Because of Rebecca - By Leanne Tyler Page 0,71
to hop a ride whenever they can.”
He stepped off the boardwalk to head toward the train station, but sudden gunfire mingled with thunderous horses’ hooves stopped him. The three men turned toward the approaching noise.
In the distance a flash of blue sent a wave of relief blasting through Jared and his hands choked the shotgun. Rebecca. Thank God.
“It’s them,” he shouted. He ran into the street with Buford and Rory on his heels.
The commotion brought people pouring out of the shops lining the street. The horses raced by, but the riders slowed them and came back, stopping in front of the men. Rebecca sat in front of Rufus with a burlap sack over her head, her hands bound by a rope.
Jared gripped the gun tighter and found it difficult to breath.
“Are you going to give me the money now, Rory?” Rufus sneered. He yanked the sack off of Rebecca’s head and cupped her face with his hand. “Or do I get the pleasure of her company.”
Jared’s heart lurched. The sight of his beloved’shair unkempt from the sack and her face pale with fright, started a rage pounding behind his eyes. Only the thought of them not having a future together kept him from shooting the bastards who held her from their horses and damn the consequences.
“Let her go,” he demanded, raising the shotgun to his shoulder, grateful for His West Point training. It was all he could do to restrain himself from shooting Rufus off the horse.
Rory and Buford raised their weapons as well.
“Do what he says, Rufus,” Buford advised. “Judge Templeton will take your cooperation in this matter under advisement when he charges you both.”
“Uh, Rufus,” Amos said, his horse dancing in place.
“What is it now?” Rufus growled.
“There’s two of ’em.” Amos motioned with his head toward the grim faced Rory and the sheriff.
“What?” Rufus turned his head and seemed to see the other men for the first time. “This some kind of tom foolery?”
“Hello again, Rufus,” Rory said. “Now put the lady down off the horse, gentle like, and no one will get hurt.”
Rufus grunted. “Not until I get my money.”
“You want your money then you’ll have to let Rebecca go first.”
Rufus sat on the horse without moving for a long moment. “Fine,” he spat. “But if you try anything, I’ll shoot her in the back.” He shoved Rebecca off the horse, and she fell, landing on her hands and knees in the dirt.
The crowd gasped, and Jared tossed his gun to Rory. “Cover me,” he ordered as he closed the short distance to Rebecca.
He gently picked her up and led her away from her captors, tossing a direct order to his cousin over his shoulders. “Shoot them.”
Rory laughed.
Once they were safely across the street he took out his pocket knife and cut the rope away from her bound hands. “Did they hurt you?” he whispered against her hair, crushing her to him.
She shook her head and flung her arms around him. “No. But I’m so glad to be away from them. I want to go home. Please take me home, Jared. Take me to Oak Hill, now.”
He nodded and brushed kisses along her cheek and her neck, stopping at her ear. “Of course, darling. I’ll take you home as soon as the next train will get us there.”
Chapter Twenty-One
It was early evening and the sun dipped low in the hot summer sky when the train from Grenada pulled to a stop in Jackson. Jared still found the new knowledge about Rory remarkable as he helped Rebecca off the train. His beautiful and strong Rebecca, he thanked his good fortune that Mitchell had asked him to be her escort or they might not have met. She’d withstood so much since then. Some of the danger was her own making while the other was unnecessary because of Rory.
Rory. It would be a long time before he could forgive Rory. Not just for putting Rebecca in danger, but for all the trouble he had caused.
“Should I hire a horse and ride on to Oak Hill?” Rory asked walking a few steps behind them, carrying their bags. “I can send Higgins back with the carriage and Mary can have a proper wedding supper prepared by the time you arrive.”
Rebecca stopped and tucked a stray tendril behind her ear. “After today’s events, I’d prefer a hot bath and to retire early tonight. Perhaps we can have a celebration tomorrow and invite a few friends?” She looked to Jared for his approval.
He nodded.