No Gold Without Blood (Preview)

Chapter One

Dakota Territories, 1873 

Eddie Young adjusted his hat as he stepped from one train car to the next. The clatter of the train beneath him was steady and soothing. The air smelled of coal smoke, seeping from the locomotive at the front of the train. He kept his eyes focused forward as he stepped across the joint, ignoring the way the tracks raced past beneath him. 

“Keep a low profile, Eddie,” he muttered to himself. 

He opened the door, and the rush of the wind was replaced by the murmur of conversations. The car was warm, with drafts creeping through the gaps in the wooden panels. A chill lingered outside, reminding everyone of the winter that had just passed. 

Outside the window, the prairie raced next to them, golden-brown grass waving them on as the breeze rushed past. Low hills emphasized the distant horizon with their grey-blue color. Every now and then, a clump of trees or herd of cows broke up the monotony. There was nothing of interest to see yet. 

Eddie rubbed his hands together as he blew hot air into them. His brief stint in the frigid wind was enough to numb his fingers. He took stock of this car, looking for something that might interest him. 

A man looked right at him, studying Eddie over the top of his glasses. 

“Howdy,” Eddie said, waving at the man. 

The man turned back to his newspaper, dismissing Eddie. 

The train car creaked as it rushed over the tracks. The benches were worn smooth from hundreds of passengers. Men sat hunched over, some chatting in low voices while others were dozing. He caught snippets of conversations about new beginnings, gold mining, or farmland. Many of these men were heading further west for the same reason as him— they wanted more than life had given them. 

Women wore plain dresses, nothing too fashionable or new to be seen in these cheap-ticket cars. They fussed over children or handed out refreshments to members of their traveling parties. The clink of tin cups and rustling papers punctuated the conversations. 

Eddie was filled with restlessness. He’d been sitting for too long. It was the longest he’d been forced to spend in one spot since he left school over a decade prior. The past two years had been spent on a logging operation where he felled trees and hauled timber. There had been no chance to rest and sit still. Now that he had the time, he found that it didn’t suit him. 

“Will this journey never end,” he sighed, stretching his arms over his head. 

It felt good to stretch his legs, walking between the cars and seeing what his fellow passengers were up to. A few young women’s gazes lingered on him, while some of the men shot him suspicious glances. Eddie tipped his hat to them, not wanting to draw any attention— positive or negative. 

The conductor approached, raising his eyebrows slightly when he spotted Eddie. He stepped out of the way, letting the man pass without issue. 

“Good morning,” he said politely. 

It was always best to keep on the good side of any kind of official. 

Eddie had been in trouble enough times to know that paying a little respect to authorities usually went a long way. It had been a long journey to that particular conclusion. He’d learned his lesson eventually. 

Once he’d concluded that this car was flat, he headed to the next one. He wasn’t sure what he was searching for, but he’d know it once he saw it. Thankfully, the next car was filled with noise and laughter. It was a little more crowded, making it easier for him to blend in. 

No one spared him a second glance. 

“Perfect,” he muttered to himself. 

Everyone was focused on a table located in the middle of the train car. Several men sat around a table, each holding their cards close to their chests. A small pile of money sat in the middle of the table. The men leaned forward subconsciously, drawn to the lure of a possible payday. 

The scent of tobacco hung in the air, and a few men sipped surreptitiously from their flasks. It was like coming home. Eddie found himself a spot with a clear view of the action, studying each of the men’s faces. 

“Finally, something interesting,” he said out loud, but no one paid him much mind. 

They ranged from desperately eyeing the money to confidently eyeing their opponents. A familiar desire tugged at Eddie’s heart, but he planted himself firmly on the edge. No matter how tempting it was, he wasn’t going to be sucked in. 

Back at the logging camp, poker had been a frequent bonding experience. Men threw away entire paychecks— weeks of backbreaking labor — on a single game. Eddie had learned to play well enough but had paid exorbitantly for his lessons. 

During these games, he’d learned to read his opponents. This didn’t always help him win the games, but it helped him determine who he wanted to work with. Arrogant loud-mouths often revealed themselves in these kinds of games, and were best avoided when working with sharp tools. When there was a possibility that a hundred-ton tree might fall on one’s head, it was important to choose the best working partners. 

Eddie focused his attention on the dealer. The wiry, sharp-eyed man expertly shuffled the cards before dealing them to all the men at the table. The skin at the back of Eddie’s neck prickled in warning. 

All kinds of men joined the loggers’ poker games, including cheats. It wasn’t always easy to spot one. Sometimes, a cheat could clean them out for several games before they caught onto their tricks. They’d come to rely on an old-timer who played occasionally. He taught them all kinds of schemes used by con-artists. 

“Let’s try and keep things civil this time,” the dealer quipped, raising his eyebrows at everyone. 

“You’re the one who nearly flipped the table last time, Monroe,” a brawny, blonde-haired man said with a chuckle. 

Monroe shrugged, the corners of his lips turning upward as he checked his cards. The game progressed, with men calling or folding. Finally, only three players were left. When it came time to reveal their cards, Monroe revealed a two, seven, and a king. 

“High card,” Monroe crowed. 

An ace and a ten sat in the middle of the table. 

The brawny young man revealed a ten, an ace, and a king with a proud smile. “A pair, and a high card.”

The other player shook his head and folded with an irritated grimace. 

Monroe sighed and shook his head as he gathered the cards. “Peter, you’re cleaning us out. Have some pity, will you?” 

“You decided to play,” Peter said, smiling as he pulled all the money toward him. 

“Want to wager some more?” Monroe asked, raising his eyebrows. “You could make a pretty penny for when you show up in Erwin.” 

Eddie bit the inside of his cheek. He was also headed to Erwin. How many of the men were heading to the same place? He had to be careful with how he treated these men. Some of them would probably end up being his neighbors. It was best to mind his own business. 

“I might as well, considering I’m on a lucky streak,” Peter shrugged as Monroe dealt him back in. 

“I can’t believe this is your first time playing,” Monroe said, shaking his head slowly. 

Eddie bit down on his tongue as indignation rose up inside of him. What was Peter thinking? This Monroe fellow was slicker than an oily toad. He crossed his arms over his chest and reminded himself that he wasn’t getting involved. 

Just an observer. I’m only observing. 

Eddie kept his eyes fixed on Monroe while everyone kept watching the pile of money. Monroe slipped a card up his sleeve, the movement was so quick that if he hadn’t been specifically watching, he would have missed it. No one else was watching, so Monroe continued shuffling.

The pile of money grew with each passing round. Sometimes Peter won, other times it was one of the other players. Monroe won small amounts, but never anything noteworthy— just enough to stay in the game. 

He’s playing the long con. 

“I think this is going to be my last round,” Peter said, watching the pile of money in the middle. “I can’t afford to stay any longer.” 

“Sure, we’ve been playing for hours,” Monroe said with a shrug. “All right fellas, let’s get to it.” 

Monroe revealed the middle cards, an ace and a king. Eddie raised his eyebrows. Things were certainly coming to a head. 

The other three players revealed their cards, with one getting a pair, another getting a high card, and the third one grinning as he revealed a flush. 

“Your turn, Petey,” Monroe prompted. 

All the color had drained from Peter’s face as he watched the other players reveal their cards. 

“I fold… I guess,” Peter muttered, his shoulders slumping as he put his cards face-down on the table. 

“Well, I guess I’m the winner then,” Monroe said, putting his cards down. A queen, jack, and ten. “Royal flush!” 

“Lucky!” Peter gasped, eyeing the pile of money enviously as Monroe pulled it toward himself. “I should have stopped ages ago. There goes my food money for the first week I’m there.” 

“You need to learn your limits, kid,” Monroe chuckled, shaking his head. 

Indignation swept through Eddie. Before he could stop himself, he stepped forward. “Hold it.” His tone was calm yet commanding. 

Monroe froze, his eyes darting toward him. The other men gazed at him curiously, but Monroe glared— as if guessing what was about to happen. 

Eddie strode toward him. He grabbed the back of Monroe’s shirt collar, his fingers tightening around the man’s skinny neck. 

“Woah there, buddy,” Peter said, holding up his hands to stop Eddie. “We don’t want no trouble. 

“Let go!” Monroe struggled, spittle flying from his mouth as he stuffed his money into his pockets. 

“Pull back your sleeves,” Eddie said calmly, shaking Monroe slightly. 

The other players murmured among themselves, guessing what Eddie was getting at. None of them said anything to Eddie, obviously hoping to get their money back. 

“Let me go!” Monroe demanded again. 

“Pull back your sleeves,” Eddie said evenly, “or I’ll break both your arms.” 

The car fell silent except for the occasional crinkle of paper. Peter took a step back, watching Eddie in trepidation. It wasn’t an empty threat. Years of working on the logging operation had given Eddie considerable strength. On the other hand, Monroe was skinny and wouldn’t be much good in a fight. 

“You’re crazy!” Monroe sputtered. “Let go. Now!” 

Eddie rolled his eyes. He reached forward and yanked the man’s sleeves up. A few cards fluttered to the ground. At the same time, Monroe reached into his vest and pulled out a gun. Gasps broke out from the onlookers.

I knew I should have minded my own business. 

Eddie stared down the barrel of the gun as Monroe glared at him. “Don’t do anything you’re going to regret…” 

“Let me go,” Monroe snapped, narrowing his eyes at Eddie. 

“Cheater!” one man cried. 

Monroe glared at the crowd. “All right, nobody move!” 

“What do you want us to do?” Peter asked Eddie, his eyes full of alarm. 

“Someone get the conductor.” Eddie raised his hands in surrender. 

“I said, nobody move!” Monroe’s face turned bright red as he looked around wildly. 

Eddie struck quickly. He lunged forward, knocking Monroe’s gun-toting hand upward. Monroe gasped as Eddie hit the man’s elbow while twisting his wrist. The gun clattered to the ground as Eddie shoved Monroe. The man stumbled backward, and Eddie scooped the gun up. 

He emptied the barrel, and the bullets fell on the floor like rain on a roof. When he was done, he dropped the gun and kicked it back at Monroe. 

“You were going to take our money and scram,” one of the players accused, reaching forward to grab his money. 

“Stop,” Eddie warned, wagging his finger at the opportunistic player. “Go, get the conductor. He’ll deal with the cheater. Then we’ll divide the money fairly. We ain’t going to deal with this ourselves.” 

It was a sure way to lead to a brawl. Eddie wasn’t going to get kicked off the train when he was so close to his destination. 

The opportunistic player hurried out of the car, his cheeks and ears turning bright red as he ducked his head. Eddie kept a vise-like grip on Monroe, even as the cheater began sweating profusely. 

“Let me go, will you?” Monroe asked, raising his hands in surrender as he looked around at the hostile train passengers. “No harm done. You caught me. I concede.” 

“If he lets go, the rest of us are going to beat you,” one of the players warned, glaring at Monroe. 

“It ain’t just his fault,” Eddie said with a frown. “Y’all are grown men. You should know better than to waste your wages on a game.” 

All the good will he’d accumulated up until that point evaporated as the crowd grumbled and dispersed. If there was one thing people didn’t like, it was being chastised. Eddie shook his head as they left. 

I should have kept my mouth shut. 

“Nice going,” Monroe chuckled grimly. “They like you less than me now.” 

“I’m pretty sure they still hate the man who tried to steal their money.” Eddie grabbed hold of Monroe’s arm so the cheater wouldn’t slip away. 

“I’ll get you back for this, you know,” Monroe muttered, glaring at Eddie. 

“Do whatever you like.” Eddie shrugged.  

A few minutes later, the conductor entered with a grim expression. 

“We caught him cheating,” Eddie said, releasing the man. “I think you’d better deal with him before someone tries to get justice.” 

The conductor furrowed his brow and nodded as he grabbed hold of Monroe’s arm. “Fine. Thank you.” 

Eddie nodded tiredly and sat at the nearest table. One by one, the players came forward and took their money back. One or two muttered their thanks, while the others simply walked away. 

It wasn’t long before a smartly-dressed man sat across from Eddie, crossing his legs at the knee. His black hair was slicked back, displaying the greying hair at his temples. The man’s face was smooth, and the corners of his mouth were turned up as if he was amused by the proceedings. 

Neither of them said anything, merely assessing each other from either side of the table. 

“Can I help you?” Eddie asked, raising his eyebrows. 

“Leroy Henderson.” He stuck out his hand for Eddie to shake. 

His hand was as smooth as his face. This wasn’t a man who was accustomed to hard labor, and Eddie immediately lost any respect for him. 

“Eddie,” he said simply, not bothering with his last name. It would be a short conversation. 

“Well, Eddie,” Leroy said, his lips twisting around the name. “I’ll get to the point. I’m impressed by how you handled that situation. It had the potential to go very wrong.” 

Eddie shrugged as he leaned back in his seat. 

“I own a small mining company, and we’re always looking for protection,” Leroy said. “You should see some of the places we work— even the devil checks his pockets when he walks past. We could use your skillset where we’re going.” 

“You want me to be your thug?” Eddie asked wryly. 

Leroy spread his hands. “I wouldn’t put it quite like that, but sure. I’ll pay you handsomely.” 

Eddie chewed the inside of his cheek as he averted his gaze. It would be nice to have a steady paycheck. On the other hand, it wouldn’t leave him much time to pursue his mining aspirations. 

“Thanks for the offer, but I’m not interested.” 

Leroy leaned back in his chair, displeasure crossing his face. This wasn’t a man who was used to hearing the word ‘no’. 

Leroy opened his mouth to argue, but at that moment, Peter appeared by their side. 

“Howdy,” he said cheerfully, “I just came to get my money and thank you.” 

“We’ll talk at another time,” Leroy promised, getting to his feet and walking off before Eddie could respond. 

“Sorry about that, I hope I didn’t interrupt anything.” Peter sat across from him, shoving his money into his pocket with a sheepish expression. 

“Nothing important,” Eddie said with a shrug.

“You really saved my hide back there. I don’t know what I would have done without this money.” 

“It’s good that you learned your lesson now before you made a huge mistake,” Eddie said with a shrug. 

“Thanks,” Peter said, inclining his head toward Eddie. “Say, where you headed?” 

“Erwin.” 

“Me too!” Peter said, his eyes widening. “I’m heading that way to buy a claim in a gold mine.” 

Peter had to be in his early to mid-twenties. He had impossibly large blue eyes and an innocence that emanated from him despite his large size and calloused hands. 

Farm boy. 

By contrast, Eddie was a little shorter with an olive-complexion, deep brown eyes and hair so dark that it looked black. 

“I see.” Eddie nodded slowly. 

“My father used to have a ranch out in Montana, but when he died, we couldn’t keep up with the costs anymore,” Peter sighed, shaking his head. “So, we decided to sell everything, and I’m investing our money in the mine.” 

Eddie raised his eyebrows but didn’t say anything. He was pleased that his assessment of Peter’s former profession had been correct. 

“If all else fails, I’ll get work as a ranch hand at least,” Peter chuckled uncomfortably. “I know it’s a risk— a gamble. But if I can give my family a better life, I should take it. Right?” 

Eddie shrugged as he clasped his hands in front of him. 

“Not a big talker, huh?” Peter said, rubbing the back of his neck. 

“I prefer to think of myself as careful.” Eddie tilted his head at Peter. 

The young man’s cheeks flushed as he looked out the window. “I get it. I shouldn’t go around flapping this big mouth of mine. Especially not where we’re going.” 

“Monroe ain’t the last of his kind,” Eddie said. “In fact, there will be more of him where we’re heading. It’s better to be careful, especially if you’ve got a wad of cash from a ranch sale on your person.” 

Peter’s blush deepened as he sank low in his seat. “Oh man, I really put my foot in it.” 

“That’s all right, no harm done,” Eddie said, reaching forward and clapping Peter’s shoulder. “You need to be careful, that’s all.” 

“Like you,” Peter said, his eyes brightening. “Where did you learn so much anyhow?” 

Eddie smiled to himself as he turned his head and watched the passing scenery. “I’m headed to get a claim in a gold mine myself.” 

“Should we go to the same mine?” Peter asked, sitting a little straighter. 

Eddie pressed his lips into a thin line as he looked away. However, as he looked around the cabin, a few people watched him with open animosity. He’d broken his only rule. Eddie had drawn attention to himself. 

“Sure,” he said shortly. 

They were heading into a lawless, untamed frontier. He’d need some protection for what was lying ahead. 

 

Chapter Two

Erwin, Dakota Territories

Eddie stepped off the train platform onto the dusty main street of Erwin. Every time he took a step, he kicked a cloud of dirt into the air. All around him, wagons, horses, and people rushed past so that the air was choked with fine powder that coated everything it touched. 

The town— a rather generous term for the collection of shops and dwellings around him — was packed full of people going about their business. 

“We’re finally here!” Peter said, his grin stretching across his face. 

Eddie shook his head at his companion. The youngster was much too enthusiastic for his own good. However, he couldn’t say anything. That would be like kicking a puppy for being too happy. It wasn’t right. 

He turned his attention to the scene in front of him. Smoke curled from the chimneys of the houses. The smell of whiskey and unwashed bodies assaulted his nostrils. A few men stood outside the nearby saloon, drinking and laughing among themselves. Other townspeople moved through the street with purposeful strides, either hauling supplies, or haggling over prices. 

“Where do we go from here?” Peter asked, looking around worriedly, as if the mining claims were going to run out before he got there. 

Eddie pointed toward a small wooden building with peeling paint and a rickety sign with the words ‘Land Office’ carved into it. Peter followed Eddie as they walked inside. The room was stuffy with the smell of paper, damp wool and ink greeting them. A pudgy clerk sat behind the counter, not bothering to look up as they walked in. 

“What do you want?” the clerk asked, his chair creaking as he leaned backward. 

“We’re here to buy claims,” Peter said excitedly. 

The clerk rolled his eyes. “Yeah. Fine. Where do you want it?” 

“Do you have any land next to water?” Eddie asked, leaning against the counter. 

According to his research, land claims close to water were good because water was needed for processing pay dirt. Resources were scarce out in the west, and having water nearby would save him a daily trek which would waste his time. 

“Yeah,” the clerk sighed. “We’ve got one left. It ain’t very big.” 

That meant it would be cheaper. Perfect. 

“I’ll take it,” Eddie said. He took off his shoe and took the money he’d hidden in his sole. 

Peter’s eyes widened. “That’s brilliant. Can I have the spot right next to his? If there’s one available.” 

The clerk raised his eyebrows but nodded. “Sure, that one’s a little bigger. Here, I have the documentation. Decide if that’s what y’all want.” 

Eddie and Peter leaned forward, checking the details of the land they were about to buy. The clerk was right, Peter’s square footage was better, but Eddie was determined to be as close as the water as possible. It was a gamble, but he’d been preparing for this moment for the past two years. 

He brushed his hand over the ledger. Claim 41. Would this change his life? 

“That’ll be two hundred dollars,” the clerk told Eddie, holding out his hand. 

Eddie hesitated before counting out the notes and handing them to the clerk. It was difficult parting with that much money when it had taken him so long to scrimp and save. However, this was the whole reason he was out here in the first place. 

“And for you, two-hundred and fifty,” the clerk said, placing Eddie’s money in the money box on his desk. 

Peter grimaced and began counting out his money. While he was busy, the door swung open behind them and hit the wall with a bang. They looked around to see Leroy walking in with a swagger. 

“Well, well, look at that,” Leroy said, smiling meaningfully at Eddie. “Looks like our paths cross again. What are the chances?” 

Eddie smiled thinly, not wanting to engage in another conversation with the man. 

“How do you do, James?” Leroy asked the clerk, nodding at him. 

The color drained form James’ face as he raised his hand and waved at Leroy. “I’ll be with you in a moment, sir, I’m just finishing up with these two.” 

“Take your time.” Leroy gestured vaguely. “I’d just like to put a hold on the following claims… 8, 34, and 41.” 

Eddie’s blood ran cold as he looked over at James. The clerk’s eyes widened, and he swallowed hard. 

“Sorry, sir,” James said, rubbing the back of his neck. “This man just bought number 41.” 

Leroy clenched his jaw as he turned to look at Eddie. Meanwhile, Eddie took the opportunity to examine Leroy through fresh eyes. Leroy wore a fine coat that probably cost as much as Eddie’s mining claim. A silver pocket watch hung from his vest pocket— an insult to a man who spent the past few years working his fingers to his bone simply to afford this journey. 

Dislike prickled in the air between them. 

“I’ll pay fifty dollars over the asking price,” Leroy said, his lips turning upward into a smirk. 

James grimaced, his eyes flickering over to Eddie. 

“He said it’s already sold,” Eddie said firmly. 

“Yes, but every transaction can be reversed,” Leroy said with a smarmy smile, as if he expected Eddie to simply bend to his will.

“We haven’t processed the sale yet,” James said. His eyes glinted hopefully as he shot Eddie a beseeching look. “I can give your money back right now. We have plenty of other parcels to show you.” 

Eddie puffed out his chest. He’d done his research and had dreamed of this moment for months. There was no way he was going to be railroaded into taking an inferior plot of land simply because someone richer came along. 

“That’s not how it works.” Eddie crossed his arms over his chest. “You know that. I arrived first.” 

Peter shifted his weight uncomfortably as he looked at them. 

“Sir…” James hesitated, shooting an uncertain look at Leroy. 

“I’ll pay you to give me that land,” Leroy said quickly. “I’m sure you would like a bigger parcel. Have your pick.” 

“Why do you want this parcel so badly?” Eddie asked, raising his eyebrows. 

“There’s no sign of gold there or anything,” Leroy said quickly, “it’s just that this parcel shares a border with two of mine. And I’d really prefer to keep it as a set.” 

“No.” Eddie stood straighter. “I don’t want your money. This is my land. I paid for it in full. If you wanted it, you should have come sooner.” 

Leroy’s expression darkened as he took a step closer to Eddie. “Up until now I have been more than patient with you. I even offered you a job. I like you, Eddie. Don’t change that.” 

“Are you threatening me?” Eddie stood his ground, looking Leroy right in the eye. “You know how I handle threats. You saw me on the train, didn’t you?”

A flicker of doubt crossed Leroy’s face. He clenched his jaw as he averted his gaze. “I suppose you’ll learn how things work around here in time. James, put a hold on those other parcels for me.” 

James nodded emphatically and began scribbling the numbers down. 

“I’ll be back for Parcel 41, it will just take a little longer than expected,” he said with a wolfish grin. “You’ll see, Eddie, I get what I want.” 

Eddie turned to James who quickly began writing in his ledger. “Make it out to Edward Young.” 

James pursed his lips as he wrote, then ripped the page out, stamped it, and handed the deed to Eddie. 

“It’s official.” Eddie folded the paper and put it in his pocket. 

Leroy’s eyes flashed with irritation, but he smiled. It didn’t reach his eyes. “Enjoy this little victory while you can. I’d be surprised if you last two months.” 

Eddie crossed his arms over his chest as he watched Leroy stalk out of the office. He’d just made a dangerous enemy. Men with influence tended to respond poorly to rejection. While he’d won his first battle, it didn’t guarantee lasting success. Getting the land was one thing, but keeping it was another matter entirely.