A Woman Called Sage (17 page)

W
ith all of Sages grand intentions to recover faster than Doc Slader predicted, she still slept much of Tuesday and Wednesday, even when she refused the wine-tasting laudanum. In her waking moments, she wondered if her past gun wounds had slowed her healing or if shed truly been injured that badly. Doc claimed shed overdone it with well-meaning visitors, and she was inclined to agree. She longed to be whole againto be outside and feel the warm July sun on her face. Eight years ago, when the McCaws had finished with her, it took weeks to recover. But now she didnt have time for such nonsense. She had business with Aiden and Mitch McCaw.

Leah came by every morning and Bess in the afternoon. Parker stole moments to see her, but she wished he wouldnt. With Duncans funeral behind him, he appeared more determined to coax the McCaws out into the open where he could deal with them. Yet he talked logically, not with the intensity of a man half-crazed by too many senseless deaths. Every time she saw him made it more difficult to tell him good-bye and ignore the tender feelings building in her heart. As much as she wanted to forget his words of endearment, they entered her mind unbidden and spun magic that she couldnt will away.

Sage closed her eyes and allowed sleep to close her thoughts and heal her body. What knowledge did Charles carry to his death? The money the McCaws killed him for? Had they been unable to locate it and were still looking? Seven years seemed like a long time for them to carry a vendetta. It had to be a tidy
sum. But then again, why hadnt they come after her when she first recovered? The questions, the endless ponderingsspeculations that battled her wits while the McCaws left a trail of blood in their wake.

T
uesday afternoon, Parker detected Wirt had something worrying him. Granted, all their talking hadnt gotten them a single deputy, but that didnt mean either man had given up on forming a posse to go after Aiden and his bloodthirsty brothers. Parker and Wirt sat at the hotel dining room with a map of the area spread over the tablefrom Rocky Falls to Estes Park and on to where the gang had taken John and Davis.

Whats on your mind? Parker said.

Rumors thick as mud.

You might as well tell me.

Why dont you tell me why you arent on Preacher Wallers list of upstanding citizens.

Parker nearly groaned. Whats he done now?

This morning I overheard a couple of women at the general store talking about church. The good preacher doesnt believe youre fit to be the towns marshal.

And Parker knew why. Let me guess. When Sage and I rode in, she was wearing my shirt. No matter that she was near dead. Waller took offense to the shirt and the nights in the mountains alone.

That goes along with the local talk. Next time ask Aiden to chaperone. Maybe youll stay out of trouble. Is it just me, or is the preacher a little quick to condemn?

The latter. But Im not his favorite citizen right now. Did you hear anything else? Hate to be relieved of my job before rounding up the McCaws. However, Ill bring them in with or without a badge.

If that happens, Im deputizing you as a US Marshal. Maybe
next Sunday you ought to slip under a window outside the church and find out whats being said about you.

Wednesday night is prayer meeting. If I went, at least I could defend myself. Parker shrugged. My temper and Preacher Wallers self-righteousness are a grand mix. I think Gods been preparing me for politics for a long timeprobably as long as Ive known Waller.

Better you than me. Two things I stay away fromchurch and politicians.

Parker digested Wirts words and considered what, if anything, he should do to stop the gossip. So Waller had preached one of his fire-and-brimstone sermons on Sunday. And he urged the citizens of Rocky Falls to consider another marshalpossibly Waller himself. Wouldnt be the first time the preacher had ruined a fine persons reputation.

Faye, one of Besss girls who worked the saloon by night and helped in the kitchen during the afternoons, refilled their coffee mugs. He smiled his thanks.

He remembered when Widow Bess owned the general store. At the time, she was inviting the local soiled doves to her home in an effort to dissuade them from their current means of earning a living. Waller took offense. Called her an unfit member of the church and told her she wasnt welcome in his congregation. Then he urged the town folk to take their business elsewhere. He even drove a wagon to the next county for supplies. Bess was forced to sell out and get a job at the hotel. At least now she was closer to the women she wanted to help. With the way they listened and believed Waller unquestioningly, a good portion of the people of Rocky Falls reminded Parker of dumb sheep.

Parker may be the next to lose his standing in the community, but hed been preparing for that fight for a long time. Hed rather be on Gods side than on the side of a preacher who had no idea what it meant to be a shepherd. Of course, he still warred against the revenge in his spirit. He thought hed moved past it
until Duncan was murdered. Now he wrestled with sheer hate for the gang and all theyd done. Every day found the matter at the forefront of his thoughts as he asked the Lord to help him make good decisions. The struggle to find a way to bring in the McCaws had started to weaken him. How much longer could he take the manure slung at him from every direction?

Thats when he decided to attend Wednesday nights prayer meeting.

Parker waited until the piano music ended and Waller bowed his head to pray before he slipped into a pew at the back of the church. Some of the townsfolk had ignored his greetings this week, but it wasnt until yesterday that he discovered why. Now Parker wanted to know exactly what was being said about him. He understood the gist, but to fight this with Waller, he needed to hear the accusations for himself. Waller was a coward. He rarely confronted folks, only directed his vile tongue at them behind their backs.

If Waller werent such a hypocrite, Parker would question whether hed thrown in his lot with the McCaws. But the gang would never put up with him. The prayer endedParker had his ownand Waller faced the congregation. Fortunately for Parker, evening shadows spread over the church. Candles were lit near the front, which would help conceal him in the back.

Evenin, folks. I pray the Lords been talking to you this week about the sins of our towns marshal.

Hes not wasting any time. I might get burned at the stake by the end of the meeting.

For eight years, Parker Timmons has held the office of marshal in our little town, and for eight years, Ive prayed for his soul. It grieves me to report that my prayers and yours have gone in vain. God revealed to me this week that Parker Timmons cannot be redeemed. Its also been revealed to me the McCaw gangs activities of lateincluding another murderis Gods retribution on us for not doing a thing about getting rid of Parker Timmons.

Parker had to root his boots to the wooden floor to keep from standing and demanding to be heard. What was wrong with these people to believe such lies?

God told you all that? Bob Culpepper boomed out his question. As far as Parker could tell, Bob was unaware of Parkers position behind him. Good to know he had a friend.

Careful, Brother Culpepper, Waller said. This is Gods house, and He dont take kindly to others disputing His words.

My question isnt about God, but what you claim He said about Parker Timmons. Our marshal is a God-fearin man if I ever saw one.

Then you should have seen the rebellion in his eyes when I asked him what went on in the mountains with Sage Morrow.

Looks to me like the woman was more dead than alive.

Gods hand, Brother Culpepper. His judgments are right and not to be questioned.

So youre condemning and executing him without letting the man speak for himself? Even the Pharisees required a few witnesses.

Several others in the congregation ordered Bob to keep quiet. But Waller would think twice about kicking the towns undertaker out of the church. Especially when he was a deacon and owned the parsonage.

Lets have order in Gods house. Waller raised his hands as though about to pray. We need to vote about getting rid of Marshal Timmons so our town can once more be at peace. We dont need any more folks murdered or children snatched from their mothers arms.

Parker clenched his fists and waited for the proper time to state a few biblical truths.

Preacher Waller? an unfamiliar voice said.

Yes, sir, Waller called out.

Im new to this town, and before I bring my wife and daughters
to Rocky Falls, I want to know a God-fearin man is keeping the law.

I understand, sir. We all feel the same way. Thats why were taking up some of Gods time to discuss what Hed have us do.

Thank you, the stranger said. I have my eye on a homestead southeast of here, but not one penny will be spent until I can shake hands with a respectable marshal. My wife and daughters deserve to live without the threat of murderin outlaws. And I dont take kindly to arming them like soldiers instead of delicate women.

Who would be our marshal if Parker Timmons were gone? a woman said. We dont even have a deputy.

Ive been thinking on that very thing. Wallers voice echoed just like he was ready to bring down fire from heaven. In his case, it would be fire from down below. I filled in for Marshal Timmons when he was in the mountains. I can do so again until you folks vote in a new man.

Ive worked with lawmen in the past, the stranger said. I know how the jobs done.

Well, thats mighty fine, sir, Waller said. Id like to hear about your qualifications after prayer meetin. We do believe in electing qualified men.

Murmurs rose through the crowd. Some were for pinning a star on Wallerright beside his crossand others were against getting rid of Parker.

I suggest we not quarrel with our fellow Christians, Waller said. I wanted to vote tonight and be done with this distasteful matter. But we can wait until Sunday evenin. And let me remind you the outcome is in Gods hands. Be prayed up and in your Bibles. If any of you need Scripture to read, I can help you. He cleared his throat. Its time to hear from our Lord and what Hes put on my heart. Our message tonight is from Ephesians, where Paul warns the church not to be led away by wolves. We have
much to learn from this letter in light of the current tragedy in our community.

Now Im a wolf and about to be booted out of being marshal.
Parker needed a few more folks on his side fastand a deputy.
Lord, what kind of a mess have I gotten myself into?
He stood.

Preacher Waller and all of you fine citizens of Rocky Falls. Tonight Ive heard the accusations against me and Miss Morrow. And since were in Gods house, Id like for you to hear the truth from me.

Would you even know it? Waller said.

Parker smiled and ignored the burning in his stomach. Ive never lied to any of you folks, and I have no intention to start now. He made his way out of the pew and down to the front beside Preacher Waller.

Parker Timmons, I was ready to preach.

Good. I wont take up much of your time since were going to talk about Pauls warning against wolves in sheeps clothing. I see neither one of us is wearing a coat, so these fine people can listen with open minds and hearts.

I for

Its true Sage Morrow and I traveled together to find John and Davis Timmons. On the Sunday the gang broke Aiden out of jail and took those boys, I asked some of you men to take that trek with me, but you refused, stating your fear of the McCaw gang. The idea of going after my nephews alone against five outlaws didnt sound like good odds, and I welcomed Miss Morrows assistance. She nearly died from a gunshot wound when she helped those boys escape, and I believe John attempted to tell you that. So the preacher is right. Miss Morrow and I did spend some nights in the mountains alone. If any of you fine men had gone with us, then she could have worn your shirt when hers was blood soaked. Parker scanned the haze of faces. Enough said. He walked back to the pew behind Bob, snatched up his hat, and walked out the back of the church.

P
arker has been hurt enough by this town, Leah said. Preacher Waller has turned many of the townsfolk against him with his lies.

But arent you living at the parsonage?
Sage wanted to make a few remarks of her own, but what would being disagreeable solve? Shed already heard from Leah about Parkers speech in church.

Why, he gives and gives, and most of the people of this town dont appreciate it. Theyre like vultures. Those of us who love him dont know what to do.

Sage had three things on her mind: healing from her wound, tracking down the McCaws, and distancing herself from Parker Timmons. Closing her heart to the towns marshal was the hardest, but shed find the strength. Leah loved him, by her own admission, and shed be a good wife, toomuch better than Sage. A politicians wife needed to be a genteel lady who kept a spotless home, cooked fine meals, and didnt keep wild animals as pets.

Leah wasnt scarred with bullet holes either.

Hours later, Sage woke to Leah and Wirt Zimmermans whispering at the foot of her bed. Wirt held a handful of blue and yellow wildflowers. Goodness, she hoped they werent for her.

Are you talking about me? Sage said through half-opened eyes.

Only that youre beautiful. Wirt stood and held out the bouquet. Prettier than these flowers.

In an instant, Sage sized up the US Marshal. He could sweet
talk the girls at the saloon or Leah or Mrs. Slader or Miss Besson the other hand, Miss Bess could probably see through his syrupy words. Sage certainly had no use for them. If she couldnt have Parker, then she didnt want anyone else. Thank you. But Id rather you were convincing Doc to let me move into the hotel.

Parker discussed the matter with Doc this morning, Leah said. And he said hed talk about releasing you in a weeks time to my and Besss care. I was going to tell you as soon as you woke up.

Finally a glimpse of climbing out of the four-poster prison. I could move today.

Soon, Sage. Leah walked around the bed toward her, wearing a smile that rivaled Wirts flowers. She clasped Sages hand. I know how badly you want to be well and out of here. So does Bess. One more week is not that long, considering what youve been through. But still youll be confined to bed most of the time.

Leah was right, but it didnt make the waiting easier. At least at the hotel she could get up and use the chamber pot by herself. What Ive been through is why I want to get back to work.

We need you well to get the McCaws, Wirt said. Youre the best bounty hunter Ive seen in a long time. Beautiful too.

Sage had never fallen for flattery, and this man was quickly irritating her. What about Belle Starr or Casey OHare?

Im sure youd find a way to befriend them.

Sage groaned. I feel like someone has chained me to this bed. And wheres Hawk?

You mean that bird observing everyone from the roof? Wirt stepped closer and laid the flowers on her bed. With his clean shirt and shiny pistols, he looked more like a dandy than a US Marshal. Im sure hell take his stance on the front porch rail soon.

As if Hawk had heard every word, he flew within sight of her window. The red-tailed hawk was better than any medicine. Hed
been gone the last time she was awake. Shed longed to have him inside with her, but Mrs. Slader wouldnt hear of it. You have to know him to appreciate him.

Some folks say that about me. Wirt smiled broadly.

Most likely those comments came from women, but she wasnt in a witty mood to pose that question. The man was so full of himself that the outhouse wouldnt hold all of his boasting.

Rumors are you have a way with birds and animals, he continued.

Some days she got tired of explaining this part of her. I believe in taking the time to understand and communicate with them. Sage moistened her lips.

Oh, my. He patted his heart. I think youre talking about me.

Sage blinked and bit back the laughter threatening to fill the room.

Does a way with animals help you track down outlaws? Wirts words had grown soft.

No. Thats attributed to stubborn tenacity.

He chuckled. As soon as youre strong enough to discuss the McCaws, you, Parker, and I will talk about a plan to ride out after them. Parker said you recognized Mitch McCaw as the man who gunned down your husband.

She nodded and wondered if Parker had mentioned Charless connection to the outlaws. I have more than one reason to bring them in.

Anything else youve remembered?

Nothing at this time. Ill let you know if something comes to me.

Good. You look sleepy, so Ill leave you in the capable hands of Mrs. Timmons. However, spending time with a beautiful and spunky woman is my favorite pastime. He glanced back at Leah. Both of you have my heart pounding.

Does he ever stop?
Thank you for the visit, Sage said. And
the flowers are very nice. What she really meant was he could take his charms to someone who might appreciate them. Once he left, Sage threw a curious look at Leah. The womans face was rock-hard emotionless.

Are you thinking what I am? Sage bit into her lip to keep from laughing.

Leah covered her mouth, but Sage saw the mirth. He does stretch his compliments.

Any available ladies we can introduce him to?

Im not sure Id do that to my worst enemy. But Ill be thinking about it.

They both laughed, and it eased Sages heart.

How long were you blessed with his company before I woke?

Long enough to yawn and want to tickle your feet. Leah wiggled her shoulders and lifted her chin. However, I was the one receiving all of his attention until you opened your eyes.

Sage did value all Leah Timmons had done for her since the shooting, and that made walking away from Parker a little easier to bear.

P
arker couldnt leave Rocky Falls again and put Preacher Waller in charge, especially after what hed learned at Wednesday nights prayer meeting. Deputizing Waller would be disastrous for all the folks he cared about, even if they wanted another marshal. Some folks were not speaking to him, and others were asking him questions about his faith.

Parkers first choice for deputy was Bob Culpepper, the undertaker and a good man who didnt mind standing up for what he believed. The irony amused Parker too. Might make the ornery folks think twice about breaking laws. Culpepper used his head before his emotions, and he was loyal to Parker, as Wednesday night proved.

Bob, you back there? Parker called, stepping into the undertakers
office. He disliked walking into Culpeppers back room, especially when a body was laid out for preparation for burial.

Sure, come on back, Parker.

Culpepper must be busy. What bad timing, but he couldnt think of whod passed away for there to be a body. Parker made his way to where the sights and sounds gave most folks nightmares. Parker didnt care for how Culpepper made his living, but he wasnt superstitious. I need a good deputy.

The bearded man glanced up from sanding a pine box. Preacher Wallers claims eatin at you?

You might say that.

Culpepper continued sanding. In my opinion, hes trying to shove God out of His job.

Or be His right-hand man.

Itll backfire on him in the worst way.

Parker didnt want to be around when that happened. He had enough of his own consequences to handle. Lets hope he comes to his senses before then.

I can remember when he was the towns worst troublemaker.

Parker grinned, and it felt good. Not much has changed.

Are you heading back into the mountains after the McCaws?

As soon as Sage feels like riding.

Culpepper went back to sanding. The towns divided. Hard to tell which ones are on your side. Crows always make the loudest noise.

Parker didnt want to dwell on the fact a good many of his friends had turned against him. I figured as much.

Wallers pushing for the townsfolk to vote you out. He gathered a few men together at the feed store this morning and started in. Along with his usual complaints about the McCaws, he added the problem with the German and Dutch miners feuding and killing each other.

He hadnt jumped on me about the miners. Im sure he will.

Give him time. He probably has a list tucked into his Bible.
The McCaws have folks afraid, and hes making it sound like getting rid of you will cause them to leave the territory.

Parker should have stayed until church was over. Then he could have squared off with some of those opposing him. Instead he walked over to the hotel and broke up a few fights in the saloonsome over women or cards and others over men who allowed the whiskey to do their talking. There Parker considered leaving the town for a deputy to manage while he looked for Aiden and his gang. In fact, last night wore him out so much that he thought of leaving town period. Let the locals handle their own problems since they had plenty to say about how he handled them. The trouble was he didnt need one good man with a gun; he needed a handful. Other than Bob Culpepper, who else could he approach? Parker had exhausted the list before Frank came on as deputy, and he sure wasnt going to hand the responsibility over to John. Maybe he should send Wirt and Sage after the McCaws and stay behind. But, no, that made even less sense.

The preachers saying hed do a better job as marshal, Culpepper said.

Whatre your thoughts?

Culpepper studied himmaybe wondering what it would be like to fit Parker in a pine box. Hed want to pass a law for the folks to be in church or get thrown in jail. Ill be your deputy, permanent-like. Been talking to the missus about it, and she finally agreed. She thinks I could be of help in getting folks to understand that keeping the law is everyones job. Besides, the wife and I refuse to trust a man who hands out impossible rules according to his interpretation of the Bible, then judges folks who cant abide by them. Id like to see a new preacher in town.

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.