Shotgun Bride (8 page)

An invisible hemp rope tightened around his throat, depriving Mike of words. He blinked. He blinked again as Barker swiveled on his heel and stalked off. No one. Not one damn soul came forward in his defense.
What the hell changed in the short time he had been gone?
He’d always believed he’d been accepted in this small, rural community. That he was a part of the town. Sure, he hadn’t been here all that long, but still. He had put roots down. Spent his money here. But not even the merchants where he spent his money offered any words of support.

“Hey, Sheriff, send the preacher to the church.” Trigger’s mirth-filled tone hammered like the fist of a giant.

To be deserted and at the mercy of criminals swirled in Mike’s mind like a tornado on the open plains, twisting his gut into knots.

“Get a move on, boy Pa chuckled as he prodded Mike with the shotgun.

Willie started to speak, but just shook his head and strolled off.

“Bring yore sister, son.”

Kathleen hadn’t moved or said a word since Trigger had almost choked her. Right now her eyes were closed and she breathed deep. Her calmness startled Mike. She either handled a crisis well or the thought of marriage wasn’t such a grim prospect for her.

His pulse jolted. Maybe she deemed him worthy husband material. He grimaced at this stupid idea and kneaded his neck.

A scuffle broke out behind him.

“Damn it, girl.” Trigger burst out in a rush.

Mike spun.

Trigger lunged.

Mike took a step after Trigger, but plunged to the dirt when a boot landed a blow to the back of his knee.

Kathleen stumbled as Trigger grabbed a fist full of her hair and yanked back. Off balance, she toppled into his arms with a cry. Trigger shoved her down into a headlock. Bent double, she had no choice but to shuffle down the street behind Trigger.

Mike scrambled up and followed. “Takes a damn coward to hurt a woman.”

Trigger braced the gun on his shoulder and grinned. “Bet you do your own hurting soon as the wedding’s over.”

“Stop yappin’ an’ git inside.” The gray-haired man poked the gun barrel in his back.

Mike gazed up at the double doors of the church and took a deep breath. This was supposed to be a place of peace and serenity, not hatred and violence. Each step boomed like thunder as his boots landed on the hard wooden steps one at a time. Was this how someone felt as they climbed the scaffold to be hung? He glanced over his shoulder.

“Don’t get any bright ideas. I’ll cut ya in half before ya can blink,” the old man said.

Mike fisted his fingers. “You better run fast when this is over or be prepared to meet the devil.”

“Ain’t you a funny one?” Another stream of tobacco landed on his boot. “Now, move.”

Mike clamped his jaw and stomped up the remaining steps.

Father Dan stepped up to the pulpit. “You can release the girl and let’s all be civil about this.”

“Nope. I won’t let go ‘til she’s legally wed.”

Kathleen clawed at Trigger’s arm. “Please, let me go.”

The faint, defeated wail from Kathleen tore a gouge in Mike’s heart. She had been through so much. All because some bastard didn’t want him to marry Sally.

Mike straightened his shirt and smoothed down his tousled hair. His hands shook. “Quit fighting, Kathleen, it’ll be over soon.” Hell if he knew how, but her struggles only encouraged Trigger’s vicious side.

Father Dan opened the Bible and droned on about the sins of man and the sacred institution of marriage. Mike didn’t hear a word over the roar of his pulse and the sniffles from Kathleen.

“Do you take this woman to be your wife?”

Mike mumbled “yes” with a curse interlaced, and the soft-spoken priest shot him a quelling glare. He shrugged.

Kathleen refused to answer.

Trigger pointed the shotgun at the preacher. “She does.”

With the briefest hesitation, Father Dan continued. The words, “I now pronounce you man and wife” reverberated through Mike like the clanging of the church bell on Sunday mornings. He stood frozen and stared out the window. He didn’t acknowledge the hand Father Dan offered. He didn’t hear him leave.

Trigger’s deep bellow of laughter shook Mike from his stupor.

Kathleen shoved Trigger away and brushed the hair from her face. A moist trail wove down each cheek and a bright sheen of tears glistened in her eyes.

Cotton filled Mike’s mouth and he tried to swallow. He started to step between Kathleen and Trigger but stopped when the bully dug out a wad of money and tucked it into Kathleen’s hand.

“Girl, you’re the best damn actress I ever did see. You could be a hit on the stage. Haw! Haw! This was the easiest job I ever did pull.” He stepped closer to Kathleen and leaned down. “If you’re of a mind to, I’ll take you along with me. We could have a real good time together. What you say?”

“Never!” Kathleen sputtered, her face reddening. She took a step back, rubbing her arm.

“Well, it’s your loss,” Trigger said. Arm-in-arm the two men dashed from the church, practically skipping in their glee.

A cold chill covered Mike as the impact of Trigger’s words hit him. He snatched the money from Kathleen. “You lying little hussy.”

Kathleen blinked. Then gasped. She glanced to either side and backed up. Mike followed.

“I had nothing to do with this.”

He waved the money under her nose. “What do you call this?”

“I swear I—”

“Enough. You might have gotten away with fooling me if Trigger hadn’t been in such a hurry to pay you.”

She took another step back, her eyes hard. “You’re the thief.”

Mike snorted as he slapped the plaster wall on either side of her head, caging her in. A trickle of satisfaction tickled his neck when she flinched. “You set this whole damn thing up from the start didn’t you?”

“No.”

“You deliberately bumped into me. Twice. You made sure you acted the damsel-in-distress, too. There was no body in your room the other night, was there?”

“There was too.”

“And the guy I shot today, you hired him to hold up the stage.”

Kathleen jerked under his arm. Mike grabbed a handful of her blouse and yanked her back.

“Let go of me.”

“Guess what. I don’t have to. You’re my wife.”

“I’ll never be your wife.”

“Too late, honey, the deed is done. There is one thing I’d like to know. What did you plan on getting out of this?”

She struggled but Mike pinned her to the wall.

“Get your hands off me.”

“I can do whatever I want with you.”

“You bastard.”

“Call me all the names you want but right now I think I’ll collect on my husbandly rights.”

Mike slung Kathleen over his shoulder and strode out of the church. The girl fought like a caged bear. How had he let himself be duped into believing Kathleen’s story? Nobody had that much bad luck. He never did see the man she claimed robbed her room. Or the man she’d said had accosted her in the hall. Or the drunk she’d swore visited her in Trinidad.

Damn, he was a fool when it came to women.

Mike marched straight to the hotel, got a room, and climbed the stairs. He kicked the door open and tossed Kathleen onto the bed.

She scrambled to the other side but he latched on to her foot, yanked her back, and flipped her over. He climbed on top of her and pinned her down.

“Why the tussle? You took money to become my bride.”

Face pale, eye’s wide and breaths puffing out in rapid little bursts, Kathleen shook. “Please, don’t do this.”

“Don’t act all innocent on me cause I don’t believe it.”

She went wild with her struggles and he had a difficult time holding her down. Trigger’s taunt flashed in his mind.
Hell
. Here he was fighting with a woman. He released her arms and jumped off the bed.

Kathleen crawled off on the other side, her blouse twisted and wrinkled, her hair mussed and terrified anger burning in her green eyes.

He massaged his forehead, disgusted with his actions. “I’m just not in the mood right now and you sure as hell don’t inspire me. I doubt you ever will, either.”

He snatched up her reticule, dumped it out, and gathered up the money. “Can’t have you trying to hire someone to shoot me in the back now, can we?”

“That’s mine.”

“Oh no it’s not. You’re mine. So’s everything you got.”

“Then you better never sleep.” She lifted her chin, hatred glittering in the depths of her watery eyes.

“Thanks for the warning. I’ll remember to tie you up at night.” Mike turned and stalked out of the room. He slammed the door for good measure. Fists clamped tight around the money, he punched the wall. Knuckles red, he stared at the door to his room.

Married
. He was married. To a lying, little slip of a girl. A small curve tugged at his lips. Feisty as a badger, too.

Somebody had paid her, and those two crooks. But who? He snorted. Whomever ended up married to Sally, that’s who. Right now he needed a drink and some supper. Tomorrow he’d take his new bride for a ride south to Santa Fe, find a judge, and get an annulment.

The slamming door jarred Kathleen out of her horrified shock. Forced into marriage. She kicked the bed. Picked up the pillow and threw it at the door. She took several deep breaths to calm her overtaxed emotions and gathered her scattered thoughts. Memories of six years ago, when her entire world had been viciously ripped from her, resurfaced.

“Not again.” A deep moan clawed up and out her throat. She had lost everything back then. Judge Thompson had conveniently made himself her legal guardian after her parents and brothers had been murdered. He’d taken her into his home and locked her away in a tiny room. He announced to the town she was overcome with despondency and had proceeded to strip her of all rights to the family farm and bank account. Three months later, she ran away.

Her lessons in life had been cruel and harsh, but she would not stand still and be abused a second time. She’d run away from Judge Thomson and she could do it again.

This time she would find a way to regain her property. Mike would not keep her land. He’d stolen her money, but she would steal one of his horses, disappear until she made enough cash to hire a lawyer, and return to reclaim what was rightfully hers.

Decision made, Kathleen straightened her rumpled clothes and smoothed down her hair. At the door, she snatched up the pillow and tossed it back onto the bed. She yanked the door open and froze. A well-dressed bear of a man blocked her exit.

“Pardon me, ma’am. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

Kathleen stepped back. “What do you want?”

The man held up a box of chocolates. “My name is Tobias Hawkins. I brought these for you. Thought I’d welcome you to our community.”

Her stomach jumped. “How did you know I was coming?”

“It’s my business to know what goes on in my town. I’m only sorry I didn’t get to you sooner. Save you from the terrible tragedy you just suffered.”

Mr. Hawkins smiled and made no threatening moves toward her. Nerves skittered across her midsection. “If I can be of any assistance, please don’t hesitate to let me know.”

Kathleen nodded then jerked her gaze back to Mr. Hawkins. “What do you know about Mike?”

“He was engaged to my daughter. I believe we share the same opinion of him.”

Her jaw dropped and Kathleen doubted her eyes could get any wider.
An ally?
She straightened and took the offered box of chocolates. Mr. Hawkins had money and unless she missed her guess, a great deal of influence in this tiny town. The wealthy usually did.

“Do you know a good lawyer?”

He frowned. “Why?”

“I intend to get an annulment. Soon as possible.”

Mr. Hawkins scratched his chin. “I’ll send for a friend of mine. He can help you. In the meantime, can I offer you a safe place to stay?”

“Mike took all my money. I can’t pay this lawyer up front.”

Hawkins smiled. “Not a problem.”

He dug in his pocket and pressed a few bills into her hand. “Pay me back when you can.”

“I can’t take this.”

He raised his hands. “Yes you can. I’d want someone to help my daughter if she needed it.”

“Thank you, Mr. Hawkins, but—”

“Please, call me Tobias. Now let me help you find a place for the night.”

“Oh no. This generous loan is more than enough help. I couldn’t possibly impose on you more.”

“It is no imposition. You are here alone, with a crook for a husband. I want to help you.”

Kathleen glanced around and rubbed her arms where Mike had held her down on the bed. She did not want a repeat of that, but wasn’t yet willing to go anywhere with anyone. Even if the man had a grudge against Mike. She’d been duped before. “I’ll figure something out.”

A brief flash of anger flickered in his eyes. Kathleen blinked, and then concern filled his eyes. She must be letting her suspicious nature overreact.

“Very well, I’m in Room Seven if you change your mind.” He tapped the box. “Enjoy your candy.”

Kathleen laughed. “I will.” She waited until Mr. Hawkins disappeared into his room before heading downstairs. First she must find her bag and hide the will. Mr. Hawkins may be mad at Mike but she wasn’t fool enough to blindly trust him.

Kathleen stopped dead in her tracks, and reversed directions. At Room Seven, she knocked.

“Why, ma’am, you look pale. What can I do for you?” Concern filled Mr. Hawkins’ eyes.

“Do you have any idea why all this is happening?”

“My dear child, don’t you know Mike has lusted after your land ever since he moved here?”

The hairs on the back of her neck stood up as a shiver of fear trickled down her spine. “Thank you, Mr. Hawkins.” She backed away, a hand to her breast.

Did Mike fake all of this just to force her hand in marriage? The vision of Mike talking with two men at Trinidad flashed through her mind. She didn’t pay much attention but come to think of it, one was an older man.
Genius, now everyone believed he was the one framed.

No doubt he set up all the scares she had just to play the knight-in-shining-armor to gain her trust. Kathleen stomped her foot. He’d sure succeeded in luring her into his web. But how did he discover who she was? She’d never told him.

How did Mr. Hawkins know?

Panic slammed into her like a fist. A fatal accident would serve both men well. She glanced at the box in her now sweaty hands. With her demise, Mike could marry Sally and have three ranches. Hawkins would win, too. She was a fool, a fool in danger.

Breathless, Kathleen snuck to the stable yard. With fumbling hands, she felt around until her fingers brushed across the familiar patches. She clutched the bag to her chest for reassurance as relief surged through her. Mike wasn’t going to get this from her. She hurried out of town before anyone spotted her.

Hawkins poured another glass of whiskey and muttered curses. He didn’t know Baca had it in him, the devious bastard. He tapped his fingers on the nightstand and stared into the amber liquid. Miss Barnes was supposed to be dead. Now Baca had just stolen her right out from under his nose.

He downed the whiskey in one long gulp and grinned. He did have the advantage with Miss Barnes. Women loved candy and by the bruise on her cheek, Mike hadn’t treated her kindly.

Now to go find Mike and act the outraged, but forgiving, father. The only problem was not being able to convince Kathleen to come with him right away. But kidnapping her in the hotel was too risky. He shrugged. She’d show up for his promised help. The girl didn’t have anywhere else to turn. He’d make damn sure of that.

Hawkins glared at the empty glass, slammed a fist on wall, and stormed out. He stopped by the hotel’s worn counter. “Bill, get out here.”

Bill hurried from behind a heavy sage green curtain. “Evening, Mr. Hawkins, what can I do for you?”

“I’d watch out for Baca’s new bride if I were you. I wouldn’t put it above her to steal, so keep your eyes open and a hand on the money box.”

“Yes, sir. Thanks for the tip.”

Hawkins nodded and left. Bill was a sanctimonious ass. The perfect person to spy on Miss Barnes. No, Mrs. Baca. For now.

At Aunt May’s restaurant, Hawkins spotted Mike. He shoved inside and strode up to the table. At this hour the place was empty. He yanked a chair out and sat. “I should shoot you for disgracing my daughter.”