Forsaken Falls

by Shirleen Davies

  Nora’s steps faltered as she passed the general store and looked inside. Wyatt stood at the counter talking with Stan Petermann. Even with his back to her, she recognized him. Pushing aside a warning thought to keep walking, she opened the door and stepped inside.

  “Good morning, Nora.” At Stan’s greeting, Wyatt turned, his gaze locking with hers.

  She drew in a breath, her heart pounding. “Good morning, Mr. Petermann. Hello, Wyatt.”

  Clearing his throat, Wyatt forced himself to breathe. “Hello, Nora. It’s good to see you again.”

  She picked up an item on a nearby shelf, pretending to study the label, then set it down. “What brings you all the way to town?”

  Walking toward her, he allowed himself a few moments to take in the sight of her. It didn’t seem to matter where he saw her, what she wore, or the time of day. His reaction to Nora was always the same.

  “Travis ordered corral fencing from Silas at the lumber mill.” He glanced behind him at the counter. “There were a few items I needed from Stan.”

  “I’ve got those dime novels you ordered right here, Wyatt.”

  Flinching at Stan’s loud voice, Wyatt slipped his thumbs into his pockets, looking back at Nora. Instead of the skeptical expression he expected, she smiled at him.

  “You read dime novels, too?”

  Nodding, he met her gaze. “You read them?”

  “Oh yes. I’m rereading one for the third time about a young woman traveling across the country. She has so many adventures. My trip from New York was nothing like hers. What do you read?” Walking past him, she looked down at the novels Stan had stacked on the counter.

  “I’m reading about pioneers after the American Revolution.”

  “The one by Edward Ellis?”

  His eyes widened. “You’ve read it?”

  “Several times.” She picked up one novel, then another, reading the titles, holding one up. “The Forrest Spy. Perhaps you’d let me read this one when you’re finished.”

  Nodding, he watched as she checked each one, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Maybe you’d like to swap books.”

  “That would be wonderful, Wyatt. I read them so quickly, I always must wait for Mr. Petermann to get more in. I’ll put a few together and bring them out to the ranch.”

  Holding up a hand, Wyatt shook his head. “You don’t have to do that. I’ll come by Gabe’s house the next time I’m in town and trade with you.” He didn’t add that, other than Travis, none of the ranch hands knew he had an interest in books. “I need to get back to the ranch.” He paid Stan, then picked up his items. “It was good to see you, Nora.”

  She wanted to ask him if he had a few minutes for coffee at the boardinghouse, but knew it wasn’t her place. If he had an interest in spending time with her, he’d ask, not the other way around.

  “Good day then, Wyatt.”

  Tipping his hat, he walked out, leaving her to stare after him.

  “Anything I can get you today, Nora?”

  Turning around, she saw a flicker of amusement on Stan’s face. “Not today, Mr. Petermann.”

  “I’ll let you know when the next order of books comes in. Seems you and Wyatt have a similar interest. Not too many cowhands read the way he does.”

  “Does Wyatt read other books?”

  Stan rubbed his chin a few seconds. “I don’t rightly know. He hasn’t been in town too long, and this is his first order. Seems like a good man.”

  “The people at Redemption’s Edge seem to respect him.” She glanced behind her, wondering if she’d see him again before he left town. “Well, I should be going. Good day, Mr. Petermann.”

  “Nora.”

  Stepping onto the boardwalk, she scanned the street before continuing to Allie’s shop, her gaze landing on Klaussner, Johann, and their entourage entering the St. James. Smiling, Nora shook her head at the spectacle the group made. She couldn’t wait to get home and hear more of their story from Lena.

  Chapter Five

  Moosejaw, Montana

  JW Price reined his horse to a stop on the outskirts of town, his band of raiders circling around him. Focusing his gaze down the street, he squinted in the late afternoon sun to read the fading signs on each building.

  Derrick reined to a stop beside him. “You’re not thinking of talking with the sheriff, are you?”

  “Hell no. I’m going to send one of the men in with the wanted poster on Jackson. There’s a good chance he would’ve ridden through here if he’s headed to where I think.” JW glanced behind him at one of the men, signaling him forward. Reaching into a pocket, he pulled out the tattered paper and handed it to the man. “I want you to visit the sheriff, find out if he recognizes him. If he does, find out when Jackson rode through here. You’ll find us in the saloon when you’re done.”

  Taking the poster, the man nodded. “Yes, sir.”

  JW watched him ride into the center of town, then rein left and dismount. “Shouldn’t take him long. We’ll get a couple drinks and some food, then find a place to camp for the night.” Motioning the men forward, he split them into two groups, pointing to one. “You men wait about twenty minutes, then come into the saloon. Stick to a separate part of the place, and leave after us.”

  When the men nodded, Derrick looked at JW. “Do you think going into town is wise? They’ll take one look at the way we’re dressed and know what we are.”

  “I’m betting there aren’t enough men in town brave enough to take us on. They’ll let us drink and eat as long as we ride out when we’re done.” JW nudged his horse into a walk, leading the men to the only saloon on the main road. “Says they offer food.”

  “You gotta wonder how good it is out here in the middle of nowhere,” Derrick grumbled as he dismounted.

  Clasping his shoulder, JW walked into the saloon beside him. “Remember why we’re here. This raid isn’t for money. It’s for vengeance. It’s to give Hattie and Ned the justice they deserve.”

  “I hope to hell the information you have on Jackson is correct. You gonna tell me where you got it?” Derrick looked at his closest friend, wondering why he guarded the source.

  “Someday. For now, it’s better you don’t know.” Stepping up to the bar, JW ordered a round for the men in his group, taking his whiskey and tossing it back in one motion.

  “How do you know it’s accurate?”

  JW signaled for another whiskey, giving Derrick a guarded look. “I know because of the man who gave it to me. We wouldn’t be riding a thousand miles if I wasn’t one hundred percent certain Jackson would be where we’re headed.”

  Derrick picked up his whiskey, studying the amber liquid before tilting the glass to his lips and swallowing. “What do you plan to do once we find him?”

  JW shifted toward him, his face contorted into a sneer. “We’ll bring him back to our camp in Arkansas for a proper trial.”

  Derrick’s face slackened, then hardened. “Why don’t we just string him up where we find him, then burn his body? Makes no sense to haul him back home only to do the same.”

  JW stared at his friend, gritting his teeth. “He needs a trial.”

  “Did Ned get a trial? Did Hattie? Hell no. They died because of the man we’re tracking. When we find him, we kill him right there.”

  “This isn’t your decision. It’s mine.”

  “I’ve gotta differ with you on that, JW. Ned and I were friends, and Hattie was like a sister. I loved her and miss her about as much as you. We find Jackson and do what’s needed. I’m not hauling him back, taking the chance he might get away or die on the trail.” Derrick motioned for another whiskey, draining the glass in one quick swallow.

  If any other man had stood up to him this way, JW would’ve already laid him flat. But this wasn’t any other man. Derrick was a brother as much as any man could be to someone not related by blood.

  Looking up, JW spotted the man he’d sent to the sheriff’s office walking into the saloon. “We’ll talk about this later, De
rrick.” Ordering a drink for his man, he turned toward him. “What’d you learn?”

  “The sheriff isn’t certain, but a man similar in appearance came through two, maybe three months ago. Looked like any trail bum with a beard, mustache, and long hair. All he remembers is the man decided to ride west to Big Pine.” Wrapping his hand around the glass, he drank every drop.

  “Big Pine is the territorial capital.” JW said it more to himself than to anybody else. He looked across the saloon, seeing the second group of his men huddled around a table. “We’ll meet up with the others outside of town and make camp. Tomorrow, we ride to Big Pine.”

  Travis leaned against the gate post, watching Wyatt remove the saddle and tack from the last horse in the group. The night before, he’d met with the Pelletiers at Redemption’s Edge about the recent agreements to supply horses to frontier outposts.

  “When you’re finished, we’ll be herding the latest bunch to the main ranch. Dax and Luke are anxious to deliver the horses for the current Army contract.”

  “Do they need us to drive the herd to the fort?” Wyatt slapped the horse on the rear, encouraging the gelding to join the other animals at the other end of the pasture.

  Travis shook his head, opening the gate for Wyatt. “Dirk’s going to pick men after we arrive with the horses.”

  “Including Billy?”

  “Billy, Tat, Johnny, and a few others. Men he can count on and who’ve made these trips before. When we return, we’ll be bringing back a group of wild horses they rounded up at the ranch’s eastern border.”

  “How many?” Slinging the bridle over his shoulder, Wyatt lifted the saddle from the top rail of the fence, joining Travis on his way to the barn.

  “I didn’t count them, but there appeared to be close to three dozen.”

  “Appears we’ve got plenty of work ahead of us.” Wyatt stored the saddle and bridle. “When do you want to leave?”

  “Within the hour. Walt is going to stay here, but I want Sam to ride with us. I’ll let him know. We won’t be returning until tomorrow.”

  Watching Travis leave the barn to find Sam, Wyatt grabbed what he needed, his thoughts on who he hoped might be at Redemption’s Edge. It had been a few days since he’d seen Nora in the general store, and he couldn’t get his mind off her. No matter how often he told himself she had better choices than a broken-down ranch hand, his brain hadn’t accepted the idea.

  Heading into the house, he rifled through his belongings, selecting a clean shirt. He then turned to a table against the wall. Stacked on top were almost two dozen books. Most were left behind when the Frey brothers sold the ranch to the Pelletiers. The rest were dime novels he’d either stuffed into his saddlebags when he began his trip to Splendor or bought from Stan Petermann.

  Choosing three he thought Nora may not have read, he slipped them and the shirt into his saddlebags, then headed downstairs and out the door. Wyatt knew the odds of her being at the ranch weren’t good, but it gave him something to think about besides his work.

  He’d been here long enough to fall into a comfortable routine, building a sense of consistency he needed so as not to dwell on his past. Some nights, he woke in a cold sweat, images of his brother-in-law’s body merging with those of his sister hunched over after she’d taken her own life a few days later.

  Wyatt thought he’d dealt with his share of carnage and sorrow during the war, completing jobs too daunting for most men. As his commanding officer, Cash Coulter had always been blunt about what needed to be done, asking if Wyatt believed he could complete the task. He’d never turned down a single assignment.

  Coming home, he’d faced his own personal hell—one he couldn’t put behind him. He’d taken some comfort in the death of Ned Baylor, the man who murdered his brother-in-law, but it hadn’t soothed Wyatt the way he’d hoped. The nightmares continued, and he saw no way to end them. Those, along with his drifter status, dissuaded him from seeking a relationship with any woman, including Nora. But a man had to dream about something, and he couldn’t think of anything he’d rather think on than the lovely Miss Evans.

  “Are you certain you can’t stay for supper, Nora?” Rosemary continued to get the potatoes ready for baking, then set the dish aside.

  “I’d love to, but I start work at Allie’s shop tomorrow morning and still have a few things to get done. I just wanted to share the news about the job with you.”

  “What job?” Rachel walked into the kitchen with James cradled in one arm, her other son, Patrick, holding her hand.

  “Nora is starting work with Allie in the morning. Isn’t it exciting?”

  “I think it’s one of the best decisions Allie’s ever made.” Rachel looked at Nora. “What will you be doing?”

  As she explained, Nora’s face brightened, becoming animated. “I’ll work three days a week, leaving when Jack comes by after school. Over time, Allie plans to teach me some of her tricks.”

  “Tricks?” Rachel asked, sitting down.

  “The methods she uses to alter clothing to fit the particular customer, pattern design, and learning which styles work best on certain women.”

  Rachel let go of Patrick’s hand, shifting James to her other arm. “I doubt you need any training on the last, Nora. You already have a wonderful sense of style.”

  “Allie told me the same. Still, I know there’s more I can learn.”

  Dax opened the kitchen door, poking his head inside, looking at Rosemary. “Travis is here with the horses. I doubt they’ve eaten. Do you mind seeing if there’s anything left over from dinner?”

  “Papa!” Patrick went to his father, holding up his arms. “Up.”

  Scooping him into his arms, Dax kissed his son’s forehead.

  “We have plenty of roast beef. I can get out some bread and a jar of apricots. How many men are there?” Rosemary began pulling plates from a cupboard.

  “Three. Travis, Sam, and Wyatt. I’d better get out there and see if they need help.”

  Nora’s breath caught, her back straightening at the mention of Wyatt. Glancing to her side, she noticed Rosemary’s gaze fixed on her.

  “Why don’t you go outside and watch them bring in the horses while I warm up the food? I’m certain they’ll be glad to see you.” Rosemary smirked, giving her a meaningful look.

  Rachel glanced between the two, her brows knitting together.

  “Well, maybe I will go say hello before I leave for town.”

  “You’re welcome to stay for supper, Nora.”

  “Thank you, Rachel, but I want to get home before dark.”

  “If you change your mind, we always have plenty.” Standing, Rachel cradled James in her arms, turning toward the door. “I’m going to see how they’re doing. Do you want to come along?”

  “Yes, I would.”

  Following her outside, Nora spotted Wyatt right away, his slim form sitting erect in the saddle as he helped herd the horses into a corral near the barn. While Rachel walked down the porch steps, Nora stayed where she was, unable to take her gaze off the man whose image kept her awake at night.

  Before she could turn away and go back into the house, Wyatt reined Rogue around, spotting her.

  “Are you all right here, Travis?”

  Travis looked over his shoulder, the corners of his mouth tilting into a slight grin when he saw Nora. “We’re good.”

  Gently nudging his horse forward, Wyatt’s chest tightened when she walked down the steps toward him. Her serene features didn’t hide the glow on her face or her welcoming smile. Reining to a stop, he slid to the ground.

  “Good afternoon, Nora.”

  Gripping her hands in front of her, she nodded. “Hello, Wyatt. I, um…see you brought over some horses.”

  “They’re the last ones Dax and Luke need to fill a current order.”

  “Rosemary told me Dirk and some of the men will be, uh…leaving in a couple days.” Nora heard the slight catch in her voice and willed herself to calm down.

  Resting
his hands on his hips, Wyatt blew out a slow breath. “That’s what I hear.”

  Licking her lips, a sliver of panic rushed through her. She had no idea what else to say, how to prolong a conversation she desperately wanted to continue.

  “Well, I should be riding back to town.”

  Wyatt’s face sobered. “You aren’t staying for supper?”

  “I’m afraid I can’t tonight.” She hesitated a moment, then decided to share her news. “Allie offered me a job at her store. I start tomorrow.”

  “Is that so?” He crossed his arms, enjoying her excited expression. “I didn’t know you wanted to work.”

  “Well, I can’t live off the generosity of Gabe and Lena forever.”

  Lifting a brow, his gaze narrowed on her. “I thought you, well…” He winced, not sure what he wanted to say.

  Her lips drew into a thin line before she let out a heavy breath. “You thought I was independently wealthy, like Gabe.”

  Wyatt shook his head. “I’m not sure what I thought.”

  “So you aren’t wondering, I’m not a wealthy woman, Wyatt. I live off the generosity of my father. He sent me out here a few months ago because I wanted him to introduce me into society. He refused.”

  “Why would he refuse?”

  Lifting her chin, Nora pushed aside her humiliation. “You obviously don’t know. I’m my father’s illegitimate daughter.” Her head lowered, her gaze focused on the ground in front of her.

  His jaw tightening at the pain he heard in her voice, Wyatt took a step closer. “I would never judge you, Nora. I’m in no position to judge anyone.”

  Biting her lip, she nodded as she raised her head. “I shouldn’t have blurted it out. I’m not sure why I did.”

  Shrugging, he reached up, brushing her cheek as he slipped a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m not sorry you told me.”

  Shivering at his touch, she took a step back. “Well, I should say my goodbyes. It was good to see you, Wyatt.” Turning, she started up the steps, then stopped when he called out to her.

  “Wait. I brought something for you.” Going to his saddlebags, he slipped a hand inside, pulling out the novels. “I thought you might enjoy these.” He held them out toward her.