Chapter Ten
“Bernie Griggs just gave me this.” Cash handed the telegram to Gabe. “You aren’t going to like it.”
Cash dropped into a chair, taking off his hat, raking a hand through his hair. Following a challenging ride home from the Pelletier ranch, he had slept little the night before.
It had been a struggle to keep the distance he felt they needed as Alison continued to inch closer. He sat motionless, guessing she sought the warmth and comfort his body provided. About fifteen minutes into the trip, he’d given in, slipping an arm around her and holding her to his side. Her gaze occasionally searched his, yet he’d refused to give into the temptation of her closeness. Lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, he’d mentally thanked Luke’s interruption in the barn for saving him from acting on the passion he hadn’t been able to resist.
Gabe read the telegram, his jaw clenching. “Appears the Penderville gang is riding toward Big Pine. Unless Sterling is able to stop them, I’ve no doubt Splendor will be their next stop.”
“How do you want to handle it?”
“There isn’t much to do now except wait for another telegram from Sterling. Moosejaw is the only town between Bloody Basin and Big Pine, and there isn’t enough there for the outlaws to risk getting caught or killed.” Gabe set the telegram down and leaned back, stretching his arms behind his head. “You’ve told Dax and Luke about the Pendervilles?”
“They know and are ready if we need them. I still need to talk to Horace at the bank.”
“I hate to stir this up before we have more information, but I’d better talk to the town leaders.” Gabe stood, picking up his hat and gun belt.
“You know, Gabe, since King Tolbert was murdered and Amos left town, the leadership has changed an awful lot. Seems to me it’s Horace, the Pelletiers, Nick Barnett, Stan Petermann, Noah, and you.” Cash stood. “Does Nick know what’s going on?”
“He and Noah both know about what Sterling told you. That leaves Stan and Horace. Stan’s the only one who might panic and spread the word around town, alarming others. Can’t leave him out, though. You go to the bank. I’ll deal with Stan.”
Before they could reach the door, it burst open, Monty from the lumber mill rushing inside, panting, his eyes wild.
“Silas told me to come fetch you, Sheriff. We’ve got some miners causing a commotion ’cause their order isn’t ready.” Gunfire sounded as Monty got out the last words. “That’s those miners, Sheriff.”
“Let’s go find out what those fellas want and stop them from doing something foolish, Cash.”
Gabe and Cash rushed out, leaving Monty alone in the jail, pacing back and forth.
Cash stuck his head back inside. “You coming?” He signaled the boy to get moving, then closed the door as Monty took off toward the lumber mill.
They dashed past the Wild Rose Saloon and Western Union office before coming to a stop near Noah’s livery. Gabe almost laughed at the sight of his closest friend holding his Spencer repeating rifle, pointing it at the unruly miners. Although it wasn’t the Sharps rifle he used as a sharpshooter during the war, he was still deadly accurate with it.
“You boys listen to me.” Noah’s voice boomed above the shouts and gunfire. When one of the miners pointed his revolver at him, Noah squeezed the trigger of his Spencer, the bullet knocking the gun right out of the man’s hand. Not lowering the rifle, he took a step closer. “Now, I mean business. You fellas drop your guns and step away from Silas.”
Not one argued as they tossed their weapons away.
“I wish you’d reconsider and become one of my deputies, Noah. I could use another good man.” Gabe chuckled, his gun drawn and pointed toward the miners. Cash stood next to him, ready to shoot the next man who moved.
“You’ve been trying to boss me around all our lives, Gabe. I’m not likely to let you do it officially.”
“Didn’t think so.” His attention swung back to the men, who were none too pleased to be without their weapons. “Cash and I have this now.”
Noah lowered the rifle. “You need me to stay back while you gather their guns?”
“Looks like Beau is on his way from the boardinghouse.” Gabe tilted his head toward the opposite side of the street, seeing his other deputy running towards them, his gun drawn. “We’re fine. Besides, if anything happened to you, I’d have to answer to Abby—and that’s too scary a thought to consider.”
Noah laughed as he stepped aside, letting Gabe and the others take over. No one noticed the lone man standing behind the Western Union office, his gun ready, eyes scanning the crowd. Seeing the sheriff and deputies taking control, he holstered his gun, taking the path behind the building toward the other end of town.
Alison’s head jerked up at the sound of gunfire. Dropping the hat she’d been working on, she dashed to the front door, opening it a crack to peer outside. A few townspeople stood on the boardwalk, all facing the other end of town, but no one moved. She opened the door wider, taking a few steps outside, calling after a man she didn’t recognize as he hurried toward the commotion.
“What’s going on?”
He never stopped, yelling over his shoulder. “I heard the sheriff and his deputies are having a shootout with a group of miners.”
Closing the door behind her, she crossed the street, stopping in front of the St. James Hotel, then moving along the boardwalk until she could get a clear view. The sight jolted her. One of the miners was holding his bleeding hand as Gabe, Beau, and Cash approached, all brandishing guns. She moved until she got a clear view of their faces. All were intense, focused, and watching for any movement from the miners. As if he sensed her, Cash’s gaze shifted toward her for a brief instant, a scowl appearing, his eyes flashing before he returned his attention to the crowd.
“Come on, Alison. Let’s get you out of danger. You never know when those miners might do something stupid and try to grab for their guns.”
Alison turned to see Gabe’s wife, Lena, grasping her arm, gently guiding her away from the danger.
“The lawmen might do something just as stupid and shoot for no reason,” Alison protested, her features drawn. When she saw the stunned look on Lena’s face, she realized what she’d said. “Sorry. I know Gabe’s your husband, and I’m sure he’s a fine man. Lots of lawmen aren’t like him, though. They’ll kill as easily as most outlaws.” Alison didn’t recognize the cold tone or disdain in her voice, or feel the way her body began to tremble.
“I know some lawmen go bad. Those three aren’t anything like the men you’re thinking of. They don’t kill for pleasure, but they will shoot someone if he’s threatening others.” Lena wrapped an arm around Alison’s shoulders, steering her toward the Dixie. “How about some coffee while we wait for the men to clear this up?”
Alison glanced over her shoulder one more time, deciding she could wait no longer to find out the identity of the man who killed her brother. A shiver ran through her at the thought one of the men a few feet away—Gabe, Beau, or Cash—might be the person she sought. Swallowing the bile in her throat, she allowed Lena to lead her away.
“Coffee sounds good,” she lied, knowing nothing sounded good right now.
“Who wants to tell me what this is all about?” Gabe’s voice held a hard edge, although the sight before them almost made him laugh. Several miners stood around, glaring between him, Silas—the owner of the lumber mill—and a short, lone figure hunching in the background, trying not to catch anyone’s attention.
Silas pointed to the miners. “These men threatened me and my new man. Said they’d burn the mill down if I didn’t replace him with one of our own.”
Cash moved closer, not sure about what he’d heard. “Our own?” he murmured to Gabe, who shrugged, then turned to the group of men, holding the gaze of the one who’d been the most belligerent.
“You want to explain this to me?”
Stepping forward, the man planted his feet, crossing his arms. “He’s the problem.” He uncrossed his arms, pointing toward the man trying to hide in the shadows of the mill.
Gabe recognized him as a man known as John. He’d come into town after the gold mine in Cave Gulch was abandoned. He’d been emaciated and sick from exposure. Doc Worthington treated him, then marched John down to the lumber mill to meet Silas. From what Gabe knew, he was a quiet, hard worker who hadn’t caused a single problem.
“Exactly what is your problem with him?” Gabe slid his gun into the holster, nodding to Cash and Beau to do the same.
“It’s him,” the miner ground out, as if those words should be explanation enough. When Gabe’s brows rose, the man huffed out a frustrated breath. “He’s a Chinaman, Sheriff, and we don’t want their kind here.” He looked around at his fellow miners, who mumbled their agreement. Emboldened, the man took a step toward Gabe, who stood his ground. “We don’t want to do business with the likes of him.”
“What mine do you men work for?” Cash asked. There were only a few near Splendor, and only one that employed more than a handful of miners.
“Devil Dancer,” one called out, stating the largest mine, which employed a couple dozen men.
Cash grinned at Gabe, who shook his head.
“Well now, I believe we can work this out. You see, my wife, Magdelena Evans, controls that mine. I know for a fact she has no issues with John.” Gabe smirked at the shocked looks on the miners’ faces.
“That ain’t right,” one of the men yelled. “We was told Jackson Campanel owns the mine with his partner, Thomas Pennington.”
“You’ve got your facts wrong, mister. Jackson Campanel is my stepson. He inherited half the mine when his father died.”
“You see there. I’m right,” the same man called back.
“Not quite. Jackson is seven years old. As his guardian, Magdalena controls the mine.”
The miners shot surprised glances at each other, mumbling amongst themselves.
“What about that Pennington fella. Don’t he have a say in this?”
“He’s in prison. Magdalena bought him out. Jackson, who now owns a hundred percent of the Devil Dancer, is your employer.” Gabe took a couple steps closer, his face hardening. “I suggest you get done with any business you have in town, including picking up supplies from John over there, then get back to the mine. I’ll be sure to let Lena know how you feel.”
“Hell, there’s no call for that, Sheriff.” An older miner, tall and rail thin with a shaggy, graying beard, stepped forward. “She don’t need to know about any of this. We’ll get the supplies and head out. We won’t cause no more trouble.”
“Just get the supplies and go. And I don’t want to hear you’ve created any problems for John.” Gabe glanced at Cash and Beau. “You two stay here and make sure they do as this man says.” He didn’t add that he’d be talking with Lena.
“You go ahead and take care of business, Gabe. Beau and I have this.” Cash turned to the miners. “You heard the sheriff. Get moving.” Shifting his gaze, he scanned the area for Alison, wondering where’d she’d gone. It didn’t matter. He’d already made up his mind what he needed to do. As soon as the miners rode out, he’d get to work on it.
“I need to send a telegram, Bernie.”
“Sure, Cash.” The clerk slid a piece of paper across the counter, then handed Cash a pencil. “Write it all down and I’ll get it out right away.”
A couple minutes passed while he composed his message, then handed the paper to Bernie. He pushed his glasses further up on the bridge of his nose and read it a couple times, his brows furrowing. Glancing up, he started to speak, but Cash stopped him.
“Not a word of this to anyone, Bernie. Not even Gabe. This is between you, me, and the man at the other end of the telegraph line. Understand?”
Bernie looked offended as he set the paper down and crossed his arms. “I’d never say a word and you darn well know it. I’m just a little surprised, that’s all. Thought you two had a spark going.”
Cash’s jaw tightened. “Well, you’re wrong.” Shoving a hand in his pocket, he pulled out some cash. “Get to me right away when you hear back.” Stalking outside, he drew in a deep breath, making his way back to the sheriff’s office. He’d put off dealing with his questions long enough, and the warnings in his gut continued to get stronger. The answer would come back confirming what she’d told him or it wouldn’t. Either way, he’d deal with it.
Alison’s frustration had risen several levels after three days without learning anything about the day her brother was shot. She’d asked subtle questions of Bernie Griggs, Stan Petermann, and Silas Jenks. All longtime residents. They’d all told her the same. The robbers were gunned down as they tried to get away, using innocent people as shields. Several townspeople, as well as the sheriff and his men, were involved, but no one saw who fired the shots killing each outlaw.
By the way each man had avoided looking her in the eyes, she knew they were either protecting her from the gruesome details or hiding a killer. The idea of Bobby getting involved with a band of outlaws simply couldn’t have happened.
He’d always been quiet and gentle, with a sweet nature. Picking up a rifle and joining the Confederate States of America had been an act prompted by anger and loss. The war had lasted a few short months after he enlisted, not nearly enough time to turn a kind young man, with a love of animals and children, into a ruthless outlaw. Alison couldn’t accept it, knowing there had to be more to what happened.
“Good evening, Mrs. Burns.” Clay McCord removed his hat as he walked into her shop, looking around at the fabric, dresses, and hats displayed throughout.
“Mr. McCord.” Her voice caught as she took in the sight of the lean, muscled clerk from the general store. Close to six feet tall with thick, light brown hair, olive skin, and gray eyes rimmed in a deep brown, he seemed more suited for working outside with his hands, possibly giving orders, than standing behind a counter selling flour and sugar. They’d spoken a few times, leaving her with the impression there was much more to the man than he wanted anyone to know. “I was about to close up. What may I do for you?”
“I know this may come across as being presumptuous, but I wondered if you would have supper with me tonight.”
The request caught her by surprise, washing the easy smile from her face. She knew rumors were circulating about her and Cash, and as much as she’d hoped they were true, he hadn’t tried to talk to her for almost a week. She’d walked by the sheriff’s office a few times and once by the house he shared with Beau, hoping to catch a glimpse of him. Although embarrassed, she’d left a message with Gabe, asking Cash to stop by when he had time. He never appeared.
Each night, she’d drawn up the covers, then stared at the ceiling, wondering what she’d said or done to keep him away, deciding he’d simply lost interest. Given her quest to find out the truth about Bobby, becoming close to Cash wouldn’t be smart. Still, she missed him more than she cared to admit.
“What a lovely offer, Mr. McCord. Of course I’ll have supper with you. It will take me a few minutes to finish and lock up. Would you like me to meet you?”
“No, ma’am. I’ll wait if that’s all right.” He fingered the brim of his hat, shifting his feet.
“Of course. I’ll just be a minute.”
Putting away the hat she’d been creating, she grabbed her shawl, then turned off the lamps before joining him near the door. Locking up, she walked alongside him to the restaurant she’d visited with Cash. Betts sent them a broad smile, nodding toward a table near the front as she finished taking orders from a couple in an alcove close to the kitchen.
As Alison took her seat, she glanced toward the couple and smiled, raising her hand when she recognized Caroline and Beau. Both returned her greeting before resuming what appeared to be an intense conversation, Beau’s voice rising before Caro placed a hand on his arm.
“Doesn’t look good.”
Alison’s attention moved to Clay, who still watched the now animated conversation across the room. “What doesn’t look good?”
“Beau and Mrs. Iverson.”
“It’s probably nothing more than friends disagreeing.” Alison had heard the rumors of the two being more than friends, but she’d never seen them together until today.
“I heard she’s decided to continue on to San Francisco as soon as the snow clears between Montana and Idaho. I’m guessing she’ll be here no more than another month, six weeks at the most.” Seeing Betts approach, he glanced up at a board hanging on the wall where the menu had been listed.
“That’s a shame. I’m sure Mr. Davis won’t be happy with her decision.”
Alison knew Caroline Iverson had made the decision to travel west after the death of her husband. She’d run into her childhood friend, Gabe Evans, in Big Pine, making the decision to winter in Splendor before resuming her trip to San Francisco. Alison was certain neither Caro nor Beau had ever expected to form an attachment.
“What would you like, Mrs. Burns?” Betts asked, smiling.
Alison hastily read the menu, deciding on the chicken.
“And you, Mr. McCord?”
“I believe I’ll have the stew tonight. And coffee.”
“I’ll get coffee for both of you and bring your food right out.”
As Betts hurried away, Alison heard the bell on the front door chime, sucking in a breath as Cash entered, walking straight toward Beau’s table. He hadn’t noticed her, didn’t even look at the other diners as he stopped at their table. Removing his hat and nodding at Caro, he leaned down to speak with Beau, whose face turned grim at whatever Cash said.
Alison stared, unable to turn her gaze away from him. Dressed all in black, his broad shoulders squared, light stubble on his face, he presented a striking presence, making her chest tighten and mouth go dry. Before she could turn her head, he whipped around, his gaze locking with hers, then moving to Clay, eyes narrowed. In an instant, he’d closed the space between Beau’s table and theirs, staring down at her.
“Good evening, Cash. Would you care to join us?” Clay couldn’t miss the tension between Cash and Alison. He’d already heard the deputy might be courting the young widow, but he’d never seen them together, and he’d been watching. When Clay believed the rumors were untrue, he’d decided to take a chance and invite her to supper. Amusement tilted his mouth up, even as he held his tongue. He surely didn’t want to get on the bad side of Cash Coulter.
“Not tonight.” The reply held no warmth as he continued to watch Alison. “How are you, Mrs. Burns?”
Her heart pounding in her chest, she cleared her throat, taken aback at the formality. “I’m wonderful, Mr. Coulter. It’s a beautiful evening, don’t you think?”
Hell no, he thought before ripping his gaze from hers, ignoring her question. “Thanks for the offer, Clay, but I’ve had my supper. You two enjoy yourselves.” Smashing his hat down on his head, he stalked out, letting the door slam behind him.
“What do you think that was about?” Clay sipped his coffee, a slight gleam in his eyes.
Unfolding her napkin, she played with the edges, unsure of what to make of Cash’s response. She’d accepted Clay’s offer after not hearing from or seeing Cash for almost a week, even though the jail stood a hundred feet from her shop. The man had her in knots and it was all his fault. Frustration gripped her. Here she sat with a handsome man, about to enjoy a good meal. Instead of letting herself appreciate the evening, Alison found herself fighting down growing anger.
“I’m sure I don’t know.” She picked up her coffee, taking a healthy swallow as Betts set down their plates. Breathing in the wonderful aroma, she grabbed her fork. “This is such a wonderful treat, Mr. McCord. Thank you for inviting me.”
A smile spread across Clay’s face. “Believe me, Mrs. Burns. It’s my pleasure.”