Grace felt Cindy’s arms catch her and ease her to a sitting position. “You’re all right. I’ve got you. Put your head down for a minute.”
From a distance, Grace could hear Cindy speaking. Wiping the fuzzy feeling from her face, she pushed away, trying to sit up. “Yeah, I hear you.”
“What happened? Are you okay?”
“I’m kind of weak.” She closed her eyes for and instant feeling miserable and stood up. “Help me to the booth.”
“Should I call someone?” the clerk asked from behind the counter.
Grace waved her hand in negation. “It’s not necessary. I’m fine now.” She slipped into the booth across from Cindy. “I skipped breakfast this morning. I probably just need to eat something.”
The clerk brought over glasses of water and put them on the table. “If you need anything else let me know.”
“Thanks, I will.” Grace sipped the cool drink getting herself under control.
“What’s going on?” Cindy’s eyes were round with concern. “There’s something you’re not telling me.”
“Hush. Give me a minute. It’s no big deal.” Grace drank the water, collecting her thoughts, her mind a crazy mixture of hope and fear. Could I be pregnant? She wasn’t ready to go there.
“Take your time. I’m here for you. You’ll feel better when you eat something.”
“Like I said, I’ve been skipping meals, trying to lose weight.” Who was she trying to convince here, Cindy or herself? Maybe her fears were premature. “That’s all it is.”
“Well, I’m relieved to hear it, but you look great. You don’t need to lose any weight. Why put yourself through that?” Cindy frowned. “Seth loves you the way you are. He told Travis one of the things he likes most about you is you have all the curves in the right places and you don’t look like those stick models in the magazines. He said you’re a real woman.”
Her whole body became engulfed in weariness and despair as she felt disturbing quakes in her serenity just thinking of Seth. “He tells Travis this stuff and hardly speaks to me, unless the kids are around.” She attempted a smile.
“The man works all the time. He comes to bed after I’m asleep and goes to work before I get up.” It gnawed away at her confidence. “I only see him at dinner time with the kids and he’s always nice, but there’s nothing between us. I’m living a lie.” She wiped imaginary crumbs from the table wondering how it would all turn out.
“Honey, it can’t be that bad. You have the kids. I know he loves you. Give it time.”
“Time? It’s been weeks and he hasn’t touched me since the first night.” Grace felt as hollow as her voice sounded. “It really is a sham marriage. He was just after the ranch.” She fought hard against the tears she refused to let fall. “I have the children and he has the ranch. I know I have to learn to live with it, but it’s hard.”
“Things will change. Travis says Seth loves you. You have to believe in him.”
“Believe in him.” She gave in to the tension that had been building all day. “I don’t even know the man. What he chooses to show me is his good side in front of the children. A loving family man, kissing me on the cheek and hugging me while I make dinner, but he never touches me when we’re alone.”
“I’m sure he’s keeping extra busy so the ranch will be in top shape when Nana comes home. He must have his reasons.” The waitress set cokes and pizza between them. Cindy took a bite. “Yum, this is delicious. Eat up, you need your strength.”
“Why do men have to be so difficult to understand? I’ll never figure him out. He has the ranch and someone to take care of his children. He doesn't need anything from me.” The implication sent waves of loneliness through her as she reached for a slice of pizza.
“You’re wrong. He loves you. You’ve both gone through lots of changes and maybe you just need to give him time to adjust. You’ll see. Things will get better.”
“You know, after we made love, I really thought we had a chance.” She sighed deeply. “Sort of new beginnings for both of us.”
“You do have a new chance.”
“Do you really think so?” She clenched her jaw to stifle the sob in her throat.
“Yes, I do, but if you feel like crying, I’ve got a shoulder for you.”
Damn, am I that obvious? She swallowed—hard. This was insane. She couldn’t afford to be distracted by romantic notions. It was time to get on with it. Grace realized how lucky she was to have a friend like Cindy, a gentle and serenely wise woman who was always in her corner. “You’re such a good friend.”
“Of course I am. That’s what friends are for. Lean on me anytime you feel the need. There’s nothing that can’t be said between us.” Cindy grinned. “Enough now, things are going to work out the way they are supposed to. How is your book coming? Jenna said you were through with it.”
“Yes, I am. I sent it off to her editor friend in New York, but I don’t expect to hear from them any time soon. Jenna says they take a long time to respond, because they get so many manuscripts.”
“Well, when you get published, we'll celebrate.”
Grace smiled at the thought. “I let Jenna read it and she says it’s good, but not to get my hopes up. She said I’d probably have to send it to several editors before anything comes of it.”
“I have a good feeling about this book. If you’re able to keep one person from committing suicide, then it’s worth the trouble of trying to get it published.”
“I agree, but it’s out of my hands. I think I’m going to write another book. I really enjoyed writing the chronic pain one, but it would be fun to write fiction.”
“Good for you. I knew you’d find yourself, my friend the great writer.” Cindy laughed around a bite of pizza.
“I don’t know how great it is, but I love to write.” Memories of how she couldn’t do anything but lay in the hospital bed, drugged up and in unbearable pain, still haunted her. Cindy was right. She had found her niche. “It makes me feel productive. It’s rewarding to fill up a blank page with my thoughts.” To hell with Seth. I have the children and my writing. I don’t need anything else. There was still a chance for her to grow whole again.
“I’m happy for you. Look how far you’ve come, since you’ve been home. Maybe things aren’t perfect with Seth, but you’re glowing. You look wonderful and you have a good man and a family.” A momentary look of discomfort crossed Cindy’s face. “Wish I could say the same for me.”
“You will. At least you know where you stand with Travis. I know he likes you. He’s shy, but it’s going to work out for you guys.”
“I know he’s shy, but geez, what’s a girl supposed to do to get him to take the next step? I thought we really had a shot when I was staying at the ranch and watching the kids. He’d come by the house and check on me when you guys were gone.” A wistfulness stole into her expression. “Now that I’m back in town he hardly ever calls me.” She picked at her pizza, frowning. “Do you think he’s seeing someone else?”
“No, I think Seth is working him so hard he doesn’t have a moment to breathe. The boys have been putting in long hours working on the addition to the bunkhouse for the kids who are handicapped. That was Nana’s idea and Seth wants to have it completed before she comes home.”
“I hope that’s all it is. I really like him.”
“I’m sure of it. These days Seth is a slave-driver. I don’t know what put the burr under his saddle, but I wish he’d slow down.” And pay more attention to me.
“Yeah, me too,” Cindy wolfed down the rest of her pizza and glanced at her watch. “I have an appointment in five minutes and I need to go back to the shop.” Her left brow raised a fraction. “Are you going to be okay?”
“I’m fine. Like I said, I needed to put some food in my stomach.” Leaving half a slice on her plate, she rose to leave with Cindy. “I want to go by the drug store and pick up a few things. I’ll bring your stuff back later today or tomorrow.”
“There’s no hurry
. I have plenty to work with. Keep it at the hospital for Nana if you like.”
Grace gave Cindy a wave and walked in the opposite direction down the street toward the drug store. She had all the symptoms and wanted to know if her suspicions were correct. If she was pregnant she’d love this baby with all her heart. Hope sprung to her breast at the thought of holding her own child in her arms. If the test came out the way she wanted she’d have Seth to thank for this miracle.
***
Later that afternoon, Grace drove onto the Cactus Rose Ranch and noticed Sheriff Frank Thompson’s car parked in the driveway. What was he doing at the ranch? She knew he was sweet on Nana, but she was still in the hospital. Was Seth in some kind of trouble? Hurrying through the entryway she saw Seth and the sheriff standing at the kitchen table looking at maps. “What’s going on?”
Seth came across the room to meet her and grabbed her hands. “The kids are missing. They went out riding this afternoon and haven’t been back. We’ve looked all over the ranch and we can’t find them.”
Grace felt her face blanch as she leaned into him. “What do you mean, you can’t find them? They have to be on the ranch.” The children have to be okay. Please God. Let them be all right.
“Pokey came home, alone, about an hour ago. There were claw marks on his flank.” He held her hands. “Something has happened and we’re putting together a search party. The sheriff is helping us get more volunteers and organize the search.” “Claw marks. What kind of claw marks?” Grace’s heart clenched in fearful protest as wild grief ripped through her.
“A bear.”
Tears sprang to her eyes and she gripped Seth’s hands, her thoughts jagged and painful. “You have to find them.”
He pulled her against his chest, putting his arms around her. “I will. You can count on it.”
She leaned her head against him, stifling her sobs and held him for comfort. “I want to go along.” A pain squeezed her chest like a vice when she thought of the kids being alone out there...with a bear.
“You would be more help if you stay here. This is where the search parties will be calling in to report. Sheriff Thompson says a scared tourist shot at and wounded a grizzly in the National Forest. He suspects it’s the same animal.”
“Oh, God. There’s nothing more dangerous than a wounded grizzly.” She wrapped her arms tighter around Seth, holding on for support, experiencing the worst kind of fear tightening around her heart.
“Joey’s horse hasn’t returned—maybe they're both on it. He wouldn’t leave her.”
“Yes, Joey would never leave Jamie.” She dug her nails into Seth’s back. Got to stay strong.
Seth leaned away from her, holding her in his arms. “Travis and some of the boys are out now, looking for them. The sheriff and I are heading toward the back forty—the trail is one of their favorites."
"What can I do to help?"
"You make coffee and sandwiches for the men. We’ll break in four hour shifts till we find them.”
“Bring them home.” She hugged him, mumbling against his shoulder as she tried to manage a tremulous smile.
“I will.” He kissed the top of her head and hugged her tight before heading out the door with the sheriff.
In a daze, Grace stumbled around the kitchen, pulling makings for the sandwiches from the refrigerator and threw them on the counter. Picking up the phone, she dialed Cindy’s salon.
“Haircraft, this is Gloria, how may I help you?”
“It’s Grace, an emergency. I need to speak to Cindy.”
“Sure. Hold on.” Grace could hear the stylists chattering above the noise of the blow dryers in the background.
“What’s wrong? Are you sick?” Cindy’s voice was full of concern as Grace stood squeezing the phone so tight her knuckles were white.
“No, I’m fine, but please come. The kids are missing and there’s a wounded bear on the loose.” She choked back a sob. “Jamie’s horse came back, alone, with claw marks on it.”
“Oh, goodness, hold on. Try not to stress out, it’ll only make you hurt. I’ll be right there.” The phone clicked off in Grace’s ear. Her best friend in the whole world was on the way. Knowing that gave Grace strength to continue making sandwiches and coffee.
Pull yourself together. Seth will find them. The kids have to be okay. Jamie’s smiling angelic face flashed through her mind. “No. I won’t cry.” Get a grip. Make coffee and sandwiches for the search party. They’ll need to keep up their strength so they can keep looking for the children. “Seth will find them,” she repeated over and over, like a mantra.
***
Seth glanced up as Travis rode his horse toward him on the trail. Please have good news.
“We found the other horse. He made it to the rocks, down in the ravine, near the river. Looks like he put up a pretty good battle. Probably ran away after fighting with the bear and dropped there.” He looked down, then back at Seth. “Maybe it gave the kids time to get away. There was no sign of them.”
“That means they’re on foot. We have to find them and fast.” Seth pushed his Stetson back on his head. “Take Sam and Shorty and head down the west canyon. We’ll go up the trail. If you find anything fire two shots into the air. We’ll do the same.”
Seth’s guts twisted in agony when they rode up on the mutilated horse in the ravine. The horse had been mauled. It was a wonder it got as far as it did with its side ripped out. A piece of Joey’s torn red flannel shirt clung to the saddle. A brief shiver rippled through him, tearing at his soul. The boy had already suffered so much, just learning to walk again. Please, God. Let the kids be okay.
***
Grace sat at the table surrounded by plates of saran-wrapped sandwiches listening to the slow ticking of the hall clock. It was as if time had stood still. She knew Cindy was on the way, but she couldn’t stand to just sit there and do nothing. Besides, Grace thought she knew where the kids were. Joey had told her they liked to ride out to the old eagle’s nest, down by the river. She could ride out there, check and be back, before Cindy could drive out from town.
Leaving a note on the table for Cindy, Grace took a deep breath, grabbed a bag of sandwiches and went into the den. She’d be a fool to go unarmed. Her grandfather’s guns were in the locked gun rack. She used the key and lifted out a Winchester rifle from the cabinet. Grace knew it wasn't loaded, but checked just to be sure. Holding the gun brought back fond memories of her grandpa. He had taught her to shoot as a youngster and she knew how to handle a gun. If she found the bear she’d blow it to high heaven. Grabbing a box of shells, she headed toward the barn.
Pokey was in the stall next to her horse. His wounds had been tended, but still looked raw and swollen. Just the thought of those claws touching the children made her sick to her stomach. She handed him an apple from the basket on the floor. “Don’t you worry, little one. We’ll find those kids and bring them back to you.”
Riding through the dense trees, she inhaled the scent of pine. It reminded her of past camping trips she’d gone on as a child. Nana and Papa had always taught her to keep edible supplies up high, out of reach of the bears at night. Bears were known to come down to lower elevations to forage for food. That’s probably all the bear wanted. Why had the tourist wounded the bear? He should’ve known there was nothing more dangerous than a wounded grizzly.
Oh, Lord, please let the children be all right. The prayer echoed through her mind when she rounded the small hill, hoping the children would be there. Coming out into the clearing a chilling sight awaited.
A short distance away, there was a huge brown beast of an animal, standing nine foot tall, probably weighing a ton, on his hind legs ripping off bark with his sharp claws and shaking a blue spruce. Jamie and Joey clung to the top of the spindly tree.
Her heart thumped dangerously as she tried to get her bearings. Grace raised the gun afraid she’d miss the bear and hit the kids. She fired two shots into the air...getting the massive animal’s undivided attention. He
clawed a hunk of bark from the tree and turned toward her, growling with a ferocious roar that echoed up and down the canyon.
Her horse sidestepped, trying to back away from the raging animal. Before she could control him, the horse reared, knocking Grace from her mount. She scrambled across the loose rock, trying to retrieve the gun she dropped in the fall. The gun had smashed against the rocks and lay there broken. Swiftly scanning for a tree, she found none between her and the bear. Her heart leapt in her throat while the huge brown bear advanced toward her. Without time to think, she threw the sandwiches she had brought for the children toward the bear and ran up the rocks by the river.
“Run, Mom. Run.” Jamie and Joey screamed from the top of the tree.
Chapter Twenty
Two shots sounded in the distance. “That’s the signal,” Seth shouted above the galloping horses and pulled to a stop. “Travis must’ve found something.” The thought of what he may have found caused his stomach to twist in knots. “Sounded like it was down by the river.” Seth took off toward the river with the sheriff and ranch hands following close behind. A few minutes later, the river and jagged cliffs came into view. First, he heard the kids screaming from the tree-top. Then he saw it.
“Damn.” Grace was climbing the cliff above the water with the huge bear crawling up the rocks after her. She was moving fast but the bear was gaining. Trapped, she would face a hundred foot drop into the water below or the sharp claws of the animal. The water wasn’t deep enough. The fall would kill her. Clenching his jaw he had to do something to save her.
He imposed an iron control on himself while he drew his rifle from the saddle and aimed at the bear knowing Grace’s life depended on his shot. He had to get closer. The cowhands shouted and waved their hats in the air, trying to get the wounded grizzly to look in their direction so Seth could get a better shot at its heart.
Seth jumped off his horse and ran toward the cliffs yelling at Grace. “Get down on the rocks so I can get a clear shot.” His voice was firm and commanding as he shouted over the roar of the cowboys, hoping she could hear him.
No Direction Home (Sweet Home Colorado) Page 20