Lori Connelly (13 page)

Silent expectation ruled the darkness for a heartbeat.

“We want our money Rolfe.” The man on the left responded.

Clouds parted. The moonlight revealed the riders to be the men from Cedar Ridge. Before she decided if that fact relieved or terrified her, a crack sounded somewhere behind her and to her left. She turned. Her gaze caught the movement of a person creeping toward Ben.

Evie brought her weapon to bear and in a low, lethal tone warned. “Stop right there or I’ll put a hole in your gut.”

The man froze then slowly turned his face and stared in her direction. Evie’s skin crawled. Shadows twisted his features into a sinister mask. She tightened her grip on the smooth wood of her rifle stock but didn’t waver.

“Walk over and join your friends slow and easy now.” Evie ordered. She wanted the men gathered in one place. “Any sudden moves and I’ll show you just how good a shot I am.”

“Yes ma’am.” He replied, his voice tinged with insolence, and then with exaggerated slowness complied.

Evie kept him in her sights every step of the way. Nerves taut with fear, she kept her finger on the trigger, ready to address any threat.

“I’ve nothing for you.” Ben announced when they reached the others. He cocked the pistol, the sound ominous. “It’s best you
Gentlemen
ride on.”

One of the mounted men pulled his cohort up on his horse behind him. “This isn’t settled Rolfe, not by a long shot.”

His expression grim in a cast of moonlight, Ben offered no response. A long moment passed in edgy silence then the men rode off, disappeared. Tension palatable, Evie locked gazes with her husband. They waited, listened long after the hoof beats faded into the distance.

Her ears strained for any sound that the men doubled back but heard nothing alarming. Night sounds had resumed. Crickets chirped. Frogs croaked. Still, Evie couldn’t calm down. She took a step toward Ben.

“Go hide in another spot.”

The barely audible words sent fresh fear skittering down her spine. Her voice hushed, “You think they’ll come back?”

“They followed us all this time only to give up without a fight, not even an argument? Way too easy to believe. I doubt they went far and I’m certain they’ll be back.”

Evie slumped. She lowered the rifle from her shoulder and cradled it, waited. Weariness pushed against her need to take action. Her steps dragged as she moved to a new position some yards to her husband’s left.

Evie leaned against a tree, and waited. Over time when nothing happened her eyes drifted half-shut. The faint call of a coyote, a lonely song from nature, became her lullaby. In the next heartbeat, her peace shattered.

Her eyes opened wide. The thunder of several horses shook the earth beneath her feet. Evie straightened, terrified.

Cold fingers reached out and brushed hair off her face. A scream crawled up her throat then died before it crossed her lips as her eyes narrowed to slits and she shot daggers at Ben. Before she could give him a piece of her mind, a large group of riders rode into their camp guns drawn.

Control hung by a thread. It hurt to breathe. She brought the rifle up once more. Ben took aim beside her.

“I’m Sheriff Myers.” The man in the lead of at least a dozen others spoke in a voice that rang with authority. “Don’t make my men beat the brush for you. Things will go easier if you boys step out now.”

“Sheriff,” Her jaw dropped as Ben lowered his pistol and complied. “We’re glad to see you.”

“We?” Sheriff Myers pounced on that information. His gaze found her in seconds. Her fingers tightened into a painful grip on the weapon, her only defense. “Ma’am.”

“Sweetheart, put the rifle down. I’m certain the sheriff and his men will help us.”

A rushing sound filled her ears. Ben’s calm voice seemed to come from far away. The weight of numerous stares further unsettled her. Evie swayed. Hysterical laughter threatened to spill from her lips as she lowered the weapon.

“I’d appreciate it if you’d join us.” The undercurrent of steel in the sheriff’s polite tone made it clear it wasn’t a request but a command.

A couple of men dismounted and collected their weapons while Evie walked to Ben’s side. His arm curved around her as the lawman dismounted, stepped close then blistered her ears with an explosive curse.

“Sorry about the language ma’am.” His tone echoed pure frustration. Sheriff Myers holstered his revolver. “We’re hunting three cowards who robbed an old widow woman.” He ripped off his hat, slapped it against his thigh then slammed it back on his balding head. “Their trail led here. When we spotted your fire, we thought we’d caught them.”

“We’re not criminals.”

“I’m inclined to believe you ma’am. I-”

“But those men were here.”

“You know them?” The weathered man’s eyes narrowed in suspicion, his hand on the butt of his gun.

Exasperated, she burst out. “I didn’t say that.”

“Honey, calm down,” Ben patted her hand. “Let me handle this.” His steady gaze held hers until Evie nodded then he turned to meet Sheriff Myers scrutiny. “Three men rode up an hour ago, maybe less. We had a run in with two of them before back in Cedar Ridge.”

“What happened?”

“They threatened my wife and demanded money, claimed I cheated them at cards.”

“Any truth to that?”

“I don’t remember ever seeing them before.”

“Which way did they go?”

“North,” Ben pointed to illustrate. “But I have a gut feeling they’ll come back after us.”

“John, you and Robert stay here with me in case those polecats return. Jason, take the rest of the men and track them down.” In less than a minute, the posse departed. The older man turned back to them and extended his hand. “Sheriff Robert Myers.”

“Ben Rolfe and this is my wife, Evie.” Her husband clasped the older man’s hand.

The sheriff doffed his hat. “Ma’am,” he greeted Evie.

Suddenly, shouts and gunshots broke the pre-dawn quiet. At once, the sheriff and his men sprinted to their mounts and raced off. For a moment, they didn’t move, listened to the loud disturbance in the distance. Her teeth started to chatter. Ben indicated with a sweep of his arm their rumpled blankets.

“Shall we try getting some sleep?”

“No,” Exhausted but wide-awake from the drama, Evie stood next to him, fidgeted, restless. “I don’t think I can and besides the sun’s coming up. Also we don’t know if those dreadful men have been caught or not and I’m sure the sheriff will be back.”

“How about we pull the bed out, crawl under the covers and get warm again?”

“Seems silly that we keep moving it here then there,” she grumbled even as she helped him move the thin mattress.

A breeze brushed over her, Evie shivered, chilled. She burrowed under the blankets, his coat still on, and pulled them up to her chin. Ben slid in behind, squeezed her against him.

“You were very brave. I think that man believed you’d have shot him.”

“That was my intention.” His solid warmth comforted her.

“Of course it was.”

Sunrise painted dull gray clouds with a brilliant display of color. The note of disbelief in his voice had her turn over, look straight at him. “You don’t believe me?”

“It was dark my dear, how good a shot are you really?”

A corner of her mouth curved up in a half smile but her tone was dead serious. “You taught me.”

“That tells me nothing, you could’ve been a poor student.”

“I’m an exceptional student,” Evie placed her hands on his chest. “Who excelled at
everything
you’ve ever taught me.”

His eyes darkened. Ben lifted one hand. Fingers traced the contours of her face. Evie felt the furious beat of his heart beneath her palms. His gaze held hers captive while his light caress moved down the side of her neck, over her shoulder then down her back. He pressed her close, palm flattened over her spine, tight against him.

Evie moved one hand up to the back of his neck, entwined her fingers in his shaggy hair. With slow, deliberate intent, she stretched upward. Her lips hovered just below his a moment then touched. Her kiss feather light was a taste, a tease, but no more. She drew back just enough to share a look. With a low growl of pure need, Ben seized control.

His mouth covered hers, hungry. Passion blazed through her veins. Evie wound both arms around his neck, strained closer and responded in equal measure. The kiss grew wild, raw with need. He broke it off, his breath hard and fast and looked at her. Her embrace tightened as she made an incoherent sound of protest, unwilling to let him go.

“Evie,” his voice husky with desire, he eased back. She refused to allow it. Every inch he scooted back, she moved forward, “Stop.”

“Why?”

“Are you sure you want this?”

“Yes.”

“I’m not talking about kisses. I wanted to take this slow, and court you properly but,” Strong emotion flickered across his face. “I almost lost you. I need you.” His gaze held such power her heart pounded harder. “If we continue now I don’t know if I can stop.”

Evie released her grip. Her hands came up, framed his face. “I don’t want you to.”

For long seconds he didn’t speak, move or respond in any way. The silence started to crush her. Finally, Ben lifted one hand, took hold of one of hers, and shifted slightly to graze his lips on her palm. His gaze still locked on hers, his mouth then tasted the sensitive skin of her inner wrist. Evie sucked in an audible breath. His lips left a trail of heat as he worked his way up her arm to the crook of her elbow. He nibbled there and desire pulsed through her veins.

“Ben,” his name whispered on her exhale.

Green eyes now almost black snared her. He moved his grip, tangled his fingers in the hair at the nape of her neck. “Are you sure?”

The answer burst from her, “Yes.”

With aching slowness, her husband brought his lips down to taste hers. She looped her arms around his neck. Ben increased the intensity of the kiss so slowly Evie wanted to cry with frustration. Pressure parted her lips. His tongue darted in, explored, teased. He coaxed, seduced, set her nerves on fire.

One hand roamed the length of her back, caught her hip in a tight grip. His kiss became demanding, wild. Clear, sharp longing overwhelmed her. Her hand moved down, unfastened his top button. Evie breathed in his scent and wanted more. Eager to touch more of him, feel his flesh, her fingers tugged at the next button.

Without warning, he broke off the kiss, pulled back. She reached up and tried to renew contact. “Ben?”

“Stop,” A hand on her shoulder held her fast.

Pure need, hot and urgent, demanded satisfaction and blinded her to all but what she wanted. Evie moved against him, “Please.”

“Listen,” His insistent tone pierced her desire’s haze.

Evie stilled. Her eyes closed. The sound of approaching horses doused her passion as fast as if he’d thrown her back in the icy waters of the nearby river. A bitter wave of resentment crashed over her and her eyes opened to slits when her husband scrambled out of the blankets to stand beside the bed.

A scowl pulled down the corners of her mouth. Everything unpleasant in the last few weeks had been herald by thundering hooves. Evie threw back the covers and joined her husband. If this kept up, she’d seriously try to persuade Ben to work with something other than horses. Her frown deepened. Without his memory, what dreams would he chase?

Troubled on more than one level, her gaze sought the cause of her initial displeasure. The sheriff and one of his men were easy to spot, approaching fast. As Evie noted the unobstructed view, her face heated. She cringed at what they might have seen had her husband not heard them. Awkwardness and tension between them, she and Ben stood silent, side-by-side, until the men pulled up.

“Did you get them?”

“Sure did ma’am,” The sheriff looked worn but pleased. “My men are taking them to Elk Bend as we speak.”

“Thank God,” Her voice reflected heartfelt relief.

“Indeed,” Sheriff Myers acknowledged her then directed his man to hand their weapons to Ben. “I wanted to return these.”

“Thank you.”

“I don’t mean to be rude but it’s been a long night and we’d like to get home. If you don’t need anything, we’ll be off.”

“Do you happen to know how far we are from Oregon?”

“If you head out soon and keep a good pace you’ll probably reach it in a few days. Planning to settle there?”

“Yes we are.”

“Safe journey then, I hope this good weather holds.”

“Thank you,” Ben stretched up a hand to each man in turn then without further ado, the men rode off. Alone again, her husband turned to her, a wry grin on his face. “Any chance we could pick up where we left off?”

Evie resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Birds sang from a tree mere feet from them. Sunshine started to ease the morning chill. She stared at him, allowed him to read her expression.

“I’m guessing that’s a no.”

Her arms crossed over her chest. She tilted her head to one side. Her lips pressed together, her mouth a thin line.

“Instead we could get an early start on the road.”

One eyebrow arched but otherwise Evie didn’t move.

“Or we could eat?”

Breath exploded from her in a huff. Evie snatched the pistol from him as she shook her head. “I’m tired. I’m going to lie down and sleep. You’re welcome to join me but that’s all we’re doing right now and heaven help me, I’ll shoot the first thing that rides in, man or beast, that disturbs my rest.”

“Yes ma’am.”

Desperate for sleep, she turned, stomped over to their bed and crawled under the covers. Evie placed the gun within easy reach. Her eyes closed. Crisp air tingled her nose while she tried to relax, listened to Ben move around until, at last, he lay down next to her.

“Can I hold you?”

Weary, the comfort he offered was irresistible. Evie moved over, stretched out near him. Ben pulled her closer, tucked her against him so her head rested on his shoulder, his chin on the top of her head, an arm cradled her to his warmth. The sound of water lapping at the nearby bank soothed her. In seconds, she was asleep.

Sometime later, Evie woke. She looked up through the thin canopy of branches above her, clear blue painted the sky. The sun’s rays filtered down to warm her face. Her husband’s soft snoring made her grin. Careful not to wake him, she inched away from Ben, eased out from under the quilts then smoothed them back over him.

Evie studied her husband a moment after she got up. Though his bruises had faded, the pallor of his skin still worried her. She reached down, her hand gentle, touched his face. Ben had always healed fast. Fingers brushed over a cheek roughened with dark whiskers. She hoped all he needed was rest.

The indignant chatter of a pair of squirrels drifted with the breeze and offered a welcome distraction. Her gaze found them a few feet away. The small, grey creatures darted behind a fallen log when she straightened and took a single step. Feet cold, she continued to her target without pause. Evie found her boots mostly dry but clammy. She grimaced but pulled them on.

Hours late, Evie tackled the morning chores. She uncovered coals and coaxed their heat into a steady blaze. Hungry she next got out a pan, sliced bacon into it and set it near the flames to cook. After adding more wood to the fire, she readied the coffee pot then put it near the pan. She sought privacy in the brush then went down to the river to wash up and fill the canteens while breakfast cooked.

Although the sun was almost directly overhead by the time Evie returned, her husband still slept. In silence, unwilling to disturb Ben, she stirred the meat, sliced potatoes and onions into the pan to cook in the grease. The sound of movement to her left startled her as she finished her task. With the knife clenched in her hand, she turned and discovered Sugar.

Guilt swept through her. She should’ve tended the horse as soon as she got up. Evie hurried to do just that. Afterwards while she warmed her hands over the fire and checked on their food, her gaze wondered over the vast countryside. A flicker of disquiet shot through her. With her husband asleep, she was, in effect, alone.

A few quick strides brought her to his side. The snoring man didn’t skip a beat. Nervous, she plucked up the pistol and put it in her skirt pocket. Evie noted the rifle on the ground near Ben as she sat down on the edge of the pallet.

With weapons and husband in reach, she felt secure. She pulled out her brush, worked out the tangles. Nerves steadied, she put it away then went to check on their meal, her fingers on the gun for reassurance. She moved the pan away from the fire, breakfast fully cooked, but before going to wake Ben, she checked their clothing. A few touches discovered they were nearly dry.

Pine needles crunched. Another footfall sounded behind her, loud.

“Ben.”

“Yes.”

“Breakfast’s ready.”

“Great I’m starved,” Ben fetched them each a cup, spoon and plate. As soon as she dished up, he took a bite. “This is very good, thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Ben poured them each some coffee then they sat on the end of the pallet. “It’s a pretty day.”

“It is.”

“Warmer.”

“The sun feels good.” Her gaze followed a robin, hopping along a branch.

Silence fell for several moments as they ate. She relaxed, satisfied her hunger, soaked up the sunshine. It felt like they were alone in the world, peaceful.

“Evie?”

“Hmmm.”

“I was wondering. Did we farm?”

“What?”

“You said I didn’t start the drinking and gambling after we lost our baby-”

“James,” She interjected softly.

“James,” Ben echoed, paused to touch her hand, a silent acknowledgement of their loss. “If losing James didn’t make me want rotgut whiskey what did?”

Sadness weaved through Evie. “It doesn’t matter.”

“It does to me,” His voice soft, wistful.

“You can’t change the past.”

“What past? The one where I’m a miner dreaming of how perfect my life will be when I move out west or the one where I wake up with a bitter, angry stranger, who says my dreams ended in crushing disappointment.”

She flinched. “Why do you want to know now? You didn’t seem to want details before.”

“I thought I’d remember.”

“You haven’t remembered anything?”

The sorrow in his eyes stunned. He shook his head. “I’m starting to believe I never will.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Not your fault.”

“I’m still sorry, I can’t imagine … ”

“What it’s like to have a big gaping hole in your life.”

Evie laid her hand on his forearm.

Silence ruled again for a few minutes.

“I know you can’t fill in every minute I’ve lost but I need you to paint a picture for me and, if you’d be so kind, include a few details of times when I wasn’t a good for nothing husband.”

“Like skinny dipping?” She tried to lighten the mood but her tone fell flat the weight of unpleasant memories.

“I’d enjoy that but right now would you tell me what I was doing to support us in Cedar Ridge and what went wrong?”

“Okay,” Restless, Evie stood, took his things and put them in the pan. “We had land, a cow and a few chickens.” She got soap and a cloth from the wagon then headed to the river with the dishes. Ben followed. “We’d planned to sow a couple of crops; corn and hay. So I guess you could say we farmed but … ”

“I messed it up? I didn’t like it?”

“You liked it fine but the farm was just survival, shelter, food, and you wanted more.” She knelt down, grabbed a handful of gravel and scrubbed the pan.

Ben sat down, washed dishes with her, “To be successful.”

“To be rich,” She lifted a shoulder in a half shrug. “Show everyone your wealth.”

“Sounds like splitting hairs.”

“So you’ve often said.”

“You disapprove?”

“Other people’s opinions shouldn’t matter so much.” Cold water made her hands ache while she rinsed the dishes. Evie pushed up to her feet with a soft exhale then continued. “You decided to capture wild horses, tame and train them.”

“Was I any good at it?”

“You did okay, sold a couple and had satisfied customers.”

“What happened?” They started back to the wagon.

Her teeth sawed on her lower lip while she contemplated the simplest way to explain the messy circumstances. “A neighbor claimed you stole the horses off his ranch.”

“Did I?” His voice rough, expression stone faced, Ben faced her square when they stopped at the tailgate.

Empathy swelled as she struggled to answer. “The property lines weren’t marked. We learned that the canyon where you’d caught most of the horses was on the Blakes’ ranch. With the judge being a relative of the rancher’s wife, we were lucky he dismissed the theft charges and allowed you to keep two horses.”

“How’d I get so
lucky
?”

“By pure chance the sheriff witnessed you catching those particular ones on our land, near where it bordered the Blakes’ property. He testified that he believed you’d made an honest mistake.” Evie took out a towel dried the dishes then handed them to Ben who repacked the box.

“So I started drinking.”

Her stomach clenched at his hollow tone. Memories flashed through her mind. Tears blurred her vision but Evie refused to let them fall. She moved over to the pallet and started to fold up their bedding unable to stay still.

“Not at first.”

Ben joined her and together they made short work of the task. He waited until they had loaded their mattress then pressed her for more. “What happened then?”