Lawfully Taken Page 3
“According to John Bradshaw, your trip out here wasn’t particularly pleasant.”
“An understatement. They murdered my father and dragged me from the only home I’d ever known.”
“Sorry. I shouldn’t have brought up the subject. I’m not adept at small talk.”
“And why is that, Mr. Bounty Hunter?”
“I’m a bit of a loner.”
She batted her eyelashes teasingly. "Is there no Mistress Bounty Hunter waiting at home for you?”
“I’m afraid not. Most folks call me Nate, not Mr. Bounty Hunter.”
“People call me Addy, but I can’t say I like it much.”
“If that’s the case, I’ll continue to address you as Adeline.”
The woman was beautiful. She was dusty, dirty, and her hair was a tangled mess, but she was still attractive. They weren’t too far from his father’s ranch. They could go there and she could get herself cleaned up. He might even leave her at the ranch while he delivered Ricketts to Santa Fe. It would give the Pinkertons time to clear things up.
About three hours later they arrived at the ranch.
“What are we doing here?”
“I thought you might want the chance to get cleaned up. We can lay low here for a while and give the Pinkertons a chance to prove your innocence.”
“Where are we?”
“My dad’s ranch.”
“He won’t mind?”
“Not one bit. He enjoys the company of a pretty woman as much as I do.”
Nate jumped off the horse and greeted his father as he rushed toward them.
“Pa, I want you to meet Adeline.” Nate and his father walked back over to the horses and Nate helped Adeline dismount.
“Pleasure to meet you, sir.”
“The name is Timothy Hayes.” Nathaniel’s father headed for the door. “Let’s not stand around out here lollygagging. Son, drag the corpse into the shed, don’t need it out baking in the sun.”
Nate wrestled the body down off the horse.
“When you’re done, Nate, tend to the horses.” His father turned toward Adeline “Adeline, you come on in and get a bite to eat.”
“I can help with the horses.”
“Nonsense. Come on now.”
Adeline glanced helplessly at Nate. He shrugged and dragged the body toward the shed.
∞∞∞
Nate’s father set a sizable helping of pork and beans in front of Adeline. “Thank you, Mr. Hayes.”
“You can call me Timothy, if you like.”
“I’ll stick with Mr. Hayes. Timothy sounds disrespectful.”
“Nonsense. But you do as you like. Shall we pray so you can get to eating?”
“Shouldn’t we wait for Nathaniel?”
“Not if you’re hungry.”
“I can wait a few minutes.”
“Well, if you’re not going to eat, tell me about yourself.”
“Not much to tell. I was born in Philadelphia, but my father moved us to Kansas City. He was a business man. Worked with the railroad.”
“What about your Ma?”
“I don’t remember her. She passed when I was a child. Pneumonia.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. Nate lost his mother to sickness too. She died of cholera.”
“I’m sorry for your loss, sir.”
“It was a long time ago and she’s with the Lord. I’ll see her again.”
“That’s a pleasant way to look at it.”
“It’s the only way to look at it as far as I’m concerned. It’s the truth. Here comes my boy now. Nate, are you hungry? Adeline wouldn’t start eating without you.”
“I’m famished.” Nate sat at the kitchen table and his father dished him up some pork. “Thanks, Pa.”
“Enjoy it.”
The two men were remarkably similar in appearance. The father had a few more lines around his mouth and eyes, but the resemblance was unmistakable.
Adeline watched them interact, enjoying their entertaining banter.
“Have you heard from Isaiah?” Nate asked.
“Not in the past few weeks.”
“Maybe he’ll send word soon.”
“I’m sure he will. I’m going to go find Rosa. She can fix a room for you, Adeline. Then she’ll take you to the creek, so you can get washed up. The creek is cold, but bearable this time of year.”
“That sounds delightful. Thank you, Mr. Hayes.”
“Who is Isaiah?”
“My little brother. He was itching to get off the ranch. As soon as he was old enough, he moved to Texas. A few months ago, he joined the rangers.”
“I hope he’ll stay safe.”
“Me too.”
She spotted Rosa standing off to the side, unobtrusively, so she joined her. The Housekeeper, a kindly older woman with a heavy Spanish accent reminded her of Maria. Maria was likely beside herself with worry. She’d assumed Maria had moved on to new employment, but what if she hadn’t. Guilt gnawed at Adeline’s stomach. She should’ve made contact with home.
∞∞∞
Adeline joined Nate on the screen porch, sitting in the rocking chair farthest from him. He watched as she finger combed her long strands of red hair.
“I trust you feel better after bathing.”
“Much. Thank you.”
“I’m glad Rosa had a dress for you to wear.”
“It’s slightly big, but it will allow me to clean and mend my own dress.”
“Did you get along well with Rosa?” He stood.
“Doesn’t everyone?”
“If she doesn’t like a person, she’s obvious about it.”
“Then she must’ve liked me, as she was kind and helpful.”
“Glad to hear it.” He held his hand out to her. “Would you care to take a stroll with me, Adeline?”
“That would be acceptable.” She let him help her up.
They walked along a dirt path.
“What do you think of the ranch?”
“It’s beautiful. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen so many cattle.”
“Pa built himself a nice life here.”
“Why don’t you work as a cattleman?”
“Pa wants me here, but I wasn’t skilled at following directions. I can’t work for another man.”
“Not even your Pa?”
“I couldn’t when I was younger, but I’m not the same man I was at the time. Maybe, I could now. But why change what’s working? I like what I do.”
“It’s dangerous work.”
“You don’t think working with a ton of bull is dangerous?”
“Of course it is, but it’s not the same as getting shot at.”
“No. That it isn’t.” They walked in silence for several minutes before he continued. “What about you? When this is over are you going to go back to a quiet life in Kansas City, or do you intend to continue on as a Pinkerton detective?”
“There’s nothing left for me at home. I may give this detective thing a chance.”
“You realize detective work is dangerous?”
“I certainly do.”
“Why risk it?”
“If I can help one person avoid the pain I endured these last months, it will be worth the risk.”
They neared the creek, so Nate held his hand out to Adeline to help her navigate the rocks safely. He wasn’t prepared for the jolt he felt at the simple touch. When they reached the other side, he reluctantly released her. His eyes searched hers for a sign she’d felt something too, but he couldn’t be sure. It didn’t matter anyway. He could see no future for them.
∞∞∞
Adeline walked to the back of the wrap-around porch and pulled the lightweight shawl tightly around her against the cool of the night. The moon was barely a sliver, but she could see the faint outline of the outbuildings. Maybe she could convince Nathaniel to take her to the stables in the morning. She might even be able to help out with the work. Growing up with servants, she didn’t have much experience with manual lab
or, but she would like to learn more about the workings of the ranch.
Hearing footsteps behind her, she jumped. “Adeline, are you having trouble sleeping?”
She relaxed at the sound of his voice. “I haven’t tried to sleep. I’m still wound up from the day’s adventures.”
He approached closely behind her and moved the hair from off her neck. “You’re finally safe. You should sleep.”
“I’m not sure how safe I am with you so close.”
“I won’t hurt you, Adeline.”
She considered the words. He wouldn’t hurt her intentionally, but she was convinced if she let him get close, he would crush her heart. It would be best not to let him in. “I trust you believe that, Nathaniel.”
He rested his hands on her shoulders and took a step closer.
“It’s the truth.”
She was pinned between him and the railing, but she had no desire to escape. Turning, she gazed into his eyes, but they were shrouded in darkness. “I want to believe you.”
His thumb traced the line of her jaw and her insides did a little flip.
Abruptly, he stepped away. “You should get some rest. It’s been some time since you were able to sleep in relative safety.”
Safety. She was certain she was not safe as long as she was under the same roof as Nathaniel Hayes.
He laced his fingers through hers and led her back inside the house. When they reached the steps, he released her. “Goodnight, Adeline.”
“Goodnight.”
It was a great effort to keep her steps slow. She wanted to run to the room she’d been assigned and close the door. Yet, she knew it was futile. There was no escaping the feelings Nathaniel had evoked in such a short time.
Once in bed, she snuggled under the coverlet and tried to force images of his crystal blue eyes and strong, gentle hands from her thoughts. Instead she imagined what it would be like to feel his lips on hers.
Chapter 3
Nate prepared the horses for the journey before going inside to let Adeline know he was leaving.
She didn’t answer when he knocked on the bedroom door. Opening the door, he stood there in the doorway and stared at the sleeping woman. Guilt gnawed at his gut. He shouldn’t have entered her room.
Adeline sat straight up, eyes wide open.
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have come in, but you didn’t hear me knocking.”
“Sleeping in a camp of bandits, I haven’t managed a full night’s sleep in ages. I guess I needed it.”
“I’m going to be gone for a couple of days. You’re in good hands with Pa.”
She scrambled to get out of bed, leaving him a view of criss-crossed scars. She must’ve remembered her state of undress, because she stopped and pulled the blanket up. “You shouldn’t be in here.”
He turned away. “I know. I’m going.” The scars he’d glimpsed burned themselves into his consciousness.
Adeline must have dressed in record time because she was already on his heels as he approached the horses. “You’re not leaving me behind.”
He tightened the saddle on his horse. “I’m trying to keep your pretty head attached to your lovely neck.”
“And I’m supposed to sit around here and do nothing all day?”
She batted her eyelashes in mock flirtation.
“I’m inured to your charms, love.” He mounted the horse. “You can help Rosa cook and clean. Bradshaw tells me you’re competent with domestic tasks.”
The flash of annoyance that lit her eyes gave him a strange satisfaction. At a touch of his calves, Sunfire left Adeline standing in a cloud of dust. Nate glanced back at her and grinned.
Riding to Santa Fe was an adventure he usually enjoyed. Solitude was something he’d learned to embrace. Precious hours spent with only God for company. This time his thoughts were consumed with the captivating maiden he’d left back at the ranch. He thought about the adorable sprinkling of freckles across the bridge of her nose, how the sunlight brought out golden highlights in her auburn hair, and how she wrinkled her forehead and bit her lip when she was frustrated. And he thought about how he couldn’t keep his hands to himself. He’d be best off keeping some distance between them. And his errant thoughts were all the proof he needed. He’d never spent his rides daydreaming about a woman before. Life alone suited him fine. Until now.
When he finally rode into town the following day, he’d come to the realization he had to get Adeline’s dilemma resolved because if he didn’t get her out of his life now, he’d not soon be able to forget her.
The general store was open when he arrived. He asked the woman behind the counter to assist him in collecting the essentials a woman about her size and age would need. The woman discreetly gathered together items he wouldn’t have thought to purchase. She added some sweet-smelling soap, perfume, and a reticule to the counter.
“What about a dress and a hat?” he asked.
“We don’t have much selection here, but I’ll give you what I have. She’ll need to be measured, so we can make her a beautiful dress.”
“Please give me what you have for now and I will bring her in when it’s convenient.”
The woman disappeared into the back and came back with a lovely mint green dress with a matching hat.
Nate paid for his purchases. “Thank you, Miss. You’ve been most helpful.” He stowed the packages on his horse and took off toward the sheriff’s office.
He sauntered in and held out his hand in greeting. “Brought you a cold one, Harry.”
The sheriff shook the proffered hand with unnecessary strength. “Who’d you bring in this time?” The sheriff tried to look past him.
“Come on out and see. I must warn you, he’s not looking too good. It’s been a few days.”
“We can live with dead as long as he’s still recognizable.” The sheriff lifted the blanket from the corpse. “You brought me Ellis Ricketts?”
“I did. The fool drew on me.”
“A mistake he didn’t live to regret, I see.”
“I reckon not.”
“Well, I owe you some money. Let’s get that taken care of.” They walked inside and the sheriff took money from the safe, giving it to Nate. “You able to stick around and help me bury this low-down scoundrel before he stinks up the whole town?”
“Sure. Least I can do for failing to bring him in alive.”
“You’re about the only man hunter I work with who would care if you brought him in dead or alive.”
“The smell is a good enough reason to bring them in kicking, but I don’t like having a man’s death on my conscious. It especially goads when I doubt they’ve ever been right with their maker.”
“I can see how that would haunt a man.”
They buried the bandit in an unmarked grave in an area of the cemetery reserved for unknowns and criminals. Sheriff Moore slapped Nate’s back “How about joining me for a scotch?”
“No thanks. You know I’m not a drinker. Besides, I want to get a couple of hours of riding in before stopping for the night.”
“Suit yourself. I’m gonna go celebrate with the townsfolk.”
“You sure you wouldn’t rather go home and celebrate with Mary.”
“I think I’ll take her out with me to celebrate.”
“Good idea.”
“Who are you chasing after next?”
“Owen Glenn.”
“What about the lady they had with them? No sign of her?”
Nate’s back stiffened. “One of Rickett’s cohorts claims she was innocent.”
"I guess the law will make a determination, won’t it?”
“I suppose so.” He skirted the issue. “John Bradshaw was the accomplice. He didn’t have a bounty, so I left him with the sheriff in Cimarron.”
“Wish you’d have brought him here. I would’ve liked to take a crack at questioning him.”
“Sorry.”
“I wonder if Joe will send him here.”
“Send him a telegram. He mi
ght.”
“Hopefully, you’ll find the woman when you get Owen Glenn.”
The hair on Nate’s neck stood at attention. “I’ll be seeing you, Harry.”
“Take care, Nate. These dubious men you chase are dangerous.”
“Don’t I know it?”
“Ever think of settling down? Taking a local job?”
“I haven’t. No.” Nate raised a hand in a half-hearted wave as he made his way back to his horse.
∞∞∞
Adeline hadn’t found much to keep her occupied in the long two days Nate had been away. She’d been helping the housekeeper with mundane tasks, but it wasn’t occupying her mind. It bothered her to be doing exactly what Nathaniel expected of her. He’d said as much. Clearly he didn’t know a thing about her. She’d been raised the pampered daughter of a wealthy man.
Nathaniel implied she should be keeping house. If he knew who her father was, he wouldn’t treat her like his servant girl. Her upbringing no longer mattered now, did it? Daddy was gone and she’d get a fine inheritance, but once she married, if she married, it would go to her husband. And he could do with it as he pleased. It rankled, but she would come to accept it. Maybe she’d stay single. Nathaniel was pleasant to look upon, but he wasn’t looking for a wife and she wasn’t looking for a husband anyway. She inwardly admonished herself for allowing her thoughts to turn to Nathaniel when the thought of marriage arose. Maybe she was more interested in him than she wanted to admit to herself.
Every little noise had her looking for Nathaniel’s return. The ride would be a difficult one. He wouldn’t want to over burden his horse with too many hours on the trail, but she couldn’t help hoping he’d return soon.
She walked to the bedroom window and stared out over the pastures. Taking in the beauty of the ranch surrounded by mountain peaks, she sighed. God was indeed an artist. The image of Nathaniel’s face replaced the view as it filled her thoughts. His face was etched in her mind and in her daydreams she traced the line of his jaw. Why she was fantasizing about him was a mystery. She’d not been given to romantic notions about men in the past.
Was it possible her attraction was linked to his killing Ellis Ricketts? It was awful of her to be happy Ellis was dead, but it was a relief. He’d done terrible things. Her hands automatically felt for her ribs where bruises lingered from her last beating. Yet, despite the deep sense of relief that he couldn’t hurt her anymore, she had an overwhelming sense of sadness. A life was lost. Somewhere there was a mother who’d given birth to a baby boy and had hoped for a noble and honorable life for her child. Such a waste. She placed her hand on her own abdomen. Someday she might have the opportunity to have a child. Would he or she live a life pleasing to God? Was she living a life pleasing to God? He wouldn’t be happy with her rejoicing over a man’s death. She was sure of that much.