Chapter Twenty-Two

Jared woke the following morning. He turned on his side to gaze at Taryn while she slept. He took a lock of her hair, wrapping it around his finger. If she were awake, she’d tell him he was staring again. Even in sleep, her face held his gaze. Her hair was strewn across the pillow in disarray as she lay on her side. A contented expression rested on her face.

Since their marriage, he discovered he enjoyed waking with her beside him. He felt a strange inner sense of well-being by her presence that he never realized he’d been missing.

He reached for his timepiece on the cherry wood stand next to the bed. He had an appointment to meet the solicitor he’d hired to present him with a list of possible homes in an hour. His wish was to provide Taryn a home, especially since she never experienced a traditional wedding or even a reception. Those things were important to a woman. A smile spread across his face as he mentally reviewed his plans. He rolled her over onto her back, kissing her awake.

Taryn’s eyes fluttered open. She stretched in languid happiness.

“Good morning.”

Her brows drew together, a groggy gaze focused on his smiling face. “Why are you smiling?”

“Because I find you very beautiful in the morning.” He kissed her again.

Jared told her she was beautiful on a number of mornings, yet she couldn’t fathom the reason. She always looked her absolute worst in the mornings. Her hair tangled and wild, and her eyes feeling heavy-lidded, she couldn’t imagine what would cause such a remark. “Perhaps you could speak to Robert Michaels about obtaining a pair of spectacles similar to what he wears.”

He laughed, rolling out of bed. “My eyesight is perfectly clear.”

She lay on her back, her eyes closing again. She could hear the familiar sound of him rummaging about the room as he dressed. She enjoyed the morning routine. He always woke before her, either kissing her awake or tantalizing her body with caresses before allowing her to fall back asleep to wake again at a decent hour and begin her day.

“Taryn, have you seen my boots?”

“Not since I wore them last.” She burrowed farther under the blankets.

He went to the bed, hauling Taryn to her knees before him, supporting her with his arms.

She reluctantly opened her eyes for the second time too early in the day.

Jared hid his grin “Are you angling for a fight?”

“I don’t have the energy now. Remind me of it later. I’ll be ready then.”

He pressed her close. “You almost tempt me to spark your temper, but I want you obedient tonight when we continue your lessons in lovemaking.” He kissed her ear instead.

Her eyes flew open. “Obedient! You use the word as if…” Taryn stopped, making a face. “You’re teasing me.”

“I wanted your attention.” A devilish grin crossed his face before his mouth swooped down over hers. He pulled away. He would be late for his meeting with the solicitor if he delayed much longer.

She refused to unclasp her hands from around his neck. “Do we have to wait until tonight for the next lesson?”

He groaned, his body starving for her touch from the invitation in her voice. “I can’t. I have some things to take care of.”

Taryn leaned back. “Does it concern Dean Breck’s murder? Are you going to talk with Andrew Donahue now?”

“No. I have some things I have to go over with Luke at your uncle’s ranch.” He didn’t want to lie to her, but he couldn’t tell her the truth or it would ruin the surprise. If he told her he planned to check further into the murder, she would want to go with him. “Why don’t you meet me at the ranch later this afternoon. We’ll do something with Luke and Anita.”

Taryn felt dubious. “Will you and Luke be discussing ways to solve Dean Breck’s murder?”

“Perhaps.” Imparting one last kiss, he released his hold of her.

She sat back on her legs, a bothersome expression on her face. Jared could be so irritatingly elusive when he chose. He didn’t want her involvement in discovering who killed Dean Breck.

He didn’t want her harmed if their probing into the matter caused the true murderer to turn on her. She appreciated his concern, but she could take care of herself. He taught her caution. She wasn’t as naive as she’d first been when they’d met on their train trip. In sudden decision, she bounded off the bed to dress, determination in her every move. Jared might not want to talk with Andrew Donahue, but she could. She would talk with Robert too.

They could give her some useful information. She had a free afternoon until the time she would meet Jared on her uncle’s ranch. When she did, perhaps she would have something helpful to tell him in discovering the truth.

Taryn walked into the marshal’s office, hoping to find Andrew alone. She didn’t know what reason she would give the marshal for the visit if he were at his desk. Her mouth broke into a smile when Andrew informed her the marshal was out.

“What can I do for you today, Mrs. King?” Andrew gestured to a seat in front of his desk when she informed him she came to speak with him.

Taryn didn’t know how to go about asking the sheriff for information. She didn’t know him well, but they spoke at various parties. She found him to be very nice. What if Jared had been right to be wary to ask Andrew anything about the murder? Andrew might believe Jared killed Dean Breck as Marcus Rhodes and others did. She sat across from Andrew Donahue’s desk, arranging her skirts around her to give her additional time to think. She decided to opt for honesty rather than use guile. “I’ve been following Robert Michaels’ articles concerning Dean Breck’s murder.” She darted a quick glance at Andrew. His expression remained inquisitive, encouraging her to continue. “I hoped there might be some new information to shed light on the person truly responsible.”

Andrew gazed over at Taryn King. Anxious hope filled her eyes. “I’m sorry, we have nothing.”

Her shoulders sagged. Andrew’s disappointment matched her own. She wasn’t sure if Andrew Donahue was unwilling to reveal any information to her or if there was no pertinent information to reveal. “I suppose I can’t expect you to give me information to jeopardize your investigation. My hope is…”

Andrew came around the side of the desk, sitting on the corner of it. “I understand your eagerness for the truth, Mrs. King, but we honestly have nothing to indicate what happened.”

She was afraid to ask her next question. “Do you believe Jared is still responsible?” If Andrew responded in the affirmative, Jared would have been right in not seeking the man’s help. It would prove the sheriff’s views were the same as the marshal’s. If not, then perhaps…

“When we found your husband’s timepiece, I believed it, but since then I’ve changed my views.”

“Because of my confession?”

“In addition to other things making me question my original belief.”

“What other things?”

“My own instincts give me pause. Something doesn’t feel right. If I were Jared King who murdered someone, I would have left town knowing the marshal waited for me to do something wrong. Instead, Jared was right at your uncle’s ranch when we came to arrest him as if it were simply another day.” Andrew shrugged in frustration. “Then I heard you two dined with your parents at Breck’s.”

Taryn stared at the sheriff wondering how he could know.

“The news spreads through town like a fever,” Andrew explained, reading her expression. “In any case, it didn’t seem the action of someone guilty of killing there. There’s something about the murder bothering me, aside from the frustration of it being unsolved. I feel as though I’ve already stumbled across something but haven’t figured it out yet.”

“Has the marshal changed his view as well?”

“No. I don’t suppose it surprises anyone who knows his hatred for your husband. I’m sorry, Mrs. King. I wish I could give you more encouraging information.”

Taryn stood, realizing there was nothing more to be said. “Your belief in Jared’s innocence is encouragement enough.”

“The marshal may still be hoping for something to prove Jared’s guilt, but I assure you I am directing my efforts to finding the truth.”

Leaving Andrew, Taryn headed for the newspaper office at the far end of the street. Entering the office, she requested to speak with Robert Michaels.

“Well, this is a pleasure.” Robert escorted her over to a set of green suede wing-backed chairs.

“Are you sure I’m not interrupting your work?”

“Not at all. I’ve been working on a story concerning the feuding between the cattlemen and sheepherders. I’m happy for any diversion.”

She took a seat in one of the two chairs. “I came from speaking with Andrew Donahue. I hoped he would have more information to help Jared, but he doesn’t.”

“The lack of information is very frustrating,” Robert agreed.

“If only we knew who would have a reason to kill Dean Breck.”

“I did my own research to attempt discovery,” Robert told her, “but found nothing. Dean was very well liked here. He has…had no enemies.”

“There must have been at least one enemy otherwise he wouldn’t be dead.”

“Too true,” Robert mused. “The longer the case goes unsolved, the less likely we will be able to determine why the person did it.”

“More reason to find out who did it as soon as possible.”

“I don’t know how I can help, but if there’s a way I will,” Robert offered.

“Thank you, Robert. Andrew was very kind in his understanding as well. I wish I could get Jared to talk to Andrew.”

“Doesn’t he know you’ve spoken to Andrew about this?”

“Not yet.” There might be a slight confrontation with Jared over her defying his wish not to confide in the sheriff. She glanced at the grandfather clock in the corner. “I should be going. I’m meeting Jared at my uncle’s.”

****

Hours after walking through the best homes available, Jared believed he’d never find the appropriate house. Each home his solicitor presented didn’t meet his specifications. The last estate the solicitor showed him, he made his decision. This was going to be their home. Set a distance away from the road, the estate maintained privacy secured by large black iron gates opening onto a winding road leading to the house. The interior with its six bedrooms, two parlors, a library, music room, and ballroom matched the criteria for which he’d been searching. Acres of land and rolling hills surrounded the three-story red-bricked home with large stables, and corrals for horses. He signed the necessary papers then headed to the Dalton ranch.

Luke finished cleaning up after the long day, sitting down to relax when a loud banging on the front door prevented it.

Jared rushed in. “You’ve got to see this house!”

“What house?” Luke closed the door.

“Where’s Anita?”

“I’m right here, Jared.” Anita came out of the dining room to investigate the commotion.

“Good, you’ve got to come too.” He took her hand, walking to the door.

“Come where?” Anita looked from Jared to Luke in confusion.

Luke grinned over his brother’s excitement. “Jared, did you buy a house, by chance?”

“Yes. You’ve got to see it before the sun goes down.” He urged them out the doorway toward the stables for their mounts.

Laughing at his excitement, Luke and Anita followed his lead away from the ranch. When the three of them arrived at the estate, the sun cast a beautiful burnt orange aura over the property.

Anita stood in awe. “Jared, it’s beautiful.”

Jared got down from his stallion. “Wait until you see the interior.”

While Luke and Jared discussed the benefits of the purchase, Anita took more interest in the details of the home. They stood in the parlor. The large room boasted a focal point of a Rococo chimneypiece bordered by pilasters and pediments around the doorway. The room’s abundant windows overlooked a terrace. Jared escorted them on a tour of the remainder of the house. The dining and living rooms were no less impressive with arched doorways with cornice work and inlays above the doorways and mantled fireplace. The library was down the hall, secluded behind double doors with an interior of wall-to-wall bookcases. The large open foyer led to the long spiral staircase leading to the two upper floors. The ballroom on the second floor revealed a stunning room with numerous floor-to-ceiling windows, and white and black marble floor. Centered in the middle of the high carved ceiling hung a beautiful crystal chandelier Anita couldn’t help comment on. A smaller music room was off the ballroom with enough room for a piano and various other musical instruments. A second parlor, smaller in scale to the one on the first floor, but similar in design was across from the music room. The third floor consisted of six bedrooms dominated by the spacious master bedroom with an adjoining sitting room.

When they finished the tour of the estate, Anita sighed in pleasure. “Has Taryn seen it already?”

“No, I don’t want her to see it yet. I want it to be a surprise for Christmas. I’ll need your help in keeping my secret.”

Anita couldn’t contain her excitement. “Taryn will love it. What a splendid surprise for you to give her.”

“I need to oversee a few matters here,” Jared said, turning to Luke. “I’ve already spoken with Jonathan. I’ve informed him I’ll be unable to continue working on the ranch. From now until Christmas, I’ll be concentrating on readying the place.”

“Whatever we can do to help, you need only ask,” Luke offered.

He turned to Anita. “What I need help with right now is an invitation list for a reception I want here. I’ve spoken with Gwen and Madeline, but I hoped you might help them with it, Anita.”

Anita readily assured him of their cooperation. “Don’t you worry about a thing. We’ll deal with all the arrangements. What type of reception did you want?”

“A wedding reception,” he clarified. “Taryn can’t know anything about it. Here’s what I have in mind…”

****

Taryn arrived at the ranch finding her aunt the only one around. She worked out in the lower gardens removing the dead leaves from a floral plant. Greeting her aunt with a kiss, she glanced around. “Where is everyone?”

“I believe Jared is with Luke, your mother and father are out walking on the grounds, and your uncle is upstairs washing up.” Gwen plucked another dried leaf from the plant, setting it aside. “I spoke with Jared earlier. He seems very happy in spite of all the talk. You’re doing well?”

“We’re very happy. I wish we could put all the gossip behind us by discovering who murdered Dean Breck. The marshal isn’t helping matters by fueling the gossip.” She removed one of the withered leaves from the plant herself, crushing it in her hand.

“Marcus has been acting very odd.” Gwen added more dirt to the plant base. “I believe his hatred of Jared has affected him.”

Taryn nodded. “Because he killed the marshal’s brother. What do you know of the incident?”

Gwen sighed, letting her memory take her back. “In my opinion, he acted in self-defense. There were witnesses saying Matt Rhodes already pulled his gun when Jared shot him. Matt Rhodes was a hotheaded young man. He always caused trouble. I’ve no doubt Jared would have been killed himself if he hadn’t taken action. Jonathan and I were discussing the whole thing right after Marcus reminded us of the incident. When he came to the ranch after your arrival, I recognized something familiar about him. I’m amazed neither Jonathan nor I remembered him from five years ago. But he changed so much I suppose it wasn’t so surprising. We’d never met him back then, but we’d seen him. He left me with the impression of a man who enjoyed life. When I met him on the steps of our porch, I saw a man hardened by it.”

“His lifestyle isn’t easy.” She wondered if they would ever have a normal life. Would they forever be looking over their shoulders for his past to appear? She couldn’t help the question springing to mind. “You said Jared is working with Luke? Are they at Luke and Anita’s house?”

“Most likely.”

“I’m going to ride over to see what they’re doing,” Perhaps they discovered something to help them solve the mystery of the Breck murder.”

Taking her favorite route to Luke and Anita’s home, Taryn directed her horse through one of the more scenic trails. Reaching the top of a ridge overlooking the lake, she slowed her mare to wind around the curving path. Voices from below carried upward. She glanced down to see a couple in the water. Believing the couple to be Luke and Anita, Taryn raised her hand to wave, opening her mouth to call out to them. Her words were trapped in her throat.

She stared at the two people below in surprise. Her parents? Her mother didn’t swim. Taryn blinked to try and clear her befuddled sight. Her mother didn’t do anything so carefree, or so she always thought. She stared at them, her presence unknown. These two frolicking people were her parents? They were acting like a young couple in love. A genuine smile replaced her dumbfounded gaping. She urged her horse forward allowing her parents their privacy.

Luke, Jared, and Anita returned by the time Taryn reached the house.

While she and Anita talked, Luke pulled Jared aside. “Have you discovered anything more about Dean Breck’s murder?”

“Not anything I can prove. The more I think of it, the more I feel Rhodes to be involved. Who else would benefit by the murder? What I can’t figure out is if Rhodes murdered Breck so he could blame me, what proof would he have used if not for my timepiece?”

“Your timepiece did make it easy,” Luke agreed. “If he found it, then it would be more questionable, but Andrew was the one who brought it to Marcus’ attention.”

“I still say you should talk to Andrew,” Taryn said, as she and Anita came up alongside of them. “If you told him how you feel about Marcus, I’m sure he’d help.”

“Help me right into Marcus’ next scheme to put me behind bars.”

Taryn persisted. “No, he wouldn’t. Andrew told me he doesn’t believe you are responsible for Dean Breck’s murder.”

“When did he tell you?”

“This afternoon when I spoke with him. He…” She froze at the severity of Jared’s gaze. Her words slipped out. She hadn’t meant to tell him about her visit yet knowing he didn’t want the sheriff’s involvement. The moment felt uncomfortable.

“Will you excuse us for a minute.” He took her elbow, walking out of the room and into Luke’s study.

Propelled through the entrance of the study, Taryn jumped at the sound of the door slamming. She rubbed her elbow even though his touch had been gentle. She chanced a peek in his direction as he stood at the door. He was standing with his hands on his hips, glowering.

“Did I or did I not say I didn’t want Andrew Donahue involved?”

His voice remained calm, but his words were very measured, warning her of his displeasure. “Yes, you did, but I simply spoke with him. Besides, as the sheriff, he is involved.”

Jared sighed in exasperation. “You know what I meant.”

“Yes, but Andrew’s not like the marshal. He wants to learn the truth as much as we do. If you worked together, perhaps you’d be able to uncover it sooner. Robert offered his help as well.” Taryn bit her lip. She wished she could bite back her last statement.

“You spoke with Robert about all this as well?”

“He might have heard or been told something we hadn’t. He hasn’t, but there’s no saying he won’t. In addition to their help, you have my family’s support. Walt Adams also is on our side. We should talk to him, especially since he now manages Breck’s Casino.” She chided herself for not thinking of it earlier when she could have spoken with him.

Jared already spoke with the employee who’d found Breck’s body, Walt Adams, and others. “Taryn, I don’t want you mixed up in this, do you understand? We can’t rush ahead with this as much as we may want to.”

“But you told Luke you were sure Marcus Rhodes was involved. Why delay?”

“Because if, as I suspect, Rhodes is involved with Dean Breck’s murder, and he discovers we’re watching him, there’ll be less of a chance for him to make a mistake.”

“But what mistakes could he make if the deed is already done?”

“If he’s involved directly or knows who did the shooting, he could let something slip either in conversation or his actions. If the marshal knows he’s being monitored, he’ll be cautious. Now, please Taryn, don’t talk to anyone about our search for clues.”

“But Andrew could help.”

“Did you consider he might have been telling you what you wanted to hear, and then confided the conversation to the marshal?”

“I believe him. He’s on our side.”

“All right. I’ll trust your judgment. When I think it’s necessary, I’ll confide in him. You’re going to have to trust me to know what I’m doing. If the marshal’s involved, it’ll come out.”

“If there is proof. Do you think there might be something in his office? Maybe…” Her words were cut off by his kiss.

“You’re thinking too much about this.”

“How can you not?”

“I do, but you can’t let your curious thinking rule your actions. It will get you into the worst trouble. Now, we’d better rejoin Luke and Anita before they think I’m tanning your backside for your willfulness.”

“As if I’d allow it,” Taryn mumbled in rebuke as she walked ahead of him to the double doors. He acknowledged her remark with a sound thwack to her posterior. She spun around to see his grinning countenance.

****

Early the following morning, Jared entered Marie’s dress shop, grateful for the fact Taryn slept late so she would be unaware of his visit to the clothing shop on her behalf. A few women were browsing through the store, gazing at him from behind bolts of fabric. He nodded to them with a smile knowing the moment they left they would be off to gossip with Agatha Masters and the other busybodies in town. As the women passed him on their way out, he couldn’t resist a comment. “I hope my presence isn’t pushing you ladies out?”

“Why no,” they echoed each other in response. “We were about to leave when you came in.”

“I’m glad you haven’t been misled by the gossip circulating about my wife and me.”

“Certainly not. We never listen to gossip,” one added staunchly, tossing her head back.

He smiled. “I’m glad to hear it. Good day, ladies. Give my best to Agatha Masters.” The two women paled at his remark and made a hasty retreat.

Marie stood aside, enjoying the comeuppance of the two women by him. She waited for the ladies to depart before speaking. “Good afternoon, Mr. King.”

“I’d like to order a cream-colored gown, something very formal, for my wife.”

“Perhaps if you told me the occasion I could get a better idea…”

“A wedding reception.”

Marie’s face lit up with a smile. “Yours?” Jared nodded his response. “I do have a cream gown made for your wife,” Marie supplied. “If you’ll wait one moment I’ll get it.” She returned holding up the gown for his inspection.

He gazed at the gown. The gown had to be the wedding dress made for Taryn’s marriage to Thompson. The craftsmanship could not be faulted, but the gown was not to his liking. The connection to Thompson alone made it unacceptable. “No, I want something a little more elaborate in design.” He didn’t want to insult the dressmaker’s work.

“Of course, I understand.” Marie put the gown aside. He described the garment he wanted, assuring the dressmaker cost was not a factor. “Will there be anything else?” she inquired after they’d finished discussing the one ball gown.

“What do you suggest?”

“Your wife stopped in several weeks ago, expressing interest in this material.” Marie pulled out the bolt of royal blue satin. “We discussed a certain pattern suiting her form.”

“If you think you can have both ready by Christmas. I’ll leave the design of the second gown to your discretion.”

“I’ll personally see to both gowns. You’ll have them in the scheduled time.” When he provided her fee in advance, including a smart bonus, Marie grasped the nearby table for support to prevent herself from fainting.

Jared walked out of the dress shop feeling exceptionally optimistic. He only needed to conquer the mystery of Dean Breck’s murder. Once resolved, he and Taryn could begin their life together.