Dark Journey Home

by Cherie Shaw

  “Logan also said that if the ranch is located where he believes it to be, that it probably is a profitable venture, and worth holding on to.”

  Olivia was interested in Logan’s opinion. Well, she guessed he was supposed to be some sort of ‘guide’ for them on this venture anyway.

  The lady who sat next to Claude, was dressed a bit gaudy, and wore lots of obviously fake jewelry, and a bit too much theatrical makeup. Maybe she was an actress, who knows? She had been noticeably taking in the whole conversation, and now turned to Claude, saying, “You own a ranch? Oh my, I just love ranchers. They are real he-men.”

  Olivia smiled to herself, and figured the woman hadn’t noticed Claude’s definite British accent. She guessed the western garb he wore fooled the woman.

  Olivia stared out the window, while she allowed her uncle to try to squirm out of the strange woman’s attentive questions.

  Logan and Ricardo came into sight. They had been riding ahead of the stage, though now the team of plodding horses, pulling the creaking stage, were catching up to them.

  Both men did look impressive, as they galloped along next to the stage. Logan grinned, and waved, when he saw Olivia watching out of the window. She lifted her hand and gave a slight wave, but kept her chin up. She was enjoying the ride, as it was different from the coaches in London. This vehicle was as rugged and wild as the land, and Olivia felt a tingle of excitement, but couldn’t figure out why.

  She was amused at Uncle Claude’s discomfort though. The woman who sat next to him was definitely on the make and kept up a constant chatter, trying to impress him. She’d said her name was ‘Lulu’, and she constantly patted her bright red fluffy curls, and fluttered her eyelashes at him.

  Yes, Olivia’s Uncle Claude was definitely uncomfortable.

  Olivia had known ladies to pursue her uncle before, but in a tactful way. He was a fine looking gentleman, and also was one of the richest men in England, and obviously a ‘good catch’, even at his age. Most of the ladies who pursued him though were much more delicate in their schemes, and Claude had never had a problem avoiding their desires of matrimony, even the most aggressive of them.

  This woman, Lulu, on the other hand, was downright brazen. Olivia guessed that ‘Brazen’ would have been a much better name for her than Lulu.

  Olivia’s maid, Amelia, back at the manor in the country south of London, had been a member of society at one time, and came from a well known, and titled family, however, circumstances had forced her to take on the domestic position. Olivia had suspected for several years that Amelia cared for Claude much more than she would admit to, and maybe Claude cared for her too. Who knows?

  Olivia decided to take pity on her uncle though at the first stop. She would see about having Maria switch seats with him, that is unless he chose to ride his horse along with Logan and Ricardo, and she was sure he was seriously considering doing just that.

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  They came out of the shadows of the desert, and one minute they were nowhere in sight, the next minute they were lined up against the horizon, on one of the hills. There were probably ten or fifteen of them, Indians, and the woman Lulu, screamed and clutched Claude’s arm, then shouted, “Comanches! Them’s renegades, Mister, you see them? Oh, I believe I’m going to swoon.”

  Their looks were impressive alright, but they just sat there on their paint ponies, and appeared to be in a discussion among themselves, trying to decide what to do. Olivia heard the stage driver whip the team into a run, and yell at the horses.

  She also saw Logan lift his rifle out of the scabbard, and then untie the thong on his holster. He held the rifle across the saddle in front of him, and galloped along right next to the stagecoach, Ricardo keeping up right behind him. Ricardo had his rifle in his hand also, and they both kept their eyes on the group of Comanche renegades, as they rode along.

  Just as suddenly as the Indians had appeared, they were gone.

  Claude said, “They probably didn’t want to go against so many armed men. They hadn’t expected it.” Claude had seen that the two young cowboys, sitting on the rear seat, also had their weapons drawn and pointed out of the rear window of the stage. He continued on, “The storekeeper told me yesterday that they’ve had some trouble with renegade Indians lately. I guess maybe that was some of that bunch.”

  Olivia began to understand now why Logan and Ricardo were so well armed. She guessed they knew the country better than she after all. She’d have to tell Amelia now that she was right about Indians. Though there were only a few, and not as many as Amelia had thought there were.

  Lulu, the woman sitting next to Claude, had apparently fainted, with her head on Claude’s shoulder, though Olivia seriously doubted the reality of it. If the woman had known that she had her head on the shoulder of one of the wealthiest titled Lords in all of England, she’d probably faint for real, Olivia thought to herself.

  Yes, Claude was definitely uncomfortable now. Olivia noticed perspiration on her uncle Claude’s forehead, and she didn’t think it was from the heat. Lulu raised her head up to stare at Claude’s face, and then let out a soft moan. She heaved a deep sigh as she realized that he was totally ignoring her. Claude had his mind on purchasing a side-arm and gun belt the minute they pulled into the next town. He definitely needed a weapon, and would see to getting one. Maybe a small revolver, as well, to give to Olivia to keep in her reticule. It was really hot in the stuffy stagecoach. He’d probably ride his horse after the next stop. He felt it just might be safer out there among the ‘wilds’.

  Olivia tried to contain her snicker, as she noted that Lulu had probably realized that her ‘game was up’. The brassy redhead leaned her head against the back of the seat, and closed her eyes. She hadn’t asked about the Indians either.

  The first town they came to wasn’t really a town, and mostly consisted of one large sprawling building that served as stage stop and trading post, surrounded by several outbuildings, and a scattering of cabins among a few oak trees and low hills. The weather-beaten sign over the entrance of the trading post said ‘Beaver Creek’. “Well, at least we know where we are.” Olivia said as the stage came to a rolling stop, amid the screeching of wheels, and the flutter of scattering chickens that had been pecking in the dirt off to the side of the road.

  A wiry young boy dressed in fringed buckskins, who they thought might be an Indian boy, came running from the stable as they emerged from the stage, and immediately began unhitching the team of horses, then led them to the water trough. The driver of the stage had no sooner set the brake, than the team was unhitched. The boy worked fast.

  Claude had assisted Maria and Olivia from the stage, as the woman, Lulu, had been the first to jump to the ground, and grabbing her satchel, had stalked off toward the building without a backward glance.

  “Well, ladies, the driver tells me that we will have half an hour stop here. So as soon as I see to feeding and watering my mount, I’ll meet you inside.” Claude told them.

  Olivia answered, “Maria and I will be fine, Uncle, and we will see you inside. Hopefully we can order something for us all to eat, while you are out in the stable. Oh my, it’s almost hard to walk after being so cramped inside the coach.” The women were glad to stretch their legs during the long walk from the stagecoach up to the trading post.

  Logan and Ricardo had dismounted and proceeded to tend their mounts, giving them oats and water, glad that the nourishing oats had been set out for the horses.

  Ricardo dropped the wooden bucket down into the water well, then lifted it up, dipped in the ladle and drank of the pure fresh cool liquid, then splashed his warm face, cooling himself off a bit. Handing the cup to Logan he offered, “Here Señor, try the cool water. It is kept cold from the ground. You have never tasted anything better.”

  Logan dipped the cup in and drank deeply of the cool refreshing liquid, then said, “Gracias, amigo. This reminds me of the cool mountain spring water from the hills of Wyoming. I haven’t had anything this re
freshing for a long time.” He made sure that Claude tasted of its coolness too, and the Englishman was fully impressed.

  “By Jove, this country is looking better to me all the time.” Claude remarked.

  Ricardo then sauntered over to the Trading Post building, his silver conchos gleaming in the bright sunshine as he walked, though Logan and Claude remained outside to talk for a few minutes, while watching the Indian boy as he alone hitched up the fresh team to the stage. The boy was very adept at his job, and Claude was impressed.

  After Logan’s mount had been watered and fed, he led the horse over to the shade of the stable, and finding a grooming brush, he began the process of brushing the sturdy roan’s soft coat. Claude following, gently proceeded to care for his dusty black stallion with the same care.

  The two men talked while they worked side-by-side, and Claude realized that there had been a bond growing steadily between Logan and himself, ever since Logan had first awakened from his coma, on board the ‘Silver Princess’. In his estimation, here was a man of character and with a certain pride in knowing who he was, and where he was going in this life. Claude had noticed that Logan hadn’t been feeling sorry for himself for what he’d gone through the past eight years, nor did he speak of vengeance.

  Logan’s only drive now was to return to his home again, and be with his folks, to just go on with his life. That spoke of strength and character. Claude felt a twinge of guilt that he was postponing the young man’s return, with this trip to his ranch in Texas, but he hoped that it wouldn’t be too much longer. Claude could also see, that in the person that Logan was, that if he ever did happen to cross paths with the two men who had shanghaied him on the docks of Seattle, or meet the evil Captain Devlin again, or any of his henchmen for that matter, that Logan wouldn’t back down from a confrontation. Seeing Logan for the man that he was, now that he was fully recovered from his mistreatment of so many years, and now had his strength back, Claude did feel just a slight tinge of pity for Logan’s enemies, and he figured the result of such meetings would be a sight to behold.

  The young Wyoming cowboy never went around bragging about what he would do to those evil men, but Claude knew that Logan just quietly accepted the fact of what would happen should the circumstances occur.

  Claude spoke to Logan, as they worked, “Young man, I certainly would like to meet your parents, the folks who raised you. They did a fine job.”

  “Thank you, sir. I appreciate that, and of course the offer still stands. As soon as we see to this property of yours here in Texas, we could all certainly head up Wyoming way. I told Ricardo too, that if he isn’t returning to the sea, after Mexico, then he would always find a home at my or my pa’s place, and be welcome. I’m still not sure what I’ll find when I return, but I’m sure the horse property is still there anyway.”

  “I won’t be certain until I speak with Olivia, and see this ranch of mine, but for myself, I would look forward to the trip.” Claude smiled, and shook his graying head. “I swear I feel younger than I have in years just making this trip west.” Claude decided to speak with Olivia as soon as possible about the issue.

  After they’d all eaten a hot meal of beef, biscuits, potatoes and gravy, the passengers again climbed into the stage, and the fresh team of horses were eager to be off. The rest of the day was restful and uneventful, and the surrounding terrain was turning greener, and the air a little cooler, and Olivia noted that the ground was slanting ever upward. They were entering the foothills of the far mountain range, though the stage made a turn to the left, staying even with the foothills now, and didn’t climb any higher.

  “Oh my.” Olivia breathed, as she looked out the stage window. “Look, Maria, the scenery is breathtaking now. Nothing like we’ve been through.”

  Maria laughed, “Si, Señorita. I told you. You will never wish to leave this part of the country. It gets even better than this further up.”

  “You are right my friend.” Olivia smiled, “I just may never want to leave. England, where is that?” She laughed, and couldn’t believe she had said that.

  Logan was riding tall and silent, and Olivia was impressed at how well he seemed to fit the horse and the country too.

  Maria interrupted her thoughts again, “We will spend the night in a picturesque little town of ‘Coyote Springs’. A little higher than the land we are traveling now, and with running streams on two sides of the town, with grass and wildflowers growing all over the land. Ricardo and I have been through there many times, and have always enjoyed the visit, and the coolness of the place. You will love it there. Logan said Coyote Springs is about three miles from this ranch of your uncle’s. He has been through here many times and knows the territory well. He also said that we can lease a carriage in the morning and ride out to the ranch that way.”

  Olivia nodded, and continued to stare out the stage window.

  Claude now rode the sleek black horse as if born to the saddle, and at times Lulu glanced wistfully out the window with an admiring glance at the tall formidable figure riding the stallion, then looked away quickly, as Olivia held back a grin. The woman, Lulu, hated to give up, and obviously hadn’t realized that Claude was fairly used to women chasing after him, and had become very adept at dodging the fine claws of matrimony.

  Olivia noted the change in her uncle’s appearance, possibly for the better. He seemed happy and relaxed now as he rode along, never very far away from the stagecoach though, and with his western attire, complete with jeans, black flat-crowned hat, red scarf around his neck and the gun belt strapped to his right hip, with the colt .45 setting well in the holster, he could easily have passed for a Texas rancher. Olivia smiled to herself, as she remembered how Uncle Claude had insisted on purchasing her a small derringer to carry with her, though she had absolutely refused to even touch the small weapon. Claude had ended up just sticking the gun into the inside pocket of his jacket.

  Maria had been a wonderful traveling companion for Olivia, and Olivia would miss her a lot, when she and Ricardo left for Mexico. She had become quite attached to the both of them, and hoped that they would meet again soon.

  The two rugged cowboys, who sat in the rear seat, were going all the way to Coyote Springs also. They had told Logan and Claude, while they were having their meal at the last stage stop that they’d been with a group who’d taken a small herd up to the railroad in Kansas, and now were on the way home to the ranch they had been working at for the last several years. The tallest of the two, Bret, had said that it was not roundup time yet, but that the pastures were overstocked with cattle, so they’d run the fittest of the herd up to some buyers at the railroad in Kansas, leaving the bulk of the herd to graze until roundup and branding time. They had told Logan that they worked for a man named Woody Perkins, a big husky well-to-do red-haired rancher, who owned a large spread outside of town. Claude hadn’t volunteered any information of his own. The two cowboys, who had been so talkative at the stage stop, were both dozing on the rear seat.

  Maria and Olivia were talking quietly as the woman, Lulu, now rested her head against the back of her seat, with her eyes closed. They both figured she was awake and just plotting her next move to try and trap the distinguished-looking gray-haired ‘rancher’.

  Maria looked over at Olivia and asked, “Now, this rancho of your uncle’s. Is there a foreman managing it? Are there many vaqueros?”

  “I believe Uncle Claude said that an attorney in ‘Coyote Springs’ is actually running the financial and legal aspects of the place, but he had hired a very trustworthy foreman, and yes, there are cowboys working the range, and managing the cattle, of which there are around three-thousand head. It’s a huge ranch, according to the reports. Uncle receives monthly reports from the attorney.”

  “That is good, Señorita.” Maria said. “Did your uncle notify this foreman at the rancho to have the hacienda prepared for your visit?”

  “Actually”, Olivia grinned, “knowing my uncle, I believe he wanted to first ride up and vie
w the workings of the place. Kind of get an impression of the entire operation without them being aware that he is making this trip. He did mention meeting with the attorney though, before we leave for the ranch, although he hasn’t informed him either of our visit. Sometimes uncle likes to work that way. He said the attorney would never expect him to come all the way from England.”

  “Bueno, Señorita. This attorney and foreman too, they will be mucho surprised at that.” Maria laughed.

  Olivia glanced out the window just as Logan rode by on the roan gelding, his tanned lean face shaded by the wide-brimmed Stetson. She thought to herself, “The man is as rugged as the surrounding countryside.”

  Maria noted the slight flush to Olivia’s cheeks, and smiled to herself, then said, “The señor is one fine looking hombre, no?”

  Olivia started, then flustered, “I really hadn’t noticed.” Though her fidgeting hands told more of her thoughts than she was willing to impart.