Chapter Eleven
Cash slammed open the door and stalked into the sheriff’s office, startling Gabe into reaching for his gun, then pulling his hand back.
“Something bothering you?”
Cash shot him an evil glare, tossing his hat on the desk. “You’re supposed to be at the Dixie with your wife. What are you doing here?” He’d hoped to have some time alone to calm down after seeing Alison with Clay. His reaction made no sense. After his decision to send a telegram to a friend in Kentucky, he’d decided to let their friendship cool off until he figured out what bothered him about her. But when he saw her tonight, the reality of how he felt slammed into his stomach like a mule’s kick. Walking to a cabinet, he opened the door, pulling out a bottle of whiskey and a glass. “You want one?”
“No, thanks.” Gabe watched his friend toss back a shot, then pour another, wondering what had happened. “You want to talk about it?”
“Hell no. I’d rather drink it away.”
Gabe chuckled. “Must be about Alison Burns.”
Cash almost choked on his next swallow. “Who says it has to be about anybody?”
“The way you’re acting, it sure better be.” Gabe sat back, interlacing his hands behind his head.
Mumbling a curse, Cash plopped into a nearby chair. “She’s having supper with Clay McCord.”
Gabe thought about the information for a moment, his mouth twisting into a wry grin. “And?”
“And what? She’s letting Clay court her.”
“You remember me giving you a message from her?”
Cash’s lips thinned as he nodded.
“Did you ever go see her like she requested?”
“I’ve been busy.” Cash set down his glass and crossed his arms.
“Yeah. Playing cards at the Dixie or Rose, having supper with Noah and Abby, and taking extra rounds around the town at night. Seems like your plan to avoid her worked.” Gabe stood, grabbing his hat. “Guess I’ll head over to the Dixie, see if I can convince Lena to come home early.” He walked toward the door, turning back toward Cash. “Did you ever hear back from Kentucky?”
Cash’s head snapped up. “What do you know about that?”
Gabe held his hands up. “Wasn’t Bernie’s fault. The new kid he hired mistook me for you. Bernie told him to tell you he hadn’t gotten a reply from Kentucky. Poor boy turned beet red when he realized he’d given the message to me and not you.” Gabe’s face sobered. “You don’t believe her story about being a widow and moving to Montana, do you?”
Cash picked up his glass, rolling it between his fingers, not looking at Gabe. “No.”
He took a couple steps forward, clasping Cash’s shoulder. “Then it’s best you stay away from her until you get the answers you need. Your instincts have saved you more than once.”
“And if what she told me is true?” Cash squeezed the bridge of his nose.
“Then you take her away from Clay.”
“Simple as that?”
“The way she looks at you, Cash? Yes, it could be as simple as that.”
“Thank you for supper, Mr. McCord. I had a wonderful time.” Until Cash arrived, spoiling what had been a pleasant evening, she thought. “Perhaps you’d like to come for supper one night.”
Clay shifted from one foot to the other as he stood outside her shop. He respected Cash, knew his reputation as an honest man, and didn’t want to cause trouble between him and Alison. Still, Alison was a widow, and quite an attractive one.
“I didn’t believe the rumors about you and the deputy were true. After his appearance at supper, I’m beginning to think there’s truth to them after all.”
Her eyes widened at his words. She knew of the rumors, and Cash had been open about wanting to see her. Did that mean he’d been courting her? He’d kissed her more than once, sparking unexpected desire she’d thoroughly enjoyed. After returning from the Pelletier ranch, she’d expected him to visit, invite her to supper or to join him on a walk. Instead, he’d kept his distance, not even stopping in to say good evening.
The worst had been when he’d sent her what could best be described as a menacing glare when he’d spotted her watching the commotion with the miners. She’d hoped he’d seek her out afterwards, explain what caused the incident, assure her all was well. He hadn’t.
Clay watched as her expression changed, as if she were struggling with different answers to a difficult decision. He didn’t need someone to spell it out for him. “It may be best to keep our distance until you know your feelings for Cash.” Clay had no intention of causing her added anxiety or stepping between her and Cash.
“You may be right. It’s just…” She caught her bottom lip between her teeth, keeping her eyes focused on the floor.
“Just?” Clay quirked a brow, waiting.
Raising her gaze to his, she studied his face, deciding she could confide in him. “Until seeing me with you at supper, he hadn’t spoken to me in almost a week. I don’t know what he’s thinking, except he’s changed his mind and has lost interest.”
Clay let loose with a robust laugh, his eyes shining. “Believe me, Cash Coulter hasn’t lost interest. If he’s who you want, wait him out. I don’t know him well, but he seems the kind of man who keeps his feelings under tight control, sharing with a few people he trusts.”
She thought of who he seemed to be close to, coming up with Beau, Dax and Luke Pelletier, and possibly Gabe. Charming and smart, he could hold a conversation with anyone. Opening up about how he felt, though? She doubted that came as easily. Then again, she’d kept her reason for living in Splendor to herself, sharing nothing of her true beliefs with anyone. When he discovered why she’d traveled across country, Alison had no doubt he’d push her out of his life.
“Such as Beau?”
“That’s my guess.” Clay set his hat atop his head. “Goodnight, Mrs. Burns. It was a pleasure.”
“Mr. McCord, may I ask you a question?”
“Of course.”
She braced herself, hoping he might have some answers. “Do you know who killed the men involved in the bank robbery last year?”
Of all the questions he would’ve guessed she’d ask, this one wasn’t even on his list. He narrowed his gaze, wondering why a robbery months in the past would draw her interest.
“Why would such an unsavory event hold any interest for you?”
Crossing her arms, she worked to control the frustration bubbling inside. Not one person would give her a straight answer, even though she felt certain they had them.
“I’m curious, nothing more. It’s a simple question, Mr. McCord.”
His lips thinned. “Sorry, but I arrived in town after the robbery, so I don’t have any answers for you. Why don’t you ask the sheriff? From what I’ve heard, he and his men were there, along with several others.” He shot her one last look. “I’d best be leaving.”
“I don’t even know why I’m so curious.” Another lie added to all the others. “It’s not important. Goodnight again, Mr. McCord.”
Tipping his hat, Clay strolled away, chewing on the possibility there was much more to Alison’s question than simple curiosity.
Cash saddled Hunter, ready to get out of town on a long ride, ending at the Pelletier ranch. Noah told him his horse had healed enough to ride, as long as Cash didn’t push him too hard—whatever that was supposed to mean. Horses were always pushed hard, but he’d be careful. He and Hunter had been partners a long time, and he trusted the horse more than most people.
He’d received a short telegram the morning after seeing Alison with Clay. Although there were a number of people named Burns in the area, his contact had found nothing so far about a marriage involving an Alison Burns near Richmond, Kentucky. He needed her maiden name and the first name of the groom. Cash had crumpled up the piece of paper, swearing under his breath, wondering how he’d get those pieces of information.
Then he had a thought. Rachel and Ginny Pelletier had used her services and became friends with Alison. They might have the answers.
“Thanks for letting me use Joker.” Cash swung up on Hunter, looking over at Noah standing a few feet away, holding baby Gabriel in his arms. “Isn’t he a little young for you to be wandering around town with him?”
The grin splitting Noah’s face forced a smile out of Cash. “Abby and Lydia are having lunch at Suzanne’s. I thought little Gabe and I could use some time alone…” As his voice trailed off, he spotted his wife stepping outside, searching for him. “There’s your mama now,” he whispered to Gabriel.
“You’re a lucky man, Noah.” Cash couldn’t help the slight pang of jealousy, although he didn’t begrudge Abby and Noah a moment of their happiness. They deserved every bit of it after the ordeals they’d endured before marrying.
“How well I know it. I’d best give him back to his mama before he starts fretting.”
Cash turned Hunter north, toward the Pelletier ranch. First, he’d ride by the house Noah was helping Gabe build a few miles from town on a hill overlooking a spectacular waterfall.
Taking a path off the main road, he meandered up a winding trail until he came to a meadow dotted with stands of pine and fir. At least a foot of snow still covered the ground, and if Cash had to guess, he believed more snow would come before they moved into summer.
In the center of the meadow, a large, four-walled structured had taken shape over the last few weeks. Gabe had spent whatever time he could spare from his duties as sheriff and co-owner of the hotel to get the house ready to move into by July. He’d moved Lena out of Suzanne’s boardinghouse and into his small structure behind the jail. Now he was anxious to give his bride a real home.
Hearing the sound of hammering, Cash nudged Hunter forward.
“Thought I’d find you here.” Cash slid to the ground as Gabe tossed the hammer aside.
“Been here since dawn and I can’t tell a lick of difference.” Even with the chill of the snow, he wiped a sleeve across his brow. “Is there trouble in town?”
“Not at all. Thought I’d come by to see your progress before riding out to see the Pelletiers. Beau’s on duty today. At least until I get back.” He skimmed his hand over the wooden frame, appreciating the level of detail. “I’d be happy to help out for a while.”
“I heard you’re pretty good with wood.” Gabe handed Cash a ladle full of water. The creek a few yards away would supply them with what they needed.
“Where’d you hear that?” Cash took a swallow, then gave it back.
“Monty at the lumber mill said you built shelves for Alison’s shop. Said you did a real good job.” Gabe chuckled at the disgruntled look on Cash’s face.
“How the hell would a kid like Monty know good from bad? He can’t be more than fifteen.”
“Seventeen, according to Silas. Anyway, you’re welcome to work here anytime, although your services would be most useful inside where you wouldn’t have to deal with the melting snow.”
“Cabinets and doors?” Cash perked up at the thought of working with his hands again, creating something useful.
“And bookcases. Lena and Jack love to read. There must be six boxes full of books in the office at the Dixie, and I think they’ve both read every one.” Gabe’s features softened as he talked about his wife and stepson.
Another twinge of envy washed over Cash. Besides himself, Beau, Bull, Nick, and Travis were still single, although each seemed to have their sights set on someone. Travis had a fondness for Lena’s lifelong friend, Isabella. Bull couldn’t keep his eyes off Lydia whenever she was around. Nick’s feelings for Suzanne were clear, although neither would admit it. And Beau had been smitten with Caro since the first day she rode into town with Gabe. Her announcement she’d be moving on to San Francisco in early summer had struck Beau hard. There wasn’t much his friend could do or say about it. She’d told everyone of her plan to winter in Splendor, then head west to see the Pacific Ocean. A rich widow, she had the means and strength of character to do whatever she wanted, including leaving Beau behind.
“Any word on Alison?”
Gabe’s question pulled Cash from his musings. “Not much. So far, there’s nothing about a marriage involving the name Burns near her home in Kentucky.” He told Gabe of his plan to speak with Rachel and Ginny.
“Some weddings weren’t recorded properly during the war, and a good number of records were lost or destroyed. You know, Cash, there’s a chance you won’t find answers. What will you do if your friend comes back with nothing?” Gabe leaned against the side of his unfinished house, hoping whatever Cash learned would validate Alison’s story.
Cash picked up Hunter’s reins, swinging into the saddle in one smooth movement. He looked at Gabe, his face intense. “I don’t know.”
“Sorry, Cash. I wish we knew more.” Rachel refilled his coffee cup, then sat down next to Ginny. “We probably know less about her than you do.”
“She’s not too open about her past.” Ginny slid forward on the sofa. “You don’t believe her story about being a widow?”
He didn’t want to cause problems between Alison and the people of Splendor. If his suspicions were groundless, she’d hate him for digging into her past and sharing his doubts with women she thought of as friends.
“I’m not certain what to think.”
“About what?” Cash turned to see Dax walk in, heading straight for him and extending his hand.
“He’s looking for information about Alison,” Rachel offered. “Why don’t you sit down and I’ll get you some coffee.”
Dax kissed her on the cheek, taking her place on the sofa, then sent a questioning look at Cash. “What are you looking for, and why?”
He walked to the window, watching a wind funnel kick up dirt in the pasture by the barn. Turning back to Dax, Cash expelled a deep breath. “It’s a gut feeling. Her past doesn’t make sense to me. Neither does her traveling across country to start a new life.”
“Caro did the same, as did Isabella.” Dax took the cup Rachel handed him, then tugged her down next to him.
“Caro is financially secure with the desire to travel, see the west. Besides, Gabe grew up with her. Isabella came out to bring Jackson home to Lena. She’s Lena’s closest friend. Alison knew no one in Splendor before getting off the stage. She has little money and no friends or relatives west of Kentucky—at least none that she’s mentioned.” Cash thought a moment about another inconsistency. “Besides, she’s a widow, but her kisses…” He looked at Rachel and Ginny, both with eyes wide, holding back smiles. “Sorry, ladies. I shouldn’t have mentioned—”
“Just say it, Cash. Nothing will leave this room.” Rachel patted Dax on the thigh before glancing up at him. “Right?”
Dax scrubbed a hand over his face, his lips tipping up in amusement. “No, Rach. Nothing leaves this room.”
“So?” Ginny prompted.
“Ah, hell,”’ Cash mumbled before deciding to say it out load. Maybe it would sound ridiculous when he presented his biggest doubt to his friends. “She doesn’t kiss like a woman who’s a widow.”
“Without experience,” Rachel said, more to herself than the others. “Maybe she wasn’t married long before he went to war.”
“I don’t think so. The woman is as green as they come.” Cash wished he hadn’t said anything.
“I wondered why she doesn’t wear a ring. Most widows wear their wedding band for months or years after their husband’s death.” Ginny stood, pacing toward the dining room. Everyone sat in silence for a few moments until she turned back to them. “I have a friend in Richmond, Kentucky. Would it help if I sent her a telegram and asked if she ever knew Alison or a man named Burns?”
“That’s right. You’re from Kentucky. I had no idea you lived in Richmond.” Rachel turned her head at the sound of Patrick’s voice as he awakened from his nap. “I’d better go grab him before he starts pounding on the wall by his bed.”
Cash heard little of what Rachel said, still focused on Ginny’s offer. “I’d appreciate it if you’d get a message to your friend.”
“I’ll ride into town tomorrow.” She walked up to him, settling a hand on his shoulder. “And don’t worry. None of us will say a word to Alison or anyone else.”