Liberty Belle (19 page)

“You won’t. I’ll keep Mark from him until I’m sure it’s safe.”

Squinting, Mercado shrugged. “Very well, I will leave him for you to do as you wish.
Vaya con Dios
.”

“Wait, what’s his name?”

The proud man walked to his horse and mounted. “He is called
Fuego
. The name means fire.” Sitting tall and proud, he nodded and rode away.

Wade ran a hand down the magnificent animal’s neck. Was he playing with fire? He glanced at the still-shaken boy. A confidence he’d long forgotten came forward. He could tame this horse. He knew it.
Fire
or not. He took his rope and secured it around the horse’s hind foot and then through the halter.

Sweeny rubbed his chin. “That horse is crazy wild. Better to put a bullet through his head.”

“I’ve gentled a few lost causes before. Besides, if I can break him, I won’t need a loan.” Wade gripped Mark’s shoulder. “I’ll have Fuego so sweet, Mark will be able to ride him. Right partner?”

The boy gave a half-grin that all but faded when he turned toward the horse.

Jacob laughed. “I like your style, Wade. If you can get the stallion to my livery, I’ll let you board him free for a month. Why, just look at the people curious to see if he’s going to come to. They’ll be stopping by my livery and bringing me business.”

“Hope so. I think I’ll use his English name, Fire.” Wade stood by the horse and basked in the congratulations of the bystanders. He’d risen from a nameless nobody to hero of the day. Mark appeared to be enjoying the interest, too, especially by one little girl with blond curls.

Fire’s legs twitched, and his head moved. Wade hated to think of the headache the animal would feel. He got a bucket of water to give to the horse. Excitement flickered at the thought of training him. The sun warmed the air and for the first time in years, joy lifted Wade’s heart until he saw a woman sitting alone on a prairie schooner.

Libby.

He’d taken longer than planned. Would she understand? He kicked at the dirt. Of course not, she was a woman.

“Mr. Sweeny, I got a favor to ask. Could you take my wagon and pick up a couple of women at the newspaper office and bring them here? I promised them I’d be back and that was some time ago.”

Scratching his neck, Sweeny frowned. “Whew, and you think that horse is going to be a handful? Women having to wait can be a frightful scene. You already hobbled the horse. I think I’d rather stay here and leave that
fire
with you.”

Wade grinned but had the distinct feeling he was about to get burned when he found Libby. “Kind of thought you might say that. All right, me and Mark will pick up the ladies. Shouldn’t take us long. Thanks, Mr. Sweeny.”

“Call me, Jacob. You better hurry and get those women before they burn down the town.”

Guffaws of laughter followed as he and Mark made their way out of the corral. After reaching the wagon, Mark climbed into the seat. “Mr. Wade? You called me, son, but I’m not. My name is Taylor.”

Wade couldn’t read the boy’s face. However, the mention of that name brought back harsh memories. With some effort, Wade shoved them aside.

Swallowing hard, the boy looked down. “I like you, but I … well, I don’t want to make my pa unhappy even if he is in heaven.”

Wade looked at the boy. He looked so much like Taylor. The man just wouldn’t die. But it wasn’t the kid’s fault. “Tell you what, we’ll just be partners. Fair enough?”

With a relieved grin, Mark nodded. In seconds, his usual smile returned. “Can I drive the wagon?”

Wade handed over the reins. “Guess I better get used to my partner driving the team.”

###

Libby stomped toward the newspaper office.
Where is he?
She and Flora had looked into the windows and doors of the three stores on the block for what seemed like half the day. She’d been propositioned by men twice her age and blind with whiskey. How these wild ruffians could already be drunk so early was a tribute to the number of drinking establishments in Denver.

“Oh, Libby, can’t we sit on the bench and wait? I am sure Wade will be here soon.”

Libby strode to the carved log, but instead of sitting, she paced in front of it.

Flora smiled and sat at the end, keeping a respectable distance from the scruffy man who shared the bench.

The old man pointed at Libby. “Why don’t ye jest sit? Yor making me nervous.”

Libby retreated to Flora’s side and glared at the man. The odor surrounding him repelled her, and she wanted nothing to do with him. At home, she never had to put up with such disgusting people. “If you don’t mind, I prefer to walk.”

“Well I do. Otherwise, I wouldn’t a said nothin’.”

Flora scooted toward the gruff man and patted the hard wood. “Here, Libby. Do sit. Wade will be here in a moment.”

“Wade? A young fella, dark haired, and good with a gun? And has a kid following him around?”

Libby stopped pacing, dropped on the bench, and stared at the man. “Yes, could be.”

A cackling laugh doubled the old man over. “He might be a little late. Had to save the boy from a wild horse. Most amazing shooting I ever seen.”

Save Mark from a horse?

Flora put a hand to her mouth. “Oh my. Is he all right?”

“Yessum. Horse fell at the boy’s feet. I don’t mind waitin’ here with ye. I’d like to meet that fella.”

“Thank goodness.” Libby leaned her back against the rough wood of the newspaper building.

“Need to be thankin’ the Lord. Had to be His hand guidin’ that bullet for sure.” The man frowned. He stood and wiped his palms on his grimy rag of a jacket. “I’m sorry, Miss. You two keep the bench to yorselfs. I ain’t fittin’ to sit with real ladies.”

Libby’s heart split. Just because her day wasn’t going the way she planned was no reason to be rude to the man, no matter how ragged his clothes. She’d not been so unfriendly before she left Crimson. “Please stay. I am sorry. Forgive me for being so abrupt.”

He blushed through sparse whiskers. “My name’s Wilkins. Tobias Wilkins. I came out here a year ago to make it rich in the gold fields. Lost everything to the hard land and the poker tables.” His grin revealed several missing teeth. “Don’t worry, if’n anyone comes by that might be a bother, I’ll protect ye both.”

Flora grasped her reticule to her chest. “I feel much safer, Mr. Wilkins.”

Libby doubted the man could fight off a kitten, but it was a nice gesture and did give her a sliver of comfort. Still, she wondered about Mark and Wade and longed to see that the boy was safe.

Since their first meeting on the stage, Mark had won a place in her heart. Her feelings warmed at the thought of how Wade had taken it upon himself to care for the boy. Most men would’ve left him at the nearest town or farm.

“Miss Libby, I’m driving the wagon!”

Libby looked up to see a grinning Mark rein the horses to a halt in front of the newspaper. Relief washed over her. Mark appeared none the worse for almost being trampled. Wade would have to explain why Mark was in danger to begin with. “You’ve grown since I last saw you. Takes a big man to handle a team of horses.”

Seeing Wade, her breath caught and a smile sprang to her lips.

He set the brake, helped Mark climb down, and strode toward her. His gaze set off a flurry of butterflies in her stomach.

The boy ran to Libby, hugged her, and then scooted next to Flora. In an excited voice, he relayed his latest adventure with the horse to Flora and Mr. Wilkins.

Libby’s eyes remained locked on Wade’s. She practically jumped from the bench and only by reminding herself she was a lady did she keep from running into his arms.

“I heard you had some excitement.” Her voice came out deeper than she’d planned.

He took off his hat and held it nervously in front of him. “I’m sorry we’re late. I—”

“It’s all right. Mr. Wilkins saw the whole thing. He wants to shake your hand. I. … Well, I’m glad you’re both safe.”

Wade’s glance roved toward the old man. “He didn’t bother you, did he?”

She placed a hand on Wade’s arm and then had to fight the desire to fall into his embrace. “No, not at all. I find him a delightful friend. He was protecting us.”

“I better meet him then.” Wade patted her arm but took his time leaving.

Mark came forward with the older man in tow. “Mr. Wade, Mr. Tobias saw you save me from Fire.”

“I never seen any shootin’ like that young fella. My name’s Tobias Wilkins, and I’d be pleased to be counted as yor friend.” The old man held out a gnarled hand.

Wade heartily shook it. “Being new to town, I could use some friends.”

“I help out at Sweeny’s Livery time to time.” Tobias broke out into a wide grin.

“I’ll see you there. Jacob hired me. If the stallion recovers, I’ll board him at Sweeny’s.”

Libby wondered about Wade’s judgment. Why would he put them in harm’s way? “Keep the wild stallion? Why? Isn’t he dangerous?”

Wade cocked his head and gave her a perplexed grin. “I can train him. And I’m smart enough to know when I can’t. Besides, it saves me from having to buy a horse.”

Libby stepped away from him.
Men
. Perhaps Mother ruled her father for a reason. “Flora would like to go to the general store and buy sewing materials.”

With a hand on Mark’s shoulder, Wade nodded. “I’ll just get my driver here and we’ll be on our way.”

Tobias waved and went back to the bench. “You keep good care of those ladies and young man. And watch out fer that crazy horse.”

Libby let Wade help her into the wagon, and her resentment melted. He hadn’t asked about her venture. She didn’t want to tell him how she’d failed. He might’ve secured employment at the livery, but she had nothing to contribute. Soon Mark settled beside her, and Flora sat in the bed of the wagon.

Wade passed the reins to the boy. Mark clicked, and the horses leaned into the harness.

Concentrating her eyes on the road, Libby jumped when Wade tapped her shoulder. She turned and saw him watching her.

“So, how did your teaching job go?”

She wanted to disappear. “I am afraid the position was already filled. But the man running the paper said he’d watch for any ads that may be promising for me.” Quickly she turned her head to the street. Tears threatened to return. Although she did want him to have feelings for her, pity wasn’t what she desired.

“Sorry. Something will turn up. I can help at the livery. Later, Mark and I will check out the gold claim he owns. Right partner?”

Mark kept his attention on the horses. “Yes, sir.”

“Oh my. Don’t worry Libby. I am sure once I make a sign, I can secure a comfortable wage from my sewing. By the ragged clothes on the men in this town, I might have my own gold mine.” Flora giggled.

Wade chuckled. “I think you’ve got a good idea, Flora. At least we all have a place for the night thanks to Mason. As much as I hate to admit it, the man has helped us out. Things will turn around soon.”

Libby wiped an escaping tear and then straightened. “I suppose you all are right. Still, I didn’t come this far to live off the kindness of others. Especially a gambler.”

She shuddered at the very idea that she was rooming in a saloon. Her mother would not be pleased. She just hoped Mr. Myers would find her suitable means of employment to provide for a room in a respectable boardinghouse.

“Whoa. Stop here, Mark. The store is across the street. Flora, wait and I’ll help you down.” Wade jumped from the wagon and ran to the back.

With a twinkle in her eyes, Flora came to Libby’s side. “I shouldn’t take but a few minutes. You can stay here if you like?”

“I think the disappointment has made me a little shaky.” Libby dabbed a handkerchief to her cheek.

Mark climbed from the wagon. “Miss Flora, I’ll go. Remember, I’m going to help you make a sign.”

“Why, yes, and you can carry my packages, too.” Flora took hold of the boy’s arm and together they walked across the busy street and entered Baker’s Emporium.

Libby sighed. She would’ve liked to shop, but without money, there was no reason.

Wade checked the harness and stood by the horses and rubbed the bay’s ear.

Was he avoiding her? Here they were alone, and he chose to pay attention to the horses? Libby huffed. Perhaps she’d misread the man and her sparks.

Determined to not let him catch her staring at him, she focused her attention on the store. She relaxed a little when she noticed a few women enter the establishment. Until then, she’d begun to wonder if there were any other civilized women in Denver.

“I intend to work hard so you can leave Harley’s saloon.”

Startled, she turned to find Wade next to her and fell under the spell of his striking blue eyes. Surely, he did care for her. Overcome with relief, Libby twisted a curl around her finger. “Thank you. You’ve been so kind to help us. I—”

“I assure you, Miss Longstreet, kindness is not the reason.” He placed his hand on hers.

His touch sent alternating waves of warmth and chills. Her head felt light as a feather while her tongue seemed glued to the roof of her mouth.

He gave a sly nod and released her.

Her hand tingled as if he still held hers. She’d not been prepared for the intensity of the sparks. Libby gazed at him, not sure she could handle any more. Heat flushed her face, and she looked down for a moment to collect herself. Lacy hanky to her cheek, she gazed up, but he’d turned away.

Was she just imagining he cared for her?

Chapter 20

Wade picked at the leather harness and concentrated on the building across the street, hoping to see Mark and Flora. The red on Libby’s cheeks matched the fire in his heart, and he wasn’t sure how much longer he should stay alone with her.

He pretended to check the reins just so he wouldn’t face her. Relief steadied his shaking hands when he saw Mark amble out of the store with packages in hand. Flora followed with her arms full.

“There they are. I’ll help them.” He said it to the wind. Not sure that if he looked at Libby, he’d be able to make it across the street without stumbling over his feet.