“There’s no real choice.” Quinn leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. “We must take him back to Conviction and let Brodie know what happened. If he’s telling the truth, Brodie will figure it out.” He glanced at Big Jim. “What about Jory and the others?”
“I fired them as soon as they got paid.” Big Jim spit the words out, disgust on his face. “All three of them ran like cowards when the herd got spooked. They didn’t do a thing to slow the stampede, just saving their own hides. I’ll not have men like that anywhere near my ranch.”
“What did Finn say? I thought Jory and Finn were cousins.”
“They are, Emma. Seems Finn and Jory have been at odds for a while. He was glad to see Jory go.”
Big Jim pushed himself up. “I’m tuckered out and we need take off at first light tomorrow. Will you see that Emma gets back to her room, Quinn?”
Standing, Quinn settled his hands on the back of Emma’s chair, a slow smile drifting across his face. “Of course.”
“Guess it’s time for me to head up, too.” Blaine picked up his hat. “I’ll, uh…see you in the morning, Quinn.” He made a slight bow to Emma, shot an amused look at his cousin, and left them alone.
Quinn sat back down, taking Emma’s hands and leaning close. “How are you feeling? Your face is a little pale, lass.”
“I, um…” She bit her lower lip, her brows furrowing in concentration. “Do you think Doggett caused the stampede?”
“I don’t see how he could have. Not when your father says he was still with the herd when the first shots were fired. And the fact he didn’t have a rifle with him makes me believe it was someone else. If Doggett had a partner, why’d the man leave him behind, wounded? Nae, Emma. It doesn’t fit for me.” He stood, pulling her up with him. “Come on, lass. Let’s get you upstairs and into bed.”
Emma leaned into him as they started up the stairs, her voice a whisper. “Will you be joining me?”
Quinn chuckled. “Can’t get enough of me, lass?” Her face reddened as she tried to pull away. Not letting go, he leaned down. “I’ll be staying with you tonight,” he whispered so no one could hear. “From now on, Emma, it will be hard to get me away from your side.”
She smiled, liking the sound of that, even as a wave of exhaustion wrapped around her.
“But I’ll not be in your bed.”
“Wha—”
He put a finger to her lips, then removed it to brush a kiss across her mouth. “You need your sleep, and I need to know you’re ready for the long ride back.”
“But…” Her next words turned into a giant yawn, her body sagging against his.
Chuckling, Quinn pushed open the door to her room, swept Emma into his arms, and carried her inside. Placing her on the bed, he shook out a blanket, letting it settle over her. A soft sigh escaped her lips an instant before her eyes closed.
The lump in his throat caught him unprepared. A possessive feeling unlike anything he’d ever known gripped him. In that instant, Quinn knew he’d do whatever was needed to keep her safe, never again letting anyone hurt her. Lowering himself to stretch out alongside her, he wrapped a large hand around hers. Emma was his, now and forever, and he’d never let her go.
Conviction
“I don’t know what more I can learn from Doggett, but I’ll do my best.” Brodie hung the keys to the cell on a hook. “He doesn’t seem inclined to talk much.”
“The man’s never been one to share his thoughts.” Big Jim lowered himself into a chair, watching Quinn pace in front of the window, Blaine leaning against a wall.
They’d taken Emma to stay with Maggie, Brodie’s wife. The journey from Sacramento had taken an extra day, a necessary delay due to the additional stops for Emma to rest.
“Tell me exactly what happened. And, Blaine, I want to know everything you saw when you found Doggett.”
It took an hour before Brodie felt satisfied and stopped asking questions. He’d written it all down, rereading his notes as Quinn handed out a third round of coffee.
“I don’t see how there’s enough here to keep the man in a cell. Blaine finding him slumped over and injured tells me he surprised the real shooter, getting wounded for his efforts. If the estimated distance is correct, a shot from a revolver would never have traveled far enough. A rifle would’ve been needed.” Brodie rubbed his brow, squinting at his notes. “You found rifle shells.”
“Aye. Near the base of the tree where I found Doggett.” Blaine leaned a hip against Brodie’s desk, cradling the coffee cup in his hands.
“He’d left his rifle in the chuckwagon when he rode off in the direction of the gunfire. Right, Big Jim?” Brodie glanced up.
“That’s right. The cook said he laid it down after cleaning it before breakfast, not grabbing it before we started moving the herd. When the shots started, he took off quick. I wasn’t twenty feet from him when he went after whoever did this.” Bracing his hands on the arms of the chair, Big Jim pushed himself up. “If it’s not Doggett, we have to find who’s responsible. Emma’s at your house, Brodie, still recovering, and I want the man who hurt her.”
“Doggett told you he knows who did it, right?” Quinn walked over so he could look into the cells, seeing Doggett stretched out on the bed, an arm resting over his face.
“That’s right. After you and Blaine left with Emma.” Big Jim walked to stand next to Quinn, his gaze moving to Doggett’s prone form. “He refused to give me a name.” His eyes widened for an instant, then he shot a look at Brodie. “He told me he’d be the one to take care of it.”
Brodie rubbed his chin. “Then he must know where to find the man.”
“Aye. That’s my thought.” Quinn’s gaze locked on Brodie, a moment of understanding passing between them.
The door opening drew their attention. “Word is out that you boys brought someone in. What have I missed?” Sam closed the door behind him, shaking hands with those in the room.
It took no more than a couple minutes to explain about the stampede, the set of Sam’s jaw and flash of anger in his eyes reflecting his thoughts. An image of Jinny entered his mind. Although he’d never expressed his feelings about her, he knew he’d want to kill anyone who hurt her. “Emma’s with Maggie?”
“Aye. We’ll be taking her back to the ranch once we’ve finished here.” Quinn wanted to leave now, except there were a few more decisions to make.
“What can I do?” Sam asked, walking to the back to take a look at the prisoner.
“I’ve just the job for you.” For the first time since they brought Doggett in, Brodie smiled. “We know he’s not the shooter. I believe it’s time we let the man go.”
Circle M
“I’m fine, Quinn. Please. I can’t stay inside another day. I need to work with Bram and Fletcher.” Emma paced to the front window, looking at the barn, wishing she were with the horses.
“Doc Tilden told us you should rest another few days, especially after the long ride from Sacramento.” He walked up to her, cupping her face in both hands. “Two more days, Emma. It’s not much to ask, is it?” Lowering his mouth to hers, he felt the warmth, the taste belonging only to Emma. When she melted into him, letting her arms wrap around his neck, he groaned.
“Excuse me.”
Dropping their arms, they stepped apart. “Aunt Lorna. I didn’t hear you come inside.” Quinn glanced at Emma, his eyes still sparking with desire.
She smiled. “Aye, you didn’t. I came in through the kitchen. Will you be staying with us for supper?”
“Not tonight, Aunt Lorna.” Quinn shot a look at Emma, seeing her features fall. “And neither will Emma. Ma’s invited us for supper.”
“I can understand that. I’d have Brodie and Maggie here every night if he’d give up his job and return to the ranch.”
He’d never heard Brodie’s mother complain about him being gone. Uncle Ewan had voiced his displeasure at his son’s choice many times, although always finishing with how he’d support Brodie’s decision.
Quinn cleared his throat. “Aye. We’d all like to see them more often. Maybe he’ll change his mind and return someday.” He thought of their discussion, how Fielder had asked Brodie to consider returning to the ranch, possibly pass his job over to Sam. He still hadn’t made a decision.
“After supper, I’ll be riding back to town. Brodie, Blaine, and I are trying to find the man who caused Emma’s injuries.”
Emma crossed her arms, glaring at him. “I thought you were going to let Brodie and his deputies figure it out.”
“Aye, they are. Sam’s doing much of the work, but Brodie asked for our help.”
“What’s Sam working on?” Jinny joined them, her dress covered in dust, hair askew from the strong wind outside.
“We’re trying to find the man responsible for the stampede. Big Jim lost a lot of cattle, and Emma could’ve been killed. Sam’s using his skills to help identify the shooter. Blaine and I will be leaving after supper to find out Brodie’s plan.”
Jinny glanced outside, wishing she could go with them. It had been weeks since she’d seen him. “I heard Sam was leaving and returning home.”
“Aye. He’s talked about it with Brodie. For now, he’s still in town and still a deputy.” Quinn knew Jinny had feelings for Sam, suspecting he felt the same about her. It was too bad he planned to return to the east, possibly resuming his work for Allan Pinkerton. “We’ll find whoever did this, then celebrate. Maybe I can convince Sam and Nate to ride out and join us.”
Jinny nodded, her face devoid of expression. “It would be nice to see him once more before he leaves.” She sucked in a breath, looking down at her clothes. “I’ll clean up, then help you with supper, Ma.”
Emma watched her closest friend walk up the stairs, shoulders slumped, feet heavy. She knew Jinny liked Sam, but hadn’t realized how much until now. Her heart ached for her. Emma felt Quinn’s strong arm settle on her shoulders.
“Come on, lass.” He kissed her temple, inhaling the familiar scent. Stepping outside, they started toward Quinn’s house. “It will work out for Jinny.”
Emma glanced up at him, a smile curving her lips. “Another feeling you have?”
“Aye. I’m not often wrong.”
“Does your feeling include Sam?” She bit her lip, holding her breath.
He chuckled, drawing her closer to his side. “Ah, lass. I’m no fortune teller.”
She pulled away, mischief in her eyes. “I suppose not. It appears I’ll just have to help Sam along.”
Quinn shook his head as she moved away from him, laughing. “Now, lass…”
Turning, she sent him a bright smile. “Don’t worry. Sam won’t even know.”
Chapter Nineteen
Pearce Ranch
“Are you certain we still have to sell, Jim?” Although her voice was strong, Gertie’s hands shook around her coffee cup. The slices of pie she’d placed before each of them sat untouched. “Maybe we can ask Quinn to come back for a spell.”
“No, Gertie. We have no right to ask the boy to disrupt his life and impose more of a burden on his family.”
“But he’ll be our family soon enough.” She knew her thoughts were irrational. At this point, she’d consider anything to save her home. They’d married, had their children, and built a life on this land. Her only son was buried on the hill behind the house. She didn’t know how she could ever leave.
Big Jim reached out, taking his wife’s hand in his. “We have enough money to make it through another month, maybe two, with nothing left over to pay down the loan. The bank has done all it can.” He squeezed her hand. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. If I could do anything different, you know I would.”
Gertie knew the loss of their ranch devastated him as much as her, yet she couldn’t help the resentment at him not coming to her sooner. She might be older, but she could still ride, knew how to work with cattle. Unlike some women, Gertie had never stayed inside the house for long. She’d ridden alongside her husband for years, doing the work of any other ranch hand.
“What do we do now?”
“I’ll ride to town tomorrow, leave a message for the man who made the offer.” He pinched the bridge of his nose, then let out a deep sigh. “The number he mentioned the first time we met would be enough to pay off the debt and the men, still having enough left over to buy a place in town.”
“How will we live? We still have to eat.” The worry in his wife’s eyes cut through him.
“I’ve already spoken with Stein Tharaldson. He’s offered me a job at his place. It would pay enough to meet our needs.” Lowering his head, he fought to control the moisture building in his eyes. When he thought he’d won the battle, Gertie reached out and stroked a hand down the back of his head and neck. Her simple touch caused him to break. “I’m so sorry.” He covered his face with his hands as a sense of absolute failure jolted through him.
Only one other time in her life had Gertie seen her husband this broken. The loss of their son had devastated them both, almost torn them apart. They’d survived. Standing, she wrapped her arms around him.
“We’ve made it through all kinds of trouble, including Jimmy’s death. As long as we stay together, we’ll make it through this as well.”
Conviction
Brodie rummaged through one of the desk drawers, searching the wanted posters. Something he’d seen several days before stuck with him, but he couldn’t remember what it was or why he wanted to find it now. The feeling it had to do with the stampede gnawed at him.
“Can I help you locate something?” Sam sat across from him, relaxed, giving the impression he had nothing better to do than wait around for Brodie to cut Doggett loose. They’d gone over the plan several times. Once they freed him, Sam and Quinn would follow. Sam didn’t like it. He worked alone. Always had as a Pinkerton agent, and rarely with Nate or Jack while in Conviction. Besides the fact he hated to rely on anyone else, the freedom suited him.
Brodie shook his head, slamming the drawer closed. “Nae. It will come to me.” He hoped.
“Morning, Sheriff, Sam.” Jack walked in, pushing his hat off his forehead. “I saw Nate at the Gold Dust. Do you want me to get him?”
“Nae. Let the man finish his breakfast. He’ll come over when he’s done. Besides, Quinn and Blaine still need to arrive.” Brodie didn’t feel comfortable with how Nate explained away his behavior over the past few months. They’d met a few days before, Nate swearing he was fine, just tired and restless. Brodie knew there had to be more to it, but he wouldn’t push any further. At least not until they’d arrested the man who’d fired the shots at Big Jim’s herd.
Quinn stepped inside, followed by Blaine, both brushing trail dust from their shirts. “Seems like everyone is here.”
“Except for Nate.”
“I’m here.” He followed Blaine inside, nodding to the others before closing the door. “Are we going to talk in here?” Nate nodded toward the cells in the back. Sound carried well in the jail, and they all knew Doggett would hear every word spoken.
Brodie’s gaze traveled around the room. “Jack, why don’t you take the prisoner outside so he can take care of his needs.”
“Okay, Sheriff. Whatever you want.”
Jack slid the key off the hook on the wall and headed to the back. A few minutes later, they watched as Jack led Doggett out the back door, shutting it behind them.
“All right. Let’s go over what’s going to happen as soon as I release Doggett.”
“Aye, Brodie. We understood the plan after the second time.” Quinn grinned, clasping his cousin on the shoulder.
Sam straightened, his eyes focusing on the back door. “What’s taking Jack so long?” He glanced at Brodie, then Nate, understanding hitting them all at the same time.
Drawing their guns, they dashed to the back door, throwing it open to race outside. They found Jack thirty feet behind the jail, face down in the dirt.
Brodie let out a low curse, looking around, as Sam knelt down and rolled Jack
over.
“Jack.” Nate checked for a pulse. “He’s got a lump the size of an egg on the side of his head. Other than that, I don’t see anything.”
“Sam, Nate and I will get him inside. See if you can find Doggett. He didn’t have a horse, so he may still be on foot.” Brodie holstered his gun, bending to pick his deputy up.
“We’ll go with Sam.” Quinn looked at Blaine, who nodded. “If we spread out, we might find him sooner.”
“Remember, you want to follow him, not bring him back. He’s the only one who knows the identity of the shooter.”
“What’s going on out here?” Big Jim asked. “Is that Jack?”
Brodie walked toward him, Jack in his arms. “Yes, sir. Doggett must have knocked him out, then took off.”
“I’ll go for the doctor, then stay with Jack. You fellas do what you need to do.”
“Thanks, Big Jim.” Brodie shook his head, disgusted at the change in plans. “You all know what to do.”
“How long ago did he ride off?” Sam stood inside the new livery Stein Tharaldson built next to the feed lot, Quinn and Blaine by his side. They’d given up trying to track Doggett, deciding to ask about anyone interested in a horse.
“About an hour ago. Rode north and east, in the direction of your new land.” Stein looked at Quinn and Blaine when he said the last. “Didn’t even negotiate. Paid for the tack, saddled up, and took off.”
“And you’re sure he said his name was Boyd?”
“That’s what he told me, Sam. Wish I could tell you more.”
“You’ve provided us with excellent information, Stein. If he comes back, let Brodie or one of the other deputies know.”
“I will, Sam.” Stein shook his hand, turning to Quinn. “I hear you and Emma Pearce are getting married. Congratulations.” He held out his hand, then pulled Quinn in for a hug. They’d known each other for years, spending many nights at Buckie’s playing cards and toasting the ladies.
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