Britt rode beside him. “Where are we headed?”
“See the stand of trees in the distance?”
She nodded.
“In the middle is a clearing where the river widens and forms a pond. It’s a pleasant, peaceful spot.”
It didn’t take much longer to get to the trees. Ward slowed as they wove their way through the dense forest. When they came to the opening, Britt gasped.
“See, I knew you’d like it.”
“It almost doesn’t look real.”
“This is my favorite spot. No one knows about it but me and Jared.”
Britt studied the surrounding area. The sun shone on the wide expanse of ground that sloped gently toward a fairly large pond. Wildflowers of every color bloomed in the tall green grasses. Overhead the sky looked a deeper blue and the clouds whiter. A soft breeze whistled through the trees surrounding them, and nearby birds chirped to each other.
Ward dismounted and helped her down, then he let the horses have a drink and tied them to two trees. He brought back the saddlebags and started unpacking. On the top was a large cloth that he spread on the soft grass. Then he placed plates and plastic silverware on it. Next came fried chicken, potato salad, chips, pickles, and rolls.
Britt had unhooked the opposite side of the saddlebag and found a bottle of wine, water, plastic wineglasses, and chocolate-chip cookies. “Where did you get all of this?”
“I planned ahead. I knew we needed to talk and soon. The lady who cleans for us and occasionally cooks helped me. She came yesterday, and I told her what I needed. She cooked everything.
“You must be hungry. I am. Let’s eat and have a glass of wine, then I’ll tell you my story.”
They each filled their plates. Ward opened the wine and poured some into the glasses. He raised his. “To today and hoping when we leave this spot we’ll both be more enlightened about each other.”
She tapped her glass against his and took a swallow of the white wine. She managed to eat three pieces of chicken, a large helping of the salad, and two rolls. She was starved. She hadn’t eaten much at dinner last night.
Ward smiled. “I love to see a woman enjoy her food. I hate it when they pick at it and say they’re on a diet.”
“I like food. Thank goodness I’m tall enough and active enough so I don’t have to diet.”
He filled their wineglasses again and sat staring out in the distance. “I have to stand. I’m restless.” He paced by the pond.
The planes and angles of his face were interesting. Taken separately he wasn’t as handsome, but together with his mysterious look in his eyes he’d be tempting to any warm-blooded woman.
His jeans clung to lean hips and long legs. Overall, he had a tan the same as Jared. His dark-blue cowboy shirt emphasized his eyes. The day got warmer as she watched him and it wasn’t from the temperature.
She saw him swallow several times and realized the difficulty he had sharing whatever bothered him. “Are you sure you want to do this today?” Brittany asked.
“If not today, then maybe never.” He stopped pacing and walked toward her. Then he sat cross-legged in front of her. “I’m not sure where to start, but you know I’m adopted. I was almost four, lacking only a few months. Just before my adoption I’d been taken into the state system for children without proper parents to care for them.
“Lucky for me, shortly after I arrived, Mom and Dad came looking for a baby. A social worker I’ll always love in my heart brought us together. I never met her, but I hope she was blessed for convincing my adopted parents to take me instead of a newborn. Especially with my past.”
“How can a small child have a past?”
“They can, and I did. I’ve never forgotten it, either. Mom and Dad understood the frequent nightmares when they first got me. With time the bad dreams came less often. But they have never gone completely away.”
“Were you abused?”
“Every time my mother or one of her boyfriends got in a bad mood. Their favorite was to lock me in a dark closet for hours. I’d cry myself to sleep. But that wasn’t the worst.”
Britt moved closer and touched her knees to his, and then she took hold of his hands. He had a faraway look on his face as he began to talk.
“It began a few days before the horrible climax. Mom’s latest boyfriend was wilder than most, and that’s saying a lot. I was playing on the floor quietly, hoping to not be noticed when they raised their voices. The boyfriend pulled a gun from his pocket.
“‘You mess around on me, and that’s the end.’ He pulled the trigger. There was a loud bang and a hole in the wall to the side of Mom. She screamed and ran to the kitchen. He laughed. I saw him put the gun under the couch. Then he said, ‘Honey, I’ve got something special for you.’ I was told later that he’d been keeping her full of some type of narcotics since they’d met. Before it was over I heard them in the bedroom. I didn’t understand the sounds, but I knew I’d be safe for a while.”
“Oh, my goodness.” Britt leaned forward and kissed his dry lips. She rubbed his arms. “I’m so sorry about what happened, and that you can’t forget it.”
“There’s more. The rest may make you certain you don’t want to trust me or be near me.”
“You were just a baby. Whatever could you have done that was so terrible?”
“I killed my mother.”
Stunned and saddened at the thought of the small boy and what had happened, she impulsively reached out and cupped his face in her hands. “That’s so sad. I can’t imagine how traumatic this all was for you.”
“Let me finish or I may not be able to. I want to explain how it happened. A few days later she and I were alone. She was high on something. I realize that now.
“My stomach grumbled. I hadn’t eaten all day, and it was late afternoon. I told her I was hungry. She slapped me and said if I bothered her again she’d lock me in the closet. In fact, she said that was a good idea.
“She reached for me, but I managed to crawl under the couch. I was scared. I knew she’d grab my leg and pull me out. That’s when I saw the gun. I thought the loud noise would scare her, and she’d leave me alone. I had the gun in my two hands when she yanked me free of my hiding place.”
Ward took a deep breath. His body tensed as the nightmare became more real in the telling. He clung to Brittany’s warm hands.
“You really don’t have to tell me the rest,” she said.
“I do. And then we don’t have to talk about this ever again.
“My mother didn’t get scared. She got angry. She put her hands over mine, trying to wrench the gun away from me, but in the confusion and my fear, the pistol went off. The bullet went right through her heart.”
He bowed his head. “I’ll never know if she made it go off, or if somehow in my fear I managed to pull the trigger.”
“What happened then?”
“They told me a neighbor was out in his yard. He knew the sound of a gunshot, and he’d heard many arguments coming from my house. He ran to the door and looked in to see mother on the floor. The gun lay beside her. I was apparently crying and calling for her.”
“That’s when you went into the state’s care?”
“Yes. They called it an accident. I was taken to a home where I was fed, cleaned, and allowed to play with other kids. At first, I didn’t even know how.”
Ward got up and walked around to the saddlebag. He refilled his glass. Brittany said she didn’t want any.
“Ward, no one would ever blame you, regardless of how it happened.”
He sat back down in front of her. “Wouldn’t you be afraid I might get angry and hurt you or our children?”
Brittany wrinkled her forehead. “Absolutely not. Have you ever hurt anyone?”
His mouth curved in a reluctant smile. “I’ve shot a few bad guys on assignment with Chad, but no one else.”
“And you weren’t even jealous of Jared when he was born. You two have a wonderful bond. Quit beating up on yourself. I expect it truly was a total
accident. But even if your little fingers managed to squeeze the trigger, you had no idea of the consequences.”
“Mom and Dad and Jared all said the same, but I’ve never had the nerve to open myself up to anyone else. That’s why I’ve kept my relationships casual. I realized if I fell for someone I’d have to tell her.”
“That explains why you have such a problem being open like Jared.”
“Jared has no dark places. I envy him.”
Britt pushed Ward down, threw her leg over him, and straddled his body. She smiled. “I’m going to take those dark places away or at least bring some light to them.” As she moved downward toward his lips, a shot broke the silence. Birds flew into the air, and the horses rose on their hind legs.
A burning pain slid across a portion of Brittany’s scalp and the area ached, but she didn’t see any immediate blood. Instinctively, she flattened her body more.
Ward immediately rolled, putting her under him. He pulled the gun from his holster and glanced in the direction of the sound. “He must be behind those thick trees to the left.” Ward directed a shot toward the spot where he thought the shooter had hidden. The frightened horses pulled at their reins.
“Do you think you can run toward that thicket of trees? The closest ones to us.”
“Yes.”
“When I stand, jump behind me. Hold on to my arm or back. I’ll count to three, and we’ll go.”
She nodded. At three, Ward rose and Brittany stayed behind him holding on to his broad back. They rushed for the large copse of trees. Thankfully there were no more shots.
“Do you think you wounded him?”
“I doubt it. But the shooter may have left, fearing the shots were heard by others.
“Are you hurt?” Ward asked, noticing her paleness.
“I feel a burning on the top, back part of my head. I’m a little dizzy. But I think my leaning down to kiss you may have saved my life.”
“Let me check your head.” He touched the area she had pointed to, gently. “It’s wet.” He looked at his fingers and Britt saw blood. “Damn, he did graze your scalp. We’ll check you better after I get you to a safer spot. And we’ll call the doctor when we get to the ranch. I’d like him to take a look at you.” He pulled her gently into his arms and held her tight. “An inch or so closer and I’d have lost you.”
Britt trembled against him as she realized how close she’d come to dying.
“It’s all right, honey. I hear horses. They’re coming to rescue us.”
“You’ve already rescued me. The shaking is just a nervous reaction.” She wrapped her arms around him and cuddled as close to his body as she could get.
Jared rode ahead of several other cowboys. He jumped off his horse and ran to Brittany and Ward. “What happened? We were fairly close to this area and heard several gunshots. Are you hurt?”
“Brittany is.” Ward turned her where Jared could see her head wound.
“I’ll be fine.”
“I’m calling for the helicopter. It’s too far back for you to bounce around on a horse.”
“Please don’t make a big deal out of it. I can ride to the ranch house.”
“No, you can’t,” Ward said. “I agree. Going by helo is the best idea.”
Although she frowned at both of them, Jared made the call.
“I’d better contact Kel, too. Whoever this guy is, he might circle around to his ranch.”
Britt listened to Jared’s end of the call. When he finished, he smiled at her. “You can relax. Kel is at home. He said he didn’t feel good about leaving Sondra this morning. He’s called Boyd. He’ll be there in a few minutes. Your sister is well taken care of.”
“Thank you. That’s a relief.” She looked around at Ward. He stood at her back with his arms circling her waist.
“You said no one knew about your favorite spot but Jared.”
“Obviously I was wrong. Or the guy may have followed us. If he did, he’s a good tracker, and he’s not someone from New York.”
Chapter Thirteen
Jared took her up on his horse and rode very slowly out to where the helo landed, beyond the circle of trees. Then he handed her down to Ward, who’d rode beside them. Jared went across and said something to one of his men. When he came back, he got on the helicopter with her and Ward.
“You don’t have to leave your work,” Britt protested.
“I want to. Seeing you are taken care of is Ward’s and my most important job.” Jared settled in the seat by the pilot. “Thanks, Steel, for coming so fast. Hope we didn’t catch you at a bad time.”
“No, the last two assistants I hired are real good workers. I can get away easier and with less worry since they came to work for me.”
“Good to hear. Being the only blacksmith in town and doing all types of metal work besides has kept your nose to the grindstone, so to speak.” Jared grinned at him.
“You’re one to talk. How often do you take time off?”
“More since we met Brittany. Brittany, this is Steel Randolph, the best blacksmith in this territory and beyond.”
Britt nodded. She lay in Ward’s arms as he held his handkerchief lightly against the area that still bled some.
“Steel, besides yourself and Chad Stedman, who are the best rifle marksmen in our area?”
“I appreciate you putting me at the head of that list. I’m not sure I’m that good, but let me think.”
Jared looked out the window and saw the town come into view. Soon they’d be landing beside the small but very complete medical clinic in Triple Creeks Township.
Steel landed the copter and turned off the blades. Then he and Jared took off their earphones. Ward was taking his and Brittany’s off. Steel put his hand on Jared’s arm to stop him from getting out. He waited a minute before speaking. Once Ward had Brittany out and was walking fast to the clinic, Steel spoke. “There are three other guys who are very good. One is Russell. He’d never hurt a flea. Then there’s Jason and Pollack, but I don’t believe either of them would shoot at Ward or the lady.”
“I agree, but there must be someone else we’re not thinking about. If you remember another name, call me.”
“I sure will. But who was the shooter after, Ward or Brittany?” Steel asked.
“Brittany. And I hope I get to the guy before the police. I’d like to give him a few punches just for good measure.”
“I don’t blame you.” Steel nodded his head in the direction where Ward and Brittany had headed. “She’s pretty. Where did you find her?”
“In New York. The time Ward dragged me onto the plane and made me go.”
“You are two lucky men.”
“We know it. See you, and thanks again.”
We will be lucky if she says yes to marrying us. Jared took long strides to the entrance and walked into the busy clinic.
“Hello, Jared. Are you looking for Ward and the lovely lady he brought in?” the receptionist asked. She had a wide grin on her face.
“You guessed right. Where are they?”
“Go on through the door on the right. She’s in exam room four.”
Ward waved at Jared as soon as he came through the entrance. He was standing outside the fourth examination room.
“How is she?”
“They have her in X-ray. Doc said he wanted to be sure the bullet didn’t damage the skull. It was close.”
“We’re lucky Gavin Melwyn decided to come back home when he finished medical school. He’s a fine doctor,” Jared said.
“Thanks for the compliment.” Gavin spoke from behind Jared.
“Where’s Brittany?”
“Such impatience. My nurse will be bringing her right along. I wanted to speak with you two in my office.”
He led them further down the hall and turned into the last room on the right. It was slightly bigger than his exam rooms. The desk was cluttered with charts, the Physicians’ Desk Reference, and other books. Buried under a pile of paper was his phone.
“I can’t say you’re very tidy,” Ward commented.
Gavin laughed. “Not even medical school could cure me of being disorganized in my office. Mind you, I’m very organized in my work.”
“What’d you want to speak with us about?” Jared asked.
“Brittany tells me someone is trying to kill her. Is that correct?”
“It is. She isn’t having hallucinations.” Ward sat in the nearest chair. “We were picnicking in a spot where I thought we’d be safe. I was wrong.”
“Why on earth would anyone want to harm her?”
Ward explained about her overhearing a conversation. “What she heard wasn’t much. But the boss of the illegal operation isn’t sure about that and wants to take her out.”
“Whoever tried today is a damn good shot. Less than an inch further and he’d have sliced through her skull. As it is, she’s going to have a headache. I want her to rest today and preferably tomorrow.”
“No activity?” Ward asked. Jared leaned forward.
“None. Especially not what you two are thinking about.”
“All right, Doc.” Jared glanced down the hall from the doorway. “We’ll be good.” He made a face.
“You’ve got it that bad, huh?”
“I’m afraid so.”
Ward had gotten up and walked to the doorway. “The nurse is rolling her into the exam room.”
“Then come on. She’ll want to see both of you.”
Brittany sat slumped in the wheelchair with a sad look on her pale face. She brightened as soon as Jared and Ward came in the room.
“I found some fellas here who want to hold on to your hands while we talk, and I clean your wound. Do you mind?”
“Not at all. I rather like them.”
The nurse helped Britt onto the exam table and turned her on her left side. Jared and Ward arranged themselves where she could see them. Jared rubbed her shoulder and Ward held her hand. The nurse stationed herself at Brittany’s head. Her hands held Britt in position.
“Talk to her, guys, while I get started checking the wound and cleaning it.”
* * * *
Brittany liked Dr. Melwyn. He was a nice, soft-spoken man. The doctor started shaving her hair away from the cut. It pulled on her scalp slightly. She frowned. Her head ached like the devil.
Seductive Surrender [Triple Dare County, South Dakota 3] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Polyromance) Page 12