The streets of San Francisco change at night and not for the better. During the daytime, the streets are busy with commerce and trade. At night, those who are struggling for survival find their way to the brothels, opium dens, and saloons looking for a way to dull the pain. Sometimes it floods into the neighboring businesses.
“Damn. That didn't take long,” he mutters. Grabbing a chair, Dalton wedges it under the doorknob to keep anyone from getting inside. Her wide eyes are full of fear, and the combination of the flickering light from the gas lanterns and the gunshots, screams, and laughter terrifies Cassie. She starts gasping for breath and finds herself on the verge of a full-blown panic attack.
“Not again, not again….” she whimpers backing up in terror seeing Eustace and the gang of men who came for her. Dalton turns at the sound and hurries to reassure her. When his hands grasp her upper arms, he feels the tremors running through her body.
“Ms. Brown, look at me, I promise that you are safe with me.” Her eyes jump to his, and she nods her head trying to slow her breathing. “It's going to be okay, just breathe.”
“Okay, I'm okay,” she whispers, “I'm okay.” Dalton grabs a blanket off the remaining chair and drapes it around her trembling shoulders.
“You sit here,” he says and guides her gently to the chair. “It is outside the hotel, not inside. We should be safe for the night,” he promises, needing to ease her fear.
“Thank you, Dalton.” She says through chattering teeth.
“What are you thanking me for? For turning your life upside down? You're the one who tried to do the right thing. Ms. Brown, what in the world are you doing in this godforsaken town?” he asks and stomps over to the fireplace. Striking a match, he hears her whisper to him.
“Cassie. You can call me Cassie, D... Dalton,” she stammers out. Looking into his eyes, she has to smile. “I'm just passing through. I am leaving and heading… heading wherever the next train out of here goes. My father left me a little, and I am going to make a new life for myself.” Saying the words gives her strength and hope. She must believe it is possible for her to get away. Maybe they can help each other.
“Well, Cassie, the next train is leaving in three days for the North West.” Finished with the fire he stands and dusts his hands. “I would be honored if you'd travel with me under my protection until you reach your destination. It is the least I could do.”
She stares hard at the large man in front of her, and her mind calms. Perhaps this is the answer. “Dalton, I won’t lie and pretend that I’m not in a bad situation. That would be a huge help, but what exactly are you expecting of me. Just how far will you expect me to go?”
“I admire a woman who speaks her mind, Cassie. I'm an honorable man. I would not ask anything of you that you aren't willing to offer. In public, you are my bride, but in private we will just be friends. How does that sound?” he asks, smiling down at her.
Cassie listens to his words, but when she tries to open her mind to his, she is in for a shock. She is met by a wall of silence. The color fades from her face, and her mouth opens in a gasp. Blessed silence for the first time. His thoughts, intentions, and images do not beat at her, and she finds only peace. “Perfect, if you let me pay you for your services,” she manages to say.
Chapter 5
“You want to pay for me being your husband?” he asks incredulously.
“Of course not!” Cassie blushes, “I want to pay you for your time. We simply treat this as a business deal and keep it as professional as possible. That’s all.”
“We can discuss terms in the morning, I'm going to get you some food before the restaurant closes.” He removes the chair and slams his way down the hall, muttering under his breath.
Cassie watches him go and jumps from the chair. She looks inside her bag, and when she finds the two bags of gold still sewn into the lining, she sighs in relief. Tomorrow, she will exchange them for cash and then get on that train. Until then, she will play along with Mr. Dalton Rivers. He seems harmless enough, but everyone has secrets and the fact that she can't read him makes her uncomfortable.
She moves to the bed with the blanket still wrapped around her and lays down with a sigh. “Better rest while you can, who knows what this night will bring.” With that, she closes her eyes and falls asleep.
Dalton keeps his pistol close and heads to the lobby desk. The noise outside is escalating, and he knows that he needs to hurry. He rings the bell and greets the manager.
“What can I do for you, sir?” the manager asks.
“I need to go ahead and settle up my bill. I will be checking out in the morning.” After a few minutes of negotiation, they settle on a price and Dalton is surprised when the manager stops him.
“You packages were delivered to your room earlier. If you would like to settle that bill here, you can do so now.” At Daltons look of confusion the older man chuckles. “Mr. Chou said your wife told them to deliver her things here.”
“Of course,” Dalton stammers out. He quickly pays the bill before heading to the restaurant. He orders soup and crusty
