Читать книгу The Gunslinger's Untamed Bride - Stacey Kayne - Страница 12

Juniper kept Scout at a hard pace. The Grove was close, a small settlement nestled into a lowland mountain valley where squatting oak trees, tall grasses and bursts of wild-flowers replaced the towering pines of the higher elevations. Lily and Reginald rode a few paces behind him, their horses hot and lathered.

Juniper had no intention of hunting down a hostile band of men with these two in tow, certainly not with a gunman on the loose. Lily’s temper wasn’t enough to keep her safe if bullets started flying. Problem was, he had nowhere to stash them. Folks in The Grove weren’t likely to greet the Carringtons with warmth and hospitality. The entire community had suffered from the recent pay hold.

Two parallel rows of rooftops marking the settlement came into view, and Juniper’s mind raced for a solution. He’d met all the residents of this town at one time or another, having served as their local sheriff for nearly two years before he’d moved up to the high Sierra camp. In the past few years he’d spent his days beating the trail up and down this mountain.

Juniper veered off the wide stretch of road. Below, individual rooftops fanned out on either side of the shops on the main strip. Homes spotted the uneven hills tucked into the mountain crevasse. Descending a high stretch of ground, he caught sight of a cluster of residents gathered beneath the narrow awnings of the main strip, spilling out into the street.

Spotting his approach, the dense crowd scattered like a clutch of spooked chickens, rushing off in all directions. Not his usual greeting.

Something’s definitely up.

His gaze swept the deep valley, searching the passes in and out of town. Thick foliage covered the steep ridges spiking up on three sides, offering ample shelter and few outlets. He truly doubted the band of timbermen had stuck around for his arrival, knowing he was in pursuit and that a man lay dead up on the mountain. Then again, if their intentions had been relief for the community rather than greed, he should find them passing out wages at McFarland’s office. Somehow, that didn’t seem likely.

Experience told him that no matter what their initial intentions had been when they’d descended upon that wagon, the moment their hands had been on the money, greed had kicked in. If they’d taken a mind to keep the loot for themselves, the township posed as great a threat as the law. The stolen money was rightfully the townspeople’s. Juniper’s impending approach would be a good excuse for them to keep riding—only if they’d managed to rally support from those they’d come into contact with, convincing them that their sheriff was the greater threat. Not a position any sheriff wanted to be in.

He pulled up on the reins and glanced back at his meager posse. The sight of Lily barreling down on him brought an abrupt shift of focus—and damn near took his breath away. Her hair flowed out behind her like a shimmering mane. Attraction prowled through his body, tensing his muscles as she came up beside him, her squared shoulders and raised chin giving off a flare of confidence.

Even snagged and scuffed, she stood out in these mountains like a swan in a duck pond.

There’s no way to hide her, to make her blend in. Reginald wasn’t much better in his ruffled shirt and brimless black hat. What the hell good was a hat that didn’t even shade your face? Both reined in beside him, exhaustion clear on their faces. He imagined neither were used to spending hours on horseback, much less keeping up the rigorous pace he’d demanded.

“Mr. Barns—”

“Stay beside me,” he said before Lily could get another word out. “I want you both tight on my flank.” He urged Scout on, giving no time for Lily’s rebuttal. They murmured behind him before moving into position, their horses just visible from the corners of his eyes.

In a town usually humming with activity, the streets were nearly deserted. Folks peered out through open doors and shop windows. Only the general-store merchant stood in the entrance to his shop, twisting one upturned end of his fancy mustache.

“Afternoon, Sheriff,” Deke Winton said with a wave.

“Deke.”

Juniper rode on toward the livery, which marked the far end of town. Frank would know who’d been in and out of The Grove. If the men had ridden out, they’d likely taken fresh horses.

On the second block the wide doors to Jonas’s blacksmith shop were shut tight, a sight he’d never seen before in the middle of the afternoon. A nagging chill wormed up his spine. More than likely, Jonas’s last clients had been a band of timbermen needing help with a locked box.

“On my flank,” he repeated, Lily and Reginald falling out of his peripheral vision. Both closed in.

Juniper wasn’t pleased to see the sheriff’s office locked up, shutters drawn. He wondered if his deputy had caught wind of the trouble or was off on other business.

Reaching the center of town, he slowed. He glanced past Lily’s mount and honed his gaze on the small white house located on the edge of town.

“Mr. Barns, would—”

“Pipe down,” he said offhandedly, cutting off Lily’s question as his gaze swept the yard and nearby fields of tall grasses. He didn’t see any sign of visitors outside Widow Donnelly’s home, but that didn’t mean they weren’t lurking about.

He continued toward the livery.

Residents who were usually quick to greet him peered through windows. Those who’d ventured out onto the boardwalks ducked back inside as he approached. He stopped in front of the large stable.

“This is a livery,” Lily said from beside him.

Her pristine pronunciation coupled with the bafflement buried in her crisp tone brought a grin to Juniper’s lips. “Sure is. Our horses are done for today. We’ll need fresh mounts.” He swung out of his saddle and began to quickly remove the pack of leftover supplies from his trip into the high country.

“Should I presume we are about to embark on another of your brilliant schemes?”

A quick side glance at her pursed expression told him to focus on removing his saddle if he wanted to keep a hold on his temper. He usually had the patience of a priest, yet one look at Lily’s cold stare and slender, arching eyebrow snapped at his nerves.

It’s your guilty conscience, he told himself, knowing he’d made a rash mistake sending her down the mountain in the wagon the way he had.

“I would think you’d have apprehended half the town by now, being so quick to use handcuffs and handkerchiefs with me.”

“Give the sheriff a break, Lily,” Reginald said in a dull tone. “He did rescue you.”

Lily dismounted and turned her sour expression toward her cousin, her hands fisted against the alluring curve of her hips. “From the situation he put me in!”

Juniper quickly averted his gaze from her shapely body, telling himself he’d liked her far better while she’d been unconscious.

She needs to get off my mountain.

“An honest mistake by the sound of it,” said Reginald. “Though I can’t imagine how you’d neglect to inform him you own the lumber camp.”

“Hush,” Juniper ordered, glancing around for anyone within earshot as he moved in close between them. “Do you two still not get it?” he asked in a harsh whisper. “The name Carrington has brought these people nothing but further hardship.”

“But I—”

“I know,” he cut in. “You’re here to set things right. Until you do, I suggest you keep your lips pinched tight. Am I under stood?”

Lily drew herself up, making the most of barely five feet—hardly a sign of compliance.

“We are due a briefing, Mr. Barns, as I’ve found your judgment to be severely lacking thus far.”

“Sheriff Barns.” Frank stood at the open end of the barn, his thumbs hooked behind his suspenders.

“Afternoon, Frank,” Juniper said, walking past Lily. “Our horses need a cool down, and I’ll be needing three fresh mounts. Or have you been cleaned out?”

“Figured you’d be coming down the mountain like a flash of lighting,” he said, sounding surprisingly chipper. “I’ve got a few left. Saved the best of my stock for you.”

“I am obliged. They all rode out, then?”

“A dozen mares rode out in two directions nearly twenty minutes ago.”

“Can you name the riders?”

Frank’s gaze skated past them. Juniper glanced over his shoulder and noted the growing number of townsfolk making their way back out onto the boardwalk to have a look at their visitors.

“I’d rather not,” he said.

Juniper gave a nod, figuring he’d bide his time. “Think I’ll stop in and see Emma.”

“That’s a real fine idea,” Frank agreed, telling Juniper that Calvin had indeed gone to see his sister, Widow Donnelly.

“I appreciate your cooperation, Frank.”

Cooperation? Lily gaped up at the supposed sheriff, unable to believe he’d forgo further questioning simply because the man preferred not to answer. Mr. Dobbs had been killed. Juniper should be demanding answers!

“Where’s Deputy Griggs?” he asked.

“He rode out this morning,” said Frank, his gaze moving slowly over Lily. “Said he’d received a wire from a U.S. marshal looking to bring in that highwayman who robbed the stage last month.”

“Let’s hope this marshal can stick around,” said Juniper. “This is Miss Palmer and her cousin Reginald.”

“Good day,” greeted Reginald.

Lily simply stared up at Juniper, his choice of title having caught her off guard. It had been years since anyone had referred to her as Miss Palmer.

“Miss Palmer,” said Frank, “I sure hope they didn’t hurt you none.”

Realizing Frank was staring at her dress, she glanced down and was reminded of her tattered state. “I appreciate your concern.”

Juniper’s long arm curved around her shoulders. “She’s a little the worse for wear, but otherwise fine. We’ll be back shortly for those horses.” He wheeled her around, giving her no choice but to follow his lead or be muscled off the ground.

“I’ll wait here,” Reginald offered, slumping onto a crate outside the wide double doors of the stable. He swabbed a silk handkerchief over his sweaty brow.

Juniper glanced back at Frank and tipped his head toward Reginald, as though silently asking the livery man to keep an eye on him. Frank gave a nod before Juniper started down the street, his hold on her shoulders forcing her to keep up with his long strides.

“Mr. Barns—”

“Sheriff Barns,” he corrected, the irritation in his gaze suggesting he’d noticed her refusal to use the title. As far as she was concerned, he was no longer the sheriff of Pine Ridge.

“I’d like to know how you intend to catch up with those men much less recover my cash box when you allow your questions to go unanswered.”

“All in good time,” he said, an easy grin sliding across his lips.

She shrugged off the weight of his arm. “You are wasting time. You’re intentionally allowing them to get farther away.”

He tucked her right back against his side as they turned a corner. “If Frank had anything other than a general direction to give me, he’d have said so. Don’t suppose you noticed the local blacksmith had his shop locked up tight when we rode through town?”

No, she hadn’t. Nor had he offered any insight to his plans or observations!

“If that lock box was opened,” he continued, “I truly doubt Calvin would have left without giving a cut to his sister. With any luck, Emma will know where they were headed, and we’ll start rounding up any prematurely distributed payroll.”

“Prematurely distributed? You say that as though no crimes have been committed!”

“If no crimes had been committed,” he said, his tone low and biting, “you’d already be up at camp packing your gear. You have no idea how badly this community needs that payroll. Do you really think I’d allow them to steal from the citizens I’ve sworn to protect?”

Judging by the reactions of the townspeople to Juniper’s arrival, they were terrified of him. His barbaric treatment of her thus far confirmed his use of tyranny and intimidation.

“Must you drag me along as though I’m your captive?”

“Like the rest of these citizens, you’re under my protection.”

She stopped beside a yard with a white picket fence and pulled away from him. “I do believe I fired you, Mr. Barns. I prefer to seek the assistance of another sheriff.”

His slow smile nettled at her frayed nerves.

“Sorry, darlin’, you’re stuck with me. I don’t work for you down here. You’re in my territory now. Down here I am the law.”

A manipulator of the law was more like it. A common outlaw posing as a sheriff. Utter madness.

He turned away from her and walked through the open gate of the picket fence, heading for the tiny white house at the center of a small yard.

“Where are you going?”

“Exactly where I said I’d be going. To see Emma Donnelly.”

He shuffled up the steps and rapped on the door, forcing Lily to hurry after him or stand in the street like a vagabond. The door opened as she reached his side.

A tall and rather attractive woman greeted them, her dark eyes flaring wide at the sight of Juniper. Looking up at Mrs. Donnelly’s sweeping honey-wheat hair tucked into a neat bun and her modest black dress, Lily became startlingly aware of her own tattered appearance. Her hair trailed down her back in a mass of tangles, the torn waistcoat revealing her white chemise and a flash of pale skin.

Mrs. Donnelly glanced cautiously at Lily before looking back at Juniper. “Sheriff Barns,” she said, her smile clearly forced. “It’s … good to see you.”

“Hello, Emma,” Juniper said, smiling gently.

The flutter in Lily’s stomach made her wonder if he intended to charm the information out of the pretty widow.

“I’m afraid this isn’t a good time,” she said. “I’m in the middle of preparing supper and have the baby to feed soon, so if—”

“I won’t stay long,” he said, sliding a boot over the threshold. “We had a problem on the mountain today.”

The frown already pressing into her brow deepened. “Oh?”

“Mrs. Donnelly?” Lily said, budging Juniper’s shoulder out of her way. “I’m—”

“This is Miss Lily Palmer,” Juniper interrupted, all but scooping her into the tiny house as he stepped inside. “She’s with the reform committee and is here to help straighten out the back wages.”

A partial truth, she thought. Her gaze landed on a rug at the center of the room. Multicolored braided rags made into coils created a large oval on the wood floor. Very similar to a rug her own mother had owned. Beyond the few furnishings in the front room, four wide-eyed children sat motionless at a kitchen table covered with flour, pie plates and other baking dishes. The sight put an ache in her chest, reminding her of a warm kitchen, conversation, her mother’s laughter.

A boy around the age of nine or ten held a potato and a paring knife. His three sisters appeared to be between the ages of seven and three, the youngest with a smudge of flour on her chin and nose.

“Hi, Juniper,” chirped the little flour-smudged girl. She beamed a bright smile at him.

Lily glanced at the man beside her, failing to see the benefit of hiding her true identity from this woman and her children.

“Hello, Calley,” he said. “I see you’re all helping your mama with supper.”

The girls smiled. Their older brother remained stiff and stoic, his concerned gaze moving between Lily and his mother.

“Who wants a peppermint stick?” Juniper asked, holding up a coin.

“I do!” the girls shouted in unison. All three abandoned their tasks, surging up from their chairs.

“Kersey,” said Juniper, “would you walk your sisters down to the store?”

The boy looked to his mother.

“Do as Sheriff Barns asks,” she said.

“I just need to talk with your mama for a moment.” Juniper offered one of his warm, hypnotic smiles as he held the boy’s wary gaze.

“All right.” Kersey pushed back from the table. His worried expression didn’t change as he took the hand of his youngest sister.

“That’s a good man,” Juniper said, thumping the boy on his shoulder as he led his excited siblings to the door. He tucked the coin into Kersey’s hand.

The boy’s lips twitched with a grin. “Thanks, Juniper,” he said softly, and followed his sisters outside.

Masterfully done, thought Lily. Juniper Barns wasn’t short on cunning.

The door slammed shut, initiating a bleating cry from the cradle just beyond the sofa.

“What’s all this about?” Mrs. Donnelly asked rather sternly as she bent over the cradle. Lily caught a glimpse of the plump, pink-cheeked infant wrapped in the blue blanket before the widow hugged him to her bosom, rocking him gently the way mothers did, instantly silencing his cry.

“We need your help, Emma. A guard was killed today and money stolen.”

Mrs. Donnelly gasped, her arms tightening around her baby. “Killed? They didn’t sa—” Her words cut off as though realizing she was about to say something she shouldn’t. “I didn’t know.”

“I know you didn’t,” Juniper said, his tone soothing. “I’m sure Calvin didn’t want to worry you. He did come to see you today, didn’t he?”

Tears welled into the woman’s brown eyes. “They’re good men, Juniper, trying to fend for their families.”

“I know that. As long as the money’s recovered and everyone cooperates, the only men facing charges will be the gunman who killed the guard and the man who assaulted Miss Palmer.”

Lily could hardly believe his audacity, to make such assumptions. They would all be facing charges!

“Oh, my gracious.” Mrs. Donnelly’s wide gaze landed on Lily’s skirt. The state of her attire left little doubt that she had indeed been assaulted. Her initial attacker stood beside her, posing as a sheriff.

“Are you all right?” the woman asked.

“Quite well,” Lily assured her. “Thank you. As Sheriff Barns has said, we need to recover the stolen funds.”

“They just want what was owed to them.”

“And we have every intention of distributing the wages, which are now missing.”

“This whole town is waiting on their pay, Emma,” said Juniper. “Everyone will get their wages. But it has to be done properly. We have to get that money back.”

Tears spilled across Emma’s cheeks, twisting the ache in Juniper’s heart. He hated having to press her for information. This family had been through so much heartache in the past few months.

“Did they say where they were headed?”

She nodded, sniffing back more tears.

Juniper knew how much it cost her to implicate her brother.

“A man was with him,” she said. “Calvin called him Chandler.”

“You didn’t recognize him?”

“No. He wasn’t a pleasant fellow. He kept shouting at Calvin and scaring the children.”