A Western Romance: Love Storm - Western Historical Romance: (Western Fiction, Western Books, Western Brides) (Leap of Love Series Book 4) (2 page)

"This is going to take some getting used to. The dry heat is like nothing I've ever felt before."

"Yes," Beau started. "At least back in South Carolina, there is some humidity. Here in Arizona, it seems dry as a bone."

Beau and Boyd walked in the direction of the sheriff's office. Each of the men was taking in the scenery of their new home.

The sheriff's office was not far from the inn, and they were there within minutes. Before either of them could open the door, it swung open.

"You two are right on time. Come on in here. We need to get down to business." Brinker's words were rushed when he spoke.

Once Boyd and Beau entered, they were ushered to the sheriff's desk.

"Looks like you two will be sworn in today. First assignment is here already."

The twins glanced at each other, feeling shock and excitement.

Brinker beckoned to where a tall, lean man stood. "This here is the sheriff. Sheriff Clayton, meet Boyd and Beau Abbott. They will be our newest Marshals."

"Well then, let's get to it," Sheriff Clayton replied.

Brinker pulled out some sheets of paper and began to recite the oath to Boyd and Beau. They both promised to uphold the law, to represent the law, and to protect the people of the United States at all times. The ceremony was over quickly, and they were both given badges to signify their official acceptance as U.S. Marshals.

After signing employment papers, Beau and Boyd did not even have time to admire their badges or smile with pride.

Sheriff Clayton rocked on the heels of his boots. "Gentlemen, meet your first assignment."

 Two men walked into the room, one self assured and owning the space he was in, the other calm and quiet.

"This is Mr. Lou Simmons and Scout Blackbear. Gentlemen, these are our two new Marshals, Beau and Boyd Abbott."

Simmons eyed the brothers suspiciously. He took a seat in a chair, slowly leaned back, and lit a cigar. He did not seem to have much of a sense of urgency.

"Sheriff, I come to you about the disappearance of my daughter and you put two rookies on the team?" His voice had bass in it, tinged with authority.

"Lou, trust me. A fresh pair of eyes on this will make so much of a difference. We have been on this case for a week now and nothing has happened yet. We trust these boys to work with us on this. I need you to trust them too."

Billows of smoke rose from the cigar. Lou sat there contemplating for a moment. "I think you can be right about this. But we need to make some moves on this quick, Clayton."

Sheriff Clayton stared at Lou for a moment, and then turned his attention back to Boyd and Beau.

"This is Lou Simmons. He owns one of the biggest ranches here in Eagle Valley and in the surrounding parts. His daughter Bianca has gone missing. We have searched all surrounding areas for the past week to no avail. This is where you both come in. Having a fresh pair of eyes will be helpful."

"Of course. Just let us know how we can be of help," Boyd spoke first.

"We also believe that my sister has been kidnapped by Red Davies."

Beau turned his attention to the man speaking. "Sister?"

The man nodded. "This is our father." He pointed in the direction of Simmons. "But we have different mothers. My sister and I are extremely close and I feel it in my soul that she is still alive. We need to find her. Every day that she is out there with that animal Davies, my spirit is vexed."

"I understand. My brother and I don't have any sisters, but we do know the bond between siblings is strong. Beau and I will do our best to help you find your sister. Is there any place you think she may be?"

"Clayton, you've got to be kidding me here, letting these novices take over my daughter's case. Call me down here when you are competent enough to take care of this. As a matter of fact, I’m thinking about calling the federal law to handle this."

"Father, with all due respect, these men have been sworn in as U.S. Marshals. They are part of federal law. And I like the fact that they understand the importance of family. I think they will do just fine. I would like to take them out this afternoon and not waste any more time getting started."

Simmons regarded his son. "If you feel that way, fine." He turned to the sheriff. "If my daughter is not found safely, your head will spin for it, Clayton."

With that, Simmons turned and walked out of the door, leaving Scout sitting there to pick up the pieces.

"My father has been dealing with this in his own way. It has been tough. My sister disappeared about a week ago. Right from her home. My father has been kicking himself because he was not able to keep her safe. She was kidnapped right under his nose."

"Scout, can you tell us why you suspect Red Davies of being her captor?"

Boyd was curious as to why they had specifically mentioned that it could be Davies.

"My father's wealth and his political standing makes him a target at all times. Let's just say that he and Davies have a sordid history that pits them against one another. Davies has been looking to get revenge for quite some time, and this may have been what he has chosen to do in response."

"By all means, my brother and I will do whatever it takes to find your sister. You can depend on us for that."

"Thank you. Thank you both."

"Now, let's get moving," Boyd commented. "We have a lot of ground to cover."

Bianca awoke on the floor, hands bound behind her and her feet bound as well.

"Come on! Untie me."

She had no clue what time of day it was, or how long she had been asleep.

"Now you hush your pretty little mouth before I tie you up and put a muzzle on you."

Bianca looked up to see Red standing there. He always had this deranged look in his eye, like he was about two seconds away from destroying the Earth.

"If you were going to muzzle me, as you say, you would have already done it. What in the hell did you put in my food to knock me out like that?" Bianca lay there on the floor, trying her best to wriggle her hands free. The fibers of the rope burned on her wrists.

"Sometimes I just need you quiet enough to let me think. Women. You just talk too much."

"If you would just let me go, you wouldn't have to worry about all of that."

It was a lame attempt at reasoning with a crazy man, but it was worth the try.

"That is not going to happen, pretty lady. You go home when I get what I want."

Red came toward her, and she winced.

"Don't worry. I'll let your hands go, only if you promise to act right." He bent over so that he was eye to eye with her.

"I mean it. Don't make me hurt you."

Bianca stared at him, trying to figure him out. She thought it better to make sure that he did not actually hurt her without meaning to. Her end goal was to get home safely. 

"Fine. Just undo the arms. My wrists are burning."

Red regarded Bianca a little more.

"Come on. You can trust me." Bianca tried her best to sound calm and convincing.

"I will let your feet go. Not your arms. Gotta play this thing here smart. You convince me that I can trust you, and I will."

Bianca tried not to sound frustrated, but she had to take something. Besides, she could try and make a run for it, but she had no clue where she was. It would not be smart to run around outside somewhere unfamiliar all alone. Red could easily bring her back to where they were and truly harm her, or he could let her go out in the strange unknown and let whatever elements were out there kill her.

Red was not the only one who needed to play things smart. She did as well.

The scent of food cooking made Bianca's stomach growl. "I could stand to freshen up and get a little something to eat."

"The washroom is thataway." Red pointed down a hallway.

Bianca rolled her eyes. "How am I supposed to take care of lady things when my hands are tied?" She practically whispered the words lady things.

Jaw clenched, Red threw his hands in the air. "Come on. Don't you try anything funny. There is no window in the washroom."

He manhandled her, removing the arm binding. Red's body was right on hers as he escorted her to the washroom.

"I'm not moving from this spot. And when you come out, your hands are going to be tied again. So don't take all day. And don't try anything. I promise you, you will regret it if you do."

"Fine. No funny business."

The release of the binding felt like heaven. She took a deep breath and walked into the washroom. She closed the door with a bit of force, her only way to make any sort of statement at the moment.

The only response from the other side was a grunt from Red. There were no accommodations in the washroom. A basin with clean water, one with dirty water, and a hole where she assumed they were supposed to dispose of bodily waste. This was nothing like what she was used to at home. They had indoor plumbing at the ranch and a pedestal sink and claw foot tub where she bathed in fine oils and perfumes.

Bianca shook her head, and leaned against the wall. She wanted to cry. She wanted to scream. But she knew that it was imperative that she keep her wits about her. There was no way that she was out here alone. Bianca was one hundred percent certain that her father had sent the cavalry searching for her. Someone should be coming for her soon. All she had to do was wait patiently for them to arrive.

She closed her eyes, and tried to think how long it had been since she had been kidnapped. By her calculations, it had to be at least a week. Holding her head in her hands, Bianca tried her best to recall the memories of what had happened. The past few days were cloudy, and she could not completely remember anything. That had to be the way that Red wanted it, so she would not be aware of where he planned to take her.

It was impossible to think in that tiny space. She was beginning to break a sweat due to the stifling heat and being so anxious. She did not want Red to break down the door. Splashing her face with the clean water, she took one of the rags and tried her best to freshen up. Her clothes were soiled and had an unbecoming scent, and she suddenly began to feel frustration set in. She had no idea what this man wanted with her.

Bianca swung open the door. "I need clothes. Fresh, clean clothes. Now!" Her tone was demanding and final.

Red looked her up and down. "I guess you could use a little something. Come on."

Stepping out of the washroom was the first time she actually took note of her surroundings. They were in a house that seemed drab, but at the same time comfortable. It looked a little too lived in, and she apologized under her breath for the fact that she was thinking about the difference between the luxuries of her upbringing and what she was dealing with right now.

Red was practically pulling her down the tiny hallway.

"You really don't have to keep me so close. I'm not going anywhere."

Red just grunted in response. When he threw open the door, Bianca could see the dust particles dancing in the sun's rays that streamed through the window.

She sighed her feelings of aggravation.

"You know that I really don't have to do anything for you?" Red reminded her.

"Just give me whatever you have. I need to wash my own clothes."

He huffed as he pushed her into the room, and pointed for her to sit on the bed. She did not want to sit down or make herself comfortable. The room smelled like mothballs and dirt, and she was not sure how long it had been since the bed linens had been washed.

There was no way that she could be picky. After wearing the same clothes for almost a week, she had no choice but to wear whatever Red had available. He pulled a few things out of the armoire, and threw them on the bed next to her.

Red threw his hands in the air, pointing to the clothes. "Try those."

She picked through the items, the feel of a strange fabric on her fingertips.

"It may not be the silks and fine linens that you are used to, but it will have to do." A tinge of frustration came through in his tone.

"No, really. It's fine. Thank you."

It would be great to put something else on, and she really did not have much of a choice this moment.

Bianca selected the blue button down shirt and a pair of graying slacks. As a lady, she rarely wore slacks in public. She mostly wore them when she went hunting with her brother or in those early morning moments when she was gardening.

"Are you just going to stand there, or are you going to excuse yourself so that I can change?"

Red looked her up and down. "I will turn around is all. Make it quick."

She stood there for a second, hoping that Red would be gentleman enough to let her have her private space. Of course, he did not. The most she got was him turning his back to give her the few moments of privacy she was going to get.

When Bianca knew that she was going to once again have to take what she could get, she quickly undressed and pulled on the clean clothes. They did not exactly fit to her liking, but what could she do?

"Done."

Red turned around and after taking a look, he nodded. "I hope you feel better now."

His words seemed kind and genuine.

"Actually I do. Thank you."

Red regarded her, and then nodded toward the doorway. "I will keep you untied if you can act right. The second you make any type of fuss," he paused, teeth gritted.

Bianca threw up her hands in surrender. She was walking a fine line in-between wanting to run, and wanting to keep things calm so she could get home safely. How long was it going to take for her father to send someone to come and rescue her?

"I've fixed something to eat. We need our strength before we get moving."

"We're leaving?" Bianca hoped that he did not sense the panic in her voice.

He grunted in response. Bianca did not want to push things any further. Right now, she was starving, and she would just take the time to eat and relax before they set out to wherever their next destination would be.

There was a tiny table in the middle of what Bianca assumed was considered the great room. Her resolve softened a bit when she saw that Red had set the table nicely with a proper place setting. She could not decide if the food actually smelled appetizing, or if it was just that she was starving.