Deadlier Than the Rest Read online

  “There’s no doubt someone is behind them, providing money and other resources. We know someone had to come up with the false statements that got their guilty verdict overturned. Any idea who?” Connor asked.

  “Alex thinks it’s a man of wealth that he was hired to investigate several years back, Roscoe Vance. He found evidence of embezzlement, fraud, but it didn’t stick. Alex suspects Vance bought off some witnesses and a judge. The allegations cost him his marriage and ruined several partnerships, but he still retained his money. Word is he blames Alex and you for all of it.”

  “The man is slime, like Proctor and his group. It got real messy.”

  “Yeah, it did.” Jericho tucked into his breakfast, cleaning his plate within a few minutes then pushing the dish away. “What now?”

  “We wait until they arrive, then take care of them, one way or another. Of course, that’s assuming Alex hasn’t been able to get them on something at his end. Fred and Roy are here, so we have enough eyes, but I’m going to keep focusing on finding Meggie. She’s my first priority.”

  “Understood, and that’s as it should be.” Jericho pushed up from his chair and grabbed the saddlebags. “My horse is at the livery a few blocks down. I’m going to claim my room, freshen up, then make a visit to the saloons. That’s where Proctor will go as soon as he arrives in town. I’ll meet up with you later.”

  Connor watched his old friend leave, grateful for his presence.

  ******

  Grace gathered her small reticule and bonnet before rushing down the stairs to the street. Ruth had invited her to go shopping, something Grace hadn’t done in a long time. Ruth needed to stop at the mercantile, a dress shop, and drug store. Ruth was waiting in a wagon when Grace reached the street.

  “Good morning, Grace,” Ruth called as she steadied the horses. “Hop on up.”

  Grace climbed up next to Ruth, wrapping her shawl more tightly around her, and tying her bonnet down. “I’m so glad you included me.”

  “Well, it’s good to have company. I like being in town but, sometimes, it’s lonely without all the family.” They moved down the street at a slow pace, unaware of being watched.

  Connor hung back, not wanting the women to see him. He was on foot, deciding he’d have a better chance of staying hidden without his horse. There was more to Grace’s ride than just looking for a friend, Connor was certain of it. Perhaps she was meeting another man, possibly Ezra Thomas. Jasper had said Grace didn’t take to men, but after their brief kiss, Connor knew her boss was wrong. She’d enjoyed it as much as he had. There was a lot more to that girl than she wanted anyone to see.

  Ruth stopped at the drug store. Grace stayed in the wagon, content to be away from her small room and work at the restaurant. She couldn’t recall the last time she’d spent time with another woman, alone, in town. Within a few minutes Ruth had returned, directing the horses toward a small dress shop.

  This time Grace did go inside, curious as to what she’d find. All the dresses she’d owned her entire life had been made either by her mother or herself. Her father, or Jeremiah, had selected fabric, usually cheap cotton or scratchy wool, not allowing the women to have a voice in the decision. Now she was standing in a real dress shop, staring at dresses of all colors and fabrics.

  “Come on in, Grace, you don’t have to stand in the doorway,” Ruth called to her.

  Grace entered a step at a time, absorbing everything and running her fingers over some of the dresses. She’d made it through half the shop when Ruth walked up next to her.

  “Find anything you like?”

  “Oh, I like so much I’d never be able to choose.” As Grace spoke she looked around the store once more. “Maybe we’ll be able to come back again.”

  “We can return next week if you’d like and stay longer. Perhaps you can try on some dresses. The green one in the window would be stunning on you,” Ruth said as they reached the wagon and climbed up.

  Connor had stayed a couple of doors down knowing there was no chance he could walk into the dress shop unobserved. He hoped their next stop would give him a chance to listen to their conversation, possibly learn more about Grace’s ride to the country.

  He watched as Ruth pulled up in front of Ezra Thomas’ general store. Another coincidence? Connor stepped into the tailor shop next door until the women had entered the mercantile, then walked to a window and peered inside. Ruth was talking to Thomas, while Grace held back, standing in another aisle, picking up an item then setting it back down while keeping an eye on Thomas. It appeared she was watching the exchange but not letting Ezra get a look at her.

  Connor slipped into the store with a large group who’d entered just as Grace walked up to Ruth. It was obvious Grace was trying hard not to make eye contact with the merchant. He casually moved closer, taking off his hat, and positioning himself to listen.

  “Grace, come over here and meet Ezra Thomas. He owns the store.”

  Grace placed a can on a shelf and pulled her bonnet down lower before moving toward the counter. She kept her head down until just before she stopped beside Ruth.

  “Ezra, this is my friend, Grace.”

  “Well, it’s a pleasure Grace.” Thomas plastered a broad smile on his face but it seemed forced. She hoped he didn’t recognize her. She’d only been in the small shop once with Jeremiah but didn’t want to take any chances.

  “Hello, Mr. Thomas. It’s nice to meet you.” She kept her head low, her eyes not making contact with his.

  “Have we met before, Grace? You seem familiar.”

  “I don’t believe so, but I meet a lot of people at the restaurant where I work.”

  “Which restaurant is that?”

  “Oh, a small place. You’ve probably never heard of it.” Grace hoped he didn’t ask the name.

  “Oh, I’ve heard about most of the restaurants. How long have you been there?” Thomas asked.

  “A few months now.”

  “I’ll have to stop by. What did you say the name was?” Ezra had been moving, trying to get a better look at Grace’s face, but she’d outmaneuvered him each time.

  Connor looked at the fear on Grace’s face and stepped forward. “Hello, Grace.” He stood between her and Ezra then turned to the merchant. “It’s good to see you again, Mr. Thomas.”

  “Uh, yes. It’s good see you again, Mr. MacLaren. Can I help you with something?”

  “Not today. I spotted Grace and wanted to say hello.” He zeroed in on Grace. “If you ladies have no plans, I’d be honored to escort you to dinner.”

  “Oh, I don’t think…” Grace started.

  “That’s a marvelous idea, young man. My name’s Ruth Dix.” She held out her hand.

  Connor gripped it gently. “I’m Connor MacLaren, and it’s my pleasure, ma’am.”

  “Well, we best get moving along. Good to see you, Ezra,” Ruth said and took Grace’s elbow.

  “You too, Ruth. And nice meeting you, Grace.” Ezra stared at the pair until they were out the door, then called to someone in the back room. He spoke to the man who emerged, then sent him scurrying outside.

  ******

  Meggie had risen early. It was a beautiful day—warm and clear with a slight breeze. She planned to dash to the creek, pull flowers, and teach the girls about drying plants.

  She hurried to the stream, picking flowers as fast as her hands would move, and throwing them in her apron. When she could no longer carry any more, she ran back to the house, set the flowers in water, and placed them in a cupboard, out of sight.

  She heard the voices before she saw them round the corner.

  “Good morning,” Meggie said as the girls took their places at the table.

  “Good morning, Meggie,” they replied, a big smile playing across each face.

  Meggie handed them their breakfast and sat down for morning prayer.

  “What’s the surprise?” the oldest, Janie, blurted, stuffing eggs in her mouth.

  “I’ll show you as soon as breakfast
is done and the dishes are washed.”

  “What’s all the noise?” Jeremiah entered the room rubbing his eyes and pulling up one suspender. Meggie usually heard him enter, but not today.

  “Meggie has a surprise for us, Papa!” The youngest, Essie, left her chair, jumping up and down in front of her father.

  Jeremiah’s eyes shot to Meggie. “What surprise?” His tone was hard.

  “Oh, nothing really. I just thought the girls could use a lesson in something different today.” Meggie realized she’d been slowly backing away from her husband, not wanting to be too close. She hated it when he touched her.

  “Let’s see it,” Jeremiah insisted.

  “I thought I’d show them once breakfast was over.”

  “It’s over. Now show me your surprise.”

  Meggie walked to the cupboard and grasped the jar loaded with wildflowers. She glanced at Jeremiah and noticed that his eyes had grown wide when she set her surprise on the counter.

  “Flowers? You’re wasting their time and yours on flowers?” He stalked to the counter, snatched the glass jar and walked out the back door.

  “Papa, wait, please. Can we see them?” Janie ran after him. He spun, grabbing her arm and turning her back inside the house. The other two girls stood motionless next to Meggie.

  Jeremiah yanked the flowers from the water. Throwing them to the ground, he emptied the jar, and slammed back into the house. “No more foolishness, Meggie. These girls are to learn their letters and how to run this house. Not waste time on such frivolous things as flowers.” He stopped within inches of her. “Am I clear, Mrs. Moser?”

  Meggie squeezed her hands together and stared at her feet. “Yes. You’re quite clear.”

  “Good.” Jeremiah walked past his daughters on his way outside, not registering the fear he’d caused in the young girls. The smallest stood with tears streaming down her face while the two oldest stared after him, not understanding his anger over the flowers Meggie had gathered for them.

  “What’s going on?” Ada asked as she entered the kitchen. From the looks on everyone’s face she guessed that Jeremiah had already soured the day.

  Meggie glanced up but shook her head. “I’ll explain later.” She grabbed the girl’s empty plates and began to the scape the remnants into a bucket. “Would you start Jeremiah’s breakfast?”

  “Of course,” Ada replied as she walked up to Meggie, placing a hand on the younger woman’s arm. “Whatever happened, it’s just his way.” She looked nervously over her shoulder then turned back to Meggie. “Someday, I pray this will all be behind us.”

  The women jumped as the door slammed open and Jeremiah entered. “I’m taking Nina to town for supplies, then we’re going to the gathering. You two watch the girls. I expect all the lessons and chores to be done by the time I return.”

  To Meggie’s relief, he ate in silence, ushered Nina to the wagon, and left.

  “Would you like me to watch the girls and give them their lessons? Getting away for a walk will make you feel better.”

  “Thank you, Ada. That would be wonderful.” Meggie hugged her friend, retrieved a sweater, and dashed outside before she had a change of heart. She hated leaving Ada to watch the girls by herself, but the opportunity for some time alone was too tempting. Meggie wanted to walk to the other side of the stream, look for wild berries, and enjoy her brief freedom.

  Chapter Ten

  New York City

  “I’m telling you, Len, we can’t get McCann at his home. He has three to four people there at all times.” Earl had made the delivery that morning, then met Len and Bert back at the apartment Vance had set up. Earl had made it inside the McCann home and was left alone in the entry hall long enough to get a good count on the help. Killing McCann at his own home would be dangerous.

  “All right, we’ll get him at his office.” Len looked out the window. He agreed with Earl, the home across the street wasn’t the best place.

  “Or when he travels between the two. That way we focus on him and his body guard. They have security at his office, but he rides home alone.”

  “Bert, we need to get ready. We’ll set it up for tonight.”

  Several hours later the three men had positioned themselves a few blocks from McCann’s office. They knew he left late each night, taking a route that wound through high traffic areas. The last few blocks were through quiet residential neighborhoods. There was one section of torn up road with only two homes. Even with the rough terrain, McCann still took this street. That’s where they waited.

  Earl had buried dynamite in a small mound of dirt centered in the road. He’d laid the fuse so that it would remain unseen until it was too late. Len and Bert positioned themselves on either side of the road, ready to pick off the occupants in the carriage, assuming the dynamite didn’t complete the job. It would be over in a couple of minutes.

  The three didn’t wait long. Bert spotted the carriage a block away. He signaled the others, then knelt down with his rifle positioned to pick off anyone who survived the blast. He watched as Earl bent down to light the fuse. Bert could see the sparks as the small flame moved along the length of the fuse. If the carriage kept its current pace the dynamite would detonate just as the driver was on top of it.

  A few moments later, the unsuspecting driver heard a loud explosion at the same time as his body was launched into the air. He landed with a sickening thud. The horse bucked and collapsed to the ground, pulling the carriage on to its side. The three men watched, waiting for survivors to climb from the destruction. They saw no one.

  Len started toward the carriage but the distant sounds of alarm bells stopped him. They didn’t wait to see the bodies loaded into the ambulance. Len motioned for Bert and Earl to run. He was right behind them.

  The following day the New York Sun reported that two men were killed in an explosion that destroyed a carriage owned by prominent businessman Alex McCann. The driver was identified as J.A. Bean. The passenger was assumed to be Alex McCann, but positive identification had not been made public. McCann’s family was reported to be out of town at the time of the explosion.

  Satisfied, Len cut the story out of the paper, pocketed it, and along with Earl and Bert, left New York for Salt Lake City.

  *******

  Salt Lake City

  “Ladies.” Connor pulled out chairs for both Ruth and Grace.

  “Thank you, Mr. MacLaren, this is a real treat,” Ruth said as she lowered herself into a chair.

  Grace mumbled a weak thank you and took her seat next to Ruth. Her companion glanced over at her, wondering at the change in the young woman since seeing Connor in the mercantile.

  Connor watched Grace squirm in her seat, fascinated at the change in her. At the restaurant she was confident, spoke to everyone, and offered an easy smile. Around him she was aloof, distant—except for their brief moment in the storage room. Perhaps that was it. The woman was uncomfortable about their encounter, maybe embarrassed. Hell, it was just a kiss, and barely that. But, as he continued to stare, he noticed a rose tone begin to form on her throat and move upwards onto her chin, then cheeks.

  She lifted her head, no longer able to handle his continued scrutiny. “What is it? Why are you staring?” Her voice was strained, impatient, and she immediately chastised herself for the outburst.

  “I must apologize, Grace. You are so lovely today that I can’t take my eyes off you.” Connor’s eyes sparkled at her reaction.

  “Now that’s just plain nonsense. A man like you must be around truly beautiful woman all the time. Don’t think you can charm me, Mr. MacLaren.”

  Connor sat back in his chair, acting as if she’d wounded him, and working to contain the laughter he felt. “Why Grace, whatever have I done to deserve such words?”

  “You know perfectly well what. I don’t intend to discuss it further. Ever.” She opened the menu and pretended to read, having lost her appetite the moment she’d seen Connor in the store. She’d wondered several times if the kiss h
ad affected him as it did her.

  She’d lain awake most of the night reliving the moment, the touch of his lips to hers, remembering his unique scent. Leather, sunshine, and something else. She didn’t understand it, but she’d wanted more than the one brief kiss. Now, sitting in this restaurant, all she wanted to do was wipe the image from her memory.

  Ruth sat watching her two companions, turning from one to another, and trying to understand their conversation. There was history between them, but she had no idea what.

  Connor softened as he watched Grace struggle to control her emotions—feelings he now realized were directed at and about him.

  He held up his hands, palms out. “Whatever I did, I apologize. Now, do you think we can enjoy our dinner?”

  Grace’s face flamed red—she’d made a complete fool of herself. She smoothed her skirt and worked to control her shaking hands. What had she been thinking talking like that to their host? Why couldn’t she have waited until she saw him in the restaurant? There was no reason to have lost her temper over something that meant nothing to her. Absolutely nothing.

  Her eyes met Connor’s. “Yes, I think that is a very good idea. I, well, I shouldn’t have…”

  “Don’t worry about it. We won’t speak of it again.” Connor pulled the menu in front of his face to hide the obvious lie. He had every intention of speaking of it again, and much more.

  ******

  Grace lay in bed, unable to sleep, and the clock kept ticking. She’d gotten home from work early at nine o’clock. It was now two in the morning, and her next shift started in four hours. She rolled to her side, pulling the covers more tightly around her and stared out the dust covered window at the full moon. Grace liked the light. She slept better with more of it, but not tonight.

  Grace kept feeling Connor’s lips on hers. She’d hated Jeremiah’s foul breath and wet kisses. Thinking about him made her gag. Yet Grace had liked the way Connor’s soft, dry lips moved over hers. It had been so unexpected. When he pulled away she’d wanted to draw him back down to make sure the tingling sensation she’d felt was real. But all she’d done was stare at him. Grace hadn’t found her voice until he’d dismissed her, had spoken the lie without thought. She’d enjoyed the kiss, very much. The more time Grace spent around Connor, the more she discovered how much she liked the man.