Redemption's Edge (7 page)

And now this.

“What do you want to do?” Luke asked.

“Right now? Nothing. We’ll stay at the ranch for a few weeks to make sure it’s going well and to give ourselves time to make a decision about selling.”

“Pat said it’s a small place. Probably be easy to sell.” Luke stepped up onto the wooden walkway outside the boardinghouse, holding the rail for support, then turned to Dax when he heard him snort. “What?”

“It’s somewhat bigger than we both thought.”

“How much bigger?”

“Five thousand acres.”

After stopping at the bank so Luke could sign the necessary papers, they saddled Hannibal and Prince for the ride to the ranch, Luke insisting he could handle his horse. They arrived at the ranch in the afternoon. Luke had been able to keep up the modest pace most of the time, although a thirty minute ride had doubled when Dax made a couple of excuses to stop. No matter. They had nowhere else to go. Each had taken a leave from their jobs as Texas Rangers. Their captain had insisted on it, requesting they keep him posted about when they’d return.

Bernice stepped off the porch, stuffed a towel into her apron, and waited for the men to dismount. She nodded to Dax, then turned to Luke. “I’m Bernice Wilson. You must be Luke, Dax’s brother.”

He slid off Prince, steadied himself, and doffed his hat. “Yes, ma’am. I’m pleased to meet you.”

“You still look a little peaked. Why don’t you come inside and rest. I’ll get you something to drink.” She turned toward the house, then called over her shoulder at Dax. “You, too.”

Dax tipped his hat to Bernice, but stayed in place. “You go on in. Sounds like Hank may be in the barn. I’ll take care of the horses and let him know we’re here.” He grabbed Prince’s reins and walked toward the barn, stopping when he heard voices coming from inside.

“I don’t know, Hank. Seems to me the man’s got no business running a ranch. Besides, I think he’s a Johnny Reb, and you know that won’t go over well with the men.”

“As Pelletier said, you can stay or leave. Makes no difference to me what side he fought on. It’s over and time to forget about it, Ellis. But if you can’t, then it’d be best for you to pack your gear and go.”

“How do we know they have the money to run a place like this? They were working as Texas Rangers. Those men don’t have two nickels to rub together.”

“Seems to me you’re making a lot of assumptions. Pat wouldn’t have asked them to bring him home if he thought poorly of them and you know it.”

“Don’t know why he didn’t leave the place to you. Seems fitting after all you and Bernice have done.”

“You know the reason. We don’t want it. Working here is good enough for us and we hope to stay on. You’d better do some hard thinking pretty quick as I need to find someone else if you leave.”

Dax stood his ground, taking it all in and not interrupting. He heard footsteps and guessed Ellis had decided to leave, and perhaps consider Hank’s words. Dax pulled on the reins and stepped inside the barn, passing Ellis on his way out.

“Boss.” Ellis didn’t make eye contact as he continued on toward the bunkhouse.

Dax nodded at Hank as he unsaddled the horses, brushed them down, and pushed open the gate to the pasture behind the barn.

“Did your brother come out with you?” Hank pulled off his gloves and stuffed them in his back pocket.

“He’s inside.” Dax watched as Hannibal and Prince ran around the large fenced pasture. It had been a long time since they’d been this free to run.

“Suppose you heard Ellis.”

“I did. He’s free to leave.” Dax closed the rear barn doors and turned to Hank. “Are you ready for our talk now?”

“Sure am.” Hank followed him into the house and pointed toward an office. “I’ll get Bernice to bring us some coffee while you find your brother.”

A short time later, the three men watched each other from large leather chairs and sipped their coffee. Dax’s eyes roamed over an accounting of the property Hank had scratched out on a piece of paper. He’d been meticulous at keeping records of purchases, payroll, and income from the cattle sold each year.

“Pat kept things simple. He planned to come back and expand the herd, hire more men, maybe get into horse breeding for the army. He expected horse sales to grow with the expansion of forts out west. The cattle operation is profitable with enough coming in to pay the men, buy supplies, and enlarge the herd every year. He was a frugal man, but knew enough to pay the men well.” Hank scratched his stubbled jaw. “Took him over ten years to accumulate the land, and he had to fight off King Tolbert, the neighboring rancher, for every acre. He must’ve put every cent he had into this place. Damn shame he never got to finish his dream.”

“What would need to be done to expand the herd, grow the way he intended?” Dax set the paper on the desk and leaned back. Yes, Pat had been frugal, which accounted for the large sum of cash in the bank.

“More cattle and men, but that’s about it. There’s plenty of good grazing land and water, so those aren’t worries. Why? What are you thinking?” Hank needed answers.

Dax looked toward Luke, then back at Hank. “Neither Luke nor I have ranching experience. Farming, shipping, and trade, but not cattle.”

“You know business? How to keep what’s yours?”

Dax’s eyebrows drew together as his eyes narrowed. “Explain yourself.”

“This is rough country. We spend as much time fighting off bands of renegade Indians and land thieves as we do tending the cattle. Winters are merciless. Some years, we lose a third of the herd to weather and theft. You have to be prepared to kill and die if you run a place like this. It’s no business for the weak.” Hank leveled his gaze at Dax.

This time, Luke’s eyes narrowed on Hank’s. He straightened in his chair, then leaned forward. “I don’t believe any man who’s served under his leadership would call Dax weak.”

“That’s enough, Luke.” Dax’s calm voice held a slight censure. He didn’t need his past to defend him.

“You two fight in the war?”

“For the South.” Luke responded in a tight voice, ready to defend their decision to support the vote for secession.

“Makes no difference to me on which side you fought. There were good men on both. What does matter is that living out here is another war. You have to decide if that’s what you want—to continue to fight for what you want every day of your life, or settle back into something more peaceful.”

“Like being a Ranger?” There was no humor in Dax’s tone.

Hank chuckled, then sobered. “Mind me asking where you two are from?”

“Savannah, Georgia.” Luke set his empty cup on the desk.

“Been there. I heard Sherman tore it apart. That true?” Hank could see the shadows pass over each brother’s face, looks of disgust and pain, which told him the talk was accurate. “Well, this is as good a place as any to build a new life.” He pushed up from his seat and stood when he heard commotion from out front, then loud pounding on the front door before it flew open and Bull Mason, one of the hands, entered the study.

“We’ve got trouble. Tolbert’s foreman is riding in with some of his men. They don’t look like they want to talk.”

All three men followed Bull outside to see a group of riders approaching.

“You recognize them?” Dax asked Hank.

“The one in the lead has been with Tolbert several months. His name is Drake. Mean hombre who travels with a gang, mostly ex-soldiers. I heard he also served in the Confederate army. Guess we’d better meet them.” Hank stepped off the porch, not aware of the way Dax stiffened at the mention of the man’s name. Dax’s reflexes kicked in and he moved a hand to the butt of his gun.

“We’re looking for the new owner.” The one Dax guessed to be the leader nudged his horse a little closer and looked at Dax, cocking his head, but not showing any recognition of the general under whose command he served. “Are you him?”

“My brother and I own the place.”

“My name’s Drake. My boss, King Tolbert, wants to meet with you. Follow us.” He started to rein his horse around, but stopped at Dax’s words.

“Another time. Of course, he’s welcome to come by, pay us a friendly visit and talk.” Dax and Luke each moved further into the yard, putting about six feet between each other, and watching for any movement from the riders.

“I don’t believe you heard me right. Mr. Tolbert wants you to follow us—now.”

“Well, Sergeant Drake, I guess we’re at an impasse.”

Drake glared down at the man, narrowing his gaze, a sense of unease washing over him when he realized who stood before him. “General Pelletier. I’m surprised you recognized me.”

“I recognize most faces and all names of the men who deserted during a battle. In your case, I remember both. If we were back home, I’d shoot you where you sit, as I can’t abide cowards. As it is, I’ll let you ride out. Tell Tolbert if he wants to see me, he’ll send a proper invitation or ride out here himself. No lackey as a go-between.”

Drake bristled at the insult and started to reach for his gun.

“I wouldn’t, Sergeant.” Dax and Luke both drew in unison, pointing their guns at Drake’s chest. Bull Mason followed their lead and aimed his gun at the other riders.

“You ain’t no general anymore, Pelletier.” Drake moved his hand away from his gun and rested it on his thigh. “I’d keep a close watch on your place and your men. Accidents happen all the time out here.” He smirked and kicked his spurs into the side of his horse, riding away with his men, a cloud of thick dust rising in their wake.

Chapter Four

“Good morning, Mr. Brandt.” Rachel slid off her horse, an older dun, and walked him into the livery.

Noah Brandt, the town’s blacksmith, looked up, then stepped away from the horse he’d been tending. “Ma’am. What can I do for you?”

“Old Pete lost a shoe.” She indicated the right front hoof. “May I leave him here with you?”

“Yes, ma’am. That’d be fine.” Noah took the reins and led the horse to a back stall. “Can’t get to him until later today, though.”

“That’s fine. I’ll stop back later.” Rachel stepped into the sunlit morning as a group of riders approached from north of town. It appeared to be King Tolbert with a few of the men from his ranch. She’d met Tolbert several times, and he’d extended invitations for supper on a couple of occasions. Her uncle had always refused. Rachel figured he had a good reason, although she found King to be quite appealing with exceptional manners and a charming wit. Regardless, her uncle had warned her to be careful around the man.

“Good morning, Miss Davenport.” King stopped and tipped his hat.

“Mr. Tolbert.” Rachel gave a slight nod, not letting the smile she felt appear. She wanted to heed her uncle’s advice, yet saw no real danger in the man.

“I’ve been remiss in not pursuing a supper engagement with you. Would you be available tonight?”

Rachel hesitated a moment before answering. “I do appreciate the invitation, Mr. Tolbert. However, I take care of my uncle and never know when a new patient will arrive.”

“I’m certain your uncle will understand you taking one night away, Miss Davenport. Why don’t I speak with him?”

“Oh, no. That won’t be necessary.” She pursed her lips, coming to a decision. “Perhaps one evening away will be all right.”

“Splendid. I’ll pick you up at six tonight.” He tipped his hat once more, then rode down the main street, tying his horse outside the bank, while the others dismounted and milled about.

Rachel noticed none made a move to head toward the general store or saloon. It seemed as if they were standing guard, watching out for their boss and any perceived danger. She shook her head at the thought of a threat against such a prominent rancher and continued on to the clinic. A wagon had arrived since she’d left so she hurried inside.

“Uncle Charles?”

“Back here, Rachel.”

She stepped into the back room to see a small girl on the table, two adults and two other children standing around watching the doctor’s efforts to help.

“What is it?”

“This is Mr. and Mrs. Weston. Their daughter has a fever and can’t hold her food down.” Without saying another word, he motioned for Rachel to guide the family to the waiting room so they could work.

“I’m Rachel Davenport, the nurse. It would be best if you and your children wait in the front.” She saw the reluctance on the mother’s face and understood her concern. “This is a small room and the doctor needs all the space to treat your daughter.” She led the parents and children to the other room. “I’ll be back to let you know how she’s doing. What’s her name?”