A Temporary Family

by Sherri Shackelford

  “That garden will go to waste soon enough. The railroad surveyors have already been through town. Won’t be long before the train tracks follow. Maybe Pyrite will rise from the ashes as a train depot.”

  “What will you do then?”

  “I’ll keep moving. The Wyoming Territory. Maybe California.”

  “You’ll find another solitary occupation?” The idea made her unbearably sad. “Don’t you ever get lonely?”

  “Yes.” He gave a rueful laugh. “I’ve grown accustomed to the solitude. It’s better for me that way.”

  “I couldn’t stand living that way.”

  “I know.”

  There was something in his gaze she didn’t quite understand. An intensity and a sorrow that hadn’t been there before. Despite his words, she sensed he wasn’t as content with his solitude as he’d have her believe.

  “I envy you,” she said.

  “Why?”

  “You have the freedom to go wherever you want, to do whatever you choose. You have no family connections. Nothing to hold you back. You could easily pick up and leave tomorrow, and you’d never have to answer to anyone.”

  “Independence is grueling.”

  “That’s not fair.” She sniffed. “You’ve turned my words against me.”

  “Your turn,” he said. “When were you happiest?”

  Her cheeks flushed. He’d given her an honest answer, and he deserved one in return. An answer she couldn’t give. She couldn’t admit that she’d discovered a new strength within herself these past few days. She’d found a purpose, though a precarious one.

  “I was happiest before Eleanor was married. Afterward, everything changed. Everyone changed. My father was different, Eleanor was different. I was too naive to understand that my place in her life would never be the same. As much as I chafed against her control, she was always the glue that held us together. Once she moved away, we drifted apart. I suppose in some ways I’ve been lost since then. As much as I complain about Eleanor, there’s a part of me that’s afraid of being on my own. Until this week, I hadn’t realized how dependent I am. Rebelling against my family has been my only identity. I want something different, something better, I suppose. Except I don’t know what that is.”

  “You’ll find a way.”

  “We’re a lot alike, you and me.”

  “How do you figure?”

  “We’re both trying to hide the worst parts of ourselves from the rest of the world.” She immediately regretted voicing her words aloud. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I said that. I only meant that you and I both want something uniquely our own.”

  They were practically strangers. In another day, they’d be little more than acquaintances. It wasn’t as though they’d exchange letters. What did they have in common? They’d been thrown together under harrowing circumstances.

  Yet they were irrevocably linked in ways she was just beginning to understand.

  “You shouldn’t compare yourself to me.” Nolan stood from where he’d been crouching beside the boat. “I’ve never met anyone more open and honest than you.”

  “I’m honest with everyone but myself. Eleanor is right to doubt me. I’m always saying that I’m going to set off on my own, but I never quite seem to make that happen.”

  “You’re on your own now.”

  “And suffering miserably,” she replied. “I wasn’t supposed to be on my own. Eleanor was supposed to accompany me. She stayed behind at the last minute. As much as I say I want my independence, I’m afraid of failing. I’m afraid of being alone. I’ve never been comfortable in solitude. I’ve always needed people around. I’m afraid if I get to know myself, I won’t like who I am.”

  “You might be surprised.”

  He turned away, but not before she caught a glimpse of his face. His bleak expression spoke more than a thousand words between them.

  She preferred the bustle of activity and he preferred his solitude. They were different in temperaments but they were both the same in spirit.

  They were both hiding from themselves.

  * * *

  As he waited for the next stagecoach, Nolan couldn’t shake the feeling he was being watched. The hairs on the nape of his neck pricked and he hitched his shoulders. The brush between the buildings shook. Instantly alert, he studied the shadows. In a squall of feathers, a flock of blackbirds erupted into the sky.

  He blew out the breath he’d been holding in a low whistle. This was the last stagecoach before the supposed gold shipment. Their time was running short, and the tension was robbing him of his common sense. Of course he was being watched. The outlaws had taken up their usual places. Charlie had positioned himself in his sharpshooter perch, and Snyder was waiting in the relay station, ensuring Tilly played her role.

  Dakota Red balanced on the top rung of the corral. “I’m going to miss you, stagecoach man.”

  “I don’t return the sentiment.”

  The outlaw chuckled. “See? That’s what I like about you. Your honesty. I can tell you’re getting restless, which is why I’m keeping an extra close watch on you today. I don’t want you getting desperate and trying something stupid. You’ve got them girls to think about, remember? We can’t leave Charlie alone with your wife. Especially if you ain’t around to defend her. You do right by me, and I’ll do right by you.”

  A distant call came from the direction of the river.

  “You better get out of sight,” Nolan said. “That’s the bugle call.”

  “We’ve got too many people up at the relay station. If there are passengers, tell them you’re not serving lunch. I don’t trust the captain to keep his mouth shut. That’s the problem with those military men, they’re always thinking they gotta be in charge.”

  “The passengers will question the change in routine.”

  “Tell ’em anything, but make it convincing. I don’t have to remind you what’s at stake.”

  Nolan slapped the reins against the horses and urged them into position. As the next stagecoach approached, the team struggled against his hold.

  English Bob and his outrider, Gerard, were right on schedule.

  Busy with the reins, he didn’t immediately greet the driver.

  English Bob leaped from his post and winked. “We’ve got some interesting passengers today, I’ll tell you that much.”

  Nolan could only nod in return. The driver reached for the bridle of the lead horse. English Bob wasn’t particularly tall, but was solidly built.

  The driver cast a glance over his shoulder, then peered at Nolan from beneath the brim of his hat. “You’re quiet today.”

  “We’ve had some trouble.”

  “What kind of trouble?”

  “You’d better fetch the passengers,” Nolan said. “I have an announcement that affects you all.”

  Without waiting for Gerard’s assistance, two men emerged from the carriage. They were young, not yet in their midtwenties. They practically sprang from the confinement, their bottled energy evident. They had the sort of looks that brought to mind Captain Ronald’s soldiers. A fresh-faced, clean-shaven exuberance with a hint of youthful smugness.

  The first man stretched his arms over his head and arched his back before straightening. “That is a miserable mode of travel.”

  The second man caught sight of Nolan. “This is the supper stop, right? What are you serving?”

  “No supper today,” Nolan replied. “Change of plans.”

  “What do you mean?” the first man demanded. “We’re hungry. We were told this is the supper stop.”

  The barrel of Charlie’s gun glinted. Nolan slanted a glance at the driver. English Bob worked the buckles on the hitched team, his face impassive.

  Nolan shifted. “One of the passengers came through town real sick. He’s up
at the house. Looks like scarlet fever.”

  The first man visibly recoiled. “Are you certain?”

  “Not for certain. It’s your hide if you want to risk it.” Nolan shrugged. “The fellow looked real bad the last time I saw him. Don’t know if he’ll pull through.”

  The second man placed his hand on his friend’s shoulder. “We can find something at the next stop.”

  His friend gave a look of disgust and jerked away.

  “We’ll just stretch our legs, if it’s all right with you.”

  “Don’t go far. The change of horses won’t take long.”

  The two were liable to get themselves shot if they strayed too close to Charlie. At least one thing had gone smoothly. They hadn’t put up more of an argument about supper.

  A sharp rap sounded from inside the carriage.

  “I’m waiting,” a feminine voice called. Despite the closed door, her shrill voice carried the distance. “I will be informing your superiors at the Pioneer Stagecoach offices of this shoddy service.”

  Gerard’s shoulders rose and fell with his deep sigh, and his face took an expression of long suffering. “Yes, ma’am.”

  The outrider stowed his shotgun beneath the driver’s seat. His footsteps dragging, Gerard approached the door. He paused for a moment, as though gathering himself for a great ordeal. With deliberate care, he lowered the stairs. Before he could step out of the way, the door swung open, nearly clipping his nose.

  Gerard reared backward, tripped over a dirt clod and landed on the soft earth.

  An imposing woman with familiar blue eyes paused with her foot on the top stair. “Don’t just sit there. I need a hand.”

  Nolan might have laughed at Gerard’s predicament except the woman’s eyes drew his attention once more. Though her face was scrunched in an annoying frown, her looks were striking. She had the sort of flamboyant beauty that turned men’s heads.

  She wore a burgundy jacket over her white shirtwaist and matching burgundy skirt. A feathered hat topped her head. As Gerard struggled upright, she huffed and traversed the stairs unassisted.

  Nolan felt the blood drain from his face.

  Eleanor had arrived.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Nolan studied the new arrival. So this was Eleanor, Tilly’s sister. Eleanor’s hair was darker, and her complexion, unlike Tilly’s, was untouched by the sun. But there was no mistaking those distinctive blue eyes, a trait both sisters shared.

  Though he’d known her arrival was a possibility, Nolan was taken aback by her sudden appearance. The last thing he needed was another civilian in their midst. He already had enough complications and lies spinning around in his head. His gaze skittered toward the livery and back to the woman.

  There might be a solution that benefited them all. He only hoped that fortune favored the foolish.

  As long as the outlaws remained out of sight, Eleanor might escape this mess none the wiser.

  “English Bob,” Nolan called. “Can you see to the horses?”

  The driver stood and dusted his pants. “Sure thing.”

  As Nolan handed over the reins, English Bob leaned closer.

  “Anything to avoid dealing with that woman. Thankfully them other two men boarded when they did. She’s a talker. Kept leaning out the window and complaining. I was sorely tempted to clip that feathered hat on a tree.”

  Eleanor paced before the stagecoach. “Is this the supper stop?”

  “Yes,” Nolan replied. “But there’s been a problem. You’ll have to wait here, ma’am.”

  In order for the plan to work, the sisters must remain separated until the right moment. As far as Eleanor was concerned, Tilly had traveled well ahead of her. Eleanor definitely wasn’t expecting Tilly and her daughters in Pyrite. Which meant his plan had a slight hitch.

  “I will do no such thing.” She removed one of her gloves and slapped the leather against her palm. “I’m famished. We’ve been twice postponed this morning. I cannot afford any more delays. My children are waiting for me.”

  There was a catch in her voice at the mention of her children, and indecision temporarily rooted Nolan’s feet to the ground. His heart went out to her. She was clearly tired and out of sorts. He shook off the hesitation. There was no time to explain. If he wanted to help both sisters, he had to speak with Dakota Red before he made any decisions.

  “I need to check on something.” Nolan touched the brim of his hat. “This will only take a moment, ma’am.”

  He ducked inside the livery and secured the door behind him.

  Dakota Red pressed his gun against Nolan’s side. “What’s gotten in to you, stagecoach man?”

  “The passenger that’s just arrived. She’s the girls’ mother.”

  “What girls?”

  “The, um, my nieces. Those girls. The girls that have been here the entire time. Who do you think?”

  Dakota Red leaned around him and peered through the crack in the double doors. “So?”

  “She’s come to take the children home.”

  “I don’t follow.”

  “My nieces.” Nolan gritted his teeth. “She doesn’t know what’s happening. Let her take the children and leave. She won’t know the difference, and you’ll have three less people to watch.”

  “She’s your sister-in-law?”

  “Yes,” he hissed.

  He could barely keep up with the lies himself. He hoped the confusion of discovering her children in Pyrite overrode her other concerns, or they were all in trouble.

  The outlaw studied Eleanor. “She’s got a voice on her that could peel the paint off the walls.” Dakota Red squinted. “She’s prettier than her sister. I’ll give her that much.”

  Nolan was surrounded by idiots. Blind idiots. “Let the children leave with their mother.”

  “I don’t know. Something don’t seem right. Why didn’t you tell me she was coming? What are you hiding, stagecoach man?”

  “She’s early.”

  Nolan pressed his fingertips against his eyelids until he saw stars. He’d picked the most remote location he could find. Instead of finding solitude, he was playing host to an ever-increasing multitude of guests. The only thing that was missing was a regiment of Captain Ronald’s men.

  Dakota Red’s gaze narrowed. “I don’t trust you. Them girls will say something about us.”

  “They don’t know anything, remember? They don’t know why you’re here. They don’t know who you are.”

  The outlaw scratched his chin. “Where’s she from? Their mother?”

  “Virginia City.”

  “This place is getting awful crowded. I don’t mind losing a few folks. But I’m taking a risk here, stagecoach man. I’ve got my face on Wanted posters wallpapering Virginia City.”

  “She hasn’t seen you.” Through the cracks in the door Nolan, watched the pacing shadow. “Please. On my honor as a Confederate soldier, I won’t betray you. My concern is for the safety of the children.”

  The outlaw’s mouth screwed up. “All right. You fetch them girls and send them on their way with their mother. You’ve got fifteen minutes. Don’t try anything or I’ll kill you myself.”

  Nolan whipped around as the door slid open.

  “What is the meaning of this?” Eleanor demanded. “What is the delay?”

  She caught sight of Dakota Red. “Who is this man?”

  “A stable hand,” Nolan replied easily.

  “But he’s so familiar.” She stepped closer. “I’m certain I know you. I’ve seen your face.”

  “I don’t think you have.” The outlaw presented her with his profile. “I don’t get out much.”

  “You are very familiar. Have you been to Virginia City? My late husband employed several men at his gold mine. Are y
ou familiar with the Lehmann Mining Company?”

  “Never heard of it. Never been to Virginia City.”

  “Oh.” She opened and closed her mouth. “Oh, dear. You’re a—”

  Immediately following her shocked declaration, Eleanor crumpled in a faint.

  Nolan lunged and caught her beneath the arms, then lowered her to the hay-strewn ground.

  “Told you my face was all over Virginia City.” Dakota Red nudged her with his foot. “Deal’s off. She recognized me.”

  Nolan nearly shouted his frustration. He’d been so close to getting the girls safely out of town. If only Eleanor had waited.

  The outlaw cocked his pistol. “I don’t like killing women, but she knows too much.”

  Eleanor moaned and stirred, and Nolan splayed his hands. “She stays. I’ll get rid of the stagecoach. Your plan will still work.”

  “This place is getting awfully crowded. I don’t like being outnumbered.”

  “What have you got to fear? Your hostages are two women, three children and a lame cavalry officer.”

  “And you.”

  “And me.”

  “Don’t sound so bad when you say it like that.”

  “We’re hardly a threat,” Nolan said. “There’s still a way for your plan to work. We all want this mess over and done with. I’ll steal the gold from the stagecoach. You can take all the horses, that will guarantee your head start. When they figure out the gold is missing, they’ll think I stole it. You’ll have a full day’s ride ahead of the cavalry before they know you’re missing. If you murder her now, and you don’t get the gold, you’ll hang for certain. I’d save the killing until after you’ve got the money.”

  “That was always the plan.”

  Nolan’s blood chilled. Perhaps the outlaws would settle for killing him and the captain and letting the girls go free. “Your plan will still work.”

  Eleanor groaned and Nolan hoisted her into his arms with a muttered apology. Even if he lived to tell the tale, no one was going to believe him. He had no sooner solved one problem than another one sprang up in its place.

  Not to mention he currently had another difficulty. He needed the stagecoach and the two passengers gone before Eleanor came around, or she’d wake up screaming and guarantee them into an early grave.