Redemption's Edge (23 page)

Gabe nodded. “Let me know when you plan to ride out to Tolbert’s. I want to go along.”

“Tomorrow, if Bull has a good night. I don’t want to put it off.”

“I’ll wait for the two of you at the ranch and we’ll head out from there.” Luke started outside, then stopped at Dax’s words.

“Watch your back.”

Chapter Twelve

Denver, Colorado

“You boys stay here. I’ll go inside and see if anyone has heard of them.” Duff Mayes left his brother, Whitey, and three cousins to sit in the fading evening sun as he walked into the sheriff’s office in Denver.

Clark, Bill, and Jed Olin had grown up on a farm next to the Mayes’ place. Their mothers were sisters. Both sets of parents had died during the war and the boys had joined forces to build a new life as bank robbers in Texas.

A few minutes later, Duff emerged from the sheriff’s office and walked toward his horse. “Appears we’re headed in the right direction, boys. They came through here, riding north to Montana.”

“What town?” Whitey Mayes had been patient with his brother’s insistence they be careful about going after the Pelletiers. Both were still Texas Rangers while taking time off for personal business. Even with that knowledge, Whitey wanted revenge against the men who’d killed his brother.

“Someplace called Splendor.”

“Let’s go.”

“No. It’s late. We’ll stay here tonight, then take off early tomorrow. Besides, I need a drink.”

“Can’t it wait?”

“No, it cannot.” Duff drawled before riding up to the nearest saloon. The others followed, knowing that arguing would be a waste of time. Besides, the Olin brothers felt the same as Duff. A night of whiskey, cards, and female company sounded damn good.

Splendor, Montana

Rachel woke from another dream, grabbed her wrapper, and walked the few steps to the clinic. She stared at the man who sat sprawled in a chair before her. Her nights were plagued with visions of Dax and now he seemed to be invading her days, as well. It wouldn’t be so difficult if her body didn’t respond to his presence, all senses on alert.

Dax shifted in the chair, a hand moving to the butt of his pistol as his eyes flew open.

“How’s he doing?” Rachel asked while checking Bull’s color and heart rate.

Dax sat up and looked at his ranch hand still sleeping on the table a few feet away. “He hasn’t made a sound or moved since you left.” Dax stepped up beside her. “What do you think?”

“I think this man is indestructible.” Her face tilted up and Dax caught a glimpse of a tired smile. “Uncle Charles gave him a small dose of laudanum, enough to deaden most of the pain. However, I’d expect him to still be restless, groaning.”

Dax’s gaze moved in a slow perusal from her slippered feet to her face, traveling over the dress she’d worn the day before. She’d braided her hair and let the long strand drop down her back, a few wisps of hair falling free. He stepped behind her and used a forefinger to brush them from her neck, then bent to place a kiss on the soft column.

She tried to concentrate on Bull, ignoring the intense sensations washing over her as Dax’s lips traced a line up her neck to below her ear. He wrapped his arms around her waist. She leaned back into him and took a slow, measured breath, trying to keep herself from giving in and turning into his arms.

Dax felt his body harden as his hands splayed across her stomach. He turned her around to face him. His mouth covered hers as he tightened his hold, one hand on the small of her back, crushing her to him. He felt her immediate response as her arms wrapped around his neck and she buried her hands in his hair.

Rachel reveled in the way his mouth claimed hers. She arched against him, seeking something more, but not knowing what. The hunger in his kiss intensified, shattering any remaining control. His tongue traced the fullness of her lips until she opened and he plunged inside.

She’d never felt so on fire, and squirmed against him in an attempt to get closer. She was shocked at her own response as her hands drifted down his back and pulled him tight, feeling the full length of his body against hers.

Dax marveled at the way she matched him kiss for kiss. Her eager response drove his body to a heated pitch he found hard to keep under control. He couldn’t get enough of her.

The yearning he felt for this woman never eased and, in fact, had become his constant companion. As much as his mind told him to push her away, he couldn’t bring himself to heed the warnings.

Since he’d first set foot in Texas, he believed that it held his future. It had become a place for new beginnings where growing towns and men with enormous vision ruled the land. Dax wanted to be a part of its progress. He foresaw an exciting and endless future for those willing to brave the lawlessness that still claimed the state.

Splendor had beauty and majestic landscapes found nowhere else. Yet it occupied a space at the far north of the country, in a land of little civilization and slow growth. It did have something Texas didn’t—Rachel.

He’d fallen in love with her—doubt no longer existed in his mind. If they sold the ranch, could he leave her behind? He thought not.

She had become anchored in Splendor, and he didn’t believe his life could ever be content in this small town. Dax saw no prospect of changing their separate journeys. His heart squeezed at the realization they faced an insurmountable impasse.

His raised his mouth from hers and gazed into her eyes, knowing Rachel had been right in her reluctance to continue seeing him. To continue would only result in more pain—for each of them. Dax hated the decision he believed with all his being he must make. His arms dropped to his side and he stepped back, resting his forehead against hers before placing a kiss on the tip of her nose.

“Would you mind making us coffee?” He needed space, distance from her before he did something they both would regret. From her body’s response to his, he had little doubt she’d let him take her, and that would be the worst situation for them both. No, he had to keep his distance, remove the temptation, and find a way to break the hold she had over him. He needed to fall out of love with Rachel.

 On a slow sigh, Rachel pulled herself free from the intense emotions of Dax’s touch. “You’re right. We could both use coffee, and I’m certain Uncle Charles will wake soon.” She could still feel herself vibrating from the feel of her body aligned with his. He’d taken his time, exploring her mouth, creating a heat like nothing she’d ever felt. She wanted more, much more from Dax Pelletier.

He watched Rachel with hooded eyes, wondering what she was thinking and knowing he had to tell her his thoughts. He felt as if he was being torn in two. One part wanted to own her, keep her with him always. Another sought a life far away from the woman who’d found comfort in the small town of Splendor. His customary self-control eluded him when she was near. He feared their fierce attraction would eventually break his restraint, creating a situation resulting in him having no choice. And Dax needed the ability to choose.

He stared down at Bull, wondering if he’d make it. Although he’d had a good night, there were still no guarantees. Dax had been warned more than once about getting to close to his men. Forming attachments in time of war could affect an officer’s ability to lead. He felt the same now. He’d already grown close to those at the ranch. It had to stop.

Today, he, Luke, and Gabe would ride out to see Tolbert and confront the man. In Dax’s mind, only one rancher would dare send men to harm those around him, and Dax meant to put a stop to it.

“Is your father at home?” Dax asked Abigail as he stood with Luke, Gabe, and Noah outside Tolbert’s front door. Noah had stayed out of the town’s problems since he’d arrived, yet the growing belief Abigail’s father might be involved in ordering other men killed had gotten his attention. He needed to hear what Tolbert had to say for himself.

“Yes, he is, Mr. Pelletier. Please come in and I’ll get him for you.” Abigail stood aside as each of the men filed past, noticing Noah made fleeting eye contact as he entered, offering none of his usual warmth or smile. As she stared at his back, it hit her how much his lack of attention hurt.

She tapped on the study door and entered, not waiting for him to respond. “Father, there are some men here to see you.”

“Who are they, Abby?”

“The Pelletiers, Mr. Evans, and Mr. Brandt.”

“Four of them. Well, I won’t keep them waiting.”

He entered the parlor and offered his hand to Dax, who ignored it. “We need to speak with you, Tolbert. In private.”

“Of course.” He ushered them into his study. “How about something to drink, gentlemen?”

Dax disregarded the offer. “Did you order your men onto our land?”

King studied the four men, knowing this visit had bigger implications than checking cattle movements. “Yes. I asked Drake to see if the rumors of you purchasing more cattle were true. I understand they are.”

“You could have asked Luke or me. We would’ve told you.”

“I’ll note that for the future. Is there anything else?”

“Did you also order them to kill?”

King’s eyes blazed at the question. “Of course not. I’d never order the shooting or killing of a man.”

“Then someone on your ranch went beyond your order to check on cattle and shot at us, critically injuring Bull.” Dax walked up to within inches of Tolbert, glaring into the older man’s eyes, sending a not-so-veiled threat. “We want those responsible. No more games, and don’t take this as idle conversation. There will be a major battle between us if you don’t give us whoever shot Bull.”

“So you can lynch him without a trial?”

“No, so we can take him to Big Pine to wait for the territorial judge. They’ll be no lynching in Splendor, but we
will
have justice.” Dax spat the words out, his hostile features leaving no doubt of the fury he felt about the attacks on the ranch and Bull.

Tolbert didn’t let Dax’s rage sway him. “I won’t turn anyone over to you until there is proof one of my men pulled the trigger. Do you have proof?”

“You told us you ordered your men onto our land the day of the shooting. Are you telling me there are others who’d go to the lengths you would to secure more land?”

“I have no idea to what you’re referring. Yes, I’m interested in more land, and I’d pay a fair price for yours. As a businessman, I also keep track of what my fellow ranchers are doing. You purchasing more cattle interests me, as I’m sure it would you if the situation were reversed. However, I don’t condone violence to get what I want. Now, if you have no proof, I’ll ask you to leave. If you find something that implicates my men, which is doubtful, show it to me. As I’ve told you, I’ve never ordered anyone shot, on your land or anywhere else.” He walked to the door and pulled it open. “I’m certain you can find your way out.”

“Make no mistake, Tolbert. We
will
find the proof we need, and when we do, we’ll expect those guilty to be handed over.” Dax’s even tone and measured steps belied the rage he felt toward the rancher and his band of thugs. They’d find the proof and God have mercy on those responsible.