Seventeen

Darn it! Marley swallowed hard and tried to avoid the fierce storm in Roan’s gray eyes. But she had no regrets. She lifted her chin. “You needed help, and I came.”

“Help by doing what—getting killed?”

She raised her chin higher and glared into his steely gaze. “Are you one of those men who think girls can’t do a darn thing except cook and clean and tend children?”

Roan glared back. “No, but this is different.”

She didn’t see how. If he’d simmer down to a low boil, she’d tell him about her expertise. “Aren’t you the teeniest bit glad to see me?”

“Yes…no. That’s a trick question. I think you must be a little crazy in the head. Now I have to protect and watch out for you in addition to myself. Oh, Marley.” He slipped a strong arm around her waist and hauled her close, then lowered his head, his mouth finding hers.

The earth seemed to shift from under Marley’s feet. She slid an arm around Roan’s neck to steady herself. His touch always made her feel as though the earth had stopped turning and she was holding her breath, unable to find enough air. The fluttering in her stomach suggested a horde of butterflies, their fragile wings brushing against her insides. She gripped his vest hard with her free hand, her heartbeat pounding against the wild rhythm of his. If she died this minute, she’d go happily to heaven.

When he was near, the evil people of the world faded away and everything seemed clean and fresh and new. She was the maiden waiting at the window for her pirate. She was the outlaw’s bride. And she was most definitely the woman who’d found a wounded, freezing cowboy on the road and taken him home. Sometimes in life you simply had to take the risk and grab for what you wanted.

Her imagination could take a rest whenever she had her real, flesh-and-blood hero holding her as though he’d never let her go. This need for him was like nothing she’d never felt before, and it shook her to the core.

Roan broke the kiss, and instantly, a part of her was missing. Maybe she’d affected him that way also. He straightened, his broad shoulders heaving, his breath ragged like hers. She wished she could paint him the way he looked as he stood with his legs braced, the pirate on a rolling deck.

Or Granny Jack’s husband, Mooney.

She wanted him and not just for a brief moment during a chance encounter. “I don’t know what just happened, but I think I’ve fallen for you.”

He took a step back, jerked off his hat, and raked his hands through his hair. “I can’t…I have to focus on what I need to do, Marley.”

“I know. Forget I said anything.” She forced a laugh to hide the hurt. “I’m just a writer with a big imagination. Mama always tells me I live in a fantasy world.”

“No, don’t have second thoughts.” He shoved his hat back on his head and took her hands in his. “Remember what you always say—no promises, no regrets. There is something powerful between us. When this is all over and I get you back to the ranch, we’ll sit down and talk as long as it takes to figure it out. All right?”

At least he hadn’t dismissed her as certifiably crazy. That was a relief. She had to be careful mentioning things that made him uncomfortable—like love. She smiled and changed the subject. “Tell me what you’ve discovered so far. Has anyone recognized you?”

“Not that I’ve noticed. But a man named Quinn in the tent looked at me real close like he thought he should know me.” He told her about finding the scarecrow man who’d stared at her that day on the road to Granny Jack’s. “His name’s Gentry. Does that ring a bell?”

She knit her eyebrows in thought. “No. I can’t recall ever hearing it before.”

“You’re positive?”

“Yes, I’m sure. Who was the woman you were talking to across the street?”

“Mrs. Virginia Creek. I saw her in the registration tent also. She seems to be a very nice woman, only I can’t figure out her involvement with any of this. She gave me Gentry’s name.”

“I’ll never forget those horrible eyes.” Marley shuddered. “Or his face. He looked at me with downright hatred. Like I was his worst enemy. I don’t even know him.”

“Mrs. Creek warned me to stay away from him.”

“Gentry.” Marley rolled the name around in her head, searching for some connection. There had to be something there, to make him to stare at her that way. “No, I’m sorry, Roan.”

“Maybe your father’s mentioned him?” His voice sounded hopeful.

She shook her head. “I’d remember if he had.”

“Well, by the way he looked at you on the road that day, he seemed to know you. Of course, maybe he had you mixed up with someone else. I didn’t get a chance to ask anything further of Mrs. Creek, unfortunately.”

“Shoot! But you did get two names.” Marley glanced at Roan. Even before his face had healed, he’d had uncommon good looks. His hair was the color of a brown-roan stallion running wild in the wind, and his gray eyes could pierce all the way down into her soul. With his height and muscular build, he was the complete package. She wiped the smile from her lips and lowered her gaze, glad she’d come.

Yes, her father would be mad enough to spit nails if he ever found out that she and Jessie had tricked him. Marley couldn’t have just vanished, not without cause, so her mother had spun a yarn about Granny Jack falling and banging herself up. So, naturally, Marley had to go and stay with her. And yes, she’d ridden into danger. Still, she had no second thoughts.

There was a chance he might not live through this, and she had to be there to hold him—and to make whoever had ended his life pay dearly. She yearned to straighten the collar of his jacket and adjust the fabric on the shoulders that wasn’t laying right, smooth down the vest covering his broad chest. But he was scowling again and looking like the big, bad wolf.

“I wish you hadn’t come.” He seemed torn between yanking off his hat again or shaking her.

“Look, Roan. I’m no daylily. My father and Hardy Gage taught me how to use both a rifle and a pistol. I’m as good a shot as just about anyone. I can look after myself. Not to mention I’ve already registered for the shooting competition.” She grinned. “Might as well earn a little money while I’m here, and it provides cover for the real reason.”

He touched a finger to her cheek. “It appears you thought of everything.”

“Go and do the things you came for. I’ll be fine.” A thought struck her, and she smiled. “What if I pose as your wife? No one would guess who you really are then.”

“No.” If he scowled any harder he’d look like Captain Ahab in Moby Dick when he was hunting for the whale.

“Why not? It’s perfect.”

“I have a hard enough time keeping my hands off you now, that’s why.” He swung away in frustration only to swing back. “And for the record, anytime we’re around other people, I’m Jack Durham.”

“Okay, Jack Durham. Just who am I supposed to be? Your sister?” She definitely didn’t have sisterly thoughts about him, nor would she ever in this lifetime.

His Captain Ahab scowl deepened. “Maybe just an acquaintance.”

Exasperation shot through her. “Roan, that won’t provide cover.”

“Where are your things?” He glanced around. “I need to find a place for you to stay.”

“I already have a room at the Latimer Hotel, and my horse is at the livery. I told you I’m self-sufficient. Now maybe you’ll believe me. We need to look for Gentry.” She gave him a cajoling smile. “Later, I’ll let you take me to supper. I hear the Latimer serves delicious steaks. But I’m buying.”

At last, Roan gave her a crooked smile, and her heart skipped a beat. “I noticed from the first how bossy you are. I’m surprised your father hasn’t taken you over his knee.”

“I assure you he’s probably wanted to on more than one occasion.” Marley shook out her skirt and took his elbow.

They strode from the alley and joined the throng of people. Marley kept her eyes peeled for Gentry, wondering again why he seemed to know her. Maybe if she had a first name or a hometown to go along with it, she could figure out the puzzle.

Though they strolled up and down the street, looking in every establishment, they failed to spot the scarecrow-like man. When the sun began to fade, they went into the Latimer dining room. Every table was taken.

Roan rested his hand on the small of her back to lead Marley to the door when a rotund, grandfatherly man rose from the corner and approached. Marley liked the way his eyes twinkled, and his genuine smile.

“Pardon me,” he said. “My wife and I would love for you to join us at our table. It would be an honor. I’m Silas Wheeler.”

Roan introduced himself as Jack Durham. Marley held her breath, wondering how he’d introduce her. “And this is my wife, uh…” He paused. “Mariah.”

His wife. Marley hid a secret smile. Despite his initial refusal to let her pose in that capacity, he’d changed his mind.

Marley gazed up at him with adoration. “Thank you, sweetheart.” She turned to Mr. Wheeler. “We’ve only been married one day. In fact, we only met such a short time ago I didn’t even know if he’d remember my name.” Her hand stole to his. “Jack is the most wonderful man, and I was lucky to catch him.”

Roan lowered his mouth to her ear. “You can stop now, Mariah.”

They followed Silas and took a seat at the table. He introduced his wife, Elizabeth. She reminded Marley of a fragile little bird, her movements all soft and fluttery. A large hat decked with feathers perched on her small head.

“I’m so glad you could join us.” Elizabeth patted the table as if it was a dog’s head. “I was just telling Mr. Wheeler that you’re a beautiful couple and I wished to know you better. Mariah, you remind me of our daughter. She’s back east, you know, studying to be a doctor.”

Marley was glad they’d taken the Wheelers up on their offer. She liked them, plus she was ravenous. “That’s a lofty profession for a woman. I wish her well. Do you live in San Saba?”

Elizabeth’s face darkened. “Thankfully, we do not.”

“We make our home in Harkeyville,” Silas explained. “There’s trouble afoot in San Saba, my young friends. Watch what you say and keep a gun handy.”

The waiter came to take their order. When he left, Roan asked, “Do you know a man who goes by Gentry? I don’t know his first name. He’s tall and—”

“Will Gentry,” Silas interrupted. “The Will is short for Wilbert, I believe. Especially watch out for him. Gentry hasn’t been here but a couple of months. He just appeared one day, and I don’t know where he came from. But he’d kill you in a heartbeat, and Sheriff Coburn would look the other way. There is no justice in this town.”

Marley’s stomach knotted with worry and foreboding, turning the name over again in her mind. Something said she must know Will Gentry.

Roan met her eyes. “I saw him with a nice, friendly woman named Virginia Creek.”

“I know her,” Silas said. “She has a ranch somewhere outside of town. Not sure what her connection is with Gentry, but I’ve seen her with him.”

Elizabeth Wheeler adjusted her hat, her fingers fluttering amid the feathers and colorful netting like a flock of little birds. She laid a hand on Marley’s and leaned close. “Keep your husband away from the women in this town or they’ll snatch him.”

“Thank you for the warning, Mrs. Wheeler.” Marley removed her hand from under Elizabeth’s and ran a fingertip teasingly up Roan’s arm. “My darling Jack only has eyes for me. I trust him completely. He calls me his sugar dumpling. Have you ever heard anything more romantic? Makes my heart melt every—single—time.”

The slight shake of his head prompted her to remove her hand. She’d gone a bit overboard, but darn it, she just wanted to play the part he’d given her. She couldn’t help it if the role was one she craved for real. But maybe she’d better curb the syrupy sweetness.

It was such fun teasing him though. He was far too serious for the moment.

Roan shifted the talk back to the trouble in San Saba. “Silas, do you know what the root of the problem is here? Does it continue to stem from the mob that roamed here a few years ago?”

“That was a bad time. Killings and lynchings had everyone scared to step foot outside at night—or pretty much daytime, either. There was no law to be had until the Texas Rangers came.” Silas gave the room a nervous scan. “I do think this is related somehow. Could be the children of those parents. Many were left orphaned or with only a mother.”

Marley digested that. It sure fit. From everything she knew, the gang appeared to be comprised of very young kids. Maybe someone had recruited them and fed their anger. Often it didn’t take much more than a word or two when someone was helpless. One thing she knew about was homeless children. The ranch was overrun with them. They longed to fit in and have a normal life, but it was like they wore shoes that didn’t quite fit. In an effort to make do, they roped them to their feet and scooted along. She thought of Matt and wondered if he’d go to sleep tonight without a story. She’d have to remember to take him and the others a small treat.

Their food came, and they lapsed into silence, enjoying the fare. When she’d finished, Marley excused herself to go to the lady’s room—a new one that had been added on, with real plumbing! The clerk had pointed that out first thing, describing how modern they’d become. Once she was out of sight, she detoured to speak to the waiter and tell him to add the meal to her room bill.

“This is our secret. Please say that a patron just leaving paid for it.” She slipped three shiny silver dollars into the waiter’s hand. Thank goodness she was frugal with her money and had saved a large nest egg for such an emergency.

The personable young man grinned. “Yes, ma’am. And if there’s anything else I can do, my name is Zach.”

After making a mental note that he might be willing to talk to her about the pack of young riders roaming the countryside, Marley returned to her seat. “This is the nicest hotel,” she remarked. “Everything is just spotless. I wasn’t sure I’d even find a room.”

Roan studied her with a smile and propped his chin on a bent arm. “How exactly did you manage that…sugar dumpling?”

She grew warm under his gaze. “Well, let’s just say that they happened to have one room—the presidential suite—that they overlooked in the onslaught of visitors…dear.”

Mainly because it was far too expensive. But the nice clerk had given her a deal.

Silas chuckled. “I have a feeling you have your ways, just like my darling Elizabeth. Both of you can be very charming.”

“Yes, we can, and don’t ever forget that, Mr. Wheeler.” Elizabeth patted his arm. “The good Lord gave us women a brain, and we know how to use it.”

The men rose, and Roan pulled out Marley’s chair. He leaned close. “We’d best pay our bill and be going—sugar.”

Something told her that she had some explaining to do. She supposed she’d had just a teensy bit too much fun with this marriage business. Granny Jack was fond of saying that if you dance to the music you have to pay the fiddler. This might be such a case.

When the waiter said they owed nothing, Roan and Tobias pressed for a name of the mysterious benefactor, but the young man wouldn’t divulge her secret. Unable to pull out the information, Roan and Marley finally told the Wheelers good night and went upstairs.

Roan’s eyes widened when she paused in front of the presidential suite and slipped a key into the lock. “You’re full of surprises, Mariah Durham.” He held the door and made a sweeping bow. “Your Majesty.”

Marley’s stomach lurched. Inside, she tossed her shawl on a chair and faced him. “I swear, Roan, can’t you tell a performance when you see one?”

He made a wide gesture around the room. “Mind catching me up to speed? I’m trailing behind.”

“What do you want to know?” She chewed her bottom lip.

“This hotel? The mysterious benefactor? You’re hiding things. How did you get this room?” His eyes narrowed. “And I need the truth.”

She dropped onto a settee. Though wary, Roan took a chair. “It seems no one could afford the cost of this suite, so it hadn’t been taken like all the others. It was my only option. The town is packed, and I needed a place to stay where I wouldn’t have to worry about my safety.” She found the courage to meet his gaze. “I promised Mama I’d find somewhere safe.”

“Your mother knows you’re here?”

“Yes. In fact, she helped me think of a way to keep Papa from finding out I came.”

“Why? How?” His gray eyes darkened, and she raised a defiant chin.

“I wish you wouldn’t look at me that way. Makes me feel like I kicked a dog or something. Mama saw the truth in my eyes.”

“What truth?” A good bit of annoyance filled his voice.

“It’s what I tried to tell you earlier.” Marley met his lukewarm stare without flinching. “She understands my feelings for you. She knows what it’s like to ache to be held, to feel the whisper of a breath on her face, and lips pressed to hers. I came here with her blessing, and I’m not one bit sorry. I’ve never felt about anyone the way I feel for you, Roan Penny.”

She lowered her voice to a whisper. “Whatever this is, I don’t want to lose it, and I don’t want to waste any time waiting for a right moment that may never, ever come. Don’t you care for me at least a little bit?”

He wearily wiped his eyes. “Marley, I wish I could tell you what you want to hear, but even if I could, I wouldn’t. It wouldn’t be fair to you to pin your hopes on such a rocky future. I assume you’re the one who paid the bill for ours and the Wheelers’ suppers.”

Here it was. The final nail in the end of their relationship. “Yes.”

“Because I’m too poor?”

She glanced away. “My motives, if not the method, were pure.”

“Marley,” he said tightly, “if I hadn’t had the money, I never would have gone. Don’t rob me of my manhood.”

“I’m sorry.” So sorry about the mess she’d created. She was always trying to fix things, to make everything perfect when it was best to leave them as they were. When would she learn? Her throat burned. “I didn’t mean to hurt your pride, yet it seems I did.”

Silence spun the air between them as through a fragile spiderweb buffeted by a north wind. At last, Roan let out a heavy sigh and moved to her side on the settee. He took her hand. “I’m sorry for getting upset. A man’s pride is a fragile thing. I want to stand tall and proud next to you.” His voice lowered. “If you steal my confidence, I can’t do that.”

“I see that now.” She stared at her small hand inside his large palm. “I was wrong.”

“It’s all right.” He suddenly chuckled. “You have quite a head on your shoulders. I’m amazed at your ingenuity. You got this room, secured your horse, signed up for the shooting match…is there nothing you can’t do, Marley McClain?”

His laughter eased the tense set of her shoulders. “Quite a lot, actually.”

“Lord knows I haven’t seen it.” He released her hand and stood. “I need to check on Shadow and turn in.”

“Where will you sleep?”

“The loft in the livery.”

She glanced at her ample surroundings—the sofa, settee, and chair here and the comfortable bed through the open doorway. “Please, I have more than enough room. Can’t you come back here for the night? Please?”

He walked to the door and put his hand on the knob.

“I don’t want to be alone in a strange town,” she pleaded.

With his back to her, Roan murmured, “I’ll get my saddlebags. Lock the door behind me. Listen for my tap.”

She breathed a sigh of relief as the door closed behind him. At least he’d accepted her apology. And he’d agreed to return. That thought sent her hurrying to the bedroom to unpack.