Chapter Fifteen
“What did Travis say this time, Isabella?” Caro rocked in a chair near the window, needlepoint in hand, the latest letter from Splendor capturing her interest. Travis had sent Isabella two, both brief.
“He says there’s been some rustling. The sale of the Frey ranch is final and Travis is moving over there to oversee the horse breeding operation.” Isabella glanced up, casting a wary look at Lydia. “Bull is doing well, spending most of his time out on the range with the men.”
Lydia didn’t respond. Any mention of Bull became more difficult to hear as the pregnancy continued. She’d received no word from him, having no one to blame except herself. Most surprising, neither Rachel nor Abby had written. Even though neither agreed with her decision to shut Bull out, Lydia thought they’d at least correspond, keep her in their thoughts. She glanced up at Isabella’s laugh.
“Travis says Mary and Margaret have been playing cowboys and Indians almost every day.” Isabella folded the letter, slipping it into a pocket. “Travis sure doesn’t embellish. Sparse doesn’t begin to cover what he shares.”
Caro’s hands stilled. “Be grateful. It’s more than we get from Beau or Bull.”
“I’m sorry, Caro. Would it be better if I kept word from Splendor to myself?”
“Certainly not, Isabella. We all want to know what’s happening. At least one of us is getting the news. Right, Lydia?”
“It’s true. I’m glad for the letters Travis sends you. Please don’t stop sharing them with us.” Lydia looked back down at the open book in her hands, wishing the story could capture her attention long enough to forget Bull and what she’d left behind. Instead, she read each page over and over until her eyes tired and the words blurred.
“We’ve been invited to supper by a gentleman I met at a reception not long ago.” Caro set down her needlepoint, glancing out the window as the fog cleared over the bay, allowing the sun to brighten the day. “He’s a successful businessman. Someone told me he’s a widower with two children.”
Isabella’s brows furrowed. “Wouldn’t you prefer to go alone? It would give you a chance to get to know him.”
“Oh, I’m not interested in him in that way, although he is quite handsome and, well, suitable.” Caro grinned at the word. She hadn’t thought of someone being a suitable match in a long time. Not since she’d met her late husband. “There will be a number of guests. It will give us a chance to meet new people and learn more about the city.”
Lydia sighed. All she wanted was a quiet supper and to retire early. “Sounds lovely.”
“I know.” Caro stood, walking to the door of the parlor to call her housekeeper. Speaking to the woman for a few seconds, she turned back to Isabella and Lydia. “I’ve been wanting to visit a new dress shop. We can meet the proprietress, be fitted for new dresses, then have dinner in one of the restaurants along the water. It’s too beautiful a day to sit inside until the supper party.”
“Oh, Caro. I don’t know. You’ve done so much, and you know I have no funds for more dresses. I’d be happy to accompany you, though.” Closing her book, Lydia set it aside, prepared to hear an argument.
“We’ve been over this several times. You and Isabella are my friends, and I am blessed to have the ability to choose how and when to spend my money. Please, let me do this.”
Lydia didn’t have the heart to argue. “If you’re certain.”
“Wonderful. The carriage will be ready and waiting.” She shot a look at Isabella. “Would you like to send a return message to Travis?”
“I’ve a letter almost finished. It will be ready to post by the time we leave.” She dashed from the room and up the stairs.
“I do believe Isabella has deeper feelings for Mr. Dixon than she lets on. Makes me wonder what will happen when she returns to Splendor.”
“Do you think she and Travis will marry?” Lydia hadn’t realized how much Isabella cared for him until they’d shared the trip to San Francisco. Insisting they were just friends, she hadn’t come right out and professed her love for the man. The clues were in how Isabella spoke of the quiet, hardworking ranch hand, his kind ways and gentle manner. More revealing was her almost giddy eagerness when his letters arrived, her face taking on a wistful expression when reading them. Isabella’s response to Travis couldn’t have been in sharper contrast to the way Caro pretended indifference regarding Beau Davis.
“I truly don’t know. I’d like to believe two people coming from such different backgrounds could make a life together. It’s hard when you’ve grown up thinking otherwise.”
“Like you and Beau?” Lydia bit her lip, wishing she’d kept silent.
Caro looked at her, her eyes showing the sadness she felt whenever someone mentioned Beau.
“I’m sorry, Caro. I shouldn’t have said anything.”
“No, it’s fine. Few know of his background, but the Davis family had considerable wealth. They lost almost everything during the war, the same as Cash’s family. Perhaps that is why the two became such close friends. Regardless, it’s not his background where we differ.” Caro didn’t explain further before lifting her chin and flashing Lydia a stilted smile. “Enough of reminiscing. It’s time to enjoy ourselves.”
Redemption’s Edge
“Three nights and nothing. Maybe I was wrong about setting a trap.” Dirk whittled a piece of wood into the shape of a horse, intending to give it to Rachel for Patrick’s growing collection. There’d been a full moon the night before, giving him the light he needed since they’d made the decision not to give away their location by starting a fire.
Bull lay on his bedroll, arms behind his head, watching a comet flash across the sky. “Give it time, Dirk. My instincts say whoever is doing this won’t be able to pass up a few head so far from the main herd.”
Tat, Johnny, and Billy had taken the same positions each night, spreading themselves in a circle around the dozen animals used as bait. All except Tat and Johnny rode back to the larger herd each morning, leaving the two to continue their watch.
“Maybe.” Dirk lowered his knife and sat up straight, cocking his head at the sound of the cattle mooing. Relaxing, he went back to his work. “I don’t mind staying out here a few more nights.”
Bull chuckled. He’d slept better out in the open than in his own bed, and he hadn’t had a drink since they’d made the decision to trap the rustlers. The time away from nightly suppers with Dax and Rachel had given him more time to think about Lydia and the baby.
It still tore at his insides knowing she hadn’t trusted him enough to confide in him, choosing to leave instead of taking a chance he’d reject her. After weeks of struggling with his decision, Bull somewhat understood her reasons for staying quiet, yet he hadn’t been able to forgive her.
“You hear that?” Dirk stood, facing the spot where the cattle grazed.
Bull shook his head, clearing his mind of memories of the past to focus on the present. The short, sharp sound of panicked cattle ripped through the otherwise silent night.
With a quick glance at Dirk, the two dashed for their horses, mounting silently. The sounds of the cattle drowned out any noises they made, making it easy to get close. Reining to a stop, the two stared.
“Well, I’ll be.” Dirk leaned forward, trying to make sense of what he saw.
Bull rubbed his eyes, then looked again, confirming the sight before them. “They’re children.”
“One looks a little older. I count four.” Dirk looked beyond the cattle, seeing Tat, Johnny, and Billy hidden in the trees twenty yards away, waiting for a sign to ride out.
“Yep. There are four of them. Appears they’re cutting out a few head. As soon as they start herding them out, we’ll circle around…and no guns.” Bull pulled a handkerchief from his pocket, waving it in the air twice, indicating to hold up until he gave a second signal. “What are four boys doing rustling cattle?”
“Don’t know, but I’m darn sure going to find out.” The firm set of Dirk’s jaw i
ndicated his level of frustration at finding children stealing their cattle.
“Looks like they’ve got the ones they want.” Bull raised the handkerchief, waving it four times in the air, then stuffing it back into his pocket. Without another word, he and Dirk moved out, staying to the west while Tat and Billy stayed on the east, and Johnny rode behind the rustlers, who were oblivious to the fact they were being stalked.
A few minutes passed before Dirk whistled, giving the signal to close in.
At the shrill sound, the leader of the rustlers whipped around, seeing three men, missing the two coming up behind. “We’ve been seen. Ride!”
In the next instant, a rope slipped over slim shoulders and jerked, forcing the slender body to the ground.
“Got him.” Dirk rode to the body writhing on the ground while the men captured the other three. Reining to a halt, he held the rope tight as he approached, setting a boot on the rustler’s back. “Hold still. You aren’t going anywhere.”
Bending down, he pulled the boy to a sitting position, then grabbed his collar, yanking him to his feet, ignoring the hat toppling to the ground. His jaw dropped when he saw the mass of golden brown hair falling around an oval face, huge light blue eyes glaring back at him.
Dirk stepped back, swallowing his surprise. “Bull. Get over here.”
The girl didn’t try to get away or show any shame. Instead, she lifted her chin and squared her shoulders. Looking behind Dirk, her eyes softened when she saw her brother being pulled along by a man she recognized from the Pelletier ranch.
“I see you got...” Bull’s words died in his throat when he saw who Dirk held captive. “Rosemary Thayer?”
“You know her?”
Bull nodded, sucking in a breath before pulling his own captive forward and removing his hat. “Ben? Tarnation, boy.” His angry gaze focused on Rosemary. Holding Ben by the collar, Bull dragged him toward his sister. “I’m out of patience. Now, you will tell me what’s going on here.”
Jutting out her chin, Rosemary tried to stare him down. “I don’t have to tell you anything.” The caustic tone stunned Bull, who’d only known the nineteen-year-old to be shy and a hard worker, having the responsibility of her younger brother and two other orphans.
Dirk grabbed her shoulders, pulling her close, his eyes blazing. “You’ll answer Bull, or by God, I’ll tie you up, toss you over my saddle, and ride you through town so everyone can see. First, though, I’ll give you a spanking you won’t soon forget.”
Ben struggled against Bull’s hold, fighting to get close to Rosemary. “No, you won’t. You aren’t going to lay a hand on my sister or I’ll…I’ll…”
“Enough, Ben,” Rosemary cautioned through gritted teeth. “Keep your mouth shut. There’s nothing they can do to us.”
“Oh no?” Dirk moved so fast, Rosemary didn’t know what had happened until he tossed her over his shoulder and ambled to a fallen tree, laying her across his lap.
“You wouldn’t!” The bravado so thick in her voice a moment before fell away, replaced with shocked disbelief.
“The heck I won’t. You’re nothing but a pack of thieves, stealing cattle from hardworking people without a care for who it hurts.” Dirk brought a flat hand down hard on her backside.
“Stop it!” Ben’s scream drew the attention of the other men, who dragged two other boys toward them, tossing them a foot away from Bull.
He looked them over, not recognizing either one. “What are your names?”
“Don’t tell them, Jimmy.” Ben realized what he’d said a moment too late.
Bull cocked a brow, sending Ben a menacing smile. “Jimmy, is it? Well, here is how it’s going to be. Dirk is going to spank some sense into Rosemary until one of you fesses up and tells us what’s going on here.” He nodded at Dirk, who drew his hand up, bringing it down with a little more force than the time before.
“You can’t do that. She’s just a girl.” The one called Jimmy pushed himself up, charging toward Dirk until Tat grabbed him by his ankle, forcing him to the ground.
“Now, Jimmy, I don’t believe you understand who’s in charge here. Dirk and I are the foremen of Redemption’s Edge.” Bull watched as Jimmy’s eyes flickered, then darted between the men circling them. “Do you know what that means?”
Jimmy glanced at Rosemary, who offered a weak smile. Looking back at Bull, he shook his head.
Bull settled fisted hands on his hips, a wicked gleam in his eyes. “It means we caught you four stealing our cattle. Out here, we’re the law. We don’t need to take you back to town. It’s our right to string you up for your crimes, bury you in a shallow grave, and get on about our business. It that what you want?”
Jimmy’s body trembled, his face draining of color. Lowering his gaze to the ground, he shook his head. “No, sir. It’s not what I want.”
“Good.” Bull reached out a hand, helping Jimmy to his feet. “Dirk, you and the men keep watch on these other three. Jimmy and me are going to have a talk. Man to man.”
Tat shot Johnny an amused look. They respected Bull and Dirk, and all had been on the receiving end of Bull’s anger at least once. Slow to burn, once he reached his limit, Bull didn’t hold back, his words causing more damage than his fists ever could. And every one of the men standing around knew he’d never do what he told Jimmy. By the look on the boy’s face, they knew he believed Bull was leading him to his death.
They kept walking until Bull found a gully fifty yards away, drawing Jimmy into it. Using his hands to force the boy to the ground, Bull crossed his arms, his jaw hard as he let the silence build. Minutes passed without either talking, Jimmy’s face twisting in pure misery until he couldn’t take the quiet any longer.
“We needed the cattle for food.” His voice cracked.
“Don’t lie to me. It would take the four of you a year to eat one of our steers. Try again.”
Jimmy drew his knees up to his chin, lowering his forehead. “We sell them.”
Bull almost missed the mumbled whisper. “Say that again. And look at me when you talk.”
Lifting his head, Jimmy’s eyes filled with fear. “We sell the cattle to a man in Big Pine.”
Shaking his head, Bull leaned against a nearby boulder. “Start from the beginning. I want to hear it all.”
An hour later, Bull followed Jimmy out of the gully, his hand on the boy’s shoulder. He glanced at Tat, Johnny, and Billy. “Take these three boys down the trail a spell. I need to speak with Dirk and Rosemary.”
Waiting until the others disappeared, Bull paced back and forth for a good five minutes, calming the anger at Jimmy’s confession. Snatching a small rock from the ground, he drew his arm back, letting the rock fly through the air, having no idea where it landed. He continued to pace until he felt calm enough to speak.
Dirk had tied Rosemary’s hands and ankles, propping her up against a large rock. Walking to within a foot of her, he crossed his arms and planted his feet shoulder width apart, his glare holding all kinds of threats.
“So, you’re the leader of this group of children.”
She blinked several times, showing the first signs of cracking.
Bull looked at Dirk. “Jimmy Odell is fifteen. His brother, Teddy, is fourteen. I know for a fact Rosemary Thayer is nineteen and works for Suzanne.” Dirk’s eyes widened at the news, but he held his silence. “Ben is her brother. The last I heard, he’s nine. Do I have it right so far, Rosemary?”
Her face paled. Swallowing a lump of fear lodged in her throat, she nodded.
“Rosemary takes care of the three boys with what she makes at the boardinghouse.”
“Jimmy and Teddy work when they can, but nobody wants to hire boys who aren’t part of their family.” Rosemary’s clipped response surprised Bull. Jimmy hadn’t told him about trying to find work.
“A few months back, a man from Big Pine cornered Rosemary at the boardinghouse, offering her a way to make money.” He looked at the girl. “Do you want to finish this?”
She shook her head, doing her best to hide the tears threatening to stream down her cheeks.
Bull continued, still finding it hard to believe what the four had agreed to do. “He offered them good money for up to twenty head of cattle every four weeks. He and his men meet them east of Splendor, trade money for the cattle, then drive the herd to Big Pine.”
“Twenty head? Hardly worth the risk of getting caught.” Dirk scrubbed a hand down his face.
“Jimmy doesn’t know the man’s name or what he does with the cattle.” Bull shot a nasty gaze at Rosemary. “He says you do.”
Her lower lip trembled, showing true fear for the first time. “He said they’d come back and kill us if we talked to anyone.”
Bull lowered himself to the ground beside her, his face softening. “Then I guess we have a problem. I believe if we can find the men, arrest them for accepting stolen cattle and threatening you, there’s a good chance the Pelletiers might drop the charges.” He waited a moment to let her consider his words. “What do you say, Rosemary? Are you going to help us?”
Chapter Sixteen
“It was a lovely party, Caro. I’m so glad you insisted we accept his invitation.” Isabella unpinned the hat Caro had insisted she buy, setting it on a table in the parlor before collapsing in a nearby chair. “The entire day was fun…and exhausting.”
“According to our host, it’s not unusual to be invited to two or three soirees each week.” Caro stifled a yawn as she took a chair next to Isabella. “In fact, we’ve been invited to one in two weeks.” She glanced at Lydia, who’d said little on the trip home. “Did you enjoy yourself, Lydia?”
Picking up the book she’d been reading earlier, she sat on the edge of the sofa, her face and slow movements showing her fatigue. “I did, although I do believe I could use a night at home.”
“We certainly do not have to accept all the invitations. I do think the party in two weeks will be quite fascinating. We’ve been invited to the mayor’s home.”
Promise Trail Page 14