Runaway, page 7
Will had already done so much in her behalf. The guilt that hung over her head like a lowering thundercloud plagued her as she considered his kindness. And how had she repaid him? Her deceit, the blatant lie she had told him, the blood she had shed…she bowed her head. And now she wanted what he had not offered, whatever that might be. How could she yearn for more, especially when she herself was not even sure what that more consisted of?
Now, on the third day out since they had stopped at that cabin, since Will had kissed her and held her with such a needy embrace, she found herself watching him closely. He’d been quiet, almost angry, as he’d ridden out last evening after setting up their camp.
He’d been narrow eyed and somber when he returned, evading her questions and soothing her concerns as they bedded down for the night. His hand had held his gun throughout the night. She’d peeked more than once, restlessly turning over on the hard ground, aware of his quiet watchfulness as she sought sleep.
Now she watched as he approached, her awareness of him heightened as he shot her a measuring look. His hand pulled at the brim of his hat, tugging it over his forehead as if he would anchor it there.
“Keep ridin’, Cassie.” He circled her, his stallion taking mincing steps as Will reined him tightly. “See that smoke on the horizon?” Will’s hand swept up, his index finger pointing to the north and east. “I want you to head in that direction, hear me?”
Cassie nodded, perplexed once more by his somber look. He’d been quiet again this morning, and then, with no warning, issued his orders. “What’s wrong, Will?” she asked, only to find herself talking to his back as his horse pivoted in place.
He handed her the lead rope for the mule and watched as she wound it around the saddle horn, nodding his approval. “Just do as I say, Cassie.” His words gave her no choice, drifting back over his shoulder as he left her. Doubling back on their trail, he headed off to the south, even as she watched.
“Behave yourself, girl,” she muttered beneath her breath, eyeing the twitching ears of the mount she rode. The mare was about as reluctant to keep moving as she was, Cassie decided. “He’ll be back,” she murmured. “Before you know it,” she assured the animal, reaching one hand to pat at the horse’s dark mane.
Easing back on the reins, she slowed the mare to an ambling walk, unwilling to ride at any great pace in the opposite direction from Will. The pack mule followed along, stretching the lead to its full length, but amiable nonetheless. Cassie settled into the saddle, lulled by the rhythmic vibration of her horse’s hooves, which blended with the sounds of the animal’s breathing.
Ahead, the blot on the horizon spread out before her eyes, taking form and substance, sunlight glittering on metal.
“It’s a town!” On an indrawn breath, Cassie whispered aloud her discovery. Not much of a town, she admitted to herself, now that she was getting closer. Only a cluster of buildings, to be sure. But where there were townfolk, there must be a general store. And inside that store, if Will had the hard cash to lay on the counter, they might find something to go along with the biscuits and beans they’d been eating for the past two days.
To the north a farmhouse took form, a barn behind it, and smoke from the chimney wafted on the breeze. A dog barked sharply and Cassie squinted to seek its whereabouts. A dark smudge moved and the animal barked again.
“I’m not gonna bother you, pooch,” she said, her words blending with a chuckle. Her hand tightened on the reins, halting her progress as she considered the distance ahead. It would take far less than a half hour to reach the settlement at the pace she was traveling, and she didn’t relish riding into its midst alone.
Shifting in the saddle, she looked back at the horizon. Will had traveled fast once he headed out. Patches of brush and a few clumps of trees dotted the landscape, perhaps shielding him from her view. A line of trees gave mute evidence of water, over near the farm she’d taken note of, and as her eyes measured the boundary they formed, she was tempted to ride in that direction.
A place to water her horse and splash fresh water on her own face was a welcome thought. One best ignored if she planned on doing as Will had told her. She shifted restlessly, uneasy without him by her side.
And then she heard his whistle from behind her, like that of a hawk calling to his mate. She turned in the saddle again, shading her eyes as they swept the horizon to the south. With a quickening of her heartbeat she recognized him, there where his figure soaked up the sunlight, approaching at a hard gallop.
His lips were thinned, his nostrils flaring, and his dark eyes were hooded as he pulled his horse to a halt. The stallion’s front hooves left the ground and he spun in a half circle as Will reined him tightly. He tossed his head, and white foam sprayed in the air.
“What’s wrong?” Cassie asked, her eyes intent on man and horse, a bit uneasy at the stud’s antics. Will’s hardedged profile gave her a start, a grimness she had only begun to associate with him altering his features. “What did you find back there?”
“We’re being followed. Maybe by one of those bastards from that ranch where I bought the horse.” His mouth tightened as he allowed his gaze to sweep over her. “I was afraid of this. Must be you were more temptation than I realized.”
His frown deepened. “I didn’t want to use my gun, but I reckon I’ll have to face him down.” He looked to where the small town huddled, less than a mile ahead. “We’ll ride on and keep an eye out. My guess is that he’ll circle around and pick up our trail later on.”
It wasn’t much of a town. On the outskirts was a blacksmith shop, where a muscular man in a leather apron plied his trade before a glowing forge. He’d allowed them a glance and gone back to his business as they passed by. Next, a white wooden church proclaimed the place to be Cooper’s Crossing, and the church to be Methodist in its leanings.
A scattering of houses surrounded the middle of town, dogs and children playing behind picket fences. A bit farther on a small building boasted a sign designating it the bank, and beside it was the general store. Will tied their horses to the hitching rail as Cassie wearily slid to the ground.
“Don’t buy out the place before I get in there,” he told her, his words an attempt to tease.
Granting him a scant grin, she climbed the three steps leading to the door. It swung shut behind her, and Cassie inhaled the unique smell of the place. Her hungry eyes were eager as they devoured the merchandise lining the shelves. Canned goods and bags of flour and sugar lined up next to tins of tea and spices. Bits of lace and eyelet nestled within a glass case, and her eyes lingered there for a moment before she edged past.
The scent of leather drew her to a display of harnesses and halters hung on nails against the wall. A saddle sat on end, a pile of coarsely woven blankets next to it. Shoes were lined up on the end of one counter, and she was awed by the display. She’d only ever had one pair at a time in her life, and those, by necessity, had been sturdy and lacking in style.
When Will entered the store, his gaze softened as he watched her explore, her eyes wide as she eased her way down the length of the counter and past the barrels of salt pork and pickles. It looked to him as if the girl had lacked the chance to spend much time in a store lately, what with the ragtag clothing she’d possessed when he found her. Not to mention the awestruck look in her eyes now that she was faced with the splendor of plenty. He’d have to see to it she was outfitted with some new pants, farther down the road, before they reached the farm.
Quickly he pointed out the foodstuffs he’d decided on and watched as the storekeeper stowed them in a burlap bag. Will counted out the coins on the burnished counter and picked up his merchandise.
“You folks just passin’ through?” the proprietor asked, sorting out the money into his cash drawer.
Will nodded. “We’re headin’ up to Missouri. My folks have a farm outside of Greenbush.”
“Can’t say I ever heard of it,” the storekeeper said, one finger nudging his spectacles in place.
Will grinned. “Neither has much of anyone else. Reckon it’s just a spot on the map. They were lookin’ for the railroad to come through when I left. I figure that oughta lend some life to the place.”
“Well, you’re only a day or so from the state line, less’n you poke along. Ought to be home before it’s time to plow.”
Will shrugged. “I expect I’ll remember how.” He cast a glance at Cassie. “You about ready, Sarah Jane?”
She looked at him, her eyes widening at the salutation. And then she smiled, ducking her head, her shy, bridelike gesture a direct contrast to the sparkle in her eyes. “Yes, Will,” she said meekly. With a last, longing look at the merchandise surrounding her, she made her way to the door.
Will opened it, ushering her past, his load heavy, dragging the burlap bag almost to the floor. She walked ahead and his eyes fastened on the rounded bottom encased in boy’s pants. There was definitely something to be said for Cassie in a pair of denims. He’d just better hope his ma didn’t pitch a fit when he brought home a female in britches.
The pack animal well laden, they set out from the small community, Cassie looking back mournfully over her shoulder. “That was a good-sized store for such a small town, wasn’t it?”
“Probably the only place to trade for miles around,” Will said. “Farms are pretty scattered hereabouts. I doubt folks get to town more than once every couple of weeks.”
“Is Greenbush any bigger?” she asked, nudging her horse into a quicker pace and pulling in beside Will.
Will shrugged. “Could be by now, I reckon. I’ve been gone for a long time, Cassie. If the railroad came through, my guess is that Greenbush has grown by leaps and bounds.”
“Do you think I could get a job there?”
“Ma will probably put you to work on the farm, Cass. She’ll be glad to get another woman to help out.”
Cassie shook her head in mute denial.
“You don’t think you’d like it on the farm?” Will asked, his eyes on her downcast face.
“I need to make a life of my own, Will,” she told him firmly. “I’m not going to be owing you for the rest of my life. I’m already in debt with no way of paying you back for what you’ve done for me.”
If she were a different sort of female, he’d be able to come up with a solution to that problem in no time flat, Will thought idly, his thoughts never far from the needy condition he’d been dealing with for the past week or so. For such a mite of a girl, Cassie was about the nicest armful he’d ever managed to snuggle up against.
The campfire was small, but heat radiated from the rock wall behind her. Will’s eagle eye had spied the site from the trail, and he’d managed to get the fire built and the animals tethered in no time. The sun slid beneath the horizon quickly, and Cassie spread their blankets between the small blaze and the curving rock wall that formed a shallow cave.
“You get enough to eat?” he asked, watching her deft movements as she made a pillow of sorts from his heavy coat.
She nodded, kneeling in the glow of the fire, her eyes not quite making contact with his, her teeth touching her lower lip in concentration. She’d been antsy since sunset, Will realized. Maybe since earlier this afternoon.
“What’s wrong, Cassie?” He’d done his own share of worrying over the past few days, but now that they were settled for the night, and he’d done the best he could to make them safe and secure, he was ready to get some rest. There’d be no rest if Cassie was on edge.
“I feel like someone’s watching me.” Her mouth barely moved as she whispered the words, her hands busy with squaring up the heavy garment she planned to tuck beneath her head for the night.
“Yeah.” There was someone out there somewhere. He’d be willing to bet on it. “I’ve got my gun, Cassie, but I don’t think he’s lookin’ to have a shoot-out. He’s had a couple of days to bushwhack us if that’s what he was plannin’ to do.”
She moved her blanket back into the shelter of the rock overhang and sat on it, her eyes darting past Will to scan the darkness. The boots she’d worn all day were side by side nearer the fire, she’d tended to her business behind a cluster of trees at twilight, and now she cast one last searching look into the surrounding area.
“I’m going to try to sleep,” she announced, her jaw set as she curled on her side, reaching back to pull the blanket over her shoulder. “Why don’t you come sit on this side of the fire, Will?”
“Yeah, I reckon it’s time for me to stretch out, too,” he told her, hoisting himself to his feet. “I’ll just be a minute, Cassie. I’m not goin’ far.”
He couldn’t mistake the moment of panic that flashed across her face, the widening of her eyes as he backed from the small camp. There was no point in telling her an untruth. The watcher was very likely nearby. And yet Will had spoken the truth as he saw it. If the man meant them harm, he’d had every chance in the world to do his worst. Something about the whole situation failed to add up.
Noiselessly, each footstep measured and cautious, Will walked the perimeter of the area he’d chosen for their camp. And then, in the shadow of an oak tree, he glimpsed the silent figure who watched and waited.
Easing off to his left, Will moved in a wide arc, taking advantage of every bush and tree, willing the clouds that covered the moon and stars to stay in place, affording him a degree of concealment as he made his way behind the observer’s chosen spot. Stealthily he eased behind the oak tree, his footsteps silent, his breathing measured and soundless. The man who watched and waited had not moved. Indeed, like a statue, he melted into the shadows, not a whisper of sound betraying his presence.
Will moved from behind the tree, one hand on the butt of his pistol. “You plannin’ on spendin’ the night keepin’ an eye on us?” His words were quiet, carrying only as far as the shaded area they shared beneath the tree.
The intruder moved, and Will was on him. Certainly it made sense to have this confrontation with him on top, he decided. Surprise was his advantage, and yet there was a lack of hostility in this short battle. With barely a struggle, the man lay beneath Will, his eyes glittering in the faint glow from the campfire.
“I’ll be damned. You’re the half-breed!” Will’s gun barrel was poised mere inches from the man’s head, and nudged closer with each word Will spoke. “Answer me, Indian.”
He was well built, probably able to well defend himself if he so chose, Will decided, and yet there was about him an air of submission.
“My gun’s with my horse.” Except for lifting his hands in a show of surrender, the dark-skinned man lay quiet and acquiescent beneath his captor.
“Are you alone?” Will asked in the same almost silent tones. He looked toward the fire, where Cassie lay bundled against the rock wall. He doubted she could see him in the darkness, but he surely didn’t want her frightened by their visitor.
The other man nodded his head. “I rode your trail. I come alone.”
“Well, you’ve caught up with us now. Reckon you’d better speak your piece.” Lifting himself from the ground, Will dragged his captive up with one fist buried in the man’s shirt. His other hand shoved his gun back into its holster, then moved to rest against his thigh as Will relaxed his stance.
The Indian’s gaze was open as he extended his hand in greeting. “They call me Many Fingers.”
With a measure of surprise, Will accepted the gesture and completed the solemn handshake.
Common courtesy kept him from asking the obvious question, but his eyes scanned the Indian’s hand as it parted company with his own.
“Not that hand, the other.” Holding up his left hand, he allowed Will’s scrutiny, spreading his fingers wide, the smaller appendage on the outside of his hand noticeable.
“Well, I’ll be…” Will shook his head. “I’ve never seen the like of that before. Does it give you a better grip?”
Many Fingers shook his head. “No. My mother fought the rest of the women so I could keep it, but it ain’t much good to me.”
Will eyed him, in a quandary as he considered Cassie’s reaction should he bring the visitor back to the campfire.
“Why are you followin’ us?”
“Thought maybe I could talk you into letting me ride with you,” the Indian replied.
Will’s brow rose in surprise. “What on earth for? Where’s your home? Got any family? Why didn’t you stay on at the horse dealer’s place?”
Many Fingers shook his head. “A half-breed’s word doesn’t mean much. The big man set to wondering if I was part of the problem with your woman.” His shrug was slight. “Guess I don’t belong anywhere, to tell the truth. My mother was a half-breed, born from a white man who never stuck around to pay her any mind. My father died before I was born, with a white man’s sickness.”
“Where you from?” Will asked.
“A settlement in the Territory. There’s nothin’ there for me.” He waited, watching closely as Will considered the words he spoke. “I’m good at workin’ with horses. And I read and write pretty well. Ma sent me to the white man’s school when I was young.”
Will’s tension eased, his doubts held in abeyance as he made a decision. Perhaps another rider would add to their safekeeping. He’d leave it up to Cassie.
“Want some coffee?” He waved his hand in the direction of the camp.
The Indian nodded, glancing at Cassie’s small form curled near the fire. “Will she want to shoot me?”
Will shook his head. “Doubt it. She’s not much on blood and guts.”
“I tried to step in, but things happened too fast back there.” His footsteps silent as he walked next to Will, Many Fingers spoke in an undertone.
But it was enough to rouse Cassie from her near slumber. She sat erect, the blanket draped over her shoulders, peering through the darkness. “Will? Who’s that with you?”
