Survivor Pass

by Shirleen Davies

  She still owned many other properties in Splendor, as well as investments in other industries, including mining and lumber. Even though he protested, Cash knew Noah adored his wife and accepted her extreme wealth, even if he didn’t embrace it. They’d been through a lot before giving into the love the entire town knew drew them together.

  “Another time, my friend. Think I’ll eat in town tonight.”

  “No problem, but we’ll expect you to visit soon.” Noah walked over to another stall holding a buckskin with black mane and tail—an almost identical horse to Hunter. “You can ride Joker until I figure out what’s going on with Hunter.”

  “I’ve seen Joker before and admired his lines. He’s almost a twin to Hunter.”

  “That he is. Well, I’d best get cleaned up and head home. Abby gets worried if I’m gone too long.”

  “Thanks, Noah. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Once Cash finished his rounds, he ate a solitary supper before taking a narrow road behind the buildings on Main Street toward the house he shared with Beau. It sat between Gabe’s place and the house the town had built for the school teacher. Closing the door behind him and striking a lucifer, he lit lamps in his bedroom, Beau’s room, the front room, and kitchen, giving the small space a warm glow as he started a fire in the fireplace. Beau made sure the place had a large woodpile out front, a good supply of whiskey, and a well-stocked kitchen, even though they ate at the boardinghouse restaurant as often as they cooked.

  “How about a drink?” Beau asked as he entered the house, chuckling when he saw Cash already setting two glasses on the counter.

  Filling each, Cash handed one to Beau. “To a quiet night.” They sipped their whiskey, Cash lowering himself into a large chair near the fire. “Didn’t see you tonight.”

  “Gabe had me ride south to check out some of the sheep ranches. Seems they’re missing several head and have experienced a few strange accidents.” Beau finished his drink, then poured another.

  “Like what?”

  “Fires, fences cut, a stolen wagon.” Beau looked up. “It was found all busted up.”

  “No one’s been hurt?”

  “Not yet. I figure it’s only a matter of time. Gabe tried to warn the sheep farmers about the risks of moving into cattle country, but they were determined to make it work. Seems someone is out to close them down.”

  Cash sipped his drink as he stared at the fire, trying to guess who might be trying to drive the sheepherders out. “Might be one of the ranchers closer to the Idaho border.”

  “Maybe. After your experience in Little Rock, I wondered if it might be raiders hired by ranchers who don’t want to be tied to accidents or rustling.”

  “Doesn’t matter. We just need to find out who’s giving the orders and hope it isn’t anyone we know.” Standing, Cash set his glass in the sink, stretching his arms above his head to loosen the ache in his back. “I’m worn out. See you in the morning.”

  He thought he’d be out within minutes of climbing into bed and closing his eyes. Instead, he couldn’t get the image of a certain honey-haired woman, with almond shaped eyes the color of rich chocolate, out of his mind. Even as his instincts told him something wasn’t right, that she had something to hide, he couldn’t stop the wanting. It had been a battle to keep from pulling her to him, kissing her until they were both weak.

  A woman like Alison deserved better than an embattled ex-Confederate soldier who still suffered from nightmares and bouts of rage. He hid his demons well. Still, he didn’t have it in him to saddle an unsuspecting woman with the monsters in his soul. Maybe someday, when he learned to forget, he might have a chance. As far as he could tell, that day was years away.

  ~~~~~

  Chapter Five

  “Here you are, gentlemen.” Suzanne Briar set supper plates in front of Cash and Beau a couple nights later. “Now, don’t you go showing your food to anyone else in the restaurant. I prepared these special for the two of you.” She winked as she turned to leave, running smack into Nick Barnett, one of the partners in the town’s two saloons.

  Grasping her arms, he steadied her, seeing a flush creep up her face. They’d been dancing around feelings for each other since he’d first come to town, taking a room in her boardinghouse. Neither had acted on their attraction.

  Since then, he’d built the Dixie Saloon, welcomed his business partner, Lena Campanel Evans, to town, and partnered with Lena and Gabe to purchase the existing Wild Rose Saloon. They’d then built an upscale hotel, the St. James, at the other end of town. Their latest project was to buy into Suzanne’s boardinghouse and expand the restaurant, as well as the number of rooms she offered. The two of them had been working closely together for weeks, yet neither had acted on the desire whirling around them.

  “Steady, sweetheart.” Nick’s smile triggered an immediate increase in her heart rate, his touch causing heat to flow through her body.

  A widow, losing both her husband and young daughter to a blinding snowstorm years before, Suzanne had sealed herself off from the possibility of loving again. Nick’s quiet resolve, absolute loyalty to those he cared about, and strong presence continued to chip away at her resistance, making her wonder how much longer she could avoid the truth in her heart.

  “Sorry, Nick. We’re so busy, I…” Her voice trailed off as she looked up at his face. Tall with broad shoulders and his trademark black attire, he wore a patch over his left eye. She didn’t know the history behind it, but it didn’t deter from the strength she saw when her gaze met his.

  “Why don’t you rest for a few minutes? I can ask one of the other servers to handle your tables.”

  She stepped away, instantly missing his touch when his hands slipped from her arms.

  “Who would you ask? We’re all busy tonight.” She bit her lower lip, then drew in a deep breath. “Why don’t you join the deputies?” She glanced over her shoulder at the table behind her, noticing Beau’s and Cash’s attention on her and Nick. “I’d better get back to the kitchen.”

  A sigh escaped as Nick watched her go, then he turned toward Cash and Beau. “Mind if I join you?”

  “Not at all.” Cash took a bite of the pan fried steak Suzanne had prepared to celebrate his return. Waiting until Nick took a seat, he cut another bite, holding the steak in the air. “When are you going to claim her?” He narrowed his gaze at Nick before slipping the steak into his mouth.

  Leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms, Nick let out a breath. “You know, I could pretend I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  “But you won’t,” Cash countered, taking a bite of mashed potatoes.

  Nick glanced over his shoulder toward the kitchen, seeing Suzanne emerge juggling three plates piled high with food. “The timing isn’t right.”

  Beau laughed, cutting another piece of his steak. “It’s never right. I say state your feelings. If you don’t, someone might beat you to it.”

  Nick tensed at Beau’s comment. “Have you heard something?”

  “I’m always hearing things, Nick. You know Stan Petermann’s wife died last summer. Word is he’s got a sweet spot for Suzanne. And Silas Jenks at the lumber mill has been coming in here more often than he used to. Makes me wonder.” Beau lifted his brows as he stuck another bite of steak in his mouth.

  Mumbling a curse, Nick stood, shoving his hands in his pockets. “I’m headed to the Dixie. Stop by and I’ll buy you two miscreants a drink.”

  Cash shook his head, a grin splitting his otherwise somber face, staring at Beau as Nick walked away. “You may have gone a mite too far.”

  “It’s all truthful. I spoke to Silas yesterday and he asked me about Nick and Suzanne, as if I’d know anything. Told him I didn’t know what he was talking about and left.” Beau leaned forward, lowering his voice. “Nick needs to make a move or that woman’s going to be snatched up by another man.”

  “You wouldn’t be referring to you, right?”

  “Suzanne’s a good woman, but I�
�ve got my sights on someone else.” Beau set down his fork, chewing slowly.

  “Caroline Iverson.”

  Beau’s eyes widened, but he stayed quiet, a muscle in his jaw twitching.

  “She’s a wonderful woman. Beautiful, kind. You couldn’t do much better.” Cash slid his chair back as the front door opened and Alison walked in, slipping out of her coat.

  Beau turned, lifting his hand in a welcome gesture, then lowered his voice. “Well now, it’s Mrs. Burns. Have you seen each other since having supper together?”

  Cash didn’t respond. He couldn’t stop staring, the attraction he felt for her squeezing his chest. She stood not fifteen feet away, her hair twisted into a loose bun at the nape of her neck, and even from this distance, he could see her radiant brown eyes searching the restaurant. Seeing Beau, she took a hesitant step forward before her gaze locked on Cash. He could see her suck in a quick breath, knowing she felt the same attraction to him.

  Standing, Beau made a slight bow. “Good evening, Mrs. Burns. Won’t you join us?”

  “Well...I…”

  Cash stood, pulling out a chair, encouraging her to sit down.

  “Thank you, Mr. Coulter. I don’t want to hold either of you up from any plans.”

  Not glancing at Beau, Cash answered. “I have none.”

  Beau cleared his throat, already feeling like an outsider. “Cash, I need to start the rounds. I’ll see you later.” Shifting his attention to Alison, he made another slight blow. “I’ll check your shop while I’m out.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Davis. I appreciate it.”

  He shot a look at Cash before leaving, his mouth twisting into a knowing smile.

  “What would you like tonight, Alison?” Suzanne stood next to them as she set a full cup in front of Alison, refilling Cash’s cup with coffee.

  She blinked a couple times before forcing her gaze from Cash’s. “Whatever your special is would be fine.”

  Suzanne pursed her lips, eyes sparking. “Anything else for you, Cash?”

  “I’ll wait to have dessert until Mrs. Burns is ready.”

  Suzanne nodded before leaving the two alone.

  “Thank you for letting me join you, Mr. Coulter.”

  Cash leaned forward, resting his arms on the table, flashing her one of his rare smiles, transforming his closed features into one of the most handsome faces she’d ever seen. “This is a small town. Would you do me the honor of calling me Cash?”

  The deep timber of his voice washed over her, reminding her of what had almost happened in her shop a few days before. “All right, but only if you call me Alison.”

  “Done. Now, I have a question for you.”

  “All right.” Her voice didn’t shake, even as her mind went on alert.

  “You said your husband fought and died in the war.”

  “Yes. Like you, he served the Confederacy.” Another lie she’d add to her growing list of deceptions.

  “Under whose command?”

  Her lips parted as her mind tried to rifle through the names of Confederate commanders. “Um…I’m afraid his name escapes me right now. Who did you serve under?”

  “General Hood.” Saying the name, remembering the lives lost, caused his chest to tighten. All he wanted was to put the war, the death and destruction, behind him. “You mentioned your mother died not long after your husband. It must have been a hard decision to move across the country and build a new life.”

  “Um…yes, it was.”

  “Why Splendor?”

  Alison knew her standard response wouldn’t quell further questions. Cash was too perceptive. She opened her mouth to speak, saying a silent prayer for the right words, when Suzanne walked up.

  “How about some pie?” Suzanne picked up the empty plates and waited.

  “One for each of us, Suzanne. And more coffee, please.” Cash touched the rim of his empty cup. He looked back at Alison. “You were about to tell me why you picked Splendor.”

  “It’s simple. I saw an ad Mr. Clausen posted about a shop for sale. We came to an agreement and here I am.” She took a forkful of the pie Suzanne had set before her. “Oh, this is wonderful. She makes the best pie. Don’t you think?”

  Cash knew he’d struck a nerve, but decided to let the change of subject pass. He needed to bide his time. Eventually, the truth would surface.

  “Yes, she does.”

  They continued with small talk of inconsequential, impersonal subjects while finishing their dessert and coffee. When Suzanne took the last of the plates away, Cash pulled out some money, laying it on the table.

  “I’ll escort you home.” Standing, he pulled out her chair.

  “It’s not necessary. You already know I live above the shop.”

  “Then it won’t take long to walk you home.” After helping her with her coat, he held out his arm.

  They walked in silence, passing several closed stores and the crowded Dixie Saloon before crossing the street and stopping at her shop.

  “May I call on you, Alison?” The question sprung from his lips unbidden, surprising Cash. Meeting for supper a couple times, helping her with her shelves, even buying her meal tonight didn’t constitute a true courting. His question went beyond being neighborly.

  He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been attracted enough to a woman to want to court her, knowing it had to be before the war. Even with the secrets he knew she held, he wanted to see her, learn about her past, discover if they could build something together.

  Her tongue slid out, moistening her lips. Alison knew she should decline and not become too close to anyone in Splendor. “I’d like that.” Her stomach churned the moment the words were out.

  His face relaxed, the creases between his brows smoothing. “Would Saturday evening suit you?”

  “Yes, it would.” A smile tugged at her lips when she saw the relief on his face.

  He waited as she unlocked the door and stepped inside.

  “I’m glad you were in the restaurant tonight, Cash. I look forward to Saturday.”

  “Same here, Alison.” He lifted his hand, wanting to brush his knuckles along her jaw and down her neck. Instead, he touched the brim of his hat, nodded, then walked away.

  She watched him leave, moving a hand to her throat as butterflies stirred in her stomach. For the first time in her life, she began to understand what her mother had said about experiencing an immediate pull to a man. But it couldn’t come at a worse time or in a more inappropriate town.

  Closing the door, her mind raced ahead to Saturday and what she would wear. Although she came to Splendor with one task in mind, Alison convinced herself having a little fun while sorting out her brother’s death couldn’t hurt. She’d relax and enjoy herself while beginning to ask the questions she’d been holding back. And she’d start Saturday night with Cash Coulter.

  ~~~~~

  Chapter Six

  “Parker believes the men in these posters are related to Chet Penderville, one of the robbers killed during the bank holdup.” Cash had waited to show Gabe the posters until he’d gone through the older ones in the desk. He’d found nothing on the men killed in the attempted bank robbery.

  Gabe studied the images of Milton and Harrison, noting the resemblance. He, Cash, and Beau sat in the jail, talking as the sun began to set over the nearby mountains. Other than the saloon, hotel, and restaurants, most businesses would be closing within the hour.

  “I agree with him.” Gabe pointed to the name of their home state of Virginia. “Wasn’t Chet from there?”

  “Near Lynchburg. From what we learned, he and the others in the gang fought for the South.” Beau scratched the stubble on his face. “Parker have any more to go on than the posters and his gut feelings?”

  “Nope.” Cash returned to his chair, leaning back and crossing his arms. “We could talk to Luke and ask him to use his Pinkerton connections to do more digging.”

  Luke Pelletier had been a Pinkerton agent for a while before meeting and mar
rying Ginny. According to Dax, he still had a solid relationship with Allan Pinkerton, the founder of the well-known detective agency.

  “I’ll ride out to their ranch and talk to him. For now, we need to assume they are related to Chet and planning to avenge his death.” Gabe buckled his gun belt around his waist, then checked his revolver. “Cash, notify Horace Clausen about these two and show him and his employees the posters. Did Parker have any idea where they were last seen?”

  “I don’t believe he’s heard any more since his friend in the Dakota Territory sent the telegram. That would be about two weeks ago. I’ll send him a message, ask if he’s learned more.” Cash started to follow Gabe to the door when it flew open, almost slamming into Gabe’s face.

  “Sheriff, glad I found you. You’ve got to come right away.” Stan Petermann’s face glistened with sweat, his voice shaking.

  “Calm down and tell me what’s happening.” Gabe nodded toward a chair.

  “There’s no time, Gabe. Clay McCord is trying to talk young Ben out of shooting, but the kid has this wild look. You need to come with me.” Stan took off with Gabe, Cash, and Beau right behind him.

  The general store was on the same side of Main Street, three doors down. As they approached, the sounds of shouting came from inside. Gabe reached out and grabbed Stan by the collar when the man continued to surge ahead.

  “Get back behind Beau and stay back. We’ll take over from here.”

  “All right, Sheriff, but I think Ben is serious about shooting Clay if he doesn’t get what he wants.”

  “And what does he want, Stan?” Cash stood beside him, his gun drawn.

  “Food.”

  All three lawmen muttered curses at the same time the shouting from inside stopped.