Authors: Jennifer Jakes
He pulled her into his arms and tipped her chin so their lips were a whisper apart.
“Just trust me.”
Chapter Ten
Sinclair watched the train approach, his gut as tight as a fist. He and Eden had been up all night, first as he told her Tom was Mary Rose’s rapist, then as he explained about Bryan. The boy had no one, and Sinclair couldn’t stand the thought of leaving him all alone in the world. The fort had plenty of room… Sophia might like having a little brother around.
Eden’s eyes had filled with tears as she nodded. Around 2 a.m.
they sent Floyd riding toward Fort Hayes with a letter of recommendation as a bunkhouse cook. Before dawn they snuck over to the McGrady’s, and the story Adella McGrady told made Sinclair shake with anger. Hundreds, no, thousands of soldiers starving in prison camps, while the senator sold the supplies meant to feed them. Men died. Adella’s brother starved to death. And all along she’d had the proof to crucify Moreton.
But
Sin knew immediately the information on the paper was forged. He knew George Rogers, the clerk from Parsons’ office who supposedly signed off on the forms for the supply wagon to be detoured per orders from Parsons. And he knew that George was killed in battle a week before the paper was signed. George’s resignation from Judge Parsons’ office had been last minute, so Moreton couldn’t have known. Meanwhile, he forged papers and continued to get richer from the stolen supplies. Whether or not he’d planned all along to use Parsons as a scapegoat or whether the forgery was to motivate Adella McGrady, was unknown. But Moreton made a fatal mistake giving Adella that paper, one he’d die regretting.
The train chugged to a hissing stop.
Sinclair stood back, waiting until he saw Father through the windows. He had to speak to him alone. No one else was above doubt. Any of these so-called investors could be working with Moreton.
The men exited t
he train like a row of ruffled roosters, Father in the rear. He’d aged in the past years, no longer so tall, so stern, so forbidding.
Where was the man who made me doubt myself?
Gone. This man looked
old, tired. Worried.
“
Sinclair.” Father gripped his hand and shook it as if…he was glad to see him.
“
Father.”
“
I’d like you meet some colleagues of mine.” Judge Bradford introduced a handful of men, but Sinclair’s focus was on the large man at the edge of the platform. Senator Moreton. Adella had described him to perfection, smug conceit. Cold, calculating. Dangerous. He spoke to a slick dandy wearing enough hair pomade to choke a mule.
Moreton
turned, as if he could feel the hatred Sinclair was trying to rein-in. Sinclair fisted and unfisted his hands. Control. He had to maintain control. Grabbing the senator by the throat and choking the life out of him wasn’t the plan.
But it sure as hell sounded good at the moment.
“Lastly, I’d like you to meet Senator Moreton.” Father nodded ushered him closer. “And his son, Alexander.”
A roar started in Sinclair’s
ears, like a million hornets swarming the nest.
Alexander.
Alexander Moreton. The same Alexander who damn near killed Eden, the same Alexander who was going to get a good ole’ army ass-kicking in about five minutes.
Sinclair gritted his teeth so hard, his jaw cracked. Black spots danced in his vision.
Fist, unfist. Fist, unfist. His hands shook with the urge to punch Alexander. Sinclair sucked in a deep breath. He was going to kill this son-of-a-bitch. Beat him within an inch of his life, then slowly peel all the skin off his body until—
“
Sinclair, are you all right?” Father frowned.
“
I’m feeling a bit poorly this morning.” Nothing a brutal murder wouldn’t cure.
“
You do look pale.”
Sinclair nodded. The shudders shaking his limbs were real enough. But he wasn’t sick.
“I think you should let me take you to your quarters.” Father’s tone was insistent. “Gentlemen, please see yourselves to the hotel. I’ll see you there later.”
Sinclair narrowed his eyes on Alexander. No matter what happened with Senator
Moreton, his dandy-ass son was dead.
***
“
What in the hell is wrong with you?” Father threw his hat onto Sinclair’s makeshift desk.
“
More than you know! Moreton
and
his son deserve nothing less than to be hanged.” Sinclair kicked an empty crate across the tent. “You’re right about Moreton, he’s been sabotaging Parsons, but it goes way beyond investments. And it goes way beyond the Katy.”
Judge Bradford frowned.
“What have you found?”
Sinclair pushed a stool toward his father.
“Sit down, and if you have your flask, take a drink. You’re going to need it.”
Half an hour later, Father handed Sinclair the flask.
“Dear, God. Do you realize how far reaching this is?”
“
Yes. And I’m not sure if you or your investors can stop him at this point.”
Father pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head.
“This is a disaster.”
“
Not entirely.” Sinclair stood and started pacing. “I know a way for justice to be served.”
“
You’re going to arrest him? On what charges?”
“
No. We’re going to tell Parsons exactly what’s going on now—in addition to the fact Moreton has blamed him for the missing supply wagons during the war. Parsons told me he’d aligned himself with the senator to access his political connections. I believe the President is one of those connections. Don’t you think President Grant would like assurance of a second term? If he shows the voting public he’s willing to prosecute one of Washington’s finest, it will go a long way to convincing everyone he’s the people’s President.”
Father’s jaw dropped, then a grin pulled at his mouth, until he was laughing aloud
. “Sinclair, you’re wasting a great legal strategist’s mind atop that damned horse of yours.”
Sinclair groaned
. “I don’t want—”
“
No, no. I’m aware of your objections. But you’ve done a hell of a job here, and I’m proud of you.” He stood and stuck out his hand. “Let’s go talk to Parsons. The sooner we hear back from the President the sooner you can clamp those irons on Moreton. I’d like to personally escort him back to Washington— with you at my side, if you will? Your mother would enjoy a visit.”
Sinclair cleared his throat around the knot growing there.
Father is proud of me. Of me.
Looking at Father’s still extended hand, Sinclair felt years of pain and anger drop free. The respect he’d craved from his family was his for the taking. They could finally accept the life he’d chosen for himself here in the West. A smile curved his mouth.
“Yes, sir. I’d appreciate your company on the trip.” He clasped his father’s hand. “And there’s someone I’d like to introduce to you and Mother. We have to pick up her sister from school in St. Louis and perhaps we could pay a visit?”
Father nodded.
“You mother would love some grandchildren, you know?” He laughed.
Children. With Eden
. Yes, hell yes.
“
Yes, sir. We’ll be getting married soon, so I believe that’s a possibility.” But only if Father and Mother accepted Eden. Sinclair might have wanted their approval his whole life, but his whole world was wrapped up in a dark-haired, green-eyed beauty. If they wouldn’t welcome Eden into the family, then he, Eden and Sophia would make their own small family.
“
Let’s go speak with Parsons.” Father grabbed his hat. “He will need to send Ulysses a telegram to get the orders to arrest Moreton. That bastard didn’t shut-up about the speeches he was going to make once we arrived today. He’s got a political rally planned for late this afternoon. I would give my gold fillings to see you clap the irons on him in front of the crowd.”
Sinclair chuckled. He would gladly humiliate
Moreton in addition to any and every form of punishment. The train ride to Washington would be a long, dangerous trip. Just thinking of all the mishaps that might—
that would
—befall the senator made Sinclair smile.
But what about Alexander?
Sinclair could waste time appealing to the President himself, but the chances of Alexander being punished for what he did to Eden was slim to none. No, Alexander deserved brutal frontier justice, and he’d get it. Sinclair would see to that if it was the last thing he did.
Chapter Eleven
Eden swiped at the already clean bar and stared out the window. Senator Moreton’s speech should be in full swing now. The whole damned town was probably in attendance, but Sin made her swear she’d stay inside Devil’s Gate.
Alexander was in Ladore.
A shudder scuttled down her spine. Sin had been tense with worry. He had four of his men stationed around the saloon watching for Alexander. But she wasn’t scared. Alexander had no reason to hurt her now. No, not her. But Sin, yes. When he arrested Moreton, Alexander would react like a wounded animal, and his violence would be directed at Sin.
H
er stomach clenched. Throwing down the rag, she drifted to the window. If only Sin would stride through the door and wrap her in his arms. Then she’d know he was safe.
The crowd’s muted roar of approval and cracking applause breezed through the open door. Apparently
Moreton made a good impression on the people of Ladore. Poor fools.
Another long round of applause. Perhaps the long-winded liar was finished. She walked to the door and peeked toward the rail platform. Th
e crowd had begun to thin, shopkeepers walking back to their stores, men loading their families into buckboards.
But she couldn’t see Sin. Had he arrested
Moreton? Had something gone wrong? What if President Grant was involved with the senator’s schemes? Not even Parsons could usurp power over the President.
“
Whoo-ee.” Hank slipped in the door and grinned. “That Senator Moreton sure did have a lot to say.”
Eden groaned, but trailed af
ter Hank as he headed for a barstool. Christ, she hoped he wasn’t going to start singing Moreton’s praises. She would be sick all over the bar.
Hank grinned.
“Too bad all of it was a pile of horse shit.”
Eden snorted out loud.
“God, love you, Hank. I needed a laugh.” She set a glass down in front of him. “Beer?”
He nodded.
She filled his glass. “Did you happen to see Major Bradford out there?”
“
I did.” He stopped drinking mid-swig. “Aww, he your sweetheart, Eden?”
“
She’s about as sweet on him as I am on you, you old coot. Mmm-Hmm. So you leave her alone.” Alice sat a tub of clean glasses on the bar.
“
Well Eden must be plum in love then.” Hank winked. “Cuz I know you got them sweet feelings for me.”
Alice blushed. Blushed!
“Oh, you get, on and shut your mouth or I won’t be saving you any of the cake I just baked. Mmm-Hmm, you bet your ass I won’t.”
“
Now, Alice, don’t go being mean…” Hank climbed off his stool and followed her into the kitchen. “You know you’re my favorite gal…”
A smile pulled at Eden’s lips.
Good. Hank and Alice both deserved someone who cared about them. It would make leaving Ladore much easier if she knew Alice was happy. Easier, but not easy. She would miss Alice and the few friends she had here, Addy and Cormac, Hank…But just the thought of her new life with Sin pushed any sadness from her heart.
She’d finally have the home she longed for. When Sin went back to Fort Hayes, she’d be with him—as his wife. He intended to ask for a more permanent post, Colorado he’d said, or anywhere she desired.
Anywhere
. A fresh, clean, respectable life with Sophia and Sin. She smiled. And now Bryan Russell. The boy needed a home and someone to care for him. Thank God he hadn’t been shot during the robbery. She would have never been able to forgive herself. She wouldn’t have a chance at this new life with Sin.
Sin.
Where was he? She drifted to the window and rested her forehead against the glass. Most of the crowd was gone from the platform, and he was nowhere in sight. Nerves gnawed at her gut. What if—
“
Excuse me, ma’am, but I couldn’t help but notice how beautiful you are.” A warm, strong arm slipped around her waist. “I believe I’m going to need a kiss.”
Sin!
She turned in his embrace and hugged him tight, burying her face into his chest, inhaling the scent of horse, sweat and delicious man.
“
Hell, honey,” he whispered, “I’ll say you’re beautiful more often if this is the result.” His low words rumbled in his chest beneath her ear.
She locked her arms around his lean hi
ps and held him, just held him, listening to the strong beat of his heart.
“
All right, tell me what’s wrong.” His lips whispered over the top of her head.
“
Nothing.” She shook her head against his uniform, the wool
scritchy
against her cheek.
Sin sighed.
“I thought you were going to trust me.”
Eden pulled back and glanced at his expression. Stern, yes. Frustrated, a little. But full of love. A warmth wrapped around her, so secure, so strong and steady. Love, Sin’s love.
“I was just worried about you. About what Alexander and Moreton would do when you arrested him.” Because God help her, she couldn’t imagine living without Sin now.
His dark brows pinched
together. “We didn’t get the chance to arrest him yet. Parsons is waiting on a telegram from President Grant. He has the Pinkerton’s looking into the paperwork on the rations supply wagons, but it might be late tonight or tomorrow before he has the proof he wants.”
“
But what about Adella’s paper? That’s proof!”
“
The President wants more before he causes this kind of scandal.” He sighed. “Moreton isn’t going anywhere tonight. He’s taken over Stevens’ railcar. Apparently the Ladore Hotel wasn’t nice enough for Alexander.”
Eden shuddered.
“That sounds about right. But I bet Stevens is furious over that. His railcar is brand new.”
“
Parsons has him glued to the telegraph waiting for Grant’s response, so he won’t be sleeping in his quarters anyway.”
“
So what do we do now?”
Sin stepped back and clasped her hand.
“We go prepare supper. Men will be in here soon, and I want you hidden in the kitchen just in case Moreton or Alexander decide Ladore’s food
is
good enough for them and they come in to eat. Ballard will come get me when the telegram arrives.”
She nodded and sent
a little prayer of thanks. As long as Sin was with her, she could quiet the fears that he’d be hurt. Or worse.
Maybe President Grant would send men to escort
Moreton back to Washington, then Sin would be finished with the whole thing. Finished and safe.
“
Come on, woman.” He tugged her hand. “I’m not cooking
and
washing dishes.”
***
Four hours later, Sin handed her the last pot to be dried. The supper crowd had been heavy, everyone talking about the senator’s speech and the progress of the Katy. Now the bar room stood quiet, only the whispered sounds of Alice and Hank talking as she swept the floor breaking the silence.
“
Want me to make some coffee?” She glanced at Sin as he dumped the wash water.
“
No. I think you need to get some sleep. You look about ready to drop.” He dried his hands on his britches, then traced under her eyes. “You have circles, you’re so exhausted.”
“
I’m not going to sleep until I know this whole mess if over.” She pulled away and grabbed the coffee pot. “We’ll wait together.”
“
Stubborn.”
“
Yes.” She wasn’t going to deny it. He had better know what kind of wife he was getting.
“
Fine. I’ll get the sugar. After coffee, I’d like you to pack a few things.”
“
Why?” Dread tightened her whole body. He wasn’t sending her away if that’s what was in his head.
“
We have to get Sophia from school.” He winked. “I know you’ve missed her.”
Tears filled Eden’s eyes.
“Yes.” So much.
“
And Father has invited all of us to visit him and Mother. But only—”
“
Major?” Ballard knocked once, then rushed through the kitchen door. “The telegram came, sir. We’re to arrest Moreton immediately.” He handed Sin a rifle.
“
About damned time.” Sin whirled and wrapped his free hand around Eden’s waist then pulled her close for a quick kiss. “Stay here with Alice and Hank. Keep your gun close. Don’t answer the door for anyone but me or one of my men.”
“
Yes, sir.” She saluted.
Ballard snorted.
Sin frowned. “I mean it.”
“
I know.”
“
Because I love you.”
Her heart stuttered and tears filled her eyes.
“I know.”
He winked
. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
Eden followed him to the door.
“I’ll be waiting.”
“
Lock this door.” He went out then stood watching through the glass as she
clicked
the lock.
“
I love you.” Could he hear the catch in her voice? She turned away, unwilling to let him see how worried she truly was. If he thought Moreton and Alexander would just accept this kind of humiliation, he was wrong. Dead wrong.
***
“
I call.” Alice grinned over the edge of her cards.
“
Hell, woman, are you cheatin?” Hank scowled as he spread out his losing hand. “You’ve won the last three hands. Eden, does she cheat?”
“
No. She’s just good.” Eden looked out the kitchen window again. Damn, where was Sin? How long could an arrest possibly take?
“
Well, I’m plum outta beans. Good thing we’re not playin for real money. I’d be—”
“Miz Eden!” Ballard pounded the door. “Hurry. The store across the alley is on fire!”
Hank and Alice scraped their chairs back and ran to the hallway window.
“Damn, it is. Fiery as Hell already.” Alice came running back, Hank right behind her. “Eden, get your things gathered, and I’ll wake the girls. You know how fast fires jump.” She hurried through the door, her footsteps loud on the stairs. “Girls! Get up!”
“
Miz Eden,” Ballard called again, “unlock the door. I’ll start carrying stuff out for you.”
Yes, she and girls could save much more if they had help. She unlocked the door and yanked it open.
“Just follow—”
The man who pushed inside wasn’t Ballard. It was Len
in an army coat. He stepped over Ballard’s body and gave her a cold, evil smile. “The boss is here to see you, bitch.”
A shiver ran down Eden’s back, a sick
, chilling premonition.
Please God, don’t let it be him.
If it was, if she was right…
Alexander
emerged from the shadows on the porch and grinned. “Hello, my love. Have you missed me?”
E
den stumbled backward. Her feet caught in her skirt as she scrambled toward the bar room. Her heart pounded in her ears. She had to get away. Had to.
“
Now, Eden…do you really think I’ll just let you escape?” Alexander flicked his hand toward the door, silently instructing Len to move. “If you are stupid enough to run or scream for help, your friends will die. Len has no qualms about killing the old woman and man. And he takes particular pleasure in hurting whores. Something he and I have in common.” His gaze raked over her and he patted his pistol. “As you well know.”
She shivered.
Yes, she’d learned that lesson well. She closed her hand around the derringer in hidden in the folds of her skirt. One shot. Two men. Two men with guns. Even if she shot one of them, she was still dead. And so was everyone upstairs.
Slowly she let the gun fall back into her pocket and sucked in a fortifying breath. All she had to do was wait for her chance.
“What do you want, Alexander?”
He smiled.
“Why you, of course.”