“The jailhouse is down the street a few blocks,” he said as he started the mules moving. “Another half-block from there, we can take a trail that intersects with our way home.”
“I’m feeling nervous about this,” she admitted. “I’m not good at lying. I wish Oliver was here. I’d let him do the talking. He certainly didn’t have any trouble lying to you and Charles about being my half-brother.” Warmth unfurled inside her at Daniel’s low chuckle.
“True, and he’s also the one who came up with the tale about overhearing the men at the trading post.” He glanced her way. “You don’t have to say a thing if you don’t wish to, love. All we’re doing is alerting the sheriff that we’ve important information regarding the gang that has been plaguing miners in the area.”
“Right.” She sighed, studying the main street as the mules plodded along. Daniel brought the wagon to a halt in front of a solid log structure with a sign above the door. “Garretsville Jail,” she read aloud. “Well, here goes,” she muttered. “This is what I’m here for after all.”
“And here I thought you came for my devilish charm and irresistible kisses,” Daniel teased.
“That too,” she quipped, unable to keep from smiling. “Does Garretsville have a mayor and a courthouse?”
“A mayor and a town council, aye, but no courthouse yet. They meet in the schoolhouse.”
Once again Daniel helped her down from the buckboard and offered her his arm. Then he led her into the jailhouse. Fascinated, she studied her surroundings. The interior smelled strongly of burned coffee, pine, and lingering traces of vomit. Many a belligerent drunk must have spent the night in one of the small, windowless cells in the rear of the building.
A ruggedly handsome man with brown hair and eyes sat behind the desk. He appeared to be in his mid to late thirties, and he wore a badge on his leather vest. A stack of wanted posters sat before him, along with an open ledger and a cup of coffee. “Howdy, Dan,” he said, his sharp gaze darting to her. “This here a dangerous criminal you’re bringing to justice?” He flashed her a friendly grin.
She rolled her eyes, and couldn’t help but smile.
“Sorry to disappoint, but this is one of Hannigan’s many cousins from out East.” Daniel placed his hand possessively over hers. “Miss Meredith MacCarthy, this is William Ramsey, our sheriff.”
“Pleased to meet you, ma’am.” The sheriff rose from his chair and approached. He shook hands with Daniel, and offered her the chair that sat in front of his desk. “What can I do for you two this fine afternoon. As you can see, things are kind of slow today. My deputy is out on patrol, but so far he hasn’t been able to scare up any troublemakers.” He flashed them a rueful look. “I’d offer you both a cup of coffee, but I’m fairly certain it’s gone solid by now,” he said as he glanced at the pot sitting atop the pot-bellied stove.
“We shan’t stay. This isn’t a social visit. While Miss MacCarthy and her brother were waiting for us to fetch them from Hellgate, they overheard three men discussing something of interest to you and to all of us here in Garretsville. We were hoping you’d come out our way so we can discuss the matter.”
The sheriff perched on the edge of his desk. “Can’t we discuss it now?”
Daniel shook his head. “Meredith’s brother was closest to the three outlaws, and he overheard the most. It would be best if he did the telling.”
“Outlaws you say?” Ramsey’s demeanor shifted, and his brow rose, the glint of curiosity in his eyes clear to see. “Will tomorrow afternoon at 4:00 work?”
Daniel glanced at her. “Will that suit, Meredith?”
“Yes.” She glancing up at him. “Aren’t you going to invite Sheriff Ramsey to stay for supper then? Seems like the least we can do to compensate him for his time.”
“That’s mighty kind of you, Miss MacCarthy, but the missus and my children expect me home at 6:30 sharp every evening for supper, and I don’t like to disappoint them.”
“Of course.” She smiled. “We’ll see you tomorrow then.”
That part of their plan completed, they set out for Daniel’s camp. All Meredith could think about was the kiss they’d shared earlier. She didn’t want to waste a minute of their time together, but with Oliver and Charles under the same roof, how could she arrange more time alone with Daniel?
“A penny for your thoughts, Meredith,” Daniel said.
She turned to study him. Should she go for bold, or keep her lustful thoughts to herself. “Are you sure you really want to know?”
He chuckled, and drew her close to his side with one arm. “Aye, I’m certain.”
“If you must know, I was plotting ways we might find more time to spend alone together.” She swallowed against the sudden, unexpected lump rising to her throat. “I just …” Her voice quavered. “This is so … difficult.”
He dropped the reins and lifted her to his lap. His mouth found hers in a desperate kiss, and his hands roamed up and down her back and waist, over her hips and back again as if he meant to memorize the feel of her against him. Groaning, she wrapped her arms around him, breathing him in, absorbing the heat he radiated.
Knowing the way home, the mules plodded along as she explored as much of Daniel as she could reach, and he did the same. Her heart pounded, and every sensitive intimate part of her throbbed with insistence. She broke the kiss. “What are we going to do? How will we resolve this?”
What she really meant was: Who is going to give in and make the sacrifice necessary for a
