Desperate Lola (The Mail Order Brides of Boot Creek Book 2) (7 page)

I
was not
aware of the history—the acrimony between the cattle barons of the New Mexico Territory and the longstanding resentments of the smaller farmers. All I knew was that my wedding had been a disaster, the reception a total failure, and my honeymoon had now been ruined. I refused to remove my arms from around my husband’s neck.

“Sweetheart, I have to go.” Regret laced his tone.

“No.”

He rubbed my back, while I buried my face in his neck. “I’m sorry. We’ll continue this shortly. I promise you that.”

“Where are you going?”

“I have to see about this situation. It’s business.” He tried to remove me, grasping my arms. “Lola.”

I held his face, kissing him, hating that he would go. “I don’t like this one bit. Everything’s ruined.”

“No, my dear.” He pushed a strand of hair away from my eyes. “We’ve bonded rather well, I should say, in such a short period of time. I’ll finish this business as quickly as I can, because all I can think about is being with you.”

“Can’t Chuck take care of it? Tell him to make those men go away.” I sounded petulant, but I did not care.

“It’s not that simple.” He slid from the bed, but not before I caught a glimpse of that part of his anatomy that had been hidden in hair. It had risen rather dramatically.

“Boss! You comin?”

“Yeah,” Jack muttered. He thrust his arms into his shirt, while casting regretful glances in my direction. His sudden grin was disarming. “You’ve had an eyeful now, eh?”

“I have. I really would like to get a better look at that.”

He shook his head, as if trying to un-hear what he just heard. “Shush now. Don’t say that. I’m half tempted to let it all go to blazes just to be with you. You’ve no idea how fetching you look—how seductive.”

I appreciated the compliment, but I would have rather had him next to me. “I suppose I’ll get dressed too.” I sighed, reaching for a drawer, wanting to wear something that was not as form-fitting as my wedding ensemble. I found a variety of dresses neatly folded, choosing a simple, blue calico.

Jack had dressed, sliding his feet into his boots. I had done up the last of the buttons, before he opened the door, finding Mr. Brittle standing there.

“Boss! It’s not looking good. Oliver claims you’ve been stealin’ cattle from him, which we all know is untrue. But he claims it anyway, saying you want him off his land so you can claim ownership of it.”

“He’s as loco as ever.”

I approached the door, running fingers through my long, tangled hair. “Must you go?”

Mr. Brittle’s eyes skimmed over me. “I guess congratulations are in order. Did you marry?”

“Yes, we did,” said Jack, reaching for me. “I’ll be back shortly, darling.” He kissed my forehead. “You wait here. This shouldn't take more than an hour or so, then we can resume … the honeymoon.”

He broke free from my grasp, hurrying down the hallway, while Mr. Brittle continued to stare, his gaze lingering on my mussed hair. “Just remember, I was the one who kissed you first, darlin’.”

How annoying! The gall! “I do prefer my husband’s kisses, Mr. Brittle. They’ve all but erased any previous memory.”

A scowl appeared. “Don’t get too comfortable at The Kelly Ranch, Mrs. Kelly. Being a cattle baron is a hazardous occupation. I could count the number of widows on both hands.” He nodded. “That’s a lot.”

Those words sat unpleasantly in my belly. “Are you threatening my husband?”

“Not at all. I’m just telling you not to get too comfortable or too smug in that ivory tower. It could all come crashing down around you. Then you might find yourself desperate enough to marry a cowpuncher.”

He turned and left before I could say anything else, feeling quite disturbed by what I had just heard. There seemed to be a commotion outside, and I hurried for the stairs to find out what it was. I met Mrs. Boles in the foyer, where she stood staring at the door with a worried expression.

“What’s happening?”

“Oliver Trundle and his men have come to settle an old score.”

“Who is he?”

“A neighboring rancher, but he’s also working on the wrong side of the law. We suspect he’s been the one responsible for culling cows from the herd. Mr. Kelly’s gathering men to find the animals.”

“I don’t know anything about this business.”

“No, you wouldn’t.”

“He never mentioned it in his letters.”

“It’s the unpleasant aspect of what he does. Being as successful as he is, someone’s always trying to steal from him.”

There were other men on the porch as well, and they had brandished weapons. “Do they work for Jack?”

She nodded. “He’s got his boys with him, but so does Oliver.” I made a move to pass her. “It’s better not to go out, my dear.” The dog appeared in the hallway. “Keep that animal inside!” One of the maids went to fetch him, leading him to the study.

Glancing out the door, I spied my husband, who stood with his hands on his hips. He had donned a belt, which held a holster. Mr. Brittle stood with him and three other men, who I had not met yet. Before them were several men on horseback. The person at the front seemed the most authoritative, his expression stern. I assumed this was Oliver Trundle.

“You stole my cattle,” the man on horseback accused.

“I did not. I merely retrieved property that belonged to me.”

Oliver dismounted, his booted feet touching the ground. “I beg to differ.”

“I’ve the cattle in a small paddock, if you wish to examine them. Your boys branded over my K, but I can assure you, the original brand is still visible. I don’t take too kindly to having my property stolen.”

“Your days of heavy handed tactics are coming to an end, Jack. It’s my land you want, but you’ll never get it, not over my dead body.”

“I’ve enough land, Oliver. What I’d like to do is continue to raise my cattle without your men stealing from me.”

“Those were
my
cows!” he hissed, spitting on the ground.

“They were not.”

Ignoring Mrs. Boles warning about not appearing on the porch, I went out anyhow, wanting to have a better look at who my husband’s nemeses were. All the men noted this, as their eyes fell on me.

“Is this your new wife?” asked Mr. Trundle. “She’s a sight better than I thought she’d be. Somebody said you brought in a mail order bride.”

Jack swung around to look at me, grinning slightly. “Yes. This is Mrs. Lola Kelly.”

“Heard you were gonna get married again.”

“That’s none of your business.”

“It’s smart to try for a son. It’s important to have someone to carry on the family business. My boys know how valuable they are.”

The thinly veiled threat sat poorly with me, my skin crawling from the lascivious look on Oliver’s face, as it traveled over my person.

“Judd, why don’t you bring one of the cows around that Mr. Trundle claims is his. I’d like him to have a look at the shoddy branding. We’ll see whose brand came first. We’ll settle this once and for all.”

“Yes, sir.” He took off down the steps.

“Don’t bother wastin’ your time,” said Oliver.

“But you’re here wasting mine. I’m growing tired of these games. I’m reaching the end of my tolerance for the thievery that continues unabated. Sheriff Ballew’s seen your handiwork, and he agrees with me. This nonsense needs to stop.”

Unperturbed, Oliver spat on the ground. “I want my property back. The way I see it, you owe me twenty head of cattle.”

“Which belonged to me. I owe you nothing. You’re just cross, because I discovered your little hiding place. Leaving the cows with Mrs. Langston was a stroke of genius, but it’s just like you to hide behind a woman’s skirts, isn’t it?”

“Leave Penny outta it,” he warned.

“I know you got a soft spot for whores, but using her property to warehouse livestock?” Jack shook his head. “I expected more from you.” A rider appeared in the distance, kicking up a fair amount of dust. “Who is that?”

Judd had brought the cow around, having roped it. The animal trotted towards us, while the rider approached. I stood by the door watching, wondering what would happen next. The person who had arrived belonged to Mr. Trundle, because he stopped near the horses.

“She’s dead!”

Oliver’s head snapped in his direction. “Who’s dead?”

“Penny. Found her hanging from a tree.”

A thunderous expression distorted Mr. Trundle’s face. “What?”

“She was hanged. The cattle are gone, and so is she.”

“I sent my men to round up my property,” said Jack. “Nothing more.”

“You killed Penny!”

“I don’t know who killed your whore, Oliver. I had nothing to do with it.”

The tension had escalated, and, from the looks of it, there would be bloodshed. I had to wonder if my husband had ordered Mrs. Langston’s death, but at that moment, I did not have time to ponder this question. Feeling the eyes of men upon me and knowing it was not safe to be amongst them, I reached for the door, meaning to go inside. A piercing pain registered in my shoulder, as a loud bang went off. The force of whatever hit me sent me tumbling to the porch, where I landed in an unceremonious heap. A white-hot pain registered in my shoulder, while something wet began to drench the cloth of my sleeve.

“You son of a ... ” shouted Jack, as gunfire erupted, the shots echoing, as bullets struck the wood around me.

Someone stood over me, lifting me. It was one of Jack’s men, but he was suddenly hit, stumbling with me in his arms. We landed just inside the house, and Mrs. Boles grasped one of my arms, pulling me further into the parlor. “Oh, my heavens!” she exclaimed, her face awash with horror. Bullets sprayed the interior, as works of art sported holes and gilded frames came crashing to the floor.

“It’s an eye for an eye!” shouted Oliver. “Now you’ll know what it feels like to have something you love taken away.”

“I didn’t harm your lady! That would be a tactic you’d employ. You’ll pay for shooting Lola, I promise you that.” Cold steel laced Jack’s voice, as another round of gunfire resounded.

“Let me see,” said Mrs. Boles. “You silly girl. I told you not to go out there, and now look at you.”

Tears welled in my eyes. “It hurts.”

“I’m sure it does. We need Doc Baker. That bullet has to come out.” She applied pressure to the wound, which caused a burst of pain to flare. “I know it smarts, Mrs. Kelly, but I have to staunch the bleeding.”

“Do they shoot like this all the time?” I whispered.

“No, honey.” She smiled sympathetically. “Anger’s been brewing for a while now, ever since the Lincoln County War. Mr. Kelly was on the winning side of that one, but it stirred up plenty of animosity. No one really wins in wars anyhow. It’s more like who loses less.”

“I see.”

“You poor thing. You’ve lost all your color.”

“I feel … so cold.”

“You’re going to be just fine. You’ll recover completely once the bullet’s out.” She tied a kerchief around my arm. “This will hold for a spell, but we need the doctor.” A maid had joined her, gazing at me with concern, but the shooting continued, which kept all of us near the floor for fear that a bullet might come our way.

The man who had grabbed me sat up, holding his arm. “Blasted heck!”

“Go see who’s winning, Kitty,” said Mrs. Boles. “But be careful about it.” She glanced at the man. “Are you hurt badly?”

“No, I’ll live,” he rasped.

“Yes, ma’am,” said Kitty.

I shuddered, trembling with cold, which was odd considering it was a summer day. The silence a moment later was nearly deafening. Kitty had not returned, but someone else approached, kneeling beside me. I stared into the troubled eyes of my husband. He touched my shoulder, which produced a rush of pain.

“Lola.” He sounded hoarse. “Dear God.” He gathered me into his arms, holding me close. “I killed that bastard. He got what was coming. Get a doctor,” he shouted. “Now!”

“I sent for him, sir.” Mrs. Boles got to her feet. “It’s over. From the looks of it, you killed them all.”

“A few of my men are gone.” He closed his eyes, pressing his cheek to mine. “You had better recover. I didn’t even have you for one day. Don’t leave me, Lola. We’ve not even begun. It’s far too soon to say goodbye. God keep her safe,” he whispered near my ear.

I wanted to respond to his impassioned pleas, but my eyelids had grown far too heavy, and then I felt nothing at all, because everything had drifted to black.

I
heard voices around me
, but they sounded distant.

“Why isn’t she awake yet?”

“She’s only been sleeping a short while, Mr. Kelly. Please try not to distress yourself.”

“But shouldn’t she be conscious by now?”

“I’ve only just sewn her back together, sir. In due time she’ll come around.”

“Sit down, Mr. Kelly. You’re not uninjured yourself. It looks like something grazed you as well.” That voice belonged to Mrs. Boles.

“It’s just a scratch.”

“I’ll need to have a look at it. I see blood on your pant leg.”

“Yeah, whatever you say, but she should be awake.” I felt the bed move, and something touched my face. “She needs to open her eyes. Then I’ll know if she’s well. I can’t bear the thought that she might not wake.”

“Now, Mr. Kelly. Don’t trouble yourself needlessly. She’s just fine. I’ve examined her, and she’s a healthy young woman. The bullet went clean through, which is a blessing. We just have to watch for infection now.”

Something warm brushed my cheek. “To think it could’ve all been over today. How precious and fleeting time is. I’ve always taken it for granted. I never imagined I might lose her so soon. I never want to bury another wife. I only want her. I need her to wake.”

I tried to clear my throat. “J … Jack.”

He inhaled sharply. “Lola?”

Prying an eye open, I gazed at my husband’s worried expression. “I’m fine. Go have your leg looked at.”

An enormous smile split his face. “Gracious be. The Lord has answered my prayers.”

“See; I told you,” said the doctor. “There’s nothing to worry about. She’s a sight smarter than you too, even unconscious. Now bring that leg over here, so I can have a look at it. Then you two can continue the happy reunion for as long as you want.”

Jack took my hand, squeezing it. “I’ll be back.”

“I know you will.” My shoulder throbbed, feeling hot, as if it had been run through with a flaming poker. “Ouch.” I tried to sit.

“Now there,” said Mrs. Boles. “I’ll get you some water, but don’t try to get up just yet.”

After Jack’s leg had been bandaged, he sat on the bed next to me, his arm going over my head. “I’m so glad you’re awake.”

“Me too.”

“How do you feel?”

“Like I took a bullet.”

“I’m so proud of you, my brave girl. I’ll never forgive myself for what happened today.”

“Did you … have anything to do with that woman’s death?” I gazed at him, worried he might have played a part in her hanging.

“No. That was not my intention. I told my men to get the cattle. I don’t know who hung Mrs. Langston. I leave the law and punishment to the sheriff. I don’t mess around with that, but I have the right to retrieve my property.”

“Who hung her?”

“I don’t know.” His brow furrowed, because the question clearly bothered him. “Somebody who knew her death would stir up trouble for me, I suppose.”

Suspicion propelled me to ask, “Was it one of your men?”

“I sincerely hope not. If I find out somebody I knew did this, there’ll be hell to pay.”

I did not want to think about it at the moment, changing the topic. “How’s your leg?”

“I’m fine. I got a part of a bullet that bounced off wood.” He grinned. “I’ll live. I know you were hoping to be a widow, but it won’t happen that soon, I’m afraid.”

“I don’t want to be a widow. I just want to get to know you. I’m so glad I didn’t die.”

He kissed my cheek. “I’ve never known fear like I felt today. It was horrific. Seeing you go down … ” he inhaled deeply, “I thought it was over.”

Mrs. Boles had taken a bowl away, which sloshed with reddish water, striding to the door. “I think we can leave them alone, Doc Baker. I’ll keep an eye on them. They need to rest.”

“I’ve done what I can.” He pulled out a gold watch. “It’s late. Martha will be wondering what kept me.”

“Go, please,” said Jack. “We can manage from here.”

“I’ll be back tomorrow to check on Mrs. Kelly. I’ll have to irrigate and change the dressing.”

“Mrs. Boles is capable of that as well.”

“Yes, but until no sign of infection presents itself, I’d rather do it myself.”

“All right.” After he left, Jack glanced at me, affection glimmering in his eyes. “Our wedding day will go down in history. I’ve never seen so much calamity in one twenty-four hour period.”

I giggled, “Me either.”

“We’ve tonight, but I must leave tomorrow. I have to bring some cattle to Lamy and meet with a few people. I have to find out what happened, Lola. I have a feeling there’ll be more trouble, unless I can get to the bottom of it.”

“This cattle business is dangerous. I had no clue about that. Will I be safe here?”

Something flickered in his eyes. “I feel awful about what happened to you, honey. I failed you. You were always supposed to be safe here, and it’s my fault you aren’t. I’ve men who’ll look after you. Mr. Boles is back from Santa Fe, and he’ll be here to watch over you and so will Judd. You won’t be unprotected. I promise.”

“No wedding night for us then,” I murmured.

He grinned sardonically. “Well, this is it. Two wounded people on a bed. It’ll have to do.” He drew nearer, reaching out to hold my face, while something warm and mysterious glimmered in his eyes. “I owe you a proper wedding night, Lola. You’ll have it for certain. I’ll move heaven and earth, if I have to.” A knock sounded at the door. “Come in.”

Mrs. Boles appeared carrying a tray. “Here’s everything you asked for.” There were wine glasses and a bottle of champagne.

My eyes fell on what looked like a cake. “Is that?”

“Yes, darling. I had her make vanilla batter with sugar frosting. Just for you.”

“Oh, thank you!” I struggled to sit up, as pain flared.

“Don’t do too much,” Jack warned. “Let me help you.” He propped up two fluffy pillows behind my back. “There you are.” Then he poured the champagne, handing a glass to me. “This will take the edge off the pain.”

“I’m finding I like champagne. It tickles my belly.”

“Here you go.” He gave me a plate. “It certainly smells delicious.”

“It does.”

“Is there anything else I can get you?” Mrs. Boles placed the tray on a nearby table. She smiled, clearly pleased that we had survived the ordeal.

“No, we’re fine now,” said Jack. “Thank you for going through all the trouble to bake the cake.”

“It was no trouble at all, sir. It was my pleasure.”

“Be sure to have a slice or two for yourself.”

“I’ll share it with Mr. Boles.”

“Excellent.”

“I’ve begun to pack your bags as well. You said you wanted the sack suit without the wingtip collar, correct? Or was it the narrow lapel?”

“Either one. I don’t particularly care, Mrs. Boles.”

“Yes, all right.”

Hearing this displeased me greatly. He would depart tomorrow to travel to another town, leaving me here alone. We’d had almost no time together as a married couple. I hadn’t realized I frowned until he said, “Don’t look so sad. I’ll return in two or three days.”

“I hope so.” The gunfight had distressed me deeply. My ears rung still, from the aftereffects of the noise from each shot. It had been incredibly loud. “I worry now. I fear for your safety.”

“Oliver Trundle will never be a nuisance again. He’s with the undertaker as we speak. His son will have to take over the ranch, and, maybe one of these days, I’ll have to deal with him, because I’m sure he’ll want revenge. I’ve been fighting for what’s mine since I bought my first business, while clawing my way to profitability. Remaining on top is tricky, but I’ll be victorious in the end. I plan to live a long and fruitful life. If that means surrounding myself with men armed to the teeth, then so be it. I’m interviewing more men for this task soon enough. I’ll find them in Lamy. If not there, than Santa Fe.” He looked regretful. “I wish I didn’t have to go, but things need to be seen to.”

I did not understand the reasons for the hostility. “Why all the fighting?”

“It goes back a long time. The Lincoln County War stirred up all sorts of distrust and animosity, pitting rancher against rancher and farmer against farmer. It’s a long and convoluted story, but suffice it to say, there never were any winners. I managed to survive with my ranch intact, but others weren’t so lucky.”

“I see.”

“I had pursued charges against Mr. Trundle and his cohort, Spud Wesley, for stealing my cattle, but nothing was ever resolved. Instead of going to jail, Oliver died, and I’m not certain the bullet that killed him came from my gun.” He shrugged. “It’s all done with now.”

“I hope so.”

“Eat your cake. You shouldn’t have to worry about this, sweetheart.”

“I’m a rancher’s wife now. Trouble came to my doorstep. I have to worry about it. I worry about our future children and their safety. I’m worried about never seeing you again, if you leave tomorrow.”

He rubbed his cheek against mine. “I’m coming back, Lola. I swear to you, I’ll be back.”

“I hope so, Jack.”

“I’ll make it up to you.” He cut a portion of cake with a fork. “Now, open up. Have a taste. I can smell the vanilla from here.”

I took the bite. “Hum … it’s delicious.”

“It is.” He had eaten the second bite. “Chocolate is good too.”

“Then we’ll have that when you come back.”

His grin was endearing. “I’m looking forward to it.”

I wrapped my good arm around his neck, sitting up, ignoring the pain. “I miss you already.”

“I like this Lola. I adore the warm Lola.”

“I adore you.” I glanced at him, feeling a multitude of emotions that I could not even begin to classify.

“Ah, my romantic young wife.”

“But you don’t believe in romance.”

“I did say that, didn’t I?”

“Yes.”

He held my face. “My beliefs have been molded over time. Everything I know has come from firsthand experience, but I have a feeling you might just teach me something new.” He kissed my forehead. “My lovely, Lola.”

“Can’t you postpone the trip for a day?”

“Some things need to taken care of right now. I can’t put them off. I’m sorry.”

The cake had disappeared, the champagne bottle was empty, and I lay next to Jack, while his arm went over my head. His other arm rested across my belly. The injured shoulder smarted, but the champagne had numbed this feeling reasonably well. We were like this for a long time, listening to the sound of an owl outside the window and the occasional snorting of a cow in the pasture. Lost in my thoughts, I vacillated between feelings of gladness and sadness, not wanting to say goodbye to Jack in the morning. He had kicked his boots free and taken the waistcoat and jacket off, leaving the necktie dangling over a nearby chair.

“Have gunshots ever been fired here before?”

“Only to ward off coyotes. I’ve never had trouble this close to home, even during the ranching wars.”

“I see.”

“It’s a worry, Lola. I’m not happy about it in the least. But, please, don't become uneasy. I’m going to make sure it never happens again.”

I yawned. “I hope not.”

“You shouldn’t have to fear for your life in your own home. It’s not right.” He turned his head to glance at me. “Go to sleep. You need your rest.”

“Will you say goodbye before you leave?”

“Of course.”

“All right.” I slept next to Jack, although he slid from the bed in the early hours of the morning, and he failed to wake me. It wasn’t until Mrs. Boles opened the curtains, the stark light of morning streaming across the thick carpet, that I realized he had gone. I sat up, staring at Myra unhappily. “He didn’t say goodbye. He promised he would.”

“I’m sure he didn’t want to disturb your rest, Mrs. Kelly. He left awfully early.”

A frown lined my forehead, while a feeling of unease settled into my bones. Twirling the sapphire ring around my finger, I stared at nothing in particular, my mind filling with apprehension. This was not a good way to start the day.