Page 22 of Chloe's Christmas Escape
“Here you go. I’m afraid it’s not very warm. I have a cup of black coffee from the relay house as well.”
“Thank you,” Chloe whispered, doing her best to clean her face and hands. Her cape would be a different story. “I’m sorry about all of this.” She handed the woman the rag and accepted the cup of hot brew.
“It’s not your fault. I’m not sure who that man was, but your husband is a marshal. He’ll get it sorted. I’m Claudia Cross and this is my daughter, Adina.”
“Chloe Masters. How did you know he was my husband?” She glanced back at Jackson.
“He showed you how to let him know if you needed something. And he kissed your hand before letting it go. Though I’d say you haven’t been married very long.”
“Why do you think he’s a marshal?” It felt uncomfortable to be this suspicious, but perhaps that was natural after almost being kidnapped.
“The driver called it out. My brother was a marshal as well. They carry themselves differently.” Mrs. Cross leaned to the right, nodding to herself. “Here he comes now. I’m sure he’ll be riding for the next part of the trip in here with us.”
“Mrs. Masters, I need a statement and then we’ll get you folks back on the stage.” The sheriff and Jackson were standing just behind her.
“I don’t know his name. He knew mine, and I recognized his laughter from the day before I left Pittsburgh.” Her eyes shifted to Jackson. “He was with the men at the river.”
“And there are witnesses to what you are saying?” Sheriff Swirly glanced into the coach.
Mrs. Cross stepped forward. “Yes. I heard the conversation. He threatened to shoot my daughter if Mrs. Masters didn’t do as instructed. The man and woman that disembarked heard it as well.”
“And your name?”
“My name is Claudia Cross.” It surprised Chloe when the woman pulled herself to her full height and practically glowered at the local sheriff.
“Are you related to Judge Cross?” Jackson asked with wrinkled brows.
“I am his wife.”
“That’s good enough for me.” Swirly chuckled. “I’ll send a wire to Pittsburgh.”
“Much appreciated,” Jackson said, taking the cup from Chloe. The men shook hands as she climbed back into the coach. Taking the seat across from Mrs. Cross, she waited for Jackson to return.
Chapter Nine
Jackson returned the cup to the relay station before climbing into the carriage, pulling the door shut behind him. As he sat down next to Chloe, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief wash over him. He had almost lost her today, and the thought of what could have happened made him shudder.How could have have known the threat was inside the coach?He scooted closer to her, wrapping an arm around her waist protectively.
“Are you okay?” he asked softly, his eyes searching her face for any signs of distress.
She nodded, leaning into him. “I’m fine. Just a little shaken.”
He kissed the top of her head, breathing in the scent of her hair. “You scared me, Chloe. I never want to lose you.”
“Are we set?” Mrs. Cross asked. Jackson nodded, and she tapped the roof with her shepherd’s hook. Giving a laugh, she leaned the hook towards Jackson. “It has many uses, Marshal. You should get one for your missus.”
“Mama whacked that wicked man with it,” Adina said.
“She did?” It surprised Jackson with her revelation. As the carriage jolted forward, Jackson felt Chloe take a deep breath. He tightened his hold on her, rubbing slow circles on her back, and tried to ignore the rapid beating of her heart beneath his palm. “You’ll have to tell me what happened.”
The young girl related the story of what happened inside the coach up to the man pushing Chloe out when they reached Oak Park. With each word, he felt a surge of anger coursing through his veins. He and Mac had planned so carefully, but apparently not careful enough.
Jackson felt a gentle squeeze on his hand, and he turned to see Chloe’s warm blue-gray eyes staring back at him. She laced her fingers through his, sending a wave of comfort that washed over him. “It’s all right, Jackson,” she whispered, her voice soft as the rustle of leaves in a gentle breeze. “You saved me and I’m all right now.”
He pressed a kiss against her forehead and released her so she could get comfortable for the rest of the trip. “Why don’t you try to sleep?”
“I don’t think I can.” Lifting the leather shade to look out the window, she stared at the passing landscape for a minute before dropping it. “Are we moving faster?” she asked, bumping on the seat.
“Yes. The coach is lighter now. We’re going to make good time getting to Iowa City,” Mrs. Cross answered her.
