She didn’t look at him as she nodded. Gripping both hands in her lap, he could see her tremble, either out of fear or the cold. He crouched in front of her, taking her hands in his.
“Tell me who did this, Dolly.”
Frightened eyes met his and he knew she’d been threatened.
“I can’t. Please. Just leave this alone.”
They’d been friends for over two years. He’d shared her bed countless times, and even though he’d never experienced any of the feelings he had for Lena, he still felt a strong need to protect her.
“I’ll speak with Amos. You’re not to have any guests up here until we figure out who did this.”
“No! I have to work.” Her objection came out as a panicked plea.
“I’ll take care of it with Amos until this is resolved.”
“I can’t and won’t take your charity. This is my mess, not yours.”
“You forget I’m the sheriff in Splendor. Any citizen who’s been beaten as you have is my business. If you won’t give me the name of the man who did this, I’ll find out myself. You can either choose to help or make my job harder.” Gabe crossed his arms, watching her expression change from firm resistance to reluctant defeat.
“Thomas Pennington.”
If he hadn’t been listening, he would’ve missed her whispered response.
“Carlyle’s partner? The one you pointed out to me the other night?”
“Yes.”
“All right.” He pulled a chair over, taking a seat and leaning forward. “Tell me exactly what happened.”
“All I need is your signature here, Gabe, then we’ll be finished.” Harold Clausen handed Gabe a copy, showing him as a fifty percent owner. The new attorney, Del Utley, finished them within hours of being asked. So far, Clausen thought Utley a welcome addition to Splendor. “I’d be happy to file these for you with Otis at the land office.”
“Thank you, Harold. I’d appreciate it.”
“The bank owns quite a bit more land around town if either or both of you have further interest.”
“Who owns the property north of the boardinghouse?” Gabe asked.
Clausen chuckled as he glanced at Nick. “Up until three weeks ago, the bank owned it. Nick is the new owner.”
Gabe turned toward Nick. “That so? And what are your plans for it?”
“The town has one boardinghouse, which has been full for months. Noah and Abby are building small, family homes, but there’s going to be a continuing need for rooms to accommodate workers, not just those who can afford to stay in our new hotel.”
“You’re thinking of building another boardinghouse?” Gabe wondered how a competing place would affect Suzanne.
“Not necessarily. I’d prefer to work with Suzanne to expand what she has and enlarge the restaurant.”
“What has she said?”
Nick cleared his throat, sitting back in the chair. “Let’s just say she’s considering it. It took quite a bit of persuading to get her to hire a new cook. This might take quite a bit more coaxing.”
Their attention darted to the office door as it swung open and Cash entered.
“Excuse me, gentlemen. Gabe, the visitors we’re expecting may be riding into town. Bull spotted a group of five riders coming in from the north.”
Gabe stood, adjusting his gun belt, then turned toward Clausen. “I want you to close now and stay closed until I say otherwise.”
“I don’t want to start a panic, Gabe. We can’t stay closed more than a couple hours.” Clausen grabbed his own gun belt from a hook on the wall, slipping it around his waist.
“It shouldn’t take long to figure out why these men are here. And I want you to send Sally and Abby home.”
“I’ll make certain Abby leaves. It’s doubtful Sally will, though. We’ve had warnings before and she’s refused to go, but I’ll do my best.”
“Nick, can you keep Lena at Suzanne’s?” Gabe asked.
“I’ll try.”
Gabe, Cash, and Nick stepped outside, hearing Clausen lock the door behind them. A group of horses were tied to the post outside the Rose.
“Where’s Beau?” Gabe asked Cash as they took long strides toward the saloon, wanting to get a good look at the newcomers while Nick strode toward the boardinghouse.
“With Gil Murton inside the Dixie. Bull and Travis are at the Rose.”
When they heard shouting coming from the Rose, they picked up the pace, coming to an abrupt stop and peering over the swinging doors.
Al stood behind the bar, a shotgun in hand while pointing at one of the new men who held a bottle of whiskey. “I told you already. Leave the money and you can take the bottle. Pay first, then drink.”
“And I told you, old man, we’ll pay when we’re finished.”
Cash shook his head and stepped inside, Gabe right behind him—both with their hands resting on the butt of their guns.
“Put the bottle down. Once it’s paid for, you’ll be welcome to it.” Gabe walked closer, stopping several feet away.
“This ain’t none of your business, mister.” The stranger never took his eyes off Al’s shotgun.
“Well, you see, it is my business.” Gabe stepped in front of him, his back to Al, who lowered the gun and waited.
Eyes growing wide at the sight of Gabe’s badge, he set the bottle on a nearby table, dug into a pocket, and extracted several coins. “Here.”
“You pay the bartender. I’ll stay right here and make sure no one steals your whiskey.” He glanced at Cash, who leaned against the wall, his gaze trained on the men at the table.
Tossing the money at Al, the stranger grabbed the bottle, joining his friends.
“Took you long enough, Bobby.” One of the men slapped him on the back.
“You boys new in Splendor?” Gabe asked, trying to memorize each face.
The five shifted in the chairs, getting a good look at him.
“We are, Sheriff. Heard you have a nice little town here.” A man, who appeared to be the oldest in the group, stood and faced Gabe, his medium height requiring him to look up at the well over six foot tall lawman.
“You heard right, and my deputies and I aim to keep it that way. Now, do you have jobs around here or are you passing through?”
“Haven’t decided.”
Gabe’s chuckle didn’t change the harsh expression on this face. “I’d advise you to make a decision by tomorrow night. If you don’t have work, I expect you to be gone before sunset.”
“So you’re saying this is our one night in town?” the older man snarled.
“That’s what I’m saying, unless you have a good reason for staying. Have a good night, gentlemen.”
Turning, Gabe and Cash walked out, not acknowledging Bull or Travis sitting at a table near the newcomers. With luck, the two might overhear something helpful while the men drank and played cards.
“What do you think?” Cash shot a look over his shoulder, taking a good look at the horses belonging to the men.
“I’d bet a month’s pay they’re the gang Sheriff Sterling warned us about. I want Beau and Gil in the bank. I’ll ask Noah to get word to Bull and Travis that they’re to keep watch on the men in the Rose. If they leave town, we let them go, but all of us need to stay close in case they return.”
Gabe and Cash entered the Dixie, finding Beau and Gil at a table near the window. “Cash, fill them in while I go speak with Noah.”
Gabe didn’t say he planned to stop at the boardinghouse to make certain Nick kept Lena inside and away from the Dixie and the bank. It didn’t take more than a minute to convey to Noah what he wanted, then continue across the street to Suzanne’s. Inside, Nick and Lena sat together, finishing their lunch. Joining them, Gabe wasted no time describing the incident at the Rose.
“You’re certain they’re the ones?” Nick hadn’t missed the way Gabe looked at Lena when he sat down, or the slight blush on her face.
“As certain as I can be with the information Sterling sent. Fiv
e riders, all new to town, with the look of gunslingers and not cowhands. I understand you’ll need to be at the Dixie, Nick, but I’d like Lena to stay here until we figure out what these men plan to do.”
“I’m sitting right here, Gabe. Why don’t you ask me directly?” Lena’s mouth shifted into a thin line. Crossing her arms, she waited for his response.
He studied her, wondering if she’d listen to him or not. “I want you out of danger. The best way to do that is to keep you off the streets and away from the saloon. I’ve already asked Horace to send Abby home. All I’m asking is for you to stay inside with Suzanne and Fanny.”
“What about Nick? He’ll still be in danger.”
Gabe wrapped her hand tight in his. “He’s prepared to deal with them. Do this for me, Lena. I’ve given them until tomorrow night to leave town. Within forty-eight hours, this will be settled one way or the other.”
“And if they come in here?” She turned her hand over, lacing her fingers with his.
“Stay upstairs or in the kitchen with Suzanne and Fanny, although I doubt they’ll cause trouble while they’re eating.”
“It’s them all right.” The three turned at the sound of Bull’s voice. “The one called Bobby can’t keep his mouth shut. We listened for a while. From what we could hear, all fought for the South, and they’re not too pleased with the way Lee surrendered. When Travis and I left, they were arguing about whether they should ride out or stay to finish what they came here for.”
Gabe walked to the window, watching as the five left the Rose, riding north and out of town, then turned back to Bull. “What’s your gut tell you?”
Bull dragged a hand down his face. “I think they’re going to hit the bank before you have time to prepare a defense. Beau and Gill are already there. It won’t take long for the rest of us to get into position.”
“Let’s go.” Gabe cast one more look at Lena, then followed Bull outside, determined to crush the gang and make Splendor their last stop.
~~~~~
Chapter Fourteen
The sun moved across the sky to signal midday without the outlaws making an appearance. None of Gabe’s men moved from their positions. In another hour, Clausen would lock the doors, securing the money and gold in his vault. If the gang didn’t show by then, they’d all take up their spots again in the morning.
Gabe’s main concern centered on the townsfolk carrying on with their business while staying unaware of the potential danger. At least there were few ranch hands or miners in town this early in the week, and school had already let out for the day.
Moving from position to position, Gabe checked with each of the men until he got to Noah, who leaned against an outside wall on the balcony of the Dixie, his sharpshooter rifle beside him. If the gang tried to rob the bank, he had a clean shot. Whoever came out wouldn’t escape.
“I’ve got a favor to ask you.” Noah glanced at Gabe, needing to get this said.
“Anything, you know that.”
“If the outlaws hit town and I don’t make it—”
“What the hell, Noah? Nothing’s going to happen to you.”
Noah took a breath. “Abby’s pregnant.”
Gabe’s jaw dropped open as understanding flashed across his face.
“Promise me. If anything happens—”
Gabe held his hand up. “You don’t have to ask. I’ll make sure she and the baby are taken care of.”
Noah nodded, then turned his attention back to the street below. “Ah, hell,” he muttered as a group of three wagons entered town from the south, obscuring his view of the bank. “Lousy time for the newcomers to arrive.”
The wagons pulled to a stop along one side of the street in front of the bank. It was then that Gabe and Noah saw the extra horses tied to the back of two of them, a lone rider taking up the rear. Gabe recognized him as the oldest of the men in the saloon.
“It’s them,” Gabe hissed. “They’ve hidden inside the wagons. Look.” He pointed across the street, seeing men jump from the wagons and rush into the bank. “I’ve got to warn the others. Keep your spot here. You’ll have a better chance of sighting them from this balcony than anywhere else. When they come out, pick off the one riding at the back first. That will get us down to four.”
Noah nodded, his face a mask as he focused on the task before him.
Dashing down the stairs and through the Dixie, Gabe spotted Gil peering out the window.
“Gil, the gang hid in the wagons. At least three are already in the bank. Go around back and find a position behind the church. You should have a clean shot when they come out.”
Gil nodded, wasting no time in dashing out the door.
Gabe moved onto the boardwalk, searching for Bull and Travis, who’d hidden along the same side of the street as the bank, opposite where he now stood. Getting Bull’s attention, he pointed toward the bank, hoping he’d seen the men jump from the wagons and disappear inside. At Bull’s positive nod, Gabe signaled for him and Travis to move closer to the general store, which would put them within fifty feet of the bank. Gabe turned his attention to Cash, who’d taken a position outside the Dixie. If the outlaws rode north, he’d be their last opportunity to stop them.
Turning his head, Gabe’s gaze landed on the driver of the first wagon and the two children sitting next to him. He wondered why they hadn’t pulled away, leaving the robbers to their own fate. Focusing on the man’s face, he could see fear and indecision as he glanced at his children, then back at Gabe.
He holstered his weapon and strode across the street to the lead wagon, hoping the outlaw waiting at the back of the third wagon would think he strolled out to welcome the newcomers. Stopping a few feet away, he noticed someone crouched behind the driver, his arm extended, holding a gun to the man’s back.
“I’m Sheriff Evans. You must be new to town.” His gaze locked on the driver, seeing sweat drip from the man’s brow. He also noticed the gun move further into the wagon, the outlaw attempting to hide from Gabe.
“Uh…yes. We’re new.” The man’s voice shook, his face ashen with fear. “I’m Elijah Smith and these are my two sons.”
Gabe extended his arms, hoping the boys wouldn’t hesitate. “Come on down, boys, while your father and I talk.”
Looking at their father for confirmation, the first boy turned, jumping into Gabe’s arms, followed by the younger boy. He set the boy down. “See that man?” he whispered, nodding toward Nick. “You two run toward him like the devil is after you.”
He didn’t have to say another word before they shot across the street toward the Dixie where Nick stood, holding one of the swinging doors open.
Straightening, Gabe again pulled his revolver from its holster, then moved a step closer to the wagon. From his position, he couldn’t see the older outlaw at the back, but he could see the shadow of the outlaw hiding inside the wagon.
“If you need any work done on your wagon, the livery is at the other end of town. Noah Brandt is the proprietor—”
The sound of gunfire inside the bank had Gabe reaching up and yanking Elijah Smith to the ground. In a split second, the outlaw hiding in the back moved forward, aiming his gun at Gabe. No sooner had he shown his face than one well-placed bullet in his forehead slammed him backwards. Gabe looked over his shoulder and up, seeing Noah’s quick nod as he swung his rifle toward the outlaw at the back of the wagons. Another shot rang out and the older outlaw toppled to the ground, unmoving.
Another blast of gunfire erupted as the bank door flew open. Three men, each carrying sacks of money, raced outside. They never had a chance. Gunfire from Cash, Bull, Travis, Gil, and Noah echoed down the street, and within seconds, two of the robbers lay dead. The third, the one they called Bobby, leaned against the outside wall of the bank, his gun at his side, bags of money in a pile at his feet.
“Put your gun down, kid. You don’t want to end up like your friends.” Cash moved toward Bobby, his gun trained on the young man’s chest. “There’s no need for you t
o die today.” Cash shook his head at the others. He wanted to take this one in alive.
Bobby’s eyes widened in fear as his gun arm began to rise, his hand shaking so hard, Cash knew he wouldn’t be able to aim.
“Don’t do it. You’re the last one standing and there are too many of us for you to get away. Just drop the gun and this will all end.” Cash moved a few feet closer, near enough to see the sweat on Bobby’s brow.
Bobby’s body trembled as he continued to raise the gun, aiming at Cash.
“Stop!” Cash yelled at the same time a bullet flew out of Bobby’s gun, missing him by inches. Without further thought, Cash fired, hitting him square in the chest.
Gabe and the others moved forward as Cash knelt beside Bobby, seeing the young man’s eyes slowly close. Checking his pulse, he knew there was no saving him.
Before Gabe could check the men who lay sprawled in front of the bank, Cash rose and pushed past him, dashing inside. His breath caught when he saw Clausen kneeling on the floor next to Beau, a hand putting pressure on a wound to his shoulder.
Cash dropped beside them, seeing a flow of red coming from his friend’s back.
“Beau?” Cash gazed down, watching as Beau’s eyes opened to slits.
“Did y’all get them?” Beau ground out, grimacing when he couldn’t stop the sudden cough which racked his body.
“Get Doc. I think the bullet went straight through, but there’s a lot of blood.” Clausen continued to apply pressure to the wound.
“Bull went to fetch him.” Gabe walked up, crouching next to the men.
Clausen shook his head. “Sally gave them the money and we thought they’d leave. The one who fired didn’t give any warning before he shot Beau. He would’ve pulled the trigger again, but we heard gunfire outside and they scrambled out of here. Cowards, every single one of them.”
“Let me have a look.” Doc Worthington set his bag on the floor, making a quick check of Beau’s wound. “From what I can tell, the bullet went clean through his shoulder. Take him to the clinic and I’ll get him patched up.”
Dixie Moon Page 15
