“No. I will absolutely not be a partner with Gabe in a hotel. Not now or ever.” Lena’s normally serene face lit with anger at the news of Nick agreeing to allow Gabe into their business. “What can he add that we don’t already have?”
“Investment money and a background in the hotel business.” His voice remained calm. Nick let her irritation at his decision continue until she ran out of words. “What is it about Gabe you don’t like?”
“It’s not that I don’t like him.” Far from it, she thought. “I just don’t see the need to add another person. Haven’t we done fine on our own?”
“We can do better. We need an additional investor and someone with expertise in areas where we’re weak. Gabe offers both.”
Lena lowered herself into a settee in the parlor of the boardinghouse. When she’d left after breakfast and Gabe’s invitation to supper, she’d spent time in the general store and millinery, then returned to her room. Glad she didn’t need to be at the saloon for another hour, she’d laid down. It seemed as if mere seconds passed before a pounding on the door woke her. Nick stood in the hall, anxious to tell her his news. She felt petty, unable to show the excitement he expected.
“If you believe it’s the right decision for us, I’ll go along with it. I hope we’re not sorry, though.” Tying a bonnet on her head, she picked up her reticule. “I’d better get to the saloon before some altercation breaks out amongst the girls.”
The group of women they employed were good at what they did. They also had a particular talent for frustrating each other, especially when it involved being favored by a particular customer who’d taken more than one to bed. It amazed Lena how women with little regard for marriage could become so possessive with one of their customers, as if they owned the exclusive right to him.
Nick opened the door, stepping aside for her to pass. “I’ll be over in a bit. I’m going to see if Suzanne has any dinner left.”
He watched as she strolled up the boardwalk to the saloon, wondering about her strong aversion to having Gabe as a partner. On numerous occasions, she’d expressed her admiration of the sheriff, how well he did his job, and the level of trust the townsfolk bestowed on him. Then he thought of Gabe and their conversation several nights before at the Dixie when he’d asked several probing questions about her. Nick had responded with a warning to treat her with care if he decided to go after her. Perhaps he’d already made his move. By Lena’s reaction to having him as a partner, he figured it was a damn good possibility.
Heading into the kitchen, he peeked into covered pots still sitting on the stove. Reaching for a bowl, he ladled in a generous amount of stew, then cut a large square of cornbread. He’d just sat down when Suzanne bustled through the back door, her arms laden with vegetables. She didn’t notice him as she set the food into the sink.
“The last of the garden,” she mumbled to herself.
“What did you say?”
Gasping, a hand flew to her throat as she spun around. “My gracious, Nick. I didn’t see you.” The smile she sent him spoke of the humor in the situation. Spotting the bowl, she moved forward, seeing it already full of stew. “I would’ve been happy to warm it up for you.”
“It’s delicious as it is.” As if to prove it, he scooped up another large spoonful. “Best you’ve ever made.” He finished the last bite of cornbread, then pushed the plate away. “I’ll be bringing Fanny to town in a couple days.”
“I know and I couldn’t be more thrilled. Although I am concerned about where she’ll live. I thought the gentleman in the upstairs front corner room would be leaving, but he informed me last night he’s staying at least through the end of the month.”
“She’s staying in the house near Gabe’s place behind the jail.”
“She is?” Suzanne’s voice rose in excitement. “I didn’t know there was an empty place in town.”
“There wasn’t until a week ago. Abby Brandt owns quite a bit of property around town and decided we needed more places for new people to live. Noah hired a few men and they’ve already built two places, with three more halfway completed. They aren’t fancy, but have all that’s needed.”
Suzanne’s eyes locked on his, although she said nothing.
“What?” He stood, walking over to her.
A look passed over her face he couldn’t quite decipher. He took her hands in his, rubbing his thumbs over them.
“I’ve lived in Splendor for over fifteen years. You’ve been here less than two and know more about what is happening.” She glanced up at him. “It seems I’m missing so much.”
His gaze softened. “Fanny coming to work for you will give you time to get out, enjoy the town and your friends. All you need to do is take advantage of it.”
“Thanks, Nick.”
“For what?”
“I never would’ve had the courage to make the changes if you hadn’t encouraged me.”
“All you needed was a little nudge, nothing more. In your head, you already knew what needed to be done.” He released her hands, tapping a finger to her forehead. “You’re a smart woman, Suzanne. You’re going to be quite successful—more than you already are.” An unexpected sensation had ripped through him at her closeness and the feel of her hands in his. He knew he needed to leave, give them both some space. “I’d better return to the saloon.” On impulse, he bent down and placed a kiss on her cheek, then stepped away.
“I’ll save some supper for you, Nick.”
Nodding, he settled his hat on his head and left.
Gabe stared at another game of solitaire, his eyes beginning to cross. He didn’t know how many rounds he’d played in the last two hours. Fifteen, twenty, maybe more. If he thought she’d accept, he’d make the short walk to the Dixie and invite Lena to supper.
She must know by now about the partnership he and Nick agreed on. He sure would’ve liked to have been in the room when she learned about it. His gut told him she wouldn’t have accepted it with ease.
His stomach growled. A few months before, he would’ve stopped by the livery, convinced Noah to join him for supper, then they would have walked to the Dixie or Rose for cards and drinks. Now, his friend spent almost every night with his bride. Gabe didn’t blame him. Abby couldn’t have been more perfect for him.
With Cash and Beau making the rounds, he had the freedom to head to the boardinghouse for supper. Fall decided to descend on Splendor, with temperatures dropping into the forties in the evenings. Grabbing his coat, he slipped it on, adjusting his hat, then closed the door behind him.
Hearing the piano music from the Dixie, he felt drawn toward it, but tried to resist the urge to find Lena. Taking a few steps, he stopped in the middle of the street.
“Ah hell,” he groaned and changed directions, heading straight for the Dixie.
She stood alone at one end of the bar, staring at an untouched glass of whiskey, her fingers drumming away in a pitter-patter only she could hear. So absorbed in what occupied her mind, she didn’t see Gabe walk up, order a drink, or set it down next to hers. Fascinated, he leaned one arm on the bar and watched her.
A noise, a change in light, a movement across the room—Gabe didn’t know which—caused Lena to stir, then look up, gasping at how close he stood, as well as his amused gaze.
“Good evening, Lena. Everything all right?”
“Well, yes…of course. Why wouldn’t it be?” Picking up her drink, she took a swallow, letting out a sigh as the amber liquid warmed her throat.
Another letter had arrived from Isabella. She’d recovered from her illness, only to watch as her husband, Arnott, fell victim to the same ailment. Twenty-five years her senior, he’d suffered from respiratory problems since childhood, and the doctor’s concern seemed extreme, frightening her. At her husband’s direction, the doctor told her little about his condition, which fueled her anxiety to a fever pitch. She wanted to seek the advice of another doctor, one who would discuss his condition with her, but her husband refused—a tactic he almost n
ever used with Isabella. She’d decided to wait, forcing herself to believe he’d pull through and all would be back to normal soon.
At least Jackson had emerged unscathed. She’d sent him to her husband’s sister, who lived a few blocks away. Once Arnott recovered, he’d return home. Then they’d plan a visit west. Even though it would be months off, the excitement Lena felt at their visit consumed her.
Gabe continued to watch as she fingered the rim of her glass, her face softening as a thought passed through her mind. He wondered what consumed her and if she’d share it with him.
“Have you had supper?”
She glanced up, her brows drawing together. “Um…no. I must have forgotten.”
“Good. Then let me escort you to Suzanne’s.”
“I don’t believe—”
He touched a finger to her lips, silencing her. “I won’t keep you long. We’ll eat, then I’ll bring you back.” Letting his hand drop, he searched her eyes, hoping to see agreement. “I want to spend some time with you, Lena.”
Her lips parted a fraction. “You do?”
“Of course. I believe it would be good to get to know each other better. After all, we’re going to be business partners. I assume Nick mentioned our agreement.”
Even though foolish, those weren’t the words she wanted to hear. She should’ve been glad his intentions had to do with solidifying a relationship which had the potential to make them thousands. Instead, she couldn’t help the stab of disappointment racing through her at knowing his purpose wasn’t more personal.
“Yes. Nick told me of the partnership.”
“Then you’ll join me for supper?”
Picking up her glass, she finished the contents, and set it on the bar with more force than intended. “Why not?”
Walking over to Nick, who sat at a table with Bull, Travis, and a few other Pelletier men, she whispered in his ear. He shot a look at Gabe, his eyes narrowing into a warning he assumed the lawman understood. The gesture had been lost on Lena, who accepted Gabe’s arm as they left the saloon.
Neither spoke as they walked down the street and entered Suzanne’s, taking one of the many open tables before ordering the nightly special. Gabe watched her fidget with her skirt, then the napkin, and wondered what troubled her.
“Are you certain you’re all right?” he asked as her gaze met his.
“Do you remember the friend I mentioned who lives in Philadelphia?”
“Isabella? I believe you said she’d been ill.”
“Yes. Now her husband is sick and no one will speak with her about it. The doctor refuses to give her any information, and her husband has rejected the idea of getting another opinion. She sent Jackson to his aunt’s until Isabella’s husband recovers, but the tone of her letter told me she’s worried he won’t make it.” Her gaze slipped to the table and her clasped hands, then back up. “She’s so devoted to him. I don’t know what she’ll do if he doesn’t improve.”
Her blue eyes were full of anguish. Without thought, he reached across the table, taking her hands in his.
“Have you thought of going back to be with her?”
“I sent a telegram yesterday, suggesting a visit.” She stared at their joined hands, loving the feel of his callused skin and the way his touch always caused her blood to heat and heart to pound. As disturbing as it all was, she didn’t want to let go, lose the connection with him.
“It’s possible I may have to travel to New York. If so, I’d be honored to accompany you to Philadelphia.” He’d done all he could to avoid a trip back east. Now, if Lena traveled with him, he found himself eager to make the trip.
She continued, as if she hadn’t heard his offer. “Isabella mentioned coming out here with Jackson once her husband improves. It’s doubtful he’ll join them. He’s always so busy with his many business interests.” She squeezed his hands before slipping hers away and clasping them in her lap, immediately missing his touch.
“Then it appears there’s nothing more you can do except wait to hear from her. Perhaps the next message will be good news.”
They remained silent through most of supper, making casual talk about the increase in miners coming to town and the influx of farming families still escaping the effects of the war. Neither had any appetite for dessert, so after laying money on the table and thanking Suzanne, he looped her arm through his.
“We still didn’t speak of the hotel or our partnership,” Gabe said, drawing closer to the saloon. “I suppose that means we’ll need to find another time to have supper.” The smile on his face sent her pulse racing. She knew she should decline.
“I’d like that, Gabe.”
The urge to pull her to him, kiss her until they were both wild with need consumed him. Knowing it would be the worst move he could make, he ignored the warning, leaning down to brush his lips with hers.
“Goodnight, Lena.”
She couldn’t deny herself one more kiss. Tilting her head up, she braced herself on his arms, and touched her lips to his before giving him a warm smile. “Goodnight, Gabe.” She turned and walked through the swinging doors of the Dixie.
~~~~~
Chapter Ten
“It’s done.” Stillwell tossed the document onto the desk, crossing his arms. He’d ridden in early, hoping to get paid and ride back out well before mid-morning.
Carlyle picked up the paper, a feral smile crossing his face when he saw what the gunman had given him. “What happened?”
“All four partners were at the site when I rode in and offered them the price you set. They huddled for a while, then the oldest came back with a higher figure. You’d given me enough cash, so I agreed. They signed and that was it.” He sounded disappointed it had gone so well.
Pennington walked inside, brushing the dust from his clothes, and stomping mud-encrusted boots on the floor. Carlyle handed him the paper, explaining what had happened.
“Too easy,” Pennington commented. “Makes me wonder if the claim has played out.”
“They were working it when I rode up.”
“It’s done now. When will they be off the land?” Carlyle asked, glad to have the three claims in their possession.
“I’d expect them to be gone within days. There’s nothing to hold them there.”
Carlyle placed a strongbox on the table, opened it, and took out the two claims Stillwell had secured days before. “It’s time to file all three of them. You want to ride in with me, Tommy?”
“I’m ready to leave when you are.”
“My work here is done. I’ll be riding out—unless there’s more you want me to handle.” Stillwell filled his glass again, tossing it all back.
Carlyle pulled a stack of bills from the strongbox. “What we agreed to for the work you’ve already done.” He handed it to Stillwell. “However, I want you to stay around for a few days. We may have another job for you.”
Stillwell scratched his stubbled chin. “All right, but I expect pay for days I sit around.”
“Fair enough. We’ll know more once we return from Splendor.”
“I’ll be camped in the usual place. Come and get me when you’re ready.” Without another word, he pocketed the money and left.
Strolling to the window, Carlyle watched as Stillwell mounted his horse and rode from their camp, then he turned toward Tommy. “That went better than expected.”
“Except we may have three worthless claims.”
“Doubt it. Those miners don’t have the equipment or men we do to work the claims. We’ll send some people to the large one in a few days, see what they find.” Willie thought of what he wanted to get done in Splendor.
“Let’s get going. I’m hungry for cooking that isn’t my own, maybe stay in town long enough to take the pretty young woman at the Rose up on her offer. It’s been a long time.” Tommy’s face brightened at the thought of spending time with a warm and willing woman.
Willie had other ideas. First, he’d finish business, then take another look around tow
n. Lena couldn’t hide from him forever. He’d find her, apologize for the way he’d left New Orleans, then use his considerable charms to get back in her good graces. From there, he believed it wouldn’t take much to get back in her bed, making her more amenable to the demands he planned to make.
“It shouldn’t take long to load her belongings and return.” Nick climbed onto the seat of the wagon. “By sundown, you’ll have a new cook and a small measure of freedom.”
Suzanne stood by the wagon, still not quite appreciating how her life would change with Fanny’s arrival. She’d be paying a portion of the rent for the house and wages she still didn’t know if she could afford. But her faith in Nick outweighed her concerns.
“If the place wasn’t so full…”
“I have time to do this. We’ll be back in no time.” He smiled, slapping the reins to get the wagon moving.
She stood with her arms crossed until the dust disappeared. Nick had been joking, but she would miss him. He’d been an unexpected blessing in her life.
“Has he left?”
Suzanne turned to see Lena standing behind her, a hand shading her face from the morning sun.
“Yes. I doubt it will take long before he’s back. How about some breakfast?”
“I already helped myself to coffee and some of the spice cake on the counter. I didn’t think you’d mind.”
“Not at all, Lena. I make it to be eaten.” Suzanne followed her back inside, then got to work with the morning cleaning, both unaware of the men who sat astride their horses not fifty yards away.
“Is that her?” Tommy asked, leaning forward in the saddle.
“Yes, that’s Magdalena Campanel.” His voice thickened as he watched her disappear inside.
She’d been beautiful when they’d been together, but now, almost seven years later, she was stunning—one of the most magnificent women he’d ever seen. And he’d walked away from her. If he were being honest, he knew nothing would change if he had it to do over again. Money and a good time were all he wanted back then, and he’d gotten both with Lena, although he doubted she’d think the same. His mother once told him he’d been born flawed, entered the world without a shred of remorse for his actions, no sense of right or wrong. At the time, he didn’t believe her. Now he did, accepting the man he’d become.
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