Stronger Than the Rest (2 page)

 “Well, as you can see, I’m fine.” Drew held out his hands, palms up, and gestured toward his body. “No additional damage, except to my chair, which is easily corrected. There was no need for you to come out tonight.”

“Agnes was serving dessert when the message came to us. Father wanted Clarence to drive us here right away, but of course I had to change out of my dinner clothes. I’m sure you understand.”

He didn’t understand but let her comment stand and nodded toward a tall cabinet against the wall. “May I get you a sherry?”

“If Patricia wants a sherry she can walk over and get it herself.” The voice of Louis Dunnigan proceeded the man into the room. “Patricia, I told you there was no need for you to come to the office. I’d have sent for you if it were needed.” Drew’s boss rarely showed impatience. Although he tended to indulge his only child, he’d been frustrated with her on several occasions over the past few weeks. Patricia had become a self-absorbed, pampered young woman, and Louis saw this as clearly as everyone else.

“But, Father…” Patricia started, but stopped at her father’s raised hand.

“I understand your concern, but as you can see, Drew’s fine. Next time I’ll expect you to do as I ask.” Louis offered his daughter a slight smile as he walked over to one of the large leather chairs. “I’ve asked Clarence to drive you home. He’s waiting downstairs.”

A pout formed before Patricia masked it with a half-smile of her own. “If that’s what you want, Father, of course I’ll leave. Drew, please let me know if there’s anything I can do for you.”

“I will, and I do appreciate your concern.”

She left with the same self-possession as when she had arrived.
Subtle and Patricia would never be used in the same sentence,
Drew thought as a chuckle escaped his lips. When he looked up, Louis had settled into one of the guest chairs, his eyes still fixed on the spot where he daughter had stood not a minute before.

“She’s a good person, Drew, but she’s got her own ways and I’ll admit, I sure don’t understand most of them.” He took a sip of whiskey from the glass he’d brought with him. “I ask that you give her some time before you decide if you want her hand. You know, I won’t hold it against you if you decide you don’t love her—and I suspect you don’t. You’re important to Dunnigan Enterprises, and I’m not willing to lose you over this.”

Drew could only stare at the man who’d been more than generous. After the shooting, Dunnigan and his daughter had taken the train from Denver to Great Valley, then a carriage to Cold Creek, home of the Big G ranch. They’d escorted Drew back to Denver in their opulent private train cars and set him up not far from the office in a small, but nicely appointed house that came with a twenty-four-hour-a-day personal attendant, wheel chair, and full use of a carriage and driver. Dunnigan had also provided the best medical care available west of Boston. All he’d asked was that Drew continue his legal work at Dunnigan Enterprises for as long as he chose.

“Mr. Dunnigan, you’ve been very generous and it’s not my intention to let you down,” Drew began.

“The only way you’d let me down, young man, is if you married my daughter out of obligation to me and not out of love. She deserves love. Do you love her, Drew?”

Lying to Dunnigan never occurred to Drew. “No, sir, I don’t.”

“That’s what I thought, but perhaps in time you will.”

Silence enveloped the room for a moment as each man focused on the last words spoken.

“Now, the real reason I stayed to speak with you. I’m still interested in range land in western Colorado. I hear the Bierdan place may be for sale as well as a couple of other ranches in the area. I’ve heard rumors that Grant Taylor may have an interest in selling, also. Doubtful, as Grant expressed a desire to expand his ranch when I was in Cold Creek, but the rumor needs to be checked out. Assuming we are able to purchase land, someone must work through the legalities, perhaps travel to Cold Creek, and negotiate the deals. That someone is you.”

Drew’s face had become more set with each word. He’d known as soon as Dunnigan said he still wanted the land that a finger had been pointed at him. It was the last thing Drew wanted.

“I’m always ready to represent the company, you know that. I have a good grasp of the complications involved and know the people, but are you sure I’m the right person to travel to Cold Creek? It may be best for me to handle the legal issues here, in Denver, and let Thompson make the trip. He’s eager to get your eye, and I trust him.”

“Don’t feel you’re man enough for it?”

Drew’s eyes narrowed and he glared at his boss. “Excuse me?”

“You heard me, MacLaren. Are you man enough to go or are you going to settle back and rely on others now that your legs don’t work right?”

“Don’t work right? Hell, they don’t work at all,” Drew snapped.

“Then it doesn’t matter if you’re behind a desk, on a train, or riding a carriage. Your brain still works fine, and that’s what you get paid to use. Not your legs. I’ll provide whatever you need to travel, if it comes to that. Could be as early as next week. Be ready.” Dunnigan downed the last of his whiskey, raised himself from the big chair, and walked out of the room, leaving a slack-jawed Drew to stare after him.

A minute passed, maybe two, before Drew sat back in his chair and laughed. He’d been wallowing in self-pity for weeks. Perhaps Dunnigan was right, it was time to move on and prove to himself and everyone else that he was still the same man he had been before the shooting. Maybe he’d walk again, maybe not, but he sure as hell could use his brains and education to make Dunnigan, and himself, wealthy men.

First, he’d prepare himself for any other encounters such as the one at the saloon. Drew opened a lower desk drawer and pulled out two Remington double-barreled derringers. Each held two .41 caliber bullets. He placed the guns in custom designed holsters, secured at his waist, that he could cross-draw. They weren’t as powerful as his Colt Peacemaker, but they’d do the job.

He leaned forward and began to review the papers on his desk. A fleeting image kept disrupting his thoughts. A memory so vague that he tried to force it to the surface. Drew’s mind wandered back to the saloon and the man who had hovered not five feet away, ready for any command that Ira Walsh dispensed.

Drew’s eyes had drifted to Connor, the man who had been one of those who transported him back to the office. Tall, lean, with broad shoulders, and the look of a man used to handling difficult situations.

But Drew’s gaze had frozen on his features. The face, coloring, all were familiar. Jet black hair, moss green eyes, and squared jaw. He’d seen those eyes before. Drew sank into his chair and tried to remember where but his efforts went unrewarded. It would come. The memory of where he’d seen Connor before would surface and when it did, Drew knew it would be significant.

Chapter Two

Fire Mountain, Arizona Territory

“Any word, Niall?” Aunt Alicia had asked the same question every week when her oldest nephew stepped into the house from his trip into town.

“No, nothing.” Niall’s frustration wasn’t lost on the others in the room. His brother, Jamie, sat holding the newest addition to the MacLaren clan, Caleb, while his wife, Torie, worked in the kitchen.

Will MacLaren, one of the youngest brothers, had just walked in from the barn and taken a seat on the divan. He and Amanda Taylor had married only a couple of weeks before, but Will’s thoughts had been on his twin brother, Drew, for most of the time since he’d returned to Fire Mountain.

“One of us should go to Denver and find out what’s going on,” Jamie said.

“I’ll go,” Will said. “It’s my fault he’s still in Denver and not here with the family.”

“Don’t say that, Will. We all know this has everything to do with Drew’s decision to help you and Amanda’s family in Cold Creek. We all know you feel responsible, but Drew did what he felt he had to do, as did Jamie. No use wasting time on guilt,” Aunt Alicia scolded him. “Besides, I’ve already made up my mind that I’m going.”

“What?” Niall and Jamie spoke in unison.

“You heard me. I’ve already packed my trunks and plan to leave on the train north tomorrow.”

“Alone? You plan to travel to Denver alone and just show up at Drew’s home?” Niall asked.

“And why not? I’m his aunt. The woman who raised him and the rest of you three, as I recall.” Her crisp voice echoed through the large living room. “However, I plan to stop in Cold Creek and visit Amanda’s family on my way to Denver. I sent a message off to Eleanor and Grant Taylor last week. They replied with an invitation to stay as long as I want.” She smiled at the way she’d gone around her nephews to make sure her plans remained her own, at least until she was sure she would make the trip.

“And you never thought to discuss this with us?” Niall asked from where he stood, leaning against one wall, his arms crossed over his broad chest.

“I knew you’d just try to talk me out of it, or plan to come with me, Niall. This is a trip I need to make. Besides, it will only take a day to reach Great Valley, where Grant will meet me. I’ll stay with the Taylor’s a few days before visiting Drew. I’m actually looking forward to the trip.”

Niall’s wife, Kate, walked into the room with Torie in time to overhear the final part of the conversation. Will’s wife, Amanda, stepped in to stand next to them. The three looked at each other then back to Alicia.

“Of course you should go, Aunt Alicia,” Kate said, ignoring the scowl on Niall’s face. “You never travel anymore and the trip will do you good. The Taylor ranch sounds wonderful and it was obvious you and Eleanor Taylor got along well. I know it’s been a long time since you’ve been to Denver. It may also put your mind at ease as to Drew’s condition. Perhaps you’ll be the one to persuade him to come home.”

“I don’t know about putting my mind at ease,” Alicia responded, “but at least I can speak with the doctors and find out what Drew’s future looks like. Caleb McCauley has done research in the area, actually worked with patients suspected of having temporary paralysis. Caleb says there’s no real diagnosis except that no apparent reason for the paralysis can be found. He says it can last for weeks or months, then one day the patient starts to get feeling back.”

Caleb McCauley had taken over the medical practice from the town’s long-time doctor. Jamie and Torie had named their second son after him. He’d arrived in Fire Mountain the same day as Niall’s wife, Kate Garner, and the town sheriff, Sam Browning. All had been victims of a stagecoach accident.

“Are you sure about this?” Jamie asked.

“Yes, Jamie, I am sure. I don’t know much about Drew’s condition, but one thing I do know is that he needs family around him. People who understand him and his moods. None of you can go,” she put up her hand when they started to protest. “None of you
should
go right now. Too much is going on. I’m the best choice.”

Niall, Jamie, and Will knew she was right even though they didn’t like it. They also understood that once she’d made up her mind, there wasn’t a person on earth who could stop her.

******

Cold Creek, Colorado

“Alicia, it’s so good to see you!” Eleanor Taylor walked onto the front porch and down the few steps to hug their guest. “We are so pleased to have you here.”

“Believe me, Eleanor, I’m very happy to be here.” The women looped arms and walked into the house, leaving Grant and one of his men to bring in the trunks.

“Let’s get you settled and rested. Supper will be ready by the time you come down stairs. I’m anxious to hear how Amanda’s doing and what your plans are while in Denver.” Eleanor was more than a little curious about Alicia’s trip. Drew had been staying at their ranch, helping them rid the area of a gang of rustlers, when he was shot. They owed him a great deal.

Supper was a grand meal. Eleanor had gone overboard to prepare dishes from her native England, and Alicia had enjoyed everything. Amanda’s sister, Tessa, and brother, Joey, had joined them along with their long-time foreman, Jake. Alicia had caught them up on Amanda and Will, how happy they were, and what a great addition Amanda was to the MacLaren family. Then the conversation turned to Drew.

“Has he written to you at all?” Eleanor asked.

“Only at first, before Amanda came to Fire Mountain. All other messages have come from Louis Dunnigan. They’ve been informative, but I need to hear what’s happening from Drew, not from his boss.”

“Has Mr. Dunnigan expressed any concerns for Drew or told you about his progress?” This came from Tess, Amanda’s sister, who was approaching twenty. She and Drew had formed a special bond while he’d been at the ranch, a bond she’d shared with few people, and no other men outside her family.

“Not really. Just that Drew still has no feeling in either of his legs.”

The table fell silent as each person reflected on the strapping young attorney and rancher who’d helped them rid the area of cattle thieves. He’d touched each of their lives, but none more than Tess’s.

“I thought I’d rest here a few days then take the railroad on to Denver. He doesn’t know I’m coming but Louis did mention in his messages that there are three guest rooms at Drew’s home and several at Dunnigan’s. Of course I plan to stay with my nephew.”