Page 37 of Taming Lady Temperance

James set the paper on the table and tapped a section near the middle. “Smart to mention the street intersection instead naming the saloon outright. Taggert will know you’re targeting him, but it’s subtle enough that most people won’t make the connection from the article alone.” He leaned back in his chair, his warm gaze finding hers again. “You did a great job, Noreen. I have no doubt that you’ll recruit a sizable crowd to join your march.”

She dipped her chin, his pride in her almost painful to behold. How many times had she longed to hear such praise from her father, or even her stepfather? Constant disappointment had taught her to stop seeking approval from men. But having it freely given? Her shriveled heart blossomed like a drought-strained rosebud finally receiving rain.

A touch on her hand brought her chin up. He’d leaned forward and covered her hand with his. “I mean it, Noreen. This is really good.”

How on earth was she to say anything intelligent when his touch scattered all her wits?

“Thank you.” There. That wasn’t too vacuous. Wasn’t very clever, either, but she didn’t have the luxury of being picky.

James turned his head sharply, and his hand slid away from hers as he rose from his seat. Only then did she notice the sound of running feet heading their way.

“Deputy!” An out of breath man with one hand holding his hat in place as he ran came into view through the doorway. “Deputy, come quick! Fightin’ at the saloon. Ten, maybe fifteen, men bustin’ up the place.”

James strode across the room, his confidence and authority a sight to behold. He didn’t let the panic of the other man fluster him. He just collected his hat, checked that his revolver was in place, and patted the fellow on the shoulder.

“I’ll be right there.”

He looked to Noreen, held her gaze for a precious second, and gave his head a little shake. She heard his message as clearly as if he’d said it aloud. “Don’t follow me this time.”

She gave a slight nod, knowing her presence at the saloon would only worsen the situation. The last thing she wanted to do was make things more dangerous for him.

“Be careful.”

It was an impulsive thing to say. Unnecessary even. The man had been breaking up saloon fights for years. Yet her heart wouldn’t allow her to keep the words inside. He’d become too important to her.

His slow smile made her heart pump a frantic rhythm that no longer had anything to do with fear for his safety.

He fingered the brim of his hat and dipped his chin in her direction. “Yes, ma’am.” Then he turned and walked out the door.

The man who’d reported the fight hung back a moment, his face etched with confusion as he looked from Noreen to the deputy and back again.

Noreen blushed, certain she could guess what was going through the man’s head. Why on earth would the deputy be having dinner with a sour-tempered spinster like Noreen O’Sullivan? Not completely sure of the answer herself, she ignored the fellow and focused on clearing away the dishes and packing up the leftover food. Thankfully, witnessing a saloon fight must have held more appeal than pondering a misplaced spinster, for the next time she glanced in his direction, he was gone.

Watch over James, Lord. Keep him safe.

She picked up the article she’d written, the smile he’d worn after reading it filtering through her mind and warming her heart. This town needed a man like James Paxton. A man of integrity who served his community with a cheerful spirit and a dedication to righteousness. Yes, this town needed James, but she was very much afraid that she was coming to need him, too.

James covered the ground with a long, quick stride. He glanced over his shoulder, looking for Emmett Hansen, the young cowpoke who’d reported the incident. Fellow must’ve been winded, ’cause he was lagging. James sighed. He wasn’t about to slow his pace to wait on the cowboy, but he sure could do with a few details as to who was involved, where they were located inside, and if any guns had been drawn.

Finally, footfalls registered beside him. James twisted his neck to confirm it was Emmett before starting his questioning, but the fellow beat him to the verbal draw.

“I can’t believe you’re courtin’ Nosy Noreen!”

James hit Emmett with a glare so fierce, the cowboy stumbled from the impact.

Emmett’s hands came up. “Easy, Paxton. I didn’t mean no disrespect. That’s just what the guys call her. You know, ’cause she’s always stickin’ her nose where it don’t belong.”

“I’d advise you to cease talking about Miss O’Sullivan before the urge to rearrange your teeth grows too strong for me to resist.”

The cowboy’s eyes widened to comical proportions. “Got it.”

James ground his molars, angry at himself for overreacting. He wasn’t one to threaten violence. Even violence he’d never carry out. But something primal and protective had surged within him at the unexpected attack on Noreen’s character.

Forcing his throat to unclench, James steadied his voice before starting his questioning. “Who’s fighting?”

“Claude Templeton started it. Accused Jude Barlow of cheatin’ at cards. Threw a few punches. Jude tackled him and flattened Old Coop in the process, spillin’ his drink. That’s when things really exploded. Last I saw, Coop was wipin’ the bar with Jude’s pants while Jude was still in ’em. Folks sittin’ at the bar didn’t take too kindly to that and startin’ protesting with their fists. I think one fella conked Old Coop with a bottle to the noggin, but Coop’s like a grizzly. What doesn’t take him down just makes him mad.”

Sounded like a free-for-all. Not his favorite. Hard to reason with a mob. Especially a drunk one.