“I’m going inside to make sure Hunt didn’t leave, Jack.” Strolling inside, Brodie looked around before walking to the counter. He recognized the young man as being the son of one of the nearby ranchers.
“Good morning, Sheriff. What can I do for you?”
Scratching the stubble on his face, Brodie struggled to remember the name Hunt was using. “Is Bill Jones still at the hotel?”
“You’re the second person looking for him. The other was that lawyer who works with Mr. Fielder.”
Brodie’s patience disappeared. He already knew about Bay stopping by. “Is he still here?”
The clerk’s body jerked. “Sorry, Sheriff. No. He left before sunup this morning.”
“Did the lad say where he was going?”
“No, sir. He left before I started this morning, so I didn’t speak with him. Mr. Jones left a note on the counter.”
“Thanks.” Brodie hadn’t expected him to get out of town so soon, unless he’d heard Bay had been asking about him. Stepping outside, he found Jack leaning against the side of the building. “Hunt’s gone. He left early this morning. I need to let Bay know. Jack, you go back to the jail and let the lads know about Hunt.”
“Do you think he took off, Sheriff?”
“Nae. I’m thinking he learned Bay found him and moved spots. I want the lads to keep looking for him.”
Although his eyes crinkled at the corners, Jack’s features were serious. “Yes, sir, Sheriff. You can depend on me.”
Brodie grinned at the way he hurried off. No matter how much time passed or how long he’d been a deputy, Jack never changed. His excitement and dedication to the job couldn’t be missed and were as much a part of him as the badge on his chest.
Walking around the side of the hotel, he headed to Bay’s house. After knocking for several minutes, he gave up, deciding to try his office. Before he got too far, the front door of Suzette’s house opened. Brodie hid his chuckle, seeing Bay come down the steps.
“Good morning, Sheriff.”
“Bay. Seems you and your bonny lass must be getting along.”
Glancing behind him at the front door, he thought of Suzette, wondering if she wanted him in her bed as much as he wanted her in his. “Suzette suggested I stay here. Since whoever added poison to my whiskey wouldn’t have been inside her house, it would be safer than staying at mine. There’s nothing more to it, Brodie. Are you headed to the jail?”
“I’ve been looking for you, lad. Hunt left the hotel early this morning.”
Bay expelled a frustrated breath.
“Jack’s letting the other lads know.”
“You don’t think he left town?” Bay asked.
“Nae. My instincts say he’s still in town.” He clasped Bay on the shoulder. “We’ll find him, lad.”
They walked in silence a few minutes before Brodie changed the subject. “Did you hear anything about Cam seeing a woman here in town? He called the lass Betsy.”
Bay thought a moment, a knowing grin twisting his mouth. “I saw him a couple weeks ago in the Feather River Restaurant with a young woman. Cam introduced her as Miss Betsy Arrington. My understanding is she came out from back east to visit a cousin before traveling on to San Francisco.”
“Cousin?” Brodie asked.
“Deke Arrington. He works at the saddlery with his uncle, Rube Ferguson.”
“Aye, I know the lad. There was a time we thought he might court Jinny, but the lass’s heart belonged to Sam. Even after he left her to go home to Baltimore, she had no interest in any other lad.”
“Good thing he came back,” Bay chuckled. “So Cam’s interested in Deke’s cousin?”
“Was interested. He’s brooding about the lass now. I found Cam drunk as a skunk outside the front door this morning.” Brodie shook his head, mouth tight. “Seems the lass left town.”
“They seemed to have a good time at the restaurant, but I didn’t know Cam had strong feelings for her.”
“Enough to get falling down drunk after the lass left.”
Bay chuckled again. “Whiskey can be real good medicine for a broken heart.”
“Are you speaking from experience, lad?”
His mouth slipped into a thin line. “Long months of it.”
Brodie studied him. He didn’t generally get into someone else’s business, but something had bothered him for a while. “Did you and Suzette know each other before the lass came here?”
“Colin didn’t tell you?”
“Nae. The lad hasn’t said a word to me.”
They stopped next to the gunsmith shop on the main street. To the right was Bay’s office, the jail to the left. Pushing his hat farther back on his forehead, he looked at Brodie.
“Suzette is my wife.”
Dave Calvan signed the register at the run-down hotel in the Chinatown section of Conviction. He could afford better, but had to be careful. Bay would suspect he’d stay at one of the better places. There’d be little chance he’d search for him here.
He and two of his men had ridden to Conviction within a day of receiving Ev’s telegram. The trip gave him time to consider how to kill Bay, and maybe his estranged wife. He’d been surprised to learn Suzette lived a few houses away from the husband who’d left her behind. Calvan had felt a deep satisfaction knowing the pain he’d caused both people.
Taking the offered keys to his room and the one for his men, he slung the saddlebags over a shoulder, taking the stairs to his room. The place was cramped. A single bed shoved against one wall, a dresser against another with a bowl, pitcher, and oil lamp on top. Sparse, clean, and located in a place Bay would never suspect.
Unlike in St. Louis, Calvan now had a beard and mustache, his hair longer, falling below his collar. The change would make it almost impossible for either Bay or Suzette to recognize him. At least not in time to thwart his actions.
Pocketing the two keys, he looked out the open window to the bustling street below. The smells of fish, slaughtered chickens, and unfamiliar spices filled the air, making his stomach growl. He’d made arrangements to meet Ev Hunt and his men at the Gold Dust for lunch before going to Buckie’s for cards and whiskey while making plans to draw Bay out.
Heading downstairs, Calvan stepped into the afternoon sun, glancing up and down the crowded street. He’d never been to Conviction before this trip, hadn’t realized how many people were packed into Chinatown. If they all lived within this small section of town, he guessed at least five or six people must live in the rooms above and behind the storefronts.
This would be the perfect place to call out Bay. His weakened condition would work in Calvan’s favor, as would the likelihood the residents of this area wouldn’t run for the sheriff. If they did, he doubted anyone who lived in this section spoke enough English to be understood.
Strolling down the street, he walked along the river for several minutes before turning toward the main street. He stopped a moment when he read the sign above one particular door.
Law Offices of Fielder and Donahue.
A smile as cold as ice formed on Calvan’s face. Soon, there’d be one less name on the sign. One more hired gun in the ground.
After Bay gave a brief explanation of his marriage to Suzette, leaving a stunned Brodie standing on the boardwalk, he returned to his office. Speaking with Jasper a few minutes, he walked up the stairs. For a moment, Bay thought of bypassing August’s office. Then he heard two voices from behind the closed door, recognizing both. Knocking, he waited until being invited inside.
“Ah, Bay. Griff and I were just speaking about you.” August motioned to an empty chair.
He clasped his friend’s shoulder before sitting. “I wondered where you got off to.”
“I rode to Settlers Valley.”
Bay lifted a brow, cocking his head.
Griff glanced at August, continuing when the older man nodded. “Nate Hollis and Blaine MacLaren are in discussions for some additional land. They’re proposing a partnership.”
When Bay cast August a confused glance, his partner leaned forward, clasping his hands together on the desktop. “I know you’ve been handling the work for the property in Settlers Valley, but I thought this would be a good time for Griff to get a taste of what we do.”
Bay shifted toward his friend, eyes glinting in amusement. “Are you thinking of joining us, Griff?”
“You suggested I use my degree in law, and August asked me to consider it. I have nothing more interesting, so…” Griff shrugged, letting his voice trail off.
“Excellent decision. We do have two empty offices.”
“He’s already chosen the office next to you, Bay. We’ll be sharing our law library and he’ll be using Jasper.”
Griff went on to describe his meeting with Nate and Blaine, including their idea of breeding and training horses. “They’re buying land from a local rancher who’s leaving to join family in Sacramento. I believe the contract can be completed within two weeks. In the meantime, I’ll be looking for other clients.”
August relaxed back in his chair. “We’ve a good number of clients. I assure you, Griff, there is plenty of work for you right now. Most of it boring, but it does pay well. I’ll ask Jasper to discuss some contracts after I’ve gone over them. Now, I would like to invite you both to join me, Kyla MacLaren, and a few others at my house on Sunday for supper. Of course, I’ll invite Suzette Gasnier.” He sent a pointed look at Bay.
“I’ll let her know, August. Since the restaurant is closed on Sundays, I’m certain she’s free to attend.” His brows furrowed. “Would you mind if she brings a friend? The woman just arrived from Michigan. Miss Evangeline Rousseau.”
Griff’s gaze shifted to Bay, a brow lifting.
“Certainly. Please extend an invitation to Miss Rousseau, and plan to arrive an hour after church.”
After another half an hour discussing various clients, Bay suggested lunch at the Great West. August begged off, but Griff accepted, both men stepping inside the café a few minutes later. Suzette and Vangie sat at a table near the kitchen, talking quietly, unaware of the two approaching.
“May we join you, ladies?”
Bay’s voice caused Suzette to sit back, the corners of her mouth sliding upward. “Bay, Griff. Yes, please do. Vangie, this is Griffen MacKenzie, a good friend. Griff, this is Miss Evangeline Rousseau.”
Griff made a slight bow. “Miss Rousseau. It’s a pleasure.”
“It’s wonderful to meet you, Mr. MacKenzie.”
“Since we’re both friends of Bay and Suz, I’d prefer you call me Griff.”
A slight blush crept up her cheeks. “Then you must address me as Vangie.”
Just as the men sat down, the door opened, Camden walking inside.
“Cam, come join us,” Bay called, then looked at Suzette. “If you don’t mind.”
“Not at all. Good afternoon, Cam.”
Taking off his hat, he grinned. “Suzette.”
She introduced Griff, then Vangie, noticing how Camden’s gaze lingered on her friend.
“Seems the table has grown.” Tricia walked toward them, took their orders, then disappeared into the kitchen. Several minutes later, she returned, placing full plates before them.
Bay and Griff spent much of the time regaling the others with stories of their time in law school and exploits afterward, saying nothing about the marriage. Vangie asked questions, while Suzette made a few comments. Camden remained silent, occasionally glancing at Vangie as he ate.
“Are you ladies walking back home after you finish?” Bay asked.
Suzette shifted her gaze to him, feeling the familiar wave of longing. “We’re going to the mercantile first.”
“Good. Griff and I are on our way back to the office. We’ll walk with you.”
Suzette searched Bay’s face, seeing lines of worry, but not the deep weariness of a few days before. He also wasn’t pressing on his temples every few minutes.
“You appear to be doing much better. Has Doc Vickery heard from the chemist?”
“Not yet. I plan to go by the clinic later today.”
Griff pushed his chair away from the table, pulling out bills from his pocket. “Thank you for sharing your table, ladies.” He glanced to his side. “I’m sure I’ll be seeing you again, Cam.”
He stood, brows lifting.
“August asked me to ride to Settlers Valley to meet with Nate Hollis and Blaine.”
The confusion left Camden’s face, replaced by understanding. “Aye. The lads are talking of expanding the horse breeding and training we have here. When the sale is final, I’ll be joining them for a time.”
“Settlers Valley?” Vangie asked, looking at Camden.
“It’s north of here, lass. My family owns the Circle M. We’ve expanded, and my cousin, Blaine, runs the property near Settlers Valley.” Picking up his hat from a nearby chair, he extended his hand to Griff. “Seems we will be seeing each other, lad.” Nodding at the others, Camden settled the hat on his head and left.
A few seconds passed before gunfire erupted outside. Bay’s gaze whipped to the front window, cursing as he drew his gun. He looked at Suzette.
“Do not leave until I find out what’s going on out there.”
Holding both of his six-shooters, Griff followed him outside. They hadn’t gone more than a couple feet when they spotted someone crumpled in the middle of street.
“Sonofabitch,” Bay bit out, running to Camden’s prone body.
Chapter Eighteen
Kneeling beside Camden, Bay muttered another oath as a bullet hit the dirt a few feet away. Holding his gun out, he scanned the street, seeing two cowboys. One held a bottle in his left hand, a gun in his right, his shots going wild, as did the bullets from the other man.
“Get the doc!” Bay yelled at no one in particular, seeing Griff rush across the street to the clinic, his gun held out in front of him. “Cam, can you hear me?”
“How’s the lad?” Brodie’s strained voice came from beside Bay.
“I don’t know. Griff’s getting the doc.” Bay looked down the street, seeing Sam and Seth dragging both cowboys toward the jail.
“Cam, can you hear me, lad?” Brodie’s expression went from strained to scared when his cousin showed no sign of waking. With Bay’s help, they turned him over, seeing blood soaking his upper right chest near his shoulder. “Ach, the bullet didn’t go through.”
“Out of my way.” Hugh Tilden set down his black bag, kneeling beside Camden. Less than a minute later, he grabbed his bag again. “Get him to the clinic. Be careful with his shoulder.”
Sam ran up as Brodie and Bay lifted Camden. “Let me help.” He took one side, protecting the wounded shoulder, Bay took the other, with Brodie and Griff each holding a leg.
A low groan escaped Camden’s lips as they set him on the bed. The three stood around, not ready to leave, until Doc Tilden growled, glancing up at them. “Get out of here, boys. I’ll let you know how he’s doing.”
“Nae, Doc. Bay and Sam can leave, but I’ll be staying.”
Without looking away from Camden, Hugh let out a resigned breath. “All right, Sheriff, but stay out of my way.”
Giving a curt nod, he looked at Sam. “Send word to Aunt Kyla and Uncle Ewan.” He mentioned Camden’s mother and one of the two living elder MacLarens.
“I’ll go myself, Brodie.” Sam clasped his shoulder. “Cam’s going to be fine.” Dropping his hand, he left, closing the door behind him.
Dave Calvan, his men, and Ev Hunt heard the commotion from their table at a saloon down the street. Following the noise, they made their way along the boardwalk, stopping when they spotted the problem.
“Drunks.” Calvan spat out the word, shaking his head. “Let’s head back.”
“Wait.” Ev pointed down the street. “See the man kneeling beside the one on the ground?”
“Yeah.”
“That’s Bay Donahue.”
Calvan’s eyes widened a moment, then lowered to slits as he studi
ed Bay. He watched as Bay and three others carried the injured man to the clinic.
“The one with the badge and black hat is Sheriff Brodie MacLaren. The other one is Deputy Sam Covington, Brodie’s brother-in-law.”
“Who’s the fourth?” asked Calvan.
“I don’t know.” Ev tried to get a better look at him, without success. “Probably no one we need to worry about.”
Calvan kept watching as the men walked inside the clinic. “Donahue doesn’t look sick to me.”
“You haven’t seen him up close. Believe me, the poison is doing what we want.”
Jaw clenching, he looked at Ev. “It had better.”
“When are you planning to call him out?”
Calvan had been wondering the same, coming to a decision. “Tonight.”
Ev’s eyes flashed. “Won’t work.”
“Why’s that?”
“He goes to the Feather River Restaurant for supper. Doesn’t leave until Suzette Gasnier closes the place. Donahue walks her home and stays.” Ev snickered on the last, not expecting Calvan to shove his shoulder, rocking him back on his heels.
“Listen to me, Hunt,” he ground out. “If he’s strong enough to bed his wife, he’s strong enough for a gunfight.” He hissed out a string of curses, mouth drawing into a thin line. “The poison is taking too long to work. I’m not planning on staying here long, but when I leave, Donahue will be dead, and so will his wife.”
Ev didn’t like Calvan’s tone. “You’re aren’t thinking of murder, are you?”
“Worried I’ll get caught?”
“No. I’m worried you’ll do something stupid and I’ll get caught in a problem that isn’t mine. I won’t be part of murder.”
Shorter than Hunt by several inches, Calvan was stocky with thick muscles and a mean streak few men would cross. He’d been known to take on men bigger than Hunt and come out on top.
“You’re already in this as deep as me. If I need you to finish it, you damn well better stay close and help.”
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