His eyes narrowed on Abby as he walked forward, noticing her uncertain expression and how she clasped her hands so tight, her knuckles lost their color. He wiped his hands down his trousers, then reached out to take her hands in his.
“Of course I want to have supper with you. Give me a few minutes to clean up.” The tension seemed to seep from her at his words, a tentative smile curving the corners of her mouth. He brushed a quick kiss across her forehead. “I won’t keep you long.”
Abby had thought of little else all day besides supper with Noah. If she were being honest, he’d rarely been out of mind since visiting the Pelletiers. She’d never anticipated his actions, the way he held and kissed her, making her body pulse with desire. The thought of anyone catching them fled as his touch created a heat that destroyed all rational thought. She knew if he hadn’t pulled away, she would’ve allowed him to do whatever he wanted, his touch shattering any shred of restraint she possessed. The understanding of what he could do to her, how he made her throb with need, frightened and thrilled her.
She startled as warm hands rested on her waist and drew her back to rest against his firm chest.
“Are you ready?” Noah lowered his head, placing kisses along the soft column of her neck. He chuckled at the shiver he felt go through her.
“Noah…”
“Hmmm…?”
“Someone might see us.” Her voice trembled, although she made no move to pull away.
He moved his hands to splay across her stomach as his mouth continued to kiss the sensitive skin below her ear. She squirmed in his arms, pushing back toward him, rubbing her body against his.
“Noah…” she breathed out as his hands moved up to her ribs. “We should stop.” Her thick voice held none of the conviction he expected.
He knew she was right, yet the feel of her skin and the rose scent of her hair made it hard to let go. If it hadn’t been for the loud voices and noises from the street, he’d have been content to stay this way for as long as she allowed.
She turned in his arms and pressed a kiss to his mouth. “It wouldn’t do for anyone to see us together like this.”
He clamped down his body’s reaction, turned her toward the street, and pulled her arm through his. They drew little attention walking across the street and into Suzanne’s.
“Good evening, Noah. Abby mentioned you asked to escort her to supper.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He glanced down at Abby and couldn’t help the joy he felt at being with her openly. It was long past time he claimed her as his.
“I have the perfect table for you.”
They followed Suzanne toward a corner furthest away from the entrance to a table adorned with a white tablecloth, candles, and vase with one red rose. Abby stopped and stared, then shot a look at Suzanne.
“This is beautiful.”
“I’m so glad you like it. I found the rose on a wild bush out by the stream. Saw it this morning and hoped I’d have a reason to use it. Tonight I have roast beef, venison, and chicken stew.”
Abby ordered stew while Noah decided on the beef, then both settled back as Suzanne left for the kitchen.
“You didn’t talk much about your visit with your father yesterday.” Noah leaned forward, recalling Abby’s somber mood when she’d joined him after her supper. They’d said little on the ride home, both comfortable with the silence. He’d helped her from the saddle, wrapping his arms around her, welcoming the way she laid her head against his chest. Lowering his head, one soft kiss became two, then more, until she clung to him, placing kisses at the base of his neck, his chin, letting him capture her mouth. He’d let his hands rest on her waist, enjoying the feel of her soft curves. He’d been sorely tempted to move them back into the shadows of the livery, letting it go as far as she’d allow before sanity returned. A few minutes later, he’d walked her to the boardinghouse.
“He’ll never change, Noah. Father is a man who wants control, and not just of me.” She quieted as Suzanne brought their meals, then turned to help other customers. “Yesterday, he talked of his desire to take a more active role on the Splendor citizens committee, leading the town in the direction he believes it should go.” She took a bite of stew, chewing slowly.
“Did he say what that direction is?”
“He mentioned trying to move the territorial capital here to draw more people. The railroad will be expanding, and he’s afraid Splendor will be left out if we don’t have a strong voice advocating for a rail line here.”
“Those aren’t bad notions, Abby. It’s what most towns want—to grow, be able to take advantage of opportunities. What bothers you so much about these ideas?”
“It’s not the ideas. It’s my part in them. He wants me to quit my job, be by his side, play hostess for him the way mother did before she died.” She glanced up at Noah, lines of worry etching her face. “I told him I was content in town, working at the bank. He responded by saying he could get Mr. Clausen to fire me at any time. He cares nothing of what I want, Noah. He never has.”
He reached across the table, placing his hand on top of hers. “I doubt Clausen would’ve hired you if he had concerns about your father withdrawing his money. A lot of people trust him with their savings. Many more than when your family moved to Splendor.” He looked up at the sound of men’s voices, not recognizing either of the two who walked in and took a table near the front.
Abby saw him stare and turned in her seat, placing a hand over her mouth to stifle a gasp before shifting back toward Noah.
“Do you recognize them?”
“I’m certain at least one of those men accompanied Drake to the bank. Don’t they look familiar to you?”
Although he’d noticed the others, Noah had been focused on Drake, watching as he gave his money to Abby, making sure the man did nothing to threaten her. He leaned forward, focusing on the one facing them. As the man turned toward his companion, Noah saw the scar. It triggered a recollection in the bank when the same man glanced over his shoulder, flashing a feral smile at him. The memory jolted Noah.
“The one with the scar…”
Abby leaned over the table, closer to Noah. “Yes. I’m certain he was there.”
Noah looked at their half-finished meals, knowing he had to notify Gabe, regretting their evening had to end so soon.
“Abby…”
“It’s all right. We need to let the sheriff know.” She pushed her chair back before Noah’s hard gaze stopped her. “What?”
“We are not doing anything. You are staying here, where it’s safe. I’ll go to the jail.”
“But what if—”
“If Gabe has questions, he can speak with you tomorrow. Right now, he needs to know they’re in town.” Noah’s senses went on alert as he escorted Abby through the dining room and into the kitchen, keeping her on his side away from the men, a hand on the small of her back.
“Is something wrong?” Suzanne set down her towel and stepped toward them.
“At least one of the men who was with Drake at the bank is sitting at the table closest to the door.” Abby felt a shiver course through her body.
“I need to tell Gabe and I want Abby to stay here. It’s doubtful they’ll do anything more than eat their meal, but I’d suggest you spend as little time with them as possible.” He turned Abby to him. “Stay upstairs. I’ll be by to escort you to the bank in the morning.” He ran his knuckles down her cheek, then turned to leave.
“Noah?” Abby whispered. He stopped, glancing over his shoulder. “Be careful.”
“Cash, you and Beau stay hidden alongside the Wild Rose. Noah will be watching from the livery, and I’ll be near the bank. We follow them to their camp, nothing more until we locate the stolen cattle.” Gabe checked his guns, holstered them, then grabbed his rifle. “Once we know their location, we send word to the Pelletiers and Tolbert.”
“He agreed to your request?” Noah asked, surprised.
“Reluctantly, but yes.”
They took their p
laces and waited. It didn’t take long for the men to emerge from the restaurant, mount their horses, and ride south, but instead of turning west, toward the mountains, they rode east. Following at a safe distance, Gabe and the others reined to a halt several times, moving off the trail when the men stopped. Each time, the two men glanced behind them, then moved on.
An hour passed before the two made camp without making contact with Drake.
“What now?” Noah dismounted with the others, moving their horses well off the trail.
“We’ll wait the night, see if they meet Drake in the morning. They’re our best chance of finding him.” Gabe didn’t like the tension in his gut. On the battlefield, he’d always taken heed of his instincts, coming to respect the warnings his body sent out. Tonight, something felt amiss, but he didn’t know what.
“And if they don’t go to Drake?” Beau kept glancing ahead, spotting the light from a campfire.
“We’ll have no choice but to head back and wait for another chance.”
“I don’t like it.” Cash slid from the rock where he’d been since early morning, watching the men but seeing no movement.
Noah scrubbed a hand over his stubbled jaw, recounting each moment from the time the men walked into the restaurant to them making camp. He knew they’d spotted him at Suzanne’s. A brief nod between the two let Noah know they’d recognized him or Abby, maybe both, yet their expressions signaled no concern.
“Are Drake and his men wanted for anything?” Noah asked.
“Only Drake, for cattle rustling in Colorado. He’s suspected of murder, but there’s never been enough evidence to secure wanted posters.” Cash finished cinching his saddle, preparing to either follow the men or return to town.
“Then all except Drake would have no fear of showing up in Splendor, walking around as if no one would be looking for them. I’m surprised Drake showed his face at the bank.” Noah’s gut clenched at the idea forming in his mind.
“He may have found out I left town and figured you wouldn’t know about him,” Gabe said. “Hell, I didn’t know Drake was wanted until I did a little more digging.”
“But they know you two have been tracking them, right?” Noah asked Cash and Beau.
“That’s our guess. We’ve made no secret of our interest in locating Drake and whoever rides with him. I’ve never seen a gang more elusive, riding in and out like ghosts, leaving little to track.” Beau crossed his arms, shaking his head in disgust.
“Hell,” Noah muttered, shooting a concerned look at Gabe, who nodded in understanding. “We’ve been setup. We need to get back to town. Now.” Noah swung up on Tempest, taking off at a quick pace, the others following close behind. The closer they got, the more his internal alarm sounded. As the four rounded the corner onto the main street, the number of people milling around outside the bank and in front of Doc Worthington’s clinic confirmed his fears.
Noah jumped off Tempest and ran to the clinic, pushing past others to slam into the crowded waiting area, as Gabe and the others stormed toward the bank.
“What happened?” Seeing the look on the faces of those standing about, Noah’s heart raced.
“The bank was robbed. They shot Clausen in the arm. He’s in with the doc now,” Stan Petermann answered. “Abby’s all right, Noah. I believe she’s still at the bank.”
Noah backtracked, heading to the bank, and dashing inside to see Abby leaning against Gabe. The moment she spotted him, Abby left Gabe’s side and rushed into Noah’s arms.
He closed his eyes, wrapping her tight in his embrace, resting his chin on her head.
“Are you all right? They didn’t hurt you, did they?” Noah’s questions came out in a rush, his heart pounding as he thought of what might have happened.
“No,” she mumbled, shaking her head against his chest.
“Your lady pointed her gun at the robbers, threatened to shoot if they didn’t leave. That was right after they shot Clausen.” Gabe shook his head. “I’d better speak with Mrs. Phelps.”
“That right, Abby?” Noah pulled away and looked at her, feeling her shiver and seeing a mix of emotions pass over her face.
“I didn’t know what else they’d do once they shot Mr. Clausen. Suzanne gave me the gun this morning, knowing you and Gabe were following those men. I never thought I’d have to use it.” Her voice broke, although he saw more anger on her face than fear.
He squeezed his eyes tight as his arms clamped around her again. They remained silent for a long moment before he spoke. “Did you recognize the men?”
“They wore bandannas over their faces, but I’m certain one was Drake. I recognized the hat he wears with the distinctive band. I already told Gabe about it.”
“You did real good, Abby—may even have saved Mrs. Phelps and yourself from harm. Who knows what those men would’ve done after they shot Clausen.” Noah’s rough voice almost broke as the full impact of the danger slammed into him.
“What the hell happened?”
Everyone turned at the sound of Tolbert’s booming voice. He pushed past everyone, rushing through the door and walking directly toward Abby and Noah.
“Abigail, are you hurt?” He scowled at Noah, seeing his arms wrapped around Abby. She glanced at him, but didn’t step away.
“I’m fine, Father, but Mr. Clausen took a bullet in the arm.”
“I heard. You’re leaving with me. Now. You will quit this job and return to the ranch. Get your belongings and meet me at the wagon.”
“No, Father. I’m not quitting my job and I’m not returning to the ranch. Not now, and maybe not ever.” Abby dropped her arms from around Noah and crossed them in front of her, her eyes showing a spark of anger.
“You most certainly are. I will not have you placing yourself in danger. Now, get what you need, or I’ll send a man back to fetch your belongings.”
She let out a breath, not wanting to get into this with him.
“I no longer live at the ranch. You sending me away proved to be for the best as I’m now doing what I’ve wanted to do for some time. This job and living at Suzanne’s is what I want and there’s nothing you can do to change any of it.”
“You’re a child—”
“I’m twenty and a grown woman. You have to stop seeing me as a little girl. I haven’t been that in a long, long time.”
Tolbert’s countenance, which had been hard and unyielding, changed as if all the wind had been sucked from his lungs. His shoulders slumped as he paced away, then turned to face her.
“This discussion is not over, Abigail.” His voice sounded firm, although it lacked the conviction of moments before.
She took a few steps toward him, her face softening. “Yes, it is, Father.”
Tolbert showed the look of man on the verge of defeat, yet still fighting in hopes of turning the course of events. He reached a hand out to her, then let his arm drop. Tolbert raised his eyes to Noah, searching the man’s face.
“You watch out for her, Brandt. There’ll be hell to pay if you don’t.”
Chapter Fourteen
“How much do you think we got?” Lem asked as they rode into camp and dismounted.
“Enough to get the town to focus on the bank robbery and not the rustling.” Drake tossed the one bag of money on the ground. “Archie, count it out.”
“Sure thing.” Archie retrieved the bag and pulled out a knife.
The two men Gabe, Noah, and the others had tracked rode in a few minutes later, smiling when they saw Archie spreading out the money on a blanket and sorting it into piles.
“It worked. I knew that girl would recognize me from when you took money to the bank. Four men tracked us, but gave up and turned back—just the way you said they would.” Hal Reid absently stroked the scar on his face as he walked up to Drake. “And now they think we’re camped away from the mountains. Anyone get hurt?”
“The banker tried to pull a gun. Archie shot him in the arm.” Drake grabbed hardtack from his pocket and bit down on the dry
biscuit, waiting for Archie to finish the count.
After leaving Tolbert’s ranch with Archie and Lem, Drake had expanded the number of men working for him. Most watched the herd, while others helped with rustling and whatever else their boss ordered. Of all the men, Drake counted four as close allies—Archie, Lem, Hal, and Biff. He’d served in the Confederate Army with all of them at one time or another, but lost track of Hal and Biff until spotting them in Denver over the winter.
He’d taken Archie, Lem, and a few others with him to rob the bank, using Hal and Biff as decoys. It had been almost too easy. Drake never expected Sheriff Evans to take Brandt, Coulter, or Davis with him, leaving the town unprotected. Other than those four, there were few men proficient at using a weapon, and most worked at the Pelletier ranch.
“A hundred fifty dollars is all we got. Not much.” Archie handed Drake the money.
“The amount doesn’t matter. This will force Evans to split up whatever men he has available, some protecting the town, others searching for us. We’ll make sure we run them in circles while the rest of our men raid the ranches. It won’t be long before we’ll have the number of cattle we need to drive the herd out of Montana.” Drake reached into his saddlebag, pulled out a bottle of whiskey, and took a swallow. “Now, let’s talk about going after the Tolbert and Pelletier cattle.”
The bank stayed closed the rest of the day, Mrs. Phelps nailing a notice to the door stating they’d reopen the following morning. Doc patched up Clausen’s arm and sent him home, glad the injury had been a nick and nothing major. Still, Doc knew it must hurt like hell.
“Where’s Abby?” Rachel burst into the treatment room, her eyes searching. Once they reached town, it hadn’t taken Dax and her long to hear what had happened.
Her stomach grew a little each day, but Doc decided to keep that thought to himself.
“The last I saw, she was with Noah, heading toward Suzanne’s. She’s…” He never finished as Rachel hurried toward the boardinghouse.
Sunrise Ridge (Redemption Mountain Historical Western Romance Book 3) Page 12
