by Jim Cox
Scar sat in silence for a few moments before replying, “When do I start?”
“I need to get a few of the details worked out, but I’ll be contacting you within the month,” said the Governor. The captain and Scar had started for the door when the governor called them back. “By the way, Scar, the Abernathy brothers got out of territorial prison two weeks ago, and there’s a rumor going around they’ll be gunning for you. They blame you for sending them up. Just be careful. They don’t fight fair, as you well know.”
“Thank you for the information, sir. I’ll stay alert.”
By noon the next day, Scar was fifteen miles northwest of Denver on his way to Flat Peaks. He alternated riding the two mules, which required fewer rest stops, allowing for a faster pace.
The weather was nice, and the traveling was easy, but the miles passed slowly. He was in a hurry to get home.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
An hour before noon, Scar crossed the stream a half mile north of Flat Peaks and headed down the trail leading to town. When he crossed the town bridge, and the buildings came into view, memories rushed through his mind. Nothing has changed. The town is the same as it was when I left two years ago. The road is still muddy, and the horses all seem to be hitched in the same places.
His first stop was at the livery to see his old friend. As he approached, a smile came to the corners of Scar’s mouth, because sitting in a tilted-back chair with his hat over his eyes was Eli.
“I’m not asleep, just resting my eyes. What can I do for you?” Eli asked without moving a muscle.
“What does a man have to do to get a little service around here and maybe a cup of coffee?”
Eli pushed his hat up to get a good look at the intruder. His gaze bounced from the man in front of him to his two mules. Eli immediately recognized Maude. “Is that you, Scar?” Eli asked as he rose from his seat.
“Yes, sir, it is.”
The two men clasped hands in a firm handshake and stood smiling at each other. Finally, Eli said, “I wouldn’t have recognized you with that beard and the size you’ve grown to. Sure is good to see you.”
After an hour of talking and getting caught up on things, Scar asked, “Could you keep Frankie here for a few days until I get settled? Feed him plenty of corn and a little oats. I want to fatten him up a mite. I’m going to Jenny’s Place to eat and pester the ladies for a while, but I’ll come back for Maude after lunch.”
Jenny was pouring coffee at one of the tables when Scar entered the cafe. She casually glanced at the big stranger filling her doorway but went back to her job of filling cups. After a couple of seconds, she turned back to the stranger and took a more intense look. “Is that you, Bart?”
“Yes, ma’am, it is.”
Jenny sat the coffee pot on a nearby table and ran to Scar with open arms. After a big long hug, she stepped back and took a good look at him from top to bottom. “You’ve had a growing spurt these last two years. You’ve become quite a man, Bart. Have you eaten? Are you hungry?”
“I could eat most anything you have behind those batwing doors, Jenny, and plenty of it. I’m starved.”
Jenny started for the food, but then turned and said, “My, but it’s good to see you.”
In less than a minute, Mrs. Kaiser came hurrying through the batwings and grabbed Scar in a tight bear hug. Her expression and comments about his size echoed Jenny’s. “I’m glad you’ve come home. We’ve missed you. I’ll go get you some food.”
The ladies brought out enough food for three people, but Scar did a fair job of eating most of it. Jenny poured coffee, and the three sat at the table talking about everything that had happened in Flat Peaks since he left on the cattle drive nearly two years ago. Almost an hour had passed before Scar asked, “How’s Liz? What’s she been up to?”
“Haven’t you seen her yet, Bart?”
“No, I haven’t. I thought I’d visit with folks here in town and then ride out to the ranch.”
“She doesn’t live at the ranch anymore,” interjected Mrs. Kaiser. “She’s our new school teacher and lives two houses this side of the church. Of course, she spends most weekends at the ranch.”
“School lets out at three, and she normally comes here for a chat after school,” Jenny offered. “If I were you, I’d get slicked up and be here waiting. We’d like to see the surprise on her face.”
“Thanks, Jenny. Sounds like a good idea.”
Scar was rising from the table when Jenny said, “Bart, don’t be expecting a skinny, young girl with freckles and pigtails. She’s not like that anymore. She’s grown into a lovely woman.”
After visiting the barber and putting on fresh clothes, Scar walked back to the livery and sat with Eli drinking coffee. It was about time to head back to the café to meet Liz when he saw a woman walking with a man across the street heading for the mercantile. “Who’s that, Eli?” Scar asked with an excited pitch to his voice.
“That’s Sidney, the banker’s son.”
“Not him,” Scar said impatiently. “Who’s the lady? She’s the most beautiful thing that has ever walked these streets!”
Eli eyed Scar with a puzzled look and then asked, “Don’t you recognize her? That’s Liz. And you’re right. She has grown into the most beautiful woman in this part of the country. She has young men around here in a tizzy. They all want to court her, but I don’t know of any she’s spent time with. She could walk out with any man she wants. The town gossip has it she’s waiting on a rich man to marry, so she can live like a queen.”
“Looks like she’s already set her eyes on one,” Scar said in a sarcastic tone as he watched the two enter the store. “Never thought she’d have any interest in Sidney, he’s not her type.”
Eli quickly changed the subject. “I gave Frankie a hefty measure of corn and oats. With feedings like that, we’ll have him fit as a fiddle in no time.”
But Scar was no longer listening. Only the words about Liz being so beautiful and having the opportunity to live like a queen echoed in his mind.
He rose and said, “I’m going to the ranch now. I’m anxious to see the folks out there.”
“Aren’t you going to say hello to Liz?”
“She’s busy.”
Scar led Maude to the water trough for a drink before starting for the Double D. As he waited for the mule to get her fill, Eli’s comments concerning Liz were still churning in his mind. A gunshot rang out and something hit his chest, spinning him around. A second shot hit his right thigh, and a third bullet penetrated his left shoulder. He tried to keep his feet but staggered forward a step or two before his knees buckled, and he collapsed face first into the mud.
The whole town heard the shots and came running toward the commotion. Someone from the crowd shouted out, “The shot came from the alley by the mercantile. It looked like one of the Abernathy brothers to me.” Liz started for the scene too, but Sidney grabbed her arm and said, “Don’t go out there, Liz. We don’t want to get involved. It’s not our concern. Besides, you’ll get your pretty dress muddy.”
Liz looked him in the eye and said, “Let me go. Someone has been shot and needs help. I plan to offer it. You can stay here.” She took three steps out of the store before turning and saying, “You’re not worthy to be called a man. You’re a spineless creature!”
Eli was coming down the boardwalk as Liz was exiting the store. “What’s all the shooting about, Eli? Has someone been hit?”
“It’s Scar, Liz, I think it’s bad.”
Liz looked shocked. “I didn’t know he was here. When did he get back?”
“He came in about noon today and was going to surprise you at Jenny’s Place, but when he saw you walking with Sidney, he figured you didn’t have time for him.”
There was a crowd of folks standing over the fallen body when Liz and Eli arrived. “Stand back,” Eli shouted. “Give the man some breathing room. Someone go for the doctor.” Liz immediately kneeled and placed Scar’s head in her lap. His shirt front wa
s covered with blood, and his pant leg was soaked. She ripped his shirt open, causing buttons to fly, and saw two bullet holes. The one in his shoulder was oozing blood, and the other near his heart was squirting blood. Liz made three bandages from her underslip and placed them on the wounds. Eli applied pressure on the two chest wounds, while Liz pressed on the leg wound with her left hand. Using her right hand, she wiped the mud from his face with her dress.
“Here comes the doctor,” someone shouted. “Let him through.”
The doctor kneeled to examine Scar and then started giving orders. “He’s in bad shape, but he’s still alive. We need to get him to my office. Someone get my stretcher. We’ll have to be careful moving him, he’s losing a lot of blood.”
When Scar was on the way to the doctor’s office, Liz grabbed Eli’s arm and whispered, “We need Mama, Eli. Would you go after her?” He didn’t hesitate.
Two hours later, the doctor stepped out of the operating room and gave a report to the people in the waiting area. “I’ve removed two bullets. One from his shoulder and one from his chest. The third bullet went through his leg but missed the bone. The leg and shoulder wounds should heal without any problems, but the chest wound is extremely dangerous. The bullet broke through a rib and lodged close to his heart. Fortunately, I was able to remove the bullet, but the prognosis is not good—he’s fighting for his life. It’ll be a miracle if he lives. He’s young and in good physical condition, which may help, but don’t get your hopes up. I’d suggest we all keep him in our prayers.” The room was silent as people looked at each other for support.
Finally, Liz asked. “May I see him?”
The doctor gave a favorable nod but said, “You must sit quietly and not bother him. Call me if his breathing changes.” Liz entered the dimly lit room and stood looking at the nearly lifeless body lying on the bed. She realized how much she loved Scar. He was the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with; the man to father her children, and grow old with. He was the man she had hoped would return for her. The man she knew as a boy and knew even then they belonged together.
Liz tiptoed and sat down in a straight-backed chair near the bed. She tried to follow the doctor’s instructions and sit quietly, but within minutes she had to muffle her sobs as she tried to understand why this had happened. She rose and stood by the bed, looking down at Scar. His only movements were the slow rise and fall of his chest. Liz kneeled to the floor with her head cradled in her arms resting on the edge of the bed. Between sobs, she prayed. “God, help me to understand why this happened. Help me to keep my faith, no matter what happens. But more importantly, God, if you can find it within your will, please heal Bart. Please don’t let him die. He’s been through so many life-threatening situations, Father. He has never doubted your many promises, and he’s always remained in your fold. I love him, Father. Please give me the strength to handle this situation.”
The doctor made hourly examinations. Each time he encouraged Liz to go freshen up and eat something, but she refused; she remained at Scar’s side. It was well past sunset when the door cracked, and Mrs. Douglas motioned for her daughter to come to the outer room. It was full of friends and the Double D clan. Thomas, Jake, and her parents were all there to support her and pay homage to their friend. Liz tried to be strong but couldn’t hold back the tears. Her father spread his arms and Liz fell into them. Tears were in everyone’s eyes.
Mrs. Douglas stepped forward and started telling folks what to do. She had a plan figured out and knew exactly what was best. Herb was to take Liz to eat and freshen up. Then, he would try to get her to rest. Thomas and Jake were sent to take care of Maude and then move Scar’s personal things to Liz’s house. Mrs. Douglas would remain at his side, doing everything possible to pull him through this trauma.
Though Scar was still unconscious and weak from the loss of blood, he was moved to Liz’s house two days after the shooting. For the first few days, his color returned and his breathing became stronger, but then his condition deteriorated. Folks tried to stay positive, but deep down, everyone questioned his recovery. The doctor remained pessimistic about Scar’s prognosis.
The men returned to the ranch, but Liz and her mother remained with Scar. They alternated sitting with him. Mrs. Douglas sat while Liz was teaching, and Liz sat with him after school until bedtime. It was during one of these after school sitting periods that Liz bent close to Scar’s ear and whispered, “I love you. Can you hear me, Bart?” But he didn’t respond. She raised her head slightly and with tears falling, kissed him lightly on the lips while reaching for his hands. She felt a twitch.
Three days later, Scar was conscious for a few minutes and mumbled some words. As the days passed, his periods of alertness lengthened, and he became more coherent. It was during one of these alert periods that Liz said with a jovial tone, “Bart Carter, it seems like you’re always getting hurt and then I have to spend my time taking care of you. Are you ever going to change?”
Scar smiled. “Probably not,” he said. “I guess you’ll always have to take care of me.”
Their expressions became serious as they looked into each other’s eyes. “Was that a proposal of marriage?” Liz asked. But his eyes had already closed, and unconsciousness had set in again.
When Scar regained some of his strength, he was moved out to the ranch to recuperate. He was still stiff, but the soreness was starting to ease, and his appetite had returned. In fact, he was eating everything brought to him and asking for seconds. Liz continued sitting with him on weekends, though it wasn’t necessary.
After a catnap one morning, Scar’s eyes found Liz sleeping in a nearby chair. The morning sun’s rays reflected off her face, highlighting her smooth, white skin and silky red hair. She was beautiful. He had long known he loved her. He thought of her every day and knew he wanted her. But Eli’s words kept ringing in his head. “She can have anyone she wants. She could live like a queen and have everything she wants.”
Scar shook his head. “I can’t give her anything,” he thought. “She’d have to struggle with a meager lifestyle if she married me, and I can’t allow that. She deserves the best.” It was at this point Scar resolved to leave the area and allow Liz to marry a man of means.
Early the next morning, he rolled out of bed and dressed. He had wasted enough time; it was time to get on with life. He was stomping on his boots when Liz walked in with coffee and a tray of food.
“I didn’t know you were going to dress today. Are you sure you’re up to it?”
“I have most of my strength back and need to get busy if I’m to regain the rest of it. I’ll be fine.”
“You might as well eat the food I prepared for you,” she said as she sat the tray on the nightstand. Scar started eating but could tell Liz had something on her mind.
Finally, she said rather sheepishly, “You never answered my question, Bart.”
“What question was that? I don’t remember any question you asked,” he lied.
“The other day, you said I’d have to take care of you for the rest of your life, and I asked if that was a proposal for marriage. You passed out before answering.”
“Liz, I can’t marry you. Look at you. You’re the most beautiful woman in this part of the country. You can have any man you want. I want you to marry a rich man and live a life that provides you with everything a woman could ever want. Look at me. I’m a poor man with nothing. And besides, I have scars all over my body. My face is so grotesque most people call me Scar, which is at least better than my ridiculous real name.”
They stood in silence, looking at each other for some time before Scar finished. “It wouldn’t be fair to you, Liz. I can’t marry you.”
Scar expected tears, but none came. Instead, Liz’s lips tightened, and she let loose. “Bart Carter, I’ve loved you since the time I found you tied to that long-eared mule in the middle of the prairie. If you don’t want to marry me, that’s your decision but don’t come up with lame excuses about you being poor or havin
g a ridiculous name, or having scars. I could care less. It’s the man I’m after. Not money, or looks, or any other material thing. Do you understand? And another thing, don’t tell me who I should marry. That’s my decision, not yours.”
Liz headed for the door but turned, facing Scar with hands on her hips. “By the way, I’d be proud to be called Mrs. Carter, or Mrs. Azro, or Mrs. Scar, or…or…or, any other name people call you.” She slammed the door.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Another week passed. Most of Scar’s strength had returned, which allowed him to mosey around the homestead trying to get caught up on changes. Liz had gone back to Flat Peaks, and the rest of the Double D folks were going about their daily routines.
Scar woke extra early one morning to the smell of coffee brewing. He dressed and headed for the kitchen. Morning Sun was pouring his coffee when he entered. Morning Sun was the young Indian mother who had become part of the Douglas clan after Thomas found her and her children in the food cave. “You’re up early, Morning Sun. Do you always start your day this early?”
“Yes. I cook every morning. It’s my work.”
“You speak very good English, Morning Sun. Who taught you?”
“Mrs. Douglas. She is a very good white woman. She treats me well. She teaches me the white man’s ways. How to talk and act. She teaches me numbers. Mr. Douglas is good man, too. He does not beat me.”
Scar sat drinking coffee while he watched Morning Sun roll out biscuit dough and slice bacon.
Unexpectedly, she turned. “I taught Mrs. Douglas my peoples’ ways too. She learns fast. Says I’m good teacher. She can speak my words.”
“That sounds wonderful,” Scar responded. “Would you teach me your ways and language, Morning Sun?”
She looked at him for a full minute before replying. “You are the Scarred Warrior. I am not fit to teach you,” she said with a lowered head.
“What makes you say that, Morning Sun? In my eyes, you’re as fit as me.” Her coal black eyes were staring into Scar’s when he asked, “What happened to you, Morning Sun? Why were you and your children alone in the cave when Thomas found you?”