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  “Are you all right?”

  Letting out a weary sigh, she nodded. “I will be. The house keeps me busy.” Her mouth curved into a smile as she turned her face up to his. “I find there’s a lot of joy in working with my hands.”

  His hand dropped on a deep laugh. “Ah, Caro. What would your parents say if they saw you now?”

  Her smile broadened. “Probably the same as your parents if they saw you wearing guns and a star.”

  Nodding, he opened the door for her. “The difference is we each have the means to live the same as our parents. Instead, both of us have chosen to make a life in Splendor.”

  Walking past him into the chilly night air, she breathed deeply. “I do believe you are right, Gabe, and I’m certain we’ve made the right choice.”

  “Edmond Eldridge? No, I don’t know the man. Why?”

  Gabe had found Beau next door in the Wild Rose Saloon, one of two Nick, Lena, and Gabe owned. Sitting down, he’d mentioned the name, hoping for recognition.

  Gabe sat back, crossing his arms. “He’s the client who hired Pinkerton to find you.”

  Beau tossed back the rest of his whiskey, his brows knitting together. “Edmond Eldridge…” He searched his memory, a jolt of recognition passing through him. Letting out a mumbled curse, he leaned forward. “Percy Eldridge,” he breathed out, regret building in his chest. “I never thought I’d say that name out loud again.”

  “Who is he?” Gabe signaled for the bartender to bring him a glass.

  Beau shook his head, rubbing a hand across his brow. “A lieutenant who served under me. A good man—until he lost his mind one day before a battle. Accused men of desertion and started executing them.”

  Gabe swore, shaking his head. “Without a hearing?”

  Beau’s haunted gaze met his. “Without anything. If I hadn’t stumbled onto them, he would have shot them all.” He blew out a breath, pouring another whiskey from the bottle on the table. “He refused my order to lower his weapon. I had no choice but to shoot him.”

  Gabe picked up the bottle, filled his glass, then took a long swallow, letting the liquid burn down his throat. “What happened afterward?”

  “I was cleared of any charges. The men testified for me. A sergeant who wandered onto the scene after I shot Eldridge testified he thought I’d done it out of anger, but no one believed him. My history with the men was too solid.” He rolled the glass between his fingers. “I thought it was all behind me.”

  “If this information is correct, it’s far from behind you. Edmond must be a relative. Father, brother, uncle...”

  Beau snorted. “No doubt out for revenge.”

  Gabe filled his glass a second time, holding it to his lips, but not drinking. “Do you recall where Eldridge was from?”

  Pinching the bridge of his nose, Beau shook his head. “Tennessee…Louisiana…” Staring at his empty glass, he tried to remember conversations he had with the man. “Cotton. He told me they raised cotton.” Suddenly, his brows shot up. “Alabama.”

  Gabe tipped the glass back, swallowing the contents. Setting it down, a thin smile formed on his lips. “I believe Allan Pinkerton just got himself a new client.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  “Sorry I’m late.” Caro’s warm breath formed a white cloud as she stopped next to the wagon Cash parked outside Allie’s dress shop. Handing him two pies, she tightened her coat around her.

  “You aren’t late.” Cash pulled out his pocket watch. “By my calculations, you’re early.” He winked at her, then continued loading blankets and food into the wagon. “Allie is almost ready. Why don’t you go inside and wait there? No sense standing in the cold.”

  “I believe I will.” She dashed inside, closing the door behind her, spotting Allie at the counter. “You aren’t working, are you?”

  “Heavens no.” Tucking some fabric into a satchel, she closed it, then slipped into her coat. “Rachel wanted me to bring some material for shirts. Baby Patrick is growing so fast she can’t keep enough of them. Of course, he’s not a baby any longer.”

  “No, not at all. And now he’ll have a baby brother or sister.” She’d been happy when she heard the news Rachel and Ginny were both expecting. Caro was happy for them, but today, for no apparent reason, a wave of sadness spread through her.

  “I’m ready.” Allie filled her arms, then walked to the door, pulling it open. “Oh good. Beau is here.”

  Caro had been following Allie outside, coming to a halt at hearing his name. “Beau?”

  Allie looked at her. “He’s coming with us. The conversation is so much more entertaining when Cash and Beau are together.”

  “I’m sure,” Caro mumbled, moving slowly toward the wagon.

  If Allie noticed the sarcasm in her voice, she didn’t react. “Good morning, Beau. I’m so glad you’re coming with us.”

  Beau turned away from Cash, offering Allie a warm smile. “Good morn…” The greeting died on his lips when he saw Caro.

  “Caro is coming with us. Isn’t that wonderful?” Allie ignored the obvious tension between the two, glancing at Cash. “Is everything ready?”

  “It is.” He helped his wife onto the wagon, then turned toward Caro. “May I?”

  “I’ll help her up.” Beau’s deep voice caught Caro off guard, causing her to swivel, almost plowing into him as he stepped behind her. “Easy.” Placing his hands on her shoulders, he steadied her, then dropped his hold and leaned forward, whispering in her ear. “Appears we’re going to be riding together. Might as well do our best to be civil.”

  Gritting her teeth, she sent him a too sweet smile. “It’s wonderful to see you again. I’m so looking forward to today.”

  He chuckled at the obvious insincerity, then nodded toward the wagon. “Let’s get you settled.”

  Allie had been right. As uncomfortable as Caro was sitting next to Beau, the trip had been entertaining. The two normally subdued men opened up when around each other, regaling the women with stories of their escapades as bounty hunters, leaving out any upsetting details. Caro found herself wishing she could start over with Beau without the mistakes she’d made or the hurt she’d caused. The more he and Cash joked, the more her regret grew.

  Supper had been a boisterous affair. Several of the ranch hands joined the crowd, along with several friends from town. Moments before Rachel and Ginny set the food on the table, Gabe and Lena arrived. Mack and Caleb had persuaded him to accept the Pelletier’s invitation, leaving the town in their capable hands. The rowdy cowhands arrested for being drunk and disorderly had paid a fine and been released, the bartender deciding not to press charges. No one knew where they were now, except they’d hightailed it out of Splendor as soon as they stepped out of the jail.

  After supper, most everyone stayed, mingling and taking the time to catch up. The constant work, whether by farmer, ranchers, or those in town, made it difficult to take time away to relax and simply enjoy the company of others. Caro even had a chance to speak with Matthew and Nolen Volker, the two young men who’d ridden to her place looking for work. They now worked for Dax and Luke and were happy to be here, but made it clear they’d be willing to move to her place if she needed them.

  The return trip to town was much more subdued than the ride out. She and Beau had kept distance between themselves during supper, then spoke little as they sat side by side in the wagon on the way home. She felt as if they were polite acquaintances rather than two people who once loved each other.

  Entering town, Cash stopped the wagon in front of Allie’s shop. They lived in an apartment upstairs with plans to build a home in the future. Cash already owned the land, although neither seemed in a hurry to leave the convenience of living in town.

  Beau helped Caro down. “I’ll walk you back to the hotel.”

  She shook her head. “That’s not necess—”

  She hadn’t finished when shouts had them all turning. Caleb came running up, stopping beside them.

  “Sorry to bust in on
your time off, but I was about ready to ride out to find Gabe.”

  “What is it, Caleb?” Beau took a step away from Caro, wishing he had a few more minutes with her. Even though they’d spoken little, being near her brought him a sense of peace he found around no one else.

  “Sheriff Sterling sent an urgent message for Gabe. The Dawson gang robbed the bank in Big Pine as they were closing last night. Cleaned it out and took off.”

  “Anyone killed?” Cash asked.

  Caleb shook his head. “He didn’t say. Sterling warns us to be on guard.”

  Cash turned to Allie. “Until we know what’s happening, I want you to get inside and stay there.”

  “But, Cash—”

  “Don’t argue with me on this. We’ll meet with Gabe and decide how to deal with the Dawsons if they ride into town. I need to know you’re safe until we figure it out.” Kissing her, he turned back to Caleb. “Gabe is on his way back. Beau and I will meet you at the jail.”

  Beau felt a hand on his arm and turned to face Caro. “What is it, Beau?”

  He looked at Cash. “I’ll be there in a few minutes. I’m going to walk Caro back to the hotel.” Slipping her arm through his, he escorted her across the street and up the steps to the entrance of the St. James. Opening the door, he felt the immediate rush of heat from the large hearth in the foyer. Walking toward it, he withdrew her arm from his.

  “Thank you, but there was no need for you to bring me back, Beau. You’re needed at the jail.”

  Keeping his arms at his sides, he stared down at her for several long moments, his face a mask. “I didn’t have a chance to thank you for finding out about Edmond Eldridge.”

  Her eyes widened. “But I—”

  He held up a hand, stopping her. “Don’t even begin to deny you weren’t the one who contacted Pinkerton. We both know you’re a terrible liar.”

  She bit her bottom lip, hiding a grin. “All right. I hope it was helpful.”

  His eyes softened. “More than you know.”

  She drew in a breath. “Well, then…”

  “There’s something else I want to say, although I know I have no right.”

  Caro cocked her head to one side, her brows drawing together. “What is it?”

  “You heard what Caleb said. The Dawson gang is a serious threat. Louis and Clem are the men who shot Bull and Noah. We expect them to try to hit the bank here.” He glanced around the hotel lobby, lowering his voice. “I’m asking you to stay in town and inside the hotel for a few days.”

  His concern touched her, but she had responsibilities. “Beau, I have a house to finish and two men who work for me. I can’t leave them out there to wonder where I am.”

  “I’ll either send someone to let them know what’s going on or ride out myself. I just want to know you’re safe.” He glanced away, not wanting her to see the true depth of his unease.

  “I suppose one more day in town will be all right, but I can’t promise anything beyond that. I’ll ask Noah if Toby can ride out and talk to Merritt and Gus.”

  Beau let out a breath, surprised at the relief he felt. “Good.” He continued to watch her, wanting to lean down and capture her lips, knowing he couldn’t. “I’d better get to the jail.” After one last look, he turned to leave.

  “Beau?”

  Glancing over his shoulder, he lifted a brow at the familiar jolt of his name on her lips. “Yes?”

  “Thank you.”

  A snowstorm raged through town that night and the following day, prohibiting most travel in Splendor. Businesses stayed open for the hardiest customers, but for most, life within town had slowed to a crawl.

  “The weather may work in our favor, Gabe.” Beau closed the door to the jail, removing his hat and slapping it against his thigh.

  The sheriff stood at the window, watching the storm worsen, the wind whipping the flakes in all directions. “I can’t imagine the Dawsons braving the weather to ride this way. My guess is they’ve found a place to hide until it clears.”

  “How certain are you they’ll ride this way?” Hanging his coat on a hook, Beau walked to the stove and poured a cup of coffee.

  Turning from the window, Gabe paced to his desk, pushing aside the wanted posters he’d been studying. “I’d say it’s a safe bet they will end up in Splendor. We have profitable businesses and ranches, and only one bank. The weather will slow them down some, but they’ll show up. I’m certain of it.”

  “Do Noah and Bull know?”

  “I spoke with them at Thanksgiving supper. Since Louis and Clem were the ones who shot them, they deserve to know they might be returning. We could use their skills, although I hate putting them in danger.”

  “Do you think you could keep them out of it?”

  Gabe blew out a weary breath. “Only if we can capture the outlaws before Bull or Noah know what’s happening.” Sitting down, he rested his arms on the desk. “I heard back from Pinkerton this morning. He agreed to take me on as a client and get more information on Edmond Eldridge. It could be days or weeks before I hear back from him.”

  “It’s a start, and I appreciate it.” Beau thought of Caro and how she’d been the one to contact Allan Pinkerton, setting all this in motion.

  He’d spoken to Noah earlier, learning Caro had stayed in town. Even with the weather, Toby hadn’t hesitated to ride out, letting Merritt and Gus know she wouldn’t be coming out today. He’d ridden back, surprising Beau with the news they were digging a root cellar during the snowstorm. If that’s what Caro wanted, so be it.

  “As far as the Dawsons, all we can do is keep vigilant and protect the bank.”

  Beau’s attention switched back to Gabe. “What do you want us to do?”

  “Two deputies inside the bank from the time it opens until Clausen locks it up.”

  “And at night?”

  Gabe rubbed his brow. “One man inside at night. Clausen had a lot of work done after the robbery attempt a few years ago. The front and back doors have locks and bars. If they get inside, he installed two sets of bars between the tellers and the safe as a precaution. It would take nitroglycerine to open the safe Clausen had ordered from back east. Nitro isn’t easy to get, and it’s dangerous to transport and use.”

  Beau chuckled. “You’re saying they’ll attack during the day.”

  Gabe nodded. “If they know anything about the Splendor bank, they’ll rob it when it’s open. If they plan to surprise us, they’ll strike soon.”

  “How’s that, Merritt?” Gus stood back, his back stiff and body shaking with the chill. They’d worked all day on the root cellar, ignoring the cold.

  Merritt climbed up the ladder, looking back down into the hole. “Should be plenty big enough. We’ll install a door tomorrow.”

  “It’ll be nice to work inside again.” Gus rubbed his hands together, blowing on them. “Are we done for the day?”

  Merritt grabbed the pick and shovel. “Let’s get a fire going in the barn. We’ll eat and bunk down early.”

  Gus nodded. “I’ll get the wood.”

  The distant sound of pounding hooves came from the direction of the trail. Merritt set the tools down, facing the two men as they reined their horses to a stop a few feet away, both glancing around. Without preamble, one of the men stared down at Merritt.

  “We’re looking for the Davis ranch.”

  Gus stood next to his brother, crossing his arms, his gaze narrowing on the men who appeared to be just a few years younger than them. “You talking about Beau Davis, the deputy?”

  “That’s him. Is this his place?”

  Merritt stepped forward. “Nope. It’s the Iverson property. Don’t think we’ve met before. You boys have names?”

  The two men looked at each other. “I’m John Smith. This is my brother, Joe.”

  “John and Joe Smith, huh?” Merritt couldn’t hide his skepticism. “Where you from?”

  “Here and there. Born in Alabama.” John shifted in the saddle, his eyes darting between Merritt an
d Gus.

  “I’m Merritt Teal, and this is my brother, Gus.”

  John nodded at them. “Is the Davis place close?”

  Something about the look of the Smith brothers bothered Gus. They looked as if they hadn’t eaten in days. “Go back to the trail and ride west. It’s a couple miles down, but he’s not there. He owns the land, but hasn’t built the house. He lives in town.”

  John mumbled a curse. The sky had started to darken, snow beginning to fall again. “Guess we got some wrong information. We heard he was looking for workers.”

  “Mrs. Iverson is more likely to have work than Davis. We don’t know when she’ll be back.”

  John nodded, tired eyes meeting his brother’s. “Guess we’d better get going then.”

  “You boys got a place to go?” Merritt wasn’t sure why he asked. Something about them reminded him of another young man from his past.

  “No, sir. We don’t.”

  “We don’t have much to offer, but there’s food and a dry place to bed down.”

  John sighed at the same time Joe straightened in the saddle. “We’d be obliged.”

  Merritt motioned toward the barn. “Come on then. We were just getting ready to start a fire.”

  After the first sound sleep she’d had in weeks, Caro woke the following morning. Stretching, she pushed off the covers, hurrying over to the window and opening the curtains. Seeing a clear sky, she dashed to the wardrobe, grabbing work clothes. She wouldn’t stay cooped up in the hotel another day. And she had no intention of telling Beau.

  Slipping into a heavy coat, she went downstairs to the dining room, hoping for a quick breakfast and a packed lunch with enough food for herself, Merritt, and Gus. It would be a long day, and Caro already knew she wouldn’t return until dark.

  Twenty minutes later, she walked toward the livery. Today she’d take the wagon, pick up additional materials at the lumber mill, then leave before Beau had a chance to see her.

  “Caro. I didn’t expect to see you today.” Noah came out of the blacksmith shop, wiping his hands on a well-worn rag. “Are you going to ride out to your house?”