Where The Wind Blows

by Caroline Fyffe

  “No, no, he’s not out there. Just roll up in your blanket and stay warm. We’ll be making camp soon, and I’ll fix you something to eat, all right?”

  She smiled at Sarah, wanting to put her at ease. She wished she felt better herself. The white wall of snow was eerie. And so quiet. The only thing she could hear was the creaking of the wagon and the thunk of the horses’ hooves as they struck the frozen ground. Jessie hunkered down and gripped the reins, feeling totally alone. Anyone could be lurking five feet away and she’d never know it.

  “Here—turn here.” She heard Chase’s voice call out through the storm. “Try to drive them between the two tallest trees.”

  Jessie heaved on the right rein, turning the horses into the spot Chase had directed. Pulling up, she winced as pain sliced through her hands. Even her heavy leather gloves were no match for a white Wyoming norther.

  Chase was there again, this time on foot. He craned his neck to see her.

  “Stay inside and I’ll unhitch. Bundle up and keep Sarah warm. The boys will be in shortly.”

  Jessie prepared to step over the wagon seat, when she heard him call her name. She turned back in question.

  “You did a fine job driving the team.”

  For one instant, Jessie saw the spark. It was there, lingering in the depths of his eyes. That fragile thread connecting them. Just as quick, it vanished, leaving Jessie colder than she’d ever felt.

  Finding the matches, Jessie debated lighting the lantern in such a wind. The possibilities of starting a fire in the wagon were great. But the darkness put her on edge. She knew she was being silly, but she had the frightful feeling of being watched.

  “I think it’ll be all right if I light this. We’ll have to watch it very closely not to knock it over.”

  With a scratch Jessie lit the match. Cupping it in her hand, she carefully guided it to the lamp wick and lowered the glass encasing the small flame.

  “There, that’s better.”

  The little lantern cast a hopeful golden glow about the cold, dreary wagon. Jessie patted her lap, and Sarah gladly climbed up, snuggling in. Out of habit, the slow, haunting melody of “Amazing Grace” came from Jessie’s throat. It was the only song she knew all the way through. Mr. Hobbs had often sung it as he worked.

  The north wind screamed, and a sudden blast of cold wind sent the wagon rocking. The little flame danced as Sarah huddled closer.

  “Don’t be scared, sweetie. Chase and Gabe and Jake will be in here real soon.”

  The sound of Sarah’s growling stomach interrupted her.

  “Oh, listen to your tummy. It’s trying to tell me something. I’ll fix something for our supper as soon as the men get here.”

  With a squeal, Sarah jumped up and wrapped around Jessie’s neck and head.

  “Sorry if I spooked the little one.” It was Chase looming just outside the back of the wagon. The only way Jessie knew was by the sound of his voice. He was completely invisible in the blanket of snow.

  In the next instant, Gabe and Jake were climbing in through the front, bringing the snow and wind with them. They hurried to pull the cords that would close the canvas opening.

  Jessie eyed the slush with dismay. It was impossible to keep anything dry. After days of trying, she was almost ready to give up. Still, it was a relief to have the men back.

  “What’s to eat?” Gabe asked. “I’m starved and froze to the bone.”

  Chase climbed in. He looked around. “This will be cramped with all five of us inside. But we’ll get by.”

  Jessie looked from one frozen face to another. She couldn’t bear to tell them the meat was gone and all they’d be eating was cold leftovers.

  Jake slowly peeled off his sodden gloves and inspected his fingers. They were stiff and red. He stuck them inside his mouth and breathed hard. Even though he didn’t say anything, she could tell they were hurting.

  She glanced at Chase. Was he worried? Was this storm life threatening? If it was, he didn’t let on.

  His poor face was raw and red from the cold. Snow and ice clung to his whiskers and covered his expressive eyebrows in white. Jessie restrained the urge to reach over and wipe them off. Instead, she pulled out one of her kitchen cloths and handed it to him. “For your face.”

  “You boys get on over into the corner and give Jessie a little working room to set out the food,” he said, using the proffered gift. He handed it to the boys when he was finished.

  Jessie picked her way through their food, taking out anything that would make up a meal. Thank heavens Mrs. Hollyhock had insisted Jessie take extra canned goods and anything else that wouldn’t spoil. She’d even stuck in a couple dozen hard-boiled eggs. Keeping the food fresh hadn’t been a problem in the cold weather.

  “We’ve got plenty for supper,” she said cheerfully. “Biscuits from today’s noontime meal,” she said, giving one a squeeze. “Not too hard.” She held out the cloth and passed them around.

  Chase took one and set another on Sarah’s plate.

  “Look what I’ve been saving,” Jessie said excitedly, trying to raise everyone’s spirits. She held up a basket, full of Mrs. Hollyhock’s hardboiled eggs. “With a little salt these are delicious.”

  The boys groaned.

  “I can’t wait to hit town. I’m gonna buy me the biggest, rawest steak this side of the Rockies,” Jake said. “Heard they have some so big, three men couldn’t finish it off. Sure would love to have one now, hot and juicy.”

  “Yeah, wouldn’t we all?” Gabe chimed in.

  Chase took two eggs and passed the basket to Jake. “Well, we don’t, so we’ll just make do with what we have. Won’t be that much longer before we reach Logan. And eat the eggs. They’re good protein.”

  Jessie handed a jar of pickles to Chase, and he quickly snapped open the lid with his knife. Jessie nodded her thanks.

  “Are they sweet, Jessie?” Jake asked. “They’re my favorite.”

  “Yes, sir, they are. Take as many as you like.”

  Chase handed the jar over to Jake and watched as the youth dug in. Then he reached out to hand Sarah an egg, but the little girl shook her head.

  “Come on, honey,” he insisted. “You need food to keep your insides warm.”

  Sarah shook her head and clung to Jessie’s back. She held her biscuit in her hands, which were shaking from the cold. Every now and then she would take a nibble.

  Jessie rummaged for a can of beans and again handed them to Chase to open. She met his questioning gaze. “She’s jumpy. The storm has her scared.”

  “Don’t be scared, Sarah,” Gabe said around a mouthful of food. “It’s just a storm. We won’t let anything happen to you.” Extending his arm, he reached for her. Sarah clung tighter to Jessie and whimpered.

  Chapter Thirty-seven

  The wind howled and launched another blast of snow against the wagon’s side, sending it rocking back and forth. Chase had been in much worse storms than this one. As long as the passes didn’t close up, they’d be fine.

  He noticed that Sarah’s gaze kept darting around the wagon, but it always ended up behind him, staring at the back opening. The thing was securely fastened, and Chase wondered what was making the child so jumpy.

  “Just the wind, Sarah,” he said, trying to put the girl at ease. “That old norther is throwing a fit. It’s scary now, but when you wake up the forest will be a real pretty sight.”

  The boys exchanged glances and kept eating. They were too old to fall for that story, but Sarah smiled in appreciation.

  “Chase is right, sweetie,” Jessie soothed. “Here, eat this apple and you can give the core to Cody in the morning.”

  “Scared of man.” Sarah looked to Chase.

  “What’s she talking about?”

  “She thinks she saw someone out in the storm. She’s been scared ever since.”

  He’d been careful to study their back trail, but since the bad weather had closed in around them, he’d used all his energies getting them to sh
elter. He’d had the feeling once or twice of being watched.

  “You boys seen anything out of the ordinary?”

  “Through this wall of snow? I couldn’t even see to wipe my nose.” Gabe smiled at Sarah and winked.

  “Naw. Too thick,” Jake added.

  “There’s nothin’ out there, honey,” Chase said to comfort her. “But if it’ll make you feel better, I’ll take one more look around before we go to bed.”

  Sarah eased out of her protective corner behind Jessie and approached. Remorse filled him at her reluctance. He’d done a real good job of putting distance not only between him and Jessie, but him and Sarah as well. Space, he figured, would make it easier for her when he left.

  Chase stretched his arms out to her. “Climb on up here and warm me up. It’s been a month of Sundays since I was warm.”

  Sarah climbed up carefully, an apple in one hand and her biscuit in the other. She settled in the crook of his arm. He guarded himself against the sweetness of her.

  The boys took the opportunity to scoot closer to the lantern. Both held their hands up to the light, but the little flame didn’t throw much heat.

  “You’re dreaming, boys,” Chase said, his eyebrows arched in amusement. He was feeling mighty good with Sarah nestled in his lap.

  Sarah tipped her head back to look at him. Her hand stole up slowly, and she touched his whiskers with her biscuit. “Scratchy. Not like ma.” The sweet scent of apple tickled his senses.

  “You’re right about that, little one. Your ma’s as soft as a peach,” Chase said, glancing over at Jessie. The boys looked at each other and grinned.

  Chase watched in the lamplight as Jessie’s cheeks turned the color of a rose petal.

  He chided himself. This certainly wasn’t the way to put distance between the two of them. But to tell the truth, he was sick and tired of trying to do the right thing. Right now he didn’t care.

  “Has everyone had enough?” Jessie started organizing and putting the food away.

  “You didn’t eat.” Chase looked pointedly at her.

  “I’m not hungry.”

  “You must be, after driving the wagon through that storm. If you’re worried about food, don’t be. We’re not that far from Logan. Go on. Eat.” His tone said he wouldn’t take no for an answer.

  “Fine.”

  Everyone, including Sarah, caught the irritation in Jessie’s voice.

  “Is there something special you’d like me to eat?” she asked dryly. “A pickle perhaps?” She fished two fingers around the jar until she pulled one out. “How’s this?”

  “Looks good to me.”

  “Would you like one?”

  “No, thanks. The eggs and biscuits filled me up just fine.” Chase looked down at Sarah. “Can’t say as when I ever enjoyed a meal so.”

  Sarah giggled, getting into the spirit of things. Both boys grimaced. Jessie’s face flamed.

  At once, Chase realized that Jessie was taking the lack of food personally. And she acted as if it were her fault they couldn’t have a fire. Maybe he shouldn’t tease her so.

  “Have a biscuit and egg. This cold will sap more out of you than you think. You need to keep up your strength.”

  “Mercy sakes alive, Chase. You’d think I was two years old.” The annoyance in her voice rang loud and clear. “I know what and when I need to eat.”

  “Maybe you do. Maybe you don’t. I’m just trying to make sure you don’t get sick before we reach town. Then Sarah here”—he tickled her in the tummy, drawing a laugh from the little girl—“would have to drive the wagon.”

  Jessie ate as she tidied up. A bite of biscuit, or egg, and a look over to him. Every now and then it seemed as if it actually was a face she was making at him. Jessie’s rancor amused him.

  Jake pulled out an old harmonica, dented and scratched, and began to play some chords. The music was fast and jaunty, and soon Jessie’s mouth curled up in the corners.

  A diversion was good, Chase thought. A little entertainment was just the medicine to take their minds off the bitter cold.

  “Anyone know the words to this one?” Jake asked, then started puffing away again.

  “Sure do.” Gabe joined in singing and clapping his hands.

  I came to town de udder night,

  I hear de noise, den saw de fight,

  De watchman was a runnin’ ’round,

  Cryin’ Old Dan Tucker’s come to town.

  Sarah jumped down from Chase’s lap and twirled in circles one way and then the other. Her little braids swung out from her head, and merriment danced in her eyes.

  Jessie felt Chase’s gaze reach across the wagon and snare hers. His slow smile silently asked for forgiveness for teasing her. Is this what real husbands and wives felt? To know what the other was feeling with just a glance?

  Gabe started the second verse.

  Old Dan Tucker’s back in town,

  swingin’ the ladies all aroun’;

  First to the right and then to the left,

  An’ then to the gal that he loves best.

  As the last strains floated through the wagon, Sarah collapsed onto Jessie’s lap. Her tiny cheeks were bright pink, and she struggled to catch her breath.

  “Why, Sarah, I didn’t know you were such a fancy dancer,” Jessie laughed, as she smoothed the child’s hair from her eyes. The silky strands stuck to her moist forehead.

  “Chase, this one’s for you. Sing along if you know the words.” Jake played off the introduction. Sarah jumped to her feet and resumed her fast-paced twirls.

  Chase grinned boyishly from ear to ear when he recognized the tune and joined Jake.

  Monday was my wedding day,

  Tuesday I was hitched,

  Wednesday night I tried for a kiss,

  And out the window I got pitched.

  His rich tenor voice resounded from front to back, surprising even himself. It felt so good to sing and laugh. Without a doubt, this was a night to remember.

  Chapter Thirty-eight

  A blush crept up Jessie’s face, but she kept her gaze glued to Sarah, who was still spinning in her mad caper. Even when Chase finished singing, Jessie refused to look at him.

  Gabe and Jake chuckled at the newlyweds, seeming to thoroughly enjoy Jessie’s embarrassment. They’d been serious for far too long. The impromptu party was a welcome relief.

  Gabe broke the silence. “Hope that didn’t embarrass you too much, Jessie. It was all done in good spirit.”

  “No, I liked it. I’ve always loved music,” she said honestly. “Please, sing another. Sarah is having so much fun.”

  Chase smiled. He was glad she liked it, too.

  A horse nickered outside, and Chase held up his hand for silence. Even little Sarah stopped, straining to hear if anything sounded unusual.

  “I hate to end this little party, but tomorrow will come far too early,” he said. “I want to make as much distance as we can in the deep snow.” Standing straight was impossible in the wagon as he pulled on his gloves and scarf. “I’m going to take a quick look around. Check the horses. Get bedded down as soon as possible.” With a knowing look to the boys, he checked to see that their weapons were within easy reach.

  By the time Chase made it back inside, everyone except Gabe was asleep. His back was braced on the wagon boards, his pistol lying across his lap. The lantern burned low, barely throwing enough light to see anything at all.

  “Everything okay out there?” he whispered, sleepy-eyed. “You were gone an awfully long time.”

  “Seems so. I wanted to check out what Sarah said. But it was next to impossible to see anything. We’re going to have a heck of a time tomorrow in this snowfall.”

  “How much farther we got?”

  “Hard to tell with this weather. Three days, possibly more.” Chase slowly maneuvered around in the small space, being as quiet as possible. His large frame made it pretty tough. He barely missed knocking over the cups and plates stacked on a crate. “I’m getting a
little worried about the stock. Don’t know how much more they’ll take without some decent food in their bellies.”

  “Can we clear some snow and let them forage tomorrow?”

  “Can’t risk the time. We need to get as far as we can while they still have strength to pull.” Chase eyed the sleeping group. They were his responsibility. At least until this trip was over.

  Where was he supposed to bed down? The wagon bed looked like a sea of blanket-covered bodies. “We still have a small supply of oats. That’ll just have to do for a while.”

  Gabe motioned with his head to a spot between the back of the wagon and Jessie’s and Sarah’s feet. “Jessie put your bedroll over there. Can ya squeeze in?”

  “Sure. This wagon is cramped, but at least that makes it somewhat warm. I’ve spent too many stormy nights wondering whether I’d wake up in the morning or just drift off, peaceful-like.”

  Chase hunkered down, pulling the blanket Jessie had laid out for him up around his shoulders. Instead of lying down he leaned up against the wagon’s side. He made sure his gun was within easy reach, but plenty clear of Sarah.

  “I’ll take over the watch now, Gabe. You better get some shut-eye.”

  Gabe yawned and stretched his long legs in his bedroll. “Be sure to wake Jake in a couple of hours. You need your sleep, too.”

  “You can bet on it.”

  The night stretched on. Chase sat as if forged out of rock, listening to nothing but quiet. Once in a while one of the sleepers would turn over or pull a blanket. Other than that, the silence permeated every inch of their little haven.

  There was a rustle, and Chase heard Sarah cry out.

  “Shhh, honey, go back to sleep,” Jessie murmured in hushed tones.

  “Cold,” Sarah cried. She thrashed about as Jessie tried to calm her. “Wet.”

  Chase watched as Jessie slid her hand down and checked the blanket the child was lying on. “Yes, you are and so is your blanket. Shh, don’t cry, it’s all right.”

  Jessie fumbled around in the darkness trying to find something dry for Sarah to put on. The scratching of a match brought her attention to Chase.