HT02 - Sing: A Novel of Colorado

by Lisa T. Bergren

  Bryce took his outstretched hand and shook it, carefully avoiding Odessa’s gaze. The sheriff shook Robert’s hand too, then tipped his hat toward Odessa. “You need anything, ma’am,” he said, “you come and find me, understood?”

  “Thank you, Sheriff,” she said. And as she turned away, she tried not to think of a reason she might need to find him.

  As the McAllans and the sheriff parted ways, a man bent to light his cigarette, right around the corner from them all. He grinned up at the moon. He’d been following the McAllans all over town, even sitting at a table near them through dinner, but this, this was exactly what Reid Bannock had been after. Confirmation that the McAllans had the gold bar and had not yet retrieved the rest. It sounded as if they were unsure where the rest might lay, but if Bannock was right—he’d find a way to help them figure it out.

  And then the treasure would be theirs.

  “Bryce, what are you doing?” Odessa said, hating the high pitch of her tone. She bounced Samuel, who had been fussy since their return.

  He paused as he put on his chaps and glanced toward his brother. “Now, Dess, you know I need to do this.”

  She shook her head. “No. No, Bryce. You can’t mean to go after him.”

  “I’m taking Tabito with me.” He reached out to her, but she took a step backward, still shaking her head. He bit his lip and looked down at the floor, then back to her. “Robert is here with you. You and Samuel will be safe with him.”

  “You are going after Bannock?” Robert asked calmly, from the chair.

  Bryce reached for a bag and tossed it over his shoulder. “Tabito’s the best tracker around. Chances are Bannock’s moved on, but I’m going to make certain he has. If he’s hanging about, he’s after me or mine. Best to meet him head-on.”

  Robert rose. “Why not bring four men in here to guard your family? I’d like to come along.”

  Bryce cocked his head and rubbed his neck. “I’d feel better knowing you were here with Odessa and the baby. Bring in as many men as you feel necessary to back you up.” He straightened and looked to Odessa. “We’ll be back within a week’s time. If not, send for the Sheriff.”

  “Why not go for the sheriff now?” Odessa said, hearing the fear in her own voice.

  Bryce shook his head. “We won’t know anything more than he told us!” He clamped his lips shut, frustrated by his own sharp tone. “Look,” he said, raising a conciliatory hand, “no one has attacked this ranch in years, other than Reid Bannock. I’m not about to sit here and allow it to happen again.”

  He stepped toward her and wrapped an arm around her and the baby. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

  She said nothing, only stiffened. He released her and didn’t look back as he walked away. When the door shut behind him, she looked to Robert. Inwardly she was lamenting letting Bryce go without a proper farewell. What if something happened to him?

  “He had to go. You see that, right?” Robert said.

  “I suppose,” she said, bouncing Samuel in her arms. She knew her tone was unconvincing.

  “This Bannock clearly concerns you both.” His brow furrowed in worry for her.

  She looked her brother-in-law in the eye. “He meant to kill me and Bryce, in his effort to get Sam’s treasure. We are responsible for him spending these last years in prison.” She shook her head. “I wouldn’t doubt that he would shoot us at a moment’s notice. So yes, I am concerned.”

  “Please, Odessa, sit with me.”

  She ceased her pacing and looked at him. After a moment’s hesitation, she did as he bade, taking the chair adjacent to his.

  “There’s no way I’m going to let Bannock through that door,” he said quietly. He nodded toward the back porch door. “I’ll stay up all night if I have to, to keep you and Samuel safe.”

  She returned his even look. “And I appreciate that, more than I can say. But Robert … my husband is going out to track Bannock. What if he is here? What if they come face-to-face? I have no doubt that Reid would kill Bryce. Without hesitation. I—” Her voice broke. “If he’s going to risk his life, he might as well go to Spain for those horses!”

  He rose and opened his arms to her, and she did the same, weeping. “I couldn’t take it, Robert. We’ve lost so much already … to lose him …”

  “You’re not going to lose him, Odessa. Bryce is a great shot—so is Tabito. They’ll be all right. But he couldn’t sleep through the night, thinking Bannock is here. He had to be certain he was no threat to you.” He pulled back and lowered his head to get her to meet his eyes. “Look at you,” he said tenderly. He brushed a strand of hair off her forehead. “This is what he didn’t want you to endure. He wants you to be free, at peace.”

  “I know it,” she said with a quick nod. “Thank you for being here, Robert. For standing with us through it.”

  “I am with you, Odessa,” he said, rubbing her shoulders and then dropping his hands. “One way or another, we’ll get through this. Together.” He led her to the stairs and nodded up them. “Get some sleep. My nephew is liable to wake you far too soon.” Robert went to the front door and slipped the rifle from its perch, then turned back to stare in her eyes. “I’ll be right here, Odessa. You sleep. No man will get past me.”

  There was something about him that made Odessa believe him, trust him. Bryce’s fears that he might press them, punish them for his decisions, were all for naught. This man was family. And having him here, particularly this night, calmed her heart.

  Chapter 13

  Robert lingered at the table after breakfast, apparently none the worse for wear from sleeping in the chair downstairs. Odessa glanced at him from the corner of her eye, appreciating the similarities between her husband and her brother-in-law—a grin that made the corners of their eyes wrinkle when they smiled, their even white teeth, and a calming manner about them that put everyone at ease. The ranch hands warmed to Robert. He was clearly a man used to the ways of hardworking men, easily asserting himself when necessary. In minutes he had organized them into teams of two to serve as guards at the front and the back of the house for two-hour shifts, allowing them to get their other duties done between times.

  Odessa’s eyes went to the window again and again. She hoped to see Bryce and Tabito across the field. But there was no sign of them. As the last of the men filtered out the door, mumbling their thanks for the meal, she stood at the counter, eyes searching the bright-green grasses that signified spring, wishing it would come for her and Bryce. That they could rediscover their daily cadence, their hope, their confidence. Everything felt … off.

  “Mrs. McAllan?”

  Odessa turned in surprise, “Oh, Harold. Yes?”

  The tall, gaunt man held his hat in his hands. “My three weeks are up here, ma’am,” he said. “I’ll be heading off today with my horses.”

  “Oh yes. Of course. We’ll pack you some provisions for the road.” She forced the words from her lips, what was right, what was proper, what was expected. But inside she could not match the fact that Harold Rollins was leaving the ranch a month after he had arrived, and her husband was not home. Somehow it seemed he couldn’t leave while Bryce was still gone.

  He seemed to sense her hesitation. “Ma’am? Would you rather I stay around until Bryce gets back?”

  “No, no,” she said, feigning confidence. “We’re more than fine, Harold. You need to get to your wife and children.”

  He took a step, paused and looked back. “You sure, ma’am? I owe you such a debt, I—”

  “No, no. I insist. You get ready. I’ll get a sack ready for you with food.” She forced a smile. “Soon you’ll be home. And seven horses is better than none. It’s a start,” she said, quickly nodding. “A start.”

  “A start,” he repeated. He nodded again. “Yes’m. And it’s thanks to you and Bryce I have one at all. I’ll never forget it.” With that, he turned and walked away, leaving the doorway empty, a chasm, a portal she wished would magically fill with her husband.
/>   “Odessa?” Robert asked, gently touching her arm. “Are you all right?” he asked, his brow furrowing in concern.

  She pushed aside her hair and nodded, glancing furtively into his eyes. She was embarrassed that he had caught her in her reverie. “I’m well,” she smiled. “I only wish Bryce would return.”

  “I understand.” He moved past her to stare out the window too, crossing his arms. “He’ll be coming across that field sooner than soon, hungry as all get-out for your delicious food.”

  She hoped he was right.

  And that it wouldn’t be Reid Bannock instead.

  Tabito and Bryce ran across the ridge, hunched over, rifles in hand. Bryce was glad that the spring heat had continued, melting much of the snow from the rocks. Near three trees, they crouched, panting. Tabito reached for his canteen, took a long, deep drink and then handed it to Bryce. Bryce shook his head as he stared at the men below.

  “They head to Leadville,” Tabito said. “Just as they did yesterday. And the day before. And the day before that.”

  Bryce frowned at him. “I have to be certain.”

  “You’ll be certain tomorrow, when we reach town?”

  “Or the day after, when he remains.”

  “Odessa, she will be worried if you are gone more than a week.”

  “She’ll be glad to know that this threat is past,” he returned. “We will stay on this man’s trail until I say we are done.”

  Tabito grunted and looked down the valley to the trio making a fire. He watched them for a long moment, took another drink from his canteen, and then glanced at Bryce. “A man such as that … he is only with others because he needs them for something.”

  “I thought the same,” Bryce said. “Until I know his plans, I can’t rest.”

  “Then let us learn of his plans,” Tabito said.

  Samuel began to fuss and Odessa finally pulled the roll of blanket away so he could turn over. But once on his stomach, he continued to cry. Wearily, Odessa opened her blouse and put him to her breast. Even the feel of his warm body against hers, his soft baby skin, his contented snuffling sounds, failed to comfort her.

  She heard the creak of the stair and two doors shut, telling her that Robert was turning in for the night. She burped Samuel and placed the sleepy boy in a small bassinet, wanting him near, and stared at her bedroom door, wishing Bryce would walk in. But he did not.

  After an hour, long after Samuel had fallen asleep and the sounds of her brother-in-law’s snores rumbled across the hallway, she crept down the stairs for a glass of milk. Six days, Bryce had been gone now. No word. Robert had the men scout the perimeter of the ranch twice a day, and there was no sign of either Bannock or her husband. Bryce had said he’d return within the week. What if tomorrow came and went and there was still no word?

  Numb, she set down her empty glass and went to the hall and took her coat from the peg. She pulled on gloves and a scarf and eased out of the house. Doc, sitting in his chair, which was tilted against the house, roused and took a moment to understand it was Odessa before him.

  She waved her hand at him when he started to pick up the rifle across his lap. “It’s just me. Can’t sleep. I’m heading down to the stables.”

  He pushed to his feet. “I’ll escort you, ma’am.”

  “No. You stay here. I need you to listen for the baby. And Robert needs his sleep tonight. He was up all last night.”

  “Then Ralph can see you down there,” he said, brooking no argument. He rose and went to the kitchen, where the other man was watching over the back door. In minutes, they were back and Odessa and Ralph padded down to the stables in silence.

  She glanced at the short, strong man beside her. He had a broad face and wide-set eyes. “Do you mind waiting out here, Ralph? I could use a little time alone.”

  “No problem, ma’am,” he said. He held the door for her and then quietly shut it behind her.

  Odessa looked around, only the light of her lantern illuminating a ten-foot circle about her. She moved to Ebony’s stall, finding comfort in the horse’s presence, the warm smells of the stables—fresh hay and manure and wood. She made her way down the central aisle, lighting a few other lamps, until the whole stable glowed with light. The horses nosed out over the doorways, wondering who was here, if it was morning, if there was more hay for breakfast …

  “No, no,” she murmured. “I’m just visiting. You all go back to sleep.”

  How could Bryce stay away so long? How could he consider ever leaving her for weeks, or months, when a few short days were torture? The questions whirled through her mind, round and round like a whirlpool over a washtub’s drain. She was so tired, so weary of the same questions, questions with no answers.

  She moved back to Ebony’s stall. Her horse had been sorely neglected of late, and she wished to brush her down, maybe even braid her mane. Odessa needed to do something with her restless hands. She entered the stables quietly, relieved to find all the men away at the bunkhouse.

  She grabbed a bucket full of oats and unlatched the stable door. Ebony greeted her, rubbing her nose on Odessa’s leg and, as she turned, all the way up her back. In spite of herself, Odessa smiled. The horse whinnied, and Odessa rubbed her behind the ears, where she liked it best.

  Placing the feedbag over the animal’s head as she munched contentedly, Odessa began to brush her. Fine dust and hair filled the soft orb of lamplight as she worked, moving from the mare’s head backward. Ebony seemed to appreciate the attention, especially with the added treat of oats. She stood fairly still for a good hour while Odessa worked. In the end, she took a pair of shears and trimmed the horse’s mane rather than braiding it. It felt good to have a task, space, something to calm her swirling thoughts and concerns.

  When she heard the creak of the stable door, she assumed it was Ralph, peeking in to check on her. She heard his footsteps stop at Ebony’s stable door, sensed him lean over it.

  “It’s a little late for working with the horses, isn’t it?”

  Odessa glanced in surprise to the doorway. It was Robert, not one of the others. She clamped her mouth shut, suddenly aware it was hanging open. “Couldn’t sleep,” she said. She picked up the brush and resumed brushing the horse, over areas already covered, wishing Robert would go away. She needed more time alone.

  “Me neither. I heard you go out and when I didn’t hear you return right away, I thought I’d check on you.”

  She stilled and stared at him from across the horse’s back. “Bryce thought looking for Reid was the wise thing to do. But I … ” She glanced away, embarrassed by her fear and the tears that were immediately rising in her eyes again.

  “You’re afraid,” he said simply. “You think he should be back by now?”

  She nodded. “I’m caught between fear and fury. Bryce promised …” She paused, wondering if she should really share all. “Bryce once left me at the sanatorium to return to the ranch. He said he always regretted it. Then when Reid came here …” She shook her head. She’d said enough. Her words were best left for her husband, not his brother.

  “He went for you and Samuel. To protect you. To make certain Bannock wasn’t coming.”

  “I know it,” she said, but her voice cracked. She turned away.

  He opened the stable door when tears began to slide down her face. “Odessa—”

  “No, don’t,” she said, holding up her hand. If he came any closer, aiming to comfort her, she was liable to start weeping in earnest.

  “Odessa,” he said, taking another step. “Please, come here.”

  Odessa moved around her horse, closer to him. He opened his arms to her and she tentatively stepped forward. He gave her a long, brotherly hug, and she cried harder. How long had it been since she had been held by a man other than her husband? It made her hungry to see Dominic, made her long for her father, now passed on. Robert was sturdy and strong like Nic.

  “I’m sorry this pains you,” Robert said, taking her shoulders in his hands and lifting
her away after another minute. “I should’ve gone instead.”

  She smiled through her tears. “Bryce knows this territory and Reid better than you do. It’s only right that he went.”

  “But you shouldn’t have to suffer so.” He reached out and gently pushed some hair off her face.

  Robert stared at her for a long moment, his familiar eyes taking her in as if she were a wondrous creature. For the first time, Odessa realized what a sight she must be. She’d let down her hair when she went to her room and hadn’t put a brush to it in hours. She moved a hand to it, as if to wind it upward, but Robert grabbed her hand gently. “No, don’t. You’re beautiful.”

  His hand remained on hers, warm.

  “I better get back,” she said, turning to the gate. She moved out of Ebony’s stable, not waiting for Robert to follow or offer to walk her back. It was best they separate now, discern what was flowing between them. And then figure out how to set it back on course.

  Ralph glanced at her as she hurried out of the stables, then followed behind her in silence.

  It was Gavin who decided on her costumes, changing his mind about the two they had purchased before. Three dressmakers arrived and draped them over Moira as she stood on the ridiculously tiny stage. Gavin deemed one after another too risqué, too common, too uppity. He told them to set aside anything with too high a neck, and then to set aside anything that was too low. “Moira Colorado,” he said, “is not a showgirl, but any showgirl would want to be like her. She is an opera star who has descended from the heavens to bring light and beauty to a world in need of it.”

  The dressmakers both blinked at him in confusion but continued to try to please. Finally, they agreed on two gowns—a deep russet dress that dipped daringly in back and just enough in front, and a teal dress that clung tantalizingly at the very ends of her shoulders. Both had full skirts that dragged a bit when she walked, something Gavin said appealed to men. It drew the eye upward as she walked away, to the gentle curve of her hips and her small waist, then up to her neck and head. “They’ll be praying you turn back around, look upon them once more. Because they’ll want to see your face again—it’s a face they’ll never forget,” he said, tenderly rubbing his hand beneath her jaw.