Heather's Choice

by Shirleen Davies

  Bay nodded. “If the numbers on the MacLarens are accurate, it wouldn’t take much to push them into a position of it being difficult to pay their debt. Destroying property, taking their cattle, killing off family members all work toward putting them in a tough position to fulfill their obligations.”

  August picked up the paper again, scanning the numbers, his jaw tightening. Shaking his head, he tossed the papter back onto the desk. “Who do you think gave you this data?”

  “I’ve no idea.”

  “Why would they do it?”

  “I have three theories. One, whoever left this knows you’re a partner with the MacLarens and sought to cause doubts about my decision to work with you. Two, it could be meant as a warning to the MacLarens that they’re vulnerable. Although I believe they’re astute enough to know the financial risk they’ve taken.”

  “And your third theory?”

  “Whoever left this knows who is behind the activities at Circle M and wants us to start looking for answers. In truth, I believe it’s a combination of the last two.”

  August nodded. “I agree. It’s a warning and an appeal to do what we can to find the person behind all of this. Where do we start?”

  “There are only a few people who have access to this information.” Bay pointed to the paper.

  “Those who are employed at my bank.” August didn’t hide the disgust in his voice.

  “Or someone who got it illegally.”

  August watched Bay’s expression. Over the years, he’d become adept at discerning people’s thoughts by small changes—lifting of a brow, downturn of lips, tightness around the eyes. Bay showed none of these. Instead, August saw a man in intense thought, considering what to do next.

  “There’s one person I’ve met since arriving in Conviction who might provide us with some insight.”

  “Who?”

  “With all due respect, sir, I’d prefer to talk to the person first.”

  “Understood, but I expect to speak with you again on this within the next couple days. If someone is trying to drive the MacLarens off their land, I want to figure out who and stop them.”

  Pulling a pocket watch from his pocket, August stood. “If you have time, I’d like you to accompany me to the docks. A steamer is coming in and there’s someone on it I’d like you to meet.”

  Bay waved his hand over the mountain of paper on his desk. “I’d like to, sir, but I’ve got so much to attend to today.”

  August chuckled. “I know what you have on your desk. It’s the work I had Jasper pass along to you.”

  Bay offered a sheepish grin, shaking his head. “Still…”

  “This won’t take long. Trust me. It will be worth your while. Just let me grab my hat and I’ll meet you out front in a few minutes.”

  His mouth twisting into a wry grin, Bay watched August leave. Lifting his coat off the rack, he slipped it on, checking the gun strapped around his waist, a habit he had yet to break. Picking up his hat, Bay stopped by the window to look out at the almost completed Feather River Hotel down the street. It reminded him of the last entry on the list of accounts for the MacLarens—their percentage ownership in the new venture.

  They were a good, hardworking family. People he’d come to like and respect. Anger rushed through him at what was happening to them. Whether random acts or a concerted effort to take their ranch away, Bay vowed to do all he could to discover who was behind the threats and bring them to justice.

  Circle M

  Blaine reined up alongside Heather as they finished merging their herd into the larger one. “Good work today, lass.”

  Her gaze kept moving, keeping watch for any stray animals while also looking for Caleb. “Aye. It was a good drive.”

  “When you’re ready, you’ll be heading back to the house with the two ranch hands. Caleb, Levi, and I will be riding back to get the tools and tack.”

  Shaking her head, she leaned toward him. “Nae. I’ll be going with you.”

  “You’ll not be going this time. Three is more than enough to do what’s needed.”

  “Then I’ll go with Caleb and Levi. You can head back to the house.” She started to turn away when Blaine reached out, grabbing Shamrock’s reins.

  “Lass, it’s not your decision to make. Ewan put Caleb in charge of the work today and the lad’s made his decision. You’ll be meeting the ranch hands up the trail.” Blaine let go of the reins, but not before seeing the anger brewing behind her eyes. “Lass, you’ve got to take orders, the same as the rest of the lads. If you don’t, Ewan and Ian will see that you don’t ride out with the men for a long time.”

  Sucking in a breath, she looked around, refusing to meet Blaine’s gaze until she had her temper under control. She’d been doing better, not letting pride get in the way of her desire to be out on the range with the rest of the men. Glancing up, she nodded.

  “I’ll be heading back now then.” As she turned toward the house, Blaine called after her.

  “Don’t be taking this personal, lass.”

  Pursing her lips, she nodded once, then continued to where the men waited for her at the top of a hill. During the drive, she’d gone over the events of the last few days, spending considerable time reliving her brief time alone with Caleb. He’d made no mention of it happening again, if he liked it or didn’t. The fact is, he’d said little to her at all.

  He’d positioned himself at point while she rode drag. Blaine had told her it was because Caleb knew she’d push the herd along, saving them time on the drive. When they’d crested the hill, seeing the main herd and MacLaren ranch hands, Heather had focused her attention on keeping the cattle together. She’d lost track of Caleb during the merge and hadn’t seen him since. He’d taken off without a single word to her, sending Blaine with the message for her to return home. It hurt more than she’d expected. What bothered her most was knowing the other lads would have no problem accepting his orders, not caring one way or the other if he delivered it in person. Why did it bother her so much?

  The annoying voice inside her head clarified what she didn’t want to believe—she loved him.

  She’d known it for months, choosing to push Caleb away instead of dealing with emotions she didn’t know how to control. Last night, she’d finally surrendered, letting him know, in her own way, how she felt. Riding back to the house under the bright glare of today’s sun, she realized it may have meant much less to him than it did to her.

  Caleb and Levi had ridden ahead to Circle M to hitch a wagon. If they hurried, they could return to the old Evanston place, load the wagon, and be back home by supper. It also gave Caleb a chance to speak with Ewan for a few minutes about Levi. Although the elder MacLaren didn’t commit, Caleb felt certain they’d find a place for the man.

  “You lads ready to go?” Blaine rode up alongside the wagon as Kyla came down the porch steps.

  “I just need to put Jupiter away, then I’ll be ready.”

  “I’ll be taking care of your horse, Caleb. You three go ahead now. We’ll have supper waiting when you get back.” Kyla grabbed Jupiter’s reins.

  “Thanks, Kyla.” Climbing onto the seat, Caleb picked up the lines, looking at Blaine. “Did you talk to Heather?”

  “Aye. The lass isn’t too happy with you, lad.”

  Caleb lifted a brow, his face clouding. “And why’s that?”

  “Heather was thinking she’d be the one riding back with you and Levi to pack the barn. By the time I left, she seemed fine.”

  “You didn’t have her ride back alone, did you?”

  Blaine chuckled. “I’m not daft, lad. She’s riding back with the two ranch hands. Although, after what happened yesterday, I’ve no doubt the lass can take care of herself. You might consider setting aside your differences now that you’ll be working together more often.”

  Caleb hid a smile, aware Levi sat atop his horse a few feet away. What happened the night before was between him and Heather. “I’ll consider it, Blaine.”

  “
You do that.” Touching spurs to his horse, Blaine took the trail south.

  “Do you and Heather have some things to work out?” Levi leaned on his saddle horn, his gaze narrowed.

  “No more than any two people who work together.”

  Levi studied him, pushing his hat away from his forehead. “You sure that’s all it is? ‘Cause that girl means a lot to me. I’d hate to think you might be doing something to hurt her.”

  Caleb’s grip tightened on the wagon lines, his body still. He’d heard a lot about Levi, never meeting the man before today. One thing he did know—Heather had taken to him right off, considered him family. If nothing else, Caleb respected the man for that reason alone.

  “I’d never intentionally hurt Heather, Levi. On that, you have my word.”

  Nodding, Levi straightened. “Your word is good enough for me.”

  Caleb blew out a relieved breath, his shoulders relaxing when he realized Levi had no intention of questioning him further, at least not now.

  “Then we’d better catch up to Blaine before the lad gets lost.” Slapping the lines, the wagon moved out.

  It wasn’t a long trip, but it gave Caleb a chance to think through what Blaine had said about his conversation with Heather. It hadn’t occurred to him his decision would upset her, but one never knew with Heather. No matter what Quinn and Colin told him about how she’d changed, Caleb knew she still had a temper, one she released without warning. He’d been the recipient too many times to believe it wasn’t still a part of her.

  When they met up with Blaine, Caleb intended to ask a few vague questions, enough to learn what Heather had said. Maybe he should’ve delivered his decision in person, explained his reasons.

  He’d purposely avoided her today, keeping as much distance between them as possible. It hadn’t been easy, and he now believed it had been a mistake. It was obvious she had little experience, and knowing Heather, she’d be confused by his silence, maybe angry at the way his orders had kept them apart.

  “Pull the wagon over here, lad.”

  Caleb shook his head, surprised they’d already reached their destination. Nodding, he pulled the wagon alongside the barn’s entry, tied the lines, then hopped down. As he walked inside, he vowed to take her aside tonight. She deserved better than how he’d treated her today.

  Conviction

  “Ah, there it is.” August looked south, seeing the steamship coming up the Feather River from Sacramento. “Won’t be long now.”

  “You said the restaurant manager would be here soon. Is this the reason you wanted me here? To meet him?”

  August glanced at him, then looked away. “I believe you’ll agree the person I hired is more than capable of making the restaurant a success.”

  Bay chuckled. “I’ve no reason to doubt anyone you hire.”

  August nodded at him, hoping it proved to be true.

  Several minutes later, the steamer docked, deckhands securing the lines, while workers crowded around to unload the cargo. It took another ten minutes before passengers began to disembark.

  Bay watched with disinterest. He had a desk piled high with work and a puzzle he had to sort through regarding the MacLarens. Little time existed to stand around waiting for a man he’d only see in passing when he ate at the hotel.

  “I believe that’s our passenger.” August pointed to a group of three people. A man standing to one side of the gangway, an elderly woman waiting for help to reach shore, and a lone woman standing at the ship’s rail, a wide-brimmed hat covering her face as she studied the crowd.

  “I’ll be right back.”

  Bay watched August hurry to the gangway, crossing over toward the man. Growing bored, he looked away, his gaze focused on the repairs made in Chinatown after the riot. The leaders were serving time in jail near San Francisco, sending a clear message to the townsfolk about gang violence. With two extra deputies, he knew Brodie felt more comfortable dealing with an angry crowd in the future.

  “Bay.”

  He turned at August’s voice, then froze, his breath seizing in his chest, throat tightening.

  “I’d like you to meet Miss Suzette—”

  “Gaznier,” Bay breathed out, interrupting August’s introduction.

  “Why, yes. I understand the two of you have met before.”

  Bay forced his gaze away from Suzette long enough to nod. “Met. Is that what she told you?”

  The smile on August’s face stilled, as did the tentative one Suzette had been holding in place by sheer determination. Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward, holding out her hand.

  “Hello, Bay. It’s been a long time.”

  Glancing at August, he turned his attention back to the young woman. She was as beautiful as he remembered, and no doubt just as deadly as when he’d fallen in love with her.

  Ignoring her hand, Bay shook his head. “Not long enough.” Turning on his heel, he strolled away as the pain he thought he’d left behind years before returned, strangling his breath and crushing his heart.

  Chapter Fifteen

  “We’re so glad you could join us for supper, Mr. Abrams.” Audrey passed a platter of meat to him.

  “If you don’t mind, ma’am, I’d prefer you call me Levi.”

  A smile lit her face. “Then you’ll call me Audrey.”

  “Done.” He forked a thick piece of beef, setting it on his plate. “This sure does look good. I haven’t had a home-cooked meal since I left for San Francisco.”

  “Did you see Mrs. Evanston when you were in San Francisco, Levi?” Heather sat on his other side, Caleb next to her. “She promised to write, but I’ve received nothing.”

  Swallowing a piece of meat, he nodded. “Mildred stays real busy. I saw her several times. She misses the ranch, but is adjusting to life in the city. Her friends have her wearing fancy dresses and hats.”

  Heather smiled. “Most women wear bonnets, Levi.”

  “I’m not talking about those pretty bonnets you ladies wear. She went out and bought herself a hat with feathers and ribbons, and well…I’m not sure what all. Sure didn’t look the same all gussied up like a big city lady. But she’s happy and that’s what matters. You ought to go out and visit her, Heather. I know she misses you.”

  “Maybe someday, when there isn’t so much work at the ranch.”

  “I suppose you’ve heard of our troubles, Levi.” Ewan sat at the end of the table. He’d already offered him a job, which Levi didn’t hesitate to accept.

  “Caleb and Blaine told me some of it. Hard to believe they hung a man for doing his job.” Levi shook his head. “Rather be shot than end up like that.”

  “Aye. I’d not want to be going that way.” Ewan put another forkful of food into his mouth, chewing slowly.

  A loud knock at the front door drew everyone’s attention.

  Caleb stood first. “I’ll get it.” Opening the door, he stood aside when the same ranch hand who’d alerted them about the fire stepped up to him.

  “I need to speak to Ewan and Ian.”

  Caleb nodded toward the table. “Ewan’s here, but Ian’s having supper down at his place.” He motioned to the table.

  “Sorry to bother you at supper, Mr. MacLaren, but we’ve got another problem.”

  “What is it, lad?”

  The man glanced around, drawing in a breath. “It’s the cattle.”

  “More are missing?”

  “No, sir. They’re dead.”

  Heather stood at the edge of the porch, her hands clenched at her sides, watching as the riders headed north. “We should be with them.”

  Stepping beside her, Caleb leaned against the rail. “Ewan wanted a small group. No sense taking everyone and leaving the ranch vulnerable.”

  Bram, Blaine, Fletcher, Camden, and Sean rode out with Ewan and the ranch hand. All he could tell them was at least six animals were dead, all near a pond just north of the burned-out hacienda. It had taken him two hours to ride south and alert the MacLarens.

  Caleb le
t his gaze wander over Heather. Before supper, she’d changed into a yellow cotton dress, her light brown hair in a clasp at the back of her neck, tendrils framing her face.

  “I worry about them.”

  “I’d expect you to. Just remember, they know what they’re doing.”

  She looked at him. “They could’ve waited until morning.”

  Caleb chuckled. “You know Ewan well enough to understand he wasn’t going to wait. In his place, I wouldn’t, either.”

  “Aye, you’re right.”

  He started to reach out, let his fingers brush across her cheek, then pulled back. There were things he needed to say and he’d never get a better chance. Walking to the swing, he sat down, motioning to the spot next to him. When she hesitated, he held out his hand.

  “Sit down, Heather. You’ve had a long few days.”

  Making her way to him, she glanced around before sitting down, keeping as much distance between them as possible. She knew Quinn and Emma had already gone to bed, as had her mother. The thought of them being alone again sent shivers through her. She clasped her hands together so Caleb wouldn’t see them shaking.

  “Are you cold?”

  She shook her head.

  Stretching out his long legs, he relaxed, resting his arm along the back of the swing. “I should’ve explained to you why I wanted you at the house after we moved the herd.”

  Stiffening, she shrugged, not looking at him. “Ewan put you in charge. It was your decision.”

  “Still, I should’ve been the one to tell you.” Grasping a strand of her hair, he rolled it between his fingers. “I purposely stayed away from you today.”

  She shifted toward him, her eyes wide. “Why?”

  Letting his fingers graze the back of her neck, he felt her shiver. “I didn’t want Blaine or Levi suspecting anything.”

  Her eyes softened, her voice breathless. “And what would they be suspecting, Caleb?”

  His mouth tilted up at the corners. “Well, I’m not sure.” His fingers on her neck tightened, edging her toward him. “Maybe because I can’t stop watching you.” Lowering his head, he brushed a kiss across her lips. “Or that I can’t keep my hands off you.” Feeling no resistance, he inched closer, taking full possession of her mouth.