“Not very.” Ashe stuck out his hand. “It’s good to see you. So you decided to accept the assignment to help me out?”
“I had some time coming and thought I might visit the folks in Wyoming. Unfortunately, the higher-ups told me to forget my visit and get my ass to Tornado.” Cal tossed his gray Stetson to Ashe’s desk and ran his hand through his black hair. “They said it was at least a three-man deal. Who else did you rope into this?”
“I was sure you’d come and I figure Beck’ll be along as soon as he can. I heard he was on a case in the mountains.”
“Yeah. They said a big mine owner was killing off his competition. Reckon it has anything to do with these robberies?”
“I don’t know, but I hope Beck settles the conflict up there soon. I can use his help here.” Ashe pointed to the coffee pot on the pot-bellied stove. “Want a cup?”
“It’ll do till I can get to the saloon and get something stronger.”
“Maybe I can help you a little.” Ashe poured two tin cups of the dark liquid, opened his bottom desk drawer and took out a bottle of whisky. He laced the coffee and handed a cup to this brother.
“While Beck’s been in the mountains, he hasn’t struck it rich, has he?”
“Not that I know of.” Ashe nodded to the other chair in the office and Cal took it. “I’m sure if he had, he’d come down and turn in his notice. He’s always wanted to buy his own ranch, you know.”
“I’m sure you’re right. Think he’ll finish up and head here any time soon?”
Ashe shrugged. “I’ve never known one of the Montgomery brothers to refuse to help when one of us needs it, have you?”
“I hope the rest of the family won’t be getting together. You’re bossy enough and Dad always wants to take over.”
Ashe laughed. “I think Mama needs him on the ranch. If they weren’t so busy, it wouldn’t surprise me much to see her come riding up, though.”
“So did her sixth sense give her the idea something was amiss with her three sons?”
“I think I helped that sixth sense. I had to wire them that there was trouble and I was called to take on another case before I could come home.”
“Have you been back to the ranch lately?”
Ashe shook his head. “Not since Christmas. You know how Mama is about Christmas.”
“I well know. She gave me a dressing down because I didn’t get there until Christmas night last year.”
Ashe laughed. “I remember. Have you been home since?”
“No, and you kept me from going now.”
“Sorry about that.”
“Like hell, you’re sorry.”
Ashe shook his head. “Help me clear up this case and I’ll go with you for a visit. We might even get Beck to go.”
“Wouldn’t it blow Mama’s mind if we all showed up together and it isn’t even a holiday?”
“Makes me smile to think about it.”
Cal tasted his coffee. “You know as soon as she sees us she’ll tell us we need to give up the dangerous lives of US Marshalls and settle down.”
“Yeah. She wants us all to get married and settle in Wyoming close to the ranch.”
“I’m sure she wants grandchildren, too. As the oldest you need to be the first to sire a son.”
“Hell, Cal. After the fiasco with Margaret I don’t plan to ever marry. A man’s a fool to give his heart to a woman like that.”
“Ashe, you should be glad you caught Margaret with that man. It kept you from marrying a whore. Look for a woman who’s nothing like Margaret.”
“There aren’t many women who are different from her. Most I’ve met only want what they can get out of a man.”
Cal leaned his chair back. “Enough about family and your love life. Tell me about the robberies.”
Ashe took a drink of his coffee. “There’ve been two. The first was about ten miles out of Tornado. It looks like the robbers are targeting the gold coming down from the mines.”
“Can’t we concentrate on those shipments? When’s the money being sent?”
“Nobody knows except the bank and mine executives and they’re not even telling me. All I get is the approximate time. I’m sure somebody in the bank’s supplying information to the gang, but I can’t find the proof I need.”
“Do you have any idea who it might be?”
“I have an idea, but I’m not yet ready to accuse anyone.”
“What about your deputy? Is he helping?”
“Rober Crews is a part-time deputy. I call on him when I need somebody. I think he’d like the job permanently and I’m sure he’ll take over when this job’s finished. He’s an honest man.”
“Anybody else?”
“Hank Stockton.”
“Is he a lawman?”
“No, but he’s in the perfect position to hear what’s happening. He owns the Horseshoe Saloon and he’s also a man we can trust.”
“You’re sure?”
“I am. Everyone likes him and they talk freely when he’s around. I thought he might pick up something you and I couldn’t. People are hesitant to talk in front of the sheriff. Especially one who’s only been in town a few weeks. I’m sure they’ll be as hesitant to talk in front of a US Marshall.”
“Don’t they know you’re a US Marshall, too?”
“No. They think I’m a drifter who stopped a fight in the saloon one night and agreed to the sheriff’s job because their sheriff had recently died with consumption.”
“Do you want me to keep quiet about my profession?”
“You can try, but it probably won’t be easy.”
“Of course we look enough alike that people will soon figure out I’m your brother.” Cal laughed.
“I’ll spread the word that you’re visiting from your ranch and I asked you to stay as one of my deputies. When Beck gets here, we’ll tell everyone he’s a miner. He’ll probably look the part.”
“Anything else I need to know?”
“Only one thing.” Ashe leaned back with a grin. “Not that this part has been all bad, but I’m seeing a woman named Lola Norwood.”
Cal raised an eyebrow. “Anything serious?”
“No. I think she might be a link in the information line. She goes to the bank a lot and the bankers are all friendly with her.”
“Is she pretty?”
“Actually, she is. Long blond hair and blue eyes.”
“Hell, why didn’t I get here in time to take that task away from you?”
“As I said, it’s not that great.” Ashe gave him a sly grin. “I’ve been backing off a little because I think she has it in her head I want to marry her.”
“You’re that good, huh?”
Ashe simply nodded.
Cal stretched. “Well, since I’m going to get involved in this case, why don’t I take a walk down the street and see if I can pick anything up?”
“It’s almost supper time. I’ll go with you and we’ll stop at the Walk-In Cafe.” Ashe stood and reached for his black hat. “Come on and I’ll show you the new hat shop that came to town about the same time I did. Nice old lady runs it.”
“I didn’t know you were interested in ladies’ hats.”
“I’m not, but Mrs. Forester has a daughter who’ll spike any red-blooded man’s interest in a few years.”
“A few years, huh?” Cal laughed.
“Yep. She’s way too young. I guess her to be around twelve or thirteen, but she’s going to be a knockout when she grows up.”
“Same old, Ashe. Still got an eye for the women. Even the future beauties.”
“Of course. Don’t all us Montgomery men appreciate female beauties?”
“You’re right about that. Dad started the trend when he married Mama. She’s still a beautiful woman.”
“I know. I favor her.”
“The hell you do, Ashe Montgomery. You’re the spittin’ image of Dad.”
“So. He still turns a feminine head now and again.”
“Thank God
for that, because everybody says I look a lot like you. I’m glad you got your looks from a decent-looking source.”
The two brothers went out the door laughing.
Chapter 4
Ashe and Cal came out of the Walk-in Café as the sun slid behind the mountains, leaving the sky with long fingers of red and purple raking across it.
“Didn’t you say the stage was due this afternoon?” Cal looked at his brother.
Ashe frowned. “Sometimes it’s a little late, but it usually gets in before sundown.”
“Want to ride out and see if we can find out why it’s late?”
“Might not be a bad idea. Your horse at the livery?”
“Yeah.”
“My house is behind the jail and there’s a stable. Since you’ll be staying there you can use it for your horse.”
“I’ll do that.” Cal stepped off the plank sidewalk. “Meet you back here shortly.”
Ashe nodded, but before he could head for his stable, Wes Monroe, a local rancher’s son, walked up.
“Wonder what’s happened to the stage, Ashe?”
“I’m going to ride out and see.”
“I hope there hasn’t been another robbery.”
“If there has been, let’s hope they haven’t killed anybody.”
“Isn’t one of their trade marks not leaving male witnesses?”
“That’s been their past behavior, Wes. I hope they’re getting smarter.”
“What do you mean?”
“Robbing the stage usually carries a prison term. Murder is a hanging offense.”
Wes wrinkled his brow. “Want me to ride with you?”
“My brother, Cal, is going with me.”
“Think you’ll need anyone else?”
“I can always use another man.”
“I’ll get my horse.”
Ten minutes later the three men headed out of town.
* * * *
Lola Norwood was leaving the Tornado Hotel dining room where she’d run into bankers Sims Truman and Norman Coddler. They had a pleasant conversation, though she knew the other patrons watched them. Probably thought they were only being nice to her because she was a rich widow.
Outside, she smiled to herself as she looked down the street and saw the sheriff coming out of the café with a man as handsome as Ashe himself. Or at least Lola thought he’d be as handsome. He was almost as tall and dark as Ashe and he carried himself well.
“Oh, Ashe,” she said silently to herself. “I know you don’t love me yet, but you eventually will. You’re already infatuated with me. I’ll build on that and it won’t be long until you’ll want me for your wife.”
Swishing her green satin skirts, she headed home thinking how she’d one day be the most respectable woman in this town. And the richest, too.
* * * *
Winnie Goodspell let out a loud sigh, and shook her skirt. A farmer had stopped to help the stranded passengers and she walked up to his small wagon. “Have you about got him settled?”
“Ma’am we’re doing the best we can. I’m trying to keep him comfortable and figure out how to get you all inside.” The farmer frowned at her. “I can’t throw my family out.”
“Don’t pay her any attention,” Quinn said. “The important thing is to get this man to a doctor.”
Beck tried to sit up. “I don’t want to leave you ladies here. You might need me.”
“Don’t worry about us,” Marlene smiled at him and patted his arm. “We can walk into town.”
“Well, I’d like to ride in the wagon,” Winnie said. “Somebody has to look after Beck.”
“Do I have a choice of companion?” Beck looked at the farmer.
“I don’t see why not. You’re the one hurt.”
“I want Marlene to ride with me.”
Quinn walked up to Marlene. “Do you want to go with him?”
“I will if you think I should.”
“I said I’d go,” Winnie snapped.
“To be honest, lady,” the farmer said, “with my wife and the youngsters there’s not much room left in the wagon. Maybe it’d be better if the smaller woman went along.”
“Are you saying I’m fat?”
The farmer ducked his head and turned to Marlene. “Come on, miss. He seems to want you to go.”
“As soon as you get to town, send someone back for us,” Quinn whispered to her sister. “I don’t think I can stand to walk all the way with Winnie.”
Marlene smiled and nodded.
“Are you going to let her leave us, Quinn?”
“Don’t worry, Deborah. She’ll be fine.”
The farmer climbed on his wagon and started to pull off. “Someone’s coming. I see dust in the distance.”
“Thank God,” Winnie said. “Maybe they’ll take us with them without insulting any of us about our weight.”
* * * *
The three horsemen rode up and were off their horses before anyone could say anything.
“What happened here?” Cal asked as the three men walked forward.
“I’ve got a wounded man in the wagon,” the farmer said.
Ashe leaned and looked over the side. “Damn, it’s Beck. Hello, brother.”
Beck tried to sit up. “This is my friend, Marlene.”
Ashe tipped his hat to her, but asked Beck, “What happened to you?”
“Hell, what does it look like? One of the damn robbers shot me.”
“We better get you to town.” Ashe looked around at the group standing there.
“That’s where we’re headed,” Beck said. “You take care of the women. This good farm family and my friend Marlene are going to take care of me.”
Ashe nodded. “We’ll get the others to town and meet you at Doc Wheeler’s.”
The wagon rolled away and Ashe walked to the stagecoach. He shook his head and turned to the women. “Give me a minute to look around then I guess we’ll have to ride double back to town.”
“I see you’re wearing a badge. Are you the Sheriff of Tornado?” Quinn asked.
“Yes, ma’am. Name’s Ashe Montgomery.”
“Then I should tell you what happened. The robbers shot the two men who were driving the stage and they also killed Mr. Willard.”
“Hugo Willard?”
“Yes.”
Ashe frowned. “He was coming to town to see if he could help the banker here find out who was telling the thieves about the shipments.”
“Where are the bodies?” Cal asked.
Quinn waved her hand toward the stagecoach. “We didn’t want to look at them so we dragged them to the other side of the stage and I covered them with a tarp from the top of the coach.”
“I’ll make sure nothing can get to them until the undertaker gets here.” Wes looped his horse’s reins over the wheel and headed to the backside of the leaning coach.
Ashe turned back to Quinn. “Which way did the bandits go?”
She pointed in the direction of town. “There were five of them. One got off the horse. He was the one who shot the men, but I don’t think he was the leader.”
“You don’t?”
“No. He called a man on a big black horse ‘Boss.’”
“I see.” He looked at Quinn. “I guess the one who did the shooting had a bandana on his face.”
She nodded. “A red one and I noticed he had a mustache.”
Ashe eyed her. She was a pretty little thing and it flitted across his mind that he’d like to touch her red hair to see if it was as soft as it looked. With effort he put his thought aside and asked, “If he had his face masked, how could you tell?”
“When the wind blew his handkerchief against his mouth, I could see the print of it.”
“I see.” He turned to the others, thinking maybe the little redhead was smart as well as pretty. “Did the rest of you notice anything?”
“I’m Winnie Goodspell and I can tell you they were awful. I was sure they were going to rape and brutalize all of us women. Quinn’
s wrong. There were at least a dozen of them and they had big guns. They kept us surrounded so we couldn’t escape after they shot the men.”
Ashe raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. He looked at Deborah.
“My sister’s right. There were five of them and there was something peculiar about the one called Boss.”
“What was it?” Ashe asked.
“I’m not sure, but he acted strange for a robber.”
“Could you be a little more specific?”
“He had a slight accent and was wearing an expensive pair of boots—”
Winnie interrupted Deborah. “Why is it imperative that you question us now? I’m tired of waiting out here for somebody to get us to town.”
“I guess you have to double with us to get there.” He looked at Quinn. “My horse hates carrying two. Since you’re the smallest, you’ll ride with me.”
Cal looked at Deborah. “You can be my partner.”
“Who am I going to ride with?” Winnie whined.
Wes came around the stage. “I have the bodies secured. Nothing’ll get to them until Tison collects them.”
“Thanks, Wes. Since the coach isn’t serviceable, we’re going to take these ladies back to town on our horses.” He took Quinn’s hand and led her to his horse.
Cal did the same thing with Deborah.
Wes gave them a look that could have melted rocks, but he motioned for Winnie to come with him.
Ashe hid his smile as he turned his back and mounted his horse. He then reached down with one arm and swept Quinn into his lap.
She let out a little cry and he laughed. “Not used to riding a horse?”
“Not really,” she muttered.
“I promise not to let you fall.” He looked around and saw that Cal had Deborah in front of him. Without a lot of success, Wes was trying to help Winnie Goodspell mount. Ashe couldn’t help it. He laughed out loud.
“What’s so funny?” Quinn asked.
“I don’t mean to laugh, but Miss Goodspell is having a hard time getting on the horse.”
Quinn looked around him and bit her lip, forcing down a giggle. “It’s not nice to laugh.”
“I know, but you’re about to laugh, too, aren’t you?” He turned the horse and walked it slowly away.
“Aren’t you going to wait for them?”
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