Redemption's Edge

by Shirleen Davies

Chapter Twenty

  “They took off early this morning. I heard they were headed to our old camp south of town.” Bill had ridden away from the rest of the Pelletier cowhands toward the new camp in the hills west of the ranch. Not only had the group found a secluded canyon a couple of miles from where the cattle grazed, they’d also discovered caves covered by thick brush and trees.

  “How many men are with the herd, and who’s left back at their house?” Duff asked.

  “As far as I know, it’s the old man and his wife, plus the two injured men. Everyone else is with the herd.” Bill scratched his stubbled chin. “There must be close to twenty men either with the herd or checking for strays. They leave a few men with the herd at night. The rest, which I’m guessing to be about twelve men, will go back to the bunkhouse. The Pelletiers almost always ride back to the ranch, so you’re looking at maybe fourteen men.”

  “I’m looking for better odds than that.”

  “We can’t keep waiting, Duff,” Whitey protested. “We need to make our move soon. They know we’re looking for them—”

  “And that’s why we wait. We need them to think we’ve left the area, given up on going after them. That’s when we attack.”

  “We didn’t sign up for this to take a year of our lives. We’ve got banks to rob and we’re wasting time. I say we ride in tonight and take them while they sleep.” Whitey stood inches from his brother, his features hard.

  Duff pushed him back, causing Whitey to stumble and fall. “Get out of my face. I say we wait and that’s what we’ll do.” He started to turn, then stopped when he heard the cocking of a gun. He looked over his shoulder to see Whitey, still on the ground, his gun drawn and pointed at Duff.

  Before Whitey knew what happened, Duff spun and kicked the gun from his hand, landed another kick to his jaw, then planted a boot on his brother’s chest while pulling his own gun, pointing it at Whitey’s head.

  “Don’t ever threaten me again. Next time you do, I’ll use this.” Duff lowered the revolver a few inches closer to Whitey’s face. “You understand me?”

  Whitey wiped blood from his face and nodded. “Sure, Duff. I understand.”

  “Good.” Duff stepped backward, keeping his gaze trained on Whitey, holstering his gun. He surprised himself with how quick he’d moved with his bad leg, but now it hurt like a son of a bitch.

  Bill looked between the two brothers, believing it wouldn’t be long before one of them did shoot the other over the reason for their trip.

  “I’ve got to head back. Either Jed or I will let you know what’s happening.” Bill mounted his horse and started off toward the herd, glad to get away from the tension at their camp. He and Jed would need to find the opportunity soon, or someone besides the two Texas Rangers would end up dead.

  “Seems to me everyone is doing fine here. Janie certainly recovered well.” Charles closed up the satchel he’d carried into the Weston house. “You certain it’s no problem for us to stay the night?”

  “As long as you and your niece don’t mind bedding down in the same room as our youngest.” Lee Weston stood a few feet away, arms crossed over his lean chest.

  “That’s fine with us. We hope to get an early start in the morning. Ty Murton told me the Kuhn place is a couple of hours from here.”

  “Sounds about right. As long as the weather holds, you’ll be fine.” Lee bent down to pick up Janie.

  “I suspect you don’t get many visitors out this way.” Charles had met Leander Weston two other times. Once when he’d brought his oldest son into the clinic, and the second when he and his wife had brought Janie into town a few weeks ago.

  The first time, Weston had ridden most of the day, listening to his son’s hacking cough and feeling his temperature rise. If he’d waited one more day, the chances were slim his son would’ve survived. It had taken two days to break the fever and another two to get enough food in the boy to make the return trip to their ranch. Lee had waited less time to bring Janie to town. A good indication the family valued his skills.

  “Not many. A group of riders passed by last night, but didn’t stop. Maybe four or five men. They stopped a few yards from the barn and I thought they might ask to stay the night. I’m glad they didn’t.” He bounced his daughter a few times before she squirmed to be set down. “Good thing. I don’t much care for nighttime visitors. Usually means trouble of some sort.”

  “I know what you mean.”

  They turned as Rachel and Mrs. Weston walked in, a couple of kids at their heels.

  “I’ll finish up supper. Won’t take long, then we can put the little ones to bed.” Marci Weston’s eyes sparkled when she looked up at her husband, her short, round frame in sharp contrast to his tall, lean body.

  Two hours later, the last lantern had been extinguished and the house fell silent. Rachel lay next to Janie, staring at the ceiling and letting her mind wander to Dax. No matter how much she willed herself to think of other things, her thoughts had strayed little from him the last couple of days. She’d come to terms with his decision to leave and believed it to be the right choice for both of them.

  Rachel now accepted how much she did want to marry and raise a family in Splendor. Even with the occasional danger, unpredictable weather, and unending work, there wasn’t any other place she wanted to live. In a few short months, it had become her home and she felt grateful her uncle had encouraged her to give it a chance. Her mind sorted through the possibilities of the men already in Splendor. Except for Dax, no one held any appeal. Not even Gabe Evans. Although the man was quite handsome, educated, and easy to talk to, there simply was not the attraction she felt toward Dax. Besides, he had the same desire to roam the country without commitments.

  She considered some of the cowhands, finally allowing a smile to break cross her face as she contemplated an unorthodox approach, at least for women. Perhaps she’d check into a mail order husband. She raised a hand to stifle a laugh. Why not? Men did it, why couldn’t a woman? She closed her eyes and turned on her side, promising herself to at least consider the unconventional approach to starting a family.

  “What now?” Lem Pruett set down his whiskey and glanced around the Big Pine saloon. For the last few days, he, Drake, and Archie Swaggert had been staying in the hotel, trying to figure out the best way to deal with the Pelletier brothers, and trying to stay out of the sheriff’s sight.

  Drake didn’t know of any wanted posters out on them. They’d been able to commit their crimes and get out of the areas before anyone suspected them of the murders and thefts that had occurred.

  “We stay out of sight for a few days, let them think we’ve left the area.”

  Lem and Archie glanced at each other, not liking the plan.

  “I don’t know. Seems it would be best to get out of here and not wait around. Why push our luck when we can go someplace where they won’t find us?” Archie asked.

  Drake thought this over. As much as he wanted to rid his life of the general and his brother, it made little sense to draw more attention to themselves. No one knew of their past and he didn’t want to stir up suspicions now.

  “Maybe that would be best. At least for now.” Drake narrowed his eyes as the saloon door swung open and a group of cowboys sauntered toward an empty table. He relaxed and took another sip of whiskey.

  “Where would we go?” Archie asked.

  “From what I hear, Colorado’s growing and ranchers are always looking for good men. We’ll ride straight toward Denver.”

  “What happens if they still come after us?” Lem asked.

  Drake looked between the two. He’d known them since before the war, yet he wouldn’t hesitate to ride away if one of them took a bullet. He’d leave them behind without a thought.

  “They won’t.”

  The Pelletiers had no real proof the three had been involved in the shootings at the ranch. No one knew of their actions since the war ended, and they couldn’t be tied to the murders committed on their way to Montana. Drake felt
certain once they left Montana, nobody would care one way or another what happened to three ex-Confederate soldiers.

  “The way I figure it, we’ll come away with a sizable profit this year if we can keep close to the same head count. Calving is heavy right now. We find ourselves another good bull and we’ll be set for next season.” Luke spread out the paper and pointed to the numbers he’d worked on for several days. “We have plenty of good land and water. Enough to triple the herd, at least.” He looked up at Dax, the glint of excitement in his eyes a welcome change from the trouble they faced.

  “If we double the herd, how many additional men will we need?” Dax picked up one of the papers, studying the columns and noting the estimated expenses and profit.

  “Best guess, not more than another ten or twelve men. Of course, it depends on how good they are. We will need more wranglers, unless we spend the money for horses already broke. Right now, Bull and Joe are the best we have. Once they’re healed, Tat and Johnny are as good, maybe better, so that will give us four.”

  “You forgot yourself,” Dax said, remembering how Luke had been the main person in Savannah to train their green horses.

  Luke smiled, although he didn’t take the bait. “I’m fine letting others handle the task.” He pursed his lips as his brows furrowed. “Truth is, I’d like to get Bull off breaking horses and let the three younger men take over.”

  “Bull’s a natural leader and not afraid to take on new responsibilities.”

  “I believe he’ll be key to the success of the ranch as we grow.” Luke grabbed a map. “I’ve outlined the property boundaries. This is where we meet up with Tolbert’s land.” He pointed to a section east of their ranch house. “And down here is our common border with the Frey brothers, Frank and Hiram. After Tolbert and us, the Freys own the largest ranch in the area.”

  Luke pushed from his chair and walked around the desk to stand next to Dax. “I’m still hoping you’ll stay, at least a year.”

  Dax glanced at his brother, noticing the lines around his eyes, a few premature streaks of silver in his auburn hair. He’d always seen Luke as young, carefree, and ready for any adventure. What he’d failed to notice was how the war, their duties as Texas Rangers, and the responsibilities of the ranch had mellowed and matured him beyond his years. He’d handled everything Dax had thrown at him since the war ended, never complaining and always performing well above what would be expected of other men.

  In that instant, Dax knew he couldn’t leave Luke to handle the task of building the ranch alone. No matter how conflicted he felt about staying in Splendor or returning to Texas, his brother needed him. He pulled his gaze away from Luke and trained it outside again, watching as Joe groomed his horse in the rays of the evening sun.

  “I just might do that.”

  Luke’s sharp eyes landed on his brother’s face and could see Dax had made his decision. He couldn’t speak through the relief coursing through him. Instead, he clasped Dax on the shoulder and squeezed, letting the gesture convey how much the decision meant to him.

  “The Territory Range includes long narrow valleys, caves, and hundreds of deer trials. Truth is, a man, or group of men, could get lost in there for a long time if they have enough food and water.” Hank scratched the stubble on his face and thought of places the Mayes gang could hide and still have easy access to the ranch.

  Dax, Luke, Cash, Hank, Bull, and Ellis sat on the porch after supper, keeping watch and hoping trouble didn’t come at them tonight. A shooter could hide a hundred yards out and still have a good chance of getting either of the brothers.

  “If you ask me, I think you two should stay out of sight and let the rest of us look for them. No sense in making yourselves targets.” Bull didn’t like waiting around for someone to take pot shots at either of his bosses. He preferred action to sitting.

  “You mean hide?” Luke shook his head, indicating his disgust at the suggestion.

  Cash snorted at the incredulous look on his friend’s face.

  “Better than getting shot.” Bull didn’t back down. They’d be in a real fix if the outlaws got what they came after.

  “There’ll be no hiding.” Dax’s firm response left no further argument. “We need to figure out how they’re getting information and follow them. Someone on this ranch knows where their camp is located.”

  “Agreed. But who?” Hank sat back in the rocker, considering which of the men might betray the rest of them. “We have five new men from Idaho, plus the two others who rode in earlier this week. We don’t know much about any of them.”

  “It’s not Tat or Johnny. They’ve been laid up and couldn’t have warned the gang we had learned of their camp. That narrows it down to three from Idaho and the two newest hires.” Dax raked a hand over his face and looked at Ellis. “Do you remember if any of the five were with the herd the night we learned of the Mayes camp?”

  “Well, let’s see.” He looked toward the bunkhouse, trying to recall how the men had been placed. He looked at Bull. “You recall after Joe rode the new mustang we all went into the barn. Bob and Ted were with us, right?”

  “They were.”

  “I believe everyone else had stayed with the herd. The only men at the ranch were me, Bull, Joe, Bob, Ted and, of course, Tat and Johnny.” Ellis looked once more at Bull.

  “Ted and Bob took off, saying something about going to the creek.”

  “Wildfire Creek?” Luke asked, knowing it meandered around the main ranch property.

  “That’s my guess,” Bull answered. “The closest spot is half a mile away. I don’t recall seeing Ted again, although Bob wandered in a couple hours later.”

  “I don’t like it.” The hairs on the back of Cash’s neck bristled as he connected some missing pieces. “Ah, hell. I should’ve thought of this earlier. I sent a telegram to Austin, asking for the names of the cousins. The response said their names are Clark, Bill, and Jed Olin.”

  Dax’s eyes widened. “You’re thinking Bob and Ted are actually Bill and Jed Olin?”

  “I do.”

  Bill crouched low, hidden behind a bush around the corner of the house and out of sight of the men talking in quiet tones on the porch. Even though they kept their voices low, he could make out most of what they said. The last sent a chill through him. They were out of time. Bill turned and moved in rapid steps into the darkness of the trees, skirting behind the foreman’s house Hank and Bernice shared, quietly entering the bunkhouse.

  He signaled to Jed—a quick nod, the one they’d prearranged if they were discovered. Jed grabbed his gun belt and, leaving his other belongings behind, followed Bill outside. They slipped into the barn from the back, grabbed their saddles and tack, and entered the corral.

  “Did you hear that?” Cash asked as he stood and started down the porch steps.

  Dax and Luke followed, while Bull and Ellis ran to the large corral on the opposite side of the barn. Someone or something was disturbing the horses. The sounds came again, this time louder.

  Cash reached the corral as the gate burst open and two riders shot through the opening, staying low in their saddles. Jed and Bill pulled their guns and fired behind them, taking no time to aim. They rode in the opposite direction of the camp, toward where their brother and cousins waited.

  Dax and the others ducked, drawing their guns and firing at the retreating riders. Several bullets buzzed past the Olin brothers, missing by inches.

  Dax’s bullet found its mark.

  Jed heard Bill groan. He looked behind him to see his brother slump in his saddle before toppling to the ground. He didn’t stop, just kicked his horse harder and prayed his brother would be all right.

  “One’s down.” Dax kept his gun pointed straight ahead and ran toward the man he’d shot, who writhed on the ground. He knelt beside Bob, seeing the man’s eyes begin to glaze over. He grabbed his shoulders and held him still. “Are you Bill Olin?”

  Bill gritted his teeth and glared at Dax.

  “Where is
the camp?” Dax spoke louder and shook the man, trying to get anything he could from him before the opportunity was lost. Luke knelt next to them and glanced down at a wound no one could survive.

  Bill’s eyes moved from one Pelletier to the other, hate radiating as his rage bored into each of them. At that moment, each knew what they faced. A family who’d do anything to avenge the death of their own, without conscience or remorse, eliminating anyone who got in their way.

  “How is he?” Cash continued to watch the second man until he rounded a bend and rode out of sight. It appeared he’d made a sharp turn, heading west, away from town and toward the mountains.

  “Dead.” Dax stood and stared down at the body of Bill Olin. “Now there are four.” He turned toward the house, his back straight and mind focused. He’d wasted enough time, waited long enough to resume the role into which he’d been born.

  ~~~~~