“Donley? He works for Samuel Carlson. I’ve heard talk about him, too. The same kind of talk as you hear about Jake. Only…”
“Only?”
“Well, you know how I told you Johnny’s been tagging after Jake, pestering him and talking his ear off? I can’t say it worries me any. But if he got within ten feet of Burt Donley I’d skin him alive.”
The crowd shifted as Cody brought the line back five feet. When the first man aimed and fired, missing two bottles, Sarah saw Johnny tug on Jake’s arm and whisper something. To her surprise, Jake grinned and ruffled the boy’s hair. There it was again, she thought. That goodness. That basic kindness. Yet she remembered the look that had come into his eyes only moments before.
Who are you? she wanted to ask.
As if he’d heard her, Jake turned his head. Their eyes met and held. She felt a flood of emotions rise up uncontrollably and again wished she could hate him for that alone.
“You keep looking at her like that,” Maggie murmured at his side, “you’re going to have to marry her or ride fast in the other direction.”
“Shut up, Maggie.”
She smiled as sweetly as if he’d kissed her cheek. “Just thought you’d like to know that Sam Carlson ain’t too pleased by the way you two are carrying on.” Jake’s gaze shifted and met Carlson’s. He had come up to stand behind Sarah and lay a proprietary hand on her shoulder. Jake considered allowing himself the pleasure of shooting him for that alone. “He’s got no claim.”
“Not for lack of trying. Better move fast, boyo.” The onlookers cheered again as Jim Carlson nipped five out of six targets.
Taking his time, Jake reloaded his pistol, then moved to the line. The six shots sounded almost like one. When he lowered his Colt, six bottles had been shattered.
Donley took his place. Six shots, six hits.
The line was moved farther back.
“They can’t do it from here,” Liza whispered to Sarah. “No one could.”
Sarah just shook her head. It wasn’t a game any more. There was something between the two men, something much deeper, much darker, than a simple contest of skill. Others sensed it, too. She could hear the murmur of the crowd and see the uneasy looks. Jake moved behind the line. He scanned the targets, judging the distance, taking mental aim. Then he did what he did best. He drew and fired on instinct. Bottles exploded, one by one. There was nothing left but a single jagged base. Without pausing, he drew his other gun and shattered even that.
There was silence as Donley stepped forward. He drew, and the gun kicked in his hand with each shot. When he was done, a single bottle remained unbroken. “Congratulations, Redman.” Cody brought the blanket over, hoping to dispel some of the tension. Relief made him let out his breath audibly when Sheriff Barker strolled over.
“That was some shooting, boys.” He gave each man a casual nod. Will Metcalf stood at his shoulder as directed. “Good to get it out of your system with a few bottles. Either one of you catches a bullet tonight, there’s sure no way I can doubt who put it there.”
The warning was given with a smile that was friendly enough. Behind Sarah, Carlson gave a quick shake of his head. Without speaking, Donley made his way through the crowd, which parted for him.
“I ain’t never seen nobody shoot like that.” Johnny looked up at Jake with awe and wonder in his eyes. Jake tossed the blanket to him. “There you go.”
His eyes widened even farther. “I can have it?”
“You got a horse, don’t you?”
“Yes, sir, I got me a bay pony.”
“Red ought to look real nice on a bay. Why don’t you go see?”
With a whoop, Johnny raced off, only to be caught by his mother. After a minor scuffle, he turned back, grinning. “Thanks, Mr. Redman. Thanks a lot.”
“You sure did please that boy pink,” Barker commented.
“I don’t need a blanket.”
Barker only shook his head. “You’re a puzzle, Jake. I can’t help but have a liking for you.”
“That’s a puzzle to me, Sheriff. Most lawmen got other feelings.”
“Maybe so. Either way, I’d be obliged if you’d keep those guns bolstered tonight. You wouldn’t want to tell me what there is between you and Donley?” Jake sent him an even look. “No.”
“Didn’t figure you would.” He spit out tobacco juice. “Well, I’m going to have me some chicken and dance with my wife.”
There were a dozen tables lined up along one side of the big canvas tent. Even before the music started, more than half of the food was gone. Women, young and old, were flirting, pleased to be shown off in their best dresses. When the fiddle started, couples swarmed onto the floor. Liza, in her pink muslin, grabbed Will’s hand and pulled him with her. Carlson, dashing in his light brown suit and string tie, bowed to Sarah. “I’d be honored if you’d step out with me, Sarah.”
With a little laugh, she gave him a formal curtsy.
“I’d be delighted.”
The music was fast and cheerful. Despite the heat, the dancing followed suit. At the front of the tent the musicians fiddled and plucked and strummed tirelessly, and the caller wet his whistle with free beer.
Couples swung and sashayed and kicked up their heels in a reel. It was different from the dances Sarah had attended in Philadelphia. Wonderfully different, she thought as she twirled in Lucius’s arms. Hoots and hollers accompanied the music, as well as hand-clapping, foot-stamping and whistles.
“You were right, Lucius.” Laughing, she laid a hand on her speeding heart when the music stopped. “I was?”
“Yes, indeed. You’re a fine dancer. And this is the best party I’ve ever been to.” She leaned over impulsively and kissed his cheek.
“Well, now.” His face turned beet red with embarrassed pleasure. “Why don’t I fetch you a cup of that punch?”
“That would be lovely.”
“Sarah!” Liza’s face was nearly as pink as Lucius’s when she rushed over and grabbed Sarah’s arm.
“My goodness, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Nothing in the world is wrong.” Impatient, Liza dragged Sarah to a corner of the tent. “I just got to tell somebody or bust.”
“Then tell me. I’d hate to see you rip the seams of that dress.”
“I was just outside, taking a little air.” She looked quickly right, then left. “Will came out after me. He kissed me.”
“He did?”
“Twice. I guess my heart just about stopped.”
One brow lifted, Sarah struggled with a smile. “I suppose that means you’ve decided to let him be your beau.”
“We’re getting married,” Liza blurted out.
“Oh, Liza, really? That’s wonderful.” Delighted, Sarah threw her arms around her friend. “I’m so happy for you. When?”
“Well, he’s got to talk to Pa first.” Liza chewed her lip as she glanced toward her father. “But I know it’s going to be all right. Pa likes Will.”
“Of course he does. Liza, I can’t tell you how happy I am for you.”
“I know.” When her eyes filled, Liza blinked and sniffled. “Oh, Lordy, I don’t want to cry now.” “No, don’t, or I’ll start.”
Laughing, Liza hugged her again. “I can’t wait. I just can’t wait. It’ll be your turn before long. The way Samuel Carlson can’t take his eyes off you. I have to admit, I used to have a crush on him.” She gave a quick, wicked smile. “Mostly, I thought about using him to make Will jealous.”
“I’m not going to marry Samuel. I don’t think I’m ever going to get married.”
