Harder Than the Rest

by Shirleen Davies

  “Like I’ve said, I’m not ready to close up and neither is the boss. My plans don’t include running. Don’t underestimate me, Frank. I’ll get what I want and no one, including you, will stop me.” He turned his back on Alts to look out a window.

  Alts listened but ignored the threat. He knew Sheriff Dutton had been trying without success to talk Hollis into taking what they’d already stolen and leave the area, especially now that Will MacLaren had trailed Hollis to Cold Creek. Hollis didn’t know it, but Frank Alts knew exactly who he really was––Chad Hawley––and he knew that Chad had murdered MacLaren’s wife. Hollis was one of the few men that Alts would never underestimate. Another was Will MacLaren, or any of his brothers.

  “None of us signed up for this, Hollis. It was to be a couple of quick raids and leave. We can’t stay now. It’s too risky for everyone.”

  Hollis turned back at Alts’ comment and aimed his revolver at the man’s chest. “I don’t need a coward in the group, Frank. Besides, it seems to me you’re the only link tying me and the rest of the boys to the raids.”

  Alts moved quickly, but not fast enough to pull his gun or dodge the shot from only ten feet away. He felt the pain seconds after his wide, surprised eyes locked on Hollis. He grabbed his chest and slowly sank to the ground. His last thoughts were of his young son before darkness took him. Who would take care of Aaron?

  Chapter Thirteen

  “What do you think, Jake? Is Tinder in on it?” Will’s exhausted voice filtered through the night air as the three men walked outside after the last ranch hand had disappeared into the bunkhouse. Amanda had stayed behind with the men for a short time to sort through what they’d learned, but had finally gone upstairs, leaving the brothers and Jake to themselves.

  “Don’t know for sure but it appears to me he’s telling the truth and the other hands don’t seem to know anything, either. Tinder and Mullins spent most all their time working together––hardly saw one without the other.” The foreman stopped a moment as if to compose his thoughts. “Appears that Mullins couldn’t sleep and took a ride. Must’ve run into Alts. After that, only Alts knows what happened, and if Mullins was involved or not. I sure hope he was as I don’t know how Amanda will take it if she learns he was just an innocent.”

  “She sure seems to be handling it well for someone who’s never shot a man before. But it’s got to be tough. Never a good thing, to kill someone,” Drew commented.

  “I’ve known that girl her whole life. She’s stronger than most think. Amanda can handle this and be stronger for it.” Jake didn’t mention how much inner turmoil he thought she’d endure before reconciling herself to the fact a man was dead at her hand. She’d hide it from most people, but he and Tess would know.

  “We need to find Alts. He’s the only one who knows the truth and where to find the missing cattle. And the man’s not working alone. The ones we killed are only a few of the men involved. Wouldn’t surprise me if one man planned it all but hired the others to carry out the thefts.” Will had heard of similar patterns before. This was too big to be carried out by a handful of rustlers.

  “I’ve seen this at the large cattle ranches near Denver. Gangs stay around an area long enough to gather a significant number of cattle from several ranches. Hole them up someplace until they can change the brands and be driven to market.” Drew paused to take a sip from his now cold coffee. “They’re not looking for ten or twenty head, but several hundred. The man we’re looking for wouldn’t be a part of any raid. He’d stay in the background and organize the details––where to keep the cattle, who to hire, how to get them out of the area. He’d be coldblooded. Wouldn’t take any dissention from his men, and he’d be prepared to kill if needed. Might not do the killing himself, but he’d have no issues with ordering it done. And he’d hire a lead man just like him—ruthless. These men are in it for high dollars and power. It’s a world most don’t know exists.”

  “How do you know about all this?” Jake asked.

  “My boss in Denver, Louis Dunnigan, owns large cattle operations and has dealt with this type of thing before. It can get real ugly.” Drew threw out the last of his cold brew and rested against the side of the house. He was tired and wanted nothing more than to head inside to his bed.

  “What’d he do to stop it and find the men responsible?” Will asked.

  “Understand, Dunnigan is as hardnosed as the men who try to steal from him. The difference is, he’s honest, and doesn’t tolerate those who aren’t. Dunnigan has the money to hire the best and in large numbers. He’s not above using cattlemen’s livestock-detectives and fast guns. Many are ex-rangers, some ex-marshals, and a few are ex-military. His resources far outweigh what small ranchers have available. And that’s where we might have an edge on these rustlers. There’s a possibility he’d be willing to help us out.”

  “How’s that?” Jake was intrigued at the extent of Drew’s knowledge.

  “Dunnigan wants to expand his holdings to this region. That’s one reason I’m here, to check out the market, see if it’s an area where he could make a profitable investment. He might be willing to share resources if he believes it will benefit his growth plans.” Drew was hesitant to share more. He knew a lot of ranchers didn’t take kindly to Easterners moving in and buying up distressed ranches, even if they received a fair price. In Drew’s opinion, it was a better option than simply walking away, but not many cattlemen agreed with him. “I’ll telegraph him tomorrow. But tonight, gentlemen, I’m off to bed.”

  Will watched his brother walk up the steps and into the house. He appreciated Drew’s ideas but didn’t want him to stay, especially now, when there was more at stake than bringing Hollis to justice. Will knew Hollis was the man he’d tracked for five long years. He just needed time to prove it.

  ******

  “I understand you’re headed to town. I’d like to tag along, pick up some things.” It had been a restless night for Tess. She hadn’t been able to sleep and had opened her bedroom window for air. She had heard the voices and knelt below the opening to listen. What she had heard frightened her more than she’d let on to Amanda or Jake. She’d never learned to handle a gun as well as her friend, but she was determined to be of use if they found themselves in danger.

  “Not planning to stay in town long, Tessa. What do you need? I’ll be glad to pick up your supplies.” Drew didn’t want the woman near him. Something about her bothered him, but he couldn’t pinpoint what.

  “I don’t need much time. There are only a few things and I’d really like to get away for a couple of hours, if it wouldn’t be too much trouble. We won’t need the wagon. I’ll just ride along with you.”

  “Morning, Drew, Tess. Is the coffee made?” Amanda entered the room rubbing her eyes and looking as if she hadn’t slept at all.

  “Why don’t you sit, and I’ll get some for you. Drew’s going to town and I’m trying to convince him to let me tag along.”

  “Good idea. I need a few things, also,” Amanda said.

  Drew knew he’d lost the battle. There was no chance he’d make it off the ranch alone. “Get ready while I start saddling the horses.” Drew rinsed his cup and headed outside.

  “Doesn’t sound too happy about you going with him, does he?” Amanda glanced at Tess.

  “It doesn’t matter if he’s happy about it or not. He’s staying here, as our guest, and I figure the least he can do is accompany me to town. Not sure how safe I feel riding alone with all that’s going on. How about you, are you sure you’re all right? Should I stay?”

  “No, go. I’m doing fine. The sleep helped and I have a ton of chores. I figure Jake has some ideas about how he wants to handle what happened last night. Same with Will. Best if I talk to them now.” Amanda pushed out of her chair and started outside.

  “It wasn’t your fault, you know.” Tess had turned to look at her friend. She knew Amanda had lied about sleeping. She doubted if she’d slept at all.

  Amanda kept her head down. She
didn’t respond for several moments. “The hard part isn’t so much that I killed a man for trying to rustle our horses. Someone like that would’ve hung anyway. It’s that I knew him, trusted him. I just wish I knew why,” she said before grabbing a hat and walking out the back door.

  ******

  They rode in silence for most of the trip, each lost in their own thoughts.

  Drew’s mind kept circling back to the shootings and the feeling that Mullins wasn’t involved in the rustlings. Even though as an attorney he handled business issues, he still did his fair share of interviews, and sorted out the truth from lies more often than he liked. Nothing about Johnny being involved made sense, other than the fact he was with Alts. He wondered if the kid was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. The thought brought to mind the anguished images of his brother, Will, after Emily’s death. Inconsolable is how Aunt Alicia had described him. It wasn’t his brother’s fault, even though he blamed himself. Another case of wrong place, wrong time.

  “You handle a gun well, at least that’s what Amanda told me.” Tess shot a look at Drew.

  “Pardon me?” Drew shook himself out of his own mental ramblings.

  “Well, Amanda said you’re a good shot, like your brother. Neither of us was sure about how you’d handle yourself when things got tough, but she says you do real well.”

  “That so? I suppose there’s a compliment in there somewhere, if I thought hard enough about it anyway.” Drew’s comment and slight chuckle made Tess blush. She was actually kind of pretty, Drew thought, if one looked hard enough. “We grew up on the ranch, side by side. I learned all the same things he did, except I went off to college when I was nineteen. Of the four of us, he’s the natural born rancher. Has the feel for it––cattle, horses, land. He should be there now, not chasing…” Drew stopped himself, irritated that he’d said that much.

  “Not chasing what, Drew?” Tess asked when she realized he had no intention of finishing the thought.

  “Nothing. He should just be back at our ranch, that’s all.”

  “And you? Why aren’t you there?”

  “I will be soon enough, but I’ve got unfinished business in Denver before I can make a clean break with my boss. He’s a good man. Tough, but fair, and I aim to leave on good terms.”

  They continued in silence for a few more minutes before Tess built up the courage to ask her question. “Would you teach me to shoot?”

  The question surprised Drew. “Thought you’d already know how to handle a gun, with growing up on the ranch. You’ve never learned?”

  “Oh, I know how to load and shoot, but I’m not good. Not like Amanda. I don’t want to worry her, but I think there’s more going on, more danger than we thought at first. If anyone comes to the ranch threatening us, I want to be prepared to do more than load a gun and fire. I want to feel I can hit what I’m aiming at.”

  “You want me to teach you to kill a man, is that it?”

  “Well, I guess that’s what I’m asking. Will you do it?”

  Drew was silent so long that Tess thought he wouldn’t answer.

  “Don’t know, Tessa. I’m not sure how long I’ll be around Cold Creek. Isn’t there someone else who could teach you? Jake maybe?”

  The disappointment in Tessa’s voice was evident, but she accepted his refusal to help her. “That’s okay, I’ll just ask Tinder. He’s pretty good, a little impatient, but I’m sure he’d find the time.” Tess had no plans to ask Tinder or Jake or any other ranch hand. She didn’t want anyone there to know how incompetent she was with a gun. She’d just go out and learn on her own if Drew wouldn’t help her.

  “Makes sense. Appears he’ll be at the ranch the rest of his life, so that gives him a lot of time to teach you.” Drew knew it was the best solution, but darned if he didn’t feel lousy about it.

  It wasn’t long before they entered the town of Cold Creek. Neither had spoken another word after Drew had rejected her request. She didn’t seem angry, which surprised him. He was used to women using all kinds of tactics to get their way––pouting, sulking, yelling, threatening. It was one reason he’d never looked too seriously at marriage. Niall, Jamie, and Will had all fallen in love with wonderful women. Drew wondered if he’d ever be that fortunate. As much as the thought of a family and children felt right, the theatrics just never seemed worth it to him.

  At just under a thousand people, Cold Creek wasn’t small, but sure wasn’t big by Drew’s standards. Railroads didn’t stop here, but the stage still came through on a regular basis, and by the size of the crowd, it appeared one had just arrived.

  “Quite a commotion about a stage arrival, don’t you think?” Drew asked as they rode closer to the stagecoach.

  “It comes three to four times a week. Brings in people who get off the train in Great Valley.” Tess looked toward the stage to focus on the passengers who were just climbing down. “Oh, Lord, it’s Grant and Eleanor.” She turned excitedly to Drew and urged her horse forward at a faster pace. “You know, Amanda and Joey’s parents.” Then she turned back to smile at Drew before continuing toward the stage. It was the first pure smile he’d seen from her. It lit up her face and hit him like a punch. She truly was pretty when she smiled.

  “Grant! Eleanor!” Tess rode forward, then repeated the greeting, waving a hand at her long-time friends before getting off her horse.

  “Grant, look. There’s Tessa.” Eleanor touched her husband’s arm and pointed toward the young woman walking toward them. “But who’s the man with her?”

  “Don’t know, but I aim to find out right now.” Grant’s smile was broad as he approached Tess and her companion. He pulled her into a brief hug before Eleanor came up and grabbed Tess’s attention.

  “It’s so good you’re home. We’ve all missed you, especially Amanda and Joey. But why didn’t you send word about getting in today? They’d have come to meet you.”

  “We wanted to surprise everyone. Didn’t expect to run into you in town. And, who’s your friend?” Grant took in the tall, well-built man standing next to Tess.

  “This is Drew MacLaren. He’s staying at the ranch for a spell. His brother, Will, is working for us.”

  “Mr. Taylor, Mrs. Taylor,” Drew shook Grant’s hand and nodded to Eleanor, “it’s a pleasure to meet you. I hope I’m not intruding, staying at the ranch, I mean.”

  “If Amanda or Tess invited you, then you’re welcome to visit.” Grant emphasized the last word just enough so Drew would get the meaning.

  “I won’t be here long, Mr. Taylor. Just came to help my brother with some, uh, family business, then I’ll be returning to Denver.”

  “You’re from Denver, then?” Eleanor asked, wanting to know more about the man who’d accompanied Tess to town. It was unusual for Tess to leave the ranch with anyone she hadn’t known for some time.

  “No, ma’am, I’m from Arizona, but my job is in Denver. I plan to return to Arizona at some point soon, though.”

  “Well, Eleanor, I say we get a wagon and start for home.” Grant turned to a man about ten feet away. “Jack? You mind finding us transportation to the ranch and getting someone to load the luggage?”

  “No, Sir, Mr. Taylor. I’ll get to it right now.” The man was already on his way as the last words left his mouth.

  “Drew has a couple of things to do and I have to pick up some supplies, but we’d like to ride back with you, right, Drew?” Tess looked over and up at her companion. For some reason it had never registered with her that he was such a tall man. She estimated six-feet plus a few inches. At five-eight she considered herself a tall woman, but he towered over her.

  “Of course, Tess. I’ll meet you in front of the general store as soon as I’m through.” Drew nodded at the Taylor’s and Tess before walking down the street toward the telegraph office. He’d send the request off to his boss, Louis Dunnigan, and then send another message to Fire Mountain. He needed to let Niall and Jamie know what was happening.

  Chapter Fourteen


  “All four dead? Tell me what happened, Hollis, and I want it straight.” The boss stood at the top of a ridge, looking down on his ranch. A good spread, but too much rock, not enough pasture. That would change soon.

  “Jake and MacLaren must’ve figured something was going on and followed us. We got trapped in the canyon with the horses and had no choice but to run. I’m the only one who made it.”

  “Even Alts?” The boss’s face was grim but he showed no other emotions.

  “Yea, Alts, too.” Hollis didn’t tell the man that Alts had died by his gun and not at the canyon. No reason the boss had to know. Hollis went on to explain how Johnny Mullins had been in the area, unaware of the danger or his imminent death.

  “Johnny’s death is a problem. Grant liked the boy—thought he might take over from Jake someday.” The boss turned back to the canyon and thought of his young wife. He wondered if he’d have handled things in a different way if she’d come into his life sooner.

  Vengeance and greed had molded him into a man who’d do anything to get even with the one person he had thought would always stand by him, his best friend. But the man had betrayed him, pushed him out just as success was within their grasp. Over the years he’d done what little he could to settle the score—freak accidents, poisoned waterholes, missing cattle—but it had never been enough for him. He’d wanted to hurt Taylor, run him into the ground, make him give up.

  In time he came to realize his actions were too small, insignificant to a man like Grant, and he’d hired Hollis to put a real dent in the Big G by stealing cattle and Taylor’s prized horse stock. Chet had been very willing to hire the men needed to rustle, not only from Taylor, but from other neighboring ranches. Hollis had his own plans, driven by greed and his desire for Grant’s daughter. Now their plans were jeopardized by the deaths of four men. They’d need to make changes. He had to work with reality, and that meant closing the operation, soon. “Meet me here again at midnight. And Chet, don’t do anything more until then.”