Chapter 13

Dallas

Dallas went to work early the next day to open the bank with the intention of leaving with Charles for Laramie for the rest of the day. Throughout the morning, the outlaws were still loitering in front of the hotel and restaurant despite the cold, scaring off customers. It had stopped snowing, but winter had definitely set in. Dallas just hoped they wouldn't get a blizzard the way they did the year before. Dallas suspected that since they had arrived, the establishment hadn't had a lot of business. Harrison Curry, the owner, told them as much, ordering the men to go to their rooms and to stop scaring off all the decent townsfolk. But the men just laughed, not moving from their perch.

When Harrison complained in front of the bank, Sheriff Clark told him that he couldn't arrest them unless they broke the law. Harrison told him that harassing his clientele should be enough. But the sheriff said that, technically, they weren't causing any trouble. Just leering at the women and tipping their hats wasn't considered a crime… unless they took it further. Also, none of them could be identified as having participated in the bank robbery.

Since their arrival, tensions had been flying high in the town. When Dallas spoke to the sheriff, he had told Dallas that he was thinking of hiring another deputy. After all, Colton had his responsibilities at his ranch, and it wasn't fair to him to have to spend so much time in town. But Dallas had offered him as many of his men as he needed, telling Sheriff Clark that he could even deputize them, if needed. The sheriff had thanked him, but in the end, he declined his offer.

Dallas looked around the room and his eyes met Charles. "Ready?"

Charles nodded, rising from his seat.

Dallas called Milo and Butch over. "Mr. Whitfield and I are going to Laramie. Would you accompany us?" He made sure the money was in the safe with a combination lock. It was the latest and most secure model.

Milo stood and adjusted his vest. "Yes, of course."

"Let's go ahead and lock it up for today," Dallas announced to everyone. "Charles and I have to go to Laramie, and I don't want to leave you here alone. Not with those yahoos across the way."

Russell and Alonzo looked at each other, breathing a sigh of relief.

"It's the day after Thanksgiving and it's dead today. So, go home and be with your family… with pay." He nodded toward Jake. "Why don't you come with us, too? Just in case."

A crease formed between his eyes. "Are you sure? What if the gang attacks the ranch while you're in Laramie?"

Dallas shook his head. "They've been pretty quiet this morning. But I'm going to take Mrs. King with us, too." Dallas didn't want to take any chances, not where Megan was concerned. Also, he thought that he could take her out to eat while Charles was attending to his business.

Dallas looked out and Bill Myrick had pulled up outside of the bank with the carriage. After the money and the drawers were secure and everyone was out, Dallas locked up. "Bill." Milo climbed on top of the carriage beside him, and Jake and Butch followed them on their horses.

Bill lifted his chin toward the men sitting in front of the restaurant and hotel. "They haven't left yet?"

Dallas sighed. "No, not yet, but I wish they would." Their presence was causing too much tension in the town. The good citizens of Whiskey River were staying at home, coming to town just to get provisions from the store when they needed them, and then went straight back home. Dallas knew it was all because of them.

"You think they'll make their move soon?" Bill asked.

"I hope not, but we need to be prepared, just in case. Bill, let's go home for Mrs. King. I want to get to Laramie and back before dark." Dallas slid into the carriage along with Charles, ending all conversation.

"Yes, sir," Bill replied, guiding the carriage toward home. The men sitting in front of the hotel smiled, tipping their hats at them when they passed. Dallas was sure they were taunting him. They were up to something. He just wished he knew what it was.

Soon Bill pulled the carriage down the long driveway of his ranch. Dallas jumped out as soon as it pulled to a stop. "I'll be right back."

Charles nodded. "Yes, of course."

Dallas looked over at Milo, sitting on the carriage, waiting. "Milo, why don't you stay close to home tonight."

His eyebrows pulled together in concern. "Are you sure you won't need me to go with you?"

Dallas shook his head. "No, just do me a favor and take care of business if there's any trouble here at the ranch."

Milo smirked. "Gladly." Then he climbed down from the top of the carriage and took a seat on the front porch. Dallas knew he would stand guard until they returned. He didn't want anything to happen to Mr. and Mrs. Daly, Jacques, or the few ranch hands that were staying behind.

When Dallas walked in, Mrs. Daly was walking by carrying fresh linens, headed toward the dining room.

"Good afternoon, Mr. King," Mrs. Daly greeted him as she stepped aside.

"Is Mrs. King upstairs?" he asked, taking off his hat.

She nodded. "She's taking a nap. She went up there not long ago."

Dallas smiled his thanks as he headed toward the stairs. Although he hated to wake her, he really wanted to take Megan to Laramie, knowing she would enjoy getting out of the house. Also, he would feel a lot better if she were with him. If he went to Laramie and left her behind, he would worry the whole time he was gone.

A moment later, Dallas walked into the bedroom and Megan was sleeping so peacefully that he hated to wake her. He sat down on the edge of the bed. "Megan, honey. Would you like to go to Laramie with Charles and me?"

She woke with a start, sitting straight up in bed. "What time is it?"

Dallas smiled, brushing back a lock of her auburn hair. "It's not even noon yet."

Megan nodded, obviously orienting herself.

"Would you like to go to Laramie for dinner?" he repeated, his voice low.

"For dinner?"

"Well, Charles has to go there for business. He asked if we'd like to go along, and I agreed. I thought that maybe you'd like the opportunity to get out of town for a bit." His heart fluttered as he watched her, so gorgeous and vulnerable, not quite awake.

"Let me freshen up a bit and I'll be right down."

"I'll wait downstairs." Dallas smiled, bending down to kiss her forehead. Then he headed down the stairs to wait for her. Any other time, he would have left her home in the safety of the ranch, but he wasn't going to trust her safety to the fate of those madmen in town. If they figured out where he lived and that she was alone… he didn't even want to think about it.

A moment later, Megan descended the stairs, wearing a deep blue dress and matching hat.

Dallas's heart fluttered as he reached for her hand and kissed it, never taking his eyes from hers. "Each time I see you, you become more gorgeous."

"Thank you." A mischievous smile lit her lips. "Oh, I bet ye say that to all the ladies."

"No, I don't. Only to the most beautiful," Dallas teased, running his fingers absentmindedly along the brim of his hat. "Let's go. If we get to Laramie early enough, you and I can go shopping or have dinner while Charles takes care of his business."

A smile lit her lips. "It sounds wonderful."

When they left the house, Dallas closed the door behind them and offered her his arm. "I want you to have fun today. I plan on showing you the town."

Megan held his arm tightly. "As long as we're together, I'll be happy."

He patted her hand, feeling much better now that she was with him. Dallas had a feeling that she would be happy no matter where they went. She was just that kind of a person.

A moment later, Dallas lowered the step and helped her into the carriage.

Charles took her other hand to help her in. "Hello, Megan. You look lovely today."

"Thank you." She slid onto the seat across from him, and Dallas slid in beside her. "So, are you gentlemen planning on staying in Laramie long?"

Charles shook his head. "No, just for the day."

Dallas laced his fingers with hers and gently squeezed her hand. "Sorry for the short notice, but I'm glad you could come."

A light shade of pink touched her cheeks. "I'm glad ye came home early."

"So, tell me," Charles began. "Where in Ireland are you from?"

The conversation turned light as they headed toward Laramie. Dallas found that he really enjoyed himself, relaxing a bit. Since he'd met Megan, it seemed that he was finally learning how to make friends. Perhaps he had more friends in town than he had originally thought.

***

When they pulled into Laramie a few hours later, Megan smiled at the hustle and bustle in the town.

Dallas enjoyed her reaction to the town. "Laramie isn't as big as New York, of course, but it's an up-and-coming town, just like Whiskey River but much bigger."

"New York was always too busy for me. Too many people." She gazed out the window, her eyes wide. "No, this is perfect."

"Bill, stop in front of the bank, please," Dallas instructed his driver, and they came to a stop. "Charles, we'll be back for you later."

A broad smile spread across his lips. "Take your time and enjoy yourself with this lovely lady. I'll catch up with you when I finish."

Charles tipped his hat to Megan, exited the carriage, and then headed into the bank.

Dallas stepped out of the carriage, lowered the step for Megan, and then helped her out. "Bill, we'll be back later."

"I'll be here, boss." Bill tipped his hat to Megan, and then leaned back on the seat, propping his feet on the front footboard.

Excitement filled the air as he led his wife through the streets of Laramie. "So, shopping first or dinner?"

Megan giggled. "Dinner. You've already spent too much money on me."

"Nonsense!" He smiled as he tucked her hand into his arm. "I'm a bit hungry, too. What would you like to eat? The Cavalryman Steakhouse has great steaks, or we can go to the restaurant, if you like."

Her eyes brightened. "I've never been to a steakhouse before, but we can go to the other restaurant. What would you like?"

"Let's go to the steakhouse." Dallas smiled. "I'd like to show it to you and the steaks are wonderful."

Megan smiled. "Sounds good."

He patted her hand as he led her down a street, then turned a corner and crossed another street to the other side. Dallas was quite familiar with Laramie, having come to town on business often. A few paces later, they were standing before the steakhouse with huge plate-glass windows stretched across the front.

" Good afternoon ." A gentleman with a well-kept, big mustache greeted them at the door, menus in hand. "A table for two?"

"Yes, please," Dallas replied, taking off his hat.

The man gave them a slight bow. "Right this way."

Dallas and Megan followed him to a secluded table at the back of the restaurant and laid two menus on the table. Dallas held her chair. After she was seated, he took the seat across from her.

"Your waiter will be right with you. Enjoy!" The man headed back to the front to greet another couple.

Megan looked around the room, taking in the ambiance. "This is lovely."

Dallas gently squeezed her hand. "I'm glad you like it. Is it anything like the restaurants you went to in New York?"

She shook her head. "No, Liam and I cooked at home." A faraway look came into her eyes. "Liam would go out at night to fight sometimes. He was a boxer."

Dallas's eyebrows rose nearly into his hairline. "A boxer? Did he fight for purses?"

She nodded, smiling proudly. "Yes, of course. He worked on the bridge during the day, but he boxed at night when there was a fight offering a large purse."

Dallas nodded, realizing what a privileged life he had led of late. "Which bridge?"

Megan sighed. "Have ye heard of the new Brooklyn Bridge they're building?"

"Yes, it's supposed to be a monument of engineering accomplishment when it's completed."

She smiled, her eyes filled with emotion. "Me brother was helping to build it before he died."

Dallas held her hand, his heart going out to her as guilt filled his chest. Megan had come from nothing just as he had, but she never complained. She had accepted her past and loved her family, knowing that they had done the best they could with what they had.

"Good afternoon! May I start you off with some red wine this evening?" A waiter, wearing a white, high-collared dress shirt and black trousers, showed them both a bottle of wine.

Dallas glanced over at Megan, and she nodded. "Yes. Two glasses, please."

The waiter poured the wine in elegant glasses that were already setting on the table. "Are you ready to order?"

Dallas looked at Megan again and she nodded as a smile appeared on her lips. "Two T-bone steaks, please. I told my wife how wonderful your steaks are, so we had to come."

"Wonderful! I promise you won't be disappointed!" The waiter happily clasped his hands. "I shall have that out momentarily." He headed toward the kitchen.

"I hope you don't mind me ordering for you, but the T-bones here are wonderful."

Megan shook her head, patting his hand. "No, that's fine. Ye've been here before and know what's good."

Dallas smiled, but his smile quickly faded when he glanced toward the front door. For standing in the foyer was Frank, one of the gang members from Whiskey River. His men had hollered it enough that he knew the names of some of the men.

Dallas didn't dare tell Megan, not wanting to upset her. They couldn't leave without drawing attention to themselves, so Dallas rationalized that the best thing to do was to stay there and to try to enjoy their afternoon. He just hoped that Frank hadn't followed them to Laramie.

"Good afternoon, sir. Would you like to be seated?" the ma?tre d' asked Frank.

"No. I'm just looking for someone. I'll be out of here in a minute. That's all it'll take." He laughed at his own joke, holding his hands out to his sides over his guns, attracting the attention of all the respectable patrons.

The ma?tre d' gulped. "Sir, we don't want any trouble. Please leave."

"Why, I've never been treated so badly!" he yelled, indignant as he looked around the room, drawing everyone's attention. Dallas was surprised that Frank just didn't go to the Bucket of Blood Saloon instead. But it was obvious that Frank was looking for him.

"Megan, go to the back of the restaurant, in the kitchen if you have to, and don't come out until I come and get you," Dallas said, his voice low.

"Be careful." Megan gave his hand a gentle squeeze, and then casually did as he had instructed.

Once Megan was safe, Dallas rose from his seat, straightened his vest, and walked to the front until he was standing in front of Frank. "I suggest you leave as the gentleman said."

"Well, well!" Frank bellowed, staggering a bit. "Look who we have here! If it isn't the man who killed my brother!"

All eyes in the restaurant were on them. "You mean, the man who robbed my bank." Dallas took a step closer. "Your brothers were hung for what they did. And if you don't watch it, you might join them."

"Why, you—" he challenged, quickly drawing his gun and pointing it at Dallas.

Without thinking, Dallas grabbed Frank's hand and banged it on the counter. Frank screamed in pain as he let go of the gun. Then he reared back his fist and swung, but Dallas ducked, moving out of the way. Then Dallas grabbed his arm and twisted it behind his back. "Take his gun," Dallas instructed the ma?tre d', holding Frank still as the women in the restaurant gasped. A few of the other men seated stood, obviously ready to offer their assistance.

The ma?tre d' did as he instructed, and then a few other male customers walked to the front, and one of the men helped Dallas hold Frank.

"I'll get the sheriff!" another man yelled as he hurried from the restaurant and ran down the street.

Frank struggled against their grasp. "This man killed my brothers!"

"Well, if they hadn't robbed his bank, I'm sure he wouldn't have killed them," one of the men replied.

"Be careful." Dallas held Frank firmly, speaking to the other man helping him. "He has a lot of men traveling with him." In fact, Dallas was surprised that he had come into the restaurant without his entourage.

They waited a few minutes, while Dallas and the other man held him.

"Let me go!" Frank yelled, struggling against their grasp. "Or my boys will make you pay!"

"Yeah, that's what your brothers said."

"Why you sneaky, low down—"

"Quiet you!" Dallas shook him. "There are ladies present."

A few minutes later, the sheriff burst through the door. "Okay, that's enough. You caused enough trouble for one day. Let's go."

"You can't do this to me!" Frank yelled as they dragged him out the door. "Mark my words, banker! This isn't over!"

Dallas stood back and watched as they took him away. "Oh, it's over, all right," he replied, hoping he was right.

When Dallas headed toward the back of the restaurant, Megan was standing against the wall across from their table, holding a steak knife that had been lying on the table. Several of the workers from the back were standing there, too. A big man wearing a white apron held a butcher knife, ready.

A crease formed between Dallas's eyes as he slowly approached her. "It's okay, Megan. I'm okay."

"If he would have hurt ye—"

"I'm fine." Dallas cut her off, gently taking the knife from her. "Megan, it's okay." He pulled her to his chest and laid the knife on the counter. When he looked over at the table, their steaks were at their place settings. "Hey." He pulled back to look into her eyes. "Let's eat, and then we'll see if Charles is ready to go."

Megan shook her head. "I don't think I can eat. Not now."

Dallas smiled, gently placing his hand on her cheek. "I refuse to let a thug like that ruin our evening together. Come on." He led her to their table and held her chair as she sat. "Please. Let's try to enjoy the rest of the afternoon."

She nodded as she took her seat. "I guess t'would be a shame to let such a fine meal go to waste."

"That's my girl," Dallas cooed, smiling proudly. He cut his steak, took a bite, chewed, and swallowed, enjoying the burst of flavor. "Tell me one thing, Megan."

She stopped eating to look up at him. "Anything."

A devilish smile lit his lips. "Would you really have used that knife?"

Megan's eyes turned serious as the smile left her face. "What do ye think?"

Dallas smirked as he sat back, taking her in. "I think you would have, if you had to."

She let out a deep breath. "I was waiting, watching. If he had hurt ye in any way, I wouldn't have hesitated."

Dallas chuckled. "Yes, I believe you would have." A shiver ran through him at the thought. Dallas didn't know what he would have done if she had come after Frank with a knife, even a steak knife. A part of him would have felt sorry for Frank.

"What?" she asked, seeing his amusement.

Dallas chuckled. "Oh, no!"

"Come on. What is it?"

Ignoring her question, Dallas took another bite of his steak, letting the rich flavor and juices fill his mouth. Luckily, Megan turned her attention back to her meal. Or so he thought.

"I won't forget." She took a bite of her steak, moaning with pleasure.

Dallas swallowed. "I just can't believe how brave you are. I don't think I'd want to tangle with you." He thought for a moment and then whispered, "Well, on second thought."

She laughed and shook her head. "Ye're incorrigible."

"I try." Dallas didn't tell her that she would never know how unbelievable he could be. He was too much of a gentleman for that.

He tried to keep the conversation light during dinner. When they had finished and the bill was paid, he guided her toward the bank, placing his hand protectively on the small of her back as he looked over his shoulder. "I hope you don't mind, but I really want to get you back home."

She smacked him lightly on his stomach. "Dallas!"

"No... I meant... where it's safe." He raised an eyebrow, a devilish smile lighting his lips. "What did you think I was talking about?"

"Never mind." Megan blushed, lifting her chin.

Dallas chuckled as his eyes darted around, making sure that none of Frank's men were lurking around to finish the job that he had started. Luckily, they arrived at the bank a few moments later.

Charles came out just as they walked up. He was smiling, but then his smile swiftly faded when he saw the look on Dallas's face. "There you are! Are you ready to go or would you like to stay a bit longer?"

"No, we're ready." Dallas put down the step and helped Megan into the carriage. "Wait here. I'll only be a moment."

Her smile faded, but she nodded.

Dallas walked away from the carriage and Charles followed, out of earshot. "Frank, one of the outlaws in Whiskey River, followed us and created a scene in the restaurant. He was wearing his guns in full view, but I was able to disarm him."

A crease formed between Charles's eyes as he listened.

"Do you have your gun?" Dallas asked in a low voice, trying to look casual.

"Yes, of course. Under my suit coat. I always carry it when I come to visit. You?"

"Always."

Dallas would never go anywhere without it. Not with men like Frank and his gang lurking about.

"There could be more men."

"Yes."

Dallas glanced over his shoulder and motioned at Jake, Milo, and Butch, standing near the bank. They looked at each other and then walked over.

"What's wrong?" Jake asked. The others looked about.

"There's been some trouble," Dallas replied. "We need to head back to Whiskey River… now."

Butch nodded. "Let's go." He glanced over at Milo and nodded toward the carriage and then turned back to Charles. Jake and Butch walked over to the hitching post where their horses were tied, and quickly mounted.

Dallas clasped his hand on his shoulder. "Thanks, Milo. I really appreciate this."

"Don't worry." Milo looked over at Megan in the carriage. "We won't let anything happen to her."

"Thank you," Charles added.

Dallas nodded. "Let's go. I want to get home before sundown."

Charles followed Dallas to the carriage and slid in next to Megan. She immediately slid her hand into his and gave it a reassuring squeeze. He looked into her eyes, knowing just how brave she really was.

No one said anything on the way back to Whiskey River. The journey started off slow, and Butch and Jake hung back, away from the carriage, just in case there was trouble. Dallas felt anxious, in a hurry to get Megan to safety.

Butch suddenly rode up beside them and yelled into the window. "Get out of here! Riders are coming up fast behind us! We'll hold them off for as long as we can! Go!"

Dallas nodded once. "Bill, get us out of here!" he yelled to the driver, and then turned to Megan. "Lie down on the floor and don't get up until I tell you!"

After she was safely on the floor, Dallas pulled out his gun and leaned out the window, while Charles did the same on the other side.

Behind Butch and Jake, several riders were coming up fast.

"Give me a gun!" Megan shouted over the sound of the pounding horses' hooves.

"No! Stay down!" Dallas commanded, and then turned his attention out the window. He waited until the riders were closer, and then he and Charles started firing. They took down two, but the other riders were getting closer. Dallas leaned farther out the window and shot again, taking down another.

One of the riders shot and Jake slumped over onto his horse, nearly falling off, but he held on.

"Dallas, give me a gun!" Megan yelled, and then started patting down his suit.

"Do you know how to use one?" Dallas countered, and then leaned out and shot another rider.

"Now's a good time as any to learn!" she shouted over the rumble of the carriage and horses' hooves pounding into the snow.

"Megan, no! Reload for us! Do it like this." Dallas popped open the chamber of the revolver, shoved in the bullets, and snapped it closed. Then, he gave her the bullets.

Megan stayed down low in the seat and reloaded the revolvers for both Dallas and Charles when they emptied, never faltering.

Butch turned around and shot another. "Hold on, Jake! Don't you dare let go!"

Dallas shot and took down another, and so did Charles. When there were just two outlaws left, they pulled off and turned around.

Butch grabbed the reins of Jake's horse while still going full speed.

"Bill, pull the carriage over!" Dallas shouted up to the driver when he was sure the riders were gone.

"Whoa!" Bill shouted, and the carriage started to slow.

As soon as it came to a stop, Dallas and Charles jumped out, and Milo jumped down from the top.

"Take him inside the carriage. I'll ride out here," Dallas instructed when Charles and Butch pulled Jake off the horse.

Charles shook his head. "No, I'll ride Jake's horse. You ride in there with Megan and Jake."

Dallas nodded once, knowing there was no time to argue. The men might come back at any moment.

When they carried Jake to the carriage, Megan was sitting as far over on one of the benches as she could. "Here! Lay him here." She motioned for them to lay him on the seat beside her, and then laid his head on her lap. She immediately checked his shirt. He was shot on his side.

"We'll take care of him," Dallas promised Charles and Butch. Then he climbed into the carriage and sat on the seat across from her. Milo quickly climbed back on top of the carriage.

Megan swiftly slipped off her scarf, wadded it up, and then pressed it to Jake's side. "He needs a doctor."

Dallas nodded. "Bill, take us to Doc Morgan's!"

"Will do!" Bill shouted down, and soon they were off again.

"We have to keep pressure on the wound or he'll bleed to death." Megan looked up at Dallas with pleading eyes.

Dallas nodded. He knelt down on the carriage floor beside Jake and applied pressure to his side. Jake was so out of it that he wasn't aware.

Dallas looked up at his wife. "Megan, I'm so proud of you. You really helped us out."

She looked up at him and nodded, concern filling her eyes as she turned back to Jake.

Dallas just hoped they got him to Doc Morgan's makeshift hospital in time.