“I asked them both to resign. Figure they won’t so I’ll send a few wires when I get to Denver and have the courts look into those two.”
“Thanks, Marshal. Let’s get these tickets issued so you and the ladies will be ready to board when the train arrives.”
The agent’s name was Lerner and with his help the process went smoothly. By the time the train pulled in, everyone in Ian’s party was lined up and ready to board the westbound train for Denver.
The conductor stepped off and Ian was surprised to see it was the same redhead who’d been on the train when Ian’s journey with Maggie first began.
The man peered around at all the women. “This harem yours, Marshal?”
The glare he received made him swallow visibly. “Um, well, you all will have to ride in the smokers’ car. Don’t think I have enough seats up front.”
“That’s fine, just get us on board.”
They got on moments later. None of the colorfully dressed women paid any attention to the shock and disapproval on the faces of the other passengers as they made their way to the smoking car. It wasn’t the first time they’d been sneered at.
Inside the car was already crowded with card players and other men smoking and drinking. As the women filed in, the faces of the men widened with delight and then someone began to applaud. The rest joined in and the ladies from the Red Garter smiled in reply.
Ian searched the men’s faces for any that he might know were wanted by the law or he’d had run-ins with in the past. He felt responsible for the women now and wanted to make certain none of them came to harm. None of the men he saw fit either category so he relaxed. They were all still eyeing Bunny and her girls though, and he knew it would be just a matter of time before one of them got up the courage to make an approach. In the meantime, he found a seat in the back, took out the Sherlock Holmes novel he had in his saddlebag, and settled in to read and keep a discreet eye on the woman he wanted to protect the most. The trip to Denver would take the better part of three days, what with stopping to take on more passengers, fuel, water, and mail. He hoped to give her the space she needed to figure out her future and for him to figure out how to contend with his future without her.
Just as the train began pulling away from the depot, the gambler Frank Denton entered the car. Denton gave Ian a nod and walked over to join a card game.
One of the men produced a banjo and soon the car was awash in singing, laughter, and gaiety. Over the course of the next few hours word must have gotten around because the presence of the girls began drawing men to the car from other areas of the train, probably much to the displeasure of their wives traveling with them, Ian supposed.
Over his book, he watched Maggie sitting with Bunny and enjoying the singing. To his surprise she stood and added to the entertainment with a song of her own. In a pure soprano voice that had everyone in the car enthralled, she offered up the haunting tale of a woman waiting for her love to come home from the war. She sang of the woman’s anguish, and her broken heart when the news came that her love had been killed. Ian saw Bunny dab at her eyes and a few of the men did the same. When the final beautiful note faded into the silence, thunderous applause broke out. Eyes sparkling, she curtsied in her trousers and retook her seat. When she glanced over his way, he gave her a nod of approval and was once again rocked on his heels by another fascinating facet of Miss Maggie Freeman.
Ian noticed the eyes of a young Black man watching her as well. He’d been seated at one of the tables when Ian and the women walked in. His nice brown suit and clean-cut manner made Ian assume him to be well employed or of good family, or both. During her song, he’d stared at Maggie unabashedly.
And now he was approaching the table where she was seated. Ian watched Bunny give him a smile and gestured an invitation for him to sit and join them. He accepted, and as they spoke Maggie gifted him with her beautiful smile.
“Who are you glaring at?”
Ian looked up to see Frank Denton standing by his chair.
“Nobody.”
Denton turned his eyes in the direction Ian had been looking and upon seeing Maggie in conversation with the young man at the table, shook his head knowingly and sat down, saying “I see.”
“I don’t remember inviting you over.”
Denton grinned as he took a pull from the drink in his glass. “I don’t either. Just came to relay my family’s thanks for what we heard happened at the saloon last night.”
Ian was only half listening because he was watching Maggie. Bunny had moved on to another table, leaving her and her well-dressed companion alone.
Denton said amusedly, “There’s no cure for that, you know.”
“For what?”
“Longing after a woman who’s all you can see.”
“Don’t you have a card game somewhere?”
Amusement flashed across his thin face. “Thanks again.”
“You’re welcome.”
Maggie was enjoying the pleasant conversation she was having with the young man who introduced himself as Justin Taylor. He was from Boston and studying to be a doctor at Meharry, the Black medical college established in Tennessee in 1876. He was journeying to Denver to apprentice with an established doctor. Taylor was well spoken, his manner polite and his smile engaging. As he talked about his studies, she found herself wondering what it might be like to have such a man for a husband. He was presently unmarried, but after his apprenticeship, if he was successful in establishing his own practice, taking a wife would be his next step, he’d revealed. She thought the wife of a doctor would be very respected by members of the community and would undoubtedly have a fine house to oversee, and a servant or two to help with things. She’d probably wear nice clothing and be able to pause now and again to read a book. More than likely she’d be able to plant flowers and vegetables; all of which Maggie dreamed of having, but in real life a potential doctor wouldn’t seek out a former prisoner and saloon singer for such an honor. Not that he moved her. He was polite and very good-looking, but she didn’t sense any heat beneath his polished exterior. In her pretend world, marrying him might be rewarding for her pocketbook, but she wasn’t sure about her bed. Having spent a night in the marshal’s strong arms, she knew now how moving it could be, and the heat and fire was something she wanted from a husband no matter his station. Life with a man like Justin would be safe and secure. There’d be no shoot-outs with bitter old men or the need to mount rescues.
He interrupted her thoughts by saying, “I’m not accustomed to so much smoke. Would you like to step outside for some air?”
Around them the saloonlike atmosphere in the car continued. Some of the girls had found partners and were up dancing to the banjo. She spotted Sylvia seated on a gentleman’s lap while he played cards. They both looked tipsy.
“Um.” She cast a quick glance at the marshal. He was seated in the shadows by the door but she knew that he was watching, had been watching.
“I’m not trying to be forward, I just thought it would be nice to breathe some clean air.”
She looked at the marshal again. “Sure, thanks.”
As they stood and headed to the door that led to the outside platform, she saw the marshal put down his book. As they approached, he stood. Maggie hoped he wouldn’t interfere.
“Where you headed?” he asked. She could see him gauging Justin and he didn’t appear pleased.
“Just out for some fresh air. We’ll be right back.”
Justin was viewing Bigelow warily, so to forestall any kind of confrontation, she said, “Come on, Justin.”
He followed but he shot another quick look back at the marshal.
Outside, Maggie pulled in deep breaths of the fresh air. She had to admit stepping out had been an excellent idea.
Justin asked, “Who was that man?”
“His name is Bigelow. He’s a bounty hunter and a deputy marshal.”
“He looks dangerous. Is he your father?”
It took all Maggie ha
d not to burst into laughter. She imagined Bigelow would shoot him a hundred times had he heard that. “No. I was in his custody for a short time.”
Justin froze and then asked, “Why?” But as if suddenly realizing the rudeness of his request, he apologized. “I’m sorry. That wasn’t very polite.”
“No. It’s a natural question.”
Like the handsome farmer she’d met at Lola’s, Justin studied her as if her crime could somehow be discerned by the features of her face. So she explained to him how she’d come to be in custody.
“That’s quite a story, but now you’ve been released?”
“Yes.”
“So, what are you going to do?”
Before she could respond, the door opened and out stepped the marshal.
Justin’s eyes widened. Maggie’s mouth thinned.
Bigelow didn’t say a word, but apparently Justin heard something because he offered Maggie a hasty “I’ll see you back inside.”
Once Justin was gone, she stood silently at the rail with her back to him, her attention focused on the passing landscape. Ian sensed he was about to be verbally flayed and he didn’t know whether to smile or start running.
“He’s been making cow eyes at you since the minute you walked in the car. Just came out to make sure you were okay.”
She didn’t respond at first. “He’s studying to be a doctor.”
“The race needs good physicians.” But not one intent upon Maggie, grumbled a testy voice inside.
“And what if he has been making cow eyes at me?” she asked, glancing over her shoulder.
“Is that what you want?”
She turned away. After a few moments of silence, she said, “His mama would probably keel over dead if he brought me home.”
“Probably.”
“You don’t have to be so agreeable, you know.”
“Trying to be helpful.”
She looked back. “What am I going to do with you?”
He shrugged. “Wondering the same thing about you.”
“And have you come to a conclusion?”
“Not yet.”
“Neither have I.”
“At least we’re in agreement.”
Ian ran his eyes over her beautiful copper face, the lush petals of her lips, and wanted to pause time so he could make love to her there and then. He wanted to slide his hands over her breasts and hips and kiss his way up her thighs. He wanted to hear her soft moans when he entered her and take her screams into his mouth when she came. He closed his eyes to get a hold on himself. When he opened them, her eyes were waiting and sparkling with a quiet smile, as if she’d been party to his thoughts.
“Shall we go back in?” she asked softly.
“Might be a good idea.”
“Or we can stay out a bit longer.”
“You trying to tempt me?”
“Maybe. Maybe not?” she said playfully. “Which would you prefer?”
Ian had yet to meet a bolder, more confident woman. He wanted to eat her up. “The former.”
“Then shall we meet later to explore why?”
He folded his arms and studied her. She had every inch of him alive and aroused. “I can make time for that.”
“Good. I’m ready to go back in.”
It took all Ian had not to drag her into his arms. “After you.”
For the rest of the afternoon her saucy invitation filled his mind. He doubted a woman like her would ever blaze across his life again and he’d be a fool to just sit back and watch it go by. He refused to deny himself any longer. It was his plan to enjoy these last few days with her and let her sunshine brighten his darkness.
However he was presently glowering in the gloom over the attention Taylor was paying her. He doubted she was encouraging him in a way that would lead the young man on, but even so, Ian was jealous. He couldn’t remember ever being jealous before, not even with his wife, Tilda, but he was honest enough to admit that with Maggie everything seemed to be different. He didn’t want her near another man, let alone a pup like Justin Taylor.
Chapter 14
Dusk had fallen when the conductor entered the car to announce that the train would be making a stop to take on fuel and water. They’d be able to get off and stretch their legs, if they had a mind to, and take advantage of the food stands manned by some of the local families waiting beside the tracks.
After his departure, the train slowed and Ian saw Maggie rise to her feet and look his way. He set down his book and threaded his way through the small throng of people moving to the exit.
“Do you want to get something to eat?” he asked.
“I’d love to. Is it okay if Justin joins us?”
Ian eyed the doctor. Of course he wanted to deny the request, but he also wanted to keep her happy. “Sure.”
The three of them stepped down onto the tracks and followed the others over to the food stands. There were offerings of everything from paper bags holding roast chicken and vegetables to sandwiches and slices of pie. Maggie settled on some sliced beef between large wedges of bread and a piece of apple pie.
Justin dug into his suit coat. “I’d be honored if you’d let me pay for that.”
But Ian had already handed the coins to the woman behind the stand.
Justin’s face registered his annoyance but he didn’t argue. Instead he asked Maggie, “Do you want to sit in the grass or go back inside and eat?”
“Let’s sit out here until the train’s ready to leave. The evening air is nice.”
Most of the other passengers had chosen to sit in the grass as well.
“How about here?” Maggie asked. They were close enough to keep the train in view but far enough away to have a bit of privacy. However, before she could sit, Justin removed his coat and laid it on the ground.
“A gentleman never lets a lady dirty her clothes in the grass.”
Maggie thought the gesture unnecessary seeing as how she was wearing trousers but she appreciated his chivalry. She glanced at the marshal, but his face was as emotionless as always, so she sat. “Thank you, Mr. Taylor.”
“You’re welcome, but please, call me, Justin.”
He took up a seat at a respectful distance.
Maggie looked up at the marshal, who was still standing. “Are you going to join us, Marshal, or just stand there and loom?”
She thought a smile crossed his lips as he sat.
They ate in silence until Justin asked, “How long have you been a marshal, sir?”
“A few years.”
“Must be exciting.”
“It has its moments.”
“Who’s the most interesting character you ever encountered?”
“You’re sitting next to her.”
Justin choked on the water he’d taken from his canteen.
Maggie shot Bigelow a look that was part disbelief and part amusement. He held her eyes for a moment and went back to his sandwich.
Justin was still looking bemused, so Maggie said reassuringly, “I’m sure the marshal is just pulling your leg.”
“No, I’m not.”
She shot him another look. She could see Justin eyeing them both before he asked, “Does being a marshal require any formal schooling?”
His tone, though neutral, was a bit more superior-sounding than Maggie cared for.
“No.”
“I didn’t think so, but wanted to be sure.”
Again he’d kept the tone neutral, but again it rubbed her the wrong way. “The marshal is from Scotland, Mr. Taylor.”
“Now I know he’s pulling our legs. Say something in Scottish.”
So the marshal obliged.
“And that means?” the still skeptical doctor asked.
“Arse hole.”
Maggie choked on her sandwich.
Taylor’s jaw dropped to the grass.
The marshal took a sip from his canteen.
Taylor had no more questions.
The train’s whistle blew, alerting the
passengers that it was time to return, so they disposed of their trash in a bin by the vendors and boarded. She was still reeling from the marshal’s translation. The doctor had earned the set-down with his condescending behavior, but all she’d wanted was food and a little fresh air, not be in the middle of whatever they were intent upon.
Back inside the smoking car, a fiddler had joined them and was sawing away. Men and women were up dancing festively. Watching from the edge of the room, Maggie was unconsciously tapping her foot to the lively music.
“Would you like to dance?” Justin asked.
“No,” she replied kindly, “but thank you.” Any more snide remarks out of him and the marshal was liable to draw his gun, so she thought it best if Justin made himself scarce for a while. “I’m sure there’s a lady here wanting a partner.”
When he hesitated she said encouragingly, “Go on, I’ll be here when you return.”
Only after his departure did she allow herself to acknowledge the heated presence of Bigelow standing behind her.
He said quietly, “You did him a good turn by sending him off.”
“I didn’t want you filling him full of holes.”
“Might be a good way for him to get in some doctor practicing.”
She chuckled softly and turned to look up into his eyes. Even in the shadows they held power, but then again, she already knew that.
“Turn back around before I kiss you.”
Her knees went weak but she tossed back, “Oh really?”
“Right here in front of everybody.”
“And what brings this on?”
He traced her lips and she trembled as he whispered, “You.”
Maggie didn’t hear the musicians end the song or the opening notes of the fiddle introducing a slow melodic waltz. All she was aware of was his blazing eyes.
“Come dance with me, first.”
She studied him as if she’d never seen him before. “You dance?”
“One of my mother’s lovers was a dancing master. I used to be fairly competent.”
He offered his hand. Stunned, she laid her hand across his palm. He placed his free hand against the back of her shirt with a touch so light she could have been wearing silk. Next she knew, he was waltzing her expertly out into the room. Maggie was speechless, and if the shocked faces of the passengers looking on were any indication, so was everyone else in the room. Bunny had her hands over her mouth and sparkling delight in her eyes. Young Dr. Taylor didn’t appear delighted at all.