Yellowstone Romance Series - Bundle (# 2-5) (58 page)

Kyle’s stomach dropped, and his heart pounded in his throat. He didn’t have to ask who the coach belonged to. Kate’s reaction said it all. He stepped quickly in front of her, and pulled her up against the side of the store they stood next to.

“Let’s go a different way,” he said. “We can head around this building, and get to the mercantile the back way.” He held her elbow to steady her, and guided her back up the street.

“He found me, Kyle,” Kate expelled, her words barely audible.

“Let’s get back to my folks’ place, and we’ll talk there.” Kyle clenched and unclenched his jaw as he walked. He didn’t want to confront Hiram Devereaux in the middle of town. If Kate hadn’t been with him, he wouldn’t have hesitated to walk past the hotel. Chances were the man wouldn’t have even noticed them. He was probably settled in to his hotel room, but Kyle wasn’t about to take the risk. Kate’s panicked reaction was all the reason he needed to take the coward’s way out. For now.

Kyle ushered Kate briskly down a path along the outskirts of town. They reached the mercantile, and slipped in through the side door into the kitchen. Wisps of hair clung to Kate’s forehead, and Kyle brushed the strands away from her damp face.

“Everything’s going to be all right, do you hear me?” he said between clenched teeth, his hands on her arms. He squeezed gently, and locked his eyes on hers. Her breathing came in quick and shallow gasps. Her terror-filled gaze tore at his very soul.

“Kyle,” she swallowed several times. “If he comes for me, I have to go with him.” Her voice cracked noticeably. 

“No, you don’t,” he growled. “Your marriage is a sham, Kate.” He stared into her wide eyes. “I just need the proof. I need another week. Dammit!” He pulled her into a fierce embrace. Both their bodies shook; hers with fear, Kyle’s with pent-up rage.

“You don’t know what he’s capable of. If he finds out that you and your family have knowingly kept me from him, there’s no telling what he might do.” Kate’s voice was muffled as she spoke into his shirt. “I won’t let you or your family get hurt because of me.” She pulled away, and wiped at her eyes.

The door opened, and both of them jumped. Kyle’s father walked into the kitchen, his eyes darting from Kate to Kyle.

“Am I interrupting something?” He grinned. The smile froze on his face. He frowned, and tight lips replaced his grin.  “What’s up?” he asked, and his eyes narrowed.

Kyle stepped away from Kate, but kept a steady arm around her waist. “Hiram Devereaux is here in town.”

“Hell.” His father’s eyes darkened. “I’ll let Sam know to be on the alert.” He moved to head back out the door, then faced Kyle again. “Don’t do anything rash, son. Wait for him to come here.”

Waiting was the last thing Kyle wanted to do, but he knew his father was right. It would do no good to seek the man out himself. He had to bide his time, and wait and see what Devereaux knew.

“I’m gonna kill that weasel, Trent Sloacum,” Kyle said between clenched teeth, and smacked his fist into the open palm of his other hand.  “No doubt he’s the one who notified Devereaux that Kate’s here. I should have knocked the tar out of him the other day.”

The first chance he got, his fists would connect with Trent Sloacum’s face. He had recognized Kate several days ago, and surely sent a telegram to Helena.

“Best we just go on as usual for now,” Kyle’s father suggested. “You can hit whoever you want later, but keep Kate out of sight for now.” With those words, he headed back out the door.

Kyle turned to Kate. She stood stiffly, her hands clasped in front of her. He pulled her against him. “Go on up to your room, sweetheart. It’s going to be okay.” He nudged her toward the living room, and up the stairs. He held the door open for her, and she entered the small space. Kyle stood under the doorframe.

“Try and relax. I’ll have my mother come sit with you.”

Kate whirled around to face him. “If he comes for me, I’m not putting you or your family in danger.”

“And I’m not letting that scum hurt you again,” Kyle bellowed. She stepped toward him, and touched the palm of her hand to his cheek. “I love you, Kyle,” she whispered, and leaned up to kiss him. “You’ve taught me to speak my own mind, and how to really be alive. I will always be grateful for that.”

Kyle hugged her to him. “He’s not getting you back,” he said fiercely. He released her, and backed out of the room.  The panic in Kate’s eyes from earlier was replaced with an almost serene calm.  Hopefully she realized he would keep her safe. “Wait here until I figure out what to do.”

He closed the door, and headed back down the stairs. Rage consumed him like a wildfire out of control. Dammit! Why did Hiram have to show up now? He knew without a doubt that he could free Kate from Devereaux’s clutches, but he didn’t hold concrete proof in his hands. Not yet. Kyle slammed his fist into the wall along the staircase.

Chapter 26

Kyle paced the floor, the muscles in his neck and arms strung tighter than Kate’s corset when he first met her.

“You’re gonna walk a path straight though those floorboards, son,” his father commented without much enthusiasm. None of the men sitting in the living room had spoken in a while. Kyle’s father and uncle sat in continued silence while Kyle paced. All three heads jerked toward the passage leading to the mercantile when the store bell announced a customer. This late in the afternoon, most town people would have concluded their shopping.

Kyle’s father shot a warning glance at Kyle, and left his seat on the settee. He headed out into the store. Kyle stood still, exchanging looks of apprehension with Samuel.

“Howdy. What can I do for you?” His father’s cheerful voice reached to the back of the house. The blood rushed to Kyle’s head, his ears pounding when he recognized the raspy voice of the person who answered his father’s greeting.

“My name is Hiram Devereaux. My wife has been missing for several months, and I have been given information that she is residing with you.”

“Hmmm . . . Devereaux. The name doesn’t ring a bell.” His father’s voice sounded calm and confident.

“She’s here, Mr. Devereaux. I saw her myself. I swear it was your wife.” A different voice said, excited and high-pitched. Images of a dark rat with a twitchy nose flashed before Kyle’s eyes.

Kyle’s jaw clenched, and his fists balled tightly at his sides. He knew it! Trent Sloacum had wired Hiram. Samuel’s hand reached out and grabbed Kyle’s wrist. He shook his head in warning.

“I’m gonna kill him,” Kyle hissed. Every nerve cell in his body screamed to rush into the store and confront the man - the two men -  he hated above all others. Instead, he was forced to hide like a coward and bide his time.

“I can summon the sheriff, Mr. . .  ”

“I go by Chase, Hiram. And I don’t see a need for a sheriff. There’s been no crime committed here.”

“Do you have any idea who you’re dealing with, sir?” Hiram’s voice rose, laced with self-importance.  “I demand you produce my wife immediately, or I will have you, and your son, thrown in jail . . .  Mr. Russell. Your name and reputation don’t intimidate me.”

“Son of a bitch.” Kyle ground out through clenched teeth. Trent Sloacum would pay for this. He’d had enough. He refused to sit here any longer like a weakling in hiding. He yanked his hand free of his uncle’s grip, and darted out through the passage into the store.  Scanning the room quickly, his sole focus was the weasel standing off to the side. He ignored all the others. With a loud roar, he rushed at Trent.  Stumbling backwards in surprise, Trent crashed against a large wooden barrel. Kyle bore down on him like a bird of prey swooping in for the kill.

“I should have broken every bone in your sorry body the other day,” Kyle snarled menacingly.  He grabbed the wide-eyed man by the shirt with one hand. All the pent-up fury in his body rushed through his other arm and into his clenched fist, demanding release. He pulled his arm back. Taking a powerful swing, his fist connected with a loud crack against Trent’s jaw, sending the man over the barrel. He toppled to the floor. Cowering and groaning, Trent held his hand to his face. Kyle rushed him again. He grabbed his shirt and pulled him off the ground. Baring his teeth, he sent his fist into Trent’s jaw repeatedly. Blood splattering his shirt with each impact. The final blow sent Trent hurling backwards into a glass display case with a loud crash. He remained motionless among the spray of broken shards, his arm held in a protective shield in front of his face.

Strong arms prevented Kyle from lunging for his opponent again. He strained against the hold, and with a loud growl tried to yank his upper body free. Rage and fury blinded him. Hiram Devereaux would be the next to receive his fist.

“Calm down, Kyle,” Samuel yelled into his ear.

“Like hell I’m going to calm down,” Kyle hollered, and struggled against his uncle’s grip on his arms. He managed to pull one limb free, his shirt tearing loudly in the process, when his father joined his uncle in restraining him.

“This isn’t helping, Kyle,” his father’s tense voice reached his ears.

Hiram Devereaux’s quiet mocking laughter sobered Kyle faster than a head dunking in the horse trough. Still fighting the firm restraints on his arms and shoulders, his head shot up, and he sneered at his nemesis. The man was dressed in an expensive black tailored suit, his vest a burgundy color over a starched white shirt. Everything about him spoke of wealth. Three men flanked Devereaux, each with a gun belt strapped around their waist. Kyle recognized two of the men who had accompanied them on their journey through the Yellowstone. Apparently, Devereaux didn’t go anywhere without his entourage of bodyguards.

“I should have realized you knew about my wife’s whereabouts that day in the tent.” Hiram said smugly, pulling white gloves from his fingers. “Your demeanor, and the way you looked at that picture of her. I highly doubt you knew who she was at the time, though, judging by your reaction here today.”

“She’s not your wife,” Kyle hissed, silently cursing his uncle and father for holding him back. He blinked away the perspiration trickling into his eyes, and glared at Hiram. His pulse beat hard and fast against his temples. His chest heaved with the short burst of air he inhaled and expelled.

Hiram’s smile faded, his lips pressed together in a tight line. He walked up to Kyle, his icy eyes staring at him with disdain. One of his hired guns walked up with him.

“I don’t know what lies my lovely bride has filled your head with, scout,” he rasped coldly,  “and I can see she’s got you wrapped around her little finger. If she claims she’s not married to me, and you believe her, you’re a bigger fool than I gave you credit for.”

Kyle forced his taut muscles to relax. His father and uncle held him in a steady grip. He was no match for the two of them. All he needed was for one to release him, and he’d send his fist into Hiram’s face and permanently erase the self-righteous gloat from the man’s features.

Kyle’s lips curved slowly into a sneer. He held Devereaux’s cold stare. “I’m going to prove she’s not your wife,” he spoke in a quiet tone. “And you’re going to regret the day you forced her into this illegal marriage you and her mother conjured up.”

Hiram’s face froze momentarily. His cheeks turned a deep shade of crimson, before his puffed up lips rose in an evil sneer. His chest jiggled as he laughed. “Is this your way of proving yourself your father’s equal, scout? You couldn’t hope to reproduce his feats, so you’re trying to make a name for yourself by taking me on? I’ve had about enough of you,” he bellowed.  “Produce my wife this instant, or you and this,” he glanced around the store with distain on his face, his nose curling as if he smelled something vile, “establishment will be in ruins. Mark my words.”

“Don’t you threaten us, Mr. Devereaux, or you’ll get a feel for our own kind of power,” Kyle’s father said forcefully. Hiram’s henchmen all shifted behind him, their hands closing in on their weapons.

“No one intimidates me,” Hiram laughed. “I will shut this place down, and have you all in financial ruin before you can bat an eyelash. And for making me come all this way to this god-forsaken place, I might just have to follow through with that.” He studied his clean fingernails, letting his words sink in.

Kyle’s father and uncle both tensed at the man’s threatening words. Kyle sensed they were as eager to pummel the man as he was. His calculated words had cut deep, but Hiram was threatening the wrong people. Hiram’s head picked up suddenly, staring straight at Kyle. “Now, where’s my wife?” he demanded sharply.

“I’m right here, Hiram.” Kate’s soft voice seeped into Kyle’s consciousness from behind him.

God. No! What was she doing?

“Kate,” Kyle whispered, his muscles tensing again. His head turned to where she stood. With renewed strength and a growl, he doubled his efforts to free himself against his father’s and uncle’s grips. Both of them must have had their guard down, for he successfully pulled away. He bolted to Kate, blocking her way further into the store. “What are you doing?” he hissed, and gripped her arms.

“Kyle, he will carry out his threats. I told you, I won’t have you or your family hurt because of me.” Her wide eyes met his briefly, before she turned her attention past him.

“Kate Ellen! What in God’s name have you done to yourself?” The rough voice behind him enraged Kyle anew. There was not a hint of joy in the man’s tone. Kyle turned and lunged for Hiram. One of his bodyguards dashed in front of him. Kate shrieked. Before the man could pull his revolver, Kyle’s fist connected with his face, sending him toppling backwards into Hiram. With the bodyguard out of the way, Kyle charged at Hiram, and gripped him by his starched white shirt. The older man’s eyes went wide.

“You’ll never hurt her again,” Kyle sneered, his face inches from Hiram’s. Sweat ran down the man’s temples. Kyle could smell the fear emanating from him.

The clicks of several pistols being cocked froze Kyle’s intended actions. He glanced toward his father and uncle. Both had rifles trained on the two henchmen, whose revolvers were pointed at Kyle. He refused to ease up his hold on Hiram.

“Kyle, no. Please.” Kate’s frantic plea jolted his mind. He loosened his grip on Hiram’s shirt, then reluctantly let go.  Hiram righted himself, and dabbed one of his gloves against his flushed face and forehead.

“I will have you thrown in jail for this,” he rasped at Kyle. “You’ll wish you’ve never crossed paths with me when I am done with you.”

Kate darted past Kyle. If anyone fired a shot, she’d be hit. Kyle reached for her, but it was too late. Hiram pulled her roughly to the side.

“I’ll go with you, Hiram. Just leave these people in peace.” Kate’s voice never wavered when she spoke.

Hiram laughed. “Since when do you tell me what to do? But I’ve wasted enough time here.” His cold eyes stared at her.  “You’ve made a mockery out of me, Kate Ellen. And look at what you’ve done to yourself. You look like one of these backwoods simpletons.”

With a quick flick of his hand, his bodyguards holstered their weapons.

“I’m feeling generous today. I’ll just leave you to clean up this mess,” Hiram said, facing Kyle. A triumphant leer crossed his face. He waved his hand at the ground, the broken glass, and Trent Sloacum, who hadn’t moved from the floor.

Hiram held Kate’s arm and pushed her toward the door. She turned her head. Her eyes sought Kyle’s, begging him to forgive her.

Kyle moved to follow, too stunned to speak at what was happening.
Katelyn!
It wasn’t supposed to be this way. He was supposed to protect her. He promised her he’d keep her safe. Both his father and uncle moved in to stop him. “Now isn’t the time, Kyle. There’s a better way,” Samuel said solemnly.

“I’ll get you back, Kate. I swear, I’ll get you back,” he called after her, a sinking feeling in his gut. He couldn’t have failed her. She stumbled through the door, her eyes on him, until he could no longer see her. “Devereaux,” he yelled. “If you so much a touch a hair on her head, I’ll hunt you down and kill you.”  The door to the mercantile slammed shut, and the room turned silent.

*****

Kate stumbled through the door, and rushed to the window of the hotel suite. Hiram was right behind her. She whirled around to face him. For the first time in her life, Kate had done the right thing. She couldn’t sit by idly, and watch her husband destroy Kyle and his family. She’d done the only thing she could in order to protect them.

Sarah had begged her not to leave her room, that the men could take care of themselves. But Kate had also seen the apprehension in the older woman’s eyes. Hiram would have no trouble ruining the family, either financially, or with outright violence. The men who worked for him were ruthless, and well compensated. None of them would hesitate to commit murder for their boss.

“Kate Ellen!” Hiram boomed, his face red with anger. He’d shown remarkable restraint while in front of witnesses, and walking back to the hotel. Now that they were alone in the hotel room, he would unleash his wrath on her. Kate stood still, and faced him. She squared her shoulders and raised her chin. Her heart pounded violently in her chest, but she would not cower in front of him again.