Sabrina (Big Sky Dreams)

by Lori Wick

  “Well, you certainly have my prayers. Do we know what happened with this woman or the man?”

  “No. My next stop is the sheriff’s office. The woman was not open to talking about God, so I probably won’t see her again. However,” Rylan remembered, “Sabrina was headed back today.”

  104 “She said this?”

  “Yes, and she had another woman go there last night.” Rylan had to stop and shake his head. “I wish you could have seen and heard her. I’ve never seen the like.”

  Chas didn’t know what to say. There was certainly a whole lot more to Sabrina Matthews than a tall woman with a pretty face, but finding out the facts and details might not be so easy.

  Chas felt speculation coming over him and knew there was no point. As he’d told his friend he would do, he started to pray.

  Sabrina knocked softly and carefully opened the front door of the house down the street. Not looking at all good, but on her feet, Eliza stood in the living room, the baby in her arms.

  “How are you?” Sabrina asked.

  “How do I look?”

  “Awful.” Sabrina didn’t mince words. “I assume that’s how you feel.”

  “Have you got a cigarette?” Eliza asked.

  “No, sorry.”

  “Crystal probably does.”

  “Did she come last night?”

  “Yeah. She left an hour ago.”

  “Can I get you anything? Maybe some breakfast?”

  “No, but thanks.”

  There was a note of finality to her voice that Sabrina could not help but hear. The baby gave a little squeak of a cry then, and Sabrina, seeing no help for it, backed toward the door. She knew how resilient women in this life could be and also that she was looking at one. It wouldn’t have surprised her if the man from last night was already back in the bedroom, sleeping off a rough night of beating his woman.

  Seeing that there was nothing left for her to do or say, Sabrina went

  105 on her way. She had to slip back into her apartment to get her reticule and then get to Jeanette’s. Eliza did not want her help, and she had a job to do. She was almost to Jeanette’s before she remembered that she could pray for Eliza and the baby every time they came to mind.

  “How is the machine working, Jeanette?” Rylan asked as soon as he was in the door of the shop.

  “Just great, thank you,” Jeanette answered with a smile. “I’m glad to hear it. No Sabrina today?”

  Jeanette’s smile disappeared. “She’s in the back. She insisted on working back there.”

  Rylan started that way, but Jeanette was not done. She called after his retreating back, “I might not be done with you, Rylan Jarvik. I might want someone else’s side of the story.”

  Sabrina had certainly heard all of this, so she wasn’t at all surprised when Rylan appeared. There was one small window at the back, and Sabrina had positioned herself under it to give her the best light to sew.

  “How’s the eye?” Rylan asked the moment he saw her. “I’ll live,” Sabrina said lightly.

  Rylan went to the window and bent in such a way that he could see her face in the full light. She had a shiner high on one cheek bone and a scratch on the same side. Sabrina watched him take in the marks and then look her in the eye.

  “I don’t think I want you to do that again,” Rylan said slowly. “Well, I don’t plan on it,” Sabrina said.

  “But it might happen?” Rylan asked.

  Sabrina had to smile a little at his tone, and Rylan did not press her. Instead he asked her if she’d seen Eliza and the baby. “Yes. She was on her feet but looking as awful as she felt.”

  106 “I stopped to see Kaderly. They found a very drunk man with scratches on his face and hauled him in.”

  “She won’t press charges,” Sabrina said.

  “But you could,” Rylan said, having already discussed this with the sheriff.

  “Not if she cares about him. As soon as he gets out, she’ll welcome him back.”

  Rylan nodded, knowing how true it was. Sabrina thought she might try talking to her again but wasn’t sure if that was a good idea.

  Both were still thinking to themselves when Jeanette made an appearance.

  “What am I going to do with her?” she asked Rylan. “Getting herself hurt like that! I tell you, Bri, you need to move home with me.”

  Sabrina smiled at her but didn’t comment. Rylan had all he could do to keep his mouth closed. She was not the least bit afraid after what happened, and she lived in that neighborhood.

  “Well, ladies,” Rylan said, feeling a need to get out before someone asked him what he thought. Also, Jeanette’s back room was not a large place. He barely fit on his own without two other people joining him. “I’ve got a sermon to work on. If you need me to check that machine again, Jeanette, I’ll be at home.”

  “Thanks, Rylan,” she said, still a bit put out. “I hope you preach on folks letting others take care of them.”

  Sabrina laughed out loud over this. Rylan would have joined her, but he caught sight of Jeanette’s scowling face and decided to make his exit.

  Sabrina found herself glad that folks only saw what they wanted to see. By Saturday afternoon when she was working at the mercantile

  107

  the bruises had faded but the scratch was still slightly discernable. Jessie had noticed, and Sabrina had given a brief explanation, but not until late in the day did anyone else say a word. Unfortunately the person who paid the most attention was Bret Toben. He wanted more tobacco and a razor, but before Sabrina could find what he needed, he’d stepped in front of her.

  “Who scratched you?” he asked quietly, all charm and teasing gone. Indeed, he looked angry or concerned; Sabrina could not tell which.

  “It’s a long story,” Sabrina answered as she slipped around him to find the razor. But Bret wasn’t done. He followed Sabrina to the back of the store.

  “I think I AAT.nt you to tell me about this. What time are you off?” “It’s kind of you, Mr. Toben, but I’m fine.”

  Her tone and expression told Bret he wasn’t going to get anything out of her, but he still wasn’t done. Bret got and paid for his things, but he left with a whole lot more. He didn’t care how long it took, he was determined that someone was going to tell him what happened to Sabrina Matthews’ cheek.

  “How are you doing with your memorization?” Rylan asked at the end of his sermon, having assigned a new verse from Colossians each of the last few weeks. “Does anyone want to give chapter two, verse six a try? Okay, Franklin,” Rylan said, smiling at how fast the boy’s hand went up. “Let’s hear it.”

  “Colossians 2:6,” the little boy stood and started. “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him.”

  “Excellent,” Rylan praised. “How about chapter one, verse ten? Heather, go ahead.”

  “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God.”

  108 “Very good,” Rylan praised. He called on several others to say the verses as well and then assigned a new one, Colossians 4:5, for the following week. When he was done, Chas came to the front.

  “The Fourth of July is just about a week away,” he announced. “Token Creek will have its annual picnic and races, and we hope everyone will be there. That, however, is not the last big event of the summer. I am pleased to tell you that we have saved enough money to paint our building.”

  Chas waited for all the laughter, cheers, and clapping to die down before continuing.

  “We’ll have certain days we set aside for painting, and if you can make it, we’ll welcome you. If you have been working with your son or daughter, and he or she knows how to use a brush, that’s fine. Otherwise we would like these painting sessions to be for the adults.”

  A few folks smiled and laughed at Chas’ expressive face, but all understood.

  “We’ll organize the dates in the next week or so and let you know ab
out those.” This said, the congregation was dismissed. As might have been expected, nearly all talk was about the upcoming holiday and the painting parties that were sure to be just as good a time.

  The next week sped by. The days were very warm now, and for some reason, the closer they got to the Fourth of July, the more raucous Token Creek became. Nate came for Rylan twice during the week, the first time when a gun went off by accident and a child was shot and injured. The second time the sheriff came for Rylan was on Saturday night. It wasn’t that late, only about ten o’clock, and the crying woman did not want him there, so Rylan was headed home in fairly short order.

  His mind was busy with the activities of the streets and praying for various people he saw. Not until he cut down a side street that

  109

  bordered the Lucky Nickel saloon did he hear a familiar voice. Rylan came to a dead stop and listened to Sabrina speaking.

  “Do you want to come back to my place and talk, Paula?” Sabrina asked.

  “Crystal said you would talk to me here.”

  “I will,” Sabrina replied matter-of-factly, “but we’re less likely to be interrupted if we’re at my apartment.”

  “You’re in Crystal’s building?”

  “Yes, upstairs.”

  “Hello,” the woman said when she spotted the man coming near them. He did not look familiar, but in her line of work it was always good to be friendly.

  “Do you want to talk to him?” Sabrina asked, having no idea that the man approaching was there for her.

  “Sabrina,” Rylan said, and she turned.

  “What are you doing here?” she asked, well and truly surprised. I could ask you the same thing, Rylan thought, but he said, “Can I see you ladies home?”

  “Who is this?” Paula asked.

  “A friend of mine. I think he’s just concerned that I’m out here after dark.”

  Rylan had come up to stand beside Sabrina. Nothing would make him leave without her. He only hoped it wouldn’t come to a confrontation.

  “I’m Rylan,” he said as he put his hand out and Paula reached automatically to shake it.

  “Are you the pastor?”

  “Guilty as charged,” he said, trying to keep the situation light. It must have worked because Paula laughed a little.

  “What would you like to do?” Sabrina decided to press her, not sure what she thought of Rylan’s presence.

  In truth, Paula wasn’t bothered by Rylan, but neither did she want to talk tonight. She’d already had a few drinks, and her head wasn’t quite clear.

  110”I’ll come see you sometime,” Paula said. “I’m sure Crystal can show me the way.”

  “Sure,” Sabrina agreed, telling the woman she would see her around. She had already told the Lord that whatever happened tonight was in His hands and that she would not try to take things into her own.

  111

  SABRINA STARTED BACK DOWN the street toward home, knowing

  Rylan was right behind her. She wondered if now was a good time to ask questions on that one verse, and then she remembered that he might have to get up early to ready his sermon.

  “I don’t suppose there is any point in telling you that I can get home on my own.”

  “You suppose right.”

  Sabrina didn’t hear any anger in his voice, but neither did she hear any flexibility. She kept her mouth shut and, when Rylan took the lead, walked slightly behind him.

  Rylan was taking them on an indirect route he felt was the safest. He didn’t fear for himself, but should they come across a group of drunken men who wanted him to share the woman he’d “found,” it could get ugly. Rylan hoped and prayed they wouldn’t see anyone at all. He almost breathed a sigh of relief when Sabrina’s stairs came into view.

  “I’ll see you tomorrow,” Rylan said, standing to one side so she could take the stairs. The moon was almost full tonight, the sky clear and full of stars. He could see her quite easily and that her head

  112 turned when someone walked by. She looked much too interested, in Rylan’s opinion, and he stepped a little closer so he could keep his voice low and still make himself clear.

  “Whatever you’re planning needs to wait. Go upstairs and lock yourself inside. I’m not asking, Sabrina Matthews. I’m telling.”

  Sabrina’s chin came up just a bit, but she said not a word. Taking the key from her pocket, she climbed the stairs, unlocked her door, and then looked back down. Rylan was standing just were she had left him, watching her. Still not speaking even to thank him, she slipped inside and locked the door. She would fall asleep before she could figure out how she felt about Rylan Jarvik’s actions tonight.

  Rylan let himself into his house but got no farther than the living room. He didn’t bother to light a lantern but made his way to the rocking chair, sank down, and began to pray.

  I know she cares about these folks, Lord, but she has to have more care of herself Denver is no different. It might even be worse in some areas. The contrast between how sheltered and yet how knowledgeable she is completely confuses me. I so appreciate her wanting to reach out, but if she’s hurt or killed, I don’t think my heart could take it.

  Why do I feel responsible, Lord? She came here, and our church family has taken her in, but it’s more than that. I feel I must protect her, as if I’m the only one who can.

  Thoughts came to mind just then that Rylan had not been willing to entertain. For the first time he let his mind go to possibilities that he would hate to be true but would make sense.

  Fatigue settled on him like a heavy garment. He knew he needed to turn in. His congregation was counting on him to bring truth and hope in the morning, and he could not let them down. Lighting the lantern now so he could ready himself for bed, Rylan turned in, asking God one more time to care for Sabrina and to keep her safe this night.

  113 “Will we ever be on time for the service again?” Meg asked Brad when they were finally in the wagon and on the road. “I get up earlier and earlier, but something always happens.”

  “You can’t predict when you’re going to be sick, Meg. You’re being too hard on yourself.”

  Meg didn’t comment, but it certainly bothered her.

  “You definitely amused a certain child,” Brad said, a smile tugging at his lips.

  “Why is that?” Meg asked, even as she shifted Savanna on her lap. “She can’t stop giggling when I vomit.”

  “It will be a few years before she figures out that there’s nothing funny about it.”

  “She laughed at Cass one time, but Cass didn’t notice and because

  she was feeling so lousy that first month, I never mentioned it.” This said, Meg looked up to find Brad smiling a little. “Do you think it’s funny too?” she asked.

  “Not your being sick, but the hysterical giggles from our daughter are very contagious.”

  Meg had no choice but to smile. Savanna’s laughter was fun, and Brad was right, it would be some time before she fully understood.

  “We won’t try to start painting until the week after the Fourth. Plan on the twelfth and continuing on the thirteenth, but those are the only two days that week,” Chas announced at the end of the service. “Rylan will usually be on hand, but if he’s not around, I should be available. See me if you can bring ladders. If you can spare an hour or two to paint, you don’t need to see me, just show up with your brush.”

  Chas thanked the congregation and dismissed them. Folks began

  114 to mill around and talk, but Sabrina had missed breakfast and didn’t take long to head for the door. She wasn’t even to the street when Rylan caught her.

  “We need to talk,” he said quietly, wasting no time with formalities. Sometime that morning he realized he had to get back to Sabrina about the night before and saw no point in waiting.

  “All right,” Sabrina agreed, knowing it was about last night. She was still working out in her mind what happened and thought talking about it might be a good idea.

  “W
hy don’t I come by about four o’clock, when it’s not so warm,” Rylan suggested. “We can take a walk or go over and use one of Jeanette’s parlors. She won’t mind.”

  “All right,” Sabrina agreed again, and Rylan wished he knew what she was thinking. Her eyes were amazing, the most crystal blue he’d ever seen and clear as a child’s, but he could not always read them. To him it seemed that she could become inscrutable at will, like right now.

  “I don’t suppose you want to tell me what you’re thinking,” Rylan couldn’t resist saying.

  “I don’t know what I’m thinking,” Sabrina admitted. “I’m still trying to work out what happened.”

  “Since I’m in the same boat, I’m glad we’re going to talk.” Sabrina nodded.

  “I’ll see you at four.”

  “I’ll be ready,” Sabrina said. She started again for home but did so very slowly, her hunger now at the back of her mind.

  “Did I see Rylan speaking to Bri after the service?” Cassidy asked Trace when they had a moment alone. Jeanette had invited them over for dinner but had left for a minute to check on Heather and Theta.

  “I noticed that too. He seemed to follow her out of the church.”

  115 “Has he spoken to you about her?”

  Trace was only able to shake his head no before Jeanette rejoined them, but that man could see in his wife’s eyes that the subject was still on her mind.

  Rylan was at Sabrina’s door promptly at four o’clock. Without a lot of words they began to walk to the outskirts of town, catching the creek line some ways out. It was still fairly warm so when they passed under the shade of a large tree, Rylan came to a stop. He sat on the long grass, and Sabrina sank down some eight feet away.

  “Can you tell me about last night?” Rylan asked.

  “You mean, before you got there?”

  “Yes.”

  “I had seen Crystal earlier in the day, and she had asked me if I’d ever met Paula. I guess Crystal told her about what happened with Eliza, and Paula said she had questions about God.”