Bullets ripped into the side of the wagon, splitting wood, but nothing more.
“Hold…hold,” Dax ordered in a low voice. “Now!”
The four men fired almost in unison, toppling two intruders and sending the rest in various directions.
“Don’t let them get behind us.” Dax aimed and fired once more, missing his target at the same time Gabe hit his mark.
Aim and squeeze, Rachel reminded herself before firing. She missed and aimed again. This time, she hit one, but he didn’t fall.
“Let’s get out of here!” One of the attackers pulled up, motioning for the others to join him. Within a few minutes, the violence had ended.
“Rachel?” Dax dropped to one knee and looked under the wagon. Relief flooded over him as he saw she’d come through without injury. He watched as she slid toward him, then offered a hand to help her stand. “Are you all right?” He ran his hands up her arms as his gaze wandered over her. He noted dirt, but no blood. For the first time since shots had been fired, Dax took a slow, deep breath. He rested his hands on her shoulders a moment before letting them drop to his sides.
“I’m fine.” She shivered at the feel of his hands moving up her arms. She wanted to lean into him, wrap her arms around his waist and hold on. Instead, she turned in a quick circle, noting the others were also unhurt.
Bull and Gabe were checking the men they’d hit. Both were dead.
“What do you want to do with the bodies, Dax?” Gabe stared down at one of the men who’d tried to kill them.
“Load them in the wagon. We’ll see if anyone in town recognizes them.”
The trip took on a more sinister feel as they placed the bodies on top of each other in the wagon already full of supplies. Gabe took one more look around.
“Did you recognize any of the riders?” Gabe asked Dax as they gathered their horses.
“No, but I’ve only seen a small number of the men who work for Tolbert. Whoever they are, it’s certain they have a grudge against us for disrupting their fun at the jail, and they’re not above killing.”
“How’s Miss Davenport?” Gabe mounted and turned back toward the wagon.
“She’s doing fine. Tough lady.”
“I figured that.”
Dax looked at Charles. “Are you ready?”
“We are.”
“Let’s get them to Splendor.” Dax moved out in front, watching as Gabe and Bull took positions on opposite sides of the wagon once again. The danger had escalated with the deaths of two men, making them the target of ruthless thugs out for vengeance.
The typical orange, yellow, and pink evening sky turned a menacing black as they approached Splendor. Clouds, heavy with moisture, opened up as Charles pulled to a stop at the clinic.
“Rachel, go inside and pull out what we’ll need to prepare the bodies.”
She nodded and turned to jump down as Dax approached, holding out his arms. She hesitated a mere instant before accepting his help.
“We’ll bring in the bodies.” Dax let his hands fall from her waist, wishing he had more time to prolong the contact. “Is there anyone we should notify?”
“Without a sheriff, there’s nobody. Uncle Charles will let Mr. Clausen and Mr. Petermann know. Perhaps someone will recognize them.”
Dax, Gabe, and Bull unloaded the supplies, pulled the wagon around back, and unhitched the horse. Everything in town, except the saloon, had closed for the night.
“Do you have a place to stay?” Dax asked Gabe. “If not, you’re welcome at the ranch.”
“Thanks, but I’ll bunk down at Noah’s. I’d like him to look at the two bodies, see if he recognizes them.” He swung up on his horse.
“I’ll check on the doctor and Miss Davenport once more before riding out. You’ll send word if there’s trouble?” Dax hoped someone would claim the bodies once word got out. If not, they’d be buried in the common cemetery on a knoll behind town.
“I will.” Gabe touched a finger to the brim of his hat and rode off.
“I’ll stay out here while you check on the doc, boss.” Bull shifted in his saddle, still watching for threats. Like the rest of them, he knew the danger hadn’t passed just because they’d reached Splendor.
“Anything else you need before we leave, Doc?”
Charles looked up from where he and Rachel worked on one of the dead men.
“Not tonight. If it’s not too much trouble, I’d like you to meet with some of the other men. We need to talk about what’s happening.”
“I’ll be back tomorrow.” Dax shifted his attention to Rachel. “Do you have a minute?” They’d had little time to talk since the first day of their trip to Big Pine. There were things he needed to say.
“All right.” Rachel followed him to the front of the clinic, lit a kerosene lamp, and turned toward Dax.
“Have supper with me after the meeting tomorrow.”
She knew he’d ask. He’d said as much in her kitchen the week before. “As much as I enjoy your company, I don’t think that’s such a good idea.”
“Having supper?”
“Spending time together.” She tucked a loose strand of hair behind an ear and licked her lips in an unconscious gesture, making Dax’s body tighten. “You’ll be leaving for Texas soon and my life is here, at least for now. There’s no sense in spending more time together. It will just make it worse when you leave. Do you understand?”
He reached up and ran a finger down her cheek, noticing she didn’t flinch at his touch. “No, Rachel, I don’t.” He lifted her chin, locking eyes with hers. “What’s the harm of spending time together?” He dropped his hand and stepped away. “Unless you have plans with King Tolbert.”
A bucket of ice water thrown over her couldn’t have killed the moment more. Her face turned to stone at his words.
“I have no plans to see Tolbert, and I have no plans to see you. It’s late and I need to help my uncle. Thank you for accompanying us to Big Pine. We’re both grateful.” She turned to walk away, but stopped as a firm hand seized her arm and spun her back.
Dax pulled her to within inches, his hard gaze softening at the anger that flashed from her eyes. He leaned toward her, tilting his head, waiting for her to jerk away, but she kept her eyes fixed on his.
“Are you certain you don’t want to see me, Rachel? Because I certainly want to see you again.” His voice washed over her as his lips hovered so close she could feel his breath.
Her heart pounded so hard he’d have to be deaf not to hear it. She sucked in a breath, wanting him to close the small space between them and kiss her. She tilted her face up, encouraging him to act, knowing she’d pay for it later. He brushed his lips across hers in a soft caress that shot sensations streaking through her limbs. She gripped his arms, holding tight as he settled his mouth on hers, deepening the kiss.
Dax knew he shouldn’t do this, not with her uncle a room away. He wanted to pull her tight, kiss her senseless, let her know that no matter what his decision, she meant something to him. She was a woman he would never forget, and if he had her, would never be able to let go. He lifted his head at the thought, drew a breath, and took a step backwards.
“I’ll come by after my meeting to take you to supper.” He opened the door and strolled outside, berating himself for his brash action while already looking forward to tomorrow.
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, Da
x. 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.
Redemption's Edge: Book 1, Redemption Mountain Historical Western Romance Page 13
