Sharon Poppen

by Hannah

  “Snakes don’t travel in pairs, city girl.” He tugged her hand. “Come on. I won’t let anything happen to you. There’s something you need to see.”

  Hannah allowed him to pull her forward, but each step was agony. Her eyes searched the grass for movement. So intent was she in her vigilance that she rammed into Liam’s back. The impact was forceful enough to pitch them, face first, down into the mercy of the greenery.

  “Damn, Hannah!” Liam groaned as he rolled to his side and gathered her into a protective embrace. “You don’t have to attack me, woman. You know I’m yours.” His lips moved to hers in a kiss so demanding, she responded with a warm, moist invitation that erased any thought of the tall grass or what it contained. Their kiss continued for a while with a back and forth intimate sharing.

  Liam began to ease his shoulders back while pulling Hannah onto his prone body when something nudged him. All thoughts of romance disappeared as he rolled back onto his side.

  “Hannah, come on.” He grabbed her hand. “Stand up. I want to show you something.”

  Through the hazy fog of her interrupted pleasure, she followed his lead and got to her feet.

  “Look,” Liam pointed to just above where the grass was trampled from their fall. “See that foot?”

  Following his direction, Hannah stared into the grass. Her hand came to her mouth as she whispered, “Human?”

  “I think so.” Liam took a step closer. “I found more. Look.” He eased forward gently parting the grasses. The foot was mostly skeletal and was attached to a body. There were traces of denim pants, a grimy, hole-pocked shirt and leather boots where the toes had been gnawed away leaving the foot bone exposed. Moving the grasses to the left of the body revealed another body and to the left of that one, yet a third one. They were partially buried and mostly bone, but traces of decaying skin and clothes covered some areas of the bodies.

  “What is this?” Hannah asked. “Who do you suppose they are? Do you think they were murdered? Do you think Drake could have had anything to do with it? Do you think the sheriff –

  “Whoa, girl! You and your questions! I spotted the foot when I went to get the snake.”

  “Why didn’t you say something. The sheriff needs to know.”

  “Probably. But the fact that they were buried so shallow makes me suspicious. Looks like a hasty job. Like maybe someone needed to get rid of these bodies in a hurry for fear of being seen in the area. And that makes me think someone local is involved.”

  “You even suspect the sheriff?”

  “No. I mean I don’t know what to think. Here we are trying to find a murderer amongst these warring sheep and cattlemen and we find some bodies.”

  Hannah walked over to the first body and stooped down for a better look. “I guess we should try to find out if they died or were killed.”

  Liam was at her side. “Don’t touch. Maybe they got sick and died. You know, like bad water, cholera or something.”

  “Don’t think so. Look.” She pointed to the skull atop a collection of bones that appeared to be those of a man as tall, or taller, than Liam. A perfectly round bullet hole identified the probable cause of death.

  Liam hunkered down between the other two bodies. “Hannah, these two got the same treatment.”

  “In the head?”

  “Same. Had to be an execution of some sort,” Liam speculated

  “How long do you think they’ve been here?”

  “Well, they’re pretty decayed or eaten…”

  Hannah emitted a soft moan.

  Liam touched her arm. “Sorry, you all right?”

  She swallowed and got to her feet. “Sort of.” She glanced at the other bodies. “How long?” she repeated.

  “Six months, maybe less exposed to the heat like this.” Liam stood up, but continued to scan the bodies. “Looks like whoever did it buried them too shallow and the critters got at them.” Using the tip of his boot, he nudged though the loose dirt. A long, narrow leather folder peeked out from just under the hip of the tall skeleton. “Well, what’s this?” Liam picked it up and untied the string around it.

  Hannah moved closer as Liam pulled out several sheets of paper. They scanned the top sheet. Halfway down, Liam whistled. “My God, this fellow’s a railroad man.”

  “Railroad? What would a railroad man be doing here? The closest train is down in San Antonio.”

  The couple continued to read. They found the top sheet to be a letter of introduction. The second sheet listed the towns and populations in the area along with a balance sheet as to the assets of the major ranching and business trades. The third sheet was a map showing a draft of railroad tracks leading into Blanco and the route led right though this area.

  “Liam, they were scouting out a rail line right thought here.”

  “Yes, right though the grazing area for the cattle and sheep. Looks like someone didn’t take too kindly to the idea.”

  “It certainly would have changed the area. Imagine how much grazing land would be lost. Both Rachel and Cassie’s folks would have hated it.”

  “I wonder how bad they would have hated it. Enough to do this?”

  “Oh, surely not.” Hannah looked back down at the bones. “But, somebody did.”

  “Hannah, it’s getting late. We need to be getting back to town.”

  “What about them?” She gestured toward the bodies.

  Liam took her hand and started back toward the horses. “They’re been out here for awhile. Another night won’t change anything.”

  “Do you have those papers?”

  Liam tapped his chest. “Tucked them inside my shirt.”

  “I think we should bring the sheriff in on this.”

  “I agree.” He steadied her horse as she climbed aboard and then mounted his own. He reached over and touched his lips to hers. “You all right?”

  She glanced back in the direction of the skeletons. “So much death.” She looked at Liam. “I’m sorry I drag you into all this.”

  He reached over, slapped the hindquarter of Hannah’s horse and took off in a gallop. “You owe me a kiss if I beat you back to Blanco.”

  She let her horse run at its own pace for a moment while she enjoyed the sight of Liam’s broad shoulders leaning into his run. She allowed her heart a moment of pure bliss to know she was in his care, but only a moment. Her heels dug into her mare and she called out to him. “Don’t count on it!”

  Hannah was off her horse and handing the reins to the livery boy when Liam eased his mount into the stable.

  “You cheated,” he accused.

  She grinned. “Did you find my ribbon?”

  He dismounted and handed his reins to the boy. “You know that I’ll find it in our room.”

  “When did you remember I wasn’t wearing one?” She giggled

  “The second my feet hit the ground and I heard you take off in a gallop.” In an exaggerated pout, Liam grabbed his saddlebag and rifle and draped them about his shoulder.

  Hannah giggled again as she unpacked her horse. Liam gave instructions to the boy to feed and rub down both horses. As soon as the boy and the horses were out of sight, Liam grabbed Hannah’s arm and pulled her to him.

  “You’re disqualified due to cheating, so the winner is none other than me.” He lifted her chin for his reward.

  She didn’t hesitate and came up on her toes. “I accept defeat.” Hannah touched his lips briefly, but her grin belied her words.

  He laughed. “Don’t think I’m letting you get away with that brotherly buss. You’ll pay more once were alone.”

  Hannah’s grin was replaced by a look she hoped conveyed what was in her heart. “I hope so,” she whispered.

  “Ah, there you are.” A voice interrupted their flirtation. The couple stepped apart as the obese livery boss wandered over to them. “Sheriff’s looking for you. Said to tell you he’d meet you at Sadie’s around six.”

  “Thank you,” said Liam and stepped back to avoid the man’s liquored breath.
“By the way, here’s a dollar for our horses for another night.” He extended his hand as far out as he could to keep his distance.

  “Thank ya, kindly.” The money disappeared into his grimy shirt pocket. “The boy treat you right?”

  “Yes,” said Hannah. “He’s been most helpful. He seems good with horses.”

  “Good thing.”

  Liam took Hannah’s elbow and headed for the street. She broke away. “Say, you don’t remember any railroad men coming by some time ago, do you.”

  “No.” He answered too quickly and then spit out some tobacco juice. “Why’d railroad men come here? Nearest railroad is in San Antonio.”

  “I just –

  Liam applied pressure to Hannah’s arm. “We just wondered. Blanco is such a nice little town that Hannah and I thought how nice it would be to be able to hop a train and get to all this good, green land. You know, a change from the sand and scrub south of here.”

  “I wouldn’t be talkin’ trains around this town, mister. Folks like things the way they are.”

  “And –

  Hannah began only to have Liam interrupt again. “And, they should,” Liam agreed. “Mighty fine area. Well, we have to clean up before we meet the sheriff. Good evening.” He had Hannah out the door before she could say more.

  “Liam,” she began to scold as they walked toward Sadie’s place. “His ‘no.’ came too quickly. I think he knows something.”

  “So do I.”

  She stopped walking. “Then why didn’t you let me question him?”

  Liam urged her forward. “I don’t know. I just didn’t feel good about him. I think we should talk to the sheriff first.”

  “You’re probably right.”

  “Hey.” Liam stopped and pointed to a building next to Sadie’s. “Bath House! That sounds real good.”

  “It does, doesn’t it?” Her voice was wistful.

  “Let’s get some clean duds and do it. Those quick cleanups in the hotel room are all right, but a nice hot bath, well …, ahhhh. Come on.”

  “You go.”

  Liam leaned forward and touched his nose to Hannah’s brow. “Uh, I hate to tell you this, pretty lady, but I’m not the only one who could use a bath.”

  “I know.”

  “All right. Then let’s do it.”

  “Liam, I need to watch my money. I need to make it last until I find Drake and …”

  “Oh, for God’s sake, Hannah. A bath. Probably no more than fifty cents. I’ll treat.”

  “You’ve already paid for our room and the livery. I can’t take anymore.”

  They’d arrived at the hotel. After a quick hello to Sadie, they made their way to their room. The minute the door closed, Liam dropped his saddlebag and rifle, took Hannah’s and laid them on the bureau.

  “Get your clean clothes and let’s go.”

  “Liam, I told you …”

  He sniffed her hair again, and then moved his nose along the side of her face to her ear and finally her shoulder. “Let me buy you a bath.” He breathed into her dusty shirt material.

  The closeness of the room and their bodies convinced her that they owed it to each other. “All right, but I’ll pay you back one day. I’m keeping track.”

  “It’s a deal.”

  They collected their change of clothes. Before they opened the door, Liam cleared his throat and made her an offer. “Of course, we could bathe together and save you from owing me fifty cents.”

  She touched his hand and lowered her eyes. “Yes. We can do that.”

  Liam was silent for almost a full minute. “Will you say the two words I need to hear in front of a preacher on our way to the bath?”

  “I …, uh …,”

  “That’s what I thought.” Liam opened the door and started down the hall. “I’ll put it on your tab.”

  *****

  The sheriff was already eating when Hannah and Liam entered the dining area.

  “Thought you two stood me up.” He mopped some gravy from his mustache and motioned for them to sit down.

  “We visited your lovely bath house. The hot water and steam nearly put us both to sleep.” Hannah gushed.

  “Yes. It was almost too good to leave,” Liam agreed. “But, we wanted to know if you got hold of the Rangers? And if they’d found out anything.”

  “Sent ‘em a wire soon as I got back. Gave ‘em Drake’s name and asked for what they’d turned up. Got word back they appreciated the name. Said they’d make some inquiries and get back to me. Ain’t heard no more.”

  “They aren’t sending any Rangers back here?” asked Hannah.

  “Doubt it. Rangers usually don’t bother with a single killin’, even it was a whole family. They go after gangs, groups.”

  Sadie called across the room. “You two want some stew?”

  “Plumb delicious,” the sheriff took another bite.

  “Liam?” At his nod, Hannah ordered two helpings.

  “So, Sheriff. We’re on our own to track down Drake?” Hannah persisted.

  “I reckon.”

  “He’s probably miles away. That’s why the Rangers would be such a big help.”

  “Well, least they know about him now. Maybe they’ll stumble onto him.”

  Their suppers arrived and the rest of the meal was enjoyed over small talk about the area and the folks in and around town. Once the plates were removed and each had devoured a slice of apple pie, Sadie poured coffee and left the three of them alone to talk.

  “Sheriff, we made a grisly discovery after you left. I’ll let Liam give you the details.”

  Disbelieve, disgust, shock and curiosity played across the sheriff’s face as Liam filled him in.

  “Hell! Railroad men you say?” The sheriff hadn’t touched his coffee.

  Liam handed over the leather pouch containing the three pieces of paper.

  “By damn! They was railroad folks. What in tarnation were they doing around here? Ya think this Drake had anything to do with the killin’?”

  “I wouldn’t think so,” said Hannah. “The bodies are too old and don’t show any signs of …, a …,”

  “Oh, no eatin’ huh, just killin’?”

  Hannah nodded.

  “Sheriff, you’ve never seen any railroad men around or heard anything about running tracks thru Blanco?” asked Liam.

  “Course not. Them cattle and sheep folks woulda been right mad at losing some of their grazing land.”

  “How mad?” asked Hannah.

  Through a disapproval scowl, he answered. “Not mad enough to kill nobody. Least not any of the folks I know.”

  “How can you be sure?” she pressed.

  The sheriff drained his coffee cup. “Can’t be sure. I just know.” His expression shut down any more questions, but he did make a request. “I need to see the bodies. You up to a ride out there tomorrow again?”

  “We can be ready as early as you want, Sheriff,” Hannah offered.

  Chapter 35

  Gone

  Hannah curled on her side with her back to Liam. Her legs longed for the release from her heavy denim trousers, but she knew it wouldn’t be fair to Liam for her to sleep unclothed. The heat of his body radiating through his clothes and into her skin brought on the usual magnetic urgings when they were this close. The warmth made her drowsy and lulled her into a hazy half-sleep. As if she’d been physically drawn, her body inched and squirmed back until she made contact with Liam.

  “Two words, dearest,” he whispered.

  “I’m cold.” She smiled into the darkness.

  “Umm, me too.” Liam rolled over, draped his arm across her waist and spooned against her back. “Better?”

  Her answer was muffled by the shattering of the windowpane followed by something slamming into her hip. “Ouch!”

  Liam was out of bed and at the window in time to see a lone rider disappear from the moonlight into the building shadows as he made his retreat.

  Hannah relit the lamp. “Did you see anything?�
�

  “A lone rider.” He continued to scan the area.

  “Liam, look.”

  He turned to see Hannah opening a piece of paper that had been wrapped around a large rock. Hannah frowned, then began reading the poorly written message out loud. “Train men was here. S’pect somethin’ bad got don to em.” She handed it to Liam. “Who do you think wrote this? How did they know about the bodies? Why wouldn’t they come to see us? Do you think whoever sent this is in some kind of danger? I wonder –

  “Hannah, please. Slow down. I can’t imagine who wrote this or why.” He sat on the edge of the bed. “The only people we talked to were the sheriff and that livery man. Oh, and Sadie did drift back and forth from the kitchen.”

  “Liam. The livery boy. I’ll bet he heard me ask.”

  “You may be right. I wonder how much he knows.”

  Hannah got out of bed and reached for her boots.

  Liam grabbed her hand. “Wait. We can’t go talk to that kid. First, we don’t know for sure if it was him and second, if he told us with a rock through the window, he’s scared.”

  “You’re right.” She sat next to Liam. “I guess there’s no hurry. We can show this to the sheriff in the morning.”

  Liam shivered. “Damn, with that window broken it’s really getting cold in here. Come on.” He lifted the blankets and motioned for her to climb into bed. Once she was settled, he doused the lamp and snuggled up to her back.

  Hannah felt his hand gently move her hair aside and then relaxed into the warmth of his kiss to the nape of her neck.

  “Good night,” he whispered.

  Her answer was a sigh as she burrowed closer to him.

  *****

  The sheriff was drinking coffee when Hannah and Liam wandered in for breakfast just a little after dawn. “’Mornin’ sleepy heads.” He raised his voice. “Sadie, more coffee.”

  They settled across the table as Sadie poured coffee. “You sleep all right?” he asked Hannah.

  “Fine. Thank you. But just before we went to sleep a rock came through our window. We swept it up as best we could, but we need a new pane put in.”

  “A rock? Who the hell would do that to my place? Cal, you find the damn rascal that did it. I’ll make him pay.”

  “Calm down, Sadie. I’ll see to it. Sit and have some coffee.”