“Caro?” Bull stepped inside, taking off his hat as he walked toward the women.
“Bull. It’s so nice to see you. Allie and I were just discussing changes to the house. Would you like to see the kitchen?” Caro headed toward the hall, knowing Allie and Bull would follow.
“That’s why I rode out. Beau said he saw you two leave.”
Bull didn’t notice the catch in her step at the mention of Beau. It confirmed what she already knew—avoiding her had been intentional. She stopped inside the kitchen, sweeping an arm around the room.
“Here it is.”
Bull moved about the room, noting the size, where the stove had once stood, the door to the outside, and the windows. “You mentioned enlarging it.”
“Yes. The home I grew up in had a table and chairs for informal meals. I’d like to have the same here, but there isn’t enough room.”
“I walked around the outside before I came in. I don’t see why you can’t add the needed space. I’d suggest creating a nook for a table and chairs over there.” He took a few steps, indicating a wall with an existing window.
“That would be perfect.”
Bull nodded. “Good. I’ll draw up plans and have them to you next week.”
Caro clasped her hands in front of her. “Wonderful, Bull. I look forward to seeing them.”
He scratched his head. “I almost forgot. Rachel wanted me to remind you and Allie about Thanksgiving supper at the ranch. Says she’s expecting you.”
“Cash and I wouldn’t miss it. Caro, you must come with us.”
“I’d love to.”
Bull looked between the two women. “If you ladies are ready to start back, I’d be happy to ride along with you.”
Keeping her attention on the trail ahead, Caro adjusted the lines, leaning forward. After having Bull and Allie at the house, witnessing their enthusiasm, hearing their ideas, she felt as if a huge weight had been lifted. She’d never been in charge of a project this large, never hired men, other than a butler or carriage driver. Instead of fear, the entire experience left her invigorated.
“You are doing real good with the wagon, Caro.”
She shot a quick look at Bull, a grin curving the corners of her mouth. “It’s easier each time I come out here. I’m looking forward to getting the wagon Noah’s building for me.”
Bull nodded, keeping pace alongside the wagon. “I have no doubt you’ll be pleased with his work. Noah is more of an artist than a builder.”
Glancing up the trail, he spotted two men riding toward them. Neither were familiar. “Caro, I want you to pull up the wagon for a minute. Do you have a rifle?”
She drew back on the wagon lines, her gaze focused on the men ahead. “I do. It’s under the seat.”
“Good. I’m going to see what those men want.” He didn’t elaborate as he rode forward, putting as much distance as possible between the riders and the women. Reining Abraham to a stop, he settled a hand on his thigh, close to his gun. “Gentlemen.”
They stopped, glancing at each other before the oldest acknowledged him.
“We’re looking for the Iverson place. Heard she’s looking for some men.”
“You’re headed in the right direction, but as far as I know, she’s already hired the men she needs.” He kept his gaze trained on their movements, noting neither made any attempt to reach for their guns. Shifting in the saddle, he motioned for Caro to come forward. “That’s Mrs. Iverson driving the wagon. Why don’t you ask her?”
She pulled up beside Bull, narrowing her gaze as she studied the two men. Her thoughts moved to Beau and the advice he’d given her about being cautious when on the trail. Although they appeared older, she guessed them to be in their mid-twenties.
“These two men heard you might still be hiring.”
“I see.” She turned her attention to the riders. “I’m Caroline Iverson.”
Both men removed their hats, the oldest addressing her. “I’m Matt Volker. This is my brother, Nolen.”
“What kind of work are you looking for, Mr. Volker?”
“Whatever you need, ma’am. We build, work cattle, plow fields, bring in crops. We just need work.”
“Where are you from?”
“Kentucky, ma’am.” He looked away for a moment, his gaze clouding before he focused back on her. “Had a farm. We joined the Union Army, fighting until the end.” He glanced down at his hands resting on the saddle horn. “We may have won the war, but we lost our farm in the process. Came out this way hoping for a new start.” The desolation on their faces broke her heart.
She took her time, considering her answer. “I have men already working for me. It doesn’t mean I won’t need more, but I won’t know for several days.”
Bull cleared his throat. “I’m going to need men to build a clinic in town. We don’t start until after Christmas, though. Until then, there might be work out at Redemption’s Edge. It’s a ranch north of town.”
A thread of hope passed across Matt’s face, while Nolen’s features remained distant. “As I said, whatever work you have, we’ll take it.”
Bull turned his attention to Caro. “I’m pretty certain Dax and Luke can use the extra help until you know if you need them. If it works out, I’d like to use them for the clinic, then maybe Beau’s house.”
“That’s fine, Bull.” Unbidden, her mind shifted to Beau and the house he’d be building a few miles away. Once again, her spirits sank at what had transpired between them the night before.
She wanted to speak with him this morning. It wasn’t her way to let anger simmer, creating bigger issues and more pain. His actions made it clear he wanted nothing to do with her, which presented a problem.
She’d made the decision to stay in Splendor and become part of the community, which meant getting to know more of the townsfolk, attending church, hosting suppers, and stopping by the jail to speak with Gabe Evans, her childhood friend. It also meant seeing Beau, being continually reminded of what she’d lost.
Caro mentally slapped herself. She’d been through worse and survived. Lost her husband and, weeks later, her unborn child. After numerous discussions and arguments with family and friends, she’d made the hard decision to sell her home and travel west—alone, with a vague idea of where she wanted to settle. Beau hadn’t been a part of her plans then, and sadly, he wanted to play no part in them now.
Straightening her spine, Caro tightened her hands on the lines, leveling her gaze at Matt and Nolen.
“Gentlemen, I’d suggest you follow us back to town. The sooner we get going, the sooner Bull can arrange for you to get to work.”
Redemption’s Edge
“The way I understand it, Allan doesn’t know why the client wants to locate Beau, right?” Luke sat in a leather chair in the study of the Pelletier ranch house, his gaze fixed on Dutch.
They’d greeted each other as old friends would, spending time catching up on what had transpired since they’d seen each other last—when Luke still worked for Allan Pinkerton. His life had certainly changed since leaving the agency and marrying Ginny. Now they expected their first child.
“The reason hasn’t been shared with me.” Dutch took a sip of coffee, glancing at Gabe sitting next to him. He had yet to meet Dax Pelletier.
Gabe set his own cup down, lifting a brow. “Isn’t that somewhat odd, McFarlin?”
“I won’t deny it. This is the first time I’ve been given an assignment to find someone who isn’t wanted. Usually, it’s for robbery, fraud, murder. I’ve never been asked to simply confirm a man’s identity and location.”
Luke leaned forward, resting his arms on his legs. “It sure doesn’t feel right, Dutch. No one goes to this much trouble unless they have something specific in mind. You already know Beau lives here and works for Gabe. He owns some land south of town with plans to build a house in the spring. The man is honest and honorable. And he’s good friends with a man Dax and I grew up with.”
Dutch nodded. “Cash Coulter, one
of the other deputies.”
“I’ve known Cash my whole life and trust his judgment. If he rides with Beau, that’s all I need to know.” Luke stood, pacing to the window, staring at the barn. “When do you have to report back to headquarters?”
“Now that his identity has been confirmed, I should send them a telegram. Why?”
Luke turned toward him. “I’d like to talk to Beau.”
Dutch shook his head. “You know that isn’t how it’s done, Luke.”
“I also know nothing about this assignment of yours makes sense.”
“I agree.” Gabe had stayed quiet, listening to them go back and forth. It was his deputy they discussed. His friend. A man he trusted with his life. “There’s no reason to locate someone out of curiosity. There’s more to this than a mere inquiry, and I want to know what it is.”
Beau tried to concentrate on the telegram he needed to send, grimacing at the loud banter between the two prisoners in the back. It had been too long since he’d written his family a letter. Longer since he’d visited. For now, a brief telegram would have to do.
Resting his back against the chair, he folded his hands in his lap, closing his eyes, wishing today’s image would be different. It never was.
His younger sister, Genevieve, ran in circles around him, laughing, begging him to let her climb a nearby tree. At twelve, Beau had always felt responsible for the precocious eight-year-old, even with servants.
Their parents had been older when they had their two children. Although thrilled, they never had the vigor to oversee such energetic and inquisitive children.
Beau sucked in a breath as the image changed. His attention momentarily shifted to an animal making its way toward a stream yards away. The animal stopped, glancing over its shoulder, then continued until its tail disappeared. Almost as if it were happening now instead of years before, the scream rocked through him. Jumping to his feet and shifting toward the tree, Beau spotted his sister. Genevieve lay on the ground, unconscious, her head and legs at odd angles.
“Hey, Deputy. Can we get some food back here?”
A shout from the back ripped his attention to the present. Scrubbing a shaky hand down his face, Beau leaned forward, resting his arms on the desk, hanging his head.
“You out there, Deputy?”
Irritation replaced internal pain as the prisoners fought for his attention. Once the two had been secured in cells, Beau resumed his post at the bank until Cash relieved him. Listening to the still drunk men now, he was tempted to volunteer to take his friend’s place outside.
“Whew. The temperature is dropping fast out there.” Caleb closed the door, walking toward the stove, making no move to remove his coat or hat. Hearing the noise in back, he lifted a brow. “What the hell is that?”
Beau shook his head. “Those two rascals Mack and I arrested at the Dixie. They haven’t stopped yapping since we brought them in. I may have to shoot them just to shut them up.”
Caleb chuckled. “Something to consider.” Shoving more wood into the stove, he closed the metal door, rubbing his hands together. “You plan to release them when they’ve sobered up?”
“Wish I could. They pulled a gun on Paul at the Dixie. It’s doubtful Gabe will want to put them back out on the street.”
“Probably not.” Caleb grabbed the back of a chair, turning it around to straddle the seat. He glanced over his shoulder at the sound of the door scraping open. Gabe walked in, followed by Luke and the man who’d wanted to talk to Gabe earlier.
“Hey, Luke. Didn’t expect to see you in town today.” Beau nodded toward Caleb. “Have you met the new deputy?”
Luke nodded. “A few days after he took the job. Good to see you, Caleb.”
Settling his gaze on Beau, who folded a piece of paper and slipped it into a pocket, Gabe removed his hat, hanging it on a hook. His head lifted when he heard the loud chatter coming from the back. “Who’s back there?”
Beau gave a brief explanation, then stood, letting Gabe take his usual seat. As he leaned against the edge of the desk, his gaze returned to the man who’d walked in with Luke and Gabe, curious as to his business in Splendor.
Gabe glanced at Caleb, then Beau. “I don’t think either of you met Dutch McFarlin when he showed up this morning.”
Caleb held out his hand, clasping Dutch’s, then stepped back as Beau did the same.
Luke crossed his arms, leaning against a wall. “Dutch and I worked together when I was still with Pinkerton.”
Dutch grinned. “Right before he met Ginny and decided to give it all up to concentrate on the ranch.”
Luke nodded, smiling. “Best decision I ever made.”
“What brings you to Splendor?” Caleb asked, echoing Beau’s thoughts.
“Finished an assignment in Omaha. Pinkerton sent me out here to confirm some information.” His gaze shifted to Beau, then quickly moved away.
Beau studied Dutch, his instincts insisting something was amiss. “And just what is your assignment?”
Dutch’s jaw hardened, his expression blank as he considered his response. He saw no reason to hide the truth. “I’m to verify one Beauregard Davis resides in Splendor.”
Chapter Eleven
Caro’s back and feet hurt. Surprisingly, the soreness didn’t bother her. The pain filled her with a sense of pride, doing tasks that were always entrusted to others in the past.
She’d been working inside the house since not long after sunrise, helping remove items Bull would replace when he repaired the kitchen. Merritt and Gus tried to convince her to let them do it, but she’d refused. Rather than watch it all take shape, she had to be a part of this beyond making decisions.
The sun now sat high in the sky. Her stomach growled, reminding her she’d only eaten a slice of toast and one egg for breakfast. Rubbing dirty hands down the wool dress she wore, Caro stifled a laugh. Her parents would be aghast at the condition of her filthy clothes, a dress costing more than most women in Splendor could ever imagine. She made a promise to herself to stop by Stan Petermann’s general store to buy practical clothes, the kind worn by women who worked alongside their men.
“Mrs. Iverson, would you have a minute to take a look at something?” Merritt stood in the open front door, glancing around. “You sure have gotten a lot done, ma’am.”
Caro couldn’t contain her smile. “I’m quite excited about how this will look when we’re finished.”
Merritt held out a hand, helping Caro step over an open area in the porch.
“My goodness. You’ve gotten so much done since this morning.” She’d been so busy with her own work, she hadn’t thought to look outside.
“We expect to finish this by tomorrow night, then we’ll start inside, if that’s all right with you, ma’am.”
She breathed in the cold air, glancing over the wide expanse of land, feeling a sense of joy she never expected. Taking a step back, she inspected the men’s work.
Since Merritt and Gus had started, she learned a little about the two brothers. In their late twenties, neither had married, no longer having strong ties after their service to the Union Army ended. They’d heard about the vast opportunities out west, making the decision to leave behind what little they had. She thanked God every day for their decision.
Glancing over his shoulder, Gus straightened, nodding toward the trail from town. “Rider coming.”
Shielding her eyes, Caro focused on the lone rider, her breath hitching in recognition. Beau rode toward the house, his gaze fixed on her. Letting go of the rail, she walked down the new steps, hugging her arms around her waist as she worked to control the incessant pounding in her chest.
“Caro.” He didn’t smile as he reined Smoke to a stop, nodding at Merritt and Gus. Beau made no move to dismount.
“Hello, Beau.” She took a tentative step toward him, keeping her hands around her.
“Appears you’re making progress.”
“Um, yes…Merritt and Gus are doing a wonderful job.”
“Suzanne stopped me as I rode out of town. Asked if I could bring something to you.”
Walking forward, she held out her hand. “All right.”
“She made enough for both of us. Do you have time to stop for a bit?”
Catching her bottom lip between her teeth, she nodded once.
He reached down. “Swing up behind me and we’ll take a ride.”
She licked her lips, not sure what to do. Anger still simmered at the way he’d ignored her the day she’d ridden out with Allie. Keeping her distance seemed the best choice, not riding behind him with her arms around his waist.
“I won’t bite, Caro.”
Snorting at his reference to a night long ago when he’d invited her to his home for supper, she shook her head. “As I recall, the last time you said that to me, you did bite.”
“Yes, I suppose I did.” He grinned. It was the first time they’d made love. There had been no awkwardness. Their time together had been natural, as if they’d been made for each other, neither wanting the sun to rise above the eastern range. But, of course, they both knew it would. The trick had been getting her back to her room at the hotel before dawn without anyone seeing. He thrust his hand out again. “So, what will it be?”
“All right.” Taking his hand, she swung up behind him, gripping the cantle at the back of the saddle.
When he didn’t feel her arms around him, Beau looked over his shoulder. “No, Caro. You’ve got to hold onto me, not the saddle.”
Stifling a groan, she did as he asked, slipping her arms around his waist, feeling instant heat through his thick coat. “Satisfied?”
Chuckling, he clucked, moving Smoke forward. “Yes, ma’am.”
Beau felt as if he were straddling heaven and hell. After meeting Dutch and hearing his reason for being in Splendor, Beau needed space. He didn’t know why, but his first thought had been of Caro. He needed to see her. She’d always been able to sort through the spider webs in his brain, helping him figure out the good ideas from bad. Her calming presence settled the ghosts lodged in his brain. Ghosts that haunted him since he’d heard Genevieve scream.
Deep River Page 10
