Gabe laughed. "That's good news, brother." Then he thought about how agitated Kyle had been on arriving. "But what's the trouble tonight?"
Kyle changed instantly. Grim-faced, he peered at Gabe. "I've been keeping an eye on Murray. I knew he was up to something. He's got a loose tongue when he drinks." Kyle narrowed his eyes. "He's the one behind the horse thefts. Here and at the ranches connected to the Buchanan family."
Gabe lifted his brows. "He is? Are you sure about that?"
Kyle nodded. "I think I have enough evidence to put him behind bars. I'm just missing one thing."
"What's that?" Gabe asked.
"Catching Murray red-handed," Kyle said abruptly. "But, tonight we have a chance to do just that. I reckon if we can get him in the middle of his crime, we can put a stop to this." Kyle fixed Gabe with a stern look. "But, you're not going to like it when I tell you where Murray's next target is."
"Where?"
Kyle sighed. "Murray and his men are planning on stealing from the Munro ranch tonight."
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Gabe was planning on paying a visit! Lauren sat at the table next to the window in her bedroom and thought about what her father had told her a short while earlier when he'd returned from a visit to the Baxter ranch. He hadn't waited long before going to his room. Long enough though to tell her about his visit to the Baxter ranch. Her nerves tingled as she thought about what Gabe would to her tomorrow. Busying herself with knitting the baby shawl had proven ineffective at distracting herself over the last hour. And retreating to her room had only made things worse. With no-one to talk to, her mind was a whirlwind of battling thoughts.
Of course, there was only one thing Gabe wanted to say her. One question he would ask her. What was she going to say to him? What could she say if Gabriel Baxter asked her to marry him? Because, she was certain he wasn't just going to ask her to forgive him for not telling her sooner about his reasons for seeking a wife. He was definitely going to ask for her hand in marriage.
Drawing in a calming breath, Lauren gazed out through the window. Night had fallen. The soft light from inside the ranch house cast a warm glow across the empty yard. Beyond, on the rangeland, the moon cast a silvery glow across the countryside. All was quiet. The ranch hands were in the bunkhouse; the Munro family were tucked up in their bedrooms; and her father was where she had left him, in his own bedroom down the hallway, probably tucked up in bed with a book.
Earlier, in spite of her hesitant protestations, Zacharias had been firm that his invitation to Gabe would not be changed. It seemed her father was determined to try and fix what was broken between her and Gabe. Truthfully and secretly, Lauren was glad her father had gone to Gabe and arranged a visit which might result in a reconciliation. Having been parted from the man who'd made such an impact on her life, Lauren had prayed for guidance. And, during that prayer, she'd come to a realization. That, by not telling her, Gabe had only been trying to do what was right. If he'd revealed his intentions before he and Lauren had reawakened their affection for each other, then there might have been lingering doubts about the truth of that affection.
Her feelings for Gabe were much more than affection, though, Lauren told herself. It was love. She was certain she loved Gabriel Baxter. Her feelings for him were deep and true. She'd never felt this alive before. This happy, even in the midst of a terrible misunderstanding. Even when she'd told herself she might never forgive him, she knew it wasn't true. Her love for Gabe had been granted to her by the Lord. His most precious gift. Love. She had been brought back to this special place so she could renew her life with Gabe. So that she could find happiness and joy.
Lauren smiled, sensing the delight sweeping through her entire being. If this continued, she knew she'd never be able to sleep. She told herself some fresh air would help her sleep. Placing her knitting on the table, she left her room and made her way downstairs, making sure she didn't make too much noise. She didn't want to wake anyone who might already be asleep.
She stepped out onto the porch, feeling the cool night air. The distant sounds of the rangeland, the quiet lowing of cattle, the soft hiss of insects, were like sweet music.The scent of the air was clean, carrying with it a hint of nearby delicate flowers. Wrapping her arms around herself, she glanced over toward the empty corral. The horses, about a dozen of them, were locked up in the stable. She heard quiet neighing from inside the stable. Every sound reminded her of the perfection of ranch life. Lauren could hardly believe that the Munro ranch, of all places, was where she'd found a chance of joy. Two weeks ago, all her thoughts had been about California. No more. She sighed contentedly. She'd found true happiness in this place. Now, there was only one more hurdle to overcome.
A sound caught her attention, making her look over in the direction of the stable. Lauren was sure she'd heard voices, low and urgent. But now they were suddenly silenced. Lauren squinted, waiting to hear the sound again. She told herself it was probably some of the ranch hands attending to the horses in the stable. Walking slowly out across the yard, she gazed up at the star-filled sky. The beauty of the sky's shimmering brilliance filled her heart with joy. That delight was abruptly ended by the harsh tone of a voice which cut through the night air. Lauren's heart quickened. That voice was familiar, she told herself. She felt the blood drain from her face. She gazed, puzzled at the wooden doors to the stable. From where she was standing she could see the doors were slightest ajar. And, through the opening Lauren could see the faint glow of light. She heard the sound of horses neighing. There was a fresh urgency about the sound which alarmed Lauren.
Starting toward the stable, Lauren wondered if she was deceiving herself. Surely she'd been wrong, she told herself. The voice couldn't have been that of the man she'd seen at the church. What would the man, whose name she recalled was Murray, be doing on the Munro ranch? Her mind occupied with that thought, she reached the open doors and peered inside. She heard the heavy shuffling of footsteps, the pounding of horses' hooves on the stable floor, and the sound of lowered voices. Angry voices. More sounds of distressed horses drifted out the open doors. There was more than one man inside the stable. She was sure of it. Anxiety curled inside her. She needed to get help.
Lauren started to turn away from the opening when she felt something reach around from behind her. Fingers clamped across her mouth. She tried to scream, but the hand was tight across her mouth. A presence, hard and insistent pushed against her back. The scent of alcohol and sweat filled her senses. Before she knew what had happened, she was dragged backwards, her feet sliding on the earth, and through the open doors. She tried to twist her body to see who was holding onto her. She threw her arms outward, trying to loosen the man's grip. But the firm grip held her tight. She lifted her legs and kicked, but there was only empty air. Trying to scream again, she was pulled roughly into the low-lit stable.
Lauren was pushed against the wooden interior wall of the stable. Landing against it with a hard thud, she gasped, momentarily winded. Then she heard a sound which made her blood freeze. The clicking of the hammer on a pistol. Lifting her gaze, she stared into the barrel of a gun. Holding onto the pistol was the familiar figure of Murray. He was grinning straight at her. Dressed in heavy dark jacket and pants, Murray leaned closer. His breath stank. She flinched at the awful smell.
"Look who we found, boys?" Murray sneered. " A genuine Munro."
Behind Murray, two faces appeared. They had heavy-set features and desperate expressions in their eyes. She didn't recognize the two men, both in their thirties, she guessed. They were dressed like Murray in black outfits. Perfect for staying out of sight in the dark, she told herself. Leaning back against the wooden wall, Lauren realized she was pinned down. With Murray's pistol trained on her she knew she couldn't dare make a run for it. Her throat was tight. Even if she screamed it might be the last sound she ever made.
One of the men moved away and appeared a moment later leading one of the horses by a rope. Lauren glared at Murray. "Horse thi
eves!" she snapped.
"Helping ourselves to some of the finest horses in this territory," Murray admitted. "There's plenty of it around these ranches. And it fetches a good price, too. With the right buyers, of course." He turned his head toward the men. "Isn't that right, boys?" The two men grunted their agreement.
"You're the one who's been robbing the Buchanan family ranches," she stated.
Murray shrugged. "They're rich enough. They won't miss a few horses. Besides, according to what I heard, the Buchanans had it coming to them."
Lauren frowned at Murray. "What do you mean?"
Murray clamped his mouth shut, as if he realized he'd said too much. "Get busy," he called out to the two men. Lauren saw the men push open a door at the back of the stable. They each led one horse out the door. A few moments later, they came back into the stable, clearly intending to help themselves to more horses. Lauren knew she had to do something. She couldn't let Murray and his men get away with this. If she called out, how long would it take for help to come? The ranch hands' bunkhouse was a short distance behind the stable. Maybe they'd make it in time to stop Murray.
As if reading her mind, Murray shook his head. "Don't go thinking to do anything stupid now," he growled. Murray leaned even closer. When he spoke, it was in a quiet voice, filled with threat. "You've given me a real problem. You know that. But, this is the last time we'll be helping ourselves to prime horses. We'll be out of this territory by tomorrow." He narrowed his eyes. "Still. I need to be sure you'll stay quiet about all of this."
Lauren met Murray's gaze with a fiery look of her own. She tightened her jaw, determined to show him she wouldn't allow him to make her feel fear. Inside though, she was quaking. Her father had always taught her never to let bullies win. Murray's gaze flicked slightly to his left when he heard a sudden sound from one of the horse stalls. That was all the chance Lauren needed. Ducking low and grasping her skirts, she sprinted for the open double doors. From behind her, she heard Murray curse. For a long moment she waited to hear the roar of a gun, but it didn't come. Stumbling on the straw-covered floor, she reached out, preparing to push the doors open wide and make her dash for freedom.
She heard the heavy sounds of Murray's pursuit, his booted feet thudding on the ground. He couldn't be far away. She was sure of it. Lauren prepared to be seized, tensing her body, ready to kick out.
Then, suddenly, the doors were wrenched open by unseen hands. Lauren tumbled to her knees and looked up as she fell. Her face crashing toward the floor, Lauren saw, out of the edge of her vision, three figures standing at the door. Men dressed in full rancher outfits. Each held a gun pointed into the stable. Each had expressions of tense rage as they regarded the scene. A sudden relief swept through Lauren as she recognized who had come to her rescue.
Baxter men. Gabe, Kyle and Landon.
Lauren fell to the floor with a heavy thud. There was a sudden movement at her side and one of the men, Gabe, was there by her side. He didn't reach down for her. Not yet. His grim expression told her there was something more important he had to do. She understood that. Gabe kicked out. Lauren heard the crunch of Gabe's booted foot against Murray's soft flesh. There was a loud groan of pain. Turning, she saw Murray crash to the ground, his pistol flying out of his hand. Murray's body formed an undignified, very still, heap.
Then Lauren heard a voice echo inside the stable. Kyle Baxter's voice. "Freeze!" he roared. Glancing at Kyle she saw he had his gun trained on the two men at the back of the stable who thrust their hands in the air. Sitting upright, Lauren saw Landon move quickly. He kicked Murray's gun away and pointed his own straight at the half-conscious man. It had all happened in the blink of an eye. Almost too fast for Lauren to comprehend. And not a shot had been fired.
Gabe came to her. Kneeling down, he reached out. Lauren looked into Gabe's eyes and saw fear in them. Apprehension was written across his features. "Lauren!" he gasped. "Tell me you're not hurt." His voice shook with emotion. Sitting up, Lauren shifted some loose hairs away from her face. She nodded, still not able to smile at him. "I'm not hurt, Gabe. I'm fine." She glanced toward Murray and saw the man begin to stir. Landon stood over him, making sure Murray didn't get any ideas of causing more trouble.
Gabe took Lauren by the arms and gently helped her to her feet. She swept the dirt from her skirts and tried to compose herself. Everything had happened so quickly. She squinted at Gabe. He was still holding her arms. Lauren wasn't about to ask him to let go. She liked the feel of his touch. "How did you and your brothers know about this?" she asked.
Gabe glanced over at Kyle, who was persuading Murray's two accomplices to sit down on the floor with their hands on their heads. "Kyle's the one we have to thank. He's been watching Murray ever since the thefts started." Gabe glanced at Murray who still looked groggy. "Murray was shooting off his mouth. He even wanted Kyle to be in on it." Gabe smiled. "But my brother had other ideas." Gabe looked across at Kyle. "Isn't that right?" he called out.
Kyle shrugged. "I was only doing what the Lord called me to do. The right thing for my family. And for the law."
Gabe and Kyle exchanged smiles. Lauren recalled all Gabe's concerns about Kyle. It seemed there had been a perfectly good reason for Kyle's recent behavior. Fooling Murray into thinking he was on his side had been Kyle's plan. And it had worked.
Lauren heard footsteps from outside the stable. Josh and Wyatt appeared at the open doors. They both gazed at the scene, clearly astonished. "What happened?" Josh demanded.
"You had some unwelcome visitors," Gabe explained. "We didn't have time to warn you." Gabe ran a satisfied gaze around the stable. "Everything is fine now. All under control."
Josh looked wide-eyed at Lauren. Seeing that she was obviously shaken up, he came to her. "Lauren! Are you okay?"
Lauren nodded, seeing the same expression of concern in Wyatt's eyes. She smiled. "I'm fine, Josh." Glancing at Gabe, Landon and Kyle. "Thanks to these men."
Then her father appeared with Grace and Victoria by his side. Lauren reassured them she was fine and then told her father she'd explain later how she'd managed to get herself into a situation like this. Zacharias looked from her to Gabe and nodded. Explanations were for another time, Lauren told herself. For the moment, she was happy to let Gabe rest his arm across her shoulder, lead her slowly out of the stable and into the cool night air.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Lauren walked side by side with Gabe. She didn't care that everyone was watching her and Gabe. The time to be worried about such things was over. They made their way past the three horses which belonged to the Baxter men. Pausing near the front porch of the Munro ranch house, Gabe finally let his arm slip from her shoulders. They hadn't said a word to each other as they'd walked across the yard. She heard voices in the stable as things were being sorted out. "What'll happen to Murray and his men?" she asked.
Gabe narrowed his eyes. "We'll take them down to the sheriff." A smile creased the corner of his lips. "Make sure they're comfortably settled in the jailhouse, where they belong." Gabe sighed. "Then? I'm sure they'll get a fair trial."
Lauren nodded thoughtfully. Wrapping her arms around herself, she shivered. Gabe frowned and slipped off his heavy jacket. She let him drape it over her shoulders, all the while gazing up into his dark eyes. She felt the heat of his body on the jacket. The warmth was comforting. Gabe looked at her with a steady expression. Was he wondering what he should do next? For a moment, she found it impossible to read his features. He was holding something back, she told herself. Lauren glanced across at the stable and saw Grace and Victoria watching her and Gabe. They turned away quickly when they saw Lauren looking at them. What did they think was about to happen?
"Are you sure you're not hurt," Gabe asked. He reached across and caressed her shoulder. Instinctively, she leaned her head to one side as he did so. She liked the way he was touching her. Softly and tenderly. "You took a heavy fall," Gabe said. He frowned. "I was worried you might have been injured."
&nb
sp; "I was trying to get away from Murray," she explained. "He had a gun on me, so I had to move fast."
At the mention of the gun, Lauren saw Gabe's jaw tighten and his eyes widen with barely disguised indignation. "He's lucky we're not men of violence," Gabe declared softly.
Then, he surprised her. Moving his hand quickly, he settled his fingertips beneath her chin. Lauren's mouth opened with surprise. Gabe gently lifted her chin and gazed into her eyes. There was an intensity in those eyes. A passion she'd seen before. When he spoke his voice was low and quietly decisive. "I wouldn't have been able to live with myself if anything had happened to you."
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