Across the room, a third man cocked his gun, pointing it at Morgan. Jamieson fired off a shot, sending the man reeling to the floor. The captain quickly walked over and kicked the man’s firearm out his reach.
Jack pointed his gun at the second man, who immediately raised his hands above his head. “Where is she?” Jack demanded.
The second man nodded his head at another door at the back of the room.
Winters pointed his weapon at the ruffian. “I have him. Go find Miss Jamieson.”
Jack crossed the room in three great strides. When he tried the knob it wouldn’t budge, so he threw his weight against the door, breaking the lock.
“Vivian?” he called out. He looked around the small room, instantly spotting her propped up against the wall under the window. He dived over to her, taking her face into his hands.
“Vivian, are you all right?” Her eyes fluttered open.
“Jack,” she sighed. “I knew you’d find me.” Her eyes shut again.
Wetness seeped onto his fingers. He gently turned her head; blood trickled out from her ear. Above the ear was a significant bump the size of a goose egg.
“Oh, love.” Guilt sliced through him like a rapier to his heart. Pulling out his knife, he cut through the ropes binding her hands together. He gently scooped her into his arms.
Jamieson came into the room. “Is she hurt?”
“Yes. She has a huge bump on the side of her head. She is barely conscious. I have to get her out of here.” Though calm on the outside, panic clawed the inside of his gut.
Jamieson laid a gentle hand on Vivian’s shoulder. “Poor mite. This is all my fault, Vivi.” He leaned in to kiss her cheek.
Her eyes opened again. “Papa?”
“Yes, Vivi, I am here. Don’t worry. Jack’s going to take care of you.”
Vivian snuggled into the warmth of his chest. “Jack, you saw my sign-good. My head hurts…so tired. Take me home, please.”
He held her even more tightly against him and strode out of the room. Winters and Morgan had already handily tied up both men. The man who Jamieson shot still lay slumped in the corner.
The captain went over and checked for a pulse. “This one’s dead,” he said with some disgust.
“I have to get Vivian into a bed. She’s been badly knocked in the head,” Jack said.
“Go over to the inn; it looks to be a decent place. I can handle things here,” Winters said. “We’ll stay here for the night. We can discuss our strategy in the morning. They won’t be expecting us until tomorrow evening.”
During the long ride to find her, Jack fantasized about killing the men who had stolen his Vivi. His fury fueled him throughout the endless day. But now, at this moment, he couldn’t care less about Dubois or Moreau. All he wanted was to get this one woman safely into a soft bed where he could wrap her in his arms and thank God he had found her in time.
****
Vivian woke up with bright sunshine warm on her face. She opened her eyes and saw a rose-colored canopy above her. Warm and comfortable under the covers in a large, soft bed, a heavy arm lay across her stomach, pinning her in place. She turned her head—no pain. Had it all been a terrible dream? She looked over at Jack’s sleeping face, rough with stubble. He looked worried even in sleep. Her hero.
“Jack.” She reached out and brushed her fingers across his whiskered jaw. “Jack, wake up.”
He opened his eyes, and she smiled at him. He propped himself up on his elbow, facing her. “You’re awake. How does your head feel?” He ran a hand gently over the side of her head where she had been hurt. She winced a little as his fingers brushed over a tender spot.
“I am feeling better, I think. I’d like to sit up.” She struggled to push herself up.
“Careful, love.” He scrambled to thrust a couple of pillows behind her to lean on.
“There, that’s much better, no pain. I am definitely feeling better.” Her head ached still, but seeing his anxious expression, she forced another smile. “I’m famished.”
“It’s no wonder; you probably haven’t eaten since breakfast yesterday. There was quite the goose egg on the side of your head when we found you. How did it happen?”
She frowned. “Dirty Beard kicked me in the head with his booted foot.”
