Setting down the wet shirt, he stood, taking a look around. They’d need a fire. He didn’t care about food as much as keeping her warm and comfortable.
“Quinn?”
His jaw dropped at hearing his name spoken in a soft whisper. Lowering himself next to Emma, he saw her eyes still closed as he brushed strands of hair from her forehead, letting his fingers linger.
“I’m here, Emma.”
Her tongue darted out to moisten her lips before her eyes opened to slits. “Water?”
“Aye.” He reached across her, picking up and opening the canteen. Bracing her head, he put it to her lips. “Just a little, lass.” His breath caught as he saw her struggle to open her mouth. “That’s the way, Emma.”
Taking a meager swallow, her head fell back as she licked her lips. “Thank you.”
Watching her eyes close, his breathing slowed. The fear that tortured him since seeing her sprawled on the ground began to recede. Shutting his eyes, he sent up a prayer, thanking God for getting them this far. All he needed now was the doctor to tell him she’d be all right.
“Quinn.” Blaine shook his shoulder, trying not to wake Emma. “The doctor’s here.”
Quinn’s eyes fluttered, then opened. Blinking several times, he pushed himself up and rubbed his eyes. “Ach. I must have fallen asleep.” He glanced down, seeing Emma in the same position as when she’d dozed off again. He held out his hand. “Doctor. Thank you for coming.”
The man’s eyes narrowed on Quinn, then darted to Blaine. “Your friend here can be quite persuasive.” His tone made it clear he hadn’t come willingly.
Quinn looked at his cousin, lifting a brow.
Shrugging, Blaine’s mouth tilted into a slight smile. “Well, I might have used a wee amount of encouragement on the good doctor.”
“Yes. A gun pointed at my chest is quite persuasive, young man.” The man knelt next to Emma, pulling the blanket away. After a minute, he glanced up. “There’s no fever, no broken bones, and no swelling indicating internal injuries. He said she got thrown from a horse.” The doctor looked at Blaine, then Quinn.
“Aye, Doctor. Over the mare’s neck and to the ground.” Quinn crossed his arms in an effort to keep calm. “She woke a couple hours ago asking for water. I gave her a small sip.”
“Unless I’m mistaken, she came through this pretty well, considering what could’ve happened. Did she complain of a headache?”
“Nae. The lass wasn’t awake long enough. After the water, she fell right back to sleep.”
“Well, it’s late. If you don’t mind, I’ll bunk down here tonight so I can keep watch on her. I’ll ride back to Sacramento with you tomorrow.”
Both Quinn and Blaine let out relieved sighs. “We’d appreciate it, Doctor…”
“Gillespie. And you are?”
“Quinn MacLaren. This is my cousin, Blaine.”
“Ah…the MacLarens. Your family is no secret to those of us who’ve been around this area for a while. Neither is your history of protecting your family.” He glanced at Blaine. “Next time, son, you might want to introduce yourself. The MacLaren name could prove to be more convincing than a gun.”
Blaine’s cheeks colored. “Aye, Doctor Gillespie. It’s good advice.”
Sacramento
“Where could they be?” Quinn muttered as he and Blaine stood near the stockyards.
They’d been in Sacramento two days with no sign of Big Jim or the herd.
“Remember, they lost some of the cattle and are down one drover.” Blaine lifted a hand to scratch his forehead, then rub the back of his neck.
Quinn watched him go through the routine he’d seen many times. “Nervous, are you?”
Blaine’s gaze snapped to him. “Nae. Why do you say that?”
Shaking his head, Quinn chuckled. “It’s nothing, lad. It may be best to go ahead to Doc Gillespie’s office. Maybe he’ll let me take Emma back to the hotel today.”
“You know she’ll have to have her own room.” Blaine snorted. “Big Jim will tear into you if he finds you sharing.”
Quinn shoved his hands in his pockets, trying to hide a grin. “Aye, but she needs someone to watch over her until she’s ready to ride back to Circle M.”
“I can do it. Big Jim will know I’d never lay a hand on her.” Although Blaine’s tone was serious, Quinn could hear the slight snicker.
Coming to an abrupt stop, Quinn glared at him, his eyes blazing. “You’ll not be alone with her in a room with a bed. Am I clear?”
Nodding, Blaine chuckled. “Aye. Quite clear. What kind of lad would I be if I didn’t offer?”
Quinn closed his eyes, then glanced up at the sky, shaking his head. “You’d be a bright lad, which we both know you’re not.”
Stepping into Gillespie’s clinic, they moved to the side in an effort to squeeze through the cramped space. At least ten people filled the waiting room, most glancing at them, then turning away.
“It appears we wait.” Blaine leaned against a wall, crossing his arms.
Quinn took one more look around, then leaned toward Blaine. “I’m not waiting. I need to find Emma.”
“But—”
“Not another word out of you.” Quinn weaved through the people, avoiding several children as he walked to one of two doors. Opening it, he poked his head inside, seeing Gillespie bent over a table, a half-dressed man lying before him. Moving to the second door, he repeated his motions, finding Emma sitting in a chair, her hands clasped in front of her.
“Quinn.” She jumped up, running to him, wrapping her arms around his neck. “Have you come to take me out of here?” She placed kisses on his neck, jaw, cheek, and mouth. Laughing, Quinn held her away.
“Seems you’re glad to see me, lass.”
Crossing her arms, she looked around the small room. “You’ve no idea.”
“How’s your head? Does it still hurt? Are you dizzy?”
“It hurts a little, but please don’t tell the doctor. I’ll go mad if I have to stay here another day. Can’t I get a room at the hotel?” She placed her hands on his shoulders, standing on her toes to stare into this eyes. “Or maybe I could share your room?” Biting her lip, she tried to hide a hopeful smile.
“Ach, your father would skin me alive if he found you in my room. Besides, I’m sharing with Blaine, and he’ll not be seeing you the way I plan to.”
Covering her mouth with a hand, she laughed, her eyes sparkling.
“I’ll get you a room and keep watch until Big Jim arrives. It’s the best we can do.” Wrapping an arm around her, he pulled her tight, kissing her with eager lips. “I’ve missed you, lass.”
“No more than I’ve missed you.” She breathed in his scent, a shiver running through her at what she wanted to do, knowing how her body would respond to him.
The sound of the door opening, followed by a raspy voice, had them jumping apart.
“I see you’ve come for my patient, Mr. MacLaren.”
Clearing his throat, Quinn winked at Emma before looking at Gillespie. “Aye, if you say the lass is ready to leave.”
“I doubt I could hold her here any longer. She woke up this morning ready to leave.” He took another look at Emma, placed a hand to her forehead, and looked into her eyes. “No pain in your head.”
“Um… No, sir.”
“No dizziness?”
She shook her head, not meeting the doctor’s eyes as a jolt of pain ripped through her. “I feel good. Not that you haven’t been wonderful, but I’d very much like to leave.”
Gillespie laughed. “If you promise to find me if you start feeling worse.”
“Oh, I will.”
His narrowed gaze fixed on her. “I’m quite serious about this, Miss Pearce. You had a serious fall. Any pain, trouble breathing, or feeling faint, you have Mr. MacLaren fetch me right away.” His hard stare moved from Emma to Quinn. “Do you understand me, young man?”
“Aye, Doctor. You can be sure we’ll be back if she has problems.”
“I’m going to hold you to that, Mr. MacLaren.”
A sharp knock on the door woke Quinn. Unwilling to loosen his grip around Emma’s warm, sleeping form, he ignored the sound and closed his eyes. A moment later, his peace was once again broken by more pounding. Harder and lasting longer this time.
“Up with you, Quinn. Big Jim is downstairs looking for Emma.”
Quinn groaned, feathering kisses down Emma’s neck and shoulder. “I’ve got to go, lass.”
She mumbled something in her sleep, not stirring as he left the bed and dressed. He slid into his boots and grabbed his hat, then bent down, brushing hair from her face before kissing her once more.
“Hurry, Quinn. Big Jim’s on his way up.”
Stalking to the door, Quinn pulled it open to see his cousin’s back. “Move, Blaine. I need to…” His voice trailed off when he glanced over Blaine’s shoulder to see Big Jim glaring at them.
“You just left my daughter’s bedroom.” The accusation came through gritted teeth.
“Aye, sir.” Quinn stepped around Blaine, locking his gaze with Emma’s father. “She’s still sleeping.”
“And you were in there all night?”
“The doctor wanted someone to stay with her. You weren’t here, so…”
Big Jim continued to glare into Quinn’s eyes, sizing him up. Nodding, he took a step away. “I want to see her.”
Quinn reached behind him, turned the knob to Emma’s door, and moved aside. When Big Jim pushed past, he grabbed the man’s arm.
“She still has bruises and cuts on her face. Most of the swelling is gone, and Emma won’t admit it, but I think she still has pain in her head.” Quinn breathed in a slow breath. “Someone should be with her all the time, at least for a few more days.”
“I think I can take care of my own daughter, MacLaren.” Big Jim shook free of Quinn’s grip, shutting the door behind him, standing still a moment to let his eyes adjust to the darkness. He let out a relieved sigh, seeing her quiet form under the blankets. Leaning against the door, he crossed his arms, happy to know she was safe.
Emma shifted restlessly, kicking at the covers. Turning, she reached an arm out, her hand grasping nothing but air.
“Quinn?”
Moving her arm back and forth, she still felt nothing. Sitting up, she rubbed her eyes, letting them grow accustomed to the semi-dark room.
“Quinn, are you still here?” Yawning, she dropped her hands, turned toward the door, and gasped.
“Hello, Emma. Quinn’s waiting in the hall. I think we need to talk.”
Chapter Eighteen
The strained mood between Big Jim, Emma, and Quinn continued throughout the day and into the evening. Whatever was said between father and daughter hadn’t been mentioned outside her room. It didn’t matter. Emma belonged to him. She’d always been his. When they returned to Circle M, Quinn would wait no longer to make it legal.
Eating supper in the hotel restaurant, Quinn glanced at Emma, then her father.
“It’s good you got the price you wanted for the cattle.” Quinn put another bit of steak in his mouth, his eyes on Emma as he talked to Big Jim.
“It’ll do me little good. We lost a good number of head in the stampede. I needed every one to get what’s needed to keep the place going.”
Emma, Quinn, and Blaine all stopped eating to watch Big Jim, stunned at his confession.
“What do you mean, Papa? I thought the ranch was doing well.” Emma set down her fork, fiddling with the napkin in her lap.
At first, her father didn’t respond. Then he sat back in his chair, looking directly into her eyes. “Your mother and I have kept more than we should from you, Emma. We’ve always seen you as our little girl, the youngest, and in need of our protection.” He cleared his throat. “When Jimmy died, we decided there was no reason to burden you with our problems.”
She tilted her head, which had begun to throb. “What changed?”
He looked at Blaine, then Quinn, before returning his gaze to Emma. “The truth is, you’re a woman. About to be a married woman, which makes me realize how grown up you are.” Sucking in a deep breath, he continued. “The ranch has been in trouble for a while. I’m just a ranch hand who got lucky by buying land at the right time and in the right place. Jimmy had the brains, the head for numbers. He kept the ranch going, knew how to negotiate, how to make the most of what we had. Me? I took care of the cattle and hired the men, making sure they had what they needed. When Jimmy died, I realized how lost I was without him. A visit to the bank told me how well he’d handled the money. The savings account had grown. At the same time, he’d paid our loan down. Instead of figuring out how he’d done it, I bought a new buggy for your mother, added men, and acquired a new bull. We had some problems the first year, and instead of paying down the loan, I borrowed more, then some more. Before I accepted what I’d done, the loan had grown and the savings account was nearly gone. Until I got shot, your mother didn’t know the extent of the debt. When I wasn’t able to work, it became clear she had to know.”
No one stirred as Big Jim shifted in the chair, then reached for his cup of coffee.
Breaking the silence, Emma leaned forward. “What are you saying, Papa? Are we going to lose the ranch?”
“I honestly don’t know. We needed all the money we could get on this drive. Losing those cattle put us way behind what the bank expects.”
“Surely August Fielder will work with you, Papa. You’ve known him for years.”
Big Jim hung his head. “The loan I have is with Merchant Bank.”
“The one from San Francisco?” Quinn knew his uncles had discussed the bank. They liked the manager, thought him a good man. With Uncle Ewan on the board at the Bank of Conviction, they’d decided it wise to keep their money in a place they knew. And they trusted August Fielder.
“Yes.” Big Jim’s voice had lowered to almost a whisper.
Quinn’s brows knotted in question. “I thought you were on the board of the Bank of Conviction with Uncle Ewan.”
“I am. It wasn’t an easy decision. In the end, I didn’t want your family or Fielder to know the extent of my debt. It was a mistake. One Jimmy wouldn’t have made.”
Emma’s eyes moistened, her throat constricting at the pain in her father’s voice. They had hidden their problems well. So well, she’d never suspected.
“Our uncles will help. When we get back, we’ll sit down with them, explain your situation.” Blaine had no doubt the MacLarens would do whatever they could, but it wasn’t his decision to make.
“I appreciate the offer, Blaine. The truth is, I don’t want anyone to know. I’m only telling you because I plan to sell. There’s a man who’s made an offer. It isn’t good, but it will be enough to pay the bank and buy a small place in town.”
“You’d sell the ranch, Papa? Please, please don’t do this.” She choked the words out, trying not to look at Quinn. “Talk to the MacLarens first. Let them help you.” She swiped at a tear she hadn’t been able to contain.
“I’m sorry, Emma. At this point, I have to do what’s right for your mother. I’m getting older, and the gunshot wounds will never truly heal. My body is failing, along with the energy I once had.” He shook his head, a weary smile on his face. “The decision has been made. I’ll send word to the man once we’re home.” He nodded at the server, who filled his coffee cup, then moved on. “We have one other decision to make.”
“Boyd Doggett.” Blaine ground out the name of the man who’d caused the deaths of so many cattle and almost sent Emma to her grave. “Did you turn him in?”
“No. Holler and Finn are keeping him tied up a few miles outside of town. They helped bring in the herd, then hightailed it back.”
“We’ll take Doggett to Conviction. Brodie will keep him locked up until the judge gets to town, then we’ll get our justice.” Renewed anger ripped through Quinn when he thought of almost losing the woman he loved. Looking at Emma’s face, her wounds still healing
, he wanted to forget what he’d said about taking him to Brodie and deliver his own brand of justice instead.
“There’s something else.” Big Jim looked down at his hands, weathered and leathery with age. Pursing his lips, he looked at the others. “Doggett says he’s innocent.”
“That can’t be,” Quinn ground out.
Blaine shot out of his chair. “I caught him up on the hill where the shots came from.”
“Sit down, Blaine.” Big Jim waited until they calmed down. “You found a wounded man with a six-gun. The shots came from a rifle, which started before I saw Doggett take off toward the trees. It all happened so fast, and you left before we had a chance to talk to the man. Me and Doggett had a long conversation before we finished the drive. My mind’s telling me he may not be the man who did it, but I can’t be certain. That’s why I had the boys tie him up and ride back out to keep watch on him.”
Blaine shifted uncomfortably in his chair while Quinn dragged a hand down his face. Emma stayed silent, trying to figure out who else could’ve caused the stampede and why Doggett didn’t stop him.
“If not Doggett, then who?”
“I don’t know, Emma, but Boyd says he does.”
“Of course he says he knows. He wants us to believe it’s someone else.” Blaine crossed his arms, leaning back in his chair. “I say take him to Brodie and let the judge decide.”
Quinn looked at Blaine, feeling the same, but wanting to make sure they had the right man. “And you believe him, Big Jim?”
“Like I said, I don’t know. Whoever shot at us, stampeded the herd, and caused Emma’s injuries may still be out there. I want to find him.”
“It could be Doggett and this other man are in it together,” Quinn speculated.
“Then why leave Boyd behind? And what of his wounds?” Emma didn’t want to believe Doggett was innocent. Condemning an innocent man didn’t sit well with her either.
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