Free Hostage Heart by Lindsay McKenna

nodded soberly. “Maybe, when he’s up to it, Kincaid should drop over to the fort and talk to me. I’m interested in gettin’ Ga’n, too. We might be able to collaborate and figure out where’s he’s hidin’.”
    Miserably, Lark told him of Ga’n’s late-night visit to the ranch. As she spoke, Frank’s jaw tightened, and she knew that spelled trouble for Ga’n.
    “Did he say where he was going?”
    “He was heading toward Prescott, Frank.”
    Pacing the porch, Herter muttered, “Ga’n probably won’t show up here again for six months or more. As far as you’re concerned, I’m more worried about Cameron and his gang.”
    Lark tried to keep the bitterness out of her voice. “You’re one of the few whites who bears us no grudge, Frank. There are many people in town who were jealous of my father’s success selling horses to the Army. I’m sure Cameron is rubbing his hands with joy over his death.”
    Frank gave a snort of disgust but didn’t disagree. “If Cameron thinks he’s going to steal this ranch from you just because Roarke’s dead, he’s in for a big surprise. You’re a cougar when you’re cornered. In fact, I’ve told him as much.” His brown eyes sparkled with amusement as he held her gaze. “Talk’s goin’ around town that you’re sellin’ out because of what happened. Any truth to it?”
    Her cheeks flushed with anger. “I’d never sell our ranch!”
    “Bo Shanks, Cameron’s hired gun, is goin’ around tellin’ everyone you’re sellin’ out since your father’s not around to manage it anymore.”
    Lark’s chin lifted. “The Gallagher Ranch is staying in the family, Frank,” she said tightly. “As long as I can make those monthly mortgage payments to Cameron’s bank, it’s safe.”
    He laughed, tucking his dusty white gloves into his black belt. “Well, since I’m here today to sign a contract for at least twenty sound young horses, I think you’ll be able to make the next couple of payments, don’t you?”
    Twenty colts! Lark had expected Frank to pick ten colts, no more than that, for the Army’s use. This was an unexpected monetary windfall. She didn’t try to disguise her broad smile.
    By early evening, all the transactions were complete. Lark signed the Army documents that would give her fifty dollars a head for the twenty three-year-olds.
    Despite the hectic day, Lark’s thoughts were never far from Matt Kincaid. Twice she had stolen a few minutes while the officers were inspecting each horse individually to check up on him. Maria had also dutifully peeked in on him every hour, checking to see if he had gained consciousness. To Lark’s relief, he slept like a baby, his fever still high but the wound no longer infected.
    Frank Herter wrote out a voucher and signed it. “Well, there you go, young lady. One thousand dollars. Enough money to pay the bills and buy yourself a purty new dress.”
    Fingering the crisp green voucher, Lark forced a smile as she sat behind the massive oak desk. “Is that what young ladies do with money they earn? Buy dresses?”
    Frank grinned. “Absolutely.” He motioned to her clothes. “You’re the prettiest Apache maid I’ve seen in warrior’s clothes, but I’ll bet you’d look twice as good in one of those fancy dresses from Madam Bouchard’s in Prescott.” His expression grew serious and he glanced over at the lieutenant. “Lieutenant Wilson, why don’t you bring our mounts around? I’ll meet you outside in a moment.”
    Wilson snapped to attention. “Yes, sir!” He inclined his head toward Lark. “It was a great pleasure meeting you, Miss Gallagher. Perhaps, ah, we can see one another soon?”
    “If you want to come and look at our weanlings in September, you’re welcome to stop by, Lieutenant,” Lark parried, trying tactfully to avoid Wilson’s amorous invitation.
    His face filled with disappointment. “I see, ma’am. Very well, you can expect me September first. Since Captain Herter will be retiring