Sunrise Ridge (Redemption Mountain Historical Western Romance Book 3)

by Shirleen Davies

  “Guess they didn’t hear you,” Beau said as one man drew back, ready to send another fist into Nick’s face. Beau didn’t wait, but aimed and fired. The man screamed and tumbled to the floor, grabbing his ruined knee. “You all heard the sheriff. Step away from Barnett before I get angry enough to shoot another of you.”

  The men dropped their arms, letting Nick slide to the floor as they scrambled to do as Beau asked. Lena dashed behind Nick and knelt down, using both hands to help him to a sitting position.

  “How’s Deborah?” Nick choked out, grasping his chest as blood trickled from a cut near his eye.

  “The girls have her in the office. They’ll take care of her while we sort this out.” She used a hanky to absorb the blood dripping from his chin, then pressed it to the corner of his eye.

  He tried to stand, but fell back, wincing in pain. “My ribs hurt like hell.”

  “Don’t move until I can get help. No sense making it worse.” She glanced behind her to see Noah push past Cash and Beau as they escorted the four men outside.

  “Everyone all right?” Noah asked as Gabe collected their weapons, then nodded toward Lena and Nick.

  “I’ve got to lock the men in cells, then I’ll be back.” Gabe cradled the weapons before disappearing outside.

  Noah crouched down next to Nick. “Need some help?”

  “Yes. I think he’s got some cracked ribs.”

  “I can speak for myself, Lena.” Nick grimaced, clutching his arms to his chest.

  “Lena, get the doc while I help him up.” Noah took Lena’s place at Nick’s back, threading his arms under his. “This is gonna hurt.”

  Nick was a tall man, but Noah had him by at least four inches and twenty pounds. In one smooth move, Noah lifted him onto his feet, bracing a hand to his back. Nick leaned forward, then rose until he stood almost erect.

  “Damn,” he muttered. “It’s not often I let drunk cowhands get the best of me.”

  Gabe crossed the street as Doc Worthington and Lena rushed into the saloon. By the time he walked back inside, the doc already had Nick’s shirt open, exposing abrasions already turning black-and-blue.

  “They got you good, Nick.” Doc pressed two fingers to several spots, asking Nick to cough each time. “I feel three cracked ribs.” Doc studied his face, glad the flow of blood near his eye had stopped. “The cuts on your face aren’t serious. Your ribs are the worst.” He looked up at Noah and Gabe. “I’ll need you two to help Nick to the clinic.” Doc stood and watched as the men braced Nick on either side. “I’ve got to wrap your ribs with adhesive plaster. It’ll help with the pain when you breathe. ‘Course, nothing will help if you have a coughing fit.”

  They didn’t have far to go, but Nick cursed under his breath with almost every step.

  “Take him into the treatment room. Noah, stay with Nick. I’d rather you two wait in the front.” He nodded toward Gabe and Lena.

  “But—” Lena began.

  “Are you his wife?” he asked, his brow lifting.

  She placed her hands on her waist. “You know I’m not.”

  “Then Noah will do. I need someone strong who can help when I apply the adhesive.” He didn’t wait for Lena to respond as he closed the door behind him.

  She rounded on Gabe, her face flushed. “He has no right to keep me out of there. Can’t you do something?”

  “Afraid not. The doctor’s in charge here. Seems we’ll both have to wait, as he asked.” He lowered himself into a nearby chair, stretched out his legs, and crossed his arms.

  “I should be in there with him.” She dropped into a wooden chair, gripping her hands together in her lap.

  “Since you’re not his wife, the doc may be trying to spare you from seeing Nick with his shirt off.”

  Lena snorted as the corners of her mouth tilted upward. “It’s not as if I’ve never seen him without a shirt.”

  “Oh?” His left eyebrow raised a fraction.

  She glared at his implication. “We grew up together, shared swimming holes, and took care of each other when one of us got hurt. I’ve seen him shirtless any number of times.”

  “Guess you aren’t going to see him shirtless this time.” Gabe grinned before tilting his hat forward to shield his eyes.

  “You’re going to sleep?”

  He pushed the hat back up a fraction to look at her. “Thought I would. Unless you’re determined to talk.”

  Lena’s eyes narrowed in irritation as she pursed her lips, then stood, crossing her arms as she walked to the window. A moment passed before she spun around. “Why don’t you go to the jail, keep your prisoners company? I’m sure it would be more to your liking.”

  Gabe sat up, accepting a quick nap wasn’t going to happen. “I need to speak with Nick, get his version of what happened.”

  “His version? It seemed clear when you caught the men holding and beating him. What more do you need?” She swiped an errant strand of hair from her face, pacing to within a foot of him. “Two of them were roughing up Deborah. He stepped in to break it up and the four attacked him.”

  “You saw all of it?”

  “I did.”

  “Good. Then his story should match yours.”

  Before she could say more, the door to the treatment room opened and Noah poked his head out. “Gabe, the doc says for us to help Nick to the boardinghouse. Says he shouldn’t go back to the saloon tonight.”

  “I’ll go with you.” Lena brushed past Noah to see Nick closing his shirt over the bandages wrapped around his chest. “How are you?”

  “I’ve been better.”

  She moved to him, resting a hand on his shoulder. “It could’ve been so much worse.”

  “Guess so.” He slid off the table to the floor, placing a steadying hand on Lena’s arm. “I’ve got to get back in case more of the group from Tolbert’s ranch start another brawl.”

  “Doc says you’re to go to the boardinghouse.”

  “Like hell,” he ground out.

  “You’re not much good the way you are. Why don’t you do as the doctor says? I can manage.”

  “She’s right, Nick.” Gabe stepped into the room. “Noah and I will help you to Suzanne’s. I’ll ask Cash and Beau to keep watch at the saloon, make sure nothing else happens tonight.”

  “I can’t ask others to do my job,” he growled, shaking off their attempt to help him from the clinic.

  “You’re not. I am.” Gabe motioned for Noah to stand back, figuring if Nick wanted help, they’d know it soon enough.

  Nick stopped twice, leaning on the side of the building to rest, then would start again. Suzanne had already heard about the beating and made up the one downstairs sleeping room she had. Ginny Sorenson and her sister, Mary, used it before Ginny married Luke. She kept it vacant for emergencies such as this.

  Noah waited until Nick settled in the vacant room before joining Abby in the kitchen, explaining what he knew about the brawl. The two had just finished supper at Suzanne’s when they heard gunfire. He’d pushed from the table, warning her not to follow until he’d discovered the source of the noise.

  “Some of your father’s men were pushing one of the women around. Nick tried to stop them. Guess they didn’t appreciate his interference. Lena fetched Gabe, and between him, Cash, and Beau, they broke it up, arrested the men.”

  “And they’re all from my father’s ranch?” Her brows furrowed as she considered this.

  “Appears so.”

  “He wouldn’t condone what they did. Has anyone sent for him?”

  “Don’t know. Word travels fast, though, and several more of his men were in the saloon when Gabe hauled the others to jail. I’m sure he’ll hear about it soon enough and ride in to pay the fines. You know, he’ll want to see you.”

  Abby shrugged. “As long as he doesn’t try to talk me into leaving town.” She’d grown tired of explaining her reasons for keeping her job and remaining at Suzanne’s. He would never understand and accept her decision. She glanced up a
s Gabe walked in and tipped his hat to her.

  “Would you care for coffee, Sheriff?”

  “No, thanks. I’m heading back to the jail to send Cash and Beau to keep peace at the Dixie tonight. Nick told the same story as Lena. He wants to press charges, which is his right, but the circuit judge isn’t expected for a few weeks.”

  “Lena still with Nick?” Noah asked.

  “She’ll probably stay a while longer. He didn’t want to rely on Cash and Beau to do his job, but he seemed relieved knowing they’d be watching over Lena and the girls. I’ll see you in the morning, Noah.”

  “What’s happening in the morning?” Abby poured more coffee in Noah’s cup, her forehead creased into a frown.

  “We’re riding out to search for Drake and the missing cattle. Dax, Luke, and your father agreed to send men to help.” He looked up to see the worry etched across her face. “We’ll be leaving men in town this time so Drake doesn’t try to rob the bank again.”

  She nodded, although Noah sensed the tension radiating from her.

  “C’mere.” His chair grated on the old plank floor as he scooted back, reaching his hand toward her.

  She grasped it, letting him settle her on his lap, wrapping an arm around her waist.

  “It will all be fine, Abby. I doubt Drake is dumb enough to try the bank a second time.” He leaned forward, brushing a kiss along her neck, inhaling her unique scent.

  “It’s not me I’m worried about.”

  A slow smile lifted the corners of Noah’s mouth. “Nothing will happen to me.”

  “Promise?” She traced a finger down his stubbled jaw.

  He closed his eyes at her touch, enjoying the feel of her caress. Promises were something he didn’t make unless positive he could keep them. He didn’t want to worry her further, but couldn’t commit to something out of his control. He drew her hand to his mouth, pressing a warm kiss to her palm, feeling a slight shiver radiate through her.

  “I’ll be back. You and I aren’t over, Abby. We’ll never be over.”

  Noah finished the last of his chores before locking the door of the livery. Leading Tempest and Blackheart to the front of the jail, he noticed Cash and Beau already astride their horses, talking with Dax and Luke. He recognized Bull and Travis from the Pelletier ranch speaking with several other men who Noah assumed worked for the Pelletiers. Bull slid from his horse when he saw him.

  “Morning, Noah.”

  “Bull.” The two shook hands, Noah nodding to Travis. “Are all these your men?”

  “They work for Dax and Luke. All good with a gun, one a tracker during the war. We’re hoping to make it a quick search, find Drake and the cattle, and get back to the ranch.” He looked toward the jail. “We’re leaving a couple men here to watch Tolbert’s men. Odd he hasn’t sent anyone to town to get them.” Bull had been injured during one of the attacks the year before—one of several attacks most believed were instigated by Parnell Drake and his men. He’d be glad to see them brought to justice.

  Gabe took Blackheart’s reins from Noah, swung into the saddle, then turned toward the others. “Tolbert’s men won’t be joining us.” He spoke loud enough for his voice to carry over the crowd. “Seems he took some men and started his own search for the rustlers several days ago. None of his men in jail know which way they rode or when they’re expected back. Most of you have met Cash Coulter. He and Beau Davis have been tracking Drake and his men since they ran across them in Colorado. They’re riding with us today.” He turned Blackheart south, then looked over his shoulder. “Let’s go.”

  The posse stopped at the spot where Gabe and the others camped after tracking Drake’s men out of Splendor days before. The storm erased all signs of that night, yet Cash, Beau, and the Pelletier man who’d been a tracker continued to walk the area in slow circles, coming up with nothing.

  “What do you think?” Gabe asked Cash as both men searched the horizon to the east and mountains to the west, Noah and Beau joining them.

  “They’re not gone. I’d stake my life on it.” He shifted in his saddle, focusing on the tall pines and low hills this side of the western mountain range. “I think Drake’s men led us here to throw us off, the same way they did when we followed them from town, leaving the bank undefended. They aren’t hiding the cattle out here where they can be spotted. The herd is closer to the mountains where they have good grass and can be driven into any of a hundred canyons and valleys.”

  “The Murton ranch is the last one south for miles. Drake knows it’s doubtful anyone other than a posse would find them.” Noah reached behind him for his canteen, taking a long swallow. “We can be at the Murton ranch by noon, rest the horses, then head into the mountains.”

  Gabe reined Blackheart around toward Dax and Luke, who still searched an area a hundred yards away. “Find anything?”

  “Nothing to indicate a herd of cattle have been in this area. Luke and I believe they’re hiding them closer to the mountains.” Dax always believed Drake would return to Splendor. His hatred for the Pelletiers ran deep, and Dax suspected the man felt the same about Tolbert. He wouldn’t leave the area until he’d exacted his form of vengeance on the two families.

  Gabe nodded over his shoulder. “The others want to ride to the Murton ranch, continue the search from there.”

  “Then it’s time we head out.” Luke shifted toward the rest of the Pelletier men. “Let’s go.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  Dirk Masters lay flat on his stomach, peering over the ridge to get a better view of the herd below. The valley where they grazed couldn’t be more than a hundred yards wide, but it spanned over a mile in depth. There was only one way in and one way out, the noise of the herd stifled by the high canyon walls.

  He lifted his field glasses once more, counting the number of men guarding the herd. Five at most, which made sense as the cattle had no place to move except through the narrow opening at one end. He wondered how long the lush grass below would sustain them, guessing another few days, at most. Tolbert would need to make a decision soon if they were to go after the rustlers before they transferred the herd to another spot.

  Dirk scooted back, not standing until ten feet separated him from the edge. He’d come here alone, telling Tolbert more men would increase the chances of being seen. The sun had risen midway toward its peak by the time he returned to their camp. He hadn’t dismounted before Tolbert confronted him.

  “Did you find them?” Tolbert demanded, eyes hard, hands fisted on his waist.

  “The herd is in a canyon a few miles away. Didn’t see the man you described as Drake, though.” He slid to the ground, passing Tolbert on his way to the pot of coffee resting on the embers of a recent fire. He grabbed a nearby cup and filled it, wincing at the bitter taste. “About five men guard the herd, and there’s only one way in.” He lowered into a crouch, nursing the nasty brew. He doubted it tasted any better when hot.

  Tolbert crossed his arms and stared down at Dirk. “Did you find where the rest of men are camped?”

  “Nope. Thought you’d want to know where they’ve got the herd. I can head back out, but I go alone, same as before.” He tossed out the remaining coffee and stood.

  “I’ll send one man with you.”

  “No. I can move better alone.”

  Tolbert stepped forward. He wasn’t used to his hired men refusing an order. “I want a second man. If one of you is discovered, the other can ride back to warn us.”

  “You want this done right, let me do it my way. You want to send someone else, fine. I’ll stay here in camp with the others and wait.”

  The two stared at each other, neither flinching. Dirk had worked for Tolbert long enough to know the man didn’t know half of what he blustered about. Brute force and intimidation were his boss’ primary weapons. As far as Dirk could tell, he had no real skills as a rancher. But he didn’t need to as long as he had the money to hire those who did. The longer he worked for Tolbert, the more certain he became he’d be moving
on at the end of summer to find work with men he respected.

  Tolbert flinched first, not wanting to pass up an opportunity to find Drake. “Be back before sunset or I’ll send men to find you.”

  “Wish I had more for you, Sheriff, but I haven’t seen anyone around here.” Ty Murton, the oldest of the Murton brothers, jumped from the back of the wagon where he’d been throwing hay into a nearby crib. “We’ve heard about the rustling at the Frey ranch, but so far, they haven’t touched us.”

  The posse watched as two men rode toward them and reined to a stop.

  “Sheriff, you know my brothers, Gil and Mark.”

  Noah nudged Tempest forward, focusing his attention on Gil Murton. He’d grown up with Abby, and, according to what Noah had heard, been sweet on her most of his life. As with Noah, Tolbert had discouraged Abby from associating with what her father considered a family well beneath her in wealth and social standing. Noah shook his head at the thought. In New York, Philadelphia, or Boston, social standing would matter. In Splendor, it meant little.

  He liked Gil, knew him to be a hard worker with goals of building their small ranch into something to rival Tolbert. No doubt in an attempt to win Abby. Noah had little doubt Gil would be a success, but he sure as hell wasn’t going to claim Abby.

  Gabe finished explaining the reason for their visit, then dismounted, walking Blackheart to a nearby trough. Most of the others followed his lead as Ty, Gil, and Mark stood a few feet away, talking in quiet voices. When the three finished, Ty paced the few feet to stand by Gabe.

  “We can’t spare all of us, but if you need help, Gil or Mark can ride along.”

  Gabe knew the Murtons ran a thin operation. In fact, the only three ranch hands stood before them.

  “Thanks, Ty, but we’re good with the men we have. Any information you can give us on places where cattle could be hidden would be appreciated, though.”