Redemption's Edge (16 page)

“He came in yesterday with his brother. Sent two messages, one to Austin and another to Independence. He got a short reply from Austin, saying they’d spread the word.”

“These things take time, Horace.” Bernie Griggs glanced at his pocket watch as he spoke. “You know, we could talk to Noah Brandt again. Maybe he’ll change his mind.”

“It’s doubtful. The man seemed pretty firm when he rejected the idea the first time. I doubt if anything’s changed.” Horace paced his office, frustrated at their lack of progress. “We have women and children we need to protect. If we allow it, those threatening and killing people will keep at it. It will spill into our private homes. It’s only a question of when.” He pulled out a kerchief to wipe his brow.

“What about the man who rode into town with Noah?” Griggs asked.

Stan stroked his short beard. “The one who served in the war with him?”

“That’s the one.”

“He stayed a couple of weeks. Had no interest in a town this small. According to Noah, he took off for San Francisco.” Stan knew Noah Brandt better than anyone, yet still saw the man as a mystery. “Of course, it’s been over a year. Perhaps he’s changed his mind. Couldn’t hurt to ask Noah.”

“You’ll talk with him?” Clausen asked.

“Be glad to. Someone should ride to Big Pine, talk to the sheriff again. Maybe one of his deputies would have an interest. I’d go, but can’t be away from the store that long.”

“Rachel and I are due for a trip. Give me the sheriff’s name and I’ll speak with him.”

The men were ready to adjourn when Clausen’s secretary interrupted. “Mr. Tolbert is outside to see you. He asked about the meeting.” The woman glanced at the others in the room. “I told him I didn’t know anything about it.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Phelps. I’ll be right out.”

Charles stood to leave and looked over at Clausen. “Why didn’t you get word to Tolbert about this meeting?”

Horace cast a worried gaze at the others. “Frankly, I’m not sure King doesn’t hold some responsibility for what’s going on. Understand, I have no proof, but it’s hard to forget the way he threatened our previous sheriff when he stood up to King about something the man wanted to do. Tolbert showed no regret when we lost him to a bullet. Why do you ask?”

“No reason. Well, guess I’d better head out, let Rachel know we’ll be riding to Big Pine sooner than expected.”

The men filed past Tolbert on their way out, acknowledging the man, but doing little else.

“What was your meeting about?” Tolbert asked as Clausen held his office door open.

“Usual stuff, King. Fourth of July’s in a few months and they want to start planning some type of shindig.” Clausen knew Tolbert expected to be invited to all meetings of those considered town leaders, or at least apprised of the topics discussed. It irritated most how he acted as if he owned the town, yet contributed little to it, even buying the majority of his supplies in Big Pine. “What can I do for you?”

“I want to know the terms of Pat Hanes’ will. Make sure him passing the land to the Pelletiers was legal. You understand, don’t you?”

Tolbert’s obvious accusation angered Clausen. “Are you accusing me of something illegal?”

“No, of course not. I want to be certain, that’s all.”

“I hate to disappoint you, but the details, as well as the documentation, are private documents and not available for public inspection. You’ll have to believe what transpired happened according to Pat’s wishes. I’ll be glad to submit them to the territory judge when he comes through.”

“He may not be here for months.”

“It’s the best I can offer.” Clausen held his ground. The accounts he held for Tolbert were five times larger than any other customer. It would be disastrous to lose them.

“You know what an impact my ranch and I have on Splendor, right?” Tolbert’s eyes bore into the banker’s. “Sure would be a shame to change banks, or find it necessary to start my own.”

Although Clausen believed both were idle threats, he had to consider King’s words.

“Mr. Tolbert, you’ll do what you feel is best for the town, I’m quite certain of that. If you don’t believe my bank is serving your needs, you’ll have to seek alternatives. A Big Pine bank is one, as is starting a new bank. I would mention, however, there aren’t enough people in Splendor to support two banks.” And both men knew who the locals would choose.

King eyed the banker, knowing he had no other options, at least right now. “We’ll wait for the judge.” He stormed from the office, unhappy with the outcome, and knowing there was little he could do, short of finding a way to get to Clausen’s files without the man knowing.

“Dax, you hear what happened near Big Pine?” Luke had spent the day in Splendor, picking up supplies and going by the Rose before riding back. He stopped the buckboard and jumped down, heading toward Dax and Bull standing outside the barn.

“No. What happened?”

“Renegades attacked a group of settlers on their way to Oregon. Killed several before they were run off.”

“How’d you hear about it?”

“The settlers are in Splendor. They decided to stop for a couple of days to replenish what was lost in the raid. By the sounds of it, a few might stay.” Luke started unloading what he’d purchased at the general store, then stopped and turned to his brother. “You think we should do anything about the renegades?”

 “Why would we? Sounds as if no one knows for sure who attacked the wagons. Most travelers understand the dangers before they set out.”

“Doc Worthington and Miss Davenport are leaving for Big Pine tomorrow.” Luke’s casual response hit Dax like a fist to his stomach.

He didn’t wait to hear more. Within minutes, he’d saddled Hannibal and tore off toward town, determined to stop the doctor and Rachel from doing something so risky.

Splendor’s main street hadn’t seen so many people in months. Five covered wagons stood at the north end, near the livery. Men gathered in groups, talking, and pointing in various directions. He rode up to the livery and slid off his horse.

“Gentlemen.” Dax tipped his hat at the closest group of men. “I heard you had some trouble.”

“A group of Indians, Sioux is what our guide tells us, attacked us between Big Pine and here. Took off with one of the wagons after killing the driver and his wife.” He stuck out his hand to Dax. “I’m Percy Slater.”

“Dax Pelletier. My brother and I own a ranch north of town. Where are you headed?”

“Planned to go to Oregon. But, now, my wife and I have been talking and we might stay here.”

“Are you farmers, Mr. Slater?”

“Grew up farming, but the war pretty much destroyed what little we had. I owned a restaurant in Missouri. Might try that here. My wife’s a seamstress. Mr. Petermann at the general store said there might be a need for that as the town grows.”

Dax looked up the street to see Rachel emerge from the clinic and hand a small child to a couple, then walk back inside.

“Excuse me, Mr. Slater. There’s someone I need to see.” Dax grabbed Hannibal’s reins and started up the street, determined to talk some sense into Rachel and her uncle.

He knocked, then walked inside, not waiting for Rachel to open the door. “Rachel, are you back there?” He pushed through the door that divided the front area from the examination room and saw her putting away supplies. She turned at his approach.

“Hello, General. I thought I saw you at the livery.” Truth was, her chest had tightened and her heart picked up several beats when she glanced up to see a group of men talking with Noah. Dax stood with them. She’d hoped he might come by so she could tell him of her decision not to allow him to call on her.

“I’ve been speaking with the settlers.” He stood not a foot away, wanting nothing more than to reach out and draw her to him, but he had to be careful around her. The woman had a way of getting to him and crumbling his willpower. “I heard you and your uncle are thinking about going to Big Pine. Is that true?” He had to find a way to ignore the rising apprehension he felt. Perhaps Luke had been wrong.

“Yes. Tomorrow, if Uncle Charles has his way.”

“It doesn’t appear to be a wise idea, given what’s happened.” He felt a contained fury build.

“Perhaps not, but I fail to see how it’s your concern.”

He stepped to within inches of her, crowding her space. “Not my concern?” His voice took on an ominous tone, coming out thin and hard. “It
is
my concern if you plan to ride into an Indian attack. You did hear about the settlers who were killed, right?”

Rachel took a shaky breath and bit her lower lip. She had no intention of letting him know how his closeness disturbed her. She put her hands on her hips and glared at him. “Of course. I treated one of the children from the group. The man told me it sounded much worse than what actually happened.”

“So a man and his wife getting killed and their wagon stolen isn’t enough for you? What would be worse?” He stared down at her with narrowed eyes, daring Rachel to argue with the facts.

Their eyes locked and, for a moment, neither said a word.

“Of course that’s bad,” she stammered. “I just mean…” Her voice trailed off as Charles walked through the back door.

“Well, Dax. What a nice surprise.”

Dax ignored the greeting. “I’ve come to talk you out of leaving for Big Pine tomorrow.”

“I see. Unfortunately, it’s a trip we must make. We’re low on supplies and someone needs to speak with the sheriff there to see if he knows of someone who’d like to enforce the law in Splendor. Maybe one of his deputies.”

Dax crossed his arms and planted his feet shoulder width apart. “Who’s going with you?”

“What do you mean?”

“Is anyone riding along for protection?” Dax’s patience began to wear thin at the lack of precautions Charles had made to protect Rachel from attack.

“No one. Rachel and I are going alone.”

“Excuse me, but that’s not acceptable.”

Rachel’s eye flared. “Not acceptable to whom?”

Charles held up a hand to warn her off. “You may be right. Nonetheless, we’re leaving tomorrow, with or without protection. If our trip is fruitful, we may have a new sheriff riding along on the way home.”

“Or you may not make it back at all.” His already intense voice displayed the exasperation he felt. These were educated people. How could they not understand the risks?

Dax clenched his jaw, wondering how far he could push the doctor to reconsider his decision. He guessed not far by the determined set of the man’s face.

Rachel stood to the side, trying to respect her uncle’s wishes and stay out of the exchange. After what had transpired in her kitchen, she knew Dax had at least some interest in her, even if he’d refused the job as interim sheriff and would be leaving Splendor as soon as a buyer could be found for the ranch.

She’d reminded herself over and over after he left to keep her feelings in check and not succumb to the strong attraction she felt for Dax. Rachel had always considered herself a strong woman, yet he triggered emotions she’d never experienced before. It would be all too easy to fall under his spell and do something she’d regret. She’d woken the following morning with a firm conviction to decline his supper invitation and keep her distance. She knew it would be painful, yet accepted it as the price she’d have to pay to protect herself from a broken heart.

“Well, it appears we’re at an impasse.” Charles’ voice sounded tired, resolute.

Dax’s eyes shifted from Charles to Rachel, and held. “Fine. I’ll take one of my men and we’ll ride with you.”

“No.” Rachel’s firm response surprised her uncle as much as Dax. “We don’t require your help. We’ll be fine.”

“Now, Rachel, what Mr. Pelletier says makes sense. If he’s willing to ride along and provide protection, I’m not going to refuse.”

“I’ll find someone else. Perhaps one of Mr. Tolbert’s men would join us.”

“No,” Charles and Dax said in unison.

Her uncle narrowed his eyes at her. “We will not rely on one of Tolbert’s men to help us. I’d go alone before I’d approach that man.”

“You won’t be going alone. I’ll be back in the morning with one of my men.” He nodded at the two, then left, frustration and anger still coursing through him, yet not entirely unhappy with the outcome. Although he didn’t have the time to spare, at least he’d be able to spend time with Rachel. If they were determined to go, he wanted to be the man riding along.