“I haven’t given up on finding that poacher for you,” he’d assured Kate. “We discovered his packs on the road below the basin, buffalo hide and all. If he left, he left empty-handed.”
“Do you think we’ve seen the last of this Jessup?” she’d asked Will as they’d continued north.
“I don’t know,” he’d admitted. “But at least he understands we’re on our guard against him.”
Will had seemed equally on guard as they traveled through forests and stream-veined meadows dotted by asters, where antelope raised their heads to watch them ride by. His gaze roamed the way ahead, as if he expected an outlaw waiting in every pine grove. Kate had pointed out the craggy cliff with obsidian glittering among the stones, the placid waters of Swan Lake. Gradually, sagebrush had begun to replace some of the grass, and elk moved among them, browsing. She and Will had ridden up through reddish cliffs, with rocks tumbled down near the edge of the road, then out onto the planks of the Golden Gate bridge.
“Lieutenant Kingman’s pride and joy,” Kate had said as she caught Will peering over the rail of the trestle to the river far below. “You should have heard the noise when he used explosives. Sometimes I thought you could feel them even at the Geyser Gateway.”
Will raised his head, face slightly green, as the planks creaked beneath them.
When he remained silent as they started up the final leg, she pressed the issue. “Concerned about your men?”
He seemed to gather his thoughts from a distance. “No. Most are clearing the wreckage of Elijah’s stage off the road, with the help of some of the Old Faithful detachment.”
“I’m just glad Elijah made it through the night without having to send Danny for aid,” she told him. “He groaned as he came down the stairs for breakfast. I made him promise not to ride out to help with the work.”
“He shouldn’t have much to do at the inn either,” Will said. “I left Private Smith in charge of patrolling, with firm instructions not to spend the entire time lounging on the porch.”
Kate had smiled. “You should have warned Alberta too. I think she’s taken a shine to Private Smith.”
He had nodded, but his lips had compressed as if he refused to say more on the matter.
Now he directed her to the old Norris blockhouse, where Captain Harris had set up his offices. The whitewashed building stood on a rise overlooking the area, with a two-story center, slanted short wings on either side, and a three-story gun turret at the rear. A private who didn’t look as if he’d started shaving yet came to see to their horses and saddlebags.
“Take Mrs. Tremaine’s bags to the guest quarters,” Will told the pimple-faced youth.
“No,” Kate said before the private could move. She nodded to the massive hotel across from them. “I want to stay there.”
Will leaned closer to her and lowered his voice. “Do you think that’s a good idea? I know you want to compare the competition, but I don’t trust them. The Yellowstone Park Association also offered to buy you out. You could be spending the night in the lion’s den.”
“Then I will emerge unscathed, like Daniel,” Kate promised him.
He regarded her a moment, mossy eyes as unfathomable as one of Yellowstone’s hot pools. Then he nodded and straightened.
“Very well, Private,” he said. “Take Mrs. Tremaine’s things to the National Hotel and secure her a room.”
“Sir, ma’am.” He led the horses down the hill toward the stables.
Will and Kate entered the building.
Captain Harris’s office was on the second floor. The poor fellow’s desk was a couple of planks across sawhorses, but he had managed to cover it with maps, building plans, and lengthy lists. He rose from behind the pile at the sight of her. She’d met him on his first tour of the park when he and his troop had arrived last month. His sandy hair never seemed to muss or his uniform to lose its press, despite the challenges of Yellowstone.
“Mrs. Tremaine,” he said with a nod. “A pleasure to see you again, but I believe I know the reason. I understand there’s been an issue with your supplies.” He waved her toward one of the two chairs on the other side of the desk.
“I’m very glad to hear you acknowledge their ownership,” Kate said, refusing to sit and thus keeping Harris on his feet as well for propriety’s sake. “I paid for them. I expect them to be delivered immediately.”
His look never wavered. “You would have to take that up with the freighting company. The Army cannot involve itself in civilian matters unless they directly relate to the management of the park.”
Beside her, Will shifted just enough that his hand brushed hers. She glanced at him, and his head inched back and forth. Warning her. As the most senior officer in the park, and head of his troop, Captain Harris was likely unused to people arguing. And it was easier to catch flies with honey than with vinegar.
Kate offered the commanding officer a smile. “I understand. And I do appreciate your efforts. Your men have been stalwart champions in protecting the land and its resources. I commend you on your leadership.”
He inclined his head. “Thank you, Mrs. Tremaine.”
Will relaxed beside her, but she couldn’t leave it at that. Too much was at stake.
“I assume you mean to feed your men,” she said.
Captain Harris blinked, and she thought she heard Will sigh.
“A savvy general once said an army travels on its stomach,” the captain acknowledged.
“Then you intend to send additional supplies for Lieutenant Prescott and his men to overwinter.”
“Certainly.” He frowned at Will as if he wasn’t sure why she was asking. Will
