A Woman Called Sage (13 page)

W
hen Parker left the telegraph office, he met Bess on the boardwalk outside of the hotel. She had a plate of food covered with a cloth, and he could only hope it was for him.

Im on my way to the docs, she said. And I thought you might want this.

Bless you, he said. Im starved, but I didnt want to leave Sage any longer than necessary.

The two fell into step. How is she?

Docs given her enough laudanum to make her sleep for a long time. Infections set in where she was shot.

Ive been praying for her since she lit out of here the morning you two went after John and Davis.

Thank you. We needed it. And we were able He paused. That wasnt what happened at all. I should say
Sage
was able to rescue them. But one of the McCaws got even.

I like her, Bess said. Shes not what I expected from a bounty hunter.

I agree. Shes courageous and strong, but graceful, too. Ill always be grateful for her saving those boys. The words sounded good to his ears and reinforced the direction of his heart. But those matters were private.

Where are the McCaws now?

I wish I knew. This isnt over, Bess. Theres Again he stopped in mid-sentence.

What are you not saying?

Maybe not enough. Maybe too much. You might even think Im crazy.

Parker, whats going on?

Bess had been the one whod listened to him when a subject worried him. He could trust her. In the past, Ive asked you to keep things to yourself, and you have. This situation with the McCaws has led me to believe that someone else could be involved in relaying information to them.

She shot him a sharp glance. Someone in Rocky Falls?

He breathed out a sigh. Possibly. Aiden made mention that Sage and I have something he wants. Im thinking he wanted to trade John and Davis for that something. Neither Sage nor I understand what hes talking about. She and I never met until last week when she brought Aiden in. Nothing links us together. She did discover it was one of the McCaws who shot and killed her husband some years back, and they claimed he owed them money. But I never met the man.

You want me to keep my eyes and ears open?

I do. And, BessDid you trust Frank?

She moaned her sympathy. He was a good man who was troubled.

They crossed the street toward the docs house.

Parker. What about Frank isnt setting right with you?

The thought weighed heavy on his heart and mind. He could have been working with the McCaws, and the thought sours me. Frank was my brother, and despite the whiskey, he was a good man. I know he had his weaknesses, but it will take a sizeable amount of convincing for me to believe hed sell out Oden Felter and this town to a gang of murderous outlaws.

What if he got caught up in something he had no control over?

I hope not. I pray not. Right now I want to bring his and Odens killers to justice. Revenge is burning hot inside me. So hot
that I dont want to make any mistakes, which is why I needed to talk to you.

She patted his arm, though her brow was knit with concern. Your words are safe with me. And Ill be looking and listening.

They walked up the porch to Docs house. Hawk had returned and found a spot on the railing outside the window where Sage rested. Bess shuddered, so Parker stood between her and the bird as he knocked on the door. You and I have had our share of bad times.

Gods always taken care of us, and I have no reason to doubt Him now.

Parker smiled. He and God werent on the best of terms right now. Part of his anger was aimed at Him for taking Oden and Frank. The next time he had the McCaws in his sights, things would turn out a little differently.

P
arker rubbed his eyes in an effort to rid himself of the sleep vying for his time at Sages bedside. Hed made his rounds, sent word to Duncan at the ranch that he was still alive, and now he waited for Sage to get better. She hadnt moved or uttered a sound, and when he touched her hot skin, he wondered if shed ever be cool again. He lit the lantern on the table beside him and studied her pale face. Doc said she was asleep, and her fever needed to break soon. Parker understood what Doc didnt say. If her fever didnt break, shed die.

Doc had brought in a Bible, but Parker hadnt touched it. Perhaps the doctor had guessed Parkers relationship with God needed mending. He wanted to open the Book, but he didnt. He wanted to be on good terms with God, but he didnt want to let go of the hate. He wanted peace but not at the expense of giving up his stubborn pride.

What matters the most to you?

It had been a long time since hed heard that whisper. He drew in a breath to steady himself and ponder the answer to the question
swelling his mind. The first time he realized the centrality of this question was during the warfifteen years old and wearing a gray uniform splattered with blood. But not his own. He shook too badly to move, and his heart thumped hard against his chest. Enemy fire had him and another soldier pinned down. The other man, as old as his pa, had a hunk of flesh missing from his leg. Parker lay overtop the injured man as bullets whizzed past them.

Make a run for it, son, the man said. Staying behind with me will only get you killed.

Parker gazed out to where their men had taken cover in a grove of oak trees. If he dashed from the brush, he might clear the fire.

Go on, son. The mans shallow breathing broke his words. No one would fault you for running.

Parker nearly did. The thought of dying with so much of life ahead of him struck paralyzing fear into his heart. He wondered if his legs would move. Then he heard the question.

What matters the most to you?

What good was living if he left a good man to die? The soldier had a family in Georgia and a plantation that he said was beautiful, especially in spring. He had a son not much younger than Parker. He had little daughters the same age as Parkers sister.

So Parker stayed. Eventually their fellows rallied and drove the enemy back, freeing Parker and his companion from their inadequate shelter.

Parker wished the memory hadnt surfaced to dissuade his vengeance. Every time he thought about Oden and Frank, he wanted to kill every one of the McCaws, as though a scab had been ripped off his heart. But what really mattered the most right now?

Sage.

He didnt need to think twice about it. Parker couldnt bring Oden or Frank back, but he could pray for Sages healing with a
clean heart. There lay the problem, and there lay the solution. If Parker wanted God to listen to his prayers, then he needed to tear down the wall dividing them. Forgiving the outlaws was impossible alone. Not even a consideration. Parker rubbed his face again. He had no choice.

S
age wished she could wake up without any pain. In fact, she wanted to wake up with a clear mind and remember where she was and how she got there. Most of her thoughts drifted in and out, leaving her confused and disoriented. There was one exception: shed finally found out who had murdered Charles and their baby. She should feel relief. Instead, more questions twisted at her heart and mind. How did Charles know the gang? The idea of him riding with outlaws made her physically ill. Had the McCaws found the money they were looking for that day? If not, were they still looking for it? The truth had to surface. For seven years shed thought of nothing but finding the men who had destroyed her family. But truth had been added to the handcuffs, and shed never rest until she learned the whole story.

And where did Parker fit?

Opening her eyes, Sage adjusted to the light streaming through a window to the left of her bed. She vaguely remembered the room from some distant corner of muted voices and incredible agony. A tray of medicine on a small table indicated this was Doc Sladers house. Ah, this was where the doc had treated Parker when Aidens brothers broke him out of jail.

In the haze of her memories, she recalled Parker leading her down from the mountains on the back of his horse. Hed taken good care of her. She remembered the kindness in his eyes and his gentle touch. Her attention slid to the right of the bed, where Leah Timmons sat in a rocking chair with mending in her lap.

Good afternoon. Leah tilted her head. How are you feeling?

How she felt was not how she needed to reply. Better, thank you. She glanced down at her nightgown. Someone must have dressed her. She recalled wearing Parkers shirt and not knowing when that happened either. How long have you been here?

Leah smiled, accenting a splattering of freckles across her nose and cheeks. I took over for Widow Bess about three hours ago.

Sage cringed. The last thing she wanted was to be bothersome. She normally shied away from other women; it always ended in disaster. Im sorry. How long have I been like this?

Better than a day.

She attempted to raise her head, but weakness overtook her. II dont remember much after getting shot. Parker and I talked some

Leah placed a hand on Sages shoulder. You just rest now. Doc Slader gave you medicine to make you sleep. He said youd heal better that way.

Resting was for old and sick people. And she didnt own up to either one. What about the McCaws?

No ones seen or heard from them. Everything around town is quiet. Oh, there is one bit of news to report. Leah stuck her needle into a sock. A US Marshal arrived this morning. He and Parker have spent the day together.

Sage relaxed slightly. She could breathe a little easier knowing the trouble certain to come hadnt started yet. But she wanted to be with the US Marshal and Parker, not stuck in a bed under a quilt and wearing some womans gown like a charity case. I need to get up.

I can get you the chamber pot.

If only natures call was my problem. I appreciate what youre doing, but I need to get dressed and find Parker.

Leah shook her head as though Sage had lost her mind. Doc told me to make sure you got another dose of laudanum.

Im finished with that stuff. It clouds my head. When Sage
saw the worried expression on Leahs face, she had to rethink her words. Thank you for being here and nursing me, but I have things to do. I havent forgotten what happened to Mr. Felter, your husband, and your sons.

You sound like Parker. Leah picked up the needle and began to darn a childs sock. I should have married him when I had the chance and not listened to Franks smooth talk. Then she stopped, and her lips quivered. How horrible for me to utter such a thing with Frank barely cold in his grave. He had his faults, but I loved him. Miss him terribly.

Parker had almost married Leah? A twinge of jealousy wrapped around Sages heart, and she realized it was wrong. Yet it continued to defeat her as though a thread of hope had been snipped like a loose thread under Leahs sewing scissors.

Parker wants us to move to his ranch, but Im not sure what folks would say. Preacher Waller would not approve.

A lot had gone on while shed slept. Sadness, almost grief, settled upon her, and she couldnt quite shake it off.

Anyway, even with Parker sharing the bunkhouse with his men, it wouldnt look proper. People would talk. I think the boys and I can manage our ranch. We did all right when Frank was alive, and he wasnt home much. Parker took up the slack when John couldnt manage all of the work, and theres no reason why he wouldnt continue.

Im sure youll make the right decision. Leah embodied all those things that Sage was nota real lady and a mother.

Leah swiped at a tear. I suppose. Its so hard to believe Franks gone. IIm sorry for saying what I did about him earlier. He had his fine ways. Could always make me laugh and see the bright side of things. Even when hed been drinking and Parker had to bring him home, hed say something witty, and Id forget about being angry. I keep thinking this is a nightmare and Im going to wake up and hell be right there beside me. She shook her head.
Mercy, Im talking too much. I should be thanking you for rescuing my sons and letting you rest. Forgive me for carrying on.

Maybe Leah needed to say what was on her heart and mind. Sometimes talking to a stranger was easier than talking to a friend. Id much rather listen to you than think about what happened in the mountains.

Leahs cheeks reddened. II was only remembering Parker having a talk with Frank about being responsible. It seemed to help because he came home every night after that sober. He helped John and the boys with chores and brought out his fiddle. Then he got shot.

Your husband must have been convinced that his place was with his family.

Leah pulled her needle in and out of the sock. Parker has a way of making people feel like they can do more, be more than what they are. I suppose he learned that from all those books he reads.

What kind of books?

He wanted to go to a fancy university and be a lawyer, but he came out here with us instead. Leah continued to darn the socks and chatter. Now hes talking about politics. She lifted her gaze. Hell be good.

Sage had heard enough about Parker and Leah to get herself out of bed and get on with life. She swung her leg over and nearly fell on her face. The pain in her side brought back the nightmare in the mountains, and she was weak. It took all of her might to breathe.

Leah rushed to stop her. Please. She held onto Sages shoulders. You dont need to tear that wound open. None of us could bear it if something happened to you after saving my boys. Please, stay in bed.

All right. For now anyway. Did Doc say how long it would take?

Leah moistened her lips.

How long?

Leah gently urged Sage back onto the bed and tucked her legs beneath a thin coverlet. She had a soft touch that must have come from mothering. Four weeks if you mind him.

What am I supposed to do for four weeks? Sage recalled the endless hours and days it took when shed been shot before.

Ill visit you, and so will Widow Bess. Tomorrows Sunday, and Im sure Preacher Waller will want folks to pray for you.

She shouldnt have tried to get up just yet, but how would she ever lie around for four weeks? Emotions and duty had gotten tangled in her heart. She sensed the misery moving through her body at the same speed as the pain. I cant ask you to stay here with me. Im feeling pretty good. Really I am. Ive paid for a room at the hotel. Do you know the whereabouts of my clothes?

Widow Bess picked them up to wash them, but I dont know where they are now. Leah proceeded to pull the coverlet up around Sages chin. I want you to stay here. I want to be able to sit with you in the daytime and for us to be friends.

Sage hadnt ever had a woman friend, and she wasnt sure she needed one now. Remembrances of growing up and the taunts about her Indian heritage rolled across her mind. Leah, I appreciate what youre saying and what youve already done, but once the McCaws are arrested, Ill be gone.

But we could write.

She sounded sincere. No wonder Parker cared for this sweet lady. If the McCaws werent stopped, they could kill every man, woman, and child in Rocky Falls and not care a whit. Leah and her family included. Has Parker rounded up a posse to go after the McCaws?

I really dont know. Leah walked to the window and stared outside. I want them stopped. Id blow a hole through each one of those killers and not blink an eye. She whirled around to face Sage. Cant believe I actually said that. But I mean every word.

Sage managed a smile. Maybe we could be bounty hunters together.

Maybe so, Leah whispered.

Where are your children?

Evans tending to them at the parsonage. John is sleeping at the jail. He and Preacher Waller dont see eye-to-eye. Leah lifted her chin as if to say more, and Sage remembered the bits and pieces of conversation when Parker brought her into town. Anyway, thats where were staying until all of this is over. Leah paused as though her mind had drifted to more pleasant things than raising five children by herself. Johns my little Parker. I dont worry about a thing when hes with his brothers. My prayer is he has his fathers way to make folks laugh and Parkers way of being responsible.

Sage felt the twinge of jealousy swirl through her again, and she despised herself for the sensation. I dont think youll have a worry with Parker looking after you.

Oh, but he needs a wife. Dont you think? Especially if he goes on to Denver or Washington to represent us.

Of course Parker needed a wife, and it wouldnt be a woman wearing a mans clothes and doing a mans job. Or an Indian.