“Yes, sir,” Caleb said at the same time Mack and Dutch nodded. “That’s not all we have to watch, Gabe.”
“What do you mean?”
Crossing his arms, Caleb leaned back in his chair. “You know the group of Chinese who left the mine?”
Gabe lifted a brow. “I know they rented some storefronts from Noah and Abby.”
In a strange twist, Gabe’s adopted son, Jack, inherited the Devil Dancer Mine when his father, a man he never knew, was killed. Lena oversaw all the legal matters, while Gabe took on the job of helping hire and protect the miners.
“They’re opening a laundry, a restaurant, and a shop selling herbs.” Caleb grinned at the dubious look on Dutch’s face. “For medicinal uses. Turns out one of the miners is Yee Fan-Chung, a doctor from China. He’s been treating sick and injured workers at the Devil Dancer.”
“I’ve met him.” Gabe rubbed his chin. “I wonder how he and the others got enough money to leave the mine.”
Caleb scratched his chin. “I thought you or Lena would know.”
Gabe shook his head. “All I know is the ones leaving are older workers with other professions in China.”
“It could be they sent for money from family back home,” Dutch said.
Gabe shifted his gaze to Caleb. “What does all this have to do with you saying we have to keep watch?”
Lips twisting into a grim smile, Caleb nodded toward the window. “Seems there are some shop owners in Splendor who aren’t too happy with the Chinese opening stores.”
Mack raised a brow. “It isn’t against the law.”
Caleb shook his head. “No, it isn’t. That doesn’t stop them from talking about it, usually over a few whiskeys at the Dixie or Wild Rose.”
Letting out a frustrated breath, Gabe stood, sending a steady look at Caleb. “What you’re saying is not only do we have to keep watch for the outlaws, we also need to watch our own citizens so they don’t go after the Chinese.”
Standing, Caleb nodded. “That sums it up.”
Walking to the window, Gabe glanced outside, seeing a quiet town on a Saturday afternoon. Turning back, he looked at his men.
“Our priority right now is to keep the townsfolk safe from the outlaws. I can’t explain it, but my gut tells me they’ll be back. Maybe not tomorrow, but soon. In the meantime, everyone is to be on guard. If you hear anyone threaten to hurt the Chinese, I want to know right away.”
Ginny handed Cooper to Isabella, allowing Luke to help her from the carriage. She held the months old baby, rubbing his back in gentle circles while Ginny straightened her dress. Before she could hand Cooper back, Cash and Allie walked toward them, drawing them into a conversation.
Isabella didn’t mind. She could spend hours with him and never grow tired. Lowering her head, she rubbed her cheek against his hair, inhaling the scent unique to babies. Shifting Cooper in her arms, she didn’t notice Travis watching her from several yards away, an unreadable expression on his face.
“Are you planning to sit up there all day?”
Travis tore his gaze from Isabella, waiting for the familiar pain to rip through him. How many times had he seen his wife holding their daughter the same way, cooing in the baby’s ear, smiling up at Travis as he stared down at them? This morning, sitting atop Banjo outside the church, he didn’t feel the familiar ache of loss. Instead, a surge of longing wrapped around him, causing his breath to catch.
“Hey, Dixon. Did you hear me?”
Giving a quick shake of his head, Travis glanced at Dirk. “Yeah, I heard you.” Sliding to the ground, he moved his gaze back to Isabella, a lump forming in his throat. “I’ll see you inside, Dirk.”
Walking to the buggy, he tossed Banjo’s reins over the back, then held out his arms. “May I?”
Isabella whipped her head toward him, a smile lighting up her face. “If you’re sure.”
“I am.” He took Cooper from her, balancing him in one arm while helping her down. “He’s getting big.”
Brushing hands down her skirt, she adjusted her hat before looking at him. “Yes, he is. Before long, he’ll be trying to walk. Then the work will begin.”
Travis chuckled, staring into Cooper’s eyes. “Yeah. I remember.” Again, he steeled himself for the flash of pain, surprised when it didn’t come.
“I’m sure she was gorgeous.”
Raising a brow, he looked at Isabella. “Who?”
She took a step closer. “Your daughter.”
Nodding, he shoved aside the regret. “She was beautiful.” He glanced back at Cooper, clearing his throat. “Inside and out.”
“Good morning, Travis. May I speak with you a minute?”
“Sure, Gabe.” He handed Cooper to Isabella. “Excuse me a minute.” He started to turn away, then stopped. “Do not go inside without me.”
Isabella kept her smile in check, not wanting him to see how much pleasure his comment gave her. Focusing on the baby, she watched as the men walked several paces away.
Travis shot a look over his shoulder at Isabella, not wanting to leave her alone for long. He had no idea if David Peeler attended church, but he didn’t plan to take any chances.
“What did you want to speak to me about, Gabe?”
“I see you have your gun.”
Chuckling, Travis nodded, touching the handle with his hand. “I do.”
“Don’t take it off. Most of the men are going into church with theirs. We aren’t going to let what happened to Albert occur a second time. My deputies and I are passing the word around.” Gabe let his gaze move across the people outside the church. “When the service is over, Cash, Beau, and I will go outside first, make sure it’s safe. Stay with Isabella and the others until one of the deputies lets you know it’s all right to leave.”
“Sure, Gabe. Do you want me to do anything else?”
“Nothing except help protect the women and children if the gang does ride in. Dutch, Mack, and Caleb will be staying inside.”
“Don’t worry, Gabe. We’ll make sure the women and children are near the front of the church, away from the windows. Just don’t expect us not to help if the outlaws show up and start firing at you.” Travis clasped him on the shoulder. “That would be too much to ask.”
A grim smile appeared on Gabe’s face. “Thanks. You’d best get inside with the others.”
Nodding, Travis wasted no time returning to Isabella, placing a hand on the small of her back. “Are you ready?”
“I am.” Walking past Ginny and Luke, she gave a quick nod, letting them know she’d take Cooper inside. “Is everything all right?”
Travis couldn’t help moving his gaze around the crowd of people, looking for anything or anyone appearing out of place. He glanced down at her and Cooper, his features softening.
“Everything is fine.”
“You seem a little, well…tense.”
He kissed her temple, not caring who might be watching. “Just anxious to get inside.” Taking one more look around, he guided her into the church, steeling himself for whatever might happen.
Chapter Twelve
“Please, Papa. May I go with Grandfather and Baron Klaussner?”
Gabe glanced at Lena, knowing what she’d say. “You’ve got school.”
“So does Johann, and his father is letting him go.”
“The decision for Johann is up to his father.” Gabe nodded at Jack’s full plate of food. “Eat your supper, son.”
Walter clasped his grandson on the shoulder, looking down the table at his son. “We’ll be gone three days, Gabriel. Surely that isn’t too much school to miss.”
“It’s rough territory at the north end of Redemption’s Edge, Father. Then you come upon Blackfoot territory. Neither you nor Ernst know the area. Or the dangers.”
Lena worried her lower lip, concern evident on her face. “And we don’t know where the men who robbed the bank are hiding. Just because they didn’t ride in again this morning doesn’t mean they’ve left the area. What if
you encounter them, Walter?”
“We’ll all be armed. Certainly men such as those wouldn’t harm a hunting party. I believe they’d be more apt to return to Splendor.”
Gabe leaned forward. “No one knows what those men are planning. They may have moved on. But what if they haven’t?”
“Do you truly believe the outlaws are camped close to Pelletier land? If they are intent on robbing a bank, or even a stagecoach, they’d be miles away from towns and main trails. Too far for any raids to be carried out.”
Travis sat next to Isabella, his hand covering hers under the table. He always enjoyed the conversations at Gabe’s house on Sunday afternoons. They’d grown livelier since Walter arrived from New York. His short visit had extended into weeks, then months. No one seemed in a hurry for him to leave.
“I must say, the trip does sound like fun.”
Lena’s jaw dropped. “Isabella, you do know the hunt will be long days, meager food, and cold nights on the ground, right?”
Walter cleared his throat. “Not so, Lena. Ernst will be bringing his large wagon, plus another for supplies, and his cook.”
Isabella’s brows rose. “The one who works with the chef at the Eagle’s Nest?”
“The same.” Walter leaned back in his chair. “There will be tents, privacy, and wonderful food. Oh, and he’s bringing Ulrich.”
Gabe cocked his head. “Ulrich Bernard, the man who rode into town with him? I thought he went back to New York.”
“Only to settle some business issues. He returned a few days ago.”
Travis looked at Gabe. “Who’s Ulrich Bernard?”
“What would you call him, Father?”
Scratching his chin, Walter’s mouth curled into a slight grin. “I believe he’s Ernst’s steward. Ulrich hires the servants, keeps the accounts, and manages domestic concerns. He is also Ernst’s closest friend. They grew up together. Ulrich’s father was the steward for Ernst’s father. The way I understand it, the title is passed on from generation to generation, much the same as for the nobility.”
Isabella looked at Walter. “How many servants does the baron have?”
“Five, I believe. He brought them from New York knowing he’d be building a large home. Ernst didn’t know what to expect, what kind of people he’d find so far west.” Walter took a sip of coffee, then cradled the cup with his hands. “Don’t repeat this to him, but I believe he sees them as a part of his family. From what I’ve seen, they respect Ernst a great deal.”
“I’d like to go.”
Everyone’s gaze shifted to Isabella, Travis’s face twisting in shock. “Go where?”
She touched his arm. “With the baron and Walter, of course.”
“No.” The word burst from Travis’s mouth before he could stop it.
Cocking a brow, Isabella shot him a stern glare. “No?”
Travis held firm. “I mean, you aren’t going on a hunting trip with a group of men.”
“Johann is going, and he’s twelve.”
Jack’s face brightened. “Can I go if Aunt Isabella goes?”
Lena shook her head. “Jack, please let the adults talk about this.”
Slumping back in his chair, Jack’s face crumbled.
Travis let out a frustrated breath. “Johann is the baron’s son, Isabella. Why would you want to go on the trip? You’ve never mentioned a desire to hunt. Wasn’t yesterday the first time you’d held a six-shooter?”
“Yes, and you said I was quite good.”
Closing his eyes, Travis tilted his head to the ceiling.
“Isabella, hunting the way the baron and my father plan to do it may sound simple, but it’s not. You’ll be walking through thick scrub most of the day, standing for long periods, getting dirty, and carrying a rifle or shotgun.” Gabe glanced at his father, then back at Isabella. “After a while, they become heavy and uncomfortable. By the end of the day, your feet will hurt, maybe your stomach, and quite possibly your head.”
Walter nodded. “So true. This is not a soirée, Isabella.”
She placed a hand over her mouth to stifle a laugh. “Of course it isn’t.”
Taking her hand in his, Travis rubbed his thumb over her palm. “It’s not a place for a woman.”
Her breath caught at the sensations running through her. Arnott had never done anything causing such a strong rush of heat to stream down her arms and legs. Pulling her hand away, she licked her lips, lifting her chin.
“I don’t know why not. I’m a widow, after all. Hardly some maiden who requires a chaperone.”
Travis glanced across the table, his eyes pleading. “Lena?”
Holding up her hands, she shook her head. “I’m sorry, Travis. Isabella is a grown woman, capable of making her own decisions. If Walter and Ernst agree to her going, there’s nothing I can do…or would do.”
Travis shifted his gaze to Walter. “You wouldn’t seriously consider taking her, would you?”
“Well, I…” Walter glanced around the table, seeing Isabella’s expectant gaze and the warning on Gabe’s face. “It isn’t my decision. Ernst invited me, suggesting Jack come along to keep Johann company.”
“See, Mama. Baron Klaussner wants me to come.”
Lena looked down at him, settling her hand on his shoulder. “We’ll speak about this later, Jack.”
“But, Mama…” His lower lip stuck out, prompting Isabella to look away before he saw the amusement on her face.
“I said later, Jack. Do I need to send you to your room?”
Letting out a deep sigh, he shook his head. “No.”
Lena nodded. “Good.”
“Do you think the baron would mind me coming along, Walter?”
Shifting in his seat, he sent a quick, apologetic look at Travis.
“Honestly, I think he would approve of you going, Isabella.”
Clasping her hands together, a broad smile broke across her face. “Wonderful. When do we leave?”
Looking at the others, the smile remained in place until her gaze settled on Travis. His jaw locked, a muscle in his temple pulsing. She felt, as well as saw, the anger on his face. Reaching over, she placed a hand on his arm.
“It will only be for a few days, Travis. I’ll be fine.”
Allowing himself a moment to regain his composure, his steely gaze met hers.
“You’re darn right you’ll be fine. I’m coming with you.”
Redemption’s Edge
Travis stuffed ammunition into his saddlebags, cursing under his breath. The day before, he’d left Gabe’s not long after supper, baffled by Isabella’s refusal to forget about joining the hunting party. Her interest made no sense to him, and no matter how she explained her reasons, he had to accept his woman was more stubborn than he’d imagined.
His hand stilled in the process of loading more items into the bag. My woman.
The thought had him lowering his head, shaking it to clear the image of a beautiful woman with dark hair and an easy smile. Placing a shaky hand against his chest, he pushed, trying to relieve the pressure created whenever he thought about Isabella.
This time, however, he forced himself to consider why he continued to deny his feelings. Shuddering at the image of two gravesites, he accepted he had two good reasons for not expressing how he felt. After losing his wife and daughter, the thought of remarrying and having more children terrified him. The notion of losing Isabella sent an icy chill through him, unlike anything he’d felt since the deaths of his family. Travis would rather face a gang of murderous outlaws than allow a break in his thick wall of emotional detachment.
“Are you leaving this evening?” Wyatt stopped a few feet away, aware of the turmoil surrounding his friend.
Nodding, Travis turned to look at him. “Unless you need me to stay.”
Wyatt shook his head. “We completed one of the contracts last week and have plenty of time to fulfill the next one. A hunting trip would be good for you.”
Travis pinched the bridge of his nose. �
�How do you figure?”
Shrugging, Wyatt glanced behind him to see Dax approaching. “Maybe a few days with Isabella will help you decide what you want.”
“Wyatt tells me you’re going on a hunting trip.” Dax glanced at the bulging saddlebags and extra canteen attached to Travis’s saddle.
“Yes, sir. Unless you need me here.”
Crossing his arms, Dax shook his head. “We’re good for a few days. Besides, I think it will be good for you to get away for a bit.”
Snorting, Travis shot a quick glance at Wyatt. “Why is that?”
Chuckling, Dax placed a hand on Travis’s shoulder. “It’s something you’re going to have to figure out for yourself.” Switching his gaze to Wyatt, Dax inclined his head toward the house. “Do you have a few minutes before you head home?”
“As much time as you need.” Wyatt glanced at Travis. “Wait up and I’ll ride to town with you.”
Letting out a breath, Travis turned his attention to packing the last items, wondering what Dax meant. He closed the saddlebags, removing his hat to shove a hand through his hair. Turning the hat in his hands, he considered what both men had said, his mouth twisting into a rueful grin.
He’d thought the only reason for joining the hunt was to keep Isabella safe. His friends made it clear they thought otherwise. Perhaps they were right.
“I appreciate you letting me spend the night, Gabe.” Travis sat next to Isabella at the supper table, stabbing a piece of meat and putting it into his mouth.
Gabe set down his glass. “Makes sense with you leaving at sunrise.”
Walter sliced through the roast, looking at Travis. “Thank you for going through the supply wagon. I know Ernst felt better having you check over what we’re taking.”
Travis and Wyatt had arrived in town to see Ulrich Bernard working with another man to fill the supply wagon they’d be taking on the hunting trip. Stopping to introduce himself, he’d been roped into inspecting the contents of the wagon, making suggestions to add some items and leave others behind. It didn’t take long, giving him a chance to speak with Ernst and Ulrich about their destination. He’d been surprised to learn a guide hadn’t been hired, someone who knew the territory and the potential dangers.
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