Courage Canyon

by Shirleen Davies

  Gabe glanced down at the paper, lifting a brow. “Is there something specific in there you want me to read?”

  “Remember the letters you received from your friend about the deaths of young women?”

  Gabe nodded.

  “There’ve been more. The latest near Omaha. At least that’s what this paper says. There could be more by now.” Cash lowered himself into a chair opposite Gabe, steepling his fingers under his chin. “I don’t like it.”

  “Omaha is still a long way from Splendor.” Picking up the paper, Gabe read the article, his brows furrowing. “The article cites a quote from a Pinkerton agent.” He glanced up at Cash. “Guess they’re still investigating the murders.”

  “Which means they believe they’re connected.”

  Standing, Gabe grabbed his hat, looking at Cash. “Do you mind staying here and keeping an eye on the cells?” Cash and Beau had brought in two rowdy drunks the night before. So far, no one had shown up to claim them.

  “Sure. Where are you going?”

  “To send telegrams to the sheriffs in Omaha and Ogallala. If the murders are connected, the next logical place would be the Nebraska cattle town.”

  “You might want to send one off to Cheyenne. Ask them to get word to you if any young women go missing.”

  Gabe sucked in a breath, nodding.

  “Gabe?”

  He looked at Cash before walking outside. “Yeah?”

  “You’re probably right about Splendor being out of the way. The murders seem to follow the path of the railroad. To reach Splendor, whoever is doing this would have to ride horseback or take the stage. I’m not sure it makes sense when they could simply continue west.”

  Gabe’s jaw worked as a ball of dread formed in his stomach. “Let’s hope you’re right.”

  “Glad you came in, Sheriff. I have a telegram from the territorial prison.” Bernie Griggs, the man who’d run the telegraph and mail office since before Gabe came to Splendor, held out a piece of paper.

  Taking it, Gabe scanned it quickly, pursing his lips.

  “Do you want to send a reply, Sheriff?”

  Shaking his head, he stuffed the message into his pocket. “Not now. I do want to send a couple other telegrams.” Grabbing a piece of paper, he penned telegrams to the sheriffs in Omaha and Ogallala, adding Cheyenne and Denver. Digging into a pocket, he put money on the counter as he handed the paper to Bernie, who read it over.

  “I’ll get these right out.”

  “Thanks.” Walking to the door, Gabe glanced over his shoulder. “I’d appreciate getting any responses right away.”

  “Will do.”

  Stepping into the early evening air, Gabe made his way along the boardwalk toward the Dixie Saloon. His wife, Lena, would be working in the office, their eight-year-old son, Jackson, working on his homework at a small desk in the corner. Nodding at the bartender, he skirted several tables as he walked to the back and through the office door.

  Jackson glanced up from his work and smiled. “Hi, Papa. I’m almost done with my homework, and Mama told me she’d be ready to go home when you got here.”

  Ruffling his son’s hair, Gabe moved to where Lena worked, bending down to kiss her before leaning his hip against the edge of the desk.

  “I have to ride out to see the Pelletiers.”

  She looked up at him. “Is something wrong?”

  “I received a telegram about Boyden Trask. Two other prisoners escaped with him.”

  Glancing at Jackson, she lowered her voice. “The men who were convicted when he was?”

  “Yes. It means Trask will have help if he decides to come after Rosemary or the boys. I have to let Dax, Luke, and Dirk Masters know. I’ll stop at the jail first to tell Cash, but I wanted to make sure you’d be all right to get home.”

  Although they’d planned a big home on property Gabe had purchased before they married, their work made it more realistic to have Noah build them a small house at the edge of town. As the sheriff and co-owners, with Nick and Suzanne Barnett, of two saloons, a boardinghouse, and the St. James Hotel, neither he nor Lena could afford to be more than a few minutes away. Both still planned to build the home they fantasized about. It would just take a little more time.

  Laughing, she reached for his hand. “Jackson and I can manage just fine. You go ahead. They need to know what you found out as soon as possible.”

  “And let Nick know.” He drew her up, wrapping his arms around her waist before giving her another kiss, this one longer, scorching, until it drew Jackson’s attention.

  “Eeuwww.”

  Chuckling against Lena’s mouth, Gabe pulled away. “Sorry, son, but I thought you’d be used to it by now.”

  Jackson shook his head. “Never. I’m never kissing a girl.”

  “Of course you aren’t.” Lena smiled at Gabe, walking him to the door. “I’ll see you back at the house. And tell the Pelletiers we’ll all be watching out for Trask.”

  Chapter Six

  “Are you sure you won’t stay and have supper before riding back?” Dax looked at Gabe, who’d delivered the bad news to a full table, including Rosemary and Dirk.

  Gabe glanced around the table, seeing the somber expressions, knowing each person had their own thoughts about the two men who’d escaped with Trask. “Thanks, but I need to get back to Lena and Jackson.”

  Walking him to the door, Dax glanced over his shoulder at the people who meant the most to him, his gaze settling on young Patrick. Lowering his voice, he leaned closer to Gabe.

  “Send word if you hear anything at all about Trask.”

  “You know I will.” Gabe fingered the brim of his hat before settling it on his head. “You do the same. If you see any sign of him or the other men, have someone ride to town.”

  Dax nodded, watching as Gabe stepped into a night turned chilly by the wind and thick cover of dark clouds. He waited until Gabe mounted his stallion, Blackheart, before closing the door, taking the few steps back to the table.

  “Increase the number of men on guard at night?” Luke asked, reaching over to cover Ginny’s hand with his own.

  Shaking his head, Dax sat down. “No. We already have men covering the herd and two watching the house at night.” He looked at Luke before his gaze moved to Bull and Dirk. “The four of us will alternate shifts at night.” Keeping his voice low, he explained the plan, seeing the men nod.

  Dirk rested his arms on the table. “Bull and I will start tonight.”

  Glancing at Rachel, Dax saw the look of resolution on her face and relaxed. She’d always shown extreme faith in him, perhaps more than he deserved.

  He looked back at Dirk. “Sounds good. Luke and I will take tomorrow. We’ll alternate nights, but all four of us should plan on spending every night here until Trask and his men are found.”

  “I know how to handle a rifle. I can sit by a window and keep watch.”

  All eyes went to Rosemary, four male voices replying at the same time. “No.”

  Sitting next to her, Dirk saw her features harden as she sat up straighter in the chair. “I don’t know why not. I’m as capable as anyone else. There’s no reason I can’t help.” Her gaze shot to Rachel, looking for support. “I’m the reason he might come here. It’s only right I should be a part of this.”

  Placing a hand on her stomach, Rachel drew in a breath, letting it out in a slow whoosh. “She has a point, Dax. What harm would it do to have her at the window? Another pair of eyes will only help.”

  “I agree with Rachel.” Ginny tightened her grip on her husband’s hand. “Rosemary’s bedroom is upstairs, which is a good place to watch. I can go up and sit with her.”

  “So can I,” Rachel said, seeing Dax’s jaw twitch.

  “You’ll be in bed, Rachel. The baby is due anytime, and I won’t have you putting yourself at more risk.”

  “I’d only be watching out a window, Dax.”

  “He’s right, Rachel.” Rosemary sent her friend a pleading look. “You and Ginny ne
ed your rest. Neither of you need to do anything that could hurt your pregnancies.”

  “And Rosemary doesn’t need to have a rifle.” Dirk’s stern voice had everyone looking at him, a mutinous look on Rosemary’s face.

  “Of course I’ll be armed. What’s the point if I can’t fire a shot at the men threatening me?”

  “Dirk’s right, Rosemary. You can keep watch, but no gun. I don’t want Trask and his men to know you’re here. Can you tell me with one hundred percent certainty you won’t shoot the man if you see him?” Dax asked.

  Huffing out a breath, she clenched her hands in her lap. Biting her lip, she shook her head. “No. How do I let the men know if someone is approaching?”

  Dirk looked at Dax, who nodded for him to respond. “You’ll light a candle, placing it in the window. Then you’ll notify whoever is in the house and light more candles so any of the men on watch can see.”

  Crossing her arms, she glared at Dirk. “Then what?”

  “You’ll stay with Rachel, Patrick, and Ginny in one room until we take care of Trask. And each of you should have a gun for protection.” When Rosemary began to protest, Dirk raised a hand. “Toting around a rifle will slow you down. Light candles and get in with the others. They’ll have a gun waiting for you.”

  Locking her gaze with Rosemary’s, Rachel nodded. “He’s right. Let the men take care of Trask and anyone with him. If one of them gets into the house, he’ll have to deal with the three of us. Selina and Margaret will be inside Bull and Lydia’s house,” she said, mentioning Lydia’s younger sister and another orphan who both sat at the supper table, their eyes wide, remaining quiet. Rachel looked at Dax. “What about the younger boys in the bunkhouse?”

  “Sam, Jimmy, and Teddy have their own rifles. The men in the bunkhouse will watch out for them. We may want to bring Ben into the house with the women.” Dax glanced at Rosemary, a question in his eyes.

  After a moment, she shook her head. “No. He’s twelve and knows how to handle a gun. He’ll want to stay with the other boys.”

  Everyone quieted as they thought through the plan, the younger girls and Patrick squirming in their chairs.

  “If we’re finished, I’d like to get Lydia and the girls settled in the house.” Bull stood, offering his hand to his wife.

  “I’ll get the guns ready for the women. Might as well be prepared.” Luke helped Ginny up. Even with the threat, his body remained relaxed, features unreadable.

  “Dirk, I’d like you to speak with the men on watch and those in the bunkhouse.”

  Pushing away from the table, Dirk stood, nodding at Dax. “I’ll do it right away. Is there extra ammunition?”

  Dax nodded. “I’ll get the boxes. You can take them with you now.” He extended his hand to Rachel, seeing the determination on her face, a look he’d come to count on over the years.

  “Rosemary, Ginny, and I will take care of the dishes and pull out the candles. From tonight on, we’ll be ready if that miscreant is foolish enough to come around here.”

  He pulled her into a hug. “That’s what I needed to hear.” Stepping back, he looked at Dirk. “Let’s get the ammunition for the boys.”

  Dirk finished speaking with the men in the bunkhouse, mindful of the reactions of the younger boys. Sam and Jimmy were seventeen, and Teddy sixteen. He didn’t worry too much about them. All three were good shots and had their own rifles. Jimmy might be a little hotheaded at times, but Dirk felt certain the boy would be able to do what was needed if Trask showed up. At twelve, Ben was a bit of an unknown. Dirk didn’t know how he’d react if under attack.

  “Ben, you might want to consider coming back to the house with me.”

  The boy shook his head. “No. I’m staying here with the others.”

  Dirk shot a look at Tat and Johnny, two ranch hands he trusted as much as he trusted anybody. Each gave him a slight nod of understanding.

  “You’re almost a man, Ben. The decision is yours.”

  Nodding at Dirk, a solemn expression crossed Ben’s face. “Will Rosemary be all right in the house?”

  “You have my word. I won’t let anything happen to her.” Dirk winced at his words, not knowing why he would promise such a thing. Rosemary wasn’t his responsibility, and she wouldn’t appreciate it if she’d heard what he’d said.

  Tat stepped forward. “Me and the men have been talking, Boss. We think all of us should take turns watching the house at night. Ain’t that right, boys?”

  Dirk noted how each man nodded. “If that’s what you want, I’ll talk with Bull about including everyone.” Turning toward the door, he glanced back at them for a moment before heading outside. Stopping, he settled his fists on his waist, looking around as he inhaled a deep breath, his chest squeezing.

  The sensations running through him were unwelcome and all too familiar. Once before, he’d possessed a strong desire to protect another woman, a woman he vowed to love, cherish, and honor. He’d taken his pledge seriously, discovering too late she hadn’t done the same.

  His gut clenched as the stabbing pain rolled through him. It had been almost four years. The raw ache felt as fresh now as it did the night he’d stared at her lifeless body—before he’d learned the truth of her actions and the depth of her betrayal.

  The sound of the herd over a mile away drew his attention back to the present. Shaking his head to clear the uneasy images of the past from his mind, Dirk swept his gaze from the house to the barn. The dense cloud cover obliterated the moon’s glow, making it hard to see. Taking a few steps forward, he halted at the sound of someone moving about inside the barn. Settling a hand on his gun, Dirk walked forward, making little noise as he approached the entrance.

  Resting his back against the side of the barn, he waited, hearing the sound again. All but two of the men were in the bunkhouse. The Pelletiers, Rosemary, and the younger girls were in the house. He glanced in the direction of Bull’s place, seeing no candles lit. He knew his friend would be getting as much sleep as possible before relieving Dirk for the second shift. A rustling noise drew his attention back to whoever was inside the barn.

  Pulling the gun from its holster, he sucked in a calming breath before pushing away from his position to look inside. The interior was too dark to make out anything except a lone figure leaning against one of the stalls. Moving closer, he made little sound, hoping to catch the person unaware. Pointing the gun at the intruder, he halted.

  “Keep your arms at your sides and move away from the stall.”

  The person whipped around, letting out a startled scream.

  “Rosemary?” Dirk stepped closer, seeing her hand move to her chest. “What are you doing in here?” Holstering the gun, he walked toward her.

  “You scared me to death.” She let out a breath, her heart still racing.

  Crossing his arms, Dirk narrowed his gaze. “I asked what you’re doing out here alone? You should be in the house where it’s safe.”

  “Don’t glare at me.” Wiping her palms down the hem of her dress, she took a couple steps back, creating a small measure of distance.

  Dirk didn’t back down. Instead, he moved toward her, eliminating the space she’d created. “Then don’t do things that put yourself in danger.”

  Swallowing her annoyance, Rosemary lifted her chin. “I’m a grown woman, Dirk.”

  “Then act like one.” He moved closer, leaning to within inches of her face. “This business with Trask is serious. It not only jeopardizes you, but everyone on this ranch, including the children.” He sucked in a breath, but didn’t move away. “If you need to go outside, one of the men should be with you. You should never be alone. Not until Trask is caught and sent back to prison.” Straightening, he turned around, pacing several feet away before looking back at her. “This isn’t just about you, Rosemary.”

  She blinked several times, not meeting his gaze. Dirk’s words stung. More so because she knew he was right.

  After he’d left the house, her anger simmered until she needed
to get away—outside where the darkness could surround her, providing an odd sense of peace and freedom. Rosemary had lived her life being controlled by men—their motives, desires, wishes—all for their own selfish purposes.

  Until living at Redemption’s Edge, seeing how women were supposed to be treated, she thought all men acted the same as her father. Dax, Luke, Bull, Dirk…none of them were anything like the man who’d raised her. They were good men, risking their lives for someone they barely knew, yet had taken into their home. The same with the men in town. Doctor Clay McCord, Gabe, Cash, Beau, Noah, and the others were better than her father could ever hope to be.

  She sighed, wishing the past didn’t distort her future. “I know.”

  He moved toward her. Seeing the pain in her eyes, hearing her shaky response, his voice softened. “Do you?”

  Taking in a ragged breath, she nodded. “I appreciate everything you and everyone else is doing for me. I just needed some room to breathe.”

  Lifting a hand, he stroked his fingers down her cheek, knowing he should step away. Instead, his hand cupped her chin, lifting it until their eyes met.

  “I know how you feel.”

  Her eyes widened. “You do?” She refused to look away. Something in his voice, the pained sadness in his eyes, kept her gaze focused on him.

  He nodded an instant before lowering his head, brushing his lips across hers. Both stilled at his action, but neither pulled away. He kissed her again, taking more time, feeling the softness of her lips as her hands moved to rest on his shoulders. Dirk groaned as she moved into him, allowing him to deepen the kiss.

  There’d been women since his wife died. Quick, impersonal, meaningless. No one stirred his blood—until Rosemary. Sweet and innocent. Everything he wasn’t.