Sylvia’s voice held firm. “And you believe he’ll do nothing if you have me?”
“Exactly.”
A chuckle broke the air, a slight grin on her face. “You don’t know much about my brother.”
Buster moved toward the bed. “Your brother isn’t going to endanger you. He’ll do whatever he has to in order to get you back safely.”
“Oh, he’ll make certain I’m safe. But Dominic won’t let you get away with taking me. He’ll seek justice, and nothing will stop him from obtaining it.”
“You have a great deal of faith in him.”
A wave of satisfaction washed through her. “Because I know Dominic.” Sylvia didn’t add her firm conviction Mack would ride with her brother. No matter what had transpired between them, he’d be as adamant as Dominic about getting her back.
Splendor
When Norman regained consciousness, he’d confirmed his ranch hand’s story regarding the confrontation. Buster and a few others had been responsible for slaughtering the sheep and stealing the cattle. A sadness had overtaken the rancher as he described the shooting. Norman admitted he knew the reason for Buster’s actions, although he refused to share the cause with anyone.
Gabe argued for Dominic to wait until morning when they’d have a better chance of picking up Buster’s tracks. He’d refused. It came as no surprise Mack agreed with him or that Caleb insisted on riding with them. Instead of continuing to argue, Gabe sent a telegram to Sheriff Parker Sterling.
They’d left late that night, taking the shortest route to Big Pine. As a group, Gabe and the deputies were certain Buster would head straight for the large town before riding through Bloody Basin, Red Dog, and Moosejaw.
Norman believed Buster’s destination to be the Dakota Territory. The man who’d been his foreman for over ten years had an uncle in Yankton, the territorial capital—someone who’d hide him, even from the law. Norman felt certain Buster would let Sylvia go when he and Smalls crossed into the Dakotas.
“We won’t let them get that far,” Dominic had told Gabe before he, Mack, and Caleb rode out.
They’d reached Big Pine a couple hours before dawn, meeting the sheriff in the jail. They’d barely made it inside when Sterling pinned them with a hard stare.
“I don’t want any vigilante antics in my town. We do this my way. If you don’t agree, I’ll lock all three of you in cells right now.”
Dominic moved closer to Sterling. “Does that mean you know where they are?”
He shot a look at his deputies, his mouth drawn into a grim line. “We’re real certain they’re at a hotel at the east end of town. I’d already spread word, letting the town know to look for two men and a woman riding in late. The clerk hailed one of my deputies not long after they registered using the name Jones.”
“Which hotel?”
Sterling crossed his arms. “Well, that’s just it, Mack. I’m not letting you know until we’re ready to move. I don’t want you three doing anything requiring me to arrest you for murder.”
Mack swore under his breath, lowering himself into a chair. “What’s your plan, Sheriff?”
“It’s real simple. My deputies and me go into the hotel. I already know the room they’re in and the clerk confirmed all three are in there. They aren’t going to have any idea we’ve discovered them this soon, so it’s doubtful one of them is standing guard.”
Dominic’s jaw tightened. “Buster will grab Sylvia as soon as he figures out what’s happening. One of your men could shoot her by accident.”
Sterling’s gaze wandered over the three men, his features softening. “We aren’t going to let that happen. We’ll get her out before those two sonsofbitches know what’s happened.”
Mack hoped to God Sterling was right.
Thirty minutes later, the sheriff and his men were in place, guns drawn, counting the seconds until Sterling gave the signal. Mack and Dominic had been allowed to take positions below the window of the second floor while Caleb guarded the front entrance.
“When we get Sylvia back, you sure as hell better marry her or I’ll shoot you myself.” Dominic rolled the cylinder of his six-shooter, checking it for the third time. He didn’t look at Mack, figuring his message had been clear enough for even a dunderhead such as him to understand.
Mack didn’t attempt to lie. “I plan to. If she’ll still have me.”
Dominic had to concede the point. “Yeah, you surely did stir up a passel of trouble with my sister. It may take her a while to come around. The fact is she might even go to supper with Morgan a few more times just to make you sweat.”
“The hell she will,” Mack spat out with more force than intended.
Before Dominic could reply, a blast of gunfire rippled through the air. Not long after, a window shattered on the second floor, followed by a body falling to the ground, landing at Mack’s feet. Staring at the crumpled form, he pointed his gun at Buster’s still body. Hearing a groan, Mack bent down.
“Move, you sonofabitch. Give me an excuse to put a bullet in your head.”
Dominic stepped next to Mack. “Like hell. If anyone’s going to shoot him, it’ll be me.”
“No one’s shooting anybody. Stand back you two and help an old man out.” Sterling walked up, an arm settled over Sylvia’s shoulders.
“Syl...” Dominic’s voice faded as he moved to her, wrapping her in a tight hug. “My God. I was so worried.”
Closing her eyes, she held on, thankful once again her brother had come to Splendor. Opening her eyes, she glanced around him. Mack stood a few feet away.
“Mack.” His name came out as a breathless whisper. Dropping her arms from around Dominic, she moved toward him, taking only two steps before he whisked her into a fierce embrace. Burying his face in her hair, he took an unsteady breath.
He didn’t know what to say, his throat thick. Instead, he held her to his chest, unwilling to let go.
Pulling back, Sylvia looked up to see his face lined with worry. “I’m all right, Mack.”
He brushed hair away from her face, cupping her cheeks with both hands. Leaning down, he brushed his lips over hers, needing the contact to reassure himself Sylvia was safe. Dominic’s low cough had them stepping apart.
“Did they hurt you, Syl?”
She shook her head, not ready to release her hold around Mack’s waist. Letting out a breath, she turned to her brother.
“Frightened me, but nothing more.” Sylvia’s attention moved to see two of Sterling’s deputies lift Buster, carrying him onto the boardwalk. Looking up, she noticed a sign over one door, indicating they were taking him to the town’s infirmary.
The outlaw cried out in pain, one of his legs bent at on odd angle and a deep gash on his face dripping blood. His breath came out in an unsteady wheeze, indicating broken ribs.
“What of Mr. Smalls?” Sylvia asked Sterling, who stood a few feet away.
“Dead.”
She shivered, but didn’t display any remorse at her kidnapper’s death. “What will happen to him?” Her gaze settled on Buster.
“If he lives, he’ll go to trial. I don’t know all the charges right now, but I’m guessing there will be several for the judge to consider.”
“They spoke of killing sheep and stealing cattle from Mr. Miller.” She looked at Mack. “Are those the sheep belonging to the Smiths?”
He nodded, controlling the urge to pull her back into his arms. “Yes. They shot Norman and another ranch hand. They also killed another man, but I don’t have all the details.” Mack glanced behind Sylvia to see Dominic shaking his head, indicating he didn’t want Sylvia to hear any more. “But you’re safe, and that’s what matters.” He trailed a finger down her cheek. “Sylvia, I—”
“We should get some sleep before heading back to Splendor.” Dominic didn’t look at all apologetic for interrupting.
“You’ll be more comfortable at one of the hotels farther up the street.” The sheriff glanced around. “I’m going to stay until the underta
ker gets the body moved and the doctor has had a chance to look at Maddox.”
Sylvia’s brows scrunched together. “Maddox? Is that Buster’s last name?”
“According to the telegram Gabe sent earlier today, it is.” Massaging the back of his neck, Sterling blew out a breath. “Glad this ended without you getting hurt, Miss Lucero. It could’ve been much worse.”
Two days later, Sylvia still thought of the sheriff’s words, shivering at the truth of them. He’d been right. She’d been fortunate to be rescued before experiencing any real harm.
Buster wouldn’t be returning to Splendor. Instead, he’d face trial in Big Pine. The only explanation for his crimes had been his angry tirade against Norman Miller. Buster insisted the rancher had swindled him out of the land Morgan now owned. They’d had a deal and Norman had betrayed him. Miller hadn’t come forth to explain his side of Buster’s accusation, leaving the town with more questions than answers.
Since returning to Splendor the day before, Dominic had pushed her to head home to Whiplash, or ride to Austin with him. He spoke of the opportunities in the town where the Texas Rangers had their headquarters.
Sylvia might not have listened as intently to his arguments if Mack had made even one attempt to see her. He’d stayed away, not appearing at the store or boardinghouse restaurant. After the kidnapping, she supposed he’d come to the same conclusion as her brother—she’d be safer back in Texas.
Even Stan Petermann had reservations about letting her resume all the duties at the general store. He welcomed her that morning, but stayed close, not leaving to make his normal trip to the bank or walking across the street for food. Instead, he’d sent her out to bring back meatloaf from Suzanne’s. It seemed everything Sylvia had gained during her brief time in Splendor slipped away and she could do nothing to stop the downward spiral.
“Good afternoon, Sylvia.”
She jolted at the greeting, having been too lost in her thoughts to hear the bell above the door. “Good afternoon, Mrs. Evans. How are you doing?”
“I believe the correct question is how are you doing?” Lena ran her hand down a new bolt of fabric, her gaze flickering up to meet Sylvia’s.
“Much better now that I’m home.” Her heart sank. She’d miss Splendor, but as Dominic reminded her, it wasn’t her home.
“Gabe told me one of the men who took you died, and the other is fighting for his life back in Big Pine. If the man lives, Gabe says he’ll be facing trial there.”
Sylvia had heard the same from her brother. Either way, she’d be expected to testify, which meant leaving Splendor wouldn’t be an option until after the trial.
“I won’t keep you, Sylvia. I just wanted to see how you were doing after your harrowing experience. You are quite a brave woman.”
Sylvia snorted at the comment. “Hardly. I did what Buster and Smalls told me, hoping someone would find where’d they’d hidden me away.”
“And someone did. Well, I’d better move on. I still have supper to start for Gabe and Jack.”
“How is your son?”
Lena smiled. “Jack is doing quite well. He’s eight now and is certain there’s nothing more he can learn.”
Sylvia remembered she’d thought the same at his age.
“You and your brother should come to supper before he returns to Texas.” Lena gave her a knowing grin. “You could also ask Mack to join us.”
Sylvia bit her lip rather than share with Lena how she’d not seen Mack since their return to Splendor. “Thank you for the invitation. I’ll mention it to Dom.”
“This Saturday would be perfect. Do you know if you’re free?”
Looking away, she stifled a laugh, knowing nothing would show on her social calendar. “That should be fine.”
“Wonderful. Have a good evening and we’ll see you on Saturday.”
Lena slipped outside as Sylvia walked to the back, meaning to grab her coat and reticule. “I’m leaving now, Mr. Petermann.”
Stan stepped out of the small nook he used as an office. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
The corners of her mouth turned upward. “Yes, you will. Have a good evening.”
“You as well.” He disappeared back into the cubicle.
Slipping into her coat, Sylvia didn’t see anyone standing by the door until almost running into him. “Oh, I…” Her eyes moved upward, words stalling.
“Good evening, Sylvia.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Mack’s eyes crinkled at the corners at the surprise on Sylvia’s face. He fingered the brim of his hat, his gaze moving over her, not sure what to say. He’d been trying to decide how to convince her to stay in Splendor since seeing Dominic in the gunsmith shop that morning. Her brother had been firm in his belief she return to Texas, a location he considered much safer and better suited for a woman seeking marriage.
Mack’s mood had dampened on the last. In truth, it had diminished with each word Dominic spoke regarding Sylvia’s future. After almost losing her to Buster’s ill intent, he had no intention of letting her slip away from him a second time.
“Are you finished for the day?”
She licked dry lips, her heart beginning to beat at an erratic rate as she met his gaze. “Yes, I am.”
“Would you be available to join me for supper?” He gripped the brim of his hat more firmly.
Her first reaction had been to agree. The part of her insisting she protect her heart from the man who’d already broken it held back.
“I’m not certain it would be a good idea. I mean, you made it quite clear you no longer have any interest in me, and I find it hard to believe you’ve changed your mind.” She tried to step past him, but Mack moved to block her way.
“My decision to call off our courtship may have been premature.”
Brow lifting, her lips pressed into a tight smile. “Premature?”
A muscle twitched in his jaw. “That’s what I said.”
Shaking her head, Sylvia glanced toward the door, wishing he would step aside and let her leave. “I don’t know what you want of me. My feelings on love were clear from the start, as were yours. Unless you’ve changed your thoughts on marriage, I see no point in starting again.”
Frowning, Mack shifted his stance, unsure of what more to say. He didn’t want to lie, yet refused to lose her without understanding the extent of his feelings for the beautiful woman he couldn’t rid from his thoughts.
“I do care for you, Sylvia. I care a great deal.”
“Caring for me isn’t enough.”
“I realize it isn’t.” He looked away, letting out a frustrated breath. Mack couldn’t recall a time he’d been so confused, so unsure of how to proceed. All he did know was he couldn’t let her go. “I need you, Sylvia.”
Her brows wrinkled. “Need me?”
Threading fingers through his hair, he gritted his teeth. “Yes, need you. I don’t want you to leave Splendor...leave me.”
Closing the distance between them, she placed a hand on his arm. “You’re the one who left me the night you called off our courtship.”
“Ah, Miss Lucero. I was afraid I’d missed you.”
Both turned to see Morgan had entered the store.
She quirked a brow at him. “Missed me, Mr. Miller?”
Morgan turned his back to Mack. “I’m in town to see to my father. Since I have to stay the night, I wondered if you’d have supper with me.”
Her lips parted, her eyes widened. “Well, I…” She glanced at Mack.
“She’s already agreed to join me for supper, Morgan.” Shifting to move around him, Mack took a spot at Sylvia’s side, looking down at her. “Haven’t you, sweetheart?” He winced, seeing her eyes flash.
“Is that correct, Miss Lucero?” Morgan took a step closer to her.
Lifting her chin, she focused her response on Mack. “Actually, I’ve already agreed to have supper with my brother. If you gentlemen will excuse me, I must be leaving.” Opening the door, Sylvia stepped
outside, leaving the men to stare after her.
Mack stared at the cooling steak on his plate, unable to summon any level of appetite. He’d chosen to eat at McCall’s. Other than the boardinghouse and Eagle’s Nest, Betts McCall and her husband ran the only other restaurant in town. He’d brought Sylvia here several times. The food was good and plentiful, and as he stared down at it, he felt a twinge of guilt at leaving it uneaten.
“Is the steak not to your liking, Mack?” Betts stood next to him, her brows knit in confusion.
“I’m sure it’s fine. I suppose I’m not as hungry as I’d thought.”
Looking around the room, satisfied everyone had been taken care of, she pulled out a chair. Betts sat next to him, patting his arm. “How is that beautiful lady of yours? I haven’t seen either of you in quite a while.”
“She really isn’t my lady, Betts.”
“Nonsense. It’s your fault if you don’t see her that way.” She chuckled at the blank look on his face. “Come now, Mack. You aren’t a stupid man. Surely you know Sylvia’s in love with you.”
Swallowing, he nodded.
Her gaze narrowed. “It seems that’s not the problem then, is it?”
“No, Betts, it isn’t.”
Sitting back, she considered his words, her eyes widening. “You’re the problem, aren’t you?”
Mack had no idea why he’d allowed himself to be drawn into a conversation he hadn’t expected to have with anyone. He wasn’t one to speak of his feelings, admit his mistakes.
“She’ll only marry for love.”
“And you don’t love her.” It wasn’t a question.
“No, I don’t.”
Waving to the couple who placed money on the table before leaving, she turned back to him. “Are you sure about that?”
Crossing his arms, he frowned. “I’d know if I did.”
At this, Betts threw back her head and laughed.
Narrowing his gaze, he stared at her. “What’s so funny?”
“You, Mack. I’ve never seen a man so smitten with a woman as you are with Sylvia. You may be lying to yourself, young man, but how you feel is clear on your face every time you look at her.” Leaning forward, her face sobered. “You know how Cash looks at Allie, Gabe looks at Lena, and Beau looks at Caro?”
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