The Darkest Blue

by Hildie McQueen

  Things never changed. The townsfolk would always wonder about him. No matter how much time passed. He was, in their eyes, a man with a past full of secrets. Possibly even a murderer and definitely someone not to be trusted.

  The mercantile was practically empty, one other person besides the owner inside. “Hello there, Ash,” Mitch, his sister-in-law’s brother, greeted him from atop a ladder where he reached for several bundles. “Just leave the list on the counter and I’ll have it ready when you return.” Nora’s brother did not expect him to answer and that suited Ashley fine. He liked Mitch, who, unlike most, had never changed the way he treated him.

  The only other customer, an elderly woman, tapped him on the arm with her cane. She pointed a gnarled finger at a shelf. “Don’t just stand there, git me one of ’em pots down. The big one.”

  She’d obviously mistaken him for Mitch. Ashley went to the shelf and retrieved the oversized cast iron pot. “Ma’am, this is very heavy. How are you going to carry this home?”

  With a calculating eye she sized up the item he held, then looked past him to the shelf. “Git me a smaller one, then. Don’t dally about it, Ashley Cole. I’ve got to git home and make some beans.”

  So she did know who he was and, unlike most, she didn’t care about his dark reputation. He looked down at the small woman. “If you need the bigger one, I can carry it home for you.”

  Shuffling to the counter she huffed, leaving him to follow. “Now what would I do with a big pot like that?”

  Ashley placed the woman’s purchase on the counter and eyed the items on the back wall, while Mitch completed the woman’s transaction.

  Several large jars filled with hard candy reflected the lights. “I’d like some of those to take please.”

  Mitch looked over his shoulder at him. “Take what you want.”

  “Thanks.” After tearing a large slice of brown paper, Ashley took a few treats and twisted the paper to hold it in. He slipped the tiny package in his pocket and walked outside.

  The doctor’s office was just a few minutes’ walk and he entered through the threshold into the dim interior. The sparse front room smelled of alcohol and disinfectant. No one was about, so he considered either sitting and waiting or coming back. Just then Olivia, Dr. Dougherty’s daughter, came through the back patient’s room’s doorway. “Oh, Ashley. I didn’t realize you were here. Are you sick?”

  He shook his head. “Came for Ma’s medicine.”

  Her blonde hair was pulled to her nape in a soft bun to keep her hair away from her face as she practiced medicine beside her father. The blue-eyed beauty saved Grayson’s life when an outlaw shot him and for that alone, Ashley respected her greatly. She frowned in thought. “Ah, that’s right. I remember now what my father prescribed for her. I will get it. Is she getting along all right? Should I pay a visit?”

  Considering his words, he looked toward the back room and wondered if her father were about. “Pa didn’t say anything about bringing back a doctor.”

  “Very well then, I’ll get the medication.” In her no-nonsense way, she hurried from the room and returned with a smoked glass bottle. “Here you go. Keep an eye on her. If you notice any overheating, or paling, ensure she rests. Although it’s a natural process, it can still be bothersome and an uncomfortable time for her.”

  He paid and walked out to the bright sunlight. His vision took a few seconds to adjust and just when it did, he caught sight of Captain Ford walking into the saloon. Ashley ran across the road to follow him inside.

  The man sat at a corner table and looked up to meet Ashley’s gaze when he entered. Ashley’s pulse sped and he forced a swallow past a now dry throat. He’d not give the bastard the satisfaction of seeing his effect on him. Instead of going to where the captain sat, Ashley made his way to the bar and ordered whiskey before ambling to the table Ford sat at alone.

  Icy blue eyes met his. “Well, Corporal, I wondered if you’d ever confront me.”

  “Why are you here?”

  The captain motioned to the chair opposite him. “Please join me. I do believe we have a lot to catch up on.”

  Just then, a saloon girl arrived and placed a drink in front of Ford. She lingered longer than necessary, her eyes locked on Ford, a bright smile in place. “Can I get you anything else?” The captain rewarded her with a crooked grin. “Not now, sugar, but maybe later.”

  Once the woman left, he brought his attention back to Ashley who’d sat down and reclined in the chair. “Ah yes, my reason for being here. Well, I suppose I will tell you. I find this town welcoming and favorable for my future plans.”

  Ashley leaned forward and placed an elbow on the table. “I assure you. This is not the town for you.”

  “You surprise me, Cole. I would think you’d know more than anyone that I do whatever I please when I please. And everything always goes my way.”

  The man was up to something, but Ashley could not fathom what Alder Gulch could have that interested him. He swallowed the amber liquid in his glass and waited.

  True to his form, enjoying being the subject of a conversation, Captain Ford spoke again. “You may as well get used to my presence. After all, I plan to stay in Alder Gulch indefinitely. Thanks to the fact that you are not well liked, I don’t feel the need to worry about any influence you could possibly have.”

  Ashley’s gaze lingered on the wall past the man’s head. “Since you don’t have any lackeys here to do your bad deeds for you, I don’t see how you plan to come to power.”

  The captain’s eyes narrowed and he lowered his voice, moving closer so only Ashley could hear him. “I thought you were dead. You may wish you were if I decide to expose you for not only being a coward murderer, but a deserter as well. I’d stay away from town if I were you.”

  “I didn’t kill him.”

  Captain Ford picked up his glass and swirled the liquid, his eyes never leaving Ashley’s. “Roberts says you did and I say you did. So it seems you did, as we were the only witnesses. Another thing, Cole. Stay away from Grace Dawson. She’s mine.”

  “I wonder just how much stake you still have with the cavalry, Ford.” The man’s jaw tensed, but he continued to meet Ashley’s gaze. Ashley ignored the warning about Grace, preferring not to bring her name into focus any longer. He slammed his empty glass onto the tabletop. “Believe me. I’ll find a way to stop you.”

  Ashley stood and looked down at the man who’d ruined his life. The captain’s lips curved and he lifted his glass in a salute. “Have a good day, Corporal Cole.”

  Nothing else could be done at the moment. Ashley had not found out exactly what the man planned. One thing was for certain, he’d have to find a way to clear his name. He shouldn’t have let so much time pass without trying to do something about it, anyway. It was time to come clean and ask for help. The question was, who could help him?

  “Hello, Ashley.” Grace stood next to his wagon when he arrived at the mercantile. She wore a simple, blue, gingham frock and a hat with matching shade of ribbon to hold it in place. Her hair was pulled back from her face but lay down her back in a manner that beckoned him to reach out and touch it. She held a basket full of small bundles with both hands. “I just picked up a few too many things. Can I bother you for a ride home?”

  He nodded and helped her up to sit on the bench. He turned to go inside, but then remembered the candy. The paper crinkled in his fingers when he lifted it to Grace. “I got you these.”

  Her brows lowered. “How did you know you’d see me?”

  “I didn’t.”

  He returned with his purchases and his chest expanded at seeing Grace perched on the bench of his wagon. They rode a few minutes without speaking, until Grace placed her hand on his forearm. “Can we stop for a minute? I wish to talk to you.”

  He waited for the inevitable. It was time for her to tell him not to bother coming on Saturday. She’d give him an excuse and he’d accept it. Ashley pulled the wagon to a stop, not too far from her house. The large
, whitewashed, two-story home just on the outskirts of town boasted a wrap-around porch with rockers that beckoned a traveler to visit. To most people, it was a welcoming place. He doubted the same could be said for him.

  Grace looked to him, her lips curving into a soft smile that took all his attention. Her intelligent eyes met his and he felt as if she could read his innermost thoughts. “You’re not getting away with not escorting me to the fair if that’s what you’re thinking. Come inside with me. We’ll tell Mother together that you’re escorting me to the Fall Fair.”

  He tried twice before he cleared his throat. “You still want to go with me?”

  “Yes, I do. Very much so.” When her eyes fell to his lips, a sensation that he’d never felt filled him. His heart galloped beneath his breastbone and his breathing came faster. A pretty woman’s attention did that to a man, he supposed.

  “Very well then, if you’re sure your mother won’t shoot me. Your Pa would, given the chance.”

  Grace’s laughter rang clear and the corner of Ashley’s mouth twitched. “You know, I can’t figure out why my father dislikes you so. But he’ll have to accept my decision. And I doubt he’d go so far as to shoot you.”

  “What about Ford? I thought you planned to allow his courtship.”

  “I haven’t made any decision yet. I’m a free woman right now.” She closed the distance between them and placed a kiss on his cheek. “Stop trying to change my mind. It won’t work. Come. Let’s speak to Mother.”

  The warm breath on his jaw brought another hard swallow. He refused to turn toward her as the last thing he needed right now was to allow his emotions free rein. Every instinct demanded him to take the woman and kiss her hard. But if he did and her mother happened to look out the window, it would not turn out well.

  Ashley prepared for the unwelcoming as he climbed the stairs to the Dawson home with Grace’s basket in his right hand and on his left side, the woman who brought him to a situation he never expected to find himself in.

  The door opened and Beatrice Dawson directed a scowl at him that almost made him take a step backward. “What in heavens are you doing, Grace?” The woman’s shrill voice cut through the stillness. “Why are you here, Ashley?”

  “Mother, shouldn’t you invite someone in before questioning them?” Grace remained calm as she pushed into the house, her hand firmly on his forearm. “I asked Ashley to drive me home as I seemed to have purchased more than planned and this basket was too heavy to carry.”

  They made their way into the spacious kitchen and her mother motioned for him to sit. “Of course, forgive my manners, Ashley. Please, sit down. I’ll get you a glass of water for your troubles.”

  He nodded in response, once again finding it hard to speak. As much as he searched his mind, he could not think of anything to say. Senseless fear rose and he tapped it down drinking the water Mrs. Dawson gave him.

  “Mother, Ashley was nice enough to ask me to the Fall Fair and I accepted his invitation,” Grace spoke, pulling parcels from the basket and placing them onto the table. “I hope you don’t mind that I won’t come with you and Papa.”

  The air stilled and Beatrice Dawson froze her wide eyes, looking between Ashley and her daughter. She paled visibly and pressed her lips together for a moment. “I—I am not sure what to say. What would Captain Ford think of this? After all, he’s made his intentions quite clear regarding you.” She looked to Ashley and huffed loudly. “Let’s not stand on pretense. Ashley, I’m sure you’re a good boy, but you know how my husband feels about you and, to be honest, Grace is all but spoken for. It may be best to not waste your time.”

  Grace did not give him time to reply. Although she kept her tone low, the sharpness in the words snapped like a whip through the air. “Mother, how could you say that? I am not spoken for. I decide whom I allow to escort me. For goodness sakes, I’m twenty-four years old.”

  Both women looked to Ashley and he wondered what to say. If anything, he agreed with Beatrice Dawson. Sheriff Dawson hated him and would forbid Grace from further contact with him. But he had to protect Grace from Ford at all costs. The man was pure evil and she did not deserve to find it out the hard way. “Ma’am, if Grace will accept me as an escort to the fair, I will take her. I appreciate your hospitality.” He placed the empty glass down and stood.

  Grace accompanied him to the door, her soft eyes looked up at him and, once again, he found it hard to keep from reaching for her. “I’m sorry about that. Mother is besotted with Captain Ford and hopes to have him visit more often.” They stepped through the door to the porch. “I’ll see you bright and early on Saturday morning then?” She pursed her lips and waited for his response.

  “See you then.” Ashley did not intend to, but his body seemed to work independently of his brain around her. He reached for her face and lifted it to him. “Promise me you’ll be careful and not spend time alone with Ford.”

  Her eyes searched his face. “I wish you would tell me why you find the need to warn me.”

  “Promise me.”

  She let out a breath. “I can’t do that, not without a reason. One day we’re going to sit down and have a long discussion and you will be the one doing all the talking.”

  He pressed a soft kiss to her lips and she reached for his shoulders to prolong it. Ashley moved away first at realizing they stood in front of the door well within view if her mother were to look out. “Your mother.”

  Grace blushed and looked over her shoulder. “Yes, it’s best you go.”

  “What in the heavens are you thinking, Grace?” Her mother stood just inside the door with balled hands on her hips. “I’ve a mind to go directly to your father and put a stop to this nonsense. Of all the crazy things to do, accepting Ashley Cole’s invitation to the fair. And did you kiss him?” Her voice rose several octaves.

  “Mother…” Grace tried to interrupt but failed.

  “Of all the boys to bring around. You know your father doesn’t like him. Why would you bring him here? Why are you going to the fair with him?” She stomped her foot and headed to the kitchen. “You will send a note to the Cole ranch right away and decline the invitation. Make up some excuse.”

  “I will do no such thing.” Grace felt her blood boil at her mother’s rants. “I’m the one that asked him if you must know.” She wasn’t sure why she lied, but the need to defend Ashley brought out a dark side. “And he’s not a boy. He’s a thirty-two-year-old man who I want to know better.”

  “We’ll see about that.” Her mother grabbed a heavy shawl and rushed out the door. “We’ll just see about that.”

  “Yes, we will.” Grace closed the door none too gently.

  Chapter Seven

  “He kissed her,” his mother told him and although Bronson had a hard time picturing it, he wondered if this was the beginning of a new chapter for Ashley.

  “Either that or she kissed him. I don’t know which, but either way it’s promising isn’t it?” Elizabeth Cole pushed his hair away from his face. “Soon, I will have just you to concentrate on.” Bronson felt his eyes widen. His mother chuckled. “Now don’t look so terrified. I am not that overbearing.” She placed a kiss on his cheek and walked out of the study where he sat behind a desk piled high with ledgers and papers.

  Bronson couldn’t picture his solemn brother kissing anyone, or being kissed, without putting up a fight at least. The man rarely allowed a woman close except their mother. Once, after he’d returned from the cavalry, they’d visited the saloon and even after leaving one of the girl’s rooms, Ashley remained the same, scowl in place. Bronson had wondered if anything took place between his sullen brother and the girl, but he’d not asked.

  A smile curved his lips. Bronson had seen the changes love could bring about. His own twin, who’d sworn off relationships after his wife was tragically killed, was now happily remarried to a woman who’d cleared away all his fears with gentle patience and love.

  He pressed fingers to the bridge of his nose to reliev
e the pressure of too many hours staring at the columns of numbers and decided it was best to take a break and get some fresh air.

  The shadows in the room told him the sun was low. Bronson looked through the doorway to the clock on the fireplace mantel. Close to sunset, Ashley should have been back by now. With a new plan in mind, he left the house and headed to the stables. Within minutes he was atop his horse heading toward town.

  Scant minutes later, Grayson, who’d been at the stables, neared, his grey steed prancing with anticipation. Bronson noted his twin’s hair was longer than usual, just past his shoulders. From infancy, his mother always let Grayson’s burnished brown hair grow longer than Bronson’s, the excuse being she could tell them apart better from a distance. But as they grew, everyone realized she never cut it because she liked the look of it. Grayson, ever easy going, didn’t go against her wishes and allowed it to remain long. Now, Bronson suspected it was long because Nora preferred it longer as well.

  When Grayson shook his head to get the hair out of his face, Bronson laughed. “You need to start braiding it, put it up in a bun or something.”

  His brother narrowed his eyes at him. “Nah. I’m gonna get Ma to cut it after dinner tonight. Nora and I are coming for supper.”

  “Why are you heading toward town then?” Bronson asked, knowing the reason, but wanting to goad his brother. “You miss running free?”

  “I suspect the same reason you are.” Grayson arched a brow at him. “Where’s Ash?”

  “Hopefully, on his way back.”

  Grayson nodded. “He’ll be mad when he figures out we’re coming because we’re worried.”

  “It’s nothin’ but trouble, him bein’ interested in the Dawson girl.” Bronson frowned. “Anyway, better he be mad at us than Ma.”