Tougher Than The Rest Read online

  ******

  Kate didn’t pretend the kiss wasn’t what she wanted. Her mind had been occupied for several days with trying to regain her memory, teaching Beth, and thinking of Niall. Even when working with Beth, Kate’s mind was on Niall. As much as she tried to push the thought aside, it now seemed hopeless to rid him from her thoughts.

  The ring on her finger was a constant reminder that someone might be waiting for her, but every instinct she had told her there was no husband, no children, no one to stop her from wanting Niall. Not knowing for certain was torture. Not that he was interested in her. She’d heard the talk about his Friday nights with Gloria, as well as his desire to wed Mrs. Jocelyn van Deelin. Kate had met her at church, and agreed with the descriptions Alicia and others used when they thought no one was around. They’d referred to her as cold and condescending. The woman was committed to few things from what the ladies had said, but those included enlarging her social circle, gaining more wealth, and marrying Niall.

  The MacLarens did not have extreme wealth, but Niall had built the ranch into one of the most secure in the region. It was said that business matters came as naturally to him as ranching. There was even talk that if Niall ever wanted to, he could run for office. Kate knew he scoffed at those comments from the conversations around the supper table, but he was sincere about being involved in structuring the future of Fire Mountain, as well as the Arizona territory. Marrying Jocelyn to gain her connections and enlarge his already expanding operation would provide all the power he needed to be sure his was a serious voice in decisions about the territory. That last thought brought Kate back to the reality of her situation. He had land, money, political connections, and planned to expand all three through an advantageous marriage. She was an utter fool to spend even a little time wishing for something she could never have. Niall was as far out of her reach as her memory.

  Chapter Eleven

  “Two more robberies this week. Thief took jewelry from the Delvecchio place and the same, plus cash, from the Castalan ranch.” Sheriff Rawlins spoke to a small group of men outside the Desert Dove the following week. He knew all of them well and trusted each implicitly. “No one knows for sure when everything was taken, but we do know that both families attended a get-together on Saturday at your place, Niall.”

  “Beth’s birthday,” Niall replied. He considered the sheriff’s words for a minute. “So if I am reading you right, Sheriff, this could be the first lead you have into the thefts.”

  “You’re reading me right, Niall,” the sheriff answered as the others looked on in confusion. “I spoke again with those who had items stolen. All had attended some type of shindig not long before they found things were missing. Each gathering was common knowledge, not short-notice, and included entire families.”

  “Meaning everyone was gone from the home, correct, Sheriff?” Sam asked.

  “That’s right. It seems to me someone could use this information to plan the thefts. Remember, nothing’s been damaged, no one hurt, and darned little taken, given the amount of jewelry left behind.” That was the part that frustrated the sheriff the most. Why were some pieces taken and not others? Small, seemingly insignificant, jewelry had been stolen. More valuable pieces had been left behind. There was a definite pattern, but damn if he could figure it out.

  “Well,” Doc Minton started, looking at Hen Wright who owned the hotel and mercantile in Fire Mountain, “sounds to me like it’s a good time for you to have that anniversary celebration you’ve been considering, Hen. You’ll just need to be selective in who you invite.”

  “What the hell are you talking about?” Hen had no idea what Doc was suggesting until he saw eyes light up around him. “Of course. A small celebration may just draw them out. The ranchers I’d invite would have enough help to protect their property, and I’d invite townspeople whose homes could be watched. What do you say, Sheriff?”

  Rawlins turned to his new deputy. “What are your thoughts, Sam?”

  Sam hadn’t been in Fire Mountain long, but he’d gained considerable experience as a deputy in other growing towns. He was also thoughtful, and not prone to jump into action before considering several options. “Could work. Set the date a week out, so the thief has time to plan, and we have time to set up men at each place. Niall, your brother anywhere near?” Sam asked.

  “Both Drew and Will are here. You know that Sam.”

  “No, I mean Jamie. Still with the Marshals Service, isn’t he? It’d be good to have him with us on this.”

  Jamie––Niall hadn’t heard from him in a long time, but Jamie did keep in touch with their aunt. If he didn’t, Alicia would send men out to find him, and Jamie knew it.

  “You know Jamie?”

  “Worked with him on a couple of cases over the last few years, in Phoenix and New Mexico. Good man. If he’s close and available, he’d be a big help.” Sam answered back.

  “Don’t know where he is. Could do some checking, if you think we need him.” Niall didn’t want to reach out to Jamie. Niall needed him to come back on his own, not because he felt obligated.

  “Last I heard he was in Tucson, working some kidnappings. He’s real good at it, too. Has a reputation for finding people and bringing them home.” Sam said the last with purpose, and the meaning was not lost on Niall. “I’ll put the request out to him if it’s okay with you.” Niall nodded. Anyone else reaching out to Jamie would be better than him.

  “What about the big dance this weekend? Too late to make it part of the plan, but people ought to be made aware, don’t you think, Sheriff?” Jerrod Minton, Doc’s oldest son, had listened to the plans being made around him without commenting, which was unusual. He was the most successful lawyer in town, and could be counted on for a well-thought-out opinion on just about everything. He was also head of the town council, and his clients included most of the ranchers in the area, including the MacLaren’s.

  “Sam and I will put the word out to the ranchers and townsfolk. Let everyone know to lock up anything valuable if they go to the dance. It’s bound to get to those doing the thieving, maybe make them think better of it and move on.” Rawlins paused a minute. “We could have Atkinson open up the bank to let people use his vault that night. Let the robbers know that nothing of value will be available for the taking. We all agreed?”

  The sheriff’s approach had merit, thought Niall. Take the incentive away for the dance, but leave it in plain sight for Hen’s get together.

  “Sounds good to me, Sheriff.” Doc voiced the thoughts of all the men as everyone disbursed, with Niall heading towards the Desert Dove.

  ******

  Niall didn’t understand the thoughts rolling through him or the unease he felt. Here he was at Gloria’s place, in her room, watching her slip the gown from her shoulders, and all he could think about was riding back to the ranch. Ever since that kiss at Beth’s party, he’d been calling himself every type of fool, while reminding himself that Kate was married and off limits. But their kiss had changed things somehow.

  Ever since that chance meeting in Phoenix, a meeting Kate didn’t remember, he’d wanted to kiss her, and more. His instincts told him it would be good between them, but nothing had quite prepared him for their kiss or her innocence. Maybe she hadn’t been married long, maybe it had been a forced marriage, maybe her husband was an inexperienced or thoughtless lover, or maybe he was deceiving himself.

  “Niall? You look a million miles away. Anything wrong? Do you want to talk?” Gloria sounded more concerned than hurt or irritated. Anyone else would be upset by his lack of attention, but Gloria knew him too well.

  “Sorry Gloria, but I don’t feel like talking. Probably shouldn’t have even come here tonight. I think I’ll ride back to the ranch and turn in. It’s been a long week, and next week will be the same.”

  “What are you going to do about her, Niall?”

  “Jocelyn? You know my plans. I’ve never kept them a secret from you.”

  Fact was they both knew that G
loria cared deeply for Niall, had for years, but she’d never use it against him, or expect anything more than what he already gave. She’d made her choices years ago, and blamed no one but herself for her lonely life. Unlike some in her position, she owned her business, made good money, and saved a great deal of it. Jerrod Minton was her attorney and Pat Atkinson her banker. Between the three of them, decisions had been made that were now setting her up to sell the business in a few years and retire to some place far away, where no one would know her, and she could start over. Maybe find someone like Niall—a man she could love, and who would love her.

  “No, Niall, I mean your houseguest, Kate. When are you going to figure out that you have feelings for her, and not the brotherly type?” Sometimes Niall could be just downright dense.

  “I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about. Kate means nothing to me other than as a governess to Beth. When she regains her memory, she’ll be out of here on the next stage, heading back to her husband, or whatever life she has waiting for her. No, I haven’t the least interest in anyone or anything that will alter my plans with Jocelyn.”

  He was working himself up, which was unusual, unless he had strong feelings for her and refused to accept them. Gloria pondered this as she refastened the last button on her gown and fussed with her hair.

  “Well, it’s best you get back to the ranch and get your sleep. When do you and Jocelyn plan to announce your betrothal? It seems to me that most everyone expects it anytime now. Maybe at the dance tomorrow would be good. Everyone will be there.”

  Niall let out a slow breath before answering. “I haven’t asked her yet. It’s something we seem to accept is coming and will work well financially for both of us. Right now, I need to get Beth accustomed to her. Like you’ve mentioned several times,” his eyes narrowed at Gloria, “Jocelyn doesn’t take well to children, and Beth has made it clear she wants no part of Jocelyn. At some point, Beth will have to accept it. I don’t know what the timing is, Gloria, and I don’t want to think about it tonight.” With that, Niall placed a soft kiss on Gloria’s cheek and left without a backward glance.

  ******

  The house was finally quiet. It was midnight. Beth had gone to bed hours ago, and Alicia not long afterwards. Drew and Will had called it a night, but Kate just couldn’t settle down enough to sleep. She lay in bed for a couple of hours, then gave up, put on her wrapper, and walked down the stairs to check out the library in Niall’s office, which she did many nights. Niall, and Drew, as well as their uncle before them, were avid readers, and the selection was immense for a private home.

  Kate opened the door and peeked in, but the room was still. She walked to a table next to the bookshelves and lit the oil lamp. She found something promising that might make her sleepy, sat down on the sofa, and opened the book. She was settling into the story when she caught movement by the desk. The chair Niall used was large and high-backed. Tonight it was positioned facing the windows behind the desk, which provided an excellent view of the barn and bunkhouse, and effectively hid them from anyone entering the darkened room.

  A figure emerged from the chair and turned to face Kate. He held a drink in one hand. Even though Kate knew instinctively who it was, she gasped at his sudden appearance.

  “Sneaking around my office are you?” Niall’s voice was thick and his words slurred. “Do you snoop often when I’m away from the ranch?” His accusatory tone hurt, but Kate held his gaze as she closed the book and stood with her hands clasped in front of her.

  “I don’t sneak, and I don’t snoop, Mr. MacLaren. Maybe that’s what you’d do in my place, but I have no interest or desire to learn more about you. I’ve already learned enough about your rude, condescending nature. My focus is learning more about me. Reading sometimes triggers memories, and I’ll try whatever I must to regain my life.” Kate was working up to being angry. Her clear blue eyes sparked as her words cut through the quiet room. Her blonde hair was down, twisted into one long braid, and she wore nothing but a sheer nightdress and wrapper. She was the most beautiful woman Niall had ever seen.

  Camille had been pretty, very pretty, with long, chestnut brown hair and soft brown eyes. Her eyes were what had drawn Niall to her years ago, big, round, and trusting. She was taller than Kate, about five feet eight inches, which fit his six foot two frame well. She was slim, but well-endowed, which Niall had appreciated. Camille was quiet by nature and raised her voice on very rare occasions, which suited Niall, as he disliked women who were always voicing their opinions and trying to excel at men’s work. And he’d loved her.

  So why did he have feelings for someone who was Camille’s opposite? Someone who let her opinion be known, rode and handled a gun like a man, looked you straight in the eye without flinching, was well educated, short, at around five feet four inches, with a slender frame, and striking blonde hair? Hair that shown like the sun. Hair that made him want to walk up to her, unfurl her braid, and run his hands through it in long, slow strokes. Hair that he suspected was soft to the touch, and would slide over him as they made love. That last thought had him staring down at his whiskey. He downed it in one swallow and slammed the glass down on the desk.

  He strolled right up to Kate, in her space, glaring down at her with a scowl and troubled eyes. “Just make sure books are all you’re looking at in this place. If I catch you doing anything else, you’ll be out of here as fast as you arrived, with no regrets on my part.” The only reaction he saw was slight tearing, which could have been the light reflecting in her eyes, or the effects of the whiskey on his, but she stood her ground and didn’t flinch when he brushed by her and out the office door.

  She could hear his footsteps, heavy on the stairs. His tirade had jarred her, but she was determined he wouldn’t see how it affected her. It was all the worse as her feelings for him were so strong. She didn’t know if she felt this way about her husband, assuming she had one, but every time she was around Niall she was nervous, excited, and confused. It was unsettling. Why did he dislike her so? Didn’t he know that if she had anywhere else to go, she would? She would miss Beth, Alicia, and the twins, more than she cared to think about, but she now knew her time here was short, even if she never did regain her memory. She would start to make inquiries about moving into town, and finding another position. There must be another family who could use her services. At this point, she would clean hotel rooms, work in the mercantile, do just about anything to get away from Niall and his constant scolding.

  Tomorrow night was the dance. Alicia insisted she go with the family and ranch hands. They’d been busy making dresses for the three females, plus baking bread, pies, and cookies, as Alicia said everyone for miles would be coming. The dance would be the perfect place to make discreet inquiries and put her own plans in motion.

  Chapter Twelve

  Morning arrived too soon, and with it the final preparations for the party. Kate hadn’t slept well. She tossed and turned all night, trying to forget the conversation with Niall, and his malicious behavior.

  Alicia had everyone helping to load the wagon by the time Kate came down stairs. All but two or three of the ranch hands would attend the dance. Gus had always stayed behind before, but this year he’d decided to tag along, designating a couple of the other hands to take his place at home.

  They finished loading the wagon about one o’clock, and started for town. Alicia, as was her custom, volunteered to help setup, which meant Kate had also volunteered. This suited her fine, as it would give her a start at inquiring about other positions. She wasn’t sure how she’d go about it without Alicia finding out, but the tension between her and Niall, after the confrontation in the library last night, had further confirmed that her decision was the right one.

  ******

  The dance was going strong by eight o’clock. Food was still plentiful, punch was flowing, and the band was drawing many to take advantage of the big dance platform the men had erected. Kate danced with so many men she had to beg off a couple of times.
There was an abundance of men, which left little time for any single woman to rest.

  Sam Browning had come by several times for a dance, which pleased her immensely. He was a good dancer and kept the conversation going with stories and jokes that made her laugh. It was so different from being around Niall, who never missed a chance to let her how little she meant to him.

  Niall, of course, brought Jocelyn van Deelin, and had spared little time for anyone else, except short conversations with the family and other ranchers. Jocelyn clung to him the entire night, not letting him get more than a few feet away. He didn’t seem to notice that anyone else existed––especially not Kate.

  “Kate, would you care to dance?” Niall stood at her elbow, touching it lightly in a gesture to escort her to the floor. Her surprise must have been obvious. “I promise I won’t bite,” Niall said with a slight smile.

  Biting isn’t what concerns me, she thought, but nodded to Niall. “Yes, a dance would be nice if you promise not to accuse me of anything.’

  Niall winced. He’d been a real bastard to her since she’d arrived, and he well knew it. He’d had no intention of asking Kate to dance tonight. He’d planned to stay as far away from her as possible, and to be the perfect partner to Jocelyn. But watching the constant stream of men dancing with her, holding her, getting too close to her, was pushing him to the edge. His whiskey glass had been refilled several times as he watched her dance, smile, and laugh with everyone but him. He shouldn’t feel this way. There were so many things he didn’t know about her, plus, there was a very real chance she was married.