Redemption's Edge by Shirleen Davies Page A

social life, and never wondered if he courted other women. It appeared he did. She glanced once more over her shoulder and into the livery as King escorted her toward the Western Union office a few steps away.
    “Father, do you mind if I wait outside while you send your telegrams? It’s such a nice day.”
    “Of course, Abby. Just stay close. I won’t be long.” The minute the door closed, Abby retraced her steps to the livery. She felt her resolve falter as she got closer and noticed Noah look up, locking his gaze on hers.
    Noah straightened, wiping his blackened hands on his pants, then shoving them in his pockets. “Good afternoon, Miss Abigail.”
    She made a slight nod. “Hello, Mr. Brandt.” Abby looked around the large structure. It sat back a few feet from the main street, the forge placed near the middle and stables in the rear. “Appears you have quite a bit of work.”
    Noah knew his interest in the young woman was foolish. King Tolbert would never allow his daughter to be courted by someone like him—a broken down ex-solider. Still, he couldn’t tear his eyes away from Abby whenever she visited. It was enough to be near her, talk to her once in a while. At least, that’s what he told himself.
    “Yes, ma’am. I seem to keep busy.”
    She stood a moment, unsure of what else to say. Thankfully, Noah broke the silence. “When do you return to Philadelphia?”
    “Oh, I haven’t had a chance to tell you. My father has agreed I won’t be going back. I’m staying here to help him with the house.” She cleared her throat and glanced at Noah in a conspiratorial way. “He doesn’t know I learned how to keep the books while back east. My hope is he’ll allow me to help with ranch business.” Her slight blush at confiding something quite important to her touched Noah.
    “I’m sure you’ll do fine at whatever you do, Miss Abigail.”
    “Abby? What are you doing?” Her father’s rough voice startled her and she turned abruptly to see his face harden at seeing her with the blacksmith.
    “I had a question for Mr. Brandt. Daisy has developed a slight limp and I thought he might know of something I could use to wrap her leg.” She cast a worried glance at Noah.
    “Like I said, Miss Abigail, sometimes warm compresses do the trick. If you find comfrey, mash it and include it in the wrap.” His eyes wrinkled at the corners in amusement and his mouth quirked into a small smile.
    “Thank you so much, Mr. Brandt.” She bit her lower lip, then turned back to her father. “Are you ready?”
    King eyed her, looking for signs of any untruth, but found none. He held out his arm to his daughter. “Yes. I still need to stop by the bank.” He looked toward Noah. “Mr. Brandt.”
    “Good day, Mr. Tolbert.”

    “That’s all of them, Ellis.” Bull reined in his horse next to the other cowhand. “I’ll take drag if you and Rude want to ride toward the front. The others can spread out in between.”
    “Wish we had a few more men. At least we don’t have to drive them too far.” Ellis secured his hat and rode to the front of the herd.
    Bull looked around. He’d felt a prickling sensation along his neck a couple of times. He always heeded the warnings his body sent out, knowing from his past that to ignore them was a mistake. Ellis had settled into a spot on the left side of the herd, while Rude rode on the right. Bull’s head snapped up at what seemed to be a flash of light coming from a nearby ridge. He rubbed the dust out of his eyes, blinked a few times, and tried to focus. Seeing nothing, he let his gaze roam across the moving cattle, keeping track of the other men.
    A series of loud cracks sounded from overhead, sending the cattle into a full run. Rude, Ellis, and the other men tried to turn them into each other to slow their progress. Bull kicked his horse, riding full speed to catch Rude and help him reverse the herd’s course. Ellis had reined up and circled around toward the others, firing