part0015

Mark reined the horse west to dodge the shots. Timber fought the nudge and bucked straight up, twisted, and bucked to the left and then the right. Mark was still in the air and watched as the horse scooted out from under him and ran into the trees.

He hit the ground, and the breath went out of him. Scrambling to breathe and get out of the way, he turned just as he saw Tom fall out of the saddle and roll on the ground, grabbing his arm.

Mark ran for the trees. He still didn’t see the man who was shooting at them. A bullet plunked into a tree just over his head. All he had was his pistol as Timber was running off with his rifle.

“Yeah, I can move.” Tom staggered to his feet and ran to the tree next to Mark. “It’s just a nick in my arm.”

Mark looked downhill to find the women. Sabrina was pulling Evangeline into a gully. He didn’t see Sam. He was probably making his getaway.

Mark stood and turned just in time to see Ferguson riding toward them.

“I’ve got a bead on your friend. Drop your gun.” Ferguson kept his horse behind a clump of trees.

“I can shoot the women from here. Drop the guns. Both of you.”

Mark shook his head and threw his gun out. Tom did the same.

Ferguson rode into view, his rifle aimed at them. “Where’s the money?”

Mark laughed. “You saw my horse buck me off, he’s got it and running who knows where.”

Ferguson’s gaze narrowed. “I don’t find that funny. I suggest you go and get your horse and the money back, or I’ll have to shoot one of the women.” He grabbed Tom and held the gun to him. “Ladies, throw out your guns and come up here.”

Sabrina threw her gun, and she and Evangeline walked toward him.

Ferguson shoved Tom into Sabrina. “Evangeline, nice to see you again. You come with me.”

“That wasn’t a question. Unless you want one of these people killed, get over here.” He waved his gun at Mark.

Ferguson grabbed her to him. “I don’t have to tell you that I’ve liked you all along. We’d make a good team.”

Sam rode out of the trees and charged toward Ferguson and leaped from the saddle knocking the man down.

Ferguson aimed his pistol at Sam and fired but not before Evangeline shoved his arm, deflecting the shot.

Sam rolled and stood on Ferguson’s hand. Then slugged him with his cuffed fists. With a grin, Sam looked at Mark. “A little help would be appreciated.”

Mark picked up his pistol and held it on Ferguson. “Glad you came back, Sam.”

“I wasn’t running. I knew he was in the trees and figured you might need my help. He’d have shot me. I’m the only one left to say he’s guilty. When we get back to Cheyenne, I’ll tell the judge how Ferguson fed us the information on what stages to rob.”

Tom shook his head. “We better get that horse. He’s got the money.”

Sam pointed. “He’s coming back. I think he’s feeling a little guilty that he bucked you off.”

Mark looked and shook his head. “Well, come on, Timber. I’ve got a couple more treats for you.”

The horse nickered and walked to him. “Guess it’s a good thing I taught you to come for the sugar.” Mark patted the horse and fished out a sugar cube from his pocket.

Sabrina finished bandaging his arm. “He can ride. We’ll ride the same horse, and I can keep an eye on him.” She kissed her husband and helped him up. “Come on. I’m going to enjoy taking care of you.”

Mark shook his head. “You two.” He turned to Evangeline. “You all right?”

She nodded. “Yes. I, well, I’m glad you’re all right.” She walked to her horse and mounted.

Mark stopped Sam. “Wait a minute.” He unlocked the cuffs. “I think they will look better on Ferguson. Thanks for saving us.”

Sam rubbed his wrists. “It’s what you’d do. Told you, I’m a changed man.”

“Take Tom’s horse.” Mark prodded Ferguson with the rifle. “Let’s go.”

Evangeline rode beside Sam and stayed out of Mark’s way. She couldn’t read him. At times, she saw glimpses of the adoring looks she’d grown accustomed to from Mark. But at other times, he looked at her as if she were part outlaw.

She hadn’t done anything wrong. She’d not let her brother escape. Of course, when he bolted away, she’d done nothing to stop him. Then again, she’d been flat on the ground, trying not to get shot.

Somehow, her life had become more complicated. She prayed for Sam that the judge would take into account the news that Sam was innocent of murder and had turned in the money. And saved Mark and Tom if not her and Sabrina too.

She liked Sabrina. They hadn’t been able to talk, but Evangeline saw in her a woman who loved and was loved. She and Tom trusted one another.

Evangeline stole a quick look at Mark. She caught him watching her. But he was frowning. The man was not happy, and she felt she was the problem.

“Yes. I just, well, I don’t think I’m ready for marriage. I barely know him.”

“I like him, Sis. I’d feel better if I knew you were taken care of.”

She whirled to face him. “You don’t think they’ll hang you now, do you?”

“I don’t know. My heart is at peace, but I do worry about you.”

“I’ll be fine. I can take care of myself. I do have a job as a Pinkerton agent.” As she said it, she wondered if Archie would fire her for taking Sam out of jail under false pretenses. Lies. She’d lied. The truth of her actions hit her.

Finally, they rode into Cheyenne. Mark took Sam and Ferguson to jail. Tom and Sabrina rode to the doctors. Evangeline tagged behind Mark.

They dismounted and went into the sheriff’s office. Mark shoved Ferguson toward the cells. “Here’s the man who’s responsible for the robberies on the stagecoach.”

The sheriff shook his head. “Ferguson. I can’t believe you’ve been behind our troubles. You know this town liked you. Guess you’ll be in prison for some time.” He turned to face Sam. “And that one?”

“He needs to be in a cell too. I’ve got to talk to the judge about him. Sam Russell.”

“He was. My partner took him out of jail, and as a result we caught the gang that’s been terrorizing the stage line.”

The sheriff nodded and then put Sam in another cell. “Well, it sounds like a good trade-off to me.”

“He’ll be here in a week. I’ll provide rooms for your guests.” The sheriff laughed.

Evangeline felt sick inside the moment Sam’s cell clicked shut. She stared at him. Wishing she could get him out again. Knowing she couldn’t.

Sam sat on his bunk and smiled at her. “Don’t worry, Sis. I’ve got peace in my heart, and that’s something I haven’t had in years. No matter what happens, I’ll be okay.”

Mark took her arm and guided her out of the jail. “Don’t make any trouble for him.”

“I won’t.” She wished she had more words to say, but she didn’t. She felt empty and lost. Alone.

“I’ll take you over to the hotel. Sabrina and Tom will be there. It might be good if you talk to them. They’ve had their share of hard times.”

“And you? Will you be staying at the hotel?” She stopped and turned to face him.

“I don’t know. It depends on if they have enough rooms, I suppose.” His eyes searched hers.

Evangeline looked for love in his eyes, but she saw only sadness. She wanted to give him hope, but then again, that wouldn’t be fair. She’d said their marriage was temporary. In Denver, Archie would have it annulled.

“Mark, after the trial and the judge’s ruling, I—”

“I know. Temporary.” He turned and began walking, leading her down the street. He didn’t say more.

Evangeline followed along. Trying to think of what to say, trying to decide what she felt, trying, but she was alone and afraid. She prayed that Sam wouldn’t hang. That he’d have a light sentence.

But for her life, there was nothing to think about. Just more lonely days.