T
he ride to town was quiet. The men talked softly to each other, Caroline read a book, and even Garrett silenced his usual chatter and crawled into the back and lay down next to Buffer.
By the time they reached the town, Jed had two hours remaining before his train was due to arrive. He agreed to meet the others for lunch in thirty minutes and departed in search of Vincent Calhoun’s office.
A shiny brass-trimmed sign indicated he’d located the attorney, and the gray-headed man seated behind a massive oak desk glanced up when he entered.
“Good day, sir, I’m looking for Vincent Calhoun,” Jed said.
“You’ve found him.” The man rested his lit cigar in an ashtray and rose to his feet. Portly and short, Calhoun appeared to be in his sixties. He reached across the desk and offered his hand. “What can I do for you, stranger?”
“Mr. Calhoun, my name is Jed Fraser,”
They shook hands, and the attorney indicated for Jed to sit down.
“Fraser. Sounds familiar. Where are you from, Mr. Fraser?”
“Virginia.”
“Hmmm, there’s a passel of Virginian Frasers up at the end of the valley. Wine growers, I’m told. You related to them, Mr. Fraser?”
“I’m proud to say that I am, Mr. Calhoun.”
“Seems a lot of you Virginians have come West. We’ve got a couple more right here. If we get many more of you, we’ll soon have to change the name of the state to West Virginia. Oops, there’s one of those already.” He chuckled at his own joke.
When Jed failed to be amused, Calhoun cleared his throat. “So what brings you to Napa, Mr. Fraser? You figure on settling here?”
“I’m here as a guest of my former captain, Nathan Collins.”
“Zat so.” His leery gaze swept Jed. “I’m well acquainted with the family.”
“So I’ve been told.”
“Are you Nathan’s attorney, Mr. Fraser?”
“No, I’m just looking out for their welfare. I have a few questions regarding this railroad transaction.”
“I’m sorry, but if you’re not their legal representative, Mr. Fraser, I’m not at liberty to discuss their private affairs with you.” He shifted his gaze to the door. “Sorry I can’t be of any further help. I’m sure you can see your way out.”
“I intend to do so, Mr. Calhoun, as soon as you show me that you’re authorized to represent the railroad.”
“I would be glad to, Mr. Fraser, but since there’s no mortgage or lien against the property, you apparently have no financial investment, either.
“As I said I’m just a family friend.”
Calhoun studied him intently, then asked, “On second thought, maybe you do, Mr. Fraser?” After another long inspection, Calhoun nodded. “Yes, I think I see. Possibly a physical one, Mr. Fraser.
“What do you want, Mr. Fraser?”
“Yesterday the Collinses had a serious accident, and Garrett was almost killed. I’m here to suggest it better not happen again.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Calhoun leaned forward, his eyes as cold as steel. “Are you threatening me, Mr. Fraser?”
Jed rose to his feet. “If any more
accidents
occur to any member of that family, I assure you that you’ll suffer the consequences. In the meantime, I’m advising the railroad of the tactics you’re using to acquire that property on their behalf. I’m sure they don’t want their reputation blemished by an unscrupulous shyster.”
Calhoun burst into laughter. “Blemish their reputation! When was the last time you read a newspaper, Mr. Fraser?”
“I stand by what I said, Calhoun.”
“Strong words for a man who has no dog in the hunt, Fraser.” Calhoun stood up. “Without any proof to back up your allegations, I’ll sue you and the Collins family for every square inch of that property.”
“We have proof to show that the axle of the buggy has been sawn through.”
Calhoun snorted. “What proof is there that
I
had anything to do with it?”
“Captain Collins has a distinguished reputation. I’m sure his word will stand up in any court, as will my own testimony. He informed me of your threat to his daughter and grandson.”
Calhoun laughed again. “Distinguished reputation? A couple of gunrunners during the war? Any judge west of the Mississippi—and most certainly the judges in the California courts—would be happy to see you both hanged for your treason during that war.
“And as for you, sonny, your word ain’t worth spit in the wind. You tell Nathan Collins that I’ve withdrawn the railroad’s offer. I’m gonna buy his property myself. I’ll give him ten cents an acre, and he’d be wise to take it and clear out of here while he has the chance, or he’ll be leaving in a pine box. Now get the hell out of my office, or I’ll have the sheriff haul your Rebel ass out of here.”
“Court or no court, I don’t back down from Yankee carpetbaggers. So save your breath for someone who’ll swallow your bull.”
Jed paused at the doorway. “And if anything happens again to one member of that family, I will settle with you personally.”
The moment Jed entered the restaurant, Caroline sensed the news wasn’t good. Funny how in such a short time she had grown to recognize some of his body language. Could he do the same with hers?
His handsomeness and carriage were obvious, but what she found even more attractive was his aura of confidence. At first she had mistaken it for arrogance, but she’d realized it wasn’t cockiness at all, but his positive attitude about life.
If only he wasn’t a Fraser. She sighed and forced the thought from her mind as he ruffled Garrett’s hair and sat down next to her son. Jed genuinely liked Garrett; that was clear. And there was no question that Garrett worshipped the ground the man walked on. Another complication in her already muddled life.
“What luck did you have with Calhoun?” Nathan asked.
“Not good, sir. Matter of fact, I may have exacerbated the situation.”
“In what way?”
“In the beginning Calhoun denied any connection with the buggy incident, but by the time we finished, he was threatening you’d leave here in a pine box and told me to tell you he’s withdrawing the railroad’s offer and will pay you ten cents an acre—like it or not.”
“That blunderbuss! Who does he think he is?”
“A very dangerous man, Captain Collins. I think you should take his threats seriously.”
“Are you suggesting I sell out, man? That’s practically stealing the land. I have no intention of selling, no matter what the snake would offer.”
“I think he’s very aware of that, sir. That’s when he interjected the pine box into the conversation.”
“What are you going to do?” Caroline asked.
Nathan slammed his fist on the table. “Not bow to his threats; that’s for certain.”
“Mama, what did Mr. Calhoun mean when he said Granddad would leave in a pine box?” Garrett asked.
“It’s just an expression, sweetheart. Have you decided what you want for lunch?” She glanced helplessly at Jed. “I think we should order. You have a train to catch.”
“You just don’t want me to know what you’re talking about,” Garrett said.
Nathan chuckled. “You’re a smart lad, my boy. You do your old granddad proud.”
“You ain’t so old, Granddad. Bet you could beat the tar out of that Mr. Calhoun if you wanted to.”
“Garrett, that’s no way to talk,” Caroline said.
“Well he
could
, Mama.”
“Your mother’s referring to the word
ain’t
, Garrett. It’s improper.” Jed winked at her.
“And you know your mother don’t like no improper grammar,” Nathan teased with a twinkle in his eye. “Ain’t that right, honey?”
Caroline sighed in exasperation. “How can you two grown men make light of this situation? We have a serious problem.”
Garrett’s eyes rounded in astonishment. “Just ’cause I said
ain’t
?”
Try as she might, Caroline couldn’t keep a straight face when the men started laughing. Garrett looked perplexed as he glanced around the table, then he added his boyish laughter to theirs.
Their laughter was a momentary release to their tension, but once it ceased, Caroline’s thoughts returned to the seriousness of the situation they faced. What chance did the three of them have against the power of Vincent Calhoun? Could a man’s greed for wealth threaten their well-being? Was a piece of property worth jeopardizing the lives of the two people she cherished more than anything on earth?
When she looked across the table at Jed, his gaze was on her. She didn’t have to be told that he had no intention of deserting them. But he was only one man.
She picked up the menu. “Shall we order?”
As they lingered over coffee, Nathan reminded Jed it would soon be time for his train to arrive.
“I know I can’t be of much help, sir, but if you have no objection, I’d like to hang around for a while longer.”
“Jed, this isn’t your fight,” Nathan said.
“I made it my fight when I spoke to Calhoun.” He glanced at Caroline. “Do you have any objections if I remain?”
Of course she objected; she wanted him out of their lives. But at the same time, she welcomed his protection. They had no one else to turn to.
“Only the same as my father’s, Jed. There’s no reason you should put yourself at risk for our sake.”
“I can think of three good ones,” Jed said.
“What are they?” Garrett asked innocently.
Jed smiled. “They’re all seated at this table, Garrett.”
“Can he stay, Mama?”
“That decision is between your grandfather and Mr. Fraser, honey.”
The boy looked hopefully at his grandfather. “Can he, Granddad?”
Nathan grinned. “He’s too big a fellow for me to wrestle, son.”
“Yippee!” Garrett swung his glance to Jed. “I’m sure glad you’re staying, ’cause I like you a lot.”
“I feel the same about you, pal. But I don’t think your dog will welcome the news.”
“Oh, don’t worry about Buffer. He just don’t like having strangers around.
“He
doesn’t
like strangers,” Caroline corrected.
“See, Mama agrees. Once he gets to know you, he’ll like you, too. I’m going outside to tell him the good news.” Garrett dashed outside.
Caroline stood, too. “While your presence will be a relief, Jed, be careful you’re not jumping into waters that are over your head.”
“I’m pretty good at testing the waters.”
“The water might be deeper than you think, so be careful you don’t drown, sailor,” she warned.
Jed grinned. “I’m a pretty good swimmer, lady.”
Caroline enjoyed this little sparring between them, but the physical attraction she felt to Jed made it dangerous.
As she reached the doorway, the bright sunlight momentarily blinded her. Suddenly a hard shoulder slammed into her, and only Jed’s body behind hers prevented her from falling.
“Oh, it’s you,” Ben Slatter grumbled. The smell of alcohol was strong on his breath.
“Yes, it’s
me.
And as usual, Ben Slatter, you’re reeking of alcohol,” Caroline said in disgust.
When he started to shove past her, Jed said, “I believe you owe the lady an apology, sir.”
The man stood eye to eye with him, with a withering glare. “Who in hell are you?”
“Name’s Jed Fraser.”
“Is that supposed to mean something to me?”
“Mr. Fraser is a close friend from Virginia, Ben. He served on my father’s ship during the war.”
Slatter snorted. “Yeah, I can see he was a
real
close friend. So he’s the little bastard’s daddy.”
Despite Slatter’s size, Jed grabbed a handful of the man’s shirt, lifted him off his feet, and slammed him against the wall. “The apology, Slatter.”
Slatter’s alcoholic bravado was no match for the fury in Jed’s eyes. “Okay, okay, I’m sorry.”
“Tell that to the lady.” Jed fortified the command with another slam against the wall.
“Excuse me, Caroline,” Slatter grunted.
Jed released him, and the dazed man slumped against the wall.
“The lady accepts your apology, Mr. Slatter.”
“I see you’re still sword rattling, Mr. Fraser.”
Jed swung around to see Vincent Calhoun smiling smugly at him.
“Miss Caroline.” He tipped his hat to her and moved on.
“The more people I encounter in this town, the more I wonder why you want to remain,” Jed grumbled as he adjusted his clothing. “Didn’t you say that you turned down Slatter’s proposal?”
“Yes, and it appears that I’ve made an enemy for life.”
“I wonder if his resentment is enough to drive him to harming you or Garrett.”
“You said Vincent Calhoun admitted to threatening us.”
“He didn’t come right out and admit it, but Calhoun strikes me as the kind who wouldn’t dirty his own hands. He’d use an accomplice to do the dirty work.”
Nathan and Garrett were waiting on the buckboard when they reached it. Jed helped Caroline climb on, then mounted Liberty. As they rode past the railroad station, the conductor shouted, “All aboard.”
“Jed, it’s not too late for you to change your mind. You can still get on that train,” Nathan said.
Jed winked at Caroline. “I prefer the company I’m with right now.”
Garrett giggled. “Even Buffer?”
The dog raised its head and was staring at him intently, as if waiting to hear his reply.
“Well, I guess there’s no utopia, pal.”
“Mama, what does utopia mean?” Garrett asked.
“It’s an imaginary perfect place to live, honey.”
Unable to resist, Jed interjected, “Like Virginia.”
A faint smile curved her lips. “As I said, sweetheart: it’s imaginary.”
Garrett hugged his faithful companion, who was stretched out with his head on his lap. “You know what, Buffer? Sometimes adults sure are hard to understand. I’m glad you and me don’t have that problem.”
With the shrill toot of a whistle and the hiss of clouds of steam, the train slowly puffed out of the station.
Jed glanced back for a final look.
What have you got yourself into this time, Fraser?
L
ater that evening, having tucked Garrett into bed, Caroline sat down at the piano. Playing usually calmed her, but tonight she couldn’t concentrate on the music. The fragrant scent of roses carried into the room and soon drew her to the open door.
The garden was bathed in moonlight, and she stepped outside, leaned back against one of the porch columns, and took a deep breath of the sweet fragrance as she gazed up at the stars, so close she felt she could reach up and pluck one out of the sky.
She found solace in the garden’s sweet-scented serenity. A light breeze dallied with the hair on her temple, and she pulled out the pins that restrained it and shook out her hair. The heavy mass dropped to her shoulders, and she brushed her fingers through its thickness, then raised her face to catch the breeze.
A figure stepped out of the shadows. “Moonlight becomes you, Caroline,” Jed said.
The butterflies that his nearness always awakened began fluttering in her stomach.
“Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?”
The soothing sound seemed to stroke her soul.
She leaned back against the column again. “I was enjoying the night’s tranquility.”
Jed walked over and set his hands against the column, confining her between his arms. His closeness and the desire in his eyes were an irresistible draw. And she had been naïve enough to believe she could fight it. Lord, how she was losing the battle!
“I know how worried you are, Caroline, but I won’t let anything more happen to you or your family.”
She looked directly into his mesmerizing brown eyes. “And what about you? If Calhoun is willing to harm one of us, he certainly won’t have any qualms about doing the same to you.”
He cupped her cheek in the palm of his hand and she closed her eyes, savoring the comfort of his touch. “Don’t worry. I’ve been looking after myself for a long time. Nothing’s going to happen to any of us.”
“Promise, Mr. Fraser?” she asked lightly, trying to ignore the arousal his touch was generating.
“Promise, Miss Caroline,” he whispered tenderly.
For a long moment he gazed deeply into her eyes. Holding her breath, she waited, torn between fear and hope. Then he dropped his hand and kissed her on her forehead, and moved away.
The man was lethal; she had been too tempted to surrender to the comfort he offered. Her whole body was trembling, and she folded her arms across her chest to appear indifferent.
“This whole situation just doesn’t make sense to me,” she said, hoping her voice wouldn’t crack. “Why would Mr. Calhoun want our land? He’s not married and has no heirs. He’s not interested in the mill and has never shown any desire to own property. If he did, there’ve been dozens of opportunities to acquire some in the past. My uncle even offered to sell him part of the south section at one time, and Calhoun wasn’t interested.”
“Obviously he’s had second thoughts since the railroad came into the picture,” Jed said.
“But why? It seems that what he would gain from the railroad easement rights is hardly worth threatening people’s lives for. And certainly not worth the cost of buying the land.”
“Just winning or having power over others is often worth it to some people, Caroline. Does Calhoun hold any local office?”
“He has his fingers in just about everything. Mayor of the town, chairman of the bank’s board of directors, as well as that of the school board. He handles all of the whole county’s legal transactions, and—”
“Hold up a minute. Are you saying he’s the one who issues and files any property deeds for the county?” Jed asked.
“Yes. Why do you ask?”
“Think how easy it would be for him to falsify any such records.”
Caroline paused for a moment. “I suppose so, but I’ve never heard any rumor that he has. As I said, he’s never been interested in being a landowner. Besides, it’s rumored that he’s considering moving to Sacramento to go into politics, possibly running for governor in the next election. So why buy property if he intends to leave?”
Jed thought for a long moment, then snapped his fingers. “That’s it!” He picked her up and swung her around. “Honey, that’s the missing link that ties it all together. Unless I’ve misjudged him completely, he sees this as an opportunity to make a big profit. He’s in a position to falsify any property claims—he’s most likely forged your father’s name on the easement agreement already. He tries to intimidate him into selling out cheaply, and when the time is right, Calhoun will produce that deed, falsely dated, that indicates your father didn’t have legal ownership of the property when he signed the agreement. Then he’ll produce
his
false claim of ownership and increase the easement cost when it’s too late and too expensive for the railroad to pull out. They’ll have no choice but to give him what he wants.”
“How could he possibly get away with it?”
“From what you’ve told me, he sounds sly enough to get away with anything. When his mission is accomplished, he’ll resell the land for twenty times more than what he bought it for. Add it all together, and the result is a very tidy profit for Mr. Vincent Calhoun. As clever as it is crooked.”
“That may be, but he’s incredibly wealthy already. Father heard he struck it big during the Gold Rush of ’49.”
“Which only makes him a big fish in a little pond. It will take a lot of money for an unknown like Calhoun to be elected governor. He knows he’ll have to buy the election, to pay off every crooked ward boss in the state to deliver him the votes.”
“But who would believe us? It’s his word against ours—and he’s the one with the money,” Caroline said.
“Exactly. That’s why I’m hoping you’ll reconsider my suggestion of going to my brother’s home, where you and Garrett will be safe.”
“That would only be a temporary cure, Jed. Without knowing how long this situation will last, it wouldn’t solve the problem because we can’t stay there indefinitely. We need a solution now, so that we don’t have to live in fear.”
Jed nodded. “We need to beat Calhoun to the punch. Knowing you and Garrett are safe would give your father and me the time to go to Sacramento and speak personally to Leland Stanford, the president of the Central Pacific Railroad. It shouldn’t take more than a couple of days.”
“Stanford has a reputation for being crooked and unscrupulous.”
“I know, but your father told me he met Stanford when the man was running for governor and they became quite friendly. And according to my brothers, Stanford’s admired more than he’s condemned. Think of it, Caroline: if it weren’t for visionaries like him, this country wouldn’t have a transcontinental railroad. That accomplishment is so great, people are willing to forgive the methods he used. Maybe once Stanford knows what Calhoun intends, he won’t want to blemish that achievement by having anything to do with a shyster like him.”
“Stanford probably hired Calhoun because he
is
dishonest. Birds of a feather, you know.”
“I still want to at least make the attempt. Since Calhoun’s threats to you and Garrett have failed, I suspect he’ll move quickly to eliminate Nathan to make his plan plausible. Your father’s life is at risk every moment we delay.”
“Then Garrett and I will go to Sacramento with you. We’ll be just as safe there as we would be at your brother’s.”
“You don’t know my brothers. They’re an army unto themselves.”
“Sorry to interrupt you, but I’d like to speak to you in my den, Jed,” Nathan said from the doorway.
“It’s been a busy day,” Caroline said. “Good night.” She kissed Nathan on the cheek and went upstairs.
“Close the door, Jed,” Nathan said, when Jed followed him into the room. “I’ve just made out a new will which I’ll have certified in Sacramento tomorrow.”
“Sir, once we expose Calhoun’s intentions, he wouldn’t dare try to harm you.”
“Regardless, I put a change in my will that relates to you. I’ve made you the executor of the will. As Garrett’s father, I know you can be trusted.”
“Garrett’s father! What are you talking about?”
“Jed, this situation with Calhoun is getting too serious to continue to deny it. If Calhoun carries out his threats, I could end up dead or a pauper. I want to make certain that my daughter and grandson—your son—will be provided for according to the terms of my will.”
“Sir, I swear on my honor that I am not Garrett’s father! I never had any kind of contact with Caroline before you left Virginia.”
“Jed, you’re like a son to me. Why are you denying the obvious?”
Jed couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “What do you consider the obvious, sir?”
“Why, the boy’s a Fraser from head to toe. I can’t believe I didn’t recognize that sooner, but seeing you two together is living proof of it. Same color of hair and eyes. Same nose and jaw. I’m disappointed that you didn’t have the honor to do right by my daughter and your son.”
“Sir, it’s not unusual for people to have similar features. Why, my brothers and I all have the same…Oh, my God, my brothers!”
Nathan appeared similarly shocked. “Could one of your brothers possibly have fathered Garrett?”
Jed jumped to his feet. “There’s one sure way of finding out the truth.”
“Where are you going?”
“To get Caroline.”
“But she refuses to name the father.”
“She will to me,” Jed declared, already out the door.
He scaled the stairs two at a time, went directly to her room, opened the door without pausing to knock, and strode in.
Caroline was sitting up in bed, reading. Startled, she pulled up the sheet to cover her nightdress. “What is it? What happened?” she asked in alarm.
Jed looked at her implacably “Tell me, Caroline. Which one of my brothers is Garrett’s father?”
Caroline had feared Jed would discover the truth every day since his arrival, and the dreaded moment had now arrived.
“How dare you burst into my room without knocking! Please leave at once.”
“Don’t pull that indignant routine with me, lady. Thanks to you, a man I’ve respected for over fifteen years has just accused me of dishonorably fathering your son.”
“I never said you were Garrett’s father!” she protested.
Jed slapped his forehead with the palm of his hand. “Now I see why Calhoun and Slatter made those comments.” He pulled the sheet off her, grabbed her arm, and pulled her out of bed.
“What do you think you’re doing? Get your hands off me!”
Grabbing the robe at the foot of the bed, he shoved it at her. “Put this on. I want your father to hear the truth from
your
mouth, not mine.”
Caroline planted her bare feet firmly on the floor and crossed her arms. “I’m not going anywhere with you. Now get out of here.”
As he forced her arms into the sleeves of the robe, she tried to slap away his hands. “I’m not budging from this spot!”
“We’ll see about that.” He swept her up in his arms.
Caroline struggled to free herself as he carried her downstairs, then plopped her down in the chair in front of Nathan’s desk. “Now, start talking. We want some answers.”
She jumped to her feet. “Father, are you going to let this bully continue to manhandle me?”
“Caroline, he only wants the truth, and so do I.”
“Which one of my brothers, Caroline? They’re all happily married now with families of their own, so you can have the pleasure of complicating one of their lives as you have your son’s.”
“How dare you question my motherhood!”
“You’ve denied Garrett a father, haven’t you?”
“For a good reason.”
“No reason is good enough. My brothers are all decent, hardworking, and totally devoted to their wives and children.”
Caroline scoffed. “Are we referring to the same boys? Back in Virginia, everyone in the county knew how wild you Fraser boys were.”
“Wake up, lady. My brothers aren’t boys anymore—they’re men. They’ve fought a goddamn war, saw their buddies shot or blown apart, and buried people they loved. And if any one of them knew he fathered a son, you can be damn sure he wouldn’t deny him. So look in the mirror, and you’ll see who needs some growing up.”
“Enough, both of you,” Nathan declared. “Nothing is gained by this squabbling and name-calling.”
“All I want to know is which of my brothers is Garrett’s father.”
“You must tell him, Caroline. Jed is right; you can’t conceal such a truth from the father of a child. A man has the right to know.”
She leaned over his desk and looked him in the eye. “And what of my rights, Father? I’m the one who bore him, nursed him, healed his bruises, and dried his tears. I laugh when he does; I cry when he cries; and my heart bleeds when he bleeds. I don’t need ‘the man who fathered him’ to do it for me.”
Unimpressed, Jed snorted. “Countless mothers have done the same before you. That doesn’t change the fact that my brother is entitled to know he has a son.”
“Honey, tell him who it is,” Nathan said kindly.
“So he can come and take him away? Garrett’s my life, Father. I won’t give him up.” She turned to Jed. “You said yourself that it will only complicate your brother’s life. So why does he have to know?”
“Your feelings and my brother’s aren’t the only ones at stake here. A boy needs the chance to know his father, and his other siblings. If you love Garrett as much as you claim you do, then you owe it to him to tell him.”
Jed hated the whole damn mess. There was no way either Caroline and one of his brothers wouldn’t be hurt by it, but there was no way he could turn his back on it now. And he trusted the integrity of his brothers enough to know that any one of them would want to do right by the boy.
Caroline drew a shuddering breath, then her shoulders slumped. “Andy is Garrett’s father.”
Jed pivoted sharply, his anger renewed. “What in
hell
are you trying to pull with a damn lie like that? Don’t you have any conscience at all?”
Bewildered, she asked, “What do you mean? I’m telling you the truth.”
“Andy’s dead. You damn well know it, and now you’re trying to have a dead man take the blame.”
Caroline paled. “He’s…he’s dead? I had no idea.” She sank down in the chair. “How? And when?”