Stronger Than the Rest Read online

  But Drew’s gaze had frozen on his features. The face, coloring, all were familiar. Jet black hair, moss green eyes, and squared jaw. He’d seen those eyes before. Drew sank into his chair and tried to remember where but his efforts went unrewarded. It would come. The memory of where he’d seen Connor before would surface and when it did, Drew knew it would be significant.

  Chapter Two

  Fire Mountain, Arizona Territory

  “Any word, Niall?” Aunt Alicia had asked the same question every week when her oldest nephew stepped into the house from his trip into town.

  “No, nothing.” Niall’s frustration wasn’t lost on the others in the room. His brother, Jamie, sat holding the newest addition to the MacLaren clan, Caleb, while his wife, Torie, worked in the kitchen.

  Will MacLaren, one of the youngest brothers, had just walked in from the barn and taken a seat on the divan. He and Amanda Taylor had married only a couple of weeks before, but Will’s thoughts had been on his twin brother, Drew, for most of the time since he’d returned to Fire Mountain.

  “One of us should go to Denver and find out what’s going on,” Jamie said.

  “I’ll go,” Will said. “It’s my fault he’s still in Denver and not here with the family.”

  “Don’t say that, Will. We all know this has everything to do with Drew’s decision to help you and Amanda’s family in Cold Creek. We all know you feel responsible, but Drew did what he felt he had to do, as did Jamie. No use wasting time on guilt,” Aunt Alicia scolded him. “Besides, I’ve already made up my mind that I’m going.”

  “What?” Niall and Jamie spoke in unison.

  “You heard me. I’ve already packed my trunks and plan to leave on the train north tomorrow.”

  “Alone? You plan to travel to Denver alone and just show up at Drew’s home?” Niall asked.

  “And why not? I’m his aunt. The woman who raised him and the rest of you three, as I recall.” Her crisp voice echoed through the large living room. “However, I plan to stop in Cold Creek and visit Amanda’s family on my way to Denver. I sent a message off to Eleanor and Grant Taylor last week. They replied with an invitation to stay as long as I want.” She smiled at the way she’d gone around her nephews to make sure her plans remained her own, at least until she was sure she would make the trip.

  “And you never thought to discuss this with us?” Niall asked from where he stood, leaning against one wall, his arms crossed over his broad chest.

  “I knew you’d just try to talk me out of it, or plan to come with me, Niall. This is a trip I need to make. Besides, it will only take a day to reach Great Valley, where Grant will meet me. I’ll stay with the Taylor’s a few days before visiting Drew. I’m actually looking forward to the trip.”

  Niall’s wife, Kate, walked into the room with Torie in time to overhear the final part of the conversation. Will’s wife, Amanda, stepped in to stand next to them. The three looked at each other then back to Alicia.

  “Of course you should go, Aunt Alicia,” Kate said, ignoring the scowl on Niall’s face. “You never travel anymore and the trip will do you good. The Taylor ranch sounds wonderful and it was obvious you and Eleanor Taylor got along well. I know it’s been a long time since you’ve been to Denver. It may also put your mind at ease as to Drew’s condition. Perhaps you’ll be the one to persuade him to come home.”

  “I don’t know about putting my mind at ease,” Alicia responded, “but at least I can speak with the doctors and find out what Drew’s future looks like. Caleb McCauley has done research in the area, actually worked with patients suspected of having temporary paralysis. Caleb says there’s no real diagnosis except that no apparent reason for the paralysis can be found. He says it can last for weeks or months, then one day the patient starts to get feeling back.”

  Caleb McCauley had taken over the medical practice from the town’s long-time doctor. Jamie and Torie had named their second son after him. He’d arrived in Fire Mountain the same day as Niall’s wife, Kate Garner, and the town sheriff, Sam Browning. All had been victims of a stagecoach accident.

  “Are you sure about this?” Jamie asked.

  “Yes, Jamie, I am sure. I don’t know much about Drew’s condition, but one thing I do know is that he needs family around him. People who understand him and his moods. None of you can go,” she put up her hand when they started to protest. “None of you should go right now. Too much is going on. I’m the best choice.”

  Niall, Jamie, and Will knew she was right even though they didn’t like it. They also understood that once she’d made up her mind, there wasn’t a person on earth who could stop her.

  ******

  Cold Creek, Colorado

  “Alicia, it’s so good to see you!” Eleanor Taylor walked onto the front porch and down the few steps to hug their guest. “We are so pleased to have you here.”

  “Believe me, Eleanor, I’m very happy to be here.” The women looped arms and walked into the house, leaving Grant and one of his men to bring in the trunks.

  “Let’s get you settled and rested. Supper will be ready by the time you come down stairs. I’m anxious to hear how Amanda’s doing and what your plans are while in Denver.” Eleanor was more than a little curious about Alicia’s trip. Drew had been staying at their ranch, helping them rid the area of a gang of rustlers, when he was shot. They owed him a great deal.

  Supper was a grand meal. Eleanor had gone overboard to prepare dishes from her native England, and Alicia had enjoyed everything. Amanda’s sister, Tessa, and brother, Joey, had joined them along with their long-time foreman, Jake. Alicia had caught them up on Amanda and Will, how happy they were, and what a great addition Amanda was to the MacLaren family. Then the conversation turned to Drew.

  “Has he written to you at all?” Eleanor asked.

  “Only at first, before Amanda came to Fire Mountain. All other messages have come from Louis Dunnigan. They’ve been informative, but I need to hear what’s happening from Drew, not from his boss.”

  “Has Mr. Dunnigan expressed any concerns for Drew or told you about his progress?” This came from Tess, Amanda’s sister, who was approaching twenty. She and Drew had formed a special bond while he’d been at the ranch, a bond she’d shared with few people, and no other men outside her family.

  “Not really. Just that Drew still has no feeling in either of his legs.”

  The table fell silent as each person reflected on the strapping young attorney and rancher who’d helped them rid the area of cattle thieves. He’d touched each of their lives, but none more than Tess’s.

  “I thought I’d rest here a few days then take the railroad on to Denver. He doesn’t know I’m coming but Louis did mention in his messages that there are three guest rooms at Drew’s home and several at Dunnigan’s. Of course I plan to stay with my nephew.”

  Grant had remained silent for most of the meal. He felt responsible for Drew’s injury even though no one else blamed him. “It’s a few hours to Denver by train. Do you have help once you arrive? If not, I’d be happy to send one of my hands with you or go myself—just until you get settled at Drew’s.”

  Alicia appeared to consider the idea for only a moment. “Thank you, Grant, but I’m sure I’ll do just fine.”

  “I’ll go.”

  All eyes shifted toward the quiet voice but no one else spoke.

  “I mean, if you would like some company, Mrs. MacLaren.”

  Amanda had spoken with Alicia a couple of times about her sister, Tess, and Tessa’s friendship with Drew. Amanda had never said it, but Alicia had gotten the impression that Tessa’s feelings for Drew were much stronger than the young woman wanted to admit.

  “Why Tessa, I’d love to have you join me, if it’s all right with your parents?” Alicia glanced at Grant and Eleanor to judge their approval.

  “I think it’s a marvelous idea,” Eleanor replied. “Tess loves to travel and she’s only been through Denver a couple of times when on her way to visit her aunt and uncle
in Chicago.”

  “Then it’s settled. But I’ll expect you to call me Aunt Alicia and not Mrs. MacLaren.” Alicia smiled at the young woman’s expectant face.

  “Thank you, Mrs...I mean, Aunt Alicia. You don’t know what this means to me.”

  But Alicia thought she did.

  Chapter Three

  Denver, Colorado

  The associate circled the darkened building twice before opening a back door and slipping through. It was Sunday, just past midnight. The deserted streets were muddy from recent rain. He kicked his boots against the wall to loosen some of the caked dirt, then pushed his coat behind the handle of his revolver, exposing it for quick access. Even though he’d yet to encounter anyone else in this part of the building, he wouldn’t take any chances.

  He made his way through the basement to a hidden door. It opened without a sound, exposing a staircase that few knew existed. The area was pitch black but he knew the way by heart and proceeded with caution up the narrow stairwell. Gun drawn, he worked his way to the top floor of the building and stopped, listening. When he was satisfied that no unwanted guests were in the office, he opened the door and peered inside. The only occupant was the one he sought.

  “No one saw you?” the occupant asked.

  “What do you think?” the associate responded. He’d done this same thing for weeks without anyone suspecting, yet his boss on the other side of the desk always asked.

  “What have you learned?” The occupant of the desk had not looked up from the papers he scanned.

  He’s a confident son of a bitch, the associate thought. “He’s careful of what he says in front others. None of his people know all the details on any of his businesses. On the surface, he appears to be a legitimate businessman, but I agree with you. Something isn’t right. He’s too secretive—too vague with his orders. I did find what may be another set of books. They were in his wall safe along with a list of what appear to be names.”

  “Appear to be?”

  “They’re written in a code. It’ll take time to figure it out.”

  “What do you think you’ll find?” The boss looked up for the first time. His razor sharp gaze pierced his visitor.

  “Perhaps what we need to finish this job.”

  Satisfied with the answer, the boss glanced back down at his papers. “What do you need from me?”

  “The best decoder available. He’s in Baltimore but would come out here if I asked.”

  “Ask him.” The boss stood from his desk, grabbed the overcoat hanging on a rack, and slipped it on. He followed the same procedure at the end of each visit—an obvious dismissal.

  The associate turned, opened the door to the staircase, and left the way he had come.

  ******

  Connor walked into Ira Walsh’s office and plunked down in one of the empty chairs that faced the desk. Walsh stood with his back to his newest—but perhaps most important—hired hand. Connor hadn’t been with him long, but he’d been recommended by a business contact that Ira had known for a long time. The one irritant to Ira was that Connor did not use a last name. No one seemed to know it. But Connor was a man with connections who got results, and didn’t care much about how he got them.

  Ira stared out the window to the street below at the constant march of horses, buggies, and wagons. It was early winter, but commerce never seemed to slow down in the booming city of Denver. Everyone was there for a reason—land, money, power, a new start—and everyone arrived from somewhere else.

  “Any news on the Widow Bierdan?” Ira asked Connor.

  “It’s only been a few weeks since her husband died, but yes, I hear she has spoken of selling the ranch.” Eloise had moved out from the East to marry Gordon Bierdan, a man twenty years her senior. Most of the good ranch hands had left after her husband’s death. Connor figured it wouldn’t be long before Ira would send someone to Cold Creek to negotiate a sale by whatever means available.

  “And the ranch on the other side? The Langdon spread?”

  “He’s struggling. Grant Taylor has shown an interest in both the Bierdan and Langdon ranches, but I’ve heard of no offers. It would be a sizable investment for Taylor. He’d need to borrow heavily.” Connor threw this last out more to gauge Walsh’s reaction than as a statement of truth.

  “Which could play in our favor,” Walsh said as he stroked his mustache. “If he doesn’t have the men or capital to take on two additional ranches, he’d still need Bierdan’s place for easy access to the Langdon land. If nothing else, Taylor could go after the widow’s property for the timber.”

  What Walsh said was true. Gordon Bierdan’s ranch had supported him and his wife but there had never been enough money to expand. Sixty percent of the land was mountainous, with miles of excellent timber but little area for grazing. Gordon hadn’t had the vision to see the goldmine he held in lumber but Grant Taylor had. Unfortunately, Bierdan’s pursuit of vengeance against perceived wrongs by Taylor had tainted his judgment and ultimately lead to his death. No, Ira’s partner in the “cattle relocation business,” as Ira preferred to call it, had failed. Now he was left to expand his wealth and holdings without the deceased rancher.

  Thinking it over, Ira believed Bierdan’s death had been the best possible outcome. Cattle rustling on a large scale could be profitable—had funded most of Ira’s operations—but was drawing more attention from the likes of Tom Horn and other Range Detectives. It was time to expand his existing businesses, such as the acquisition of land.

  “Have you confirmed Dunnigan’s interest in the land?” Walsh asked.

  “He’s still as interested as you are in the Cold Creek area. Has had his attorney, Drew MacLaren, send correspondence asking for a meeting once Mrs. Bierdan is over her mourning.”

  “Yes, our crippled patron.” Ira knew of the MacLarens, and knew what had happened to Louis Dunnigan’s attorney in the Cold Creek shootout. He’d known almost from the day it had happened.

  “Send a message to Mrs. Bierdan. Express my interest in her property and ask that she not accept any other offers until I’ve had a chance to present my terms. Let her know that I will be quite generous if she decides to sell to me.”

  “Will you be the one handling the negotiations?”

  “Yes, but from a distance for as long as possible. I may have someone ride ahead, scout out the situation, and learn if there are others interested in her land besides Dunnigan and Taylor. One can never be too careful. Isn’t that right, Conner?”

  Connor raised his eyebrows, but nodded, then shut the office door behind him.

  ******

  “Excuse me?”

  Connor looked down at the pretty young woman who stood before him. “May I help you?”

  “I hope so. We’ve just arrived on the train and are looking for this address.” Tessa Taylor held out the worn piece of paper.

  Connor scanned the address, then paused at the name written at the bottom. Interesting. “Yes, I do know this address and would be pleased if you’d allow me to accompany you and …?”

  “My aunt. Well, she’s not actually my aunt. She’s Mr. MacLaren’s.” Tessa nodded toward a woman who stood a few feet away on the train platform. The woman looked to be in her fifties. Her brown hair was streaked with gray and pulled into a neat bun, all tucked under a wide bonnet. She stood ramrod straight and her eyes widened a little as they locked on the man speaking with Tessa.

  Connor’s gaze lingered on the older woman for a few moments before returning to the young lady. “I’d be happy to escort you and your aunt to Mr. MacLaren’s. I’m Connor.” He tipped his hat to Tessa.

  “Pleased to meet you Mr. Connor,” Tessa began.

  “Just Connor, ma’am.”

  “Well, all right then, Connor. I’m Tessa Taylor and this is Mrs. Alicia MacLaren,” she responded as they walked over to stand beside Alicia.

  “Mrs. MacLaren.” Connor made a slight bow to Alicia.

  “Connor is it?” Alicia continued to scrutinize the strang
er, not sure if she felt grateful or wary. There was something familiar about him. “You know the address. Does that mean you know my nephew?”

  “I have had the pleasure. Now, if you’re ready, I’ll see to your trunks and we’ll be on our way.”

  “Is Mr. MacLaren a relative of yours, Miss Taylor?” Connor asked as a way to spend the time while the buggy moved along.

  “No. A friend. He visited us not long back and helped us with some problems at our ranch.” Tessa glanced at the handsome man. He wore his tan colored greatcoat over black slacks, white shirt, and black vest. His head was shielded from the sun by a black western style hat that was common in this part of the country.

  “Tessa decided to accompany me, and since she knows my nephew—was present when he was injured—it seemed like a good idea,” Alicia added. She didn’t know why she felt the need to elaborate, but something about Connor made her want to prolong the conversation, see if something he said would help her figure out why he seemed familiar.

  “I see,” was all the reply she got.

  It wasn’t long before Alicia and Tessa were walking up the stone steps to Drew’s home, leaving Connor to guard the buggy. Tessa smoothed her skirt and tried to force down a case of intense nerves that had assaulted her when they pulled in front of the house. She took a deep breath as Alicia knocked once, then twice.

  The door flew open and a deep voice greeted them. “May I help you?”

  Tessa blinked at the tall, mature gentleman who answered the door. But he was no old man. He wore tan slacks with a white high-collared shirt, thin black tie, and tan vest. His coat was black with long tails that draped to within a few inches of the back of his knees. The hand that held open the door was large with thick fingers. He stood at least six-feet-six-inches tall and appeared to be solid muscle. There was a thin, jagged scar that ran from his left ear to the edge of his mouth.

  “I believe you can,” Alicia answered. “We’re looking for my nephew, Drew MacLaren. We were given this address.”