Forsaken Falls

by Shirleen Davies

  “You want to tell me what’s going through your head, Jackson?”

  Not feeling too charitable, Wyatt snorted, shaking his head.

  “It’s either got to be money or a woman. My guess is the latter.”

  The last got his attention. “No disrespect, McFarlin, but it’s none of your business.” Refilling his glass, he drank it down, slamming it back onto the bar.

  “It’ll be my business by the time you finish that bottle.”

  Wyatt looked over at him, snickering. “How do you figure?”

  “You’ll be no good to ride, and I refuse to take you over to Cash’s place to sleep it off. Allie deserves better. Only place for you will be in one of the cells.”

  “I’m not going to jail for drinking a few whiskeys.”

  Dutch snorted. “An entire bottle is more than a few, my friend.”

  Straightening, Wyatt glared at him. “I’m not your friend or anyone else’s. Leave me be before we come to blows.”

  Shaking his head, Dutch crossed his arms. “See, that’s the reason my bet is on you ending up on a nice, cozy bunk in the warm jail.”

  “Why’s that?”

  “Because there’s no chance I’m going to let us come to blows over whatever it is that has you trying to kill yourself on cheap whiskey. Slow down and think this through, Wyatt.”

  On another occasion, Dutch had come to his aid, using his contacts at Pinkerton to clear Wyatt’s name. He owed him and knew the tall, red-bearded lawman was trying to help. In truth, Wyatt didn’t want his help.

  “I just want to be left alone. Is that too much to ask?” The question slurred past his lips, his glassy eyes betraying the amount of liquor he’d consumed.

  Rubbing a hand over his chin, Dutch nodded. “Then I’ll stay close by until you’ve had enough time to yourself. As your friend, of course.”

  Snorting again, Wyatt took the fifth glass, sipping at first, then emptying the contents down his throat. “Suit yourself.”

  Several minutes passed, neither speaking as Dutch watched the activity in the Dixie and Wyatt contemplated his predicament with Nora. Grabbing the last glass, he rolled it between his fingers, studying the contents as he weighed his chances of setting her straight. Coming up with no easy solutions, he stilled as the conversation from a nearby table caught his attention.

  “The sheriff’s sister is a fine one.”

  “I hear she ain’t spoken for. Might be I’ll give her a go.”

  “The hell you will. She’s a fine lady, and you’re nothing but a bunkhouse ranch hand.”

  “She’s a little old to be a lady, don’t you think?” The man laughed at his own question. “I hear she’s about the sheriff’s age, and he’s over thirty. My guess is she’ll take whatever comfort is offered, even if it’s from no one better than a cowhand.”

  Wyatt’s body stiffened. Their words were all too true, punching him in the gut with their accuracy about his lower status in life. Still, they had no right to speak of her that way. Starting to turn, see who would dare malign Nora, he stopped when Dutch grabbed his shoulder.

  “Don’t do anything stupid, Wyatt. Those men are drinking and joking. They aren’t going to act on those words.”

  “I got a dollar says you can’t get her to even talk to you, Fred.”

  Wyatt heard a coin slam onto the table behind him, his anger rising.

  “I’m guessing I’ll have to take that bet.” Fred chuckled. “By next Saturday, I’ll be telling you boys just how cozy I can be with the sheriff’s spinster sister.”

  Nostrils flaring, Wyatt shot back the last measure of whiskey. Turning slowly, he studied the men at the table behind him. Seeing a coin lying between two men, he stepped closer.

  “Which one of you is Fred?”

  “Wyatt.” Dutch’s warning didn’t reach his ears, his focus on the men at the table.

  “Who wants to know?”

  Ignoring him, Wyatt repeated the question.

  “I’m Fred.” The man glared at him, setting his cards down on the table.

  Without hesitating, Wyatt grabbed him by the collar, pulling him from the chair. “You’ll do nothing to Miss Evans. Do you understand me?”

  Fred’s disoriented gaze hardened. “It’s no business of yours what I do with the woman. Now, let me go.”

  “Not until you call off the bet.”

  “I ain’t calling off nothing.” Fred tried to dislodge Wyatt’s grip on his collar.

  Vaguely hearing Dutch mutter a curse behind him, Wyatt’s fist connected with Fred’s jaw, sending the man flying across the table. The other men stood, two grabbing Wyatt’s arms while Fred scrambled up, ready to give back what he’d gotten. Before he raised his fist, a gunshot stopped them all.

  “That’s enough, boys. Let him go and get back to your game.” Dutch aimed his six-shooter at the men. “I’ll be taking him in. He won’t be bothering you anymore.”

  Ripping himself out of their hold, Wyatt stared at Dutch, ready to go after him for breaking up a fight he wanted, a fight he needed.

  “You get a hold of yourself, Wyatt, and come with me. The rest of you, I’d suggest you not speak of Miss Nora again. You get my meaning?”

  Muttering curses, the men nodded. Fred glowered at Wyatt, but kept his mouth shut.

  Wyatt crossed his arms, his eyes beginning to cross. “I’m not going to jail.”

  “The hell you aren’t.”

  That was the last Wyatt remembered before Dutch’s fist connected with his jaw.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Wyatt grabbed both sides of his head and rolled onto his side, groaning at the clanking noise a few feet away. He couldn’t imagine what caused such a racket in the bunkhouse at this time in the morning. Unable to take it any longer, he sat up, staring ahead.

  What the hell?

  “Morning, Wyatt.” Cash stood outside the bars, his lips tipping into a smile, his eyes crinkling in amusement.

  Mumbling a string of curses, Wyatt rubbed his eyes, trying his best to focus.

  “I understand you had a good time at the Dixie last night. I’m offended you didn’t invite me.” Cash sipped a cup of coffee, taunting Wyatt with the strong aroma. “Dutch said you were quite a sight.”

  Leaning forward, he rested his arms on his thighs. “It would’ve been better if he let me give those boys what they deserved.”

  Cash shrugged, clanking the cup against the bars once more. “I guess he figured they got the message after one punch.”

  “Dammit, Cash. Stop that racket.” He slammed his hands over his ears, closing his eyes.

  Chuckling, Cash pulled the keys from his pocket, holding them up. “You ready to join the living?”

  Standing, Wyatt walked to the cell door. “More than.”

  Following Cash to the front, his steps faltered when he saw Dutch and Gabe sitting around the desk, their eyes on him.

  “Morning,” he mumbled.

  “It’s after one, Wyatt.” Gabe’s unyielding gaze locked on his.

  He stared at the last man he wanted to see him in this condition. Scrubbing both hands down his face, Wyatt blew out a breath.

  “I need to get back to the ranch.”

  “Drink this first.” Cash held out a cup of coffee.

  “Thanks.” Wyatt drank it down, ignoring the pain as the hot brew scalded his throat. Handing the cup back, he walked to a hook on the wall, grabbing his hat. “I’ll pay for any damages.”

  “You were lucky this time. No damages, except a knot on Fred’s jaw. And he’s willing to let it go.” Dutch stood. “I’m heading to bed, Gabe.” He nodded at Wyatt. “This fella kept me up all night with his snoring.”

  Wyatt walked up to him. “About last night…” He glanced at Gabe, then back at Dutch, who clasped his shoulder.

  “Nothing more to say. Take care of whatever’s going on in your head, although I have a pretty good idea what it is.”

  Pinching the bridge of his nose, Wyatt nodded. Settling his hat on his head,
he looked at Gabe, unsure of what could be said at this point. Against all he’d promised, Wyatt had hurt the man’s sister, a woman who meant a great deal to him. Getting drunk and punching a man for talking about Nora hadn’t helped the way he’d hoped.

  Standing, Gabe walked up to him. “Don’t come near Nora until you get yourself under control. She deserves better.” Stepping to the door, Gabe walked outside, not hearing Wyatt’s response.

  “That’s what I had planned to tell her.”

  Nora stared out the window of Allie’s shop, the dress in her lap forgotten. Each time she tried to finish the hem, her mind returned to the events of the night before, her stomach clenching in pain. She kept thinking of Wyatt shouting at her, wanting her to stop and listen.

  At the time, she’d been certain of the reasons he wanted to talk, knew in her heart what he intended to say. The doubts began when she tried to fall asleep, staring at the ceiling while recalling what she’d said to him.

  Nora knew forming a relationship with him was a fantasy. She’d been smitten from the first moment she met Wyatt, living with Cash and Allie while recovering from his torturous journey to Splendor. Gabe had offered him a position as deputy. Instead, he’d chosen to work for the Pelletiers, breeding and training horses for the ranch and their growing contracts. Whenever she saw him, her heart beat stronger and her throat tightened.

  His kind, easy, self-effacing manner and infectious smile wrapped around her, drawing her to him. She’d been a fool to think he’d ever feel the same.

  Still, she owed him the chance to explain. He’d asked for it and been denied the opportunity to tell her why they shouldn’t see each other. As much as she hoped it wasn’t true, her instincts told her otherwise. Nora had learned at an early age to listen to the churning in her stomach when something seemed off. Without a doubt, she knew Wyatt had intended to tell her they should be friends and nothing more. Fear and disappointment wouldn’t allow her to stand still and listen.

  Gabe gave her the message from Wyatt, telling her it wasn’t over. His words weren’t true. He just hadn’t been able to say what he wanted in his own words. Nora knew she owed him that much.

  “Are you almost finished, Nora?” Allie came up beside her, looking down at the same dress she’d been working on all morning. Pulling up a chair, she sat down, enjoying the warmth of the sun as it streamed through the window. “You’ve been quiet since you arrived. Is there anything you want to talk about?”

  Nora looked away, shaking her head.

  “Are you feeling all right? If not, it’s fine if you need to go home and rest.”

  She shook her head again. “I’m not ill.”

  “Did Wyatt not make it to supper yesterday? When he left our place, I assumed he was on his way to Gabe’s.”

  “He made it.” She stared out the window, not wanting to talk about how she felt or the reason behind it. Clearing her throat, she glanced at Allie. “If you don’t mind, I don’t want to talk about it now.”

  Reaching over, Allie patted Nora’s arm, then felt her stiffen. Looking outside, she saw a large mahogany bay stallion with distinctive white points coming down the street.

  Nora’s breath caught as she stared out to the street, watching Wyatt rein to a stop. His gaze locked with hers, neither looking away as the seconds ticked by. For a moment, she thought he’d dismount, come inside, and force her to listen to what he had planned to say yesterday. She wished he would. Instead, he reined Rogue away, continuing down the street and out of sight.

  Licking her lips, Nora clasped her hands together, letting out a shaky breath.

  “All right. I’ve seen enough. I’ll close the shop, we’ll go upstairs for tea, and you’re going to tell me what happened between you and Wyatt.” Allie held up her hand when Nora opened her mouth. “Don’t even consider saying no. I’m your boss, and we’re going upstairs.”

  Allie didn’t interrupt as Nora spoke, her voice faint and tentative. She knew Wyatt had confided in Cash about something before he left for Gabe’s. Cash hadn’t been happy when he came back upstairs after Wyatt rode off, but he wouldn’t break his friend’s trust.

  “He wanted to talk, but I wouldn’t let him, Allie.” She looked up, her eyes searching. “I was too afraid to hear what he had to say.”

  “Did he say anything besides he wanted to talk?”

  She shook her head. “I wouldn’t let him. I acted like a girl of fourteen rather than a grown woman. If he didn’t before, he surely thinks of me as addled now. The things I said to him…” Her voice trailed off as she buried her face in her hands.

  “You’re the least addled woman I know, Nora.” Sipping her tea, Allie thought over what she’d heard and what she knew of her friend’s childhood. “Unless you’ve told him, Wyatt doesn’t know how your father shuttled you off to boarding school, hiding you away like a dirty secret. He doesn’t understand what it felt like for a young girl with no other family to make her way in a strange city without either parent. You’ve felt abandoned and forsaken, one small step away from being sent to an orphanage. And I know you believe you bear some responsibility for the raid on the ranch, which is complete nonsense.”

  “Wyatt might believe it.”

  “Did he tell you that?”

  Nora shook her head. “Not in so many words.”

  “Nora?”

  “No. He said I was wrong, but I don’t know about what. The raid, the age difference, or the way I believe he’d be better off with someone else…”

  Allie’s jaw dropped. She had no idea Nora thought of herself so differently than the way others saw her. Reaching over, she took Nora’s hands in hers, squeezing lightly.

  “I don’t know what your father said to you, or how those people in the boarding school treated you, but you must know you’re a beautiful woman.” Allie squeezed her hands tighter when Nora shook her head. “You are. I don’t know how you can look at yourself in the mirror every day and not see it. And I won’t even get into your age. I’m sorry, Nora, but I believe you’re wrong about what Wyatt wanted to tell you.”

  Wincing from Allie’s gentle rebuke, Nora stared down at their joined hands. Pulling hers free, she felt her face heat in embarrassment.

  “I’ve made a complete mess of this, haven’t I?”

  “Didn’t he tell Gabe to make sure you knew it wasn’t over?”

  Nora nodded. “That’s what Gabe said.”

  “Then I’d take Wyatt at his word. From all Cash has said about him, he isn’t one to make meaningless statements.” Allie pursed her lips, leaning back in her chair. “You’ll have to be patient. He’ll contact you when he’s ready.”

  “I’m so embarrassed about what I said. How can I ever face him again?”

  Allie chuckled. “Believe me, when Wyatt comes looking for you, you’ll forget your embarrassment.”

  “And if he doesn’t?”

  “Then he isn’t as smart as I think he is.”

  Brushing her hair, Nora twisted it into a knot, securing it at the back of her head. Staring into the mirror, she studied her face while thinking about what Allie told her a few days before. No matter how she turned her head, she could only see an average woman. No striking features, nothing that would turn men’s heads or tempt their gazes to follow her across a room.

  Blowing out a resigned breath, she stood, picking up her reticule and hat. There were only two people who’d ever told her they thought her beautiful. Her mother and Allie.

  Until Wyatt, she’d never concerned herself about whether others saw her as pretty. It bothered her how much his opinion mattered. And it hurt he hadn’t tried to contact her in almost a week. At least one person from Redemption’s Edge rode to town each day to pick up mail and supplies or bring Rosemary to the clinic. It would’ve been a simple matter to give someone a message for her.

  Heading downstairs, she stopped at the bottom, hearing none of the usual chatter from Jack or morning banter between Lena and Gabe. Then she remembered. They were all going to
town early this morning.

  Pouring herself a cup of coffee, she grabbed a leftover biscuit, spreading on a thick layer of preserves. Sitting down, she thought how wonderful her life had been since moving in with them. The loneliness of her past had been replaced with a loving family, frequent laughter, and good friends. The time with Wyatt was a brief glimpse of what might have been. She told herself it meant little when compared to everything else in her life. Nora planned to tell herself the same each morning until her heart believed it.

  Finishing breakfast, she hurried outside to find her horse saddled and waiting by the porch. As she grabbed the reins, an odd sense of unease had her turning her head, looking into the nearby woods and toward the barn. Seeing nothing, Nora mounted, tucking her skirt in such a way as to not interfere with her riding—a trick she’d learned from Lena.

  Reining Sugar around, she took the usual trail to town, the sense of unease she’d felt at home growing the farther she rode. The pounding of horses’ hooves had her kicking Sugar into a gallop. Her heart raced as she heard the sounds getting closer. She didn’t dare look behind her. Doing so would slow her pace.

  Hearing branches snap and the panting of tired horses, she leaned forward, whispering into Sugar’s ear, then held on. Within minutes, she spotted the outskirts of town, Noah’s blacksmith shop and livery, and the row of buildings behind the main street. She didn’t let up her pace.

  Seeing Noah walk out of the livery, she let out a shaky breath, waving at him. Never had she been so relieved to see a familiar face.

  Rushing toward her, Noah raised his arms in front of Sugar as Nora pulled on the reins. “What is it?”

  “Behind me. I’m being followed.” She allowed herself to shift in the saddle, looking over her shoulder, seeing nothing.

  “Did you see how many?” Noah asked, walking several feet behind her to stare into the low shrubs and tall trees.

  “No. I heard horses, but never saw them.”

  Turning back toward her, Noah shook his head. “I’m sorry, Nora, but I don’t see anyone. Are you sure you were being followed? Maybe you heard elk. They’re loud when in a herd.”