Surprise flashed across Tomlinson’s face. Then he quickly assumed a blank expression. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Sure, you do. I was just looking over the land transfers. You’re the one who’s getting Doyle’s deeds recorded and probably handling a few other things, too. Does Amelia know you’re doing side jobs on her dime?”
“That’s none of your business.”
Blake gave him a knowing look. It would be all bluff from this point. “Not even when I have reason to suspect you’re doing more than recording deeds? Somebody’s paying a bunch of thugs to scare homesteaders off their land. Doyle has the most to gain, since he’s buying their land. But knowing Doyle as I do, I realize he doesn’t like getting his hands dirty. You, on the other hand, could be fed up with working for a woman who mostly pays you in bed and board. Being Doyle’s go-between with the raiders would make you feel more like your own man, if that’s what you are. Right?”
The color rose in Tomlinson’s face. “I don’t have time for this,” he growled, glancing around at the people in the bank as if to see who might be listening.
“Then you might want to make time. I paid a visit to the U.S. Marshal. He agrees that Doyle is probably the one behind the raids, but if you’re helping him, you could be charged with conspiracy in the death of that child. He’s looking to talk to Hobie. That galoot would turn on you in a heartbeat to save his hide. But if you’ll go to the marshal and give him Doyle, you should be able to cut a deal.”
Tomlinson had gone rigid. “Again, I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Tell you what,” Blake said. “I’ll go down the street and tell the marshal that you’re here and that you’re willing to talk. That way I can let you know if he’s open to a deal. If he gets to Doyle first, or even to Hobie, they might put all the blame on you. Think about that. You wait here. I’ll be right back.”
Blake strolled down the boardwalk and slipped into the recessed entrance of the hotel. From there, he saw Tomlinson come striding out of the bank, climb into his buggy, and head for the railway station, a few blocks away, where a train was unloading passengers.
After that, Blake lost sight of him. But when the train pulled out again, minutes later, the buggy stood beside the platform, abandoned.
* * *
Blake left the horse and buggy at the livery stable, with instructions to notify Mrs. Amelia Dollarhide that her property was being kept there for her. Then he mounted his own horse and rode back to Blue Moon.
Passing through town, he was tempted to stop for a beer at the saloon to see if word had spread about the hangings. But he decided against it. Trouble could be waiting inside. He felt the same misgivings about confronting Doyle at the bank. Until he had solid proof, he’d only put the banker on alert. And right now he needed to get back to the lumber mill.
Garrity was waiting for him when he rode through the gate. “I thought I’d better let you know right away,” the old man said. “Some men came by—Hobie Evans and some of the hooligans that ride with him. They were lookin’ for Alvar and the other two. When I seen ’em comin’ up the road, I sent the boys to hide in my cabin till they rode off. But the bastards made some ugly threats while they was here.”
“What kind of threats?” As if he couldn’t guess.
“They said that if you throw your lot in with them honyockers, hirin’ their men and marryin’ their women, you’ll get treated the same as them.”
“Let’s hope it’s all talk. I may have just cut off their money connection. Let’s hope that takes care of the raids.”
“I got a feelin’ that this wasn’t about the money. Those galoots was mad as hell. All they wanted was to get the folks that hanged their buddies.”
“You’re probably right,” Blake said. “We could have a range war on our hands, starting right here. Keep a sharp lookout. Let me know if you see anything suspicious. I’ll do the same. Meanwhile, keep the boys out of sight. I’d send them home now, but they’re probably safer here.”
Leaving the mill, he rode home and turned his horse over to a stable hand. He found Hanna in the bedroom, putting Little Joe down for a nap. Her bodice was open from nursing, her face softly flushed. She looked so desirable that he was tempted to fling her onto the bed and take up where they’d left off last night. But this wasn’t the time for it.
“How was your visit to Miles City?” She kept her voice low, as they’d both learned to do when the baby was sleeping.
“It was worth the trip. I discovered that Amelia’s foreman, Ralph, was working with Doyle, and probably passing money to pay the raiders. Last I saw of him, he was catching a train out of town. Unfortunately, he got away before he could pin any blame on Doyle.”
“And what else is going on? When I spoke with you this morning, I could tell you were keeping something from me. I’m not a child, Blake. You don’t need to protect me. I’m your wife, and if I’m to be a partner in our marriage, I need to know what you know.”
So he told her—the hangings, the threats, the danger to her family, all of it. By the time he’d finished, she was pale and shaken. She reached for his hand, gripping hard. “I won’t tell Kristin,” she said. “She’s already distraught enough about leaving Alvar the day after tomorrow. It will be better if she goes without knowing how much danger he’s in.”
“I agree.” He gathered her close, feeling her strength and her love as he held her against him. “We’ll get through this hard time,” he said. “We’ll be fine, you and I and Little Joe. We’re a family.”
But nobody could guarantee the future. Blake could only hope he was right.
* * *
The next night, after midnight, Kristin slipped out of the silent house and walked partway down the road to where Alvar had promised he’d be waiting. As he stepped into the open, his tall form lit by the moon, she broke into a run that ended with her flinging herself into his arms.
They moved back into the trees, where he’d tethered his horse. She couldn’t help wishing that she could climb on its back with him, and they could race off somewhere, awaken a justice of the peace, and get married. But they were both sensible people. It wasn’t going to happen.
Tomorrow she would be leaving for Miles City, with a first-class train ticket to her exciting new life. This was the last time they would be together, and her heart was breaking. Why had she talked herself into going ahead with her travel plans when all she really wanted was more time with him?
He held her close, his strong arms almost crushing her. “I’ll write,” she said. “And you can write back as soon as I know where you can send letters. But it won’t be the same. I love you, Alvar. I don’t want to go.”
“Hush.” He kissed her. “I’ve always wanted to go off and see the world. Maybe someday I’ll have the chance. But for now, you can see it for me. Go and enjoy yourself. Then come back and become a wonderful doctor.”
“And you? What will you do?”
“You never know. Maybe I’ll find you again, like the story about your father finding your mother. Anything can happen in this crazy life.”