Preacher's Pearl: Pistol Ridge Series, #8

By Cyndi Raye

The last of the single men of Pistol Ridge - A woman doctor trying to find home - A town that welcomes both.

Laura Malburn is fresh out of medical college when she is offered a job taking over her uncle's office. She heads to Pistol Ridge, a place out west where doctors of the female gender are tolerated.

Pierson Radcliff, or better known as Preacher, is the last single man in the small group of heroes in Pistol Ridge. He thinks he has a reputation to uphold as a charmer, but when a new doctor arrives, everything changes.

When things go awry, as it tends to do in Pistol Ridge, will these two hearts beat as one, or will evil prevail? Will the folks of Pistol Ridge be able to stand up once again to keep their town clean?

Pistol Ridge is a small remote mining town near Nevada City, Montana Territory, where a dirty sheriff had held the town hostage by ordering his thugs to steal a percentage of their earnings to keep law and order. But, the women, holding a secret society, went looking for a hero. They found him and cleaned up the town with the help of seven men who fought in the war to help their former commander. Now, seven men are looking for somewhere to hang their hats. Will Pistol Ridge be the place to find reprieve for their weary souls?

This is Pierson Radcliff's story - also known as Preacher

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cyndi Raye
• Release date: Apr 20, 2020
• ISBN: 9798223653042

Cyndi Raye

Cyndi Raye writes mostly historical western romance except when she comes up with an idea for a contemporary romance, then she writes both. She loves the old West and the feel of small town togetherness, which is found in all of her series. Creating worlds where everyone is considered family, if not by blood, but from friendships, heartaches and sometimes mistakes made right again is what she loves to read. So, it was important to create such a world for her own readers to indulge in. Cyndi lives in Eastern PA and loves to travel and enjoy life with her hubby of 40+ years. She has 3 grown children and loves to spend time with her grands whenever possible. Don't forget to sign up for the mailing list to get a free copy of the exclusive short read: Miss Addie, the Beginning. The story behind the Brides of Wichita Falls. (This will not be sold, exclusive for reader's only).

Book preview

Preacher’s Pearl

Book 8

by

Cyndi Raye

Copyright © 2020 Cyndi Raye All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced in any format, by any means, electronic or otherwise, without prior consent from the copyright owner and publisher of this book. This is a work of fiction. All characters, names, places and events are the product of the author's imagination or used fictitiously.

Book Cover Artist

Virginia Mckevitt

Pistol Ridge is a small remote mining town near Virginia and Nevada City, Montana Territory, where a dirty sheriff had the town held hostage by ordering his thugs to steal a percentage of their earnings to keep law and order. But, the women, forming a secret society, went looking for a hero. They found him and he cleaned up the town with the help of the men who fought in the war and came when their former commander called.

Now, seven men are looking for somewhere to hang their hats. Will Pistol Ridge be the place to find reprieve for their weary souls?

This is Pierson Radcliff’s story - better known as Preacher

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Chapter 1

One moment! I’ll be right with you! Laura Malburn stepped down from the small ladder where she was taking inventory of her uncle’s pharmaceuticals. Shaking her head, she realized he hadn’t been keeping a good stock of medicine handy. Tucking the small paper and pencil in the pocket of her skirt, she hurried across the chilly office, wrapping the scarf tighter around her neck. She’d have to add more wood before she froze to death.

Two tall, dark and handsome men were standing in the foyer with their hats in hand. A tin star twinkled on one man’s chest. He stepped forward. Ma’am, I’m Sheriff Rosevelt and this is one of the men of Pistol Ridge that folks call Preacher.

There could only be one reason why the sheriff was here already. She wasn’t in town twenty-four hours and the law was called in. She’d have to put a stop to this nonsense upfront. Sheriff, it’s very nice to meet you. She held out her hand and he reluctantly took it, nodding as he did so.

She turned to the other man. Preacher. How do you do? Upon closer inspection, or rather, looking into his silvery-gray eyes, a small tug at her belly made her realize he was not normal townfolk. This man had danger written all over him, starting with that dimple in his cheek when he smiled.

She connected with his outstretched hand, surprised at the instant shock she felt as she took a step back, almost driving her back into the wall behind her. Although the sheriff pretended not to notice, the man with distinct silver eyes didn’t even pretend not to.

He gave her a knowing look and she purposely turned her attention to the lawman to appear as if it hadn’t affected her. Her chin went in the air a notch. If anyone has complained about me already, I assure you I have the credentials to practice medicine, Sheriff. Let me get them for you.

She turned, not only to find her certificate but to escape the Preacher man’s eyes that were looking at her as if he hadn’t had supper yet. She’d seen the look before many times while practicing medicine back east. There were so many men who tried to take advantage of her, thinking she was an easy target.

She’d become weary of fighting them off. When her uncle invited her to take over his practice in Pistol Ridge, she had wanted a change so badly, she hadn’t thought about the consequences of being the only woman doctor. She was hoping the people in a small country town would be different.

From the looks of the way her day was already starting, it was sounding like people were the same everywhere. A hand shot out to stop her from walking away. The Sheriff laid a gentle hand on her arm. Doctor Malburn, rest assured I check out everyone who comes to my town. I’m not here to see your credentials. This is a much more serious issue.

His words shocked Laura. She was so used to people not wanting a woman doctor she was prepared to show every single person in town her credentials until they believed she was trained properly. Now, from the sheriff’s own mouth, he was saying none of that mattered.

What can I do for you, Sheriff? she asked, confused at his words. No one had ever treated her like an equal except her uncle.

We’d like you to go to the Pistol Springs Resort to look at a woman who has not bounced back after childbirth. Her husband is concerned about her well being.

Laura nodded. Yes, of course. I’ll need directions, please.

No need. Preacher will escort you to the resort. I’m sorry to ask this of you so soon after you arrived, but she is becoming weaker by the day.

The concern on the sheriff’s face made it evident he truly cared for the people in his town. She had studied the newspapers before coming here and learned that Pistol Ridge was becoming more popular due to the penny novels and newspaper articles written about the ex-soldiers who lived here. It was one of the reasons she agreed to move here.

The thought of brave men from the War of the States protecting the town from outlaws and evil men intrigued Laura. She had to admit she didn’t want to come at first, but the more she read, the less fearful she felt at making the cross country trip. Plus, with her uncle as her only living relative, she wanted to make sure he had someone to help him in his old age.

As it turned out, he was as happy as a chicken out of its coop. I’ll get my coat and bag and be right out. If you will give me some time, I’ll have to go to the livery for a buggy.

No need, ma’am. Preacher saddled you a horse from the livery that you can use.

Thank you. She hurried away, jubilant that these men put all their trust in her. Most folks cringed when they saw a woman doctor. After buttoning her wool coat, she pulled the hood over her hair and wrapped another scarf around her neck. She had come prepared to make trips to people’s homes, knowing it was going to be a harsh winter in the mountains.

Except she hadn’t realized how big these mountains truly were. After she had her outer attire on, she picked up her medicine bag and turned to her guests. I’m ready when you are.

Outside, three horses were tied at the post. The sheriff explained to Laura that she’d be visiting dear friends of his, which she already figured out. She understood his concerns and assured him she had the proper training to help his friends. I’ll make sure to give her a thorough examination. Who am I going to see?

Peg Leg’s wife, Jo. That’s who you will be looking after.

Laura stood beside the horse she was going to ride. How far will we be traveling?

Up to this point, the other man hadn’t said two words. He tipped the brim of his hat and finally spoke. We’ll be there in about a half hour or so.

He closed in on her, ready to help her onto the saddle, when she grabbed the horn with one hand and placed her kid boot in the stirrup, pulling herself up. Tying the medical bag onto the horn with the attached strap, she ignored the fact he had almost touched her again. She’d have to avoid that as much as possible.

He stepped back, giving her the all knowing look once again. She was drawn to the dimple that creased his cheek when he smiled. We best get moving, she told him, then swung her right limb around the horn and placed a booted heel in each stirrup, knowing full well she’d probably shock them at the way she rode astride like the men. Except it