To Tame a Renegade (15 page)

The color drained from Sarah’s face. “Where did she take him?”

“To her people, that’s where. Spotted Deer took a shine to the kid.”

“No! You’ve got to go after them!”

“Not me! I value my life. Spotted Deer’s got it in for me now. I ain’t gonna be taken by savages.”

“We’re talking about a child, Freddie. Your child. Or have you conveniently forgotten that?”

“The Injuns will be good to the kid. I told you, Spotted Deer likes him.”

“Damn you, Freddie Jackson! I’ll go after him myself.”

Jackson grasped her arm. “You ain’t going no place. How far can you get on foot? Get inside and fix me something to eat while I think on what’s to be done. We need to get us a horse before we can do anything.”

Ignoring him, Sarah started to walk off. “I’m going after Abner. You can stay here if you want.”

Jackson’s grip on her arm tightened as he dragged her toward the cabin and shoved her inside. Then he pulled the door shut and barred it from the outside. Since the windows were too narrow he didn’t worry about Sarah crawling through the opening. Then he set off into the woods. There was a slim possibility that Spotted Deer had released his horse once she was a safe distance from the cabin.

He returned a short time later in a rotten mood.

“Did you find any sign of them?” Sarah asked hopefully.

“Shut up and get me something to eat. When I find that bitch I’m gonna skin her alive.”

When Sarah opened her mouth to speak, Jackson warned, “Don’t say a word, Sarah, not a damn word.” His glittering gaze rested on her breasts. “We can make another kid easy enough.” His meaning was clear, but Sarah refused to accept it.

Chad had been on Elk Mountain ten days. He’d cut Jackson’s trail several times but still hadn’t found his hideout Small tracks he’d found at various watering holes indicated that one of the riders with Jackson was a woman. Since there was no sign of a struggle, Chad surmised that Sarah was Jackson’s willing companion. That thought made the blood congeal in his veins.

It was late afternoon when Chad heard a strange sound. He peered into the dense woods surrounding him and saw nothing. Then he heard the sound again and slightly altered his direction. He was surprised when he came upon an old Indian trail. He spotted movement up ahead and moved into the trees where he couldn’t be seen. Then he spotted an Indian woman on horseback ahead of him on the trail. She was leading a second, riderless horse. He watched in dismay as the woman dismounted and pulled a small boy from the saddle. Chad’s expression turned grim when the woman gave the boy a rough shake and spoke earnestly to him.

Abner! Chad could see his small, tearful face clearly. His features were contorted with fear as he struggled with the Indian woman. Fortunately the woman was so intent upon subduing Abner that she didn’t hear Chad approach. Abner saw him, however, and his little face lit up with joy.

“Chad! You came! I knew you would.”

Spotted Deer spun around just as Chad dismounted. Abner ran into his arms and he quickly set the boy behind him, out of harm’s way. Spotted Deer stared at Chad with fear in her eyes, and turned to flee.

“No you don’t,” Chad said as he lunged at her. “You’re not leaving until you tell me what you’re doing with Abner.”

Spotted Deer’s lips turned downward, refusing to answer. Chad noticed her bruised face and split lip and wondered who had beaten her.

“Spotted Deer took me away,” Abner explained.

“Where’s your mother?” Chad wanted to know.

“Back at the cabin with Mr. Jackson. Did you know he’s my papa? I don’t like him. Mama said it’s all right not to like him.”

“Fred-die is a bastard,” Spotted Deer offered, sending Chad a sullen look. “He sent Spotted Deer away so he could bed his new woman. Spotted Deer took Abner.”

“Where is Jackson?” Chad asked, increasing his grip on the woman’s arm. “What do you know of him?”

“I am his woman,” Spotted Deer said with a sneer. “Or I was until he returned with that skinny white woman. You will find him at the cabin. I took his horses so he goes nowhere.”

“Where is the cabin? I’ve been combing the mountain for days looking for it.”

Spotted Deer pointed toward a ridge visible in the distance. “There, below the ridge.” She tried to escape from his biting grasp but Chad’s grip was firm. “You let Spotted Deer go now.”

Chad’s grip relaxed. “Go, but Abner remains with me. Leave one horse, I’ll need it”

Spotted Deer hesitated but a moment before leaping atop Jackson’s horse and disappearing into the forest.

“Are you all right, son?” Chad asked, dropping to his knees before Abner. “I heard you screaming. Did Spotted Deer hurt you?”

Abner shook her head. “I was screaming at her to take me back to Mama. When I wouldn’t stop she got off her horse and tried to make me behave. Are we going after Mama now? Mr. Jackson is mean to her.”

“In a minute. Why did you and your mother go with Jackson?”

“We had to. Can we go now?”

Chad wasn’t satisfied with the answer but it had to suffice. Abner appeared to be worried about Sarah and the boy wasn’t one to exaggerate. Truth to tell, he was worried about Sarah himself. Chad had no idea what had transpired between Sarah and Jackson these past ten days but obviously it was enough to make Spotted Deer jealous.

“Yes, we can go now,” Chad said, lifting Abner aboard Flint’s broad back and mounting behind him. “But we have to be careful, son. Jackson is a dangerous man. We don’t want him to hurt your mother.”

“You can help Mama, Chad, I know you can.” Abner’s vote of confidence warmed Chad’s heart.

The horse he’d taken from Spotted Deer trotted beside him as Chad grasped the trailing reins and started off toward the ridge Spotted Deer had pointed out. A short time later Chad caught a glimpse of the old miner’s cabin. It butted up against the foot of the ridge, camouflaged by the rocks, trees, and earth that blended cleverly with the weatherbeaten logs. No wonder he hadn’t been able to find it.

Chad reined in a safe distance from the cabin and dismounted. He tethered both horses, then lifted Abner from Flint’s back. He squatted down on his haunches, placing himself at eye level with the boy.

“I’m going to get your mother, Abner, but you’re going to have to obey me.”

Abner nodded solemnly. “What do I have to do?”

“Stay out of trouble, for one thing. See that boulder over there?”

Abner glanced at the large rock. “I see it.”

“You’re to hide behind that rock and not come out until I return. Is that clear? No matter what you hear or see, you’re not to come out. Can you do that? It’s growing dark. You won’t be frightened, will you?”

“I’m not afraid of the dark. Are you sure I should stay here?”

“Yes, very sure. I’ll have my hands full and don’t want to worry about you. Do I have your promise?”

“I promise.”

Chad smiled, took Abner by the hand, and led him to the boulder. Then he gave the lad a quick hug and left, praying that he understood the danger and would obey. Surprise was the only element Chad had going for him. Once Jackson realized what was going on he could turn on Sarah, or use her to gain his escape. Crouching low, Chad carefully made his way through the gathering gloom toward the cabin.

After Jackson finished eating he sat back and stared at Sarah through slitted eyes. Sarah watched warily as he arose abruptly and struck a match to the lamp.

“I want to see what I’m getting,” he said, eyeing her greedily. “I ain’t had my dessert yet and you’re going to provide it. Take off your clothes.”

Sarah shot out of her chair and raced to the door. Jackson reached it before she did, catching her in his arms. Then he dragged her to the bed. Roughly he pushed her down on the rumpled surface while shedding his gunbelt. Then he fell on top of her, pinning her beneath him.

“You ain’t going nowhere, woman. We’re gonna make us another kid. I kinda like the idea of being a daddy.”

Sarah’s throat went dry, and she gagged. The idea of being intimate with Freddie Jackson made her physically I’ll. She fought and scratched like a madwoman, unwilling to become his victim again. She wasn’t the innocent she’d been six years ago.

“Damn you!” Jackson cursed. “Hold still.”

With great difficulty he managed to open his trousers. When Sarah continued to struggle, he dealt her a stunning blow to the cheek. Sarah screamed and went limp, all the fight beaten out of her.

“That’s more like it,” Jackson grunted as he released his sex. He was attempting to raise Sarah’s skirt when the door burst open and Chad charged into the room.

Jackson leaped to his feet, reaching for his gun and cursing when he realized it wasn’t where it was supposed to be. He saw it lying on the floor and dove for it. Nimbly Chad kicked it under the bed.

“Who are you?” Jackson wanted to know. He didn’t like looking down the barrel of a six-shooter.

“Your worst nightmare. I’m taking you in, Jackson. There’s a five-hundred-dollar reward on your head.”

“So you’re that damn bounty hunter who’s been tracking me. I can make it worth your while to let me go.”

“The name’s Chad Delaney and I don’t want your tainted money. Step away from the bed.”

Jackson obliged, moving gingerly toward the door, giving Chad his first good look at Sarah. “You bastard! What have you done to Sarah?”

“You know her?” Jackson asked curiously. “Are you one of her customers? Listen, you can have her. Just let me go.”

Chad moved toward the bed, alarmed by Sarah’s pallor. She was so still he wasn’t certain she still breathed. Concern for Sarah made Chad careless. He turned his eyes away from Jackson for the space of a heartbeat Taking advantage of the brief lapse, Jackson made a mad dash through the open door. Chad fired a shot at him, heard a yelp, and ran to see if he’d hit Jackson. But Jackson had already disappeared into the dark forest. Briefly he considered giving chase, but claiming the reward for Jackson’s capture no longer seemed important Sarah and Abner needed him.

Dimly Sarah was aware of the ruckus taking place around her. Jackson’s blow had stunned her and things happened so fast after that she wasn’t certain what was going on. When her head finally cleared, she saw Chad bending over her.

“Are you all right? What did Jackson do to you?”

“Chad…How? Why? I can’t believe you’re here.”

“Yeah, well, neither can I. It’s a long story.” His voice was thick and unsteady and edged with concern. “Did he hurt you?”

Sarah sat up slowly. “I’m fine except for a few bruises that aren’t important.” Her voice held a desperate note. “Forget about me. You have to find Abner. Freddie’s Indian squaw took him. He’s just a little boy. He must be frightened to death.”

“Abner is safe, Sarah. I came across Spotted Deer not far from here. She didn’t object too vigorously when I took Abner from her and sent her packing.”

Sarah leaped to her feet. The abrupt movement left her head spinning and she reached for Chad to steady herself. Chad’s arms slipped around her. He groaned, his body remembering every subtle nuance of hers as his hands slid down to her waist to hold her more firmly against him. She was warm and soft and clinging sweetly to him.

Chad had no idea how it happened, but a moment later he was kissing her, fervently, madly, as if he’d been starving for the taste of her. And by some crazy quirk of fate she was kissing him back, their bodies melded together, their mouths fused. His hands slid down over her hips to grasp her bottom, pressing her against the hard ridge of his arousal. He thought he heard Sarah moan but couldn’t be sure.

Sarah’s mind went blank. Chad’s scorching, searing kiss blotted out all thought. Her arms curled around his neck as his tongue parted her lips, seeking entrance. She granted it eagerly, savoring the clean taste of him as the memory of Freddie’s repulsive kiss faded from memory.

Chad broke off the kiss. His eyes were dark and inscrutable as he searched her face. “God, Sarah, you can’t imagine how worried I was about you and Abner. I have to know. Did you go with Jackson willingly? Is he Abner’s father?”

Sarah stiffened, pulling away from him. “You think I went willingly with Freddie Jackson?”

“I don’t know, that’s why I’m asking you.”

She turned away from him, her shoulders slumping with disappointment. Why is everyone so eager to believe the worst of her? “Think what you want, Chad Delaney, you will anyway. I want my son, where is he?”

Abner! Chad had been so caught up in the moment he had almost forgotten the boy. “I’ll go get him.”

Sarah sagged in relief as Chad left the cabin. She didn’t know what had gotten into her. She’d been so glad to see Chad she’d responded wantonly to his kisses. He wanted her. She could feel the proof of his need pressing against her through the barrier of her clothing. His eager kisses had almost convinced her that he cared for her, then his words made a mockery of her thoughts. Yet the fact remained that Chad was concerned enough to follow her. Or was it Abner he cared about?

Chad returned to the cabin with a sleeping Abner in his arms. Sarah gave a cry of alarm and flew to his side.

“He’s all right, Sarah. The poor boy’s exhausted. I found him asleep right where I left him. Where shall I put him?”