Sharon Poppen

by Hannah

  Slowly, she walked toward Stevenson. Using the heel of her foot, the woman kicked him in the face several times before pulling the knife from his hand. Before she could use it, Stevenson managed to reach his gun with the bloody mess of his freed hand. He fired.

  Stevenson’s gun was aimed at the Mexican woman’s belly when he fired.

  At first Hannah thought he’d missed, so rigid was the woman, and then the bloodstain appeared. The woman clutched her middle and fell onto Stevenson’s trussed up body with the knife clutched tightly in her hand. The knife embedded itself in Stevenson’s throat and with her dwindling strength; she managed to gouge it round and round. Stevenson’s choking gasps of agony ended with a final twist of the knife that severed his vocal chords. Her dying act ended the life of the man who had taken her husband, her infant, her dignity, and had she not killed him, she knew he would eventually kill her son and herself. The eerie silence to the bloody scene was broken only by Stevenson’s final gurgle of life.

  Hannah had no idea how long she stood watching the death scene, when the sound of her name reached her consciousness.

  “Hannah! Hannah!”

  She turned to see Liam galloping towards her. Tears erupted as she ran to meet him. Her exposed breasts jiggled unbound as she ran. Liam jumped from his horse to catch her as she fell into his arms and sobbed into his chest.

  “I’m here. I’m here. Oh God, what did he do to you? I’ll kill the son of a bitch. Oh, Hannah.” He held her tight.

  Frank and Jackson jumped from their horses. Jackson headed for the bodies, while Frank hurried toward the boy sitting astride one of the horses. He was crying, “Mama, Mama,” and had his arm stretched out toward his mother. Frank had the Mexican baby in one arm, but managed to lift the boy from the saddle. He carried them over near the bodies.

  “Mama! Mama!” The boy wiggled to get down and the baby began to cry.

  “Must be the boy’s mother.” Frank nodded toward the lifeless woman.

  “That’s Stevenson,” Jackson growled. He leaned down and felt for a pulse. “He’s dead. The bastard is dead.” Jackson kicked Stevenson body. “Damn, damn! I wanted to kill him.”

  “Mr. Jackson, check the woman. I don’t want to put the boy down if …”

  Jackson shook his head. “She’s dead.” His eyes darted about frantically. “Where’s my granddaughter? What did he do with her?” He kicked Stevenson again.

  “Mr. Jackson,” called Hannah. She’d pulled her blouse together and led Liam to the horses. She lifted Jessica out of the saddlebag and held her out to her grandfather.

  Jackson took her into his arms. He didn’t even bother to hide his tears. “She looks like Caroline. I have my baby back.” Jessica looked up and smiled at Jackson as if she’d known him all her short life.

  “Hannah, you’re all right? He hurt you?” Frank still held both the baby and the little boy.

  “I’m fine, Frank.” She smiled. “But it looks like you could use some help.” She took the baby and smiled up at Liam. “You found him.” She glanced over at the dead woman. “I wish she knew he’s all right.”

  Liam slipped an arm about her waist. “She does.”

  Jessica had decided she was hungry, so it was now a trio of crying children.

  Frank handed the boy to Liam. “I’ll get them some food.”

  *****

  Within a couple of hours, decisions had been made and the small party was headed back to San Antonio. Jackson had wanted to leave Stevenson’s body where it lay, but Frank and Liam had untrussed him and piled rocks over his body.

  The woman was wrapped in a blanket and secured to the back of Frank’s saddle. They were taking her back to bury her next to her husband.

  Frank fed all the children and now Jessica rode in her grandfather’s arms. The boy rode in front of Hannah, while Frank and Liam switched off carrying the Mexican baby. The needs of the children made travel slower than any of the adults would have wanted, but it was a fact. It took almost two full days of traveling to get back to the Mexican’s grave.

  They arrived late in the afternoon and started a fire. Hannah fed the Mexican children, while Jackson took care of Jessica. Frank and Liam made a makeshift grave for the woman alongside her husband.

  Just after dawn, they were on their way again.

  Darkness had set in when they crossed the San Antonio River just south of town. No one mentioned stopping. The lure of civilization, soft beds, real food and help with the children gripped all the adults.

  “Lights! We made it,” Frank kneed his horse into a trot. “I need a bath, a meat and potatoes supper and a soft bed.”

  “You must be slowing down. The old Frank would have been looking for a card game,” Liam teased.

  “The old Frank never spent days out on the trail with three crying babies, a cantankerous vendetta driven grandpa, no offense meant Jackson, and worst of all, two love birds.”

  Jackson chuckled. “No offense taken. Only gratitude from the bottom of my heart.”

  They dismounted in front of the livery and Frank called out. “Anyone here? We’ve some horses to board.” He pounded on the wide wooden doors.

  “Well, say howdy!” Zach came toward them from somewhere in the back of the livery.

  “Zach,” Liam went to shake his hand. “You made it back. How’s Martha? How’s Janey?”

  “They’s over at the hotel.” He held up a hand to stop the questions as to why they were back in the clutches of Ketchum. “Sheriff started checkin’ out the rumors he’d been a hearin’ for years. Started askin’ questions. Finally, told Ketchum he had two choices. Get the hell out of town or he’d see that Ketchum did some time behind bars. Ketchum opted for leaving town. Sheriff convinced him that he owed the girls title to the hotel and didn’t leave Ketchum no choice, but to do it.” Zach grinned. “Now, the girls are runnin’ the place.”

  Hannah still looked concerned. “The girls were all right with letting Ketchum go?”

  Zach nodded. “They feel ashamed and didn’t want to have to talk about his …”

  Hannah nodded. “I understand. I’m happy for the girls.”

  Zach looked from baby to baby. “I see ya found the baby and then some.

  “We did,” said Hannah. She smiled down at the baby she was carrying, then nodded toward the boy in Frank’s arms.

  “What about that horse thievin’, baby stealer?”

  “He’s dead,” Hannah told him. “But, it’s late, we’re tired and the babies are hungry. Can we fill you in on everything in the morning?”

  “You bet. I’ll take care of yer horses. Go on now. See ya tomorrow. I’ll wander on over to the hotel for breakfast.”

  “Thank you,” Hannah said and joined the others as they headed for the hotel.

  “Well, well, well, look what the cat dragged in.” The sheriff came around from behind the check-in desk. “I see your brother and Jackson found ya.” He made a point of looking at each adult and then narrowed his eyes. “I don’t see the horse thief here. Want to tell me what that’s all about?”

  Liam didn’t flinch. “He’s dead. Mexican woman killed him.”

  Before the sheriff could ask anything else, Hannah set the baby on the desk. “Sheriff, we’ll tell you everything. But, first, we need to get these children settled. Can we get some milk for the babies and maybe some potatoes and gravy for the boy.”

  “You bet, you go on into the …”

  A woman came down the stairs. She began to scream. “You’re back. And with a baby, several babies!” Hannah recognized Abby Kimble, one of women Stevenson had duped. “Will! Come! They’ve found the baby!”

  Quickly the lobby filled with the Kimble’s, Charles and Agnes Willard and Matthew Dearborn who’d been having coffee in the dining room. The hope on their faces brought tingles of concern to Hannah. They saw three children and three would satisfy the wants of each couple. Trouble was one wasn’t up for adoption and Hannah wasn’t sure about the legalities of the orphans. Everyone wa
s talking at once.

  The confusion entertained the children. Their eyes darted from adult to adult as if looking for a familiar face. The Mexican boy smiled up at Will Kimble and held out his hands. Frank looked over at Hannah and arched his brow. She raised her shoulders in doubt, but nodded an okay. Will took the boy into his arms and the child began to touch Will’s eyes, nose and mouth, and then lay his head on Will’s shoulder.

  “You must look like someone he knows,” said Hannah. “It’s his first outreach, other than for food, since his mother was killed.”

  “His mother was killed?” asked Abby Kimble.

  “It’s a long story. Can we all go into the dining room?” asked Liam.

  “He’s right.” The sheriff began to usher everyone toward the dining room. “Janey! Martha!” the sheriff called toward the kitchen.

  The girls came out, looked a little startled at the crowd, then spotted Hannah and ran to hug her.

  “The Mexican baby,” cried Martha. “You found them.”

  Hannah nodded toward the little boy. “Yes.”

  “Their mother?”

  Hannah shook her head no. “Martha, we’ll tell the whole story, but we really need something to eat and drink.”

  Janey began pulling out chairs. “Sit, sit. We’ll be right back with the coffee.”

  An hour later, the babies and little boy were sleeping contentedly, the adults had been fed and the story of the death of Stevenson and the Mexican couple had been told. The conversation dwindled.

  Will Kimble cleared his throat. “Hannah, would it be alright if we took this little guy upstairs to our room for the night? He seems to be comfortable with us.”

  Hannah glanced at the other two couples. Dearborn nodded yes as did the Willard’s. “Yes, I think he needs to feel some warmth and caring.”

  Abby Kimble asked, “Do you know his name?”

  Martha was pouring more coffee. “His mother called him Jose.”

  “Thank you,” said Will.

  “Do you know what she called the baby?” asked Hannah.

  “No, she just called him, Nene.”

  “Means baby,” offered the sheriff.

  Agnes Willard looked at Dearborn and made an offer. “We’ll care for Nene tonight, if it’s all right with everyone.”

  Dearborn started to say something, but stopped and nodded his okay.

  Hannah worried that these couples where trying to settle the dilemma of the children. “I think it’s fine for you folks to take these children for the night, but we’ll have to meet in the morning.” She looked over at the sheriff. “There may be some legal issues to consider.”

  “Hannah’s right. But, I think tonight we all need some rest.” He stood up. “I’m glad you’re all back safe and, Jackson, I’m glad you have your granddaughter. Ya’ll have a good night.” He left.

  The Kimble’s and Willard’s also left holding their precious charges. Dearborn nodded his good night.

  Jackson patted Jessica’s back as she sleep against his shoulder. “I feel sorry for that fellow. I think he sees what he’s missing.” He turned to Martha. “Do you have a room for me?”

  “Of course, follow me and I’ll get you a key.”

  Jackson stopped at the door and turned to say, “I won’t be here for breakfast. At dawn, I’m riding out to your ranch. My granddaughter needs her grandma.”

  “I’ll join you,” said Frank as he got up to follow Jackson. “Liam, come home. Hannah, you too.” He squeezed his brother’s shoulder and left.

  Liam drained his coffee cup. “We need a room, too.” He got up and offered his hand.

  She accepted and they went to the desk in the lobby. While Liam talked with Janey to get the room assignment and key, Hannah glanced at the newspaper lying on the counter.

  “Oh, dear God, no! Drake!” Hannah pushed the paper toward Liam.

  Liam leaned over to look at the newspaper Hannah held with shaking hands. “Hannah, what are you talking about?”

  “Drake. He’s done it again.” She pointed to a story about a family found dead in their ranch house just a few hours north of San Antonio.

  Liam read that many of the folks working the area were involved in some grazing disputes between those raising cattle and those raising sheep. The victims were a sheep rancher, his wife and three teen-age daughters. The murders and rapes were thought to be connected with the grazing feud. The article mentioned that there were signs of some cannibalism at the murder scene.

  “It doesn’t mean Drake is involved.”

  Hannah shook her head. “He is.” She looked up at Liam. “I just know it.” She clutched her stomach. “I feel it in my gut.”

  Liam gentled grabbed her shoulders. “You can’t be sure.”

  “I know …”

  “I know you think he’s involved and maybe he is, but right now, you need some rest.” He turned to Janey. “This fellow Drake and his gang attacked Hannah’s ranch awhile back. He’s a very bad man.” Liam held out his hand for the key.

  “I’m so sorry, Hannah. If I can help in any way, just let me know.” She handed Liam a key for room 211. “It’s the room you had before you left to find Martha. Your valises are still in the room. Stay as long as you want, as our guest. There’s no way we can thank you for all you’ve done for us.”

  Hannah allowed Liam to lead her upstairs and into the room. Once the door was closed, he led her over to the bed and pulled her down to sit beside him. He took the newspaper out of her hands and dropped it to the floor.

  “Dearest, let him go. Go forward with your life. Don’t let him take away your future. Let’s go back to Aunt Emiliana’s and rest.”

  “I can’t. I’ve tried. In fact, I thought maybe I had let him go. Because of you. But that article in the paper. Liam, I just know it’s him.”

  Liam sighed. “I can’t talk you out of it?”

  “I can’t talk myself out of it.” She touched his face. “I’m sorry.”

  He pulled her into his arms. They cuddled for a few minutes and he stood up. “Can we talk about it in the morning?” He began to unbutton his shirt. “Right now, I’m just tired and want to sleep.”

  She watched him take off his shirt and then his holster and belt. He sat beside her again and took off his boots and socks. He stood up again and began to unbutton his denims.

  Hannah wanted to see him naked, to go to him and run her hands across his smooth ass again.

  He tugged his denims down around his hips and stopped. They shared a look, his asked for what she wasn’t ready to give and hers sparkled with a hunger that craved more for closure than passion.

  “Damn,” he cursed, but managed a gentle smile. “Put your nightgown on.” He kissed her forehead and then slipped into the bed, still denim clad and unbuttoned, and turned aside to give her privacy.

  She hurried into her gown, dowsed the light and slipped into the bed. She cuddled next to his back and kissed his shoulder blade.

  His voice was thick as he mumbled, “Sleep well, my love.”

  Chapter 30

  The Babies

  Liam woke at dawn, dressed and slipped out the room. He got downstairs just as Frank and Jackson, holding Jessica closely, were leaving.

  “You and Hannah coming home later today?” asked Frank.

  “Probably not.”

  “Now what?”

  “She thinks Drake has surfaced just north of here.”

  “Can’t she –

  Liam gripped his brother’s shoulder. “Not yet.”

  Frank nodded. “Do what you have to. If you need anything, send word.”

  “That’s a comfort. Thanks, Frank. Have a safe trip.” Liam shook Jackson’s hand, patted Jessica’s head and watched as the trio headed for the Livery, and then he headed for the dining room. He was having his second cup of coffee when Zach showed up.

  “You take care of my brother and Mr. Jackson?” asked Liam as Zach sat down to join him.

  “No. I just got up and aint been ta work y
et. Pablo’s our night man. He’ll do right by yer brother.”

  Martha hurried over with some coffee and a hearty plate stacked with eggs, bacon and pancakes. Liam sat quietly watching their subtle flirting. Once Martha had retreated to the kitchen, Liam couldn’t resist a tease.

  “So, looks like Martha’s kind of sweet on you, Zach.”

  Zach reddened slightly. “I’m a hopin’ so.” He downed a few bites of his breakfast and changed the subject. “So, ya said ya’d tell me what ya got inta after I done come back ta town.”

  “So I did.” Just as Liam was finishing his recount, the sheriff wandered into the dining room. Within minutes, Hannah, the Kimble’s, the Mexican boy and Matt Dearborn had arrived and all sat around a large table sharing coffee and breakfast.

  The sheriff checked his pocket watch. “Soon as the Willard’s arrive we’ll get this baby business taken care of.”

  Dearborn downed the last of his coffee and stood up. “I guess maybe I ought to be going.” He glanced at the two empty chairs waiting for Charles and Agnes Willard.

  “Mr. Dearborn, please. Sit down. I’m sure they’ll be down soon,” Hannah urged.

  The sheriff nodded. “Yes, sit down. Ain’t nothing settled yet.”

  “I just don’t see the point in dragging this out. There are two children and three families that want them.”

  Hannah agreed with the sheriff. “Nothing’s been settled, Mr. Dearborn. I think …”

  All talk ceased as Charles Willard carried the bright-eyed little baby into the room. “Sorry we’re so late,” Charles apologized. “The baby slept late and then we had so much fun feeding him, listening to him laugh and try to talk that we just lost track of the time.”

  “Yes, so sorry,” added Agnes as she slipped into one of the empty chairs.

  Once everyone was seated, the sheriff began. “I’ve thought on this all night. We have no way of knowing the names of the Mexican couple, where they come from or if they have any relatives.”