Rangers at Roadsend

by Jane Fletcher

  “Why did they wait so long to send for us?” a Ranger from D Patrol asked.

  “The Militia assumed it was a local gang who didn’t know what was in the bales. They were expecting the wool to show up in town.” LeCoup shook her head in disgust. “If it had been one bale swiped off the back of a wagon, maybe, but nobody is going to steal two whole wagons of raw wool.” Her voice died in disgust. “I’m surprised the Militia didn’t leave the door of the lockup open and hope the thieves would walk in. And even if it was an ambitious bunch of petty thugs, they’d have repacked the wool into new bales, with a different stamp on the seal. Once the goodies started dropping out, they’d have forgotten the wool. But wherever the gang came from, I think we can safely assume that the jewelry has been melted down by now and the thieves are drinking their way through the profits on the other side of the Homelands.”

  “Since the thieves were so quick to murder three women, it implies they were very determined, which in turn implies they knew what was in the cargo.” Lieutenant Ritche gave her opinion.

  “You’re probably right,” LeCoup agreed.

  “Is there any clue as to how the thieves found out about the real cargo?” This time it was Kim who raised the question.

  “Nothing the Militia picked up on, but there was something.” LeCoup pulled several sheets of paper out of a pouch and riffled through them. “It’s in the statement from one of the survivors. Let’s see…” She unfolded one. “Yes. From a Clarinda Wright, who was the scout. She says here…” LeCoup scanned the paper. “One of the drivers who was killed had a one-night stand with someone she met on the other side of the pass. And Wright thinks, but can’t be sure, that she caught sight of the same person again in Redridge, hanging around the back of the inn. The implication would be that the driver mumbled more than sweet nothings in her sleep.”

  “Any description of the woman?”

  “Quote, a bit rough-looking for my tastes, unquote.” The dry delivery prompted scattered laughter. “Unfortunately, since Wright doesn’t give any information on what her tastes are, we can’t even use the description to eliminate suspects—if we find some. And Wright’s now gone back to Landfall, so we can’t ask her.” LeCoup folded the paper again. “Any other questions, suggestions, bright ideas?”

  There were a few whispered remarks, but nothing anyone chose to say aloud.

  “Okay, briefing over. I’ll try to think of something sensible for us to do tomorrow. My big regret is that we rushed here so quickly. We could have gone easier on the horses and had a chance to look at the nice scenery on the way.”

  *

  Dusk was settling by the time the evening meal was over. Chip and Kim stood at the edge of the camp, looking at the packed mass of buildings huddled on the hill. As the light faded, lanterns glimmered in the windows. Beyond, on the skyline, white peaks of mountains caught the last of the rusty sunset.

  “Do you feel like popping in to check out a tavern or two?” Chip asked.

  “Just for a drink?”

  “It’s all I intend, though I don’t suppose you’ll limit yourself to that.”

  “I meant you might want to try to catch any local gossip about the robbery.”

  “And if we find a good-looking woman who might know something, you’ll volunteer to question her at length?” Chip teased.

  Kim gave her a playful shove. She opened her mouth to speak but stopped at the sight of someone approaching. Chip followed the direction of her eyes and saw Katryn coming to an uncertain halt a few steps away.

  “Yes, Private?” Chip asked.

  “Ma’am. Could I have a quick word?”

  Kim backed away. “I’ll catch you shortly.”

  “It’s all right, ma’am. It’s not personal,” Katryn said quickly.

  “I’ve got a few things to sort out.” Kim pointed at Chip. “And I will have that drink.” She headed off in the direction of her tent.

  “What do you want?” Chip asked when she and Katryn were alone.

  Katryn hesitated. “The woman the captain named…the survivor of the ambush…were there any other details about her?”

  “I don’t know. I haven’t seen the full statement. Why?”

  “It’s just…the name.” Katryn spoke uncertainly. “When I was in the Militia in Woodside, there was a Clarinda Wright. The last I’d heard of her, she’d moved to Landfall with her cousin. But it might not be the same person; it’s not so unusual a name.”

  “And if it was the same person?”

  “No one would be at all surprised to hear her name in connection with a robbery. Her being the victim is the unexpected bit.”

  Chip thought for a moment. “Come on. We’ll go and talk to the captain.”

  Katryn looked even more unsure of herself but followed Chip.

  The captain’s tent was large enough to hold a dozen women but was almost empty of contents. A lantern hung from the central pole. A pile of bedding was heaped at one side, with a few domestic items dropped on top. A board balanced across two saddles served as a low makeshift table. A map lay on it, its corners held down with stones. No other kit was visible. LeCoup stood, glaring at the map as though she was considering the possibility of setting fire to it.

  Lieutenant Ritche was just leaving as Chip and Katryn arrived. Chip forestalled her departure. “Excuse me, ma’am, but I think you might like to hear this as well.”

  LeCoup looked up at the sound of Chip’s voice. Seeing Katryn trailing behind, her expression became even sterner. “Yes, Sergeant?”

  “Private Nagata has some information that might be useful.”

  LeCoup had obviously expected Katryn to be in some sort of trouble. She looked confused for a second but then asked, “What is it, Private?”

  “Ma’am, you gave the name of one of the survivors of the ambush. I wondered…was the other one called Nosheen Paulino?”

  The captain’s confusion returned, but she picked up the pouch beside the table and flipped through the assortment of papers inside, holding them to the light. Eventually, she stopped at one and studied it in more detail. “Yes, she was.” LeCoup faced Katryn. “I assume there’s more to this than an announcement that you wish to perform a mind-reading trick to entertain the squadron.”

  Katryn swallowed visibly. “Yes, ma’am. I told Sergeant Coppelli that I recognized the name of Clarinda Wright. She’s a troublemaker from my hometown of Woodside. The same goes for Nosheen Paulino, who’s her cousin. The last time I saw either, I was pushing them into the station lockup in Woodside. After the magistrate finished with them, they both headed off to Landfall—or that’s what the rest of their family said. Our captain sent a letter, advising the Militia there to watch out for them. I didn’t hear if there was any reply.”

  “You think these are the same people?”

  “Yes, ma’am. If it was just Wright’s name, it might be a coincidence, but not with Paulino there as well.”

  LeCoup nodded as she leafed through the papers. “There’s no mention here of them being related.” She looked up. “Tell me more about this pair.”

  “The whole family has a bad name. Some are no worse than aggressive drunks—stupid with it. Most have been caught at some stage with property that doesn’t belong to them. It’s all been small-scale stuff to date. There was talk that Wright’s gene mother was involved in a bungled robbery at a warehouse some years back, where the owner got killed, but it was never proved. Wright and Paulino, though…” Katryn paused. “Wright is considerably brighter than most of her family, and Paulino has had a vicious streak ever since she was a kid. They’re a bad combination.” Katryn’s face twisted in a frown. “I’m just surprised any merchant would hire them.”

  “But you say Wright’s smart,” LeCoup said thoughtfully. “It’s surprising the places a smart crook can talk herself into.” She walked to the door of her tent and stared out for a long time. No one else said anything until the captain turned back. “It’s obviously worth having a talk with the merchant
to find out more. Wright and Paulino might also make for an interesting conversation, but they’ll probably be a good deal harder to find. Private Nagata, since you know the pair, you’re an obvious person to send, and I’d like Sergeant Coppelli to go as well. You can leave after breakfast tomorrow.” LeCoup nodded to Katryn. “Dismissed…but I’d like a few more words with Sergeant Coppelli.”

  LeCoup waited until Katryn had left the tent. She turned thoughtfully to Chip. “Either we’ve had a big stroke of luck, or our new private is playing some sort of game. I admit I can’t see what or why, but that’s one of the reasons I wanted you to go as well—keep an eye on her.”

  “You could simply write to the Landfall Militia, asking them to investigate,” Chip said brightly.

  “I wouldn’t trust them to be able to read the letter, let alone act on it.” LeCoup snorted. She directed an uncompromising look at Chip and went on. “I know you have your own reasons for wanting to stay away from the city; however, you know the place and can find your way around. You also have a better understanding of the way merchants work than most of the squadron, and I’m sure you can use your name to pull strings, if needed.”

  Chip opened her mouth to protest. “Ma’am, I don’t think my—”

  LeCoup cut her off. “I said your name, not your family.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Chip sighed.

  “Stay as long as you need, and take whatever steps you think necessary. I trust you to use your head. Corporal Horte should have no trouble leading C Patrol in your absence. It will be good practice for her. The rest of the squadron will stay around here for ten to twelve days. I’d like to leave tomorrow, but we have to go through the motions of hunting the gang. It won’t be worth your coming back here when you’re finished in Landfall, so go straight to Fort Krowe.” LeCoup gave her the nearest thing to a smile that she had displayed all afternoon. “Dismissed.”

  *

  “I’m sorry. I know you thought you were owed a few days’ rest.” Chip tightened the girth strap and patted her horse’s neck. As the animal huffed, two clouds of white steam blossomed in the still air. Chip could feel the icy nip in her own fingers and toes; summer was gone from the mountains. She looked up at the crisp blue sky and the fading pink wisps of dawn.

  “You’re about to be off?” Kim’s call made Chip look around.

  “Nearly.”

  Kim stepped closer and dropped her voice, although the smile stayed on her lips. “Okay, you were stalling last night, but now tell me how you wrangled it.”

  “What?”

  “I know you’re interested in Katryn. How did you talk LeCoup into giving you this little jaunt off together?”

  “She’s a Ranger and my direct subordinate,” Chip pointed out, her tones uncharacteristically rigid.

  “I just thought…a bit of companionship on the road.” Kim’s tones were playful.

  “I don’t think Katryn is into that sort of companionship. I know I’m not.”

  “Ha,” Kim jeered. “I know the descriptions of at least twenty women who’d dispute that. And I only stick at twenty because I was too busy myself at the time to make a note of all the rest.”

  “That was all some time ago.”

  “And now you’re too old? Or have you worn it away? I did warn you not to—” Kim yelped and ducked back from the dig aimed at her ribs. Her expression became more serious. “You’re not happy, are you?”

  “You know how I feel about Landfall. I was hoping never to go near the place again,” Chip said glumly.

  “You could try to avoid your family.”

  “I could try to avoid breathing. It would have the same chance of success.” Chip’s face twisted into a wry grin. “But I guess I’ll survive. And it will be a chance to get to know Katryn better.”

  “Mmm.” Kim agreed as her own smile returned.

  “Talking—nothing else. There’s something about her that doesn’t fit. Maybe I can find out what.”

  “It’s—” Kim broke off. “Here comes your traveling companion now.”

  Katryn jogged up. “I’m sorry, ma’am. I got delayed.”

  “No problem,” Chip said. “You’re ready to go now?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  The pair swung up into their saddles. “I know you’ll be miserable and bored without me, but try not to let it get you down too much.” Chip addressed Kim with mock earnestness.

  “Don’t knock it. It’s a lot safer than fun and excitement…particularly the sort you’ve got in mind.”

  Kim had to duck to avoid the playful swipe aimed at her ear, but the jibe had succeeded in putting a genuine grin on Chip’s face. The two friends exchanged an amiable, informal salute; then Kim stepped back and watched as Chip and Katryn rode off around the edge of the campsite. After reaching the open gateway, they joined the track bordering the field. Then the riders turned toward town, the first stage on the route that would take them over the pass and on to Landfall. As the figures dwindled, Kim lost her smile, and a frown crept in.

  “Is there a problem?” Ash appeared at her shoulder.

  “I’m worried about Chip,” Kim said.

  “She’s a big girl; she can take care of herself.”

  “In most things, yes.” Ash’s eyes prompted Kim to continue. “I’ve got doubts about her judgment when it comes to the new girl in her patrol. Katryn.”

  Ash nodded. “I know. I’ve wondered myself. Chip swallowed the story of late enlistment much too easily—and the explanation of why she was transferred. I’m not sure why Chip was so quick to take the woman’s word on it.”

  “She’s fallen for her,” Kim explained.

  “Oh,” Ash said softly.

  “I don’t want Chip getting hurt.”

  “You think she might?”

  “Yes. Just now, I was teasing her about being attracted to Katryn. Chip did everything except deny it. I’ve had this nasty feeling growing for a year or so that Chip’s about to get serious about someone. Which would be bad enough in itself, but when you add it to the questions concerning Katryn…” Kim let the sentence hang.

  “It’s awful when a Ranger starts getting serious about someone.” Ash spoke ironically.

  “I know. If ever it happens to me, I’d like to be put down humanely.”

  “I might remind you of those words someday.”

  Kim grinned by way of an answer. The two sergeants watched the distant riders disappear around a bend in the road.

  “I’ve got some contacts in Eastern Division,” Ash said at last. “I think maybe I’ll make a few inquiries.”

  Kim glanced at her and then away. “Yes. Why not?”

  Chapter Three—Back in Landfall Again

  The city of Landfall was a sprawling maze of buildings on the banks of the river Liffey. It was noisy and crowded. Despite the sewer system, it stank in high summer. Its inhabitants were habitually rude and impatient. There were back alleys where Militiawomen were frightened to walk alone—and the Militia in Landfall was the toughest in the Homelands. It marked the spot where the Elder-Ones had first set foot on the world, the spot where the Blessed Himoti had lived, worked and died. It was the holiest place in the universe, and it was a monument to money, politics, ambition and greed.

  Chip stopped to study the city in the distance and could not prevent her lip from curling. She could not remember when she had started hating the place—sometime far back in her childhood. The city still felt like a deep, dark trap, and she had the irrational fear that if she entered its streets, she would be snared. Chip took a deep breath and straightened her shoulders. It was silly to feel this way. She had escaped once, and she could do it again. She urged her horse forward. Katryn kept pace beside her.

  It had taken them seven days to make the journey from Redridge, a fair pace without pushing the horses too hard. Chip had fought the incompatible urges to delay, putting off the moment of arrival, and to press ahead and get the visit over with as soon as possible. Now, as she rode the last kilometer, Ch
ip was suddenly aware of a strange eagerness to see the city, if only to confirm that it was as bad as she remembered.

  “Have you ever been to Landfall before?” she asked Katryn.

  “Yes, ma’am. Twice. The first time, I was quite young, and I don’t remember much of the city itself. The other time, I passed through on my way to Fort Krowe when I applied to the Rangers. I’m afraid I had my mind on other things then as well.”

  The corner of Chip’s mouth twitched at the “ma’am.” Riding together, Katryn had opened up and would talk amiably to pass the time, but she never lapsed into anything that might be considered disrespectful. It was true that they were technically on duty, because they were in the process of obeying orders to go to Landfall, but few Rangers would have stood on rank—not so much because they were lax on military protocol, but because they adapted it to the conditions. Unlike Militia members, most of whom went to their homes each night, the Rangers lived in the closed community of the squadron. It would be unnatural not to form friendships with all your comrades. The lines between the ranks would blur, only to snap into focus when the situation demanded.

  “So what do you remember?” Chip prodded.

  “The council room inside the joint military command building and eating in the officers’ mess.”

  “They let an applicant to the Rangers eat in the officers’ mess?”

  “Oh, no, ma’am. It was the first time I went to Landfall.” Chip’s expression of surprise grew, prompting Katryn to grin and continue. “My gene mother had been a lieutenant in the Militia. There was an award ceremony for her.”

  “She took you with her?”

  “She was dead. That’s why she got the award.”

  “Oh…I’m sorry,” Chip murmured.

  “It’s okay. It was a long time ago, and I don’t remember her very well.”

  Katryn did not seem distressed. Chip considered her thoughtfully. Although they had chatted on a range of subjects, this was the first time Katryn had offered information about her family or any other part of her life before she joined the 23rd. Chip’s lips pulled into a wry grimace; of course, she had not been giving away much of her own life story, either.