Where had William gone?
And how long would it be until he returned?
She gasped. What if he never came back? Would she starve to death before anyone discovered her? No, that wouldn’t happen. Once Jackson realized she was missing, he’d search the ends of the earth for her. Wouldn’t he? Unless something terrible had befallen him. Perhaps a nasty encounter with William? She shook that thought from her mind.
She struggled with the ropes, hoping to loosen them and present herself with a means of escape. But she only inflicted more pain on her hands. The gag prevented her from calling for help. She slumped in the chair, giving up.
She would simply count to one thousand. Surely, by then someone would have found her. Lily took a deep breath and closed her eyes.
One…
Two…
Three…
Chapter 35
Jackson threw up his hands. “I haven’t a clue where to begin,” he admitted.
Connors was locked in a cell here at the jailhouse, cursing a blue streak and steadfastly refusing to tell them where he’d stashed Lily. Jackson just prayed she was all right, although it might kill him worrying about how frightened she must be.
He’d warned Sheriff Robertson that William might attempt to end it all like his cowardly brother had. Jackson wanted Connors to pay for what he’d done to Lily: abducting her, hiding her away, refusing to tell them where she could be found; trying to extort money from her father. Connors could rot in a jail cell the rest of his life for all Jackson cared.
“Where would you take someone if you kidnapped them?” Daniel muttered aloud.
Jackson’s brother and Sheriff Carl Robertson continued pacing the jailhouse floor, almost tripping over each other a couple times. Deputy Snow sat, drinking coffee.
Jackson shook his head. “To a cave?”
Deputy Snow piped up, “To a hotel room?”
“To an abandoned building?” Carl muttered.
“Somewhere close by,” Daniel speculated. “He couldn’t have taken her too far and still returned to confront Harold.”
“But not where anyone might stumble across Lily by mistake,” Carl speculated.
“That could be any number of places within a couple blocks of here or miles away,” Jackson groused.
“I doubt he would have had time to take Lily too far,” Daniel reasoned. “Wasn’t she working at the store today? Waiting for you to take her home?”
“That’s right,” Jackson agreed, wagging a finger at his brother. “She was catching up on her bookkeeping. Connors couldn’t have taken her too far away.”
Just then the jailhouse door opened and Amanda dashed inside, holding something in her hand.
“This is a piece of the dress Lily was wearing today.” Amanda held up the cloth. “I found it caught on a chunk of steel from an abandoned wagon in the alley behind the store. That horrible man must have taken her outside through the back way. No wonder none of the other merchants saw anything.”
“Sounds like they left in a hurry if Connors never noticed this.” Jackson took the material from her.
Amanda gasped and her face paled. “Oh, no! This is all my fault! I remember now. I didn’t lock the door when I left to deliver Mrs. Landers’s new curtains!”
Jackson wrapped his arms around his sister. “This is not your fault. Connors would have found a way inside, locked door or not.”
Daniel met his brother’s eyes. “I wonder if Lily hooked the material on purpose to leave a clue?”
“It’s a possibility.”
Amanda shook her head. “I looked around but I didn’t see any other pieces.”
Jackson rubbed his chin. “Where would Connors have taken her?”
“Carl, you mentioned an abandoned building?” Daniel muttered. “There are any number of them in Butte. But I can’t think of many here in Milestone.”
“There’s three that come to mind.” Carl listed them off.
“I’ll check them out.” Jim Snow grabbed his Stetson and charged out of the jailhouse.
“Where else could she be?” Jackson muttered to himself. His stomach soured every time he thought of the woman he loved, alone and frightened. Or worse yet, possibly being held at gunpoint by an accomplice. Not that Connors would mention one.
Daniel touched Jackson’s arm. “Connors wouldn’t deliberately harm Lily. He’s smart enough to know he wouldn’t receive a cent from Harold if he did.”
“I hope you’re right, little brother.”
“I don’t know where she could be, gentlemen, but we’re not giving up until we find her. And we will.” Carl slapped Jackson’s back. “And we’ll find her alive. I’d bet my reputation as a lawman on it.”
Daniel nodded. “None of us is getting a wink of sleep until we find Lily. No matter how long it takes.”
“Thank you. I… I appreciate it.” Jackson’s throat tightened and he couldn’t say another thing. He just prayed they would find her in time. “I need to get back to the ranch. Let Mrs. Sheridan, our brothers, and Pa know what’s happened.”
“Pa will go looking for her himself,” Daniel predicted. “I’ll come with you and round up volunteers from the Double M to help search for Lily. Our ranch hands are pretty fond of her, too.”
“We’ll keep looking around town.” Carl grabbed his Stetson off the hook by the door. “Send one of your men into town if you find her.”
“Will do, boss. Hopefully, sooner than later.” Daniel headed for the door.
Jackson pointed to the back area where the cells were located. “If that jackass finally tells you where she is, send someone out our way to let us know she’s been found.”
Carl nodded.
“Take her to Doc Bennett as soon as she’s located. I want him to check her over to ensure she’s all right,” Jackson added.
“I’ll escort her there myself,” Carl promised. “Godspeed, gentlemen.”
Daniel settled his hat in place. “We’ll need all the help we can get.”
“I’m not looking forward to explaining this to Pa,” Jackson ventured. “He loves Lily like a daughter.”
“True enough. How are you holding up?”
“As well as can be expected, I guess.” Jackson glanced at his brother. “I could strangle that fool Connors with my bare hands.”
“Get in line,” Daniel muttered.
Five minutes later, Jackson and Daniel rode toward the outskirts of town. Jackson mounted on Dixon and Daniel riding his gelding, Honor. Both horses seemed eager to put the miles behind them, likely guessing they were headed to the ranch and a stall in the barn.
The two men rode in silence except for the sound of the horses’ hooves thundering across the range. Jackson tried his best to suppress images of Lily being held in a dark dank place overrun with vermin. Mice frightened her no end and she hated being cold. He would gladly trade places with her in a heartbeat, if possible. Of course, it wasn’t. How long could his beautiful fiancée remain brave before circumstances broke her courage? Or worse? They had to find her, and soon.
Daniel yelled something at Jackson, dragging him from his brooding thoughts.
“What did you say?” With the wind whistling past his ears he couldn’t distinguish his brother’s words.
Daniel pulled up on his horse’s reins. “Did you see that?”
Jackson slowed Dixon. “That what?”
“Looked like white lace or something?” Daniel pointed behind him. “Back there a ways. Took me awhile for it register what I’d seen.”
“Lace? What would…” Jackson noticed Daniel’s expression at the same moment he himself realized the possible meaning. Could Lily have left another clue? Or were they grasping at any measure of hope?
“Let’s go,” Daniel called, reining his horse around and retracing his path.
Jackson kneed Dixon into action and followed.
They discovered the piece of white material at the same moment. Jackson leapt off Dixon and raced to pluck it off the sagebr
ush.
“What is it?” Daniel called from atop his mount.
Jackson held it up. “Looks like some kind of lady’s unmentionables. Maybe a piece of petticoat?”
“Is it Lily’s?”
“Dang if I know.” Jackson glared at his brother. “We’re not married yet. Remember?”
“Didn’t mean anything by it. Just a question.” Daniel turned his horse back around as the animal danced in anticipation of another race across the range. “I know you’d never disrespect her.”
“Let’s look around and see if we find another piece.” Jackson leapt back into the saddle and Dixon caught the other horse’s excitement, shifting about anxiously. “Then I’ll be convinced this belongs to Lily and she’s leaving us a message.”
Within a few minutes, they found another piece of the same material, hooked onto a low branch on a cottonwood tree. A few minutes later they discovered another slowly blowing end over end across the range from the gentle breeze.
“These have to be Lily’s,” Jackson reasoned. “Why else would ragged pieces of a lady’s unmentionables be waving about in the trees and caught in the sage?”
Daniel nodded. “I agree. But where would Connors have taken her?”
“I don’t know. Was it purely by accident he crossed McLennon land with her? Did he even realize where he was? Would Lily know?”
“I doubt it. If it was me, I’d have blindfolded her so she wouldn’t get her bearings.” Daniel searched the horizon. “You know where I would have taken her?”
“Where?”
“The old line shack,” both men answered in unison.
They rode in silence. One or the other of them pointed to each new piece of white material they passed on the way to their destination. When they topped the final hill before reaching the shack, they slowed the horses and approached quietly. There were no horses in view of the lean-to and the shack appeared to be deserted. No smoke rose from the chimney. No sound reached their ears, coming from within.
“We’d best take a peek inside to be certain,” Daniel whispered, dismounting. “But keep your wits about you in case he stashed someone in there with her to keep watch.”
“Would he have done that?” Jackson silently climbed out of the saddle. “Guess he could have hired someone out of a saloon in town.”
“That would be my guess. Stay here and keep your head down or you might lose it.” Drawing his pistol, Daniel crept from behind the bushes where they’d tied the horses.
Jackson watched in wonder as his little brother moved soundlessly toward the shack. Daniel wore his lawman’s badge on his vest, proof he should take the lead on this. Jackson stayed back as his brother instructed, taking orders from Daniel instead of the other way around for a change.
“Jackson!”
His heart almost stopped. He hadn’t realized Daniel had entered the shack. He swallowed hard, preparing himself for what his brother may have found inside.
“Coming,” he called, racing to the shack and peering inside through the open doorway.
“She’s all right.” Daniel removed the gag from Lily’s mouth and untied the ropes binding her to the chair. “And she’s alone.”
The moment Daniel freed Lily from the bindings, she staggered into Jackson’s arms. He almost collapsed from relief; he never wanted to let her go. “Sweetheart, I can’t believe we found you. I was so worried.” He blinked to clear the unexpected fluid pooling in his eyes. Darn shack must be particularly dusty this time of year.
He had to admit Daniel made an excellent lawman. If he hadn’t discovered that first piece of white material that was Lily’s clue, they could have been looking elsewhere for her for hours, or even days. Jackson would praise his brother later, for now he just wanted to ensure the woman he loved was all right.
“We need to take you to town to see Doc Bennett. To ensure you aren’t hurt.”
Lily shook her head. “I’m fine. My legs are numb from the tight bindings, but circulation is returning to them. They’re pins and needles right now, but I’ll be able to walk soon.”
“William was arrested when he attempted to extort money from your father, making ridiculous demands. Threatening him, telling him that he’d never see you again,” Jackson explained.
Tears filled Lily’s eyes. “William’s in jail?”
“Yes, Sheriff Robertson happened by the saloon and I called out to him. Connors was caught off guard and I wrestled the gun from him.”
Lily gasped. “Yes, he had a gun.”
Jackson nodded. “The sheriff arrested him and your father explained everything that happened: being held at gunpoint, the threats he made, the attempted extortion, the admitted abduction.”
Lily wavered on her feet and Jackson scooped her up in his arms.
“After what the townsfolk went through with the bank robbers, and what Aunt Ruby did to AJ… now Connors was threatening Father,” Lily whispered, shaking her head. “What are people thinking? Seems so few folks are interested in doing an honest day’s work for earned pay.”
“There are plenty of hard-working, law-abiding people in this world. You can’t judge everyone by a desperate widow or by genuine bad eggs. I’ll head back to town and let everyone know we found you and you’re fine.” Daniel slapped his brother on the back. “Take care of her.”
“You can count on it,” Jackson whispered.
Daniel slipped out of the shack and left them alone.
“Jackson, I knew you’d come looking for me. I’ll never doubt that we were meant to be together.” Lily smiled and hugged his neck.
“Amanda had it right when she corresponded with you.” Jackson kissed her tenderly and then met her eyes. “She just had the wrong McLennon man in mind.”
“That she did.”
Jackson chuckled as he carried her outside and set her in the saddle. “Thank goodness you weren’t sixty-four, though. Can’t say as I’d be content marrying an older woman.”
Lily laughed. “Take me home, please.”
“That I can do, sweetheart.” Jackson mounted up, wrapped his arm around her middle, and kissed the back of her neck. “That I can do. And I may never let you out of my sight again.”
Lily hugged his arm tightly.
“I’m so proud of you for leaving those strips of material for us to find.” Jackson kissed her neck again. “You are a very brave, very resourceful young woman. And I can’t wait to make you my wife.”
“If you haven’t decided on my wedding present yet.” Lily twisted around and smiled at him. “I could use a new petticoat.”
Jackson burst into laughter, realizing he’d guessed correctly at what she’d used to leave her clues across several miles of Double M land. He hoped a strong Montana wind caught all the pieces and blew them miles away from any male eyes other than his own.
“I’ll keep that in mind.” He kissed his bride-to-be again and then headed Dixon for home.
Chapter 36
August
Lily stood in front of the cheval mirror in the Milestone Hotel room she shared with Amanda. Jackson suggested they marry in mid-August before one of the busiest seasons on the ranch—fall round-up would be in full swing by early September—prevented him from exchanging vows until the snow started flying.
Her wedding day had arrived!
Lily loved Amanda’s brilliant creation: a stunning two-piece wedding dress sewn in shades of ivory and gold. With the jacket and skirt as separate pieces, Lily could later wear the jacket with a plain skirt to extend the garment’s use. She looked forward to wearing the long-sleeved jacket for future special occasions, especially for her first baby’s christening should she be so blessed someday.
Lily missed having her own mother here today. But Mrs. Sheridan stood admiring Lily’s dress, smiling and offering support as a replacement mother-of-the-bride.
“Thank you for being here. I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness.” Lily hugged her tightly.
“You’re very welcome. And I have a bit of
news,” Mrs. Sheridan whispered. “The lawyers settled my husband’s estate and sent me a check for a very substantial amount of money. Nearly floored me when I opened the letter at the ranch. AJ saw my face and worried someone had died!”
“I thought your husband left you penniless,” Lily blurted.
“So did I,” Amanda added.
“You never met such a stingy man in your life!” Mrs. Sheridan exclaimed. “Always claiming we couldn’t afford things. But the lawyers investigated his holdings and discovered funds he’d hidden away somehow, somewhere. I’m not certain how it all happened, but the money was retrieved and added to the estate.”
“And you received a fair share.”
“That I did. The creditors were paid, including all his gambling debts, and this remaining money puts my worries to rest.” She laughed heartily, patting Lily’s hand. “I’d convinced myself I’d be out of a job as soon as the new Mrs. Jackson McLennon became a permanent fixture on the ranch. But AJ assured me that although you’re a talented businesswoman, and with the exception of chocolate cake, cooking isn’t your strong suit. He refuses to risk the family starving to death. Besides, I wouldn’t have a clue as to the ways of a lady of leisure. Probably fail miserably if I tried. Despite my healthy nest egg, I’m definitely staying put as cook and housekeeper on the Double M.”
“Thank goodness!” Lily added, chuckling. “Or AJ is right. We’d all starve. But I’m looking forward to more cooking lessons, if you’re willing to teach me.”
“Anytime, my darling. You’ll make a splendid cook someday.”
“Thank you. I’ll try my best.” Lily gently ran her hands down the beaded ivory and gold silk bodice of the jacket and admired the golden satin skirt. “This is so beautiful, Amanda. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Amanda fussed with the skirt’s folds.
“You are so talented. You created this exactly the way you described your vision of it.” Lily slipped her feet into the ivory slippers she’d brought with her from Boston. They were completely inappropriate for the dusty streets of Milestone, but they matched her dress perfectly and she was wearing them today, even if she ruined them.
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