A Woman Called Sage (20 page)

He took a deep breath, as though he were garnering nerve to make a speech. Her mood fell another notch while she waited for him to state what was on his mind. Parker and I are going to head after the McCaws. I know you wanted to go, but we cant hold out much longer.

Her heart sped up a notch. When?

Most likely the end of this week. Were trying to get a couple of good men to ride with us.

And you think that will happen with Preacher Waller making his demands? I heard about the vote tonight.

Wirt hesitated. What the good preacher is planning has nothing to do with what Parker and I must do. In any event, we need to get after the McCaws before they decide to kill someone else.

Sage agreed with the urgency, but not with her staying behind. No point in arguing. Shed work it out herself. Next Sunday noon.

Youll be ready to leave then?

Yes. If you and Parker need to head out sooner, Ill catch up.

Wirt rubbed his clean-shaven jaw. He and Parker had similar coloring, but definitely different mannerisms. Ill talk to Parker and see what he says. Have you thought of anything else about the McCaws?

Ive told you and Parker all I know. Being laid up has given me lots of time to think, and the only point hammering against my brain is that it looks like Charles may have ridden with outlaws.

Parker and I have talked about your husbandsuhpossible other interests. He paused. Would you consider having supper with me before we leave?

Sage wanted to flat out refuse him, but she saw no need to insult him. The only man she wanted to spend any time with was Parker Timmons. Besides, she planned to ride out on Thursday before sunrise. I dont think Id be much company, but thank you for asking.

Would you consider allowing me to call on you when this is over?

I think you and I are quite different.

Maybe not so much. She wanted to tell him absolutely not, and later she would.

Parker and I have been going over the map of these parts. Could we stop by tomorrow and go over it with you?

Id like that.

Wirt said his good-bye and left her rocking on the front porch. Hawk twisted his head at her.

I know he has the potential to be less irritating. Even so, Im not interested.

Hawk continued to stare as though sizing up the US Marshall.

He has to be good at his job, or else hed have been killed by now.

Then she began to think about what Preacher Waller had said about Parker. The townsfolk deserved to hear the truth. Wednesday night she planned to be at prayer meeting. She might not have shoes, but she had a dress.

I
feel like a schoolboy, Wirt said. Im a US Marshal, not a wetnosed kid. The two men stood near the bend in the street that led to the church, waiting for an opportunity to slip in unnoticed.

If you dont lower your voice, then the others will hear you and Waller will know were planning to attend, Parker said. Hell drag you down the aisle by your ear. And be sure hed bring up every piece of Scripture in the Bible that denounces sinners. The thought of Waller grabbing Wirt caused Parker to stifle a laugh, and for a moment he let himself enjoy the sensation. He needed something to lighten the burdens weighing on him.

I suppose youd get away?

Parker pointed toward the outhouse. My hideout.

Very funny. I understand the importance of sitting in the back and listening to whats being said, but I feel real stupidlike Ive done something wrong.

Consider it a new chapter in the US Marshals handbook. Parker listened to the closing verse of the hymn Amazing Grace and wondered if Waller had ever pondered the words he sang. The songs about over, he whispered. Lets go.

Welcome to tonights services, Preacher Waller began. Glad to have you here. We have some things to take care of tonight before I bring you a message from God and we sing more beautiful hymns about His saving grace. Lets bow our heads and ask Gods blessing on all we do this fine evening.

Parker caught a glimpse of Bob and his wife on the other side of the room. Good, he didnt want to call attention to his friend
again. Parker was curious about the new man in town, Richard Edwards, who claimed to be a cattleman from near Fort Worth, Texas. Parker had wired the city to see what he could find out about the man but hadnt heard back yet.

and Lord, give us wisdom to know how to vote about Marshal Parker Timmons. You know the immoral life hes livin and how thats not good for a God-fearing town. Take care of our widows and orphans and help us live accordin to Your Word. Amen. The crowd shuffled, as though the ending of a prayer meant they could breathe. I thought it best if we vote first and get it out of our way so we can worship.

Excuse me, Preacher Waller, Bob Culpepper said. Our national Constitution states theres a separation of church and state. Looks to me like were breaking the law by voting on our marshal during church time.

Thats only if someone complains, Waller said. Were voting because were all here together. Thats not mixing church and political business. Once the voting is done, we can approach Marshal Timmons with the truth of how this town feels about him. Shall we continue with this? I think we could handle the voting through a show of hands. Get it over with and done real fast.

I disagree with the vote and how you are going about it, Bob said. Why dont we contact the county sheriff over in Boulder? Let him handle the problem. Or wait until someone could come from Denver.

Weve all agreed to vote on the marshal tonight, and we have thirty-three men of voting age here. If no one else has a problem with a show of hands, well continue. Waller cleared his throat. All those in favor of keeping Parker Timmons as the marshal of Rocky Falls, raise your right hand.

It took all of Parkers willpower to keep from standing. Who were his friends and who believed the lies?

Thats thirteen votes for Parker. All those in favor of allowing
me to take over the duties of marshal until the town can vote on a new man, raise your right hand.

Parkers spirits dropped to his toes with a wheelbarrow full of anger burning his gut. A shuffle of folks and a hum of voices met his ears.

Thats eleven who are ready to stand up for God and get rid of the sin in our midst. If my arithmetic is correct, nine of you didnt cast your vote. The Bible says God will spit out the fence sitter.

That passage is about those who ride the fence about making a decision to follow the Lord, not taking part in an illegal election. The sound of Bobs voice whipped around the church louder than Wallers finest sermon. And I didnt see you vote.

Sorry, Brother Culpepper. My vote is for replacing Marshal Timmons. That makes twelve votes for replacing him. Any more discussion?

There are more citizens of voting age in this town besides the thirty-three here, Bob continued. Ill be contacting Denver about this meeting and will continue to take direction from Marshal Parker Timmons. Im not a lawyer, but I do believe what has happened tonight is clearly illegal. A few moments later, the sound of heavy boots pounded down the aisle and out the door.

Thanks, Bob.
Parker tossed a glance at Wirt. The US Marshal scowled, clearly disgusted at what they were witnessing.

I support Marshal Timmons, Jess Lockard said.
The Rocky Falls News
will report the happenings tonight in this weeks paper.

You said last week you believed the town could use a new marshal, Waller said.

What I said was Rocky Falls had every right to vote for a new man in the next election. I said nothing about bootin him out of a job. Hes a good man and kept the peace until the McCaws started their killin.

The buzz of voices reminded Parker of a swarm of angry bees.

If any of you have questions, Ill be available after the service to talk to you. Wallers voice shouted above the others. We need to tend to our worshipin.

Parker had heard enough. The odds were not as much against him as he thought, and those who hadnt voted were obviously torn by the situation. No need for him to stand and confront Waller. Others had handled it nicely. Unlike the other night, hed stay until services were over. The folks here needed to see hed attended.

Once the service was over, Parker purposely delayed leaving. He greeted men and women, and said nothing about the vote. Those who supported him clasped his hand while others slithered away and spent their time with Preacher Waller.

I appreciated the last song, Parker said to Waller. One of my favorites, Theres a Wideness in Gods Mercy.

Waller ignored him, turning his attention to Richard Edwards. Parker watched them converse for a moment. Something about the man was oddly familiar. Unable to place the stranger, Parker headed down the road to the hotel with Wirt to make plans for leaving town at the end of the week.

That man is a clear hypocrite, Wirt said. Especially when he used to spend a lot of time in jail. If thats the way God changes a man, then Ill never be interested.

Wirt, Im a Christian, and Im committed to my faith. Dont be judging God by those of us who have a habit of sinning.

But youre sitting by and doing nothing while Waller turns many of these folks against you.

Parker chuckled. Bob and Lockard took care of everything tonight. And the vote shows Waller isnt swaying folks like he thinks he is.

Maybe, Wirt muttered. I hope for your sake that youre right.

After a long pause, Wirt said, Before I forget, I told Sage wed
see her tomorrow to go over the map. Shell be ready to leave next Sunday.

The protective side of Parker wanted to protest, but he understood how Sages mind worked. If she were determined, then nothing would stop her. Im sure she wouldnt have agreed to leave if she wasnt feeling strong.

Im only repeating what she said. Im sure shes talked to the doc about it. Why else would she agree to leave?

Because shes stubborn and shes spent seven years of her life hating those who destroyed her family.

The two men walked into the hotel. More men were taking advantage of the saloon than were eating supper. But that was all right. Bess had been too busy to talk to Parker when he and Wirt came by for dinner, so Parker had waited all day to hear what, if anything, Bess had learned since yesterday. She waved and called out a greeting the moment he and Wirt made their way into the dining area.

Have a seat, gentlemen. Bess pointed to a corner table far from the saloons noise. Ill bring you some coffee.

After she brought the men two steaming cups, Bess disappeared into the kitchen for two heaping dishes of apple pie and cream. She set the dessert in front of them and eased into a chair at their table.

Before it gets busy again, I wanted to talk to you two. I learned a few things about that Richard Edwards. He and Waller were in here last night for supper. Bess looked around for eavesdroppers. Luckily they were in a quiet area. Hes met twice here with Preacher Waller now.

Im hoping a telegram confirming his claims will clear up a few things, Parker said. But go ahead and tell us what you know.

He claims to be from Fort Worth where he has a ranch and a wife and four daughters. Wants to live out here. Says the
mountain air will help one of his daughters, who has breathing problems.

All that sounds respectable, Wirt said. If hes telling the truth.

Not sure, Bess continued. He told Preacher Waller hed worked with lawmen in Texas and knew the ropes about being a good marshal. Preacher Waller said the town could use a new marshal with experience. Edwards thanked him and said hed pray about it. She frowned.

What else, Bess? Parker said.

Well, his words say one thing, but his actions say another. After the preacher left, Edwards watched the goings-on in the saloon. He didnt drink, but he kept watching Faye. Once when I went back to the kitchen, I peeked back in and saw him slip her some money. A short time later, he went upstairs to his room. Within a half hour, she followed. I never saw her come down until the next morning.

So the churchgoing rancher who wants to bring his family to a quiet town has a few weaknesses. Parker stole a glance at Faye, a pretty woman who was known for charging more than the other soiled doves. Parker believed shed do whatever necessary to make a dollar. Sad but true.

Following his glance, Bess said, I asked Faye if she was enjoying Mr. Edwardss company, but she denied having anything to do with him.

The preacher would be all over him if he knew. Wirt poked his fork into a juicy apple slice and popped it into his mouth.

One more thing, Bess said. When paying me for his room, he dropped a silver piece. He used a whole string of swear words that dont belong in a church or a hotel. His breath was strong with whiskey, too.

So Richard Edwards found it necessary to cheat on his wife, drink, and use some language unbecoming to a respectable man. It would be interesting to see the report on him from Fort Worth.

P
arker spread the map of the Rocky Mountain region over the floor of Doc Sladers porch. He hadnt brought up the conversation in which Wirt and Sage had discussed her leaving with them on Sunday. No point, since Parker and Sages last discussion had ended badly, and hed most likely make her mad. But he hadnt given up on Sage and him; when this was over, hed hog-tie her if thats what it took to make her listen. Love sure did crazy things to a man. He shook off his thoughts and turned his attention to what lay before him.

It took Sage and me two days of hard riding to find John and Davis. Without her tracking experience, it could have taken a week. Parker pointed to the area where the McCaws had held his nephews. They wanted us to find them, but we have no idea where theyre camped now. My suggestion is for us to ride to Flattop Mountain. Theyll be looking for us.

Its rough terrain. Sage traced her fingers over a mountain pass. Am I right that its just the three of us?

Parker nodded. I need Bob Culpepper here to watch over things. This town should change its name to Confusion Falls. The folks are scaredthanks to the McCawsand theyre looking for someone to blame. Im hoping when all of this is over, Ill have a chance to call a town meeting and answer their questions without Waller waving his Bible.

Wirt leaned back in the rocker beside Sage and took a deep breath as if preparing for a plunge. Before we go, I need to tell you about my background.

Parker studied the man, who was sometimes difficult to handle with his arrogance. He glanced at Sage, her brown eyes were shadowed. Did she already know what Wirt planned to say?

Im a city boy. Grew up in Columbus, Ohio. The only wild country Ive seen is in getting here. Im a good shot, but Ive never killed a man. I tried law school for a while, but it bored me. I wanted action. Mostwell, all of my past work has been from behind a desk. I begged to deliver the bounty money and bring in Aiden McCaw in hopes of proving my mettle and obtaining bigger assignments. His face glistened redder than a ripe tomato. I promise to do my best, but youre not looking at a veteran US Marshal.

Parkers first reaction was to punch the man in the nose. But what good would losing his temper do? It wasnt Wirts fault he got caught up in the middle of a mess with a town petrified of a gang of outlaws and no one willing to be part of a posse. HoweverWould have been easier if youd told the truth right from the start.

Wirts red face said it all. Ive been asking a lot of questions because I need to know what were up against and how not to get any of us killed. Wirt leaned forward in the rocker. My apologies for my ignorance and lack of humility. Pride has made me real disagreeable.

Parker wavered between frustration and pity. Looked to him like he and Sage were better off alone.

Do you even want to ride after the McCaws? Sage spoke softly, not a trickle of condescension tipped her words. You dont have to. Parker and I are riding a fools trail. We know theyre waiting for us.

I have to prove to myself that I can be of help to you or anyone else in need. Ive talked to Mrs. Felter and Mrs. Timmons, and I hate the hardship they face because of the McCaws. Ill not hold you back, and Ill do my part.

Taking in a deep breath, Parker added a bit of admiration to
his feelings for what Wirt was about to do. He just hoped the mans inexperience didnt get any of them killed. Taking John with them made more sense. It takes a lot of guts to admit what you just did. And I wont refuse you. But remember thisthe McCaws have murdered and stolen since the war. They dont have a shred of decency. Did you fight in the war?

No. My father paid for another man to take my place.

A Yankee.
I fought for the South just like the McCaw brothers. I saw war take a good man and turn him into a killer. Fear and panic caused brutality and disrespect for life. Many Confederate soldiers returned home to nothinghomes destroyed, a way of life gone forever. When a man is beaten inside and out, he turns to whatever he can to fill the need for significance and survival. He has to fill the hunger in his body and soul while wondering if he can exist with the nightmare of war stuck in his mind. Its impossible to forget. For those war-torn years, all of us who fought were a part of a huge group that was told when to eat, sleep, march, and fight. Its hard to go back to thinking for yourself after that. The McCaws never changed. Theyre a walking, talking, stalking, prowling, murdering gang. We are nothing to them except a way to get what theyre looking for.

Wirt nodded. Im ready. A man has to learn sometime how to do his job.

Parker glanced into the face of the woman he loved. Doubt brimmed her eyes, but what choice did they have? Sage?

Wirt, I hope your lack of experience isnt your epitaph.

Things could not get any worse.

S
age closed her eyes and drank in the warm afternoon sun. For the first time, Doc Slader had allowed her to make her way to the porch alone, and she saw the new freedom as proof that she had taken a huge leap in her recovery. She heard her name being called and opened her eyes to see Bess and two young women standing on the porch.

Good afternoon, Miss Sage. You look real fetching sitting here, Bess said.

Thank you. Sage forced herself to sit up straighter. She must have dozed off, for shed grown a bit stiff. Today the good doctor let me walk out here by myself.

Bess gestured toward the two young women. We came to visit.

Sage realized these two must work at the saloon. However, they were dressed as conservatively as any respectable woman in Rocky Falls. Her gaze fell on Bess again, and she noticed something in the older womans hand.
Oh my goodness, shes got a Bible. What next?

Bess wrapped her ample arm around the brown-haired woman on her left. This is Faye, and this is Tillie. Both women smiled, and Sage returned the greeting.

Bess pointed to the empty chairs. I brought my friends to help you while away the afternoon. I know how boring it gets for you.

Oh, it does. Makes me lazy.

The three women eased into the chairs. I usually sleep during the afternoon, Faye said, but the attractive woman failed to look at Sage straight on. Sage had always believed a person who could not give eye contact had something to hide. Maybe Faye was embarrassed about the way she earned her living.

Im glad youre here, Sage said. A second look at Tillie filled her with compassion. The woman had the saddest gray eyes. Why had these women chosen this way of life? But then again, shed chosen to become a bounty hunter out of desperation. Life. Circumstances. Hardship. All were potential reasons for a woman to turn her back on propriety.

I sleep most afternoons too, said Tillie, a rather plain-looking woman. I have a little girl at school. When she comes home, I want to spend all of my time with her until evening.

Whats her name? Sage said.

Caroline.

Very pretty. I had a son once.

He died? Tillies shoulders fell, as though shed experienced more than one loss.

Yes. This wasnt going well at all. Sage should think of something more positive to talk about. She threw a helpless look at Bess.

Youre wearing Tillies clothes, Bess said.

Sage glanced down at the blue-green dress. Thank you so much. Ill make sure its washed before returning it.

Glad to be of help. For the first time, Tillie appeared to relax. It looks very nice on you.

The uncomfortable exchange of pleasantries caused Sage to wonder who felt the most awkward. Respectable folk frowned on all of them.

Id like to know who taught you how to track and survive in the wilderness, Faye said.

An Indian by the name of Tall Elk. Hes from my mothers people.

Faye glared at her as though she deemed herself a better person because of Sages heritage.

Why did you become a bounty hunter?

Sage didnt want to go deep into the past, but what could she say? Its a long story

Oh, no, Bess said. Here comes trouble.

Sage lifted her gaze to see Preacher Waller headed their way. Maybe one of his children needed Dr. Slader. She caught Besss eye and read the same apprehension. Afternoon, Preacher Waller, Sage said. Dr. Slader is on a call.

Im not here to see the doc.

Shed seen more emotion from a rock. Mrs. Slader is inside. Would you like for me to fetch her?

Im not here to see her either. He stood at the foot of the
porch, first giving Bess a look of disdain and then Faye and Tillie. Sage sensed the ire rising from her toes.

What do you need? Sage kept her voice even.

Looking for Parker Timmons. Figured he was with you.

No, sir. He and Mr. Zimmerman planned to spend the morning at Leahs ranch. Maybe they havent returned yet. Have you tried the marshals office?

Hes not there. No matter. Hell learn soon enough.

Whats that? Bess said.

Waller lifted his nose like a woman whod smelled something offensive. The godly citizens of this town have asked him to resign as marshal rather than force an election. The company he keeps has caused us to question his morals and his ability to protect our community.

Sage wanted to spit venom more poisonous than his, but she held her tongueby biting down on it until she felt it was under control. I wont speak for him, but I do know him to be a man of high regard, a man who loves God and His people. I doubt he resigns.

Waller laughed. You would. When you see him, tell him Ill be waiting at the parsonage.

I thought the vote was in Parkers favor. Bess words sounded more pleasant than Sages would have been.

He turned and walked back into town.

Anger shook Sage to the core. Waller had no right to judge Parker without knowing the truth. But would Waller ever listen to anyone but his own pride? She shivered at the snake of bitterness crawling up her spine. Maybe she and the preacher werent that different.