Millie And The Fugitive

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Millie And The Fugitive
Liz Ireland


The long arm of the law couldn't stretch far enough to catch Sam Winter.But a pair of shapely legs attached to a Texas heiress had stopped him in his tracks. And the last thing he needed was sassy Millie Lively with outrageous notions about "helping" him escape! But the participants in this escapade soon realized they had been captured . LOVE ON THE RUN!







Praise (#u053f9a92-d242-57a3-9445-33bc84d3facb)You cant blame me, Millie argued. (#ue7095225-2be5-546e-a3d2-6ae8a8fd4f86)Letter to Reader (#ue1f73c0e-b76a-5456-a6b8-dbb0a2f457da)Title Page (#u25a8547f-6a8b-59ed-a6f2-d153cdff0d37)About the Author (#u6be6de20-6d54-595f-a630-320cf64def2c)Chapter One (#u4d236275-a2ce-5950-92a8-ae633a966bd7)Chapter Two (#u5cf88e36-210b-5235-8f9e-f9ea1646b59a)Chapter Three (#ue2e8d51a-a4d8-5875-b7a9-6c13f221af55)Chapter Four (#ua9711d93-bc13-52de-a6f9-cdefed39557d)Chapter Five (#litres_trial_promo)Chapter Six (#litres_trial_promo)Chapter Seven (#litres_trial_promo)Chapter Eight (#litres_trial_promo)Chapter Nine (#litres_trial_promo)Chapter Ten (#litres_trial_promo)Chapter Eleven (#litres_trial_promo)Chapter Twelve (#litres_trial_promo)Chapter Thirteen (#litres_trial_promo)Chapter Fourteen (#litres_trial_promo)Chapter Fifteen (#litres_trial_promo)Chapter Sixteen (#litres_trial_promo)Chapter Seventeen (#litres_trial_promo)Chapter Eighteen (#litres_trial_promo)Copyright (#litres_trial_promo)


Praise for

Liz Irelands first

historical romance

CECILIA AND

THE STRANGER

CECILIA AND THE

STRANGER, with its

small town hominess and

subtle humor, is a heart

warming, thoroughly

enjoyable read.

Romantic Times

Laughter abounds as Jake

and Cecilia butt heads at

every turn... A marvelous

tale from start to finish.

Rendezvous


You cant blame me, Millie argued.

No, he couldnt, Sam admitted to himself. This was all his fault. If he hadnt gotten the fool notion about Millies dress into his head, he could have gone on thinking about her as a...well, a troublesome hostage. But now he was going to be hard pressed to look at her again without thinking of her as she appeared at this moment, that camisole sticking to her collarbone and cleavage, her petticoats outlining her tiny waist, hips and shapely legs.

Damn. He trained his eyes away, toward the spot where theyd left the horses. All right. Its my fault. Now hurry up and get your clothes on.

She shot him an exasperated look. First you want them off, now you want them on! And all the while you keep pointing that gun at mehow do you expect me to act efficiently under these circumstances?

Patience! Sam told himself....


Dear Reader,

Liz Irelands first book, Man Trap, won her the RT Award for Best Silhouette Romance of the Year in 1993. Now this talented young author has turned her hand to historical novels and we are delighted to be able to bring you her newest title, Millie and the Fugitive. This wonderful story is about an innocent man running from the law who is forced to take along a spoiled rich girl, only to discover that she is the best thing thats ever happened to him. We hope youll enjoy it.

Pearl is part of Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award winner Ruth Langans new THE JEWELS OF TEXAS series featuring four sisters, brought together by the death of their father. Its the story of an Eastern-bred schoolteacher and the rough-and-tumble ranch foreman who wants her sent back home where she belongs. Dont miss any of this terrific series.

Badlands Bride, by Cheryl St.John, is about a newspaper reporter who goes west pretending to be a mail-order bride, only to find herself stranded in the Dakotas for a long cold winter. While Margaret Moores new Medieval novel, The Barons Quest, is the story of a rough-edged Saxon who falls in love with the refined gentlewoman whom he has inherited along with his new holdings.

We hope youll keep a lookout for all four titles wherever Harlequin Historicals are sold.

Sincerely,

Tracy Farrell

Senior Editor

Please address questions and book requests to:

Harlequin Reader Service

U.S.: 3010 Walden Ave., P.O. Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269

Canadian: P.O. Box 609, Fort Erie, Ont. L2A 5X3


Millie and the Fugitive

Liz Ireland






www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)


LIZ IRELAND

lives in her native state of Texas, a place she feels gives her a never-ending supply of colorful characters. Aside from writing romance novels and tending to two very demanding cats and a guard dachshund, she enjoys spending time reading history or cozying up with an old movie.


Chapter One

Texas, 1880

Itll be slow going to Huntsville, boys, with me trussed up like last years Christmas goose, Sam Houston Winter said, lifting his shackled wrists as evidence of his hindered movement.

Toby Jenkins and Ed Herman, the two deputies riding to his left and to his right respectively, exchanged quick glances and chuckles. The two had loosened their demeanor since theyd left Chariton and their boss, Sheriff Tom McMillan, behind a mile ago. Now Sam had to see whether he could convince the pair to loosen him.

You sure take it on the chin, Sam, Toby said, shaking his head. Two years in the state prison ahead of you, and you still got a sense of humor.

Ed laughed his wheezy laugh again in agreement with Toby. Cant say Id be the same, ifn I was in your boots.

No, sir, Toby said. Though I think I would have done the same as you, Sam, if my brother was about to be hanged as a murderer.

You dont have a brother, Toby, Ed argued. He had to lean forward a little to see his sparring partner across Sams chest.

No, but ifn I did, and if they was gonna hang him, then Id do just what Sam did, and try to hide him.

Sure you would. I would, too, Ed said. But what I was just sayin was that I wouldnt be laughin when the judge threw me in the clink for aidin a criminal.

I know that, Ed, Toby said with irritation. Wasnt you listening? I was only sayin Id do the same thing. Except for the sense-of-humor part, he clarified. Like you, I wouldnt have no sense of humor about it, neither, like Sam here has.

No? Ed asked, a wry smile on his tobacco stained lips. Maybe thats cause you never had one to begin with!

The two threw back their heads in riotous, whooping laughter.

It was going to be an even longer ride than hed imagined, Sam thought dismally. Yet the annoying duo steeled his determination to make a break for it.

Anyway, its a shame we have to poke along like turtles on account of me, Sam said, lifting his shoulders in a shrug after the two had tamped down their guffaws.

Eds face was sober for a blessed moment. Sorry it has to be this way, Sam.

Me, too, Toby said.

Stupid rules. Me and Toby both know you wouldnt swat a fly. You only did what you did which wasnt much, reallycause Jesse was your brother.

Same as we would have done.

Sam held his breath, dreading a repeat of their prior interchange, but the two seemed lost in thought. Serious thought, if the way Eds yellowed teeth sawed on his lower lip was any indication.

You know, Toby, Ed asked after a moment, how is it that Sams all trussed up like so? Its not like he was a murderer.

But hes a prisoner, just the same.

Ed nodded, as if he had forgotten this minor point. Thats right, Sam. You are a prisoner. Much as I hate to say it.

Me, too, Toby agreed.

You sure play a hell of a game of poker, though, Ed added as an afterthought.

Toby shook his head wistfully. During Sams weeks in Charitons tiny jail, the three of them had whiled away many a tedious hour over a worn deck.

Sometimes theyd even convinced Jesse to join in on a hand, but hed never taken any pleasure in the game. Jesse was in mourning for Salina, his wife, the woman hed been convicted of killing. For weeks, nothing had been able to keep him from brooding over his loss, not even his flight from the law, or his capture at Sams farm, or the hurried, hopeless trial that followed.

Sheriff McMillan, fueled by resentment toward Jesse after hed testified against the sheriffs son in a trial a year earlier, had seized on just enough evidence to convict Jesse. And he hadnt been interested in any information that might contradict his desire to get his revenge, either. As for the rest of the town, most folks considered the crime so heinous, so shocking, they were eager for especially swift justice.

Sam frowned. Now Jesse was all alone in that cell, with no one to even attempt to take his mind off his troubles. He was sure Jesse didnt even care that he faced the gallows in two weeks time. Jesse didnt think he had much to live for, now that Salina was gone. But Sam wasnt giving up so easily. In his pocket he had possible evidence of another mans guiltscant evidence that Tom McMillan, who only wanted a man to hang, wasnt interested in pursuing.

Meanwhile, he waited patiently for Ed and Tobys reasoning to progress to the next step.

Course, its not like Sams a violent criminal, Ed, Toby said. Hidin somebody isnt the same as killin somebody.

Ed shook his head. Nope. Fact, its practically the exact opposite.

Practically, Toby agreed. Sam here aint never even said a word against anybody. Not that Ive heard.

Me neither.

He just done what anybody would have done.

On this much, at least, the two seemed clear. Sam decided to give them a little mental shove. God knew, they needed it.

Well, I suppose thats just the way with the law, he said nonchalantly. If you start making exceptions...

Where would it end? Toby finished for him.

Why, sure. Sam was silent a moment, then mused absently, I wonder whether counterfeiters have to wear handcuffs

Toby and Ed suddenly looked at each other, their eyes wide and almost alarmed, as if the unexpected question had mentally flummoxed them.

I dont know, Toby said, his voice filled with wonder. Do you know, Ed?

No, I sure dont.

Counterfeiter. I aint never run across one of those. Toby bit his lip and squinted in thought as he stared across the horizon. It was morning still, and the sun was just now beginning to beat down upon them. I bet they do.

Bet so. Ed frowned. But then again, maybe they dont.

Funny thing is, Toby said, Sam here is even less dangerous than a counterfeiter, when you think about it.

Hes not even a thief or anything like that.

Hell no. Hes just a brother-hider.

I mean, whos he hurt?

Nobody I know of.

The two looked at each other again, communicating silently over Sams shoulders.

And if somebody like a counterfeiter doesnt have to be tied up, then why should Sam?

You got me stumped, Ed declared.

Whoa there, boys, Sam said graciously, hoping the triumphant surge he felt didnt show in his face. They werent even three miles out of town yet. This was too easy. I dont want to get you in trouble with your boss man.

With Sheriff Tom? Ed asked incredulously.

Why, Tom trusts us! Toby protested, as if the idea itself were plumb crazy.

Would he have let us take you all the way to Huntsville by our lonesome if he didnt trust us to use our, you know...

Discretion? Sam prompted.

Sure, thats it, Toby said. Wed just be using our discretion. Its not like you would try to escape.

You certain of that? Sam asked, darting his eyebrows up.

Ha! Thats a laugh! Ed said with another wheezing chuckle. Hold up there, Toby, lets let old poker face here out of these iron traps. Hes right, itll make for faster travelin.

Easy, it was too easy, Sam thought, proffering his wrists with an admirable show of reluctance.

Toby tossed a large ring of keys over Sams horse to Ed. Here, take care of it, will you? Ive got to water a bush.

Already? Hell, its gonna be slow goin anyway, even without Sam cuffed. Ed laughed heartily as Toby disappeared to the other side of a scrubby little elm.

After only minimal fumbling, the bonds fell away in a noisy clatter to Sams saddle. Far too easy. Providence couldnt have sent him two more gullible jailers.

Now we just have to wait for old leaky-drawers, Ed mused, shifting in his saddle and looking off in the direction where Toby had disappeared. I swear, the mans as bad as

The sound of the cuffs hitting the back of Eds head made a dull clump sound, and then the deputy slumped over and listed to the side, falling from his horse. Sam jumped down and eased the mans way to the ground. He wasnt a violent man, normally; ordinarily he would have felt a sting of guilt for taking advantage of the two mens kindness this way. But these werent ordinary circumstances he was in. He grabbed the rifle off Eds saddle and held it up toward the tree Toby just then appeared from behind.

Hey! Whats goin on here? Toby demanded.

Ed had a fainting spell, Sam said, keeping his voice raw and cool, his muscles tense. The time for friendly patter had passed. Drop your gun, Toby.

Sure thing, Sam, the second deputy said, scooting forward obligingly with one hand stiffly in the air while the other pulled a derringer from its holster and lowered the gun to the earth. Heck, you know I dont blame you none. Id do the same ifn I was you.

Maybe so, Sam said, picking up Tobys derringer and tucking it into his belt. I dont have time for making excuses. Now get over here and drag Ed back to that tree.

Whatever you say, Sam, Toby said, grabbing Ed by the armpits and dragging him backward. His frightened eyes never left the barrel of Sams rifle. Sam grabbed a coil of rope from Eds saddle and joined Toby by the tree. I hate to do this to you, friend....

You aint gonna? Toby winced and fell to his knees in supplication. Please, SamIve got a widowed mother.

Youll see your mother again, Sam assured the man, moments before his rifle butt came down on his head. Soon Mama Jenkins would be treating her boy for a nasty bump on the head.

Quickly Sam cuffed the two men together, then propped them up against the tree and bound them tightly to its trunk. He had enough rope for the job and then a good length left overyet another sign that the Fates were with him this day.

Feeling magnanimous, he trotted back to the horses and retrieved a canteen of water from one of the saddles. He returned to the two men and propped the water between them.

He didnt want them to die he just didnt want them to be found for at least a day or two. After a final whack on the head for each of them, he turned and drove two of the horses away, saving the gamest one for his own flight.

The black would have to ride hard in the days ahead. It was nearly four days to the south and west to Little Bend, the town where he had business. Dead-serious business. And Jesses date with the hangman in two weeks left him precious little time.

He mounted the black and kicked him into an easy lope, due west. In spite of the tension that ate at his insides, a wide smile broke out across his lips. At least he was off to a good start. Yes, sir. Things couldnt have gone much better if hed planned it step by step.

Then he heard a noise. A horses whinny, high and shrill.

He sawed the reins of the black and brought him to a stop, turning in his saddle. The other two horses had galloped off in the opposite direction from where the sound had come from. Tense, alert, he surveyed the landscape around him. There wasnt much to it. Just a sloping, grass-covered hill, dotted with elms and other unremarkable trees. Except one...

His eyes caught sight of what hed been looking for. On the other side of the tree stood a horse, a pretty little dappled gray mare. Raising his rifle with one arm, he rode slowly toward the tree where the horse was tethered. A pear tree. Its branches sagged with fruit.

Sam stopped. He didnt like this at all. A riderless horse practically within spitting distance of where hed clunked two deputies over the head... Maybe his luck wasnt so good today after all.

Whos there? he asked, his finger tense on the trigger. Having come this far, he was ready to shoot his way out of trouble if he had to.

But as his eyes scanned the area once again, he noted something interesting. The mare was outfitted with a sidesaddle, polished to a high gloss. Sam had seen few of those ridiculous-looking things in his twenty-eight years. Yet the sight of it made him relax a little. It was only a woman.

He hoped she was alone.

Where the hell could she be?

Just then, his gaze alit on precisely what hed been looking fora dainty tan boot peeking out from beneath a limb of the pear tree. The woman was treed...but shed also been in a perfect position to witness him clobbering two deputies.

All right, lady. Come on out.

A branch rustled nervously, sending a brown pear dropping to the hard ground below. But fruit was all that appeared.

I know you heard me, he said, riding forward a few more steps. He doubted the person who belonged to those kid-leather boots rode armed.

The closer he came, the more that tree shook, until, as Sam sat directly beneath a bright yellow dress covering a host of frilly starched white petticoats and a tantalizing peek of shapely, pantalet-clad legs, every branch on the tree was quivering. Looking up, he discovered a pair of the darkest, most frightened eyes hed ever seen staring down at him. Shed heard him, all right. She just wished she hadnt.

All, right, little lady, he said in the same gruff voice, come on down now.

In a split second, even though her gaze never left his face, the young womans entire demeanor changed. A bright, fetching smile broke out across her rosy-red lips, even if the fear remained in her eyes as she hugged even more tightly to the tree trunk.

Well, my goodness! she cried, in an overly friendly tone that was betrayed only by a slight anxious crack in her voice. I thought I heard someone!

Right, Sam said, lacking the leisure to be amused by her little show of innocence. You might also have thought you saw a man tying two deputies to a tree.

Deputies? she asked. What deputies?

Come on, lady, he said, raising the rifle another notch.

Her expression turned deadly earnest, and she shook her head fervently. Oh, no, I swear. I didnt see a thing. Mymy lips are forever sealed.

If you didnt see anything, what are they sealed against?

Thats just it, she insisted. They wont be able to get a single solitary word out of me, Mr. Im sorry, what is your name?

Not a chance, he told her.

Desperation crossed her face. Youve got to believe me, she pleaded. I wouldnt tell a soul I saw anything, even if I did. Which I didnt. Ask anyone. Im honest to a fault. I never break my word. Never, never, never, neverOoooh!

He grabbed her booted foot and tugged. Are you coming down, or am I going to have to drag you?

No! It took her a moment to regain her composure, not to mention her equilibrium, as her right foot struggled for balance on a narrow limb. I mean, of course Ill come down, she said, trying the pleasant tactic again. Im most eager to make your acquaintance.

Ill bet.

He leaned against the saddle horn for a moment as the young woman fussed and fidgeted, alternately shooting nervous glances at him and studying with some confusion her position in the tree. My goodness... she mumbled absently. I got up here so fast, I never considered how to get down....

Sam sighed. He didnt have time for this. Do you want some help?

No, noOooh!

Before she could waste any more precious moments, Sam reached up with both hands, grabbed her about the knees and pulled firmly. It didnt take much effort. In a cascade of starched cotton and pears, the young woman landed across the saddle in front of him, her keen dark eyes rounded in shock. Both Sam and the girl sucked in surprised gulps of air in reaction to his bold maneuver.

She had to be the lightest woman hed ever held in his armsnot that he made a habit of lifting females. As he looked into her pretty face close up for the first time, he felt a stab of disappointment. This was hardly time for a leisurely getting-acquainted chat with an attractive girl. Seeing the momentary curiosity in the young womans expression return quickly to fear as she stared back at him reminded him of his purpose.

Sorry, miss, Im in a hurry, Sam drawled.

His words, even spoken as casually as they were, sent the young lady over the edge. Tears spilled down her pale cheeks, and she recoiled from him, grabbing behind her at the black mane of his horse. Please dont kill me, she pleaded frantically as she attempted to squirm away.

I wont, Sam said.

Please! I wont say a wordon my honor!

I dont believe you, but Im not going to kill you.

She ran a hand through her tangled black hair, her gaze darting frantically across the horizon all the while, no doubt hoping for rescue. My daddy will pay you any amount of money for me, if youll only let me live.

Lady, havent you listened to a word Ive said? Sam asked. Im not going to kill you.

What? She stared at him dubiously.

Im not a murderer.

Yes, you are! she cried vehemently. I saw

You saw what?

Her voice was suddenly meek. Nothing. But she didnt have to say a word for him to imagine exactly what shed seen, or what she thought shed seen.

Sam couldnt help it. He laughed bitterly. Had he really thought the Fates were with him? No such luck! He had a witness who had been close enough to watch him tie up two deputies and club them on the head, but too far away to notice that he hadnt killed them. Now he had to figure out what to do with her.

Daddy can walk into the bank and take out thousands of dollars for you, just as soon as Im returned. Believe me, I wont fail to mention how you rescued me from that tree.

Moneys not what Im after, Sam replied.

Then how about dry goods? she asked hopefully. My father owns a store. Theres all sorts of things there you might want. Fabric, food, guns... Well, he naturally might not want to give you guns

Quiet! He couldnt think, with her frantic babbling in his ear.

What could he do with her? Hitting two men on the head was one thing, but a woman... He had never hit a woman before. Besides, a woman was more delicate. He couldnt risk causing her serious harm, or, worse, accidentally killing her. That would make him a murderer. He looked down at the rope in his hands. Same if he tied her up. He didnt know when someone would find the two deputies. Could be today, could be a few days.

This woman was just a skinny little thing. Wiry. Despite her dark hair and eyes, she had pale skin that looked soft and pampered. He doubted shed last two hours out here if he gagged her and tied her up.

What in the Sam Hill was he going to do?

Why are you looking at me like that? she blurted out fearfully. If you dont believe me about my father, just ask anyone. My names Millie

I dont want to know your name.

But if youd just listen

Shut up!

Tension caused beads of sweat to gather at the back of his neck, and as he reached back to wipe them off, the girl named Millie drew back anxiously. He had her good and scared, all right.

Maybe that fear could work to his advantage. If he could just get her far enough away, where nobody had ever heard of Jesse Winter, maybe find a safe place to dump her... He needed to get moving.

He glanced at the gray mare. She looked like a game little horse, but he wasnt so certain about the silly gear she was decked out in. Can you ride that thing? he asked, nodding toward the side saddle.

Mrs. Darwimple! she cried indignantly.

In his panic, Sam heard a womans name and feared the young woman had a companion. He pivoted anxiously in the saddle. Who?

Millie recoiled from the barrel of his gun as it swung around her way. Mrs. Darwimple is my horse, she clarified, boldly shooing the barrel away from her person. I dont like you calling her a thing.

Oh. The tension gushed out of him in one breath as he looked again at the little mare. Mrs. Darwimple? What kind of nut named a horse something like that? He glanced back at the black-haired young lady. She was staring back, a slightly indignant, prissy purse to her rosy lips. For a crazy moment, he wondered what would happen if he kissed the pout right off of those lips of hers.

Maybe taking her wasnt such a good idea. Maybe...

He shook his head. He just didnt have time for maybes. I dont care what her name is. Can you ride her?

Can I! Millie bridled proudly in front of him. Daddy says riding is the one thing I do exceptionally well, she boasted. Just as quickly, an idea apparently struck her. If you want, I could ride into town for you and get whatever you need for

Forget it, Sam said, cutting her off. I hope youre telling the truth, because

I told you, Im very honest, Millie said, annoyed.

Fine. Then get up on that horse. He grabbed her by the arm, eased her down, and followed right after her.

I can mount by myself.

Good for you, Sam said, watching as she swung up to her preposterous perch. As soon as shed crooked her leg into position, he took the leftover rope and reached beneath her knee.

What are you doing? she cried in shocked outrage.

Tying you to the saddle and the saddle to me, he answered, looping the rope around her knee and pulling it into a snug knot.

But thats dangerous! She shot him an angry glare. If my daddy hears about this

His eyebrows raised in disbelief. Listen, Princess. Two minutes ago you were telling me daddy was going to shower me in riches.

The reminder failed to calm her. My daddy will see to it that youre strung up from the highest gallows, you filthy murderer! And dont think he wont. My daddy has influence!

With a heavy sigh, Sam mounted his horse again, feeling less optimistic now that he was saddled with a mouthy woman. He would have to figure out a way to get rid of her, fast. There was so little time. Two weeks.

Kick that horse into a gallop and keep your lip buttoned, he instructed her.

In answer, she jutted out her chin belligerently.

Fine. Sam spurred his own horse and watched in solemn amusement as the little princess was yanked into movement. Her starchy white ruffled pinafore and yellow skirt flipped into her face momentarily, until she sputtered and waved them away, tucking both underneath her firmly. She threw him a last angry glance before setting her jaw and concentrating finally on the landscape ahead of them.

Sam was at least grateful to note that she hadnt been lying about her riding skill. Which meant that if he couldnt travel light, he could at least travel fleetly. But then, he had to.

His brothers life depended on it.

When my father hears about this, youll be done for.

And her father would hear about it, once someone found the bonnet Millie had dropped as she and the desperado galloped away. Naturally, the man hadnt noticed it was missingprobably hadnt even noticed its dangling chin ties looped around her saddle to begin with. It was her very best bonnet, too, festooned with grape clusters and even a little redbird. But men of this mans ilk probably didnt pay any attention to hats unless they were the type measured by how much fluid could fit inside them.

Once her jaunty bonnet was found so near the deputies, Sheriff Tom McMillan was bound to put two and two together. If her bonnet was found. She had to keep up hope. Youll never get away with this, she said menacingly.

The desperado rolled his eyes toward the star-drenched heavens. Shut up and eat.

Shut up? Never in her life had anyone ordered Millicent Lively around so brutishly! Just why did he feel it necessary to be so rude, anyway? She was apparently going to spend her night tied to a tree. Wasnt that punishment enough?

This had to be the worst day of her whole entire life, Millie thought, giving in to her sulky mood. First she had had a dreadful argument with her father, who had forbidden her to break off her engagement. He thought she was getting a reputation for being fickle, and needed to settle down. Millie would admit, eleven fiancs was quite a number to have gone throughbut that didnt mean she was wrong to not want to marry Lloyd Boyd, one of the clerks at her fathers bank. And not even a very good bank clerk, as shed reminded her father. Lloyd, daydreaming about more romantic jobs, was forever counting out the wrong change.

But he was also one of her oldest friends. The only reason shed agreed to be engaged to him was simply that the supply of men to affiance herself to was running very low. And it was terrible not to have a fianc at this time of year, with Christmas coming. And her birthday was in December, too. But a girl just didnt marry a friend. That would be too boring! For a husband, a girl wanted someone different, mysterious....

She looked over at that outlaw and shivered. Maybe not too mysterious!

But at any rate, she certainly wouldnt marry anyone against her will. So shed decided to run away. Well, naturally, she wasnt really going to run away. Shed simply intended to stay out long enough for her father to begin to worry, then to repent his outrageous ultimatum, and then to feel so terribly guilty that he would never cross her wishes again. Three hours would have done it. He knew she never missed the noon meal.

And she was certain this would have all worked according to planexcept that some ruffian would have to come along and kidnap her!

She couldnt be certain, but she was afraid this man was that wife-murderer whod just been sentenced to hang. There werent too many murderers in Chariton, after all. Just her luck that she would be out when one of the few managed to escape!

Despair threatened to overwhelm her, but she held her head high. She couldnt give in. Couldnt let this barbarian see her fear. She looked upon him imperiously, turning up her nose at the cold biscuit that he held. Eat? Id rather die! she said, never taking her eyes off him.

Not that she could forget what he looked like. Ever. His deeply tanned skin, dusty brown hair and gray eyes would haunt her forever now. As would the shock of landing in the desperados fearfully powerful embrace when she tumbled out of that pear tree. The odd thing was, she would have found the man handsome, if it werent for the fact that he was a murderer and a kidnapper and God only knew what else. He also had strong hands and an impressive buildthe better to maim and abduct with, she supposed.

It seems to me that after going to all the trouble of taking a hostage, she lectured primly, you could at least provide me with a hot meal.

Sure, the man drawled. I guess I should build up a big snuggly fire to warm your dainty feet by, too.

She tossed the black hair that she had braided after her captor finally stopped for the night. For a few hours rest, he said. As if she could get any rest roped to a tree trunk, out in the chilly night air! As a matter of fact, I would appreciate a fire very much. And if my daddy ever learned that you had extended that kindness, I am certain he would ask the authorities to be lenient.

Ill bet, he said flatly. The last thing I need is you sending smoke signals to daddy.

I wouldnt know the first thing about that, she assured him, in a voice that let him know precisely how preposterous that idea was. The only Indian blood in my family is a distant cousin on my great-great-grand-mothers

Forget it, he snapped, apparently not interested in her familys fascinating history. Fires attract attention.

She folded her arms crossly. You should have at least let me bring along some of the pears I had collected.

She thought she detected a hint of regret in those gray eyes of his over the crunchy pears theyd left behind. Maybe she was just imagining it. Stop thinking about the hunger, and it wont bother you so much, he said.

Well Ive got to eat something! she cried.

He laughed gently, his eyes glinting at her with wicked humor. As though he enjoyed her discomfort! But then, why wouldnt he? He was a vicious criminal.

I thought youd rather die than eat, he said.

Oh, give me a piece of that horrible stuff, she snapped, swiping a hunk from his hand. She took a bite of the dry, tasteless biscuit and winced as she chewed. And chewed. Finally, she gathered up the necessary resources to swallow. How terrible! Daddy probably ate better during the war!

Dont blame me, Princess. I got it off my law friends.

The men you killed, you mean.

Once and for all, I did not kill anybody.

Ha! I witnessed the crime with my own eyes, she said, not bothering to lie. I saw that man begging for his life before you pummeled him.

You saw wrong, he said. I didnt kill anybody. Think about it. If I were a murderer, why would I be wasting my time hauling you around?

For a moment, Millie was stumped. But a common criminal couldnt fool a mind like hers for long. Thats simple, she said proudly. You obviously know how valuable I am.

His mouth fell open. Valuable!

Of course. I told you right away that my daddy would pay a high price for my return.

And Im supposed to believe that fairy story?

Its the truth! she yelped in frustration.

Well, I dont believe it, any more than you believe Im not a murderer.

Millie frowned. But I can prove Daddys an important person.

The gray eyes glinted in challenge. How?

It was so obvious! Take me back to Chariton. If you ask anyone there, theyll tell you.

This suggestion was greeted with a full-throated cackle. Princess, youve got to think of something better than that.

Or any town in these parts. My daddys well-known. Havent you ever heard of Sam Houston?

That name finally got his attention. The man sat up a little straighter. Heard of him? Im named after him! He frowned. But hes dead. You cant be...

Her lips lifted in a smug smile. She couldnt help it. It was about time the man started taking her seriously. No, Im not. But my daddy used to work for Mr. Houston, before the war.

He tilted his head skeptically. I thought you said your father was a storekeeper.

He is. He owns a store, and a bank.

The man frowned thoughtfully. So...thats how he can get his hands on all those armloads of dollars you keep promising me.

Thats right. Daddy is quite wealthy. She smiled in relief. Now that the man knew she was rich, her situation would surely improve. So now that you believe me, wont you let me go? It would be better for you in the end. After all, theyre bound to catch up with you.

Dont be so sure, he said. She couldnt see his face too well in the darkness. Just enough to take note of the hard cast to his expression. Its intensity made her shiver. Dont think Im swallowing every word you feed me, either.

Why not?

Because I know youd say anything to free yourself.

Youre a fine one to call me a liar, you All at once, something about what hed said seemed odd to her. Hed said he was named after Sam Houston. But the man whod murdered his wife had been named Winter. Jesse Winter.

Youre not him, she said.

He looked up from the ground. Who?

The murderer, she said, adding quickly. At least, youre not the one I thought you were. His name was Jesse Winter.

Thats my brother. Im Sam Winter.

The knowledge didnt comfort her. There was obviously a strain of exceptionally bad blood running in the Winter family, if they could create two such vicious characters in one generation. Her father hadnt allowed her anywhere near the courtroom during the Winter trial, but she suddenly remembered. You hid your brother, didnt you?

Thats right.

They were sending you to jail for that? she asked.

He nodded curtly. For two years.

That seemed a bit severe to Millie, but the law was the law. If everyone aided criminals, she said, wed never be able to catch them.

What if some of these so-called criminals are actually innocent? he asked challengingly.

But your brother was guilty. A jury convicted him.

You think juries are always right, Miss...what did you say your name was?

Lively, she told him. Millicent Lively.

Dont you think people are capable of making mistakes, Miss Lively? After all His words were cut off, and for a moment, Millie wondered if perhaps he wasnt choking. He sat with his mouth open, the strangest expression on his face. Your name is Lively?

She nodded. Yes, thats what I said.

Your father... Sam swallowed. Hes not Horace Lively, by any chance, is he? Colonel Horace P. Lively?

Her face lit up. Thats Daddy!

Oh, God. The man swallowed slowly. This is fine. Just fine! he said, his voice rising petulantly.

I told you all along he was important.

The mans searing gray eyes glistened in the darkness, fastening on her with growing anger. Why didnt you just say it flat out? My father is Colonel Horace P. Lively. I thought maybe he just owned a big store. You didnt tell me he was a man with a statewide reputation. A war hero!

She smirked in satisfaction. Well, now you know.

He picked up a rock and tossed it into the darkness. The sound of it hitting a tree echoed back to them. Now is too late, Sam said. If Id known, I could have left you there. Even if you had a big mouth and would have blabbered lies all over the place and told the authorities where Id ridden off. At least I wouldnt be charged with kidnapping Old Lightfooted Livelys daughter!

She rolled her eyes. Thats just what Ive been telling you all along, she insisted. If you only would have listened!

He sighed in despair. Good, Millie thought. Let him worry for a while! This is a helluva fix Im in, he muttered.

Why dont you let me go now? she suggested. Youve seen me ride. You know I can get back to Chariton all right. And Ill tell Daddy that you were a perfect gentleman and released me as soon as you knew who I was.

Im in too deep now, he said. Ive got to think of a way to get rid of you.

You mean Instinctively, she touched her neck, as if the ominous words had choked the breath out of her.

Dont worry, he snapped. Believe it or not, Im more concerned about someone elses liberty than yours.

A murderers, you mean.

My brother is innocent, Sam said, his voice suddenly more menacing than shed ever heard it. I wont have you talk against him.

She was silent for a moment, watching him. She could just make out his intent expression in the darkness. Finally, she gathered the courage to ask, What are you going to do with me? Leave me here, tied up?

Ill have to think about it, Sam said. Ill have to decide in the morning.

Millie frowned. Morning. She couldnt believe it would ever come. It seemed a lifetime of darkness away.

Get some shut-eye, Sam instructed her. He sat back down where hed been, then stretched himself out to his full length across the ground. More than likely, tomorrow will be harder than today.

Harder? After a day with no food or rest? Millie had no idea how she was supposed to sleep propped up and bound to an oak tree, but that didnt appear to concern Mr. Sam Winter. This is no bed of roses, you know, she said tightly.

He looked over at her, frowning. He then stood, picked up one of the horse blankets and spread it across her feet and outstretched legs. Thatll have to do, Princess. Sorry I couldnt provide better accommodations.

Her lips turned down, and she watched with envy as he stretched out across the grass again. Oh, well. At least she was alive. For someone taken hostage by a cold-blooded killer, a man whod murdered two lawmen, that was quite a bit to be thankful for. But what would morning bring?

She sank against the rough bark and closed her eyes. She was tired. And sore! Good rider though she was, shed never ridden so vigorously for so long before. Shed never needed to until Sam Winter pointed a gun at her.

Odd, she thought, yawning sleepily. He must be an awfully insightful criminal. Sam?

There was a short pause before he answered her. Yeah?

It was a deep voice. Soft, husky. Again, she would have liked it, had it belonged to another man. A nice man. How did you know my nickname?

Huh?

The one my daddy calls me by, she clarified, her voice tired and heavy.

Whats that?

Princess.

His deep-throated chuckle was the only reply Millie received before she drifted off to sleep.


Chapter Two

Even before he opened his eyes, Sam could feel something beating down on him. Not the sun; he could tell by the cool, damp air against his skin that it wasnt yet light. But something equal to the suns intensity. He allowed himself to take a tentative peek and was immediately confronted by a pair of angry brown eyes peering at him through the waning darkness.

His hostages arms were crossed over her chest. I smell like a horse! she snapped in an imperious tone Sam wasnt as yet prepared to contend with. Not at this hour, at least.

He closed his eyes again. In his dreams, Salinas murder had never happened. Hed been back at his farm, confronting nothing more than another early fall day of harvesting the fruits of his labors. Honest work. Work that made a man feel satisfied with himself at the end of the day. Unlike kidnapping.

He forced himself to sit upright and face the day ahead of him. At least it was still well before dawn. They could cover a lot of miles today, which they needed to do now that he had decided where to deposit Miss Lively. Well after she dozed off, Sam had lain awake, considering his options. One thing he definitely didnt have time for was keeping a girl with dancing dark eyes and enticing lips with him. Hed spent too much time already remembering how slender her waist was, how delicate she felt on his lap. How pretty she was...

And what a rich, powerful daddy she had. An angry daddy, too, once he discovered what had happened to his little princess.

Finally, hed concluded that the best place for Millie would be with one of his fathers old friends, Gus Beaver. Gus and his wife, Louise, lived on a remote farm and would make certain Miss Lively stayed put, with her mouth shut, until Sam was able to free Jesse. Going to Guss wouldnt take him too much out of his way, but he had no time to waste.

Sam stood up, dusted himself off and prepared to untie Millie, who hadnt stopped glaring at him.

Im not budging an inch until Ive had a bath, she said to him before he could take so much as a step forward.

A bath! Sam exclaimed. Thats impossible.

Why? Theres a stream not far from here, you said yesterday. You cant possibly expect me to ride around the country dirty and smelling bad, can you?

Welcome to the unwashed masses, Miss Lively.

Her chin jutted out defiantly, in a manner he was beginning to know and dread. I am not the masses. Every day since I can remember, my maid, Alberta, has drawn me a warm bath. Its not as if Im asking for the moon. Just to wade in a cold stream. I wouldnt think that too much to ask.

Well, it is, he retorted.

Hmm. She tossed her mussed head of black hair behmd her to indicate her utter disdain. My daddy always says cleanliness is next to godliness. I suppose that just shows what class of person you are!

Sorry, Princess, I dont have time to be godly right at this moment.

Then you might as well shoot me now, she argued petulantly, kicking off the striped wool saddle blanket. Id rather be dead than so dirty Im attracting bugs!

Sam could deal with bugs. An uppity rich girl with a powerful daddy bothered him a whole lot more. Yesterday hed never have dreamed that taking the woman would make him feel as if he were traveling across Texas with a lit stick of dynamite, but thats how it seemed now.

Why hadnt he seen the signs? Her soft tan boots that looked like theyd barely ever touched dirt, her prissy sidesaddle, the fine yellow dress that even in its simplicity was better than any of the dresses the womenfolk of his acquaintance had ever worn those things all shouted mockingly at him now. Even in the darkness he could make out that damn yellow dress.

So, probably, could any person who saw them, even from a half mile away. Damn!

Sam bit back a ragged sigh. No use worrying about things he couldnt do anything about. Unless...

An idea occurred to him. A wicked idea, tailor-made to give the haughty little princess a cold douse of reality. Maybe next time she would think twice before she started making demands.

All right, he said, with a reluctance he now didnt feel, I suppose we could stop long enough for you to take a quick dip. He leaned down and untied her bonds, then reached quickly for his rifle, in case she had any sneaky ideas.

Apparently she didnt. Her smile of satisfaction showed through the darkness as she stood up and dusted herself off. Now thats more like it! she said, her voice a pleased chirp. I wont be but a minute.

Ill see to that. Im not letting you out of my sight.

Her eyes became round and alert. What? Surely you dont think...

Surely you dont think Im going to let you swim away from me, he told her. You just start walking to the creek.

She took one look at the barrel of his gun, turned, and began marching stiffly ahead of him. Funny, now that she knew she was going to have a witness to her morning bathsomeone besides her maid Albertathe woman seemed in less of a hurry to spiff herself up.

As the soft bubbling of the creek came into earshot, Millies steps slowed to a crawl. Finally she stopped, and turned, a genial smile on her face. Sam... Her voice was far too pleasant to be trustworthy, and her manner was all flounce and flutter, now that she knew he had her over a barrel. Thats such a nice name.

Thanks.

She nodded obligingly. Sam, now that Ive had time to give the matter further thought, I do believe I could wait another day, or perhaps even a week or so, before I take a bath.

He smiled back. Ive given it some thought, too, he told her. And Ive decided I wouldnt want to be responsible for depriving you of your daily dose of godliness.

Oh, but I dont mind, honestly.

He shot his eyebrows upward, feigning shock. What would your daddy say if he found out?

Her black eyes grew fiery as all pretense of friendliness was dropped. Hed rather that than that I stripped down in front of a criminal!

Dont worry, he said, smiling broadly. I wont look.

She clucked skeptically. As if I would trust your wordthe word of a murderer!

The tag stung. Would he ever be able to prove to the world that he and his brother werent criminals? Obviously not, if Miss Millicent Lively had her way. Just remember, Princess. This murderer will be nearby in case you decide to swim away. Now walk.

She tossed him a glare and marched forward again until they reached the edge of a stream. It wasnt very wide, but there was a spot where it formed a very small pondbig enough for Millie to splash around in. Sam nudged her toward it, then nodded.

Take off your dress and hop in, he instructed.

After sending him an annoyed glance, she squinted down at the water at her feet. This water is brown, she declared distastefully. And there are probably snakes in there!

Just jump in. Most likely, youll scare them all away, Sam said, growing impatient. Now take off that dress and get in.

Knowing she had no choicenot with a gun pointed at hershe untied and slipped off her pinafore, then began to hurriedly undo the multitude of tiny pearl buttons down her front. There were enough of those to make Sam worry that Ed and Toby would catch up with them before they could all be unbuttoned. Finally, however, Millie was able to step out of the yellow frock, and Sam prepared to turn away.

Only, to his surprise, he discovered there was no need. Stripped down to her underwear, Millie had on more clothes than most women wore to church.

Her face flushed under his prolonged stare. You said you wouldnt look!

Sam was still in shock. You put on all that gear just to pick a few pears?

Her jaw dropped in astonishment. Of course! She looked down her front. Over a corset she wore a thin short-sleeved cotton camisole that gathered at her narrow waist, and under the corset there appeared to be a sleeveless shift. And that wasnt even counting the petticoats, which had to number three, at least.

Sams expectations had by necessity been drawn from the women hed seen undress in the pastbut those women had been from a different class altogether from Millie Lively. Hed forgotten that the richer you were, the more uncomfortable you had a right to be.

Youd better set aside one of those petticoats to dry yourself off with.

She complied, grumbling all the while. All right. But Im not going to so much as wade in that filthy muck. You cant make me.

I dont care if you only wet your toes. You were the one who was all fired up to get clean.

He wasnt surprised to see that shedding a petticoat barely made a dent in her layers of skirts. He picked up her yellow dress and watched as she untied and stepped out of her boots, then reached out with one small, pale foot to test the water. It was still too dark for her to trust that there wasnt a snake nearby, so she took a tentative step forward and, with a loud splash, was suddenly swallowed up by the pond.

Millie! Sam hollered, running to the edge of the bank. With all those clothes on, the poor girl was apt to sink like a stone! He looked anxiously at the wildly rippling surface, preparing to strip down to his long underwear and rescue her.

But before he could so much as tug at a shirttail, Millie surfaced again, coughing and sputtering.

Are you all right? he asked, still ready to dive in and save her. Can you swim?

Her shoulders poked above the water, and through the darkness she sent him a withering look as she coughed up the last of the water shed swallowed. I dont have to swim, she said. I can stand.

Thank heavens, Sam said, relieved. Remembering the dress, and the work he had to do, he turned away.

Im so touched that you care, Millies voice said bitingly. And its such a relief that you didnt have to go to the trouble of getting wet just to fish me out.

Yes, isnt it? Sam agreed, smiling as he heard more splashing and sputtering behind him. He spread the yellow dress out across the bank and began to walk across it in a shambling shuffle.

The girl released a strangled cry. What are you doing!

Mussing your dress. Its too clean.

Too clean? she exclaimed. Its never been so filthy! He bent down and flipped the dress onto its other side, and Millie groaned in dismay as he repeated the process. Until now...

This way well be a better match, Sam told her.

Just what Ive always dreamed of, she said scathingly, to look like I belong to the criminal class.

Sam finished with a little jig before stepping off the dress. There, he said with satisfaction as he inspected the now dingier garment. You wont attract as much attention now. Its hard to tell whether this is yellow or beige, Ill wager.

When his commentary was met with silence, Sam turned quickly. But Millie hadnt disappearedshe was standing very still in the water, her expression pained. And angry. Very, very angry.

Whats the matter? he asked.

Her mouth clamped shut. Then she mumbled, Nothing.

You can come out now, he told her, holding out a hand. Here, Ill help you.

Dont you dare touch me! she cried ferociously. You, you dress-musser!

Sam smiled. You wound me. Kneeling at the very edge of the bank, he grabbed her by the arms and lifted her bodily out of the water and onto dry land. Millie managed to get him at least half as wet as she was in the process.

He handed her the dress, which did nothing to soothe her. She looked at the garment in seething silence. I loved this dress, she said at last.

Sam shrugged. Its just clothing.

Thats all you know! she retorted, her eyes flashing. That dress was my very favorite. I sewed it myself it took me months!

Months? Sam wasnt sure about these things, but he doubted it took most women months to finish a dress. Especially women like Millie Lively, who had all the leisure the world had to offer.

But maybe he just didnt know what he was talking about. Needle and thread were tedious tools hed always tried his damnedest to avoid using. I suppose being called a dress-musser is better than being called a murderer.

You are a murderer, she said, scrambling away from him up the bank as fast as she could. Dont think Ive forgotten those two deputies! She began drying herself with the petticoat shed put aside. Ill bet hundreds of people are going to be combing the area for you today.

Well be ahead of them.

Not for long. Word of my disappearance will get out, and then youll be in big trouble.

Sam found it difficult to concentrate on the prospect of being hunted at the moment. Instead, his eyes kept glancing in amazement at Millie, whose shape was silhouetted against the lightening sky. The girl might appear to be mere skin and bone while buried under her mounds of clothes, but when those same clothes were wet and clingy, the womanly curves they revealed were definitely...eye-catching.

He remembered, back at the pear tree, thinking the legs poking out from it were mighty appealing. But that had been before he was faced with the spoiled princess that went with them. Most of the time she seemed more girl than woman. It would be hard to think of her that way now....

He looked away, feeling his face redden. His throat was suddenly dry, and he cleared it uncomfortably.

Whats the matter? Millie asked. Are you sick?

Ironically, anger over her dress seemed to have knocked the bashfulness clear out of her head, so that she stomped around, heedless of his gaping, as she whacked her dress against the trunk of a tree, hoping to flog some of the dirt off. Sam wished shed go ahead and put the damn thing back on, already.

No, Im not sick, he answered, getting to his feet. We just need to push on.

Youre the one whos wasted our time this morning, Millie lectured him primly as her fists rested on her curvaceous hips. You cant blame me.

No, he couldnt. This was all his fault. If he hadnt gotten that fool notion about Millies dress into his head, he could have gone on thinking about her as a... well, a troublesome hostage. A burden to be shed. But now he was going to be hard-pressed to look at her again without thinking of her as she appeared now, that camisole sticking to her collarbone and cleavage, her petticoats outlining her tiny waist, her hips and her shapely legs.

Damn. He trained his eyes away, on the spot where theyd left the horses. All right. Its my fault. Now hurry up and get your clothes on.

She shot him an exasperated look. First you want them off, now you want them on! And all the while you keep pointing that gun at met How do you expect me to act efficiently under these circumstances?

Patience, Sam told himself, turning away as he listened to her fuss over the scads of little buttons she had to contend with. The rippling pond mocked him now. If only there were time, he could use a therapeutic dunk in that cold water himself.

Tom McMillan, Charitons sheriff for going on twenty years, was well-known for being a man of few words, so when the few he chose to tell his hastily gathered but handpicked posse were shoot to kill, Horace Lively was sure the sheriff meant them.

Poor Millicent, his little princess, all alone with that brutal outlaw. And her so unused to the rough conditions she was probably being exposed to! How would she survive?

He swallowed, fighting back a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach that had been there ever since the sheriff had come around with Millies bonnet, asking a lot of questions. But, of course, hed begun to anticipate the worst when Millie wasnt home for dinner that afternoon. Oh, he never should have quarreled with her! If only he could be sure she had survived thus far. He was an old man, had been through four years of battle during the War between the States, but hed never faced anything so frightening as the prospect of losing his dear daughter.

He just had to stay calm, keep himself together, as he had been doing. Now if only he could convince Lloyd Boyd to comport himself in the same dignified way. Millies fianc had completely fallen apart when he discovered she was missing. Even now he was fondling the little redbird on Millies bonnet, which he held in a white-knuckled grip.

Shoot to kill? Lloyd wailed, jumping up from where he was sitting on the wooden sidewalk in front of the sheriffs office. He looked beseechingly from Horace to the sheriff and then back again. With Millicent nearby?

The sheriff knows what hes doing, son, Horace tried to explain. If only he could be certain of his own words.

Sheriff Tom continued instructing his men. Now you all heard Ed and Tobys story. Sam Winter is a shifty, brutal character, just like that brother of his, and apparently hes a lot stronger than he looks. Any man who could overtake two lawmen on horseback while his hands are cuffed would have to be. He eyed his red-faced deputies sternly.

The sheriff thought the incident of the escaped convict made a laughingstock of him and his deputies in the eyes of the community. There was talk of incompetence going around, though not about Tom. That man had a will of iron, everyone knew, and tended to be overzealous in pursuit of justice. Especially when it involved somebody he didnt particularly like. And he very clearly disliked Sam Winter and his brother.

Tom, Horace said, stepping forward, dont forget Millicent is riding with the man. I dont want Millicent hurt.

Oh, right, Tom drawled for the benefit of the others. Try not to hit the girl. Now were going to branch out in two groups....

The perfunctory words failed to comfort Horace. As did the directions that followed. The trigger-happy sheriff was going to head the posse himself, and leave Ed and Toby in charge of Jesse Winter at the jail. Oh, Horace was glad that so many had turned out to join the search party, and he would be following the sheriff so that he could hear about events as they developed. Still, all the men in front of him seemed more interested in the prospect of catching the escaped criminal than ensuring the safety of his daughter.

All except Lloyd Boyd. And precious little good the hysterical young bank clerk was going to be in the search.

Poor, poor Millie! Lloyd wailed, combing his hands through his pale hair in a gesture of anguish. Will we ever see her again, see her lovely face, hear her bright, tripping laughter?

How a man could think so flowery in the midst of a crisis was beyond Horaces understanding. Well find her, Lloyd. Pull yourself together.

I know. I must be strong. For Millicent, Lloyd said in an earnest attempt to tamp down his emotions. But if there were only something more I could do!

Lloyds hysteria, signaling as it did a genuine concern for Millie, touched Horaces heart. He had been right to tell Millie that the young man would make a good match for her. Millie got engaged and disengaged with dizzying regularityand Lloyd was an upstanding, sober young man. Or had been. Now he seemed to crumble before Horaces eyes.

Youre doing all you can by riding with McMillans posse, son, Horace assured him. Then, looking at the young mans red, anxious face, he added, Just remember to stay out of the way.

Unoffended, Lloyd nodded. Ill stay right with you, sir.

Horace took a deep breath. Though it grated on his nerves, the boys hysteria was easier to stomach than the bloodthirstiness of the other men gathered.

More than his own deputies embarrassing loss of their prisoner, Sheriff Tom had used Millicents apparent kidnapping as a call to arms. But now that they were all assembled, no one seemed especially concerned about whether she was dead or alive. Except Lloyd.

And one other man. But Horace didnt notice him, and neither had anyone else. He had disguised himself so that he could blend into the crowd as just another citizen, and was hanging back but not too far backlistening and watching, examining the gray-haired, droopy-eyed colonels wary reaction to the sheriffs directives.

Horace P. Lively was worried sick about his daughter. Anybody could see thateven a man who could barely see at all. The old gentleman was as despairing in his silence as the younger man next to him was in all his breast-beating grief. Lively didnt think the sheriff was going to find his daughter.

Maybe he would, maybe he wouldnt, the man thought. But the old codger was right about one thing. The sheriff didnt give a flip about Millicent Lively. Just about Sam Winter.

The stranger saw things differently. Whether Sam Winter lived or died was of no importance to him. But Millicent Livelynow she was another matter entirely....

Im certain Ill catch cold now after being wet the entire day, Millie said crossly. She knew she was whining, but she couldnt help it. She was bound to a tree trunk, and uncomfortable, and hungry again.

Wasnt Sam Winter human? Didnt he get hungry, or tired, or cold?

How would she know? she wondered in frustration. They had been riding side by side for two days now, and she knew as little about him tonight as when theyd left Chariton. His continued silence alarmed her. It wasnt just that she couldnt understand a person who didnt talkalthough that was puzzlingbut, even stranger, that he seemed genuinely to want to say things to her. Otherwise, why would she have caught him watching her in that odd, almost pained way so often today?

Unless she looked funny. That was always a possibility, given that shed dressed this morning so hurriedly, without a mirror, in a mud-caked frock. Even her normally perky, fashionably curled bangs drooped down to her eyebrows. But whose fault was that?

Sam...

He was leaned up against another tree, his long, lanky legs stretched out in front of him. What? he said, his voice annoyed and completely devoid of curiosity.

Well, if youre going to be that way about it, never mind, she answered peevishly.

She heard a long sigh, then noticed that he sat up straighter. What is it? he asked, his tone only slightly more patient.

She sniffed proudly. I only wanted to ask you if you thought I looked all right, but you dont have to tell me.

Why? Are you sick?

No, I was just concerned with my appearance. When he failed to say anything, she added, You know...my physical appearance.

You look fine.

How would you know? You didnt even glance at me!

Reluctantly, he turned his head. She could see his gray eyes watching her across the darkness, with that same strange look in them that she had noticed so many times that day as they rode.

He really wasnt unattractive, even though he was badly in need of a shave and generally scruffier than when shed first seen him. His face was almost handsome, in a common sort of way. It had taken her a while to get used to his rough, sun-darkened skin. He was almost bronze, which provided a stark contrast to his other features, gray eyes and light brown hair.

The odd look in his eye she chalked up to the same discomfort she felt. You know what your problem is? she asked.

The question brought a sharp laugh. I know what several of them are, Princess. Theres the fact that the law is after me, that my brother might hang. Oh, and theres you to deal with

It annoyed her when he called her Princess now, especially when he said the word with such a sneer of derision. Youre hungry, she said, interrupting him. What you need is some real food.

Too bad. We dont have any, and we dont have time to forage, either.

Youll never make it far on an empty stomach, Millie told him. We need to stop in a town.

No, he said flatly.

As far as Millie could tell, getting Sam to take her into a town was her only chance of escape. Why not? I wouldnt do anything stupid, she promised, lying baldly. Shed pictured it so many times during their long ride getting away from him, running like a crazed woman down a sparsely populated, dusty street of a strange town, flapping her arms and yelling about the madman who had abducted her. Her daydream always ended with Sam being caught by a mob of angry townspeople, which made her feel a little sad, but relieved. Sam had kidnapped her, after all.

Daddy was probably worried out of his mind. It nearly made her cry to think about it. Yet she couldnt help wondering what was going on in CharitonSams escape must have created quite a stir. Just her luck. Something exciting finally happens in that dull little town, and she gets abducted!

Oh, well. She was sure her father was doing something on her behalf, which did make her the center of attention, even if she wasnt there to enjoy it. Her best friend, Sally Hall, was probably going crazy with wanting to know what had happened to her. Alberta would be fretting, too. Oh, and Lloyd Boyd. Her situation would suit the misfit bank clerks love of drama.

And with good reason! She had never been so dramatically worn out and hungry. Shed spent many leisurely days riding her gray mare, but never on punishing rides like these. Poor Mrs. Darwimple! Millie felt almost as sorry for her horse as she did for herself. She simply had to convince Sam to head back to civilization.

It would be stupid trying to get away from me, Sam told her. And dont tell me thats not what youre planning, because I can see it in your sneaky eyes.

The accusation fascinated her. You think my eyes are sneaky? No one had ever called her that before. Imagine, being branded sneaky by a desperado! You know, I do believe thats the first thing youve noticed about me.

Hardly. He laughed bitterly. Besides, I didnt mean it as a compliment.

Oh, thats all right. A girl does like to be noticed, though.

He tossed his hands in the air. You are the most confounded woman Ive ever run into. Dont you know youre in danger? You should be angry!

I was.

Then you should have stayed that way.

She made a tsking noise. Stay angry for two whole days? That wouldnt be very pleasant for either of us. She had never had any call to endure that much emotional turmoil. Until now, of course. Though I am mad about your decision not to go into town. I wouldnt do anything to get away, Sam. On my honor.

I know, I know, he muttered. Youre renowned for your trustworthiness.

Thats right.

And your riding expertise.

Well, of course, I dont like to brag

Forget it.

She couldnt let him see her frustrationwhich was escalating rapidly. Shed never yet met a man she couldnt wheedle into doing what she wanted. Sam might prove the first. Usually all it took was a little pleading, but he wasnt softening a bit. Perhaps it was time to take more dire measures like showing him exactly what kind of woman she was.

Sam...

After rolling his eyes, he looked over at her in irritation until he saw that with what little mobility she had she was lifting her skirt up past her knee. Irritation turned to slack-jawed curiosity.

I bet I can change your mind about going into town, she said sweetly, flexing her small foot enticingly. I have something for you....

His eyes bugged at the glimpse of leg, but he shook his head vehemently. S-see here now, he stuttered in dismay. Put your skirt back down!

Its just my legs, Millie said. Same ones I had this morning. You didnt seem to mind them then.

His mouth clamped shut. Never mind. Cover up.

But I wanted to show you something, she argued, untying the small satchel at the waistband of her petticoats. She removed it, straightened her skirts and held out her offering primly.

Oh... he said, looking sheepishly at the velvet bag.

Its money. Count it, she told him, and youll see that you can trust me.

Tentatively he reached out and took the bag from her, weighing it for a moment in his hand before loosening the drawstring. He upended the little purse and listened appreciatively as the heavy coins fell into his large hand.

Theres twelve dollars here, he said.

Millie smiled. There! You see? Ive shown you how much money I have. You can borrow however much you want. And the next time we see a town, we can just detour a little and buy ourselves some supplies. Maybe even stop over at a hotel...

But even as she spoke, she got the oddest feeling that Sam really wasnt giving much credence to her words. He calmly put the coins back in her purse, folded it over and placed it in the pocket of the deputys saddlebags he kept by his side.

Arent you going to give me my money back? she asked.

He looked at her as if shed just sprouted two heads. Hell, no!

But thats stealing!

Sam laughed at her. Millie, didnt that daddy youre always going on about teach you to have a lick of sense? For two days youve been calling me a murderer, a criminal, a desperado. What did you think was going to happen to your money when you handed it over?

I showed you that money as an act of faith, she argued. So that you could trust me if we passed a town. I only wanted something decent to eat.

He shook his head. Good Lord, listening to you, a person would think youd never been hungry before.

For a moment, Millie racked her brains. I havent, she told him, a little surprised by the discovery herself. But why would a store owners daughter have to go without? Until yesterday. And I must admit, I was rather excitable thena little nervous about being kidnapped, naturally so I didnt notice so much. But today is entirely different.

Are you saying youre not nervous anymore?

Well...maybe a little. But Im just so hungry I dont care, she added with a moan. And sore, and tired.

Then go to sleep.

I will when Ive gotten my money back, she insisted.

The petulant refusal brought her captor to his feet. He stomped over, fists balled at his sides, and towered over her. Lets get this straight. Youre not going to see that money again, unless I do think its safe to go into a town. But thats for me to decide, you understand?

His harsh tone irritated her and scared her a little, frankly. Shed never seen such a hard look in his eye, or noticed him so on edge. She had half a mind to answer that she was a little on edge herself, thanks to him, but that she had the good manners to mask her foul humor. At the same time, something told her he wouldnt appreciate a lecture on his bad breeding at this precise moment.

She tilted her chin up and contented herself with a curt fine. What more could she do? She was tied to a tree.

But, apparently, he wasnt through with her. You seem to forget sometimes who I am, and what youre doing here.

As if I could!

He paced restlessly in front of her. Dont you understand? You should hate me. You should be trying to escape, not giving me money.

I didnt mean to give you the money, she said.

You shouldnt have shown it to me, then, he said sternly. Im a criminal, remember? A murderer.

You say the word as if you really werent one, she said.

What would you think if that was the truth, Millie? What would you say if I told you both my brother and I were innocent, and that I was on my way to bring a real murderer back to Chariton?

Id say that was a likely story!

I didnt kill those deputies, he told her.

She scoffed. Next youll be asking me to believe that I came along by my own free will.

No, Im afraid that was entirely my fault, he said. But just consider this. Why do you think I brought you along, instead of doing to you what I did to the deputies?

Obviously, she said, because Im such a valuable hostage.

So were back to that again. He emitted a ragged sigh, then returned to his spot on the ground across from her. She could see him shaking his head as he lay back down. Go to sleep, Miss Lively.

He had dismissed her rationale as if it were absurdas if she werent valuable to him at all. Despite the night chill, her cheeks grew warm at his lack of appreciation. It was almost as if he wished she didnt have a wealthy fathera man most kidnappers would be proud to have their hostage related to! Instead, he was treating her as though she were a millstone around his neck. What an odd criminal.

What an odd man. She couldnt forget the look on his face as shed pulled up her skirtas if looking at her leg were somehow painful to him. In a fit of self-doubt, Millie glanced over to Sam to make sure he wasnt looking, then lifted her skirt again to check her legs for herself. They appeared fine to her. Better than fine. Irving Draper, her intended two fiancs back, had even had the audacity to remark on her shapely legs once, moments before she slapped him silly. It amazed her to think that a boring, conventional sap like Irving could appreciate her, while virile, dangerous Sam looked at her as if he wished she would cover herself with a potato sack. She could only guess that she didnt compare well to other women of his acquaintance, who, given his character, probably consisted of floozies in fleshpots.

Now if that wasnt insulting, what was?

A long, slim leg, pale and shapely in the moonlight. Sam didnt think hed forget that sight as long as he lived. Sweat popped out across his brow just from thinking about it. Millie was completely oblivious, of course. How could a woman be so prim, so haughty, and yet at times so completely heedless of propriety?

Because she was a pampered rich girl, he told himself. A young lady who considered herself so far above him that she didnt find anything at all wrong about prancing around in wet, clingy clothes, or hiking her skirt up to her thigh. He was so far out of her circle of consideration that he might as well have been another species entirely, as far as she was concerned. Frogs and toads didnt mix; escaped convicts didnt mix with rich mens daughters.

He would do well to put stock in that way of thinking himself. He had problems aplenty aside from Miss Lively. He had a murderer to catch.

He reached down and felt the small lump in his pocket and was reassured that the ring was still there. His evidence. In his minds eye, he could see the inscription on the inside. T to D, it read in bold script. He had a good idea that D stood for Jesses old partner, Darnell Weems. But he couldnt be certain. And who was T?

Finding Darnell Weems was only half the battle assuming he could even make it out to Little Bend, Darnells home, without being caught by the law. Most likely, Darnell wasnt going to confess to killing his friends wife. Why should he, when Jesse was about to hang for the crime?

Jesse hadnt been able to understand why his friend would have traveled halfway across a state to murder a woman hed never met. He and Salina had married after he and Darnell parted ways. Yet he swore hed seen Darnell riding away from the house while he was out hunting the night of the murder. Then, when he returned home, hed found Salina, and the nightmare had begun. The law had arrived, and when it became clear that the sheriff meant to have his revenge on Jesse by painting him as a wife killer, Jesse, still half out of his mind with grief, had run. The ring had been discovered later by a kind old neighbor lady who was by Jesses to clean up the place. Shed promptly brought the engraved band to the jail, but the mysterious clue had interested Sam more than it had Jesse, who by the time it was found was beyond caring about his own life.

Jesse always wanted to think the best of people. But Sam had no illusions. After their parents died, Sam had tried to bring his little brother up to be practical. Jesse had the dreamer in him, though, and had gone his own way. Hed met up with Darnell in Colorado, and for two years the two of them had tried several schemes together from cattle driving to gold mining. Finally theyd won two plots of land in a poker game. To decide who got which, they had flipped for them. That was the last theyd seen of each other, except for Jesses last brief glimpse of Darnell in the night. Maybe Darnell harbored some resentment for getting the lesser plot of land out west.

Even so, Jesse didnt want to think the worst of his old friend. All along, hed sworn that Darnell wasnt a bad character. But Sam didnt believe it for a moment.

He was going to find Darnell Weems and, come hell or high water, he would squeeze a confession out of him. There had to be a reason behind Salinas murder. And whether Jesse liked it or not, Sam intended to prove it was his friends doing. Or else die trying.


Chapter Three

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors wife. Bob Jitter remembered those words from when he was a kid. Back then he hadnt known what coveting was all about, but he did now. Yes, sir, he sure did.

Jitter hung back in the cabins small kitchen and watched the newlyweds fight. Watching and coveting was about all there was to do around the place these days. Darnells cattle had up and died, the little garden theyd cultivated in the spring had dried up by July. If it werent for Darnells wife, Tess, Jitter was sure he would have left. Though he considered Darnell a friend, as well as his employer, that didnt change the fact that there was little around the place for him to do. But ever since Darnell had brought his bride home at the beginning of summer, Jitter had found himself stuck on the old place as surely as if he were knee-deep in mud.

Cmon, Jitter, back me up here, Darnell said, turning away from his wife to plead with his friend in the corner.

I aint sayin nothin, Jitter replied. A person would have to be a fool to go up against Tess. Maybe an even bigger fool to marry her. But she had the looks and a figure men were apt to make fools of themselves over himself included, he feared.

Many was the night he lay dreaming about her, dreaming about what if she werent another mans wife. Probably she wouldnt spare him a second glance. But at least then hed have a right to his dreams, to conjuring up the image of himself winding that long, silky blond hair through his fingers, and staring into those icy blue eyes. She was only a few inches shorter than his own six feet, and every inch of her soft, womanly curves. He doubted he had ever come so close to a woman so beautiful, yet she was completely out of his reach.

Once, she had been in his reach. Jitter and Tess had checked into a Buffalo Gap hotel together as man and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Darnell Weems, while Darnell went to take care of his old partner. Of course, his being in the hotel with Tess had been pretense, an alibi, but as he sat up all night in a chair, watching Tess as she lay across the big double bed, her blond hair flowing on the pillow, the temptation had been achingly real.

What kind of man are you? Tess shouted across the room at her husband, startling Jitter out of his guilty thoughts. Her blue eyes flashed with contempt at the slightly hunch-shouldered man standing across from her.

I done what you wanted, Tess, Darnell argued.

Dont try clearing your conscience by heaping your sins on my head, Darnell Weems.

But you was the one who said that if wed have got Jesses land in Chariton instead of this patch of dust in Little Bend, wed be a lot better off.

Im sure you would have figured that out sooner or later, Tess replied snidely.

But Jitter wasnt so sure. It was Tess who, as a disgruntled new bride, had made the discovery that the deed to their land was actually in both Darnells and Jesse Winters names. At first she had only wanted to ensure that Jesse didnt come snatch the land out from under her in the event of Darnells untimely demise. But after hearing the story of how Darnell and Jesse had won two parcels of land on either side of the state from a man who signed over the deeds in their names, and then flipped a coin to see who would get which, Tess had hatched an even better plan. Because if the deed to Jesse Winters land still bore two names, then Darnell and she, too would have a legitimate claim to it in the event of Jesse Winters untimely demise. Which she had soon convinced Darnell to arrange.

You said you would be happy ifn I did what you wanted, Darnell said, hurt. But you aint happy. Im beginning to think you aint never been happy.

Not since I laid eyes on you, I havent! she replied in a fury. You bungle everything you put your hand to. You couldnt even kill the right person.

Darnells shoulders tensed. But I told you, I just saw a body in bed and assumed... His voice trailed off helplessly as something inside him seemed to deflate. And then... then it was too late.

You should have waited until Jesse got back.

But I couldnt. Id just done murder, Tess. You know what that means?

She crossed her arms and sent him a withering stare. In for a penny, in for a pound, I always say.

But she was just laying there, bleeding. His wife. I just sat there thinkin, what if it had been different. What if that had been you, hon?

Then I hope whoever had gone to the trouble of snuffing me out would have the sense to wait around for the right victim to come along.

Darnell, his rusty-haired good looks marred by his hangdog expression, ceded the point. Well, I didnt.

And now you wont even listen to reason. We can go get that land, Darnell. Good land. You said yourself he aint got no relatives, cept his brother, whos going to jail, too. Youre his partner, and you won that land together. You got as much right to the place as anybody. More. Your names on the deed. Just because you flipped some fool coin, that doesnt mean anything.

But I murdered his wife, Tess.

Stop saying that! Tess paced back and forth, her long legs crossing the room with few steps, and looked back up at her husband periodically in annoyance. Worrying about that is making you sick, weak. Jitter and I spent the night in that hotel, so there couldnt be any problems. Buck up!

It aint so easy, he snapped back.

She stopped her pacing and turned on him, her fists planted firmly on her hips. Well, it aint so easy for me, either, sitting here and watching a golden opportunity pass us by. I didnt marry you sos I could be poorer than I ever was, you know. I thought you were somebody that was going places.

Its just been a bad year, thats all, he said, his tone full of resentment.

Well, its not gonna get any better with you sittin around on your duff all day, too afraid to go and get what should have been yours in the first place.

You cant expect me to just waltz into Chariton to see my old friend hang, Tess.

You were happy enough to waltz in when you were aimin on murdering him. The truth finally shut Darnell up, and Tess took advantage of the moment to ram her argument home. She walked over to him, sidling up real close, and meekly took his hands. Oh, Darnell, she said, her voice pleasingly appeasing, I just want whats best for both of us. You know how I want a family.

Darnell scuffed one foot against Tesss immaculate kitchen floor. Aw, I know.

But I cant see us having a family out here, she said, staring at him with those blue eyes of hers. She could make them go all gooey when she wanted to.

Times like these, Jitter could understand clearly how Darnell could have been hoodwinked into marrying a woman who had nothing but contempt for him. He had to give Tess credit for being the slyest thing hed come across this side of a sidewinder. And she was a hell of a lot prettier.

If we wait to make our claim, the land will be sold, she insisted gently.

Theres other land.

Not land that should have been yours to begin with.

Its a bad idea, goin back there.

The two of them stood toe-to-toe, almost nose-to-nose. Darnell had the advantage in height. But when Tesss eyes started misting up, that slight edge was overshadowed.

She took a step back and wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. I guess you just dont want me to be happy, she said in a wounded tone.

Darnell released a raw sigh. Aw, hon. Of course I do. Didnt I marry you? Didnt I add on this nice kitchen for you? Nothins more important in the world to me than you.

That was months ago, she said, squeezing another teardrop out. This one she allowed to fall dramatically down her pale cheek. Jitter could almost feel its warm progress down her soft skin. You sure dont act like you love me anymore, Darnell.

That little tear was Darnells undoing. He stepped forward and gathered his wife into his arms and kissed the blond hair at the crown of her head. As the two embraced, Jitter felt his breath hitch in his throat, and his gut wrenched so uncomfortably that he had to look away. But not for long.

I do, you know I do, Darnell said soothingly. I just dont want to risk too much at once.

She sniffed, all the while running a long-nailed hand up and down Darnells back. Jitter shivered.

But we gotta take risks sometime, she said, if were gonna get ahead. Dont you think so, Darnell?

He hesitatedor maybe he was just a little bit distracted by that hand skimming his spine. Finally, he caved in. I guess youre right.

She hugged him more tightly. Oh, Im not even sure I want to go, anyway, she said. I dont have a nice thing to wear well never fit into polite society with me lookin like an old shoe.

Now that Darnell was licked, he was all smiles. Sweetheart, Im gonna sell everything left here that could raise money, and before we go back east, well stop in Little Bend and buy you the nicest dress there.

She beamed up at him. Oh, Darnell, youre so good to me!

Darnell bent down and kissed her on the lips, long and hard. The two remained in an embrace until Tess pulled back, flashing her husband a delectable smile.

Finally, Darnell glanced around, remembering that someone else was in the room. You okay, Jitter? You look all pale and clammy.

Jitter shook his head. He didnt care how mean she was. He would have done anything to trade places with Darnell at that moment. Good thing he could still call to mind scraps of his Bible learning. Thou shalt not... shalt not...

From the top of a long grassy hill, Sam looked down at a rough log building. A sign out front, above the door, announced it to be a store but it couldnt be much of one, given its size and its location. Yet the place was bound to have something that would make the next few days a little more bearable. He was beginning to feel as worn out and empty as his hostage looked. And with any luck, he could be in and out before the proprietor even took notice of him.

With any luck... That was a good one! When was the last time hed felt lucky? Moments before making the acquaintance of Millicent Lively, that was when.

He sneaked a glance at her now, trying to detect whether her expression was at all smug. She was getting what she wanted, after all. But no, her face was perfectly serene, devoid of any outward show of triumph. She stood, her thin shoulders straight, her head erect, looking directly down at the little building. Her yellow dress was dust-covered and raggedy, yet he hadnt been completely successful in disguising it; bright patches still showed through.

I guess Ill tie you up back here, he said.

She turned on him, her eyes round. Tie me up? Why?

So you wont gallop away when Im gone.

But I want to go with you!

He rolled his eyes. He should have expected her to be difficult on this point. You know I cant let you do that.

Why not?

Lookits just a little trading post. You wont be missing out on much. He shot her a keen glance. Unless you were planning on trying to escape.

I told you I wouldnt! she cried. I gave you my word. You cant just leave me out here, tied up to some tree.

Sam leaned forward on his saddle. Why not?

Well... Id scream.

Not if I muffled you.

You would do that! she said in disgust. But just the same, its a bad idea. What if someone saw me out here? Theres no place around where you could hide me and Mrs. Darwimple.

She had a point there. And she knew it.

If someone should happen upon me, once I was free youd be caught for sure, she continued. A second later, she added smartly, And then you would have lost your very valuable hostage.

Millie apparently wasnt going to let go of that pet theory, no matter how many problems she caused him.

If you go down there with me, Ill be watching you every minute.

I know.

Dont think you can escape.

I dont, she answered, tossing her head testily. Im no fool. Besides, didnt I tell you that you could trust me? I have a repu

I know, I know, Sam interrupted. Youre as honest as a looking glass.

She shrugged immodestly. Im only repeating what people tell me.

He smirked. Guess what? Im honest, too.

Millies eyebrows raised dubiously. I didnt say I was gullible!

You see, Millicent, I have a theory that most people are honest... until chance forces them to be otherwise. Good people lie when theyre in trouble and cant see any other way out. Some people, the lucky ones who never have to face serious troubles, never are really tried.

As he spoke, Millies jaw went slack. Are you insinuating that I have never had real troubles? she asked in astonishment. The very thought made her laugh incredulously. Believe me, Mr. Winter, if anyones life was ever a strain, its mine! You had no way of knowing this, of course, but my mother died right after I was born, and since I was a little girl, Ive borne the responsibility of running my fathers household, and being his hostess.

Sam waited for further tales of woe, but apparently planning her fathers dinner parties was the extent of the strain in Millicent Livelys sheltered life. Thats it? he asked.

No... She sighed. This might come as a shock to you, but my life is hardly as exciting as it might seem to an outsider.

Youre telling me that on top of having responsibilities, youre bored, he guessed.

Boredom is a strain! she said.

Listen, Princess, Sam replied, anxious to get moving. There are a lot of people in the world who would pay to have your troubles.

Well, of course! I know that. Thats the whole point of being rich. But you cant say my life is carefree.

Maybe not now, at any rate, Sam allowed, swinging down from the black. He took Millies arm. Get down.

Why? Her face showed alarm. I thought you were going to take me.

I am. But youll have to go bareback. That saddle sticks out too much.

She let herself down and watched as he ungirthed the saddle and slid it off the grays back. Ive never ridden Mrs. Darwimple without a saddle, she said.

Somehow, it didnt surprise him. Millicent Lively probably had a groom to saddle and unsaddle her horse at her every whim. Chalk this up as part of that troubled life you were whining about.

Millie crossed her arms petulantly. Just because youve gotten yourself into a mess, thats no reason to be sarcastic.

Without a word, he turned and walked toward her, his arms outstretched.

What are you doing? she asked, stepping backward as if she suddenly expected to be mauled out here in an open field.

Im going to put you on top of that horse, he said, hoisting her light frame onto his shoulders and heaving her onto the dappled mare. We dont have time for you to try to fuss about how youre going to get up there on your own.

She pounded a fist against his back until, with a final shove, she found herself seated on the horse. Sideways.

You could have given me some warning before you started throwing me around like a sack of flour! she protested, her face flaming as she awkwardly straddled the horse. Her skirts hiked up her legs, and she struggled to cover herself.

Sam looked away. Not that it did any good. He wouldnt forget what those legs looked like anytime soon. Just remember, he said, nudging the black into a walk. He held up Tobys derringer for her benefit. Once we get near the store, my finger wont be far from the trigger, so stay close and keep your mouth shut.

She shot him a wry glance. Since you put it so sweetly, how could I do otherwise?

Murderers arent supposed to be sweet, he reminded her, hiding his amusement as he urged their horses into a trot and watched Millie bounce and slip all over Mrs. Darwimples back.

Millie fumed all the way down the hill. Not just because Sam refused to slow to a pace that would allow her to keep her seat without having to hug Mrs. Darwimples neck for dear life, either. Worse. She couldnt shake the feeling that Sam had been trying to insinuate that she was spoiled.

Her!

Millie had known coddled people before, and she definitely wasnt one of them. Her aunt Clara in New Orleans had never even brushed her own hair. How was that for spoiled? Or what about Sally Hall? Now there was a pampered girl. When Sally was upset over her broken engagement to Warner Simms, her parents had sent her to Europe for an entire year! Millie had tried that trick on her father, but after eleven broken engagements she hadnt been sent anywhere besides her room. And now he actually wanted her to get married!

Besides, if the hallmark of a spoiled person was that she didnt do work, then she just didnt fit the bill. Far from it. Why, the very moment Sam found her, she had been picking pears that, once shed run away long enough to bring her father to heel, shed intended for a dessert for the family dinner. If that wasnt work, she didnt know what was and look what a dangerous task it had turned out to be! She would have to remind Sam of that.

Of course, if she did tell him she would probably be forced to explain that she wasnt actually going to do anything with those pears except hand them over to their family cook, Sonya. She herself didnt know one end of the kitchen from the other. How could she? Shed been a motherless child, and after Sonya had caught her burning a batch of muffins all those years ago...

Well, anyway, lots of women couldnt cook.

Not that she actually cared what Sam thought, anyway. Why should she? It wasnt as if being a criminal were a noble way to spend ones time. It was far better to be a lady of enviable leisure than to run around killing people!

The thought made her feel much better about herself, and she glanced over at him with a renewed sense of self-satisfaction. Or as much as she could muster, looped as she was in such an undignified position around her poor horse. Sam rode straight and tall atop his black horse, his eyes scanning the horizon for signs of other riders approaching the small building.

Watching him, it was hard to believe he was the ruthless outlaw shed seen murder two deputies with her very own eyes. Yet so much was deceiving about Sam Winter. He spoke like a man of some education, and his manners werent unrefined. Not completely, at any rate. Of course, traveling out in the wild didnt bring out the best in anyone, least of all herself. She was certain her daddy would have some choice words to say to her if he could have seen her traipsing around in her underclothes yesterday morning.

That was another strange thing about Sams behavior. In most of the books shed read, criminals didnt treat women so...gingerly. Sam had barely even spoken to her unless circumstances forced him, and he certainly hadnt made any advances on her person. Thank goodness! She didnt know what she would have done if shed been kidnapped by someone more unmannerly.

In fact, if Sam werent her captor, she would have been tempted to say that his rough edges were rather endearing. True, he was overly gruff toward her at times, and perhaps a little too unconcerned about her comfort, but she couldnt deny that she found his wry humor charming, in its own peculiar way. And his dismissive way of treating her was a bit refreshing, frankly. Most men she knew made perfect fools of themselves trying to be nice to her and treat her as though she were a delicate flower. Not Sam. The moment he tied her to a tree and threw a horse blanket over her, shed known he was different from all the others.

Millie sighed. Just as she had expected, it would be a little sad to part company with this strange man. And she would be terribly sorry to see him follow his brother to the gallows, as he no doubt would. Perhaps he might even beat Jesse there. Killing two sworn officers of the law topped wife-murdenng any day, in her book. Even so, she couldnt deny having fallen under Sam Winters spell, just a tiny bit.

What woman wouldnt? He was handsome in a rugged way that she just didnt run across among the men she knew. And his voice was deep, melodious. And his gray eyes practically lit up when he teased her. And when he touched her, as he had when he lifted her onto Mrs. Darwimple...

Oh, it was hopeless. What was the use of dwelling on details? They might serve her well when she was relating the events of her exciting abduction to Sally, but in the meantime, she was better off not romanticizing the man too much. After all, hed be as good as dead once she was through with him.

Right now she had to concentrate on the task ahead of her. She couldnt forget Sams threat; alerting the proprietor of the store that she had been kidnapped was going to be no easy task, with a gun trained on her the entire time. She only hoped that the person who owned the store was big and strongor at least bigger and stronger than Sam.

As they slowed to a walk in front of the low building, she got a better look at the sign. Ned Sparks General Store She felt as if her whole future were in Ned Sparkss hands

Sam eyed her cautiously. You remember what I said?

She straightened. Of course.

Good. Get downand dont make any fast moves. And dont talk unless whoevers inside talks to you first. Understand?

She gritted her teeth and nodded. Then she slipped off her horse. There was no other way to describe it. She put one leg back and lost her grip on the animals slippery hide and shot to the ground with a thud. As she landed, she half expected to hear gunfire, although that particular fast move hadnt been intended. But instead, Sam appeared beside her and kindly yanked her back up to her feet.

Sorry, he said as she dusted her backside off heatedly. I forgot that your excellent horsemanship might not extend to the fine art of dismounting bareback.

Never mind, she muttered. She wasnt going to argue with the man now. She needed him to think she was going to do exactly as he wanted. Lets just get this over with.

You first, he said, gesturing for her to walk ahead.

With some trepidation, she pushed open the door of the little store. Once she got a look at the dark, dusty place, she was doubly certain that she needed to be rescued soon. She couldnt imagine them buying anything there that she would actually want to eat.

Well, hello there! a voice cried out.

Millie looked around, but could see nothing nothing besides old warped shelves stacked with dusty cans and jars, barrels full of who knew what, and bolts of mildewy cloth propped up against the walls. Finally, a head peeked over the long counter to her right an old, wrinkled, bald head.

Youre Ned Sparks? Millie couldnt keep the disappointment out of her voice. This was the man who was supposed to overcome her kidnapper and rescue her? Not likely! The man was seventy if he was a day not to mention the fact that he was at least two inches shorter than she was.

Sams hand clamped firmly around her arm, a reminder of his dont-speak-unless-spoken-to rule.

Sure, Im Ned, the man replied genially, plainly not realizing his reply sank Millies hopes completely. How do?

Just fine, Sam said, his manner equally friendly. We just stopped for a few provisions.

Are you the only person here? Millie asked boldly, ready for gunfire. At this point, she hardly cared. She couldnt believe her bad luck.

Sure am, little lady. Would yall be headed east or west? Ned asked curiously.

West, Sam replied.

Well... I just come from the east myself! The man beamed a partially toothed smile at them. Fort Worth. You folks are lucky you found the store open. Just got back this morning.

You dont say?

Yessir. Got me a ride on a fast wagon yesterday. Drove all night.

Sam nodded. Millie could feel the tension in his hand on her arm, the fear that this brush with the store proprietor was costing him. Was he worried that the man had heard about the kidnapping, Millie wondered, or was he concerned that she might blurt something out to the old man? If it was the latter, she would be perfectly willing to put Sams mind at ease. She didnt see much point in trying to enlist the old fellows aid.

When Sam failed to respond further, Ned continued, I was off visiting my married sister. Lives in Fort Worth. How bout you? Where out west are you headed, exactly?

Sam hesitated, his mouth slightly opened, then blurted out, Were eloping.

Millie shot him a shocked glance, her mouth agape. Not only had he not answered the mans question, hed come out with something totally unexpected. Yet she soon saw the wisdom in Sams improvisation. If hed intended to get the proprietors mind off precise destinations, he couldnt have said anything better. When she looked back at Ned, he was all smiles.

How bout that! he cried. He let out a little whoop, then winked at Millie and leaned forward to whisper confidentially, I was wonderin why he was holdin on to you so tight, but now I know. Hes scared a handsome fellow like mes gonna steal his little bride away!

He chortled merrily and winked again as Millie laughed limply along with him. Even Sam managed to force out a chuckle or two.

Well, well, Ned went on. What can I get for ya?

Sam smiled, relaxing a little at Millies continued silence. Well, Ned, he said, shooting her a satisfied smile, we just stopped by to get the wife a little grub.

Dont want to take time off from the honeymoonin to go huntin, is that it?

How did you guess? Sam replied, squeezing Millie around the waist.

Millie felt her face flame at the implication as if she would honeymoon with a desperado! Yet at the same time, she kept her tongue. This poor old man didnt know about her predicament, and couldnt do anything about it even if he did. The best she could hope for at this point was some good food.

She scanned the dusty shelves, full of jars with questionable contents, hoping to see something that caught her eye. Instead, her gaze alit on something far more interesting.

A newspaper! she exclaimed.

Ned turned to it with interest. Just brought it back from Fort Worth.

Would you mind if I read it some while my husband does the shopping? she asked, squarely returning Sams unamused stare. Id like to see if anything was written about our elopement.

Sams eyes sparked in warning, but Ned remained oblivious as he handed over his precious paper. Go right ahead, he urged. Me and your husband will round you up some real nice vittles.

Millies heart raced excitedly as they moved away, leaving her to leaf through the pages in private. There was sure to be news of her kidnapping from Fort Worth. If she could just figure out a way to scrawl a message across the newspaper, maybe the old man could help after all....

She didnt have far to look. Prisoner Escapes in Chariton , the story beneath the fold on the first page began. The next line in bold read, Young Lady Abducted, Two Deputies Escape Attack Unharmed. Millie quickly scanned the story, looking for her name, which wasnt mentioned. Just that she was a daughter of Old Lightfooted Lively. Now wasnt that silly? How was anyone expected to find her if the paper didnt print her name?

Her eyes were moving quickly across the page when suddenly she stopped, then looked back up, certain she had misread. Two Deputies... Unharmed.

Unharmed. But how could that be?

She had seen the attack with her very own eyes had seen Sam brutally fell the two men, beating them repeatedly. They hadnt moved a muscle after that. Not when hed dragged them over to that tree and

The blood drained out of her face so quickly that she thought for a moment that she might faint. She refolded the paper, then leaned back against the counter, attempting to gather her racing thoughts.

First hed beaten the deputies. Then hed dragged them to a tree and tied them up. Tied them up! Why would he have bothered to tie up two dead men? Or shoo away their horses?

The answer was so simple. They had never been dead at all. Sam hadnt murdered anyone.

Oh, how could she have been so silly? How could she have made such a terrible misjudgment?

Across the small room, Sam and Ned conferred over various jars and kegs. At one point, Sam sent her a worried glance, as if he could tell that all was not right with her. But then he was forced to haggle with Ned over some sadlooking dried meat that made Millies stomach lurch once again.

This new development threw everything into confusion. Sam was innocent of what shed accused him of. She had proof of that now. Was his story about his brother being innocent also true?

She looked again at Sam. His proud, straight back. His head of dusty hair, his sun-darkened skin, his intelligent gray eyes. Was he an honest man, as he had claimed? Could she have misjudged him so completely?

It appeared she had.

She blushed to think about the hateful things she had said to him, the names she had called him. So many times he had told her the truth and she had turned a deaf ear, unswerving in her certainty about what she had witnessed. Only what she had seen had been entirely wrong.

His gray eyes were watching her again, and his forehead was creased with worry. He was worried about her? Something in her breast fluttered, and she looked away, stunned by the suddenness of it all.

Sam was innocent. That didnt change the fact that she was his hostage, of course, although it seemed to change practically everything else. How strange to think that she really had nothing to fear from Sam Winter after all. How strange... and how wonderful!


Chapter Four

Isnt this just the loveliest day youve ever seen?

Sam sent his charge a doubtful glance. Up till now, Millie had said not a word after they left Neds little shack just hummed and smiled and though he appreciated the novelty of her silence, he knew the gears of deception must be grinding away in that twisted feminine mind of hers. The perky tone she chose when she finally spoke confirmed it. Something was up.

I dont know when Ive seen such a lovely day, she went on enthusiastically, sending him yet another of her beatific smiles.

That was another thing. Why was she looking at him in that simpering, cockeyed way? You were cranky enough this morning.

Frankly, he was surprised that she hadnt attempted some sort of escape back at the store. Shed had ample opportunity to try to get Ned Sparks to hear her story, or to leave him some furtive message. Not that the old fellow could have been much of a help to her.

He frowned as they neared the place where hed deposited her saddle. After knowing Millie only two full days, the idea of her not having an ulterior motive behind all this sudden complicity struck him as unlikely. These rich girls learned to use all sorts of roundabout tactics to get what they wanted from men.

Unfortunately, forewarned wasnt always forearmed. He found himself increasingly vulnerable to those thick-lashed dark eyes of hers. While he rode, he often thought about them and how they would look just before he kissed her. Which wasnt going to happen, although his rambling thoughts did explain why hed told that old man back there they were newlyweds. And probably why the old man could believe it, too. When Sam put his arm around Millie, thered been nothing fake about the fierce stab of desire he felt for her.

Poor kid. Shed probably go screaming into the horizon if she knew what a case he had for her. He glanced warily at her.

Millie beamed. Her dark brown eyes seemed almost to sparkle at him with something that he would have sworn resembled admiration...if he hadnt known better. That was why it was so important to get his mind off her lips and focus on what was going on inside that brain of hers.

At the top of the hill, Sam reined in his horse. Millie stopped right next to him, and slipped off without his even having to ask her. Carefully he dismounted himself, certain now that she must have some trick up her sleeve.

He walked over to the saddle and lugged it back over to Millies horse.

Here, let me help you with that, Mr. Winter, she said, coming forward with outstretched hands.

This was too much. Dont lets stand on formality, Millie, he answered politely. You can just call me Mr. Murderer.

She blushed and cast her eyes modestly toward the dirt at his feet. Oh, no, she said earnestly, I would never call you that.

He let out a sharp laugh as he hefted the silly saddle onto Mrs. Darwimples back. Changed your mind about me, have you?

She batted her thick black eyelashes twice before looking back at him. Yes, I have.

What kind of game was this? If you think a lie like that is going to make me let my guard down, think again.

That pointy chin lifted a little higher. Its not a lie. I know with perfect certainty that you didnt kill those two deputies.

Did a little bird tell you?

No, the newspaper did.

He looked at her in alarm.

There was a whole long article on the front page about us only I guess they didnt mention my name because that would have been detrimental to my reputation. She planted her hands on her hips in irritation. Now I ask you, does that make sense? How else do they expect me to be found?

Sams brows knit together worriedly. Being front-page news didnt flatter him half as much as it did Millie. Did the paper have a description of us?

She sent him a look that let him know precisely how absurd his question was. Most people in the area know what I look like.

Sure, but were not in the area. Ned Sparks didnt suspect us but maybe he hadnt read the article yet.

That old man? He probably couldnt see us well enough to identify us, anyway. Besides, he thinks were newly married. She laughed. And didnt I play my part well? I thought you would have mentioned that.

You were fine, Sam said, distracted. You should have snatched that paper, though. That old guy might be better at putting two and two together than we give him credit for. Sam took to his task more hurriedly. Weve got to put some distance between ourselves and this place.

Good, Millie said cheerfully, Im anxious to get home.

Sam stopped in the middle of tugging on the girth. At first, he wasnt sure hed heard her right. But the breezy way she stood nearby, inspecting her fingernails, convinced him that he had. What the hell are you talking about?

Arent we going back to Chariton? Her wide, dark eyes were unfazed by his gruff words. Surely you see this changes everything. I believe you, Sam.

Thats wonderful, he said. What do you want, a medal?

No, I merely want to go home, and now theres absolutely no reason for us not to. Why should we be gallivanting across the countryside, now that you have a witness who can vouch for what happened? This has all just been a big mistake, and Im perfectly willing to tell everybody so.

At first he was dumbfounded. Just a big mistake? Finally, after staring in shock for a few minutes at her standing in front of him, her face the picture of complacency, he bit out a bitter laugh. Oh, now thats a relief.

Her thin shoulders squared proudly. I should think it would be. Im willing to explain to my daddy, the sheriff and even a judge if need be that theres been a terrible miscarriage of justice. Im sure theyll understand.

Sam couldnt think of what to say. She really seemed to believe that all they had to do was go back and all would be forgiven. Dont you realize that your father has probably organized a posse to hunt me down?

Oh, yes! Millie nodded. The story mentioned that. Twenty men, it said.

Twenty men, all with orders to shoot to kill.

To kill? The idea seemed to startle her. But youre innocent! I can tell them that.

Princess, you dont understand. Theyre going to shoot first and ask questions later. If we go within two counties of Chariton, youll be explaining my innocence over my carcass. It wont be a pretty sight.

Millie frowned distastefully. My daddy is a reasonable man. Maybe if you sent me first

Oh, no, Sam said. Knowing you, youll start talking, and soon as you know it youll be leading that posse straight to me.

She rolled her eyes in exasperation. But if you dont go back, or at least send me, well just have to keep running.

Thats right, he said. But its not going to be we, Princess. Itll just be me.

She crossed her arms over her chest. And where will I be?

With friends, Sam told her.

Oh, thank heavens! she said, obviously relieved. Ill go directly to Sally Hall. Shes a notorious gossip, but if I twist her arm and tell her how absolutely imperative

Sam shook his head in disbelief. Are you completely addlebrained? Im not sending you to your friends, he informed her.

Millie blinked. Oh.

Actually, Gus Beaver was a friend of my fathers, but I count him as one of my own, too.

Her expression, so recently smug and self-assured, now flushed with confusion and just a touch of panic. Where does this Gus Beaver live, if I might ask?

About a days ride from here.

In a town? she asked, her voice growing shrill with concern.

Nope. Hes about as isolated as can be. Thats why Im taking you thereso youll stay put.

Well, I wont go! she said, coming forward, some of the old anger flashing in her dark eyes. This is the most ridiculous plan Ive ever heard of. Here I am offeringno, practically begging!to tell the world that youve been wrongly treated, and your only reaction is to abandon me alone out in the middle of nowhere with some old man you barely know!

I trust Gus. And you wont be alonehes married.

Why cant I at least go with you? That way, if youre caught, I could

Because without you along I stand a better chance of not getting caught. You stick out, Millie. Somebodys bound to notice you sooner or later. Ill move faster on my own.

But as I was trying to explain, if you were apprehended, I could vouch for your character.

Sam was anxious to get going again. We dont have time to stand here all day arguing, so listen tight. Its not only my own hide Im concerned about. I have a brother in jail, and hes going to be swinging from a noose in eleven days if I dont manage to bring in the man who really killed his wife. Thats going to be a hard feat in itself, but saddled with you, Princess, it becomes nigh on impossible. Do you want to be responsible for a mans death?

She drew back, stung by his blunt words. I only wanted to help.

He handed Mrs. Darwimples reins to her. Fine. Just keep doing what I tell you to do.

You dont have to treat me like a hostage anymore, she assured him, grudgingly accepting the reins. Im on your side.

Somehow, her words failed to give Sam the solace he suspected was intended. Having Millie Lively on his side was about as comforting as having an ant in his boot. And, to his way of thinking, about as helpful.

Millie wrinkled her nose and, with her fingertips, held her once pristine white ruffled pinafore away from her person. The garment was letting off a dreadful odor that she felt sure not all of the scrubbing in the world could get rid of.

She couldnt really complain. It had been her idea that Sam teach her how to clean the fish he had caught that evening in a stream they had stopped near. Shed been so excited at the process of a square meal not to mention a chance to prove how helpful she could be to Samthat she had eagerly volunteered for the task. But that was before shed known what a smelly, disgusting experience it would be. Sam could have at least warned her! Her poor pinafore, a mess from all the fish guts and the wounds Sams knife had inflicted on her own poor hands, had been rendered unwearable, not to mention unattractive to anything but a swarm of flies.

No doubt Sam would tell her to wash it a couple of times. But with what? The man had thought to pick up things like fishhooks and a knife and ammunition for his stolen arsenal at Ned Sparkss store, but had he thought of soap? Millie had no intention of lugging a stinky, sticky pinafore around until she got to the Weavers or the Beavers or whatever their name was. She didnt care if Sam did think only a spoiled rich girl would be so shameful and wasteful. It was her pinafore, and she was leaving it here.

She just wouldnt let him know about it.

She scoped out the ground around her. Everywhere the earth was dry and hard, or covered with thick yellow grass she would never be able to claw through to bury the pinafore. The only thing left to do was stash the thing away under a bush and hope Sam didnt see it. It was nearly dark, anyway, and they would leave well before sunrise. Chances of him spotting it and forcing her to bring it along were slim.

She wasnt certain why Sams opinion suddenly mattered so much. Maybe it had something to do with the quavery feeling she got every time she looked into those hard gray eyes of hislike her knees were about to collapse underneath her. No man shed known had been capable of making her feel so fluttery inside.

After hastily pushing the pinafore beneath some leafy branches of a low bush and covering it with loose dirt and dried leaves, she hurried back to their makeshift camp.

Sam barely glanced at her as she returned. He was hunched over the smallest campfire shed ever seen, fanning what little smoke the burning embers of mesquite wood gave off by waving a leafy branch over the fish, which, after she had scraped and mutilated the poor thing, now seemed pathetically small. Hardly worth the effort, really.

You were gone long enough, he said.

Sam obviously didnt want to admit it, but Millie was certain he was glad she believed his story. In fact, she had a vague hope that she was winning the man over. Didnt that comment about her being gone a long time indicate he had been restless for her return?

The thought gave her a little lift. A woman likes to have some time to herself, you know, Millie said, plopping onto the ground nearby and arranging her filthy dress neatly around her.

Woman? he muttered, poking at their dinner. Youre still a kid.

I am not. Ill be twenty in December.




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Millie And The Fugitive Liz Ireland
Millie And The Fugitive
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Liz Ireland

Тип: электронная книга

Жанр: Современная зарубежная литература

Язык: на английском языке

Издательство: HarperCollins

Дата публикации: 16.04.2024

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О книге: The long arm of the law couldn′t stretch far enough to catch Sam Winter.But a pair of shapely legs attached to a Texas heiress had stopped him in his tracks. And the last thing he needed was sassy Millie Lively with outrageous notions about «helping» him escape! But the participants in this escapade soon realized they had been captured… . LOVE ON THE RUN!