He turned sharply around. “Bud.”
“Yes, sir!” The slender young man jerked upright and almost saluted.
“Take our fastest horse and ride to town. Tell Doc Simmons we need him out here, pronto.”
Bud bolted for the door and didn’t look back.
Travis gripped Libby’s arm and drew her aside. “You’re sure she’ll be all right until Doc gets here?”
“I can’t be sure, Travis, but it won’t do her any good to jostle her in the wagon. She’s awake and seems to be in her right mind, and that’s a good sign. We need to pray she doesn’t get worse.”
“Of course. Pray.” He rammed his hands into his jeans pockets and began to pace the floor, his head bowed and lips moving.
Libby turned back toward Nate, sudden concern for her son hitting her hard. She hadn’t seen James yet, and the boy surely couldn’t still be out at the privy. “Nate?”
He swung around with a smile. “Ma’am?”
“Did Bud or Charlie find James?”
“I forgot to ask Bud. Charlie!” He lifted his voice and the cowhand came running from the dining room.
“Yes, Boss?”
“You find James yet?”
“No, sir. Bud was supposed to tell you.” He cast a look around the room.
“I sent him after Doc Simmons. What was he supposed to tell me?”
“James ain’t nowhere around, and his horse is gone.”
Chapter Twelve
Travis stalked to the corral, Libby’s horrified voice ringing in his ears. He’d see for himself if James’s horse was gone, but his gut told him Charlie had made a mistake. Maybe the boy had returned by now— no sense in worrying until he’d checked it out.
“Hey, Boss. Want some help?” Wren hoofed it across the yard on bowed legs more suited to riding than walking. “I done looked in the corral.”
Travis slowed his pace and waited for the cowboy. “How about the hayloft?”
Wren tugged at his collar and panted but swung in beside Travis. “We hollered all over in the barn, and he didn’t answer. But why would his hoss be gone?”
Travis shoved open the door of the drafty barn and peered into the dark interior.
“James. You in here, boy?” His voice echoed from the rafters and bounced around the open space. “James!” No one answered his call. “Where’d that kid go? He’s going to get a serious talking-to when I find him.”
“Ah, wasn’t you ever adventurous? Seems you’re bein’ a mite hard on the youngster.” Wren plucked a piece of hay and stuck it between his teeth.
Travis’s thoughts drifted back to the sheriff’s visit, and he scowled. Was it possible that James had snuck to town without their knowledge? It didn’t seem likely, as they’d surely notice his absence. Just one more thing to take up with the boy.
“Travis?” Libby’s distressed voice penetrated the wood of the barn walls. She stepped through the open door and glanced around. “It’s dark in here. Where are you?”
“Here, Lib. Leave the door open wide so more light will come in.” Travis hurried forward and stopped a couple of yards from his sister. “Any sign of James?”
“No, and I’m getting worried. It’s not like him to miss a meal. I’m not sure how much more I can take. First Angel and now James.”
“What’s wrong with Miss Angel?” A sleepy voice sounded from the top of the ladder ending in the loft. Bits of hay drifted down. Dust particles glimmered in a lone shaft of light coming through the open door.
“James?” Travis bolted for the base of the ladder and looked up. “What are you doing up there, boy?” At this point he didn’t care if his relief at finding his nephew released itself in a bellow. Even better if it scared the boy, like he’d scared the rest of them.
Libby stopped beside Travis and clutched his arm. “Is he all right?”
Wren sidled up to the pair and choked back a laugh. “The rascal sounds like he’s been sleepin’ whilst we’ve all been scamperin’ around huntin’ for him. Ha!”
Libby planted her fists on her hips and glared up at her son. “You get down here this instant, James Tyrone Waters. You’ve got some explaining to do.”
“Aw, Ma. I wasn’t doing nothin’ wrong.” James swung a leg over the edge of the upper floor and placed his foot on the top rung.
“Anything, James. You weren’t doing anything wrong.” Libby’s voice cracked with irritation.
James plodded down the ladder and jumped the last two rungs, landing a few feet away from his mother. “That’s right, Ma, not a thing.”
She sighed in exasperation and gripped his arm, drawing him close. “Do you have any idea how worried I was? We’ve been looking everywhere for you.”
He rubbed his knuckles against his eyes and yawned. “I woke up early, just before the sun came up, and couldn’t get back to sleep. I remembered Wren telling me about some kittens up in the loft and I wanted to find them. I played with them for a while, and I guess I fell asleep.” He shrugged. “Don’t know why everybody’s all in a stew about it. I wasn’t doin’ nothin’ wrong.”
“Anything, James.”
He shrugged. “I’m hungry. Can we eat now?” A quick twist and he’d jerked his arm out of her grasp.
Travis stepped forward. “Where’s your horse, boy? We didn’t find him in the corral.”
“I took Jasper down to the creek for water and found a nice patch of grass and staked him out. Figured I could go get him after breakfast.” He started to walk away, then turned around. “You said something about worrying over Miss Angel. What’s wrong?”
“Oh my goodness!” Libby gasped and placed her palms against her cheeks. “I’ve been so busy fretting about James I forgot about Angel.” She picked up her skirts and dashed out the door but called over her shoulder. “Travis, make sure that son of mine makes it to the house this time.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Travis strangled a chuckle and placed his arm across James’s shoulders. “Come on, son. I’ll tell you about Miss Angel on the way.”
Travis sent his cowboys to work despite their protests. They wanted to hang around outside Angel’s door and wait for the doctor to arrive, but the ranch wouldn’t run itself. He’d put the talk with James on hold till things settled down and they determined Angel’s condition. At least the boy was safe and hadn’t gotten into trouble. A couple hours later Travis stepped outside and walked to the edge of the porch. The midday sun felt good.
The doctor’s buggy pulled into the yard, and he drew his mare to a halt at the hitching rail. “Whoa there, Maggie. Time to rest now.” He wrapped the reins around the brake handle and clambered down from the padded seat, dropping onto the hard-packed ground. The horse snorted and dropped her head, bobbing it a couple of times.
Travis walked across the porch and down the steps to meet the older man. Doc Simmons leaned into his buggy for his medical bag. He placed the bag on the ground, removed his hat, and wiped his forehead with the back of his sleeve, revealing wavy brown hair in need of a cut. “Tolerable warm today, Travis. Bud says you’ve got a woman here who got clawed by a cougar?” He hoisted his bag and headed for the steps.
“Thanks for coming, Doc. We’d have brought Miss Ramirez to you, but Libby was worried it might not be good for her, since she’s a mite feverish.”
“No problem. Your cowboy caught me at a good time. Just got back from delivering another healthy baby for Mrs. Sorenson early this morning.”
“What’s that make, six?” Travis pushed open the door and ushered the older man in first.
“Seven. Two girls and five boys. Says she’s done having children, but we’ll see. Said that two babies ago.” He sighed. “Sure would help if her husband got off his lazy backside and found a job.”
Travis nodded, unsure of the proper reply. “Miss Ramirez is in a room behind the kitchen. Libby’s with her.”
“Sounds good, son.” The doctor followed Travis with a brisk step to Angel’s room.
Travis rapped on the door and
stepped aside, expecting Libby’s immediate response, but none came. He lifted his hand again. A sharp cry from inside the room froze him in his tracks.
Chapter Thirteen
“I told you, I don’t want a doctor!” Angel’s voice rose an octave. Libby laid a gentle hand on hers, but the girl pushed her away. “Travis will send me packing if I can’t work. I need this job!” She struggled to rise but fell back against the bed, unshed tears glistening.
Libby’s mouth parted but no words came. Travis was as worried about Angel as she, and she’d heard no talk of hiring someone else.
“Angel, it’s all right. Shh…” She tucked a strand of black hair behind the young woman’s ear. “No one’s going to send you away because you’re hurt.”
Another knock sounded at the door, and it opened softly. “Everything all right?” Travis spoke through the crack. “The doctor is here.”
“Yes. Have him come in, please.”
Travis opened the door and then stepped back into the hall. His hurried footsteps disappeared in the distance as the doctor walked into the room.
Travis balled his fingers into fists and stared out the window of the front room overlooking the barn. He hadn’t felt this helpless since his mother took sick. Father had been stoic, seemingly emotionless, while he’d been trapped in worry. But no amount of worry had saved Mother. He dropped his head. Why was prayer almost always the last thing he thought of? God forgive me, and please take care of Angel.
A wave of peace washed over his heart, and he straightened. God was in charge, not him.
When had he started to care about the woman lying in the other room? Compassion he could understand, but true caring? He didn’t even know her. But he’d seen her plucky spirit, determination, and honesty. She’d chosen to reveal her identity rather than live a lie. And the words he’d overheard made him wince. Did Angel honestly think he’d send her away because she was unable to do her job? She must see him as hard and unyielding—that would have to change.
Travis valued honesty and courage, and he saw those in abundance in this young woman. Only one thing surpassed those qualities in his mind—faith. He drew in a sharp breath. Not once had he heard Angel express a belief in God. But in all fairness, they’d never discussed the subject. Surely she’d been raised in a household where faith was part of her life.
He wrinkled his brow and turned away from the window, staring at the massive set of antlers over the fireplace. What did he know of her family, or the home where she’d been raised, or anything else, for that matter? Absolutely nothing. Unease sent fingers of doubt into his mind. Who was this woman who’d ridden into his life two short weeks ago? Where did she come from, and who were her people? He thought back over the couple of times he’d broached the topic only to have her change the subject. At the time he hadn’t thought much of it. Now it gave rise to curiosity—and caution.
Libby stepped into the room. “Doc Simmons will spend the night and keep an eye on her. We’ll know more in the morning.”
Travis paced the floor in the living room early the next morning, anxious for an update on Angel. Libby had helped through the night and come out once with an encouraging report. The fever had broken, and she believed the worst had passed.
Boots thudded on the front porch. Something warned him to keep quiet and stay out of sight, and he stepped behind a corner cabinet.
The door creaked open, and Wren poked his head in. “All clear.” He hissed the words over his shoulder and shoved it open a little further. “Come on, you lovesick bozos. I ain’t waitin’ around forever.”
Charlie, Arizona, and Bud crept in behind him, each clutching something in their fists. Arizona held a bouquet of wildflowers that he must have ridden far and wide to find, based on the variety and colors. Bright yellow arnica, deep red Indian paintbrush, and purple lupine, all vied for attention. Charlie and Bud each grasped a small paper bag, and Wren sported a length of ribbon wrapped around his gnarled fingers.
Travis stifled a laugh and nearly choked. Of all the infatuated pups, this took the prize. He purposely dropped his voice to a low growl and stepped out from behind the cabinet, his arms crossed over his chest. “What do you men think you’re doing?”
Arizona jumped and grabbed at his flowers, and Charlie’s sack hit the floor, spilling a few pieces of hard candy. “Aw, Boss. Now see what you made me do!” Charlie dropped to his knees and scrambled after the sweets.
Wren tucked his hand behind his back and glared. “What you sneakin’ up on us for?”
“Yeah.” Arizona raised the bouquet to his chin. “We’re bringing Miss Angel some posies and candy. That ain’t no reason for you to shout at us.”
“Sorry, men.” Travis relaxed his stance and grinned. “You all looked so funny that I couldn’t help joshing you. Sorry I ruined your surprise, Charlie.”
The cowboy snatched at the final piece, stuffed it back into his bag, and straightened to his full height. “Bud’s got more. Guess we’ll have to share.”
Bud’s eyes narrowed. “Not on your life. These sweets are mine, paid for with my own money.”
“Aw, Bud, that’s not fair!” Charlie’s voice rose to almost a wail.
“Cut it, you two.” Arizona stepped forward and grabbed the bag from Bud’s grip. “Miss Angel’s sick, and you’re out here caterwaulin’ like a couple of new pups.”
Travis wagged his head and turned a stern gaze on Charlie. “Arizona’s right. While I’m sure Miss Ramirez will appreciate your gifts, I don’t think she should be disturbed. Doc Simmons is with her right now and—“
“Travis?” The doctor’s voice brought a halt to the conversation.
The men froze, then slowly turned toward the hallway.
“Yes, sir.” Travis stepped away from the cluster of cowboys and raised his hand. “How’s Angel?”
“Better. Your sister missed her calling. Miss Ramirez’s temperature is down, and the young lady appears to be improving. One of the gashes in her arm wasn’t deep, but I put a few stitches in the other one. If I’d been called sooner—“ He tipped his head and glared over the edge of his spectacles. “Well, let’s just say she’ll probably have a scar. Not a lot I could do with a wound that was over a day old.”
Travis felt like he had as a schoolboy when the teacher rapped his knuckles. “I should have insisted she come to town right after she was injured, but her horse took sick with colic.”
“People are more important than horses, son, or didn’t your pappy teach you that?” The doctor set his bag on a chair and adjusted the spectacles perched on his nose.
“He did, and I agree.” Travis heard the hint of a snicker coming from the cowboys. “She’ll recover?”
“Yes. She’s a strong young woman.” The stern look gave way to a twinkle. “And a pretty one, at that.”
“Yes, sir.” Travis ran a hand through his hair. Another snicker broke out, and he swung around and glared. “Don’t you men have work to do?”
The merriment died from their faces. “Gee-willikers, Boss.” Bud took off his hat and slapped it against his leg. “We was all kinda hopin’ to see Miss Angel first.”
“Not going to happen, boys.” Travis softened at their agony-filled faces. “Unless Doc thinks it’s wise.”
“Her fever broke, and she needs her rest.” Doc Simmons’s voice was firm. He glanced from one cowboy to the next and released a sigh. “All right. But you can’t go in the room. Stand at her door and give the things to Mrs. Waters.”
“Thanks, Doc!” Arizona sprang for the hall and the other three raced after him.
“Men!” Travis barked the single word and the four cowboys tumbled into each other. “You aren’t cattle stampeding to water. Act like gentlemen. Five minutes—that’s it.”
“Yes, Boss.”
Travis couldn’t tell which humble voice offered the words, but the small group crept forward barely making a sound. As soon as they were out of sight, he sobered and swung back to the doctor. “What if the fever
returns?”
“Not likely. Besides, Mrs. Waters can care for her. Too bad there isn’t another woman living close by, though. Hate to see your sister up too many nights and wearing herself out.” He scratched the light stubble on his chin. “I’ll come back in the morning.”
“Could I sit with her for a spell tonight, and let Libby rest?” Eagerness rushed into his heart like a colt racing for a green pasture. The thought brought an unexpected pleasure that he didn’t care to examine right now.
“Should be fine. By the way, I didn’t ask Mrs. Waters—this girl a relative or…sweetheart, maybe? And how come you’re keeping her hid and not brought her to church?”
Travis tugged at his collar. “Uh—no, she’s neither one. She works for me.”
“Ah. Housekeeper then?” The doctor turned a penetrating gaze on Travis and waited.
“Varmint tracker.” Travis winced at the harsh sound of the words and hurried to soften the impression. “I hired her to help until I can find someone else. She came highly recommended.”
The doctor’s brows rose to the bushy brown fringe dangling over his forehead. “What kind of job is that for a woman? Tarnation! No wonder she got clawed by a lion. What are you thinking letting a young gal traipse around the hills shooting wolves and cougars and such?”
Travis squared his shoulders, ready to end this discussion. “She asked for the job, she was qualified, and I hired her.” He didn’t want to offend the only doctor within a hundred miles, but sometimes Doc Simmons didn’t know when to quit. “I’m grateful you took the time to drive all the way out here. We’ll take good care of her and see you in the morning.”
The doctor slid a pocket watch from his vest and held it up. “By jiminy, it’s getting late. I’d best be heading along. Sorry for biting your head off, Travis. I need to get some sleep.”
Travis relaxed and smiled. “We appreciate you coming.”
Several pairs of boots clomped on the hardwood floor and the four cowboys appeared, their faces shining like they’d seen a glimpse of glory. The doctor hustled across the room and out the front door. Travis signaled for the men to stop. “You stayed more than a couple of minutes. The doctor told you not to tire her.”
Love Finds You in Sundance, Wyoming Page 10