Lawfully Rescued Read online

  LAWFULLY

  RESCUED

  Barbara Goss

  Copyright: All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

  All scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

  This book contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this book is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage system without express written permission from the author.

  Copyright © 2018 Barbara Goss

  All Rights Reserved

  Kindle Edition

  Cover design by: Samantha Fury

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  Lawkeeper intro

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Epilogue

  Next book in series

  Barb’s Links

  Introduction to The Lawkeeper Series

  There’s just something fascinating about a man wearing an emblem of authority. The way the light gleams off that shiny star on his badge makes us stare with respect. Couple that with a uniform hugging his body in just the right way, confidence, and mission to save and protect, it’s no wonder we want to know what lies underneath.

  Yes, what echoes deep inside those beating hearts is inspiring. Certainly appealing. Definitely enticing. Although those ripped muscles and strong shoulders can make a woman’s heart skip a beat—or two—it takes a strong, confident person to choose to love someone who risks it all every day. Anyone willing to become part of a lawkeeper’s world might have a story of their own to tell.

  The undeniable charisma lawmen possess make all of us pause and take note. It’s probably why there are so many movies and TV shows themed around the justice system. We’re enthralled by their ability to save babies, help strangers, and rescue damsels in distress. We’re captivated by their ability to protect and save, defend the innocent, risk their lives, and face danger without hesitation. Of course, we expect our heroes to stay solid when we’re in a mess. We count on them for safety, security, and peace of mind. From yesterday to today, that truth remains constant.

  Their valor inspires us, their integrity comforts, and their courage melts our hearts—irresistibly. But there’s far more to them than their courageous efforts. How do they deal with the difficulties they face? Can they balance work and life? And how do they find time for love outside their life of service?

  We want to invite you on a journey—come with us as we explore the complex lives of the men and women who serve and protect us every day. Join us in a fast-paced world of adventure. Walk into our tight-knit world of close friendships, extended family, and danger—as our super heroes navigate the most treacherous path of all—the road to love.

  The Lawkeepers. Historical and modern-day super heroes; men and women of bravery and valor, taking love and law seriously. A multi-author series, sure to lock up your attention and take your heart into custody.

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  The Lawkeepers is a multi-author series alternating between historical westerns and contemporary westerns featuring law enforcement heroes that span multiple agencies and generations. Join bestselling authors Jenna Brandt, Lorana Hoopes, Elle E. Kay, Patricia PacJac Caroll, Evangeline Kelly, Ginny Sterling and Barb Goss as they weave captivating, sweet, and inspirational stories of romance and suspense between the lawkeepers — and the women who love them.

  The Lawkeepers is a world like no other; a world where lawkeepers and heroes are honored with unforgettable stories, characters, and love.

  ** Note: Each book in The Lawkeepers series is a standalone book, and part of a mini-series of sorts, and you can read them in any order.

  Chapter One

  Katherine McGuire began to clear the dishes from the breakfast table. “I’m going to miss these meals together, dear brother.”

  Beatrice, Katherine’s best friend, smiled up at Logan. “I will, too. This has been such a wonderful visit. I finally got to meet the big brother Kate is always bragging about.”

  Logan blushed. “I’ll miss the company of you both.” Poor Beatrice had been inviting him to get to know her even better since she’d arrived. Katherine had dark brown hair and green eyes, much like his own. Beatrice, in contrast, had hair the color of coal, was slim, and had huge brown eyes. While she was pretty, he didn't like the way she was always giggling and making eyes at him. Truth be told, she wasn’t his type—or maybe he wasn’t interested in forming a relationship just yet.

  “What time does your stage leave?” Logan asked.

  Katherine put the last dish in the sink. “Twelve, sharp.”

  “I’ll dry those,” Beatrice said.

  “We have enough time to take a walk through the park,” Logan suggested.

  “Oh, I’ll pass, Logan,” Katherine said. “I’m going to make sure the house is clean as a whistle before I leave. Why don’t you and Beatrice go?”

  She'd thrown Beatrice at him once again. Why did she continue to do that? She should have taken the hint that he wasn't interested by then.

  Logan walked through the small park on the edge of town with Beatrice, who kept looking up at him and smiling until Logan knew he just had to say something.

  “Beatrice,” he began, “I’m at a time in my life when I never know if there’ll be a tomorrow, and you know my house is small and the least desirable place in town. My sister seems to want me to find a wife, and I’m just not ready for one yet. I hope she understands.”

  “I’m sure she does,” Beatrice said, somewhat sadly, “but if someone really loved you, all that wouldn’t matter.” She looked up at him hopefully.

  “It would matter to me,” Logan said. “I want to have something to offer a wife besides an uncertain future and a rundown cabin.”

  “I wouldn’t mind; it’s a cute house,” Beatrice said.

  Logan stopped walking and took gentle hold of her shoulders, “Beatrice, that’s what I’m trying to tell you: I’m not at a place in my life for romance or a wife. I need you to understand, because I think you’re a wonderful person and friend to Katherine, but I’m just not ready yet. If you have more than friendship on your mind for me, I’m sorry.”

  Logan McGuire had two suitcases slung over his shoulders as he guided Katherine and Beatrice to the waiting stagecoach.

  “I feel happy and sad all at once,” Katherine said. “I'm sad to leave my brother, but I'm happy to be getting home to Jonathan. I've loved being the sister of the sheriff of Laredo—it was a real kick.”

  Beatrice, who usually giggled and blinked her eyes at him, simply gave him a weak smile. Logan sighed inwardly. He’d enjoyed his sister’s visit and was glad she had a good companion with whom to travel, but he’d be somewhat relieved not to have Beatrice around, flirting with him. Still, he felt bad to have let her down the way he had.

  “I wish you could have stayed longer, sis. I’ve enjoyed having someone to cook and clean for me, not to mention the good company of you both.”

  “And I enjoyed doing it, but I can’t keep my betrothed waiting too long. Absence may not always make
the heart grow fonder, and Jonathan’s eyes might wander to other eligible females." The women laughed while Logan shook his head.

  “He’d be crazy.” He kissed Katherine and gave Beatrice a light hug. “Safe travels, ladies, and send me a telegram when you get to San Antonio.”

  He assisted the women into the stage, where two elderly men and a middle-aged woman were already seated. He was about to close the stage door, when a young woman yelled, "Wait!" from the wooden walkway, waving her arms wildly.

  The woman, a blonde with most of her hair piled up on top of her head and the rest falling about her face raced to the stagecoach. Gripping her suitcase, she skidded to a stop in front of the stage. Since he was standing closest to the door, Logan took her suitcase before assisting her into the coach where she took a seat by the window beside Beatrice and Katherine.

  The stage driver’s assistant threw the luggage on the top of the stage and tied them with a rope before he jumped up beside the driver. He grabbed a rifle and nodded to the driver, and with a flick of the reins, the stagecoach was on its way.

  Logan watched as it disappeared around a corner in the road before he headed down the wooden walkway to his office. He wished Laredo had railroad service, but he was told it might be another five years before that happened.

  Once in his office, Logan tossed his hat on his desk and sifted through his paperwork. He'd been appointed sheriff two years ago, and at age thirty, he was still putting his life on the line daily for a small paycheck and a tiny cottage behind the jail. And his sister wondered why he wasn't looking for a wife.

  He rolled his eyes. What had he to offer a woman besides a husband who may or may not come home each day and a tiny, ramshackle cottage?

  Logan sat at his desk, wondering how he’d manage after a month of having his dinner ready for him when he came home, the dishes washed, and his clothes laundered.

  He sighed; it had been nice.

  Henry Kohler came in. He flung a stack of wanted posters on Logan's desk. “Latest printing.”

  “Thanks, Henry. It seems we have more posters each batch. What’s happening to the world?”

  “It’s goin’ crazy since the war. Everyone wants money but don’t want to work for it.”

  “I suppose you’re right. How’s Sally and the children?”

  “Sally’s in the family way again, and the other kids are fine. Growing fast.”

  “Give them my regards, Henry.”

  “Sure will,” Henry said, and he left the office.

  Logan shuffled through the posters and one caught his eye: Homer Washburn. There was no photograph, but he was wanted for the armed robberies of several banks and having murdered several men while evading capture. He was last seen in San Antonio.

  Great. He was probably headed Logan's way. Laredo was the last stop before Mexico which made Logan's job a tough one, as bandits always tried to cross over the border to hide from the law. He’d have to be alert for the next few days.

  Logan pinned the poster on the bulletin board along with the others. He'd also hang them on the front window and near the saloon.

  He was shocked to see a woman on one of the wanted posters: Annie Flynn, who was wanted for assisting with a bank robbery in Houston. There wasn’t a picture for her either, but there was a brief description. He couldn’t imagine having to arrest a woman.

  Logan also found a wanted poster for a man named Sylvester. Again, there was no photo, but there was a description. The man had no last name—or was Sylvester his last name? The description was vague, but it mentioned his affiliation with Homer Washburn and Annie Flynn.

  Only one poster included a photograph and that was of Billy the Kid, and they had plenty of posters of him. Logan stared at Billy. He was just a boy, and he'd already ruined his life. He sure hoped Billy wouldn’t ride into Laredo; he’d hate to have to kill a kid. So far, he hadn’t had to kill anyone, and he hoped he’d never have to.

  Logan's deputy and best friend, Woodrow Shaw—Woody—ran into the office as if he were being chased, struggling to catch his breath.

  “Whoa, Woody—who’s chasing you?”

  Woody leaned his back against the office door, panting and gasping. “The stagecoach to San Antonio has been attacked.”

  “What?” Logan grabbed his gun belt and slung it on.

  “Old man Jenkins just rode in," Woody explained between breaths. "He saw the whole thing, but he isn’t well enough to help the passengers so he rode here as fast as he could. He said the passengers were hurt and needed help.” Woody paused. “I’m going with you.”

  “No! Fetch Doc Fletcher! Bring him to the scene. My sister’s on that stage!”

  Logan dashed out the door and onto his horse. He raced down the trail the stage would have taken to San Antonio, praying the whole time. A strict Church man, he’d been taught to believe in God and to pray.

  He rode about four miles before he came to the scene, feeling sick to his stomach at the site that met his eyes. Once he'd calmed his nausea, he jumped from his horse and raced to the stage.

  The coach was on its side with the curtains blowing through the window. Both the driver and the assistant were lying on the ground, face down. The luggage had been rummaged through, and their contents strewn about.

  Logan ran to the passenger's door and yanked it open. The first person he saw was his darling sister. He felt for a pulse in her neck, and he let out a cry of pain. “Dear God, no!” he said when he realized his beloved baby sister was dead. He turned her head slightly to see a bullet hole in her temple.

  He pulled her out, kissed her on the cheek, and lay her on the ground, covering her with a shawl lying near the coach. Logan went back to the stage. The people inside looked as if they were all jumbled together. An elderly man was lying on top of the pile of bodies. Logan turned him over to find he also had a bullet hole through his head. He pulled him out and laid him on the ground beside his beloved Katherine. Next, he pulled out the elderly lady, who had a bullet hole in her chest. She still had a faint heartbeat, so he placed her on her back and tried to talk to her, but her breathing was shallow and she remained silent. He put her beside the elderly man before dragging the second man out. He was also dead, having taken a bullet through his eye.

  He went back in for Beatrice whose body was being lifted toward him by the girl beneath her. Logan grabbed Beatrice, giving the girl under her no more than a brief glance in the process. Beatrice had a bullet hole to her neck, and she was also dead.

  Poor, sweet, Beatrice. Logan felt guilty he hadn’t shown her more attention while she was visiting.

  He felt vomit building in his throat, and he went into the bushes to let it out. Logan felt as if he were going to pass out. He felt dizzy, nauseated, and sweaty, and he tried to shake it off; he had work to do.

  Logan went back into the coach for the last woman, but she was crawling out by herself. “How is it you survived?” Logan asked.

  She said, in a shaky voice, “I don’t know. I fell on the floor when the stage turned over, and before I could get up, the shooting started. People kept falling on top of me. I don’t think the shooters knew I was there.”

  “How many men were there?”

  “I think three…or maybe four.”

  Woody and the doctor galloped to a stop and slid off their horses.

  “Katherine?” Woody asked, looking at the woman covered with the shawl.

  Logan nodded. “Doc, the women there,” he pointed to the middle-aged woman lying on the ground, “she was breathing.”

  Doc knelt to examine her, and he shook his head and closed the woman’s eyes. “Not anymore. Good heavens! What a horrible sight.”

  Woody and the doctor looked at the blonde woman, standing nearby, shaking.

  “Who is she?” Doc asked.

  Logan shrugged. “The lucky one who wasn’t hurt.” He picked Katherine up and laid her across his saddle. “Maybe one of you could bring the survivor back to Laredo. I’m going to care for my sister.” Hi
s voice broke slightly as he spoke. “Someone needs to send some men here to take care of the dead.” Logan mounted his horse and held Katherine in his arms as he rode slowly back to Laredo.

  After Logan had buried Katherine and Beatrice, he prayed over his sister’s grave. “God, I know You work in mysterious ways, and I know people have to die regardless of their age, but please take Katherine’s soul to Heaven with you. She loved you, and I’d feel better knowing she was with You and felt peace. Help me, Lord, to find solace, and to uncover the monsters who did this to her and the others. Thank you, Lord. Amen.”

  Knowing he couldn’t leave the jurisdiction of Laredo to hunt down the men who did this, he resigned as sheriff and signed up to be a bounty hunter so he'd have the incentive to bring them back alive—otherwise, he’d be tempted to give them the same treatment they’d given the stage passengers.

  After packing his things, he trotted through town, gazing at everything, wondering if he’d ever return. That was when he spotted the blonde woman who’d survived the massacre, sitting on the wooden walkway, her back to the wall of the general store, her legs curled up beneath her. The suitcase she’d carried when she first joined the stage sat beside her.

  Logan stopped in front of her. “Are you all right, miss?”

  The woman simply nodded. Her hair was even messier than it had been before, and she looked dirty and heartbroken.

  Logan wondered who she was and why she hadn’t gone home. She should be thanking the Lord she was alive, but instead, she was sitting long-faced and lost-looking.

  “Can I give you a lift home? It’s been two days since the…the accident. Why are you still here?”

  The woman shrugged. “Are you going to arrest me? I could use a place to sleep and a meal.”

  “Nope. I’m not the sheriff anymore. I’m going out after the men who did this.”

  “I know where they’re headed,” she said calmly.