“Yes. I did.” Frank nodded with a grim smile. “I told you I would.”
“What are you waiting for then? Kill me. I wish it actually. I’m ready to leave this miserable life.”
Hands clenched at her sides, she moved closer to the fireplace. “How do you plan to kill me Frank?”
His brows lowered and he glared at her. He was slow to stand. Laura moved closer to the fireplace and reached behind her for the iron poker.
Frank looked around the cabin. “Maybe I’ll wait for him, that ranch hand. And kill him too. I can live here for a bit.” He finally moved close enough. Laura swung the poker knocking the gun from his grasp. The weapon flew and skidded across the floor stopping with a thud next to the foot of the bed.
“You bitch!” Frank charged her. Laura swung again. He lifted his arm and kept the iron rod from striking his body. He yanked the poker from her grasp.
Laura turned to flee, but Frank grabbed her by the shoulders, his fingers digging into her muscles. His putrid breath smelled of rotted flesh. “I’m going to kill you slow now.” His lips lifted into a misshapen grin.
Frank shoved her backward and she crashed to the floor. Every carefully placed weapon was out of reach. She refused to panic and kept her head low, but peeked through her hair. Frank struck her with the toe of his boot and she gasped as pain seared her left side. He moved for the gun and Laura lunged when he bent to pick it up. They tumbled to hit the wall behind the bed.
She reached for the knife under her pillow and nicked him with the blade before he slapped it away. He punched her in the stomach and then backhanded her across the face. Laura slammed against the floor then dragged toward the fireplace. If she could reach the gun above the hearth, she’d have a chance. But the weapon was too far at this point.
She grabbed at a chair to stand, but Frank yanked her skirts and threw her to the floor. He held her down and fumbled to pull down his pants.
Dread tasted like bile when she realized he meant to take her. “No!” Laura lost control, she didn’t care if he killed her now, but he would not shame her, not without a fight. She was done with abuse, would not lie meekly and allow it to happen. She punched, slapped and bit, not feeling when he struck back. He was weaker and she burned with adrenaline filled rage.
Laura gouged the side of his face. He wobbled back, a primal growl emanating from his chest.
Both her feet swept his knees. He lost his balance and fell away.
Once again she scurried toward the poker and grabbed it with both hands. She swung blindly then realized he’d not moved from the fireplace.
First she saw the growing puddle of dark red blood, then noticed his open, unseeing eyes and gaping mouth. He lay with his head at an awkward angle on the hearth.
Frank Foster was dead.
Hours later when Josiah arrived she did not respond to his calls nor did she look up from the shallow grave she dug when he rushed out to her.
“What happened?”
She lifted the shovel out of the hole, and let out a breath. “Stay there, don’t you dare come closer.”
On she continued, not allowing Josiah to help or come near. Each time he took a step she’d look up. “Don’t come near. I must do this myself.”
He seemed to understand and watched until she climbed out and then rolled the sheet-covered body into the hole.
After she finished covering the body and patting the mounded earth with the shovel did she allow him to move closer. “It’s over. Frank Foster is truly dead.”
That night she stood by the window. Josiah slept fitfully. He’d not asked many questions. The sweet man attempted to help clean her cuts and bruises, but she resisted his touch. Not so much upset of the trauma of the day, if anything, she felt better knowing she’d avenged her son’s death. No it was impossible to stand any sympathy. She was no better than Frank. She killed another human. How else could she explain how much easier it was to breathe now?
She stood over Josiah’s sleeping form. The moonlight across his face and bare chest allowed her to stare upon him without interruption. At rest he seemed younger. Handsome beyond words. She wondered if he’d marry again. Whoever he married would be a very lucky woman. He had a heart of gold.
His eyes opened and met hers and she flushed at being caught looking at him. Without words he held his arms out and she went to him. Laura lay next to him and buried her face into his shoulder. “I’m a murderer.”
Josiah held her close. “No you’re not, Laura. You defended yourself. It’s different.”
“I miss Gabe so much.”
“I know.”
For the first time since her child died, Laura cried. She dried her tears on the sheets and then cried more. On she continued her entire body shuddering. Through it all Josiah held her in silence.
“You know it will get easier. You have to allow yourself to mourn and then continue on with life.” Josiah’s quiet words made her aware she still lay in his arms. And though not appropriate, she never wanted to leave their security.
“I don’t know what I will do. There is nothing for me here.”
“There is, Laura.” He kissed her forehead. “Go to sleep. Tomorrow I’ll take you to visit your sister.”
“Yes. I’d like that.” She closed her eyes and realized how drained she was. Yet at the same time, fully aware of the large hard body next to hers, she found it hard to sleep. Thankfully blankets and clothing separated them because she wasn’t sure she could resist the touch of his skin against hers.
She let out a sigh. What would happen next? She should release Josiah of the responsibility of looking after her. It was the best thing to do. Although she’d come to care a great deal for him, she was not the woman for Josiah McClintock.
Other than that one kiss, he’d been a gentleman, never giving her any indication he intended anything of a future for them. Not that she expected it of course.
And yet.
Chapter Twelve
Josiah rode to his cabin. He adjusted his seat on his saddle and looked toward the wood line. It was like a daily habit now to hurry back to his home at the end of each day. Now that Laura cooked he didn’t eat with the family. Although it earned him questioning looks from Grayson and Ashley, they’d not asked any questions. Elizabeth Cole however was another story. She’d asked him his intentions towards Laura. Informed him what he already knew. They were for all intensive purposes living together and he should correct the situation.
Although he’d only kissed her once and held her the night she’d grieved, nothing else happened between them.
Did he wish it? Yes. He wanted her with every ounce of his being. With all Laura had endured and been through, she remained strong. Hadn’t had it easy. Her life was one hardship after another. He learned a great deal about her, small details of her past came out here and there. He knew she’d been mistreated by her father and then Frank Foster and now without her child, thought herself without purpose.
Once he made a final decision about what to do about his situation back east he’d talk to Laura. There was no reason not to marry her.
The question was would he remain in Montana or return with her to his previous life? Josiah lifted his hand and scratched his head. He’d go for a swim in the creek first. Bathe before going home.
The cabin was dark and empty he noticed first upon arriving. The second, a note on the table. In crude letters Laura wrote four simple words. Thank you for everything. And wrote her name under it.
He turned in a full circle. Her few belongings were gone. It was then he noticed the envelope on the small table next to the bed where he’d left it. He’d taken it out again to formulate a response and not placed it back in the drawer. The letter from his mother announcing the plans for his wedding to Beatrice.
Laura must have read it.
The decision was made for him. It was time for him
to head east and clear up matters with his family. It was wrong to allow the young woman, Beatrice, to continue under the impression they’d marry. He should have written her and explained long before.
Now there was no time for it. Only in person could he ensure all matters were settled.
Chapter Thirteen
One month later
The difference between the life she was accustomed to and living with the Watts helped Laura move past the hurts of her past.
She kept busy taking care of Meredith, who made so much progress, the Watts decided to extend their stay in Alder Gulch another month so not to shock Meredith with any changes. They’d come to an agreement and once they felt the girl was up to it, Laura would move with them to Virginia. There she’d continue to care for her ward in her position of caregiver.
On this particular evening, Laura studied her reflection in the mirror. She was different, had made changes to her appearance, in an effort to move forward. Her hair swept up into a stylish coiffure that Mrs. Watts’s maid liked to do. Her dress was made of much finer fabric than she’d ever worn. The green gown matched her eyes and flattered her complexion. She pulled on a shawl as she was to go for a walk with Meredith before dinner.
The road from the house was quiet, not a rider or pedestrian in sight. She lifted her hand and shielded her eyes from the sun. The days were longer now, the weather pleasant. Laura would visit her sister the next day and perhaps check to see if Josiah returned from his trip out east or if there was any word.
She wanted to say goodbye before leaving. No matter that he’d not felt as strongly for her as she did for him, she owed him a great deal. If not for his taking her in and his patience, she would not have recovered from the indescribable grief of losing Gabe.
Her chest constricted at thinking of her beautiful son. How could a man be so cruel, so mad as to hurt a child? In her opinion Frank Foster had not suffered enough for what he did.
She no longer called herself Laura Foster, didn’t really understand why she kept the name considering she and Frank never married but he insisted she call herself by his last name. She was Laura Cook and would remain that name from now on.
Meredith stomped her foot and Laura realized she’d been so lost in thought, she’d ignored her. “What is it?”
“I want to go home now.”
“Very well.” They turned and walked back. It was almost dinnertime anyway.
*****
A day later, Laura took her time on the now familiar route toward the Jensen’s lands where her sister lived. She pulled the horses to a slow walk when passing where Gabe’s body had been found. A small cross marked the spot, one she’d asked Josiah to make.
Laura considered stopping and ensuring the cross was still there, but decided against it. There were too many bears and other critters about now that the weather was nicer. She’d asked her brother-in-law to accompany her the next day as she planned to stay a couple days.
A few miles up the road, the path to Josiah’s cottage got her attention. Without thought she guided the horses to turn at the intersection. It was silly to stop by the cottage really. Because if he was back from the east coast, he’d be at the Cole’s ranch this time of day, but she could always leave him a note. A goodbye.
The familiarity of the cottage took her breath. Laura stepped down from her seat and walked to the front door. She looked to both sides unsure what to do at this point. What if he married and his wife was there. What if he never returned?
Instead of entering, she rounded to the back. A small garden they’d worked in together remained. It was flourishing actually. She pictured how they’d laughed when she accidentally flicked dirt on him. His honey colored eyes cricking in the corners in the rare times he smiled. She’d lost any ability to breathe when his lips curved into a grin, but the moment ended when he’d tossed dirt back at her.
She turned and looked to the small creek behind her. How many times had she peeked to catches glimpses of him when he bathed? Her cheeks reddened at the reminder of his large muscular build. Well-formed legs and thick strong arms. The same arms that held her when she’d finally been able to grieve.
“Goodbye, Josiah,” she whispered. It was best not to leave a note, best to move on and leave this all behind. She smiled and touched the windowsill. She’d not only learned that life could continue, but she’d also found the beautiful emotion of love. A tear slid down her cheek but she continued to smile in spite of it.
*****
“Not that we’re not happy to see you, Josiah, but you seem troubled.” Elizabeth Cole slid a plate with a piece of cake on it in front of him. “What happened out east?”
“My father is ill.” He looked to the people around the table. Every face looked to him with concern. His new family, the ones who accepted him for whom they thought he was.
“Will you have to move back then?” Hank, Elizabeth’s husband, asked, “We understand if you choose to leave. Won’t like it, but family comes first.”
Grayson and Bronson, the twins who visited this evening, both waited for his answer.
Josiah cleared his throat. “There is something I have to tell you. About me.” His mouth was dry so he took a long drink from his mug before continuing. “My name is not Josiah McClintock. My name is Charles Josiah Cavendish. I am British. A lord actually.” He swallowed and continued. “I changed my name to avoid my family.”
No one spoke, but they all exchanged questioning looks. Josiah continued before they could say anything. “I want to apologize for not telling you the truth upon arriving.” He allowed his English accent and speech to remain intact as he spoke. “You see the reason now why I don’t speak much. It was hard to hide my true accent.”
“I thought there was something strange about your speech patterns, not quite Irish,” Bronson said. “At least, you didn’t sound like any of the Irishmen I’d ever met.”
“Why did you come here to work? A man like you isn’t exactly the type to become a ranch hand,” Elizabeth Cole asked.
Hank Cole frowned at him. “Get it out, boy. Tell us why you’re here.”
“I came after my fiancée Hannah died. Her father was mad with grief and took her younger sister and disappeared. I promised Hannah on her deathbed to look after Emily. I followed his trail west. Once here, I had to find something to do. My parents were insistent I give up the search and take my place as heir to the Cavendish fortune. We own many business not only in America but England as well.” He paused. Everyone waited patiently for him to gather his thoughts.
“I came to work here because I didn’t want to ask my father for money. This venture was something I did on my own. Nonetheless, I found he deposited money into an account regularly for me. He is a good man. I went back to clear up some family matters. Now I find myself at a crossroads. My brother Anthony is prepared to take over the family business. I spoke with him at length and he has changed from his wayward ways. I however am not sure what I want to do. I love my life here.”
“And you are in love, too, aren’t you?” Elizabeth asked with a knowing smile. “What are you going to do Josiah...er...Charles.”
“I hope you all continue to call me Josiah. I prefer it actually.”
Bronson and Grayson exchanged looks, which he’d learned meant they spoke without speaking in a way twins did. Gray spoke for them. “Well, Lord Josiah.” He coughed to cover a chuckle. “I suppose that means we need to have some whiskey and help you make up your mind.”
“Boys...” their mother started, but didn’t finish when Hank covered her hand.
“Good idea, boys. Why don’t you three talk it out? Come dear, I think we should take a walk. It’s a beautiful evening.”
Josiah watched them walk out holding hands.
The next day Josiah spotted the buggy the twins described to him the night before, heading away from the Davis’s home toward town. He
spurred his horse forward to catch up with her.
When he came alongside, Laura’s eyes widened at seeing him. Then she smiled and his world at once became brighter. He ignored the flip in his stomach and raised his hand to his hat. “May I speak with you?”
Her brows lowered for a minute. “Yes, of course.” She pulled her horses to the side of the road. It wasn’t until he dismounted that he realized they’d stopped near where he’d discovered her child’s body. Whether by chance or happenstance. At this point he wasn’t going to risk leaving and not speaking to her by asking to move to another place.
He lifted his hand and assisted her from the buggy. Laura looked different, more at ease. Her heavily lashed green eyes were bright when meeting his and she bit her bottom lip as if nervous to be around him. “I was hoping to see you before I left.”
“You are heading back to town from your sister’s house then?” he asked, already knowing that had to be the only place she traveled to and from.
“Yes.” She walked towards the clearing and he knew the precise spot where she went. “Would you accompany me? I wanted to come here, but am afraid to do so alone.”
“Yes. Of course.” They walked in silence. She wore a blue gown with lace trimmings he’d not seen before. She stopped by the cross and removed her hat, patting her hair.
“You’ve changed the way you do your hair.”
“Oh, yes.” She reached up and touched it again. “I’ve learned from Mrs. Watts’s maid and like it this way.”
“It suits you.”
Her eyes met his and Josiah fought the urge to reach out to her afraid she’d shun his touch. With measured slowness her hand extended until flat on his chest. “Josiah. I wanted to see you and thank you properly for everything. I don’t know if you’re married yet or not. So I didn’t want to chance returning to the cottage. I stopped by the other day.”
“I wondered who’d been there. I could tell someone had been.”
Blue Horizon (Shades of Blue, Book 4) Page 6