Solitude Gorge

by Shirleen Davies

  “When I met with his father, Mr. Evans made it clear he thought Gabe should move back to New York, take over the hotels his uncle left and forget about living in such a violent world.”

  Isabella choked on the cobbler, picking up her coffee to take a swallow. “Walter said that?” She didn’t wait for Albert to respond. “Well, of course he did. It’s always been easy for him to ignore the violence in his hometown. When you live so far removed from the sordid part of life, I suppose you’re able to pretend it doesn’t exist.”

  He nodded. “Boston also has a good amount of crime. I’ve found Splendor to be much more peaceful, the people more accepting than those back home.” Seeing she’d finished her cobbler and coffee, he leaned toward her. “Would you care to see the performance at Ruby’s this evening?”

  Her eyes widened. “Ruby’s Grand Palace?” Isabella’s voice held a hint of excitement.

  “Well, yes. I understand the actresses perform a variety show on Saturday nights. Singing, dancing, humorous skits.”

  “You haven’t been there?”

  He shook his head, beginning to doubt his choice of entertainment. “I’ve been too busy. I thought tonight might be the perfect time, unless you’d prefer for me to take you home.”

  Isabella’s excitement rose. When Lena asked Gabe to take her, he’d refused, saying it wasn’t a place for a lady. She’d laughed at him, reminding her husband she’d grown up in a brothel, as did her good friend, Nick Barnett. Gabe had held firm, much to Lena’s amusement. Isabella suspected her friend had already stopped by to see Ruby’s entertainment for herself.

  “I’d love to go.”

  Standing, he stepped behind her, pulling out her chair. “I do believe this is going to be a memorable evening, Mrs. Boucher.”

  “One more round before we go to Ruby’s.” Tat held up his hand, getting the barmaid’s attention. After finishing supper at Suzanne’s, they’d moved to the Dixie for whiskey before the show.

  “Not for me.” Travis stood, reaching into his pocket, tossing coins onto the table.

  “And miss the show?” Johnny’s voice rose above the noise in the saloon.

  Chuckling, Travis nodded. “Maybe another time.” Slapping his hat onto his head, he walked to the door, coming to an abrupt halt. He couldn’t quite believe what he saw on the other side of the street.

  A couple walked at a slow pace, turning to move between two buildings. Travis knew all they’d find on the next street would be a few houses, the clinic, and Ruby’s Grand Palace.

  What stalled his breath, slamming into him with the force of a physical blow, was the identity of the woman. Isabella.

  Knowing he shouldn’t, Travis stepped onto the street, intent on following the pair. If he wasn’t mistaken, he knew the man accompanying her. Albert Payson, the attorney who handled her business and that of most others in town. He’d never had need of the man’s services, but understood people regarded him as quite capable and smart. And unmarried. The last caused Travis’s pace to surge.

  Moving between the buildings, he stopped where the passage met the next street. He felt his anger rise as Payson escorted Isabella to the door of Ruby’s Grand Palace, opening it for her to enter in front of him.

  Muttering a curse, he waited until they’d gone inside, then moved to the entrance. Before he could open the door, the sound of laughter came from behind him. Mal, Tat, Johnny, and the others strolled across the street.

  “Look who changed his mind.” Johnny clasped him on the shoulder, chuckling.

  Shoving hands into his pockets, he nodded. “I thought it would be good to come by for one drink, see at least part of the show.”

  Mal stepped next to him. “Well, I’m glad you decided to stay. Might be I’ll head back with you.”

  Since Wyatt, the ranch hand he felt closest to, married Nora and moved to town, Travis spent a good deal of his evenings playing cards and talking with Mal. He liked the man, valued his counsel about cattle and ranching.

  “Sounds good.”

  “Well, let’s stop gabbing and get inside before we miss the show.” Tat pulled the door open, holding it until all the men entered the darkened interior.

  Travis blinked several times, letting his eyes adjust to the dimly lit room. A good number of customers turned to look at the group, some waving when they recognized the men from Redemption’s Edge. He trailed behind, trying to locate Isabella without her noticing him.

  The place seemed bigger inside. Paintings of scantily clad women adorned the walls. Numerous chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, providing meager light for the tables below. A band made up of four members sat to the right of the stage, playing tunes he didn’t recognize. A red velvet curtain spanned the wide stage, light peeking out from underneath.

  The sound of furniture scraping across the floor drew his attention. The men moved two tables together, shifting chairs so they all had a good view of the stage. Travis took the chair farthest away from the other customers, his back to the wall as he continued to survey the room. It took mere seconds for him to find her and Payson at a table a row from the front, leaning toward each other, talking.

  He couldn’t stop the irritation rising within him. Gripping the arms of the chair, he tried to relax, control the anger at seeing her with another man.

  Travis knew his feelings were irrational. After all, he’d been the one to set Isabella free, telling her they had no future. He hadn’t expected to find her inside Ruby’s a week later, another man by her side, waiting for a show he knew she shouldn’t see.

  His thoughts were disrupted when the music changed to a tune he recognized, loud and raucous, one he’d expect from a place such as Ruby’s. The curtain parted enough for Ruby to step through, raising her hands in greeting, a broad smile on her face. The music stopped when she began to speak.

  “Ladies and gents, welcome to Ruby’s Grand Palace. You are in for a treat tonight.” She halted as the crowd, made up mostly of men, hooted and hollered, a few whistling. “My girls have been practicing long hours to make sure you have an evening you’ll not soon forget.” Again, the shouts started, dying down when she raised her hand. “Now, who’s ready for great music and beautiful women?” This time, she allowed the cheers to go on for a few minutes, then signaled for the band to start again.

  When they reached a crescendo, the curtains opened, revealing a line of women clad in short, bawdy dresses, hair piled high on their heads, stockings covering their legs, black dancing shoes on their feet.

  “May I present the ladies of Ruby’s Grand Palace.” Ruby waved her arm toward the ladies as she made her way off stage.

  Travis’s gaze moved to Isabella. She’d leaned forward, her lips slightly parted, eyes wide as the women began to kick and prance to the music. He doubted she’d ever seen anything like it and wished she wasn’t being exposed to it tonight.

  A wave of protectiveness gripped him, his hands tightening even more on the arms of his chair. When Payson’s hand moved to the small of her back, Travis lost control. He pushed back the chair, meaning to stand, when Mal’s hand on his arm stilled his movements.

  “You need to get yourself together, Travis. It wouldn’t be right to kill a man inside Ruby’s.”

  He looked at his friend, his nostrils flaring. Had he been that transparent?

  “I’ve got a pretty good idea what you’re feeling, but believe me, now isn’t the time to make a commotion about who Miss Isabella is with.” Mal’s grip tightened. “Relax, have a drink, and enjoy the show. We both know that woman isn’t going to do something foolish. There’ll be another time to sort this all out.”

  Letting out a breath, Travis nodded. Mal was right. He had to get control of himself. The only outcome of a confrontation would be for one of the deputies, or Gabe himself, to haul him to jail, humiliating Isabella and making him look the fool. Which he’d be if he started anything tonight.

  “I’m good,” he murmured, glad no one else at their table heard Mal’s words.

/>   “Let’s have that drink and get out of here. You’ll figure this out when you’ve had time to clear your head.”

  Travis hoped so because, right now, he felt like tearing Ruby’s down, to hell with the consequences.

  Chapter Five

  St. Louis, Missouri

  David looked around the crowded room, an involuntary shiver running through him as he studied his surroundings. The rustic building where he took his meal couldn’t compare to the opulent restaurants in Philadelphia, nor could the food.

  Pulling out his pocket watch, David checked the time. Another hour before the train left for Omaha. He’d been watching other passengers as they entered and exited the train, searching for anyone who might be connected to his associates back east. No one looked familiar or appeared to be searching for him.

  “More coffee?” The harried server hovered over him.

  Nodding, David drummed his fingers on the table as the young man filled his cup. “Is it always this busy?”

  “It is when the train arrives.” He glanced behind him, seeing several more people enter the restaurant, then looked back at David. “Anything else?”

  He didn’t hear the question, his attention focused on a man taking a seat several tables away. “Do you know the man with the black bowler?” David nodded in the direction of the man.

  The server took a quick look behind him. “The one sitting alone?”

  “Yes.”

  “No, sir. I’ve never seen him before. So, can I get you anything else?”

  David shook his head. “No. This will be fine.”

  Grabbing the newspaper from the chair beside him, David held it up, using it as a shield to study the man. The stranger showed no interest in anything except ordering a meal. He never looked in David’s direction or took notice of anyone around him.

  Shaking his head, he lowered the paper, feeling a little foolish. His associates couldn’t have discovered his disappearance and mounted a search in such a short time. By the time they realized he’d emptied his bank account and left Philadelphia, David was already hundreds of miles away. They’d have no idea what direction he traveled or his ultimate destination.

  Although his business associates had become friends, he’d never fully trusted them. None knew of his connection to anyone outside their circle. He’d been careful to keep the name of his personal attorney separate from their joint business dealings, the same as he’d kept money in a bank different from the one their partnership used.

  David’s banker believed him to be paranoid. The man’s opinion never mattered as long as he took care of his money. Keeping his affairs private meant more to David than what others thought. Sipping his coffee, he felt a grin tug at the corners of his mouth. In his case, suspicion might save his life.

  Splendor

  Lena finished the last square of the quilt she’d been working on for months, a satisfied smile on her face as she set it aside. Picking up her tea, she looked out the side window of the parlor, glad Gabe suggested she take a day off.

  As a partner in several businesses with her husband and their friends, the Barnetts, Lena tended to overdo, forgoing sleep to ensure all their affairs ran smoothly. Before Nora’s marriage to Wyatt, she’d lived with them, helping with Jack, the meals, and so much more. Lena hadn’t realized how much Gabe’s sister contributed to running the house until she’d moved out. He’d suggested they hire someone to help, do the chores Nora had done. Lena balked at the idea of having someone she didn’t know living in their house, trusting her with their son. She also knew something had to be done.

  One of the mail order brides might be perfect. Tapping a finger against her lips, she thought about which one would fit. Her mind flitted through each one. May Bacon worked in the kitchen at the St. James Hotel, Sylvia Lucero helped at the general store, and Tabitha assisted Suzanne at the boardinghouse. That left Deborah Chestro. Lena groaned at the thought of the strong-willed, outspoken young woman having an influence on Jack. Of the four, Deborah would be Lena’s last choice.

  A sharp tap on the front door startled her from her thoughts. Standing, she walked to the entry, pulling open the door.

  “Baron Klaussner. What a nice surprise. Please, come inside. Are you looking for Gabe?”

  Removing his hat, he made a slight bow, looking into the house as he moved past her.

  “Good morning, Mrs. Evans. I was wondering if Mrs. Boucher might be here this morning.”

  She tilted her head, a brow lifting. “Why, no, she isn’t. Isabella lives with Luke and Ginny Pelletier.” Lena gestured toward the parlor. “Please, have a seat. May I get you some coffee or tea?”

  Ernst shook his head. “No, thank you, Mrs. Evans. I believe I’ll ride out to the Pelletier’s. Do you think Mrs. Boucher, well…would she be agreeable to a visit from me?”

  Lena kept her features even, ignoring how the normally confident and assertive baron hesitated on his question. “Isabella is one of the most gracious people I know. I’m certain she’d welcome a visit, Baron.”

  An almost imperceptible grin appeared. “Wonderful. Then I’ll ride out directly.” Making another slight bow, he held out his hand to take hers, lifting it to his lips. “Thank you, Mrs. Evans. I appreciate your help.” He didn’t wait for Lena to walk him to the door before leaving, taking a brisk pace down the steps to his buggy. Climbing onto the seat, he gave Lena a quick nod before slapping the lines.

  “Well, well…” she mumbled, acknowledging the somewhat giddy excitement the baron showed at being encouraged to visit Isabella. First Albert Payson, now Baron Klaussner. She didn’t believe her friend had ever received so much attention, and Lena couldn’t think of any woman who deserved it more.

  She knew Isabella had much deeper feelings for Travis than she wanted to admit. Lena saw the love on her face whenever she was with him, witnessed the despair when he gave her his decision about being no more than friends. Isabella would never admit it, but Travis turning away devastated her, destroying what she believed to be a future with the taciturn ranch hand.

  Her friend no longer had reason to despair. Two suitors. Who knew how many others might have an interest in Isabella.

  As she walked inside, closing the door, Lena wondered what Travis would think if he knew how many men held an interest in the woman he let slip from his grasp.

  Redemption’s Edge

  “How long has Travis been at it?” Luke Pelletier stood next to Wyatt, his arms resting on the top rail of the fence.

  Wyatt kept watch on his friend, who’d been in the corral since before dawn. “Too long.”

  “He needs to take a break and get something to eat.”

  Wyatt didn’t shift his gaze from Travis. “I’ve tried talking to him twice. He says he’s not hungry.”

  Luke’s mouth twisted, indicating his displeasure. “How many has he worked today?”

  “Five mares. I’ve never seen anyone as focused on getting results in such a short time.” Wyatt removed his hat, swiping an arm across his forehead.

  Resting his chin on his arms, Luke followed Travis’s actions, looking for signs of fatigue. “Is he taking shortcuts?”

  Wyatt knew what the boss asked. Luke wanted to know if whatever drove Travis caused him to be abusive or cruel.

  “He’s under control, if that’s what you’re asking.”

  Both men lapsed into silence, waiting while Travis finished with the current mare, riding her around the corral before sliding off. Opening the gate, Luke strolled toward him, reaching out to take the reins.

  “I’ll take her from here. You’re due for a break and food.”

  Travis settled hands on his lean hips, his jaw tight. “I’m fine, Luke.”

  He narrowed his eyes. “No, you’re not. I don’t know what’s eating at you, but I do know when a man’s had enough.”

  Shaking his head, Travis blew out a frustrated breath. “Look, boss. I—”

  “I’m not asking you, Travis. I’m telling you to get yourself out of th
e corral. Eat, take a ride…hell, I don’t care what you do as long as you don’t work another horse for at least an hour.”

  Travis opened his mouth to respond, stopping when he saw the hard look in Luke’s eyes. Mumbling a curse, he stormed from the corral, pushing past Wyatt. His uncharacteristic anger caught the attention of several ranch hands, causing them to stop what they were doing and watch him stalk to the pasture where Banjo lifted his head.

  One sharp whistle and Travis’s horse trotted toward him. Grabbing a bridle hanging over the fence, he settled it over the horse’s face, then swung up on the gelding’s back, rolling his heels into Banjo’s side. A moment later, they were in full motion, Travis’s strong thighs holding him firm as they rounded a corner and disappeared.

  “Find out what’s bothering him.”

  Wyatt cast a look at Luke. “I’ll try, but you know Travis.”

  Shaking his head, Luke scrubbed a hand down his face. “It’s Isabella.”

  Crossing his arms, Wyatt nodded. “That’s my guess. He saw her with another man Saturday night. Mal had to hold him back from beating the tar out of him.”

  Luke’s brows scrunched together. “Who was she with?”

  Wyatt snorted. “Albert Payson. One punch and the man would’ve been laid up for a month.”

  Chuckling, Luke shook his head. “Seems to me Travis needs to make a decision. Either get her back or purge her from his system. And he needs to do it soon.”

  Travis rode at a furious pace, reining Banjo north into open pastures stretching for miles. With no destination in mind, he continued toward a large cattle herd, ignoring the men who raised their hands in greeting.

  Slowing to a trot, he took a trail west toward Wildfire Creek. The summer heat didn’t slow the water’s flow, which continued to swell from melting snow in the higher elevations. Moving around the dense brush, he reined to a stop at the edge of the water, swinging his right leg over Banjo’s neck and sliding to the ground.