by Carré White
“It’s only for one night,” added the sheriff. “One night, and we shall have our freedom back.”
“A small price to pay,” said a woman in the crowd.
“How do you propose to kill it?” asked a voice behind me. I turned to look at Micah, who stared straight ahead. “What is the plan?”
Sheriff Palmer took his hat off, scratching his head. “Well, we’re going to bait it with a cow that’ll be tethered near the post office. From there, I’ve several volunteer shooters, who’ll wait for it to arrive. Once the animal is seen, it’ll be shot. The problem will be solved then.”
“How do you know it’ll come to town?” asked a man. “From what I’ve seen, it prefers to hunt further out.”
“That’s why we’re clearing the town. It’s only for one night, folks. Everyone is to stay indoors after dark, and the saloon and brothel will be out of commission. We need things to be nice and quiet. I suggest turning down the lights as well.”
I glanced at Micah, who looked incredulous. “It’ll never work,” he murmured.
“Why not?”
“They forgot one important factor.”
“And what’s that?”
“This bear prefers human blood. He’s never attacked an animal, as far as they can tell.”
I hadn’t thought of that, but his words sent an unpleasant knot into the pit of my belly. I inched closer to him. “Then what do you propose? Do they use a human for bait? Who on earth would volunteer for something like that?”
“No one would.”
“How can you be so sure it won’t work? Perhaps you need to have a little more faith in these things.”
He blinked. “I have plenty of faith, but this plan is absurd.”
“Then tell them what you think.” The mayor had begun to speak again, his voice booming out. “Tell them they need to reconsider the bait.”
“They don’t want to hear my suggestions.”
I glanced at the mayor, but his words did not fill me with confidence. The townspeople had devised a scheme to kill the bear, but I had to agree with Micah, because I felt in my heart he was right. They would fail.
Chapter Five
After the meeting had concluded, I waded through the crowd towards pa and Tom, who stood near Butch Cashman and Bryce Thompson. “Pa!”
He turned to look at me, his eyes filling with warmth. “It’s going to be fine, Saffron. They’ll put a stop to the killing soon enough.”
I wanted to blurt out the things Micah had said, but I kept them to myself. “Are you helping them?”
“Yes, my dear. Tom and I are staying in town tonight. Deer Runner and Mr. Blaylock will take you and Amelia and Lucy home. They’ll watch over you.”
Nearing my father, I whispered, “What if the bear doesn’t want to eat the cow? What if this doesn’t work?”
“It’s something to worry about tomorrow. We can’t know if it doesn’t succeed until we try. Say a little prayer for us tonight.”
I glanced at Silas, who spoke to one of the deputies, his face alight with anticipation. “Who will participate in this?”
“Most of the men. We’re going to watch from the shop windows with weapons at the ready. I plan to sit on the roof with Tom. That animal doesn’t stand a chance against us.”
“What if it doesn’t come?”
“Then they’ll bait it another way.” He drew near, kissing my forehead. “Don’t trouble yourself, Saffron. Go home with your sister, and lock all the doors. You’ll see us in the morning, and we’ll tell you of our success.”
“Might I have a word with Silas?”
“Of course.” He glanced at Tom. “What say you of the plan, son?”
“It’s patchy.”
This had my attention. “What do you mean?”
“I agree with Saffron. I’m not so sure a cow will attract the beast, but we have little choice in the matter.”
“For the sake of those listening, we should try to look on the bright side of things. It’s best not to distress the women and children.” Pa nodded towards Bryce Thompson’s wife, Leah. “Let’s speak only of our success. If this fails, we can address the issue further tomorrow.”
I met Tom’s gaze, silently agreeing with him and worrying about what tomorrow would bring—what the night would bring. I could not shake the feeling of unease that had settled around my shoulders, stiffening my neck fractionally. Moving from them, I reached Silas a moment later, but he barely acknowledged me, his attention remaining on Deputy Thomas.
“I say we take up positions on the north and south side of Main Street. I’m more than happy to watch from the barber shop with Mr. Pope.”
“If that’s where you want to be, it’s fine by me.” Deputy Thomas glanced my way. “Hello, Saffron.”
He had once been interested in courting me, but I had felt nothing other than friendship towards him, thereby refusing the offer. “Hello, Leonard. How are you?”
“Well, and you?”
“I’ll feel better once this animal’s caught.”
“I agree completely. Having your ranch hands murdered cannot fill you with a sense of calm. I was shocked when I heard about it.”
He had verbalized my fears. “No, it doesn’t.” I glanced at Silas. “You’ll be in town all night then?”
“Yes, I will.” He patted my arm. “Don’t worry about a thing, Saffron. It shall all go according to plan. By morning, we’ll have killed the animal, and we can put this ordeal behind us.”
“I hope so.”
“Now, if you’ll excuse me, there are logistics to discuss. I’ll be by in the morning to see you, all right? I know you’re not pleased with things, but it’ll all be better soon enough.” Without waiting for me to respond, he turned towards the mayor and Doctor Walker.
I glanced at Deputy Thomas. “I worry nonetheless. What if the bear doesn’t care for the bait? He seems to prefer … humans.”
“I’ve thought of that. We’ll try this first, and, if it doesn’t work, something else will be arranged. These attacks have brought the town to its knees. None of us will rest until things are settled. We cannot go on like this.”
“That’s rather sensible.” I smiled; gladdened he too thought it might not proceed as smoothly as hoped. “It might be harder than we think.”
“I agree, but this gives everyone hope.” He leaned in slightly. “I still say you should court me, Saffron. You’ve not committed yourself to Silas yet, as far as I know.”
I hadn’t expected that. “I’ve been in mourning.”
“Yes, but that’s passed now.”
“We’ve discussed this before. I think we’re better off as friends. I’m sorry about it all, but it really is for the best.”
A hint of regret flickered in his eyes. “I always thought you the most handsome woman in town.”
“Oh, stop that. That’s not true. Susan Hefferman’s far prettier. Amelia’s far prettier. You might want to pursue her in a year or so, when she comes of age. She’s far more agreeable than I am. I’ve been told I’m rather prickly.” Now I teased him.
He grinned. “I disagree.”
I sensed being watched, and I glanced over my shoulder, noting that Micah stood at the back of the room. It was odd he would stare so blatantly, but it seemed I was the only one who observed this, because everyone remained otherwise occupied, eagerly discussing the plans for the night to come.
“You’ve always been far too kind to me, especially after I gave you the mitten. I know I let you down horribly.”
“I’m hoping you’ll change your mind.”
“Oh, Leonard.” I smiled sadly. “I’m going to marry Silas, once he finally asks. I’m flattered you think so highly of me, but I’m hardly worth the effort. I won’t change my mind about this either. I’ve my heart set elsewhere.”
“That’s a shame.”
Amelia approached, saying, “We should go. There’s no reason for us to stay in town. I’ve a million things to do anyhow.”
“All right.”
“Did you know Deer Runner and Mr. Blaylock are taking us home?”
“Yes, pa said so.”
“I’ll go find Lucy. I saw her here somewhere.”
I glanced at Leonard. “Well, I wish you good luck tonight. I hope you kill this thing. I pray there are no more murders. It’s too dreadful to even think about.”
He patted my shoulder gently. “You take care, Saffron. Turn down all the lights. Lock the doors. Keep a weapon by your side at all times.” A look of concern clouded his features. “This isn’t over yet, and I fear … I … oh, never mind. Just stay indoors tonight.”
I did not care for the tone in his voice, acutely feeling his anxiety, as it mirrored my own. “I will. Please watch over my pa and my brother and Silas. I know you’ll do whatever you can to keep them safe.”
“I’ll try my best.”
“Thank you.” I left him then, striding towards my sister, who waited by the door.
“Mrs. Walker asked us to help make supper for the men,” she said. “They’ll be here all night, and they’ll need something to eat.”
“Goodness, we’ve a lot to do then.” I glanced over my shoulder. “Where’s Lucy?”
“Waiting in the street.”
“All right. What do you want to make? It needs to be something simple, yet filling.”
“How about beef stew with biscuits? I can’t think of anything easier.”
“Agreed.”
We stood outside with the sun beating down upon our heads, while the aroma of someone’s pipe lingered in the air. Men had gathered to talk, while women shepherded their children. Because pa and Tom planned to remain in town, I assumed we would take the wagon home, spying Deer Runner standing near the conveyance. I worried about everyone’s safety, as most of the men would not be available to stop an attack, were it to occur anywhere but here.
I glanced at Micah, who stood by our wagon. “One of us has to return later. We’re making supper for the men.”
“I’ll do it, if you wish.”
“All right.” He took my arm, helping me to the seat. “Thank you.” He’d donned a wide-brimmed hat, which most of the men wore, protecting their faces and necks from the sun—especially at this altitude.
Deer Runner grasped the lines, releasing the brake, while I sat next to Micah, with Amelia and Lucy in the back of the wagon. Pretty bonnets shielded their faces from the heat, as did mine. Feeling apprehensive about leaving pa and Tom behind, I tried to think of other things, pleasant musings to occupy the time on the ride home, but I could not ignore the inkling that something was not right.
I glanced at Micah, begrudgingly admiring the side of his face, which revealed a surprisingly straight nose. He had never had it broken before, that much was obvious. His chin sported dark stubble. Sensing my attention, he turned towards me, our eyes meeting.
“Where are you from?” I asked.
“Illinois.”
“What brought you out west?”
“After ma died and my sisters married, pa and I drove freight wagons on the Santa Fe Trail for a while.”
“Then you became a trapper?”
“I was a wagon master for a few seasons. Then I headed for the woods.”
“I see.” We hit a rut, the wagon jolting. “Goodness, they should fix these roads.” The vestiges of town lingered behind us, mainly the tip of the church steeple, jutting into the blueness of the sky. “How long have you been a trapper?”
“A few years.”
“What sorts of animals do you kill?”
“Typically, beaver, when they were in abundance. The fur companies destroyed resources west of the Rocky Mountains, the Brits, especially. They want to control the trade and put the Americans out of business. I do believe they’ll succeed. The only trapping left now is in very remote areas.”
“Then what will you do?”
He shrugged. “Find work as a wagon train guide or Army scout. I know these woods rather well. Nothing seems to be stopping westward migration. Someone’s always needing a way through. Someone’s always lost.”
Deer Runner patted him on the back. “He’s a mountain man, if ever I saw one. One of the finest too.”
“My sense of direction hasn't led me wrong yet, I reckon.”
I had seen these men before, as they typically came down from the mountains in the summer before returning again to hunt in the winter. They were a hardy bunch, living off the land, finding shelter wherever they could and braving the elements. Most were rather quiet and introverted, preferring their own company. Many married Indian women and took up homesteading on land no one else wanted. I could not help wondering if Micah would seek the same fate and settle in some wild place.
I envied his freedom and adventurous spirit, longing for something similar. Although the trek west had been a strain for us, I welcomed the undertaking. A part of me adored the unknown and the challenges it brought, but then I needed the security and comfort of a town and the proximity to a church and a mercantile to truly feel at home in a place.
I had another question. “Why didn’t you stay to capture the bear? If you’re adept at trapping, shouldn’t you have offered help?”
“They’re set on their grand scheme. They think the animal will come to them. I doubt they’ve the right bait, and I can’t imagine it’ll work, but who am I to tell them different?”
“I spoke to Silas about that, but he’s certain the plan will succeed.”
“Fools,” murmured Micah.
“Perhaps, they’ll kill it,” said Amelia. “We mustn’t be so pessimistic. They’ve enough men to do it.”
I spotted our house in the distance, the roofline sweeping elegantly amongst the greenish backdrop of pastures. “Yes, we mustn’t declare it a failure prematurely. I’m sure they know what they’re doing.”
Deer Runner and Micah exchanged a glance, and, in that moment, I saw their agreement on something, but I doubted it was favorable. They did not think this plan would produce the outcome the townspeople desired, and, perhaps, it wouldn’t, but what else were we to do?
Chapter Six
Lucy, Amelia, and I spent the rest of the afternoon in the kitchen, making enough stew to feed dozens of people. Deer Runner and Micah would watch over us tonight, and they had assessed the house again, hammering extra boards across the lower windows. This prevented the light from entering on the first level, darkening the interior considerably, forcing the use of lanterns in the kitchen.
The stew filled two large cooking pots, with dozens of flaky biscuits wrapped in brown paper. Amelia had prepared most of the meal, while I helped Lucy clean things. I went to find the men, needing to tell them everything was ready to be taken to town. They stood in the barn talking in Deer Runner’s native tongue, the language sounding strange, but Micah spoke it fluently, conversing easily with the Indian.
He spotted me first, grinning. “I’ve been smelling something delicious for the last hour. Are you giving it all away?” He looked hopeful. “Will there be any for us?”
“Yes, of course.”
Deer Runner glanced at Micah. “You should go then. Things are in order here.” He looked at the sky. “It’s getting late. The sun will be down in an hour or so. I’d go now, to be safe.”
“Everything’s on the porch. I hope the pots don’t spill. We tied the lids with rope,” I shrugged, “but, if the road is rough, there might be an accident.”
“Nothing like leaving a scent for miles, eh?” said Deer Runner meaningfully. “Travel safely. Travel carefully, but be quick about it.”
“I could accompany you. I can sit in the back and mind the pots.” Knowing that Lucy and Amelia were tired, offering to help was the least I could do.
Micah’s considering gaze drifted over my face. “I’d like that very much, Saffron.”
The way he had spoken those words, the tone of his voice, the effect was like butter melting, slick and sweet. “I … I … all right.” I could not remember ever being this
flustered before, but I had to gather my wits. “I’m ready now. We just need to load the wagon.”
He grinned at Deer Runner. “We won’t be long.”
“You’re going to enjoy this, aren’t you?”
“Escorting a pretty woman to town? Perhaps.”
“Don’t go getting any funny ideas, son.”
“A man can dream,” he chuckled.
I had overheard these words as I walked away, flattered and flustered at the same time. Waiting by the wagon, I observed Micah’s approach, noting the belt around his lean belly that held revolvers on each hip. Broad-shouldered and tall, his physique comprised mostly muscle. Working freight wagons and trekking through the mountains in search of game had molded him into the man he was today—rugged and strong. A wide-brimmed hat shaded his eyes, but I knew they were focused on me; I could feel it.
“Ready to go, Miss Fossett?”
I lifted my chin to look at him. “Yes.”
“Must you sit in the back?”
“Well, if it’s bumpy, the pots might leak.”
“I’ll drive carefully. Let me get the horse.”
After Bonnie had been attached to the wagon, I scrambled into the back, sitting with the food, while Micah commandeered the lines, releasing the brake. We ambled out of the yard, Deer Runner waving to us, until he disappeared after we rounded the bend. Fields of sunflower-like weeds stretched out on either side of the road, this portion uncultivated at the moment. Micah whistled the entire way, preferring this to conversation. It wasn’t until we were nearly to town that he spoke.
“Did anything leak?”
“No. It’s fine.” I stared at the buildings coming into view. “I’m curious about the trap.”
“You’ll get to see it.”
“I want to talk to my father and brother.”
“We shouldn’t stay long. The sun’s behind the mountain already.” Shadows had expanded, the warmness of the afternoon diminishing.
“I know.” I craned my neck, searching for Silas. The thoroughfare ran straight through town, with shops and houses on either side. The saloon had closed its doors, and the street was empty, save for a strange, fence-like barricade up ahead. It held several cows that stood with their heads bent over feed. “I suppose that’s the bait.”