Independent Brake (The Dominion Falls Series) Read online

  “Then you are the one that needs company, not me. I had that once.”

  “She’s been gone nine years. You must get lonely.”

  “No man is lonely in this town ‘less he wants to be.”

  “Whores aren’t company. They’re sexual release.”

  “Woman like you shouldn’t be talking like that.”

  “And yet, here I am.” Kat grinned and leaned on the counter. “That’s what Cole is for me, and I for him. Perhaps we’ll be friends, but that has yet to happen. Please, Norman. I would love if you’d join me for supper.”

  “No.” He turned and went back to his work. The click of the telegraph filled the office in his silence.

  “If you change your mind, I’ll be at Turner’s. Good afternoon, Norman.”

  * * * *

  Kat stepped onto the porch of the saloon with every intention of walking right past, but as Cole stood there, she went ahead and made a detour. “Good morning.”

  “Mornin’.” He didn’t turn from his stance of watching the passersby. Somehow, the area in front of his saloon was always free of the carts that lined every other inch of the streets, even in front of the Silver Saddle.

  She leaned on the hitching post next to him. “Saw you working the horses this morning. That paint is giving you fits.”

  “He’ll break, they all do.”

  “You’re awful sure of yourself.” At that moment, Dr. Pearson and her husband walked past. Kat nodded to them both before continuing, “In many things. Some that perhaps you shouldn’t be.”

  “I know what I’m good at.” His lips curved up in a sexy smirk. “I’m also usually right. I was right about you.”

  “Dr. Pearson is no me. I had lunch with her the other day, you know. She’s rather in love with her husband and quite good at her job. I see no possible scenario where you could end up right.”

  “It’ll happen. Dunno how, but it will.” He finally turned to glance at her. “Ya here for some fun?”

  “Oooh, after watching you work the horses this morning that is a tempting offer, but I was just passing by. Perhaps later, if you aren’t too busy.”

  “Graham’s workin’ the saloon tonight. I could squeeze in some time.”

  “Then perhaps I’ll swing by.” She winked and pushed off the hitching post. “Until later, then.”

  Cole gave her a nod, but then returned to watching the town. She wondered just what he saw or thought about when he stood there like that for hours. Part of her suspected there might be something deeper there, but she also knew she hadn’t the patience or enough depth of feeling to draw it out.

  Long ago, with Patrick, she’d learned to recognize her limits. Sometimes she failed, but in her impression of Cole, she had little doubt. This man was for pleasure or friendship, not both at once, and certainly not love. As their friendship budded, she knew the pleasure would pass, and she was fine with that.

  Halfway down the street a familiar voice called her name. She turned to find Norman heading her way. Unbidden, a smile crossed her lips. “Good morning, Norman.”

  “Got a telegram for ya.” Norman held out the paper. “Figured you’d wanna see it right away. It’s from your ma.”

  Her hand clenched around the paper and her stomach flipped. Without reading the telegram, she scrunched it in her fist. “You figured wrong, Norman. I don’t wish to see it. Not in the slightest.”

  “Well, someone done told her you were here.”

  “I suppose it was bound to happen.” She tightened her grip on the telegram, but forced her smile back in place. “That was very nice of you to bring it to me, though. I mean, I do go to the office every day you could have given me the telegram then.”

  His weathered features darkened, but he shrugged. “Ya already came by today. I was goin’ to eat anyhow, figured I’d bring it with.”

  “I was on my way to eat as well.” She laced her arm with his even though he didn’t offer. “So now you can finally join me.”

  “Aw, I didn’t say that.”

  “I did.” She pulled him along with her. “We’re both eating, it just makes sense to not eat alone, don’t you think?”

  “I suppose.”

  “I thought you’d see it my way.” She led him up the steps to Turners and into a seat. Once they’d ordered, she leaned on the table. “So, Norman. Tell me about yourself.”

  “Ain’t nothin’ to tell.” He sipped his coffee and scanned the room.

  “I doubt that. Where are you from?”

  “Missouri.”

  She clenched her jaw and pondered how to break his tightlipped nature. “Missouri, what part?”

  “Minnesota.”

  “What?” Kat’s confusion dissolved into laughter when she caught a hint of a grin on Norman’s face. “Care to explain?”

  “Missouri was just becomin’ a state ‘round the time I was born. I was born in the Minnesota part of the Missouri Territory. Don’t rightly remember where, there weren’t no big towns near. Pa was a trapper.”

  “Really? So your family was isolated?” She wondered what that was like. For all her life she’d been surrounded by people.

  “For a time.” Norman finished off his coffee, holding it out for more when their food was brought to the table. Once his cup was refilled, he took another sip. “Pa got killed by Injuns when I was ‘bout five, I think. Ma high-tailed it outta there with me right quick. Went back to Ohio with her family. I came back west soon as I was of age.”

  “Why?”

  “I didn’t like Ohio none, or my ma’s family. I stopped soon as Indiana for a time to earn some more money. Thought I’d get enough to start a business in a new town. Worked in a cooper shop in Indianapolis.”

  “That’s where you met Elizabeth, isn’t it? I remember mother saying she came from there, and that she was a fine woman.”

  “Betsy was the best.” Norman nodded in agreement. “Always real delicate, though. She had a weak heart. That’s what killed her.”

  “I remember.” Kat lowered her head in respect for his late wife. “She was always real nice, though. Gave me candies whenever I came in with mother.”

  “She had a soft spot for the kids. We never could have any of our own.”

  “You wanted children?” She smiled, doing her best not to laugh. “You always yelled at us children when we ran through.”

  “Ya were a brat. Spoiled.”

  “I suppose that’s true.”

  “Still are.”

  “I would have to protest. I am a brat, but I am no longer spoiled. I worked for my money and I have done well to keep it and grow it. My friend Patrick is skilled with money, and taught me a lot.”

  “So why’d ya come back? Ya clearly don’t wanna see your ma again, and I ‘spect ya will if ya hang around much longer.”

  “I suspect as much myself, but I no longer care. I wanted to come home. As much as I like my life, I missed Dominion Falls.” She pushed the food around her plate, no longer quite so hungry. “I’ve lived in a city, I’ve travelled the country, I thought I might try settling down.”

  “Gettin’ a husband?”

  “Oh, heavens no.”

  “Why not?”

  “I don’t care for marriage. I’ve seen it ruin lives. Perhaps one day if I found love I might consider it, but I haven’t been so lucky.”

  “Marriage ain’t so bad.” Norman finished off his tea and cleared the rest of his plate. “I should get back to work.”

  “Wait.” Kat patted the table when he half-rose, and smiled when he took his seat again. “I’ve been enjoying our meal. Don’t leave yet.”

  “I got work to do.”

  “I know.” She pondered a moment. “Will you join me for supper tomorrow?”

  “Why?”

  “I’m not sure. I like you, Norman. I just like having company for my meals.”

  “I suppose.” He rose before she could say more, and left the store.

  Kat pursed her lips and pondered her desire to learn m
ore about the curmudgeonly old man. Perhaps she should ask Patrick, but if she sent a telegram, Norman would know what she was doing.

  She slipped away from the table and hopped up the stairs to write a letter quick as she could. The mail would be along later that day if it kept to schedule, and she wanted to make sure her letter was on it to get a reply soon as possible.

  * * * *

  My dearest Kat,

  Well, you’ve certainly found yourself on an adventure. I’m afraid I can offer little help as to the why’s of your draw to this older gentleman, but if we have learned anything, it is to not fight what our souls tell us to do.

  Your Bess has flourished since her recovery and I have made arrangements to send her on to Chicago to the “lady” that helped you learn your trade. There she will find true anonymity and a skill to keep her away from such a man again. I only hope she learns to live as you did in the city we called home.

  As for your gentleman, continue your friendly exchange. You have never liked a lonely soul, not even your own. If it helps ease your loneliness, then I cannot deride it.

  And as I’m sure you’d wish to know. Pearl has moved into the home I helped her find. It’s a wonderful, private, place some distance from the city. She is rather skilled at gardening and enjoys living in the quiet. I enjoy visiting when I can.

  When you have time, tell me more about the rake you’ve been spending time with. He sounds like a scoundrel, one I would enjoy meeting. I do enjoy meeting another of my kind from time to time, even the rougher sorts.

  Be well, my dear. I hope you will visit again soon.

  Follow your soul, and your instincts. They have yet to prove you wrong.

  All my love,

  Patrick

  Kat folded the letter and returned it to its envelope, and then into her trunk. In the month since her letter had been sent, she’d done as Patrick had gone on to suggest. All along she’d known what he’d say; she imagined she’d sent the letter to expel the confusion of her own thoughts on the matter.

  Spending more time had not eased her confusion, though. All she’d done is add to it. Turned out, she found Norman to be a dear man under his gruff exterior, and the life he’d led before he wound up in Dominion Falls was always fun to hear about.

  She feared her heart was getting caught up in the mix, and that would do her no good in the end. Still, she met with him for supper or lunch several times a week. Plus her daily trips to the telegraph office for her regular exchanges with Patrick were lasting longer every time.

  With a sigh, she left her room to head toward the saloon. This time around, she was not taking advantage of the ever-intense bedding of Cole. No, she’d asked him to teach her poker. Living in the city had left her rarely without something to do, but now that she was back home, she was itching for new ways to occupy her time.

  Without a home of her own to keep or a job, she had too much free time. If she didn’t figure out something to do with her time she was likely to become an idle gossip, and she certainly didn’t want that.

  Cole’s voice interrupted her musing. “You’re late.”

  “And you’re drunk.”

  “Not drunk. Drinkin’.” Cole winked and tipped back his glass of whiskey. “Sit, I got some of that confounded brandy for ya, and you’re gonna drink it.”

  “Aren’t you grumpy today?” Kat took a seat and poured herself a glass of brandy. “What crawled up your britches?”

  “Damn Graham.” After he poured another glass for himself, Cole set about shuffling the cards. “Now, to play poker—”

  “What did Graham do?” Kat asked at the same time as he launched into his explanation. She grinned. “Oh, sorry. You were going to explain poker. Do you have some paper I can take notes on?”

  “Think ya can’t remember?”

  “I’d rather be safe than sorry. Especially playing with sharp like yourself, I’d like to hedge my bets.”

  “Iris, get’er the pad Graham keeps back there.” He resumed shuffling while the whore brought Kat the pad. Once Iris was lounging at a nearby table in an unseemly position, glaring at Kat, Cole started dealing.

  Kat ignored the whore and focused on Cole’s explanation of the game. The man didn’t bother to speak slowly, so she wrote down the relevant points quick as possible until they were able to actually sit back and begin a true hand.

  Though she felt she caught on quickly, Cole only laughed at her inability to bluff. She tried to restrain her features and managed to make it through a whole hand without him laughing at her. Once they settled into a good game, she glanced at her sheet to check her hand against the list to make sure she remembered how good a royal flush was.

  “So what’s the deal with you and the old man?”

  Kat blinked and did a double take. The question came out of the blue, and while she wasn’t offended by it, she didn’t feel it was a topic for them as lovers. Even worse, the whore now leaned forward eagerly in her chair, ripe for gossip. Kat pursed her lips and tossed shook her head.

  “Aww, don’t wanna talk about it?”

  “I prefer to discuss personal matters with friends.” After another pointed glance toward Iris, Kat tossed another coin on the table to raise the bet.

  Cole flicked his hand toward the door and whistled at Iris. “Get on out there and stir up some business. Go on, get.”

  Iris planted her feet on the floor and rose. She glared at Kat, then spun toward the door. The whore flounced out the door, grumbling under her breath the whole way.

  “So spill.”

  “There’s nothing to spill. I’m afraid you offended your favorite whore over nothing.” Kat leaned back in her seat and grinned.

  “She ain’t my favorite. Just acts like she is ‘cause she’s been here longest. I don’t believe ya. Ya been leadin’ around Norman on a leash lately.”

  “I am doing no such thing!” She narrowed her eyes when he chuckled. “I have enjoyed some meals with him, and a few walks. You know, he’s rather interesting when you take the time to get to know him.”

  “He’s old.”

  “So?” She turned her cards down when Cole finally met her bet. “Royal flush.”

  “Damn. Shouldn’ta taught ya.”

  “I know you hate losing, but it’s one game. I’m sure there’s time to make your money back. Let’s go again.”

  “I just don’t get it.”

  “You don’t have to.” Kat sighed when he continued shuffling rather than deal. “I enjoy his company. Turns out Norman has led an interesting life when you take a moment to hear it—and I mean hear it, not pour him drinks to shut him up.”

  “I don’t.”

  “You do.”

  He shrugged.

  “I hate to break it to you.”

  “What?”

  “By having this conversation, teaching me cards, we’re tipping the scale toward friends. We may have to cease our scandalous activities if this keeps up. I don’t mix friendship with sex.”

  “Damn. Shoulda kept my mouth shut.”

  “Told you so.”

  * * * *

  Kat breezed into the telegraph office. “Good morning, Norman.”

  “Mornin’, Kat.” Over the course of the past few weeks, Norman’s customary gruff greetings had warmed. “How are ya today?”

  “I’m marvelous. How about yourself? Did my telegram come?”

  “Like clockwork. Soon as I opened. Does this Patrick not have a job or nothin’?” Norman frowned at the telegram as he pushed it over the counter.

  “Of course he does. I’m certain he writes it before he leaves and has Loren send it soon as you open. He does have a telegraph in his house.”

  “Fancy Nancy.”

  “Norman,” Kat chided. “He is my friend, and a good one.”

  “Like Cole?”

  “No. Cole just started being my friend. Before that we were merely coupling. Now we’re becoming friends, and the sex will cease soon enough.”

  He grunted and turned
away.

  Rather than try to comprehend the meaning behind his grunt, Kat turned her attention to the wire in her hand. As usual, Patrick had little to report. After all, they now wired almost daily. She suspected he was rather bored and lonely now that Pearl had gone to Indiana to visit the one sister she still spoke to.

  Once she’d written a quick reply and set the coins on the counter, she tapped Norman’s shoulder. “I guess that’ll be all.”

  “What’re ya off doin’ today?”

  “I hadn’t any plans set.”

  “I got somethin’ I wanna show ya.”

  Kat couldn’t conceal her shock at the statement, and had to physically make her mouth close. She blinked rapidly and shook her head. “What? I mean, certainly. What is it?”

  “We gotta walk. That’s if’n ya don’t mind.”

  “No. I don’t mind at all. What about the office?”

  Norman tapped the knob on the telegraph key in rapid, distinct clicks. When he straightened, he gave her a short nod and indicated to the door. “It’s taken care of.”

  “Well, then.” Kat took his offered arm. Butterflies sprang to life in her stomach, fluttering and flipping around with nervous anticipation. For the first time she hadn’t initiated their interaction. Perhaps Norman was softening to her after all.

  Norman, never one for chatter, didn’t say much as he led her away from town. They walked down the road that led to the outer settlements, only pausing so they could both stand where the railroad tracks would pass and look toward the mountains where they’d come through eventually.

  They hadn’t gone quite a quarter of a mile before the small homestead came into view. She remembered the homestead being half-finished, devoid of life, before she’d left Dominion Falls. She couldn’t even remember who’d been building it then, but she had noticed when she moved back that it had come to life, although it still seemed to be without an occupant.

  Someone had finished the home finally, and painted it a cheery yellow. Though the homestead was empty, chair perched on the small porch, just waiting for occupants. She could picture the flower boxes on the window full of life, along with the house.