Harder Than the Rest

by Shirleen Davies

  “No.” The word escaped Tess’s lips before she could stop it. She started to rise, but Amanda’s hand grasped her arm, encouraging her to stay and hear Grant out.

  “It wasn’t her fault, Tess, it was mine. Bobby was gone, Amanda was having a bad night, and I walked over to your parents’ cabin to get help from Julia. She always had an amazing way with Amanda. Within minutes she had her calmed down and asleep, but we were both exhausted. She offered to make coffee. I wish I could tell you how it happened, but all I can say is that it simply did. It was just the one time and each of us felt terrible about the betrayal. Within a few weeks, Julia realized she was pregnant, with you, Tess.” Grant paused to see if Tess comprehended his meaning.

  Tess jumped from her chair and stormed toward Grant. “How can you say these things about my mother? She was a good person. She loved my father. Why would you do this?” Tears began to roll down her cheeks but she swiped them away.

  “We’re telling you now because you have a right to know that you’re my daughter, and Amanda’s half-sister.” Grant looked at his empty glass and wished he could down the entire bottle.

  “But how do you know I’m your daughter? How could you know?” Tess’s voice was strained and laced with disbelief.

  “Bobby and Julia had tried for years to have children. They’d given up. Julia knew immediately that the child was mine, and it was confirmed after you were born. You were the exact image of my mother. Eleanor had returned from England by then, determined to build a life with Amanda and me. But it only took Eleanor one look at you, Tess, and she knew you were mine and not Robert’s.”

  Tess stared at Eleanor, then at Grant. It was too much. “No! This can’t be true. Father would have told me.”

  “He never knew.” Eleanor walked up to the young woman she loved as much as her own daughter. She tried to place an arm around Tess’s shoulders but Tess shook her off. “We all thought it better he not know. Robert was so thrilled with being a father, and he loved you so much, that we decided there was no point in ever telling him. Maybe it was wrong, but Julia was firm that he not know.”

  “But you, Eleanor?” Tess asked. “Why did you stay with Grant after you knew?”

  “Because I love him, Tess. It took my going to England to realize just how much. And, when I returned, I had to face the fact that much of it was my fault. I truly believe it would not have happened if I had stayed by his side and not left for my own selfish reasons.” She walked to Grant and grabbed his hand.

  Grant knew that Eleanor had been devastated by his betrayal. Looking back, neither understood why she hadn’t left and taken Amanda with her. But she’d stayed, and over time, had worked through the pain and bitterness. Eleanor had even continued her friendship with Julia, although only God knew how. Grant still thanked God each day that his wife had stuck by him and accepted Tess as his daughter.

  The room fell silent. Tess sat back in her chair, placed her hands in her lap, but couldn’t control the shaking. Grant walked over to stand in front of her, but she stood and ran from the room before anyone could stop her.

  “Let her go, Grant. She needs time to think through all she’s learned. It will work out, in time.” Eleanor’s soothing words stopped her husband when he made a move to go after Tess.

  Amanda sat in silence on the other side of the room. She couldn’t get past the realization that Tess was her half-sister or that her father had betrayed her mother. She found it hard to look at either of her parents. All these years they’d held the secret.

  “Amanda?” Her Mother’s voice pierced through her clouded mind. She looked up to a face filled with love. “We never meant to hurt either of you. But it was time you both learned the truth.”

  “I’ll go, Mother.” Amanda stood to walk towards the door. She needed to get out of the house, away from her parents. She wanted time to sort through all she’d learned.

  “Go where, Amanda?” Grant interjected. He hoped his wife was right, that both of his daughters would accept the truth.

  “To find Tess. She might talk with me.”

  Amanda walked out of the office, certain she knew the exact place where Tess would go.

  Chapter Sixteen

  “My horse is acting up,” Hollis lied. “I need to check to see if he picked up a stone.” They were several miles from town, up an old deer trail, on their way to the camp where Chet’s men kept the stolen cattle. The growth was dense in the area. It’d be a hard place to find a man, or a body.

  Dutton dismounted. “Fine with me. I need to take care of business anyway.” The sheriff made his way behind a brush, unaware that Hollis was only a few feet behind. Before the man knew what Chet had planned, he heard a shot, felt pain to his back, and slumped to the ground. Dutton was dead.

  “That, Sheriff, is what happens to men with no guts and no vision,” Hollis spit on the ground beside the body. He holstered his gun and reached down to drag the body further into the brush. Chet wanted it as far away from the trail as possible even though he doubted anyone would ever come across it. He found a natural ditch a hundred feet away and dumped the sheriff in. Before he left, he took Dutton’s gun, covered him with loose dirt, and pulled fallen brush over him. No, he didn’t think anyone would ever find this body.

  ******

  “Tess, you in there?” Amanda made her way up the path towards a cave that was a secret only the two of them shared. At least they thought of it that way. “Tess, it’s Amanda. I just want to talk for a bit.”

  She tried again when there was no response. “Tess, I know you’re in here.”

  “I’m not in the mood to talk, Amanda. Just let me be alone a while.”

  At least Amanda knew Tess was in the cave. She had no intention of returning to the house without her friend––her half-sister. The thought made her smile even as she was still trying to adjust to the circumstances, and the knowledge that her father was also Tess’s.

  Amanda entered the cave and spotted Tess about ten feet inside, sitting cross-legged on the ground. She picked her way over the rocky floor and lowered herself next to her. They sat in silence for several minutes, each lost in her own thoughts.

  “Why now? They could have said something years ago, after my father died.”

  “I’ve been wondering the same thing and don’t know for sure, but seems to me they felt we weren’t ready to learn the truth until now. Maybe they thought we couldn’t handle it.” Amanda considered something else. “Did you hear Mother say that she and Father had talked about this on their trip? I wonder if they had never truly come to terms with it between themselves. I love Father, but the way he hurt my mother is something I can’t understand. Nor how Mother forgave him and continued to live at the ranch. I don’t know that I could do it.” Her voice trailed off. She began to pick at the loose rocks at her feet, finally throwing the largest one against a wall of the cave.

  “I loved my parents. I can’t seem to think of them as anything else.”

  “Well, you don’t have to. Julia will always be your mother, and Bobby, as far as your heart knows, your father. Nothing can ever change that. But, I think it’s good to know about Grant. He’s always loved you, and now I understand why.”

  Tess picked up a stone and rolled it around in her palm, feeling the weight as well as the texture. A deep sigh escaped her just before she threw it against the wall. It landed right next to Amanda’s. “Well, like Eleanor said, she’s always loved Grant. She has a big heart. I know my Mother loved her and thought of Eleanor as her closest friend.” Tears began to pool in the young woman’s eyes as she drew her knees up, placed her arms across them, and rested her head.

  “It’s not so bad, is it? Having me for a sister?” Amanda glanced over at Tess and smiled.

  Tess lifted her head. “I guess that’s the only good part of this. I’ve always felt real close to you, closer than friends. Now I know why.”

  Amanda reached over, took one of Tess’s hands in hers, and squeezed. “I’d say that’s the best
news I’ve heard in a very long time.”

  ******

  “Can I help you?” the deputy looked up to see a stranger enter the jail.

  “Possibly. Looking for the Taylor place. Can you tell me how to get there?”

  “Sure can. Go north out of town and follow the road a few miles to a split. Go right, away from the mountains, towards the low hills. You can’t miss it. It’s the only spread up that direction.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Hey, I didn’t get your name,” the deputy called to the departing figure.

  “MacLaren. Jamie MacLaren.”

  Jamie continued walking down the wooden boardwalk to one of two saloons on the main street. Unlike Fire Mountain, which was large enough to support a dozen drinking establishments, Cold Creek appeared lucky to support two. It had been a long trip and he planned to grab a whiskey, or two, before he continued.

  “What are you having, mister?”

  “Whiskey.”

  “You’re not from around here, are you?” The bartender placed a shot glass in front of Jamie.

  “No, just visiting.”

  “That right? And who might that be?”

  Jamie just looked over the shot glass at the man, downed his drink, threw some coin on the bar, and walked off. He didn’t share information much, and certainly not without knowing more about the dangers this town held for his brother.

  A young man slammed into Jamie on the walkway outside the saloon. “Sorry, mister. My fault. Hope you’re okay.”

  Jamie couldn’t help but chuckle at the comment. He was over six feet tall and the young man who’d bumped into him was no more than five-feet-eight.

  “Do I know you, mister? You look real familiar.”

  “Doubt it. I just got into town.”

  The young man stuck out his hand before Jamie could walk away. “Tinder’s what they call me.”

  “Tinder, huh? Jamie MacLaren.” Jamie took the offered hand.

  “MacLaren. That’s why you look familiar. Two MacLarens are staying out at the ranch. They your kin?”

  “Brothers. I’m headed out to see them.”

  “Well, you just hold on a few minutes and I’ll ride out with you. Not hard to find, but better with someone who knows the way.”

  An hour later the two men dismounted in front of a large house and tied their horses to the post out front. Tinder bounded up the steps, knocked a couple of times, then opened the door. “Boss, someone here to see you,” he called inside.

  “What is it, Tinder?” Grant walked out of his office.

  “Another MacLaren showed up in town. Thought it best to bring him out here myself.”

  Grant moved past his ranch hand, toward the stranger standing on the porch.

  “Mr. Taylor?”

  “That’s me. You another one of those MacLaren brothers?”

  “Yes, sir. Jamie MacLaren. Hope my younger brothers haven’t caused you any trouble.” Jamie looked past the man into the large living area of the house. The MacLaren main house was large, but judging by what he could see, this place was at least twice the size.

  “No trouble at all. Glad to have them. We’ve been experiencing some cattle rustling and your brothers have been helping us out. Come on in. I’ll get you a drink and we can talk until they get back.”

  “Back?”

  “Yea. Got them riding fence on the north end. That’s where most of the cattle have gone missing.”

  Jamie let out a chest-rumbling laugh at that news. “Riding fence? Drew and Will? Well, that I’d like to see. Glad to see someone is putting all the skills they packed away years ago to use.” He smiled at his host. “I’d love that drink, Mr. Taylor.”

  “Grant. Call me Grant.”

  ******

  “What do you think, Drew?” Will asked as they made their way back to the ranch. They’d ridden out right after informing Grant of the missing cattle and Johnny’s death.

  “Well, it seems pretty obvious they’re taking the cattle through the north boundary, then heading west. I’m thinking we should take a group of men that way tomorrow and see if we can find where they’re holding them. The more men the better.”

  “It seems too easy, but you can’t argue with all the tracks.” Will looked at the house before turning his horse toward the barn. He wanted to see Amanda. They had barely spoken since their encounter that morning. “Wish we had more men. We could use at least half a dozen more. No telling how many men are guarding the cattle, but there must be a lot based on the number of animals that are missing.”

  “You ever think there might be a connection between the rustling and Hollis?” Drew asked.

  “Well, the thought has crossed my mind. Truth is, with so much happening, I haven’t had much time to think about Hollis the past week. But that’s going to change. I need to confront the man and bring this to an end.”

  “Legally, right, Will?”

  “Hell, you must know by now I don’t care how it happens. All I know is the man is going to pay for what he did to Emily.” Will’s jaw was set and Drew knew it would do no good to discuss it further this evening.

  The two unsaddled their horses and turned them out into the small pasture next to the barn. The sound of laughter had both turning their heads to see Amanda and Tess approaching. One look at Amanda and Will’s stomach dropped. Damn but she’s pretty. He realized as soon as the thought was out that it had no place in his head. Catching Hollis was the only reason he was in Cold Creek. He’d take care of the man who murdered his wife, track down the cattle, and ride home to Fire Mountain.

  “Where have you two been?” Drew stared at both women but focused his attention on Tess. She certainly is a very attractive woman. There was a softness, a kindness about her that touched him. Plus, she had a deep concern about the Taylors and the ranch. Someday he’d like to find someone like her, move back home, and work with Will to breed the finest horse stock in Arizona, possibly the West. As much as he’d like to explore his feelings for Tess, he knew it wasn’t wise. His life was in Denver, and after that, in Fire Mountain, not in a small town at the western edge of Colorado.

  “Just back from a walk. You two ready to head in? Maria should have supper ready about now.” Amanda smiled, but her questioning eyes locked onto Will’s. She wondered if they’d have a chance to talk about what had happened in the barn that morning, and if it had the same impact on him that it had on her. Amanda knew she was losing her heart to this man and realized that it would only cause her pain when he rode out, leaving her behind.

  The four heard male voices as they entered the house. Amanda and Tess had preceded them and walked toward the office. What the girls saw took their breath away. A very handsome man with dark auburn hair, whom neither had met before, sat talking with Grant.

  “Oh my,” Amanda said at the same time Tess’s eyes went wide and a hand flew to her heart.

  Will and Drew stopped in their tracks at the sight of Jamie, sitting in a large leather chair, smoking a cigar, and sipping whiskey. They each looked at their older brother, then back at the women.

  “He’s married,” Will informed them in a brusque voice.

  “Yea, with one son and another on the way,” Drew added.

  “And how would you know that?” Amanda asked.

  “Because he’s our brother, Jamie,” Drew said.

  At the mention of his name, Jamie looked around to see the twins enter the office with two very lovely ladies.

  “Well, wondered when you’d decide to join us,” Grant said. “Will and Drew, I believe you already know this gentleman.”

  “Yes, sir, we sure do.” Drew clapped his older brother on the shoulder. “Good to see you, Jamie.”

  “Same here, Drew.” Then he looked at Will. “Been a long time, Will. How are you?” Jamie asked as he took his brother’s hand.

  “I’ve been better. Wish I could say I’m happy to see you, but I’m sure you know I’m not.”

  “What you want right now means nothing to me
, and you darn well know it. I’m here and I’m staying until this thing has played out.” Jamie’s voice was friendly but hard. Will knew he wouldn’t budge.

  Grant cleared his throat at the interesting exchange between the brothers. “Jamie, these are my daughters, Amanda and Tess.”

  “Daughters?” Drew and Will asked at the same time.

  “Nice to meet you, ladies,” Jamie said while casting a curious eye at the twins.

  “There’s a lot you missed after you left the meeting earlier. But, yes, Amanda and Tess are both my daughters. Now, shall we get some supper before Maria throws it out?”

  Amanda took one of Jamie’s arms while Tess took the other to accompany him to the supper table. “So, your brothers tell us you’re married, Mr. MacLaren, and that you have children. Is that correct?” Amanda asked.

  “It’s Jamie, and yes, ma’am, I have one boy and a baby on the way.”

  Amanda smiled over her shoulder at Will who followed a few feet behind with an unmistakable scowl on his handsome face. She found herself wondering what the fourth brother looked like, and at that moment made a promise to herself that someday she’d find out.

  Chapter Seventeen

  “One last job, men, that’s all we’ll need to finish up in Cold Creek and move out.” Hollis finished describing the plan to steal the Taylor horses the following night. The boss and Chet had met the night before and laid out the plans for closing up and moving the livestock. They’d use the horses as their remuda for driving the cattle to the train in Slider Junction, three days journey west of Cold Creek. It was a longer drive, but safer than going north to the closest station in Great Valley.

  “What about the sheriff, Chet? Where do we meet up with him?” Del Wiley worked with Chet at the Bierdan ranch and was the first person the outlaw had brought into the group.