The Gunslinger’s Untamed Bride (6 page)

His arm tightened about her waist, stiffening her spine. “Lily?”

“Just the one who took me,” she said in a biting tone. “Dark hair, dark eyes and a red handkerchief—clearly a multipurpose tool for
outlaws.
” Her tongue still dry from the red handkerchief he’d stuffed into her mouth, she glowered up at him. “A moment later I was belly down across his legs and all I saw was moving mountainside. When someone shouted out that a woman had been taken, he was told to dump me. He did just that, after a bit of groping and foul language.”

The indignation of it all sent a sting into her cheeks, along with a delayed lash of fear. Everything had happened so fast, she hadn’t been able to truly comprehend the gravity of being abducted, defenseless against her captors.

“Did you hear his name?”

The chilling quality of Juniper’s low tone drew her gaze. The cold rage in his pale blue eyes increased the chill of her body. His reaction unsettled her, though she couldn’t say why. Perhaps because she’d have expected someone of his nature to find amusement in her mistreatment.

“I didn’t hear any names,” she said, looking away from him, all too aware that she sat in the arms of her father’s killer. “A series of gunshots drew the attention of the others. There was a bunch of shouting. All I saw was a flashing glimpse of horses before I was tossed into the brush.”

“Your warning worked,” Reginald said, riding beside them.

“Thank God for that much.” Juniper spurred his horse into a faster pace. His tight hold increased Lily’s outrage.

It was his fault she’d been taken in the first place! Had he bothered to talk to her before gagging her and tying her up, he wouldn’t have had to save her!

A short while later the wagon came into view, the oxen now facing uphill. Chuck stood at the front of the team, fastening a harness. The large deputy hoisted a roll of blankets onto the load of rough-cut boards. When she realized Mr. Dobbs was wrapped up in them, tears stung at her eyes.

Juniper reined his horse in beside the team of oxen, and for a moment she didn’t mind the security of being surrounded by his strength.

“Sheriff,” said the deputy, his expression glum. “I heard the gunfire. Chuck was just telling me what happened.”

Chuck climbed up to his wagon seat and lifted the reins, seeming impatient to be on his way.

Juniper’s hands closed around her waist, hitching Lily’s breath. “They got off with the payroll cash box,” he said, slowly lowering her to the ground.

The moment her feet touched down she stumbled forward and found her balance. Her gaze stuck on the body Günter continued to tie down.

“Why did they take the woman?” Günter jumped from the wagon and swiped the back of his arm over his wide sweaty brow.

Rage simmered in Juniper’s blood as Lily’s accounts played in his mind. “Can’t think of any reason that isn’t worth hanging for. Once I find out who grabbed her, he’ll be charged with assault and kidnapping. Chuck, did anyone tell you a cash box was on this wagon?”

“Nope. That feller said he had a locked box he needed delivered to The Grove office.” Chuck motioned to Reginald as he stepped beside Lily.

Juniper’s narrowed gaze moved between them. “This is a fine mess you’ve gotten us into.”

“If you hadn’t shipped me off like a hog trussed for roasting, Reginald wouldn’t have been left to make decisions without me!”

“I’m sorry, Lily,” said Reginald. “We had the files we needed. Grimshaw went over the documentation and gave his approval. He and Mr. Dobbs agreed the payroll should be put in the safe kept in The Grove as soon as possible. They thought it’d be safest to send it down on the wagon, so as not to attract attention.”

“Grimshaw couldn’t have read any written orders,” Juniper said, knowing now how word had likely gotten out about the cash box. Jim couldn’t read, and Juniper figured any number of men could have overheard them talking at the millhouse. “Chuck, did you recognize anyone?”

“They all had their faces covered like a buncha stage robbers. With all of ’em shouting to get on the ground, it was hard to hear any one voice. Had to be near fifteen of ’em. They come right over the side of that mountain,” he said, motioning to the incline across the road. “They knew the money was there. Started fighting over how to open that locked box before they got it loaded. Heard a mention of John’s place. Reckon his woman’s hurtin’ pretty bad.”

Juniper bit back a curse. That meant Calvin had likely been with them. His widowed sister and her five children had been waiting for the last of John’s wages.

“Who’s John?” asked Lily.

“A good man who believed this camp would come through for him,” Juniper told her. “So he kept working when others left, even though the smaller crews compromised their safety. It cost him his life. His wife and their five children have been waiting on the last of his wages for two months. What exactly did you expect these men to do while you got all your pretty little ducks in a row?”

“To have some understanding. I sent notices—”

“Notices won’t buy much at a mercantile, Miss Carrington. Plenty of these men have families who depend on that income to make ends meet. To buy
food
and keep roofs over their heads.”

“Surely they have some savings set aside for—”

“Savings?”
Lily Palmer Carrington was burning through his patience like fire through a haystack. “Most of your employees have never stepped foot in a bank because they’ve got nothing to put there. They work to get by,
Miss Carrington.
”

“I realize—”

“No, you
don’t.
You’ve got no business being out here.
You belong in San Francisco.
”

“Do not tell me where I belong!
You
are the one who belongs…in…”

“Hell?” Juniper supplied. “Right beside your father?”

Her green eyes flared with rage. “How dare you!”

“Enough!” Reginald stepped between them. “Lily, what’s going on?”

Her lower lip slid between white teeth as her gaze moved between Juniper and her cousin.

“What’s the matter, Miss Carrington? Didn’t you fill Reginald in on your plans for revenge?”

“Lily?”

“If I’m cartin’ this poor dead feller back up to camp,” said Chuck, “I need to get goin’. I want to be down this mountain before nightfall.”

Juniper turned to Günter.

His deputy splayed his hands wide in question. “You tell me. What do we do?”

He needed to get away from this woman before he lost his temper or, worse yet, she found another revolver. “See the Carringtons back to camp so they can make arrangements for their man and collect their belongings before being escorted to The Grove. Go straight to the kitchen and have Cook tell you which men didn’t show up for dinner. That could help us narrow this down. Then meet me at Frank’s livery. If I’m not there, he’ll know where to find me.”

Günter gave a firm nod. He turned toward Miss Carrington. “You wish to ride on the wagon?”

She glanced at the horse Mr. Dobbs had been riding, then leveled those shrewd green eyes on Juniper. “Where are
you
going?”

“To recover the cash box. I think I know what will likely be the first stop of our Good Samaritans.”

“Good Samaritans?”

“In
their
minds, though I admit they’ve gone about it all wrong.”

“They shot my guard and stole my money!”

“They took what they believed you owed them, Miss Carrington.”

“What we owed an entire camp, not one group of thugs. How can you defend murderers? Though I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised,” she added, crossing her arms as she glared up at him.

Juniper glared right back. “Only one man pulled that trigger, and he’ll be found and charged with the crime. I’ll get your money back, Miss Carrington.”

“Not without us, you won’t.” Lily strode toward Dobbs’s black horse, and Juniper had to clench his jaw to keep from swearing.

“Let the man do his job, Lil’,” Reginald said, a blessed voice of reason.

“I plan to make certain he does.” Her tiny form swung into the high saddle in a most unladylike fashion, and with an ease that shocked him. “We can’t move forward until the payroll is recovered and properly distributed.” She tucked the excess folds of her fancy skirt securely beneath her slender white knees, then shifted in the saddle as though reacquainting herself with what had once been familiar.

“Which is why we’re riding along. Reginald.”

Her stiff-backed tone put a pinch in Juniper’s spine. He glanced at poor Reginald. The man’s weary expression threatened to dash the last of his hope. “What are my chances of talking her into staying at the camp?”

Reginald shook his head. “I always knew she’d be the death of me,” he said in a whimper, and started toward his horse. “I just thought it would take a little longer.”

Glancing back at Lily sitting stiffly in the saddle, Juniper knew it wasn’t the dandy’s death she had her heart set on.

It was
his.

J
uniper 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 wildflowers 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 understood?”

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.”