When they were a few miles past the junction of the Marias and Missouri Rivers, Seamus slowed his horse.
“What is it?” Cormac asked.
“Someone’s coming,” Seamus murmured.
Cormac pulled out his rifle, leaving it propped on his leg, as he maneuvered his horse to the side of the road. As the stagecoach barreled toward them, he motioned with the rifle for it to stop. “Bailey!” he called out, and the man slowed his team and halted a short distance away.
“Never expected the three of you to play bandit,” Bailey muttered, as he stared down at them.
Seamus growled at the man. “Why in God’s name would I need to rob an empty coach?” He faced the stagecoach driver, who was busier than ever with Dunmore’s injury. “Have you passed anyone on the road today?”
Bailey pushed his hat back and stared at them in confusion. “You’re the first I’ve seen since Cow Island. Was you expectin’ someone?” He looked at the three of them and their murderous expressions. “Is everythin’ all right back in town?”
Seamus sighed and swore, as he shifted in his saddle. “Someone kidnapped my Maggie an’ stole Declan’s Lorena.”
Bailey’s eyes bulged. “They have death wishes?” He shook his head, as he whistled. “Whoowee, I wouldn’t want an O’Rourke bent on revenge after me, never mind a dozen or more of you.” He wiped at his head. “As the Savior is my Maker, I ain’t seen no one on that stretch of road. If you’re lookin’ for him, he probably went wild.” He pointed to the prairie land, heading north.
Seamus swore, as he stared at the open expanse of land that would be ideal for a trapper like Jacques but impossible for Seamus. “Aye,” he muttered, “’tis what I fear.”
“Well, I got to return to Benton and pick up another load of men wishin’ to leave. But I’ll keep a look out as I drive my route.” He nodded at the men and turned his horses loose, trundling away.
Cormac shifted and stared at Seamus. “What do you want to do?” His long hair was tied back, and his well-worn hat covered his head and concealed his gaze.
“I ain’t no trapper, sonny,” A.J. said to Seamus, as he stared at the open prairie with a sigh. “If Seamus and I head out there, they’ll need to send a search party out to find us, as well as Miss Maggie.” A.J. cast a knowing glance at Cormac.
Cormac spoke up. “Let’s head back and see if the others have returned. We’ll have a better idea of where to search, but my guess is he headed north over the prairie with her.” He paused to look at Seamus. “I’m more familiar with that area than you two and I have a bit of experience with tracking.”
Seamus swore, took off his hat, and ran a hand over his head.
“Seamus, it’ll be all right. I’ll follow the rivers. They need water on the run.”
“But Niamh …”
“She’s not due for months. I know Mary will help her with the children in my absence. I’ll return when I can to check in.” He paused and stared at the prairie grass swaying in the breeze. “I’ll miss Niamh and our babes, but I know Niamh would want me to search for Maggie, just like I searched for Dunmore.” Cormac took a long look northward. “I’ll explain it to her tonight. You know she’ll agree.”
Seamus growled, angry that he could not do more, but then he sighed. “Aye, you’re right.” He shared a long look with A.J., relaxing when he saw agreement in his friend’s gaze. “We’ll head home. See if the lads found them.” He turned his horse toward Fort Benton, as an impotent rage filled him that he had not found Jacques. That he had not been the one to tear him limb from limb. That he was not holding Maggie in his arms right now. He prayed, as they trotted toward home, that Maggie would be at the table, no worse for wear from her misadventure, having been saved by her brothers.
* * *
Kevin burst into his parents’ house, his gaze searching the room, filled with most of his family. “Da?” he asked. When his mum shook her head, he nodded. “Declan’s comin’. Lorena’s injured.”
Mary and Niamh gasped, rising immediately. “Bring her upstairs to Maggie’s room. An extra bed is there.” The two women rushed away, as Aileen and Deirdre put water on to boil and cut cloths into strips.
Kevin approached his wife, pulling her close. “Let me hold you a moment, love,” he whispered. When he shuddered, he felt her arms tighten around him. Leaning away, he ran a finger down her cheek, and backed away just as Declan entered with Ardan on his heels, holding an unconscious Lorena in his arms.
“Upstairs,” Deirdre said. “Your mum and Niamh are there, preparing Maggie’s room.” She looked to Ardan. “Escort me. I have to find Nora. We’ll need her help, as we don’t have Maggie right now.” She pulled off her apron and left the kitchen, her husband beside her.
Kevin stood in the middle of the kitchen, a nervous energy running through him. Now that they were back, he suddenly felt like he had nothing to do for his family. When Declan reentered the kitchen, looking haunted and broken, he reached for his brother, pulling him into his arms. “She’ll recover, Dec. She’s tough.”
Looking as though he had been gut shot, Declan swayed in place. “I don’t know what I’ll do if I lose her. I’ve had so little time with her.” He stared at Kevin in agony. “Who would do such a thing?”
Kevin tilted his head and slung an arm over Declan’s shoulder, urging him to the table and to sit. “That’s better contemplated on another day.”
Declan froze, staring at his older brother. “Her uncle. He has to be involved somehow.”
“Aye,” Kevin said, nodding his
