Kaitlin's Silver Lining (14 page)

Seventeen

“Where did Bryce go?”
Kaitlin asked as she noted his absence.

If Charley’s eyes had
been six-shooters, Kaitlin would be dead right now. She tore her gaze from
Charley’s malevolent glare to look at Maggie. Maggie remained strangely silent.

“Maggie?”

“Oh, my. Looks at da
time. Jack’ll be here any minutes now.”

Noting Maggie’s poor
language, Kaitlin pointed a finger. “Guilty. You’re guilty of something. Now,
spit it out.”

Maggie took a deep
breath. “Bryce said he hads an errand that might take him a week or two ta
complete.”

“You’re still keeping
something from me. Where did Bryce go, Maggie?”

Maggie visibly
swallowed. “Oresonville.”

“Oresonville?”
Kaitlin sank into a borrowed chair. The parlor still remained devoid of most of
its furniture. It would take a while for the two of them to save enough to
replace all the items lost.

“He broke his promise
and left me.” Charley berated her. “It’s all your fault. You chased him away.”

“He’s not permanently
gone, Charley. Don’t be so melodramatic. He’ll be back before the week’s out,”
Maggie said, her grammar changing for the better.

Kaitlin ignored them
both, too stunned by the notion of Bryce heading for her hometown. Maggie knelt
beside her. “Don’t you worry none, hon. He’s just worried about your situation,
and you left him no choice. He had no other leads.”

“Worried? Why would
he be worried about me? He just can’t stand not knowing all the answers.”

“You could have told
him the truth.”

“For what purpose? He
doesn’t need to know.”

“Aunt Kate, will his
trip to Oresonville be dangerous?”

Charley drew closer,
chewing on a nail. Kaitlin looked up at the child, not knowing how she should
answer.

“Bryce will be fine.
It’s a short ride from here.” She gave Charley what she hoped was a reassuring
look. “He should be back in two weeks or less.”

“If the weather
holds.” Maggie’s muttered rejoinder caused Kaitlin to shift uneasily.

“Bryce strikes me as
a man who knows better than to head out with bad weather approaching. I’m sure
he made note of the sky and deemed it safe.” Yet even as she said this, she
knew he wasn’t used to the Colorado elements. Where he hailed, they rarely saw
blizzard type conditions.

“You just never know
when a snowstorm will catch you unawares.”

“Maggie, if you’re
trying to scare us, you’re succeeding.” She didn’t need Maggie to remind her of
the dangers. Enough guilt rode on her shoulders without Maggie’s nagging.

Charley stamped her
foot impatiently. “I wasn’t talking about the weather. I was talking about the
bad men. He’s going after the man that keeps threatening you, isn’t he? What if
he gets shot?”

“He won’t get shot,”
Kaitlin said, but her voice lacked conviction. She shivered, not sure what kind
of reception he might get from her father’s men.

Tears trickled down
Charley’s face. Kaitlin pulled her into her arms. “I promise, Charley. Nothing
bad will happen to Bryce.”

“He’s all I’ve got,”
Charley cried.

“No, honey. You’ve
got me now and Maggie, and I’m not going to let anything bad happen to you or
your uncle.” No matter what occurred, she would make sure her father wouldn’t
hurt any of them.

“Run on upstairs and
wash your face,” Maggie suggested.

When Charley left,
she cornered Kaitlin. “Enough is enough.” Maggie touched her arm, a gesture
meant to convey her concern. “You have a powerful amount of hurt locked inside
you.”

Kaitlin swallowed
hard, knowing she had no defense against Maggie’s sudden attack. “I don’t know
what you mean.”

Kaitlin stood and
headed for the hallway. Maggie followed, stopping Kaitlin in her tracks.

“Oh yes, you do. Any
blind fool can see you have eyes for Bryce, but you’re bound and determined to
do everything in your power to make him dislike you. I think you enjoy being a
martyr.”

“Maggie, we’ve been
friends for a long time, but you’re way out of line here.”

“I’m not finished
either. I plan to step right on past that line by the time I’m done. The reason
you won’t allow anything to develop between you and Bryce is locked away at the
Silver Saddle. My best advice is to go home and make peace with your father.
Until you do, you’re going to be miserable for the rest of your life.”

Kaitlin inhaled
deeply. “You never did believe in buttering the bread.”

“No. I love you too
much.” She gave her a bemused grin. “Besides, I won’t always be here for you. I
want to see you taken good care of before I leave.”

“Leave?” Kaitlin’s
eyes widened. Maggie meant to leave?

“Jack proposed last
night.” The words came in a rush, excitement evident in every syllable. “I know
it’s sudden. A week doesn’t seem like enough time, but there’s something
special about that man. He’s the one, Kaitlin. He’s the one who sets my world
to spinning.”

Kaitlin closed her
eyes against the sudden pain ripping through her heart. She should be happy for
Maggie, but all she could think about was losing her best friend, her only true
companion.

“Ah, Kaitlin. It’s
not the end of the world.” Maggie bobbed her head and took both of Kaitlin’s
hands in her own. “Be happy for me.”

“I am.” Kaitlin
managed a weak smile, noting the glow that radiated from Maggie. Why hadn’t she
noticed the change in Maggie earlier? Had she been that absorbed in her own
jumbled feelings?

“Well, you could be a
little more enthusiastic about it.”

Kaitlin chuckled. Now
that she’d absorbed the shock, she discovered a deep joy for her friend.
“When’s the happy event?”

“We’re not rushing
anything. I want to make sure you’re going to be fine before tying the knot. I
don’t want you to face all those threats alone.”

Kaitlin nodded.
Maggie’s announcement and Bryce’s departure left her with only one option. It
wasn’t fair to keep Maggie from seeking her happiness. She’d been right all
along. Kaitlin had to go home to face her ghosts.

“How soon can you
have a mare rented from the livery? I want a gentle mount, mind you.”

“Why?” Maggie’s green
gingham dress rustled when she took a step back. “What are you thinking?”

“I’m thinking, if I
hurry, I might be able to catch Bryce before he reaches my father.” She glanced
at her own frock, thinking she’d have to change into something more practical.
“I can pack while you get me a horse.”

“It’s a four-day ride
by horse. Bryce won’t be too happy that you didn’t take the train. Shoot, he
won’t be pleased that you went by yourself without an escort. He strikes me as
old-fashioned that way.”

“And you and I both
know that women can take care of themselves when the need arises.” She lifted
her chin. “I’ll be fine.”

“Like you’re fine
when you get those notes or when folks throw rocks through your window?” Maggie
shook a finger at her. “Bryce moved in because you needed help.”

“I didn’t ask Bryce
to protect me. I could have handled things just fine without his interference.”
Kaitlin folded her arms. “Are you going to help me or not?”

“You’re too stubborn
for your own good, but I know you well enough to know that nothing will change
your mind. Even so—I’d feel better if you’d take the train.”

“Bryce would have
taken his own animal. He’s not all that fond of the train, and besides, the tracks
haven’t been completed. I’d still have to get off at Kremmling and rent a horse
for the rest of the journey. Granted, I’d be there before Bryce if I took the
train, but I think I’d rather ride with him, assuming I can catch up to him.”

“But if you don’t
meet him, you’ll have to travel the whole way without an escort and through
some pretty rough territory.” Maggie shot her a worried glare.

“Then I guess I best
hurry so he can be my escort.”

Maggie gave her a
speculative look. “Ain’t planning no hanky-panky, are you?”

Kaitlin felt her
palms grow sweaty. Maybe. Having Bryce all to herself for four days did sound
appealing. She sighed. It wasn’t anyone’s business but her own. Besides, the
ride would give her time to sort through her emotions and come to grips with
seeing Sarge again.

“Just rent me the
horse, Maggie. Please. I need to do this. I need closure to this part of my
life. I’m going to Oresonville, with or without your help, but I’d rather have
your support than not.”

Maggie gave her a
great big hug. “Oh Lordsy, this is the best news I’ve had since Jack proposed.”

Kaitlin couldn’t
quite summon the same enthusiasm, but she understood Maggie’s exuberance. She’d
been harping at Kaitlin for two years to mend fences with Sarge, and now,
Kaitlin was about to oblige her. She shook her head and smiled. “Well? Don’t
just stand there grinning. I’ve got to move quickly if I hope to locate Bryce
en route. I sure don’t want to make that journey by myself.”

Eighteen

Bryce hadn’t wasted
any time in leaving. Kaitlin had been riding hard for two hours, and there was
still no sign of the man. According to Maggie, he had a three-hour lead on her.
At least the weather cooperated. Although brisk, a clear sky graced the horizon
with no hint of snow.

Kaitlin leaned
further into the horse, urging the gelding into a faster gait. It wouldn’t be
long before hazardous roads would demand a slower pace. She needed to gain as
much time as possible before travel conditions worsened.

Smiling, she reveled
in the freedom of the ride, enjoying the simple pleasure. It had been years
since she’d been atop a horse. Though she hadn’t forgotten how to ride, her
thighs began to ache with the unaccustomed exercise. By morning, she would
probably pay dearly for this folly, but for now, she allowed the wind to caress
her cheeks and the motion of the horse to guide her forward.

She slowed, coming
upon a treacherous bend in the road. Low tree branches meant ducking to avoid
being scraped off of the horse. A tall cliff shadowed her on one side, while a
dangerous drop-off loomed menacingly to her left.

Kaboom! The shot rang
out in the stillness of the day, ricocheting off the side of the cliff, and
sending bits of rock careening on top of her. The horse reared, his hind legs
coming dangerously close to the edge of the road.

Kaboom!

Another shot exploded
in the dirt before her, sending the gentle mount into a mad dance. She guided
the horse as far from the edge as possible, offering soothing words. Dismounting,
she held the reins tight and calmed the skittish beast with loving strokes.

Kaboom!

Kaitlin screamed and
plastered herself against the jagged rock face. The gelding fought against her
tight hold, almost jerking free. A body toppled from the cliff above her,
caught the edge of the road, and fell down the steep gorge. Her breath caught
and her heart raced. The grisly sight paralyzed her.

Up ahead, movement
caught her eye. Snapping out of her shocked trance, she buried her face against
musky hide and whimpered. She’d just witnessed a man’s death. What should she
do now? Her heart hammered against her chest. Was the shooter still above her?
Did he think she’d witnessed the gruesome event? If so, then her life could be
in danger. The thought galvanized her into action.

There wasn’t much
room to turn the horse, but fleeing in the direction she’d just come seemed the
safest course. Maneuvering, she carefully turned her skittish ride around,
hoping she’d have enough time to escape the murderer.

“Kaitlin. Stop.”

Bryce’s voice caught
her as she tried to lift herself in the saddle. With her foot in the stirrup,
she looked up to see him riding toward her. A huge sigh of relief escaped her
lips. She lowered her leg and sagged against the side of the horse. “I’m so
glad to see you. A man was just shot.”

Bryce made no
comment. Grimly, he stared from his perch atop his horse. Did he not comprehend
the news she’d just given him? Did he not know that danger lurked nearby?
“We—we have to get out of here. Someone shot and killed a man, and the fiend
could still be close.”

“You fool.”

“What?”

“Those shots were
meant for you.”

She sagged against
the horse’s side, nauseated. Someone tried to kill her? No. Bryce must have it
all wrong.

“What are you doin’
here? You could have gotten yourself killed.” The toneless comment snapped her
from her silent contemplation.

“That was the plan.
Just come out here for an afternoon ride and get myself shot at.” She tried to
make light of the situation, but inside, she quaked with the aftermath of fear.
Had someone actually tried to take her life? Bryce dismounted and walked to the
edge of the cliff.

She pulled away from
the horse and joined him as he looked down upon the dead man. Loosening her
bonnet, she pulled it back from her face. Gazing at the lifeless body some five
feet down, she shuddered. Her gut twisted. Recognition of the victim made it
difficult to swallow. While she harbored no feelings for the deceased, she
never wanted the man dead.

“That ring glitterin’
on his pinky and his physical traits match the description Pete gave me. Anyone
you know?” Bryce asked.

“James Latham,” she
whispered.

“A friend?”

“No. One of my
ghosts.” She wasn’t about to explain James’s relationship with her. Part of her
past had just died. Any grief she might have felt lay buried long ago, a
lifetime away.

“Any idea why he’d
suddenly want you dead?”

Her body trembled.
James had tried to kill her? Pain knifed through her heart, resurrecting
memories best left buried. “No.”

“You’re just full of
no’s today, aren’t you?”

She didn’t miss the
sarcasm that laced his words. He didn’t seem very happy with her, yet she
should be angry with him. He headed toward her past without permission. He
presumed way too much.

“How did you know I
was in trouble?” She turned her gaze from James’ twisted body, swallowing the
lump of emotion that made her voice harsh.

“Heard the first
shot. It was so close, I thought at first it was aimed at me. You were near
enough when I backtracked, I saw you dodge the second bullet. I got lucky. I
saw a flash, probably the reflection of the sun off of his gun, and I shot.
Which leads me to the next question. What the hell do you think you’re doin’
out here all by yourself?”

She flinched. “You
needn’t shout at me, and you certainly don’t need to cuss at me. Why is it okay
for you to ride off by yourself, but because I’m a woman, men assume I need an
escort?”

“Nice.” He pushed the
brim of his hat back to study her. “You like divertin’ the subject when it
doesn’t suit you.”

“Yes, sir, and I
don’t like some tinhorn cowboy poking where he doesn’t belong. You had no right
opening my mail the other day, but traipsing off to Oresonville to dig around
in my business sounds like trespassing to me.”

“What’s in
Oresonville? What am I goin’ to find there that has you all worked up? Tell me
what you’re so all-fired afraid of.”

The question made her
pale. What was she afraid of?

“Ghosts.” She
swallowed hard, pleased that the contents of her stomach managed to stay put.
“What should we do about the body?”

Bryce shrugged. “Let
the mountain lions have him.”

“He should have a
burial.”

“As soon as we reach
our destination, we’ll report the incident.”

Incident. A man’s
death had been reduced to nothing more than an incident? She fought the sudden
urge to cry, pushing away tears. The deceased had once been her fiancé. A
brutal man with few scruples, James Latham didn’t deserve her sympathy. Nor did
he deserve to be dinner for some wild animal.

Neither one
commented. After a charged silence prevented either of them from making
intelligent conversation, Bryce remounted. Kaitlin followed his lead and
climbed into the saddle.

She’d come a long way
since her youth-spent days riding across the Silver Saddle Ranch. When she’d
left, she had vowed to close the door on the many insecurities that Sarge had
fostered in her. Did she hate Sarge? Perhaps hate was too strong a word to
describe her confusion regarding the man. Time had lessened the pain brought
about by their turbulent relationship. But she hated what he’d tried to make of
her, hated the domineering way he’d tried to suffocate her; yet, he was still
her father. When they next met, she would not make things easy for him.

She readjusted her
bonnet, shielding her eyes from the sun’s glare. The idea of Bryce meeting her
father didn’t sit well. Sarge was sure to say cruel things, and she didn’t want
Bryce witnessing their less-than-loving kinship. Perhaps Bryce would agree to
escort her to the ranch without staying. He could return to Denver, Charley,
and the women he’d begun to court, yet feel comfortable knowing he’d delivered
her safely.

“I rode hard to catch
up with you,” she said. “I was hoping you’d agree to escort me to Oresonville.”

“Since I’m headed
that direction, I don’t see why we can’t keep each other company.”

“You misunderstand
me. I don’t want you to stay there. You can escort me, then return to Denver.”
She peered at the distant horizon. “I’ll be safe there, so you don’t have to
play watchdog.”

“As I recall, I
promised to investigate, to find out who’s been terrorizin’ you. You gave me a
place to lay my head, and so now it’s my turn to live up to my part of the
bargain. I aim to find out who Sarge is and why the other letters came from
Oresonville.”

“Bryce, please.” She
twisted in the saddle and beseeched him with her eyes. “I don’t want you asking
a bunch of questions that’ll only get folks riled up.”

“Then tell me what I
want to know. The threatenin’ letters are a nuisance, but getting’ shot at is
far more serious. Some lowlife, curly wolf wants you dead. It may not be of
great concern to you, but, lady, the thought leaves my blood cold.”

She shivered. The
attempt on her life had affected her more than she wanted Bryce to realize. If
he sensed her unease, he’d be more difficult to send away.

“Why?” Her hands
gripped the reins. “Until a month ago, you didn’t even know me. Why in the
world do you care so much?” The minute the words left her mouth, she regretted
the impulsive question. It implied she desired his attention. And she did, more
than she cared to admit.

“If you get hurt,
Charley will suffer for it, and that I won’t allow. You can whine and carry on
all you want. I’m goin’ with you to Oresonville, where I plan to make the
skeletons in your closet dance.”

She flinched. He made
no mention of caring for her. Only Charley held his devotion. Anger made his
voice brittle. She’d heard him yell at Charley before when he’d been upset, but
never had she seen him so cold and distant. It was better this way. She didn’t
want or need another complication in her life. But why should her desire to
retain secrets cause such a heated reaction? It was her life, her past.

“You’re going to be
disappointed when you discover that my skeletons are nothing more than a pile
of old bones.”

“Even ole bones have
a way of hauntin’ our memories.” His tone gentled. “It’s okay to need someone,
Katy.”

Maggie kept saying
the same thing. When Kaitlin said nothing, he leaned over and caught her
bridle. The horse tossed its head, but Bryce held fast. Kaitlin tugged
ineffectively on the reins. He brought them close enough his knee brushed the
top of her thigh.

“You keep accusin’ me
of being stubborn, but I think you have me beat.” He pushed his Stetson back,
displaying the hard glint in his dark brown eyes. “Look, I’m not just along for
the ride. Your life is in danger, so from here on out, we play by my rules.”

She straightened. “I
didn’t realize this was a game.”

“Damn you. It’s not a
game.”

“Very well,” she
replied, peering up at him from under her bonnet. “What rules do you wish to
impart, your majesty?”

He seemed to let her
sarcasm slide. “Where you go, I go.”

“Even when I have
personal needs that need to be tended to?”

“Yeah, even then if I
think it’s necessary,” he barked. “From this point forward, we treat this
journey as if the very devil wants your soul. When I give you an order, you
obey without question. It might save your life.”

“Anything else, oh
omniscient one?”

“You start carryin’ a
weapon with you at all times. We need to buy you a gun and some ammunition when
we get the chance.”

“That won’t be
necessary. I—” She started to tell him she owned a gun and would be retrieving
it upon arrival, but he cut her off.

“I’m in charge here,
and I say it’s necessary.”

“And what will the
big, bad cowboy do, if I choose not to follow his rules?” This she said in a
sulky, little-girl voice that caused his eyes to narrow. Maybe baiting him
wasn’t such a good idea.

“Don’t push me,
Katy.”

Kaitlin swallowed,
her heart beating erratically from the charged atmosphere. Truth was, she
didn’t know if she’d be able to follow Bryce’s lead once they reached the end
of their journey. For all his bravado, she doubted Bryce would be able to stand
up to Sarge. Suddenly, fear hit her so hard she had to catch her breath. It
wasn’t herself she worried over. It was Bryce. Sarge wouldn’t appreciate
Bryce’s interference, and if she remembered correctly, Sarge didn’t play nice.
Once more she felt inclined to change Bryce’s mind.

She pushed the bonnet
from her head, turning beseeching eyes his way. “Please, Bryce. You can’t stay.
You have to turn back once I’m there.”

He searched her face.
“What are you so afraid of?”

“I’m afraid that if
you stay, you’ll get hurt. I don’t think I can live with that.” Her heartfelt
words hinted at deep feelings, and she wondered if he noticed.