Free Redemption's Edge by Shirleen Davies Page A

on.”
    King listened to Drake’s comments, not sure he bought into them. He felt certain once they learned the true potential of the land, they might make the decision to stay and build up the ranch. It would be, in King’s mind, an unwise decision if that’s what they did. He wouldn’t tolerate anyone else taking more land from him or keeping what he felt should rightfully be his. They weren’t ranchers—hell, from what he’d learned, they didn’t know the first thing about the cattle business.
    “How many men are they after?”
    “Don’t know for certain. My guess is at least a half-dozen.”
    King thought about the number, which would bring them up to about the same number of men as him. It made a statement. They were willing to fight for the ranch, and that was unwelcome news. Tolbert stood and walked to the window, pulling back the curtain to look out at the distant mountains.
    “When are they bringing in the cattle?”
    “Today.”
    King narrowed his eyes at Drake. “Get the men out there, scatter the herd, and don’t let them get close to the inner pastures. No gunfire. And don’t let them see your faces. I don’t want them tying it back to us.” His goal wasn’t to kill, only to show the Pelletier brothers the true nature of ranching and discourage them from staying. When they give up, he’d be ready to buy them out.
    “And if they get in our way?”
    “No killing, Drake. Scare them. If you have to fire, aim into the air. I don’t want anyone shot. Do you understand?”
    “Sure, boss.” Drake’s heavy footsteps echoed in the hall as he left. King could hear the front door close and knew the man wasn’t happy about the last instruction.
    He looked up at the soft knock on his office door and guessed it to be his daughter, Abigail.
    “Come in.”
    “Good morning, Father.” Her soft voice and quiet ways always tugged at her father’s heart. “I thought I heard you in here.”
    King watched Abby close the door. She’d always been the exact image of her mother. Beautiful, deep red hair, creamy complexion with a sprinkling of freckles across her nose, and a smile like the morning sun. She reached up and placed a kiss on her father’s cheek.
    “Drake had some things to talk over with me. What are your plans?” He noticed her eyebrows arch at his question.
    “You didn’t forget about taking me to town today, did you?”
    He had, and felt a pang of guilt, but that was easy to correct. “Of course not. When will you be ready?”
    King watched her eyes light up. “Now, if it suits you.”
    “Get what you need and I’ll have someone ready the buggy.”
    As she rushed out of the room, he wished life could be different for the young woman. Her mother had passed away a few years after Abby’s birth. He’d just started building the ranch and the time he could spend with his daughter had been slight. She’d attended boarding school and finishing school in Philadelphia, surrounded by other girls from well-to-do families. Abby returned to Montana before Christmas, asking him to allow her to stay. He’d agreed. The time had come for her to be courted, yet the possibilities were few in this remote area.
    King couldn’t worry about the quality of her suitors now. He had more pressing matters, such as the land he coveted, which rested in the hands of two ex-Confederate soldiers. He walked outside and called for one of the hands to prepare the buggy.
    “I’m ready, Father.”
    The cowhand who’d harnessed the rig helped Abby onto the seat. King watched as the man’s eyes roamed over his daughter, making him reconsider his previous thought. Perhaps he’d need to make time to identify someone suitable for his daughter sooner rather than later. He had many ties in the territorial capital of Big Pine. Perhaps he’d look there.
    King slapped the reins, deciding to give both his daughter and his troubles with the Pelletiers more thought.

    “That’s five men.” Luke and Dax sat at the