But it was too late. Violet’s eyes had widened at the news, and her lashes seemed darker than usual as they framed her eyes.
“Did you see who did it?” Sterling asked.
Beckett shook his head. “Must have happened when we were out with the herd, because we didn’t see anyone.”
“Alonzo notice anything?”
“He heard some noise while he was rustling up grub and went out to investigate and saw a couple fellows leaving the house.”
Sterling’s jaw tightened with the need to curse.
Beckett nodded solemnly. “Men said they worked for Claude St. Germaine from the Red Cap Saloon and were looking for two women.”
Violet began pushing up from the sled, her expression worried. “They wanted us.”
“Reckon so.” Beckett’s gaze bounced to Hyacinth again as she helped Violet up.
Why had Claude sent his men to look for Violet and Hyacinth at the ranch? Maybe Mr. Berkley had told Claude about Sterling’s visit to the house and his concern for the women. Maybe Claude had heard about Sterling’s previous engagement to Violet and had concluded he might shelter the sisters.
Of course, Claude would be right. Sterling had been protecting them.
Violet straightened herself, favoring her uninjured foot. “I’m sorry for bringing the danger to the ranch, Sterling. We will leave right away.”
“And go where?” He couldn’t keep the frustration from his voice. “You can’t go to High C Ranch and chance bringing the danger to Hazel.” He wouldn’t put his sister in that kind ofpredicament ever, but especially not when she was expecting a baby.
Violet pursed her lips and shifted to look at the foothills they’d just hiked out of. Was she thinking of returning to the cabin?
He shook his head, a strange sense of desperation starting to gnaw at him. “No, don’t even think about it. I won’t let you go back out there with Hyacinth alone. Not without me or someone else who can keep you safe.”
“We’ll be fine—”
“What if Claude’s men hear about the cabin and decide to trek out and see if you’re there?”
“They won’t.”
“I’m not taking that chance.”
Violet lifted her chin, the closest she ever came to getting sassy. “I don’t know where else to go, Sterling. It’s the best place to hide, and you know it.”
Beckett was silent during the exchange, watching them from beneath the brim of his cowboy hat. “Actually, the safest place is right here.”
“Why?” Sterling was open to any suggestions.
“Since Claude already sent men out here and didn’t find the women, why would he look again?”
“True. Unless the ranch hands talk about the women.”
Beckett’s expression turned hard, and he spat out his piece of hay. “Don’t worry about the fellas. I’ll keep them in line.”
Violet’s brow creased with distress. “I couldn’t impose on you. I’ve already done enough.”
Sterling glanced at the house. Beckett’s idea was actually a good one. Claude’s men wouldn’t have a reason to return to the Noble Ranch and search again. If they did, Sterling would be here to protect the women. He would have to stick close to the house, but that was better than riding up to the cabin—whichwas what he would need to do since there was no way he was letting Violet and Hyacinth go up there alone.
Of course, if anyone discovered Violet and Hyacinth were living at his house, he’d still have the pesky gossip and rumors to worry about. But having that was better than leaving the two to fend for themselves.
Sterling hadn’t planned on spending more time with Violet, but it looked like he had no other option. He met Beckett’s gaze. “It’s the most logical plan.”
“Yep.”
