Solitude Gorge

by Shirleen Davies

  The front door opened, Dirk moving aside to allow Running Bear to walk past him and onto the porch. The chief stopped, taking several moments to study the colonel, his features indicating nothing of what he thought.

  “Chief Running Bear. I am Colonel McArthur from Fort Connall. I met you one other time.”

  “I know who you are, Colonel McArthur.” Before him stood the man Running Bear witnessed shooting his own men. The chief wondered about the reasons for the killings.

  “I’ve come to ask about your grandson.”

  Running Bear’s eyes flashed for an instant, then stilled. “He lives. Have you found the men who shot him?”

  “We aren’t sure who they are.”

  Travis stepped forward. “I beg your pardon, Colonel. It’s my understanding you do know who shot Swift Bear and shot up Splendor this morning.”

  Miles shifted to face him. “There were more shootings in town?”

  “This morning.” Dax’s voice held a dangerous edge. “The same group of men who attacked us at church came back, robbed the bank, and shot three men. That’s a total of one dead and six shot, including Swift Bear. Don’t you think it’s time you told us what you’ve been hiding?”

  “I’m still not certain the men who attacked Splendor are the deserters from Fort Connall. It’s been weeks since they rode out on patrol and never returned.” Miles sat in the study with Dax, Travis, Wyatt, Bull, Dirk, and Running Bear after finishing the best meal he had in a long time. Cradling his glass of whiskey in his palms, he leaned forward. “Their leader, Sergeant Dowling, is as ruthless as anyone I’ve ever known. Our Crow scout, Black Feather, was with him and three other soldiers plus two civilians when they disappeared.”

  Running Bear’s brow lifted. “I know this Crow…Black Feather.” He looked at Bull. “He is from Red Tail’s village.”

  Bull’s nostrils flared, jaw tightening at the mention of the Crow chief who’d kidnapped Lydia.

  Miles saw the silent exchange, wondering what had happened between the Crow and Bull. “Black Feather was paid as an Army scout. Leaving his post is the same transgression as any soldier who deserts.” Only one man in the room displayed confusion. “The punishment for desertion is death by firing squad, Running Bear.”

  The chief gave a curt nod, finally understanding what he’d witnessed months before when first meeting the colonel.

  Dax crossed his arms, resting a hip against the edge of his desk. “Do you know why they’d stay around here and not get as far away as they could?”

  “Money. They couldn’t have had much when they left. When Captain Ryerson collected their personal belongings, he found letters, pictures, money…items they would’ve taken if they’d known they were leaving.” Miles took another sip of whiskey, letting the amber liquid burn a path down his throat.

  “You think Sergeant Dowling threatened them into leaving?” Travis asked.

  The colonel shrugged. “Possibly. Or they saw an opportunity and took it. From what you’ve told me about the two raids on your town, I believe they robbed the bank the first time a few days after leaving the fort.”

  Dax’s eyes lit with anger. “Yet you refused help when Gabe asked for it, and didn’t tell him you had a group of deserters.”

  Miles didn’t flinch at his bitter tone. “I made the best decision for my men.”

  “But not for the people of Splendor.”

  “As the commander of the fort, I have obligations, Mr. Pelletier.”

  “I’m well aware of command obligations, Colonel.” Straightening, Dax paced several feet away, then rounded on Miles. “You also have an obligation to the civilians in your region when asked for assistance. At the very least, you should’ve gotten word to Gabe about the deserters so he could’ve been prepared.”

  Standing, Miles stalked to within a couple feet of Dax. “I had no idea they’d be so stupid as to raid a town.”

  Dax refused to back down. “Even when you knew they had little money and food? They were desperate, with only one bank close enough to rob. Common sense would’ve told any reasonable man where they’d be headed.”

  Miles moved to within inches of Dax’s chest. “Are you insinuating I’m a fool?”

  “I’m stating a fact. If you don’t like it, maybe you’d better change your thinking.”

  Seeing Miles move his hand to the handle of his gun, Bull jumped between the two men, shoving them apart.

  “That’s enough!”

  Dax fought the urge to shove Bull aside. Scrubbing a hand down his face, he turned away, swearing loud enough for anyone standing outside the study to hear.

  Bull settled clenched hands on his hips. “This isn’t going to help us find those men.”

  “They’re long gone.” Everyone’s attention shifted to Dirk. “The colonel already admitted all they needed was money before getting as far away from here as possible. Beau and Cash couldn’t find their tracks. My guess is they’re already in Big Pine or on their way to Moosejaw. ‘Course, they could’ve ridden south to Wyoming or southwest to Utah.”

  Shredding a hand through his hair, Travis looked at Dax. “I’m thinking the same as Dirk. It makes no sense they’d stay around. Those men aren’t going to take the chance.”

  Dax shifted his gaze. “Bull?”

  Staring down at the floor, he let out a frustrated breath. “I’ve gotta say, I agree with Dirk and Travis.”

  His gaze moved to the last of his men. “Wyatt?”

  “Those outlaws are gone, boss. I’m guessing they rode north to throw us off, then turned south to Wyoming.”

  Pinching the bridge of his nose, Dax stalked to his desk, settling into his chair before looking at Miles. “What are your intentions?”

  “I plan to find their trail and catch them. You say they robbed the bank this morning?”

  Dax nodded. “That’s right.”

  “I believe there’s a good chance Dowling and his crew will make camp for the night. That’s when we’ll find them.” Miles turned his attention to Running Bear. The chief had yet to utter a word since the heated debate started. “You know this territory. Where would you go if you were them?”

  Standing, the chief crossed his arms, his eyes locked on the colonel. “I would follow Black Feather.”

  “And where would Black Feather lead them?”

  Running Bear thought a moment, his mouth curling into a wry grin. “Wolf Creek Mountain.”

  Bull’s brows furrowed. “That’s northeast of here. I’ve heard rumors the mountain has mystical powers. Why would he take them there to find a safe hiding place?”

  Running Bear’s eyes softened, looking at a man he thought of as a friend. “Black Feather is not taking them there to hide, Bull Mason. He is taking them to their deaths.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  Travis stood on the porch watching the sunrise, his arm around Isabella’s waist. The contentment on their faces indicated neither cared if anyone thought their closeness inappropriate.

  Sipping the cup of coffee in his other hand, he watched Miles roust his men for the trip north. They would accompany Running Bear until the trail split toward the Blackfoot village. He and his men would continue north, veering east, past the fort to Wolf Creek Mountain.

  Travis had also heard the same rumors as Bull. Stories of strange happenings, mythical beings, and people climbing the mountain, never to be seen again. He’d ignored them, never having met anyone who’d actually been to one of the most rugged mountains in the territory.

  “Do you think they’ll find them?”

  He finished the last of his coffee, letting out a breath. “I don’t know.”

  “Dax told Rachel what Running Bear said.”

  Travis chuckled. “Let me guess. Rachel told you.”

  Isabella gave a self-satisfied nod. “Yes, she did. And I told Lydia.” She leaned into him. “Do you believe what the chief said?”

  His lips drew into a thin line, thinking about Running Bear’s prediction. “It’s possible. B
lack Feather is a Crow and they’ve long believed in the strange powers of Wolf Creek Mountain.”

  “Is that why the chief believes he’s taking them to their deaths?”

  Travis wondered the same. It made no sense for Black Feather to take them into the mystical mountain where he’d be as likely to die as them. He’d heard nothing of the Crow being immune to the strange, and possibly deadly, powers.

  “I don’t believe so.”

  “Then why?”

  “Running Bear didn’t share his reasons with us.”

  Isabella lifted her head, staring up at him. “Travis, I’m asking what you think.”

  “Pure greed.”

  Her features scrunched together, eyes narrowing. “Greed?”

  “Black Feather has come to embrace the white man’s world. The outlaws robbed the bank twice. I don’t know the amount they took, but the total is substantial. Wolf Creek Mountain is in the middle of Crow lands. My guess is he’s taking them there knowing his people will kill them.”

  Her lips parted, eyes widening. “And he’ll keep all the money.”

  “His village won’t know the worth. They’ll keep the horses, saddles, weapons, and anything else of value.” Travis paused as one of the Blackfoot braves placed Swift Bear in his grandfather’s arms. Running Bear would ride the entire way holding his grandson. “The money will go to Black Feather.”

  “And he’ll share it with no one…”

  “Because the outlaws who stole it will all be dead.”

  Placing a hand over her mouth, she did her best to hide a chuckle.

  Travis’s mouth twisted into a grin. “It isn’t funny.”

  Shaking her head, she couldn’t help the spark in her eyes. “No, it isn’t. But there’s still some type of perverse justice to it all, don’t you think?”

  “If that’s what happens, then yes. Death is what they deserve. I don’t care how it happens, as long as other innocent people don’t get hurt along the way.”

  Isabella’s breath caught when Colonel McArthur swung into his saddle. “Aren’t the soldiers putting themselves in danger by going to the mountain?”

  “They are, but that’s their job, sweetheart. Sergeant Dowling and his men are deserters. If Colonel McArthur captures them, they’ll be shot.”

  “Albert dead and six people wounded. For what? A little bit of money.” She sighed, resting her head against his shoulder. “None of it makes sense to me, Travis.”

  He had no response. So much in his life didn’t make sense.

  Neither spoke as Running Bear and his braves rode past, followed by Colonel McArthur and his men. Faces solemn, their gazes fixed straight ahead, not one gave even the slightest nod to those watching them leave.

  “I certainly hope Running Bear is right about the deserters going to Wolf Creek Mountain.” Bull walked up the porch steps. “My instincts say otherwise, but they’ve been wrong before.”

  “How often?” Travis asked.

  Bull offered a wry grin. “Not very.”

  “What do your instincts say this time?”

  He stared at the retreating group of riders, then looked at Travis. “If it were me, I’d stay far away from Wolf Creek Mountain and head south. Wyoming, Utah, maybe even Arizona. Riding north makes no sense, unless they’ve put all their faith in Black Feather.” He waited until Dax and Wyatt joined them. “What do you think, Dax?”

  “I’d do the same, Bull. Then again, we don’t think the same as a band of killers.” Dax glanced at the men still stationed around the barn and house, rifles at the ready. “We’ll keep our defenses up until we hear back from Colonel McArthur. He agreed to let us know if they find the deserters. Bull, let Dirk know we’ll keep the current number of men with the herd for a few more days.”

  “I’m going to take Nora back to town, Dax.”

  “That’s your decision, Wyatt. She’s welcome to stay here as long as she wants.”

  “I appreciate it, boss. Allie needs her at the shop, and I agree with you and Bull. Wherever those vermin are, they’ve left Splendor behind. Nora’s going to stay with Gabe and Lena for a few nights so I can be here at the ranch.”

  “You don’t need to do that, Wyatt.”

  “I want to, Dax. With the number of men posted as guards, you need me here. Gabe won’t let anything happen to her.”

  Dax grasped Wyatt’s shoulder. “Stay vigilant.”

  “I will. I’ll get Nora and we’ll be on our way. See you in a couple hours.”

  Travis dropped his arm from around Isabella’s waist, shifting toward Dax. “Do you want me to ride over to Luke’s and let him know what’s happening?”

  “I’d appreciate it. Let him know we’re fine here if he wants to stay to work on those mares he cut from the wild herd.”

  “I’ll go back with you, Travis.”

  His body stilled at Isabella’s words. Taking a slow breath, he turned back to her. “I’d rather you stay here. I won’t be gone long.”

  Clasping her hands together, she lifted her chin. “Ginny might need help with Cooper, and it’s time Rachel and Dax got their house back.”

  Dax shook his head. “You don’t have to leave, Isabella. We’ve plenty of room, and I know Rachel enjoys your company.”

  “Thank you, Dax. I’ll speak with Ginny. If she doesn’t need my help, I’ll return with Travis.” She glanced down at the dress Rachel had loaned her. “Regardless, I do need a change of clothes. All I have are the pants and shirts I took on the hunt.”

  “If you insist on going, then get what you need. I’ll saddle our horses so we can leave as soon as you’re ready.” Travis hurried down the steps, long, purposeful strides taking him into the barn.

  She bit her bottom lip, looking up at Dax. “I don’t think he likes the idea of me going with him.”

  His mouth curved upward. “I don’t think he’s happy with you leaving at all. Come on inside and we’ll let Rachel know you’re going to Luke’s.”

  Isabella stepped in front of Dax, taking a quick look over her shoulder to see Travis walk out of the barn and toward the corral with two harnesses. If she wasn’t mistaken, his warm features of earlier that morning had transformed into a deep scowl.

  Travis stomped to the corral, muttering to himself about his reaction to Isabella wanting to return to Luke’s. It annoyed him that his chest tightened when she’d made the announcement. She’d lived with Luke and Ginny, helping with Cooper, since not long after arriving in Splendor. It was her home, not a guest room at Dax’s.

  Whistling for Banjo, his features softened when Isabella’s mare followed the gelding toward him. They’d become attached over the last few days. The thought stilled his motions for a few moments, reminding him of how he’d become accustomed to seeing Isabella each night and every morning since they left on the hunting trip.

  Travis wasn’t prepared for her to return to Luke’s, where he’d see her once or twice a week and at church on Sundays. The dilemma smacked him in the face. He lived in the bunkhouse, had little savings, and owned fewer possessions. He didn’t want to live without her, but saw no way to live with her.

  Slipping one of the harnesses on Blossom, the other on Banjo, he led them to the barn, the true nature of his life punctuating every step. He’d been so intent on first pushing her away, then regaining her trust, Travis failed to recognize he no longer owned a farm, had no place to live if they married. The Pelletiers paid well, but not enough to support Isabella and a family. Offering her marriage without children would never work.

  Beads of sweat rose on his forehead, and they weren’t from the exertion of saddling the horses. Now that he’d accepted how much he loved and needed her, Travis had to face an ugly reality—he couldn’t take care of Isabella.

  “I’m ready.”

  The sound of her voice always lightened his mood. Today, it brought the pain of truth. “I’m almost ready.” He finished cinching Blossom’s saddle, letting out a slow breath. No longer able to put off facing her, he turned, a p
ain unlike anything he’d ever felt piercing his chest.

  “Travis? Are you all right?” Isabella moved to him, her hand cupping his cheek. “You look pale.”

  Swallowing the ball of ice lodged in his throat, he nodded. “I’m fine. In a hurry to get over to Luke’s and back.” Grabbing Blossom’s reins, he held them out to Isabella. “I’ll help you up.”

  Raising a brow, she stared at him a moment before taking the reins. “Thank you.”

  Putting his hands on her waist, he waited until she’d slipped her left boot into the stirrup, then lifted. Isabella settled easily into the saddle. While inside, she’d changed back into her pants and shirt, finding them more comfortable than the skirt she usually wore for riding.

  “Do you think Allie could sew a pair of pants and a shirt I could use for riding?”

  Travis swung into Banjo’s saddle, reining him around. Knowing she’d spoken but failing to hear the words, he gave her an uncomprehending stare.

  “Pants, Travis.”

  His mouth twisted. “Pants?” He used his spurs to move Banjo out of the barn, knowing she’d follow.

  “Yes. Do you think Allie could sew me a pair of pants and a shirt? These are so much more comfortable than wearing a skirt.”

  His mind raced with what to do about the two of them, and she was asking about clothes. “Sure.”

  “That’s what I thought. She’s so talented, and I know she sews pants for Cash. It shouldn’t be hard for her to make them for women.”

  Travis couldn’t recall the last time she’d prattled on about a topic more suited for a conversation between women. Why did she have to pick this morning when he couldn’t get his mind off how much he loved her and how little he had to offer?

  Taking the trail toward Luke’s, he tried to think about anything except the conversation he didn’t want to have. As much as he disliked the man, Travis began to wonder if Arnott had suggested she and David marry. Her late husband never would’ve suggested someone who couldn’t support Isabella, give her the same life she’d grown accustomed to.