Blaines wager, p.4
Blaine's Wager, page 4
“Who would set it? You haven’t been here long enough to make enemies.”
Blaine stared at the scorched remains of the small structure, shaking his head. “The more we expand our lands, the more enemies the MacLarens make.”
“We’re not going to solve it right now. Let’s finish moving the cattle. By then, we might be able to pick through whatever’s left. Might be something worth saving.”
Whistling for their horses, they mounted, Caleb turning toward the way they came.
“Hold up a minute, lad. Let’s ride around the house, make sure no one’s waiting in the back for us to leave.”
Blaine rode around one direction, Caleb the other. Meeting up in the back, Blaine motioned for them to continue to the creek on two separate trails. Once there, Blaine slid to the ground, looking for any sign of riders.
“Nothing,” Blaine muttered, walking along the bank before returning to his horse. Swinging into the saddle, he reined Galath in a circle before riding to meet Caleb.
“Anything?”
Blaine shook his head. “You’re right, lad. Let’s get the herd moved and see what we can find after the ashes cool.”
Neither pushed their horses as they returned to the herd. First one, then the other would shift to look over their shoulder at the smoldering debris.
“What about those gunmen the other buyers sent out to make counter negotiations on the land?” Caleb asked, unable to get his mind off the unexpected act.
Blaine’s brows furrowed. “What do you mean, lad?”
“I’m trying to figure out who would be angry with the MacLarens for buying the land. Changing ownership wouldn’t bother the Maidu tribe, and Leland Nettles hasn’t expressed an interest in expanding the Acorn Gold Mine this direction. In my mind, that leaves the other buyers wanting to steal it out from under you. Do we know what happened to those three gunmen?”
“Nae. I’ve heard nothing of them since they left Settlers Valley. We could talk to Nate. I’m still not seeing what good a burned barn would do for them. If they want to drive me out, they’d need to do a lot more than set fire to a couple buildings.”
Caleb glanced at him. “They don’t know that about you. Of course, it could have been some strange accident or someone who held a grudge against the previous owner.”
Blaine continued to watch the trail, wondering if someone might be following them now. “Seems I’m going to be needing extra men sooner than I thought. Once we have the cattle moved and the debris from the fire cleaned up, I’ll send a telegram to the uncles, letting them know what happened and that I’m hiring more men.”
Rounding the last bend, they spotted the herd and the three cowhands guarding it. Caleb thought of the couple times he’d seen Blaine’s frustration when he had to teach them what most ranch hands already knew.
“I understand those boys are young with little experience, but they work hard and learn fast.”
Blaine shot a look at Caleb. A little older and a natural leader, he respected his advice. “Aye. I’ve been a wee hard on them.”
“You can be as hard as you want. They just need you to show some patience. The fire doubled the work. I can help some, but—”
“Nae. You’ve done more than enough for me already, Caleb. You have your own work. Although I wouldn’t mind if you helped me look through the ashes. Maybe you’ll spot something I’d miss.”
“You couldn’t keep me away.”
Conviction
“You’re doing real well, Lia. Are you certain you’ve never done sutures before?” Hugh Tilden watched over her shoulder as she bandaged the young patient’s arm.
She felt heat creep up her face. Lia had never been able to please her father, always falling short of his expectations. Her mother tried to make up for it when her father wasn’t around. Still, she’d always felt lacking.
“No, sir. This is the first time. If anyone needed stitching, my mother always did it.” A familiar wave of guilt rushed through her before Lia tucked it away, unwilling to spare even a few seconds thinking about what she’d left behind.
“How’s he doing, Doc?”
Lia glanced up, startled to see Camden MacLaren stroll into the room. Much like his older brother, Blaine, his tall frame and broad shoulders took up all the extra space.
“Clint’s going to be fine.” Hugh shot a firm gaze at the ten-year-old. “I’d advise you and Banner learn to settle your differences without tossing one another out of the barn.”
The young boy’s eyes moved to his cousin, Camden. Seeing his stern expression, Clint nodded. “Yes, sir.”
“I know he’s your twin and you’re going to fight once in a while. Just don’t make it a habit.”
“Yeah, I know. But Banner shouldn’t have left the rack for me to trip over.”
“Clint…” Camden stepped next to the table.
“He did it on purpose, Cam.”
Shaking his head, Camden leaned down to whisper into his cousin’s ear. “You’re a MacLaren, lad, and I expect you to act like it. We’ll speak of this at home.”
Pursing his lips, Clint nodded.
Camden straightened. “Can I take him back to the ranch now?”
Hugh nodded. “Keep the arm clean and don’t get it wet for at least a week. Bring him back to the clinic in two weeks and we’ll take out the sutures. Now, tell me when Sean is scheduled to leave for Scotland.”
Camden saw the dejected look on Clint’s face at the mention of Sean. Even if it was what he wanted, everyone felt the same about him leaving for veterinary school.
“The lad leaves in a few weeks. Ma and the aunts are planning a shindig. We’ll let you know when.” Camden turned his attention to Lia. “You, too. We’re hoping the family in Settlers Valley will be able to ride to town for it. I’m sure at least one of them would be glad to see you.”
Hugh sent a questioning look at her as heat crawled up Lia’s neck and onto her face.
“I’ll see, Cam. Between my jobs at the Gold Dust and here, I’m not sure there’ll be time.”
“I’m sure Joe and I can figure something out, Lia,” Hugh offered. “If I go, my wife and children will be coming with me. You can ride in the wagon with us.”
Her mind spinning at the thought of seeing Blaine again, she nodded. “Thank you.”
“All right, Clint. Let’s get you over to see your big brother before we leave town.”
He slid off the table to the floor. “Ah, Cam. Do we have to see Brodie? He’ll just get mad at me and Banner for fighting.”
“Aye, lad, he might. It’s time to get it over with.” Camden motioned for him to move toward the door. “Thanks, Doc.” Smiling at Lia, he stepped next to her. “If you have an interest, lass, you might want to send Blaine a letter. Send it to him at the post office. Nate will make sure he gets it.”
“I don’t know, Cam. He, well…Blaine and I hardly know each other.”
“Isn’t that why you would be writing him, lass?” Grinning, he turned toward the door. “Think on it.”
Clutching her hands in front of her, Lia watched as Camden and Clint left, feeling an odd sense of excitement. She’d never thought of writing Blaine.
“I think it might be a good idea, Lia.”
Her brows knit in confusion. “What might be?”
Hugh leaned against the table, crossing his arms. “Writing Blaine.”
Eyes widening, she shook her head. “I don’t know, Doctor. We hardly know each other. I’m sure he doesn’t even remember me.”
Chuckling, Hugh pushed away from the table. “Oh, I’m sure he remembers you, Lia. As Cam said, it’s up to you.” Grabbing his coat from a hook, he moved next to her. “If you’re finished, I’ll walk you to the Gold Dust.”
“You don’t need to do that. It isn’t far.”
He looked out the front windows. “It’s getting dark, and the hotel is on my way home.”
Slipping into her coat, Lia walked out ahead of him, her body stilling at the sight of two riders. Heart pounding, she turned away from them, increasing her pace along the boardwalk.
“Is everything all right, Lia?” Hugh shifted, seeking anything that may have frightened her.
Refusing to turn around, she walked faster. “I forgot Joe wanted me there a little early today.”
“I’m sure he’ll forgive a few minutes.”
Reaching the front door of the Gold Dust, Lia shifted enough to see Hugh’s face. “Thank you, Doctor. Please give my regards to your wife.”
“I’ll do that. Have a pleasant night and I’ll see you tomorrow.”
She slipped inside, closing the door and taking a deep breath. Her heart continued to pound at a rapid rate. Whirling around, Lia peered out the front window. The riders were nowhere in sight.
“Maybe I imagined seeing them,” she murmured, placing a hand on her chest.
“Lia, are you ready to get to work?”
She hadn’t noticed Joe walk up. At his concerned expression, she swallowed the panic and nodded.
“Let me put my coat away and I’ll join you in the kitchen.”
He studied her face, giving a curt nod before walking away. Grateful he didn’t ask more questions, she hurried to her room in the back. Closing the door, Lia forced herself to take a deep breath, doing her best to forget the two riders. Rubbing her eyes, she took the apron from its hook, returning to the front as she tied it around her waist.
Joe didn’t look up from where he cut vegetables at the table. “Put the bread in the oven, would you, girl? And make sure the pies are cooling on the rack.”
“Sure.” These were jobs she did almost every day in preparation for the supper crowd. Lia didn’t need to think about them, just make sure everything was the way Joe wanted it.
Placing the first loaf into the oven, she stepped back, thinking of the two men. Their build and horses were so much like she remembered. It had been years, but some things didn’t change.
“But, Brodie, it wasn’t my fault this time.” Clint sat in a chair across from his oldest brother. Why did he have to be the sheriff? he thought, waiting to hear his punishment.
“It’s never one person’s fault, Clint. If Da had been home and not in Sacramento, he’d come down pretty hard on you, lad.” Brodie leaned forward, resting his arms on the desk. “What do you think is a suitable punishment for disobeying Da?”
Gripping the arms of the chair, Clint shook his head. “I don’t know.”
“What do you think, Cam? Helping the aunts with supper for a week?”
Clint shot from his chair. “That’s not right, Brodie. Da wouldn’t do that.”
“I’m thinking Uncle Ewan would do something real close, Clint.”
The boy swiveled toward Camden. “He’d have me milk the cows or tend the pigs, not work inside with the women.” His nose wrinkled at the thought. “I’m not a girl.”
“At ten, you and Banner are almost men. But you can’t stop fighting.”
Crossing his arms, Clint sat down. “You and Colin used to fight. And Quinn, too.”
Brodie worked to keep the smile off his face. “Aye. And we all got punished for it, too.”
“What did Da make you do?”
Rubbing his chin, Brodie looked up at the ceiling as he tried to remember. “Ach. Once, he made us muck the entire barn for a month.”
Clint’s face twisted into a scowl.
“Another time, we had to gather eggs and clean the chicken coop.”
Sitting back in the chair, Clint’s shoulders slumped.
“And remember the time Uncle Ewan ordered you to take care of Clint and Banner?” Camden leaned against the desk, smirking at the worst punishment any boy could imagine. “They weren’t even a year old. You had to change their clothes, bathe them, make their food and get it down their throats. Funniest thing I ever saw.” He chuckled at the memory.
Brodie shook his head. “Worst week of my life.”
“Me and Banner can’t do that, Brodie. We don’t have any babies at the ranch.”
He cast a quick look at Camden. “I suppose Maggie could move to the ranch with Shaun for a week. It’d help you lads to get to know your cousin.”
Eyes wide with horror, Clint crossed his arms.
“Or—”
Before Brodie could finish, the door burst open. Two men walked inside, both in black from their hats to their boots. Both with long beards—one almost white, the other black, sprinkled with flecks of silver. The older man stepped forward.
“Are you the sheriff?”
Brodie stood, walking around the desk. “Aye. I’m Brodie MacLaren. Can I help you?”
The man stared him up and down before taking the hand Brodie offered. “I’m Porter Jacobs and this is my son, Orson. We’ve come from Salt Lake City.”
“Are you looking to settle here in Conviction, Mr. Porter?”
The older man scowled. “Absolutely not. We’re looking for a runaway and we think she’s living here. She’s my daughter.”
Brodie glanced at Clint, seeing his brother’s eyes grow wide. “I’ll do what I can. When did she run away?”
“Almost four years ago.”
“Four years is a long time. How old was she, Mr. Jacobs?”
Porter glanced away, appearing to count the years. “Seventeen. She left a week before her marriage. She’d be twenty now. Almost too old for a third wife, but her betrothed is a generous man and has decided to wait for her return.”
Brodie’s brows rose at his words.
Orson stepped forward, casting a look between his father and Brodie. “He’s an elder in the church. My sister should be proud to be selected by him.”
“Instead, she slipped away in the darkness of night, leaving her family.” Porter spat out the words, his face twisting. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out an old, yellowed photograph, wrinkled from use. “This was taken when she was twelve.”
Brodie took it from the man’s hand, studying it, a knot forming in his stomach. “The lass doesn’t look like anyone from around here, Mr. Jacobs.”
“She’s much older now.”
Brodie sighed. He was tired, wanted to settle the punishment for Clint and Banner, and get home to Maggie. “As I said, I’ll do what I can.” Glancing at the photograph once more, his throat tightened, dreading the answer to the question he had to ask. “What’s your daughter’s name?”
“Her name is Permilia. Permilia Jacobs.”
Chapter Five
Camden’s eyes widened before he caught a warning look from Brodie and an almost imperceptible nod at the door.
“I’ve a quick errand to run.” Camden looked at his cousin. “Clint, come with me. We’ll stop back before riding to the ranch.”
Ready to get away from his brother and the decision on punishment, Clint jumped out of the chair. Moving around Porter and Orson, he risked a quick glance at the older man, shrinking away at the hostility on his face. Yanking the door open, he dashed outside, Camden right behind him.
“I don’t like those men, Cam.”
“I cannot dispute that, lad. Come on. It’s urgent I go speak with someone.”
Being careful to avoid the wagons and cowboys as they crossed the wide dirt street, Camden headed up the street, opening the door to the Gold Dust.
“Do we get to eat here tonight?” The excitement in Clint’s voice matched the smile on his face.
“Nae. Not tonight, lad. Sit over there.” He pointed to a group of chairs. “I’ll be back in a minute.”
Deflating, Clint dragged his feet to the chair, sitting down to watch the activity in the dining room. He tracked Camden’s movements as he walked toward a nice looking lady talking to a group of people around a table. When she stepped away, Camden leaned down to whisper into her ear. A moment later, they moved out of Clint’s view.
Lia stopped next to the kitchen door, turning to look up. “Do you need a table, Cam?” The warmth she’d become accustomed to seeing on his face had disappeared.
“Not tonight, lass.” He took a quick look behind him before returning his attention to her. “Do you know Porter and Orson Jacobs?”
Her startled expression, terror in her eyes, gave him the answer. “I…” Lia clamped her mouth shut, her gaze darting behind him.
Looking down, he saw her clutch both hands so hard, the knuckles turned white. “Is Porter your father?”
Closing her eyes, she nodded.
“And Orson is your brother.”
When she opened them, his gut clenched at the stark fear on her face. “Yes. He’s the oldest boy.” Reaching behind her, Lia untied the apron, wadding it in her hand. “I have to get out of here.”
He grabbed her arm as she started to turn away. “Not yet. Brodie is stalling them.” Camden glanced behind him once more. “They have an old photograph of you. I didn’t see it, so I don’t know if you still look the same. Go to your room and stay there until either Brodie or I come for you. I’ll talk to Joe. It’s good he has others to help in the dining room tonight.”
Shaking her head, she tried to pull her arm away, stopping when his grip tightened. “This is the best hotel in town, Cam. I won’t be able to stay in my room for days.”
“Then come back to the ranch with me and Clint. We’ve plenty of room, and they’ll never find you way out there.”
Sucking in a shaky breath, she did her best to calm the thudding in her chest. “This isn’t your problem, Cam.”
“Nae, lass. You’re a friend, and a special friend to Blaine. He’d be telling you the same if he hadn’t left town. Pack what you have and meet us out back. I’ll speak with Joe.” Dropping his hold on her arm, he turned away.
“Cam?”
Stopping, he glanced over his shoulder. “Aye?”
“Thank you.”
Circle M
“I’m sorry for the inconvenience, Mrs. MacLaren.”
Camden’s mother, Kyla, touched Lia’s arm. “Ach. You’re no trouble at all. Cam did the right thing, bringing you to us. Follow me upstairs and I’ll show you where you’ll be staying.” Reaching the second floor, she continued down the hall to the last room. “This is Blaine’s room. He’ll not be here for a while.”
