Redemption's Edge by Shirleen Davies
Chapter Six
Rachel sat up and rubbed her eyes, having been roused awake by the loud knocking. “Coming!” She grabbed her wrap, slipping it on before yanking the door open to see Al, the bartender at the Wild Rose.
“We need the doctor, Miss Rachel. There’s been a fight at the saloon. One of the men has been shot pretty bad. We’ve got him out front of the clinic.”
“I’ll get the doctor.”
Charles hurried through the back door. He’d thrown on pants and a shirt, but still looked disheveled from Rachel shaking him awake. He looked down at an unconscious man, covered in blood and laying on the table.
Al and another man stood to the side, the eyes of the younger one showing a combination of fear and anger as he watched the doctor strip open the man’s shirt to expose the wound.
“Who is he?”
“Jeff Decker. He’s my brother.”
“What happened?”
“A man at the card table didn’t like losing and accused Jeff of cheating. Jeff stayed calm, told him maybe he shouldn’t be playing if he couldn’t afford to lose, then started dealing the cards. The man pulled a gun and fired, then took off. Can you help him?”
“I’ll do what I can.” Charles glanced at his niece, who took the cue.
Rachel settled the young man out front while Al went back to the Rose.
“What’s your name?” she asked him.
“Stephen.” He rested his elbows on his knees and covered his face with both hands. “Hell, it was just a friendly game. This shouldn’t have happened.”
“The doctor will do everything he can. Would you like some coffee?”
Stephen looked up, his eyes red. “No, thank you, ma’am.”
Rachel left him alone and joined her uncle.
“It’s not good. He’s lost a lot of blood. I need to get the bullet out, but his chances are slim.”
By dawn, the bullet had been removed, the area bandaged, and Jeff continued to cling to life. Still in grave danger, the young cowboy fought for each breath, giving Charles and Rachel hope he might make it. The biggest concern was infection. His brother had fallen asleep in a chair out front, knowing Jeff had made it through surgery.
“This has to stop.” Charles scrubbed a hand over his face.
Rachel turned to him. “What?”
“This is the fourth shooting since the sheriff was murdered, and that doesn’t include the foreman out at the Pelletier place. Men think they can ride in, do whatever they want, then ride out. We have no one to protect us.” His eyes met Rachel’s. Her safety weighed heavily on him, knowing his sister would never forgive him if anything happened to her daughter. Charles knew he’d never forgive himself, either. “You should leave. Go back to Boston where you’ll be safe.”
“We’ve talked about this before. I’m not leaving.”
“Rachel, listen to me. It’s been months since the sheriff was killed. No one in Splendor is interested in taking the job, and we’ve had no responses from the inquiries we’ve made around the territory. The country has a lot of angry men roaming around who’ve lost their homes, families, and their way to make a living after the war. They’re desperate and preying on smaller settlements where raiding is easy. I’m afraid it will get worse. You’ll be safe in Boston.”
She sat down on a nearby chair and tucked stray strands of hair behind her ears, too tired to have this discussion tonight. “I won’t leave unless you do.”
“You know I can’t do that. Who’d care for these people?”
“Then neither of us goes. We’ll have to find another solution to the problem. There must be someone who’ll take the job. Even if it’s just temporary.” She thought a moment, then blew out a breath. “I have an idea.”
Charles looked at her.
“The Pelletier brothers are Texas Rangers. They plan to stay for a while, until they decide what to do with the ranch. Maybe one or both would help out.”
Charles considered the idea. “Seems to me they have their hands full with the ranch. However, it would solve the problem, at least until we can find someone to permanently take the job.”
“Fine. I’ll ride out to their place tomorrow.” She leaned her head against the wall and closed her eyes.
“Maybe one of the men should ride out. Mr. Clausen at the bank, or Griggs at the telegraph office. A man might have better luck.”
Rachel’s eyes shot open. “You don’t believe I can do something as simple as riding out and talking to the Pelletiers?” Her sharp retort told Charles he’d stepped over some imagined boundary.
“Fine. You go. Right now, I need some sleep. Will you be okay here alone?”
“Yes. I’ll be fine.” She relaxed again and slumped into the chair. “I’ll let you know if there’s any change.”
“Good morning, Miss Tolbert. We’ve come to see your father, if he’s home.”
“Mr. Pelletier, correct?” Abby asked.
“That’s right. This is my brother, Luke.”
She glanced between the men, noting the similarities and differences between the two.
“Please, come in. I’ll let Father know you’re here.” She showed them to Tolbert’s study. “May I get you anything?”
“No, ma’am. Thank you.”
They didn’t wait long. King Tolbert walked in, his lack of warmth an indication of how much their visit displeased him. “What can I do for you, gentlemen?” He took a seat behind his desk and sat back.
Dax leaned forward in his chair. “You wouldn’t know anything about an attempt to stampede our herd, would you?”
King eyed his visitors, surprised at the speed with which they’d confronted him.
“Certainly not. I sincerely hope no one was injured.”
“No one was injured and we lost no cattle. So, the time was misspent for whoever ordered the action.” Dax stood and walked to a nearby window and glanced out, then turned back to Tolbert. “You, of course, know of Drake’s past, the accusations against him?” Dax noticed the look of surprise on the man’s face.
“Past accusations mean nothing to me.”
“And what is it that he does for you…besides intimidate other ranchers?”
“It sounds as if you’re accusing me of more than the unfortunate incident with your herd. I’d be careful of false accusations if I were you.” Tolbert’s voiced hardened with each word. He stood, walked around his desk to the office door and pulled it open. “I believe it’s time for the two of you to leave.”
They walked to the open door, Dax stopping within inches of Tolbert, glaring down at the man. “Listen well, Tolbert. We won’t tolerate the actions made against our men or property, and we will not bend to intimidation. If we discover you or any of your men are involved, there will be hell to pay, and you’ll be our main target.”
They pushed past Tolbert to walk outside and mount their horses as Drake and a few men rode in from the direction of town.
“General. Major.” Drake touched the brim of his hat with a finger, his sarcastic tone not lost on Dax or Luke. Neither acknowledged the man, other than to keep their eyes trained on him until they’d ridden past.
“The man’s dirty,” Luke commented.
“As much as any man I’ve ever met.” Dax nudged Hannibal into a gallop, knowing events would get worse, much worse, before Tolbert and the actions of his men were stopped.
“Hello, Mrs. Wilson. I apologize for dropping by like this.” Rachel had ridden to the ranch late that morning, hoping to catch Dax and Luke during their midday meal. She’d had to fight butterflies in her stomach the entire way, knowing the source of her unease. He’d never followed up on his request to call on her and Rachel suspected she knew the reason.
“Nonsense, Miss Davenport. It’s good to see you again. Please, come in.” Bernice stepped aside to let Rachel in.
“How is Mr. Wilson? Would you like me to check on him while I’m here?”
“He’s doing fine. Cranky, of course, and ready to get back to work. I figure I can k
eep him down about another two days. How about something to drink?”
“No, thank you. Actually, I’ve come to speak with the Pelletiers. Are they around?”
“I expect them and the others any minute. They don’t waste much time when there’s food waiting.” Bernice began to untie her apron when the sound of approaching horses caught her attention. “That must be them.”
Rachel stood at the pounding of boots on the front steps. The sound kept rhythm with a similar hammering in her chest. The door burst open as Dax and Luke strolled in first, followed by Bull, Ellis, and Rude. They stopped when Rachel came forward.
“Miss Davenport,” Dax greeted her as he pulled off his hat and placed it on the hook of the hall stand. “I thought I recognized your horse outside. To what do we owe this visit?” His gaze wandered over her, settling on the cautious smile she offered.
“I came to see you and your brother.” She looked at Luke, who stood a foot away. “If you have the time, of course.”
“We’ll make time. Join us for dinner first, then we’ll take as long as you need.” He motioned to a chair and sat across from her, deciding sitting next to her would be too much of a temptation and would test his already slim control when it came to Rachel.
Dax’s intense gaze rarely left her during the meal. The men told stories, eliciting smiles and full-fledged laughter from her. He liked the sound—deep and genuine.
“Guess we’d better get going.” Ellis stood. “Thanks, Bernice.”
The others followed his lead and within a minute, Rachel had been left alone with Bernice and the brothers.
“I’ll clean this up while you three talk.”
“I’m happy to help,” Rachel offered.
“No, dear. You go ahead and meet with the boys before they have to head out. I need to check on Hank anyway.”
The corners of Rachel’s mouth lifted at her use of the term “the boys.” She had a hard time seeing either as anything other than full-grown, and quite attractive, men.
Dax ushered her into the study and to a divan against one wall. “What can we do for you?”
He’d spent much of their meal focusing on her mouth, remembering how much he’d wanted to taste her lips, wondering what her response would have been if he’d taken her in his arms for a proper kiss. He imagined her proper, sophisticated exterior might crumble once she met the right man, someone who could kindle the passion he believed hid within her.
“Did either of you hear about the shooting in town last night?”
Dax blinked, her question yanking him out of his daydream and back to the present.
The men glanced at each other and shook their heads. “No, can’t say we have,” Luke answered as he took a seat in one of the chairs across from her, Dax sitting in the other.
“Several men were playing cards when one of them accused a young cowhand of cheating. Everyone ignored the man, which must have angered him more. He pulled out a gun and shot the cowboy. My uncle removed the bullet and is still keeping watch over him. We hope he’ll pull through.”
“Can anyone identify the man who shot him?” Dax leaned forward in his seat, his eyes fixed on Rachel.
“Perhaps the bartender or others who were there last night can. He wasn’t alone. Apparently, they all rode out of town after the shooting. That’s the fourth shooting in six weeks, not counting Mr. Wilson.”
“And why are you telling us this?” Dax asked, knowing there must be a reason why she’d taken time out of her day to ride all the way to their ranch to deliver this information.
She straightened, moving up to the edge of the divan and folding her hands in her lap. “No one in Splendor is interested in taking the position as sheriff. My uncle and several others have sent queries out, without success.”
“And you came here to see if one of us would be interested in the position, correct?” Dax stood and walked over to the desk, crossing his arms and leaning a hip against the edge.
“You must understand. The town wasn’t like this before the sheriff was murdered. He kept the town clean.”
“Appears someone didn’t appreciate the fine job he did.” Luke stretched his legs out, trying to relieve the ache in the one with the old bullet wound.
She looked from one to the other, hoping to see some spark of interest. Both faces remained impassive.
“I know you have a ranch to run and you plan to return to Texas. All I’m asking is that you consider helping us while you’re here.”
Her tongue flicked out to moisten her lips, a nervous reaction which created an immediate impact on Dax. He shifted his stance and dropped his arms to his sides before taking a seat behind the desk.
“I appreciate the confidence you have in us, Miss Davenport, but I’ve got more than I can handle with the threats to our men. Luke?” Dax’s dismissive tone sliced through Rachel.
“I’m sorry, but I agree with Dax. Right now, we need to focus on this place, then get back to our regular jobs.”
“As Texas Rangers.” She’d hoped at least one of them would offer to help. She believed they’d see and acknowledge the need. Her hopes fell at the realization neither felt the town merited their help.
“Yes.” Dax felt a pang of guilt at declining her plea. “We could send a telegraph to our captain. Perhaps he’ll know of someone who’d be interested.” He watched as her face fell and wished it could be otherwise.
Rachel grasped her reticule and stood, moving toward the door. “Well, thank you both for your time. I’m certain you have work to get back to.” Her voice held no censure, only disappointment.
“Miss Davenport, wait.” Dax took a few steps forward, stopping a foot away. Neither said a word.
“Guess I’d better get back to the men.” Luke glanced at his brother as he walked past them. “It was good to see you again, Miss Davenport.” He closed the door behind him, leaving the two alone in the study.
Rachel kept her gaze fixed on Dax, making no attempt to leave. She felt her chest rise and fall, incapable of drawing a full breath. Resentment rose within her at his refusal to assist her friends and neighbors. At the same time, desire flared, and with it, an almost desperate need for him to reach out and pull her close.
He couldn’t look away. He’d meant to ride into town, take her to supper, and spend a quiet evening getting to know her, asking all the questions that had been swirling through his mind. Yet the knowledge of her agreement to share a meal with King Tolbert held him back. Dax wondered about her relationship with the rancher and why it even bothered him. There was no place in his life for a woman from Montana, regardless of the attraction he felt.
He lifted a hand toward her face, intending to stroke his knuckles down her cheek, then pulled back and dropped his arm.
“About the night outside the clinic… I should never have asked to call on you.” He spoke in a gentle voice. “I’m sorry I haven’t said anything sooner or told you my plans had changed.”
Rachel tore her eyes away from him, confused by his comment and angry he’d apologized over something she’d hoped would happen. She’d been looking forward to a visit, perhaps supper with the captivating southerner. Now she knew why he’d never come by. He regretted asking her.
She drew herself up, lifting her chin and feeling a wave of humiliation at his regret over asking to call on her. She could feel the heat of embarrassment rise up her neck and face, but refused to turn away.
“It’s quite all right, Mr. Pelletier. I’d forgotten all about it.” She turned toward the door, then stopped. “Again, thank you for hearing me out. If you do learn of someone with an interest in helping us, please let my uncle know.”
Rachel walked the few steps to the front door and dashed down the porch steps. She grabbed Old Pete’s reins, mounted, and turned him toward town, not looking back to see Dax standing on the porch, hands shoved into his pockets, a look of disappointment and confusion playing across his face. She wanted to get as far away from him as fast as possible and, with luck, no
t lay eyes on Dax Pelletier for a good long time.
“Perhaps we should consider it.” Luke rode alongside his brother a few days later, watching the ranch hands circle up the cattle in a nearby pasture.
“What?”
“Taking the sheriff job until they can find someone else.”
Dax cocked an eyebrow and cast him a disbelieving look. “Is there a reason you think we should take on more work?”
“I’m not looking to take on more work, but this is something we’re trained to do and the town needs help. We could split it up.” Luke tipped his hat lower on his forehead, shading his eyes from the intense sun. “It may be something we should think about a little more.”
They rode in silence, combining the small herds into a large pasture until the sun began to set over the Territory Range. There were mountains in the eastern states, long ranges of unending forests and clear lakes. Yet neither Dax nor Luke had ever seen anything to rival the size and majestic beauty of the mountains in the western region.
“Have you selected men for tonight’s watch?” Luke slid off Prince and picked up a foreleg to inspect a hoof.
“Bull and Ellis are staying, along with several others. I think it would be a good idea if you and I circled the outer perimeter to keep watch for a while.”
“Out of sight?”
“That’s right.”
“I’d sure like to catch those doing the shooting. You think anyone else besides Tolbert is behind the attacks?”
“Hank doesn’t know of anyone else who’d attempt something like this. There’s a large ranch on the other side of Tolbert—too far away from this property to make any sense to pursue. Another good-sized ranch lies to the west of us. It’s owned by two brothers Hank’s known for years. He swears there’s no chance either would be involved in what’s going on. The other ranchers have small spreads and not enough men. His money’s on Tolbert, the same as ours.”
“What about Drake? Could he be working on his own?”
“Perhaps. He sure as hell would like to see us back in Texas. The man’s got a real temper. It got him into trouble several times under my command. He’s fearsome in a fight, but doesn’t know how to let it go afterwards. Tends to bring his mean streak back into camp. He has a history of gathering followers, those who don’t possess the brightest minds. He’s also the type others hire to carry out actions too dangerous or too beneath them.” Dax scanned the area once again and wondered if Drake could be working on his own without direct instruction from Tolbert.
“Did you recognize any of the men riding with him?”
“A couple were in my unit. Disappeared the same time he did. I would’ve ordered the lot of them shot if I’d had the extra men to track them down.” Dax signaled to Bull, letting the man know he and Luke were leaving to take positions on the outer perimeter. He looked at this brother. “You call it.”
“I’ll head up there, take up a position near that ridge.” Luke pointed toward a rocky outcropping a couple hundred yards away.
“I’ll be opposite you.” Dax turned Hannibal, continuing to watch the men and cattle, as something nagged at him about the whole situation.
He didn’t know what bothered him the most. Tolbert and his henchman, Rachel’s request and his subsequent refusal to help the town, or the woman herself.
She’d weighed on his mind each day and night since she’d ridden off after his poor attempt at explaining his decision not to call on her. He’d wanted to assure Rachel his change of heart had nothing to do with her, at least not in the way she may have thought. She’d responded quite different from the way he’d expected, leaving before he had a chance to explain.
He kept thinking of the gleam in her eyes when he’d asked to call on her. She’d been eager to see him again. He remembered all of it. The feel of her against him as they rode to town, the disappointed look she’d cast him when her uncle stepped outside. Every detail replayed over in his mind.
Then the mention of King Tolbert. It had been as if someone had thrown cold water over him, and with it, a dose of reality. Dax wanted her, no doubt about it. At the same time, he believed his stay in Splendor would be short and he understood, without hesitation, that Rachel Davenport would not be a short-term woman. No. She’d be someone a man could get hooked on, marry, and build a life around. None of those were part of his future.
Dax dismounted, settled under a stand of pine, drew out his rifle, and leaned against a boulder. The position gave an excellent view of the pasture below, as well as the majestic skyline of the Territory Range. He could just make out Luke’s form opposite him. He glanced up at the darkening sky and thought more of Rachel, wishing he could find a way to purge her from his mind.
~~~~~
Rachel sat up and rubbed her eyes, having been roused awake by the loud knocking. “Coming!” She grabbed her wrap, slipping it on before yanking the door open to see Al, the bartender at the Wild Rose.
“We need the doctor, Miss Rachel. There’s been a fight at the saloon. One of the men has been shot pretty bad. We’ve got him out front of the clinic.”
“I’ll get the doctor.”
Charles hurried through the back door. He’d thrown on pants and a shirt, but still looked disheveled from Rachel shaking him awake. He looked down at an unconscious man, covered in blood and laying on the table.
Al and another man stood to the side, the eyes of the younger one showing a combination of fear and anger as he watched the doctor strip open the man’s shirt to expose the wound.
“Who is he?”
“Jeff Decker. He’s my brother.”
“What happened?”
“A man at the card table didn’t like losing and accused Jeff of cheating. Jeff stayed calm, told him maybe he shouldn’t be playing if he couldn’t afford to lose, then started dealing the cards. The man pulled a gun and fired, then took off. Can you help him?”
“I’ll do what I can.” Charles glanced at his niece, who took the cue.
Rachel settled the young man out front while Al went back to the Rose.
“What’s your name?” she asked him.
“Stephen.” He rested his elbows on his knees and covered his face with both hands. “Hell, it was just a friendly game. This shouldn’t have happened.”
“The doctor will do everything he can. Would you like some coffee?”
Stephen looked up, his eyes red. “No, thank you, ma’am.”
Rachel left him alone and joined her uncle.
“It’s not good. He’s lost a lot of blood. I need to get the bullet out, but his chances are slim.”
By dawn, the bullet had been removed, the area bandaged, and Jeff continued to cling to life. Still in grave danger, the young cowboy fought for each breath, giving Charles and Rachel hope he might make it. The biggest concern was infection. His brother had fallen asleep in a chair out front, knowing Jeff had made it through surgery.
“This has to stop.” Charles scrubbed a hand over his face.
Rachel turned to him. “What?”
“This is the fourth shooting since the sheriff was murdered, and that doesn’t include the foreman out at the Pelletier place. Men think they can ride in, do whatever they want, then ride out. We have no one to protect us.” His eyes met Rachel’s. Her safety weighed heavily on him, knowing his sister would never forgive him if anything happened to her daughter. Charles knew he’d never forgive himself, either. “You should leave. Go back to Boston where you’ll be safe.”
“We’ve talked about this before. I’m not leaving.”
“Rachel, listen to me. It’s been months since the sheriff was killed. No one in Splendor is interested in taking the job, and we’ve had no responses from the inquiries we’ve made around the territory. The country has a lot of angry men roaming around who’ve lost their homes, families, and their way to make a living after the war. They’re desperate and preying on smaller settlements where raiding is easy. I’m afraid it will get worse. You’ll be safe in Boston.”
She sat down on a nearby chair and tucked stray strands of hair behind her ears, too tired to have this discussion tonight. “I won’t leave unless you do.”
“You know I can’t do that. Who’d care for these people?”
“Then neither of us goes. We’ll have to find another solution to the problem. There must be someone who’ll take the job. Even if it’s just temporary.” She thought a moment, then blew out a breath. “I have an idea.”
Charles looked at her.
“The Pelletier brothers are Texas Rangers. They plan to stay for a while, until they decide what to do with the ranch. Maybe one or both would help out.”
Charles considered the idea. “Seems to me they have their hands full with the ranch. However, it would solve the problem, at least until we can find someone to permanently take the job.”
“Fine. I’ll ride out to their place tomorrow.” She leaned her head against the wall and closed her eyes.
“Maybe one of the men should ride out. Mr. Clausen at the bank, or Griggs at the telegraph office. A man might have better luck.”
Rachel’s eyes shot open. “You don’t believe I can do something as simple as riding out and talking to the Pelletiers?” Her sharp retort told Charles he’d stepped over some imagined boundary.
“Fine. You go. Right now, I need some sleep. Will you be okay here alone?”
“Yes. I’ll be fine.” She relaxed again and slumped into the chair. “I’ll let you know if there’s any change.”
“Good morning, Miss Tolbert. We’ve come to see your father, if he’s home.”
“Mr. Pelletier, correct?” Abby asked.
“That’s right. This is my brother, Luke.”
She glanced between the men, noting the similarities and differences between the two.
“Please, come in. I’ll let Father know you’re here.” She showed them to Tolbert’s study. “May I get you anything?”
“No, ma’am. Thank you.”
They didn’t wait long. King Tolbert walked in, his lack of warmth an indication of how much their visit displeased him. “What can I do for you, gentlemen?” He took a seat behind his desk and sat back.
Dax leaned forward in his chair. “You wouldn’t know anything about an attempt to stampede our herd, would you?”
King eyed his visitors, surprised at the speed with which they’d confronted him.
“Certainly not. I sincerely hope no one was injured.”
“No one was injured and we lost no cattle. So, the time was misspent for whoever ordered the action.” Dax stood and walked to a nearby window and glanced out, then turned back to Tolbert. “You, of course, know of Drake’s past, the accusations against him?” Dax noticed the look of surprise on the man’s face.
“Past accusations mean nothing to me.”
“And what is it that he does for you…besides intimidate other ranchers?”
“It sounds as if you’re accusing me of more than the unfortunate incident with your herd. I’d be careful of false accusations if I were you.” Tolbert’s voiced hardened with each word. He stood, walked around his desk to the office door and pulled it open. “I believe it’s time for the two of you to leave.”
They walked to the open door, Dax stopping within inches of Tolbert, glaring down at the man. “Listen well, Tolbert. We won’t tolerate the actions made against our men or property, and we will not bend to intimidation. If we discover you or any of your men are involved, there will be hell to pay, and you’ll be our main target.”
They pushed past Tolbert to walk outside and mount their horses as Drake and a few men rode in from the direction of town.
“General. Major.” Drake touched the brim of his hat with a finger, his sarcastic tone not lost on Dax or Luke. Neither acknowledged the man, other than to keep their eyes trained on him until they’d ridden past.
“The man’s dirty,” Luke commented.
“As much as any man I’ve ever met.” Dax nudged Hannibal into a gallop, knowing events would get worse, much worse, before Tolbert and the actions of his men were stopped.
“Hello, Mrs. Wilson. I apologize for dropping by like this.” Rachel had ridden to the ranch late that morning, hoping to catch Dax and Luke during their midday meal. She’d had to fight butterflies in her stomach the entire way, knowing the source of her unease. He’d never followed up on his request to call on her and Rachel suspected she knew the reason.
“Nonsense, Miss Davenport. It’s good to see you again. Please, come in.” Bernice stepped aside to let Rachel in.
“How is Mr. Wilson? Would you like me to check on him while I’m here?”
“He’s doing fine. Cranky, of course, and ready to get back to work. I figure I can k
“No, thank you. Actually, I’ve come to speak with the Pelletiers. Are they around?”
“I expect them and the others any minute. They don’t waste much time when there’s food waiting.” Bernice began to untie her apron when the sound of approaching horses caught her attention. “That must be them.”
Rachel stood at the pounding of boots on the front steps. The sound kept rhythm with a similar hammering in her chest. The door burst open as Dax and Luke strolled in first, followed by Bull, Ellis, and Rude. They stopped when Rachel came forward.
“Miss Davenport,” Dax greeted her as he pulled off his hat and placed it on the hook of the hall stand. “I thought I recognized your horse outside. To what do we owe this visit?” His gaze wandered over her, settling on the cautious smile she offered.
“I came to see you and your brother.” She looked at Luke, who stood a foot away. “If you have the time, of course.”
“We’ll make time. Join us for dinner first, then we’ll take as long as you need.” He motioned to a chair and sat across from her, deciding sitting next to her would be too much of a temptation and would test his already slim control when it came to Rachel.
Dax’s intense gaze rarely left her during the meal. The men told stories, eliciting smiles and full-fledged laughter from her. He liked the sound—deep and genuine.
“Guess we’d better get going.” Ellis stood. “Thanks, Bernice.”
The others followed his lead and within a minute, Rachel had been left alone with Bernice and the brothers.
“I’ll clean this up while you three talk.”
“I’m happy to help,” Rachel offered.
“No, dear. You go ahead and meet with the boys before they have to head out. I need to check on Hank anyway.”
The corners of Rachel’s mouth lifted at her use of the term “the boys.” She had a hard time seeing either as anything other than full-grown, and quite attractive, men.
Dax ushered her into the study and to a divan against one wall. “What can we do for you?”
He’d spent much of their meal focusing on her mouth, remembering how much he’d wanted to taste her lips, wondering what her response would have been if he’d taken her in his arms for a proper kiss. He imagined her proper, sophisticated exterior might crumble once she met the right man, someone who could kindle the passion he believed hid within her.
“Did either of you hear about the shooting in town last night?”
Dax blinked, her question yanking him out of his daydream and back to the present.
The men glanced at each other and shook their heads. “No, can’t say we have,” Luke answered as he took a seat in one of the chairs across from her, Dax sitting in the other.
“Several men were playing cards when one of them accused a young cowhand of cheating. Everyone ignored the man, which must have angered him more. He pulled out a gun and shot the cowboy. My uncle removed the bullet and is still keeping watch over him. We hope he’ll pull through.”
“Can anyone identify the man who shot him?” Dax leaned forward in his seat, his eyes fixed on Rachel.
“Perhaps the bartender or others who were there last night can. He wasn’t alone. Apparently, they all rode out of town after the shooting. That’s the fourth shooting in six weeks, not counting Mr. Wilson.”
“And why are you telling us this?” Dax asked, knowing there must be a reason why she’d taken time out of her day to ride all the way to their ranch to deliver this information.
She straightened, moving up to the edge of the divan and folding her hands in her lap. “No one in Splendor is interested in taking the position as sheriff. My uncle and several others have sent queries out, without success.”
“And you came here to see if one of us would be interested in the position, correct?” Dax stood and walked over to the desk, crossing his arms and leaning a hip against the edge.
“You must understand. The town wasn’t like this before the sheriff was murdered. He kept the town clean.”
“Appears someone didn’t appreciate the fine job he did.” Luke stretched his legs out, trying to relieve the ache in the one with the old bullet wound.
She looked from one to the other, hoping to see some spark of interest. Both faces remained impassive.
“I know you have a ranch to run and you plan to return to Texas. All I’m asking is that you consider helping us while you’re here.”
Her tongue flicked out to moisten her lips, a nervous reaction which created an immediate impact on Dax. He shifted his stance and dropped his arms to his sides before taking a seat behind the desk.
“I appreciate the confidence you have in us, Miss Davenport, but I’ve got more than I can handle with the threats to our men. Luke?” Dax’s dismissive tone sliced through Rachel.
“I’m sorry, but I agree with Dax. Right now, we need to focus on this place, then get back to our regular jobs.”
“As Texas Rangers.” She’d hoped at least one of them would offer to help. She believed they’d see and acknowledge the need. Her hopes fell at the realization neither felt the town merited their help.
“Yes.” Dax felt a pang of guilt at declining her plea. “We could send a telegraph to our captain. Perhaps he’ll know of someone who’d be interested.” He watched as her face fell and wished it could be otherwise.
Rachel grasped her reticule and stood, moving toward the door. “Well, thank you both for your time. I’m certain you have work to get back to.” Her voice held no censure, only disappointment.
“Miss Davenport, wait.” Dax took a few steps forward, stopping a foot away. Neither said a word.
“Guess I’d better get back to the men.” Luke glanced at his brother as he walked past them. “It was good to see you again, Miss Davenport.” He closed the door behind him, leaving the two alone in the study.
Rachel kept her gaze fixed on Dax, making no attempt to leave. She felt her chest rise and fall, incapable of drawing a full breath. Resentment rose within her at his refusal to assist her friends and neighbors. At the same time, desire flared, and with it, an almost desperate need for him to reach out and pull her close.
He couldn’t look away. He’d meant to ride into town, take her to supper, and spend a quiet evening getting to know her, asking all the questions that had been swirling through his mind. Yet the knowledge of her agreement to share a meal with King Tolbert held him back. Dax wondered about her relationship with the rancher and why it even bothered him. There was no place in his life for a woman from Montana, regardless of the attraction he felt.
He lifted a hand toward her face, intending to stroke his knuckles down her cheek, then pulled back and dropped his arm.
“About the night outside the clinic… I should never have asked to call on you.” He spoke in a gentle voice. “I’m sorry I haven’t said anything sooner or told you my plans had changed.”
Rachel tore her eyes away from him, confused by his comment and angry he’d apologized over something she’d hoped would happen. She’d been looking forward to a visit, perhaps supper with the captivating southerner. Now she knew why he’d never come by. He regretted asking her.
She drew herself up, lifting her chin and feeling a wave of humiliation at his regret over asking to call on her. She could feel the heat of embarrassment rise up her neck and face, but refused to turn away.
“It’s quite all right, Mr. Pelletier. I’d forgotten all about it.” She turned toward the door, then stopped. “Again, thank you for hearing me out. If you do learn of someone with an interest in helping us, please let my uncle know.”
Rachel walked the few steps to the front door and dashed down the porch steps. She grabbed Old Pete’s reins, mounted, and turned him toward town, not looking back to see Dax standing on the porch, hands shoved into his pockets, a look of disappointment and confusion playing across his face. She wanted to get as far away from him as fast as possible and, with luck, no
“Perhaps we should consider it.” Luke rode alongside his brother a few days later, watching the ranch hands circle up the cattle in a nearby pasture.
“What?”
“Taking the sheriff job until they can find someone else.”
Dax cocked an eyebrow and cast him a disbelieving look. “Is there a reason you think we should take on more work?”
“I’m not looking to take on more work, but this is something we’re trained to do and the town needs help. We could split it up.” Luke tipped his hat lower on his forehead, shading his eyes from the intense sun. “It may be something we should think about a little more.”
They rode in silence, combining the small herds into a large pasture until the sun began to set over the Territory Range. There were mountains in the eastern states, long ranges of unending forests and clear lakes. Yet neither Dax nor Luke had ever seen anything to rival the size and majestic beauty of the mountains in the western region.
“Have you selected men for tonight’s watch?” Luke slid off Prince and picked up a foreleg to inspect a hoof.
“Bull and Ellis are staying, along with several others. I think it would be a good idea if you and I circled the outer perimeter to keep watch for a while.”
“Out of sight?”
“That’s right.”
“I’d sure like to catch those doing the shooting. You think anyone else besides Tolbert is behind the attacks?”
“Hank doesn’t know of anyone else who’d attempt something like this. There’s a large ranch on the other side of Tolbert—too far away from this property to make any sense to pursue. Another good-sized ranch lies to the west of us. It’s owned by two brothers Hank’s known for years. He swears there’s no chance either would be involved in what’s going on. The other ranchers have small spreads and not enough men. His money’s on Tolbert, the same as ours.”
“What about Drake? Could he be working on his own?”
“Perhaps. He sure as hell would like to see us back in Texas. The man’s got a real temper. It got him into trouble several times under my command. He’s fearsome in a fight, but doesn’t know how to let it go afterwards. Tends to bring his mean streak back into camp. He has a history of gathering followers, those who don’t possess the brightest minds. He’s also the type others hire to carry out actions too dangerous or too beneath them.” Dax scanned the area once again and wondered if Drake could be working on his own without direct instruction from Tolbert.
“Did you recognize any of the men riding with him?”
“A couple were in my unit. Disappeared the same time he did. I would’ve ordered the lot of them shot if I’d had the extra men to track them down.” Dax signaled to Bull, letting the man know he and Luke were leaving to take positions on the outer perimeter. He looked at this brother. “You call it.”
“I’ll head up there, take up a position near that ridge.” Luke pointed toward a rocky outcropping a couple hundred yards away.
“I’ll be opposite you.” Dax turned Hannibal, continuing to watch the men and cattle, as something nagged at him about the whole situation.
He didn’t know what bothered him the most. Tolbert and his henchman, Rachel’s request and his subsequent refusal to help the town, or the woman herself.
She’d weighed on his mind each day and night since she’d ridden off after his poor attempt at explaining his decision not to call on her. He’d wanted to assure Rachel his change of heart had nothing to do with her, at least not in the way she may have thought. She’d responded quite different from the way he’d expected, leaving before he had a chance to explain.
He kept thinking of the gleam in her eyes when he’d asked to call on her. She’d been eager to see him again. He remembered all of it. The feel of her against him as they rode to town, the disappointed look she’d cast him when her uncle stepped outside. Every detail replayed over in his mind.
Then the mention of King Tolbert. It had been as if someone had thrown cold water over him, and with it, a dose of reality. Dax wanted her, no doubt about it. At the same time, he believed his stay in Splendor would be short and he understood, without hesitation, that Rachel Davenport would not be a short-term woman. No. She’d be someone a man could get hooked on, marry, and build a life around. None of those were part of his future.
Dax dismounted, settled under a stand of pine, drew out his rifle, and leaned against a boulder. The position gave an excellent view of the pasture below, as well as the majestic skyline of the Territory Range. He could just make out Luke’s form opposite him. He glanced up at the darkening sky and thought more of Rachel, wishing he could find a way to purge her from his mind.
~~~~~