Chapter Ten
“I don’t recognize either one of them.” Horace Clausen stared down at the bodies, wincing at the chemical smell. He looked up at Stan Petermann. “Have you ever seen them?”
“Not me. You say there were more than these two?”
“Maybe three or four others rode off. I was so busy shooting and ducking that I didn’t get a chance to count.” Charles threw the cover back in place.
“Do you think Noah would recognize them?” Horace asked.
“Noah took a look earlier. Said he’s never seen them.” Charles looked into the front room at the sound of boots pounding on the wood floor. “Ah, Dax. I hoped you’d make it while Horace and Stan were still here.”
“Doc.” Dax pulled his hat off and joined the others. “Any luck?”
“No one recognizes them, and that includes Noah Brandt. Come on back to the house. I’ll get us coffee while we talk.”
Dax glanced around the house, then took a seat.
“She’s at the general store.” Charles handed Dax a cup filled with hot, black coffee, then did the same for the others and took a seat. “What are your thoughts?” He addressed the question to Dax, understanding the man had a history with Drake.
“Do you know if anyone’s sent word to Tolbert about the shootings?”
“Not yet. I wanted to see if anyone in town recognized them first.” Doc sipped at the hot brew before setting his cup aside.
“I’ll take a couple of men with me and ride out to his place. It might be best if I take the bodies so I can gauge the look on their faces when they see them.”
“Any luck finding someone interested in being the sheriff?” Clausen looked at Charles, already seeing the answer in the man’s face.
“Sheriff Sterling is looking for a deputy himself. He offered the job to Gabe Evans, who turned him down flat.” A look of disappointment crossed the doctor’s face.
“He said he had no interest in being a lawman in Big Pine. That doesn’t mean he might not have an interest in Splendor.” Dax had thought about Gabe on his ride back to the ranch the night before. The man had a quick gun, seemed slow to anger, and held strong convictions. For a Northerner, he seemed all right.
“We asked him when he and Noah rode into town last year,” Horace said. “Turned us down, too.”
“Men change their minds. Maybe I’ll have a talk with him.”
Dax and the others turned at a knock on the door. Charles opened it to see Horace’s secretary, Mrs. Phelps, standing outside, wringing her hands.
“Is Mr. Clausen here?”
“He is. Please, come inside.”
“Maybe for a moment. I need to let him know Mr. Tolbert is at the bank and ready to bust a gut.” She clamped a hand over her mouth when Charles smiled.
“I heard you, Mrs. Phelps. I’m on my way. Guess I’ll speak with you gentlemen later.”
“I’ll go with you, Horace.” Dax grabbed his hat and followed the banker out the door, then turned to Charles. “Let Rachel know I’m still counting on taking her to supper.”
The two men entered the bank to find Tolbert in the office, pacing, his anger escalating with each passing second.
Horace held out his hand. “It’s good to see you, King.”
Tolbert waved off the extended hand. “What’s this I hear about two of my men being killed?”
Horace and Dax glanced at each other before the banker spoke. “News does travel fast. I didn’t know you were aware of the shootings. I just found out myself this morning.”
Tolbert’s face reddened, realizing he’d said more than he’d intended. He shrugged it off. “Doesn’t matter how I heard. Is it true?”
“Might be, if the two bodies at the doc’s are your men.” Horace slid back into the coat he’d just hung up. “Come with us.”
Horace didn’t knock before throwing open the clinic door and walking in with King and Dax, and heading to the back room. “Do you recognize them?”
Tolbert took one look at the bodies and stepped back. “Yes. Those are two of the men I hired to keep watch on my land near Big Pine.” He glared at Dax. “Did you do this?”
“They attacked the doctor, Miss Davenport, Bull, Gabe Evans, and myself while we rode back to Splendor. Came out of the hills west of Big Pine and started shooting. I believe they got more than they expected.” Dax stood his ground. The fault rested on Tolbert for the death of the two who lay before them. “I want the others brought in for trial, Tolbert. Were they acting on your orders?”
“Hell no. I don’t know what they were thinking shooting at the doctor and Miss Davenport, but I aim to find out.” He slammed through the door, heading for his horse.
“I’m going with you.” Dax grabbed Hannibal and mounted before King could object, all thoughts of supper with Rachel forgotten.
“I can deal with my own men, Pelletier.”
“I’m sure you can, but I’m still going.”
They rode in silence, not speaking until they dismounted in front of Tolbert’s ranch house.
“Drake!” Tolbert stomped toward the barn, anger pulsing through him at the thought his men could’ve been so reckless as to shoot at Rachel and her uncle. He spotted one of the hands working on a horse near the back. “Where’s Drake?”
The ranch hand jumped at the hard tone of Tolbert’s question. “He and some men rode over to the Pelletier property, like you asked.” The man shut his mouth when he spotted someone standing behind his boss.
“What the hell did you send them to my place for?” Dax moved up to within a foot of Tolbert, planting his feet, a hand resting on the butt of his gun.
Tolbert glared back at Pelletier. “We’re looking for a stray bull. Drake thought perhaps he’d gotten lost on your place.”
“If he did, my men would’ve sent him back. You sure there wasn’t another reason? No orders to shoot at my men or stampede the cattle?”
“I never gave an order to shoot at any of your men. Wilson getting shot had nothing to do with me.”
The ranch hand looked behind the men who faced off, seeing Abigail Tolbert walk into the barn. “Good afternoon, Miss Abigail.”
King and Dax turned at the man’s words.
“Father, is everything all right?”
He shot a look at Pelletier, warning him not to say anything further in front of Abby. “All’s fine, Abby. I need to speak with Drake. You remember Dax Pelletier, our neighbor?”
“Of course. Hello, Mr. Pelletier.” To King’s disgust, she made a slight curtsey.
He pulled off his hat. “Miss Tolbert.” He turned from the young woman, his focus on her father again. “I’m heading to my place to make sure your men aren’t doing anything more than looking for a stray bull. You will hear from me if I find otherwise.” He stormed from the barn, swung onto Hannibal, and made good time to the ranch.
He slid to the ground and tore up the front steps. “Bernice, do you know where Luke and the others are?”
“Well, let’s see. I believe Luke and some of the men rode to the western property line, checking for strays, while Ellis took a group north. Luke spoke with Hank before he left. He came inside to lie down if you want to talk to him.”
Dax followed Bernice. He knew Hank had been giving his wife a hard time for days, pushing himself too hard and not resting enough.
“How are you feeling?” Dax asked as he took a seat next to the bed.
“I feel great, but the woman keeps telling me I’m pushing myself too hard. How about talking to her for me, Dax?” Hank glanced at his wife who stood by the door, not at all vexed by her husband’s words.
“Sorry, Hank, but from the looks of you, it seems Bernice may be right. You need to take it easy before you can handle the normal load. Until then, did Luke tell you exactly where he and the others would be working today?”
“Sure did. He and some of the boys are working on the west side, near Wildfire Creek. I swear your brother picks the spot because he likes it. Says it’s one of the nicest places
on the ranch. Anyway, he told me they’d be looking for strays.”
Surprise registered on Dax’s face. Luke had never even mentioned the creek as far as he could recall. He’d have to ask him about it. “And the others?”
“North end, near Survivor Pass. Ellis and the boys are checking for strays. They all plan to be back for supper.”
Supper! Dax had forgotten about Rachel and his invitation to take her to supper. He looked at Bernice. “What time is it?”
She walked over to the dresser to pick up Hank’s pocket watch. “‘Bout six o’clock. Why?”
“I’ve got to head back to town. When the boys get back, tell them that Drake and his men have orders to find a stray bull. Tolbert thinks it’s on our place. No trouble. I want them to keep a look out for him and his men.”
Dax’s quick strides had him out the door and riding out of the ranch within a few seconds, not taking time to change into a clean shirt or shine his boots. He didn’t want to take a chance on being late and giving her an excuse to refuse supper with him.
“All I know is he rode out to the Tolbert ranch with King.” Charles watched Rachel pace back and forth, her irritation increasing with each turn.
“Well, I’m not waiting any longer.” She started for the kitchen to ladle up her own bowl of soup when a knock sounded.
“Shall I answer that for you?” His condescending tone wasn’t lost on Rachel.
She set down the spoon, cast her uncle a contemptuous look as she walked past, and opened the front door. One hand on the doorknob, the other on her hip, she shot Dax a disinterested look, trying to hide her irritation.
He held his hat in both hands, fingering the edges and looking a bit mussed. “My apologies. I had to take care of a situation at the ranch and didn’t have a chance to change. I hope you’ll still agree to have supper with me.”
The sheepish look on his face softened her mood, making her think perhaps she’d misjudged him—at least in some ways. She understood the danger he posed to her heart. The wild emotions his kiss elicited the night before confirmed it.
“Truthfully, I had given up on you. You caught me just before I’d decided to prepare a bowl of soup. You wouldn’t care for some, would you?” Her slight smile told Dax she already knew the answer.
“Not tonight. However, I’d like to accept the invitation at another time.” He held out his arm. “Shall we?”
She reached for her wrap. “We’re leaving now, Uncle Charles. I won’t be late.”
“Don’t worry about me. Have a good time. You, too, Dax.”
“I plan on it, sir.”
The night air held a slight chill. Rachel secured her shawl and looked up at an almost full moon knowing, in a few nights, it would illuminate the entire town as it became a brilliant ball of light. Dax followed her gaze, then came to a stop, keeping his eyes aloft.
“I used to watch the moon at night, often after a hard-fought battle, and wonder about Luke, as well as the rest of my family. I’d hear other men—fathers, brothers, husbands, uncles—moaning in pain and prayed my family would be spared.” Dax’s solemn voice mirrored his feelings on those nights he lay awake, wrestling with concerns for his family and his men.
“It appears Luke came through unscathed. What about the rest of your family?”
He dropped his eyes to Rachel’s. “No one remained when Luke and I returned to Savannah.” He reached for her hand and proceeded down the wooden walkway toward the boardinghouse restaurant.
“You left it all behind when you traveled to Texas?”
“Yes and no. Luke set up the men and women, who had been our slaves before the war, as Pelletier employees. They work the land, keep everything running well, and they receive wages. If the profits grow, they obtain a percentage of the land over a period of time. One of our bankers handles the details. Luke corresponds with him a few times a year. I would have left it all to Luke, but…” His voice trailed off when he remembered the day he’d left Savannah. “Luke didn’t show up to see me off when I left. A couple hours later, he rode up to my side during a pouring rain. He refused to let me ride out alone and I don’t believe he’s ever looked back.” Dax opened the restaurant door to the rich aromas of beef, onions, and spices drifting through the air.
“I’m guessing it’s pot roast night.” Rachel inhaled deeply, filling her lungs as her mouth began to water. “She cooks it just right.”
“Take a seat anywhere, Rachel.” Suzanne Briar busied herself pouring coffee for a table of cowboys.
Dax led her to a table near a window. They could see the saloon lights across the street and the livery a couple of doors down. He could make out the outline of two men inside and guessed them to be Noah and Gabe.
“Good evening, Rachel, Dax.” Suzanne placed two cups down and filled each with coffee. “What can I get you?”
Rachel hid a smile. Suzanne served one choice each night plus a couple of desserts. “I believe I’ll have the pot roast.” She looked at Dax.
“I’ll have the same.”
Suzanne nodded. “Won’t take long.”
“I wonder why she always asks. Everyone knows she serves one choice each night,” Dax said and sipped his coffee.
“Maybe she thinks it’s hospitable.” Rachel looked around the simple restaurant and recalled all the opulent places to dine in Boston. It would be hard to find two more different worlds. She’d grown up in one, and come to love the other.
“When we spoke before, it sounded like you plan to make your home in Splendor.” Dax picked up his knife and fork and cut into the meal Suzanne had set before him.
“For now, yes. My parents don’t understand how I could shun a society wedding, grand home, and family. Most days, I don’t quite understand it myself. All I know is, this town feels right.”
“So no marriage, no children?” It surprised Dax that Rachel wouldn’t want both.
Her eyes darted to his. “I would like to marry and have a family, but not with any of the men I know in Boston. The life is so rigid and women’s choices are few.” Her gaze wandered back to her plate, her eyebrows knitting together as if she were formulating a complex thought. “My world back east consisted of a string of nannies, visits to approved parks, private schools, and every assortment of social event imaginable. Friendships and activities were decided within certain social boundaries.” She focused again on Dax. “Did you live that way in Savannah?”
He let out a soft chuckle. “Not at all. Don’t misunderstand. We had social functions we were required to attend, and no excuse on earth would allow us to miss school. We were also expected, from an early age, to work in the family business. I chose the sea trade, while Luke worked in the warehouse and distribution office. Both of us understood and worked in the farming and horse breeding part of the business. Our choices suited us both.”
“You’ve ridden your entire life?”
“I can’t remember a time when I didn’t own a horse. My mother joked about us learning to ride before we could walk.” A vague smile appeared at the mention of his mother and he realized how much he still missed his family.
“How about some pie tonight?” Suzanne walked up with two large slices.
“I wouldn’t turn it down.” The plate she set in front of Dax had to be a quarter of the pie.
“Neither would I.” Rachel’s eyes widened at the huge portion, but her mouth still watered. “This looks wonderful.”
“Just baked them a few hours ago. I’ll get more coffee.”
Rachel didn’t wait for the coffee to dig in, not noticing Dax’s expression as he watched her uninhibited enjoyment of the dessert. She looked up after a few bites to see his eyes on her and his pie still untouched.
“What?” She grabbed her napkin, thinking a stray piece of pie must be the reason for his stare.
“Nothing. Just enjoying watching you eat.”
Her face reddened as a grin broke out. “That’s another reason I belong out here. At home, we get small portions, not enoug
h to feed a bird. Here, I can eat as much as I want.”
“Most women in Savannah fretted about their weight. I don’t suppose that worries you.” He picked up his fork and took a bite.
“I guess not because I never give it a thought.”
They finished their pie and walked out into the cool night. Rachel stifled a yawn. It would be considered early by east coast standards. Most people were in bed early and up before dawn in the small town.
“I’d better get you home before you fall over.”
“Sorry. I always get sleepy after I eat.” She glanced up at Dax’s strong profile set off by the bright moonlight, remembering how his lips felt on hers. Her stomach tightened at the memory. “I’m glad you invited me. I had a wonderful time.”
They walked behind the clinic to her front door. One light burned from inside, indicating Charles had already turned in for the night.
Dax turned her to him, his words gentle. “I don’t know what I’m going to do, Rachel. Whether I’m staying or leaving. This,” he let his arm make a wide arc, “is something neither Luke nor I anticipated. We did a favor for a friend and are now the owners of a big spread hundreds of miles from where we planned to settle.” He took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh scent of the evening air. “Knowing how uncertain my future is, would you still allow me to call on you?”
She clasped her hands in front of her, knowing her heart would be in danger whether she continued to see him or not. She’d accepted the fact her heart had already been captured by the rugged Southerner. Whether he stayed or left wouldn’t change it. She could enjoy what time they had or walk away, perhaps regretting the opportunity to know about him.
“I’m sure it’s no surprise how much I like you, Dax. Much more than I should, knowing you’ll most likely leave…” Her voice trailed off as she contemplated life in Splendor without Dax and how he’d become so important to her. “Once you decide how to handle your half of the ranch, there will be nothing to keep you here.”
Except you, Dax thought.
“A part of me wants to keep seeing you. Another part warns me away, believing the pain will be so much worse the more time we spend together.” Her soft green eyes captured his.
He lifted her chin with a finger. “What are you saying, Rachel?”
“I’m not sure, except I already care for you too much knowing you don’t plan to stay.” Resignation and a sadness she’d never felt before tinged her voice.
Her words pierced his heart. Most women he knew would never voice their feelings unless they already believed they knew how the other person felt. Rachel’s honesty meant a great deal to Dax and he had no idea the best way to respond. He couldn’t make promises, yet he had no desire to walk away.
He hesitated a heartbeat before bending down to place a kiss on the corner of her mouth, then one on the other corner before capturing her lips in a heated kiss. He moved his hands to her back and pulled her toward him, intensifying the contact as a sigh escaped her lips. Rachel’s hands rested on his arms, steadying her from the fiery contact that felt both right and terrifying.
His hands moved up her back, one supporting her neck, holding her in place as he shifted his mouth one way, then another. She moaned as he traced the edge of her lips with his tongue, encouraging her to open for him.
Rachel felt like fire in his arms. Her response surprised him, while warning him she wasn’t like any other woman he’d known. He’d never felt his heart trip over itself, yet it did with Rachel. He drew back, placing one more kiss on her mouth.
“We’ll take it a day at a time.” The huskiness in his voice betrayed how far he’d already fallen. “Save every Saturday night for me, and any other time I can make it into town.” He placed one more kiss to her temple, offered a smile, then turned to leave. He stopped at the corner of the clinic and looked back to see Rachel glancing over her shoulder at him as she stepped inside.
She closed the door, leaned her back against it, and took a deep breath. A hand rested on her chest, feeling the staccato rhythm of her racing heart. Common sense warned her she should let him go. Without ever experiencing it before, she knew what she felt for the wandering Texas Ranger was love. Until now, she’d had no idea how frightening falling in love could be.
~~~~~
Redemption's Edge Page 13
