Arizona Sky

by Ginger Simpson

  With her back against the fragrant pine of the wagon bed, Odessa munched a chicken wing and sighed. Her gaze wandered to the few pieces of furniture and crates stacked across from her: the upside down rocking chair, a floral settee, a round side table… all reminiscent of her own home when Momma was alive, and similar to pieces she hoped she’d one day use to decorate a house she shared with Zach. She swallowed hard and focused on Aunt Susan and finally getting to Phoenix. She’d have to hold Zach in her heart along with the memories of all the other people she’d loved and lost.

  * * *

  Zach reined Storm to a walk and allowed T.J. to catch up. He leaned forward to ease a kink in his back, but kept his eyes trained on the trail ahead, hoping and praying to see Axel and Odessa. The endless dirt stretched onward with not a sign of life ahead.

  T.J. rode up alongside, his canteen tipped to his mouth. Sweat dampened new stains on his hat and drizzled down his cheeks. He recapped the container and swiped a sleeve across his face. “I’m hotter than a flat stone in an Apache’s sweat lodge.”

  “That’s why I slowed the pace. Don’t wanna wear out our mounts and find ourselves stranded out here.”

  He patted Storm’s neck. “You’ve been a good friend, boy. Sorry, I haven’t been as good a master.”

  As if Storm understood, he nickered and threw back his head.

  “Whadda you plan to do if we don’t find Axel and your lady friend?”

  T.J. asked the very question Zach didn’t want to consider. Facing the loss of Odessa for good was more than he could bear. He glared at his friend. “I’m goin’ to find her. They can’t be that far ahead.”

  The words had barely left his lips when he spied movement on the horizon. “Look! Up ahead. I think I see something.” Zach nudged Storm into a canter.

  T.J. followed.

  Drawing closer, Zach distinguished the outline of two horses and one rider. His mouth went dry and his mind filled with horrifying scenarios. He assured himself the rider wasn’t Axel, just someone leading a packhorse. But, he soon recognized the familiar silhouette, hat and girth of his hated adversary.

  Any plan he had of overtaking and capturing Axel was foiled when the man turned and noticed he was being followed. Releasing the reins of the horse he led, he spurred his own mount into a full gallop.

  Zach dug his heels into Storm’s sides. “C’mon boy. We can catch him.”

  He pushed his hat down further on his head, and leaned forward in the saddle. His pulse synced with Storm’s pounding hoofs as they closed in on the varmint.

  Closer and closer, Zach came to reaching Axel. He smelled the man’s sweat, felt droplets of lather pelting him. When they were dead even, he lunged from the saddle onto Axel, knocking him from his horse to the ground. The two landed with a thud and rolled several times. Zach came up with hands fisted, but Axel, clearly stunned by the fall, lay on the ground staring up at him.

  “Where’s Odessa?” Zach demanded.

  “I don’t know.” Axel hefted himself up on his elbows and shrugged.

  “Whadda you mean, you don’t know?” Zach kicked him in the knee.

  He winced and drew his leg up. “She got away. Hit me over the head, she did. I been lookin’ for her all day, but ain’t seen no sign of her.”

  Turning, Zach’s glanced at the deputy. T.J., still mounted, sat with his gun drawn, cocked and pointed. “What the—”

  A gunshot sliced through the rest of his question. Smoke spiraled from the lawman’s pistol, and staring wide-eyed at his companion, Zach wondered why he didn’t yet feel pain.

  Never approach a bull from the front, a horse from the rear, or a fool from any direction – Old Cowboy Saying

  Chapter Twenty Six

  Zach groped his chest, checked his legs, embraced himself and ran his hand up and down his arms. Nothing on his body hurt, he saw no blood. Confusion clouded his thoughts.

  T.J. laughed. “What are ya doin’?”

  “Didn’t you—”

  “I didn’t shoot you, if that’s what you’re thinkin’. You got careless and turned away. Axel drew on you.” T.J. shook his head. “You’d think you’d know by now not to trust a snake like him.”

  Zach turned on shaky legs. Axel’s sightless eyes stared at the sky; his fingers still clutched his six-shooter. Zach blew out a whoosh of air. His cheeks warmed. “I-I didn’t really think you’d shoot me,” he lied.

  “Tell that to someone who didn’t see the look on your face.” T.J. chuckled.

  “Okay, so I doubted you for a moment, but you saved my life. I was a hair’s breadth from being a dead man. I don’t know what to say.”

  “A thank you will do just fine.” T.J. holstered his weapon.

  “Don’t seem like enough, but thanks, deputy.” Zach stared at the ground. “I owe you.”

  “Nah, just learn from your mistake. When you’ve been around as much as I have, you’ll learn who you can trust and who you can’t.” T.J. dismounted. He walked to where Axel lay, bent and placed his palm on the man’s chest. “And never assume anything.” He looked up at Zach. “He’s dead all right.”

  “So, what we do now?”

  “I don’t rightly know. Miz Odessa could have headed in any direction. This is a big desert and I’m not sure how you aim to find her. Me? I’m taking Axel back to Tombstone for the reward. You can come with me or strike out on your own.”

  Zach stared at the ground, kicked a pebble and sent it flying. “You’re right. I don’t have any idea where to start lookin’ for her.” He glanced up. “Do you suppose she went back to town?”

  “Reckon we won’t know until we get there.” He pried Axel’s gun from his hand and tucked it in his own waistband. “Fetch his horse and let’s get him loaded up. The quicker we get back to Tombstone, the better. Maybe there’s some good news waitin’ for you, plus you still have some money to claim.”

  Zach helped heft and drape the body over Axel’s saddle, wanting to feel sorrow for a life lost. But he didn’t. The world would be a better place without scum like him. Zach sickened at the thought of what the man might have done to Odessa, and prayed she’d escaped before… he couldn’t bear to imagine. Would he ever know what happened to her?

  T.J. took the reins to Axel’s mount. “Let’s make the most of the daylight we have left. We’ll ride a piece, then make camp and start fresh in the morning.” He rubbed his stomach. “Sure wish I’d looked for grub back at the way station. Thanks to you, I’m about to starve. Guess we’ll have to make do with the hardtack I have in my saddlebag.”

  * * *

  Odessa and Nila sat in the back of the wagon and played with Raejean. The rutted trail made for a bumpy trip, and the little one fussed when she tried to pull up on something and fell. Her dark eyes and nose mirrored those of her mother, her lips like her father’s. Chubby little legs proved the infant was well fed. Odessa held Raejean’s hands and played a game of pat-a-cake. Nothing lifted sagging spirits like a child’s laughter.

  Odessa had traveled with the family for three days, sharing the bed with Nila at night while Joshua slept outside underneath the wagon. She had thanked them a thousand times, but nothing she said would ever be enough to repay them for saving her life. Even though she’d only known them for a short time, she’d grown very fond of Nila and her husband, and had fallen in love with their baby. She pulled the child into her arms and tickled her. Despite the contagious giggles, Odessa mourned the children she and Zach would never have.

  “By jove, I think I see buildings ahead.” Joshua called out.

  Odessa handed Raejean off to her mother, pulled herself up behind the wagon seat and peered out beyond the backs of the team. “Do you think it’s Phoenix?” In her excitement, the words came out much louder than she intended.

  “I reckon so.” Joshua slackened the reins a bit.

  “I can’t believe it.” She raised her eyes to the sky. “I made it, Pa. I’m finally here.”

  Joshua turned his head and smiled. “I’m
sure he’d be right pleased to know you’re safe and sound.”

  “I’m certain he would.” Odessa swallowed. “But, I’d be a lot happier if I had any idea how to find my aunt.”

  Nila came and knelt beside her, her fingers grasping the seat against the pitching of the wagon. “We’ll help you, won’t we Joshua. Surely she shops or uses the bank. Someone is bound to know her.”

  “I certainly hope so,” Odessa said. “I have no idea what I’ll do if—”

  “We’ll cross that bridge when and if we come to it.” Joshua raised one foot and planted it on the lip across the wagon front. “My ma always told me not to borrow trouble.”

  Odessa rolled her eyes. “I don’t need to borrow; trouble follows me… along with worry.” She kept her eyes trained on the horizon, watched the adobe buildings grow larger and tried to picture what Aunt Susan would look like. Too many years had passed to remember her face. Was she even still in the area? Would she welcome Odessa into her home?

  “Worry’s a waste of time and energy,” Joshua chided. “You can’t change what’s meant to be.”

  His words rang true and painful. Zach was gone, and nothing she did would bring him back. Although her heart ached at the thought of being without him, she intended to make the most of life. Papa would want that. Zach would, too.

  * * *

  Zach sat, head lowered, in the boarding house dining room and pushed his food around on his plate with his fork. T.J. sat across from him with his mouth so full he resembled a squirrel hiding nuts. He swallowed and swiped his napkin across his mouth. “C’mon Zach, you need to eat. I know you’re upset because no one has seen your lady friend, but starvin’ won’t help you find her.”

  “I’ve got no appetite.” He shoved his plate away and glanced up. “What can I do?”

  “About what?” T.J. held a forkful of potatoes mid-air.

  “I got Odessa into this mess, and now I’ve lost her. How can I live with myself?”

  Lowering his utensil, T.J. shrugged. “You’ve done all you can. She might still show up. You never know.”

  “That’s not enough damn it.” Zach pounded his fist on the table and water sloshed out of his glass. He stared across at T.J. “I love her, don’t you get that?”

  The deputy leaned back in his chair and returned Zach’s stare. “Don’t you think I know the ache of losing someone you love? I have two little boys who don’t have a mama anymore, and I had to help them understand she’s not coming home ever again. I know exactly how you feel, but I’m trying to be realistic for your sake.”

  A flush warmed Zach’s neck. “I’m sorry. I forgot about your wife.”

  “And I’m sorry for your predicament. What do you plan to do now?”

  Zach massaged his chin. “I’d like to stay here for a couple more days, but I need to get home. You?”

  “I’m leavin’ in the morning. Anxious to see my sons. That reward we collected is going to come in mighty handy toward buildin’ a new life for them.”

  Zach managed a weak smile. “I reckon that’s one more thing I have to thank you for. If not for you, I’d either be dead or a wanted man. Instead, I have the money I need to pay the note on my pa’s land, plus plenty left over.” He lowered his gaze and swallowed the lump in his throat. “Course, I’d planned to use the rest to build a place for me and Odessa.”

  “I know, Zach, and I’m sorry, but life goes on. Care to join me on the trail one more time? I’ll travel part of the way with you.”

  After a big sigh, Zach looked up. “Deal. Meet you at the livery at sunup?”

  “Sounds good to me.”

  Zach pushed back from the table. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m gonna find myself a room and get some rest. Goodnight my friend.”

  He left the dining room and approached the counter. “I’d like a room for the night, please.” He addressed the gangly clerk.

  “No luck findin’ your lady friend?” The man raised his brow and pushed a key across the counter.

  Zach shook his head and slapped four bits on the counter. “Which room?”

  “Same one you had before. Top of the stairs.”

  The idea of sleeping in the same room he’d shared with Odessa stabbed him like a knife. He slid the key back. “Not that one.”

  “Sorry, partner, but that’s the only room I have left.” The clerk scooted the key toward Zach again.

  Zack snagged his coins and shoved them in his pocket. “Thanks, but I’ll sleep at the livery.” He turned and left the clerk with his mouth gaping.

  * * *

  Odessa stood with Nila outside the National Bank. She twisted her hands and shifted from one foot to the other. “I’m scared. What if they don’t know my aunt?”

  “You’ll never know until you ask.” Nila opened the door and nudged her inside. “I’ll come with you.”

  A spectacled man in a dark jacket and starched white shirt looked up from a stack of papers on his desk. “May I be of assistance, ladies?”

  “Uh,” Odessa swallowed. “I-I’m trying to locate my aunt, and I believe she lives in or around Phoenix.”

  “And…” The gentleman raised a brow at her.

  “And, I need your help.” Odessa gave a weak smile.

  “May I ask her name?”

  “Oh, I’m so sorry. Susan Clay. Do you know her?”

  He shook his head. “I don’t believe so, but I haven’t been in Phoenix very long. Let me check our records. Won’t you and your friend have a seat?” He motioned to the armed mahogany chairs, and then disappeared behind a door. Another man behind a small barred window smiled out at them. The room smelled of cigars and wood.

  The two women sat. Odessa leaned closer to her friend. “Oh, I hope he can help me.” She nibbled her bottom lip, worry still niggling at her.

  Nila patted her arm. “I’m sure he can.”

  Within a few minutes the man returned carrying a thick book. He plopped the leather-bound pages on the desk and slowly shook his head. “This is our roster of customers in last name order. I don’t find a Susan Clay listed.”

  Odessa sighed. Her stomach knotted. “I was so hoping you’d know of her. Can you suggest any other place I might check?”

  He stared blankly for a moment then pointed to his right. “Try the Gardner mercantile. Most people in these parts shop there. The store is just a few doors down.”

  Odessa stood. “Thank you for your time, sir.”

  “I wish I could have done more.” He ushered her and Nila to the door, opened it and stood aside. “Good luck and good day.”

  “And good day to you.” Odessa bobbed a quick curtsy.

  Once the door closed, she turned to Nila. “I’m so disappointed. What am—”

  “You’re going to do what the man said and ask at the Mercantile.” Nila swiveled her in that direction. “I’m going back to the wagon to check on Joshua and Raejean. Meet me there when you’re finished. I’ll expect you’ll have better news this time.”

  Odessa rolled her eyes. “If only I could be half as positive as you.”

  “It takes practice, my friend. Lots of practice.” She spun on her heel and started for the vacant field at the end of the street where Joshua waited.

  Odessa took a deep breath and approached the store displaying J.I. Gardner etched in gold lettering across the window. She opened the door and walked out of the sweltering sun into a room that smelled of rawhide, apples, leather, lamp oil and other less distinct odors. A bell over the door tinkled and announced her arrival. The few ladies perusing a table filled with bolts of material looked up. She returned their smiles and approached the counter. A pock-faced man in a black apron looked up from unloading a crate of canned goods. “Can I help you?”

  Aware of her shabby, dirty look, she smoothed her dress, and then clenched one hand in the other. “I do hope you can. I’m looking for a woman named Susan Clay—my aunt. I was advised by a gentleman at the bank to inquire after her here.”

  He shook his head. “Clay. He
tipped his chin and stared at the floor. “Hmm, name’s not familiar and I know almost everyone in these parts.” He lifted his gaze. “Are you sure she lives here in Phoenix?”

  Tears burned the back of Odessa’s eyes. She swallowed a lump of disappointment. “N-No, sir, I haven’t seen her in years, but last I heard she lived here or nearby.”

  He scratched the back of his neck. “Don’t know any Clays. Sorry.”

  “I appreciate your time, sir. I guess I’m not meant to find my Aunt Susan.” Odessa turned and walked toward the door.

  “Miss!” She was almost out the door when the clerk called out to her.

  She turned.

  “Are you certain her last name is Clay?”

  “It was when last I saw her, but as I said, that was quite some time ago.”

  “Do you suppose she might have married? I know a Miz Susan Morgan who shops here on a regular basis.”

  “Would you mind if I ask how old Miz Morgan might be?” Odessa clung to the thread of hope.

  “I don’t rightly know, and I hate to venture a guess about a lady’s age, but she looks to be about late thirties.”

  Her hope broadened with her smile. “That sounds about right. Can you tell me where to find her?”

  “Sure can. Follow Main Street out of town.” He pointed in the direction opposite the one Joshua had taken when they arrived. “When you get to the fork in the road, bear to the right and you’ll see a white fence and gate with a big “M” over it. That’s the Morgan place.”

  “Thank you so much.” Odessa bolted out the door and sprinted down the sidewalk, crossed the street and arrived breathless at the wagon.