James took a deep breath and gripped her slender shoulders, forcing her to look at him. “The trip is off for you, Jess,” he announced bluntly.
Jessie’s jaw dropped. The trip off? Staring at the glum expressions surrounding her, she noted the misery and guilt etched in each of their faces. “What do you mean—” Just then his exact words sank in, and she whirled around to glare at James. “What do you mean, the trip is off for me?” she demanded, planting her hands on her hips.
James refused to meet her accusing glare. She turned to Jordan, who brushed mud off his boots, and Jeremy suddenly seemed fascinated by a small brown spider dangling from the roof. “You’re going without me?” she cried incredulously. Her temper erupted as she stormed across the wooden floor. “What’s wrong, James? Afraid I won’t make it? You know I’m tough. I’m not one of them soft, lily-livered town girls. I work hard, as hard as any of you, and you know it!”
A hand at her elbow stopped her tirade. She stared into Jeremy’s worried gaze. “Shut up and listen for a minute, Jess,” he beseeched, holding his hands out, palms up. “It’s not our fault. We have no choice!”
Jordan joined them. “Do you remember why we agreed to help Able Bennett drive his cattle west?”
Jessie yanked away from Jeremy, her eyes stormy as she glared at all of them. “Of course I remember. With the money the three of you earn and what we save because your food is provided, we’ll have us a nice bit of cash to start new in Oregon. Stop treating me as if I were a dim-witted clod. We’re only waiting for the prairie grass to reach four inches and the mud to harden before we leave.”
She paced as she ticked off all the preparations she’d done over the long winter. “I’ve spent my days gentling and training the oxen, painting the wagon, sewing the double-thickness canvas cover and both tents as well as waterproofing all that canvas. All that’s left to do is pack the wagon and buy my share of the provisions.” Out of breath, she stopped, her hands digging into her hips.
“Well, what you don’t know, little sister, is Wolf…” Jeremy stopped and turned away. “Hell,” he muttered under his breath. “I can’t tell her.”
“Tell me what? Who’s Wolf?” she asked. The first feelings of fear snaked up her spine when James gave her his laying-down-the-law look mingled with a mixture of regret and sorrow.
“Able broke his leg and can’t go,” he announced grimly.
Jessie gasped. “How terrible,” she said. “But what does that have to do with me?”
“Able found another wagon master, a half-breed by the name of White Wolf.” James brushed his hat against one thigh.
“So?”
James stared out into the darkness, his shoulders hunched, as if the weight of the world sat on them. “Wolf set his own rules. He’s agreed to take Able’s cattle and a handful of wagons to Oregon. The bad news is he won’t allow any unmarried women in his party, says he doesn’t want trouble with unattached females on the trail.”
“But we’re family! Surely the rule doesn’t apply to families?”
“Jess, Wolf made himself very clear. No marriageable girls, period, and as much as I hate to admit it, you’re a young woman of marriageable age.”
Jessie hugged her arms to her chest, desperately trying to absorb the news.
“Please try to understand, Jess. On such short notice, he’s the only experienced guide Able trusts to deliver his cattle, and he’s got to get the herd on the trail or risk them not reaching Oregon before winter sets in.”
Jessie walked to the far end of the porch, stunned that her brothers planned to go without her. James followed and tried to put his arm around her, but she shrugged him off and moved away. “Fine, let this White Wolf find someone else to drive the cattle. We’ll go later.” Desperation laced her voice. “We can’t split up. There’ll be other parties forming.”
James shook his head, his eyes clouding with regret and sadness. “We can’t, Jess, and you know it. The house is sold, and the Ballouses only agreed to let us stay on until Able is ready to roll.”
Jessie closed her eyes and thought hard. “Then we’ll stay in town. It won’t be for long.”
Again, James shook his head. “We have jobs to pay our way west. We can’t pass up this opportunity. We have no choice but to accept Wolf’s conditions.”
Jessie stared at Jeremy and Jordan. “Tell James he can’t split us up,” she demanded of her siblings. To her dismay, they all refused to meet her incredulous gaze. A deep and searing hurt made breathing difficult. “How can you break your promise to keep us together?” She turned away so they wouldn’t see how perilously near tears she was.
How could they do this to her? How could they even think of leaving her behind? Didn’t family mean anything to them? If they separated, there was a good chance they’d never see each other again. What if something happened to them and she never found out? She’d heard stories of that happening. She blinked back her tears and didn’t see Jordan sneak into the house or James back away as he imparted the last of his news.
“It won’t be for long, Jess. There are several other families who can’t go for the same reason. Able sent for his brother, who’s agreed to come and take the rest of the party west. It won’t be long before he arrives from St. Louis. You’re going to come out with another family. You might even catch up with us.”
Jessie glanced over her shoulder at James and caught the look he and Jeremy exchanged. Her eyes narrowed. She had a bad feeling about this. “Who?” she asked, watching James twist his hat in his hands. He took two steps back.
“I’ve, uh, made arrangements for you to join the Smiths.”
“The Smiths?” she screeched, all hurt and fear of the future gone in a blinding flash of fury. “You can’t be serious, James. Not the Smiths, with that stuck-up Mary Jane or her disgusting brother Robbie?” Jeremy ducked into the house, leaving Jessie to stare at James, her face a mask of disbelief and horror.
When he didn’t deny it, tears of betrayal slid down her cheeks. “You can’t do this to me,” she shouted, stomping her foot and throwing her arms out to her sides. “I won’t travel with them. Robbie is filthy and disgusting.” She closed her eyes and shuddered at the thought of enduring close quarters with the slovenly boy whose clumsy attempts at courtship were annoying at the least and ridiculous at best.
When she opened her eyes, James was gone, leaving her alone with her rage. Jessie swore a blue streak, her emotions warring between anger, feelings of abandonment and the worst hurt she’d ever endured. Stunned, she leaned her elbows on the wooden rail and stared out into the heavy darkness. Her world had collapsed around her feet like a poorly constructed shanty.
She wiped at the moisture running down her cheeks and narrowed her eyes. James might think the matter settled, but it was far from decided, she told herself, her mind racing. She’d always been able to change their minds. Why should this time be any different? One by one, she’d sway her brothers to her side and then, as a team, they’d convince James to wait.
A soft whine followed by a wet nose nudging her hand interrupted her thoughts. Jessie looked down to see Sadie standing with her two front paws on the lower rail, her devoted gaze up on her mistress. Near her feet, Jessie noticed her misshapen hat. Sadie loved to fetch her hat whenever she tossed it aside. That small, normal gesture of love calmed her. She bent down to hug her beloved pet, then plopped her hat crookedly onto her head. Staring out into the darkness, Jessie let stubborn determination chase away her fear of the future. “Sadie, we’re going with them,” she vowed. “We’ll find a way.”
Chapter Three
Sitting on the bank of the Missouri River the next afternoon, Jessie hunched her shoulders against the chilly breeze that swept through the trees. Above her, shiny green leaves rustled, and small greenish flowers drooping from catkins showered down upon her. She scooped a handful from the ground and threw them into the wind.
“There’s got to be a way,” she repeated as she leaned against the dull gray
bark of the tree. Her thoughts returned to the previous evening. No amount of coaxing or threatening, tears or outbursts of temper had changed her brothers’ minds. For the first time in her young life, she had not been able to sway even one of them to her side. Even her close bond with Jeremy had failed to earn his support.
This morning had been no different. She’d failed. She felt sick and miserable. How could they turn their backs on her? They were family. Families were loyal to one another. Families stuck together through thick and thin. At least that was what she’d always believed—until now, until money and convenience had superceded blood ties.
Jessie felt as though her whole world had been turned upside down with one little sentence. The trip is off for you. Over and over, the words hovered over her like a winter’s storm, leaving her cold and desolate inside.
Low growls erupted from Sadie’s throat. Jessie jumped to her feet and snatched the coiled bullwhip from her belt. Wiping the tears from her eyes, she glanced around and spotted an old man sitting upon an equally venerable-looking horse. The nag nervously eyed the growling dog. Jessie narrowed her gaze.
“Stop right there, old man. Who are you and what do you want?” she demanded, moving away from the tree trunk at her back. She remained wary, her fingers curled around the handle of her whip as she stared into faded blue eyes and a weather-beaten face framed by a shock of white hair.
The old man nudged his mount forward but stopped when she uncoiled the whip. For good measure, Jessie gave Sadie a hand signal. The dog responded by stepping forward, teeth bared. With the daily influx of strangers to Westport, it paid to be careful.
“Mean ya no harm, lad. Name’s Rook.” He leaned forward, peering down at her. After an intense moment, he lifted a brow, then sat back.
“Keep your distance,” she warned, taking two steps back when she saw the recognition dawn that she was no lad. She whistled through her teeth. Shilo trotted back from where she’d been grazing near the river’s edge. Jessie felt more secure with her horse beside her. If the stranger’s horse was as old as it looked, there’d be no way he’d catch her on Shilo.
The stranger continued to stare at her and scratch his head, leaving tufts of hair standing on end. “Beggin’ yer pardon, but you’s a lass, if’n I’m not mistaken.”
Jessie swallowed. There was nothing in his eyes to make her fear him, yet she had the feeling he was seeing far more than she wanted anyone to see. She felt vulnerable, naked. Vaulting into the saddle, she backed her mare away.
“Wait, lass, can’t help noticin’ you was cryin’. Sometimes helps ta talk, ya know.”
When Jessie remained wary and watchful, Rook held his arms out to his sides. Fringe dangled from his arms. “Look at me, lass. I’m jest an ol’ man, don’t even carry a weapon on my person.” He patted the old horse’s scrawny neck. “Me and Bag-o’-Bones here is jest out for a quiet afternoon ride.” He drew out a pipe from his shirt pocket. “Whatever you’s been cryin’ ’bout can’t be all that bad.”
“What would you know about it, old man?” Anger and desperation caused the words to come out harsher than she’d intended. When a cloud of pain dulled the sparkle in his blue gaze, she felt like a heel. She had no business taking her problems out on others. She opened her mouth to apologize, but the old man smiled sadly at her.
“Forgive a nosy old man, but ya remind me of someone very special. My dear, sweet Anabella had jewel-green eyes that flashed jest like yours whenever she got her dander up,” he whispered.
Instinct told her she had nothing to fear from the sad-looking man before her. She relaxed her hold on her whip. She regretted her previous words. “I had no cause to snap at you. Forgive me.”
He fingered his white beard while the two of them took stock of each other. Then he filled his pipe and lit it. “Mebbe I can help if ya tells me what’s got ya feeling so down. Some young lad, I’ll wager.” His eyes twinkled as he puffed on his pipe.
Jessie rolled her eyes. “You’re close, old man, ’cept it’s three rotten men, to be exact.”
His jaw dropped and his bushy brows lifted. She sighed and nudged Shilo forward. “Fine. You want to know? I’ll tell you. I’m heading into Westport. You can ride with me if you like, but mind you keep your distance,” she warned, keeping her whip loosely coiled in her hand.
Nudging his horse forward and maintaining a respectful distance between them, the stranger drew deeply on his pipe, then released the woodsy scent of tobacco. “Call me Rook, lass. What’s yer name?”
“Jessica,” she answered, signaling Sadie to walk between them, “but most folk just call me Jessie.”
“Well, now, who are these men who’ve left ya lookin’ like ya lost yer best friend?”
“My brothers, James, Jordan and Jeremy.”
“And what’d they do ta make their pretty li’l sister cry?”
Surprised, Jessie stopped and fixed her narrowed gaze on Rook to see if he was making fun of her. After all, she knew she wasn’t pretty. Staring into his face, she was startled to find he was serious. She grunted and clucked at Shilo. Obviously his eyesight wasn’t very good, she thought with a disappointed sigh.
“Me and my brothers were all set to go to Oregon, but our wagon master, Able Bennett, broke his leg. He found someone else, but it seems the new wagon master won’t allow single women to go—which leaves me out.” Her voice hitched and a thread of bitterness crept into her voice. “My dear brothers are going without me.”
Rook drew on his pipe and lowered his brows. “They’s leavin’ you behind?”
Staring straight ahead, she was tempted to let Rook think her brothers were abandoning her, but she couldn’t. Deep down, she knew it wasn’t their fault that the rules had changed. Nor could she blame them for making the best business decision they could, but accepting it didn’t ease the hurt she felt.
“I’m supposed to follow later, after a new guide is hired.” Her lips twisted with renewed disgust. No way was she coming out with the Smiths. She’d go alone if necessary! “James says he can’t pass up the opportunity to work their way west. The money he and the others earn will help us get a new start.”
“Makes sense, lass. Doesn’t sound like they’s jest leavin’ you.”
Jessie closed her eyes. Rook was right, but the fear remained. “You don’t understand. We’re family. After our parents died, my brothers promised no one would ever separate us, yet they’re allowing this White Wolf to do just that. What if something happens to them while we’re separated? There’s so many dangers, unknowns.”
She whispered her greatest fear: “I can’t bear the thought of arriving in Oregon and not finding them. Anything could happen. I’ve heard lots of stories of relatives who’ve never learned the fate of their loved ones after they left. We have to stick together. No one can separate us. I won’t let them. I’m going. You’ll see,” she finished, defiantly lifting her chin.
Rook stared at her for a long time. “Do ya believe in fate, lass?”
Jessie frowned.
“Sometimes fate is unkind, but ofttimes when things look their bleakest and you’ve lost all hope, somethin’ good comes along. Ya jest have to be patient and watch for it. And when it comes, you grab it with both hands. Understand?”
“If fate is Able breaking his leg and causing this mess, then I have to say it’s cruel. Besides, can you honestly tell me fate has always been kind to you?”
Rook stopped, his piercing gaze holding hers, inviting her to glimpse another brief flash of sadness that he didn’t bother to hide. “No, lass, Lady Fate hasn’t always been kind to me, but there’s no use wallowin’ in self-pity. It don’t change a damn thing. Secret is ta take the hand fate deals you and play it the best ya can.”
Jessie bowed her head under his gentle rebuke. Still, what he said might make sense, but she just couldn’t sit by and watch her brothers leave. Too much was at stake. “I can’t just give up.”
“No one said anythin’ ’bout givin’ up, lass.”
> “What do you suggest I do? I’ve spent all night and day trying to think of a way either to go or to change their minds.”
Rook grinned, the sparkle back in his eyes. “Mebbe you’re tryin’ too hard, lass. Sometimes help comes from unexpected quarters. I suggest you relax and see what happens. Watch and listen. If you’s meant to go, a way’ll open up. You jest make sure you’re ready to take it.”
They traveled the rest of the way to town in companionable silence. Jessie contemplated Rook’s advice. Perhaps he was right. If she went to the social tonight, maybe she’d discover something that would help in her quest to go west.
It was dark by the time Jessie and Rook parted company on the outskirts of town. She turned and waved goodbye to her new friend, then headed for the Belshaws’ barn. When she arrived, fiddle music already filled the air, along with the jaunty sound of several mouth organs. She smiled. Her brothers were inside.
Still dressed in her worn blue jeans with holes in the knees, a flannel shirt and scuffed boots, she tethered Shilo to a nearby tree, then ordered Sadie to stay. Squaring her shoulders, she headed toward the barn, where light and laughter spilled out into the dark night. Keeping to the shadows, she made her way to the wide-open door and peered in, scanning the crowd for her brothers. James and Jeremy stood on a makeshift stage along with several other men with fiddles. She glanced around but didn’t see Jordan. Slipping inside, she kept to herself.
As the minutes passed, her hopes sank. And after an hour of listening to conversations concerning health, poor winters and bleak futures, she’d had enough. There was nothing to be learned here. Time was running out. Her lips trembled. Exhaustion swept over her as she watched her brothers play, stamping their feet and yelling as if they had no worries.
Saddened, she pressed her lips together and hurried toward the exit. Once outside, she stopped and glanced over her shoulder. What a wasted trip, she thought glumly. Not only had she not learned anything useful, she hadn’t even seen Elliot. Maybe he hadn’t come in case she showed up. That thought was even more painful.
White Wolf Page 3