Jared found it difficult to begin the conversation. The sheriff leaned an elbow on the back of a leather chair waiting. Facing him, Jared came to the point. “I’ve been told you can be trusted. I’m sure you’ll understand my reluctance in giving such trust to any lawman. Before I go into any detail, I need to know where you stand in your belief of my alleged responsibility of Dean Breck’s murder.”
“Finding your timepiece at the Casino, made me believe you killed there again. When your wife came forward, I doubted what happened.” Andrew scratched his cheek. “From the start, there has been something bothering me about this case. I don’t know what it is. Instinct tells me you’re innocent, but if I’m wrong, I’ll be the first to admit it, and the first to come after you.”
“Not the first,” Jared countered. “The bounty hunter you’ve sent for holds that distinction. He brought Ramirez into the conversation to see what the marshal and sheriff were planning.
“What bounty hunter?”
“I know you and the marshal have sent word to the bounty hunter, Miguel Ramirez, regarding me. He’s been expected all week.”
Andrew frowned, irritation reflected in his manner. “I don’t know anything about a bounty hunter.” He came around the side of the chair, sitting down. “Why don’t you tell me about him?”
Jared’s piercing stare held the sheriff’s attention. “I’ll tell you this, I have no intention of letting Ramirez find me.”
Andrew rubbed the back of his neck. “Mr. King, I’m not blind to the marshal’s hatred of you. I have no designs of being party to anything until I find out what’s happening in my own office. If you can tell me anything to help, you should do so. I’d also like to hear what led to you shooting the marshal’s brother.”
Jared sat to the side of Andrew on a matching leather sofa. The sheriff’s cooperation was imperative if he hoped to elude Ramirez this time. “Until the card game, I’d never met Matt Rhodes…”
****
Later in the evening, Anita pulled Gwen aside from the other guests. “Have you received any responses back from the invitations we sent out for Taryn and Jared’s reception?”
“We’ve received a few.”
Anita nodded in understanding. “I’m afraid many will refuse to attend with the way most feel about their marriage.”
Gwen patted Anita’s hand. “Don’t worry. Etta has told me she intends to rectify the situation.”
Anita couldn’t hide her astonishment. “How?”
“I’m not sure, but she assures me by the end of this evening, everyone will be clamoring to attend.”
Anita smiled, watching as Taryn danced with her father while Jared danced with Madeline Ashford. She observed him, her eyes narrowing as she scanned his facial features. Again, there was something about his expression, the way his eyes crinkled when he laughed. Anita stopped her own musings in sudden realization. “Why didn’t I see?”
“See what?”
Anita turned to Gwen. “All this time, I’ve been wondering what is familiar about Jared.”
“How strange. I’ve felt there’s something familiar about him too.”
“Jared’s expressions and mannerisms remind me of Luke’s. Funny, they would have such similar ways about them as though they were related.”
Luke does have a brother,” Gwen recalled. “He mentioned it to Jonathan and me when he first came here. He never said who. Do you think it’s possible they are brothers?”
“They must be,” Anita said. “Luke said something once about when they were children before changing the subject. It all makes sense now.”
Yes, it did, Marcus thought, overhearing the conversation. He stood undetected behind them, leaning against one of the pillars. So, King and Morrell were brothers. Marcus Rhodes’ stared at Jared King. King was certain to know from his wife about Ramirez coming. Marcus didn’t want to risk the chance King would flee before Ramirez showed up. He determined to guarantee King didn’t leave. A malicious smile crossed his face. Marcus stalked out of the room, his purpose clear in his mind.
****
While the dancing continued through the evening, Etta Briggs filtered through the ballroom, a happy smile never leaving her face as she made certain all were enjoying themselves.
“Well, I don’t know if I could forgive such a lack of deportment,” Agatha Masters said as Etta passed their group.
The other three ladies with her nodded in agreement.
Etta joined them. “Ladies, why all the frowns? This is a festive occasion.”
Startled by the presence of the very person they’d been discussing, the four fidgeted.
“Your party is not the reason, Etta,” Agatha Masters assured her hostess. “We’re all having a tremendous time.” Her three friends were quick to chime in their equal sentiment. Agatha allowed a dramatic pause. “We were debating whether any one of us would have the wherewithal to invite Taryn and Jared King to our homes as graciously as you’ve done tonight after the scandal involving the two.”
“But then none of us possess your profound sense of goodness,” another complimented Etta.
Baffled, Etta searched the faces of each of the women. “What scandal?”
Agatha couldn’t help take their friend to task. “Oh Etta, you’re not going to pretend you don’t know of it? The whole circumstances surrounding their marriage. Why, indeed, the very reason for it is all so appalling.”
Etta’s sunny disposition faded. “I’m going to have to ask you to explain yourself, Agatha. What would you know of the reason they married?”
“Everyone knows of it.” Agatha leaned into Etta, her voice hushed. “Everyone in town knows Taryn Ashford spent the entire evening with Jared King the night Dean Breck was killed. Why it prevented Mr. King from being arrested for the deed.”
“What is wrong with a woman spending a night with her husband?”
Agatha emitted an indelicate snort. “Etta dear, they were not married at the time.” The expression settling on her face brooked no denial or further discussion.
Etta’s expression displayed absolute astonishment. “They most certainly were! You forget, I have known the Kings longer than anyone here. They’d already been married before I’d met them on our train trip out here months ago.”
“Already married?” Agatha reiterated, her confidence in her assumptions failing her. “If what you say is true, why were they not residing under the same roof when they arrived here?”
“What of Brad Thompson?” another questioned. “He was her fiancé.”
“Why, it’s all so simple. I see I’ll have to set you aright as to the correct circumstances,” Etta said. “Brad Thompson may well have been her fiancé, but it is obvious Taryn and Jared eloped. I came to the conclusion the first time I saw them on the train. They kept separate residences to give Taryn time to explain to her relatives. Then when her parents arrived with Brad Thompson, it’s understandable matters became complicated.”
“Are you positive?” Agatha glanced at the Kings.
Etta’s stance remained unflinching. “As sure as I stand before you. Don’t tell me all this time you believed they were…oh my!” She pressed the palm of her hand to her chest.
“Oh, my dear,” one of the women said, patting Etta’s hand, “you must see how we could have believed…”
“It’s rather romantic when explained,” one of the ladies commented.
Etta took a deep breath. “You ladies now know the truth. Let’s have no more gossip about it.”
“Of course not,” they all agreed before excusing themselves from her company.
“Etta, you’ve outdone yourself.”
Etta turned to see Gwen Dalton beside her. “The party is delightful isn’t it,” she remarked in a moment of self-appreciation, her composure intact.
“I’m not speaking of the party.” Gwen nodded in the direction of the departing ladies.
Etta returned Gwen’s conspiratorial smile. “Who’s to say it isn’t what may have happened
under different circumstances?”
“Not I. You know those women won’t be able to keep quiet about what they’ve learned from you. By the end of the evening, every person in this room will have the corrected version.”
Etta’s smile shone bright as a morning sun. “Precisely.”
****
Taryn acclaimed the night magical. Ladies who ignored her were seeking her out to attend afternoon teas and other social functions. She didn’t know what caused it but embraced their acceptance, pardoning their former views. Things were going to be all right. She could feel it. Her gaze drifted to the entrance of the ballroom where Jared talked with Luke.
“Timing will be critical,” Jared said after he’d explained to Luke about his conversation with Andrew. “Ramirez was supposed to have been here by now. When he does arrive, I want to make sure I’m ready for it. Let’s meet early tomorrow morning.” He noticed Taryn watching him from across the room. Thoughts of Ramirez were easy to shove aside as he focused his full attention on her.
“…is what I think you should do,” Luke stated, giving his view of how his brother should solve his problem with Ramirez. Jared’s gaze focused in the distance. “You haven’t heard a word I’ve been saying, have you?”
“No, I haven’t. If you’ll excuse me, I need to tell my wife something.”
“There’s something you need to tell me,” Anita said to Luke, coming up alongside him.
Luke turned to Anita with a questioning gaze.
“Let’s discuss your family history.”
Luke’s expression grew guarded. Anita eyed him as though she already knew his secret, but he couldn’t understand how. “There’s not much to tell, but what would you like to know?”
“How about your name, Mr. Morrell.”
Luke’s shoulders tensed. She had figured out his relationship with Jared. “I suppose you’ll want to know right now.”
Anita smiled. “I can hardly wait.” She directed him out of the room for privacy’s sake.
****
At the end of the evening, Jared and Taryn found Etta in the hallway saying good-bye to another group of people. Jared helped Taryn on with her cloak in the hallway.
“I hope you enjoyed yourselves.”
Taryn gave her a hug. “You’ll never know how much.”
They stepped outside into the cool night air. Their carriage, brought around by attendants, waited at the foot of the porch steps. Jared kept his arm around her, already nuzzling her ear as they walked down the steps. Taryn leaned into him, a delicious shiver running through her at his touch.
“Before you leave, I want to tell you something,” Anita called out from the top of the porch to them.
“Anita,” Luke pleaded, “wait.”
Anita gave him a quick kiss, smiling in triumph. “Oh no, Luke. It’s not every day a best friend becomes a sister-in-law, and I discover my husband indeed has a brother.”
Taryn and Jared reached their carriage when they both paused, turning at the sound of Anita’s voice calling out to them.
Anita had already moved forward. Luke followed, admitting it was senseless to deny his relationship to Jared, at least not between the four of them.
Anita and Luke caught up with them at the carriage. Once again, Luke attempted to divert his wife’s revelation. “This can wait, Anita. Jared and Taryn are in a hurry.”
Taryn caught the gleam in Anita’s eyes. “This sounds important. She swept past Luke, eager to hear the news.
A loud popping sound split the air. Luke hurled backward to the ground.
“Get down!” Jared pushed both women to the ground, throwing his body over theirs, surveying the vicinity, instinctively reaching for his weapons only to realize he refrained from wearing them. He didn’t find it necessary, considering the social occasion. The sound of gunshot was unmistakable. He’d heard and delivered far too many in his lifetime. Anita screamed then called out Luke’s name. Guests were streaming out onto the porch to learn the source of the commotion.
He ensured the women were unharmed then turned in search of Luke. His brother sprawled unconscious behind them. “Luke!”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Anita turned to see Luke on the ground. “No!” She crawled away from Jared over to Luke. Blood soaked through the entire front of Luke’s white dress shirt.
Jared attempted to keep his features from registering his wild thoughts. The bullet hit his brother in the chest. He couldn’t discern exactly where the bullet entered with the amount of blood covering Luke.
“Is he breathing?” Anita asked in a shaking voice.
Jared felt for Luke’s pulse at his neck. Terror rushed through him when he didn’t feel a heartbeat.
“Is he breathing?” Anita repeated, her voice panic-stricken, tears streaming down her cheeks.
“Yes,” Jared said in relief, “he’s breathing. Luke’s pulse was narrowly discernible.
Etta rushed out the front door. Mindless of any danger, she flew down the porch steps, worry driving her. “Doctor Hennessey is still here,” she told one of the guests standing nearby. “Run and find him.” She rushed to the group surrounding Luke, taking instant control. “Jared, take Luke upstairs. Sam Hennessey’s here. He can see to him.”
Another guest aided him in picking Luke up and carrying him. Taryn moved to Anita’s side, putting an arm around her friend, and following the men into the house. Those who’d come outside at the sound of commotion moved aside to make way, murmuring of the horrifying turn of events to what had been an enchanting evening.
There were still guests inside who missed hearing the commotion or seen what happened to Luke. The Daltons were among those guests. They retrieved their cloaks, looking for Etta to say goodnight when they walked into the foyer seeing Jared carrying Luke’s unconscious body toward the stairs.
“What’s happened?” Gwen asked hurrying toward Jared. The blood dripping from Luke to the floor answered her question.
Jared said nothing as he made his way up the stairs. Doctor Hennessey followed him. Anita and Taryn were close behind.
Jonathan saw Etta enter the foyer. “What happened?” he asked in shock.
“I don’t know,” she answered as the group gathered around her. She attempted to sort out the confusion herself. “I was watching them from inside the doorway. They were talking amongst themselves. In the next instant, they were all on the ground.”
“Is Marcus or Andrew still here?” Jonathan asked.
“Marcus left earlier,” Etta answered. “I believe Andrew’s still here though.”
Lingering guests discreetly took their leave rather than hover about the house at such a time. The people who stayed behind were the Daltons, Ashfords, and Andrew Donahue.
Upstairs, Anita, Jared, and Taryn stood near the foot of the bed while Doctor Hennessey attended Luke. Etta walked in with a basin of water and cloths for the doctor’s use. The doctor snipped away Luke’s shirt, exposing the wound to view. An audible sound of agony escaped Anita, the color draining from her face at the sight.
Blood still oozed from the wound in Luke’s chest. Such a wound could prove fatal depending on how close to the heart or major arteries the bullet hit. The idea of losing his brother made Jared ill. He took a deep breath. All the precautions they’d taken didn’t prevent Luke from being harmed.
Downstairs, Gwen voiced all their thoughts. “Who would do such a thing?”
“Why don’t we all sit in the other room,” Jonathan suggested, addressing his wife and in-laws. Hours would pass before they knew anything more. There was no point in standing at the stairway waiting.
Dennis and Madeline followed Jonathan and Gwen into the parlor to wait. A few moments later, Jared and Taryn came into the room with Etta. Anita remained upstairs. Hopeful gazes turned their way.
“Doctor Hennessey’s still working on him.”
Forgetting her own concern for Luke, Gwen’s concern focused in Jared’s direction. “Are you all right?” she asked. His
features were unguarded, revealing his concern for his brother.
Jared stared at Gwen, realizing she figured out his relationship to Luke. “How did you know?”
“Until tonight when I talked with Anita, I wasn’t sure,” Gwen said.
“Wasn’t sure of what, Gwen?” Madeline asked.
Gwen raised her eyebrows in question. At Jared’s nod, she turned to them. “Luke and Jared are brothers,” she confided.
Compassion mixed with surprise as each occupant extended a sympathetic gaze toward Jared. Taryn squeezed his arm in new concern, her heart aching.
After sending a message to the marshal’s home, Andrew Donahue investigated the surrounding area of Etta’s home while those inside waited for the doctor’s determination for Luke’s recovery.
The vigil continued. Nothing to do but wait. An hour passed, the tension escalated. Unable to sit still any longer, Jared excused himself to step outside.
Restless, Jonathan joined him.
The two stood out on the porch. Etta’s household staff had washed most of the blood away from the spot Luke fell.”
“Who do you think did this?” Jonathan asked after taking a deep breath of air.
Jared lit a cheroot, inhaling deeply before responding. “I don’t know. At first, I assumed the bullet was meant for me.” He shook his head. “Unless the person who pulled the trigger was a bad shot, I couldn’t have been their target.”
Jared thought of Miguel Ramirez. Had Ramirez arrived, discovered his whereabouts, then in anger decided to attempt killing him rather than letting the Mexican police do it? Again, Jared considered the direction of the gunshot. The more he replayed the scene in his mind, the more convinced he became the shooter’s intended victim was Luke. Jared hadn’t been standing close enough to Luke for it to be a miscalculation. If so, then Ramirez could not have fired the shot. Ramirez didn’t know Luke and would have no reason to attempt to kill him. Who would have reason to shoot Luke? He didn’t have enemies. He was the one with enemies.
“Find anything, Andrew?” Jonathan asked when Andrew joined them on the porch after walking the grounds.
“No,” Andrew admitted in disappointment. He turned to Jared. “Can you show me exactly where Luke stood when he was shot?”
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