Winter Winds of Wyoming Page 9

  “Until we speak with Jake,” the man replied, his eyes bright with a secret.

  Tension from the gunfighter rolled his way. He was none too pleased they couldn’t speak with Jake right away.

  Flicking the toothpick from his lips, he nodded. “Let’s get Allen in a room and settled. I’m sure the cold is getting to him.”

  “Don’t worry about me, Wil. You haven’t felt true cold until you’ve lived through an Alaskan winter. Cold like that bites all the way down to the bone and is impossible to shake. Makes no difference how many layers of clothes you wear.”

  Wil? Was this the same Wil Lemon from Newport that Jake had a run-in with? Had the man followed his sister here?

  The gunfighter’s wolf-like gaze brightened. Had he caught movement down the street? Was Courtney finally coming out of hiding and going to the buckboard? Not wanting him to know Tyler was keeping an eye on him, he didn’t turn to follow his line of sight.

  “Tell Jake we’re looking for him. Want to talk,” Wil said. “We’re not leaving until we do.”

  “Suit yourself,” Tyler drawled, lazy-like. “Makes no never mind to me. I’ll relay your message as soon as I can, but I have no idea when that might be.” He watched the three go, the constant wind pushing at his back on this chilly, misty morning.

  The older man helped the younger and the gunfighter walked along without a care, taking in every corner of the town.

  Dalton appeared at Tyler’s side, having come from the sheriff’s office. “Who was that?”

  “One was called Wil and the lame one Allen. And they’re looking for Jake. Came in on today’s train.”

  Dalton took a closer look.

  “They’re checking into the hotel. Staying until Jake looks ’em up. Asked me to pass the word. One of ’em mentioned Alaska.”

  Dalton’s expression darkened. “Think I’ll mosey down there myself and see what I can find out.”

  Tyler nodded and watched him go. At the moment, he was more concerned about Courtney and her startling reaction. The young woman seemed to already have enough ghosts of her own. He hated to see more arrive on the train.

  Chapter Sixteen

  With the supplies loaded and Chase finished with his business in town, Tyler helped Courtney into the wagon, taking note of her chalk-white complexion. She hadn’t said more than three words since she’d appeared as if by magic by the side of the buckboard only a moment ago. She’d been hiding out, he was sure. Something to do with the newcomers.

  Beth Fairington fussed with a ribbon on the Christmas tree in the mercantile window, all the while watching them on and off from beneath her lashes. Word around town was Violet had kicked her out of the Red Rooster, and the woman was now homeless. Maude had taken her in for the time being, letting her have a tiny room beside the mercantile’s storeroom. He’d heard the rumor from Mr. Harrell, who’d heard the news from Penny, who’d been told by Maude herself when the girl had gone in to purchase a bag of flour.

  “All right, let’s get home.” Chase finished tying off the rope he’d used to secure the rocking chair, a secret Christmas present for Violet, close to the front seat. “I know Jessie’s waiting for some of these baking supplies we picked up. And Tater Joe, too.” He glanced at Courtney, already in the middle of the seat. “Your day go okay, Courtney? You’re pretty quiet.”

  She smiled and nodded.

  But Tyler could tell she was mulling over something important in her head.

  “Yes, very well, thank you. Mrs. Wade has collected a few garments from the ladies in town to help Adaline and me until our personal belongings arrive from Newport.” She turned and pointed toward a crate in the back. “Deputy Babcock carried the trunk to the wagon.”

  Chase chuckled and gave Tyler a look. “That was my next question, although I thought the crate belonged to you, Tyler.” He climbed up and got comfortable.

  Tyler followed suit.

  “Then let’s get moving.”

  Tyler wouldn’t argue with that. He clucked loudly, and the horses started off. Only twenty minutes or so had passed since the strangers had arrived. He wondered if Dalton uncovered their reason for wanting Jake. He chanced a side glance to Courtney, speculating where her brother was today.

  As the wagon rumbled across the icy bridge, Winthrop, outside the livery, glanced up and waved. The buffalo snorted and ambled around their pen.

  Tyler waved back, but the other two were quiet on the seat, each lost to their own thoughts. Slapping the lines, he urged the team onward. Soon, they’d pass the Huttons’ house, as well as the sheriff’s vacant one across the street, and continue onward to the Broken Horn. The well-worn wagon path weaved through the familiar countryside which was bedecked in browns and grays with the steel-blue sky as a backdrop. Tyler wouldn’t mind when spring arrived, with the different shades of greens making the earth feel new.

  Beside him, Courtney felt small. Why did he worry about her so much? He didn’t like to see anyone cowed, and that was a fact. Were his feelings anything more? Her fright today made him think something was off-kilter, but she wasn’t saying.

  Hoof beats sounded up ahead.

  A second later, Jake appeared around the bend on the way to town, and he reined up.

  Tyler stopped the wagon.

  “Well, I’ll be,” Chase said with a smile. “Three going home and one going to town. Daisy at work?”

  Not much was happening at the ranch, and most men were just doing odd jobs—chores left from the fall or running errands.

  Jake’s saddle leather creaked as he shifted weight. “Sure is. Thought I’d go harass her a little. Jessie asked me to bring back an apple pie for your supper, if the restaurant has any to spare.”

  Chase chuckled. “There’s a reason I love that woman.”

  Tyler rested his boot on the brake when the horses, anxious to get home, fidgeted in their harness. “You have some visitors in town looking for you. Arrived on today’s train.”

  A strangled sound came from Courtney. She braced a hand on the front board and almost stood.

  Jake sat forward, his brows drawn down. He frowned. “That’s an oddity. I wonder… Court, something wrong?”

  She shook her head.

  “Who? Where’re they from?”

  “Don’t know, but they told me to pass the word there’re staying in the hotel to give you some good news. Two of ’em look like father and son.”

  “Don’t go, Jake!” Courtney blurted. “Please!”

  Chase turned to her in his seat. “What’s this about, Courtney? Do you know something we don’t?”

  Tyler heard the deep intake of her breath. He looked back to Jake. “Your sister was frightened when they arrived. I saw her reaction.” He pressed harder on the brake and tied the long reins on the handle. “I’m going with you. I didn’t like the feel I got from the fella named Wil. He never said, but I believe he’s Wil Lemon, the man you told me about from Newport.”

  Jake’s eyes narrowed as he gazed at Courtney. “Has Wil followed you to Logan Meadows? Did he send word he was coming?”

  Ahh, the plot thickens. This fella Jake mentioned meant something to Courtney, more than anyone was saying. Everything was beginning to make sense.

  She shook her head. “Wil’s in town, but I didn’t know. I promise. I’d have told you. I didn’t invite him here, Jake. I have no idea what he wants.”

  “Okay, okay, I believe you.” He looked off in the direction of town.

  Tyler climbed off the seat and stood beside the buckboard, wishing he had his gun. Jake did. That was good.

  Courtney turned to Chase. “Mr. Logan, please don’t let Jake face Wil alone. Wil’s a killer. He hates my brother more than anyone else in the world.”

  “Just relax, Court,” Jake replied. “Nothing’s gonna happen. And Tyler, you’re not walking all the way back to town. I’m not looking for trouble. But I’m not hiding, either. I’m not scared of Wil Lemon. He’s a punk an
d nothing more.”

  “You’re wrong,” Courtney gasped. “He won’t bat an eye at shooting you for getting the best of him in Newport.”

  “Settle down. Think about what you’re saying. He won’t kill me in cold blood with the whole town watching. This must have something to do with Father or his death. I’ve got to go.” Jake’s expression brooked no argument. “If you’ll feel better, I’ll take Thom or Dalton.”

  Tyler climbed onto the wagon seat and gathered the reins. What Jake said made a whole lot of sense.

  “Jake’s right,” Chase added. “This character won’t be stupid and get himself hanged. But he might try something when you’re not looking. We’ll spread the word to keep watch for anything suspicious.” He glanced at Courtney’s frightened face. “That help?”

  She nodded. “I guess—since there’s nothing more I can do.”

  Tyler hoped she meant what she said. Men’s work was best left to them. She wouldn’t try anything on her own, would she?

  Jake straightened in his saddle. “Glad that’s settled. And Court, if you run into Wil or if he comes lookin’, you’re not to speak with him. Do I make myself clear?”

  A long, meaningful look vibrated between brother and sister.

  Jake raised a brow. “Courtney?”

  “Yes. I wouldn’t think of it.”

  Tyler heard her words but her set expression said different. Courtney Costner may be frightened to death at the moment, but she was the type to take matters into her own hands to protect the ones she loved. The question was, just how far would she go?

  Chapter Seventeen

  In deep thought, Jake took the hotel stairs two at a time. To keep the peace, and to keep Courtney off his back, he’d checked in at the sheriff’s office to see if either Thom or Dalton was there, but the place had been empty. From there, he went to the Silky Hen and spoke briefly with Daisy but hadn’t mentioned the visitors in the hotel. Until he knew what they were about, he’d keep that news quiet.

  Was he foolish to speak with Wil? He didn’t have anything more to say to the horse’s backside, except stay away from Courtney. Was he here to take revenge for Jake spiriting Courtney out of Newport and away from him? Was this some sort of elaborate trap, bringing in two other men with the name of Ford, as he’d been told? Jake didn’t think so, but he wouldn’t put anything past the snake. The fastest way to get Wil out of town was to deal with him head-on and end this, once and for all.

  Stopping at door number five, he squared his shoulders and rapped several times in quick succession. The door opened to the older man he’d heard about. A younger fella, stretched out on the bed, gave a wobbly smile. Wil Lemon was nowhere to be seen. Jake took a deep breath. “I was told Wil Lemon is lookin’ for me.”

  “You must be Jake Costner.”

  Anger rattled up and down Jake’s spine. Would a gunfighter be lying about when his target arrived? Jake seriously doubted that. “I am.”

  The man’s face split into a wide grin. “I thought as much but didn’t want to jump the gun as I did with Deputy Babcock who came to call a little while ago.”

  Poor choice of words.

  The older gentleman glanced over his shoulder to the younger man, anticipation shining in his eyes. Tyler had told Jake he thought they were father and son. The older was tall and thick-shouldered with graying hair. His face was lined with great suffering, if Jake had to guess. The younger, reclining on the bed, was no more than a scarecrow and looked weak and bent. His skin was sallow, and he suffered dark circles under his eyes. The son looked weathered beyond his years, and Jake wondered what the heck was wrong with him. Did he have some sort of sickness?

  The man before him waved Jake inside. “Please, come inside, Mr. Costner.”

  “Where’s Wil Lemon?” Jake asked before stepping inside the room.

  The man’s brows drew down at his curt tone. “Went out after we arrived and haven’t seen him since. But his job is finished. He offered to escort us here to Logan Meadows and help with my son, who, as you can see, is incapacitated at the moment. I’m Kenneth Ford, and that’s my son, Allen.”

  The affection in Mr. Ford’s voice confused Jake. Who were these men, and what in the world did they want with him? The sooner he found out, the better.

  “I’m a weight around my father’s neck.” Allen exchanged another look with his father. “Still, now that we’re reunited, I never want to be anywhere else.”

  “And you never will be,” Mr. Ford said. “I mean to help you each and every day of your life.” He turned back to Jake. “You have a nice town. Logan Meadows has welcomed us kindly. Wyoming’s a mite cold, but other than that…”

  “The weather usually is in December.”

  “You’re correct. And I guess I better get down to business before I run you off with small talk.”

  What in the world was going on? Jake didn’t have a clue.

  “You see, Mr. Costner—Jake,” he said, a kind smile pulling his lips, “I hope you don’t mind if I call you that. You saved my son’s life. My only son. Allen was an unfortunate victim of the infamous banker, Hugh Hexim. He was shanghaied and taken to Alaska seven months before your friend Deputy Babcock suffered the same fate. If Allen had remained even a few weeks longer in the harsh environment, he’d be dead.” Kenneth walked over and laid a hand on his son’s shoulder. “I’m indebted to you for bringing him back from the dead. His mother and I have suffered terribly since his abduction. We exhausted every avenue to find him, to no avail. And now, because of your bravery, he’s been brought back into our lives.”

  Everything made sense. Warmth crept into Jake’s face. Allen was one of the others, the unfortunate workers he’d heard Hexim and Lee Strangely speak about in Newport’s sheriff’s office. He’d thought briefly of the men kept in the Alaskan mine, knowing since the truth had been revealed, the wrong would be put to right, and the men would someday return to their homes and families. But his upcoming wedding to Daisy, worrying over Courtney, and the return to Logan Meadows had kept him from dwelling on the matter for long. Wonder swished through him again at seeing Allen on the bed. “I’m glad you were released, Mr. Ford.”

  “Please, you must call me Allen.”

  Jake dipped his chin. “How many men were rescued? We didn’t have time to stick around and find out.” He gave a mirthless laugh, thinking how easily his plan could have gone wrong, landing him and Dalton aboard the Tigress bound for Alaska.

  “I suppose you didn’t, young man, but your sheriff took care of that with his telegrams.”

  “There were about forty,” Allen replied. “The number changed as men died off and others arrived. I don’t like to think how many men perished, and I went free.”

  Mr. Ford took out his kerchief and wiped the moisture from his eyes. “I can’t thank you enough for your bravery, Jake, and for doing what was right instead of closing your eyes, as most men would. We’ve come to Logan Meadows to reward you for your heroic and noble efforts.”

  Jake blinked and straightened. He hadn’t expected to hear those words. After he showed up and Lemon hadn’t been around, he’d relaxed and was just getting to know these men. He shook his head. “I could never take money for doing what’s right.”

  Ford glanced at his son, and his gaze softened. “We insist! And so does my wife. I’ve learned a lot about you since our arrival. You’re well liked, and people were happy to talk once they knew my intention. You’re a newlywed. Any newly married couple can use a little extra money. I also know you’re a proud man and will most certainly refuse, so I’ve taken the liberty of putting the money in the bank under your name. The funds will sit there, earning interest until you decide what to do. Consider the one thousand dollars a wedding gift. The deed is already done. As soon as Allen is strong enough to travel, we’ll depart for San Francisco.”

  Shocked speechless, Jake just stared. Was this some kind of trick? Maybe Wil thought this distraction would allow him time to wh
isk Courtney away. The frightening thought made Jake double his intention of keeping her on a short line until Wil was gone and the coast was clear. He’d decide about the reward later.

  Chapter Eighteen

  As soon as the chores were finished the next morning, Courtney, feeling uneasy since seeing Wil in town yesterday, sought out Jessie to ask if she could go back into town and do some Christmas shopping. December twenty-fifth was only thirteen days away. She’d told Jessie she intended to make something small for Adaline and her new sister-in-law, Daisy, and needed to purchase some fabric. But only if Jessie didn’t need her to watch the children. Jessie had given her permission and arranged for Tyler to drive her into town.

  Now, bundled against the cold, she sat next to him once more in the wagon, feeling like the biggest fibber alive. She needed to speak with Wil, and to do so, she had to get to town. What were Wil’s intentions? Was he out to kill Jake? Or maybe he meant to exact revenge on her by telling everyone about their sordid past. Could she appeal to the decency supposedly inside every human and hope he’d let bygones be bygones? How she loathed the thought of bringing shame to her family. Beneath the thick blanket, Courtney twisted her gloved hands together to the point of pain.

  The wagon rolled along. A hush encased the stark winter landscape, everything different from Newport. After the weeks of living here, she knew the road well. Wouldn’t be but a few minutes and they’d reach Logan Meadows and cross the bridge. Tyler had been relatively silent the whole ride out, probably contemplating her outburst yesterday about Wil and Jake. What must he think of her? Her heart trembled. She hadn’t been in town long, but she’d made some nice friends, women and girls, all who treated her with kindness and respect. And even more because she was Jake’s sister and resided out at the Logans’ ranch. Her life could change any second. She sighed, and a puff of white crystals danced before her face.

  Beside her, Tyler glanced down. “Why so quiet?”