Mountain Mayhem: A Silver River Mystery, #3

By Carré White

Bandit or lawman… this man will take what he wants.

Having the misfortune of being in a bank at the time of a robbery, Nurse Greta Stock treats one of the wounded gunmen, the man shot right before her eyes. The bandit is a handsome devil with a knowing smile, so she had best watch her step with this one, because he might just steal more than her money.

In Silver River on a job, Travis Brooks ends up in the hospital being treated by a winsome blonde with a pretty smile. Although harboring more than one secret, he is here for a reason. He yearns to reveal the truth to Greta, but he must continue the charade, although it might just be the death of him.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Love Lust Story
• Release date: Nov 27, 2016
• ISBN: 9781540108906

Carré White

  Carré White is the author of Sonoran Nights, a book that is set in the same small town in Arizona that she grew up in. After marrying, having children, and traveling, she settled in Colorado, enjoying nearly 350 days of sunshine. The Colorado Brides Series, which follow the lives of adventurous frontier women, who traveled west in the 1850's to find love is available now.

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Description

Bandit or lawman... this man will take what he wants.

Having the misfortune of being in a bank at the time of a robbery, Nurse Greta Stock treats one of the wounded gunmen, the man shot right before her eyes. The bandit is a handsome devil with a knowing smile, so she had best watch her step with this one, because he might just steal more than her money.

In Silver River on a job, Travis Brooks ends up in the hospital being treated by a winsome blonde with a pretty smile. Although harboring more than one secret, he is here for a reason. He yearns to reveal the truth to Greta, but he must continue the charade, although it might just be the death of him.

Chapter One

Silver River, Colorado 1880

Here you are. The waiter brought over a large bowl of savory soup. Can I get you folks anything else?

My friend, Ashley Perry, glanced at her roast turkey sandwich. I’d like another lemonade, please.

Yes, ma’am.

I’m fine, I said, smiling. This looks lovely. I tore off a chunk of freshly baked bread, dunking it into the soup. It being noon, the restaurant was filled with people, dozens of conversations ringing out around us.

I know you’ll have to hurry back soon enough, won’t you, Greta?

I have an hour and fifteen minutes. I need to stop by the bank too. Ashley’s father owned one of the banks in town, where she worked as a clerk.

What a coincidence, she giggled. That’s where I’m heading soon enough.

We can go together.

Indeed.

The waiter brought over the lemonade, hurrying for another table. I dunked every bit of bread into the soup, polishing it off after a few bites, my hunger apparent. Then I grasped a spoon and downed the rest. Ashley sat across from me. We spoke little, fully engaged in the meal. Abigail Cameron and her mother appeared in the doorway, the women wearing bonnets. I waved to them.

It’s the Bradford-Bevans, I murmured.

While her mother found a table, Abigail approached, smiling. Hello, Greta. How are you?

She had been a nurse not that long ago, having married one of the new doctors. I’m well, and you?

Her radiant smile had me yearning for a husband too, knowing my friend had married for love. She confided in me about her pregnancy about a month ago.

Abigail glanced at Ashley. Miss Perry.

Hello.

It looks like you’re almost done eating.

I’d invite you over, but your mother doesn’t want to sit by herself. Mrs. Bradford-Bevan waited for Abigail’s return.

We should plan a day together, Greta. I hardly ever see you nowadays. I confess, I do miss the hospital at times. I miss all the girls. I miss the patients, but ... she shrugged, beaming, I’ll be far too busy soon enough. However, it’s sad I don’t get to spend more time with my lady friends. If you would hurry up and marry—

Don’t start with that. I pointed a fork at her. You’ve had your miracle, you and your sister both. I’ve been to the weddings. I teased, You mustn’t rub it in.

It’s your turn next.

And who, pray tell, will be my husband?

Some worthy candidate is lurking somewhere.

Ashley laughed, I can just imagine.

What about the new doctor? Doctor Allen? We’ve had him over for dinner several times. He’s quite handsome and polite.

All the nurses are vying for his attention. I cannot possibly compete with that. I suppressed a frown, not wanting her to know that I found the young doctor interesting, but nothing I did seemed to turn his head.

Why don’t you come over to supper tomorrow night? Doctor Allen will be there.

I’m ... not sure.

About what? She grinned. The time for playing coy has come and gone. If you fancy him, you need to let him know.

I had tried, but I sensed he wasn’t of the same mind. I’ll think about it.

Joan’s making a ham. You know how good her hams are. We’re eating at eight. Do come by, won’t you? It’s been too long since we’ve talked.

Thank you for the invitation.

Abigail glanced at Ashley. I’m sorry I’m not inviting you. It isn’t a slight, I swear. You may come over any other time. I want to give Doctor Allen the opportunity to pay close attention to Greta tomorrow.

Ashley shook her head, her look rueful. I’ll forgive you this time.

You and Deputy Lyell are courting still, aren’t you?

Yes, I’m spoken for. She had a sip of lemonade. It’s imperative Greta find a husband. We really must put all our energies into that.

I sighed dramatically. Stop it. I’m fine. I’m far too busy with work to worry over all that nonsense. I wondered at the hour. And I need to get back soon. Does anyone know what time it is?

Nearly one, said Abigail. I’ll see you for supper tomorrow night. We’ve so much to discuss.

All right. I’ll be there. I watched her return to the table where her mother sat. Is it serious between you and Deputy Lyell?

I believe so. She left some money on the table. He’s a kind, hardworking man. He has a good job. He’d provide for a family well enough, but ...

You sound hesitant.

Mother wants me to marry better. She wants to send me back east to relatives to find a husband. My family’s in banking, so there are some rather distinguished friends among our set who have eligible sons. I don’t wish to leave Silver River, though. I adore this place.

I dropped a few coins next to hers. I do too. You can’t toss a rock without hitting a miner. The silver boom continues to bring them in.

But, marrying a miner isn’t something I wish for. They’re in the mountains for long stretches. I’d prefer a comfortable home and a garden. She placed a bonnet on her head, tying the sash beneath her chin. Several men turned to look at us, their interest evident.

Heading for the door, I waved to Abigail and her mother. Standing on the boardwalk before the restaurant a moment later, we saw all manner of horse and carriage, men on horseback as well. I faced my friend, who squinted in the sunlight.

I’m tired of living with two other girls. We do have the top floor, though. I have my own room.

Your boarding house is one of the better ones.

We strolled to the bank, which stood a few stores down. Has it been long since you’ve gone back to New York?

Ages.

Passing the mercantile, I glanced at the window, seeing myself in the reflection. I wore my blonde hair in a serviceable bun at the back of my head with a frilly white cap. A white skirt fell to my ankles, with a white apron tied about the waist. I had changed it before stepping out for lunch, as blood and other fluids discolored the cloth. At the end of each day, I laundered my things, often soaking the aprons in a bucket of water and bleach.

A man passed, tipping his hat. Howdy, he murmured in a rich baritone. A flirtatious sparkle flashed in his light blue eyes.

Good day, I said politely.

Something about him had me turning my head. He wore brown canvas pants with a pair of leather chaps. A thick belt spanned his waist, revolvers in holsters resting against each thigh. Glossy, nearly black hair hung to his shoulders, tangled in a red bandana. He noted my stare, stopping to look at me, a lazy, inquisitive smile lifting the edges of his mouth. Placing gloved hands on his hips, he nodded marginally, his eyes drifting to my booted feet, the black leather peeking out beneath the hem of the dress. They traveled slowly up my person, pausing briefly on my chest. Lifting his gaze, he pinned me with a look I could only describe as ... wicked.

My cheeks heated at once, the flush traveling well into my hairline. Oh, my gracious! I hadn’t realized it, but I had stopped walking, Ashley a few steps ahead, although she stopped too, stared at me quizzically.

Greta?

Hum?

I dare say; something’s got your attention.

Embarrassed, I tore my eyes away from the handsome stranger. Um ... yes, what were you saying? I hurried to catch up to her, the sound of manly laughter following me. Grasping her arm, I ushered her towards the bank, where several people gathered, a horse and carriage tethered to the hitching post.

Before we reached the door, Ashley said, He’s new in town. I’ve never seen him before. If sin had a name ...

Oh, shush! Mortified by my reaction, I longed to put the incident behind me. I’ve business to conduct, then I really need to return to work.

Certainly, she giggled. Ashley’s father owned the bank, Mr. Perry standing behind the counter, where a short line had formed. You don’t have to wait here. She hastened to a side door, disappearing for a moment, only to emerge behind the counter. Opening a new line, she waved me over. Next!

I approached, feeling slightly guilty for having jumped ahead.

How may I help you? Ashley’s father glanced our way, his look of relief evident. He had more than likely been overwhelmed during the lunch hour, folks arriving to do business before returning to work.

Several miners cast annoyed glances my way, but I ignored them, approaching my friend. I need to deposit some money.

She opened a ledger. Certainly. How much?

Ten dollars.

All right. Sign here, please.

Thank you.

I used a dip pen from the inkwell to scribble my name. Here. Then I gave her the money.

Thank you, Miss Stock.

Lunch was fun. We should do it again soon.

Certainly. She deposited the money into a metal tin, a small lock securing it. Perhaps Friday? I’ll be too busy tomorrow. I have to eat here. Father’s got a meeting.

All right. Friday, then. As I turned to leave, the door of the bank burst open, three men with bandanas over their faces and guns drawn approaching, a woman’s scream resounding.

Don’t anybody move! shouted one of the bandits. You move, and we shoot! This here is a holdup. Empty the till, empty your pockets, folks. Let’s make this as painless as possible, shall we?

Stunned, I gasped, finding myself face-to-face with a tall, muscled man in a red bandana, his light blues eyes sparkling.

Chapter Two

Cash, jewels, coins, it don’t matter, the bandit said. Hand it over. I detected a hint of Texas twang in his voice.

Ashley had gone white, her mouth open. One of the robbers jumped over the counter, pushing her aside to get to the metal box. Her father appeared aghast, his expression thunderous, incredulous.

"What is