Heather's Choice

by Shirleen Davies

  Ewan raked a hand through his hair. “There were two separate fires. One in the house, the other in the barn.”

  Brodie looked between the now charred structures. “Intentional then.”

  “Aye.”

  Brodie looked down, kicking a piece of smoldering wood, mumbling a curse. “Whoever did this doesn’t know we abandoned the property or they wouldn’t be wasting their time.”

  “Maybe not.”

  Brodie’s brows lifted at Sam. “What do you mean?”

  “They must know you need everyone to guard the herd and family. By setting the fire, they’ve forced you to pull people from both, leaving them vulnerable.”

  A sudden chill gripped those standing around.

  “Sonofabitch…” Brodie rushed to his horse, mounting in one smooth movement. “Caleb and Sam, come with me. Da, are you and the others going to be all right to get back to the house?”

  Ewan nodded. “Aye. We’ll be leaving right away.”

  “I’ll be riding with Brodie.” Heather ran to Shamrock, ignoring the protests from her uncles.

  “Me, too.” Emma dropped the bucket, going to her horse and grabbing the reins.

  When he saw the other two young women starting to move, Ewan pointed a finger at Geneen and Coral. “You’ll be staying with us, lasses. And I’ll be hearing nothing more about it.”

  Before Caleb could protest, Heather and Emma were already ahead of him, pushing their horses into a gallop. They didn’t slow, not even when he called to Heather. After a while, they slacked the pace, giving him, Brodie, and Sam a chance to catch up.

  Caleb rode alongside Heather for a good distance, saying nothing, watching as she glanced over at him every few minutes. Knowing Ewan and the others would be right behind them, they took the faster trail that wound behind the cluster of houses, barns, and corrals making up the MacLaren homestead. Everyone could feel the tension in the group, the need to reach the herd as soon as possible.

  Another hour passed in almost complete silence before they heard the bawling of cattle along the edges of the Boundary River. The sun had begun its descent over the western hills, indicating the men would be building fires and cooking supper before long.

  The size and scattered nature of the herd required more than one camp. Riding to the closest one, they spotted Colin and Quinn, who stood from where they’d been seated and waved them over. The instant Quinn saw Emma, his bland expression changed into a smile before he tensed. He didn’t let her dismount before stalking up beside her horse. When she started to get down, he placed his hands on her waist, holding her in the saddle.

  “You shouldn’t be here, lass.”

  Caleb saw the anger flash in Emma’s eyes. Wincing at what he knew was coming, he looked at Heather, nodding at a nearby trail.

  “Let’s give them some time to talk.”

  They took the trail toward the river before anyone could stop them. When they got near the edge, he slid off Jupiter. “This should do.”

  Heather dismounted, ground tying Shamrock before turning to stare at a solid wall of muscle. “This will do for what?” Her gaze slowly worked its way to his shoulders, up his neck to his jaw, then lingered on his full lips for a few seconds before settling on his eyes. Her breath caught at the intensity directed at her, the way his soft blue eyes had darkened to the color of a midnight storm.

  “I’ve waited all day for this.” Caleb snaked an arm around her waist, pulling her to him, taking her mouth without a thought as to anyone who might wander by. Wrapping both arms around her, he splayed his hands across her back, groaning in satisfaction when she slid her arms around his neck.

  Caleb kissed her as if he’d never get enough, desperately devouring her mouth in a way that said he’d never let her go. Blood thrummed through her temples at the way he took charge, moving his mouth over hers, creating a heat so intense she thought she might explode.

  She felt an unfamiliar yearning, a tightness deep in her belly. As he moved his mouth one way, then another in greedy abandon, she felt as if her body were on fire and knew of nothing to douse the flames. Feeling his hands move lower, resting on her hips, digging into her waist, she sighed, feeling a quiver of intense sensation.

  Squirming closer, she writhed against him, unsure what she was asking. She knew she needed something from him, not understanding what.

  “Caleb…” she breathed out, her voice thick. “I want…I…”

  He pulled back, his eyes darkening at the undisguised need he saw in hers before they fluttered closed. “I know what you want, sweetheart.” Lowering his mouth again, his arms tightened, drawing her against him until they seemed to fuse together.

  His mouth teased hers, nudging deeper and deeper until she arched against him, his blood turning to liquid fire.

  “Please, Caleb…”

  Hearing her need, feeling his restraint slipping, his mouth shook as it slanted across hers once more. On a ragged breath, he drew away, resting his forehead against hers, his body groaning at the loss.

  Looking down, he saw the confusion in her passion-filled eyes. Lifting her hand, he pressed a kiss to her palm, then cupped it to his cheek. A crooked, boyish smile twisted his lips. Using a forefinger, he lifted her chin, kissing her once more before stepping away.

  He didn’t take his eyes off her when she lowered her face, staring at the ground, her breath coming in ragged gasps.

  Shaking her head, Heather couldn’t look at him. Her feisty, proud nature dissolved as sugar in a glass of water. She wanted to blame Caleb, wanted to believe him responsible for her lack of understanding of what was happening between them.

  If there was anything Heather hated, it was losing control. Not of her temper, but of a situation, and especially her feelings. With Caleb, she couldn’t seem to keep them hidden. She wanted him, and he’d made it clear how much he wanted her. The things she felt when he held her, kissed her, were confusing and disturbing. She didn’t know what to do, how to react. Put her in a saddle, a gun or rope in her hand, she knew exactly how to act. With Caleb, she felt lost, unsure of herself…and she never felt uncertain.

  “Heather?”

  Biting her lip, she slowly lifted her head, meeting his gaze.

  “Are you all right?” His eyes warmed, although she saw concern as his brows furrowed.

  Swallowing the knot in her throat, she nodded. “Aye.”

  Looking around, making certain they were still alone, he cupped her face in both his hands. “When this is over, we need to talk. There are things I have to say.”

  Her heart hammered in her chest as fear mingled with anticipation. When she nodded, he leaned down, placing a warm, soft kiss on her lips. Drawing back, he kissed the tip of her nose.

  “Soon, sweetheart,” he said, taking her hand, walking back to their horses.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Conviction

  “I’m not sure what you’re asking me.” Philip glanced around, uncomfortable at meeting Bay near the docks so early in the morning.

  “Then let me be quite clear.” Reaching into his pocket, Bay pulled out the document someone had slid under his office door. Unfolding it, he held it out, seeing a flicker of recognition on Philip’s face. “All you have to do is nod if you recognize it.”

  The banker’s gaze darted around the docks. Even at this early hour, there were scores of people. Some he recognized, most he didn’t. A scant number paid any attention to them, going about their business as if no one else existed.

  Swallowing, he gave a brief nod.

  Folding the paper, Bay slid it back into his pocket. “Walk with me.” They strolled north along the waterfront, taking them away from the center of town and the San Francisco Merchant Bank building. Bay didn’t look at Philip as he spoke. “You couldn’t have had access to all this information at your bank. Who helped you?”

  Philip shoved his hands into his pockets. “A friend of the MacLarens. Someone who sensed a problem, but couldn’t be the one supplying the information.�
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  “A friend with access to their accounts at the Bank of Conviction?”

  “It’s not Mr. Fielder, if that’s what you’re implying, Bay.”

  “I’m not implying anything. I want to understand the motive behind someone providing me information that should have never left the bank.”

  Philip glanced at him, then looked away. “I’d think the motive would be obvious.”

  Looking out at the Feather River, Bay’s expression didn’t change. “Why don’t you enlighten me?”

  Philip’s lips curled over his teeth, his gaze searching the walkway ahead, as if it held the answers Bay would accept. “You’re a friend of the MacLarens. Getting the information to you seemed a good way of warning them of their financial vulnerability. Any major problems, or several small ones, could have disastrous effects on their debt.”

  “Sorry, but your argument makes no sense. First, they’d wonder where I got the information. Second, don’t you think they’re astute enough to understand their situation already? We aren’t talking about some illiterate vagabonds. These are ranchers who’ve built a few acres into a large, successful ranch.” Bay shook his head. “You’ll have to do better than that.”

  Coming upon the northern edge of the walkway, they stopped, shifting to face each other.

  “Then we’re at an impasse.”

  “I think not, Philip.” Turning back toward the heart of town, Bay started to walk again. “Do you want to know what I think?”

  An instant passed before Philip spoke. “I’m listening.”

  “There’s this young and quite pretty employee at the Bank of Conviction—”

  Philip gripped Bay’s jacket with both hands before he could get another word out. “You’ll leave her out of this.” His voice was brittle and hard.

  Nonplussed, Bay looked down at Philip’s hands, making no move to pull away. Lifting a brow, he kept his tone level. “I’d suggest you let go of me.”

  Glancing around, seeing people beginning to notice, Philip dropped his hands.

  Straightening his jacket, Bay looked back down the walkway. “Now, as I was saying...I understand a certain manager at another bank is courting this lovely young woman.” He glanced at Philip, seeing the man’s jaw stiffen. “The man’s boss gets wind of this and requests, in the nicest way of course, that the young man ask the young woman for certain information. As would be expected, the suggestion is made that it would be a mistake for the young man to refuse. Possibly a career-ending mistake.” Again, Bay glanced at Philip, seeing his back stiffen. Knowing he was on the right track, he continued. “Not wanting to end his career, and with no other options, he does as his boss asks, using his ways of persuasion to convince the young woman to provide what he needs.”

  Bay pauses when Philip stops walking. Clearing his throat, Philip starts to speak, then stops, motioning for Bay to continue.

  “It takes a few days, but the woman comes through. The information is provided to the boss, but unbeknownst to him, the young man keeps a copy, maybe two, for himself. Why? Because the young man has a conscience that’s keeping him up at night.” Bay waves to a man on horseback, nods to another, then continues. “There’s only one person he can think of to give the information to who might see it as more than mere numbers on a page. Someone who’d see it as a direct path to the person or people threatening the MacLarens.”

  Stopping, Bay turned to face Philip. “This is a theory, mind you, and I’ve had only a few days to piece it together. That being said, I’d be obliged to hear your opinion.”

  Circle M

  Ewan looked at Ian, Colin, Quinn, Brodie, and Caleb standing on one side of the room, expectant faces staring back at him. It was a sparse group. Most of the family and ranch hands were needed to guard the herd. On the other side stood August, Bay, and Philip, a young man few of the MacLarens knew by name.

  “I know you lads are anxious to get back to the herd. When August explained to me why they’d ridden out this morning, I knew this was a matter we needed to discuss right away.” He looked at his son. “Brodie’s already aware of what’s going to be said and he’ll explain what he’s done.” Ewan nodded at Bay. “Tell the lads what you told me.”

  An hour passed as Bay explained, Philip filled in the gaps, and August gave his thoughts. All the while, they fielded questions from an increasingly agitated group of MacLarens. Not because of who they believed was behind the actions, but that they hadn’t figured it out and stopped the man sooner.

  “It’s not as easy as knowing who’s behind it, lads.” Brodie pushed away from where he stood against the wall. “We’re guessing Delacroix is behind it all. We’ve no proof. It’s why Sam and Seth are following him.”

  “Your new deputy?” Quinn asked.

  Brodie nodded. “Aye. Seth Montero. He used to work for Juan Estrada before leaving to work for a ranch near Sacramento. He knows the land as well as any of us.”

  Colin shook his head. “The man can’t be working alone.”

  “Aye.” Ian stood, walking to the window. “We already know he hired six to rustle the cattle, hang our ranch hand, and burn the hacienda.”

  “And others to poison the pond and set fire to the Evanston place,” Caleb added.

  “There’s a man…” Philip’s voice trailed off as he pinched the bridge of his nose. “I’m trying to recall his name. It’s quite unique.”

  “What about the man?” Bay asked.

  “I saw Giles with him once. He came inside the bank, asking for him. When Giles came out of his office, he made it obvious he wasn’t happy to see him. Ushered him outside and I never saw the man again. Very tall, slender, sinister looking.” Drawing his brows together, he pursed his lips. “Black. Black Jolly. That was his name.”

  Caleb jumped up at the same time as Quinn.

  “What is it, lads?”

  Caleb spoke first. “That’s the same man Heather and Emma encountered on the trail. He’d been to see the Pearces about buying their ranch.”

  “Stealing it, you mean,” Quinn added.

  “Heather told me something wasn’t right about him.”

  Quinn nodded. “Emma said he seemed vile, almost evil.”

  “When I get back to town, I’ll be checking on this Black Jolly and have my other new deputy, Alex Campbell, start looking for him.”

  Bay stood, glancing around the room. “I’m glad to help, Brodie. I want this stopped as much as the rest of you.”

  Philip spoke up. “I haven’t seen him in town except for that one day. He might be staying outside of Conviction. An old cabin maybe. Or he might have left.”

  “It’s doubtful, lad,” Ewan said. “Not with the fire at the Evanston place. I don’t think that’s something Giles would do himself.”

  Philip nodded. “True. He’s not the type to get his hands dirty. Believe me, you’ll know Black Jolly when you see him.”

  Ewan couldn’t miss the concern on everyone’s face. He looked at Colin, Quinn, and Caleb. “You lads ride back to the herd. It’s important to be keeping your guard up. At least we’ve a good idea who’s behind this and who he’s hired.”

  Caleb started for the door. “Whatever you need me to do, I’ll do it. Just get word to us.”

  Once Philip mentioned Black Jolly, Caleb couldn’t get out of there fast enough. He’d placed his bedroll next to Heather’s the night before, waking to her restless whimpers about her encounter with what she termed the ‘black devil’. She hadn’t been able to explain exactly why he intimidated her so much, but the effect had been immediate and intense.

  If so many MacLarens hadn’t been around, Caleb would have climbed in with her. Instead, he lay on the ground next to her, wrapping his arms around her, ignoring the daggers in Quinn’s stare, until she drifted back to sleep.

  As Jupiter’s hooves pounded on the trail, his mind focused on Heather and getting back to her as fast as possible. He’d wanted her to ride back to the house with them, but she’d refused, saying they needed her to
watch the herd while he, Quinn, and Colin were gone. Quinn had no better luck with Emma. They’d both despaired over leaving them behind, acknowledging they needed their help as much as they needed any of the men.

  Taking the trail east, he began to relax at the sound of the bawling cattle. Reining up at the crest of the last hill, he waited for Quinn and Colin to ride up beside him.

  “You’ve been riding like a madman, Caleb.” Quinn looked past him to the herd below. “You’ll be wearing Jupiter out if you’re not careful.”

  “I notice neither of you were far behind me.”

  “Nae, but I’m thinking Colin wanted to stay longer with Sarah.” Quinn glanced at his cousin, who’d begun to show signs of the strain of being away from his wife and son. “I told the lad he should be staying a day or two.”

  “He’s right, Colin. We can make do without you for a night or two. Sarah and Grant need you more than we do right now.”

  Colin leaned on the saddle horn, drawing in a breath. “Nae. I’ll not be sleeping until I know the danger is past. Sarah understands, and I know she’s safe with Ma and the family.”

  Caleb’s gaze shifted from the herd near the river, moving west, landing on what appeared to be a dark spot on the horizon. “What’s that?”

  Quinn and Colin followed the direction of his gaze, leaning forward on their saddles for a better view.

  “It’s not moving…” Colin’s voice faded as he continued to stare.

  “Wait…it is moving.” Caleb nudged Jupiter ahead. “Toward us.”

  “Look.” Quinn cursed under his breath. “There are more.”

  They could now make out seven riders coming over the horizon, riding on a straight path toward the herd.

  Caleb reached into his saddlebag, pulling out his field glasses. Looking through them, he cursed. “The one in front is dressed all in black.”

  “We have to warn the lads.” Colin began to rein his horse around.

  “There’s no time. We have to cut off the rustlers before they get closer. They’ll ride off if they know we’ve spotted them.”