Echoes of the Heart

by Webb, Carole

  He lifted a rifle from the cabinet then his jacket off the peg and sauntered to the livery to pick up the wagon he had stored inside barn, looking forward to a visit with Dull Knife and all his old friends.

  Cash felt restless and on edge as he traveled toward the Black Hills. He admired the familiar sight of the dark remote pinnacles looming from the rocky earth. The shaded crevices appeared as lava flowing from the apex to the foundation. He put as many miles between Chamberlain and the hills as he could before nightfall, seeking an end to the countless miles leaving him thinking far too much.

  It would be a relief to see for himself how his friends fared, holed up in rocky caves unable to hunt, running for their lives from the threat of the soldiers determined to remove them from the land they called home.

  He camped out on the ground under the night sky littered with constellations and star clusters surrounding a silver haloed moon. He attempted to remain detached from invading thoughts.

  ***

  Just over the South Dakota border into Nebraska, three drifters sat around a campfire planning a bank robbery in Chamberlain. They had come north from San Antonio after a run-in with some Texas Rangers who had forced them to leave town in a hurry.

  Hearing about the new wealth, they wanted to check for themselves and suspected the bank would be a nice target after the herds came in. Even though gossip had it the marshal and his deputy had a reputation for remaining alert and conscientious, they made a decision to take the risk.

  They decided to break camp the next morning and head toward the Dakotas and stay out of sight until the right time presented itself. It would have to be in daylight since they did not possess any dynamite or the ability to crack a safe but they had guns and knew how to use them. This would not be the first time they had robbed and it would not be their last.

  ***

  Cash entered the stronghold amongst running children and greeters he had known most of his life. His mouth curved into a smile when he recognized Dull Knife and his son dressed in hide clothing and moccasins walking toward him. Beads decorated their long black braids tied with thin leather thongs.

  He entered Dull Knife’s wickiup and sat cross-legged on buffalo rugs to eat, smoke pipes and talk. To Cash’s surprise, he discovered he could even discuss Little Cloud and remember the good times and happiness they shared instead of all the pain plaguing him for the last few years.

  He had known her most of his life, still missed her and resented the way Raeden had crept under his skin allowing him to feel once again. He’d spent years adopting a discipline and secreting behind a barrier of indifference to allow himself to function around people desiring more than he wanted to give.

  The return trip took less time without the burden of the heavy load. However, the weight on his mind remained a constant making him resolute to stay clear of Raeden. She invaded his thoughts most of the time. He would just concern himself with what lie before him, doing his job to the best of his ability and explore all the possibilities to assist the Cheyenne.

  Eighteen

  Two days since Cash arrived back in town, Raeden continued to dwell on the scene in the street. Fear had overwhelmed her watching the man point his gun at Cash. All the same, when Cash shot him, she could barely recognize him as the same man. His expression had been so cold and heartless when he turned his gun in her face without even a flinch of hesitation, an animal quiet and proficient taking down prey. Yet she could not fault him for defending himself and protecting others.

  She still did not understand why Cash had the need to supply the Indians. Wasn’t his job here in town? So few in numbers, the Indians’ fate appeared sealed. To prolong the inevitable seemed barbaric. However, she did admire his tenacious nature to defend weaker individuals unable to protect themselves.

  It seemed strange he had not been by since he had stopped in so frequently before he left town but she felt glad in a way, she did not have to struggle with her feelings. When around him, she desired to experience the sensations he could so easily arouse. He could erase all morals with a kiss or a caress making her want to explore all the taboos she had heard about—read about.

  She spent hours at dressmaking to keep her mind busy and continued to strive for her goal. No replies concerning the drafts she had sent to a few wholesalers in New York came in. Nonetheless, she kept her hopes high thinking her work could compete with anything she had seen in the magazines.

  Each night her sleep became restless when she remembered the passion shared with Cash. Her reaction disturbed her because she wanted to go again to the heights she remembered from the back room of the store. She rode every morning to clear her head although when she paused for even one moment, the craving resurfaced. What nonsense. His actions had proven him nothing but a cad and a bully taking advantage of her weakness whenever he had the notion. Good riddance. I have better things to do.

  Several gowns for the ball had been completed and more requests followed, giving her plenty of work before the gala. She had designed a gown for Diane of pale blue silk matching her sapphire eyes and cut low to show off her figure and a dark blue velvet cape trimmed with silver fox to complete the ensemble. The store had exquisite furs available since the trappers along the river came through Chamberlain in the spring, allowing them first pick of the pelts.

  After clearing her work area, she dressed for riding and stepped outside then found herself walking toward the hotel which would bring her past the marshal’s office. This is crazy. Still desiring to see him, she continued down and watched him walk in her direction. He ambled arrogantly and his handsome face and hard lean torso in his tight jeans made her temperature rise. Viewing Cash entering the saloon she ducked out of eyeshot before he could see her. Feeling imprudent she ran back to get Arte and sped toward home.

  There had to be a way to rid her mind of him, a disease infecting her principles. She deliberately walked on thin ice hoping it would not crack under the weight of her curiosity and desire.

  ***

  Worried for her welfare while riding alone, Diane gave her shooting instructions, saying Chamberlain was less civilized than St. Louis and Raeden’s protection was of utmost concern.

  They rode into the pastureland outside of the house and set up targets of bottles and tins on rocks spread along the dry sun-baked earth. At first, she missed the mark, churning up dust when the bullets hit the ground, but as she began to get the feel of the handgun, her aim become more precise.

  After several lessons, a great sense of pride and power rose in her chest when she struck all the targets without missing one. Along with the pistol, Diane gave her a tooled leather saddle holster so it would remain handy when she went out to ride, more assured of her safety as she rode farther into the open countryside.

  Customers had related stories of women dragged off by scouting parties of Apache or cattle rustlers shooting witnesses to their acts making identification impossible, keeping them from the gallows. She only half-believed some of them. Somehow, all of it seemed so impersonal and difficult to relate while she rode alone in the emptiness without seeing a soul.

  Nineteen

  On his arrival from the Black Hills, Cash avoided the store and in particular, Raeden. Though still curious about her reasons for being in Chamberlain in the first place, he tried to close it all in the back of his mind.

  Angry at his inability to erase Raeden completely from his thoughts, he had seen Angie nightly and she teased him about the frequency of his visits. Nothing could slake the gnawing ache in his gut. He needed a drink, maybe several.

  At the bar, he ordered a beer and flopped down in a chair at a table facing the doorway, back to the wall. He propped his boots on a side chair and lit a cigar letting the gray aromatic smoke swirl up around his face as he stared out windows on each side of the door facing the street. He called for another and Angie appeared, drink in hand. She smiled, long blonde hair framing her face and breasts provocatively peeking above the bodice of a low-cut clinging black d
ress. He watched her slender curvaceous frame while she came near, seeking any distraction from the torment inside.

  “Hi, Cash, are you here for pleasure or just a quick beer?” His eyes scrutinized her body when she sat on his lap wrapping slim arms around the back of his neck. His hat dropped to the floor when he pulled her close to his chest and put his lips to her ear.

  “What do you think?”

  “I think we had better go to my room.” He lowered to kiss the crevice between her breasts. She threw her head back and gasped while he continued to lay kisses along her chest up to her neck and his hardness grew beneath her firm derrière.

  ***

  Raeden had already made many friends among the women in town. The store served as a meeting place on occasion, allowing her the opportunity to talk and gossip as well as increasing her sales. She had also made additional acquaintances with the folks attending church service on Sunday and liked the easygoing way of the people living here. They didn’t rush around in their own busy world like big city dwellers.

  She had plans this day to meet with some friends near her own age for tea and gossip at the hotel café. The autumn weather had turned cold so she wore a heavy dress and a shawl over her shoulders as she walked to the café to meet with her friends.

  A man rushed through the saloon door into the street just as Raeden passed, giving her a glimpse of Cash across the room. My God, he has a hussy on his lap and just look at that tawdry dress!

  The woman’s beauty did not go unnoticed as he kissed her cleavage, hands roaming above her waist. Feeling hurt and used, she now knew for sure his intentions toward her and the thought made her feel sick. Remembering their shared intimacy, her face ignited eyes stinging as she left the scene. I hate him! I hate him! The good for nothing, lecherous bastard.

  Forcing back tears, she continued to her destination attempting to erase the scene she had just witnessed out of her mind. He meant nothing to her anyway, just a handsome face and a flirtation on her part. Well, maybe a bit more.

  Concentrating on the conversation around her proved futile. She could not even remember what her friends had just said. They commented on her obvious distraction. She finally pleaded a headache and bade them farewell.

  ***

  Billy Winters, son of the hotel owners, entered while she re-stocked shelves. A young man in his twenties, he had brown hair curling around his collar, hazel eyes and a tall lean frame. Previous flirtations clued Raeden of his interest and she thought him rather handsome and a gentleman, quite the opposite of the lustful beast pawing her whenever he felt the need.

  “Hi, Rae.” Hat in hand he stepped closer.

  “How are you, William? I have noticed the additions are making progress.”

  “Yes, they’re coming along. Dad is very pleased. I thought I would come by and see if you would like to go out for a walk or maybe get some dessert. It’s a nice afternoon.” He stood straight looking directly into her eyes.

  Raeden did like the directness of the men living in the Dakotas. They appeared so confident, masculine. Supposing it must be the rugged territory, she approved of their character.

  “I would like that, William.” The distraction from despising Cash and constantly working would lift her spirits. “I’ll get my wrap and be right with you.”

  Returning with her shawl, she stepped lithely beside him to slip an arm through his while they walked. Marshmallow clouds hung along the skyline. The air smelled clean and fresh on the slight breeze rustling leaves on the ground.

  Billy glanced her way. “Looks like rain. It won’t be long before winter sets in.”

  Being curious, she had to ask. “Everyone keeps talking about the tough winters. Is it really that bad?”

  “Yeah, they are long and harsh. Pretty rough on the cattle. Sometimes the ranchers have big losses.”

  They talked of mundane events and a tale about a resident at the hotel made her laugh. She felt better already. This is just what I needed.

  Cash stepped from an alley and turned to face them. He looked like an outlaw with fierce dark features, low-slung gun belt and casual stride. His face turned hard, muscles tense when he neared them. He abruptly halted and stared into her eyes as if he despised her. When they passed, she flashed him a smile and Billy ignored him as they continued their stroll. It pleased her Billy did not seem the least bit intimidated by Cash.

  The little café at the hotel was much less formal than the dining area and seated only twelve people at small tables covered with checkered table clothes surrounded by wicker chairs. Through the dancing flames in the double fireplace, one could see a part of the dining room on the other side.

  Small hurricane lamps flickered on each table and the street as seen through clear square windows adorned with lace café curtains showed inhabitants passing, bundled in warm winter wear.

  During coffee and pie, they discussed various topics, his sense of humor engaging while he rattled off anecdotes about the hotel guests. Billy listened with interest when she told him her plans and he remained a perfect gentleman, unlike another she could name.

  Feeling cheerful when she arrived, Diane and Mike left to go home and she continued sewing until time to leave for the day. On her way to lock up, she spotted Jesse Smith a local youth bolting through the front door with an armload of clothing. Once out onto the sidewalk, he turned left toward the train station. One hand raising her skirt exposing her ankles she dashed out to the planked walkway facing the direction he ran. What on earth!

  Irritation prickled her senses as she raised her fist in the air waving. “Come back here you little thief.” The volume of her voice elevated slightly. “You will be sorry for this, Jesse.” She could hardly believe what had happened. She hadn’t taken the usually guarded and sullen Jesse for a thief.

  Vibrations from boots striking wood pulsed through her feet when Cash sped past after Jesse and caught him soon after, loot sailing into the air. The conversation distant, she could only observe, aware of Cash’s intolerance regarding his duty to protect those under his care. He is going to throw him in jail. Knowing the lad was a victim of a drunken father’s abuse, compassion swelled in her chest thinking his parent would probably thrash him in a drunken rage.

  Jesse retrieved the goods from the ground and came back to the scene of the crime, head downcast with Cash beside him. Cash spoke first. “Miss Newell, shall we step inside?” An order not a question. She stepped over the threshold, Cash and Jesse on her heels.

  His face held no emotion while he stared at the youth. “Jesse has something to say.”

  Red-rimmed eyes lifted, arms stretched out to hand her the stolen clothing.

  His voice cracked when he spoke. “I’m sorry, Miss Newell. It will never happen again.” The boy’s shoulders sagged, a breath expelled from his lungs when Cash placed an arm around his shoulder to lead him outside. Cash’s face turned toward her, the corner of his mouth flicked upward then down when he gave her a wink.

  Still within earshot, she heard Cash lecture Jesse. “Now son, you go over to the jail and tell John I sent you to sweep up and shovel the stalls. I will pay you when you’re finished.” His voice remained stern. “Tomorrow after school, you go check with Watts, he is seeking help at the livery and I’ll mention you’re coming.” With a hand on Jesse’s shoulder, a hint of softness edged his tone. “We don’t need to mention this to your father.”

  Half-sobbing, Jesse spoke. “Okay, Marshal, whatever you say.”

  Mouth agape Raeden stood unable to move. How can someone so callous behave in such a lenient manner? Perplexed, she shook her head and replaced the items back on the tables before locking the doors.

  Riding home, the crisp autumn air stung her cheeks and her thoughts still on Cash when she arrived. Perhaps she had misjudged him after all, at least in some ways, though his actions toward her still stuck in her craw.

  After a light meal, she bathed and climbed into bed, vowing to accept more men’s offers to seek her attention and occ
upy her spare time with thoughts other than Cash. Looking forward to her plans, she settled under her warm blankets and fell into a sound sleep.

  Twenty

  Dressed for riding, Raeden joined Diane and Mike for breakfast, eating ham, eggs, and toast spread with marmalade. Rich black coffee followed the meal.

  Diane placed a hand gently over her husband’s, a cat-like smile forming on her face. “Did you enjoy your time with Billy yesterday?”

  She placed her cup back in the saucer. “Very much. He seems like a nice man. Jane and Bill must be very proud.”

  “He is their only child and they dote on him constantly. He doesn’t care for their interference, so he has his own place and works the ranches when they need extra men.”

  Raeden refilled her cup. “I thought he worked at the hotel. I’ve seen him there.”

  Diane reached for the cream, poured it into her cup, followed by a refill for her and Mike. She sounded amused. “He has been there helping with the remodeling. He’s a good carpenter, I hear. They keep hoping he will take a wife soon and settle down. I suppose it’s the way with most parents. However, as you may have noticed with so few eligible young ladies, the competition makes it difficult.”

  Raeden’s mind fell on designing. It’s an interesting thought. Perhaps I will be making a wedding gown or two when those ladies choose from their numerous suitors.

  Deep in thought, she pushed her chair from the table and raced to the barn, seeing Nick spreading fresh straw in the stalls. “Your horse is saddled and waiting. Looks like rain may be headed our way.”