by Angel Wolfe
James and Frank came out of the bunkhouse with towels and some medical supplies and looked in wonder at the dog lying on the ground. “Here ya are Miss Angel.” James said kneeling down beside her. “Frank, go quickly and get Miss Angel’s and two other good horses saddled. As soon as we got this dog’s wounds dressed, we have to do as she said. After you saddle the horses, take one of them and ride as fast as you can to get Mr. Rick and Mr. Matt. Miss Angel and I will try to use what light is left to follow the tracks and hopefully find Miss Kat.”
James quickly took over treating the dog first fishing the bullet out, then packing the wound. He carried the dog into the bunkhouse and closed the door hoping without much faith that it would stay there until they returned. As he came out of the bunkhouse, Angel came out of the house carrying some supplies, a coat, and a bedroll.
After securing everything to Star’s saddle, Angel turned and went back into the barn and proceeded to bandage Belle as best she could, hoping to secure the dog’s ribs until she or Kat were able to work on the injuries further. She turned to James, “You know who it is that has her don’t you?” She asked without needing an answer.
“Your guess is the same as mine Miss Angel. I’m afraid that George has kidnapped her again. I just hope we can find her before any further humiliation is done to her.” He answered gravely.
They mounted up and rode around to the back of the barn, Angel and James both looked intently at the tracks before kicking their horses into a trot and then to a ground eating canter. The horses were young, full of energy, and ready to run and both the riders were silently hoping that Frank found the men quickly and got them hurrying behind them.
After twenty minutes or so, they slowed the horses to let them breathe and shared ideas. “From the pattern of the shoes, it looks like he took Nugget since he was closest to the back of the barn. Angel started. “Nugget’s tracks didn’t suggest that he had any additional weight on his back but the other horse did so I figure George must have had Kat on his horse with him.”
“You’re probably right Miss Angel. Although it’s just shear bad luck that he didn’t take GoldDust. The way I see it, your sister could ride that horse of hers blindfolded with her hands tied behind her back.” He replied with a touch of awe.
“He is her pride and joy. She rescued him as a colt and brought him back to health before training and gentling him. For the longest time, he was more of a big puppy then a horse.”
Angel smiled remembering back.
“Your sister is a remarkable woman, Miss Angel. She has done a lot to be proud of and from the looks of things; she has come a really long way after starting with nothing.”
“You don’t have to tell me James.” She said. “She took care of me when I was a baby and she was only thirteen. We have been on our own my entire life and she never let me want for anything. There were years when we lived off of whatever she could kill or dig up in the forest and whatever cast-offs her employers gave her. One of her worst employers was where she got Dusty. He was a mean, loud drunk and she took care of his stock for next to nothing but he let us stay in a tiny shack on the back edge of his property as part of her wages. He finally drank up all his money and was being forced to sell off his stock to pay his debts. Kat convinced him to sign over the papers on Dusty instead of paying her and for some reason he did. All the rest of the horses were taken by the Army.”
“Miss Angel,” James started. “No matter what happens in the next few days, I just want you to know that as long as I’m alive I will do everything I can for Miss Kat. Ever since my wife and child were killed, she has been the only one to offer to see past what she saw on the outside and give me another chance at being a human. George Jenkins and Sheriff Fairchild both need to be done away with if Miss Kat is going to have a chance at happiness with Mr. Rick, and I may just have to be the person to do it.”
~XIV~
Frank rode as fast as he could towards town worrying the entire time about how they would find Angel and James and how they would all get Miss Kat back home after they found her. Drawn out of his thoughts by a horrible rattling noise, he looked up to see a carriage roaring down the trail coming straight for him. Quickly, he turned his horse to the side and just narrowly missed being hit as a young boy pulled up hard on the reins, bringing the horse to a halt.
“Sir. Sir, can you possibly help us?” The most beautiful woman he had ever seen stuck her head out from the window of the carriage. “We have to find Kaitlyn Carson’s ranch as soon as possible; it’s a matter of life or death.”
“I wor…work for Miss Kat.” He answered nervously tipping his hat to her. “The ra…ranch is just a ways ba...back.”
“Oh my, if we hurry then we might still make it in time.” She announced preparing to send Willie on his way again.
“In ti…time for what?” Frank asked. “Miss Kat has been ki…kidnapped and I m…must find Mr. Rick so he can help find her and bring her home.”
“Oh drat my bad luck!” She mumbled. “I guess we weren’t in time after all. Well, let me introduce myself and then we shall help you find...Mr. Jamison I presume?”
“Um,” Frank thought hard. “I th…think that maybe that’s his n…name; I only n…n…know him as Rick though. My n…name is Frank Jenkins by the way.”
“Nice to meet you Mr. Jenkins. I am Marie Fairchild.” She extended her hand expecting him to shake it.
Instead, he took her hand in his and gently kissed her fingertips while wondering at the softness of it. The only other female hands he had ever touched had been his mother’s and Kat’s or Angel’s. None of them were soft and smooth; instead, they were all calloused and rough from hard work. “Excuse m…me for saying so but y...you are the m...most beautiful woman I ha…have ever seen.”
“Why thank you sir.” She giggled. “I do believe that that was one of the nicest things anyone has ever said to me Mr. Jenkins.”
“I…I’m very glad t…to have met you Miss Fairchild.” Frank said heading back to his horse. “B…but if you’ll ex…excuse me I have to g…get to town now so we can hurry to find Miss Kat.”
“Let’s get going then Mr. Jenkins.” She said. “The sooner we find my sister, the sooner we can get to know each other better.” She added in a quiet whisper.
Frank kicked his horse into a run knowing that the woman of his dreams would be following behind him in the carriage. As he rode Frank made the first decision he had ever made without dwelling on it for days. Once Miss Kat was found safe and sound, he was going to ask Miss Fairchild to marry him. “Marie” He said to himself. If they were married, he could call her Marie.
Frank’s horse ran the entire rest of the way into town, the carriage bumping along behind him. His eyes scanned the horses tied at all the hitching posts looking for Warlock or Lucifer. Finally seeing them outside of Ms. Millie’s Dress Shop, he clicked to his horse, urged it in that direction, and dismounted, quickly tying it to the post next to theirs. Not taking the time to loosen the cinch or let the animal drink, he hurried up the boardwalk and into the shop.
The bell on the door rang as he entered, triggering everyone in the shop to turn and look in his direction. Spotting Rick and Matt hovering around some ready-made dresses and unmentionables, he hurried over asking quietly if he could speak with them outside. Knowing that there was obviously a problem, the two men quickly made their apologies to Ms. Millie and all but ran out the door with Frank.
“What is it Frank?” Rick asked a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach.
“Miss Kat was kidnapped right off the ranch Mr. Rick. She went outside to the barn and the best we could all tell, George musta been waiting for her.” Frank replied looking nervously from
Rick to Matt, half worried that the men would hold him responsible for his brother’s actions.
Suddenly, the carriage came careening down the street before coming to a screeching halt in the middle of the road as a young lady jumped out and came running up. “Mr. Jamison, Mr. Jamison
” she said nodding to acknowledge both Rick and Matt. “I have some urgent news that I have to tell you and it’s about Miss Carson.” Both men turned giving her their full attention. She quickly explained what she had overheard when listening at her father’s study. “And so, it looks like Miss Carson and I are sisters.” She finished breathlessly.
Rick turned to Frank, “Take Miss Fairchild to her home and have her pack enough clothing for a couple weeks; I’m not sure she will be safe there anymore if her father figures out what she has heard. After she’s packed, take her out to the ranch and have her get settled in the room across the hall from Kaitlyn and Angel’s rooms. Stay there at the ranch, take care of the stock, and keep an eye on things while we try to catch up with James and Angel and see about rescuing Kaitlyn.”
“I’ll try to take care of Wolfe and Belle too.” Frank replied.
“I’ll help all I can too.” Marie added. “And thank you Mr. Jamison for getting me out of that house. I’m not sure I believe my father would do anything to hurt me but I’d rather not be around if Mr. Jenkins were to return.”
“Oh my goodness!” came a voice from the doorway of the shop. “Marie, I thought you weren’t coming for your fitting.” Frances said confused.
“I didn’t come for my fitting Frances; I came to help find Mr. Jamison. I didn’t get out to the ranch quick enough and Miss Carson was kidnapped.” Marie explained. “Mr. Jamison offered to let me stay at Kaitlyn’s ranch until they find her and bring her back so I don’t have to go back to Father’s.”
“Marie, think of your reputation.” Frances commanded. “You must come stay at our home and try to make peace with your father. Rumors are already going to fly since your carriage was seen following this man into town.”
“I’m Frank, ma’am.” He answered introducing himself. “Don’t think nothing bad about Miss. Fairchild. She has been p...proper the whole...whole time.”
“I give up!” Frances announced going back inside the dress shop.
“Ok, what are we waiting for?” Rick said. “Let’s get going. I don’t want Kaitlyn with that son of a bitch a minute longer then she has to be; and once we find them he’s going to wish he was already dead.”
The brothers mounted up and turned to watch in wonder as Frank assisted Miss Fairchild into her carriage. Turning their horses, they waved a quick goodbye to the hand and hurried out of town heading in the direction of the ranch.
Frank mounted his horse and followed Marie’s carriage to one of the biggest homes he had ever seen. Dismounting, he looped the reins of his horse over the hitching post and hurried over to help her out of the carriage. They walked together up the front walk and into the house.
“Miss Marie, I didn’t know you were bringing home a visitor.” Simmons said as he met them at the door.
“I’m not Simmons. Mr. Jenkins is here to help me pack some clothing so that I might stay somewhere else for a few days. I’m not at all sure what to think of Father at this point and I don’t want to take any unnecessary chances.” She explained.
“Your father will be livid Miss Marie.” Simmons replied. “But I won’t tell him where you went if you don’t want me to.”
“That would be wonderful Simmons.” Marie said heading up to her room.
“I’ll wait right here for you Miss Fairchild.” Frank said respectfully.
“I won’t be but a couple minutes.” She replied from halfway up the staircase. “Simmons, if you’ll have Willie put away the carriage and ready Flower, I’d really appreciate it.”
“No problem Miss, I’ll see to it at once.” Simmons headed out the door to do as she asked leaving Frank leaning uncomfortably against the doorjamb waiting for her to return. Coming back in, Simmons looked Frank in the eye. “You had better treat the girl right or you’ll have me to contend with.” He threatened.
“You have no account to worry bout that.” Frank answered. “I...I know I ju...just met her but I know she’s the on...one woman for me and I can’t li...live without her.”
“I thought that was the way of it. Just make sure you take good care of her and bring her back to see us once in a while.” Simmons said. “Do you have any plans on where you’ll live or how you will support her?”
“Right n...now I live in Miss Kat’s bunkhouse but, I wa..want to have a small f...farm where I can raise cows and sell mi...milk and cheese.” He answered solemnly.
“Well, you have something to work towards anyway. Just make her happy Frank, that’s all we ask.” Simmons said as he walked towards the kitchen.
Moments later Marie bounded down the stairs with a sparkle in her eyes as if it were a grand adventure. “I’m ready Frank, I mean Mr. Jenkins.” She corrected bashfully.
“Let’s go put your bags on the ho...horse. How well do you r...ride?” He asked curious as to what their pace would be heading back to the ranch. He figured, the sooner they were back, the safer she would be.
“I actually ride much better then I drive but that’s not saying much.” She laughed.
He tied her small bags to Flower and turned as Simmons and Cook came out the kitchen door. “We just wanted to give you a few supplies to get you by until you can get settled.” Simmons sniffed, handing a bag to Marie, which she in turn handed off to Frank.
“You will come back and see us won’t you?” Cook asked Marie as she dabbed at her eyes with Simmons handkerchief. “What will we ever do without our little surprises that you bring us from the store? Who will remember that Simmons loves chocolate?”
Marie hugged Cook and Simmons simultaneously and stepped back. “I am not at all sure what will come of all of this with Father. If things are as bad as I think they are, maybe the two of you can come live with us.” She stated looking at Frank. “I’m quite sure there will be room somewhere for everyone.”
Frank drew her over to the horse, anxious to get going. Turning, Marie allowed him to give her a leg up into the sidesaddle. She hooked her leg over the horn and caught the stirrup with the other foot, adjusting her skirts so she was properly covered. Taking up the reins, she nodded to Frank and gave a little wave to Simmons and Cook. Frank, having mounted his horse, turned and led the way waiting momentarily for her to come up beside him.
As they headed towards the ranch, they chit-chatted about unimportant things as they got to know each other. They both knew there were a lot more things that would need to be discussed; but those things could wait until later.
~XV~
Rick and Matt flew out of town as if the devil were on their heels. They went straight to the ranch and looked closely at the tracks behind the barn. Matt let the upset Wolfe out of the bunkhouse and the they checked the dog, deciding that as long as he didn’t do anything too strenuous he was ok to help.
Grabbing a few supplies, they were back in the saddle and heading west in less than ten minutes. They rode quickly but carefully, not wanting to pass up any signs that might tell them where they were going. Matt, having spent more time with the dog rode with him across his lap in the saddle, not wanting him to become worn out before he could be of use to them.
“What do you think Rick?” Matt asked looking at tracks left from four horses.
“I’d say that James and Angel were close to catching up and that George isn’t positive yet that anyone is following.” Rick answered. “He had better be damn worried about what will happen when I catch him though!”
“Only if James doesn’t catch him first.” Matt added. “I have a feeling that the man sees Kat as his long lost daughter; which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.”
“I’ll let him argue about their relationship after we get her home safe.” Rick said sagely. “I just hope she’s ok and not hurt. I can’t believe that she has to relive that same nightmare again.”
“It will be ok.” Matt assured his brother warmly clasping his shoulder. “We’ll make sure it’s ok.”
Rick replied by kicking Warlock back into a gallop. Matt followed behind watching carefully for any change
in the tracks they were following.
As dark came upon them, they were forced to slow their pace. Rick refused to stop altogether though, insisting on continuing even if they had to get off their horses and walk. They had made up quite a bit of ground and the prints looked fresher all the time.
“Stop.” Matt said quietly. “Smell the smoke? We’re really close now; maybe we should leave the horses and walk so they don’t give us away.”
“Good idea.” Rick agreed. “Just be careful, we don’t want to stumble onto James or Angel and inadvertently hurt someone.”
The brothers dismounted and tied the horses to nearby trees before stealthily setting off in the direction of the smoke. Both lost in their own thoughts, trying to be as silent as possible, they almost stumbled over James before realizing he was there.