Love Finds You in Sundance, Wyoming

by Miralee Ferrell

  “The man didn’t give his name, but he said he’s a relative—cousin or something—and that you disappeared. Said he’s been hunting for you and wondered if the sheriff knew anything about you.”

  “What did the sheriff tell him?”

  Travis shifted his weight to his boot heel and leaned against the fence. “He didn’t trust the man and didn’t tell him anything. Told him he’d look into it.” He watched her closely, but her expression didn’t change. Her posture relaxed, but her fingers still clung to the wooden bar.

  “I see.”

  “Do you have a cousin or relative that might be hunting you?”

  “No. Must be a case of mistaken identity.” She hunched one shoulder. “I’ll show you where the rider sat his horse if you want to track him.”

  “Sure. As long as you’re with me or one of the men. But I mean it, Angel. No more riding out alone until the rustlers are caught.”

  “But there haven’t been any more cattle missing, and we don’t know the man watching me is anything more than some lonely cowboy gawking at a woman.”

  “It doesn’t matter. My orders stand.” He turned away, frustrated at the way the afternoon had ended. He’d hoped to let Angel know how he felt about her, and instead he’d discovered her life might be in danger from some unknown rider. His love life would have to wait. Angel’s safety was more important.

  Three days later Angel sat the gelding she’d decided to work at the base of the cliff where the man had disappeared. She’d brought Travis, Nate, and Wren out here the morning after she’d imparted her news, and their tracking had hit a dead end. The canyon branched within the dark, overhanging cliff walls where little light sifted in, making it hard to follow the trail. The hard-packed, rocky ground added to the problem. No trace could be found, and there’d been no other sightings of the stranger.

  Angel had ridden out today without Travis’s knowledge. He assumed she planned on joining Nate, and she hadn’t dissuaded him of the idea, preferring to go back to the rock bluff alone. The news Travis had shared about the man claiming to be a relative spooked her, and she’d been fighting a sick dread in the pit of her stomach ever since. Could the man who’d spied on her, and the one the sheriff spoke to, be one and the same? She didn’t care for what that possibility opened, and she loosened the gun in her holster.

  Only the tracks of Travis’s horse and those of his men lingered at the face of the rock wall. No new cigarette butts lay on the ground. It was like the man had vanished—or decided he wouldn’t be found. She swung off her horse, wishing yet again that she’d ridden Bella, but her mare needed rest, and some of the other stock needed work. She scouted along the base, stopping to kneel and run her hands over the dry grass.

  Panic had gripped her at Travis’s words. One man kept coming to her mind. Bart Hinson. His evil leer had lingered in her mind for the past three years. She tossed the handful of grass she’d plucked onto the ground and then swung into the saddle, suddenly anxious to leave this place. Nothing good would come of being here.

  “Going somewhere?” A man’s slow drawl came from the dark shadow of the cleft in the rock.

  Angel’s hand flashed to her gun.

  “Don’t even think about it. I already got mine aimed at your head.” Bart Hinson walked out of the shadows, a Colt pistol gripped in his fist. “Ease that gun back into your holster, and turn around. Slow.” He barked a sharp laugh. “You’re a pretty woman, but I won’t hesitate to kill you.”

  She released her hold on the butt of her gun, revulsion leaving a bad taste on her tongue. “I’d hoped you were dead.”

  “Ha. Nice seein’ you again, too. Always did think you were too good for everyone else.”

  “I am. At least for the likes of you.” She wanted to claw his eyes out. If only she’d had her gun drawn and ready. Nothing about this place had felt right, and now she understood why. She’d been an idiot to disobey Travis’s orders and allow herself to fall into this man’s grasp. He’d kill her as easy as look at her, and never think twice.

  “You won’t be singin’ that tune for long.” He leered at her, and Angel’s skin felt as though it had been dribbled with hog slop.

  “I’d suggest you clear out of this country. Ranchers don’t take kindly to rustlers, and the sheriff has men hunting you.”

  “That’s why I’m here, darlin’. You’re going to help me with a little problem.”

  “I’m not helping you with anything, other than into an early grave.” She stared at his gun hand, wondering what chance she might have if she drew and shot. Probably not much, unless she could distract him, and that was doubtful. All the years she’d known Hinson he’d been focused on self-preservation.

  “That’s what you think.” He motioned with the muzzle of his pistol. “Keep your hands clear of your belt if you don’t want a bullet in that pretty arm of yours. Come on now, rest them nice and easy on your saddle horn. There’s a good girl.” He leaned his backside against the rock. “You’re going to help us steal your boss’s cattle.”

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Angel headed back to the ranch, shoulders slumped and a sick knot in her stomach. She laid the reins on her gelding’s neck, confident the horse would find his way home. If only she’d gotten the drop on Hinson and could turn him in to the law. The man had seemed to read her mind, though, reminding her that she’d have some hard questions to answer on her own hook. She hadn’t thought it through that far but realized he was right. The truth of her past would unfold if she alerted the sheriff to Hinson’s presence.

  Options flashed through her mind. Turn Hinson in and be exposed, or go along with his plan. Of course, she could always ignore him and hope he got caught, but he’d covered that as well. Either she helped him steal Travis’s herd or he’d set fire to the house and kill the family.

  He didn’t know she cared for Travis, but somehow he’d discovered her grandmother had arrived. Hinson knew he held a winning hand. All she could do was pray the cowboys might corner him before he could implement his plan. But she had to start distancing herself. Leaving for Italy with Grandmother might be best—at least the Morgan family would be safe if she wasn’t around.

  But would they? Wouldn’t Hinson still attempt a cattle drive whether she were here or not? Of course. The man was greedy at best and at the worst, pure evil. If she disappeared, he’d go ahead with his plans. That brought her full circle to helping him steal the cattle.

  Her horse snorted, jerked his head up, and nickered. Angel grabbed her rifle and whipped it out of its sheath. She wasn’t going to be caught off guard again. A man sat his horse in the distance, his hands resting on the pommel, his hat tipped back on his head. Travis. He must have discovered she wasn’t with Nate. Letting him know about Hinson wasn’t an option. She hated lying but didn’t see any help for it right now. If Travis went after Hinson, he could be killed and she didn’t want that on her conscience—not to mention her heart.

  Travis picked up his reins and nudged his mount forward. He raised a hand. “I’m glad I caught up with you. I was hoping we could talk before returning to the ranch.”

  Angel’s heart lurched. His expression was one of pleasure, not irritation at an employee who’d gone against his orders. The clamp on her emotions eased, and she rotated her shoulders. She’d have to do a good job of acting, but knowing the stakes, she’d do it. “I didn’t expect to meet you out here.”

  “I needed a break from office work.” A wide grin lit his face. “Besides, I have something to ask you.”

  Angel couldn’t decide whether to spur her horse and run, or stay and take her chances. Something inside told her this wouldn’t have a happy ending. “I’m sorry I rode off alone. I just needed a little time to think.”

  His smile faltered. “I didn’t realize you had. I assumed…”

  “I know. That I met Nate and Wren.” Angel shook her head. “But as you can see, I’m fine.” She finished in a rush, anxious to get the subject over and the truth—or most o
f it—out in the open.

  “I’m thankful for that.” He jerked his chin toward a tree nearby. “Let’s get off and sit in the shade for a few minutes.”

  “All right.” It was the last thing she wanted, but what could she do? She’d already tried to turn the conversation at her own expense and that hadn’t worked. Whatever Travis had on his mind evidently wouldn’t be deterred. She swung down from her saddle and dropped her reins, ground-tying her horse on the scant green patch under the tree.

  Travis did the same and squatted with his back against the trunk. Angel stretched out on a grassy spot a couple of yards away. For some reason she couldn’t express, she didn’t feel comfortable sitting too close. “What’s on your mind?”

  Travis’s expression froze. His mouth opened, but no words came. He pursed his lips and rubbed his chin with the palm of his hand. “Sorry. I’m not quite sure how to say this.”

  “I guess just say it. I’m no baby.”

  His eyebrows rose. “You think I’m here to take you to task about something?”

  “Aren’t you?”

  “Far from it. In fact—“ He paused, then rushed forward. “I’m in love with you, Angel. I think I have been for a long time. I can’t think of anything but you. Can’t get any work done. I worry about your safety, and long to be with you when you’re out of my sight.” His deep blue eyes held hers. “I want to marry you, if you’ll have me.”

  Angel didn’t know whether to weep or dance with joy. She’d been running from her feelings for weeks, and his declaration solidified her own desires. More than anything she wanted to be his wife. If only she could say yes, fall into his arms, and be safe forever. She pushed up on her knees, then sank back, reality setting in. Bart Hinson stood in their way of happiness—possibly of life itself.

  No way could she take a chance with Travis’s life, not to mention Libby, James, and Grandmother. “I’m sorry, Travis…” She turned her head, unable to meet his entreating gaze. “I don’t feel the same way.” The words tasted like poison on her tongue, and she almost choked. She chanced a glance his way.

  Hurt washed across his features. “But I thought“—he hesitated— “that you might feel the same. There’s been something between us, and I don’t think I imagined it.”

  She shrugged, hating what she was doing, but somehow she had to convince him. “You’re a wonderful boss, and you’ve been kind to me since I arrived. But I’m considering returning with Grandmother to Italy. She might be right; there would be more opportunities there.” Angel wanted to cry as her words settled between them like a massive boulder blocking a trail. “I’m sorry if I’ve hurt you.”

  Travis surged to his feet, his mouth set in a grim line. “I’ll be fine.” The words came out in a rough growl. “I’ve got my ranch and my family. I hope you’ll be happy in Italy, Angel. We’d better get home.”

  They mounted their horses in a heavy silence. Angel trailed behind, not able to face this man she’d wounded. She wanted to curl up in a ball and cry but straightened her spine instead. If it was the last thing she did, she’d keep Travis and his family safe and bring Hinson to justice. Travis wouldn’t want anything to do with her if he knew she’d decided to help the outlaw, regardless of the reason. But she’d made up her mind. Hinson would have his way—for now.

  Travis slung his saddle over the rail on the inside wall of the barn and grabbed a curry brush. He wanted nothing more than to be off by himself. How could he have misjudged Angel so completely? Had he been so smitten that he’d assumed she felt the same? Her decision stung, pure and simple. And what was she thinking, riding off by herself after he’d given her orders not to? He’d let that go in light of what he’d wanted to say, but he’d deal with her willful attitude if she continued to work for him.

  His hand slowed on the long stroke down his gelding’s back. If she continued. She’d made it clear she planned to leave, but he had no idea when that might happen. Maybe he could talk to Maria, convince her to stay, tell her he loved Angel and wanted another chance. His spirit rose at the thought…and plummeted again.

  Angel walked by, leading her horse to the outside corral without so much as a glance or a nod. She’d said she didn’t care, and it was evident she’d told the truth. Why pursue a woman who wanted to be left alone? If she didn’t return his feelings, there was nothing more he could do. He’d have to move on with his life.

  Part of him wished she’d never ridden in asking for a job, but that wasn’t fair. She’d done everything he’d asked of her and more. If it wasn’t for Angel, James could be dead. He owed her too much to wish he’d never met her, but he didn’t know if his heart would ever recover.

  Angel lay on her bed wanting to die. Now that she’d lied to Travis, she’d be forced to travel with Grandmother once the cattle disappeared. The entire family would hate her if they found out what she’d done, and she could easily do time in jail—if not get hanged. She didn’t know of any women who’d been hanged for rustling, but the swift justice of the West might not consider the fact of her femininity.

  She couldn’t do it. She wouldn’t do it. Her heart leapt with hope, and she scooted up against the iron headpiece of her bed. There had to be another way. Maybe she could lure Hinson into a trap. But how could she turn him in without the law discovering she’d ridden on that last drive when the Ranger was killed? A deep groan tore from her throat. She’d tell Hinson she’d turn him in and hope he’d disappear. He’d told her to leave a note for him with instructions where to meet.

  She burrowed her head in her pillow, willing darkness to come. A couple of hours later a knock sounded at her door, and Libby called her name. “Angel?”

  “Yes.”

  “It’s suppertime.”

  “I’m not feeling well. I think I’ll turn in early.”

  “Can I help?”

  “No. I’m mostly just tired. I’ll be fine by morning.”

  “If you’re sure.” Libby hesitated. “Let me know if you change your mind.”

  “Thank you.” Angel rolled over on her side as Libby’s footsteps disappeared down the hall. She hated lying to her friend, but she couldn’t face Travis in front of everyone. It wasn’t really a lie, anyway. She was sick—heartsick.

  Darkness seemed to fall more slowly than she remembered in years. She lit her lamp and removed a paper from the top drawer of her bureau along with a pencil. Long minutes passed while she considered what she’d say. Finally she wrote the words that could send Hinson into a rage, but it couldn’t be helped.

  I won’t help you. Leave the country or face the law. Angel Ramirez

  Now to rest until it was late enough to take it to the place he’d told her without getting caught. She’d have to walk Bella down the road at least a quarter of a mile before she mounted and picked up her pace. No way could she allow one of the sharp-eared cowboys to hear her.

  Four hours later Angel crawled back into bed, emotional and physical exhaustion making her limbs shake. She’d done it. The note was pinned under a rock at the base of a large tree a mile from the gate leading to the ranch. Hinson or one of his men would find it in the morning. Now she just had to pray that somehow God protected the family, and the outlaw decided the risk wasn’t worth taking. She fell into a restless sleep, but dreams of hangman’s nooses and cattle stampedes haunted her night. Travis’s horrified visage rose up to taunt her, and Libby turned her back and walked away.

  Angel woke just before daylight, the images of the Morgan family fleeing from a fire still fresh in her mind. She shivered and jerked the blanket close to her chin, wanting nothing more than to escape into a dreamless sleep.

  A strange smell tugged at her memory. Suddenly she threw back the covers and sat upright.

  Smoke.

  It couldn’t be the fire in the kitchen stove, as they let that go out after supper during the summer months. She stepped to the window. Flames licked the wall of the lean-to connected to the far side of the barn—the section closest to the cowboys’ bunkho
use. A trail of smoke rose in the air. Why hadn’t anyone else smelled it?

  She grabbed a shirt and trousers, slipped into them, and whipped open her door. If only Libby’s and Travis’s bedrooms were on the ground floor. Racing through the kitchen to the base of the stairs, she lifted her voice. “Travis! Travis! The barn’s on fire.” She grabbed the banister and took the steps two at a time, calling as she went. “Wake up! Libby, Travis! Hurry!”

  A door slammed open, and Travis stood at the top, barely discernible in the feeble light glowing behind him as dawn started to break. “Angel? What’s wrong? I heard you calling.”

  Libby’s door opened and she stepped out, wrapping a robe around her waist and cinching it. “What is it?”

  “Fire. The barn. Hurry!” Angel bolted back down the stairs, satisfied at the sound of boots hitting the floor above. She grabbed the front door and flew outside, racing for the bunkhouse. Before she reached it, the door slammed open and the cowhands tumbled out, slinging gun belts around their waists and jamming hats on their heads. Angel skidded to a stop and pointed. “We might be able to stop it before it spreads.” A sudden thought sent a shaft of fear deep into her heart. “Bella! The horses are in the barn!”

  Footsteps pounded beside her as she ran. A masculine hand gripped the wood handle before she did and yanked it open. “Stay back, Angel. I’ll get the horses.” Travis’s rough voice filled her ears, but she didn’t hesitate. She dashed in on his heels. Smoke swirled in the dim light, making it almost impossible to see. Shouts from the men outside electrified her, and the screams of horses lent wings to her feet. Three long strides took her to Bella’s stall.

  The mare plunged backward, thrashing at the walls and rearing several feet off the floor. “Easy girl. Calm down. I’ll get you out.”

  Travis pushed past her. “Get out of the way. I’m turning her loose. She’s too terrified to lead, and she could hurt you.” He swung wide the stall door and slapped the mare on the rump as Angel sprang out of the way. The frightened horse lunged for the opening and raced for the door, disappearing into the early morning light.