Fletcher's Pride Read online

  The man lifted one shoulder, turning toward the trail Colbert took. “South.”

  “Well, what do we have here?” Dob stared through the glasses, a savage smile lifting the corner of his mouth. Maddy stood on the porch, shaking out a small rug, her gaze focused to the north. “She’s in the second house. I’m guessing Lew’s in the same one.”

  Arnold lifted his glasses. “I’ve only seen a young girl and a couple boys come outside. If that’s all the protection she has, this is going to be quick.”

  Dob glanced at the waning sun before he pulled his gun from its holster, checked the cylinder, then shoved it back into place. He indicated for Arnold and Erv to do the same.

  “We’ll wait for her to go inside, then ride around to the back of the house. Arnold, you’ll take the side closest to us. Erv, you’ll take the other. I’ll enter the kitchen from the back. When you hear me enter, you two come in from the front. Don’t let anyone leave. We’ll get everyone in the kitchen. Erv, you’ll move through the house to make sure we haven’t missed anyone.”

  Arnold shifted in the saddle. “You don’t intend to shoot the women and children, do you, boss?”

  “We’ll tie up everyone except Maddy. If any of the others draw a weapon, shoot them.”

  Erv and Arnold shot a look at each other but didn’t respond. Hurting women and children had never bothered Dob. On the contrary. He seemed to enjoy inflicting pain on those weaker and smaller than him.

  “What about Lew?” Erv asked.

  Dob’s face sobered. “I’ll take care of him.”

  The other men understood what Dob meant. Lew wouldn’t be alive when they left the house with Maddy.

  “Do whatever is needed to keep Maddy quiet while I take care of Lew. We’ll go out the back. She rides with me.”

  Arnold frowned. “Back to the camp?”

  Dob shook his head, a feral gleam in his eyes. “We ride south toward Sacramento.”

  Austin could see the rooftops as he rode closer to Circle M. Reining to a stop, he lifted the canteen from his saddlebag, taking a long, slow swallow. Slipping it away, he pulled the wanted poster from his pocket.

  Three faces stared back at him—Dob, Lew, and Ross, the leader and his two closest associates. He intended to collect the bounty on each one, dead or alive. He didn’t care which.

  Folding the paper, he tucked it into his pocket, picking up the reins. The sun had begun to plunge behind the western hills. Austin started forward, his horse moving at a moderate pace.

  Rounding a bend in the trail, he halted. Three riders were skirting the outside edges of the ranch, moving in a wide arc. His awareness rose, excitement building within him. Even in the approaching darkness, he knew the identity of one of the three men. Dob Colbert. The others might be Lew and Ross, but he couldn’t be certain from this distance.

  Absently touching the handle of his gun, he followed, careful to stay far enough away they wouldn’t notice. Austin perused the area. The quiet bothered him.

  From talking to the deputy in town, he knew the MacLarens were a large clan. Four families, each with their own house and barn, most with at least five children, a few of the older ones married with children of their own. With so many people, he’d expect more activity, children running around outside, women keeping watch on them.

  The entire place was quiet, no one outside, and few horses in the corrals. An uneasy feeling crept through him. Keeping watch on the men, Austin continued to take quick glances at the houses and barns, waiting for someone to emerge. No one did.

  Forcing his attention back to the riders, he noticed they’d turned left, heading toward the back of the second house. Understanding hit him.

  Dob planned to go after anyone left inside the house, and from the look of the ranch, there wasn’t anybody to protect them. When Dob and the others disappeared behind the house, Austin kicked his horse, heading to the front.

  Dismounting before coming to a stop, he drew his gun, bending low as he took the steps to the porch. Glancing around, still not seeing any activity, Austin gripped the doorknob, a relieved breath escaping when it turned.

  Sneaking inside, he closed the door an instant before hearing the sound of boots on the porch. Austin moved to a window and looked out. One man knelt a few feet away, gun drawn, a determined expression on his face.

  “Drop your gun, mister.”

  Holding his hands out, Austin turned away from the window. A girl of maybe twelve or thirteen stood a few feet away, a rifle pointed at his chest. He decided to take a chance.

  “Do you know who Dob Colbert is?”

  Kenzie’s features hardened, the rifle shaking enough for Austin to notice. “Are you riding with him?”

  He glanced behind her toward the kitchen, knowing they didn’t have much time. “No, but Dob is here, probably at your back door right now. Two of his men are ready to come in the front. You need to warn anyone else in the house. If I’m wrong, you can shoot me.”

  Eyes widening, Kenzie bit her lip, hesitating.

  Austin shifted, heart pounding. “We’re running out of time.”

  “Kenzie, what are you doing…” Lorna’s voice trailed off at the sight of Austin.

  “I found him in the house, Ma.”

  He held up his hands. “There’s no more time. Dob is here and I won’t let him do whatever he has planned.” Austin moved forward with a speed unlike anyone they’d seen, ripping the rifle from Kenzie’s hand. “Grab any other guns. You’re going to need them.”

  The words had barely left his lips when the front door crashed open. Spinning, Austin drew his gun, aimed, and fired. “Get down!” he shouted just before another man appeared. Firing again, he spun around at the sound of someone kicking open the back door.

  Thrusting Kenzie and Lorna out of the way, Austin held the gun in front of him, peering into the kitchen. Dob Colbert had entered from the back, his arm around a pregnant woman, a gun pointed at her head.

  “I don’t know who you are, but here’s what’s going to happen. Maddy and me are going out the door behind me. You and everyone else will stay inside until we’re out of sight. If anyone comes outside, I’ll shoot her.”

  Maddy squirmed in his grasp. “No. Please, Dob. Don’t do this.”

  A bitter laugh burst from his lungs. “Hell, girl, you know I don’t care a bit about you.” Stomping on his boot only made him laugh again, his grip tightening. “Don’t fight me, Maddy.” Dob looked at Austin. “You stay where you are.”

  Dragging her out the door and down the steps, he kept his gaze fixed on the back door. Dob edged toward the far side of his horse. “Get up there. If you try anything, I will shoot you.” Letting her go, he kept the gun aimed at her. This time, he pointed the six-shooter at her stomach.

  Heart thundering, Maddy put a foot into the stirrup, gripping the saddlehorn. Using all her strength, she bounced a little on her other foot, and with a great deal of effort, swung atop the horse. Looking down, she winced at the gun still pointed at her stomach.

  “Move forward.” His weapon on Maddy, Dob looked over the horse’s back at the door to the kitchen. Seeing no one, he quickly mounted, grabbed the reins, and kicked the horse.

  Austin watched from inside, aiming the rifle at Dob, cursing when the outlaw kept Maddy between him and the house.

  Handing the rifle back to Kenzie, he ran out the front door, swinging into the saddle in one smooth movement and kicking the horse. Cautious to keep a decent distance between them, Austin followed. He refused to let Dob get away with the pregnant woman he called Maddy.

  It had taken longer to get the captured outlaws ready to ride than Fletcher expected. They’d tied their hands and helped them onto horses before starting south.

  “Fletch, take Bram, Cam, and Bay and head back.”

  Surprised, he shot a look at Brodie. “You won’t be needing us?”

  “Nae. We’ll be fine, and you need to make sure Maddy is safe. I’ve spoken with Quinn and Colin.” He waved an impatient ha
nd at Fletcher. “Get the lads and go.”

  He’d wanted to ride ahead, relieve his fear Colbert hadn’t gone after Maddy. “Thanks, Brodie.” Reining around, he saw Bram, Camden, and Bay waiting a few feet away. A moment later, the four raced toward home, aware of the urgency and possible danger ahead.

  It didn’t take long for the ranch houses to come into view. Slowing, Fletcher felt beads of sweat on his face, the hair on his neck bristling. Something wasn’t right.

  Thane rode toward them, his face set in a deep scowl. “Colbert took Maddy. Come on.” He took off before they could ask questions. “He rode south,” Thane shouted as they passed the last house. “A bounty hunter rode after them.”

  Fletcher’s brows drew together. “A bounty hunter?”

  “Aye. That’s what Kenzie said.” Thane took the trail toward Sacramento, following the route Kenzie and Lorna swore the bounty hunter took.

  With each mile, Fletcher’s determination rose. He wouldn’t give up. He would find Maddy if it took days or weeks.

  Thane stopped where the trail split. Going right would take them east into Nevada, the other south to Sacramento.

  Bay slid to the ground. Of the five men, he had the most tracking experience, had been a hired gun before coming to Conviction to join August in the law practice, and knew more about outlaws than any of them.

  Kneeling, Bay studied the tracks, looking in both directions before standing. “If I was Colbert, I’d head to Sacramento where few people will ask questions. He still has Maddy with him, Fletch.”

  A brow rose. “How can you tell?”

  “The horse is carrying two riders. The extra weight digs deeper into the ground. That’s how I’m certain they’re riding south. If the tracks change, the weight gone, well…” Bay didn’t have to finish. They all knew what that meant.

  Dread gripped Fletcher, bands of fear tightening around his chest, making it hard to breathe. Not waiting a moment longer, he kicked Domino, ignoring the shouts of those behind him. His mind wrapped in worry over Maddy, he didn’t notice Bay ride up alongside him.

  “Slow up, Fletch. We may miss something if we’re moving too fast.”

  Ruled by fear, he paid no attention to Bay’s warning, keeping up the hard pace.

  “Fletch!” Bay leaned toward him and grabbed the reins, unfazed by his friend’s loud curses. Pulling, he slowed Domino, preparing for the fight he suspected would result from his action. “Stop. We need to talk about the best way to find Colbert and Maddy.”

  Fletcher knew Bay was right. If only he could convince his heart of it. Forcing himself to calm down, he nodded. The two men didn’t speak as they waited for the others to join them. When they did, Bay rubbed his chin, staring at the trail ahead.

  “Our first priority is making sure Maddy is safe. I’m thinking Colbert isn’t going to do anything to her until he’s sure we’re no longer following. He sees her as a hostage, leverage for getting away. We have to be smart or he’ll panic. If that happens, Maddy will be the one to suffer.”

  Massaging the back of his neck, Fletcher tried to get himself under control. “What are you suggesting, Bay?”

  “I’m convinced Colbert is going to hole up in Sacramento and figure out what he’ll do next. We’ll follow the trail as long as possible, but we’re going to lose it when we reach the town. Two riders on one horse and Maddy being pregnant should draw attention. We’ll need to move fast, but stay together. Getting separated will weaken our ability to confront him and free Maddy.” Bay looked at Fletcher. “We will find her, but we’ve got to be smart about how we do it. Agreed?”

  Lips drawing into a slim line, he nodded. “Aye.”

  Bay studied him for a moment before tilting his head toward Sacramento. “Let’s go.”

  Fletcher’s heart rate quickened as they rode down the crowded main street. Bram and Camden were on either side of him, Thane and Bay behind them. The boardwalk was packed to such a degree, he wondered if they’d ever be able to pick out Colbert. A moment later, Bay spoke.

  “Slow up. He’s up ahead on the right, standing by the hotel entrance. Maddy’s beside him. Fletch, you and Cam stop here. Bram and Thane ride on past about twenty feet. Wait for my signal. Try not to let Maddy see you. She might do something foolish if she recognizes anyone and we don’t want Colbert to run.”

  “What about you, Bay?” Fletcher asked.

  “I’m going to walk down the boardwalk toward them. It’s been a long time. I doubt Colbert will recognize me.”

  Fletcher’s brows shot up, eyes wide. “You know him?”

  “Yes. The world will be a lot better off without him.”

  Bay didn’t wait for Fletcher to ask more questions before riding on and reining to a stop outside the general store. Keeping his attention on Colbert, he pulled out his revolver, checking the cylinder. Shoving it back into place, he tossed the reins over a rail.

  He took a quick look behind him, seeing Fletcher and Camden standing on the boardwalk, their gazes fixed on Colbert. Bay saw Fletcher’s hand resting on the handle of his gun. Ahead, Bram and Thane slid to the ground, stepping onto the boardwalk to await his signal.

  Settling his hat lower on his forehead, he almost ran forward at the sound of Maddy’s angry cry. Bay sent a warning look at Fletcher, certain he’d also heard it. Seeing Fletcher’s body tense, he stopped him from moving toward her with a quick shake of his head.

  Taking a deep breath, Bay settled himself as he had done so many times in the past. Flexing his hands, he touched the handles of the pair of six-shooters strapped around his hips. Ready, he took several steps before he stopped, his eyes narrowing on a man he suspected was the bounty hunter moving toward Colbert.

  Bay didn’t have a chance to signal the others before striding ahead, determined to get between the stranger stalking Colbert and Maddy. Too late, he saw the bounty hunter draw his gun, keeping it concealed at his side. An instant later, the man lifted his hand, aimed, and fired.

  Bay and the four MacLarens ran, each meaning to grab Maddy and push her to safety. Their attempt didn’t come in time. An ear-piercing scream wrenched from Maddy’s lips, her head whipping from side to side, panicked eyes searching.

  As Colbert slumped to the ground, a strong hand wrapped around her arm, dragging her away from the body.

  “It’s all right, lass. You’re safe.” Fletcher’s voice shook, his body trembling at what could’ve happened.

  The familiar voice broke through the haze, her eyes darting up to see who held her. “Fletcher...” Maddy didn’t say more before strong arms pulled her close. The sobs came within seconds.

  Stroking her back, he rested his chin on the top of her head. “Ah, lass. I’ve got you.”

  “Is she all right?” Camden stood next to them, studying Maddy’s features. Bram and Thane joined them a moment later.

  She swiped tears from her eyes. “I’m fine, Cam.” Looking up at Fletcher, she kissed his chin. “He didn’t hurt me.”

  Loud voices drew their attention.

  “What you did was stupid, DeBell. You could’ve shot Maddy.”

  “I did what I thought was right, Donahue. You’d have done the same.”

  Bay moved to within a few inches of Austin, features unyielding. “Not with a pregnant woman so close.”

  “He had a gun on her, Bay. I couldn’t take a chance he’d shoot her if he spotted any of us.” Austin glanced down at the body slumped against the building. “It doesn’t matter now. Colbert isn’t going to hurt anyone else again.” A satisfied gleam showed in his eyes.

  Fletcher watched the two argue, figuring they’d obviously known each other before today. Shouts caught his attention. A man of average height with a rotund belly pushed his way through the crowd. Seeing the badge pinned to his shirt, Fletcher led Maddy away.

  Continuing down the boardwalk, he led her into a small restaurant. Sitting next to her at a table near the front, he settled an arm over her shoulders. “Are you hungry?”

  “A littl
e.”

  “Pie and coffee?”

  A tentative smile tilted up the corners of her mouth. “That would be perfect.”

  After placing the order, he turned toward her. “I’m so sorry, lass.”

  Confusion drew her brows together, her hand reaching up to cup his cheek. “It wasn’t your fault.”

  He shook his head. “I never should’ve left you.”

  “You didn’t know what he planned. You did what you thought best.”

  The knot in his stomach tightened. “I could’ve lost you.”

  Her blue eyes twinkled. “You’ll never lose me, Fletch. You’re stuck with me.”

  Closing his eyes a moment, he shoved aside the images of her with Colbert, the fear deep in his gut at the thought he’d never be with her again. “Aye, and you’ll be stuck with me, lass. You deserve better.”

  Maddy shook her head. “I’m the lucky one. You’re who I want. Who I’ve wanted since the first night I saw you. I love you, Fletch.”

  Unable to hold back his feelings any longer, he stroked a hand down her face. “I love you, too, lass. I’ll always love you.” Ignoring the surprise on her face, he leaned down, brushing a kiss across her lips. “Always.”

  Epilogue

  One week later…

  Fletcher’s arm settled over Maddy’s shoulders, drawing her close. Since rescuing her from Colbert, he’d been unable to let her out of his sight. He also hadn’t been able to stop telling her how much he loved her. Sometimes when they were alone, other times in front of family. Fletcher didn’t care. He wanted everyone to know how he felt.

  “Congratulations, Fletch.” Brodie kissed Maddy’s cheek, handing each a glass of punch. “Welcome to the family, lass.”

  Face heating, Maddy leaned into her husband. “Thank you, Brodie.”

  Kissing the top of her head, Fletcher tightened his hold. “I’m wondering who will be next.”

  Brodie tilted his head. “Next?”

  A contented smile played at the corners of his mouth. “Aye. Bram or Cam.”