Chapter 10

Lucy somehow managed to evade Chris for nearly an entire day. Chris had woke to find bacon, eggs, fried potatoes, and homemade bread with jam all waiting for him on the table. There was no other sign of Lucy, and Chris hadn't wanted to intrude on whatever solitary reprieve she found from him in her room. He had eaten, washed his dish, and headed outside.

Lunchtime was the same. A hearty sandwich with a thick slab of smoked ham and fresh coffee on the stove for him. But no Lucy.

Chris told himself he should be glad to avoid the girl. To not have to see the way she eyed him warily or ducked her head like she was waiting for him to strike her. It was enough to keep the hard knot of anger toward Eli Joe growing in his chest.

He paused in hammering the fence rail back in place and looked up toward the house. Again. No sign of Lucy. He told himself she was fine. His job was to keep her from Eli Joe and he was doing that.

He took another nail from between his lips and was about to hammer it in to secure the last rail when the door to his small house opened. He watched Lucy step outside and dump a pan of dishwater over the porch railing. He expected her to go back inside, but she paused, looking up at the blue sky, the clouds billowing across the expanse on a light breeze.

She slowly ventured down the steps, tilting her face up, closing her eyes as the sun warmed her.

Chris couldn't move. It was the first he had seen her face somewhat at ease. The first time he had really looked at her.

The breeze pulled at her skirt, highlighting her small frame, her narrow waist. Everything about her was delicate. But Chris had seen the grit underneath what he had initially seen as a frail exterior. Nothing short of pure grit would have kept her alive with Eli Joe. And he knew damn well it took determination most men didn't have to trust him and move out here alone with him.

He watched her shoulders lift in a small sigh before she opened her eyes. Her bright blue eyes met his and any peace fled from her face. She pressed her lips together and quickly hurried back inside.

Chris grimaced, shoving aside thoughts of the woman who now lived in his house and took his frustration out on the last nail.

#

"You about ready?"

Lucy flinched at the sound of Chris' voice.

She nodded in answer. The tall man held open the door for her and she hurried past him, careful not to brush against him. She was prepared to go to the barn and saddle the horses, but saw two mounts ready to go, hitched to the porch rail.

She couldn't stop herself from going to the sorrel tied next to Chris' stallion. The gelding swung his head to look at her and Lucy stroked his velvety nose, some of the constant tension easing from her as it always did in the presence of a horse. Horses were easy to read, easy to predict. Even an unknown horse felt familiar. And in the midst of everything foreign and threatening, this was the only comfort she had.

She glanced up to see Chris watching her and quickly stepped back, untying the reins and mounting up. She adjusted her skirts and waited for the man in black to swing up on his horse. Without a word, he started down the little used road toward town.

Lucy could almost enjoy the ride. The day was cooling off, the breeze from earlier picking up, but still pleasant. She glanced at Chris, saw him looking ahead, scanning the terrain. For a minute she let herself feel safe at his side. The way he was alert to any possible threat, his gun easily accessible and a rifle in the boot on his saddle.

"Do…" Her voice was soft under the sound of the horse's hooves and creaking leather, but he still swung that walled off gaze over to her. Lucy tried not to quail at the sudden attention she had drawn.

She took a breath and tried again. "Do you think you'll be able to hold off Eli Joe's men? With only seven of you?" She looked straight ahead, biting her lip, scared of what Chris' answer would be. Because she had seen firsthand how ruthless Eli Joe and his gang could be.

"How many men you figure he'll bring?"

Lucy couldn't stop her eyes from darting over to him. He scanned the road ahead again and looked back to her, waiting for her answer.

"Maybe ten?" Lucy ventured. She mentally counted up the men Eli Joe rode with, the ones who loitered around the cabin she had lived in with Eli Joe back in Texas.

"Tell me about 'em," he said. "Who'll he bring with?"

Lucy frowned. "His cousin, Henry Lee for sure. He's as mean as Eli Joe. He's got a scar." Lucy drew her finger across her cheek. "Don't turn your back on him no matter what. And Grimes. He'll drop his gun and make you think you're in control, but he always carries a couple knives and he's fast with them."

He looked like he was actually listening to her, taking in the information she provided. "Anyone else we should watch for?" he asked.

The sunlight faded and she thought back to the things she had seen them do. The things they had told her about, enjoying the way her face would grow white and bile would threaten. "Quint," she whispered. She reached forward and stroked the gelding's coarse mane, letting the feel of the horse keep her in the present. "He…" her words got strangled in her throat. "He's more than mean. He's crazy."

Chris didn't respond and Lucy focused on the rhythm of the horse, the way the animal kept a steady pace.

"He hurt you?" he asked, his voice low.

Lucy's fingers curled around the reins. She didn't answer immediately, fighting back the memories. "Yes."

"Eli Joe let him?"

She didn't miss the dangerous change in his tone.

"Eli Joe told him to," she said.

The man riding alongside her cursed under his breath. Lucy looked at him from the side of her eye and weighed telling him anything more.

"He…I…When I tried to leave him…He had Quint make sure I wouldn't try that again." She couldn't get any more than that out. Couldn't tell him that she had lost consciousness when Quint slammed her head against the wall. That she had woken with a gash across the back of her head making her hair sticky with blood and boot marks from the blows he had landed with a heavy foot.

Chris' jaw worked and he didn't say anything for awhile.

Lucy was relieved that he seemed willing to let it go. She nudged her horse slightly, wanting to get to town and see Vin. Chris kept pace, still on the alert.

They were nearly to the edge of town before he spoke.

"They're not going to get to you," he said. "None of them."

Lucy met his eyes and saw emotion there for the first time. A firm promise there.

Her jaw trembled at the look on his face. She didn't know what she was supposed to say. It was on her lips to tell him not to worry about her, just make sure they didn't find Vin, when a call drew Chris' attention.

"Good to see you. Both of you," Josiah said, stepping down the steps from the church.

Lucy nodded a hello, still trying to gather herself out of the memories.

"You want to see Lucy over to the saloon?" Chris asked. "I'll take care of the horses."

Panic flared for a minute. As intimidating as Chris Larabee was, he was becoming somewhat familiar. The idea of being alone with the barrel chested man with the deep voice was terrifying. But Lucy didn't argue.

She dismounted, handing her reins to Chris to lead the horse to the livery. Her fingers brushed against his and it froze her in place. He held her eyes, and there it was again. That promise. The unspoken oath that he would protect her.

She didn't understand it. Couldn't comprehend that she could be safe with him.

Chris looked away first. "I'll see you over there," he said to Josiah, nudging the horses into motion.

Then he was gone and Lucy was standing in the barren churchyard with another of the men that Vin trusted.

"Ma'am," Josiah said, motioning with an arm for her to start walking.

Lucy was hard pressed to slow her steps to an appropriate pace. She wanted to run, to get away from the man she didn't know.

"Things going well out at Chris'?" Josiah asked.

Lucy nodded automatically, keeping her eyes on the ground in front of her.

Josiah didn't offer any more attempts at conversation. Lucy risked a look towards the town, seeking out Vin. Or Chris. The realization she was looking for him startled her. But then she saw him disappear into the livery and the glimpse settled her racing heart slightly.

The clouds had built to something more threatening that sedate puffs of cotton crossing the sky by the time they reached the saloon and a light mist had started. Josiah held open the batwing doors for her.

Lucy immediately looked around the dim interior, relieved that it was mostly empty, Vin and the other men at a table in the back corner near the stairs.

Vin looked up at their entrance and stood. Lucy hurried to his side. She saw Vin nod his thanks to Josiah.

Lucy risked a look at the other men around the table, Buck, Nathan, JD. She saw Ezra behind the bar with Inez, gathering up drinks. She wished with everything in her that Chris hadn't agreed to this. But if Chris wanted to spend time with his friends, then she would be here. At least Vin was here.

She took the chair Vin pulled out for her.

"Good to see you, Lucy," Buck said with a smile.

Lucy tried to return the greeting.

"Where's Chris? You two already needin' time apart two days into wedded bliss?" Buck asked.

Inez gave him a light smack on the back of his head as she passed behind him with a tray of drinks. The frown she aimed at Buck lightened to a sincere smile for Lucy.

"We will let these men enjoy their drinks and meal today, but we will have our time when Mary and I come out to visit you." Inez shot Buck a warning look when he opened his mouth to speak. "Do you need anything while you're in town?" she asked. "We can go over to the store."

Lucy caught herself before she nodded in agreement. As appealing as that was, she couldn't agree. She had no idea how Chris would react when he got to the saloon and she was gone. And then there was the matter of her lack of money.

"I'll ask Mr. Larabee," she said to Inez.

She was acutely aware of Nathan's dark eyes filled with pity. But it was Vin who spoke.

"Chris won't mind. You go on ahead."

Vin wasn't the one who had to go home with Chris if the lean gunslinger grew angry, but Lucy didn't mention that to him. "I can wait," she said, unwilling to risk Chris' anger.

Uncomfortable silence fell around the table and Lucy kept her eyes on her hands in her lap, offering up a thank you to Ezra when he placed a glass in front of her. She took a sip of the sarsaparilla.

The men did their best at conversation while Lucy stubbornly stood her ground. After all, none of them would be the ones who took the beating from Chris if she walked out on him without asking.

#

The fine mist turned to larger raindrops and Chris was glad he had unrolled his slicker from the back of his saddle and shrugged it on before leaving the livery. He was also thankful Josiah had intercepted them and taken Lucy to the saloon. Chris needed time to get himself under control.

How could Lucy mention the things Eli Joe had done to her without batting an eye, as if it wasn't pure evil?

Chris strode across town, the raindrops starting to sluice off the brim of his hat. He was starting to think waiting around for Eli Joe and his men was too easy. They should be hunting down the pieces of dirt who had traumatized Lucy.

But he couldn't ride out. Because that would mean leaving Lucy undefended. No, he would be riding back to his ranch with her at the end of the evening. He looked up at the sky, judging the clouds and anticipating a ride home in the rain. He changed course to the general store. Lucy was going to need a slicker and a hat.

He made his way to the right section of the store. There wasn't a large selection, most of the slickers made for the men who made up the majority of the town. He selected the smallest one, then looked at the hats. Sarah had preferred a light colored hat, her curls spilling out from under it.

Chris pulled a dark brown hat from the shelf.

He made his way to the counter and set his purchases there. The proprietor called from the back that he'd be right there.

Chris studied the shelves near the counter. He added a tin of matches. A basket of cakes of soap caught his attention. He picked one up, a feminine scent of lavender coming with it. With a grunt, Chris tossed it back into the basket.

The store owner came out, greeting Chris warmly. He added up the few items on the counter and Chris reached into his pocket for his money. He paused.

Not sure why, Chris grabbed one of the bars of soap and tossed it on the counter, adding it to his purchases.

#

Vin watched Chris enter the saloon, water dripping from the shoulders of his long black coat, brown paper wrapped packages under one arm. Chris' gaze landed on their table, lingered on Lucy for just a beat, then he was striding over to their table.

Inez was placing plates around the table. The spicy scent of her enchiladas usually made Chris' stomach growl, but he had to admit he wasn't coming into town as starved for a good meal as he had been before Lucy cooking for him.

Chris's eyes moved to Lucy. "You going?"

"If it's alright with you?"

Chris frowned at her question. "Don't need to ask permission."

Vin didn't miss the way Lucy hesitated, then pushed her chair back quickly, as if worried Chris would change his mind.

"I'll walk you over," Vin said, rising with them. Unwilling to leave Lucy alone on the streets with the threat of Eli Joe out there.

He fell into step with them, keeping to the overhangs that shielded them from the rain, on the boardwalks that kept them out of the mud. At the general store, he held the door open for both of them.

"Would you like to join us, Vin?" she asked.

Vin shook his head. "I'll leave you ladies to your shoppin'," he said, tipping his hat slightly.

He could hear Inez speaking to Lucy as the ladies headed for the back of the store. He let himself out the front and scanned the streets for any movement. All was quiet in the rain.

Back in the saloon drinks were flowing.

Chris tossed back a shot of whiskey as Vin settled into his chair again.

"Married life agreeing with you?" Josiah asked, watching Chris pour another shot.

Chris tossed that one back and didn't answer.

"Let's eat," Buck suggested, one eye on his longtime friend. He shoved a plate closer to Chris. Under his breath he spoke. "Might want to slow down a little, Larabee. At least get some food in your stomach."

"Is Lucy a good cook, Chris?" JD asked. "Must be real nice getting homecooked meals with her out there with ya."

Chris cut his eyes to the younger man. "Didn't marry her to get a cook."

Vin didn't miss Buck taking the bottle out of Chris' reach after he poured a third shot.

"She's done enough cooking for Eli Joe and his gang," Chris muttered, eyes on his empty glass.

"Mighty nice what you're doing for the girl," Josiah said, his mellow voice usually diffusing any tension.

Tonight, though, Chris didn't seem to be in the mood to listen. "Doin' what has to be done," he said, shoving back his chair. Without another word, he strode out of the saloon.

Vin had known the man long enough to know when he didn't want company. Not that Chris had been subtle about it. With his thoughts on Lucy and Chris, he picked up his fork and focused on the meal in front of him, giving them both space from one another, and the rest of the men, for now.

#

Lucy reached out a hand to finger the edge of a lace trimmed tablecloth before quickly drawing her hand back and brushing her palm against her threadbare skirt.

"I can guess Mr. Larabee does not have many comforts at his house," Inez said, quirking an eyebrow at Lucy.

"Oh his house is really nice," Lucy quickly corrected her. It was certainly better constructed than the cabin with the leaky roof back in Texas. And there was real glass in all the windows, a luxury compared to the oil paper over the single window Eli Joe's cabin claimed.

"I'm sure it is," Inez said gently. "But you would notice things a man doesn't. What do you need to settle in out there?"

"Nothing," Lucy insisted. "I have everything I need." She looked at the pots and pans the shopkeeper kept hanging from the ceiling to display them. "You know he has a big cookstove with a warming drawer and everything? It's a luxury after cooking over a fireplace."

A frown creased Inez's brow for a second before she spoke again. "I'm glad he thought to set up a nice kitchen. But what about other things that make it homey?"

"Homey?" Lucy asked. This time it was her brow that wrinkled. The thought of making Chris Larabee's house any sort of home had never crossed her mind.

"Rugs? Curtains? More dishes?" Inez offered.

Lucy shook her head.

"He has all that already?" Inez asked skeptically.

Lucy thought of the spartan house. "No," she said.

Inez nodded as if satisfied to have her thoughts confirmed. "Then let's find some things you need." When Lucy started to shake her head again, Inez fixed her with a look. "This is my wedding present to you. If you will not make the choices, you will end up with what I think you need."

Inez picked up the tablecloth Lucy had been looking at, draping the folded length over one arm. "What else?"

When Lucy didn't say anything more, Inez started looking at a handmade rag rug.

"Please don't," Lucy begged her. She had no idea what Chris would think of this kind of charity, and even if he didn't mind, it made Lucy's stomach twist.

Inez paused, stopping and looking at Lucy's face, her own face growing concerned at Lucy's clear distress.

Inez let out a sigh. "The tablecloth then," she said. "Please let me get you a wedding present. That is what friends do."

Lucy bit the inside of her cheek. When she didn't answer, Inez seemed to take that as agreement and set it on the counter. She chatted easily with the store owner. Lucy hung back, taking in the store. It was similar to the one back in Tuscosa. Except here, she wasn't watched with a mix of pity and suspicion as Eli Joe's wife. Her gaze landed on a basket of soap bars. Picking one up, Lucy closed her eyes and smelled the mellow scent of lavender.

Inez thanked the shopkeeper. Quickly putting the soap back in the basket before the shopkeeper could scowl at her for handling the merchandise, Lucy tucked her hands behind her.

Inez looped her arm through Lucy's. "Now we will go see what the men think of my enchiladas and eat some."

Lucy nodded, trying to figure out what someone said to a friend like Inez. Not just a friend like Inez, any friend. It had been just her and Vin for so long, and then just her, she didn't know what she was supposed to do.

"Thank you," she said, wishing she could find more words.

Inez looked like she understood.

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