Solitude Gorge

by Shirleen Davies

  Travis crossed his arms, giving the leader of Fort Connall a long stare. “I believe it’s time we came to an understanding, Colonel.”

  Redemption’s Edge

  Dax dropped the pen on another Army contract he’d been trying to read for almost thirty minutes, disgusted with the ease at which he became distracted. Recent events held a spot in his mind and he couldn’t shake them. The church shooting, Swift Bear’s wound, the men chasing him, and the way the colonel at Fort Connall ignored their plight provoked a tightness in his throat he couldn’t push aside.

  In his heart, he knew the men who attacked the town were the same ones who shot Swift Bear. Dax’s gut told him they were connected to the fort and warned him the danger wasn’t over.

  “Bull is back, and Running Bear is with him.” Dax glanced up, seeing Dirk standing in the doorway. “There are five other Blackfoot with them.”

  Pushing up, Dax grabbed his hat, leaving his gunbelt on its hook. “Would you mind letting Rachel and Isabella know he’s here?”

  Dirk nodded, walking down the hall to the first bedroom. Tapping on the door, he opened it. “How’s Swift Bear doing?”

  Rachel pursed her lips. “His fever is gone. He wakes long enough to drink some broth, then falls back to sleep.” She shook her head. “We’ve asked how he’s feeling, but he never responds.”

  “He might now. Bull is back, and he has Running Bear with him. You should be prepared for him.”

  “Thanks, Dirk.” Isabella picked up a cloth, dipping it into the basin and wringing it out. “I’ll mop away the dampness if you’ll straighten the bedding.”

  “Do you need any help from me?”

  Rachel glanced at the door, forgetting Dirk still stood in the room. “We’re fine, thanks. Is Lydia still here?”

  He gave a small smile. “If she’s the one cooking, the wonderful smells coming from the kitchen tell me she is.”

  “Yes, that’s Lydia. Would you let her know Bull and the chief are here?”

  Dirk nodded. “If Bull hasn’t already beaten me to it.” He shut the door behind him.

  Wiping her hands on a dry cloth, Rachel took one more look at Swift Bear. “The wound is healing and there’s no fever.” She let out a breath. “Perhaps seeing Running Bear will help.”

  Sharp raps on the door drew their attention. “Running Bear is here. May we come in?”

  Rachel’s face lit up at her husband’s voice. Opening the door, she smiled at him. “Please, come in.” She and Dax both stepped aside, allowing Running Bear to enter first.

  The Blackfoot chief gave a curt nod to Rachel, then Isabella, before his gaze moved to the bed. His grandson lay on his left side.

  Rachel walked the few paces to stop next to him. “Doctor McCord was able to get Swift Bear’s fever down. The gunshot wound is healing.”

  Running Bear looked at her, his face devoid of all emotion. “Does my grandson speak?”

  She shook her head. “When he wakes, he mumbles a little before falling back to sleep. He has taken some broth, but nothing else.”

  Giving a low grunt, Running Bear turned to Dax. “We will take him to the village now.”

  “Are you certain you want to move him?” Rachel asked before Dax could voice a response. The chief slowly turned his face toward hers, meeting her gaze, his features unreadable. “I mean, wouldn’t you like to stay the night to see how he does?” She glanced at Dax, silently asking for his support. He lifted a brow, shrugging. Biting her lower lip, she looked back at Running Bear. “The doctor will be back this afternoon to check on his progress. I know you want him home as soon as possible, but it might be wise to wait a little longer.”

  Something in Running Bear’s gaze caught her attention, but he didn’t respond. Instead, he turned to Dax. “Your woman speaks for you, Dax Pelletier?”

  Shooting a quick look at Rachel, Dax held his grin. “In matters regarding sickness and injury, yes. Rachel worked as a nurse in Union field hospitals during the war. I’ll wager she has more experience than many doctors when it comes to gunshot wounds.”

  Running Bear gave a short nod, turning back to Rachel. “Then it will be as you say. We will wait for your doctor. Tomorrow, we will take Swift Bear back to his mother.”

  “Neither his mother nor father came with you?” If either of her boys had been shot, no one would’ve been able to keep her away.

  The chief’s face clouded, signaling she may have overstepped her bounds. Moving his gaze to the bed, he shook his head. “His father died when Swift Bear was young. His mother is with child. Her time is too near to travel this distance.”

  Hands clasped in front of her, Rachel’s tension eased. “Would you like to sit in here for a while? Maybe seeing you will help him.” She indicated a chair next to the bed. “We will give you some privacy.” Looking at Isabella and Dax, she nodded toward the door.

  “Rachel Pelletier?”

  “Yes, Running Bear?”

  “Thank you.”

  The day grew late with no sign of Clay. Running Bear had left the bedroom once to summon all but two of his men into the house. Isabella and Lydia provided food, getting short nods of thanks before shutting the door behind them.

  “I wish Clay would arrive.” Rachel held baby James while Patrick played in a corner of Dax’s study.

  “He’ll be here. If he can’t come, he’ll send your uncle. Who I worry about is Travis and Mal.” Dax sat at his desk, glancing out the window toward the barn. “They should’ve been back by now.”

  Shifting James to her other hip, Rachel thought of Isabella. She knew her friend was worried Travis would come across the group of men who’d shot Swift Bear. “Perhaps they were able to talk the colonel into looking for the men. Knowing Mal and Travis, they would’ve volunteered to ride with them.”

  The front door burst open, boots pounding toward the study before Dirk looked in. “A rider is coming from town.”

  “Doctor McCord?”

  He shook his head. “Not the doctor. Looks like Mack, Gabe’s deputy. He’s coming in as if the devil is after him.”

  Dax stood, grabbing his gunbelt and strapping it around his waist. “Until I find out what Mack wants, keep everyone in the house, Rachel.” Not waiting for her response, he followed Dirk outside.

  Mack Mackey had been in Splendor almost a year. He and Caleb Covington were both majors in the Union Army, serving under Gabe. The town was fortunate to have them serving as deputies under their former commander.

  Mack didn’t slow his horse until a few yards from the house. Reining hard, he jumped off. “The gunmen came back, Dax. The gang got in and out of the bank before anyone could stop them, then shot up the town. Their bullets went right through windows, hitting a couple ranch hands in the Dixie and a man who’d come in on the stage.” Mack let out a disgusted breath. “They took off this way.” He looked past Dax, seeing Rachel, Isabella, and Lydia peering out the front window. “Gabe wanted me to warn you.”

  “How are the people they shot?”

  “Alive. We got them to the clinic.”

  Dax clasped him on the shoulder. “Thanks, Mack. Go inside, get something to drink.”

  Mack shook his head. “Can’t. Gabe needs me back in town.”

  Dax’s gaze moved about the group of men who’d gathered around. “Tat and Johnny, go with Mack.”

  “If you don’t mind, I’d like to go, Dax.” Dirk stepped next to him, his face ashen. “I want to make sure Rosemary is all right.”

  Dax nodded. “Of course. Tat, you’ll be riding with Dirk and Mack.”

  “Yes, sir,” he responded, taking off to saddle his horse.

  “They should stay with you, Dax.”

  “We’re good, Mack. I don’t want you riding out alone, maybe running into that group of killers. Truth is, I wouldn’t be able to keep Dirk here with Rosemary working at the clinic. Can anyone describe the men’s clothing, hats…anything?”

  “Harold Clausen got a real good look. So did a couple others w
ho were in the bank. Noah came running out of the livery as they rode past. He said three of them wore Union caps and shirts. Another had a feather sticking out of a headband.”

  “Could Noah tell if he was Crow?”

  Mack shook his head. “He didn’t get that good a look.” His eyes took on a hard gleam. “Damn that Colonel McArthur.”

  Dax rubbed his jaw. Travis and Mal had ridden to the fort. He sure wished they had this information before talking to the colonel.

  “Well, we can’t wait for help from Fort Connall. I’ll get the men positioned around the area. Don’t send Tat back until you’re sure there’s no more danger. Dirk will ride back when he’s ready.”

  “They’d be fools to ride back in again, Dax.”

  Snorting, he shook his head. “I’m afraid fools are what we’re dealing with, Mack.”

  Watching Mack, Dirk, and Tat ride off, Dax shifted his gaze to the front window, shaking his head at the question he saw in Rachel’s eyes. He now knew why Clay hadn’t made it to the ranch.

  “I’ve got the men positioned with plenty of ammunition, Dax.” Bull shot a look at Lydia, who stood inside. “What about the women and children?”

  “Get them all upstairs, and give the women guns.” Pulling out his revolver, he checked the cylinder. “I need to speak with Running Bear.”

  “I’ll do it. You need to let Luke and Ginny know what’s happened.”

  Letting out a harsh oath, Dax nodded. “He’s working one of the wild horses at his place.” He glanced around, his gaze landing on Billy Zales, one of the orphans who worked at the ranch. “I’ll have Billy ride over.”

  “Sam should go with him.” Bull spotted Lydia’s brother checking a rifle near the corner of the barn. “I know Sam and Billy are almost grown, but I’d rather see them away from here if that group of outlaws comes this way.”

  “I don’t know if they’ll be any better off at Luke’s.” Dax rubbed the back of his neck. “The three-way fork north of town leads them here, to Luke’s, or east of both our places. Still, Luke needs to know what happened.”

  Bull’s hands fisted at his sides. “If those boys have a smidgen of sense, they’ll go east, as far away from us as they can get.”

  “I’m afraid that’s a lot to hope for. I’ll let Billy and Sam know while you’re inside.” Dax started to turn away, then stopped. “And don’t let Rachel argue with you. She needs to be upstairs with everyone else.”

  Bull headed up the front steps, mumbling something about always getting the impossible jobs.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Splendor

  “Do you remember your name?” Clay McCord leaned over the patient, checking the wound to the left side of his head. Getting no response, he opened the man’s eyes, looking at his pupils. “Half an inch to the right and you’d be dead.”

  He received the same response as when Beau and Cash carried the man into the clinic. Nothing. Clay hadn’t expected one, not with the wound cutting a path through his thick, dark hair. He guessed the man would be out for several hours, which would be a blessing, as there were two others requiring help. Thank goodness Doc Worthington had returned from delivering a baby. Otherwise, Clay and Rosemary would be dealing with all three patients.

  Pulling the blanket under the man’s chin, Clay walked out, going to the room of another victim. “How’s he doing, Rosemary?”

  “No fever. He hasn’t woken up since passing out when you removed the bullet.” She touched the young man’s forehead, brushing away damp strands of hair. “I don’t believe he’s more than seventeen. Have you ever seen him before?”

  Clay shook his head. “I’ve never seen any of the three that were brought in today. I do know the one in the suit got off the stage not long before the outlaws rode through. Beau said he thought the two ranch hands worked for the same brand, but didn’t say who.” He leaned down, checking the patient’s pulse and his pupils, then straightened. “Well, I’d better see how Charles is doing with the other one. Fetch me when he wakes up.”

  “Of course, Doctor.” Sliding a chair next to the bed, she sat down for the first time since the shooting.

  Rosemary had been putting away supplies when she’d heard gunfire. Rushing to the window, she’d leaned out, seeing riders dashing toward the north end of town. Her heart rate picked up a moment later when several men, including Beau and Cash, carried the victims between buildings to the clinic.

  This wasn’t the first time she’d been glad the new two-story building stood on the back street. The location provided more protection than the original clinic and reduced the amount of dust common on the main street.

  Hearing heavy footfalls on the stairs, she started to rise when the door burst open.

  “Rosemary…” Dirk’s relieved voice breathed out. Moving close, he pulled her up, wrapping his arms around her. “Are you all right?”

  Smiling against his chest, she nodded. “I’m fine, Dirk. I was in the clinic when the men rode through town.” Dropping her arms from around his waist, her gaze shifted to the patient. “Three men were shot. This is one of them.”

  Not wanting to let her go, he settled an arm over her shoulders. “Will he recover?”

  “If he avoids infection, he should be all right. The bullet lodged in his chest, but Doctor McCord removed it. A few inches and it would have hit a lung. His friend was shot in the leg. Another bullet grazed the left side of the third man’s head. The doctor thinks he’ll be fine in a few days. It isn’t good, but better than anyone being killed.”

  He didn’t answer. Moving to the window, he scanned the street, his gaze landing on Gabe and Cash. “I’m going to speak with Gabe. Are you going to be all right?”

  “I’m safe in the clinic, Dirk. Please don’t worry about me.”

  “That’s never going to happen.” Leaning down, he kissed her cheek. “When I leave, you’re riding back to the ranch with me.”

  “I don’t know how long I’ll need to stay.”

  Stroking her hair, he placed one more kiss on her lips. “Don’t argue about this, Rosemary. Charles and Clay live in town and can keep watch on the men. You’re riding back with me.”

  Redemption’s Edge

  “They got away with twice as much from the bank as last time, shot three men, then rode off. Beau and Cash tried to track them, but lost their trail the same as last time.” Dirk took a sip of the whiskey Dax handed him, rolling the glass between his fingers. Looking out the window, he watched the sun sink over the western mountains. “Damn long day,” he murmured.

  “What’s that?”

  Dirk shook his head. “Gabe and the deputies, along with Noah, Nick, and Baron Klaussner are on watch, but Gabe doesn’t think they’ll hit the bank a third time. He’s pretty sure they’ll get away from here now that they have a good amount of cash.”

  Dax cocked a brow. “Baron Klaussner?”

  “Ernst refused to stay in the hotel and do nothing. Gabe positioned him in the lobby, which seemed to satisfy the baron. Gabe did refuse to let his father be involved.” A slight smile curled Dirk’s lips. “He sent Walter back to the house to keep watch on Lena and Jack.”

  Dax ran a hand along the edge of his desk, then stood. “I sent Billy and Sam to Luke’s. Wyatt is going to bring Nora back here in the morning. He doesn’t want her staying in town.”

  “Do you think we’re any safer here?”

  “No, I don’t. We do have Running Bear and his men. They know what happened and will help if the outlaws attack. I have to agree with Gabe. The gang is going to ride as far away from here as they can. They won’t take a chance on getting away a third time.”

  Hearing a noise out front, Dax walked to the window. “Well, I’ll be damned.”

  Dirk joined him, looking outside, a grin crossing his face. “It looks like Travis brought the cavalry.”

  “Let Running Bear know while I greet our guests.” Dax started for the door, stopping when it swung open.

  “Did you see who’s here?” R
achel nodded toward the front.

  “I know. I’d appreciate it if you’d stay upstairs with the children.”

  “But, Dax—”

  Catching her chin with his fingers, he turned her face up to his. “Just because Travis arrived with Colonel McArthur doesn’t mean we’re safe. Your safety is my most important concern. Please stay upstairs with the others until I find out what’s going on.” Kissing her, Dax dropped his hand, not taking his eyes from hers.

  The fight left her at the concern on his face. “All right,” she breathed out, then smiled. “But don’t make me wait up there too long.”

  “Wouldn’t think of it.” Dax opened the door, almost crashing into Travis as he bounded up the steps.

  “Isabella?”

  “She’s upstairs.” Dax grabbed Travis’s arm before he could move past him. “She’s fine. Tell me what McArthur is doing here.”

  “He came to see Running Bear. The colonel is worried the shooting of Swift Bear will spark a war.”

  Dax flicked a look at McArthur. “Running Bear doesn’t want war, but he does want the men who shot his grandson punished. There’s something else.”

  “What?”

  “There’s been another attack on the town. Three men were shot after the outlaws robbed the bank.”

  Travis fisted his hands at his sides. “Did they find them?”

  “No. The gang rode north out of town. Beau and Cash tried to pick up the trail, but lost them. That’s why I’ve got all except a few men here, in case those bandits find their way to the ranch.”

  “Mr. Pelletier?”

  Dax turned to see the leader of Fort Connall walking up the steps.

  “Yes.”

  “I’m Colonel Miles McArthur.”

  Accepting the outstretched hand, Dax nodded toward the house. “I’ve been told you’re here to see Running Bear.”

  “And inquire as to the condition of his grandson. Is he alive?”

  A man who didn’t waste time. Dax could respect that. “He is. Running Bear and one of his men are with him. The others are over there.” He turned his gaze to the other side of the barn where several Blackfoot openly stared at the soldiers. “It wasn’t easy to get the chief to agree to stay the night. He wanted to take his grandson back to the village today.”