Ghost lagoon, p.1
Ghost Lagoon, page 1
Ghost Lagoon
Redemption Mountain, Book Twenty-Five
Historical Western Romance
SHIRLEEN DAVIES
Books Series by Shirleen Davies
Historical Western Romances
Redemption Mountain
MacLarens of Fire Mountain Historical
MacLarens of Boundary Mountain
Contemporary Western Romance
Cowboys of Whistle Rock Ranch
MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary
Macklins of Whiskey Bend
Romantic Suspense
Eternal Brethren Military Romantic Suspense
Peregrine Bay Romantic Suspense
Find all my books at: shirleendavies.com
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Copyright © 2024 by Shirleen Davies
EPUB Edition
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
For permission requests, contact the publisher.
Avalanche Ranch Press, LLC
PO Box 12618
Prescott, AZ 86304
Ghost Lagoon is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is wholly coincidental.
Cover design by Sweet ’n Spicy Designs
ISBN: 978-1-964063-10-2
I care about quality, so if you find something in error, please contact me via email at
shirleen@shirleendavies.com
Description
She’s a divorced mother and teacher in a growing frontier town.
He’s a deputy with no intention of forming a relationship beyond friendship.
Will the return of her ex and the appearance of a handsome stranger change his mind?
Dutch McFarlin accepts his job as a deputy in the bustling frontier town of Splendor, Montana, and solitary nights will guide each day. Although the town has several eligible, single women who’ve shown an interest in him, he’s content as a bachelor, seeing no reason to change. Not until a divorced mother begins to control his thoughts and heart.
Dorinda Heaton thrives in her teaching position and being a mother to her young son. Her days are filled with challenges, few greater than the reappearance of her former husband. She’s forgiven him for breaking a solemn promise, though her trust in the man she still loves is shattered. Uncertain she’ll ever remarry, she forges a strong bond with Dutch, relying on the man to be her guiding light, and possibly more.
Faced with a growing number of challenges, their friendship grows. When unknown threats hit close to home, they rely on each other for support and advice, neither realizing how tight their bond is becoming.
Just as their lives begin to calm, their friendship faces another test. A stranger rides into Splendor, displaying a pointed interest in Dorinda. The man’s attention forces Dutch to reevaluate his view of the future, and imagine what it would be like without her in his life.
Will the revelation convince Dutch to change his path and confess his feelings? Or has he waited too long to acknowledge what he should’ve known all along?
Ghost Lagoon, book twenty-five in the Redemption Mountain historical western romance series, is a full-length, clean and wholesome novel with an HEA and no cliffhanger.
Table of Contents
Cover
Title Page
Books Series by Shirleen Davies
Copyright Page
Description
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Epilogue
A Note from Shirleen
Books by Shirleen Davies
About Shirleen
Copyright
Ghost Lagoon
Prologue
Bison City
Idaho Territory, 1866
“What do you see?” Luke Pelletier held his position as Dutch McFarlin peeked over the edge of the window, watching and listening to the conversation taking place inside.
Dutch had been with the Pinkerton Detective Agency for well over a year, while Luke had been recruited a month before. It was supposed to be one quick job—in and out.
Weeks later, Luke found himself embroiled in a string of events that threatened to go on for months if he and his partner didn’t end it tonight.
“Flatnose and at least ten of his men,” Dutch hissed, keeping his voice low. They’d followed Dave Flatnose Darvis to the remote hideout after a tip from a member of the local vigilante committee or, as they preferred to call themselves, the Citizens Committee.
Flatnose and his men were suspected of robbing a series of gold transport wagons, stealing the treasure, and killing anyone who resisted. The death count stood at two confirmed. The trouble was no one had any firm proof Flatnose’s gang was behind any of the crimes, and no one could identify the leader. The outlaws had been careful to hide their faces behind bandanas and hats pulled low across their foreheads. The only clue to his identity had been a slip by one of his men during a holdup. A guard swore he’d heard the man call their leader Flatnose.
The good people of Bison City established the Citizens Committee after the killing of the two guards. It hadn’t taken them long to hire the Pinkerton Agency. Dutch arrived a couple weeks before Luke, contacting his friend when it appeared a second agent would be needed and Pinkerton had no one available to send.
In truth, Luke had jumped at the chance to get away from the ranch and give his brother, Dax, and new wife, Rachel, some privacy. Besides, Luke needed time to figure out his own future.
If they could find the proof, Luke would be on the road back to his ranch in Montana tomorrow, ending his relationship with Allan Pinkerton and his illustrious agency, at least for the moment.
“Darn,” Dutch murmured, and dropped down, scooting behind some bushes as two men stepped onto the porch. He recognized Flatnose Darvis from a game of cards at a Bison City saloon. He heard Flatnose had earned his nickname during a fight when his opponent slammed a shovel into his face. Dutch didn’t recognize the second man, who reached into a pocket, pulled out a slim cheroot, and lit it, blowing the smoke out in a long stream.
“The committee has hired someone from Pinkerton’s to find out who’s behind the robberies,” the man standing next to Flatnose said. No one knew him by his real name, Frederick Marlowe, or his connection to Flatnose. Few knew he and Darvis were equal partners. And no one, except Flatnose, knew his last name. The men called him Rick.
“Where’d you hear that?” Flatnose asked, lighting his own cigar.
“The mayor’s daughter,” Rick answered, recalling how easy it had been to flatter the information out of the naïve young woman. “She said they believe a gang, led by a man named Flatnose, was behind the thefts.”
Flatnose let out a string of curses before taking a deep draw from his cigar.
“We should head back to Montana. There’s more gold to be had closer to home, without the interference of the Pinkerton men.” Rick didn’t mention Star Ranch, even though both knew that’s where he wanted to go.
The property consisted of several hundred acres he and Flatnose purchased after Rick’s brief term as a lawman in the Dakota Territory. He’d learned a lot while in the job and applied much of it to the robberies they pulled afterward.
Flatnose looked out over the thick pine forest, finished his cigar, and ground it out under his boot. “Tell the boys we’ll leave at first light.”
Dutch moved toward the back of the cabin, where Luke covered a second entrance. He’d heard enough to believe Flatnose and his men were who they sought, but not enough to convict them. They’d need to find the gold or have one of the men confess.
“What now?” Luke asked as Dutch crouched next to him.
Dutch pulled out his pocket watch. “We’ve got six hours until daylight. That’s when they plan to leave for Montana.”
“Not much time to get what we need.” Luke pushed his hat back on his head. “If they’re leaving, the gold’s got to be here. We need to catch them with it before they ride out.”
“You know, the odds are in their favor. Twelve to two.” Dutch felt the need to point out the obvious since he’d been the one to get Luke involved.
Luke and Dutch had served together in the Confederate Army, both ending up in the Confederate Secret Service Bureau, a covert group made up of military and civilian men and women.
“We’ve got four, maybe five hours before they make their move. We have two choices—ride back to Bison City to gather more men, or stay here and handle it our way.”
“Have we ever faced odds like this before?” Luke asked.
“Never.”
Luke pulled off his hat, speared his fingers through his dark auburn hair, and flashed a grin at Dutch. “Guess it’s time we did. What’s life without a little adventure?”
“Not worth living, in my opinion.” Dutch smiled back. He checked his revolver, confirming it was loaded, then checked his second gun before picking up the Spencer repeating rifle he’d hidden a few feet away. “What’s the plan?”
Luke positioned himself several yards away from where the gang had used a rope to string their horses. All remained saddled. The only item missing for a quick escape was the gold.
He could see Dutch crouched at the corner of the rickety house, checking his guns again and stifling a yawn. It had surprised both men to see no guards posted. Luke figured Flatnose had become more arrogant as time passed, and their crimes had gone undetected. He’d always believed stupidity played a key role in catching most outlaws.
He glanced up to see Dutch’s signal, indicating movement inside. Not a minute later, several men walked out carrying saddlebags, plus small metal boxes balanced on their shoulders. They were silent as they trekked the short distance to their horses and secured their loads. Once finished, they started back inside, not once looking around, even though the early morning light made it easy to see.
As soon as they were out of sight, Luke moved with quiet confidence toward the horses. He checked the saddlebags on one horse, found nothing, then moved to the box. Surprised it had no lock, he lifted the lid to find it filled with gold. He quickly checked one more before signaling Dutch and reclaiming his position behind a stand of bushes a few yards away.
“Hurry up. We need to move,” Flatnose’s voice boomed through the quiet morning air. He stepped aside as several men walked past him, heading for their horses, and carrying more boxes.
Nine men stood with the horses, including Flatnose. Dutch signaled Luke as the last three men stepped out of the house and onto the porch.
“Hands up, gentlemen.” Dutch leveled his six-shooter at the outlaws as their hands moved for their guns. “I wouldn’t try it,” he warned, and glanced toward Luke, who’d drawn his weapons and pointed them toward the men standing near Flatnose.
“Everyone stay where you are and don’t move.” Luke made his way toward the cover of a large boulder, where he’d left his rifle, keeping his eyes focused on Flatnose.
No one moved until a laugh broke out from one of the men Dutch had covered—the same man Dutch had seen with Flatnose hours before. “You really think you can take all of us?”
“Doesn’t matter. You and Flatnose will be the first to die.” Luke’s words slipped out as shots blasted near the house. He shifted his gaze from Flatnose long enough to see two outlaws lying motionless. It was seconds too long.
Fifteen seconds seemed like minutes as bullets flew, men shouted, and bodies fell. Later, Luke wouldn’t be able to recall how he’d made it behind the boulder with a wound to his head, or how Dutch had taken two hits and still remained alive. When he woke, he found himself face down in the dirt, a small pool of blood under his head.
Luke pushed to his feet, feeling nauseous and dizzy. He didn’t stop moving until he found Dutch trying to tie a kerchief around the wound to his leg with his one good arm, the other one hanging useless.
“How many did we get?” Dutch’s jaw clenched at the pain ripping through his body.
“I counted six, including the two on the porch.”
“Five got away.” Dutch rested his back against the house, angry they’d let so many escape.
“Why didn’t they stay around to finish us?”
“You don’t remember?”
Luke shot a disgusted look at Dutch before lowering himself to one of the porch steps and resting his head in his hands. “I don’t remember much after you shot the first ones.”
“Not a second passed before you plugged the two closest to you, then spun and hit one more. I hit another before taking shots in my leg and arm as Flatnose and the rest of his men mounted and took off. One of their bullets must have grazed your head.”
Luke looked toward the bodies several yards away. “Guess I’d better load them on horses and deliver them to the sheriff, along with any gold the outlaws left behind.”
“Then what?”
Luke leveled his gaze at Dutch. “If Pinkerton gives the okay, we follow them to Montana.”
Chapter One
Splendor, Montana
Spring 1875
Dorinda strode the quiet streets of Splendor, Montana, her son, Joel, skipping along beside her. The cool spring breeze would soon turn warm, then cool again as the day progressed. This had become her favorite time of day when the streets were quiet. She paused to take in the sharp grandeur of the snowcapped mountains rising in the distance, thankful for the chance to start fresh in this frontier town.
“Morning, Miss Dorinda, Joel,” came a familiar deep voice behind them.
Dorinda turned to see Deputy Dutch McFarlin falling into step, his tall frame casting a shadow over them. Though some townsfolk whispered about Dutch’s mysterious past, Dorinda welcomed the comfort his stalwart presence created.
“Deputy McFarlin,” Dorinda replied. “You’re up and about early.”
“With the town growing by the day, I seem to wake up earlier and earlier,” Dutch said, his brow furrowing. “Last night, some miscreants vandalized the general store. Stan Petermann is spitting mad the deputies patrolling at night didn’t stop the destruction. We’re stretched thin as it is. Unless the newly created town council doesn’t approve the increased budget Gabe submitted, I’m not sure how we’ll keep up if this lawlessness continues to spread.”
Dorinda’s smile faded. More rabble-rousers spelled trouble for the schoolhouse, too. She looked around for Joel, suddenly uneasy. Spotting him up ahead didn’t ease her worry at Dutch’s words.
Dutch saw the unease on her face when she glanced at him. “Not to worry, Miss Dorinda. Gabe will get the money approved for more deputies. Until then, they’ll be more deputies patrolling at night.”
Dorinda gave a sharp nod. Maybe Splendor wasn’t as peaceful as she’d hoped, but she wouldn’t be scared off that easily.
“We’re grateful for your vigilance, Deputy.” She glanced up to see the school in front of her, the other teacher, Amelia Wheeler, already standing by the open door. “If you’ll excuse me, we need to review lesson plans. Will we see you at Suzanne’s for supper?”
Dutch tipped his hat. “Wouldn’t miss it. You two take care now.”
Dorinda watched him continue his patrol. She learned something every time Dutch joined them for the walk to school. Today’s lesson wasn’t what she expected. Nevertheless, it was information she, and most of the town, would be wise to take to heart.
“Good morning,” Amelia called cheerfully as Dorinda and Joel approached. “Are you ready to review the lesson plans?”
“I am.” Dorinda stopped on the stoop. “Joel, why don’t you play outside for a bit while Miss Amelia and I talk?”
“Yes, ma’am.” Joel dashed down the steps as the two women entered the schoolhouse. They settled at one of the weathered desks, and Amelia spread out her papers.
“With more children arriving daily, we need to get creative,” she said, shuffling through her notes. “I was thinking of dividing the older students into small groups for reading lessons. That would allow us time to work one-on-one with the younger children.”
Dorinda nodded, impressed by Amelia’s initiative. As they delved deeper, the sound of Joel’s laughter drifted through the window, mingling with the morning bustle of the street.
“Well, now, you two look as busy as bees this fine morning.”
Dorinda turned to see Charley Kelly, owner of the Splendor Herald, filling the doorway. He and his wife, Maude, had started publishing the newspaper two years after the previous owners left town.
