Sam's Legacy Read online

  “I’m sure she’ll be here soon.” Jinny set a tray down, then poured tea into cups and passed them out.

  Ewan worked behind the closed doors of his den, while Lorna had disappeared into her sewing room, giving the young women a quiet place to talk.

  “Tomorrow is the big day, Jinny. Are you ready?” Sarah sat down, adding milk to her tea.

  “Aye. I want to get the trial behind me. Fletcher and Sean will have two wagons ready.” Jinny sat next to Sarah, cradling her cup in her hands.

  Emma took a sip of tea. “Quinn mentioned he and Caleb planned to stay here with a few others. With all that’s happened, they don’t want to leave the ranch unprotected.”

  Jinny opened her mouth to respond when the front door opened. Geneen walked inside, followed by Colin, Brodie, and Blaine. An instant later, Sam walked in, his gaze moving across the room until it landed on Jinny.

  Seeing the distress on her sister’s face, Sarah hurried to Geneen. “What’s wrong?” When she didn’t respond, Sarah looked at her husband. “Colin?”

  He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, drawing her close. “It’s Nate. Brodie and Sam brought him from town. Ma is taking care of him.”

  Emma stood, walking to the door. “I’ll get Fletcher and Sean. They’re in the barn with Bram.”

  Jinny watched Emma leave, unable to move from her spot. Sam hadn’t taken his smoldering gaze off her, and although his features were neutral, his entire body tensed the longer he watched. Pushing up from her seat, she took a hesitant step forward. Removing his hat, Sam cleared his throat.

  “Hello, Jinny. It’s been a long time.”

  She nodded, not trusting her voice. Her heart squeezed, chest tightening so much she found it hard to draw a breath. He looked good, better than in her memories, and much better than when she’d seen him at Eplett’s camp.

  Looking down, he fingered the rim of his hat, unsure how to ask the question burning within him. He needed to hear it from her lips.

  Jinny clasped her hands in front of her, shifting from one foot to the other. “I saw you at the camp.”

  “I’d gotten back to town the day before, had planned to ride out and see you. Then Nate told me you went missing.” Running a hand through his hair, he looked away. “I almost went crazy with worry. When we found you, well…I wanted to kill every last one of them. Then, when it was over and you were safe…” His voice trailed off, remembering Jinny wrapped in Deke’s arms. Lifting his eyes, he forced himself to look at her. “Well, I couldn’t stay.”

  Capturing her lower lip between her teeth, she nodded. She wanted to go to him, throw her arms around his neck and never let go. Instead, Jinny found herself rooted in place. If he made the slightest move toward her, gave her any indication he still had feelings for her…but he didn’t.

  Turning away, she took a breath, wishing this wasn’t so hard. “Did your trip east go well?”

  She could hear him move closer, stopping right behind her. “My life isn’t the same anymore, Jinny. So much has changed. It’s good you’ve met someone else.”

  Whipping around, she fisted her hands at her sides, glaring at him. “Are you saying that because you’ve met someone else? Is that why I never heard from you, or that you were coming back?”

  He raised his hands as she took a step closer. “Jinny…”

  “Nae, Sam Covington. You’ll not be dismissing me as if I were a child. Did you meet someone, fall in love…marry?” She choked the last word out, refusing to give in to the tears beginning to pool.

  His eyes widened as he shook his head. “No. It’s just there are things in my life you don’t know about. I have responsibilities now, others to consider.”

  Jinny rubbed a finger against the ache in her temple. “Ach. You’re making no sense. If you aren’t married, then who do you have to consider? Tell me, Sam. I want to understand.” Taking a step closer, she cupped his cheek with her hand. Leaning up, she kissed his chin, watching as he lowered his head, his lips hovering above hers. The front door banging open had them jumping apart.

  “Sam?” Taking a breath, Sam turned to see Bram walking toward him, unaware of what he’d broken up. “We came to check on Nate. Quinn and Caleb were just walking outside, told us Aunt Kyla doesn’t want us to bother him.”

  “He’s in a bad way.” Sam looked at Jinny, knowing she’d hear the story from Brodie.

  “If anyone can help him, it’s Aunt Kyla. This may not be the time, but Brodie mentioned you were looking for a horse. Is Pirate not working out for you?”

  “You trained Pirate right, Bram. He’s better than any horse I’ve ever owned.”

  “Well, then, that is good news. We’ve a few to show you, depending on what you’re looking for. Is this one also for you?”

  Sam shook his head. “No, not for me.” This wasn’t the time to talk about his reason for needing another horse. There were things he had to explain to Jinny first.

  “I heard you brought your father back with you. Would it be for him?”

  Sam felt Jinny stiffen beside him. “Uh…no. Not for my father.”

  Bram cocked his head to the side, scratching his chin. “Well, lad, who is the horse for then?”

  Turning, Sam’s gaze settled on Jinny. “It’s for my son.”

  “His son. Sam has a son and he never told me.” Jinny paced back and forth in the parlor, her arms flailing about as her anger grew. She stopped, glaring at Brodie, who’d decided to stay at the ranch overnight.

  Right after he made the announcement, Sam had walked outside with Bram, as if the news of him having a son would have no impact on her. He didn’t return to the house before riding back to town, leaving her confused and fuming.

  “No one told me.”

  Brodie flinched under her scolding. “Lass, it wasn’t my story to tell.” He glanced at the stairs, thankful their parents had gone to bed long ago.

  “So everyone stayed silent…for a week. I’m the only one who didn’t know?” She glanced around the room, her gaze moving from Fletcher to Bram to Emma. Besides Brodie, they were the only ones who’d stayed. All three shook their heads.

  “Almost no one knows about Robbie, Jinny.” Brodie rubbed the back of his neck, trying to keep his patience. “August Fielder found them a house close to his. They’d barely moved in when you were taken. Since then, he took back his badge and worked on getting his family settled.”

  “His family?”

  “Aye. His father and son.” Standing, Brodie walked to a table. Picking up a decanter, he poured a measure of whiskey, tossing it back.

  “What about his wife and mother?”

  “His mother drowned when the steamer sank. As for the rest, you’ll be needing to ask him.” He set the glass down, then crossed his arms. “And what of the Arrington lad? Are you saying you’ve no feelings for him?”

  Emma jumped up, coming to Jinny’s aid. “Deke is her friend, Brodie.”

  His face softened at the belligerent look on her face. “She can answer for herself, lass.”

  Straightening her back, Jinny stuck out her chin. “Emma is right. Deke and I are friends, nothing more.”

  Brodie chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

  Jinny walked up to him, poking her brother in the chest. “And why are you so amused?”

  He glanced at Emma, then back at his sister. “Quinn and Emma were friends, too.”

  Waving her hands in the air, his sister turned, stomping away. “That was different.”

  “Jinny’s right. It was quite different.” Emma slipped her arm through Jinny’s. “I believe Deke would agree that they’re just friends. Besides, I think he may have his sights on someone else.”

  Stepping away, Jinny’s eyes widened. “Who?”

  “Since it’s only a guess, I’m not saying.”

  “A MacLaren?” Brodie tilted his head.

  “Well, yes. But, as I said, it’s a guess. The important part is Deke doesn’t feel the same way about Jinny as Sam does.” />
  “Ach, Emma. Haven’t you heard anything?” Jinny sat down, covering her face with her hands. “Sam told me he has others to think of. He said it was good I’d met someone else.” The room fell into a strained silence.

  “It’s late and I’m going to bed.” Fletcher stood, moving in front of his sister. “Jinny, lass, you need to talk to Sam.”

  Bram stood up, too. “I’ve an early day tomorrow, so I’ll be heading home. Fletch is right, lass. Sam is a reasonable and honest lad. You won’t learn the answers to your questions until you ask.” He turned to Emma. “I’ll walk you to the house.”

  Kissing Jinny on the cheek, Emma followed Bram outside and up the path.

  Waiting until they left, Brodie knelt in front of his sister, taking her hands in his. “Sam has been forced to deal with a great deal the last few months. I know how much his leaving hurt you, Jinny, and for that, I cannot make excuses for the lad. As Fletch and Bram said, you need to find room in your heart to talk to him.”

  She shook her head, a lone tear rolling down her cheek. “I don’t understand about his family or why he never told me about his son.”

  “And that’s why you must talk to him.”

  “What if he no longer wants me?”

  Brodie offered her a grim smile. “It’s a risk, lass. One you’ll be needing to take. Whatever happens, you’ll always have your family. You’ll never be alone with your troubles.”

  She sniffled, her lips twisting into a wry grin. “Aye. No one is ever alone with this brood.”

  Standing, he helped her up. “Ah, now that’s my Jinny. Tomorrow is the trial. We’ll get through that, then worry about the rest afterward.”

  Settling his arm over her shoulders, he walked with her to their bedrooms. Stopping at her door, he kissed her check. “I promise you, lass. Everything will be all right.”

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Conviction

  “You did well, lass.” Fletcher sat next to Jinny, squeezing her hand. Brodie sat on the other side, his face a mask. Their parents sat in chairs behind them, pride showing on their faces at Jinny’s testimony. Several of the MacLarens who rescued Jinny testified before her, all doing well.

  Jinny leaned toward Brodie. “Do you think Sarah or the others will have to testify?”

  August Fielder had surprised all of them when they arrived that morning. He wanted all the women who’d been held hostage at Maloney’s to be prepared to be a witness. She glanced at her cousins, hoping what she and Deke told the jury would be enough to find the three men guilty.

  He turned to look behind him. Colin had his arm around Sarah. Quinn and Emma sat next to them, holding hands. Brodie’s wife, Maggie, sat with Geneen, and the row behind them was filled with MacLarens. At the back, Sam leaned against a wall, his arms crossed, eyes locked on Jinny.

  “I don’t know, lass. Sometimes…” Brodie’s voice trailed off when August Fielder stood.

  “Your Honor, I believe the case against these three is quite solid. I have several more witnesses, women who were held hostage in the general store. If you’d like—”

  The judge’s gavel pounded on the table. “I believe the jury’s heard enough, Mr. Fielder.” He looked at the defense attorney, who shrugged, then the judge turned his attention to the twelve men sitting to one side of the room. “Would you like to listen to more testimony?”

  They shook their heads, all turning to look at the foreman, who stood. “Nope. I think we’re just fine, Judge.”

  “All right. You men head out back and talk this through. Tell Deputy Perkins when you’ve made a decision and he’ll bring you back inside.”

  Jack stood next to the jury, his newly polished badge pinned against his dark shirt. “Come along with me, gentlemen.” He ushered them outside while Sam and Brodie escorted the prisoners back to jail.

  Jinny let out a deep sigh when the men disappeared outside, then turned to Fletcher. “I’m so glad the others didn’t need to go up there.” She stood when August walked up to them.

  “You did wonderful, my dear, as did Mr. Arrington and the others.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Fielder. Do you think they’ll be found guilty?”

  He chuckled, glancing over his shoulder in the direction where the jury now discussed the fate of the prisoners. “Young lady, I’d be shocked if they weren’t. Within a few days, those miscreants will be on their way to San Quentin. Well, I believe I’ll go outside for some fresh air. This shouldn’t take long.”

  “Come on, lass. It’s best if we do the same.”

  Following Fletcher, she joined the other women, who were already deep in an animated discussion about the trial and what the jury would say. Jinny found herself distracted, her gaze moving down the street to the jail, hoping for another glimpse of Sam.

  She’d been awake most of the night, thoughts of the trial warring with images of Sam for a place in her head. After several hours of tossing and turning, Jinny came to the conclusion the men were right. She needed to talk with Sam, wanting to do it soon.

  “There’s your man now, Jinny.” Emma nudged her, nodding toward the jail. “He and Brodie just walked out. Hmmm. It looks like they’re staying close by to watch the prisoners.”

  Jinny’s shoulders sagged. She’d hoped to have a few minutes with Sam, enough to at least plan a time they could talk.

  “The jury’s made a decision.”

  Her attention turned to the steps behind her. A man shouted the announcement several times before going back inside. Stomach clenching, she moved with the crowd, returning to her place in front, praying for a guilty verdict.

  Circle M Ranch

  At least one of her prayers had been answered. The jury found the three men guilty, and the judge handed down long sentences at San Quentin. Monday, Jack would drive the wagon holding the prisoners while four guards rode alongside. It would leave Brodie and Sam as the only two lawmen in town for a few days, but it couldn’t be helped. They needed to get Eplett and his men out of Conviction.

  Deke begged off riding to the ranch on Saturday, telling her his uncle needed him in the saddlery. Business had picked up, making it more difficult to get days off. It had been a relief. She needed time to decide what to do about Sam, figure out if she loved him enough to put her heart out there for him to accept or reject.

  The women gathered at Kyla’s house to prepare Sunday supper. She’d heard Heather would be joining them. Jinny suspected the uncles had made a decision about the Evanston ranch, a topic sure to make the meal an exciting one.

  “Did you see Sam at church this morning, Jinny?” Kyla set potatoes on the counter, picking up a small knife.

  She and Quinn’s mother, Audrey, had stayed behind to look after Nate. It had been three days since Sam had gotten him away from Chinatown. The older women took turns sitting with him, always two at a time, doing their best to help as his body trembled. At times, his anxiety and agitation would be so great, he’d jump out of bed and pace, mumbling to himself. Cold sweats would cause him to shake uncontrollably, and nausea kept him doubled over much of the time. The men made certain at least one of them stayed behind each day, which usually meant Fletcher, Bram, or Sean since they handled the horse breeding program centered around the barns and pastures of Circle M.

  “Nae. He must have decided to stay home with his son and father.”

  By now, everyone in the family, and most of the townsfolk, knew of Sam’s son, although few had seen him or Sam’s father.

  Maggie set down a basket of vegetables, turning to face Jinny. “Brodie told me Sam spends all his free time with his family.”

  Jinny’s heart sank at the mention of family. She had so many questions with no opportunity to ask.

  Lorna looked at Maggie. “Does anyone know anything about the boy’s mother?”

  She shrugged. “If Brodie knows, he’s said nothing to me. I’m certain she isn’t in Conviction.”

  The women continued to speak as if Jinny didn’t stand a few feet away, her heart twist
ing. She wished they’d move on to another topic, but didn’t interrupt, knowing there’d be no answers until she confronted Sam.

  “Will Deke be joining us for supper, Jinny?”

  At the mention of her name, she looked at Sarah, who bounced Grant on her lap.

  “Nae. He’s staying in town today.”

  “He did a good job at the trial, as did everyone.” Kyla’s hands stilled at the sound of something crashing down the hall. “Ach. Nate must be thrashing around again. I’ll be back in a bit.”

  “I’ll go with you.” Geneen started to follow before Kyla turned, halting her progress.

  “You know the lad doesn’t want you to see him like this, lass. Once he’s through the worst, I’m certain he’ll feel differently.”

  “But I could—”

  “Nae, lass.” Kyla laid a hand on Geneen’s arm. “You’ve got to respect the lad’s wishes.”

  “I’ll go with you, Kyla.” Lorna clasped Geneen’s shoulder. “Why don’t you return to the kitchen, lass? The others can use your help.”

  Jinny walked up, gripping her arm to pull her toward the kitchen. “There’s no sense arguing when Aunt Kyla has made up her mind. We’ll work together. You can tell me about the new horse Bram is training for you.”

  Conviction

  “Are you ready to visit the horses, Robbie?” Thomas sat on one side of the buggy seat, Sam on the other, Robbie in the middle. They were a mile from Circle M and Robbie had yet to sit still.

  The boy’s face lit up. “Yes, Grandfather. Papa says if I’m very good, I might be able to sit on one today.”

  “Only if Mr. MacLaren says it is all right, son.” Sam thought of Bram, already knowing he’d be fine letting Robbie sit atop a horse—as long as one of them held the reins.

  As they approached the entrance to the ranch, Sam inhaled a deep breath, willing away the nervous energy and trepidation of seeing Jinny. He’d wanted to stay and talk with Jinny the night they’d brought Nate to the ranch. After looking at horses with Bram, the hour had grown late, forcing him to return home. Sam had promised Robbie he’d read him a story and tuck him into bed—a promise he meant to keep.