Chapter Twelve

The raindrops were getting bigger and harder as Frank brought the horse to a stop at an empty church. Mattie sat dead still. Frank could barely feel her breath, but her clutching hands let him know that she was still alive. He jumped off the horse and pulled her off, holding her close. They walked into the church.

Frank looked around and was surprised to find it empty. Jesse and he had used this place many times as a hideaway; however, he noticed the used candles. The Gang had been there. He walked toward the alter and sat Mattie down. He moved away and started lighting candles.

"I shot that man," Mattie said suddenly.

Frank looked over his shoulder at her. Her whole body was still shaking. She was looking at the pew in front of her, but staring at nothing. Her wet hair was clinging to every part of her face, neck, and back. He walked over to her, reaching for her and stopped.

The whole time they had been riding to the church, Frank hadn't thought about what had happened between them. He could still taste her on his lips and tongue, but that didn't take the sting away from what had happened later.

"Was it true?" Frank asked.

Mattie looked up. Her eyes were so empty, yet he could see all emotions that she was trying to hide. He sat down, taking her by the shoulders and turning her to him.

"Mattie, please," Frank pleaded. "I need to know."

"Need to know what?"

"Were you going to turn me in? Even after what happened between us."

"That wasn't supposed to happen, and neither was the turning in."

Frank let go of her and looked down at the pew. He wasn't sure what to say or do. He knew what he felt for Mattie, but there could be no secrets between them. At least, secrets like they were keeping now.

"So, what was supposed to happen?" Frank asked.

Mattie looked up and brushed some hair back. She stared at Frank, not sure where to begin. It never was meant to get this complicated. She just wanted to make the man who killed her brother pay. She never should have used Frank.

"I was going to let you leave," Mattie wiped her eyes. "Actually, I was going to make you leave. Then, I was going to follow you with Buck to the gang and kill Cole Younger."

Frank stared at her. All of this mess steamed from Cole. He didn't quite understand. "Did you have this plan when you saved me?"

Mattie shook her head and reached out to Frank. He immediately moved away, which didn't surprise her. She stood up watching him. She knew that she should come clean about who she was and what she wanted.

"Cole Younger killed my brother. It was the first time the James Gang came to Kansas," Mattie paused and walked up to the alter. "My brother, James, was helping Buck and his men drive some cattle. They stopped at the nearest town before making the long trek home. I don't know for sure what happened at the town, but Cole started an altercation with James and Buck. Somehow or another, my brother was shot."

Mattie knelt down, putting her face in her hands. She felt tears running down her face. She had never wanted Frank to know so much about her. She just wanted to have her revenge and move on.

Frank let her story wash over him. He remembered that night. There had been an altercation. Cole and Buck had started fighting. Buck wanted to go outside and finish the argument. Of course, Cole went out there, but Cole never drew his gun. Buck made the move to shoot Cole in the back. James had tried to stop him and ended up with the bullet. Frank let out a sigh and went over to Mattie, wrapping her in his arms.

"Mattie, I know the night you are talking about, but Cole didn't shoot anyway."

Mattie looked up, holding onto him. Her grip was made of iron. Deep down, she knew what Frank said was true. Buck had not said that he had done, but in some way, she had known all along that Buck had lied to her. She stared at Frank and moved her lips close his. He didn't fight it and began to kiss her.

Frank could feel her body press against her. She needed this. The sweet surrender that made her feel safe. He pulled her closer as she drew him deeper.

"Frank," she whispered so softly. "There's one last thing I need to tell you."

Frank stared at her. Her vulnerability was showing along with her beauty in the candlelight. He stroked her hair, but never let leave his arms.

"I'm listening," he replied.

"I think I'm in love with you."

Frank smiled and bent down, kissing her. She returned the kiss with all the passion and fervor that he had given. There was no denying it to themselves or each other how they felt. As the storm raged outside, they held onto each other, riding it out.