Though she was nervous, she raised her chin and spoke with complete sincerity and not a little bit of force. “Forgive my bluntness, gentlemen, but I think we are far beyond such social niceties. Lately I’ve been inundated with squatters taking advantage of my lone state, been approached by multiple men offering to purchase my beloved ranch, been browbeaten by my stepsiblings to sell, and now someone is killing cattle and attempting to kill me.”
She sighed. “Please don’t treat me as though I don’t count.”
“You count,” Thomas said, his voice firm and sure. While she gazed at him, struck by the depth of emotion she saw in his blue eyes—and how his words made her feel—he softened his tone. “Of course you need to be part of this conversation, Miss Laurel. However, I would rather not start making suggestions or bantering about ideas until Captain Monroe arrives. When he arrives, we’ll just have to go over everything again.”
She didn’t need to look around to realize the two other men at the table were listening to their exchange with interest. No doubt they were imagining something was going on between them too.
Laurel was sure her face was probably bright red. “Oh. Yes. Please just forget what I said.”
“Never that.” Getting to his feet, Thomas said, “Gentlemen, if you have had enough to eat, would you mind making yourself at home while I help Miss Laurel with the dishes?”
“I’ll do one better,” Lieutenant Truax said. “I’ll help with them too.”
Laurel was just about to assure him that was not necessary when someone knocked at the front door.
She stood up eagerly. “Sergeant, perhaps your captain has arrived?”
“Maybe so,” Thomas murmured, though his expression didn’t match his tone. “I’ll go see if Captain Monroe has, indeed, arrived. But until I know for sure, you stay here.”
She attempted to smile. “Not every person who comes here is a suspect.”
“We’ll see,” he said as he turned for the foyer.
“Thom—” she began, but stopped herself just in time.
Because she noticed then that he was armed. He was holding a beautifully crafted new Colt in his right hand. He also looked ready to use it.
27
UH-OH,” MABEL MUTTERED UNDER HER BREATH. “LOOK who’s back.”
Taylor turned to the entrance of the saloon and experienced the same empty feeling Mabel must have. Landon Marshall was back. This was not good news. He’d hoped for another day’s break at the very least.
When Marshall’s eyes lit on him and then he started sauntering forward, Taylor drummed up a lifetime of experience not to shy away from the man’s glare.
Without saying a word, Marshall took the bar stool next to him and pressed a palm on the hammered copper surface. “Whiskey, neat.”
“You got it.”
When Mabel set the shot glass in front of him with a fake sultry smile, Marshall slapped two bits on the bar. “Thank you.”
“Anytime, sugar.” Turning toward Taylor, she arched a brow. “You want anything?”
Taylor was terribly thirsty but low on funds since Marshall had reneged on his last payment. “No thanks. I’ll wait.”
“Give him another anyway, darlin’,” Marshall said. “I’m buying.”
When Mabel took his glass to refill it, Taylor nodded. “Appreciate that.”
“It’s the least I can do. Given that you lost one of your partners yesterday.”
Remembering how hard it had been to dig even an inch in the hard soil, Taylor pressed his lips together. It had been an ugly job, and Howell didn’t seem to have much going for him in the way of upper-body strength. When Mabel set his shot glass in front of him, he drained half of it.
“You got something more for me to do?”
“Yeah. I’m still going to get her to marry me, and I’ve got something else up my sleeve too. But do something different this time, just as long as it’s as threatening to the ranch as killing her cattle.”
With effort, Taylor kept his expression impassive, almost glad for the request. The opportunity to change up his scare tactics made a difference when he had no choice but to do what this man wanted. Not only was he too far in to extricate himself, but he had no money and nowhere to go. “Yes, sir.”
“Then be on alert. I’m told Baker and Laurel sent a wire to someone earlier today, and I’m thinking something is about to happen.”
“Yes, sir. Do you need me to get any assistance?” He hoped Marshall didn’t want him to hire Howell again. It was a whole lot easier to take care of everything himself.
“No.” After slapping down another two bits on the bar, Marshall got up, sauntered toward a table, and motioned Mabel forward. “Come spend some time with me now, honey.”
Mabel picked up the coin and slipped it into the bodice of her dress before visibly steeling herself.
Thinking of Dara, Taylor looked at Mabel with some concern. “You going to be okay with him?”
“Probably not. But why are you even asking?” she whispered, her expression filled with derision. “It ain’t like you can do a thing about it.”
He threw back the last of his shot and stood up. It was time to leave. He had no desire to witness Marshall mistreat her, because Mabel was exactly right. There wasn’t a thing he could do about much anymore.
Even the soiled doves knew it.
Thomas respected Captain Monroe more than just about any other man on earth. And from the many years when he fought by his side, Thomas knew how his captain liked to do things. He was careful and methodical. He rarely did anything on impulse.
For these reasons, if Thomas were still a gambling man, he would say the chances were slim to none that the captain had decided to ride his horse onto the ranch, dismount, then walk up to Laurel’s door and knock as if he didn’t have a care in the world.
That wasn’t how he did things.
Especially not after receiving a telegram like the one Thomas sent. Instead, his captain would ride to the barn, dismount, and simply wait until he saw Thomas or one of his other men. The captain had always been a man to be assured of his surroundings before making any move.
And that was why Thomas had his new pistol in his right hand at the ready when he opened the door.
“She’s got you opening doors for her now?”
He’d been right. It definitely was not his former captain at the door.
“Marshall. To what do I owe this pleasure?”
“Don’t play games with me, Baker. I need to see Laurel immediately.”
Instead of backing away, he merely raised his eyebrows. “Care to explain why you have brought this pair with you?”
“We live here,” Jerome said.
“Not anymore. Don’t you recall that conversation? Because I do. I remember it clear as day.”
“I recall that you kicked us out of our own home without reason,” Jerome said. “I know you have insinuated yourself onto our land and into our lives with the ease of a poisonous snake in tall grass.”
“While that’s rather colorful, I don’t find it to be fitting in this case.”
Marshall glared. “Watch yourself, Baker. Laurel’s siblings have every right to be here, and you had no right to influence her to drive them out. I’ve come to help Laurel see that. While you might think you’re now someone high and mighty, it is an absolute certainty that you will eventually be nothing more than a dirt-poor criminal again.”
Marshall’s words stung. But instead of fighting them or pretending they hadn’t met their mark, Thomas welcomed the hurt. After all, that was how he had felt most of his life until he’d lived side by side with his friends in the barracks on Johnson’s Island. “You may be right,” he replied without a bit of animosity in his voice. “Being here is most likely fleeting, and I am nothing more than a poor example of a man. However, the fact remains that I am currently here and you are not.”
“Who arrived?” Robert asked as he joined them. His voice and demeanor seemed as if he were greeting Ch
ristmas carolers.
Thomas hid a smile. Robert was a master at hiding his true feelings. Thomas had once watched his lieutenant look much the same way when a blowhard major described his excuses for implementing asinine battle plans.
Somewhat eager to see what the man was going to do next, Thomas performed the necessary introductions. “Robert Truax, these are Laurel’s stepsiblings, Jerome and Bess. Miss Laurel’s already had to kick them out one time since I’ve been here.”
Before their eyes, Robert’s pleasant demeanor transformed into something far darker. Actually, he was eyeing them the way one might examine an unwelcome rat in a cupboard. “Interesting.” Then he turned to the third visitor standing on the stoop. “And you are?”
Obviously running out of patience, Laurel’s neighbor thrust out a hand. “I’m Landon Marshall. I own a sizable spread of land just to the west of here.”
After a pause, Robert took Marshall’s hand. “Robert Truax. I fought by this man’s side during the altercation between the states. And while he might say otherwise, I can say with honesty that he is not some poor criminal. I would watch how you describe him in the future.”
Marshall relaxed. “So you’re an old friend.”
“Of a sort.”
Looking just beyond Robert, Marshall took on a wary expression.
The major held out his hand. “Ethan Kelly of San Antonio. I’m a friend too.”
“Nice to meet you—” Recognition flew into Landon’s eyes. “Any chance you’re a relation to the Michael Kellys?”
Ethan nodded. “Michael Kelly is my father.”
“He owns one of the biggest ranches in the area.”
“The Bar X is one of the biggest ranches in the state,” Ethan said, clarifying Marshall’s statement.
Thomas couldn’t help but stare at Ethan in surprise. He’d known Ethan’s family was wealthy and well connected, but he never dreamed they were that well-off.
Marshall’s smile was so slick oil could have run off it. “I’d very much enjoy the opportunity to talk to you about your ranch. I have some questions about the train lines and managing a full crew.”
“Excuse me,” Jerome said. “We are still standing out here on the doorstep.” He waved a hand at Thomas. “Step aside now and let us in. Bess and I need to get settled.”
“You are not moving back in,” Thomas said. “However, I will go ask Miss Tracey if she desires company.”
Bess harrumphed. “I fail to see how it is up to her to decide anything. After all, this was our father’s house before it became hers.”
“Your father ensured this ranch would come to me when he and my mother died,” Laurel said quietly from her position next to the staircase.
Thomas gripped the door. “As entertaining as this reunion is turning out to be, I don’t believe there’s anything more to be said.”
“Hold on, Sergeant,” Laurel said. “We should let them say their piece.”
“Sure?”
Before she could answer, Landon Marshall pushed his way in. “Laurel, I became even more worried when your help relayed that you would not be coming to my home for supper tonight. Please tell me you’ve reconsidered your decision to manage this ranch and all your troubles on your own. Your siblings and I want to help you.”
Sharing a look with Robert and Ethan, Thomas stepped to one side as Bess and Jerome wandered inside too. After looking outside for any sign of Captain Monroe but seeing nothing, he shut the door, then walked to Laurel’s side. “You don’t need to do or say anything,” he said.
Her gaze softened. “While I appreciate your efforts to shield me, I think I should hear what they have to say.”
“At last you have regained your senses in that regard,” Jerome said. “Let’s sit down and discuss why you men are here.”
Bess was already walking toward the sitting room. “I’ll have some tea, Laurel. With cream and sugar.”
“Of course. Please make yourselves comfortable,” Laurel said as she walked toward the kitchen.
“What is going on?” Robert said under his breath to Thomas.
“I’m not exactly sure, but I aim to find out. Lead our visitors into the sitting room, would you? I’ll go get some answers.”
“My pleasure.”
Satisfied that Robert and Ethan would keep Laurel’s stepsiblings and wannabe suitor in line, Thomas followed her to the kitchen.
Laurel had just set the kettle on to boil.
“Why are you serving them tea?” he asked. “You don’t need to lift one finger for them.”
“I know. But I can’t avoid them forever. Jerome and Bess have a way of twisting information and situations to get what they want.”
“Yes, I noticed they don’t take rejection well.”
“They don’t take much of anything well. I’m afraid I’m not above using you and your friends to help me get my point across.”
“And Landon Marshall?”
“I started wondering if he might be able to give us any helpful information about the problems occurring around here. But I don’t want to face him alone either.”
“Fair enough. But I’m putting a time limit on this visit,” he warned. “They are not staying longer than half an hour.”
Setting cups and saucers on a cart, Laurel nodded. “That suits me just fine.” After she set out a plate of shortbread cookies, a small pitcher with cream, and a sugar pot, she poured the now boiling water into a fine-looking blue teapot. “You may push the cart, Thomas,” she said lightly.
“My pleasure. You know, I do believe this is the first tea service I’ve ever pushed.”
“So far you are doing an exemplary job.”
Thomas found himself smiling as they entered the sitting room. As he saw that Bess and Jerome were sharing the sofa, Landon Marshall was ensconced in the largest chair, and Robert and Ethan were standing in front of the fireplace, he raised his eyebrows.
Laurel’s grace, on the other hand, seemed to have no limits. Standing at the cart, she politely served everyone tea. Only after they had all been taken care of did she perch on the edge of the remaining chair.
Unable to help himself, Thomas walked to her side.
After casting him a look of gratitude, she said, “Now that everyone has met, I must ask why you have come, Landon. Were you simply escorting Jerome and Bess here?”
“Not at all. There has been talk in town of some problems taking place on your ranch. I heard rumors about more dead cattle and gunshots being fired at you. Is this true?”
“It is,” Thomas replied.
“Why would anyone want to harm you?”
“I don’t know,” Laurel said. “I can only guess that someone who wants me to sell my land is hoping violence might sway me. That is, unless he actually wants me dead.”
Thomas noticed Jerome and Bess exchange a look with Marshall. He jumped on that. “Miss Tracey has told me that each of you has been attempting to persuade her to sell.”
Bess gasped. “What are you insinuating?”
“It seems fairly obvious to me,” Robert said.
Jerome got to his feet. “While it is true that I have been unsuccessfully encouraging my sister to sell, I would never resort to killing animals.”
“Or shooting at her?” Robert asked. “If you killed Miss Tracey, your problems would be solved.”
“Think what you will, but I am not a murderer.”
Thomas agreed. Jerome still didn’t look like he had ever held a pistol. And from what Laurel had said, he also didn’t have any money to pay someone to do his bidding.
Landon Marshall was a different story.
“What about you, Marshall?” he drawled. “I know you also have been hoping to persuade Miss Tracey to sell.”
“That is true.”
“Would you resort to violence to get your way?”
“While it is true that I fought in the war, I am still a gentleman.” The look he gave Thomas showed he definitely did not consider Thomas to be the same type
of man.
Thomas was not affronted. After all, he was no gentleman.
“Where did you serve?” Major Kelly asked.
“I was with the Texas militia unit.”
“Oh? Did you fight alongside the Tennessee Army?”
Marshall looked uncomfortable. “No. I was stationed near Dallas. I’m afraid I didn’t see much action.”
“Ah.”
Landon turned to stare at Laurel. “I am becoming concerned about you, Laurel. You shouldn’t be here alone, and especially not alone in the company of these soldiers. You need to consider not only your stepsiblings’ needs but your own. I would still like to marry you.”
Laurel clasped her hands together. “I have told you several times now that I would like you to stop pursuing me. I also told you the other day that I didn’t need you looking out for me.”
“But something is going to happen to you.”
“Is that a threat?” Thomas asked.
“I am stating a fact. As I told you the other day when Jackson and I stopped by, I have had nothing to do with the attacks on the Red Roan Ranch. Also, don’t forget that one of my barns was broken into as well. I am also a victim.”
Just then Thomas felt a prickling on the back of his neck. Turning around, he saw Captain Monroe standing in the doorway that led out to the kitchen. “Sir.”
Immediately, all the other occupants of the room turned to stare at the newcomer. Everyone wore various shades of surprise.
“Good evening,” Captain Monroe said. “I decided to come on in when I saw the doorway was cracked and heard such an intriguing conversation.” Looking as if he was harboring a secret, he said directly to Laurel, “I hope you don’t mind that I barged right in, miss. I couldn’t seem to stay away.”
28
IT TOOK EVERYTHING LAUREL HAD NOT TO PRESS A HAND to her chest as her latest guest stepped into her sitting room. She’d been so focused on the conversation that she hadn’t even realized another person had joined them.
Even more disconcerting was the rush of adrenaline she felt when Captain Monroe turned her way. He had blond hair cut close to his scalp, a ruddy complexion that testified he’d spent most of his life out in the elements, and clear, light-blue eyes that seemed to burn into her very soul.
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