Oklahoma's Gold (31 page)

"Have to visit a certain mountain," he said before disappearing out the door.

"Well, I'll be." Caleb threw his hat down once more, and then got on the phone. "Jesse? Go find Cyrus and get yourselves over here, pronto! I've got a job for you two. Need to start earnin' your pay!" he finished and slammed the phone down.

"I'll solve this case, if it's the last thing I ever do. So help me lord, I will." He gritted his teeth in determination, then stormed out of the office to go find some photos of Lucas. He'd be damned if he'd let anyone ridicule him ever again. He would become a hero, not the butt end of someone's joke. He was tired of that role. And he'd prove to Aunt Emma once and for all that he wasn't the black sheep of the family. He was as good as any Thomas and a damned sight better than any Gentry.

"Just as good," he mumbled as he walked hurriedly down the street.

* * *

Daniel tried the ranch first, but Missy informed him that Jess had gone to the hospital with Emma. So he headed back toward town. He scolded himself for not thinking to go there first. Of course they'd be at the hospital, after getting Caleb's news. He sure hoped Fred was doing as well as they'd been told. He had been in that coma way too long. Pale and thin, Fred had looked like a ghost or skeleton of himself. It was selfish, but Daniel suddenly realized Fred might be able to tell them who his attacker was. That would be a real breakthrough, just the bit of luck they needed.

He rounded the corner and turned on Washita Road, traveling east toward town. He kept on thinking, maybe they really wouldn't need to visit the caves. Still, it might tell them more about John Wallace, which probably had no connection to Fred's attack. So, they should still go, he figured. But how to convince Emma? That would be tough. Daniel only hoped since Fred was better, Emma might change her mind more easily.

As he entered the hospital, he noticed several of the town's ladies crowded in the front waiting room. One of them spotted Daniel and shouted, motioning him over. He did, even though he was anxious to get up to Fred's room.

"Daniel! Did you hear?" The lady named Eugena asked him.

"Hear what?"

"Hear about Fred Clinton, of course."

"You mean how he's out of the coma?"

"Well, yes that's part of it, but you'd never guess what else!" Eugena looked ready to burst.

"Why don't you just tell me, Miss Eugena," Daniel answered, somewhat amused by her behavior.

"Well, the doctor's discovered how Fred had his relapse." She stopped for what must have been dramatic effect.

"Yes, go on." Daniel urged. This was dragging out too long for something he probably could have found out anyway after he got upstairs.

"Someone injected him with a drug. They found traces of it in his blood." She looked proud to be the barer of such news.

"That's very interesting, ma'am. Thank you for sharing. Now if you'll excuse me," Daniel said and tipped his hat as he walked toward the elevator.

"They haven't found who did it, yet, but they will!" she shouted after him.

"Damn well better," Daniel grumbled as he pressed the elevator button. He was angry and wanted to vent it so badly, but he had no one to blame … yet.
Incredible!
He shook his head.
Another one?
Fred could have died, become another victim, like Joseph. Jess' uncle. The only kin she had, besides her brother and sister, who mattered to her. Almost died because of some mean, sinister … but whom?

He punched the wall of the elevator so hard he nearly broke his fingers. Lucas? Could he have managed to commit the deed then decide to split before anyone could figure it out? Possible, but it wouldn't be easy. Fred's room was right next to the nurses' station. They watched him like a hawk. Daniel knew someone would be taking a big risk trying that in broad daylight. No. He had a gut feeling it wasn't Lucas. Then who?

The elevator door opened and he turned left toward Fred's room. He gave a big sigh before walking in. He found Emma and Jess sitting in chairs next to the bed. And there was Fred with eyes wide open, staring straight at the women. Of course, all three turned when he entered.

"Daniel! I'm so glad you came," Jess exclaimed and got up to give him a hug.

"Is that you Daniel Ross?"

Daniel couldn't believe his ears. Fred had just spoken. Though the words came out hoarse and gravelly, it was a welcome sound. "Yes, sir. It's me." He stepped closer. "Glad to have you back with us."

"Me too, son. Me too. And an extra treat wakin' to find my niece here. Real treat indeed," he exclaimed, a warm-hearted smile on his face.

Daniel knew this would be the wrong time to start asking questions of Fred. So instead, he pulled up a chair and joined in the pleasant conversation. The afternoon and visiting hours passed quickly. Reluctantly, Emma, Jess and Daniel had to say their goodbyes. Fred, in his usual good nature, told them he needed to rest anyway and that he looked forward to seeing them all tomorrow.

As they rode down the elevator, Daniel filled the women in on all the latest news, including Eugena's little tidbit, which of course they already knew about.

"Gone? They're both gone?" Jess looked shocked and amazed. "That means we have nothing. No leads."

"Well, not quite," Daniel began, but hesitated not knowing where to start.

Emma misunderstood and jumped in immediately, "No you don't. You can't go askin' Fred about the attack. The doctors say it's too risky right now."

Daniel shook his head. "I wasn't going to mention that, Miss Emma."

"Then what? What idea is swimmin' around in that head of yours?" Emma questioned.

"The caves."

"Now, I told you how I feel about that," she started to protest.

"I know, but listen, Miss Emma. It's the only thing we've got left," he pleaded.

"Daniel's right, Miss Emma," Jess interjected. "And we might get to answer some questions about your grandfather."

This line of reasoning seemed to work because Emma wasn't talking. As Daniel knew, that meant she was thinking over what they had said. She finally looked ready to speak and Daniel could tell by her expression, they had won.

"On one condition. You take one of the hands with you." She set her jaw stubbornly. "Another warm body could be handy in a fix."

"Thanks, Miss Emma." Jess hugged her tightly. Though they really didn't need her permission to go, neither Jess nor Daniel wanted to do anything to upset Emma. She'd been through too much already. "We'll be careful. We promise."

"You better," she sniffed. "Fred just got you here. He sure would hurt to lose you already."

"Miss Emma!"

"Oh, go on with you and start your plannin'. You don't need an old biddy like me right now," she retorted.

"That's not necessary, Miss Emma. We can all ride back to the ranch together," Jess argued.

"No, no. I'm just goin' to visit my old friend Eugena. See what other gossip she has up her sleeve." Emma winked, then walked away toward the group of ladies, most of whom had left by now. But of course Eugena was still there. As long as she had an audience, Emma knew, that woman would stick around. Besides, Emma mused as she joined the group, it had been a long time since she'd had such fun. Take her mind off things for awhile. Kick back and cut loose as the young folks say. Yep. About time she had a little fun.

Chapter 44

The coyote took a long, cold drink from the Washita River. It seemed to give him strength. With renewed effort he continued his journey back to the mountain. There was little time, and he sensed with regret, he had stayed away too long. But no time to dwell on that. He would run as long as he could. It would shorten the distance somewhat.

His pace felt good as the strong muscles flexed with every move. The morning was still cool. At least an hour before he would feel the summer heat. A noise brought him up suddenly. Still as stone, he looked behind him, around him. Steely eyes peered out into the distance, ears straightened to listen for any sound. Satisfied, he moved on once more, quickly bounding over the flat plain, toward the mountain.

* * *

Six a.m. and the coyote had been howling for over an hour. Jess wanted to press her hands over her ears to block out the sound, but knew it wouldn't help. A desperate, lonely cry, she had only heard it once before. Somehow she sensed a connection. A kindred spirit? That was silly, foolish, yet she couldn't help feel it down, deep down inside to the center core of her. She was often lonely, too. And desperate. At least she had friends. Who did the coyote have? Again she was being ridiculous. Maybe anticipating this trip caused her nerves to fray. Tension had been mounting inside since last night. She hadn't slept well, replaying the fortuneteller's words over and over again in her mind.

A tap at her bedroom door made Jess jump, so nervous she had become. She scolded herself as she walked over to open the door. "Who is it?"

"Me. Daniel," he whispered, not wanting to wake the rest of the household.

"I'm almost ready. Be out in five minutes."

"I'll be waiting on the porch," he answered and walked away. He grabbed a cup of coffee from the kitchen before going outside. Standing on the porch, he watched the sunrise and looked at the brown silhouette of the mountain they'd soon be visiting. He too, listened as the coyote continued his morning medley. He'd lived around here long enough to realize it was a bit odd, carrying on that way so long. Still, who knew? Maybe it had just lost its mate or young. Any number of possibilities could explain why.

Daniel returned his thinking back to the trip. Frank Kindle was going with them. Daniel chose the hand himself. He trusted Frank. Though he was older than most of the hands, he was tough, strong enough to meet any challenge. And close-mouthed. Daniel didn't have to worry about him coming back to town blabbing about what they might find up there. Three good reasons—trust, strength, and a promise of silence. That was good enough for Daniel.

The door creaked behind him as Jess came outside. He turned to take a look and gave an approving smile. She was geared up practically in jeans and a layer of tops to meet the needs of temperature change. The walk from the truck to the cave could be hot from the August sun. But once inside the caves, the temperature was bound to be a lot cooler.

"All ready to go?" he asked, setting down the empty coffee cup on the table next to the rocker.

"Yep. Ready as I'll ever be, I guess." Her eyes conveyed tension as they sharply focused on Daniel.

"You're worried."

"No, not really. I just didn't sleep well," she tried to explain.

"Ghosts of Madame Zorda creeping into your dreams?" Daniel teased, but stopped short when he saw her reaction. He reached out to give her a confident squeeze. "It's okay. Nothing more is going to happen than just a little cave exploring. Maybe pick up a few trinkets along the way. Really, Jess. Don't worry," he reassured her.