Sweet Surrender (Mercers of Montana Book 1) (9 page)

"He's an outlaw."

"A murderer!"

Eyes blazing, Olivia faced his accusers. "Actions speak louder than words, and I challenge any of you to tell of the last time you saw Jackson Mercer do an unjust thing."

The people fidgeted and muttered under their breath, but not one of them spoke up.

"You've taken all your fears, all your guilt, and put it on one man. Yes, he hurt the people that were trying to hurt Virginia City. Yes, he has blood on his hands. Blood you asked him to spill, blood that purified your city and made it safer."

"He's probably behind all these accidents, this fire!" cried a lone voice from the crowd.

"I have proof of who the real villain is." She waved a wad of papers that Cinnamon had produced from under her skirts.

The crowd gasped.

Olivia waved the papers in the air, her eyes sparkling. "Here are signed letters between Lord Allen and the Besalle Company detailing the claims he wanted to purchase. This very spot is listed here, as are many of the others that met with unfortunate accidents these past months."

Sheriff Scotsman pushed forward to look at the line where she pointed.

The sheriff puckered his mouth. "Lord Allen, you are under arrest for …"

Lord Allen shoved a woman out of his path and fled through the woods. Jackson took a step forward then stopped, letting others take up the chase. Three strides and his arms were around Olivia. He nodded at the people that patted his back and thanked him.

"My hero," sighed Olivia smiling up at Jackson.

He bent over, eyes sparkling, his face hovered over hers. "My love," he murmured as he claimed her with a deep, lingering kiss.