One True Love

by Lori Copeland

  Hazy, Copper dozed while she awaited the drink. Her mind had yet to fully grasp her situation, and perhaps that was good. She might go mad if she fully comprehended her condition. Dr. Smith could wrap a simple injury, but it seemed Copper couldn’t do anything simple. She thrived on complications. If the injury required special treatment from this Dr. Dyson, then she could indeed be in for a long recovery. Where would she find the funds to pay—yet hadn’t Adele said Emily and Mackey’s grandfather had ordered her care? She wasn’t clear on that—and why would a stranger bother with her? She’d have to ask Adele to explain that when she was thinking straighter. This fuzziness was driving her insane!

  She closed her eyes and the nightmares began.

  The back canvas parted, and Josh Redlin stepped inside the wagon carrying a steaming cup.

  Just the sight of that man sent her into spasms. She shook her head, warding off the nightmare. Go away!

  “Mr. Redlin. Don’t you think it’s a little reckless on your part to stall out here so close to town? You could infect everyone here. Have you not considered the prospect?”

  He turned cool eyes on her. “Sorry—I didn’t catch your name.”

  “I didn’t throw it.”

  The sick could use some nourishing broth, he’d said, looking her straight in the eye as though she wasn’t working as hard and fast as she could to care for his ailing folk.

  “Adele said you thought you might be able to drink a little something.”

  Oh dear Lord, spare me this horror. But the dream refused to lift. She could hear that man’s voice as if he was standing in the wagon not fifteen feet away from her. He was either in her nightmares or he was actually there to torment her in person. From the hour he’d stopped that wagon train on the outskirts of Thunder Ridge with all those dead and dying people, he’d been a burr under her saddle.

  Suddenly her thoughts were shockingly clear.

  Heavens to Betsy. It wasn’t a dream. He was here. In this wagon.

  She hesitantly cocked one eye half open. There he stood, grinning like Asa Jeeters’s old jackass after a meal of green grass.

  “Miss Wilson. So we meet again.”

  With a groan, she clamped her eyes shut. Nightmare. That’s all it was, and she would awaken any moment. Wake up Copper! Open your eyes!

  She cautiously lifted an eyelid, then shut it.

  This could not be happening.

  Lord, I’ve endured it all—everything you’ve sent my way this past year. The war, the heavy rains, and Willow’s injury. More rain. And mud. And burying parlors. But this is too much. I cannot go on. Take me now—no wait. Forgive me for my sins—those I know about and those I’m not aware that I committed. Okay. Now. Take me.

  She waited. The scent of hot tea filled the wagon.

  Okay. Now. Let’s go.

  “You’re tea is getting cold.”

  Squeezing her eyes shut tighter, she pleaded. “Please…I beg you. Go away.”

  He sat down in the rocker, still holding the cup. “Now Miss Wilson. How can you be so thoughtless? Here I held up the wagon train until you could meet up with us, and you’re still put out with me.”

  “Why would you hold up the wagon train?”

  “When your foot was in more trouble than Dr. Smith could handle, Howard Matthews thought immediately of Dr. Dyson, who was in Fort Riceson. Since they knew the fort was on our way to Colorado, they thought to see whether we’d be willing to take you along. Of course, we’d already left Thunder Ridge. So we waited until you could catch up.”

  He continued. “If they’d had a better way—any other way, to get you there this time of the year, believe me when I say I would have found it for them. But they didn’t, so drink your tea and listen up. I don’t ordinarily speak to a woman in this tone, but even sick and flat on your back, you’re not like most women. You’re like a bad rash that won’t let up, so here’s the deal. There is no way in Hades that I’m going to take your abuse all the way to Fort Riceson. You will stay with Adele, and mind your manners and guard your tongue. I’ll get you to the fort, see that you’re made as comfortable as humanly possible, and I’ll do this without one of us point-blank shooting the other—on the condition that you stay clear of me.” He set the tea in her hands. “Now drink this, and go back to sleep.”

  “Why I…I…why…”

  He pointed a finger. “I’ve been known to leave a body off at the nearest town if they give me trouble. Do you understand me, Miss Wilson? The delay has set the train back by at least a week and we’re trying to outrun bad weather. We’re doing you a favor. Accept it.”

  She opened her mouth to challenge him, then clamped it shut.

  He nodded. “Just want you to know the rules. Now drink your tea.” He got up, parted the canvas, and stepped out of the wagon.

  Well, of all the unmitigated gall. He couldn’t talk to her in that tone. She set the cup on the floor and threw back the quilt. She’d tell that man a thing or two. She swung her feet to the wagon floor and her head swam. Pain shot through her right ankle and the wagon spun in haphazard circles.

  Falling back to the pallet, she fought hysteria. Josh Redlin? She would be subject to that…that brute until she was otherwise able to manage on her own?

  That was sacrilege. She wouldn’t stand for it. She would escape—find another wagon train going through Fort Riceson.

  She would! She honestly would. The very moment she got enough strength to get up off this pallet.

  Chapter 4

  “Now what is this?” Adele’s shrewd gaze focused on the cup of overturned tea. Dark liquid seeped from the cup onto the wagon floor.

  Copper had aroused from her earlier oblivion. She’d dropped off to sleep the moment that maddening Redlin had given his “order” and left. Her insides churned with resentment. How could the good Lord put her smack into Josh Redlin’s path? Hadn’t the last few weeks been trying enough? The constant baiting, his testy remarks. She had reached the end of her rope with this man, and she sure didn’t intend to spend another week in his company. She looked up to find Adele staring at her. “Well?”

  “Well what?”

  “How did you spill your tea? I’d wager you didn’t drink a drop, did you?”

  “I wouldn’t drink anything Josh Redlin brought me. He probably poisoned it.”

  Tsking under her breath, Adele sank into the rocker and reached for her yarn. “I’ve never in my born days witnessed two grown folks spittin’ venom at each other like you two.”

  “Talk to Mr. Redlin, not me. I’ve tried to tolerate the man and I can’t.”

  “Can’t or won’t?” The rhythmic click of knitting needles filled the uncomfortable silence. “Seems to me you might owe the man a bit of gratitude. I’d say there wouldn’t have been many that would have held up a wagon train for one little lady, especially since the weather’s turned bad so early in the season.”

  “I didn’t ask him to wait.”

  Adele shook her head. “You two better learn to get along. Forty miles is a far piece to argue.”

  “Jolie could set my foot. She could do it.”

  “That Arcadian woman that lives at the edge of Thunder Ridge? Some say she practices the devil’s medicine.”

  “That’s not true. She uses herbs and things.” Copper was never sure of the “things,” but sometimes the concoctions worked. At this point she was willing to try anything short of making this long arduous journey. Strength drained, she lay back, her right elbow resting on her forehead. “Take me back, Adele. I’ll care for my ankle.”

  “And now how would I be doing that?”

  “Arrange for a horse, and I’ll ride back. We can’t be too far from Thunder Ridge.”

  “No, I’d think it wouldn’t be a far piece.”

  “I could make the ride.”

  She nodded. “I’d think you’d need to gain a little strength, but yes, you could make the ride.”

  Copper’s spirit rose. “Then you’ll do it?” Saved. Adele would
spare her the agony of Redlin’s company and almost certain clashes with the wagon master.

  The woman’s needles didn’t miss a beat. “Oh no, I won’t do it. I couldn’t send you off to meet certain harm, but it’s an interesting thought.” She nodded agreeably. “It surely is.”

  Copper deflated. “But you said…”

  “I didn’t say anything, honey, you were doing all the talking and I was only agreeing. In theory you’re not that wrong; there’s only one hitch in your plan.”

  “And that is?”

  “You’ll be a cripple for life, or worse, you’ll end up losing the foot.”

  The absurd implication took Copper’s breath. Lose her foot? She tried to wiggle her right toes, and pain seared her efforts. “You’re trying to scare me into submission, aren’t you?”

  Adele purled a stitch. “Honey, I didn’t want to be the one to tell you, but Josh thinks that you need to know what you’re up against, and he figures you won’t listen to him.” She lowered the needles and met Copper’s gaze. “Lest you consider doing something foolish.”

  Foolish. How dare he think her a fool? Adele was clearly on Redlin’s side. She needed a comrade, someone who’d stand up for her rights. “Where’s Sadie?”

  “Driving the wagon. We’ll take turns switching off the reins. It’s all been arranged. At night she’ll sleep with the Sniders. They have more room in their rig.”

  Copper needed to talk to Sadie. She was a straight shooter. She wouldn’t try to frighten her into compliance with Redlin’s rules by telling tales of unthinkable speculations, even though the robust, good-natured woman had announced her intentions to snag the wagon master, and she most likely wouldn’t want to anger Redlin. Still, Copper had to try.

  “I want to see Sadie.”

  Adele nodded. “We’ll be stopping for our noon meal shortly. I’ll send her around.”

  “Make sure that you do.” Copper’s eyes drooped. “I want to talk to her. She’ll help me.”

  “Oh, that she will; the woman’s good as gold. If she takes a mind to help, you can be sure she’ll do just that. Now why don’t you rest? I’m going to make sure you eat a bite before this day is over if I have to spoon-feed you.”

  Over the noon break, Copper heard Sadie, a tall, rawboned woman, part the back canvas. The lady was too commonplace to be considered pretty, but neither was she coyote ugly. She had a winsome smile, and was noted for her hard work.

  “Yoo-hoo? Are you awake?”

  Copper started, clearing her throat. “Come in, Sadie.”

  The woman stepped inside the wagon and approached the bedside. Copper didn’t think she’d ever met a woman with such significant feet. She had to wear a man’s large-sized boot. Dainty slippers would look like river barges on her.

  “How ya doin’, sweet thing?”

  “Not so well.” Self-pitying tears surfaced. With Sadie she’d have an ally—someone who would be on her side.

  Sadie nodded. “To be sure—but we’re praying real hard. Don’t despair. Fort Riceson sits on the outskirts of Madison, Texas.”

  Copper forced back hysteria. Why did they talk as though she was dying! Other than the wretched pain in her ankle, she was perfectly fine when someone wasn’t forcing laudanum down her throat.

  “Sadie.”

  “Yes?”

  “I need your help.”

  “Well certainly—anything, love. Do you need another blanket?” The woman turned to grab a wool throw. “Pillow? Something to eat? Back rub—a nice back rub would—”

  “I need a horse.”

  Sadie paused. “We don’t eat horse, dear. Now tonight we’ll have a nice slab of beef and a few beans…”

  “I want a horse to ride. And I need some rations, and warm clothing. Can you get me those things, and don’t let anyone on the train know what you’re doing?”

  Sadie sank to the rocker. “Now why would you be needing such things? You’re not going anywhere.”

  “I’m leaving. I’m going back to Thunder Ridge, and you have to help me. I’m not going to take any more pain medicine. When Adele brings it I’m going to hold it under my tongue and when she isn’t looking I’m spitting it out. By tomorrow, my head should clear. I want you to have the horse and supplies ready. I’ll make my break when we stop tomorrow night.”

  Nodding, Sadie listened intently.

  “And above all, you are not to speak a word of this to Mr. Redlin. Do you understand?”

  She nodded.

  “Nor are you to tell anyone else my plans. Adele knows, but she won’t try and stop me. And be sure that I have plenty of warm clothing and matches for a fire. It feels like it’s getting very cold.”

  “Very,” Sadie agreed.

  Copper gritted her teeth and settled back on the pillow. It was time for more laudanum but she wouldn’t take it. Adele had a sharp eye; she’d have to be very careful or the woman would catch on to her scheme. She’d pretend to sleep most of the day, which wouldn’t be a stretch. She’d done nothing but sleep so she should be well rested for the arduous ride back to Thunder Ridge. There, Audrey and Willow would help her. Even if it meant calling Jolie to set the foot, it would be better than making the trek to Fort Riceson.

  Adele stuck her head through the back opening. “We’re about to pull out. Can I get you anything?”

  Copper fought back nausea. The thought of food sickened her but she was weak as a newborn kitten. If her plan were to work she’d need nourishment. “I believe I could eat a bowl of broth, Adele.”

  The woman’s face brightened. “I’ll bring some right away.”

  “And tea—with lots of milk,” Copper added, mentally retching.

  “Well.” Sadie shifted. “I’ll be sitting with you this afternoon and we’ll talk more, but you rest now. You hear?”

  Absently nodding, Copper closed her eyes, drained. “Thank you, Sadie. I won’t forget what you’ve done. You’re a good person.”

  Sadie’s voice drifted somewhere above her head. “Well thank you muchly, but I haven’t done a thing, Miss Copper. Not a single thing.”

  The following night, Copper crept off her pallet. Her plan to not swallow the medicine worked like a charm—though wretched pain radiated from her ankle, creating no euphoria for what she was about to do.

  Adele’s snores filled the wagon as Copper eased to the back, carefully parting the canvas. Adele’s sleepy voice came from the darkness. “Where you going, dearie?”

  “Necessary—I have to use the necessary.”

  “The chamber pot is next to the wagon. I’ll be glad to fetch it for you. You shouldn’t be on that ankle.”

  “I’ll be fine—go back to sleep.”

  Adele’s answer came in the midst of a yawn. “Good night.”

  Scooting off the back gate, she gritted her teeth when fire shot through the injured ankle, white-hot lightning so intense it took her breath. Had she lost her mind? Just because she didn’t like Redlin she was willing to risk all in order to escape him? The ludicrous thought lingered, but not for long. Yes, she was stubborn. Yes, she was risking a great deal, and if Willow or Audrey would try such a thing she’d have no trouble taking them to task about their foolish reasoning, but her friends weren’t here, and her only aim, at this point, was to get to them, and they would help with her problem. She would not fall victim to Josh Redlin and his manner as long as she retained an ounce of breath. She could not, in her wildest dreams, understand why Willow and Audrey would send her off with Redlin in the first place.

  You can do this, Copper. You must do this or face weeks on the trail with him and months after that away from your friends. Shuddering at the thought, she caught hold of the wagon and slipped around the corner. Families slept soundly under a bright harvest moon. Gritting her teeth, she released her hold and hobbled across the clearing, fighting pain so intense Adele’s prior warning rang in her ears. You could lose that foot.

  Still, Adele wasn’t a doctor and Redlin could have concocted the dire situatio
n to keep her under his thumb.

  Horse. Where did Sadie wait with the horse, warm clothing, and food? Her eyes scanned unfamiliar shadows. She hadn’t been out of the wagon since she’d been whisked through the night to join the train, and she should have been clearer on a meeting place.

  She gave a low whistle and waited for a response. Seconds later she hooted softly, hoping she sounded somewhat like an owl. When a response failed to come, she gritted her teeth and moved toward a patch of mesquite. Halfway there she fell, smacking the rocky ground hard.

  She sat up, determined to succeed. Though she hadn’t swallowed a drop of the laudanum in twenty-four hours, the powerful painkiller lingered in her body and clouded her judgment. She sat up, and then shoved to her knees, tears coursing down her cheeks. The pain was so bad she couldn’t think. How would she make the long ride to Thunder Ridge in the darkness? She couldn’t. She’d have to endure long enough to find a town and send a wire for Caleb or Eli Gray to come with a wagon to get her.

  Sadie wouldn’t let her down, not Sadie. Willow had taken in Sadie and others when that horrible illness swept the train. She owed Willow and all the women of Thunder Ridge a debt of gratitude. Was that she, waiting right behind the bush?

  Dropping to her knees, she crawled now, pulling herself along the frost-covered ground until her strength gave way and she collapsed on her face. She lay for a moment fighting defeat. She couldn’t get there. She couldn’t make it to the row of mesquite, and if she called out, her plan would be exposed.

  Gathering grit, she dug her nails into the ground and pulled, easing her body an inch at a time. She could do this. But then the white-hot fire in her ankle rendered her light-headed. She couldn’t faint; she would die of exposure in the falling temperatures and nobody knew she was out here. The sudden idiocy of her scheme came home to roost. She couldn’t escape; she had barely enough strength to breathe. Burying her face in her hands, she awaited her fate. Dear God, please let Willow and Audrey understand…

  “I’ll bet you’re looking for a horse.”

  Redlin. Why should she be surprised that he would be the one to find her? Not some kind, compassionate soul. Oh no. It had to be Josh. But the laugh was on him. She was dying. This hellish pain blistering her body could mean nothing less. So she would lie here and let him talk his fool head off and she’d say nothing. Mr. Smarty-pants knew everything, so surely Sadie had told him about the plan. Just let Sadie need something again and Copper wouldn’t lift a hand to help—though she’d have no hand to lift. She’d be dead. The joke was on Redlin.