She kept her eyes closed, as if opening them would break the spell and erase her courage. “If I were someone else, maybe you could like me.”
“Ah, lass. I already like you. If you knew how much, it would likely scare you.” He cringed as the declaration he’d made a few nights before flashed through his mind. Brodie still didn’t understand what had inspired him to make the confession. At least she’d been asleep and would never know how much of a fool he’d made of himself, or how much he wanted her.
Opening her eyes, she saw the sincerity in his, again wishing they’d met under different circumstances. Something about Brodie MacLaren made Maggie believe he could be her guiding light—a pathway back to the person she used to be.
No matter how she pushed him away, trying to bury her feelings and control her fear of trusting a man, she’d developed a strong affection for the rugged lawman. Her rational mind told her most men were not like Arnie. Her father and grandfather were wonderful. Doc Vickery, August Fielder, Brodie’s deputies, and Brodie had treated her well, often with kindness. Even Joel Stoddard had been her protector, taking his own harsh punishment from Arnie for his efforts.
She wanted…needed, to find her way back. If Fielder could prove her innocence, maybe she could still have her dream, find a man like Brodie, fall in love, marry, and have children. If only…
“Maggie? Are you all right, lass?”
Closing her eyes to clear her rambling thoughts, she nodded. “Yes. I’m fine. A little tired.”
“Then you should rest.” Brodie tugged at the blanket.
“You’ll stay?” Her voice trembled, as if she feared he’d go back on his word.
He stroked his knuckles down her cheek, feeling an instantaneous pull toward the woman he wanted with an intensity that scared him.
“I said I would, lass. All night if you want me to.”
“Thank you.” She leaned into his touch, glancing up, her heart pounding at the intensity in his moss green eyes.
Knowing he shouldn’t, yet unable to stop, he leaned down, brushing his lips across hers. The light touch wasn’t nearly enough. He settled his mouth over hers, taking what she offered for a few brief moments before pulling back, his breath ragged and voice rough.
“Have you eaten?” He stood, needing to put distance between them, if only for a few minutes.
Maggie shook her head, fighting to keep her eyes open. “I’m not hungry. Only tired.” She turned onto her side, facing him.
Nodding, he let out a slow breath before sitting back down and resting his hand on her shoulder.
“Sleep, lass. I’ll be here when you wake up.”
Even as her mind shut down, she nodded, willing herself to believe his words were true.
Brodie kept his promise, staying until Maggie woke before dawn. He helped her outside, escorted her back, then left to fetch breakfast for both of them. Sam, Nate, and Jack stopped in, but he sent them on their way. With Maggie the lone occupant of the jail, their services could be put to better use helping to repair earthquake damage, or keeping peace along the docks.
Over the last few months, attacks, robberies, and vandalism had increased along the waterfront. As Conviction grew, so did the attraction for gamblers, outlaws, and those seeking an easy dollar. With them came another level of scoundrel—drunks, pickpockets, and men who molested women and children. Brodie knew the need for more lawmen grew with each passing week. He already had three deputies, with approval to hire three more.
Scribbling a quick telegram, he stood, walking to the back to let Maggie know he’d be gone for a few minutes.
“I need to send a telegram. Do you need anything before I go?”
She sat on her bed, huddled in a corner, reading a book Gwen had given her. Glancing up, her mouth curved into a smile. Brodie’s heart constricted as his eyes lit up.
“The telegraph office is open on Sunday?”
“It’s Sunday?” Brodie had lost all track of time. Worse, he’d promised his da he’d be at the ranch for supper.
Soft laughter filled the cell. “Yesterday, Gwen told me it was Saturday, so…”
He didn’t want to leave. After last night, all he wanted was to stay by her side, protect her, make her feel safe and cared for. But he had an obligation to the family who’d always stuck by him. A family he loved.
“I must find Sam or one of the others to stay with you.” Brodie dragged a hand through his hair, wishing he could take Maggie with him.
“Why? Where do you have to go?” Her smile vanished as she set the book aside and leaned forward, wishing it didn’t hurt so much to stand or walk.
He explained the promise to his family. “I’ll be back before sundown. The deputies will be here if you need anything.”
“Of course. It’s important to keep promises to family.”
He unlocked the cell and walked to the bed, holding out his hand. “Sam and I are still trying to find your family, Maggie. Maybe you’ll see them again soon.”
She shook her head and pulled back. “No. I don’t want them to see me like this. It’s better if they believe I’m dead rather than know what happened.”
His gaze narrowed at her. The joy he’d seen a few moments before had vanished, replaced with fear. “Your family will understand.”
“No, they won’t.” Her insistence stunned him. “My father would never understand.” She glanced up at him, her eyes blazing. “Never.”
He sat down on the bed, wrapping an arm around her shoulders, drawing her close. “Shhh, lass. We won’t talk of it now.” He reached over, picked up the book, and handed it to her.
“I don’t feel much like reading anymore.” She pulled away, scooting back against the wall, letting his arm fall from her shoulders. “You should be going if you want to see your family.”
Brodie sighed. “Aye. I can’t disappoint Ma again. Da would never forgive me.”
“Then go. Send one of the deputies to stay with me.” She opened her book in an attempt to shut him out.
“Ah, Maggie. You’re going to be the death of me, lass.” He bent down, placing a finger under her chin and lifting her face to him for a brief kiss. Straightening, he saw the surprise on her face and chuckled. “I suppose that wasn’t wise.”
“No, Sheriff. It probably wasn’t.” This time her smile was genuine, lighting her face, giving him something to think about while he spent time with his family.
“I’ll be back soon, Maggie. Try not to get into trouble while I’m gone.”
She snickered, then buried herself back in the book, holding the moment close to her heart.
Chapter Fifteen
“You came.” Lorna dashed down the porch steps, wrapping her arms around her oldest child.
“I told Da I’d be here.” He hugged her tighter, realizing how much he’d missed seeing his ma each day.
Pulling back, she swiped away a tear and smiled. “It’s been so long, I thought you might forget.”
“From now on, I’ll plan to be here every Sunday, maybe ride back with everyone after church.”
Smiling, she slipped her arm through his. “Come inside and say hello to your brothers and sisters, then you can find your cousins.” Lorna knew her son well. The fact he’d taken a job in town didn’t change his need to spend time with the men who were his closest friends.
“Brodie!” Jinny stood up from the piano and ran to him, jumping into his arms. At nineteen, she was a year older than Fletcher and four years younger than Brodie. “It’s about time you came to see us.” Planting a kiss on his cheek, she loosened her arms and let him set her down.
“Where are the wee ones?” Brodie glanced around, listening more than looking for his youngest sister, Kenzie, and nine-year-old twin brothers, Clint and Banner.
Jinny laughed, thinking how much the twins had grown in just the last few weeks. “Kenzie’s begun riding with Fletcher whenever Ma allows it.”
“At ten?”
“Ach…you forgot her last birthday.” Lorna c
ame up behind him. “She turned eleven late last month.”
Brodie grimaced. No one ever missed a family birthday. “I won’t miss another.”
“Well, then, the twins will turn ten in early December. Jinny and I will make a list of all birthdays so you don’t forget.” Taking a look around, she crossed her arms. “I still have cooking to finish before everyone arrives. Now would be a good time to find the lads. Ewan should be with them at the big barn.” She patted his cheek. “It’s good to have you home.”
He leaned down to place a kiss on his mother’s cheek. “Love you, Ma.”
“You can’t ride him like that.” Quinn sat on the fence with several others, laughing as he watched his brother, Bram, try to break a two-year-old colt.
“I can ride him anyway I want.” Bram glared at Quinn, even as his face broke into a smile. “I’ve already ridden him without a saddle, so this should be easy.”
Brodie smiled, hearing the chorus of laughter following Bram’s boast. Few on the ranch could outride Bram or were more proficient at breaking horses to saddle. Still, you could never count on anything when dealing with a skittish animal. No one saw him as he stepped around the barn and to the corral, then leaned against a post.
“Big talk, little brother. We’ll be seeing how long you can stay on him.” Quinn flashed a grin, even as his body tensed. As much fun as they had mocking each other, everyone stayed on alert while working around the stock. Quinn nodded at Colin, who stood on the other side of the corral, both ready to dash inside if anything went wrong.
“All right, you beautiful beast. It’s time to acknowledge who’s boss.” Bram stroked the colt’s neck while Fletcher held firm to the bridle. Bending, he picked up a thin blanket, placing it over the horse’s back, continuing to stroke the colt’s neck while whispering words of encouragement. After a few minutes, he bent again, picking up the lightest saddle they owned and setting it on top of the blanket, cinching it. The colt danced around, moving its hind legs back and forth while Fletcher kept a secure, yet gentle grip on the reins.
Continuing to whisper in a calm, reassuring voice, Bram let the colt settle down, getting used to the extra weight on his back. Everyone stayed silent as several more minutes passed. Finally, Bram nodded to Fletcher, taking the reins from his hand.
In one swift motion, Bram swung into the saddle, his full concentration on the animal. The colt dashed forward, then bucked, turning to his right, then left, trying to rid himself of the unaccustomed load. Bram shifted his weight, clamping his legs around the horse, and held on as he talked to the animal.
Those watching remained quiet, not getting caught up in the usual commotion associated with breaking a horse. Instead, they’d shout encouragement, telling him to hang on and not let the beast get the better of him.
Their words floated through his mind, keeping him centered on the task. He’d been bucked off many times, ending up with nothing more than bruises and scratches. Bram had no intention of being carried out of the pasture today.
Time ticked by, the colt beginning to tire, then stopping in the middle of the field, snorting, stomping his hooves into the dirt. Bram sat still, staying alert. In the past, he’d been lulled into thinking the fight was over, only to be unprepared for a last effort by the horse to buck him off. He’d ended up on the ground, his pride wounded more than this body. The same wouldn’t happen today.
Amongst cheers from his family, Bram kicked the colt with the heel of his boot, guiding him in a wide circle around the pasture.
“You owe me a day of chores.” Fletcher laughed at the incredulous look on his cousin’s face.
“Actually, you owe both of us a day of chores.” Sean stood next to the fence, grinning.
“Ach. You lads weren’t serious, were you?” Quinn jumped down from the fence, crossing his arms.
“I’m afraid we were.” Sean clasped him on the shoulder. “If it’s too much for an old man like you, we could adjust the bet.”
“Are you calling me an old man?” Quinn swatted Sean’s hand away. “I can outwork both of you lads any day.”
“I’d have to agree with the old man part.” Brodie walked up, surprised no one had noticed him watching.
“Brodie. When did you get here?” Fletcher gave his brother a quick hug. “Have you seen Ma?”
“Aye. I value my life too much not to see her first.” He glanced past them at Bram, who still guided the colt around the pasture. “He was born to work with horses.”
“The lad has a magic touch.” Quinn leaned against the fence. “He, Sean, and Fletcher have been talking to Ewan and Ian about expanding the horse breeding business. They believe we can do more than just supply horses to the army.”
“Is that so, Fletch?” Brodie glanced at his brother. Fletcher had a special skill at breeding horses, developing strong animals sought after by private buyers and the military. Sean, though, had a gift for healing. Few knew of his dream to attend veterinary school in Edinburgh, Scotland. Sean hadn’t even mentioned it to his father, Ian.
“Da and Ian are considering it. Quinn, Colin, and Blaine agree with us and have spoken with them. It would help if you could make time to speak with them, too.”
“You know I’ll do what I can, Fletch. If you’re finished here, ride back to the house with me and tell me what I need to do.”
Jack paced back and forth in front of the desk, wishing he could be out with Sam and Nate instead of keeping watch on a woman who could barely walk. Maggie had spoken little since he took over for Sam an hour before, only asking for more water. She’d even refused lunch.
Deciding he needed to get some fresh air, even to just sit out front and watch the activity, he checked on Maggie once more.
“I’m going outside, Miss King. Yell if you need anything.”
She looked up from her book and nodded. “Do you know when Sheriff MacLaren will return?”
“No, ma’am, I don’t. He’s having supper with his family. That’s all I know.”
“Do you know much about the MacLarens, Deputy?” Maggie cringed, wishing she’d kept her curiosity to herself.
“Mostly just what people say. They have one of the largest ranches around. I don’t rightly know how many MacLarens there are, but close to thirty. My understanding is they came over from Scotland ten, maybe fifteen, years ago, then joined a wagon train for California.” Jack stopped a moment, stroking his chin. “I do know Colin’s and Quinn’s fathers were murdered a few months ago.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. I’ve met both of them. They seem decent.”
“More than decent is what I’ve heard. Brodie’s father, Ewan, is on the town council and is good friends with August Fielder.”
She sat forward. “My lawyer?”
“Yes, ma’am. ‘Course, I think most people in Conviction would like to call both men their friends. You know how people are.” Jack shoved his hands into his pockets. “Well, guess I’ll go outside a spell, get some fresh air.” He grimaced, realizing what he’d said. “I don’t mean—”
“It’s all right, Deputy. I know what you mean.” Maggie wished she had the same freedom to leave. Given the opportunity, she’d try to escape again. Leaning back against the wall, her thoughts shifted to Brodie. No matter how this worked out, she’d be leaving Conviction. If found guilty, it would be a short trip to the prison at San Quentin. If innocent, there’d be no other choice except to leave. Leaving wouldn’t bother her at all. Saying goodbye to Brodie MacLaren wouldn’t be as easy.
She watched as Jack turned and walked toward the front. Maggie picked up her book, hearing him close the door at the same time an explosion shook the walls of the jail, followed by a second a little further away.
Tossing the blanket aside, she stood, hobbling to the cell doors to grip the bars, her hands shaking. “Deputy!” Her voice cracked as a third explosion caused the floor to buckle. She yelled again, getting no answer. Before she had a chance to scream for help, the back door of the jail burst open. She blinked, th
en her eyes widened, recognizing the man standing in the doorway, a gun pointing at her.
“Syd…” Her stomach plummeted at the sight of the man she hated almost as much as she did Arnie. “What are you doing here?”
“I guess that would be obvious, missy. I’ve come to get you out of here.” Syd shifted to look outside. “Seems there’s been some damage done to a few stores. Guess that means the deputies will be busy a while.”
“You’re the one who caused the explosions?” She let go of the bars and stumbled backward.
“Well now, missy, you know I have special skills in blowing things up. Usually it’s a bank safe. It’s been a while, though, so I made an exception today. I needed the practice, if you understand me.”
Maggie shook her head, retreating to the back wall of her cell. “Why would you do such a thing? People could’ve been killed.”
“You questioning my ability?” He moved toward her cell, aimed the gun at the lock, and fired. Pulling the cell door open, he motioned with the gun. “You’re coming with me.”
Her eyes darted around the cell, looking for something she could use to fend him off.
“Don’t be thinking you can escape from me, missy. From what I’ve heard, you ain’t in no condition to run.” He stalked forward, grabbed Maggie’s arm, and yanked her to him. “Now, you and me are going to walk right out the back, get on my horse, and leave town before anyone knows you’re missing.”
She tried to pull free, but he slammed her against the wall, lowering his face to within inches of hers.
“We can do this nice ‘n easy, or I can knock you out and carry you to my horse. Your decision, missy.”
She turned her head away, gagging at the sour smell of whiskey on his breath. “I told you before not to call me that.”
Syd laughed, tightening his hold as he dragged her from the cell and out the back door. “You always did have too much sass.”
Dragging her feet didn’t help as he shoved her out the back and toward his horse. With a groan, Syd picked her up, tossed her behind the saddle, then climbed up in front of her. Taking his rope, he slid it around her, then him, securing it to the saddle horn.
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