Page 20 of Cade’s Quest (The McIntyres #1)

Chapter Sixteen

C ade had to speak to his sister. He waited until she left the porch and came down the walk.

“Summer,” he whispered. “Summer, it’s me.”

She glanced around. “Who?”

“Cade.” He rose from the yellow lantana bush and motioned to her.

When she reached him, he took her arm and hurried them out of sight behind a peddler’s wagon parked nearby with a sleepy mule attached.

“You’re a sight for sore eyes, I’ll tell you that.” Cade pulled her into a hug. “But you shouldn’t have come.”

“Sheriff Maxwell told me about Jones and his obsession with you.” Summer pulled back and tears bubbled in her blue eyes. “I had to try to help you. We’re a family and that’s what families do. If you think I could’ve stayed away knowing the situation you’re in, you don’t know me very well.”

He hurriedly filled her in about Rain and Bear and the black widow spider bite.

“That’s the only reason we’re in town. I couldn’t let the boy die.”

“Of course not. How is he?” she asked.

“The doctor was encouraged when he checked Bear this morning.” He glanced up and down the street. More people were out milling around, reminding him of the danger. “Summer, we have to eat. If I give you the money, can you get us some food?”

Summer’s eyes lit up. “I know just the place. Several of the boarders didn’t come to breakfast this morning and poor Mrs. Fitz said she didn’t know what she’d do with the leftovers.

Stay here and I’ll be back. She’s a kindly sort and I think I can appeal to her good nature.

Yesterday, she fed some men out her back door. ”

“How long have you been here?”

“A few days.”

He pressed some money in her hand. “Give her this.”

Summer nodded. “I’ll be back.”

Cade kept his eyes and ears open and his hand on his Colt. There was a flurry of movement when the peddler climbed into his wagon and set off down the road. Cade hurried back to the lantana bushes and was mindful of the time. He had to get back to Rain soon.

Fifteen minutes passed, then twenty with a constant check of his watch.

Finally, Summer emerged with a small wicker basket and gave the call of a meadowlark.

Recognizing the game they’d played as kids, he answered back with the soft coo of a mourning dove.

She honed in on his location and joined him.

“Mrs. Fritz was happy to give you the leftovers.” Summer handed him the bounty.

“I’m sorry to take so long. The poor dear is quite a talker, and I had trouble getting away from her.

And before you scold me for confiding in her about you, she despises Jones and the men he’s brought in.

I didn’t tell her a lot, just that my brother needed food and couldn’t get it any other way. ”

“You made a haul, Summer.” He lifted a blue cloth to find biscuits, ham, and apples. “You don’t know how much we appreciate this.”

“Oh, and Mrs. Fritz wouldn’t take a cent.” She stuck the money into his shirt pocket.

A horse and wagon rolled down the street, followed by two men on foot talking loudly to each other. He quickly ducked his head. Somewhere, dogs started raising a ruckus. Too many folks were getting out and about.

“Sis, I hate to go but I need to get back to Rain.”

She pouted. “I know but it was wonderful to see you and to know you’re okay. Where are you hiding out?”

“That old dugout a few miles from the homeplace.”

She scrunched her face up. “I can’t place it.”

“You know where Jess and me used to camp and spend time.”

“Oh, yes. I think I remember how to get there.” A rider went by slowly, scouring both sides of the street. “Go!” A measure of fear lined Summer’s face.

They hugged and he slipped around behind a group of buildings. Using the utmost care, he made his way back to the doctor’s office. Rain glanced up and released a pent-up breath she seemed to have been holding. Bear’s bed was empty.

“I’m sorry I took so long but I have Buck settled until we need him.”

Rain squeezed his hand and whispered, “I worried that they might’ve caught you.”

He freed his hand and passed her the wicker basket. “Eat something.”

“Cade, Bear woke up and asked where you were.”

What wonderful news!

“Where is he?”

“He was about to wet his clothes, so the doctor carried him to an indoor washroom.” Her smile was brighter than the sun. “I have my nephew back.”

“That’s the best news I’ve heard.” He reached for a biscuit and some ham and told her about seeing Summer. “She was helpful in getting us the food. It was great seeing her, but I worry she’ll be accused of helping me and Jess.”

“I hope they leave her alone. Maybe she can ride out to visit us.”

“If we can get out of town without getting caught first.” He didn’t say their chances looked pretty bleak.

They ate in silence and the doctor returned Bear. The boy looked tired and weak, but he grinned big at seeing Cade.

“How are you?” Cade put down his biscuit and leaned to pat the boy’s head. “Have you eaten?”

“No want.” Bear sighed and slid further into the covers.

“The doctor brought some oatmeal in and Bear forced down a bite or two,” Rain said.

“That’s okay, buddy. There’s time for that. You just rest and get well.”

Bear raised solemn eyes to Cade. “Scared.”

“Sorry. We’ll go home. Would you like that?”

“Yes.”

After he and Rain finished eating, he turned to her. “Let’s get you down to the newspaper office while we can. That dress will give you away.”

“I agree and I’ll feel safer there.” She talked to Bear in their native tongue then stood. “I told Bear where I’m going and that I won’t be far away. How soon can we leave for home?”

“Let’s give Bear an hour or two at least to rest up and gather his strength.”

She nodded and gathered her things. “I am ready.”

They both kissed the boy and left the office as the stagecoach rolled into town. Using that distraction, Cade hurried her between the buildings and down the alley to the side door where he knocked.

Abigail opened the door a crack. “Who’s there?”

“Rain.”

“I’m happy to see you again.” Abigail opened the door wider. “Hurry inside.” She shut the door behind them and bolted it then glanced at Cade. “I assume you’re Cade McIntyre, the hunted desperado.”

A grin formed as he removed his hat. “Miss Farnsworth, it’s nice to meet you. I wonder if we might fall on your mercy and let Rain rest here for a while.”

“Most certainly. But tell me what brings you back to town?”

Rain told her about Bear. “We had to get help.”

“I understand. Come and let’s have some tea then I’ll find you something to change into.”

Cade’s gaze swept over the two women, thankfulness rising up that Rain had found a trusted friend.

He immediately liked Abigail Farnsworth.

He admired that she would risk so much to help a new friend.

The woman had courage in spades and had a force about her that instilled the belief she’d do anything for those she cared about.

Clearly, she’d lived a life of privilege, yet she hadn’t let that affect her genuine kindness.

“Do you mind if I look around the office?” he asked.

The pretty woman waved an arm. “Look to your heart’s content.” She ushered Rain into the next room.

Left to his own curiosity, he roamed around the front room, glad the windows were still covered.

He picked up the latest newspaper that detailed all of Luther Jones’s offenses since arriving with his army.

Miss Farnsworth was playing with fire. That article probably made Jones livid, which meant he’d be even more dangerous now.

Abigail might find herself in more trouble than her father could get her out of.

Speaking of that. How was he going to get out of this debacle? Cade ran a hand through his hair. Even more crucial, how was he going to get them back out of town? Then there was Summer to consider. He couldn’t let Jones hurt her.

He could almost feel a rough rope around his neck, and it was tightening little by little. Cade loosened his collar and gulped for air.

The ladies returned and he managed a smile. Rain looked very pretty in a borrowed green dress with her ebony hair artfully arranged atop her head. She could’ve been in some rich man’s parlor.

Cade strode to her and took her hands. “Just look at you! A beautiful picture.”

“I told Abigail it’s too fine for me.” Rain freed a hand and thrust it down the silk dress. “Makes me look…uppity.”

Abigail released a frustrated sound. “That’s the point. No one would expect you in this. It’ll keep you safe.”

“You’re absolutely right, Miss Farnsworth,” he said, kissing Rain’s cheek. “Thank you.”

“Stop. Please call me Abigail.” The newspaper woman laughed. “Miss Farnsworth is for strangers and sounds like an old maid.”

“Okay, Abigail.”

A commotion outside drew their notice and Cade hurried to peer out. Jones and about a half dozen armed men were stalking toward the newspaper office. Each wore a heavy scowl.

“Abigail, please help Rain hide. They’re coming.” He considered his options which were limited, but he could go out the side door into the alley.

However, Jones probably stationed men there also. His best bet might be to go along peacefully and get before a judge. Maxwell, Summer, and Jameson at the mercantile would speak on his behalf.

But would that be enough? One of the men carried a coiled rope. Cade’s stomach twisted.

He sneaked another glance, and the group was almost at the door. Behind him came the rustle of petticoats. He swiveled to see the ladies vanishing into the kitchen and living quarters. At least Rain might escape.

Fists pounded on the door.

“Cade McIntyre, come out or we’re coming in!” Jones yelled.

Panic shook him. If they came inside, they might find Rain and he wasn’t going to let that happen.

With few options left, Cade released a sigh that carried the weight of the world. He pulled his Colt from the holster and let it dangle from a finger. Then, pasting on the biggest smile he could manage, he stepped out.

“Gentlemen, isn’t this a fine day? Jones, you really shouldn’t have come all this way just for me. I’m flattered.” Cade’s silky tone and nonchalant attitude turned Jones’s face red.

Rough hands snatched the dangling gun, then grabbed him and threw him face down on the boardwalk. He lost his hat as manacles snapped around his wrists and Jones jerked him up.

“You’re under arrest, McIntyre,” Jones ground out through gritted teeth. “I always get my man no matter how long it takes. You’re gonna hang.”