by Sable Hunter
“Do you mean…why do you have to stay?” she asked with sorrow.
“No. I don’t want to go to Boston. I want to be here with you. I want us all to be here. Together!” Reno was adamant in his sorrow.
Sojourner shook her head sorrowfully. “Your grandfather demands an heir and Cole was created in his father’s image.”
Reno understood. He looked like his mother. Indian.
“What will we do?” he whispered softly, the reality of their situation beginning to sink in.
“I’ll send money.”
Silas Black’s voice broke through the fog surrounding Reno. He wanted to refuse. To yell. To cry. Instead, he pushed passed his mother to run into the house to find his brother. “Cole?”
“Yea.”
Reno didn’t have to go far. The cabin was small. He found his brother on his knees by the bed, stuffing his clothes into a small satchel. “What’s going to happen to us?”
“I don’t know.” His brother’s voice sounded choked. Like he was just about to cry.
“I want you to stay.”
“Me too.” He spoke on a sob. “I don’t want to leave Mama.”
Reno stood behind his older brother, a million things running through his brain. The good times. How they played in the woods. Fished in the creek. Told stories by the firelight. He could hear his father’s happy laughter and his mother’s sweet singing. “How could this happen?” They were a family.
“I’m not sure. Pa won’t say.” Cole stood and turned around. Reno had grown in the last year, but Cole was still a half foot taller than him. “You’ll forget me.”
Reno shook his head. “Never. You’re my brother. You’ll always be my brother.”
“Cole! Now!”
Their father’s voice roared.
“Come here.” Cole pulled Reno to him, hugging the boy hard. “We’ll see each other again. I promise.”
“Cole!” Another bellow from Silas Black.
“Let’s go. I’ll help you.” Reno took Cole’s satchel. He could hear their mother’s voice, quietly pleading. He could also hear his father’s voice shutting down her protest.
“This is not what I want.” Silas cleared his throat. “I just don’t have a choice.”
But he had a choice, Reno knew that. As he walked through their small, simple cabin, a startling truth dawned.
Silas Black was a coward. His father was afraid to turn his back on the stability his family in Boston offered. Instead, he chose to abandon the wife they didn’t approve of and the grandson they couldn’t accept.
“I’ll never forget you, Reno,” Cole mumbled at his side.
“Of course not.” He gave his brother one last embrace. When he turned him loose, his mother was there to draw Cole close. She whispered something in his ear, and he leaned up to kiss his mother’s face over and over.
With a heavy heart, Reno stood by his mother as his father and brother left them. They remained in the same position until the wagon disappeared around a bend – gone from their sight. Only then did Reno let the tears come.
“Don’t despair, Reno.”
His mother’s soft voice soothed away some of the pain.
“I’ll take care of you, mother. You’ll never want for anything, I promise.”
“I know, my son. I know.” She kissed him softly on the cheek and placed a sheltering arm around his shoulder. “We shall endure. You have the journey of a lifetime before you. I have seen your future and joy awaits.”
Journey – Present Day
“Next!”
At the barked word, Journey jumped a bit.
“Sorry. Woolgathering.” She smiled at the clerk as she moved forward to place four packages on the counter. “How are you, Mabel?” Yes, she came to the Post Office often enough to be on a first-name basis with the employees.
“I’m much better, Journey. Mailing more oils and lotions to your lucky customers?”
“Yes, I am. Remedies for poor eyesight, memory loss, and allergies.”
“I think I need some of each.” Mabel giggled. “I tell you that salve you gave me worked wonders for my arthritis.”
“Great! They are my great-grandmother’s concoctions. Tried and true.” Journey took her wallet from her purse and placed it on the counter while Mabel rang up the charges. “When you run out, let me know. I have a big batch of my aches and pains salve already made up.”
“What did you say was in it? My sister asked and I couldn’t remember.” She pushed her glasses up on her nose while she waited for the postage labels to print.
“Ten drops of each essential oil – frankincense, myrrh, ginger, and palo santo – mixed with four ounces of coconut oil. I’ll jot down the recipe if you like.”
Mabel shook her head. “Oh, I’d rather buy it from you than try to make it myself. You’ll never know how many remedies I’ve tried. Sometimes, the pain is almost unbearable.”
“I’m glad I could help.” As she started to extract her credit card, Mabel gasped, and reached out to jerk the wallet to face her. “What’s wrong?” Journey asked, not knowing what to make of the clerk’s sudden actions.
“That guy. That picture. He’s gorgeous!”
Journey laughed as the woman kept staring with her mouth open. “Yea, he is. Isn’t he?”
“Is that your boyfriend?”
“Alas, no.” Journey shook her head. “This picture is a photograph of an antique tin-type. Unfortunately, this man lived over a century and a half ago.”
Mabel playfully wiped her brow before she began affixing the postage labels to the packages. “Well, he’s certainly eye-candy, that’s for sure.”
“I agree.” She gazed down at Reno’s handsome face. “He was a good friend of our family. We owe him a lot.”
“Plus, he’s nice to look at when you need a pick-me-up, I bet.” Mabel tore off a receipt and placed it in Journey’s hand.
“That he is.” Journey tucked the slip of paper into her purse along with the wallet. “Well, I’ll be off. Take care.”
Glancing at an overhead window, Mabel pointed at the dark sky. “Don’t get wet.”
Journey waved. “I’m sweet, but I won’t melt. Bye, Mabel.” A little rain couldn’t dampen her good mood. She had a date tonight!
She’d gone no more than a half dozen steps when her cell phone rang. “Excuse me,” she muttered as she pulled her phone from her purse, then sidestepped around a man who was shaking the rain from his umbrella. Seeing Casey’s name on her phone, Journey smiled. “Hey. I’m excited about tonight. What’s up?”
“Uh. Journey. About tonight.”
He really needed to say no more. She could tell from his voice that he was about to cancel their plans. “Did something come up?”
“Yea. I’ve got to go take care of some things.”
She asked before she could stop herself. “Like what?”
There was quite a long pause before Casey answered. “I need to go see about Ana. She’s upset. Her boyfriend dumped her.”
Journey stopped walking and just stood in place. In front of her was the entrance and she could see vehicles moving back and forth through the double wide glass doors as customers came and went without acknowledging one another. “Ana? Your ex?” she choked out the words in disbelief.
“Yea.” He coughed. “We’re still friends.”
Her eyes darted from side to side as she tried to think of something to say.
She was saved from trying when he abruptly signed off. “Sorry. Thanks for understanding. We’ll talk later. Bye.”
“Well, I’ll be damned,” she whispered. Feeling behind her head, she pulled up the hood of her jacket, and pushed through the doors to head to her car. As she neared the curb, a Lexus came barreling down the drive and splashed her from head to toe with cold, muddy water. For just a second her eyes met a man who grimaced a non-verbal apology – then just kept driving. “Hell. Great-aunt Myra was right – they don’t make men like Reno Black anymore.”
Wipin
g the dirty water from her face with the bottom inside of her jacket, Journey continued on to her car. She didn’t know why she was surprised. In her experience, men were mostly selfish jerks. Apparently, Casey Stark was no exception. “Well…good riddance. I’ll just go home and open a bottle of Moscato.”
Once she was settled at the wheel of her Subaru, Journey checked her reflection in the mirror. A giggle burst from her lips. Her face was covered in muddy freckles. After fastening the seat belt, she started the car and was about to back out when her phone buzzed again. Assuming it was Casey calling back, she just pressed the button on the steering wheel and let him have it. “I don’t care what your excuses are. I wouldn’t go out with you if you were the last man on earth.”
“Journey.”
“Aunt Myra.” She felt a blush bloom on her cheeks. “How are you?”
“Fine. Do you need to talk?”
“No.” Journey eased her vehicle through the parking lot and out onto Jollyville Road. “Sorry about that. I thought you were someone else.”
“Obviously.” Her dry response immediately changed to concern. “Hey, I’ve got a proposition for you.”
“What’s that?” With her eyes on the road, she drove under the speed limit. Her mood coupled with the slick streets made caution a priority. Seeing a sign for the Sonic Drive-in ahead, Journey put on the blinker. Since her date had been canceled, she’d just take a burger and fries home for supper.
“I need to go stay with my brother for a few days. He isn’t well. They’ve called in hospice and it’s only a matter of time.”
“Oh, I’m sorry.” Journey knew how much her aunt loved her brother. “He’s such a sweet guy.”
“True. Anyway…I was hoping I could talk you into coming and staying at the ranch while I’m gone.”
Journey didn’t hesitate. “Sure. I’d love to. I’m portable – you know that.” Besides, she needed to get out of town for a few days. “Hold on a sec, Auntie.” Placing the phone on the seat, she checked the menu and placed the order over the intercom just outside the driver’s side window. “Okay. I’m back.”
“I hear you’re having a nutritional supper. Better take some antacid, those jalapenos on that burger will give you a fit later.”
“If I have any trouble, I’ll just put a few drops of ginger under my tongue.”
“Okay.” Myra let out a long breath. “You’ve taken a load off my mind. I didn’t want to leave the animals and plants unattended.”
“I understand.” She knew the woman worried about her African violets and orchids – not to mention her horses and dogs. “When do you need me to be there?”
“Sunday morning. Early. How does that sound?”
“Good. And how long do you anticipate being gone?”
“A week. I guess it just depends on…”
She could hear the sadness in her aunt’s voice. “I’m sorry.” For a moment, she’d forgotten the reason for her aunt’s visit. “Are you sure you’re up for this? Do you want me to go with you?”
“No. I’d rather you were at the ranch. I’ll be fine. He’s still in his right mind, as of last night. We’ll have some time to reminisce. Say things we need to say.” She laughed sadly. “I know he’ll want to load me down with family memorabilia. You know he has boxes and boxes of old papers and photos from days gone by.”
Journey’s ears perked up. “Oh, I’d like to look at those someday.”
“Yea, I bet you would. You love that kind of stuff, don’t you? Always have. Do you still sleep with Reno’s picture under your pillow?”
Yes. “No.” After a moment of hearing her aunt hum a little tune of disbelief, she added another answer. “Maybe.”
“At least he’ll never let you down.”
Seeing her order arrive in the arms of a teenager with a mouth full of braces, she mumbled to her aunt. “Hold on again. My burger is here.”
After a few moments of silence, Myra spoke up. “I’m still here.”
“I know. I was just putting my straw in my drink.” She started the motor. “Look, I’m sorry about Uncles Myles, but I’m looking forward to being home again. I’ll take care of everything – you don’t have to worry.”
“Are you sure? I don’t want to put you out.”
Journey shook her head at her aunt’s change of tune. “It’ll be fine. I’ll pack up my little jars and oils. If I run out of something, I’ll just drive back and get it. After all, you’re just over an hour away. No big deal.”
“True. Plus, there’s always Amazon.”
“Okay.” Journey tapped the steering wheel with one baby pink fingernail. “I’m going to go and start packing. I’ll see you in about forty hours, give or take – and I love you.”
“Love you too, sweetheart – and thanks.”
“Bye, Aunt Myra.” She pressed the end button and let out a moan of frustration. “Why am I upset?” Because she was – her stomach was all pinched up into a knot. Picking up her drink, she took a sip as she stopped at a red light. “Okay. Let’s figure this out.” Did Casey cancelling their date upset her?
Well – it hadn’t felt good. Rejection never did.
“But I’m not that invested in him.”
Bingo.
After six years of dating – she hadn’t found anyone she could become ‘invested’ in.
“Maybe that’s why you’re upset, Sojourner Stanton. No man you’ve ever dated has measured up to Reno Black.” The light changed and she stepped on the gas so hard her car lurched forward and she had to apply the brake. She knew it was probably unhealthy, but she’d created this world in her head.
All she had to do was close her eyes and let her imagination take over.
Like watching an old movie reel, she could see young Saul Stanton open the door of the old log cabin as snow swirled and a cold wind howled like a banshee. By the light of the moon, he would find Reno standing tall in his black hat and duster, holding high a wild turkey he’d bagged for their supper. Like the journal said, he told the kids not to worry, he’d never let them go hungry.
Or…the time they were about to lose their land and Reno went with Saul to the bank and placed a sack of gold nuggets in front of the banker. Paid in full. Call off your henchmen. The Stanton family get to keep their home.
Journey’s fingers tightened around the steering wheel. “He was larger than life.”
She’d never admit it to anyone, but her thoughts didn’t remain with what was recorded in the journal. No, she imagined herself in the picture too. How it would’ve been if they met. If they touched. If they…
“Stop it. You’re driving yourself bonkers.”
With a heartfelt sigh, she reached into her purse and took out her wallet. Opening it, she took a quick glance at his features. A quick glance was all she needed; she’d memorized his face long ago.
“What does it say about me, Reno? That I’d rather spend time with you in my dreams than with any real live guy I know?”
CHAPTER TWO
Reno – 1869
Riding along the rocky path, Reno scanned the horizon, searching for a glimmer of a campfire. The night was chilly, he didn’t like to think of Ela Blue being cold. “Easy, Traveler.” He pulled up on the reins as a rock skittered beneath the stallion’s feet. “We’re not in a hurry.” Reaching behind him, he made sure the saddlebag of staples was still riding safely.
Lifting his head, he enjoyed the wind on his face. The stars were out, and the moon was almost full. A beautiful clear night, so unlike the night when he first found his friend.
Rather, when she found him.
Seemed like he’d known Ela Blue for more than seven months. As he rode, his mind wandered back to the night they met. He smiled as he remembered how hard it had rained, a real gully washer…
He was returning to King’s Ransom when the bottom fell out of the sky and thick sheets of water began to pour. Reno couldn’t see a thing. There was no way he could continue on – it wasn’t safe for man nor beast. Dismountin
g, he bowed his head and trudged forward slowly, leading Traveler along the way.
Out of nowhere, someone stepped in front of him and grabbed his arm. He jerked out of the person’s reach and went for his gun. Any further action was stopped by a woman’s voice, barely discernable over the roar of the storm. “Peace. I mean you no harm. Come with me.”
Blinded by the deluge, Reno let the woman guide him. In a few minutes, he could barely see the glow of a fire lighting up the entrance to a cave. Afraid to let go of Traveler’s reins, lest the animal bolt, Reno led his horse beneath an arch of rock into a shelter of stone. As water dripped from his hat and duster, he wiped his face and stared at the old Indian woman who was spreading her shawl over a rock to dry.
“Thank you. I’m grateful. I couldn’t see my hand in front of my face.” That fact brought a question to mind. “How did you know I was out there?” There was no way she could’ve spotted him.
Turning to face him, Reno could see the woman’s weathered face and kind eyes in the glow of the firelight. Something about her sparked a feeling of recognition.
“Simple, my friend. I was waiting for you.”
Since that night, Ela Blue became a part of his life. She filled a hole in his world that he hadn’t known was empty. With her, he could speak of things his friends couldn’t really understand. A wise woman of the Apache, she chose to live apart from her tribe. At her advanced age, Reno worried she couldn’t properly take care of herself. Without hesitation, he chose to watch out for her. The extra time and money it took to ensure her needs were met was not an issue. She repaid him a thousand times over with her sympathetic ear and wise advice. Not to mention what she’d done to help them rescue Ace’s sister, Amelia, from the Apaches holding her captive.
“Welcome.”
Her greeting came as no surprise. “I can never slip up on you. You have cat’s eyes; you can see in the dark.”
Ela laughed softly. “I don’t need eyes to see. Sit down. I made venison stew.”
“Good. I’m starving.” He patted the saddlebags. “I brought beef, more venison, and vegetables from Fancy’s garden.” After seeing to his horse, he hoisted the provisions over his shoulder and made his way into the cave to check her supply of firewood. “I’ll gather more before I leave.”
