Pioneer Passion (27 page)

Next morning, Rusty rose with little sleep so
she could complete her mission before Guy returned in the evening.
She needed just another two weeks and prayed that her good neighbor
would be willing to help. She rode into the Brown’s yard with a
plan and a smile on her lips.

Little Bobby Brown ran out to greet her.

“Hello, Bobby,” she smiled at the
freckle-faced boy, and stepped from the buckboard. “I came to see
your mama.” Bobby studied her in detail. She was certain that he
didn’t remember meeting her before, but she certainly knew who he
was. With his hands in his pockets, he bashfully squinted up at
her, asking, “How do you know who I am?”

She bent her knees, lowering herself to his
level. “Your pa told me he had three good-looking children, and his
eldest was a boy named Bobby.” She extended her hand, and after
some hesitation, he took it, and a wide grin, displayed his missing
front teeth.

“Glad to meet you. Ma’s in the house.” He
spun around like a dust devil and ran ahead, yelling that they had
a visitor, making her smile. She hastened her steps in time to grab
the screen door before it slammed in her face. She saw Bobby come
to a skidding halt right in front of his mother, nearly knocking
her over.

“Bobby! Where are your manners? We don’t run
in the house like a heard of buffalo, yelling to raise the
roof.”

Rusty stood by the open door hoping she
wasn’t intruding seeing the boy study his bruised, old shoes. She
could see that he was embarrassed to be scolded in front of her.
“Sorry, ma’am,” he pouted.

His mother ruffled his hair with forgiveness.
“Go out and play with your brother and sister, and don’t come back
until I call you.” Bobby nodded and ran past Rusty, who winked at
him.

“Rusty. I’m so glad for your visit. I heard
you married that handsome stranger. You’re looking very well.”
Bonnie went to her and gave her a warm hug. “Please, sit.”

Rusty nodded and sat, noticing the woman was
swollen with child again. Her hopes soared thinking that this
pleasant surprise might help with her plan. A little nervous, she
shifted in her seat and wondered where to start.

Right to the point would be best, egged the
tiny voice in her head.

“Bonnie, I need to ask you a big favor.” She
licked her dry lips and placed her hands on the table.
Absentmindedly, she traced a deep rut in the wood with her
fingernail and went ahead explaining to Bonnie what she’d been
doing and why. “I’d like to use your kitchen during the day; it
would only be for two weeks the at the most. Mr. Haggerty agreed
that I could deliver my pies to his hotel in the afternoon, so I
have to bake them early in the morning. I know it’s a lot to ask,
but I’d be willing to help you cook and do other chores between
pies.” Lowering her gaze to the woman’s stomach, she offered,
hoping she wouldn’t say the wrong thing. “I know you can use
help.”

Bonnie bubbled with laughter, patting her
large abdomen wedged between the chair and table. “I must look a
sight. I’m as big as a cow and feel like one too.” Her lips
thinned, “Oh, I’m sorry, I’ve embarrassed you. Please, I don’t
really mind being seen like this. Having a baby is a beautiful gift
of love from God, and I’ve been thrice blessed.

Rusty, uneasy with the delicate conversation
was at a loss for words; a rarity for her. It was then she
remembered she had not yet gotten her monthly flow. An excitement
spread through her body but it was swiftly squashed by the thought
of how Guy might feel about a baby. Maybe he wouldn’t want it. She
quickly erased that scary thought since there was no time to dwell
on something she had no control over. One problem at a time, she
ordered her conscience.

Her neighbor smiled at her and said, “I think
what you’re doing is wonderful and I’d be happy to help. I’m sure
Wilbur won’t object. He was pleased to hear you were married and
had someone to care for you.” She chuckled, “I know well enough
that you’re very capable of taking care of yourself. I admire you;
we need more women like you.” The woman rose, pressing her hand to
the small of her back. “He didn’t like the fact that you were
mostly alone over there. Come over tomorrow morning early and we’ll
start. Tell Guy I need your help; make up a little white lie that
I’m feeling poorly.” She patted her tummy again. “Sorry little one,
but you and I know I’ve never felt better. Some women suffer but
being in a family way agrees with me. I hope when you carry, you’ll
feel as good as I and....”

Rusty lowered her eyelids feeling a bit
uneasy hearing her bluntness.

“I know!” she continued quickly, “I’ll have
Wilbur pay your husband a visit tonight, asking for your help. The
man seemed very kind when he was here a while back.”

Grateful, Rusty replied, “Thank you, for your
help. You’re a good friend and neighbor.

Two weeks later Rusty stretched her aching
back and she reminded herself that this was the last day. Although
she was exhausted she had to admit that she had enjoyed the days
with the Browns and the children had been helpful in gathering
berries, preparing them for her. Even Wilbur was a big help, going
into town for provisions. After all her work and buying supplies,
she came out with just enough for Guy’s gift. After today’s
delivery and tomorrow’s profits, she’d be able to pay for the
leather vest Mr. Dreyfus was holding for her.

Though it was overcast that morning, Rusty
awoke happy knowing her baking days were over and had been lucky.
Guy had spent most of his time on the range, coming home for short
periods, and then leaving again. She never knew when he’d show up,
so it was just as well she decided to do all her baking at the
Browns.

Guy had not been too thrilled with the idea
of his wife’s absence for the last two weeks. But if she was needed
to care for an ailing mother and three children, he couldn’t
refuse. Maybe this was a blessing in disguise since he had decided
to spend more time on the range. The rustlers had hit again and he
had instructed his men not to mention this last incident not
wanting to worry the women unnecessarily. His men were able to hold
off the gang with no injuries but he couldn’t say the same for the
rustlers. He believed he heard someone yell after he fired his gun
into the semi-darkness one night.

The nights Guy was home he found his wife
sound asleep by the time he had arrived home. This morning he left
before Rusty awoke to go into Sweetwood to pick up the gift he had
ordered from Mr. Perkins. The jeweler designed and made a gold band
set with three small emeralds to match his wife’s beautiful green
eyes. Pleased, Guy patted the ring in his shirt pocket. He visited
the marshal’s office to see if the lawman had any information that
could help apprehend the band of outlaws causing his trouble. The
marshal told him he was no closer than before and apologized again
for not being much help. Annoyed by the poor progress, Guy decided
to stop at The Shady Elm Hotel for a bite to eat before returning
home, though he was anxious to be with his wife.

The few days he had come home, she had been
too tired for their lovemaking. He was glad to hear Bonnie Brown
was feeling better and didn’t need help anymore. Once again he
patted the gold band looking forward to presenting it to his bride.
As he entered the lobby of the hotel a man and woman’s voices
drifted down from the second floor staircase. At the desk, the
clerk had his back to him, busying himself with his duties.

At first, Guy didn’t pay any attention to the
conversation coming from the second floor landing until it reached
his ears more clearly. Was his imagination playing tricks on him
thinking that the woman’s voice had a familiar ring? His heart
began a nervous tattoo at the growing confusion; surely it wasn’t
Rusty. He slipped by the busy clerk and stood unnoticed under the
stairs.

“Thank you, Mr. Haggerty.” Guy heard clearly
and knew for certain it was his wife; he’d recognize the deep voice
anywhere. And then he heard the hotel’s owners reply, “’Twas my
pleasure, Mrs. Strong. And my friends just call me Haggerty.”

If a stampede of heifers trampled over him at
that moment the effect would not have pained him as much as the
realization that his wife was in this seedy hotel. He cringed
inwardly, wanting to leap up the stairs and attack the pair, but
stretching his will power he forced himself to wait.

“I’m sorry, my dear, that you can’t continue
the service. If you change your mind, I’ll….”

Haggerty’s voice stopped while a laughing
couple walked by. Guy’s chest constricted causing his breath to
catch in his throat. He didn’t miss the man’s deep sexual
drawl.

“Sorry, um, Haggerty, but I had to deceive my
husband these last two weeks only because I needed the money. Thank
you again.”

Sweat bathed his body when his mind’s eyes
recalled Haggerty’s fat pig face. So enraged was he by what he
heard that he stood rooted to the spot; the thought of his wife
with that bastard made him clench his fist murderously feeling his
face twist in anger. His blood pressure must have soared because
his ears rang as if a clapper was vibrating in his skull. This
ringing prevented him from hearing his wife’s footsteps descending
the stairs. When he saw her walk out the door, he leaped from his
hiding place and ran up the stairs.

With all his reasoning gone and his senses
overcharged he reached the second floor. Now, he realized he didn’t
know which room the portly man was in. Not caring if he disturbed
the hotel’s clientele, he pounded on the first door. A small voice
asked who was there. Guy didn’t want to waste time in answering and
went and pounded on the following door. A few quiet seconds passed,
he rapped again hearing the angry voice before the door opened. No
sooner did the barrier become slightly ajar, he sprang towards the
unsuspecting man. By the time that scum bag realized what happened
his hands were already choking the fat man.

He figured Haggerty weighed over two hundred
pounds, but his rage gave him uncon-trollable strength. He lifted
the startled adversary and the man tap danced on his toes.
Haggerty’s ample form broke out with sweat in all the thick folds
of his flesh and his shirt was immediately soaked. Guy’s nostrils
flared smelling the fat man’s rancid body odor. The cornered man’s
faded gray eyes bulged from his head and his face was beet-red, his
lips purple. The hotel owner looked dangerously close to losing
consciousness, but he could have cared less.

“What the hell?” his adversary rasped.

“My wife was just here!” Guy spat, “and
that’s not a question!” Haggerty swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple
straining against Guy’s thumbs and he didn’t care that he was
squeezing the breath out of the fat man’s body.

“Sir,” he croaked. “No need for such wild
behavior. P-please, unhand me.” His head shook making his jowls
flap. “I have no idea what you want with me.”

Haggerty was trying to reason with him, but
he was too livid to listen.

“What was she doing with the likes of you?”
he sneered.

Sweaty, Guy let the man go abruptly. This
unexpected release stunned Haggerty and the fat man fell backwards
on his rump. He gasped for breath and placed his pudgy hand over
his heaving chest. His lips trembled as spittle ran down his chin.
Hunched-back, he staggered over to the bed and sat with a grunt.
Still straining for air to fill his aching lungs, the man dragged a
handkerchief from his pocket and mopped his face as he rasped,
“Your wife and I had a business arrangement.” He took a quick, long
drag of air but that sudden stimulation seemed to tax Haggerty
more. He coughed and placed his hand on his chest, his face showing
pain.

If Guy had his way Haggerty would not live to
see another sunrise.

He stared at gasping man for a moment unable
to control his temper. Without giving the bastard a chance to catch
his breath, Guy’s fist connected with the lose flesh on the side of
Haggerty’s face. With an oath he massaged his knuckles and turned
leaving the bastard lying prone and unconscious. Killing this poor
excuse for a man was not worth a noose around his neck and he ran
from the hotel, confused by his wife’s actions.

What kind of arrangement? plagued his
mind.

But he knew damn well and he tried not to
believe his conclusion. But facts speak for themselves and the
answer pained and infuriated him, making his gut feel like a giant
rodent was gnawing at it.

As he walked out of the hotel, he plied his
mind with questions. Why did she need the money? Did she hate him
for forcing her to marry him? Did she still blame him for her
father’s death? He decided the only reason she wanted the money was
to leave him. God! Did she hate him that much? If that was the
case, she had lied to him with her warm kisses and pleasing body.
She had played him for a fool again. And this Nick, if that’s his
name, must be in on it. What an idiot he was to think everything
was all right and to trust her and her kin. Fool, stupid fool, he
told himself with bleak self-loathing. Well, he would take care of
all this deception, but first he was going to stop torturing
himself and get drunk.

Chapter-Twenty-Eight

It was late when Guy arrived home; the candle
had burned itself out while Rusty waited for him. He staggered into
the room and she could smell the liquor and cheap perfume. Her
stomach revolted when he came forward and fell just short of the
bed. He crawled, cursing something unintelligible and then laid his
drunken head on the mattress. He hic-coughed a few times, which
caused her to jump from the bed.

“Oh, Guy, why?” she mumbled, her eyes wet and
an emotion of sadness filled her. With all her strength, she got
his upper body on the bed. Then, attempting to get the rest of him
into the bed, she picked up his heavy legs one at a time and swung
them up over her. He was dead weight but she knew that she was
strong enough. After two attempts, she managed to push him over to
the middle of the mattress. He muttered and she did some muttering
herself before she took off his boots and threw them
unceremoniously across the room, and then unbuttoned his shirt.