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

by Sable Hunter

  Reno swallowed nervously. This was a total surprise. He wasn’t prepared. Nevertheless, he stood on shaky knees to speak for his brother. Following directions, he came forward and placed his hand on the Bible, swearing to tell the truth. “My name is Reno Black, and Cole is my older brother. We were raised on the banks of the Tennessee River near the town of Knoxville. I worshiped the ground my older brother walked on, and we did everything together – fishing, hunting, playing boyish games, and dreaming of days to come.” Reno saw Wallace spin a finger, telling him nonverbally to speed up his testimony. He gave a slight nod, then cleared his throat before he began to speak again. “Our father decided to leave our mother to return to his family in Boston. He decided to take Cole and to leave me.” He didn’t explain why, most would figure it out just by looking at the two of them. “This separation was hard on the whole family. We didn’t see one another for years. When my mother died, I sent my father a telegram. He didn’t come, but Cole did. We buried her together. Once more, we were separated. I didn’t see my brother again until the day he approached me on the battlefield. He’d come to tell me that our father was dead and to give me a letter saying goodbye. We weren’t together more than five minutes. He hugged my neck and then he was gone. Cole’s contacting me might well have been unwise, but it was totally innocent. We didn’t meet on the battlefield as soldiers, we met as brothers.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Black. You may take your seat.”

  When Reno rejoined Gentry, the Englishman put a comforting arm around his shoulders. “You did good. I’m sure Cole is proud.”

  Sure enough, when Reno looked toward his brother, he could see the love and pride shining in his eyes.

  After another bang from the gavel, the members of the tribunal filed from the room to make their decision.

  While they were gone, Wallace came to tell Reno that he’d done his best, but he had no idea how the tribunal would rule.

  The intervening minutes felt like hours as Reno hung his head and prayed. He begged for mercy for Cole and strength for himself. He prayed Governor Pease would make the right decision to stop the senseless massacre. And while he was speaking to the Almighty, he also asked for the impossible. “O, Lord who dwells outside the bounds of time, where a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years a day. If it be Your will, please allow me to see my Journey again.” With a whispered Amen, Reno acted on his faith and left his problems in the hands of God. Clay and Kota would have been proud.

  A few minutes later, his faith became sight.

  Cole was declared innocent and after four years in prison, Reno watched his brother walk out of the courtroom a free man.

  * * *

  Despite the rough stagecoach ride, the journey home from North Carolina was a truly joyous reunion. The brothers talked nonstop for hours. Gentry was at their side, sharing in their joy, yet giving them the time that they needed to become reacquainted.

  “So, tell me about King’s Ransom,” Cole urged. “I want to know every detail.”

  Proud to speak of the land he loved, Reno began to paint a picture with words. “Our little piece of Texas is a magnificent place. Wait until you see the endless rolling hills, the white limestone, the pink granite, and the sparkling blue water.”

  “Sounds like home to me.”

  Reno thought a minute, then agreed with a laugh. “Yea, I guess you’re right. There are some definite similarities. The hills are higher in Tennessee, but the lay of the land in central Texas will remind you of our old stomping ground.” He clapped his brother on his shoulder. “You’re going to own a piece of it too. The Captain deeded me a hundred acres and I’m going to share the gift with you.”

  “Oh, I don’t want to take your land, Reno. I want to work for my own.”

  “You will, but I want you to have this too.” Now wasn’t the time to explain to his brother about his plans, especially when he didn’t have a clue what they were himself.

  “I just can’t believe I’m free.” Cole stared out the window, taking in the broad open spaces. “I’ve been locked in a cell for so long, the world seems like it’s gotten a lot bigger.” He looked up to the heavens. “The sky seems a lot taller than it used to be.”

  Reno laughed at his sense of humor. “You’re going to be fine. I can’t wait for you to see everyone. You’ll remember Clay and Boone. You might even remember Kingston. The Ramsay’s lived across the river from us. Of course, he was rich, and we were poor. Our families didn’t mix, but our paths crossed a few times over the years.”

  “I look forward to getting to know them all. If nothing else, I owe your friends a great debt for taking care of you all these years. I was your big brother and I let you down.”

  “No, you didn’t. Our father is the one who let us both down.” Reno nodded toward a sleepy Gentry. “But if you’re going to thank anyone, then that’s the man you need to thank. He hired Wallace to represent you and he’s been at my side through this whole ordeal.”

  “I will thank him, but most of all I want to thank you. I’ll be honest, I’d given up. When they canceled my hearing and moved up the execution, I knew for sure I was a goner. Yet, here you came. I’ll never know how you pulled this off. Wallace told me that you provided the evidence, all he did was gather the pieces together. You did all the legwork, finding the right people to say the right things. How did you do it?”

  Reno was honest, to a degree. “I didn’t do it, not really. A person very dear to me spent months researching and digging through records to locate the information and people necessary to substantiate our claim of your innocence.”

  “I want to meet this person. I owe him a debt of gratitude.”

  “All right. You’ll meet him soon. In fact, after we get home and get you settled, I’ll tell you a story that’s gonna blow your mind.”

  “Oh, really? Blow my mind? I don’t think I’ve ever heard that turn of phrase before. Where did you pick that up?”

  Reno gave him a knowing smirk. “You’ll understand it all by and by. Of course, you might not believe it – but it’ll all be true. Every word.”

  Cole sighed and yawned. “All right. By and by sounds good. Right now, I’m so sleepy, I couldn’t listen properly if I tried. I think I’ll take a little nap.”

  “You do that, brother. Rest. Dream good dreams. All is well and we’re on our way home. Together.”

  …Their arrival at King’s Ransom was a jubilant celebration. They’d sent a telegram to inform King and Fancy when to expect their arrival, and the Captain and his wife pulled out all the stops. As soon as they rode up, the Black brothers and Gentry were met with smiles, hugs, and all the good food they could eat.

  The Stanton children were beside themselves with delight. They took to Cole like a kitten to a bowl of fresh cream. All they knew was that Reno loved his brother and that meant they loved him too.

  Domino came to introduce himself and offered to look him over. “You look healthy, but most prisons are full of diseases. Tomorrow, I’ll give you a thorough check-up.”

  “I feel fine, but I think that’s a good idea. Thank-you.”

  Clay was a bit standoffish, but Cole won him over by thanking him for taking care of his brother. “I am so grateful you were there for Reno when I couldn’t be. He’s become the best of men and I know it’s because he had our mother and you in his life.”

  What could have been an awkward moment turned into an opportunity to lay the foundations of friendship. Clay extended his hand in a gesture of acceptance. “Reno would’ve been a good man regardless, but I appreciate you saying that.”

  “Hey, Cole!” Ace came running up with a piece of pie. “Fancy says she made this especially for you.”

  “Thanks.” He accepted the huge piece of chocolate pie. “If I eat like this every day, I’ll soon be as big as the side of the barn.”

  Reno sat by quietly, basking in the contentment he felt at having his brother with him, safe and sound. For this short space of time, he forced aside his w
orry about what the future would bring.

  “Reno.” Boone came up to greet them. “I’m glad your trip was a success.” He moved to speak to Cole. “I don’t know if you remember me. You left shortly after I came on the scene.”

  “You’re Boone, the one who worked on the riverboat.” Cole shrugged with a smile. “My memories are vague, but Reno reminded me. It’s good to see you looking well. I understand you had it a lot harder in Elmira that I did at Fort Macon.”

  A shadow crossed Boone’s face. “Helmira will always live in my nightmares.” He pointed at the pie. “Starving us was a game the warden and the guards liked to play. Instead of dreaming about women, I dreamed about food.”

  No one laughed at Boone’s joke, the subject was still too fresh and painful in everyone’s mind.

  “I won’t suggest we trade war stories.” Cole touched Boone’s shoulder in shared regret. “I just want a chance to start over.” He looked around at the happy gathering. “Like you did with these fine people.”

  “You’re Reno’s brother, you’re automatically in the club.” Boone gave Cole one last welcoming smile, before he moved to stand by Reno. “I need to talk to you.”

  “Sure.” He stood and walked outside with his friend.

  “I claimed your bed in the bunkhouse while you were missing for that month.”

  “I’m aware,” Reno said. “But it doesn’t matter, all the mattresses are lumpy.”

  Boone pressed on with his point. “When we found out Cole was coming, I decided to change beds again. I wanted you two to be able to bunk near to one another – in case he needed to talk or something.” He bent his head, but kept his eyes locked to Reno’s. “Anyway, when I was moving your things, I found this under your pillow.”

  Recognizing the paper, Reno reached out to claim it. “Journey’s note!”

  “Not so fast.” Boone turned to the side to protect his grip on the paper. “I want to hear your explanation for this.” He unfolded the flyer to expose the photograph on the front.

  Reno muttered a curse under his breath. “That’s called a helicopter. It flies through the air and people can ride in it.”

  Boone stomped his foot. “I knew it! I knew it! Do you remember me telling you about the strange ship thing I saw in the air that time?”

  “Yes.” Reno nodded. “I do.”

  “So, they’re real. I wasn’t crazy.” Boone kept staring at the photo.

  “I don’t know what you saw, but the helicopter you’re looking at exists in 2019.” Reno moved close enough to tap the photograph. “See, that big city with the impossibly tall buildings, that’s Austin. Our Austin in the future.”

  Boone just stared at the photograph. Mesmerized. “What you told Clay and the others is the truth.”

  “It is. So, this is what you all do? Gossip behind my back like a bunch of old biddies.”

  With a smirk, Boone handed him the flyer. “The tale you were prattling was a lot more than gossip, my friend.”

  “All right. You know the truth. I spent a month in the future and that’s where I learned what I needed to know to save Cole.”

  “And that’s where you found the woman, your wife, the one who wrote that note to you.”

  “Yes, my wife. Journey. She means the world to me and if I can’t get back to her, I don’t know how I’ll go on.”

  A creaky floorboard behind them caused both men to turn. They found Cole standing still with an amazed look on his face. “I think we need to have a talk, brother. Don’t you?”

  * * *

  “I’m glad you’re here, Lou. This has been a tough past few days.”

  “You should’ve called me; I would’ve come sooner.” Lou held the folder containing the Daily State Gazette article about Reno as they pulled into the Kinko’s parking lot. “Just sit still. I’ll run in and get this copy made.”

  “Thanks.” Knowing it wouldn’t take her long, Journey left the car running. Summer seemed to be putting in an early appearance. The Texas heat was getting to her. She flipped on the radio to the oldies station she liked to listen to. When she recognized the velvet voice of Elvis singing Forget Me Never, Journey immediately switched it off. “I can’t handle that right now.” She swiped at her face, trying to rid her cheeks of the ever-present trail of tears before her friend returned. Journey knew she needed to get a grip on herself. Today would be a busy day.

  “All right. I’m back,” Lou announced as she slid into the seat and closed the door. Leaning over the back, she placed the folder into Apple’s box of papers and the precious copy on the seat next to the box. “Ready, set, go.”

  “Thanks, Lou.” Journey started the engine. “Now for the doctor’s visit.”

  “Everything’s going to be great. You’ll see.” She patted Journey’s knee.

  “I think so. I feel well. It’s just the worry gets to me sometime.”

  “Why don’t you let me do the worrying for a while?”

  “Okay.” Journey let out a soft giggle. “Since Reno can’t be here for my first ultrasound, I’m glad you are, Lou.”

  “Me too. And afterward, we’ll go to your book club meeting and pig out on burgers and fries with your friends.”

  “Apple, Sarah, and Jewel are thrilled you’re coming with me.”

  Lou groaned. “Oh, they just want to check out the woman who’s dating the last single Blackhawk. I hope I pass the test.”

  “Are you kidding? They’re going to love you.” Journey gripped the wheel tightly, her mood changing like the wind. “What am I going to do, Lou? What if I don’t hear from him?”

  “You will.”

  “If you tell me to have faith, I’m going to put you out on the side of the road.”

  Lou giggled softly. “Okay, I won’t say it. Let’s talk about something else.”

  For the next half hour, they discussed anything but what bothered Journey most. When they arrived at the doctor’s office, Lou was able to go into the examining room with Journey. She held her hand while they drew blood and while the doctor gave her an uncomfortable pelvic exam. “Everything looks to be in order. Are you ready for the ultrasound?”

  Journey brightened considerably. “Oh, yes. Definitely.”

  “Okay, while the nurse takes care of that, I’ll go check on your lab results.”

  In a few minutes, the nurse was applying cold gel to her bare tummy. “All right, let’s see what we can find.”

  With wonder, the three women laughed with joy when a strong heartbeat sounded over the speaker. “That’s my baby, Lou.”

  “It sure is, honey. And look at the screen, there he is.

  “Well, we can’t tell the sex at this early date,” the nurse reminded them.

  “It doesn’t matter. I love him or her so much.” Journey started to cry again as Lou scrambled around to find a tissue.

  After blowing her nose, Journey stared with rapture at the monitor where the image of her unborn child was displayed. “I wish Reno were here. He’d love this.”

  “Oh, you can show him. You can take a printout home with a whole series of photos. Babies first portraits!” the nurse announced happily.

  Journey didn’t correct her, she just made eye contact with Lou. “Thank you, ma’am. I’d love to have the images.”

  While she printed out a copy, the doctor returned. “Well, I’m happy to say that you seem to be doing admirably. There’s no sign of anemia or any other problem. I’d say you are a great candidate for a perfectly normal pregnancy.”

  “Yay!” Lou cheered. “That’s super news. Right?” She gave Journey a hug.

  “Yes, I’m relieved.” After dressing, Journey went to make an appointment for her next visit. As she did so, an eerie feeling came over her. Would Reno be here for the next check-up? Would she?

  “All set?” Lou carried Journey’s bag for her.

  “Yea, let’s go. Since I didn’t finish reading the book, you can look up the plot online. Maybe I won’t make a total fool of myself.”

  �
�What’s the book?” Lou asked as they walked through the hall to the connected parking garage.

  “You’ve probably never heard of it. Frankly, it’s much more erotic than I’m used to.”

  “But you read those bodice rippers all the time.”

  Journey shrugged as they climbed into the Subaru. “True. This was a contemporary romance and I guess I’m just partial to stories set in the old west.”

  “Ha!” Lou snorted. “I wonder why. What’s the title?”

  “Lily’s Mirage.”

  “By Sable Hunter. Yes! I’ve read the book. In fact, I own most of her stuff.” Lou sat up straight. “You know, I’d forgotten about this. I went to one of her book signings. She’s related to those McCoys we met at the fundraiser.”

  “Who?” Journey asked as she pulled onto the street.

  “She wasn’t there. I remember someone saying she was on a trip of some kind. Aw, shoot.” Lou thought for a minute, then snapped her fingers. “Avery. Avery McCoy. Her husband is Isaac.”

  “Oh, really?” Journey laughed. “Thanks for the warning. Skye will probably be at the meeting and I wouldn’t want to offer any criticism about her sister-in-law’s work.”

  “What? I liked the book. The setting was gorgeous, and the characters were believable. The science behind how they treated Lily’s brain tumor was spot-on. Cutting edge. Avery did some digging for that research.”

  “Oh, I know. I enjoyed parts of it. What bothered me was that it was so unbelievable. There were ghosts and haunted paintings. She even hinted at reincarnation of all things.”

  “Ha!” Lou laughed and laughed. “I can’t believe you, woman. You’re living the unbelievable.” She held up the printout of the ultrasound. “Need I remind you that the father of your baby is a time-traveler from the 19th century?”

  “All right. All right.” Journey conceded the point. “I guess my criticism is unwarranted.”

  “I’d say so.”

  They were silent for a moment as they took in the scenery. They’d left the north Austin neighborhood where the doctor was located and were fast on their way to a restaurant called The Oasis on Lake Travis.