On a slow sigh, Rachel pulled herself free from the intense emotions of Dax’s touch. “You’re right. We could both use coffee, and I’m certain Uncle Charles will wake soon.” She could still feel herself vibrating from the feel of her body aligned with his. He’d taken his time, exploring her mouth, creating a heat like nothing she’d ever felt. She wanted more, much more from Dax Pelletier.
He watched Rachel with hooded eyes, wondering what she was thinking and knowing he had to tell her his thoughts. He felt as if he was being torn in two. One part wanted to own her, keep her with him always. Another sought a life far away from the woman who’d found comfort in the small town of Splendor. His customary self-control eluded him when she was near. He feared their fierce attraction would eventually break his restraint, creating a situation resulting in him having no choice. And Dax needed the ability to choose.
He stared down at Bull, wondering if he’d make it. Although he’d had a good night, there were still no guarantees. Dax had been warned more than once about getting to close to his men. Forming attachments in time of war could affect an officer’s ability to lead. He felt the same now. He’d already grown close to those at the ranch. It had to stop.
Today, he, Luke, and Gabe would ride out to see Tolbert and confront the man. In Dax’s mind, only one rancher would dare send men to harm those around him, and Dax meant to put a stop to it.
“Is your father at home?” Dax asked Abigail as he stood with Luke, Gabe, and Noah outside Tolbert’s front door. Noah had stayed out of the town’s problems since he’d arrived, yet the growing belief Abigail’s father might be involved in ordering other men killed had gotten his attention. He needed to hear what Tolbert had to say for himself.
“Yes, he is, Mr. Pelletier. Please come in and I’ll get him for you.” Abigail stood aside as each of the men filed past, noticing Noah made fleeting eye contact as he entered, offering none of his usual warmth or smile. As she stared at his back, it hit her how much his lack of attention hurt.
She tapped on the study door and entered, not waiting for him to respond. “Father, there are some men here to see you.”
“Who are they, Abby?”
“The Pelletiers, Mr. Evans, and Mr. Brandt.”
“Four of them. Well, I won’t keep them waiting.”
He entered the parlor and offered his hand to Dax, who ignored it. “We need to speak with you, Tolbert. In private.”
“Of course.” He ushered them into his study. “How about something to drink, gentlemen?”
Dax disregarded the offer. “Did you order your men onto our land?”
King studied the four men, knowing this visit had bigger implications than checking cattle movements. “Yes. I asked Drake to see if the rumors of you purchasing more cattle were true. I understand they are.”
“You could have asked Luke or me. We would’ve told you.”
“I’ll note that for the future. Is there anything else?”
“Did you also order them to kill?”
King’s eyes blazed at the question. “Of course not. I’d never order the shooting or killing of a man.”
“Then someone on your ranch went beyond your order to check on cattle and shot at us, critically injuring Bull.” Dax walked up to within inches of Tolbert, glaring into the older man’s eyes, sending a not-so-veiled threat. “We want those responsible. No more games, and don’t take this as idle conversation. There will be a major battle between us if you don’t give us whoever shot Bull.”
“So you can lynch him without a trial?”
“No, so we can take him to Big Pine to wait for the territorial judge. They’ll be no lynching in Splendor, but we will have justice.” Dax spat the words out, his hostile features leaving no doubt of the fury he felt about the attacks on the ranch and Bull.
Tolbert didn’t let Dax’s rage sway him. “I won’t turn anyone over to you until there is proof one of my men pulled the trigger. Do you have proof?”
“You told us you ordered your men onto our land the day of the shooting. Are you telling me there are others who’d go to the lengths you would to secure more land?”
“I have no idea to what you’re referring. Yes, I’m interested in more land, and I’d pay a fair price for yours. As a businessman, I also keep track of what my fellow ranchers are doing. You purchasing more cattle interests me, as I’m sure it would you if the situation were reversed. However, I don’t condone violence to get what I want. Now, if you have no proof, I’ll ask you to leave. If you find something that implicates my men, which is doubtful, show it to me. As I’ve told you, I’ve never ordered anyone shot, on your land or anywhere else.” He walked to the door and pulled it open. “I’m certain you can find your way out.”
“Make no mistake, Tolbert. We will find the proof we need, and when we do, we’ll expect those guilty to be handed over.” Dax’s even tone and measured steps belied the rage he felt toward the rancher and his band of thugs. They’d find the proof and God have mercy on those responsible.
They’d ridden from Tolbert’s ranch to Splendor, where Dax took a few minutes to check on Bull while the others went straight to Horace Clausen’s office at the bank.
“We need to talk,” Gabe told Clausen once Dax joined them.
“Is this about bank business?”
“No. Town business.”
“Then I’d like to send Mrs. Phelps for Stan Petermann, Amos Henderson, the doc, and Bernie Griggs. Unless you have an objection.”
“Not at all.”
It didn’t take long for the office to fill with the town leaders, everyone except Charles Worthington, who begged off to keep watch on Bull while Rachel got some much needed rest. All wondered at the summons from Clausen.
“Dax, why don’t you tell them what happened?” Gabe asked.
Twenty minutes later, the calm atmosphere had turned solemn as the men assimilated the new threats.
“What do you suggest we do?” Stan Petermann asked.
“First, keep watch on everyone and everything going on in and around Splendor,” Dax said. “The four of us will talk with ranchers closest to town, let them know of the shooting and potential threats. You need to escalate the search for a sheriff. There’s only so much we can do as citizens. There needs to be an official lawman. Someone who won’t cower under men such as Tolbert.”
“I’m not sure what else we can do,” Clausen said. “We’ve sent telegrams, asked anyone with experience to come forward, and approved a generous wage. You went with Doc Worthington when he traveled to Big Pine, Dax, and know he came back with little encouragement. There’ve been no takers.” He removed his spectacles and pinched the bridge of his nose between a thumb and index finger.
“I can’t blame anyone for not wanting the job, especially since the last sheriff was murdered,” Amos Henderson said and leaned forward, placing his arms on his knees.
The businessmen began to murmur amongst themselves, their conversations escalating as their fear intensified. They knew the threats were not just against the Pelletiers. Anyone going against Dax, Luke, and their armed men wouldn’t hesitate to go after citizens with little ability to defend themselves.
“But I don’t know anyone west of here, Horace,” Stan said in a heated tone. “Just because I passed through some towns doesn’t mean I met anyone who’d be interested in the job.”
“We could send word to Denver and a few other towns, see if someone’s interested.”
“We’ve already done that, Amos, without any success.” Stan pulled a handkerchief from his pocket to wipe his damp forehead. “What a fix. Who’d have ever thought we couldn’t find anyone to protect Splendor.”
“There must be someone,” Bernie Griggs said, frustration obvious by the exasperation in his voice.
A tense silence enveloped the room as each man pondered the consequences of not locating a lawman to protect the citizens.
“Ah, hell. I’ll do it.”
Noah turned to Gabe. “What?”
“I said I’ll do it.” Gabe’s voice rose so there’d be no doubt of what he meant. “But on a temporary basis, until this mess is cleaned up or you find a permanent sheriff. Then I’m gone.”
Luke and Dax exchanged looks, neither believing Gabe would make the offer. He’d been firm on his refusal, even when they asked him again on the ride from Tolbert’s ranch to town.
Horace didn’t waste another moment. He yanked open a desk drawer, pulled out a piece of paper, administered the oath, and handed Gabe the badge. “Sheriff Evans, welcome to Splendor.”
“Do not get it into your head I’m staying. This job is temporary, until the town finds someone else or the problems with Tolbert are resolved.” Gabe shoveled supper into his mouth, still wondering why he’d volunteered. He had no intention of taking the job or staying in the tiny hovel Noah called home.
Gabe had grown up in New York. His mother, father, and brothers still lived there in big homes with servants, barely touched by the war and its destruction. When the fighting ended, he hadn’t been prepared to return. He needed time to clear his head and reconcile his confusion over the last few years. Gabe liked the big city, flourished in it and, unlike Dax and Luke, he knew he’d return.
“Whatever you want. It’s your choice.”
Gabe grunted in reply.
Noah took a sip of strong coffee, then cradled his cup in both hands. He’d been as stunned as everyone else at Gabe’s announcement, hopeful his friend would offer, yet not anticipating it.
“You interested in being a deputy?”
“Hell no. The livery keeps me plenty busy. Anyway, you already know you can count on me. I don’t need a badge for that.”
“More coffee, gentlemen?” Suzanne topped off their cups when each nodded. “So I hear you’re our new sheriff. Congratulations.”
“It’s temporary, Mrs. Briar. Don’t count on me being around for supper the rest of my life.”
“Oh, certainly not. I expect you’ll meet some pretty young woman, marry her, and settle for good in Splendor. Raise a passel of children.” She winked at Noah, who returned a thin smile.
“Only when the earth freezes over, Mrs. Briar, and not before.”
“Well, you know that’s likely to happen here in Montana. You’d better watch what you say.” She turned her attention to other customers.
“She does have a point, Gabe.”
“And what point is that?”
“You never know what will happen. You might meet the perfect woman and settle right here in cow-town Montana.”
Gabe shook his head, stood, and reached into his pocket for some bills, throwing them down on the table before turning toward the door. “I’m headed to the Rose for a drink. You want one?”
“Why not?”
The two walked toward the saloon, hearing the piano music and muted laughter before they’d reached the swinging doors. No one spared them a glance as they took a seat at a table against the wall.
“What can I get you two gentlemen?”
Gabe looked up into the softest green eyes he’d ever seen and a pretty face framed with golden brown curls. He cleared his throat. “A whiskey, ma’am.”
“The same for me, Ginny.”
“Sure, Noah. Two whiskeys.”
Gabe kept his eyes riveted on her as she walked toward the bar and ordered their drinks.
“She’s new,” Noah said when Gabe kept staring.
“What?”
“Ginny. She got into town a couple of weeks ago. Came in with the settlers, along with her young sister. Don’t get any ideas, though. She’s strictly a server and nothing else.”
Gabe dragged his eyes away as she turned back toward their table. He had no intention of getting ideas about any woman, least not one in Splendor. He intended to spend no more time than needed to help out the town, then he’d move on to Denver.
“Here you are. Let me know if you want anything else.”
Noah saluted Gabe before taking a sip of the amber liquid, letting the warmth trickle down his throat and pool in his belly. Gabe did the same and signaled Ginny to bring them a bottle.
“Why do you stay?”
Noah knew what his friend asked. They’d been close since they were kids, even though Noah’s family had lived from one paycheck to another, working for Gabe’s father. They’d enlisted in the Union army together and, over time, Gabe had risen to the rank of colonel, while Noah had been promoted to major. Their skills were different—Gabe a natural leader, Noah an extraordinary sharpshooter. They’d planned to return to New York after the war, perhaps go into business together. It hadn’t worked out, at least not yet.
“I’ve got my reasons.” Noah reached for the bottle and poured another glass.
Although Gabe understood the tragic event that plagued his friend, the one that had changed him and almost destroyed his soul, he also knew the person behind the self-condemnation. Noah had the biggest heart of anyone Gabe had ever known. He’d always planned to marry, have a family, and build a business. Now he found contentment in solitude and working with his hands. Over time, Noah’s unreserved nature had deteriorated into a cloak of loathing at what he’d done. Gabe tightened his resolve, determined to find a way to pull his friend out of it.
“Come with me when I leave. We’ll start a business in Denver or someplace in California. Maybe we’ll even go back home and do what we planned before the war. Give ourselves a fresh start.”
Noah remained silent, his eyes neutral, rolling the shot glass between his fingers.
Gabe slammed back one more drink, then placed his empty glass on the table and stood. “Think about it.”
“You need rest, Dax. There’s no need for you to keep watch over him.” Rachel rested a hand on Dax’s shoulder, finding her own comfort in the brief contact. He’d been there since after his meeting at the bank and Gabe’s announcement he’d take the sheriff job. She looked down at Bull, whose breathing was slow and measured. He hadn’t stirred in hours. “We’ll send word when there’s a change.”
Dax looked up from where he sat, knowing Rachel’s words made sense, yet unable to leave the injured man. He understood the dangers and bloodshed faced as a Texas Ranger and had witnessed the unimaginable during the war. It hadn’t occurred to him a war of a different kind waited for Luke and him when they brought Pat’s body home. He stood and picked up his hat.
“You’re right. I’m not doing Bull any good by sitting and waiting.” He started for the door, then turned back and grabbed Rachel’s hand. “Walk outside with me.”
She glanced at Bull to make sure he hadn’t stirred. “All right. For just a moment.”
The late night air chilled against her skin as she allowed Dax to take her hand and guide her toward his horse. She loved the feel of his warm, calloused hand, and wondered how it would feel against her body. The thought prompted a slight shudder as heat rose up her neck and face. He stopped in the shadows and pulled her to him, grasped her shoulders, and lowered his head.
She’d anticipated this, yearned for it. His lips felt warm and firm as they brushed across hers, then claimed her mouth in a demanding kiss. She felt his hand move from her shoulders to splay across her back and pull her close. The feel of his strong, hard chest and continued kisses elicited intense sensations beyond anything she ever expected. A throbbing urgency shot through her body and she longed to get closer. She wanted more and wrapped her arms around his neck, one hand holding his head, the other caressing a shoulder.
Rachel felt the wood siding of the building as Dax inched her further back into the shadows, never breaking contact of his lips with hers.
He trailed hot kisses down her neck, then up to nibble at the sensitive area below her ear, causing a moan of pleasure. He pulled back an inch, waiting for her eyes to open and meet his. What he saw in them stopped his heart and terrorized him all at once. Her feelings for him were clearly visible in her glazed eyes—eyes that searched his, looking for understanding and perhaps something he’d be unabl
e to give.
He stepped back and took a deep breath before saying what he knew would change everything between them. “I’ve made the decision to leave Splendor, Rachel. As soon as the ranch sells or Luke buys me out, I’m riding back to Texas.” The pain in her eyes ripped at his heart, causing his stomach to clench and his throat to tighten.
She moved away and straightened her dress, smoothing it down her hips. Her eyes fixated on her hands, now clasped tightly in front of her. After what had been happening between them, the intimate kisses and shared feelings, his announcement caught her by surprise.
“And this?”
Dax understood her confusion and felt horrible for making the break more difficult. He’d meant for it to be a quick kiss, something they’d both remember. Instead, it had exploded into an unanticipated, passionate embrace, leaving him reeling. He glanced away before locking his gaze back on her.
“I’m sorry, Rachel. When I’m with you, it seems all good sense leaves me.”
She continued to stare at him, disbelief and anger replacing the passion of moments before.
“You were right. Being with you makes the inevitable worse. You’re a part of Splendor, and I’m an outsider. No matter how I try to make myself think otherwise, I know it won’t happen.”
“I see.” She moistened her lips, struggling to find a way to hide the extreme ache and disappointment she felt at his words. The reality he’d made his decision slammed into Rachel, stripping away her breath and paralyzing any attempt at further speech. If she tried to speak, she knew tears would flow and she absolutely refused to cry over this man. She slipped closer to the clinic door and reached for the handle, grasping it tight as if it could provide her the strength she needed, and turned the knob.
“Rachel, wait.” Dax reached for her, but she stepped further away and into the open doorway. She stopped and turned toward him, waiting.
He pulled off his hat and ran a hand through is hair, searching for the right words, words that would make her understand his need to build a life outside of Splendor.
Redemption's Edge: Book 1, Redemption Mountain Historical Western Romance Page 16
