“Roll out.” Black’s order spurred the driver into action.
Slapping the lines, he guided the animals south, along the trail to Settlers Valley. With today’s heavy load, Colt knew it would take longer than the previous trips. Pushing his hat back, he lifted his face to a rapidly darkening sky. The wind no longer whipped around them, but the weather was changing from the clear sky of early morning.
They’d been on the trail ten minutes when rain pelted them in persistent waves, soaking them through. Colt saw Black ride to the side of the wagon, leaning toward the driver.
“Take the trail up ahead.”
The driver shook his head. “It’s gonna be a tough one with the load we’ve got. The rain ain’t gonna hurt nothing.”
Pulling his gun, Black pointed it at the driver’s head. “Take the trail.”
Colt had seen the narrow path before, never thinking it wide enough for the overloaded wagon. According to the driver, it would be a hard ride. Worse, Colt didn’t know where it reentered the main trail.
Cursing himself for not scouting alternate routes before today, he followed behind the wagon, unable to do anything else.
The trail proved to be all the driver feared. Narrowing in places so the wagon barely fit, riddled with ruts high enough to break the axel. The one positive aspect being the tall, dense canopy, which kept the rain from reaching them.
Even with the cover overhead, rain began to soak the trail, creating low patches of thick mud. The wagon stopped twice, requiring Colt and the other guard to dismount while Black watched them dislodge the wheels.
By some miracle Colt didn’t dwell on, the wagon made it through, merging back with the main trail. Breathing a sigh of relief, he looked around, realizing they were still a little north of where Nate and the others were waiting.
Another ten minutes passed in quiet as the rain let up and the sky cleared. He knew they’d passed the locations where Bay and Marcus waited. Caleb and Nate would be next, with Blaine at the southern tip of the trail where they felt certain Black would make his move.
Colt began to wonder if his instincts had failed him when a shot rang out. Drawing his gun, he reined his horse in a circle, surprised to see two men ride up. Both wore handkerchiefs over their faces, their bodies hidden behind black greatcoats, guns aimed at the guards.
“No one move and you’ll make it through this alive.” The smaller of the two rode toward Colt. “Drop your gun and remove the rifle from the scabbard.”
A part of him wanted to refuse, raise his gun and see what would happen. Colt knew it would be a fool’s action, considering his own men were perched above the outlaws with perfect views of the trail. He did as the outlaw ordered, dropping his weapons to he ground.
“Slowly now,” the outlaw cautioned, waving his gun for Colt to continue while Black sat on the other side of the wagon, a sneer stretched across his face.
Colt stilled at the sound of another shot. Whipping his head to the side, he saw the young guard clutch his chest, the larger of the two outlaws chuckling.
“Thought I saw the fella move for his gun.”
Colt knew that voice. Before he could react, a series of shots sounded from the rocks around them. Slipping to the ground, he grabbed the gun he’d dropped on the ground. The smaller guard lay unmoving a few feet away.
Colt scooted into the bushes, searching for cover, as Black and the other outlaw swung their horses in a circle.
“Let’s get out of here.” The outlaw shot in wild succession, hitting the driver, unable to find the target he sought.
More shots rang out, barely missing both men. Colt aimed his gun at Black just before the man jumped from his horse and onto the back of the wagon. “I’m not leaving without the gold.”
“You’re a fool.”
Without warning, Black leveled his gun at his comrade and fired. “I said I’m not leaving without the gold.”
Colt watched, fascinated at what he saw. Black whistled for his horse, then leaned over the wagon to grab his saddlebags. Ignoring the danger surrounding him, he began stuffing gold into the pouches.
Behind him, Colt heard his friends approach. In front of him, Bay and Marcus walked toward the wagon, guns drawn, as fascinated as Colt at Black’s actions.
Surrounding the wagon, their aim never wavering from the outlaw, the six men stopped.
“It’s over, Jolly. Get down from the wagon.” Colt moved closer.
“I’m not leaving without this gold.” Black glanced up long enough for the others to see the wild glare in his eyes.
Nate took a couple steps closer. “If you don’t get down, you’ll not get out of this alive.”
Black leaned down as if to pick up more gold. Instead, his hand slipped into his boot.
“Don’t do it,” Nate warned, his aim steady.
In no more than a second, Black pulled the Derringer from his boot. Before he could get the shot off, Nate fired, as did Blaine, the bullets piercing Black’s chest. Staggering back, he tripped on the load, raising his arm for one more shot. He never pulled the trigger before another bullet hit him near his heart.
Looking beside him, Nate saw Bay slam his smoking gun back into its holster, a grim smile on his face.
A few moments passed where no one moved. Even the air seemed to still as smoke hung around them.
“The boy’s alive.” Marcus hovered over the other guard, a hand pushing on the open wound. “We need to get him into town.”
Caleb jumped onto the wagon. “The driver’s dead.”
“Better check the other one.” Nate moved past Bay toward the other outlaw. The man lay on his stomach, his arms stretched out on both sides.
“We’d best see who it is.” Blaine stood next to him, bending to help Nate roll the body over. Pulling down the handkerchief, Blaine shook his head. “Do you know the man?”
Nate and Colt glanced at each other before Nate spoke. “That’s Polk.”
Caleb jumped from the wagon, moving beside them, his mouth twisting in disdain. “The sheriff.”
Marcus looked toward them, keeping pressure on the guard’s wound. “I always knew the man was a crook. Never thought he’d be involved with something like this, though.”
“What now?” Bay asked.
Colt looked around, a hint of grim satisfaction on his face. “Load the guard and the bodies. We’ve got a load of gold to deliver.”
Chapter Nineteen
“I’ve done all I can.” Dahlia checked the bandage once more, then pulled a blanket under the guard’s chin. “The rest is up to God.”
Colt stared at the unconscious young man who he insisted be placed in his bed at the boardinghouse. “Where’d you learn to patch up a gunshot wound?”
Gathering her supplies, Dahlia offered him a patient look. “My father was a doctor. I often assisted him, even after he hired a nurse.” She chuckled. “He told me the patients liked the way I took care of them.”
“The town is lucky to have you, Mrs. Keach.”
“What we need is a real doctor, Mr. Dye. One knowledgeable about fevers, tuberculosis, and childbirth. I’ve tried sending our needs to doctors in Sacramento and San Francisco, without any success. Most don’t want to give up their patients and uproot their families for the unknown of what they consider a wild, frontier town.” She looked down at the young man with the bandaged shoulder. “After today, I can’t say as I blame them.”
“Seems you’re going to need a new sheriff as well.”
“Not to say a bad word about the dead, but Polk wasn’t a good man. I never could abide him and his ways.” Picking up her tray of supplies, she turned toward the door. “It’s a surprise he partnered with that outlaw, though. What a retched pair they would’ve made.”
After Dahlia closed the door, Colt pulled up a chair, taking a seat to watch the patient. They’d been on several runs together, introduced themselves. Staring, he felt a pang of guilt. He couldn’t remember the man’s name. Joe, Billy, Henry. Colt pinched the bri
dge of his nose as he tried to remember.
The door opened. “How’s he doing?” Nate walked in, studying the man lying in bed.
“He’ll be all right if infection doesn’t start.”
“You never mentioned his name.”
Colt rubbed his brow. “George. George Howell.” He didn’t know how he remembered, but was glad he did.
“Must not be more than nineteen.”
Colt nodded. “If that. I do hope he pulls through.”
“We took the bodies to the undertaker. The sheriff has no family. No one knows the other outlaw. And Black? Who knows if the man has kin or not.”
“This came for you, Mr. Dye.” Dahlia walked into the room, holding out a telegram. She bent over George, looking at the bandage, then straightened. “We’ll know if he’s going to make it in another couple days.”
Opening the message, Colt’s brows rose. “Brodie found the woman Black wrote to in Conviction. Miranda Harris. Do you know her?”
“Miranda Harris?” Nate shook his head. “I can’t say as I do. She might’ve arrived in town after I left.”
“Seems she and Black are connected. She’s his sister.”
Nate shook his head. “Did she know about all he’s done?”
Colt skimmed the message again. “He didn’t say. Brodie warned us of the robbery. Said Black had a partner.” He set the telegram down. “This might’ve gotten to us late, but he had the information right.”
“I’ll ask Geneen if she knows anything about Miss Harris. Do you plan to take Black’s body back to Conviction?”
“I wasn’t planning on it. Now that I know he has a sister, I’ll be taking him there tomorrow.” Colt leaned forward, resting his arms on his legs. “Any message you want me to pass on to Brodie?”
His jaw working, Nate shook his head. “Not now. I’ve got unfinished business here.” Rubbing the stubble on his chin, he looked at Colt. “Have you ever considered getting out of the Marshals Service and doing something else?”
Leaning back in the chair, he shrugged. “I’m a lawman, Nate. This is one of the best jobs in the country. There’d have to be a real good reason for me to make a change.”
Nate thought of Geneen. He’d do anything for her, including changing jobs or moving cross-country. “Do you have a woman waiting for you someplace?”
Chuckling, Colt shook his head. “A relationship is pretty hard to keep with this job. Now, if I were a shopkeeper, rancher, or professional man like Bay, settled in one town, it might be possible. Nah. It’s not in the future for me.”
“What about a sheriff? Settlers Valley needs a new one.”
Colt rubbed the back of his neck. “If I ever considered a sheriff or deputy job, it would have to be in a town larger than here. I need a little more action.”
Nate’s thinking tended to be the opposite. Since coming to Settlers Valley, he found a peace elusive to him since before the war. The family ranch offered hard work, but a satisfaction he’d lost since moving west. With Geneen back at Caleb’s, he had no desire to leave.
“You, though, would be the perfect man to replace Polk.”
“Me?” Nate snorted. “I have a job with Marcus.”
“He’d support you.”
Nate raised a brow. “How would you know?”
A rueful grin tilted the corners of Colt’s mouth. “He mentioned it to me. Marcus thinks you’d be a great choice. He’s going to speak to a few people about it.”
Crossing his arms, he planted his feet shoulder width apart. “Don’t you think he should be speaking to me first?”
“Nope. I believe he has the right idea. You’re planning to stay here a while, you have the skills, and you’re one of the most honest men I know. There’s no one else I’ve seen who can come close to you.” Colt shook his head, enjoying Nate’s befuddled expression. “Think about it, Nate. It could be the perfect solution for you.”
Highlander Ranch
“Do you plan to head out tomorrow, Bay?” Geneen handed him a bowl of potatoes. Tonight, Nate sat on her left, his thigh resting against hers, her pulse spiking each time he moved.
“Blaine and I will both be riding out soon after dawn. With luck, we’ll visit the properties and be back within two days. Three at most.”
“I’m thinking you’re excited to see what the family will be buying, Blaine.”
He looked at Heather, a slow grin spreading across his face. “Aye. I never expected Ewan and Ian to trust me with such a challenge.”
“I’m not knowing why not. You’re the perfect choice. With your da gone, Kyla needs Colin and Sarah with her. Quinn and Emma won’t leave with her family’s ranch a mile away. Brodie’s the sheriff. Plus, he and Maggie are expecting a baby within a few months. You’re single, with no commitments, and you’re as good a rancher as any of us, with a good mind for business.”
Blaine offered a distracted nod. When she’d spoken of no ties, his mind formed an image of Lia, feeling an odd tug on his heart. He’d never felt such a connection with another woman. Too bad her life was in Conviction while his would now be in Settlers Valley.
“I’ll be needing to find men. Ewan and Ian will be sending a few once the land is transferred into the MacLaren name, but I’m thinking more will be needed.”
Nate swallowed his stew, leaning forward. “Colt is taking Black’s body back to Conviction tomorrow. He could talk to Brodie about spreading the word.”
Caleb’s fork stopped midway to his mouth. “Why would he take the body back there?”
“Seems Black’s sister is Miranda Harris.”
“Miranda?” Caleb’s fork dropped to his plate. “That’s not possible.”
“You know her?” Nate asked.
“A little,” Caleb mumbled.
“Miranda would’ve liked to have been knowing Caleb much better.”
Bay cocked his head at Heather while Blaine chuckled.
“Heather…” Caleb cautioned.
“Ach, lad. You know the lass liked you.”
“I liked her, too. Still do. But I wanted another woman.” He leaned over, placing a kiss on her cheek, then looked at Nate, his expression sobering. “You’re certain she’s Black’s sister?”
He nodded. “Brodie sent Colt a telegram. Miranda confirmed it.”
“Does she know all he’s done?” Geneen looked at Nate.
He shook his head. “Brodie didn’t mention anything in the telegram.”
Bay leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “I hope she doesn’t. It won’t end well for her if she knew of his exploits.”
Blaine steepled his fingers under his chin. “If she is arrested, would August defend her?”
Bay thought a moment, then nodded. “I believe he would. He has strong connections to her family. It’s interesting he never mentioned a brother.”
“He may not have known,” Geneen whispered as she shoved her plate away.
Reaching over, Nate covered her hand with his, squeezing. “At least it’s over for Black. He’ll no longer be a threat to anyone.”
Bay cleared his throat. “I hear there’s other news. Much more pleasant than what we’ve been discussing.”
“What news, lad?” Heather asked.
“Before we rode back this afternoon, Marcus said he’d already spoken to several people. It appears a number of them want Nate to take over as sheriff.”
Heather clapped her hands together. “It’s a grand idea.”
Caleb nodded. “I agree.” He looked at Nate. “You’ve the experience and people in town trust you.”
Blaine’s gaze narrowed. “Have you decided to stay in Settlers Valley, lad?”
Geneen looked over at him, sucking in a slow breath as her heart pounded. She’d been wondering the same. They had so little time together since she returned, there’d been no opportunity to ask.
Without looking at Geneen, Nate shrugged. “I’ve been thinking of staying.”
Caleb glanced between Nate and Geneen. “If you became sh
eriff, you could remain here at the ranch.”
“If, Caleb. I’ve not been offered the job, and with all the work Marcus has right now, it would be hard to leave him.”
Heather’s face lit up. “You could be sheriff and still be helping Marcus. From what I’ve been hearing, and in spite of Black’s actions, not much seems to go on in Settlers Valley. Polk didn’t even have a deputy.”
Blaine nodded. “I’m thinking Heather has a good idea, lad. Take over for Polk and work for Marcus when he needs you.”
Clearing her throat, Geneen’s gaze moved around the table. “Maybe, well…Nate may not want to stay here.” She slipped her hand out from under his. “He might want to return to Conviction. Brodie would take him back, or he could work at Circle M.” She refused to look at Nate as she spoke, afraid she’d see he agreed.
When he didn’t correct her, Geneen felt all the hope of the night before flee.
Heather pushed from the table and stood. “I’ll be getting dessert now.”
“If you don’t mind, Geneen and I would like to walk outside for a while.” Standing, he held out his hand.
“Nae. You take as long as you want. I’ll leave some for both of you in the kitchen…if the lads don’t eat it all.”
Catching her lower lip between her teeth, Geneen grasped his hand, noticing he didn’t let go until they reached the front door. Slipping into their coats, Nate grabbed her hand again before walking outside. He took a path around the corrals toward the Feather River, knowing his destination. Pushing through the dense growth, he rounded a corner, slowing his pace, grateful for the clear sky and almost full moon. The fallen log lay a few feet from the edge of the river, making it the perfect spot for them to talk.
“We’re here.”
Geneen looked around, her gaze moving across the rippling water. “It’s lovely here.”
“I thought you’d like it.” Lowering himself onto the log, he drew her down next to him.
“However did you find it?”
He chuckled. “It wasn’t hard. I took off one night after supper, before going to Archie’s house, and ended up here. The trick was finding my way back.” Letting go of her hand, he settled his arm around her shoulders. “I’ve already told you about my family’s place near Harrisburg.”
Nate's Destiny Page 17