“Should have known, I married an Irish poet,” Maureen murmured.
“Wait until I sing to you,” he teased. “Go back to sleep. You’re safe.”
She closed her eyes and her soft steady breathing let him know she was in painless slumber.
Even if she had told him the truth, there probably wasn’t anything he could have done. She changed her name twice and who would have thought Carlton would come all this way for her? The man was crazy.
He sat with her through the night listening to the constant groans. Picturing himself choking Carlton didn’t help much. He needed to get the cabin ready. It was just about done, and then he could take Maureen home. Carlton could rot in jail for all Finn cared. If Carlton won his case and was able to take Maureen this winter, well he’d die of some accident in the mountains and then Finn would bring Maureen back where she belonged. To the Langley Ranch.
It had been a week of traveling back and forth from the cabin to the boarding house, but to Finn it was worth it. The cabin was done, root cellar and all. He walked out of the sheriff’s office. Still no word, but Maureen was allowed to go home. The sheriff didn’t even ask for the twenty dollars.
Finn had a spring in his step as he strode down the wooden walk to the boarding house. He glanced at the saloon and saw Mesquite watching him. He’d have to bury the box soon. Mrs. McGuire’s husband had been in the cavalry, and she gave him two mementos to put in the box to convince anyone looking that it was from the army. A button from her husband’s uniform, and part of a folded letter with the broken wax seal from the army. Those things should be enough. He’d bury it after he got Maureen home, then find a way to have the bartender mention to Cluck that he’d seen something, but he wasn’t sure what it might be… though it looked important.
Maureen smiled at him. She was sitting up in the bed.
“An improvement, I see,” Finn said as he approached her. He leaned over and lightly brushed his lips over hers. Every time he saw her, he wanted her. He even chastised himself for being an unfeeling brute for wanting her while she was in pain. But he couldn’t help it.
“I get to leave today, and guess what!” Her eyes were brighter than he’d seen in a long while.
“What?” Her smile was infectious.
“I get to go home with you for now. I can’t wait to see the cabin,” she enthused.
He stood up straight. “I hope it isn’t too painful for you. I put every quilt onto the bottom of the wagon and I’m hoping it will be enough.”
Maureen touched his arm and held on to it for a while before she spoke. “Let’s not worry about it now. It’s bound to be bumpy but it’ll be worth it. Plus this place must be costing you a fortune.”
He shrugged. “How well did you know the people you traveled the Oregon Trail with?”
Her brow furrowed. “The O’Brien’s were good people. I didn’t know them until the day before we left. They’d treated me with the utmost kindness and it was devastating when Mrs. O’Brien and the babe died. Why?”
“Did they have family?”
Maureen tilted her head and raised one brow. “No, it was one of Gail’s biggest sorrows but they planned to have a big family of their own. Is there a reason you’re asking me these questions?”
“I completely unloaded your wagon and there was some money in it. I thought if they had family I should send it to them.”
“They sold everything and saved for a long time to go West. I never thought about the money.”
She stared out the window for a minute then glanced back at him. “Is there enough to pay off my indenture papers?” she hesitantly asked.
“Yes, more than enough.” He stared into her blue eyes and the love he saw humbled him. He was a lucky man indeed.
He broke off the stare. “This is the plan. I need to get you dressed, down the stairs and into the wagon. Unfortunately, I need you to be alert until then. I can give you laudanum for the ride but I can’t carry you without damaging your healing wounds.”
She bit her bottom lip. “I understand.”
The pain was beyond intolerable. First, she had to get to the edge of the bed. Finn put a huge gray dress on her and then her shoes. The dress was so big it didn’t touch her back. Where on earth had he found such a thing? Then he helped her to slowly stand. She swallowed hard against the agony.
“One slow step at a time, a ghrá.” He studied her face.
“I can do this. It hurts like the devil, but I’ll make it through. I’ll warn you though there will be tears and loud cries and as soon as we’re out of town you might hear a few words you wouldn’t expect to have ever heard from me.” She took a step and cringed. “After that, I hope the laudanum kicks in.”
Finn’s lips twitched. “Where would a fair lass like you have learned such words?” They took another step.
“On a ship coming to America.” She took a deep breath and took two steps.
“Well, sailors do have a way with words.” He chuckled as they took two more steps.
Maureen stopped at the top of the stairs and gulped. “Give me a minute.” She took a few deep breaths and asked God to help her.
Finn went down the first step and turned around. “Here hold onto my hands. Use my shoulders to help you step down.”
“Too dang smart,” she mumbled before she took the first step down. She started to sway but Finn righted her.
“What did you just say? I think it was about me.” He stepped down and she slowly followed.
“I don’t remember what I said. I think I’m addlebrained from all the pain.” They went down another step.
“Then again it probably wasn’t about me.” They slowly stepped down. “After all you got lucky to have snagged a fellow like me.”
Any other time she’d have enjoyed his banter but God love him. He was trying to keep her mind off her pain. “Lucky how?” Her voice was full of pain.
They stopped; she’d made it down the stairs. She stood very still and breathed deeply.
“Glad to see that Old Mrs. Potts’ dress is doin’ the trick,” said Mrs. McGuire in a pleasant lilt as she held the front door open. “Sorry, I am, to have met you under such circumstances. Good luck to you, my dear.”
Maureen gave her a quick smile. It was all she could summon. “Thank you.”
Finn stood at her side and helped her onto the wooden walkway. “I’m very handsome, and my Irish brogue is intriguing.”
If she could, she would have laughed. “Intriguing indeed, if you’re not used to one.”
Doctor Adams approached her and gave her the medicine with a drink of water.
“Let’s wait a minute before we get you into the wagon I borrowed. My only hope is that Justice and Vala behave while pulling it.”
She closed her eyes, trying to block out the crowd that had gathered. Most probably thought her a criminal. The laudanum worked fast. She swayed and Finn swung her up into his arms and handed her to someone in the wagon. She was assisted onto her stomach and then cocooned by more quilts than they owned. She closed her eyes and thankfully didn’t remember the ride home.
Chapter Nine
A week later, Finn peeked into the cabin and smiled. Maureen was sleeping and healing. She loved the cabin, and it made him feel ten feet tall. The way she tried to pretend she wasn’t in pain was uncommonly brave and he found himself admiring her more each day. She tried to get out of bed and do some work around the cabin every day, and when he caught her, he’d gently lead her back to bed.
The loving looks they exchanged we’re a highlight for him.
He closed the door and went back to his covered wagon. The box he’d fashioned was there, and he took a lock off one of his trunks. He needed to make it look old. Using his saw, he scratched it up, and then for good measure, he dented it with a hammer a few times. Then he rolled it in mud and let it dry.
Next, he wrote a note using Maureen’s paper and ink, taking care to make the writing look different from the forged letter promoting the army
officer that he’d written a couple of weeks earlier. He vaguely described a plan and gave the name of a location many miles away. Hopefully, it would look as though one of the gang went back for the money and left a note letting the others know where to meet him. He spilled coffee on the edges of the note and crumpled it a bit.
Finally, he set the note, button, and wax-sealed paper and the promotion letter in the box and put the broken lock on it. He then placed it in a bag and tied that to his saddle. He swung up on Justice, pulled his coat collar up against the chill, and rode off.
The tingling in the back of his neck let him know someone was trailing him. Maybe leading someone to the “treasure” would be easier than he’d first thought. But for now, hopefully he’d bore his follower with his meandering and whoever it was would leave. First, Finn rode the property line of Maureen’s land. It was good land with rich soil, plenty of grass and water. He got down off Justice many times examining the soil and looking at watering holes.
At one point, he just sat in the grass and looked at the clouds. He picked up rocks looking at them and eventually the tingling was gone. He went into a wooded area and waited for a bit to be sure he was right. There was no sign of anyone trailing him.
Still, he waited a bit longer, dreaming of the cattle and horses he’d one day have. He also needed some type of landmark to make it easier for a person to locate the box. He decided on a spot between a big boulder and a tree. He swung down, grabbed his shovel, and buried the box. Then he walked over the filled-in hole and had Justice do the same. He tore down a few dead limbs off the tree and placed them on top.
He put the shovel away and rode off. Tomorrow he’d lead whoever was dogging him to the box. That should put an end to the tall tale of treasure.
Pleased, he rode home but a frown replaced his grin when the cabin came into sight. Carlton’s horse was tied outside. Anger and fear for Maureen filled him as he grabbed his rifle and walked to the door.
He wasn’t surprised to find the door locked.
“Don’t try coming in,” Carlton yelled. “I’m going to get what’s mine. I’ll be out when I’m finished.”
What was he talking about? Then it hit him: The man planned to bed Maureen. Well, that wasn’t going to happen.
“Let’s talk about this. Maureen is my wife, and she’s injured!”
There was no answer. He slipped around the back of the cabin and walked a bit downhill until he came to the tunnel he’d built. He moved the branches hiding the entrance, and in he went. He stopped under the house. He’d made an obvious door in the floor for the root cellar but he’d made the getaway door less obvious. He’d learned from his years in Ireland to always have an escape plan.
He stood and listened. So far, Carlton was listing every mistake Maureen had ever made, including making him fall in love with her.
Finn waited. When Carlton went to the bed, Finn could come up behind him. But Carlton was in no hurry. He sat down and drank coffee. How stupid was this Carlton? Finn could have gone to get the sheriff. Why wasn’t he in a hurry?
Suddenly, the heavy scraping sound of the chair legs pushed adrenalin through Finn. He waited until he heard Carlton’s footsteps stop by the bed. Finn silently pushed up on the entrance and trained his rifle on Carlton.
“Kindly take a step away from my wife.” His voice was hard as stone.
Carlton turned in surprise and fumbled, trying to get out his gun. Finn shot him in the arm. It was the farthest body part away from Maureen. Howling, Carlton hit the floor with a big thud, and Finn took the firearm away.
“Are you all right, a ghrá?” he asked without taking his gaze off Carlton.
“I’m fine. He’s bleeding pretty bad. Maybe you should give him a towel or something.”
Carlton gave her a nasty look. “I need a doctor, you nitwit.”
Finn was going to punch Carlton in the face for his remark, but horses could be heard galloping up to the cabin. Finn walked backward keeping his rifle trained on Carlton the whole time and then reached behind him and opened the door.
The sheriff and a few of the other townsmen came busting in with guns waving. Shaking his head, the sheriff put his gun in his holster and advanced on Carlton. He grabbed Carlton’s good arm and dragged him toward the door.
“Sorry about this. He clobbered me from behind when I let him out to use the privy,” the sheriff said. “You’re free and clear Maureen. There are no indentures in Missouri. Not any legal ones, at least.” He pulled Carlton none too gently out the door.
Tears streamed down Maureen’s face. Concerned, Finn sat on the bed and stroked her lovely red hair. “Are you hurting?”
She shook her head. “No, for once these are tears of joy. I’m no longer a fugitive. I get to stay here with you and build a life. That is, if you still want me. You have the right to change your mind. I’ve brought so much trouble into your life and—”
He leaned down and softly pressed his lips against hers. Her moan of pleasure emboldened him to deepen the kiss. She tasted like coffee and mint. She pushed her silky lips against his and wrapped her arms around his neck. Her fingers running through his hair was driving him insane. Slowly, he broke the kiss and pressed his forehead against hers.
It took a moment for his breathing to even out. “I never want you to leave. You’ve become a part of me. I’m not exactly sure how it all happened, but I don’t want to be without you. As I rode out there today, I pictured cattle and horses across our land. In my mind’s eye, I can see a prosperous ranch. I have no doubt that we can build it together.”
The big smile she gave him warmed him down to his toes. “I feel as though I can finally breathe. There will be no more looking over my shoulder. I should have told you the whole of it, but I didn’t know how. I planned to a million times but I always lost my nerve like a fearful chicken.”
“Speaking of chickens, I’m hoping to lead Cluck and his friends to the army box tomorrow.”
Her expression became serious. “You best be careful. The box looked authentic to me, but there could be trouble. They might just shoot you out of your saddle as soon as they see the box.”
He stood and kissed her forehead. “You rest and get better. I still haven’t had my wedding night.” She turned a lovely shade of pink but she didn’t shy away.
The next morning Finn headed out again, this time leading his follower to the area where the box was. Finn got down off Justice and got his shovel and purposely dug in places near the box. Soon enough, Cluck, Mesquite, and Bob rode up.
“Hey, fellas! Maybe you can give me a hand. I got a tip about a box being buried in this area. Not sure what’s in it, but if it’s valuable, we can split it four ways.” The hardest part was playing dumb enough to be convincing, but he needn’t have worried.
The greedy eedjits eagerly climbed off their mounts, ready to dig for the treasure. Finn let them have at it for a bit before he subtly edged over to the place where the box was buried.
He dug and hit metal. They all turned toward the sound and excitedly swarmed around Finn.
“Here give me the shovel,” Bob demanded, yanking it from Finn’s unresisting fingers.
Finn scratched his chin. “Do you think it’s the box of gold? I could use a bit of cash to get this ranch going.”
Bob kept digging, and when they saw the box was black they grew even more excited. Bob took the box out of the ground and held it close to him. Then he frowned. “A bit light for gold.”
“Maybe there’s a treasure map,” Mesquite suggested excitedly.
“Well, open it,” Cluck said.
Bob put it on the ground and examined the broken lock. His tongue poked out and he licked his lips then opened the box. He stared inside, his brow furrowed. He handed the note to Mesquite who handed it to Cluck who handed it to Finn.
“Cain’t read,” muttered the former chicken farmer.
“Meet me in Dodge City. You know the spot. I’ll be there to give you your cut,” Finn read aloud.
&
nbsp; “Let me see that!” Bob demanded. He looked at the paper and turned it this way and that. “How long do you think this has been here?”
“It looks really old,” Mesquite said bitterly. “I was counting on that money.”
“It could look old because it’s been in the ground. I’m sure it wasn’t written here. Maybe it got all crumpled on the way here. Either way, don’t you think it’s worth checking out?” suggested Finn. “Heck, if I didn’t have to nurse my ailing wife, I’d jump at a chance and go.” Finn sighed loudly.
“If we go, we get your share,” Bob said, giving Finn a cold look.
“Now, hold on a minute. This was found on my land. I should get something,” Finn said.
Cluck crossed his arms. “Makes sense that the people going to Dodge City should get the money.”
Finn sighed. “I still don’t think it’s right but it’s three to one. I lose out. Part of me understands but part of me was dreaming about what I could do if I had any money. You won’t change your mind?”
“Don’t get any ideas,” Bob warned. “You don’t want your pretty wife to be a widow, do you?”
“Tough break,” Mesquite said, though his grin told another tale.
Finn kicked the ground. “I wish you the best of luck. If I wasn’t married, I’d go along but I can’t. If you ever come this way again, you can buy me a drink.” He sighed and climbed into the saddle. “I’d best go and tend my wife.”
“Say, you aren’t going to come after us are you?” Bob asked.
“No, I’ll be busy protecting what’s mine and planting more explosives. Most times in life someone wins and someone loses. Think of the story you’ll have to tell when you get the gold. God speed.” He turned Justice and kept his horse to a slow trot. Finn would have rather full out run, but he didn’t want them suspicious. They were greedy enough not to show anyone else the evidence. He rode to a place where he had the advantage and watched them ride off toward the East.
Finn's Fortune Page 9