Melinda Heads West (10 page)

• • •

Boone strode into the family home in a bad temper. His mother was shelling peas and guessed his irritable mood as she rose from the table to greet him.

She gently touched the spot where the bandana covered his head, kissed his cheek, and said, “I take it things did not go as planned.”

“No! And I’m mad enough to swallow a horned-toad backwards. We were ambushed by thieves who took the money from the stage.”

“What will you do now?”

“I’m waiting to hear from the stage line, but I plan to go after the men who did it and get that money back. I had a job to do, and it rankles that I didn’t get to see it through!”

“Well, not meaning to change the subject, but do you care to tell me what happened to your head?”

“I’d rather not say.”

Mrs. Boone dropped into a chair. “Gary Boone, what am I going to do with you? One day they’re going to send you home in a box!”

“It’s just a graze, Mother.”

“That may be so, but let’s unwrap you and take a look.” She ushered Boone into the kitchen and sat him down in a ladder-back chair. He winced when the cloth was pulled away. “Tsk, tsk, tsk,” she clucked. “It’s a mite more than a graze. God was watching over you this time, son. I’m afraid all I can do is clean it and wrap it again. You’re going to have a dreadful scar.”

Boone smiled. “Don’t worry about that. It’ll give me more respectability among the other men.”

“If looking like a dime’s worth of dog meat is what you’re aiming for, you’ve succeeded. Let me get the antiseptic.”

As she dabbed at the wound, Boone cleared his throat. “Tell me again about you and my father.”

“Oh, that’s an old story. One you’ve heard countless times. You don’t want to hear it again.” Mrs. Boone paused in her ministrations. She gripped her son’s chin and looked him in the eyes. “What’s got into you, asking about a thing like that?”

“How did you feel when he left? I don’t remember any of it.”

“I was brokenhearted. Still am. He was the only man I ever loved.” She grinned. “Except for you, of course.”

“What happened?”

“Oh … Your father wanted different things. He wanted to follow the gold rush and live day-to-day. He was happiest when he was up to his neck in trouble. Sometimes I think you take after him in that way. After you were born, I had the urge to settle down permanent. We couldn’t make each other happy, I guess.”

Boone looked thoughtfully off into space.

“Gary Boone. I can see those wheels turning. What’s on your mind? Is it a girl?”

“Yeah, I reckon it is. But she’s not available and she doesn’t think I am, either.” He glanced up at his mother. “I think you’d like her. She reminds me a little of you.”

“Well, she must be a fine girl, indeed!”

“Are you about done there?” The antiseptic burned and Boone had other things on his mind. He wanted to clean up and eat. He felt like he could sleep forever and a day, and he couldn’t wait for nightfall.

“Yes. And I suppose you’re starving. Let me check the larder and see what I have.” She bustled off and was soon singing a song while she worked.

Boone watched her in the kitchen for a few minutes, and then shook himself. He had things to do.

To her surprise, Melinda rose with the sun. After a night in a real bed, she felt refreshed and energized. She had a lot of things to accomplish, and was anxious to get started. Once she dressed, she sat at the little writing desk to make a list:

Blue Tavern — deed, Mr. William Kirby

Undertaker — settle account

General store — items for mother and children

Post letter

Hotel — arrange for a smaller room

When she finished, she held the paper up, deciding to speak to the undertaker first. Her uncle had passed away three months before, and though she hadn’t known him at all, she felt saddened that he was laid to rest without family nearby. She added “Visit grave” to her list.

She gathered her reticule and exited the hotel, asking for directions to the undertaker’s salon as she passed through the lobby.

• • •

Boone stopped in at the general store to see if there was any word from his superiors at the stage line. The telegraph operator — who happened to be the owner’s son — reported that there had been no messages all morning.

“The only communication we’ve had in days is this letter for a lady who’s supposed to arrive in town soon.” As he waved it, Boone caught the name: Miss Mindy McCorkle. His eyebrows rose, but he said nothing.

Instead, he put sixty-five cents on the counter for a can of oysters and, after thinking about it, added another quarter for crackers. There was a group of men gathered in the back of the store discussing politics, and he meandered over to listen while he ate his snack.

In a few minutes, an attractive young lady came in the door; by her side was a little blond-headed imp.

“Uncle Gary!” the child squealed, running for Boone’s arms. He picked her up and tossed her high, earning delighted cries.

“How’s my best girl?”

“Good.” She paused and fluttered her little lashes. “Uncle Gary? Mommy said I can’t have candy until after lunch.”

“What!” Boone replied in mock horror. “The very idea.”

The little girl nodded.

“We’ll see about that! Since I’m buying lunch today, I get to decide what’s on the menu, and it so happens the first thing is a piece of peppermint candy.” His eyes sparkled.

“Hurray!”

“Why do you do these things, Gary?” Boone’s sister asked. “You know Terese doesn’t mind me at all when you’re about.” She sighed.

“That’s okay. She has to mind all day long, every day. Sometimes it’s fun to break the rules. Isn’t it, Terri?”

“Terese, please,” Boone’s sister said.

“Uncle Gary? What happened to your head?”

Boone put on a fierce face. “I was fighting a bear and he got me!”

The girl giggled. “Was it a big bear?”

“The biggest bear you ever saw!” He squeezed his niece tight. “He was a talking bear! He said he was hunting little girls who eat candy before lunch!” He goosed her in the tummy and she squealed again.

“Gary, please. You’re causing people to stare.”

Boone looked up and saw Mindy McCorkle was watching him, having arrived in the store while he played. This was a radiant version of the Mindy he was used to and he stared for perhaps a moment too long.

Mindy regarded the trio from a distance, her green eyes speaking volumes, before she stepped up to the counter to see about posting a letter. There she was informed there was a missive waiting for her as well. She tucked the envelope into her bag.

Finished, she began perusing the fabrics piled high on a long table. Boone walked over to her with Terese in his arms, leaving his sister, Becky, studying items on a shelf. “Aren’t you going to say hello?”

“You looked busy,” she said indicating the lady behind him. “She’s very pretty. You’re a lucky man.” Mindy glanced at the girl in his arms. “She looks very much like you.” Then she held out her hand. “Hello! My name is Mindy, what’s yours?”

“Terri,” the little girl replied, laying her cheek against Boone’s shoulder.

“Don’t tell me you
like
this great big brute who’s holding you!” Mindy teased.

Blond hair bobbed as the girl nodded her head vigorously.

Boone studied the woman before him as she carried on the one-sided conversation. Her face was blistered and peeling, and she had lost a few pounds, but she looked wonderful. She seemed to be very comfortable talking to the small child in his arms. She was a natural at it, although Terese was showing her shy side.

“You look like a big girl.” Mindy touched a blond ringlet. “I imagine you’re a big help to your mother, aren’t you?”

“She can be,” said a voice as Becky joined them. “She can also be a hooligan.” Becky gazed at her daughter with a proud smile.

“She’s adorable,” Mindy said.

“Yes, she is. But she knows it. She uses it to her advantage whenever possible.” Both women smiled.

“I remember a young girl who did the same at her age.” Mindy’s eyes glowed.

“I’m Becky,” said the one, holding out her hand. “I’m pleased to meet you.”

Mindy grasped it and introduced herself. “Boone and I traveled together on the stage.”

“Oh my! I hope you’re all right! It sounds like it was a terrible ordeal!”

“It wasn’t as bad as all that. Now that I’ve had a good meal and some rest, it seems more and more like a very bad dream.” Mindy gave Boone a pointed stare and he frowned.

“I see you’re looking at the calicos. Mr. Green has a lovely selection.”

“Yes, I promised my mother I’d look in on the yard goods. This is a beautiful color.”

Becky leaned in conspiratorially. “Yes, but it’s a bit high. He gets ten cents a yard.”

Mindy’s eyes widened.

“I can see where this conversation is headed,” Boone said, rolling his dark eyes. “If you’ll both excuse us, Terri and I are off to the candy jar.”

• • •

“He’s a good man, I think,” Mindy said, watching Boone walk away. “He can be gruff, but I’m learning it’s just his way.”

“Yes, he
is
a good man,” Becky said, looking from Mindy to Boone and back again. “One of the best.”

“He thinks you’re special, too. You should know he treasures your photo.”

“Really?” Becky eyes widened. “That surprises me.”

“It shouldn’t. I hope every husband would feel the same.”

Becky paused. “Yesss … I suppose they would. Are you referring … ?”

“He helped keep us alive on the trip. I don’t know if he would brag on himself, but he was very brave,” Mindy admitted the information to her chagrin.

“Yes. I suppose so.” Becky glanced over to where Boone and Terese were licking peppermint sticks. “Did … my
husband
… say anything else?”

Mindy blushed brightly. “No, not really. There wasn’t much time for that kind of talk.”

“I see. Well, it was very nice talking with you. I hope to see you again.”

“Yes,” Mindy said faintly. “Perhaps.”

Becky turned to join her husband and child and Mindy watched as the lovely lady began whispering to Boone. He listened for a moment and then glanced up to meet Mindy’s gaze.

Suddenly, Mindy felt like she might be sick. She could look at the fabrics another time. Whirling, she left the store. Outside, she stood trying to decide where to go. Her legs felt rubbery.

“Where are you headed in such a hurry?” A deep voice came from behind her. “You look a little lost.” It was Boone. Tall, dark, handsome Boone.

Mindy took a deep breath and exhaled. “I’m wondering which direction I should go,” she said too quickly. “I’m not sure where The Blue Tavern is … and I was going to ask for directions from the shop keeper, but then … I … I … ” She stared up into black eyes. “I decided to come outside for some air.”

“You can’t go to the saloon by yourself!”

Mindy bristled. What was wrong with her? This man drove her insane! “I suppose I can!”

“Where’s Lucas?” Boone growled. “Why isn’t he with you? You can’t just waltz into a bar unaccompanied!”

“It’s the middle of the day, for heaven’s sake! I’m just going to meet with the owner for a few minutes.”

Boone stared up the street and his jaw clenched. He removed his hat and rubbed his head vigorously. “Well, I sure won’t let you go alone. I’m coming with you!”

Mindy gestured to the store. “What about … ?”

“Never mind! Let’s go!”

Boone strode along the plank boardwalk toward the saloon and Mindy had to scurry to catch up.

“What on earth is the matter with you?” she said. “Why are you in such a hurry?”

“I want to get this taken care of. Get that deed in your hand, so I won’t have to worry about you anymore.”

“You’re worrying about me?”

He glanced her way. Her hair was tied into a severe knot on the back of her head, and for a moment he regretted that it wasn’t hanging down in a ratty, passionate mess like before.

“I’d worry about any woman who does a foolish thing like this.” He never slowed his pace.

“It’s not ‘foolish,’ I’ll thank you to know. That deed is the entire reason I’m on this trip!”

They passed several establishments: a drug store with a doctor’s office above it that had a small sign reading
Lending Library
and pointing up the stairs, a newspaper office, and a blacksmith shop, where the smithy was busy pounding against a flaming horseshoe. Mindy’s head turned back and forth as she tried to take in the sights around her.

“This is a big place. I had no idea Tipton was so … advanced,” she said.

“Why? ’Cause it’s stuck in the middle of nowhere? There’s a lot more going on than you can see. You can’t always judge things on first appearances.”

“Why do you have to take such a tone with me? I didn’t say anything wrong,” Mindy stormed.

Boone stopped abruptly, and she ran into him. He grabbed her by the shoulders and set her back a step, then stared into her eyes. “Because you make me crazy. I don’t know what it is about you, but you make my insides twist up.”

“Me?”

“Yes, you.” Boone’s voice was husky. Just then he took Mindy by the hand and dragged her across the street. Above one of the buildings was a shabby sign with a name painted on it:
The Blue Saloon
. They reached the plank door and Boone demanded, “Wait here.”

“I will not!” Mindy said, stomping one dainty foot.

“Oh, yes you will. You’ll wait right here by this door, and you won’t move a muscle, or I’ll … ”

“What? What will you do? I’d really like to know. And I’m sure all these fine people would like to know as well!” Mindy gestured down the boardwalk where women in long day dresses stared openly.

Boone realized they were becoming an object of attention. “I don’t give a fine fig what these people think!” he said, waving his arms. The women gasped and began whispering behind their hands.

“Well, I do! And it’s my family’s property that we’re talking about. How do I know I can trust you if you go in there alone? What’s to keep you from having the man sign the deed over to you instead of me?”