lottie's grief. It's the only way it will work. It won't be for long. As soon as you find some sort of evidence, you come to the saloon. It'll be enough to arrest Daniel. He can't be working alone. Have you seen him with anyone?"
Cecilia shook her head. Daniel was clever. Cecilia decided to lay down. The heat of the fire warmed her face, and it was soothing. She sighed with contentment. She felt safe. Lance moved around and she watched him with the light from the fire. How could she have misjudged him? Had she become so embittered towards men that she had lost the ability to see a good man when he was right there in front of her face? It didn't help that John was the one she compared them too. Perhaps it was time to forgive. She prayed to the Lord and thanked Him yet again for saving her. She asked for guidance. She wasn't stealing or snooping, she had to save Johnny Eagle from the gallows.
Tomorrow was going to bring about a lot of change. She hoped Lottie would forgive her for pretending to be dead. Especially in her condition. She fell asleep smiling at the thought of having a niece or nephew to fuss over. Hamish was lucky to have Lottie.
"What did you say?" Lance asked but then realized Cecilia was talking in her sleep. She seemed content enough, and that was the main thing. He sat close to her. Her hair had fallen across her face, and Lance gently moved it away. She was very beautiful and had the haughtiness that came with such looks.
"Sylvie, if you could see me now, you'd say I have a type," he looked upward at the stars in the sky as he spoke. Sylvie had similar features to Cecilia, flaming red hair, green eyes and palest of skin. He missed Sylvie. His heart had been broken with her passing.
As soon as he saw Cecilia, it was as though he sprung to life again. His heart had raced, and her defiant nature captivated him. He knew he annoyed her, but he understood now. Her past experiences with men had been power-based. They tried to have control over her and showed her no respect.
He prayed that the Lord had plans for him in bringing him to Bannack. Lance was tired of being on the move and wanted to settle down. He thought he wanted a quiet wife. One who wouldn't get in harms' way but as he smiled down at Cecilia, he knew his heart had already chosen one for him. His mind may want a peaceful life, but his heart knew better.
Lance bent down and kissed her cheek. He felt a little guilty for stealing a kiss, but he wanted to make her world better. Cecilia stirred, and Lance pulled away, afraid he had frightened her. It certainly wasn't the impression he wanted her to have of him. Instead, she put her hand to her cheek as she slept and smiled. He could breathe again.
Very soon he'd wake her up and phase two of the plan to catch Daniel would begin. As long as Daniel was still in Bannack. Lance figured a man like Daniel knew that his absence so soon after the disappearance of Cecilia would only bring interest to him. "No, I'm sure you're still around, Langton. You want to see the chaos you've caused," Lance said as he got his horse packed.
"Who are you talking to?" Cecilia stretched as she yawned.
"Only myself. Let's get you looking like dead weight."
Chapter 5
As they rode into town with Cecilia lying across the horse, they were met by Doc and some deputies.
"She isn't…?" Doc gasped as he saw the wrapped body in front of Lance.
"It was too late. The cabin burnt down. I want you to examine the body, in case there are any clues as to what happened."
The doctor nodded. Cecilia was dead. How was Lottie going to take the news? Deputy Hank rode beside Lance.
"It wasn't Johnny Eagle. He's been in the jail. But, why her? It doesn't make any sense. Or perhaps it was just a gang going through."
Lance picked up speed. He didn't want anyone figuring out any scenarios that would point to Daniel.
"The Marshal arrives today, so we'll deal with Mrs. Aikens' murder after."
"Sure, Sheriff, but the magistrate came last night. He wants to get the trial started."
Time wasn't on their side. There would be no time to talk to Cecilia again. Bannack was a place where word spread quickly. With the news of trial and Cecilia being missing, a crowd had descended upon Bannack. There was a crowd waiting outside the surgery.
Lottie came forward, a look of hope in her face but as she scanned the men on horseback, she couldn't see her friend. She looked at the body in front of the sheriff and then at her husband. The Doc's face told her all she needed to know, and Lottie cried out as she began to collapse. The Doc caught his wife before she fell to the ground and he carried her inside as the sheriff dismounted.
"Nothing to see here. Mrs. Aikens is dead. Let the doctor do his work. We have to deal with the robbery and murder trial," as he spoke, Lance looked at the group of people. There were hushed tones as they looked at the body laying in his arms. He disappeared into the surgery to lay Cecilia gently on the examination couch.
"Are you okay?" he asked as he hugged her. She had done a lot of thinking and praying while she was feigning being dead. The Lord sure worked in mysterious ways. She never thought a strong man like Lance would be capable of tenderness. She had misjudged him. The loss of his wife had made him a protector.
"I'm okay. I take it that Hamish doesn't know. Poor Lottie. I heard her. I hope this news doesn't upset her too much. She's carrying precious cargo."
"Sheriff, I'll examine…" Doc stopped as he looked at his cousin, alive and well. "But I thought…"
Lance closed the door behind Hamish.
"We’ve got to keep this quiet, Doc. We have to draw the killer out. I need to let him think Cecilia is dead. She'll need your help. If Mrs. McLennon stays in the house, you can tell her but otherwise, let her grief be real. I'm sorry to do this and in her condition and all…"
Hamish interrupted Lance, "Her condition?"
"Yes, I heard she was with child,” Lance looked at Cecilia who glared at him for revealing the pregnancy.
"Hamish, Lottie should be telling you. She suspects she is pregnant and told me in confidence. I’m only telling you fellas now because I don't want the shock of death to cause her too much upset."
"I must go to her," Hamish went to leave, but Lance stopped him.
"You can't. Not yet. I've got to get to the saloon before Johnny Eagle gets hanged. Please Doc, Cecilia needs your help. Then we can celebrate once Daniel Langton is arrested."
"Daniel Langton!" the Doc exclaimed.
"Shh," Cecilia and Lance said in unison.
"Oh my. Very well. Mrs. Lavery is with Lottie. I'll go up and make sure the curtains are closed. Keep a dimmed room for Lottie so that she can rest. My Lottie
with a baby," the Doc had a silly smile on his face.
"Hamish, daydream later. I need you to let me know when everyone's in the saloon." Cecilia couldn't be too brash with her cousin, but she needed him to focus. It wouldn't be long until she'd have what she needed.
"Sheriff Dexter, look at what I found in Harvey's hand. A cufflink. Johnny Eagle doesn't wear cufflinks. It looks expensive too." Hamish handed his find to Lance.
"That's Daniel's. He was missing it when he came back into the dance. I didn't think much of it at the time. You go. At least you can place him in the bank now," Cecilia said as she realized she was holding Lance's hand in hers. She stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. He put his hand to his cheek, and she smiled as his cheeks flushed.
"I'll go now," he said as he backed out of the room but accidentally hit the door with his elbow. It was quite endearing seeing him flustered like that over her.
Hamish returned. "It was so hard not to take Lottie into my arms. I hope I didn't look too happy. Mrs. Lavery will stay with her. Put these on, and we'll have to do something with your hair," he said, giving Cecilia a trousers and shirt. As she changed behind the screen, Doc found a hat that would cover, to some extent, her flaming red hair. She was too distinctive.
They made their way through the town. The saloon was at the far end, and the last of the townsfolk were milling in. The hotel was so close, and Horace was bound to be at the front desk.
"You distract him. I need to get the room key," Cecilia directed. She watched as Hamish went to Horace. Why were they still talking? Hamish should have moved him along. Cecilia's opportunity came when Horace followed Doc, but as she reached for the key, the Doc yelled out as Horace turned back to the reception desk. Cecilia ducked down.
"Horace, but can't you see the eyelash in my eye. We need more light. Come by the window. It hurts," Hamish said as Horace tutted that the doctor should be able to cure his own pains and aches. Cecilia grabbed the key and ran upstairs.
Daniel's room was very neat and tidy. His bag was packed, and she rummaged through it. Nothing incriminating so far. She looked through drawers and still nothing to incriminate him. She could hear it now. Daniel, with his charm, would convince people that Johnny Eagle had stolen his cuff-link. She wasn't going to let that happen. Where was his saddlebag?
She looked under the bed and saw it. Inside were some money bands marked with the Bank of Missoula, Bank of Bozeman. She hoped it would be enough, but Daniel would say she planted it. He was a meticulous man. There had to be some documentation that would prove it was his.
Cecilia emptied the contents of the bag onto the bed and felt it. There was a hidden compartment. Inside she found what she was looking for. A notebook and some jewelry. She couldn't make sense of the journal. It was written in some code. She grabbed it and the saddlebag and ran out of the hotel. Hamish was waiting for her.
"I got it. You go home and kiss your wife," Cecilia said as she ran past him to the saloon. She burst in as the magistrate was talking. He told her to sit down, and Cecilia nodded. She held up the bag for the sheriff to see. Not realizing the shock her presence had brought on the crowd.
Sheriff Lance smiled and stood up to interrupt the magistrate.
"Daniel Langton, I'm arresting you…Where did he go?" Lance asked as he looked around.
Daniel had seen Cecilia and slipped out. She looked out and saw him. Cecilia gave chase. He disappeared down an alley, and as Cecilia ran after him, he grabbed her. He was waiting for her.
With Daniel's arm around her neck, Cecilia could do nothing. She tried to pull his arm away, but he was too strong. Stronger than she expected and the more she tugged at his arm, the tighter his hold. He dragged her into the street. His other hand was brandishing a gun.
"Get me a horse. I'll let her go once no one follows me. Don't try to be brave. I'll choke her, and she'll be dead for good this time."
"Don't be foolish, Langton. You won't get away with this. Just let her go. Take me," Lance said as he went face to face with Daniel.
"There'll be no negotiating, Sheriff. Now get me my horse. Don't even think about taking a shot at me. I'll snap her neck like a twig before the bullet even leaves the gun."
Cecilia and the Sheriff locked eyes. Cecilia closed her eyes, and as she did, she dug her elbow into Daniel's stomach, winding him and causing him to drop his guard. Sheriff Lance shot the gun from Daniel's hand, and he automatically grabbed his wounded hand releasing Cecilia who then ran away from him.
Hank, the Deputy, grabbed at Daniel as Lance went to Cecilia.
"We're a great team, Cecilia," he said as he hugged her.
"I knew you'd understand. Too much rough housing with Hamish as children. I knew how to get out of a chokehold," she said as she put her hand to her neck.
"What will happen now?" she asked as she watched Daniel being marched into the jail house.
"As we have the magistrate, we'll have a trial today. Johnny Eagle can go home."
"Lance, there's something I have to tell you. I found a locket with some other bits of jewelry. It might be your wife's."
"It would heal my heart if I could put her killer behind bars. You're shivering," he said as he lifted her into his arms. He took her to Doc's place to make sure she was okay. Lottie came running out.
"You're alive. Don't ever leave me out of the loop again, Cecilia. You put the fear into me. I prayed that you would be safe." Lottie hugged her dear friend.
"Okay, give her some air. Too much love can smother a person," Hamish said as he shooed Lance and Lottie out of the examination room.
"I see you used the old punch and run routine. Daniel Langton will be feeling that for a while," Doc rubbed his stomach and winced as though remembering their childhood.
"Did you ever think we'd be free, Hamish? With the fathers we had. We were the only bright spots in each other's lives," Cecilia was sad. "Think of the life your child will have. They will grow up surrounded by love. That's important."
As her adrenaline was ebbing, Cecilia began to cry. She had been through so much.
"Cec, don't cry. Look at what you have. The Sheriff is the type of man you need. John showed you that you could be loved for you, but he didn't have the strength you need. You need someone who will challenge and respect you at the same time. You've been lonely, Cec. You deserve happiness," Hamish said as he wrapped a blanket around Cecilia.
"But don't you get it. I don't think I'm capable of love. Lance has known love before. What if I don't measure up? I want what you and Lottie have, but I don't know if I can." Cecilia sat up.
"You have to decide to let your guard down. I don't think the sheriff is going anywhere. Hank told me that he rushed out after you and I'm not talking about today. He knew you'd figured something out, and he wanted to make sure you were safe."
"But Hamish, there's something you don't know. He said I look like his wife. How will I know I'm not just some imitation for him?"
"Cecilia, Uncle made you so distrusting of men, didn't he? I thought being with me and John softened you a little. There's a trial starting, and Sheriff Lance is sitting in my waiting room to make sure you are okay. You're no stand-in. You never could be. I'd say it says more about Lance liking to be challenged too." Cecilia playfully hit her cousin's shoulder. He was right. There was a man outside the door who wanted to love her.
"You're fine. You need to rest, and I think I speak for Lottie when I say that you'll stay with us until you feel better."
Hamish opened the door, and Lance came running in to check on her and took her hand. Lottie came in too, but Hamish gently took his wife's hand. "Let's give them some privacy," he smiled as he kissed her hand. Lottie nodded and smiled too.
As she looked at the new couple, she knew that very soon a wedding was going to take place. Cecilia had met her match, and Lottie knew Sheriff Lance wasn't going to let her go.
THE END
Sarah: Brides of Bannack Book 3
By Natalie Dean
Book D
escription
SARAH
Brides of Bannack Book 3
A Western Romance Short Story
Take a journey with this mail order bride as she turns a life of loneliness and despair into one of joy and triumph...
Sarah had a difficult life. Losing her mother at a young age, the only person she had left in her life was her sweet older sister Katie. As fate would have it, her sister died giving birth to a set of beautiful twins. Because Sarah was too young to care for them on her own, the twins were taken away. Not knowing their whereabouts, Sarah can only dream of being reunited with the twins again one day. Now, with no family to help her, she finds herself miserable working for a boarding house, whose owner and employees mistreat her at every chance they get.
Determined to leave her depressing and abusive life behind, Sarah takes matters into her own hands by taking a job out west. Fate brings her to the home of twins who have just lost their beloved mother.
Carson Edwards has lost the love of his life. Tending to the ranch and caring for the twins - while still grieving the loss of his wife - is overwhelming to say the least. Then he's completely caught off guard when Sarah shows up to help. He can't have another woman coming into his house so soon!
Sarah is flooded with memories from her past when she sees the twins suffering the loss of their mother. Is this her chance to finally make a difference in someone's life? And can she open Carson's heart back up to love, or did his wife take his heart with her when she died?
Join this heartwarming tale to see how an amazing twist of fate unfolds...
Chapter 1
The women looked at each other, not quite sure what to do. They had been trying to birth Katie Bracken's baby for the last six hours. It wasn’t progressing. The baby was stuck inside, and Katie Bracken was exhausted.