Her slow smile caused his heart to swell. Returning her smile, he wrapped his arms around her, drawing her against him. “We need to get back, sweetheart. Being alone with you is proving to be more of a challenge than I can handle.”
“You seem to have no problem handling me at all, Mr. Hollis.”
Chuckling, he gave her one last squeeze. “Ah, Geneen, you are going to be the death of me.”
Chapter Twenty-One
“Three committed to selling on the terms agreed to with Ewan and Ian.” Bay paced Caleb’s office, too agitated to sit down. “I’ll be completing the contracts while I’m here so we can get their signatures.” Placing fisted hands on his hips, he glared at no one in particular. “I don’t understand the hesitation by the others. They’ve been made generous offers.”
He and Blaine rode back to the ranch late in the afternoon, neither of them pleased with the outcome of the trip.
“Did they tell you why they’re hesitating?” Caleb walked to a table and grabbed glasses, pouring each of them a shot of whiskey.
Blaine took the glass, leaning back in the chair. “It’s interesting. The two holdouts said they weren’t complaining of the price.”
“They’re the same two who were the most eager to sell when I first wrote to them. One is the landowner with the largest spread and a big house. The other owns the property running along the Boundary River that connects with Circle M.”
“Aye. The three who agreed have the smallest spreads. It’s the two others who make the deal worthwhile.”
“Did any of them mention being visited by men wanting to buy the properties?”
Blaine sat up, glancing at Bay. “Nae, Caleb. They said nothing to us about other buyers. Why?”
“Three men rode onto the ranch yesterday as Heather and Geneen were mucking the barn.” Caleb continued, telling them what he knew and what the women told them. He finished by relaying the veiled threats. “I’m thinking these same men visited your sellers, intimidating them into reconsidering their decision to sell to the MacLarens.”
Bay threaded fingers through his hair. “It’s what I feared. Someone found out about the deals and alerted financiers in San Francisco. Did the men mention any names?”
Caleb shook his head. “No. I’m certain they’ll be back.”
“It may be worth going back, asking the two if they’ve received offers from anyone else.”
“Aye. It’s a good thought, Bay. We can ride out again tomorrow morning.” Blaine finished his whiskey, setting the glass down. “It would be good knowing who the other buyers are.”
“I’d wager the gunmen they hired don’t know the names of those investing. It’s common for several men to partner, hiding their identities behind a business name. I’ll send August a telegram, asking him to do some checking. Of course, that will take time.”
“And we may not be having much time.”
Bay nodded, glancing at the wall clock. “If I leave now, I’ll reach the telegraph office before it closes.”
“I’ll be going with you. I want to send a telegram to Ewan.” Blaine didn’t add he intended to send one to Lia, too. He didn’t question the notion of letting her know he’d left town.
“Then we’d best get started.”
Nate finished the last order for Marcus, then stood to loosen his back, stretching his arms above his head. His thoughts turned to Geneen, wondering if she’d returned from rounding up and moving the cattle, now busying herself with preparing supper. He looked forward to scrubbing away the dirt and returning to the ranch.
First, he’d meet Colt at the Lucky Lady. He’d returned the wagon to Marcus earlier in the day, asking Nate to join him. In truth, he’d rather ride straight to the ranch and see Geneen.
Striding along the boardwalk, he stopped more than once to accept congratulations from grateful townsfolk. Nate tried to push aside the praise, citing the others who’d been there, but they wouldn’t have it.
He hadn’t realized the extent of their dislike for Sheriff Polk until he heard stories of the way the man treated the people, his disdain for their common way of life. More than one person referred to him as a bully. When he asked why they hadn’t run him out of town, he discovered they were afraid he’d come back and kill them. The cycle of intimidation and fear made Nate’s blood run cold.
Disengaging himself from a group of older women, he continued to the Lucky Lady, seeing a wagon loaded with people and supplies come up the street. Halting, his breath caught in his lungs. He reached out, supporting himself against a post as they continued past.
Chinese laborers, no doubt headed for the Acorn Gold Mine. Nate felt beads of sweat form on his forehead, his breathing coming in ragged gasps.
“Are you all right, Nate?”
Blinking to clear his head, he sucked in a deep breath, noticing Colt beside him. Nodding, he turned to face him. “I’m fine. You still up for that drink?”
Colt studied him, wondering what bothered his friend. “I am. Let’s get inside and find us a table.”
While Colt spoke of his trip to Conviction, Nate thought of what he’d seen. He thought Settlers Valley safe from what he considered the source of opium, chastising himself for believing any town could avoid the drug for long.
“Brodie made the decision not to charge Miranda Harris with any crimes. With Black dead, there’s no one who can counter her story. If she’s guilty of a crime, she’ll take it to the grave.”
Nate rolled the whiskey glass between his fingers. “I’m sure Brodie will keep watch on her activities. He’s not one to take partial measures if he believes there’s any threat to the town.”
Colt pushed his hat back, taking a sip of his drink. “Do you want to tell me what happened outside?”
Nate shook his head. “It wasn’t much. A group of Chinese workers passing through town on their way to the mine.”
Slow understanding crossed Colt’s face. “You’re past that, you know.”
Nate startled. “What do you mean?”
“You’ve conquered your need for opium. From what I see, you’re the same man I worked with in Nacogdoches. If those Chinese have the drug with them, which I’m almost certain they do, it won’t matter this time.”
“What of others who might get lured into using it?”
Staring down into his remaining whiskey, Colt shook his head. “You can’t save people from themselves, Nate.”
Before he could respond, the door of the saloon opened, Blaine and Bay stepping inside. Holding up his hand, Nate motioned them over, then signaled the barmaid for more glasses.
“You just get back?”
Blaine took off his hat, tossing it onto a chair. “This afternoon.”
“How’d it go?”
Blaine sipped his drink, explaining what happened. “I guess you already know about the three men who threatened the lasses.”
Nate pushed aside the anger at anyone intimidating Geneen. “We talked of it at supper last night. I’ve already spoken to Marcus, and I’m going to be spending more time at the ranch until all this is settled.”
A loud commotion near the front drew their attention. Three men took over a table, shoving the lone occupant aside. Taking his chair, they laughed as he hit the floor, scrambling away.
Nate started to rise, stopping when Colt grabbed his arm. “Hold on. Let’s see what they do.”
The four watched as the three newcomers tossed back one whiskey after another, their voices rising as the alcohol took control. The laughter became more belligerent, taunting others at nearby tables. Several customers finished their drinks or cards and left, shaking their heads as they walked outside. When one of the three grabbed a waitress and hauled her onto his lap, refusing her protests to let her go, Blaine jumped to his feet.
“Here we go,” Nate mumbled, standing to follow.
“I’m believing the lady wants you to let her go, lad.” Blaine planted his feet close to the man holding the woman, his arms loose at his sides. “It’d be
best to do as she asks.”
The young man tightened his hold on her, glaring up. “What I do is none of your business. Now, get out of here.” He relaxed his grip enough to move his hand toward his gun.
“That would be a very bad move, lad.” Blaine noticed Nate beside him, guessing Bay and Colt were close by.
“He’s right.” Nate stepped closer. “Let the woman go and get back to your drinks. No one wants any trouble.”
Shoving the woman off his lap and onto the floor, the man stood, as did his two companions. “This is none of your business. I’m telling you for the last time. Get out of here.” His hand moved toward his revolver, only to feel the sting of a bullet hitting the handle of his gun.
Bay stood several feet away, his gun still aimed at the man. “It’d be best to do as we say. Finish your drinks and leave. No one wants your kind of business in here.”
The three strangers looked around, seeing the guns of the four men pointed at them. The bartender held a shotgun, while several others in the saloon had drawn their six-shooters.
Surrounded, the leader of the three glared at Blaine. “This isn’t the end. We’ve as much right to be in here as anyone.”
Moving forward, Nate held the man’s irate stare. “We don’t take kindly to bullies. You want to come in for drinks and cards, you’re welcome. Otherwise, head out. Find a place more hospitable to your kind.”
Lifting an arm, the leader of the three pointed a finger at Blaine. “You’ve bought yourself a lot of trouble, mister.” Grabbing his glass, he threw back the last of his whiskey, slamming it on the table. “Come on, boys. Let’s get out of here.”
Patrons in the saloon waited as the three left, not lowering their weapons until they mounted and rode off.
Nate turned to the bartender. “Do you know those men?”
“Never seen them before. Thanks for what you did. I don’t want their kind in here.”
Shifting toward the table where the men had been, something prickled at the edge of Nate’s mind. Three men new to town. All looking to be no more than nineteen or twenty. Cocky and arrogant. Slamming his hand on the table, he mumbled a string of curses.
“What is it, lad?”
He looked at Blaine, nostrils flaring. “I may be wrong, but those are the three who threatened the women and intimidated the ranchers.” Hissing out another curse, he scrubbed a hand down his face. “I let them get away.”
Blaine’s long strides carried him to the front. Stepping outside, he looked up and down the street, a wicked grin crossing his face. He walked back inside to where Nate stood at the bar, along with Bay and Colt.
Blaine clasped him on the shoulder. “Nae, lad. You didn’t lose them. Their horses are down the street in front of Mrs. Keach’s boardinghouse.”
“Dahlia’s…” Colt’s voice trailed off as he thought of the widow and her small establishment. “She has three rooms. I have one, a young photographer another. The salesman vacated his room two days ago. They must’ve rented it.”
Bay leaned against the bar. “Good. We know where they’re staying. What do we do now?”
A mischievous grin turned up the corners of Nate’s mouth. “We keep them there.”
“You’re certain that will do it, Mrs. Keach?”
Dahlia stopped stirring the noon meal, shooting Colt an indulgent smile. “Young man, do you doubt my ability?”
He glanced behind him at the table where Nate, Bay, and Blaine watched, chuckling at her response.
“No, ma’am. What I mean is, this isn’t your everyday fare…is it?” His brows furrowed, thinking of all the meals he’d eaten in her dining room.
Patting his arm, she went back to stirring. “Don’t worry, Mr. Dye. I’ve never served this recipe to my guests.” Her eyes gleamed when she looked up. “Until now.”
“What you’re making won’t kill them, will it?” Nate still wasn’t sure he backed the plan, but no one else offered a more expedient solution.
“Of course not, Mr. Hollis. This will keep them in bed for a few days, then make them think twice about eating for several days following.” Setting down the spoon, she crossed her arms. “To think those men are such bullies, threatening Mrs. Stewart and Miss MacGregor the way they did. I knew they were trouble the moment they walked in. If I’d known, I never would’ve rented to them.” Moving to a cupboard, she pulled something down, adding it to the concoction on the stove. “Why, those three lazy men upstairs haven’t stirred all morning. Missed breakfast altogether. I’ll make certain they won’t miss dinner, though.” She stirred with a new enthusiasm.
Drinking the last of his coffee, Nate set the cup down, pulling out his pocket watch. “It’s almost noon, gentlemen. It might be best for us to wait outside…in case Mrs. Keach needs our help.”
Dahlia turned an indignant glare on him. “Although I appreciate the thought, I won’t be needing your help, Mr. Hollis. Now, scoot along. We don’t want any witnesses, do we?” A slight lilt to her voice told them how much she enjoyed being involved in their plan.
Colt crossed the short distance to the kitchen door in three strides. “I can’t thank you enough, Mrs. Keach.”
“Thanks isn’t necessary, Mr. Dye. I can’t recall the last time I had this much fun.”
Hiding their grins, the four men left the woman to her potion, congregating outside on the boardwalk.
“I know you three are anxious to return to the ranch. I’ll stay here. No matter what Mrs. Keach says, I’m not leaving her alone with those three.”
Blaine held out his hand, grasping Colt’s. “It’s a brilliant idea, lad. Heather and Geneen won’t stop laughing when they hear of it.”
Nate and Bay also shook his hand before turning toward the livery to retrieve their horses.
“You’ll send word about how those boys are doing?” Nate asked.
Colt made a slight bow. “It will be my pleasure to ride out to the ranch myself.”
Blaine nodded. “Good. Then you’ll be staying for supper tonight, lad. Bay and I ride out early tomorrow to talk to the last two ranchers. This time, I expect we’ll return with different answers.”
“Within a few minutes, those boys were holding their stomachs, running upstairs to their room. I’ve never seen anything like it.” Colt shook his head, chuckling at the effect Dahlia’s meal had on the three boarders. “I’d describe the noises coming from their room, but I’m afraid it would be too indelicate in mixed company.”
Geneen swiped tears of laughter from her face. “After all you know of us, Colt, you think Heather and I are too weak to hear the rest?”
Holding up his hands, he grinned. “Never. I’d never want to face the two of you alone.” Finishing the story, no one at the table had a dry eye. The idea couldn’t have been simpler or more effective.
“I’m still surprised Mrs. Keach went along with it.” Nate held his cup of coffee in front of him, his eyes gleaming.
“When you get to know Dahlia as well as I do, you’ll understand she lives for this type of deception.” Leaning back in his chair, Colt crossed his arms. “Don’t misunderstand. The woman has a huge heart and is loyal. She also has no patience for people who don’t show respect or try to pull something over on her. Once she heard how they’d treated Heather and Geneen, and the people in the Lucky Lady, she insisted on helping.” He shook his head. “All I asked for was something to mess with their stomachs for a few hours. How was I to know the widow has a vast knowledge of poisons and ways of poisoning food? The woman is beyond description.”
“I, for one, am happy with the solution.” Caleb leaned forward in his chair. “It’s not easy worrying about what’s happening here while I’m out with the cattle.”
Bay rubbed his jaw. “My guess is once those men finally feel well enough to ride on, they’ll be heading back to San Francisco.”
Blaine slapped his hands on the table. “Let’s hope so, lad. I’m heading up to bed. Bay and I plan to leave at dawn tomorrow. When we return, I’ll be reporti
ng the MacLarens are now the owners of thousands more acres, and our families will once more be working side by side.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
The rain hadn’t let up all morning. It started minutes before Blaine and Bay rode north, pelting them with bullet-sized drops. Undeterred, they donned slickers, adjusting their hats low on their foreheads.
Caleb, Heather, and Geneen waited inside, hoping the fierce storm would blow past without causing too much delay in their work. Nate waited with them. He’d already told Marcus he wouldn’t be working today.
“Coffee?” Geneen held the pot toward him.
“I’ve had three cups already, but thanks.” He patted the open space on the sofa. “Sit down.”
“All right, but you can’t start anything. Heather and Caleb are working in his office.” She nodded toward the closed door, then sat next to him.
“I wouldn’t think of it.” Draping an arm across her shoulders, he leaned over, kissing the corner of her mouth. He kept up his gentle persuasion until she turned to him, accepting the kiss. The sound of Caleb clearing his throat had her jumping away.
He did his best to hide a grin. “I’m going out to the barn.”
“I’ll go with you.” Giving Geneen one more kiss, Nate stood, sliding into a slicker Caleb handed him, then went out the door.
“From what I’m seeing, you and Nate are doing grand.” Heather sat next to her, letting out a tired breath.
“We seem to be doing very well. I don’t know what it all means, except I want to be with him no matter what problems he faces. It may sound ridiculous, but he needs me, Heather.”
“It’s not ridiculous, lass. It seems Nate finally agrees with you. He’d be an eejit to do anything to jeopardize another chance.” She rested her hands on her stomach, leaning back. “If Caleb hadn’t given me another chance, I’d still be at Circle M and he’d be here.”
“And you’d both be miserable.”
Closing her eyes, Heather nodded. “Aye, we would.”
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