“We should start back before it gets dark.” Noah kept his voice low and gentle, feeling his heart continue to thunder. He reached for her hand, threading his fingers through hers as he helped her stand, then crossed to where the horses grazed several feet away.
Noah lifted her onto Hasty’s saddle, secured the blankets, and swung up on Tempest. He glanced at her, worried he might have pushed too far. What he saw humbled him. Her eyes still glistened with passion, a warm smile breaking across her face as she let her gaze settle on his.
They took their time down the path toward town. Noah wondered how he’d been blessed with such a creature, vowing he’d never do anything to hurt her.
Chapter Fifteen
“What do you think?” Noah asked Gabe, watching the posse mill about under the eaves outside the jail as the rain continued to worsen, turning the street into a mud pit.
“I don’t see going out in this. Any tracks would be washed away by the time we reached the spot where we tracked the two men. We could wait, see if the storm passes.” Gabe pushed his hat further down in an attempt to keep the wind from whipping it off his head. He looked at Cash and Dax, who stood off to one side, talking. “What do you boys think?”
“Dax and Luke have their men here. Might as well see if the storm passes.” Cash’s disgusted expression mirrored those of the other men. They’d been watching the storm increase in intensity over the last hour, becoming more frustrated with each crack of thunder.
“You all agree?” Gabe asked the others, who all nodded. “Might as well head over to Suzanne’s for coffee then.”
“I’m going to check the livery. I’ll meet you there.” Noah pulled his coat collar up, and, holding his hat firm, walked to the end of the boardwalk, then across the muddy street toward the livery. No matter how he tried to avoid water-filled holes, he found his boots and pants covered in thick, sticky muck.
“Noah.”
He turned to see Toby standing out front of the tack and miner supply store. Changing directions, he dashed toward him, stomping his boots.
“Sorry to bother you, but I got a large order for tack from Tolbert’s foreman.”
“How big?” Noah asked, stepping into the store behind Toby.
“Appears they want to replace everything. They’re starting with two dozen new bridles and two dozen halters. I can make the halters, but you’ll need to decide how much time it will take for the bridles. They’ll need reins, also. Tolbert’s man will be back later to find out when the order will be ready.”
Noah stroked his chin. Tolbert made it a point of avoiding his tack shop, preferring to send men straight to Big Pine where a shop kept plenty of tack on hand.
“He’ll have the bridles and reins in a week.”
“I can have the halters by then. Strange, isn’t it? Tolbert’s never even been in the store.”
In Noah’s mind, strange didn’t begin to describe it. He found himself wondering if the order had anything to do with Abby and her determination to stay in town, near him. Hostile would be the word he’d use to define the look Tolbert shot him as he left the bank after Abby rejected his demands to return to the ranch. Now this.
“I need to check one of the horses, then I’m going to Suzanne’s for breakfast. Come fetch me if the foreman has questions.”
Fifteen minutes later, he knocked mud from his boots before entering the restaurant, spotting Gabe and the others at a large table. His heart skipped a beat when he saw Abby having breakfast with Nick and Miss Campanel at a nearby table, an empty seat next to her. She looked up and smiled, pointing to the chair beside her. It wasn’t a hard choice.
“Mind if I join you?” He looked at Miss Campanel and Nick.
“Not at all,” Lena responded.
He turned to let Gabe know he’d be having breakfast with Abby and saw him nod in understanding, although his gaze was focused on Magdelena.
“Have you had a chance to settle in, Miss Campanel?”
“Please, call me Lena. I’m still learning about the town. So far, I’m enjoying it, although I hear the winters will be rough.”
“Brutal might be a better word,” Abby said, sipping her steaming coffee.
“You get used to them.” Noah scanned the room, noticing Gabe kept glancing over at their table—specifically at Lena. He’d have to ask his friend about that later.
“Abby tells us you built a cabin a few miles from town. Do you stay there every night?” Lena asked.
“No. Mostly I stay in a room in back of the livery.”
“Here you are, Noah—your usual.” Suzanne set a plate of eggs, potatoes, and a slab of ham in front of him. “I’ll get more coffee.”
“I can help,” Abby said, starting to rise.
“Abby…” Suzanne warned, narrowing her eyes.
“You’re right. Sorry.” Abby’s cheeks flushed at the slight reprimand in Suzanne’s tone, then turned to the others. “She made me agree I wouldn’t help since I was paying full rent for my room and board. It’s hard, though. I’ve known her my entire life and it’s obvious she needs the help. I wish she’d hire someone. Most nights, she falls into bed, exhausted.”
“I’ll speak with her.” Nick set down his cup and leaned back in his chair, not explaining further. “Gabe said you’re still hoping to ride out today, start the search for the robbers.”
The rain continued to pound, making it difficult to even ride through town. Noah glanced out the window. “No way to track in this rain. If it’s not Drake, the robbers will be long gone by now. If it is Drake, I suspect he’ll be staying around.”
“Why would they stay?” Abby asked Noah, a shiver running through her, remembering the gun blast that injured Mr. Clausen.
“Arrogance. If Drake and his men are also doing the rustling, he’ll have his sights on the Pelletier or Tolbert cattle.”
“Father’s cattle?”
“And the Pelletier’s. Remember, he left before Gabe had a chance to arrest him for the attacks against Dax and Luke. He may be looking to finish what he started.” Noah shifted toward Nick and Lena. “Dax served as a general in the Confederate Army. Drake reported to him. He deserted the night before a particularly bitter battle.” Noah fell silent as he finished his breakfast, remembering the “accidents” that befell the Pelletier men while Drake worked for Tolbert.
“Shouldn’t we warn Father?”
“Gabe already spoke with him.” Noah pushed his empty plate away, looking toward Gabe and seeing his friend’s gaze still riveted on Lena. He turned toward Abby. “I’ll walk you to the bank when you’re ready to leave.”
“I’ll get my coat. Thank you for letting me share your table,” she said to Lena and Nick.
“You’re always welcome, Abby. I should be going to the saloon, Nick. Make sure everyone is all right this morning.”
“Did you have trouble?” Noah asked, watching Abby disappear into the hall.
“A minor brawl yesterday evening. One of the girls got shoved around, ended up with a black eye and bruises. Sheriff Evans and Nick broke it up.” Lena glanced in Gabe’s direction, smiling when she saw him notice her.
“Must not have taken Gabe long to get there.”
“Oh, he was already sitting at one of the tables, talking with a group of men. He comes in every night for an hour or so. Good to see you again, Mr. Brandt.” She stepped outside, opening her umbrella to walk the short distance to the Dixie Saloon. At least she didn’t have to cross the muddy street like Abby did.
“Gabe’s been coming in every night?” Noah asked Nick.
Nick flashed a quick look at Gabe, then turned to Noah and chuckled. “Ever since Lena arrived, he’s been stopping in once or twice a day.”
“Interesting,” Noah mumbled.
“Yes, quite.”
The storm raged that night and the next day. By noon on the third day, it had finally passed by, leaving the town drenched and soggy.
Noah stayed busy with the order from Tolbert and spending time with
Abby. He’d gone to the Dixie with Gabe for a drink more than once. Nick used Noah whenever he needed a blacksmith and to board his horse. He’d also bought a horse for Lena and boarded it at the livery until he had time to build a stable behind the saloon. From what he told Noah, Lena had become an accomplished rider, preferring to ride sidesaddle as did many women from the South.
The Dixie drew a rowdier crowd than the Wild Rose. Most nights, cigar smoke hung thick in the air, and off-key piano music spilled into the streets. Gabe had stepped in several times to break up fights and haul drunks to jail. Most slept it off and rode home the next day.
Tonight, he and Gabe sat near the piano, watching the activity around them. Gabe seemed to be spending most of his time watching Lena help with drinks, serve food from their small menu, and keep the girls moving from table to table. She’d stopped by their table more than once, chatting for a few minutes before returning to the bar. He noticed she never stood by Gabe, as if she didn’t want to get too close to him. The idea made Noah chuckle.
Gabe had never been one to take much notice of the women who fell at his feet. If he’d wanted to, he could have a woman in his bed every night. Instead, he preferred women he’d gotten to know and felt comfortable around, such as Dolly at the saloon in Big Pine. She knew her place and he knew his. Rather than start something with a woman in Splendor, he’d travel there, knowing it would never amount to much. Something about the way he watched Lena caught Noah’s attention. He’d never seen Gabe watch someone with such a brooding interest, as if he were a caged tiger, ready to spring loose.
He sipped his whiskey, knowing Abby busied herself with bookkeeping for Suzanne. Lena had also asked her to help Nick with the books for the saloon, which she’d eagerly accepted. He’d met her for supper, then she’d shooed him away.
“Another drink, gentlemen?”
Noah looked up to see Lena standing next to him, Gabe narrowing his gaze at her from across the table, absently rolling his empty glass between his fingers.
“Another for both of us, Lena.”
“A double for me,” Gabe added, letting his gaze wander to one of the women who worked for Lena. She followed the direction of his eyes, and for a moment, something passed across her face before she hid it.
“Would you like me to send Deborah over, Sheriff?”
He slowly drew his gaze away from Deborah to focus on Lena. “No, thank you.”
“Let me know if you change your mind. I’ll get your drinks.”
Noah leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. “You want to tell me what you’re doing?”
Gabe watched Lena cross the room to the bar, not looking away. “Don’t know what you mean.”
“That right? Well, I’ve known you for over twenty years and have never seen you watch a woman the way you do Lena.”
Gabe broke his stare and turned toward Noah. “I find her intriguing, that’s all.”
“Intriguing?”
“That’s right.” He kept his face impassive in an attempt to deflect further questions.
“Here you are.” Lena set Noah’s drink in front of him, leaning over the table to hand Gabe his. “And a double for you.”
“Why don’t you sit with us a minute? Get off your feet,” Noah said, smirking at the warning glance Gabe sent him.
She caught the look Gabe flashed Noah and wondered what it meant. “Another time. With the weather clear, everyone’s coming out for drinks. Let me know if you need anything else.” She turned to the table next to them, then walked to the bar, Gabe watching the sway of her hips.
“Rumor is she’s never worked upstairs,” Noah threw out.
“What the hell are you talking about?”
“She’s a businesswoman, Gabe, not the same as one of her girls who work in the rooms.” Noah tossed back the last of his whiskey. “Thought you should know.”
Gabe crossed his arms, his gaze following Lena as she moved through the room, never touching anyone unless it was to remove a customer’s hand reaching out to grasp her. Odd behavior for a woman who made her money in a saloon.
He’d also heard the rumors, but hadn’t put any stock in them—until now.
“Why don’t you ask her to have supper with you?” Noah asked as he pushed himself from his chair.
“If you’re thinking I want to court her, you’re out of your mind. She’s a beautiful woman who fascinates me, nothing more. Looking and then acting on it, like you are with Abby, doesn’t interest me. Doubt it ever will.” He drained his glass, shaking his head at the crazy notion of him courting a woman. “Let’s get out into the cool air so you can start thinking straight.” He clasped Noah on the back, chuckling again at his friend’s ridiculous suggestion.
“How many?” King Tolbert asked, staring at his foreman, a man who’d been with him less than two months.
“Best we can tell, about twenty head. They came swooping in, making all sorts of ruckus and scaring the cattle, who spooked and then stampeded toward the river. They drove a group across the water. We tried following after we got the herd back together, but by then, they’d disappeared into the hills. You ask me, they’re plenty smart, taking a few head at a time. They’re easier to hide that way.” Dirk Masters pushed his hat back on his head and laced his thumbs through his belt loops.
“If they were smart, they wouldn’t have robbed me. I’ll keep searching until I find and hang them. Are the men bringing the herd in closer?”
“Yes, sir, and I’ve doubled the watch.”
“Good. I want you to select five men to ride out with you and me tomorrow. We won’t return until we’ve found the rustlers and brought them to justice. Understood?”
“Yes, sir.” Masters let himself out, swinging onto his horse and taking off at a run toward the herd.
Tolbert knew Sheriff Evans expected him to report any rustling and let the law handle it. He scoffed at the notion Evans and his friends could handle the gang any better than Tolbert could with a few select men. And his method wouldn’t cost the taxpayers any money. He’d find and lynch them, leaving their bodies for the animals to dispose of, saving the town the expense of a trial and burials.
He’d never been a man to wait for justice to happen. He sought his own, believing one man’s determination could accomplish more than a group of men without purpose.
Tolbert opened a cabinet, removing his rifle and enough shells to last through any confrontation. Next, he took out a matching pair of revolvers and ammunition. He set both on the table as he grabbed his gun belt from a nearby hook. Most of the ammunition would be stored in his saddlebags, along with his other gear. Although he owned no land to the west or south, he knew the area well. Hidden canyons and valleys covered that section. You needed to know where to look, and he did.
Pacing to the window, he gazed toward the barn, noting it needed a fresh coat of paint after the long winter. He stroked his chin, making a decision he’d been pondering since Abby chose to stay in town, ignoring his appeals to return to the ranch.
He sat down at his desk and pulled out paper. Grabbing his fountain pen, he began to write. His last will and testament was in order and kept in his safe across the room. There was no need to make more than one change regarding his property. Every other item he owned—land, cattle, buildings, money—would go to Abigail. As angry as he felt about her decision to stay in town, he wouldn’t exclude her from her rightful inheritance. However, he did feel a strong compulsion to clarify how he wanted the ranch to continue if anything happened to him. He wrote for an hour, noting all he’d been considering the last few weeks.
Finishing, he signed and dated the document, set the pen aside, and folded the paper, securing it in his safe.
Chapter Sixteen
Gabe walked down the boardwalk toward his office, already hearing the sounds of a possible fight starting at the Dixie. The sun still hung above the western mountains, not allowing day to give way to evening. The end of a week always brought out those who needed to cut loose. Figu
ring it would be a long night, he pushed open the door of the jail, seeing Cash and Beau inside.
“No more reports of missing cattle around Big Pine, and nothing here since the last raid at the Frey ranch. Maybe they’ve left the area.” Gabe dropped the latest telegram from Sheriff Parker on his desk, then sat and tilted his chair back on two legs.
“Is that what you believe?” Cash leaned against the door, his arms crossed.
“No. My gut tells me they’re waiting, believing we’ll think they’ve taken off and won’t be as vigilant.”
“Do you still plan a search?” Beau leaned forward, more than ready to stop sitting around. He wanted to head out, track down Drake and his men, hold them accountable for their actions. It didn’t matter to him if they found the cattle or not. He believed Cash’s assertion Drake was responsible for the deaths of his relatives on their Louisiana farm, as well as the bank robbery in Splendor. It would be difficult to find a single redeeming quality in the outlaw or any of his men.
“I’ve sent word to the Pelletiers and Tolbert to meet us here at dawn tomorrow with as many men as they can spare. We’ll start at the spot where we tracked the two men, then split into groups to cover as much ground as possible.”
“And the town?” Cash turned a chair around, straddling it while resting his arms on the back.
“Same as before. Dax will bring men, leave a couple in town for protection. It’s doubtful—”
The door slammed open, Lena Campanel rushing inside. “Sheriff, you have to come right away. Nick’s got himself into a mess with a group of drunk cowhands from the Tolbert ranch. They were roughing up one of our girls—” She didn’t finish before all three men took off at a run. Following, she watched each draw their guns before stopping outside the swinging doors, looking over the top to the scene inside.
Two men held Nick while two others alternated landing blows to his face and chest. It didn’t appear he’d last much longer.
“Cash, you take the right. Beau, you’re on the left. I’ll go straight in. Ready?” Gabe crashed through the doors, followed by Cash and Beau, all firing warning shots into the ceiling. “That’s enough.” His voice bellowed through the saloon as the three trained their guns on the men surrounding Nick.
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