He lowered his head to meet her gaze. “I’m not the one putting him in danger. You are. If you’re smart, you’ll take the money and go.”
She could hardly breathe. “Get off my land.”
He straightened with a smirk. “It’s not your land, is it? This is government property. You have a lease, and a short one at that. How much money do you think this place will be worth when the Department of the Interior refuses to renew?”
“Alberta!” Kate shouted. “Bring me my rifle!”
“Is there a problem, Mrs. Tremaine?”
Will’s rough voice had never sounded dearer. The men in front of her turned, hands on their guns, and she saw him on Bess, rifle in his arms. Private Smith rode beside him.
The taller man held up both hands. “No problem, Lieutenant. We were just leaving.” He glanced back at Kate. “I hope you take my advice, Mrs. Tremaine.”
“Never,” Kate spat out.
With a grim smile, he and his companion descended the steps to unhitch their horses under Will’s sharp gaze.
“I’ll see you up the road,” he told them. “The terrain is trickier than it looks. We wouldn’t want you getting lost on your way out of the park. Smith, stay with Mrs. Tremaine.”
Rifle in his grip, he directed Bess with his knees and followed them from the yard.
“Are you all right, Mrs. Tremaine?” Private Smith asked solicitously. “Perhaps a piece of Alberta’s excellent pie is called for.”
That made her smile. “Yes, Private. By all means, ask Alberta for pie. I’ll be here, keeping an eye out for Will.”
Hired guns, in the park. Who would have thought it possible? All Will knew was that he never wanted to see such a look on Kate’s face again—half defiance, half terror.
“Just what did you advise Mrs. Tremaine?” he asked as he herded the two men north toward the Fire Hole area, rifle at the ready.
“The Virginia City Outfitters made her a fair offer to buy her lease,” the taller tossed back over his shoulder. “Not our fault she refused to listen to reason.”
Will spurred Bess and passed them, then wheeled his horse to confront them, forcing them to rein in. “You tell your employer that Mrs. Tremaine has the trust and admiration of the US Cavalry. You threaten her at your peril.”
It was a bluff. He had no authority to bring in the cavalry, even though each of his men would likely have stood by Kate.
The taller man knocked one finger to the brim of his hat. “Appreciate the warning, Lieutenant. You might carry a similar one to the lady. The Virginia City Outfitters don’t take kindly to refusal. She’d be wiser to leave while she can.”
“So would you,” Will said. “If I see you around these parts again, I’ll arrest you for squatting. Ride north, and don’t look back.”
“Lieutenant.”
Will directed Bess out of their way and watched until they disappeared among the pines. Then he stayed where he was for another quarter hour to make sure they didn’t double back.
He found Kate, Alberta, and Smith on the porch when he returned. An empty plate and fork in his lap, Smith had his pistol drawn, Kate had her rifle in her arms, and Alberta cradled a cast iron fry pan as if she knew how to use it for other than cooking.
“Are they gone?” Kate demanded.
“For now.” Will swung down and hitched Bess. “Is it true? The Virginia City Outfitters made you another offer?”
She leaned back as if to distance herself from the very idea. “A ridiculous offer. I refused it like I refused the others.”
“Bullies and louts,” Alberta pronounced, gripping her pan tighter.
“I’ll send word to Captain Harris,” Will said, climbing the steps. “He needs to know there may be hired guns in the park.”
“Thank you.” Kate drew a deep breath. “And thank you, Alberta and Private Smith, for keeping watch with me. I should let you get back to your duties.”
“I have more pies to bake,” Alberta said, rising. She nodded to Will and Smith, who stood as well. “I expect you both for a piece later.”
Will joined his private in saluting her. “Ma’am.”
Kate climbed to her feet as Alberta headed into the inn. “I should check on Elijah and Danny.”
“Give me a moment, then I’ll join you,” Will said. She nodded and headed for the barn.
Will turned to Smith.
“Mrs. Tremaine was threatened, and you sit eating pie.”
Smith patted the holster at his side. “With pistol at the ready.”
Will drew in a breath. “Smith, you try my patience.”
“The feeling is mutual,” his private said with a sorrowful sigh.
He would not allow the fellow to make him lose his temper. “Walk the geyser field.”
“With all due respect, Lieutenant, there’s no need. The last of the guests left. Might I suggest I could be put to better use?”
“Doing what?” Will asked, eyes narrowing.
“Surveying the hotel interior,” Smith said. “Developing a plan for our winter accommodations.”
“Making sure you get the best bed,” Will guessed.
“See how well you know me?” Smith asked with a smile.
“But I don’t know you,” Will told him. “You served on a riverboat, you know something about fine manners, and you have trouble with cards.”
“Oh, I have no trouble with cards,” Smith corrected him. “It’s the people holding the cards who trouble me.” He tilted to one side and peered around Will toward the barn as if making sure no one else was in hearing distance. Then he straightened and met Will’s gaze.
“I’m the last of a long line of gamblers, Lieutenant. I plied my trade between New Orleans and Memphis. I wore fine suits, smoked the best cigars. I never seemed to lose, even when it was in my best interest. I played against the owner of a riverboat and won, but he wasn’t inclined to give me the boat he’d bet.”
“Imagine that,” Will drawled.
“Not a gentleman,” Smith agreed. “Worse, he offered five hundred dollars to anyone who would bring him my head, not necessarily attached to my body. He seemed to think I’d cheated.”
Will
