“Who?”
Cash nodded toward the men who’d begun to disperse, returning to their work. “The tall one with black hat and red suspenders.”
“Galt. The man’s been a pain in my side since he started. Problem is, he’s a good worker. Starts early, works late, and does about twice the work of most men.” Reuben whipped off his hat, scratching the thin patch of hair on top of his head. “He’s also got strong opinions and a loud mouth. I’ve told him if he has a complaint to come to me, but he’d rather stir up trouble with the men than find any solutions. If I didn’t need him so much, I’d have fired him months ago. What do you suggest, Cash?”
“I’ve suggested Lena hire some extra men to patrol the mines day and night.”
“Can you afford extra men, Mrs. Evans? They’d have to be people you trust. I can’t watch over them twenty-four hours a day. I suppose we could let the Chinese workers go. That would stop the problems without hiring more men.”
“For how long, Reuben? No matter how much I pay them or the improvements to their living conditions, it seems the men always find something to complain about. Besides, it wouldn’t be right to punish the Chinese men more than they’ve already endured.” She let out a breath, thinking of the cost of adding guards. “Four men is the most I can add right now.”
Cash nodded. “Two men for each twelve hours should be enough. Their main job will be to keep watch on the Chinese men and make sure Galt, or any of the other miners, don’t cause trouble. Do you have any idea who you’d hire?”
“No, Cash. I plan to talk to Gabe and Nick. Do you have any suggestions?”
“Wish I did. I’m happy to pass the word, though. The sooner they’re out here, the sooner you can put this behind you and get back to the business of mining.” He looked up at the sky, noting the position of the sun. “We’d better start back. I’ll get John.”
“I had some men help Monty unload the wagon, Cash. He’s waiting for you on the other side of the office.”
“Thanks, Reuben. With luck, there’ll be some men out here to help you before too long. In the meantime, I’d appreciate it if you’d send word if there’s another attack…on anyone.”
Big Pine
“Ready?” Milt Penderville swung his horse in a circle as the sun began to drift behind the hills to the west. They’d waited long enough. It had been weeks since the failed bank robbery in Bloody Basin and their funds were getting low. Besides, Harry and he were tired of hiding out while their men went into town to gamble and carouse. They were the only two on wanted posters. The chance of getting recognized and arrested wasn’t worth a few hours of fun in one of several saloons in the territorial capital. They might be able to get away with it where they were headed.
Harry reined up alongside him. “Let’s go.” They’d decided to make a wide arc north, avoiding Big Pine to camp a few hours west. They’d camp overnight, then head out for Splendor early the next morning.
According to what their men had learned, the major threat of riding north was the potential of running afoul of a group of renegade Crow who populated the hill country beyond where the mines were located. The small band of young bucks concentrated their raids on ill-prepared and unsuspecting travelers. They’d swoop down from the hills, steal food supplies and cattle, take an occasional hostage, then storm back into the protection of the dense forest with hundreds of trails coming in and going out. Seldom did they kill. Still, they were a dangerous threat. Once the trail turned south, joining the main road out of Big Pine, the danger would lessen.
“The men heard they have a boardinghouse run by a pretty widow woman in Splendor. I say we stay there, clean up, and visit the local saloons. We should have a little fun before taking care of our business.”
A frustrated sigh and muttered curse was Milt’s reaction. “We stick with the plan, Harry, the same as we did in Big Pine. Showing our faces is too risky.”
“It’s been weeks since I had a hot bath and decent meal. You can stay at camp, but I’m riding into town with the men. You’re the one with a two thousand dollar bounty on your head. I’m worth no more than five hundred.”
Milt held his anger, knowing to show it would ignite a confrontation neither needed until they were well beyond Crow territory. Then he’d lay into his brother, put him in his place, and if necessary, pound some reason into him.
Milt had barely finished the thought when an ear-piercing yell split the night air. On their right, he could see a group of riders coming straight at them.
“Ride!” Milt kicked his horse into a run, bending low while reaching for his gun. He knew who was bearing down on them, and had been warned of the danger of traveling this trail.
The youngest son of the Crow chief had refused to participate in the annuity payments the United States government began disbursing to the tribe in 1868. His pride and arrogance led him and his followers—young men who believed the white men had taken what had been their birthright—to split from their tribe. Attacking white settlers was their way of recapturing some of what had been stolen from them.
The Penderville gang rode hard, putting little distance between them and skilled Crow riders. They couldn’t take time to glance over their shoulders for fear the effort would slow them down. Seconds felt like hours as they pushed their horses south toward the main road, the high-pitched cries from their painted enemies sending terror through each man.
Without warning, as if they’d passed through some kind of unseen barrier, the cries diminished. When all they heard was the pounding hooves of their own horses, Milt held up a hand, signaling them to stop. Counting, he breathed out a relieved sigh. All the men were alive.
“What was that about?” The fear in Harry’s voice mirrored the terror on the men’s faces.
“Hell if I know and I don’t care. We’ll rest our horses for a bit, then ride on to Splendor. I want to get out of this area before they change their minds and come after us.” Milt slid to the ground, bending at the waist, sucking in gulps of air. During all their months moving from town to town, robbing banks and the occasional train, they’d never been attacked by Indians. Perhaps that’s why he’d felt so cocky. He wouldn’t make the same mistake again.
~~~~~
Chapter Sixteen
Splendor
Gabe set his hat on the bar, glanced around, then sent a sharp look at the bartender. “Paul, have you seen Lena or Nick?”
“Lena hasn’t come back from the Devil Dancer. Don’t know where Nick is.” He set a whiskey in front of Gabe, cringing at the way his jaw tensed.
Ignoring the drink, Gabe stalked to the office in back, pushing the door open. “Nick?” Getting no answer, he returned to the bar, picked up the glass, and finished his whiskey in one gulp. “Are you sure Lena hasn’t come back? She left when I did early this morning.”
Paul explained what he’d heard about the trouble at the mine. “It’d be best to find Beau. He might know more about what happened. When Nick comes back, I’ll let him know you’re looking for him.”
Walking out and searching the street, Gabe saw Noah’s livery closed tight. He hadn’t noticed Lena’s horse when he put his own away, but he’d been anxious to see her after a long day and hadn’t really looked. Opening the gate, he checked the stables. An odd trickle of fear shot through him when he saw her horse was missing. Paul was right. She hadn’t returned.
Slamming the gate closed, he dashed to his office, almost knocking Beau down as he walked outside. Gabe grabbed his arm to steady them both.
“Have you seen Lena?”
“She and Cash left for the Devil Dancer before noon. They also took John from the lumber mill. The four Chinese miners were beaten, Gabe, and they wouldn’t talk to Reuben or Lena about what happened.” Beau turned back inside. They both took seats, Gabe sagging into a chair from weariness and worry. He dragged a hand down his face, then set his gaze on Beau.
“They hope John can persuade them to talk, identify the men who beat them?”
“That’s my understanding. Nick found me after speaking to Lena before she and Cash left. I’m guessing it took them close to two hours to get there with the wagon, and another two to return.” Beau saw Gabe’s brows knit together. “Monty needed to take a load of lumber to the mine, so John rode with him in the wagon. I’d expect them back at any time now, but if you think something is wrong, I’ll ride out with you.”
Boots stomping on the boardwalk sounded a moment before the jail door swung open. Cash stepped inside, shrugging out of his coat, a weary smile crossing his face when he saw Gabe. He didn’t have to wonder at the question on his mind.
“She went to the Dixie, looking for you.”
Gabe dashed outside before Cash could finish.
“And she’s fine,” he chuckled to himself.
Alison had closed her shop for the entire day, putting a sign on the door and not feeling an ounce of guilt.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve ridden, Cash.” Alison stood next to Joker, the horse Noah had saddled for her. He’d told her the horse belonged to Abby, an accomplished rider.
“Joker is a good ride, sweetheart. Abby rode him until a couple weeks before Gabriel was born.” Cash stroked a finger down her cheek, seeing her face color. “I’ll be right with you the whole time.”
The heated look in his eyes sent shivers shooting through her, making her wonder who the greatest threat was…Joker or Cash. She’d thought of little except Cash ever since their time together after supper at the St. James. If she had to do it again, Allie might not have invited him upstairs. It had been an impulsive gesture, one quite out of character for her. After he left, it had taken hours for her to fall asleep. Even then, she’d woken repeatedly, tangled in the bedcovers. Worse, she’d suffered the same scenario each of the following nights, waking early this morning, her body aching with a need she didn’t understand.
“If you’re certain…” The words had barely left her mouth when Cash settled his hands on her waist and lifted her into the saddle.
“Are you comfortable?” Cash handed the reins to her, stroking a hand down Joker’s neck.
Following his lead, she leaned forward and did the same, calming the horse, as well as herself.
“Why yes, I’m quite comfortable.” A smile lit her face when Joker shook his head.
“You’re going to do fine.” He mounted Hunter, glancing over his shoulder at Allie as he started out of the livery and onto the street. “It’s going to be a long ride. Suzanne packed a lunch for us.” Cash looked up at the clear sky, then glanced at the coat tied to the back of her saddle. “Is your bonnet on tight?”
Lifting a hand, she checked it as Joker took off on his own, following Hunter.
“Oh!” Nervous laughter filled the air as Allie bobbed up and down in the saddle, coming up alongside Cash. “Riding our plough horse wasn’t anything like this. He was old, heavy, and very slow.” As they left the outskirts of town, she let out a yelp as Joker broke into a gallop ahead of Cash.
“Rein him in a little, Allie. He’ll respond.” He pushed Hunter forward, coming up next to her to help pull back on her reins. “Like this. Easy,” he coached. She licked her lips, concentrating on controlling the horse. “That’s it, Allie. Perfect.” He let go, letting her take over.
“I can do this.” She spoke more to herself than Cash, although he glanced at her as if he’d heard. Which he had.
“No doubt you can do this.” He kept a close watch on her, surprised how little experience she had. Most kids who grew up on farms could ride pretty well.
“Besides the old gelding we used in the fields, we only had one horse. He was a beast. Big and mean. My father was the only one allowed to ride him.” Her chest constricted on a memory of Bobby pleading with their father to let him ride a real horse. He’d refused, telling Bobby when he grew to be a man, he’d have his chance. It never happened. They’d sold the horse upon learning of their father’s death, their mother unable to look at him without thinking of her husband.
“You’re doing fine, and you’ll do better as we keep going. By the time we return, you’ll be an expert.”
More than an hour later, Cash led them onto an overgrown trail. Covered with a layer of snow and ice, it meandered back and forth, climbing several hundred feet before coming to a clearing not more than a hundred feet wide. Although spring, almost a foot of snow still covered much of the area. He slid to the ground, then grabbed Joker’s reins, helped Allie down, and untied her coat from the back of her saddle. Without thought, her hands went to her sore backside, rubbing to ease the aching muscles.
“Why don’t we walk so you can stretch your legs?”
She winced as her fingers stroked one particular spot. “I think that would be best.”
Holding up the coat, he helped her slip it on, then took her hand. Cash cut a path through the snow encrusted ground and spindly shrub, making his way to the edge of the clearing. There didn’t appear to be much to see. The meadow ended and the forest began once more, an endless parade of pine and fir.
“Look.” Cash’s gaze sliced through the trees to a spot far in the distance.
“What? I don’t see anything but trees.”
“You aren’t looking close enough. Come on.” He walked forward another ten feet, stopping again. “Now, look again.”
Squinting, she moved her head a few inches back and forth, trying to see what held Cash’s attention. “I’m sorry. I just don’t…” Her words trailed off as a flash of light reflected off an object yards in front of them. Taking a couple steps forward, she saw the flash again. “There it is.” Her eyes sparkled as a brilliant smile lit her face. Letting go of his hand, she took off, leaving him behind.
“Allie, hold up.” Cash chuckled, moving to follow her.
She stopped briefly in front of a dilapidated log structure, checking it over for no more than a few seconds before stepping up to a door falling off its hinges, shoving it open. The force of the thrust broke its tenuous hold and it collapsed inside with a thunderous crash.
Jumping back, she whirled around a moment before Cash stopped next to her. Looking at the door, then back at her, his eyes narrowed.
“I’ve been coming here for almost two years and never had a lick of trouble with that door.” Shaking his head, he stepped over the threshold to study the damage. “Yep. It’s pretty well gone.”
Biting her lower lip, Allie took a few tentative steps, surveying the twisted metal. “I’m sorry, Cash. I didn’t mean to destroy it.”
Seeing her dismal expression, he couldn’t hold back his bark of laughter.
“What’s so funny?” Her face turned a heated shade of red as her hands fisted on her hips.
Wrapping his arms around her, Cash pulled her to his chest, resting his chin on her head.
Relaxing, Allie slipped her arms around his waist.
“One sizable thunderstorm and this entire shack might collapse. It’s a miracle any of it is still standing.” Breathing in the clean scent of her hair, he let out a deep sigh. “You just helped it along a bit.” Drawing back, he kissed her forehead.
“What is this place?” Dropping her arms, she took in the tiny interior, noting an old table, two chairs, shelves on one wall with a counter below, and an old stove—all in various stages of disintegration from lack of use. The one contradictory item was a wooden bed frame topped with a thin, surprisingly clean mattress and wool blanket. Sliding out of her coat, she placed it across the bed.
“The locals call the area Survivor Pass. The way I understand the story, a group of settlers tried to make it over the mountains before the first snow. A devastating storm hit, forcing them to stop their journey here. They built this cabin, and through some kind of miracle, survived the harsh winter.”
“They survived?”
“According to the legend. When the snows melted, they continued on, becoming some of the first white settlers in Idaho. The shack remained. For years, people stopped here, hoping to survive their own journey w
est.” He picked up a rusted tin, pulled off the top, and looked inside. Tipping it upside down, he watched as a small amount of powder drifted to the floor. “Probably sugar.”
“People no longer come here?” Allie’s gaze took in everything, trying to imagine spending an entire winter sheltered in the walls of this small sanctuary. Remarkably, the floor was clean, as if someone had taken the time to sweep it. Her gaze shot to him, realizing Cash kept this piece of history from crumbling into a forgotten mess.
“I’ve never seen anyone in all the times I’ve stopped. Mostly, I ride up for two or three days and make camp. Get away from the people and chaos of Splendor.”
Allie couldn’t contain her laughter. “Chaos in Splendor? It’s undoubtedly the most peaceful town I’ve ever seen. A few drunks, some crazy miners, and the town gossips.” Placing a hand over her mouth, she forced herself to stop laughing.
Crossing his arms, he leveled a stern gaze at her. “You aren’t the one who has to control those few drunks or crazy miners.”
Stepping closer, she placed a hand on his shoulder. “You’re right, Cash. Still, it’s a sweet, peaceful town.”
A split second was too long to describe how quick the flash of desire ripped through him. Lifting his hand, he touched her cheek, then cupped the back of her neck, drawing her closer. She didn’t try to break his hold or step away. Instead, she leaned into him, glazed eyes searching his.
Neither spoke. The air around them stilled, sounds from the outside fading away as their gazes locked.
Neither moved for several seconds until Cash began to lower his head hesitantly, unsure if he should do what his desire demanded. A desire urging him forward in opposition to his better judgment—judgment he’d always heeded and which had always served him well.
“Tell me to stop,” he whispered, his lips a breath away from capturing her mouth.
“I can’t,” she answered, a moment before their lips touched.
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