Beneath a Silver Sky Read online

  "I'll leave you to your thoughts. Call for Sarah when you're ready to go inside." The doctor stood and walked down the steps, then down the long street.

  The days of recovery had passed with excruciating slowness. Brogan was glad to finally be able to sit outside on the Sutherlands’ porch and get fresh air. He'd yet to stand on his legs unaided. A week earlier, at his insistence to get mobile and no longer able to stand another long day on his back, the doctor watched over them as Lucas helped him up. Fighting through the pain, Brogan managed to stand for a few moments before his legs gave way.

  The good news was each time since then he'd stood longer. The fact the outlaws had not returned or ridden through town looking for him and Lucas was another strike of good luck.

  Silver City was rather large. The center of town bustled with wagons, men on horseback and people milling about. From where he sat, he had a clear sight of the mercantile, hotel, courthouse and sheriff's office. Once he could walk, he'd visit the lawman, talk to him about the outlaws and what expectations there were in the area.

  Lucas came into view. The man ambled down the sidewalk and stopped to speak to another who looked in Brogan's direction. By the looks of it, his friend had also thought about meeting with the town's sheriff, by the star on the other man's left breast.

  Silver City's sheriff was an older man, his rugged face told of many days on horseback out in the sun. The keen, blue eyes met Brogan's as they approached and he held out a hand. "Brogan Hage," the lawman said, his gaze moving from him to Lucas. "I never expected to make your acquaintance. Marcus Douglas, Sheriff of Silver City."

  The man's grip was firm and from the way he constantly scanned the area, Brogan immediately felt a kinship with him. "Good to meet you, Sheriff."

  "I have to tell you. This is an interesting answer to my prayers," Sheriff Douglas said, again looking from him to Lucas. "I have what I'm sure will be an unexpected proposition for you young men."

  Lucas and Brogan exchanged glances. Brogan was the first to speak. "What can we do for you, Sheriff?"

  "Sheriff Douglas, would you like a cup of coffee?" Sarah Sutherland's soft voice immediately made Brogan stiffen. No matter how often he heard the melodic sound, it affected him. The doctor's daughter had been avoiding him for the most part. Every so often she'd appear at his doorway with a tray of food, which was taken by her father and delivered to him. Although the doctor never gave any indication he mistrusted him, neither was he overly open to Brogan's presence around his daughter. That he'd instructed to call for her earlier had been unexpected.

  The doctor's apprehension didn't surprise him in the least. He'd earned the reputation; most of what was said about him was true. One thing was for certain. Sara Sutherland was not safe with him. If ever the chance presented itself, he'd be hard pressed to keep from touching her. The constant thought of how her pouty lips would feel against his plagued him.

  The sheriff's face softened as the man looked past Brogan to the doorway. "I believe I do. Haven't had but one cup today.” The sheriff climbed the stairs and walked past him and Lucas inside.

  "What do you think he's gonna ask?" Lucas lowered to sit on the top step and pushed his hat back. "Sure is a busy town."

  "Much more than Colter Valley," Brogan agreed. "Wasn't aware Silver City had grown so much." Brogan hesitated, considering the sheriff's words prior to Sarah inviting him to coffee. "Not sure what the lawman will be asking, but whatever it is, probably includes us leaving town as soon as possible."

  "Yeah. People don't feel comfortable around you," Lucas said with a barely concealed grin. "You make them uneasy."

  "And what, they welcome you with open arms?" He scowled at his friend. "Seems to me, most people give you wide berth. You've earned a reputation of your own."

  Lucas laughed. "Guilt by association my friend, that's all it is."

  "Right." Brogan didn't point out Lucas McKade was as well known for his sharp shooting as for his lack of mercy when it came to lawbreakers. The main difference was Lucas had a conscience and carried guilt over his past. Brogan did not, barely sparing more than a passing thought about anything he'd ever done. In his mind, what was done couldn't be repaired and if people died because they happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, then it was probably their time.

  Brogan rolled his neck. "Did you find a place to stay? Can't continue to remain here much longer."

  "The boarding house just up the street," Lucas pointed at a nondescript building. "We've got a couple rooms there for a month."

  A month. Brogan grunted, not wanting to cuss in case Sarah could overhear. "That long?"

  Lucas didn't bother replying. Instead, he stood and leaned on a column. "Reckon you can make it that far?"

  He studied the distance and doubted it, but he'd be damned if he'd admit to it. "Yep. Just give me a day or two."

  At the statement, both chuckled. "You'll be back to normal in a few weeks."

  "Just hope Bill Burns and his gang don't return for revenge before then."

  "They're long gone. No doubt afraid they killed us and the price on their heads went up."

  Considering Burns was a cold-blooded killer, Brogan hoped the outlaw laid low for a while. Too many people were dead at the hands of his gang. "We should have killed them."

  "I agree, but not much can be done about it right now. They got away with the gold and killing those folks on the stagecoach. Some of the townsfolk went with me and helped bury them. King and Johnson, too."

  Brogan shook his head. "Damn shame."

  "Gentlemen," the sheriff said walking out of the house and closing the door behind him. "If I could have a moment, please listen to what I have to say before you reply. Consider it well."

  The man settled into a chair beside Brogan's. He was the first not to seem at all fazed by their reputation. Instead, he appeared rather comfortable around them. "I'm dying," he said without preamble. "Doc says I've got a few months at the most. Some sort of cancer in my gut."

  Once again Brogan and his friend exchanged looks, stunned to silence. It wasn't what either of them expected.

  Sheriff Douglas continued, not fazed by their silence. "Silver City is a great town. A grand town if you ask me. Lived here all my life and I reckon this is where I plan to die. Buried next to my Lucinda, who died ten years ago. You’re both still young and although you, Hage, just looked death in the eye, I doubt you understand what it's like to face it knowing it’s coming for ya."

  Brogan nodded. "Can't say I do."

  It was Lucas, ever impatient, who spoke next. "What does this have to do with us, Sheriff?"

  The sheriff's lips curved. "I can see why you two are friends. One thinks things through, the other is rash and faster to move forward.” His gaze traveled away from them toward the street where activity continued unabated. "What I would like to ask is that you, Brogan Hage, consider becoming the next Sheriff of Silver City." He looked to Lucas next. "And Mr. McKade, perhaps you can remain as Sheriff's deputy?"

  They didn't speak for a long time. Brogan considered the man's words and waited, knowing the sheriff would leave and allow them to discuss his proposition.

  The sheriff removed his hat and the sun gleamed off his mostly grey hair. "I've been wondering who would take my place. Although there are plenty of good men interested, few could handle the job. My current deputy is going back home to Wyoming, doesn't want to remain here without me as sheriff. It will take two men to handle a town this large. It would sure settle things for me if you accept."

  Lucas nodded and blew out a breath. "Heck of a thing you're asking, Sheriff."

  "I know. That's why I ask you take some time to consider it. Discuss it and let me know. The pay is good, we just got a boon from the government. Comes with a house now, since my deputy is leaving. There's also a nice set of rooms behind the jailhouse, if you'd rather stay there."

  Finished with his proposition, the man replaced his hat, nodded at each of them and strolled away.

&nbs
p; Lucas watched the sheriff. "Lookin' at him, there don't seem to be a thing wrong with 'im."

  "The only signs of pain were the tight marks around his mouth. Strong man." Brogan refused to consider the man's proposition. He knew Lucas would, in all probability, not stay. His family was close-knit and he always returned to Colter Valley, Montana every chance he got. Had often said he planned to settle as soon as he found a wife. As for himself, he'd not considered settling anywhere. Being a marshal, he'd been free to roam. For the last three years, he'd not called one place home. The closest he'd ever been was a small town in Wyoming. His living there had not lasted long. Soon the pull of the open land called too strongly.

  "What are you thinking?" he asked Lucas who'd remained quiet. Wasn't like him not to have sputtered a variety of opinions by now.

  "We should consider it."

  If he weren't sitting, Brogan would have fallen into the nearest chair. "What?"

  "You heard me. It was close, Brogan. We should be dead right now. Whatever caused those outlaws to leave and not finish the job is beyond me. I'm telling you right now," he motioned between them, "you and me. We should be dead."

  It was true. There didn't seem to be a good reason why they were left alive. Bill Burns never left any witnesses, not purposely anyway. "I agree. So you're having second thoughts about going after the Burns gang. I can't say I blame you. It will be a while before I can go with you."

  "That's not it." Lucas's face was hard. "I am not sure I care enough anymore. Here...in this town, we can settle down. Still work and do what we know, but it will be different."

  Just then, voices sounded as people rushed to a small platform and a stagecoach rambled down the street past where he and Lucas sat. Several children came running by with a lanky dog behind them. The kids waved as the people were assisted from the dark coach. Some were hugged and welcomed with enthusiasm, while several seemed at a loss as to where to go. One woman in particular caught Brogan's attention. She seemed nervous, her head moving from side to side as she searched the crowd. After a moment a man stepped forward with a bouquet of flowers. They spoke and finally she held out her hands and accepted the bouquet.

  "Mail order bride I bet," Lucas said. His attention locked on the couple as the man picked up her bags and led her to the hotel. "Seems the groom is smart and getting her a place to rest for the night instead of hurrying her into a marriage ceremony."

  Brogan couldn't keep the dryness from his words. "You've become very interested in people all of a sudden."

  Lucas nodded, the movement slow. "When I was bringing you here, there were several times I thought you had died. You'd stopped responding and one time you stopped breathing. Seemed like it to me anyway. In the middle of nowhere, dragging my dying best friend behind me, it makes a man rethink things. I don't want to die out there alone with nothing to stop the buzzards from eating out my eyeballs."

  "We'll stay then."

  Lucas’ head snapped up. "What did you say?"

  It was hard for him to repeat the words. While his friend was talking, he realized he owed Lucas his life. If the man wanted to settle down, then he'd go along with it. It was a fair price to pay.

  "I said we'll stay. I'll take the job."

  Chapter Four

  Sarah fought not to cry while she held a child in her arms as her father stitched up the poor, little boy's face. He'd fallen down some stairs and sustained a nasty gash to the left temple. His mother was too distraught with worry to be much help. Since her crying made the little boy more upset, Sarah's father had asked she sit in the front room and wait.

  Brogan Hage had yet to leave his room all day. According to her father, he'd accepted the position of town sheriff and he, along with his friend, Lucas, would be moving into the rooms behind the jailhouse until Sheriff Douglas and the deputy left their positions in a couple weeks.

  The entire time he'd been there, she'd prepared for his departure, soaking every detail of his face in to keep in her memory after he left. Knowing he would not remain, Sarah had easily accepted her infatuation with him and not worried overmuch about it. Now everything had changed. He would live there permanently. On a daily basis, there could be chance encounters. Brogan would bring people to them, as Sheriff Douglas routinely did. The drunks who'd been bashed over the head or those injured asking for his assistance in getting to the clinic.

  When she let out a long sigh, her father's gaze lifted from the now quiet child to her. "He's going to be fine. Just a bit of throbbing, but in a few weeks, the only thing to remind him of this will be the light scar.” Mistaking her sigh for worry, her father touched her cheek. "You care too much sometimes."

  She averted her eyes and looked to the door again. "Should I fetch his mother?"

  "Yes. Here, let me take him. I need to check the cut on his elbow."

  Relieved to leave the room, she stepped past the fabric hung to give the back room privacy to find Lucas standing by the doorway, which led to Brogan's room. Sarah eyed the boy's mother, who jumped to her feet. "You can go see about him now."

  "Thank you," the woman said and rushed past Sarah to see about her son.

  "Good afternoon, Miss Sutherland," Lucas said with a cocky grin. She liked the man. Although he was known to be just as ruthless as his friend, he had a friendly, easy-going personality. "I came to help Brogan to the jailhouse. I'll wait until your father is available. I'm sure Brogan wants to thank him for everything."

  Sarah looked to the curtain the woman had just pushed through. "He'll be finished in a few minutes. In the meantime,would you like some coffee or tea?” She went toward the main house allowing the man to open the door for her. It was interesting to her, he didn't attempt to stand too close or inadvertently brush against her like men sometimes did. Instead, he maintained a rather large distance and seemed to avoid looking at her for no longer than polite. He pushed hair out of his eyes and grunted. "I need a haircut. Not sure why I've not visited the barber before now."

  "Why doesn't Brogan cut his?" She blurted out the words before thinking and flushed. "I mean it's quite long."

  After raising a brow at her words, Lucas McKade nodded and once again his quick smile widened. "He's not a fan of shorter hair. I suppose they keep it long in Scotland. He's only been in America a few years. Along with his accent that's hard to understand at times, he keeps the long hair." The man's wide shoulders lifted and lowered. "Probably nice to have when it's cold."

  "I suppose," Sarah pretended nonchalance, when in reality she wanted to ask more questions about the huge Scot in the sick room. Instead, she made small talk. "How do you feel about remaining in Silver City?"

  "It's a nice place. Looking forward to getting to know the folks around here. Being as how Brogan and I will be law enforcement, we plan to spend most of the next few weeks introducing ourselves. Any ideas where to start?"

  Sarah chuckled. "If I were you, I'd begin with Judge O'Heron and Preacher Matthews. If you win those two over, life will be easier for you. Also, I suggest a town festival of sorts, to celebrate Sheriff Douglas’ retirement.”

  "Good idea. Can we count on you to help us organize it?"

  The question took her by surprise. If she agreed, it meant more opportunity to see Brogan. Not sure if that was a good or bad thing, Sarah frowned. “Yes, of course."

  She sensed him before seeing him. Her father’s brisk steps were followed by Brogan's heavier, uneven footfalls. "Father, would you like some coffee? Mr. Hage, please sit down.” Sarah hoped they didn't hear the higher octave her voice had taken.

  Instead, her father smiled fondly at her and went to the stove. "Remain seated, Daughter, I'll get coffee for our new sheriff."

  When she looked up and into his dark eyes, a strange sensation ran through her body. A fast streak of heat rose from her feet straight up to her face. It was impossible to breathe past the catch in her chest and thudding of her heart.

  Brogan didn't seem to notice her discomfort, by his stoic expression. "Miss Sutherland, yo
ur father tells me you plan to follow in his footsteps and remain in the medical field."

  "I plan to care for patients, yes, more as a nurse than a doctor since I cannot see leaving Silver City for long to study medicine. There is too much need for my father to handle it alone."

  "I've tried to convince her to go, but she is adamant about remaining." Her father came to the table and placed two cups of steaming coffee on the table. "You must have some pie. My Sarah is a wonderful cook.” He beamed with pride as he cut slices from a cooled pie for the men.

  Both Brogan and Lucas' eyes locked onto the pie, obviously eager to eat it.

  "I can't remember the last time I had pie," Brogan told no one in particular. "Berry?"

  "Huckleberry," her father replied. "The best in the state."

  "Father," Sarah protested with a chuckle. "Don't brag, let them taste it. They may not like it."

  "If you made it, I will like it." The corner of Brogan's lips curved and Sarah fought not to gawk. A deep indentation in his right cheek made him look almost friendly.

  She accepted a thin sliver from her father and waited a few moments as the silent men ate. One after the other, they looked to Sarah and praised her baking.

  Brogan ate with elegance, his fork sliding the food from the plate to his lips. He wiped at the corners of his mouth before taking another sip of coffee. "Doctor Sutherland, I cannot hope to repay you for everything. I am certain you saved my life."

  He placed a pouch of money on the table. "I am paying you a bit more than you asked for. Please accept it with my lifelong gratitude."

  The flush of pride on her father's face at Brogan's words was endearing. No matter how much he'd deny it, everyone around the table was aware he had, in fact, saved Brogan Hage's life.

  It went without saying it was impossible to put a price on a life, but every cent the man paid was needed.