Fletcher's Pride Read online

  In a few minutes, she’d have to leave for her meeting with the manager of the newest hotel and restaurant a couple streets away from the boardinghouse. They’d lost two employees in the last week, providing an opportunity Maddy hadn’t expected.

  Taking a deep breath, she settled a bonnet over her hair and grabbed her reticule. A few minutes later, she strolled along the boardwalk, her destination the next street over. Spotting the building not far ahead, she placed a hand on her stomach, doing her best to ignore the fluttering sensations.

  Opening the front door, Maddy bit the inside of her mouth as she scanned the room, seeing a woman huddled over a stack of papers at a table in the back of the dining room. Squaring her shoulders, she headed straight for her.

  “Miss Suzette Gasnier?”

  Looking up, a smile spread across the woman’s face. “Yes. And you are?”

  “Madeleine Leigh. I’m here about a job.”

  Leaning back in the chair, Suzette set down the pencil, her gaze scanning Maddy from her head to her clean, well-fitting cotton dress, finally moving to her scuffed boots. Not a pair of women’s walking boots, but the type worn by wranglers and ranch hands. Suzette stifled a chuckle.

  “I’m looking for servers for the noon and supper meals. Do you have experience?”

  Hope sprang in Maddy’s heart. “Yes, ma’am. I worked at the Parker Hill Restaurant in San Francisco for two months.”

  “I’ve been to it. When did you leave?”

  “A week ago.”

  Suzette lifted a brow. “My understanding is the Parker is a good place to work. Did they let you go?”

  Maddy twisted her hands together. She refused to tell anyone the real reason she left. If it cost her a job here, she’d find something else. “No. I, uh…had to leave.”

  Pushing her chair back, Suzette stood, walking around the table. Stopping a foot away, she crossed her arms, studying Maddy. “Are you running from the law?”

  Her jaw clenched. “No, ma’am.” Although the people tracking me are.

  Suzette’s eyes narrowed. “I don’t need trouble here, Miss Leigh.”

  “I won’t be bringing you any, Miss Gasnier.” Maddy prayed that was true.

  “Where do you live?”

  “At Baker’s. It’s down the street from the Gold Dust.”

  A slight grin lifted Suzette’s mouth. “Yes, I know it.” Dropping her arms, she walked back to her chair, resting a hand on the back. “I need you to start tonight. Be here at four o’clock. Dark skirt and white blouse.”

  Maddy’s initial joy turned to dread. “I’m sorry, but I don’t own either.”

  “Come with me.” Suzette took purposeful strides to the back, walking through an open doorway to a storage room. Opening the door, she pointed to a rack of clothes. “Pick your size. You’re responsible for cleaning them, and you only get one set.” Glancing down at Maddy’s shoes, she shook her head. “Do you have anything other than boots?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Black?”

  Maddy nodded.

  “Wear them.” Suzette held out her hand. “Congratulations, Miss Leigh. You are now an employee of the Feather River Restaurant.”

  Maddy felt like skipping back to the boardinghouse, the excitement of obtaining the job of her dreams almost overtaking her common sense. A respectable position, one she’d be proud to tell people, unlike the one she held at Buckie’s Castle.

  She shuddered, remembering the evenings she’d applied thick makeup, wore tight dresses, sweeping her hair into an alluring style guaranteed to garner the attention of the men who frequented the saloon. During her time at Buckie’s, there’d been just one man she wanted to notice her, and he had—every night for weeks.

  Then she’d been given his note. Months later, the familiar pain still shot through her. The next day, Maddy packed, taking the stage to San Francisco, leaving Fletcher, and the men who tracked her, behind.

  Another mistake, but not as monumental as the one she’d made by falling in love with Fletcher MacLaren—a man who’d believed her to be just another saloon whore, a woman who sold her body for money. She swallowed the familiar ball of pain, knowing she’d never given him any reason to believe otherwise. Something Maddy would always regret.

  Walking the last few yards to Baker’s, she smiled. Her job at Buckie’s and love for Fletcher were firmly where they should be…in the past. Refusing to dwell on her mistakes, she decided this was a day to celebrate. Unfortunately, a celebration would have to wait. In two hours, she’d step back into the Feather River Hotel and Restaurant and start over one more time.

  Circle M Ranch

  “Are you certain you heard the lad right?” Bram’s eyes had grown wide at Camden’s announcement. They stood on the porch, waiting for their cousin to appear.

  “Aye. Fletch told me at supper he’s coming with us to Buckie’s.” Before Bram could respond, Camden held up a hand. “Two rounds of whiskey and a few hands of cards. Nothing more.”

  Bram grinned. “I’ll be happy with whatever time the lad decides to spend in town. Getting him off the ranch for a few hours will do Fletch good. Where is he?”

  “Decided to change his boots. He’ll meet us at the barn.”

  “What’s taking you lads so long?” Fletch stood outside the barn, hands on his hips. He didn’t wear a smile, but it wasn’t a frown, either. “Domino is already saddled. I’m waiting for you miscreants.”

  Scrambling down the steps, they walked toward him. “How’d you get past us?” Camden asked, shooting him a confused look as he and Bram headed into the barn.

  Fletcher didn’t answer, his thoughts already moving to Buckie’s and what it would be like to enter without the anticipation of seeing Maddy. He’d left Conviction to put distance between them, stayed away from the saloon women in Settlers Valley because he couldn’t forget her. Now he’d be going to the place where they’d shared so much, and not just time in her bed.

  He missed their lovemaking. Even more, he missed their long talks, her throaty, unrestrained laugh, the pleasure he saw on her face whenever she spotted him from the top of the stairs. His chest squeezed at all the memories.

  “You ready?” Bram led Bullet out of the barn, followed a moment later by Camden holding the reins of Duke.

  Fletcher shook his head. The expectation of spending an evening at Buckie’s no longer held any appeal. “I’m thinking I’ll stay here tonight, lads.”

  “No, you’re not. You’re coming with us, even if you don’t stay long.” Bram clasped his cousin’s shoulder. “We’re ready to leave, lad, and you need some time away from the ranch.”

  “How long has it been since you’ve taken time to relax, play cards, and have a few drinks?” Camden swung into Duke’s saddle, glancing down at him.

  Fletcher thought back over the last few months. “Since the last time I saw Maddy.”

  “Hell, lad. That’s way too long for any man. Saddle up, Fletch. It’s time you put the lass behind you.”

  A spark of guilt flashed through him at his cousins’ hopeful expressions. Letting out a resigned breath, he mounted, reining Domino toward town. Shoving aside his reservations, he shot his cousins a tight smile.

  “Last one to the fence buys the first round.” Fletcher kicked his sorrel gelding into a swift gallop, a surprised laugh bursting from his lungs at the shocked expressions he left behind.

  Chapter Two

  Conviction

  The nervous sensations Maddy fought earlier subsided somewhat with each new table of diners. She’d arrived early and read through the menu several times, memorizing each item.

  Picking up the latest order, she carried the plates into the dining room, setting them before two men. One, an older, distinguished gentleman with thinning, dark hair and trim mustache with strands of silver. The second man was younger, his thick, dark brown hair streaked with gold. What grabbed Maddy’s attention were his startling green eyes—eyes focused on her.

  The older man inh
aled, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. “This smells wonderful, my dear.”

  “I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. Is there anything else I can get you?” She glanced between the two, surprised at the intense stare from the younger man.

  “You look familiar. I’m Bayard Donahue. Have we met?” His gaze never left hers.

  Panic gripped her. Bay Donahue, the gunfighter her uncle had mentioned several times. Maddy remembered him joining them in their camp, sitting across the campfire. Perhaps he recognized her from the life she’d been forced to lead before journeying across country to Conviction.

  Uncomfortable with his penetrating scrutiny, she shook her head. “I don’t believe so. I’m Madeleine Leigh. It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Donahue.”

  Bay raised a brow, nodding toward the other man. “This is August Fielder. We have a law practice in town.”

  Maddy hoped Bay didn’t notice the brief spark of confusion at his mention of being an attorney. Had he put away his guns to practice law?

  August stood, making a slight bow. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Leigh.”

  Maddy forced a slight grin. “Mr. Fielder. Well, I’ll let you two get back to your supper. Please let me know if I can get you anything else.”

  She returned to the back where Suzette stood, her gaze moving over the crowded dining room, her face a neutral mask. It wasn’t a big space, holding fifteen tables, every one full this evening.

  “I see you’ve met August Fielder and Bay Donahue.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Maddy wondered if her boss knew of Bay’s past. If not, she wouldn’t be the one to tell her.

  Suzette glanced at her. “Both are good to know. They’re also the owners, along with the MacLarens, of the hotel and restaurant.”

  Maddy’s breath caught. “The MacLarens?”

  “You probably haven’t been in town long enough to hear of them.”

  Maddy didn’t comment.

  “They’re the largest landowners in the area. They often partner with August and Bay in business ventures.”

  “Have you known Mr. Fielder and Mr. Donahue long?”

  Suzette hesitated a moment, not meeting Maddy’s gaze. “I met August when I arrived in town to take this job. I’ve known Bay quite a bit longer.”

  Biting her lip, Maddy asked something she probably shouldn’t have. “Are you and Bay—”

  “No.” The response was immediate and final. “You should probably check your tables.”

  Knowing she’d been dismissed, Maddy nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”

  Suzette watched her walk away, wishing she’d never mentioned August and Bay. Especially Bay. Her mouth went dry, palms dampening each time he came into the hotel or took a meal at the restaurant. Given their history, she hated her reaction to him and the pain she’d caused. Suzette knew he loathed her.

  At one time, they’d loved each other with a frightening intensity, consuming them both. They’d been happy. At least she had been. Happier than she’d ever been in her life, looking forward to a lifetime with Bay.

  It had all come crashing down one hot, sultry afternoon when a stranger rode into town, making demands of her and following them with threats. Suzette had been forced to make a difficult, life-altering decision. The ramifications had been horrific.

  Sucking in a shaky breath, she tore her gaze away from Bay, but not before he’d spotted her staring. Suzette flinched at the disgust in his eyes. It was a sentiment she knew well, as she felt the same about herself.

  Straightening her back, Suzette lifted her chin, assuming the haughty posture she’d perfected to disguise the pain and humiliation, which had become her constant companions. As much as she wanted to deny it, she deserved every ounce of loathing—Bay’s and her own.

  “Another round, Frankie.” Bram raised his empty glass at Buckie’s bartender.

  “One more drink and I’m done, lads.” Fletcher tightened his grip around the saloon girl’s waist before dropping his arm to concentrate on the cards in his hand. She’d been insistent in tempting him to follow her upstairs. He’d rejected each offer, satisfied with an evening of cards and whiskey.

  “I don’t know how you do it, Fletch. You’ve got the darnedest luck I’ve ever seen.” Camden tossed down his cards, taking a sip from the full glass. “A couple more rounds like the last few and I’ll be done for the night.”

  “Ach, this is a good lesson for you, lad. You’ve had too many nights when you’ve walked away the winner.” Bram held up his glass, tilting it toward Camden before emptying it down his throat.

  Fletcher’s mouth twisted into a sardonic grin at his cousins’ conversation. Since arriving, his gaze continued to sweep to the stairs, throat tightening when he didn’t see what he sought. He sobered at the thought he’d never again see Maddy’s smile, watch as she descended the stairs, her gaze locked on his.

  Regret lay heavy on his chest, making it hard to draw a breath. If only he’d held off asking Bram to deliver the message. But he hadn’t, and it was much too late to correct his mistake.

  Feeling fingers thread through his hair, he jerked. One of the older girls stood next to him, an expectant gaze on her face.

  “Come upstairs with me, Fletch. I’ll make you forget all about Maddy.”

  His stomach roiled, a deep pain growing in his chest. Catching her wrist, he drew it away from his head as he cleared his throat. “Not tonight, lass.”

  “Come on, Fletch. We’ve got a full day ahead of us tomorrow.” Camden’s chair scraped against the wood floor as he stood. “You ready, Bram?”

  “Aye.” He extricated himself from the girl on his lap. Flashing her a smile, he joined Camden at the door.

  They waited as Fletcher tossed back the last of his whiskey before taking one more look over his shoulder at the stairs. Drawing in a breath, he started for the door, then stopped. Stalking to the bar, he got Frankie’s attention.

  “What do you need, Fletch?”

  “Do you remember a girl named Maddy?”

  A knowing grin tipped the man’s lips. “Sure do. I think she might’ve been sweet on you.”

  Fletcher’s eyes widened before he snorted. “Me and all the other men she entertained.”

  Frankie’s brows furrowed. “Other men? Hell, Fletch. I thought you knew. You’re the only man Maddy ever had up in her room.”

  His features stilled, eyes sparking with disbelief. “That can’t be.”

  “Well, it is.” Frankie lifted a hand to a man yelling for another drink. “She left not long after you rode to Settlers Valley.” He turned to walk away, stopping at Fletcher’s question.

  “Do you know where she went?”

  “Heard she took the stage to San Francisco.”

  Maddy wiped down the last of the tables, taking one more look around before heading to the back. She felt good. It had been a long first day, busier than she expected, and quite enlightening.

  Learning Bay Donahue lived in Conviction had been a shock. Maddy couldn’t imagine the gunslinger she’d heard so much about hanging up his guns to be a lawyer. She remembered him as young, charming, and handsome. Not much had changed, other than Bay being a few years older with deeper lines around his mouth and eyes.

  Maddy thought of Suzette’s face when she spoke of him. Her expression gave Maddy pause, making her wonder if there was something between them.

  “You did a good job tonight, Madeleine.” Suzette stopped next to her. “I have you working the next four days. Any problem with that?”

  Maddy shook her head. “No, ma’am. I already saw the schedule. If anyone can’t work a shift, get word to me at Baker’s and I’ll come in.”

  “I will. See you tomorrow.” Suzette left her, walking back into the kitchen.

  Tying on her bonnet, Maddy left by a side door. It hadn’t occurred to her until this moment how far she had to walk in the dark to get to the boardinghouse. The only lights were those peeking out from inside buildings where someone still worked.

  Reaching the
main street, she let out a relieved breath at the bright lights coming from the Gold Dust, Buckie’s, and the other saloons. Letting her gaze wander to Buckie’s, a bittersweet memory washed over her.

  Deep laughter echoed down the street as three men stepped out of the saloon. A gasp left her lips, breath stalling when the tallest of the three turned toward her. A hand flew to her throat.

  Fletcher.

  She wanted to run to him, throw her arms around his neck and never let go. Instead, she stepped back into the shadows. If he’d wanted her, intended to return, Fletcher never would have written the note.

  Clearly, he had returned, discovered she’d left town, and now felt safe visiting Buckie’s. She wondered which of the women he’d spent his time with tonight. A sharp pain almost buckled her knees.

  Closing her eyes, she turned away when the three rode past, certain he couldn’t see her on the darkened boardwalk. Hearing the receding horses, she shifted, watching as they disappeared down the trail to Circle M.

  An intense ache squeezed her chest, forcing Maddy to lower herself onto a nearby bench. Taking slow, deep breaths, she braced herself against the wall of the building, resting her hand on her stomach.

  Her mind raced. She hadn’t expected to see him again so soon, and certainly not coming out of Buckie’s. It might not have hurt so much if she’d seen him leave Lucky’s or one of the other saloons. For some reason, seeing him walk out of Buckie’s cut like a blade to her chest.

  Swallowing the pain, she stood, sucking in a ragged breath. She didn’t remember walking to the boardinghouse, climbing up the stairs, or entering her room. Sitting on her bed in the dark, Maddy didn’t attempt to wipe away the tears streaming down her face. Choking back the sobs, she curled into a ball, allowing sleep to claim her.

  Groaning at the bright morning sun streaming through her window, Maddy rubbed her face. She wondered at her puffy eyes and thick throat before remembering who she’d seen the night before.