Mountain Stronghold: Home: Mountain Stronghold, #3

By Martha Murray Moore

In this third thrilling entry in the Mountain Stronghold series, John and Maryan are in New York City on their way to Vermont to purchase horses for the ranch when a chance encounter with a Middle Eastern monarch leads to a kidnapping and  dire threat for the couple.  Adventure and intrigue follow them and threaten the greatest Stronghold of all:  Home.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Double H Publications
• Release date: Nov 3, 2014
• ISBN: 9781502290007

Book preview

Martha Murray Moore

Copyright©2014 Martha von Redlich

All rights reserved

ISBN 13: 978-1502335197

For my son Michael, my cheering section

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CHAPTER ONE

If you don't come out here immediately, I will have your husband killed.

Maryan squared her shoulders and unlocked the door. She pushed the children back and told Nahay, Stay in here. Do not come out unless I tell you to.

She crossed the next room, turned the key silently, and opened the door. There was a very large dagger at John's throat. Several more of the king’s guards held Paco, Miguel, and Luis at swords' points.

The king spoke, Well, she doesn't seem to want to save your life, Captain.  He nodded to his guard, Kill him.

Stop, Maryan said, moving into the room a step.

The king smiled and in an oily voice said, Well, my lovely, you should not have said no.  Now you will belong to me. I thought you were beautiful in green, but in that white nightgown, you take my breath away.

He nodded to the guard holding John. Kill him. 

The guard stood taller for a moment and then the dagger slipped from his fingers.  John saw Maryan throw the knife so  as the guard started to crumple, he snatched the little knife out of the guard’s throat and tossed it back to Maryan. She deftly caught the handle in midair and turned it, ready to throw again.  John yanked his own pistol out of the guard's belt as he fell.

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New York City, 1877 

Even in the pre-dawn darkness, John could see and feel the city all around them. He held his coffee mug in both hands, savoring the fragrant steam curling upwards.  He grinned from under his thick mustache, blue eyes twinkling, as he surveyed his four companions.  All five of them were up and dressed, wearing their guns, as their private railway cars were being shunted this way and that, from track to track in the big switching yards until they finally came to rest along a platform  on the North edge of the city.  New York would mark the three-quarter point of their long journey this May of 1877.

John’s pistolero companions were a formidable lot.  All were well over six feet tall, as he was, tanned and muscular from their active lives ranching in the Rocky Mountains. 

Leaving their  home in Colorado, John and Maryan MacKenzie had taken their four children to visit both sets of grandparents, John's in Eastern Pennsylvania and Maryan's on a plantation in South Carolina.  The pistoleros had come East with them for their protection.  When they ambled along keeping the MacKenzie family under their fierce surveillance, people noticed.  The large heavily armed men with their big sombreros had not been a usual sight in the East or the South. 

Consulting a city map, John marked the location of the siding  where their cars now rested and then his finger followed the street downtown to the hotel.  It was maybe twenty or thirty minutes away by hansom cab.  After the train crews secured the brakes, John asked them to send around the yardmaster. He and the pistoleros made a fresh pot of coffee and settled into the big chairs to wait for daylight.

Maryan joined them after a while, dressed for a new day, and began firing up the stove.  John smiled as he watched her.  The sight of her slim form, dark curly hair, upturned nose, and laughing hazel eyes were almost unchanged since he and his partner had rescued her from a renegade warrior on the snowy plains.  Eight years of marriage and four children sat lightly on her petite shoulders.

A knock on the door brought the four big men to full alert. John and Miguel opened the door, their hands hovering near their pistols.   Good morning, Captain MacKenzie.  I'm the Yardmaster and the brakeman said you wanted to see me.

Good morning, sir.  Yes, I do.  Care for a cup of coffee?  Some breakfast?

Just coffee, thank you.  Morning, ma'am, he added, catching sight of Maryan, Nahay, and the children.  As he stood by the table, his eyes traveled over the pistoleros ranged around the car. He kept his expression bland, looking to John MacKenzie.  It was obvious to him that these big fellows were guards.  The pretty little lady must be his wife and that Indian woman must be a servant. 

As you know, we'll be leaving these private railway cars here while we go down to the hotel tonight.  I am leaving Artur, here, with the cars.  He has plenty of provisions, but we do need to be sure that he gets an ice delivery every day, that the water tanks are kept filled, and that the privies are serviced.  Will this be a problem?

The Yardmaster smiled. He admired a man who made sure his men were looked after.

No sir, not a bit.  I’ve entered it on my worksheet, so you can consider it done.  How long will your cars be here?

Smiling, John said, "Well, we're going to do a little shopping and sightseeing today, spend the night at the hotel, and tomorrow catch a daycoach to Vermont.  We aren't sure when we'll be back because we'll be looking at horses.  Could take a day or two, could be a bit longer.  But we want to keep moving, so it won't be more than four or five days at the most.

We plan to buy fifteen or twenty horses, depending on what we find that we like.  I have two cars waiting in Vermont so if we need more, I'll wire for another car.  When we're ready, they'll be sent down here.  Then you can pick us up and head us West for Colorado.

The Yardmaster was busily writing in his notebook.  John continued, "I'll wire the main offices on Broadway about when you can expect us so you'll have time to set it all up.

We're stocked up sufficiently on basic supplies and will only need to replenish our perishables along the way.  I imagine there will be a little time between our arrival from Vermont and our departure for the West.

Yes, sir. 

Fine, I see they parked us near some stock pens as I asked.  When we come back from Vermont, I'd like to unload the horses and let them stretch their legs before they have to start the long trip.

No problem, those are reserved for you until you leave.  That locked building next to the pens has your hay and straw.  And that big pile of sand was unloaded yesterday for the cars, if you need it.  I have some men who can help with loading all this if you like.

John looked over at Paco and nodded, Yes, I think some workmen would be very much appreciated.  My men are all fine horsemen and if they can concentrate on the horses, then we'll be ready sooner.  Yes, I think everything's going to work out fine.

Well, then, Luis, if you'll go out and get us a couple of carriages, we're ready to head downtown, John said.  Offering his hand to the Yardmaster, he said, Thank you very much, sir, for seeing to all my requests. 

My pleasure.  Have a good visit in our city, ma'am.  Touching his hat to Maryan and Nahay, he left.

Well, Nahay, I guess we'd better finish getting ready, Maryan said.  She was now wearing her brown travelling dress and only needed the little hat with the swirled feather.  Their bags were ready to take to the hotel for their overnight stay and then on to Vermont. 

Artur, are you sure this is the way you want it? John asked.  We can do shifts just like we did when we were staying in South Carolina and Pennsylvania.  It's only a few miles from the hotel.

"No, Patrón.  I do not wish to go down farther into the big city.  This is much better.  Thank you, though."

There were only a few pieces of luggage for the hotel. The pistoleros were wearing coats and smaller hats rather than the big sombreros so as not to attract too much attention.  Of course, their large size and bushy mustachios made them stand out nearly half a head taller than most men they met, except John.

They left the rifles locked in their railway car, but wore  pistols under the coats, as John did.

Luis came back shortly with a very nervous coachman.    "Patrón, this man does not want to take us to the city."

John stepped forward.  Is there a problem?  My family and I need transportation to the hotel. 

The coachman looked at John, Maryan, and the children who had joined them.  He smiled in relief. 

Oh, no, sir, no problem.  I just didn't understand what this gentleman was wanting, and he cast a furtive eye at Luis who was standing there with his arms folded across his big chest. 

Set your mind at ease, these men work for me and they help me protect my family on the road.  We need two carriages.

Yes, sir.  And he turned and waved to another driver down the block who promptly  came right over.  

That's more like it,  John said smiling. Artur, we'll check back with you before we leave for Vermont.  If you have a problem, send word to the Yardmaster and he'll let me know.

"Si, Patrón.  Hasta luego."

As they drove along the city streets, everyone but John was amazed at the tall buildings. 

Well, this is certainly different from Colorado, Papa, Jamey exclaimed with six-year-old authority, But I wouldn't want to live here.  There are no mountains, hardly any grass, and many of these horses need feeding.

Suddenly they spotted a very fancy pair of high-stepping horses with bobbed tails coming up the avenue. 

Look at that pair, Papa! they exclaimed.  Wouldn't get much ranch work done with them, would we? They all laughed uproariously.  The man driving the pair glared at the laughing and pointing children and then stared straight ahead.

Okay, folks, I can see we have to talk about some city manners.  That was a very rude thing you did.  You insulted that man's horses and I don't like it.   John looked sternly at all of them and they squirmed and shot furtive looks at each other

We're sorry, Papa, four-year-old Morgan said, cutting a glance at Alex who was five.  We won't do that again, but they did look funny hiking their legs up that much and with their short tails. 

That was a pair of Hackney ponies, John said, And they are considered very stylish.  And I don't see any loose cattle that need to be worked, so they are right for what they are supposed to do.

Yes, Papa, they all agreed. 

Maryan had smiled and deliberately stayed out of the discussion, but she was no more impressed than the children.  Nahay shot her a look and they shared a quick grin behind their hands that John didn't see.  But he knew, and  leaned across the carriage and caught her knee.  She looked at him, startled, and he pretended to scowl.  She grinned at him with that impish gleam and he had to laugh. 

What, Papa?  Why are you laughing? the children wanted to know.  But he just smiled and wouldn't answer.  The coachman kept his face front, but he was grinning, too.

Paco sat by John, and Luis and Miguel were in the other carriage with all the suitcases.  The pistoleros were just as awed by the tall buildings and large variety of horses, but they confined themselves to staring and said nothing.  Paco grinned behind his big mustache when John caught Maryan’s knee. Three-year-old Marissa glanced from Paco to John and laughed delightedly.  She slid down from Maryan’s side and moved to stand between Paco’s knees, her hands reaching up.  Paco smiled at the pixie face with her hazel eyes, dimples, and tumbling dark curls and caught her around the waist and lifted her to his knee. 

Arriving at the hotel, John asked them to wait there in the carriages while he went in to the desk and asked for the manager.  Paco set Marissa back by her mother and stepped down from the carriage, standing beside it.  Miguel and Luis did the same, making sure that all directions were covered with their sharp eyes.

Good morning, I am Captain MacKenzie.  I believe the railroad offices contacted you about my arrival.

Yes, sir, Captain MacKenzie.  We have your suite ready.

Did they also tell you that I wanted another room directly across the hall for my three men?

Yes, sir, but we usually put servants in another wing.

John drew himself up to his full six foot four and glared at the manager.  My men are not servants and they will have a room directly across the hall from our suite.  Is that clear?

The manager paled and consulted the ledger on the front desk, nodding quickly.  Yes, sir.  Perfectly.  You have a two bedroom suite and their room is directly across the hall.  Yes, sir.

John smiled, Thank you.  You may send the bellhops for our bags now.  My family is out front in two carriages.

Amid much bustle, they were escorted into the lobby.  The children were awed by the soaring grandeur of the central atrium and craned their necks to see the balconies that marked the floors all the way up.  The manager himself led them to their suite and imperiously directed the porters and bellhops as pointed out by Maryan.

He stammered when he spoke to Maryan. This Captain MacKenzie’s wife was the most exquisite beauty.  She was so busy following the children around that she didn’t notice him.  John went across the hall to see what accommodations they had furnished for Paco and his men.  It was a regular expensive room with two double beds.  John tipped the porters and bellhops generously, and finally they all left.

Well, what do you ladies think?  he asked Maryan and Nahay.

From the day Nahay had left the Ute village to live with John and Maryan in The Stronghold and help look after the children, her life had been expanding until she no longer worried about what would happen next.  She knew it would be new and wondrous and exciting.  She kept her bronze features neutral until the porters and the manager had left.  Then she grinned at Maryan. 

Well, it's very elegant,  Maryan said.  Now that the manager and his minions had left, she could show her delight in the surroundings. 

Look, Nahay, and she opened doors.  Here is an indoor privy for each bedroom.  Look, a big tub and you don't even have to haul water for it!  They turned on the water and flushed the toilets while the children watched. 

This is nice, Papa.  May we go see Paco's room, too? they begged. 

Knock first, he admonished them. Paco opened the door, looking out at adult level and then looked down into the four little expectant faces.

May we come in and see your room, Paco?  You can come see ours, if you like, they offered.

Paco gave them a very formal bow and swept his arm towards the room.  They filed in past him. 

Your room is like ours, but we have more beds! said Alex.  We have five beds in our room for us and Nahay. One big one and four little ones.  You only have two beds for three men.  Whatever are you going to do?  he worried.

Laughing, Paco explained that they only slept two at a time so that the third man was always on watch.  But that these were double beds, if the need arose. 

Oh, said Morgan, Like Mama and Papa's bed.  For two people. 

Paco grinned.  Si, Chico, for two.

Nahay appeared in the open door.  Come, children.  Your papa wants you.

Sprawled back in the big chair in the living room area of their suite, John soon had children sitting all over him.  Smilingly, he said, "I have to go to a meeting this morning at the Railroad Office.  Mama will meet me downstairs for lunch later, but you're going to have lunch up here with Nahay and Luis.  Miguel will go with me, and, of course, Paco will be wherever your Mama is.

At one o'clock, I want all of you, and Nahay and Luis, to be down in the lobby, dressed to go out.  We're going to drive around and look, and visit stores, and do some shopping.  We have to find presents to take home to the rest of our family!  And we might even find something for each of you.

Delighted squeals greeted this announcement.  Oh, yes, Papa.  We'll be ready!

John stood up and gave Maryan a quick kiss.  Come to the dining room downstairs at 11:30 and we'll have lunch.  I'd take everyone, but they don't allow children in the dining room here.

That's all right, Papa, said Marissa, from the wisdom of her three years.  We'll have our own lunch up here.  They shouldn't be rude to little children!

Nahay, When you're ready to order, send Luis to get the hall porter and have him bring you a menu and then you order for everyone.  When they bring the food, just sign the ticket and they'll put it on our bill.

Nahay smiled at John and she and the children started talking about what to have for lunch. 

Later, when Maryan had been standing in the window, watching the crowds and wagon and buggy traffic down below on the street, she saw a cab draw up.  John and two men got out and she quickly looked at her watch pin.  Oh, my goodness, it's almost 11:30 and I'm not ready!

Rushing around, she got tidied up, combed her hair up into a graceful twist and put on the little brown feathered hat.  She tugged and pulled at the dress, turning this way and that, looking in the big pier mirror, and finally decided she was ready.

Now don't be late!  There is a big clock down on the street in front of that store across the way, Nahay, so you can tell the time easily.  You better order lunch soon or you won't be through by one o'clock!  Then she was gone, leaving a faint hint of her perfume on the air.

Seated at a big round table in a corner, John watched the door.  He had instructed the maitre 'd that his wife would be joining them and that his man here, Miguel, would require a table.  And that when his wife came, there would be another man with her who would join Miguel. 

Say, John, there's a big charity ball tonight here in the hotel.  Why don't you and Mrs. MacKenzie join us?  The firm has taken a big table for all of us and Mr. Munson said to give you tickets, if you'd like to come.

John mused, and said, Well, let's see what my wife says.  If she wants to go, that's fine with me.  He looked up, continually checking the door to the lobby watching for Maryan.

My word, said one of John's companions.  That's a beautiful woman!  They both stared at the door.  I'd give a month's pay for an introduction to her!

John would have taken bets on it, so he was not surprised to look at the door and see Maryan standing there with Paco behind her.  Heads were turning all over the dining room and conversation died out.  The maitre 'd started across the room followed by Maryan. 

As they passed Miguel, he stood up and made a quick bow, "Hola, Patróna," he said in a quiet voice.  Maryan smiled at him and kept on walking.

John's companions said, Did you see that?  That lout spoke to her and she smiled at him!  The nerve of that man.

Paco stopped by Miguel and they watched Maryan continue on around tables toward John.  John stood up and took her hand and brought it to his lips.  His two table mates stared.  John spoke, "These two are from the train office, Mapes and Hudson.  Gentlemen, my wife Maryan.

Was that a month's pay you now owe me? he asked with a grin.  Mapes and Hudson could only stammer and finally remembered their manners and came forward to take Maryan's hand and acknowledge the introductions.

Maryan was soon seated by John, across from the other two.  The waiter brought her a menu and she looked it over carefully 

May we recommend the caviar appetizer, Madame? the waiter purred. 

No, thank you.  I don't care for caviar.  What do you have for soup today?

Finally all the peripheral courses had been chosen and they were down to the entrees. 

Mrs. MacKenzie, please let me suggest the escargot, they are especially good here, Mapes said.

Maryan laughed and shook her head.  No, thank you.  I don't care for snails, either.  Maybe something nice in beef tips.

John pointed out something to her and she closed the menu and said, Yes, that will do very nicely.  Thank you, John.

Finally the two young men recovered from their schoolboy stammerings and lunch went along very smoothly. 

Say, Mrs. MacKenzie, there's a big charity ball tonight here in the hotel and our President, Mr. Munson, asked us to invite you and the captain.  Would you please come?

I don't know, Maryan mused.  John, what do you think?

If you'd like to go, Sweetheart, then we can.  It's fine with me.

Oh, dear, all our party clothes are on the railroad car. 

Not a problem.  Miguel and I can run out in a cab and get your dress and my uniform and be back in an hour, if you'd like to go. Which dress would you like?

The seafoam green I think would be just about right, with the diamond necklace and earrings.

Maryan smiled.  You know, it might be fun to go to a big city ball before we head back to the mountains.

We can be back by 2:00 and then we'll go shopping.  What will you do while we are gone on our little errand?

I saw an ice cream parlor off the lobby, why don't I treat the children to ice cream until you get back?

Good idea, he turned to the two men.  All right, tell Munson that we'll be pleased to accept his invitation for tonight.  Hudson handed over the tickets and John tucked them into an inside pocket.  They finished lunch telling