Forsaken Falls Read online

  “Of course, Nora.”

  Pushing up from the chair, she gave Allie an appreciative look. “Thanks so much for asking me. I’ve been wondering what I could do with my time without returning to teaching.”

  Allie walked her to the front door, stopping when it flew open. Noah’s wife, Abby, stepped inside, holding their young son, Gabriel. “Have you heard the news?”

  Allie glanced at Nora, then shook her head. “What news?”

  “There’s a German baron moving to Splendor. Otis at the land office told me when I saw him at the general store.”

  “Gabe did mention he received a telegram from the baron this morning.” Nora pursed her lips, her brows coming together in thought. “I believe he said the man’s name is Klaussner.”

  Abby closed the door, walking farther inside. “Why would he want to see Gabe?”

  Nora shrugged. “Klaussner has been living in New York. Lena thinks he must be a friend of our father’s.” A few months ago, she wouldn’t have said the last out loud, the circumstances of her birth being too much of a stigma. Her friends in Splendor, as well as Gabe’s complete acceptance, had allowed her to speak thoughts she’d always kept buried inside.

  Setting Gabriel on the floor next to her, Abby adjusted her bonnet. “That would make sense. From what Noah has told me, your father seems to know everyone of importance in New York.”

  “I wouldn’t know,” Nora muttered to herself.

  Not hearing the comment, Abby continued. “Well, I think it will be interesting having a baron in Splendor.” She bent down, handing Gabriel a toy clown Noah had made for him.

  “Why is that?” Allie asked.

  “The Europeans I met when I lived back east loved to have parties. I wasn’t old enough to be invited, but did sneak into a few with a friend from school.” Straightening, Abby looked around the shop. “There was wonderful music and more food than I’d seen at any other party. And the dresses…” Her voice trailed off, a soft smile curling the corners of her mouth.

  “We have parties here,” Allie said, a smile touching her face at the way Gabriel played with the clown.

  Abby sat down in a chair next to her son. “I know we do, and they’re wonderful. But if the baron is anything like the people I met in Philadelphia, his parties will be grand.”

  “Which means some of the women may want new dresses.” Nora looked at Allie.

  Leaning against a counter, Allie crossed her arms. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The man isn’t even here yet.”

  Abby nodded. “And he still must build a house. I wonder where he plans on staying in the meantime.”

  Nora looked out the window at the St. James across the street. “He may need a couple rooms at the hotel. I’m sure Lena, Gabe, and Nick would be thrilled to have him stay there while his house is being built.” Nick Barnett was a longtime friend of Lena’s and a partner in several businesses. “I wonder when he’ll be arriving.”

  “He’d have to come by stagecoach. One’s due in tomorrow. Maybe he’ll be on it.” Abby smiled, looking down at her son, ruffling his hair. “I told Noah I’d bring Gabriel by to visit before going home. Let me know if either of you hear more about our newest resident.”

  “So we can arrange a proper welcome?” Nora smirked.

  Picking up Gabriel, Abby nodded, her features revealing her excitement. “Of course. We’re the perfect women to show him real western hospitality.”

  They watched her leave, then Allie turned to Nora. “I’ve never known Abby to be at all interested in people such as the baron.”

  Nora cocked her head. “What do you mean?”

  “Abby’s not into pretense, money, or social status. She’s just a real nice person who treats everyone the same. Being this excited about the baron moving here doesn’t seem at all like her.”

  Shrugging, Nora walked back to the counter where Allie had the new fabrics laid out. “It probably means nothing. He’ll be different from the people who normally come to Splendor. I doubt there’s more to it than that.”

  Allie glanced out the window, watching Abby speak with an older couple standing on the boardwalk. “I’m sure you’re right. It’s got me curious, that’s all.”

  Redemption’s Edge Ranch

  “I see no problem with Travis’s request. Do you, Luke?” Dax sat behind his desk, Luke and Wyatt seated across from him.

  “Billy’s been working at the old Frey place long enough to be a good deal of help here. Now that Wyatt is working with Travis, I see no reason to keep Billy over there. Besides, it’s time he lived close to Margaret.”

  “She’s his sister, right?” Wyatt asked.

  Luke nodded. “Margaret is several years younger than Billy. She’s been living with Bull and Lydia since just after they returned to the ranch with their son, Joshua. Lydia’s younger sister, Selina, also lives with them. Fact is, it might be time to send Sam over to work with Travis and you, Wyatt.”

  Dax looked at Wyatt, seeing the confusion on his face. “He’s Lydia’s brother. I think Sam’s about seventeen—a year younger than Billy.” Picking up the note Wyatt delivered, he thought of the orphans they’d rescued and brought to the ranch.

  Lydia Rinehart, the oldest, was now Bull’s wife. Her younger sister and brother had adjusted well to their new home. Margaret Zales, the youngest of the orphans, had done well at the ranch. Her brother, Billy, had the most difficult time. His three years as a Crow hostage had left internal scars he had trouble forgetting. Regardless, he worked hard, even as he continued to have a chip on his shoulder no one had been able to knock away.

  “I’ll speak with Sam when we’re finished here.” Dax looked at Wyatt. “He can ride back with you. It might mean leaving tomorrow instead of today.”

  “Whatever you want. I’m sure I can find some work to do around here.”

  Luke stood, walking toward the door. “I need to ride into town to see Horace Clausen at the bank and pick up supplies. I could use your help, Wyatt.”

  Nodding at Dax, he followed Luke outside. “I’ll get the wagon ready.” Heading into the barn, he grabbed the tack needed for two horses, then went out the back door to the corral.

  As he harnessed them to the wagon, he found his thoughts drifting to Nora and the way she looked during supper the previous night. He had a difficult time keeping his gaze off her. Her manner, gestures, and every word she spoke fascinated him, but he had no idea why. Something about Nora drew him to her, which was unfortunate in so many ways.

  Wyatt knew she came from money. Her natural grace and elegance captivated him, while at the same time illustrating the vast differences between them. His family had been poor, yet they had a warm, loving home and plenty to eat.

  He grinned to himself, remembering the day one of the boys at school had called him a dirt farmer. It had been meant as an insult. To Wyatt, the fact his family worked the land was a source of pride. He doubted if Nora had ever used a plow, planted seeds, or mucked out stalls. No one of her upbringing would understand how each day had been a struggle after his father, then his mother, died.

  Still, he couldn’t stop his fantasies of being with her. It was a mistake to let himself dream—a truth he’d accepted a long time ago.

  Chapter Three

  North Country of Arkansas

  John Watson Price, JW to those who knew him, paced outside his rundown cabin hidden deep within the dense forest of northern Arkansas. He’d been dealing with the deaths of his wife and cousin longer than he should, not seeking the retribution his comrades believed he deserved.

  There had always been good reason for his hesitation. His daughter had survived the attack on the guerrilla camp that killed her mother and a few others. From what JW had been able to learn, the same man responsible for the death of his cousin, Ned Baylor, also carried responsibility for the death of his wife.

  It had taken time to convince his daughter the best place for her was with his parents in Alabama. With her safe return to the home where he grew u
p, he could now concentrate on obtaining the revenge he’d put off for too long.

  “The men are ready, Captain. Are you going to let us know where we’re going?”

  JW looked at his most trusted man, and closest friend, letting out a disgusted breath. “I haven’t been a captain for a long time, Derrick. We’re just two old soldiers still fighting for the South.” His features grew hard. “A South the Union sympathizers stole from us.” JW thought of all the battles he and Derrick Clement had fought while soldiers, then as raiders. The men and women they’d lost, including JW’s wife, Hattie.

  “And we’ll get it back, along with all the land they cheated us out of. First, we have to get revenge for Hattie. Until that’s done, you’ll never be able to concentrate on fighting for the resurgence of the Confederacy.”

  JW’s jaw tightened at the truth in Derrick’s words. The cause had been what drove his actions day after day for years—fighting for the continuation of slavery and Confederate independence. Then his cousin, Ned, had been murdered, followed by the attack on his camp.

  As a seasoned leader of Confederate raiders, he should’ve expected a confrontation. He just hadn’t thought they’d go after his camp while the men were gone and the only ones remaining were their women and children. Dealing with his grief over the death of his wife, JW had never fully returned to the reasons he’d formed the guerrilla band. He’d focused on keeping his daughter safe, finally making the difficult decision to send her back to his childhood home.

  “Tell the men we leave within the hour.” JW checked his guns, counting the ammunition sitting on the table next to him.

  “Where do I tell them we’re headed?”

  JW shook his head. “You don’t. They’ll follow us until we find Wyatt Jackson, the man responsible for Hattie’s death and Ned’s murder.”

  Derrick planted fisted hands on his sides. “Does that mean you’re going to tell me where we’re going?”

  A tight smile broke the hard lines of JW’s face. “Montana.”

  Splendor

  “You’re certain this is where you want to open your business, Miss Walsh?” Banker Horace Clausen watched Ruby study the numbers he’d given her on a vacant building next to the new clinic. “It might be better to move into the empty building between the St. James Hotel and the newspaper. It’s smaller, but located on our main street.”

  Ruby hid her smile at the suggestion. “I appreciate your advice, Mr. Clausen. It is a sensible suggestion, but I think my business is better suited to the new building next to the clinic. Unless someone else has already agreed to rent it.”

  “No, Miss Walsh. You’re the only one interested. That building, and a few others, were recently finished to provide for new businesses opening in Splendor. I’m certain the owners will be pleased to have you move in.”

  “Who are the owners, Mr. Clausen?”

  “It’s a partnership of several people. They’ve requested I handle all business negotiations.” He reached out, tapping the lease in front of her. “Are the terms agreeable to you?”

  “They most certainly are, Mr. Clausen.” Taking the pen he handed her, Ruby scribbled her signature at the bottom of the two copies, then reached into her reticule. “I believe you’ll find the amount we agreed upon is here.” She handed him a stack of bills, waiting until he counted it out.

  Sliding the papers toward him, Clausen added his signature. “I believe everything is in order.” Reaching into a drawer, he pulled out a key, handing it to her, along with her copy of the lease. “When do you plan to move in?”

  Folding the paper and picking up the key, she stood, slipping both into her reticule. “Soon. It’s been a pleasure, Mr. Clausen.”

  Standing, he watched her walk out, then looked down at the agreement. He’d have to notify Gabe, Lena, and Nick right away. A dance hall and variety theater hadn’t been what they expected, but he knew they’d be pleased to have someone in the new building.

  The fact she’d given him several months’ rent in advance, as well as her intention to open the business soon, would be welcome news to the owners. The large amount of money she deposited into her new account at the bank brought a smile to Clausen’s face.

  Ruby continued down the boardwalk, past the general store and jail, to the telegraph office. The signed lease enabled her to contact the man who’d agreed to be her benefactor. A nondescript gentleman of indeterminable age with a protruding gut and solemn face, he’d been a patron of hers at the Chicago establishment where she’d honed her skills. Supposedly from a wealthy English family, he’d traveled to America when he turned twenty-five, established himself in banking, then married the daughter of an affluent Chicago businessman.

  When his interest in his rather subdued and homely wife waned, he’d found himself at the door to her room. Over the course of several months, he’d become a regular. After hearing about her plans to open her own establishment out west, he hadn’t hesitated to become her sponsor. Or, as he described it, funding an intriguing business venture in the wild frontier, a place he’d always hoped to visit.

  Pushing the door open, she stepped inside, taking her place a few feet behind a tall, broad-shouldered man speaking to the telegraph clerk. When finished, he turned toward her, the badge on his chest indicating his position as sheriff.

  Tipping his hat, Gabe nodded as he stepped around her. “Excuse me, ma’am.”

  Giving him a slight smile, Ruby moved to the counter, wondering how soon it would be before she had a personal visit from the man or one of his deputies. In her experience, lawmen were a consistent source of income in her business.

  “May I help you?” Bernie Griggs stood behind the counter, a pencil in his hand.

  Offering him a cursory look, she glanced over her shoulder. “Who was that gentleman?”

  “Gabe Evans. He’s the sheriff in Splendor. A good man and the best sheriff we’ve ever had.” Bernie waited for her to turn back toward him. “Did you want to send a telegram?”

  “Yes, sir. To Alfred Fosberry in Chicago.”

  “And the message?”

  “I’ve secured a spot. Send ladies and musicians at earliest opportunity. Reach me at Suzanne’s Boardinghouse, Splendor, Montana Territory. Ruby.”

  Bernie glanced up. “No last name, ma’am?”

  “No. He’ll know who I am.”

  He counted the words, giving her a price. “This will go right out, ma’am.”

  Her lips tilted into a generous smile. “Please, call me Miss Ruby. All my friends do.” Her mouth twisted into a smirk when Bernie’s face reddened.

  “Yes, ma’am,” he squeaked out as she walked to the door and stepped outside.

  Moving to the edge of the boardwalk, Ruby spotted the lumber mill and headed toward it. She already knew what she wanted for the inside, but she needed someone to figure out the list of supplies and men to complete the work. Walking through the entry, she looked around, her gaze landing on a tall, well-muscled man with molasses-colored hair.

  “You know, Bull, making a couple small adjustments will cut down on the lumber you’ll need.”

  The man talking looked up, smiling at Ruby as she approached. “Be right with you, ma’am.”

  Bull glanced over his shoulder, his gaze narrowing before touching the brim of his hat and nodding. “Ma’am.”

  Returning to business, he looked down at his design for the house the men at Redemption’s Edge would be building for Dirk and Rosemary. Making a few changes, he looked up.

  “How’s that, Silas?”

  “Good, Bull.” He made a few changes to the order. “It’s always good to work with you. Your plans are clear. I suppose the men at the ranch will be building this.”

  “They will. It’s for Dirk and Rosemary. They’ve been living in Luke’s original house on Wildfire Creek. The new place will be a few yards behind the house where Lydia and I live.”

  “Excuse me.”

  Bull glanced down to see a small, pale hand resting on his arm. “Ye
s, ma’am?”

  “My name is Ruby Walsh and I just leased the building next to the clinic. I see you’ve drawn plans for a house. Do you also hire men to do the work?”

  Bull removed his hat. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Walsh. I’m Bull Mason, one of the foremen at Redemption’s Edge.”

  “It’s Miss, Mr. Mason.” She looked down at the plans, then moved her gaze back up to Bull’s. “Perhaps you might know of men who’d be willing to get my new business ready.”

  “I might. What do you need done?” Bull thought of the large building next to the new clinic, wondering what she had planned.

  “I’m opening a dance hall and theater, Mr. Mason. There will be a bar, of course, a stage, space for the musicians, and rooms for the dancing girls.”

  Bull looked at Silas, whose brows lifted. “This is Silas Jenks, the owner of the lumber mill.”

  Ruby plastered on her most brilliant smile. “It’s a pleasure, Mr. Jenks.”

  His gaze moved over her before he answered. “The pleasure is mine, ma’am.”

  Bull leaned a hip against the counter as he considered what Ruby needed. “My work at the ranch takes all my time. Silas is better able to help you find men for what you need. There’s a group who just finished the clinic and might be looking for work. Right, Silas?”

  Clearing his throat, he tapped the fingers of one hand on the counter. “Could be. Some of them took their money and left town. A couple are working at neighboring ranches. There might be two or three still staying at the boardinghouse. You could ask Suzanne Barnett about them.”

  Ruby nodded. “Mrs. Barnett does seem to know a great deal about what goes on in this town.”

  Silas chuckled. “Well now, Suzanne’s been here since about the time Splendor got its start. Married Nick Barnett not long ago.”

  She cocked a brow. “Nick Barnett?”

  “Along with Gabe and Lena Evans, Nick owns a good many businesses in town.” Silas rested his arms on the counter, leaning forward.