Sourdough Creek

by Caroline Fyffe

  “Ashes is sleeping on your bed. Didn’t you see her when you put your saddlebag away?”

  He reached out and put his hand on the boy’s tiny shoulders. “Why, come to think of it now, I suppose I did,” he mumbled, thinking how one lie always led to another. He ruffled the fuzzy golden head before him and then stood, shouldering the heavy burden of guilt. “The pie cooled off yet?”

  Joey preceded him out the door and up the hallway. “Almost.”

  He entered the kitchen right behind Joey and ambled over to his seat. Nonchalantly leaning his palms on the back of his chair, he watched Cassie as she dried the last blue dinner plate and put it in the cupboard.

  He glanced at Joey, fearful the boy might mention his nosing around their room. If Cassie’s suspicions were raised now he might never see the deed to his claim. He decided to ask Joey a question to distract him. “Son, do you know anything about Split Ear, the horse I just bought?”

  Cassie was in the process of wiping the drain board with a dishtowel. What an odd question for him to ask Josephine. A child wouldn’t know anything about a horse she didn’t own.

  “All I know is he’s ugly as mud,” her sister replied, screwing up her face in a grimace.

  Turning, Cassie folded the dampened dishtowel and set it aside, all the while avoiding looking at the man who was too handsome for his own good. “Joey doesn’t know anything about the horse, but I do.” She took three small plates from the cupboard and placed them on the table.

  Sam brought the pie over. “Go on.”

  “Miss Hawthorn bought him six months past from a traveling salesmen who arrived in Broken Branch. She needed a horse to pull her buggy because she’d taken to making noonday meals and delivering them to the miners at the Lucky North.”

  Cassie cut the pie and gave generous slices to all. Sam took a bite. He closed his eyes as he chewed. “I understand now why you want to open a bake shop.”

  Josephine wolfed down her pie in a matter of minutes and hopped up from her chair. “I’m getting Ashes. She’s asleep on Sam’s bed.” She turned to Cassie with a matter-of-fact look on her face and pointed to Sam. “He’s staying in the garden room.”

  Josephine was almost out the door when she stopped and turned around. “Cassie…deem,” she began, making Cassie doubt she’d ever get the name right. “Sam heard something in our room. A noise. He tried to see what it was, but couldn’t find nothing. What do you think it was?”

  Chapter Eight

  Dang! Unless the last vestiges of evening light were playing tricks on him, he was certain the unusual emerald shade of Cassie’s eyes, a hue he’d never seen before, had just transformed instantaneously into the suspicious color of dark moss.

  She was weighing the words her brother had just said as sure as he felt the unease growing in his gut. Emotions crossed her pretty face. He put the last bite of pie into his mouth and its sweet flavor turned to straw.

  “What were you doing in our room, Sam?” she asked after a moment. “Nosing around for something interesting?”

  Sam chuckled and scraped his plate with the bottom of his fork, finishing the last crumb as she waited for an answer. “Could have been a woodpecker on the roof, I suppose. That’s the only thing I can think of.”

  “Woodpecker? That’s not likely. I haven’t seen a woodpecker around here—ever.”

  “There’s always a first.” He pushed his plate forward, satisfied. A moment before he’d felt she might actually be warming to him. Trusting him. Not so now. “I’m turning in.”

  “It’s not even eight.”

  He stood and placed his plate in the sink. “That’s true, but tomorrow we’ll want to start at sun-up and I’ve been on the trail for days. I’m looking forward to that nice soft bed. I suggest you two do the same.” She was watching him closely. “You have everything packed?”

  She stood. “We’ll be ready to ride when you are.”

  He fought the smile he felt within. A porcupine wasn’t as prickly as this one. No doubt she was trying to figure out what he was up to. Would the truth really be impossible to tell her? Would she believe him about her uncle and peacefully hand over what was rightfully his? He needed that claim. Seth was depending on him. If he had to wrestle a porcupine and ride the ugliest nag this side of Nevada to get it back, then so be it.

  ***

  The next morning, cold air nipped Cassie’s ears and cooled her sore face as she walked in from the barn. Sleeping had been difficult. No matter which way she laid, she hurt. She’d finally dozed off a little around dawn. She’d get through this day, and then tonight she’d get a real night’s sleep. All she had to do now was stay upright in the saddle.

  The horses were saddled and ready to ride. She needed to wake Josephine and get her fed and dressed. The morning frost crunched beneath her boots as she headed toward the back kitchen door. Anticipation swirled within her chest. What if they really did find a gold nugget? Hope blossomed in her heart, put a smile on her face and lightness in her step.

  She stopped for a moment in the yard. Drawing a long, measured breath, she looked at the town that had been her family’s home for the past three years. The old market, where Mrs. Gifford used to give her and Josephine black licorice, stood dark and quiet. Something tied to the balcony of the Paper Doll Saloon flapped in the breeze as if to say goodbye. What would become of this place?

  She hadn’t seen Sam yet but he was up and around somewhere. A man of few belongings, he could be ready to go in a heartbeat. When she’d gone out to feed her animals, she’d been surprised to find her horses already eating, fed by Sam when he’d fed his own.

  She hurried through the back door into the kitchen, which was warmly illuminated by a single lamp.

  “All set?”

  His deep voice crossed the room, making her turn toward the stove. He leaned against the warmer side, a cup between his palms. His expression was guarded but the rest of him looked inviting and clean, his hair damp and combed back from his freshly-shaven face.

  “Yes. Well, just about. I still have to wake Joey and help him dress. That will only take a moment.”

  “I had some coffee with me in my saddlebag. Want some?” he asked, holding out a second cup to her. He must have seen her coming through the window.

  Sam’s expression fell when she stepped into the lamplight and he actually got a look at her face. He set the cups down and closed the distance between them. She pulled back when he reached out to her cheek. His hand dropped to his side.

  His gaze moved from her swollen nose to her eyes. “How do you feel?”

  Cassie forced herself to look away. The gentleness in his voice was something she had never experienced from a man before. “Looks worse than it is.” She explored the bridge of her nose with her fingertips. “But, I’ll admit, it hurts worse now than it did yesterday.”

  “It looks painful,” Sam replied. “How’s the rest of you? Sure you’re able to ride this morning?”

  Although staying was tempting, it was chancy too. How she’d love to crawl back into bed and pull the covers up over her head--and sleep for a week. But sooner or later Klem would be back. In his search for his watch he might find the deed. Once he had it, there would be no way of getting it back. Or proving it was hers in the first place. As much as she hated to admit it, she needed Sam, and she needed to get out of Broken Branch.

  “Yes. We’re leaving today. I’m not letting a few sore muscles or a puffy nose hold us up.”

  “Your ribs? As I recall, they were pretty tender yesterday.”

  “Better.”

  “If your mind is set then.” Again he handed Cassie the hot cup of brew. She took it thoughtfully and sipped.

  “I’m not changing course now,” she replied, keeping her gaze glued to her cup of coffee. Sam was a very likeable sort. Very likeable. But there was just that little something that told her to stay on guard.

  ***

  Sam was surprised how fast Cassie was able to get her little brother up, dre
ssed and fed. They gathered the last of their belongings while he waited out with the horses. Split Ear, saddled with his rig, saddlebags, bedroll, rifle, and rope, would be his mount for however long it took Blu to recuperate. He’d lead Blu alongside for the next few days or until he felt sure she was sound.

  Joey ran out of the house, hefting his duffle bag. His baggy clothes engulfed his small body. A black felt hat tipped back on his head, secured with a rodeo strap under his chin. He groaned from the weight he bore, which nearly tipped him over.

  Sam met him halfway. “That looks heavy. Let me help you.”

  “Naw, that’s okay,” he responded, shaking his head, “I got it. My brother told me I’m supposed to pull my own weight.”

  The boy went directly to the opposite side of his small black pony and worked at getting his duffle stuffed into his left saddlebag. It was taking some doing and he glanced at Sam several times around his saddled mount as he tried to hurry.

  “Sure you don’t need some help?”

  Joey shook his head. He finally succeeded and snapped the buckle. Finished, he ran back up to the house. “I’ll be back in a jiffy.”

  Sam kept an eye out for the smithy. He didn’t want either of those brothers to show up, causing trouble for Cassie. If they did, they’d have more than a slip of a girl to contend with this time. Part of him wished they would come back looking for a fight.

  The sound of the door slamming brought his attention back to the walk. Cassie made her way to the horses, her arms laden with provisions.

  “Here, give me those,” Sam said as he strode to her side.

  “I’ve got ’em.”

  Determined, he wrestled the pack, a book, and several folded garments from her arms, but not before he felt her bristle. He smiled inwardly. “Go find that brother of yours and we’ll be on our way.”

  “I don’t need your help,” she answered as he walked toward her horses. “Just because I took a few punches yesterday doesn’t mean I can’t do for myself today.”

  “I know. I know. You’re as capable as the next man.”

  Beside Meadowlark, Cassie’s chestnut mare, Sam reached for the saddlebag.

  Suddenly Cassie was by his side. “I’ll do that.”

  Astonished that he’d so quickly forgotten the real reason he was here, he unhooked the flap of her saddlebag and looked down into the dark leather pouch before she could stop him.

  Chapter Nine

  Did Sam have corncobs stuck in his ears? Why was he being so, so…what was he being, anyway? Cassie shoved Sam’s hands off her saddlebag and faced him, plunking her hands on her hips. Irritation bubbled inside. “What do you think you’re doing? You can’t go looking through my things anytime you want. Didn’t your ma teach you any manners?” She took her things from his arms.

  A muscle in Sam’s jaw tensed. “It’s pretty obvious, isn’t it?” The pleasant feeling when he’d so sweetly handed her a cup of coffee this morning was gone. “I’m trying to help. But I can see that wasn’t the right thing to do.” He crossed his now empty arms across his chest and glared back. “I’ve put you off again, right? I can’t seem to win you over.”

  Cassie jerked her gaze away as she felt her face heat. It was true. He was only being helpful and she was being as sensitive as a sore toe wedged in a boot two sizes too small. She needed to focus on Josephine and keeping her safe. If Sam could help her do that, then so be it. She’d made sure the deed to the claim was safely hidden away where no one would stumble across it easily. She needed him, and she couldn’t be such a sour puss all the time that he’d want to up and leave them on the trail.

  “Sam, I’m sorry.” She forced herself to look into his guarded face. “I appreciate all you’re doing for Joey and me. Really, I do.” And she did. Last night as she lay in her bed, she discovered in reality she was relieved that Sam was riding with them. And, maybe even more. She was excited to be starting this new chapter of their life with him. “I can do things for myself, though. Just because I’m small doesn’t mean I’m incapable.”

  A moment passed before a smile inched up his face.

  “Of course you’re not. I never meant to imply anything by my helping. I’ll be more careful in the future.”

  She straightened. “I’d appreciate that.”

  Sam walked over to his two horses and tightened Split Ear’s cinch. The horse pinned his ears in protest and rolled his eyes. Ignoring him, Sam untied both horses’ reins from the hitching rail. Then, sliding his boot into the stirrup, he mounted the gelding in one smooth motion.

  “Joey,” Cassie called out, looking to the house before he caught her gawking. Her reaction to his close contact had her senses humming. Sam was the kind of man any woman would fall for. A handsome face, winsome smile, kind and considerate. “Come on,” she blurted, wanting to change the direction of her thoughts. “We’re ready to ride out.” Finished with her saddlebags, she gathered her reins and mounted up. Their new home was calling from the west.

  ***

  Morning passed quickly. To Sam’s relief, the Sherman brothers hadn’t shown up for a sendoff. Cassie seemed deep in thought, so Sam left her to her musing. She moved easily in the saddle but he’d caught a grimace of pain every so often. Joey rode a few pony lengths behind, humming and chatting to himself. Sam had little experience with children, but even his lack of familiarity couldn’t stop him from recognizing that this youngster seemed more than a little strange. He blushed an awful lot for a boy. And he seemed to have the habit of batting his eyelashes. Could be that this little guy would turn out to be light in the stirrups, so to speak. Sam glanced back. Joey’s body was twisted in his saddle, his hand stuck deep into his saddlebag. When he saw Sam looking, he jerked his hand away and tried to whistle, but couldn’t through his face-splitting smile.

  Sam turned back to the road ahead. That boy was up to something. As sure as he was strange, he was up to no good. Hadn’t he been that age once, too? He’d better keep a close eye on him. Sam checked the thick cotton rope draped loosely around his saddle horn; the other end of it was attached to Blu’s halter. The mare walked steadily by his side, enjoying her hiatus. After several miles the two horses had lost their curiosity with each other and settled in as if they had been stable mates for years. Amazingly, as crooked-legged as he was, Split Ear had a nice stride, and riding him felt much like sitting in a rocking chair.

  “Hungry?” Sam glanced at Cassie. She hadn’t complained once during the hours since leaving this morning, but he was sure she must be sore and uncomfortable.

  “I could use a stretch,” she replied, turning to look at her brother. “And I’m sure Joey must be hungry by now.”

  “Fine. We’ll stop up there by the alders and give the horses a break.” He patted his stomach. “I could use a bite myself. I have some jerky.”

  “And I have some bread.”

  She smiled at him, causing a capricious lightness to fill his head. He returned the gesture before forcing himself to look away. She was more often than not forgetting to use her deep-voiced charade. He should have told her immediately that Bristol had given her away. As time passed it became more and more difficult to fess up about it, and he felt certain she’d be spitting mad when she found out he’d known about her secret from the get-go.

  “Whoa.” He dismounted and hobbled the animals, then released them in the meadow so they could eat while they rested. They’d passed a stream earlier, where all four horses had quenched their thirst. He rustled around his saddlebag, looking for his bag of jerky, watching Cassie and Joey out of the corner of his eye. If she weren’t so proud he’d tell her to sit in the grass and rest while he took care of her horses himself—but he knew where that would take him.

  The meadow was small and just off the narrow road they traveled on. A tall stand of alders rimmed the edge of the grassy opening, their leaves rustling in the cool breeze. The only other sound was the twittering of a few birds and the chomping of the horses’ teeth.

  Cassie sank t
o her knees in the sweet-smelling grass, a sigh escaping her lips. She folded her legs beneath her and untied the napkin encircling a loaf of bread. Sam followed suit, stretching his legs out in front of himself and resting back on an elbow. Joey was still fumbling with his saddlebag, chattering away to no one in particular.

  Sam chuckled. “I don’t know much about kids.” He motioned with his head toward Joey as he handed Cassie a strip of jerky.

  She took the dried meat and ripped off a portion with her teeth. “He’s always been good at pretending,” she said between chews. “I’m glad he’s taking all this so well.”

  “All this?”

  “The move. Ma dying. Just everything.”

  Sam accepted the hunk of bread she offered and took a bite. The crunchy crust was nutty and the doughy soft middle melted in his mouth. It was good.

  “I see,” he answered, after swallowing.

  “Joey, come and eat some lunch,” Cassie called. “We won’t be staying long.”

  Joey seemed reluctant to leave his pony’s side.

  “Come on now, son. Do as your sis…,” Sam caught himself mid-sentence, “your seniors tell you,” he finished awkwardly.” He threw a chastising look in the boy’s direction. “Time’s short.”

  Joey ran over and plopped down beside Cassie and wolfed down his food. “I’m thirsty.”

  Cassie handed him her canteen. “Not too much. We aren’t sure when we’ll reach another stream.”

  Cassie finished up the crust she was eating and brushed her dungarees. “Should I pack things up?” She glanced up at him, her skin looking softer than a flower petal.

  “Not just yet. We can rest for a few more minutes.” He laced his fingers together behind his head and laid back. Huge white clouds drifted overhead without obscuring the warm rays of the sun.

  Joey ran off again and Cassie lay back too. For a moment all of nature was completely silent, and time seemed to stand still. The crisp mountain air felt good. Scents of freshly sprouted grass mixed with cedar and pine teased his senses. He closed his eyes as the warm sunshine slowed his mind.