Ben stumbled as they walked back outside. Evie helped her husband the last few steps to the wagon, made him climb up first before she joined him. “We’d better check into the hotel. You need to rest.”
Eyes closed, face pale, Ben simply nodded. She put them in motion. In minutes, they reached the Marston Hotel. He got down while she stood by, watchful. She handed him the rifle then dug the carpetbag out of the back. As Evie walked down the boarded sidewalk to join him, she noticed that her husband was looking not at her but across the street.
The Bucking Pony. She barely managed to hold a polite mask though her lips curved slightly downward with the effort. “Ready?”
“I was just thinking a belt might take the edge off.”
“One belt was never your style.” Evie turned on her heel and walked into the hotel.
“Hey,” Ben caught her arm inside the small lobby. “I wasn’t going over there. You’ve made it plain how you feel.”
Calm, Evie met his gaze. “I’d like to find a room for us now.”
“You want to talk about this?”
“Talk about what? As you said you know how I feel.”
“Was it always like this?”
“What do you mean?”
“Running after you, begging you to talk whenever I did something that irritated you?”
Evie flinched.
If you’re going to punish me for some offense, at least have the decency to tell me what I’ve done. The past echoed the present.
He recognized the look in her eyes. “We’ll have to work on that then.”
Without another word, Ben headed over to the desk, leaving his wife to follow.
After they registered, the clerk arranged for their horse and wagon to be taken to the stables. They followed the directions to their room. With faded floral wallpaper, one chair, a table beside a thinly made bed and a frayed rug on the scarred wood floor, the surroundings appeared as depressing as she felt.
Evie drew in a fortifying breath then marched over to the chair. She dropped her bag on the cracked leather seat as Ben leaned the rifle against the wall. From across the room she could see how he shook. He hung his hat on the bedpost then collapsed onto the bed, not even bothering to undress.
“Do you want me to get you something to eat?”
Ben shook his head, “Too tired to care.”
“Me too.”
“Why don’t you come to bed with me then, get some sleep?”
Evie paused, studied him a moment before she agreed. For the first time in days, she changed for bed. From her bag she pulled out a flannel nightgown, white with tiny faded pink roses. Strangely shy, she turned her back to Ben and made quick work of removing her clothes. She tugged the gown over her head, smoothed it down so that the hem hung at her ankles then sat on the bed beside her husband.
For a long moment, Evie stared at the boots she had yet to take off. She should remove them. It’d be the proper thing to do but she couldn’t muster the energy. In the end, she left them on. She lay down on her side and then pulled the blanket up over her shoulder. As Ben shifted close, and brought his warmth up against her, sleep found her in seconds. For the first time in a long time.
Light streamed through a gap in the curtains, illuminated the room. Evie yawned, stretched. After a minute, she shifted onto her back and looked at Ben. Serious green eyes met and held her gaze.
“Morning.”
“Morning,” she echoed.
“How are you?”
“Better than yesterday,” He offered her a fleeting grin, charming her. “And you?”
“I’m doing okay.”
The sounds of an argument in the next room drifted through the wall. He reached out, tapped the end of her nose. “I guess we might as well get up.”
Evie agreed but didn’t move, enjoying the moment.
“We need to figure out where to go.”
Her good mood fled. “I’m not leaving here.”
“Evie all our things are in the wagon. Our place is gone.”
“We’ll get another.” She flung back the covers and sat up.
“Not here.”
“I am not leaving.” Evie stood. Her boots hit the wood plank floor, a punch of sound in the mostly quiet morning.
Ben reached out, touched her hand. Surprised, she flinched and he withdrew. “Let’s get some breakfast and discuss it.”
“Food would be good,” She walked away, put some space between them.
“Evie whether you like it-” A hard rap on the door demanded attention. “Just a minute,” He called out then continued. “Or not, we-” The knocking returned with a loud vengeance. “Never mind, I’ll see what that’s about while you get dressed.”
“I won’t be long.”
Ben nodded, jammed his hat over sleep-tousled hair, moved to the door then paused, his hand on the knob. “I’ll wait in the hall.”
Before she could do more than blink, he slipped out. She stared after him and regret swelled within her that things weren’t different between them. Deep down Evie knew she wasn’t being reasonable. She stood still, torn between dressing and the desire to call Ben back into the room. It took the sound of raised voices in the hallway to spur action.
Worried, she jerked off her nightgown and dressed with haste. She crammed the flannel into her bag then crossed the room to pick up the rifle. With their stuff in hand, she threw open the door.
“She’s dressing,” Ben stood firm, arms crossed.
The manager pulled a watch from his pocket and snapped it open. He looked up, expression hard. “Five minutes.”
His jaw clenched as Ben watched him walk away. The urge to go after the manager and slam his fist into the man’s smirking face held great appeal. Maturity held him still, barely.
Guilt hammered him. Ben rested his back against the wall across from their room. The casual stance allowed him to see anyone’s approach. The fine citizens of this town wouldn’t surprise him again.
Only a moment later the door opened. Evie stepped out, wrinkled, hair a little wild but pretty in a way that captivated him immediately. Ben straightened, “Can I carry something?”
“Sure,” she handed him the rifle. “What’s going on?”
“You didn’t hear?” He stalled.
One eyebrow arched, her only response.
“The manager asked that we leave,” He didn’t bother to soften the truth.
“Why? Did he think we were the ones arguing?”
Ben shook his head. “Our business isn’t welcome here.”
“Mr. Sims’ influence?” Evie held her composure in place with difficulty.
“I believe so.”
“Well then far be it for me to stay where I’m not wanted.”
In silence, they walked to the lobby and checked out while the manager watched. Her face hot, Evie was thankful to walk out the door. Outside, sadness welled up until tears spiked her lashes. She’d wanted to become part of this community and now that hope turned to ash.
“Hungry?”
His casual tone blunted her self-pity. Though food didn’t interest her, Evie knew he needed nourishment so for his sake, she agreed.
“Good,” Ben motioned to her left. “I noticed a place to eat on our way here.”
One hand lifted to her hair. “I’m a mess. I don’t think-”
“You’re beautiful.”
His tone brooked no argument even as his words bathed her heart with warmth. Her mouth opened then shut but she didn’t make a sound. Ben put a hand on the small of her back and gently started her forward.
As they moved along, an older man with an unkempt beard accompanied by a well-brushed mutt passed them. The dog’s tongue hung out of his open mouth, sharp teeth, blinding white. His canine smile lightened her mood a notch.
A few steps further on, a large family spilled out in front of them. The children dashed away, their laughter floated on the breeze. Ben caught the door they’d opened and the aroma of buttermilk biscuits teased the air
. Her stomach growled.
A waitress sat them at a corner table. “Our special this morning is fried ham and scrambled eggs with biscuits.”
“Sounds good to me, Evie?” Ben removed his hat, placed it on the bag that she’d put on the floor between their feet.
“Yes please and coffee?”
“With honey?”
Touched that he noticed that small detail, her lips curved in a brief smile. Evie nodded in agreement as he propped the rifle against the wall beside her. The other woman hurried off to return with steaming cups and sweetener a moment later.
Evie thanked her, hands already in motion to doctor her drink. Sips of the rich, hot brew soothed her throat until the waitress returned later with their breakfast. Thick slices of pink meat accompanied by golden fluffy eggs and two biscuits, fresh from the oven and still hot, stirred her appetite. She set her cup down.
“I understand you want to stay here but with Mr. Sims-”
“It isn’t just him against us.” She disclosed in a faint whisper, her gaze on focused her plate.
“Oh?”
“I’m not sure I want to discuss it in public.”
“Frankly hon’ you haven’t wanted to discuss much in private either and you brought it up.”
Her hands shook as she sliced a biscuit in half and smeared butter on both sides. “You’ve made some enemies.”
“Then it’s a good thing I’m leaving.”
I? Despite all their problems, the thought of being without Ben struck her heart a blow. She averted his eyes, gazed out the window to hide a wave of panic. A man strolled by with a baby in his arms, waving tiny fists in the air. She wondered if he knew how lucky he was.
“You want to leave me?”
“No, of course not, you’re my wife.”
Relief loosened the knot in her stomach. Her gaze shifted back to Ben. “Does that mean you’d stay if I don’t want to go?”
“I don’t think that’s an option.”
“Because you know best,” Her mood shifted like sand in a swift stream. She stabbed a slice of meat with excess force.
“Because the people here don’t want us to stay,” His calm, patient tone shamed her.
“Some don’t,” She cut her ham into tiny bits.
“I’d say most. Take a look around the room.”
Evie did as he bid. From almost every table people stared at her with expressions of either overt hostility or rampant curiosity. A few people even moved their chairs, pointedly, so their backs were to her.
Frustration and anger battled for a voice. Yet Evie kept her tone even with effort when she looked back at him. “I haven’t done anything wrong.”
“I don’t believe you did,” Somber eyes met her gaze. “But you’re married to me. And I apparently have. They’ve made up their minds and a man like Mr. Sims will use that to his advantage.”
Like salt on raw flesh, his words burned. He was right. It wasn’t fair but she knew he was right. Arguing for what might have been was pointless.
Sheer determination brought her fork up to her lips. She managed only a few bites then pushed her plate away unable to swallow more.
“Can we talk about where you’d like to go?”
“Doesn’t matter,” Her voice hollow, gaze focused on the table, she shook her head.
The waitress stopped by and poured fresh coffee. Evie reached for her cup, grateful for something to do. He captured her free hand.
“You mentioned my cousins in Oregon. How about there?”
Evie stared at her husband, startled. Before he’d lost his memory Ben had never consulted her. He’d always announced where they’d go then convince her it was the best, the only choice. Her hand brushed her skirt. Again, she wondered at the change in him.
“Oregon?” Evie pulled her hand free.
“Does that sound good? Unless of course you know something I don’t about my cousins.”
“All I know is that they live near Fir Mountain.”
Her foot started to tap, beat a rapid rhythm on the wooden floor as she considered their options. After years of being the outsider, the outlaw’s wife, her yearning to belong still beat strong. She liked the idea of living near family.
“So what do you think?”
Chatter rose and fell around them. The waitress brushed by carrying a heavy tray. Evie brought her cup close but didn’t lift it up for a sip. Instead she stared down at the black liquid as she turned the cup around and around.
Slowly, calm settled over her. She’d wanted another chance, prayed for one. Her spine straightened and she folded her hands in her lap. She raised her gaze to meet Ben’s and took a leap of faith.
“It’s a long way to go. We’ll definitely need supplies.”
His wide smile stole her breath. “We’ll grab enough to make it someplace we’re welcome then restock, get directions.”
“Sounds good,” Nervous, she tucked hair behind her ear.
“It might be best to cover some miles before nightfall.”
Evie nodded.
“I’ll go settle our bill.” Ben reached down for his hat then stood. His hand cupped her jaw. “You won’t regret this, I promise.”
Her skin tingled from his touch while her gaze tracked him across the room. Emotions wove together in a pattern she felt strongly yet couldn’t understand. “I hope not.”
By the time, Ben returned, she stood, bag in hand, ready to go. Then they walked to the general store, purchased an assortment of canned foods and a lantern. Each carried a full box as they headed to the stables a few streets south. There they loaded their burdens into the wagon.
Evie leaned against a rough brick wall, sheltered in the shadows, hands in her pockets and started to relax just as heavy steps crunched the gravel underfoot. The hairs on the back of her neck rose instantly. She inched the pistol out but concealed it among the folds of her shirt. Mouth dry, she turned to face the danger she was certain she felt, lifted her weapon with a remarkably steady grip, her finger ready on the trigger.
Two men approached. They didn’t look the slightest bit intimidated by the gun, “Where’s your husband lady?”
“Stop right there.” Sweat dampened her forehead.
They continued without pause. “We want our money back.”
The soft boot step from behind shook her like thunder. A ball of nausea formed in her belly. They had her surrounded.
“What seems to be the problem gentlemen?”
Relief flooded her at the sound of his voice and she swayed on her feet. Ben stepped around from behind her and stopped just ahead but to the left, where he wouldn’t block her shot.
The men stopped. “We want our money Rolfe.”
“I don’t have any to give you.”
“Liar, you took the largest kitty last week, all our pay.”
Gambling. Evie grimaced. That explained all the coin.
“That’s the risk you take when you sit at the table.”
“You cheated,” The stranger’s voice sent chills down her spine. “Give us what you owe or we’ll take it out of your pretty wife’s hide.”
“Enough,” The strength of Ben’s anger almost a physical force, Evie shivered despite the sunshine. “Clear out now.”
“We’re not-”
Ben aimed the rifle. “You have to the count of three.”
“You wouldn’t dare-”
“One,” click.
“It’s broad-”
Click. “Two.”
The men turned tail and ran. Ben turned to face her. His dark green eyes glittered with strong emotion. Her hand shook so bad, it took three tries to slide the gun into her pocket.
“You all right?”
“A little shaky.”
“Understandable,” His gentle tone soothed and he wrapped his free arm around her. He dropped a kiss on the top of her head. “I believe it’s time to leave. Come on, we’re burning daylight.”
Evie dug in her heels. “We need to discuss this.”
“I wish I could,” Ben looked her square in the eye. “But I don’t remember those men or know what they’re talking about so it’s safer for us to get the hell out of here before they come back with their friends.”
“Oh.” Her mind blanked.
“Ready to go?” His breath feathered her ear.
Unsure what to say or feel, Evie allowed Ben to guide her to the wagon and climbed up. He handed up the rifle then joined her on the seat. Evie clutched the weapon in a finger-cramping grip as they drove forward; worried another unforeseen threat would jump out at them.
Sometime later, they left Cedar Ridge without another incident and the road for miles ahead of them appeared all but deserted. On either side, a sea of overgrown grasses waved in the wind, a much needed, peaceful sight. Evie looked back. As civilization faded from view, tension drained and she slumped.
“You can lean against me if you’d like.”
Hysterical laughter threatened to escape and Evie’s right leg bounced rapidly. She clenched and unclenched her sweat damp hands, biting the inside of her cheek, hard. Pain and the unpleasant taste of blood bought her some control.
“I’m fine,” she said as she smoothed her bunched skirt. She glanced at Ben, slouched in obvious ease beside her and then scanned the horizon. The mare plodded along, the easy pace quickly made her want to scream. “Shouldn’t we go faster?”
“This pace is best for Sugar. Why, is there a problem?”
A gentle spring breeze carried away her soft sigh. A pair of crows sounded off from their perch in a dead oak tree. The dusty, rutted road remained empty. No reason for panic. She took a deep breath then let it out slow.
“No, no there’s not.”
Sugar’s hooves clomped against the packed earth, filled the air with a steady beat. Wispy white clouds dotted the blue sky but the sun shone bright. Evie dug the old hat out of her bag and put it on. It kept falling over her eyes until she ripped it off, grumbling.
“Do you need help?” Ben’s deep lazy voice pleased her ear, which agitated her even more.
She scowled. “No, thank you.”
“It’d be my pleasure.”
Lori Connelly Page 8