The same as Beau’s wife, Caro, Isabella didn’t need a man to support her, but she wasn’t the type of woman to grow old without a husband and children. She deserved both. Beau wasn’t wealthy to the same degree as Caro, but he did have an inheritance. Travis had less than nothing and no prospects for anything different in the future.
He didn’t consider himself an overly bright man, but even he could predict the outcome of a marriage between him and Isabella. She’d eventually tire of a life without, living on what he made at the ranch. Because under no circumstances would he live on money earned by another man.
A tired breath escaped him when Luke’s house came into view. His stomach roiled at what had to come. Travis’s father had told him many times to take care of the inevitable instead of trying to put it off. Doing so only caused more problems, and sometimes more pain.
He’d never understood his father’s words so completely until now.
Approaching the house, Travis spotted Luke working with one of the mares in a nearby corral. He stopped when he saw them rein up.
“Good morning, Travis, Isabella. What are you doing here?”
“Dax wants you to know what’s going on with the outlaws.” Travis slid to the ground, then helped Isabella down. “Do you have a few minutes?”
“As much time as you need.” Luke motioned to one of his ranch hands to take care of their horses.
“I’m going inside to see Ginny and Cooper.”
Watching Isabella walk away, his heart dropped into his stomach. The determination he felt not ten minutes before shifted to doubt, which was something he couldn’t consider. After today, nothing would be the same. Not for Isabella, and not for him.
“I’d like to get back to the ranch as soon as possible. Can we talk out here?”
“Sure, Travis. Let’s go into the barn and get out of this heat.”
Grabbing a canteen hanging from a peg inside, Luke handed it to Travis. Taking a long pull, he handed it back, then sat down on a bench next to the tack room.
Swallowing several gulps, Luke hung the canteen back on its hook. Grabbing a stool, he dragged it next to Travis.
“You said there’s news on the robbers.”
Over the next several minutes, Travis filled him in, ending with Running Bear taking his grandson home and the soldiers riding to Wolf Creek Mountain.
Rubbing the back of his neck, Luke thought through what he’d learned. “I’ve never been to the mountain, so I can’t speak about it with any authority. From what I’ve heard, it’s in the middle of Crow territory, not a place most white men want to go.”
“And the rumors about it?”
Luke’s eyes sparked with amusement. “You mean being full of spirits and whatnot?”
Travis nodded.
“I’ve heard about them, but never met anyone who witnessed any spells or mystical powers. Some say it’s where Crow spirits live out their days. I’ve heard others talk about people riding up the mountain and never returning. If that’s what happens to those killers, I’m all for it.”
“You and everyone else. Colonel McArthur will send word to Dax about what they find.”
Luke reached over to a nearby stack of hay, pulling a strand out and sticking it into his mouth. “With luck, they’ll find bodies to haul back to the fort.”
“There are no guarantees they’ve ridden north. The gang could’ve gone south, which is what several of us believe.”
“Either way, they’re gone from here. I’m sure Gabe has already sent telegrams to Big Pine and Moosejaw. Probably down to Wyoming and other parts they might go. Have you heard any more about the last three men they shot?”
“Nope. Wyatt took Nora back to town. I’m sure he’ll know more when he gets back. Are you all right here, or do you need Dax to send some men over?”
“We’re fine here, Travis. I have two more mares to break, then I’ll bring the group over and join them with the ones you and Wyatt have been working.”
Standing, Travis stretched his arms above his head. “I’d better head back.”
Luke pushed up, tossing the piece of hay onto the ground. “Do you want to say goodbye to Isabella before you go?”
Shoving aside the burning desire to say yes, he shook his head. “She’s in with Ginny and the baby. I don’t want to disturb her.” Walking to Banjo, he grabbed the reins and swung into the saddle. “Send word if you need help.” Fighting the urge to glance at the house, he touched Banjo with his spurs and headed out.
Travis felt a sharp pang of guilt, knowing Isabella would be confused and disappointed by him leaving without a word. He had a lot to think through before speaking to her again. Most of all, there was a conversation he had to have, and as he’d learned growing up, there was no better time than now.
Chapter Twenty
Splendor
Rosemary touched the damp cloth to the patient’s forehead, feeling him flinch before a moan escaped his lips. He hadn’t woken for more than a few minutes since being grazed on the left side of the head during the bank robbery.
Until earlier this morning, they didn’t know his identity. Exasperated, Doc Worthington had gone through the man’s jacket, discovering a Pinkerton badge and a trade card bearing the name Joel Eastman, Pinkerton Agent. Charles took the items and headed straight to the jail.
It didn’t take long for Dutch McFarlin, a deputy and former Pinkerton agent, to return to the clinic with the doctor. By the time another ten minutes passed, Dutch had sent a telegram to Allan Pinkerton, letting him know of the agent’s injury and requesting information on the nature of his trip to Splendor. Thinking back to the telegram he’d sent to Pinkerton about David Peeler, Dutch didn’t believe Joel showing up in town was a coincidence.
Wringing the cloth out in a bowl next to the bed, Rosemary startled when Joel spoke through a parched throat. “Water…”
“You’re awake, Mr. Eastman.”
Turning his head, he looked at her through narrowed eyes, red-rimmed and wary. “Water…please.”
Pouring a glass, she lifted his head. “Just a little.”
He took a sip, but when she tried to pull the glass away, he gripped her wrist, holding it in place. After another few sips, he released his hold.
Her eyes lit with humor. “I can see you’re going to be trouble, Mr. Eastman.”
“Where am I?”
“You’re in the Splendor clinic.”
Joel tried to push up, then fell back, wincing at the sharp pain slicing through his head.
Rosemary placed her hands on his shoulders. “You must stay down.”
“What happened?”
“A group of outlaws robbed the bank about the time you got off the stage. One of their bullets grazed your skull. Do you remember any of it?”
He started to shake his head, stopping when pain shot through him a second time. “Nothing. How long have I been here?”
“You were shot yesterday morning, so a full day.”
A short knock sounded before Clay opened the door and walked inside.
“Doctor McCord. Our patient is awake.”
Closing the door, Clay moved to the bed. “Mr. Eastman, I’m Doctor Clay McCord. How are you feeling?”
Joel lifted his hand, touching his head. “Like I’ve been run over by a train.”
“The pain will pass in a few days. I can give you laudanum if it becomes too much.” Clay checked the wound, then his pulse.
“No laudanum.” Joel swung his legs over the side of the bed, trying once more to rise, his head spinning.
Clay reached out, bracing Joel’s back when he began to sway. “It’s too soon for you to be up and moving, Mr. Eastman.”
Gripping the edge of the bed, he grimaced. “I’ve work to do.”
Clay bent down and lifted Joel’s legs while Rosemary steadied his shoulders, lowering him back onto the bed. “You’re in pain, dizzy, and weak. Whatever work you have will have to wait.”
Joel closed his eyes, resting his arm on his f
orehead. “I’ve been told to meet with Dutch McFarlin. Do you know him?”
“We do. In fact, Dutch was in here not long ago.” Clay shook out the blanket, spreading it over Joel’s legs and waist. “I must apologize, but we went through your clothes, looking for a way to identify you. When we found the Pinkerton badge and your trade card, I sought out Dutch. He’s a former Pinkerton agent.”
Joel didn’t open his eyes. “That’s what Allan told me.”
“He’s at the telegraph office now, sending a message to Mr. Pinkerton. If I know Dutch, he’ll wait for an answer, then come straight back here.”
Lifting his arm, Joel settled it on the bed, eyes opening to slits. “Good. I’ve business to discuss with him.”
“Doctor, if you don’t mind, I’ll check on the other two patients.”
“Thank you, Rosemary.”
Joel shifted, his gaze following her out of the room. “You have a busy clinic, Doctor.”
“We don’t generally have three gunshot patients at one time.”
“Three?” Joel choked out, covering his mouth when he started to cough.
“The gang who robbed the bank shot up the town, hitting you and two other men. Both are ranch hands at a spread south of town. One was shot in the leg, the other in the chest. He’s the most critical.”
“Did they catch the men?” Joel’s voice lowered, his eyelids growing heavy.
“Not that I’ve heard. It was the second attack on the town by the same group. They killed a man when they robbed the bank the first time. We’d all just left church when they came storming into town. Everyone was there…Sheriff Evans, his deputies. The miscreants hit the bank and rode out.” When Clay looked back at his face, Joel had drifted off to sleep.
The door opened a crack, Rosemary looking in. “Dutch McFarlin is downstairs, Doctor. He’s asked to speak with Mr. Eastman.”
Drawing the blanket under Joel’s chin, he walked into the hall, closing the door. “It’ll have to wait until after he wakes up again. Let Dutch know I’ll send word as soon as Eastman is able to talk to him. By the way, did you hear anything about the outlaws being captured?”
Clasping her hands together, Rosemary shook her head. “The soldiers and Running Bear left the ranch before Dirk brought me to town this morning. Colonel McArthur believes the men who raided the town are deserters from Fort Connall.”
“Are the Blackfoot helping to search?”
“No. They are returning to their village with Swift Bear. Wyatt said the soldiers are heading north to Wolf Creek Mountain to look for the deserters.”
Clay’s brows furrowed. “Isn’t that the place some of the locals believe is haunted?” He and Rosemary walked down the hall to the room where one of the ranch hands recovered from his leg wound.
Her lips curved upward. “I’m certain those are rumors meant to keep white men away from the mountain. I mean, how could a spirit kill someone?”
“Good morning, Thomas. I’m here to see one of your guests.” Travis shifted enough to glance into the Eagle’s Nest. Several people sat in the restaurant, just not the man he hoped to see.
“Of course, Mr. Dixon. What is the name?”
“David Peeler.” Travis noticed Thomas’s nose scrunch at the name.
“He left a few minutes ago. I believe he mentioned speaking to Noah about renting a horse.”
Travis felt pretty certain about where David planned to ride. “Thanks, Thomas.”
Hurrying outside, he walked down the boardwalk toward the livery, nodding to a few people he recognized, not stopping to talk. Crossing the street, he spotted Noah and David outside, a large roan next to them.
“Good morning, Noah, David.”
A grin spread across Noah’s face. “Wyatt brought news the raiders are thought to be deserters from Fort Connall. He said the colonel and his men are riding to Wolf Creek Mountain. Seems a little farfetched to me, but…” He shrugged.
“Several of us feel the same, but it’s the colonel’s decision.” Travis slid a hand down the horse’s neck. “Are you going somewhere, Mr. Peeler?”
David’s back straightened, his shoulders rigid. “Yes, I am, Mr. Dixon.”
“Do you mind me asking where?”
“It’s really none of your business.” He turned back to Noah. “Now, Mr. Brandt, are we settled?”
Noah looked between the two, a spark of amusement in his eyes. “We are. Just be careful on your way out to see Isabella.” He shot a knowing glance at Travis. “I sure wouldn’t want anything to happen to you.”
Glaring at him, David grabbed the reins. “I will most certainly be careful. Have a good day…gentlemen.” Mounting, he reined the horse away from town, kicking it to get moving.
Travis let out a breath. He’d meant to speak with David about Isabella, come to terms with a possible union between them.
Noah crossed his arms, staring at David’s back as he took the trail north. “I like that man less each time I see him.”
“I know what you mean.”
Clasping him on the back, Noah smiled. “Did you come here to talk to me or give Peeler a hard time?”
Chuckling, Travis turned his attention back to Noah. “A little of both.”
Something had changed his thinking when he saw David again. He’d meant to discuss Arnott’s request and David’s ability to provide a good life for Isabella. Travis wanted to know if the man loved her or was pursuing her out of a sense of duty.
Each encounter with Peeler left Travis with a cold feeling in the pit of his stomach. Arrogant and self-absorbed, the man’s actions and words did nothing to make Travis believe he’d be a good match for Isabella. She deserved much better than someone taking her on out of loyalty. Somehow, even that didn’t sit well with Travis.
If Peeler had been loyal to Arnott, why had it taken him so long to make good on his promise? And why had he said nothing in all the letters he’d sent Isabella since her arrival in Splendor? Nothing added up to the man having the allegiance he professed.
Then a thought struck him. “Do you have a few minutes to talk?”
Noah looked at Suzanne’s boardinghouse and restaurant across the street. “You know, I’ve had a yearning for some coffee and pie all morning.”
“I like your way of thinking.”
Noah took a sip of coffee to wash down the large bite of pie, his expression thoughtful. Setting down the cup, he crossed his arms.
“You’re asking if I had trouble adjusting to marrying a woman with a substantial fortune. Is that because you’re thinking of asking Isabella to marry you?”
Travis’s mouth twisted a little. “I’m considering it.”
“But you don’t think you’ve anything to offer.”
Sucking in a slow breath, he let it out. “I know I have nothing to offer. When you asked Abby to marry you, you already had a thriving business and a house on Sunrise Ridge. You had savings and prospects of your own.” He snorted, shaking his head. “I live in a bunkhouse with the other men, train wild horses, and have about enough money to live on for two months if there’s no work.” He swallowed the growing doubt, feeling his chest squeeze. “Isabella would insist on us using her money.” Meeting Noah’s gaze, he shook his head. “A man can’t live that way.”
“A man can live any way he chooses. You’re right about me having a business and a home. They were nowhere near what Abby brought to the marriage. Back east, they’d call her an heiress. Out here, everyone knows she’s a woman of means, the same as Caro and Lena. Both have enough of their own money.”
“From what I’ve heard, Beau came into an inheritance.”
Noah gave a quick nod to Beau when he entered the restaurant. “Not as much as Caro’s worth, but yes, it was still significant.”
“And Gabe is beyond wealthy with his hotel businesses back east.” Travis massaged the back of his neck, afraid he’d never find an answer.
“You gentlemen mind if I join you?” Beau rested his hands on the back of a chair. He look
ed between the two, lifting his hands. “If you’re having a private conversation, I can—”
Travis gestured to the chair. “Sit down. Noah’s giving me advice and your name just came up.”
Beau removed his hat, setting it on the windowsill. “Must be bad if my name was mentioned.”
They waited while the server brought him a cup of coffee and took his order.
“Travis is thinking of asking Isabella to marry him.”
Beau slapped him on the back. “Well, it’s about damn time.” Taking a hard look at Travis, seeing the green tinge to his skin, Beau’s features stilled. “What’s got your gut in knots?”
Noah held up his cup. “What do you suppose?”
Beau’s brows drew together before his eyes widened. “Her money.”
The sick feeling in Travis’s stomach grew worse. “David Peeler came here to offer marriage. He’s well-off and can take care of Isabella the way her late husband wanted. Maybe it’s best if I step aside, let her be with someone closer to her station.”
Beau leaned back in his chair. “Station? Do we even have those here in Splendor?”
Noah laughed. “Not so you could tell.”
Travis gave them a disgruntled look. “You know what I’m saying. She has money, can live wherever she wants. Why stay out here in the middle of the frontier when she can return to a life of luxury in Pennsylvania?”
“It’s simple. Isabella likes this town and loves you.” Beau let the server set his plate down, picking up a fork. Stabbing a piece of chicken, he held it up. “Caro moved to San Francisco because she was so certain she preferred a big town, the theater, music, and a robust social life. Well, we all know what happened.” Putting the chicken into his mouth, he chewed, a smug grin on his face.
“But you had a good job—”
“So do you.”
“And you’d already bought a ranch,” Travis continued, becoming more confused by the minute.
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