Faith in Rayne

by Dannie Marsden

  Soon, Rayne’s fingers wrapped in her hair and guided Maddie's mouth to hers. Kisses that started soft and sweet became fiery and demanding, and soon Maddie's knowledgeable hands were caressing Rayne's body, working their magic. Only when Rayne begged her to stop did they both fall asleep.

  †

  Harry walked into the house after having a few drinks at the saloon with Sheriff Clinton Hawks. The irony didn't escape him. The pure and simple truth was that he enjoyed the sheriff's company and considered him a good friend. A man like himself had few friends. They ended up one of three ways—dead, behind bars, or on the run when the posse got to close.

  Harry stumbled as he made his way from the foyer, caught himself with his arm on the wall, and chuckled as he thought about the life he led. He rode and robbed banks with Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch; he’d married Etta, a woman who understood him and he had a great time with. He was friends with a man that could, at the drop of a hat, have him behind bars, yet had plans to play poker with him the next evening down at the saloon.

  “Oh hell, I gotta tell Etta what I heard at the saloon from the fellas,” he hollered from the bottom of the staircase. He looked up the stairs and hollered louder, “Etta, woman, ain't you curious about what I found out?”

  With his balance impaired, he swayed and caught himself against the wall again.

  Etta appeared at the top of the staircase; her robe tied tightly around her waist and hands firmly on her hips.

  “I guess I don't have to ask where you been.” She angrily brought her arms up from her hips and crossed them in front of her.

  Harry looked up and saw the woman he loved and broke into a lopsided smile. ”There ya are, darlin’. I was just down at the saloon, and woman, I gotta tell ya, I missed ya somethin’ fierce.” He started up the stairs, each step unsteady. Once or twice, his arms flailed as he almost toppled backward, causing Etta to gasp. As he reached the landing, he flashed what he considered to be a damn charming smile. He wrapped his arms around Etta's waist and pulled her into him. “Darlin’ you take my breath away. The girls over at the saloon ain't nothin’ compared to you. How's about you give me a kiss,” he leaned in for that kiss.

  Etta threw her hands up and pushed at his chest, as she turned away from the kiss.

  “What's wrong, darlin’?”

  “You leave to have a talk with Hawks about Maddie, and you come back drunk as a skunk, wantin’ lovin’? I don't think so.”

  “Hell, darlin’, it was only a few drinks.” Harry tried to look repentant.

  “A few drinks and yet you're stumblin’ all over the place. Lord, what would ya be like if you was drunk then?”

  “Oh, I don't know…less charmin’?”

  “Uh huh, well, you’re so charmin’ right now that I can’t stand much more of it. You're sleepin’ in one of the other rooms.”

  “Aw come on, darlin’, don't be like that. I want some company in bed.”

  “Hm, too bad Maddie is already busy doin’ her Christian duty and tendin’ to Rayne. Otherwise, I'm sure she would find you as charmin’ as you seem to believe you are and wouldn't mind keepin’ ya company.” The sarcasm was very clear in her voice.

  “Hey that was uncalled for, don't ya think? I mean, darlin’, for all you know, Maddie is bein’ a sweetheart and ain't lookin’ for nothin’ more than to do a kindness.” Harry smirked as he wiggled his eyebrows.

  Etta sucked in an angry breath and glared at her drunk husband. “You know your way around this house; I suggest you find yourself a bed and sleep it off,” she said in a low, angry voice. She turned in a huff and stormed back to her room, where she slammed the door and turned the key in the lock.

  Once behind the door, she let out an angry, “Ugh.” The crash told Harry she’d, once again, picked up the nearest object and slammed it against the wall. “Jesus Christ, woman, will you stop breakin’ things against our walls? You're not only makin’ a mess, but you're makin’ it impossible for a drunk to pass out.”

  †

  The next morning, Etta was up early making breakfast. She had coffee, bacon and eggs, the whole spread. In part to make Harry feel miserable, but also hoping to apologize for her behavior the night before. Just because he came home drunk didn't mean she had to throw a temper tantrum, and that's what she felt she had done.

  Upstairs, the scents of freshly brewed coffee and cooking bacon reached Harry. Despite a pounding headache and slightly queasy stomach, he had to admit that he was hungry. That might be aided by the fact that he hadn’t eaten supper the night before. With his mouth dry, he sat up and swung his legs over the edge of the bed. “God, I hate cotton mouth.” He rolled his head to ease the crick in his neck that he'd gotten from sleeping on the pillow wrong, then stood up and stretched. As he scratched his head, he wondered how mad Etta was. Judging from the smells coming from the kitchen, he assumed she wasn't that upset. “Well shit, might as well go face the music.”

  Harry made his way into the kitchen, scratching his chin. “Somethin’ smells good. Ya got the coffee ready?” He groggily made his way to the table.

  “You feelin’ alright?” Etta picked up the coffee pot and walked towards the table.

  “Yup, maybe just a touch of a headache, nothin’ serious.”

  “I guess I was a little hard on ya when ya came in. I'm sorry, I…I was just in a horrible mood, and I shouldn't have taken it out on you.”

  “I don't suppose I made it any better. I'm sorry for that, darlin’. I reckon I gave you the impression that I thought you was behavin’ like a jealous female. I just wanna make sure ya know I don't think that at all.”

  “Oh, I know you don't think that. I was just mad ‘cause I know that's what Sheriff Hawks thinks.”

  “Yeah, I suppose he does have that kinda impression, but darlin’, that's an impression he has about all women. We did have a conversation, though, and went over to the saloon.”

  Etta, who had just walked back to the table after putting the coffee pot back on the stove, tilted her head slightly and replied in a sarcastic tone, “Really, I never woulda thought that. I mean, what with you comin’ home drunk and all.”

  “It's a saloon Etta. You know better than anyone, men drink in a saloon, and they talk freely when they drink.”

  “Oh, I know that. I just wasn't in the mood to have you gone most of the night. Did you see Rayne? How is she? Did you talk her into seeing me?”

  “Whoa there, darlin’,” Harry spoke, as he put his hands up and pushed back in his chair. The smile on his face was teasing. “Maddie said that Rayne was sleepin’, so I didn't see her. But, Maddie did tell me that she is startin’ to do better.”

  Etta rolled her eyes. “And it didn't occur to you that Maddie was just tellin’ you she was asleep to keep you from seein’ her?”

  Harry frowned. “I…well, now that you mention it, I suppose so, but now listen. Remember I was tellin’ ya how men talk when there's drinkin’ goin’ on?”

  Etta nodded and paused.

  “Anyway, you might be right about Maddie. Some of the fellas were tellin’ me that she was always lookin’ for ways to be closer to her. Seems to me, if a chance to nurse the good deputy back to health arose, Maddie would jump at that, and she did.”

  “I was right. I knew it!”

  “Yeah, now what are ya gonna do?”

  “That is the question, isn't it?” Etta tapped her fingertip on the table.

  †

  It was a surprise that she realized she didn't have much of a headache, and she was able to move her shoulder with a little less pain than she had experienced. It was then that it dawned on her that she wasn't alone in the bed. Vague memories began to flow back to her, and for once in what felt like forever, Rayne felt normal.

  Chapter Nine

  The days between letters from Rayne had stretched into months. Soon it was springtime again, and Lisbet had grown both tired and frustrated. So much so that she packed herself and Ben, wired Eunice, and caught the train to Colo
rado, specifically Telluride, Colorado.

  It was late when the train arrived, and two tired passengers made their way from the train depot to a house they were told belonged to their friend, Etta. Lisbet, who carried the sleeping toddler in her arms, was grateful that the kind conductor had told her he would send her bags first thing in the morning. She made her way up the steps of the large house and knocked at the door.

  Etta paced the floor as she waited for her guest to arrive. When the knock at the door came, she was already reaching for the doorknob. “Oh my, you have your arms full, don’t you?” She smiled as she stepped back to let Lisbet in. “Harry, come take Ben, please. He has to be heavy. Put him upstairs in the blue room,” she said, as Harry approached.

  “Yup,” Harry stated, as he walked up to Etta. “Ma’am.” He nodded at Lisbet and reached for the little boy. “Come on, little man, let’s get you to bed.”

  “Thank you,” Lisbet replied, as Harry took her son.

  Etta smiled as Harry took the boy. Once Ben was out of Lisbet’s arms, Etta pulled her into a tight hug. “It is so good to see you, Lisbet.”

  “I can’t even begin to tell you how good it is to see you too. Where’s Rayne?” Lisbet looked behind the woman towards the staircase.

  Etta paused. “She isn’t staying here anymore. She has a room at the hotel. I thought she told you.”

  “Oh, well I suppose, it’s possible that the letters and I simply crossed each other.” A huge sense of disappointment washed over Lisbet. She had wanted nothing but to see Rayne and spend the night in the woman’s arms. “I suppose it’s too late to go see her?”

  Etta wrapped her arms around her friend. “Tomorrow will be soon enough. Besides, you’ll wanna be fresh and well rested when ya see her.” Just then, Lisbet heard Harry’s boots on the stairs. “Harry, this here is Lisbet. She is Rayne’s wife and my dear friend, and I might say, a mighty fine cook! Lisbet, this is Harry, my husband.”

  Harry walked towards the two women. As he stopped beside Etta, he reached for Lisbet’s hand and brought it to his lips. “Mighty nice to meet ya. I wanna thank ya for watchin’ out for Etta while she was out travelin’ over your way. I told her I didn’t want her making her way here on horseback. It just ain’t safe. But she don’t listen ta no one. I’m surprised you and Rayne were able to get her to listen to some sense.”

  Lisbet smiled tiredly. “Yes, well, it worked to our advantage. I was pleased that Rayne had a friend and a place to stay once here. I have to admit that I was worried about her being here alone while she worked to set up the new homestead.”

  “I’m sorry, I have some dinner set aside for you in the oven. I didn’t know how late you’d be or if you’d be hungry,” Etta spoke quickly.

  “I’m starving and afraid my face would end up in my plate.”

  “Come on. I’ll get it for you; you have to at least try to eat something. How about some coffee?” Etta spoke in a motherly tone, as she led her friend to the kitchen. Harry followed with his hands in his pants pockets.

  Etta and Lisbet caught up with each other’s lives and how big Ben had gotten, and Lisbet and Harry got to know each other a bit better while Lisbet ate. It wasn’t long, however, before Etta’s motherly instinct kicked in and she hushed Harry. “That’s enough. Lisbet here has had a long few days. Can’t you see she’s about to fall asleep right there? You head on up to bed. We can talk more tomorrow, Lisbet. Harry, show her to her room while I take care of these dishes, will ya?”

  “Oh, let me help you,” Lisbet began only to be hushed. Harry chuckled, as he scooted his chair back, waiting for the ensuing argument from Etta to end, then led their guest up to her room.

  †

  Lisbet woke before the sun was even up and quickly got dressed. She was too eager to see Rayne to wait. After the short walk to town, she inquired as to where she could find Rayne and soon she was standing at Rayne’s hotel room door.

  She knocked and turned the knob. Her heart dropped to the pit of her stomach, as she saw the love of her life pulling on her jeans. Rayne’s shirt hung open, and behind her, stretched out on the bed, was a redhead who looked flushed and out of breath.

  “I'm sorry…I shouldn't have come.” She tried to muster some dignity and hide her pain from her voice.

  †

  The couple had been lying in bed catching their breath when the knock on the door sounded. With a groan, Maddie pouted, “No don't, whoever it is will leave if ya don't answer.”

  “I got to. It could be the sheriff needin’ me.” Rayne swung her legs over the edge of the bed, reaching for her shirt which she tossed on. She was pulling her jeans up when the door opened.

  †

  “Lisbet…” Rayne instantly knew who the woman was and realized she was the woman that occupied her dreams. She knew, instinctively, that she had just messed up her life and that of the beautiful blonde who stood in front of her.

  “Rayne baby, who is that?” Maddie called from the bed.

  Instantly, anger welled up inside Rayne. “Shut up,” she hollered over her shoulder at the redhead.

  Lisbet was shaking as she turned away. “No, Lisbet, don't go, please…” Rayne called to the retreating woman.

  “Oh, let her go and come back to bed.” Maddie patted the bed next to her.

  Rayne turned and stared at the woman in the bed, her eyes flashing anger. “Get out,” she said through clenched teeth.

  “What did I do? Come on baby; I'll make you feel better.” Maddie propped herself on her elbow.

  “I said get out.” Rayne walked towards the bed picking up the dress that was on the floor and throwing it on the bed.

  “You seriously want me to leave?” Maddie seemed somewhat astonished.

  “Now.” Rayne pointed to the door.

  Maddie got out of bed in a huff. “I don't know what your issue is, but this is very unbecoming of you.” She slipped on her dress and stormed out, leaving Rayne standing in the room, feeling sick to her stomach.

  †

  “She didn't tell you she would be entertainin’ women there?” Lisbet asked.

  “No…She neglected to mention that.” Etta looked at her hands.

  “She was pullin’ on her shirt; her jeans weren't all the way buttoned. While the redhead stayed in bed, loungin’ like she was waitin’ for Rayne to get back into bed with her. She even said, ‘Baby come on back to bed,’ while I was standin’ there.” Lisbet looked at Etta, her eyes shining with tears. “How could she do this to us?” She lost the battle to keep her tears from falling.

  “I don't know. Lisbet, I couldn't go carryin’ tales, not knowin’ if they was true or not.”

  Lisbet swallowed hard, as she wiped away the falling tears. “How long…”

  Etta closed her eyes, as she heard the question being asked. She smoothed the skirt of her dress, as she sat on the bed next to Lisbet and took the woman’s hand. “I suspected. I didn’t want to say anything in case I was wrong.”

  “I asked how long,” Lisbet repeated, as anger began to creep into her voice.

  “Lisbet, I don’t think it really matters…”

  “Oh Jesus, just answer my question. How long has it been goin’ on?” Lisbet stood and walked towards the window that overlooked a meadow.

  “I’m not sure. Sometime after her shootout with the ones that killed Horace, I suppose.”

  “Rayne was in a shootout?” Lisbet whirled around, her eyes wide in shock.

  “You didn’t know…oh God. She told me that Rayne had gotten all your letters and that she’d written to you. I assumed Rayne had told you.”

  “She didn’t, so now you get to tell everything you know.” Lisbet crossed her arms.

  Etta took a deep breath and began, “It was close to six months ago, I suppose. Horace, a local miner, hit a fairly rich vein and was flashin’ money and tellin’ anyone who would listen about the gold in his mine shaft. During a friendly game of cards, Rayne got the feeling that a couple of boys were up to no good.
So she kept an eye on ‘em. When Horace left and they followed, well, she followed too.

  “When she got to Horace’s cabin, she was too late; they’d already killed Horace and were getting ready to ride off. There was a shootout. Rayne managed to kill one immediately, but the other got away and ambushed Rayne. He shot her, and she took a blow to her head on a rock. The bullet went straight through her shoulder, but the doc was pretty worried about the bump on her head. I…I didn’t know how bad the injury to her head was. Maddie wouldn’t let me see Rayne much.” Etta looked at Lisbet. “Maddie took it upon herself to be Rayne’s nurse and protector. Lisbet, I tried. I stopped by to see Rayne every day, and there was always some reason that I couldn’t go in. I don’t trust her any farther than I can throw her. She’s pushy and, if ya ask me, a no-good trollop.”

  Lisbet took a deep breath. “Maybe, but Rayne…still, I found her…them…they clearly had just enjoyed each other. I don’t know that I can forgive this.” A tear slid down her cheek.

  †

  Rayne’s headache was back full force as she paced her room. Bits and pieces of memories were starting to float back to her. With each piece, she felt sicker to her stomach. She reached for the brown bottle, took a drink and stared out her window as her thoughts whirled. With frustration, she reached for her hat and stormed out of her room.

  Rayne found herself at Harry and Etta’s door. Without much thought, she pounded on the solid wood.

  When the door opened, she found herself face to face with Etta. “I need to see her.”

  “Don’t you think you’ve caused enough hurt for one day?” Etta stood in the doorway with her arms crossed.