Page 77 of Mail-Order Viscountess

“Wait.” Kate tugged away from him. “The doctor wasn’t there. He left a note saying he’d gone to deliver a baby. He’ll be back later today. We have to wait for Clara’s medicine.”

His jaw clenched. Every second they stood here was another second those men could finish their business and walk out of the mercantile. Another second they risked being seen.

“We can’t wait.” He kept his voice low. “Kate, please. Trust me. We have to go.”

Her eyes narrowed. “What happened in there?”

“I’ll explain on the way. But we need to⁠—”

The mercantile door opened.

He grabbed Kate’s arm and turned them both away from the store. His mind raced through options—could they make it to the wagon before the men noticed them? Should they duck into the alley between buildings?

“—appreciate your help, ma’am.” Jake’s voice carried down the boardwalk.

Thomas kept his face turned away, using his body to shield Kate as he guided her toward the wagon with deliberate casualness.

Don’t run. Don’t look back. Act like nothing’s wrong.

“Thomas, you’re hurting me.” Kate’s whisper held an edge of alarm.

He loosened his grip but didn’t let go. “I’m sorry. Please just keep walking.”

Behind them, boots thudded on the boardwalk. Moving in the opposite direction, thank God. Toward the saloon, if he had to guess. These men would likely want a drink before they rode out to murder his family.

At last, he and Kate reached the wagon, and he dared a glance over his shoulder.

The two men were disappearing through the saloon door two buildings down.

He exhaled and turned to face Kate as he released her.

Her eyes flashed, and she crossed her arms like a barricade. “Will you please tell me what’s happening?”

He swallowed. “Those men from Butte. The ones I fought in the saloon. They’re here.”

“What?” Kate twisted to look in the direction he had. “Are you certain?”

“They were in the mercantile. Sending a telegram.”

Her gaze shot back to his face. “A telegram? To who?”

His throat tightened. “To my father’s cousin. In England.”

Her eyes widened. “Are they?”

He nodded, pressing his lips in a grim line. “Yep. The message they sent said they’re planning to attack the ranch. Today.”

Her face went pale. “Today? But your brothers⁠—”

“Are completely unaware.” He turned to the wagon again. “I have to warn them.”

“Wait. Clara’s medicine.” Kate’s voice rose.

“I know.” He motioned for her to climb up. “I know, Kate. But if we wait here, if they make it to the ranch before we do, Clara won’t need medicine. None of us will need anything.”

The brutal truth of it hung between them.

Kate’s jaw worked, and a war played out in those pretty hazel eyes. Her sister’s needs against the lives of everyone at the ranch. The practical necessity of medicine against the immediate threat of violence.