“Ladies.” Willard Cullin walked up to them, one of his usual companions next to him. “I hope you’re having a wonderful morning.”
“Sister and I were just talking about that, Mr. Cullin. We’ve decided to take a walk while the sky is so clear.”
“I think that’s a marvelous idea, Miss Selma. Perhaps my friend and I will join you.” Willard inched closer.
Selma sent a worried look at Davinia.
“Such a wonderful idea, Mr. Cullin.” Davinia touched her napkin to the corners of her mouth. “I believe, however, Sister and I would quickly bore you with the way we dawdle.”
“Oh yes, Davinia. Mr. Cullin and his friends would most certainly tire of us within a few minutes. It would be quite intolerable for you, I’m afraid.” Selma raised her gaze to Willard.
Nodding, he glanced at his companion, then back at the ladies. “Perhaps you’re right. Another time then.”
“Perhaps, Mr. Cullin. Although I’m not sure how much longer we’ll be in Splendor.”
His face sobered. “Don’t tell me you’re leaving so soon.”
“We can’t stay here forever. Can we, Sister?”
“Heavens no, Selma. We have so much more to see and accomplish.”
“If that’s the case, be sure to let me know when you plan to leave. My companions and I may join you on the stage.” Willard made a slight bow, then turned, he and his friend strolling out of the restaurant.
“Oh dear. What do you think he means?”
“I’m certain I don’t know, Selma. But I know I don’t like it.”
“Wyatt, I’m going to ask you a favor. Unless, of course, you’ve already spoken to the Pelletiers about a job.”
“I haven’t mentioned it yet, Gabe. I joined Mal and Tat for breakfast at the boardinghouse this morning. They said Rachel had her baby. A boy. She and Dax are still at the clinic.”
Gabe looked up from his desk, a grin on his face. “I hadn’t heard about it. I’ll have to let Lena and Nick know.”
“I figured to ride out there today, but given what’s happened, I plan to wait a few days. So, what is this favor you want to ask?”
“I want you to follow some men who’ve been in town a few days. I’d have one of the deputies do it, but I don’t want to spook them.”
Wyatt nodded. “I’d be grateful to have something more to do than sit out front and watch the people go by. Tell me about these men.”
“Sheriff!” Bernie Griggs dashed out of the telegraph office, waving a message in the air. “This just came for you. Seemed urgent.”
Gabe walked down the steps of the St. James where he’d gone to talk with Nick and Lena. Taking the message from Bernie’s outstretched hand, he read it, a muscle in his jaw ticking.
“It’s good news, though. Right?”
Gabe shifted his gaze from Bernie to the street, moving from one person to the next, looking for one face, not seeing it. It should’ve been a relief. Instead, his sense of unease rose.
“Seems those two men who escaped with Boyden Trask were spotted in Wyoming. Doesn’t seem Trask wouldn’t be far from them, don’t you think, Sheriff?”
Gabe frowned. “I’d never try to guess anything about Trask, Bernie.”
“Do you think those two may have run out on him?”
“I wouldn’t be surprised. If so, where is Trask?”
Bernie swallowed, his eyes darting up and down the street. “Guess I’d better get back inside.”
Gabe didn’t respond, vaguely aware of Bernie hurrying away. His gaze landed on Rosemary as she stepped out of the boardinghouse.
“Rosemary!”
Lifting her gaze, she saw Gabe coming toward her. “Good morning, Sheriff.”
“I heard Dax and Rachel had their baby.”
She grinned, her mind momentarily pulled away from her worry about Dirk. “Yes. It’s a boy. I believe they’re still in the clinic.” Glancing down the boardwalk, she looked back at Gabe. “Did you hear about Dirk?”
Gabe’s face sobered. “No. What happened?”
She explained, ending with a comment about Dirk needing to stay at the clinic a few more days.
“That’s rough, Rosemary. I suppose you’ll be staying in town, too.”
“I plan to. It’s doubtful Dax and Rachel will head back with the baby for a couple days. When I spoke to them before I left for breakfast, Dax said he’s getting a room at the hotel—at least for one night.”
Gabe remembered the reason he wanted to talk with Dax. “I’m going to head into the clinic. Are you coming in?”
She shook her head. “Doctor McCord mentioned the progress they’ve made with the clinic. I thought I’d walk over and see for myself.”
“I’ll go with you.”
“That’s silly, Gabe. You have work to do, it’s the middle of the morning, and the clinic isn’t any more than a hundred yards away. I’ll be fine.”
Looking up and down the street, he searched for his deputies. He knew they were busy spreading the word about the murdered women. Wyatt was on his own mission, and Gabe needed to speak with Dax right away.
“There should be men working on finishing the clinic. Make sure they know you’re there, and don’t be gone long. And don’t go anywhere else.”
“Sheriff, I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself.”
“Of course you are. Still, I’ll have your word you’ll go to the new clinic, then come right back. I don’t plan to hold Dirk’s hand any longer than necessary.”
She laughed at the image he presented. “I wouldn’t expect you to hold it at all.”
“Exactly my point. If you aren’t back in twenty minutes, I’m coming to find you.”
Huffing out a sigh, she nodded. “Yes, Sheriff.”
Dax paced back and forth in the front room of the clinic. Gabe had greeted Rachel, welcomed the new addition, then asked if he could have a word with him. They’d been grateful no other patients were waiting in the clinic.
“Do you think he’s still coming this way?”
“Dax, I just don’t know. It’s still possible whoever spotted the other two men missed seeing Trask. If they’re smart, they’ll get as far away from Montana as possible.”
“Trask has already proven he isn’t as smart a man as he thinks he is.” Dax massaged the back of his neck, exhaustion working to claim him. “I don’t know, Gabe. My gut tells me Trask hasn’t forgotten Rosemary or Splendor.”
Stroking his chin as he looked out the front window, Gabe nodded. “I’m afraid I’d have to agree. I’ve got Mack, Caleb, and Dutch spreading the word in town about the kidnappings and murders. Beau and Cash are doing the same, riding out to the nearby ranches and farms. I’ve even enlisted Wyatt to help out. All of them know about Trask, but their focus will be on keeping the town safe from whoever is murdering those young women.”
“If you’re asking for more help in watching for Trask, I can get it.”
Gabe shook his head. “You’ve got enough going on with the baby and Dirk’s injury. Noah’s going to bring Abby and Gabriel into town. He’ll be available to keep watch.”
Dax snickered. “That’s you and Noah. You’ll need a few more than that.”
Gabe chuckled. “True. By evening, my deputies will also be able to take positions around town. Truthfully, I don’t want to put the townsfolk in more danger than needed. My men get paid for this, the others don’t.”
“I understand. But remember, my men and I are available if you need help.”
“Thanks, Dax. I won’t forget.”
Chapter Twenty
“It’s looking so good.” Rosemary walked around the bottom floor of the new clinic, marveling at the design and workmanship.
One of the workers walked up to her. “Yes, ma’am. Mr. Mason has us working long hours, but we’re almost done.”
She knew how hard Bull had been working to bring it to completion. Resting her hand on the handrail to the upstairs, she turned back to the man. “When will you be finishe
d?”
“By the end of the week. The fact is, there isn’t much left to do.” He looked at the other men, then back at Rosemary. “We’re going to take our meal break now. Will you be all right in here by yourself?”
She thought of Gabe’s words, then shrugged off his concern. It was the middle of the day with people on the main street. “Please, go ahead. I’m going to take a few more minutes to look around, then I’ll be gone.”
“If you’re sure, ma’am.”
“I am. Enjoy your meal.”
Continuing upstairs, she stopped at the top, taking a moment to appreciate the work. She couldn’t believe the space they’d have for treating patients. As the town grew, there’d be room for at least one more doctor and another nurse. Rosemary couldn’t contain her excitement, knowing she’d be a part of the growth.
Walking along the hall, she poked her head into a few more rooms, then turned to go back downstairs and stopped. The bell in the church tower sounded, alerting Splendor of some type of danger. Looking out a window, she saw a plume of smoke near Noah’s livery. Picking up her pace, she hurried down the hall. She’d go straight to the clinic, preparing herself for the disaster threatening her town.
“What is it?” Allie Coulter asked no one in particular as she raced out of her seamstress shop and onto the boardwalk.
Horace Clausen, the town banker, came outside at the same time, his gaze widening at the plume of smoke at the other end of town. “My God.” He looked at Allie. “I think the lumber mill is burning. Noah’s saddle shop and livery are right next door.” He took off at a run.
Closing and locking the door, Allie followed him down the street, seeing most of the rest of the town moving in the same direction.
“Allie!” Suzanne Barnett ran up to join her. They stood in the middle of the street, watching flames from the lumber mill engulf the large building. “There’s Sarah Murton. I’d better go see if she needs help with the children.” The school teacher led a group of children away from the flames toward the creek behind the boardinghouse. “Do you need help, Sarah?”
Brushing hair off her face, Sarah shook her head. “I think we’re fine, Suzanne. I’m going to send them home, but wanted to get them outside right away. I’m so afraid the wind will pick up and the fire will jump to the schoolhouse.”
Glancing behind her, Suzanne watched as the men hurried to douse the flames in the lumber mill while also trying to protect Noah’s property. Gabe and his deputies worked alongside the other men, shouting instructions.
“If you’re sure, I’ll see what I can do to help.” Suzanne hurried to join Lena, Allie, and Abby Brandt, who filled buckets from water troughs and passed them to others.
“What can we do?” Tabitha Beekman, along with the three other young women, stood next to them.
“There are at least two more buckets behind the boardinghouse.”
“I’ll fetch them,” May answered, running in the direction she’d come, followed by Sylvia.
“Deborah and Tabitha, see Dutch over there?” Suzanne nodded toward the creek. “They could use more people to fill the buckets.”
Tabitha ran off, but Deborah hesitated. “Is there anything else I could do?”
Suzanne handed another full bucket to the first man in line, her chest tightening at the sight of the main beam of the lumber mill collapsing. “Working with Dutch and the other men is the most important thing you can do right now.”
Huffing out a breath, Deborah glanced at the deputy, then back at Suzanne.
“If you aren’t interested, feel free to go back inside the boardinghouse. You can watch out the window of your room.” Suzanne turned away, filling another bucket. She didn’t have time for more of Deborah’s theatrics while the town was in danger. Taking a quick glance behind her, she shook her head in disappointment as Deborah disappeared inside the boardinghouse.
“Keep the water coming,” Gabe yelled, drawing Suzanne’s attention back to what needed to be done. The town and the safety of the people had to come before whatever petty issues Deborah found so important.
Two hours later, the lumber mill had been reduced to embers. At least they’d saved the other buildings in town, including Noah’s saddle shop and livery. Abby stood next to Noah, his arm around her waist, surveying the damage when Gabe and Lena walked up.
“Anyone seen Silas?” Gabe asked.
Noah nodded to the other side of the street. The lumber mill owner sat on the edge of an empty water trough, his face buried in his hands. “I asked if he has any idea what happened. He said he didn’t know.”
“It’ll need to be rebuilt.” Gabe looked over the damage. “Until it is, this town will be scrambling for materials to build the houses already started.”
“At least the clinic is finished.” Noah placed a kiss on Abby’s forehead.
Gabe turned in a circle, looking at all those standing around. “Has anyone seen Rosemary?”
Abby cocked her head. “I didn’t know she was in town.”
Gabe told them about Dirk’s accident and the new Pelletier.
Abby spotted Clay McCord, his clothes covered in soot, standing next to Mack and Caleb. “She’s probably at the clinic with Dirk.”
“Maybe. I’m going to make certain.” Gabe walked down the street, picking up his pace the closer he got. Shoving the door open, he almost collided with Doc Worthington. “Is Rosemary here?”
Charles glanced around. “Not unless she’s with Dirk.” Opening the door to where Dirk rested, he took a quick look. “No. She’s not in there. I stayed with Rachel while Dax went to see what he could do. Perhaps that’s where she is.”
Gabe’s gut clenched, the same way it did whenever he sensed danger. “I need to go.”
Charles grabbed his arm. “Is there anything I can do?”
“Get word to me if she comes back. And don’t say anything to Dirk.”
The lingering smoke clouded the sky, making it appear like early evening rather than mid-afternoon. Gabe didn’t stop to talk with anyone on his way to the new clinic. It didn’t surprise him to find the site empty of workmen. Every available person had been hard at work battling the fire.
“Rosemary!” He stepped inside, going from room to room. “Rosemary!” He continued to call her name as he bounded up the stairs, concern rising when she didn’t respond. Refusing to waste more time, he rushed back to the main street, rounding up his men. He hoped Beau and Cash saw the smoke and were on their way back to town. He could sure use their help.
“What is it, Gabe?” Mack jogged up, wiping a sleeve across his face.
“You’re just making it worse,” Caleb joked, seeing the soot smear across Mack’s face.
“You need me, Gabe?” Dutch looked at the others, then down at his own clothes. “Guess I’m going to need a new shirt.”
Gabe’s grave expression didn’t change. “We have a…situation.”
The three deputies quieted, all their joking forgotten.
“Rosemary is missing.” Gabe’s jaw tightened. It was his fault for not going with her, trusting she’d be all right going by herself.
“Missing?” Mack asked.
Gabe nodded. “She headed over to the new clinic about fifteen minutes before the fire started. I thought she’d be safe with all the men working on it. I just went over to the clinic and she isn’t there.”
Caleb looked behind him, scanning the crowd still milling about. “Maybe she left to help with the fire.”
“Did any of you see her?” Gabe asked.
Each man shook his head.
“We need to start a search for her.” Gabe turned at the sound of someone shouting his name. “Cash. I’m glad you’re here.” He explained the situation. “Fan out. I want to go from business to business. Check everywhere. Cash, I want you to start at the clinic. You’re the best tracker we have. I need you to look for anything that would indicate where she went.”
Cash nodded, taking off at a run for the clinic.
Gabe watche
d him go, then turned back to the others. “I’m going to find Noah, Nick, Wyatt, and anyone else I can to help search.”
“Everyone will want to help, Gabe. There isn’t anything they can do for the lumber mill today, but they can help search for Rosemary.”
“I sure hope you’re right, Dutch.”
Rosemary pulled again at the bindings on her wrists and ankles. All her efforts did nothing except tighten them further. Her head throbbed, her eyes burning with unshed tears at the pain. Blinking to squeeze away the moisture and relieve the discomfort, she tried to focus. Nothing looked familiar in the dank darkness.
Trying to recall what happened was useless. She remembered the bell ringing and seeing smoke, then everything went black.
The sound of voices drew her attention. Blinking again, her eyes adjusted until she could see a tiny ray of light coming from beneath what appeared to be a door. She might not be able to loosen the bindings, but she could scoot as close as possible to the door. Maybe she could recognize the voices.
“Rosemary!”
People shouted her name over and over, getting nothing in return. Dax had sent Bernie Griggs to the ranch to let Bull know what had happened and bring back a few men. Even with his fear of horses, the mild-mannered telegraph operator was happy to do whatever he could to help.
As the afternoon sun sank behind the western range, Stan Peterman handed out lanterns from his general store. Suzanne at the boardinghouse and the staff at the hotel made gallons of coffee. The Dixie and Wild Rose closed, sending their people out to help search.
“What’s going on?” Beau rode up to where Cash knelt near the new clinic, Caro reining her horse to a stop next to him.
Standing, Cash shook his head. “Rosemary is missing.”
Caro’s hand covered her mouth, her eyes widening in concern.
“Most of the town is trying to find her. She was last seen here. I’m trying to find a trail.”
“Let me get Caro settled at the hotel, then I’ll come back here to help you.”
Courage Canyon Page 19
