Trapper's Moon

by Gini Rifkin

  The Indian woman and those damnable free trappers were probably on the way here anyway. He should have waited. Now more of his men were missing in action, or more probably dead. Did it really matter? Soon all this would all be just a bad memory. Still, he didn’t like losing—for any reason or to anyone. And the reward for the runaway bitch would be helpful to his plans.

  “Just concentrate on what’s going on here,” he ordered. “Get Carson on his feet and moving. He should be able to recognize the two Americans we’re after, and the half-breed woman won’t be hard to spot. Let me know immediately when they show up. Until then, keep watch on the other free trappers already here. Dismissed.”

  As his subordinate went to follow orders, Captain Sulgrave’s gaze drifted over the camp. A big one this year, spread-out almost a mile long, following the river. A small city really, where anything could happen—good or evil. Rarely trusting to the good, he was willing to risk the help of the evil.

  He spotted Spalding and Whitman—and their wives Narcissa and Eliza. Dispatched by the American Board of Commissioners of Foreign Missions and blinded by the light of God and truth and right, the little group of Protestants was heading for the Northwest to save the world. Or at least one little corner of it. He couldn’t care less about the success or failure of their grand intentions, or even the continuation of their lives. As previously planned, they were simply his ticket out of here.

  Governor Simpson had volunteered the HBC to escort the religious group west to Vancouver following rendezvous. Once the wagon train was well on its way, Sulgrave intended to cut out and double back, heading for the East Coast and then Europe. He should be long gone before anyone of consequence took note of his disappearance.

  With a sigh of resignation, he sallied forth. Although hard to stomach this early in the morning, he supposed he should make an attempt at small talk with the proselytizing do-gooders. Gaining their friendship and trust was integral to his plan.

  Chapter Thirteen

  The three of them, four if you counted Maggie, were making good time. Nikota rode a few paces behind, ever vigilant, never uttering a word.

  For Kade, the past few days spent riding beside Blind Deer meant hour after hour of sweet torture. To have her near, yet beyond reach, was maddening. A condition he endured because any alternative sounded even worse.

  As a breeze played with her hair and the sun warmed her lips and cheeks, both elements became the target for his jealousy. He even envied her horse. Without any appreciation, the beast enjoyed the grasp of her firm thighs and the brush of her ankles on its belly.

  Someday… Unfortunately, so far, chipping away at her ironclad veneer hadn’t worked. She spoke to him politely, but only when necessary.

  When they’d first crossed paths, he figured her withdrawn attitude had been from her fear and distrust of him. Now it might be because she feared herself, distrusting the feelings he was convinced she felt for him.

  He had to admire her devotion to her tribe though. Wouldn’t have expected less from her. And if Blind Deer did agree to abandon her responsibilities and go with him, the decision would always lurk in the shadows. Maybe one day taking form and coming to light between them. But for her to garner supplies and return to the high country would be dangerous. And what would her life be like bound to strangers by loyalty and fading memories of the past rather than by love? She’d just escaped one personal prison and seemed to be heading toward another.

  Following after her might still be a possibility, whether she wanted him to or not. But what about Tucket? They were both accustomed to their freedom. And they were partners, with a bond between them strong as in any family. He couldn’t just up and leave the man who had taken on the chore and aggravation of raising him.

  He glanced over to Blind Deer and caught her watching him. The sadness in her eyes nearly broke his heart. There was no easy answer. Only heavenly intervention or catastrophic circumstance was likely to change the course they each followed. And even at rendezvous, where he’d seen many a curious thing transpire, it seemed highly improbable.

  “We should come upon the Green well before sundown. If you like, we can stop along the river to wash up before we reach rendezvous.”

  “Thank you. I would appreciate doing so.” Blind Deer turned her gaze toward the river.

  At this particular juncture, the waterway meandered lazily, twisting and turning and spreading out wide. The cottonwood overhanging the water created several private places for bathing. When he halted near a stand of trees, Blind Deer and Nikota reined in too. All three dismounted and rummaged around in their packs.

  He chose a spot near the horses and his mule. Blind Deer wandered another twenty yards upstream. Twenty miles away wouldn’t be far enough to blur the thought of her naked in the water. Ever vigilant, Nikota picked a spot halfway between the two of them. Kade stripped down and splashed into the water, welcoming the numbing effect.

  Maggie ran back and forth along the water’s edge, first watching Blind Deer then coming back to where Kade had gone in. Even the poor dog seemed confused by their separation. Maybe when they found Tucket, he could at least convince Blind Deer to come back to them after she did what she could for her people. But come back to what?

  If Tucket quit beavering, then he would too, and they would have to come up with some other way to keep body and soul together. A new beginning. Having been a wheelwright, a whaler, and a trapper, Tucket was practiced at changin’ jobs. But the very thought scared Kade half to death. Trapping was all he’d ever known.

  He floated and fretted, truly concerned about everybody’s future including his own.

  When the cold soaked in bone deep, he scrambled out of the water to lie in the sun until he was dry enough to dress. Then he sat under a tree, waiting for the woman he loved. Nikota stood guard not far away.

  When Blind Deer appeared, the vision of her left him entranced. Her hair, no longer in braids, fell in soft waves around her head and shoulders—the part in the middle now darkened with vermillion. Feathery wisps of the same red hue adorned the corners of her eyes, and a four-strand necklace fashioned from hair pipe beads caressed her throat. She took his breath away.

  Gaining his feet, he headed her way, ignoring the disapproving expression Nikota aimed in his direction. “I never thought you could look more beautiful than the night we stood in the moonlight, but I was wrong.”

  She seemed pleased by the compliment but didn’t reply.

  “I know your actions are born of a worthy cause, Blind Deer, but none of this makes a bit of sense to me. And no matter what you say, I can’t stop loving you.”

  “You must try, Kade. And you must promise to let me do what needs be done.”

  “Dangnamit, woman. You’re the most stubborn female I ever came across. In fact, you’re more stubborn than any mule I ever ran into. And by the way, it would be easier to promise you the moon and the stars than to promise to stop loving you.”

  “The moon and the stars are a gift no one can give me. But you are the most caring man I have ever known. Please do not ruin my high opinion of you.”

  How could he argue with that request?

  He walked beside her toward her horse and his mule, Maggie and Nikota close behind.

  “Let’s get going, then,” he muttered as they mounted up. “The sun is low now, and it’d be best to arrive before true dark.”

  ****

  They crested a small rise, and the scene below was a sight to behold, bringing them to an abrupt halt.

  Tipis and tents, bright white against the gathering darkness, dotted the valley below, and smoke from lodges and cooking fires swirled upward, hanging in the air like a great blue-winged beast. Even at this distance, the revelry was palpable, the excitement spurring them back into motion.

  Picking up the pace, they crossed the open space surrounding the gathering, and with the smell of food enticing them forward, they rode into camp, the newest objects of interest.

  “Where’s Niko
ta?” Kade glanced around for Blind Deer’s brother.

  “He is master of the shadows. He is not far away.”

  “Well, you two stay close by,” Kade ordered Maggie and Blind Deer.

  They made their way through what could easily pass for a small city. Well-worn paths already crisscrossed the encampment, especially around Trader’s Row where every gewgaw and foofaraw a man could imagine was available for sale or trade. Although not legal, there were tents hawking hard liquor, while betting games of every sort broke out in the most unlikely places.

  The portable hide press stood idle tonight, a gathering place for trappers to jaw about last year’s take and this year’s price. In contrast, the blacksmith’s forge and anvil sang with activity, mending traps, and making fireirons as well as horse shoes.

  Dogs barked, babies cried, and Indian children shrieked and played underfoot while grown men—down from the mountains, glad the long winter nights were behind them—danced and drank and cavorted about much like children themselves. Excitement boiled forth from every direction, and somewhere in the distance they heard a mouth harp being played to clapping hands and out of tune voices.

  “Maybe we’d better get down and walk.”

  As if to confirm Kade’s suggestion, an isolated pistol shot, fired in enthusiasm rather than anger, went off too close for comfort. Their animals shied to one side, and Maggie started barking. Kade and Blind Deer slid from their mounts, and holding the leads tightly, they headed for the thick of the noise and confusion.

  “It could take a while to find Tucket.” Blind Deer halted to glance around. “This gathering is much bigger than I ever imagined.”

  “Tucket will most likely be on the fringes—he likes his peace and quiet. Look for the best campsite. That’ll be him.”

  A commotion up ahead caught Kade’s attention. Two men came a stumbling and singing at the top of their lungs. One wore a red derby, the other a Scottish tam. They high-stepped right between him and Blind Deer, both mountain men flushed of face and out of breath, and having the time of their life.

  Blind Deer laughed at their antics, and Kade’s heart warmed at her happiness. Did she realize what power she wielded over his moods and his feelings? Even now, surrounded by all manner of curiosity, he was satisfied to watch only her.

  Standing taller and prouder as he walked at her side, he stole frequent glances in her direction. The fact other men’s gazes also followed her passage did not escape his attention. Protectively, he placed his free hand at the small of her back, making sure there was no doubt as to whom she was with.

  By the time they wended their way over to the horse camp and temporary livery, it was true dusk. While Blind Deer watched for Tucket, Kade kept glancing around for HBC men. He noticed plenty of them at a distance and was glad now for the growing darkness.

  “Are you tired?”

  “No, not yet.” She shook her head. “I am much too excited to be trail weary.”

  “Then how about some food?”

  “That sounds wonderful. I am near starved.”

  “Tie your cup to your belt. We can leave the rest of our gear with the mounts. It’ll be easier to maneuver around, and we won’t go far.” He splurged and handed a half-dime to the man who promised to watch her horse and his mule. Their personal possessions should be safe enough temporarily. Thievery at rendezvous was not only frowned upon but was dealt with swiftly—and severely.

  In only a few steps, they found a man trading for a finger’s width of homemade whiskey. Beside him, an old Indian woman sold venison stew served in small hollowed-out rounds of bread. They bought both.

  Sitting on a log, they tore into the food, sharing with Maggie as much as their greedy stomachs would permit. The whiskey, strong enough to blow up a stump, burned Kade’s throat and made his eyes water, but the warm glow spreading through his innards was worth the suffering. He stared in amazement as Blind Deer downed her small sampling without batting an eye. His raised brow of surprise prompted an explanation.

  “Back at the boarding house, Cook hid a bottle of sherry behind the flour sack in the pantry. I sampled it a few times. When she caught me, instead of slapping me silly, she just laughed. After that, on occasion we shared a tipple, especially after I’d been whipped or locked in the root cellar. For some reason, Cook took pity on me. She even taught me how to bake her famous desserts. I wish we’d had the ingredients at the cabin to make fruit tarts, her specialty and mine.

  Hearing new details of how she had been treated in St. Louis revived his anger at what she’d been through. It seemed a wonder she had any goodness or compassion left inside of her at all. The recent events and news of her tribe must surely be wearing on what remained.

  Stomachs full, they collected their mounts and gear and headed for the outskirts near the river. Kade recognized Tucket’s silhouette right off. The man had a certain way of standing upright while still leaning on his rifle. And his fur hat with the turkey feather sticking out on one side was a dead giveaway.

  Maggie’s tail went into action as she too spotted Tucket.

  “Well damn my eyes.” His partner went all smiles as they drew near. “I’m glad to see ya lookin’ so fit, Kade. And Blind Deer, the sight of you be a balm to whatever might ail a man. I’d all but given up on the likes of you three.” He reached down and gave Maggie a pat, then straightened up slowly.

  Kade gave his friend a bear hug and a slap on the back before he noticed Tucket favoring one arm. And even in the vanishing twilight a body couldn’t miss the fading bruises ringing his left eye.

  “What’d you tangle with, partner?”

  “The HBC brigades are harassing the free trappers, and by harassing, I mean beatin’ the tar out of thems they catch unawares. It’s poor doin’s this year, Kade, worse than ever. I been awake near night and day guarding the plews. I’ll be glad to have them traded off. I wasn’t looking forward to doin’ such without ya, but I would have, quick as snowflakes melt in June.”

  Having said his piece, Tucket retired to one of three stumps he’d collected and set around the fire pit as if awaiting his and Blind Deer’s arrival. Two willow backrests also stood nearby. They all sat.

  Tucket’s camp was orderly and welcoming, the mules picketed nearby. A cut of canvas rigged in the trees gave shelter, and the fire burned small but bright. His ’hawk, knife, and possibles bag were all within arm’s reach. His rifle across his lap.

  “Where’s the HBC horses?”

  Tucket related the story of his travels and run in with the Crow.

  “Glad they came in handy.” Kade nodded staring at the stacks of hides. “When do you figure the tradin’ will start?”

  “Tomorrow. The supply train just got here yesterday. They came in from the south, kicking up a dust storm on the sage flats. Joe Meek and a few Nez Percés rode out to meet Fitzpatrick—a whoopin’ and a hollerin’ and a shootin’ in the air. It was quite a sight.

  “And they had two white women with them, Kade. Waugh… Never heard of such a thing. Even Jim Bridger was surprised.”

  “Well here’s another surprise. Blind Deer’s brother showed up.”

  “I’ll be. Didn’t know she had one.”

  “She has three.”

  “What’s the news of your family, gal?”

  They told Tucket the situation. He appeared genuinely saddened. “You should stay with us, little gal. You know you’re welcome and…” At Blind Deer’s determined expression, his partner seemed to lose track of his thought.

  “I’m glad you’re here now anyway.” The sincerity of his words brought a smile back to her face. “This child’s been so dang lonely I almost let myself be sweet talked into gettin’ hitched. Luckily, I came to my senses before the nuptials, ’cause by Jove my mule was a sight better lookin’ than this lively female. A man’s got to guard his heart and his purse-strings with equal attention around here.”

  “You old griz, you’d be lucky any female had her sights set on you.”

  �
�You might have a point there.” Tucket gave a chuckle and retrieved his pipe from his possibles bag.

  They fell into companionable silence, staring at the fire, each left to his own particular imaginings.

  ****

  “Captain, Captain. Carson saw the two free trappers and the Indian woman in camp. The ones massacred our men.”

  Finally, his chance for revenge and a sweet profit before leaving this life behind. “Excellent. We’ll need to act swiftly. Take them alive if possible—we can make an example of them. Nobody crosses the Hudson Bay Company.” How hard could it be to overtake two ruffians and a squaw? “Pick three men, fully armed. Then report back here and bring Carson. Make sure he’s sober. He’s our witness.”

  A bit later, Sulgrave marched through the camp with his little brigade. The chaos of humanity before him split aside like waves before the bow of a ship. They also closed in again at his back. A lesser man might be fearful because there were many who did not like the HBC or him. But being frightened was the last thing on his mind.

  He wanted justice and would have it soon. Unless other free trappers came to the aid of the three he sought, both men and the green-eyed Indian were done for. Tonight, those who cheated the company and stole from others would get a lesson in how the king enacted justice.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Tucket was on his feet first, rifle at the ready.

  Kade took notice of the reason why, and joined him—knife in one hand, the other resting on the Charleville pistol hooked to his belt. Maggie began to growl, hackles rising. “Blind Deer, keep ahold of Maggie.”

  Grateful for once she did as requested without an argument, Kade could at least put that concern out of his mind as he faced the oncoming group of armed soldiers.

  “I’m Captain Sulgrave, and by authority of the British Crown, you are under arrest for the murder of three men under the protection of the HBC. We have a witness to the encounter. And this Indian woman is wanted in St. Louis for thievery.” A man stepped forward at Sulgrave’s signal, and then waved the wanted poster for all to see.