Love by Dawn

by Therese A. Kramer

  “It’s Sharon, are you finished?”

  Casey jumped from the tub, feeling slightly mortified that she stayed in so long and answered, “Err… yes, please come in.”

  Sharon found the girl wrapped in a large towel, standing in a puddle of water, looking somewhat uneasy. She had heard the water splash and knew Casey was still enjoying the bath. Knowing how good a bath could feel, especially after a long journey, she was sorry to disturb her; but it was nearing dinner time and she had to help her new friend dress. Sharon wanted to make her guest look her best, for when she spoke to Walter; she noticed he was quiet taken by the girl.

  She took her best dress from the wardrobe. It was nothing frilly, only a soft blue cotton dress with puffed sleeves and a lace bodice, but for here it was considered formal. She had assumed when she came to visit with Walter, there would be no fancy parties. One nice dress to look pretty in, once in awhile, made her feel special way out here in the wilderness.

  At first, the girl wouldn’t accept the dress; claiming that she’d never owned anything so pretty before or worn anything as nice. She admitted that she couldn’t even recall the last time she had worn a dress, but Sharon insisted. It fit her to a tee, except for being slightly long. Her guest said that she was only five-feet-two inches.

  “I hope I don’t trip and fall on my face. I’m not used to being in a dress,” she giggled, looking at her feet clad in her worn out boots.

  Sharon’s gaze followed the girls. “No, no, that won’t do. Here try on my slippers.” She handed her matching soft shoes.

  They were too big, but Casey decided to stuff them with rags, making them due for the night. “I am not used to walking in something so soft. How do women walked on them without bruising their soles on rocks in the dirt?”

  “Just remember to hold the dress up in front when you walk and you’ll be fine.” Sharon elaborated as she gave her friend the once over. “But don’t pick it up too much, we mustn’t let the men see too much of your pretty ankles. It’s not ladylike. Now sit while I put your beautiful blonde hair up.”

  She saw Casey blush before she proclaimed, “Oh, I am so uninformed of proper etiquette but feel like a princess in a story book.”

  Sharon waved her guest’s comment aside, combed and styled her hair this way, then that way, making faces at herself and Casey in the mirror until she accomplished the style she was trying for. When she was finished, the girl was astonished and couldn’t believe her eyes.

  “I didn’t think it was possible for you too look more beautiful,” declared Sharon, “but you are radiant.” She hugged the blushing girl. “There isn’t going to be a man at the table who won’t be able to take his eyes off of you. I may not go, for I feel like the ugly duckling next to you.”

  “Oh, no!” cried Casey, “You don’t mean that. You’re being kind. I never thought myself pretty and especially hated the freckles across my nose, but you transformed me into someone I cannot believe is me.”

  “Well, there is no one here at the fort that interests me anyway,” Sharon laughed, “so flirt to your hearts content. Oh, phooey,” she tapped Casey’s shoulder, “now don’t look so serious, I was only funning you,” she scolded lightly.

  Casey thought there was only one man she wanted to impress. Then she assumed that Sharon hadn’t meet Blake yet, or she wouldn’t have said that. It did not take her long to realize that she didn’t like the idea of the beautiful dark-haired woman being in the same room with her. Jealousy was not a good feeling and she was glad when a light rap on the door startled her out of her disturbing emotion

  “Oh, that must be my brother,” said Sharon

  She was told to answer the knock. To her disappointment it wasn’t the lieutenant but she was greatly surprised to see that handsome cowboy standing there. They stared at one another with equal astonishment and Casey’s heart leaped at the clean shaven man who stood before her. She was enthralled by what she saw and couldn’t resist another glance at his face. He brushed his unruly locks off from his forehead, smiling. The gesture made him look boyish and clean shaven he looked years younger without the facial hairs. The cowboy extended his arm but she hesitated and turned to introduce Sharon to Blake. Sharon said that she was glad to meet him and visa-versa, but Casey didn’t miss the interested gleam in Sharon’s eyes. She then excused herself and left.

  “I… I didn’t expect you. I thought Walter…err, the lieutenant was coming.” She was a little ashamed of her comment and her failure to talk without babbling. She forget the promise she had made to herself not to let the cowboy intimidate her. But Blake could put her stomach into a constant flutter and when his grin flashed, dazzling against his tan skin, her heart took a leap.

  “You look beautiful, Casey,” he complimented her but there was a slight tinge of wonder in his voice. His blue eyes seemed to darken with emotion and betray his ardor, a fact that didn’t go undetected by Casey, but she had no answer for praise. And why didn’t she return the compliment? His arm still waiting for her hand, she looked at it as if it was the jaw of a lion and then shrugged, “Oh, fiddlesticks, lets j-just go!” she sputtered and put her hand on his arm promising herself that she would enjoy the night and try to ignore this exasperating man. A feat she knew she’d find impossible.

  When Lieutenant Shepherd and Sharon arrived a short time later, she didn’t miss the scowl on Walter’s face when he entered the room, but then the soldier looked at her and his features lit up with a big smile. Casey wondered what that was all about as she looked from one man to the other. Blake by her side was grinning wolfishly and she knew he was up to no good. She watched his mouth widen from the grin to a sensual smile when he saw Sharon and instantly her heart fell to her stomach with a crash. Sharon returned the smile making Casey lose some of the affection towards her new friend. Stiffing her spine, she told herself not to let the man next to her spoil a good friendship. Anyway, if her plan worked, she’d be long gone from here and Blake. Why should she care if he and Sharon got together? It honestly made her no nevermind!

  Inhaling deeply, the lieutenant seated himself next to her at the table. Casey saw from the corner of her eye that Sharon sat next to Blake. She was uncomfortable again, but quickly dismissed the feeling with renewed determination in her set shoulders. Her full attention would be given to Lieutenant Shepherd, who insisted that she called him Walter.

  There were two more ranking officers and their wives at the table and the evening started out to be very enjoyable. Casey made idle chatter with the men and their wives but her eyes continued to roam in Blake’s direction, something she found impossible to avoid. She noticed Blake enjoying Sharon’s company but he would catch her looking at him and smile before she could glance away. It gored her to no end when he caught her looking and she picked at the delicious food finding it hard to swallow. Finally, she kept her head down through the rest of the meal, but sensed Blake was watching her.

  His eyes seemed to bore into her flesh making her feel like an inferno ready to explode. Between Blake irritating her and her plan to help Hunter escape, her nerves were ready to unravel like a coiled cobra. Damnation! Control yourself before you leap out of your skin. Gulping down a glass of water and nearly choking, she managed to swallow some of her irritation, and then smiling sweetly to Walter, she asked if he would escort her back to the barracks; she quickly developed a headache. Rising to the occasion, Walter said that he would be delighted to see her safely back. Just as he took her hand to help her from the chair, a soldier interrupted with apologies for disturbing dinner. The soldier informed him that an important wire has just been received from Washington. The lieutenant’s smile tightened, but he politely bowed to Casey with regrets.

  She saw the cowboy flash his white teeth, saying he would be delighted to escort both lovely ladies home, but Sharon excused herself, declaring that she was curious about the wire. The beauty told him that there were new problems out west with the Indians and she was afraid her brother would be stationed somewhere i
n no man’s land. Blake nodded and told Sharon that she had brightened his evening.

  It took great effort for Casey not to groan aloud at Blake’s smooth declaration. She now felt trapped and cursed with rotten luck as she rolled her eyes toward the ceiling. Her gesture went unnoticed by all, but that insufferable cowboy who chuckled, making her hiss madly under her breath. He took her elbow and they walked in utter silence as Casey boiled with rage. He had managed to ruin her evening with his stares and smug smiles. He was the damnedest male she ever had the bad luck to meet and she would certainly tell him so. As soon as they reached the door she turned on him, spitting every foul word she had heard from her pa when he was in his cups. He held a wrist over her head and lowered his face so close his hot breath touched her mouth. Too late, she remembered his threat and her own breath lodged somewhere in her dry throat. She wanted the kiss but she’d be damned if she’d let him see the power he had over her again. She had her pride and wouldn’t be caught swooning over his kisses. Not this time!

  Blake began to nibble on her earlobe and down her neck turning her legs to jelly. Sheer determination gave her the resistance and strength to reach behind with her free hand and turn the door knob, opening the door. She believed that Blake was so engrossed with desire, he hadn’t an inkling what was happening. She wrenched away from his grip and pulled herself into the room. The last thing she saw before slamming the door was the surprised and confused look on his handsome features. She was grateful to see his expression change from desire to chagrin.

  Casey leaned against the crude wooden door letting pent up tears roll down her cheeks. It was some time later she applied cold water to her puffy eyes. She had to gather her wits if she was to put her plan to work.

  He just had the door slammed in his face and Blake stood completely, without a doubt, flustered. Earlier, her declaration about expecting Walter had cut him to the quick, but he had made sure Lieutenant Shepherd would not escort Casey by giving him a false message that a soldier wanted to see him about an important matter. He was sure he’d hear about it later, but seeing her, he was glad he did it. His heart had beat wildly, could hardly believe that a dirty faced ragamuffin girl, dressed like a boy, could be transformed into a Femme Fatale. Frustrated over the painful condition he found himself in, he shook his head wondering how he was going to release the ache. The nearest town was too far to find a woman so he decided on a bottle, but the little minx owed him a kiss and maybe more. Slamming his hat on his head, he went to get a bottle, hoping it would take away the itch in his breaches.

  NINE

  When Sharon entered the barracks, she noticed the girl was asleep. She was disappointed because she had wonderful news, but her new friend was tired and the morning was soon enough to share her excitement. Quietly, she slipped out of her clothes, donned a nightgown and eased her body into bed. She would’ve loved to spend more time with the handsome cowboy, but she saw the sly look between he and the girl; but what she couldn’t understand was their feigned dislike. The tension was so thick between them one could cut it with a blade. Well, she wouldn’t waste precious moments thinking about something she could never acquire; Blake had eyes for only Casey. She wouldn’t belabor it; her man was out there somewhere; she would be patient. Her brother had expressed his desire for Casey, as he walked her to the barracks, but she informed him that he was also wasting his time. She was surprised to see him agree so easily, but the news was so overwhelming, she figured nothing could dampen Walter’s spirits now.

  The clock in the outer room had chimed ten times when Casey slipped out of the dress, got under the cover to wait for Sharon. She wished she had her own clothes, but the young woman took them away to be washed. All she had were her boots and her knife which she slipped into her footgear. Nervously counting the loud tick-tocks of the clock until it chimed on the half-hour, she prayed her roommate would return soon, it was getting late. When Sharon finally came into the room, she pretended to be asleep. Upon hearing Sharon’s easy breathing, Casey slipped from the bed and quietly put on the dress. She frowned, disliking the idea of wearing it, especially to ride a horse. She sneaked out leaving the petticoats behind.

  Flattening against the building in the shadows, the moon was on her side, hidden behind the clouds. With a deep, nervous breath, she slowly opened the gate to the coral. “Sadie,” she whispered a few times until she heard her horse whinny. The mare came to her and Casey led her mount out of the corral. Hunter and she would have to double up; she had no intentions of stealing an army horse. Tying Sadie to the rear of the building that housed the prisoners, Casey placed her saddle on the animal and didn’t waste too much time in hitching it; all the while she hushed her horse, as she quickly put a bit in the animal’s mouth.

  Swallowing hard, she opened the heavy door and spotted a young soldier behind the desk. He looked no older than seventeen, this couldn’t be better. It was time to take Sharon’s advice and flirt with the enlisted man. This was not something she was experienced at and prayed she could pull it off. The door closed behind her as she took a few steps into the room. At first the private didn’t notice her and then Casey took him by surprise. He blinked and stood so quickly that the chair toppled over. So as not to follow the chair he grabbed the edge of the desk. Stunned, he managed to stay erect.

  “Err…ma’am,” he sputtered, “can I help you?” He tucked his finger inside his shirt collar to allow more room for him to swallow. Casey had to stifle a grin when she noticed his large Adam’s apple bob up and down.

  “Oh,” she replied meekly, smiling as sweetly as she knew how, knowing that her twin dimples would add just the right touch. Placing her hand over her breasts, seeing him follow her deliberate ploy, she purred, “I know I shouldn’t be here but my po’ little brother is your prisoner and if’n I don’t see him fo’ just a minute, I think I’d surely die.” Her southern accent came naturally but she laid it on thick, then she dramatically stumbled into the chair with a swoon. The soldier seemed to hesitate a moment as if he was caught in a dilemma.

  “Sorry ma’am but I am new here and I’m not too sure what the right protocol is.”

  Then, deciding she was in need of his assistance, he quickly poured her a glass of water.

  She accepted it weakly and taking a sip, she handed the glass back with her gratitude. With a sweet pout, keeping her eyes downcast, Casey pushed a lock of her hair off her face. She had earlier brushed out her coif until her hair shone with a bright luster and then tied it back with a ribbon she found in Sharon’s foot locker. Not looking at the soldier, she picked an imaginary piece of lint off her bodice knowing he was watching.

  “Pleeease, Sir, I’d be mighty appreciative if yo’all would let little ol’ me see him fo’ just a minute. No one would know I was hear.” She looked up to see him wiping his brow with the back of his uniformed sleeve. Casey hated what she had to do to this poor soldier; he was so young and trusting. She hoped he wouldn’t get in too much trouble over this, but her brother’s life was more important then his career.

  The private gulped. “I guess no harm could come for a few minute. If I were in prison I’d surely want to see my sister." He retrieved a key from his belt, stating he would let her have a moment or two.

  “Oh, thank you, Sir.” She had to stop herself from jumping out of the chair.

  The young soldier led her to Hunter’s cell. He was the only prisoner that Casey could see in the semi-darkness and she was glad there would be no one else to cause a problem. The guard opened the cell door as she tried to focus her eyes. She still couldn’t see anyone and she began to wonder if her brother was in the cell at all. “I’ll rap on the outer door when it‘s time to leave,” the soldier informed her, licking his salty top lip. The iron door clicked behind her making her jump uneasily. Casey sighed; she had made it thus far and prayed she would be able to get her brother out before something unexpected happened.

  “Hunter?” she whispered wiping her sweaty hands against her dress. A low grunt ca
me from the corner. “Hunter?” she repeated. She heard his low moan and went to the sound, nudging him gently. “Hunter!” she repeated again in a hushed voice. Grumbling, he pushed away her hand. “Hunter, please, it’s me, Casey.”

  Hunter had heard the voice echo in the back of his brain and thought he was dreaming.

  “Hunter?” The voice seemed nearby. Then it became more urgent and penetrated his sub- consciousness. Startled, he nearly knocked his sister over when he jerked up. “Casey?” He rubbed his eyes and blinked away his confusion. “Casey is it really you? I thought you were the jailer. Sorry.”

  “Yes… and I have no time to explain.” She lifted her skirt and pulled out the knife that was tucked in her boot. “We’re getting out of here.”

  “What?!” His eyes widened in alarm at the suggestion but he had no time to argue the point, a light tap on the outer door interrupted them.

  “Damn!” she uttered and handed him the knife. He merely gazed at it as if it was a figment of his imagination, and maybe it was. He could be dreaming, but she poked him and ordered, “Follow my lead,” she continued to speak above a whisper. He shook his head to loosen the cobwebs. When the outer door opened and the young soldier poked his head in, his sister leaped away from him.

  “Sorry miss, but you must leave now,” he said to her upon opening the gate. Casey put her hand on her forehead and slightly swooned. “Oh my… please help me, I’m feeling a little poorly again.”

  Hunter saw the soldier’s face show great concerned. He ran quickly to Casey’s side thinking only of her as a delicate lady and he caught her before she fell to the floor. Holding his swooning sister gently, the soldier led her to the cell door. Upon reaching it, from behind, Hunter placed the knife against the guard’s Adam’s apple.