Colin's Quest

by Shirleen Davies

  “Strangely enough, he turned in his resignation the morning after our meeting. Seems someone must have warned him.” Ian pushed his plate away and leaned back. “All I care about is he’s gone.”

  “Any word on a replacement?” Quinn asked.

  Ian shook his head. “Not that I’ve heard.”

  The table grew silent for a few moments before Brodie cleared his throat.

  “I have one other announcement to make.” He pushed away from the table, resting his hands on his thighs. “Seems a few of the town leaders did ask someone to take Yost’s place. They offered him the position and he accepted.”

  “That so?” his father asked, his brows arching at the news. “Who is it?”

  “Me.”

  Epilogue

  Three weeks later…

  “I doubt how you and Quinn feel about his decision will change his mind, Colin. Brodie is a grown man and he has his reasons for what he did.”

  Sarah and Colin had ridden into town the day before, taking a room at the Gold Dust Hotel for two nights to make up for the interruption the rustlers had caused in their honeymoon. So far, they hadn’t seen Brodie. While Sarah shopped at the general store, Colin had stopped at the jail, leaving a message inviting Brodie to join them for supper tonight. So far, he hadn’t responded.

  “He shouldn’t have done it the way he did. Uncle Ewan didn’t have any idea of what he’d decided. I’ll never forget the look on his face when Brodie made the announcement. In this family, we’ve always talked about decisions such as this first. It wasn’t right.” Colin had stated the same complaint since Brodie made his announcement, shocking the entire family. Sarah had grown used to his grumbling, figuring the reality of Brodie’s new life would settle in after time.

  “Let’s go to breakfast, then see if we can find him,” Sarah suggested as Colin escorted her downstairs to the dining room.

  A small town by most standards, Conviction boasted two hotels. Both offered meals, although the quality had always been suspect in the one across the street. It had been added as an afterthought when the proprietor realized the Gold Dust made good money on the meals they served. A widowed rancher’s wife had been hired to do the cooking, and her food had always been popular with the locals and visitors.

  This morning, though, Colin found it hard to enjoy his eggs, bacon, and biscuits. His mind kept returning to Brodie and how much he missed him at the ranch. Perhaps his cousin would listen to reason after a while and return home. He couldn’t imagine running the ranch without him.

  “Look there.” Sarah stared out the window at the jail.

  Turning in his chair and following her gaze, he saw Brodie ride up on Hunter and swing to the ground. Looking around, he tipped his hat at a passing couple, then disappeared inside the jail.

  “At least we know he’s in town.” Colin finished eating, pushing his plate away, noticing Sarah watching him. “What?”

  “You don’t plan to charge over there and demand he come home, do you?”

  “As much as I’d like to, no. We’ll invite him to supper, find out if he’s met the new neighbor south of us, and that’s all. No matter how much I don’t like or understand it, I know it’s his decision.”

  Walking across the street, Colin noticed a couple more stores than he’d seen on his last trip to town, and there was building going on at one end. The hotel clerk said another saloon and a couple more shops would be going up, as well as a newspaper. The growth made him realize how much Conviction needed a strong sheriff. As much as he didn’t want to admit it, he knew Brodie would make an exceptional lawman, better than anyone Colin could think of.

  Opening the door to the jail, they spotted Brodie walking from the back where the cells were located. “I wondered when you’d be coming to pay me a visit.” Brodie set the keys on his desk, looking around Colin. “Quinn didn’t come with you?”

  “Not today. Sarah and I rode in alone. We’re hoping you can take time to join us for supper tonight.”

  “Morning, Sarah.” He sent her a broad smile, unlike the wary welcome he’d offered Colin. “I’d like to meet you for supper, as long as you don’t try to change my mind about taking the sheriff’s job.” He nodded toward a couple chairs.

  “You keeping busy?” Colin asked, pulling out a chair for Sarah.

  “You’d be surprised—”

  Brodie’s head snapped around as the door burst open and a woman he’d never seen dashed inside. Taking deep breaths, she looked out the window, then turned toward Brodie, gasping for air.

  “Can I help you, ma’am?”

  “Are you the sheriff?” She turned to glance out the window once again.

  “Aye.”

  Shifting back toward him, she wrapped her arms around her waist, eyes wide. “I hope you can help me. I think I killed my husband.”

  Thank you for taking the time to read Colin’s Quest. If you enjoyed it, please consider telling your friends or posting a short review. Word of mouth is an author’s best friend and much appreciated.

  Please join my reader’s group to be notified of my New Releases at:

  http://www.shirleendavies.com/contact-me.html

  I care about quality, so if you find something in error, please contact me via email at

  shirleen@shirleendavies.com

  About the Author

  Shirleen Davies writes romance—historical, contemporary, and romantic suspense. She grew up in Southern California, attended Oregon State University, and has degrees from San Diego State University and the University of Maryland. During the day she provides consulting services to small and mid-sized businesses. But her real passion is writing emotionally charged stories of flawed people who find redemption through love and acceptance. She now lives with her husband in a beautiful town in northern Arizona.

  I love to hear from my readers.

  Send me an Email

  Visit my Website

  Sign up to be notified of New Releases

  Check out all my Books

  Comment on my Blog

  Follow me on Amazon

  Other ways to connect with me:

  My Facebook Fan Page

  Twitter

  Pinterest

  Google+

  Tsu

  Other Books by Shirleen Davies

  http://www.shirleendavies.com/books.html

  Tougher than the Rest – Book One

  MacLarens of Fire Mountain Historical Western Romance Series

  “A passionate, fast-paced story set in the untamed western frontier by an exciting new voice in historical romance.”

  Niall MacLaren is the oldest of four brothers, and the undisputed leader of the family. A widower, and single father, his focus is on building the MacLaren ranch into the largest and most successful in northern Arizona. He is serious about two things—his responsibility to the family and his future marriage to the wealthy, well-connected widow who will secure his place in the territory’s destiny.

  Katherine is determined to live the life she’s dreamed about. With a job waiting for her in the growing town of Los Angeles, California, the young teacher from Philadelphia begins a journey across the United States with only a couple of trunks and her spinster companion. Life is perfect for this adventurous, beautiful young woman, until an accident throws her into the arms of the one man who can destroy it all.

  Fighting his growing attraction and strong desire for the beautiful stranger, Niall is more determined than ever to push emotions aside to focus on his goals of wealth and political gain. But looking into the clear, blue eyes of the woman who could ruin everything, Niall discovers he will have to harden his heart and be tougher than he’s ever been in his life…Tougher than the Rest.

  Faster than the Rest – Book Two

  MacLarens of Fire Mountain Historical Western Romance Series

  “Headstrong, brash, confident, and complex, the MacLarens of Fire Mountain will captivate you with strong characters set in the wild and rugged western frontier.” />
  Handsome, ruthless, young U.S. Marshal Jamie MacLaren had lost everything—his parents, his family connections, and his childhood sweetheart—but now he’s back in Fire Mountain and ready for another chance. Just as he successfully reconnects with his family and starts to rebuild his life, he gets the unexpected and unwanted assignment of rescuing the woman who broke his heart.

  Beautiful, wealthy Victoria Wicklin chose money and power over love, but is now fighting for her life—or is she? Who has she become in the seven years since she left Fire Mountain to take up her life in San Francisco? Is she really as innocent as she says?

  Marshal MacLaren struggles to learn the truth and do his job, but the past and present lead him in different directions as his heart and brain wage battle. Is Victoria a victim or a villain? Is life offering him another chance, or just another heartbreak?

  As Jamie and Victoria struggle to uncover past secrets and come to grips with their shared passion, another danger arises. A life-altering danger that is out of their control and threatens to destroy any chance for a shared future.

  Harder than the Rest – Book Three

  MacLarens of Fire Mountain Historical Western Romance Series

  “They are men you want on your side. Hard, confident, and loyal, the MacLarens of Fire Mountain will seize your attention from the first page.”

  Will MacLaren is a hardened, plain-speaking bounty hunter. His life centers on finding men guilty of horrendous crimes and making sure justice is done. There is no place in his world for the carefree attitude he carried years before when a tragic event destroyed his dreams.

  Amanda is the daughter of a successful Colorado rancher. Determined and proud, she works hard to prove she is as capable as any man and worthy to be her father’s heir. When a stranger arrives, her independent nature collides with the strong pull toward the handsome ranch hand. But is he what he seems and could his secrets endanger her as well as her family?

  The last thing Will needs is to feel passion for another woman. But Amanda elicits feelings he thought were long buried. Can Will’s desire for her change him? Or will the vengeance he seeks against the one man he wants to destroy—a dangerous opponent without a conscious—continue to control his life?

  Stronger than the Rest – Book Four

  MacLarens of Fire Mountain Historical Western Romance Series

  “Smart, tough, and capable, the MacLarens protect their own no matter the odds. Set against America’s rugged frontier, the stories of the men from Fire Mountain are complex, fast-paced, and a must read for anyone who enjoys non-stop action and romance.”

  Drew MacLaren is focused and strong. He has achieved all of his goals except one—to return to the MacLaren ranch and build the best horse breeding program in the west. His successful career as an attorney is about to give way to his ranching roots when a bullet changes everything.

  Tess Taylor is the quiet, serious daughter of a Colorado ranch family with dreams of her own. Her shy nature keeps her from developing friendships outside of her close-knit family until Drew enters her life. Their relationship grows. Then a bullet, meant for another, leaves him paralyzed and determined to distance himself from the one woman he’s come to love.

  Convinced he is no longer the man Tess needs, Drew focuses on regaining the use of his legs and recapturing a life he thought lost. But danger of another kind threatens those he cares about—including Tess—forcing him to rethink his future.

  Can Drew overcome the barriers that stand between him, the safety of his friends and family, and a life with the woman he loves? To do it all, he has to be strong. Stronger than the Rest.

  Deadlier than the Rest – Book Five

  MacLarens of Fire Mountain Historical Western Romance Series

  “A passionate, heartwarming story of the iconic MacLarens of Fire Mountain. This captivating historical western romance grabs your attention from the start with an engrossing story encompassing two romances set against the rugged backdrop of the burgeoning western frontier.”

  Connor MacLaren’s search has already stolen eight years of his life. Now he is close to finding what he seeks—Meggie, his missing sister. His quest leads him to the growing city of Salt Lake and an encounter with the most captivating woman he has ever met.

  Grace is the third wife of a Mormon farmer, forced into a life far different from what she’d have chosen. Her independent spirit longs for choices governed only by her own heart and mind. To achieve her dreams, she must hide behind secrets and half-truths, even as her heart pulls her towards the ruggedly handsome Connor.

  Known as cool and uncompromising, Connor MacLaren lives by a few, firm rules that have served him well and kept him alive. However, danger stalks Connor, even to the front range of the beautiful Wasatch Mountains, threatening those he cares about and impacting his ability to find his sister.

  Can Connor protect himself from those who seek his death? Will his eight-year search lead him to his sister while unlocking the secrets he knows are held tight within Grace, the woman who has captured his heart?

  Read this heartening story of duty, honor, passion, and love in book five of the MacLarens of Fire Mountain series.

  Second Summer – Book One

  MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary Romance Series

  “In this passionate Contemporary Romance, author Shirleen Davies introduces her readers to the modern day MacLarens starting with Heath MacLaren, the head of the family.”

  The Chairman of both the MacLaren Cattle Co. and MacLaren Land Development, Heath MacLaren is a success professionally—his personal life is another matter.

  Following a divorce after a long, loveless marriage, Heath spends his time with women who are beautiful and passionate, yet unable to provide what he longs for . . .

  Heath has never experienced love even though he witnesses it every day between his younger brother, Jace, and wife, Caroline. He wants what they have, yet spends his time with women too young to understand what drives him and too focused on themselves to be true companions.

  It’s been two years since Annie’s husband died, leaving her to build a new life. He was her soul mate and confidante. She has no desire to find a replacement, yet longs for male friendship.

  Annie’s closest friend in Fire Mountain, Caroline MacLaren, is determined to see Annie come out of her shell after almost two years of mourning. A chance meeting with Heath turns into an offer to be a part of the MacLaren Foundation Board and an opportunity for a life outside her home sanctuary which has also become her prison. The platonic friendship that builds between Annie and Heath points to a future where each may rely on the other without the bonds a romance would entail.

  However, without consciously seeking it, each yearns for more . . .

  The MacLaren Development Company is booming with Heath at the helm. His meetings at a partner company with the young, beautiful marketing director, who makes no secret of her desire for him, are a temptation. But is she the type of woman he truly wants?

  Annie’s acceptance of the deep, yet passionless, friendship with Heath sustains her, lulling her to believe it is all she needs. At least until Heath drops a bombshell, forcing Annie to realize that what she took for friendship is actually a deep, lasting love. One she doesn’t want to lose.

  Each must decide to settle—or fight for it all.

  Hard Landing – Book Two

  MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary Romance Series

  Trey MacLaren is a confident, poised Navy pilot. He’s focused, loyal, ethical, and a natural leader. He is also on his way to what he hopes will be a lasting relationship and marriage with fellow pilot, Jesse Evans.

  Jesse has always been driven. Her graduation from the Naval Academy and acceptance into the pilot training program are all she thought she wanted—until she discovered love with Trey MacLaren

  Trey and Jesse’s lives are filled with fast flying, friends, and the demands of their military careers. Lives each has settled into with a passion. At least until
the day Trey receives a letter that could change his and Jesse’s lives forever.

  It’s been over two years since Trey has seen the woman in Pensacola. Her unexpected letter stuns him and pushes Jesse into a tailspin from which she might not pull back.

  Each must make a choice. Will the choice Trey makes cause him to lose Jesse forever? Will she follow her heart or her head as she fights for a chance to save the love she’s found? Will their independent decisions collide, forcing them to give up on a life together?

  One More Day – Book Three

  MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary Romance Series

  Cameron “Cam” Sinclair is smart, driven, and dedicated, with an easygoing temperament that belies his strong will and the personal ambitions he holds close. Besides his family, his job as head of IT at the MacLaren Cattle Company and his position as a Search and Rescue volunteer are all he needs to make him happy. At least that’s what he thinks until he meets, and is instantly drawn to, fellow SAR volunteer, Lainey Devlin.

  Lainey is compassionate, independent, and ready to break away from her manipulative and controlling fiancé. Just as her decision is made, she’s called into a major search and rescue effort, where once again, her path crosses with the intriguing, and much too handsome, Cam Sinclair. But Lainey’s plans are set. An opportunity to buy a flourishing preschool in northern Arizona is her chance to make a fresh start, and nothing, not even her fierce attraction to Cam Sinclair, will impede her plans.

  As Lainey begins to settle into her new life, an unexpected danger arises —threats from an unknown assailant—someone who doesn’t believe she belongs in Fire Mountain. The more Lainey begins to love her new home, the greater the danger becomes. Can she accept the help and protection Cam offers while ignoring her consuming desire for him?

  Even if Lainey accepts her attraction to Cam, will he ever be able to come to terms with his own driving ambition and allow himself to consider a different life than the one he’s always pictured? A life with the one woman who offers more than he’d ever hoped to find?