“Already you do that. You have since I met you. Since we found the children. And now, we are your family. Is it bad to have a family so soon?”
“Not for me. Do you wish we had time alone?”
“Och, if we were alone, we would not be married, would we? So, it is a question with no meaning.”
“Tell me anyway. If we married because we were in deeply in love, would you prefer to wait before we had a family?”
“No. If we were deeply in love, nothing else would matter. Now, we must learn more about one another. Seeing you with the children tells me much about you. You have patience and a kind heart. You protect those who depend on you.”
“I can say the same about you. Not so much on the patience, for you are more strict than I am. That’s good, for we can’t allow the kids to run wild.”
She sent a teasing smile. “Like wild Indians.”
He sobered. “Do you mind that I am a half breed?”
Her gasp surprised him. “How can you ask such a thing of me?”
“I’m used to being shunned because I’m only half white. Long ago my skin grew thick against the barbs of those who hate all Indians. But if you felt that way, your opinion would pierce my skin and my heart.”
She caressed his face. “I am sorry you have been treated badly for something that was not of your doing. This also happened to Abram. I cannot understand those who hate anyone different from themselves.” She laid her head on his chest.
For as long as he lived, he would be with this woman. Would they be happy? If commitment indicated happiness, they would. He would do nothing to jeopardize this union. Sudden dread twisted his guts.
Capturing the killers endangered his life. If he died, there would be no forever for Rena and him. No, today he wanted only to concentrate on the woman he married and enjoy this private time with her.
He snapped from his self-satisfied reverie when he noticed bright sunlight poured through the window. He judged the sun’s position. The pastor and his wife might give up waiting for them and arrive with the kids in tow any minute.
“Rena? Honey, we’d better get up.”
Her eyes opened wide. “Och, we must hurry.”
They dressed and she gathered up the bedding. She blushed at the stains.
Was she thinking about him taking her maidenhead? He smiled at her, hoping she understood the gift she’d given him.
Shyly, she dropped her gaze. “These beautiful sheets. I must soak this in cold salt water.”
“I agree we can’t leave them for Mrs. Wells to clean.” Endearing as he found her confusion, they should hurry. That she’d thought of changing the sheets pleased him. She was energetic and considerate.
“I’ll see if I can find a washtub.” He headed for the rear of the house. On the back porch, he discovered a large galvanized tub and filled it with water.
Rena arrived carrying the sheets. “I found other linens and put them on the bed. These need to soak.”
After they’d completed that task, they checked inside to be certain they had tidied up all signs of their visit. He picked up their valise and they left the house.
Laughing and carefree, they walked toward the hotel to reclaim their new family. Rena’s hand rested lightly on his arm. Her face appeared relaxed and her joyful expression delighted him. In the sunshine with a happy smile, she appeared even more beautiful.
On the street leading to the town square, Storm almost faltered. “Don’t change your expression or look around. I spotted one of the men we’re after.”
“Meine Gott, not now. Where?” She didn’t turn her head, but Storm saw her eyes shift to peer around.
“Coming out of the livery. He’s on our left. Whatever you do, don’t look at him. He hasn’t seen you, but he might remember me.”
“Ja, I see him. It is the man who squeals like a pig. He will not recognize us. You look different than the day we shot at them.”
“Maybe. How many tall half breeds dress all in black?”
“But this day you have your hair tied back so it looks different.”
“His name is Pig Vann. Bad luck. He just looked at me and stopped. Keep walking and laughing.”
She emitted a forced laugh. “I want to run, but I will not. I wish I had my gun, but I did not think I’d need it on our wedding night. It’s in my saddlebag at the hotel.”
He shielded her with his body. “I have mine, but I don’t want to shoot with you and the townspeople around us.”
“He is alone it seems.”
“I don’t see his friends, but they may be around. Perhaps only he came in to sell stolen horses. Pretend we haven’t seen him.”
She squeezed where her hand rested on his arm and her fingers dug into his flesh through the shirt. “He is following us.”
“We’ll step into the mercantile and see if he waits or comes in. If I were close, I could overpower him.”
“Not if he has a gun pointed at you. I am not willing again to be a widow.”
In spite of her protest, Storm steered her into the mercantile. “Let’s take each of the kids a treat.” He kept watch while Rena selected a peppermint stick for each child. Pig Vann lit a cigarette and stood watching the store’s door.
She stood in front of the storekeeper. “Perhaps you have a children’s storybook?”
“Just one. A couple left it in exchange for food, so it’s not new.”
She examined the volume he handed her. “The children won’t care.”
Darting glances out the window, Storm paid. “Say, is there a back door we can use?”
The storekeeper gestured toward the window. “You have a beef with that man who keeps watching?”
Storm nodded. “He’s dangerous and wanted by the law. Thinks he has a beef against me. Wouldn’t want my wife in danger. I’d like her safely at the hotel.”
“You can go through the storeroom and come out in the alley. Slip down the path and you’ll come out by the hotel.” He wrapped the book and candies in paper and tied the bundle with string.
“Is there a back door there?”
“Just the one for deliveries to the kitchen. Reckon they’ll let you walk through, though.” The storekeeper moved away from the counter to pull aside a curtain. “You’ll have to cross the street, but don’t think that fella will see you from where he’s standing.”
“Thanks. You just prevented a shoot out. He comes in here, don’t cross him or he’ll kill you.” Storm tossed more than enough money on the counter but didn’t wait for change. Instead, he ushered Rena toward their escape route.
They dashed down the shadowed, narrow back lane.
At the street, Storm restrained Rena with a hand to her waist. “Wait while I go to the corner of the building and see if he’s still there. I’ll signal you if it’s all right to cross to the hotel.”
Keeping his back against the bricks, he scurried to the building’s corner. Pig stood in the same place. As Storm gestured behind him for Rena to run, the man threw down his cigarette and crossed toward the mercantile.
Storm took off running as fast as he could. He caught up with Rena and they stopped inside the hotel kitchen. Staff stared at them briefly, but then resumed work.
Gasping, Rena clutched her parcel to her heart. “I thought he would see us. What if he comes to the hotel?”
Storm guided her through the kitchen. “We don’t know if he’s in town alone. Let’s get to our room before he comes here.” He stopped a waiter. “Where are the back stairs?”
The man pointed to a door. “Through there.”
Following his direction, they came into a small vestibule and saw a narrow stairway. “You all right?”
“Ja, let us hurry.” Rena started up the treads.
At their floor, Storm rapped on number 205, their suite.
Mrs. Wells opened the door. “Why, you’re early. Pastor had to go across town and call on a bereaved family, but the children and I have had our breakfast and were playing a game.”
&
nbsp; Drew hurried toward them. “She knows lots of games. Did you know she has children what’s growed up now?”
Both girls clutched their dolls and hurried toward Rena and him.
Lottie tugged on his hand. “Up.”
He knelt to offer a bear hug to the children as a group, and then scooped Lottie into his arms as he stood. “Were you good for Mrs. Wells?”
“We were.” Drew’s small face scrunched into a scowl. “Well, ‘cept Susie had one of her fits.”
Susie poked him. “You weren’t supposed to tell. Tattletale.”
Rena separated them. “Children. You are family, and you must be kind to one another.” She led them further into the so-called suite. “Tell me about the game you were playing.”
While Rena talked to the children, Storm thanked Mrs. Wells. He insisted on paying her for her time.
She offered token resistance, and then shoved the coins into her reticule. “Tut-tut. It was a pleasure. They slept well.”
“And Susie’s ‘hissy fit,’ what was that about.”
“Oh, nothing important. She thought she should have more turns, but she was soon calmed down and we had a lovely time.” She patted Storm’s arm and chuckled. “We have five of our own and twice that many grandchildren. I’m used to their ways.”
“Thank you. I expect we’ll soon wish we had your knowledge.”
“You’ll do fine. I can tell you both have a knack for making them happy. I’m glad you decided to keep them yourselves. I know of no one who would care for them with love and kindness, not even temporarily. They need you.”
As she readied to leave, he took her aside. “I’d offer to walk you home, but one of the men who killed their parents is out there. I’d draw trouble to you.”
Her eyes rounded. “My word! Shall I tell the sheriff?”
“An excellent idea.” He hurried to the little desk near the window and grabbed a sheet of paper and composed a note. He blotted it and folded the letter. “Please give this to him.”
Mrs. Wells bid them goodbye and left. Storm hurried to the window. In a few minutes she crossed to the courthouse and climbed the steps. He watched until she came out. She looked up and shook her head then walked toward the church and home.
So, the sheriff wasn’t there. His hand instinctively went to his revolver. What should he do? A wife and three kids in tow changed his thoughts about chasing killers. Their safety had to come first. What would he do if anything happened to his family? Indecision churned in his mind and sucker punched his gut.
What about their future? Could he leave Rena and the children so exposed? He knew in that moment that he’d do whatever necessary to ensure their safety.
“Rena? I believe I’ll take a stroll down the street and check things. You and the kids stay inside the room and look at that new picture book.”
Drew jumped up. “Aw, I’m your best man, ‘member. Cain’t I come?”
“You are my best man, Drew, and that’s why I need you to be the man of the family and watch over Rena and your sisters. Can I count on you?”
The boy brightened. “Sure. I’ll be the man of the family while you’re out.”
“I’d better leave you some cash in case you or the kids need something while I’m gone.” Storm kissed Rena passionately. Desperately, as if his life depended on it. Strong enough to last the rest of her life.
“I’ll be back soon.”
Her face bore a somber expression as fear tightened her lips into a thin line. Her stiff nod assured him she understood what had to be done. “See that you are.”
In case the man he hunted had found them, Storm eased out the door and down the hall. At the top of the grand staircase leading to the lobby, he paused behind a column and surveyed the premises. Pig wasn’t there, at least not in plain sight.
He turned and went back to the servant’s stairs. If Pig questioned the storekeeper, he might know how they’d eluded him. Better not chance Pig sneaking up the back stairs to their room. Storm trod as quietly as possible.
He’d confront Pig and eliminate one more of the gang. Stealthily, he eased open the door to the kitchen. Pig crept his way, but stopped when he spotted Storm.
Storm drew his revolver as the other man reached for the pistol in his waistband.
“Hold it right there, Pig. Hands in the air.”
With a heated scowl, Pig raised his hands. “You won’t get away with this. My friends will rescue me.”
“Like they rescued Lon when I shot him?”
A voice from behind said, “Ain’t nobody shootin’ nobody in my kitchen.”
When Storm came to, the cook stood over him. “Sorry, Marshall. I didn’t know you was official.”
Storm rubbed the back of his head and felt a knot. “Where’s the other man?”
“He done run off.” The cook helped Storm stand.
Still running his fingers gingerly over the bump, Storm leaned against a counter. “What’d you hit me with, a sledgehammer?”
The other man held up his weapon. “My cast iron skillet. I didn’t see your badge and I sure didn’t want no bullets flyin’ nor blood on the floor.”
“You could have killed me with that thing.” Storm picked up his dropped revolver and holstered it.
“Oh, no, I know where to hit folks to down ‘em without mortal damage. I have to keep peace in here from time to time.” The cook gestured to the three other workmen in the room.
Two men nodded, and all three kept working.
“How long was I out?”
“Only a couple a minutes, but I reckon that other fella is long gone by now. He took outta here like his pants was on fire.”
“I’ll go check at the livery. That man was a cold blooded killer who rapes and kills women, shoots men, and set homes and barns on fire. He kills anyone else before I catch him, it’s partly on your hands.”
“I didn’t know.” The cook paled but then turned defensive. “Ain’t my fault if people come sneakin’ in and outta here.”
Storm picked up his hat, jammed it on his head, and wished he hadn’t. Dang, his head threatened to split wide open. He opened the door to the alley.
As a precaution, he stuck his hat out. Nothing happened, so he eased open the door. No one was in sight. He strode off toward the livery. Along the way, he checked every hiding place.
With care, he entered the livery stable looking for the hostler. He found him stretched out on the stable floor. He’d been stabbed.
“Mister, can you hear me? I’ll get help.” He rushed to the barn door and whistled loudly. “Man in here needs help. You there in the red shirt, go get the doctor.”
Several bystanders crowded into the livery.
Storm knelt by the injured hostler. “Help’s on the way.” He stripped off his jacket and folded the coat to gently pillow the man’s head.
“Came up like he was going to shake my hand. Never saw the knife coming ‘til it was in me.”
“He sell you horses?”
“Tried to. Didn’t have a bill of sale.” The man’s voice grew slower and he moved his finger to point behind him. “Left ‘em in the corral.”
“Don’t talk anymore.”
A man carrying a black bag pushed his way through the crowd. “Here, move away people. The man’s injured, not a circus sideshow.”
Nodding to the physician, Storm stayed in place.
The doc opened the hostler’s shirt, and set to work. When he saw the wound, his gaze met Storm’s. “Marshal, how’d this happen?”
“Pig Vann stabbed him. Reckon he did it as a distraction to slow my pursuit.”
“You set out to arrest this Vann fellow?”
“Still intend to. He and two of his companions have killed and burned their way from the Hill Country. Headed for Wilbarger County, likely Vernon.”
“I can’t treat this man here in all this muck.” He stood and called a couple of the people who’d moved just outside the open barn door. “Chester, Willard, will you carry Morris to my
office? Careful with him.”
Two men rushed forward and carefully hefted the hostler. Storm reclaimed his jacket and shook off straw. Phew! A couple of stains would need cleaning. Carrying the smelly garment by his fingers, he trudged back to the hotel.
Inside, he hurried up the steps two at a time. He rapped on the door then hurried inside. “We have a problem.”
Chapter Fourteen
Rena quickly closed the children’s book when she spotted the expression on Storm’s face. “We’ll finish the story later, children. You were very good, but now you must let the adults talk about serious things.”
Susie’s little face scrunched in fear. “Is someone else gonna be dead?”
Storm lifted her from where she sat on the floor and held her. “Not if I can help it, Susie. But sometimes grownups need to talk about serious things. Children are supposed to be happy and play and not worry. Rena and I will take care of you.”
“Mama and Papa took care of us, but now they’re dead.” Drew hunched and pulled his knees to his chin.
“Okay, I reckon this concerns you, so you can listen in.” His gaze met Rena’s. “Pig got away. Stabbed the hostler. Now he knows what I look like, and he saw you with me. He and his two friends will probably dry gulch us on the way to Vernon. We can’t just ride out like we have before. They’ll be waiting somewhere along the way.”
Fear slowed her movements. She laid the book on the table beside her chair. “They will be looking for you all in black.” She fingered her skirt. “And I was dressed like this. They won’t be looking for two men and children.”
“You won’t fool them close up, Rena. And two adults with children are no match for three bloodthirsty killers.”
“I think you should go to the mercantile and buy a red shirt and a different jacket. Maybe a different hat.”
He exhaled. “Worth a try. And I’ll see if anyone in town is heading for Vernon tomorrow.” He lined the children up in front of him. “You heard what we said. One of the men who killed your parents was in town today and saw Rena and me. It’s best if I ask Reverend and Mrs. Wells to let you stay with them while we go capture the men who killed your parents. Then we’ll come back for you. If you go with us, you could be killed or hurt.”
Most Unsuitable Courtship Page 11