Whispers of the Heart

by Woster, Barbara

  “Wow, there’s a singer who goes back about a dozen decades. I know him though. Which song were you talking about?”

  Dalian grinned, and then, in a surprisingly good singing voice, broke into song while helping her mount, “If you’re going through hell,

  keep on going, don’t slow down,

  if you’re scared don’t show it,

  you might get out

  ‘fore the devil even knows you’re there...[2]

  Kat laughed, but then decided to join in; and soon the sound of their voices echoed across the grassland as they rode along to check on the cattle.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

  “How do you keep up with where your cattle are? Didn’t you say once that you have over two hundred acres of land? Yet you somehow managed to bring us straight to them – almost anyway.”

  “No big secret. I radioed ahead and one of my men gave the approximate location of each herd. If you look over yonder a bit, you’ll see a couple of my men keeping watch over this herd.” Dalian lifted his hand and waved, and Kat saw in the far distance a return wave.

  “That’s impressive, but you still have two hundred acres . . . I guess what I’m asking is, how do you know precisely where we are? When you radioed ahead, did your employee say ‘look for the lone tree next to the short snow-covered peak’?”

  Dalian laughed. “Not quite. Harvey and I sectioned off the land into eight twenty-five acre plots. Each one of those is broken down into coordinates so that we can easily maneuver around as needed. So, we have two herds. We rotate them between those sections, giving the grass and plants in each alternate section plenty of time to revivify and flourish. At any given time, several of my men are out here keeping an eye on them – tending to injuries, corralling strays, assisting in deliveries in the spring, and warding off predators – the two greatest of which are wolves and bears. If I need to find them, they just tell me the approximate coordinates in whichever plot the cattle are occupying.”

  “Wow, I have to admit it’s all very impressive. It must keep you very busy indeed.”

  “Takes up a considerable part of my days, yes. Still willing to marry me?”

  “I’ll think about it,” Kat quipped. “If this takes up so much of your time, why run a dude ranch during the spring and summer? I’d think that would be a big hassle.”

  “I’ve been running this ranch for some years now. I can’t imagine doing anything else. Unfortunately, there are times when caring for the cattle costs more than my herd can fetch at market; a market that fluctuates based on the eating habits of the populace in a given year. Remember back in 2035, there was a big push to eliminate beef from the American diet altogether? I nearly lost the ranch that year. If it weren’t for the dude ranch business and governmental subsidies, we wouldn’t be here now. Thank the good Lord above people’s eating habits are as changing as the weather. You aren’t a vegetarian, are you?” Dalian’s question was asked with a nose crinkled in mock antipathy and Kat laughed.

  “Not on your life! I’ll take a tender Ribeye any day of the week, but I like a flaky Tilapia filet just as often. I guess balance is the key.”

  “And you certainly are well balanced.” The tone of Dalian’s voice and the sweep of his gaze appreciatively over her body, made Kat flush. Dalian grinned and then gave Swift a firm ‘whoa’. “We’re nearly there, but I just thought we’d stop here and let the horses get a drink.” He said, and Kat’s focus shifted from thoughts of Dalian’s lovemaking to the breathtaking scenery surrounding her. Dalian had ridden from the valley into a section of Wind River Canyon. The dissimilarity between the valley in which his ranch lie situated and where they sat atop their horses now, was stunning. To their right was a small crystal-clear river snaking its way through a ravine of virtually sheer canyon walls. On either side of the river, wild grasses grew amidst boulders half the size of her previously-owned Honda Fit Hybrid.

  “I love nature.” Kat’s tone held an awe, which held Dalian in awe. He had lived here for so long, he sometimes failed to realize the impact its splendor had on others. “There isn’t anything like this back where I’m from. Growing up, if we ever wanted to see impressive canyons like this, we always assumed we’d have to take a road trip to Arizona. Oh, but don’t get me wrong, we have some really amazing places back east, like Stone Mountain, the Appalachians, and if we want to head north a short spell, there’s the Great Smokies, and Ruby Falls, but...wow, nothing like this. It’s gorgeous.”

  “No, sweetheart. This is majestic. You’re gorgeous.” Dalian laughed at her shy reaction, and then leaned over and planted a quick kiss on her mouth. “Come on. We’re nearly there. Be careful wending your way through. Let the horse take the lead so we don’t have to worry about surefootedness and you taking a tumble into the river. It’s only April, so it will be months before that water rises above frigid.”

  Kat nodded and soon they were ascending to a small ridge on the top of which was a gully of emerald, springy grass. “Is this it? Where we’re going to picnic?” Kat asked enthusiastically.

  The moment Dalian said yes, Kat dismounted with eagerness and dashed over to the rock wall situated atop the ledge of the cliff face. With cautious exuberance, she leaned over the top and glanced down at the way in which they’d climbed. It hadn’t been a steep or lengthy ascent, but the river below seemed much smaller than when they’d ridden beside it. The view from above was even more breathtaking to her than when she’d been down in the ravine. “Oh, Dalian, promise me we can come here frequently.”

  “As this is one of my favorite places to come, that shouldn’t be too difficult a promise to make and keep. Most times though, the weather doesn’t clear up here until June. We got lucky this year. Fair weather started early. I guess you brought the sunshine with you when you came. I know you brightened up my life.” Dalian walked up behind Kat and wrapped his arms about her waist, pulling her flush against him. “Look up there.” He pointed to a bald eagle soaring above the canyon.

  Kat sighed, “I’ve never seen one so close before. Now that’s majestic and gorgeous.”

  “Can’t argue with that zeal.” Dalian laughed, and turned Kat into his embrace. “I have a confession to make.” He whispered, lowering his mouth to brush lightly against her lips. She felt the warmth of his breath as he whispered his confession. “When I brought you out here today, my intentions were anything but honorable.”

  “Is that a fact?” Kat breathed in reply.

  Dalian grinned, “Yes ma’am. In fact, I’d say my thoughts right now are downright impure.”

  “That’s okay. Mine aren’t exactly wholesome.” Kat grinned, but the grin faded quickly as a raging inferno swept through the interior of her body, lighting it with desire. “Make love to me, Dalian.”

  “A stampede couldn’t stop me,” Dalian whispered, and then claimed her mouth in a soul-searing kiss.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

  Cal Withers opportunely disregarded the sheriff’s request to remain on the ranch just one more day, until fingerprint clearances came through. The way he figured it, the rental agency was too accommodating, dropping off his car nearly at sunrise the next morning, which Cal took as a sign that leaving was acceptable. As soon as he signed the requisite paperwork, he quickly packed up his clothing and supplies and began loading it into the trunk. One promise he was able to keep was that he’d leave unnoticed, but that was only because Harvey had the remaining guests out back assisting with clearing away the burned out barn in preparation of the barn building the next day. Some vacation activity that is, he thought, tossing his last piece of luggage in the Dodge Charger.

  After a quick inventory of his room, he loaded himself into the car, and then drove out of the main gate, a swarm of reporters attempting to stick microphones into the opening of his window. He would have pressed the accelerator and gunned it out of the drive in order to get past the annoying questions, but they surrounded his vehicle like an army of ants. When he persisted in inching forward, the mob f
inally parted, and Cal accelerated quickly, glad to put The Heart of the Mountain Dude Ranch in his rearview mirror.

  About forty-five minutes later, he pulled onto 2nd Street in the ramshackle town of Shashoni, parked his car, and walked straight into the Cactus Plains Motel. It was as rundown as the scarcely populated town surrounding it, but he wasn’t planning to stay long. Despite his promise to the sheriff, he only had one purpose for leaving the dude ranch – minus getting some lunch.

  A third tap on the bell sitting atop the peeling linoleum countertop brought an elderly woman from behind a closed door. “You would like a room?” She queried, her voice raspy from what could be age or a recent tracheotomy, a supposition supported by the bandage covering the area of her windpipe. Either way, her outward appearance was even less appealing than the stained carpet lining the foyer, which made him wonder why tourists ever bothered to stop in here on their way to Yellowstone. He wouldn’t be here at all were it not out of necessity. Her next comment lent understanding to his unvoiced musings. “Most people do not stop here when motel row is just about 20 miles southwest from here. So what brings you?”

  “Oh, I was actually heading for my motel when I realized that I was running real low on gas, so thought I would stop in and ask for directions to the nearest station.”

  The old woman quirked her brow, disbelief written on her features. She knew he was lying, but a shrug of her shoulders declared her disinterest, “If you came in on 26, you passed a few gas stations, and you will find more on your way out of Shoshoni.” Her thick accent spoke of the purity of her native blood, but just as she was disinterested in his lies, he could care less about her heritage – or the fact that he could help her out quite a lot financially if he did choose to stay in that particular flea motel.

  “I’ll keep a better look out, but just for my edification, are there any decent places left in this town that serve a hearty meal?”

  Her brow quirked again and she snorted, “You might want to wait until you get to your motel to find good food.”

  “Wait,” Cal called, when she turned to leave, “what about a gun store? You have one around her, right?” Other than the Enterprise rental business, Cal had done some additional surfing online – first, to determine the gun laws in Wyoming, which were surprisingly lenient; also to find a gun store in a town that was more concerned with the dollar than his purpose for needing a weapon. He could have driven around until he located it, but he was far too lazy and in too big a hurry to waste his time.

  The old woman’s brow quirked again, but this time a knowing gleam lit the dark pupils in her eyes. She nodded slightly and cocked her head, indicating he go right, “If it is still in business, there is one on Pine Street, but I do not recall the name.” She turned to leave again, but again Cal bade her wait.

  “Um, I really hate to be a bother, but could you give me an idea where Pine Street is located? I’m afraid my GPS isn’t functioning in my rental car.”

  “It run out of gas too?”

  Cal blushed, but decided not to reply. The woman eyed him for a few minutes more before speaking again, “Turn right out of the parking lot. Stay on 2nd Street. You will see Pine Street a few miles down to your right. Take Pine until you are close to 5th Street. Are those good enough directions for you?”

  “I appreciate your time, ma’am.”

  “Enough to pay for it?” The woman snorted again.

  Cal pulled out his wallet and threw two fifties on the counter, “You have a nice day, ya hear?” He turned and walked from the building, leaving an old native woman standing there wondering who was going to die.

  CHAPTER FORTY

  “Good morning everyone,” Dalian called as he strolled into the dining room early the next morning, his gait as light and cheery as his disposition. “I understand I owe each of you a debt of gratitude.” Forks lowered at his declaration, and all gazes turned in his direction. “Harvey tells me that you folks spent the better part of yesterday clearing out the rumble, while I was out on the range tending to my . . . cattle.” No one but Harvey caught the pause in that explanation, and he quirked a brow at his friend. Cattle my eye, he thought with a smirk. “Anyway, if you folks are able and willing to help a bit more, we’ll be raising us a new barn this morning, with the help of my neighbors. That’s one of the elements of my life I appreciate more than most – the willingness of a neighbor to help another. We have some mighty fine people living around here that you are going to have the pleasure of meeting and working with today. Now, bear in mind, that this isn’t necessarily what you signed on for, so you aren’t under any obligation to assist, but many of you came out here because you wanted to experience what this sort of life was genuinely like. Well, building and repairing our buildings is a daily part of living. And if you need incentive to work today, well our women folk get together to ensure that we men get fed a hearty meal that you can rest assured will be some mighty good eating. And there’s bound to be some fresh-baked homemade pies for dessert.” Murmurs of appreciation sounded at that announcement and Dalian grinned. Yep, he thought, men everywhere are pretty much the same. Mention food, sex, or money and you can get them to do about anything. “And before you go fretting, Miss Chloe, I’m not going to be asking you or Kat to pick up a hammer today, but you’re mighty welcome to help Mrs. Guthrie and the neighbor women in the kitchen, if you’d like. That’s what Kat said she’s gonna do.”

  “That sounds more my speed, for certain.” Chloe said, sighing in relief. “And Dalian, I know you and Harvey are doing everything humanly possible to keep our minds off of what happened to you and Kat, and we appreciate that, but has there been any further news from the sheriff’s office? Weren’t you supposed to hear something sometime today?”

  “I expect to be hearing something from the sheriff this morning, or early afternoon at the latest, but what I don’t expect is that he’ll have anything negative to say about any of you. After all, I can’t see that any of you have acted in a suspicious nature.” Dalian heard murmurs of concurrence, and suddenly appreciated that his assertion comforted him also. Not one person seated in his dining room had been enraged at having their lives turned topsy turvy, had objected overly much at being named a person of interest; had, in fact, worked in concert with Dalian, Harvey, and the sheriff to see things returned to normal as quickly as possible. Each person could have demanded a refund and an end to their vacation, but not one had – except for Cal Withers. It gave him hope for humanity. In fact, he could not recall a time in recent history when turbulence and joy concurrently filled his life. The sense of serenity faded as his ponderings concluded with a ‘yeah, but there is still someone out there who’s determined to do you or Kat harm. And if not one of these people, then who?’ thought.

  He sighed and looked at Harvey, who quickly read the worry in Dalian’s eyes. He stood, “Well, folks, if any of you are willing to get a little sweaty and dirty, we’ll be starting on that barn in about an hour. In the meantime, eat up. You’re gonna need your energy.”

  As soon as everyone refocused on his or her meal, Harvey made his way over to Dalian, “You alright?”

  “I don’t know. At times, it’s easy to forget what happened earlier in the week, and at other times, I feel as if there is a boogieman just in the shadows waiting to catch Kat or me unawares. It’s no way to live, old man.”

  “I agree, and I certainly admire your attempts to keep things running as routine as possible while the sheriff conducts his investigation. Keeping busy is one of the better ways in which to keep thoughts from running amok, that’s for certain. Why don’t you give the sheriff a call and see if he has any comfort to give? I’m especially curious to know if he turned up anything on Mr. Cal Withers.”

  “I was considering giving him a call, but then decided to wait. He’s got a lot of information to wade through and doesn’t need me harping at him. So, what makes you say that about Cal?”

  “Didn’t notice Cal isn’t among the guests this morning? Mrs. Guth
rie said the rooster had only just signaled a start to the day when he was loading up his stuff and driving off. Apparently, the sheriff’s request that he wait here until fingerprint clearance was issued didn’t sink in deep enough. Makes a body wonder as to what secrets he’s running from.”

  Dalian scanned the faces of his guests, but didn’t spot Cal. For the second time in a twenty-four hour span, his curiosity over Cal’s behavior was peaked. First, he acts contrary to a man of his dimensions, and then he bolts against the advice of law enforcement. Both, characteristics of a person with something to hide. “Could he be the assailant?” He asked Harvey. “But, if he is, what is his motivation?”

  “I don’t know whether he is or not, but his behavior is seriously contradictory.”

  “I can’t argue that. Still, it could be simply that he’s behind on child support or something like that. You know how I feel about jumping to conclusions.”

  “Yeah, a person jumping to conclusions is likely to jump into an unseen pile of dung.”

  “Yep, still, it might be best to inform the sheriff of his early departure. See what he has to say about it. Of course, I don’t like to borrow trouble. Could be the man really is a coward in a body-builder’s physique. Being physically fit doesn’t automatically equate a person with bravery.”

  Harvey sighed, “True enough, and if I was to be honest about it, there didn’t seem to be anything off about him. He seemed like a regular Joe Blow; a bit jealous over your relationship with Kat, but I can’t say as I blame him for that. Being jealous doesn’t mean being willing to kill. I mean, look at Marsha and Chloe. Both women would jump into bed with you with just a crook of your finger, but neither would kill another woman just to get there.”

  “True, although I still have my doubts about both women’s mental stability, but I don’t really know enough about Cal to make any sort of assessment. It does make you wonder though. I mean, being a regular Joe Blow doesn’t preclude violent tendencies. Everyone probably said that David Berkowitz, Carroll Cole, Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer[3], and others like them, were just regular guys – and now I’m just psyching myself out.”