The Stafford Collection, Historical Western Romances (50 page)

Feigning fatigue, she lowered her head to her hands and plucked out another pin. Her numb fingers dropped it too soon and it fell to the ground.

“Hey, Stan!” someone yelled, jumping down and picking it up. “What the hell is this?”

Amelia,
full of fury herself, kicked the man in the throat and held onto her horse for dear life as she nudged it into motion. She went about a foot before realizing that the reins were still being held by Stan. The horse came to a halt so suddenly she was thrown forward and over its head.

She put her arms up to cover her face as she hit the ground hard. She lay gasping for breath as the wind was knocked out of her. Pulling in a few wisps of
air, her lungs relaxed a bit allowing her to breathe. By the time she could move, Stan was upon her.

“
What the hell was that?” he hollered to her as he forcefully pulled her to her feet by her bound hands.

“
She’s been leaving a trail, Boss. Saw her dropping this on the ground. I could take care of her for ya.”

“
Shut up, Clyde. Is that true?” he asked turning to address Amelia who stood up to her highest height and looked him in the eye.

“
Yes, it’s true. Moreover, it may behoove you to know you have some very pissed off men coming your way. I am sure, every ranch hand my cousin has will be on your trail. If you leave me be, the hunt stops here. You can keep the damn money.”

A deep
chuckle rocked his thick chest and rumbled out as he pulled her tight against him.

“Oh,
sweetheart, you are worth so much more than money. Money I can get anywhere.”

“
Her pals were pretty fine too, even the squaw. They would still fetch a good price after we get our fill,” Clyde added, licking his crusty lips in anticipation.

A wicked gleam filled Stan
’s eye as he mounted his horse pulling Amelia over his lap like a sack of potatoes. He led the group into the water and Amelia fought to lift her head so she wouldn’t drown. Pushing her still bound hands against the saddle she had enough leverage to lift her upper torso above the water line as she turned her head trying to breathe. Reaching the other side, she collapsed from fatigue, and she was barely conscious as she felt rough hands picking at her hair.

***

Even without the pins, the trail was easy to follow. The clay held the moisture of the recent rain and left divots here and there. It was hard to transport that many men without leaving a trace. The total number of men was unknown, but it did not matter. Chase would take out an army if he had to.

The light was fading, as was the horses
’ strength. They would need to rest them soon. He knew the outlaws would have to rest their horses as well. That thought terrified him. Even thinking of someone else touching Amelia filled his heart with rage. He knew he had to push it out of his mind. His anger would not save her, but only his careful deliberation would.

The trail led them to a river. He carefully examined the
ground and frowned at the imprint of a body. He was relieved that there was not a body there now. He did not care what condition she returned to him in, he only needed her alive. They could overcome anything else together. Climbing back on his horse, he nudged it into the water. He dismounted on the other side and carefully studied the ground before waving the others over. It was a good place to rest the horses while he scouted on foot. The sun had started sinking further into the sky and Chase’s heart with it.

***

Sabrina sat on the porch with the others watching the sun creep down behind the hills. The sky was filled with vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds.

“
We need to head inside. It’s not safe out here since the men are gone,” Alma said gathering her knitting.

“
What are you talking about? I’m a man,” Samuel retorted to his mother’s insult.

“
I mean whole men.”

Sabrina had to laugh at the pair. She had learned from experience to trust Alma
’s instincts and advice. Not to mention the mosquitoes were ravenous that night.

“
I think we should go in as well. I could use some coffee.” Sally added.

“
You all could use some sleep,” Alma admonished.

Sabrina
sighed. “I don’t think anyone will get much sleep tonight.”

They moved the motley group into the kitchen. Grabbing two cups of coffee, she headed
in to visit Riley.

She entered finding Tom glaring at him,
so apparently he was still insisting to leave the bed.

“
Fresh coffee if you want some. I’ll keep watch.”

“
Maybe you can talk some sense into him.” Tom said shaking his head.

“
I doubt it, but I’ll make sure he stays still. I’ll shoot him if I have to.”

Tom chuckled as he left and Riley scowled at her.

“Whose side are you on?”

“
I’m on my side. I’m the one who will have to console Amelia when she gets home if you’re dead.” Sabrina reminded him

“
Do you think she will be okay?”

“
I know Amelia; she’s strong, and she will be just fine no matter what. And I know some pissed off men who will see that she remains just fine.”

Riley reached his hand out for the hot coffee and took a sip. The scalding liquid trickled down his throat
and lit a fire in him. He just could not sit around and wait any longer.

“
Hand me my gun.”

“
What for?” Sabrina asked startled by the request.

“
I need to clean it. Doc said I could move in a day or two. If they aren’t back by then, I’m heading out.”

Sabrina acquiesced as she went to gather his guns and hers as well. Being busy would make the time go by faster.

***

Chase frowned picking up another hair pin. It was not far past the last one he had found. She had been spacing them out much further,
so why were these so close? Did it fall out on its own? Was she harmed?

Did someone else drop it? The last question gripped his heart in fear. This trail was leading them up a mountain. If you were trying to escape why would you corner yourself? Unless you had reserves at the top, but otherwise, no. He had missed something.
He turned and carefully made his way back to the river where the others were waiting.

“
Something’s wrong. I think they split up. How far back I’m not sure.”

Brock,
who was exploring the other direction, called him over. “Quite a few horses passed through here; they go off in different directions. If that trail is false where do you think they are heading?”

“
I can’t be sure, but it is getting too dark to see.”

“
Forget what you can see, what can you feel?”

“
What I feel doesn’t make sense. If they were after money why would they take her?”

“
Because she is beautiful,” Jaelyn spoke up.

“
Yes, but that wouldn’t matter to most men, not enough to slow down their getaway. So why?”

Warren spoke up grimly,
“There are gangs who have been kidnapping women to sell. They get a higher price for quality. I hope that they won’t want to diminish her value by abusing her.”

“
We have to find her, let’s split up. Warren, you and Brock head north with your group, Jaelyn and I will head west with the others. Let’s hope they stopped for the night.”

***

Amelia was dizzy and disoriented. All the blood had rushed to her head and the movement from the horse made everything spin. Even if it was light she would have no idea where she was going. She had never been very good with directions and was always dependent upon Riley’s skills at navigation. Thinking of her brother brought tears to her eyes. One broke loose and ran down into her hair. She hoped he had enough sense not to come after her because if he damaged his leg anymore, he could lose it or his life.

She had to make it back. She knew that Chase would be looking for her and she knew in her heart that he would find her. She just had to be strong and stay alive. The sound of the horse
’s labored breath filled her ears and she felt sorry for the beast. With the way it was breathing it couldn’t go much farther, so did that mean they were stopping soon?

The horse did come to a halt but Amelia barely noticed since her head was still spinning. She was dumped to the ground and thankful she landed on her bottom instead of her head. She could hear the men talking around her as she was grabbed once again. She could make out Stan through the darkness and cringed as he tied a rope around her neck. Her eyes widened with fear. Were they
going to hang her? The thought wasn’t totally unpleasant compared to other options going through her frazzled head. Nevertheless, why drag her around with them for so long if they were just going to kill her anyway?

She felt the other end of the rope go
taut and was forced to scoot toward it so she could breath. The brush on the ground tore at her knees and hands as she crawled faster as the rope got tighter. Her head hit something hard and she stopped as Stan drug her against the tree trunk and wrapped the rope around her securing her in place.

Her head was starting to clear, as she was right side up again. She could make out a scatter of words from the men. It sounded like they were planning another raid. The word blond floated over to her and everything clicked as her blood turned to ice. Sally. They were going to raid the ranch. Moreover, it was she who had told them that all the men had left. Tears fell from her eyes in earnest as her heart ached. She was barely conscious of the fact that they were leaving her alone in the woods in the dark.

Chapter 30

Chase was walking now, his keen eyes picked up every nuance on the ground and every bent leaf. Even in the dark, the path was unmistakable. His ears listened to any sound other than the chirp of crickets or the constant buzz of the cicadas. They twisted through the heavy brush as the trail made a sudden turn south. Chase paused in thought before continuing at a faster pace waiting for it to veer back west. It did not and it suddenly clicked in his mind. They were heading
toward Montgomery.

“
They are heading south. How far are we from the ranch?” Chase asked the hands who were more familiar with the area than he was.

“We’re
still a good bit off. The river juts off and crosses Lovett property. Doesn’t make sense they would head backward.”

“
It depends upon what they are after,” Jaelyn spoke up as she remembered the men in town undressing them with their eyes. It didn’t make sense they would take Amelia if they were worried about a fast getaway. Either they were very stupid or very clever. She was hoping for stupid. “Do we take the chance of losing the trail and riding for the ranch or stay on track?”

“
We stay on track. I can’t risk losing her, and if they are heading for the ranch then we’ll find out soon enough.”

***

Anna and Jonathan sat on the porch listening to the serenade of the night creatures. It was a dark night and Anna stared off into the distance trying to catch a glimpse of the rescuers returning. It was not so long ago she would have jumped on a horse and rode with them, but with Jonathan unable to ride without reserve, her place was at his side.

It was good to see Chase happy; she only wished that Amelia would not break his heart when she left. She would have to leave sooner or later to return to her home. Here she was thinking about the future while Amelia was out there with bandits. Nevertheless, she had no doubt that Chase would find her and bring her back. After all, she had taught him everything she knew.

The gentle wind blew a strand of hair across her face and she tucked it behind her ear. And like turning off a switch the night music stopped. Not a sound could be heard. She sensed more than saw movement in the darkness and sat up to take a closer look. She saw Jonathan sit up a bit straighter next to her as she whispered, “Someone’s out there.”

He rose to his foot and slowly made his way inside as Anna pretended to assist him.
Once in the doorway, He hunkered down by the window to keep watch while Anna moved to alert the others in the house.

Sabrina was playing poker with Riley and losing badly. The door opened a crack and Anna
whispered, “There are men outside, take cover.”

“
Shit! Get me my gun!” Riley whispered briskly as he tried to maneuver his stiff leg on the bed. Sabrina moved swiftly grabbing his gun and extra bullets from the shelf where she placed them after they were cleaned.

“
It might just be a neighbor,” Sabrina said the words sounding feeble to her own ears.

“
And it might not. Grab Sally and Alma and head upstairs.”

Sabrina bristled at being ordered around, but she would have a better view to shoot from upstairs.
“Good thinking!” she said ducking and moving quickly through the dark house. A few candles were lit, the same ones as before to not alert anyone that they were aware of their presence. She saw Anna leaning over Jonathan and whispering before joining her on the stairs. Even in the darkness, she could make out the bow strapped to her back.

“
You shoot?” she asked in surprise.

“
Who do you think taught Brock and Chase?”

Sabrina smiled as she entered her room and drug Sally with her.
“What is happening? I can’t see anything!” Sally exclaimed in a harsh whisper.

“
Anna saw men outside.”

“
Is it Thomas?” Sally asked.

“
I think Thomas or anyone else respectable would have announced themselves by now.”

“
What are you doing?”

“
Getting ready.”

“
Are you gonna shoot them?” Sally squealed as Sabrina shushed her.

“
I’m gonna sure as hell try. I need you to reload for me.”

“
In the dark?” Sally asked terrified.

“
Yes, in the dark.”

“I… I…
can’t!”

“
I can,” A soft voice replied from the doorway as Jasmine entered.

“
Alright, Sally, you get down by the chest and for Pete’s sake, stay clear of the windows,” Sabrina said and rifling through a box under the bed, she handed them each a knife.

“
What is this for?” Jasmine asked in confusion.

“
In case they make it in the house.”

“
Do you think it’s the same men from town?”

“
I hope so.” Sabrina whispered.

Sabrina crouched awkwardly on the floor and for the first time peeked out of her bedroom window. It was very dark outside and it took a minute for her eyes to adjust. Her heart was pounding in her chest. She
gripped the wooden stock and slid the barrel of her Colt repeating rifle out the window. It was a Christmas gift from Brock.

Settling down in a more comfortable position, she picked a spot outside and squinted. She could just make out subtle movements in the tree line. It was too far to see how many were out there, but one was too many. They were out of range for her riffle so she hunkered down to wait
till they got closer. Who would be the first to die?

Her question was answered sooner than she had hoped. Four men crept
toward the house, and Sabrina took aim at one in the middle. Better odds, because if she was off a bit she could hit one on either side.

Bang. The bullet tore out of the chamber and Sabrina was filled with grim satisfaction as he hit the ground. Sabrina
quickly recovered from the recoil and took aim at the next man in line as another one fell. The others turned to run back into the woods and her shot brought one to a crawl. Another rang out from the house downing the fourth man; then there was silence.

She heard a yell from Samuel somewhere downstairs and then the report of a rifle. They had the house
surrounded. She cursed as she hunkered down searching the dark for any movement.

***

Amelia sat shivering in the darkness. The temperature had dropped as well as the sun. She could hear sounds of nature all around and wondered what type of creatures lurked in the darkness. Thoughts of the wild boar from their earlier encounter entered her mind and she shuddered.

A coyote howled in the distance and she again tried desperately to free herself. She had managed to loosen the filthy rag in her mouth, which freed up her breathing and she concentrated on releasing her hands. At first, she had tried to twist her hands out of the ropes but they were too tight and she had just ended up abrading her tender skin. Taking some deep breaths, she tried to move her fingers as much as she could and feel her bonds. Her mind tried to envision the knot and the best way to loosen it. This system worked
twofold. Not only was she not damaging herself further but also the concentration helped block out her surroundings.

She had just loosened her first strand using her nails and a bit of luck when she heard a twig break deep in the woods. The symphony of the forest stopped and the only thing she could hear was the pounding of her heart as she held her
breath, not daring to even breathe. Her blood turned to ice. Had her captors returned?

***

Chase cursed the night as the dark trees blocked out what little light there was. All he could do was follow the narrow path and trust his instincts. It took them to a well-traveled road and even in the dark he knew it led to Montgomery. He could hear water nearby and recognized the trail that ran along the river.

He hesitated at the edge not wanting to expose them out in the open. He was not sure if they had left men behind to keep watch. He closed his eyes and listened. Listening to all the sounds around
him, he thought everything seemed in place. Leaving Jaelyn and the others behind while he scouted out the road, he heard horse hooves cantering toward them.

His heart swelled with hope as Brock and Warren
rode into sight.

“
It was a trick. They circled around and are leading us back home,” Warren spat out disgustedly.

“
I don’t think it’s a trick. I think they are meaning to attack Montgomery,” Chase said gravely.

“
For what purpose?” Warren asked.

“
We think they might be after the women.”

Brock
’s heart turned to ice. Sabrina. He cursed before kicking Troy into a run the others in his group followed without hesitation. Chase stood where he was frowning as Jaelyn joined him. “What are you waiting for?”

“
I have to find Amelia.”

“
Well then, let’s find her.” Jaelyn said with conviction. They had the rest of their party follow Brock while they continued their tedious search on foot. Chase cursed at the new hoof prints trampling over the trail. He heard a coyote howl nearby and he froze. Coyotes normally didn’t attack people, unless they were injured. His heart pounded in his chest as he strained his eyes in the darkness, using every sense that the spirits gave him in his search.

He came to a spot on the trail that seemed different. There was a slight depression on the right hand side and Chase knelt down to examine it closely. It was a deer trail. However, the print left was from a horse. He was close now. They tied the horses nearby wanting to reduce any noise as possible.

He so wanted to scream out her name. Amelia. The name that was pounding in his head and that had been running through his blood since he had met her, but that would endanger them both. They could easily slit her throat to prevent her from giving away their position.

He crept closer, silently, deadly. His keen eyes detected a still white figure through the trees and
Chase’s heart almost stopped. It was Amelia, her alabaster hair shining even in the darkest of night. He had found her, but was she breathing? After a heart-stopping second, the small figure moved a bit and Chase’s spirit rose. She was alive.

He felt Jaelyn
’s hand on his back letting him know she was behind him. He waited a couple more breaths making sure there was no guard before revealing himself. He inched forward slowly. He didn’t want to startle her. He didn’t want her to scream.

***

Brock could hear the rifle blasts before he could see the house. He wanted to run Troy all the way to the porch and sweep Sabrina up in his arms and keep her safe, but he couldn’t. There were more than a dozen men between them. His sensible side kicking in, he pulled the breathless Troy to a walk and dismounted as the others followed suit. He patted his sweaty neck and thanked him. He quickly ground tied him as he moved closer to the mayhem.

Warren took some of the hands to make their way around to the back of the house. Brock was hesitant about splitting up in the darkness but it was their best chance to get to the house.

A flare of light blazed through the darkness. They had lit a torch. Using the light as a guide. Brock fired. The man dropped the torch illuminating others around him. They were picked off easily by the ranch hands as Brock took aim and fired again not wasting any lead as another man fell.

The men hollered in panic and anger as they were torn between firing at the house or behind them. Another volley of gunfire exploded nearby as Warren moved into position. He wasn
’t as good a shot as Brock but what he lacked in skill he made up for in quantity.

During the mayhem, both teams crept closer. One of the hands discovered the outlaws
’ horses and set them free. He scattered them with a swat of his hat. With their only means of fleeing or running away removed, one man stood up to surrender but was shot in the back by one of his pals.

A few escaped to the woods and Brock gave chase. Hardly hampered by the
darkness, he glided through the trees silently unsheathing his knife as he went. The men were not too hard to follow, their crashing and heavy breathing made them simple to track. One of the men fell and Brock was sorely tempted to slit his throat but instead kicked the gun out of his hand and punched him in the face knocking him unconscious as he pursued the next one.

***

Amelia closed her eyes tightly not yet ready to see her fate. She could hear footsteps coming closer and she felt a tear slip from her eye, mirroring her despair. She felt a hand touch her face, not the rough calloused hand of her captor but a large gentle hand.

Still not daring to open her
eyes, she kept them shut tightly. If this was a dream, she did not want to awaken.