Finding Promise (19 page)

Chapter Twenty-Two

Jake awoke in the middle of the night to a dimly lit room. It took a few minutes for him to remember where he was and what had happened to him. Every inch of him hurt; he felt like he'd been hit by a cannon. Slowly his wits returned and he remembered what happened to him. He figured he was at Hollister's ranch. He heard someone snoring softly beside his bed. Gingerly turning his head to the side, he saw his brother slumped in the chair with his long legs stretched out. His unshaven face and disheveled appearance told him Colt had ridden hard for days to get here. He didn't know how long he'd been out, but on some level he'd known that Colt was beside him. He must be in bad shape if his brother left Victoria to come to Denver.

It didn't surprise him to see Promise curled up in a chair on the other side of the bed. Like Colt, she looked exhausted. Her skin was so fair that the dark circles under her eyes were especially prominent. But to him, she was still incredibly beautiful with her pale blond hair piled high, held in place with the diamond-encrusted comb. Looking at that comb in her hair made him think of the night he'd spent in her wagon when she'd removed the comb and her hair fell in long waves around her body. In that moment he couldn't ever recall seeing anyone so beautiful. It was one of those moments in life that remained with you, a moment he knew he would remember on his deathbed. But today wasn't that day, thanks to the Good Lord.

“She's some woman,” Colt whispered.

Jake shifted his eyes to see his brother watching him with a grin on his face. “Yes, she is.” His voice was low and raspy.

“Would you like some water?”

“That sounds good. I'm as dry as Shorty's biscuits.” As Colt poured the water, Jake said, “You look like hell. Why don't you go get in a bed?”

“I'm fine.” Colt held Jake's head while he took a long drink. “I thought I was the only McBride dumb enough to get shot.”

“Yeah, well I always had to do everything you did, big brother. How did you know?”

“I didn't. I just had a feeling you might need my help.”

Jake gave him a quizzical look, digesting Colt's response. “Can you help me sit?”

“Nope, Doc says you can't move around for a while. The bullet just missed your heart.”

Hearing Promise move in her chair, both men glanced her way. They remained quiet for a minute until they could tell they hadn't disturbed her sleep.

“She won't leave,” Colt said. “She blames herself for this.”

Jake was still staring at her when he said, “She thinks everything that's happened on this drive is her fault. It's hard to believe she's still going with everything she's been through.”

Colt studied the expression on his brother's face as he watched Promise. He wondered if he had developed feelings for her. “I saw Cole and the men, and they told me everything that happened on the drive. Cole wanted to come back with me, but he promised you he'd get the cattle home.” Not wanting to add to Jake's worries, he decided not to mention the trouble they'd had with Schott's men.

“Good. I feel better knowing he's with the men,” Jake responded. “Unfortunately, I didn't hire gunslingers for this drive. If I had, I would have tracked down those killers from the start.”

Colt glanced at Promise again. “Your men are crazy about her. They told me she was a beauty, but that doesn't say it by half. I certainly didn't expect a real Southern belle.”

Jake smiled at him, remembering how surprised he was when he first heard her accent. “She's a woman full of surprises.” After a moment, he said, “Speaking of beautiful women, how's Victoria and the boys?”

Colt noticed how Jake's expression changed when he asked about Victoria. He guessed that answered his question about his brother's feelings for Promise. It wasn't likely he could develop feelings for Promise if he was still harboring a crush on Victoria. “She's good, but I need to send her another telegram to let her know I will be here longer than I expected. If she doesn't hear from me, she might come looking for both of us. And the boys are fine, still full of mischief.”

“I think I'm going to live, so you don't have to stay.”

Colt leaned forward and whispered, “I saw something in town that I think will interest you, but we need to discuss it when we're alone.”

Jake nodded. “Is that your coffee?” he asked, referring to the full cup of coffee on the tray by the bed.

“Yeah, you want some? It's probably cold by now.”

“Cold is fine.”

Colt held his head again while he drank the cold coffee. When Jake finished, he said, “That's better than water, but a little whiskey in there wouldn't hurt.” A few minutes later, he was fast asleep.

Colt watched him for a long time, so thankful that he had awakened. He couldn't wait for Jake to be back on the ranch where he could look after him. Colt would never say that to his younger brothers, but he'd always felt it was his job to look out for them. He'd wanted Jake and their younger brother, Lucas, to come home, get married, and find the happiness he'd found with Victoria. After meeting Promise, he couldn't figure out why Jake hadn't already swept her off her feet. She was a woman any man would be proud to call his own. When Promise wasn't within earshot, he'd ask Jake what he was waiting for on that score. On that thought, he sat back in his chair and drifted back to sleep.

Promise had awakened while the two brothers talked, and though she was excited Jake was awake, she didn't want to intrude on their moment together. She felt it was important for them to have time to themselves. Colt didn't strike her as the kind of man who revealed his feelings easily, but anyone could see his love for his brother. When they'd been quiet for a long time, she opened her eyes and saw they were both sleeping. Knowing that Colt could protect his brother if those killers made another attempt on his life eased her mind. Her eyes remained on Jake's handsome face, watching him breathe peacefully until she finally fell back to sleep.

 

 

The next morning when they were alone, Jake filled his brother in on what happened the day he was shot, including the details of the ambush. Putting together the pieces of the puzzle, Colt told Jake that he saw Promise's horse in Denver, and about the big man he saw at the saloon. Jake told him it was the same man he'd encountered at the saloon, and most likely the one who pulled the trigger in an effort to get Jake out of the picture.

After breakfast, when the doc was with Jake, Promise took Colt to the study and gave him a drawing of the two men she'd shot. One of them was the big man he saw in the saloon, and the same man Jake described. Now they had the proof they needed, but they didn't trust the law in this town, at least not enough to convince them the killers would be brought to justice.

Colt left the Hollister ranch to ride to Denver to send Victoria another telegram to tell her about Jake. Jake asked him to send a telegram to the U.S. Marshal's office requesting they send some men to Denver. Colt was going to send the telegram, but he wasn't going to wait around for the marshal to find out what was going on. He intended to find out if the sheriff was aware of his deputy's involvement with the gang of criminals.

On his way to town, Colt had time to consider what the killers' next move might be. If they had been watching Jake, it stood to reason they knew that he'd taken Promise to Hollister's ranch. The killers probably thought that if they took Jake out of the equation, it would be easier to get to Promise. Unless the doctor talked to the sheriff, the deputy might think Jake was dead. Jake said that they wanted Promise because of the money, and to make sure she wasn't around to identify them. It had been his experience that money made men do some pretty crazy things. Knowing Promise was still alive was a threat to their existence as free men. Promise had become their obsession. And that obsession was going to get them killed. They might have momentarily accomplished their goal with Jake, but they hadn't planned on one important factor: Jake had a brother who wasn't going to allow anyone to get away with trying to kill him.

After sending the telegrams, Colt walked to the livery. Hero wasn't there, so Colt walked to the sheriff's office to introduce himself.

“Doc told me your brother had been shot,” Gilbert said after shaking Colt's hand. “Said he was still unconscious.”

Colt refused the chair Gilbert pointed to, choosing to stand. He wasn't in the mood to be cordial. He wanted answers. He didn't divulge any information about Jake's condition. “What have you done to investigate my brother's ambush?” he asked pointedly.

The sheriff bristled at the unspoken accusation. “The way I see it, there's not much to investigate since your brother can't tell me who shot him. Doc said he didn't think he was going to make it.”

Colt ground his teeth at his callous remark. “Did you even go to the area where he was shot to see if the ambushers left anything behind that could identify them?”

“I sent one of my deputies out there, but he didn't come up with anything,” Gilbert grudgingly replied.

“Which deputy?” Colt snapped.

“What difference does that make?”

“I've heard your deputies can't be trusted,” Colt growled.

“Where did you hear that?”

“Word gets around. Which deputy did you send?” Colt repeated. When the sheriff hesitated, Colt asked, “Potter?” Colt could tell by the look on Gilbert's face that he had hit the nail on the head. “Where is he?”

“I haven't seen him this morning.”

Colt turned to leave, and said over his shoulder, “Tell Potter I'm looking for him.”

“What do you want to see my deputy about?”

“He's riding a stolen horse, but I think you already knew that. Last I heard, that's a hanging offense.” Colt turned back and gave him a level look. “I'll hang him myself if I don't think you are up to the job.”

Walking toward the saloon, Colt didn't see Promise's horse anywhere. He decided to stop in the saloon for a cup of coffee in the hopes that the bartender might be free with information when no one was around.

As he hoped, the bartender was alone, and he was in a talkative mood. Colt asked him about the strangers in town.

“Those men rode out yesterday. I heard them talking about Mexico before they headed out.” He poured himself a cup of coffee and sat down next to Colt.

“I hear Potter is on real friendly terms with them,” Colt said.

“As thick as thieves, if you ask me.”

Interesting choice of words, Colt thought. “Did you hear if the deputy was going with them to Mexico?”

“I didn't hear that, but he was with them before they headed out.”

“Have you seen Potter this morning?”

“No, but it's too early for him to be about. I don't know why the sheriff keeps that no-account.”

“Did you happen to see the horse Potter has been riding?”

“Sure did, it's a fine-looking animal,” the bartender replied. “Said he bought him off a man a few weeks back.”

Colt thought the bartender was a good source of information, particularly when it came to who he could trust in this town. Schott wasn't on the list.

“I'd bet Potter is on Schott's payroll. If I were you, I'd steer clear of Schott as long as you are in Denver. He don't take to strangers.”

Colt left the saloon and walked back to the livery to get his horse. The last thing he expected to see was Hero in the stall next to his horse.

The livery owner walked up behind him. “The deputy brought him in right after you left.”

“Did he say when he would be back?”

“Nope. Said he was leaving town, headed to Mexico. He told me if anyone was interested in the horse I should sell him and keep the money for his board.”

“What do you want for him?” Colt asked, stroking Hero's neck.

The livery owner gave Colt a long look. “Mister, Potter never took care of this animal or any other. I think he would be better off with you. You can take him with you since you paid me more than Potter ever did for his care.”

Colt pulled out some bills that more than covered a fair price for the horse. “I'll be at Hollister's, and I'd appreciate it if you'd let me know if Potter comes back.”

“I'll do that.”

Colt pulled some peppermints out of his pocket that Jake had suggested he take with him. And just like Jake said, Hero was jumping around like a little puppy at the mere smell of the peppermints.

The two men chuckled as they watched the horse's reaction.

“If that don't beat all,” the livery owner said.

“I expect he's going to be even happier since I'm taking him to his real owner,” Colt said. He rode out of the livery with Hero beside him.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Jake was talking with Strait and Promise when Colt walked in. Colt noticed the ranch seemed fairly deserted when he rode in, a sure indication that something out of the ordinary was going on.

“Would you like something to eat, Mr. McBride?” Promise asked Colt.

“Yes, ma'am, that would be nice. And you can call me Colt.”

Jake smiled. “Save your breath. She still won't call me Jake.”

Promise returned his smile. “I will try.”

When she was out of earshot, Colt looked at Strait. “What's going on?”

“Mr. Hollister and his men had to ride to the north range. Someone cut the wire fence and cattle were scattering on Schott's land. It's near where those farmers are homesteading, and I think he figured trouble was certain. I thought I would hang around here until you got back in case someone was looking to get at the gal.”

“Good thinking.” Colt looked over at Jake. “You think it could be a ruse?”

“It wouldn't surprise me. That's the way these men operate.”

“The horse is in the stable,” Colt said.

“You sure it's hers?”

Colt grinned at him. “Well, if another horse with a star on his forehead and likes peppermints as much as that big baby, then he might not be hers. It's the funniest thing I ever saw.”

Jake chuckled at the memory of the horse nearly taking his fingers off when he gave him peppermints. “I know what you mean.”

“I didn't know if you wanted me to tell Promise.”

“I think you should take her out to the stable and surprise her. She could use some good news.” After everything that had happened to her, Jake knew if one thing would give her true joy, it would be that horse. He'd like to be the one to see the look on her face when she saw her beloved Hero, but he didn't want her to have to wait until he was able to move around.

“I thought she might be worried about the killers being around Denver,” Colt said.

“You're right about that. Maybe you should just tell her you saw him for sale in Denver. She doesn't need to be worrying about those men,” Jake replied.

“We might be in luck on that score. According to the bartender, they rode out yesterday. He said he heard them planning to head to Mexico. The deputy left this morning, and he told the livery owner to sell the horse.” Colt pulled out Promise's drawing of the killers. “Here's the two she shot.”

“Yep, that's Big Ugly,” Jake said.

“Do you think they've given up and decided to head out while they could?” Strait asked.

“Knowing she is on the ranch with so many men around, maybe they realized they couldn't get to her here,” Jake said. He looked at his brother. “What do you think?”

“It wouldn't be the first time killers took off to Mexico to hide out until they think their misdeeds are forgotten,” Colt mused. “One thing is sure, we can't trust that sheriff to do anything.”

Promise returned with a tray of food, and once they finished eating, Jake said, “Promise, Colt has something to show you.”

She gave Colt a questioning glance. “What is it?”

“You need to go outside with me.” Colt stood and settled his hat on his head.

She glanced at Jake and he smiled. “Go with him.”

Promise walked with Colt from the house, but when he headed for the stable, she couldn't remain quiet. “Why do you want me to go to the stable?”

“You'll see.”

As soon as they walked in the stable, her horse was responding to the sound of her voice with loud snorts. Once her eyes adjusted to the light, she saw Hero in a stall. She looked at Colt with wide eyes. “Where . . . how . . . ?” Without waiting for a response, she ran to the stall and opened the latch. The horse came out so quickly he almost knocked her to the ground.

Colt grabbed a handful of the horse's mane, trying to control his movements lest he injure Promise in his excitement. “Whoa, boy, mind your manners,” he told him. “You're stronger than you realize.”

The horse lowered his head and nuzzled Promise's neck. She wrapped her arms around him and cried. “Oh, Hero, I've missed you so much.”

Colt thought if that horse could have hugged her back, he would have. He'd never seen an animal behave so much like a human.

“He's so thin,” Promise said, running her hands over his back. “Where did you find him?”

“I saw him for sale in Denver,” Colt answered smoothly.

“Thank you so much for bringing him home, but how did you know he was my horse?”

“Your drawing. I looked him over and I think he's okay. He's not been eating properly, but after some rest and some extra grain, he should be back to normal before you know it.” He reached in his pocket and pulled out the remaining peppermints and handed them to her. “Of course, he'll need plenty of these.”

She smiled at Colt as she held them to Hero's mouth, and the horse gently accepted the offering. “They've always been his favorite.”

Colt patted Hero's neck respectfully. “He's a fine animal.” He looked at Promise, and the love on her face for this animal made her even more beautiful. “Jake can spare you for a few hours. Spend some time with your horse,” he told her. Knowing she was bound to ask him more questions, he said, “We can answer all of your questions when you come in.”

 

 

“Are you saying you saw Hero in Denver before you were shot?” Promise asked Jake.

“I saw him when I was in Denver, and told Colt about him. He purchased him when he went to town.”

“That means you know who was responsible for stealing him,” she reasoned.

Jake looked at Colt and nodded. “We think we know, but they've left for Mexico,” Colt answered quickly.

Nettie and the doctor walked into the room. “The doctor came to see the patient, and he has a telegram for Colt.”

“Actually the patient is doing great, I just came back hoping Nettie would invite me to dinner.”

“You know you are always welcome,” Nettie said.

The doc handed Colt his telegram.

“Thank you.” Colt opened the paper and started reading.

Jake saw the concerned look that passed over Colt's face as he read. “What is it?”

Colt stuffed the telegram in his pocket. “Nothing that can't wait until later.”

Before Jake could question Colt further, the doctor redirected his attention when he started poking at him. “When will I be able to ride, Doc?”

“Not anytime soon. Your wound is healing nicely, but you don't need to be using your arms right now. I don't want you doing anything as strenuous as being on a horse. If you need to go somewhere, you can go in a wagon.”

“It's a long way to Wyoming in a wagon,” Jake complained.

“No arguing with the doc,” Colt said. He was relieved Jake was on the road to recovery, yet he still hated to leave him in Denver. But after receiving that telegram, he knew he had to leave soon. “You don't need to be worrying about getting to Wyoming right now. Cole is capable of handling everything.”

“Yeah, but with that many cattle we're going to need every hand we can get on the ranch.” He grinned at Colt. “And I know you don't want to be away from your bride too long.”

When Colt didn't respond, Jake knew something was definitely wrong. He didn't say anything, but he would find out when they were alone. “So, Doc, a wagon is the only way I can go to Wyoming?”

“I don't see why you couldn't, if you're that anxious to go, but I'd give it a couple of days. That is, if you take it easy and don't try to get there in a week,” the doctor qualified.

As soon as the doctor was out the door, Jake looked at Colt. “What's in the telegram? And don't tell me nothing. I can see by the look on your face that something is wrong.”

Promise stood and walked to the door. “I'll give you two some privacy.”

“No need.” Colt motioned for her to take a seat. “This is nothing you can't hear.” He took a deep breath to calm himself down. “Victoria's pregnant.” He looked over at Jake to gauge his reaction.

Jake gave him a wide grin. “Well, congratulations, big brother.” But when Colt didn't smile in return, he knew there was more. “Why look so down in the mouth? I thought you would be happy to hear this news.”

“I knew she was pregnant before I came here. The telegram was from Mrs. Wellington. Victoria told her I wasn't going to be back as soon as I initially planned. Mrs. Wellington wanted me to know what was going on since she knew Victoria wouldn't wire me.”

“Know what?” Jake and Promise asked at the same time.

“Victoria's had some problems, and the doctor has confined her to bed until the baby is born. He told her the baby is going to be especially large, and he's worried since she is so small.”

“But she is okay?” Jake asked.

“Mrs. Wellington assured me she is fine. She just wanted me to know.”

“Thank God,” Jake said, sounding relieved. “It stands to reason Victoria will have a big baby since you were the biggest baby the doc ever delivered.”

“When I get back, I need to find some more help for her. She's doing too much. The boys keep her busy enough, and she does all the cooking on the ranch now. Not to mention all the time it takes to make those bag things,” Colt lamented.

“Bag things?” Promise asked.

“She makes those purses you women carry,” Jake explained.

Colt continued with his list of things that kept Victoria busy. “I don't know why I built that house so big; she's always cleaning. Mrs. Wellington is trying to help out, but she's no spring chicken, and she already helps Bartholomew with the chores at the farm.”

“Stop worrying. We will find someone to help when we get there,” Jake said when Colt took a breath.

Promise listened as Jake and Colt discussed the limited possibilities of finding someone to help Victoria, and considered her options. It had occurred to her that the killers could come back at any time, and with Jake gone it might embolden them to come to the ranch. They had already tried to eliminate Jake, so they wouldn't hesitate to kill her aunt and uncle. If she left Denver for a period of time, the killers might think she'd returned to South Carolina, and they would eventually give up looking for her. Wyoming seemed like the answer to both of their problems. The answer to everyone's dilemma seemed obvious. “I could go with you and help Victoria.”

The men didn't hear her offer because their discussions had turned to a bet on whether Victoria would have a girl or boy.

Finally, she said more loudly, “I'll go to Wyoming with you and help. I can do all of the cooking and cleaning until Victoria is on her feet. I'm also fairly good with a needle.”

The men stopped talking and stared at her.

“I thought you came here to be with your family,” Colt said.

Jake simply stared at her. He didn't know what to say.

“I wouldn't be here if not for your brother, and—”

She was interrupted by Jake. “You're not beholden to me.”

“It's not that I feel beholden, Jake. I want to help. I'm also thinking about my family. Until those killers are caught, my aunt and uncle are in danger.” She saw he wasn't persuaded, so she added, “Besides, Cole told me I needed to see Wyoming. He said he would come for me if I ever wanted to visit, and I'm sure he would bring me back in the spring.” She tried to ignore the fact that she was also delaying the day she would be forced to say good-bye to Jake forever. She knew that day would come, but she wasn't prepared just yet.

I should have known Cole would be involved
, Jake thought.

Colt thought about the situation before he responded. If the killers came back from Mexico, if that was really their destination, Promise and her family would be left to their own defenses. Of course, Hollister had some men on the ranch, but they couldn't wait around indefinitely for the killers. If she went to Wyoming with them and the killers returned, they would certainly find out she was no longer here, and maybe they would stop looking for her.

“I don't think that is such a good idea,” Jake said. “It's a long way to Wyoming and you've never seen what the winters are like there. You couldn't come back to Denver until next spring.” Jake wasn't sure the winters were worse in Wyoming than Denver, but he wasn't going to mention that.

“Hang on, Jake,” Colt said. “It might be best if she did leave Denver.” Seeing the obstinate look on Jake's face, he added, “If only for a short time. If those men come back from Mexico and see she is no longer here, they might think she's returned home. They wouldn't go clear across country to look for her in South Carolina.”

“That is precisely what I thought,” Promise admitted. “It would help both of us.” As far as she was concerned, the decision was made. “I would need to go to town to see the sheriff before we leave, and I will mention I am returning to South Carolina.”

Colt admired her thought process. “I like that plan. The sheriff would certainly tell Deputy Potter if he came back to Denver.”

“Well, I don't like the plan,” Jake said abruptly. “We can find someone to hire when we get to Wyoming.”

Jake's words were spoken with such finality that Promise assumed he was anxious to be rid of her. It hurt to know how he really felt, but she tried not to let it show. “I just wanted to help.” With that said, she left the room.

Colt saw Promise was near tears, but he waited until she was out of earshot to give his brother hell. “Don't you think you were a bit harsh? You've hurt her feelings.” Colt was puzzled by Jake's behavior; it wasn't like him to have such little regard for a woman's tender feelings. “What's the real reason you don't want her to come with us? You have to admit it is sound reasoning to get her away from Denver right now. Not to mention that it is quite nice of her to offer to help a complete stranger.”