Susanna flung herself into Albert’s arms, shaking visibly. She pulled back and looked up into his concerned eyes. “We need to get moving,” she said, fighting her fears as she tried to stay calm. Large drops of rain splattered around, and were soon coming down in a sheet.
Albert’s gaze softened even more and he took her hand. “All right then, keep an eye out.” He looked forward, scanning the darkness. “Nate!” he yelled again. “Come out, son! Come out and let’s go home! Nate!”
“Nate,” she called, hurrying to keep up with Albert, who’d started for the passenger cars. “Nate,” she called again, doing her best to banish the eerie feeling that kept the hair at the back of her neck prickled.
CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE
A slow panic rumbled around inside of Albert as he made his way slowly down the dining-car aisle. An hour had passed. The rain and howling wind were unrelenting. Searching in the darkness was difficult. He hadn’t said anything to Susanna, but it was conceivable that outlaws might be out here. It would be a good place to stay holed up and out of sight. A panicked thought struck him: perhaps someone had taken Nate as a decoy. His breath quickened. He couldn’t think that. His son was distressed and had run off. Until he had evidence, he wouldn’t entertain that option—but he would keep a sharper eye out than he’d let on to Susanna.
Some articles had been cleared by the porters after the crash, but chairs and dishes were still strewn around just waiting to trip them up. Susanna came along behind him, searching the opposite side of the car. He cursed to himself for not thinking to bring matches to light some of the lamps. Thank goodness Susanna had offered to help. With her probing one side of the aisle as he searched the other, they made much better time. His hoarse voice ached from continually calling out.
“Nate, it’s Pa,” he shouted again through his cupped palms. “You aren’t in any trouble, son. Please come out.” His boot struck something hard in the aisle. He bent over and moved the chair blocking the way. “You must be hungry. A big bowl of stew sure sounds good to me. We can sit in the restaurant and watch the storm. You can have as much bread as you want, I promise.” His voice hitched, and he blinked away moisture that had gathered in his eyes. Where are you, Nate? Where are you son?
He stopped and waited for Susanna to catch up. It was no use. Nate wasn’t here. Or if he was, he wasn’t coming out. Albert didn’t know what he could have done better to help his son grieve, adjust to his new home. He still didn’t know why Floria had been on her way to Logan Meadows. It was all such a mystery.
“Albert, I need to poke my head outside and get a breath of fresh air. The walls are closing in on me. You keep going and I’ll catch up.”
“You all right?”
She nodded. “Yes, I’ll just take a minute.”
Her hair that had been so prettily fixed this morning was now stuck to the sides of her head, and the bottom of her skirt was a mess, but in his eyes, she’d never looked more beautiful.
“Thank you for your help, Susanna. It means a lot to me.”
She gave that quirky little smile that had been reserved for him before he’d messed things up. “Of course I’d help you, Albert. I want to find Nate just as much as you do.”
Something had changed between them since her revelation about what her stepfather had done to her. He couldn’t name the transformation, but he felt it in his bones.
She laid a comforting hand on his arm, her gaze reaching deep into his. “We’ll find him, Albert,” she whispered. “I promise.”
He nodded, needing more than anything to believe her words. “I’ll keep moving forward. Don’t be long.”
Taking a deep, cleansing breath, Susanna enjoyed the feel of the cool air in her lungs. She leaned against the outside of the dining car and cast her fears to the wind. The rain had stopped. If they could just get past this with Nate, find him alive and unharmed, she’d try to forgive Albert everything. But marriage was a lifelong commitment. She didn’t understand why he’d wed Floria and then changed his mind so quickly—after, of course, he’d taken what she had to offer. What had Floria been like? Was she heartbroken when her husband had cast her aside and moved away? Had she decided she couldn’t live another day without him and was on her way to try and reconcile? Susanna had so many questions, and no answers at all.
A sound caught her attention. She looked up at the clouds that were breaking up and letting in some morning light. She hadn’t meant to stay out so long. Surely Albert was already three cars ahead and wondering where she was. What was that sound? She held her breath, trying to discern through the wind’s howl the other, stranger, crunching she’d picked up on when she’d been in deep thought. It almost had sounded like a footstep on the gravel.
Albert turned and retraced his steps. Where was Susanna? With her fear of storms, he’d have thought she’d be back quickly. He’d like to get his hands on the cow dung that got a thrill by frightening a child. A burst of anger moved his steps more quickly.
With the aisle now clear of debris, he was able to make good time back to the dining car. He swung out the door and jumped down from the bridge that connected the train—and came face-to-face with the barrel of Laine Sadler’s gun.
Albert pulled up short, but held his tongue until he saw Susanna standing between two men, strangers he recognized from the saloon. The way her arms were pulled tightly behind her made him think they were tied or cuffed. He caught her gaze. Her ripped sleeve, the fury in her eyes, and a tiny trickle of blood on the corner of her lip said she’d put up a good fight before she’d been subdued. He’d been right about someone lurking on the train—but it wasn’t the outlaw he’d expected.
“Me and my boys have been getting mighty impatient waiting for an opportunity to bust that money out, Sheriff Preston,” Wallace Sadler said, stepping out of the shadows and lifting Albert’s gun out of the holster. “Now, though, you’re going to waltz right in and do it for us—nice and peaceful like.”
Laine Sadler let out a bark of laughter. Gone was the sweet prairie dress he’d noticed when Dalton had introduced the family. Gone was the kind and generous glint in her eyes, replaced with a cold hard steel. The wind buffeted her hat and pulled at strands of her hair, her revolver still pointing in his face.
“Who says I’ll do anything to help? Guns will be blazing before you get two feet out the door.”
The other men looked between themselves. Seemed nobody wanted to be killed before they got their share of one million dollars.
“No they won’t. Not if you want to see this little lady ever again.” Laine Sadler turned and smiled at Susanna. “If you won’t cooperate, we’ll kill you now, ride into town, and kill as many townsfolk as we can, then rob the bank. We’ll take her with us deep into the heart of Mexico. She’ll bring a pretty penny when the men are through with her.”
Albert felt Susanna’s gaze on him, strong and true. The sound of boots crunching on rocks brought all the heads around. The other two men pulled their guns.
Babcock stepped out from between two cars, the wind battering his hat and coat, his twin colts resting in each hand. His narrowed-eyed gaze went from face to face, skimmed over Susanna as if she didn’t mean a thing to him, then landed on Mrs. Sadler. The fool had just walked into a gunfight he couldn’t win. Babcock might take down two before he was killed, but he couldn’t get them all.
“So, you were going to cut me out just like that?” Babcock said in a half sneer. “I’ve been trying to hook up with you ever since I came out to the Red Rooster. Damn that old woman and that busybody Beth.”
Laine straightened. It was evident she didn’t know what to think of Babcock’s sudden appearance. He didn’t holster his guns.
“Evan brought me in on the deal right from the start. Said he’d sent you a telegram.”
“We never got it,” Wallace snarled. “You’re lying.”
“Could be, but I’m not.”
Albert watched the conversation bounce back and forth, hoping Babcock didn’t ge
t his head blown off right here in front of Susanna. Babcock came a step closer.
“He’s a filthy liar,” one of the other men threw out. “We ain’t cuttin’ no one else in!”
“Then go get your sorry hides shot full of holes.” Babcock’s tone had turned to ice.
More clouds blew away, and the others seemed fidgety as the light of day encroached on their nefarious planning. There was a lot at stake.
“I can get you into the bank and you won’t have to worry about the sheriff giving you away. All he’d have to do is say one word and the guards would cut you down. Why risk it? A million dollars is a lot of money. One more split isn’t going to make a lick of difference to any of you. You’ll still be filthy rich—and alive to enjoy it.”
Laine shifted her weight from foot to foot and looked as if she’d just eaten a rotten oyster. “He has a point.” She motioned with her gun. “Cranston, tie these two up so we can make our move. We can’t wait any longer for Evan. Rumor has it reinforcements are on their way.”
One of the men standing beside Susanna didn’t look much like an outlaw. He mumbled, “But he’s our brother. We can’t leave him behind.”
“Shut your whiny mouth,” Wallace barked. “He should’ve been prepared when the train hit, like we planned. Then he’d’ve been able to unlock the door and we’d be long gone days ago. He gets what he deserves.”
For the first time since arriving, Babcock looked in Albert’s direction. “I’m tying him up. Preston has been a burr under my saddle since the day I arrived.” He pointed to the black eye that had yet to completely disappear. “Payback is going to feel real nice.”
“I say we kill ’em both now,” Cranston objected. “Dead men—and women—can’t talk.”
“No.” Babcock straightened to his full height. “I want the woman. She sets the moon and stars.” His gaze drifted to Albert.
Cranston snickered until Babcock zeroed in with a deadly gaze. The man shifted uncomfortably and looked away.
“You, there,” Babcock said to the short fellow. “Get the horses ready to go, as well as the sheriff’s mount in the stock car.” He pointed toward the caboose, and Albert wondered how long Babcock had been hanging around.
It was easy to see Laine Sadler didn’t like Babcock taking over. “Who made you boss?”
“I did. I’m the one who’ll get you in that bank, aren’t I? You got a problem with that?” Silence drew out until Babcock shrugged. “I didn’t think so. Where’s Terrence, your son?”
Laine laughed. “You mean my pain-in-the-neck little brother?” Her eyes gleamed with suspicion. “Seems Evan didn’t tell you everything about the Stone family, Babcock—I wonder why?”
“They cut out today for New Meringue,” the short outlaw said, as if he’d already transferred his loyalty to Babcock. “We’re gonna swing by and get ’em on our ride out.”
“They?”
“Him and another brother.” A half-witted smile appeared on the man’s face. “We’re all brothers.” He shot Laine a dirty look. “Except for our smarty-pants sister.”
“Shut your trap!” Laine shouted. “I’m amazed someone hasn’t killed you yet.”
Babcock glanced between them. “Evan probably figured the less I knew, the better. At least, that’s how I would play it. Makes no matter anyway. Now, we’ll all go into town together. After we have the money, we’ll swing back here, pick up Suzie and take care of him.” He glared at Albert. “The woman will ride his horse.”
Susanna’s eyes widened. Albert hoped if Nate was hiding anywhere nearby, he had the sense to stay away. Babcock swiveled his gun on Albert.
“You go with ’em, Cranston,” Laine ordered. “Make sure Babcock’s not pulling a fast one.”
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
Heart thrashing painfully against his ribs, Nate watched the scene unfold before his eyes. He feared the outlaws would hear the commotion and discover him hiding underneath the dining car on the cold tracks. He’d just decided to go home with his pa when Miss Robinson had come out of the train car and stood directly in front of his line of vision, her once-shiny black boots covered in mud.
He’d hesitated. Seeing her with his pa brought another surge of sadness for his mama. An outpouring of shame followed that, as he remembered she’d been on her way to give him away, to a pa he’d never met. She didn’t love him anymore. She couldn’t. No matter what she said, Nate knew Mr. Carson was more important to her than he was. She was going to marry him and go far, far away. No matter that the thought cut him like a knife, he still loved her.
He’d come down to the train to release her, to prove to his pa that he was right, that she was still trapped in the wreckage. And to prove to his ma that he was a good son, one she could love if she just let herself. Once that was accomplished, he and his ma could go home, put things back to the way they were before she’d met Mr. Carson. But he couldn’t find her. He’d searched everywhere. It was like his pa had said. She was dead. Dead in the cold, hard ground—just like Oldie Judy.
Inch by slow inch, Nate crept backward. Finally on the other side of the tracks from his pa and the outlaws, he tiptoed away. When he was far enough away where he was sure they wouldn’t hear him, he took off at a run, his boots splashing through puddles and sinking in mud. He’d seen his pa put Dunbar into the cattle car and wished he were big enough to pull himself into the saddle and gallop the tall dun gelding back to town. That would be faster. A better chance of saving his pa and Miss Robinson.
Where should he cross back under the train? What if they had more men on lookout? When it felt as if his lungs would burst, he skidded to a stop and rolled underneath the train, lying there for a good ten minutes to let his breathing settle back to its normal cadence. He didn’t want any harm to come to Miss Robinson. She’d been kind to him. He liked her soft hands and pretty smile.
On his elbows, he crawled forward. He poked his head out, being careful to stay under the cover of the engine. The black clouds had cleared, pushed away by the driving wind. Turning his head, he looked all the way down to where he’d come from, but it was too far to see anyone. Staying close to the ground, Nate scampered away from the train and up the rise to the dirt road he’d followed from Logan Meadows to Three Pines Turn. He didn’t stop there, but hurried into the trees and bushes alongside, where he wouldn’t be easily spotted. Logan Meadows wasn’t that far. Every single moment was prudent if he wanted to save his pa’s life. Gathering his courage, he took off at a run.
Nate ignored the stabbing pain in his side. When the buildings of Logan Meadows finally came into view, he stumbled to a walk. He’d made it! The outlaws hadn’t caught him. He’d find Pa’s deputy and tell him what the outlaws were planning. He glanced over his shoulder and checked his back trail. Pa would be proud if he saved the day.
Nate let out a yelp when a large, rough hand came out of nowhere and clasped him around the back of his neck. “Now I’ve gotcha, you little beggar! You’re a quick one, I can testify to that.”
Fear ricocheted through Nate’s body, and he glanced up into a mean sneer and angry eyes.
“Let me go! Let me go!” Those were the last words out of his mouth as the large, unfamiliar man hoisted him up and threw him over his shoulder.
CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN
Susanna leaned her head against Albert’s back, their hands bound together, and a none-too-nice handkerchief stuck in her mouth. A few feet away in the stock car, Albert’s horse pranced nervously in place and pulled on his reins.
Albert bucked and strained against the restraints, causing a burst of pain in her wrists each time he moved. His muscles bulged, and then relaxed. The outlaws and Dalton had ridden out five minutes ago, which meant they had probably already reached town. How could she and Albert get away in time to warn everyone? Surely it wouldn’t take long to rob the bank. She pushed with her tongue and worked at the sweaty red cloth, trying not to gag at the stench, but the bandanna around her head held it tight.
“Mmmmm.
Suuuuuu.” Albert shook his head; anger radiated off every inch of his body.
His unintelligible words made his horse prance all the more. He turned his head to the side and laid it against hers, bringing a rush of longing. If only she hadn’t been so stubborn. At least he would know that she loved him—before he died. That she’d always loved him. Now, she’d not have a chance to tell him, or kiss him like she longed to do.
Albert twisted, and she stifled her groan. A warm sticky sensation slicked her fingers and she wondered which one of them was bleeding. They had to get free—had to warn the people in Logan Meadows. She felt the restraints give a little and hope surged into her heart.
With a powerful jerk, Albert ripped one of his hands from their bonds. Blood splatted everywhere when he shook out the pain. One second later, he yanked the cloth out of his mouth and took a large gulp of air. Reaching around, he felt her face. The gag was too tight to pull down so he followed it to the back of her head, and worked the firm knot with his fingers. He fumbled several times before it fell into her lap.
She sucked in a lungful of crisp air. “Thank God! We need to hurry—”
“I know. I’m sure they’re already—”
“No. It can’t be!”
He worked furiously on the triple-knotted rope holding his other hand to her two.
“I love you, Albert!” she blurted.
He stilled, then awkwardly walked his body around until he could partially see into her face. “That’s good to hear, darlin’. And I love you, too.” He leaned in, but was only able to kiss her cheek. All the while he kept working the binding knot. “I hope you understand, but right now I have some outlaws to catch.”
She felt the bindings fall away. He jumped to his feet and pulled her up and into his arms. The kiss was quick, but ardent. She glanced at his horse. “Go!”
“But what about you? Your fears—”
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