Survivor Pass

by Shirleen Davies

  The grin splitting Noah’s face forced a smile out of Cash. “Abby and Lydia are having lunch at Suzanne’s. I thought little Gabe and I could use some time alone…” As his voice trailed off, he spotted his wife stepping outside, searching for him. “There’s your mama now,” he whispered to Gabriel.

  “You’re a lucky man, Noah.” Cash couldn’t help the slight pang of jealousy, although he didn’t begrudge Abby and Noah a moment of their happiness. They deserved every bit of it after the ordeals they’d endured before marrying.

  “How well I know it. I’d best give him back to his mama before he starts fretting.”

  Cash turned Hunter north, toward the Pelletier ranch. First, he’d ride by the house Noah was helping Gabe build a few miles from town on a hill overlooking a spectacular waterfall.

  Taking a path off the main road, he meandered up a winding trail until he came to a meadow dotted with stands of pine and fir. At least a foot of snow still covered the ground, and if Cash had to guess, he believed more snow would come before they moved into summer.

  In the center of the meadow, a large, four-walled structured had taken shape over the last few weeks. Gabe had spent whatever time he could spare from his duties as sheriff and co-owner of the hotel to get the house ready to move into by July. He’d moved Lena out of Suzanne’s boardinghouse and into his small structure behind the jail. Now he was anxious to give his bride a real home.

  Hearing the sound of hammering, Cash nudged Hunter forward.

  “Thought I’d find you here.” Cash slid to the ground as Gabe tossed the hammer aside.

  “Been here since dawn and I can’t tell a lick of difference.” Even with the chill of the snow, he wiped a sleeve across his brow. “Is there trouble in town?”

  “Not at all. Thought I’d come by to see your progress before riding out to see the Pelletiers. Beau’s on duty today. At least until I get back.” He skimmed his hand over the wooden frame, appreciating the level of detail. “I’d be happy to help out for a while.”

  “I heard you’re pretty good with wood.” Gabe handed Cash a ladle full of water. The creek a few yards away would supply them with what they needed.

  “Where’d you hear that?” Cash took a swallow, then gave it back.

  “Monty at the lumber mill said you built shelves for Alison’s shop. Said you did a real good job.” Gabe chuckled at the disgruntled look on Cash’s face.

  “How the hell would a kid like Monty know good from bad? He can’t be more than fifteen.”

  “Seventeen, according to Silas. Anyway, you’re welcome to work here anytime, although your services would be most useful inside where you wouldn’t have to deal with the melting snow.”

  “Cabinets and doors?” Cash perked up at the thought of working with his hands again, creating something useful.

  “And bookcases. Lena and Jack love to read. There must be six boxes full of books in the office at the Dixie, and I think they’ve both read every one.” Gabe’s features softened as he talked about his wife and stepson.

  Another twinge of envy washed over Cash. Besides himself, Beau, Bull, Nick, and Travis were still single, although each seemed to have their sights set on someone. Travis had a fondness for Lena’s lifelong friend, Isabella. Bull couldn’t keep his eyes off Lydia whenever she was around. Nick’s feelings for Suzanne were clear, although neither would admit it. And Beau had been smitten with Caro since the first day she rode into town with Gabe. Her announcement she’d be moving on to San Francisco in early summer had struck Beau hard. There wasn’t much his friend could do or say about it. She’d told everyone of her plan to winter in Splendor, then head west to see the Pacific Ocean. A rich widow, she had the means and strength of character to do whatever she wanted, including leaving Beau behind.

  “Any word on Alison?”

  Gabe’s question pulled Cash from his musings. “Not much. So far, there’s nothing about a marriage involving the name Burns near her home in Kentucky.” He told Gabe of his plan to speak with Rachel and Ginny.

  “Some weddings weren’t recorded properly during the war, and a good number of records were lost or destroyed. You know, Cash, there’s a chance you won’t find answers. What will you do if your friend comes back with nothing?” Gabe leaned against the side of his unfinished house, hoping whatever Cash learned would validate Alison’s story.

  Cash picked up Hunter’s reins, swinging into the saddle in one smooth movement. He looked at Gabe, his face intense. “I don’t know.”

  “Sorry, Cash. I wish we knew more.” Rachel refilled his coffee cup, then sat down next to Ginny. “We probably know less about her than you do.”

  “She’s not too open about her past.” Ginny slid forward on the sofa. “You don’t believe her story about being a widow?”

  He didn’t want to cause problems between Alison and the people of Splendor. If his suspicions were groundless, she’d hate him for digging into her past and sharing his doubts with women she thought of as friends.

  “I’m not certain what to think.”

  “About what?” Cash turned to see Dax walk in, heading straight for him and extending his hand.

  “He’s looking for information about Alison,” Rachel offered. “Why don’t you sit down and I’ll get you some coffee.”

  Dax kissed her on the cheek, taking her place on the sofa, then sent a questioning look at Cash. “What are you looking for, and why?”

  He walked to the window, watching a wind funnel kick up dirt in the pasture by the barn. Turning back to Dax, Cash expelled a deep breath. “It’s a gut feeling. Her past doesn’t make sense to me. Neither does her traveling across country to start a new life.”

  “Caro did the same, as did Isabella.” Dax took the cup Rachel handed him, then tugged her down next to him.

  “Caro is financially secure with the desire to travel, see the west. Besides, Gabe grew up with her. Isabella came out to bring Jackson home to Lena. She’s Lena’s closest friend. Alison knew no one in Splendor before getting off the stage. She has little money and no friends or relatives west of Kentucky—at least none that she’s mentioned.” Cash thought a moment about another inconsistency. “Besides, she’s a widow, but her kisses…” He looked at Rachel and Ginny, both with eyes wide, holding back smiles. “Sorry, ladies. I shouldn’t have mentioned—”

  “Just say it, Cash. Nothing will leave this room.” Rachel patted Dax on the thigh before glancing up at him. “Right?”

  Dax scrubbed a hand over his face, his lips tipping up in amusement. “No, Rach. Nothing leaves this room.”

  “So?” Ginny prompted.

  “Ah, hell,”’ Cash mumbled before deciding to say it out load. Maybe it would sound ridiculous when he presented his biggest doubt to his friends. “She doesn’t kiss like a woman who’s a widow.”

  “Without experience,” Rachel said, more to herself than the others. “Maybe she wasn’t married long before he went to war.”

  “I don’t think so. The woman is as green as they come.” Cash wished he hadn’t said anything.

  “I wondered why she doesn’t wear a ring. Most widows wear their wedding band for months or years after their husband’s death.” Ginny stood, pacing toward the dining room. Everyone sat in silence for a few moments until she turned back to them. “I have a friend in Richmond, Kentucky. Would it help if I sent her a telegram and asked if she ever knew Alison or a man named Burns?”

  “That’s right. You’re from Kentucky. I had no idea you lived in Richmond.” Rachel turned her head at the sound of Patrick’s voice as he awakened from his nap. “I’d better go grab him before he starts pounding on the wall by his bed.”

  Cash heard little of what Rachel said, still focused on Ginny’s offer. “I’d appreciate it if you’d get a message to your friend.”

  “I’ll ride into town tomorrow.” She walked up to him, settling a hand on his shoulder. “And don’t worry. None of us will say a word to Alison or anyone else.”

  ~~~~~

/>   Chapter Twelve

  Cash sat outside the sheriff’s office the following morning, watching farmers and ranchers come in for supplies or visit the bank. By late Friday afternoon, the town would be busy with miners and cowboys collecting their pay and celebrating at either the Dixie or the Rose. Gabe, Beau, and he stayed alert Friday afternoon through Saturday night. He doubted it would change when Gabe and Lena moved into their new home in a few months. Unless he quit his job as sheriff to focus on helping with the hotel and its growing business.

  “Deputy.” Silas tipped his hat, stopping in front of Cash’s chair. “I wanted to thank you and the others again for helping with the situation with John. I don’t know what would’ve happened if you three weren’t in town.”

  Just then, the door opened and Beau stepped outside, a cup of coffee in his hand. “Good morning, Silas.”

  “Beau.”

  “Silas stopped by to thank us for helping him with John.” It always surprised Cash the way people thanked them for doing their job.

  “No need for thanks, Silas. That’s what we’re here for. Do you want some coffee?” Beau asked, grabbing a nearby chair, the legs scraping against the boardwalk as he pulled it forward.

  “Not this morning. John asked me to meet him at the other end of town and I’m already late. I’ll see you boys around.” Silas took off, leaving Cash and Beau to stare after him.

  “What do you think that’s about?” Beau sipped his coffee, his gaze following Silas.

  “I’ve no idea.”

  A few minutes later, they had their answer. John and Silas sat atop a wagon filled with Chinese men and at least one woman, passing in front of them as it headed toward the lumber mill.

  “What the…” Cash’s voice trailed off as he and Beau stood, following the wagon to the end of the street.

  “What’s going on here, Silas?” Beau asked.

  “Seems John sent word to some of his friends up north at Cave Gulch. With the closing of the mine, they had no way to make a living.” Silas waved his arms in the air. “I don’t know what he expects me to do with them. I’ve got all the help I need.”

  “Looks to be five men and one woman.” Beau noted how they all huddled together in the wagon, talking amongst themselves, John sitting in a prominent place in the middle of the group.

  “You may have yourself a problem, Silas. Did you say anything to John about hiring more people?” Cash rubbed the short stubble on his jaw and chin. “Guess we could ask around, see if anyone needs help.”

  “What’s going on?”

  The men turned to see Gabe ride up behind them on Blackheart, the stallion he’d owned since he joined the Union Army. Dismounting, he walked closer, noticing the people in the wagon.

  “Seems like Silas’s helper, John, told his friends in Cave Gulch there were jobs in Splendor. So…” Cash nodded toward the six newcomers.

  “So they decided to come.” Gabe would’ve laughed if the situation weren’t so precarious. Tension against the Chinese ran high in many towns. The fact they took jobs at far reduced wages, worked long hours in dismal conditions, never complained, and lived on little food and less sleep prompted many mine owners and those funding the railroads to hire them over immigrants from Europe, the traditional workers in these industries.

  “Silas doesn’t have any jobs. Noah’s decided to hire help, but he needs someone with experience in a livery, working a forge, and doctoring horses. I doubt any of the people in the wagon could handle it.” Reluctantly, Cash strolled over to the wagon. “John, do any of them speak English?”

  “No one here speaks English but me, Mr. Cash.” John stood, gesturing toward his friends. “But they work hard. You know of jobs?”

  “Sorry, John. I only know of one, and that’s with Noah Brandt at the livery. He’s going to be real picky about who uses his equipment and tends the horses he takes in. I can ask around, but you’ll need to find them a place to live. And they’ll need to find work soon.”

  “What kind of work do they want?” Gabe strolled up behind Cash, Beau standing a couple feet away.

  “They are miners, Sheriff. This man, Zhao, is good with animals. This man, Wu, is a cook.”

  “And the woman?” Gabe stared at the woman cowering behind the men.

  “Li is a serving girl.” John’s gaze darted away from Gabe, telling the sheriff what he suspected.

  “We’ll ask around, but you need to find them a place to stay. I’m warning you. There will be some people in town who aren’t going to like the fact you brought them here.” Gabe turned toward Cash and Beau. “Cash, check with Stan. See if he needs any help at his store. And you might as well check with Alison. She seems to be getting pretty busy.”

  “Gabe, I don’t think—”

  “Just ask her, Cash. You don’t have to stick around afterwards. Beau, you ask around with the other merchants. I’ll talk to Nick and Lena and the local ranchers. Spring is almost here so they may need some help.”

  Cash turned abruptly, heading toward the general store, muttering words Gabe was certain he didn’t want to hear.

  “You know, I can talk to Alison instead of Cash.” Beau glanced over his shoulder at his friend, knowing the last person Cash wanted to see was Alison.

  “You could, but that wouldn’t get them together, would it?”

  “Anyone ever call you an evil man, Colonel Evans?” Beau joked, although he struggled to find any humor in Cash’s situation.

  “Only those who reported to me during the war, Captain.” Gabe still found it surprising how men who fought for the South, such as the Pelletiers, Cash, and Beau, could become such close friends of an ex-Union colonel. Maybe it was their way of putting the destruction behind them. Or perhaps it was their desire to start a new life and forget the prejudices and hatred of the past. Either way, he felt fortunate to live in a town where men from both sides could work together.

  Cash’s exasperation with Gabe built the closer he got to the general store. He didn’t mind talking to Stan, letting him know about the people John brought into town. The same request to speak to Alison caused a different reaction and had him seething. His friend, and boss, knew what he asked of Cash, knew he could have sent Beau instead, yet still went ahead and ordered him to face her.

  The problem wasn’t that he didn’t like her. The problem was he liked her too much—to a point he couldn’t sleep at night without dreaming of her and wanting her. He’d woken up more than once with his bed soaked from vivid images of them together. Being around her made the desire worse, threatening the tenuous control he forced himself to maintain. And the reasons for such tight restraint centered on the suspicions he held about her past. He’d almost thrown those suspicions away when he’d seen her and Clay at supper. Anger and jealousy had flared fast and intense until he’d wanted to pull the man out of his chair and toss him out the door. Not that he could. Clay stood about as tall and weighed as much as Cash. At best, it might be an even match.

  Stomping his feet on the boardwalk to rid his boots of dirt, he pushed the door open and stepped inside the general store, coming face-to-face with the man he’d been cursing—Clay McCord.

  “What can I do for you, Deputy?” Clay stepped away from a table where he’d been rearranging items, and faced Cash, his features watchful and wary.

  “Is Stan around?”

  “He left to take care of something at home. I’ll be glad to give him a message, or you can come back in about an hour.”

  “Giving you the message will do.” Cash explained about the Chinese workers, asking Clay to pass the information along to Stan.

  “I’ll be glad to tell him. I doubt he’ll hire anyone right now, but I’ve been wrong before.”

  Seemed like a good time to bring up the fact Clay had been wrong to step between Alison and him. He’d stepped over a line most men wouldn’t when it came Cash. Yet, in a way, he couldn’t blame Clay. Cash hadn’t expressed his feelings to Alison, and he didn’t know how she felt about him. The f
act she’d let Clay escort her to supper didn’t bode well for them continuing to see each other. And Cash had no one to blame but himself. His actions had said as much as any words, pushing her away, causing her to believe he held no feelings for her. Nothing could be further from the truth. The problem didn’t lie with Alison herself. His instincts were the culprit, ripping him apart as he searched for answers he could accept. Answers that may not surface for weeks or months.

  “Fair enough. Have him talk to Silas or John at the lumber mill if he does need help. They’ll know where the men are staying.” Turning, he grabbed the door handle, halting at Clay’s words.

  “She’s a real nice lady, Cash. Any man would be honored to court her.”

  “Are you courting her?” Cash ground out, not turning to look at Clay.

  “No. I made it clear that as long as she has feelings for you, I’d stay away.” Clay walked up next to him, pinning him with a look Cash couldn’t quite decipher. “But if you decide to back off, I’ll be at her door before you have a chance to change your mind.” He stepped away, never taking his gaze off Cash.

  Cash nodded once, then left, closing the door behind him.

  “Thank you, Mrs. Burns. This is just what I wanted.”

  “You’re quite welcome, Mrs. Ivie. I hope your daughter likes it, as well.” Alison followed her to the front door, holding it open as she left. When she tried to push the door closed again, a hand stopped her. Looking up, her breath hitched. Cash stood on the boardwalk, his arm extended, keeping the door open.

  “Good morning, Alison.”

  Her heart beat a fast rhythm as her gaze wandered from his hat to the star on his chest. A thrill passed through her, the beginnings of a smile forming…until she remembered he hadn’t been to visit her in a week. The joy at seeing him faded.

  “Cash. What are you doing here?” She didn’t step aside to allow him entry. Instead, she moved forward, blocking his path.

  He let out a deep sigh, not moving his hand from the door. “May I come inside?”