Courage Canyon Read online

  “You said there were other cases like this one and the one in St. Louis.”

  “The Pinkerton agent told the sheriff he knows of at least four others, starting in Boston. There could be more. All with the same strange pattern of cuts on the arms and legs. All strangled and left to the elements. No one should die like this.”

  “Wish there was more we could do.”

  “It’s up to the Pinkerton agent and the law to find out who’s murdering these young women.”

  The younger man rubbed his jaw, his gaze focusing on a series of cuts on the right arm. Leaning closer, he traced a finger over the slashes.

  “It’s as if whoever did this is leaving a clue.”

  Tugging at his graying beard, the elderly doctor’s eyes narrowed. “What do you mean?”

  Pointing to the right arm, the younger man traced the cuts. “I think whoever did this is spelling out a word. Can you make out what it says?”

  Adjusting his spectacles and holding his beard out of the way, the doctor leaned closer, his brows scrunching in concentration. “Well, now that you mention it, this right here might be the letter O, or maybe a D. The rest just looks like random scratches to me. Probably should let the sheriff know. He said to tell him about anything we found.”

  “It’s not much, but it could be a start at finding the man responsible.” Pulling the cover over the woman’s face, the young doctor thought of his wife. Not much older than the deceased, with hair a similar shade of wheat blonde, he thanked God it wasn’t her lying on this table. “Let me study these a little longer, then I’ll get the sheriff.”

  Patting his colleague’s shoulder, the older doctor turned to leave. “Take as much time as you want. This young woman has nowhere else to go.”

  Moosejaw, Montana

  The man’s hand trembled as he lifted the glass of whiskey to his lips and took a sip. His stomach clenched in hunger. He hoped the amber liquid would ease the emptiness for a couple more hours.

  His ill-fitting, tattered clothes fit right in with the others in the ramshackle bar on the eastern frontier of Montana. The tin sound of the piano and raucous laughter at a few tables reminded him of any of the hundreds of small frontier towns scattered around the western region of the country.

  “Don’t know that I’ve seen you in here before.”

  Taking one more sip, he glanced at the stranger sitting next to him at the bar. “First time in town.” His gaze moved lower, noticing the tarnished badge. He didn’t worry too much about being recognized. The wanted poster showed him clean-shaven with short hair. The scraggly beard and hair below his collar rendered him unrecognizable to even his closest friends. He snorted at the thought, unable to think of one person he could call a friend.

  “Something funny?”

  Glancing at the lawman, he shook his head. Downing the last of the whiskey, he set the empty glass on the bar, turning to face the door. “You know of anyone hiring?” He needed money for food. His belly couldn’t tolerate another meal of roasted squirrel.

  The lawman studied him a little closer, coming to some conclusion. “Not much here in Moosejaw. If you’re headed east, there might be work in Bloody Basin.”

  “How far?”

  “Twenty miles, in the Dakota Territory.”

  Too far on an empty stomach. Still, he nodded. “Thanks. I guess I’ll be heading east.”

  Stepping into the afternoon sun, he pushed his hat lower on his forehead. He had no intention of riding east. His goal was to reach Splendor by the end of the week. Unless he could shoot a rabbit, it looked like another night of roasted squirrel.

  Redemption’s Edge

  Rosemary clenched her hands in front of her, fuming as she paced back and forth in the living room of the Pelletier home, waiting for Dax and Luke to finish talking with Dirk. She knew he had news about the bull they wanted to purchase from the Murtons. Even so, she thought Trask’s escape was more important than anything else.

  He wasn’t a man to forget the smallest slight. She’d heard of him shooting one of his men when the man had questioned one of Trask’s orders. As the main witness against him at his trial, she’d been the focus of his hateful gaze for hours, feeling a slight bit of relief when the jury had found him guilty. The hateful gaze had turned to deadly rage, a vengeful promise in his eyes, telling her she’d never be safe as long as Trask lived. In her heart, Rosemary knew his hate wasn’t focused only on her. His twisted mind would seek revenge on all those he believed had betrayed him, including Ben, Jimmy, and Teddy.

  “Rosemary?”

  Turning, she smiled as Rachel approached with cups of tea. “Sorry. My mind was somewhere else.”

  “I heard Dirk mention Trask before the men went into the office. Do you have news on him?” Rachel motioned for her to sit down next to her on the sofa. Leaning forward, Rachel stuffed a small pillow behind her back.

  “Gabe received news he escaped.”

  “That isn’t good. I imagine they’re searching for him.”

  Rosemary shook her head. “During the ride from town, Dirk told me Gabe doesn’t believe there’s a search. They’re sending word to the lawmen in the territories, including Montana, Idaho, and the Dakotas, to keep watch for him.” Her hand trembled as she held the cup to her mouth. “I’m worried he’ll come after the boys.”

  “It’s more likely he’ll come after you, Rosemary. It might be best if you stay here at the ranch until he’s captured.”

  “What will the doctors do without either one of us?”

  Rachel chuckled. “As much as it’s hard to admit, I’m certain they’ll do fine. My uncle was here by himself for several years before I came west. Now he has Clay. Although I’m certain they’ll deny it, those men can handle things without us. Remember, most small towns don’t even have one doctor. We’re fortunate to have two.”

  Rosemary let out a breath. “I suppose.”

  Rachel reached out, placing a hand on her arm. “Ginny and I can use you here. Our babies could come at any time.”

  Biting her lower lip, Rosemary looked at her. “I’ve only assisted with two births.”

  “If Ginny’s baby comes first and neither of the doctors are available, I can tell you what to do.”

  Her lips twisted into a grim smile. “And if your baby comes first?”

  “Then I’ll have to stay calm enough to talk you through it.”

  Rosemary’s eyes crinkled at the corners. “I’ve never known you to be anything except calm.”

  “That’s because you weren’t around for Patrick’s birth.” Rachel looked up when the door to the study opened.

  Dax walked over, holding out a hand to help his wife up, then doing the same for Rosemary. “We should all talk.”

  Waiting until the ladies were seated, Dax began. “Dirk told us the news about Boyden Trask. Until he’s caught, we need to decide how best to keep Rosemary and the boys safe.”

  Dirk didn’t wait to voice his opinion. “She should stay at the ranch.”

  After speaking with Rachel, Rosemary believed it would be best to stay at the ranch. Still, the fact Dirk was trying to force the decision on her thrust her anger to the surface.

  She glared at Dirk, then looked at Dax. “What about my work at the clinic?”

  “We know how important your work is to you, Rosemary, but we have to do what we think is best to keep you and the boys safe. I’ll speak with Doc Worthington. I’m certain he and Clay will understand.” Dax glanced at Rachel before returning his gaze to Rosemary. “You know, we’d all feel more comfortable with you here. The herds are closer to the house, which means we can spare a couple men to stay here during the day. Plus, all the men will be alerted to what’s happening. It’s doubtful Trask could get within a hundred yards of the house.”

  “You shouldn’t have to go to so much trouble for me, Dax. It isn’t right.”

  Luke stood, walking to the window, looking toward the barn. “The fact Trask may be coming after you isn’t fair, either. It’s t
he way life is and we’re prepared to do whatever it takes to keep everyone safe. No matter the skill of Gabe and his deputies, it isn’t as easy to protect you in town.”

  Rachel looked at Dax. “Johnny’s leg is healing, but he won’t be able to ride for a few more weeks. As far as I know, he’s still able to handle a gun.”

  Dax nodded. “Good idea. We’ll rotate men each day.” He looked at Dirk. “You and Bull decide what’s best.”

  “We have to make some decisions about the drive to Utah,” Dirk said. “If Trask isn’t captured by the time we leave, it may be best for Rosemary to go with us.”

  Her head whipped toward Dirk. “I don’t know the first thing about being on a drive. Besides, I’m needed here until the babies come.”

  “The drive isn’t for several weeks, Rosemary,” Dax said. “It’s something we can consider as it gets closer.”

  Crossing his arms, Luke walked to the desk, leaning a hip against the edge. “I’ll send a telegram to Dutch McFarlin, find out if he’s done with his last assignment. If so, he might be interested in working for us as extra protection for Rosemary.”

  Rachel placed a restraining hand on Rosemary’s arm when she opened her mouth to protest.

  “I think that’s a good idea, Luke,” Rachel said. “That will free up the ranch hands and give him time to decide if he might want to settle in Splendor permanently.”

  Luke’s brow raised. “How’d you know Dutch was considering settling down here?”

  Rachel smiled. “I heard he might take time away from Pinkerton. It would be wonderful if he made Splendor his home.”

  Dax slapped his hands on the desk and stood, bringing the discussion to an end. “It’s settled. Rosemary stays at the ranch.”

  Chapter Five

  Dirk couldn’t shake the feeling someone was watching him. Holding his Sharps rifle in one hand, he continued his journey around the barn, stopping every few seconds to focus on the surrounding pasture. He could hear the bawling of the herd, knowing it wasn’t the sound of animals who sensed danger.

  Coming around the corner to the front of the barn, Dirk lowered himself onto a bench, stretching out his long legs. Placing the rifle next to him, his gaze moved in a wide sweep from the bunkhouse to the front of the Pelletier house, then to the trail from town. Nothing unusual caught his attention.

  Besides the men who watched the herd at night, he and Bull selected two others to guard the house. The men had been told of Trask’s escape and reminded of the danger to Rosemary and the boys.

  At the sound of a door opening, his gaze returned to the house, seeing Rosemary step outside. Dirk watched as she took a deep breath and looked around. He saw the instant she spotted him, could almost feel her struggle whether to be courteous and acknowledge him or retreat back inside the house. To his surprise, she tightened the shawl around her before approaching him.

  “Good evening, Dirk.”

  Standing, he took off his hat. “Rosemary.” Picking up the rifle, he gestured to the spot next to him.

  Hesitating a few seconds, she lowered herself onto the bench, looking up at the sky. “It’s beautiful out tonight.”

  Even with his senses on high alert, Dirk had taken the time to notice the cloudless sky covered by a thick blanket of shimmering stars.

  “That it is.” Taking a seat next to her, he settled his hat on his head.

  Leaning the rifle against the bench, he crossed his arms, his gaze vigilant as he scanned the area around them one more time. The same sense of being watched assaulted him, yet he saw no sign of danger.

  He knew his two men had positioned themselves in the trees behind the house, and even though Bull hadn’t said anything, Dirk figured he’d be sitting beside a window inside his own place, a rifle across his lap.

  When the original foreman and his wife had retired, Dax and Luke offered Bull the foreman’s job. It included a small house a few yards from where Dax and Rachel lived, plus meals at the main house. When Dirk arrived, he’d turned down their offer to build him a place, preferring to bunk with the men.

  “Do you truly think the boys and I are in danger?”

  Her question surprised him. Rosemary, more than anyone, knew the threat Boyden Trask posed. The man had gone from respected restaurant owner in the territorial capital of Big Pine to convicted felon. The choice to commit crimes was his, but it had been Rosemary’s testimony that convicted him to years in prison. It didn’t take any amount of effort to figure the man would be heading in their direction, looking to retaliate.

  “I was in the clinic with you and Doc McCord when Trask came looking for you.”

  Pulling her shawl tighter, a slight shiver ran through her. “I remember.”

  “The look on his face when Gabe arrested him was pure hate, Rosemary…hate directed at you.” He stayed silent a few moments, allowing his words to take hold. “I believe he’ll be looking for revenge.”

  Nodding, she glanced toward the bunkhouse where her brother, Ben, slept near Jimmy and Teddy. “Do you think Trask is alone?”

  “Gabe sent a telegram to the prison asking if anyone else escaped with him.”

  Two of the men who rode with him were convicted within days of his trial. Rosemary had testified against each of them. All three were shipped to the territorial prison in Deer Lodge, several days’ ride east through thick, mountainous forests. Dirk believed Trask, and any other escapees accompanying him, would take the easier trail north. It would require them to travel through Blackfoot territory, but it was a chance he believed the man would be willing to take in order to avoid the treacherous journey over the mountains. What Trask didn’t know about was the strong bond between Chief Running Bear and the Pelletiers. The Blackfoot leader also had a special place in his heart for Bull and Lydia.

  When Rosemary remained silent, he glanced over at her, his chest tightening at the tears glistening in her eyes and rolling down her face. Without thought, he reached over, brushing the moisture from her cheek with the back of his rough fingers. Her startled response didn’t surprise Dirk. Leaning into him to lay her head on his shoulder did. Stilling, he didn’t move at first, then he felt her tremble, heard a soft sob. Draping his arm around her shoulders, he pulled her close, feeling her body relax against him.

  “We aren’t going to let anything happen to you, Rosemary.” He didn’t know what possessed him to do it, but he kissed her forehead, lingering a moment before pulling away. Her response was a deep sigh as she snuggled closer.

  “Uh, Dirk?”

  Dax’s voice had Rosemary jerking away, then standing. She cast a furtive look at Dirk, not meeting Dax’s gaze.

  “I’d better get back inside.”

  The men watched as she hurried up the steps to the front door, closing it behind her. Turning back to Dirk, Dax raised a brow.

  Standing, Dirk picked up his rifle. “Don’t make more of it than what you saw. She’s scared, worried about the boys.”

  “Understandable. I’m hoping Gabe will have word tomorrow about anyone else who may have escaped with Trask. It would be good to know how many men we’re going to face.” Turning in a circle, Dax studied the area, finding nothing to concern him. “There’s a chance he’ll ride out of the territory.”

  Dirk shook his head. “Doubtful. He may take the northern trail, taking him through Running Bear’s territory.”

  “I was thinking the same. I’m going to send Bull and a couple other men up to the Blackfoot camp tomorrow, let Running Bear know what’s happening. Not much else we can do until Trask decides to show his face.”

  Cradling the rifle in his arms, Dirk’s face took on a fierce expression. “If he does, he’s dead.”

  Red Dog, Montana Territory

  Huddling behind the only hotel in the tiny frontier town east of Big Pine, he fished in his pockets for the last of his money. He’d used a few coins to stable his horse, making sure the animal was well attended. Now he stared at the money in his hand, hoping it would get him through the rest of th
e day and night.

  Weeks had passed since he had a decent meal and a clean bed. He knew the chance he took that someone would recognize him from a wanted poster, assuming one had been put out on him. Rubbing his palms into his tired eyes, he made a decision before he could change his mind.

  Standing, he did the best he could to brush off the dirt and straighten his clothes. As he’d done so many times over the past month, he wondered how his life had turned so bad. At one time, he’d had a sister and brother-in-law, worked on their farm in Tennessee, and looked forward to establishing a place of his own. Circumstances forced him to move on, and a series of questionable choices put him where he was today.

  A friend once told him vengeance wasn’t the answer to his problems, yet he believed differently. Now he snuck around like a beaten animal, desperate in his need to regain the life he’d lost. First, he had to survive the trip to Splendor.

  Hesitating, he looked up and down the short, muddy trail that served as Red Dog’s main street. Counting the few people milling about, he reasoned there couldn’t be more than fifty people in the entire area. More importantly, he saw no sign of a jail, which meant if a wanted poster did exist, it wouldn’t be displayed here.

  Stopping at a horse trough, he splashed water over his face, wiping it away with the sleeve of his shirt. Running shaky hands through his hair, he glanced around. No one seemed to care about his presence, going about their business as if he didn’t exist.

  If luck were with him, he’d wolf down a quick meal, sleep a few hours, then ride to Big Pine. He figured it would take several days to get there, then another to reach Splendor. If his information was accurate, he’d find the person he sought, then go from there.

  Straightening, he settled his hat back on his head, inhaling a deep breath. A grim smile crossed his face. It wouldn’t be long now. All he had to do was make it through a few more days.

  Splendor

  “The stage just left.” Cash Coulter, one of Gabe’s deputies, walked into the jail late in the afternoon, tossing a week-old newspaper from Big Pine onto Gabe’s desk. Even though Splendor had a newspaper run by Lewis Gibson with the help of his son, Franklin, it mainly carried weddings, births, deaths, territory news, and information obtained from other newspapers. Lewis did run a short article about Boyden Trask’s escape, which caused at least a dozen people to stop by the sheriff’s office.