Sunday, June 11, 1961
The next morning I had trouble getting up. Lisa and I stayed up late talking the night before. Even after explaining what happened at dinner, she had a million things to ask. I was so tired I must have fallen asleep in the middle of answering her questions.
When I got down to the kitchen, everyone was already there. Rick stood at the stove cooking bacon.
After saying good morning to everyone, I went over to Rick.
“You cook?”
“Sure do,” he said flipping the bacon over, “Dad taught me as soon as I could hold the handle of a cast iron fry pan.” He grinned. “You should taste my cakes.”
Since I had skipped dinner the night before, I was starving. Bacon and eggs never tasted so good.
“Any word about Russ?” I asked.
“Not yet,” replied Lisa’s mom. “They usually discharge patients around lunch time.”
“I want to go to church,” I announced. “Rick, will you take me? Then we can go right to the hospital.”
“Sure. I called Dad last night and told him what happened. He doesn’t want me to ride Treasure back. Said he’d be over later with the trailer to get her.”
How was Aunt Bess going to handle that?
“Sounds sensible,” said Mrs. Barrows. “You don’t want to take any chances with that demented man running around.”
“I’ll get changed for church.” I carried my dishes to the sink.
Rick wore the same clothes from yesterday and I noticed a dark stain on it that made me dizzy to look at.
“Rick, why don’t you get one of Russ’s shirts to wear? I’m sure he won’t mind.”
Lisa studied his shirt. “What’s that? That’s not blood is it?” Her voice rose in alarm.
“That’s enough,” said her mother. “Rick, Maryann, go get changed. Lisa, come help me do these dishes.”
It had been almost two months since I arrived in Wyoming. Attending church became part of my new routine.
“Are you sure you want to go?” asked Rick when we got in his truck.
“Yes. I have a lot praying to do.”
* * *
We missed Bible study, and were early for the service. We sat in a pew near the middle of the church. Rick reached for my hand and smiled.
“It will be all right,” he said.
So much had changed in just a day. Russ was injured and Aunt Bess was beginning to accept Rick.
The service began and we sang the first hymn. The music washed over me. As I sang the words, the ache in my heart eased.
Russ would be okay. Yet, I was more nervous today than I did yesterday. How could we protect ourselves from Grady Gibbons? I tried not to think about it.
We sat down and I dug through my purse for tissues.
“Are you okay?” whispered Rick.
I nodded.
When it came to the ‘praise and prayer’ part of the service, I raised my hand to share.
“Maryann,” said the pastor indicating for me to speak.
I stood up.
“I have an item of praise and I also need prayer.” I paused. “Yesterday Russ Stokes was shot. I need prayer for his recovery.”
Everyone gasped at this news.
“He’s okay and stayed overnight in the hospital while they kept an eye on him. Aunt Bess sat with him. That’s why she’s not here. Praise God he didn’t get killed.”
Another gasp from the congregation and several amens.
I took a deep breath and continued in a shaking voice, “We need prayer for him — and that the Sheriff finds Grady Gibbons, the man who shot him.”
I sat down and Rick touched my arm.
After service we didn’t stay for refreshments. We were detained by so many people who wished us well it still took some time before we could leave. I was touched by everyone’s concern. If Aunt Bess was there, I knew she would be, too.
“That was really nice what you said in church,” said Rick as we drove to the hospital.
“Thanks,” I said, grateful that’s all he said. It’s what I liked about Rick. He didn’t have to talk all the time.
Russ looked much better than he did yesterday. We parked at the hospital and went to find Russ and Aunt Bess.
“Sorry, we’re late,” said Rick. “Maryann wanted me to take her to church.”
“Did she now?” said Russ, raising an eye brow.
“Nothing wrong with that,” said my aunt. “We’ve a lot to be thankful for today.”
“We sure do,” Russ confirmed. He leaned over and kissed my aunt. And the way she looked at him afterward? I thought my heart would burst just watching. How stupid my fears about them getting married seemed now. Russ could have been killed yesterday. That put everything in perspective for me and made my concerns seem trivial. Aunt Bess loved him. I finally understood that.
“Maryann, I want to thank you for packing everything up so we could get back to the ranch without delay.” My aunt took a shaky breath. “I was so worried about Russ I couldn’t think straight.”
“I know,” I said. “Russ getting shot scared all of us.”
“You and Rick were a big help,” she continued. “I couldn’t think about anything except getting Russ back to the ranch. Thanks to you, I didn’t have to worry. I could count on you to do what needed to be done.”
“I didn’t do that much,” I said.
She cut me off. “No, you were a big help. You didn’t faint at the sight or blood or get silly and scream. You saw what had to be done and you pitched in and did it. I appreciate it, that’s all. Thank you for your help.” Then she said something that brought tears to my eyes.
“Your father would have been real proud of you,” she declared.
I nodded because if I had to talk I’d have started to cry again.
After the doctor checked his arm, Russ had official approval to be discharged. Rick went to get his truck and would meet us in front.
“Thank you for driving us, Rick,” said Aunt Bess after we got settled in the truck. “Now let’s go home.”
* * *
When we got back to the ranch, Doug Ferguson had just finished loading Treasure in the horse trailer. Tony helped fasten the tail gate.
Rick walked over to him.
I held my breath as Aunt Bess approached. Russ walked beside her, his arm in a sling.
Doug tipped his hat.
“Russ. Bess. Maryann.”
He turned to Rick. “I just loaded Treasure.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
He turned to get in the truck.
“You’ve got a fine son,” said my aunt.
Doug paused then turned around. “I know.”
“He was real helpful yesterday,” she continued.
“Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” remarked Russ.
“Well, I’m glad he was there to help. Sorry you got shot, Russ. Hope they find that son-of-a- …” he caught himself, “gun who shot you.”
“They will. Sheriff’s on it,” said Aunt Bess.
“Good.”
“Till then we have to keep a look out, not take any chances,” said Russ.
Doug nodded. “Yeah.” Then he turned to Rick. “See you at home, son.”
“Take good care of that mare,” said my aunt. “She’s a beauty. Can’t believe you sold that antique rifle of yours to buy her.”
“It was that. or to take out a second mortgage on the ranch,” replied Doug. “Figured it was easier to sell the rifle.”
“Seems to me you were taking a mighty big chance on a weanling.”
Doug Ferguson shook his head. “You weren’t there, Bess,” he said softly. “The minute Treasure saw Rick she squealed and launched herself at him. It was the darnedest thing I’d ever seen. She recognized him even though she’d never seen him before. And Rick? He couldn’t take his eyes off her. Love at first sight. Heck, I would have sold the house if it meant we brought that filly home. I’ve never regretted selling that rifle.”
Rick looked uncomfortable with his father’s words.
“Can’t wait to see what she produces,” said my aunt.
“Neither can I,” said Rick.
His father just smiled then got in the truck, started the engine and left.
“Let’s get you inside.” My aunt turned to Russ.
“Rick, thanks again for your help.”
“You’re welcome, Mrs. Perkins.”
Rick and I were alone.
“Thanks for taking me to church,” I said.
He touched my cheek. “Anytime.” Then he kissed me.
“I’m gonna miss seeing you in the morning,” he said and I blushed.
I watched Rick’s truck until I couldn’t see it anymore.
Smiling, I went inside.
Chapter 27
Saturday, June 17, 1961
Impatient with his recovery, Russ discarded his sling a week after leaving the hospital. Aunt Bess fussed over him constantly and I thought they’d come to blows. One morning, she turned away from another argument and wiped her eyes. Russ swallowed whatever he was going to say.
“Bess,” he said softly.
She turned to him.
“I’m sorry, honey.”
“I don’t mean to pick on you.” She took a deep breath. “I’m just worried about your arm, about the ranch and about that lunatic who shot you.”
Her voice wavered. Before she could say anything else, Russ touched her cheek.
“I’m gonna be all right, Bess.
She smiled at him and I was blinded by the love in her eyes.
Monday, June 19, 1961
We saw no sign of Grady. That didn’t mean we didn’t keep a watch out for him.
Rick came over after school every day and helped with the horses until Russ recovered. Surprisingly, Aunt Bess was the one who suggested it.
Most evenings he stayed to eat dinner with us. And one night he even brought dessert, an angel food cake he made from scratch.
“You’re gonna make someone a good wife,” kidded Russ.
Aunt Bess kicked him under the table.
“Puts my angel food cake to shame,” she praised taking a bite.
“Watch,” said Russ leaning toward me. “Now they’re gonna start trading recipes.”
Rick laughed. “Be happy to give you my recipe, Mrs. Perkins.”
“I’d like that,” said my aunt.
Who would have thought we’d be sharing a meal and recipes. I couldn’t believe how things changed in the past month.
* * *
School was winding down for the year. We only had a week left. Lisa got a job for the summer as a life guard at the pool in town. I’d gone shopping with her to buy a new bathing suit for her new position.
Shadow Dancer was fully recovered and doing well on the lunge line. Then one afternoon I got home from school and I saw him saddled and waiting in the corral. Rick bumped into me I stopped so abruptly.
“It’s time you got on him,” Russ announced.
“You mean ride him?”
“That’s what you usually do when a horse is saddled.”
“What if I make a mistake? What if I mess up his training? What if I…”
“Maryann, just get on the horse.” Russ held his bridle.
“You’ll do fine,” Rick whispered in my ear and gently pushed me forward.
With shaking legs I climbed up the mounting block and eased into the saddle.
“Now walk him around,” instructed Russ.
I nudged Shadow with my legs. Instead of walking he broke into a trot that quickly turned into a lope.
Thankfully, my experience with Freeman gave me confidence and my body responded automatically to the change in gait.
I pulled back lightly on the reins and he slowed a little. His movement was smooth and his back broader than Freeman’s.
“Looking good, girl,” encouraged Russ as we circled the corral. Rick stood next to Russ as I flew by.
My dream came true. I was riding Shadow Dancer! I wished Dad could see me now.
Reaching down I ran my hand along his neck. “Good boy, Shadow.” His ears flicked back at the sound of my voice.
Gently I pulled Shadow back again until he was trotting. We circled the corral and changed directions. I could feel Shadow’s energy under me bursting to go faster. Then I remembered what Russ said about discipline — that it was just as important for the rider as it was her horse. Since this was my first time on him, I wanted to make sure Shadow did what I wanted when I asked him.
Only after we’d circled several times at a trot in both directions did I let him go faster. At the barest touch of my legs, Shadow responded. His gait was smoother and more comfortable.
I petted Shadow’s neck and told him how wonderful he was.
When Russ called us over, I slowed him to a trot, then a walk. He pulled at the bit and fought me for the briefest time before obeying. By the time I reached Russ, I was bursting with happiness and pride.
“How do you like him?”
“He’s the best,” I said stroking his neck. Then I dismounted. Shadow nuzzled my neck.
“Expected him to act up more,” said Russ.
“So did I,” I said hugging Shadow. “He’s the most fabulous horse ever.”
Rick smiled at me. “You looked like you belonged on him. I couldn’t tell it was the first time you ever rode him.”
“You did a fine job, Maryann,” said Russ. “You sit nice and quiet in the saddle. That’s what he needs, someone calm and steady.”
I unsaddled Shadow and swapped his bridle for his halter hanging on the fence.
“I better walk him until he’s cool,” I said. Rick hopped down off the fence and walked beside me.
“He sure surprised me,” I confided to Rick. “I half expected him to throw me. He was full of beans. I could barely hold him back when I first got on.”
“Well it didn’t look that way.”
We walked around, cooling off Shadow until supper time. Rick stayed to eat with us again. Afterward his truck wouldn’t start.
“It’s the battery,” muttered Rick.
“Can’t Russ jump start it?” I asked.
“I’ve done that too many times lately. I won’t hold a charge anymore. I need a new battery.”
Russ came out of the house.
“What’s the problem?” he asked.
“The battery,” said Rick.
“Want me to jump it?”
Rick shook his head. “Done that too many times lately. I need a new battery.”
“You want me to give you a ride home? Or do you want to call your dad?”
“He’s at the fire house,” said Rick. “It’s their weekly meeting. He won’t be home until late.”
Russ considered that. “Well, drive my truck. I’ll get a new battery for yours tomorrow and you can pay me when you come after school.”’
“Gee, that would be great. You sure it’s no trouble?”
“None,” Russ reassured him. “Let me get the keys.”
Five minutes later, Rick was on his way back home.
* * *
At ten o’clock the phone rang. We were in the living room and Russ got up to answer it.
“He left here about seven-thirty, Doug,” he said. “He’s got my truck. The battery died on his. I’m getting him a new one tomorrow. We’ll change it out when he comes here after school.”
There was silence while he listened.
“I’ll check the road from our end, see if we find him, Then I’ll call you.” Russ hung up the phone.
“Where’s Rick?” I asked standing up.
“He never came home. I’m gonna drive up the road and see if he broke down or something.”
“I’ll go with you.”
“No you stay here, Maryann.”
“Take her,” said Aunt Bess. “She can shine a light into the woods in case the truck ran off the road.”
“Let me ask Tony if I can use his truck.”
Ten
minutes later we were driving towards Rick’s house in Tony’s red pickup. I held a large flashlight out the window. Russ drove slowly while I pointed it into the woods.
“See anything?” he asked.
“Not yet.”
My eyes scanned for a light or sign of tire tracks going off the road.
“Wait. Stop. I see something.” The light reflected off something in the woods.
Russ immediately pulled over.
He got out of the truck. Shining the flashlight into the woods, it picked up the tail light of his green pickup .
“Rick?” he called. No answer. No movement the truck. The silence was eerie.
“Do you think Rick’s all right?”
He turned to me. “Maryann, drive back to the ranch. Have Bess call an ambulance and a tow truck. Tell them it’s a half-mile from the ranch on the other side of the creek. I’ll go down and see what’s happened.”
I stared. “An ambulance?” I squeaked. “Is Rick going to be okay?”
“I don’t know. Go on. Now Maryann.” The urgency in his voice broke through my daze. Heart pounding, I got in the truck and turned it around. Thankfully, this truck was the one Russ had given me lessons with.
When I got back to the ranch my hands were shaking so badly I fumbled as I opened the door to the house.
Aunt Bess took one look at me pushed me into a chair. “Sit down,” she ordered.
I collapsed into one of the chairs in the dining room.
“What happened?” she asked. With chattering teeth, I told her. Now I felt so cold I couldn’t stop shivering. My aunt took off her sweater and wrapped it around me.
She called for the ambulance and tow truck. After those calls she spoke to Rick’s father.
“Doug? It’s Bess. Listen, Russ found the truck.” She gave him the location.
“Yeah I called for an ambulance and the tow truck. Russ hadn’t gone down the bank so we don’t know in what shape we’ll find Rick.”
She listened in silence and then hung up.
“Drink this.” She put a mug of coffee in front of me. I looked up at her.
“It’s got milk and sugar in it. I’d never forget how you take your coffee.”
Maryann's Appaloosa Page 13