Solitude Gorge

by Shirleen Davies

  Tossing his hat aside, Travis knelt, scooping up handfuls of water and splashing it over his face. He scrubbed until his skin felt raw. Leaning back, he shook his head and took a deep breath, hoping the churning anger dogging him since seeing Isabella at Ruby’s would diminish.

  Travis had no explanation for the rush of emotions claiming him when he saw her with Albert. Isabella was his, or she had been until he pushed her away. The decision had been his, and he deserved every bit of regret flowing through him.

  Until he saw her with another man, Travis hadn’t been certain of his feelings. He had to accept the truth. Isabella meant more to him than he’d been able to admit, more than he wanted her to. Unable to acknowledge he loved her, Travis settled for realizing he cared a great deal, enough to feel the loss to the depths of his being.

  And he knew she felt the same for him. He’d been blinded by the past, afraid of his ability to love after losing his wife and daughter.

  The emptiness claiming him now was as consuming as the despair he felt after arriving home to learn he’d lost his family. His hands fisted at his sides. Raising his face to the sky, he opened his mouth. An uncharacteristic scream broke from his lips, the force burning his lungs, tightening his throat.

  Allowing himself to feel the pain he’d worked hard to ignore, Travis continued his agonized shout, moisture building in his eyes and streaming down his face. After a while, his voice cracked and he lowered his head. Sucking in deep gulps of air, he felt his body tremble as his hands continued to clench and unclench at his sides.

  Sitting on the ground, he rested his arms on bent knees. Travis didn’t know how long he stayed there, staring across the creek into the distance. An hour, maybe two. The length of time didn’t matter.

  What did matter was the realization he may have lost the one person who could help him put the past behind him and build a future. He still didn’t know about love. Worse, he had no idea how to get her back or if she’d ever consider giving him another chance.

  Seeing her with Payson had been a slap in the face, a blow he hadn’t seen coming.

  Pushing up, he stood, shredding hands through his hair. He bent down to pick up his hat, carefully placing it on his head as he thought of what to do next.

  Isabella hadn’t visited Rachel since their last meeting. He had no doubt her absence was intentional. Travis didn’t blame her.

  She might not want to take a chance on him again, but he’d never know if he didn’t try. If she wouldn’t come to the ranch, he’d go to her. And Travis knew he had to do it soon.

  Chapter Six

  Noah watched Johann lift the rifle and aim, the weight of the weapon forcing the boy’s arms to tremble. The .45 caliber Spencer repeating rifle could be a friend to those familiar with its use, a foe to anyone unaccustomed to the formidable weapon.

  “Aim as I taught you, Johann. When you’re certain you have the target, squeeze the trigger.”

  Nodding, the boy anchored the rifle against his shoulder, his eyes narrowing to slits. Firing, he rocked backward, the recoil too much for his slim frame. Steadying himself, Johann peered into the distance, letting out a frustrated breath. The target remained in place.

  It had been the same last week. Miss after miss, always shooting far above the target. So far, Johann had yet to hit his mark.

  “You were close that time. This time, I want you to aim below where you see the target.”

  Johann frowned. “Below?”

  “You have to make adjustments for the recoil of the rifle. Each time you fire, the gun rises, causing you to miss. I want you to try lowering your aim.”

  Glancing at his father standing a few yards away, Johann shrugged, then lifted the rifle.

  Positioning himself behind him, Noah watched where the boy aimed. “A little lower, Johann. That’s it. Now, let out a breath and squeeze the trigger.”

  He did as Noah instructed, then fired. Hearing a cracking sound, Johann looked up, shocked to see he’d hit the target.

  He looked behind him, a broad smile on his face. “I did it, Father.”

  Ernst stepped forward, a proud gleam in his eyes. “You certainly did.” He clasped his son’s shoulder. “Can you do the same to the other targets?”

  “I’ll try.”

  Noah moved behind him. “Do exactly as you did the last time. A few inches lower, let out a breath, and fire.”

  Johann shot four more times, hitting each of the remaining targets.

  “Excellent. I don’t believe you or your father need any further instruction. What you need to do now is practice.”

  Johann’s brows furrowed. “Are you certain, Mr. Brandt? What if I forget what you taught me?”

  Noah grinned. “I think you’ll do fine. You’re a smart boy and a quick learner. If you do forget, all you have to do is stop by the livery and I’ll explain everything again.”

  Ernst stepped next to them, extending his hand. “Thank you, Mr. Brandt. You’ve done all I’d hoped.”

  Noah grasped the baron’s hand. “You were a much more accomplished shooter than you let on, Baron. And Johann’s smart and has the desire to learn. With practice, I expect he’ll be an expert in no time.”

  “I’m organizing a hunt. Johann, Walter Evans, and his grandson, Jack. I’d very much like you to join us.”

  Pursing his lips, Noah shook his head. “I appreciate the invitation, Baron. Right now, I’ve too much work.”

  “Perhaps sometime in the future then.”

  Noah hadn’t been hunting in over a year. He knew Abby would appreciate something other than beef, chicken, and pork to eat. If the hunt was successful, he’d be able to offer the extra meat to Gabe for use at the Eagle’s Nest.

  “Perhaps.”

  After packing the extra ammunition away, they mounted their horses for the short ride back to town.

  “Tell me, Mr. Brandt. Where would you suggest we hunt?”

  Glancing at Ernst, Noah rubbed his chin. “The best hunting is north of Redemption’s Edge. Deer and elk are plentiful, but you have to keep watch for the Blackfoot village. It’s about half a day’s ride beyond the ranch’s border. They’re known to hunt farther north of their camp, but they’ll go wherever the game is plentiful.”

  “Will they attack us, Mr. Brandt?” Johann’s voice held a mixture of fear and excitement.

  “The chief is Running Bear. He’s a friend of mine, as well as Bull Mason and the Pelletiers. I consider him to be a good man. But if he feels his people are in danger, he’ll protect them by whatever means possible. I’d recommend you hunt within a mile or two of the Pelletier’s northern border. Stay well south of where you might encounter the Blackfoot. There’s no sense in provoking them.”

  Ernst looked at Noah. “You say this chief is a friend of Bull’s?”

  Noah nodded, remembering the bond Bull and Running Bear had formed a while back when Lydia had been kidnapped by a group of renegades. “Yes, he is.”

  “Then perhaps I’ll invite him to join us as a guide.”

  “You’re welcome to ask. From what I’ve seen, between his duties at the ranch and his work for you, he may not be free to get away.”

  Noah had heard about the baron’s hunting trips. They were rumored to be a spectacle rivaling any small town parade. He insisted on taking his private carriage, as well as a supply wagon loaded with enough food and ammunition to last at least four days. His private chef and another servant always came along, making certain the trip lived up to the baron’s high standards. Noah would bet his best gelding Bull wouldn’t commit to several days away from his duties.

  “Quite true, Mr. Brandt. Nevertheless, I feel compelled to invite him.”

  Noah kept the smile off his face. What he’d give to see Bull on one of the baron’s hunts. It would certainly be worth the loss of a gelding.

  Omaha, Nebraska

  “Mr. Peeler, we’ve arrived at our stop.” The conductor touched David’s shoulder. “Mr. Peeler?”

  Blinking, David opene
d his eyes, looking up at the man. “Thank you.”

  Straightening in his seat, he glanced outside, seeing Omaha on the station sign. Using the armrests, he pushed himself up, grabbing his hat and satchel before following the other passengers outside.

  He didn’t waste time asking for directions to the nearest restaurant as he had at the other stops. David needed to stretch his legs, take a look at the town he’d heard about from one of his seat mates on the train.

  Much larger than anticipated, David strolled the main street, looking at the various shops. He wondered if his destination had as many establishments, if it thrived as Omaha did.

  “Excuse me.”

  David turned to look at the man beside him. “Yes?”

  “I believe we’ve met.”

  His heart began to pound, his palms growing damp. “I’m sorry, but I don’t recognize you.”

  “By chance are you from Philadelphia?”

  David’s throat constricted. “Uh, no. New York.”

  The man shook his head. “I was certain we’d met before.” He held out his hand. “Well, sorry to have bothered you, Mr…”

  Grasping his hand, David cleared his throat. “Jones. William Jones.”

  “Well, it was good to meet you, Mr. Jones.” The man studied him another moment before turning away.

  Feet rooted in place, it took David several moments to realize the man never offered his own name. A shiver of concern rippled through him. Although he didn’t recognize him, his instincts warned him the man knew his true identity, had followed him from Philadelphia.

  “But that couldn’t be,” David mumbled to himself. He’d boarded the train long before his associates could’ve realized he’d left. At each stop, he’d disembarked long enough to eat, then returned to the train, never interrupting the trip for an overnight stay. He sucked in a shaky breath, telling himself it wasn’t possible anyone could’ve found him so quickly.

  Looking down the boardwalk, David spotted a saloon. He needed a drink, maybe more than one, before returning to the train.

  Splendor

  Ernst removed his hat before knocking on Gabe’s front door. He felt awkward, a little unsettled. It had been years since he’d asked a woman to supper. When he’d visited Isabella earlier in the week, he’d been enchanted enough to invite her to join him. To his surprise, she agreed.

  Gabe opened the door. “Good evening, Baron. Please, come on inside.”

  “Sheriff. I trust you and Mrs. Evans are well.” Ernst hesitated a moment. “And your father, of course.”

  Closing the door, Gabe nodded. “We’re all fine. I understand you’ve invited Isabella to join you for supper.”

  “I did. Is she here?”

  “Isabella and Lena are upstairs. I doubt it will be long. Why don’t you join me for a drink while you wait.” Gabe motioned for Ernst to follow him into the study. “Whiskey?”

  Fingering the brim of his hat, he nodded before taking a seat. “Thank you.”

  “Ah, there you are, Ernst.” Walter joined them, taking the drink Gabe offered. “Lena told me you’re taking Isabella to supper.” Sitting next to him, he tilted his glass toward his friend. “An excellent idea. She’s a fine woman.”

  Shifting in his seat, Ernst took a sip of whiskey, wiping a damp hand down his pants. “Yes, she is.” He turned his head, looking toward the stairs.

  Walter glanced at Gabe, then back at Ernst, his eyes dancing with amusement. “I assume you’ll be taking her to the Eagle’s Nest.”

  Forcing his attention back to Walter, Ernst nodded. “Yes, of course.”

  Gabe stood at a knock on the front door. “Excuse me.” Leaving Ernst and his father, he stepped out of the study, glancing at the stairs, seeing no sign of the women. Opening the door, his jaw dropped.

  “Good evening, Gabe. I hope I’m not interrupting anything.” Travis stood on the porch, wearing his best shirt and pants. “I, uh…rode over to Luke’s to see Isabella. He told me she left to stay with you and Lena tonight. Is she here?”

  Stepping onto the porch, Gabe shut the door. “Is she expecting you?”

  Travis shook his head, his throat working. “No, she isn’t.”

  Scrubbing a hand down his face, Gabe looked away for a moment, then back at Travis. “She’s upstairs with Lena.” When Travis took a step forward, he held up a hand. “Baron Klaussner is inside. She accepted an invitation to have supper with him.”

  Travis absorbed the news, his jaw tightening. “I see.” His fingers tightened on the brim of his hat. “I’d best be going.” Giving Gabe a curt nod, he turned to leave.

  “Travis?”

  He stopped, glancing over his shoulder.

  “It’s just supper. Why don’t you ride in for church tomorrow? She’s staying with us for Sunday meal. You could join us.”

  Letting out a slow breath, Travis nodded once more before returning to the buggy he’d borrowed from Dax. Watching him drive away, Gabe winced, shaking his head before going back inside to find the women, Ernst, and his father standing in the foyer.

  Lena stepped next to him, slipping her arm through his. “Who was that?”

  Gabe looked at Isabella. “Travis. He asked for you.”

  Moving past him, Isabella opened the door, finding the porch empty. “Where is he?”

  Leaning down, Gabe lowered his voice. “He left when I told him the baron was taking you to supper.” He didn’t miss the way her shoulders slumped at the news. “I asked him to join us for church and supper tomorrow.”

  She glanced up at him, hope shining in her eyes. “Did he agree?”

  “Not in so many words. It doesn’t mean he won’t be there.”

  Isabella looked away, her gaze focused on the trail back to town. “He won’t come.”

  “How do you know?”

  Biting her lower lip, she let out a ragged breath. “I don’t know. It’s just a feeling.” Turning around, she walked back into the house, the excitement she’d felt earlier fading. Shoving aside her disappointment, Isabella straightened her spine, squaring her shoulders as she approached Ernst.

  He tilted his head toward her. “Is everything all right, Mrs. Boucher?”

  She shot a look at Lena, then nodded. “Yes, Baron. Everything is fine.”

  “Good. Then we’ll be off.” Nodding at the others, he held out his arm, waiting until Isabella slipped hers through it.

  Gabe closed the door behind them, his mind still on Travis.

  Lena touched his arm. “You did the right thing, telling him about the baron.”

  “He took it pretty well, considering he’d ridden to Luke’s, then here.” To his surprise, Lena smiled. “What are you thinking?”

  “I’m hoping Travis finally figured out his feelings for Isabella. If so, that would be wonderful news.” She walked toward the kitchen, glancing into the study to see Walter pouring himself another whiskey.

  “Hold on. What if she’s changed her mind?”

  Walking back to him, she stood on her toes, placing a kiss on Gabe’s cheek. “If I know Isabella, that’s not even a remote possibility.”

  Isabella stared down at her plate, listening as Ernst spoke of his home in Germany. He had many stories, all interesting, yet none could hold her attention. All she could think about was Travis, wondering why he’d ridden all the way to town to see her.

  Several weeks had gone by without a word. For him to show up as he did, he must’ve had something important to say.

  “And what about you, Mrs. Boucher? Did you grow up in Philadelphia?”

  Her gaze shot up to meet his. “Um, no. I moved there to marry my husband.”

  “Is that where you met Mrs. Evans?”

  She shook her head. “No. We were friends for a long time before I met my husband. It was hard leaving her, but she and Nick Barnett had built a good business with plans for more.”

  “Nick Barnett? He’s married to Suzanne, who owns the boardinghouse, correct?”

  She smiled. “He is. Nick c
ame here to open the Dixie, and took a room at her place. It took a bit of time for him to express his interest.”

  “I would’ve thought Mr. Barnett would’ve married Lena Evans.” Ernst picked up his coffee, taking a sip.

  Her brows lifted. “Never. They’re very close, but have always seen each other as brother and sister. It all worked out for the best. Gabe is perfect for Lena, and the same holds true for Nick and Suzanne.”

  Ernst set down his cup, leaning forward. “And you, Mrs. Boucher. Is there someone perfect for you?”

  Isabella shifted in her bed, the same as she had for the last few hours. Thoughts of Travis and the reason for his visit rolled around in her head, keeping her from finding the sleep she needed.

  Not wanting to ruin their evening, she’d been hesitant to answer Ernst’s question about someone special. Her heart, however, had no problem leaping to an answer.

  Ernst must have seen the hesitation on her face, the way she glanced away. Leaning back in his chair, he’d given her an indulgent smile, asking her to be honest. After a moment of vacillating, she felt compelled to tell him the truth.

  Taking a deep breath to calm her fluttering stomach, Isabella told Ernst how she’d met a man shortly after arriving in Splendor. They’d become good friends, spending much of their time together, learning a good deal about the other. Their friendship had meant a great deal to her, obviously more than it had to him.

  Ernst had seen right through her attempt at indifference. When she’d finished, he’d picked up his coffee, eyeing her over the rim of the glass. Taking a sip, his gaze locked with hers.

  “It seems you are in love with Mr. Dixon, Mrs. Boucher. Wouldn’t it be easier to speak with the man, admit how you feel?”

  Pulling the covers under her chin, Isabella remembered how her jaw had dropped at the mention of Travis’s name. She had no idea Ernst knew about him. Her surprise had been so great, she’d never answered his question.

  Ernst had been more than gracious. He’d continued their conversation a while longer before thanking her for an enjoyable meal and insightful conversation, then taking her back to Gabe’s. He’d helped her from the carriage, escorting her to the door without a hint of disappointment at how their evening had ended.