Courage Canyon Read online

  “Not at all.” Grabbing a dented tin cup, Dutch filled it to the top, handing it to Wyatt.

  “Thanks.” Cradling the cup with both hands, he took a few sips, then set it on the desk. He blew out a breath, his face showing the misery he felt. “I’d gone into town to drink and play a few hands of cards. I got tangled up with one of the women and didn’t make it back to the farm until late. I found my sister huddled in a corner, her dress torn, blood all over her.” He looked up, his eyes haunted. “He raped her, then killed my brother-in-law. She couldn’t handle it. Killed herself a week later.” His voice hardened on the last. “I vowed to find Baylor and make him pay.”

  “How did you know it was Baylor?” Dutch asked, leaning his hip against the edge of Gabe’s desk.

  “My sister recognized him. He worked at the farm for a few weeks until Jerrod, my brother-in-law, fired him.” Wyatt glanced up at Dutch. “Ned Baylor had cornered my sister in the barn, tried to force himself on her. Jerrod walked in, saw what was happening, and threw him out. Told him to never set foot anywhere near their place again. This was at least a year before I arrived. I didn’t hear anything about it until my sister talked about it after Jerrod was murdered.”

  Gabe shook his head in disgust. “And you decided the best way to capture Baylor was to join his gang, gain his trust, then drag him to the sheriff. Good idea. Too bad it didn’t work out.”

  Wyatt snorted, rubbing the healed injury on his left arm. “I got him within a day’s ride of town when I was jumped, beaten, and left for dead. At least I think that was their intention. When I woke up, Baylor was gone. They left me in a pretty bad way. Broke my left arm, cracked some ribs, pistol whipped my face.” He touched a scar on his left chin. “The good news was they didn’t take my horse.”

  Cash chuckled. “He probably wouldn’t let them get near him.” He looked at Dutch, then Gabe. “Wyatt’s horse is one of the best trained animals I’ve ever seen. He’d sit stone-still in the middle of cannon and rifle fire, then burst into action at a slight command from Wyatt. I don’t believe I ever saw them more than twenty feet from each other. Even then, the horse kept his eyes glued to Wyatt.”

  Wyatt smiled, although it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “My father gave me Rogue when he was a year-old colt. We’ve been together ever since.”

  “I can see why,” Dutch said. “He’s a beautiful horse with his black points and white markings.”

  “That’s why my father bought him.”

  Gabe cleared his throat. “So you rode your horse to Little Rock.”

  “That’s where I was taking Baylor. When I arrived, they arrested me for killing him. The sheriff said there were three men who saw it happen—all part of his gang. I figure they didn’t plan to rescue him. They planned to kill him so he wouldn’t give up their names.” Wyatt shifted in the uncomfortable chair, leaning back. “I told my story, and for whatever reason, the sheriff believed me. The charges were dropped, he had the doc clean me up, and a week later, I left.”

  “Without the bounty money?” Dutch asked.

  Wyatt glared at him. “I didn’t care about money. The man was dead. That was good enough for me.”

  Gabe read his notes once more, then looked up. “Then you rode north.”

  “Cash mentioned Splendor, so I decided to take him up on his offer to visit. I took a few jobs along the way. Got as far as Denver when I saw the wanted poster. I’d planned to work a while, then continue. Instead, I rode toward the Dakotas. A jail in a small town had the same poster outside the front door. By then, I was pretty much out of food with enough money to last a few days. I didn’t wait around, heading straight to Splendor.”

  Gabe shook his head, leaning back in his chair. “You made it damn far, Wyatt. From what Cash said, you might not have lasted another day on the trail.”

  Wyatt looked at Cash and smirked. “Hell, I’ve made it through worse.”

  “Yeah, but you looked like hell when I walked into Dax’s place.” Standing, Cash walked to the stove and poured himself some coffee. “What’s the best way to go about this?”

  Gabe glanced at Dutch, who nodded. “I’ll send a telegram to Pinkerton. It’s the best way to find out who issued the poster without raising suspicions. Allan’s working on the kidnappings and murders along the railroad lines and has contacts everywhere.”

  “What’s your guess, Dutch?” Cash asked.

  Rubbing his jaw, Dutch paced to the window, looking out at the street. “Somehow, Baylor’s gang convinced another sheriff you were guilty of murder. I’m guessing they want to get rid of anyone who knew about their connection to Baylor. Gabe hasn’t gotten anything on Wyatt, which is good. I’ll help any way I can to get the thing tossed out. It just may take some time and persuasion from Pinkerton.” Dutch snickered. “The man is tenacious.”

  Wyatt’s shoulders relaxed, though his features stayed drawn. “I’d be in your debt.”

  “The hell you will. Get yourself together, find a place to stay and a job. I want Pinkerton to know you’ve settled down here with nothing to hide. I’m discovering this is a mighty fine town, Wyatt. Thinking of staying here myself.” Dutch glanced at Gabe. Neither had told the other deputies they’d reached an agreement about Dutch working for him.

  Cash sipped his coffee, looking over the rim of the cup at Wyatt. “The Pelletiers offered you work. With your skill training horses, I’d bet they’d have you work with Travis at the old Frey place.”

  Gabe stood, grabbing his hat from a hook. “It’s way past suppertime and I’m starving.”

  “Wyatt’s staying with Allie and me. At least for a spell.” Cash glanced at Wyatt. “I’ll take you back out to see Dax and Luke when you’re up to it, and if working for them is what you want.”

  Pushing himself up, Wyatt tottered only a little before righting himself. “Food, rest, and work…in that order. Within a few days, I’ll be ready for whatever comes next.”

  Gabe nodded, a scowl on his face as his thoughts drifted to Boyden Trask. He wouldn’t rest easy, and neither would most around Splendor, until the man was captured and sent back to the territorial prison in Deer Lodge. Then maybe everyone could get back to life as usual.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Boyden Trask stretched his arms above his head, then stopped abruptly. Something felt wrong. Sitting up, he turned toward the fire, seeing nothing but ash. Then his gaze moved to the one lone horse and a roaring curse burst from his lips.

  Jumping to his feet as the morning sun crested over the eastern hills, he dashed around the campsite, seeing no sign of Rufus or Herb. Shouting another curse, he hurried to pick up his gear. They’d left their horses saddled the night before, a precaution in case they needed to make a quick getaway. He mumbled a curse when he saw his saddle near a tree, the blanket tossed on top of it.

  Taking a quick look around, he swung up on his horse. From the conversation the night before, he knew they’d head south. He didn’t know how many hours were between them, guessing they’d left not long after he’d gone to sleep. All thoughts of Rosemary left him as he reined his horse left, taking a deer trail covered in fresh hoof marks. Trask would follow it until the tracks disappeared, then he’d continue south.

  He had no idea where they’d end up. All he knew was when he found them, they were both dead.

  Splendor

  The early-morning sun shone through the curtains, signaling another beautiful day, as Luke paced back and forth, waiting for Clay McCord to finish checking the baby.

  “What do you think, Doc? Can I take my wife and son home?” Luke stopped next to the bed where Ginny sat holding Cooper André. He smiled down at them, knowing Dax would approve of the name.

  Their father, Cooper, had been a strong presence in their lives, dying before either of them returned from the war. The youngest Pelletier brother, André, had stayed in Savannah to help with the family businesses. He’d succumbed to pneumonia the summer before the war ended.

  “I don’t see why not.” Clay
smiled at them as he packed up his bag. “I’ll ride out later this week to check on both of you. I expect you not to overdue, Ginny.”

  Luke nodded. “Lydia and Rosemary will be there to help.”

  “Don’t forget Selina and Margaret. They’re going to want their turn helping with Cooper.” Ginny looked at the bundle in her lap, lifting the blanket to see his face. “He is the most precious baby I’ve ever seen.”

  Clay smiled, seeing the glow on the face of each parent. “They’re all precious, Ginny. But I have to say, Cooper is special.” The baby had his father’s strong features, his mother’s soft green eyes and golden brown hair. Bigger than most newborns, Clay had no doubt Cooper would grow into an imposing man. “Do you need help getting ready to leave?”

  “As soon as I let him know, Noah will take care of getting the wagon ready.”

  “I’ll be glad to walk to the livery and tell him, Luke. You two take your time getting ready.”

  Luke reached out his hand. “Thanks, Doc.”

  Clay shook it, then turned to Ginny one more time. “I’m serious about you taking it easy. I’m letting you go home a little earlier than normal, trusting the wagon ride won’t be too hard on you. Let the other women help out and give yourself time to recuperate.”

  Her face flushed a little at the clear message. “I will, Doctor. And thank you again, so much.”

  Clay nodded, a slow grin spreading across his face. “I’ll see you in a few days.”

  Stepping into the clear morning, Clay was surprised to see Nick’s daughter, Olivia, across the street, leaving the bank. Catching her attention with a wave and a shout, he crossed the street, joining her on the boardwalk.

  Olivia’s eyes gleamed as he stopped next to her. “Good morning, Doctor McCord.”

  Touching the brim of his hat, he nodded. “Good morning, Miss Barnett. You look lovely today. Of course, you look lovely every day. Have you had breakfast?”

  Her face brightened. “Why, no, I haven’t.”

  “Is there somewhere you have to be?”

  A brow lifted, her head tilting to the side. “Not really.”

  “Wonderful. Would you care to accompany me to the livery while I speak with Noah, then join me for breakfast?”

  Her gaze moved over his shoulder, landing on her father across the street, arms crossed as he leaned against the side of the hotel. The expression on her face alerted Clay, who glanced over his shoulder to see Nick scowl. Looking back at her, he lowered his voice.

  “Would you prefer I ask your father for his permission?”

  Her eyes darkened for an instant before she raised her chin, jutting it out in an act Clay recognized as defiance. “I’m twenty years old, Doctor McCord. Old enough to make my own decisions. I’d love to join you for breakfast.” Without looking across the street again, she accepted the arm Clay held out.

  As they walked toward the livery, Clay felt a pang of regret at not speaking with Nick before inviting his daughter to accompany him. Nick had become a good friend, not to mention a major benefactor in the new clinic. Clay owed him. Strolling down the boardwalk, he made a mental note to speak with him, asking his permission to court Olivia. He’d been considering it ever since he’d seen her, his heart stopping in his chest at her beauty. Yet he’d held off showing his interest for a good reason. He was a couple months shy of thirty, almost ten years older than Olivia. Back home, many marriages occurred between people who had an even bigger age difference. Here in Splendor, it didn’t seem as common.

  “Doctor McCord, are you all right?”

  Blinking, he looked over at her. “Yes. Why?”

  She grinned, leaning into him. “Because the livery is behind us.”

  Stopping, he shook his head, a laugh bursting from his throat. “Well then, I suppose we should turn around.”

  “That might be best.” She smiled back at him, causing his heart to falter.

  Clearing his throat, he turned back toward the livery.

  Redemption’s Edge

  “It’s about time Clay released you.” Dax bounded down the front porch steps, taking the lines from Luke so he could assist Ginny with the baby.

  “We weren’t gone that long.” Taking Cooper from Ginny’s arms, Luke glanced around in confusion, trying to figure out how to help his wife down.

  “I’ve got her.” Dirk ran up, carefully lifting Ginny and setting her next to Luke. “You look real good, Ginny.”

  “Why, thank you. I’m exhausted from lack of sleep, but very glad to be home.” She started to turn away, then stopped. “Dirk, thank you for riding into town with us. I’m glad you were there.”

  He glanced away, not comfortable with praise he felt was undeserved. “I was happy to do it.”

  “Ginny!” Rachel threw the front door open.

  “Rachel, you stay right where you are.” Dax sent her a stern glare. “Ginny and Luke will bring the baby to you.”

  She did what he said, but if looks were fatal, Dax would’ve been mortally wounded. Rachel knew he wanted her to stay safe. Her delivery could come at any time, so he’d fallen into his ex-Confederate general identity, issuing her orders and expecting her to bow to his wishes. He’d been the same the last few weeks of her pregnancy with Patrick. She knew Dax would settle down once the baby came.

  Waiting while Ginny slipped her arm through Luke’s, Rachel strained to get a glimpse of the baby. She took a deep breath, pressing a hand against her stomach, trying to contain her excitement. Holding her arms out as they walked up the steps, she took him into her arms. Lifting the blanket, she stared into eyes the same color as Ginny’s.

  “He has your eyes.” Rachel didn’t take her gaze off the baby. “I hope they don’t change.”

  “They change?” Luke asked, his brows drawing together.

  Rachel nodded. “They could. His are light colored, so there’s a decent chance they’ll change. You’ll know within a few months. Have you named him?”

  Dax came up the steps in time to hear the question, wrapping an arm around Rachel’s waist.

  “We have.” Luke glanced at Ginny, then Dax. “We named him Cooper André.”

  Dax’s jaw slacked a little, his eyes clouding as he absorbed the significance.

  “What do you think, Dax?” Ginny asked.

  Pulling Rachel close, he cleared his throat. “I think it’s a perfect name.”

  Rachel glanced up at him. “I’ve heard those names before. I remembered because you don’t hear them often.”

  “Our father’s name was Cooper. Our younger brother was André. Both died while we were away fighting the North.” His chest tightened at the memory.

  Rachel leaned up, kissing his cheek. “Well, I think it’s perfect. Let’s get inside. Lydia will be over any minute with Margaret and Selina. And I’m certain the boys will want to see Cooper.” Noticing Ginny’s tired expression, she touched her arm. “We’ll keep the visits short. With Rosemary and the others, you’ll be able to get plenty of rest.”

  Ginny nodded, her lips curving up into a faint smile. “I’m looking forward to it.”

  Splendor

  “The stage is coming, Lena.” Nick stood at the entrance of the Dixie, motioning to Gabe’s wife, who stood behind the bar cleaning glasses. Setting the last one down, she wiped her hands down her apron before removing it. Hurrying to join Nick, she stepped onto the boardwalk.

  “Do you think they’re on it?” She felt almost breathless with excitement.

  “I guess we’ll find out in a minute.” Nick adjusted the patch over his left eye. He hoped the extra patches arrived on the stage, too. “How many are you expecting?”

  “Four.” Lena vibrated with excitement. “I do hope they like it here.” She held her breath as the stage came to a stop.

  “Hey, Nick.” The driver waved at them before securing the brake and lines, then jumping down as the guard climbed onto the top.

  “Ervin. How are you?” Nick held out his hand, grasping the young man’s.

&nbs
p; “Can’t complain.” Ripping off his hat, he nodded to Lena. “Mrs. Evans. It’s good to see you.”

  “It’s very good to see you, Ervin. Do you have some passengers for us?”

  Chuckling, Ervin settled his hat back on his head. “I sure do. Four young ladies. Friends of yours?”

  “Not yet, but they will be.” Lena moved aside to let him open the door, holding out his hand.

  Nick scratched the back of his neck, leaning down close to her ear. “I sure hope you, Isabella, and my wife know what you’re doing.”

  A brilliant smile broke across her face. “We most certainly do.” The butterflies in her stomach belied the truth. Lena had no idea if this would work or not. Once the idea roosted in her brain, she couldn’t get it out until she’d shared it with her close friends, Suzanne Barnett and Isabella Boucher.

  “Tell me again where you found them?”

  “Pettigrew’s in Philadelphia. Isabella recommended them. She said they have a stellar reputation. Remember, Nick, she and her late husband lived in Philadelphia and were quite connected.”

  “Ah…makes sense.” It didn’t really, but Nick didn’t want to stir anything up at this point.

  Lena glanced behind her at the boardinghouse, then the hotel. “Oh, I need to let Suzanne and Isabella know the girls have arrived.”

  “You stay here. I’ll let them know.”

  Nick shook his head before walking away. He couldn’t believe his normally rational wife, Suzanne, would agree to such a harebrained scheme. Worse, the calm, sensible Isabella had gone along with it. When Nick had told Travis Davis, the man courting Isabella, of the women’s idea, he’d thrown back his head and laughed. It was an unusual moment of levity for the quiet, somber Pelletier ranch hand.

  “Take my hand, Miss, and I’ll help you down.” Ervin assisted each of the young women onto the boardwalk until all four stood wide-eyed, their hands clasping the bags the guard handed down. When a gust of wind came down the street, each struggled to hold their hats in place while keeping the anxiety off their faces.