Judith Pella, Tracie Peterson - [Ribbons West 03]

by Ties That Bind

  “I have no idea,” Jordana replied. “I wired him and told him when to expect us. I’m hoping he and Caitlan will both be here or nearby. Since he’s photographing the progress of the CP, I’m figuring he’ll be somewhere close.”

  “You’ve been awfully quiet these last few days. Are you worried about coming home?”

  “It isn’t home,” Jordana muttered, forcing herself to look at him. His face seemed to grow more handsome every day. He had tanned in the summer sun and his ebony hair curled slightly at the nape of his neck. It seemed to beckon her touch, as did his straight, firm jaw, now peppered with a two-days’ growth of beard from his inability to shave properly while on the stage.

  “You’ve mentioned that before. Where do you consider home?” he asked, his blue eyes boring holes in her soul.

  Jordana looked away and shook her head. “I don’t have a home, and I don’t need one. I’m a free spirit and I’m happy to be about my own business. I like coming and going at will and having no one to answer to.” She wondered if it sounded to Rich as though she were trying to convince herself, for that was what it felt like inside her heart.

  “Wadsworth!” the driver yelled from his seat overhead.

  “Well, I guess we’ve arrived,” Rich said.

  They stepped from the stage looking very much like two businessmen bent on duty—Rich in his navy blue serge suit, topped with a black felt hat, which gave him a most distinguished look in spite of his stubble of beard, and Jordana in her lightweight tan broadcloth. They appeared as associates, and that was fine by Jordana. She felt the utmost confidence in Rich O’Brian. There was no possible way that he could be responsible for the problems on the Central Pacific line. It wasn’t like Rich to deal in an underhanded manner. At least that was how Jordana saw it.

  “Baldwin!”

  Jordana looked up and found Charlie Crocker making his way to where she stood, his substantial figure easily parting a way through the small crowd.

  “Mr. Crocker,” she replied, then turned to Rich. “May I present Mr. O’Brian? He’s a courier with the Union Pacific, and he’s brought you some important documents.”

  Charlie eyed Rich suspiciously, then nodded. “Let’s take this to my office.”

  They walked from the stage drop to the depot, which was even now under construction. Charlie had his private car sidetracked, and it was from here that he dictated the movements of the Central Pacific.

  He ushered them on board and, once inside the opulent car, offered them chairs and cold refreshments. An ancient-looking Mexican man clad in the uniform of a servant offered a tray of beverages to them.

  “I have just about anything you could want,” Charlie told them. “My man has iced tea, but we could have something else if you prefer something stronger. Except for you, Joe. I promised your brother I wouldn’t further corrupt you with hard drink.”

  Jordana laughed and tossed her straw skimmer to the overhead bin. “I don’t like hard drink and you well know it. Iced tea is fine for me.”

  “For me as well,” Rich replied.

  “Not another teetotaler?” Charlie intoned with some surprise.

  “I like to keep my head clear, especially when I’m working,” Rich answered, meeting Charlie’s engulfing scrutiny.

  Jordana watched as Charlie looked Rich up and down before motioning to the servant. “Very well. We shall drink tea. I also have fresh fruit and cheese and some little sandwiches fixed up by my wife.”

  “So you finally brought Mrs. Crocker to the front,” Jordana said with a smile. “Good for you. I’m sure your wife suffered great loneliness without you in Sacramento. It’s not good to be alone all the time.” She instantly regretted her words. She prayed no one would read anything into them and suggest that she somehow needed similar companionship.

  “She hates it out here, save for being with me,” Charlie replied. “And frankly, she’s not entirely happy with me. I’ve become quite a bear—not at all my jovial self these days.” He took the offered tea and waited until Jordana and Rich did likewise before continuing. “I’m afraid the railroad business has not given me overmuch to be cheerful about.”

  “Is the line not going well?” Jordana asked.

  “It’s gone most miserably.” Charlie rubbed his beard, which Jordana had always thought resembled a goat’s tuft, especially in that there was no mustache to balance it. “There are delays at every turn. We constantly find ourselves deficient in one area of supplies or another. If I have ties to lay and graded road on which to lay them, then I’m without rails to top them with.”

  “I had no idea things were so bad,” Jordana said, completely surprised by this news, and even more so at his candor before a stranger. “I shall have to write it up for the newspaper. What seems to be causing the problems?” She decided to play along. Perhaps he merely intended on painting a grim picture to this UP man before him.

  “Supplies aren’t coming as regularly as they used to. It’s more difficult to get materials in, and when we get them, they often disappear. There’s a great deal of mischief afoot, and sometimes it’s quite destructive.”

  “We know that feeling well,” Rich replied. “I know Jordana wired you about being delayed in Laramie, but I also know she did not speak of the reason.” Jordana said nothing as Rich continued. “The fact is, our train was derailed in Nebraska, and after assessing the damage to the line, we were picked up by another train and taken on to Laramie, where I was to meet with General Dodge.”

  “A good man, Dodge. I can’t say that I’ve ever had reason to dislike him.”

  “He is a good man, and a fair one,” Rich said.

  Jordana sipped at her tea and let the two men talk. It was easier that way. She felt completely at ease in their presence, but at the same time she battled her heart over Rich. Something would have to give and give soon. Perhaps it would simply be that she would have to bid Rich good-bye and take herself off away from him. She couldn’t have him coming between her and the life she desired. And sadly enough, she felt certain she couldn’t have both.

  She refocused her attention in time to see Rich pull out a stack of papers from a leather satchel. These were papers given him by Dodge. Papers, he’d told her, responding to issues of the UP’s efforts to survey the line and exactly where they felt it would be most advantageous to bring the railroad lines together. Some of the information had come from Washington and the lengthy discussions offered among Congress and the representatives of both lines. Some was pure conjecture on the part of the Union Pacific officials, and some were General Dodge’s personal choices.

  “It seems wise that we consider the groundwork already laid by our companies,” Rich said, handing the papers to Crocker. “There are those who would pit us against each other for the purpose of financial gain, but others seem far more concerned with simply building a functional railroad that ties the country together from coast to coast.”

  “And which are you a party to, Mr. O’Brian?”

  Jordana smiled to herself. Rich would not be intimidated by Charlie Crocker, of that she was certain. She liked that about Rich. Liked his strength in dealing with other men, especially crafty men like Charlie. She admired his ability to see right through their ploys to practically read their minds. Then a thought struck her. What if he could read my mind? Why should it be so hard for him to second-guess her thoughts when he’s so obviously good at it with other people? The very idea put Jordana in a cold sweat.

  Rich seemed to consider Charlie’s question for a moment, then took a long drink before answering. “I am on the Lord’s side,” he said rather simply.

  Charlie laughed. “I wasn’t sure the good Lord had an interest in this railroad. Seems to me, He quite often forgets those of us who are out there laboring in the middle of nowhere to build it. Maybe you could explain yourself.”

  “I could,” Rich replied. “I’m not a man of politics. It was one of the things that drove me out of the army. I despise petty games, especially ones that br
ing harm to other human beings and their property. I consider my faith an issue of the utmost importance in whatever task I adopt. If I am working as unto God, instead of the Union Pacific or the army, then I am serving the best interests of all.”

  “I see.”

  “No, I’m not entirely sure you do. I know you’re wondering how I fit into this and whether I’m a risk to your precious line.” Rich set down his glass and leveled a steady gaze at Crocker. “I know you’re probably thinking Jordana ten kinds of fool for trusting me, but the truth is, I have no one’s agenda in mind. I’m doing my job the best I can and just happen to be in the employment of the Union Pacific. But being so employed does not mean I intend to perform any service that will bring about harm for either side. Now, if you don’t mind, I’m exhausted. I’d like to find a room, have a bath, and sleep for about ten hours.”

  Charlie laughed. “You’ve brought us an interesting character here, Jordana.”

  “Yes, he’s quite the character,” she said, catching Rich’s glance. “Is my brother Brenton in town, Charlie?”

  “Indeed he is. He and Caitlan are staying in some rooms on the back side of the railroad station. Since their work here is just a temporary situation, I couldn’t see them having to rent out a house or live in a tent. They have the comforts of home, however. I’ve seen to that. There’s even a small makeshift kitchen for Caitlan to cook meals in. And my, but that woman can cook!”

  “Good. Then we’ll make our way there. I have the same desires as Rich.” She felt her cheeks grow hot as she suddenly realized the implication of her words. She averted her eyes from both men. And they mercifully let her comment pass.

  “You’re more than welcome to stay with them or with the missus and me,” Charlie declared. “Or if you like, there’s a fine hotel already in business, even though, like the depot, there’s still some construction going on.”

  “That’s all right. I’m sure my brother and Caitlan will expect me to stay with them, and they will also want to see Rich. We all owe Captain O’Brian our lives from adventures past. We’ll have a great deal to reminisce about.”

  “You’ll find Brenton and Caitlan just across the way. They’re on the opposite side from where all the building is going on. Still, I can’t imagine that it’s very peaceful there. You may find it quite impossible to sleep.”

  “I doubt anything could make it impossible to sleep,” Rich said. A shrill train whistle filled the air, causing them all to take note. “Even that.”

  The three of them stepped from Charlie’s car and made their way across the dirt and gravel just in time to see the train from Reno halt outside the Wadsworth station. Jordana suppressed a yawn and forced herself to walk straight and tall. She could hardly wait for Caitlan to mother her, as she was certain to do. For once, the idea sounded so inviting that Jordana very nearly ran to the depot.

  But just as they crossed the tracks and came up to the building itself, Jordana halted in midstep to see Isabella Montego and her father step off the train.

  “What are they doing here?” she muttered.

  Rich looked up and also caught sight of them. He shrugged. “It’s a free country, Jordana.”

  She elbowed him. “Joe. Call me, Joe.”

  He grinned. “Sorry, I forgot myself. You aren’t going to go courting her, are you?” he teased. “Did you know, Mr. Crocker, that Joe here is quite the ladies’ man? He can dance up a storm when need be.”

  Jordana elbowed him more sharply. “Don’t listen to him, Charlie. He’s delirious from lack of sleep.”

  Charlie laughed at the exchange, then questioned, “Who are those people?”

  Jordana answered first. “Baxter and Isabella Montego. They own a lot of land in the Laramie and Cheyenne area. I guess they own some in North Platte too. They’re from back east originally, but they’ve got their teeth sunk in deep and tight with the Union Pacific. I’ve even had it suggested that Montego is involved in bid rigging where construction of the railroad is concerned.”

  Rich looked at her oddly. “How in the world would you know all of that?”

  Jordana felt rather smug in his surprise. “I’m a good reporter, Mr. O’Brian, and in order to be a good reporter, you must first be good at gathering information. I talk to folks and they talk to me. You’d be surprised just how eager people are to share what they know.”

  Rich said nothing more. He didn’t get a chance to, for in the next moment, the Montegos had spotted them and were making their way over to where the trio watched at the edge of the station.

  “Why, Mr. O’Brian and Mr. Baldwin, what a pleasant surprise!” Isabella Montego purred in her usual manner. “I just about despaired of ever again seeing anyone I knew.”

  “Our friends on the coast are limited to only a handful,” Baxter Montego replied before extending his hand to Rich and then Jordana. “Good to see old friends again.”

  Jordana wanted to comment that she would hardly consider herself a friend, much less an old one, but instead turned to introduce Charlie. “Mr. Montego, Miss Montego, may I introduce Charles Crocker?”

  “Mr. Crocker. I’ve heard a great deal of good about you. You seem to be the champion of all Californians. Building your railroad through the seemingly impenetrable wall of the Sierra Nevada, and now you face the barren Great Desert.”

  “I must say you have me at a disadvantage,” Charlie replied.

  “We’ve just come from San Francisco,” Montego continued, “where they sing your praises night and day.”

  “Yes, well, if not mine, then someone else’s,” Charlie said rather modestly.

  “And, Mr. O’Brian, Mr. Baldwin, what in the world brings you to Wadsworth?”

  Jordana felt Rich tense as Isabella moved closer. “We have missed your company while we were away. But now that we are headed back to Laramie, I do hope you’ll not be far behind us. Perhaps you could even accompany us.”

  “I have business here,” Rich said curtly.

  Isabella smiled in her seductive way and took up her parasol to shield herself from the growing heat of the day. “Then, perhaps we can take a meal together while we’re in town. I’m certain my father would love to hear about all the events on the Union Pacific. Why, we heard there was a terrible derailment not long ago. Several people died, as we understand.”

  “It was not far from Ogallala, as I understand it,” Baxter Montego stated thoughtfully. “The rails were pried up and lashed to a stack of ties with telegraph wire, making it impossible to send for help by wire.”

  “Yes,” Rich replied. “Mr. Baldwin and I were on that very train.”

  Isabella put her hand to her throat. “No! How simply terrible. You must tell us all about it over dinner. Would you care to join us as well, Mr. Baldwin?”

  “No, thank you,” Jordana replied. “I want nothing more than a hot bath and soft bed. My brother and sister-in-law live here, and their home is my destination at this moment.”

  “Mine too,” Rich threw in. “I’m afraid dinner will have to wait.”

  The Montegos seemed none too happy to let them go, but after Rich promised to meet with them later, father and daughter made their way in the opposite direction while Charlie led Jordana and Rich to the back of the depot.

  “Funny about their having heard of the derailment so quickly,” Jordana said absentmindedly. “Especially if they were in San Francisco. I guess the West is being more open about what happens along the Union Pacific. Then again, maybe they merely reported it out here to show the problems being suffered in the East. You know, that whole rivalry thing. Still, that the Montegos would have heard about it in such detail seems rather odd.”

  Rich was already frowning, and this statement did nothing for his mood. “I wondered at that myself,” he muttered. “I think we’d do well to keep our concerns to ourselves, however.”

  Jordana nodded, feeling a chill course through her. What had before seemed merely curious to her now seemed ominous, and obviously Rich felt the same way. />
  17

  Brenton marveled over his sister in her masculine fashions as if seeing her for the first time in this manner. It pleased Jordana to no end that he thought her to have quite perfected her pretense. His admiration meant the world to her. Brenton still held that special place in her heart that would never be filled by anyone else. To feel his agitation or disapproval of her actions was always most troublesome. Even if she had the gumption to continue with her plans in spite of him, it still caused Jordana some guilt. To travel with Brenton’s blessing was always preferred to traveling without it.

  “How much longer can ya be stayin’ with us?” Caitlan asked Rich and Jordana. “These last two days with ya have been wonderful, but just not enough.”

  “I’m not sure how long I’ll be here,” Jordana replied, finishing off a bowl of beef stew. “I want to get down to the front. Charlie’s all worked up about the fact that some five hundred Chinese workers have disappeared off the line. Apparently someone has been telling the workers all manner of elaborate tales, and the Chinese left in fear of something bad happening to them. Rumor has it that the Paiute told the Chinese, whom they have no fondness for, that the Nevada and Utah deserts were full of snakes so big they could eat a man whole. Charlie found half his workforce gone before first light. They didn’t want to go farther into the desert and find themselves eaten alive.”

  “There are always stories of one sort or another,” Brenton commented. “Mark my words, you’ll have more legends and fables coming out of the building of this railroad than anything else in our history. Years from now, people will probably believe that the railroad was built by magic fairies and such. The stories simply run rampant.”

  “But that’s marvelous,” Jordana declared. “A wonderful new angle for my articles. I shall call it ‘The Myth and Mystique of the Transcontinental Railroad.’ ”

  “Unfortunately rumors and stories have a way of getting people hurt,” Rich stated, pushing back from the table. “And as for how long I can stay on, it won’t be long. I figured if Jordana wanted more stories on the UP, she’d accompany me back to our route.”