by R. C. Ryan
Before Noah could react, something else hit him hard enough to have him swearing a blue streak. He turned in time to see Mad taking aim with another rock.
“You just sealed your fate. All of you. But first, I’ll take care of this hero.” Noah swung out his hand holding the blade, slicing the front of Ash’s shirt. With a savage oath he lifted the knife for a deadly thrust and lunged forward.
Ash gripped Noah’s wrist and managed to halt his momentum, but barely. With a grunt of rage Noah slammed Ash to the ground, and the two men fought for control of the knife, rolling around and around in the dirt.
Ash managed to wrench the knife free, and it slipped from Noah’s grasp. He slammed a fish into Noah’s face, and threw a second punch to his chest, sending Noah into a fit of wheezing.
As the two men rolled around, trading punches, Noah’s fingers dug in the dirt, searching for his knife.
Brenna, kneeling in the dirt, closed her bound hands around the open switchblade and used it to slice through her bonds.
The loss of so much blood had Ash staggering to his feet, barely able to stand. Seeing his ashen features, Noah gave a triumphant laugh. Like a fighter in the ring who sensed his opponent’s weakness, he raised his fists, ready to end it with a quick knockout punch.
“No!”
Hearing Brenna’s cry from behind him, Noah turned to see her holding the knife.
Seeing what she intended, his lips split into a cruel grin. “Nice try, girly. But we both know you haven’t got the guts.”
Staggering, Ash fell facedown into the dirt.
As Noah reached down to take the knife from her hands, she brought the blade upward with all her strength, sinking it deeply into his chest.
For several seconds he merely stared at her blankly, as though unable to accept what she’d done. Then he dropped to the ground, his hands clutching at the knife protruding from his chest.
When she realized what she’d done, Brenna burst into tears.
“There now, lass.” Mad leaned down from his wheelchair to touch a hand to her hair.
“I was too late, Mad. Look. He’s killed Ash.”
“No, lass. Ash isn’t dead. You have to know a MacKenzie’s too tough to die from a couple of bullet wounds.”
She crawled closer to roll Ash over and touch a hand to his throat. “I can feel a pulse. It’s weak.” Dear heaven, so weak, she thought. “But he’s still alive.”
“And where there’s life, there’s hope. You see, lass? You saved his life.”
“And he saved mine.” She was crying now, big, gulping sobs, as she wrapped her arms around the still figure of Ash and rocked him like a baby. “Oh, Ash. Please don’t die. You have to live.”
Those were her last words as pandemonium broke loose. State police helicopters, directed to the spot by Brady, landed nearby, sending up little sandstorms that were nearly blinding.
Ranch trucks roared up in a convoy as Willow, Whit, and Griff arrived on the scene. They were out of their vehicles and gathering around both Ash and Mad, asking a million questions and watching helplessly as Brenna continued holding onto Ash.
While state police detectives examined Noah’s lifeless body and began bagging and tagging evidence, the police medics pried Brenna away from the half-conscious Ash. After a cursory exam they injected him with painkillers and loaded him onto a gurney. When they’d finished, Brenna once again caught hold of Ash’s hand and refused to let go.
When they rolled him into a police helicopter for the ride back to Copper Creek, Brenna was at his side, still weeping, still whispering words of comfort, though he had long since lapsed into blessed unconsciousness.
The rest of the family piled into the Cessna to follow the police copter to town, leaving a small band of officers to tend to the brutal business of crime and death.
Chapter Twenty-eight
The little town of Copper Creek had never seen anything quite like the scene it was witnessing on a tranquil spring afternoon.
A state police helicopter landed in the Copper Creek High School parking lot, and an emergency vehicle whisked Ash MacKenzie and Brenna Crane down Main Street to the clinic, starting tongues wagging.
A Cessna Skyhawk landed on the interstate highway. It looked like a clown act at a rodeo when the doors opened and the pilot, Brady, Whit, Griff, Willow, and Mad, as well as his wheelchair, exited and hitched a ride to the clinic in Chief Ira Pettigrew’s squad car.
A convoy of ranch trucks pulled up with Vern, Myrna, and half a dozen wranglers, who rushed inside the clinic to visit the wounded.
“Oh, Ash.” Willow fell on her son, hugging him as he lay on an examining table, while Brenna, on the gurney beside him, was still clinging to his hand.
“You did it, lad.” In his excitement, Mad slapped a hand on his grandson’s shoulder, causing Ash to wince in pain.
The old man looked up at the others, gathered around the beds. “You should have seen him. Like Superman, taking bullets and moving forward toward that bas—” he stopped and corrected himself “—that miserable excuse of a drifter, who tried to slit Brenna’s throat.”
“Oh, how horrible.” Seeing the fresh dressing Brenna was wearing like a scarf, Myrna ran across the room threw her arms around the young woman, and hugged her fiercely.
Vern, who’d been standing back watching and listening, moved closer to solemnly touch a hand to the young woman’s shoulder. “You okay, girl?”
“Fine. It’s just a flesh wound.” Brenna patted his hand and gave him a weak smile before turning her attention back to Ash.
Once Dr. Dan Mullin and his assistant, Kate, returned to the examining room, they soon turned the chaos into calm.
“My primary concern has to be for my injured patients. The rest of you need to leave.”
Mad crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m not leaving my grandson alone.”
“He’s hardly alone.” Dr. Mullin glared at the crowd. “This is a medical clinic. There are sick and injured people here. You can throw a party at your place later. Right now, you all need to leave.”
Kate, more diplomatic than her boss, opened the door and indicated the outer waiting room. “At least until the doctor has had a chance to talk to his patients.”
One after another they moved past the beds, touching a hand to Ash or patting Brenna’s shoulder before moving to the other room.
When they were alone Dr. Mullin checked Ash’s vitals and then Brenna’s, before pulling up a chair between their two cots.
“All right, you two. First the facts. Ash, the bullets have been removed, and you’re on antibiotics to prevent infection. Brenna, the cut is clean and stitched, and I’m betting my reputation that it will heal without a scar. Thankfully, you’re both young and strong and healthy. You’ve had some physical trauma, not to mention a frightening emotional ordeal. As your friend and your doctor, I’m going to recommend a couple of things. First, while you’re here, let everything go and rest. I can give you a prescription for something to help you, if your sleep is disturbed. Then, when I release you both tomorrow, you have that crowd out there dying to pamper you. Let them have their way. Let them feed you and smother you with love. But only for a while. And then, if you’re wise, get away from everything for a few days or, instead of feeling smothered with love, you’ll feel simply smothered.” He looked first at Ash, and then Brenna. “Any questions?”
Brenna looked confused. “You’re keeping us overnight?”
The doctor nodded. “I’ve given you both something for pain. You’re exhausted. You’ll sleep. And Kate and I will keep an eye on you to see that when we do send you home, there will be no setbacks. Now, if you’re smart, heed my advice and catch some rest.”
Brenna couldn’t help laughing. “That’s it? Rest, food, love?”
He winked at them. “Best medicine in the world.” He turned toward the door. “Okay. Now I’ve got to deal with that mob in the outer room. That will definitely be a bigger challenge than the two of you.”
When the door closed behind him, Brenna caught Ash’s hand. “Are you in any pain?”
“Doc’s got me so numb, I can’t even feel my toes.” He wiggled them, just to be sure they were still working. “Other than that, I’m fine.” He squeezed her hand. “And so are you. You’re the most amazing woman I’ve ever known.”
She shuddered. “What’s amazing about being abducted by a crazy killer?”
“You survived.” His tone was rough with emotion. “We both did. Because of your courage.”
“What about yours?”
“Sunshine, that wasn’t courage. That was desperation. The minute I saw him holding that knife to your throat, my brain shut down and I knew I’d die if I had to. But he wasn’t going to go on hurting you as long as I had breath in me.”
She felt fresh tears burn her eyes. “It was the same for me. I couldn’t stand to watch what he was doing to you. I knew I’d die before I’d see him hurt you anymore.”
When her words were met with silence she looked over to see his eyes closed, his breathing soft and even.
She lay very still, watching him breathe. And then, as her sedative kicked in, she joined him in a deep, dreamless sleep.
It was midafternoon before Dr. Mullin agreed to allow his patients to return home. He was gratified by the fact that both Ash and Brenna had logged in more than ten hours of sleep each.
“You’re healing nicely. No infection. And best of all, you got through the night without any complications. I’m comfortable letting the two of you go home.”
He looked up as the door opened and the MacKenzie family burst in on them, making further conversation impossible.
“Doc says you can come home,” Whit announced. “Mad and Myrna have been cooking and baking all morning. They’re planning a celebration. When they refused to leave the kitchen long enough to come to town, we figure this is going to be one heck of a feast.” He grinned at his own joke. “Griff’s bringing the truck up to the door. And Brenna, Mad phoned Vern and told him to come for supper.”
Kate walked in pushing a wheelchair.
Seeing it, Ash started to protest, until she stopped him. “Sorry, Ash. I’m sure this insults your manhood, but it’s procedure. Once you leave the clinic, you can walk. But from here to the door, you’re my prisoner, and you have to ride.”
With Brenna and Ash in side-by-side wheelchairs, they were rolled down the hall.
At the front door their truck was idling, with Griff at the wheel.
After giving calls of thanks, Ash and Brenna were whisked away.
Despite Brenna’s protests that she ought to go home, she was outvoted, and she found herself in the midst of a huge celebration at the MacKenzie Ranch.
Myrna and Mad had outdone themselves, with several whole, roasted chickens, stuffing, mounds of mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and an enormous salad of tomatoes and cucumbers and red onions in a homemade vinaigrette dressing. There were rolls hot from the oven, and a seven-layer chocolate torte with hot fudge and whipped cream topping.
Vern, who was in on the celebration plans, walked into the kitchen carrying a blanket-wrapped bundle.
Brenna looked over with a smile, which quickly turned to shock when she realized what he was holding.
“Sammy?” She raced to the old man’s side. “Oh, Vern. I was so afraid he’d…” She couldn’t bring herself to say the word.
“He’s doing just fine.” Vern unwrapped the blanket and the puppy lifted his head to lick her hand.
“Oh, you little darling.” Tears filled her eyes. “How did he survive?”
“The bullet went clear through and didn’t hit any of his organs. He lost a whole lot of blood, but he’s a tough little guy.” Vern looked at her with moisture shining in his watery eyes. “Just like the lady who loves him.”
“Oh, Vern.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him fiercely. “I was so afraid…”
“Here.” Worried that he might embarrass himself, the old cowboy shoved the bundle into her arms. “He needs you to hold him.”
She cradled the little pup like a newborn baby, cooing to him and lifting him to her face just to breathe him in.
Around the kitchen, the others watched with matching smiles.
Hearing the arrival of yet another vehicle, everyone turned to the door. Chief Pettigrew stepped inside and hung his hat on a hook by the back door before stepping into the kitchen.
“Good.” He inhaled all the wonderful aromas. “I was afraid I’d miss the party.”
“Not a chance,” Mad called from the stove. “Tonight’s a celebration, and we want everyone here to join us.”
“Anytime I can have a hand in a satisfying resolution, I’m happy to celebrate. This could have ended very differently.” He accepted a lemonade from Myrna and sipped. “The state police have been busy checking all their sources, and what they’ve learned is that the drifter who called himself Noah Perkins and Nolan Parker is really Norman Posey. He’s a suspect in a string of crimes that include armed robbery and murder. I’m sure before they’re finished with their investigation, there will be plenty of unsolved crimes that can finally be closed.”
He turned to Ash. “But the most important fact is this—because of you and your family, he wasn’t able to add one more crime to his string.”
Ash shook his head. “We can’t take the credit, Ira. Brenna not only saved my life but her own, as well. If it hadn’t been for her quick thinking, leaving her bracelet behind, I might have missed what was really happening. And then, when he was inches from killing me, she found the courage to stop him, even though he’d cut her throat.”
“And what about your courage?” Brenna was staring at Ash with a look of adoration. “At the clinic, Mad called you Superman. That’s what you were. Even when that madman shot you, you kept on coming.” She turned to the police chief. “Seeing how brave he was, how could I do less?”
The chief winked at Mad. “Looks like I’ve walked into a mutual admiration society love fest.”
While the two men chuckled, Willow startled everyone by bursting into tears.
“Hey, now.” Ash hurried over to put a protective arm around his mother. “What’s this?”
“Nothing. I’m just…always close to tears these days. But all the time I was out searching for that madman, I was thinking about Bear, and how he would have dealt with this. He would have been so proud of all of you. But I couldn’t help thinking that after just burying your father, I couldn’t bear to lose another member of my family.”
“You didn’t lose me, Mom.” To ease the tension, Ash added, “Didn’t you hear? You can’t kill Superman.”
While everyone else laughed at Ash’s joke, Willow sniffed and fumbled around for a handkerchief.
“Here.” From behind her, Brady offered her his.
“Thanks.” She blew her nose, obviously embarrassed at having made a scene.
He closed a hand over her shoulder before turning to the chief. “Is there any way this drifter could be responsible for Bear’s murder?”
Ira shook his head. “The state boys traced his movements. He wasn’t anywhere near Copper Creek on the day Bear was shot.” He added, “I know we’d all like to have the filthy coward who shot Bear caught once and for all. But it won’t be today. I’m sorry.”
The chief’s declaration had Willow softly weeping again.
To distract attention from her, Brady called to Myrna, “I thought this was supposed to be a celebration. How about opening that champagne?”
While the others were busy passing around tulip glasses, Willow shot him a grateful smile. “Thank you.”
He leaned close. “You okay now?”
“Yes. I’m fine.”
He handed her a glass of champagne before holding a chair and waiting for her to take a seat. Then he engaged in a quiet conversation with Vern. But while they talked, he kept an eye on the pale woman who sat sipping her drink, her eyes still red and swollen from the tears she’d be
en holding back until her son was safely home.
“Maybe this is the perfect time to give you this, Brenna.” The chief held out a yellowed document. “This is what our killer was after.”
She nodded and accepted it from his hands. “He told me it was a historic deed to my ranch that dates from the eighteen hundreds. My father wanted me to have something that would make me proud of him. But then, with a knife to his throat, he was forced to sign a letter naming Noah his next of kin.” She looked at the chief. “My dad never got the chance to make amends for what he’d done in my childhood.”
Ash put a hand on her shoulder, before glancing at his mother, pale and quiet. “When I was heading out to find you, Mom told me something that kept me going.” His voice lowered with feeling. “She said she believed in her heart that Pop would keep you safe until we could get to you. She’s made a believer out of me. And I believe in something else. Redemption. Since your father expressed regret for his behavior, it makes perfect sense that he and Pop were probably working together to see that you came through this alive.” He took her hand. “Why not just enjoy the gift your father left you, without any regrets about the past?”
In the silence that followed, Mad cleared the lump that was threatening to choke him and managed to say, “All right. Enough of this. Didn’t we promise you a celebration?” He turned to Myrna. “A celebration needs food. Let’s get to it.”
As they took their places around the table, Mad lifted his glass. “What will we drink to first?”
It was old Vern who came up with the perfect toast. “Here’s to putting the past behind us and looking to the future.”
With smiles and tears all around, they drank before tucking into their feast. But while everyone around him ate, Ash had grown strangely quiet. Quiet and thoughtful.
It had grown dark outside before the party broke up. The rush of adrenaline was slowly replaced with a feeling of lethargy.