by Honey Jans
Sarah walked out of the bedroom and down the hall to the kitchen. She had no intention of sharing her plans with Rafe. In his surly mood, he'd shoot them down for sure. Rose was dishing up a plateful of breakfast sausages. She looked up as Sarah entered the room, a frown darkening her usually cheerful face.
"Good morning, Rose,” Sarah said.
Rose put a serving fork on the platter and grimaced. “You wouldn't say it was a good morning if you'd seen the boss's face this morning."
Sarah sympathized. She'd gotten the cold shoulder from Rafe all night. “Rafe wasn't too cheerful this morning, huh?"
Rose rolled her eyes. “He was black as a thundercloud, and cross as a bear with a thorn in its paw. What in the heck did you do to him?"
Sarah sighed as she picked up the heavy coffee urn. They both headed toward the dining hall. “It wasn't me. It was Nevell Blackthorn. At the meeting last night, Rafe was accused of shooting some wolves on the Double-H. Good heavens, Rose, it's a federal offense. He could be looking at some substantial fines, not to mention jail time."
Rose set down the platter of sausages she was carrying and gasped. “Lord o’ mercy, no wonder he's in such a black mood this morning. But that's crazy, Rafe's not stupid enough to do something like that. Besides, we haven't had any losses from the wolves as far as I know."
Sarah placed the coffee urn by the head of the table and shrugged. “I don't believe it, either. Rafe's just not capable of doing such a cowardly thing."
Rose smiled. “I hope you told him that, dear. It would do him a world of good."
Sarah sighed and glanced away from Rose's sympathetic gaze. “I tried but he didn't believe me. They showed some slides at the meeting last night and I'm afraid my reaction made quite an impression on Rafe."
Rose smiled and patted Sarah's hand. “Still and all, dear, I'm sure you can patch it up. Talk to the man. He's your husband after all. You should be able to tell him anything."
Sarah shook off the idea and looked directly at Rose. “My personal feelings aren't important right now. I have to prove Rafe didn't do it."
Rose gaped at her. “And just how are you going to come by such proof?"
Sarah leaned toward her and said conspiratorially, “Well, now. If a trained observer went to the spot and say, got some evidence to the contrary, that would change things considerably, wouldn't it?"
Rose nodded and smiled brightly. “That it would.” Then she rolled her eyes. “But the boss is in such an ornery mood, he'd never allow it."
Sarah shrugged and said nonchalantly, “He wouldn't have to know."
Rose smiled. “I like your style, young lady. You've got spunk, I'll say that for you.” She glanced sharply to her left.
Sarah turned around and looked in that direction, but didn't see anything out of the ordinary. “What's the matter?"
Rose put her hand up to her chest. “I thought I saw somebody standing in the shadows. I guess I was mistaken. It must be all this commotion shaking up my nerves."
Sarah patted her on the shoulder. “Don't worry. I've got everything under control. Now let's get the rest of the food on the table before the mob descends on us."
* * * *
* * * *
Rafe leaned back and sipped his coffee. “So, wife, I see you decided to join us this morning. What's on your agenda for today?"
Sarah stopped with her fork in mid-bite. She ought to be used to his surly visage by now, but it still managed to startle her. He couldn't know about her plans, could he? Unless he was the person Rose thought she saw in the shadows. She tensed, knowing she had to choose her words carefully. “I thought I'd take some photographs."
Rafe took another sip of coffee, then set down his mug. “Try to stay out of my men's way today. Okay?"
"Fine.” Sarah looked down at her plate, and went back to her meal. Rafe was spoiling for a fight, but he wasn't going to get one from her. She had important business to take care of. And his wounded ego was the least of her concerns. She heard his chair scrape the floor as he stood up, but didn't glance his way. Moments later she heard his angry boot-steps to the door, then the bang of the screen door. She finally glanced up to see inquisitive glances thrown her way by several of the men still at the table. Travis was goggle eyed, Tab had an amused smile on his face, and Zeke looked downright surly.
Sarah shrugged and stood up. “What can I say? He's not in a very good mood this morning.” The men looked back down at their food. Sarah picked up her dishes and carried them into the kitchen. She walked up to Rose who was putting a stack of plates into the sink. “Well, I'm off to investigate."
Rose wiped her hands on a dishtowel. “But how do you know where to go? The ranch is pretty big."
Rose was right, but what other choice did she have? If luck was with her, she'd stumble across the right location. “I recognized the topography from the slides last night. I figure if I head for that area, I'll run into what I'm looking for eventually."
Rose frowned and brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “But that'll take you forever, dear. There has to be a better way to go about this."
Sarah shrugged and leaned back against the counter. “None I can think of. I really have no other choice than to go on my own. You know that if Rafe finds out about it, he'll try to stop me. Don't worry. I'll be fine."
Rose smiled and put the dishtowel down. “I've got an idea. You wait right here, and I'll be back in a jiffy."
Sarah was surprised by her animation, but she didn't have time to stand around. “Rose, I need to get going."
Rose put her hands on her hips. “Have patience, child. A few minutes this way or that isn't going to make much difference, is it?"
"I suppose not.” Sarah watched Rose go out the door then busied herself, by rinsing dishes and stacking them in the dishwasher. She glanced impatiently at the clock, wishing Rose would hurry up. She heard the door open and turned to see Rose enter the room followed by a scowling Zeke.
Rose grinned and reached back to pull Zeke up beside her. “I found a guide for you, dear."
Sarah gritted her teeth. Zeke would just as soon let her get lost in the woods as guide her. “Him?"
Zeke snorted and glared at Sarah and Rose. “I told you it was a damned fool idea, woman. Me and Sarah don't cotton to each other."
Rose wheeled around to face him. “Now you hold on there, old man. Sarah is Rafe's wife, so you'd better keep a respectful tongue in your head. I don't want to hear any more sass from you. And take your hat off. Can't you see there are ladies present?"
Sarah watched Zeke snatch the battered old Stetson from his balding head. She couldn't help smiling at his sheepish expression as Rose railed at him. Evidently they were old adversaries.
Rose finished chewing Zeke out and turned back to Sarah. “And as for you, missy, you ain't no better. Zeke knows this land like the back of his hand. If anybody can lead you to the spot, it's him. And we all want what's best for the boss, don't we?"
Sarah had to admit Rose was right. She glanced at Zeke's sullen expression. “How about it, Zeke?"
Zeke looked down and turned the hat brim around in his hands. “I'm game if you are. But I don't think Rafe's gonna be too happy about it."
Sarah was relieved. Hopefully they could check things out and be home before Rafe missed them. She smiled at Zeke. “I think you're right. Rafe's going to hate the idea. But don't worry about it, he won't fire you. Why, you're practically a family heirloom around here.” She saw him crack a tiny smile. “Anyway, I'll take the heat when it comes down.” Zeke looked up at her and she thought she saw a grudging grain of respect in his eyes.
Zeke frowned and resumed turning the brim of his hat around in his hands. “Rafe didn't tell me much about it. But my guess is that Blackthorn has somethin’ to do with this business."
Sarah nodded her head and stepped forward. “I saw him in town at Daley's Photo Shop yesterday. He was picking up some slides, probably the ones Wilson showed last night. Blackthorn was
practically gloating when the news came down."
Zeke nodded and slapped his hat back on his head, while casting a wary eye Rose's way. “So where do we find this evidence that Rose was carrying on about?"
"The photographs were taken near a bluff that I'd say is on the east side of the ranch. The wolves were found by a lot of scrubby pines."
Zeke frowned. “I bet the pictures were pretty gory, huh?"
Sarah nodded, her stomach clenching in remembrance. “I'm afraid I reacted before thinking."
Zeke scowled at her. “So that's why Rafe is so ornery today. I knew it would take a heap more than some false allegations to get his back up that bad."
Sarah held his accusatory gaze. “Whether Rafe and I get along isn't important. What is important is clearing Rafe's name. Are you going to help me or not?"
Zeke huffed out a breath. “I think I know the area you're talking about. It's pretty far out."
Shoot. This might screw up her plans to get back before Rafe noticed she was gone. Oh well, so what if he got mad. She couldn't let it stop her. “I was afraid of that."
Zeke cocked his head, watching her carefully. “We're going to have to ride. And I know how you feel about riding. Want to call it off?"
Ride. She hadn't even considered the possibility. But she couldn't back down now. Zeke's doubtful expression said he clearly expected her to cry off. “Not on your life. I'll get on a horse if it kills me. Besides, you're forgetting I had a riding lesson from Rafe."
Zeke grinned and let out a snort. “Yeah, on Bay Rum. I'll tell you what. You can ride Bay Rum and I'll lead the way on Buttermilk. She's nice and slow so you'll be able to keep up. I'll go get ‘em ready. Meet me in the stable in ten minutes."
"I'll be there,” Sarah told him with more confidence than she felt.
Sarah went to the bedroom to fetch her camera and an extra roll of film from her camera case. She stopped by Rose in the kitchen on her way out. “Thanks a lot, Rose. I'll pay you back some day."
Rose grinned. “Helping the boss is payment enough. Now you be careful and don't let Zeke bully you. You just stand up to the old coot."
Sarah laughed as she went out the door. “Will do."
She walked to the stable keeping a wary eye out for Rafe, but didn't encounter anyone on her way. She entered the stable and spotted Zeke in the shadowy recesses of the building saddling Bay Rum. “I didn't see any of the hands around, so the coast is clear."
Zeke cinched the saddle. “Everybody's too busy to pay any mind to us anyway. Most of the hands are out mending fences today.” He walked toward her and handed her the reins. “You need help mounting?"
Sarah took the leather straps and glanced at Bay Rum. The horse looked as sleepy as ever. “Nah, I think I can manage.” She put her foot in the stirrup and Bay Rum shifted. Sarah glanced over at Zeke in a panic. “Maybe you'd better stand by, just in case.” Sarah hopped and swung her leg around and got stuck midway. “Help."
Zeke gave Sarah's hips a shove, depositing her crookedly on the saddle.
"That oughta do ya,” he grumbled. “Now when we get started, just remember to keep a loose hold on the reins. Bay Rum will follow Buttermilk if you don't interfere."
"Thanks.” Sarah wiggled her bottom in the saddle, seeking a comfortable fit. She watched Zeke nimbly mount Buttermilk, belying his years. As soon as Zeke started moving out of the stable, Bay Rum woke up and followed suit.
As they rode out of the building, they almost trampled Travis who was hurrying toward the door. Zeke pulled back on his rein's hollering. “Whoa Buttermilk."
Bay Rum stopped abruptly and Sarah lurched forward, catching herself by grabbing the pommel.
"Don't you have some work to do, boy?” Zeke yelled.
"The boss sent me to get some more wire,” he squeaked, in a startled voice.
"Well get on with it then and stay out of our way. We've got business to do,” Zeke carped.
Sarah gave Travis a sympathetic smile as they rode by, trying to soothe his feelings. She rocked in the saddle as she and Zeke picked their way over the meadow. They passed a few hands on their way, but none of them asked what they were up to. She'd long ago left her fear behind and fell into a kind of a sleepy daze that followed the rocking of the animal. A sleepless night was catching up with her.
Zeke reined up and turned to look at her. “Does this look like the right place?"
Sarah blinked and looked around. A sandstone bluff stood over a clearing edged by a stand of scrub pines. “Yes, I think this is it.” She slowly dismounted, her muscles complained at the unusual activity.
Zeke dismounted and walked over to her. He put a hand on her arm to steady her. “You okay?"
After a moment, Sarah smiled up at him. “I'm okay, Zeke. I'm just not used to riding so long. Thanks for the hand, here and back in the stable."
Zeke frowned and dropped his hand. “Don't mention it."
Sarah felt sad at the break of connection. She wanted Zeke to like her but she understood why he didn't. “You don't like me much, do you, Zeke?"
Zeke took off his hat and slapped it against his leg making the dust fly out of it. He fixed her with a hard glance. “I can't say as I do. You were pretty rough on Rafe. I can't forget it, just like that."
Sarah sighed, but she knew she deserved Zeke's condemnation. He didn't realize she'd had to leave, in order to guard her heart. “I know if I were you I'd feel the same way.” Sarah shook off her melancholy thoughts and turned away. “Well, this isn't getting the job done. Let's take a look around."
Zeke dropped the reins on the ground, and the horses bent to munch on the grass.
"What exactly are we looking for?” Zeke asked.
Sarah glanced up at the bluff and snapped a photo. She could use it for comparison later. “I'm not sure,” she said, walking toward the open area. “I guess anything that looks out of order. You know this land. Maybe you can spot something that doesn't look right.” Sarah saw some stacked rocks. “Those rocks were in the slides. The wolves were lying on the ground in front of them."
Zeke glanced up at the bluff and then down toward the rocks. “This would be a perfect place for an ambush. A feller could lay up on the cliff and have all the time in the world to take pot shots at any wolves that happened by."
Sarah glanced up at the bluff and shivered. “Do you think that's what happened?"
Sarah shook off the ominous thought and turned back to the rocks. A dried pool of blood had stained the sand. There were several chipped stones littering the ground. As Sarah bent to pick up a fragment of rock, she heard the sound of a horse cantering their way. She glanced up to see Rafe astride Umbriago.
Zeke turned and looked. “Uh oh. The jig is up."
Sarah grinned at his sour expression. She knew they were both in hot water. “Yup, Zeke, I'd say the sheet is just about to hit the fan."
Zeke gave a dry snort of laughter, and walked toward his horse. “Like you said, I'm gonna let you take the heat."
"Chicken."
Rafe reined up next to Zeke's mount. He fixed them both with a steely glare. “What in the name of heaven do you two think you're doing?"
"I just came along to keep her out of trouble, boss. I knew you wouldn't want her running around these parts all alone."
"I'm looking for evidence.” Sarah wanted to get all the shouting done so she could get back to work. She didn't have time to tiptoe around Rafe's wounded pride.
Rafe scowled and tipped his hat back. “Don't you think the authorities can do that?"
Put off by his sarcastic tone, Sarah put her hands on her hips. For goodness sake, she'd gone through the rigors of riding a horse again to rescue him. And he didn't seem to appreciate it one bit. “Obviously they can't do it properly, or they wouldn't be accusing you of the crime."
Rafe leaned forward in the saddle. “What did you say?"
Sarah frowned at his purposeful denseness. “I said, obviously not, or they wouldn't be accusing you of the crime. All
three of us know there's no way you would have done it. Now come over here. I think I found something."
Rafe grinned and turned to Zeke. “Why don't you head in now, Zeke? I'll take over from here on."
"I can see I'm not needed around here.” Zeke mounted his horse, sparing a smile for Sarah.
Sarah was bent down to pick up another fragment when a shot rang out, pinging against a rock directly in front of her. Rafe jumped off his horse, shouting, “Get down, Sarah!” He pulled the cellular phone out of his saddlebag and tossed it to Zeke saying, “Call for help and then get back to the ranch. I'll take care of Sarah."
Sarah hit the dirt, then sneezed the dust out of her nose. What a time for an allergy attack. Another shot ricocheted off the stack of rocks in front of her. She belly-crawled to shelter behind them and let out a scream when something stung her arm. She twisted around to see Rafe circling the trees at a low crouch. Sarah stifled a cry when he rushed across the clearing and another shot struck a tree next to his head. Rafe dove for shelter, coming to rest behind Sarah.
She reached out to touch his arm. “Are you okay, Rafe?"
He sat up. “I'm okay, but what about you?"
"I'm fine. What are we going to do? Where's Zeke?"
"He's heading on back to the ranch with my cellular phone. He'll call for help. As long as he stays behind the line of trees, he'll be okay."
Another shot pinged off the rock. Sarah pressed herself into Rafe's arms and closed her eyes.
Rafe gritted out, “Come on, sweetheart, we've got to make a run for it. We're sitting ducks here.” He pulled Sarah toward him. “Just stay low and go in the direction I point you, okay?"
Sarah glanced up at Rafe and knew she could trust him with her life. “What about you?"
"Don't worry about me, honey,” Rafe said roughly. “I'll be at your back creating a diversion."
Sarah frowned. “But you might get shot."
"You will do as I say.” Rafe raised an imperious eyebrow. Then his expression softened and he bent down to kiss her. “Don't worry, Sarah.” He joked, “Remember, my word is law on the Double-H. Let's go,” he said, pulling Sarah forward.