Author's Note: The Georgetown Loop Railroad, as it is known today, was put under construction back in 1872, to provide quicker access to the mines in the mountains. By 1877 Jay Gould (Union Pacific) had supplied the funds to take the line into Georgetown. The railroad brought supplies, workers and tourists into the booming mining town, and carried ore from the mines to be processed.
Author's Second Note: The Hotel De Paris heyday was actually 1895– 1930, later than this story is taking place. However, I wanted to include it, as at one time it was a bastion of European elegance in the Wild West. For more information please visit
Chapter Eighteen
Heath braced against the metal frame of the seat, trying not to grimace as the train car took the sharp curve hard. His hip was still sore, from the shooting, even after the week of convalescing. The doctor had released him after two days, and he had spent the rest of the time resting in the hotel room.
He had been pleasantly surprised that Sarah didn't bring up the funeral, or anything else regarding the shooting. She made sure he rested, ate well, and didn't overdo his activity. In other circumstances, he would have been pleased with her behavior, but Heath felt like her actions were impersonal. It was just how she would have treated anyone who was wounded, albeit with a little more familiarity. Due to his wound, Heath wasn't in a position to initiate any romance, but he hoped that once they were in Georgetown, and his hip was better he could overcome the space between them.
On the other hand, he and Nick had managed to butt heads on two different occasions, while they were still in Denver. Nick, in his high-handed way, informed Heath that he'd called in the Pinkertons, to look into the mayhem they'd encountered in Denver. Heath knew that Nick's reasons – Sarah and Priscilla's safety, and his injury – made sense but he wished his brother had consulted him first.
Yes, Heath had turned down the Pinkertons the first-time Nick had suggested them. He had been sure he would get to the bottom of the matter; privately he admitted that he didn't want the Pinkertons looking into his connection with Logan. When he'd tried to explain to Nick, that he'd wanted to take care of the issue himself, his brother had retorted 'boy I'm trying to keep you out of jail'. He went on to reference the Denver detectives, who had come by the hotel to question Heath, after the doctor had released him. That they still regarded Heath as the main suspect in Logan's death was clear, from the questions and the manner they asked them.
The other argument with Nick was about the mine inspections that Heath had been going to do in Georgetown. He knew that the trust had hired a very well regarded European mining engineer, to work with Heath in Georgetown. However, Heath wanted to see the conditions first hand, since he would regard them from a miner's point of view. When he'd finally been able to present his schedule to Nick, his brother had not been receptive in the least to the itinerary.
Only later did Heath remember Nick's bad experiences being down in mines; being trapped and left for dead could scare even the bravest man. However at the time the argument happened Heath was feeling frustrated at how his plans had been compromised. He hated relying on anyone else, and felt strongly that with his background as miner, it was his duty to advocate for the workers.
The end result had been a nasty argument with Nick, who took the position that the mining engineer knew his job. Nick further added that Heath needed to realize that he wasn't the only man who knew about mines. The blow up had happened over dinner two nights before they left for Georgetown. Even as Heath stomped away from the table – by himself – he knew that yet again this was an argument he wouldn't win.
The memory of that argument came back to him, as he looked at the train car he was residing in. Heath had assumed that they would take the stage up to Georgetown, but had been dismayed to find out that they were on a narrow gauge railroad. He had always hated the 'mini' iron horses, not liking how the natural landscape was destroyed to build the tracks. There was also the matter of comfort, as he gritted his teeth against yet another sharp curve.
Of course he thought to himself, he was also gritting his teeth at the thought of his traveling companions and looked around the car. The rail car they were in was plush; being one of five personal cars used by the upper echelon of the Union Pacific stockholders. Red brocade curtains framed the windows, red silk wallpaper was on the walls, and the scones were red tinted glass. The seats were covered in red leather, with the rear part of the car set aside with a table and an inset bar cabinet that would have been worthy of most restaurants.
Heath looked at the occupants of the rail car and tried to keep the frown from his face. Considering how the car was jerking up the incline, causing his hip pain, which made him grimace; well it did conceal his frown. He had been dismayed to see Roland White already on board the train. Heath had not realized that the lawyer was going to make the trip with them to Georgetown.
The last thing he wanted was to listen to the overdressed lawyer talk disdainfully about the riff raff of Denver. White was too impressed with himself, and had a low opinion of anyone who didn't have money. He'd already heard the lawyer's thoughts on how to deal with the lower classes. Heath pitied the servants who worked for the man; sure he was a mean employer.
Jack Regan was another unwelcome passenger on the trip. He boarded the car quite cheerfully, informing Heath that he and Dale had flipped a coin to see who would get to go to Georgetown. The detective went on to explain that since Heath was the prime suspect in a murder investigation, the police department had authorized the trip.
There was no doubt that Jack thought Heath was guilty, and wouldn't let him out of his sight. Heath wished he wasn't hurt, enjoying the idea of the policeman trying to make his way in a cold dark mine. He was taken aback to see that Jack and Roland knew each other; further Roland had overheard the policeman's comment about the murder investigation.
The two men sat down together, were soon talking closely while drinking coffee served by a white coated Negro attendant. Heath hoped the subject wasn't him and Logan, but from the occasional side long glance the lawyer gave him, he rather thought he was the focus of their conversation. No doubt the lawyer would be glad not to have to deal with him and his concern for the workers of the mines, rather than the profits of the owners.
The Swiss mining engineer was another, in Heath's mind, unwelcome passenger. Even worse, it was Nick and Priscilla who had invited him to ride with them to Georgetown. Heath knew he was being unfair to the man, who was knowledgeable, based on the conversations he'd had with the man. It was nice that Andre Moix was proficient in English, and update to date on the latest developments in mine safety.
However, he was still annoyed at how Nick was willing to let the man go off on his own, instead of accompanying him into the mines. It wasn't helping Heath's mood that Monsieur Moix was sitting next to Sarah, talking to her animatedly. Sarah was responding with laughter and delight, very different from her usual decorum. Heath had noticed that since he'd been shot, there'd been a difference in Sarah.
She didn't seem as taut in dealing with people, and presented a much easier going façade to everyone. Heath had privately wished on more than one occasion that Sarah would behave in that manner. Now though, it made him wonder, not for the first time, what was going on with her. He was also reminded of Leah and Hannah's oft said admonishment of be careful what you wish for.
Georgetown Colorado, with an elevation of over 8500 feet, nestled in a valley along the Clear Creek River. Heath knew the town ran north and south, parallel to the river; there was very little room to expand east or west. The granite cliffs of the mountains stopped any development on their unforgiving slopes. The railroad station and most of the development was at the southern end of the town. The northern end was the beginnings of the mining camps, and more haphazard in layout.
The Hotel De Paris, where they were staying, was the last word in luxury between Chicago and San Francisco. Heath knew that it had been founded by a Frenchman, who referred to it as a 'Little Souvenir' of his native France. Several carriages greeted them at the station, and took the party up to the hotel. He wasn't pleased to find out that the passengers from the rail car were all staying at the hotel.
The hotel itself, stuccoed in pale beige, stood out from the wood and brick buildings surrounding it. The windows were framed by brown paint, highlighted with blue trim; it looked like it had been moved intact from Europe. The statue of Justice, in white marble on the roof, only added to the impression the building gave off.
Heath was delighted to find out that he and Sarah had their own suite, as it would be the first privacy they'd had since leaving Stockton. The hotel was lavishly decorated, with Wilton carpets, finely carved wood furniture, ornate crystal light fixtures and painted trim. He knew the dining room was renowned for the quality of the food, but after taking a quick look at the menu, left in their room, Heath thought it sounded too French for his taste.
The next two days were spent exploring the town by himself, as Sarah had succumbed to a nasty case of altitude sickness. Heath had made it a point to drink water on the train ride, and had offered water and lemonade to Sarah. She had taken the beverages, but later Heath couldn't remember if she'd actually drunk any of the contents. Sarah, by the afternoon of their arrival, had a headache and nausea. The doctor was called, and pronounced bed rest and a liquid diet of broths.
Heath with his injury could get around town with his cane, and used the opportunity to explore the bustling community. He'd been in more mining towns that he could even remember, having seen the wheel of the boom and bust that gold and silver brought. The construction in Georgetown was solid, with lots of not quite mansions but definitely upper class houses going up. There was the clear demarcation between the 'right' and 'wrong' side of town, which saddened him.
The afternoon of his second day was spent with Priscilla, who was going to visit the school in Georgetown – which all the mine owners paid to run – as well as the hospital. She was also going to visit the housing area, where the miners who worked for the Van DerHoffen mines lived. Heath knew she was concerned about the welfare of the miners and their families.
Priscilla had authorized cash bonus payments to the miners; in addition she had insisted that if the miner had a family the wife received a payment too. This gesture had caused some grumbling from many of the men, but Priscilla had insisted that the women receive the money. Her reasoning, as she explained to Heath, was that the women would use their money to ensure their family's well-being.
Heath wanted to admire Priscilla for her decision, but couldn't help but wonder if he was the only one who heard the unsaid innuendo of the gesture; that the men would just spend the money on drink. He knew his sister-in-law for looking out for the women and children, but understood how many of the men felt demeaned by the action. For every man who might go on a drinking spree, Heath was sure that there were two who wanted to be the ones to provide for their family. It was a case of damn if you do, damn if you don't; Heath decided not to overthink the matter.
Each day started by having breakfast with Andre Moix and Nick, to review the results of the mine inspections. Heath had to concede that Andre was through in his work, and didn't have bias in his observations. Nick let Heath handle the reviews, and he was glad that his brother was letting him take the lead.
After eating Nick went off to do ranch paperwork that Jarrod had sent to Denver. His brother was also exploring the town and the saloons; in the evening he and Priscilla had gone out to dinner parties. Heath and Sarah had been invited too, but with Sarah not feeling well Heath declined. Instead he would go find a simple restaurant to have dinner, before taking some broth up to Sarah. He felt bad that she was having so much trouble adjusting, and was trying to figure out some way to make the whole trip up to her.
On the third day Heath decided that while he couldn't go down into the mines, he could still take a wagon out to the operations. His walking was stronger, and he only carried in the cane in case the terrain was rough. The first mine he went to was close to town, and one of the older ones in the area. Heath walked around the production area, and talked to the foreman and workers who were running the machinery.
The thing that struck him was the age and condition of the equipment, especially the crusher machine. Heath could see that the machine was well maintained, but knew that it was over six years old. The Barkley mines had just installed several of the newer models of the crusher, made by the same company. There were other pieces of equipment that were also several years old.
He decided that probably because this was an older mine – he knew from the reports that it didn't produce much ore anymore – the machinery had not been upgraded. Heath said his goodbyes and moved on to the next two mines on his list. These two mines were high producers, and Heath paid special attention to the production equipment. He noted some newer pieces, but also a number of older machines still being used.
It struck him as odd, since Priscilla had said that Joseph always employed the most up-to-date methods at his mines. The last mine on his list was the farthest out, and he could tell from the angle of the sun that it was getting late in the afternoon. His lunch had been some sandwiches he'd picked up in town, and his hip was starting to ache from the walking he'd been doing.
Something in his brain though made him push through to the fourth mine; this was the largest and highest producing mine. Heath drove the wagon into the yard, and went to find the foreman, who also oversaw the production at the other mines. The man greeted Heath heartily, and showed him around the operation.
Heath saw the usual mix of old and new equipment; most of the new machines were the smaller ones used in the production process. The large machines – and the most expensive – were all several years old. The hydraulic thrasher caught his eye because he could swear he had seen a bill of sale on the machinery, for this mine. He examined the piece of equipment and could see that it was not the new model.
When he questioned the foreman, Jim Mayhew, about the fact the man replied that he'd put in the purchase request a year earlier. However, with Joseph Van DerHoffen traveling, and then his death, the purchase had been put on hold until the estate was settled. Heath asked Jim about equipment at the other mines, and heard that over the last two and half years there had been purchasing problems.
After saying goodbye, promising to see what he could do about getting the equipment purchased, Heath drove slowly back into town thinking about what he'd seen at the mines. He was sure that he'd seen the purchase order for the hydraulic thrasher, and that it had indicated the bill was paid and the equipment delivered. There had been other purchase records that he'd seen; he was sure of the fact.
Or so he thought, because when he arrived back at the hotel, after checking on Sarah who was sleeping, he pulled the files to go through. No, he noted, there were no records of equipment being purchased. Heath knew he didn't have the ledger books, but could swear he'd seen purchase orders and receipts. It came to him then that he must have seen them in the records that were back in Denver.
As part of his attempts to figure out who was trying to kill him, he'd gone through Joseph's papers. The office had not been packed up yet, and Heath spent the afternoon sorting files and reading correspondence. Heath sighed to himself, wishing he didn't have to wait until they were back in Denver. That was not for several more days, but there was nothing he could about it now.