“Mr. McFarlin. Another message came for you. A longer one this time. I knew you’d be leaving soon and wanted to be sure you got this.” The older man’s breath came in gulps, his heart pounding from the brief exertion.
Pulling money from his pocket, Dutch exchanged it for the telegram. “Thank you. I appreciate you finding me.”
Grinning, the man clutched the tip in his hand as he walked away. “Have a safe journey.”
Opening the message, he scanned the contents, a frown crossing his face. Pinkerton had provided more details on the man, a former captain in the Confederate Army.
The company had been hired to find Beauregard Davis, a task headquarters had already accomplished. Dutch’s job was to confirm the identity and report back to his boss. Brows furrowing, he folded the paper, slipping it into his pocket.
He’d never had such a bland assignment. In his mind, Allan Pinkerton could contact the sheriff in Splendor, or even his former agent, Luke Pelletier, who he was certain knew the man, and confirm. Dutch never questioned his orders and wouldn’t start now. If nothing else, he’d be able to spend time with his friend, resting from running down notorious bank and train robbers, before returning to more challenging work.
Splendor, Montana
“Your timing is excellent, Covington.” Beau finished securing Boyden Trask and his two men in the back of the wagon for the trip to Big Pine. Caleb had accepted Gabe’s job offer. His first assignment would be riding with Beau to guard the prisoners, ensuring they arrived safely at the territorial capital.
“I never did care much for sitting around.” Caleb checked the saddle, his guns, and rifle one last time before mounting his big buckskin gelding. Twister, a gift from an elderly neighbor who could no longer afford to keep him, had entered his life after the war. Caleb had done his best to get his friend to take payment, being rebuffed each time. Instead, he worked the man’s farm for several months, doing whatever he could to help him out. Over the last few years, he and Twister had become partners.
“You two ready?” Gabe stepped out of the jail, a cup filled with tepid coffee in his hand.
“If all goes as planned, we’ll be back tomorrow evening.” Beau climbed onto the wagon, settling himself on the bench seat.
“I understand you’ll be bringing back some more supplies for Caro.” Gabe leaned against the rail, seeing Beau’s eyes widen a little before narrowing.
“Her new hired men, Merritt and Gus, asked for some materials she hadn’t brought back from Big Pine. It’s not a problem, is it?”
Gabe shrugged. “Not by me. Glad you decided to help her out.”
Beau winced, knowing his closest friends would’ve understood if he decided to turn his back on her, letting someone else help her out. He couldn’t find it in himself to ignore her needs.
He picked up the lines. “See you tomorrow.”
Gabe held up his cup, nodding at him and Caleb as they rode out. Stepping back inside the jail, he picked up the telegram from Sheriff Parker Sterling, reading it a second time. Clem and Louis Dawson, former members of the Penderville gang, had been seen in eastern Montana. Tossing the missive on his desk, he lowered himself into his chair.
The Penderville brothers had come after Cash, planning to kill him for a perceived wrong to their family. Two of their men, Clem and Louis Dawson, had been ordered to kill Noah Brandt. Their bullets hadn’t accomplished their goal, although they had gravely wounded Noah and Bull, who’d been riding beside him.
Clem and Louis had escaped to form their own gang. In the opinion of several lawmen in the territory, the Dawson gang couldn’t be ignored. They rustled cattle, stole horses, and robbed banks, making it hard to figure out where they’d strike next. And, unlike the Pendervilles, they weren’t driven by revenge. Greed was what motivated them and their men, not caring who got hurt or killed.
Gabe had done what he could, sharing the news with Beau and Caleb before they left, letting Cash know before he began his rounds that morning. He needed to warn Noah, his closest friend since childhood, and Bull. Gabe didn’t want them taking up arms in revenge, but they had to be prepared in case the Dawsons were foolish enough to show their faces in Splendor.
“Gabe, do you have a few minutes?” Bull walked in, a roll of paper under his arm, Nick following him inside.
Gabe motioned to a couple chairs. “Now is fine. What do you have?”
“I want to get your thoughts on a few changes I’m recommending for the new clinic.” Rolling out the paper, he pointed to several areas on the layout he’d eventually use as plans for construction. “If I rearrange some walls, I can fit in one more examination room. The size of the surgery room can also be enlarged.” Bull looked between Gabe and Nick. Along with the Pelletiers, they were the biggest contributors to the new clinic. “It will cost a little more in materials.”
“Have you talked to Doc McCord?” Nick continued to study the changes, not looking up.
Bull nodded. “I have. He thinks it’s a good idea, and thinks Doc Worthington would feel the same.”
Nick sat back in his chair. “Then I’d say we go ahead with your recommendations.”
“Good. I’ll get started.” Bull rolled up the plans.
“Before you leave, I received news from Sheriff Sterling about the Dawson brothers.”
Bull’s features stilled. “What did Sterling say, Gabe?”
“They’ve been seen in eastern Montana. Sterling hasn’t heard of anyone seeing them around Big Pine.”
“Have you told Noah?”
“Not yet.” Gabe picked up his hat, securing it on his head. “I’ll be speaking to him next.”
“He’s working at the forge, finishing a tool order for Dax and Luke. I’ll go with you.”
Gabe looked at Nick. “I’d appreciate it if you’d let Horace Clausen know. After I meet with Noah, I’ll be riding out to the Pelletier ranch to let them know.”
“I’ll go to the bank right now, Gabe. Is there anyone else I should warn?” Nick walked to the door, following Bull and Gabe outside.
“No one else, Nick. I’ll talk with you at supper tonight.” Gabe’s wife, Nick’s longtime business partner, had followed Nick to Splendor to open the Dixie Saloon, meeting and marrying Gabe. The three had formed a partnership, building the St. James Hotel, enlarging the boardinghouse, and spending supper together most nights. “Let’s hope the Dawsons aren’t foolish enough to come around.
Bull stepped next to him. “We’ll be waiting if they do.”
“Good morning, Rachel. I didn’t expect you in the clinic today.” Doctor Clay McCord finished putting away an order of bandages and medicines he’d received, closing the cabinet door. “What brings you in today?”
Rachel Pelletier, Dax’s wife and the clinic nurse, shrugged out of her coat, placing it on a hook by the door. “I believe I’m pregnant.”
Clay grinned. “That’s wonderful news. I suppose you’re here for me to confirm it.”
She nodded. “I don’t think I’m wrong, but with Ginny and Luke trying so hard to have a baby, I don’t want to say anything until you’ve made certain.”
Nodding, Clay indicated for her to get on the examination table. Ginny Pelletier’s first pregnancy had ended in tragedy, losing the baby while Luke was away from the ranch. It had been hard to recover from the miscarriage, but they had, deciding to try again.
Clay looked down at her. “You know what to expect.”
Rachel nodded, letting her mind clear as he went about his exam.
A few minutes later, she grabbed her coat off the hook. “Then it’s official?”
“It is, although you already knew what I’d find. I’d expect the newest Pelletier to join the family in late spring.”
Slowly slipping on her coat, she glanced up at him, her eyes filled with sadness. “Dax will be thrilled. I’m a little concerned about how Ginny will take the news.”
“You’ll have to tell her and Luke soon, Rachel. They’re both adults. Do you really think they’d expect
you and Dax to hold off growing your family because of their loss?” He placed a hand on her shoulder. “I won’t pretend to know God’s plan, but I can’t believe He’d allow a couple such as Luke and Ginny to go through their life without children.”
“Dax and I believe the same.” Buttoning her coat, she took a few steps toward the door. “I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t say anything until we’ve had a chance to talk with Luke and Ginny.”
“Of course. Will I see you in the clinic this week?”
“I’ve made plans to meet Rosemary here tomorrow. She’s a quick learner and wants so much to be a nurse. It won’t be long before she can take over for me.”
Clay chuckled. “Don’t go pushing yourself out of a job so soon. She reads everything I give her and asks great questions, but there’s nothing better than actual experience. My guess is that’s how you became so good so fast. Working in Union field hospitals will turn an inexperienced nurse into an expert in a short amount of time.”
A slow smile spread across her face. “You have me for at least a few more months. After that…” She shrugged.
They both turned as the front door opened. Ginny walked inside, her eyes widening at the sight of Rachel. “I didn’t know you would be in the clinic today.”
“I hadn’t planned to, but needed to speak with the doctor. Are you ill?”
Ginny’s face brightened. Clasping her hands in front of her, her gaze moved between Clay and Rachel. “I feel wonderful. I think I’m pregnant.”
Chapter Six
It had been over a week since Beau took Caro, along with Merritt and Gus, by her property. The brothers had taken their time looking at every aspect of the house, telling her what they thought needed to be done, the additional supplies required, and how much time it would take.
If the weather held, they figured the most critical work could be completed before Christmas. The rest would take at least another month. Neither balked at setting up their bedrolls inside the house or cooking their meals over a campfire, and the wage they asked for seemed fair to both her and Beau.
Other than commenting about repairs, she and Beau had spoken little since he’d made it clear he wasn’t courting Sarah. In fact, he’d stayed silent on the ride back to town. The only concession came when he honored his promise to teach her how to drive a wagon by asking Noah if they could borrow it again.
Lying in bed, the early morning sun beginning to lighten the room, she thought of all that needed to be done over the next few weeks. Caro had agreed to meet Merritt and Gus at her property today so they could start work.
Beau hadn’t offered to drive her back out, and knowing he’d left two days before to deliver the prisoners to Big Pine, she had to figure out a way to get there. A soft knock on the door had her rolling out of bed, grabbing her wrapper.
“Mrs. Iverson, there’s a gentleman downstairs waiting for you.”
She cocked her head, opening the door a crack. “A gentleman?”
“Yes, ma’am. Deputy Davis says you have an appointment at your new place.”
A slow grin tipped up the corners of her mouth. He remembered.
“Thank you. Please let him know I’ll be down in a few minutes.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Scrambling to dress, she grabbed a brush, drawing it through her blonde hair before twisting it into a tight bun at the back of her neck. Slipping into her heavy coat, she picked up her reticule before heading downstairs to meet Beau. Stopping on the last step, she saw him standing at a window, his gaze fixed on something outside. Careful not to make a sound, she took advantage of his back being to her, allowing herself a few moments to study him.
He’d cut his dark brown hair since she’d left for San Francisco. Before, he’d worn it loose, falling to his shoulders, sometimes securing it at the back of his neck in a queue. Now it curled around his ears, just touching the collar of his shirt.
She sighed. It had been much too long since she had the right to run her fingers through it.
“Didn’t your mother tell you it isn’t nice to stare?” Turning, he fixed her with an intense look.
Caro startled, her face flushing at being caught watching him. Lifting her chin, she joined him in the hotel lobby. “I wasn’t staring.”
Beau chuckled. “You never could lie, Caro.”
Her face softened, her mouth curving into a smile. “You’re right. I don’t know why I even try.” She let her gaze wander outside before returning to focus on him. “I don’t remember you offering to take me out to the property this morning.”
“I’m not taking you. You’ll be taking me.”
Her jaw dropped, eyes widening when his meaning became clear.
“Today is your first lesson. Maybe the only one, if you catch on as fast as I expect.” Taking her hand, he threaded her arm through his. “Noah has the wagon waiting.”
Stepping outside, he sensed her hesitancy, felt a slight tremble rush through her. “You’re not worried about driving the wagon, are you?”
Indignation crossed her face, her gaze narrowing. “Of course not. In fact, it’s doubtful I even need your assistance.”
Squeezing her hand, he nodded. “I guess we’ll find out.”
“Easy, Caro. You don’t need to jerk the lines.”
“Why can’t I figure this out? It didn’t seem so hard when you were doing it.” She glanced at Beau, catching her bottom lip between her teeth.
He patted her thigh, then drew his hand back. For a moment, he’d forgotten he had no right to be so familiar. “I’ve driven a wagon since I was seven. This is your first time. Give yourself a chance to get used to the feel of the lines and how the horse responds. I know you can ride a horse.”
“Only because you taught me. My late husband hated the thought of me riding, even though he’d ridden his entire life.”
He leaned back against the seat, enjoying watching her, ready to help out if needed. The sound of her voice soothed him in a way he’d never appreciated until he lost her.
“I don’t understand why he didn’t want me on a horse. All the ladies I socialized with owned their own and rode almost every weekend. Did the women in your family ride?” She spared him a quick glance before returning her attention to controlling the horse.
A grin tilted up the corners of his mouth as memories washed over him. “They did, and all were quite accomplished.”
“See. You prove my point.” She nodded toward a fork up ahead. “Isn’t that the trail to my place?”
He sat up. “It is. Are you comfortable making the turn?”
Nodding, she drew in a deep breath, straightening in the seat. Taking the lines in each hand as Beau instructed, she mentally went through what he’d told her, focusing on the horse and the trail ahead. As the wagon straightened, she let out a relieved breath, flashing a triumphant smile at Beau.
“I did it.”
“Yes, you did, sweet…uh…Caro.” He scolded himself for almost speaking out of turn. She wasn’t his sweetheart or anything else.
Her smile faded when she glanced over at him. “Thank you for taking the time to bring me out here.”
“You’re the one driving the wagon.”
“Yes, but it was you who insisted I learn the right way. Thank you for that.”
Beau nodded, not knowing what else to say. She’d done well, picking it up much faster than he expected. It wouldn’t be long before she’d learn what she needed to manage her property, maybe keep a cow, raise a few head of cattle. All things he’d hoped they’d do together.
“Look. There it is.”
Ignoring the pain in his chest, Beau shifted his gaze toward the house where Merritt and Gus waited. The supplies he’d picked up in Big Pine filled the back of the wagon. He grinned, remembering the look on Caro’s face when she’d seen it that morning.
“Morning, Mrs. Iverson.” Merritt stepped up to the wagon, helping Caro down when she drew it to a stop.
“Good morning. I hope we didn’t keep you
waiting.”
Merritt turned toward his brother, shrugging. “Waiting’s no problem for us, Mrs. Iverson.” He peered into the back of the wagon. “Seems you got the supplies we asked for.”
“Actually, Mr. Davis traveled to Big Pine for them.”
Beau rounded the wagon, placing his hand on the side of it. “Hope it’s what you wanted.”
Gus jumped into the wagon and started handing material to Merritt. “Seems to me we have what we need.”
“Do you have time to show me around the house again? Show me what you plan to do inside?”
Beau’s request surprised but pleased Caro. “I have plenty of time.” She glanced at the brothers. “Gentlemen, I’ll be inside with Mr. Davis if you need me.”
He helped her up the dilapidated steps to what had once been a pleasant front porch. Weather, age, and neglect had reduced it to slats of wood more suitable for a bonfire.
“Is there something specific you want to see?” Caro walked around the parlor, yanking down curtains so worn they nearly deteriorated before touching the floor.
“How long since the Millers lived here?” Beau followed her, taking stock of what used to be fine wood paneling.
“Horace Clausen said close to six years. They kept making payments for a long time. One day, the money stopped coming. He’s been trying to find a buyer for about two years.”
“I know.” There was a hint of regret in Beau’s voice.
She stopped assessing the room and turned to look at him. “Were you planning to buy it?”
He thought of the many times he’d spoken to Horace, trying to find a way to finagle a purchase with the wage of a deputy. Few knew of the funds he had available in a bank back east. If he’d dipped into it, he could’ve bought the Miller place and several other sections of land around Splendor. Family obligations always held him back—obligations he refused to discuss with anyone, even his closest friend, Cash.
When he didn’t answer, Caro stepped up next to him, resisting the urge to rest her hand on his arm. “You were planning to buy it, weren’t you?”
“No.” He moved away, needing more distance. “I think I’ll head upstairs. Seems the fireplace in the main bedroom needs some work Merritt and Gus may have missed.”
Deep River Page 6