Carol Finch

by The Ranger's Woman

  Piper had discovered that she could subsist with the barest necessities after her trek through the wilderness. She could manage until she received pay from teaching school at the garrison.

  While the Rangers incarcerated the Mexican bandits at the shabby adobe jail and began their interrogation, Piper made a beeline for the dry goods store. She returned several minutes later with four plaid shirts, four pair of breeches and two hats. When she offered the gifts to the Comanches they stared at her, dumbfounded.

  “In appreciation for your protection and preparation for your new profession,” she declared, although the men couldn’t understand a word she said. “I didn’t want you to stand out in a crowd. Hopefully these garments will help you fit in easily.”

  She started when a deep voice rumbled behind her. She pivoted to find Commander Butler smiling at her. He translated in Spanish and the warriors reached out to pump both of her hands simultaneously.

  When they strode off to change clothes in the alley behind the store Scott Butler grinned at her. “That was mighty nice of you, Miss Sullivan.”

  “Please call me Piper,” she requested. “The warriors were exceptionally helpful to me and I wanted to show my gratitude.”

  Butler shifted awkwardly from one scuffed boot to the other. “I wanted to apologize again for any duress I might have caused your family. When we checked the stage station to discover that only one female passenger had taken this route west, then investigated the wrecked coach that was scattered down the mountainside we assumed the worst.” He studied her pensively. “I assume you were traveling in disguise for your protection.”

  Piper nodded and grinned. “The tactic worked superbly until that fiasco with the holdup and runaway coach.”

  “I would dearly like to know why you struck off on your own, considering your background,” he remarked.

  “As Quinn said, it’s a long story. The boiled-down version is that my father refused to let me visit my sister at the garrison so I made the traveling arrangements myself. I had planned to telegraph him shortly before I reached my destination.”

  “What’s important is that you were in capable hands when disaster struck. Cal might be a bit unconventional in his manner, but he is one of our best men. I suspect that you owe him your life.”

  Piper chuckled. “Believe me, commander, I am vividly aware that Callahan spared my life several times this week. I have also learned a tremendous amount about survival, thanks to him. It has been an adventurous and educational experience, to say the least.”

  “I reckon so. Fortunately you lived to tell about it.” He waited a beat then said, “I also hear tell that you and Cal plan to wed.”

  Piper blinked, surprised that Quinn had imparted that information to Butler. “Uh…yes, we do.”

  He cast her a fatherly smile. “This is none of my business, of course. I am the first to admit that Cal is a rare individual, but he isn’t exactly the kind of man a woman of your social status takes as a husband.” She watched him choose his words carefully as he continued. “If he behaved in a way that um… Well, if he—”

  Piper flung up her hand to forestall him. “I appreciate your concern,” she said, “but I found no fault with Quinn’s behavior.” Except that he dragged his feet about introducing her to passion, she amended silently. “Ours is a marriage of convenience, one he suggested as a solution to my father’s constant interference in my life. But rest assured that I don’t intend to complicate Quinn’s life or interfere with his duties.”

  “I am married myself,” Butler confided as he took her arm to escort her across the street to the town’s one and only hotel. “Unfortunately, my wife objected to my continued absence. It might not be my place to offer advice, and I know I have no right to meddle, but I feel compelled to warn you those high expectations can lead to disappointment. I would spare you and Cal the frustration my wife and I dealt with.”

  Piper smiled warmly at the crusty veteran Ranger. “Believe me, I have no expectations whatsoever. Quinn has my gratitude, respect and admiration. But I am fully aware that he is committed to his duties and takes them very seriously.”

  Butler patted her arm. “Glad to hear that you both have your eyes wide open going in. Quinn explained that he wants to escort you to the garrison before we surround the mountain hideout. I’m sending a courier west to the Ranger encampment near Van Horn. Our reinforcements should be here tomorrow.

  “In the meantime, if there is anything I can do to assist you, all you have to do is ask. As I said, I regret any distress my preliminary report might have caused your family.” He bowed slightly. “I will be at your service if there is anything you need, Piper.”

  She pushed up on tiptoe to give him a peck on the cheek, then grinned impishly. “Between you and me, I think your wife made a serious error in judgment. I don’t believe she is aware of the good deal she had going.”

  Butler tossed back his head and laughed. “You, my dear, are a delight. Now I understand why you captured Cal’s attention and prompted him to offer his services.” His hazel eyes sparkled with amusement. “I think you have been a positive influence on him, too. There’s something different about him these days. I think you might have something to do with that.”

  When the commander strode back to the jail, Piper stared after him. Her attention shifted to the two men who exited the alley, garbed in their new attire. A pleased smile pursed her lips when Red Hawk and Spotted Deer lifted their right hands, palms forward, to acknowledge their appreciation.

  Piper watched the men turn their attention to the commander then quicken their steps to overtake him. Wheeling around, she strode into the hotel—if one could call it that. The two-story structure of stone and timber offered crude accommodations. Piper wondered if she could make arrangements for a bath in preparation for her hasty wedding ceremony. From the looks of the place, it wasn’t promising.

  Her footsteps stalled and wary consternation puckered her brow when she surveyed the stubble-faced clerk—or proprietor, whichever he was—who leaned negligently on the counter. Her suspicions doubled when she saw the bandana tied on the left side of his neck. If she wasn’t mistaken, the kerchief matched the ones worn by the gang of outlaws.

  The man’s facial features reminded her of a turtle, with his close-set eyes, beak nose and nonexistent chin. He also seemed familiar to her, but Piper couldn’t make a connection, especially when the greasy-haired man leered disrespectfully at her. Of one thing she was certain though, this man was somehow connected with the network of thieves.

  “Don’t get many lookers like you in these parts, sweetheart,” he declared as he raked her up and down—twice. “The name’s Roy Morrell. Would you be wantin’ somethin’ besides a room for the night?”

  If the gap-toothed grin he flashed her was supposed to be seductive it fell well short of its mark. A wave of repulsion rolled over Piper and it was all she could do not to shudder in disgust. “My fiancé will be joining me shortly,” she informed him.

  “Hey! Get outta here, mutt!” he growled suddenly.

  Piper glanced over her shoulder to see Lucky perched on the threshold. The dog barked and growled at the clerk. Piper decided the mutt was a good judge of character. She didn’t like this scoundrel any better than Lucky did.

  The man slapped a key on the counter. “Room seven. Top of the stairs, darlin’. Second door on the left.”

  “I would also like a bath,” she requested.

  Another devilish grin exposed his missing teeth. “Whatever you want, honey. I’ll be more than happy to scrub your back for you.”

  “That will hardly be necessary, because I can manage that by myself. I will return in a few minutes, after the tub has been filled and you have left the room.” She spun on her heels and strode off. No way was she going to enter her room and risk being trapped alone with this lecherous cretin.

  Once outside, Piper drew in a restorative breath, then took off toward the jail. When she heard a loud yelp, she hesitated befor
e knocking on the door. Unless she was mistaken, one of the Rangers was applying some form of persuasive tactics to convince the bandits to supply needed information. When she rapped on the portal, it was a long moment before Commander Butler allowed her entrance.

  “A problem?” he questioned, then cast a glance toward the cells in the adjoining room.

  “I would like a quick word with Quinn.”

  Butler smiled evasively. “I’m afraid he’s busy at the moment. He just found out that these five bandoleros are the gang’s over-the-border connection for selling stolen livestock.”

  Just as Piper predicted, it was Quinn who was in charge of gleaning information. “The hotel proprietor, Roy Morrell, is wearing a bandana that’s tied in the same fashion as the Mexican bandits and road agents we encountered,” she reported.

  Butler’s thick brows nearly rocketed off his broad forehead. “An informant?”

  “Perhaps. I’m not an expert in these matters, but I spent enough time with Quinn to learn to be observant. I wouldn’t be surprised if the proprietor plans to send a message to the stronghold, informing the outlaws of the Mexicans’ capture. Considering the close proximity to their headquarters, and the fact that the Mexicans are an important link in the operation, it occurs to me that you might be able to lure the Knights to you, if the outlaws decide a jailbreak is in order.”

  An approving smile quirked Butler’s lips. “You have a quick mind, Piper. If you have a hankering to work undercover for us, let me know. You would be an asset to our organization. Brains and beauty. That combination has been the downfall of men for centuries.”

  Piper beamed proudly. “A Ranger spy? The prospect is tempting. I will certainly keep that in mind since I plan to locate in this area.”

  Another howl erupted from the back room. Piper cocked a brow. “Quinn seems to be very thorough. Considering his background, I suspect he’s good at finding out what he wants to know from reluctant outlaws.”

  Butler grinned, then scratched his head. “The best, as a matter of fact. He usually gets the results we want.”

  “Tell Quinn I will be in room seven when he’s finished here,” Piper requested as she spun toward the door. “Our arrangements shouldn’t take long.”

  On her way down the street Piper stiffened her resolve. She had automatically come running to find Quinn when she sensed trouble at the hotel. Well, no more of that, she thought determinedly as she retrieved her satchel from her horse. If that scraggly ruffian tried to assault her under the pretense of filling the tub, then she would handle the situation.

  Quinn wasn’t going to be around in the future and she had to learn to deal with trouble, she reminded herself.

  Piper noted Roy Morrell wasn’t stationed at the counter when she ascended the steps. Her senses went on full alert as she opened the door to her room. Sure enough, the turtle-faced man was pouring a bucket of hot water into the tub.

  She positioned herself beside the commode—close to makeshift missiles that she could launch to discourage any attack. She hoped the greasy-haired hombre had the good sense not to bother her because she had no intention of being manhandled without putting up a fight.

  Apparently Roy hadn’t been blessed with an abundance of good sense. He ambled over to close the door. When he turned toward her, a lusty grin split his stubbled face. When the man took two threatening steps toward her Piper snatched up the pitcher. She stepped behind the chair that sat beside the bed and raised her improvised weapon threateningly.

  “Keep your distance,” she demanded.

  He sniggered at her attempt to protect herself. “You think I’m afraid of a little piece of fluff like you? Not a chance. I also think this supposed fiancé you mentioned doesn’t exist.” He moved in closer. “We’re going to get to know each other better—”

  When he lunged abruptly, Piper swung the pitcher, knocking him on the head. He staggered back, then snarled mutinously at her.

  “You’ll pay dearly for that.”

  Piper hurled her satchel at him, but he kept on coming so she snatched up the chair and slammed it into his shoulder.

  He erupted in another vicious snarl as they wrestled for control of the chair. When he ripped it from her grasp, Piper decided it was time to run. Screeching at the top of her lungs, she sprang toward the door, but the ruffian launched himself at her. Piper crashed into the wall, but recovered quickly enough to thrust her leg out behind her, catching him in the groin.

  He sneered as he grabbed the shoulder seam of her blouse and whirled her to face his malicious glare. When he grabbed the front of her blouse the fabric ripped and her temper exploded. She uplifted her leg to catch him squarely in the crotch, then clawed his face until he recoiled backward.

  Piper plunged toward the door and exploded into the hall. Her breath came out in a whoosh when she collided with Quinn’s muscled chest. When his arm came protectively around her she slumped shamelessly against him, momentarily forgetting her vow to rely on no one but herself for her protection.

  “I heard there might be a problem,” he murmured as he steadied her on her wobbly legs. “Is there one?”

  “Unfortunately, yes,” she said on a seesaw breath.

  “Then let’s fix it,” he growled as he barreled through the door.

  Chapter Twelve

  Quinn burst into the room to find the scraggly hombre who sported a familiar red bandana blotting the scratches on his cheeks. Fury boiled through Quinn at the thought of this two-bit ruffian putting his filthy hands on Piper.

  “You messed with the wrong man’s woman,” Quinn growled ominously. “It’s high time you found out what it feels like to be mauled.”

  Pulling back an arm, he punched the man in the nose. The blow packed enough wallop to send the proprietor crashing against the wall. That should have been enough to appease Quinn, but it wasn’t even close. Not only did he plan to thoroughly avenge the assault on Piper, but he also intended to ensure this despicable excuse of a man went running to the brigand in Dead Man’s Canyon in search of reinforcements.

  When the bastard bounded to his feet, bowed his neck and tried to plow into Quinn’s midsection, he agilely leaped sideways and scissor-kicked with his legs. The hombre tripped and sprawled facedown on the floor. Quinn shoved his foot into the small of the man’s back, then reached into his holster for his badge.

  He dropped the tarnished star beneath the man’s bloody nose. “You have a choice,” Quinn snarled as he loomed over the man. “Get to your feet and I’ll put you down again. Or you can crawl out of here on your hands and knees like the swine you are.”

  The would-be assailant muttered a foul oath.

  “If you ever look at my fiancée the wrong way or lay another hand on her again, I will personally see to it that you are fitted for a pine box. Guaran-damn-teed. Do we understand each other?”

  The man nodded his greasy head, then skedaddled off on all fours. He didn’t glance up when he passed Piper who clutched modestly at her torn blouse. Damn good thing he didn’t because Quinn was just looking for the excuse to beat that disgusting bastard to a pulp.

  His outrage turned to amusement when Piper kicked her assailant in the seat of his homespun breeches on his way by. When he glared at her over his shoulder she gave him another boot in the rump for good measure.

  Her retaliation seemed to have soothed her indignation. She hauled in a fortifying breath and gathered her composure as she turned to face Quinn.

  “I’m sorry you had to intervene on my behalf again,” she said as she closed the door with one hand and held her blouse together with the other.

  Quinn arched a muddled brow. “Why’s that?”

  “Because I want to learn to deal with situations myself.” She frowned disconcertedly as she set the upended chair on its legs. “Apparently I’m going to have to get a bigger stick or carry a firearm if I expect to be taken seriously. Whatever it takes, I intend to protect myself from the lusty heathens of this world.”

  Quinn bent
at the waist to retrieve his badge. “I’ve been lax about teaching you to handle a pistol. We’ll work on that during our jaunt to Fort Davis.”

  “Thank you, but it won’t be necessary. I’ll ask my brother-in-law for instructions.” She glanced over her shoulder at him. “If you don’t mind, I would like to have some privacy while I wash off the stench of close contact with that offensive swine. I will be ready to meet the justice of the peace in a half hour. I know you have obligations with the Rangers and you are pressed for time.”

  “Piper?”

  She raised a perfectly arched brow. “Now what?”

  “Are you sure this is what you want?” he had to ask again.

  “It is precisely what I want,” she said without the slightest hesitation. “I have decided not to marry for love or money, but for protection and convenience. If you are having second thoughts then kindly point me in the direction of one of your unmarried associates. Perhaps he wouldn’t mind doing me this favor.”

  Much as he hated to admit it, the prospect of Piper married to anyone but him was unacceptable. “No, I’m prepared to seal this deal,” he replied as he wheeled toward the door. “I’ll stand watch in the hall so you won’t be interrupted.”

  “Thank you,” she said stiffly.

  When Quinn exited Piper peeled off her clothes. She sighed appreciatively as she sank into the warm water. Since this morning she had set aside all her foolish romantic fantasies and had begun to look upon her hasty marriage as a necessary solution to her problem with her father. Knowing he was in southwest Texas and she would inevitably confront him, Piper intended to be well armed.

  The marriage document would accomplish that purpose. Furthermore, she had decided to forego a wedding night with Quinn. All she really needed was the license, after all.

  The problem was that she had gotten caught up in the heat of the moment and had become thoroughly mesmerized by him. She didn’t need a memory to cherish in the future, she convinced herself. She did not need to experience passion for the sake of passion, either. She would do herself a tremendous favor if she considered this wedding nothing more than a simple business arrangement.