Solitude Gorge

by Shirleen Davies

  Crossing his arms, David jutted out his chin. “And just who do think would shoot me?”

  Chuckling, Travis shook his head. “If you aren’t careful…Isabella.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Yanking the blanket under her chin, Isabella drew her knees up to escape the cold chill. Sighing, she did her best to stay in the drowsy haze instead of opening her eyes. Rolling to her back, she grimaced, wondering at the sharp pain piercing her side.

  Eyes popping open, her brain registered the darkness an instant before remembering she wasn’t in her own bed. The immediate panic turned to awe as her eyes adjusted, seeing a thick blanket of stars. Staring at a full moon, a strange, yet comforting quiet wrapped around her.

  “Beautiful, isn’t it?”

  Shifting, Isabella found herself staring into deep blue eyes mere inches from her face. Her initial confusion transformed into a sleepy smile, heart tripping at the gleam in Travis’s eyes.

  “Yes, it’s quite beautiful.”

  “I never tire of waking to this when I’m out with the herd. Soon, you’ll hear the sounds of morning as the birds and animals wake up.”

  The words barely left his mouth when a loud screech cut through the quiet. Startled, Isabella gasped, her eyes widening.

  “Relax, sweetheart. It’s just a hoot owl. They’re real common in these parts. We’ve got several of them nesting around the ranch.” He pulled an arm out from under his covers, reaching over to place it on her shoulder. “You’ll get used to it.”

  She cringed as another screeching sound pierced the silence, then shuddered when a large form flew several feet above them.

  She dragged the blanket over her head, peeking out at Travis. “What was that?”

  His mouth turned up. “Probably the same hoot owl deciding it’s time to look for food.” When she started to lower the blanket, his gaze became serious. “I guess it could’ve been a bat.”

  “A bat?” Her voice wobbled, nose wrinkling.

  “Big, brown, ugly things. They don’t eat much, though.” His lips twitched, watching the information roll around in her head. Seeing the amusement on his face, she lowered the blanket.

  “You’re teasing me.”

  A mischievous smile broke across his face. “Yep.” Pushing out of the bedroll, he stood, stretching his hands above his head as he scanned the camp.

  Sitting up, Isabella rubbed the sleep from her eyes. “Is anyone else awake?”

  “Only the cook and Ulrich, but Jack and Johann are starting to stir.”

  She watched him stroll off into the bushes, then scrambled from the bedroll, grabbing her coat. Leaving her pants and shirt on had been a wonderful idea. Travis had talked her out of slipping into her nightgown, telling her how common it was to be woken by the sound of a nearby critter. The warning had her placing the rifle less than a foot away.

  “Your turn.”

  She jumped and spun around. “How can you walk over all this dead brush and not make a sound?”

  Looking behind him at the path he’d taken, Travis shrugged. “Practice?”

  “Aunt Isabella! Are you ready to go?” Jack ran up, enthusiasm pulsing through him.

  Hearing Travis chuckle, she looked at the young boy, wishing she had his energy. “I don’t believe your grandfather or Baron Klaussner are up yet, Jack. Plus, you must have breakfast before starting out on a hunt. Isn’t that right, Mr. Dixon?”

  “But I’m not hungry,” Jack protested, looking at Johann a few feet away, who nodded in agreement.

  “Your aunt’s right, Jack. Cook is already preparing breakfast, and Ulrich is organizing the gear. Maybe you two could go roust the others.”

  Sticking his lower lip out, Jack grimaced. “Do we have to take Mr. Peeler?”

  Biting her lower lip, Isabella did her best to keep a straight face. “Don’t you like Mr. Peeler?”

  Jack and Johann shook their heads.

  Letting out a weary breath, she settled a hand on Jack’s shoulder. “He’s the guest of Johann’s father. We can’t very well leave him behind, can we, Jack?”

  Slowly shaking his head, the boy’s mouth twisted. “No, I suppose not.”

  Giving them her best stern look, she nodded toward where the men were bunked down. “All right then. You two better hurry up and wake them.”

  Watching them run off, she turned toward Travis, shaking her head. “I certainly hope we see a deer or elk today.”

  Slipping into his coat, he rolled up his sleeping gear, holding it under his arm. “The tracks we found yesterday indicate the animals are around here. With any luck, we’ll spot more than one.”

  “It’s going to be hard keeping the boys quiet.”

  Travis glanced across the camp to where Jack and Johann were waking the men. “Not if we threaten them with the worst punishment.”

  Crossing her arms, she met his gaze. “And what would that be?”

  “Sending them back to camp.”

  More than once, Travis thought he’d have to make good on his promise to return them to camp. After repeated warnings, neither seemed to comprehend the importance of staying out of sight and keeping quiet. Then Ernst spotted a deer on the other side of Wildfire Creek.

  Seeing the animal grazing did more than words to silence them. Neither moved, not even to shoulder their rifles. They were so spellbound, both jumped when Ernst fired a shot, downing the unsuspecting buck.

  Travis smiled. “Nice shot, Ernst. Let’s go see how you did.”

  Crossing the creek, the group studied the buck before Travis and Ulrich hung it from a sturdy branch. Pulling out his knife, Travis began the process of preparing the animal for transport back to camp. The others stood around, Isabella with a hand over her mouth, eyes closed, while the boys did their best not to lose their breakfast.

  David wasn’t so fortunate. Five minutes into the process, he turned, dashing several feet away to retch against a tall pine.

  Travis stilled at the sound, a small degree of pleasure seizing him at the other man’s discomfort. Casting a quick glance at Ulrich, he was surprised to see the man’s eyes gleam in understanding. Focusing again on the task before him, Travis finished quickly, motioning for Johann to bring the horse forward.

  He’d just set the animal on the horse’s back when a volley of gunfire sounded close by. Ignoring the deer as it slid to the ground, he drew his gun. Kneeling, Travis pulled Isabella down next to him, motioning for the others to find cover.

  “Everyone get down.”

  Squirming, her frantic eyes searched for the boys. “I have to find Jack and Johann.”

  Tightening his hold around her waist, Travis shook his head. “Ernst and Walter have them.” He nodded toward the other side of the creek, feeling her let out a strained breath, then shudder at the sound of more gunfire. “We have to move. Stay with me, Isabella.”

  Travis grabbed her hand, rushing behind a copse of thick bushes. Lifting his head, he looked around, hearing shouts and the sound of men trampling through the brush somewhere upstream. Leveling his gun in the direction of the noise, he waited, hoping Ernst and Walter were doing the same.

  Minutes passed without more gunfire. Travis began to think whoever fired the shots had left when someone crashed through the bushes above them, racing toward the creek. Travis stilled, recognizing the young Indian.

  Swift Bear’s frantic gaze passed right over their hiding place, legs pumping, his face glistening with sweat. He’d almost made it to the water when another shot rang out, catching him in his shoulder. Stumbling, he tried to right himself without success before landing, face down, a few feet away.

  “I got him!”

  The shout turned Travis’s concern into a mountain of rage. Rising, he aimed toward the sound of approaching voices. Before he could get off a shot, rifle fire flashed past him, stopping the advancing group. Seeing one raise his gun, Travis fired, hitting him in the chest. Ernst, Walter, and Ulrich continued to fire as two of the men chasing Swift Bear grabbed their wounde
d companion, then scattered into the forest.

  Travis held up his hand, stopping Ernst, Walter, and Ulrich from pursuing them. They had a wounded boy to tend, and certainly didn’t need anyone else getting shot.

  After a full minute, Travis felt the danger had passed enough to scoot forward, staring at the boy’s prone form. He could see where the bullet entered his left shoulder from behind. Turning him over, Travis let out a relieved breath, spotting the exit wound.

  Shifting, he waved for the others. “Bring the horse.” Shirking out of his coat, he unbuttoned his shirt, using it to stop the bleeding.

  “I know him.”

  He glanced up at Isabella’s whisper. She knelt next to him, holding the shirt in place on Swift Bear’s chest while Travis pulled enough of the fabric around to cover the entry hole.

  “Isn’t this the boy who came to see Bull and Lydia when they returned from San Francisco?”

  Travis nodded, motioning for Walter to hand him the canteen. “Yes. This is Swift Bear, Running Bear’s grandson. I wonder what he’s doing out here alone.”

  “What can I do?” Walter hovered above them, staring at the first Indian he’d ever seen.

  “Any whiskey in the saddlebag?”

  A grim smile curved Walter’s mouth. Reaching into his coat, he pulled out a flask, handing it to Travis. Taking off the cap, he lifted his shirt, pouring the liquid over the wound on both sides. The boy didn’t budge at the alcohol’s burn.

  “Get anything we can use to bind up his wound. I need to get him to the ranch.”

  Isabella gripped his arm. “I’m going with you.”

  Lifting his gaze, he nodded. “I wouldn’t think of leaving you behind.” With gunmen nearby, the entire group would pack up and return to open land, heading south to Redemption’s Edge.

  “Will this work?” Walter held out another shirt. “It’s all I could find.”

  Isabella took the makeshift bandage, recognizing it as the shirt he’d worn when they started. “This will do fine, Walter. Thank you.”

  Between them, they had Swift Bear’s wound dressed within minutes. Standing, Travis bent down, lifting the boy into his arms. Handing him to Walter, he mounted the horse, taking the Indian back into his arms.

  “We have to get back to camp and let the cook know to pack up.”

  Understanding filled Walter’s face as he watched the young man. “Do you know him?”

  “He’s Swift Bear. The Blackfoot chief’s grandson.”

  “I’ll tell the others. You ride on out. We’ll do our best to keep up.” Walter dashed across the creek, huddling with Ernst and Ulrich.

  “You go ahead, Travis. I’ll be with the others.”

  “I don’t like—”

  She held up her hand, cutting him off. “You have no choice. It isn’t far. We’ll be right behind you.”

  Pulling his gun from the holster, he handed it to her. “Shoot anyone you don’t recognize.”

  “But I have my rifle.”

  “You may not have time to get a shot off. The six-shooter is fast. Don’t hesitate. If anyone approaches, shoot first. Aim for the chest. Can you do that?”

  Isabella stared at the gun. Lifting her face, she nodded.

  Leaning down, he placed a quick kiss on her lips. “I’ll start back as soon as I get Swift Bear into one of the wagons. Keep the boys close, stay low…and hurry.”

  Isabella’s heart pounded as they made their way back to camp. Ernst took the lead while Walter and Ulrich stayed at the rear, glancing around and behind them as they made their way along the trail.

  Everyone except David kept their rifles ready, a blanket of apprehension driving their pace. His color hadn’t returned. He’d stopped twice, his skin sallow and pasty. The last time, Walter took him by the arm, forcing David to keep up, promising to leave him behind if he didn’t.

  Ernst stopped at a fork in the trail, looking around. “I believe camp is this way.”

  “No, Father. It’s that direction.” Johann pointed to the opposite trail.

  Glancing around, Ernst looked at Walter. “What do you think?”

  Shaking his head, he narrowed his gaze, trying to remember the correct path.

  Isabella stepped between them. “I’m certain Johann is right.”

  No sooner had she spoken than Travis rode toward them from the direction Johann pointed. She sagged, relief rushing through her.

  “Is everyone all right?”

  “We’re all fine, Travis,” she breathed out, placing a hand on his leg.

  Sliding to the ground, he took the rifle from her hand, setting it beside him before lifting her into the saddle.

  “Travis, I can walk back.”

  He handed the rifle back to her, then glanced around. “Anyone have an objection to Isabella riding?”

  No one objected, although the look on David’s face said something different. Ignoring him, Travis lifted his gaze to meet Isabella’s. Handing him back his gun, her mouth twisted into a worried frown.

  “Don’t stop and stay low in the saddle.” He slapped the horse’s rump. “We’ll be right behind you, sweetheart.” He looked at the others. “We must move fast.”

  Travis didn’t wait for responses before taking the lead, a rifle in one hand, his revolver in the other. Swift Bear hadn’t awakened before he left camp. The sooner they got going, the better the chance the young brave would make it to the ranch and into Rachel’s care.

  Redemption’s Edge

  “How long has he been like this?” Rachel directed Travis into a downstairs bedroom, pulling back the covers. Placing Swift Bear in the middle of the bed, he stepped back.

  “Off and on for four, maybe five hours. Wakes for a minute or two, then nods off. He’s got a gash on his head plus the gunshot wound. I did what I could, Rachel, but…” His voice trailed off as his worried gaze moved over Swift Bear.

  Placing a hand on his arm, she looked at him. “You did fine, Travis. Now, let me get to work. Rosemary is at the clinic and Ginny is at their place. Please tell Isabella I’ll need her help, plus warm water and clean rags. You’ll find them in the closet off the kitchen next to a bottle of whiskey.”

  He rushed outside, bounding down the porch steps. “Rachel needs your help, Isabella. I’ll bring the rest of what you’ll need.”

  She dashed off as Dax rode up, reined to a stop, and dismounted. “What’s going on?”

  Placing fisted hands on his hips, Travis stared after Isabella. “We were hunting with Ernst and Walter. A group of men were chasing Swift Bear. One of their bullets caught him in the shoulder.”

  An oath flew out of Dax’s mouth before he could stop it. “How is he?”

  “Rachel’s with him. The bullet went clean through, but he took a good hit to his head.”

  “Did you recognize any of them?”

  “No. It happened fast. When Swift Bear fell, Ernst, Walter, Ulrich, and I started firing. The men scattered before I could get a good look. We shot at least one of them.”

  Dax shifted his stance, seeing Jack and Johann standing by one of the wagons. “How did the boys do?”

  Travis followed his gaze, snorting. “Better than Isabella’s friend, David Peeler.”

  “I don’t believe I’ve met Mr. Peeler. You say he’s her friend?” Dax lifted a brow.

  “A friend of hers and her late husband. Says he traveled from Philadelphia to find her.” His mouth twisted into a grimace. “He brought a letter Arnott supposedly wrote requesting David marry Isabella if he didn’t pull through.”

  Dax threw back his head, laughing, then stopped at the sober expression on Travis’s face. “You’re not joking.”

  “Wish I were.”

  “What does Isabella think?” Dax glanced at the front door where she’d disappeared not more than a couple minutes before.

  “I don’t think she believes the letter is real. Although he was considerably older, they were very close and shared everything.”

  Dax nodded. “This doesn’t sound
like something he’d keep from her. When did this note materialize?”

  “When Peeler arrived in town. He said Arnott wrote it the night before he died.” Travis rubbed the back of his neck. “Isabella doesn’t remember Peeler being at the house the night before her husband died, or for a few days before. Still, she’s concerned Arnott did write the letter. If so, she might be driven by guilt to consider the marriage.”

  Crossing his arms, Dax studied him. “Are you concerned? If so, we can always find a way to make someone disappear.”

  Travis’s surprised gaze shot to Dax, seeing the mirth on his face, his mouth curving into a smile.

  “No?” Dax’s eyes sparkled. “Then I guess we go the legal route and get some information on the man. I’ll talk to Dutch McFarlin. That man’s got the best sources of anyone I’ve ever met.”

  “Except for Allan Pinkerton.”

  “It’s a good thing Dutch worked for the man. I can ask Luke to check around, too. Have Isabella put off Peeler as long as she can.”

  “From what I’ve seen, she won’t be bullied into making a decision. Take whatever time you need.” Travis grasped Dax’s shoulder. “I appreciate anything you can do to clear this up.” Turning to walk back into the house, he stopped at Dax’s voice.

  “When this is over with Peeler, you might consider asking that woman to marry you.”

  Grinning, he nodded. “You know, for once, Dax, you might have come up with a good idea.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Rachel soaked a cloth in cool water, wringing it out before placing it on Swift Bear’s forehead. He’d woken twice, mumbling a few words before falling back into unconsciousness.

  “Does he feel any cooler?” Isabella prepared another cool cloth, handing it to Rachel.

  “Not really. I don’t see any signs of infection, which is what worries me. Usually, a fever would be an indication the wound has putrefied.” Rolling her shoulders to release the tension, she swapped the original cloth with the cooler one. “I need to send for my uncle or Doc McCord.”