A Marshal's Promise

By Michelle Beattie

Deputy U.S Marshal Logan McCall never expected his first bullet wound to come from a young widow with pretty blue eyes. Nor did he expect to nurse his injury while working incognito on a ranch. Now, instead of chasing the notorious band of outlaws he's been hunting, he commits to proving the woman's neighbor is trying to drive her off her land.


Paige Kelly is only trying to protect what's hers when she shoots the tall, handsome lawman by mistake. She fears she'll be arrested, but instead gains an ally. Working together during the day leads to passion at night. Soon, Paige is dreaming of a very different life, but first, she must convince the marshal to turn in his badge and stay with her.


A desperate act from Logan's boyhood changed the course of his life and his demons still whisper that he isn't worthy of the things Paige is offering. But as they realize there is more than one villain hiding in plain sight, Logan can no longer deny what’s in his heart. Suddenly a lifetime of putting the law first pales to keeping Paige safe… But has his realization come too late?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tule Publishing
• Release date: Jun 18, 2018
• ISBN: 9781949068276

Book preview

Author

Acknowledgments

My sincerest thanks to Deputy U.S. Marshal Mark Graham. Any errors or omissions are my own.

To my husband, Bryan, who helps me think like a man. His help has proven invaluable many times and helped make the book better.

To Jane Porter and all the staff at Tule Publishing. Thank you for taking on this series and being as excited as I was. Thank you for allowing me to write these books of my heart.

Chapter One

Billings, Montana Territory

September, 1884

Paige Kelly pushed open the door to the sheriff’s office, narrowing her eyes when it groaned in protest. Sheriff Grady looked after his office as devotedly as he did the complaints of the people he was sworn to protect.

As this wasn’t her first visit to the sheriff or sure to be her last, all considering, she didn’t bother with formalities. She snapped the door closed behind her and marched to his desk. The hem of her skirt stirred the layer of dirt he hadn’t bothered to sweep. But even the rising cloud of dust couldn’t hide the dip of his head and the roll of his eyes before he lifted his gaze to hers.

Good day, Mrs. Kelly, he said.

It will be, she answered, setting her handbag on his desk, when you tell me you’ve finally done something about my dead steers.

Now, Mrs. Kelly, he began in a condescending tone that set her teeth on edge, you know there’s nothing I can do about that.

Paige crossed her arms. It was that or slap the false, overly bright smile she’d come to loathe.

I told you who is responsible.

"No. You told me who you think is responsible. Unless you have more proof now than the last times you’ve come, then I’m afraid you’ve wasted your time."

John Barton is the only one who stands to gain. He wants my land and the easier access to the river.

The sheriff let out a long sigh. John Barton’s ranch was there long before you and your husband bought the land next to it.

Yes, and before we owned it, Myles Greentree did. And he suffered similar losses.

Which, as I’ve stated before, is purely a coincidence.

Paige threw up her hands. A coincidence would be everyone in the area being affected. But when only my animals, and Mr. Greentree’s before me, are coming up dead, I’d say it’s more than a coincidence. It’s a personal attack.

He didn’t bother hiding his eye roll this time.

John Barton is after my land, just as he was after Greentree’s, and he’s using the same means to push me off.

The sheriff ran a hand down his face. By killing off your cattle one by one until you can’t afford to stay there any longer? At which point he’ll sweep in and buy it? He shook his head. Honestly, Mrs. Kelly, don’t you think Barton has other things to do with his time?

I do indeed. Which is why he’s paying one or more of his hired hands to do it for him.

The sheriff’s doughy cheeks jiggled as he laughed. So now he’s paying his hands to do you harm? Your stories and accusations get longer and more ridiculous each time we talk.

Fury sizzled through her veins and along her skin. Her face burned with it. It’s not a story. It’s the truth. And the only reason Barton doesn’t already have my land is because Greentree advertised the sale of it in other cities and newspapers rather than here. The last thing he wanted was for Barton to get his land and he didn’t trust anyone here not to tell him it was for sale.

Even if that were true, wouldn’t it just be easier for Barton to get rid of all the animals at once, rather than drag it out this long, over two owners?

If he did then there’d be no question, would there? It would be obvious I was being run off. It would be clear there was nothing coincidental about what’s happening to my ranch. And you wouldn’t be able to turn a blind eye from an entire herd being killed.

Some of the light dimmed from Sheriff Grady’s dark eyes. I’d tread carefully, Mrs. Kelly. This isn’t the first time you’ve accused me of being untrustworthy.

You’re friends with John Barton.

He shrugged. As I am with many other folks. Nobody else has a problem with John Barton. And the fact that Greentree didn’t tell you he was even having issues with the ranch until after you’d signed the papers should tell you who really isn’t trustworthy.

Paige narrowed her eyes. She’d explained all this before, many times in fact.

He didn’t say anything before because he knew it might affect our decision to buy the land.

It wasn’t until after the sale was done and the papers had been signed that Myles Greentree divulged the problems he’d been having. He’d suffered many broken fences and near a dozen dead steers. While she and Alex had been concerned about what they’d gotten into, by then they’d fallen in love with the small ranch and had been too excited to dwell on the negative. And, truth be told, they hadn’t wanted to believe it was as bad as Mr. Greentree had claimed.

It hadn’t taken long to realize the man hadn’t lied. Soon after they’d moved in, she and Alex were suffering the same fate. They’d confronted Barton but he’d denied everything and Sheriff Grady claimed there was nothing he could do without proof.

Well, that’s unfortunate, Mrs. Kelly. But it doesn’t change anything. You can’t prove John has anything to do with your bad luck any more than Greentree could.

Bad luck? Paige raged. Her heart pounded hard and fast in her chest. Her hands curled into tight fists. My husband’s death was not back luck, she ground through clenched teeth.

Sheriff Grady leaned back in his chair, clasped his hands over his rounding belly.

I’m as sorry for your loss today as I was in November, but I don’t know what else you can say about a man who gets lost and freezes to death in a snowstorm other than bad luck.

Paige slapped her hands on his desk, leaned forward. I’d call it murder, Sheriff, same as I did in November.

He looked from her hands to her face. An unfortunate accident, though I can understand where you feel the need to lay blame.

That gash on the side of his head wasn’t an accident. Not with nothing nearby to justify it.

As I said, mishaps are known to happen.

"I won’t let this go, Sheriff. A good man was killed and one way or another I’ll prove it was Barton. Just as I’ll prove he’s the one trying to run me off my land. And then you’ll have to do something."

Paige grabbed her handbag and hooked it into the crook of her elbow. She pivoted, her back straight, chin raised, and marched forward. At the door she turned to the sheriff.

I may only have two hired men but I’m always armed. She tapped her handbag and the Colt she carried within in. With all the ‘mishaps’ that have occurred around my ranch, I’m liable to shoot first and ask questions later.

His gaze hardened. Don’t you be taking the law into your own hands.

She swung the squeaky door open and only a last grab onto her temper kept her from slamming it closed.

Sheriff Grady might like to pretend this was all coincidental but she knew better. It wasn’t denial or the need to lay blame that made her believe Alex had been murdered. Nothing about his death had made sense last winter and it still didn’t. It was clear to Paige that John Barton had hoped with Alex out of the way, he’d have an easier time getting her to sell.

Well, Barton had been wrong. If anything it fired her determination to stay. It wasn’t going to be easy but then the past ten months hadn’t been easy and she was still there. Still alive, still fighting.

Still, she was glad she’d run her errands first and saved her visit to the sheriff for last because she was in no mood to shop now. Waiting for a wagon and a trio of men on horseback to pass, Paige stepped onto the road. She’d left her own wagon across the street, down in front of the telegraph and post office.

Remembering the letter she’d picked up earlier brightened Paige’s mood. She hadn’t heard from Violet in over a week and couldn’t wait to read her friend’s latest news. Tonight, when the men had gone home, she’d settle before the fire with a cup of tea and read her letter. Imagining it, Paige smiled as she settled onto the seat of the wagon. Glancing over her shoulder before rolling onto the street, Paige saw Sheriff Grady standing in his doorway, arms crossed, his gaze locked onto her.

No doubt he’d be telling his friend Barton about her visit. Well, let him. Paige snapped the reins and the wagon lurched forward. She wanted it clear to both Barton and Grady she wasn’t backing down. She’d meant what she’d said about being armed and ready to shoot. She had been since Alex was killed.

When it came to her life, her livelihood, she didn’t take chances. But neither was she going to be run off.

Don’t take the law into her own hands, Grady had told her.

Well, someone had to.

Paige figured it might as well be her.

*

Thankful for warm, fall days, Paige took advantage of the sunshine and clear skies to catch up on her laundry. Despite her resolve to prove Barton was responsible for her troubles, everyday life still had to go on. Besides, her hands Two-Bit and Jesse were out checking on the herd and fences and they, like she would have been had she joined them, were armed.

With her bed sheets, petticoats, and blouses already swaying on the line, Paige worked the crank, feeding the last of her skirts and stockings through the wringer.

By the time the buckets, washboards, and all the other tools necessary for laundry were put away in the porch, Paige was hot and sweaty. Darn it, she shouldn’t have put out the fire until she’d warmed water for a bath. But then, maybe a swim in the river was in order. With the days getting shorter and the temperatures cooling at night, the time left for swimming was fast disappearing.

She decided she would do just that once the hands had gone for the day, before the dampness of the evening set in. Since she was already dirty, Paige grabbed a pitchfork and got an early start on the evening chores. She was nearly through when she heard the incoming drum of horses’ hooves. Even though nothing untoward had happened anywhere near her yard, Paige had a rifle mounted inside the barn. In case it wasn’t Two-Bit and Jesse coming back from the range, she exchanged her pitchfork for the rifle, loaded it, then stepped outside.

Two riders coming from the north. One riding a palomino, the other a paint. Even without looking at the horses, she’d have easily recognized the men by the distinguishable floppy hat Two-Bit favored.

Knowing she wasn’t in any danger, Paige retraced her steps to the barn, hung the rifle back on the hook. The men were riding into the yard when she returned.

Two-Bit tipped the brim of his hat down. Afternoon, Paige.

Good afternoon.

When she and Alex had first hired on Two-Bit, then Jesse later, they’d refused formalities. As long as the men continued to work there, they’d be treated as family. When a ranch was as small as the Diamond K, they got to know each other pretty quick and while she wouldn’t tolerate a lack of respect, she wanted the men to feel at ease, both on the ranch and with her.

Anything noteworthy happen out there? she asked, gesturing behind Two-Bit.

When the tall, wiry cowboy had first come to the Diamond K looking for work, Alex had asked him why he wanted to work there. The man had answered, ’Cause all I got left in my pocket is two-bits. It’s about time I found work. From then on they’d called him that and when Jesse had been hired on, Two-Bit had introduced himself by that name. Come to think of it, Paige couldn’t remember if she’d ever heard his real name or not.

Nah. His thin lips twitched into a smile. Kinda nice for a change.

Isn’t it? She returned the smile.

How about you? Jesse asked. No problems running your errands?

As he’d offered to go with her, he’d been concerned about her making the trip alone.

She was quick to reassure him. Other than another frustrating meeting with the sheriff, it was fine. In fact, better than fine, she added as anticipation danced behind her bodice. I had a letter from my sister-in-law waiting for me at the post office. I’ve been saving it to savor later.

Jesse’s dark brown eyes warmed. That’s good, Paige. I’m glad you have some happy news.

Thank you. And as I’ve got most of the evening chores done, I’ll be able to get to it even sooner.

Though not quite as tall or lanky as Two-Bit, Jesse nevertheless dismounted in an easy manner that spoke of years riding in the saddle. Like Two-Bit, he’d worked his way to Montana.

Leading his horse closer he said, Why don’t you let me and Two-Bit finish up so you can get to that letter?

The gesture touched her. Both her men had been supportive and considerate since Alex’s death and truly Paige didn’t know what she’d do without not only their help with the ranch, but just as importantly their support. But she still wanted that swim in the river and, while she wasn’t formal with her men, she wasn’t about to discuss something as intimate as her bathing with them.

Because the Diamond K had no bunkhouse, neither of her hired hands slept on the ranch. Though both Jesse and Two-Bit had offered to stay in the loft of the barn after Alex’s death, Paige refused. They’d freeze in there and until such a time she felt it was warranted for them to stay with her, and until she could afford better accommodations for them than a hard, cold loft, she’d continue to live alone. While there was an additional bedroom in her house, the only man she’d ever wanted to live with was buried beneath the tall elm tree behind the house.

Paige waited until the men disappeared over a knoll then quickly gathered her bar of soap, towel, and clean clothes. She tucked them underneath one arm, grabbed her Winchester with the other and hurried toward the river.

The sun was just tipping behind the mountains when Paige reached the water. It had been a dry summer and the river was clear, the current gentle. Setting her clean clothes onto a leafy bush and the rifle, soap, and towel at the bank’s edge, Paige made quick work of removing her dirty garments. Leaving them in a heap at her feet, she padded through the long grass. Using the branches of a nearby shrub, she leveraged herself over the bank.

Cool water closed over her skin. The rocks beneath her feet might have been worn smooth, but they nevertheless poked into the arches of her soles and made finding both her balance and a comfortable position difficult. When she managed to find both, she let go of the branch. Though the temperature was still warm Paige wasn’t accustomed to being naked outside and gooseflesh pebbled her skin. Folding her arms over her chest she carefully inched her way into the middle of the river.

While certainly not as comforting as a hot bath, the water was still refreshing. Anxious to wash off the dirt of the day Paige dove into the Yellowstone. Water closed over her, the coolness of it skimming her bare skin. Paige closed her eyes and inwardly sighed. Gliding under the water she had peace. There were no chores to be done, no worries about dead cattle, about an untrustworthy sheriff, or a greedy neighbor. There was no loneliness, no future stretching out before her without the love and family she’d always dreamed of.

For this moment there was just silence, and the peace of letting everything go, if only temporarily. Paige held on to that feeling as long as she could until her burning lungs demanded she breathe. She broke the surface gasping as she did. A red winged blackbird bolted from its perch on a cattail. Smiling, she watched it fly away. As it fluttered past a thicket of willows something caught Paige’s eye. She jerked her gaze to the left. Branches swayed as though something had just walked through them.

Cold fingers of fear crawled up her back. Had someone been watching her or had a deer or coyote shaken the branches? Though all was quiet now, she couldn’t dispel the feeling she’d been watched.

And she couldn’t stay where she was a moment longer.

Keeping low, Paige hurried toward her things. She slipped and toppled over more than once. Every delay to her weapon, every second it took to reach the bank added to Paige’s fear. Though she tried to tell herself if someone was indeed there they could have already shot her, the fact they hadn’t was cold comfort. Because it didn’t change the fact they, if there even was a they, had watched her take off all her clothes, watched her enter the river naked. Could still be watching her now.

The idea made her feel sick and dirtier than she’d felt after doing chores. Reaching the embankment Paige dug her toes into the muddy edge as she reached for her rifle. A nervous laugh slipped from her mouth when her fingers closed over the weapon. Raising it to her shoulder, Paige’s gaze scoured the willows. Nothing. Not a bird in flight, not even one perching on a branch.

The stillness was eerie.

Holding tight to the rifle, Paige pulled herself out of the water. She didn’t fuss with a towel. She wrestled into her chemise, nearly tearing it as it clung to her wet skin. She didn’t bother with anything else. She just wanted to get home.

Maybe she was overreacting, maybe it was nothing more than a wild turkey, but she’d had too many dead cattle, not to mention Alex’s questionable death, to simply dismiss the uneasy feeling that someone was there.

Keeping the rifle pointed at the trees, Paige shoved her muddy feet into her shoes. Though all remained still, she couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched.

With the feeling crawling down her back, Paige grabbed the rest of her things and raced for home. Maybe once she was securely locked inside she’d feel safe. Maybe then she’d be able to breathe.

Paige didn’t stop until she was in her house with the door locked. Then her legs buckled. With her back against the door, Paige slid to the floor. Her breath soughed through her aching lungs, the sound loud and brittle in her little house. Perspiration dampened her brow.

Darn it, this wasn’t what she’d planned. It was supposed to be a refreshing bath in the river followed by a much-needed enjoyable evening before the fire as she read her letter and—

Paige’s head fell back against the door. Her letter. She’d been looking forward to reading her news from Violet all day and it had been spoiled by Barton, or whichever of his men he had doing his dirty work. She pressed the heels of her hands against her eyes. Hadn’t the man done enough damage already? Did he have to ruin every bit of joy she found?

No. No he didn’t. Lowering her hands, Paige realized he couldn’t do that unless she let him. Pushing to her feet, she set the rifle behind the door. Dusk had set in and her house was nothing but gray shadows. Well, she’d had enough shadows for one day.

After closing her curtains, she lit a lantern to stave off the encroaching darkness and started a fire in the hearth. Once the flames caught and the fire was snapping and crackling, Paige hooked the kettle over the flames. She was going to enjoy a cup of tea with her letter. Not wanting to go out and pump more water, Paige washed her hands and feet with the buckets she’d filled earlier for use in the morning.

While her tea steeped, Paige dug Violet’s letter out of her handbag. Seeing her sister-in-law’s handwriting on the envelope tugged at her heart. Missing her, Paige pressed the paper to her chest. When the ache eased, she took the pages and her mug and settled in one of the rockers before the fire. With a smile on her lips, she unfolded the letter.

My dearest Paige,

How are you? I’m missing you terribly. I know you’ve been gone nearly a year and a half now, but the passage of time hasn’t filled the void your absence left. I walk past your parents’ house sometimes for no other reason than to picture us together on the porch steps, heads and knees pressed close as we gossiped about boys. Oh, I long for those times. When I could walk over and talk to you anytime I wanted or needed. Instead I find myself running to the post office each day. I’m sure I’ve annoyed Mr. Anderson. He’s threatened to put a note on the glass saying Nothing today, Violet, check back again just so I don’t keep asking him.

Paige smiled, wiped the tear that slipped down her cheek. It helped knowing Violet missed her as much as she missed her friend.

Your parents’ attitude hasn’t yet changed toward me. Though I know you don’t believe it ever will, I refuse to give up. They can ignore me, or continue to respond in the same cold manner as though I were nothing but a vagrant, but I’m determined to greet them and say hello whenever we meet. My parents, on the other hand, ask about you often. I think for them you’re a link to Alex and they wish you’d come back. As do I, though I understand you’re determined to make the ranch work as it was yours and Alex’s dream. Is it selfish of me that I want my sister back?

Paige sniffled. Growing up down the street from each other in Denver, they’d always felt as though they were sisters. They’d walked to school together, played together, shared secrets, and dreamed about boys.

When Paige had finally confessed her feelings about Violet’s older brother, Alex, her friend might have grimaced, might have wondered what in the world Paige saw in him, but Violet had never tried to talk her out of it. And when it became apparent that Paige had turned Alex’s head, that he felt the same, Violet had been thrilled at the idea that one day they’d be sisters by marriage.

It wasn’t a sentiment shared by Paige’s parents.

They’d wanted a banker, lawyer, or businessman for their only child. Not a man whose greatest dream in life was to raise cattle and muck out barns. They’d been against Alex from the beginning and when Paige had chosen him, they’d made it clear if she left with him, she wasn’t welcome back. Since she hadn’t heard from them since his death, their stance hadn’t changed.

Well, so be it. Paige took a deep breath, sipped more of her tea and continued on.

Other than missing you, life hasn’t changed much. Mother and Father are becoming frantic about my unwillingness to settle on the suitors they choose. But I’m standing my ground, my dear friend, just as you did. You knew in your heart you wanted Alex and until you managed to convince him you belonged together, you stayed true to him. I won’t settle for anything less than the kind of love you had with my brother. I only hope my parents approve of my choice. I don’t blame you for what you did, you know this, but you were never as close with your parents as I am to mine and we’ve only grown closer since losing Alex. I suspect that’s why they haven’t forced marriage onto me; they want me to be happy. But if they ever shunned me as you’ve been shunned, it would break my heart.

But enough of me, I want to hear about you. Any other mishaps? Oh, when I think about that cretin Barton and the no-good sheriff my blood boils! I can only imagine how you must feel, knowing one is responsible while the other turns a blind eye. I confess it gives me some peace of mind to know you have two good, trustworthy men working for you, though I wish you weren’t alone at night.

Have you thought any more on getting a dog? I think it would be good companionship for you and a good deterrent at night. I know Alex wasn’t fond of dogs but, Paige, much as I loved my brother he isn’t there. And I think he’d want you to do what makes you happy. I know I do.

Well, my friend, I think I’ve rambled enough for now. I look forward to your response. Until then, be safe, be happy.

With warmest regards,

your sister, Violet.

Paige folded the papers, tucked them back into their envelope. Holding it on her lap, she skimmed her fingers over the paper, over the swirl of letters, cherishing each one as she treasured her friend. She could just imagine Mr. and Mrs. Kelly fretting over a husband for Violet. As both she and Violet were well into their twenty-fourth year, it wasn’t surprising Violet’s parents wanted to see her wed. And while her sister-in-law might worry, Paige wasn’t the least concerned for Violet’s matrimonial future. She was too sweet a woman for the right man not to notice her. And she knew the Kellys enough to know they’d accept Violet’s choice, unquestioningly, just as they had Alex’s.

Paige smiled, remembering how excited they’d been. Of course, they’d known Paige since she’d been born, so their son was hardly marrying a stranger, but they couldn’t have been more thrilled at the match and she’d loved them equally. It wasn’t uncommon to receive letters from Mrs. Kelly as well, though certainly not with the regularity of Violet’s. And knowing how anxious her friend was for news, Paige set her empty cup down and strode to her room where she kept her writing supplies.

Back at the table she hesitated. Every letter she wrote was the same. Another steer or two dead. Days filled with the same chores. It didn’t seem Paige ever had anything new or exciting to write about. She thought of what happened earlier. Well, running scared from the river was something new but that wasn’t the kind of news she necessarily wanted to share. Certainly, it wouldn’t bring a smile to Violet’s face any more than it did to her own. More than likely it would only worry her friend instead.

But they’d always shared everything and for lack of anything else noteworthy, Paige started the letter and eventually added the evening’s happenings. Her lips quirked as she imagined Violet reading how Paige had seen some leaves shift and from there had run home with only a chemise and shoes on, not even her drawers. She described running hell-bent for the ranch, mud squishing in her shoes, her chemise sticking to the skin she hadn’t taken the time to dry, struggling to see over the pile of clothes she carried in her arms. Seeing it through her friend’s eyes, Paige found she could laugh about it after all.

*

Logan McCall couldn’t come home to Marietta without the weight of the past settling on his shoulders. He was never completely without it but it weighed heavier there than anyplace else. A quick glance at his reflection in the glass of the restaurant as he strode by showed him walking tall, but he swore he felt as though his shoulders bowed under the pressure. Apparently there was no time limit on guilt.

Logan rolled his shoulders, took a deep breath, and, after ensuring the wide dirt road that was Main Street was clear, aimed for his brother’s office. Shane kept a chair outside his door as a way to keep an eye on the town but at the moment it was empty. As it was between meals, he hoped to catch Shane inside. Logan didn’t want to linger too long in town. Not only because he always felt a little like a fraud there, but because he needed to keep tracking the Bolten gang and the only reason he was actually there now, was that all indications showed them having come this way.

Just as he put a booted foot onto the boardwalk, Letty Daniels, proprietress of the mercantile next door to Shane’s sheriff’s office, stepped outside. When she laid eyes on him her face brightened and her mouth curved into a wide smile. He suspected she was in her early fifties and if it wasn’t for her graying hair, which she wore in a bun at the base of her neck, he’d guess she was years younger. There was always mischief in her eyes and a sassiness to her that spoke of someone still very much young at heart.

Letty and her husband John hadn’t yet arrived in Marietta when Logan left and though they’d only met earlier this spring when Shane had telegraphed Logan to come help him with a legal matter, Letty had instantly welcomed him. While he suspected that came from her close friendship with Shane, he nonetheless treasured it. In his line of work, he didn’t get the opportunity to make many friends.

Logan! She rushed forward, hugged him hard.

He bent his knees to accommodate her shorter height and couldn’t help but smile when she stepped back and patted his cheek as though he were a young boy and not a man approaching