The thunder of hoofbeats echoed across the dusty main street of Clifton Hill Missouri as Abigail Sinclair struggled against the iron grips of two men who were forcing her toward a waiting horse.
Let me go Abigail screamed the elegant blue dress she wore now torn at the hem from her desperate attempts to escape.
I wont go with you.
Someone help me.
The taller of the two men with a jagged scar running down his cheek laughed.
Aint nobody going to help you Miss Sinclair.
Your paw’s debts are due and Mr Blackwell collects one way or another.
Your paw aint got no say anymore girl.
Not since we found him face down in that creek.
The words struck Abigail like physical blows.
The moment of shock was all they needed.
They hoisted her higher preparing to throw her across the saddle when the sound of rapid hoofbeats approached from the east end of town.
What the.
The scarred man began turning just as a massive chestnut stallion thundered to a halt nearby.
The rider dismounted in one fluid motion.
I believe the lady said no the newcomer stated his voice deep and steady.
Hurting a woman in broad daylight on Main Street seems like everybodys business the newcomer replied stepping closer.
Now Abigail could see him clearly ruggedly handsome with piercing blue eyes.
This aint your concern the broader man said his hand moving to his gun.
Before either man could properly draw the stranger moved with lightning speed.
A swift punch connected with the scarred mans jaw sending him staggering backward.
As the broader man fumbled with his weapon the strangers boot connected with his knee with a sickening crack dropping him to the ground with a howl of pain.
The scarred man lunged forward but the stranger sidestepped and delivered another punishing blow that sent him sprawling into the horse trough with a tremendous splash.
In the confusion Abigail had fallen to the ground.
The stranger was at her side in an instant helping her to her feet with a surprisingly gentle touch.
Are you hurt madam he asked his eyes quickly scanning for injuries.
No Abigail managed still stunned.
But they said my father.
No time the stranger cut in glancing at the two men who were already beginning to recover.
Those arent the type to stay down for long.
Then youre coming with me.
Can you ride.
Before she could fully answer he lifted her into the saddle and swung up behind her.
Hold on tight he murmured close to her ear.
And then they were off the powerful horse lunging forward as a shot cracked through the air missing them by inches.
They thundered down the main street and out into the open countryside.
Where are we going she shouted over the wind.
Somewhere safe he answered.
I think weve lost them for now he said finally allowing the horse to stop in a small clearing.
Thank you she said finally looking up into the face of her rescuer.
I dont even know your name.
Yates.
Yates Preston he replied.
And you are.
Abigail Sinclair she answered her voice catching.
Those men they said my father is dead.
That he owed money to someone named Blackwell.
Victor Blackwell.
I know the name.
Hes been buying up land all over the county by fair means or foul.
My cabin is about three hours ride from here.
Its not much but its defensible.
Why are you helping me Mr Preston you dont know me.
Lets just say Ive seen what happens when good people dont step in to stop men like Blackwell.
Besides no decent man stands by while a lady is being manhandled in the street.
They rode on and reached the cabin where Samuel Two Rivers a trusted Osage friend was waiting.
Blackwell’s men are already searching Samuel warned.
Theyre offering gold for information.
They said my father is dead Abigail whispered.
Samuel’s expression softened.
I am sorry Miss Sinclair.
They brought in your fathers body.
There were bruises on his throat.
Not consistent with an accidental drowning.
The confirmation hit Abigail like a physical blow.
She bent forward grief overwhelming her.
Yates moved to sit beside her offering silent support.
Im sorry he said simply.
Your father deserved better.
What do we do now she asked voice steadier.
First we need to understand why Blackwell wants you.
The store location is valuable but kidnapping seems extreme.
The only unusual thing was that my father received a letter about two weeks ago that upset him.
He mentioned visiting our old family cabin up in the hills.
We should go there Yates decided.
Tonight after dark.
Samuel will come with us.
They traveled under cover of darkness and reached the old cabin where two of Blackwells men were already searching.
Using the hidden root cellar entrance they slipped inside.
Abigail found the loose stone in the fireplace and pulled out papers wrapped in oilcloth.
They barely escaped as the men returned.
Later in a secluded clearing they examined the documents.
Property records for Eagle Mountain Mine dated 1863.
My fathers name is on it along with William Hargrove and Victor Blackwell.
Blackwell has been secretly reopening the mine Yates said grimly.
These papers prove your father was a legal partner.
Without them he gets everything.
They decided to split up.
Samuel took the originals north while Yates and Abigail headed east to find Hargrove in Independence.
The journey was hard with swollen rivers and constant danger.
Nights by the fire they shared their pasts.
You never married Abigail observed.
A woman like you must have had suitors.
A few none that interested me.
Father always said I was too independent.
What about you.
The war changed me Yates replied.
After I couldnt fit back into normal life.
And then Eliza.
She died six years ago.
Married a man who beat her.
I know he pushed her.
He had an accident cleaning his gun.
Abigail reached for his hand.
You didnt let him get away with it.
No.
That is why I stepped in when I saw you.
In that moment something shifted between them.
They reached Independence only to find Hargrove dead murdered.
Blackwells men were closing in.
They fled again one horse carrying both after Abigails mare was injured crossing a creek.
In a lean-to by the fire Yates finally spoke.
If we survive this when we survive this Ill say everything that needs saying.
Before she could answer he cradled her face and kissed her deeply.
That is what I want he said.
Some complications are worth having she replied.
They reached the Mississippi and boarded a steamboat to St Louis.
Blackwells men were aboard.
Using disguises they slipped past them in the crowd and made it to safety with help from Yates old comrade James Ruddge.
The next day at church they approached Federal Marshal Sullivan with the evidence.
As they left gunmen attacked.
In the chaos Abigail fought back kneeing one attacker and drawing her pistol while Yates and Sullivan exchanged fire.
They got Sullivan to safety and the evidence reached the right hands.
Warrants were issued and Blackwell was eventually captured and sentenced to life in prison.
Abigail settled her fathers affairs in Clifton Hill then returned north with Yates.
At the cabin he dropped to one knee.
Abigail Sinclair these past months have shown me what kind of woman you are.
I love you.
Will you marry me.
Yes she whispered with all my heart yes.
They married simply with Samuel and Ruddge as witnesses.
They built a life together expanding the cabin adding a garden and later welcoming children.
Jonathan named for her father then Eliza for Yates sister and Michael.
Years later on their tenth anniversary they stood on the porch watching their children play.
Any regrets Yates asked.
About us Never Abigail replied.
We built something good here something that honors those we loSt. As twilight deepened they called the children home knowing the journey that began when a cowboy knocked two men down on Main Street had led them to a love deeper than either could have imagined.
A love that turned strangers into family and fear into forever.
