The Darkest Blue

by Hildie McQueen

  He turned toward the door. “Why do you care so much about that? The only thing I’m here to tell you is not to marry him.”

  “You don’t ever give me any specifics. Nor do you offer me an explanation for what you are accused of. How can I make a good decision, Ashley?” She placed her hand on his back. The mere touch of his taut muscles sent every sense in her body into awareness.

  With measured slowness, he turned to her. The intensity of his gaze made it hard for her to catch her breath. “I did not kill the soldier. He was my friend. As far as the desertion, it could be true. When I left, it was not really my choice. I had to leave or be killed.”

  “Why haven’t you gone to the cavalry offices and cleared your name? I’m sure if you explain what happened, they will investigate and…”

  “It would be my word against a decorated officer. Not to mention his second in command. It doesn’t help that it’s been over two years since I returned.”

  The closeness of him made it impossible to keep from reaching for him. Grace eased forward and laid her head on his chest. “I’m so confused. What am I going to do?”

  His hands cupped and lifted her face to him. His mouth covered hers and everything was well in that instant. Heat rushed over her and Grace held on to his arms to keep from collapsing. All the while, his lips traveled from one side of her mouth to the other. She fell against him, overcome by the need to be closer, to feel his strong body against hers.

  He groaned and lowered his hands around her back, wrapping her in a secure embrace of safety. Grace parted her lips and he delved in to take more of her. Foreign sensations traveled through her, feelings like never before and Grace feared becoming lost as much as she feared it stopping.

  He released her mouth. Both stood with their chests heaving in hurried breaths. Grace blinked in an attempt to see clearly. Her gaze flew to Ashley’s face and he seemed to have just as much trouble regaining his steadiness. She lifted her hand to her mouth, her fingers tracing over it.

  He frowned at her. “I’m sorry. I did not mean to be so forward.”

  The sight of his kiss-swollen lips made her fight to keep from smiling. “It wasn’t just you, Ashley.”

  “Do you love Ford?”

  “No, but I—I am conflicted.”

  “Don’t marry him.”

  Her heart skipped. “I am not sure what to do.”

  “He’s not a good person. Follow your heart.”

  She studied him. The impassiveness of his expression, meant to hide his true feelings, did not match the raw desire in his eyes. “What if my heart leads me to you?”

  He reached for her again and brought her against him. His lips brushed the top of her head then he spoke in a voice so soft, she had to concentrate. “Of all the men in this town, I am sure there are many far better than me. I am not worthy of you, Grace.”

  “We can’t always control who our heart chooses.” She looked up at him. “What if Erwin threatens to turn you in if I don’t marry him?”

  His hands cupped her face again. “My beautiful protector. I never thought to have a champion in someone like you. His threats should not affect your decision.”

  “Why?”

  Ashley took a deep breath. “Because I won’t promise you anything, Grace.”

  The words fell over her like ice water and she pushed from him. Her feelings were not reciprocated. He may desire her, but Ashley Cole did not love her. Here she was, willing to marry a mad man to protect him from prison or death even. Foolish girl. She was acting like a lovelorn child instead of a grown woman.

  “I will decide what to do based on what is best for me. Now, if you will please leave, Ashley, I need to be alone.”

  He didn’t move but continued to look at her. “If there was a way for me to change things about myself I would. If the cavalry decides I am guilty, it’s true. I could be put to death. That is one of the reasons I could never ask anything of you.”

  “Do you not think me intelligent enough to know what’s best? I have not asked for one thing from you, Ashley Cole. Just go.”

  He searched her face for a long moment and she wondered if he’d kiss her again.

  Instead, he placed his palm against her cheek. “Captain Ford is a dangerous man, trust me. Stay as far from him as possible.”

  “Tell me what he’s done to you.”

  “I can’t.”

  She reached around him, opened the door and shoved him out.

  Chapter Thirteen

  “Good afternoon, Sheriff.” Erwin Ford entered the jailhouse and stood next to the doorway. “Have some time for your future son-in-law?”

  “I’m about to lock up and go see about a meal in the hotel if you’d like to join me.” The suspicion in the sheriff’s eyes meeting his spoke volumes. Somehow the man either suspected or knew his darkest secrets. The air from his lungs disappeared and his chest constricted. The familiar taste of bile in his mouth was quickly followed by the urge to throw up.

  All his meticulously laid out plans were on the verge of ruin. No, he mentally corrected, this was just another challenge. A new game.

  No matter what the man knew, it would not stop him from attaining his goals. Ford channeled the feelings of panic and fury into the safe place deep within and closed the door, locking it tight. It only took a couple of breaths to accomplish it. While on the exterior he maintained a calm façade, his eyes never wavered from what he knew to be a flat stare.

  The challenge before him made his blood rush and he found himself looking forward to what would happen next in the exchange with Sheriff Dawson. Doubt was replaced with knowing the current minor complication would not hamper him.

  After all, he was much too intelligent to be thwarted by a small town nobody like Miles Dawson. He, a decorated, rich army officer, always conquered.

  Ford scanned the office space and moved forward to get a view of the cells in the short hallway to the side of the space. All were empty.

  It was time to come up with a way to get rid of the lawman. If he played things correctly the current situation would work to his advantage.

  “I came to ask your help. I plan to buy land to build stables for horses I will breed. It’s not too far from town and you can be back in time for a meal.” Ford walked closer to the Sheriff Dawson’s desk and the man slid papers across the surface to cover the ones he was reading. Yes, he knew something. Somehow, the sheriff had gotten information on him.

  Ford had not considered that asking to marry the lawman’s daughter would result in the man investigating his background. One point for the sheriff.

  “I don’t have time today, perhaps tomorrow. There is a situation I have to take care of today.” Dawson’s eyes shifted to the gun at Ford’s hip. “By the way, where did you live prior to moving here? We’ve never talked about your family.”

  Ford ensured a cordial smile. “I don’t have any family to speak of. I lived in Missouri with a friend.”

  “Kansas City?” The sheriff kept both hands on the desk’s surface and Ford wondered why the man was so careless. It could be that he’d served in the sleepy town for too long and was not experienced with any type of challenge to his authority.

  Ford moved to sit in a chair next to the sheriff’s desk. “Yes, actually. How did you know?” He kept his hands on his lap, a small handgun he kept in his sleeve already in his palm. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you suspect me of something, Sheriff Dawson.”

  By the shifting of the man’s eyes to the side, he contemplated how to handle the situation. Ford’s breathing pitched at the opportunity to play and win against such an inexperienced man. “I believe you to be a wanted man, Captain Ford. You are accused of killing a man named Roberts in Kansas City and taking his money.”

  Ford lifted his hand and leveled his gun at the man’s chest. Dawson visibly blanched, but otherwise remained steady, which surprised and thrilled Ford at once. “If you even twitch I will shoot you.” He smiled at the man. “This little toy will not m
ake enough noise to warn anyone of what happens, but I am close enough to you to do plenty of damage. Now lift your hands and stand.” Ford got to his feet and waited.

  The sheriff lifted his hands and stood, his eyes glued not to the gun, but to Ford’s face. Another point for Dawson as Ford’s breathing became faster. He closed the distance between them and unhitched the sheriff’s gun belt. He took the sheriff’s gun and held it to Dawson’s temple. Ford then put his smaller gun into his own coat pocket. “Now let’s see. Where can I put you so you won’t be discovered until I can set things up so that Ashley Cole takes the fall for your shooting?”

  “You killed that soldier and blamed Ashley.” Miles Dawson met his gaze straight on. “Didn’t you?”

  “What fun is it if I answer all your questions, Sheriff?” Ford nudged the man forward. “Go to the cells.”

  “This may be a small town, but we protect our own. No one will believe Cole killed me.”

  “They will when he is found with your gun. And shot by your gun.” Ford waited until the man entered a cell and then closed the door, not bothering to lock it. “Not only will I get away with it, but Ashley Cole will be hung for your death. I will serve as the next sheriff. The people will insist, after I catch the culprit who killed you.” He paused for the effect of his words to sink in.

  Not quite defeated, the sheriff maintained eye contact. “Leave my family out of this. Stay away from my wife and daughter.” Anger made the man’s voice shake.

  Laughter erupted. It was too long since he’d been so satisfied at a circumstance. “Now, Sheriff Dawson, of course I will not do that. I will be part of the family. My plans will not change. I will marry Grace and make every single day of her life pure misery.” How he hated men like Sheriff Dawson. Men respected for not doing a damn thing, while he, who commanded men in war, was tossed to the side after his time of usefulness ended.

  Sheriff Dawson lunged toward him and Ford actually jumped at the sound of the gun firing. He watched Sheriff Dawson clutch his chest, slump forward then fall to the floor, blood seeping from under him, the puddle growing bigger by the second.

  Ford’s mouth fell open, his breathing heavy. He’d not meant to shoot the louder, larger gun, but now it was done. He hurried to the front office and peered through the window. Thankfully, no one came. It had proven lucky they were in the back of the jailhouse when he fired.

  Keeping his eyes on the street, he slipped the sheriff’s gun into his coat and cracked the door open to get a better look to the outside. It was a cloudy afternoon. A haze gathered and gave enough gloom to make it hard to see too far. It couldn’t have proved a better time for him to slip out and hide in the shadows until safely away. He went to the desk and grabbed all the paperwork, folded the pages and shoved them into the inside pocket of his coat.

  Once again from the doorway he looked out to ensure no one was about and then exited the jailhouse pulling the door closed behind him. Hopefully no one would find the sheriff for a few hours.

  Now to find Ashley Cole.

  A few moments later, luck was once again in is favor. He caught sight of the man. Ashley Cole rode from the direction of Dawson’s house. It was only a matter of time now before he’d own the town.

  His patience had paid off.

  His lips curving, Ford hurried to the stables to retrieve his horse.

  *****

  Ashley allowed his horse to set the pace home. A tingle in the back of his neck made him turn and scan the area. Birds flew from a nearby nestle of tall bushes, but otherwise there didn’t seem to be anyone about.

  His thoughts returned to Grace. She wanted more from him, a promise. That she actually cared for him made his chest light and he marveled at a sensation he’d never thought to feel. Did she know what a gift she’d given him by those words alone? At the same time, it was not fair to her to care for someone like him. A man who’s future remained uncertain. A broken man who had nothing of value to offer. He’d actually considered for a few scant seconds to dream of a future with her. It was a stupid dream. He was not meant to be anyone’s husband.

  The picture of the hurt in her beautiful, brown eyes pierced his mind and heart. If only she knew how much he did care, how he’d bitten back the words that fought to escape and tell her every bit of how much she meant to him. In a way he had told her. When he’d kissed her, every emotion he felt, he poured into each press of his lips, each touch of his hands.

  Once Bronson returned, he’d leave town, turn himself in to the cavalry and his life would end. It surprised him that they’d not come looking for him, Perhaps, they figured after his desertion he’d moved on to a hiding place. It didn’t matter. The only thing he worried about now was how his mother would react. Once he arrived home, he’d sit his parents down and explain everything. It was time to let everything go.

  If nothing else, when he died, the nightmares would stop. A chuckle erupted at the thought. That was a sure way to end it once and for all.

  The unmistakable sound of hooves caught his attention and he turned to see Captain Ford approaching. Ashley steeled, preparing to confront the man. He briefly considered pulling his gun, but discounted it. Hopefully, he would dissuade Ford from marrying Grace. With either words or fists.

  The man neared and he glared at him. “Some things never change. I distinctly remember telling you to stay away from my fiancée.” He circled around him. “Grace is going to marry me. She knows everything about your past and is disgusted by it.”

  Ashley watched the man’s hands waiting for any sign of aggression. “I won’t go near her again. But be sure, I will continue to do everything in my power to keep you from marrying her.”

  Ford lifted an eyebrow in an effort to remain nonchalant, but the clenching of his hand into a fist told otherwise. “No one ever wins against me, Cole. You know that. All I have to do is turn you in and, in a few days, you will be hanging from a tall tree. Don’t you agree it would serve us both to just remain…cordial?”

  Ashley waited in silence. He’d be damned if he turned his back on Ford, whose body tensed as if preparing to strike. Both men held the reins of the horses while playing a waiting game to see who’d turn away first. It surprised Ashley when Ford conceded. “It’s a shame, really. We could have been friends, if not for your insubordination.” The captain turned his horse away heading back toward town.

  When Bronson returned, he’d have all the answers needed. If what Ford said was true, then he’d find a way to stop the marriage and then turn himself in. He just needed time.

  A second later, the sound of gunfire rang in the air and Ashley felt the searing of a bullet in his right arm as he fell off his horse to the ground.

  Struggling to get his breath, he reached for his gun only to stop when Ford neared atop his horse, a gun trained at his face. “I wouldn’t do that.” Unfortunately, Ford was close enough to make the threat real.

  The man dismounted, his gun trained on Ashley. Ford grabbed at Ashley’s gun yanking it from its holster. “It’s proving rather boring, how easy it is to defeat the men in this town. Get up.”

  Ashley struggled to his feet and held his bleeding arm with his left hand applying pressure to stop the flow. “Men?”

  “I killed Sheriff Dawson just a few minutes ago. I had to.” The gleam of madness shone in Ford’s eyes. He lifted the gun higher and pointed it at Ashley’s face. “As a matter of fact, this is his gun.” The man was insane.

  Ford motioned to Ashley with the gun. “Move over to that tree.” Ashley rushed Ford and shoved him to the ground. He punched the man on the side of his face, gratified at the man’s grunt of pain. Ford still held on to the gun and swung it, hitting Ashley on the side of the head.

  Stars formed behind Ashley’s eyes and he shook his head to dislodge them as he fell onto his back. A yell escaped when Ford kicked his already injured arm.

  Ford pulled a second gun and pointed it toward Ashley. “I will shoot you if you try anything else.” He went to Ashley’s horse
and put the sheriff’s gun into the saddlebag. Ford then hit the horse on the rump, sending it off at a trot.

  “What do you hope to gain from the sheriff’s death?”

  “The townsfolk will elect me as the new sheriff after helping to capture the culprit responsible for killing Dawson. You. Of course, I will accept the position.” Ford looked towards town. “It will take you over an hour to walk either way. Which will you choose, Cole? Home or town?” Ford mounted and lifted his hand to his hat. “See you soon.”

  Ford spurred his mount and galloped toward town.

  Ashley didn’t wait for the man to get far before he began to walk. His arm throbbed with each step but he set a fast pace. One way or another, he had to get someone to help him. Ford would be stopped.

  Chapter Fourteen

  It took both hands to lift her skirts high enough that she could sprint to Doctor Dougherty’s clinic from the jailhouse. Her lungs burned from the constraints of her corset and Grace cursed that she’d bent to her mother’s promptings and dressed up for dinner. Finally, she reached the often-used wooden door and burst into the small front room.

  An overcrowded space greeted her. On two chairs, a woman from bible study soothed her mother, who cried into a wet handkerchief. Two men whom she didn’t recognize stood against the opposite wall and looked to her when she walked in. At the doorway to the back room stood Mitch Banks, the mercantile owner, holding a bloody jacket. Her father’s blood had, no doubt, ruined the man’s clothing.

  Grace went to her mother, lowered and took her hands. “What happened? Who shot him?”

  “Nobody knows. Mitch found him when he went to drop off some items.” Her mother sobbed into her hands. “Oh God, please let him live.”

  It could not be. Her strong father could not be dying. The surroundings blurred and Grace wiped at errant tears that spilled. Not wanting to upset her mother further, Grace patted her shoulder and made her way to Mitch. His amber brown eyes met hers as she approached and his arm went out to stop her from moving further. “They’re doing their best, Grace. He’s hurt pretty bad, but he’s a strong man. Right now, you need to give them plenty of space.”