Second Chance Cowboy (19 page)

His voice was brusque with anger. “No more cattle drives. No more trying to run a ranch by yourself. You’re only a woman, Sabrina.” Frustrated, Trey started to pace the small room. He stopped when he reached the bed. “I know you thought you loved Patrick, but he’s dead. You need someone to take care of you and I’m going to be that man. We’re getting married as soon as you’re well.”

G
etting
over the cattle drive took longer than Sabrina had expected. For almost a week, she did nothing but lie around recuperating and wondering how she was going to save the Big C.

Trey had come by to visit each day, and every time she’d been “resting” and therefore unable to see him. The day she’d returned to town, she’d realized he was not going to take her rejection lightly. Soon she’d have to face him and set him straight on the subject of his ideas regarding marriage.

She would never marry him. Especially considering the mounting evidence she was collecting about who wanted to buy her ranch.

Early this morning, she had gone to the courthouse and checked the records to see who owned the land to the east of the Big C. Much to her amazement, she discovered Carson Jarvis now owned all the land surrounding the Big C except for Patrick’s land. It’d been a stunning revelation, and one she planned on discussing with Sam Bradley.

Sabrina opened the door to the bank. Inside the small building, the teller’s cage stood inside the door with a small office to the side. Sam saw her enter and hurried to greet her.

“Hello, Sabrina. I heard you were back in town.”

Sam wrung his hands at the sight of her. He was obviously nervous. “I’m sure you did, Sam.”

Nervously the banker cleared his throat. “I was saddened to hear that Patrick was killed on the trip.”

Sabrina felt her heart lurch at the sound of his name. Would it always be this way, whenever someone mentioned Patrick? “Thank you.”

“We need to talk about the ranch,” Sabrina said as she watched Sam hurriedly look around the small bank. Several customers were being taken care of by a teller.

“Let’s go into my office,” Sam replied. He led her into the office off to the right, shut the door behind her, and motioned for her to take a chair across from his desk.

The room was small; the walls were bare, and the tiny room seemed cold and desperate. “Since you know about Patrick’s death, then I’m sure you’ve heard about the money being stolen.”

“Yes. I don’t know what to say. I never thought you’d get those cattle to Dodge City, let alone sell them,” Sam replied.

“My men worked hard. They deserve to be paid.”

Sam dipped his head. “I hope you’re not here to ask for another extension because I can’t give you one.”

Sabrina smiled. “Actually, I came here to discuss the buyer you mentioned to me. I’ve done some thinking and some research since we last talked.”

Sam looked at her, puzzled. “Research?”

“You were the one who started me thinking. You’d been friends with my father for as long as I can remember. I knew from listening to him talk that he’d borrowed small sums of money from you over the years.

“He was never late before.”

“Then why are you being so inflexible? If you foreclose, you’ll never get your money. If you would give me more time, I promise I’d find a way to pay you.”

Sam took his handkerchief out of his pocket and wiped the sweat beads from his forehead. “I can’t, Sabrina. I have an obligation to the rest of my depositors.”

Sabrina sighed. She hadn’t wanted to make accusations, but he was giving her no choice. “I went down to the courthouse before I came to see you.” She paused and watched his eyes shy away. “I found out Carson Jarvis now owns the land surrounding the Big C except for Patrick’s land.”

“That’s interesting,” Sam replied, his voice shaky.

“I thought so, especially since the original lien holder was your bank. If Carson were able to get the Big C and Patrick’s land, he would have the largest ranch in this area of the state.”

Sam cleared his throat “This is very interesting, but what does it have to do with me?”

“I think Carson Jarvis is the man who wants to buy the Big C. I wonder if he isn’t pressuring you to foreclose on the loan.”

“Carson may be the person who wants to buy your land, but he has no control over the bank,” Sam replied angrily.

Sabrina coolly assessed the agitated man. “Several years ago, there were rumors around town that the bank was in financial trouble.”

“They were just what you said,
rumors.”

“If I owned the bank and I were in trouble, I’d go to the richest man in town and ask for his help. I wonder, Sam—is that what you did?”

Sam jumped from his chair, sending it scraping across the wooden floor. His face was blotchy red with anger. “The loan is due on your ranch next Monday. If you can’t pay, we will expect you out of the house within sixty days.”

Sabrina rose from her chair. She opened her small reticule and pulled out a letter. “I had hoped we would be able to work out some sort of a compromise. But since that doesn’t seem possible, I want to give you a copy of a letter I’ve sent to Captain Sparks of the Texas Rangers asking that your bank be audited by someone from the state.” Sabrina paused as she watched the man puff up with suppressed rage.

“You might inform Mr. Jarvis I also told Captain Sparks that I felt I was being pushed out so that Carson could purchase my property ... that I suspect our town is being run by Carson.”

Sam opened the door. “We will expect you off of the property within sixty days! Good day, Miss Callahan.”

Sabrina walked past the shaking man, her head held high. In her sweetest voice, she said, “Good day, Mr. Bradley.”

A
t the sound
of insistent knocking, Trey opened the door. Sam Bradley stood in the doorway, wringing his hands, his face beet red.

“Where’s your father?” Sam gasped, trying to catch his breath. “I must speak with him.”

“He’s in his office,” Trey answered, puzzled by the man’s harried manner. From the look on Sam’s face, something was obviously wrong.

Trey led Sam down the hall to his father’s office. He watched Sam scurry through the open door and followed him into the room.

“Carson, we’ve got problems.”

Carson looked up from his paperwork. Trey recognized his father’s look of displeasure. “What’s wrong, Sam? The bank running out of money again?”

Sam bristled as though cold water had been thrown on him. In a contemptuous voice he replied, “Sabrina knows everything.”

Leaning back in his chair, Carson frowned at the banker.

“Sit down, Sam.” He paused. “What are you talking about?”

Sam sat in a chair across from Carson. Trey leaned casually in the doorway. Sam had mentioned Sabrina. If she’d found out about his father, Trey had to know.

“Sabrina came to the bank this morning. She wanted me to give her more time on the Big C. When I told her we would foreclose in sixty days, she told me she had gone to the courthouse and discovered you own the land on the other side of the Big C. She also found out I financed that land for you.”

He ran his hand across his balding pate. “Next thing I know, she started making accusations. I didn’t tell her anything, Carson, but she showed me a letter she was sending to Captain Sparks of the Texas Rangers. She’s accusing
you
of attempting to force her out and she’s accusing
me
of bank fraud.”

Sam paused to take a breath. His face flushed as he became more and more agitated. “You know what’s going to happen if Captain Sparks sends a bank auditor out here, don’t you?”

“I guess you jumped up and ran out of the bank like a frightened rabbit and came straight here,” Carson replied calmly.

“I went out the back, and got here as fast as I could.” Sam took several steadying breaths. “What are we going to do, Carson? She’s stirring up trouble.”

Carson stood up. He turned his back to the banker and looked out the window. “Sam, you need to learn self-control. I imagine that woman manipulated you just enough for her to obtain the information she wanted.”

“I didn’t tell her anything. She guessed,” Sam insisted.

Carson whirled around. “You said the key word; no doubt, she was guessing, but your actions gave you away.” Carson paused to light a cigar. Blowing smoke in the air, he continued. “Quit worrying. She’s one woman against the rest of us. No bank auditor is going to check out your books.” Taking a long drag, he released the smoke, sending it straight into Sam’s face. “I want you to return to town and act normal.”

Sam leaped from his seat, his face within inches of Carson’s. “Act normal! If Captain Sparks gets that letter, he’ll find that her accusations are true.”

“Who said he’s going to receive that letter?” Carson calmly sat down behind his desk. “Now, I suggest you go back to town and take care of your bank.”

Sam sighed. He took his handkerchief and wiped the sweat from his brow. “I hope you’re right, Carson. If you’re wrong, we’re both in trouble.”

“I wasn’t the one who got the bank in trouble by spending the depositors’ money,” Carson remarked.

“Maybe not, but I didn’t kill the Shand family or Jed Callahan to get their land,” the banker replied indignantly.

Carson’s eyebrows drew together in a dangerous scowl. “I think it’s time you left, Sam, before I lose my temper and do something I regret.”

“Okay, but stop that woman,” Sam retorted.

Trey walked the banker to the door. Since they had returned home, Sabrina had refused to see him. Every day Maria or someone in the house had a new excuse for him. He’d been patient giving her time to recuperate, and she’d been out making a fool of him. Not any longer.

Strolling back into his father’s office, Trey’s annoyance kept him from sitting and he paced the room.

Carson looked up. “That girl is starting to irritate me.”

“She’s refused to see me the last few days,” Trey responded angrily. “Now she’s in town, causing trouble.”

“You know, son, if this girl’s very smart she would have already mailed that letter to Captain Sparks and only have shown it to Sam to upset him.”

“And she wouldn’t have mailed it from here.”

“That’s right, ” Carson hit his hand against his desk, cursing. “That letter is on its way to Captain Sparks.”

Trey walked over to his father’s desk and sat down with a plop in the chair across from him. “What are we going to do?”

The corner of Carson’s mouth lifted in a smirk “I think it’s time for a wedding.”

“Today would be a perfect time to elope.”

“If Captain Sparks arrives and that land is part of a bigger spread owned by her husband and father-in- law—”

“—then he would drop the investigation.” Trey smiled as a feeling of anticipation washed through him.

Carson smiled and leaned back in his chair and propped his feet up on his desk.

“Just how do you plan on persuading the lady to be your wife?”

“Don’t worry, Dad. Tomorrow you’ll have a daughter-in-law. And who knows? In a couple of months, we could be expecting that grandson you’ve always wanted.”

P
atrick spurred his horse forward
. The last week had been the longest of his life. His short temper had made everyone around him miserable with his surliness. Circumstances had kept him in Fort Griffin longer than he’d anticipated.

After killing Redd, he’d spent time in the sheriff’s office explaining his actions until his good friend, the colonel, had rescued him.

Then he and the colonel had made the decision to get in touch with Captain Sparks of the Texas Rangers. It had taken several days to find him, and several more for him to reach Fort Griffin. Finally, he, Matt, and a company of Texas Rangers—along with Captain Sparks—were on their way to Sherwood.

An uneasiness had descended on Patrick, and he felt an urgency to get back. Redd’s words had frightened him, but he feared a telegram would only scare Sabrina. She was probably anxiously awaiting his return.

When Patrick had spoken with Captain Sparks, he had explained the entire situation, from Trey and Matt’s cattle rustling trial to the stealing of the cattle sale money. He’d also told the ranger of Redd’s revelations regarding his family’s murder, but the most startling revelation had come when Matt himself spoke up and admitted to the cattle rustling.

Patrick had been shocked he’d finally admitted to the deed. Then again, Matt seemed different these days. He’d saved Patrick’s life. Now he’d owned up to his misdeeds regarding the cattle rustling. He’d also told the ranger about a conversation he’d overheard in which Carson had admitted to killing Patrick’s parents and Jed Callahan.

Matt had later told Patrick he had followed the cattle drive to protect Sabrina from Trey’s obsession to marry her.

Patrick wanted only to reach Sherwood. With Captain Sparks and his Texas Rangers, Patrick felt confident they would save the ranch and clean up the town. Justice would finally come to Sherwood, and he and Sabrina could start a new life.

R
iding
out to the Big C, Trey felt almost giddy. Women. They were so effortless to manipulate. All his life he’d managed them with ease. Today would be no different. Today Sabrina would marry him. With Patrick out of the way and the ranch in trouble, becoming his wife was her only choice.

Sabrina’s home sat proudly amidst tall cottonwood trees. Trey detested this house and always had. The cozy family atmosphere and its homey appearance repulsed him.

Trey tied his horse to the hitching post and walked up the steps. The nerves in his body tingled with anticipation. Today would be the culmination of everything he had plotted. The money was secured safely in the bank. Patrick was dead. Now, he would have Sabrina and, soon, the Big C.

At his insistent knock, Sabrina opened the door. Her blonde hair hung loosely down her back. The green print of her calico dress accentuated her blue eyes. Though her usual outfit of pants and shirt had clung to her like a second skin, the dress left Trey hungry. Sweet tendrils of desire wrapped around his heart, sending his blood pulsating between his legs. Any remaining doubts were forgotten as he faced Sabrina.

“Hello, Sabrina.”

“Hello, Trey,” Sabrina said, her voice cool.

“You look lovely. Aren’t you going to invite me in?”

Sabrina raised her eyebrows. “I guess.” She opened the door and Trey stepped through.

Trey watched Sabrina’s dress sway with the gentle swing of her hips as she led him into the parlor. Soon what lay hidden from view underneath those skirts would be his. She turned and motioned for him to take a seat.

“What can I do for you, Trey?” she inquired.

He smiled and leaned back in the soft chair. “I wanted to stop by and make sure you were feeling better. The last time I saw you, you were a bit under the weather.”

“I’m fine.” Her voice was frosty.

Trey leaned forward in the chair to reach out and clasp her hands in his. “You’ve been going through a difficult time, and I want you to know how much I care about you.”

Sabrina tried to pull her hands free, but Trey tightened his hold on her. His touch left her feeling dirty. How many people had he killed to get her land?

“Thank you,” she said distantly.

His voice was soft and cajoling, “I think it’s time you faced the truth of the situation, Sabrina. You’re going to lose the ranch.”

Sabrina felt her defenses rise, preparing to do battle. Her whole body stiffened. “I don’t think so.”

Trey sighed. “I know all about your threats to Sam Bradley. It won’t work, Sabrina.”

“How do you know? But then again, you’re probably involved since your father is the one who wants the Big C.”

He smiled. “You’re absolutely right. My father wants the Big C and Patrick’s land, and he will get them.” Trey paused. “It’s only a matter of time, Sabrina, but as my wife—”

“I’m not marrying you, Trey. I don’t love you. I don’t like you, and I’m not marrying you,” Sabrina insisted. She tried to pull her hands free. “Let go of me.”

“You’re not looking at your choices very closely, Sabrina.” She pulled on her hands again, but he gripped them harder, causing her pain. Trying to control her rising panic, she gazed into his eyes. The green irises were glazed with madness.

“Patrick is dead. The money from the cattle is gone, and my father won’t allow the bank to give you more time.”

“I knew your father was behind this, but he won’t be for long. I’ve written Captain Sparks of the Texas Rangers, asking for his help.”

Trey laughed, his voice sounding evil. “Hon, my father can buy Captain Sparks. He’s not going to help you. He’ll slip him a couple of hundred dollars and he’ll look the other way.”

Sabrina tugged on her hand. “Not everyone is as crooked as your father.”

“I’m going to forget you said that. Especially since that man will soon be your father-in-law.”

“I’m not going to marry you.”

“If you want to save the Big C, you’ll marry me, Sabrina.”

“I love this ranch, but not enough to spend the rest of my life shackled to the likes of you.”

Trey yanked her up out of the chair. “I’ve tried to give you time to come around to me, but I’m tired of waiting. Tonight, you will become my wife.”

Sabrina stared at him, her eyes wide with fright.

“You have two choices. You can go with me agreeably, or I can drag you. It’s entirely up to you, but we’re getting married, now.”

“I’m not marrying you, Trey,” Sabrina shouted. “Maria! Buckets!”

Trey sighed. “I didn’t want it to be this way.”

He pulled her wrists together and held them with one hand. With his free hand he reached into his pocket and pulled out a length of twine.

Sabrina, seeing the cord, pulled against Trey. She screamed and kicked his shin with her foot. Trey quickly twisted her arm around her back and moved behind her, out of range of her kicks. She continued struggling until he pulled her arm up high behind her back, causing her pain.

“Quit fighting me, Sabrina. I don’t want to hurt you.”

“My men will stop you!”

He wrapped the cord around her wrists, securing them together, behind her. “I know that in time you will come to accept me and appreciate what I’ve done for us today.”

“Trey, you can’t force me to marry you.” Sabrina’s voice raised to a hysterical pitch. “Maria!”

Trey smiled “Yes, I can, Sabrina.” He paused. “Your men and Maria are away from the house. I’ve been waiting and watching.”

“No one will marry us, because I won’t agree.”

“I have a preacher waiting for us. If you say I forced you, no one will believe you. I’ve thought of everything.”

“Do you know what the penalty is for kidnapping?”

“No. Because after tonight you won’t consider it kidnapping.”

Trey pulled Sabrina toward the door. Sabrina cried out, “I’m not going. I swear I’ll scream all the way into town.”

Sabrina opened her mouth and Trey clamped his hand across it. He pulled out his handkerchief and stuffed it into her mouth. “Sorry, sweetheart, but you left me no choice.”

Trey gave her a gentle shove toward the door. Sabrina started to run, but her long skirts tripped her and sent her sprawling to the ground with a hard thud. Panic was starting to overcome her as she realized she was alone. There was no one to stop this madman.

Laughing in soft mockery, Trey reached down and yanked her off the floor. “Don’t be foolish. You’ll never get away from me again.”

Grasping her arm, he led her out the door and down the stairs. He lifted her, placing her on his saddle sideways, and then climbed up behind her.

Much to Sabrina’s relief, she watched Maria run around the side of the house. Lifting the heavy shotgun, she aimed it at Trey. She squeezed the trigger, but the impact of the gun knocked her to the ground and the shot went high, peppering Trey and Sabrina with buckshot.