Sam's Legacy Page 12

  “Quiet, old man.” The tallest looked at the other two, giving a slight nod toward Sam. The three rushed at him.

  With no time to change his mind, he fired at the tallest, hitting him in the leg. The second took a bullet to the shoulder, the third in his arm. Shouts from the street, the men moaning on the ground, his father’s worried voice all mingled together as Sam holstered his gun and helped Thomas up. Without sparing a glance at the men he’d shot, he brushed his father off, straightening his clothes and checking for injuries.

  “Did they hurt you?”

  “No. Roughed me up a bit, though.”

  “What’s going on here?” Two men with badges rushed up, staring at the three injured men, then at Sam and Thomas, who pointed at his attackers.

  “Those men jumped me.” Straightening, Thomas glared down at them.

  “That’s not true,” the tallest ground out, gripping his leg. “They attacked us.”

  The officers knelt beside the men, checking their wounds as the medical wagon came to a stop on the street. One of the officers stood, looking at Sam.

  “Who shot them?”

  “I did. They were attacking my father, then rushed at me.” Sam looked at the three, smirking. “As you can see, I didn’t aim to kill.”

  “That may be, but we’ll need all of you to come to the police station. Looks like these men will need a trip to the hospital.”

  Sam thought of Robbie and the Jaegers. “How long will this take?”

  “Can’t say. You have somewhere you have to be?”

  Sam didn’t appreciate the officer’s tone, but ignored it.

  Rubbing a hand behind his neck, he glanced at his father. “We’ve passage on the stage to Conviction. An older couple is watching my son. I left Robbie with them when my father disappeared.”

  The officers turned away, talking in quiet tones as the medical personnel loaded the injured men into the wagon. The older of the two officers looked at Sam.

  “The stage office is a block away. Let’s go there and talk so you can be with your son.”

  Sam knew what to expect, knowing it would take a miracle to make it on today’s stage. “Thank you. I appreciate it.”

  Walking with the younger officer, Sam could hear his father behind them, talking to the older one.

  “My son, Samuel, is a deputy in Conviction. He was with Allan Pinkerton’s agency before that, working with the Union Army.”

  “That explains how he got all three of them. Most men wouldn’t even attempt it.”

  Sam stifled a chuckle as the conversation continued. As far as he knew, his father had never met anyone who didn’t become a friend. He hoped it would work in their favor today. As they approached the stage, Robbie jumped down, running to his father.

  “You took so long, Papa.”

  “I know, son. But we’re here now.” He looked at the Jaegers. “I apologize for the inconvenience and am most grateful for you watching Robbie.”

  Mrs. Jaeger stepped down from the stage. “It was no bother at all, young man. Now, you must tell us what happened.”

  After hearing the condensed story, Mr. and Mrs. Jaeger refused to leave without them. She fussed over Thomas and clucked her approval of Robbie. Somehow, between the Jaegers’ determination not to leave, his father’s cooperation, and Sam’s position as a deputy in Conviction, the officers took their stories and told them they were free to leave.

  “It’s doubtful, but we may need you to come back for the trial. Unless you don’t want to press charges.”

  Thomas crossed his arms, indignation in his voice. “I’m pressing charges, officer. Those men should not get away with what they did. They’ll only do it to someone else. I’ll be happy to return for their trial.”

  Sam agreed. He planned to ask August Fielder if he’d take their statements, hoping the court would accept them in lieu of returning to San Francisco.

  Through all of this, the stage driver let his displeasure be known, stalking about and interrupting every few minutes. By rights, Sam knew he could drive off, leave them all behind—and lose the passage of five people. He’d waited, pocketing the extra money Sam slid to him in private.

  Shaking the officers’ hands, they boarded the stage, exhausted and ready to leave. As the stage rolled out of the city, Robbie resting in Sam’s lap, he closed his eyes. So much had happened in such a short time. He’d gained a son, lost his mother, then almost his father. They’d made it this far and now headed toward their new life. Sam could only hope Jinny would be waiting for him.

  Outskirts of Circle M Ranch

  “The sergeant isn’t going anywhere soon, Captain.” Private Krahl packed away his few medical supplies, slinging the saddlebag over his shoulder. “At least two weeks.”

  “Forget it, Krahl. I’m not lying on my ass anywhere close to that.” Claude Parry looked over at Eplett. “I’m not holding up the plans, Captain. Give me a few days and I’ll be good as new.”

  Howie looked down at him, believing the private was right, knowing they still had to be concerned about infection. They’d all evaded the posse, meeting at the camp hidden within MacLaren land. Rough, rocky, and thick with shrubs, they hadn’t seen a single person come this way since they’d claimed it. Now they’d be stuck another week, maybe two, while Parry healed.

  “Get some rest, Sergeant. When you’re better, we’ll go after the woman and get Card out of jail.”

  Parry tried to sit up, groaning when his body didn’t cooperate, and dropped back down.

  Eplett kneeled on one knee, checking the bandage. “Take it easy. You’ll ruin the private’s good work.”

  Mumbling a curse, Parry stared at the captain. “We both know it can’t wait any longer. The news we heard was the judge would be in town this week. Card and the rest of us need to be far away from Conviction by then.”

  At first, Eplett had thought the same, cursing their luck, wishing for the hundredth time they’d never entered the town. He knew the way justice worked. Even if the judge found Card guilty of a crime, he wouldn’t be sentenced to hang. The judge would send him to San Quentin, at least two days’ ride in a wagon, which would stop in towns along the way to pick up other sentenced prisoners. If they missed their chance to take the MacLaren woman, bartering her for Card’s release, they’d have other chances before he reached prison.

  Eplett had no intention of waiting. He wanted the woman for more than her value as a hostage. From the moment he’d seen her in the general store, he’d wanted more than what he knew she’d willingly offer. Watching her the last few weeks, his interest had increased until it was a fever in his blood. It made no sense, but he wasn’t a man who spent much time evaluating his feelings for women. He’d satisfy his need, then make the exchange, leaving the area without a backward glance.

  Nothing in his character warned him his thinking was wrong, and he wouldn’t care if it did. He’d long ago pushed aside guilt and honor for what mattered most—his men, money, and vengeance against those who supported the North. From what he’d learned, the MacLaren family, and the majority of those in Conviction, supported Lincoln, which made them his enemies. In his mind, he and his men were the instruments of justice, and he meant to see justice served.

  Conviction

  Brodie’s patience had come to an end. For several days in a row, Nate hadn’t arrived for his morning shift at the jail. Jack hadn’t found him in his room at the Gold Dust, nor on his rounds. He’d walk through the door mid-morning, his appearance haggard, eyes pinched in pain, offering no explanation while evading questions. Today, Brodie vowed to learn what had turned a good man and a responsible deputy into a man he didn’t recognize. It may mean losing Nate, but Brodie’s responsibility was to the people of Conviction, not to a man who refused to accept help.

  “Good morning.”

  Brodie looked up from his desk, a grin lifting the corners of his mouth when he saw Maggie walk in with Colin’s wife, Sarah, and her sister, Geneen. Grant, Sarah and Colin’s son, squir
med in Maggie’s arms, a broad smile on his wife’s face as she spoke to the boy in a quiet voice. His eyes softened as he gave Maggie a knowing look. Soon, they’d be making their own announcement.

  “What a nice surprise. What brings you lasses to town this lovely day?” Walking around his desk, he placed a kiss on Maggie’s cheek. “Did the lads come with you?”

  “Not today. Colin, Quinn, and Caleb are searching for strays. We decided to make the trip ourselves.” Geneen took a casual stroll around the room, poking her head around the wall toward the cells to see the prisoner. She stepped back, a shiver running down her spine when she remembered the day at Maloney’s. “When will the judge arrive for his trial?”

  Brodie placed his hands on his hips, shaking his head. “He should be here now. I got word he’s delayed…again. I’m hoping he’ll be here by the end of the week.”

  “Maybe it’s time we had our own judge.” Sarah settled into a chair as Maggie continued to coo over Grant.

  “Aye, it is. I’ve talked with August Fielder about it. He’s preparing a request for a permanent judge in Conviction. Unfortunately, it could be months before he gets an answer.” Brodie took Grant from Maggie, rocking him in his arms as he spoke. “In the meantime, I’m in need of more deputies.”

  Geneen’s brows lifted. “Are Nate and Jack not enough?”

  Her question reminded Brodie she had a sweet spot for Nate, knowing she hoped the deputy would ask permission to court her one day. Although she tried to hide it, her attraction to Nate was no secret to any of the MacLarens. And from what Brodie could tell, Nate felt the same, although his interest hadn’t been as obvious as the feelings Sam showed for Jinny.

  This left him with an additional dilemma. He already struggled with what to say to Jinny about Sam. Now he had to consider Geneen when he made a decision about Nate.

  “Nae, lass. I needed more men before Sam left.” His face clouded. “If I’d had more deputies when the ex-Confederate raiders rode in, I might’ve been able to stop what happened.”

  Maggie moved next to him, placing a hand on his arm. “It wasn’t your fault, love.” She took Grant from Brodie when he offered him to her.

  “Perhaps, but I’ll not be putting more people in danger if there’s a way to stop it. Adding more deputies will be a good start.”

  Geneen leaned against a wall, her gaze moving to the door. “It’s quiet in here today. Do you expect Nate to come by soon?”

  Brodie noticed Maggie and Sarah glance at Geneen, neither commenting. They both knew her interest wasn’t casual curiosity.

  “He’ll be by sometime today, lass, although I’m not sure when. What plans do you three have today?”

  Maggie handed Grant back to Sarah. She stood up, cradling her son to her chest, then looked at Brodie. “We’re going to Maloney’s to place an order, then we need to speak with Stein Tharaldson. Sean and Fletcher have requested some specific items they want him to order for the horses.”

  Brodie chuckled, thinking of his younger brother, Fletcher, and his cousin, Sean. They were in charge of the horse breeding program and, along with Emma, were making significant progress. Sean had an enormous appetite for anything related to animals, and hoped to attend the Highland Society's Veterinary School in Edinburgh, Scotland. It would mean leaving the ranch for years.

  “The lads are always wanting to try whatever Sean has read about in the latest journals.” His eyes shifted to the door, seeing Nate walk in. The deputy nodded at Brodie before his attention turned to Geneen.

  “Ladies. You’re all looking well today.” Removing his hat, he stepped closer to Geneen, his gaze softening as he leaned down, lowering his voice. “You’re looking especially beautiful, Miss Geneen.”

  Brodie could see the blush creep up her cheeks at whatever Nate had said. He sucked in a slow breath, then let it out, realizing he had to talk to him soon, discover his deputy’s hidden secret. Protecting the town was his job. Safeguarding his family meant a great deal more. Geneen might not be a MacLaren like her sister, Sarah, but in the eyes and hearts of the family, she was one of them.

  Geneen cleared her throat. “We were about to go to Maloney’s, then to see Stein Tharaldson. Would you care to come along?”

  Nate shifted, his gaze landing on Brodie, seeing the wariness in his boss’s features. “I’d like to, but it’s my turn to watch the prisoner. The sheriff can’t be expected to stay inside all day.”

  Brodie didn’t have to look at Geneen to know she hoped he’d say something. “Jack is due back any time now, Nate. Why don’t you go with the lasses? Find me when they’re ready to ride back to the ranch. I need to speak with you.”

  “Sure, Brodie.” Offering his arm to Geneen, he smiled at her. “Are you ready?”

  Brodie saw Maggie and Sarah hide their grins at the way Nate focused on Geneen. They believed she deserved the attention, and both liked the deputy, thinking the two were a perfect match. He wished he could feel the same.

  Maggie kissed him on the cheek before joining the others at the door. “I’ll see you at home tonight, Brodie.”

  “Aye, lass. I’m looking forward to supper with you.”

  He couldn’t help the tinge of worry crawling up his spine as the door closed. Nate had problems, secrets he’d chosen not to share, and Brodie had sent him along with his family. He let out a breath, hoping he hadn’t made a mistake.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Nate had seen the look in Brodie’s eyes, knowing his boss wouldn’t put up with excuses any longer. The time had come to either be honest or quit his job and leave Conviction.

  Strolling along the boardwalk with Geneen on his arm, he couldn’t imagine leaving the town, a job he loved, or the woman who mattered to him. Similar to Sam’s feelings for Jinny, he and Geneen had been drawn to each other from the first moment they’d met. He’d attended as many MacLaren Sunday suppers as he could, always sitting next to her at the table, making small talk afterward before the men congregated in the den for whiskey.

  Over the last few months, he’d been forced to deal with another, more urgent problem. As much as he regretted not seeing Geneen, he’d been unable to attend many Sunday suppers.

  “We’ve missed you on Sundays, Nate.” Geneen kept her gaze focused ahead, her voice soft with no trace of censure.

  Glancing at her, he couldn’t help the pang of regret when he noticed the pretty day dress she’d worn to town. Like Heather and Emily, she often preferred men’s trousers and shirts while working on the ranch. They’d been able to ride once when supper ended early on a beautiful summer afternoon. She’d noticed his surprise at her expertise in handling a horse, setting him straight right away by besting him in a race across an expansive meadow. He guessed she might be able to shoot better than him, too, but wasn’t about to test his theory.

  “My apologies. I’ve had…business that’s kept me in town.”

  Looking up at him, her brows furrowed. “On a Sunday?”

  Clearing his throat, he nodded, his jaw tightening. “I’m afraid so.” He wouldn’t say more. The reason for his absence was a burden for him, and he had no intention of sharing it with anyone else. Which brought him back to the dilemma of what to tell Brodie. A decision had to be made before the women left town, yet he had no idea what to do. Perhaps turning in his badge and riding out of town was the best for everyone—especially Geneen.

  Nate gently removed her arm from his as they stepped to the door of Maloney’s. “I’ll stay outside while you ladies do your shopping.”

  “It’s a shame you must stay with us. It must be such a bother.” Sarah shifted Grant in her arms, looking at Nate.

  “I assure you, it isn’t a bother. Until we’re certain the ex-Confederate raiders are well away from Conviction, you’ll have to suffer with one of us or your family escorting you. It simply isn’t safe.”

  Geneen leaned toward him, keeping her voice low as Sarah and Maggie entered the general store. “There’s no suffering involved when I’m with you,
Nate.” She could feel her face heat at the shameless statement, forgetting her embarrassment when he began to laugh.

  “Ah, Miss Geneen, you are the most delightful woman I’ve ever met.” He reached up, stroking the back of his hand down her cheek. When she closed her eyes, her tongue darting out to moisten her lips, he couldn’t control his body’s response. Dropping his hand, he stepped away. “No matter what happens, don’t ever change.”

  Before she could respond, the door opened, Maggie poking her head out, her eyes gleaming in excitement. “You must come inside and see all the new items.”

  “I’ll be right there.” Geneen let out a breath. “I suppose I should join them. You’ll stay while we shop?”

  “As long as you want.” Making a slight bow, he moved to the edge of the boardwalk, feigning interest in the activity up and down the busy street. Touching her had been a mistake. They’d made contact numerous times in the past, Geneen even kissing his cheek on more than one occasion. He’d sworn she’d be his wife someday, but that was before the uncertainty he now faced—a setback he had no defense against. Only a slow decline to his inevitable fate.

  “How much longer, Papa?” Robbie’s voice shook as the coach jerked along the rutted road.

  Looking out the open window, Sam felt a sense of familiarity as he recognized the hills they passed. “The driver says we’ll be there by late today.”

  He glanced at the Jaegers sitting across from them, both watching as Robbie got on his knees to gaze at the passing landscape. “Look, Papa. More cows.” Enthusiasm overtook him as he pointed out the window.

  Sam leaned forward to see the small herd. “Those are called cattle. Cows are used for milk.”

  Turning, Robbie’s brows drew together. “What are the cattle for?”

  “Meat.” Sam chuckled when his son’s eyes widened.

  “We eat them?” A flash of horror crossed his face as he began to understand his father’s meaning.

  “Cattle are where we get steaks and roasts.”