Faster Than the Rest Read online

  “Jamie? Did you hear me?” Victoria queried after several minutes of continued silence.

  “What is it you want to discuss, Victoria?”

  “Well,” Victoria said as she twisted an old handkerchief in her hands, “It just seems that we could at least be civil to each other. Maybe take meals together. I know it’s not a long trip, but it might go faster if we share company.” She didn’t know what she’d hoped to accomplish, but the tension between them was unbearable.

  “Civil to each other, huh? Perhaps I should explain my job to you, Mrs. Wicklin. I’m a U.S. Marshal. My job is to find kidnap victims, return them to their families, and move on to my next assignment. It’s not to become friends with them, coddle them, or concern myself with their affairs in any way.” Jamie’s eyes moved over her body, stopping at the curve of her breasts, then continued their journey to her face. His soft grey eyes had turned to dark steel as they locked with hers. “Of course, if you are bored and offering to entertain me, then perhaps we can work something out.” His smile was feral and had the desired effect. He saw the shock register as Victoria absorbed his meaning.

  Her stomach tightened at his words, but she sat in silence, staring at him, resisting the urge to slap him. “No, Jamie, I’m sure I couldn’t give you the type of entertainment that Betts provided in San Diego,” she said through clenched teeth. Jamie had the good graces to appear embarrassed at the news that Victoria wasn’t unaware of how he’d spent his nights in the California town. “I obviously misjudged you and the extent of your hatred for me. You are an insufferable lout. Please, go back to your brooding existence and forget we even spoke.” Victoria rose to leave when Jamie’s hand flew out to grab her arm.

  “Sit down, Victoria.” Jamie chuckled as she lowered herself back into her seat. “Insufferable lout, huh? I see you haven’t lost any of your fiery temper in all these years.”

  Victoria let out a disgusted sound as she sat next to him, twisting the piece of cloth in her hand.

  “And what is that you keep messing with?” Jamie started to reach out to take it from her, but she was too quick and pulled away before he could grab it

  “Nothing. Just an old memento I keep with me. You’d never understand.”

  “Perhaps not. I certainly never understood you, or what was important to you. But it appears the choice you made years ago suits you fine and you’ve no regrets.” The words were measured, devoid of emotion or accusation. “I just don’t see that we have anything to say or reminisce about. Your folks will be glad to get you home, at least for a while, until you leave to be with your husband in San Francisco.” He sat back into the seat and lowered his hat over his eyes. He hoped it would shut out the woman next to him. It worked.

  Victoria said nothing. She sat anchored to her seat, his words washing over her. Painful words that pierced her heart and brought back all the bad memories of why she’d left—why she’d had to leave—all those years ago.

  ******

  News about Victoria traveled fast. Most of the town knew to expect her back on today’s stage. Hen found it impossible to focus on his work. The hotel door opened and he looked up to see Niall and Kate MacLaren walk in carrying two-month old Adam. Seven-year old Beth ran in behind them, followed by Kate’s father, retired marshal Trent Garner, and Niall’s twin brothers, Drew and Will.

  “Hey, Mr. Wright.” Beth’s excited voice carried throughout the hotel lobby.

  “Well, good afternoon to you, Beth. And how are you doing this fine day?” Hen smiled warmly at the pretty, exuberant little girl.

  “We’re all great, aren’t we, Papa?” Beth gazed up at her father.

  “Yes, Beth, we’re all great.” Niall held his hand out to shake the one Hen offered. “Spoke to Tom. He said the stage should be here within the hour.” Niall’s smile was broad. This could be the best news anyone had received in a long time. And now, maybe there would be a way for Jamie and Victoria to talk things out and put to rest the pain Jamie had tried to hide the past few years.

  “Here it comes!” They all turned at the announcement from outside. Fire Mountain had grown to over a thousand residents and it seemed that nearly all of them had turned out to welcome Victoria home.

  “Well, mother, I guess it’s time.” Hen reassured Anna with a smile, took her hand, and walked toward the stage office.

  ******

  “Five more minutes,” Jamie said.

  Victoria didn’t answer. She just nodded her head and continued to stare out the window. The landscape was so familiar. A few more ranches, more houses. The town looked like it had expanded beyond the borders of seven years ago. It was still beautiful and familiar.

  Jamie had worked hard the whole trip to ignore Torie. It had been a miserable journey with both of them doing their best to act as if the other didn’t exist. She was still the most distracting woman he’d ever met. Her dark, golden blond tresses were piled on her head, but he remembered what they looked like when they flowed over her shoulders. Her eyes were still the same pale violet that darkened when she was angry or filled with passion. The last thought had him straighten in his seat, readjusting himself. Although they’d never consummated their love, there’d been many times when they had brought each other intense pleasure. He forced himself to remember that those were just old memories. She wasn’t the innocent girl from their past. And she wasn’t his, hadn’t been in many years.

  Victoria wondered what her parents would say to her as the stage drew closer. Would they accept her, knowing what had happened over the past four months? The past seven years? She loved them so, but would they ever understand why she’d had to do the only thing acceptable seven years ago? Would they forgive her? Could she forgive herself? Her fear of what to expect was almost crippling, but she would not let Jamie see how distressed she was, or how his continued silence sliced at her heart.

  “Whoa.” The driver’s voice rang above the pounding horse hooves.

  She clutched her bag, took a deep breath, and ventured a hesitant look at Jamie. Would she see him again once they arrived, or would he complete his assignment and ride out of her life? If she were honest, it was what she deserved after the way she’d treated him all those years ago. Oh, how she wished things had been different.

  “Victoria, did you hear me?” Jamie looked at her with eyes devoid of emotion, his voice flat. “We’re here. Time to get out and greet your folks.”

  That’s when she heard the cheering. She shrunk back into the coach, looking at Jamie for an answer.

  “Just your neighbors. They’ve come out to welcome you home. Might as well face it now as they’re not going anywhere.” No smile, no warmth. He held out his hand again to help her down. This time she complied.

  As her feet hit the ground and she looked up, Victoria stared into the eyes of the man who had raised her, taught her right from wrong, and did all the things that good fathers do. “Papa.” Victoria said with only the hint of a smile.

  Her sad, terrified eyes pierced Hen’s heart. He’d always been a perceptive man, and his instincts told him that his daughter, the light of his life, didn’t know if she’d be accepted.

  “Victoria, welcome home.” Hen opened his arms wide. It took her only a moment to rush into them. The tears started as she clutched her father’s arms and settled into his embrace. She looked around him and her eyes landed on her mother. She turned and was wrapped in another welcoming hug.

  “Oh, Victoria, sweetheart. We’ve been so afraid for you, and missed you so much. But now you’re home where you belong.” Her mother’s soft words washed over Victoria. For the first time in many years she felt a sense of peace.

  Jamie stood aside to watch the reunion. It had been a long time coming. He started to turn away when he heard a familiar voice. “So you found her. Nice job, son. We’re all glad you’re home.” Trent Garner slapped his former protégé on the back.

  Trent had known Jamie and his brothers, Niall, Drew, and Will, for over thirteen years. He’d met the bo
ys after their parents were murdered and their Ohio farm destroyed. The boys had been too young to witness such carnage. The four were traveling across country to reach their uncle’s ranch in Arizona when Trent spotted them getting off a train in St. Louis. He’d taken a liking to them and had stayed in touch all these years. He’d retired not long before his daughter, Kate, married the oldest MacLaren brother, Niall, last year.

  Jamie turned to grasp the hand of the man who was instrumental in his decision to become a marshal. Trent Garner had taught the boys how to handle a gun, and encouraged them to stand on their own. It had been welcome news when Jamie learned Trent had purchased a ranch not far from the MacLaren spread, and hoped maybe someday he would find a reason to return, and be near his family and Trent.

  “Hey, Trent. Four months of following the worthless trash, but finally caught up to them in the San Diego desert. Only regret is that I didn’t get the leader, Miguel Hagan. I found Mrs. Wicklin, though, so I’m satisfied with the outcome.” Jamie still felt conflicted about not getting Hagan. He’d decided the risk was too great once he’d found Victoria. She was home now and his commitment fulfilled. He’d leave soon and she’d be back to what she was supposed to be, just another memory.

  “Uncle Jamie!” He was brought back to reality by two small arms wrapping themselves around his waist. The lawman looked down to see his seven year old niece, Beth, clinging to him with a bright smile and two missing teeth.

  “Beth. How is my favorite niece?” Jamie bent to pick her up and swing her around.

  “Uncle Jamie, I’m you’re only niece.” Beth hugged her uncle and laughed.

  “Welcome back, Jamie. Glad you’re safe.” His older brother, Niall, stood beside their twin brothers, Drew and Will. They’d all come to town for the homecoming.

  “Thanks, Niall. Glad to be home.” And Jamie meant it. For several years he and his older brother had been at odds on just about everything including cattle, chores, the twins, anything that could have two opinions. Each brother ended up on the opposite side of the other. Jamie knew much of it was his fault and hoped to set things right with his family.

  Niall lowered his voice. “So, how is she, Jamie? Did you find out any more from her during the trip home?”

  Jamie glanced over at Victoria and her parents. He was happy for Hen and Anna, glad they could see their daughter after all these years. “I believe she’ll do okay, but nothing was said about the past. She didn’t offer any explanation for her actions, and honestly, I didn’t ask and don’t care. She’s on her own now and I expect she’ll be heading back to her husband in San Francisco before too long.”

  “I doubt that, Jamie.” Sam Browning, one of Jamie’s friends and a deputy in Fire Mountain walked up. “Welcome back. Nice work.”

  “Thanks, Sam. What do you mean you doubt she’ll be heading back to San Francisco?” Sam’s comment had gotten everyone’s attention, and fast.

  “Well, the lady may be going back to San Francisco, but not to her husband. We got word Hamilton Wicklin’s body was found in the bay with several bullet holes. So, guess she won’t be heading back to him.” Sam knew some of the history between Jamie and Victoria, but not a great deal. Their split had happened before he’d come to town. But one thing he did know; his friend was still in love with the woman.

  “Murdered?” Niall asked.

  “Appears so. Don’t have details. Wicklin was declared dead and, according to the telegram, the lady is now a widow. Sheriff Rawlins plans to go to the hotel later to inform Mrs. Wicklin. Don’t envy him that job. Well, I’d best be getting back to the office. Come by and see me when you have time, Jamie. We’ll head to the Desert Dove for a drink.” Sam turned towards the jail.

  “Hey, Niall, why don’t Drew and I take Beth to the mercantile and grab the supplies Aunt Alicia needs?” Will asked as he took his niece’s hand. The twins were good at sensing when the two older brothers needed time alone.

  Niall just nodded as the three walked off. “I’ll be damned. Murdered.” He digested the news and possible implications. “What do you think, Jamie?”

  “Hell, I don’t know what to think, other than I know for certain it changes nothing between Victoria and me. She didn’t want me seven years ago and has no feelings for me now. It’s over. I’m sorry she’s a widow, but the woman is out of my system,” Jamie lied. “Care to join me at the Dove for a drink? I need something after the past few days.” He sounded tired and somewhat defeated, two traits seldom associated with the lawman.

  “Can’t now. Got the family with me. But you better be out for dinner. Aunt Alicia’s making your favorites and you don’t want to disappoint her.” Niall smiled and placed a hand on his younger brother’s shoulder. “Glad you’re back. Real glad.”

  Chapter Seven

  Several days had passed since Victoria’s arrival and the news of her husband’s death. She’d be a hypocrite if she pretended to mourn Hamilton’s passing. No, she wasn’t sorry he was dead. Victoria was curious more than anything. Why was he killed, and in such a gruesome fashion? She knew he had enemies, lots of enemies. Ham wasn’t a popular man. He’d been treated with tolerance if not acceptance in San Francisco because of his aunt’s legacy. But murdered?

  Her husband’s attorney had identified Wicklin by items that had been found on his body. There wasn’t much, only an engraved pocket watch, keys to his office, and tokens. Victoria was sure the tokens were for Madeleine’s, a brothel he patronized on a regular basis. Regardless, the San Francisco police continued to look for the killer.

  “Victoria, I’m going out to the MacLaren’s right after dinner. I’d love for you to come along. You won’t believe how Niall has improved the place over the past few years. I know they’d love to see you.” Anna had asked her daughter to accompany her someplace each day, but had been politely refused every time.

  “Thank you, Mama, but I’d rather stay at home. I’m still tired and don’t feel like facing anyone.” It was a lie. She wanted to see Jamie again, but only if he came to her. There’d been no word from him since their arrival and the news of her husband’s murder.

  Anna sat down next to Victoria and laid a hand on her daughter’s arm.

  “You’re a grown woman and must deal with life as best you can, but your father and I are worried about your decision to stay in your room day after day. You avoid everyone. Are you ill? Is there anything we can do to help you?”

  What could she say? There was so much she wanted to tell her parents, but so little she felt she could share without humiliating herself and them. She hadn’t wanted to leave all those years ago, but circumstances had dictated it. So much had happened during her seven years in San Francisco. Her kidnapping and abuse by Miguel Hagan had only added to her desolation. She didn’t know how to explain the treatment she’d received by her husband and the outlaw to her parents without incurring their pity. And she did not need pity, just acceptance. There’d been so much pain and disillusionment, she truly believed she’d never be the person her parents remembered.

  “No, Mama, I’m not ill. I just need more time. I know the MacLarens will understand if I don’t come with you.” At least she hoped they would. Was Jamie still around, or had he already left the area?

  “Well, I don’t know about that. I believe at least one MacLaren would like to see you.”

  “And who would that be, Mama?” Perhaps her mother had received news.

  “Jamie, of course. I understand he’s taken a leave from the U.S. Marshals Service to help his brothers build another barn and add a room to the house. I’m certain he’d want to know you’re settling in okay.”

  “He told you that? Asked about me?” Victoria couldn’t believe the man who’d had brought her home felt anything for her at all.

  “Well, no. I haven’t seen him since you arrived. But that’s not unusual. None of the MacLarens come into town much except for business or supplies, but that doesn’t mean he’s not thinking of you.”

  “Believe me, he isn’t
thinking of me, or wasting one moment wondering how I am. He came after me from a sense of duty–––it’s his job. I spent several days traveling with him, and there’s no doubt that Jamie hates me, Mama. Who could blame him? I married someone else and threw away all the plans we’d made. He’ll never forgive me, and I’ll never forgive myself.” She’d said too much. No one needed to know how much she still loved him.

  Anna considered what else she could say to help her daughter cope with all that had happened. “You may be right. None of us really know how that boy feels. But I’ll tell you this, he left town within weeks of your marriage and took up with some rancher in New Mexico as a hired gun. Made good money. We heard he took his trade to Texas and did real well. That boy was always fast; faster than the rest. He was earning himself quite a reputation as I understand it. Thank God he ran into Marshal Garner, because that boy was headed for bad things. Garner straightened him out, got him involved in the Marshals Service. They use him for situations others can’t handle, such as finding captives just like you. He’s turned into one fine young man.”

  “I know, Mama, and I understand that none of that would’ve happened if I’d kept my promises to him. I failed him, but he’s made a good life for himself. Much better than mine.” Her tone was resigned, as if her life was over and nothing good could come of it after all that had happened.

  “Honey, you know you can talk to me. I won’t judge you. It’s hard to help if I don’t understand how your life has been since you left.” Her mother’s expectant tone almost had Victoria opening up to share the decision she’d made to conceal her failings. But she just couldn’t do it. She knew her secrets were hers alone and not to be shared with anyone, especially the three people who meant the most to her.

  “Please don’t worry. I simply need more rest and time to adjust to the fact that I’m a widow. I’ll need to travel to California at some point, but for now, I’d prefer to enjoy the peace of being home and the comfort of your company. Can you understand?” Victoria loved her parents. She didn’t want to cause them any further pain.