by Ginger Ring
“Now, now.” The sheriff held up his hands and squared his feet.
Seth spotted Anderson twitch and knew he was going to lunge for Butler’s rifle. The gun went off. Anderson fell toward the shooter and then dropped to the ground. His red shirt sported a hole in the back.
“No.” Seth ran the rest of the way down and quickly checked the cabin. Rose’s meager belongings were there but she wasn’t. His heart raced as he rushed to Anderson. Turning him over, the soon to be dead man wheezed and blood spilled from his mouth. “Where is she?” He shook him by his collar but it was no use. The life slipped from the man’s eyes and he was gone.
“I’m sorry.” Butler had tears streaming down his face. It was a sight he’d never thought he would see. Butler killing the sheriff dead.
Phil ran their direction. “What happened? Is she here? I couldn’t hear from where I was?”
Seth got up, cupped his hands over his mouth, and yelled. “Rose. Rose.”
The other two men joined in and started searching around the area. Equally hopeful and yet dreading what they might find. A few minutes later they met in front of the cabin.
“We have to keep searching.” Seth wasn’t going to give up. “Rose?” he yelled one more time.
“Seth.” a woman’s voice returned in the distance.
“Rose?” Seth flew around the corner of the cabin to see the woman he loved hurrying toward him. A man with a badge was beside her. When she rushed to him and threw herself into his arms, he relaxed for the first time in hours. There were no words to explain how happy he was to see her alive and well. He crushed her body against his. His finger caressed her hair and he mumbled words of endearment he’d never thought he would say.
A few seconds later a thunder of hoofbeats rumbled in the canyon and he pushed her behind him. It was a group of Pinkerton men and the two ranch hands that had ridden with them. One was leading Seth’s horse. They halted in front of the cabin while a couple of men stopped at the body of the dead men. Finally he realized that it was also a Pinkerton man that was with Rose.
The man stepped up and introduced himself. “I’m Detective Clay Barker. You must be Mr. Peterson.” Seth nodded. He was shocked at the arrival of the group and that they addressed him as Mr.
“Miss McAllister told us what happened but we’ve been following Anderson for some time. He was working for a rancher down in Texas and fell for the man’s daughter but she wasn’t interested. When they found her dead and he’d run off, the man hired us to find him. Looks like he tried to cover things up by impersonating a lawman.”
“The townspeople voted for him.” It was still a sore spot as far as Seth was concerned.
“That still don’t mean he was upholding the law just because he wore the badge. Heard tell you might be interested in the job since the last one is dead.” The man gestured to the corpse that was being wrapped in a blanket and lifted onto a horse. “We’ve heard good things about you from your woman and from other’s we’ve been talking to in town.”
Seth’s forehead wrinkled at that but as he looked around at the different Pinkerton men, some did look familiar. Had they really had men in town keeping an eye on things?
“I’m personally going to speak with the town council of Harvest on your behalf,” the detective declared.
“I don’t know what to say other than thank you.”
Barker shaded his eyes as he glanced up at the sky. “Looks like the storm’s gone the other direction.” He patted Seth on the shoulder and strolled over to shake hands with Butler. The detective then strolled over to a rider-less horse that Phil held. The cowhand shook his hand then waved as the detectives all got on their horses. The group turned and rode off, the body of the murderer and cattle rustler strapped on the back of one horse.
“You one of them?” Seth eyed the ranch hand as he approached.
“Yup. I just talked to the others.” He pointed to the two men that had ridden with them and the one that was still grieving the loss of his loved one. “We’re going to stay and get all those cattle rounded up and then head them into town.”
“Thanks for everything. I mean it.” He reached up and shook his hand.
“Just doing our job.” Phil saluted and rode back to the others.
Seth had Rose go gather her things while he said their farewells to Butler and Phil. After a quick stop in town to gather a few supplies from the Brink’s store and let them know what had happened it was starting to get dark. By the time, they got back to his cabin they were both exhausted. For all his hard work today, Seth gave Kadoka a good rub down and extra grain before turning him loose in the corral.
Seth could barely keep his eyes open until he spied Rose rising from the river, naked and dripping wet.
He quickly gathered a few of the things he’d purchased for Rose from the store. There was no looking away, he just kept walking. She was the most beautiful thing in the world. First off was his shirt, then his boots, and finally his pants before wading into the water. Rose giggled and ducked under the water but he grabbed her before she could get away.
He couldn’t think straight and didn’t know what to touch or where to look first. Never would he get enough of her. This woman was special. This one was his and he was never letting go.
“Turn around.” She did as he told her. “This probably isn’t as nice as what they have in your time but it was all the store had.” Rubbing the bar of lavender soap in the water, he worked up a lather before touching her hair. They’d been in so much dirt today. It was one of the first things they thought about getting her when they’d walked in the dry goods store. The other gift he bought would be for later.
Her hair was already wet so he rubbed the suds in the long stands and ran his fingers through to untangle it.
“That feels and smells wonderful.” Rose complemented him.
He kissed her shoulder and pulled her to his chest. “Not as wonderful as you.” Seth continued to lather her skin wherever he could reach. Her head rolled back on his shoulder and he dropped a kiss on her lips. It was one that lingered and grew in intensity but not long enough with her. It would never be sufficient enough for him. One second, one minute, one lifetime would never be enough.
Rose ducked under the water and out of his grasp. She stood and washed away the bubbles that clung to her hair. It was hard to look away from her breasts. Her nipples were tight from the cold. Seth quickly washed himself before gathering her to his chest again. This time his fingers traced the lines of her back and pulled her closer. Their eyes locked. Hers shone with promise and what he hoped was love. A cool breeze touched their skin and she shivered. Seth pulled her close and wrapped her in a warm embrace. Her firm breasts were pressed tight against his bare chest.
Smoothing her wet hair away from her face, he whispered, “Stay with me.”
“Always,” she spoke softly but he felt like yelling it to the heavens.
Kissing her again became as important as breathing. A fish jumped somewhere near and an owl hooted. The night was perfect, she was perfect.
Taking her by the hand, he led her from the river. Kadoka whinnied loudly from the corral and shook his silvery mane. Even the stallion seemed to approve. When they reached dry ground, he lifted her in his arms and carried her the rest of the way to the cabin.
14
Waking up in his arms was heaven on earth. Rose twirled her finger in the fine hair on his chest. She’d never cared for hairy men before. Not ones with chest hair, beards, or long hair on their head but she cared for this one. In the short time that she’d been here there were a lot of things she’d never done or cared for before but she did now.
Bathing naked in the river was one. Making love to the handsome man she’d so recently met was another. As soon as they’d entered the cabin, Seth had dried and kissed every inch of her skin. The only time he stopped touching her was to start a small fire in the stove. The soft light from the flames only highlighted his beauty, if you could call a man beautiful. He
was to her. Tall, lean, and strong, he lifted her onto the small bed.
She closed her eyes and snuggled closer remembering the feel of his hands on her skin. The kisses he dropped between her breasts before taking first one, then the other in his mouth. He was a wonderful kisser. Even now her toes curled just thinking about it. When he slipped between her thighs and claimed her as his own, it was a moment she’d never forget. Surely she had died and gone to paradise. A huge smile crossed her lips.
He kissed the top of her head and she purred. “I didn’t mean to wake you up.”
“You didn’t and I can’t think of anything or anyone I’d rather wake up to.” Seth pulled her tight against him. Their limbs were wrapped around each other from head to toe. The warmth from his skin heated her own.
“What is this?” His finger lightly touched the pink flower on her lower back.
“It’s a tattoo. A pink rose.” She giggled as he licked his finger and rubbed it.
“I’ve seen markings on people before but never like this. Never this color.” He frowned and traced her jawline with his finger. “It’s from the future too?”
“Yes.” It suddenly hit her. If she came from another time, what would stop her from going back? Panic set in. “What if...”
This time he touched his finger to her lips. “It crossed my mind too. Don’t worry. Wherever you go I will follow. If I have to go to the ends of time to find you, I will.”
He kissed her forehead and groaned as he got out of bed. She lingered to watch and tried to remember every inch of his handsome body before he playfully dragged her from the blankets. They needed to go to town and see what was going on now that the town’s sheriff was dead. She dressed in the clothes she’d arrived in as her others were ruined. Hand in hand they strolled around the cabin and along the riverbank. As long as Rose was there Seth seemed to want her to be with him. It weighed heavily on her mind that she might leave at any time.
“We have to go but there is somewhere I want to take you first.”
Rose rode behind him on Kadoka enjoying the magnificence of the land. It already felt like home. In the distance, she spotted a tree that had been split in half.
“The storm.” Seth pointed ahead. “It must have been hit.”
They stopped by the large oak and she pressed her palm to the bark. What a shame. It was so big and yet it fell to strong winds. She suddenly realized it was the tree where Seth had found her. This must have been what caused it to be cut.
Seth stopped under the tree and pulled something from his pocket. She’d never seen him act so nervous before.
“What is it?” Rose reached for his hand before he hid it behind his back.
“When we stopped for supplies, I bought this for you. It’s nothing much but it reminded me of you.” He tried to shrug it off but he was shaking like a leaf. It warmed her heart to see him so serious about her.
Seth reached for her hand and covered it with his. “A woman out west is like a rose. A rare beauty that is wild and precious to behold, just like you.”
Her heart raced and a lump formed in her throat. She could tell he wasn’t used to sharing his feelings but he was baring his soul to her.
“I don’t have much to offer and we haven’t known each other long but I promise to always love you and protect you.”
“I think you have so much to offer.” Her eyes teared. “More than I could ever hope for. I know it is crazy but I love you, too.”
His lips touched hers in a kiss so tender and so full of promise that everything felt right in the world. Whatever world they may be in. They may not know why she was there but they knew they belonged together.
The kiss may have ended but his eyes shone with love. Seth grinned and took his hand from hers. “It’s a locket. It had a pink rose on it.”
Her gaze lowered to the jewelry in her palm. It was shiny, golden, and new. As she studied it closer, it looked familiar. “I’ve seen this before.” It was the necklace she had bought at the antique store.
Suddenly a pain shot through her head and her vision blurred. Rose screamed. Seth rushed to her side but she fell anyway. It was as if she fell right through his arms. Oh, no. It couldn’t be happening. She couldn’t have gone so far only to be brought back again.
It was happening. She was going back in time or the future this time. The last look at his face showed one of panic. “I’ll find you. I’ll never stop looking.” He reached for her again and suddenly Seth was gone. Everything was gone and all was black.
Present day
Scratching his short beard, he tucked a piece of long hair behind his ear. Before he’d arrived here, he’d had the short hair that most officers preferred but once in South Dakota, he’d let it grow. There was something about the area that comforted him. It felt like he could be himself here. His coworkers didn’t seem to mind. Some of the tribal police in the neighboring county wore theirs long as well. Being adopted he never knew what his true nationality was but he felt in his heart he was Sioux.
Officer Seth Peterson took the usual way home. The first road south of Harvest with the usual stop at the prairie rose landmark. It’d been a long day. He didn’t feel like stopping but it was an obsession. Why? Who knew? From the first time he drove by the place he felt a pull. It was like there was something or someone waiting for him there. Maybe it was just the legend of the place.
A man fell in love with a woman back in the 1870’s. When she disappeared he planted the field full of pink flowers so she would always find her way back. It was sad and yet beautiful at the same time. Seth took a deep breath and rubbed his cheek, not the typical hangout for a lawman after a long, hard day. A bar maybe, or a beer and a game on the tube would be more like it, not a stop at some sentimental landmark that was kept up by the local homemaker’s group.
He drove by, cursed, and hit the brake. A car with Illinois plates sat in the small crushed rock parking lot. Seth shifted the squad car in reverse and parked next to the out-of-state car. It was probably a couple of tourists that got lost on their way to the Badlands. He turned the car off and got out. Removing his mirrored sunglasses he rubbed his tired eyes. Yes, it had been way too long a day. He hesitated and his hand lingered on the car handle.
“Son of a...” he groaned and shoved his glasses back on. His cowboy boots made a crunching noise on the path. He didn’t feel like making chit chat with travelers but he knew he’d regret not stopping. Why? How the hell did he know, it was just something he did every day.
Rounding the hill, the flowers had a calming effect. The sweet fragrance of roses tickled his nose. Maybe that was why he came here. The stress of the job was easily erased with the beauty of nature. A monarch butterfly fluttered by his face. He smiled and looked at the sky as a hawk cried out. Seth placed his hands on his hips and gazed over the valley. Maybe the tourists wouldn’t see him and he could leave quickly.
Walking further, he still didn’t see anyone. Where were they? He kicked up dust walking quickly down the hill. The vision of catching a couple doing the nasty in the weeds flashed through his mind. He slowed down and surveyed the terrain. There. Down by the stump there was something lying on the ground.
“Hello?” he called out, hoping to warn whoever lingered around. No response. He kept walking. The closer he got, the more worried he became. It was a body. A blonde woman lay very still on the ground. Her golden hair covered her face.
Seth quickly knelt by her side. “Miss? Miss?” He gently shook her arm. “Are you okay?” He pushed the hair from her face and his breath caught. He’d seen her somewhere before but where?
15
Rose could hear someone talking. Was it Seth? She ached for him. Her heart had been torn into pieces, then crumbled, and fluttered to the ground. If she could just reach him and be in his arms again everything would be right in the world. There it was again, the voice calling to her.
Her eyelids were heavy but she finally managed to open them. The light from the sun was blinding. She blinked an
d raised a hand to shade her eyes. A warm hand touched her cheek. Was it him?
“Miss, are you okay?” The voice was familiar yet different. She struggled to rise. Her fingers scraped the rocks. Strong arms lifted her to sitting. Rose shook her head to clear the cobwebs. The ground and flowers were going in and out of focus. Flowers! No, she was back in her time. It had all been a dream. A big stupid dream. She rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand. Her blurred vision now turned clear.
“Miss?”
Rose finally turned his way and stared. The man looked so much like her Peterson but it couldn’t be. His hair wasn’t as long but still the same color. She couldn’t see his eyes, just her reflection looking back through his sunglasses. The strong jaw was graced with a short beard, the same stubble she yearned to feel again on her skin. He tilted his head and looked just as surprised to see her as she was to see him. “Who are you?”
The man seemed to relax a little and sat on the ground next to her. “The question is, who are you and what are you doing lying on the ground here? There are rattlesnakes in these parts.” He looked at her legs that were covered by her skirt. “You didn’t get bit or anything?”
Rose sat up straighter and laced her fingers in her lap. “I guess the heat must have gotten the best of me and I dozed off.” It was the only explanation that made any sense.
“Don’t move. I’ll go get some water from the car.” Seth stood up.
“No, don’t.” Rose scrambled to her feet as he reached to steady her. “I’m fine now. Really.” She smiled and brushed some dust from her behind. How embarrassing to be out in the middle of nowhere daydreaming. She fought back a sob. It seemed so real, though.
“I feel much better now. I’ve been driving for a while, I got lost, and I just needed a little rest.” Explaining that she’d just traveled back in time and fallen for a guy that was his twin probably wouldn’t go over too well. Whether it was a dream or not, she’d be subject to a sobriety test and thrown in the back of the squad car before she knew it. Maybe she was crazy for taking a job out here?