Jake, Devils on Horseback, Book 2 (18 page)

“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 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.

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.

“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 all right?” 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.

“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 all right, 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 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 all right, 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.

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 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 all right.” Jake snuck a sweet, slow kiss to her lips. “I’m here now.”

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.

“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.