Chapter Forty Seven
Jarrod and Lisette entered through the back alley. He lit the lamp in the kitchenette.
"Want something to eat?"
"No, all the herbs they gave me have made my stomach a bit seasick. And then the steam from the train. Do you have any wine?"
"You know I do. Only the best Barkley vintage."
He poured them both a glass and they sat down at his kitchen table. He pulled out some crackers and cheese. She closed her eyes and sipped on the wine.
"How is everyone?"
Jarrod filled her in on Grete and Anna as well as Kai. She gasped at their injuries. He told her that Nick survived the gunshot and was planning on marrying Anna as soon as he could.
"Good for them. I shall miss her company but she must take her chance at happiness. She wasn't sure if she was going to Europe with us or not. I will dance at her wedding with joy. Kindest soul in the world."
He flinched at the word, Europe again. She didn't notice his reaction in the dim light.
"Now tell me everything about your rescue and how Buck plays into this."
She recounted the kidnapping, being taken to a private home with musty velvet drapes, very old fashioned—-to the prospectors cabin. Buck shooting the fourth guard. "He was one of the men at the hotel that night—and the kidnappers. He mentioned being wanted in Stockton too. Said he knew Paul and Miller."
"Buck's part in this?"
"Rescued me? It felt strange. Said the casino deal was over. Everyone backed out when you accused Buck of the kidnapping. He started searching the area he said to clear his name."
"Do you believe him?"
"No. When we were kidnapped, one of the men said they killed Nick. "Buck" wanted Nick dead. I have thought about it over and over again—-that's what he said."
"Lissy, don't tell anyone that. No one. I know the sheriff in Modesto was kind to you and I believe him—-but it puts you in more danger. Nor that the man knew Miller or Paul. Keep it between us."
"I won't."
Jarrod reached out and touched her bruised cheek.
She reached up and kissed his hand. He left it there. She pulled back after a few moments relishing the kind human touch.
"I am sorry Jarrod. I am being forward. Davina."
"She left Stockton. Her father was unhappy with my choices. It's best this way."
"Is it my fault?"
"No mine. It's a blessing to find out now. I plan on living my life the way I see fit. I can't make decisions and consult her father beforehand. We had some things to work out but we never got the chance—-she chose to walk away."
"You cared about her?"
"Yes I did but it wasn't meant to be. She didn't approve of my scotch." he chuckled trying to lighten the moment.
Lisette laughed, "It is part of who you are."
He cleared his throat, " Lissy, you are all I have thought about for weeks."
"Jarrod—there are so many complications."
"I will help you uncomplicate them. One thread at a time. I want to unravel you. All your layers. I thought a lot about Henry and what it would mean to be in his life. I fully embrace being his guardian—- I want to be in your life, too."
She took a deep breath and squeezed his hand.
"Stay with me tonight, Jarrod. I need you. I know what I am asking and I have always known my mind—-think me wanton if you like. We can think again tomorrow. I just want to feel again. Your kind touch warms me. When I was blindfolded, I went through memories and books I have read to keep sane and not cry out. And I painted a picture of us in my mind. And it calmed me. I want you. Make me forget the ugly."
"Are you sure?" he asked with desire in his voice.
"Yes," and she stood up. He took her in his arms and kissed her deeply.
"I am not your client tonight."
"I am not your lawyer."
"Just lovers."
"Just lovers."
He picked her up and took her into his bedroom.
As he undressed her, he saw the many marks on her body. He kissed each one in anger and frustration. She welcomed his touch and aggressively returned his ministrations.
The last thing she whispered before they were completely lost in each other was, "Don't leave me with a child."
"I won't but I will one day. And I won't walk away."
—-&—
Jarrod and Lisette slept peacefully in each other's arms all night. It was a deep sleep of contentment that neither had experienced in the past months. Lisette didn't think she had ever slept so soundly.
They awoke at dawn and enjoyed each other again in the morning light.
Jarrod thought the wounds looked worse in full light. He vowed to take Buck down once and for all—but for now healing Lisette was his main concern.
Jarrod got up and made them coffee as she dressed in the calico. She laughed at herself in the mirror.
"I look a fright."
"You look beautiful, my love but I admit it isn't quite your normal couture."
"This was all the sheriff could scrape up. I was thankful and grateful. These boots are two sizes too big too. What was it with these men to tatter my dresses? First the purple silk and then my blue day dress. Such evil and cruelty. I don't mind saying I am thankful all four of Miller's cronies are dead."
Jarrod felt a pang of guilt never telling her of the purple silk threat he received.
"Lissy? What did the man hurt you with?"
She lowered her eyes, "A riding crop. If I cried out or moved or any sense of being awake, he would—"
His eyes simmered in anger.
Tears filled her eyes, "I laid as still as I could under that blindfold. For three days. I tried. Henry—-your Mother, my parents, the seashore—- and my books and painting and you—let me lose myself in my mind. I dreamed of your hands soothing me. I feared I would go mad. And last night was better than anything I imagined. I shall never, never regret your touch. Thank you—-"
"Lissy, you gave me a precious gift last night. I don't take it lightly nor -" he couldn't get the rest of his words out.
He held her tight and let her speak of the horror of the week. He worried she still had buried the sadistic attack in the hotel. It still vexed him if the attack had been complete or not..
They finally pulled away and she began braiding her hair on the bed.
"Lissy, they won't expect us until nine. We can be at the mercantile in a few minutes and find you something else to wear. They open at seven, I believe."
"I would love that, Jarrod."
"I will leave first from the alley and make my way to the livery for a rig. You walk out the front ten minutes later and down the boardwalk. We will meet coming from two directions."
"Why Mr Barkley, you have a bit of espionage in your soul."
"I might just have." and he kissed her again.
—&—