by DiAnn Mills
Around September.
Not long off. Are the McCaws from these parts?
Parker appreciated Wirts line of thought. Getting to know the enemy gave a man the edge. Mississippi is where theyre originally from. They went through the war together and lost a brother, but they never went home. Rumors are they were part of Quantrills Raiders. Thats where they learned how to raid. About nine years ago, they rode through this area, killing and stealing. Then they moved into Texas for a while, always avoiding the law. This area seems to suit them best. Hard for me to figure out since this is where their brother was killed.
How many brothers?
Five of them are still alive. Karl was the one shot a few years back. Aiden, Mitch, Quincy, Rex, and Jeb.
Wirt whistled. Id like better odds.
Im sure the folks they killed felt the same way. They led their horses around a rocky incline.
Whenever youre trying to stop outlaws whod rather see you dead, its bad.
Parker noted Sages ponys tracks stopped abruptly at a fork. He bent to study the sparse brush choking its way up from the rocky path. Shed purposely covered her tracks to keep the McCaws or even Parker from following her. Ive lost the trail.
She didnt disappear.
Stay here while I scout around. Parker searched around them, looking for the obvious path that a woman who nursed a bullet wound would take. But she wouldnt take the easier path. Not Sage Morrow. He left his horse and hiked several feet over the roughest terrain until he found the faint imprint of a boot on the opposite side of a fallen fir. A short while later, he led Wirt on her trail again.
The horses splashed across a narrow stream, the whitecaps lifting and falling as though in a hurry to get somewhere. At times his life had seemed that way until Sage rode into town. He smiled in remembering how she claimed not to like lawmen and politicians. He was mad enough that day to forget she was a woman. His heart had taken a big dive since then, and, like a fish flopping around on dry land, he didnt know how to act. He wanted to find her nownot to convince her to marry him or make sure she was healing proper but to gaze into her eyes and see what her lips could not say.
Youre a praying man, Wirt said, not as a question, but as a statement.
I am. He stopped to listen to the grating call of a raven to make sure it was a bird and not a man. He gripped his rifle. The bird flew from the branches of an aspen and eased his mind. Its blue-black feathers reminded him of Sages hair.
Do you pray before you shoot a man?
Parker hadnt thought about what he did in those terms. I pray for lawbreakers to be stopped, and for God to use me in whatever way He sees fit. If I enjoyed killing a man, then Id be no better than a murderer.
They rode toward a clearing but hid themselves in the outer trees. When the forest grew thick, they dismounted and walked their horses. Just when Parker was certain hed lost her trail, hed see a break of twigs or trodden brush.
Why did you ask about my faith? Parker said.
Curious. Thats all. My folks never understood why I became a US Marshal. In fact, they told me not to come around.
Why?
Theyre Quakers.
A Quaker was the last thing Parker ever thought Wirt might be. What changed your mind about peace-loving folks?
Oh, its a long story. Sometimes I think my folks found me on their back porch. His nervous laugh told Parker the man had a few doubts about the choices hed made. I never had an argument about how Quakers view violence and life in general. But I wanted to make a difference in the West, make it safe.
Have you tried talking to your folks about how you feel?
Wirt didnt answer right away, as though he had to pick and choose his words. Theres more to it. I was supposed to marry a Quaker girl who didnt see things like I did. Left her at the altar, so to speak. Chose law school over her. Didnt handle it proper.
Parker thought back over the messes hed made in his life. More than one regret had left its mark. In my opinion, the best way to get rid of guilt and bad feelings is to face them head-on.
Have you ever done it?
How many nights had he lain awake, thinking about the times hed flown at Frank about his lazy ways? He never had a chance to make it right with his brother before he was killed. Not as often as I should have.
I still think about her now and then.
Was Wirt pursuing Sage out of real affection or rebellion against his parents way of life? What about Sage?
Shes special. I wont deny that. Life sure can be complicated.
Parker reined in his horse and held up his hand to silence Wirt. To the left of them, Sage stood on a high boulder. She waved and motioned them on. Her black hair flowed down her back, and he could envision her earth-colored eyes and sweet smile. Parker glanced up at the sky and laughed: high noon.
Sage had thought long and hard about what to say to Parker about mending her relationship with God. In the end, she decided the best way to show her change of heart would be for him to see it. She still loved him, and she still believed he and Leah should recapture what they once had. But when she said her final good-bye, he would know she had turned her life over to God. Right now the serious matter before all of them was capturing the McCaws before anyone else was killed.
The questions about Charles remained unanswered, and she knew her own temperament well enough to know shed not rest until the past made sense. No matter how difficult it was to face.
Hawk, we have company. Sage lifted her gaze to a slenderbranched birch tree. Of course, hed seen Parker and Wirt coming long before she did. She shook her head and inwardly laughed. Two men and one woman alone in the mountains. Preacher Waller would have much to talk about in the coming weeks. She hoped they all lived to hear it.
By the time Parker and Wirt climbed the narrow path to her camp, she had coffee brewing and a rabbit roasting over a fire.
Youre in time for dinner, she said.
Parker dismounted. He looked pleased to see her, or maybe what she saw was wishful thinking on her part. We followed our noses and our grumbling stomachs. You gave me a tough trail.
Good. I had things to do before today. She tossed Wirt a smile. I told you Sunday noon.
He returned the gesture. You look real healthy for a woman who took a bullet.
Might say Im a miracle.
Parker tied his horse to a sapling. The mountains have a way of curing whatever ails you.
In more ways than she cared to divulge. Any trouble getting here?
Parker shook his head. Had a feeling we were being watched. Wirt here kept looking over his shoulder.
Just covering our rear.
Any problems in Rocky Falls? She thought about Preacher Waller and his influence on the small town.
Another death, Parker said.
Her gaze flew to his. Who?
Faye, one of the girls at the saloon. Bess overheard a conversation about giving her money, but before we had time to question her, shed been killed.
Edwards was working for the McCaws?
I think hes Rex McCaw. My guess is Fayes the one who supplied Aiden with information.
An image of the attractive woman rose in Sages mind. I met her. She came with Bess to visit me earlier this week. Im sorry to hear what happened.
So am I. Parker walked her way. The thought of stepping into his arms nudged at her, but she locked it deep in her heart. Instead, she turned her attention to the rabbit, crackling and spitting over the fire. If you have mugs, the coffee is ready. She gave in to the pounding in her chest and stole a glance at Parker. He stared back, and for a brief moment she allowed the joy of love to fill her. With a catch in her throat, she turned away before he could read the truth. Parker and Wirt retrieved their mugs from their saddlebags.
How are you feeling? Parker said.
Better than I have for a long time. That part was true. She reached for her knife balancing on a rock by the fire and cut off a chunk of meat to give him. Its a little hot. She did the same for Wirt and t
hen herself.
Did you leave Bob Culpepper in charge, or did other men step forward to help?
He bit into the rabbit. Only Bob. The ones who wanted to ride with us or be deputized werent old enough.
Like John?
Exactly. Im not yanking our future to fill saddle space.
She studied him. His words and his heart would be a part of her forever.
Parker grinned. Bob said hed take over as marshal if I got killed.
Wirt laughed. He said hed catch em, hang em, and bury em. Hed be Rocky Falls one-man show. Maybe those who cant obey the law will think twice about an undertaker wearing a badge and carrying a rifle. Wirt took a bite of the rabbit. This tastes mighty fine, Sage.
Thanks. She started to comment about his mama raising him with good manners, but chose not to. This wasnt a time for small talk. Instead, it was a time for figuring out how to stay alive and bring in the McCaws. What else is going on?
Found out about the telegram you received from Denver, Parker said.
The one naming Charles in a train robbery. Did you know about his involvement? Looks like Charles lived two lives.
Im real sorry.
She could tell he meant every word. It definitely helps us unravel the connection between him and the McCaws. All we have to figure out is what links all of us together, and what they want from you and me.
Wirt studied her, making her feel more than a little uneasy. He needed to look at her likelike she was a man. Are you sure youre all right?
Parker choked on something.
Im fine, she said. The McCaws and I have a history, and I intend to be part of stopping their future. Theyve roamed this country for too long, frightening people with their murdering and thieving ways.
We need a plan, Wirt said.
Thats why were here. Parker tossed a piece of rabbit Hawks way. They have greed on their side. We have our wits.
Ive been thinking about where I first found Aiden, Sage said.
My thoughts are kin to yours, Parker said. My guess is theyre not far from there.
We need to clear this campsite, or theyll be on us by sundown. I built the fire to alert them. Possibly throw them off.
Lets clear the ground and pile some stones around it before we leave. Parker pulled out his knife and cut another piece of rabbit. Im not hightailing it back down the mountain this time without the McCaws.
Hawk lifted his wings and soared into the air. The bird called out, possibly alerting her to danger. Sunday dinner just got cut short. She stood and watched the direction in which Hawk flew. The beginning of the end.
FORTY-FIVE
Aiden intended to stay hidden from Timmons and Sage until Mitch returned. Then everything would fall into place. Hed learned the man riding with the pair was US Marshal Wirt Zimmerman. No threat there. Aiden had learned his lesson from the last time Parker rode with a US Marshal. Karl was buried in these mountains as a reminder.
Parker and Sage obviously thought the McCaws could be brought in. Were they fools? Charles was dead. Sage nearly killed. Parker beat unconscious. What a joke when the law had been trying to catch them for over fifteen years. The folks of Rocky Falls would know what happened to anyone who double-crossed the McCaws when they found three bodies dumped outside of town.
Quincy had a bad night, coughing up blood and breathing hard. This morning he couldnt hold his mug of coffee for the shaking. Scared Aiden a bit, but hed not let on. Caint you stop that hackin?
Quincy continued to fill the air with a raspy, breathless sound. Aiden sucked in his own breath, wishing it to end. Soon theyd get Quincy to the finest doctor in Denver. Hed be fixed up in no time at all.
Jeb made his way to Aidens side and sat down beside him. You think Quincys gonna die? he whispered.
Aiden fought the urge to knock him flat. Thats a stupid thing to ask. He cursed. Dont let me hear it again.
I heard Quincy say it. Yes, I did, Jeb said. He said hed probably die before we got our hands on the money. What about the rest of the money from the other jobs? I wanna know. Tell me, Aiden, wheres the rest of it?
Aiden grabbed him by the shirt. Jeb didnt need to know the money was gone. Its hid in a good spot. Plenty of it. But we need this to set us square from Karls dyin. Understand? He released Jeb and sent him flying backward over a fallen log.
I dont want another brother coming up dead, Jeb said.
Aiden refused to think about any of them dying. He reached over and offered Jeb a hand up. He wont die from his cough. Ill get him to a doctor soon. He tossed a look at Quincy bent over with a hoarse sound that seemed to come from his toes. How about a little whiskey to cut it?
Quincy nodded, but he still couldnt speak for his gasps of air.
Aiden headed for his saddlebag and the whiskey. He was ready for this all to end.
FORTY-SIX
Parker made sure all three of them took turns keeping a careful vigil on the rocky path that led to their new campsite. Allowing no surprises from the McCaws bettered the chance that the three would stay alive. Their plan was simple: wait until nightfall, overpower the guards, grab their weapons, and hobble the gangs horses. But things were never as easy as they sounded, especially when desperate outlaws were willing to take a gamble. For that matter, though, Parker believed he and Sage were just as desperate to bring the gang to justice.
My turn to keep an eye on the trail, Wirt said with one hand wrapped around his rifle barrel. Who knows? There may be one less McCaw after my watch.
Make sure its not one less US Marshal, Sage said as Wirt headed to the top of the hill that overlooked a deep gulley and a narrow trail leading up to them.
Id have it coming for trying to bring in outlaws with no experience.
No man wanting to uphold the law has a bullet coming to him, Parker said.
Wirt swung back around, his face pale and his features drawn. I wanted to do this myselfbe the brave US Marshal. I looked forward to handing over the bounty money to Sage and escorting Aidens rear to Denver. His gaze lifted to the higher elevations, then settled on them again. When this is over, Ill find some way to make it up to you.
Parker nodded in the heavy silence and read fear and regret in Wirts face. What was he not saying? Or had reality settled on the man? Wirt headed to his post with slumped shoulders. They all had their demons who poked fun at their semblance of courage and called them cowards. Parker hoped they all lived to talk about the tense hours leading up to capturing the McCaws.
Parker leaned back against a rock as tall and wide as a man and studied Sage across from him. With her hat pulled down over her eyes to shield them from the sun, he couldnt read her well. He caught her attention where she sat cross-legged on the ground. You scared me when I found out you were gone. I mean, I know you can take care of yourself, but
Oh, Parker, I bet you were madder than a wet hen.
He grinned. I was that too.
She stretched her legs and scuffed her heel into the dirt. This part of my life will soon be finished. Not sure what Ill do then. She sighed. Ive done this for enough years. Its time I put roots down again. She tossed him a smile. Wear dresses more often than britches.
Did that mean there was hope for the two of them? What about family?
My folks still live in southern Colorado. I need to apologize to my father for the way I acted when he voiced his misgivings about Charles. Then I need to figure out what I want to do with my ranch. She picked up a rock and bounced it in her hand, as though nervous. Living where Charles and I began has too many memories.
You could settle down in Rocky Falls. He chuckled. I could deputize you, and together wed keep the no-accounts out of town.
She didnt respond. At least she hadnt turned down the idea. With his heart hammering like a hummingbirds wings, he dared to venture a little closer to this woman who had come to mean so much to him in so short a time. He sat beside her on the hard ground.
I never heard the name Sage before. Most beautiful name I could ever imagine.
Sages gaze snapped to him, wide-eyed. Almost fearful.
What did I say?
She blinked and glanced away. Parker Timmons, too many times I wonder about you.
In a good way?
You frighten me.
How could he frighten her? He was a man in love with a beautiful, courageous woman. He willed his skittish nerves to calm a bit. He stared at her, but her gaze flitted everywhere but at him. Tell me how your mama and papa came up with your pretty name.
A smile crept over her full lips. Papa wanted his daughter to seek out truth and wisdom above all other things.
I see that in you.
Youre kind. She toyed with the rock in her hand. I continue to tell you more than I shouldabout my life.
I want you to trust me. And I apologize for not telling you about Charles being involved in a train robbery. Weve been through a lot in such a short time. Makes peoplea man and a woman close. If he could take her into his arms, he would.
She slowly turned to face him, and her eyes were moist. Could it be hed chiseled a hole in the wall of her heart? Parker, Leah and those boys need you.
My invitation to Leah was to give her and her boys a safe place to live. Nothing else. I fretted about her not being strong enough to be a mama and a papa to those boys. He still could not read her emotions and so ventured on. Id rather have a family of my own, eight children with black hair and brown eyes the color of rich earth. Id like them all to be girls who were independent and determined to reach out and take a fistful of life.
Sage paled. Had he gone too far? I thinkI think a few boys would be nice.
His throat went dry. Then we need to figure out how to get out of these mountains in one piece.
Are you sure about this? Her lips quivered.
I love you, Sage, and I want us to spend the rest of our lives together.
What about your dreams of being a politician? What would your friends and opponents feel about a half-Ute woman as your wife?
That she loves and supports her husband. And if he doesnt do a good job, she has a hawk that will put him in his place.