Stronger Than the Rest

by Shirleen Davies

  “May I join you?” Tess stood beside his chair, ducking to look out the train window. “It’s almost too beautiful for words.” She watched the fast moving river that twisted and turned, following the railroad’s path.

  Drew gestured to the seat across from him. “That’s one of my favorite sights. The river flows most of the way from just outside of Denver to Great Valley.”

  Tess settled across from him.

  “I wish there’d been more time in Denver for you to see the city,” Drew said, and meant it. “You and Aunt Alicia didn’t see much during your stay.”

  “That’s fine. We came to see you, not the town. At least that’s why I came.” Tess didn’t look at him, keeping her eyes focused on the rushing river below.

  Drew watched her, wondering how much to say, or if he should say anything. There was still so much uncertainty in his life.

  “Mother and Father will be glad to see you, as will everyone else. We have a mare ready to foal. You’ll be there to watch it.” Tess’s eyes met his. “You’ve talked about how much you like watching new foals entering the world. We’re hoping for a colt.”

  “I still plan to return to Fire Mountain someday, work with Will and my brothers to grow the horse breeding program.” Drew took a deep breath, letting the air out slowly. “Tess, I don’t know how long it will take these legs to start working again or if I’ll ever walk. I’m trying. Each day it’s like I’m starting over again. I still have no feeling. They’re just these useless limbs dragging me down, forcing a life in this chair. It’s not a life I want to bring anyone else into.”

  Tess’s heart quickened. She wondered if he was speaking of her, but realized that no, he must be speaking of Patricia Dunnigan—working so hard to walk again so that he could be with the young woman in Denver. Her hopes plunged.

  “We’re coming up to Great Valley, Mr. MacLaren. There should be a carriage waiting for you.”

  Drew pulled his gaze away from Tess to look at the conductor. “Thank you.” He wanted to speak more with Tess, but now wasn’t the time.

  Drew found he was looking forward to seeing the doctor in Cold Creek again. He was the one who’d operated on Drew to remove the bullet and had encouraged him not to give up when feeling had not returned within a few days.

  Drew had not given up on walking. It had now been several weeks. The doctors in Denver had told him they’d seen people go as long as five to six months before feeling returned and they regained the use of arms or legs. It was rare, but possible. That’s all he asked—for it to be possible. Drew suspected the Cold Creek doctor knew more about paralysis than he’d shared. Drew hoped the doctor would consent to help him walk again.

  ******

  “Welcome back, Drew.” Grant Taylor extended a hand to help Drew from the carriage and into the waiting chair.

  “It’s good to see you, Grant. This is Mr. Jericho, my traveling companion.”

  Grant nodded to Jericho before turning to help Alicia and Tessa down. He pulled his daughter into a hug. She returned the hug before moving to embrace Eleanor. Although she’d only been gone a little over a week, it felt good to be home.

  “How was Denver, Alicia?” Eleanor asked as they walked up the front steps.

  “It’s a wonderful town but much larger than I realized.” Their voices faded as they walked into the house with Tess right behind.

  Grant turned to Drew once he knew the women were out of range. “Not that we’re not glad to see you, but what’s going on that brings you to Cold Creek?”

  “Louis Dunnigan heard about the troubles that Eloise Bierdan has been having and sent me out. He’s had an interest in her place since before Gordon died.” Drew paused to look down at his useless legs, the results of a bullet from Gordon Bierdan. He raised his eyes back up to Grant. “Dunnigan wants to see if she’ll agree to sell the ranch to Dunnigan Enterprises.”

  “Won’t be easy. That woman’s determined to make it on her own. She has a new foreman, some good wranglers, and about as much stubbornness as you’ll ever see.” He chuckled remembering her accusation that Grant had sent men to rough up her ranch hands. She stood about five-feet-four-inches, but she had been like an angry bull that day.

  “Well, I’m here to see if some type of agreement may be reached. Put something together before any more of her men leave or go missing.”

  “You know about that do you?” Grant was surprised to learn that the news had traveled to Denver. “Alts believes one man was murdered, but hasn’t been able to find the men responsible.”

  “I heard. Greed and power are high motivators for a lot of men. They’ll do just about anything to get what they want.”

  “Does that include Louis Dunnigan?” Grant had only met the man briefly when Dunnigan had come to Cold Creek to accompany Drew back to Denver after the shooting. He’d seemed honorable, but one never knew for certain.

  “No. Louis Dunnigan is as honest as they come. He’s no fool, but he’ll walk away if a mutually acceptable agreement can’t be reached. Make no mistake, he wants the Bierdan ranch, but not at the expense of human life.” Drew sat back in his chair and pondered whether or not to ask his next question. In the end, it was fair to get it out in the open.

  “Dunnigan is interested in the Langdon spread, also. Any thoughts on that?”

  Grant’s gaze drifted to the young man who’d helped him save his ranch from cattle thieves. He liked him, and suspected his youngest daughter liked him even more.

  “Well, you need to know I’ve spoken to Langdon about his place. Made him an offer which he said he’d consider.”

  “I see.” Drew thought as much. It made sense, even if it was further away than the Bierdan ranch. “But no offer to Eloise Bierdan?”

  “No, not yet. Don’t doubt that I’d like that land, Drew, but taking on both ranches right now would stretch me a little thin. I can pay cash for Langdon, but need to work with the bank on the Bierdan place. Plus, well, I just don’t feel quite right going in right now, given what transpired between her husband and me.” Grant’s lowered voice and heavy sigh told Drew that Grant was still haunted by what had happened between the two men.

  “Understandable. I hope I’m not making a mistake going there myself. Could be she’ll shut the door in my face.”

  “Doubt she’d do that. I’d say it’s worth a try. But, I wish you luck because something tells me you’re going to need it.”

  ******

  Denver, Colorado

  The associate made his way to the darkened building as had been the normal routine for weeks. The streets were deserted. He scanned the area to be sure no one was watching, then ducked into the basement. This time the decoder from Baltimore accompanied him. It had taken a couple of weeks but, as promised, he’d arrived to help decipher the documents his companion had uncovered.

  The newcomer followed the associate up the blackened stairwell and into the office above. The boss looked up for a brief moment before indicating that both men should take seats. He stared for several moments at the decoder, looked at the associate, then back at the newcomer.

  “You’re related.” It was a statement, not a question.

  “Yes, brothers,” the decoder answered. “Any problem with that?”

  “No. As long you can do the work, deliver results, there’s no problem. Have you seen the documents?”

  “Looked them over a little before coming here. They’re in code all right. Pretty sophisticated from what I could tell.”

  “How long will it take?”

  “Won’t know until I get started, which will be tomorrow.”

  The boss looked at his associate, who’d sat silent during the exchange. “Get word to me as soon as you know anything. Do you understand?” The decoder nodded. “I want this done as soon as possible.” He stood, and as was the custom, grabbed his coat. When he looked up, his two visitors were gone.

  Chapter Six

  Connor walked into Ira Walsh’s office and dropped the latest message on the
desk. “From Luther.”

  Walsh frowned as he read the words. “Drew MacLaren is in Cold Creek.” He glanced at Connor, who’d already read the missive. “That can mean only one thing. He’s there to negotiate a sale for either the Bierdan or Langdon ranch, or both.”

  “How do you plan to proceed?”

  “I’ll send both ranchers a message, indicating my interest in their property. Luther will apply more pressure—this time directly to Langdon and Mrs. Bierdan.”

  Connor’s eyebrows came together as his eyes narrowed. “What kind of pressure?”

  “Nothing you need to concern yourself with. You have your own issues here, running my saloon and mining interests. Luther can handle the situation for now.”

  Connor didn’t like the answer. He’d hired on with Walsh after being assured all businesses and methods of operation were legitimate. Connor didn’t plan to use his extensive network of connections if he sensed it would end with a free-fall down a legal hell hole. He’d assured them when they invested in Ira’s businesses that the man could be trusted. Now Connor wasn’t so sure.

  “I don’t agree with threats or violence to achieve goals and neither do my colleagues. If that’s your plan, you can count me out.” Connor had leaned closer to the desk while fixing his gaze on Ira.

  Walsh settled back in the large leather chair, his eyes narrowed to slits, lips pursed. He took his time contemplating Connor’s words before a feral smile transformed his face. “Your worry is misplaced. You can rest assured that I have not ordered any illegal actions.”

  From what Connor knew of Ira’s business activities, the comment was at best a half truth. He’d never heard Ira order one of his men to do something illegal, but Connor would bet his last silver dollar that Walsh was aware of illegal actions. Connor needed to confirm this one way or another before he led his associates down a path that could land them in all jail.

  ******

  Cold Creek, Colorado

  “Good afternoon, Mrs. Bierdan. I appreciate you seeing me,” Drew said as Mr. Jericho helped him into the small front room of the Bierdan home.

  Eloise Bierdan stepped back and stared at the chair and its occupant. She’d dreaded seeing Drew MacLaren again. After all, it was her husband who’d shot the bullet that had paralyzed him. She’d change things if she could. Perhaps if she’d known of her husband’s activities things could have turned out differently, but she was as unaware of his illegal actions as most. He’d shared little with her, which also contributed to the difficult times she was having now.

  “I’m glad to see you, Mr. MacLaren. May I get you anything? Water, coffee, a whiskey?”

  “Nothing, thank you.” Drew looked around the room. The home was much smaller than the Taylor ranch house, with little furniture. Grant had mentioned that Mrs. Bierdan had sold some of the nicer pieces to raise cash. He and Eleanor had bought a sideboard from her—not that they needed it, but they’d wanted to help the young woman if possible. It wasn’t her fault she’d been left in this sorry state. Drew wasn’t sure he felt the same. He’d often wondered if the widow had known more about Gordon’s activities than she let on.

  “Well then, what can I do for you?” She took at seat across the room from the wheel chair and folded her hands in her lap.

  “I’m sure you’re aware that I work for Louis Dunnigan, at Dunnigan Enterprises. He’s been expanding his operations to western Colorado, purchasing cattle ranches and other businesses that fit with what he does.”

  “And just exactly what does Mr. Dunnigan do?”

  “It’s complicated,” Drew began.

  Her eyes narrowed on his. “I know most people in Cold Creek don’t think much of my abilities, but I’m fairly certain I can understand what Mr. Dunnigan does if you take the time to explain it to me.” Her slight smile never faltered, although there was no humor in her eyes.

  Drew could hear Mr. Jericho cough behind him, no doubt attempting to hide a chuckle. “It’s not that I don’t think you’d understand, it’s just that there are many interconnected businesses. Explaining is more a challenge to me than a statement on your ability to understand.”

  “Please try.”

  “All right. Mr. Dunnigan owns businesses that include cattle ranches, mining, restaurants, hotels, and shipping. His main focus, however, is the land.” Drew left out Dunnigan’s extensive logging operations.

  “And just what do you do for Mr. Dunnigan?” Mrs. Bierdan asked.

  “I’m his attorney. I work on all the legal transactions within and between all his businesses. Negotiations, contracts, disputes—anything that impacts the legal part of Dunnigan’s businesses.”

  “So that’s why he sent you? Not because you have some personal interest in my ranch?”

  “Yes, that’s why I’m here and for no other reason. Believe me, I had no desire to come back to Cold Creek.” His eyes bored into the young widow’s. “I’m the person who discusses purchases and establishes the terms of each agreement. Mr. Dunnigan must review and approve what I do, but I work through the preliminary steps.”

  His tone had her pushing back in her chair and stiffening her back. She truly felt horrible about the damage her husband had done to this man, but she had her own issues to face and was determined not to fail.

  “So you’re here to offer me a fair price for my ranch, is that it?”

  “If you’re interested in selling, then yes, we would work toward a fair price.”

  She stood and walked to a window, drawing back a curtain to watch the men milling around the barn and corrals. Eloise had been in Cold Creek less than two years, but she’d learned to love the small town and admire the people who worked hard to make a success of their ranches. Her husband had gone about it the wrong way. She was determined to do it right.

  “No doubt you’ve heard that the ranch is struggling with a few men leaving. My husband didn’t leave me with much, other than the ranch and cattle. But make no mistake, Mr. MacLaren, I plan to keep them and not sell off to some greedy businessman who cares nothing for Cold Creek or its people.”

  Drew considered her rigid stance, determination, and the insulting comment she’d made about his boss. He understood her desire to succeed, but he couldn’t leave without setting her straight about Dunnigan.

  “I respect your desire to make the ranch work. Admire it. But I want to make clear one thing before I leave. I’ve worked for Dunnigan long enough to know that he doesn’t cheat or steal. He offers top dollar when he’s serious about a purchase, and he’s serious about your ranch. Don’t make the mistake of lumping him in with those other greedy business people or you’ll find you’ve closed the door to a lucrative escape route, should you ever need it.” He tilted his head just enough to catch Jericho’s attention and nod. “We’ll be leaving now, Mrs. Bierdan. You know where to find me if you’re ever in the mood to discuss this again.”

  ******

  “Don’t seem to me like you have much choice, Bellows. You can agree to ride out or we can send you to a place where it won’t matter. Either is good for Luther and me.” Vern Tyson, Luther Grimms, and the rest of the men stood over Jay Bellows as he lay sprawled in the muddy banks of the Gundy River. He’d ridden alone to visit the daughter of a neighboring rancher, Warren Langdon, oblivious to the band of men following his trail. It was a full moon and Jay had been daydreaming about seeing Clarisse Langdon again. It was a costly error.

  Tyson poked Jay again with the butt of his rifle. Bellows kicked at the offending weapon, shoving Tyson back a few feet and discharging the gun in the process. The men in the circle jumped back and pulled their guns, pointing them at Jay.

  “Damn it, boy, this ain’t a fight you’ll win.” Luther held a cocked revolver pointed at Jay’s head. “Best you mount up and head out before…” His words were cut off with the approach of riders who fired into the night sky. “We’ve got to move,” Luther growled, then turned back to Bellows. “This ain’t over. You can count on that. Better you leave this area than
end up in a box six feet below it.” Luther mounted, but just before riding out he took aim and fired.

  Minutes later three riders circled Jay as he attempted to stand, blood dripping from a wound to his shoulder. He looked around, dazed, trying to locate his missing gun. He’d known not to ride out without keeping an eye on his surroundings, but worse, he’d failed to let Jeff know he’d be visiting Clarisse.

  “What the hell are you doing out here alone, Bellows?” his boss, Jeff Burnham, asked in his slow southern drawl. A drawl that could be misleading. Jay recognized the fire in the foreman’s eyes. They’d been warned that ever since Clint’s beating, no Bierdan men were to ride alone and Jeff was to know their whereabouts at all times. He’d said it was not open for discussion. They could abide by it or leave. Jay had broken both commands.

  “Visiting Clarisse Langdon, Boss.”

  “Yeah, Clint thought that’s where you might be. Good thing he mentioned it. We were on our way to find you when we heard a shot.” He turned Jay toward him to look at the damaged arm. “You’re lucky it’s just a flesh wound. It’ll hurt like hell, but will heal fast.” Jeff tore off pieces of Jay’s shirt to wrap around the injury, then looked toward Clint and Stan Clark, the other man who’d found Clint the night he’d been beaten. “Okay, let’s head back, but keep your eyes peeled for those vermin. Jay can tell us his story on the ride. And Jay, this better be good.” Jeff nudged his horse into a gallop with the others close behind.

  ******

  Eloise paced the small area of what had been her husband’s office. It was hers now. “What do you plan to do with him, Jeff?”

  “Haven’t decided. Can’t afford to lose anyone else since that’s what those men want, but I can’t let him defy my orders, either,” her foreman responded. He swallowed the last of the whisky in his glass, stood, and set it on the corner of the desk. “He’ll work a few days around the barn and corrals, not out on the rangelands, and won’t be allowed off the property the next two weekends. That should do it. He was invited to Langdon’s for supper on Sunday. That won’t happen, either.”