“Tell her not to worry if she doesn’t hear from you. This could take a couple weeks or more. And we have no idea what situation we’ll be riding into once we locate the rustlers and the cattle,” Simon warned.
“I’ll bring my guns,” Violet said, reading between the lines. Simon knew she could outshoot a lot of men.
Simon hugged her tightly and kissed her lips. He gazed into her eyes. “We’ll find our cattle. Don’t worry.”
Violet wanted to believe him more than anything in the world. She nodded, unable to speak.
“Get a good night’s rest. You’ll be sleeping under the stars after tonight.” Simon quickly kissed her again before preparing to leave. Under better circumstances, Violet would have demanded a more thorough job of the kissing part, but she couldn’t linger on thoughts of love when her entire world was crumbling around her.
Simon waved as he rode off toward home. Violet slumped into the chair and watched as he became a speck on the horizon. She gazed upward and shook her head.
Father, if you and Mother are watching, please guide me to our cattle. Please, I need your help now more than ever before. I’m going to fulfill your dream, Father. I am, or I’ll die trying.
She remained sitting there until darkness fell and she spotted a flash in the sky. Was that falling star a sign from her parents that everything would work out? She dragged herself out of the chair and into the house.
Faith wrapped Violet in a tight embrace. “I’ve got everything you’ll need packed. A few changes of clothes. A good supply of food. Two canteens for water. A pistol and your best rifle.”
“I thought you were in bed.”
Faith shook her head. “I heard you and Simon talking and I wanted to help. You’ll find the cattle. I know you will. I refuse to think we’ve worked so hard all summer for nothing.”
“Thank you,” Violet whispered. “You’re the best friend I’ve ever had.”
“I kept one of the pistols, the shotgun, and the old rifle here for myself. If my father or any other man shows up, he’ll have a very unfriendly welcome awaiting him.”
Violet smiled. “Good. Tell your father he’s not taking my ranch hand anywhere. You’re staying right here to fulfill your responsibilities to your employer.”
Faith laughed. “He won’t get close enough for me to tell him. He’ll be hightailing it back to wherever he came from the moment I spot him. Or Doc will be digging lead out of his backside.”
“Can I do this, Faith?” Violet whispered. “Can I rely on Simon for help? I… I love him. But can we solve this together?”
Faith clasped her hands tightly. “Yes, you can. You will.”
“He keeps saying he’s going to marry me someday.” Violet felt herself blushing. “I’d hang up my denims for the right man. Let him run the ranch. Raise his babies and tend to the housework.”
“Learn to cook?” Faith added, smiling.
“Even that, if I believed I wouldn’t poison him with my early attempts. But loving a man and trusting him are two different things.”
Faith gasped. “You don’t trust Simon?”
“I do. But there’s so much depending on us finding my cattle…”
“Go upstairs. I’ve filled the bathtub for you. Have a quick scrub and then get to bed. Tomorrow will be the first step toward your brand-new, worry-free life. You’ll find the cattle, sell them, save your ranch. And one day you’ll marry Simon.” Faith waved her toward the upstairs. “You’ll see. Everything will work out.”
Violet sighed. “I hope you’re right. And thanks for the bath.” She climbed the stairs and stripped down. She enjoyed the warmth of the water while washing away the last few days’ worries. She didn’t anticipate getting much sleep; tomorrow would come too soon.
Violet knew Simon would stop at nothing to find the cattle. Had he mentioned Roland was coming along also? Or had she imagined that? She intended to try her best to assist all the ranchers while aiding her own purpose. Who could expect anything more of her?
Chapter 23
Simon sat on a fallen log near the fire, gazing into the flames while every inch of his body ached. They’d covered so many miles and hadn’t spotted hide nor hair of any of the missing cattle. A few other ranchers who weren’t missing cattle had joined up in the search when the cattlemen crossed their land and explained their mission, but nothing had been accomplished as far as he was concerned. Of course, McLennon men had never been known for their patience.
“If I was a horse, someone would shoot me.” Violet flopped down beside him. She removed her hat and what hair hadn’t fallen out of her bun stuck out in every direction. She swiped her shirt sleeve across her forehead and sighed. Two streaks of dirt smeared her cheeks and several worry lines etched her face, but to Simon, she looked beautiful. She probably ached as much as he did.
“I’m hurting also. Too many hours in the saddle,” Simon admitted. Every morning, they broke camp at sunup and never stopped riding and searching until well past dusk, except for a quick lunch break and to rest the horses midday. “Did you eat something?”
“I think so. I’m so tired I can’t remember,” Violet muttered.
Simon smiled. He’d noticed her nibbling on something that resembled dried venison an hour ago. The long hours riding might kill them both, but at least, they wouldn’t starve to death. The McLennons discussed the day’s progress over plates of beans together a while ago. All of the McLennon men and Roland had turned in for the night. Most of the other ranchers also. Not him. Was it possible to be too tired to sleep?
“Why aren’t you in your bedroll?”
Violet met his eyes. “I was,” she whispered. “Over there beside Walter’s daughter. I… I had a bad dream.”
“I’m sorry.” He readjusted his legs, placing her in front of him and wrapping her in his arms while she leaned back against his chest. “Want to tell me about it?”
She shook her head. “I can’t remember what frightened me. But I woke up shaking.”
He rested his chin on her head. All tucked against him, she fit perfectly in his arms. She was his destiny. He knew it. Someday Violet Campbell would be all his. Till death do they part. “You’re safe now. I’ve got you.”
“I… I trust you, Simon.” Violet closed her eyes and a small smile teased the corners of her mouth. “I know I can rely on your help. For anything.”
“Seems everyone is relying on Roland and me to find where the rustlers are hiding out.” Simon kissed the top of her head. “We’ve know the area like the backs of our hands since we were sprouts, but so far… nothing.”
“The cattle can’t move that fast, so they must be nearby still. It hasn’t been that long since they were discovered missing,” she reasoned.
“That’s Daniel’s thinking also.” Simon turned her and gazed into her eyes. “He’s enlisted the local law’s help, and he sent telegraphs to surrounding towns and as far away as Butte. If those cattle are out there, we’ll find them.”
“He couldn’t have timed a visit home any better,” she whispered, yawning. “We’ve ruined his extended vacation, though.”
Simon gazed down at her as she dozed off a few minutes later. He could sit like this for the rest of his life. Soon, he needed to share his plans for their future with Violet. He hoped there’d be no arguing. He intended to fence off their own pasture land with the new barbed-wire fencing. The overgrazed land needed to recover, and controlling grazing was the answer to his way of thinking. And fewer cattle. And they’d set aside land for hay. And for growing feed. No one wanted a repeat of last year’s winter. Planning ahead was the answer.
Of course, all of his planning depended on one little word. Yes. When he asked Violet to marry him, if she turned him down then all his planning would be a waste of good thinking. And over the years he’d thought out their lives together three ways from Sunday.
He shifted around and scooped her into his arms. Always the gentleman, he carried her over to her bedroll and tucked her in all safe a
nd sound. In case anyone was watching, he didn’t kiss her goodnight. Simply settled the bedroll around her shoulders and left her sleeping.
“Goodnight.”
The softly spoken word startled him and then he smiled. “Goodnight, Violet.” He hadn’t realized she’d roused from sleep while he was carrying her. “Sleep well,” he added.
She turned on her side and sighed. He returned to the fire, tossed a log on to keep it going through the night, and then crawled into his own bedroll. Maybe he’d catch a few winks still. If he could stop thinking about Violet for a few minutes. But with any luck at all, he’d dream about the auburn-haired beauty he intended to marry one day.
* * *
Violet couldn’t recall if she’d talked to Simon in the middle of the night or not. Fleeting memories of sitting by the fire in the safety and warmth of his arms popped in her mind. Had she admitted being frightened by the nightmare? He’d kissed the top of her head and talked to her, about what she couldn’t recall. And then she’d drifted back to sleep and he’d carried her over to her bedroll and tucked her in. The whole scenario seemed so real. Or perhaps she’d dreamt it.
“Good morning,” Simon greeted her, smiling.
She waved from the opposite side of the fire, sipping a cup of coffee one of the other ranchers had offered her. “Good morning.”
“Sleep well?”
“Like a log, I suspect.” She stretched her back and rotated her arms. She seemed to have recovered from the previous day’s ride, but tonight she’d be hurting again no doubt.
“Mount up. We’ll be leaving in a couple minutes,” he warned her.
She polished off the rest of the coffee and tossed the dregs. “You bet.” She tucked her cup into her saddlebag and checked the cinch on her mare’s saddle. She’d hated leaving Atlas behind, but his health had taken priority. She mounted up ready for another day of searching. Maybe today they’d be lucky.
Roland rode up beside her. “How are you doing?”
“Annoyed we haven’t found anything yet,” she admitted.
Roland leaned closer and whispered, “You’re going to make a good wife for Simon. You’ll fit into their family perfectly. None of the McLennons have a patient bone in their body either.”
Violet swatted his arm. “Quiet. Someone will hear your silliness,” she scolded him.
Roland clicked his tongue and his horse trotted off, the rider chuckling.
Simon rode up. “May I ride alongside you?”
“You may,” Violet replied. “Where are we searching today?”
“We’re a half day’s ride south and west of Butte.” Simon gazed into her eyes. “Daniel reported a fellow he encountered on the trail yesterday afternoon telling him about hearing cattle mooing and moving about some distance from his campsite a few nights ago. Seemed odd to him, but he didn’t investigate, knowing how sound carried in the night. Could be the rustlers we’re looking for.”
“So we could be closing in on them?” Violet couldn’t contain the excitement in her voice. Any positive news raised her spirits. And this was the first promising report she’d heard.
“I guess we’ll see.” Simon touched her leg. “How did you sleep after your bad dream?”
Violet felt her mouth drop open. So she hadn’t dreamt their encounter in the middle of the night. “All right. Thank you for asking.”
Simon nodded. “That’s good. These are long days. You need your rest.”
Violet and Simon rode together for most of the morning, but after the midday break, her brother returned to her side. He seemed preoccupied and she wondered if he regretted coming along.
“What’s on your mind?” she ventured.
Roland startled and glance at her. “Nothing.”
Violet chuckled. “You can’t fool me. Your mind works at full speed except when you’re sleeping. And then you’re probably dreaming about something. Spill it.”
“This… this search seems like…”
“A waste of time,” she blurted.
He shook his head. “Needle in a haystack.”
“No one knows the vastness of Montana Territory better than you,” Violet reasoned. “We’ll find them. I’m not giving up.”
“You sound like Simon. Optimistic to the end. He’s convinced they’re around here somewhere also,” Roland scoffed. “I’m content with coming along in case we find the cattle and some of them need medical tending, but it’s taking so long…”
“Stop!” Daniel shouted nearby.
Everyone reined their horses to a halt.
Daniel dismounted, and a moment later, Simon and two other men joined him, staring intently at the ground.
“What do you suppose that’s about?” Violet whispered.
Roland shrugged. “Maybe they picked up hoofprints. Didn’t want everyone riding over them, obliterating a trail,” he speculated.
Violet gazed to the left where thick forest blocked her view. Had the rustlers taken the cattle into that forest? The trees grew very close together; a person could find themselves lost quite quickly. And finding the cattle might prove impossible. “We may have discovered that haystack you mentioned,” she muttered, meeting her brother’s eyes.
Soon, Daniel determined the cattle had been driven into the forest and hidden somewhere among the vegetation. The cattle would remain there until arrangements to transport them to market could be finalized. Instructions were given by Daniel to travel in twos or threes. Men who’d brought a compass were matched up with those who hadn’t. No one wanted a friend or neighbor to go missing, further hampering the search for the cattle.
“All right, everyone.” Daniel stood in his saddle’s stirrups to better garner the group’s attention. “If someone encounters the rustlers, fire two shots and help will be on the way. Don’t worry about gunfire scattering the cattle. We’ll round them up again after the rustlers are either killed or under arrest.”
A murmur of understanding moved throughout the search party.
“Don’t put your lives at risk,” Daniel continued. “Wait for help to come before you confront these men. They have nothing to lose and they won’t hesitate to shoot you.”
“Be careful, everyone,” Sheriff Robertson called. “It’ll get dark in the forest way before it’ll be dark in this valley. Soon as your vision is hampered, get back out here. We’ll start searching again tomorrow. Now let’s go find some cattle.”
Chapter 24
Violet ached from head to toe. Dirt and dust covered her clothing, and her hair seemed matted to her head. Low-hanging tree branches had scraped her face and torn a hole in one sleeve of her coat. She would give anything for a hot bath. Of course, she could barely hold up her head from exhaustion, and she’d probably drown in the bathtub.
Were they even making progress? The ranchers and their cowhands had been searching the forest for the missing cattle and the rustlers for another three days now. To no avail. The area encompassed a vast amount of land, and she wouldn’t be surprised if the rustlers were moving the cattle from place to place and the ranchers were none the wiser.
“How are you holding up?” Simon stood in front of her, drinking a coffee before setting out on another day’s search.
“I want this over,” she muttered.
Daniel stepped up beside them. “We all do. But we’re not giving up.”
Violet tipped her head. “I shouldn’t be complaining. You’re supposed to be on vacation at the Double M with your lovely wife and daughter. Instead, you’re traipsing around here with us, looking for stolen cattle.”
Simon chuckled. “And he’s enjoying every minute of it. Pinkertons get their man, every time.”
Daniel shook his head. “We know the rustlers drove the cattle in here. We saw the trail of hoofprints. We’re not stopping until we find them.”
“I appreciate your help. All the ranchers couldn’t be more thankful that you’re assisting us,” Violet offered.
“I sent a telegraph to my superiors and they approve of
what we’re doing.” Daniel nodded toward Sheriff Robertson standing nearby. “And the local lawmen are eager to find these culprits. To steal over five hundred head, there are several men involved in this. And we want every one of them brought to justice.”
“Or killed trying.” Simon shrugged. “Some fellows would rather die than face a judge and prison time.”
“He’s right, Violet. But I’m determined to see justice is done and return the cattle to their rightful owners.”
“Thank you, Daniel.” Violet touched his arm. “Your visit home couldn’t have come at a better time for us.”
“And I don’t mind lending a hand. There’ll be plenty of time to relax later.” Daniel chuckled. “It’s a long train ride home.”
Violet burst into laughter. “I’ve travelled by train. All that noise from the wheels on the tracks. Brakes squealing when rolling into stations. Covered in soot from the engines when another passenger opens the window. Oh, yes, very relaxing indeed.”
“Private cars do have their advantage,” Daniel replied, smiling.
Violet nodded, knowing a person of means like Daniel McLennon could afford such luxury. She imagined most Pinkerton agents couldn’t cover the cost of a private car for traveling, but perhaps she was mistaken. She hadn’t a notion what being a Pinkerton involved, except they were renowned for their detective work.
“Let’s go. Perhaps today we’ll find these bast… fellows.” Simon mouthed the word sorry to Violet after almost slipping up in front of a lady.
She nodded her forgiveness. “Let’s hope so,” she whispered. She’d like nothing better than to find the culprits, find her cattle, end this search, and return home.
Simon checked the cinch and then helped her into the saddle. Despite her insistence she could handle everything herself, he never missed an opportunity to look out for her well-being. He truly loved her. She didn’t doubt that for a moment. And she loved him dearly. If only he wouldn’t fuss so much. She hated thinking the other ranchers considered a female rancher unique. Did they also believe her less capable of handling the task of finding their herds?
Inherit A Dream (Sons Of A Gun Book 4) Page 14
