Chapter Eight
The night had grown late when Dax rode back toward the ranch, feeling good about stopping to see Rachel, even as his mind wrestled with his intentions toward both her and the ranch. He knew Luke had begun to form a bond, not just with the men, but with the land itself. Dax could see it in his brother’s eyes as he gazed to the mountain range at sunset, or made suggestions about expanding. He guessed Luke may have found something he could truly love, as well as a way to release the pent-up aggression and sorrow his brother believed he’d been able to hide so well.
Once more, his thoughts turned to Rachel and the guilt he felt at refusing her plea to help the town. He’d offered to do what he could to spread the word, see if they could come up with someone with experience to take the sheriff’s job. The pay seemed reasonable, the house provided by the town sounded better than in most towns, and the monthly stipend at the general store was generous.
He hadn’t mentioned to Rachel or Charles the decision he and Luke had made to jump in if the town did come under attack from either external or internal threats. As Texas Rangers, they could do no less. They would hold the information close, hoping they’d never need to step up to the task.
From what he’d heard, the town had been quiet for a long time under the keen eye of the previous sheriff, at least up until a few months before his death. Afterwards, instances of shootings, unexplained fires, and missing property had increased. The town leaders wanted the lawless actions stopped.
Dax rounded the last turn before something in the air caught his attention. Smoke. He kicked Hannibal into a gallop, racing forward until he saw what he’d feared. One of the ranch buildings blazed, long streams of red flames spearing into the sky while smoke filled the air. Men were lined up, passing buckets to each other and tossing water on the fire. He drew to a stop and jumped down, racing to Luke’s side.
“What can I do?”
“Replace Bull at the pump.” Luke’s voice carried over the wind whipping through the flames and the neighing of scared horses. “Have him check on the horses.”
Dax pumped water as the men increased the speed of passing the buckets toward the fire. He could see the damage as the flames died down and the sparks gave way to ash floating through the air.
They continued their pace until Dax and Luke were certain all the flames had been extinguished. The men scattered the burning ash, dumping dirt and kicking it around on lingering embers.
“What the hell happened?” Dax asked as Luke stopped beside him.
“Don’t know. Ellis saw it while he took his evening smoke. At least we contained it to the storage building behind the bunkhouse.”
“The furthest building west.” Dax continued to stare at the damage, relieved no one had been injured.
“Easy to sneak in, start a fire, then take off. No one would hear or see you.” Luke responded as if he’d read his brother’s mind.
“Ellis!” Dax looked to the man who stood several yards away and motioned him over. “You see anything at all when you noticed the fire?”
“Nothing, boss. Just flames. I didn’t do much except alert everyone to the fire. Wanted to get it out before it jumped to the bunkhouse.”
Dax turned to Luke. “We’d better go check it out.”
They searched behind the shed, finding nothing except horse prints, until Dax saw boot impressions a few yards from what had been the back wall of the wooden structure. “I can’t tell how long they’ve been here, but my guess is not long.”
“Well, Horace, I don’t know the reason neither of the Pelletiers are interested in the job. They said no and I accepted it.” Charles spoke to the town banker, Horace Clausen, as well as Stan Petermann, owner of the general store, Amos Henderson from the Wild Rose, and Bernie Griggs, proprietor of the Western Union office and the town postman. Clausen had called them to the bank to discuss how to find a new sheriff. “Dax Pelletier did say they’d send out messages, see if they could come up with someone.”
“He came in yesterday with his brother. Sent two messages, one to Austin and another to Independence. He got a short reply from Austin, saying they’d spread the word.”
“These things take time, Horace.” Bernie Griggs glanced at his pocket watch as he spoke. “You know, we could talk to Noah Brandt again. Maybe he’ll change his mind.”
“It’s doubtful. The man seemed pretty firm when he rejected the idea the first time. I doubt if anything’s changed.” Horace paced his office, frustrated at their lack of progress. “We have women and children we need to protect. If we allow it, those threatening and killing people will keep at it. It will spill into our private homes. It’s only a question of when.” He pulled out a kerchief to wipe his brow.
“What about the man who rode into town with Noah?” Griggs asked.
Stan stroked his short beard. “The one who served in the war with him?”
“That’s the one.”
“He stayed a couple of weeks. Had no interest in a town this small. According to Noah, he took off for San Francisco.” Stan knew Noah Brandt better than anyone, yet still saw the man as a mystery. “Of course, it’s been over a year. Perhaps he’s changed his mind. Couldn’t hurt to ask Noah.”
“You’ll talk with him?” Clausen asked.
“Be glad to. Someone should ride to Big Pine, talk to the sheriff again. Maybe one of his deputies would have an interest. I’d go, but can’t be away from the store that long.”
“Rachel and I are due for a trip. Give me the sheriff’s name and I’ll speak with him.”
The men were ready to adjourn when Clausen’s secretary interrupted. “Mr. Tolbert is outside to see you. He asked about the meeting.” The woman glanced at the others in the room. “I told him I didn’t know anything about it.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Phelps. I’ll be right out.”
Charles stood to leave and looked over at Clausen. “Why didn’t you get word to Tolbert about this meeting?”
Horace cast a worried gaze at the others. “Frankly, I’m not sure King doesn’t hold some responsibility for what’s going on. Understand, I have no proof, but it’s hard to forget the way he threatened our previous sheriff when he stood up to King about something the man wanted to do. Tolbert showed no regret when we lost him to a bullet. Why do you ask?”
“No reason. Well, guess I’d better head out, let Rachel know we’ll be riding to Big Pine sooner than expected.”
The men filed past Tolbert on their way out, acknowledging the man, but doing little else.
“What was your meeting about?” Tolbert asked as Clausen held his office door open.
“Usual stuff, King. Fourth of July’s in a few months and they want to start planning some type of shindig.” Clausen knew Tolbert expected to be invited to all meetings of those considered town leaders, or at least apprised of the topics discussed. It irritated most how he acted as if he owned the town, yet contributed little to it, even buying the majority of his supplies in Big Pine. “What can I do for you?”
“I want to know the terms of Pat Hanes’ will. Make sure him passing the land to the Pelletiers was legal. You understand, don’t you?”
Tolbert’s obvious accusation angered Clausen. “Are you accusing me of something illegal?”
“No, of course not. I want to be certain, that’s all.”
“I hate to disappoint you, but the details, as well as the documentation, are private documents and not available for public inspection. You’ll have to believe what transpired happened according to Pat’s wishes. I’ll be glad to submit them to the territory judge when he comes through.”
“He may not be here for months.”
“It’s the best I can offer.” Clausen held his ground. The accounts he held for Tolbert were five times larger than any other customer. It would be disastrous to lose them.
“You know what an impact my ranch and I have on Splendor, right?” Tolbert’s eyes bore into the banker’s. “Sure would be a shame to change banks, or find it necessary to start m
y own.”
Although Clausen believed both were idle threats, he had to consider King’s words.
“Mr. Tolbert, you’ll do what you feel is best for the town, I’m quite certain of that. If you don’t believe my bank is serving your needs, you’ll have to seek alternatives. A Big Pine bank is one, as is starting a new bank. I would mention, however, there aren’t enough people in Splendor to support two banks.” And both men knew who the locals would choose.
King eyed the banker, knowing he had no other options, at least right now. “We’ll wait for the judge.” He stormed from the office, unhappy with the outcome, and knowing there was little he could do, short of finding a way to get to Clausen’s files without the man knowing.
“Dax, you hear what happened near Big Pine?” Luke had spent the day in Splendor, picking up supplies and going by the Rose before riding back. He stopped the buckboard and jumped down, heading toward Dax and Bull standing outside the barn.
“No. What happened?”
“Renegades attacked a group of settlers on their way to Oregon. Killed several before they were run off.”
“How’d you hear about it?”
“The settlers are in Splendor. They decided to stop for a couple of days to replenish what was lost in the raid. By the sounds of it, a few might stay.” Luke started unloading what he’d purchased at the general store, then stopped and turned to his brother. “You think we should do anything about the renegades?”
“Why would we? Sounds as if no one knows for sure who attacked the wagons. Most travelers understand the dangers before they set out.”
“Doc Worthington and Miss Davenport are leaving for Big Pine tomorrow.” Luke’s casual response hit Dax like a fist to his stomach.
He didn’t wait to hear more. Within minutes, he’d saddled Hannibal and tore off toward town, determined to stop the doctor and Rachel from doing something so risky.
Splendor’s main street hadn’t seen so many people in months. Five covered wagons stood at the north end, near the livery. Men gathered in groups, talking, and pointing in various directions. He rode up to the livery and slid off his horse.
“Gentlemen.” Dax tipped his hat at the closest group of men. “I heard you had some trouble.”
“A group of Indians, Sioux is what our guide tells us, attacked us between Big Pine and here. Took off with one of the wagons after killing the driver and his wife.” He stuck out his hand to Dax. “I’m Percy Slater.”
“Dax Pelletier. My brother and I own a ranch north of town. Where are you headed?”
“Planned to go to Oregon. But, now, my wife and I have been talking and we might stay here.”
“Are you farmers, Mr. Slater?”
“Grew up farming, but the war pretty much destroyed what little we had. I owned a restaurant in Missouri. Might try that here. My wife’s a seamstress. Mr. Petermann at the general store said there might be a need for that as the town grows.”
Dax looked up the street to see Rachel emerge from the clinic and hand a small child to a couple, then walk back inside.
“Excuse me, Mr. Slater. There’s someone I need to see.” Dax grabbed Hannibal’s reins and started up the street, determined to talk some sense into Rachel and her uncle.
He knocked, then walked inside, not waiting for Rachel to open the door. “Rachel, are you back there?” He pushed through the door that divided the front area from the examination room and saw her putting away supplies. She turned at his approach.
“Hello, General. I thought I saw you at the livery.” Truth was, her chest had tightened and her heart picked up several beats when she glanced up to see a group of men talking with Noah. Dax stood with them. She’d hoped he might come by so she could tell him of her decision not to allow him to call on her.
“I’ve been speaking with the settlers.” He stood not a foot away, wanting nothing more than to reach out and draw her to him, but he had to be careful around her. The woman had a way of getting to him and crumbling his willpower. “I heard you and your uncle are thinking about going to Big Pine. Is that true?” He had to find a way to ignore the rising apprehension he felt. Perhaps Luke had been wrong.
“Yes. Tomorrow, if Uncle Charles has his way.”
“It doesn’t appear to be a wise idea, given what’s happened.” He felt a contained fury build.
“Perhaps not, but I fail to see how it’s your concern.”
He stepped to within inches of her, crowding her space. “Not my concern?” His voice took on an ominous tone, coming out thin and hard. “It is my concern if you plan to ride into an Indian attack. You did hear about the settlers who were killed, right?”
Rachel took a shaky breath and bit her lower lip. She had no intention of letting him know how his closeness disturbed her. She put her hands on her hips and glared at him. “Of course. I treated one of the children from the group. The man told me it sounded much worse than what actually happened.”
“So a man and his wife getting killed and their wagon stolen isn’t enough for you? What would be worse?” He stared down at her with narrowed eyes, daring Rachel to argue with the facts.
Their eyes locked and, for a moment, neither said a word.
“Of course that’s bad,” she stammered. “I just mean…” Her voice trailed off as Charles walked through the back door.
“Well, Dax. What a nice surprise.”
Dax ignored the greeting. “I’ve come to talk you out of leaving for Big Pine tomorrow.”
“I see. Unfortunately, it’s a trip we must make. We’re low on supplies and someone needs to speak with the sheriff there to see if he knows of someone who’d like to enforce the law in Splendor. Maybe one of his deputies.”
Dax crossed his arms and planted his feet shoulder width apart. “Who’s going with you?”
“What do you mean?”
“Is anyone riding along for protection?” Dax’s patience began to wear thin at the lack of precautions Charles had made to protect Rachel from attack.
“No one. Rachel and I are going alone.”
“Excuse me, but that’s not acceptable.”
Rachel’s eye flared. “Not acceptable to whom?”
Charles held up a hand to warn her off. “You may be right. Nonetheless, we’re leaving tomorrow, with or without protection. If our trip is fruitful, we may have a new sheriff riding along on the way home.”
“Or you may not make it back at all.” His already intense voice displayed the exasperation he felt. These were educated people. How could they not understand the risks?
Dax clenched his jaw, wondering how far he could push the doctor to reconsider his decision. He guessed not far by the determined set of the man’s face.
Rachel stood to the side, trying to respect her uncle’s wishes and stay out of the exchange. After what had transpired in her kitchen, she knew Dax had at least some interest in her, even if he’d refused the job as interim sheriff and would be leaving Splendor as soon as a buyer could be found for the ranch.
She’d reminded herself over and over after he left to keep her feelings in check and not succumb to the strong attraction she felt for Dax. Rachel had always considered herself a strong woman, yet he triggered emotions she’d never experienced before. It would be all too easy to fall under his spell and do something she’d regret. She’d woken the following morning with a firm conviction to decline his supper invitation and keep her distance. She knew it would be painful, yet accepted it as the price she’d have to pay to protect herself from a broken heart.
“Well, it appears we’re at an impasse.” Charles’ voice sounded tired, resolute.
Dax’s eyes shifted from Charles to Rachel, and held. “Fine. I’ll take one of my men and we’ll ride with you.”
“No.” Rachel’s firm response surprised her uncle as much as Dax. “We don’t require your help. We’ll be fine.”
“Now, Rachel, what Mr. Pelletier says makes sense. If he’s willing to ride along and provide protection, I’m not going
to refuse.”
“I’ll find someone else. Perhaps one of Mr. Tolbert’s men would join us.”
“No,” Charles and Dax said in unison.
Her uncle narrowed his eyes at her. “We will not rely on one of Tolbert’s men to help us. I’d go alone before I’d approach that man.”
“You won’t be going alone. I’ll be back in the morning with one of my men.” He nodded at the two, then left, frustration and anger still coursing through him, yet not entirely unhappy with the outcome. Although he didn’t have the time to spare, at least he’d be able to spend time with Rachel. If they were determined to go, he wanted to be the man riding along.
Rachel turned to her uncle. “What are you thinking, having him ride along with us?”
“I’m not certain what your issue is with Mr. Pelletier, but I’ll not refuse his offer. He’s right. The attack makes the trip more dangerous and we should have protection.”
“But you said—”
“I know what I said. The smart course is entirely something else.”
The truth dawned on Rachel. “You purposely baited him so he’d offer to help.” Her uncle didn’t respond. “Fine, don’t admit it. But know this. It will be a long and miserable trip.”
She stormed from the clinic, anger rolling off her. After making her decision to distance herself from the source of her unease, the last man she wanted to spend time with would be accompanying them on their trip. Dax and another cowboy from his ranch would be a part of their lives for at least four days. She groaned at the prospect of being in his company for so long.
Rachel grabbed a small bag and started to throw her necessities inside, along with a gun and bullets. It had been a long time since she’d had to fire the weapon and sincerely hoped she didn’t have to use it on this trip. However, a body would be foolish not to go prepared after what happened to the settlers. She set the bag near the door and undressed, pulling on her nightgown, then brushing out her hair before braiding it into a long strand.
She glanced into the mirror and winced at the slight wrinkles in the corners of both eyes. Most women were married by her age, or that seemed to be the custom before the war anyway. It sobered her to think she might never meet the right man, marry, and have children. Her mother had made it her mission to sort through the eligible beaus in Boston and present Rachel to them. She’d been unimpressed with each one. Only one man held her interest, triggered her heart to race and her body to experience wonderful, yet frightening emotions—Dax Pelletier. Admitting it galled her.
“Bull is the best man to take with you. We’ll be fine for a few days without him.” Luke worked on a frayed spot in Prince’s halter, then set the rope aside. “Unless you want me to go.”
“No, you’re needed here. I want to talk to one of the bankers in Big Pine, let him know the ranch may be for sale and discuss prices. I’ll speak to Horace Clausen when I return.”
“Sounds like the decision is final.”
Dax took off his hat and speared a hand through his hair, letting his arm drop to his side. “I’m not certain of my decision. All I do know is I’m not ready to assume leadership of a ranch, not even if the responsibilities are shared with you.”
Luke strolled to the back of the barn and threw open the doors, framing a spectacular view of the Territory Range. “It’s a sight, isn’t it?”
Dax joined his brother and stared out. “It surely is.”
“You’re ready to walk away from this?”
Dax glanced at his brother, unaware he’d begun to develop the same fondness for the land and the growing town as Luke. “I’m not ready to be tied to it, the same as I wasn’t ready to reclaim our place in Savannah. There’s more out there I need to see before settling down. And even when I am ready to stay in one place, I doubt it will be in a small town in Montana.”
“And Rachel?”
This time Dax’s head swiveled, his eyes locking on Luke’s. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Are you going to deny you have feelings for her? Hell, Dax, I’ve seen the way the two of you are with each other. I don’t know anything about her, but you? I can’t recall the last time a woman affected you the way she does. Are you certain you can ride out and leave her behind?”
Dax’s jaw worked, but he held his silence. He would not let a few lustful urges dictate what he did with his life. He’d make a choice to stay in Splendor or head back to Austin based on what he wanted, as he always did. No one dictated how he lived his life, certainly not one pretty nurse who lived in the far northwest frontier—and served on the wrong side of the line.
“You hear me good. She means nothing to me. I’ll make up my mind, regardless of how I feel about any woman.” He turned without another word, his face set in stone, and left the barn.
Dax’s indignation rose with each purposeful stride. Luke knew him better than anyone. How could he believe, even for a moment, his mind would be swayed by a saucy, smart female who irritated him more than anyone he’d ever met? He stormed up the front steps, almost slamming the front door on his way to the study. There wasn’t a chance he’d let a woman get under his skin enough to alter whatever he decided to do. Not...One...Chance.
Luke watched as Dax disappeared into the house, amusement sparking in his deep caramel-colored eyes. His brother was well and truly caught. He just hadn’t figured it out yet.
“Everyone ready?” Dax watched as Rachel settled onto the wagon seat next to her uncle and arranged her skirt. The sun had begun its climb over the eastern skyline. The day promised to be long. Dax expected they’d reach Big Pine at dusk, in time to take care of the horses, find rooms, and eat.
“We’re ready.” Charles signaled the horses with a gentle slap of the reins.
Bull rode behind the wagon. He waved to his boss and they were off.
The group stopped near a riverbank at noon, watered their horses, and ate the cold chicken and biscuits Rachel had packed. Bull leaned against a tree trunk, talking with the doctor, while Rachel walked along the edge of the water, listening to the ripples and watching the occasional trout resting in a nearby eddy. So far, the trip had been easy and, in Rachel’s mind, a relaxing change from the hectic pace at the clinic.
“We appreciate the food. Bull and I were prepared to eat jerky and hardtack.” Dax sipped from a canteen and then offered it to Rachel, who took a long drink.
She shrugged off his gratitude. “I’d made extra last night, knowing we’d need it today.”
“How long will you stay?” Dax heard the words tumble from his mouth, surprised he’d voiced the question he’d had on his mind since they’d met.
Rachel understood what he was asking. “I’m not sure. Perhaps two years, maybe forever. I know a life in Boston isn’t what I’m after. It’s so…” Her voice trailed off when she realized she’d started to reveal more about herself than intended.
“So?” Dax prompted.
She took a slow breath, considering her words. “Normal, I guess. When the war ended, I traveled home for a couple of months before starting the journey out here. Nothing much had changed since before the war. Friends still spoke about the same topics—fashion, social affairs, appropriate marriages—as if the relevance of those issues had remained unchanged. I no longer held similar interests. Perhaps I’d seen too much.” She glanced up at him. “Does that make sense?”
It made tremendous sense to Dax, although his neighbors and friends in Savannah had experienced a different type of war than those who lived in Boston. The south had been devastated, while the northeastern seaboard emerged relatively unscathed.
“It’s hard to imagine anyone not touched by the war. You and I experienced the carnage firsthand. Many didn’t.” His voice took on an introspective tone. “I haven’t decided if the experience will make me a better or worse person.”
Rachel absorbed his words, knowing his words could have come from her. She had yet to regain the light, frivolous attitude so much a part of her before the war, and doubte
d it would ever be within her grasp again. She turned to face him, staring into the depths of his deep gray eyes, and thought she understood what those eyes had beheld.
“From what I’ve seen, General, you are an honorable man and, I’m guessing, a better person for your experiences.” She flashed him a brief smile.
The impact of her words and smile shouldn’t have surprised Dax, yet they did. She had a way about her. The cloying banter, so much a fixture in conversations with women of the South, were lacking in Rachel’s life. Syrupy praise and false platitudes weren’t a part of her character.
“Rachel, I—” Dax’s words were cut off when both turned at the sound of Bull’s voice.
“Boss! You and Miss Davenport ready to head out?”
Dax waved to him. “We’re on our way.” He looked at Rachel. “It’s time we left.” A part of him was glad for the interruption. He wasn’t even certain what he’d been about to say. Rachel’s closeness had Dax wishing for things he’d pushed to the back of his mind, not to be visited until well into his future. She made him want to reexamine what he believed important, including his desire to return to Texas.
Within minutes, they were continuing their journey. All were surprised by the relative ease of the trip. It took over ten hours to reach Big Pine, yet they’d experienced not a single threat, nor had they seen another human being the entire day. They’d taken care of the horses, found rooms, and finished a quiet supper before turning in.
Rachel lay in bed, exhausted and glad half their journey was over. She’d spent most of the time trying not to focus on Dax and his unnerving presence. She’d hoped by walking away from the wagon during their noon meal, she’d be signaling her desire to be alone. A stroll along the river seemed perfect. But, within minutes, he’d come up beside her. It seemed strange how she’d felt, more than heard, his approach. She’d briefly considered telling him she needed space, then thought better of it. After all, he had taken several days of his time to escort them to Big Pine and deserved her appreciation, no matter how unwanted his company.
Their discussion by the river had done nothing except increase her interest in the man. Now, like at home, he haunted her thoughts, making her incapable of sleep. All she asked tonight was to be free of the persistent dream of him entering her room. One night of complete rest, without his presence during her sleep. Was that too much to ask?
~~~~~
Redemption's Edge Page 11
