Beneath a Silver Sky

by Hildie McQueen

  The rifle thumped onto the floor as she stumbled backward looking for a place to hide. The last thing she wanted to do was face the men after killing their friends. In haste, she turned and raced to a door and after yanking it open, rushed inside slamming it behind her.

  It was the living quarters where both Lucas and Brogan lived. She looked around in confusion at the well-organized space. There was a sideboard with books, a clock and some neatly folded clothes. Beside each of the two beds were tables that held a lamp and personal effects. One held a journal of sorts and pens, the other a knife and a deck of cards. Shirts were hung on pegs and there were trunks at the foot of each bed which, no doubt, held clothing and other personal effects the men owned.

  She guessed the bed next to the table which held the knife and cards belonged to Brogan. She sat upon it, keeping an ear toward the doorway. The voices that eventually sounded were too muffled to hear what was said, but the tone of arguing and a couple of curse words were the only things clear enough for her to make out.

  Half an hour later, exhausted and worried about the consequences of her actions she paced the floor. Sarah considered leaving through the back doorway, which, no doubt, led to the side of the building. However, that meant she'd have to go around the back through the horse stable or to the front, where the dead men lay.

  Thinking back to what happened and how calmly she'd dispatched the outlaws, Sarah swallowed and blinked back tears. How had she gone from attending a tea party to speaking with two outlaws about the death of one of their sons, to killing two men? At the rate she was headed, she'd reap a worse reputation than Brogan Hage.

  "Oh,my goodness.” Sarah looked around the room once again. Finally at a loss, she sat back on the bed and soon could barely keep her eyes opened. As soon as this was all cleared up, she'd head to the church and spend the rest of the week praying for forgiveness.

  "Sarah," a male's voice nudged and she forced her heavy eyelids open. Brogan leaned over her, his face impassive as always. How she wished it were possible to know what he thought. The man never showed emotions, didn't let anyone close enough to touch past the walls he'd erected around him.

  "Am I under arrest?" She covered her mouth to stifle a yawn. "I don't want to be in a cell with those men. They'll kill me."

  The corners of his mouth lifted, the only sign he wasn't angry with her and she let out a relieved sigh.

  "No. You were defending us. The way I see it, you may have saved all our lives since Lucas and I were too scared to shoot straight."

  She sat up and frowned at him. "Don't toy with me. I honestly didn't mean to do it. I can't believe I killed them." She whirled at considering the men could be at her father's clinic and he required help with the care of the injured. "Are they dead?"

  "Two are, the injured one is at the clinic. Lucas is there helping your father and ensuring the man doesn't cause any trouble."

  Reaching for her shawl, she wondered why her father had not come for her. "I better go and help then."

  He stayed her with a hand on her shoulder. "It's preferable you remain here. Or I can escort you to a friend's home. It's not safe for you to be around the man. He's a dangerous one. Once he's bandaged up and brought back here, then you can go home."

  Thankfully the door was closed. It made her feel better to know there was a wall between them and the remaining outlaw in the cell on the other side. "How long will they be here?"

  "I've sent a telegram for the men we've arrested to be taken into federal custody. I'd say a week or so."

  Sarah nodded and shuddered. "It's been quite a day. I don't know how I feel about what all I've done. A part of me is not sorry I shot them. They meant to kill us after all, didn’t they?"

  "They've killed many, including an entire family in Wyoming. I'm not sure why they surrendered today. I suppose they didn't expect Lucas and me to be the lawmen. Planned to kill whoever was sheriff and hold up the bank. Unfortunately for them, the bank was closed and you killed two of them before they could do much more than shoot at the building."

  Brogan lowered next to her and wrapped his arms around her, pulling Sarah against him. She let out a sigh allowing her entire body to relax in the warmth of his embrace. "Brogan, why have you been avoiding me?"

  The soft kisses to her temple made her close her eyes. If only she could remain like this, being held by him, feeling secure and protected.

  "I shouldn't have to explain that I am very attracted to you, Sarah," he replied in a husky tone. "You are deserving of a much better man than I."

  She nuzzled into his neck, loving the scent of him, the rhythmic pulse of his heartbeat against her face. The lure to press her lips against his skin was too hard to resist and she kissed his throat. Then she placed her palm on his jaw and turned his face to her. "Kiss me, Brogan. Help me forget all that has happened today."

  When his mouth took hers, it was not like before. The kiss was raw and hungry, without reserve. She raked her fingers through his hair pulling him tighter to her. Sarah couldn't believe the amazing sensations taking over her mind and body at once. In a daze, she realized he'd lowered her onto the bed, the entire time his mouth melded with hers, his hands roaming over her body sending currents of heat to every pulse point until she thought to faint.

  His lips trailed from her mouth to her throat as she clung to him, not wanting there to be any space between them. Somehow her buttons came undone and his mouth continued its descent, licking and pressing hot kisses to her bared skin until he suckled the tip of her breast into his mouth and she cried out in wonderment.

  If his mouth on hers was wonderful, this, oh this, was beyond imagination. Sarah needed more, wanted to know what more could transpire between a man and a woman. Her sex pulsed with so much need, she rubbed her legs together and squirmed.

  His right hand slid down the side of her body and back up and she wanted to beg him to relieve the pent up sensations, but wasn't sure how. He moved back up and once again took her mouth as she twisted and arched her body against his.

  "I'll help you, beauty. Hold on." He spoke against her ear as he lifted her skirt. His fingers moved tentatively against her heated skin, the soft touch making her mewl and clutch at his shirt.

  "I need...oh..." she babbled, not knowing what precisely she needed from him.

  When he touched between her legs, his fingers sliding through the tender flesh, Sarah gasped and attempted to speak only for him to take her mouth again.

  Unable to do more than allow herself free rein, she did just that. Brogan's thumb pad moved in circular patterns over her throbbing sex. Sarah shattered, her entire being splintering into a million pieces. A cry sounded and she attempted to gain control over what happened, but all she could do was grip Brogan's shoulders and strain into the climax that seemed to continue, yet ended too soon.

  Ever so faintly, she heard his whispers in her ear. "That's it, let go. I've got you."

  When she opened her eyes. Sarah could only stare into his dark brown eyes in wonderment. Surely what had just happened was wrong, but she was hard-pressed to feel any sort of remorse. If anything, she wanted to never move from his bed. To discover how exactly he would react to her touch.

  "That was...wonderful."

  His shoulders fell and he smiled down at her. "You're beautiful." When he pressed a light kiss to her lips, it was then she noticed he'd been unsure of her reaction.

  Brogan pulled her against him and held her.

  Neither spoke.

  Sarahdidn’t speak at first because she feared making a fool of herself by asking if he would continue into a relationship. Instead she took a steeling breath and pushed up. "Do you have anything to make tea with? I am a bit hungry."

  After a long look, he nodded. "Let's go get some supper. I haven't eaten since breakfast either."

  He was thoughtful enough to turn his back as she rearranged her dress, buttoning up her blouse and standing on shaky legs. If they never touched again, Sarah was sure she'd never forget what t
ranspired between them.

  There was an obvious bulge in the front of his pants he tried to hide with his hand, but she'd noticed his arousal and had felt it against her leg earlier. Sarah bit her bottom lip to keep from smiling.

  She affected him and if she played her cards right, perhaps Brogan Hage could be hers regardless of how thick or high those walls were.

  Chapter Nine

  "Glad that's over with. Finally get some peace and quiet around here," Lucas said as they stood and watched the prisoners being taken away in a very secure wagon. "The longest six days of my life."

  Brogan had to agree. It had been a very long six days. He'd not seen Sarah since the day they'd lain together. The only time he'd caught sight of her, she strolled from the mercantile accompanied by some sap. He'd found out the man's name was Martin Langston, the owner of a large ranch on the outskirts of town.

  Of course he was a good match for Sarah and, from what the mercantile owner's wife had said, he'd been attempting to court her without success for months.

  Thankfully, the woman enjoyed talking too much to notice his interest in Sarah and, unfortunately, it meant he had to hear all about her current illnesses, but he figured it was a small price to pay.

  Not a moment went by he didn't think of Sarah, and just when he thought he could push away any idea of courting the woman, something would send her to the forefront of his mind.

  Earlier that morning, a young boy had arrived with ham biscuits from her for them. No note or message, the boy had just told them Miss Sarah sent these and had allowed him to eat two. He suspected she'd given him one and he'd eaten a second when walking to deliver them.

  Now he glanced at the basket and considered it should be returned.

  "Heard from Doctor Sutherland, you promised we'd keep an eye out for Sarah while he goes to some medical convention in Boise. Told me to remind you."

  His heart lightened at the news. At the same time, he wondered if Lucas planned to be the one to guard Sarah.

  "I'd forgotten about it." He tried to keep his voice level. "Should we divide the time up? He'll be gone four days."

  Lucas let out a bark of laughter. "I'm not crazy enough to answer that question. You've been brooding since the day you and her were alone here. She's been giving you a wide berth. Something happened didn't it? I get the feeling you're in love and not happy about it."

  He jerked to look at his friend's wide grin. "What the hell are you spouting about? I am not."

  "Keep telling yourself that.” Lucas went inside and sat at the desk. "To answer your question, I'll keep an eye on things here and leave Miss Sutherland in your capable hands."

  Sarah waved her father off and stood watching the stagecoach as it made its way down the center of town. It had taken a lot of convincing, but finally her father agreed to go to the convention. She knew he'd been looking forward to it for months and understood his concerns about leaving her behind after all the incidents with the outlaws. However, she'd convinced him that not only was she an adult, fully capable of taking care of herself, but she had to remain behind in case any townspeople required medical care.

  Truthfully, she looked forward to time alone, wanted to catch up on reading and then there was her plan to bring Brogan Hage around. Mrs. Blakely, the mercantile owner's wife told her he'd been asking about her. As men were prone to do, he had attempted to disguise his interest by pointing to the recent troublesome occurrences.

  Sarah smiled in spite of herself. She didn't want to be overconfident, but if she calculated things right, this trip of her father’s could turn things around in her pursuit of the elusive bachelor.

  It pained her that he felt unsuitable for her. His past, in her eyes, was just that. Perhaps he'd done horrible things and even pushed the law to the limit. However, as she saw it, no one was perfect and after knowing him just the short time she did, it was very obvious he had a good heart. She'd watched him from a friend's two-story building as he helped an older farmer load a wagon with bags of oats. Knowing he was in constant pain yet he'd done it had warmed her heart.

  Another time, she'd spied him breaking up a fight between two young boys. After talking to them for a long while, he'd made them shake hands and then promptly put them to work sweeping the walkway in front of the jailhouse. The boys constantly darted anxious looks in through the windows knowing dangerous criminals were housed inside.

  The lesson would be one they'd not forget for a long time. As she'd watched the boys stand nervously waiting for Brogan to inspect their work, he'd shocked them by paying each one before sending them home. The boys had walked away side by side, too lost in the lesson to remember what transpired between them earlier.

  He was an admirable man. Tall and handsome with long, dark brown hair that went to between his shoulder blades, he caught plenty of women's eyes. That part she had to admit not liking. Just the day prior, she'd seen Harriet, the seamstress, standing in front of Silver City's restaurant flirting with him, her head cocked to the side as she'd spoken to Brogan.

  "Lost in thought for a long time, Miss Sutherland. Are you that worried about your father?” The object of her musings stood next to her looking toward the now empty road out of town.

  Her heart skipped several beats and her stomach tumbled, but she managed to keep a cool façade. "I was considering what all I had to do before returning home," she replied. "First a trip to the mercantile and stop by the hotel and check on Mr. Porter's progress. I may invite a friend or two for tea and accept a dinner invitation to the Langston ranch."

  He swallowed and lifted a brow. "Seems you don't have as pressing a need for a guardian as your father thinks."

  "A guardian?” She looked to him not sure what he spoke about. "What do you mean?"

  "So you are not aware Doctor Sutherland asked Lucas and me to keep an eye out for you? He insisted one of us be with you at all times."

  "No, I was not. He never mentioned it to me.” Sarah looked in the direction the stagecoach had gone. It wasn't like her father to do such a thing but, then again, after all the trouble with outlaws, it wasn't inconceivable. "As you know, I'm perfectly able to look after myself. Please don't trouble yourself. I'll ensure to be occupied or accompanied when out of my house."

  "By Langston?" His jaw clenched.

  Sarah shrugged. "Or the Blakelys. I have tea with Mrs. Blakely some afternoons. She comes over to get away from the children and noise of the store."

  "I gave your father my word.” Brogan took her basket with one hand and her elbow with the other and guided her down the walkway. "First the mercantile you said?"

  Although she was gleeful at the turn of events, Brogan's broody presence soon unsettled her. He stood like a statue as she shopped in the mercantile until both she and Mrs. Blakely shot him constant wary glances. Olivia Blakely gave her a questioning look and Sarah leaned forward. "Father made him promise to watch over me. I don't think he meant for him to be a bodyguard, but there he stands."

  The women hid wide smiles behind their hands and attempted to disguise giggles with coughs as they lay out fabric for a new dress. Once she placed her purchases into the basket, Brogan promptly took it and waited to walk out with her.

  After a knowing look between she and Mrs. Blakely and plans for tea the next day, Sarah next allowed him to escort her to the apothecary.

  Sarah could get lost in the scents of the herbs and oils on Camille Johnston's shelves. A beautiful array of large jars held different blends, which could be used for endless things. Camille was an attractive, petite brunette who'd come to Silver City a couple of years earlier. She'd never spoken of her past and kept a firm distance from men. Almost a recluse if it wasn't for her forays to larger cities to purchase items for her shop and the customers that visited, she was reserved, but friendly.

  "I made some perfumed soaps," Camille told Sarah, her wary gaze flitting to Brogan.

  "I'll be outside," Brogan said sensing he made the woman quite uneasy.

  "Oh look, they a
re in different shapes. However did you do that?" Sarah asked the woman, enchanted by the shell shaped soaps.

  Once she finished her purchases, she bid the woman farewell, pleasantly surprised when Camille agreed to come for tea the following afternoon.

  She cut the shopping errands short, deciding against stopping at the hotel or seamstress shop and they walked to her house. "You don't plan to guard me at home do you?” She pretended to be bothered. "I will be safe enough. Have my shotgun and will lock the doors."

  "I agree. You are a good shot," came his curt response as they arrived at her home.

  "Good, then I bid you good day.” Sarah climbed the stairs only to find him beside her at the front door.

  Before she could speak, he took her key, unlocked the door and held it open, motioning for her to enter first.

  They stood looking at each other. She was suddenly certain she'd pushed him too far and he would be angry. At the same time she would not allow him to be too sure of himself. Sarah went to the kitchen and motioned to the table. "If you would please place the basket on the table. I can fix a cup of tea. Would you like some?"

  He stood next to the table, his arms down and brows drawn. "No, thank you. I'll go now." Brogan didn't move.

  "Thank you, Sheriff. I will be home all day tomorrow. Camille Johnston is coming for tea. Therefore no need to come by."

  He turned on his heel, the only sound following his footsteps was the firm closing of the front door.

  Sarah sank onto the closest chair and covered her mouth with her hands, her eyes twinkling with glee. Now, to come up with an excuse for him to come over the following night.

  The excuse fell into Sarah's lap. A sick miner was brought to her by a group of men. The man was feverish and babbling incoherently. None of the men were willing to remain there to help her, so she sent one to get Brogan. Specifically she said to ask the sheriff to send someone, but she knew he'd come.