Eagerness was in her voice as the blonde asked, “When?”
“As soon as possible. I’ll work on it next week.”
“You promise?”
Jessie made a large X over her heart. “I swear it on my life and honor.”
“Then I accept your bargain, big sister.”
The two women stared at each other as different and matching emotions filled them.
Captain Graham and a troop of soldiers stopped by near dusk. “We were chasing renegades west of here, so I thought we’d stop by to see how you’re doing. Toby told me about Jed’s death. I’m real sorry, Miss Jessie. He was a good man. You had any more trouble since then?”
“None yet, but Fletcher will be at us again soon. He won’t give up. Why don’t you camp here for the night? It might give us another day of reprieve. Some of your men can find bunks with the boys, and the others can use the barn. I’ll tell Hank to prepare you a good supper.”
“That’s real kind of you, Miss Jessie. If there’s any—”
“Fire!” Davy shouted as he galloped toward them. “South pasture’s ablaze!”
Panic shot through Jessie. “We have to get it out fast. The wind’s blowing in this direction. As dry as the grass and mesquites are, it’ll spread fast. You know what to do, boys. Let’s go.”
“We’ll help,” Captain Graham said. “Tell us what to do.”
“Leave some of your men here as guards. Fletcher’s skilled at luring us away with trouble so he can attack here. Get everything ready, boys. There isn’t much water down that way with this dry spell.”
They saw the billowing smoke and leaps of red dancers long before they reached the scene. Range fires were hazardous, as they engulfed anything and everything in their path: stock, structures, fences, and people. They could travel swifter than a speedy landslide and sometimes prevent riders or stock from escaping. The blaze was greedy as it feasted on the nourishing landscape. Where the mesquites were dense, fire created a wall of flames. It licked at wilted vegetation and consumed it, then jumped to its next meal. They knew, if it got worse, it would be impossible to control.
Matt and Jessie shouted orders to the soldiers who joined her hands to battle the roaring blaze. Where it had passed, smoldering wood and blackened land was left behind. Hot air blasted across their faces and bodies. Smoke hindered vision and breathing. This could turn her land into ashes, and Jessie wondered why Fletcher would damage the property he craved.
Horses with plows were used to furrow breaks to prevent the fire’s spread. Men labored to groove the endangered area as quickly as possible, and worked to calm the horses that were balking in fear. Between the rows, others set control blazes to battle fire with fire.
Jessie and Matt rode around the waving ocean of flames to see how large and fast it was. Men tossed shovels of smothering dirt or buckets of water from barrels on wagons onto the fiercest sections. Trees and bushes had to be allowed to burn because it was too hot to get close enough to chop them down. Two men drove back and forth between the blaze and the nearest windmill. It took a long time to fill the barrels, as the water table was low.
Jessie was frantic as she watched and listened to the ravaging monster at work. The men couldn’t seem to gain control of the surging blaze. Before a break could be finished in one area, the freedom-seeking flames were leaping in another direction as if trying to outsmart and outrun them. The main tasks were stopping the spread northward toward the settlement and westward toward the clustering, terrified stock. The Calamity River—which would protect Fletcher’s land from his mischief despite its lowered level—was southeast. Yet they all knew that the farther south one traveled, the hotter and drier the terrain. If the fire got into that area, there was no telling how fast and far it would journey.
Jessie heard the crackling and popping of dry bush and limbs as they fell prey to this vicious predator. She and Matt dismounted and grabbed shovels. They worked with the others to slow its progress. She coughed and sneezed as smoke wafted into her nose and mouth. She yanked off her bandanna and tied it over them, but it didn’t make breathing any easier in the searing heat. Her eyes stung and teared; she constantly blinked to clear and soothe them. She knew Ben, her faithful paint, would not panic and leave her in danger in case she had to escape the surging flames. She was grateful the soldiers had arrived in time to help.
Dusk closed in around them, but they didn’t need light to see their task. Flames brightened the darkening sky like a million lanterns. Men shouted over the noise of the job at hand, and horses whinnied and pawed the ground in fright. Suddenly a loud crash was heard.
Jessie halted and looked up. It came again, louder and longer. It sounded like tin being shaken violently or the roaring of a cannon in the distance. The heavens bellowed again, then sent lightning zigzagging across it. “A storm!” she shouted, “Hurry, God, with the rain; we need it desperately.”
Matt checked the ominous sky. “It’s moving in fast, Jessie, without warning. I just hope bolts don’t strike and set off more blazes.”
“Don’t even say that, Matt,” she murmured in horror.
The crashing of thunder increased. The wind picked up. More jagged flashes of light flickered across the sky. The noise bammed and echoed across the land. The air seemed to vibrate from it. The volume grew louder and closer. Wisps of dark-auburn hair blew into Jessie’s eyes, and she pushed them aside. One boom caused her to jump and gasp. As if sensing their peril, the flames raced to consume as much terrain as possible before nature called a halt.
The arid land seemed to pop and crackle from the heat of the weather and that of the fire. The tension in the air was palpable. The rumbling moved closer and louder. The lightning grew in frequency and length. The wind was brisk, but sultry. Drops of rain began to splatter on them and on the parched and blackened ground. Within minutes, the heavens opened and sent down a deluge of water. Flames sizzled and smoked in protest. Some areas hissed like venomous snakes or furious cats. Blazes died. Quickly soaked, the exhausted and filthy people halted their labors to let nature control itself.
“Pass the word along,” Matt shouted. “Gather the equipment and animals. Let’s head back. This storm is going to be a bad one. Careful with those tools; we don’t want them drawing down lightning. Let’s get to cover.”
Rain came down in a furious rush. It created black mud that spattered their sooty boots and pants. They were drenched, but shouting joyously in relief. The drops came down so heavy and hard that they could hardly see, even though hats shielded their eyes from the streaming liquid. It didn’t help that darkness—now that the fire was snuffed—surrounded them and no moon was in sight. They hurried to collect their tools and get back to shelter.
“Shouldn’t be any more trouble tonight, not with this storm raging,” Matt remarked as they mounted. “I’ll get some of the boys to check on the stock. We don’t want this storm setting off another stampede.”
“Will you take care of our guests, Matt? Make sure they get cleaned up and fed good. All I want is hot coffee, a long bath, and a cozy bed.”
“Everything’s fine, Gran. The storm put it out. The Lord gave us plenty of help tonight with those soldiers and rain.” As thunder and lightning ripped and roared over the house, Jessie took a deep breath. “It’s a bad one.”
“Usually is after being so hot and dry this long. You all right, Jessie?”
The redhead hugged her grandmother and smiled, then realized how filthy she was. “I got you dirty, Gran; sorry. I’m doing fine. This will perk up everything and refill our water supply. I was getting worried.”
“I know, child, but the good Lord always steps in when we need Him most. We’ll make it, Jessie; you’ll see. You couldn’t have a better man at your side than Matt. He’ll help take care of us and the ranch.”
Jessie smiled again. “We’re lucky he came back after the war. He’s the best foreman and friend we could have. You go on to bed. It’s late, and I know you’re tired. Hank said you helpe
d him cook supper for all the men. Thanks.”
“I saved you a plate. It’s in the warming oven.”
“Sounds good, but I need a bath first. I have to get this smoke and soot out of my hair before I turn in.”
“I figured you would. There’s water heating and a fire going in Jed’s room so you can dry your hair before bed. A nip of whiskey to relax you wouldn’t hurt, either.”
Jessie laughed. “I had the same idea. I’ll get cleaned up, then eat and dry my hair before I sneak a nip. Don’t worry about this dirt I’m tracking in; I’ll mop it up later.”
Jessie kissed Gran’s cheek and watched her enter the room across from Mary Louise’s. The blonde hadn’t come out to check on the fire and its results, and Jessie knew her sister was curled in her bed dreaming of her departure. Mary Louise was a sound sleeper, so the redhead didn’t doubt she was slumbering peacefully. Yet, she wanted to check on her brother.
Jessie slipped up the stairs and peeked into his room. Tom had left a lantern low to chase away the darkness. “You asleep?” she whispered.
“Nope. Is it done?” he questioned as he sat up.
Jessie explained what had taken place. “You get to sleep and we’ll talk more in the morning. I’m drop-dead tired. I’ll hug you tomorrow; if I did now, I’d get you filthy, too. I can’t wait to scrub all the dirt off. Good night, Tom.”
“Jessie, you think Fletcher will try to kill you too? He knows that me, Gran, and Mary Louise couldn’t hold out against him but that you could.”
Jessie gazed at his freckled face of concern. His green eyes were squinted to see her better without his glasses. Having removed her soiled gloves, she ruffled his wine-colored hair and coaxed, “Don’t worry about me, Tom. Matt and the other men will protect me. We’re on guard better now.”
The youth hugged her around the waist and nestled his cheek against her stomach. “I wish Navarro was here. He’d kill him for us.”
Jessie returned the hug and kissed the top of his head. “So do I, Tom.”
The boy looked up at her and asked, “Why did he have to leave?”
“Papa fired him and ordered him off the place, Tom. It was a mistake, but Papa thought he was doing what was best for all of us.”
“It was wrong. Mary Louise is bad. She lied. Navarro was my friend.”
“I know, Tom, but bad things happen sometimes. You must be brave and strong. Soon we’ll defeat Fletcher, and everything will be good again.”
“I miss him, Jessie.”
She didn’t know if he meant their father or Navarro or both. “Me, too, Tom. I’ll let you in on a little secret,” she whispered, then told him about her bargain with Mary Louise. “I hate for her to leave, but she isn’t happy here.”
“I’m not sorry. She makes everybody unhappy.”
“One day you’ll understand her better. She has problems, too, problems inside that we can’t see. When she gets them straightened out, she’ll be a good person again.”
“I hope she don’t come back until she’s well.”
“She won’t; I’m sure of it. Now, get to sleep, young man. I love you.”
“I love you, too, Jessie. I’ll pray like Gran says for you to be safe.”
“I can use all the prayers you can send up, Tom. We all can. Good night.”
Jessie took a bath in the water closet off the kitchen and washed her hair. She dried herself off and donned a soft nightgown. She nibbled at the food Gran had left for her, then put it aside. She wasn’t really hungry. She poured a small glass of her father’s finest whiskey and took it to her new room, where she tossed a comforter on the floor before a glowing fire, glad the heat outside had lessened as the storm forced cooling windows shut. She brushed her wet tresses and sipped the fiery liquid. Tom’s mention of Navarro had seared her heart as the flames had seared her land.
Jessie remembered she had left her drenched and smelly clothes on the floor in the water closet. She took a candle and went to toss them on the back porch. She unlocked and opened the outside door and dropped them there. Before she could close it, Navarro appeared before her. She did not cry out, but she did almost drop the candle in surprise. Light flickered over his dripping face and soaked garments. She blinked to check her vision.
They stared at each other until a bolt of lightning and clap of thunder startled them back to reality.
Jessie smiled and murmured, “You’re home.” She went into his arms and sealed her mouth to his. She didn’t care that her gown was getting wet. Her heart raced in joy and her body flamed with desire. Another crack of thunder and flash of brilliant light parted them. “Come inside.”
He shook his head. “Your father will be furious, Jess.”
“He’s dead. He was murdered last week.” Her eyes filled with tears at the sympathy on his face, but she cut him off before he could speak. “I’m staying in his room now. Let’s talk there. So much has happened.” She grasped his hand, and they sneaked inside. Jessie locked the bedroom door and turned to let her senses absorb his presence.
She placed the candle on a stand and went into his arms again. “I’ve missed you so much. I was afraid you’d never come back. It’s been weeks.”
As he held her, he asked softly, “What happened to your father, Jess?”
She related everything that had taken place since his departure, and felt him tense with anger. By the time she finished, her emotions were running so high that she was crying softly in his embrace. “I needed you so much.”
The desperado stroked her damp hair and cuddled her in his arms. “I’m here now, tsine. I won’t let him hurt you again. I’ll kill him this time.”
Jessie looked up at him. “Where have you been? I didn’t know where or how to reach you.”
Navarro’s hand pushed her wet hair off her face. “I’ve been spying on Fletcher’s men. I watched them rustle those steers a few days after the trouble with your sister, then followed them to the border. There’s a sort of way station across the river. Men were waiting there to take the cattle and drive them on into Mexico. I trailed the others back to Fletcher’s ranch and saw him meeting with them. He’s guilty all right. I can identify everyone involved, but I can’t go to the sheriff. He wouldn’t believe me without proof.” He took a deep breath. “I got close enough to hear what they were saying. Fletcher was expecting a big payroll delivery the next day, so I ambushed his men and took it off their hands. I buried it just north of your ranch.” He described the location in detail.
“If you ever need money, it’ll be there. I can’t get caught with it. After I robbed his men, I figured it was best to lay low about a week. I wanted to contact you, Jessie, but I knew your father would be furious if I showed my face again. When it was safe, I went back to Fletcher’s for more spying. Nothing appeared to be going on, so I headed to town for supplies and ammo while it was quiet. I have to stay ready to pull out after I get him. I rested up at that line shack, then came here to tell you good-bye before I kill him and leave for good.”
Jessie went over what had happened after the robbery in greater detail. She tried to ignore what he’d said about leaving. “You can stay as long as you like, Navarro. The ranch is mine now.”
He didn’t respond to her offer. “When I got here, I saw soldiers standing guard and knew something was wrong. I hung back until everybody rode in and got settled, then put my horse in the far corral where it wouldn’t be noticed. My saddle’s over the fence. I’ve been hiding under the back porch until things quieted down in here so I could tap on your window and get your attention. But when I was peeking in the kitchen window to see if anyone was still up, I saw you coming with the candle. I was afraid you’d see a shadow and scream.”
“I’ll give Mary Louise some of Fletcher’s money so she can leave and you can stay,” Jessie suggested. “She’s afraid you’ll return and get her for framing you. She’ll be overjoyed to take the money and run.”
“That isn’t why I can’t stay, Jess. I have to get rid of Fletcher and
get on the road again. This battle is getting too hot and drawing too much attention.”
Attention from whom? she wondered. “I want you to stay and marry me, Navarro. Not to help me with Fletcher, but because I love you and need you.”
His face mirrored the agony that attacked him. “I wish I could, Jess, but you don’t really know me. I’m a half-breed bastard, a real one. My name is Navarro Breed, if a bastard can use his father’s last name. My father was a cold-blooded outlaw, a white man. My mother was Apache. They’re both dead. His band was called the Breed gang. They terrorized the Arizona and New Mexico territories for years. My mother worked at a fort washing clothes and cooking for soldiers. When several of them tried to rape her, Carl rescued her and killed them. But he had a selfish motive; he wanted her, and she became his squaw. Morning Tears was beautiful, so he kept her a long time. I wish he hadn’t,” he said with bitterness.
“From the time I was born until I was six, we lived on the run between jobs they pulled. Or we hung around dirty and wild towns near forts while the men drank and gambled and fought until the money was gone. When I was seven, Carl needed to lay low for a while, so he bought a sutler store at Fort Craig. That was a pretty good time in my life. At least we had a house if not a home. I had food, clothes, safety. I got to attend school and escape into books, like Tom does. But the children were as cruel to a half-breed bastard as they are to someone like Tom, and so were the grownups. But I learned a lot about the white world, and I learned fast. I figured getting head-smart would help me escape my father someday. Years later, Carl was recognized and we had to go on the run again. It was worse than before. He was meaner that time because he had liked his easy life. He never cared about me, but Morning Tears wouldn’t let him leave me behind. I would have been better off if they had.”
Follow The Wind Page 32