His expression didn’t change. “I don’t want you to leave Splendor.”
“Leave?” The word had barely left her mouth when the door of the general store burst open.
“Mack, you need to get your horse and be ready to ride.” Caleb glanced between his friend and Sylvia, giving her a contrite grin. “Something is going on at the Miller place and Gabe wants us to ride out. I need to find Dutch.”
Mack turned back to face Sylvia. “I have to go.”
“I know.”
“We aren’t done with this conversation.” He started to move toward the door.
“Maybe we should be.”
Turning abruptly, he stalked around the counter to within a few inches of Sylvia. Before she knew what he intended, Mack leaned down, brushing his mouth across hers.
“As I said, we aren’t done with this conversation.”
Chapter Twenty-One
“Tell me what happened?” Mack finished saddling his bay gelding, Apollo, and swung into the saddle.
“Eb sent his son to town. He says there’s shooting going on at Norman Miller’s ranch. Hex and Zeke are there, but are pinned down by gunfire.” Caleb shot him a look. “At least they were when Eb’s son rode out.”
Dutch rode up next to them. “Gabe and Cash will ride with us. Beau will stay here with Eb’s son.”
An instant later, Gabe rode up on Blackheart, the stallion dancing around while his owner surveyed the men before him.
“I don’t know what we’ll find, so be ready for anything. Let’s move.” Gabe led the way, riding down the length of the main street, reining his horse southwest toward Norman’s ranch.
On a normal ride, it would take them almost an hour to reach the Miller ranch house. Mack expected them to cut the time in half, Gabe’s pace not slowing over the curving trail. He knew the sheriff’s thoughts were on his two newest and youngest deputies.
As the miles passed, Mack couldn’t keep his thoughts from straying to Sylvia. A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, remembering her shocked expression at the quick, unexpected kiss. He’d meant his last words to her. Their conversation wasn’t finished. Mack didn’t know what else he intended to say to Sylvia, other than he had no intention of letting her leave town. Not even if it meant fighting Dominic to stop her.
He did have one hesitation. How would he respond when she asked if he loved her? Without doubt, Sylvia would want to know if he’d changed his mind. So far, Mack had no good answer. At least not one she’d like.
Living without her wasn’t an option, but did he love her? Mack honestly didn’t know. By the time they spoke again, he had to have an answer, something guaranteed to keep her in Splendor.
“Hold up!” Gabe raised his hand. Halting near him, his men looked around, wondering at the reason for the sudden stop. “Riders coming.” He nodded to the trail ahead.
They didn’t have to wait long before Hex and Zeke rode up, Zeke’s pants covered in blood, his face pale.
Hex’s gaze landed on Gabe. “We need to get him to the doctor.”
Gabe turned, motioning for Dutch. “Get Zeke to the clinic.” Shifting back to Hex, his voice rose. “Tell us what happened.”
Hex’s worry was etched on his face, watching Dutch take the reins of Zeke’s horse. “Shouldn’t I go with him?”
“Dutch will make sure he’s taken care of. I need you to explain what happened at Norman’s ranch.”
Sucking in a breath, Hex nodded. “Eb and Elija Smith were with their herd. They’d driven them right to the edge of their property, right up against the Miller place.”
“Did Norman and his men fire on them?” Gabe asked.
Hex rubbed a hand across his forehead. “No. The shooting started inside the house. It all happened real fast, Gabe. A few men came running outside, guns drawn, firing into the house. That’s when Zeke and I moved out of our hiding place, yelling for them to stop.”
He paused a moment, trying to remember the details of a skirmish taking no more than five minutes. “One of the men outside turned and shot Zeke. When he fell, I fired at another one, hitting him in the shoulder or chest. I’m not sure which. I dragged Zeke behind the shrubs, then continued to fire.”
“What did Elija and Eb do while this was going on?” Gabe asked.
Hex blinked, trying to remember the details of the gunfight. “I saw them raise their guns, but don’t recall if they fired or not. All I could think of was getting Zeke out of there.”
Cash moved to him. “Did any of them ride off?”
“Two.”
“Did you recognize either of them?”
Hex shook his head. “One was tall, real skinny. The other shorter and round.”
Gabe looked at the others. “Could’ve been Buster.”
“Sorry, boss. I was worried about Zeke and didn’t get a good look before they rode off.”
“Which way did they ride, Hex?” Mack asked.
“North.”
Splendor
Sylvia finished placing the new merchandise on shelves, logging each item into the journal. Stan Petermann had left for Big Pine the night before, leaving her in charge of the store for two days. Three if he couldn’t find what he sought.
She’d looked forward to his absence, mentioning it to Dominic at supper the night before and breakfast that morning. Unsurprising, he’d supported her excitement, something Sylvia felt certain her father would never have done.
Setting the last item on a shelf, she stood. Tilting her head to one side, then the other, a frown tugged down the corners of her mouth. Bending, she moved the article an inch to the right, the frown turning into a smile at the symmetry created by the simple change.
Rearranging the merchandise gave her time to think about Mack’s visit and the confusion it caused. Sylvia didn’t know why he’d sought her out, showing up days after not seeing him, doing all she could to avoid him. His visit had unsettled her, making her want things he refused to offer.
Seeing his handsome face and beloved features reignited the deep pain she’d fought to ignore since the night by the creek. Why did he have to return now when she’d begun to move ahead with her life? It wasn’t fair of him to tease her with his presence and a vague promise of…
“Of what?” Sylvia whispered, feeling foolish for talking to herself.
It had been difficult, accepting how long it would take to cut her love for Mack from her heart. Supper with Morgan had done nothing to soothe the ache or emptiness. All she’d thought of was Mack, his twinkling eyes and confident smile when he pestered her, seeking a reaction, which she invariably provided.
They’d shared nothing more intimate than passionate kisses and trembling touches, yet their connection had seemed so deep and utterly consuming. Sylvia had never thought she’d feel so much for another person, falling to an unexpected degree for the charming lawman. To her chagrin, she now understood the price of loving a man incapable of matching her desire.
Tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear with a shaky hand, she shoved thoughts of Mack from her mind. She couldn’t wallow in regret, nor do anything about the intense ache still present in her heart.
Hearing the bell over the door, she turned, not recognizing the two men walking inside.
“May I help you?” She moved toward them, hesitating when the taller of the two narrowed his gaze, a feral look in his eyes. He and his companion were covered in trail dust, not unusual in a town where a majority of the men worked on ranches. Still, the expression on their faces unsettled her.
“You must be Miss Lucero.”
Taking a step back, she nodded. “Yes, I am. Have we met?”
He shook his head, taking several menacing steps forward. “No, but I’ve heard a good deal about you. I thought it was time we met. I’m Buster and that is Smalls.”
Smalls, shorter with a wide girth, turned, locking the door.
“Why did you lock the door?” She kept her voice firm, almost indignant, although her chest pounded frantic
ally. Sylvia took a few more steps away, meaning to get behind the counter—and grab the shotgun Stan kept on a shelf.
She’d learned to shoot soon after learning to ride, becoming accomplished at both. Few in Splendor would expect either from a young woman who spent her time moving between the boardinghouse and general store.
“Stay where you are.” Her movements stalled at Buster’s stern command. Shifting his hand to his gun, he lifted it from the holster. “We’re going to go through the back and leave, real quiet like.”
Shaking her head, she darted away, falling on her face with a thud when he caught the hem of her dress in his strong grip. Pushing up, anger seized her. She kicked at his legs, arms flailing at his chest and face when he bent closer. Opening her mouth to scream, he silenced the attempt with a grimy hand.
Pointing the gun at her head, Buster’s hot, acrid breath washed across her face. “This is your only warning. Do that again and no one will ever find your body. Now, get up.” Removing his hand from her mouth, he grabbed Sylvia’s arm, yanking her to stand. “Move.” He shoved her toward the back, glancing behind him to see Smalls looking out the front window once more before joining them.
Buster nodded to the back door. “Open it, Smalls.”
Turning the knob, he pushed the door open enough to peek outside. “It’s clear.”
Yanking Sylvia to him, Buster leaned to within inches of her face. “Our horses are out back. Don’t scream or try to get away. If you behave, you might live long enough to see your brother again. Do you understand?”
Her mouth opened on a gasp before she nodded. Buster knew of Dominic, already understanding Sylvia would do whatever he asked to protect her brother.
“Good. Are you ready, Smalls?”
The shorter man gave an abrupt nod, stepping aside.
“Let’s go.” Buster shoved her ahead of him. “Walk as you normally do over there.” He pointed the gun in the direction of the horses, then moved it behind her. When she hesitated, he dug the gun into her back. “Keep going.”
Reaching the horses, Buster mounted while Smalls kept his gun aimed at Sylvia. Shoving it into the holster, he gripped her waist, lifting to place her in front of Buster. Mounting his own horse, Smalls nodded. Without another word, they kicked their horses, taking the back street to the south and out of town.
Mack rode right behind Gabe, their pace as rapid as when they’d left Splendor earlier. Cash had ridden ahead to Norman’s ranch to check for casualties and talk to those involved in the shooting. Nothing about the incident between who they believed to be Norman and his ranch hands made sense.
Gabe wouldn’t have answers until Cash returned to town. In the meantime, they had to make sure whoever rode off wasn’t headed to Splendor to continue with their mindless rampage.
Mack didn’t understand the fear gripping him. Even though the gunmen traveled north, it didn’t mean they meant to ride into Splendor. Nor did it mean Sylvia was in any danger.
Few people knew her, and almost no one had any idea of her family’s wealth. Besides, she worked in the general store. Whoever the men were, they wouldn’t stop in the mercantile during an attempt to escape. The thought would’ve been humorous if unreasonable fear didn’t still burn in his chest.
Entering Splendor, Mack didn’t stop at the jail, riding the additional feet to dismount before the general store. Tossing the reins over a rail, he turned the doorknob, knocking when it didn’t open. Pulling out his pocket watch, he checked the time, finding it too early for her to close the store.
“Good afternoon, Deputy.”
Mack spun around to see Dominic approaching, stepping onto the boardwalk to stand by him. Without returning the greeting, he turned the handle again. “It’s locked.”
“She must have closed early.” Dominic cupped his hands, attempting to peer through the grubby window. “I don’t see her. Why don’t you try the boardinghouse while I check the back door?”
Nodding, Mack hurried across the street and shoved open the door, spotting Suzanne entering the kitchen. “Have you seen Sylvia?”
“Not since this morning. Isn’t it too early for her to be closing the store?”
“It is. Would you mind checking her room?”
Suzanne didn’t argue, noting the anxious look in his eyes and hard set of his jaw. Rushing upstairs, she returned a minute later, shaking her head.
Wasting no more time, he headed back to the general store, coming to a halt at seeing Dominic standing in the open doorway. The hope on her brother’s face faded at Mack’s expression.
“She’s not at the boardinghouse, is she?”
Mack shook his head. Fisting his hands, he settled them on his hips, looking up and down the street. “Where the hell is she?”
“Perhaps she fell ill and went to the clinic.” Dominic’s voice held little conviction.
“I saw her earlier and she seemed fine.”
Dominic’s brows rose. “When?”
“A few hours ago, before Gabe led a group of us to Norman Miller’s ranch.”
The words had just left Mack’s mouth when he saw Cash appear on horseback, a wagon close behind him. They turned to the right at the south end of town, taking the back street.
“They must be going to the clinic.” Mack rushed off, Dominic following him between the general store and barber shop. They emerged onto the back street as the wagon came to a halt outside the clinic.
“Who do you have?” Dominic asked Cash.
Dismounting, Cash moved to help the wagon driver lift one of the injured men. “Norman Miller and one of his hands. They were hit during a shootout at the ranch this morning.”
Dominic and Mack lifted the second man, following Cash to the clinic steps.
A man sitting beside the driver had already gone inside, coming out with Doctor Clay McCord. Clay stood on the landing, motioning for them to take the injured men inside. Once done, Cash, Mack, and Dominic met outside the clinic, waiting when they saw Gabe stalking toward them.
“What did you learn?” Gabe asked Cash.
Removing his hat, Cash scrubbed a hand down his face, a tired breath escaping his lips. “Norman and Buster argued about something. Several other men were in the study with them. A couple supported Miller, a couple siding with Buster.” Cash’s forehead bunched as he focused on the little he’d been able to uncover. “At some point, Miller pulled a gun on Buster, who pulled his own. Both started shooting.”
“Did you learn anything about what started the argument?”
Cash nodded at Gabe. “The two men who brought the wagon to town said it began when Norman questioned Buster about what has been happening at the Smith ranch.” Sucking in a breath, Cash’s gaze narrowed on Gabe. “If the men are correct, Buster and a couple others are the ones responsible for killing Eb and Elija’s sheep. Buster and another ranch hand are the men Hex saw ride off.”
Gabe rubbed the back of his neck. “I’ll be damned.”
“Yeah,” Mack agreed.
“Until Norman’s able to talk, we aren’t going to know exactly what happened,” Cash added, looking up to see Dutch join them.
Dutch looked between Mack and Dominic, his features grave.
Mack’s stomach clenched. “What is it, Dutch?”
“Al, from the Wild Rose, was leaving Sarah Murton’s house.” He nodded to her small house next door to the clinic.
Cash’s brows rose. “The schoolteacher?”
Dutch cleared his throat, nodding. “The same. Seems they have a, well…some kind of arrangement.”
Cash let out a mild oath, remembering how Beau had courted Sarah for a time before Caro returned to Splendor.
Dutch lowered his voice, sending an apologetic look at Mack. “Anyway, when Al left Miss Murton’s place about an hour ago, he saw two men ride out of town. He’s certain Sylvia Lucero rode in front of one of them.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Big Pine
Buster kept the small derringer pressed into Sylvia�
�s back, guiding her toward one of the cheaper hotels in the territorial capital. The late hour and almost complete darkness helped shield their faces as they walked inside. A lone man stood behind the counter, stifling a yawn as the three approached.
“We need a room.”
The clerk’s brow rose, his gaze moving over the two men and one tired, but defiant looking woman. “All three of you?” The older man didn’t attempt to hide the disgust in his voice.
Buster leaned across the counter, his gaze hard. “Do you have a problem with that?”
The man’s voice faltered. “Uh…no, sir.”
He straightened. “Good.”
“It’s too late for baths.” The clerk turned the register toward them. “Please sign here.” He quoted a price, pulling the journal back to him after Buster signed. Taking the money, he handed him a key. “It’s the last room upstairs on the right, Mr. Jones.”
Buster increased the pressure on Sylvia’s arm, hiding the derringer at his side as they made their way upstairs. Handing the key to Smalls, Buster waited as the man unlocked the door and shoved it open.
The small room included a bed, scarred dresser, and oil lamp. “You get the bed, girl.” Buster shoved her toward it. Her face twisted into a hateful expression, receiving a harsh chuckle in response.
Smalls stared around the almost barren space. “Where are we going to sleep, Buster?”
Snorting, he pointed to the floor. “The only place we can.”
“I need food.” Smalls started for the door. “I won’t be gone long.”
Buster walked to the window, looking out on the street. Other than the occasional sound of tinny piano music, the town had quieted.
“What do you plan to do with me?”
Turning from the window, Buster studied her. She’d been quiet since leaving Splendor, didn’t try to run, and made no fuss in front of the hotel clerk.
“Having you with us is how we’ll be able to get out of the territory. I’m certain your brother will send a posse.”
Rogue Rapids Page 19