by DiAnn Mills
Culpepper had put into words what Parker had been pondering. Thanks, Bob. I appreciate your friendship. Any idea who else we could get to help put this town back to a law-abiding place for folks to live?
Culpepper rubbed a whiskered jaw and chuckled long and deep. Widow Bess would do a good job. And I understand shes a good shot, but I dont think shed take the job as deputy. Tell you what, Ill look around.
I hear a stranger in town has asked about my job, but hes not wearing a badge until I find out more about him.
I dont like the looks of him. Something about him isnt right.
That confirmed Parkers opinion. My nephew John has been begging me for the job, but itll be a cold day in
Oh, I understand. I got a sixteen-year-old who thinks hes smarter than his pa. Bob laid down the sandpaper. Were we that ornery back then?
Parker remembered a bunch of his own shenanigans. I wasprobably worse.
The two men shook hands. One thing, Parker. The McCaws are digging themselves in deep. You best be careful. You outsmarted them one time. They wont let it happen again. Mark my word, theyre up to no good right now, and all we can do is sit and wait.
Im wondering how long I can stay here before heading up after them.
Bob stretched his back. You and the US Marshal?
Parker nodded. The problem is, as much as Wirt Zimmerman and I need another gun, Sage is still recovering at Docs. Itll be a few weeks before shes able to ride.
What about wiring for more help?
How many times had Parker and Wirt asked for more men? Ive been told theres a shortage of US Marshals, and were to raise our own posse.
Culpepper went back to sanding. After several seconds, he lifted his head. Ive met Wirt Zimmerman. Do you think he sees this as an opportunity to make himself look good?
Parker didnt respond. Wirt had a strange personality. At times he was likeable, and other times he had all the answers. A man who promised to uphold the law needed to be prepared mentally and physically. If Wirt lacked in either area, someone could get killed.
Since youre not saying, Bob said, then I guess youve asked yourself the same question.
My thoughts are he didnt get to be a US Marshal unless he was quick with a gun and proved himself. Hes all right, and weve learned to get along.
As I said before, be careful. Id hate to think the man was working for the McCaws.
Parker eyed his friend. I agree someone is feeding the McCaws information, but its not Wirt.
Any idea who?
I have my sights on a couple of people. Bess is my ears and eyes. The saloon collects the worst of charactersmen and women.
THIRTY-FOUR
Sage picked her way through a plate of savory beef stew Mrs. Slader had brought in for her and Parker. Hard to have an appetite for the food shed smelled all afternoon when she felt like she was drowning in a river of emotions, and the source of those feelings sat within arms reach.
She couldnt get out of bed and leave, so that meant she had to discourage Parker from returning to visit her. Right now all she could do was tread water and hope she didnt get caught up in the whirlpool of his eyes or the gentleness of his voice. She had no right longing for the company of a man who rightfully belonged to another woman.
Some evenings Wirt accompanied Parker, and the three discussed the situation with the McCaws. Mostly Wirt talked and asked questions, usually ones hed brought up before. Parker had a tendency to protect her from his hammering, but Sage could take care of herself without the marshal playing nursemaid. On a few occasions, Wirt came by himself and showered her with lavish compliments that nearly made her gag.
Some things she learned settled like a rock in the pit of her stomachmore like a boulder. Wirt insisted upon bringing up the fact Charles had lied to her about the ranch up north, and that meant he most likely lied about other things, too. Did he think she was stupid not to realize Charless duplicity?
The way I look at it, Wirt said earlier today, your husband was an outlaw too. One who double-crossed Aiden, and that got him killed. But what does he want from you and Parker?
She refused to discuss the money Aiden claimed Charles had stolen or speculate on what Aiden wanted from her and Parker. In fact, she was tired of thinking and talking about it. The time had come for answers. The only thing that mattered to bloodthirsty men like Aiden was money and power. She had neither, and Parker not much more.
A thought sickened her. Could Parker be holding out on her? Did he know what was behind all of this? After all, shed trusted Charles, and look what happened there.
For sure Sage had to get out of bed soon. Her temperament was causing those around her to suffer.
You arent eating much, Parker said, pulling her from her musings to the present. Are you feeling poorly?
No. I have a lot on my mind. At least she told the truth. Conversation had been easier in the mountains. Do it. Tell him. She moistened her lips. Have you put together any more of the puzzle about Aiden?
Ive been thinking about it night and day. The fact is we dont know what we have that they want. Have you brought in any of Aidens other brothers?
She remembered her first glimpse of them through her binoculars. Id never had any dealings with them until I received the wire about Aiden being wanted for murder.
One of the brothers, Karl, was shot and killed over seven years ago. I rode with the US Marshal who was trailing them at the time. But unless you knew Adam Moore, then were on a dead-end trail again.
She shook her head. I heard the name once, but I never met him. He was killed before I became a bounty hunter. Could Aiden blame you for his brothers death?
He knows I wasnt the one to pull the trigger. Moore did that.
Ive gone over every man Ive ever brought inthe ones in prison and the ones who were hanged. Ive questioned if their families and the McCaws rode togetherand Ive wondered if they were Indian haters. My next thought is to wire the prisons to see if any of the men I brought in have been released or escaped. She pointed to a folded piece of paper on the dresser. Theres the list.
Ill send those telegrams in the morning.
Tell him now. I dont think you should come by here alone anymore.
He startled. Why?
She forced herself to lock into his gaze. No turning back now. Preacher Waller is trying to take your job because of me. The townsfolk youve sworn to protect believe you no longer care about their safety. Your friends and supporters have become your enemies. And your spending evenings with me is destroying your reputation.
He set his partially eaten food on the small dresser behind him. I dont care one whit about what Waller or anyone else says.
I do, and you should too.
Then marry me if it means so much.
His response shook her to the core. Have you been drinking?
His eyes narrowed. Sage, you know I care about you. I want you in my life permanently. I think you care about me too.
Caring was not love. Friendship sealed the rough edges of marriage. But love was the main ingredient. Parker had to be tired from all his burdens, and he simply needed a way to appease Waller and the townsfolk in order to concentrate on important matters. A marriage to him would be one of convenience. I have no desire to marry you. All of your goals for the future would be destroyed. Please, I dont want you visiting me here alone anymore.
Why do I think theres more to this than what youre saying? The Sage Morrow I know doesnt care about what other folks think or say. And you can deny feelings for me until the moon is snatched from the sky, but I see love in your eyes.
Love? She was utterly confused. Yet she refused to give in to his proposal. Even if he did feel love for her, she could never be what he needed in his pursuit of political office. Thats ridiculous. Once Im on my feet, well bring in the McCaws. Then Im gone. You have your townyour political aspirationsyour God. Leah. Later shed cry, when night hid her tears.
And what will you have? He spoke each word as though hed punched them w
ith his fist. A hawk and a vendetta? Thats a great life, Sage Morrow. I thought you were finished with being a bounty hunter once the McCaw gang was behind bars.
What I do is none of your business.
Is that the way you really want it?
She refused to cry. Yes. I dont want to see you unless youre with Wirt.
Parker stiffened. You prefer his company?
She hadnt considered the possibility of Wirt as a suitor. Neither would she. I believe your job as marshal and your future is more important than looking after me. Besides, I am at a doctors house.
He blinked and glanced down at his hands before searching her face. She expected the lines forking out from his eyes to deepen. Instead they grew softer, causing her heart to quicken. What else is wrong?
Nothing. Yes, there is. I want out of this bed. Bess hasnt returned my clothes, and I want my guns where I can reach them.
Parker turned and picked up his plate and cup. From the frown on his face, she thought he was about to repeat another sheep story. A candle-like light shone in his eyes, and she regretted what could never be. Ill have someone bring your guns to you. Your clothes are up to Bess. Doc Slader is handling your healing. But let me remind you something happened between us in the mountains. You know it, and I cant forget it.
Ignore him. Dont listen to a single word. We were two people facing death with no one else around. She crossed her arms over her chest. I had a husband, remember? Hes dead, and I dont need another one. She forced herself to stare into his face. I believe I can choose my own companybe it Wirt Zimmerman or anyone else.
Parker gave her a brief nod. Ill be leaving, and Ill honor your wishes and not come back alone. Even then itll be business only. I dont understand how what I see in your eyes is so different from what youre saying. I admit I didnt ask you to marry me the proper way. But my foolhardy attempt doesnt wipe away my intentions. Ill be praying youll change your mind.
Its better this way.
Sage, when are you going to let a man love you?
After thanking Mrs. Slader for the beef stew and cornbread, Parker bid the large family good-night. The boys were seated around a long table just like he wanted his own children seated one day. He stepped off the porch onto the dirt street with regret nipping at his heels. What had changed with Sage?
He patted his shirt pocket containing her list of those shed helped send to prison. Tonight hed send a wire to Governor Ben Eaton to see if the outlaws were still behind bars. A good many of them were being held at the Colorado State Penitentiary, and Ben could get the information sooner than Parker. Someday when he held office, he, too, would remember those people who had tough and thankless jobs.
Parker also wanted Wirt to take a look at Sages list. Wirt Zimmerman. Parker had a hard time believing Sage preferred the US Marshal over him, but maybe she did. He shook his head. Confusion had slammed into his heart and mind, and he had no answers. Women were the most difficult creatures on the face of the earth. Besides, he had a job to do. If Sage wanted Wirt, then she could have him.
Now he was lying to himself. Hed find a way to win the woman he loved. A woman unlike any hed ever met. A woman who stood on equal ground, who didnt need a man to take care of her. A woman who was true beauty from the depth of her eyes to the wisdom of her soul. Sage Morrow was a woman whod walk lifes journey with her man.
He rubbed the dull ache at the back of his neck. Before he could win Sage, and before he could expect her to admit her feelings, the McCaws had to be stopped. This waiting for the gang to make the next move made Parker feel like a coward. What did the gang want?
He had no answers about anything, and the troubles kept piling up.
Hey, Parker.
Parker recognized Wirts voice. Evenin.
I expected you to be with Sage. Thought Id join you there. He held up a map. Ive studied the area again, and I have some questions.
Right now Parker wanted to be alone, but sulking solved nothing. As soon as I take a look at some information she gave me, you and I could go over those questions.
Wirt glanced down the street toward the Sladers house. Can you give me an hour? Think Id like to talk to Sage for a while.
The idea of Sage welcoming Wirts company but not his made Parker madder than a swarm of angry bees. Ill be at the hotel. I asked Bess to find out all she could about the stranger in townthe one looking to take my job.
Wirt tipped his hat, and Parker noticed he wore a clean shirt. Courting clothes? I shouldnt be too long. Then again, I lose track of time in the presence of a pretty woman.
Not if I can help it. I ought to tell you that Sage isnt feeling very good. Might be better if you wait until tomorrow. Im afraid weve forced her to talk too much.
Sorry to hear shes feelin poorly. Wirt glanced down the street, then back to Parker. We both need her to heal. Guess Ill pay her a visit tomorrow. Take her some flowers. She liked the last ones.
If Parker had been the unselfish type, he wouldnt have lied about Sages condition or persuaded Wirt to put off his visit. He should feel ashamed of himself, and maybe later he would. But not now, not while he stared at the moonstruck look on Wirts face.
THIRTY-FIVE
Good morning, Miss Sage. You have a visitor. Dr. Sladers robust voice stirred Sage from her sleep.
Sage opened her eyes to see Dr. and Mrs. Slader standing at the foot of the bed with Widow Bess. Bess held out a plate of food, and it smelled like bacon and eggs.
We told her you needed fattening up, Mrs. Slader said, who more closely resembled a fence post than the mother of nine boys. Our dear Sage has stolen all of our hearts. The woman walked around to the side of her bed and planted a kiss on Sages cheek. She smelled of vanilla and motherhood. For certain, what Mrs. Slader lacked in a womans shape, she made up for in a sweet face and a kind heart. As if the shape of a person made her more or less likeable.
I hear you havent been eating very well, so I brought breakfast. Besss round cheeks dimpled in a big smile. Leah and I changed times today so she could attend church. Hope you dont mind.
Im being very spoiled. And I already had a biscuit this morning.
My point, Mrs. Slader said. You arent eating enough to keep a bird alive. Her eyes widened. Hawk eats more than you do.
Hes a growing boylike yours. Sage attempted to sit up, even though every movement still pained her.
Instantly Doc Slader was at her side. Ill help you there, Missy. He gently lifted her while his wife propped pillows behind her back.
I sure am looking forward to getting out of this bed. She grinned at Bess. But I believe you still have my clothes.
Doc Slader laughed, and he and his wife excused themselves. Well be back after church, Doc said. Unless Preacher Waller throws us out.
Sages ears rang with the remark. Did the preacher and Doc Slader not get along either? Heaven forbid that the Sladers had fallen under the preachers wrath for doctoring her.
Mrs. Slader punched him in the ribs, but he simply wrapped his arm around her waist and planted a loud kiss on her cheek. The couple left the room, closing the door behind them. Sage heard the doctor shout for the boys that it was time for church, calling each one by nameall beginning with the letter A.
Sage focused her attention on Bess. I want to thank you for staying with me since Ive been here. I appreciate your companyall youve done for me. You and Leah are so dear to me. And she meant every word. Leaving Rocky Falls would be difficult for many reasons.
Wed have stayed nights, but Parker shooed us out of here.
Sage wondered when he had time to sleep. But that was over now. She wondered lots of things about Parker, but it was all useless. Most of the times youve been here, Ive been asleep. Please, sit down.
Bess held out the plate of food and tilted her head. Only if you promise to eat.
Sage reached for the food and set it on her lap. Shed learned to eat less while on the trail. Ill do my best.
We want to see you well. Got lots of talking to catch up on.
In the distance, church bells sounded.
Arent you going to services this morning? Sage took a drink of cool buttermilk.
God and Preacher Waller dont have the same views.
Sages eyes widened. How many others had less-than-complimentary remarks about the towns preacher? May I ask why?
Bess folded her hands in her lap, then unfolded them. Did you ever taste food without salt?
Plenty of times. It filled the ache in my belly, but it certainly wasnt satisfying.
Thats Preacher Waller. He doesnt know how to add love to life. Instead he spouts sin like a bubbling pot and judges everyone but himself.
Does he have a large congregation?
Not as many as he could have. She shook her gray head. He has a habit of bringing to the pulpit what other folks are doingand oft times its not the good things. He and I parted ways when he disapproved of me motherin the girls at the saloon. I love those girls, and I know how they earn their livin. But if they dont have someone like me to love on them, how are they ever going to know Jesus?
Sage agreed. Shed been separated from God long enough to know that those who really needed Him werent in churchfor various reasons.
Preacher Waller condemns what my girls do from the pulpit. Bess shook her head. Goodness, my girls know sleeping with men for money is wrong without someone constantly reminding them. All that accomplishes is making Preacher Waller look righteous and chasin my girls away.
He should be glad youre befriending them.
Not exactly. Bess paused. He said I wasnt welcome in his church as long as I associated with saloon folks.