by Hannah
“The wind was already howling when he arrived at the stage stop. Jessica and I were huddled in the corner of the only two walls still standing. He was angry. Said he’d had some trouble with some town folks and we had to move on. He grabbed the small supply of food and canned milk for the baby and had me follow him out into the storm.”
“You rode into that wall of sand?” Liam asked.
“Yes. He said it would stop anyone chasing us.”
“He was right. Please, go ahead,” urged Hannah.
“The sand blasted our faces and the horses were taking a beating. We couldn’t see. Finally, he stopped, got me off the horse, and urged the horses down. He put a blanket over the horses’ heads and we snuggled between them.”
“What was the baby doing?”
“She slept, thank goodness. I had her nestled against my breasts and she hardly moved while we waited out the wind. Once it passed, we crawled out from under the blanket and he urged the horses back to their feet. He started cursing when he realized that our cache of food and milk had been taken away by the wind. That’s when Jessica woke up and started to cry. As we rode, he kept telling me to shut her up. He finally demanded that I…” Martha paused and took a drink. “He…” She blushed and glanced at Zach.
Zach scowled, but offered, “Want me and Liam ta go off for a bit so’s ya can tell somethin’ private?”
Martha took a deep breath and shook her head no. “It’s all right. Just try not to think too poorly of me. I was only trying to quiet the baby.” She took a big sigh and continued. “He told me to take off my blouse and let the baby suckle me. I was afraid he was going to hurt the baby to make it stop crying, so I did it. Poor little thing’s mouth got all excited when she latched on to my nipple and sucked for all she was worth. When she didn’t get anything, she began to cry again. He told me to try the other one. I didn’t mind the baby so much, but it was awful watching him stare at me.”
“I can only imagine,” Hannah said. “I think you were so brave. Little Jessica was lucky you were there.”
“I wasn’t brave. I was scared.”
“Dang, ya was brave!” Zach validated what everyone was thinking.
“Thank you. But, it didn’t help. The baby seemed hungrier and cried even louder. I rode back aways from Stevenson, to try to stop him from cursing at her.”
“Where does this Mexican you mentioned come into the story?” Liam asked.
“It was awful.”
“Ya wanna stop now and git some rest,” Zach offered.
Martha looked across at Hannah and Liam. She shook her head. “No, these folks need to know what they are up against.” She took another drink and then went on. “Out in the middle of nowhere we spotted a cart being pulled along by a burro. Stevenson told me to keep up with him and to keep my mouth shut. I could see a man scoot a woman and a small child behind the cart. The man greeted us as he stood holding a bridle strap on the burro. He said something, but I don’t know what because I don’t know any Mexican. Stevenson talked to him and I could see the caution in the man’s eyes turn to fear. Then, the wail of a tiny baby interrupted their talk. Stevenson smiled and put his hand on his holstered gun. The Mexican began backing up toward the cart as if looking for something. That’s when Stevenson shot him.”
“Dead?” asked Liam.
She nodded. “The woman and her little boy started screaming. Stevenson walked up to her and put his gun to the head of an infant in her arms. Her screaming stopped and she shushed the little boy. Stevenson ripped the front of the woman’s dress open and squeezed her very full breasts. He smiled and told me to give the baby to her and stick the woman’s nipple into the baby’s mouth. The baby latched on and suckled. Stevenson looked through the meager contents of the cart, and then told me to strip the Mexican bare and throw his clothes into the cart.”
“Why?” asked Zach.
“He didn’t say, but within minutes the woman, her children, and Jessica were loaded into the cart. We rode away leaving the poor man naked and easy prey for the desert creatures. When nightfall came, we made camp. The woman nursed both babies as Stevenson watched. He’d look to me, and then back over at the woman. I knew he didn’t need me anymore and felt sure I’d be left in the desert like the Mexican. Before he went to sleep, he tethered the woman to the cart, but let the children sleep against her body. I don’t know why he didn’t tie me up, but he didn’t. As soon as I was sure he was asleep, I slipped over to the horses, cut my thumb and wrote that message on the saddle. After untying her reins from the cart, I walked the horse down to a little water hole a few yards from the campsite and let it drink as I headed out into the darkness. Once I was far away from the camp, I threw a rock in the direction of the horse. I figured that if Stevenson heard the horse take off, he’d think I was on it and give chase. In the pitch darkness, I didn’t think he’d catch it, but even if he did, I planned on being so far away it didn’t matter. Guess my guardian angel was watching out for me, because when the stone hit the horse, it neighed and took off running. So did I, in the opposite direction. With no moon, there was no way he could see me. Still, I ran and ran.”
“How did you know where you were going?” asked Hannah.
“I didn’t care. I just ran. My legs finally gave out when I got to this creek and I couldn’t go any further. I was so scared he’d catch me that I started crying and the next thing I knew Zach was waking me.”
“You poor girl,” Hannah shook her head. “I can’t believe all you’ve been through.”
“And made it out alive,” added Liam.
Zach stood up. “Come on, girl. Let’s git ya back ta town.”
“What about Jessica?” Martha asked.
Hannah agreed with Zach. “You’ve been through enough. Go with Zach. Go to Janey. Liam and I will get Jessica.”
“Hannah’s right. But, before you go, can you answer just a couple of questions for me?” Liam asked.
“I’ll try.”
“Did Stevenson mention where he was headed?”
“When we were riding after the storm, he said something about New Orleans. Said if the baby didn’t quit crying he’d sell her for good instead of just getting their money.”
“He never showed the baby to those folks back in San Antonio and he still got them to hand over five hundred dollars each, why does he need the baby?” Hannah asked.
“He said if he could get that much sight unseen, they’d pay three or four times that much if they saw her. That way he’d only have to work one couple in each city as he worked his way east.”
“Jesus! His own child.” Liam got up and kicked angrily at the sand.
Hannah stood up. “Martha. Go with Zach. He’ll find you a place to stay.” She turned to Zach who had brought his horse from the creek and was helping Martha into the saddle. “Zach, don’t take her back to the hotel. Get Janey and find a place for them to stay.”
“Take them out to the Canady Ranch. They’ll be safe there.”
“Had no intention of takin’ her back to Ketchum’s place. I’ll find ‘em a place.” He got up behind Martha. “Ya’ll take care now. Getting’ that baby ain’t gonna be easy.” He nodded and rode off.
As soon as the couple was out of sight, Liam pulled Hannah into his arms. “He’s right. It’s not going to be easy. You know it’s a crazy, maybe hopeless, chase.”
“I’ve got to do it.”
“I know. I just needed to say it.” He kissed her. “Umm, that tasted good.” He grinned.
“You’re hungry again.”
“Very.” He pulled her close and reached behind her.
“I want you, too.” She breathed into his chest.
“Um, I like hearing that,” Liam said as he continued to reach for something. “But, I think you need more than just a kiss.”
In almost a purr, Hannah whispered, “That would be nice.” Sandwiched between Liam’s hard body and the horse behind her, Hannah could hardly breathe.
“Here.” He gave her a
quick kiss. His arms came around from behind them and he held out a couple of pieces of jerky. “This should hold you over.”
She pushed the jerky aside and stormed off toward the creek.
Liam caught up with her and grabbed her arm. He turned her to face him and clutched her shoulders. “Hannah, don’t be angry with me. I was just teasing.”
“You made me feel foolish.”
“Oh, honey, no. I love you.”
“Then why …”
He kissed her forehead. “You know why.”
She sighed, but managed a nod of understanding. “Commitment, not gratitude.”
“Yes, commitment.”
“This holding back hurts.”
He kissed her forehead again. “Marry me.”
She touched his cheek and ran her fingers down his neck. In truth, Caleb was in her thoughts less and less these days. Caleb’s love had been one of solemn responsibility; while Liam’s love offered care with an air of partnership. He made her smile and laugh, often.
She gave him a light kiss. “I’m trying. I’m trying to get there.”
“I know.” He took her hand and squeezed it. “Here.” He offered her the jerky again.
She took it, then turned and headed for their horses. “Let’s eat while we ride.” She climbed up into the saddle and spurred the horse. “We need to find that baby.”
Chapter 25
A Burial
Around noon, Hannah pointed to several birds in the distant sky. She’d been watching them spread their large wings and swoop down almost to the ground where they’d fold their wings into a V-shape and soar back up into the heavens. Up and down, over and over, they flew in a graceful, celestial ballet. Hannah found herself swaying to their shifting patterns.
“Look. Aren’t they beautiful?” she said.
“No,” said Liam.
Hannah looked over at him. “Oh, yes. Watch them.”
“They’re scavengers and when you see them circling, something is dead or close to it.”
“They’re buzzards?”
“Turkey buzzards.
“But, turkeys don’t fly and I’ve seen buzzards. They’re big, ugly and I doubt they could be so graceful.”
“Turkey Buzzards fly. On the ground, up close, they’re demon ugly. But in the air, they move with ease and beauty, like eagles. Maybe more so.”
“Do you think they’ve spotted something dead.”
Liam cocked his head toward something just ahead of them. “I’d bet on it.”
Hannah followed his gaze and saw several of the birds on the ground. They were circling something. Heads bobbed up and down nervously and occasionally an aggressive skirmish erupted. It was short lived as the combatants resumed the head bobbing.
“Oh.” Hannah put her hand over her mouth when the outline of a body emerged between the buzzard bodies.
“I think we found the Mexican Martha mentioned.”
“Liam, we must get the body away from the birds. This is obscene.”
He drew his gun and pointed in the direction of the carnage. “Follow me,” he called to Hannah and spurred his horse forward. He fired one shot and the birds took flight. They flew out of range, but circled, watching, waiting.
Liam was the first to arrive at the body. “Jesus!” he exclaimed and tried to come between it and Hannah’s horse, but was too late.
“Oh…, oh… oh…,” was all Hannah could manage before she turned away and dismounted, keeping her horse between her and the body.
Liam jumped down and gathered Hannah into his arms. “I’m sorry you had to see this.”
“No.” She lifted her head. “I’m all right. It was just such a… a… shock.”
He squeezed her shoulders. “You stay here. I’ll check out the body.”
“You’re not going to do this alone.” She pushed her horse aside and walked toward the carcass. Bile rose in her stomach at the raw condition of the remains. She saw cavities where eyes, ears, nose, nipples, fingers and privates had been torn away. The face had been stripped to the bone with no sign of the skin and tissue that had so recently been this man’s face to the world.
“Liam, we need to bury him.”
“I agree, but where and how?”
Hannah turned in a complete circle to scan all directions. No trees, no water. “I don’t know, but we can’t just leave him to… We must do something.”
Liam had been scanning the area, too. “Hannah, look at this.”
“Wheel tracks?”
Liam nodded. “It must be the cart Martha mentioned.” He smiled. “They’re leaving us a trail.”
Hannah looked up at a mostly clear sky, except for the thunderclouds to the east. “We must keep moving before something wipes away the tracks.” She looked back at the body. “But, we can’t just leave him here.”
“Hannah, we have nothing to work with. There’s no kindling around to burn the body. We’ve no shovel to dig a hole deep enough to keep the buzzards, and who knows what else, away. He’s too stiff to carry with us. We’ve no blanket or ropes to tow him anywhere. And the longer we spend taking care of him, the further away Stevenson and Jessica get.”
“You’re right, of course. But can’t we, at least, cover him with sand?” Hannah asked. “I left one man unburied and regardless of his worthlessness, I have bad dreams about it. I can’t do it to another.”
Liam nodded. “Your brother-in-law?”
“Yes. My anger and need for revenge undid my human decency and I left him lying there on the floor. It haunts me.”
“I understand and I agree.” With only his hands he began to paw away at the sand.”
Hannah smiled her thanks and joined him. After a half-hour of gouging, they’d managed to form about a foot deep pit next to the body. With raw and bleeding hands, they rolled the corpse over and laid him face down in the hole. They scooped the gravel they’d loosened up and dropped handfuls onto the body. Hannah scoured about and found some rocks, which were placed over his head and shoulders. Eventually, they stood back and looked at the pitiful covering their efforts had provided.
“It won’t keep the critters from getting the body,” said Hannah.
“No, it won’t. But, it’s the best we could do.” He reached over and gently wiped at Hannah’s hands to dislodge the gritty sand. “I’ll get some water.”
“No, not for our hands. We don’t know when we’ll find more.”
“You’re right.” He looked down at the makeshift grave. “Should we say a little prayer?”
Hannah took so long to answer, that Liam looked up and asked again, “A prayer?”
She began to back up. “No,” she said, as she mounted her horse. “I don’t pray.” She pulled on the reins and began to follow the cart tracks. When Liam didn’t join her after a minute or two, she turned to see what he was doing.
His head was bowed in what looked like prayer, and then as if he knew she was watching, he looked up. Hannah turned and urged her horse forward.
It wasn’t long until he was by her side. “I asked God to watch over him, and his family.”
“Please, don’t judge me.”
“I’m not judging you. I thought you’d like to know.”
“Thank you, Liam.”
He reached for her hand. “Relax. You’re going to hurt your back if you hold yourself that rigid. It’s all right. I prayed for both of us.” He kissed her hand and moved away as they followed the tracks left by the cart.
Chapter 26
A Farewell and an Arrival
Towards late afternoon, the horses became fidgety and required more rein control.
“Must be some water in that brush area up ahead.” Liam gave his horse lead to increase its pace.
“Wouldn’t that be wonderful?” Hannah allowed her horse free rein to follow.
The horses entered a wide patch of knee high grasses and worked their way forward until dropping their heads into a narrow, but quick running creek.
Hannah and Liam dismo
unted, walked a few feet and hand-fed some of the cool liquid down their parched throats.
“Um, hope it’s safe to drink.” Hannah mused as she continued to savor the water.
“Now’s a fine time to think of that.” Liam laughed as he did the same and stood up. He glanced across the creek and saw some thick brush. “Hannah, I’ve got to take care of nature. I’ll be right back.”
She watched him disappear into the brush. Having quenched her thirst, she got up and scanned the terrain. “Liam!” she yelled and hurried across the creek. “Liam, Liam!”
He rushed from the brush without buttoning his denims. “What?” He pulled her into a protective embrace.
She turned and pointed back across the plains they had just crossed. A shimmering image danced on the horizon. It was too far away to know for sure, but it looked like at least two riders were heading their way. “Friends?”
“No way of knowing. But, let’s don’t take any chances.”
Liam pulled Hannah toward the horses and guided all of them into the brush. The horses resisted leaving the water and snorted in protest at the sharp twigs digging into their hide. Liam and Hannah were firm and settled them in until they weren’t visible from the creek. The reins were fastened to some stunted tree limbs, and then the couple eased forward to watch the approaching strangers.
Liam’s arm circled Hannah’s waist and pulled her close. He nuzzled her ear. “You smell good.”
She laughed. “I don’t think so.” She pressed her nose against his shirtsleeve, pulled back and looked up at him with a wrinkled nose. “No, I really don’t think so.”
He pulled her against his chest and smiled. “Yes, you do. You smell like Hannah.” He kissed her forehead, the tip of her nose and finally her lips.
Her arms circled him and began some slow caresses down his back starting from his shoulder and pausing at his waist. His pants were loose and allowed her hand access down over the soft skin of his ass. It felt smooth against the chapped skin of her hands. She wanted to probe deeper, but knew it was unfair to him. Her hands returned to his shoulders. He’d said nothing, but he hadn’t stopped her.
Liam released her and brought his hands between them to button his denims. Once he was decent, he pointed toward the riders.