Shadow of the Knife

by Jane Fletcher

  As the tour progressed Ellen’s self-possession returned. She kept reminding herself that she was a Militiawoman, on duty, with an important job to do. However, Ellen could not help her attention from drifting away from the farm buildings and onto the farmer, noting the sharp muscle definition on Hal’s forearms, the way the material of Hal’s shirt stretched across her shoulders as she pointed out a new roof brace and the cheery lilt in her voice.

  There had been nothing subtle about the way Hal had been hitting on her in the paddock. Ellen felt her stomach flip again at the memory. She knew the young farmer was someone she could most definitely be interested in—if it were not for the possibility that Hal was tied up in the sheep thefts. Surely this sudden and unadvertised change in Broken Hills Ranch was exactly the sort of thing they should be alert to. Was it just a front for the Butcher’s gang? Was Hal one of the Knives, or was she who she claimed to be, a relative helping out her great aunt? Cassie Drennen was clearly in no state to confirm or deny anything.

  Ellen looked up at the new roof on the shearing shed. A considerable amount of time and money had been put into the property. “You didn’t say how long you’ve been here.” Ellen spoke without looking back at Hal.

  “About a year, on and off. I’ve been here pretty much full time the last eight months.”

  “And you’ve done all this work yourself, with just Jo’s help?”

  Hal laughed. “Hey, I’m not that good. Grandma has been lending me extra hands to help, whenever things are slack on her farm.”

  “And her farm is...?”

  “South. Near Monday Market.”

  The shearing shed was open on three sides. To her left, Ellen could see through to the back of the farmhouse. Cassie Drennen was still on her chair, staring at nothing. The rear door stood ajar to one side. What had Rasheed found out from the papers? Was Hal on the level? Ellen chewed her lip. How careful should she be? How careful did she need to be?

  “So, is there anything else you’d like to see more of?” Hal’s tone was provocative.

  Ellen glanced over her shoulder. Hal was leaning with her elbow propped against an upright support, legs crossed at the ankle. Her smile was relaxed and confident. Her eyes danced in a way that made it clear her offer was not limited to sheep.

  Ellen turned away. In truth, the answer to one of her questions was obvious. She needed to be very careful indeed. She wandered to the side of the shed overlooking the river. At the nearest point, a small wooden jetty poked out into the water. It was still too far away to be sure, but Ellen thought that this also looked to have been repaired.

  “Do you use the jetty?”

  Hal came to stand at her shoulder. Ellen felt as if sparks were leaping the scant centimeters between them, carrying a charge like summer lightning.

  “Sometimes.”

  “I think I’d like to see it.” Ellen needed to put some space between herself and Hal. She started walking.

  “Do you have a girlfriend?”

  The abrupt question brought Ellen to a dead stop. Her breath caught in a gasp. She turned slowly. Hal had not moved. Ellen’s pulse rate surged. Walking down to the dock was no longer a possibility. Her knees were not strong enough. “No. Not at the moment.”

  Hal closed the distance between them, but made no attempt to touch Ellen. “That’s surprising. I’d have thought you’d have a queue lining up halfway to Landfall.”

  “I broke up with my ex about a month ago.” Ellen found that she was again staring deep into Hal’s eyes, level with her own. “How about you?”

  “I’m completely available.”

  Hal’s hand brushed up Ellen’s arm, moving to her shoulder. Abruptly, Ellen’s eyes refocused, taking in the new roof. Awareness of the situation returned in a rush; she had to be careful.

  Ellen jumped back. “I’m on duty.”

  “And?”

  “I’m not supposed to...” Ellen swallowed.

  “Kiss available farmers?”

  “No.”

  Hal gave a broad smile that was pure mischief. “And if you weren’t on duty?”

  “I might be talked—”

  Ellen could not finish. Hal had again moved close, transfixing her with an intense gaze. Hal’s hands slipped around Ellen’s back, pulling her close. Their lips were centimeters apart.

  “Mittal.” Rasheed bellowed from the front of the house, her voice so loud it set off startled bleating from nearby sheep.

  Ellen broke free of Hal’s grip. She backed away and then turned. “I’ve got to go.”

  “Just one thing.”

  Hal’s voice again brought Ellen to a halt. She looked back. “What?”

  “When are you next off duty?”

  “When we’ve finished checking all the farms.”

  “And that will be?”

  “Another ten days or so.”

  Hal nodded thoughtfully. “Maybe I should start coming into town more often.”

  “I’ll look out for you.” Against all her common sense, Ellen could feel a grin spreading across her face. She hurried away, jogging around the main building.

  Rasheed’s mood had not improved noticeably. She scowled as she waited for Ellen to untie her reins and hop up into her saddle.

  “I checked the papers.” Rasheed volunteered the information.

  “Was it all okay?”

  “Yes. And the purchase receipts for the new stock. Did you spot anything untoward?”

  “No, ma’am.”

  Rasheed urged her horse forward. “Right. Blue Stripe Ranch next.”

  Ellen fell in beside her. As they passed the gate of the first paddock, Ellen twisted in her saddle to look back. Hal stood at the top of the steps to the veranda, watching them go. Hal waved her hand in a gesture of good-bye that looked suspiciously like blowing a kiss. Ellen felt the smile return to her lips, until Rasheed’s voice jolted her.

  “If my sister thinks she’s hanging on to my coat, she’s got another frigging thought coming.”

  Chapter Four—Breaking the Rules

  Sergeant Sanchez lived with her family in a three-story terraced house in a quiet part of town. Ellen knocked on the door and waited, while looking up and down the narrow street. Few people were about. Even though the sun was sinking, the red brick walls on either side still radiated the trapped heat. No breeze stirred the stifling late afternoon air.

  The door opened. Rhonda Tomczyk smiled when she saw Ellen on the doorstep. “Hi. Have you come to see Chris?”

  “It’s just a social call. I heard she’s okay to see visitors.”

  “She has been for a while.”

  “Yes...well...I wanted to come over before, but we’ve been really busy.” Ellen felt awkward. It sounded like an excuse, even though it was true.

  “So I’ve heard.” Sanchez’s partner clearly did not feel slighted by the tardiness. She smiled and stood back, holding the door open wide. “Come in, I know Chris will be pleased to see you. She’s out the back.”

  The yard at the rear of the house was no more than six meters wide and twice that in length. Despite its small size, three trees grew there. They were barely half the height of the building, but their knurled branches showed that they were fully mature and had been there a long time.

  Sergeant Sanchez was sitting on the grass in the shade, with her back leaning against one trunk. She looked pale and tired, though she smiled in welcome. Her infant daughter was lying asleep on her, sprawled with her baby curls resting on Sanchez’s chest.

  Rhonda Tomczyk disappeared back into the house. Ellen shuffled across and flopped down onto the grass, feeling a touch self-conscious. She had never made a social call on any of her Militia colleagues before, except for Valerie Bergstrom, which hardly counted since Valerie had also been a rookie at the time.

  “Hi, Sarge.”

  “Hi. It’s good to see you.”

  “Yup. Good to see you too. How’re you doing?”

  “Fine. Getting to enjoy taking it easy.”


  Ellen held out the coins. “This is for you. From Sally Husmann. I think she felt guilty that you were hurt, helping her.”

  “Really?” Sanchez gave a wry smile. “Pass on my thanks if you see her before I do.”

  “Will do.”

  “Did she say anything else when she gave you the money?”

  “Not really. Just a few hints. I asked about the Butcher but she was too scared to talk.”

  “When was this?”

  “The night you were stabbed.” Ellen ducked her head. “I’m sorry I haven’t handed the money over sooner, but this is my first free time since you’ve been out of the infirmary.”

  “That’s okay. I know you’ve been busy.”

  Ellen sighed. “Too true.”

  “Have you finished making the rounds of the farms?”

  “Not quite. But Corporal Rasheed and me are on town patrol for the next eight nights, so we stopped early, to give us an hour clear before we start pounding the beat.”

  Sanchez hesitated for a second, then said, “You do know that, according to the rules, station commanders can only cut back on off duty when it’s completely unavoidable?”

  Ellen frowned uncertainly. “Well, I wasn’t sure, but none of the others objected when Cohen said it. I thought, maybe, the scale of the thefts was important enough to warrant it.”

  “Importance isn’t the issue. She could cut off-duty hours if it was the only way to catch the thieves, but what she’s got you doing is…”

  “A complete waste of time?”

  “Is that a criticism of the lieutenant’s orders?” Sanchez’s tone held a hint of surprise.

  “No, Sarge. I wouldn’t—”

  Sanchez bowed her head, hiding her face, but her shoulders were clearly shaking with laughter. She brushed the hair from her baby’s forehead and then looked up again. “Do you know you’re the only person who calls me Sarge?”

  “Oh. Sorry.”

  “I don’t mind.” Sanchez’s expression grew more serious. “But you’re allowed to call me by my name. It’s Chris. And you can call Corporal Rasheed Terrie. You can even call Lieutenant Cohen Jake, if you’re off duty and happen to be feeling well disposed toward her. Alternately, you can call her that frigging moron, and I’ll quite understand.”

  “Ah. Um...” Ellen was unsure what to say.

  “You’re a rookie, but you’re not a child anymore. You don’t need to be unthinkingly respectful of adults. And you’ve got a right to your own opinions.”

  “Right...er...Chris.” Ellen chewed her lip and looked down at the grass. She could feel her face burning. “I thought I’m not supposed to do anything that might bring the rule of law into disrespect.”

  “True. But sitting here, just you and me, I think you’re quite safe to say whatever you want. Anyway, Jake is far ahead of you in spreading disrespect for the Militia.”

  “I must admit that I, um lost…”

  “Yes?”

  “I lost some respect for her when she made me buy a new uniform, because of the stained knees.”

  “I heard.” Sanchez—Chris sighed and then held out her hand. “Why don’t you take these back?”

  The coins landed in Ellen’s palm. She looked up. “The money was for you.”

  “It was my blood staining your trousers. It’s only fair if I buy you the replacement.”

  “But the real reason Cohen made me pay was because I’d broken her orders and told the Rangers about the Butcher.”

  “Yes. And I owe you an apology for that as well.”

  “Why?”

  “Because I should have done something months ago. Somebody was going to have to stick her neck out and it ought to have been me. That’s what I get my nice big sergeant’s salary for. I shouldn’t have left it to a rookie to cover for me.” Chris pursed her lips. “Last autumn, I wanted to call in the Rangers. Terrie was dead against it and Jake sided with her. I should have pushed harder. But I let it ride, thinking she’d have to change her mind in the end. By the time I realized she wouldn’t, it had gotten too late. But I was all ready for when the thefts start again this year—and they will.”

  “But Lieutenant Cohen is in charge. You aren’t responsible for what she does.”

  “When you complete your probation, are you going to apply to the Rangers?”

  Ellen frowned, confused at the abrupt change in topic. “I don’t know. I haven’t made my mind up. I’m thinking.”

  “When I was your age, I thought about it too. But I’d met Rhon, and I knew I’d have to give up a lot of things if I joined the Rangers. I’m not overly ambitious. A good job, Rhonda, and the chance to watch my kids grow up. That’s all I want. The Rangers can keep the adventure and the glory. They’re welcome to my share of it.” Chris smiled down at her sleeping daughter and stroked the baby’s palm. Tiny fingers clenched around hers in reflex. “But it’s a sad fact that most of the brightest and best get out of the Militia as soon as they can, and some real dregs get left behind. On the plus side, if you stay in the Militia and are halfway competent, you’re guaranteed the promotions.” Chris looked up, her face serious. “Unfortunately, even some of the dregs get promoted.”

  “Like Cohen?” Ellen was surprised to hear her own voice say the words aloud.

  “She’s not the worst. To be fair, she’d be a good enough sergeant or corporal, as long as she wasn’t the one who had to make decisions. I’d say she was coming up to retirement, and someone owed her a favor. An old friend pulled strings so Jake got to spend the last few years as a lieutenant. Something she can brag about to her grandchildren, and she’ll get a bigger pension. But she’s simply not up to doing the job.”

  “But it’s not as if it takes any…” Ellen waved her hands, trying to express the extent of her incomprehension. “The Eastford Butcher and her Knives have to be behind it all. It’s the only thing that makes sense. But Cohen has this total block against the idea and she throws a fit if you even suggest it. Why?”

  “She really likes the idea that she’s in command, but deep inside, I’m sure she knows she’s just acting out the role. She can’t deal with the Butcher on her own, and she hasn’t got enough understanding to realize no other Militia lieutenant could either. So she thinks asking for help will make her failings obvious to everyone. She’s blanked out the idea of the Butcher. As if by closing her eyes, she can make it all go away.”

  “She was angry enough at me for involving the Rangers.”

  “Because you’ve made her look even more incompetent than she would have if she’d notified HQ herself. And maybe she’s got the same grudge against the Rangers as Terrie.”

  “I know the cor…Terrie hates the Rangers. Is there a reason behind it?”

  “Terrie hates the Rangers because she applied to join them and she failed the entrance tests. It’s left her with a chip on her shoulder big enough to make a four-poster bed out of, and still have enough wood left over for a wardrobe. Remember the grief she gave Valerie for daring to apply?”

  “I remember what she said when we heard Valerie had passed.”

  “Quite.”

  “I can’t say I’m surprised Terrie failed the tests.”

  Chris chuckled. “Can I take it you don’t like having her as your puppy walker?”

  Ellen grimaced by way of answer.

  “Don’t worry; I’m sure I won’t be the only one to think you were right to tell the Rangers.”

  “But it hasn’t achieved anything worthwhile.”

  “Don’t write the Rangers off so quickly. I’d lay money that Captain Aitkin has sent a report to Fort Krowe. It may take some time for reaction to get back, but things ought to be moving.”

  Ellen pulled her legs up and rested her chin on her knees, thinking. “Is that why Cohen has got us running the checks? So when HQ starts asking questions she can point to all the work we’ve done.”

  “Maybe.”

  “And she picked the most time-consuming, pointless thing for us to do, so it will prove she
was right when she said it was a waste of time looking for the sheep?”

  “To be honest, I wouldn’t bother spending much time trying to understand her,” Chris said, grinning. “Has all the running around turned up nothing at all?”

  Ellen raised her head. “Not exactly, but...”

  “But?”

  “Nothing definite, but there’ve been changes out at Broken Hills Ranch. Terrie and me were there two days ago.”

  “What sort of changes?”

  “A woman claiming to be Cassie Drennen’s niece is in charge. They’ve expanded the flock.”

  “Have they now?” Chris sounded interested.

  “She said it was by a hundred sheep, but from the number of spring lambs still in the fields, I’d have said it was a lot more than that.”

  “Was the paperwork straight?”

  “Terrie said it was. She checked while I looked outside. The niece showed me around.”

  After a few seconds of silence, Chris asked, “And why has that got you blushing again?”

  “Oh, um...” Ellen felt her face burn even redder. “She was flirting with me.”

  Chris laughed. “Was she nice?”

  “Yes.” Ellen knew she had answered the question a tad too quickly, but over the previous few days, Hal had occupied her thoughts a fair bit, along with an awareness of just how nice the young farmer was. “But I didn’t trust her. We only had her word she’s Cassie Drennen’s niece. She could be one of the Knives for all we know. I’ve never heard of any relatives before.”

  “Neither have I, but Cassie must have had some once.” Chris looked thoughtful. “I remember hearing she’d moved here ages ago from somewhere to the south. I’ll ask around.”

  “How? You’re not up to going anywhere.”

  “I don’t need to. Half the population of Roadsend are paying me visits. What did the niece say her name was?”