Chapter 14

Preston slammed his hand on the desk. "I know what I heard. I'm sure you don't want to believe it, but it's the truth. Those two managers are up to something together, and I'm sure it isn't good for you or Mr. Burnett. Maybe it's time you two got over your feud and found out what they are doing. And while you're at it, ask Frank what he knows."

Jeremiah glared at him. "I will not set foot on Burnett land. Not in Denver or down at the mines. What does Frank have to do with it?"

"I'm not sure, other than the managers want to do away with him, and he is your son."

"Humph. The boy has been nothing but trouble for as long as I can remember." Father shoved his chair back and stared. "What about your mother? Have you cured her yet?"

"Cured her? I don't even know what is wrong. I did have an idea to take her somewhere to rest and see if that didn't help. I have my eye on a house downtown for my practice. It has several rooms I can use for patients and examination rooms. She could stay with me, and I could watch her to see if I can figure out what is wrong."

Father considered his proposal. "If you think it will help her. Is this the house on Front Street and Center?"

"Yes. I'm going to see about getting it today."

"I'll go with you. Just so you know, I intend to help you buy the place."

Preston shook his head. "I don't need your help. I've got the money for a down payment."

"Alright, have it your way. You've always been one to go your own way." He shoved some folders around. "You say they threatened Frank?"

Glad his father hadn't forgotten about Frank, Preston nodded. "At least warn him to stay away from them."

"I'll do more than that." Father stood. "Where is your little brother?"

"I don't know. I haven't seen him in a couple of days." Preston checked the clock on his father's desk. He did not want to miss his appointment with Millie. "He told me he works for the Pinkerton Detective Agency."

"Yes, I know that well. He's tried to question me several times about the feud with Burnett. That is nobody's business." Father pursed his lips and then looked up. "Just so you remember, I don't want you to have anything to do with that girl."

"That girl's name is Millie, and I like her. So does Corinthia. I ran into Millie at the clothing shop the other day." Father rarely subjected his sister to the rules he had for his sons.

Father glared at him. "Stay away from her. Take care of your mother."

Preston stared at his father, but the man had dismissed him and was looking at the ledgers. Preston made his way to his mother's room. He wanted to tell her his idea.

She was sleeping, and he didn't want to wake her. Preston sighed. It was too late to check out the house for his practice. It was a little early, but he didn't want Millie to wait for him and went to get ready for dinner. He prayed Millie would forgive him for missing the Hightower Ball. After dressing, he made his way to the stables, dodging past the office so his father wouldn't stop him.

Alfred made sure the horses were hitched to the sleigh and looked up. "There's going to be even more snow."

"Yes, I think so. Be sure to add some blankets in the sleigh."

"Will you want me to drive?"

"No, Alfred. I'll drive today. If it gets too bad, I'll stay in town."

"All right." He handed the reins to Preston. "If Mr. Chadwick asks, where should I tell him you have gone?"

"Out, and I'll be back tomorrow." Preston considered that the safest answer. Besides, he was going to buy the house for his medical practice tomorrow.

Alfred nodded and stepped back.

Preston flicked the whip over the horses' heads. "Go, boys. Take me to Millie." With a grin, he started out to Millie's house. He'd gone about halfway when a rider called out to him to stop.

Preston halted the horses and turned to see Frank riding up to him. "What do you want?"

"Father said the managers threatened me."

"Yes, they did. If I was you, I'd stay away from them."

Holding his prancing horse to a standstill, Frank shook his head. "They're up to something and probably have been for some time. I suspect they've kept the feud going and are skimming from the profits of both families."

Preston shook his head. "What is Ernst doing? Doesn't he go to the mines to check on Mullins?"

"You would think. Ernst isn't a good manager. He'd rather use his law degree, but Father made him take over the mines instead. He's not like us, Preston. He does whatever Father tells him to do."

Preston looked around. They were beside the field that led to the road to the mine. No one was around as far as he could see. "Frank, you be careful. Don't go to the mines alone."

Just as he finished talking, a bullet caught Frank in the side. His brother fell from the horse and scooted under the sleigh. "Get down, Preston."

Preston was no fool and didn't need to be told. He'd already grabbed his pistol and jumped from the sleigh. He crawled to Frank. "Are you hurt badly?"

"I don't think so. Just a nick in the side. But I would guess the managers are responsible. Do you see anyone?"

"No. The shot came from over by those trees." Preston reached up to set the brake and then remembered the carriage was a sled now. He reached up and grabbed the reins. He went to Frank. "Let me see."

Frank rolled onto his back and pulled his jacket from his side. "Just a nick. I don't think it went in me."

Preston moved Frank's shirt away from his side and grimaced. "You're wrong. Relax as best you can and let me see if it went out your back." Gently, he pulled Frank up and looked. "No hole. The bullet is still in you. Lie still, and when it's safe, I'll get you on the sleigh and take you home. I'll have to get the bullet out."

Frank groaned. "I guess it's a good thing to have a doctor in the family." He held his gun and looked around. "No one. I'm sure it was either Mullins or Vander." He leaned his head back against the snow-covered ground and chuckled.

"I hardly think this is a laughing matter." Preston took his handkerchief, placed it on the wound, and pressed down, making Frank groan again.

After a couple of minutes, Frank looked at him and smiled. "You know the big nugget that went missing years ago?"

Preston nodded. "You know who took it?"

Frank grimaced and then grinned. "I did. It's safe under the house in my secret place. I meant to return it, but Father and Burnett were so angry with each other that I didn't want to admit I took it. I've kept quiet all these years."

"Whoa, you mean you might have caused the whole mess between them?"

Frank gazed at him with that little brother face, looking so innocent. "There was more trouble. I would skip school and go to the mines. Before I took the nugget, I heard them both yelling at one another. Something to do with faulty books. Maybe Mullins was stealing from them back then and they were blaming each other."

"After I get you healed from this wound, you're going to replace that nugget. If I remember correctly, they found it together."

"Whatever you say, big brother." He groaned again, his face paling. "I don't feel so good."

Preston reached an arm around Frank, pulled him up, and helped him inside the sleigh. Once he had Frank settled and laying down in the back, he took the blanket and covered him. "We'll be home in no time. Hang on, Frank."