The Agent's Mail-Order Bride

by Heidi Vanlandingham

  “My room is next to Ayana’s.” She grinned. “Go up the stairs and turn left. It’s the fourth door on the left. I’ll stop by tomorrow after my shift to pick up the rest of my belongings.”

  She placed her hand on Thad’s forearm. “Please be careful. Don’t underestimate Big John or any of the men working for him, especially James Black. From what I can tell, Black’s meaner than a snake and won’t hesitate to kill you.”

  “Warning heeded. I will keep my eyes and ears open.” Thad said, his familiar smirk reassuring somehow. “Now, you two better get going as well. After all, this is your wedding night.”

  Her heart pounded in her chest like a drum cadence. The further away she and Tate walked from the church, the more nervous she got. Even thoughts about tomorrow and how she was supposed to act made her stomach churn. What did she know about being married? She hadn’t taken the time to worry about what the simple action of getting married would set in motion. But now she had plenty of time to worry about Big John’s reaction. He had made it clear to everyone in Alta what his intentions were toward her, not that she’d given the man even one small hint she was interested in him. She wasn’t.

  She might not like Rose Marie much, but she felt sorry for her. Rose Marie had also made it very clear she considered Big John her man, but no matter how hard the poor woman tried, Big John never noticed her. He told, more like demanded, she do things for him and expected her to answer to his every whim, but that wasn’t what Rose Marie wanted. It was evident to everyone her goal was to become Mrs. John Sutton. The one thing Cat was certain of, however, was that John Sutton didn’t want Rose Marie. It showed in every condescending look he gave her, petty remarks about her, and the mean ways he treated her.

  It also hadn’t escaped either woman’s notice how much Big John watched Cat while she worked in the saloon. Several times during the past few weeks, he would suddenly appear, no matter where she was in town. She could only hope that this marriage would thwart Big John’s advances, but something deep inside of her said it wouldn’t. If anything, she was afraid it would make him even worse.

  “We’re here,” Tate announced, startling her from her thoughts. He stepped onto a rickety porch and opened the cabin door, patiently waiting for her to go inside.

  She hesitated, staring at the small structure.

  “This is where you and Thad have been staying?”

  She ignored the slight raise of his brows and moved past him. Inside, the structure was just as unassuming as the gray-planked outside. There was only one room. The only window was one plank away from the door. A small wood-burning stove sat in the far corner, a dented kettle on top. Rumpled and twisted bedding lay on a narrow metal bed across from her, and on her left was a small rickety table with two chairs.

  “You’re not living in the lap of luxury, are you?”

  For the first time since meeting him, he looked apprehensive...maybe nervous. She couldn’t tell which. He pulled the door shut and stepped toward the table, his long legs making it in one step. He jerked off his hat and dropped it onto the scarred tabletop. She followed the motion of his hand as he combed his sun-streaked hair with his fingers.

  She liked how the ends curled against the top of his collar. A bit longer than was fashionable back home, but this wasn’t Virginia, and the men out here didn’t follow the current fashion. In fact, the men out here didn’t dress much less act the same as men back east. Most weren’t even clean. The smells emanating from them when they came into the saloon had taken her a bit of time to get used to.

  “I know it’s not much, but it was the right price and neither of us spend a lot of time here anyway. I will look for another, nicer place tomorrow.”

  “Or we can stay in my room at the saloon?”

  He shook his head.

  “No, I agree with what you said to Thad. The way Sutton watches you, well, I don’t think he’s going to like that you’re married, even less if the two of us were living underneath his own roof.”

  He took a step closer, close enough for her to see the dark blue sunbursts in his eyes.

  “I didn’t say it before, but I am appreciative of what you’re doing. I understand this is a sacrifice for you, but—”

  She closed the distance and placed her hand over his mouth.

  “Oh, just shush. It’s no more a sacrifice for me than it is for you. Your grim expressions and uptight stance tells me you don’t like anything about this plan or the fact that you had to get married. I understand, I do, but let’s get one thing clear. I’m doing this for my own gain as well.”

  She stared at him a moment then dropped her hand back to her side.

  “My goal has been to earn enough money to buy a ticket as far away from this town as I can get. Unfortunately, Big John has other ideas and only paid me enough for daily meals; and even those are at the saloon. The town’s only restaurant costs twice as much.

  “When I heard your conversation in the saloon this morning, I didn’t have to consider a single thing. You are my ticket out of here. I am also a woman who takes her word seriously. I will help you find the evidence you need to bring Big John to justice. I can’t prove it...yet...but I believe he is the person responsible for Monty Adam’s death—the man I was supposed to wed.”

  “Cat, I don’t want you anywhere near Sutton.”

  “That might be hard since I work for him.” She smiled.

  He shook his head with a stern frown.

  “You’re my wife now and don’t need to work. I may not have much, but I can, at least, support you.”

  “You are, indeed, a conundrum.” She stared at him in amazement.

  “You have no idea.” One side of his mouth rose in a smirk, and this time the amusement reached his eyes.

  He walked over to the small pie safe and opened the door, pulling out what was left of a loaf of bread and a parcel wrapped in brown paper and loosely tied with twine.

  “I don’t have much, but I can make you a ham sandwich?”

  “I would like that very much.” She set her pelisse on the table next to his hat and peeled off her gloves, laying them over her bag.

  The moment the words left her mouth her stomach growled, all but echoing in the limited space.

  Tate chuckled as he placed two thin slices of ham on the buttered bread and set the other slice on top. He moved two glasses of water to the table then handed the sandwich to her, watching as she took a large bite. Her eyes closed as the delicious flavor of smoked meat filled her mouth. She ate half the sandwich before remembering she hadn’t thanked him.

  She took a sip of water from the glass in front of her and cleared her throat, wiping any stray crumbs from her mouth with the back of her hand.

  “This is delicious. Thank you.”

  Tate stuffed the last bite in his mouth and set a plate with two more sandwiches on it in the center of the table. Picking up a second sandwich, he pulled out the chair in front of him and sat.

  “I made another, if you want it?”

  He took a bite, chewing slower this time, his gaze never leaving her face.

  She didn’t know whether she should be thankful for the offer or embarrassed that she wanted a second helping. She dropped into her own chair, opting to be thankful and full. Many a day passed when the only food she ate was a small bowl of stew, and she was starving.

  Grabbing the last sandwich with a grin, she took a bite.

  “I’m going to take you up on that. I’m still hungry.”

  He glanced over at the one bed with a frown.

  “You mentioned sleeping arrangements back at the church. Truthfully, I hadn’t thought about it. There’s only one bed and, we have it on good authority that the floor is very hard. I won’t repeat Thad’s description after the first night, but he made sure I heard how hard it was every night and morning after that.”

  Cat covered her trepidation with a shaky smile and forced herself to continue chewing, but the food now tasted like sawdust on her tongue. Swallowing with a
swig of water didn’t help as the bite seemed to lodge in her throat. The thought of sleeping with Tate both excited her and filled her with dread at the same time.

  How had she turned into such a wanton in the short time since her father’s death? He would be so disappointed in her. And as she watched her new husband fidget in his seat across from her, she realized, deep down, she really didn’t care.

  Chapter 6

  John Sutton stared across the room at the man who’d just walked into his saloon as if he owned the place. He was dressed like a cowboy. His hat was worn and dusty, and angled low on his forehead. His coat was patched at the elbows, but it was distinctly military issue and Union blue, although now a bit faded. His wool pants were dark gray and his boots were the pointed style used to seeing stirrups, not climbing through mines.

  The young man said something to the bartender, who reached around him and grabbed a glass from the dozen or so clean ones stacked in front of the large mirror on the left side of the massive gothic-styled bar. He placed it on the polished counter in front of the man then reached back for the half-filled bottle of whiskey at the end of the line of liquor bottles lined up along the bottom of the middle mirror. The stranger downed the alcohol in one gulp and the bartender poured him another. Instead of drinking it, the cowboy swirled it around in the glass and turned on the stool to face the stage.

  For some reason, Big John didn’t trust him. He didn’t trust anyone he didn’t know. This was his town, and he didn’t like strangers in his town. He gave James Black a quick glance and, with a slight nod of his head, motioned for his right-hand man to come to his table.

  “What’s up, boss?”

  “Who’s the man at the bar? The one dressed like a cowboy?”

  Black glanced toward the bar.

  “That’s the feller I told you about. He and another guy rode in yesterday. They’re staying at the old Brown shack just west of town. Don’t know much about either of them, but I’ve heard talk from the miners. The other one’s called Tate. He’s the boss. This man is Thad Carlile.”

  “Have you seen Catriona this evening?” Big John continued to stare at the cowboy. “She missed her second shift.”

  “No. She was here working earlier today, but I haven’t seen her since then. Want me to find out where she is?”

  Big John shook his head. “You can go find her later. Right now, I want you to keep your eyes and ears open around this man. Something about him I don’t like. Have you heard from our man in California? He was supposed to send me a telegram about the higher-producing mines there.”

  “Last time was a week ago. I expect he’ll be sending another tomorrow or the next day with more information.”

  “Good,” Big John muttered, his attention drawn to the saloon’s front door as it burst open, bringing in both Rose Marie and a gust of freezing wind. He spread out the deck of cards sitting in the middle of the table and motioned for the two men at a nearby table to join him. Without a word, they both hopped up and sat in the two empty chairs facing him. Big John dealt the cards from the wooden dealing box at his elbow. “We’re playing faro tonight, boys.”

  The two men gave each other a quick glance then turned their attention to the cards glued on the thin piece of wood that Black laid down in the center of the table. With a slight hesitation, they placed their bets, but neither man looked surprised when Big John pulled out the top card from the box and laid it down in front of him. The face of a king stared back at them. The two miners dropped a coin in the copper bowl next to Big John’s elbow.

  This went on for about an hour when, finally, both men scooted back from the table.

  “Sorry, Mr. Sutton, but we’ll pay you the rest tomorrow when we come back from the mine.”

  Big John focused on each man, a slight smirk curling one side of his mouth as he stuck his cigar between his lips. “See that you do, boys. You’re aware that Mr. Black, here, can make it right unpleasant when you don’t pay your debts.”

  Without a glance toward the dark, swarthy man standing next to him, the two men scurried toward the front door of the saloon. Big John’s gaze turned to the cowboy as he, too, stood. As he made his way up the stairs, Big John’s gaze met Black’s, who silently followed the tall man.

  A few minutes later, Black returned.

  “He went into Catriona’s room.”

  Anger surged through Big John’s body until he felt as if his insides would explode. Biting through his cigar, he spit the loose tobacco on the floor.

  “Get him down here, Black. Get him down here right now! No one is going to touch her...she’s my woman,” he hissed. Black went back upstairs and a few moments later returned with the cowboy beside him.

  “Catriona’s not in her room, boss.”

  The man took one of the empty chairs and turned it. Straddling the seat, he crossed his arms on the top slat on the chair back.

  “You wanted to speak to me, I take it? All you had to do was ask instead of sending your hired gun to fetch me.”

  Big John had to appreciate the man’s bravery. Not many would dare to talk to him so disrespectfully. From his relaxed demeanor accompanied by the smirk on his face, this man didn’t seem to care who he was.

  “What’s your name?”

  The cowboy’s smirk grew. “Name’s Thad. Thad Carlile.”

  “Why are you in my town?”

  Thad’s brow rose. “Your town? Never knew anyone who owned an entire town before. My friend and I are here to try our hands at some mining...well, rather the ownership part at least.”

  “What’s your friend’s name?”

  “Only goes by Tate—has since I’ve known him.” Thad leaned forward. “Has a bit of a reputation,” he said in a low voice. “If you know what I mean?”

  Big John relaxed a bit at the information. Men like that could be bought, and he needed a few more inside his miner’s circle to get the remaining deeds in his hands. If he worked the situation right, manipulating these two into getting the deeds for him would fit the bill.

  “Where is Catriona and why are you in her room?” he asked, changing the subject so he could talk over his idea with Black once this man was gone.

  “She got married this evening and is with her new husband.”

  Big John’s anger returned with a vengeance, but he somehow managed to tamp it down. He could vent afterward. For now, he would focus on getting more information. Letting his feelings show for Catriona would give this man something to hold over him, and Big John never let anyone into his small circle other than a few men, Black being one of them.

  “Interesting news. I hadn’t heard.” He raised the glass Black set in front of him and tipped his head back, swallowing the amber liquid in one gulp, then dropped the glass back on the table.

  “Where do you and Tate hale from?”

  “All over,” Thad answered. “Our last job took us up to Wyoming where we met with Jesse Evans and Wild Bill.”

  “You two get around.” Big John didn’t know whether to believe him or not, but the serious look on the man’s face along with the hard tone in his voice made Big John lean toward believing him. The possibilities this new information opened up forced the sordid news about his Catriona to the back of his mind. At least for now.

  “I have a job proposition for you and your friend,” Big John said as he leaned back in his chair, his arms crossing over his small chest.

  “Meet me here tomorrow at noon, and we’ll discuss the particulars over a hot meal and drinks—my good stuff.”

  Thad thought a moment then gave him a quick nod.

  “We’re needing another run of luck. I’ll tell Tate in the morning.” He stood and stretched, dropping his arms and casually hooking his thumbs behind the waistband of his pants. His gaze focused on Black.

  “I’d suggest, though, that your man there holster his pistol. No call for it since I’m not carrying a gun.” He held out his arms and backed away from the table.

  “Now, gentlemen, I’m off to a de
cent night’s sleep. Haven’t had one in a while.” Thad started toward the stairs and slowed as he passed Black, touching his fingers to the brim of his hat.

  “‘Night.”

  Big John waited until Thad was all the way up the stairs and pounded his fists against the tabletop.

  “Dang it all to hell, Black!”

  Black turned Thad’s chair back around and sat down. He picked up the scattered cards, shuffling them several times, then laid them out on the table in a game of solitaire while Big John ranted.

  “Now that you’ve got that out of your system, what are you going to do?” Black turned over a card and placed it on the king in front of him. Pulling three more cards from the deck, he turned them over. He again pulled three more and repeated the action, this time placing two more cards on the growing row of cards in front of him.

  Big John was silent for so long, Black finally glanced up from his game.

  “James, I want you to send three men out to Robber’s Roost, Brown’s Park, and the Hole in the Wall. Give each of them the same message for Evans and verify what Mr. Carlile claims. If they aren’t who they say they are, we will deal with that then. In the meantime, I aim to keep Catriona close...where I can keep my eyes on her.”

  A slow grin appeared on his face. “I’m going to offer them the use of my house.”

  Black frowned. “Isn’t that were Rose Marie is living?”

  Big John nodded, his grin widening.

  “Killing two birds so to speak. Rose Marie’s been getting a little too possessive lately, and I’m tired of her whining. She can move in here or leave town. Once Catriona’s in the house, she will be beholden to me for my ‘gift’—and I can keep a close eye on her. A very close eye.”

  “What about her new husband?”

  “I aim to keep him so busy, they’ll never see each other.”

  “What if Evans reports back and we find out Thad lied?”

  “Then we’ll make sure he finds out what happens to liars in the West.”

  * * *