“He came by to pick up some food for the trip. Told me he was on his way to Big Pine.”
“Thanks, Suzanne. I need to send another telegram to Sheriff Sterling in Big Pine. He’ll be the first person Noah will go see.”
It took Noah longer than he’d thought to finish the jobs he’d committed to at the livery, make sure Toby had what he needed during Noah’s absence, and close the cabin. His worry grew with each passing day until he’d finally tied his saddlebags onto Tempest and rode out.
Halfway to Big Pine, he spotted a Crow hunting party, which forced him to detour further south, losing precious time. It had taken him almost two days to reach the territorial capital.
The sun had set by the time he dragged himself into Sheriff Sterling’s office.
“Sheriff, I’m Noah Brandt. I rode in from Splendor and am looking for a woman who came through here about two weeks ago. Abigail Tolbert. Any chance you saw her?”
“Have a seat, Mr. Brandt. Coffee?”
“I’d appreciate it.” Noah slumped into a nearby chair, tossed his hat on the desk, and dragged a hand over his face.
“I got a telegram from Sheriff Evans asking the same question. I did see her and her father when they arrived. He planned to put her on the stage. She and her companion were to take the train to Philadelphia, if I remember right. I haven’t seen her since.”
“She left the train in St. Louis.”
“Evans said that in his telegram and asked me to keep watch for her. I guess he expects she’ll head back this way.”
“That’s what we’re hoping.” Noah drained his cup, then set it on Sterling’s desk.
“I’ve spoken to my deputies, asked them to watch for her. Unless she’s on a horse, she’ll have to take the stage through Moosejaw, then on to here. Someone will see her.”
“I appreciate your help.” He stood, picking up his hat. “I can’t wait around.”
“Didn’t believe you would.”
“I’ll be heading to Moosejaw in the morning, then follow the route until I find Abigail.”
“Hope you find her.” Sterling reached his hand out to clasp Noah’s.
“So do I.”
“A couple more days and we’ll be in Moosejaw, then on to Big Pine. I know I’m ready to get off this stage.” Beau shifted in the seat as the coach bumped over a bad stretch of trail.
The stage served as the major means of transportation between the frontier towns not yet serviced by a railroad. Some thought the train might reach Big Pine within a few years. For now, travel occurred by horseback, wagon, or stagecoach.
“I agree with you, Mr. Davis.” The stage bounced along and Abby’s voice jerked with it. “I’ll have one more day in this contraption before reaching Splendor. Afterwards, I may never step into a stage again.”
Beau grinned. She’d been a good travel companion, never complained, asked few questions, and enjoyed the changing scenery as if she’d never seen it before. Abby had traveled this same route many times, yet she still seemed to find joy in the land.
“What will you do when you reach Splendor?”
“Visit my friend who owns the boardinghouse, then look for work.”
“And your father?”
“I’m certain he’ll learn of my return within a day or two, but I won’t return to the ranch.”
“And if you can’t find work?”
She glanced over at him, then shifted her gaze back outside. The same question had repeated in Abby’s mind over and over since leaving St. Louis. She’d finally decided not to think about the possibility she may not find work. She would, and that was the end of it.
“I’ll find work, even if it’s washing dishes or sweeping floors.”
“I appreciate you riding out with the news.” King Tolbert turned away from Gabe, signaling for his foreman and a few ranch hands to join them.
“What are your intentions now that you know the sheriff in St. Louis learned Abigail took the train west?” Gabe asked. His gut told him Tolbert would send men for her. If they encountered Noah searching for Abby—or worse, found him with her—Gabe wasn’t sure they wouldn’t shoot first, not caring about an explanation.
“I’m going to send my men to intercept Abigail and return her to me.”
“Would it not be more prudent to wait until she arrives in Splendor? Why work shorthanded when it appears she’s on her way home without a formal escort?”
“Because she’s willful and I can’t depend on her coming here. Her feelings for Brandt may cause her to make yet another bad decision, perhaps even going to him instead of returning to the ranch. I can’t allow that to happen.”
“If she’s as willful as you claim, your actions may cause her to refuse the help you send. She is a grown woman and does have the right to turn your men away.”
“She’s still a child, Sheriff. Her judgment is impaired and I’ll not have her on her own, perhaps ruining any chance for an appropriate match. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”
Gabe swung up on Blackheart, deciding to return to town and send word to Noah. He’d said his peace, warned Tolbert of the consequences of his actions. Now he needed to get a message to his friend and hope it reached Noah in time.
He’d made it as far as the fork in the road leading to the Pelletier ranch when a group of riders, Dax out front, intercepted him.
“We were coming to see you. Luke spoke with Frank and Hiram Frey. They’re missing cattle. Discovered it when they consolidated their herd. Hiram sent word to us this morning and asked we pass it along to you.”
The Frey brothers owned a large spread southwest of the Pelletier ranch and a half-day’s ride to Splendor. It wasn’t unusual for them to send word to Dax or Luke, then ask it be sent on.
“They have any idea when it happened?” Gabe asked.
“Luke didn’t mention it. We’ve doubled our men. Any ideas who might be doing this?” Dax shifted in his saddle, looking behind him at his men.
“None. I’d feel better if Tolbert were missing cattle. At least I could rule him out.”
“You think he could be behind this?” Dax held no love for Tolbert after some actions ordered by him when the Pelletiers took over the ranch. The property passed to them when fellow Texas Ranger, Pat Hanes, died chasing a gang of bank robbers in Texas. Tolbert wanted the land for himself and did whatever he could to drive the brothers out. None of his actions dissuaded Dax and Luke from continuing the ranch Pat had started.
Gabe took off his hat and swiped an arm across his forehead. “No, I don’t. He’d have nothing to gain by setting up a gang of rustlers. Besides, he already has enough problems with Abigail.”
“Any word on where she might be?”
“The sheriff in St. Louis found out she left on a train heading west. Seems she’s decided to come home. Tolbert’s sending men after her.”
“I’d do the same in his situation,” Dax said. He and Rachel were expecting their first child and he already felt a strong measure of protectiveness toward the baby.
“Except Noah took off after her. I sure don’t want Tolbert’s men confronting him, especially if he has Abby.” Gabe settled his hat on his head and reined Blackheart toward town. “Looks as if I’ll need to find a few men to deputize, see if we can find out who’s stealing the cattle. First, I’ve got to send telegrams out, try to reach Noah.”
“Best decision he could make is to marry Abby as soon as he finds her. Nothing else will stop Tolbert from getting between them,” Dax said.
“That’s about the most sensible suggestion I’ve heard in a long time. I believe I’ll put that in the telegram.”
“Sorry, Brandt. I don’t recall seeing the young woman you describe. The stage is due in tomorrow. Why don’t you wait around to see if she’s on it?” The sheriff of Moosejaw had also received a telegram from Gabe and been prepared for Noah’s arrival.
Noah took a deep breath and nodded. “I believe I’ll get a room and wait. If she’s not on the stage, I’ll continue to fol
low the trail until I reach St. Louis. I’ve got to find her, Sheriff.”
“Good luck to you.”
Noah headed toward the one hotel, spotting the telegraph office across the muddy main street. He changed directions, deciding to send a message to Gabe first.
“Can I help you?”
“I want to send a message to the sheriff in Splendor.”
“Write it out and I’ll send it right off.”
Noah wrote a few words and handed the paper back to the clerk, who quoted a price and sent the message.
“You’re Noah Brandt?” the clerk asked.
“I am.”
“I’ve got a telegram for you. Came in yesterday.”
Noah read it through, cursing as he set the paper down.
“Add that I got his telegram to the one you’re sending.” He dropped another coin on the counter and walked out. The one bit of good news from Gabe’s message was Tolbert believed the same as everyone else—Abby had decided to come home.
He arranged for a room, then located the nearest saloon. Nursing a drink, he thought of what he’d say to Abby, how he’d convince her to marry him and return to Splendor as his wife. Gabe’s idea had merit. Marrying her would be the only way Tolbert would leave them alone. Of course, the fact he loved her would be his most compelling argument.
The strongest argument against their marriage, and the one he’d used over and over to convince himself to hide his feelings, had nothing to do with his love for her.
He’d had success in Splendor, building his livery and blacksmith trade, then opening a shop catering to miners and those who needed tack. Frugal by nature, he’d saved enough to build his cabin and buy a couple vacant shacks behind the livery, renting them to travelers who decided to make Splendor their home. Few, except Gabe and Horace Clausen at the bank, knew how well he’d done. Still, he had nowhere near the means to support Abby in the way she deserved. There’d be money for them and their children, but little for extras, such as fancy dresses or travel. He wanted so much more for her than what he could provide.
“Another drink, mister?”
Noah glanced up to see a young, tired-looking woman staring down at him. He could see desolation and resignation on a face which seemed much older than her years.
“One more.”
She moved closer, brushing her hip against his arm. “Is there anything else you want?”
“Just the whiskey, ma’am.”
A look of regret passed over her face. Noah knew it had nothing to do with him and more to do with the loss of money from not enticing him upstairs.
“Let me know if you change your mind.” She moved to the next table, where he heard the same conversation repeat itself.
Sipping his drink, he thought of Tolbert’s men. Their first stop would be Big Pine. Sheriff Sterling might or might not tell them Noah had already come by. As with many, Sterling held no respect for a man who took the law into his own hands and cared little for anyone other than himself. Even Abby suffered from his selfish ways.
Perhaps he’d get lucky and the men would wait for the stage to arrive in Big Pine and not travel to Moosejaw. Assuming Abby arrived tomorrow, he’d convince her to leave with him, bypassing Big Pine and following a trail to Splendor few knew about. They’d be home by the time Tolbert and his men realized what had happened.
Chapter Five
The wind flared around him, lifting his hat off his head, forcing Noah to stay hunkered down on a chair outside the stage station. The stationmaster expected the coach to arrive within the hour. Soon, he’d know if his search would take him home, with Abby, or on to St. Louis, alone.
“Mind if I sit with you?”
Noah glanced up to see the sheriff grab a chair. “Suit yourself.”
The sheriff leaned back while rolling a cigarette, then lit it.
“I got a message from Sterling in Big Pine. A group of men rode in looking for Abigail Tolbert. He thought you’d want to know.”
Now he knew he’d be taking the long way home. “Thanks. I expected as much.”
Both men looked up at the sound of horses to see the stage some distance away. Noah’s pulse quickened and he said a short prayer, hoping she’d be inside.
The minutes passed at a slow rate, the tension inside Noah building until he wanted to jump on Tempest and ride out to meet them.
“Guess you’ll know in a minute,” the sheriff said, noting him shift in the chair.
Noah exhaled a slow breath. “Guess so.”
The stage pulled to a stop, the horses snorting as the driver jumped down and opened the door.
“This is Moosejaw. You may want to stretch before we leave for Big Pine.”
Noah’s breath caught at the sound of a familiar voice.
“Sounds wonderful. Will we have time for a meal before leaving?”
“We leave in three hours, Miss Tolbert.”
Noah watched as the woman he loved emerged from the coach, setting her hand in the driver’s for balance, then taking a few steps forward. She brushed her hands down her skirt and looked up, the expression on her face turning from relief to surprise.
“Noah,” she whispered, not making any attempt to move toward him. “What are you doing here?”
He took a step forward, reaching out a hand, which she ignored. “I came for you.”
She glanced at the stage, seeing Beau step down and stop by her side. He looked from her to the man standing a few feet away, then tilted his head.
“Miss Tolbert, do you know this gentleman?” Beau asked, noting the look of caution pass across Abby’s face.
She cleared her throat. “Why, yes, Mr. Davis. This is Mr. Noah Brandt. He lives in Splendor. Mr. Brandt, this is Mr. Beauregard Davis. He accompanied me from St. Louis.”
Noah should’ve been glad Abby had someone to protect her on the journey. Instead, all he could feel was a twisting in his chest and a slow burn in his gut.
“Mr. Brandt, it’s a pleasure.”
Noah clasped Beau’s hand, his gaze never leaving Abby. “Mr. Davis.”
The air became thick as silence reigned between the three until Beau felt the need to break the spell. “I believe I’ll grab a meal. Would either of you care to join me?”
Noah opened his mouth to decline when Abby spoke up. “That’s a lovely idea.” She slid her hand through Beau’s arm, letting him guide her past Noah and down the street.
Noah’s heart sank. He’d been so certain she’d be glad to see him, even if she still felt anger at his behavior the last time they’d seen each other.
The sheriff, who’d held back, placed a hand on Noah’s shoulder. “Women are a fickle bunch, son. You follow along, take a meal with them. I believe this will all work out.”
Noah nodded, then looked away, confused and feeling a powerful blow to his pride. Ahead of him walked the woman who’d stood up to her father weeks before, defending Noah while letting her feelings be clear to those in the room. He’d been the one to miss the opportunity to set his intentions straight, not only in front of King Tolbert, but his friends, as well. Yes, he’d taken the blame for their actions while, at the same time, not giving any indication of his deep feelings for Abby.
“Will this be suitable, Mr. Brandt?” Beau asked as he escorted Abby inside the first restaurant he saw.
“Yes, fine.” Noah followed them, taking a seat across from Abby, ordering the first item the server mentioned. He stared across the table, waiting for her to acknowledge his presence, but her gaze wandered everywhere except at him.
“What brings you to Moosejaw, Mr. Brandt?” Beau asked.
“To escort Miss Tolbert home.”
“Do you work for her father?”
Abby couldn’t hide a soft snort at the question.
“No. I’m a blacksmith and own a livery.”
“And a successful shop,” Abby added, unable to continue her silence. She looked at Beau. “He sells supplies to miners and tack to ranchers. Noah does quite well.”
“I do all right. And you, Mr. Davis? What do you do?” Noah relaxed. At least Abby had spoken a few words, even if they weren’t directed at him.
“I’m a bounty hunter.”
Noah’s eyes widened, never expecting the well-spoken man accompanying Abby to be someone who sought men and brought them in, dead or alive.
“What brings you to Moosejaw?”
“I’m going on to Big Pine, the same as Miss Tolbert. I’ll be meeting a friend there.”
“Another bounty hunter?” Noah asked as he brought a cup of coffee to his lips.
“A man I partner with—Cash Coulter.”
Noah set down the cup as he choked on the hot brew.
“Are you all right?” Abby asked, jumping up to thump him on the back.
“Yeah, fine.” He coughed once more. “You did say Cash Coulter?”
“Yes. Do you know him?”
“I do. He’s been to Splendor, helped mutual friends with a problem, then took off after some men who used to work for King Tolbert.”
Abby looked at Noah, her brows knitting together. “What men?”
“Parnell Drake and two others.”
“I remember Mr. Drake. He was father’s foreman for a while. Father fired him, or was about to when Drake disappeared.”
“He ran when Gabe came to your ranch to arrest him. No one’s seen him since.”
“That’s not quite true,” Beau interrupted. “Drake and his men are wanted for cattle rustling in Colorado, possibly Wyoming, and now it appears they’re working in Montana. Cash is on his way to Big Pine so we can go after them.”
“Where do you think they’re working?”
“The ranches between Big Pine and Splendor.”
“I must send a telegram. I’ll meet you at the stagecoach, Miss Tolbert. It was a pleasure, Mr. Brandt. I’m certain we’ll see each other again.”
“Mr. Davis,” Noah shook his hand, then turned to Abby. “I don’t want you going to Big Pine on the stage. I want you to ride with me back to Splendor.”
Sunrise Ridge (Redemption Mountain Historical Western Romance Book 3) Page 4
