A Walk in Heaven (24 page)

His heart crumbled and he gave in, sliding his palm over her hair. “You believe in God, right?”

“Of course.”

“Then you must believe that this was God’s plan. We don’t know why, but if God wanted Matthew to live, my brother would still be here. For some reason we don’t know – and may never know – God wanted Matthew in heaven.”

Closing her eyes, she rubbed her cheek against his hand. When his heart twisted again, he cupped her face, lifting it to his. He brushed his lips across her forehead. “Careen, please don’t worry yourself sick over Luther. Trust that Pa, my brothers and I will catch Luther before he can get to you.” Joshua stood and stepped away from her. “I told you once before that you’re a Grayson now, and we protect our own, so please believe me.”

“Thank you,” she whispered and scooted back in bed.

Joshua nodded, then turned and walked out of the door. As he hurried back down the stairs and outside, he repeated in his mind what he’d told Careen. He’d accused her of lying to him, but now he feared he’d just lied to her. What if Luther was closer than Joshua expected? After all, that would explain why bad things were suddenly happening around the ranch. What if Luther was the one cutting their fences, and setting traps?

Anger surged through Joshua, making him walk a little faster. He vowed here and now not to allow that man to touch Careen! Joshua would do anything humanly possible to stop her cousin. Anything at all!

* * * *

I’m running out of time!

Luther pushed his horse faster, trying to get to the nearest Mercantile. Irritation flowed through him, getting stronger as the days passed. If he didn’t pay the Irishman soon, he’d lose the important shipment. And if that happened…word would get around that Luther Kennedy could not be trusted. That was a fate worse than death, especially in his line of business.

He hadn’t planned on stopping in Billings, but more supplies were needed to finish making the trip to Virginia City.

Once in town, he lowered his cowboy hat on his forehead and walked hunched shoulder, not wanting to meet anyone’s eyes. Better to be careful at a time like this. He’d seen a posse of lawmen riding through town asking questions the other day. Luther couldn’t take any chances.

Inside the store, he stood by the window as some ranch hands purchased what they needed. Luther couldn’t take the chance of being recognized.

As he waited for the cowpokes to leave, Luther’s mind wandered back to the first time he met his cousin. He’d known about her from stories his parents told, but never met the Southern Belle in person. Until her father was killed in the war and her mother died of a lung ailment.

Luther’s father had arranged for Careen to come live with them. Luther had the privilege of picking her up at the train station. When she walked off the train and he beheld her beauty, his heart had melted. He’d known at that moment she would be his wife.

For a while afterwards, he’d tried to woo Careen. She was still saddened from her parents’ demise, but she’d allowed Luther’s attention. He portrayed himself as her friend – her confidant. Many times she had cried on his shoulder, which only made his love for her grow.

But over the years, something in her changed. He could feel their relationship growing distant. Luther had been kept busy because of the shady deals he’d made and befriended people who would eventually serve as his contacts. Soon, Luther realized she had become aloof to his charm. He would
not
stand for that. He had always gotten what he wanted, and he would not allow Careen to ignore him any longer.

It was around that time when he’d discovered how much his cousin was worth. Her inheritance was a colossal amount. During this time, he’d been in contact with a man from Ireland who would help Luther in his cause to rebuild the South since the war had destroyed them. This deal would make Luther a very powerful – and rich man.

The bell on the door announced the ranch hands leaving. Good! He’d spent too much time here in Billings as it was.

Quickly, he collected his supplies and took them to the counter to pay for them. The tinkling of bells announced more people entering the store. Luther peeked over his shoulder. Three lawmen walked in, their gazes darting around the room to each person.

Panic settled in his chest, robbing his breath. Although Luther convinced himself the lawmen wouldn’t recognize him because of the disguise he chose to wear,
a niggle
of worry still settled in his gut.

Clutching the sack of supplies to his chest, he hurried toward the front door. If by chance they came after him, he’d kill them. But with too many witnesses around, could he flee this town without getting caught?

Just as he reached the door, a man called out from behind. “Hold up there, sir!”

Run, Kennedy. Now!

The moon stood high in the night sky as Joshua ambled down the steps of the porch. Dinner had been filling, but helplessness grew inside him, longing for relief. Although he didn’t want to tell his family about Careen’s cousin, he must. Joshua could not handle this problem on his own.

Pa and his two brothers stood leaning against the fence as they gazed over the shadows floating across the land. This would be the perfect time to say something to them since Ma and the twins were not around.

A light wind tousled his hair and nipped at his neck. He gathered his jacket tighter around his throat to ward off the chill. His skin might be protected from the elements of nature, but his heart had suffered a few blows within a month. The news of who had really killed Matthew continued to leave a bitter taste in his mouth as revenge’s cold blood poured through his veins.

No conversation flowed between his brothers and father as Joshua stopped beside them. Gage’s somber whistle tugged at Joshua’s heart.

He waited for a few minutes, his mind battling how to begin the horrible story Careen had shared with him earlier. One just didn’t come out and say –
as luck would have it, I know who killed Matthew
.

He cleared his throat loudly. Gage’s whistling stopped and all eyes turned toward Joshua. Taking a deep breath, he prayed for guidance. He also prayed his family would not blame Careen as Joshua’s first reaction had been.

“I have something to tell you
that’s
very difficult to speak about.” He paused, hoping it was a good beginning and would set the mood to this topic of conversation.

William patted Joshua’s shoulder. “What it is, son?”

“I had a long talk with Careen. She relayed some very…disturbing information about Matthew’s death.”

Peter turned, giving his full attention. Gage stuffed his hands into the pockets of his jacket. True concern laced their faces.

“I don’t know how to say this without putting Careen in a bad light. I understand why she held the truth from us, but now it’s time everyone knew.” He swallowed hard. “Apparently, she has a cousin who is determined to marry her for her inheritance.”

Peter growled and limped forward, fisting his hands by his side.
“Over my dead body!”

Joshua held up a hand, stopping his brother. “There’s more to the story, Peter, so please let me get this out.”

Scowling, Peter nodded.

“Careen’s cousin is so
evil,
he’ll do
anything
to control her.
To keep her from marrying anyone else.”

William’s body stiffened. Even in the night’s dim light, Joshua saw fury burning inside his father’s eyes. “Define
anything,
” his father snipped.

Joshua sighed deeply. “Careen’s cousin would kill…has killed.”

The other men’s eyes widened. Gage hitched a breath.

“Luther,” Joshua continued, “killed Matthew.”

“No!” Peter shouted and slammed his fist into the wood.

Gage’s breath whooshed out of his chest as he fell against the fence.

“Is she certain of this?” William ground his words out slowly.

Joshua nodded. “Careen came to our ranch to deliver Matthew’s body and to tell us about her cousin. It wasn’t until after Matthew’s body was taken away when her cousin made his intentions known. The sheriff’s men did capture Luther, which was why Careen was compelled to travel here to let us know. What she didn’t realize until this morning was that her cousin escaped and is dodging the law.”

“Does Careen’s cousin know where she’s at?” William asked.

Joshua nodded. “Careen is frightened and fears for us. She was even ready to leave the ranch just to protect us.”

“No, we can’t allow her to do that,” William mumbled brokenly.

Silence filled the air, only the distant coyote’s howl could be heard. Finally, Peter released a pent up breath and faced Joshua.

“Why didn’t Careen tell us sooner?” Peter asked.

“She’d planned to tell us the first night she was here,” Joshua explained, “but when the family confused Matthew’s shooting with the drunks at the saloon, she decided to let us believe that until after Luther’s trial. Careen also didn’t want to upset Ma because of her bad heart.”

Pa nodded. “That was a wise choice. Even now I fear how this kind of news will upset your ma’s health.”

“I agree.” Joshua leaned on the fence, hooking his boot on the bottom pole. “The reason I tell you this is because we need to keep an eye out for anything suspicious. We must not let Luther Kennedy come near our Careen.”

Both brothers lifted their gazes to Joshua. “I told Careen the Grayson men watch out for one another. So…are you with me?”

“I’m in!” Peter spoke with calm determination.

“Count me in, too.” Gage nodded.

“I’ll let the ranch hands know as well,” William said as he squeezed Joshua’s shoulder. “We will not let this creature come near our Careen.”

Sighing, Joshua quickly said a prayer of thanks. Telling his Pa and brothers had gone easier than expected. Hopefully, by banning together, they would be able to keep Luther away – or help the law capture him.

“Josh, you don’t think…” William
paused,
his gaze bore at his boots in deep thought.

“What, Pa?”

William lifted his eyes to Joshua. “Do you think the person responsible for the fence cutting and traps being set around our property is…Careen’s cousin?”

Panic gripped Joshua’s gut, twisting it painfully. In silence, his mind went back over the timeline. The fence cutting happened only a few days after Careen arrived. The traps were set a few days later.

“No, Pa. I don’t believe so. Because Luther was in jail for a few days before he escaped, I believe he wouldn’t have arrived here so quickly. Think about it,” he scratched his chin, “once Luther escaped, that made him an outlaw. The sheriff had sent out a posse searching for Luther. Traveling by train would be the easiest way to get here, but because Luther is a wanted man, I don’t believe he’d put
himself
in the public’s eye like that. In that case, it would take him longer to get here.”

William nodded and patted Joshua’s shoulder. “You’re correct, of course. I wasn’t thinking.”

“But the fact of the matter is, we
don’t
know how Luther is traveling, which means we must continually keep a watch over Careen.”

Peter and Gage nodded.

“Not only that,” William added, “we must pray that no harm will come upon her or our family.”

“I agree.” Joshua sighed heavily, hoping with the Lord’s help, all would turn out well.

* * * *

Joshua stared at himself in the mirror as he adjusted the collar on his shirt. He always tried to look his best for church, but he didn’t want Miss Jones to think he dressed this way for her since their luncheon was after the services.

As much as he wanted to find an excuse not to go to the Jones’ house for lunch today, it wouldn’t be polite to cancel at the last minute. Besides that, Ma would be disappointed in him. Nevertheless, he must not let Natalie believe he was courting her. He had no intensions of courting anyone but Careen, and unfortunately, that would have to wait a year because she was in mourning.

He brushed his jacket one last time then left his bedroom. The family was already outside getting in the wagon. He helped his daughters,
then
turned to assist his mother, but his father had already taken her by the arm. Peter, who now walked without a crutch, had stepped up to lend a hand to
Careen
who gifted Joshua’s brother with a sweet smile.

Lately, Joshua noticed how Peter gazed at Careen. His brother had become more chivalrous toward the woman, and several times, Joshua caught that dreamy daze in his brother’s eyes. The green monster of jealousy crept inside Joshua and nearly suffocated him. Would she choose Peter over him if given a choice? After all, Peter resembled Matthew more than the rest of the family.

Not only that, but Peter had become Careen’s personal guard lately. Every time she left the house, he hobbled beside her. Joshua wanted to be the one protecting her, and he prayed Peter’s leg would quickly mend so he could get back to doing his duties around the ranch instead of being Careen’s protector.

Gritting his teeth to keep from snapping at his brother, Joshua hurried to Socrates and mounted, then set off toward town. He tried to clear his head. Stewing about his brother was only making him miserable. More important issues weighed his mind right now. Who was really creating havoc to the Grayson’s ranch? Was it indeed Luther?

Once Joshua reached the church, he hurried to the wagon to help Careen down before Peter could. She slipped her gloved hand into his and briefly met his eyes before glancing away. Joshua could tell she still didn’t have a lot of strength, but he admired her for wanting to come to church, nonetheless.

Careen mumbled
thank you
before pulling away. Peter stood on her other side and offered his elbow, which she took as he escorted her inside the church. Joshua lifted his girls down. When he turned, Miss Jones walked his way. He smiled and nodded. “Good morning, Miss Jones.”

“Good day to you.” She glanced at Jessica and Frances. “It’s a pleasure to see you two again. You are so pretty today with those blue dresses. The color makes your eyes sparkle like gems.”

The twins giggled, warming up to Miss Jones quickly. The woman had a magnificent smile and kind eyes. She talked with the twins like real people, instead of ignoring them to stare
googly
-eyed at their father like most women. Like Laura had always done.

Taking each daughter by the hand, they walked toward the church with Miss Jones by their side. Keeping his eyes on the doorway, he wondered where the good pastor was. Usually Pastor Adams greeted the congregation before the sermon. It wasn’t until after Joshua stepped inside the building when he realized what had happened to the man. Only a few steps away, Pastor Adams stood next to Careen. The man’s eyes held a glint of interest, but it was his flowery words that made Joshua’s stomach twist. Silently, he scolded himself for being so possessive. Careen wasn’t his – and wouldn’t be for another year.
As long as she consented to marry him, of course.

Throughout the very long – and tedious – sermon, Joshua’s gaze kept drifting to the pew in front where Careen and Peter sat. Every once in a while Peter whispered something in her ear, and she gave him an endearing smile, tapping his hand gently. Annoyed, Joshua yanked his gaze away, and tried to focus on the words of God being preached, but he couldn’t. Not when his brother was sitting too close and leaning against her so scandalously.

The service concluded, and Joshua breathed a relieved sigh,
then
hurried his family back out to the wagon. After he placed his daughters in the back of the wagon, he turned to find Miss Jones approaching him.

“Are you ready?” she asked.

“Yes, I am.”

As he grasped the bridle on his horse, he looked at the wagon. Careen perched beside his mother, staring his way. Sad eyes greeted him before she quickly glanced away. Her dejected expression tugged at his heart, but he couldn’t allow it to go any further. If he didn’t keep his feelings in check, people would certainly see how much he cared for Careen, and the gossipmongers would have a very interesting subject to talk about then.

He walked beside Miss Jones, pulling his horse behind him as they made their way to the Mercantile. He hadn’t been in here since Natalie’s parents purchased the place a few months ago. No other customers were in the store, and Joshua felt a little awkward as he ambled toward Mr. and Mrs. Jones.