Calm Surrender: The Unbridled Series, #4

Chapter 1

What had she done? Kamari paced the expanse of her little house wringing her hands, stopping at intervals to check outside the window. Oh how she wished she’d never interfered, or offered up her services as caregiver to the young Dalton. She'd been caught up in the moment of the infectious joy that one experiences at a wedding reception. It was the only possible explanation.

Today, Cassidy Dalton was to drop off his son Junior, so she could bring him with her to the school where she worked— Staab’s School for Girls—owned by Mr. Dalton’s sister-in-law.

However, this morning it was her turn to collect the school supplies from the depot in town. She also had to deliver her mother's wares to the store and replenish grocery supplies to leave in a secluded place for her mother to retrieve. Kamari had no idea how she would keep her mother’s secret or explain leaving groceries in the woods to an inquisitive nine-year-old boy. When she'd offered her services, she hadn't thought it through. Cassius Cassidy Dalton would be in her charge for most of the day and a few hours during the evening.

Although she would enjoy his company, she was now putting her mother, a wanted fugitive, at risk of capture. It wasn't fair that her mother was in hiding, isolated in the mountains north of Clarkson's ranch. This had been the reason why she kept to herself and maintained a low profile. Yet somehow she’d allowed the golden-haired, gray-eyed charmer to penetrate her armor. He’d hoodwinked her into something she never should have gotten involved in—like offering to be his transport to and from school.

Kamari wondered if her decision had been made in an attempt to get to know the boy’s father. She’d noticed him at Rilla's wedding three years ago when she’d married Calvin Dalton, a Pinkerton man. He was someone she'd be working up the courage to speak to in respect to clearing her mother's name.

Somehow in the three years she'd worked for the Staab’s School for Girls she couldn't find the courage to approach either Rilla or Calvin in regards to her mother's situation. She was afraid a direct approach to her employer or employer's husband was inappropriate. Nevertheless, she was getting desperate. Her mother had been showing signs that the isolation could be affecting her mental state. Kamari felt desperate, and alone.

She believed somewhere deep down she may be using her attachment to the young boy to elicit the aid of his father to save her mother. The thought didn't bode well with her that she was capable of using a child for her own ends, but she finally had to admit, she couldn't do what she was trying to do on her own. Still, she couldn't shake the gnawing guilt eating away at her. If she didn't think her change of heart would disappoint the boy, she'd put an end to the arrangement. But the young Cassius had looked so pleased he'd be going to school, albeit a school for young ladies in which he'd be the only boy.

She liked Junior, however her offering to care for him could prove risky for them both. Kamari also had to remind herself why she lived in the middle of nowhere, away from prying eyes. Her mother had a safe place to deliver her wares, and Kamari to leave supplies in exchange, unseen. It had worked for them over the years because she'd kept herself to herself. Having Cassius there made things dangerous, especially if he mentioned anything he might see to the wrong person, placing all their lives in jeopardy.

The sound of the carriage approaching the only entrance to her fenced property caught her attention. She grabbed a shawl and ran out to greet her little charge. Then they could set off into town on her buggy and complete the errands.

When Kamari got to the carriage and opened the door for Junior to get out, she was surprised to see his father hadn't accompanied him. Strange, as he'd seemed so protective of the boy.

Howdy, Miss Kamari, said Junior as he jumped out and landed at her feet.

Mr Dalton says to tell you, make sure and take care of his boy, ma'am, the driver said, tipping his hat. See that you both have a nice day now. I'll be along for the boy this evening.

Thank you and assure Mr. Dalton, Junior is safe with me.

Will do, bye now. The driver gave them a wave as he set off.

Well, young man, it's just you and me now, she said with a smile, as the boy slipped his hand in hers. They walked over to her little buggy she had set up earlier, waiting for them. She helped Junior on and walked around her horse, stroked its neck, then climbed up into the buggy. She clicked her tongue and snapped the rein. The horse made a sound of protest but moved off.

All right, young man, this is the plan. I need to go into town and pick up some stock for the school as well as deliver some wares to the grocery store, do you have a slate?

Yes, ma'am, I have it right here. Junior tapped his satchel.

As they travelled the road into town, Kamari used the time to play a game where they would name some of the things they passed along the way. Kamari was surprised at how much fun she was having and to discover how lonely the drive into work had been all these years. The time had gone by so quickly. Before she could process it, they were in town pulling up outside the post office. She got down from the buggy, bringing Junior with her.

Are you feeling strong enough to carry a parcel for me?

Sure thing, ma'am. I'm plenty strong, Junior said, and proceeded to raise his arms and flex his puny muscles.

Kamari laughed and rubbed the top of his head. He lowered his arms and grinned back.

Oh look, Miss Kamari, there's uncle Calvin, he said, pointing across the street, followed by a wave. Kamari copied his and movement, and Calvin waved back.

Come on, young man. We don't have all day. We need to get done with our chores and get you into school.

She left Junior loading the school supplies on the buggy and went across the street to the general store, pausing outside the sheriff’s office where Cal and the sheriff were standing.

You sure must have some persuasive powers there, Miss Faraday. The sheriff laughed and, slapped Cal’s shoulder. Never thought I'd see the day when Cassidy Dalton would trust his son in the care of anyone other than his brothers.

I think Junior just plumb wore him out with his griping and moaning. Cal laughed. Technically the boy is still being cared for by me. Today will be his first day at Rilla’s School, Kamari is just bringing him in.

Well if that's the case, Mr Dalton, I'll do my very best to ensure I get him there on your behalf. Now I must take my leave, sirs. These wares won't deliver themselves. She raised the box of handcrafted trinkets in her hands.

It amazes me, Miss Faraday, how you manage to craft such beautiful items in the time you have available with all your teaching and traveling, the sheriff said.

It's amazing how much time one can find to explore one's interests when that time is not wasted standing on a street corner chatting. Have a nice day. Kamari continued walking to the general store. She handed the storekeeper the box, and he in turn gave her a box of goods.

Junior had already crossed the street and was standing with his uncle and the sheriff when Kamari exited the store. He ran up to her and held out his arms.

I'll take those, Miss Kamari, he said with a smile. She was about to hand him the box when it was whisked from her hands.

Well, well, well, what do you have here? Kami, is this young man my competition for your affections? Butch Manson said, clutching the box to his chest. Where would you be wanting these?

My name is Kamari not Kami, although to you, sir, it will always be Miss Faraday. If you will just give me my things back, I will be on my way.

Butch leaned in close to Kamari's ear. You need to be more friendly. There's no telling what can happen to a woman out in the wilderness on her own without a man beside her. My offer to move into my ranch with me still stands.

Cal came across and plucked the box of goods out of Butch's hands. Howdy, Butch. I don't believe Miss Faraday has time for your shenanigans, and not in front of the boy.

Cal handed the box of goods back to his nephew. Here you go, Junior, see you get Miss Kamari to school safely now. He rubbed his nephew's head, then guided him toward Kamari's buggy by the shoulder. He took her elbow and led her and his nephew back across the street to her little carriage wagon, and loaded the goods.

Have a care with that one, he whispered to Kamari, nodding his head toward where Butch still stood stony-faced, staring after them.

I will, thanks for your assistance. I can take it from here, Kamari said getting into the wagon with Junior. She only wished it were true. Butch Manson was becoming an everyday problem.

Chapter 2

Who did Kamari Faraday think she was? Acting all uppity, putting on those fine airs and graces. Thinking she was more important than she was. Kamari was nothing more than a half-breed, with a murderous mother, with a price on her head. A price he aimed to claim and the daughter right alongside it. He’d have her sharing his bed soon enough too.

As for Cal Dalton, and his idiot brother, they were getting on his last nerve. He'd had just about as much as he was willing to take from them, constantly interfering in his business. Butch would fix them once and for all, make no mistake. He had plans for dealing with them later, especially Clarkson Dalton. He needed to get the Ponderosa away from him. Butch couldn't believe he'd allowed that slithering idiot, the chance to purchase the property right from under him. He should have been more vigilant.

He'd checked around town, to see if anyone had shown an interest in the procurement of the Ponderosa before going on a business trip. Only after being assured there had been no other interest put forward and he was the only bidder, he returned two days later  to find out the Ponderosa had been purchased by Clarkson.

Butch had been so mad, his face stained red for a week. It was as if he'd burst a blood vessel. Now he had two problems on his hands, and he didn't like problems. What he needed to do was prioritize. Which problem would he tackle first? Kamari Faraday held hundred acres of what should have been his land.

The stupid surveyor had miscalculated and before they were able to rectify the surveyor's mistake, he had been told Sheriff Faraday, Kamari's deceased father had already put in his claim.

Butch still couldn't fathom how that bastard trapper, with his squaw wife, got the post of sheriff in the first place. Granted, Longchapel had been a high-spirited town at the time, and maybe a little lawless before Sheriff Faraday, but he had liked it that way.

Longchapel, and every piece of prime grazing land around its outskirts, was supposed to be his—his town, his county. He was to be its mayor. Or at least he'd planned to make the town his. He would have succeeded too, had his stupid investors come up with the money he'd needed in time.

A minor inconvenience—he had plans for this town. It was his and no newcomers were going to take it away from him.

His sources told him in a couple of years there were plans to build a railroad through here, and he wanted all the land he could get to ensure his future as the richest man in Longchapel.

After Sheriff Faraday had cleaned the place up, he’d noticed this sweet little town attracted