Reno's Journey: Cowboy Craze (The Wild West)

by Sable Hunter

  And someday, this same piece of land would belong to her.

  Part of Journey wanted to move there now – to leave her apartment in Austin and make her home in the shadow of Enchanted Rock. After all, she could work from anywhere. Her aunt certainly wouldn’t mind if she chose to come home. Myra would relish the company.

  As the wheels turned, the landscape around her changed yet again – becoming even more rugged. The color of the earth and rocks changed also. Instead of white limestone, now there was more red clay, iron ore, and outcroppings of pink granite. Joined with the verdant green of junipers and oaks, the contrast was spectacular. All of this was so familiar, yet the sight never failed to fill Journey with awe. She loved this country so much. To her, this was sacred ground. Returning to live at the ranch was something she always knew her future held. As much as she loved Austin, she longed to be somewhere she could stretch her legs. Go horseback riding in the moonlight.

  Walk on the same ground where Reno walked.

  See the stars from the same perspective he once saw them.

  Close her eyes and pretend she could hear his voice on the wind.

  So – what was she waiting for?

  Journey’s eyes clouded with tears. Her hand trembled on the wheel as she caught sight of the great, granite mountain in the distance. A ragged, sad sigh escaped her lips as she recognized the truth.

  The only thing holding her back was the little voice in her head warning Journey that she could lose herself. Become so entrenched in dreams of the past that she no longer tried to live in the world around her.

  Journey knew Lou feared this, she could almost read her friend’s mind sometimes. “I’m okay. I’ll be fine,” she promised herself as she put on her blinker to turn at the entrance to the ranch. “There’s a reason I am the way I am. Maybe, this trip I’ll figure out what that reason could be.”

  Reno

  The afternoon sun was shining brightly when Reno came into view of the Stanton cabin. He sat up straighter in the saddle, straining to see if anyone was looking for him – awaiting his arrival. Only a few more yards and he was rewarded. He’d been spotted. Two children came running to him as fast as their little legs could carry them.

  “Reno! Reno!”

  He quickly dismounted, going to his knees to catch Huck and Emory up in his arms. “How are you two scoundrels?”

  “We’re good.” Six-year old Emory kissed Reno on his cheek.

  Reno returned the little fellow’s affection, giving him a gentle peck on the forehead. “What are you doing watching for me? Don’t you have chores to do?”

  “Saul said you were coming, and we begged him to let us keep an out eye for you.” Huck patted Reno on the shoulder. “I’m so glad to see you.”

  “Me too!” Emory shouted.

  “Me three!”

  The third little voice was the most welcome sound he could ever imagine. He gently set the boys down to greet Miss Tessa Marie. At four years old, she was the apple of his eye. “Hey, darling.”

  She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him again and again.

  Reno felt like his heart might burst with sheer joy.

  “Come on in, Reno. Soup’s on!”

  Saul’s welcoming voice drew their attention. “Great. Let me take care of Traveler and I’ll be right there.”

  “I’ll do it for you!” At nine, Huck was slight for his age. He made up for any inadequacy in size by the strength of his determination.

  “Thank you, son. I’ll take the supplies in.” He threw the two saddlebags over his other shoulder. “There you go. Be careful, Bud.” Reno relinquished Traveler’s reins to the boy as Emory pulled him toward the open door. “Slow down, rascal. You’re going to trip and make us all fall down.”

  “Keep up, Reno!” Emory admonished him as they crossed the threshold. “I’ve got a new pet. A turtle. Want to see?”

  “Absolutely.” Reno smiled with indulgence as he watched the little guy run off to fetch his new friend. “I’ll just place these over in the corner.” Still carrying Tess on his hip, he rested the bags on the floor. “I think I brought everything you’ll need until I get back.”

  “Thanks. I…uh…appreciate it.”

  “So…” He turned to Saul who was tending a pot hanging over the fire. “Busy as always I see.”

  The young man met Reno’s gaze. “There doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day.”

  Reno nodded, understanding. He bent to place a wriggling Tess on the floor. “I have something for you, little girl.”

  With wide eyes she waited while he fished the doll from his saddlebag. “Here you go. Miss Amelia made that for you.”

  “Oh, it’s so pitty,” she whispered, gathering the gift to her cheek. “I wuv it.” Happily, she settled near the fire to enjoy some playtime with her new toy.

  “Oh, and I have something else. Look, Saul.” He brought out the portraits Fancy had given him earlier in the day. “Isn’t that a fine likeness?”

  Saul came close and grinned. “We all look mad about something, don’t we?” He laughed at Huck’s scowl. “He looks like he has an itch he can’t scratch.”

  “This face isn’t much better, is it?” Reno held up the tintype of himself. “I look plum spooked.”

  “Oh, no. That’s a good one.” He held out his hands. “May I have it?”

  “Sure. What would I do with it?”

  Saul hugged the portraits close. “Let me go put these in my journal. Where they’ll be safe.”

  Reno waited until Saul returned to stir the pot of soup. “Seems like you have everything well in hand.” His eyes roved the one-room cabin, taking in the neat beds, folded clothes on a chair, and the McGuffey reader open on the table. “I see Buck’s schoolbooks came in.” He knew Saul’s mother, a former schoolmarm, taught Saul to read. Now, it fell on Saul to teach his brothers and sister.

  “Yea, Clay brought it by on his way to Fredericksburg.”

  “Good man.” Oh, they’d had their differences along the way, but Reno knew he could count on the man who’d essentially taken Cole’s place after his father ripped their family apart, leaving Reno and his mother alone. Hard times had followed. Single mothers never have it easy, especially when they aren’t white. The truth was if it hadn’t been for Clay Bennett, there’s no telling what would’ve happened to them. Their young neighbor took it upon himself to make sure Reno and his mother didn’t go wanting for any of the necessities. Since Reverend Thomas Bennett hadn’t considered Mrs. Black and her son to be worthy recipients of his church’s Christian charity, Clay incurred the wrath of his father more than once over giving them aid. The example his friend set was one of the reasons he couldn’t turn his back on the Stanton children.

  “Look, Reno, look!”

  “Let me see.” He squatted down to see what Emory was toting so carefully. “Gracious goodness, Em. He’s a beaut.”

  The small boy placed the box turtle on the floor in front of Reno. “It’s a girl, silly.”

  “Oh, really?” Reno laughed aloud. “How can you tell?” He winked at Saul. “You been looking under her little skirt?”

  “No!” Emory hollered, blushing. “Her tail, it’s long and skinny, not fat and chubby.”

  “Her tail tells the tale?” Reno asked in a joking manner.

  “What?” Emory didn’t understand the question. “Domino said so.”

  “Well, the good doctor should know. What do you call her?”

  Emory rubbed the top of the turtle’s shell as the small reptile endeavored to make a run for it. “Her name is Doe, because she’s as swift as a deer.”

  “Right.” Reno laughed again. “With that imagination of yours, you may be a writer when you grow up.” As Emory gathered up his pet, Reno stood to address Saul. “King and Fancy reissued their invitation for you all to come live at the ranch.”

  “Yea.” Saul pushed a lock of hair from his eyes, weariness evident on his face. “She mentions it every time we see her.”


  “She means it, you know. There’s plenty of room.”

  “I appreciate the – thought.” The boy stuttered a bit giving his explanation. “I just hate to leave the home where they…”

  “Where your parents lived, I understand.” Reno clapped him on the bank. There’d be plenty of time when he returned to convince him to move into the house he planned on building. “Have you had any trouble? Outside of hard work?”

  “Nope. No trouble. Although, we did have a visitor the other day.” He gave the pot one last stir, then moved to begin unpacking the supplies.

  “Visitor? Who?” Reno asked, looking up with concern as he registered the boy’s apprehension. “Did he bother you?”

  “Uh. No. I remember meeting him once a while back. A man by the name of Jack Kinsella. He wasn’t a friend of Pa’s. More of an acquaintance I’d say.”

  “What did he want?” Reno got up to add a log to the fire, glancing over to check on Emory and Tess.

  Saul shook his head. “He asked some questions about Pa’s prospecting. Wanted to know if he’d ever struck gold.”

  Reno snorted his disdain. “I hoped you told him there was no gold.” They’d discussed Saul’s father’s fruitless search for riches in the nearby caves.

  “Yep. I don’t think he believed me.” Saul waved his hand around. “He thinks I’ve been using some of it to buy all these new things you’ve given us.”

  “Damn.” Reading the young man’s expression, Reno pressed for more. “What aren’t you telling me?”

  “Nothing.” Saul knelt to place a sack of flour on the bottom shelf of the cabinet. “He just made me nervous, that’s all. Huck said he had shifty eyes.” The youngster chuckled. “I told Kinsella to look in the caves himself if he didn’t believe me.”

  “Well, maybe he will.” Reno didn’t like to think about strangers hanging around near the boys. Their property wasn’t fenced, and the web of caves honeycombed all through the area. “Just so long as he leaves you all alone.” Damn, he wished he didn’t have to leave. “Think about Fancy’s offer while I’m gone. Okay?”

  Saul nodded just about the same moment as Huck’s yell of distress sounded from outside. In the next heartbeat, he and Reno were out the door. “Stay inside, Emory! Watch Tess!” Saul yelled at his youngest brother as their footsteps pounded their way to the barn.

  Reno cocked his rifle as he ran. He didn’t know what to expect. Mountain lion? Wolf? Snake? Or worse…

  “Huck!” Saul called as he slammed though the barn door. “Where are you?”

  The first few seconds of silence chilled Reno’s blood. Until a small voice answered from the corner. “I’m here.”

  “Thank God.” Saul reached his brother, pulling him from behind Traveler. “What happened?”

  Reno joined them, but he could see little. Without windows, the barn was completely in shadow. “Are you all right, Huck?”

  The little boy was panting. “There’s something in here with us,” he whispered.

  Within that split second, all hell broke loose. There was a crash near the door causing Traveler and Saul’s plow horses to kick against the walls of their stall.

  “What the hell?” Reno took off to see what was making its escape. Once outside, he saw a figure making tracks in the distance. “Damn.” A feeling of trepidation hit him right between the eyes. There was no way he could leave these children to fend for themselves.

  “Was it an Indian?” Huck called from the door.

  Reno couldn’t be completely sure – but from the way the individual was dressed – he was sure enough. “I think so. Yes.”

  “What should we do?” Saul asked as Reno returned to them.

  “Go in and pack what you need. I’m taking you to the ranch. You’ll stay there until I get back.”

  “You can’t delay your trip. We’ll be fine,” Saul muttered as he held Huck’s hand. Both boy’s breaths were coming in shallow pants.

  “Do as I ask.” Reno didn’t mean for his tone to sound so harsh. “Please,” he added to soften the blow. “I can’t leave with any peace of mind if I think you’re in danger.”

  “But…”

  “No argument, Saul. I mean it.” His hand sliced through the air emphatically as he moved around the barn’s interior. “Anything seem to be missing?”

  The boys helped him look. “No. I don’t think so,” Saul finally concluded. “There’s stuff tossed about – like he was looking for something.”

  “All right. Here’s what we’re going to do. You two go inside and check on your little brother and sister. Then start packing.” He directed them out the door and walked along behind them.

  “Do you think he’ll come back?” Huck asked, holding out his right hand for Reno to grasp.

  “I hope not.”

  “What are you going to do?” Saul asked, his eyes wide with apprehension.

  “I’m going to look around a bit. Once I do, I’ll come back and stand guard until morning.” This extra leg of backtracking would delay his trip. He’d probably miss tomorrow’s stagecoach – but it couldn’t be helped. He would catch the next one.

  “Can you stand guard from inside and just watch out the window?” Huck asked in a choked whisper.

  “I’ll go back and forth. Don’t worry. I’ll take care of you.”

  “Be careful,” Saul cautioned Reno as they opened the door to find Emory and Tess hovering on the other side. “We don’t want to lose you too.”

  Reno understood. He touched the older boy’s shoulder. “You’re not going to lose me. I’ll be fine. Now, lock the door.”

  Once the children were safely inside, Reno shouldered his weapon to set out on patrol.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Journey

  “Come in this house!” Myra’s exuberant welcome brought a smile to Journey’s face.

  “Hey, Aunt Myra. It’s so good to see you.” She greeted her relative with a big hug. “Are you all packed and ready to go?”

  “I am. Everything’s all loaded in the car. I’ll be on my way just as soon as I show you a few things and help you bring your stuff into the house.” She paused to pick up her pride and joy – or one them. A dapple dachshund by the name of Dudley.

  “Don’t bother. I can get my things later. Not all of it has to be brought in right now.” She tickled the dog’s spotted tummy. “Hey, Duds. Ready to party?”

  “Always.” Myra kissed the pup on the side of the face. “Are you going to be a good boy for Journey?”

  “We’ll be fine. Where’s Cleo?” Dudley’s sister, of course. Frankly, she was surprised her great aunt was making the journey without the dogs. She usually took them everywhere she went.

  “Napping. She chased a rabbit all around the yard this morning. Tired herself out.” Myra led the way through the kitchen. “The fridge and freezer are stocked.”

  “Good. I thought I might make a pot of soup. So far, this spring has been cooler than normal.”

  “I hope I have everything you need – but you can check. If you go into town, Natural Grocers has the best produce I’ve ever tasted.” Myra continued through the dining area to a sunroom where the majority of her houseplants were kept. “My orchids and violets are in here.” She waved at a profusion of blooms. I’ve made a list of when they need food and watering. If you notice, each plant has a number on the pot and there are corresponding directions according to that number.”

  Journey wanted to roll her eyes – but she didn’t. Myra seriously loved those plants and she didn’t want to disappoint her relative. “I’ll figure it out. Don’t worry.”

  “All of the fertilizer and plant food is under the sink.” She pointed, then opened one of the doors to point at the containers. “There’s also a special watering can. Remember the violets like to be watered from the bottom. Try not to get any water on the leaves please. Also, my orchids prefer spritzing so here is a spray bottle for that.”

  “Got it.” Journey was sure she could figure it all out. “What else?”
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  “The horses will be fine. I have Mr. Kota Blue who lives just on the other side of the park to help me. Kota or his grandson drop by each day to feed and exercise them. However, if you want to take one out for a ride – you know you’re welcome.”

  “I used to live here. Remember?”

  Myra laughed. “I know. I just like to give orders.”

  “Is Mr. Blue your boyfriend?”

  Myra put her hands on her hips. “No. He’s my neighbor. The one who used to make those beautiful saddles. Why would you ask me that?”

  “Just giving you a taste of your own medicine.” Journey giggled as she followed her aunt to the living area where Cleo met them with a fast wagging tail.

  Myra paid her little mind. “All right. Am I forgetting anything?”

  “Not that I know of. How is Uncle Myles? Have you heard anything more?”

  “I talked to the hospice nurse. He’s still lucid. When he feels up to it, he’s going through box after box of his old papers, genealogical records and so on.” She waved her hand. “You know how he is. In a lot of ways – he’s just like you.” Myra smiled sadly. “In fact, I think he’s leaving all of his research to you. I’ve often told him about your – uh – fascination with the past.”

  “Oh. Wonderful.” She didn’t let on too much. In some respects, Myra was as concerned as Lou about her seeming obsession with the past. “Are you taking some reading material with you?”

  “My kindle is full, dear.” She placed Dudley gently on the floor. “How about you? Do you have enough to do to keep from getting bored out here in the sticks?”