Creekstone: Facing Evil in the Old West

By Jerry Jarvis

After moving west with her parents while in her teens, Susannah Adler suffered through their deaths, the disappearance of her brother and the loss of the family homestead. Rebuilding her life in the late 1860s, she’s now the prosperous owner of the largest hotel and saloon in Creekstone Colorado. But even with her success, self-doubt and regret fill her life.

As the colder weather approaches, Susannah’s long-time friend Ella is murdered, a crime leaving her young daughter an orphan. At the sheriff’s request, she takes the child into her life, all the while knowing her arrival threatens to uncover a secret Susannah would prefer to remain buried in her past.

Helping the sheriff find clues to the murder, a wider, bigger threat is uncovered, and new dangers come to light. For reasons she doesn’t yet understand, both the child and Susannah have become targets of the killers.

Struggling to protect those she loves, her business and her own life, Susannah must place her trust in a weary sheriff, a notorious gunslinger with his own agenda and a local rancher who holds her heart. Together they fight to rid Creekstone of ruthless killers. Along the way, Susannah finds her heart, a cause and if she can stay alive, the future she so desperately desires.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Mar 12, 2024
• ISBN: 9798823020787

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

The night’s rain had turned the dry dirt and gravel of the trail into an inch-thick layer of slippery mud, slowing their progress. Dane Criswell sat atop his stallion Blue with his head bent down, his Stetson pulled low on his forehead. Visibility was poor in every direction, but Blue knew the route back to the ranch – he’d not let them get off-course.

They were close to the cut-off back onto the ranch when something moving caught Dane’s eye. Up the trail, a few hundred feet in front of them. It seemed odd, someone walking in this downpour, so far from anything. The sheets of rain almost made the image disappear, and for a moment Dane thought his mind was playing tricks. Still, he reined Blue to a halt just as they reached the cut-off. The rain eased for a minute, the bulk of the shower swirling off to the south.

Peering into the mist, Dane realized the walker was closer than he expected – and smaller too. A young girl stumbled toward them, her long blond hair matted against her cheeks and her brown cloth jumper. Her feet were bare, and she fought to remain upright in the mud as the wind continued to drive thin sheets of water directly at her.

Come on, Blue. They pushed down the trail at a slow canter, approaching the girl. Dane half expected her to run from them, but she stopped.

Dane dropped off the saddle twenty feet in front of her.

Mister… Mister Dane? She peered up at him and even in the rain he could see the misery spread across her face. Can you… I’m so cold!

Evie – What are you doing out here? He rushed to her, pulling the small girl into his arms and up out of the muddy trail bed. You’re going to catch your death of cold – your mother will be so worried… Taking her into his arms, he tucked her beneath his canvas duster, carrying her back to Blue. I’ll take you home.

Can’t. She shook her head and began crying. Mama’s gone.

Gone? He knew the girl a bit – Evie lived with her mother on the abandoned ranch west of his own. Ella Scott had lost her husband to the fever, but she had made a home for the two of them with help from a few neighbors. What do you mean? Where did she go?

Men came and took her… Evie coughed. …in the middle of the night.

How long have you been out here? He reckoned it was mid-morning, judging from the time he’d been out repairing that broken gate on the ridge.

I heard them come. Mama argued with them, but they took her. Evie’s voice was clear, but too controlled. Dane worried about the girl. The house got so quiet… Her teary explanation came in bits and pieces as she looked at him. Mama told me a long time ago, if anything goes wrong to go get help. Her eyes pleaded with him. Can you help?

They stopped under the edge of a boulder, out of the rain and wind. Dane set her gently on the ground and unrolled his pack blanket, tossing the canvas pack cover aside. Go over there behind the brush and take off your wet clothes. He held up the blanket. Wrap up in this so you can warm up.

Yessir. She nodded.

Dane’s mind raced as he purposely looked in the other direction while Evie changed. Could this all just be some mistake? Could Evie be wrong? Her home was a good distance from here – she must have been walking two or three hours, judging by how slowly she was moving. And in bare feet? What could she have been thinking?

By the time she returned, the blanket wrapped tightly around her and her hands full of sopping wet clothes, he’d made a couple decisions. Put those inside the pack… He showed her how to wrap them up, and then lifted her up atop Blue, positioning her up in the front of the saddle. Swinging up behind her, he wrapped an arm around Evie before grabbing the reins. We’re closer to my ranch than yours, Evie. This weather isn’t going to break for a while, so I’ll take you there.

Yessir. She said nothing else the whole ride back.

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Doctor Stanley Arnett looked disgusted as he reported Mattie’s status to Susannah. Her wounds are mostly just bruises – she’ll feel better in a week or so. He washed his hands in the basin under the mirror, looking up at her as he dried them. I’d like to get my hands on the man who thought she’d make a good punching bag… He took a breath and continued. Do I need to keep her here?

No – I’ll keep her safe. Susannah was less disgusted than angry. You don’t have to worry about that. Any special instructions?

Plenty of rest is the most important thing. I’ll send you home with some willow bark – it helps with the pain. A good dose of alcohol will get her over the worst of it. Arnett wrote out the instructions at his desk. And stay away from whoever did this Susannah – he’s dangerous.

I’ve already handled him, she replied without explanation. Thank you, Doctor.

Mattie Owens struggled to her feet, and with her help worked her way to the door. Thank you, Sir.

As they slowly made their way down the boardwalk back toward the saloon, Mattie looked at Susannah. I’m sorry to be so much trouble, Miss Adler.

You’re not the trouble, Mattie. Susannah glared at her. Albert Tompkins is the trouble, and I will handle it.

If I can just have a day or two, I’ll get back to work and earn my keep, Miss.

You’ll do nothing of the kind until I allow it Mattie. Her smile belied the stern words. You concentrate on getting better. Archie has a room ready for you in the hotel, and we’ll make sure you have what you need.

Miss, I can’t… She shook her head, wincing as she moved. I can’t afford to pay…

I am not asking you to pay, Mattie. Susannah’s voice softened. Let’s get you healthy again and worry about the rest later.

Yes, Miss. Mattie gave in. She felt too bad to resist anything just now.

Archie Hudson met them at the front door of the saloon, helping Mattie up the steps and through the passageway into the hotel. Susannah turned away as they walked toward the elevator.

The sheriff’s in your office, Susannah. Lacie Durham caught her gaze as she walked across the saloon toward the stairway. He doesn’t look happy.

He never looks happy, Lacie. She shrugged as she took off her hat and stopped to adjust her blouse and straighten her skirt. It’s not in his nature, I suspect.

As Lacie headed up the winding staircase to the rooms encircling the saloon on the second floor, Susannah walked forward past the bar and down a short hallway to her office. She took a moment to compose herself, then grasped the knob and entered. RayJohn, what is it this time?

You oughta announce yourself or something! She had caught him napping on her couch, his boots off and his head propped up on the stuffed arm. RayJohn Kilber immediately sat up, shaking himself to full awareness and quickly pulling on his boots. Shouldn’t just walk in on a man like that…

It’s my office, RayJohn. She chuckled as she hung her hat atop the rack behind the big wooden desk. You did expect me to show up sooner or later, didn’t you? Smoothing her long skirt before she sat down, Susannah gathered the few papers that were scattered across her desk into a pile and set them aside. What can I do for you?

Came to make sure your girl’s okay… He shook his head. I’m gonna keep Tompkins in a cell today, but I have to let him go tomorrow. Told him not to come back here to the Palace. You okay with that?

I’m fine with it, although it wouldn’t surprise me if he were foolish enough to show his face here anyway. I’ll be tempted to go after him with Riley’s club if he does… Riley Bristow managed the saloon for her, using a four-foot solid ash staff to keep the peace when needed. She calmed down as she watched the sheriff roll his eyes. Mattie will be fine in a few days – at least physically. I don’t know if she’ll be entertaining men anytime soon.

Damn shame the way some men behave. Don’t take much sense or guts to beat up a woman in a bawdy house. Can’t say what his problem is…

A knock at the door interrupted him. Dane Criswell stuck his head inside. Sorry to interrupt, but I do need to talk to you, Susannah. I’ll wait out in the saloon if that’s okay.

I shouldn’t be too long. She wanted to get up and leave RayJohn to his nap, but she did have a business to run. On the other hand, she was very interested in anything Dane Criswell might have to discuss with her - anything at all. Turning back to the sheriff, she nodded. I’ll let you know if I see Tompkins in here again, RayJohn.

Good – and I’ll lock him right back up if you do. He stood. Can’t have these kinds of antics in my town, Susannah – won’t put up with it.

She walked him to the door. I appreciate your help, Sheriff. Thanks for stopping by. She motioned to Mikal behind the bar as they made their way into the saloon. And if you’re thirsty…

It’s a permanent state of mind, girl. He laughed. I thank you. RayJohn made his way to the bar as she walked over to where Dane Criswell stood staring out the front window.

Watching the rain won’t make it end, she smiled as she approached him.

No, but the far eastern sky looks clearer. He pointed toward the mountains. If we’re lucky, it’s moving out. My pastures are soaked and the Cucharo is about five feet over its banks in most places. Dane turned to face her. Hope I didn’t interrupt anything important.

Not at all. They walked toward her office. Besides, I like visitors, particularly ones with muddy boots. She pointed at his feet.

Oh. Sorry. She waited for him to kick them off before entering. Guess my mind was elsewhere.

Mud is not a problem we have here often, Dane. She had to chuckle at his discomfort. But I’d rather not have it in my office…

Can’t imagine why. He sat on the chair across from her desk as she settled on the leather couch. You’ve got a nice place here, Susannah - plenty of room to spread out.

It was true – her office was spacious. Massive was a good word to describe her wooden desk, and there were two wing chairs and a couch in front of it. To one side was a table with a washbowl and an area Mikal kept supplied with drinks and ice throughout the day. On the other side was a large window looking out on Main Street, heavy curtains on either side. More than she needed, but Susannah appreciated the statement it made. She had earned the status her office brought her. You didn’t come here to complement me on my choice of furniture, Dane. She stood and poured herself a small glass of whisky. Drink?

Sure. He nodded, taking a glass from her as she sat again. I’ve got a problem that I think you can help me with, Susannah. A girl problem.

A girl problem? Her surprise was obvious and tinged with a bit of disappointment. You want my advice on wooing some young lady?

Not that kind of girl problem, Dane smirked as he told her about picking up Evie Scott earlier in the morning, about her state of mind, and her story of Ella’s abduction. I know it sounds crazy, but I’ve got no reason to doubt her. She’s obviously scared.

Susannah was fortunate that Dane didn’t notice her white knuckles as she squeezed her fists together to hide her concern. And you rode out to Ella’s house?

The place was torn apart, he confirmed. No trace of her. Someone was looking for something, but I sure can’t tell what it might be.

Susannah knew one thing it might be, but her heart wouldn’t let her open that door just yet. Talk to RayJohn, Dane. This is a job for the sheriff, don’t you think?

Maybe. He emptied his glass, looking straight at her. I like RayJohn, but him taking Evie… he won’t have a clue how to take care of a little girl. He levelled his eyes at her. I thought you might have an opinion about what to do.

Me? She feigned surprise poorly. She knew what he wanted her to suggest, and she wanted no part of it. The Palace is not a place for children, Dane…

You think I don’t know that? He threw up his hands. First off, Evie can’t stay with me. There’s no one to keep track of her while I’m out on the ranch. He stood and walked to the window. I was worried about leaving her there alone today, but I had no choice. What if whoever took Ella is looking for Evie now?

I run a brothel, Dane – a brothel! Her heart was battling with her sense of propriety, and so far, propriety was winning. Still, her heart told her she’d be sorry if she didn’t help this child. What would people say?

I’ve never known you to give a damn about what people said, he glared at her, his words cutting like freshly honed knives. You’ve always done what you think is right, Susannah. What do you think is the right thing to do for Evie Scott – leave her with me or maybe RayJohn?

No, I know you’re right… She hated the idea, but knew it was the only reasonable choice.

It will all work out, I promise. Dane stood and touched her shoulder gently. I’ll bring her here later this afternoon. Just take it one step at a time.

One step at a time, she scoffed. Thanks so much for that advice.

If I didn’t think you could care for her, I’d never have come here. She didn’t reply, and he took that as her approval. I’ll be back. He walked off across the saloon, back into the rain.

Riley Bristow strode into her office not five minutes later. Susannah pulled herself together and gave him her attention. Where is Lester when we need him? His boisterous manner lit her mood. I need to talk to you about the renovations to the fourth floor of the hotel. Orel Mathers has some ideas, and the buried treasure may be needed.

Oh yes, the never-ending rumor that Lester buried all his wealth before he deeded the Palace to me, she scoffed. He probably spent it all building that elevator – Lester had to have the first one in the territory, you know…

Wherever it might be, we’ll keep looking. Riley rolled his eyes as he sat down. But we do need to discuss this. Riley’s role as her operations manager was essential. He knew the details of the property and had a good head for solving day-to-day problems.

Orel Mathers always has ideas and they always cost me money, she groused. Set up a meeting with the three of us and we can talk it through, but I must tell you I’m not inclined to expand his work much farther right now.

I know, but he has earned at least our attention long enough to hear him out. Riley began working her, as he always did. He’s done excellent work for us over the years, Susannah.

I know, you’re right. She sighed. Set it up and let’s hear what he has to say. We can always ask Brady if he can conjure up the money to pay for it.

Good. Riley stood to leave. Oh, and I think Lacie is looking for you.

I’ll go find her in a few minutes. She closed her eyes as Riley left, allowing herself a few seconds of silence before the rest of her day imploded.

A rare breed, that’s what her father called her once – and she suspected it was only half compliment. Not many women on the frontier are like you, Susannah. He’d said it eight years earlier, but the description felt just as apt today. Susannah knew herself to be a woman of considerable circumstances, one of the very few in town able to stand and make decisions on her own. A good judge of character, she thought – those she chose to employ were dependable and loyal, qualities she valued at least as much as innate talent. Yet there was always that caveat, the yes, but to tarnish her standing with everyone she met.

I run a brothel - what would you have to say about that, Daddy? She knew her mother would have disapproved, but her father likely would have given her his begrudging approval. He was the one who pushed her to take over the ranch after Clement had joined the Union Army. I’ll be right there to keep you moving forward, he had told her. The fever had taken him less than a year later. With Clement gone to war and her mother long dead, she felt lost. Had it not been for Lester… she shook the memory from her consciousness.

If only… they were her two least-favorite words. From secrets kept to choices made, she keenly felt the weight of her decisions and their impact every single day. Some worked out, others not so much – but each felt tainted. Most often, she saw merely the illusion of choice rather than viable alternatives. Her decisions felt uninformed, their results less than optimal. Being responsible for everything drove her to distraction at times, which only made matters worse.

Her mother’s voice echoed in her head. We can only do our best each day, Susannah Leigh – better to live in the present than mourn the past. Hard experience had taught both mother and daughter the truth in that advice, yet Susannah ached for more. Someone to share her thoughts with, to help her decide on her path…

A quick knock and the opening door pulled her back to the present. Susannah, I’ve decided to make a few changes in the way… Lacie Durham stopped in mid-sentence, seeing the surprise in Susannah’s eyes. I’m sorry – Riley said you would be ready for me. I can come back later.

No, it’s fine – my mind was just out in the mountains, near a cool running stream with no obligations, no problems and no one to bother me. She sat up to pay attention. Tell me what you want to do.

Lacie was her hotel manager, and more importantly her wrangler with respect to the girls she employed. Susannah would never let her know, but Lacie was indispensable. She had come to the palace six years ago, her husband dead in the war and her future bleak. Susannah saw the spark in her, something she rarely observed in others. Slowly, she gave Lacie increased responsibility, and now she trusted the woman with much of her business and even many of her secrets. Three years younger than Susannah, Lacie Durham was her near opposite in some ways. Where Susannah had long, elegant blonde hair, Lacie wore her dark hair no longer than her chin, most often pinned up out of the way. Where Susannah had an imperious streak she herself despised, Lacie seemed perpetually good-humored. Their differences complimented each other, and they had become close rather quickly. Too close, Susannah sometimes thought. She was not used to investing so much trust and faith in someone else, but Lacie had earned it.

I want to get two more girls. We have rooms upstairs for them, and I believe that once they’ve established themselves, their work will provide us with a reliable source of additional income. I know you’re a bit concerned about costs, but there really aren’t many during their first weeks since we have rooms available. With her usual efficiency, she went right for the approval. So, what do you think?

I think it’s interesting that you are willing to bring on more girls. Susannah looked at her calmly. I remember how you lectured me several times that we should get out of that business and be more respectable… She waited for a response – would Lacie stand up to her?

I’d love to make us more respectable but unfortunately, you’re right about the girls. Lacie smiled, pleased to have a thoughtful answer to Susannah’s query. It was a game they sometimes played. The girls need the income so they won’t starve, and if we don’t provide their services, someone else will – someone reprehensible like Gabe Peign. Peign owned a small saloon on the far end of town and another in Cheyenne. He was always threatening to bring girls into his operations but had no facilities for them and wasn’t yet willing to spend what it would take to build a brothel business. At least here we can keep them healthy and hopefully offer them something beyond this life when they’re ready to leave.

You’ve been listening to me too much, Susannah chuckled. Do you think you can find appropriate girls relatively easily?

Three have come to see me in the last few weeks, although I offered one stagecoach fare home and she jumped at the chance. But the other two seem like they’d fit. I’d need to talk to them in more detail first, of course.

Let’s do it. Susannah stood. Make sure you plan for their first few nights so that they know what to expect – you may want to bring one in first, then the other. Either way, make sure Brady knows so that he can track their income and costs. She picked her hat off the rack and placed it over her chignon, studying her image in the mirror on the side wall. Do me a favor – make sure they’re not too hungry, okay? Don’t forget poor Ellen when she first came.

Good point. Ellen Norton was one of their best girls now, but when she first began working at the Palace she was nearly starving. Neither Susannah nor Lacie had realized it, and the girl fainted on her first night. She had Randall Nash to thank for bringing her downstairs to Susannah, who took her to the doctor. A few meals and some rest brought her back quickly and she had been fine ever since. Lacie grimaced at the memory. We certainly don’t want anything like that again.

I’m headed up to the church, believe it or not. Susannah raised her eyebrows as she walked toward the door. Pastor Ellis sent a note that he needs to see me urgently.

Oh, my Lord! Lacie feigned shock. An emergency baptism! They both burst into laughter.

He’d better have something else in mind. Susannah grasped her purse and walked to the door. I’ve had men killed for less.

CHAPTER 2

At the livery, Hale Mathieson had a buckboard ready for her within twenty minutes and helped Susannah up onto the seat. It’s pretty warm today even with the rain, Miss. Best give her a drink when you get to the churchyard. Pastor’s got a nice little creek there on the east side under the trees.

You must think I’ve never been to the church, Mister Mathieson. She did her best to feign insult.

I ah… The older man stumbled a bit. I was just trying to help, Miss.

I’m only teasing you, Mister Mathieson. She picked up the reins. But should you see a lightning bolt shoot down toward the church in the next hour, please come retrieve our buckboard, will you?

Yes, Miss. He laughed. I’ll rush right up there.

She’d barely made it halfway up the street when RayJohn Kilber rode up next to her, waving his free hand at her. Hold on there, Susannah!

She reined the buckboard to a stop as RayJohn swung off his horse, loosely tying the reins to the back of the wagon before shaking the rain from his hat. What’s going on Sheriff?

He glanced around and then looked up at her. I need your help right away. I got me an awful problem… They’d known each other a few years, but it wasn’t often he came to her for help. Come on to the jail with me… He stomped through the mud to the boardwalk, and then down the half-block to his office and the town jail.

With his horse in tow, she had no alternative but to follow. She pulled the buckboard as close to the building overhang as possible, then jumped down with an umbrella in one hand as she pushed through the doorway into his office. What do you need? She shook out her umbrella and set it aside.

My deputy found a body on the trail out near the river. I think you know her. His hands rubbed the moisture from his cheeks as he sat down behind his desk. Ella Scott.

Oh no… Susannah’s throat closed as she gasped for breath. Ella’s dead?

Sorry to break it to you like this, but she’s only part of the problem.

Susannah knew where he was going. Evie.

The girl’s nowhere to be found. He saw the alarm in her face and shook his head. Don’t know if someone took her or… The sheriff looked at her, his eyes pleading. Can you think of anyplace she might be hiding – somewhere I can look?

God would understand if she made the preacher wait for her arrival. You don’t have to worry about Evie. She’ll be staying with me until you sort this out.

You know where she is? She could see the consternation spread across his face. She’s already staying with you. When did this happen?

Relax, RayJohn. Susannah knew the odds of calming him down were slim. Dane Criswell found her wandering on the trail this morning and took her in. He’s going to bring her to me this afternoon.

And she’s all right?

Shaken a bit I suspect, but that’s all. What happened to Ella?

Now you’re asking ME questions? He flared, throwing his Stetson across the room in disgust. Why didn’t you – or Dane – come to me? What do you know about all this?

She held up her palms in defense. All we knew was that Evie ran from home. She told Dane some men took Ella in the middle of the night. Dane took her to his ranch, and then he came to me for help. It didn’t seem like the best time to mention that Dane had also gone back to Ella’s house and seen the mess there. That’s all. I suspect Dane will be coming to you soon, but our first concern was Evie.

The woman’s been murdered, Susannah. RayJohn’s rage turned away from her, but it still percolated. Her throat had been cut. She hadn’t been dead long when my deputy found her in the brush. If I hadn’t sent Vander out there to see if the bridge over the Cucharo was holding, we probably wouldn’t have found her for days.

Where is Ella now?

I had Vander take her body to Doc Arnett so he could have a look. Maybe he can find something to help me figure this out. As he always did, RayJohn rubbed his stubbly chin, trying to conjure up a reason for Ella’s death. You sure keeping the girl with you is a good idea?

Susannah bristled at the question. Do you think I’m incapable of caring for her?

Hold on, now. He smiled. Only one of us can be wound up at a time. I’m not saying anything like that, but you’ve told me many times about how townsfolk think of you…

It was true, but she hated it, nonetheless. Yes, but this is Evie. I know her well, I knew Ella well, and she’s going to need my help. She had no intention of sharing anything more about Evie with anyone, let alone the sheriff.

Makes sense, RayJohn replied. Shouldn’t be more than a few days until I locate some relatives. I’m gonna ride out to the Scott house with Vander this afternoon and look around. Care to come?

You’re asking for my help? She was surprised, knowing how many times he’d told her to keep her nose out of his business.

You knew Ella well – maybe you’ll see something I won’t. He shook his head. I’m not deputizing you or anything – already got a deputy…

All right, she laughed. But I have to ride up to the church first – can you believe Pastor wants me to come see him?

It’s his job, you know. Save the sinners… RayJohn shrugged. I don’t think he’s given up on you yet.

Well, I have, so I don’t understand why he won’t. She shook her head as she picked up her umbrella. Come by the Palace for lunch and we can ride out to Ella’s afterward. Elvira will be thrilled to feed you, as always.

"You tell Pastor that if you’ve sinned all your life, it’s okay because God knows you found the best