eBooks are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of this work. This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locale or organizations is entirely coincidental. Samhain Publishing, Ltd. 577 Mulberry Street, Suite 1520 Macon GA 31201 Devils on Horseback: Jake Copyright © 2008 by Beth Williamson ISBN: 1-59998-899-2 Edited by Sasha Knight Cover by Scott Carpenter All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. First Samhain Publishing, Ltd. electronic publication: March 2008 www.samhainpublishing.com
Devils on Horseback: Jake Beth Williamson
Dedication To the Palomino Gaits book club, the most wonderful, fun group of ladies a neighbor could have. Hugs and margaritas to Melissa, Jill C, Jill G, Denise, Holly, Nichole, Kristy, Mary Ann, Becky, Lissette, Sue and Donna. Y’all are amazing women and I’m proud to know you.
Devils on Horseback: Jake
Prologue July 1865 The dirt trembled beneath his breath, entering his mouth with each heated gust. Jake Sheridan shut his eyes and concentrated on being as silent as death. He didn’t dare move his head even as the insects began crawling across his skin and into his ears. The rest of his friends were nearby, lying with him beneath the cabin in the dark. They could have given Jake to the army captain who chased him with relentless enthusiasm. However, they chose to hide with him in the shadows and mud. His head swam with pain as his stomach rolled with nausea. The bandages on his head were no doubt as filthy as he felt. It had been three days since they’d left Grayton and their friend Nate behind, needing to get as far away as fast as they could from Captain Nessman. He’d focused all his rage at Confederate soldiers on Jake and his friends. For some reason, Jake had caught the captain’s eye in Grayton and suddenly he had become the most wanted man in Texas. They’d made it about twenty miles before Jake passed out and fell off his horse. Now a dislocated shoulder throbbed in tune with the other wounds he was still recovering from. Jake held his breath as the sound of horses passed by the cabin, close enough he could feel the vibrations in the ground beneath his ear. A hand gently touched his. He wasn’t sure if it was Gideon, Zeke or Lee, but just knowing they were there, beside him, made him shake with emotion. So many nights they’d spent in the darkness and blood with only each other for company. The memories washed through him like acid, stealing whatever self-control he had. Jake fought the panic, he truly did, but it overcame him. He started scrambling out from underneath the house, rocks and dirt scraping his skin as he clawed his way toward the light. The hand that had been a light touch grabbed his arm with enough force to make him moan. www.samhainpublishing.com
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“Shut up and stay still,” Gideon hissed from somewhere to his left. “Are you trying to get yourself killed?” Tears burned Jake’s eyes as he fought to shake off his friend’s grip. “Let me go, dammit. I can’t do this anymore.” He couldn’t hide anymore, live a life in the dirt and shit, always looking over his shoulder. His heart beat so fast, it started tearing through his ribs. Jake yanked at the arm holding him, desperate to escape from all of it. “Let go.” Jake spit out a mouthful of dirt. “God, Gideon, just let me go.” The last word ended on a sob as he tore up his hands on the hard-packed earth beneath him. “Never.” Gideon got one arm around Jake’s waist and held him down. Jake kicked and bit at his friend, not caring who heard or saw. He just wanted it over—he just wanted some peace. Before he could free himself from Gideon, more arms surrounded him. All three of them put their strength into keeping him under the cabin. Jake could hardly move beneath their weight and combined force. “Please, Jesus, just let it end.” Jake prayed for something, anything to halt his suffering. “Corporal, stand at ease,” Gideon ordered, yet Jake for once did not listen to his captain. Jake’s anger mixed with fear as he struggled in the dark against the demons in his mind. He fought against the bonds that held him down, against all the terrible things he’d done and had done to him. He howled inside for the boy he used to be, the man born into blood and the ghost he’d become. “Jacob,” Gideon whispered. “Please stop. We’re all going to die if you don’t.” Jake finally heard what Gideon said and he stopped struggling. The last thing he wanted to do was cause his friends’ deaths. God knows he was responsible for enough deaths during the war, and he couldn’t exist if anything happened to the Devils because of him.
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He stopped struggling and slowly the arms slid away. Heavy breathing dominated the foot high space, along with the smell of sweat, fear and desperation. Jake pushed his forehead into the dirt and tried to tell the shaking to go away. His teeth chattered as the rawness of his emotions sank in. Would life ever be normal again?
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Chapter One September 1865 The streets of Tanger, Texas were unnaturally quiet and empty of all but a few people. Jake Sheridan kept his gaze moving as he and his friends rode into the small town on a beautiful Monday morning. Many of the buildings had damage to them, including broken boards, cracked windows and even what appeared to be bullet holes. The folks they passed kept their heads down and didn’t acknowledge them. A deserted checkerboard sat atop a table with two empty chairs surrounding it. Everything had an abandoned air to it. “Good morning, ladies.” Jake smiled at two older women walking down the street and they stopped to stare, their mouths open in duplicate expressions of surprise. They hurried into the building next to them, which happened to be the saloon. Odder still. “Did you see that?” Jake said under his breath to Zeke Blackwood, who rode next to him. The blond man nodded. “I did. Something’s not right here.” “Shit,” Zeke’s brother Lee cursed, a bit too loudly in Jake’s opinion, but the onearmed man was always noisy. “What the hell is going on?” “Be quiet, Lee.” Gideon Blackwood, their former captain in the war, took control as was his way. “Let’s be friendly. We heard there was work to be had here and I aim to find out if there is. It’s been months since we had a good paying job.” His sharp gaze met each of them in turn. “Don’t make judgments about folks. You’d want the same courtesy from them.” Duly chastised, the three others kept their thoughts to themselves and kept riding. Jake pulled his hat a bit lower on his head. There was still the possibility Captain Elliot Nessman would be dogging their tail. He’d set his sights on Jake with trumped-up charges of thievery, and like a bulldog, sank his teeth deep. Although a former thief, Jake 8
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Devils on Horseback: Jake
was innocent of those particular charges, interestingly enough, but against the army captain, an ex-confederate soldier’s word didn’t count for spit in the wind. They’d successfully lost him a couple months ago and God willing Nessman wouldn’t find them again. Jake’s bright red hair was a dead giveaway. Lee had suggested he dye it with one of his lady friends’ help but Jake couldn’t bring himself to be anything but who he was. It made for interesting travels for the four of them though. They’d once been five, but one of their group, Nate, had stayed behind in Grayton to start a new life. Jake envied his friend for what he had, a loving woman and a bright future as a rancher. Truth was, Jake had never had much of anything but his friends. During the war, the five of them were everything to each other, friend, confidant and brother. Nicknamed Devils on Horseback for their midnight raids, they kept each other alive for four long years. After heading west to start their lives over, Jake pined for the days before the soil ran red with blood, when life was simpler. He wanted to find the place where he belonged, where he could put down roots and lay claim to a share of the happiness pie. A man could dream anyway. Perhaps it would even keep the nightmares at bay. They arrived at a large white house at the end of the main street without a soul saying howdy. Jake’s hackles rose and his self-preservation instincts howled that something was amiss. His gut feeling never led him wrong, and right about then, it was churning like a twister. “This the place?” Lee shook his head. “Looks like a fancy man’s house to me.” “The fella said the mayor lived in the big white house in town. This is the only one I’ve seen.” Gideon glanced up and down the street, his eyes narrowed. “I’m thinking we need to be prepared for anything, and be ready to ride the hell out of here. Lee, you stay here with the horses. If anything odd happens, signal us.” “Dammit, why do I have to stay behind again?” “You’re a hothead, that’s why.” Gideon dismounted. “I don’t want a repeat of what happened last month.”
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Lee didn’t respond to that, but he shut his mouth quick enough. Jake had been the one to watch the horses during that particular incident so he’d missed the fireworks. However, as he’d been told by Zeke, the owner of the ranch and Lee had almost punched each other, and obviously the Devils didn’t get the job they’d been after. They’d had to ride almost one hundred miles out of their way to lose the reputation Lee had gained for them during that one incident. Zeke and Jake followed Gideon through the gate and up the front walk. Things were unnaturally quiet everywhere in Tanger, including at this big house. Lee had been right about one thing, it was a fancy house for a small town in central Texas. Gideon rapped on the door, then stood back a pace, flanked on either side by Zeke and Jake. Although it had been months since the war ended, they still approached each situation as a soldier would. Jake kept his hand on his right pistol as the door opened. A short, older man, with a head of hair that reminded Jake of high cotton, peered through the door at them. “What do you want?” “Sir, my name is Gideon Blackwood. I’ve come to see you on the advice of Wilbur McKenzie from Shaston. He said you were looking for men to hire.” Gideon gestured behind him. “These two men are my associates Jake Sheridan and Zeke Blackwood.” They all tipped their hats to the little man. “Wilbur sent you?” The door opened another inch or two. “Yes, sir, he did.” Gideon pushed his hat back and relaxed his arms. “What does he look like?” The older man squinted at them. “Big fella, black hair, got a mole on the right side of his nose,” Gideon replied in an even tone. “Ayuh, that’s him. All right, you can come in, but I’ve got my eye on each and every one of you.” The older man opened the door wide, presenting them with their first full look at the mayor of Tanger. He stood no higher than five feet, with a round belly and an older-looking suit, which at one point was probably high quality. “My name’s Phineas Wolcott.”
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They shook hands upon entering the house. It smelled musty, as if it hadn’t been cleaned in a long time. Dust coated each surface Jake could see. By the looks of things, Wolcott wasn’t married or he didn’t mind living in filth. Phineas led them into a parlor with a large burgundy leather sofa and two wingback chairs. He sat in one of the chairs, one with the least threadbare fabric, and waved them to the sofa. After they sat, Phineas cleared his throat and steepled his fingers beneath his chin. Jake scanned the room and outside the windows for any movement. “What did Wilbur tell you about the job?” Gone was the befuddled old man, and in his place a businessman with an assessing stare. “Not much.” Gideon rested his elbows on his knees. “Just that you needed some strong backs.” “Hmm, that’s true.” He peered at Jake. “You look familiar, do I know you?” Jake’s gut clenched. Did Nessman possibly have wanted posters circulated with Jake’s face on them? Jesus, he hadn’t thought that would happen. Swallowing the burst of fear that radiated through him, he forced himself to smile widely. “I don’t think so, sir. I’ve never been in this part of Texas before. I’m Irish so I expect there’s plenty of redheaded fellas around.” “True, true. Where was I? Oh yes, the job. Tanger has suffered a bit of a loss over the last six months. Ah, specifically, we’ve had some unwanted visitors.” Jake’s instincts danced with glee—he’d known something was wrong. “What kind of visitors?” Zeke finally spoke. “I guess you could call them marauders, for lack of a better word.” Phineas’s gaze was far away. “They took what they wanted and left the rest of us to clean up the mess they made.” “Is that what happened to the buildings in town?” Jake peered at Phineas, trying to gauge his truthfulness. Seeing as how Jake was a very accomplished liar himself, he could spot a flimflam artist at a hundred paces. “Yes, it surely is.” Phineas shook his white head. “They tore us up pretty good, and then had the gall to, uh, leave everything a mess.”
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Jake had the feeling Phineas was as good at lying as Jake was. There was something the older man wasn’t telling them, the trick would be in getting him to reveal it. Might not be that day, but soon enough. Jake could charm the skin off a snake if he had a mind to. “That’s just awful.” Jake frowned. “I can’t imagine why they would shoot up the town like that. What exactly did they take anyway?” He patted the mayor’s shoulder in sympathy. “What they wanted,” Phineas repeated. “Now let me see about getting y’all some refreshments.” He stood and bowed slightly before shuffling out of the room. Jake, Gideon and Zeke stared at each other for a moment or two, making sure the older man was out of earshot. They leaned in close and starting whispering. “He’s hiding something.” Zeke wasn’t one to skirt around the issue. “I agree.” Gideon looked between them. “I don’t know what but it has to do with whoever shot up the town and what they took.” Both of his friends zeroed in on Jake. “I don’t know anything yet, but I will. Phineas is a wily old coot though. It’s going to take some fancy footwork to get him to give up his secrets.” “You can get the dress off a virgin in church, Jake.” Zeke snorted. “I’m sure you can handle one old man.” Jake wasn’t exactly proud of his skills—being a thief and a liar had its drawbacks— but there were times he needed them. “You’re probably right. I can try to find out more.” Gideon nodded. “You’re the best at getting information out of folks that don’t want to give it. We need you to do more than try.” Before Jake could respond, Phineas stepped back into the room with a tray containing four coffee cups. The sweet smell of strong coffee was welcome. Jake’s smile was genuine as he took a cup and sat back to enjoy the hot brew. They’d been rationing supplies for the last four weeks, which meant he’d been drinking dirty water, not his beloved coffee.
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“There’s a house on the edge of town, not much, but it’s got a roof, four walls and a stove to cook on. You and your men can use it while you’re in town.” Phineas cleared his throat, his wrinkled Adam’s apple bobbing up and down. “That is, if you accept the job offer.” His sharp gaze probed Gideon’s, giving Jake the opportunity to study the mayor. Phineas might pretend to be a doddering old fool, but his hands didn’t shake, his eyes reflected deep intelligence and cunning, and he apparently knew how to manipulate. Definitely a kindred spirit. Now Jake just had to figure out what the old goat was hiding. “What exactly do you want to hire us to do?” Gideon threw a sidelong glance at Jake. “I mean, I’m not even sure what the job is.” “Now, Phineas, I can call you that right?” Jake smiled when the older man nodded. “I’m guessing there’s plenty for us to do here in Tanger and you’d like to hire us for more than one, ah, purpose should the need arise, which it apparently has lately. Is that correct?” Phineas’s eyebrows rose. “You’re very astute, young man.” “Thank you, sir. My mama always said I’d amount to a hill of beans and here I am.” Jake shoved away the pinch in his heart and continued. No reason for his past to jump on his damn back now of all times. Pretty soon he’d be waxing nostalgic about his one room cabin and stealing for food every day. “Let me see if I have the job offer straight. You need strong backs, some men with smarts, who are quick on their feet and with their guns. Men who will be willing and able to do whatever they need to for the town when necessary.” Zeke blinked and stared hard at Jake. Gideon shook his head and fought back a grin, but Jake saw it anyway. “You don’t beat around the bush, do you?” Phineas slurped his coffee. “You have the gist of the job, yes. I can’t give you more information than that because I don’t have it. We need you to help us rebuild the town and protect it from those who would harm it.” “What does the job pay?” Zeke had grudgingly been the moneyman for the group for the last three months. He kept asking Jake to take over the accounts, but Jake had no
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desire to be responsible for their funds. No man in his right mind would let a thief be his bookkeeper anyway. “Room and board, and fifty dollars each when the job is finished.” Silence dominated the room. It was a paltry sum compared to the money they’d received in Grayton from Nate’s father-in-law, but in the face of having five dollars in their collective pockets, two hundred dollars was enough to last them a while. That was if, of course, the town actually paid the money. From the look of things, Tanger didn’t have two hundred pennies much less two hundred dollars. “We’ll need the agreement in writing, Phineas.” Jake eased back against the sofa and stretched his legs out in front of him. “Not to say we don’t trust you, but we are a business as you may or may not know. D.H. Enterprises has served some of the finest men in Texas.” Or at least one or two anyway. Jake wasn’t sure if all of their former bosses could be called fine men. “Of course, of course. I can prepare the document myself.” Phineas glanced at the small gold watch he pulled from his vest pocket. “It’s getting close to noontime. If you want the job, you can make the dinner meal down at Cindy’s restaurant.” Jake knew Phineas hadn’t been completely honest with them, but the older man had revealed more than Jake anticipated. From what he could gather, the town was targeted by some unknown men for destruction and robbery, and God only knew what else. Their young men must’ve gone off to war and either not come back or been killed afterwards in whatever happened in Tanger. From what the Devils had seen that morning, fear gripped whoever was left in town. They were hanging on by their proverbial fingernails and required the Devil’s own magic to bring them back to life. “Can you give us a few moments to discuss it, Mayor?” Gideon, always the diplomat, asked politely. “Absolutely.” Phineas stood, brushing his hands down his trousers to smooth away the wrinkles in the dilapidated fabric. “I surely hope you and your friends can help us,
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Mr. Blackwood. We’d be grateful for some assistance.” With a courtly bow, Phineas left the room. Jake assumed the mayor stood ten feet away with his ear pressed to the wall. That’s what he’d do in the same situation. “What do you think?” Gideon looked at both of them, questions swimming in his eyes. “He’s lying.” Zeke frowned. “I don’t trust him for a minute, crafty coot.” “Jake?” Gideon focused on Jake. Although he’d been their commander in the war, Gid always got everyone’s opinion before making a decision. Even now. Jake respected him immensely for that. “I know you have an opinion too. Let’s have it.” Jake chose his words carefully, unwilling to put their lives in danger but ready to take a risk to save them from hunger again. He remembered all too well what it felt like to be desperate enough to eat a cooked rat. “I think Zeke is right that the old man is lying, and he hasn’t told us everything either.” “See? I told you.” Zeke stood and started toward the door. “Let’s get out of here.” Jake touched his friend’s arm, stopping him from leaving. “But I don’t think we should turn the job down.” “What? Why not?” Zeke’s frown deepened. “He’s trying to bamboozle us and you know it.” “Yes, I do, which is why we need to stay. He’s using every bit of his wit and intelligence to convince us to stay. I want to know why. What exactly is wrong in Tanger and why would a man like Phineas need to trick us into working for them? You’ve seen the town, it’s in worse shape than my boots. Something is seriously off-kilter here and even if we only come out of this with a place to sleep and vittles for a month, it’s better than sleeping under the stars with empty gullets.” Jake looked to Gideon. “I say we accept his offer, keep our guns on, our eyes wide and our ears open.” Gideon nodded. “I think you’re right, Jake. The worst that can happen is we get shot up, but we’ve already had that happen more than once. At best, we can help these people
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and fill our pockets.” He gestured to Zeke. “There’s three of us here. You get to vote too, cousin.” Zeke scowled at both of them. “On the condition we skedaddle if things get too dangerous. I don’t need Red here getting thrown in the pokey. I don’t know that I could rescue him again.” A grin played around his lips. “Hey, I was about to get out of that jail cell when you came in with that saloon girl in Grayton.” Jake was lying, of course. “You just sped it along a little.” Zeke snorted. “Right, you keep telling yourself that lie and maybe one day you’ll believe it.” Jake shrugged, but the memory of those hours he spent in the Grayton jail on Nessman’s trumped-up charges had never left him. Any second spent behind bars, or in small spaces, left him sweating and almost shitting his pants. Zeke had rescued him that day and he would always be grateful to his friend for that. “Oh ye of little faith.” “So we’re in agreement,” Gideon interrupted. “We take the job and the consequences, even if they’re unknown.” “Agreed,” Zeke and Jake replied. “What’s Lee going to say?” Jake couldn’t help but ask. The hothead of the group, Lee was forever griping about everything. No doubt he’d have plenty to say about taking on a job where the information in town was as scarce as a man under age twenty-five. “It doesn’t matter.” Gideon shook his head. “A full belly and a drink of whiskey will go a long way for all of us.” “Amen to that.” Jake could vividly remember the last time they’d had that particular pleasure. It had been months and they were due for some good luck for a change. He hoped Tanger was the town to give it to them.
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Chapter Two Jake sipped his coffee slowly, watching everyone and everything around him. Not that there was much to see since most citizens of Tanger were still making themselves scarce. The Devils ate the food provided at the restaurant, but it was worse than when they let Zeke cook a few weeks ago. At least then they could dip the biscuits in coffee to soften them up. The soup in front of Jake was a scary shade of orange with floating pieces of something he couldn’t identify. It also tasted like someone’s used farm boots. The coffee, on the other hand, was strong enough to stand a spoon up in, just the way Jake liked it. In fact, he liked it so much he wanted a second cup, earning surprised and grumpy glances from the rest of the Devils. They obviously didn’t appreciate truly good coffee. Jake shrugged it off and drank the ambrosia, grateful to be working again, even with a bellyful of unknown ingredients. He shifted in the hard wooden chair and made mental notes about the establishment. It was called Cindy’s, presumably after someone besides the grizzled old man who had served them dinner. He’d been openly hostile and made no attempts at conversation other than a grunt and a rather loud snort. Jake had suppressed a grin through the entire performance, not wishing to make enemies of anyone in Tanger just yet. By Jake’s estimate, the restaurant hadn’t been used much in the last six months. Dust had taken up residence on the tables that sat on the right side of the building. If he had to guess, he’d say only six of the fifteen tables had been used in quite some time. Their tops were scarred with what looked like knife marks, some of them quite deep. It appeared that whoever was harassing Tanger’s citizens had left almost no building untouched in their rampage. Jake noted with interest that the general store had just a few marks and no broken windows, unusual considering the store held money and goods to sell. www.samhainpublishing.com
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Lee squirmed in his seat like a kid in Sunday school, fidgety to the extreme. Jake was ready to make him eat more soup to shut him up. “Where’s the house again?” Lee twirled the spoon in his hand as his knee connected with the table’s edge. “Down at the end of the street. We’ll get there after we’ve eaten.” Gideon frowned at his younger cousin. “You need to calm down, Lee. As I’ve explained already, there’s no reason to hurry. Phineas said it’d be a couple of hours before he could get the house ready.” “Well if that old codger is doing the cleaning, it might be a couple of days.” Zeke made a face at his bowl. “What the hell is this anyway?” Jake raised one brow. “I think it’s soup, but it could also be yesterday’s dishwater.” Gideon chuckled. “Surely does taste like it.” He glanced around. “I’m hoping Cindy comes out of hiding and saves us from whoever cooked this.” The older man who had served them the soup stepped back into the restaurant, presumably from the kitchen. He wore clothes that had seen better days, in addition to the scowl that marred his wrinkled face. His hands were calloused, speaking of a life of hard work, and they trembled as he picked up Jake’s empty bowl. “More?” he grumbled. “No thank you, sir. My name is Jake Sheridan, and these are my friends Gideon, Lee and Zeke Blackwood. Phineas just hired us to help the town.” Jake pulled out his most charming grin. “I’m hoping you have more coffee though.” Something in the older man’s expression softened slightly. “Name’s Elmer Cooley. This here is—was my granddaughter’s restaurant.” He turned without another word and went back into the kitchen. “He’s as charming as Lee.” Jake ducked when a rock-like biscuit flew toward him. “Was her restaurant?” Zeke frowned. “I’m mighty curious to find out exactly what happened to Cindy.” Gideon stared after the older man.
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“I want to get moving. All this sitting around is making me nervous.” Lee’s gaze skittered around the empty restaurant. “Why don’t you three go for a walk around town, try and ferret out where all the people are. I’m going to stay here and ah, have more coffee.” Jake’s mother once told him he could charm the pants off a nun, then slapped a hand over her mouth. It was true he’d been gifted with the ability to make other people feel comfortable, and when that happened, they usually talked to him. Gideon nodded and the three of them left Jake by himself. It was a little odd to be sitting in a restaurant alone in the middle of the day, an uneasy feeling to be sure. Jake said a quick prayer to the fey people to keep him safe, not that he actually believed in Irish folklore, but he did believe in always keeping his options open. He suspected sometimes they kept him from falling too far into the blackness that tried to overwhelm him. By the time Elmer came back in with the pot of coffee, Jake had cleared the rest of the bowls and stacked them neatly on the table. The older man’s eyes widened just a bit, then he grunted a thanks as he set the coffeepot on the table next to Jake. “Since you like this godawful brew so much, you might as well finish it.” Elmer picked up the bowls. “Sit, please, Mr. Cooley. It’s been a dog’s age since I talked to anyone but those three Devils and I would be happy to jaw with you for a spell.” Jake poured himself another cup of coffee, then sniffed it dramatically. “I can’t believe you called this godawful. It’s the nectar of the gods is what it is.” Elmer snorted again. “I don’t believe you’re right in the head, boy.” Jake laughed and took a scorching mouthful of coffee. Heaven. “What did you mean when you said Phineas hired you?” Elmer’s question came a bit sooner than Jake anticipated, which meant he was ready to talk. “Mr. Wolcott hired my friends and I, well our company D.H. Enterprises, to help the town in any way we can.” Jake stared hard at Elmer. “Whatever needs doing.”
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Elmer seemed to digest that bit of information before he spoke again. “Did he tell you what happened?” “Not in great detail, but we got the idea that Tanger needed some young men, and we are available.” Jake kept his tone friendly, enough to make Elmer relax his guard and give Jake the details he needed. “Have you lived here all your life?” Elmer ran his hand down his face and looked at the floor for a minute. Jake figured he was getting hold of himself before speaking. “Yep, I sure have.” His voice was a bit rustier, as if something he’d been holding back had crept up into his throat. “Tanger is the only place I ever wanted to live.” “It’s beautiful.” Jake meant that compliment even if it sounded as if he was buttering Elmer up. The lake just outside of town sparkled like diamonds, and the trees, the flowers, even the buildings spoke of a quiet dignity that hung on Tanger like a comfortable blanket. “Thank you for that. Many folks that pass through don’t see much except nearby cattle ranches. The town ain’t nothing but a watering hole to them.” Elmer almost spat the last sentence. “I expected you four to be of their kind.” “Oh no, Mr. Cooley. We are Southern gentlemen making our way in life by helping other people and putting money in our pockets at the same time. We’ve worked all kinds of jobs from shoveling horse shit to hired guns. Dignity and respect we’ve got pocketfuls of, it’s food and money we need to earn.” Jake hoped he sounded as sincere as he felt. Life hadn’t been kind to the boys of Briar Creek, Georgia, but hopefully one day soon, fate would give them the reward they craved. Elmer grunted again. “I can see you’ve got a way around people. I don’t trust easy, Red, so you’ll need to remember to keep honest with me.” “I understand that completely.” Jake sure did—honesty was something he wanted to keep hold of, but sometimes it was slippery and got away from him. “Where is your granddaughter, by the way? I’d love to compliment her on the coffee.” Elmer’s face contorted into a mask of grief so profound it made Jake’s heart ache. He’d known that kind of grief after coming home to nothing but death following the war.
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Suddenly Elmer was much more than a man he’d been trying to manipulate, he became a person. A man with whom he could share a common bond. “I’m sorry, Elmer. I didn’t mean to pry.” Jake shook his head. “I have a runaway tongue sometimes.” With a nod, Elmer closed his eyes. “It ain’t been but a few months, and I still can’t believe she’s gone. I feel like she’s alive out there, just waiting on me to rescue her, but I’m too goddamn old to be worth a piss.” His eyes popped open and he pinned Jake with an intense stare. “If Phineas don’t hire you to find them missing women, then I will. I ain’t got much, but I’ll do anything to find Cindy.” Missing women? Jake had to bite his tongue to keep the string of curses from escaping. He guessed he now had the answer to the riddle of what Wolcott was hiding.
Gabrielle Rinaldi saw the men leave Cindy’s restaurant and decided to follow them. It wasn’t every day strangers came into town who weren’t shooting off guns or hollering. These three were well-armed, lethal-looking men wearing what appeared to be remnants of Confederate uniforms. There were plenty of men like that in Texas, however something about the way they moved with deliberation told her these men were different. She stood in the alley between the mill and the hotel, watching them as they talked quietly while leading their horses down the street. Curiously, they stopped every five or ten feet and examined the buildings they passed, the sidewalk, even the posts that held up the porch over Marchison’s store. Gabby knew then that the three strangers weren’t in town to take what they could lay their hands on. Phineas must have found the hired guns he’d been looking for. She wasn’t sure how she felt about them or their mission in Tanger. It had been against her better judgment to hire strangers and spend funds the town didn’t have but she was only an unmarried female talking out at a town meeting. Tanger was dying a slow death with hardly any money coming into town. She wanted to know where the money was coming from to pay the men. The old men who were left told her to hush up. Never mind that she’d practically been running the mill since her pa’s accident,
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or that she’d always done the accounts for the mill and knew more about finance than ninety-eight percent of the men shushing her. Gabby was female and that precluded her from having a brain. Having the strangers actually there in town gave her an odd, jittery feeling instead of making her feel safe. Perhaps it was the thought that the men were an invitation to the thieving, murdering bastards to come back and try again. By the grace of God, she’d been able to hide each time they had raided. Strangely enough, Gabby wasn’t proud that she’d hidden since so many others had been taken. Her good friend Cindy had been taken on a warm summer evening. She could still hear Cindy’s screams as the raiders rode off into the dying sunset with her across a saddle. A chill swept over her, raising goose bumps from head to foot. The sounds haunted her dreams, or rather nightmares. Gabby had never felt as helpless in her life as she had that night the raiders first attacked Tanger. Not surprisingly, they’d only taken the younger women, anyone over the age of thirty-five hadn’t been targeted. That fact didn’t stop Gabby’s mother Mary from hiding next to her daughter each and every time. Anger slid through her, kicking out the residual fear. It just wasn’t fair women in town were forced to live in dread of everyone and everything they didn’t know. Gabby had been trying to rally support to recruit a Texas Ranger to help them, even if the state had gone insane after the war ended. So much pain, loss and grief ran like the Rio Grande across the state. Folks were scared, tired and unsure of anything but death. Gabby hated living like that. She wanted to smile again, to dance and laugh, to fall in love and get married. Was that such a bad thing? She also wanted to wear trousers without everyone staring at her. Safety precautions forced her to don britches to work in the mill. There was no reason to suffer from vapors. Of course, experience with the raiders had taught her that wearing trousers when she was out in the street was a necessity to survive. Since she’d moved to Tanger five years earlier, Eloise Simpson and Sarah Thomas had constantly looked down their noses at her because Gabby worked at the mill. Now Eloise was gone, and Sarah refused to leave her house, along with a lot of other women,
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including Gabby’s best friend Allison. Life in Tanger had become a level of hell none of them had ever experienced. She sighed and realized she’d lost sight of the strangers. With a soft curse, she stepped out of the alley and walked down the street with as much nonchalance as she could muster. In the restaurant, Elmer was sitting at the table by the window with a redhaired man. Must be another one of the hired guns, so she didn’t give him a second glance. Instead, she walked toward where she’d last seen the strangers, by the post office. Men’s voices floated on the air from beneath the cottonwood tree in front of the building. Gabby ducked behind the trunk, grateful for its girth. She tried to hold her breath, knowing the men were only six feet away and God willing, unaware of her presence. “What do you make of the buildings that were damaged?” asked one. “It’s random, no reason to shoot up any of them. Did you notice there wasn’t a lot of damage at the general store though? They are smart enough to not destroy things they were trying to steal,” answered the second one. “Bunch of fucking idiots,” grumbled the third. Gabby swallowed the chuckle that threatened. She agreed with the grumpy one, the marauders were idiots, evil vicious ones. “Lee, stop being such a whiner and help,” the first one ordered in a voice used to command. “Talk to your brother.” “What the hell am I supposed to do?” the second man sounded as frustrated as the first. “He does what he wants to when he wants to.” “I am standing here.” The whiner sounded a bit annoyed by the exchange. “Then focus, Lee. We need you.” Gabby heard real affection in the first man’s voice, a deep respect that sounded like a lifetime’s worth. “Hey there, darlin’. I’m wondering why you’re eavesdropping on my friends.” Gabby’s head whipped around so fast, her neck shouted in pain. Standing in front of her was the redhead from Cindy’s restaurant, sporting the most beautiful pair of blue eyes
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and charming smile she’d ever seen. Her mouth went cotton dry as her lips opened and closed without a peep. The stranger’s grin widened and Gabby felt the ground beneath her feet tremble. She’d never felt so off-kilter by just looking at a man. It was frustrating and maddening, but she couldn’t seem to grab her breath back. “Although as beautiful as you are beneath those men’s trousers, I think it probably still ain’t polite.” He stuck out his hand. “Jacob Sheridan, at your service. Please call me Jake.” Jake. Gabby swallowed although her mouth couldn’t possibly get any drier than it was. Dammit to hell, had she taken leave of her senses? She finally got her breath back. “I’m sure you understand from the look of Tanger why I don’t trust strangers much anymore.” His eyes reflected understanding, but they were like the sky, constantly changing with the wind. He looked down at his hand with a wry grin. “I guess I can put this away.” His three friends appeared behind him, deathly looks and menace clearly written on their faces. Gabby backed away, her heart pounding like a bass drum. Oh God, help me. She didn’t want to be afraid anymore. Gabby wanted to live her life like any normal girl, free to wear a skirt and be safe on the streets of her town. It seemed unlikely that would happen anytime soon judging by the looks on their faces. She reached into her pocket and fingered the pistol that had become part of her. The worn wood grip felt like an old friend to her fingers. “You’d do best to pull your hand out of that pocket, miss. We’re not going to hurt you, but if you pull a gun on a man, you should expect him to shoot back.” The man who spoke had the looks of a leader. He had curly brown hair and kind blue eyes. The pistol resting beneath his palm spoke of more than kindness though. The two others had blond hair and brown eyes. One was missing most of his left arm and his expression spoke of fury and pain. The other, Gabby assumed was his brother
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Devils on Horseback: Jake
since they had a similar look to them, had eyes as cold as a mountain stream in January. He kept his razor-sharp gaze on Gabby, making shivers snake up and down her skin. That one scared her even more than the redhead’s charm did. “Who’s your friend, Jake?” the first man said. “I haven’t rightly discovered yet, but I know she’s carrying a pistol and a healthy dose of gumption.” Jake gave her a small smile. “I don’t think she’s out to do us any harm, Gid.” “Says you.” The one-armed man snarled. “I don’t trust anybody in this crazy town.” Gabby pulled her hand out of her pocket and stood straighter. If they had wanted to harm her, they would’ve done so already. She had to trust her instincts, which told her if Jake had been talking with Elmer not five minutes ago, he wasn’t imminently dangerous. If anyone in town had a reason to kill strangers, it was Cindy’s grandfather. “My name is Gabrielle Rinaldi.” She was proud that her voice didn’t shake as badly as her hands were trembling. “My father owns the flour mill in town.” “Pleased to meet you, Miss Rinaldi. My name is Gideon Blackwood. These are my cousins Zeke and Lee, and you’ve already met Jake.” The brown-haired man tipped his hat. “We were hired by Phineas Wolcott to service the town.” Phineas had hired them, certainly no surprise, but to hear it said out loud still affected her. Gabby digested that bit of information like the taste of a lemon, it went down but not easily. Even if they were mannerly, and obviously Southerners, these men were hired with money taken from the mouths of people in town. That simple fact made Gabby’s stomach churn, knowing how tough times already were. “How much is Wolcott paying you to kill people?” she asked with a ferocity that surprised even her. “We’re here to protect you, not to kill anyone.” Gideon seemed to be the diplomat of the group, the one who assured folks of the strangers’ good intentions. Gabby couldn’t stop herself, she snorted, a very unladylike noise in the quiet afternoon air. “I don’t believe that any more than you do. I just want you to know that I
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spoke out against hiring you. The town doesn’t have enough money to feed itself, much less to hire gunslingers.” “Just don’t get in the way of a bullet.” Jake’s eyes glittered with a remembered grief so deep, it was like a punch in the stomach. “I’d hate to see someone as precious as you be hurt because of an ideal.” “Ideals are all I have left, Mr. Sheridan. If you had any, you’d refuse the job and leave Tanger the way you found it.” With that, she spun on her heel and walked away, desperately controlling the urge to run like hell, hoping she wouldn’t feel the burn of a bullet in her back. Gabby knew she’d likely just made four enemies who were armed and very dangerous. As if life hadn’t already been complicated enough.
“Who the hell was that?” Lee harrumphed. “Little spitfire.” Jake’s heart stuttered from the five minute conversation with Gabrielle. She was full of life and beauty, along with a pair of balls to rival any man. Jake was utterly intrigued with the tall, voluptuous Italian woman with curly black hair and bottomless black eyes. “She’s trouble, that’s what she is.” Zeke scowled at her back. “We don’t need townsfolk fighting us too.” “I agree.” Gideon turned to Jake. “You need to stick to her like a cocklebur. Charm her, confuse her, whatever the hell you need to do, just keep her out of our way.” Jake didn’t think that was going to be a hard task, or maybe he was wrong, and it would be the most difficult thing he’d ever had to do. Either way, it was bound to be one of the most memorable experiences of his life, and that was saying a lot. Jake had enough memories to haunt two lifetimes. A romp with a beautiful woman and danger would replace some of those nightmares with hot dreams. “…do you understand?” Gideon had been speaking to Jake. He looked expectantly as if he wanted Jake to answer him. “Sure thing.” Jake smiled, completely clueless as to what he was agreeing to.
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Devils on Horseback: Jake
“Don’t let us down, Jake.” Lee’s eyes narrowed. “Think with your head, not your dick for once.” Jake raised one eyebrow. “Take your own advice, Cornelius. Think with your head, not your stump for once.” He was tired of being thought of as simply a ladies’ man without a thought in his head but for pleasure. God knows there was more going on in his mind than he could bear to think about. Lee was a true Blackwood, not like Jake, who had always been thought of as an illegitimate one, the get of his faithless mother and a once wealthy Blackwood. It had been an unspoken fact they accepted as children, although no one ever spoke of it. The air between them hummed with tension. He expected Lee to let the fist fly he had clenched by his side. His eyes were as hard as an oak, full of anger and self-pity. Jake understood most of what Lee was feeling, however, losing an arm wasn’t an excuse to be belligerent for the rest of his life. “You’re a bastard,” Lee hissed before he turned away, as stiff as a board. “There was no need for you to say that.” Zeke pinned Jake with a fierce look. “He does the best he can.” “No, he uses that damn stump as an excuse to bite at the world day in and day out. It’s time he stopped being bitter and started living again.” Jake watched his friend’s retreat, remorseful for what he’d said to hurt Lee, but knowing he wouldn’t have changed a word of it even if he had the chance. “That might be true, but you could have been nicer about it.” Gideon glanced up and down the street. “We haven’t finished checking out the town yet. Lee shouldn’t be alone. Zeke, go with him.” Without a word, Zeke trotted after his brother, leaving Gideon alone with Jake. He had a feeling his friend was about to give a lecture Jake didn’t want to hear so he headed it off by offering information of his own instead. “Elmer told me something very interesting.” Jake cleared his throat, dredging up the feelings of disbelief and fear when he’d heard about the missing women. “The raiders did more than shoot up the town, they took women.”
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Gideon’s eyes widened. “They took women?” They started walking again, leading all four horses behind them. “Apparently they took every woman under the age of thirty-five they could find. The first time they did it, there was so much confusion, no one realized six women were missing. Then they came back and did it again and again. They’ve come through town eight times, and took women each time. According to Elmer, there are twenty-two women unaccounted for, including his granddaughter.” Jake remembered the desperation in Elmer’s face as he spoke of hearing Cindy scream as she was taken. “I have a feeling Phineas wants more from us than strong backs. I think he wants a rescue mission.” Gideon shook his head. “I can’t believe no one has done anything about this. Jesus Christ, twenty-two women? Didn’t they ask the law for help?” “Yes, but with so much going on after the war, there just isn’t enough lawmen to go around.” The job in Tanger had just become much more complicated. The Southern gentleman who existed deep inside Jake bellowed with rage at the injustice the town and its women had suffered. God only knew what they’d had to endure in captivity, if they were still alive. More than likely most of them had ended up sold as slaves in Mexico or dead. “What do you think we should do?” Gideon secured two of the horses to the hitching post outside the saloon, his expression as grave as a battlefield. The sound of bees, birds and a chattering squirrel echoed through the empty silence of the town, a normalcy that seemed out of place. Jake thought long and hard on his answer. Gideon respected everyone’s opinion in the Devils, and for that he had everyone’s devotion. They were a team, a team with a leader, but they were all equal. If he felt they’d be risking their lives for the right reason, then Jake would be more than willing to die. So many wrong things had been perpetrated during the war in the name of victory. For once, he wanted to risk his life for something he knew was right, something he could be proud of.
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Devils on Horseback: Jake
“I think we should stay, help the town however we can and find those women.” After the words left Jake’s mouth, a weight lifted from his shoulders. It had settled there after he found out about the women of Tanger, and he knew it wouldn’t go away until the Devils had either rescued the missing ones or found them. So many folks had no idea what happened to their loved ones after the war. Perhaps helping the folks in this small Texas town would ease some minds and hearts. “They might have already been sold in Mexico.” Gideon swiped his finger under his nose. “Do you think the townsfolk realize that?” Jake nodded. “Elmer surely does. He’s truly afraid for Cindy because she had blonde hair.” There hadn’t been any need to discuss what would happen to a young, blonde white woman sold into slavery in Mexico. There wouldn’t be anything left of her to find. “It might be a lost cause.” Gideon helped Jake tie up the other two horses, his movements deliberate and slow. “We could be agreeing to a suicide mission.” “That’s the God’s honest truth.” Jake had had the argument with himself a dozen times on the walk from the restaurant, then upon seeing Gabrielle, he’d momentarily forgotten everything but her. He knew he had to help the town of Tanger, regardless of his new obsession with one of the few women left in town. “You still want to do this?” Gideon’s gaze had softened just a bit. “Yes.” Jake’s voice was firm and clear. “Then we stay.”
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Chapter Three “Who are those men, Gabrielle?” Gabby turned to find Veronica Marchison on the front steps of the store, her arms folded across her chest. Their relationship had been odd since Gabby moved to town. After getting close to Veronica’s son, Christopher, it became obvious Gabby was unwanted in the Marchison family. Veronica treated Gabby as if she were beneath her, unworthy of a position in her elite circle. In fact, Veronica hadn’t spoken to Gabby in nearly a year. Christopher had been a sweet man. Numbers and ciphering were what drove him. They had professed their love for each other and had acted it on it, three times to be exact. However, sweet Christopher had been too afraid to ask for her hand in marriage against his mother’s wishes. Gabby had wept when he had gone off to war, and now he was gone forever, just like most of the young men in Tanger, lost to the bloody battlefields a thousand miles away. “Gunslingers.” Gabby watched Veronica’s face carefully, satisfied to see fear then anger cross the cold blonde’s expression. “What makes you think they’re gunslingers? Perhaps they’re just strangers passing through town.” Gabby shook her head. “They’re wearing guns and Phineas hired them.” A heated debate at the last town meeting had ended with the town voting to hire gunmen since they didn’t or couldn’t find a sheriff for Tanger. “Phineas hired them?” Veronica frowned at the retreating men. “What are they doing now?” “I don’t know, getting to know Tanger I guess.” Gabby started walking on, eager to get away from Veronica. “Why don’t you talk to them yourself?” Veronica’s eyebrows snapped together. “You’re not being very polite, Gabrielle.” 30
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“Believe what you want.” Gabby needed to leave before her runaway tongue got her in trouble. Veronica inspired her to a level of anger Gabby had never known she was capable of. “I’ve got to get home.” Her mind whirled with images of the strangers, of Jake, and she had no room in there for Veronica’s nastiness. She walked home as quickly as possible, grateful for the trousers that gave her freedom of movement. When she got there, she ran around the side of the mill. Gabrielle pumped the handle as fast as she could until the cold water from the bottom of the well gushed forth. Her arms screamed from the effort, but she needed to splash water on her heated face. Cold, cold water to bring her temperature down. Holy God, she’d never been so hot in her life. Her skin felt tight and her cheeks felt as red as beets. Jacob Sheridan. Just the thought of his shining blue eyes brought the flush back to her cheeks even as she cooled them down. Gabby had met handsome men in her twenty-three years, some of them charming too. Jake was both, and although Gabby was intelligent enough to run a mill, her stubborn body refused to listen to her head. Love had been a fickle emotion for her. First there had been Christopher, then her huge mistake with Alvin Carmichael earlier this year. Not something she cared to ever repeat. The bastard had stolen more than her trust. Shaking off the anger that arose each time she thought of Alvin, Gabby tried to focus on being calm. The last six months had been the hardest of her life, not as if things were better before then, but since the raiders had targeted Tanger, Gabby had to dig deep to keep strong. Jake threatened that control. Her immediate, unquestionable physical reaction to him told her in no uncertain terms, he was dangerous. She cupped her hand under the cold stream and swallowed a mouthful, then a second. After wiping her mouth on her sleeve, Gabby took a deep breath and looked around. The muddy puddle in front of the pump was the only indication she’d been there. No one saw her lack of control or her frantic need for water. It was embarrassing enough and she was the only one who knew. God forbid Jake or one of his friends had seen her.
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That thought was enough to make her stomach rebel as it sloshed full of water. Gabby reined in the urge to vomit by kneeling down and putting her head between her knees. Self-control had always been a hard animal to ride for her. It was a familiar battle she fought each day. God help her if she got any closer to Jake Sheridan and lost the war with herself. “Gabrielle?” Her mother put her hand on Gabby’s shoulder. Through the cotton, her mother’s skin felt cool against her heated flesh. “I’m okay, Mama. Too much sun I think.” A lie, of course, but her mother wouldn’t understand how a man could take away Gabby’s self-control. “You shouldn’t be walking around town, especially in those trousers.” She clucked her tongue. “It’s bad enough the town thinks you’re odd, don’t give them more reason to.” Gabby glanced up at her mother, a petite brunette with light blue eyes and kinky curls. She stood at least six inches taller than her mother, and weighed almost twice as much. Her mother looked like a china doll, all tiny and delicate, an illusion to be sure since she was anything but delicate. She told Gabby often that some giant must be in her papa’s lineage for her to be so big. Gabby didn’t care for the comparison, particularly since there wasn’t anything she could do about her height or the width of her fanny. “First of all, I wear trousers for protection. Second, I don’t care what people think of me.” She watched for the expected play of emotions on her mother’s peach-colored skin, first a pink blush of displeasure, then the steel of anger. “There are new strangers in town, just so you know. Mayor Wolcott hired gunslingers.” “It’s about time, I say.” Her mother folded her arms beneath her breasts. “Phineas should have done it long ago. It was obvious the Rangers weren’t going to help us. This town has become a den of evil.” She tsked, disapproval in her expression. “You met these men? Alone and unchaperoned?” “Yes, Mama.” Gabby rose to her feet, the rush of blood leaving her head making stars sparkle in her eyes. “I lived to tell about it too.” “Don’t be smart with me. What did you find out about them?”
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Gabby rolled her eyes. “Mama. Are you listening? These are gunslingers, not men I met at the Sunday social. All I know is there’s four of them, they’re Southern, possibly from Georgia or Alabama, and they have good quality horses. Their names are Gideon, Lee, Zeke, and”—she swallowed—“Jake.” Gabby hoped like hell her mother hadn’t heard the pause or realized that his name came out in a breathy rush. Stupid, stupid, stupid. “Well, you know an awful lot about these men already. How were they dressed? Are you sure they’re gunslingers?” Mary Rinaldi was very intense when she latched onto something, almost relentless. “They had clothes on. That’s all I remember.” Gabby clenched her teeth to keep from confessing how much meeting them, meeting him, had actually knocked her off balance, way off balance. Most young ladies might share that with their mothers, but not Gabby. “You’re being disrespectful now, Gabrielle.” Her mother tapped her foot. “I want to see these men for myself to get an idea of who they are. First, I’m going to see Phineas.” She whirled around and disappeared around the back of the house, leaving Gabrielle gratefully alone. After another five minutes of controlled breathing, she finally felt better. It wasn’t fair to be blessed, or cursed as the case may be, with her father’s Italian passions. From the time she was a little girl, she continually got into trouble for telling her mother exactly what she thought. Fortunately her father always took her side, preventing an all-out war between the two females in his life. It didn’t stop the fights entirely, but Gabby eventually learned to temper her emotional chaos with logic. Of course, logic had completely deserted her today. She’d find it again, as long as she kept away from Jake Sheridan, and her mother, as much as possible.
Jake watched the crowd of women like a man at the circus. There had to be at least twenty of them crowded around Gideon, Lee and Zeke. If it weren’t for the horror-filled expressions on their faces, Jake would’ve laughed like a hyena. Apparently, Phineas had gotten the word out to the townspeople that he’d hired four men, four unmarried men.
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Jake had been taking care of some personal business for a few minutes and when he returned, he found the horde had surrounded its quarry. Gideon’s eyes met his. “Help me,” he mouthed with a frantic look around him. Out of all the Devils, Gideon felt the most uncomfortable around women. He was taught to be respectful to women, but to keep his distance. His mother had been a cold, exacting person who took great pains in avoiding being alone with her only son. Lee, Jake, Nate and Zeke had been Gideon’s family instead. Women had been few and far between for their former captain. Not so for Jake, in fact it was the exact opposite. With five sisters, and dozens of girl cousins, Jake was surrounded by the softness of femininity his entire childhood. His mother’s husband had stayed far away from his responsibilities as a da, leaving the burden of feeding and clothing the family to Jake. Charm for women was something he had in abundance, and using that gift brightened his soul and brought a lightness to his heart. With a big grin and a wink for Gideon, Jake pushed back his hat and stepped into the fray. This was something he could do and do well. “Ladies, good afternoon!” All of them stopped talking and turned to face him. Ranging in age from twenty to sixty, they all had one thing in common—want in their eyes. Of course what they wanted probably differed from woman to woman, nevertheless, they wanted something from the Devils. It could have been protection, loving, or perhaps they had a missing sister or daughter. Jake knew desperation when he saw it. “My name is Jake Sheridan.” He swept off his hat and bowed low. A few titters met his gesture. “These are my friends and business associates, Gideon, Cornelius and Ezekiel Blackwood.” Lee’s face promised severe retribution for throwing his hated first name out to the pack, however, he tipped his hat when introduced as the others had done. “As I’m sure you’re all aware, Mayor Wolcott has hired us to, ah, service the town. We’re going to be staying down at the end of the street in the empty house, so please be sure to keep your unmarried females a respectable distance.” He stepped around them,
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Devils on Horseback: Jake
still smiling, noting the expressions of desire, need and hunger on their faces. “If you need assistance with anything, we would be happy to help you with whatever you need. Now how about we agree to meet you one at a time in Cindy’s restaurant in an hour? We need to wash up and look presentable for you ladies.” A few pink cheeks, one or two chuckles, and some whispers came from the crowd. One short woman with kinky brown hair walked forward. Something about her eyes was vaguely familiar. “My name is Mrs. Rinaldi.” She nodded in greeting. “What exactly are you going to do to service the town?” She gestured to the other ladies with her arm. “We’ve lost most of our young men to the war and each of us needs help in one way or the other. Will you be able to help all of us?” The familiarity in the woman’s eyes reminded Jake of a certain tall dark-haired woman. With the last name Rinaldi, this had to be Gabrielle’s mother, even though physically they were complete opposites. However, she obviously had a spine of steel like her daughter, and her question was a valid one, but it wasn’t up to Jake to answer. He looked to Gideon. “Yes, ma’am, we will help all of you.” Gideon eased away from the women to stand next to Jake. “As Jake said, we’ll be meeting with you one by one down at Cindy’s restaurant in an hour. We can write down what everyone needs and then do our best to get it all sorted out.” He smiled weakly. Jake held a laugh in at the great captain of the Devils cowering in front of twenty women. It was a moment he’d remember for quite some time. “I want to say thank you to all of you for coming to welcome us to Tanger.” Jake tipped his head toward Lee and Zeke. “Now if you’ll excuse us, we need to get to our new abode and get ready for our meeting.” The ladies didn’t move to allow the men to pass, but neither did they stop them. It was almost eerie the way they stared, with so much need and a hundred other emotions in their eyes. A chill ran down Jake’s spine at the thought that these were only the first batch
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of citizens who needed help, many more could arrive at any minute. Whatever the Devils got themselves into might be much deeper than they expected. Gideon groaned in his ear as they turned to their horses. “Jesus, I thought for sure I’d end up in front of the preacher in under five minutes.” Jake snickered. “You are a prime specimen of man, Mr. Blackwood.” “Shut up.” Gideon smacked Jake on the shoulder as they mounted. They carefully made their way around the crowd of women and put the horses into a slow canter down the street. No one made a move to follow them, a blessing to be sure, although Jake had an itch between his shoulder blades that begged to be scratched. That meant one thing, someone was watching him. He hoped to God it wasn’t someone who had seen his image on a wanted poster somewhere and was right then running to the telegraph office to find Captain Nessman. He hadn’t thought about that bastard in almost an hour, but it all came back in a rush as the creepy feeling spread throughout his body. Jake just barely resisted the urge to turn around and look. Someone in the group of women knew him or of him, he was sure of it. Which one remained to be discovered. Perhaps their meeting with the women might uncover who it was. Until then, Jake would be on his guard, tenser than a whore in church. They kept up the pace all the way down the street, not stopping until they reached the house, or at least what was left of it. “What the hell is this?” Lee snorted. The house wasn’t a house at all. It appeared to be what was left of a barn or a shack, perhaps used to store cotton. The doors hung crookedly on the hinges, there were no windows to speak of, and quite a few of the boards were rotting. “Welcome home.” Jake shook his head. “Are you sure this is the right place?” “Phineas said it was the brown house at the end of the street just past the livery. This has got to be it.” Gideon slid off his horse with a pained look on his face. “I’d hate to think what it looks like on a bad day.” After stepping inside, they weren’t too disappointed because the expectations had been low enough to begin with. Phineas might have considered this a house, but it was a
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Devils on Horseback: Jake
hovel with four walls and a roof, just barely livable. There was evidence of mice and other critters, a few tick mattresses that had seen better days, two lanterns, a battered cookstove, one table but no chairs, and a vase with purple wildflowers in it. It was the wildflowers that threw Jake for a loop. Someone had come between the time they spoke to Phineas and when they arrived, no more than three hours, and put the flowers there. He doubted Elmer or Phineas would have made the effort. Flowers were the mark of a woman, and his stupid heart hoped it was the one woman who’d completely captured his attention. Gabrielle. Jake hadn’t been able to shake the image of the woman out of his mind. She was no shrinking violet for sure. Gabrielle stood nearly his height, with the darkest eyes he’d ever fallen into. Her hair was dark, thick and long in the braid that swung on her back, with unruly curls escaping the tight plait. His hands itched to feel it, knowing it would be like silk sliding through his fingers. He shifted uncomfortably in his trousers as arousal bubbled deep within his gut. Jake took his eyes off the flowers to try and gain control of his wayward thoughts. “Well it smells like shit, it looks like shit, I’d say it’s on par with a Yankee prison camp.” Lee laughed without humor. “Maybe Jake can find one of his honeys to clean the place.” Jake ignored him and opened the door wide to pull in as much fresh air as possible. The smell of ancient piss in the building was enough to make his eyes water. Gideon checked the mattresses while Zeke investigated the shadowy corners. Lee, as usual, stood by and complained. There was going to come a time when someone would take offense at so much negativeness and kick his ass six ways to Sunday. Nate had done it once back in Grayton a few months ago. Jake had watched with grim satisfaction, now he could only stand by and listen. He truly felt bad for his friend for losing an arm, but he’d meant what he told Lee about not using his arm as an excuse. Life was for the living, for the here and now, not for the past and ghosts. If only Jake could follow through on his own advice instead of sinking down into the black pit of hell
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his mind had become. Ghosts had become his constant companions, pulling him back from life each time he tried to escape. He ran a shaking hand down his face and took a deep breath. Now was not the time to succumb to his self-made torture chamber. After a few more minutes, he felt in control again, desperate to find something to do besides think. Jake went to the back of the house and found a small hinged opening six feet off the ground. It wasn’t a window, but it was something. With some effort, a few splinters, and more than a handful of curses, he got the damn thing open. Dust coated his face, went up his nose and all over his clothes. Apparently the previous tenants were too short to reach the small door or they didn’t care for fresh air because that thing hadn’t been opened in decades. He coughed and waved his hand in front of his face to clear the air. The sweet scent from the meadow behind the building gave him some relief until he noticed the purple wildflowers. Acres and acres of them covered the ground. Jake had a mental image of lying down in those flowers with Gabrielle, surrounded by the intoxicating scent of the blossoms. Dammit, couldn’t he keep his mind on something other than Gabrielle Rinaldi for more than five minutes? What the hell was wrong with him? “Sometimes I forget what beauty is.” Gideon’s low voice made Jake jump a foot. His gut clenched so hard, a burst of bile coated the back of his throat. With considerable effort, he managed to swallow the whimper. He hadn’t even heard his friend coming, a very bad thing considering Jake was wanted by the U.S. Army, even if the charges against him were falsified. Gideon looked out on the meadow full of flowers with a wistfulness Jake had never seen from his friend before. “I know what you mean.” Jake breathed in deeply, pulling some of the innate perfection of the blossoms into himself. “I often wonder if beauty exists beyond the simplicity of nature, ’cause man sure as hell ain’t beautiful.” After a shared moment of silence, they glanced at each other and smiled. Jake shook his head.
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Devils on Horseback: Jake
“Pretty soon you’ll be convincing me to spout poetry too.” Gideon snorted and slapped Jake on the back. Jake waggled his eyebrows. “I can teach you how, you know. Ladies love a poem now and then.” “That’s okay, I’ll leave that to you.” Gideon held up his hands. “I ain’t good with the ladies, and some bad poetry won’t help.” “Are you two going to help us get this pigsty clean or not?” Zeke called from the corner. “I’d like to be able to at least sleep here tonight without any mouse shit stuck to me.” They all chuckled then got to work making the house livable. Jake used the word house with a grain of salt, because it was more a shack than anything, but beggars couldn’t be choosers. After forty-five minutes, and a cloud of dust thick enough to kill a horse, they called a halt to the cleaning. “We need to get down to Elmer’s and meet all those ladies Jake promised we’d service.” Zeke raised one blond eyebrow. “I don’t think even he can handle twenty-five of them at once.” Jake burst out laughing. “No, I’ve had three at once, but twenty-five is beyond my limits.” Lee stared at him, his brown eyes wide. “You’ve had three women at once?” With a wink, Jake headed for the well pump beside the building. “Ask me another time and I’ll tell you the whole story.” Behind him, he heard Lee ask his brother if Jake had been serious. Whether or not he was ashamed of it, Jake had been telling the truth. He’d indulged in the pleasures of the flesh as often as possible. It was the one thing he was really good at, besides thieving, and it got his mind off what a lousy hand God had dealt to Jake. Practice in sensual pleasures had honed Jake’s skills to an art form. Lee had no idea the kinds of ecstasy he could have with two women or even three. One woman was likely all he could handle until he got a lot more experience. Jake suspected his friend had only been with a woman a couple of times during the war, and absolutely none since he’d lost his arm.
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The four of them washed up quickly, although there was still plenty of dirt left on their clothes even after a dunking in the cool well water. It couldn’t be helped and they were late for their meeting with the Tanger ladies. When they arrived back at Cindy’s, the crowd had grown in size. There had to be at least thirty-five if not forty women waiting. They stood around chatting amongst themselves, creating a noise not unlike a beehive. Jake glanced at his friends and noted identical expressions of grim determination with a smidgen of fear. He swallowed the chuckle that threatened to escape and dismounted. “Good afternoon, ladies.” He smiled widely. “I’m so glad to meet so many of you.” Lots of the ladies nodded and murmured a greeting. He saw distrust mixed with hope in their eyes and prayed he and the Devils would be able to help them. One woman in particular, a tall blonde, stared at him with an intensity that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. She was about forty if he had to hazard a guess, in nice store-bought clothes. He’d do well to figure out who she was. “We’re going to go inside and we’d appreciate it if you could come see us one at a time. That way we can give each of you a fair shake.” Jake and the Devils stepped inside. Elmer stood just inside the door with a scowl on his face. “What are you doing, Sheridan?” “I figured it was a good place for the ladies to speak with us. You are first on the list, Elmer.” He shook the older man’s hand. “We’re going to do our damnedest to find Cindy.” Elmer nodded with a jerk and walked toward the tables. “You might as well set up here and talk to the ladies. I’m gonna go upstairs.” With that, he left the Devils alone in his empty restaurant. “That is one odd man.” Gideon looked out the window. “I guess we’d best get started so we can get finished.” He sounded like a man set to climb the stairs of the gallows. Jake punched him in the arm. “Relax, Gid. They’re only women.”
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Devils on Horseback: Jake
An hour later, Jake took back what he’d said to Gideon. The women hunted like a pack of wolves. They didn’t come in the restaurant one at a time, they came in five or six at a time and surrounded them. Jake began to get the feeling they had a plan after the first two groups grilled them about their lives, habits, origins, likes and dislikes, even their mothers’ names. Almost as if they were being sized up for a specific purpose. Jake knew what it was by the time the third group tumbled in and Gabrielle’s mother was in their midst along with the tall blonde who’d speared him with her gaze earlier. Jake’s guard went up when Mrs. Rinaldi focused on him. “Mr. Sheridan, this is Veronica Marchison, she owns the store in town with her husband, Matthew.” Veronica looked the four of them over with something akin to dislike. “Gentlemen.” Her stare was just as intense as it had been earlier, leading him to wonder exactly why Mrs. Marchison made his instincts stand at attention. “I’m pleased to meet you, ma’am. What can I do for you?” Mary leaned in close, her face as cool as the water he’d used to wash with. “The mill has only been working at half capacity for six months. My husband…well he can’t work and we don’t have anyone to fix it.” “Oh yes, poor Sam.” Veronica sounded anything but sympathetic. “Such a tragedy. I see you men are busy. I just wanted to come by and meet you.” She walked away, leaving a general feeling of unease in her wake. As Mrs. Marchison left, there was a commotion at the door and a certain dark-haired woman shoved her way past the others. When Gabrielle came into view, this time his smile was genuine. “Miss Rinaldi.” He gestured to her mother. “Your mother was telling me you need some help at the mill.” “Gabby, I’m surprised to see you here.” Mrs. Rinaldi didn’t look too happy to see her daughter.
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Gabrielle threw her mother a murderous glance. “While it’s true we need someone to help us fix the wheel at the mill, we don’t have any money to pay you.” She leaned in closer and the scent of woman washed over him, pulling him deeper into Gabby’s snare. “My father was hurt earlier this year and we haven’t been able to fix it properly, but we can’t take charity.” Jake’s heart pinched at the pain in her eyes at the mention of her father. A very primal pulse of possession grabbed hold of him. He wanted, needed to help her, no matter what. Gabby. “I’d be happy to help you fix the mill and it won’t cost you anything. I can come by the day after tomorrow in the morning. Does that sound good?” The smile on his face began to hurt. “Mama, you know we—” Gabby was no match for her mother. She grabbed her daughter by the arm in a grip that made Jake wince. “That’s perfect, Mr. Sheridan. We’ll see you the day after tomorrow.” Mary ushered Gabby out of the restaurant before she could get another word in. There was obviously some conflict between the Rinaldis that started long before the Devils came to Tanger. Jake’s gaze followed the tall beauty out the door and into the street until he couldn’t see her anymore. Gideon poked him in the side. “If you’re going to daydream, at least pick a pretty one.” He frowned at the crowd. “And help us get through these women’s requests. I think one of them wanted to take my measurements for a suit.” Jake shook his head, amazed that Gideon didn’t think Gabby was pretty. If she got any more beautiful, Jake might have to become a lovesick idiot. Her mother, however, didn’t strike him as a particularly nice person. It took almost two hours to speak to all of the women who’d come to the restaurant. By the time the crowd thinned, the Devils had half a dozen pages of jobs to complete. Phineas better have enough money to pay them for all the work. While Zeke looked over
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Devils on Horseback: Jake
the papers, a lone woman walked into the restaurant as three others were walking out. They stuck their noses in the air and gave her a wide berth. From the bright blue dress, artfully curled red hair and face paint, Jake knew in an instant she was a soiled dove. At last a woman he could be himself around without worrying about how he looked, sounded or what he said. “Good day, ma’am.” Jake gestured to the chair in front of him. “Can I help you?” The other Devils watched as she sashayed across the restaurant. None of them said a word. “Hey there, Red.” She sat down and the scent of French perfume and woman surrounded Jake. Familiar, comfortable smells that alleviated some of his tension. “Hey there yourself, pretty lady. My name is Jake, and these are my friends Gideon, Lee and Zeke.” The others nodded as they were introduced. “What can we do for you?” “Pleased to meet you fellas. My Name is Lucy Michaelson. I, ah, own the saloon in town.” She fiddled with the lace on her cuff. “I heard y’all were helping womenfolk out.” “Yes, we sure are. Do you need some help, Lucy?” Jake saw deep weariness in her brown eyes. Years of bad choices had a way of wearing a body down. If he had to guess, she couldn’t have been older than twenty-eight, however she looked forty. “Those da—awful raiders shot up my saloon and took both my girls with them. Sons of bi—guns even took two cases of whiskey.” Her eyebrows went down into an angry V. “That idi—Mayor Wolcott refused to even talk to me about it and that witch Veronica won’t extend me any more credit to buy whiskey through the store. Folks treat me as if my problems ain’t the same as theirs, like I deserved what I got.” “I understand everyone’s suffered a loss.” Jake had heard the story of prejudice and hard knocks too many times before from fallen women. In the eyes of society, once a woman took that first step toward making a living on her back, there was no return. “That’s the truth. Sam Rinaldi is one of them. He’s a good man, the best in town.” A smattering of warmth flashed through her eyes. “It’s a da—darn shame what they did to him. All I want is some help getting the saloon fixed up. My bartender ain’t been right since the raiders took Trixie and Elsbeth, not that a seventy-year-old man is ever quite
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right. I lost most of my business when the war started, but now those raiders have stopped it completely.” She leaned forward and Jake was struck by the desperation in her eyes. “I’m going to run out of money in less than a month. As it is, I’m eating but two meals a day and they’re not too filling.” Jake laid his hand over hers. “We’ll help you, Lucy. I promise.” He looked at his friends and they all nodded. “Let me write down what you need and we’ll figure out when we can get down there.” A sigh whooshed out of her and a tremulous smile graced her lips. “I would be most appreciative.” With a wide grin, Jake chuckled. “No thanks are necessary, but a shot of whiskey might be just the thing.” As Lucy talked, Jake wondered at her comment regarding Sam Rinaldi. Did Lucy know him personally? If so, Jake could understand some of the coldness coming from Mrs. Rinaldi. Any woman whose husband stepped out with a whore would be understandably disillusioned with the way her life turned out. After Lucy left, the Devils counted themselves lucky none of them had gotten married or killed that day. Tanger was proving to be a tangled mess.
*** The following day, Gabby decided to visit her friend Allison. Her jittery nerves couldn’t be around her mother and nothing at the mill needed her attention. Yesterday afternoon through the restaurant window she’d seen Jake talking to Lucy, and her stupid imagination ran wild. Gabby was torn between wanting to find out more about Jake and keeping away from him. The crazy thing was, she didn’t know which idea intrigued her more. Allison Delmont had been her best friend since they’d met on Gabby’s first day in town. Where Gabby was tall and dark, Allison was blonde and petite. Gabby always felt clumsy and out of place around her friend, but Allison never even commented on it.
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Devils on Horseback: Jake
Beloved daughter of Reverend Delmont, Allison lived in a small house next to the church. She’d grown up with four boisterous older brothers, all of whom had died in the war. Reverend Delmont had kept his faith, while Allison’s mother let herself pass away from grief two years earlier. After the women in town had been kidnapped, Allison had grown so frightened of everyone and everything, she didn’t even leave the house anymore. Gabby didn’t mind visiting her friend at home, she just wished Allison would stop cowering like a frightened rabbit and live life again. The blonde had been the happiest, most vivacious girl in town. Now she was a shadow of her former self, existing within four walls and her mind. Gabby even did the shopping for the Delmonts since neither one of them went to the store. Although she didn’t care to see Veronica again, Gabby gathered the Delmonts’ weekly supplies. Fortunately, the object of her discomfort wasn’t at the store, Matthew Marchison was. The sad-eyed man looked sixty instead of forty but he always brightened up when he saw Gabby. Too bad his wife was such a cold-hearted bitch. After chatting with Mr. Marchison for a few minutes, Gabby took the supplies and headed for the church, keeping an eye out for Jake and his friends. She didn’t trust them or herself. As she walked toward the small white house, Gabby called out to Allison. “Good day, Delmonts!” It was her standard greeting, one which gave Allison and her father ample time to prepare themselves for visitors. Gabby had frightened them half to death a few months ago and vowed to never do that again. She knocked on the door, noticing the peeling paint and weeds sprouting up. The Delmonts had not done any outside chores since the problems with the raiders began, and their house suffered for it. The door creaked open and one blue eye peeked out. “Gabby?” “Let me in, silly. You couldn’t possibly think anyone else in Tanger would be dressed like this.”
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Allison opened the door wide enough to let Gabby in then shut it so quickly, she almost knocked Gabby over. Grabbing hold of the table, Gabby hung onto her dignity by her fingertips. “Oh I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to— It’s just that—” Allison wrung her hands together as she frowned. The golden ringlets that used to fly freely around her head were now confined in a scarf. “Don’t worry, I understand.” Gabby at least tried to understand, however, she was such a strong-willed person that cowering from life just wasn’t an option. “How is your father?” Reverend Delmont wasn’t doing very well. The doctor visited the aging minister frequently, dosing him for pain. Gabby suspected it wasn’t all physical pain, but rather he’d given up on life, just as his wife had. It was hard not to follow the impulse to smack the man and tell him to look at what he was throwing away, or who. Allison needed her father and he either refused to see that or couldn’t break out of his own world far enough to see. Either way, the Delmonts were in trouble and Gabby was determined to help them as much as she could. Even if her own father was crippled and lay in a perpetual state of nothingness, she could give this kind of help endlessly. As Gabby tidied up the kitchen and put away the supplies, Allison sat at the table and worked on some lace. The world around them was full of chaos and sadness, and she sat with fragile-looking lace. Gabby privately thought Allison used the lace as a means to reassure herself there was beauty in the world. She’d seen their friend taken, had witnessed the brutality of the raiders, and it left her in the state she was in—lost. “There are some men in town, and before you panic, Phineas hired them.” Gabby made a face at the flour as she put it in the tin. “Gunslingers.” “Really? Do they wear guns on their hips?” Allison’s petite face lit up like the sunrise. Gabby frowned. “Yes, real guns, real gunslingers. They told me they were hired to ‘help’ the town but I don’t believe that for a minute. Carpenters don’t wear six shooters.
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Devils on Horseback: Jake
Phineas is probably planning on paying them what’s left of the town’s funds with no guarantee whatever they plan on doing will get rid of the raiders. What we really need are lawmen.” Allison rose and hesitantly approached the window. “You spoke to them? Are they here to protect us?” Her lethargy had been replaced by curiosity and what Gabby thought was excitement. How interesting. “What are their names?” Gabby raised one brow at her friend. “Allison Delmont. Are you interested in a man?” The blonde blushed bright red to the roots of her hair. “No, I just wanted to— You see, I-I—” With a laugh, Gabby saved her friend from her stammering mess. “I’m teasing you. There are four of them, Gideon, Zeke, Lee and Jake. They’re all big men with dangerous, big guns.” “Where are they from?” Allison continued to peer out the window, looking this way and that, her expression almost predatory. “I’m not sure, but I think Alabama or Georgia, possibly Mississippi. Ex-Confederate soldiers.” She remembered the gray pants worn by more than one of them, the haunted looks in the backs of their eyes that marked every veteran she’d met. The broken men who had passed through town had only stayed a day or two, unwilling to risk their lives for a stranger. “Southern gentlemen? And they agreed to help Tanger?” The need for a positive answer blazed like blue fire in her eyes. Gabby realized Allison needed a hero. Gabby snorted. “For a hefty price, I’m sure.” “Can I meet them?” Shock rippled through Gabby. It was the first time in months Allison had even hinted at going outside, and she wanted to meet the gunslingers. Certainly not the best choice, in Gabby’s opinion, but she was thrilled to see Allison excited about something.
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Although Gabby wanted to say no, she couldn’t. “Yes, we can meet them. Help me get these supplies put away and we’ll go find them.” Allison pulled off the scarf and touched her golden locks. “Do I need to brush my hair?” Gabby had a feeling she’d regret giving in to Allison’s request. It took her friend a mere ten minutes to get ready. She came back to the kitchen with a sparkle in her eyes that Gabby thought she’d seen the last of. As Allison tied on her bonnet, she peppered Gabby with questions about the strangers. Funny thing, the blonde didn’t appear to be afraid of them, yet she’d jump at her own shadow. That worried Gabby more than she cared to admit. They set off arm in arm toward Cindy’s restaurant. She’d been a friend to both of them, and Gabby missed her almost as much as Elmer did. The men might be at the restaurant, although Gabby secretly hoped they wouldn’t find them. She had no desire to scare Allison again, nor have the four of them swoon at the beauty’s feet. It had been known to happen. Margaret Summers stopped her sweeping to stare at them as they passed. Gabby waved as the tinkle of Allison’s laugh rang out. A widow, Margaret had much to be sad about, but even she wasn’t immune to Allison’s brightness, which had been hidden for so long. “Hello, Gabby. It’s good to see you out, Allison.” Margaret almost managed a smile. “Hello, Margaret.” Gabby tipped her hat, aware how odd she and Allison looked walking together, since one dressed as a man and the other a young girl. As they headed toward Cindy’s, unease crept over Gabby. They were out in the open, with no protection except each other. Allison’s grip tightened on Gabby’s arm. In an instant, the playfulness from five minutes earlier disappeared. “Maybe we should come back out later.” Allison’s voice was tense enough to crack ice. “Miss Rinaldi.” Jake’s sweet greeting made Gabby’s breath come out in a rush. Was it relief or something else?
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Devils on Horseback: Jake
Both women turned to face him. Gabby was glad to see his friends standing a polite distance away, poised to enter Cindy’s. They all nodded to her. Even if they didn’t like her, they still used their manners. Jake on the other hand smiled so widely, Gabby thought she might get lost in the dazzle of it. Her heart beat a slow, lazy rhythm, pushing blood around and making her a bit lightheaded. Dang it, that was not supposed to happen. “Good afternoon to you and your friend.” He took off his hat. “My name is Jake Sheridan, miss. I’m pleased to meet you.” “Mr. Sheridan, this is my friend, Allison Delmont. She’s the minister’s daughter here in town.” Allison looked at the ground beneath her feet, trembling ever so slightly against Gabby. She murmured something to Jake but didn’t look up. Gabby wondered if meeting these four large men would end in disaster as predicted. What she didn’t expect was the scary blond man to come to Allison’s rescue. “Ma’am, my name is Zeke Blackwood.” He spoke in a soft tone, as if gentling a wild creature. “My friends and I aren’t going to hurt you. We’re here to help you and everyone in Tanger.” Allison finally raised her head and looked into the man’s face. Where Gabby saw a cold, calculating man, her friend must have seen something very different because Allison offered him a small smile. Gabby’s mouth dropped open in honest surprise. “I’m pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. Blackwood.” Allison performed a small curtsey. “My name is Allison Delmont.” “Miss Delmont.” Zeke didn’t exactly smile but his face had softened a bit. “My friends and I are about to subject ourselves to Elmer’s worst dinner fare. Would you care to join us?” Allison glanced behind Zeke at the other two men. The curly-haired one watched with avid interest while the one-armed man scowled so hard his blond brows formed a big V. “Are you sure we’re not imposing?” she asked.
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“Not in the least.” It was Jake who answered. “We would be tickled pink to have both you lovely ladies join us. It’s been quite some time since we dined with proper company.” “Yeah, because you sure as hell aren’t proper,” the one-armed one sniped. Gabby remembered his name was Lee. “Watch your language, Lee,” their leader scolded. What was his name again? Oh yes, Gideon. “These are gently reared ladies who deserve more respect than that.” He tipped his hat at them. “Excuse my friend, ma’am. He’s been in the company of men for too long. I’m Gideon Blackwood and this is my unruly cousin, Lee.” Allison inclined her head regally. “Thank you, Mr. Blackwood.” She looked at Zeke again and Gabby swore she saw stars in her friend’s blue eyes. Was that good or bad? “We’d be happy to join you.” Allison held out her arm and Zeke took it as if they were at a fancy dance. Jake’s eyebrows shot up and he glanced at Gabby. She shrugged. He grinned and bowed low and long like he was at the queen’s court. “My lady Rinaldi, please do me the honor of allowing me to escort you to the fine dining establishment forthwith.” He fell to one knee, holding his hand up to her. Gabby held a smile back through sheer force. As it was, her lips began hurting from keeping them in place. Jake fell to both knees and clasped his hands together like a supplicant. “Please, Miss Rinaldi. I will surely perish if you don’t say yes.” His blue eyes danced with mirth. “Get up before you make an even bigger fool of yourself.” Lee turned and stomped up the steps. “Idiot thinks he’s funny.” Gideon rolled his eyes. “I didn’t know it was time for a show.” He chuckled and followed his cousin. Zeke and Allison didn’t even appear to see Jake, they walked to the restaurant talking quietly.
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Devils on Horseback: Jake
Then Gabby was alone with Jake. Silly, charming Jake who would be dangerous in more ways than one to her. The memory of Jake smiling at Lucy raced through her mind. He might have already visited the saloon and Lucy’s bed, and now he was using his considerable wiles on Gabby. The very thought made her not just annoyed but upset, whether or not it was her business. “You can get up now.” She helped him to his feet, hiding her reaction at the feel of his large, calloused hand around hers. Since her experiences were limited to the softhanded Christopher and the clammy-handed Alvin, the urge to find out how Jake’s rough hands felt on other parts of skin ran through her. Just the thought of it made perspiration pop out all over her body and warmth blossomed low in her belly. Heat seemed to be something created easily between her and Jake. “Miss Rinaldi?” Jake cupped her elbow. “Are you all right?” Gabby opened her mouth to respond, then shut it. God knows she shouldn’t say a word to him right now or risk sounding like the fool she was. “I’m fine. Let’s go inside.” She stepped away from his touch, and a shudder wormed its way through her at the loss of contact.
Jake found himself fascinated by Gabrielle Rinaldi. Gabby. The way the sun danced across her light olive skin as she sat next to the window, the way she gave Elmer an effusive hug when they came in. She ate with gusto, not like a Southern “lady” who picked at her food. Gabby was all woman, full of life. Jake was drawn to her like a flower to the sun, thirsting for the brightness she gave off. He kept his eye on Zeke and Allison. She was a shy little thing who barely lifted her eyes and that was only to look at Zeke. He appeared to be equally as taken with the petite woman as she was with him. Jake hoped she was amenable for Zeke to court her, because Jake would bet the two nickels in his pocket it was going to happen. Too bad she was the minister’s daughter, which might put a pinch on a budding romance.
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Gabby kept glancing at the blonde couple as well, almost as much as Jake looked at the luscious black-haired beauty. She laughed with her whole body, a hearty laugh that echoed in the empty restaurant. Jake’s heart squeezed each time she smiled. He wanted to kick his own ass for acting like such an idiot, but he couldn’t seem to stop himself. She’d become an addiction so quickly it made his head spin. “Jake, are you listening to me?” Gideon elbowed him in the ribs. Jake almost jumped out of the chair. “No, I wasn’t.” Everyone laughed and he couldn’t help but grin at Gabby. She raised one dark eyebrow and didn’t say a word to him. He couldn’t be certain if she was flirting with him or not, a fact that annoyed and excited him. Women were generally not immune to his charm, as evidenced by the experiences he’d had with the fairer sex. Jake discovered early that making a woman feel beautiful and desired provided a more than pleasant method to getting what he wanted. The truth was, Jake loved women of all shapes and sizes. Each one had her own unique charm and scent. It was one of the first things he noticed as a young, strapping fifteen-year-old in the backroom of the saloon he worked at—the scent of a woman was intoxicating. Gabby’s scent would be the last thing he remembered and the first thing he thought of each day. She didn’t wear perfume, rather it was a mix of woman, flour, fresh air and her. Fascinating to say the least. Jake sat next to her at the table as they ate the simple ham sandwiches and drank lemonade. Each time she took a drink, Jake watched, and hungered. He wanted to taste her lips, feel her tongue on his as they shared the tart flavor left in her mouth. Jake shifted on the chair, realizing his usually calm dick had woken with a vengeance and strained at the buttons of his trousers. He needed to stop fantasizing about Gabby and work on charming her, because judging by the frown on her face when she glanced at him, he had a ways to go. “How long have you lived in Tanger, Miss Delmont?” Zeke sat straight and tall across from Allison.
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Devils on Horseback: Jake
“All my life.” The blonde looked up from her plate at Zeke. “When Gabby moved to town we were inseparable from the first minute we met. My mama used to say we were like salt and pepper.” Her face paled, apparently at the memory of her mother. Zeke reached over and put his hand over hers, completely covering her tiny one. “I lost my parents too. It’s never easy to talk about them. I understand completely.” He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to her. Jake nearly swallowed his tongue. Zeke was acting so unlike his normal self, it was almost scary. “What the hell’s gotten into you, Zeke?” Lee could always be counted on to be brutally honest. “You sick or something?” Zeke scowled at his brother. “Watch your language around the ladies.” “Sure thing, Ezekiel,” Lee taunted. Calling the Blackwood brothers by their hated Biblical names never failed to rile them. Zeke stood, knocking his chair back. “Don’t ruin this day too, Cornelius. It was going along right fine until you opened your mouth.” His cool glare pinned Lee. “Apologize to the ladies.” The air hummed with tension as the brothers stared each other down. Lee was the one to turn away, to glare at Gabby then at Allison. “You’d best make your choices wisely, brother.” Lee snatched the sandwich off his plate and stormed out of the restaurant, slamming the door behind him. After his footsteps faded away, Jake glanced at Zeke, who was still standing like a statue in a park. It was Allison, however, who saved the moment from utter disaster. “Please sit down, Mr. Blackwood. It’s all right. I’m sure your brother didn’t mean any harm.” Her gracious tone worked on Zeke like nothing else ever had. His face softened and he sat back down without punching a thing. Jake choked on his lemonade. Gabby slapped him on the back until Jake held up one finger. “Thank you, Miss Rinaldi. I will be forever in your debt.”
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Allison laughed while Gabby fought back a grin. “You are a charming fool, Mr. Sheridan.” “Jake. Please call me Jake.” He smiled, his heart doing a somersault when she smiled back. “All right then, please call me Gabby.” At that moment, over the sandwich crumbs and the lemon seeds, Jake slid from being fascinated into being just a bit in love.
*** It was hotter than hell by eight in the morning on a cloudless day that threatened to become even more scorching. Captain Elliot Nessman wiped the sweat off his brow with one perfectly pressed handkerchief. He eyed the evidence of a campfire at the creek and knew in an instant it was the Confederate demons he’d been chasing for months. The fire pit, long since cold, had rabbit bones, a cigar and what appeared to be bandages. He clenched his fist in the leather glove in victory. He was close, right on their tail. At first the information from the drunken sot about a red-haired man with three others had been more than suspicious. However, it had proved to be the kernel of freedom he’d been searching for. Elliot smiled as he smashed the bones beneath his boot. Those damn Johnny Rebs would be his so very soon.
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Chapter Four The mill stood at the other end of town backing to the river, a hulking building nearly twenty feet tall. The weathered boards had been constructed well to create a solid building. Jake was impressed with the outside alone. He expected the inside to be just as impressive. From what he could find out, Gabby’s father had designed the current mill water flow and had made numerous improvements with his own hands. Some kind of accident earlier that year had left him unable to walk. Jake figured Gabby had learned her fierceness, passion and drive from her father. The sound of hammers and saws rang through the morning air—Zeke and Lee were over at the church while Gideon assisted at one of the ladies’ houses in town. No doubt Allison was fluttering around Zeke as they worked. As Jake walked toward the mill, he felt someone watching him again. The same person who had been watching him since he’d arrived in Tanger three days earlier. A chill raced up his spine. Whoever watched him didn’t do so out of curiosity. There was malevolence in that stare. Jake whirled around and saw nothing but Marchison’s store. No one was there or anywhere within at least three blocks. He stared hard at all the windows overlooking the street like silent sentinels. After a few minutes, he started walking again, resolved to investigate the mysterious watcher another time. Darkness would be a better cover to snoop around anyway. Besides, he’d promised Gabby he’d be there and he sure as hell didn’t want to let her down. “We’ll meet soon, stranger, I promise,” he muttered. When he arrived at the mill, Jake knocked, curious to find out what was making the racket on the other side of the door. No one answered his knock, so he tried the knob, which opened under his hand. He poked his head inside. “Hello? Anybody here?” www.samhainpublishing.com
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An older man with salt and pepper hair and a stooped back walked past the door and barely gave Jake a glance. He was covered in an off-white dust Jake assumed was flour. “Gabby!” The man shuffled toward the other side of the room. “You got a visitor.” Jake stepped in and the great hulking machinery in front of him spun, turned, and made a thwapping sound as grain was ground into flour. The wheel mill outside turned with the water as it powered the mill. He looked up and saw pulleys and wheels in an intricate symphony of machinery moving in time with each other. “Jake.” Gabby appeared beside him wearing a huge leather apron, smudges of flour and grease on her cheeks, and a frown marring her beautiful face. Just the sight of her made Jake lose his ability to speak for a moment as he lost himself in her dark eyes. She cleared her throat and he jumped at the sound. “Good morning, Gabby.” He pointed up at the mill’s equipment. “Impressive. I’ve never seen one up close before.” She swiped a hand across her forehead. “It’s a design my father helped with down in Guenther’s Mill in San Antonio. It separates the middlings layer—” She stopped and shook her head. “That’s not important. We haven’t had a decent speed in the mill for months, not since the waterwheel was damaged. Harvey would drown if he even tried to get out there.” Jake smiled. “Can you explain to me how the mill works? It would help if I knew what needed to work so I could fix it.” “Are you really interested in the mill?” She narrowed her eyes. “Absolutely. I’m from a long line of drunks and cotton pickers.” Jake shrugged. “I’ve never even been inside a mill, but I do want to learn about it.” He knew it was the right thing to say when Gabby’s eyes lit. The strange thing was, he meant what he said. “Okay, but if you become bored, don’t tell me I didn’t warn you.” She started by giving him a tour of the mill, explaining how the pulleys pulled the grain through to the iron rollers, and all the various steps that brought the wheat kernels to the flour he was used to seeing.
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Gabby spoke of the mill as a mother does a child, with passion and love. She could talk about it for hours on end, Jake was sure. He lost track of how much information she gave him, and he didn’t follow all of it completely, but he understood the basics of the mill and what the problem was. The waterwheel had half its boards damaged, the other half were rotting off. From what he could see through the opening, it would be a hell of a lot of work to fix it. No wonder the old man couldn’t do anything about it. Jake climbed onto the ledge, ignoring Gabby’s protest. “Can you stop the water flow?” he called. “Yes, but that’s something you’re going to have to help me do.” She hoisted herself up next to him and pointed down. “We have to stop the wheel down there.” The warmth from her body meshed with his and he had to tighten his hold of the sill to avoid grabbing her. A rush of sensation flew through him as quickly as the water that rolled past the mill. Her scent today was a combination of flour, grease and woman, which tickled his senses. Her physical agility should have surprised him, but it didn’t. He took it as part of who she was, even if she wasn’t one of the sweet Southern ladies he was used to. Gabby was different, very different. Jake smiled into the cool spray from the water and glanced at her. Tiny bits of moisture clung to her smooth cheeks and full berry-colored lips. Jake’s mouth went dry as a pulse of pure arousal slammed him. He wanted to kiss her, more than once. God, he wanted to taste her, to find out if she was as sweet and delicious as she looked. Jake shook with the need, the hunger that bit into him. Gabby turned to him wearing her perpetual frown. “What is it?” Jake shook his head. “Nothing. Not used to heights I guess.” He smiled. “Can you show me the bottom of the wheel?” “Sure.” Her even white teeth gnawed on the plump bottom lip. “If you don’t think you can do it, tell me now. I don’t want to get my hopes up, or worse yet, my father’s hopes up, over nothing.”
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“Oh, I can do whatever you need me to.” Jake’s voice rang with conviction. “No matter what you think of me or my friends, we will help Tanger. I will help you.” Gabby nodded and jumped down. From the expression on her face, she wasn’t convinced Jake would or could do the work, but he wasn’t about to let her down. Suddenly being around Gabby and making her happy became the most important thing in the world to him.
The water sounded like thunder when they stood behind the wheel. The combination of the splashing and slap of the paddles added to the cacophony. It was one of Gabby’s favorite places. She loved to sit on the stone wall that ran behind the mill and watch the wheel turn, feeling the spray of the water on her face. Truth was, she did her best thinking sitting there. Ever since she was little, it was her spot, especially when she was troubled. Today that trouble stood beside her in the form of a redheaded man with a devastating grin and beautiful blue eyes. Jake Sheridan was unlike any man she’d ever met. He was charming, smart and funny, enough of a distraction to make her nervous. Gabby’s world was too small for a man as big as he was. In every way, he was just too big. She was used to handling problems and being the voice of reason—he threatened that control. “I think I finally understand how it all works.” He tipped his black hat back. “At least enough to know what you need me to do.” With a grin, he knelt down at the water’s edge and stuck his hand in the current. Gabby had the insane urge to push him into the water, whether to cool him off or to make herself feel better, she wasn’t sure. Her fingers actually itched to touch him, to feel the texture of his shirt, the heat of the skin beneath it. She wondered if his freckles covered his body or if they were just on his face. That led her to imagine exactly what the freckles would taste like. She swiped her tongue across her damp lips instead. Gabby shook her head to dispel the strange urges and thoughts floating around there. The very idea of fantasizing about a man she’d known for such a short time was preposterous enough—she didn’t need to turn into a silly-headed idiot over him.
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Control, Gabby. “Have you lived here all your life?” He sat on the stone wall, patting the space next to him. Although her feet dragged, Gabby walked over and perched next to him, unable or unwilling to stop herself. “No, we moved around a lot. We only moved to Tanger about five years ago. The mill used to belong to another man named Abel Freeman. After he died his wife sold the mill to my father and left town.” She paused, remembering the joy her father felt in finally owning a mill. “Why a flour mill?” He picked up a pine needle and swept it back and forth across her hand. Gabby shivered from the contact and pulled away from his touch. “My father had worked for a man down in San Antonio who taught him everything about the design and running of a mill.” She had absorbed every drop of knowledge from her papa, like a thirsty sponge. “When the mill came for sale, my father used every cent he had to buy it. After we moved to Tanger, my father’s dream came true.” The memory of her father getting hurt six months ago slammed into her without warning, eliciting a gasp from her throat. She closed her eyes, remembering the sound of his screams as his leg was pulled into the machinery. The blood coated the equipment and it had taken the better part of two weeks to get it all out. She swore there were still stains on the dark wooden floor beside the grinder. “Gabby.” Jake cupped her face in his big hands. “Are you okay?” Without thinking about what she was doing, Gabby kissed him. It was a quick, hard kiss against his soft, surprised lips. Before he could react, she moved away, covering her face with her hands and breathing like a bellows. What had just possessed her to do that? She jumped up and backed away from him, trembling at her foolish actions. Jake didn’t say a word. She assumed he was watching her as she paced in a circle, grasping her self-control with both hands. After she found her balance, she peeked at him. She expected him to be smiling or at worst, smirking at her. Instead, he was frowning,
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actually frowning at her. Gabby wasn’t feeling stupid anymore, now she was embarrassed. “Are you okay?” he repeated. Gabby sat back down hard. “I can’t believe I did that.” “Do you want to talk about it?” “God no.” She sighed. “I feel dumb enough.” “There’s no reason to feel dumb.” He touched a fingertip to her lips, sending a shiver of pure need through her, totally kicking aside the embarrassment. “Thank you for the kiss.” Gone was the charming, silly flirt, and in his place was a man showing concern for her. At least, that’s what Gabby saw in his eyes. She tended to trust her instincts since they’d saved her more than once. Jake showed her a side she hadn’t seen before, a true gentleman, and for that she started respecting him. “I was thinking about my father’s accident,” she whispered. “He nearly died. Between you and me, sometimes I think he believes he might as well have because he’s been a ghost ever since.” Jake shifted closer, the heat from his body permeating her cotton shirt. She leaned toward him, a shiver wracking her body. The water and her memories had brought a chill. “I’m sorry.” His expression was filled with understanding and a deep recognition of grief. So he knew a great deal about ghosts too. It didn't surprise her because in her experience, men who'd survived the war had suffered more than their share of sorrow. “I’m not sure if you believe me or not, but I think I know exactly how he feels. You are a loving, devoted daughter from what I see and you’ve kept the family together, kept the mill together.” “Thank you.” She cleared her throat. “He lies in bed and watches out the window all day, won’t look at an invalid chair or even speak. The doctor says he’s healed up, just…lost.” Jake’s arm crept around her shoulders. “I’ve been there myself. Maybe he just needs a reason to find his way back from wherever he’s gone.”
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Gabby blew out a breath, the pain and frustration of not being able to help her father racing through her. “I wish I knew how.” “We can start by fixing the mill. Maybe if he hears her running smooth and sweet, it’ll help.” His deep voice rumbled in his chest, giving her comfort for the first time in so long, she didn’t want to move an inch. “That would be wonderful.” She imagined her father smiling again or laughing in his big booming way. Gabby missed him, confused by the shell he’d become. Jake tipped her chin up with his finger. He seemed to be asking permission, which Gabby couldn’t refuse. After an almost imperceptible nod from her, he bent down and kissed her. A light, sweet touch danced across her lips, gentle flutters like angel wings. She closed her eyes and savored every second of it as he pulled her into a fog of arousal before he’d even truly kissed her. It stopped as quickly as it started. Gabby opened her eyes and locked gazes with Jake. Lord help her, she was in trouble.
*** Zeke hadn’t seen Allison since the day they’d shared a meal, but she was never far from his mind. She reminded him of what beauty was, how much he’d lost in the last four years, and the gnawing hunger to get some of it back had grabbed hold of him. He couldn’t shake it off, and he couldn’t stop thinking about her. He’d chosen to work on repairs to the church in hopes of seeing Allison again. Pitiful fool that he was, he spent the day trying not to fall off the roof while keeping watch for her. Just a glimpse would do, enough to ease the ache in his chest. Lee kept leveling disgusted looks at him, but Zeke ignored his brother. The church roof needed to be fixed and it was, after all, the spiritual center of Tanger. Zeke’s explanation made his brother roar with laughter. It was nearly the end of the day before Zeke saw Allison. She opened the front door of her house and poked her head out. His heart hammered louder than he thought possible. Damn tingles raced down his skin at the sight of her. Was he a lovesick idiot? www.samhainpublishing.com
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As if she sensed him watching her, she glanced up, her eyes wide with fear. Zeke forced himself to smile, while inside what he wanted to do was scramble down the ladder and kiss her until she didn’t look afraid anymore. He waved one gloved hand, but she ducked back into the house like a scared rabbit. Zeke told himself he wasn’t disappointed. A complete and utter lie of course. “Your girl already running from your ugly face?” Lee teased. “Maybe I should try.” “No.” The force of the denial shocked both of them. Lee’s eyebrows reached his hairline. “Well, hell, Zeke, I didn’t know you had it that bad.” Lee squinted at the house, a trickle of sweat snaking down his cheek in the hot summer sun. “Thought you were gonna bite my head off.” “Sorry, Lee. I-I don’t know what the hell I’m saying anymore.” Zeke felt dizzy from the unused emotions slamming around in his head. “Don’t worry about it. I wish…” Lee didn’t finish his sentence. His eyes clouded with a longing so deep, Zeke felt it in his own heart. “Your girl has come back out.” Zeke looked down, sure Lee was funning him, but there she stood like an angel in the sun with a glass of lemonade in hand. Fortunately Zeke didn’t break his neck climbing down the ladder.
*** That night the church filled with Tanger residents, eager to hear an update about the strangers and how they’d already helped the town. Gabby stood at the back, watching everyone from one corner while the whore Lucy stood in the opposite corner, also watching. Phineas performed for the townspeople, of which ninety percent were women and children, and ten percent men over the age of fifty. It was a lopsided population to be sure. There were plenty of titters and giggles about the new men in town. New blood, new stallions to make babies. It had been more than five years since a baby was born in Tanger. 62
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The town was dying. Gabby realized that even if the mill was repaired completely, there wouldn’t be wheat to make enough flour to last the winter. Of everyone in the room, she and Allison, who sat in front with her father, were the youngest women, the only ones unmarried or not widows, other than Lucy. It had been a few months since the last town meeting and a feeling of helplessness snaked through her at the realization that so many were gone, dead or had picked up and left Tanger. Was it worth the effort to save the town? What could the gunslingers do to save them from their fate? “Ladies and gentlemen.” Phineas held up his hands and the chatting died down. “I know a lot of you have already met the men I hired from D.H. Enterprises and they’ve already started on repairs. These are fine upstanding Southern gentlemen who’ve come to not only help us, but protect us from those who would do us more harm.” He leveled his watery gaze on Gabby. “Some folks in town may not want them here.” Murmurs rippled through the crowd and some even had the nerve to turn and look at her with hostility in their faces. Gabby ignored them as best she could. “I’m here to assure you these men are only here to help the town and will never put any of us in harm’s way. Far from it. They will protect us.” He pointed at Elmer, who scowled from his seat in the front. “I know for a fact that Elmer here has asked them to help him find Cindy.” The room nearly erupted at that point. Gabby had the feeling Phineas threw that possibility out there to convince the townsfolk to let Jake and his friends stay. She didn’t know why Phineas would throw out false hope like that and that bothered her. Phineas was tricky and manipulative and Gabby hadn’t ever trusted him. “I heard there was an Irish in their group.” Mrs. White, the seamstress in town, was a caustic old woman. Unfortunately, many of the women her age listened to every word that spat out of her mouth. “Yes, one of them is Irish, but don’t worry about him.” Phineas scanned the room. “The others are from a prestigious Georgia family, the Blackwoods.”
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The way he disparaged Jake made Gabby wince. For all the men they’d lost, to be singling him out because of his heritage was horrible. She was ashamed of all of them. “Mr. Sheridan is a good worker and a fine man,” she heard herself say. Phineas shook his head. “I’m sure he’s a good worker.” Murmurs and pointing from the crowd made Gabby stand up straighter. They could gossip all they want. She had nothing to hide. “Are any of them wanting to stay in Tanger?” Veronica Marchison piped up with a snide glance at Gabby. That was the question milling around in Gabby’s mind. She wasn’t sure she wanted to know the answer. “I don’t know the answer to that, Veronica.” Phineas again pinned Gabby with his gaze, his eyes taunting. “Perhaps Miss Rinaldi or Miss Delmont can answer that question.” Allison had sat beside her father in the first pew, making herself as small as possible. When Phineas called her name, her head snapped up. “I can’t answer that question and it’s improper of you to suggest otherwise.” Gabby didn’t know what the mayor was trying to accomplish. “Bringing Allison into this is unnecessary.” “The way I hear it, you two were cozy with them fellas down at Cindy’s.” Mrs. Marchison’s grin was more like a sneer. “We ate dinner in a restaurant they were in.” Gabby’s anger was growing by the minute. “What are you insinuating?” “I’m not insinuating anything because I don’t need to.” Mrs. Marchison focused on Allison. “I saw what I saw.” Gabby’s temper moved past simmer and into boil. “It’d be nice if we focused on the fact that Mayor Wolcott hired gunslingers with money the town doesn’t have. The fact that they’re unmarried isn’t important.” Gabby looked around the church. “Aren’t any of you concerned that we barely have enough money to keep the town going?” She didn’t understand the rest of the town and probably never would.
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“It’s because we’re concerned about the town that we hired these men.” Phineas shook his head. “It’s very simple, Miss Rinaldi.” The crowd grew louder and Gabby felt her self-control slipping. The town just wouldn’t listen to reason. “Exactly how are you paying them, Mayor Wolcott? Where is the money coming from?” Gabby shouted over the crowd’s noise. The talking ceased and all eyes turned back to Phineas. He smiled and threw another hostile glance at Gabby. “Right now they’re working for room and board. Once the town is repaired and money starts coming in to our businesses, we can settle their fee.” He smiled a sparkly white predator’s smile. “Do they know that?” She’d bet every cent she had they didn’t know what Phineas was planning. Men like that didn’t work for nothing, especially when there was killing involved. Elmer snorted and a ripple of whispers echoed through the room. “As I said, there’s no reason to worry about money.” Phineas kept his smile firmly in place. “Gentlemen always take care of their business without any assistance from the weaker sex.” Gabby imagined what it would be like to punch the mayor of Tanger. Just once. The nodding heads in the room further incensed her. Women weren’t stupid. Why would they accept Phineas’s pronouncement that they didn’t need to worry about something as important as the town’s future? She clenched her fists and her jaw so hard, her head ached. “What about the law, Mayor?” Gabby wasn’t giving up without a fight. “Why haven’t the rangers or a U.S. Marshal helped us?” “The law is busy taking care of the rest of the state after the war. I’ve told you more than once, Tanger is too small. They won’t come here.” He spoke to her as if she was a child with a hearing problem. “I’d like to see the proof of that.”
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“I don’t answer to you, young lady. In fact, I think you’ve taken up enough of the town’s time at this meeting. I think I speak for all of us when I tell you to hush up now.” Wolcott had never looked so menacing as he did at that moment. A shiver flew down her spine. Gabby had underestimated just how dangerous Wolcott was. From her left, Lucy stepped toward Gabby, close enough to talk without being overheard. “I think you’re right about this whole thing,” Lucy whispered. “I don’t know what that squirrelly fool is up to, but I’m right proud to hear someone standing up to him.” Gabby had never spoken to Lucy but just to know that someone didn’t think she was crazy made her feel better. She turned to look at the titian-haired woman and realized Lucy was only a few years older than she was. “Thank you.” Gabby stepped away, squaring her shoulders. “Mr. Wolcott, I for one don’t believe this is the best choice for the town, but since I’m just a woman, I know my opinion doesn’t matter. You’re all fools if you think these men will work for nothing but Elmer’s bad cooking and a flea-infested shack.” Before she said something she’d really regret, Gabby left the church. The cooler night air didn’t do much to cool the anger that pulsed through her. Something told Gabby the dire straits the town was suffering from were about to get worse.
*** The raiders came the following night, when folks were relaxing after supper, when all the chores were done. The thunder of hooves echoed through the nearly empty streets like a death knell. Then came the shouts and yelps, followed by gunfire, and finally, screams. When it began, the Devils had been home, discussing their day’s work. Within seconds they were outside the house without having to speak a word. Jake’s pulse beat a steady tattoo and his breathing was even, however his stomach cramped up like a fist. God, he hated the sound of gunfire, but he didn’t say a word, just bit back the bile in his
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throat and did what he had to do. They didn’t bother with the saddles, instead they vaulted on their horses and rode bareback as they’d done throughout childhood. Jake held onto his horse’s mane with one hand, the other held his pistol, cocked and ready. They rode down the main street as fast as they could push their steeds, the wind whipping at them. They tracked the sounds and found what had been left behind by the raiders—plenty of bullet holes and one burning house. While the old men in town frantically used a bucket brigade to douse the hungry flames licking the front porch, the Devils rode past, eager to find those who would do Tanger harm. The tang of battle spread across Jake’s tongue against his will. The deepening darkness hid much from them, but they pressed on, following their instincts. One woman sat on the steps of a house next to the general store, screaming and sobbing. Jake wanted to stop to talk to her, but he knew there was no time. If they didn’t keep chasing the raiders, they might lose them and Jake couldn’t let that happen. As they rounded the corner, Zeke and Gideon split to the right while Lee and Jake rode ten feet apart on the left. Crouching low in the saddle to make themselves small targets, the Devils spotted their quarry a quarter mile away, pulling a woman from a home near the hotel. “Son of a bitch!” Jake cursed under his breath. He spurred his horse on faster, pushing the gelding to his limits. They flew through the air toward the kidnapping, desperate to save whoever was being taken. It didn’t really matter who it was, she didn’t deserve whatever fate awaited her at the hands of the raiders. No one, man nor woman, should be forced to do anything. He had to save her, and perhaps save himself. Of course, Jake prayed like a madman the woman wasn’t a tall, curvy Italian named Gabby. God help him, he might completely lose control again if something happened to her. Yesterday afternoon they’d found a common bond, an understanding of each other he’d never had with a woman before. Most were put off by his red hair or his mannerisms or his poor beginnings. Gabby was different—he felt different when he was around her. Lee let loose a rebel yell just as they were closing in on the raiders. The two men dragging the woman unceremoniously dropped her and leapt onto their horses. There
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were four of them by Jake’s count, and they rode prime horseflesh, more than likely stolen. They also knew how to ride as well as, if not better than, the Devils. The raiders disappeared into the inky blackness, but not before the biggest one turned and shot at them. The bullets went wild and the Devils scattered, a trick they learned during the war to avoid shots by Yankee rifles. “Devils!” Gideon shouted, their code word to sound off. Each responded, hale and hearty. The woman lay on the ground still screaming. Jake was torn between helping her and chasing the raiders in the darkness with his friends. Gideon took that decision away from him. “See to her. We’ll see to them.” He, Zeke and Lee spurred their horses on while Jake pulled up on the reins. His horse snorted and bucked, his blood running as fast and hard as his master’s. However, Jake was used to the temperamental gelding and knew what to do. He vaulted off the horse, landing next to his great neck and grabbing hold. After a moment or two of fighting Jake, the horse blew out a disgusted-sounding breath and stilled. “Stay, you big fool. We need to help the lady.” Jake knelt beside the sobbing woman, unable to see much about her other than light brown hair and some blood. After a quick thank you to the Almighty that it wasn’t Gabby, he tried to will away his shaking hands and help the woman. He didn’t want to scare her any more than she’d already been scared by those bastards. “Ma’am?” he said softly. “Jake Sheridan here, from D.H. Enterprises. I don’t know if I met you this week or not, but I’m here to help you.” He touched her shoulder, and she screamed and scuttled away from him. “I won’t hurt you, I promise.” Footsteps pounded the dirt behind him and Jake shot to his feet, gun at the ready. Gabby appeared from the darkness, her long wavy hair flying behind her like a shadowy pennant. Jake had the overwhelming urge to open his arms, to feel her pressed against him from head to toe.
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Devils on Horseback: Jake
“Jake.” She was breathing heavily and took a moment before she could say anything else. “Did you get them?” “I stopped to help this lady. My friends went after them.” He bared his teeth in the direction the raiders ran like rats in the night. “Hopefully they’ll bring back a necktie party.” Gabby didn’t shy away from his bloodlust, in fact, she nodded. “That would be a welcome change. Thank God you were here.” She gestured to the crying woman. “Is it Margaret?” “I don’t know. She won’t let me near her.” Jake’s stomach began to relax. He didn’t know if it was because they’d stopped the raiders before they’d taken anyone or if it was because Gabby was there. He was thankful he hadn’t had a dark spell or worse, run like the coward he was pretending not to be. She touched the woman’s shoulder, rolling her over. “Margaret.” Her voice was soothing, soft, a bedroom voice that sent a shiver across Jake’s skin. “It’s Gabby.” With an incomprehensible stream of words that were half-sobs, she clung to Gabby while Jake sat next to them, helpless and anxious. The Devils needed to come back in the next ten minutes or Jake would have to go after them, like it or not. “Jake, I need to get her to the doctor.” Gabby wiped the blood from the woman’s face with her sleeve. “Is this her house? I can carry her inside and you can go get the doctor.” The last thing Jake wanted to do was be around someone who reminded him of just how scared he was. Gabby took her hand. “Yes, this is hers, but her husband died in the war and she has no family. We have to take her to Doctor Barham’s office.” She pointed west. “His clinic is five blocks that way.” With a curse for being such a coward and wanting to leave, Jake scooped up the woman, who beat at him, screeching in his ear. He took off running with Gabby behind him, ready to be done with the woman as quickly as he could. As it was, he felt the world tilting beneath his feet.
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“Margaret, stop screaming. He’s bringing you to the doctor.” It apparently didn’t matter what Gabby said, the blonde decided Jake was her punching bag. His ears rang from the halfhearted blows, as well as the concert of cursing—he was a bit surprised at her extensive knowledge of foul language. As Gabby ran ahead of them, Jake noticed her long legs and how they ate up the ground. Her hands were stained with blood as they held up her skirt to pick up the maximum speed. She was no shrinking violet—she knew what to do and acted on it. Gabby would’ve been a good soldier, probably better than he ever was. It took mere minutes to reach the doctor’s clinic. Gabby knocked on the door with both fists as she yelled for the town’s physician. Jake’s arms strained under the weight of the woman coupled with her violent twisting to be free. “Doc, get out here now!” She turned toward Jake, her eyes wide and clear. “I’m sorry she’s hitting you. Margaret has had a rough time the last two years. She’s really a good person.” Jake jerked his head back to avoid the nails coming toward his skin. “Maybe you could try the door?” Gabby turned the knob and it opened easily. With a surprised look, she led him inside the darkened house. The shadows swallowed her and Jake brought the flailing woman in behind Gabby. “The examining room is this way.” She ducked into a room and Jake risked slamming into the wall to follow her. “Bastard,” Margaret hissed as she pinched and scratched at him. In the dark, she was more demon than human. A lantern lit the room within seconds and Margaret’s entire body trembled in his arms. She let loose a keening cry that made the hairs on Jake’s neck stand up. He daren’t look in her eyes or risk joining her on her journey into her own private hell. Sweet Jesus, he was holding onto his own sanity by a slender thread—someone else’s struggle would push him too far.
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“Set her on the cot.” Gabby helped him extract the woman from his arms and she howled like a she-wolf who’d lost a cub. Jake feared he couldn’t stay in the room another minute or Gabby might see a side of him she’d never imagined existed. His gorge threatened after glancing in Margaret’s eyes and seeing the same animal that haunted his dreams. He’d run into battles without hesitation, fought hand-to-hand against the enemy, looked death in the eye and survived. Yet it was the battles inside his head that he had trouble coping with. Embarrassed by his own lack of self-control and the sheer stupidity of it, he knew he couldn’t reveal to Gabby just how affected he was by Margaret’s plight. Jake was a man, dammit. However, he was a man who stood with one foot on earth and the other in a hell of his own making. “I’ve got to go.” He ran out of the doctor’s clinic with his heart pumping and his pulse pounding behind his eyes so loudly it sounded like the Chattahoochee River. Jake didn’t remember the black moments between leaving Gabby and arriving at his horse. It happened more times than he would admit to anyone—those frightening minutes he’d lost were constantly on his mind. Who could live with the knowledge that there were minutes in his life he couldn’t account for? Or that he could have done anything in that lost time and not known it? Most of all he was terrified that he’d one day find himself losing hours instead of minutes and then all would be lost. Jake would be lost. Tonight was no different for him than any other night when he fought his internal struggle to keep control of himself, to find that place where he could belong and be happy with who he was, where he didn’t want to cry over what he’d lost. Once he’d arrived back at his horse, he’d leapt into the saddle as if he’d been shot out of a gun and took off after the Devils. It had only been ten minutes, he could catch up to them easily, especially considering the demons of hell were on his tail. The sound of his horse’s hooves was the only sound he heard above the roaring in his head. The night creatures had no voice, nor did anyone or anything else. He let his instincts and his steed guide him away from that which frightened him, from the
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memories that stole his control. He was fairly certain the horse was following the Devils’ trail, but he simply held on with both hands and prayed. Jake still believed in God, believed that He watched over everyone, but theirs was a tenuous relationship. God had failed him more than once and Jake was forgiving, but even he was at his limit with the Almighty. However, he still prayed and after a time, which could have been ten or a hundred minutes, he found his sanity returning. Jake heard gunfire in the distance and turned his horse with his knees. Together they shot across the unfamiliar ground toward the sound. He hunkered down low in the saddle again, gun in hand and ready to fire. By the time he got close enough to hoot his signal, the gunfire had ceased and the cursing begun. “Goddammit, Gid, what the hell just happened?” It was Lee. “My fucking brother just got shot and you didn’t protect him. I thought you were sworn to do that.” Not good news. Zeke was the strategic one who complemented their compass, Gideon. “I was trying to get to him, Lee. It ain’t easy in the dark when I don’t know what the hell is two feet in front of me.” Gideon sounded strained and angry. “He was pinned down and you couldn’t get to him?” A scuffle ensued and grunts filled the air. Jake rode in as fast as he could, hooting as he slid to a stop and launched himself at the grappling figures on the ground. He yanked on hair and pulled on arms until they broke apart, breathing like racehorses. “I don’t know what you think you’re doing, but if Zeke is hurt then rolling around like five-year-olds isn’t going to help him.” Jake felt his control return fully as he wrestled with his friends’ problems instead. Nothing like a distraction to make a man forget he was going crazy. Lee just growled while Gideon sighed. “This night couldn’t possibly get any worse.” Gideon stood and brushed off his pants. “Jake’s right. Let’s get Zeke back to town and the doctor.” He turned to Jake. “How’s the woman?”
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A rush of pure ice made Jake’s tongue freeze while images of Margaret’s suffering paraded through his mind. He cleared his throat and swallowed until his voice returned. “She’s hurt, I don’t know how badly. Gabby, I mean Miss Rinaldi, was looking for the doc when I came after you.” Too bad it was dark enough that Gideon couldn’t see Jake’s lying eyes. He’d left Gabby high and dry while he ran like a dog with his tail between his legs. Coward. “Fine then, let’s get him patched up enough to ride.” Gideon led Jake to where Zeke lay in the dirt. “He’s out cold and I think it’s because he hit his head. Help him.” Zeke lay on the ground, blood staining his right arm. Jake cursed his trembling hands as he checked his friend for injuries. He found a bullet wound clean through in his right arm and a sticky mess on his forehead. After divorcing himself from his own problems, Jake was able to focus on Zeke and making sure he’d survive. Jake tied his bandana around the wound, tight enough to be a tourniquet and a bandage. He felt Zeke’s head and found a goose-egg-sized bump just above his right temple, sticky but not actively bleeding. “He’s just out from the hit on the head. Let’s get him up on his horse and get him back to town.” Jake put his arms under Zeke’s, and Gideon grabbed his legs. With Lee’s help, the three of them got Zeke belly-down on his horse and bound his hands and feet with the rope from Gideon’s saddle beneath the horse’s belly. Jake and Gideon rode on either side of his roan, making sure he didn’t fall off on the way back to Tanger. The ride back took four times as long as the ride out and each second ticked away along with the blood from Zeke’s wounds. God knew what would happen because of the head injury—men were known to be completely different after such a wound. He hoped Zeke was just knocked out and didn’t have any lasting effects. They arrived back to a very quiet, dark town. Everyone, it seemed, had gone into hiding while the Devils were gone. Not that Jake blamed them, the raiders were fast, smart and deadly. He led his friends to the doctor’s clinic, which had a single light
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burning in a downstairs window. Jake knocked on the door while Lee and Gideon untied Zeke from the saddle. After a moment the door was answered by a slender, nervous-looking man with thick spectacles and short brown hair. He pushed the rims up his nose and peered at Jake. “Are you Mr. Sheridan?” “I am. Are you the doc Gabby told me about?” Jake resisted the urge to ask about Margaret. He didn’t want to know if she was there or he might not walk in the door. The last thing he needed was to be thought of as a coward by anyone else. “I’m Dr. Harry Barham.” The doctor pushed his spectacles up again. “You want to check on Mrs. Summers?” “Who?” For a moment, Jake could only focus on the moon shining on the doctor’s spectacles, the whole world concentrated in an inch of glass. “Margaret, the woman you helped?” Up went the spectacles again. Jake swallowed. “Uh, no, my friend’s been shot and we need you to doctor him.” He turned and pointed. “I’m going to just go get him now.” “That’d be fine. I’ll get prepared.” With a nod, the doctor stepped back into the house. Jake trembled as he walked back to the horses. The idea of entering the doctor’s clinic had panic crawling up his skin. He didn’t know if he should run away or laugh like a lunatic at the absurdity of his response. His friends must not have seen anything in his face because they didn’t react at all. He nodded at Gideon and they pulled Zeke off the horse, careful to keep his head steady. Jake took a deep breath and strode back toward the gates of blackness.
Gabby felt it when Jake walked in the room. Every small hair on her body stood at attention and her heart slammed against her ribs. He’d left so abruptly, she wasn’t sure what had happened. His return caused the questions to swirl around in her thoughts again. He’d appeared confused and almost scared, enough that it made her follow him out the
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door. Jake had been running like someone was chasing him and hadn’t responded to her calling his name. When he came back to the doctor’s, what she saw in his eyes made her stomach jump. He blinked when he spotted her—was that relief on his face? Gabby realized one of his friends was hurt, and she stepped in to help. Harry had taught her some doctoring skills so he didn’t have to hire a nurse. Gabby didn’t care why he did it, she enjoyed learning about how to help people. If she had known more when her father had gotten hurt maybe she could have done something. The three big men stayed in the waiting area while Gabby and Harry doctored their friend. He had a flesh wound on his arm and a gash on his head. That one concerned her because she’d read about how men lost their minds after a serious hit to the head. Fortunately he started to come around when they were bandaging him. His brown eyes were unfocused but not scared or angry. “Hello.” Gabby smiled at him. “Are you an angel?” he whispered. Gabby laughed. “No, Mr. Blackwood. Just someone helping you out.” “Friends?” He licked his lips and tried to look around the room. “Your friends are all fine. They’re in the next room.” She nodded at Harry. “I’ll go let them know you’re awake.” Mr. Blackwood looked relieved as his eyes drifted shut. Gabby stepped out of the examining room when Jake burst through the door from the waiting room, his blue eyes wide. “Gabby. Is he all right? I…I meant to be… I should have been—” He ran his hands down his face. “I don’t know what I’m saying.” She touched his arm, not surprised to find the muscles rigid as granite. “He’s fine. He woke up and seemed to be normal. He even asked about you.” “Thank God.” He kissed her hard and fast, surprising both of them. “Jesus, what the hell am I doing?”
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Gabby wondered the same thing about herself after she pulled him back into her arms and kissed him again. She closed her eyes and laid her forehead on his shoulder. “Jake, is everything okay?” Gideon, the leader of their group, appeared behind Jake, looking concerned. The other man, she thought his name was Lee, was frowning so hard, his blond eyebrows almost touched. “Y-yeah, everything is fine.” Jake stepped away from her like she’d suddenly grown two heads. “Gabby—I mean Miss Rinaldi said he woke up.” She tried not to feel slighted, after all he’d been the one who kissed her. However, she could see the confusion and fear that lurked behind his beautiful blue eyes. She didn’t know any of the men very well, but she could see a bond between them, one that went deeper than anything she’d known in her life. Just seeing the silent communication made her, well, a bit jealous. Ridiculous, she knew, but true. “Please, all of you can call me Gabby. No need to stand on formality in a small town.” She gestured to the closed examining room door. “Your friend seems to be fine, other than loss of blood and a good knock to the head. The bullet passed through his arm and Dr. Barham stitched the wound. I’ll let him tell you his recommendation, but I’d say he’ll be up and around in a few days.” Then Gabby did something that would probably make her mother faint. She reached out her hand to shake theirs. Gideon’s face registered surprise, but he readily grasped hers in a grip that was firm but not painful. When Lee figured out she was waiting for him, he grudgingly shook her hand too. Jake stared at her until the moment stretched uncomfortably between them. Gabby didn’t know what it was about Jake Sheridan that fascinated her, but she was damned determined to find out. Her future had been a hazy mix of keeping the mill going and perhaps one day finding a husband, although that was an unlikely scenario since Tanger had no eligible men. And now, everything had changed within a few days.
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“May I speak to you outside for a moment?” She forced a smile at Gideon and Lee. “I need to talk to Jake about the woman he helped earlier. You two can go in and see Zeke.” After his friends left, Jake stared at her until she took his arms and led him outside. Although he was a tall man, it was like moving a small boy—there was no resistance at all. When they stepped out into the shadows of the night, she let him go and walked a few paces away. “I don’t know what happened tonight after we brought Margaret here. I know men who have come back from war who can’t sleep at night or even live a proper life.” She hugged herself. “I can’t even imagine what you went through before you came here, and I wanted you to know none of it matters to me.” Gabby whirled to face him, his light complexion visible in the moonlight. This was the moment of truth for her, the moment she either turned her back or jumped forward into a future full of uncertainty and unknown challenges. Life was too short not to take a chance. “I can’t seem to think when I’m around you,” she confessed. “You are always in my head.” Jake’s mouth dropped open. “I didn’t do anything to you. You stepped into my life, Gabby. All I can do is hang on and hope I survive being obsessed with you.” Gabby’s heart stuttered. “Obsessed with me?” She’d made the right choice, she was certain of that. “Well, um, not obsessed. What I meant to say was that you were on my mind a bit, okay more than that. Oh hell, I don’t know what I’m saying.” Jake grabbed hold of her arms and pulled her to him. The hard wall of his chest was warm, almost hot, against her already heated body. Her nipples stood at attention, throbbing for more, to feel skin on skin. She looked up into his blue eyes and saw the same confusion and frustration she felt, as well as desire. Gabby knew she and Jake would be together as a man and woman should be, naked and full of the sweet passion that drove them. She could almost picture them on her
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bed—on the white sheets his red hair would stand out like a beacon in the night or day. He was a beautiful man, muscular, tall and with a smile that could melt paint off a wall. All her thoughts whirled around in her head while his mouth descended on hers. Ah, God, help me. Gabby hung on for dear life as he kissed her. At first it was a demanding kiss, full of thunder, almost bruising, but she returned it full force. Like two animals mating in the wild, they grappled and pulled at each other, moans of pure lust bursting from their throats. Then as he began to gentle his lips, Gabby rode along with him, savoring the journey from fierce passion to sensual heat. He opened his mouth, drawing her tongue into the deep caverns of all that was Jake. It was like a sweet dance between them without moving their feet. Gabby nearly drowned in the sensation, so poignant and perfect. His arms encircled her while her arms wound around his neck until Jake couldn’t be much closer without his body entering hers. The very thought of Jake being inside her made her knees turn to jelly from the sheer lightning that snapped through her. He kissed her as if she was a river and he a man dying of thirst, sipping at her mouth, licking and nipping her lips until she was mindless with need for more. More. Gabby yanked at his shirt, trying to force him to go faster, to calm the fires within her, but he didn’t move an inch. She growled in frustration and tugged at his hair. Jake pulled back and tsked at her, his lips swollen and wet from pillaging her mouth. “Feisty, aren’t you mo chroi?” he whispered against her cheek as he kissed his way to her ear. “I want to savor you.” Gabby wanted much more than that, but she held back, just barely, from telling him exactly what she did want. She needed so much more than kisses. He couldn’t possibly imagine how much she hungered. “Gabby?” Dr. Barham’s voice cut through the haze of sensuality that surrounded them like a cloud. They each breathed heavily, sharing their air as they had shared their bodies. It took several beats before Gabby could even speak.
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“We’ll finish this soon.” She kissed Jake before he could stop her, then stepped back into the light thrown by the porch. “Right here, Harry. We haven’t gone very far.” Gabby felt Jake behind her, a heat that penetrated her even without touching. Even though their town was dying, people were missing, her father crippled, and life was as hard as it had ever been, she finally felt hope.
*** Captain Elliot Nessman stopped his men for the night in a small valley in eastern Texas. Fortunately this part of the state wasn’t as flat as the western half so there was protection to be found in the natural formations. He dismounted and flipped the reins to a private who shook when Elliot barked at him. It was a pleasure to have a troop at his command, to be able to give orders and have them obeyed without question. The one time he’d had those damn Georgia Devils in his prison had been the sweetest satisfaction. He hadn’t had enough time to break their spirits and form them into the type of human beings who would cower as the private did. Instead those rebs had escaped, leaving Elliot without his pleasure. It had taken every favor, every inch of credibility he had to get the general in Washington to allow him the Texas command. Now it was up to Elliot to find that redheaded bastard and string him up as quickly as possible. The other four would no doubt try and stop him, allowing the army to formally charge them too. Elliot smiled at the fireflies dancing in the field. He and his men were getting closer, he could feel it. Some rancher had even remembered the one-armed freak and his big mouth. Soon, Elliot would have his quarry and perhaps a promotion too. He’d already wired the mayors of all the towns within a hundred miles. He’d thought life was over after the war, but it was only just beginning.
***
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Zeke’s head felt as if someone was swinging a hammer at him, again and again. His arm throbbed in tune with the pain. He wanted to scratch but the damn doctor had put too many bandages on. Trying to distract himself, Zeke thought about good things. However, the only good thing that kept coming to mind was Allison. That road led to trouble with a capital T, yet the young sweet thing stayed firmly entrenched in his mind. No matter what he did, he couldn’t seem to shake the image of the angel bringing him lemonade, or smiling shyly at him across the dinner table. She was too young for him, maybe not in age, but in her soul. Zeke felt as if he was a hundred years old and Allison just a babe. He must have dozed off when a cool hand on his cheek startled him awake. His eyes popped open to find a woman above him, a hazy profile in the nearly lightless room. He couldn’t focus well but he could swear it was Allison, or perhaps he was imagining things. The object of his dreams and longings right there next to him, even as he lay in bed with nothing on but the sheets from the doc and the skin God gave him. “Allison, is that you?” His voice was hoarse and needy to his own ears. Foolish man. “I feel bad about what happened to you, Zeke.” Allison spoke in a husky whisper, unlike he’d ever heard her speak before. She ran her fingernails up and down his arm, leaving a wake of goose bumps. “You shouldn’t be here alone, little girl.” He pulled his arm away. Her face was mysterious in the shadows of the room. “I’m not alone. I’m with you.” After her hand landed on his dick, Zeke hissed in pain when he tried to move away from her. “What the hell are you doing?” Her scent washed over him, but it was wrong somehow. “Relax, Zeke. I just want to make you feel better.” She started to pull the sheet down, and Zeke wasn’t strong enough to stop her, or perhaps he didn’t want to. She kissed his chest even as her hand squeezed and pleasured him. He closed his eyes and told himself he’d tell her to stop in just a moment…or two.
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Chapter Five Jake didn’t sleep more than twenty minutes before it was his turn for patrol. Over the past two days, Gideon, Lee and he had taken turns patrolling the town just in case the raiders came back. They didn’t expect trouble, but they’d been unprepared the first time. Gideon drove them to be the best they could and the ugly fact was they had allowed an attack to occur without catching a bit of information. They needed to track the raiders and find their hidey-hole. The sweetness of the warm night caressed his face as he walked alone up and down the street. Jake breathed deeply, keeping his calm through iron will. He’d never been so upside down in his life over anyone or anything. He’d thought the job in Tanger would be tough, but nothing like this. With a hunger that nearly consumed him, he wanted something and someone so bad it made his heart ache. He’d been looking for the place he belonged, and he’d found it in the wilds of Texas. He’d found it in the arms of a tall black-haired woman who knew how to process wheat into flour. That thought made him bark a laugh to split the silence around him. What Gabby and her family did wasn’t exciting by any means, but hell, he’d had enough excitement to last him three lifetimes. The ache for her had settled somewhere near his gut and would likely remain there for the rest of his life, unless he did something about it. The biggest thing standing between him and his future was the past, which haunted him both emotionally and physically. He was so twisted inside, he didn’t know if he could ever be normal again. Stomach churning, he stopped and sucked in a few breaths. He cursed his shaking hands as he clenched them into fists. Dammit. It took several minutes until he felt in control enough to continue patrolling. Gideon and the town were depending on him—Jake needed to be as strong as he could. A noise from the right stopped him in his tracks. www.samhainpublishing.com
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Instinct made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. Someone was watching him. He stopped as if to adjust his gun belt, but his gaze scanned the darkness for something, anything. The light from the saloon down the street did little to illuminate where he stood. Jake wasn’t about to let whoever it was get away from him. He let the sounds of the dark settle around him while he memorized what and where everything was. A hoot owl to his right, crickets all around, something scuttling in the alley beside the mercantile, a few bats on the far left, and the river off in the distance. Something else was out of place with the night creature’s symphony. There it was, the scrape of a shoe up ahead and to the right. If Jake was right, someone was standing between the hotel and the restaurant watching him. That someone was about to be sorry. Jake started walking again, just as slowly as he had been. He stopped to check on the door at the post office to be sure it was locked, then peered in the window of the mercantile as well. For the casual observer, he was making rounds and keeping an eye on Tanger. However, Jake was really gathering his strength to do battle with the man stalking him. As the anger built inside him, his emotions took over once more. The topsyturvy week had only served to worsen the cracks within him. This time it wasn’t panic or fear, it was full-on fury. He knew if he didn’t control it, there would be more than blood shed that night. He’d been trained to kill without warning or sound; it wouldn’t be a fair fight to be certain. The stranger had no idea what Jake could do with just his hands. His breath came in small puffs, designed to keep him quiet and ready. By the time he made it to the front door of the hotel, Jake’s entire body was rock hard with anticipation, his muscles screaming from the effort of holding back. He felt, rather than saw, his target slink back deeper into the alley. It was now or never. He ran like a bullet toward the stranger, surprising whoever it was. The figure lost its balance but quickly regained footing and started running. Jake must have had longer legs because he caught him in seconds. They landed on the hard ground and the stranger
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grunted in pain. Within moments, Jake had a knee in the stranger’s back and his arms trapped. For the first time in a long while, Jake was glad he’d been a soldier. “Why are you watching me?” Jake pressed his knee down a bit more. “Let me go,” came the pained response. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Surprise nearly made Jake let the stranger up. It was a woman, not a man. It wasn’t Gabby, judging by the size and shape of her, but she was most definitely female. “Yes you do. You’ve been watching me for days and I want to know why. Who are you?” Jake eased his knee back and loosened his grip on her arms. “I don’t need to tell you nothing. You’re not the law.” “We’re the closest Tanger has to a lawman, and you definitely have a lot to tell me.” He leaned down and smelled the scent of fear and woman’s sweat. Her only response was to wiggle even harder. Jake knew he wasn’t the right person to question her—Gideon would get much more information out of her. She struggled against his hold, trying to kick him when she could. Whoever the woman was, she had a lot of gumption. Jake wasn’t as big as the rest of the Devils, but he wasn’t tiny either. He could easily subdue her with one punch if he wanted to. She bucked up, slamming her behind into his balls. He sucked in a painful breath, giving her the opportunity she needed. The woman rolled out from beneath him, punching Jake as she went. He wasn’t expecting the gun, but suddenly there it was, stuck into his gut. When the hammer pulled back, Jake knew a moment of all-out fear to accompany the agony rippling through his crotch. “I should kill you for touching me.” Her voice sent goose bumps down his arms. “No man is allowed to touch me without my say-so.” The hard press of the snub of the gun felt like the grim reaper in the shadows of the street. Jake peered at her, trying to find her eyes, but a big floppy hat hid her from view. He didn’t know what to do, then panic began to crawl up his back. “Sorry, ma’am. I truly am. I thought you were a fella following me and uh, I didn’t, that is, no harm intended.” His voice shook along with the rest of him. Jesus, had he survived the war only to die in a dirty alley, killed by a crazy woman in the dark?
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“You’ll be more than sorry if you ever come near me again.” She backed away slowly, slinking back into the blackness she’d been hiding in. Jake rose to his feet, inhaling deep gusty breaths until he was sure he wouldn’t pass out. He wasn’t sure what the hell had just happened, and he was surprised how he’d reacted—as a man who wasn’t afraid. Instinct had overrun his scrambled mind long enough to do what he needed to. Perhaps it was Gabby’s influence, but dammit he felt almost normal. The woman’s presence confirmed that someone was watching them but he still didn’t know why. Their job in town seemed to be more mixed-up each day they stayed. On trembling legs, he finished his patrol until it was time to switch shifts with Gideon. When he got back to the house they were staying in, he hooted as he approached and waited for the response. Gideon stepped out fully dressed and ready. It had to be three o’clock in the morning, but the Devils would be regularly patrolling Tanger from that day forward, especially considering the armed woman who’d likely haunt him for quite a while. “Something happen?” Gideon spoke softer than a whisper. “You could say that.” Jake sidled up next to him. “I caught someone watching me.” “I assume he got away,” Gideon said wryly. “She did, by slamming my balls and pulling a gun on me. I’m damn lucky she didn’t shoot my pecker off.” Jake shuddered from the memory. “I thought for sure I was a goner.” “Did you get a good look at her?” Jake shook his head. “No, afraid not. It was pitch dark, she was kinda tall, strong, and mean as a badger.” “You described half the women in town.” Gideon cursed quietly. “Are you sure she was watching you?” Jake wrestled with impatience. “It’s three o’clock in the fucking morning and she was in a dark alley with a gun. Even if the alley was next to the hotel, I don’t think she
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was there to get a room. So if she wasn’t watching me, then what the hell was she doing?” “Point taken. I’ll nose around and see if I can find anything. Odd that this happened a few days after the raiders came through.” Jake had considered that already. “I don’t think it’s odd. From the day we arrived, I felt someone watching me. I also figured someone in Tanger was helping the raiders, feeding them information. I never thought it was a woman though.” Especially one dredged up from the depths of Hades. “I don’t think we give women enough credit for being devious.” Gideon’s teeth flashed in the darkness. “If this one is betraying the town, we’ll find her.” “Damn right we will.” Gideon nodded toward the house. “Try to get some sleep.” Jake snorted. “That’s not going to happen.” His body still buzzed with a million different emotions, pulling and poking at him. Jake didn’t know his ass from his elbow anymore. “You need to talk?” His former captain was too perceptive by half. “Yep, not yet though.” Although his former captain would likely be able to help Jake puzzle things out, he had some hard thinking to do first. Gideon touched his shoulder. “I reckon it has something to do with the lady I saw in your arms at the doc’s. You let me know when you’re ready to do some talking and I’ll be there.” With one last squeeze to Jake’s shoulder, Gideon disappeared into the inky blackness of the night. His friend was right, but wrong. It wasn’t just Gabby on his mind, it was everything. He could hardly explain it to himself. Jake wasn’t about to fall asleep and there was only one place he wanted to be. He headed for the mill.
Gabby lay in bed staring at the ceiling, unable to even come close to sleeping. She knew the day would be long, incredibly long, if she didn’t at least get an hour or two of sleep, however she couldn’t convince her mind or heart to shut up for five minutes. With
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a sigh, she rolled over and punched her pillow. The night creatures sang a symphony around her, but it wasn’t soothing in the least. In fact, the normally welcome cacophony made her sleeplessness worse. Damn Jake Sheridan. She didn’t mean it, really, but if he hadn’t come to Tanger, if he hadn’t kissed her, if he hadn’t woken the woman hiding behind the face she showed everyone in town, her life would still be normal. Stupid to have regrets over what had already happened. What she should be doing is figuring out what to do next, not reliving every moment from the last few days. A sound from outside had her sitting up in bed. Her heart thumped at the notion the raiders had returned. She slipped onto the floor and crawled to the window, her mouth as dry as the chaff in the mill. The boards felt cool under her knees even as the rest of her ran hot with the tang of fear. For the first time in her life she was glad her hair was dark so it didn’t shine. Gabby didn’t want whoever was out there to be able to see her. Slowly she put her fingers on the sill and pulled herself up so she could peer into the night at the intruder. At first, all she saw was rushing water, then she spotted him. Jake. Before she could think about why he was out there, she was halfway down the stairs. Her brain started working the moment the dew-covered grass hit the bottom of her feet. By then he’d already seen her and she either had to run away like an idiot or keep walking toward him. She chose the latter while her palms grew moist and her heart pumped like the waterwheel behind her. The sound of the water was familiar in an unknown situation. Gabby hugged her arms to her chest, realizing she wore only a thin gown and nothing else. She was naked beneath the white cotton, and her nipples hardened partly because of the cool night air, as well the natural attraction to the man who waited for her. “Gabby.” His eyes were shadowed beneath his hat, but she felt their heat nonetheless.
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“Why are you here?” No use being coy. It had to be three o’clock in the morning and he was skulking outside her house. Any self-respecting woman wouldn’t have even acknowledged he was there much less appear in nothing but a shimmy. “I couldn’t think of another place I wanted to be than with you.” His words sank in and snatched her breath. He sounded so sincere, she didn’t doubt him for a moment. What exactly did that mean though? Although she was ready to step off the path of flirtation and kisses to something more with Jake, her brain reminded her he was a man she hardly knew. “That’s nice of you to say, Jake, but it’s kind of an odd time to come calling.” Gabby stood fifteen feet away, throwing up an imaginary wall between them, protecting herself from his effect on her. He held out his hand. “Sit with me.” Although she knew she shouldn’t stay, Gabby found herself sitting on the same stone wall with him again, close enough to feel the warmth from his body and hear him breathing. Goose bumps danced up and down her spine and a throb of arousal settled low in her belly. She couldn’t deny she was attracted to Jake, more than that really, it was a deep connection between them on a physical level. The cool stones beneath her contrasted the heat of her skin. Gabby wasn’t ready to admit it was more than physical. She’d learned that lesson the hard way and no stranger, no matter how romantic he might be, could dissuade her from changing her mind. Alvin Carmichael had taken more than just a month’s profits and her father’s milling secrets, he’d taken her trust and left her father to die. After the raiders attacked, he ran like a rat deserting a sinking ship. If she ever saw him again, Alvin would feel the bite of her vengeance. Shaking off the maudlin thoughts, Gabby waited for Jake to touch her. In fact, she couldn’t wait to feel him pressed against her. The memory of his hard chest and calloused hands sent a shudder from her curls to her toes. Jake Sheridan was a man’s man and she intended on finding out just how much.
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A longing raced through her for something more than what she had. Gabby wanted someone to love her, cherish her, keep her safe, but she also wanted a man who’d respect her, trust her, and hold her in high regard. As Jake’s large hands skimmed down her lightly clad back, she wondered if he was that man. His gentle touch almost didn’t make contact, but when it did, he left a path of pure arousal. In the wake of his hands came a tingling that spread across her body and landed between her legs. She sighed with pleasure at the familiar feeling that was more than welcome. Even her limited experience told her he was no ordinary man. Jake would teach her what no man had, bring her to heights she hadn’t achieved and desperately desired. Gabby’s heart was involved no matter how much she tried to deny it. That was the difference. It didn’t really matter at the moment because she closed her eyes and dove into the pool of sensuality whirling around her. Her lips found his and she opened to his questing tongue. They shared sweet, long kisses that made her toes curl and her nether regions moist. His hands never stopped moving, touching and caressing her heated body. Gabby’s nipples were so tight, they were nearly painful, yet he didn’t touch them. Instead he continued to stroke her through the cotton, his touch maddening in its simplicity. She needed more, craved more. Gabby was reduced to begging. She broke the kiss, stood and pulled off her nightgown in a flutter of white. “Please touch me, Jake. All of me.” She couldn’t see his expression but she heard him swallow. Hard. He shed his clothes almost as quickly as she had, which was a feat considering he had been fully dressed. Ever the gentleman, he laid his clothes on the grass as a makeshift blanket. Before she knew it, he’d scooped her up in his arms, and his hot skin pressed against her side, including the hardened staff Gabby wanted to touch. Men fascinated her, the feel of soft skin encasing a hardness only known to steel. She had no doubt Jake would allow her to explore her innermost fantasies, to satisfy her hungry curiosity. The cool dew of the grass seeped through his clothes, providing some relief to her overheated skin. When he put his hot mouth on her nipple, Gabby had to bite her lip to keep from screaming. So good, so amazingly good.
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He worked his way down to her pussy, which ached with need. The first touch of his fingers nearly sent her into the sky. Talented touches on her pleasure spot accompanied by the rhythmic sucking and licking on her nipples took Gabby on a journey, one she didn’t want to end. His fingers slid inside her to slowly make love to her. The feelings grew too intense and Gabby burst into a million shards of light. She bucked against his hand, prolonging the ecstasy as the waves crashed around, down and through her. It took her a few minutes to take a deep breath, and a few more to realize the joy had only begun. His cock pulsed against her thigh, reminding her Jake had not achieved any peak, and she was more than willing to travel there with him. He smiled, white teeth shining in the moonlight. “You surprise me every second of every day.” She smiled back. “Good.” Gabby pushed at his shoulder until he flopped on his back. “Gabby, what—?” “Shhh, let me touch you now.” Her hands practically itched with the need to feel him. When her palms finally touched his chest, both she and Jake sighed with pleasure. “You’re so hard.” He snorted a painful laugh. “No kidding.” Gabby felt her cheeks heat at her silly choice of words. She wouldn’t call herself a whore, though she’d had experience with two men, but somehow being with Jake made it seem like her first time. His chest had a sprinkling of hair, and she used her imagination to conjure an image of the freckles that dotted the skin. She leaned down and kissed his nipples, lightly scraping her teeth on the tiny nubs. A groan rose from his throat, making her smile. She proceeded to explore every inch of him, except that which called to her the most, his lovely cock. His firm shoulders and arms, the scars that marred too many places, the crisp, wiry hairs on his legs and his ticklish feet—all of it intrigued her. She touched, kissed and caressed him until he begged.
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“Please, Gabby, I can’t— God I’m about to— Please…” His voice was raspy, guttural. Gabby understood his burning need for she had the same clawing within her. To mate, to become one with him, to reach for the heavens together. Her hand closed around his member and he growled his pleasure. She stroked up and down, alternately squeezing at the base and the tip. The other hand fondled his tight balls. If she were a bit braver, she would take him in her mouth, but Gabby wasn’t quite ready for that yet. A drop of moisture at the tip let her know how much he enjoyed her ministrations. She smoothed it around the skin and leaned forward to kiss him, never letting go of his cock. The moment her lips touched his, Jake took her mouth in a fierceness that surprised her. He flipped her on her back and nudged her legs with his knees. “Let. Me. In.” Each word was enunciated with a naked longing that was drawn from the depth of his heart. “Yes, love, yes.” She spread her legs and he plunged in deeply, so far as to snatch her breath from her body. His mouth found her nipple again and he nibbled on it, then bit it as he joined with her. Gabby picked up his rhythm right away, thrusting with him, pulling him into her body, aching for more when he withdrew, leaving a tingling in his wake. She clawed at his back, wanting, needing more. “Jake,” she gasped out, barely able to form a coherent thought. His speed increased along with the pace of his hands and mouth, licking, biting, pinching and teasing her even as his cock took control of her body. Sweet Jesus, she’d never felt so alive, so full of every imaginable pleasure. “Now, Gabby, now.” He pumped into her as he bit her nipple, sending her into an abyss of light and ecstasy that blinded her. Gabby knew she screamed because his mouth covered hers, stealing the sound from the ears of the night. Jake eased his strokes until each of them lay trembling, panting in the moist dew, replete with the amazing experience. “Did that just happen?” she wondered aloud.
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“I hope so because if it didn’t, then I’m dead.” He rolled off her and pulled her close, tucking her head beneath his chin. Gabby’s hand lay on his chest, feeling the rapid beating of his strong heart. A languorous blanket settled over her and she closed her eyes, content to lay in the arms of the man she was rapidly falling in love with.
*** The next morning, Jake headed to Cindy’s restaurant with a grin that spanned him from head to foot. Being with Gabby had filled him with all matter of goodness, infused him with the elixir of what it meant to be alive. He hadn’t felt so good in more than five years. When he stepped into the restaurant, Elmer sat alone with a mug of coffee and a sadness deep enough to fill a lake. Jake’s good mood flew away on the wind as he shut the door behind him. The older man reminded him that helping the people of Tanger, finding the missing women, was the reason he was there, not to fall in love with a miller’s daughter. “Good morning.” He helped himself to coffee from the tin pot sitting on the table and sat down, the scrape of the chair loud in the quiet morning. Elmer grunted and took a slurp of his coffee, the tin clinking against his teeth. “Where’s your friends?” “About ten minutes behind me. They’re getting ready to break Zeke out of the doc’s house.” Jake let the coffee slide down his throat, warming him with its bitter heat. “He okay?” “Yeah, the doc just wanted to keep him an extra couple of days because of the bump on his head.” Jake smiled. “I think Zeke is going to miss being there though. Allison Delmont’s been visiting regularly.” “Allison’s a good girl. Your friend is lucky she’s visiting at all. That gal is scared of her own shadow, hasn’t left home much since the raids started. He’s also lucky he only
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got a bump on the head.” Elmer frowned. “Those bastards almost killed poor Sam Rinaldi.” Shock rippled through Jake at that bit of news. Gabby hadn’t told him her father had been hurt by the raiders. She didn’t mention that little fact at all. Doubt and mistrust swirled around in his mind—was it a deliberate omission or a mistake? “What happened?” he asked as calmly as he could although he trembled inside. “Way I hear it, they were looking for his daughter and he fought them off.” Elmer shook his head. “When they couldn’t find her, they beat him half to death then threw him in the mill.” “They were looking for her? For Gabby by name?” Jake swallowed hard. Elmer nodded. “Yup, that’s what I been told.” He took another gulp of coffee. “A few months later they took my Cindy.” Jake’s mind ran through a million reasons why the raiders would know Gabby’s name. They were nameless, faceless strangers, weren’t they? If they knew her, then odds were they weren’t strangers. He’d been right about someone from the town feeding the raiders information, otherwise they wouldn’t have known Gabby’s name. Who was the woman he’d caught in the darkness? Was she involved? “Did Sam get a look at any of them?” “Dunno.” Elmer’s sad watery eyes pinned Jake to his chair. “He ain’t really right in the head, so there’s no telling what he knows.” Jake digested what Elmer told him and knew he had to find out more of what was going on in the Rinaldi house. It appeared there had been much more than just an accident with Gabby’s father. Although they weren’t expecting him, the Rinaldis were about to get a visitor. Without acting too suspicious, Jake took his leave of Elmer and hightailed it to the mill. He saw Gideon and Lee walking toward the restaurant and waved at them, then broke into a run. The need to know exactly what had happened in the mill six months ago throbbed in his heart. Why did they want Gabby? And why hadn’t she told him the raiders were responsible for her father’s injuries?
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When Jake arrived at the mill, Gabby wasn’t there and the old man who worked there ignored Jake’s presence. He poked his nose into the kitchen but it was deserted. After arguing with himself for a few minutes, he went in search of Sam Rinaldi. Jake knew the bedrooms were upstairs. As he climbed he continually called out for Gabby or her mother, yet no one answered. If either of them came home, he might have some serious explaining to do, but at that moment, all he could think about was talking to Sam. Finding out what had happened became more important than anything. When he reached the top of the stairs, there were three rooms, two of which stood open and dark. The third was partially open and the glow of a lamp lit the wooden floor. He knocked softly as he called out. “Mr. Rinaldi?” The room was cloaked in shadows, and it smelled of sickness and a bedridden occupant. Jake stepped hesitantly forward, searching the corners for Gabby’s father. “It’s Jake Sheridan. I’m a-a friend of Gabby’s and I’m working for Phineas to help the town.” Jake stepped farther into the room, his hand resting lightly on the pistol strapped to his thigh. No telling who or what he’d find in that room. The closer he got to the corner, the worse the smell got. By the time he was able to distinguish a man lying in bed, his eyes watered. How did Gabby stand it day after day? It smelled as if the man hadn’t bathed in months. “Sir?” “He doesn’t speak.” Jake whirled around, pistol at the ready, and pointed straight at Mary Rinaldi’s heart. To her credit, she didn’t flinch or even blink. Now he knew where Gabby got her fierceness. “I thought it was his legs that were hurt.” He holstered the gun, telling his pulse to slow down. If he was smart enough, perhaps he could find some answers to the questions that danced around in his mind.
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She glanced at her husband with an inscrutable expression. “He hasn’t spoken a word since the accident. They cut out his tongue.” Jake couldn’t hide his shock. “They cut out his tongue? Why would they do that?” Her dark gaze bore into Jake’s. “I wish I knew. He’s been gone from us and hasn’t ever told us what happened. It’s like they broke his spirit when they threw him in the mill.” She didn’t even shed a tear, her demeanor stoic and almost cold. Jake trusted his instincts about people and something about Mary Rinaldi struck him as just plain wrong. What wife would speak of her husband being hurt like that and not get choked up about it? It just wasn’t natural—maybe she knew something about the raiders. The trick was to find out if she did and if so, what it was. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Rinaldi. I came by to talk to you and your husband about what happened.” He was sure he looked as serious as he felt. “My friends and I want to help the town get rid of the raiders. Anything you can tell me about them will help.” “I don’t think it’s proper for you to be in my bedroom.” She frowned. “Sam has been through enough. We don’t need to dredge up memories that will upset him.” Without another word, she turned and left the room. Jake followed her, uneasy with his inability to figure out Gabby’s mother. It was almost as if Gabby was born and raised by someone else—she didn’t look like either of her parents. Although to be fair, he hadn’t gotten a good look at the hollow-eyed man. As Jake walked downstairs he decided he’d try to visit Sam Rinaldi when no one else was around. The man had secrets hidden inside him and Jake aimed to find out what they were. By the time he got downstairs, Mrs. Rinaldi was already outside. He stepped out onto the porch and did his best to look responsible and concerned. What he wanted to do was shake her and ask her what the hell was going on. “Sam was hurt in the first attack by the raiders.” She stared out at the water rushing past the mill, her voice barely audible above the slap of the wheel’s paddles. “Gabby and I were down at Cindy’s, thank God. I pushed both those girls into the root cellar and ran for the mill. By the time I got there, Sam had already been jammed into the stones of the
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wheel. The blood seemed to be endless.” She pinched her lips together so tight, they turned white. “Doctor Barham saved his life, but Sam might as well have died because he’s not living.” Jake leaned against the post, trying to reserve judgment on the strange woman. “What kind of man was he before the attack?” She shrugged. “Hard worker, good father and provider. He loved that mill more than life itself. It was his dream, you know. When it came up for sale, nothing could stop him from getting it.” Mary pointed at the waterwheel. “Now it’s falling apart, Harvey can’t keep up with the repairs, and Sam sits in bed day in and day out. He’ll eat now and then, but he won’t let me near him with soap and water. Sam is a, well, was a muscular man, if’n he doesn’t want to do something, it don’t happen.” What Jake noticed the most was what she didn’t say. Mary didn’t mention that Sam was a good husband, nor did she say anything about how Gabby was running the mill and keeping them fed. The one skill Jake could boast was being able to remember things by hearing or seeing them only once. He memorized everything Mary said, anxious to share it with Gideon, Zeke and Lee. “If it’s okay with you, I’d like to talk to him.” Jake wanted to have a few uninterrupted minutes with Sam. “Since he was hurt in the first attack, he might know something we could use to track them, to stop them.” Mary considered his words, or at least appeared to be anyway, but then she shook her head. “He ain’t here no more, Mr. Sheridan. I don’t think an Irishman with a shiny smile is gonna bring him back from the hell he lives in.” Jake usually liked every woman he met, and he loved a lot of them. Mary Rinaldi proved there was an exception to the usual. She’d been unpleasant from the moment the Devils had arrived in Tanger. Perhaps it was her customary behavior, but it sure as hell didn’t make him want to be around her. She was a cold woman which made Jake wonder how Gabby could be so warm.
***
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Gabby’s smile was genuine as she walked toward Marchison’s store. She said howdy to folks who’d never even given her the time of day, earning surprised glances. It didn’t matter, she felt great and needed to stop keeping it bottled up inside. The night before, Jake had shown her what it meant to truly be free, to experience pleasure she’d never had. The redhead had climbed in and taken up residence in her heart. She wasn’t ready to shout out her love to the world, but it was there nonetheless. As she walked up the steps to the store, her smile faded and the feeling of being watched crept over her. Things had been so different with the Marchisons when Christopher was alive, so much lighter. Nowadays, Matthew was more of a ghost than a man and Veronica, well, she continued to be as she always was—cold and unpleasant. Today was no exception. “Miss Rinaldi.” Veronica stood on the left side of the store, wiping down the canned goods. Her hair was in a tight bun, and her mouth in its usual thin line. “Mrs. Marchison.” Gabby felt the other woman’s attention on her as she walked through the store picking up the items she needed. “When will the mill be running at full capacity again? The small amount of flour you’ve sold me only lasts a week instead of a month.” Veronica set the rag on the counter and folded her arms, looking like a blonde vulture. “The wheel is being repaired, so hopefully soon.” Gabby had only given half of the normal amount of flour to the Marchisons to sell. The rest was given independently to folks who didn’t have money to pay, so they gave Gabby their markers instead with the promise of payment when they could. Mrs. Marchison didn’t offer that option to patrons at her store and Gabby couldn’t let folks starve just to make an extra dollar. “I don’t appreciate what you’re doing.” Veronica appeared beside her, startling Gabby. “I don’t know what you mean.” The blonde’s nearly colorless blue eyes were viciously cold. “You’re selling flour to people and undercutting my profits. Now you’ve got that fool Sheridan sniffing up your
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skirts like a lapdog.” Her mouth turned up into a sneer. “You’d better watch yourself, my dear. So many things can happen to an unmarried woman.” Gabby should have said something, anything, but she was too shocked, too completely flummoxed by the venom in Veronica’s voice. “Good morning, Gabby.” Matthew Marchison chose that moment to emerge from the back of the store. Gabby could have kissed him. “Good morning, Mr. Marchison.” Gabby finished putting the needed supplies into her basket, pointedly not looking at Veronica. “It’s nice to see you.” Matthew’s watery brown gaze touched hers before he totaled up her purchases. “Thank you, it’s nice to see you too.” Gabby truly liked the man who might have been her father-in-law. Too bad he had to be married to such a bitch. “I’m glad to see your store hasn’t been hurt by all the terrible happenings.” As soon as she said it, Gabby realized it wasn’t just a polite turn of phrase, it was true. The Marchison’s store was stocked full, no bare shelves or tables, as one might expect during hard times. It was unusual and made Gabby’s mind race with the possibilities of how it happened. “We do okay.” Matthew managed a weak smile as he walked her to the door. “You tell your pa I said hello. I miss our weekly checker games.” Gabby impulsively kissed him on the cheek. “I will and thank you, Mr. Marchison.” She left the store feeling as if there was something important right under her nose, but she couldn’t see it. Whatever it was, she was glad to leave and be free from Veronica’s strangeness for another week. At least Gabby’s mother could be counted on to be the same every day. Even if she was cold and distant, she was constant. The last thing Gabby expected to see as she walked home from Marchison’s was Jake talking to her mother. The sight, foreign and odd, made her almost trip and drop the basket she carried. It was the first time she’d seen Jake since they’d been intimate. A blush crept across her face at the memory of all they’d done to and with each other. She’d
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never felt so connected to another human being, as if she belonged in the circle of his arms as he did within hers. He smiled when he saw her, although she could see darkness lurking behind it. Whatever they’d been discussing in her absence must have been serious. A chill crawled up her skin when she felt her mother’s stare. Gabby had existed in a strange world since her father’s accident, one of secrets and unspoken truths. Her mother kept to herself so much and didn’t even allow Gabby to take care of her father, telling Gabby that her presence upset him too much. After all, he’d been protecting Gabby when the raiders hurt him. Guilt slipped over her heart and squeezed mercilessly. Her papa had always tried to protect her and for his trouble, he’d been tortured and almost killed. She swallowed the lump that rose in her throat and continued walking toward Jake and her mother. His smile widened and she saw genuine joy in his expression. That joy made her feel loved for the first time since the raids began. To her surprise, she smiled back at Jake. Shaking the darkness from her back, Gabby waved and picked up her pace to reach them. Of course if she was entirely truthful, she was only hurrying to reach Jake. Gabby was more like a boarder in the house and the manager of the mill than part of a family. She and her mother usually ended up fighting or ignoring each other. “Good morning, Jake.” She shielded her eyes from the sun behind him as it glinted off his red hair. “Mother.” “Gabrielle, I’m disappointed.” Her mother’s angry tone was expected. “I found this man wandering upstairs in our house looking for you. Is there something you need to tell me?” Gabby turned to Jake. “You were in our house alone?” What on earth for? Her general mistrust of men came back with a snarl, reminding her that she’d let her guard down. Perhaps Jake was a thief, perhaps all his friends were.
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“I was looking for you, Gabby. Elmer told me something I needed to talk to you about.” He looked sincere. “I’m sorry, truly I am.” Jake took the basket from her hands. “Your mother was kind enough to help me answer my questions.” Kind? Her mother had been kind? That was something new. The moment that thought ran through her head, Gabby regretted it even if it was the truth. She’d never been one to be unkind or cruel, although she was direct. Times and circumstances had changed for everyone, including her. “Thank you, Mama. I’ll just show Mr. Sheridan where the supplies are to fix the wheel.” She pasted on a smile for her mother. “Can you bring the basket in for me?” Without a word, Mary took the basket and went inside the house, slamming the door behind her. It took Gabby more than a few moments to compose herself after the obvious hostility. Sometimes she thought her mother blamed Gabby for everything bad in her life, including the son she’d lost to a miscarriage and the husband who seemed to love the mill more than his wife. Sometimes Gabby blamed herself too. “Are you okay?” Jake cupped her cheek. “Please don’t touch me.” Gabby pulled away from him quickly. She couldn’t let herself get involved even deeper with Jake and open herself up for hurt and heartache. He obviously couldn’t be trusted, judging by the way he’d snuck into her house. She’d put her faith in men before and been burned enough to be overly cautious. In her heart, she knew Jake was completely different than Alvin, but her head took control and enforced practicality on her decisions. There was a lot of resentment in town toward Gabby and her big mouth. Even after living in town for years, some folks still treated her as if she didn’t belong in Tanger. Getting involved with Jake would only fuel that fire. Over the last few months, the world had shifted from normal, if not entirely blissful, to one of shadows and mistrust. Jake, although seen as someone dark, had turned out to be the only source of light for Gabby, until now.
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She’d hurt him with her actions, as evidenced by the bewilderment on his face, like she’d slapped him instead of simply moved away from him. Gabby was again full of regret for the decisions her heart made to override her head. She never should have gone outside to meet Jake the night before. “I’m sorry, Jake. I do things I shouldn’t and don’t always think first.” She resisted the sudden urge to take his hand in hers, needing warmth for her clammy skin. Gabby needed to guard more than her heart. “It’s okay. I understand.” He sounded hurt but resigned. Looking into his eyes, she knew he spoke the truth. He completely understood her confusion and pain. The connection between them grew stronger with each moment they spent together. She didn’t understand it and it scared her witless. Gabby had to stop this right here and now. Jake was a nice man, but her life was too full to make room for a drifter, an ex-soldier, maybe a thief, who had the power to tear her world apart. She had to keep him at a distance. “Let me show you where the wood is, and we’ll put the stop in so you can get working.” She stepped away from him as quickly as she could. Gabby was in enough trouble already without adding to it. She’d need to stay away from Jake, for both their sakes. It appeared to her that he was struggling with whatever demons haunted his mind and heart. As he followed her around the back of the mill, all she could think of was the fact that twelve hours earlier, they’d made love on the grass under her feet. She could almost feel the heat coming up from the blades, and her eyes pricked with tears. If only life wasn’t so complicated, so out of control. If only he’d come to town sooner, before she’d met Alvin, before the raiders had come, things would be different. She could go on for hours and say “if only” again and again. The truth was, it probably wasn’t going to work between them. What Gabby really needed to do was stop living with regrets and start living life again.
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Devils on Horseback: Jake
Chapter Six Jake worked the entire afternoon on the waterwheel, his gut churning over all he’d seen and heard. Gabby’s rejection stung the worst, of course. The idea that she would treat him as if he was beneath her, as if he didn’t matter, brought on a bleak feeling that slid through him. So reminiscent of what he’d endured in the past, the darkness threatened to pull him down into the hell he’d escaped. He hammered the nails into the wood with a vengeance. Each blow reminded him of just how poor his beginnings were, just how little he meant to anyone in the world except for the Devils. Gabby had found a playmate, someone to teach her a few new tricks, and now she was done with him. Much as he’d like to deny it, it hurt quite a bit. The cloying humidity filled his lungs, making it hard to take a deep breath. After he was done for the day he’d jump into the cool river waters and wash off everything, perhaps even wash himself away if the current was strong enough. “Need some help?” Jake glanced down to see Gideon, hammer in hand, smiling up at him. He shook with the notion of what he’d been contemplating. Gideon might have seen something in Jake’s face, an inkling of what he had been thinking. God knew Jake struggled every day with dark thoughts, it wouldn’t do to let Gideon in on that secret. “I’m coming up. Hang on.” Gone was the smile and in its place was a fierce protectiveness Jake had come to recognize was a part of Gideon’s personality. As Gideon climbed up the waterwheel, Jake recognized it was always his friends who pulled him back from the brink of disaster. Whether it be prison, jail or the trappings of his own mind, the Devils were always there for him. In a sudden realization, Jake accepted the fact that these four men were his family in every sense of the word, even if they didn’t share a blood tie. They shared something much deeper, their souls. www.samhainpublishing.com
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Gideon reached him in minutes, the hammer stuck in the back of his trousers and a frown etched on his face. He squeezed Jake’s arm. “What happened?” At Gideon’s softly worded question, Jake’s throat closed up and tears stung his eyes. He felt so weak, and useless, and unlike any man he’d ever met. Jake was a coward, someone who hid behind his friends and wallowed in the memories he couldn’t seem to forget. “I made a mistake,” Jake said brokenly. “I trusted someone besides the Devils.” “The woman.” Gideon nodded. “The black-haired one, right?” Jake’s smile hurt, but he did it anyway. “I fell in love so fast and so hard, Gid. I couldn’t stop myself. Now, sh-she treats me as if we didn’t— I just don’t know what to think anymore.” He stopped and hugged the wood beside him so hard he knew he’d leave bruises. That was real enough, unlike whatever he’d shared with Gabby. “I’ve done it myself, Jake. We all make that mistake at least once in our lives, sometimes more than that.” Gideon leaned closer. “There’s no shame in getting your heart involved, but don’t let it take your life.” Jake often wondered if Gideon could read minds, because many times he knew exactly what others thought. In this case, it was startling enough to make Jake’s grip slip on the wood and he started to fall off the wheel, towards the dangerous currents below. The reality of death being close enough to leave a tang in his mouth woke Jake up like nothing else had. Gideon grabbed his arm, keeping Jake from plunging down. He scrambled for his hold while his heart lodged in his throat. The damp wood smelled terrible but it sure as hell felt good. “Thank you, Gid,” Jake got past his numb lips. “If you hadn’t been here—” “That doesn’t matter. I was here and you didn’t fall.” Gideon gestured toward the ground. “Why don’t we climb down and have dinner over at Cindy’s. Zeke is up and around, raring to do something besides sit on his ass.” Jake closed his eyes and breathed for a moment. Life was meant for the living, not those who wished themselves dead. Gifts he received each and every day should be
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enough to continue on. He was thankful for his friends, for the fact that they all survived the war, that Nate had found a good woman, and they had food, a place to sleep and employment. From now on, Jake would focus on living for the present and try to let go of the past and all the ghosts that accompanied him. “Yep, let’s go get some vittles.” Jake’s smile was genuine. “I could eat a horse.” Gideon smiled back and they both started climbing down.
Dinner turned out to be pot roast, potatoes and gravy, and surprisingly delicious. Elmer joined them, sitting next to Jake as if they’d formed a bond. Jake liked the old man, even for his gruff ways. During the meal Jake was telling the others about his discoveries in the Rinaldi house, when the mayor decided to pay a visit. Phineas Wolcott waddled in, watch in hand, perspiration dotting his round face. He eyed the meal in front of the Devils and frowned. Every one of them stiffened in their chairs, ready to hear whatever bad news Phineas had come to deliver. “Wolcott.” Gideon set his fork down. “Did you come to join us?” “No, I didn’t, Mr. Blackwood. I came to talk to you about something, in private.” He gestured at the door, apparently expecting Gideon to follow. However, Phineas didn’t know the Devils very well. They stuck together no matter what happened. “Whatever you’ve got to say can be said in front of all of us.” He nodded in Elmer’s direction. “Even he’s got a stake in this situation. It would have been nice if you’d spoken to us about the missing women, Wolcott.” Gideon crossed his arms over his chest, his gaze sharp and wary. Phineas flushed an interesting shade of red and fiddled with his watch. “I didn’t think anyone would take the job if they knew the whole truth. Tanger is dying, Mr. Blackwood, and without its young women, the death will come that much quicker.” “What is it you want to talk about, Mayor?” Zeke chimed in. “I’ve already taken a bullet for your town. We’re working as fast as we can.”
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“I know, I heard about that and I was happy to hear that Margaret wasn’t taken. Although she’s a widow, she’s young and healthy, more than able to bear children.” Phineas opened his arms. “I wanted to talk to all of you, to see what you’ve accomplished since you’ve been here.” Jake stood. The noise of the chair legs scraping the wood echoed in the room. Anger coursed through him at the way this fat little man was blithely going on about women as if they were cows for breeding. “It appears as though you’ve already got that information. Why don’t you tell us what you really want?” Phineas let his mask slip for a moment and Jake saw the avarice and cunning creature who lurked behind the man. Jake wasn’t afraid, rather he was even more wary of exactly what the mayor of Tanger had in store for them. “I was hoping we could discuss the terms of your employment, perhaps, ah, revise them.” Phineas smiled, or at least that’s what Jake thought it was. Gideon, Lee and Zeke rose to their feet as well, ready to tell Phineas exactly what he could do with his revisions. The tension in the air was tight and palpable. Phineas held up his hands, palms out. “Gentlemen. No need to get up in arms. Please sit down. I only wanted to extend our agreement to include a few more items.” His grin widened. “I hear nothing but good news about your work, nothing but good. Even heard about some possible sparking going on with our fine women.” Phineas winked at Gideon and Jake’s stomach twisted into a painful knot. “What do you want with us?” Gideon’s voice reflected a barely controlled anger. “I was hoping we could discuss adding a new chore to your list. You see, most folks in town are distressed about the men going off to war and getting killed, and the womenfolk getting kidnapped.” He shook his head with enough drama to qualify him for a stage production. “I’ve got to help the citizens of my town and you are just the men for the job.” He looked at each of them in turn, sending a shiver up Jake’s spine. He didn’t trust Phineas Wolcott for even a second. “You want us to go after the women,” Gideon said flatly.
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“Exactly!” Phineas mopped his brow with a pressed handkerchief. “I know it’s quite a lot to ask, but without the women, our town will surely not survive. You understand that, right, gentlemen?” Jake understood a lot right then. When the mayor had hired them, it wasn’t just to fix the town up and help them back on their feet. He was also using their backs and their guns to find the women so he could get his breeding stock back. Phineas wanted them to get acquainted with the town, perhaps get involved with the folks and get a stake in what happened to them. Manipulative bastard that he was, Phineas knew exactly what he was doing every moment. “We aren’t here out of the goodness of our hearts.” Gideon’s eyes narrowed. “We don’t do any work outside of town, regardless if it’s for the town or not, without pay.” Phineas had the gall to look surprised. “Our agreement clearly covered anything we needed you to do.” Gideon stalked toward the round little man, with the rest of the Devils behind him. To his credit, Phineas didn’t back up an inch, but he sure as hell looked like he wanted to. “Our agreement didn’t cover everything. We’ll gladly help fix up the town and use our guns in town when needed. If you want us to track and find those women, you’re going to have to open up that wallet of yours and pay for it.” Gideon poked one finger at the man’s shoulder. “I am not a puppet, Wolcott, so don’t try and pull my strings.” They filed past Phineas, their stares never wavering from the mayor’s. He watched them go with pursed lips, anger swirling in the depths of his eyes. Jake spied the corner of a yellow piece of paper in Phineas’s pocket and figured it was a telegram. After the Devils got outside, they walked toward their temporary quarters, each quietly digesting the confrontation with the mayor. Zeke broke the silence. “We’re going to go after those women anyway, aren’t we, Gid?” Gideon sighed. “Of course we are. I can’t imagine not helping them, no matter what Wolcott tries to trick us into doing.”
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“Jake’s going to have to find out what that little turd is up to before I have to kill him,” Zeke growled. “Hell yes.” Lee pounded his fist into one leg. “I wanted to punch his doughy face in. Lying two-faced bastard.” “I agree, but only if Jake is willing to.” Gideon put one hand on Jake’s arm. “Your choice.” The prospect of breaking into the mayor’s house had occurred to Jake, and he was certainly able to perform the task. Now, however, he wanted to get in there and find out what was really going on. “Wild horses couldn’t stop me.” Jake grinned, his blood heated by something other than Gabby. “I can’t wait.” “I can’t help thinking the raiders are connected to Wolcott somehow.” Gideon tucked his hands into his pockets. “From what I understand, he hasn’t been in town but a couple of years. Tried some fancy footwork with businesses in town, and somehow ended up mayor.” “I thought about that too,” Zeke offered. “I’d like a chance to track those bastards and see what hole they’re hiding in before anyone else gets hurt.” From the look in his eyes, he was thinking of Allison. Jake considered Gideon’s idea. The fact that the raiders knew Gabby by name suggested someone in town had given them information, or perhaps had hired them. “Makes sense to me. How would they know who Gabby was or where she was? Someone from Tanger has their hands in this dirty business. I still think that woman who’s been following me is part of this. I need to find out who she is. Maybe she’s working with him.” “Phineas is a lying bastard, that’s the God’s honest truth.” Lee was quieter and calmer than usual. “But if what Jake found out is true, then I think he’s right and someone in town is working with the raiders. I’m ready whenever you are.”
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Gideon clapped him on the back. “Let’s get some supplies together and slip out. I don’t want anyone knowing what we’re doing.” He glanced at Jake. “Two of us need to stay in town—these people are counting on us to protect them.” “Dammit, you’re going to tell me to stay, aren’t you?” Lee groused. “One-armed cripple can’t do anything.” “That’s not what I said and damn sure isn’t how I feel.” Gideon’s brows snapped together. “Everything isn’t about you, Lee. I think Zeke needs to stay here and watch out for Jake. You and me can go after those raiders. Out of all of us, you have the best tracking skills.” Lee opened his mouth but didn’t say a word. He frowned then nodded, amazingly he even looked contrite. “Good, then it’s settled. Lee and I will go hunting while Jake and Zeke keep their eyes on the town.” Just like that, the Devils had changed their strategy. Instead of waiting for something to happen, they’d go looking for trouble. Jake couldn’t wait.
Gabby watched them split up, two men went down the street while Jake and the blond fellow Zeke stopped to talk. She knew she shouldn’t be staring but sometimes she couldn’t stop herself. Jake’s eyes glowed with excitement and although she couldn’t quite hear what they were saying, she knew they were up to something. She walked toward them, intent on finding out what was going on. Gabby had spent too much time trying to protect Tanger and herself to not know. Jake saw her and gestured to his friend. They stared at her as she approached, two big men wearing guns and identical scowls. Gabby, however, wasn’t intimidated in the least. “Good afternoon, gentlemen.” They both offered a polite greeting.
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“Miss Rinaldi.” Jake touched the brim of his hat. The formality in his tone cut deep, but nothing she didn’t expect. “I’ll finish the work on the wheel in the next few days if that’s what you needed.” “No, that’s not what I needed.” God knew she needed a lot more than that, starting with a normal relationship with a man, a life that didn’t involve blood and guns, and some peace. “I saw the four of you talking and I want to know what you’re doing.” “Excuse me?” Zeke’s eyebrows rose. Gabby ignored him. “I know Phineas hired you to help out the town, but any fool can see that wasn’t the real reason. You are nothing more than hired gunslingers and if something is going on, I demand to know about it.” The scowls grew deeper. “I don’t see you handing us any pay, little girl.” Zeke stepped toward her. “Don’t think for a second you can demand anything from us.” Truth was, he scared her a bit with his cold, flat stare. She had no idea what Allison saw in him. Jake looked angry as well, but she wasn’t the least bit frightened of him, at least not physically. “Gabby, we were hired for a number of reasons. You are not the only person in Tanger who needs our help.” Jake touched his friend’s arm. “I think you’ve made it clear how you feel about us, but like it or not, we’re here until the job is finished.” Gabby reeled back from the venom in his voice. “It doesn’t matter what Phineas says, without the townspeople behind you, this job is finished.” Her heart smacked painfully against her ribs, reminding her that she’d invested much more than time with Jake. He already owned part of her and was throwing it back in her face, just as she’d done to him. “We’ve already got the townspeople behind us,” Jake scoffed. “Hell, half of them want to marry Gideon, Zeke and Lee. What makes you think what you say means a damn thing?” He leaned in close, his blue eyes blazing. “No woman dictates to the Devils, especially you.”
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Gabby slapped him so hard, she felt the ring in her own ears. A red mark precisely the shape of her hand blossomed on his freckled cheek. To his credit, he didn’t say another word. Instead he walked away, followed by a fuming Zeke. She could see the fury in that one’s eyes and it sent a shiver down her spine. Sometimes Gabby didn’t think before she spoke or acted, her passion ran strong and deep for so many things, including Jake Sheridan. Whatever they’d had between them had just been trampled into the dust by their angry words. Pain radiated through her, leaving her short of breath. As her throat closed up, she turned toward home, wondering if the doctor had a cure for stupidity. She walked slowly, waving hello when needed, but she was very far away. Back to that magical night by the water when she and Jake had shared the most perfect moment in her life.
“Tell me what just happened, Jake.” Zeke caught up to Jake, wheezing as if he’d run a mile. “Sorry, Zeke, I forgot you’re still recovering.” As he slowed his pace, Jake’s stomach cramped up so hard, he thought he might be sick. Confronting Gabby like that in front of Zeke had turned him inside out. Feelings, thoughts and everything in between whirled through him so fast he could hardly see straight. He didn’t answer Zeke, instead he walked straight toward the river to dunk his head in the cold water. Zeke seemed to understand there was something going on besides an angry woman, and he kept quiet as they walked. By the time they got close to the river, tears stung his eyes for the failure he’d become. God, why did he have to be who he was? Why couldn’t he have been a Blackwood for real, not just an illegitimate cousin tolerated by the mighty family and ignored by the man he thought was his father? He dropped to his knees on the riverbank and grabbed scoopfuls of water, trying to wash away the shame, the hurt and the anger. He knew Zeke was beside him, silently waiting for the storm to pass. They’d been close as brothers all their lives, always looking out for each other, which was sort of odd
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considering Zeke had a brother already. Zeke was the storm cloud to Jake’s blue sky, they complemented each other. Jake often wondered if Lee resented the closeness between his brother and the redheaded ne’er-do-well. Zeke touched his arm, not the comforting gesture of Gideon, but with the steadfastness of a true friend. “You ’bout done?” Jake slurped a mouthful of water, easing the tightness in his throat. “Yeah, I’m done.” He sat back on the grass, his knees up, wondering just how he’d gotten so lost. “You fall for her?” Zeke was a man of few words, and generally, they were well aimed. Jake rubbed his eyes. “Yep, I did. Don’t know how it happened, I just did.” “Sorta like Nate and Elisa. Those two were like tomcats fighting, then suddenly they were humping like bunnies.” Zeke shook his head. “Love surely ain’t for weaklings. I hope like hell it leaves me alone.” “I think it’s too late for that. I saw the way you looked at the preacher’s daughter.” Jake glanced at his friend. Zeke stiffened. “I ain’t in love, for Pete’s sake. She’s pretty and sweet is all. It’s been a long time since a lady paid me attention.” Jake snorted. “That’s a fat lie. You are just as handsome as Nate and you know it. You might not be a charmer, but all you’ve got to do is stand there and women follow you. There were at least a dozen women in town following you around like bitches in heat.” “I surely didn’t ask for it.” Zeke frowned. “When I was hurt, I had this dream that Allison, well, she… Never mind. I wish life wasn’t so damn upside down anymore.” “Good wish.” Jake sighed. “I’m not sure what it is about Gabby, but I’m obsessed, Zeke. There isn’t another word for it. I think about her constantly. And one night”—he swallowed hard—“one night, she was mine.” Zeke sucked in a breath. “Did you break her in?”
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“Jesus Christ, Zeke. Shut your mouth.” Jake punched his friend’s arm. “Besides the fact it’s none of your business, Gabby is a lady.” “She’s a pushy lady,” Zeke groused. “With a big mouth.” “True. I think it’s the Italian side of her.” Jake closed his eyes and tried to find his way back. “I think she made it obvious she wants nothing to do with me again. I feel so damn lost.” Zeke’s solid presence reminded Jake that he still had his friends, no matter what. “The best thing to get over a woman is to work. I’d be happy to watch you do it.” He stood with a grunt and cocked one eyebrow. “Ready?” With Zeke’s help, Jake rose on his shaky legs. “Not really, but let’s get to it so we can get out of this town.” “Amen to that.” As he and Zeke walked back into town, Jake couldn’t help but feel the eyes of the unseen watcher on him again. The next order of business after snooping in the mayor’s house was finding out just who the woman was who’d been watching him, and what she was up to.
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Chapter Seven “You be careful.” Gideon’s warning wasn’t needed but Jake knew he’d say it anyway. It was his way. “Yes, Cap’n.” Jake saluted with a snap. “Smart aleck.” A playful swat landed on Jake’s arm. “Don’t worry, I’ll be on watch.” Zeke took everything he did seriously. Jake was glad of that considering how many times his friend had saved him from himself, and sometimes, even a hangman’s noose. “Be back here by dawn in two days.” Zeke looked at both Gideon and his brother, Lee. “Do I need to salute you now?” Lee grinned. “Only if you want trouble.” Zeke gestured to the mid-afternoon sun. “Y’all had better get moving.” “If you’re not back in three days, we’re coming after you.” Jake and the Devils had split up before for many missions, but this one felt different. It wasn’t wartime anymore, yet they were still fighting battles. Tanger had pulled them back into the muddy trap they’d just gotten out of. “I expect I won’t need to be rescued.” Gideon winked. “But thanks.” As the four of them stared at each other, Jake again felt an unbreakable bond between them. He gave Gid and Lee brief hugs, then walked away before he embarrassed himself. He heard Zeke talking to them quietly, then he fell into step beside Jake. “Want to work on your mill wheel today?” Zeke offered. “We’ve got at least four hours of good light left.” Jake wrestled with what he should do with what he wanted to do. Truth was, he didn’t want to finish the damn wheel at all, but then he thought about poor Mr. Rinaldi and Jake’s selfish thoughts seemed petty. The man needed help, and Jake would be no kind of man if he didn’t give it. 112
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The thought of running into Gabby after their last confrontation put a knot in his stomach the size of a watermelon. Jake looked forward to the day when he could leave Tanger behind and start over again. As they approached the mill, his step faltered at the sight of Gabby and Allison. Zeke sucked in a breath. “You want to head someplace else?” “No, we’ll just say our howdys and get to work.” Jake was determined to ignore his feelings for Gabby. He had to finish what he started on the mill—the town counted on the Rinaldis for flour and more. Allison straightened up and darted behind Gabby. She peeked out from behind the taller woman and when she spotted Zeke, her eyes shuttered. Stepping forward, she smiled and gave a little wave. Jake actually felt pain in his chest at the welcome emanating from Allison. “Good afternoon, gentlemen.” Allison’s gaze never left Zeke. “Ladies.” Zeke tipped his hat. “Jake here is gonna finish up the wheel this afternoon while I watch.” Gabby nodded jerkily. “Appreciate your help.” She took Allison by the arm. “We’ll be out of your way in a minute.” Allison glanced at Gabby with a frown. “We won’t be in the way. Why, I’ll bet we can even help, can’t we?” Zeke was apparently unable to resist the woman. A grin split his face. “Absolutely. You can hand up the nails and wood.” Jake resisted the urge to run like hell and leave Zeke to finish the job Jake had started. He didn’t say anything though, instead, he walked past the women and toward the back of the mill. The sound of the rushing water soothed his agitation a bit, but he still felt as tense as a piece of wood. The stacks of fresh lumber sat waiting for them to begin. After Jake stopped the wheel, he removed the boards and replaced them one by one while Zeke sat and handed him nails. Allison stood below them, smiling and making
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cow-eyes at Zeke while Gabby spent her time snapping at them. After an hour, Jake’s patience reached its limit. “Enough. Jesus, what is this, a circus tent?” He climbed down from the wheel and came nose to nose with the woman currently making him loco. “If the two of you are going to distract us we’re never going to finish. Can’t you go someplace else?” Jake growled, surprising himself with the vehemence of his reaction. Gabby’s eyes widened. “I am not trying to distract you. I’m making sure the job is done right.” She flapped her hand in the air. “Allison came by for a visit for the first time in six months. I am not about to tell her to go home.” Allison seemed to shrink right in front of Jake. Her bright smile faded into a pinched expression he remembered from the first time they met. Jake felt about two inches high at that moment. Zeke stepped up beside him. “Some reason why you turned into an ass?” He scowled and gestured to the women. “And decided to scare the hell out of them? Pardon my language.” Zeke inclined his head to Gabby and Allison. “I want to get this job finished.” Jake’s chest constricted painfully and a shadow of panic slid down his back. “I need to get it finished.” Gabby took hold of his arm and yanked him toward the mill, leaving Zeke and Allison to stare after them. By the time they got inside the mill, Jake was leading Gabby, marching her inside. His emotions thundered through him like a storm, leaving him angry and confused. They whirled to face each other in the silent mill. Jake’s nostrils flared as Gabby’s scent assaulted him. Arousal mixed with his fury and before he knew it, she was in his arms and his lips were on hers. Sweet delicious heat slid through him as the memory of her passion washed over him. As their bodies melted into one, her softness cradled his hardness. His cock lengthened and pressed into her belly, eager to be one with her again. Tingles of pure pleasure seemed to leap between them. Gabby mewled as she clutched at his hair, the sound going straight to his throbbing erection.
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Jake cupped her ass, pulling her up until she wrapped her legs around him. Her muscles gripped him, pushing her moist heat against him. He tried to keep hold of his self-control but it was slipping fast. Zeke and Allison were just outside, anyone could walk in at any time. Somehow he didn’t care about any of that. All he cared about was the woman in his arms. Gabby was still wearing her trousers, an impediment to touching her, to making her his again. Their mouths fused, tongues dancing and sliding against each other, mimicking what Jake’s body cried out for, to be joined with her. Her nails scraped down his back, then she yanked his shirt from his trousers. Long fingers closed around his hardened staff and his eyes crossed from the pleasure. She pulled at him, her thumb stroking the head of his cock. He savored the cool feel of her hands on his heated skin for barely a minute before he knew he’d embarrass himself if she didn’t stop. “Gabby.” With a growl, he set her on her feet and made quick work of her trousers, then without a thought as to who heard what, he pushed her up against the wall and settled her against him. He paused at the entrance of her moist pussy and met her gaze. Strong, dark eyes full of passion met him. “Now.” Her only word to him. Jake wasn’t one to ignore a lady’s demand. He thrust home, impaling her in one stroke. A gasp gusted past his ear as her firm muscles tightened around him. Heaven, pure heaven on Earth. He clenched his teeth and held her there for a moment, wondering how the hell he’d gotten through life before he met Gabby. When he began to thrust, he forgot about everything but her. He forced himself to use slow, sure strokes, filling her, enclosing him in all that was good. She found his mouth, and their tongues dueled even as their lower bodies moved as one. Slick, moist sounds joined the short breaths and kittenish mewls from Gabby. Jake tried to keep his moans trapped in his throat, but she was so hot, so tight, several burst
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forth despite his efforts. He bit her breast through her shirt, and she pulled it open so fast, he thought he heard a button ping somewhere behind them. The creamy breasts with pouting dark pink nipples enticed him more than any banquet. He kissed each one in turn, then laved and nibbled at them, as her sweet muscles continued to clasp his cock. It was as if she was designed to pleasure them both no matter what he did. Gabby was the perfect match for him. She bit his earlobe and whispered, “Oh God, Jake, I’m so close.” Good thing too because his balls had tightened to the point of pain and he knew an orgasm was close. He captured her mouth, and as their tongues entwined, he fucked her hard and fast, slamming her into the wall. Her legs closed around his hips, pulling him deeper, farther into her sweet heat. As his release rolled through him, stars exploded behind his eyes and he sucked in a breath, inhaling hers into his body even as his essence spilled into her. Their mouths fused again, swallowing the cries of pleasure as they rose from the depths of their hearts. After a minute, he let her back down to her feet and withdrew, as his body screamed for more. He hungered for her even as he recovered from a powerful orgasm. Without saying another word, they dressed. Gabby started to walk outside and he grabbed her arm. Her expression was guarded, but she stopped. Jake cupped her head and kissed her deep and hard. “We’ll continue this later.” She shook her head and left the mill, leaving him with his heart in his hands.
When they walked back outside, Gabby was sure Zeke and Allison would know what she and Jake had just done. Their lips had to be swollen, hair mussed and clothes not quite perfect. Gabby’s body buzzed and throbbed with the force of their passion. Their first night by the water didn’t have the desperate hunger like that. She wasn’t sure what happened or how it happened. She’d pulled him into the mill to tell him goodbye, to ask him to leave her alone, and somehow they’d ended up having the most incredible experience of her life. Her self-
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preservation instincts had failed her and she found herself even more deeply involved with Jake. He’d crawled into her heart and her mind, becoming a part of who she was. Gabby shook with the force of her obsession. How had it happened? She’d only known him a short time and yet from the moment they’d met, it felt like they’d known each other for much longer. Forever maybe. Jake’s gaze skittered away from hers as he climbed back up the wheel. Zeke looked at her with a question on his face. “We’ve come to an agreement. Please help Jake finish the repairs.” Her voice sounded high and tight, unnaturally so. She forced herself to smile at Allison while all she could think of was the taste of Jake’s mouth. Gabby’s head was too full of what she felt and thought about Jake. Zeke grunted in Jake’s direction and continued to spear her with a hostile look. Gabby shook from head to foot as she stood with her friend fifteen feet away. Allison chatted and peppered her with questions about the “heroes” of Tanger. Gabby wondered what she’d think if she knew one of the heroes just took her against the wall of the mill, and she let him. No, she willingly participated. Jake had to leave, he had to. Gabby didn’t know what she’d do if he stayed. Just the thought made her stomach twist into a knot. The afternoon passed by as slowly as a snail. The late summer sun beat down on them with relentless heat. Perspiration snaked down between Gabby’s breasts and itched like mad. She wanted to undo the buttons on her shirt, but knew it was out of the question. When Jake and Zeke took their shirts off, her mind told her to look away, but she didn’t listen. It was a feast of flesh, a banquet of masculine beauty that made Gabby’s breath catch. She wasn’t the only one either—Allison grabbed Gabby’s arm in a tight grip. “My heavens,” the blonde whispered. “They look like two fallen angels up there, shining down.” Gabby shook her head at her friend’s observation. “They look like two sweaty men to me.”
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“Oh, no, they’re much more than that.” Allison’s voice had deepened into nearly worshipful. Gabby had to put a few feet between them before she started acting like her lovesick friend. Although she tried not to stare, Gabby couldn’t seem to stop herself from looking up. When Jake turned around to climb up higher, she saw his back and the slow arousal she’d been fighting dissipated. His beautiful freckled skin was marred by so many scars, she didn’t think they could be counted. Some were silvery, dating them to many years ago. Others were pink, newly healed within the past year or so. They resembled the marks on a horse made by a quirt, but much more numerous. Jake had been beaten, tortured by someone. She had a feeling it had happened during the war. When they’d been together a few nights ago, it had been dark enough that she didn’t see what the bright sunlight revealed. How could a human being endure so much pain and still be so full of life? Gabby didn’t know if she could be as strong as he obviously was. She’d have lost her mind as her father had done. Against her will, a new respect for the redheaded gunslinger bloomed in her heart. She wanted to stop thinking about him, not think about him more than she already was. “Men without their shirts are like candy before breakfast.” Allison let out a breathy sigh. “He’s wonderfully handsome, don’t you think?” Gabby’s gaze never left the muscular, lean back marked by freckles and pain. “Yes, he is.”
After working on the mill all afternoon, Jake cleaned up in the river and tried to forget the amazing ten minutes he’d spent with Gabby in the shadowy interior of the mill. Much as he’d like to deny it, he was falling for her hard. He needed to do something to ground himself, to bring the earth back under his feet. It was the perfect night to pay a visit to the mayor, perhaps it would remind him of just who he was. The streets were deserted after dark, making Jake’s midnight walk to the mayor’s that much easier, not that anyone would’ve seen him anyway. He was a thief, after all,
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one with well-honed skills. He knew his late-night watcher wasn’t around because he would have sensed her. Zeke stayed twenty yards behind Jake, keeping an eye on what happened around them. Normally, Jake wouldn’t need another set of eyes, but this was different, everything was different. The undercurrents in Tanger were deep enough that the Devils still didn’t know what was going on. Too many mysteries needed to be solved and they needed each man’s talents to do so. A thrill raced through his body, a familiar sensation that made him homesick, even if he’d never had much of a home. Sneaking around had always been his skill, that and romancing women. It came second nature to him, the ability to be quieter than death, stealthier than a panther. He skirted the main street and stayed behind the buildings, keeping company with the night creatures. A light came on in Marchison’s store and Jake ducked behind a stack of crates. The back door opened and Jake heard the low murmur of voices, but he was unable to make out anything they said. The door closed and the light went out minutes later. Since it was the middle of the night, Jake was suspicious as to what was going on. His gut instinct told him someone was involved in something dirty, either in their bed or in their pockets. Jake had seen the lowest point to which human beings could sink and he didn’t doubt the good residents of Tanger were capable of anything. What had started out as a wellpaying job had turned into another sour taste in his mouth. The sooner they finished, the better. However, without a whole lot to go on, and with so many unanswered questions, it seemed they’d be in Tanger for quite a while. When he reached the mayor’s house, Jake crouched down by the white fence and sat completely still to the count of a thousand. When nothing stirred within the house, he jumped over the fence and crawled across the dew-covered grass. The slickness coated his hands and knees. As he approached the back door, he slid up the three steps, hoping to find it unlocked.
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He wasn’t in luck. After wiping his hands on his trousers, he pulled the custom picks from his pocket. He’d carried them for many years and the cold metal felt comfortable in his hands. A few seconds later, the back door popped open. Again, Jake counted, this time to two hundred, before he pushed the door open. Fortunately, the hinges didn’t creak. Jake left the door slightly ajar and committed his first crime in Tanger by entering the mayor’s house. The thrill of being a thief had faded long ago to be replaced by numbness. He’d done this so many times before, it wasn’t usually a challenge. However, it was more than that this time. The Devils were counting on him to find information, something they could use to find out exactly what was going on in Tanger. The musty smell hit him first. He remembered being struck by the condition of Phineas’s house the first time he was in it. Jake explored the kitchen as best he could in the moonlight. Nothing seemed out of place or extraordinary. A half loaf of bread and a jar of honey sat on the table as if from a bedtime snack. He ran his finger along the bottom of the wooden sink, however all he found was a trace of water along with a plate and a knife. It had to have been at least three hours since anyone had been in the kitchen, which was a good sign. Jake left the kitchen confident that he wouldn’t find anything of importance there. He crept down the hallway to the parlor where the Devils had met with the mayor. The same pervasive odor hung in the air. He kept an ear out for any unusual noises, but the house was deathly still. He went straight toward Phineas’s desk, certain he’d find something there. It was covered with piles of papers, a pipe with tobacco spilling onto the scarred top, an inkwell and two pen nibs. Jake knew he’d have to look through each stack of papers. He picked up the first one and sat on the floor behind the desk. After fifteen minutes, he’d gone through all the papers and found nothing of importance. He replaced everything exactly as he’d found it then started opening drawers. Frustration built inside him with every second that passed. The bottom drawer was locked.
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A lick of excitement was followed by a grin. People locked up what they didn’t want others to find. Just a few seconds and the lock opened under his skilled ability. A ledger book, several telegrams and a half dozen letters were neatly stacked together in the back of the drawer. After studying where everything was placed, Jake took it all out and sat down again to read. The letters were all addressed to Phineas from a young woman named Nelle. They were yellowed with age and hard to read in the meager light from the windows, but he didn’t dare light a lantern or even a match. Jake concluded they were long-lost love letters. Perhaps Phineas still pined for this Nelle. Jake read the telegrams once, then again, absorbing the shocking contents. It appeared the good mayor of Tanger had been brokering some shady deals with the townspeople’s money. The ledger would hopefully tell him more. A noise from upstairs made Jake freeze, the open ledger on his lap. A trickle of sweat rolled down his temple. The creak of wood and footsteps made his heart thump. Hopefully whoever was awake didn’t intend to come downstairs. Jake kept himself so still, his muscles cramped. After a few minutes which felt like an hour, the creak resounded again and then the house was still. Letting out a shaky breath, Jake then counted to a thousand twice before he moved. Reading as quickly as he could, Jake scribbled notes on a piece of paper he’d brought. The sound of the pencil scratching seemed unnaturally loud in the room. Wolcott’s record-keeping was immaculate and very detailed. He’d been taking money in small bits at a time and moving them into a single account. He wasn’t particular about who he stole from, or what their balance was. From the poorest to the wealthiest—which interestingly enough included Lucy from the saloon—each person with an account at the bank had been robbed. Wolcott had made several large withdrawals over the last year. The ledger didn’t give details on exactly where the money was sent, but the telegrams did. It also told him the mayor lied about paying the Devils. There was almost no money left in Tanger’s
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bank. Unless Wolcott had money hidden in the house somewhere, the town was flat broke. Jake set everything back in the drawer carefully then locked it again with one of his picks. He’d come to find information about Wolcott but he’d found much more than expected. He locked the door on the way out. His mind whirled with the information he’d found and wished Gideon was there to help him sort it out. He leapt back over the fence and made his way back to the main street. Jake found Zeke on the steps of the store. With a low hoot to signal Jake’s arrival, he waited for his friend to join him. A bit of tension eased from Jake’s shoulders as his friend approached. “What is it?” Zeke whispered. Jake shook his head and motioned for him to walk back home. “Not here.” They walked back in silence, keeping their eyes and ears open. It took less than ten minutes to arrive back at their humble shack. Now Jake knew why it was so humble. After they got inside, Jake didn’t want to light a lantern in case there was anyone watching them. “Tell me.” Zeke sat on the cot next to him. “Wolcott’s a thief. He’s been embezzling money from the town for at least a year. From what I could see, there ain’t enough left in that bank to buy seed for even one cotton farm.” Jake waited for Zeke to absorb that information. “Shit. Are you saying we’ve been working our asses off for some lousy food and this shitty shack?” Zeke punched the cot. “Son of a bitch. What else did you find?” “I think he’s put the money away for himself somewhere in Kansas City. Near as I can tell, he planned on leaving town and having that pile of cash waiting for him.” Jake took out his notes. “Wolcott had some telegrams from a couple of banks and somebody named Natalie Gates. I think she’s his assistant or something. Hell, I don’t know, that’s why I wrote it all down. Gid needs to look at this.” Jake had never felt stupider than he did at that moment. He was frustrated at his inability to put the puzzle pieces together.
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“Yep, but he won’t be back for at least another day.” Zeke cursed a blue streak. “That fucking bastard Wolcott.” Remembering all his experiences in Tanger, Jake considered whether or not he’d trade those memories in.
*** Gideon stretched as best he could in the cramped position. He and Lee had found evidence of a campfire and concluded it could be the raiders. A stash of canned food and hardtack sat beneath a pile of leaves under the trees. The number of impressions in the dirt by the remains of the fire was right—six people—and the location was close enough to attack the town then run. Currently the two Devils were hiding out ten yards from the site waiting for whoever had built the fire to come back. The rock formation was perfect cover, but it was not in the least bit comfortable. The rain the evening before had washed away any tracks, but by the look of things this was the right spot. He wondered if anything was happening in town, and if Jake had found any information in the mayor’s house. Lee scratched his back with the rock and frowned. “I sure as hell hope they come back soon. I’m mighty tired of waiting.” “Me too.” Gideon looked out at the empty campsite. “Me too.”
*** The attack was more unexpected than the others because they struck in broad daylight. Gabby had just brought the mill up to full speed to test the repaired wheel when she heard the shots. She stopped putting wheat into the conveyor belt and listened. Hoots, hollers and screams split the air, punctuated by gunfire. Gabby dropped the stalks and ran for the door, certain she could help this time. She was tired of always hiding. Besides, she could use a shotgun just as well as anyone else.
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Grabbing the weapon from beside the door, she jammed two shells into it and stepped outside into the sunshine. At first she didn’t see anyone so she closed her eyes and listened. With a sinking sense of dread, she recognized one of the women screaming. Allison. Gabby took off running faster than she’d ever moved in her life. Her heart pumped so hard, she was afraid it would explode from fear and anger. Shotgun firmly in hand, she sprinted to the church to help her friend. By the time she got there, they’d already killed the good reverend. He lay bleeding on the dirt, his sightless eyes open in terror. Knowing she couldn’t help him, Gabby ran into their house and found chaos with chairs overturned, dishes smashed and furniture broken. However, there was no sign of Allison. Blood splattered on the front door told a story Gabby didn’t want to hear. She stopped and listened again, and heard the raiders over near Cindy’s restaurant. Another scream told her Allison was still alive. For now. She wished for a horse, but had to rely on her own two feet to get her where she needed to go. Sweat ran in rivers down her back as she gripped the shotgun with a slippery palm. Her breath came in short bursts but she kept on moving as fast as she could. Allison’s life might depend on it. Gabby heard a different noise and didn’t stop to think much about what it was until she got close enough to see what was happening. It had been a rebel yell, a call in the war that had frightened more than a few Yankees. Now it was aimed at the raiders who dared to attack Tanger again. The raiders were hunkered down in the alley next to the restaurant. It was the first time anyone had gotten a good look at the men. They wore dark clothes, blues, grays and blacks with wide-brimmed hats favored by the vaqueros. Neckerchiefs covered their faces, but even from a distance, Gabby could feel the malevolence in their gazes. Sweet Jesus. Jake and Zeke, armed and dangerous, crouched behind the trees in the center of town. She saw Zeke trembling with fury and knew he was about to risk his life for
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Allison. Suddenly Gabby understood more than she had before. Jake and his friends were hired to do what they needed to, but they weren’t hired to care about the citizens of town. Clearly these men were more than money-grubbing gunslingers. Even she could see the marked difference between the five raiders holding an innocent young woman hostage and the two men ready to risk their lives to save her. Gabby had to help but she didn’t know what to do. “You let us go or we kill the girl,” one of the raiders called out. “You let the girl go or we’ll kill you.” Zeke’s entire face was red with rage. His hands were clenched on the pistols so hard, Gabby saw whitened knuckles. The raider laughed. “I don’t think you quite understand, Reb. She’s what we came for.” Gabby would remember the next ten seconds for the rest of her life. Zeke came out from behind the tree with guns blazing. He hit two of the raiders before they could react. The one holding Allison stood, using her as a shield. Gabby screamed and ran toward them, shotgun cocked and ready. The knife slid across Allison’s throat so smoothly at first Gabby didn’t think she’d been hurt. Then red blossomed down her pretty yellow dress and she dropped to the ground. Zeke’s howl made goose bumps rise on every bit of Gabby’s body. He ran toward them so fast, she barely made it two steps before he got to Allison. Zeke ripped off his shirt and pressed it to her neck, mindless of the men who were still shooting at him even as they mounted their horses. “Zeke, look out!” Jake darted toward his friend, guns rapidly firing. Gabby reached Allison and fell onto her knees in the dirt. Tears streamed down her face as she saw the life fade from her friend’s eyes. Zeke kept pressure on her neck, even as his shirt soaked with blood. “Allison, oh sweet Jesus.” Gabby covered her mouth with one hand as the pain of losing her best friend nearly squeezed the life from her. Zeke turned his face to Gabby and the sincere, bottomless anguish in his brown eyes made her cry just that much harder. “She’s gone.”
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Zeke shook his head and glanced back down at Allison. “God wouldn’t take such an angel.” A single tear slid down his dusty cheek. Gabby choked on a sob and put her hand on his bare shoulder as she struggled with the grief, shock and anger that threatened to overwhelm her. From behind them, more gunfire rang out. A quick glance told her Elmer and Dr. Barham had pulled out their own weapons. Tanger was finally standing up for its own. The tinkling of broken glass was the only warning before fire caught hold of the restaurant. The dry summer had served to make everything a tinderbox. The raiders obviously knew that because they’d thrown a lantern into Cindy’s and the dry wood drank in the hungry flames. As the bastards rode off into the afternoon sun, the town of Tanger raced to save itself from a fiery fate. Gabby yanked at Zeke’s arm. “She’s gone, Mr. Blackwood. Please, you need to help us p-put out the fire.” Emotions battled within her, but she knew she had to help save the restaurant if she could. Elmer ran to the pump beside the restaurant and threw a bucket under the water as it gushed out. Soon women and older men appeared from their hiding places to form a bucket brigade. Yet Zeke didn’t move. “Please, Zeke, she’s gone.” She touched his chin and turned him toward her. His eyes swam with sadness so deep, Gabby’s throat closed up. “Please,” she whispered. Zeke glanced at Allison, her face barely touched by the gruesome remains of her throat. Her blue eyes remained open in death, surprise and fear evident. He gently closed the lids as his mouth moved in a prayer. Again, Gabby was struck by what she hadn’t seen beneath the surface of the cold blond man. With a steely-eyed stare at the backs of the retreating raiders, Zeke finally stood, his bare chest, hands and arms covered in blood. To Gabby he looked like an avenging angel, death on two feet for the raiders. She felt the same urge, the same thirst for vengeance against the cold-blooded killers who would not only destroy such a beautiful life, but start a conflagration that could destroy the rest of the town.
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She scrambled to her feet and ran to join the bucket brigade. Gabby stood beside her fellow citizens and fought together. Jake appeared beside her, his face set like granite with resolve and anger. There would be time later to track the raiders, now they had to fight for the town’s future. She didn’t keep track of the time or how many buckets of water they passed. Blisters formed and popped, pain seared her back and hands, but she didn’t stop and neither did they. Zeke worked like a madman, the grimace on his face could have scared the bastards to death. Even as the fire wound down, he kept throwing the buckets on the restaurant until the last wisp of smoke disappeared. The bandage on his arm bled through, as if he didn’t even notice or care that he’d opened his healing wound. Gabby looked around and was pleased to see so many people. The three she didn’t see, however, were Veronica Marchison, her mother and Phineas Wolcott. Panic ripped at Gabby at the thought that something had happened to her mother. Her gaze locked with Jake’s, his soot-covered scowl questioning. “My mother.” She glanced toward the mill. “Oh my God.” The exhaustion disappeared completely as she started running toward home. Footfalls behind her let her know Jake had joined her. Gabby might not get along with her mother, but that didn’t mean she wished anything bad to happen. Mary was a hard woman, but she was Gabby’s mother. The love would always be there between them.
Jake was riding a tornado. It was the only explanation for the last hour he could think of. He ran behind Gabby, certain something must have happened to her mother, hoping it didn’t. Gabby had suffered much in the last six months, losing her mother would be too much to bear, even for a strong woman like her. If only Gideon and Lee had been in town to help. Jake wondered if the worst was over or if there were more deadly deeds to be uncovered.
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They reached the mill in less than ten minutes. Gabby stopped at the door and turned to Jake. Smears of blood and soot decorated her beautiful face while her dark eyes swam with fear. He took her hand in his and she winced. When he looked at her palm, the bloody mess of blisters and burns made his fury boil again. Those sons of bitches did more damage in ten minutes than they’d done in six months. He kissed her hand softly. “We’ll find her. I’m sure she’s all right.” Gabby nodded, but her body told a different story. Squaring her shoulders, she walked up the three steps and opened the door to the mill. “Mama?” Jake walked in behind her, both guns drawn, ready and willing to protect the woman he loved. That thought made him nearly drop the irons. Holy ever-loving Christ. He picked a fine time to accept the fact that Gabby was the woman in his heart, forever and always. Perhaps it was the way she fought for Allison—although seeing her run across the town square with a shotgun in her hands almost made his heart stop. Or perhaps it was the way she battled the fire in the restaurant. Anything could have triggered the acceptance that he did most definitely love Gabrielle Rinaldi. God help him. God help her. Gabby walked further into the gloomy depths of the silent mill. Jake hoped like hell Mary was someplace safe. He still shook from the battle with the marauders and he was barely keeping his stomach below his throat. “Let’s check on your pa.” Jake gestured toward the stairs leading to the living quarters. “Maybe she’s in there with him.” Fear gripped her expression as the color leached from her skin. “Papa?” She raced up the steps with Jake hot on her heels. When they got to the top, she didn’t even bother looking in any of the other rooms, she made a beeline for her father’s. She slammed the door open, startling Jake and
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alerting anyone else in the county that she was there. He kept forgetting Gabby wasn’t a trained soldier, even if she acted like one sometimes. Mr. Rinaldi sat propped up against pillows in the bed, staring into nothingness, lost in the world only he knew. Gabby fell to her knees and cupped his face. “Papa, it’s Gabby. Are you okay?” He looked at her but didn’t respond. Jake swore he saw a glimmer of love in the depths of Sam’s watery brown eyes. The man was still dirty, with greasy, stringy hair and sleeping in the awful stench Jake had come to recognize was long-term bed sores and human excretions. “What are you doing?” Mary’s voice ricocheted off the wall, making Jake and Gabby jump. “Mama!” Gabby leapt to her feet and ran to her mother, only to wrap her arms around an unresponsive piece of wood. Mary stepped away from her daughter’s embrace. “What are you two doing in here? It’s your papa’s rest time and now you’ve ruined it.” Thunderclouds couldn’t be darker than her expression. “And you’ve tracked in filth. What on earth were you thinking coming in here with dirt all over you?” Gabby wiped the tears from her cheeks and took a step back. The gruesome remains of the day smeared on her soft skin. “This isn’t dirt, Mama. It’s death. Those raiders came into town and m-murdered poor Allison, then set Cindy’s restaurant on fire. Where were you?” “Cindy’s long gone so it doesn’t matter if that building burns. Elmer can’t cook worth a spit anyway.” Mary moved around Gabby to stand in front of Sam. “Where were you?” Gabby repeated. This time her voice held no tremors. “I was here with your papa. I can’t be running all over town when something happens. He needs to be cared for.” Mary laid her hand on Sam’s bony shoulder. “I’m always here for him.” Gabby’s fists clenched and Jake felt the pain from her scorched skin in his own hands. Without another word, she left the room and Jake followed. By the time they got
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downstairs, her hands had opened, but he knew she was still seething. Her mother seemed to be the most contrary, mean woman he’d ever had the misfortune to meet. Mary seemed to go out of her way to be nasty to Gabby as well. He didn’t know exactly what drove the older woman to treat her daughter like an annoyance, a trespasser, but he could make damn sure Gabby knew she was loved. “Let’s go get you cleaned up.” Jake took her arm and led her outside into the sunshine. The brightness of the sun seemed to taunt the emotions and events of the dark day. Jake hoped like hell Gid and Lee got back soon so they could chase those bastards into the ground.
They sat outside the mill and watched the sun go down. Gabby didn’t say much, but she didn’t move from beside Jake. Dr. Barham took care of Allison’s body while Elmer helped with her father, so Jake bandaged her hands. There was nothing else to be done but wait and be on guard. Zeke had ridden off, looking for something, anything to direct his fury at. Gideon and Lee arrived before full dark, with Zeke right behind them. Jake stood, relieved to have the four of them back together. They formed a circle with Gabby watching from her perch on the stone wall. “Tell me what happened. Zeke’s not talking and Cindy’s is smoldering.” Gideon glanced at Gabby. “She’s part of this.” Jake was never more sure of that in his life. Allison’s murder had pulled Gabby from her self-imposed refusal to accept the Devils’ presence. “Fine. Then how about you start talking?” Lee motioned to his brother. “Because this one is silent as a gravestone.” Zeke launched himself at Lee without warning. A snarling tussle ensued with grunts and fists flying. Gideon grabbed Zeke while Jake handled Lee. Every one of them had more bruises by the time they separated, breathing hard and cursing.
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“I’m going to kill every fucking one of them.” Zeke walked off into the darkness alone, the pain in his voice echoing behind him. “Jesus Christ.” Lee spat out a mouthful of blood. “What the hell happened?” Jake wiped his forehead. “The raiders came in broad daylight today, killed the preacher, his daughter and then set fire to Cindy’s.” Gideon cursed loudly. “The blonde right? The one who was so taken with our Zeke? Goddammit, no wonder he’s angry.” “We should have been here,” Lee snarled. “Together we could’ve stopped them.” Jake shook his head, aware that Gabby watched them carefully. “They’ve never come during the day before. Nobody was prepared. By the time we got to them, they’d already killed the preacher.” He swallowed, the memory of the horror he’d witnessed running through his mind like a nightmare. “They slit her throat right in front of us.” The silence was only split by the night creatures’ music. Gabby moved to stand beside Jake and slipped her bandaged hand gently into his. “I need to find him.” Lee started to walk away but Gideon grabbed his arm. “No, leave him be for now. I think he needs some time.” “What did you find out there? Anything?” Jake hoped like hell something good would come of the day. “We found their campsite, and some supplies. The only interesting thing we found is what appears to be a crate from Marchison’s store.” Gideon’s gaze searched Jake’s. “I’m not sure if it’s one of the folks at the store, but I’d say that’s proof someone in Tanger is helping those bastards.” Gabby gasped. “Marchison’s? Are you sure?” “Positive.” Lee spat again. “Don’t surprise me. That lady who runs the place is a bitch and her husband looks shifty to me.” Gabby’s grief-stricken face hardened. “I wouldn’t be surprised if Veronica was involved somehow. Her husband Matthew couldn’t possibly be.” Gabby blew out a breath. “Believe me, he’s just a sad old man who lost his son to the war.”
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“No one in town has been honest with us from the get-go. Why should we believe you?” Lee had a point, and a good one. “You don’t have any reason to, but Jake might.” She turned to look at him. “Please, you have to believe me. Matthew is innocent, he has to be.” Jake searched inside himself. He loved Gabby, an inescapable fact, but love did cloud judgments. His was certainly turning in a million different directions, unable to know exactly what was right and wrong. The one thing he did know was that Gabby knew the town. He trusted her judgment on that point. “She’s right. Gabby knows the town better than we do. If she says it’s just the woman, then I believe her. Maybe Veronica Marchison is the woman I ran into in the alley.” Jake remembered something. “In fact, the night I was looking for information, I heard two people at Marchison’s on the loading dock around midnight and one of them was a woman. That definitely points to her as the one who’s trying to destroy the town.” Gabby frowned. “Destroy the town? Is that what you think?” “It’s what we know, Miss Rinaldi,” Gideon said. “What we’ve seen and found.” “Tanger is dying. If you want to stop it, then we need to find out for certain who’s behind it. There’s something else I need to tell you.” Jake looked at his friends. “I know what Wolcott is up to.” Gabby stared at him hard. “What did he do?” Jake had intended on telling Gideon and Lee later, but he had to include Gabby. She was just as much a victim as anyone in Tanger. The mill had the largest bank account aside from Wolcott and Lucy. “He’s been embezzling money from every account in the bank for the last year. By my estimate, and his ledger, he’s taken more than fifteen thousand dollars and moved it to a bank account in Kansas City.” Jake let that sink in. “He’s got a contact there taking care of the money until he leaves town to collect it.” “That son of a bitch,” Gabby snarled. “He’s taken all our money, hasn’t he?” “Yes, he did, and a lot of it.” He glanced at Gideon. “I don’t think he’s behind the raiders though because if the town has no money, then he can’t steal it.”
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Devils on Horseback: Jake
“Good point. And if he’s been doing this for a year, then the last thing he wants is to have his hand forced.” He rubbed his hand on his whiskered chin. “When do you think he’s gonna run?” Jake thought about everything he’d seen and read in Wolcott’s house. Although there was nothing to suggest Wolcott was leaving on a specific date, Jake followed his instincts. “Within a week.” Gabby cursed, drawing a surprised grunt from Lee. “We have to stop him.” She touched Jake’s arm with one bandaged hand. “How do we do that and catch the raiders?” “We’re going to have to work on a plan, Miss Rinaldi.” Gideon gestured in the direction Zeke had disappeared. “Before we do that, we need my cousin to make the circle complete. Let’s meet in the morning and figure out what to do.” “Agreed.” Jake nodded. “I know I sure as hell can’t think worth a damn right now and I’m guessing you two want a bath.” Gabby reluctantly agreed. “Fine, but don’t you dare start without me.” Gideon and Lee headed off into the night to clean up and get changed. Gabby tucked her arm in Jake’s and led him to the river’s edge. The fine mist from the rushing water coated his face as they stood side by side. Her arm trembled beneath his, the only sign she was still struggling with the events of the day. “Are you okay?” Jake whispered. “No, but I will be after we find those bastards and put them all behind bars.” Her voice shook with fury. “I am so tired of living in fear, of not knowing what would happen from one day to the next, of thinking I will never be normal. God, I hate this.” “We’ll do our best to stop it. I promise.” Jake cursed the fact that his voice wasn’t steady. The thought of facing the tasks ahead made him break out in a sweat. Thank God Gabby didn’t know how terrified he’d been earlier. She shamed him with her bravery. “I know you will.” Gabby turned and nuzzled his neck. “I believe you, Jacob Sheridan. I trust you.”
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The lump in his throat had nothing to do with being afraid and everything to do with the love he hid. She couldn’t know how he felt, not yet, not until he was a whole man. Gabby deserved more than a man scared of his own shadow. “Kiss me.” Softly spoken, the command echoed through him and his heart pounded in tune with the night creatures’ music. His soul called out for surcease from its pain, deliverance from its dark prison. As he bent his head to kiss her in the darkness, her breath came out in a gust, as if she’d been holding it. Perhaps he’d been holding his as well. He lay her down in the damp grass and they became as one. Their clothes melted away and soon it was their bodies singing together. It wasn’t the desperate dance in the mill days ago, but rather a slow, sweet song. Gabby arched into his touch as he latched onto her ripe breasts, tugging at the turgid nipple until she gasped. “Oh God, yes.” She leaned into his touch, eager for the pleasure he gave her. Her skin tasted salty and warm, and he lapped up the essence of her life. Fire blazed through his veins as his temperature rose. “Please, Jake, now.” She opened her legs and beckoned him. When his aching cock settled at her welcoming, wet entrance, he closed his eyes and wondered how he could have found her in a world full of such pain and misery. As he plunged into her welcoming body, she wrapped her arms around his back, moving with his rhythm, rocking back and forth. Jake knew they had needed to remember what it felt like to be alive, but being with Gabby filled him with the power of love and life, healed some of the tears in his heart. He clenched his eyes shut as his release blossomed within him. He whispered her name as her muscles clenched around him, pulling him deeper toward her womb, toward life. It took several minutes for the shudders to pass, then Jake rolled off her onto the cool grass and gently took her bandaged hand in his.
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Loving Gabby had put him in an untenable position, one he didn’t know how to resolve. A wanted criminal who wasn’t right in the head wasn’t exactly a prized catch. She couldn’t possibly want to spend the rest of her life running by his side. He needed to figure out a way to either leave Gabby for good or get rid of the demons of his past. Neither would be easy, the former might kill him. Reluctantly, Jake rose and put on his clothes. “I’ve got to go find Zeke. I’m worried about him.” She frowned. “I thought Gideon said—” “I know Zeke better. He’ll need someone to talk to.” A blatant lie, but she didn’t know that, and he wasn’t about to admit it. Jake needed to clear his mind and he couldn’t do that with Gabby beside him. Her presence muddled him up so much he didn’t know his ass from his elbow. “I’ll see you in the morning then.” She kissed him, the touch sweet and tempting. Jake swallowed hard and stepped away from the woman who owned his heart. “Good night.” He walked away quickly but with as much dignity as he could, turning his face to hide the tears on his cheeks.
*** Zeke swam in a sea of pain so deep, he could barely hang on. It wasn’t as if he’d been in love with Allison, but she’d appeared like a bright light in his life, a beacon of all that was still good in the world. Sweet, innocent and beautiful enough that it hurt to look at her. His own inadequacies got her kidnapped, then his stupidity got her killed. The image of that angel’s face as her throat was slit would haunt Zeke the rest of his life. His friends might sympathize with him, but they wouldn’t understand. He’d allowed that sweet girl into his heart and it was rent asunder when she was murdered. Zeke tipped the bottle back and took a long pull of the amber liquid. Maybe he might forget, even for a moment, if he drank enough. www.samhainpublishing.com
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*** “Are you sure it’s them?” Captain Elliot Nessman peered through the gloom at the stranger. “I refuse to go out of my way if you’re unsure.” He’d come too far to make another mistake. Command was already issuing him orders to return to Houston. Elliot couldn’t do that until he’d exhausted every lead on the men he chased. The only men who’d ever escaped from his prison during the war, those Southern bastards were doomed from the second their feet hit the loamy earth outside the prison walls. “It’s them, I’m sure. A redhead, two blonds, one with a missing arm, and one with curly brown hair, right?” The stranger stuck out one hand. “You give me what you promised and I’ll tell you where they are.” Elliot hated paying for information, but it was necessary. Time was running short for his quest. He knew he was close, but he’d found too many dead ends to wait any longer. The stranger made an impatient cluck and wiggled the proffered hand. “If I find out you’re lying to me, I will find you.” Elliot made sure the stranger understood that. The army captain was nothing if not persistent in pursuing criminals. “It’s the truth. I ain’t lying.” Elliot laid out five golden eagles on the stranger’s palm. “Where are they?” He kept his hand on the pistol strapped to his hip. “Tanger, Texas.”
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Devils on Horseback: Jake
Chapter Eight Two days had passed since Allison had been killed and the cloud of misery hadn’t lifted. If anything, it had gotten worse. “We’ve been sitting on our asses trying to figure out what do to. I’ll tell you what we need to do, we need to find them and kill them.” Zeke’s bloodshot eyes challenged everyone to contradict him. “I think we need to find them and find out why the hell they’ve been trying to destroy Tanger.” Lee, for once, made more sense than his older brother. Jake stared hard at Zeke. “We’re all upset about what happened to Allison—” “Don’t you even think about taking that road, Sheridan.” Zeke’s voice made the hairs on Gabby’s arms stand up. “Let’s not fight about it. We need to be reasonable and agree that going after them, all of us at once, is the best course of action.” Gideon seemed to always be the voice of reason. “Fuck reason.” Zeke could have wilted a meadow with the hate and anger in his expression. “If we don’t use reason, then we’re no better than them.” Gideon tried to be patient, but Gabby could see he was losing that battle. “I don’t care what you do, I’m going after those bastards and shove my gun down their fucking throats.” Zeke pushed away from the table, spilling coffee from the abrupt movement. Elmer frowned and with a sigh, started wiping it up with the rag from his pocket. Breakfast at Cindy’s had become their morning ritual, however today they mourned not only the loss of the restaurant, but the life of a young woman ended violently. Instead they gathered around the small table in the Devils’ shack. It wasn’t much, but Elmer had
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become their bunkmate due to the restaurant burning and they felt they owed him the respect to give him a place to lay his head. “What would that accomplish?” Gideon wasn’t giving up just yet. “It would make me feel a hell of a lot better.” Zeke looked at each of them in turn, including Gabby. She felt the sheer agony rolling off him. The despair of losing someone so precious had hit him as hard as it hit her. The truth was, Gabby agreed with Zeke. She wanted to kill them all. Justice in Texas was hard coming, and they surely had a big dose in store for the raiders. Gabby stood, her blood zipping through her veins like a river of vengeance. “I’m going with Zeke.” Astonishment lit the faces of the other four men. She’d have thought she suggested going naked to church. “What?” Jake’s face flushed red. “You can’t be serious.” “I’ve never been so serious in my life.” Gabby’s heart pounded, an echo of pain with each thump. “I have lived in the shadow of blood and fear for too long. When they killed Allison, the one pure thing in town died with her. I will not, I cannot let anything else happen. I am going with Zeke.” She turned to face him, noting the wrinkled clothes, the stink of a night of drinking and the whiskered face. What she noticed most though was respect in his eyes. “Let’s ride, Miss Rinaldi.” The two of them turned and left side by side. It took mere moments for everyone else to scramble out of their chairs and follow, protesting all the way. Jake grabbed her arm. “Gabby.” His blue eyes pleaded with her. “You can’t use your pistol because of your hands. And you might get hurt. Please, think about this.” “I’ll use the shotgun and wear gloves.” She pulled her arm from his grasp. “I’ve thought of nothing else for the last two days. I have to do this.”
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Devils on Horseback: Jake
Phineas Wolcott appeared on the street, watching them as they headed toward the livery. His gaze never wavered. Gabby had the insane urge to punch his doughy face for stealing from the town, but she had more urgent matters to focus on. One rat at a time. Lucy stood on the steps of the saloon, her wavy red hair loose, a look of resignation in her eyes. “Y’all gonna kill those bastards now? It couldn’t have happened when they took my girls, but kill the preacher’s daughter and revenge becomes more important. She wasn’t any better than—” Zeke was in her face before she finished the sentence. Her eyes widened in fear at what she saw in his. “Don’t even think it, Lucy. She don’t deserve your sharp tongue. I’m ending this here and now for everyone.” Gabby realized Zeke must’ve spent some time with Lucy since they’d been in Tanger. A little voice inside her piped in that perhaps Jake had spent time with the whore too. Gabby slapped the little voice. “I didn’t mean nothing, Zeke. I’m just tired is all.” Lucy stepped away from him. “Go get ’em. They deserve every second of pain you can give.” Zeke nodded and jumped back onto the street, taking Gabby’s arm. “Let’s go, partner.”
Jake’s stomach rolled with fear. For himself, for Zeke, but mostly for Gabby. She’d never looked so fierce, so angry before. Allison’s death must’ve hit her harder than he thought. He’d known the girls were friends, but her anger went beyond that friendship. He suspected it also had to do with what she’d learned about Phineas, and perhaps her mother. Mary’s behavior had always struck Jake as odd, but how she acted on the day of the fire was strange even for her. Jake knew he’d be going with Gabby and Zeke. No way in hell he wouldn’t, but it didn’t mean Jake wasn’t scared out of his mind. A night didn’t go by that he didn’t wake up in a cold sweat, terrified he was back in the war, back in Nessman’s hands. He tried to shake off the feeling of dread, but it lingered over him like an unwanted shadow.
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Any one of them could be killed. The fear of dying had never plagued him before and now it seemed he couldn’t shake it. God forbid he showed anyone that fear. He’d hidden it well over the last year and planned to continue hiding it. “Where do you think you’re going?” Mary Rinaldi’s screeching voice halted them all in their tracks. She stomped down the street, grimace contorting her face. For a moment, she looked murderous. Jake had thought all along Mary was to be watched and he hadn’t changed his mind. Gabby stuck her chin up in the air, an air of determination about her. “I’m going with these good men to find the raiders who murdered my friend and turned Tanger into a ghost town.” Jake swallowed hard at the way she called them “good men”. “Oh no you’re not. I won’t have any daughter of mine stepping out with a low-class group of men. I forbid you to go.” Mary’s expression was colder than a January snow. “Forbid me? I don’t have time to talk about this, Mama. We’re leaving and that’s that. Nothing you say can change my mind.” Gabby brushed past her mother. Jake felt like applauding. “You will not go anywhere with this thief. He’s bamboozled you, all of us, with his lying, conniving ways.” Mary pointed a bony finger at Jake and he almost felt the chill from her touch. “I’m not listening to you.” Gabby didn’t even slow down. “He broke into Phineas’s house. I saw him.” Mary’s grin could not be considered pleasant. “You told me yourself they were gunslingers, bad men, and yet here you are like a queen back-talking me and going off with them like a harlot.” Jake didn’t think anyone or anything could have stopped Gabby from slapping her mother, not even the healing injuries on her hand. The sound echoed in the dead silence around them. Jake noticed a few folks poking their heads out doors and windows. Gabby’s face flushed a bright pink as she bared her teeth. Mary looked more shocked than anyone.
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Devils on Horseback: Jake
Without another word to her mother, Gabby turned and walked to Jake. The pain and guilt in her beautiful eyes tore at him. “Will you come with me to say goodbye to my father?” she whispered. “If I don’t come back, I want him to know I love him.” Jake didn’t bother telling her Sam Rinaldi knew his daughter loved him. She showed it in so many ways, a blind man couldn’t miss it. Jake took her arm in his, noted the trembling, and walked with as much dignity as he could toward the mill. “Does your hand hurt?” He knew the blisters from the fire were still healing. The last thing she needed was to reinjure her hand by slapping her mother. “It stings, but I don’t regret what I did. I just couldn’t bear one more second.” She sucked in a pained breath. “I’m sorry.” “There’s nothing for you to be sorry about. My mother isn’t a nice person and I don’t think she ever was. All my life she’s treated me as if I would never be good enough, never be the son she lost in childbirth no matter what I did.” A small sob escaped her throat. “My papa was always there for me. He never treated me like anything but a person, worth his love and attention. But now, I don’t even have him anymore. I’ve got nothing.” Jake hadn’t really known his father, and his mother hardly spared him a glance except when he didn’t come home with food or money for her brood. He felt a small stab of envy over the relationship Gabby had with her father. It was amazing to him when folks didn’t realize what they held in the palms of their hands. “You’ve got me.” Gabby stopped and stared at him, her dark eyes awash with tears. “Is it true?” “Is what true?” Jake’s mouth felt cotton dry, knowing he was delaying the inevitable. Where had his charm gone, or his ability to distract ladies with flattery? Damn Mary for accusing him in front of the whole damn town. If that didn’t get Nessman’s attention somehow, he’d eat his shoe for breakfast.
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“Did you break into Phineas’s house? Is that how you found out he was stealing money from Tanger? Jake, are you a thief?” Gabby asked the questions without accusations in her voice, more curiosity than anything. Jake considered how to answer her. If he told her the truth, would that be the end of whatever they had? What did he have to lose? He’d just about lost his mind, he’d certainly lost his heart, so there wasn’t much left. He trusted Gabby enough to hope she would guard his secret. “Yes, I did. That old codger’s been acting suspicious and now you know why.” Jake swallowed, ready to reveal everything. “I’m a thief, and a good one. Growing up, I survived on what I could steal. It’s come in handy more than once in my life. There’s not much I haven’t taken, most of it food or necessities like shoes or clothes.” He shrugged. “My younger sisters were hungry and it was up to me to provide for them. Not much for a ten-year-old to earn money at, or not much money to be had anyway. I did what I had to, especially during the war. I haven’t stolen a thing in almost a year and I didn’t take anything from Wolcott’s house except information.” Gabby regarded him quietly for what seemed like ten minutes, but was probably less than one. “I believe you. I really don’t care what you’ve done in the past. My heart tells me you are who I should be with, but my mind tells me to run the other direction.” She barked out a humorless laugh. “I don’t think things could get much more mixed up.” Jake had never heard a truer statement. “I’m still sorry.” Gabby cupped his cheek with one bandaged hand. Unable to bear her scrutiny, he closed his eyes and absorbed what he could of her essence. “You are in my heart, Jacob Sheridan.” She leaned up and kissed him. “Now let’s go say goodbye to my papa.” Jake couldn’t have spoken even if he had something to say. She’d effectively stolen his breath. His heart, however, had surrendered itself to Gabby’s care for life. They arrived at the mill in minutes. Gabby’s steps slowed the closer they got. He knew she was dreading saying goodbye to her father. As much as she loved him, Gabby couldn’t help him. With a heavy sigh, they walked inside the mill.
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Devils on Horseback: Jake
The gloomy interior was even worse with the mill not running. The machinery looked ghost-like and spooky. Bypassing the mill, they headed to the other half of the building and up the stairs to the living quarters. Jake remembered what Mr. Rinaldi had looked and smelled like the last time he’d been in there. Gabby entered her father’s room without hesitation and dropped to her knees beside his bed. Surprisingly Sam was clean, and the smell in the room almost pleasant. “What happened? I mean, he looks, well, different.” He didn’t know how to tell her how bad he’d thought Sam had been treated. “I cleaned him up when my mother was gone. I couldn’t stand it anymore. I didn’t care what she thought.” Gabby nuzzled her father’s hand as it rested on the side of the bed. “He deserved more respect than that.” “Gone? When was she gone?” Jake’s instincts were screaming. Mary Rinaldi was up to something, but he didn’t know what. That didn’t sit well with Jake. “Where did she go?” “She was gone for half the day yesterday. I don’t know where she went. It doesn’t matter now.” Gabby met her father’s gaze. “Papa, I know you can hear me. I just wanted to see you before I left. I-I’m going away for a bit, just a day or two. I don’t want you to w-worry.” Tears gathered in her eyes as she looked into her father’s blank stare. “I love you, Papa.” She sat for several minutes petting her father’s hand. Jake had never seen such pure affection and it humbled him. Gabby was so full of love and life, she was the person he wanted to be. Gabby finally stood and brushed off her trousers. “I guess it’s a good thing I wore these today.” She met his challenge head on, her face full of determination. “Let’s get my shotgun and go get those bastards.”
Gabby didn’t know who was more nervous, she or Jake. He had a pale complexion, or paler than usual anyway, and his eyes were a bit glassy. When she and Zeke had announced their idea to go after the raiders, she thought for a moment that Jake was
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going to be sick. Something was wrong, she just didn’t know what. As they walked back toward the livery to meet up with the others, Gabby decided to throw caution to the wind and just ask him what was going on. After all, this could be their last day on Earth. “What’s bothering you?” Jake’s step faltered but he kept walking. “We’re about to go after some mean sons of bitches and you ask me what’s bothering me?” His sarcasm was less effective when his voice broke on the last word. “Obviously I’m worried about what’s going to happen.” Gabby didn’t believe he was being truthful. “You know, I’ve come to know you well enough that I can tell when you’re lying.” He harrumphed. “You’re not acting very ladylike accusing me of lying.” “I never said I was a lady. I’ve finally found someone I lo—really like and he lies to me.” She threw up her hands. “The time for telling whoppers is past.” She pulled on his arm until he stopped. “Tell me.” His eyes searched hers for something, absolution maybe? Understanding? The depths of misery, grief and agony were enough to make her own knees weak. Everything flew out of her head except the need to help him somehow. Her heart ached for him. “God, please, just tell me.” “I can’t.” His pained whisper made tears sting her eyes. “This isn’t the best time or place to tell you this, but I love you. I can’t stand knowing you’re in so much pain. Please, Jake.” She squeezed his hand. “Please.” He stared in her eyes before looking at the ground. “I-I’m scared.” “Ah, my darling, I’m scared too.” Gabby’s fear simmered within her, making her stomach knot up, but what she saw in Jake’s eyes was much deeper than her own feelings. “No, not that, it’s more than scared. It’s, shit, how can I explain?” He swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down. “A year ago I was in a prison, a Yankee prison and the commanding officer liked to…do things to his captives.”
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Devils on Horseback: Jake
Gabby had started the conversation and now she wasn’t sure she wanted to hear what Jake had to say. But she stood where she was, holding his hand and trying to give him all the love she felt through that simple touch. “I was near to losing my mind when Zeke and Gid busted us out of there. If it wasn’t for them, I think I-I would’ve… Well I don’t think I’d be here now.” He gave her a sad, tremulous smile. “I get so scared that I go loco, really loco. The man you love is losing his mind.” Gabby tried to understand. “What did he do to you?” “Put me in a box, kept me in the dark for days. Sometimes he’d feed me weevilinfested food, or dirty water to drink. Most times I didn’t get anything but my own sweat to drink.” He closed his eyes. “I lost my nerve in the box, Gabby. Every time I think about getting in a battle again, I just about—” He swallowed hard. She grabbed his arm. “It’s time to stop all that self-pity stuff. Anybody would be scared after what you went through.” Gabby couldn’t quite imagine what he’d gone through, but she understood pain all too well. “I’ll be right there next to you.” Jake nodded but not with any confidence. Gabby’s assurance would probably not be enough, but it was all she had. “You’re in love with a coward.” His voice broke on the last word. Gabby pulled him into her arms, trying to absorb his misery the best she could. “Oh, my dear Jake, you are not a coward. You’re a man with wounds to heal, maybe not on the outside, but on the inside. We all do the best we can.” Jake put his nose at the base of her neck, inhaling her scent, her strength. “What did I do to deserve a woman like you?” She smiled. “I think we were both due for something good to happen.” Gabby pulled back and kissed him hard. “Let’s go get those raiders so we can get on with the rest of our lives, together.”
By the time they made it back to the others, Jake’s fear had not abated, but he found the strength to hide it better. The serious faces reminded him they were on their way to a
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battle, and his stomach cramped. He wanted, needed to run but his stubborn pride refused to listen to the cowardice that had its claws in him. Elmer stood beside the horses, looking angry. His shotgun was clutched in his right hand. “Maybe you can get these fellers to listen. They won’t let me come.” His bushy silver eyebrows slammed together. Jake managed a small grin. “Someone’s got to stay here to protect Tanger. Nobody better than you.” “’Ceptin’ y’all of course.” Elmer glared at Zeke, Gideon and Lee. “I got to go. What if she’s there?” His watery eyes revealed a need to know what happened to Cindy. Zeke surprised them all. “Let him come.” “He rides behind us then. Don’t need an old coot getting in my way.” Lee adjusted his gun belt. “This is life or death we’re talking about.” “Fine, I’ll ride behind but I’m coming no matter what.” He squeezed one of Jake’s shaking shoulders. Before they could leave, however, the mayor decided to pay a visit. “Where are you four going? Not leaving town, are you?” For once Phineas’s smile had disappeared and a frown was in its place. “We’re solving this problem once and for all.” Gideon loaded his bullets into his pistol. “We’re tired of waiting for these fools to ride into town and kill us all in our sleep.” “You fellas take those raiders down and I’ll give you an extra hundred each.” Phineas rocked back on his chubby feet. “Tanger needs some good news for a change.” Jake thought about the things he’d seen in Phineas’s house and had to bite his tongue to stop the accusations from spilling out. Dirty, rotten liar had guts. He deserved a long stay in the territorial prison for it. “Giving away town funds again, Mayor?” Gabby sneered. “Nice of you to ask the rest of the townspeople.” “You hush your mouth, young lady.” Phineas waggled one fat finger at her. “I’m right tired of hearing your sassy mouth.”
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Devils on Horseback: Jake
Jake leaned down and whispered in her ear. “Let him go for now, honey, we’ll take care of him when we get back.” Gabby pursed her lips together tightly, but didn’t say another word. “Fine, we’ll take the extra hundred. I want to be done with Tanger anyway.” Gideon slid his gun in its holster with a pointed glance at Gabby. “Just be ready with that money when we come back.” Funny how Jake’s anger overshadowed his fear. He tried to shake off some of the tension in his shoulders, but it wasn’t going to happen that day. Regardless of how he felt, or how much he wanted to run like hell in the other direction, Jake wouldn’t. He couldn’t. The Devils rode as one. “Ready to ride?” Those three words had been said and responded to so many times before. One by one, they all responded, as they always had. “Ready.”
*** Captain Elliot Nessman rode into Tanger with triumph in his smile. The town was another run-down hellhole full of old women and degenerates. A whore on the steps of the saloon watched as he and his men rode through the main street. Her sneer could’ve set his clothes on fire. No one greeted them, in fact most folks didn’t even bother to acknowledge his authority. It stuck in his craw. These Tanger residents would know who he was. Soon.
*** The chill dancing up Gabby’s spine had nothing to do with the temperature outside. The air was sticky even as chilly sweat slid down her back. She’d never felt so frightened or so determined in her life. The attack on her father had left her numb, unwilling to face
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her anger and fear. Allison’s brutal murder had snapped her out of it and thrust her back into life. She’d never thought she’d be riding next to a group of gunslingers with a shotgun across her lap, on her way to catch the raiders who’d destroyed Tanger and its future. It was probably a good thing she didn’t have too much time to think about what she was doing or she might not be there at all. She felt free of her mother’s control, free to make choices like a grown woman instead of a confused girl. Jake rode beside her as they traveled east in two columns of three. His back was ramrod straight while his face was a study in tension. How could she have ever thought Christopher or Alvin was the man for her? She’d been waiting for Jake all her life and there he was, riding beside her. “If I tell you to run, you get your ass up on that horse and ride as fast as you can.” His shaky voice was low enough for only her to hear. “You understand me? I don’t think I could bear it if anything happened to you.” “Jake, I’m not here to die. I’m here to get my life back.” Just saying it out loud gave her inspiration. “I’m here to get your life back.” “What does that mean?” He frowned. She took a deep breath. “Let’s confront this bastard ghost on your back and shake him off once and for all. There’s too many good things in life to spend it being afraid.” “But if you get hurt—” “I’d rather get hurt than live the rest of my life like this.” Gabby’s heart thumped hard and loud. “It’s our time.” They followed Gideon and Lee back to the campsite they’d found ten miles out of town, which was deserted, of course. As Lee scouted around hunting for tracks, everyone else stood waiting. The heat of the day beat down on them as the sun rose to its zenith. Gabby looked at the remains of the campfire, the blackened cans and half-burned sticks, and wished she could help. She recognized the crate beside the fire as Marchison’s, the kind she’d used dozens of times when she brought supplies to the Delmonts.
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Devils on Horseback: Jake
“I think they went east probably ten minutes after they found we’d been here.” Lee scratched his shoulder. “I reckon from there we can keep looking for tracks.” “We need to find the most likely places they’d hide.” Gideon turned to Gabby. “Did you grow up here, Miss Rinaldi?” “No, but I know the area well. My friend Alli—I used to go for rides around here with Cindy and another friend.” She swallowed the huge lump in her throat that threatened to drag her back into a pit of grief. “Tell me what you’re looking for.” “Someplace hard to find, easy to defend, with shelter from the elements.” Zeke’s cool eyes sent a shiver up her sweaty skin. Gabby had to avert her eyes, and that’s when she saw it. The remains of yarrow root commonly used for doctoring wounds. Dr. Barham had taught her about it a couple of years ago. Her heart started pounding as the realization hit her. “I know where they are.” All five men turned to stare at her. “Get on with it then. We’ve got some justice to hand out.” Zeke seemed to be impatient to get to killing. She pointed at the crushed flowers on the rock. “That’s yarrow root right there. The only place that grows is in Boxwood Canyon. It’s five miles south of here, just past the bend in the river.” Before she’d even finished speaking, they were mounting their horses with renewed determination. Jake kissed her quick and hard. “Let’s go.” Although they pushed the horses to their limits, it took almost thirty minutes to get there. Each second that ticked by was a beat of Gabby’s heart, reminding her she was on her way to help these men kill others. Death rode beside her, cackling madly as she made the choice that would change her forever. It wasn’t too late, she could go back to town and wait with her mother. However, Gabby knew she wouldn’t. Her life had changed that day and she wasn’t about to undo it. She’d finally taken control of her decisions.
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Half a mile from the canyon, Gabby took the lead and brought them around to the east side. They slowed the horses to a trot, then dismounted and secured them to a clump of trees hidden by the natural rock foundations surrounding the area. The fierce faces that met hers gave Gabby a jolt of pride. These men had followed her advice, had listened to what she’d had to say and found it valuable. No matter what happened, she had finally proven herself to someone to be more than a miller’s daughter with a penchant for annoying people. “There’s a passage up here, it’s narrow and there’s a lot of loose stones so we’ll need to be very careful.” She pointed to their feet. “We should take off our boots to minimize the noise and the rock sliding. It comes out in the back of the canyon, behind the little shack someone built way back when.” Lee frowned. “You want us to go in our socks?” “Yes.” Gabby knew what she was suggesting probably sounded crazy to them, but she knew that canyon well and wood-heeled boots would sound like a drum. “We’ll never have an element of surprise if we aren’t as quiet as mice. The raiders can trap us in the passage and pick us off like ducks in a pond. If we come in real quiet, we can surprise them.” “It’s a risk to even go in there.” Jake swallowed hard as he flashed a frightened look at her. “Small spaces are dangerous.” “I think she’s right.” Gideon’s response gave her hope. “It’s a solid plan.” The others agreed and Gabby felt the absurd urge to grin. It wasn’t a smiling situation by any means so she told herself to accept the praise now and think about it later. “I can’t do it.” Jake stood and shook his head. “I’ll stay here at the entrance to the canyon and wait for you to flush them out.” He turned to Gideon. “I know I’ll get us all killed if I even try. Remember the cabin? I just can’t.” Gabby’s heart clenched for him. He looked miserable and embarrassed. To his credit, Gideon didn’t treat his friend with disgust. In fact, the men simply nodded their assent. She’d been wrong about them, so very wrong. They weren’t the money-grubbing, vicious
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gunslingers she expected. Their integrity, honor and respect were evident in all they’d done. Gabby felt a moment of shame for her assumptions about Jake and his friends. “No matter. You’re right—we need someone to be at the other end to make sure those bastards don’t get out alive.” Zeke pointed at Elmer. “You stay with Jake and pick them off with that shotgun of yours, old man.” Elmer gripped the handle. “I won’t take that personally, boy. I happen to agree with ya.” “Then it’s settled. Gabby leads us, sock-footed, into the back of the canyon. When the shooting starts, Jake and Elmer be ready by the entrance to force them back in.” Gideon put his hand on Jake’s shoulder. “Don’t you go thinking we are calling you yellow behind your back. This ain’t got nothing to do with being a coward.” Jake nodded and looked away. “Thanks.” Gabby pulled him aside and held both his hands in her gloved ones. The trembling in his touch told her just how much his admission had cost him, and just how scared he really was. “Stay alive, Jacob Sheridan.” She kissed him, savoring the slightly salty taste on his full lips. “We’ve got a lot to work out between us.” He kissed her forehead. “You’re a hell of a woman, Gabrielle Rinaldi. I don’t think I could’ve picked a better woman to fall in love with.” Gabby felt the sting of tears from his tender words. However, the day’s outcome was uncertain and she didn’t know if she’d get the chance to see him again. “I love you too, Jake. I’ve got a lifetime to find out all your secrets, so be here when I get back, okay?” His arms closed around her in a hug so fierce, she couldn’t breathe for a moment, which was okay. She wanted to remember his touch, his scent, his very essence in case that was all she had left of him. They were walking into very real danger and tomorrow one of them might not be alive to hug. “Be careful.” He kissed her forehead then turned and walked toward the canyon entrance, Elmer close behind him.
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Gabby looked at the other three men waiting expectantly for her. She took a deep breath and doused herself with courage. “Let’s go.” She headed up the little hill in a crouch, creeping in like a predator seeking its prey. The Devils followed in a single file. The battle was about to begin.
Jake trembled so hard, his teeth almost chattered. Thank God the others had understood his fear of small spaces. He wasn’t scared for himself anymore, he was scared for Gabby, a fearless, determined woman with the backbone of a man. Her actions reminded him what it meant to be brave. Sweat rolled down his neck and into his collar. Elmer, bless his grumpy heart, sat ten feet away in a crouch, shotgun clutched in his hands. Jake heard muted noises from the canyon, nothing distinctive, just those of people and horses. Waiting was the hardest part of being a soldier. Even if it wasn’t wartime, Jake would probably always consider himself a soldier. The drone of bees on a nearby clump of flowers, the screech of a hawk overhead, and the beating of his heart all sounded loud to his ears. He swallowed dry spit and leaned his forehead against the rock beside him. For the second time in the past few weeks, Jake prayed.
Gabby’s heart resided somewhere in her throat. As they crept along the narrow passage, she kept her eyes down, aware of every pebble and stone, while her arms ached from the strain of holding her boots and shotgun up and balancing her body. Her hands burned beneath the bandages and gloves as sweat coated her palms. The men were incredibly quiet, more so than she ever imagined three large bodies could be. They made it into the canyon in only fifteen minutes, and without giving themselves away. Gideon touched her shoulder and pointed to a small group of boulders. She nodded and crept over as quickly as she could. Her arms sighed gratefully when she was able to
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lower them. After brushing off the debris as best she could, she slipped her boots on. When the rest had joined her, they all leaned into a tight circle to talk. “I counted six men, well-armed, and four buildings.” He pointed at Gabby. “You did your job helping us get in here, so stay put.” She opened her mouth to tell him she wasn’t about to cower behind rocks when a woman’s scream pierced the air. “Looks like they didn’t kill all their captives after all.” Lee’s grip on his pistol tightened. “God knows what they did to them though.” Zeke’s growl sent goose bumps up Gabby’s arms. “Lee, flank left, Zeke, to the right. I’m headed up the middle. Watch out for those damn prairie dog holes, we don’t need a broken ankle out here.” Gideon narrowed his eyes. “Miss Rinaldi, you’re not going to stay put, are you?” “Probably not.” She fingered the barrel of the shotgun. “I’m a good shot. I can help.” “You need to stay back. God knows what Jake would do if something happened to you and it was my fault.” Gideon’s sharp gaze told her he understood quite a bit about what drove her to be there. “Let’s go.”
Jake jumped to his feet when the woman screamed. Images of Gabby being tortured or killed raced through his head with sickening clarity. Elmer rose as well and looked at Jake with a ferocity he didn’t think a sixty-year-old man could muster. Although it about killed Jake to stay put, he waited for the gunfire. Until then, there was no way of knowing who was screaming or whether or not the Devils had made it into the canyon. This time when Jake trembled it was from fury. Anger had finally reared its head and kicked his sorry ass out of the lake of self-pity he’d been swimming in. To his relief, Jake felt something besides hopelessness and despair. He felt alive. Dammit, he was going to survive the battle and so was Gabby. They’d get married and live forever in the little mill making wheat and babies. Nothing would stop him from
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loving her or being with her. Not even the sons of bitches who thought it was acceptable to slit a woman’s throat. Jake pulled out both pistols from their holsters and gripped them tightly. He was ready for the battle.
Gideon, Zeke and Lee moved like lithe shadows, darting from rock to tree along the canyon floor. Gabby crawled along behind them, stopping to make sure they weren’t noticed. By the time the men reached the first building, a rundown shack with gray weathered boards and no windows, Gabby was fifty yards behind them, lying on her stomach in the tall grass, weapon loaded and ready. The men signaled to each other with their hands, then crept forward. “What do we have here?” Gabby was yanked to her feet by her hair, eliciting a short yelp that echoed louder than any bullet around the rocky canyon. She lost her grip on the shotgun, but that didn’t mean she was unarmed. As the man started dragging her toward the building, Gabby slipped the derringer from her pocket. Her scalp radiated pain down her body as the bastard practically pulled her hair out. She considered the best place to shoot him with the small gun. From what she’d been told, it could do a lot of damage if she aimed in the right spot. “Hey, fellers, look what I found out in the grass.” They were nearly to Zeke’s hiding place and Gabby knew she had to do something. She jammed the gun between his legs and squeezed the trigger.
Another woman’s cry made Jake inch closer to the canyon. Two more minutes and he couldn’t wait any longer. It was sheer torture to wonder if his best friends and the woman he loved were being massacred while he stood there. A small pop echoed, like the sound one of those toy guns makes. Holy God.
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The agonizing roar from a man sent Jake’s hackles up. The shooting started seconds later. Jake nodded at Elmer and they both entered the canyon with guns at the ready. It was about two hundred yards to the buildings through open country. Throwing himself into the fray, Jake ran faster than he ever thought he could toward the nearest structure as bullets whizzed past his head. He hoped like hell one of them wouldn’t find its mark. A figure appeared in front of him with two pistols aimed straight at his heart. Without hesitation, Jake shot the man between the eyes. Jumping over the body, he almost slipped in the gore splattered on the grass and ground. Jake swallowed the protest from his stomach and kept running. When two women, bloodied and bruised with their hands tied, ran past him, Jake almost turned around to ask them if they were okay. They were obviously headed toward escape and he didn’t blame them. Screams, shouts and rapid gunfire shrieked in Jake’s ears and the familiar tang of fear coated his tongue. This time he wouldn’t let it override what he knew he needed to do. Jake saw Zeke trapped behind the corner of the building by gunfire coming from two men, and he immediately evened the odds. While the second man tried to scuttle away from the bloodied corpse of his friend, Zeke shot him in the chest. The gaping wound was a familiar, gruesome sight. Zeke held up six fingers, indicating there were six men. Jake held up two fingers, letting his friend know he’d killed two, minus the third one Zeke had just shot left three men. Jake hoped there were only six to begin with because they’d just put the odds in the Devils’ favor. More gunfire sounded from the right. Jake and Zeke ran about twenty feet apart toward the sounds, zigzagging to avoid being hit. When he saw Gideon wrestling with someone in a brown coat and Lee being held down by two men, Jake’s temper exploded. He shot one of the men holding Lee then his gun dry-fired. Jake knew he didn’t have time to reload so he jumped into the fight with just his bare hands. He punched the man
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in the jaw and they grappled on the ground. Jake was fueled by fury, unwilling to give in to the smelly bastard below him until his eyes rolled back in his head. Lee lay bloody and beaten. He waved his hand weakly to let Jake know he was okay. Jake turned to find Zeke on his knees staring at the figure in brown standing above him with a gun aimed square at his head. It was Veronica Marchison. “What the hell’s going on here?” Gideon stood, spitting blood onto the ground. She laughed, a chilling sound that echoed unnaturally in the now still air. “I have to give you men credit. I didn’t think you’d ever figure out where my men were hiding.” “Veronica, you are a bitch,” Elmer growled. “Yes, but I’m a rich one, thanks to you men getting rid of the fools I hired to sell the women in Mexico.” She grinned at the man lying by Jake’s feet. “Except this one.” With startling accuracy, she shot the man in the head. The warm splatter on Jake’s pants told him her aim was true. “Alvin, you breathing?” she called out. A big, dark-haired man appeared from behind another building, a pair of pistols in his hands and a cold, calculating stare marring his face. “Right here.” He was handsome, probably just a few years older than Jake. He swallowed, wondering how the hell they found themselves at the mercy of a woman who was more ruthless and cunning than any man they’d ever come up against. That’s when he realized Gabby wasn’t there, and he hoped like hell she was hiding someplace safe. “Why would you do this?” Jake knew what it meant to be tortured, at the mercy of those who would do harm. “These women were your neighbors.” “Don’t you read the newspapers, Red? There’s Indians killing good white people, raping women and burning towns to the ground. I don’t plan on being one of those women.” She gesture to Alvin. “We came up with the idea of earning enough money to move back east.” Jake was astonished. “This was about money? You destroyed the town and ruined people’s lives, not to mention murdering Allison, and it was all for money? What the hell is wrong with you?” His voice rose as anger turned to fury.
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Veronica smacked Jake across the head with the barrel of the shotgun. “It’s never just money. I came from nothing and fucked my way into Matthew’s bed. Then I worked every damn day to give my son more than I had and you goddamn bastards killed him.” Her lips curled into a snarl. “I fought for the Confederacy, same as your son.” Jake ignored the bells ringing through his head from the blow. “He fought for the Union!” she screamed. “The foolish boy wanted to impress that slut Gabrielle when the Union army made him a lieutenant. You fucking killed him!” Jake looked into the woman’s eyes and knew they’d probably never make it out alive. He was glad he’d told Gabby he loved her. “What do you want from us?” Gideon wiped his bleeding lip on his sleeve. “Nothing from you, you dumb cracker.” Veronica eyed Zeke. “I had a taste of the blond one so maybe we’ll keep him alive for a while.” Zeke looked shocked, then shame burned his cheeks. Jake didn’t know what had happened between them, but he’d bet the two bits in his pocket Veronica had tricked him, perhaps when he was in the doctor’s care. “What the hell are you talking about, Ronnie? Did you fuck this bastard?” Alvin’s face flushed as spittle flew from his mouth. “You’re the one who kept that girl around to fuck her every damn day so it’s not okay for me to take what I want too? Just stand there and try to at least look smart.” Veronica’s snarl told Jake in no uncertain terms who was in charge. “Now I’ve got to take care of the rest of you. My contacts in Mexico aren’t interested in grown men, especially old ones.” She turned and shot Elmer in the back so suddenly, Jake barely had time to react before she turned the gun toward Lee. Like a warrior woman of legend, Gabby rose from the tall grass, shotgun cocked and aimed at Veronica. A loud boom exploded from the end of the gun and the older woman screamed and grabbed her bloody arm. It distracted Alvin long enough for Zeke to knock the pistols away from him. As Alvin and Zeke rolled and fought on the ground, Veronica picked up the shotgun and aimed it toward Gabby.
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Jake dove for the woman and shoved his pistol under her chin. Breathing hard with anger and retribution, Jake considered ending the woman’s life. There had been too much suffering in the last four years to allow a selfish, greedy bitch like her to inflict herself on the world for a second longer. Blood pounded through his veins as his finger tightened on the trigger. He swallowed hard as the absolute need to punish Veronica throbbed deep in his heart. “Jake, please don’t.” Gabby stood beside him, her dirty face the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen. “Let the law mete out her punishment.” It took monumental self-control, but Jake took his finger off the trigger. After one more fierce right hook, Zeke finally got the big man under control. “Holy shit, what just happened?” Lee finally got to his feet. “Did a crazy store owner and her crazy lover just try to kill us?” Elmer moaned and Jake dropped to his knees beside his new friend. The older man’s eyes appeared unfocused as tears slid from the corners. “That bitch shot me.” Jake couldn’t help the pained chuckle that escaped. “Gabby shot her.” “Good. Never did like her.” Bubbles of blood ran from his mouth. “I thought for sure Cindy was alive. I hoped like hell anyway.” “I’m sorry, Elmer. Two women ran out of the canyon but I don’t know who they were.” Jake swallowed the lump in his throat. “Maybe one of them was Cindy.” “Did one of them have green eyes and long blonde hair?” Elmer’s voice was barely a whisper. Jake had no qualms about lying. “Yes, one of them did. I’m sure of it.” “Thank God.” Elmer slipped away in Jake’s arms, leaving his murdered body behind. “Sweet Jesus.” Gabby dropped to her knees beside Jake and touched Elmer’s still head. “I can’t believe she shot him like that. Why did Veronica do this?” Her gaze searched Jake’s for answers. “I don’t understand.”
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“They were selling the women as slaves to Mexico. It was all about money,” Gideon offered. “I guess they figured they’d leave when they drained the town dry.” “Why would they do that?” Gabby looked around her, perhaps for the first time noticing the stench of death, the drone of the flies already buzzing around the bloodied bodies. “Why?” Jake took her in his arms and hugged her close, hoping like hell she could understand one day that there usually wasn’t a reason for folks to go bad. It was in their blood, the evil intentions to do others harm, to take what they wanted and leave destruction behind. Life wasn’t pretty. If the last six months hadn’t taught her that, then this day’s carnage would. “Gabby?” She turned to the man lying under Zeke’s knee with blood coating his previously handsome features. Gabby’s face drained of all color, turning her a parchment white. “Alvin?” “You know this man?” Jake hadn’t heard her, or anyone else in Tanger, mention his name. She walked toward him, the shotgun hanging loosely by her side. Her dark eyes were awash in not only pain, but disillusionment and hurt. “Alvin, what are you doing here?” She seemed to notice Zeke and the fierce look on his face. “Did you find him here?” “Damn right.” Zeke pressed down harder on the man’s chest. “He’s in cahoots with that woman.” He jerked his thumb toward Veronica. Gabby looked between the sneering, bloody woman and the man on the ground. “You bastard. You goddamn, lying bastard!” When she raised the shotgun, Jake took it out of her hands. “Whoa there, honey, what’s going on?” When she turned back to Jake, her face was contorted with so many emotions, he could hardly sort them out. “H-he was my lo—he worked at the mill with my father, pretending to be a good man, pretending to learn from him. When the raiders came”—her
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breath hitched—“he took the money my father had gotten for the fall harvest and he ran, leaving Papa to those men, so they could kill him.” She clutched at Jake’s shirt with her gloved hands and he knew the broken blisters beneath the leather were bleeding when a few drops leaked down her wrists. “Oh, honey, I’m so sorry.” He pulled her quaking body into his embrace, trying to absorb her pain and anger. “He’s a perfect match for this one, I’d say.” Gideon shook Veronica’s arm, eliciting a shriek as she tried to staunch the blood from the shotgun pellet wound. “I need to get back to my mother.” Gabby broke away from Jake. “She’ll be worried.” The wooden expression on her face worried Jake, but he knew it would likely take time for her to accept what had happened. She headed toward the mouth of the canyon alone, her small shoulders squared with courage. “We couldn’t have done this without her.” Gideon looked at Jake. “That’s a hell of a woman you’ve got there.” “I know.” Jake wondered if she’d ever want to be his wife, if she’d ever look at him and not see the death of Tanger in his eyes. It wasn’t the time or place to tell her how much he loved her or that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. That telling would have to wait until they’d washed the blood off their clothes. “What about these two?” Lee pointed at Alvin and Veronica. “We bring them back to town for a hanging.” Zeke stood, brushing off the dirt from his trousers. “I look forward to the sound of her neck cracking. I’m going to get some rope.” He stalked off, leaving Gideon, Jake and Lee to watch over their prisoners. Jake realized he hadn’t had one moment of nauseous fear during the entire battle, not one. His heart turned over at the thought that he couldn’t have done it without Gabby either.
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Chapter Nine Gabby leaned against the horse and wept. Not one usually prone to tears, she couldn’t seem to stop the sobs from escaping. There were still so many unanswered questions though. Why had Alvin and those men tortured Gabby’s father? He must have figured out Alvin’s role in the raiders’ attack. That was the only explanation that made sense. So many questions and no answers. The events of the day weighed heavily on her shoulders, pulling her down into a whirl of dark thoughts. The man she’d thought she’d loved, who had abandoned her, had been behind the worst six months of hell in her life. Thank God she had Jake now or she might not have been able to bear it. Jake’s hands on her shoulders felt like a sign from heaven. She turned into his embrace and held on tight, determined more than ever to keep him with her for always. He crooned to her, rubbing his hands up and down her back until the weeping ceased and the shaking finally stopped. Even then he didn’t let her go until the others returned, with Veronica and Alvin in tow. Just looking at his bloody face reminded her so much of what had happened to her father, it was almost physically painful. The blonde didn’t bother to look at Gabby. She had a moment where she considered forcing Veronica to talk to her, to explain why. It was frustrating to not understand— Gabby hated it. “Was my mother involved?” The question burst from Gabby’s mouth before she had a chance to even think about what she was asking. Veronica narrowed her eyes. “Your mother is a crazy bitch. She does like to give Phineas a good licking though.” Gabby reeled back as if struck. Her mother and the mayor? Was that even possible? Jake stepped in front of her, blocking Veronica’s malevolent stare.
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“Throw them over the saddle on the sorrel. Gabby can ride double with me. I don’t want them near her.” He sounded fierce and protective, and Gabby truly felt loved. It took about ten minutes to get everyone situated on the horses, or tied as the case may be, and they headed toward town. Elmer rode belly-down on his final ride to Tanger. “Why don’t you two scout ahead and see if you can find those two women?” Gideon held the lead rope of the horses with Elmer and their prisoners tied to them. “With Jake and Gabby already doubled up, we may need you to carry them.” Zeke and Lee nodded and galloped away, calling for the women. Gabby wondered who they were, if they were even from Tanger, if she knew them or their kin. She also wondered what Veronica and Alvin had done to them. A shiver danced down her spine and she leaned closer to Jake to absorb his heat. She felt safe with her arms around his firm belly. “Are you okay?” he whispered. “No, but I will be.” Gabby could only hope it was true.
They found the two women about a mile away, huddling by a stream trying to use rocks to cut their bonds. Lee and Zeke stood beside their horses, frustration clearly written on their faces. “We need Miss Rinaldi. Gideon, you stay back there.” Zeke waved them forward. “We don’t want them to catch sight of your passengers.” Jake kneed his horse forward until they reached the women. “I hope you can get them out,” Lee snapped when he caught sight of Gabby. “They scrambled beneath the bushes and won’t even poke their noses out.” Without a word, Gabby dismounted and approached the bushes. She got down on her knees and peered at the women. Jake didn’t pretend to know what they’d gone through but he understood fear all too well. Lee should’ve known better than to scare the living daylights out of them. “Sarah is that you? It’s Gabby Rinaldi.” She held out her gloved hand until a dirty, bloody one reached out from behind the bush.
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“Gabby?” The brunette crawled out with the other blonde-haired one stuck to her back like a burr. “Yes, it’s me. Who is that with you?” Gabby tried to peer at the other woman but she wouldn’t allow her face to be seen. The one she called Sarah touched the other woman’s arm. “It’s Cindy. She’s hiding. Alvin kept her tied up in his cabin for the last two months. He beat her pretty regular, near as I can tell. I did the best I could with the supplies I had but I’m afraid there’s scars.” Jake’s hand tightened on the saddle as his fury reasserted itself. He wanted to pound that bastard Alvin into the ground even more. When he realized they’d rescued Elmer’s granddaughter the ache eased in his chest. Cindy had been the one woman who had someone willing to sacrifice his life for her. Jake was grateful to know he hadn’t lied to Elmer after all. Perhaps the old coot was smiling down on them now. “It’s okay, we’re here to help you. My friends and I have captured Veronica Marchison and her partner behind all this. The other men are dead.” Gabby’s voice was low and soothing. “Dead? Are you sure?” Sarah sounded hopeful and disbelieving. No doubt she’d been imagining their deaths for quite some time. “Positive. We’re riding back to Tanger. Do you think you can ride with one of my friends? They’re both men, but they’ve got good hearts and wouldn’t harm you ever.” Gabby took Sarah’s hands in hers and pulled the other two women to their feet. Cindy would not let go of Sarah. Jake realized the women were only wearing burlap sacks, their arms and legs covered with bruises, cuts and filth. Clear marks from being bound screamed from their slender wrists and ankles. Jake swallowed the lump in his throat when Sarah nodded. How could he have ever thought women were weak? Cindy mewled when they walked toward Zeke and Lee. Gabby continued, probably aware if she hesitated, her actions would be perceived as fear by the two women she was
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trying to save. When the three women reached the horses, Gabby managed a smile for her friends. “Ladies, may I present Lee and Zeke Blackwood. Gentlemen, please meet Sarah Wilson and Cindy Cooley.” She held out her hand to Zeke. Zeke stepped forward and tipped his hat. “Pleased to meet you, ladies. Miss Wilson, if you are willing, I’d be happy to have you ride behind me into town.” Gone was the soft-talking man who’d fallen for Allison. In his place was the cold-eyed, quiet gunslinger. Sarah looked at Gabby for confirmation. “It’s okay, he’s a good man. I promise.” With a tentative nod, Sarah walked toward Zeke’s horse, Cindy shuffling along behind her. “You can let go now. Gabby’s here and she’s going to help us.” “Nuh-nuh-nuh.” Cindy shook her head against Sarah’s back. With pity in her eyes, Sarah looked to Gabby for help. Lee whipped off his hat, without any of his usual sarcasm or anger. “Ma’am, I’m Lee Blackwood, originally from Georgia. I swear on my mama’s grave I won’t hurt you. See, I was hurt during the war and I know what pain is.” Cindy peeked around and her wild eyes looked at Lee. Curiosity joined sheer terror as she noted his missing arm. “Please, Cindy, I want to go home.” Sarah’s pleading tore at Jake’s heart. He remembered that kind of grief, the absolute need to be where he felt human again. Lee put his hat back on his head and held out his hand. After what seemed like ten minutes but was probably only ten seconds, Cindy’s filthy hand finally reached for his. Jake held a sigh back through force of will. After a few minutes of settling the women on the saddles comfortably, they set off for Tanger. Gideon rode fifty yards behind, unwilling to expose the women to the body of Cindy’s grandfather or the curses of Veronica and Alvin. Jake and Gabby rode between, keeping a barrier in place so the ugliness of life could leave the two battered women in peace, if only for an hour.
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Devils on Horseback: Jake
No one greeted them when they rode into Tanger. In fact, the street reminded them of the eerie day they’d first come into town. All of Jake’s instincts screamed that something was wrong, he just didn’t know what yet. Apparently the others felt it too because they slowed their horses to a walk and then finally stopped near the mill. Darkness was about to fall and the dusky light of the day did nothing to dispel the bad feelings. Gideon caught up and gestured toward the river. They all turned and followed each other to the back of the mill, where they were hidden from view. The wheel was stopped—no milling happened while Gabby wasn’t there—and the river still flowed past, unused. After dismounting, the women flocked to Gabby. The men put Elmer’s body, along with the prisoners, around the side of the building, out of sight of the women. The Devils formed a circle and spoke as quietly as they could. Gabby stood a few feet away with the women beside her. “What do you figure happened?” Jake rubbed the back of his neck, eager to find out why he felt so uncomfortable. “Someone came into town while we were gone by my guess. Maybe one of the raiders we missed.” Gideon’s expression was intense. “No, I don’t think it’s a raider.” Zeke focused on the horizon, lost in thought. “But something’s not right.” “Maybe Wolcott hired some other gunslinger.” Lee frowned. “I wouldn’t put it past that bastard.” Jake glanced at Gabby, who met his gaze with fear and worry. “Let’s get the women inside the mill and get them cleaned up. Maybe Mary’s here and can tell us what’s going on.” He didn’t think too much of Gabby’s mother, but perhaps she’d be willing to help Cindy and Sarah. “What about Veronica and Alvin?” Lee sneered at them. “There’s a cellar with a lock on the door in the mill. We can put them in there.” Jake remembered all too well being unwilling to walk into the room when Gabby had given
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him the tour. “Let’s put Elmer in one of the bedrooms so we can get him cleaned up for burial.” The Devils all nodded and they got to work. Gabby went upstairs with the women to get settled. Elmer’s body was placed on a blanket in Gabby’s bedroom, then they tied Veronica and Alvin to a post downstairs. Zeke seemed to take pleasure in making sure the knots were tight enough to cause pain. Jake was worried, more than worried, about his friend and how Allison’s brutal slaying had affected him. After the chores were done, they all met in the main room of the mill. Full dark had fallen and Jake’s itchy feeling grew worse. He needed to scout around town and find out what was going on. Gabby rushed in with worry plainly written on her face. “Can I talk to you?” She pulled him into an alcove between the mill and the house. She glanced behind him. “My mother isn’t here. Papa was left alone all day as near as I can tell.” Jake wondered what Mary was up to. After professing she didn’t want Gabby to leave because of family obligations, she didn’t keep them herself. “Where could she be? Can you think of anyplace she might go?” One thought, a rather unkind one, jumped in Jake’s mind but he dismissed it. He didn’t think Mary was the type to up and leave. “Maybe she was with Phineas. Maybe that’s where she’s been going lately when she disappears for hours at a time. After all, according to Veronica, she likes to lick him.” Her hands clenched into fists. “God, I can’t believe she left him alone like that. He’s hungry and needs to be cleaned up, plus I’ve got to get hot water for Sarah and Cindy. This is going to be a long night.” Jake kissed her forehead. “I’ll take care of your pa, even cook up something for him. My friends can get the hot water going if you want to show them where the tub is. We’ll help, Gabby.” Her cheeks colored. “I’m sorry. I have trouble asking for help and well, I generally don’t expect it. I’ve been doing everything for myself for so long—” “It’s okay.” Jake snuck a sweet, slow kiss to her lips. “I’m here now.”
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His heart leapt at the trust and love in her eyes. If only he had the time to talk about it, to find out what she was thinking. Although he felt compelled to begin the rest of his life with Gabby, the reality of their situation put a stop on fulfilling that need, for now. “Thank you, Jake.” She touched his hand. “The tub is in the storage room behind the kitchen. Buckets are beside the back door. I normally just fill them from the river. I’ll get the fire started in the stove if you all can get the water and tub.” Jake saluted. “Yes, ma’am.” “I wish… There are so many things I wish.” Gabby sighed. “Me too.” Jake could fill up the river with his wishes. “Let’s get everyone clean and fed so we can scout around town.” “Be careful.” He knew she wasn’t talking about cooking or feeding her pa. “Don’t worry about me, honey. I’m a thief, I can glide through the night without a soul knowing I’m there.” He forced a grin. “I feel it too. Something’s not right.” She looked out the window behind them. “Like somebody is waiting for us.” She shivered and Jake took her into his arms, content to have a few precious seconds with her. “We’ll figure it out, don’t worry.” Jake, however, was more worried than he’d ever tell her. In fact, he was downright scared. Something was still wrong in Tanger.
Jake put some cheese and bread together with milk and went upstairs to tend to Sam Rinaldi. After setting the food down, he went back to retrieve a washbasin with water and soap. He didn’t know what to expect, but after being alone for at least a good portion of the day, Sam was likely in need of a bath. The room was awash in shadows and Jake cursed. After he made a third trip downstairs, Zeke and Lee eyed him with curiosity when he grabbed the lantern and went back up. Jake walked into Sam’s room slowly so as not to startle him.
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“Mr. Rinaldi, it’s Jake Sheridan again.” He set the lantern on the small table in the corner. “I’ve got some vittles and we’ll wash you up good.” The scent of piss filled the room. Trying to keep his nose closed, Jake got the washbasin. Sam lay in the bed as always, staring out into the blank nothingness of the night. However, this time when Jake approached him, the older man turned his head and met his gaze. Gabby had gotten her eyes from her father, dark, fathomless orbs that reflected pain and heartache. “Sam?” Jake set the washbasin down and took the man’s skeleton-like hands in his own. “Can you hear me?” The older man blinked, then tears filled his tired eyes. “G-g-g-” “Gabby’s fine. She’s helping some girls who’ve had a bad time of it.” Jake’s heart beat hard against his ribs. “M-m-m—” Sam struggled to speak with no tongue. “I’m not sure where Mary is but I saw her earlier today. She was fine.” Jake didn’t want to admit he really didn’t care where Mary was, as long as she stayed away from Gabby and didn’t hurt her anymore. Certainly if Mary was with her lover, Jake wasn’t about to tell Sam that. Sam huffed out a breath and closed his eyes. “Happuh?” Jake wasn’t sure he was the right person to tell Sam what happened but figured he owed the father of the woman he loved at least the respect to be honest. “Six months ago, some raiders took your tongue and threw you into the mill.” He swallowed. “The way I understand it you’ve been kind of lost since then.” Tears rolled down his sunken cheeks as Sam seemed to struggle with what Jake told him. “Who ou?” “My name is Jake Sheridan. My friends and I were hired by Mayor Wolcott to protect the town. We, uh, cleared out the raiders today.” He didn’t dare tell Sam exactly who was responsible or what had happened. “I know you don’t understand any of this and I’m sorry for that. Sorry for a lot of things actually.” “Miw?” Sam tried to rise out of the bed and failed.
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Jake put his hand on the older man’s shoulder. “The mill’s repaired. Gabby’s been keeping it going these last six months. Nobody was here to keep watch so it’s shut down right now. Let’s get you cleaned up so you can see your daughter.” After helping Sam wash and change clothes, the older man looked a hundred times better. Jake sat him in the chair, gave him the food to eat and went in search of Gabby. She’d want to know her father had woken from his stupor. He went downstairs and threw the dirty water outside. Two buckets heated on the stove while Lee and Gideon sat at the table talking quietly. “Where’s Zeke?” “Downstairs.” Gideon’s tight jaw told Jake that Zeke had gone down to see Veronica against his friend’s advice. “You seen Gabby? I’ve got something important to tell her.” “She’s upstairs helping those ladies.” Gideon shook his head. “Crying shame what folks will do for a dollar nowadays. Be easy up there.” Always the caretaker, even when he didn’t have to be. As Jake raced back up the steps, he thought about Zeke and wished he hadn’t gone downstairs to confront the woman, even if Veronica had been responsible for killing the woman who’d finally crept her way into his heart. Jake understood vengeance all too well, but Zeke didn’t generally put his trust in anyone, man or woman, unless he was absolutely certain of them. Allison’s death must have left a big, angry hole in the blond’s heart.
*** Zeke circled the couple tied to the beam, and his gut churned. The cellar was a miserable hole beneath the mill. The smell of earth and vegetables permeated the air. The two of them ignored him, only whispering to each other every few minutes, keeping Zeke out of their private little world. He’d never felt so completely bamboozled, so stupid and useless. No woman had ever got the drop on him before. He was always more careful
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than his friends with his female companionship. He’d had no idea that bitch had crawled into his bed, had taken advantage of him. Veronica had fooled everyone, including him, a fact that sat hard and heavy on Zeke’s shoulders. The time she’d come to see him in the doctor’s office and pleasured him burned in his gut. He should have known that wasn’t Allison but he’d been blinded by lust and woozy from the laudanum. He simply had to understand why she’d used him and the town. “You know it’ll go much easier for you if you tell me everything.” Zeke resisted the urge to make her look at him. “Gideon already wired the marshal’s office. They’ll be here in two days.” At least he hoped Gideon had already wired the marshal’s office. Veronica’s response was a chuckle. “You’re better at telling the truth. Stop lying.” Zeke crouched down and forced her chin up. “You ought to know a lot about lying.” Her eyes appeared translucent in the dim light surrounding them. He didn’t know what he expected, perhaps madness, but what he saw instead was cold calculation. She stared at him, daring him to do something other than stomp his feet and howl. Zeke’s hands tightened into fists as fury raced through him. “You’d like that, wouldn’t you? In fact, I think you like being hurt and hurting others. You’re a poor excuse for a human being and I’m sorry I had the misfortune of ever meeting you.” With monumental self-control, Zeke rose and climbed up the steps to the trap door. God knows he would’ve become violent if he’d stayed there one more minute. A gentle chuckle floated up behind him. “You didn’t think that way when I had your dick in my mouth.” “Shut up, bitch.” Zeke’s teeth clenched together so hard, he felt pain all the way down his arms. He looked around for something to use as a gag. “You boys thought you had this town under your control,” she scoffed. “You’re nothing but dirt under my feet. I controlled you. All it took was a good fuck and you were mine. Besides, I liked the looks of you. It’s nice to have another flavor now and then.”
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Zeke stared at her, his stomach roiling with the knowledge he’d been intimate with this woman. Granted, he’d been drugged and confused, but his skin crawled at the thought. “I can’t believe you fucked him,” Alvin shouted. “You’re mine.” Veronica focused on Zeke and unbelievably a frisson of fear raced down his spine at the malice in her eyes. “Don’t worry, Alvin, I’m done with him, more than done. I just need to take out the trash.” Zeke swallowed the bile that rose in his throat and ran up the stairs, Veronica’s husky laughter and Alvin’s cursing chasing him all the way up.
*** Jake knocked on the door lightly. “Gabby?” The murmur of soft voices stopped, then he heard her footsteps approaching the door. “Jake?” “Honey, I need to talk to you.” He practically danced in place waiting to show her Sam’s recovery. “I’m a little busy right now. Can it wait until after they finish their baths?” She sounded annoyed. “No, it can’t. It’s important.” She opened the door and slid out so fast he barely had time to react. “What is it?” She frowned at him in the shadows. “I can’t believe you of all people would interrupt me. You know what it’s like to be them right now.” Jake swallowed the enormous lump of acid that threatened to appear at her comments. “Before you swat me with one more sharp word, I just wanted to tell you that I talked to your pa. He’s eating supper right now.” He turned, angry with himself for being excited, angry with her for throwing it in his face. She clutched his arm with her newly bandaged hand. “What do you mean, you talked to him?” Her fingers dug into the fleshy part of his upper arm.
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“I went to tend to him and he talked to me, like he’d just woken up from being asleep for six months—” Before he even finished his sentence, she ran down the short hallway and burst into her father’s room. “Papa?” Her trembling voice made Jake close his eyes. The hope, the love she put into that one word would be enough to feed his soul for the rest of his life. Jake couldn’t hear Sam’s low response, but Gabby’s was loud and clear. “Oh my God, Papa!” Ashamed of his need to look, but unwilling to set it aside, Jake crept toward the room. He poked his head around the corner and saw Gabby and her father embracing. They were both murmuring something to each other and tears rolled down their faces. Jake blinked back the sudden sting in his eyes. He’d searched his whole life for that kind of love and devotion from family. When his own family didn’t give it to him, Jake invented it with any and all women. The Devils became his family, the men for whom he’d gladly give his life. But this was more, much more than that. His heart ached for what Gabby shared with her father, he could practically taste the need on his tongue. Jake turned away to give them privacy. “Jake, come here.” She snuffled loudly. “Please.” He took a deep breath, hoping like hell he would keep his head instead of blubbering like a child. “Did you need something?” “You.” Her voice, husky from tears, was full of emotion. “Please come in. I owe you an apology.” Jake couldn’t deny her or his own feelings. He stepped into the room and saw her truly happy for the first time since he’d met her. Gabby’s face glowed with the light of a thousand stars. “I’m sorry I was rude to you, Jake. I can’t believe, well, it’s so amazing. Papa, I’d like you to meet Jake Sheridan. Jake, this is my father, Sam Rinaldi.” She looked back and forth between them. “I can’t tell you how much it means to me for you two to officially meet.”
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Devils on Horseback: Jake
“Howdy, Sam.” Sam nodded, his eyes not straying from Gabby for more than a moment. “Papa, Jake is…well, he’s the man I love.” Gabby’s simple admission made Jake’s legs almost give out. He wondered how he’d been gifted by God with such an angel’s love. She was everything he wanted to be and more. Gabby showed him what it meant to give, to never give up and to do everything with her heart. Sweet heaven, he loved her, so much it snatched his breath. She stared at him until he made it over to her side. With a smile, she brushed her hand on his cheek. When she held up her fingers for Jake to see, they were wet with tears. “Marry me, Gabby.” He blurted the words before he’d even had a chance to think about them. “I mean, I want to marry you. I’m a little mixed up right now but I do know that I love you. I haven’t always done the right thing in my life, and in fact I started out born out of wedlock. I took the last name of a peddler because my mother couldn’t give me my pa’s. You see, I’m a bastard.” Tears crowded his throat and he swallowed to dislodge them. “I’m not the best man in the world, but I swear to you I will be the best husband.” Gabby glanced at her father, then threw herself into Jake’s arms. As he enfolded her in his embrace, Jake met Sam’s gaze and saw approval, acceptance and gratitude. Jake felt his entire world shift and suddenly he held everything he’d thought he’d never have in his hands. Love had finally found the lonely charmer.
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Chapter Ten It was midnight before the Devils ventured out to snoop around town. The plan was for Lee and Zeke to head for the saloon’s back entrance while Gideon and Jake went to the mercantile to talk to Matthew. They were about to split up by the ruins of the restaurant when Lee stopped them. “Son of a bitch.” He squatted down and peered at the road, which was exceptionally bright in the light of the full moon. “What is it?” Jake’s heart pounded, certain whatever Lee was about to tell them was not good news. “Army horses have been through here. I can tell by the crappy horseshoes. See this here? They are regular army issue iron.” He looked up at them. “I’d say Nessman’s caught up to us.” The shaking began somewhere near his feet and traveled up Jake’s body until his teeth began to smack together. He had the world in his hands and that bastard Yankee was going to force him to leave it behind. The fear he expected didn’t come, instead, fury swept through him. He would not let that man ruin the rest of his life. “Bastard,” Jake spat. “Why can’t he just leave the war behind?” “Good question.” Gideon looked off toward the center of town. “I wired General Anderson last week to try to get help for Tanger. I don’t know if he can help us or not, but we need to get word to the closest marshal’s office about Veronica and Alvin, and I’d say we need to talk to Matthew Marchison too. God knows we need to tell him about his wife.” He pointed to Zeke. “You get to the telegraph office, maybe Lucy can help. I’ll go pay Marchison a visit. Lee and Jake, get back to the mill and lay low. The two of you stick out like a sore thumb in town.” “Thanks,” Lee snapped. “I’ll go hide with the women and Jake.”
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Devils on Horseback: Jake
“It ain’t hiding, Lee,” Gideon said quietly. “We’re protecting our own. By my estimate, Gabby Rinaldi is one of our own now.” Jake nodded his thanks, grateful Gideon had wired their former commanding general for help. He’d have never thought of it. “Let’s get back then.” Tension vibrated through his body. “Lee, for once just do as you’re asked instead of complaining about it.” “Fine.” Lee stomped away. “That man is due for some good woman to set him straight.” Gideon shook his head. “Too bad most of the women in town are gone or are too old for him. You got lucky, Jake.” “I know, Gid. That’s why I’m not gonna let Nessman take me away from her. I don’t care what I have to do.” Jake meant every word of it. No way in hell was he running again. “We’ll do what we need to,” was Gideon’s only response before he and Zeke took off into the darkness. Jake walked back to the mill with his hat pulled firmly down over his red hair. Nessman had no idea what he was up against.
*** Nate Marchand prided himself on being prompt, groomed and well-prepared. As he rode into Tanger in the early morning hours with his wife Elisa by his side, he was concerned he was a day late. They’d expected to arrive on Tuesday, but an emergency at the ranch in Grayton delayed their departure. When Gideon had wired him the week before to ask him to check into Phineas Wolcott, Nate knew something was very wrong. It was the first time his friend had contacted Nate since the Devils disappeared four months earlier. Nate had sent a telegram with information about Wolcott back to Gideon but hadn’t received a response. That worried him immensely and he convinced his wife Elisa to ride with him to the town the telegram had come from, Tanger.
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His former captain was nothing if not reliable. If Gid didn’t reply to a telegram, then something was wrong. Judging by the looks of the town, including the remains of a burned building, something had definitely gone awry. Many of the buildings sported fresh lumber, but there was still a lot of damage to be repaired. The streets were nearly deserted, which just served to make Nate more convinced something had happened to his friends. “Somebody’s been shooting up this town.” Elisa spoke in a low voice. “It’s spooky.” Nate shot a sidelong glance at his fire-haired bride and once again counted his lucky stars she’d become his. The sassy-mouthed, gun-toting woman was everything he’d ever need in life, and then some. “We need to find the Devils.” He turned to face the two men behind him. “Thanks for the company during the ride. I’m certain we’ll see you later.” The men nodded and rode into town as if they were coming to visit friends, not like the U.S. Marshals they were. Nate thanked God they’d run into them on the way to Tanger. They were tight-lipped about where they were going, but eventually Nate obtained the information he needed. With Gideon’s cryptic wire about Wolcott and two marshals on their way there, he knew the two had to be connected. “Where do you want to start looking?” Elisa looked around. “Did Gideon say where they were?” “No, but I’m sure we can find them. Let’s see what we can find.”
*** Jake sipped the black coffee and looked out the window at the still waterwheel. In a perfect world, he’d marry Gabby and stay here and learn to be a miller. It sounded perfect, exactly what life should be—predictable and happy. However, it wasn’t a perfect world and there was still so much to be resolved, starting with the whereabouts of her mother, the prosecution of Veronica and Alvin for their crimes, and the price on Jake’s head. It seemed like a canyon existed between him and his perfect life.
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Devils on Horseback: Jake
He sensed Gabby before she appeared next to him. Every hair on his body stood up, reaching for her. “Good morning.” She wrapped her arms around his belly. The soft press of her breasts on his back was incredible. He could get used to that every day. “You’re up early.” She took the cup of coffee from his hands. “And you made coffee.” One dark eyebrow rose. “I didn’t know you were handy in the kitchen.” “I’m the oldest of a passel of Irish children. I had to learn to cook. I didn’t say it was any good though.” She took a sip of the coffee and made a horrible face. “I’ll make the coffee from now on. What did you do, use an entire bag?” He laughed and pulled her close for a hug. Being with her was so easy, so right, he could definitely get addicted to it. “Where is everyone?” She handed him back the cup. “I’m not sure. They came back last night after scouting around.” He swallowed the lie that rose to his lips. He owed her the full truth. “I have to tell you something, Gabby. For the last six months a Yankee army captain has been chasing us, me in particular. He’s fixated on it and no matter what we do, we can’t seem to run far enough to get away from him.” Gabby listened with an intense expression on her face. It took Jake a few moments to realize it was worry, for him. That gave him the courage to finish what he had to say. “A few months ago, he arrested me on a false charge and has been ghosting us like a damn bloodhound across Texas. Last night Gideon found out Nessman is here in Tanger, just outside town.” He let the anger again wash through him, instead of fear. “According to Lucy, someone in town sold him information about us.” Her brows slammed together. “How would they know how to contact him?” “I’m not sure. My guess is that Nessman put out a wanted poster on me. We’re trapped here, out of sight, until we can find a way to get rid of him.” He turned and stepped a few feet away from her, hanging onto his control and trying to keep his head on
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straight. “I’m tired of running, Gabby. I’m going to make my stand here in Tanger no matter what happens.” “You could die,” she snapped. “I thought you didn’t want to die. Now you tell me you don’t care what happens to you? Was that all a lie last night when you asked me to marry you?” “No, none of it was a lie.” He took her in his arms. “I love you and you’re not getting rid of me. I’m just saying that I might have to go to prison or jail for a while, until we get this sorted out. I just can’t run anymore. Jesus, Gabby, I hope you understand because this is what I have to do.” Jake had come to town as a confused, scared mess. Now, he was a man in love, ready to begin the rest of life, which meant he had to close the book on his past. That included getting rid of the threat Nessman represented. A shout sounded from outside. “Sheridan! I know you’re in there. I’ve got Mary Rinaldi right next to me telling me you’re in there fornicating with her daughter.” Jake met Gabby’s gaze. “Nessman,” he whispered, his heart beating a rapid tattoo against his ribs. “Hide.” “I can’t, Gabby. I’ve got to face this.” He started toward the door. “No, you can’t.” She yanked on his arms. “The marshals should be here in a couple of days for Veronica and Alvin. We can hide you until then. Please Jake, please.” Jake had decided to give himself up to Nessman, he couldn’t change his mind. He’d told her the truth—he needed to be free of the stress of hiding and running. “I have to.” “No!” She pulled a pistol from her skirt pocket. “You’re going to go down to the cellar until the rest of your friends come. You do everything together. I won’t let you make this decision alone.” Jake stared at the gun in her bandaged hand and then at her determined, scared face. “Gabby, please let me do this.” “No. Get downstairs.”
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He glanced at the trapdoor. “I don’t think I can.” She set the gun down on the table and wrapped her arms around her stomach. “Please, Jake. I can’t lose you today. I can’t, not when I’ve just found you.” Jake was torn between his love for Gabby and his need to be done with Nessman. In the end, he knew he couldn’t refuse her. With a tight nod, he headed for the trap door. He hoped like hell he could stay down there without losing his mind.
Gabby had never been so scared, not even when the raiders were six feet away and shooting at her. This army captain wanted to take Jake and likely let him rot in jail or hang at the end of a rope. She would not let that happen, ever. She took a gulp of Jake’s awful coffee, squared her shoulders and grabbed her shotgun. Outside the mill stood a mixture of people she didn’t recognize, except one. Gabby stepped onto the porch and held the gun in front of her. “Mama, what are you doing?” Mary crossed her arms and started tapping her foot. “Saving your life and getting us a reward to boot. Captain Nessman here has been looking for that redheaded thief for some time. He’s offered us a five hundred dollar reward.” Gabby took a moment to swallow the angry retort that sprang to her lips. She studied the army officer and recognized the determined, obsessed look in his eye. The man had only four soldiers with him, and they looked ragtag and tired. The captain regarded her slowly from her toes to her head and back again. Her skin crawled with revulsion at the way he made her feel. “Some things aren’t worth any amount of money.” Gabby tightened her grip on the wooden handle of the gun. Pain shot up her arm from the healing blisters, but she welcomed it. “That’s where we agree, Miss Rinaldi.” The captain resembled a weasel with his pointy face and beady eyes. “A man’s pride and honor cannot be purchased for any price, and therefore must be protected at all costs. That thieving bastard in there took my honor and I have ridden in the bowels of hell to get it back.”
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“Are you saying Tanger is hell, Captain?” Gabby noted another well-dressed man and a woman in trousers mounted on horses behind the soldiers. “I’m saying I’ve come through a lot to get here. One gun-toting female isn’t going to stop me.” He walked toward her and a frisson of fear snaked down her spine. The man intended to force his way into the mill. Gabby raised the shotgun and pulled back the hammer. “This is private property. Step one foot inside this mill and I’ll kill you.” The air between them hung heavy with tension and fear. Nessman slowed his approach but didn’t stop. “I don’t think you’ll do that, Miss Rinaldi. You don’t want to go to prison either, do you?” A frightening grin split his face. “Although I’d be happy to escort you there, provided I’m not dead.” “You’re not escorting her anywhere, Captain, and you’re not taking Jake either.” The handsome man in the nice clothes nudged his mount forward. Nessman whirled around. “Marchand, what the hell are you doing here?” Gabby wondered who Marchand was and how he would help Jake because he obviously wasn’t in the captain’s good graces. “I’m here to stop a travesty, of course. Good day to you, Miss Rinaldi. My name is Nathaniel Marchand, my friends in D.H. Enterprises call me Nate.” He tipped his hat to Gabby, and she was struck by how beautiful he was, and how well spoken. “You do not have any legal rights to arrest Jacob Sheridan or anyone else for that matter.” “Go back to your whore and get out of my way.” Nessman kept his gaze on Nate, apparently ignoring the woman Nate had arrived with. He should have paid more attention. Lithe as a cat, she jumped from her horse and stuck a pistol in the captain’s back, all without his knowledge. Gabby liked her immediately. “You’d best stop right there, you stupid Yankee bastard, or I’ll give you a hole you didn’t have this morning.” The woman’s fiery hair matched her personality.
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Devils on Horseback: Jake
“Ah, the manly Mrs. Marchand. Elisa, right?” Nessman laughed, even as she pressed the nose of the gun into his back. “You and Miss Rinaldi will be a treat to have in my care.” “Never gonna happen.” Gideon stepped out from behind the mill, Zeke and Lee behind him, the fierce, angry expressions identical on their faces as they stood beside her, guarding the mill and Jake. “Get out of Tanger, Nessman.” Nessman laughed. “What makes you, any of you, believe you have the right to order an army captain around? I’m taking my prisoners and no one can stop me.” “We can.” Two more men stepped forward from the back of the group. “Marshals Whitney and Johnson from Houston.” They wore nondescript black trousers and blue shirts, but the shiny badges on their shirts marked them as lawmen. Finally someone in Tanger who was actually an officer of the law. The fact that it took six months for the town’s pleas to be heard left a bitter taste in Gabby’s mouth. Too late in her book. More than twenty women were missing or dead. “What are you doing here?” For the first time, Nessman actually looked unsure of himself. “We’re here on orders from Washington to stop the raiders in Tanger. This morning we had another wire.” The man called Whitney read from the notebook in his hand. “This one was from General Anderson, who says he ordered you back to Houston about a month ago. According to him, we have every right to drag you back there.” Nessman’s troops looked between the captain and the marshals and started to back away toward their horses. “Where are you going? Are you going to believe these two? They’re probably not even marshals. For all we know they’re being paid by these Confederate criminals.” Spittle flew from Nessman’s mouth. “I will not be thwarted here. Jacob Sheridan is my prisoner!”
Jake ignored the whispered conversation between Veronica and Alvin and focused on counting. Sometimes it helped, sometimes it didn’t. The cellar wasn’t completely
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dark, he had a lantern, but the room was so small he’d broken out with the shakes the second his feet had touched the dirt. The smell of vegetables was overpowering as was the feeling of panic he kept kicking away. When the shouting started, Jake knew he’d have to do something besides cower on the floor in Gabby’s cellar, but he couldn’t seem to make his feet move. Instead, he sat in the corner and closed his eyes. Counting didn’t help and neither did rocking. Jake felt himself slipping into the blackness, and he hung on with both hands to the only thing that could save him—his love for Gabby.
The woman named Elisa backed away from the captain with a smile on her face. “You’re on the run yourself, aren’t you, Nessman?” She barked a laugh. “Ain’t that a hoot? All this time you’ve been driving these men like they were cattle and you’re the criminal.” “I am not a criminal.” Nessman’s eyes narrowed. “I am a captain in the United States Army and you’d do best to remember that.” The marshals stepped toward the captain, shackles in hand. Panic raced through his eyes and he grabbed Mary, holding her in front of him like a shield. No matter how angry she was, Gabby still loved her mother, and her stomach cramped at the thought she was in danger. “Easy,” Gideon whispered to her. “Don’t get yourself or your mama hurt.” “Get back or I’ll snap her neck, I swear to God,” Nessman roared. “I want Sheridan out here now.” “I’m afraid that’s not possible.” Nate brushed a bit of lint from his brown coat. “The warrant you have is falsified. Sounds like the army has issued a warrant for your arrest.” Nate smiled, a beautiful toothy grin that boasted triumph and a bit of sass. Gabby decided she liked this friend of Jake’s quite a bit. “No one will arrest me!” Nessman dragged Mary toward his horse.
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“Mary!” Phineas Wolcott ran at them, his silver hair tousled and messy. His face clearly showed fear and worry. “Don’t you hurt her!” Fumbling around, Phineas pulled an old revolver from the pocket of his trousers. To Gabby’s astonishment, Phineas pointed the gun at Nessman and looked as if he was going to pull the trigger. “Phineas, no, get back please, darling,” Mary shouted. Darling? Sweet Jesus, Veronica had been right. Her mother had been carrying on with Phineas. The thought made Gabby’s stomach turn. “I won’t let him hurt you.” Phineas’s hands shook as he struggled to hold the gun upright. “No need for that, sir.” Nate plucked the gun from the mayor’s hand. “These marshals will assist Mr. Nessman whether he wants it or not.” With an agility that belied his gentlemanly appearance, he had a gun pressed to Nessman’s temple in seconds. “It’s his choice whether he lives or dies. However, I believe a bullet is faster than a hand on a neck.” The cocking of the pistol echoed in the silence surrounding them. The chattering squirrels seemed to mock them as so many people waited on the whim of a madman. Gabby was convinced Nessman was mad, obsessed with punishing Jake and his friends for some imaginary slight.
Jake heard rustling from Veronica and Alvin, but ignored it, until the other man screamed. “Veronica, no I love you. Please.” He sounded like a whipped dog, a painful, pitiful wail. “What are you doing?” “You disappointed me, Alvin, just like every other man. I won’t tolerate it.” She sounded so cold, so matter-of-fact, it startled Jake out of his dark place. Jake opened one eye and realized Veronica had somehow gotten herself free from the bonds that secured her. She was also stabbing Alvin with what looked like a hoof knife. Mercifully, he died quickly, either that or he gave up under the assault.
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Veronica turned toward Jake. He was frozen with fear and fascination, unable to move even an inch. She had spatters of fresh blood mixed with her own on the makeshift bandage on her arm. “You and your friends ruined everything, you rebel bastard,” Veronica spat as she started toward him.
Time stood still as Nessman held Mary in his grasp. Gabby wanted to shoot the bastard, but didn’t want to hurt her mother no matter what she’d done. Gideon shifted to the left and pulled his gun from the holster. “What are you doing?” she whispered. “Stay right here and don’t move.” Zeke had also pulled out his weapon. They were slowly moving to the left and right, flanking Nessman so he wouldn’t have an escape route. “You bring me Sheridan now!” Nessman twisted Mary’s head even farther to the right and she moaned. Everything happened so fast, Gabby had trouble remembering it all. Just as the captain was about to break her mother’s neck, fate interceded. A screeching sound rose from inside, then Veronica burst through the door of the mill, a bloody hoof knife clutched in her hand. Whose blood was it? Gabby stumbled to the left as Veronica ran down the stairs, knife raised. She looked around until she spotted Zeke. “I have to take out the trash.” Her lips curled back into a snarl then she ran at him. Everyone started shouting and the world turned upside down. Her mother screamed, then a loud gunshot split the air just as Veronica reached Zeke. She fell forward as blood splattered everywhere, and the two of them landed on the ground in a tangle of arms and legs. Standing on the porch with a smoking gun in his hand was Jake. He was covered in dirt and visibly trembling, but he looked so strong, so alive Gabby ran toward him and
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Devils on Horseback: Jake
threw herself into his arms. The gun dropped with a thunk onto the wooden porch. Chaos erupted behind them, but she didn’t care. Jake was alive and so was she and that’s all that mattered. “Gabby, Gabby, Gabby,” he crooned into her ear. “I love you, Jake.” She squeezed him until all the breath left her body and all she could feel were their hearts beating against each other. “Jesus Christ, Zeke, she was going to kill you,” Lee said from behind them. “Is she dead?” Gabby finally let go of Jake and looked into his eyes. “You saved Zeke’s life.” “She killed Alvin and tried to kill me. Veronica apparently likes to rid herself of the men who disappoint her.” He shuddered beneath her touch. “I guess some things are scarier than your own fears.” Alvin was dead? It was poetic justice he died in the same building her father’s blood had been spilled. She wasn’t sorry Alvin was gone. He’d been a miserable human being who deserved the punishment he received. Nate had taken the opportunity to pull Mary away from Nessman and currently had his boot planted on the captain’s chest as he lay prone on the ground. Gone was the charming man and in his place was a raw soul in need of surcease. He glanced at Gabby and she saw glimmers of the ghosts that haunted Jake. She mouthed the words “thank you” and he nodded in return. Gideon and Lee pulled Veronica’s body off Zeke. Blood covered his clothes while an expression of hopelessness on his face tore at Gabby’s heart. Jake and his friends had been through so much pain, it was a wonder they were still such honorable, good men. Zeke walked toward the river without another word, no doubt to scrub himself raw and be rid of the stain of being tricked by a woman. Phineas put his arms around Mary and Gabby felt sick. When her mother finally turned around and saw Gabby watching her, she whispered in the mayor’s ear then approached the mill. Gabby had no idea what she was going to say.
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“I didn’t know how to tell you.” Mary stuck her chin in the air. “I ain’t gonna apologize for falling in love. Sam loved that mill a lot more than he ever did me. Phineas and me are leaving Tanger. You can have the mill and take care of your papa until he passes.” Gabby opened her mouth to tell her mother about her father waking up, but changed her mind. “You don’t need to apologize to me, Mother. You are making a selfish choice and I don’t think I can forgive you for it anyway.” She looked at the round man waiting for her mother. “I don’t think you’ll be getting very far with your lover though. Considering he’s swindled the town.” Mary raised her hand to slap Gabby and she stopped her in mid-swing. “Don’t ever lay a hand on me again. If you want to be with that man, make your choice and leave.” Gabby’s chest ached from the pain of her mother’s betrayal, but she wouldn’t cry, not for this. Her mother’s choice would be her own cross to bear. Good thing Gabby hadn’t told her father anything. For him, Gabby would lie and tell him Mary was dead. Jake tightened his grip on her shoulder. “You heard her, Mary. Don’t expect to be with Phineas long though. I think the marshals are going to have a conversation with him you’re not going to like.” The two men were currently shackling a spitting Nessman as Nate watched with grim satisfaction. Mary looked at the two of them and shook her head. “So be it then.” “Be strong, honey. I’m right here next to you and I’m not planning on going anywhere,” Jake whispered. Gabby drew strength from the love between her and Jake. Without him, she didn’t think she could watch her mother walk away with dry eyes. “I don’t believe I’ve met your lady, Jake.” Nate appeared in front of them, his woman by his side. “Nathaniel Marchand, ma’am, and this is my wife, Elisa.” “Pleased to meetcha.” Elisa stuck out her hand and pumped Gabby’s with considerable strength.
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“Gabrielle Rinaldi. Please call me Gabby.” Despite the death and confusion, she felt content, as if things were finally how they should be. “Looks like Jake finally found a place to call home.” Nate didn’t even glance at the mill, he kept his eyes on Gabby. “I cannot begin to tell you how happy I am for you.” Gabby smiled. “Thank you, Nate.” She laid her head on Jake’s shoulder. “I’m happy for us too.”
In the end the soldiers left town escorting the two U.S. marshals and their prisoner, Elliot Nessman. A fitting twist to the end of his ruthless hunt for the Devils. Phineas’s misdeeds were reported, but he escaped with Mary before the sun set, and the evidence against him disappeared with them. The assumption was they were headed to Kansas City to get the money he had transferred to the bank there. Perhaps with some luck, the law would catch up with them so Tanger could get its money back with Phineas behind bars. By late afternoon everyone sat by the river eating and talking. Sarah and Cindy weren’t ready to face the world yet, although the Devils had promised to help rebuild the restaurant in honor of Elmer. Nate and Elisa sat with Gideon and Lee while Zeke stayed by himself a few yards away. Gabby was in Jake’s arms, warm and soft. She had been through so much and was strong enough to teach him what it meant to be brave. “I love you,” he whispered in her ear. “I love you too.” She nibbled on his chin. “You two are enough to make a body sick,” Lee chimed in. “I suppose you’re going to marry this one, Jake?” Jake looked up at his friends, who were smiling at him, and realized he truly had found what he’d been looking for all his life. Love, a family and a place to belong. “Yeah, I think I’m going to become a miller and make wheat and babies.” He grinned. “Sounds just about perfect to me.” Gabby kissed him hard and fast. “Let’s get started.”
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Jake laughed and swooped her up into his arms, and with teasing and whistling from his friends, carried the woman who held his heart toward the future, toward love.
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About the Author You can’t say cowboys without thinking of Beth Williamson. She likes ’em hard, tall and packing. Read her work and discover for yourself how hot and dangerous a cowboy can be. Beth lives in North Carolina, with her husband and two sons. Born and raised in New York, she holds a B.F.A. in writing from New York University. She spends her days as a technical writer, and her nights immersed in writing hot romances for her readers. To learn more about Beth Williamson, please visit www.bethwilliamson.com or her daily blog myblog.bethwilliamson.com. Contact Beth at
[email protected], or sign up for Beth’s monthly newsletter, Sexy Spurs, http://www.janusportal.com/lists/?p=subscribe&id=3.
Look for these titles by Beth Williamson Now Available: The Bounty The Prize The Reward The Treasure The Gift The Tribute The Legacy Marielle’s Marshal Devils on Horseback: Nate Branded Devils on Horseback: Jake
Coming Soon: Hell for Leather
A summer of love, choices and changes…
Rosie’s Promise © 2008 Selena Kitt Billy Ray and Rosie, each full of the promise of innocence and youth, want more than their rural Midwest home can offer. During this tumultuous Vietnam era, Rosie is excited to accept a scholarship to college. But Billy reveals his defiance of his pacifist, preacher father by declaring that at the end of summer he will enlist to fight in the war. With the realization looming that all they may ever have is this one last summer together, Billy Ray and Rosie explore their youthful love and passion. Rosie swears to wait for his return from Vietnam. But only Fate knows how long Rosie’s promise will keep her waiting in bittersweet vigil—and what the consequences of their actions might mean for their future. Warning, this title contains the following: explicit sex, graphic language.
Enjoy the following excerpt for Rosie’s Promise:
“I got something to tell you.” I swung his hand as we walked around to the high rows of corn. We were away from the sight of the house now, and I could barely contain my excitement. I’d been waiting to tell him for near a week. “Lemme guess…” Billy Ray started feeling corn in its husks with his big, knowledgeable hands. “You’re running away and joining the circus?” I laughed, nudging him with my hip. “Very funny.” “You could be their living bookworm.” He grinned as he broke off a fat ear of corn, still in its husk. “Blind as a mole from sitting under the covers reading until the wee hours of the morning.” “I got a full scholarship to USC.” The words hung there for a moment before he swept me into his arms, swinging me around and whooping. I laughed. “Put me down, Billy Ray.”
But he wouldn’t. He turned until we both got dizzy and collapsed, breathless, next to the cornfields. Here the grass was low and soft as velvet and we rested as we always did, side by side on our backs, watching summer clouds drift lazily by. “So, what did they say?” He rolled and leaned up on his elbow to look at me. I knew my sundress was getting dirty and Mama would say something, but I didn’t care. The way his gaze moved over me, as I stretched out next to him on the grass, made me feel like I had an itch I was desperate to scratch. I grinned. “They said I could go.” “Hallelujah!” Billy Ray leaned over and kissed me lightly on the cheek, and I turned my face up to his in expectation. His eyes had turned dark and serious though. “I’m real glad, Rosie.” He played idly with the top button on my dress. “Not just ’cuz I know you’ll be an amazing teacher…but it’ll give you something to keep your mind busy while I’m gone.” “Gone?” I frowned. “Gone where, Billy Ray?” He looked off into the distance. “I’m enlisting.” My heart stopped. I watched the wind nod the wild goldenrod. Finally, I asked, “When?” following his gaze, as if I could see what he was seeing. “End of the summer.” He pulled the piece of grass out of his mouth and tossed it aside. He didn’t look at me, and I could feel him doing it on purpose, not meeting my eyes. I reached for his hand, then, finding and squeezing it. I couldn’t talk around the lump in my throat. I wanted to ask “why” but I already knew. And there was no talking Billy Ray out of a thing once he set his mind to it. “Don’t know what’s gonna happen, Rosie.” He lifted my hand, still not looking at me, and turned it palm up in his. He kissed it, his lips soft, and then closed my fingers tight as if to save it there. “You’ll come home,” I whispered back, holding his kiss in my hand and leaning my head against his shoulder. He sighed. “I can’t know that, and you can’t know it either. All I know is that I want you, girl, and now all we got is this summer.”
He kissed me—not for the first time, but it was like the last. It went on and on, our mouths raw and aching, our bodies strung like taut wire as we lay together on the ground. There was no stopping what we wanted and we rolled together, pressing hard and rocking. He pushed up my dress, feeling past my panties, and led my hand to his zipper so I could feel him, too, all hard and wanting me. His mouth was like moist heat, trailing down my throat as his big fingers slid into my wetness. “Oh, Rosie,” he groaned when I unzipped him, digging inside his jeans, seeking to free him. He reached down to help me, guiding my hand to the stiff length poking out above his zipper. His breath came faster in my ear as I tugged, his fingers probing up inside me. I squirmed against his hand, wanting more. He seemed to know it, his thumb finding that sweet spot at the top of my cleft and beginning to strum. For a moment I forgot all about the hard length of him in my hand, and I moaned softly and rolled my hips in little circles. It felt too good for me to concentrate on anything else. Billy Ray’s hips moved, too, reminding me, and I pulled him, up and down, making him groan with pleasure. “Rosie, please,” he begged, meeting my eyes. “Your mouth…”
One woman, two men—the choice of a lifetime and the chance for a perfect future.
Perfecting Amanda © 2007 Bonnie Dee When Amanda McCormick heads west as to create a home of her own and begin a “perfect” marriage with a man she’s never met, gambler Spencer Teague intercepts her. Pretending to be her fiancé, he tricks her into surrendering her virginity. Amanda hides the misguided affair and forges a relationship with her young husband, Travis. But her secret haunts her when she learns she’s pregnant. Meanwhile, Spencer is haunted by visions of a little girl who demands he find and help Amanda. Their lives entwine as the three come together in an unexpected relationship that touches—and tortures—them all. Amanda questions whether perfection is attainable and if it’s possible to love two very different kinds of men.
Enjoy the following excerpt for Perfecting Amanda: Travis led her to the sofa and settled her there. He popped the cork on the champagne and poured two glasses then crossed to the windows and released one side of each drape to dim the room. The windows were open but let in little breeze, only dust. A ceiling fan turned slowly above them, but did little to cut the heat. “I’m sorry it’s so hot. It doesn’t make it very romantic.” Amanda agreed. Perspiration beaded on her forehead, dampened her armpits and the length of her spine. She felt sweaty and not very beautiful with her hair straggling down from her coiffure. Sitting down next to her on the sofa, he handed her a glass of champagne. He raised his glass and touched it to hers. “To our union.” She sipped the ice-cold fizz much too fast. It tasted sweet yet dry and felt so cool going down her parched throat. Travis set his glass aside, loosened his tie and removed his jacket and vest. He unbuttoned the top buttons of his shirt.
She watched as if from a distance, feeling too disoriented to react. The only thought that formed in her mind was how handsome he looked in just his shirtsleeves. His shirt was so clean and white she wanted to reach out and touch it—touch the man beneath it and see what his hard muscles and warm body felt like. Her fingers ached to know, finally, what a man was really like. Moving closer to her on the settee, Travis reached to cup her face in one hand and bent his head to kiss her lips. She felt his warm breath on her mouth and then soft wetness. Her eyes drifted closed and her lips parted in a little gasp. It wasn’t as if she’d never been kissed before, she reminded herself. Doug McCray had graduated from holding her hand to kissing her before he left for college and she never saw him again. But this felt completely different. The pressure of Travis’s lips was more assertive and considerably less sloppy than Doug’s inexperienced kisses. Travis stroked his thumb along the side of her jaw and moved his mouth against hers. The wet tip of his tongue brushed her lips. Amanda started and her eyes flew open. But, as he caressed and kissed her, slowly, seductively, possessively, her eyes fell shut again. She relaxed and allowed the pressure of his mouth to increase and his tongue to slide as smoothly as the brush of fingertips over her closed lips. When he pulled away, she leaned toward his absent mouth. Her eyes opened once more and met his. They were hooded, dark with desire. “You’re so beautiful.” She half-smiled, embarrassed and thrilled at the compliment. On occasion Doug had said she looked pretty, but no one had ever called her beautiful. It wasn’t a word she connected with her appearance, but Travis’s intense gaze told her he was speaking the truth as he saw it. He sat back, took another sip of champagne and pushed a hand through his dark brown hair, lifting it from his forehead. “It’s unbearably hot in here.” She drank from her glass, too, then set it down and fanned her face with her hand. “Yes. It really is.”
“Perhaps if…” He reached out and unbuttoned the neck of her blouse. She batted his hand away, abruptly alert and shocked. “Mr. Baxter!” He bowed his head. “I’m sorry for taking such liberty, but you’d be so much cooler in just your chemise.” He nodded at the silver basin that had held the champagne bottle. “And we have all that ice. It would cool your body.” Her hand went to the front of her blouse, poised over her heart. She stared at the ice then at his ice-blue eyes that made her hotter instead of cooling her. Her heart beat between her legs as well as in her chest, pounding fast and erratic. “I suppose we are to be wed tomorrow. Maybe it would be all right…just because of the heat.” She unbuttoned the top button of her high-necked blouse. Then the second…and the third, her fingers trembling and her flesh going simultaneously hot and cold as she exposed it. She was frightened, yes, but she also incredibly excited in a way she’d never felt before in her life. Taking off her blouse in front of her fiancé was more thrilling than the time she’d ridden Cousin Dale’s bicycle down the big hill near their house and nearly crashed at the bottom. She felt anything might happen now as she careened out of control and she couldn’t, or wouldn’t, do a thing to stop it. Amanda’s gaze never left Travis’s face while his stayed riveted on her moving fingers and the increments of flesh revealed to him. Blood rushed through her veins and roared in her ears. She couldn’t believe her audacity in disrobing for a stranger, prospective husband or not. And yet her hands kept moving until the entire row of buttons on the front of her blouse was unfastened. She grasped the open front of the blouse and the little lilac jacket and slid both down her shoulders and off her arms. Travis gazed at the pale swell of cleavage rising above her corset then his eyes returned to her face. “It’s a wonder you don’t pass out wearing that thing. Turn around and I’ll loosen it for you so you can breathe. The idea of corsets is ludicrous, don’t you think?” As if in a trance, she turned her back to him. In a moment she felt his hands working at the ribbons harnessing her into the corset. Her eyes closed and she breathed in, intimately aware of his proximity and the heat of his hands moving near her back. She
felt the ties loosen and her rib cage expanded as she drew a deeper breath. She caught a whiff of Travis’s cologne underlain with his own male scent. Another wave of arousal swept through her at the basic masculine odor that awakened the femininity in her. His hands moved around her sides, removing the corset from her body. “There. That’s better. It’s much too hot a day for propriety.” Warm laughter percolated in his voice. His breath puffed against her bare shoulder as he spoke. That was when she fully realized she was sitting in nothing but her thin chemise, her breasts unbound from the restraining corset. Her back was still to him. He hadn’t seen her yet and she felt both dread and excitement at the prospect of turning around. He would be able to see the shape of her breasts and even her nipples through the sheer fabric.
Can a man who lives in the shadows and a woman who lives in the light find a place to belong together?
The Tribute © 2007 Beth Williamson Brett Malloy has always been considered a loner, a man apart from the Malloy clan. Quiet, reserved and intense, Brett hides from the world on his new ranch with only an exgunslinger and a runaway boy for company. When circumstances put him flat on his back, his childhood crush, Doctor Alexandra Brighton arrives to nurse him back to health. Alex has always loved Brett despite the fact that a more difficult man couldn’t be found on the face of the earth. A woman who firmly believes everyone should live life to the fullest, Alex takes Brett’s quiet surliness as a mission. She’s going to teach him what it means to live, and how to find love and passion in the most unexpected places. When rancher King Dawson claims Alex as his own, Brett has to choose between the darkness of his shadows and the light of Alex’s love.
Enjoy the following excerpt for The Tribute:
They left her house together, arm in arm, and walked down the street at a much more even pace than Brett had set minutes earlier. A feeling of rightness settled over him, as if being at Alex’s side was the place he was meant to be. Sounded silly, but true. “How do you feel?” “Good. Better than I expected.” Brett hadn’t been surprised how quickly his wounds were healing with such an amazing doctor. “Excellent. After we eat, I’ll check your stitches. Save you a trip to town tomorrow.” “Are you flirting with me, Alex? It seems you’re just trying to get me to take my shirt off again.” He smiled broadly. “Take it as you wish.” She squeezed his arm.
When they arrived at the restaurant, they chatted with several folks having dinner before sitting down. Throughout the meal, Brett had a hard time concentrating on his food. He wouldn’t have been able to say if they had meatloaf or chicken to eat. His entire body tingled with the anticipation of being alone with Alex again. “You keep leaving me behind and I’m going to think you don’t like me anymore.” Kincaid’s voice broke the spell surrounding Brett. He glanced up to find a grinning exgunslinger standing beside their table. “Would you like to join us, Mr. Kincaid?” Alex offered. “No, that’s okay. I ate down at the saloon.” Kincaid looked at Brett with an innocent expression. “Should I meet you back at the ranch later?” Brett resisted the urge to smack the grinning fool. “That’d be fine. I’ll be back…later.” Kincaid winked at Alex. She blushed a sweet shade of pink. “You need anything else?” Brett growled. “Nope, not a thing. Have a good time, you two.” With a tip of his hat, Kincaid left the restaurant. Brett’s good mood nearly went with him. He felt embarrassed to be so wrapped up in a woman, even Alex, he forgot about everything else. Nothing and no one had ever distracted him before. Until her. “What is it, Brett?” Alex’s brow furrowed in concern. He shook his head. “I couldn’t explain it if I tried.” She smiled crookedly. “You don’t need to. I think I understand.” After swiping one finger through the gravy on her plate, she opened her mouth, and her finger slid in. Brett forgot to breathe. She sucked the digit, swirling her tongue around the tip. When she pulled her finger out, he wanted to snatch it so he could taste her. Alex’s eyes darkened as her pupils dilated. “I’ve got something to show you. Will you trust me?” Brett would’ve trusted her with his life at that moment. He barely ground out a “Yes.”
She left money on the table and stood, placing her breasts eye-level with a very hungry man. Her nipples stood proudly at attention. Brett swallowed with difficulty. “Come on, cowboy.” Like a mindless idiot, Brett stood, following her out the door. His body throbbed with blazing arousal again. She led him down the street before slipping into an alley. The dark dampness of the space felt cloying, fortunately they arrived at the back door of a building quickly. “Where are we?” She shushed him with a hard kiss. “Trust me.” Brett wanted to say he trusted her, but she disappeared through the door of the building. He followed in a blink, his eyes adjusting to the dim light of the lamplit hallway. Alex was just entering a room two doors down. She turned and crooked her finger. The sounds around him faded to nothing. He vaguely realized they were in the hotel, but he didn’t care. All he knew was if he didn’t have Alex in his arms in the next ten seconds, he’d need a different pair of britches. When he entered the room, Alex put a finger to her lips to shush him. She needn’t have because he doubted he could speak anyway. He’d been mesmerized completely. The small room was a linen closet. The door shut behind them, the grating of the key in the lock the only sound. A small window about the size of a block of wood let in weak light, giving an air of mystery and sensuality. The smell of soap and starch wasn’t nearly as strong as her scent. He wanted to ask her why they were in the closet but he didn’t. A spell wound around them, and one wrong word could break it. Brett didn’t want that to happen. Sneaking into the closet seemed naughty, more than that, forbidden. Something he never expected from Alex. Then again, over the last few weeks she’d done nothing he’d expected her to. A rectangular table sat in one corner, more than likely where the hotel staff folded most of the linens. Shelves of towels and sheets lined the walls, along with some cleaning
supplies like buckets and scrub brushes. And interestingly enough, a chair. A cushioned chair. With a wicked grin, Alex unbuttoned his shirt, her soft lips kissing each inch of skin she exposed. Brett had never felt so out of control. His entire body buzzed with arousal. He should have told her to stop, but he couldn’t. In that closet, they were in their own world and nothing else existed. Just Alex and Brett. She ran her hands up his chest, lightly scratching his nipples until they were hard points, almost painful. Alex leaned forward and her hot little tongue lapped at one, then the other. He couldn’t stop the shudder that wracked his body. He’d had dreams of Alex’s tongue on his body for a very long time. She slipped his shirt off and laid it on the table. As she lightly touched his back and shoulders, she kissed his healing wound. Brett wondered how long he’d be able to stand. Alex’s face pressed against his back and she inhaled deeply. “You smell good,” she whispered. He didn’t think that was too true since he hadn’t taken a bath before coming to see her. A quick splash from the well pump had sufficed. However, he wasn’t about to argue with her. Her nimble fingers skimmed along his waistband, reaching around to unfasten his trousers and push them down with his drawers. They puddled at his feet. A sharp pain in his ass made him jump a country mile. “What are you doing?” he hissed. “Sorry.” She chuckled under her breath. “I couldn’t resist.” She’d bitten his ass. Bitten him! When her touch fell between his thighs, Brett forgot about the bite. With the light caress, he grabbed the table for support. Again she reached around, pressing her breasts into his back. He realized somehow she’d gotten undressed behind him while he was busy acting like an idiot over her. Her bare skin pushed against him, while one hand cupped his balls and the other encircled his cock. Sweet, sweet heaven.
Her talented hands—he’d dream about those hands for the rest of his life now— pleasured him. Touching, caressing, running her fingernails up and down his sensitive skin. “Mmmm…” she breathed into his ear. “Someone’s ready.” Brett wanted to shout, “Hell, yes I’m ready.” Instead, he nodded, struck mute by her hands on him. She moved away and he felt something pushing against his knees. As he lost his balance, the chair appeared beneath him and he sat. Thank God for that. Alex stepped around in front of him. He’d never seen anything as beautiful or sexy as she was at that moment in the dim light of the linen closet. She knelt in front of him and he held his breath, desperate to see what she’d do next. “What do you want me to do, Brett?” Her hands continued to stroke him, driving him mad. “Tell me.” Alex always had shown him what it meant to live in the moment. And he damn sure meant to do it. He leaned forward to grasp her waist, pulling her to her feet. His tongue snaked out to her bellybutton, licking the soft skin. Looking up at her, he kissed her. “I want you to ride me.” She smiled like a siren. “That’s what I was hoping you’d say.”
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