The men were already seated in the coach when Morgan helped Rose inside. They were sitting opposite each other, which meant Morgan had to take the seat across from Rose. From the moment the two men stepped off the stage, Morgan thought they looked like trouble, so he wasn’t at all happy with the seating arrangement. They watched Rose like a couple of vultures, and he figured he’d have to teach them some manners if they stepped one foot out of line. He couldn’t blame them for noticing how pretty she was, but it was one thing to look, but quite another thing to leer.
Once inside the coach, Rose glanced at each man. She chose to sit on the same seat with the one that looked a tad less dangerous. It was a tough choice.
The man grinned at her. “Looks like it’s my lucky day. It’s not often I have a gal as pretty as you sitting beside me.”
Morgan remained silent, but he looked at Rose, trying to gauge her reaction to the man’s comment. Rose ignored him. She looked out the window and waved good-bye to Mrs. Barnett.
Morgan situated his rifle next to the door before he tapped on the coach door to signal they were ready to leave. When the coach started moving, Morgan tried to find a comfortable position. His legs were so long that he had to straddle Rose’s legs, basically trapping her between his knees. He leaned back and pulled his hat over his eyes, but not so low that he couldn’t keep an eye on Rose. He also kept an eye on the men as they ogled her. He didn’t want to have a conversation with them, and he certainly didn’t want them talking to Rose. He hoped he didn’t have trouble with them because he wanted time to think.
Mostly, he wanted to think about Rose and the kiss they’d shared. As much as he told himself to put it out of his mind, he found it impossible. Over the years there had been many women he could have developed a lasting relationship with if he’d been so inclined, but no one had tempted him until now. If Frank weren’t her brother, Morgan could envision himself married to Rose. He hadn’t wavered in his determination to find Frank once Rose was safe in Whispering Pines. He’d hang Frank for sure this time, if for no other reason than the way he’d treated Rose. No matter how he looked at it, Rose would never accept what he had to do. What amazed him was how Frank had fooled her all these years. Of course, it was possible Granny hadn’t told the girls the truth about their brother. Whatever the cause, it was obvious Rose wouldn’t listen to reason, and Frank would always have her allegiance.
The next hour passed quietly, and Rose was relieved she had been successful ignoring the two strangers. The two men aside, she was already uneasy about being on a stagecoach again. It didn’t seem likely that she would be involved in two stagecoach accidents, but that thought did little to allay her fears. The ride was bumpy, and she held on to the side strap for dear life to keep from bouncing around. Her arm was beginning to ache, but she couldn’t let go for fear of landing in a heap on the stagecoach floor, or worse, in the lap of a strange man. Suddenly, the coach hit a large rut and Rose lost her grip on the strap, and her worst fears came to life. She went sliding across the seat, and landed right next to the stranger.
The man draped his arm around her shoulders. “Honey, let me hold you in place so you don’t have to hold on to that strap.”
Rose tried to scoot away from him, but he held on tight.
Morgan tipped his hat back with one finger and stared hard at the man. “Unless you want to lose that arm, I suggest you let her go.”
The man held on. “Why don’t you mind your own business? I’m just doing her a favor. I don’t see you helping her.”
Morgan was out of his seat so fast the man didn’t have time to react. He wrenched the man’s arm from Rose’s shoulder and twisted it at an odd angle, causing the man to yelp in pain. “I don’t think the lady likes your favor.” Morgan heard a pistol cock behind him.
“Let him go,” the man with the pistol said.
Morgan didn’t have a pistol; his only weapon was his rifle, and it was beside the stagecoach door. “Now why would I let him go? He needs to be taught some manners.”
“Mister, my brother has all the manners he wants. He was just helping your lady friend. We’ve been without women for a spell, and we’d like to have a little fun. If you don’t let go of his arm, I’ll have to shoot you.”
Morgan didn’t like the sound of that. He’d had a bad feeling about this pair from the start. “If you shoot me, your brother will still have a broken arm.” He quickly thought about his options. He might be able to kick the gun out of the man’s hand, but if the gun went off, Rose might get hit. If he let the man go, he had no idea what they had planned for her.
“Put your gun down,” Rose said.
Morgan glanced her way. He didn’t know how she’d done it, but she’d managed to get as far away from the man as she could, and somehow she was holding on to a cocked pistol. Her hands didn’t look particularly steady as she pointed the barrel at the man who was holding a gun on him.
“Now, honey, you ain’t going to shoot me. Just hand me that gun,” the man said.
Morgan didn’t think Rose had it in her to shoot a man. She didn’t sound convincing, and he didn’t think the stranger thought she would pull the trigger either. He had to make his move now while the man with the pistol was distracted. Morgan turned slightly as he held on to the man’s arm, and quickly kicked the gun out of the other man’s hand. The gun hit the floor, and Morgan took advantage of the man’s slow response and kicked him hard in the face, busting his nose wide open. The man Morgan was holding on to tried to reach for his pistol with his other hand, but Morgan snapped his arm. Once the man slumped over in pain, Morgan removed his pistol from the holster and stuck it in his belt. He reached over and took the pistol from Rose’s hands. “Rose, hand me the rifle.”
Even though Morgan thought she looked like she might faint, she managed to grab hold of his rifle and pass it to him. He rapped sharply on the ceiling with his rifle. Within seconds the coach came to a halt, and it wasn’t long before George opened the door and stuck his head inside. “Morgan, is everything okay in here?”
Morgan motioned with the pistol for the men to get out of the coach. “George, these skunks need to learn some manners. They will be riding on top with the luggage the rest of the way.”
George looked at the men. One was holding his hands over his bloody nose, and the other man was cradling his arm. George figured they’d obviously done something to get on Morgan’s bad side. Dang fools. “You want them to walk the rest of the way?”
“If they so much as blink the wrong way, throw them off,” Morgan replied.
The man with the broken arm glared at Morgan. “What about our guns?”
Morgan picked up the gun on the floor and handed it to George. “When we get to Denver you’ll get them back.”
As soon as the men were out of the stagecoach, Rose slumped to the seat and Morgan sat beside her. “Are you okay?”
His big body felt so solid and strong that she could have cried from relief. “It seems you are always protecting me.”
He felt it was his duty to protect her. What man wouldn’t? “Do you mind if I put my arm around you? I’ll keep you from bouncing all over the seat.” He knew she’d been scared to death when that man had put his hands on her. He didn’t want to do anything that would frighten her more.
“No, I don’t mind.” Actually, she didn’t think she could hang on to that strap one more minute. She relaxed against his muscled chest as he wrapped his arm around her. It felt wonderful to be beside him, to be held by him. She knew she could trust him not to do anything improper. Everything he’d done for her since the stagecoach accident was to protect her. Even her own brother hadn’t stayed around to help her. “Thank you.”
“Where did you get the pistol?”
“Mrs. Barnett gave it to me.”
“Why?”
“She didn’t like the looks of those two. She told me she was certain you could protect me, but it didn’t hurt for me to be prepared since I was the only woman on the coach.”<
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“I didn’t know you could shoot,” Morgan said.
“Stevie taught me a long time ago. He was always a good shot.”
“Would you have shot that man?”
She wanted to think she would protect the people she cared about if it was necessary, but in all honesty, she didn’t know when it came to actually pulling a trigger. “I’m not sure. I’ve never shot anyone.”
“Promise me that when you point a gun at someone you’ve already made your mind up that you can pull the trigger. Otherwise some man might take the gun from you and you’d be in real trouble.”
She looked up at him and nodded. “I promise.”
He kissed the top of her head. “Good. Now get some rest.”
Rose stared up at him for a long moment. She wished he would kiss her again, not on the head, but on her lips. Her eyes drifted to his lips, and she was tempted to kiss him. If only she could be that bold again. But as he’d made clear, Frankie was between them, and he always would be. “Thank you.”
Morgan wondered what she was thinking as she gazed up at him. He came close to kissing her like he had at the way station. But he needed to take control over this attraction, or whatever it was he was feeling for her. There was no sense tempting fate when nothing would change the situation between them.
Rose closed her eyes and within minutes she was asleep. He smiled as he watched her. It made him feel good to know she trusted him to look after her. He leaned over and lifted her legs onto the seat and positioned her head on his thigh. He didn’t mind if she thought of him as her protector. He liked the way it made him feel. If she were his wife, he’d always protect her. There was no question he’d lay down his life for her. Heck, she wasn’t his wife, and he already felt that way about her. He’d been prepared to kill two men if they’d so much as harmed a hair on her head.
What about the man between them? Frank had had a chance to demonstrate if he had any moral fiber when she was injured, but he’d only been worried about protecting his own hide. Morgan would never reveal Frank’s betrayal to Rose. It was important to him that she form her own opinion about Frank’s character. There was no question in his mind that Rose would soon learn of Frank’s true nature. He just didn’t want her to be hurt in the process.
Chapter Eleven
“Granny’s at the sheriff’s house,” the deputy said to Morgan and Rose. “She’s been mighty worried about you.”
Morgan picked up the valises and they walked to the sheriff’s house next door. Morgan knocked on the door before he cracked it open. He didn’t want Jack to get up if he was in bed.
Granny turned from the stove when she heard the door open. “Rose!” She ran across the room and wrapped her arms around her granddaughter. “How are you, child? The telegram said you were hurt.”
“I’m fine. I just have some broken ribs, but thanks to Mr. LeMasters, I made it safe and sound.”
Granny held her at arm’s length and looked her over with tears in her eyes. “You are a welcome sight. You’re nothing but skin and bones, and I think you need some good home cooking.” She wiped her tears with her apron. “I’m so happy you are home. I’ve prayed every night for your safe return. I knew the Good Lord sent Morgan to watch over you.”
“Granny, don’t cry.” Rose found herself tearing up at Granny’s emotional outburst. Granny was a stalwart woman, not one given to tears. Seeing her cry made Rose feel guilty that she’d been away so long. She certainly hadn’t expected her to look so much older, nor so frail. Granny had always been so healthy and strong, and she realized she’d never thought about her aging. “I’m so sorry I haven’t come home before now.”
They hugged again. “Nonsense, you’re home now and that’s what counts. I’m turning into a foolish old woman, crying at the least little thing. Just like Preacher. You remember how the smallest thing would make him cry.”
Rose smiled through her tears, thinking of her grandfather. They would always tease him about the way he would become emotional over the least little thing.
Granny moved to Morgan and hugged him. “Thank you for looking after my Rose.”
Morgan wrapped his arms around the older woman and held her. He saw how happy she was to see Rose, and it was nice to see her smile. “It was my pleasure.” Morgan wasn’t exaggerating; he’d enjoyed every moment alone with Rose. He was sorry she’d been injured, but it had given him time to get to know her. It was strange now that he thought about it. He’d known her since she was a little girl, but he’d never expected she’d become the one woman who would capture his attention these many years later.
Granny took Rose by the hand and turned toward Jack who was sitting up in his bed. “I told you she was a real beauty.”
“I can’t argue with you there,” Jack said, thinking she was the loveliest woman he’d ever seen.
“Rose, you remember the sheriff,” Granny said.
“Yes, I do. How are you?”
“Granny has been taking good care of me. I’m happy to see you are on the mend.”
Morgan walked over and shook his hand. “Jack, glad to see you looking so good.”
“Rose, come sit at the table while I finish lunch, and give the men some time to talk,” Granny said, taking Rose by the hand. Granny figured Jack would want to hear about Frank’s escape.
Jack pointed to the chair next to his bed. “Have a seat, Morgan.”
As the women walked to the stove, Morgan overheard Rose ask Granny if she’d met the new pastor, Clay Hunt. He didn’t hear Granny’s response, but he heard Rose clearly when she said, “He is a wonderful man.”
“Aren’t you going to sit down?” Jack asked.
“Yeah,” Morgan replied, but his mind was on Rose’s comment. So she thinks Clay Hunt is wonderful.
It was impossible for Jack to have a private conversation with Morgan since his home was only one room, but he wanted to let him know Murph had told him how Frank and his gang escaped the hanging. “Murph came to see me when he rode in.”
Morgan nodded in silent understanding. “Who shot you, Jack?”
“I don’t know. We rode into Purgatory Canyon and they were waiting for us. We didn’t see them, but they saw us.” Jack glanced across the room to see if the women were talking. He lowered his voice, and said, “They got away, but we know for sure that’s their hideout.”
Morgan leaned forward, braced his elbows on his thighs, and quietly asked, “Do you think they might be waiting to meet Frank in that canyon?”
“I wouldn’t be surprised. They are probably just one gang out of many hiding out in there. They can see us coming a long way off. It’s a real witches’ brew.”
“Frank said he was headed to Mexico, but I don’t believe him.”
“When you stopped in Denver did you hear about the stagecoach robbery?” Jack asked.
Rose was sleeping when they stopped in Denver, so Morgan didn’t leave the coach. “No.”
“They were transporting a lot of money by coach, and they said one man pulled the job. No one saw his face, but they said he was a small fellow, and he sounded very young.” Jack repeated everything he’d heard about the robbery from some of the local cowboys who had heard the details in a Denver saloon. “Hobb Devers was the driver, Cal Pickett was riding shotgun, and Boyd Larsen was inside the coach.”
Morgan knew the men, and Cal and Boyd’s reputations as excellent marksmen. They had a good record dealing with robberies. “And one man got the drop on them?”
“They didn’t know it was one man.” Jack explained the ploy the man used to make it appear he had accomplices. “But they said he was one heck of a shot. Even carried a pearl-handled pistol, so he must think himself to be a real outlaw.”
“He must be pretty good to take those three men,” Morgan agreed.
“Devers was winged. I didn’t figure it was . . .” Jack turned his head to make sure the women weren’t listening before he finished his thought. “I guess it could have been one of his men, because he’s no
t small, and he doesn’t sound young.”
Morgan nodded, indicating he knew Jack meant Frank hadn’t robbed the coach. He leaned closer and said, “They always rob as a group. If you hear any news about him, let me know. Otherwise, I’ll ride to Purgatory Canyon soon.”
“I may not be able to ride for a while,” Jack said.
“Am I still deputized?”
“Yeah.”
“Then I’m going after him.” Morgan glanced at Rose and saw her carrying two plates in their direction. “I’ll tell you more when we can talk.”
While they ate their lunch, they discussed what was happening around town with all of the newcomers settling in the area. Not one word was mentioned about Frank, and for that, Morgan was thankful.
* * *
“Granny, I’ll take you and Rose to the farm,” Morgan said when they were ready to leave.
“Morgan, the buckboard is out front. Webb picked Granny up earlier. Just bring it back to the livery when you have time,” Jack said.
Granny walked to Jack and patted him on the shoulder. “Don’t you do too much. I’ll be back tomorrow to check on you.”
“That’s not necessary. I plan to start moving around more tomorrow. You stay home and visit with your granddaughter. If I need anything, I’ll send Webb to the farm.”
“You have enough food for a few days, so if you promise me you’ll take care, I’ll trust you,” Granny said.
“I’ll be in town tomorrow and I’ll look in on him,” Morgan said. He’d planned on coming back to town tomorrow so he could speak to Jack alone.
Granny trusted Morgan’s judgment. “Good. I know you will let me know if he is resting.”
Morgan grinned at Jack. “Yes, ma’am, I will.”
On the way to the farm, Granny noticed how considerate Morgan was of Rose’s condition. He’d asked her several times if she was doing okay, or if she needed to stop. To Granny’s surprise, her granddaughter couldn’t keep her eyes off of Morgan. Knowing Rose had always shied away from Morgan when she was younger, she wondered what had transpired between the two. If she didn’t know better, her granddaughter had the look of a woman in love. Granny hoped it wasn’t because Morgan had been the one to look after her while she was injured. One thing for sure, she didn’t want Rose to have her heart broken. As much as Rose adored Frank, Morgan hated him just as much, and Granny couldn’t see Morgan changing his mind. Morgan was a good man, but he could be a hard man. Admittedly, it wasn’t without cause. But Morgan had harbored this anger a long time, and he hadn’t had gentleness in his life. Rose could give him that if he would let her. She wondered if Rose might help Morgan forget about his vendetta against Frank, and allow the law to handle him. It was probably wishful thinking. Perhaps if Rose had been here before Frank shot Joseph Longbow there might have been a chance. Frank’s past transgressions might have been forgotten, but shooting Joseph was something Morgan would never get over. No amount of wishing would make it so.
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