Tilting his glass toward Nate, he nodded. “So be it. I’m glad to have you along.”
Circle M
Christmas loomed less than ten days away, but Geneen couldn’t feel any enthusiasm for the holiday. Each day, she found herself thinking of Nate more, not less, wondering if she’d made a huge mistake leaving Settlers Valley. Sarah loved having her back, telling Geneen to give it a little more time before deciding whether to return to Highlander Ranch.
In a short time, Caleb’s ranch had become her home, a place she felt needed and appreciated to a greater degree than at Circle M. As the largest ranch north of Sacramento, the MacLarens had their pick of ranch hands, fostered solid relationships with cattle buyers, and included a family who’d grown up raising cattle and horses. Caleb and Heather still had a great deal of building to do, which excited Geneen. She wanted to be a part of their success.
“I wondered where you disappeared to after supper.” Sarah sat next to Geneen on the porch swing, setting an almost completed quilt on her lap. They rocked back and forth, saying nothing for several minutes as they stared out over the distant mountains. “Christmas is almost here.”
Geneen nodded, not taking her gaze from the star-filled heavens. The temperatures had dropped a little each night since her return. Not enough for snow, but cold enough for everyone to bundle up in heavy coats when outside.
“Are you planning to stay?”
A grim smile crossed Geneen’s face at her sister’s question. “You asked me the same question yesterday. And the day before.”
Folding her hands together on top of the quilt, Sarah glanced at Geneen. “You’ve been so quiet. It’s beginning to worry me. Kyla and Colin are concerned about you, too. Is it being away from Caleb and Heather that bothers you so much, or what happened with Nate?”
“I’ve been wondering the same. Being here has given me time to think about why I left. The conclusion I’ve come to is it’s a mixture of reasons. I do miss Heather and Caleb. We became close the last few months and work well together.” She looked at Sarah. “We’ve a routine that worked for us. I know they have a great deal more work with me gone.”
“Maybe we should ask Ewan about sending help. Maybe Blaine or Fletch.”
Geneen shook her head. “It wouldn’t be right to take them away from their duties here.”
Sarah twisted her hands in the quilt, biting her lower lip, thinking about what she’d heard around the ranch. “I’ve heard some rumors.”
Shifting in the swing, Geneen tugged at her coat, huddling deep inside its warmth. “Rumors?”
“Uncle Ewan and Uncle Ian are considering making changes. If they do, the decision will affect everyone.”
Geneen leaned toward her. “What have you heard?”
Sarah looked around, then behind her, making certain no one could hear them. “You know Sean has been desperate to go to veterinary school,” she whispered, mentioning Ian’s oldest son.
Geneen nodded. “He wants to attend Highland Society’s Veterinary School in Edinburgh, Sarah. He’d be gone for years, living in Scotland…alone.”
“It’s true. Colin, Quinn, and Brodie have been encouraging the uncles to consider it. He’s so smart and gifted.”
Looking back out at the mountains, she thought of Sean being gone. His skills saved many animals on the ranch. He kept abreast of the latest therapies and cures, reading everything he could order from back east and Europe.
“Does the family have the money to send him?”
Sarah nodded. “Colin says they would make do. Blaine and Fletch are very good with the animals.”
“Not as skilled as Sean.”
“No. But his heart is set on going. Several of us are afraid he’ll take off one day to fulfill his dream, with or without the family’s blessing.”
Blowing out a breath, Geneen nodded. “When would he go?”
“If the uncles decide to send him, he’d leave within a few months.”
“He’s so sweet and quiet, Sarah. I don’t know if I’ve ever heard him raise his voice.”
“His quiet is deceptive. He doesn’t hesitate to speak his mind or protect the ranch the same as everyone else. He just has a different way about him.”
Geneen grinned. “He’s a peacemaker.”
“He is. The uncles are going to decide by Christmas, maybe sooner.” Sarah waited a moment before surprising her with one more possible change. “Blaine and Colin aren’t getting along.”
Geneen’s jaw dropped. “I’ve been here a week and seen nothing.”
“They seldom work together anymore. Haven’t you noticed Blaine living with Uncle Ian and Aunt Gail? Colin and Blaine got into a major fight several weeks ago. No one could get between them without getting hit themselves. It was a blessing neither broke any bones. The cuts and bruises were enough. We hauled them into town in the wagon so Doc Tilden could stitch them up.” Sarah gripped the quilt tighter, a shudder rippling through her. “It was awful, Geneen. When they got home, Blaine packed his things and moved to Ian’s. They’ve spoken no more than four or five words since.”
Geneen felt as if a bolt of lightning had speared her. “They’ve always been so close. Colin the oldest son and Blaine the second oldest.”
“It seems Blaine is tired of Colin ordering him around, trying to take their father’s place instead of being the older brother.” Sarah shook her head on a long sigh. “They haven’t worked together since we came back from Heather’s wedding.”
“What are the uncles thinking of doing?”
Sarah glanced behind them at the sound of someone coughing inside, waiting to make certain they didn’t step out onto the porch.
“As far as I know, the uncles haven’t spoken of the rift to anyone. Whatever they may be considering, I believe it involves Blaine.”
Chapter Twelve
Settlers Valley
“The trip couldn’t have been easier. We didn’t see anyone, and Black never made a move to take over the wagon. The sheriff met us at the bank with his men, we unloaded, and Black took off.” Colt leaned against a post at the livery.
Setting down the bridle he’d been working on, Nate straightened. “I followed the wagon the last quarter mile. When I didn’t see anyone and Black didn’t make a move, I turned off at the edge of town.”
Colt scrubbed a hand down his face. “Maybe I’m wrong and he’s in it for whatever money Nettles is paying him. The gold might not be a factor.”
“So arrest Black and haul him back to Conviction.”
Shaking his head, Colt rubbed the back of his neck. “I can’t shake the feeling he’s after a load and is waiting for the right moment. The man doesn’t know how to live unless he’s robbing or hurting someone.”
Crossing his arms, Nate looked through the open doorway to the forge. Marcus worked on a set of horseshoes, paying no attention to the men in back. “When’s the next shipment?”
“I don’t know. Black rode off right after we unloaded the gold. My guess is I’ll hear from him the night before the next load, the same as before.”
“Let me know.”
Colt shook his head. “There’s no reason for you to be involved, Nate.”
“If Black’s plan is to take the gold, he’ll kill you and the other guard. He isn’t going to share the wealth with anyone.”
“I’ll be ready if that’s what he intends.”
“You can’t be vigilant all the time, Colt.” Nate picked up the bridle, holding it up to check his work. “All you need to do is tell me when Black needs you at the mine.”
“Assuming he plans to guard another shipment.”
Chuckling, Nate stared up at him. “Do you truly believe Black set himself up in this position without intending to steal whatever he can?”
Colt pursed his lips, shaking his head. “No. There’s a reason for every move the man makes.”
“The way I see it, you have two choices. Arrest him and haul him back to Conviction…maybe on to Texas. Or stay with him until
he makes a move. If he does what you think, you can arrest him to stand trial in Settlers Valley.” Nate tugged on the bridle, making certain the work he’d done would hold, then set it down. “Of course, if his intent is to steal the gold, the man could end up getting himself shot.”
Colt didn’t try to suppress a slight grin. “It’s been known to happen.”
“Colt?” Marcus walked toward them, holding out a piece of paper. “This is for you.”
“Thanks.” Taking it, he read the contents of the short telegram, not looking up as he read it aloud. “‘Bring to Conviction. Giles Delacroix to testify against Jolly.’” He glanced at Nate. “It’s from Brodie. Do you want to hear what else he wrote?”
Nodding, he swiped an arm across his forehead. “Sure.”
“‘Bring Nate back with you.’” Chuckling, Colt folded the message, sliding it into a pocket. “Your lady is in Conviction and your old job is waiting. What’s keeping you here?”
“Hey now. Don’t be trying to lose me the best man I’ve had since coming to Settlers Valley,” Marcus grumbled before turning around to return to the forge.
Nate watched his boss walk away, feeling a stab of guilt at the thought of leaving. Looking at Colt, he saw the question in the man’s eyes.
“Marcus has been good to me.”
Colt continued to stare at him. “No one’s said otherwise.”
“He’d be in a bind if I left.”
Nodding, Colt shifted enough to see Marcus working at the forge. “True.”
Nate’s face tightened. “Geneen left on her own. She may not want me following after her.”
“Maybe not.” Colt turned to leave, then glanced over his shoulder at Nate. “There’s one way to find out.”
Nate snorted, but kept his mouth shut.
“It’s a short ride. Guess you’ll know when you’re ready, Hollis.”
Nate didn’t reply as Colt walked out a side gate toward the street. He’d been plagued with thoughts of Geneen for months, ever since leaving the Circle M. When she’d shown up in Settlers Valley, he thought they might still have a chance. Her determination to push him away, not listen to his reasons for leaving, raised more doubt than hope.
The night she’d tried to talk, he’d been struggling with his continuing desire for opium. Nate pushed her away, unable to talk about something he didn’t understand himself. He’d spent the night in the old shack behind the livery, waking the next morning with a sense of clarity he hadn’t had in almost a year.
Nate didn’t know what prompted the change and didn’t care. He’d sat up on the old cot, scrubbed his hand down his face, and knew he could overcome anything if he had Geneen in his life.
What he should’ve done was ride back to Highlander Ranch, do whatever it took to get her to talk to him. Instead, he’d waited a day, then another, making certain what he felt that first morning stuck. He took too long.
By then, Blaine and Fletcher had come to escort her home. He hadn’t voiced his thoughts to Caleb or Heather, but in his heart, Nate hadn’t given up. There were things he needed to do in Settlers Valley, decisions he needed to make. And he refused to leave before Colt discovered what Black Jolly had planned.
Colt sat at the supper table at the boardinghouse, sipping coffee, barely hearing the conversation between the two other boarders as he pondered what to do next. It had been several days and two more shipments since the first wagonload he’d guarded. Both times, they made it to town without a hint of trouble.
“Wasn’t that you guarding the ore shipment this morning, Mr. Dye?”
It took him a moment to realize Mrs. Keach spoke to him. Setting down his cup, he cleared his throat. “Apologies, ma’am. What did you say?”
“Didn’t I see you riding into town with the gold wagon today?”
He gave a reluctant nod. “Yes, ma’am, you did.”
“The man riding on the other side. He looked, well…unsavory.”
“Yes, ma’am. He’s someone I’d recommend you stay away from.”
She dabbed her mouth with a napkin, glancing at the other two men at the table. “I’ve seen him in town several times, never with anything other than a scowl on his face. He’s always alone. Except when he’s guarding the wagon, of course. I asked around, and no one knows much about him or where he’s staying. I mean, there aren’t many places in town besides my boardinghouse and those rooms above the Lucky Lady.” She shivered as the words came out. “I don’t even want to think about when those were last cleaned.”
Colt stared at her, surprised Dahlia knew so much about Black.
“Anyway, Josiah…” She glanced around the table at the confused expressions. “Josiah Lloyd, who runs the post office and telegraph, told me the man had sent a letter off to someone in Conviction. Posted it himself yesterday. I suppose everyone must have family somewhere.” Setting her napkin on the table, she stood, holding up her hand when the men started to stand. “No need to get up, gentlemen. I’m just getting dessert.”
While the other two men began conversing, Colt thought about what he’d learned from Dahlia. She’d given him much to think about, as well as a reason for another telegram to Brodie MacLaren. There’d been mention of a woman in Conviction, someone who might have helped Black with the attacks against the MacLarens. No one had any information on her identity.
A quick telegram could alert Brodie. The sheriff might be able to assign a deputy to watch the mail delivery, see if they might be able to identify the mystery woman. If so, he’d bet a month’s pay she’d be able to tie Black to the murder of the MacLaren ranch hand and the poisoning of Circle M cattle.
Pushing away from the table, Colt surged to his feet, looking at the men across the table. “Please make my apologies to Mrs. Keach.”
The photographer began to reply when the salesman interrupted him, his eyes narrowed in censure. “What reason should we give?”
Colt paused for a moment. “Tell her I’m going to track down Josiah Lloyd.”
Circle M
Ewan and Ian MacLaren stood at the head of the large dining room table in Kyla’s house,
waiting as the family assembled. His gaze moving around the table, Ewan stopped on Blaine, while Ian’s gaze landed on his son, Sean.
Quinn MacLaren hurried through the front door, removing his hat. “Sorry I’m late, Uncle Ewan. A few strays got away from me.”
An amused grin appeared on Ewan’s face. “Did you find them, lad?”
“Aye, sir.”
“Then there’s no harm.” Ewan looked at his family, some faces showing concern, others curiosity, while a few looked as if they’d rather be somewhere else. “Ian and I’ve some news for you. As you all know, Sean has been asking to be sent home to attend school in Edinburgh. It’s a long journey and the lad would be gone a long time.”
“Too long in my mind,” Ian interjected.
Ewan nodded. “Aye, it is.” He glanced at Sean, seeing his nephew’s shoulders slump. “We’ve discussed his wish over many glasses of whiskey.”
“Too many,” his wife, Lorna, murmured to Kyla, who stood next to her.
After holding up his hand to stop the snickers, Ewan placed his hands on the table, leaning forward. “We’ve come to the decision to let Sean go.”
A loud whoop sounded at the end of the table where Sean stood with his cousins, Fletcher, Bram, and Camden. His face reddened as those close by clasped him on the shoulder and pulled him into a hug, offering congratulations.
“Your ma and I expect you to return, lad. You’ll not be disappointing us.” Ian scooted past everyone to wrap his arms around his son.
Clearing his throat, Sean choked on the emotion rushing through him. “Thanks, Da. I’ll be coming home. You’ve my promise on that.” He glanced toward his mother, his stomach clenching at the tears in her eyes.
“We’ve one more decision to announce.” The room quieted, their attention back on Ewan. “This is not easy for us, but a choice Ian and I felt had to be made.” His
gaze locked on Blaine. “Lad, we’re asking you to go to Settlers Valley to help Caleb and Heather.”
Blaine’s jaw clenched, eyes burning at his uncle’s words. He couldn’t move, his body rooted where he stood.
“They’ve need of your help, lad,” Ian added, seeing the anger build on his nephew’s face.
Except for the rustling of Kyla’s skirt as she moved next to her son, the room remained silent. She placed a hand on Blaine’s arm, but he shook it away, his body beginning to tremble.
He refused to make eye contact with anyone as pain washed over his face.
“Blaine. Have you nothing to say?” Ewan asked, his face clouding.
Fisting, then relaxing his hands at his sides, Blaine nodded. “Aye. I’ll be leaving in the morning.”
“You’ll not need to be leaving before Christmas, lad.”
Swallowing the bile building in his throat, Blaine met Ewan’s gaze. “Aye, I do. But I’ll not be going to Settlers Valley.” Turning his back on his family, the people he loved most, he began to leave, stopping when Colin grabbed his arm.
“What do you mean?”
Glaring at his older brother, Blaine lifted his hand, shoving Colin aside. “You’ve no say on what I do any longer.” Taking one last glance around the table, he nodded at his younger brother, Camden, and his cousins, Bram and Fletcher, then stormed from the house.
“Blaine, wait!” Kyla ran after him, stopping to cast a withering look at Ewan. “You’ve only yourself to blame for this.”
The front door slammed behind her as she followed her son to the barn, slowing her pace when she saw him gathering his gear.
“Please. You can’t be leaving us like this.”
Almost ripping the hook from the wall as he grabbed a halter, Blaine moved past her toward the door leading to the pasture behind the barn. Whistling, he waited until Galath trotted up to him, lowering his head for Blaine to stroke.
“Where will you go?” Her voice broke, tears pooling in her eyes.
Nate's Destiny Page 11
