She surveyed the scene spread before her and emitted a small gasp. The rolling plains of Wyoming stretched out, the grass undulating like waves on a windblown lake. Magnificent mountains raised tight-fisted fingers to the sky in the distant haze, proclaiming their dominance over the flatlands at their feet. Clouds drifted across the azure sky, and she could make out diamond glints sparkling on the surface of a stream.
She tore her gaze away from the scenery, wishing she could sit on a boulder and do nothing but dream for the rest of the day. Not now. She’d promised Libby to bring James back safely. She scanned the area at the base of the hill and slowly moved her gaze farther away. Nothing moved but a calf romping a short distance from his mother. She continued to search until she could no longer distinguish the identity of the shapes, then covered the area from there back to the base of the butte once again. Still nothing.
Frustration mounted and left Angel feeling helpless. A secret part of her had hoped the prayer she’d prayed had touched God’s ears, and maybe He was leading her. She’d fooled herself. God surely had better things to do than listen to someone like her. After all, she was hiding the truth from Travis and his family. Not even Grandmother knew how she’d been raised.
God didn’t like liars. She was sure of that, so why should He answer her prayers? But what about James? Should the boy be punished and remain lost, possibly hurt, because God didn’t see fit to listen?
Angel heaved a sigh and plucked her rifle off the rock. Time to head down the hill and search another area. She gave one last look over the landscape, dreading the downward descent in her slick-soled boots. Something moved from behind a clump of brush at the base, and she froze. James? No. It was low to the ground and gray. A shiver ran up her spine. A wolf. Either a lone wolf or a small pack had taken up residence on the outskirts of this herd of cattle. No wonder—it was easy pickings when the herd came in to drink.
She raised the rifle to her shoulder and sighted down the barrel. A movement out of the corner of her eye caught her attention and she eased her finger off the trigger. Another wolf? Slowly she turned her head a couple of inches and stared. James stepped out from behind a scrub tree, his rifle aimed at the wolf. Should she shout at the boy, or allow him to take the shot? If she didn’t stop James from killing the wolf, would that be going against what Libby wanted for her son?
Once again Angel steadied the rifle and chanced a last look at James. Dark shadows circled only a few yards behind the boy, inching along and hunched low to the ground. The rest of the pack had found James.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Angel raised two fingers to her lips and whistled, then let out a piercing scream. “James! Wolves!”
James turned, looked up the hill, and lifted his arm to wave. He cupped his hands around his mouth. “Miss Angel, look!” He pointed at the wolf in the distance and gestured with his rifle. “I’m going to shoot him.”
The hunkered shape behind the boy suddenly launched into a run. Angel threw her rifle up and squeezed off a shot. Her gun bellowed, echoing off the hillside. The wolf dropped to the ground in mid-leap and lay still.
James whirled around. The three remaining wolves backed up a few feet, snarling and snapping their jaws. Why didn’t the devils run? They couldn’t be hungry with the herd close by and no one hunting them. Fear surged through Angel’s mind. One of them could’ve been bitten by a mad animal and passed the disease along to the others.
James yelled and turned to run, but the beast in the lead leapt after him, its tail extended. Angel lifted her gun and took aim, squeezing off another shot and bringing the brute down.
Off to the side and a short distance away, Angel heard a heavier gun boom and saw the third wolf hit the ground. Finally, the fourth took flight and ran the opposite direction from James.
She turned her attention to where the shot had come from. A dark bay horse trotted across the grassland, weaving in and out of the brush. Travis. Her heart leapt and her hands shook. She waved her rifle in the air. He responded, pointing to where James lay on the ground.
Angel raced down the hill, barely registering the boulders she darted around as she neared the bottom. Worry for James, along with intense relief at Travis’s arrival, spurred her on. Her pace slowed as a new thought entered her mind. God had answered her prayer. He might care for her, after all.
Angel arrived at the bottom of the hill to find Travis and James waiting beside Bella. She didn’t know whether to hug James or scold him, but one look at his pale, tear-streaked cheeks and she made her decision. She gathered him in a tight hug.
He shuddered and clung to her. “I’m sorry, Miss Angel. I won’t never, ever do something like that again.”
She patted his back and drew away a couple inches but kept her hands on his upper arms. “What made you come out here alone?”
James avoided her gaze and shrugged. “Don’t know.”
Placing her finger under his chin, she lifted it. “I think you do. Tell me.”
He shrank away from her touch. “I wanted Uncle Travis and the men to respect me.” His voice cracked on the last word. “Everybody thinks I’m just a kid, and they all boss me around.”
Travis sucked in his breath, but Angel kept her attention on James. “Do you know why they do that?”
“’Cause I’m only thirteen?”
“Partly. But it’s mostly because they care about you and don’t want you hurt. Or killed.” She motioned toward the dead wolves. “Do you know why those wolves attacked instead of running away after I shot the first one?”
“They were mad?”
She smiled at the irony of his words. “Yes, but not in the way you mean. They weren’t angry, they were loco. Crazy. At least the two that charged you. I think they’ve been bitten by an animal with mad dog disease.” Angel turned toward Travis. “Your uncle saved your life. You know that, don’t you?”
James nodded but remained silent.
“He and your mother love you very much. You’re right about something you said.”
His eyes widened. “What?”
“You’re only thirteen, and you aren’t quite a man yet. But maybe your uncle and mother can find things you’d enjoy doing around the ranch where you’d be helping and still be safe.” Angel released her hold.
Travis stepped forward and touched the boy on the arm. “Right now we need to get you home. Your ma is worried sick. But we’ll think about the things Miss Angel said and talk about it later. All right?” He motioned toward the horse tied to a tree behind a big clump of brush a dozen yards away. “Now climb on and let’s get home.”
“Yes, sir.” James gulped and trotted away.
Travis drew up in front of the house with Angel and James trailing behind. James slowed his horse’s pace as they neared the ranch, probably dreading the meeting with his mother.
Libby peeked out of a window, then raced through the front door and catapulted down the steps. “James! Glory to God, you’re safe!”
James slowly dismounted and wrapped his reins around the hitching post. He shuffled forward, meeting his mother’s hug with a reluctant one.
Libby’s shout brought Nate from the barn. “The boy’s back? Hallelujah!” He raised his rifle in the air, then disappeared behind the barn. Three loud reports rent the air. Seconds later he returned wearing a wide grin.
Libby smiled and drew back from her son. She glanced from James to Travis and back again. “Are you all right?”
“He’s fine, thanks to Angel’s exceptional marksmanship.” Travis leaned his hip against the hitching post. He blessed God for Angel’s accurate aim. The last thing he’d want was more pain or loss in his sister’s life; she’d had more than her share lately.
“Angel’s marksmanship?” Libby’s dumbfounded tone left no doubt as to her confusion. “What did she need to shoot?”
James shivered. “Wolves. They almost got me, Ma.”
“I don’t understand. What were you doing?” Libby grabbed his arms and gave a small
shake. “You scared me, Son. I want some answers.”
Travis held up his hand. “I’ll explain. James rode to the base of the rocky butte to hunt wolves. Angel climbed up the sloped side. When I rode up, she was aiming her rifle at something below her. James waved his rifle and pointed at a wolf in the distance. What he didn’t see was the rest of the pack moving in from behind.”
Libby gasped. Nate grunted and moved closer to her side. She cast him a grateful look and turned her attention to Travis again.
“The leader of the pack charged and would’ve had James if Angel hadn’t gotten into action so quickly and brought him down. She hit the second one, as well, and saved the boy’s life.”
Angel shook her head. “I didn’t do it all. You got there in time to get the third one.”
Travis eyed her. “I’d say we can all be grateful you’re a crack shot.”
A faint pink crept into her cheeks before she lowered her head. He’d never met a woman so self-assured, yet so humble. The more he knew Angel, the more he saw to admire.
Libby’s eyes pooled with tears. She let out a soft cry and wrapped her arms around Angel’s neck. Muffled sobs emerged as Libby buried her face on Angel’s shoulder.
“It’s all right, Libby. James is safe,” Angel said soothingly.
“I know. But he could’ve been killed.” Several moments passed before Libby calmed and released her grasp. “How can I ever thank you?”
Angel patted her back. “No need.”
Libby swung toward Travis, her brows drawn low. “You are never to let this woman go, you hear me, Travis? Never! I don’t care if you didn’t like the fact that she’s a woman when you hired her. You can’t replace her with someone else.” She stomped her foot. “I won’t have it!”
Travis took Libby in his arms as she started to cry again. “Don’t worry, Lib, I have no intention of replacing Angel.” He peeked over the top of her head and met Angel’s wide eyes. “Not now or ever.”
Angel’s heart skipped a beat. Travis didn’t plan on letting her go. But what had flashed in his eyes as they met hers? Confusion warred with common sense. She must have imagined the warmth and caring reflected there.
James tugged on her arm, bringing her back to reality. “Miss Angel? Thank you. I didn’t tell you that before, but Ma’s right. I don’t want you to find another job, either.”
The front door opened, and Grandmother stepped out. “What is all the shooting and shouting about?”
Angel sighed with relief. The emotional atmosphere hovering over the small group had intensified, but everyone relaxed at the older woman’s appearance. “James went for a little ride. But he’s safe now and everything’s fine. Nate was signaling the other men that James is home.”
Maria eyed the drooping boy. “So. You run away, sí? Try to be a man like your uncle? My boy, he did that at your age. We tanned his britches when he got home.” She tossed a glance at Libby. “I think you have a much kinder mama, and she is just happy to have you home, yes?”
James nodded. “I know.”
Grandmother waved her finger in the air. “Good. It is a smart boy who sees these things and does not make excuses. Smokey is waiting with hot tea for me before he and I start supper preparations.”
Shock kept Angel rooted to the ground as the older woman went back into the house. Grandmother was having tea and helping Smokey with supper? She glanced around the small circle of bystanders and relaxed. No one seemed to give the declaration any notice.
Nate tousled the boy’s hair, then hooked his arm around the slender shoulders. “How ‘bout you start riding with me from now on? If it’s all right with your ma, that is.” He glanced at Libby with a questioning expression. “I’d like to teach him how to take care of himself on the range. Not that Travis isn’t a fine teacher, but maybe between the two of us…”
Libby tipped up her chin and smiled. “Yes, I’d like that very much.” She turned to James and her voice grew stern. “You must obey Nate. Understood?”
“Yes, Ma. I promise. I’ll never disobey or run off on my own again. Never.”
Nate grinned. “That’s a pretty big promise on the disobeying part, but I’ll hold you to the other. And I’m adding something else. You’re never to take a gun of any kind out on your own. Agreed?”
“Yes, sir’
“Good. Let’s head to the barn and put up your horse. I’ll bet he’d like a bait of grain and a rubdown.” They sauntered off, and Libby’s gaze followed the pair, a quizzical look softening her features. “That was good of Nate.”
Travis smiled. “I think he cares for you, Lib.”
“I beg your pardon?” Heightened color blazed in her cheeks.
“Yep. I’ve noticed him watching you the past few weeks. He’s a good man, loves the Lord, and would make a fine husband.”
“Hold on now.” She held her hand up. “You’re rushing things. I’ve been a widow less than a year.”
“There’s no hurry. Just figured you should know which way the wind’s blowing.” Travis grinned and kissed her cheek. “You deserve to be happy and so does Nate. It’s a good idea for him to spend time with James.”
She nodded slowly. “I agree. But beyond that? I’m not making any promises.”
Angel gathered Bella’s reins and lifted the drooping mare’s head with a light tug. “Come on, girl. Time to give you a break too.” The old feeling of being outside the circle settled over her as she walked away. What she’d give to be part of a family like this instead of constantly hovering on the fringes.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Bart Hinson grunted with pleasure. His small band of men had just crossed into Wyoming Territory. A passing drifter who’d worked on a ranch up north confirmed that the Sundance Ranch hired a young woman as a hunter some weeks earlier. Rumors had flown and speculation was rife as to what Travis Morgan was thinking. Bart smirked. He’d put money on why, and it didn’t have anything to do with her being a good hand.
The woman could shoot, though, he’d give her that. It might pay to keep it in mind in the future. Her uncle taught her to use both a rifle and a pistol at a young age. Bart thought it stupid. Women should depend on their men to defend them. Nothing worse than a gun in the hands of a hot-tempered woman. He cleared his throat and spat. ‘Course, he didn’t intend to let her get close to a gun once he corralled her.
Too bad he’d never found José and killed him. The band had broken apart after that last raid, and the men he sent to track José never returned. Bart was sick of lying low and not making any money, but that would end soon. He’d have the cash he needed and the girl, all at the same time.
Another week, two at the most, and they’d reach the area near Sundance. He’d heard there was a band of outlaws working a few hours away at the Hole-in-the-Wall hideout in the canyon country, and of course, The Wild Bunch kept busy robbing banks and trains. He’d thought about falling in with one of them but decided against it. No sense bringing more men in on the deal. Besides, he’d kill any man who got close to the girl. No sir. Angel Ramirez was his property, and he aimed to keep it that way.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Travis stepped out of the barn, trying to contain his excitement at the surprise hidden inside. He grinned. Time to find Libby and James. Angel had taken the afternoon to work on her saddle, and he’d seen her walking to the house when he’d driven up in the buggy.
Travis poked his head in the door. “James? Libby?” He peered into the living area. Maria lay curled, sound asleep, on a sofa, a knitted shawl over her body.
He walked down the short hall and paused outside Angel’s room. Quiet voices sounded through the door. He rapped lightly. “Angel? I’m looking for Libby.”
Footsteps pattered across the floor, and the door cracked open. A pair of dark brown, sparkling eyes peered out. “Yes, she’s here. Just a minute.” The door closed, and a spate of giggles erupted.
What in the world? He hadn’t heard anything like it since he was a schoolboy when t
he girls concocted some scheme. Moments passed, and no one returned. He lifted his hand to knock again but hesitated. Was he intruding on something personal? Travis took two long steps backward and turned, ready to dash back to the barn.
“Travis?” Libby stood in the open doorway. “I’m sorry, you needed me?”
“Uh. Yes. I have a present for James, and I thought you’d both like to be there when I give it to him. Do you know where he is?”
Libby lifted a shoulder. “Did you look outside? He kept pestering us, so I told him to find something to do.”
“No. I came straight to the house.” He hurried up the hallway and out the back door, the women following close on his heels. “James? You out here?”
Nothing moved, and no one answered. “James!” He halted and listened. Yipping came from the front of the house. “Oh no. Sounds like he found him.” He broke into a run and dashed around the corner, skidding to a stop within sight of the hard-packed area between the house and the barn.
There on the ground lay James with a black-and-white, fluffy puppy, who was licking his cheeks and wiggling his entire body. “Aww, that tickles. Stop.” Gales of laughter erupted from the boy. He sat up and wrapped his arms around the squirming pup. “What’s your name, huh, boy? I’m going to ask Uncle Travis if you can stay.”
Travis barely noticed Angel and Libby approach. He broke into a wide grin. “He came from a ranch between here and town. The rancher’s dogs had a litter, and he didn’t want them all. He’s part sheepdog and smart. Call him whatever you’d like, he’s yours.”
James jumped to his feet and scooped up the pup. “No kidding? Whoopee!” The next few moments he danced a jig, kicking up dust. He set the puppy down, and it raced around James’s feet, barking and jumping.
James paused in his play and turned. “But why did you get a sheepdog? We only have cows!”
Love Finds You in Sundance, Wyoming Page 18