Fletcher's Pride Read online

  Lorna, Ewan, and several others waited impatiently for Fletcher and Quinn to return with Maddy. News of her leaving had spread fast when the two rode out as if being chased by a raging bear. It had been all Ewan could do to keep Bram and Camden at the ranch when they heard about it.

  “There they are.” Bram kicked his horse, riding out to meet them. He spared a quick glance at Maddy before reining Bullet around to ride back with them. “Where’d you find the lass, Fletch?”

  “By the river. Maddy needed time away.”

  “Did it help, lass?” Bram asked.

  She flashed him a grin. “It did. Now I need to work with Emma on my dress. Saturday is only a couple days away.”

  Bram glanced at Quinn, raising a questioning brow at his older brother. “It’s a shame about it being moved inside. Still, it’ll be a grand wedding.”

  When they reached the row of houses, Bram and Quinn split off while Fletcher and Maddy continued to where Ewan and the others waited.

  “Are you all right, lass?” Ewan walked up to Snowflake, raising his hands to help her down.

  “Yes. I’m sorry if I caused any worry.”

  Lorna stomped up to her, arms folded across her chest. “Of course you were causing us worry, lass. Riding off while dark, not letting Fletch or anyone else know. It wasn’t right of you.”

  “Ma.” Fletcher slid to the ground.

  Lorna stood her ground. “With Colbert searching, who knows what she would’ve been riding into.”

  When Fletcher started to respond, Maddy put a hand on his arm. “She’s right. It was selfish of me to go without letting anyone know.”

  Ewan held up his hands. “It’s over now and you’re safe. We’ll be going inside for breakfast, then we’ve a lot of work to do.” He looked at his three youngest children. “Kenzie, Clint, Banner, take care of their horses.”

  Fletcher took her hand, stopping on the porch while the others continued inside. Grasping Maddy’s shoulders, he lowered his voice. “After breakfast, you’ll be telling me what happened between you and Lew. I’ll be having no more stalling on this, lass.”

  Maddy knew he was right. Fletcher deserved the truth about what had happened with Lew to cause her to flee her home, living on the run for close to two years. It wouldn’t be easy. Even thinking about it made her stomach churn. Regardless, it was time.

  “All right, but you have to promise me you’ll listen to all I have to say without interrupting. And you won’t go after Lew when I’m finished.”

  Uncertainty flashed across his face. “I’ll be doing my best, lass.”

  Jutting out her chin, she glared at him. “You’ll promise me, Fletch, or I won’t tell you anything.”

  Choking out a laugh, he nodded. “Aye. I’ll be staying quiet until you’re finished. I cannot promise anything after that.”

  Frowning, she nodded. “All right. I suppose it’s the best you can do.”

  Smiling, he put an arm around her waist, leading her into the house. “Aye, lass. It is.”

  Conviction

  Suzette cleared tables, keeping watch on the ones with diners. One of the servers sent word he wouldn’t be coming in. He’d taken ill and wasn’t sure when he’d return. His absence meant Suzette had no choice but to take his place.

  Placing the dirty plates on a counter, she turned, stomach clenching when Bay and August walked in. She didn’t want to deal with Bay, his snide remarks and condescending words. With only one other server, she didn’t have a choice. If she wanted to keep her job, Suzette would continue the façade as best she could, forcing herself to smile, ignore his actions, and swallow her pride. She’d been doing it long enough, it should come easy. It didn’t.

  “Good morning, August, Bay. Would you like your regular table?”

  August nodded. “That would be fine, Suzette. Seems you’re short on help this morning.”

  “Unfortunately, one of the servers is ill. It isn’t a problem, though. I’ll be the one serving you.” She held her breath, waiting for Bay to make one of his nasty comments, surprised when he stayed silent.

  August took a seat, waving off her offer of a menu. “I’ll have eggs, bacon, and toast. Oh, and coffee.”

  She looked at Bay.

  “I’ll have the same. Except add flapjacks to mine.”

  Turning away, she stopped at Bay’s next words.

  “Suzette, we need to talk.”

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Circle M

  Maddy chewed on her last bite of bacon, wishing there was more on her plate. Fletcher had already finished, signaling the time had come for her to explain what happened between her and Lew, the man sitting across from her. She glanced up at the scraping sound of chair legs on the wooden floor.

  Lew fixed his gaze on Ewan. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll be riding out to see if I can spot any sign of Dob and his men.” He looked at Lorna. “Thank you for a wonderful breakfast, Mrs. MacLaren.”

  “You’ll be joining us for supper, Mr. Quick.”

  Lew hesitated before answering. “I’ll do my best.”

  Maddy watched as he left the house, wondering if she’d ever see him again. After what had happened, it surprised her how much she wanted to believe he’d be safe.

  “Lass?”

  She jerked her attention to Fletcher, who stood beside her, offering his hand. Taking it, she drew in a slow breath, steeling herself for the conversation to come.

  “Thanks for breakfast, Ma. Maddy and I’ll be on the porch.”

  Walking outside, he nodded to the porch swing, waiting until Maddy sat down before sitting beside her. They said nothing for several minutes, Fletcher not rushing her. When she began, her eyes took on a glassy look, her focus on the barn.

  “Lew was the only member of the gang who was nice to me. He did his best to protect me from Dob, stepping between us on several occasions. Lew made sure I was safe after Dob murdered my father and my mother killed herself.” She choked out the last, pursing her lips as she regained composure. “He made sure I ate and guarded my room while I slept. Lew was the only one I trusted. Dob eventually noticed the way he protected me and ordered him to stay away.” She glanced over at Fletcher. “Lew refused, telling Dob they needed me safe, as I was the only one who cooked and washed their clothes. I was also the one who drove into town for supplies. Dob backed off for a while, until he and Lew got into an argument about the next stage robbery. Then the argument turned to me again, and this time, Dob refused to listen to anything Lew said.”

  Fletcher’s anger rose, gut clenching as she continued, but he remained silent. Noticing her hands clasped tightly in her lap, he reached over, resting his hand over hers. Giving her an encouraging smile, Maddy continued.

  “Dob had been drinking all night. At some point, he punched Lew in the jaw. No one interfered as they fought, rolling around in the dirt. I knew someone would die. Probably Lew because no one would dare go against Dob. I started screaming, begging them to stop. They were both bloody, their faces already swelling when Dob ordered a couple of the men to drag Lew off him.” Her voice began to falter, face paling as she remembered what happened next. “Dob took several more swallows of whiskey before drawing his gun and pointing it at Lew’s head. That’s when he gave the order.”

  Maddy took several deep breaths, eyes watering.

  Fletcher watched her struggle, hating to see her in so much pain. “You don’t need to be saying more, lass.” Leaning over, he brushed a kiss across her lips.

  A haunted look crossed her face. “No. You need to know all of it. Afterward, I won’t blame you if you decide to call off the wedding.”

  His eyes widened at this, but Fletcher shook his head. “I’ll not be changing my mind, Maddy. Nothing you’ll be saying will make me decide against marrying you.” He watched her throat constrict and tightened his grip on her hands.

  “Dob ordered two of the men to hold me down and pull up my dress. Then he ordered Lew to…to…”

  Fletcher scooped her
up, settling her on his lap. “Don’t say any more, lass.”

  “I have to finish, Fletch. Please, I need to finish.”

  He drew in a breath, then nodded. “All right.”

  “Lew had no choice. Dob said he’d kill both of us if Lew didn’t do as ordered.” She swiped at the tears flowing down her cheeks. “Lew kept saying he was sorry as he did what Dob ordered. He told me to close my eyes and not open them until it was over. I did as he said. When it was over, he helped me up. I’ve never seen a man look more stricken. He held me for a while until Dob ordered him to take me to the cabin.” She drew in another shaky breath. “Lew gave me money, told me to ride out that night, that he’d keep watch on the others as long as he could. He told me Dob would hunt me down, so to just keep riding. Lew promised to do what he could if they found me, but, well…we already knew what Dob would do if he caught me.” She buried her face in Fletcher’s shirt, heavy sobs bursting from her.

  Tightening his hold, he rocked her, sick at the thought of what Dob had done to her. He’d ordered Lew to take her virginity in front of the entire gang, then chased her across country when she fled.

  “I’m so sorry, Fletch. So very sorry.”

  Tears began to sting his own eyes, heart aching at her loss. “Ach, lass. It’s not your fault. And it’s not Lew’s. All the blame is on Colbert.” Kissing the top of her head, he worked to contain his growing anger at Dob and his men, vowing to find every one of them and make them pay.

  He didn’t know how long they stayed out there before her sobs stopped. “Lass, let me carry you inside. You’ll be needing to rest now.”

  Maddy didn’t protest, glad she didn’t have to face anyone else after what she revealed to Fletcher. Laying her under the covers, he drew them up before sitting down next to her. He stroked her back until he heard the soft sounds of sleep. Bending down, he kissed her cheek.

  “I do love you, lass,” he whispered. Taking one last look, he left the room, halting in the hallway. He needed time to deal with what she’d said, to push aside his anger before he did something foolish. Leaning against the wall, he scrubbed both hands over his face.

  Glancing at the closed door, he mumbled a string of curses. It had taken everything she had to open up to him and share what Dob did to her. Maddy was the strongest woman he’d ever known. Fletcher felt a surge of pride, knowing in a couple short days, she’d be his wife.

  Thrusting away from the wall, he thought of the beautiful lass he’d come to love, vowing to do whatever he could to find justice for the woman who owned his heart.

  Lew slid from his horse and crouched, watching Dob and the others huddled in the camp below. It wasn’t noon and most of the men, including Dob, were already deep into whiskey.

  He scanned the area around the camp, looking for a location where he could get close enough to hear their plans. It wouldn’t happen given the location of their site. Although hidden in the trees, they’d be able to spot anyone who came close and wouldn’t feel even a slight twinge of regret at shooting any intruders.

  Leading his horse several feet away, he tossed the reins over a low branch. Pulling the rifle from its scabbard, he returned to rest against a tree and wait.

  At the rate they were consuming whiskey, it wouldn’t be long before most passed out, giving Lew a chance to sneak in and take their guns before running off the horses. If all went as planned, he’d have enough time to ride back to Circle M.

  Resting his arms over bent knees, he settled in to watch the men, especially Dob. When he lost consciousness, the others would follow. All except one man. Dob always selected at least one of his men to guard the camp with strict instructions not to drink or fall asleep.

  Lew began to count. If Dob hadn’t added anyone, one man was missing, and Lew already knew who it was. Ross Sheehan.

  Picking up the field glasses he’d taken from his saddlebags, Lew scanned the area. It shouldn’t take long to locate the man he’d fought beside and ridden with on more robberies than Lew could count. The sound of a gun cocking told him Ross had found him first.

  “Stand up, Lew.”

  He shifted enough to see the revolver pointed at his head, but didn’t stand. “Good morning, Ross. How are you and the boys doing?”

  “This isn’t a social call,” Ross snapped.

  “No? And here I thought we were friends.”

  When Ross shot a look toward camp, Lew’s hand slid to the handle of his gun. He stilled when Ross shifted back to him.

  “I thought so, too, but you rode off.”

  Lew lifted a shoulder. “It happens when someone wants you dead and you don’t know why.”

  Ross gave him an icy stare. “Dob’s the boss. You accepted that when you decided to ride with him.”

  “That was before, Ross.”

  “Before what?”

  “Before Dob went crazy, killing his brother and threatening anyone who disagreed with him. The man’s volatile. One minute, all is fine. The next, he’s got his gun pointed at you. It’s your decision if you’re comfortable with his behavior. I wasn’t. I decided to get out before he killed me.”

  Shifting, Ross’s brows knitted. “Dob’s ordered you killed.” He took another glance toward the camp, allowing Lew to slip the gun from its holster before Ross focused his attention back on him.

  Shrugging, Lew forced himself to appear unconcerned. “Can’t say I’m surprised. It’s his way.”

  “What I don’t understand is why you didn’t ride out, get as far away from these parts as possible. You had to know staying would get you killed.”

  Tightening his grip on the gun, Lew moved enough to lift it quickly when the opportunity arose. Friendship meant little when Dob gave an order.

  “Why don’t you ride out with me, get away from Dob’s irrational behavior.”

  Lew watched Ross’s throat work. Unless he agreed to leave, the instant Ross looked at the camp again, Lew would make a move.

  Frowning, Ross let out a stream of curses. “You know I can’t leave.”

  Lew cocked a brow. “No, I don’t know. Why the hell can’t you leave?”

  Ross shook his head in a way that implied he didn’t know either. Riding with outlaws for a long time changed how you thought of yourself. Lew knew. He’d felt the same until he’d gotten out.

  “You can start over, Ross. Find a peaceful life. You don’t need Dob to make a living.”

  Giving a quick shake of his head, Ross growled a response. “Enough of this. What are you doing out here? Spying on us?”

  “Hell no,” Lew lied. “I rode north to see what’s there, which wasn’t much, then came back this way. I’m on my way to Sacramento.”

  Ross’s gaze narrowed, a sick gleam in his eyes. “You were on your way to Sacramento.” The statement indicated everything had changed, the same as it always did with Dob. Taking careful aim, he glared at Lew. “Sorry. It shouldn’t have ended this way.”

  At the same time Ross pulled the trigger, another shot rang out, this one from Lew’s revolver. He felt a searing pain in his arm, saw Ross stumble backward and fall. Rolling away, Lew aimed and fired again. Before he could reconsider, he glanced at the camp, bile rising in his throat at the sight of Dob and the men running to the horses.

  Standing, he holstered the gun, pressed his hand to the wound, and ran to his horse. Pain ripped through him as he pulled himself into the saddle. Sagging forward, he kicked the horse, blinking a few times to ward off the dizziness threatening to topple him out of the saddle.

  Shouts and gunfire had his horse moving into a run. He glanced behind him, thankful Dob reined up for a moment to look down at Ross’s still form. Lew had no idea if his friend was alive or dead, and right now, he didn’t care. All he wanted was to get to the trail heading south and live long enough to warn the MacLarens.

  Circle M

  “Rider!” Thane shouted, pointing north. Running toward the horse, he waved his arms, slowing the animal’s progress. Grabbing the reins, he spoke softly, calming
him until the gelding stopped. Hearing someone come up behind him, he nodded to the rider. “It’s Lew Quick.”

  “Hold the horse, lad. I’ll get Lew off and into the house.” Camden lifted his arms.

  “I can get myself off,” Lew rasped out, blood soaking through his shirt, sweat thick on his forehead.

  “I’m sure you can, lad, but I’m still helping you.” A moment later, Camden had Lew on the ground, a strong arm securing him to his side.

  “Colbert.” Lew ground the word out, wincing with each step toward the house. “He’s here.” He choked, bending forward.

  “Who is it, Cam?” Bram put his arm around Lew from the other side.

  “Lew Quick. Shot in the arm.”

  “Colbert,” Lew spat the outlaw’s name out again.

  “Bring the lad inside.” Camden’s mother, Kyla, held the door open, pointing down the hall toward one of the guest rooms. “Sarah, get hot water and rags.” Colin’s wife nodded, hurrying to the kitchen. “And whiskey,” Kyla yelled after her.

  Camden and Bram laid Lew on the bed, opening his shirt to check the wound. Camden glanced up at his ma. “The bullet went on through.”

  Kyla studied the wound from the other side of the bed. “Aye. The lad’s passed out. It’ll be making this easier.”

  “What else will you be needing, Ma?”

  She shook her head. “Go find Ewan and Fletch. They’ll be wanting to know what happened.”

  Bram caught Camden’s shoulder, stopping him. “I’ll go. You stay with Aunt Kyla.”

  Bram ran to Ewan’s house and slammed the door open, coming to an abrupt stop. The women were seated or standing in the living room and dining room, working on the upcoming wedding.

  Lorna walked toward him. “What’s wrong, lad?”

  “Lew Quick’s been shot. He’s at Aunt Kyla’s house.”

  Maddy’s head whipped around at Lew’s name. Setting down the fabric, she walked toward them. “Is he all right?”