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“Yes, sir,” she whispered.
Cole’s voice had hardened when he spoke, though he still spoke low enough that no one would hear him but Aida. “I can’t say much to you, not now. But you mark me, Aida. He’ll never lay a hand on you again. His day will come. He’ll pay for what he’s done.” His voice was deep and menacing now. “I’ll see that he does.”
It was with that final promise that she became devoted to him. She would trust Cole to exact justice. If anyone could, it would be him.
The tears started afresh as she squeezed her eyes shut and nodded. She hiccupped and wiped the back of her hand across her eyes. “I’m a mess,” she sniffled.
“Aren’t we all,” he replied, which made her giggle.
“Well, I suppose we are,” she said. A brief pause, then she whispered, “Daddy?”
Heat flared in his eyes. “Yes, darlin’?”
“Can they see us now?”
He shook his head. “No, honey.”
“Good,” she said, as she pushed herself up on her elbow and leaned in to kiss him.
Chapter Thirteen
By night, Love, tie your heart to mine, and the two together in their sleep will defeat the darkness. ? Pablo Neruda
Cole held her until she was breathing softly on his chest, her body stilled and at peace. Given what would happen next, it was now imperative that she trust him. He breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that somehow, he’d broken through to her. As he watched her still, sleeping form curled up on him, he did his best to tamp down the feelings toward her that had now shifted. He’d wanted to keep her distanced, but now that they were nearing the end of their time together, he no longer wanted to push her away. She was no longer simply part of the plan. She trusted him. She submitted to him.
He’d kill the fucking bastard that violated her.
She’d still obey him, though. His jaw clenched as he thought about the dangers that lay ahead of them. He lay with her in his arms, until the wisps of moonlight gave way to dawn. Gently, he pushed her onto the bed and tucked the blanket around her as he got to his feet. He retrieved his shirt, careful to avert his eyes so he wouldn’t be looking toward the peephole, buttoned it and grabbed his bandanna, tying it around his neck loosely, so he could slip it up and under his eyes when the time was right.
He checked his weapons, his dagger stuck securely in his boot and revolver in the waistband of his pants. He felt naked without his weapons on him, and now stood straighter with the cold metal against his leg and stomach.
Aida shifted in the bed, and he froze. Damn, he wished he didn’t have to leave her. But the plan was more important now than ever. Junior would hate that he’d be missing the action, but he could be trusted to guard her.
Footsteps sounded in the hall, and Cole waited until he heard the low scratch at the door he’d been expecting. He undid the lock, then slowly pulled the door open until he could see the faintest stream of yellow light hit his boot, and the shadowed form of Doc waiting for him in the hall. Shutting the door behind him, he gave Doc a curt nod.
“She asleep?” Doc mouthed, pointing a finger to the room. Cole nodded, as around him other dark shadows emerged. The telltale blond tresses of Junior, Monty’s swarthy cheeks and dark eyes, Justice’s catlike stance and beady eyes, and several other of Monty’s men Cole didn’t know by name. Pearson would be hiding now, likely amidst a swarm of girls in his bed. He’d not tarnish his hands with what they were about to do, but merely funded their efforts with his own purse, taking a heavy cut.
Cole crooked a finger to Junior. Junior came to him immediately. Cole didn’t want to have to tell him he’d miss the evening’s raid, as it was a reward and privilege for seasoned members to take on a task so big. But before he could speak, Junior did.
“You want me to stay with the girl?” he asked.
Cole nodded, and clapped Junior briefly on the shoulder. “I trust you to keep her safe,” Cole said, as the other men began to move. Junior merely nodded, withdrew his pistol, and removed his bandanna.
“I know what Pearson’s capable of,” Junior said.
Cole frowned, but nodded. “You do. Your time will come, Junior.” He leaned in and spoke so low, no one but Junior could hear him. “You’re the only one I’d trust her to.”
Junior stood taller, his chest expanding with pride. He nodded. “Yes, sir,” was all he said, but Cole knew Junior would take his charge seriously.
And without another word, he left Junior as sentry, marching to the head of the pack of men in the hall. They moved as one in stealthy silence.
* * *
The first part of their plan—the hijack—had been in effect for months, though the initial plans hadn’t involved Monty and his men. The train would be arriving any minute, carrying goods that would be easily found and taken. If everything had fallen into place, no harm would come to the train conductor. The theft would be smooth, the casualties with this raid nonexistent. A simple heist and on they’d go to their final destination. Simple robberies were rare for Cole, but when Pearson had mentioned the possibility months prior, Cole saw his chance to prove himself every bit the outlaw. He needed Pearson, and now Monty, to know he was fearless and capable. If he couldn’t prove himself, it would be difficult to bring about their ultimate demise.
Cole fell into step beside Monty as they came to the railroad tracks that lay on the outskirts of the forest, kneeling quickly to be sure the rails been sufficiently jostled loose, as instructed. Sure enough, the heavy metal of the train tracks, just below where the pines overlapped tall cedars, casting shadow to the ground below, were unnaturally crisscrossed, askew like violently broken bones. A train moving at high speed through the ravaged tracks would careen into the woods, but measures had been taken to slow the speed of the train before it hit the broken tracks, not for the safety of the passengers aboard, for there were to be no passengers save the driver, but rather for the safety of those who would overtake the train when it was time.
They lay in the darkness, crouched, watching the dim light indicating the ascent of the rising sun on the horizon. Cole was next to Monty, Doc on his right, Monty’s men on either side of the tracks. Cole pulled out his pocket watch. The train was twenty minutes behind. Cole thought of Aida, alone with Junior as guard. The longer he left her alone, the more likely it would be that she could be harmed. Where was the goddamned train? But just as his frustration boiled, he heard the screech and whine of the train tracks in the distance. The men around him tensed, and Cole prepared for what he’d have to do next. If all went well, Pearson and Monty would be assured of his allegiance to their side. It was essential they trust him.
