Marrying Miss Marshal (22 page)

He retrieved the book from his saddlebag, along with a stub of a pencil he had to dig for, and brought them to Danna. She flipped to a blank page near the end of the book and completed a quick sketch of the area around the cave, including trees, rocks, larger impressions in the hills. Her memory was impressive.

She tapped a corner of the page. “If your two hands come from this direction, and I slip down from above the cave, you—” she nodded to Rob “—and Chas can approach from here.” She indicated a thick stand of trees. She shook her head as if she wasn't terribly happy with the plan, but said, “I think this is the best we can do. Ya'll ready?”

She didn't wait for an answer as she strode to her horse and swung up into the saddle. Confident they'd follow. And they did, Chas hopping up behind Danna.

It didn't take long to retrace their route to where they'd found Danna in the woods. The storm clouds had dissipated after sunrise, and now the sunlight sparkled off every surface, almost blinding in its intensity.

Shortly before they reached the place where Danna had been tied, Rob and Chas broke away from the other two men to circle around the other side of the little valley.

Letting Danna down from his horse and watching her slip away into the snowy mountain was hard for him. Especially after she'd come so close to death the night before. Chas clamped his teeth together to keep from calling her back.

He had to remember how capable she was. And at least she wasn't unarmed, as she'd been able to take an extra pistol her brother had provided.

Chas and Rob moved quietly into place, hobbling the horses a fair piece away, in case gunfire erupted. They snuck through the winter-white landscape together.

Not as comfortable as Rob was at sneaking, Chas followed the other man and tried to stay behind barren trees, outcroppings of rocks, or even getting down on hands and knees in the snow, so as not to be seen.

When the mouth of the cave was in sight, Rob began to move even more cautiously. Rob found a spot he liked and pointed out a covering of brush not far away, mouthing instructions for Chas to go over there and wait.

Lying there with his belly wet and cold wasn't Chas's idea of a good time, but he did as he was told. He wouldn't endanger Danna as he had the other night. Sighting his rifle, he drew a bead on the cave, black against the white landscape.

In minutes, a length of rope unfurled down the ledge above the cave. He saw Danna's dark head at the top of the cliff, and then her backside as she began to lower herself hand over hand, right down the wall of rock.

Chas's heart drummed in his temples at her being so exposed. If any of the other outlaws were out in the woods, they'd have an easy shot at her. He sent up a desperate prayer that no one with nefarious intentions was near enough to do her harm.

For a moment, his breath cut off and he thought he was going to get caught up in a memory of those few moments before Julia and Joseph died, but instead of the images he expected, all he could see was Danna hanging off that dangling rope, her life in the balance.

After she was out in the open so long he was beginning to feel sick to his stomach, she braced her legs against the rock wall and raised one hand in a prearranged signal.

“O'Rourke!” Rob roared, and Chas jumped, even though he'd been expecting the shout. “We've got you surrounded! Toss your weapons outside the cave and walk out with your hands up!”

No sound emerged from the cave. The woods themselves were eerily quiet, without the normal sounds of birds and small animals moving about, as if even they knew something was happening. The snow muffled everything, but Chas knew it could be hiding death and danger.

Danna fisted her hand and pumped it once in the air—the signal they waited for—and a voice from across the clearing called out this time. “We know you're in there, and we're not leaving. We've got enough ammunition to wait you out!”

Still no answer from the cave, no movement. Had the men left after they'd discovered Danna was missing earlier in the morning?

Chas watched with bated breath as Danna dug in her heels and leaned to the side until she was nearly horizontal. Her braid hung down like a pendulum, as she lowered her head enough to peer into the recesses of the cave. A shot rang out and she scrambled a few feet up the rope.

So there was at least one man in the cave.

Chas squinted, cursing the bright sun glinting off every surface, as he tried to determine if she'd been hit. He couldn't see any blood on her face or neck. That was a good sign, right?

“Stop worrying so much,” came Rob's voice, this
time so quiet, Chas knew it was meant for his ears alone. “She knows what she's doing.”

That was debatable. Danna was taking an incredible risk right this second. Chas knew how quickly a life could be snuffed out, and Danna was putting herself in danger. And did so every single day. Chas's jaw was so tight, he didn't know if he'd ever be able to unclench it, so he didn't try to answer Danna's brother.

“You have to let it go,” Rob said. “Her life is in the Lord's hands. If He wants to take her home today, He will, and nothing we can do will stop it.”

But I need her,
Chas wanted to cry out, and he would've, if he could've wrenched his mouth open.

If only Danna had a safer job. Of course, just living out here in the West was a bit more dangerous than his parents' home in Boston. But he couldn't picture her living in his parents' world, with their society parties and boring lives. If she sat down to tea with his mother, Danna would likely send the older woman into a swoon.

He loved her the way she was.

The realization shocked him into silent stillness. It felt right.

He loved the marshal.

He just didn't know if he could handle her dangerous job. He was so afraid of watching her die, like he had Julia. And although Julia's death had devastated him, Danna's death would rip him to shreds. Because he loved her. Not the love of a childhood friend, but the deep, abiding love of the woman he wanted to spend his life growing old with.

Fear held him immobile while Rob crept toward the cave. Chas watched as the other two cowhands came into sight on the far side of the clearing. All three men
advanced on the cave, now in plain sight of anybody inside.

A volley of shots rang out. The men darted for cover. A figure ran out of the cave, straight toward Chas, but he doubted the man even saw him.

Rob jumped onto the man's back and took him facedown in the snow. The two hands joined him and helped hog-tie the man before Chas had time to blink.

“How many more are there?” Rob demanded, his knee in the outlaw's ribs.

“Just the two hurt ones.”

And Chas went a little crazy.

He had to know if Hank Lewis was inside.

Not caring if he got shot himself, Chas slipped in to the cool darkness, keeping close to the wall, and let his eyes adjust. The kid sat against the farthest wall, unconscious, though a gun lay near his thigh.

Lewis was there, too. Unarmed, from the looks of it, lying prone and flat on the ground.

Which meant there was nothing stopping Chas from killing him. Chas stood over the man who'd taken so much from him, and pointed his pistol right at Lewis's heart.

 

Danna dropped to the ground as Chas ran into the cave. She rushed in after him, foolishly not taking the time to determine if it was even safe to go inside. She had to stop Chas before he did something he'd regret his entire life.

The instant her eyes got used to the dimness inside the cave, she saw Chas standing over the prostrate Lewis, with his pistol trained on the outlaw. His hand shook, but the tension in his shoulders told her everything she needed to know.

He was ready to shoot the man that had killed two people he loved.

Heart in her throat, she knew she'd never get to her husband in time to stop him. She couldn't call out, but she started toward her husband.

“You deserve to die,” Chas said, and she knew a moment of fear that he would shoot. She'd have to arrest him if he did.

Lewis didn't respond. She was nearly there, but from this distance she couldn't tell if Lewis was even conscious.

As she drew near, she saw that Chas's whole body was trembling.

“Chas.”

He turned his head, and even from the side view of his face, she could tell he struggled with himself.

Please, God, don't let him do this.

Slowly, feeling as if she was swimming through molasses, she reached out and touched Chas's arm.

And he let her push it down until his weapon pointed at the floor.

T
hey rode into town to a hero's welcome, with the three surviving outlaws strapped to the saddles of three horses.

Rob's men had made all the difference. They were experienced operators, and had caught up to and captured O'Rourke and Big Tim, who'd made a run for it, with no trouble. If Danna had had men like them to help her, she wouldn't have lost her job in the first place.

And the best part was, Rob's cowhands had agreed to go with her to track down the last outlaw, the one the kid had admitted was probably guarding the rustled cattle. The kid had wanted to talk—apparently tired of a life of crime—and had even given them the location. Before they could go after the cattle, they had to get the outlaws they'd already captured locked up in the jail.

The kid had also mentioned that the outlaws had taken it upon themselves to get rid of the marshal when they'd seen her riding alone in the ravines outside of Calvin. They'd scared the cattle with whoops and gun
shots and caused the stampede that had nearly killed Chas and Danna.

The worst moment for Danna earlier in the day had been realizing that O'Rourke's horse created a crescent-shaped hoofmark. She'd been riding behind the animal when she'd noticed it. Her husband had been killed by a man who'd sworn to uphold the law. She would do her best to prove it to the judge when he came to town, and to see O'Rourke receive what he was due—the noose.

To her surprise, people lined the streets and clapped as they walked their mounts through town to the jail. Several people called out to her, and one child even cheered for “the marshal.”

It sounded like they respected her, or at least the job she'd done, bringing down the bank robbers. Was there a chance they would give her badge back?

Castlerock waited with Albert Hyer, one of the other town council members, on the steps of the jailhouse.

“Where's my money?” he demanded, even before she'd reined in.

She wanted to tell him off. So badly that she had to grit her teeth to keep the words inside.

“The marshal's brother has custody of it,” Chas said, pulling his mount to a halt next to her and jerking his head to indicate Rob, who rode midway in the pack of riders. “Kindly thank the marshal, and you can take your cash right over to your bank.” His voice brooked no argument.

Why did he keep calling her that? She hadn't gone after the robbers to reclaim her job, and it wasn't likely the council would agree to give it back to her. She hadn't been able to do the job alone, after all.

Castlerock looked a mite green, but he uttered the
words, though it was obvious by his demeanor he didn't want to. “Thank you, Miz Carpenter.”

His words were a sharp reminder that her marriage was about over. They'd survived the chase, captured the rustlers and robbers—who'd turned out to be the same men—and Chas's job was over. He'd be leaving soon. They'd get an annulment.

And she would be alone again.

But not totally alone. She waved over to Katy, in the back of the pack of riders, pointed to her—their rooms above the jail. Danna had offered to let the girl stay with her as long as such an arrangement was needed. She remembered the girl's questions the one night they'd shared her rooms before. Danna also remembered how Fred had taken care of a similar teen who was lost and alone…and she determined that she would make Katy her family, like a little sister.

Rob rode up and tied off his mount at the hitching post across the street from the jail. She needed to talk to him, as well—find out why he'd come for her. Maybe she'd get her brother back, too.

But she wanted a husband…a particular one: Chas O'Grady.

Will joined their group in front of the jail, but he ignored the group of businessmen. She warmed at his loyalty. “I'll take your mounts over to the livery, Marshal.”

She dismounted and handed the reins over to him, but didn't let him leave without an impulsive hug. Without his help, Chas and Rob might not have reached her in time.

Hyer cleared his throat and stepped forward to the edge of the boardwalk. “Mrs. O'Grady, we'd like to
reinstate you as marshal. We made a mistake in firing you.”

Her heart began to thud in her ears. It seemed too good to be true.

“Where's Parrott? And Shipley? Did they agree to this, too?”

Hyer shook his head. Castlerock looked away. It was Hyer who spoke.

“After yer husband made such a passionate plea for deputies, several people came forward and admitted they'd been threatened not to help ya do your job. Parrott and Shipley ran outta town pretty quick. A coupla fellas went after 'em. We didn't have no part of their plan, and we want ya back as marshal.”

She looked to Castlerock, who nodded his agreement with the mayor's statement. He still looked green, but his mouth was set and he didn't argue.

“You've got some loyal friends. They made quite a case for you yesterday evening,” said Hyer.

She shot a look to Chas and mouthed
they?
But he shook his head like he didn't know either.

“We've got three men who've agreed to work as your deputies—” he named off three of the men who'd previously worked for Fred “—and a possible fourth, as well. We've agreed to pay them a salary—not much, mind you—and they'll answer to you.”

That was new. And it would make her life a whole lot easier. She wouldn't have to be in charge of the whole town, all day and all night. She'd have some help, men she knew she could trust.

Chas touched her shoulder, moved next to her, forming a wall of solidarity. “You should take the job back,” he said quietly. “You deserve it. You'll do a good job.”

She looked up at him, her hat brim shading her eyes
and hopefully hiding them from the watchful gazes of her bosses. She could read the truth on his face, that he wanted her to take the job, but that he also couldn't stay.

Not with a wife who had such a dangerous job.

They needed to have a serious conversation, but this wasn't the place or the time. She looked at the men who made up the town council and nodded her consent. “Calvin is my home, and I'm proud to protect it.”

She shook the men's hands in turn, and they left. Rob's men were already untying the outlaws. She went to the jail to get their cells ready, leaving her temporary husband behind.

 

Chas meandered down the boardwalk, vaguely heading toward the hotel, his saddlebags over one shoulder.

He'd tried to follow Danna into the jail and help as she locked up the three healthy outlaws plus Hank Lewis. She wasn't willing to take the chance of putting Lewis at the doc's office, not after what had happened with O'Rourke springing the kid—but she hadn't needed him, not with her new deputies jumping at her beck and call, and the other men who seemed anxious to make things up to her by helping out.

Plus, she'd looked exhausted. He hadn't wanted to add to her strain by trying to have a serious discussion when she hadn't slept and had been working all day.

So he'd slipped back out of the jail, figuring she wouldn't even notice he was missing.

What was he supposed to do now?

When he'd become a deputy, the arrangement had been beneficial to both himself and Danna. He'd needed her help conquering the Wyoming terrain; she'd needed his support.

Now that she had all these other men to help her out, and now that his case was wrapping up, he was free to go.

But he didn't want to.

The realization hit him hard in the stomach, almost worse than when he'd realized he loved Danna last night. But it couldn't be. He enjoyed larger cities like St. Louis, even Chicago….

Shaking his head, he knew there was no way to deny what was in his heart. He loved his wife, and he didn't want to leave Calvin.

But how to convince Danna not to go through with the annulment? He knew she'd fancied him at one time. And when they'd kissed before, there had been a certain spark….

All of a sudden, he remembered her face as she'd held Corrine's baby boy the day after his arrival. Danna wanted a family.

But…could she even love someone who wasn't reconciled to the God she loved so much, trusted so much?

He'd settled things in his mind with Hank Lewis in that cave. He'd given up on taking his revenge, even though he could have killed the man.

Perhaps it was time to settle things with his Lord?

 

“You did a good job today, Miss Marshal,” Rob said, borrowing Chas's nickname for his sister. He finished the last of his coffee and placed the mug back on the table.

Danna waved off his compliment, but he touched her hand, his face serious. “I was proud to ride with you.”

“I wish you could stay longer,” Danna told her brother, startled to realize that it was true. Rob was leaving at first light, headed back to his ranch.

Rob leaned back in Fred's old chair, his lean form stretched out, legs turned toward the center of the room, instead of the small kitchen table in the corner.

“That's saying something, coming from someone who didn't want to see me for years.”

A flush stole up her cheeks, embarrassment flaring. “I wanted to see you. I just…I thought…”

“That I'd gotten so mad I stopped loving my own sister?”

She looked down at her hands clasped on the table. “I heard you and Fred that night—I think you must've thought I was out from the pain or exposure, I don't know. You said…”

“I said that Fred could have you and good luck. I didn't mean it.”

“No?”

“No. And the only reason I
let
you marry him was because I knew how crazy he was about you.”

Her face hot once again, Danna scratched at a scar in the tabletop. “I miss him, but…”

“But you've fallen in love with your deputy.”

She nodded miserably. “The marriage was only to appease the town council—we'd already planned to have it annulled on the grounds that we were coerced into it. He's…he's still in love with someone else.”

“You sure about that? The man was sure fired up to come to
your
rescue.”

She closed her eyes briefly, so he wouldn't see the hope that unfurled in her heart. “There's something else I wanted to ask you. Chas said Fred had made notes about O'Rourke's involvement in his journal. Would you read it to me? I want to know if there are any more clues as to why Parrott and Shipley would pay off the men in town.”

 

Late into the night, Rob closed the journal and placed it on the table. Danna wiped tears from her eyes, knowing Fred had given his life for this little town she loved so much.

Rob stood to go and surprised her with an embrace.

“We won't go so long without seeing each other again,” he said. “You and that one.” He nodded to Katy, asleep in Danna's bed and softly snoring. “Come for Christmas. You've got enough help now to take a few days off.” He paused for a moment, his eyes scrutinizing her face. “And bring your husband, too.”