“Where you headed to Reid?”
Reid continued brushing the horse. “Nowhere. Anywhere.”
“Don’t you have somewhere you belong? You got the look of a man running away from something. You in trouble?”
“No, I used to be, but I paid my time. I’m a free man now.”
“You don’t look none to free.”
Reid looked at Gus and grinned. “No, I don’t suppose I do. I had a chance at a new life in Shirleyville. But I ruined it and ran off.”
“Can you go back?”
Reid shrugged. “I don’t know. I disappointed some people.”
“You know, Reid. People can sometimes be as forgiving as horses. It might be worth a try to go back and ask to start over. You look a sight miserable. I know I’m nothing to you, but if you were to ask me, I’d advise you to go back and ask them to forgive you and give it a shot.”
Reid stared at him. “You know, Gus. That’s just what I’m going to do. You think, Buck here, will be up for a hard ride?”
Gus looked at the horse. “I do believe he’d be happy to carry you back to a good place. Yes, sir. He’ll carry you just fine. I’d leave first thing in the morning because I think we’re going to get some snow.”
“I’ll be going to Shirleyville.”
“That’s but a good day’s ride.” Gus patted Buck. “But I believe this horse will get you there. In fact, I think he’d be happy to help you out.”
“You talk to horses, Gus.”
“When you been alone as long as I have, yes, sir. Can’t say I always understand them, but we get along.” Gus smiled and then gave the horse a good portion of grain and hay. “I’ve got coffee in the office if you want to join me.”
“I’d like that, Gus. Thanks for talking to me. Not judging me. I feel bad enough as a failure.”
Gus clapped a hand on his shoulder. “Let’s go have some coffee and warm up. I have a feeling you’re getting back on the right path. You know, the Lord works His ways to help us out. He knows we’re small and need a helping hand here and there. If I help you, then you can help someone else. That way, His goodness gets spread around.”
Reid followed him into the office. “I like that idea, Gus. So, you think I could sell hats?”
“Yes, sir. You know how to make them?”
“A little. I helped a man make this one. I could pick it up. You think it would be a good business to go into?”
“That I do. I see quality work in the way you got that band around the hat. There’s plenty of men out here that would buy one. Carved leather belts, too. A man does good by working with his hands.”
Reid told Gus a little about his agreement with Bridgette.
“Sounds like you have a real chance at a good life back in Shirleyville. Go on back, son. Like I said, sometimes people can be as forgiving as horses. But I’d suggest you be humble. Ask for forgiveness from those you offended. You know, the Lord sent His own Son to be forgiveness for us and our sins if we ask for it.” Gus looked at him with kindness and handed him a blanket.
Taking it, Reid stretched out. “Thanks, Gus. You’ve given me a lot to think about.”
“I’ll wake you early. I want you to get back to Shirleyville before the snow.” Gus stretched out on his cot and soon started snoring.
Reid felt his mother’s prayer book in his pocket and felt a sudden warmth in his heart. Maybe he wasn’t alone. His mother had told him that God was always near if you called out to Him. Perhaps she was right.
He had a sense of peace in his soul. Maybe he did have a chance to make something decent out of his life. He wondered if Bridgette would take him back and still help him with the business.
And the mail-order bride? He still wasn’t sure if he wanted to be married, but he’d let her down too. He owed it to her to meet her and see if things could work out between them. Not that he thought any good woman would want to marry him.
Yet, Bridgette had thought so. But then that was before he’d run out.
***
Evalyn went to the café to ask about a job. As she entered the door, she saw a man dressed in black paying his bill. He was a striking figure. And by the collar around his neck, she realized he must be the preacher.
He turned to leave and nodded at her. A scar near his left eye made him look almost dangerous. Such irony for a man of peace to carry a scar. Yet, she knew that Jesus had his scars, and He was the Prince of Peace.
She watched the preacher leave. He’d looked to be on a mission as he left the café. She hoped someone wasn’t in trouble and need of his services.
“Can I help you?” A bubbly woman smiled as she watched the preacher leave the building. Then she turned her attention back to Evalyn. “We have chicken pot pie for the special today.”
“Oh, no, thank you. I was wondering if you needed any help. I’m looking for work.” Evalyn saw the woman frown. Either they didn’t need work, or she didn’t want Evalyn to work there.
“I see. Let me ask the boss. I doubt it right now with winter getting ready to set in. But who knows? Stay right here.” She disappeared behind a red and white checkered curtain to what must be the kitchen. Within minutes, she came back, shaking her head. “He said no. But keep checking.” She held out her hand. “I’m Gloria.”
Shaking her hand, Evalyn smiled. “Evalyn. I just came into town and wanted to find work.”
“Good luck. We don’t get too many strangers in Shirleyville.” Gloria had questions in her eyes but didn’t ask.
“Perhaps I’ll see you when I come in for lunch. The chicken pot pie smells delicious. If I hadn’t already eaten, I’d have ordered some.”
Gloria grinned and waved at a man who had just walked in the door. “Next time then. Del, you come to pick up that pie you ordered?”
The man who’d just entered the café grinned. “Sure did.”
Evalyn retreated like she usually did. Instead of entering into conversation with other people, she hid back and kept to herself. But she still had the store to check. And they might need help.
Leaving the café, she looked at the small clock pin she wore on her coat. She hoped it was still working as she needed to be back at the hotel in time to meet Mr. Adler for dinner.
It was possible, he might be interested in marriage, and he did seem pleasant and prosperous. As a bank owner, he would have money. Not that money was a requirement for her, but she had spent too many years going hungry.
She walked down the street and crossed to go to the store. The wind chilled her even in her new coat, making her thankful she had a warm hotel to go to. But she couldn’t rely on Brigette to provide for her. She would have to make her way either by finding her own husband or by working. Or both. She didn’t think an ex-outlaw could have enough money to take care of a wife.
Unless it was stolen. And Evalyn would have nothing to do with stolen goods. Or a man who did such things. Then again, he was supposed to be out of prison and on the road to a new life.
Hollander’s was a big store with goods outside and plenty of customers bustling in and out the door. That it was busy gave her hope they might need help. She walked into the store and smelled the bouquet of a thriving business. Spices, tobacco, wood, the earthy smell of potatoes. Oil from the kerosene. The place was crowded with shelving full of goods.
One side had boots and clothing. Another food goods. Everywhere Evalyn looked, she saw products. The counter had a rack of bright and tempting jars of candy to treat the children.
“Can I help you?” A kindly gentleman asked her from behind the counter.
“This is my first time in your store. It’s lovely. So many items. You must be very proud.”
With a bigger smile and maybe a chest slightly puffed out, the man nodded. “Yes, ma’am. We’ve been here since nearly the beginning of Shirleyville. It’s a fine growing town. You’re new here?”
“Yes, I am. Evalyn Ladd. I was hoping to find work here in your store.”
“I see. Edna, come out here.
”
A woman came from behind a curtain hiding the back room. “Yes, oh, hello. What can we do for you?”
Evalyn repeated her question.
Edna looked at her husband. “Earl, I could use someone to help me dust and straighten the shelves. I was telling you that the other day.”
Earl nodded. “That was what I was thinking. When can you start?”
Evalyn looked at the couple eagerly. “Tomorrow?”
“Perfect. Where are you staying?” Earl put down the paper he’d been working on.
“At the hotel, so it’s not a very far walk.”
With a nod, Earl pointed to the window. “Good. Because I think we’re about to get some snow any day.”
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to look around and familiarize myself with your goods.” Evalyn started to walk away when Edna came to her.
Taking her hand, Edna smiled. “Let me show you the layout of the store. Most of the time, ranchers come and give us their list to fill. I’m so glad you came in for a job. You are an answer to prayer.”
Evalyn smiled. “This job will be an answer to my prayer.”
“What brings you to Shirleyville?”
Evalyn didn’t want to tell the truth, but she knew that the news had probably already gone out. “Actually, I came as a mail-order bride, but it looks like my groom ran out on me.”
“Oh, dear. That is dreadful. I’m sure that must be with Bridgette. I told Earl that she was going to run into trouble with those men one of these days.” Edna patted Bridgette’s hand. “Don’t you worry. A pretty little thing like you won’t have any trouble finding a husband. If my son was a few years older, I’d suggest him, but Rod is just a boy.” She led Evalyn to the side. “Over here, we have items for mining and prospecting. And then we have the kerosene lamps and oil.”
The bell over the door rang. Edna looked back and excused herself to help the customers.
Evalyn walked up and down the aisles and made note of the goods and where they were. She would enjoy working here and for Edna and Earl. They seemed like such friendly people. After a look at the time, Evalyn realized she needed to leave.
She bid them goodbye and walked back to the hotel, holding her coat tight against her. The sun had been swallowed by dark gray clouds, and the temperature had fallen. She opened the door to the hotel and rubbed her hands to get warm. She’d have to buy a new pair of warm gloves at the store tomorrow.
Evalyn went to her room to ready for dinner. She decided she’d wear one of her new outfits as Mr. Adler looked like a man of means. After changing, she looked in the mirror and couldn’t help but think that things were looking up. She had a job and had met a few friends. And even had one man who was interested in her.
She didn’t need the ex-outlaw after all. Besides, the idea of being married to a man who had been in prison wasn’t her idea of the perfect husband.
Chapter 7
Reid left early the next morning. Frigid air greeted him, and after looking at the dark gray sky, he had to admit, Gus had been right. The horse seemed ready to go and moved out at a steady pace as if Buck knew they needed to get back to Shirleyville. If Reid didn’t know better, he’d have thought Gus had talked to the animal and told him to hurry it up.
Reid was maybe halfway to Shirleyville when the first flurries started. The sky turned dark blue, and the wind picked up. Reid regretted not buying a new coat. One of those sheepskin coats the Howard girls made. In fact, that might be one of the first things he did when he got to Shirleyville. For all the talk of disgruntled cattlemen against sheep, those warm sheepskin coats made up for the pesky little animals.
Where he’d stay was another question. Bridgette had bought him a room at the hotel, but he was sure that was gone. If he had to, maybe Buck wouldn’t mind the company. Thinking of the horse, Reid dismounted and walked for a couple of miles.
He was in a hurry, but he wasn’t going to mistreat his horse or any other animal again. Something inside him was changing. The hardness that made him strike out was gone. Now, he truly felt sorry for running out on Bridgette. He’d let her down, and he was determined to make up for it. He patted his pocket holding the prayer book. It was almost like he could feel his mother reaching out from heaven in that little book and guiding him back to a good life.
After an hour of walking, he got back on Buck and rode toward Shirleyville. The snow was light, but the flakes were large, muffling the sound around him. It wasn’t all that cold now as the wind had slowed, and it was almost magical riding in the swirling snow.
Flakes as big as quarters floated down from heaven. Reid remembered his mother talking about the Bible and how it mentioned the storehouses of snow. Maybe his mother was shoveling the snow on him to remind him to look up and trust in the Lord.
For the first time in years, Reid Cahill had hope in his heart. When he’d been released from prison, the only thing on his mind had been to run free and wild with no thought of the future or others.
Now, he looked forward to the future. Gus had encouraged him to make hats and belts. Reid knew he could do it. With or without Bridgette’s help, he was determined to create a business and new life for himself. The mail-order bride, he still wasn’t sure about.
After another hour, the snow came up over the horse’s ankle. Buck didn’t show any signs of tiring or discomfort, but Reid didn’t want the horse to give out if he needed him to run. So, he stopped and fed the horse some grain that Gus had given him.
He checked the horse’s feet and then mounted. They couldn’t be more than an hour away. Reid figured he was probably riding on Judge Taggart’s land right now. If things got worse, he could always stop at the bunkhouse.
But Reid wanted to get to town. It still wasn’t that cold, however with the sun ready to slide behind the mountains, he knew it would get colder.
The horse perked up his ears and stomped nervously.
“Hear something, boy?”
The horse kept watching where the trees lined the creek that ran parallel to the road. Reid pulled out his rifle, checked to make sure it was loaded, and rested it over the saddle horn. “Let’s go, boy. We have to go past that spot. Whatever is there, we can take care of it.”
Reid tapped Buck with his heal and rode toward the spot that had the horse’s attention. The horse had his head high and pranced ready to run. Then Reid heard the first howl. Wolves. No doubt on the hunt. He hoped Buck had saved some speed to outrun the beasts. There was no way around the narrow road that went around the creek.
He wasn’t even sure if the horse was gun shy or not. Reid would have to trust that the Lord would watch out for him. The best thing to do was gallop through the trouble. Pulling his hat tight, Reid kicked Buck and yelled.
The buckskin charged down the rocky road toward the spot. Just as they neared it, Reid saw the first wolf. He readied his rifle to fire but decided to try and get past him. As they neared the rocky ledge and pine trees, another wolf emerged.
Reid fired, and the one atop the ledge fell.
They galloped past the other wolf and into a pack of five. Reid kicked the horse, urging him into the middle of the pack, firing his rifle, hanging on and praying they’d get through.
Buck groaned and lashed out with a hindfoot catching one of the wolves. Reid shot another, and then they were past them, and Reid let Buck choose his own speed. He’d stop and check the horse as soon as they were farther away from the pack.
Finally, he pulled Buck to a stop, dismounted, and checked the horse for wounds. There was one gash on his hind leg. Reid pulled out a handkerchief and wiped the injury. Grabbing some snow, he packed the gash tight and then walked the horse toward town.
He wasn’t but maybe ten miles. Reid could walk that far. He listened for the sound of more wolves, but they must have retreated. Still, Reid kept his rifle ready.
The sun had dipped behind the hills, and the sky took on a pinkish hue that indicated clouds heavy with snow. The dreary cold seeped through Reid’s worn
coat and made him shiver as he walked beside his limping horse.
He stopped and filled the bleeding wound with more snow, hoping to stop the flow of blood. Buck looked at him with those gentle brown eyes as if he knew Reid was helping him.
“We’ll make it, Buck. Just keep walking. I see lights ahead. That will be the town.” They continued. He was almost to the hill with the church and saloon, when Reid heard the wolves coming again.
He pulled Buck to the side of a rock and filled his rifle. Thankful he had one of the Winchester repeaters, Reid waited to take aim.
The first wolf jumped from the boulder they were standing against.
Reid fired and hit the wolf in mid-air. Another wolf rounded the boulder and was hit with another shot. Two more of the dark gray menaces came at him from the other side. Reid whirled and shot, hit one, and the other went after Buck.
The horse reared and struck the wolf knocking him back. A bullet finished the beast. Buck pranced. Reid couldn’t hold the horse and fire at the wolves at the same time. After one more shot, he grabbed the reins and mounted the big horse, and they charged down the hill past the church and saloon to the street. Reid dismounted and looked behind, but no wolves had followed.
Levi met him on the street. “I heard the shots.”
“Wolves. Tomorrow we better go after them. Not good to have a pack this close to town.”
“You all right?”
Reid nodded. “Horse isn’t. I need to get him to the livery.”
“I’ll send the doc over. He can stitch him up for you.”
“Thanks.”
Levi turned. “I never expected to see you again?”
Reid smiled. “Well, get used to seeing me. I’m back to make good on my promise.”
“Glad to hear that. I’ll get Doc Newsome.”
“Watch for the wolves.”
“Will do.”
Reid scooped up some more snow and packed the wound on Buck’s back leg and then on another gash on his right foreleg. “I’ll get you fixed up and some good grain in no time. Easy big fellow.”
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