"I could live in the cabin," she mused, "while the mine gets started." Kieran frowned. "It's isolated up here. Might not be safe for a woman alone." "I can't afford to stay at the boarding house indefinitely," Catherine pointed out. "Let's cross that bridge when we come to it," Kieran suggested. "For now, let's head back to town and find Tom Bailey." As they rode back to Prosperity, Catherine's mind whirled with plans and possibilities.
The mine represented more than just financial security. It was a chance to build something of her own. To prove she could survive without the safety net of her former life. And if she occasionally glanced at the strong line of Kieran's shoulders as he rode ahead of her, she told herself it was merely appreciation for his help, nothing more. Tom Bailey was found at the Silver Spur, a weathered man in his 50s with a grizzled beard and eyes that had seen their share of hardship.
He greeted Kieran warmly and looked Catherine over with frank assessment. "So, you're Jacob's niece," he said. "Got his eyes, you do." "You worked with my uncle?" Catherine asked. "Five years," Bailey confirmed. "Good man, fair boss.
That last strike was something to see, richest vein I've worked in 20 years of mining." "I need someone who knows the mine," Catherine said directly. "Someone I can trust to run things properly." Bailey studied her face. "Jacob spoke of his sister sometimes, said she had grit. Seems you inherited that along with the mine." He nodded slowly. "I'll help you get it running again, for Jacob's sake and because that silver deserves to see the light of day." They spent the next hour discussing practicalities, how many men they'd need, what equipment required repair, how soon they could start production.
By the time they finished, Catherine felt a glimmer of real hope for the first time in months. "If all goes well, we could be processing ore within 2 weeks," Bailey concluded. "Enough to meet your tax payment at any rate." "I'll head up there tomorrow," he added. "Check the supports, make sure everything sound, then start hiring the next day if that suits you, madam." "That would be perfect, Mr. Bailey," Catherine agreed.
As they left the saloon, Victor Holloway stepped into their path, his expression less friendly than before. "Miss Blackwood," he greeted coldly. "I see you're moving forward with the mine." "I am," Catherine confirmed. Holloway's eyes flickered to Bailey, then Kieran. "Mining is a risky business.
Accidents happen. My offer to purchase still stands." "And my answer remains the same." Catherine replied, straightening her spine. "The mine is not for sale." "You should reconsider." Holloway pressed. "A woman alone she's not alone." Kieran interrupted, his voice hard. "She has friends in prosperity." Holloway's mouth tightened.
"Very well." "But remember Miss Blackwood, silver prices fluctuate. What seems valuable today may be worthless tomorrow." With a curt nod, he walked away. "Charming man." Catherine remarked dryly. "He's worried." Bailey said. "Jacob's vein is rich and it runs toward Holloway's property line.
He wants to control it all." "Well, he won't." Catherine said firmly. "The Silver Lady is mine and I intend to make her prosper." The next week passed in a whirlwind of activity. True to his word, Bailey inspected the mine and declared it sound. Though some supports needed reinforcement. He hired four experienced miners and work began in earnest.