Texas Mail Order Bride (26 page)

Delta found out how utterly terrifying Early could be. Though a sliver of moonlight sifted through a crack between one of the boards, it couldn't drive back the demons that pressed so close. She shivered from the cold, and mind-numbing fear gripping her. The deafening silence would surely drive her mad.

The overpowering smell of death suffocated her. Funny that she'd never considered death and fear had a smell. Now she knew with certainty.

And then she heard them.

Rats.

Each time they bumped against the crate, she had to struggle to keep her toes from slipping off. One slip was all it would take.

Desperate for something to take her mind off her impending death, she focused on Cooper, recalling his touch along her bare skin, his kisses, and the sound of the deep timbre of his voice.

She loved him with all her heart and soul, and she believed he loved her too. No one would risk what he had to be with her if love didn't figure into the equation somehow. He simply couldn't say the words. And maybe it was wishful thinking to hold on to hope that he would.

But she wouldn't give up on him.

Everyone except Isaac Daffern had. That rancher had gazed into the future and had seen what a vital man Cooper would become.

She pictured herself back in her room lying in his arms, their legs entangled in the sheets. He'd leave a trail of kisses down her neck to her breasts, caress her body, and gently lower himself on top of her when she could bear no more sweet torment.

What were the four promises he'd made?

Oh yes.
You'll never have to walk alone. You'll never be invisible to me. You'll always be my forever woman. And finally, I'll help you blaze the trail only you were meant to travel.

All of a sudden, she understood clearly that last promise. She couldn't will him, or anyone, to do something they weren't supposed to. She had to live her life and let everyone else live theirs. It all made sense. What a fool she'd been.

He was a bachelor and she had no right to try to change him, to bend him to her will.

Like a soft lambswool blanket, she tucked those promises around her. She wasn't alone. She had Cooper and his promises. Somehow she felt a little warmer and less afraid.

***

Cooper pounded on Strayhorn's door. He didn't care if it woke everyone in town. Delta needed help and she needed it now.

Wearing a holster hastily buckled around a nightshirt, the sheriff glared. “What in blue blazes are you doing? Have you gone loco?”

“Sorry to wake you, but this couldn't wait until morning.”

Forcing calmness he didn't feel, Cooper explained the situation. “We need everyone we can get to round up and start searching for her.”

“Give me five minutes to dress.”

“I'm going to roust Rand and Brett. We'll meet you at the jail.” He didn't know if Rand would be up to helping or not, but he hoped so.

Few patrons occupied the saloon. Cooper strode to the living quarters above and barged in.

Rand struggled to rise from a chair. A thick bandage encircled his chest. He didn't waste any time with formalities. “What's wrong? How can I help?”

“Depends on your wound.”

“Let me worry about that part. Nothing will stop me when there's a life on the line. Want to tell me what happened?”

“Someone has taken Delta. I'm guessing Early.” Cooper gave what details he knew. “We need Brett's tracking skill.”

“Try down the hall. Decided to spend the night here instead of riding out to his place. Frankly, I think he harbors this secret desire to play nursemaid. Like I need that.”

“I'll get him.”

“I'll throw on some clothes. I'm coming.”

“No, you're staying. You're not up to it.”

“Like hell. I'd like to see you keep me from it.” Rand stood there with his arms crossed and glared.

“We'll talk about this in a minute.” Seething over his brother's stubbornness, Cooper whirled and went down the hall.

Still fully dressed, Brett grabbed his hat, buckled on a gun belt, then the sheath that held the longest-looking knife Cooper had ever seen.

“We'll find her,” Brett assured him.

Minutes later, they stood with Rand in the hallway. “Don't have time to argue with you, Rand. Just don't hold us up. We're going to ride hard and fast.”

“You won't have to worry about that.” Rand glared. “You've never left my ass in the dust before. Won't this time.”

After meeting up with the sheriff and his deputy, the men rode back to the Richardsons' barn and searched every inch of it. They discovered Delta's shawl lying on the dirt floor.

“She fought like the dickens,” Strayhorn said.

Cooper beamed with pride. His woman was a fighter. She didn't lie down for anyone.

Brett examined the drag marks. “It was one man. Strange how he dragged Delta. Her legs aren't stretched out. The way he pulled them upward, they just about have to be attached to a rope tied around her chest or…”

“Or what?” Cooper snapped.

“Her neck.”

Cooper's legs went out from under him and he sank to the ground.

“Don't worry, we'll find her.” Brett knelt and rested a hand on Cooper's shoulder. “The wagon ruts are deep.”

“Lead the way.” He jumped up and strode to his horse. One thing was clear—Early was a dead man. Didn't matter how long it took. He'd rain fiery hell down on anyone who harmed Delta.

Sheriff Strayhorn and his deputy took turns riding beside Cooper as though they could read his black thoughts and intentions.

Brett dismounted at Fire Creek and walked up and down the bank, scowling at the ground.

Cooper got down and joined him. “What are you thinking?”

“Doesn't make sense for him to cross the creek. And I don't think he did. He's only wanting us to think he did. See how he drove right down to the water?”

“But the ruts on the other side aren't as deep.”

“No.”

Strayhorn scratched his head. “What's going on?”

“Early had two wagons.”

“Or he could've dumped Miss Dandridge in the creek, thereby lightening his load,” Strayhorn pointed out.

Cooper stared at the fast-moving water. “No, I can't see that. Knowing Early, he'd want me to watch and not be able to do anything to stop him. Part of this revenge thing.”

“I agree,” Rand spoke up. “He's all about making us pay. Throwing Delta over without anyone to see would steal his thunder. Brett is right about the two wagons.”

“So where did he go from here?” Strayhorn asked.

Brett knelt to brush away some branches. “He turned around here.”

The wily devil. Cooper shook his head. Thought he could trick them by covering his tracks. Many a man used that old ruse.

Through the night, the group painstakingly followed the marks until losing them on a rocky patch of ground. No matter how many times they retraced their steps, they were unable to pick up the trail. At last dawn came. A group of men and women from town caught up to them. Mabel brought warm biscuits and sausages for everyone, which was a welcome sight.

But the fixings to make coffee were even more well received. They promptly built a campfire and soon had hot coffee in hand while Cooper and the men outlined a search plan.

“Thank you all for coming,” Cooper said. “With your help, we can cover more ground.”

“Delta belongs to us,” Mabel said firmly. “Anyone threatens her messes with all of us.”

“That's right,” John Abercrombie said. “She's like a daughter to me. I won't rest until she's back safe and sound. Just tell me how I can help.”

“I figure if we each take a certain section, we can find her a lot sooner. Time is of the essence. I know she's hurt and bleeding.” Cooper didn't add that it was cold during the night and she had nothing to keep her warm. He didn't like to think about how scared and cold and hungry she must be.

God help him, if he ever got her back, he'd make some changes.

Holding a cup of coffee in his hand, Rand stood beside him. “She's tough, Coop. Plus, she's one of the smartest women I know.”

Cooper met his gaze. “We have to find her before…”

“We will. Have faith.”

“I love her, you know. Never told her that.” And now he might not ever get another chance.

“She knows. Some things a person just knows.”

“I've been too afraid that I wouldn't be a good husband, that I'd be like my father, to tell her the things I need to say from my heart.”

“We can't grasp the future while we're still mired down in the past. Turn loose of old hurts and grievances and grab hold of the future with both hands.”

“When did you start sounding like a preacher, Rand?”

“Maybe since I found my mother. Or rather, since she found me.”

“Where?”

“Battle Creek. Been under my nose the last three years. Widow Sharp is Abigail Winehouse…uh, Sinclair.”

“I'm happy for you, brother.” Cooper wearily ran a hand across his eyes.

“Not sure how I feel about it yet. The idea will have to grow on me some.”

A few minutes later, everyone got back in the saddle and wagons and began scouring the countryside for the woman who meant so much to them all.

If anyone stumbled across her, they were to fire three shots in the air.

Cooper took the section around his ranch that extended all the way to Delta's new property, the Four Promises Ranch. It made sense to him that Early would stay close. The man couldn't torment him if he didn't. He'd want to see the pain in Cooper's face. That would be part of the pleasure Early would take in his dastardly deed.

Not finding anything around the Long Odds, Cooper rode down the lane of the old Zachary place that now belonged to Delta. He took in the thick copse of trees and the rose bushes running the width of the house.

Red. The roses were a beautiful red.

He could picture Delta here. Of course she'd put her own stamp on the place. That went without saying.

And maybe he could see himself here also.

With a lump in his throat, he dismounted. The soft, gentle wind sighed through the tall trees like pure silk caressing a lover's body.

Then came a distinct rustle of leaves.

The hair on his neck rose.

Eyes watched him. Eyes that had no soul. Cold, dead eyes.

Spinning into action, Cooper drew his Colt and scanned the area. “Come out and show yourself.”

Someone tore through the brush; then he heard a galloping horse racing down the road.

He quickly holstered his Colt and leaped into the saddle. It took precious wasted seconds getting the skittish horse to stop crow-hopping and dancing around. By the time he gave chase, the man was a good distance in front of him.

But Rebel was the better animal and began gaining ground.

Faster and faster they flew.

At last he got alongside. Cooper jumped and pulled the rider off. Landing with a jolt on the packed road, he slammed his fist into the other's jaw.

Over and over they rolled, each fighting to get the upper hand. Somewhere in the scuffle, his quarry lost his revolver.

Finally, breathing hard, Cooper sat on the man's chest and stared into familiar features.

Tolbert
Early.

“Where is she? Where's Delta Dandridge, you piece of filth?”

His enemy sneered, “You'll never find her.”

Drawing his Colt, Cooper fired three shots into the air to let the others know he had Early.

“Why? She did nothing to you.”

“I took you for a smarter man than that, Thorne.” Early wiped the blood from his mouth. “You care for the sweet Miss Dandridge. Sometimes a man knows greater pain when the one he loves is in danger and he can't help them. I want you to suffer. I want you to know loss like I've known it. I want you to hurt, to slowly die inside. And then when that happens, I want to put you in a grave.”

“Keep talking. You might say more than you intend to.” Lord knew, he certainly hoped so. When Early squirmed trying to get Cooper off him, Cooper made himself comfortable, pushing his adversary's head farther into the dirt. With the searchers being so scattered, it would take a while for them to get there. Meanwhile, he wasn't going to give Early a chance to escape again.

Minutes ticked by as the sun climbed higher. Buzzards circled overhead as though sensing a feast soon. Finally, galloping riders converged on them from all directions.

Sheriff Strayhorn quickly dismounted. “See you caught the miserable rotten lowlife. Tell you anything?”

“Not yet.” Cooper got off Early and yanked him to his feet.

“He will,” Brett said softly, easing his knife from its sheath.

Cooper nodded at his youngest brother. “I wouldn't bet against you. You're the best at what you do.”

“What have you done with Miss Dandridge?” Strayhorn demanded, jerking the prisoner to him. “Tell me or I'll let the Indian work you over with his knife.”

“Ain't scared of no Injun. I worked him over real good years ago.”

Rand lunged, sinking his doubled fist into Early's gut. “I wish to God we'd killed you. We meant to. Just sorry it didn't take the first time.”

“I have news for you, Early,” Brett said in his quiet way. “You didn't break me then, and you never will. You see, I'm stronger than you. Others tried and they also failed.”

“Where did you find him, Coop?” Strayhorn asked.

“The old Zachary place that Delta purchased.”

“Had to be a reason for him being there.” The sheriff tossed Early onto the back of a horse and lashed him to the saddle.

Hope filled Cooper's heart as the group returned to the place where he'd found his hated enemy. Strayhorn yanked Early off the horse and slung him to the ground. While he and Brett questioned the prisoner, Cooper and Rand searched the root cellar, well, house, and barn but came up empty.

Cooper shouted Delta's name over and over, hoping she'd answer.

The voice he longed to hear didn't reply.

“Wild horses cain't drag it out of me, Thorne,” Early screamed. “Better be on your toes or she'll die a horrible death. She's waiting for you and you'll never come.” His demonic laugh echoed through the valley.

Though anger raged inside, Cooper tamped it down. He couldn't afford to lose his temper. Delta's life depended on it. He stalked to the spawn of Satan, who lounged there on the ground with his stringy gray hair and hate-filled eyes that glittered like lumps of black coal.

The urge to put a bullet in the man's brain almost overpowered Cooper. He'd only felt this level of violence three times in his life, and twice had been with the same man.

“Let her go. Take me. I'm the one you want, not her.”

Early raised his shackled hands. “As you can see, I ain't exactly free to do what I want.”

“I'll talk to Strayhorn, get him to release you. Just tell us where to find Delta and I'll go with you anywhere, let you take your vengeance out on me.”

“You'd do that for her? You know I'll kill you.”

The answer required no thought. “I'll gladly give my life for her. Anytime, anywhere.”

“Very touching,” came Early's surly reply.

“What's your answer?”

“No, I think I like you squirming and wriggling on this hot skillet too much. It's very…enjoyable.”

Everything turned red and got very quiet. Cooper drew back and slammed his fist into Early's face. Blood and spittle flew. Strayhorn came to see about his prisoner.

Early spit out a tooth. “You gonna let him do this to a shackled man?”

“I didn't see anything. For all I know, you could've tried to get away and tripped,” the barrel-chested sheriff said. “I have as much sympathy for you as you got for Delta Dandridge.”

Tolbert Early got to his feet. “She don't hafta die.”

“You're the only one who can do something about that,” Strayhorn spat back. “Tell us where she is and maybe you won't hang.”

With one quick lunge, Early grabbed Strayhorn's gun. Aiming it at Cooper, he fought to get his finger on the trigger.

Cooper raised his hands. “Better kill me now. Or God have mercy on your soul.”

A soft whirring sound split the air as Brett's knife pierced the wall of Early's chest and imbedded itself to the hilt.

“No!” Cooper felt all hope ebb from his body. “He's the only one who could've told us where she is. We may never find her in time.”

“He would've shot you, Coop,” Brett said. Standing next to Cooper, he clasped his shoulder. “I did the only thing I could. We'll keep looking everywhere we can think of. We'll find her. I give my word.”

Cooper stared at his brother. Though Early's death made the odds of finding Delta slim to none, it was fitting that Brett should end the man's life. He'd often wondered if Brett had it in him to take a life, and now he knew. The situation had forced the answer.

“I know. Thank you for saving my life.”

The rest of the townspeople arrived and everyone fanned out, desperate to find the woman who'd given them a dream and pride and helped them see how much more they could be.

Cooper seemed drawn to the woods at the edge of the property that bordered the Four Promises. One patch seemed odd. It was covered with a thick layer of tree limbs that someone appeared to have broken off. The leaves had just started to die, so they hadn't been there long.

Cooper gave a strangled cry and knelt. He and Rand frantically tossed limbs this way and that.

Maybe Delta lay below ground somehow.

It fit that Early's twisted mind might devise this sort of torture.

Oh God, would he find her alive or…?

Rand shouted for someone to bring a shovel. Cooper didn't wait. He began clawing the soft ground with his hands, all the while praying that he'd have another chance to tell her he loved her.

Brett raced to them. “No one has a shovel.”

He yanked the long knife out that he'd pulled from Early's body and began digging with it. Abercrombie ran with some boards he'd found in the barn.

Cooper dug like a madman. His beloved, the woman who brought peace to his tormented soul, needed him.

He blinked away the tears. He had to save her just as she'd saved him.

At last a wooden box came into view. Opening it, Cooper found nothing more than a length of rope and a sprig of leaves from a wild plum tree.

What the hell? Was it a message of some sort, a clue of what he'd done with her?

He stared at the rope, willing it to speak. Yet the braided hemp offered no answers.

Sagging into the loose dirt, Cooper's despair settled into the depths of his soul like a dark, musty tomb.

He'd lost her.

Dear God, he'd lost the woman he loved.

***

Exhaustion and the darkness played havoc with Delta's mind and body.

Then the rats' constant sharp squeaks and their whirring, whispering movements instilled even more terror into her heart. She'd heard of their razor teeth and how they could gnaw off a person's arm.

Each passing minute, the rope tightened around her neck a little more as she began to tire from the prolonged forced position.

Maybe she should end this unending torture.

She had only to step off the crate and it would all be over.

One simple move. That was all.

***

Cooper had lost the only person who gave his life meaning. Then strong hands rested on his back and shoulders. He realized his brothers huddled close around him as they had in the orphanage so long ago after Mr. Huxley struck him repeatedly with a rod for standing up for Rand.

“We can't give up. We won't let Early win,” Rand said, grim faced. “Let's go back to the start and rethink this.”

“I agree.” Brett sat cross-legged in the midst of the dead leaves and moist earth. “Tolbert Early never did anything without a reason. The man loved to taunt. To me, this rope says he has Delta tied up somewhere.”

“And not too far away.” Rand's eyes lit up with hope.

“You might have something,” Cooper said slowly. “Early always thought he had more brains than us. Learning his habits over these weeks like we have, we know he would put her right under our very noses.”

Brett picked up the rope they'd unearthed. “We've got to find her fast. But where do we look?”

“The ultimate insult would be to stash her somewhere on either the Long Odds or the Wild Horse. Someplace we'd never think to look.”

Brett jumped to his feet in a bound. “The Wild Horse. Early said that wild horses couldn't drag it out of him. He left a clue. You have the Long Odds land too difficult to get onto. But I've been out helping you chase the devil for weeks and left my ranch wide open.”

“What about the wild plum cutting that was in the box? You don't have any on Wild Horse land as far as I know,” Rand pointed out.

“That's true, but there's a whole thicket just off the northeast boundary in a little canyon. I pick wild plums there every season. And, Coop”—Brett got excited—“there's an old structure of some sort that's half-hidden by the thick undergrowth on that section of land. Or there was the last time I rode out that way.”

“That's it.” They had some direction to go in, some hope. Heavy weight lifted from Cooper's shoulders. He strode to his horse, with his brothers on his heels.

***

Tears streamed down Delta's face. She never imagined her life would end this way. She had so much left to do. In fact, she'd only begun to find herself and her place in the world.

In just a few short weeks, she'd learned what truly loving someone with all her heart and soul meant.

Cooper's face suddenly swam before her.

His deep voice that never failed to weaken her knees told her not to give up. He was coming. All she had to do was hold on just a bit longer.

New hope brought the strength she needed.

Cooper
would
find her.

He
would
hold her in his arms again.

***

Riding as though a pack of hungry coyotes chased him, Cooper led the way to Brett's ranch.

It felt right.

He could sense Delta's presence.

When they crossed onto Wild Horse land, Cooper pulled up and let Brett take the lead. Cooper's horse danced around in a circle, wanting to run.

Brett yelled as he went by, “I can't believe I didn't think of this before.”

“I'm just glad you did now.”

The horses were lathered by the time they reached the canyon. They got off and walked the horses down a faint trail to the bottom. Cooper couldn't see any kind of building and was about to tell Brett he was all wet when he spied a weathered structure through a tangle of vines.

Cooper began running, yelling Delta's name. He ripped away the door and rushed inside, sending huge rats scurrying in every direction.

His breath came out harsh when he saw her suspended.

Better
be
on
your
toes
or
she'll die a horrible death
beat like a death drum in his ears.

Bound and gagged, Delta stared down at him, blinking in the dim light. Tears left tracks through the dirt on her face.

He rushed forward. Cooper held her while Brett quickly cut the rope. The minute his brothers had freed her, he swept her up into his arms, hugging her against his chest.

After a moment, he put her down and gently removed the gag from her mouth. Rand threw his jacket around her shoulders. They all had wetness glistening in their eyes.

Not caring who saw, he pressed his lips to her swollen mouth.

She was his lady, his life, his future, and he'd shout it to the world.

“You came,” she whispered.

“As soon as I could.” The words came out husky as they squeezed past his narrowed throat.

“I prayed that I wouldn't die here alone without your arms around me. I was scared.”

“I know, darlin'. I wish I could've made things different. If only I could go back and do everything over.”

She pressed her fingers to his mouth. “Hush. We all have things to go through. It's life.”