******
“You’re telling me Jamie’s on his way here, too? Hell, Drew, why don’t Niall, Sam Browning, and Trent Garner come along also? Might as well have all the men here in Cold Creek for a battle I can handle on my own.” Will slammed the whiskey back before pouring another. He couldn’t help the disgusted tone. His family was interfering and he’d have none of it.
Drew knew his brother too well to be dragged into the muck on this one. There were reasons the family had decided to come to Cold Creek, good ones, and they all centered on keeping Will alive and stop him from breaking the law in his quest for vengeance. “Tough thing for a man to have family who cares about him, right, Will?” Drew sipped his drink while he waited for his twin’s reaction.
“Hell, Drew, don’t start that shit. I love them, you know that. But this is my fight, not yours or theirs.”
“Your fight is our fight, Will. Can you understand that? If the man who killed Emily is here in Cold Creek, let us help you. Don’t do this alone.”
“And if one of you is killed, hurt, how do you think I’ll feel?” Will took another swallow of whiskey while watching the saloon doors. He didn’t want anyone to know his brother had arrived. No sense making him a target. “No, Drew, this is my fight to win or lose.”
Drew studied his brother for several long moments, trying to determine how far he could be pushed without shutting down. That had become his normal method of dealing with conversations he didn’t want to face. He’d let Will retreat for now, but the discussion, and the family’s involvement, were far from settled.
“I’m hungry. What time is supper at the ranch?” Drew finished his drink, signaling he’d also finished talking, for now.
“Fine, we’ll ride out now, but I’m telling you, I don’t want anyone else I care about involved. I have no intention of losing any more of my family.”
******
“I swear to you, Chet, the man looks just like Will MacLaren, but all gussied up. Rode in today and went straight to the restaurant next to the hotel. After awhile Miss Taylor and Joey came out and took off home, then MacLaren and the stranger walked to the saloon. Got to be brothers, maybe twins.” Sheriff Dutton had sought out Hollis soon after watching the happenings with MacLaren.
“So what? Doesn’t mean anything to us. We just keep doing what we planned and everything will work out fine.” Chet had stayed in town after his run-in with MacLaren, gotten supplies, and landed in the saloon not long after Will and Drew left for the Big G. This was his second trip to Dutton’s office that day. He’d been ready to leave the saloon and ride out when the sheriff signaled that he needed to speak with him.
“You’re just not understanding this. The man wore a gun, same as MacLaren. We already know he has a brother that was a marshal, a real mean bastard. Now another brother shows up. I don’t like it, not one bit.”
Chet pondered this awhile, sipped his whiskey, and leaned back in his chair. “The boss wants more cattle. He’s not satisfied with the count, and isn’t going to be until we give him what he wants. I’ve already spoken to our contact at the Taylor ranch and he’s ready to move whenever I give the word. He feels he can handle MacLaren, and we can handle the stranger, if it comes to it. You just find out who this stranger is, determine if he’s connected to MacLaren. I’ll go out to speak with the rest of the men, give them warning that we may need to move quick. As long as we don’t panic, we’ll be okay.”
Dutton wasn’t convinced. He knew Jamie MacLaren, and if he showed up, the sheriff already planned to take off without a backward glance. He wasn’t going to fight a battle he knew they’d lose over a few head of cows. “I’ll find out what I can on the stranger, but you just heed what I said. These MacLarens aren’t men you want to mess with.”
Chapter Ten
“How’d you end up in Denver, Drew?” Amanda looked across the table at their guest. He’d shared little about himself. At least she’d learned there were two more brothers—Niall, the oldest and head of the MacLaren clan, and Jamie, the second oldest and an ex-marshal. She wondered if they were as handsome as the two at her table.
“Luck, actually. A client at the New York office wanted someone to head up the Denver operations, expand the cattle part of their business. The combination of my law degree and ranching background made sense. I volunteered. It’s been over a year but I’m about ready to move on, go back home.”
Will shot a look towards Drew at the last statement. It was the first time he’d heard Drew mention going home, back to the ranch and their family. A strange sensation slashed through his heart, but disappeared just as quickly.
“If you don’t mind me asking, is that what brought you to Cold Creek? Are you on your way back home?” Tessa had spoken little during the meal. She preferred to listen and not join the conversation when guests were present. But this stranger intrigued her. He’d had extensive education, and like her, he loved books and learning. But he also loved ranching.
“No. I knew Will was here and thought it’d be a good time to see him. Not a long journey from Denver, and I’d wanted to visit the western part of the state for some time.” Drew sipped coffee as Amanda passed around the cake Maria had made. “Seems like a peaceful town, from what I’ve seen so far.”
“Well, first impressions aren’t always accurate. There’s a lot going on, making life difficult on all the ranchers, not just here at the Big G. We’re hoping it’ll all settle down when our parents return next week. Right, Jake?” Amanda looked at their foreman, hoping he’d enter the conversation, but he continued to sit in silence, preferring to size up the stranger in his own way. “Father will take care of the problems. I’m sure of it.”
“What problems?” Drew asked.
“Cattle rustling, accidents with no explanation,” Will said. “Losses have hit the Big G the hardest, but several places have lost a part of their herd.” Will leaned forward. “Amanda showed me the places where cattle have gone missing. Only Big G ranch hands know where cattle will be pastured, and that information is provided to them by Jake on the day they move the cattle. It’s only been a few days since Amanda and Jake made the connection, but within a day or two of being moved, some of the cattle are missing. Just makes sense that someone here is passing on information about grazing locations.”
“Do the same hands move the cattle each time, or do you rotate duties?” Drew directed his question to Jake.
“Been rotating for the most part, but at least three men are always included in the group. Known two of them for years, Tinder and Mullins, but the third only a couple of months. Came recommended, but something’s never seemed quite right about him.”
“Who recommended him?” Drew asked.
“One of the hands at the Bierdan place, Del Wiley. Guess the two worked together down in New Mexico.”
Will’s senses went on alert at the mention of Chet Hollis’s friend. He doubted it was a coincidence but said nothing. “What’s the man’s name?”
“Alts. Frank Alts. You’ve worked with him a couple of times now, Will.”
Will had worked with him but felt the same as Jake. Something just wasn’t quite right with Alts, but he had yet to figure out what. “Yea, a couple of times. Sticks close, but doesn’t say much.”
“Alts? Now why does that name sound familiar?” Drew looked at Will.
“I thought the same, but nothing about him is familiar. Maybe he came through Fire Mountain at some point, worked at one of the ranches,” Will responded.
“Don’t matter,” Jake said. “I’ve decided I’m going to have Will be part of the group. He can keep an eye on Alts and the others.”
“Yea? And how do you know I’m not part of it?” His eyes focused on Jake. There was no humor in Will’s voice.
“Son, I’ve known a lot of ranch hands, good and bad. Now, I’m not saying I know everything about you, but you’re no mere wrangler. You’re a rancher, plain and simple. You’d no more rustle cattle than you’d take up with a married woman.”
The room fell silent for an instant before Drew’s deep laugh broke the calm. “He’s got you there, brother.” Drew slapped Will on the back. Jake was right. Will wouldn’t steal, cheat, or lie to get what he wanted, and he’d never take up with another man’s wife.
Amanda and Tessa glanced at each other across the table. Jake hadn’t shared his thoughts on Will with Amanda before, but now all she’d witnessed seem to click into place. There was much more to Will MacLaren than he wanted anyone to see.
“Just where did you learn to ranch, Will?” Amanda tried to keep the intense curiosity from her voice, but she was eager to learn more about this very private man. She realized that despite her best intentions, her feelings for Will grew each day, and she was determined to find a reason to push those feelings aside, bury them. Her only other experience with a man had been a disaster and she had no wish to repeat it with a wandering cowboy.
“Our uncle’s ranch in Arizona. He took us in when our folks died. Been in it most of our lives,” Drew responded when it became obvious that Will wasn’t going to. “We,” he nodded at his twin, “were seven, and I still remember my first sight of a large herd of cattle and a couple dozen cowboys. When Uncle Stuart died, the ranch passed to us and our Aunt Alicia.”
Will sat listening, remembering that only a few short years ago it would’ve been him pulling people into the conversation, with Drew sitting on the sidelines. He’d joke and laugh while Drew would listen, absorb the personalities, and ask pointed questions. There were days Will didn’t recognize the man he’d become, or remember the one he’d been.
“You said you’re from Fire Mountain?” Jake asked. When Drew nodded, he continued. “Ever hear of a guy named Josh Jacklin? Good hand. Thought I heard he ended up near there.”
“Sure have. He’s the foreman at a ranch next to ours. Works for a man we’ve known most of our lives, Trent Garner. Both are very good men.” Again it was Drew who spoke.
“Will, if you have such a large, successful cattle ranch in Arizona, why are you here? Seems like you’d be working your own ranch, with your family.” This time it was Tess who spoke up—curiosity over-riding her usual shyness.
“I’ve got my reasons.” Will pushed up from the table and nodded at the ladies. “If you’ll excuse me, tomorrow’s going to be a long day.”
Amanda watched his retreating back and wondered again how she could be developing feelings for such a private, closed man. “Well, gentlemen, if you’ll excuse Tessa and me. She’s had a long day of travel and I’ve some book work I need to finish. Leave the dishes. Maria will be out to put everything away. Drew, it is so good to have you here. We’ll see you at breakfast.” Amanda and Tessa excused themselves and the men made their way outside. Jake headed to the bunkhouse while Drew walked toward the barn. He knew Will would be inside, calming himself the same way he’d always done, by grooming Justice.
“Del Wiley? Isn’t that the man you said is friends with Chet Hollis?” Drew asked as he strolled up to his brother.
“Yea, and I don’t like coincidences. It seems odd the Taylor’s would start missing cattle about the time Wiley’s other friend, Alts, was hired by Jake. Nothing adds up. Sure wish I could remember where I’ve heard that name before. Somehow I think it’s important I figure it out.”
“What about the other men Jake mentioned, Tinder and Mullins? Any thoughts on them?”
“Tinder’s safe enough, except the boy has it bad for Amanda.” Will shook his head, stood, and threw the brush in a bucket with the others. The disgusted tone of his voice wasn’t lost on his brother. “Don’t know much about Mullins. Both are younger than Alts, but hang on every word the man says. Could be a bad sign if Alts is involved in the thefts.”
“Men that steal aren’t too averse to pulling good men into their plans, then letting them take the blame. Better keep an eye on all three. What do you want me to do?” Drew asked.
“Go home, back to Denver or to Arizona. Just get out of here, Drew. I don’t need to worry about anyone while I work this out with Hollis.” Will’s voice had turned hard, harder than Drew expected given that he’d already made it clear he wasn’t leaving.
“Not happening. You’ll just have to get used to having me around for a while. Now, what can I do?” They were the same height, six-feet-three-inches, and stood eye-to-eye, not a foot apart. Drew’s eyes bored into Will’s. He’d not leave his brother to fight Hollis alone.
Will knew he couldn’t force Drew to leave, short of a fight. They’d only gone head-to-head one time in their lives, and that was when they were seventeen, and both smitten with the same girl–– a girl who later became Will’s wife, Emily. No, he wouldn’t fight his brother this time.
He broke eye contact and made the decision to take advantage of the offer to help. “All right, if that’s the way it’s going to be, I’d appreciate it if you’d talk to Sheriff Dutton. He knows Hollis, but I believe he knows a lot more than he lets on. Be careful, I don’t trust the sheriff, nor anyone associated with him.”
“No problem. I’ll ride into town tomorrow and snoop around. Nothing I like better than a good puzzle.” Drew smiled and turned back toward the house, and bed.
******
“I’m telling you, Chet, those MacLaren boys know more than you think.” Frank Alts had overheard Will and Drew outside the barn the night before. He’d ridden in late after checking on a herd from a neighboring ranch and just happened to catch their conversation. Chet planned to raid the rancher’s cattle and merge them with the others he’d stolen over the past three months, but Alts wanted no part of the plan that might blow-up now that the MacLarens were poking around.
Frank’s reasons for not wanting the MacLarens in the way were his own. He wouldn’t share them with Hollis or anyone else. “We need to move the herd tomorrow or hold off. Any longer and they may figure out what’s going on.”
“Calm down, Frank. You’re getting as bad as Dutton regarding MacLaren. The man can’t tie any of us to the missing cattle.” Hollis stopped to consider Alt’s plan to move the cattle the following night. “But you may be right about moving the herd tomorrow. Let’s go with your idea. I’ll notify the others later today.” He stopped Alts as he turned to leave. “And, Frank, don’t go getting any second thoughts on our deal. No one walks out on me. You understand?”
Alts stared at Chet. He could get rid of the man at any time, but that wasn’t his goal. Chet thought Frank wanted quick money and a clean escape but there was much more to his being involved with a man like Hollis. He’d kill Chet without a second thought if it was needed, but it wasn’t going to happen, at least not tonight.
“Sure, Chet. I understand.” Alts walked away, his mind racing with what he knew and the need to contact his partner. Unfortunately, his partner hadn’t showed up for their last meeting and Frank had no way to reach him short of leaving Cold Creek. The arrival of not one, but two MacLarens, complicated everything that had been so carefully planned. He needed to concentrate on what he knew and how to proceed. Most important, he had to find a way to make sure no one got killed in what had become a very dangerous game.
Chapter Eleven
“Jake, where’s Alts? I haven’t seen him since he rode in this afternoon, and he didn’t show for supper.” Will walked up to the foreman who was making his way from the main house to the stables.
“Don’t know where he is. Why?”
“Something doesn’t seem right, is all. He rode in, grabbed more gear, muttered something about getting cows out of trouble, and took off again. Mullins rode out a short time later, but Tinder’s still here, and says he doesn’t know where they went.”
“Which way?” Jake asked.
“North. Don’t you have a small herd up that direction?”
“Sure do, but we also have our remuda up in that area in a fenced pasture. Only two people know the location of those extra horses––Amanda and me. Problem is, they’re not far from the cattle, and just as valuable. Maybe more. Get
your brother,” Jake called over his shoulder as he walked toward his horse and gear.
“Drew, outside, now.” Eyes snapped up at Will’s harsh tone. He’d walked in on an unexpected scene, his brother sitting almost head to head with Amanda, whispering, and looking down into their almost joined laps. “What’s going on here?”
“Look, Will.” Amanda’s words were soft and the blazing smile she offered made him wince at his poor behavior. “Kittens.”
“Kittens? We may be losing cattle and horses, and you two are crooning over kittens?”
“What’re you talking about?” Drew stood to face his brother.
“Grab your horse. You, Jake, and I are riding north. We think Alts and Mullins are up there trying to steal the cattle, and maybe the remuda. We need to be sure both are protected.”
“Wait. I’m going with you…” Amanda started before being cut off by both men.
“No!” Will and Drew answered in unison.
“Yes, I am. This is my ranch and I won’t be left behind.” Amanda dashed up the stairs, leaving the brothers to stare after her.
“Now what?” Drew asked.
“Hell, I don’t know. Wait, I guess. Unless Jake tells her to stay behind we don’t have a choice.” Unless Jake interceded, Will was already resigned to Amanda riding along. Now there’d be one more person to protect.
“You boys coming or not?” Jake had grown tired of waiting.
“It’s Amanda. She insists on coming along,” Drew said.
“Ah, hell,” Jake grumbled but looked as resigned to the situation as Will did.
Drew empathized with both men, but shook it off. “Come on, Will. I could use some help with the horses.”
“Jake, you mind helping Drew? I want to speak with Amanda before we leave.” Will’s voice was somber but Drew could sense the tension building.
“Let’s go, Drew,” Jake said as he walked out the door.
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