Survivor Pass

by Shirleen Davies

  “I’ve got some ideas. Need to sort them out before I talk to the bosses.”

  “Any ideas you have are welcome, Bull. Just let Dax and me know when you’re ready to talk.” Luke studied his friend, a man he’d grown close to since taking over the ranch. He knew whatever suggestions Bull offered would be worth serious consideration. “Lydia, I hear you’re planning to move in with Noah and Abby for a while to help with baby Gabriel.”

  “Um, yes. I’ll be leaving tomorrow.” Lydia could feel Bull tense next to her. Glancing at him, her breath hitched, noticing his gaze riveted on her face. She’d spoken to Rachel and Dax about helping out, but had yet to mention it to Bull. Once she’d come to trust him, they’d talked about everything and become friends. She could almost feel the sense of betrayal as he looked at her.

  “How long?” Bull asked, his voice low and strained.

  She cleared her throat, the anxiety she felt clear to everyone. “Rachel said it could be a few months.” Pushing her chair back, she stood, picking up her plate. “I’ll get dessert ready.”

  “I’ll help.” Standing, Bull grabbed his own plate, following her through the kitchen doorway.

  Alison watched the interaction, hearing the anxiety in Bull’s voice, and wondered what had just happened.

  “Damn fool. He’d better make a move soon or one of the single men in Splendor will snap Lydia up.” Luke tossed down his napkin, ready to head into the kitchen until Ginny’s hand on his arm stopped him.

  “Let them be, Luke. They’ll work it out. Lydia isn’t going to agree to let anyone court her except Bull, and we all know it.” Ginny glanced at Rachel, who nodded.

  “So they care about each other, but neither has said anything?” Alison looked around the table, seeing most everyone nod. “Well, that’s just plain sad.”

  “Bull’s got his reasons, and I suspect Lydia knows and understands them.” Luke crossed his arms, leaning back in his chair.

  “Sorry. I didn’t mean to insert myself into their business.” Alison bit her bottom lip, wishing she’d kept quiet.

  “It’s fine, Alison.” Cash put an arm around the back of her chair, shifting toward her. “This has been going on a while.” He glanced at the others. “I agree with Luke. Bull has some good reasons for waiting to state his intentions. I’m thinking becoming a foreman is going to push him a bit.”

  “I sure hope so.” Rachel set down her napkin, glancing at the closed kitchen door. “They’ve had enough time alone. I’m going to go make fresh coffee.”

  Lydia and Bull walked back in with Rachel a few minutes later, each carrying a pie, which Ginny quickly sliced and passed out. The mood had sobered since Lydia’s announcement, neither she nor Bull showing any indication they’d talked about her decision.

  Finishing his pie, Cash pushed his plate away and stood. “Do you all mind if I take Alison for a walk?” He moved behind her chair, resting his hands on the back.

  “Not at all,” Rachel answered. “You know you’re welcome to stay here tonight.”

  “Thank you, but I need to get into the shop early. I’m finishing some hats for a couple local women.” Alison grinned at Rachel and Ginny, causing them both to laugh.

  “And I can’t wait to see them.” Ginny picked up plates, casting a curious look at Rachel as Cash escorted Alison outside. “What do you think is going on with those two?”

  Rachel shrugged. “I don’t know, but it’s good to see him spending an evening with someone other than Beau.” They laughed, carrying the empty plates to the sink.

  “Dax told me they have a new foal. I thought you might like to see him.” Drawing her arm through his as they walked toward the barn, Cash gave in to the desire to pull her close to his side.

  “I’d love to see it. We had two horses at our farm. One old, the other ancient.” She grinned at his robust chuckle, enjoying the warmth of his body close to hers.

  “Am I correct in guessing you didn’t ride much?”

  She nodded. “Someday, I’d like to have a horse meant for riding.”

  “If you’re interested, I’ll take you riding as soon as my horse heals. You can ride Joker, the horse Noah’s letting me borrow, and I’ll ride Hunter. There are some beautiful places to ride near Splendor.”

  “I’d love to ride with you, although I don’t know if I’ll be able to keep up.”

  Cash’s face softened as he looked at her, knowing he wouldn’t leave her side. Opening the barn door, he rested a hand on the small of her back, guiding her inside toward a nearby stall.

  “There he is.”

  “Oh my. He is new, isn’t he?”

  “Born just before we arrived today. By tomorrow afternoon, they’ll be let out into the field behind the barn.” He watched Alison’s eyes widen.

  “Isn’t that a little soon?”

  “Not for horses.”

  Alison climbed onto the last rung of the stall, letting her head rest on her arms as she watched mother and foal. “They’re so beautiful.”

  “Yes. Very,” he whispered, never taking his gaze off her face.

  She watched a few more minutes before stepping down and wrapping a hand around his arm, staring up at him. “Thank you. I’ve never seen such a wonderful sight.”

  Neither looked away, their gazes locking with each other.

  Alison’s heart strummed, the tempo increasing the longer he stared into her eyes. She couldn’t move, didn’t want to break the spell. Sucking in a ragged breath, she tilted her head to the side as she caught her bottom lip between her teeth. Lifting her hand, she traced his lower lip with her fingers, having no idea the effect her touch had on him.

  “Be careful, Alison.” His hoarse voice stopped the movement of her hand, her eyes indicating her lack of understanding. He grasped her wrist with his hand, lowering it to his chest, holding it over his heart. “My control isn’t as strong as it should be.”

  She gasped as his meaning became clear, but she didn’t step away.

  He lifted her chin with a finger, lowering his head to within an inch of hers. “I want to kiss you.”

  She couldn’t find the words to deny him. “Yes,” she breathed out, unable to stop the heat coursing through her body.

  Dipping his head, Cash took her mouth with his, moving his arms around her waist to draw her close. He groaned, deepening the kiss when her arms wound around his neck, pulling him to her.

  Splaying his hands across her back, he held tight, feeling the heat from her body. He couldn’t think, could hardly breathe as her taste and the feel of her played with his senses, his emotions reeling with need. He wanted her with an intensity he didn’t understand and didn’t want to control.

  “Cash, are you out here?”

  Luke’s question had them stepping back, their breathing labored. Cash scrubbed a hand down his face, turning to shield Alison behind his back. The timing of Luke’s intrusion was both a blessing and a curse. It would’ve taken little encouragement for the rampant desire between them to ignite into unwise actions and possible regret.

  “We’re by the foal.”

  When Cash turned, he saw Alison standing on the lowest rung of the stall, the same as before, her attention riveted on the foal and its mother.

  “What do you think?” Luke asked as he stepped beside Alison, unaware of what he’d interrupted.

  She took another slow breath, getting her heart rate under control. “They’re beautiful.”

  Luke nodded, then turned toward Cash. “Dax said you wanted to talk to us about some outlaws who might be headed our way.”

  “Yeah.” He placed a hand on Alison’s shoulder, drawing her attention. “Let’s go inside. I need to talk to Dax and Luke before we leave for town.”

  They shared a look as she stepped to the ground.

  Neither of them spoke as they walked to the house, Cash wondering how he was going to keep his distance during the long ride home.

  ~~~~~

  Chapter Ten

  “Bernie Griggs just
gave me this.” Cash handed the telegram to Gabe. “You aren’t going to like it.”

  Cash dropped into a chair, taking off his hat, raking a hand through his hair. Following a challenging ride home from the Pelletier ranch, he had slept little the night before.

  It had been a struggle to keep the distance he felt they needed as Alison continued to inch closer. He sat motionless, guessing she sought the warmth and comfort his body provided. About fifteen minutes into the trip, he’d given in, slipping an arm around her and holding her to his side. Her gaze occasionally searched his, yet he’d refused to give into the temptation of her closeness. Lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, he’d mentally thanked Luke’s interruption in the barn for saving him from acting on the passion he hadn’t been able to resist.

  Gabe read the telegram, his jaw clenching. “Appears the Penderville gang is riding toward Big Pine. Unless Sterling is able to stop them, I’ve no doubt Splendor will be their next stop.”

  “How do you want to handle it?”

  “There isn’t much to do now except wait for another telegram from Sterling. Moosejaw is the only town between Bloody Basin and Big Pine, and there isn’t enough there for the outlaws to risk getting caught or killed.” Gabe set the telegram down and leaned back, stretching his arms behind his head. “You’ve told Dax and Luke about the Pendervilles?”

  “They know and are ready if we need them. I still need to talk to Horace at the bank.”

  “I hate to stir this up before we have more information, but I’d better talk to the town leaders.” Gabe stood, picking up his hat and gun belt.

  “You know, Gabe, since King Tolbert was murdered and Amos left town, the leadership has changed an awful lot. Seems to me it’s Horace, the Pelletiers, Nick Barnett, Stan Petermann, Noah, and you.” Cash stood. “Does Nick know what’s going on?”

  “He and Noah both know about what Sterling told you. That leaves Stan and Horace. Stan’s the only one who might panic and spread the word around town, alarming others. Can’t leave him out, though. You go to the bank. I’ll deal with Stan.”Before they could reach the door, it burst open, Monty from the lumber mill rushing inside, panting, his eyes wild.

  “Silas told me to come fetch you, Sheriff. We’ve got some miners causing a commotion ’cause their order isn’t ready.” Gunfire sounded as Monty got out the last words. “That’s those miners, Sheriff.”

  “Let’s go find out what those fellas want and stop them from doing something foolish, Cash.”

  Gabe and Cash rushed out, leaving Monty alone in the jail, pacing back and forth.

  Cash stuck his head back inside. “You coming?” He signaled the boy to get moving, then closed the door as Monty took off toward the lumber mill.

  They dashed past the Wild Rose Saloon and Western Union office before coming to a stop near Noah’s livery. Gabe almost laughed at the sight of his closest friend holding his Spencer repeating rifle, pointing it at the unruly miners. Although it wasn’t the Sharps rifle he used as a sharpshooter during the war, he was still deadly accurate with it.

  “You boys listen to me.” Noah’s voice boomed above the shouts and gunfire. When one of the miners pointed his revolver at him, Noah squeezed the trigger of his Spencer, the bullet knocking the gun right out of the man’s hand. Not lowering the rifle, he took a step closer. “Now, I mean business. You fellas drop your guns and step away from Silas.”

  Not one argued as they tossed their weapons away.

  “I wish you’d reconsider and become one of my deputies, Noah. I could use another good man.” Gabe chuckled, his gun drawn and pointed toward the miners. Cash stood next to him, ready to shoot the next man who moved.

  “You’ve been trying to boss me around all our lives, Gabe. I’m not likely to let you do it officially.”

  “Didn’t think so.” His attention swung back to the men, who were none too pleased to be without their weapons. “Cash and I have this now.”

  Noah lowered the rifle. “You need me to stay back while you gather their guns?”

  “Looks like Beau is on his way from the boardinghouse.” Gabe tilted his head toward the opposite side of the street, seeing his other deputy running towards them, his gun drawn. “We’re fine. Besides, if anything happened to you, I’d have to answer to Abby—and that’s too scary a thought to consider.”

  Noah laughed as he stepped aside, letting Gabe and the others take over. No one noticed the lone man standing behind the Western Union office, his gun ready, eyes scanning the crowd. Seeing the sheriff and deputies taking control, he holstered his gun, taking the path behind the building toward the other end of town.

  Alison’s head jerked up at the sound of gunfire. Dropping the hat she’d been working on, she dashed to the front door, opening it a crack to peer outside. A few townspeople stood on the boardwalk, all facing the other end of town, but no one moved. She opened the door wider, taking a few steps outside, calling after a man she didn’t recognize as he hurried toward the commotion.

  “What’s going on?”

  He never stopped, yelling over his shoulder. “I heard the sheriff and his deputies are having a shootout with a group of miners.”

  Closing the door behind her, she crossed the street, stopping in front of the St. James Hotel, then moving along the boardwalk until she could get a clear view. The sight jolted her. One of the miners was holding his bleeding hand as Gabe, Beau, and Cash approached, all brandishing guns. She moved until she got a clear view of their faces. All were intense, focused, and watching for any movement from the miners. As if he sensed her, Cash’s gaze shifted toward her for a brief instant, a scowl appearing, his eyes flashing before he returned his attention to the crowd.

  “Come on, Alison. Let’s get you out of danger. You never know when those miners might do something stupid and try to grab for their guns.”

  Alison turned to see Gabe’s wife, Lena, grasping her arm, gently guiding her away from the danger.

  “The lawmen might do something just as stupid and shoot for no reason,” Alison protested, her features drawn. When she saw the stunned look on Lena’s face, she realized what she’d said. “Sorry. I know Gabe’s your husband, and I’m sure he’s a fine man. Lots of lawmen aren’t like him, though. They’ll kill as easily as most outlaws.” Alison didn’t recognize the cold tone or disdain in her voice, or feel the way her body began to tremble.

  “I know some lawmen go bad. Those three aren’t anything like the men you’re thinking of. They don’t kill for pleasure, but they will shoot someone if he’s threatening others.” Lena wrapped an arm around Alison’s shoulders, steering her toward the Dixie. “How about some coffee while we wait for the men to clear this up?”

  Alison glanced over her shoulder one more time, deciding she could wait no longer to find out the identity of the man who killed her brother. A shiver ran through her at the thought one of the men a few feet away—Gabe, Beau, or Cash—might be the person she sought. Swallowing the bile in her throat, she allowed Lena to lead her away.

  “Coffee sounds good,” she lied, knowing nothing sounded good right now.

  “Who wants to tell me what this is all about?” Gabe’s voice held a hard edge, although the sight before them almost made him laugh. Several miners stood around, glaring between him, Silas—the owner of the lumber mill—and a short, lone figure hunching in the background, trying not to catch anyone’s attention.

  Silas pointed to the miners. “These men threatened me and my new man. Said they’d burn the mill down if I didn’t replace him with one of our own.”

  Cash moved closer, not sure about what he’d heard. “Our own?” he murmured to Gabe, who shrugged, then turned to the group of men, holding the gaze of the one who’d been the most belligerent.

  “You want to explain this to me?”

  Stepping forward, the man planted his feet, crossing his arms. “He’s the problem.” He uncrossed his arms, pointing toward the man trying to hide in the shadows of the mill.

  Gabe rec
ognized him as a man known as John. He’d come into town after the gold mine in Cave Gulch was abandoned. He’d been emaciated and sick from exposure. Doc Worthington treated him, then marched John down to the lumber mill to meet Silas. From what Gabe knew, he was a quiet, hard worker who hadn’t caused a single problem.

  “Exactly what is your problem with him?” Gabe slid his gun into the holster, nodding to Cash and Beau to do the same.

  “It’s him,” the miner ground out, as if those words should be explanation enough. When Gabe’s brows rose, the man huffed out a frustrated breath. “He’s a Chinaman, Sheriff, and we don’t want their kind here.” He looked around at his fellow miners, who mumbled their agreement. Emboldened, the man took a step toward Gabe, who stood his ground. “We don’t want to do business with the likes of him.”

  “What mine do you men work for?” Cash asked. There were only a few near Splendor, and only one that employed more than a handful of miners.

  “Devil Dancer,” one called out, stating the largest mine, which employed a couple dozen men.

  Cash grinned at Gabe, who shook his head.

  “Well now, I believe we can work this out. You see, my wife, Magdelena Evans, controls that mine. I know for a fact she has no issues with John.” Gabe smirked at the shocked looks on the miners’ faces.

  “That ain’t right,” one of the men yelled. “We was told Jackson Campanel owns the mine with his partner, Thomas Pennington.”

  “You’ve got your facts wrong, mister. Jackson Campanel is my stepson. He inherited half the mine when his father died.”

  “You see there. I’m right,” the same man called back.

  “Not quite. Jackson is seven years old. As his guardian, Magdalena controls the mine.”

  The miners shot surprised glances at each other, mumbling amongst themselves.

  “What about that Pennington fella. Don’t he have a say in this?”

  “He’s in prison. Magdalena bought him out. Jackson, who now owns a hundred percent of the Devil Dancer, is your employer.” Gabe took a couple steps closer, his face hardening. “I suggest you get done with any business you have in town, including picking up supplies from John over there, then get back to the mine. I’ll be sure to let Lena know how you feel.”