Tracie Peterson - [Land of the Lone Star 03] (5 page)

Shadows from the fitful firelight

Dance upon the parlor wall,

Shadows from the fitful firelight

Dance upon the parlor wall.”

The words startled Tyler. They were from an old Longfellow poem his mother had loved. “Footsteps of an Angel
,”
wasn’t it? He could almost see his mother sitting by the fireplace reading from her book of much-loved poetry.

“ ‘Then the forms of the departed enter at the open door,’ ” Ava sang, and the words chilled Tyler to the bone
.

“The beloved the true hearted,

Come to visit me once more;

He, the young and strong, who cherished

Noble longings for the strife,

By the roadside fell and perished,

Weary with the march of life.

By the roadside fell and perished,

Weary with the march of life.”

Tyler thought of all the young men he’d seen die in the war. It hadn’t taken many battles to leave them weary. Truth be told, he was weary from the march of life. Weary that he should have to fight so hard to right wrongs.

Thoughts of the departed brought his father’s image to mind. Howard Atherton had been the wisest man Tyler had ever known. He’d been generous and loving, too, and now he was dead. If only Tyler had stayed at the ranch that day.
I might have been able to save him.
Tyler shook his head.
Most likely I might be buried alongside him.

Either way, I failed,
Tyler thought as Ava continued the song.
I failed to be there when you needed me most, Pa. Failed to keep the ranch.
He sighed. All he had wanted was to make his father proud. His pa had always said that a man was no better than his word, and that his word had to be backed by actions. If a man gave his pledge to something—then it was up to him to see it through. Otherwise, what good was that man?

I made a pledge to avenge you, Pa, and I sure haven’t seen that through.
Tyler glanced at the ceiling, wondering if his father could hear his thoughts. Since the tragic death of his father and other Atherton ranch hands, Tyler had mulled over the idea of seeking out his father’s killer. Osage McElroy was one of three men who’d survived the attack. The other two men had moved on, but Osage stayed. While Tyler was away at war, it was Osage and a couple of other trustworthy men who had kept the ranch running. Now they worked for Will.

A bitter taste was in his mouth, and Tyler quickly took another swig of the coffee. Osage had detailed the attack for Tyler. There had been a threat all week—it was one of the reasons his pa had insisted Tyler take the womenfolk and Grandpa Venton to Dallas for shopping and visiting. They’d be safe there with friends in case something happened.

The men thought they could handle the Indians, but they were ill-prepared. Lulled into believing the threat had passed, they put down their guard and were surprised just before dawn. It was easy enough to learn it was a renegade group of Comanche who’d killed his father, but no one knew for sure the name of the leader. There were all kinds of rumors, but Osage always said he’d know the man if he ever saw him again.

Ava’s voice rang rich and smooth.

“Uttered not, yet comprehended,

Is the spirit’s voiceless prayer,

Soft rebukes in blessings ended,

Breathing from their lips of air.

Oh, though oft depressed and lonely,

All my fears are laid aside,

If I but remember only

Such as these have lived and died!

If I but remember only

Such as these have lived and died!”

The music ended and the men in the supper club clapped furiously. Tyler let the words settle over him and ease the pain of his memories.
Oh, though oft depressed and lonely, all my fears are laid aside, if I but remember only such as these have lived and died!

Of course, Tyler knew that God was truly the only help for his kind of sorrow. There was depression and loneliness to be sure, but also anger, hatred, and a sheer will to avenge. God alone had helped him calm the spirit of anger and revenge, but every so often, the beast reared its ugly head.

Tyler looked back to his plate as Ava bowed and then began a jollier tune. He couldn’t help but think of Carissa and all that she’d endured. He wondered if she’d ever heard the poem. Perhaps he’d have to share it with her sometime. It was certainly the kind of verse she could appreciate.

He tried hard not to dwell on her, but he couldn’t help it. Ever since he’d pulled Carissa out of the Gulf of Mexico, Tyler had found himself inexplicably connected to the young woman. Even during the last few years when he’d seen nothing of her, Tyler couldn’t shake her image from his mind—nor the thoughts of the way she felt in his arms.

“And now she’s here, and I’m going away.”

“What was that, boss?” John questioned, leaning across the table. “You need something?”

Tyler shook his head. “No. Just thinkin’ out loud.”

C
arissa sat listening as plans for the cattle drive were explained. William Barnett was in charge and led the discussion for the most part, though she saw him clearly defer to Ted Terry on more than one occasion. Tyler, too, seemed to hold a position of authority.

“We’ve talked to others who have made the trip,” William stated. “There’s good grazing along the way and plenty of water. The Indians who are settled in the area are friendly, and there are numerous army forts along the way just to make sure order is kept.”

“Have you thought about other routes?” one of the men questioned.

Carissa had no idea who the man was, but he seemed to be one of Ted Terry’s men. William didn’t appear troubled by the question, she noticed. He nodded and pulled out a roughly drawn map.

“We looked into driving them to California or taking the Goodnight-Loving Trail to Denver. We even thought about the older route up through eastern Indian Territory. But given the facts and the need to be back in time for the womenfolk, this is the shortest and easiest trail to take. With, I might add, the fewest complications.”

“How many cattle are we lookin’ to move?” someone else asked.

“At least twenty-five hundred,” Ted Terry replied before William could answer. “Maybe a few more. William, Tyler, and I have contributed to this herd so the sale will benefit everyone. William and I are providing most of the gear and grub, but Tyler brings expertise and a few good men to the table, as well.”

“We are also blessed to have a qualified horseman,” William added, nodding toward Brandon Reid. “Brandon grew up on a horse farm in Indiana. He’s taken on the old Lawton farm in order to raise some quality animals. He’s agreed to be our head wrangler.”

The discussion went on and on with every imaginable question being posed. Carissa tired of the details. Gloria and the other children were playing with Marty Dandridge, Hannah’s ten-year-old sister, so Carissa had no excuse to leave. She glanced around the room until her gaze fell on an Indian shield hanging on the wall. The sight of it made her shiver. Why would such a thing be on display?

“That question brings us to the issue of food,” William replied.

Carissa wasn’t sure what question had been asked, but decided to pay better attention. A grizzled older man stood up.

“Name’s Osage McElroy,” the man declared. “Most of ya know me. I worked quite a few years with Tyler’s pa. Then he was kilt, and for a time I took care of the place for Tyler. I can cook a fair bit. Ain’t had no complaints, I might add.” He grinned and rubbed his graying reddish-brown beard. “I’ve been workin’ of late for Will Barnett, and he asked me to run the chuck wagon on this here drive. I figure to keep you boys fed well. There won’t be any liquor, however, and if I find any on you or in the camp, I’ll be forced to destroy it.”

“And then you’ll be fired, and you’ll be forced to make your way back alone—even if we’re in the middle of Indian country,” William added. “We’re gonna make this drive sober. There won’t be any gambling, either, and on Sundays we’ll have a time of prayer and Bible reading. If you have a problem with this, you’d best say so now and quit the drive.” He waited a moment to see if anyone wanted to back out.

Carissa was surprised that no one offered so much as a protest. Maybe they’d all worked together long enough that they knew what to expect in the ways of do’s and don’ts.

“Once we get to Abilene, you’ll be paid, and you’re free to do what you like with your money. You’ll also be free to stay or return with us. We plan to make it an immediate turnaround so that I can be back in plenty of time for the birth of my second child. And while that isn’t expected until nearly October, Mr. Reid here has a wife who’s expecting in August.”

Laura blushed and lowered her head at the comment. Carissa was amazed how easily such delicate matters were discussed in mixed company. Back in Corpus Christi such details would have been reserved for the women alone. If men ever discussed the topic at all, Carissa was certain it was only in passing references of congratulations.

“My point here is that what you do to entertain yourselves in Abilene will be your business. However, until then . . .” He paused and looked around the room. “Until then, it will be mine and Ted’s. We’ll expect your word on the matter.”

The men around her nodded and the conversation continued. Carissa listened to William discuss the route and what they could expect. He answered questions posed by Hannah and Mrs. Terry, then announced that Hannah’s nearly thirteen-year-old brother, Andy, would accompany them on the trail.

“Most drovers aren’t much older,” William declared. “It’s a hard business for an old man, but the young seem to thrive.”

“Speak for yourself, Will,” Ted stated. “I think old is just a state of mind.”

“You may think otherwise after a week in the saddle,” Marietta Terry said with a laugh.

William smiled and continued. “There will be no favoritism, if you’re worried about that. But neither will I tolerate abuse of Andy for the sake of getting back at me. The same is true for any man. You’ll earn your keep out there and if you do your best—you’ll earn my respect, as well.”

The meeting continued another half an hour or so until Hannah finally rose and put a stop to it. “It’s nearly noon. We need to feed these boys,” she told her husband.

There was a hearty round of approval for that comment, and Hannah smiled. “I think you boys will be pleased. Juanita has been cooking ribs all morning over the spit, so you’re in for a real treat. She has a special sauce that will make you sit up and beg for more.”

Tyler moaned. “She’s got that right. Won’t be able to put ’em down, and afterward we won’t be able to stand ’cause our bellies will be draggin’ the ground.”

The men laughed and got to their feet as the ladies rose. Hannah motioned to the men. “We have tables and benches set up outside for everyone. Make your way around back, and we’ll eat as soon as grace is said.”

She didn’t have to instruct them twice. The men—especially the younger ones—hurried from the room as if their pants were on fire. Carissa marveled at the way they all but climbed over each other to empty the room.

“Guess they’re hungry,” Tyler said, coming alongside her.

She looked into his eyes and nodded. “I guess so.”

“How about you?”

Carissa put her hand to her waist. “I am hungry. In fact, I’m really looking forward to the special ribs.”

He laughed. “And well you should be. Juanita has many talents, but cooking is probably right there at the top.”

“Maybe she can teach me a thing or two,” Carissa replied.

Tyler took hold of her elbow. The move surprised her, but she didn’t pull away. He guided her through the house and out the back door to avoid the rush of men out the front of the house. Carissa had smelled the aroma of the meat cooking all morning, but here the scent was even stronger.

She was surprised to see that Marty already had the little ones settled at a very small table off a ways from the activity. They were sitting quite well-behaved, in fact. Carissa could only wonder at how she’d bribed them. Daniel sat directly beside Marty completely captivated with something in her hands. William and Hannah’s two-year-old son, Robert, seemed anxious to dig into the food on his plate, but kept his place. And to Carissa’s surprise, Gloria had a napkin tied around her neck and had her hands folded in her lap. She made quite the angelic picture, but Carissa knew just what an energetic little spirit she could be.

Ted Terry blessed the food, and it wasn’t long before everyone was eating their fill. The food had quieted the chatter considerably, but as the minutes passed and hunger abated, the conversation gradually picked back up.

Mrs. Terry sat at Carissa’s left and pointed to an entire table of desserts. “See, you definitely needn’t worry about that cake or pie you didn’t bring.” She grinned at Carissa. “If it’s one thing we women know how to do right in this area—it’s dessert.”

“Maybe you can share some of your recipes with me sometime,” Carissa replied. “I started learning to cook while in Corpus Christi. Growing up, we always had someone else to do that chore, but I actually find I rather enjoy it.”

“I do, too. We have a wonderful woman who works for us—Teresa is her name. She can cook up a storm, but from time to time I like to put my hand in. I’ll probably be bringing some dishes to the Barnett ranch just to help with feeding all of you while the men are gone.”

“What do you mean?” Carissa asked.

Mrs. Terry frowned. “Didn’t you hear them explain that you and your sister will come here to stay while the men are gone?”

Carissa shook her head. “But who will tend the farm?”

“Will and Ted have already seen to all of that. Your animals will board here, and riders will go to check up on the place from time to time. It’s too dangerous otherwise. You won’t have anyone to help you should there be an Indian attack.”

“Is that likely?” She tried not to sound fearful.

“We don’t expect trouble, but we do plan for it,” Mrs. Terry replied. “Texas is still a wild country. Unlike the civilized states back east, we struggle to maintain order. The Kiowa and Comanche are still on the warpath, and we have to be prepared.”

“So we’re to stay here at the ranch? How is that to work?”

“Well, Hannah and William have added a good deal of space to this house. Hannah has extra rooms to share. You and Laura can each have a room as I understand it. You and Gloria will be together, and Laura can be with her boy.”

Carissa felt a little uneasy at having her life dictated to her. “I suppose if that’s the only way . . .” She let the words trail off.

“Well, it’s the safest way,” Tyler said as he took the seat to her right.

His company surprised her, as earlier he’d sat between William and Mr. Terry. “I realize that I have little say in the matter, but it would have been nice to be consulted,” she murmured.

He grinned. “Your sister said the same thing. Fact is, this is a much better choice for you. Hannah once did some favors for the Comanche, and they’ve been pretty good to leave this ranch alone. Doesn’t mean they always will, but at least you’ll have an extra element of protection.”

“Hannah did favors for the Comanche?” Carissa asked, glancing down the table to where the petite blonde sat.

“She sure did. Just about gave us all a heart attack. She went off to help the Comanche in their camp when they came down sick with smallpox. I thought William was going to lose his mind in tryin’ to find her. Kind of like when Brandon was searchin’ for Laura in Corpus.”

Carissa frowned. “I’d rather not be reminded of that time.” She focused her attention on her plate and daintily picked up a rib. The meat was messy, but the flavor was well worth the trouble.

“I didn’t mean to bring up bad times. We were just as desperate to find you, as I recall.”

“Why did the Indians come to Hannah for help?”

Tyler seemed prepared for this question. “She had helped to save the life of the chief’s son Night Bear, prior to their outbreak of the pox. After that, the word spread that she was a friend to the
Numunuu.
That’s the name the Comanche call themselves. It means,
the people.
They gave her that shield you saw in the other room.”

“I wondered why civilized folks would have something like that in their house.”

“Night Bear sometimes has come to see Hannah in the years since. He has a fondness for her cinnamon sweet rolls.” Tyler grinned. “But then, who doesn’t?”

As the food dwindled and folks started pushing back from the table, Carissa went to take Gloria in hand. She could see that the child was nearly asleep on her feet. When she cradled Gloria against her shoulder, the little girl put her thumb in her mouth and closed her eyes.

Then a moment later Gloria pulled her thumb out. “I’m not tired,” she insisted.

“Yes, I can see that you’re wide awake.”

Carissa nuzzled her face against Gloria’s curls as her daughter fought to keep her eyes open. Nothing felt as good as holding her baby.

“You make a right good mama,” Tyler said, watching her from a nearby tree.

“Thank you,” Carissa murmured. “Though sometimes I fear she’s missing out.”

Tyler frowned and shook his head. “Why is that?”

“She’s never had a regular life. The only father figures she’s known have been my father and Brandon.” Carissa bit her lip. Why had she said such a personal thing to him? Now he’d think she’d opened the door to a deeper friendship.

But maybe that’s exactly what I want.

Tyler didn’t disappoint. “God has a way of filling in the empty places, but I reckon not havin’ a pa could be a hard thing for a little one. Hard for you, too.”

Carissa didn’t know what to say. She wasn’t entirely sure if Tyler was implying that raising a child alone was difficult, or that being a woman without a man was the problem. She supposed that either way, he was right.

Carissa glanced at her now-sleeping daughter. “When Brandon comes in from working, Daniel is always so excited to see him. Now that he can walk—even run—he runs to his papa, and Brandon lifts him in the air and plays with him.” Her voice sounded wistful, but Carissa couldn’t help it. “I know Gloria doesn’t understand, although Brandon does his best to include her. I’ve just started trying to keep busy somewhere else when I know he’s due to come in. That way I can keep Gloria occupied, and she doesn’t have to feel so alone.”

“Are you sure she’s the one who feels alone?” Tyler asked, his voice barely audible.

Carissa felt her brows knit together as she thought hard for a moment. “I know she is. She asks where her papa is all the time.”

“And what do you tell her?”

“The truth, as best I can. I tell her he’s gone away and isn’t coming back. I tell her that he was a very bad man and we are better off without him—that he would only hurt us.”

“Do you think that’s wise?”

She glared at him. “To tell the truth? Of course I think that’s wise. I don’t want her to be a fool like I was.” She wished she hadn’t offered that last remark, but it was too late.