LAURIE
Laurie hummed outside behind the saloon, her hair braided and pinned up under a kerchief and her apron covered in flour. Earlier Lottie had asked her to bake a few pies and a couple of loaves of bread for the Friday evening rush and then gave her a pot of chickens to pluck, placing a larger pot of boiling water next to her to help loosen the feathers. Laurie found being outside therapeutic while she dunked the chickens in boiling water and quickly pulled out feathers. Listening to them rip out of the chicken's skin, she imagined Richard's hair would sound the same if she ripped it out of his scalp, and though the thought brought little comfort, it was no less than he deserved.
Drat him anyway. All this stuff about Sherman. Wasn't Richard a lawman? If it were true that her late husband lived, then why in the world wouldn't Richard track him down instead of harassing her and Jason? All this talk about two marriages made her ill, and Jason's obvious discomfort over the whole affair only made it worse. Thank goodness Jason had reassured her he wasn't wanting the annulment Richard insisted upon.
She was down her last two chickens when Jason exited the saloon with a beer in hand. He had scrubbed his face and hands clean, but his clothes were still dirty with the scent of soil and pine clinging to him.
"Are you limping?" she asked.
In a suspiciously nonchalant voice he answered, "Oh, it's nothing serious. Just a minor bruise." He bent down to kiss her cheek, and she smiled. "Plucking chickens," he said, changing the subject with a wave of his free hand. "I used to make Jeremy do this when he was being troublesome."
She giggled and held one up by a leg. "Want to help?"
He seemed to consider it a moment and then smiled. He reached over her to lift the chair Lottie had sat in earlier and set it beside her. He took the time to polish off his beer before taking the offered bird from her. "I can't believe I'm doing this," he muttered, dunking it in the steaming water for a few seconds before he began pulling at feathers. She laughed, and he gave her a wide smile. "But that was well worth it."
"What was worth it?"
"That laugh. Music to my ears."
She blushed and focused on her chicken. They tore the feathers away in silence for a few minutes before she sneaked a peek at him and almost bent over in laughter. Jason was concentrating hard, his nose scrunched up as though he was trying not to breathe. "Are you all right?"
"Fine," he said, and pulled the last few feathers out triumphantly and held the bird up. "Stupid tiny feathers, but I did it. One less bird to go."
"Were you holding your breath?" she asked, taking the chicken from him and dropping it into the pot with the other birds.
"Oh, well... maybe just a little. I never did like the smell." He wiped the remaining feathers sticking to his fingers on his pants leg.
"Which explains why Jeremy got the job so often, right?"
Jason chuckled, picked up his beer mug, and stood while he asked, "Need any more help?"
"No, this is my last one, obviously. I have a question though."
The side of his mouth quirked. "Ask it."
"How did it go with Richard today?"
Jason groaned and sat back down. "Well, I've had better conversations." He watched her rip out a few more layers of feathers before continuing. "How could Campbell hate you so much?"
Laurie's fingers stilled. She looked up to see him gazing at her, admiration written without shame across his face. "What did Richard tell you?"
"A lot of things. A little about your late husband. Well, first husband." She started ripping out the feathers vigorously until Jason reached across the pot to still her hands. "Why would he kill other people that look like you?"
She sucked in a deep breath, rough and uneven before she whispered, "Because it didn't happen the way you think it did."
"What didn't happen?"
Laurie shook her head, her eyes filling with tears.
He looked past her into the trees as he continued. "Honestly, I never intended to ask about it. I've always believed a person is not their past, but either your brother's crazy, or his crazy theory makes some sort of sense." His eyes settled on her once more. "I'm guessing the latter."
"I meant to talk to you about all these things. I still do. But I don't want to start with this question. Ask me anything else. This life we've started, it's all I have. If you were to think of me differently, if you wanted to be rid of me, I couldn't bear it... I just couldn't."
He squashed his lips together and sat staring at her hands covered in feathers before taking the chicken from her.
"Jason, you don't have to do that."
"We are getting this done, and then you and I are going to settle this once in for all."
"Settle what?"
He didn't answer her. Instead, he finished the task in less than five minutes, cutting her time in half. He grabbed the pot of plucked birds and motioned for Laurie to pour out the steaming water.
She did as he wanted and handed the pot to him. "Jason, please. Any other question."
He gestured up the backstairs. "Go wash up. I'll be along in a moment. And Laurie?"
"Yes, Jason?"
"Be careful around the banister up there, it's wobbly."
"I know. It happened when Joshua went over."
"Hmm. Well, remind me to put in a couple of extra nails to fix it when things calm down. I can do that much for Lottie. We owe her a lot more than that."
"Okay."
She did as she was told, faltering a little when she saw he hadn't waited to see her reach the top of the stairs. She may not have known Jason long in the grand scheme of things, but she had learned one thing about him: when Jason felt determined about a thing, he didn't quit trying until life finally gave way to his iron will.
Heaven help her.
LAURIE
Jason and Laurie stood on the deck of the Shamus Flynn, Jason talking in low tones to Clancey. The old ship's captain glanced around Jason's shoulder at her, his craggy old face long with worry. She felt her stomach clench and bit her lip. This wasn't exactly what she thought her husband had in mind.
Jason had joined her in washing up, although it was a hurried affair. He insisted she wear "something pretty" and seemed happy enough with the dress she picked out. Laurie might have brought only a few extra dresses with her when she left the cabin to flee to Aaron's because a woman never knew what she would be in the mood to wear, but her diminished wardrobe left her missing variety. Still, she had four to choose from and for that she was grateful. She had more than most.
Laurie had decided on her green dress with beaded trim, one of her evening favorites in San Francisco. It was a little too heavy for the summer, but Seattle's evenings were much cooler now with September's breezes, and Jason had only seen it on her once before, so it had the feeling of something new.
She had brushed out her hair, wavy from the braid, and used his mother's combs to pin up the sides. By the time Laurie had pinched her cheeks and bit her lower lip a few times, Jason wore his dark suit and impatiently waited at the door. His eyes took in her attire and paused at the combs, an approving smile tugging at his lips, He ushered her away from the saloon, dragging her along like when they had first met to get to Clancey's old boat, or ship as the Irishman so often declared.
Laurie stood at the railing on the far side of the Shamus, questioning Jason's sanity. They were all dressed up on an old mule boat? It looked like it had been hastily scrubbed, but you couldn't scrub away the roughness, rust, or patched up sails. The Shamus was Clancey's life, and she reflected him perfectly.
But that didn't explain Jason's intentions. He had placed her there before his conversation of low tones and stolen glances with the captain. She wasn't sure if she should be amused or annoyed, but he kept her entertained at the very least. She faced the sea and watched the sun dip in the sky, and amid nature's brilliant canvas, forgot her husband's shenanigans. A sweeping swirl of pink quickly replaced golden flecks of light on the water's surface as the sun began its descent into the horizon. Laurie drank in the sky's pink and purple hues, with a thin strip of shining yellow in between. She put her hands on the railing and breathed.
"You are a vision Aphrodite herself would be jealous of," said Jason, standing a few steps away from her. "I love it when you turn your face to the sun."
She smiled and embraced him when he approached. "I admit, I thought you were crazy, bringing me here."
"Heh." His smile was brilliant, and in his gentle way, touched her nose and said, "Just wait. I told you, you deserve romance and courting, and romance and courting you shall have. You were built for it."
"Aren't all women?"
"No," he said, drawing out the word. "I don't think so. I've known a few women who thought romance was a barrel of their prized sour pickles."
He made a face that tickled Laurie's senses, and she laughed. "That sounds pretty awful. I think I'll take the sunset, and the man that comes with it."
She tilted her face up and he obliged with a quick kiss. His eyes grew serious, and he released her to lean on the railing. "Do you mean that?"
"I do." She faced the sea and breathed more salty air in.
Jason looked down at his hands and softly asked, "Does it remind you of Scotland? It's why my father settled here. He said between the mountain, the weather, and the sea... Well, it all kept him from getting too homesick."
"Yes," she said, matching his tone. "Not exactly, but I understand what he meant."
"I'd take you back. If you wanted to go, I mean."
Her lips quirked up, and she shook her head. "To Scotland? You are being romantic. It's too far."
"I mean it, Laurie. I'd do anything in this world to help you be happy."
"But I—oh be serious, Jason. What about the mountain? Your father's dream, your dream? And your brothers, your friends..."
"Well, I won't say I wouldn't miss them," he said and stepped close enough to her to kiss her forehead. "But I'd do it. And not just for you, but for us. For our family."
She moved her attention to the sky's deepening colors and then back at him, tilting her head to the side as she thought about what he said. Her eyes widened. "Are you asking me to run away with you?"
"I—pfft," he said, rolling his eyes. "No. I don't need to run away. But your brother seems to think you'd be safer away from here, away from Seattle, and after today... well, let's just say I might agree with him."
"I don't want to go to Scotland or anywhere else. I'm fine here."
He dipped down to close his lips on top of hers, and she closed her eyes, inhaling his scent. He wore a new aftershave she had bought him from Ben, a beautiful woodsy fragrance. Mixed with the smell of the sea it was intoxicating. Moaning, she plastered her body up against him and found herself pinned between the railing and Jason, his hands running over her hips suggestively.
"We're good at that, aren't we?" she said when they parted, her words hot and breathy.
Jason rubbed his cheek against hers. He was soft, so different from his usual shadow in the evening, or after a few days of not shaving. Her breath hitched as his hand made a trail down her back and he chuckled, a little shiver exposing her true feelings.
"Very good, I'd say," he whispered into her ear. He kissed her neck and with a sudden shudder, crushed her against him again and held her in his arms.
"Jason, is something wrong?" she asked, feeling a little alarmed at the sudden change of mood.
"No." His voice cracked, and an unsettling feeling grew in her stomach. His distress was hers. She buried her face in his chest and let him hold her a little longer.
"Can't see much of the sunset from there." He chuckled, the sound deep in his chest, sounding more like himself.
"Hmm." Laurie glanced back out to the sea, more purple than pink now. "It was beautiful. Thank you for bringing me."
"You're welcome. I—we still have some talking to do, though."
"Haven't we talked enough?"
Jason's eyebrows shot up and then threw back his head and laughed. She watched him wipe the side of his eye. "Oh, I'm sorry. I can't tell you how many times I've heard that line, but never in my life did I think I'd hear a woman say it, let alone to me. You're a beautiful woman, darling. Beautiful, smart, talented, impulsive and..." he paused before adding quietly, "And I love you."
Surely, he hadn't meant to say that.
"Laurie?"
"Uh... hmm."
The sea breeze ruffled Jason's brown curls, and she let her gaze roam to his ever-thoughtful eyes with the crinkles at the edges, then down to his mouth that at the moment was drawn in a soft but serious smile.
"I know it's scary, believe me, I know, but it's true. I love you."
Laurie couldn't breathe. He couldn't. Didn't women always fall in love first? Besides, it was too soon. Wasn't it? They were married in March. That was how long ago? Months! Not years... Of course, they had grown from a marriage of convenience to lovers, but lovemaking did not mean love! Sherman had taught her that, although his idea of lovemaking was entirely different from Jason's. Then again, she had never trusted Sherman to allow him the chance at true intimacy. Jason had painstakingly built their relationship on trust, and she had willingly given it to him. He deserved it. Did that mean she loved him back?
The man is waiting, Sister Agnes said impatiently. A lady doesn't keep a man waiting.
I don't know what to say! Laurie wordlessly shouted back at her.
A woman always says and does what a husband wants to hear and see. Laurel! Sit up and pay attention.
"Please say something," Jason whispered, followed by an apprehensive chuckle. "You're making me nervous."
"I—I, um, I..." Laurie scrunched her nose up. The floaty feeling was back, making her a little dizzy. She looked into his face and saw growing concern, but it didn't overshadow the hope she saw in his eyes. She smiled, trying to make light of her inarticulate moment. He didn't smile back.
"I wanted to tell you last night," he said, his voice low and calming. Jason snuggled her up against him, leaning into her so their noses were almost touching. "I knew it was time. You need to know how I feel. What happened to you in your past, doesn't matter. Not to me," he said with a sigh, shaking his head. "So, I decided I was being foolish. I should just tell you. I'm sorry, darling, you deserve every star in the heavens laid at your feet. I wanted to dazzle you with romance."
"I think the sunset was pretty dazzling." It was more than she had ever expected from Seattle. Men and women who cared more about propriety, their clothes, homes, and associates had surrounded her all her life. Elegance to them was progress. Here elegance gave way to raw beauty. Like Jason.
"I love you, Laurie," Jason whispered. He kissed her cheek and then her mouth, his thumb tracing her neckline. "I love you. Did you hear me that time?"
"Yes... I—I..." Her chest heaved, and her heart felt like it was trying to escape her body.
"It's all right," he said, putting his finger on her lips. "This is my declaration. I don't expect you to give it back. I don't want you to. Not yet."
"Why not?" she whispered when he dropped his hand.
"Because I know you haven't had time to think it over, not like I have. You need time, and I, uh, I'm okay. For now."
"For now?"
"Well, you don't intend to leave me dangling forever, do you?" He was teasing her, his tone light, but his eyes remained full of intensity.
"No," she whispered back. "I wouldn't do that to you. I do—oh, Jason!" She put her arms around his waist and buried her face into his chest. "I can't. You're right. And it's so beautiful. But..."
"Shh..."
"No, I have to, I want to..." She lifted her head and smiled weakly at him. "Maybe it's a good thing you didn't court me."
"Oh?"
"Mm-hmm. Your words can really overwhelm a woman."
Another low chuckled escaped him, and he touched her hair. "I like how breeze blows it," he said, a bit of wistfulness to his voice. "Like gold dust on the wind."
Laurie's heart ached. She wanted to tell him she loved him too, but he was right. She wasn't sure yet. When she said the words to him, she wanted it to be with the conviction he was showing her. But she could show him she trusted him. She could give him the other thing he had asked for.
"You know that other thing you need me to trust you with? What you asked me earlier?" He warily nodded. She wrapped her arms around him and let him hold her tight, and then with tears in her eyes, she breathed in his ear, "I tried to murder Sherman. I thought I did."
He shook his head. "You mean when you tipped over the lamp in the struggle? Laurie, that's hardly—"
"No. That's what Big Sam told Doreen." Laurie sniffled and let go of the embrace. She glanced at the darkening sky and leaned back over the edge of the railing. She drew in a ragged breath and let it out in a sob. "I thought I was a murderer. All this time... I've known deep down I was going to hell for it. Oh! But if he is alive, it's far worse. He won't stop. Not after that night—"
Jason took her hand but kept his distance. Laurie let him hold it, her other hand on her chest while she tried to catch her breath. The boat gently rocked underneath them, and Laurie couldn't help but think it was symbolic of the shaky ground she found herself on.
"Tell me about that night," he prodded. "He hurt you."
"Yes. We had another fight. Sherman didn't like the condition of the plantation after the war. What did he expect four people to do? And he didn't like that none of his horrible brotherhood friends came back from the war. Well, it was war!" Laurie didn't hide the bitterness. Sherman had blamed her for so many things that were beyond her control, she couldn't name them all. "Within a week he grew bored. He didn't have anyone to take his anger out on except me, and soon even that wasn't enough. And then..." She paused, squeezing her eyes for a moment. When she spoke she dropped the edge to her voice, sounding small and weak. "And then he went after Jenny."
Jason's back straightened. "What do you mean?"
"He said he was going to make her his first induction into the brotherhood. Post-war induction, I mean. I was his first, although I didn't want to. He forced me into it. You don't know what that means. It's... it's bad. Immoral. Corrupt. Murder too. I don't know how else to say it. He and his friends were just plain evil. I couldn't let what happened to me—" She realized she had already said too much and lamely finished, "I just couldn't let that happen to her." She turned her back on Jason and walked a few more steps. "It was my punishment, he said, for all the pain I had caused him over the years. She was his child, not mine. So I told Doreen to be ready and grab her as soon as she could. I didn't know what I was going to do, but I had to do something, and then he yelled for me. He wanted me to serve them dinner, the dinner celebrating the induction," she said, saying the word celebrating with contempt.
"That was part of my punishment too. To know what he intended, and yet I had to behave as though nothing was wrong, as though we were a happy family. If Jenny so much as whimpered, it would be my fault for telling her too much, and he said he would beat her until she was dead, and then he would kill me and be done with both of us so he could start over. Jason, he meant it."
She omitted the black eye and limp she already had sustained earlier that frightful night because all she could offer him for dinner was potato soup or the multiple beatings that her swollen lip and bruises along her arms and legs were still healing from. None of that had mattered. "That was part of the pleasure for him. To torture us with playacting. All the world's a stage..." She let her voice fade before continuing.
"They were sitting down at the dinner table and he told me to serve him his coffee. I walked around the table... I, I wasn't really planning anything, but then I saw my chance..." She took a deep breath and looked Jason straight in the eye. "I poured boiling coffee on the back of his head and neck."
Jason's eyes widenedl.
"I... Scalding coffee, Jason! He screamed and threw me against his china cabinet. He squeezed my neck so hard! I remember the plates falling on us like rain. I knew I was dead. I knew he would kill me as I did it, I have always known if I ever hurt him it would be the end of me, but when I saw Doreen snatch Jenny and run, I didn't mind so much. I kicked him, scratched where the burns were. My vision blackened at the sides..." She looked up and pointed to herself, her voice cracking under the strain. "I wanted him to focus on me, on how much he hated me because then she would... she would get away. And in a way, I would too. I'd be dead, and he couldn't hurt me anymore."
"Laurie..."
She shook her head vigorously and clasped her hands in front of her. "But I guess he knew what I was doing. Suddenly I found myself on the floor, coughing, my vision coming back. He dragged me down the hallway toward the front door by my hair. A lot like the night he inducted me into the brotherhood. I tried to use my legs, so I was sort of crawling next to him, but it still hurt."
Jason made a guttural sound in his throat.
"That's when Big Sam appeared. I don't—I never got to ask him how he came to be there. He just... appeared, and then..."
"Darling, look at me."
But Laurie didn't want to look at him. Even though her words were making him uncomfortable, they weren't as awful as the reality had been.
She coughed and gasped for air, her throat throbbing from the abuse.
"You whore!" Sherman screamed at her, his face in hers. He swore another stream of profanity at her and began pulling her from the dining room by her hair. She clawed at his hand, but he refused to give up his grip.
His tone fell back to a normal level. "She'll know what sort of indecent mother you are. A hedge-creeper that would leave her alone in the world for the sake of selfishness. All I ever asked you for was your obedience. You've disappointed everyone. Everyone!"
His breathing was labored, but his grip held fast. "Your father, your brother, those damned nuns that couldn't beat the indecency out of you. Everyone! Well, it's time I did my duty. The way a whore likes it." His brown eyes were narrowed, and spit flew from his mouth while he used more profanity and blasphemed the Lord Almighty.
Laurie whimpered and visibly shook head to toe. He looked more maniacal than he had ever before. "And when I'm finished taking my husbandly duties out on you, I'm going to spill your insides and induct our daughter in your blood. Don't think I won't."
Big Sam burst through the door. Sherman let her go, and Laurie backed away from them on all fours, watching the two men collide in a violent battle over life and death.
She felt Jason's hands on her shoulders, as though they were far away. It was Sherman's touch she felt as though it were her present reality.
"He scared me," she whispered. "He wasn't large, not like you, but strong. He was so strong. He even beat Big Sam. I watched it happen... I—I just stood there. I couldn't think, and then Big Sam fell. Sherman had so much hate, it was like he consumed everything. Maybe if I'd had a gun or a knife to help..." She made a gulping sound. "I grabbed the lamp on the table, and when he came after me I threw it at his feet as hard as I could, and the fire... the fire was fast. So fast. Flames everywhere. His pants caught fire immediately, and he was trying to beat it out, screaming. I knew I should run, but I didn't have it in me. I wasn't thinking right, and I don't even think I wanted to live. Then Big Sam was there, and he pulled me out. The last I saw of Sherman he was rolling on the ground, the flames burning through the back of his shirt. I was watching for his hair to catch fire. He was screaming." She glanced up at Jason. "That's why I thought he was dead. I just... how could he possibly survive that? Anyway... I—"
"I think Doreen told me the rest," said Jason, holding her close, her back against him. He wrapped his arms around her, clasping his hands in front of her waist.
With a shudder, she took a deep breath and said, "I'm never telling that story again. Not like that."
"You don't have to. Never again."
"So. Now you know what I'm capable of." She turned around, so he could see the tears. "And I'm not sorry. No one else was going to make it stop. I don't think any of us would have lived out the night." She shuddered, willing the voices of the past to silence in her mind. He was shaking his head, his lips pressed tight together. "Now you know why I didn't want to tell you. What you must think of me."
"What I think of you? I think... Oh, darling, I wish I'd have known," he said, taking her hand. "I remember how scared you were at our wedding. I thought it was just because we were strangers." He leaned forward and kissed her with a quick kiss. "Thank you for telling me. I think I understand a little better now. Darling..." His lips met hers again with a gentle brush, but this time Laurie grabbed his suit coat and tugged. He immediately obeyed and slid his hand behind her neck, his fingers entwined in her hair and extended the moment until Laurie was sure he wanted to inhale her. When she let him go, she realized tears were once again slipping down her face.
Jason reached into his pocket. Laurie thought he was getting a handkerchief, but he surprised her with a small box wrapped with a silk ribbon. "I didn't bring you out here to traumatize you all over again. But what you gave me tonight, I know what it cost you." He wiped the tears away from her cheeks with his thumb. "I'm not leaving, Laurie. I love you. And I, oh, just take it."
Jason almost shoved the small box into her hands. Laurie unfastened the delicate ribbon wrapped around it. She looked up at him questioningly, but after catching him breathing through his teeth like he did when he debated something in his mind, he smiled reassuringly. She opened the box and let out a little "Oh!" when she saw a ring beautifully laced with rubies and a single pearl-encrusted in a gold setting.
"Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies," he quoted, slipping the old wedding ring off her finger.
"And the pearl?" she asked, certain there was something equally beautiful he had to say.
"The kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls," he said, sliding the new ring on her finger. This time it fit perfectly. "Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it." He lifted her head gently with his fingers under her chin to look her in the eye. "You darling, are worth any price. I thought this time I'd speak your language."
"Jason..."
"I know the past is ugly, and we're having to deal with the tattered remains of lives once lived, but I promise, they're almost over. Whatever happens, I have found the one whom my soul loves, and I'm not so foolish as to let her go. Unless..."
"Unless what?"
"Unless you want me to. I keep telling you, there's always a choice, and that's what I think of your story. You kept your daughter from being harmed, regardless of the circumstances of her birth. You were willing to sacrifice yourself for another woman's child. You were her mother."
"I never thought about it like that before."
He kissed her hand and whispered, "I know."
"Well, if your done spouting daft poetry to her," Clancey said in his usual too loud voice over his shoulder, keeping his eyes averted toward Seattle, "Lottie's done sent your dinner."
Jason gave the captain a disparaging look over Laurie's head, and then with an apologetic smile led her back to the stern. There, in the twilight hour, candles illuminated the deck. There was a table at one end, set elegantly with a rather large candelabra in the middle, with flowers and ribbon making a beautiful setting on the old schooner. Gentle guitar music floated through the air, and when she couldn't find the source, she looked to Jason to supply the answer.
"My brothers are on the landing, so Josh didn't have to worry about getting on and off shipboard."
"I imagine you ordered the stars to come out just now, too?"
He smiled his most disarming smile while seating her at the table. "What can I say, darling. Timing is everything."
JASON
"Hey, Jason! Good luck over there!"
"Afternoon, Ben! And thank you!" Jason yelled his greetings back across Seattle Square with a wave. He wasn't stopping for anything or anyone. Not today, not when Swede had run all the way to camp from Seattle to tell him the news.
The doctor had finally made it back to Seattle, and Laurie was being examined. It had taken two days of romancing and coaxing to get her to agree to it, with one stipulation - he had to be there. The woman was proving to be just as stubborn as he and his brothers were. Besides, there was no way was he missing this. He swung past the totem pole and swiftly strode past the other homes to his brothers' cabin. Funny, he had determined not to think of it that way, yet, there it was. He no longer lived there. Still, he swung open the door and walked in, banging it shut behind him.
"Well?" Jason asked, putting his hands on his hips.
"Hello, Jason. It's good to see you too."
Jason frowned at Joshua and Aaron sitting at the table. "Oh, I'm sorry, Aaron. My apologies. Are you healing well enough?"
"Yeah. Yeah, the rib's healing nicely. Joshua's arm and leg, too."
"The doctor said to give it a few more weeks," Joshua supplied. "But I should be good as new."
Jason smiled and gave his brother a couple of hard pats on his shoulder. "Well, that's good. That's... that's good." His voice trailed as he looked back to his and Laurie's old bedroom.
"She was fine when she went in," Aaron assured him. "Didn't flinch at all."
Joshua grinned at Aaron and said, "Of course, they haven't been in there very long. You know, if you go in right now you might make it for part of the exam."
"Go ahead, Jason," Aaron encouraged him. "You are her husband after all."
Jason hesitated. Maybe it would be too much for her if he went in. He didn't want to blow it. "Judge just got in town," he said, still eyeing the room.
"Oh? Well, that's best, isn't it? Get it all over with. Less strain on her. And you."
"Yeah," said Jason, only half-hearing Aaron. He walked to the bedroom and lifted his hand to knock and then changed his mind. He opened the door and stepped in before Aaron and Joshua could make a comment, but not so quickly he didn't hear the chuckles at his expense.
"Oh, come in, Mr. Bolt," the doctor said, snapping up his case. Laurie was standing on the far side of the bed, buttoning up the blouse he had bought her in San Francisco with her back to the door. "Excellent advice you gave her, that breathing deeply through the exam. Although she had hoped you would be here."
"I, uh..." Jason said, stumbling on his words. "Well, I came as quick as I could."
"I know," Laurie said, coming around the bed. She smiled shyly at him, and he felt his heart swell. "I would have insisted we wait for you, but the doctor has another patient that's in a hurry to see him."
"Mrs. ah, Thompson, I think it is," the doctor told him.
"Billy Sawdust's wife, Anne?" Jason asked.
"That's the one. Keep forgetting his proper name since no one uses it," the doctor said with a chuckle.
"She's due any day," Laurie added, and then offered the doctor her hand. "Thank you, doctor. For being so professional."
"Anytime. I'll see my way out and leave the two of you with some privacy."
"Thank you," Jason added, and then he stood in front of his wife, his hands on his hips, and waited for the door to close. Once he heard it click, he asked, "Well? Are you?"
She raised her eyebrows and stepped coyly into his space, putting both her hands on his chest. "Is this the same man that ordered the stars to twinkle and honeymooned with me until dawn a few nights ago?"
He tried to keep his face straight, but she had him. That was a glorious night. Well worth taking Joshua's advice and setting up that brief interlude on Clancey's boat. Her brother hadn't been thrilled about the resulting evening activities either, glaring at Jason over breakfast the next day. Jason hadn't been able to keep his face straight then, either. "Oh, I'm sorry, darling. It's been a hell—ah, what I mean is..."
"It's been a hard day."
"Busy at least. And the judge just made it to town. We're expected over there, soon."
Laurie rubbed her arms and smiled shyly at him. "I suppose you're glad I saw the doctor then."
"Yes, I suppose so."
"Oh! By the way, do you like it?" She twirled around and her new wool skirt billowed out.
"Very pretty. About the doctor..."
"I'm sure it will keep me very warm. I can't believe you bought the right size. And I love the colors."
Jason groaned and took a pleading stance. "Laurie, please. I'm going to die here."
She squealed and threw her arms around his waist squashed herself to him like a little girl. "I am!"
Jason froze and then smiled, burying his face in her hair and squeezing her to him. "I'm glad." He pulled back and kissed her with a small, sweet kiss on her lips.
"Me too," she whispered.
"All right, Jason!" Aaron called through the door. "Jeremy's here, so which is it?"
Jason grinned at Laurie and picked her up and he swung her around. "Should we make them wait?" he whispered as though they were co-conspirators.
"I think they're about as patient as you," she said, and then giggled.
"Heh. Better not then." He kissed her again and put her down to usher her into the room where his brothers and Aaron were staring at them.
"Well?" Aaron asked.
He looked down at Laurie and the grin burst out all over him. "She is!"
The three men laughed and there were hugs, shaking hands, and congratulations all around, and then the group grew solemn.
"What do you plan to do now?" Joshua asked him.
"Well, first we have to deal with the judge," Jason answered. "See if we can't figure this thing out without causing Laurie any undue stress." She rewarded him with a gentle hand squeeze.
"And if things don't work out the way you want?" Joshua asked.
Jason looked astonished at him, thinking Joshua knew better than to ask him something like that. Then Jason saw him looking at Laurie, his eyes soft and concerned. He blew out a small bit of air. "Well, then we'll go to Plan B."
"There's a Plan B?" Aaron asked.
Joshua and Jeremy laughed and shook their heads at Jason. "There's always a Plan B," Jason said and kissed Laurie's hand. "Ready?"
"No," she answered truthfully. "But I know we're going, anyway."
"Now wait a minute. What's Plan B?" asked Aaron.
"Plan B is whatever idea Jason comes up with after Plan A didn't work out," Jeremy told him, helping Joshua to his crutches. "Only thing is, we never know what that's going to be minute to minute."
"Oh. Yeah, I think I've experienced Plan B before," Aaron said with a rue smile and all the Bolt brothers chuckled.
"Well, I don't know what Plan B you've experienced," Laurie said while Jason helped her with a shawl. Then she looked him in the eye with a playful smile on her lips. "But I think I experienced it the other night in the form of, say, sunsets and star canopies?"
Jason laughed. "Ah yes. Well, plucking chickens wasn't exactly working for me, was it?"
She treated him again with that delightful laugh he'd come to value so much, along with laughter from his brothers and Aaron. At that moment he could have forgotten all about the foreboding trip they had to make across Seattle Square, had it not been for Aaron opening the door.
"Well, let's go," said Jason, offering Laurie his arm. She linked her arm with his, and the look that passed between them would have dazzled the sun itself.
"Come on, you two," Joshua said, shaking his head at them. Jason laughed and strode alongside him, smiling, trying to pretend the crunch in his gut wasn't there at all, slowing his usual gait for Joshua's sake. Although slow, it didn't escape Jason that his brother was getting around much better. Jason made a mental note to bring the camp's books to Joshua. He wanted a full accounting of how they had fared despite all the damage done over the summer, and he needed Joshua's patience to get it done efficiently. Besides, men that felt needed healed better. Faster. He'd had just about all the accidents, attacks, broken flumes, and cut belts that he could handle.
Jason's little group walked inside the saloon. Lottie had cleared the bar for the judge to use, and a flag was draped neatly over the piano. Tables had been moved to the barroom's perimeter to set the chairs in neat rows. Laurie slipped her hand in his, her eyes wide. He squeezed it and fanned his free arm out wide in a sweeping gesture. "Behold, Seattle's courtroom."
"Is there anything Lottie's saloon isn't used for?"
"Uh, well, haven't seen a wedding here yet, though I heard some men have tried to convince their brides of it."
Laurie stared up at him, searching for a telltale sign. "You're serious."
"Well, I suppose some men think to cut out a step from ceremony to reception." He chuckled and then said, "And I'm sure there are those that might feel like they couldn't get through the ceremony without a drink or two."
She laughed. "I can understand that. I know you could have used a bar at our wedding." She said it with a beautiful gleam of mischievousness, and he smiled back.
He led her to the front row, seating her across from Richard. Laurie's brother gave Jason a concerned question with his eyes, and Jason shook his head. How could he have convinced Laurie to dissolve their marriage when he couldn't convince himself? He had meant what he said. He would settle up with his brothers and sail with her to a safer place if he had to, but Lord, he hoped he didn't have to. Richard pressed his lips together and settled back in his seat.
People trickled in after them, the courtroom taking on a nervous hum. It annoyed Jason that his marriage should be such a public spectacle. He had grown used to center stage, maybe craved it when he was younger, but it wasn't good for Laurie, or their baby. Now there's a thought, he mused, smiling down at her when she lifted her pretty face away from talking to Candy to meet his eyes. I, Jason Bolt, am going to be a father. He'd thought it would take a few months at least. He was glad, though. With all the other wrongs and dismal news Laurie had endured, he was proud to be a source of happiness and comfort to her. He sat down and put his arm around her. "We have an advantage. Remember that," he told her quietly.
"Remind me why we didn't get a lawyer?"
"Your brother got the circuit judge here before anyone answered our wires. But I don't want you to worry. Judge Cody is fair."
"I don't know... I feel odd. I know I should be nervous," she whispered. "But I'm so happy. Even Richard can't do anything about our baby. I hope it's a boy."
Jason couldn't help the tender feeling that overcame his heart. Funny, how he had avoided the marriage noose all those years, and now he was ready to fight to stay in it. "Girls are nice too, you know."
"I know. She's next. But she'll need an older brother to take care of her, and he'll be like you."
"Not like your brother?"
She frowned at him, a funny look on her face, and said, "No, I suppose not." The judge appeared from the top of the stairs and hurried behind the bar while the room settled down. "Is it always crowded like this?" she asked Jason.
"No. But everyone knows why he's here. Special case."
The judge pulled his gavel out of his bag and hit the bar. "All rise." Before everyone got to their feet, he hit it again, "All be seated, the court's now in session."
Laurie looked at Jason with wide eyes, and he shook his head. No one had time for pretense in the territory of Washington.
"Only case on the docket, McConnell vs. Bolt. Will all parties please approach the bench?"
Jason helped Laurie out of her seat, and together they followed Richard and Kincaid to the bar.
"All raise your right hands." He held up a Bible after they did so. "Do the four of you swear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth so help you God and under the penalty of perjury?"
"Yes," Jason, Laurie, Richard, and Kincaid said in unison.
"Good. You may put your hands down." He shuffled his papers before lifting his eyes to meet Jason's. Jason wasn't liking the frustration he was seeing in the judge's demeanor. "Normally this would be a family matter," the judge continued. "However, it's my understanding that a few laws were broken."
"Uh, your honor, we can explain..."
"Hang on, Jason." The judge leaned forward, focused on Richard. "According to your petition, you admit you forced these two to get hitched on the basis of... of what, Marshal McConnell?"
"I found her with nothing but his shirt on her body, and in bed with him, your honor, She was in a lover's position. I only did what any brother would do in those circumstances."
"Now wait a minute, Judge," said Jason. "He's not telling the whole story."
"Oh? Well, let's hear your side of it."
Jason took a deep breath, and with an apologetic squeeze to Laurie's elbow, told the circumstances of their meeting. He tried not to listen to the snickers behind him, seeing how it was hard enough for him to keep a straight face. By the time he finished, the judge was wiping the tears of laughter from his eyes, and the crowd's giggles and whispers had to be calmed by a few more poundings of the gavel.
"Noisiest crowd I've had to deal with since '68," the judge muttered. He looked at Laurie. "I can't ask you to testify against your husband," he said. Richard coughed, and the judge sent him a scathing look. "As of right now, she is married to Mr. Bolt. Correct?"
"Yes, sir."
The judge put his eyes back on her. "However, it would help the bench if you confirmed his story."
"It's all true," she said, tearing up a little. "I honestly had no idea the room was occupied."
"But that would have been stealing a room for the night," the judge said to her, shaking his finger back and forth in a no-no fashion.
"Yes, sir. I just... I didn't have any other place to go."
"Hmm. Under duress. Well, you ended up with Jason, uh, Mr. Bolt that night, in a paid room. No harm, no foul, as they say. I suppose the bench could overlook this one, little matter."
Laurie breathed in and said, "Thank you, Your Honor."
Jason watched her with worry. The confidence she had displayed earlier was quickly draining away, leaving her pale.
"Now to the matter of the marriage. Mr. Bolt, were you threatened into marrying Mrs. Bolt?"
Jason raked his bottom lip with his teeth. He would love to see Richard get his due lumps, but not at Laurie's expense. "Well," he said looking at Laurie. He could feel her shiver and held her close. "How it came to be doesn't really matter does it?"
"When a crime has been committed, yes it does. Forcing a marriage under coercion is illegal in Washington Territory. Please answer the question, Mr. Bolt. Remember - you're under oath."
Jason swallowed hard. Looking into Laurie's eyes, he said, "I'm afraid all of that is true."
There was a gasp around the room and a buzz of voices. The judge banged on the bar. "That's enough. Mr. Bolt, do you wish to press charges?"
He looked at Laurie. It would serve her brother right, but there was the extra complication of family. As he expected, she gave a slight shake of her head, and Jason said, "No, your honor. I don't suppose we do."
The judge raised one eyebrow and shook his head. "All right. Let the record show the defendant Richard McConnell is fined fifty dollars." Again the room erupted in a series of whispers. To Laurie, he said, "It's my understanding that you were forced into marrying Mr. Bolt as well."
"I was. But I want to stay with him now. Married."
The judge met Jason's gaze. "That true for you too?"
"It is," said Jason.
Judge Cody's mouth quirked to one side. "Fell in love with her, did ya?"
Jason squared his shoulders and spoke with reverence so there was no question in anyone's mind. "I did."
There were several whoops and whistles from the crowd. The judge glanced at the papers on his desk. "Who is Blake Kincaid?"
"I am, your honor," Kincaid said.
"Please give your testimony."
Jason tried to keep his face neutral while he endured another round of someone describing the events in Tacoma that had led them to this waste of a beautiful day when he could be on his mountain finishing the last order of the season. The judge would rule in their favor, he could see it on the judge's face.
"Well sir," Kincaid continued. "After the wedding, there wasn't much to do but relax. Our boat wasn't going anywhere until the weather broke. So's Deputy Watson and I went to the saloon to have a beer the next evening. It was wet and cold," he added, as though that might explain the need for liquor.
Judge Cody waved for the deputy to continue.
"I had me a beer and Watson, uh, that's him over there, Your Honor," Kincaid said, pointing to the quietest of Richard's deputies sitting in the back of the room close to the door. "Andrew Watson."
The judge gestured impatiently.
"Well, Watson had a few drinks. I was too busy talking to a, uh, a lady..."
The room again erupted with excited titters.
"...to notice when he came in, but I saw him over by the door, wearing black clothes, and his hair slicked back like he'd been out in the rain."
"He who, Mr. Kincaid?" said Judge Cody.
"Sherman Campbell," Kincaid declared. "I only met him once, with my sister before the war, but I'd know him anywhere. I didn't trust my eyes, and he disappeared out the door. By the time I got outside he was gone, so I got Marshal McConnell. We went back to the saloon hoping to find him, but we decided it must've been my eyes playing tricks on me. Then we heard from the captain about the murder of a woman. When we heard her description, it sounded a lot like Mrs. Bolt, so we went and visited Mr. and Mrs. Bolt on their honeymoon."
Jason felt Laurie squeeze his hand. He looked down and smiled reassuringly at her.
"Mrs. Bolt was fine, so we started working the case backward. We're lawmen, Your Honor, not detectives. But we did the best we could."
"I'm sure you did."
"The marshal got nervous, 'cause he knows I ain't one to fib about seeing his dead brother-in-law. After his sister left with Mr. Bolt, the marshal sent two of us, Deputies Jensen and Baylor, back to Louisiana to see what they could find out."
"And what was he doing during that time?" the judge asked.
"Well, he was sending wires back and forth from Louisiana and San Francisco, while he dug around some suspicious circumstances regarding a murder there. Oh, and he wooed a woman."
That brought a lot of titters from the crowd. Richard's ears turned pink.
"He had me and Deputy Nelson combing the countryside, looking for Campbell," Kincaid continued. "Slippery fella, if he really is the Muse Killer. Never found him."
"And what of the deputies sent back to Louisiana?" Judge Cody asked.
"Well sir, they ran into lots of dead ends, 'til they visited the land office where Mrs. Bolt sold her plantation. Marshal got a break on that one. Three men testified they saw Campbell in a rage tear the place up, and the carpetbagger who bought the place said Campbell threatened him and his wife on account Mrs. Bolt sold the plantation for less than it was worth."
"So, Mrs. Bolt knew he was alive."
"No, sir, Campbell didn't show his face until she'd already set sail under a month before. She believed Campbell died in a fire, just like we did."
A murmur erupted through the crowd, and the judge banged his gavel a few times. "Marshal McConnell, why aren't your other two deputies here to testify?"
"Both have family in Louisiana, sir. They needed time off, so I gave it to them."
"And you don't have any family?" the judge asked, addressing Kincaid.
"My folks live in Nebraska. My sister died before the war, so there ain't really anything but a grave for me to go back to."
The sorrow in the room was tangible, and Jason made a mental note to share his condolences. The man was respectful, even if he followed the wrong man.
"Mrs. Bolt, why don't you tell us about the last time you saw your first husband, and why you assumed you were widowed," the judge continued, writing something down on paper in front of him.
Laurie's face was winter white. Jason let go of her hand to put his arm around her shoulders. "You can do it," he whispered.
She took a deep breath and began a brief and severely edited version of her last time to see Sherman and her experience leaving Louisiana for San Francisco. Brief, but he could tell she was careful to stick to the truth.
Judge Cody grunted. "This is the most complicated, and I daresay the strangest case I've ever come across. Thank the good Lord there's no money involved."
Jason stole a glance at Laurie. She gave a slight shake of her head.
"Still, facts are facts," the judge went on. "I'm inclined to rule in the Bolt's favor and make a provision for Mrs. Bolt to divorce her first husband, papers to be presented the next time I come into town. I heard you saw the doctor today?"
Laurie's cheeks rose in color. "Yes, sir."
The judge smiled with a quick glance at Jason's wall to wall grin. "I think I can guess the results looking at your husband's face," he said, and the crowd erupted in relieved laughter with whoops and hollers. "But for the record, what were the results of his visit?"
She looked up at Jason, and he knew what he saw in her eyes was pure love. "We're having a baby."
"Go, Jason!" Ben yelled from the back of the room, to which the onlookers laughed again.
The judge joined in for a moment and then sobered. He looked at the papers and then at Richard. "Are you absolutely sure you want to do this?" he quietly asked. "Look at them. Look what you're destroying."
Richard's eyes were sad, and Jason took in a long breath of air, trying to keep his mind open, but somehow he knew Richard's answer before anyone else in the room.
"Yes, sir, I am. I told Bolt to try to convince my sister to annul, but... I'm afraid they're both too emotionally involved."
"You have a man that's willing to stand by your sister's side. Take care of her and her baby."
"I'm afraid that's not the point, sir."
The judge pursed his lips and fixed his gaze on Jason, then Laurie. "I'm sorry to inform you, Mrs. Bolt, that your brother here is not a magnanimous as you and your husband. Which, unfortunately, was your only way out of this."
"Well, let Jason change his mind!" Jeremy shouted, and the rest of the crowd let the judge know they were of the same opinion. The judge banged the gavel. "One more outburst and I'm going to jail people for contempt of court!"
The crowd settled down, and Jason cleared his throat. "Uh, your honor, how is it an annulment? It's a little late for that, isn't it?" There were snickers and a few womanly gasps from the onlookers. "We've consummated our marriage. Neither one of us deny it. She's carrying my child."
The judge shook his head. "I've examined the law to prepare for this. To get a divorce means to acknowledge that the marriage was legal. She would have to be tried for bigamy. Now, if we do this," he said, holding up the paper in his hand, "We'll be able to take care of everything here, and she won't have to go through that in her delicate condition. Seeing how I have a unanimous testimony that force or coercion brought your union together, I can annul it on grounds that it never should have happened."
"But we said we don't want an annulment," Laurie burst out.
"Laurie..." Jason said under his breath.
"I understand that, Mrs. Bolt. But I'm afraid your brother has sued you, even though it was through his own doing, to which he admits. You either annul your marriage to Mr. Bolt or go to jail to await being tried for bigamy in Olympia. You really don't have a choice."
The saloon/courtroom burst into murmurs, and Jason's heart froze. He and Richard's eyes met, and almost in internal combustion, Jason's anger pushed out. "You would send your sister to jail?" he shouted. "It was your fault!"
"I warned you this would be painful! She has to be protected, whether with me on the seas or in jail, it doesn't matter, just so long as he can't hurt her."
"What do you care? You left her multiple times with men you didn't know a thing about. This is our lives!" Jason roared, gripping his own chest, silencing the entire room. "Our family. I'm so in love with her I can't see straight, and you would take her away? From me, the father of her child?"
"To protect her and to honor our father, yes, I would!"
The judge banged his gavel on the bar. "That's enough!"
Jason and Richard glared at each other and after a moment, the judge asked Richard, "Why not allow Mr. Bolt to take his bride on an extended vacation? She would be safe, and with the man of her choosing while you catch this criminal. The papers could be drawn up and everything could be taken care of in one session."
Richard hesitated, as though considering. Jason held his breath and then felt hope plunge when he shook his head. "Bolt doesn't know what he's up against. Only Laurie knows how Sherman Campbell operates. Even I'm just getting a full picture. She won't argue that." He paused while everyone moved their eyes to Laurie, who, as though in a trance, nodded.
"I have to be sure," Richard continued. "I know she'll be safe with my men. Campbell's a dead man if he came within twenty feet of her. My men are alert and committed."
"Jason could come with me," Laurie whispered. "Or... or..." The words stuck in her throat and she began to shake. She opened her mouth and moved it to talk, but a large sob escaped her throat. She blushed.
"Now look at her," said Kincaid. "Told you maybe there might be a better way."
Richard snorted. "I said shut up."
"No! What better way?" Jason demanded.
"There isn't one," Richard snapped. "He's talking about common law, and it's the same scenario. Laurie, either sign the damned annulment or go to jail. It's that simple."
"You're out of line, marshal," the judge told him. "Careful, or I'll add another fine and jail time to your sentence, badge or no."
"Is there nothing else we can do?" Jason asked the judge. "Wait for us to get a lawyer? Get more time?"
The judge gave them both an empathetic look. "I'm sorry, but I can't give legal counsel to a defendant. But I can give the two of you a moment to decide."
Jason hugged her to him with his arm around her shoulders, turning her so their backs were to Richard and the crowd. She looked lost, bewildered, and a little shaky with her eyes out of focus.
"Darling, listen to me."
"I can't do it," she whispered, her lips quivering, still not quite looking at Jason.
"You can't do what?"
"I'm not signing that paper." Finally, she met his eyes. "Jason, I'd rather go to jail than be under Richard's thumb again. And... I want our baby to have your name. Not Sherman's. I couldn't stand it."
"I understand all that, but jail isn't a place for any woman, let alone a pregnant one. Darling, sign."
"No. No, I won't, I won't! I won't do it! After all the things you've said, especially on the boat? The promises of choice... how can you ask me that?" she asked, crossing herself. Her eyes widened, and she slowly dropped her hand to her side. "I even changed my religion because I believe what you believe. We just haven't had time to talk about it yet. And you had something to do with that too."
"Laurie," Jason said, her name coming out of his throat raw and full of anguish. "Please. Sign the paper."
"No. Besides, Richard's right. The only place I'm safe is in jail. Or an asylum," she added, looking over her shoulder to glare at her brother. Jason saw Richard flinch.
Jason pressed his lips together, his mind racing. He knew she meant it. There was no way to make her sign, and the thought of her pregnant and in jail made Jason's skin crawl. He drew a deep breath. "I'm asking one more time. Think of our child. I'll stay with you—he can't keep me from doing that. I'll stay with you and hold your hand until we can get you a divorce, or maybe your brother might do his job and catch him. They'll hang Campbell if they do. You'll never have to be afraid of him again. Oh, just sign the paper, Laurie. I'm not going anywhere. I'm still going to be here for you, and for the baby. Have a little faith. Have faith in me."
Tears covered her face. Between those and the hiccuping sobs, she only shook her head. Jason gave the judge a plaintive look. The older man coughed, but then added, "You need to decide. The court would like to adjourn. I have to stop in Tacoma before I make the trip up to Spokane."
Jason glared at Richard. "That's why you rushed this."
"Get her to sign, Bolt," Richard said, sounding tired. "You and I both know you're not going to let her go to jail any more than she would let you hang."
Jason hung his head. It was true. They were both sacrificing the thing they loved most for the other. She lost her freedom from marriage to any man, and now he would sacrifice the marriage he desperately wanted.
"Don't ask me again," she warned, wiping her eyes with her fingers. "I won't do it."
Jason cocked his head to one side. So that was the problem. He was asking. He grabbed her hand and pulled her to the bar, hard. Then he picked up the pen and put it in her hand. "Sign it."
"Jason!"
Lottie's reproving cry from the crowd didn't faze him. Laurie stared at him like he had sprouted horns on top of his head. Well, maybe right now he felt a bit like the devil, but it would keep her where she needed to be.
"I mean it, Laurie. I'm your husband. The one you vowed to obey, remember?"
Her trembling ceased, and she gave him a cool stare. "I'm well aware of my vows, Jason."
Jason didn't flinch. He couldn't afford to. Keeping his voice steely, he continued, "Good. Then as your husband, I'm not asking, I'm telling you. Sign this paper. Right now."
Laurie wasn't the only woman in the room that sucked in her breath. Several of the ladies fanned themselves while married men in the room seemed to empathize with Jason's dilemma. Jason watched her with hooded eyes, holding his breath, his heart pounding in his chest.
She was staring at the pen as though she had never seen one before. Then she lifted her eyes to meet his, peeking through her eyelashes, only this time there was no flirtation about it. All he saw was the pain from yet another betrayal by someone she had trusted. "You promised I'd always have a choice."
Jason's chest was constricting so hard he was sure he was having a heart attack. For certain, his heart was breaking. What he was making her do, she would never forgive him for it. She might never allow him to see his child, or be a part of the baby's life like her father had done to her. Lord help him, he hated himself for it.
"There's always a choice, darling, but I'm telling you as a husband, as a man that loves you... as a man that is scared to death that he'll never see you again. I asked, and you said no. I have to do what's right for our family."
"This is not right for our family!"
"No, it's not! But it's a hell of a lot better than going to jail pregnant! Don't you care what might happen to you in there? What that might mean for the baby?!"
"Jason—" he heard Lottie plead behind him, and he winced, knowing he'd won the battle but lost the war. Laurie's face had gone white.
"I told you everything," she whispered, and in that tiny sentence, he knew he'd lost her. She signed her full name on the line, no quiver in her hand. Then she pulled her ring off and laid it on the book.
There was a stillness about the room, Jason's deep breaths matching Laurie's sobs. "Does she need to sign anything else?" he asked, his eyes on her as she staggered away from the bar, not looking at him.
"No, that's all," the judge answered matter-of-factually. "I just need your signature here."
"She was of sound mind enough to sign this, correct?" Jason asked, a thought coming to him.
"Yes?"
"Well, her brother likes to put himself in charge of her welfare. I want to be sure, she's free to do whatever she wants."
"The court recognizes Laurel Campbell has full use of her faculties. Please, Mr. Bolt. Tacoma awaits."
Jason paused, picking the ring up. Jason held it for a few seconds, watching the rubies sparkle. The judge cleared his throat, breaking the spell it had on him. He pocketed it before picking up the pen and with his mouth drawn in a thin line, rigorously signed the second document Richard McConnell had forced on him in six months. He was going to have to break that habit. He threw the pen down and asked, "Is that it, Your Honor?"
"Yes, Jason," the judge said, ignoring Jason's tone. "Court's adjourned! Thank heavens."
Jason whirled around and slammed his fist into Richard's jaw, sending him flying backward. Ignoring the judge's gavel beating against the bar, he lunged forward and grabbed the lawman by the lapel and pulled his fist back. Richard shakily put his hands up. "I won't fight you. I know what I've done to her. It was the right thing to do, or I wouldn't have done it."
Jason shook with rage, time passing between them in a hush. He sighed and let go of Richard. He scanned the barroom for Laurie, but the crowd had pushed forward to view the fight, and Jason couldn't see her over the sea of faces.
"Has anyone seen Laurie?" he yelled over the din.
"Aye, she slipped out the backdoor," Clancey yelled back. "Figured she might be retreating to your room. Her room? Aye, this is a mess, yes it is."
"What?! Why did you let her leave? Where is—"
"Don't you yell at me, Jason! I'm not the one she's upset with! Besides, if you didn't want her to slip out, you shouldn't have started a fight! Everyone was watching you, man!"
Jason groaned and started toward the back door when a scream pierced the crowd, making it fall silent. "Laurie," he said, and with his heart in his throat, pushed through the bodies crowded around him toward the back room. Not seeing anyone he ran up the backstairs.
"Jason! Jason!" Molly called, running into the landing. "Candy said you went this way!"
He put his hands on the banister. "Do you see her? Did you see Laurie?"
"Yes!" Molly said, her words rushing all at once. "Candy told me to follow her, but she said she needed to be alone. But then Mr. McAllister rode up, and she screamed, and then he hit her in the head from on top of his horse! She looked like... she had blood on her head, Uncle Jason! Then he put her on his horse and they're gone! He went straight up the mountain!"
"McAllister?" Jason asked, unsure what to make of it, and then it hit him. Easy to get along with McAllister, always taking off with a bunch of drunks, gone for a day or two at a time but responsible enough not to get fired. Late night walks, stories about his wife who entertained other men... a temper that flared and disappeared. The feelings of distrust Jason had developed toward him...
She poured scalding coffee down the back of his neck. McAllister has scars there. And the girl. Jenny looks just like him.
How had he not remembered what he saw the first day he met Campbell, or see the resemblance between Jenny and her father? Jason jumped down the stairs he had just taken to land next to Molly, who had started to cry.
"Molly, go get Jeremy. Tell him someone has kidnapped Laurie and get a posse together. Where's McConnell?"
"He and his men headed to the livery," Molly said through the tears. "Is she going to be okay?"
Jason touched her shoulder and shook his head. "I don't know. Go on now, go get Jeremy." He took off running to the livery, hoping to catch them before they took off.
Right under my damned nose.