“If we start today, there’s a chance it’ll be ready in a month. Three weeks is pushing it. It just depends on how much time we can take away from the herd.” Out of all of them, Bull had the most experience in construction. His father had owned several businesses in Cincinnati, one of which built many of the buildings in the city and along the river bordering the large town. He’d grown up working alongside the men.
“How many men are needed to get it done within three weeks?” Dax asked.
“You give me five men, plus Luke and me, we’ll have it ready in three weeks.” Bull’s eyes never left the drawing as his mind worked through what needed to be accomplished.
“Ellis and Rude, I need you with the herd. Bull, you tell me which five men you want and I’ll speak with them.” Dax picked up the supply list and handed it to Luke. “I guess you plan to head into town tomorrow to get what you need?”
“I do.”
“Have Hank go with you. He’s become friends with Jenks at the lumber mill.”
Luke nodded. Any help with supplies was welcome. “Appears we’ll be ready to start tomorrow then.”
“Hell no. If you want it ready in three weeks, we start today.” Bull started for the door. “I’ll grab the other men. No use wasting any more time.”
Other than the few men already with the herd, everyone else volunteered to ride the short distance to the site and help lay out the foundation. Stakes and rope were used to identify exterior walls, location of the porch, and a stable large enough for Prince and his tack. The house would be two stories, with just the bottom floor finished. Come spring, Luke would build a barn, dig a well, and finish as much as he could of the second floor. For now, his horse would be fine in the three-sided stable, and he’d haul water from the creek, storing it in large barrels.
The men worked until the sun shone bright overhead, taking a break when Rachel and Bernice arrived with food.
“We can’t do much more on the house until we get the wood.” Bull took a drink from his canteen. “There are a few hours left. If you men are still up for it, I think it’d be best to clear a path to the creek from the back of the house.”
“Count me in,” Tat Whalen said as he finished off his fried chicken. He and Johnny Grove had almost died during a stampede the previous spring. They’d become close friends during their recuperation at the ranch.
“Same here.” Johnny stood and stretched his stiff muscles.
No one left, not even Rachel and Bernice. They were as curious as the men about Luke’s plans. Truth was, even though it appeared to be work, helping someone erect a new home brought a satisfaction they didn’t get herding cattle.
Although the front of the house would face the creek, the meandering water would come close to the back walls at one point, making it a short distance for hauling water until Luke dug a well. They finished clearing a wide path to the creek, a spot where the shoreline widened, creating a calm pool a few feet deep, perfect for hauling water or dropping in a fishing line. When done, everyone except Luke and Bull walked toward their horses.
“I almost forgot to tell you. Miss Ginny was looking for you last night.” Bull straightened, holding the sickle he’d been using to cut the brush. “She was not a happy woman.”
This got Luke’s full attention. “Did she say anything else?”
“Not a word. I have to tell you, something set her off. None of us had ever seen her so angry.” Bull wiped a sleeve across his brow. “Up to you, but it may be wise to give her a few days to calm down.”
“Thanks. I appreciate the warning.” Luke had no idea what would set Ginny off to the point she would approach Bull. She might be stubborn, but it was rare when she let her good nature and sense of humor be dampened by anger. He’d have to speak with her sometime—it might as well be tomorrow.
“Anything else?” Silas Jenks asked as they loaded the last of the wood Luke needed. They’d brought two wagons, both filled to the point that nothing else would fit.
“No, that’s it. What do I owe you?”
Silas did some quick calculations and named a figure, watching as Luke pulled out the money and handed it to him.
“Pleasure doing business with you, Luke.”
They shook hands before he climbed onto the wagon, waiting for Hank to get settled in the second wagon, then decided he’d make a slight change in plans. He jumped down and walked toward Hank.
“I need to talk with someone before heading back. Why don’t you go on? I’ll catch up when I’m finished.”
Luke shoved his hands in his pockets, not looking forward to the conversation with Ginny, even though he had no idea what bothered her. He figured she’d be working at the boardinghouse at this hour, either cleaning rooms or helping Suzanne prepare dinner. From what he knew, she worked every day for Suzanne and took Sundays off at the Rose, but only because Amos closed the saloon on the Sabbath.
He walked the short distance across the main road to the boardinghouse entrance and pushed open the door, noting Gabe at one of the tables.
“Morning, Gabe. Have you seen Ginny?” He glanced around once more, not seeing either her or Suzanne.
“I believe she’s in the kitchen.” Gabe nodded toward the back as Suzanne approached with a pot of coffee and an extra cup. She set it down in front of Luke and filled it, then topped off Gabe’s.
“Good morning, Luke. Did you come into town to see Ginny?” Suzanne asked.
Irritation bubbled inside him. “Why would you ask?”
Suzanne chuckled. “Might be because she’s been fuming for a few days. Appears something you did set her off. I’ll let her know you’re here, but you’d better be prepared.”
Luke watched her retreat, wishing he had an idea of what he could’ve done.
“Doesn’t sound good.” Gabe sipped his coffee as Suzanne disappeared into the kitchen.
Luke shook his head and picked up his own cup, bringing it to his lips as the kitchen door flew open. Ginny headed straight for him, not glancing at the one other couple in the restaurant.
“We need to talk.” She glared at Luke, not acknowledging Gabe. She nodded toward the back and began to walk away.
“Guess I’d better go,” Luke said to Gabe before setting his cup down and following Ginny.
She walked through the kitchen and toward the back where she and Mary lived, then stopped in the small space near the stairs.
“Where’s Mary?”
“I let her go to school today.” She hadn’t turned to face him.
“Do you want to tell me what’s got you so upset?” Luke asked, touching her shoulder, applying enough pressure so she’d look at him. He didn’t like the fiery look in her eyes as she locked her gaze on his.
“Did you tell Doc Worthington you’d take care of Mary’s medical bill?” She almost spit the words out.
“I—”
“And did you pay Amos for the days I took off?”
“I—”
“Don’t deny it, Luke. I’m certain you did.”
“Look, Ginny, I—”
“How could you do it? I’m not your responsibility and neither is Mary. She’s mine.”
This time Luke stayed quiet, deciding it would be best to let her get it all out before he tried to explain. He set his feet shoulder width apart and crossed his arms, looking down at her with narrowed eyes, waiting.
She blew out a breath and turned away, walking to the end of the hall, then rotating to look at him. “I don’t need your help. I’ve done fine without anyone since our parents died and I won’t start taking charity now—from anyone. The doctor refuses to take anything from me, and Amos won’t discuss it at all.” She paced to within a foot of him. “That leaves you, and I will pay you back every cent.”
Luke held his silence a few more moments until he felt certain she’d finished, then dropped his arms to his sides. “I don’t expect you to pay me back.”
“If you don’t want money, what do you want?”
He tilted his he
ad at her, not comprehending what she asked. “I want nothing from you.”
“I don’t believe you. My experience with men may be lacking, but I do know they don’t do something for you unless they want something in return. Well, all you’ll get is money—nothing else.”
His anger surfaced as her meaning became clear. He couldn’t believe she’d think that of him and the more he focused on it, the hotter his temper flared. His expression turned to stone as his gaze bored into hers.
“You think I want to bed you in exchange for the money?” His deep, calm voice held an edge she’d never heard before, causing Ginny to take a step backward. He moved forward until her back hit the wall and he stood inches away, towering over her. “Is that what you think?” he asked again. He trapped her against the wall with a hand on either side of her head. She had nowhere to go.
Ginny swallowed the lump in her throat and shifted her eyes away.
He’d have none of it and captured her chin between his thumb and forefinger, turning her to face him. “Well?”
Tremors swept over her at his closeness and her heart beat so hard, she thought it might burst from her chest. She could feel heat washing over her cheeks. They stood in a small, confined area. Ginny felt certain the temperature had risen well above normal as dampness formed on her skin. She tried to squirm from his grip without success. She lifted her chin in defiance and locked eyes with him.
“Yes.”
Luke cursed under his breath and released his grip, pacing a few feet away as he speared a hand through his hair. He shook his head, then spun toward her, his face impassive.
“First, I would never expect what you’re thinking from any woman. If a woman is in my bed, it’s because she wants to be, not because I forced her. Second, if a woman was what I wanted, I’d find one. You’re not much older than a child.”
The moment the words passed his lips, he could see the hurt they caused and he regretted being so blunt. However, he knew no other way to get Ginny to understand he wanted nothing from her. He may be attracted to her, want to bed her, but it would never go that far.
She pushed away from the wall, trying to regain what dignity she could, and clasped her trembling hands in front of her. She’d never fooled herself into believing she was attractive like other women. Her figure seemed more like a boy’s than a girl’s, and she dressed in whatever she had, never caring much about fancy hairstyles or rouge. Even so, the truth of his words stung. Of course he’d want someone beautiful and charming, someone who would turn men’s heads. That wasn’t her.
Ginny cleared her throat, her face emotionless as she met his stare. “All right. Then I will find some way to pay you back.” She walked past him, not letting Luke object.
He watched her disappear into the kitchen, realizing that instead of the anger he experienced moments before, he felt hollow, as if she’d taken a part of him with her.
Chapter Five
A week passed, then another, bringing cooler days. There’d been no snow, although it had threatened a few times.
Luke, Bull, and the others worked from dawn to dusk. By the end of the second week, they’d completed as much of the first and second stories as possible without the last of the supplies. Luke and Bull planned a trip to Big Pine the following day for whatever they could get.
Tat and Johnny built shutters for each window opening until glass ones could be found. At least the shutters would help ward off some of the cold. Luke planned for three stoves. One for each of the rooms they’d been able to lay out—kitchen, front living area, and bedroom. He might decide to remove one later, but for now, he’d rather have too many than not enough.
While Luke and Bull were gone, the men planned to chop wood, finish the front porch, and install counters in the kitchen. The trip would take three days—one day to Big Pine, one to pick up supplies, and a third to return.
Every night after supper Luke fell into bed exhausted, yet feeling better about his decision as each day passed. He could almost envision his future, something he hadn’t been able to do for months. He’d work the ranch each day, then retreat to his place, fish the creek when possible, and take on the occasional Pinkerton job. Dutch had already sent him a telegram about a potential assignment in Big Pine. Luke responded, saying to count him in as long as it happened after a few more weeks. By then, he felt he’d be tucked in at his cabin and ready for another job.
“Are you leaving at first light?” Rachel asked when she poked her head into the study after supper. She took a seat next to Dax, who slid an arm over her shoulders as he nursed a whiskey.
“We are,” Luke said. “Neither of us want to get stuck in Big Pine if a storm comes through. I don’t plan to spend more than three days away. I’m ready to finish the last of it and get back to pulling my weight here.”
“The work is getting done. Don’t worry about it for a couple more weeks. We should be good until then.” Dax had noticed the change in Luke over the past few weeks. He seemed more at peace, as if a load had been lifted from his shoulders. At first Dax hadn’t been comfortable with him moving out, especially with the thefts. Now he believed it would be a good move for him.
“Is there a chance you might have room in the wagon for medical supplies?”
“We’ll make room. What do you need?” Luke asked.
“There isn’t much. I’ll get my list.”
“Have you heard anything from Pinkerton?” Dax waited until Rachel left before asking. He knew she didn’t care for Luke taking off for weeks at a time, more out of worry than the effect his absence had on the ranch.
“Dutch sent a telegram. There’s a chance a citizens committee in Big Pine may hire the agency to check into the theft of gold during transport. I thought I’d talk with Sheriff Sterling while I’m there, find out what he knows.”
“I doubt he’s too supportive of vigilante groups. Most lawmen believe they’re as bad as the people they chase.” Everyone had heard of the group further north in Montana who, a year before, had lynched several men without trial. They hadn’t even taken time to hear the men’s side of the story. As ex-Texas Rangers, neither he nor Luke approved of this type of frontier justice.
“Dutch believes bringing in the Pinkerton agents helps cut down those types of reactions. Usually the town steps back, for a while anyway, and lets us do our job. At least with the agency, the people we arrest get a trial.”
They looked up as Rachel walked back in and handed a slip of paper to Luke. “Here you are. I hope it’s not too much.”
He scanned the few items. “We should be able to find room.” He stood, folded the paper, and shoved it in his pocket. “Guess I’d better get some sleep. See you in the morning.” The stairs to his room seemed steeper tonight, as if he had to lift his legs higher to hit each step. Perhaps a few days away from building would be good for both he and Bull.
“You ready?” Luke asked Bull as he climbed onto the wagon. Bull would ride ahead, keeping watch for intruders and trouble along the trail.
“Ready, boss.”
The sun had yet to rise, although most of the men were up and preparing for their day. Dax and Rachel stood on the porch and watched the two men disappear, hoping their journey would be safe and they’d return without incident.
The last year had seen an increase in Indian raids along the trial between Big Pine and Splendor. The worst occurred when a group of Sioux renegades killed a couple who fell behind in a wagon train. The Indians disappeared with the wagon before most of the settlers realized what had happened.
They cut across a trail north of Splendor, then dropped into the flatlands before connecting with what had become the main road to Big Pine. Bull kept up his pattern of riding ahead, then cutting back to check on Luke. Halfway to their destination, he pulled up alongside the wagon and motioned for Luke to stop.
“A group of settlers are stopped a mile up the trail. The wagon master hopes to reach the outskirts of Splendor tonight.” Bull wiped a sleeve across his forehead. “Th
ey saw what he believes was a Sioux scouting party a couple of hours outside of Big Pine.”
“They didn’t approach the wagons?”
Bull shook his head. “Just sat up on a ridge, watching.”
Luke reached for his canteen, took a long swallow, and handed it to Bull. “We’ll stop and talk with them. I want to know more about what they saw.”
He pulled to a stop alongside the lead wagon and jumped down, watching a man he thought to be the wagon master walk toward him. He nodded at Bull, then looked at Luke and exchanged introductions.
“Your man tells me you’re heading to Big Pine.”
“We are. He says you spotted a band of Sioux not far from here. I’d like to know more about what you saw.”
“Not much to tell. Looked to be about a dozen of them on horseback, sitting on a northeast ridge about five miles back. They didn’t try to hide and made no move to approach us. My scout is Sioux. He started to ride out and talk with them, but they disappeared back over the hill.”
“Have you heard of any recent attacks between Big Pine and Splendor?”
“That where you’re from?”
Luke nodded, then broke eye contact long enough to scan the horizon.
“I spoke with Sheriff Sterling when we first arrived in Big Pine. He knew of a couple instances of settlers making camp and having a horse or other supplies disappear. A few weeks ago the bodies of three cowhands were found a few miles from town. Appeared to be the work of Indians.” He pulled off his hat and scratched his head. “All I can figure is we’ve got a decent-sized group of people in the wagon train. Maybe they decided it was too great a risk. If they’d been looking to trade, I don’t know why they’d ride off the way they did.”
“We’d better all get moving. Don’t want to be stuck out here after dark.” Luke shook the man’s hand. “Maybe we’ll see you in Splendor.”
“Maybe so. Good luck to you.”
Wildfire Creek Page 5
