Stronger Than the Rest (22 page)

Connor’s features remained fixed, nothing to indicate he was surprised or upset at Ira’s question. “No one. Why?”

“Who checked out the ladies area during that time?” Ira already knew but wanted it confirmed.

“Pierce. The same man who checked all the areas including the hall outside your private quarters. You want to tell me what this is about?”

“I’ve gotten news that is unsettling. Seems there are rumors about me and my business operations. Disturbing comments. You hear anything?”

“You know I’d come to you if I had. Who told you about these rumors?”

Ira studied Connor. He wouldn’t give a second thought to ordering his death if he learned Connor had betrayed him, set him up. He’d read through Connor’s references and history twice last night after he’d gone home. Nothing jumped out as being out of place. He’d hired Pinkerton’s to provide whatever they could learn. They’d confirmed that Connor had spent time in prison for murder, but had been pardoned when new evidence was presented exonerating him of the crime. The whole prison experience had been a plus for Ira. In his opinion, it hardened a man.

Walsh had also checked on Connor’s contacts, which were considerable. One was the owner of New York’s largest and most respected private detective firm. It wasn’t as large as Pinkerton’s, but handled similar work for those who held wealth in the extreme. That’s how Connor had made many of his contacts, through his work with New York firm, the same contacts that had funded the saloon and silver mines.

“A contact back East heard about a meeting between some businessmen. One of the men was from here and mentioned that a certain Denver businessman was being investigated. He told the group that the man had interests in cattle, mining, a saloon, and timber.” Ira’s eyes turned to slits and he leaned forward, resting his arms on the desk.  “There are few in Denver with interests in that many businesses. My contact was sure they were speaking of me.”

“Did your contact say who was hired or why? Give you a name?”

“No. Names weren’t mentioned, and my contact didn’t know what motivated the investigation. Apparently the sonofabitch snooping around was a lawman.”

Connor smirked. “That leaves everyone here out. You know our histories.”

“I could find nothing showing any of my employees have been lawmen. That doesn’t mean much. Lawmen go bad all the time. They’re sometimes worse than the most hardened criminal.”

Connor agreed—he’d seen it firsthand.

Ira leaned back, his eyes still focused on his visitor. “I’ve asked one of my men to watch Pierce. Something about him is amiss. Since you hired him, I didn’t do the normal checks. I find I know nothing about his history.”

“You’re having him followed?”

“Starting today. Why? Do you object?”

“No, it’s smart. He’s done well here. I’d hate to lose him.”

“Make no mistake, Connor. If I find anything at all that ties him to the rumors, he will disappear.”

Chapter Nineteen

Cold Creek, Colorado

It had been a long day. Grant was still shaking his head at what he’d seen in the barn that morning. If it had been anyone other than Drew….well, it wouldn’t have been anyone else. Both he and Eleanor had suspected their daughter had strong feelings for MacLaren, but they hadn’t believed he returned Tess’s interest. Now he understood why. Drew was determined to walk before he declared his intentions. Grant’s respect for the young man had grown with that revelation, even if he wished Drew had kept his hands to himself a little longer.

After the late start, Grant and a few of his men had ridden to the Miller ranch. It was a relief when he saw Ted talking with his men, and Myrna with the children.

Grant had spoken with Ted for over an hour, explaining the concerns and what had transpired at the Langdon and Bierdan ranches. Although Ted had heard much about Warren Langdon’s decision to sell his land, he wasn’t aware of the numerous threats against Eloise Bierdan, nor the discovery of Hap Whidley’s body.

They’d stayed longer than anticipated but Grant was grateful when Myrna had invited them all to stay for dinner. Now he was on his way to see Eloise Bierdan, for what he assumed would be another difficult conversation. He sent his men on as they approached the entrance to the Bierdan ranch, riding on toward the house alone.

Eloise answered the door and ushered him into the front room.

“May I pour you some coffee or a glass of whiskey?”

“Coffee would be great.”

She returned within minutes with two cups. “Do you take anything in it?”

“No, black is good.

“Niall told you why I wished to meet with you?”

“Said you wanted to discuss selling even though he wasn’t sure you’d made the decision to actually leave. Tell me what you’re thinking, Eloise.”

It didn’t take long for her to go over the pros and cons of a sale, from her perspective. Grant added some additional factors for her to consider. He could see it was all quite over-whelming for the young widow.

“Let me assure you that I’m not here to pressure you to sell. But you need to confront the realities of running a ranch. It’s hard work and requires attention twenty-four hours a day. It leaves little time for anything beyond the ranch boundaries. And there are no guarantees that anything you do will provide enough money to grow or break-even. Harsh weather, rustling, disease, disloyal ranch hands, and beef prices that fluctuate can wipe out any expected gain. It’s a brutal business, Eloise.” He finished the last of the second cup of coffee she’d poured. “But, it’s my life and I wouldn’t choose anything else. You’ll have to ask yourself how much you want this, and if it’s enough to risk everything to keep.”

She walked to the window and pulled back the curtain. It had been a peaceful day. The weather was perfect and everyone moved about their business as if nothing odd was happening. She dropped the curtain and turned back to Grant.

“If I sell, would you have an interest?”

“Yes and no. It’s no secret I’d like to purchase it if you’re ready to sell. The issue is I’ve just committed myself to Langdon’s ranch and don’t know that I can manage another purchase. I’d need to check with a couple of banks. I use the one here and one in Great Valley. You have any idea what you’d ask?”

She named a number.

“That’s quite reasonable, Eloise. To be honest, I’d expect to pay more.”

“I appreciate your honesty and all of your time. It’s a hard decision for me but everything you’ve said makes sense. I know you’re anxious to get back, but let me know if you’re able to arrange something. As much as I’d like to keep the ranch, have a place of my own, I lack the skills and money to continue.”

The disconsolate look she shot Grant ate at him. He’d wondered many times how his family would do if they lost him and if he had done what he could to let them continue the ranch if they chose. He cursed Gordon Bierdan once more for his poor choices and insistence on vengeance.

“I’ll get back to you as soon as I can, but you decide if selling is what you want. If you do, I’ll help you work something out.”

Grant thought of their conversation all the way back to the ranch. He knew it would be hard to pull off another purchase. Most of his capital was now committed to his existing operations and improving those at the new property.

As he glanced at the darkening sky, a new idea began to materialize, one that, on the surface, felt right. He rode up to the barn, unsaddled and groomed his horse, then took his time walking toward the house. By the time Grant entered the front door he felt certain he had a plan that Eloise would accept and that would be beneficial not only to him, but to others.

******

Denver, Colorado

Connor left Ira’s office and walked down the street to a restaurant for dinner. He sat down and looked out the window toward the street. He was surprised to spot one of Ira’s enforcers, Glen Stiles, who appeared to be following him. Walsh employed the enforcer for instances such as the one concerning Pierce. Connor watched as Glen crossed the street, walked into the restaurant, and scanned the small space. He spotted Connor and took a seat a few tables away.

The waitress took Connor’s order, then walked over to where Stiles sat. Connor could hear the waitress laugh at something Glen said, then saw her walk away.

Connor fumed at the realization that Walsh suspected not just Pierce, but him as well. He’d spent months building his credibility, growing the saloon business, and making Ira a handsome profit. That appeared to mean little to someone like Walsh.

He suspected they already knew where Pierce lived, which was a problem. Connor had intended to go there himself. He didn’t want someone with an incentive to rough Pierce up doing anything before he had a chance to see him.

Connor finished dinner and stood. He made a show of looking around until his eyes landed on Glen.

“Stiles. Didn’t know you were back in town.”

“Connor,” the hired gun eyed him and shifted in his seat.

“You back for a reason?”

“I am. Ira’s got a new job for me.”

“And that would be?”

“You’ll have to speak with him about it.” Stiles sat back in his chair, exposing his gun. It was more for show, not a real threat. This piece of slime wouldn’t draw in public. No, he’d wait to catch his target unaware and shoot him in the back. Fair play wasn’t the killer’s style.

Connor’s face hardened. He bent low and spoke in a soft voice. “Stay out of my way, Stiles. I’m not like those you murder from behind. If it ever comes down to you and me, rest assured you won’t like the ending.” He straightened and walked out to the street without a backward glance.

******

Cold Creek, Colorado

“What do you see, Niall?” Jamie asked. The group was positioned behind some large boulders hidden by a stand of pine, a couple hundred yards from the Ibarra ranch house. The day had not gone as planned.

The first hour Niall, Jamie, and Will had rotated shifts, watching Drew. They knew Jericho kept a constant watch, but they needed to know the extent of his recovery themselves. It seemed total. They didn’t know the pain he’d endured getting to this point, but they were proud of him and stunned at his recovery.

They’d first ridden to the Rosado property, but no one was there. Not one person, nor one animal. Will and Drew checked inside while Jamie and Niall walked the property. The house was a mess. That could mean nothing given their large family. Jamie found dried blood in the barn. It could’ve belonged to an animal, but they doubted it. Beyond that, nothing. The five then rode to the Ibarra ranch.

Niall had climbed to the top to get a better view of the barn and house. Like the Rosado’s place, he saw nothing—no one working, no activity at all. That made no sense. It appeared to be a large ranch. The barn was close to the size of Grant’s, the house was one story, but spread out. He estimated the building covered over half an acre.

“I don’t see much of anything. Some horses in a back corral, but nothing else.” He climbed down and faced the open area between them and the house. Wide open, no cover, nothing to protect them if they rode straight in.

“I don’t like it,” Jamie announced. “Both places appear deserted, with no one on guard. Makes no sense.”

“We only have one choice as I see it.” Will had been studying the terrain, looking for ways to enter or leave the property without being seen. “We ride in as far as we can along the tree line to the north to see if we spot anyone. The cover on that side will conceal us. The house is built real close to the rock and trees where we’d approach. If we’re careful, no one will see us until we’ve confirmed if the family is all right.” He looked at the others.

“Sounds like a good plan,” Jamie offered. “Personally, I don’t like the thought of leaving without knowing about the family. I’d rather do as Will says and ride on in. Confirm what’s going on.”

“I agree. We just can’t just leave if we suspect there may be trouble. Who knows what’s happening in that place.” Niall hated the thought of riding out without knowing if the family was okay. The scene at the Rosado’s had the group on edge. No one believed that nothing had happened at that ranch.

“Or, we can do both.” The others shot a look at Drew, waiting for him to continue. “One rides back, gets together as many men as possible, and returns. The other four follow the tree line and go in from the other side. Will’s right. It appears the forest and rock cover comes up to the back of the property on that side. It should only take a couple of hours if we start now.”

Niall’s gaze cut from Drew to the trees and mountains. They’d need to travel north, then west. It would take time, but that route would protect them if anyone was keeping a lookout. “Makes sense.” He studied the four other men. Niall knew the skills his brothers had. All were good shots, all calm under pressure. They were confident in their abilities. He didn’t know about Jericho. “Mr. Jericho, would you be willing to ride back and organize a group to return?”

“I can do that, Mr. MacLaren. Best to keep the four of you together.”

Niall took one more look toward the ranch. Nothing had changed—still no sign of life other than the few horses they’d seen. “I realize we may be pulling in more fire power than needed, but knowing what that gang has been up to, I’d rather have more men than less.” He pulled his Colt from its holster and checked the barrel. Then he walked to Zeus and checked the rifle. Reaching in his saddle bags he withdrew several more rounds of ammunition. His brothers did the same.