Sunrise Ridge (Redemption Mountain Historical Western Romance Book 3) (22 page)

“Promise?” She traced a finger down his stubbled jaw.

He closed his eyes at her touch, enjoying the feel of her caress. Promises were something he didn’t make unless positive he could keep them. He didn’t want to worry her further, but couldn’t commit to something out of his control. He drew her hand to his mouth, pressing a warm kiss to her palm, feeling a slight shiver radiate through her.

“I’ll be back. You and I aren’t over, Abby. We’ll never be over.”

Noah finished the last of his chores before locking the door of the livery. Leading Tempest and Blackheart to the front of the jail, he noticed Cash and Beau already astride their horses, talking with Dax and Luke. He recognized Bull and Travis from the Pelletier ranch speaking with several other men who Noah assumed worked for the Pelletiers. Bull slid from his horse when he saw him.

“Morning, Noah.”

“Bull.” The two shook hands, Noah nodding to Travis. “Are all these your men?”

“They work for Dax and Luke. All good with a gun, one a tracker during the war. We’re hoping to make it a quick search, find Drake and the cattle, and get back to the ranch.” He looked toward the jail. “We’re leaving a couple men here to watch Tolbert’s men. Odd he hasn’t sent anyone to town to get them.” Bull had been injured during one of the attacks the year before—one of several attacks most believed were instigated by Parnell Drake and his men. He’d be glad to see them brought to justice.

Gabe took Blackheart’s reins from Noah, swung into the saddle, then turned toward the others. “Tolbert’s men won’t be joining us.” He spoke loud enough for his voice to carry over the crowd. “Seems he took some men and started his own search for the rustlers several days ago. None of his men in jail know which way they rode or when they’re expected back. Most of you have met Cash Coulter. He and Beau Davis have been tracking Drake and his men since they ran across them in Colorado. They’re riding with us today.” He turned Blackheart south, then looked over his shoulder. “Let’s go.”

The posse stopped at the spot where Gabe and the others camped after tracking Drake’s men out of Splendor days before. The storm erased all signs of that night, yet Cash, Beau, and the Pelletier man who’d been a tracker continued to walk the area in slow circles, coming up with nothing.

“What do you think?” Gabe asked Cash as both men searched the horizon to the east and mountains to the west, Noah and Beau joining them.

“They’re not gone. I’d stake my life on it.” He shifted in his saddle, focusing on the tall pines and low hills this side of the western mountain range. “I think Drake’s men led us here to throw us off, the same way they did when we followed them from town, leaving the bank undefended. They aren’t hiding the cattle out here where they can be spotted. The herd is closer to the mountains where they have good grass and can be driven into any of a hundred canyons and valleys.”

“The Murton ranch is the last one south for miles. Drake knows it’s doubtful anyone other than a posse would find them.” Noah reached behind him for his canteen, taking a long swallow. “We can be at the Murton ranch by noon, rest the horses, then head into the mountains.”

Gabe reined Blackheart around toward Dax and Luke, who still searched an area a hundred yards away. “Find anything?”

“Nothing to indicate a herd of cattle have been in this area. Luke and I believe they’re hiding them closer to the mountains.” Dax always believed Drake would return to Splendor. His hatred for the Pelletiers ran deep, and Dax suspected the man felt the same about Tolbert. He wouldn’t leave the area until he’d exacted his form of vengeance on the two families.

Gabe nodded over his shoulder. “The others want to ride to the Murton ranch, continue the search from there.”

“Then it’s time we head out.” Luke shifted toward the rest of the Pelletier men. “Let’s go.”

Chapter Seventeen

Dirk Masters lay flat on his stomach, peering over the ridge to get a better view of the herd below. The valley where they grazed couldn’t be more than a hundred yards wide, but it spanned over a mile in depth. There was only one way in and one way out, the noise of the herd stifled by the high canyon walls.

He lifted his field glasses once more, counting the number of men guarding the herd. Five at most, which made sense as the cattle had no place to move except through the narrow opening at one end. He wondered how long the lush grass below would sustain them, guessing another few days, at most. Tolbert would need to make a decision soon if they were to go after the rustlers before they transferred the herd to another spot.

Dirk scooted back, not standing until ten feet separated him from the edge. He’d come here alone, telling Tolbert more men would increase the chances of being seen. The sun had risen midway toward its peak by the time he returned to their camp. He hadn’t dismounted before Tolbert confronted him.

“Did you find them?” Tolbert demanded, eyes hard, hands fisted on his waist.

“The herd is in a canyon a few miles away. Didn’t see the man you described as Drake, though.” He slid to the ground, passing Tolbert on his way to the pot of coffee resting on the embers of a recent fire. He grabbed a nearby cup and filled it, wincing at the bitter taste. “About five men guard the herd, and there’s only one way in.” He lowered into a crouch, nursing the nasty brew. He doubted it tasted any better when hot.

Tolbert crossed his arms and stared down at Dirk. “Did you find where the rest of men are camped?”

“Nope. Thought you’d want to know where they’ve got the herd. I can head back out, but I go alone, same as before.” He tossed out the remaining coffee and stood.

“I’ll send one man with you.”

“No. I can move better alone.”

Tolbert stepped forward. He wasn’t used to his hired men refusing an order. “I want a second man. If one of you is discovered, the other can ride back to warn us.”

“You want this done right, let me do it my way. You want to send someone else, fine. I’ll stay here in camp with the others and wait.”

The two stared at each other, neither flinching. Dirk had worked for Tolbert long enough to know the man didn’t know half of what he blustered about. Brute force and intimidation were his boss’ primary weapons. As far as Dirk could tell, he had no real skills as a rancher. But he didn’t need to as long as he had the money to hire those who did. The longer he worked for Tolbert, the more certain he became he’d be moving on at the end of summer to find work with men he respected.

Tolbert flinched first, not wanting to pass up an opportunity to find Drake. “Be back before sunset or I’ll send men to find you.”

“Wish I had more for you, Sheriff, but I haven’t seen anyone around here.” Ty Murton, the oldest of the Murton brothers, jumped from the back of the wagon where he’d been throwing hay into a nearby crib. “We’ve heard about the rustling at the Frey ranch, but so far, they haven’t touched us.”

The posse watched as two men rode toward them and reined to a stop.

“Sheriff, you know my brothers, Gil and Mark.”

Noah nudged Tempest forward, focusing his attention on Gil Murton. He’d grown up with Abby, and, according to what Noah had heard, been sweet on her most of his life. As with Noah, Tolbert had discouraged Abby from associating with what her father considered a family well beneath her in wealth and social standing. Noah shook his head at the thought. In New York, Philadelphia, or Boston, social standing would matter. In Splendor, it meant little.

He liked Gil, knew him to be a hard worker with goals of building their small ranch into something to rival Tolbert. No doubt in an attempt to win Abby. Noah had little doubt Gil would be a success, but he sure as hell wasn’t going to claim Abby.

Gabe finished explaining the reason for their visit, then dismounted, walking Blackheart to a nearby trough. Most of the others followed his lead as Ty, Gil, and Mark stood a few feet away, talking in quiet voices. When the three finished, Ty paced the few feet to stand by Gabe.

“We can’t spare all of us, but if you need help, Gil or Mark can ride along.”

Gabe knew the Murtons ran a thin operation. In fact, the only three ranch hands stood before them.

“Thanks, Ty, but we’re good with the men we have. Any information you can give us on places where cattle could be hidden would be appreciated, though.”

“Glad to. Bring everyone inside. Tilly’s got plenty of stew and biscuits if you’re hungry.” Ty married Tilly the year before, pulling her from a life at the Wild Rose and giving her the family she’d never had.

As everyone filled their stomachs with hot food, Gil sketched out different areas where cattle could be held without detection. When he finished, adjusting the map after comments from Mark and Ty, he sat back, eyeing the others.

“You know, it might take weeks to find the herd. They could drive them over the mountains into Idaho, but they’d need to wait another month for the passes to clear of snow.”

“What about Denver?” Noah asked, studying the map and noting the approximate distances Gil wrote down.

“It’s possible. A little more risk of Indian raids and the drive will take longer. ‘Course, they’ll lose cattle no matter which route they take.”

Mark leaned toward Ty, whispering in his ear.

“Might be best to start as far south as you can, then work north. They don’t want to be found, and the chances of being seen are greater the further north they go.” Ty nodded to Mark, who leaned back in his chair. Of the three, most knew little about Mark, other than he spoke little and was agonizingly shy to the point of being reclusive. “There’s a natural break in the mountain range about here.” He pointed to a spot on the map. “It’s doubtful they’d keep them further south than this last canyon.”

Abby closed her cash drawer. She’d finished with the last customer and had already counted the money, accounting for every penny. She felt more tired than normal today. She hadn’t slept well, waking up several times, lying awake and thinking about the dangers Noah might be facing.

He’d been gone two days without word. They’d made no firm plans, he had yet to tell her he loved her, but she knew her world would crumble if anything happened to him.

“Are you ready, Abby?” Sally Phelps crossed behind her toward the safe where Abby stored her drawer each night. Mr. Clausen left early, still tiring easily because of the wound to his arm, leaving Sally in charge of closing up.