Cherokee stared blankly past a point above Todd’s broad shoulder. Your accent speaks of education from back East. What’s a man like you doing here?”
Todd laughed and leaned back in his chair. Escaping from a staid Boston background and an overprotective mother, mostly. She had my whole future laid out for me and suddenly I couldn’t stand Harvard anymore. I decided it would be a grand gesture to run off to ‘Bloody Kansas’ when that territory was debating whether they would come in as a free or slave state, found the place dull, and came here.”
Do you know anything at all about the Duchess’ Palace and the red-neck cracker who challenged you in that mob?”
The Palace has a bad reputation and even the public’s getting fed up. The other saloons and bawdy houses don’t like the Duchess, especially Big Ed Chase. If he can ever figure out a way to get rid of her, he will. Today’s s Saturday, that means the whole street will have one long, drunken brawl going on late tonight.”
And Dallinger?”
Todd seemed to be searching his memory. The name rings a bell somehow. I’d swear it’s the name my brother mentioned to me. Something to do with Jake ending up in jail for attempted robbery, kidnapping, and rape, but that’s all I can tell you. Guess they finally paroled him.”
That didn’t help much. Todd, I’ve got a friend among the Cheyenne. Do you really think Chivington’s forces will finally attack them?”
Todd shrugged.If he does, he may need an old army scout like Dallinger to lead him to the Indians. I don’t know whether the colonel has a good scout or not. What’s your interest in the man?”
He wondered if he could trust Todd Shaw. I’m sure beyond a reasonable doubt that Jake murdered and robbed my partners. Do you think it would do me any good to go to the law?”
Probably not. Frankly, Evans, I don’t know what to say. I’m not much on taking the law into your own hands, but in this case, if you weren’t blind, I’d almost suggest it. Dallinger’s a ruthless man, as I recall my brother’s comments, and the world would be a better place without him.”
Cherokee reassessed the man, trying to decide just how far he could trust Todd Shaw. He had always considered himself a good judge of men, and he had a feeling that before this was over, he was going to need an ally. If I tell you something, can I know you’ll keep my secret?”
Todd nodded. I like you, Evans. You have my word that whatever you tell me will be held in confidence.”
Cherokee took a deep breath, thinking. There comes a time when we all have to trust someone, he thought. No one can get through this world alone. All right, here it is. I’m not as blind as I appear. My sight’s gradually returning—”
Then why—?”
Let me finish. I won’t bore you with all the details, but I expect that within a few weeks, maybe less, I’ll be able to see as well as anyone. That is, if my eyes keep improving as they have been these last couple of days.”
Todd stared at him. Then why are you pretending to be completely blind?”
I may keep up the ruse forever,” Cherokee admitted with a sigh.
That’s crazy. It’s impossible to keep up a masquerade like that for any length of time.”
I know that, but I’m desperate. What would you do? I’m in love with a woman whose beauty was once the toast of the Rockies, but she’s been scarred. She thinks I don’t realize it because of my blindness.”
Todd looked mystified. Evidently, he had no idea who the woman was. You mean, if she thinks you can see she’s no longer beautiful, she’ll leave you?”
I believe she’s so insecure, she’ll assume I offer pity instead of love and she’ll flee forever. But if I go after Dallinger and bring him to justice, she’s bound to find out I can see.”
A hell of a position,” Shaw sympathized. I don’t envy you. What are you going to do?”
By damn! I wish I knew!” Cherokee slumped in his chair, shaking his head.
You must love her very much.”
Enough to throw aside everything if I can only keep her,” Cherokee admitted.
I wish you luck then,” Shaw said, but suppose Dallinger gets away and she still finds out and leaves you?”
I suppose that’s the chance I’m going to have to take. Nothing means as much to me as this girl.”
Shaw didn’t say anything. Cherokee saw the disapproval on his face. The clock on the wall behind him ticked loudly. Cherokee,” he said finally, I think you’re wrong, but it’s not my decision to make. I hope to God you don’t end up regretting it.”
Cherokee said nothing. Todd Shaw had never spent a night in Silver’s arms. It was easy to talk about right and wrong when Todd wasn’t the one who risked losing a girl like Silver.
Todd craned his neck and looked out the window. Here comes that Indian boy. He doesn’t know either?”
Cherokee shook his head. No. No one knows but you and a couple of doctors. I trust you to keep my secret. I only told you because I thought I might end up needing some help.”
I don’t know what I can do. I’m no good with a gun, but I do know a lot about this town. If I hear anything I think can help, I’ll let you know immediately.”
Hey, boss, I came back.”
Keso? Fine, you can take me back to the hotel now.” Cherokee stood up and held out his hand, staring past the child’s shoulder.
He let the boy take him back to the Essex and leave. Cherokee lay on his bed, staring up at the ceiling and struggling with the decision about what to do next.
It was dusk when there was a rap at his door. Silver?”
No, Iron Knife.”
Iron Knife! Good God!” Quickly he opened the door and let him in. They hugged each other and Cherokee led him over to the fireplace. What are you doing in Denver? The way folks feel about your people right now, this isn’t a very safe place to be.”
One of the half-breed Bent boys came out to the Big Sandy camp, and told me that Jake Dallinger is in town.”
Cherokee rolled a cigarette, offered one to Iron Knife, and lit them both. What is Jake Dallinger to you?”
I intend to kill him,” the other said softly. He was in jail, but I hear he’s out. Dallinger’s an evil man. He tried to carry off my woman and kill Todd Shaw’s brother. That’s what put him in jail back in the spring of ’59.”
Cherokee sat down and considered. Is that how you found me? Through Todd Shaw?”
Iron Knife nodded. He’s a friend. Todd tells me he’s afraid there’s going to be more trouble. He says Colonel Chivington is out in eastern Colorado now, looking for Indians to attack.”
If that’s the case, you’re needed by your people. You ought to go back.”
Iron Knife smoked and shook his head. I won’t sleep easy until Dallinger’s dead. If he gets a chance to do anything to hurt the Cheyenne, he will. That white man carries a grudge that goes all the way back to my father.”
Cherokee looked at him for a long moment. Iron Knife was as big as he himself, but he was dressed as a Dog Soldier. You can’t get to Jake Dallinger’s, someone would spot you, whereas I’ve been seen around here for several days and everyone accepts the fact that I’m blind.”
Are you, my friend?”
Cherokee shook his head. My sight has gradually returned. And I won’t let you risk your life to get Jake when I intend to kill him myself.”
Quickly he told Iron Knife about finding his partners’ bodies and how it appeared one of them had been throttled and the other had been whipped to death.
Iron Knife frowned. That sounds like Dallinger, all right. Do you think you can take him? I hate to give up that pleasure myself.”
Cherokee stood up. I owe him this, my friend. Don’t do me out of the justice I owe him.”
Since you put it that way . . .” The warrior stood up and tossed the cigarette into the fireplace. I’ll go back to camp now and warn my people that we may be attacked.” He looked uncertain.
What’s the matter?”
I’m not sure my people will believe me,�
� Iron Knife said. We’ve been promised protection by the officer at Fort Lyon. I’m afraid Black Kettle and the others will think I’m fearful and suspicious for no good reason.”
Cherokee walked him to the door. Believe me, I think it’s wise to be cautious. I heard Dallinger in a mob the other day. He said something about helping the colonel find the Indian camp.”
Iron Knife turned with his hand on the door handle. That would be bad news. Dallinger is a skilled scout who knows the country well. The troops would be at a disadvantage without him.”
Then maybe I can keep him from joining up with Chivington’s forces, if he’s a mind to. I owe your people that.” He paused. Iron Knife, there is something I’ve wondered about—I found a stray Cheyenne boy here in town. Why isn’t he with your people?”
The big half-breed looked blank. Who?”
His name is Keso. Just a kid, maybe ten or twelve. I’m not sure what he’s doing here.”
Iron Knife scowled. He’s not Cheyenne. He’s the pup of one of our most hated enemy, the Ute. I feel for the boy, but he would be killed if he returned to the Cheyenne and I wouldn’t be able to stop it.”
But why?”
Iron Knife shook his head. It’s a long story that many of my people know. Just take my word for it, he’s a Ute, although he may not even know that himself.”
That left the kid no one at all, Cherokee thought. Keso would live on the streets the rest of his life, maybe. There were so many things he wanted to ask, but Iron Knife seemed impatient to leave.
The big Cheyenne held out his hand. Good-bye, my friend. Someday maybe we will meet again. I will ride out and tell my people what you and Todd Shaw have said. Maybe I can convince them that they are not safe and that we should move our camp. But it would be a lot of trouble to move right now and my people feel safe with the fort close by.”
They shook hands solemnly and then Iron Knife slipped out the door and was gone, swift and quiet as a shadow into the dusk.
Cherokee was left staring at the door. He had promised that he would take vengeance on Jake Dallinger. Now just how did he go about doing that without losing Silver when she found out he could see?
Chapter Nineteen
Silver played with Waanibe in the nursery while the afternoon passed, but her thoughts were on Cherokee. There were only two kinds of women in the West and she was the wrong kind. Hadn’t she known that from the beginning? She had hoped he wasn’t like the others, but his hesitancy about the subject of marriage told her he was.
They played Wannie’s favorite game, dress-up. Silver let her wear the silver shoes and showed her how to dance, but she made sure the child didn’t bother the Duchess’s jewelry.
Later they ate supper together. The noise from downstairs was growing louder, but then it always did on Saturday night. With Thanksgiving just past, some of the prospectors were still celebrating the holiday. In fact, Silver was sure some of them hadn’t drawn a sober breath since the beginning of cold weather.
She heard arguing coming from the Duchess’s office and wondered about it as she got Waanibe ready for bed in her favorite flannel nightgown with the pockets on it.
As she tucked her in, the dark child smiled up at her. Give me a treasure and I’ll go to sleep.”
You rascal!” Silver smiled and kissed the chubby palm, then closed Waanibe’s fingers over it. Now put that in your pocket until you need it.”
Waanibe nodded.
And go to sleep.” Silver closed the door and went down the hall, paused only a moment at the Duchess’s door, and realized the owner was talking to Jake. Could it be about Silver? She paused to listen. Sooner or later, Jake was going to figure out where he knew Silver from and then she would be arrested for murder and robbery. What should she do? Even if Cherokee didn’t love her enough to marry her, would he care enough to at least try to help her a little? She would wait until it was dark out and then would go to Cherokee’s room.
Jake laughed and watched the Duchess pace the floor. What do you mean, ‘this can’t go on’? Appears to me it’s worked out just fine.”
The Indian girl frowned. I’m almost to the point of throwing you out, you redneck bastard, and taking a chance on what happens if you tell the world everything you know about me. At least you might pack your things and get the hell out of my saloon!”
Should he play his secret card now? That ain’t a nice way to talk, lady. Besides I might decide to take my kid with me.”
He could tell she was only half listening. What kid?”
He grinned. Waanibe”
Don’t be a fool! She’s not yours, she’s—”
Iron Knife’s?” He saw the fear in her face. You don’t think I didn’t know that you thought the brat was his? If she was, I’d have already killed her. She ain’t his’n, but I’ll bet even you didn’t realize that.”
She looked at him for a long moment, the fear slowly replaced by confusion. I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
He laughed. Gawd Almight, woman, are you blind? You may have laid both of us within a day or so, but that pup’s mine. Ain’t that a hoot? You been treasuring that brat because you thought she was Iron Knife’s, when all the time, Wannie’s mine. I knew it the moment I saw her.”
You don’t know what the hell you’re talking about!” Rage spread across her sultry face. If she was yours, I wouldn’t care if she died!”
But she’s also half yours, Gray Dove. Don’t that mean nothing to ya?”
The Arapaho girl shook her head. Waanibe cares more about her governess than she does me. You’re just trying to cause trouble. She’s not yours, I tell you!”
He might as well play his hole card now. Very slowly he came over and held his hand up in front of her face. See that port wine stain birthmark on those fingers? It’s passed down through every generation of the Dallingers, as far back as I can remember—the mark of Cain, my Daddy called it. Now take a good look and tell me your kid don’t carry the mark of her pa?”
She stared at his hand and shook her head slowly as if to deny it herself. She’s—she can’t be yours. She’s dark like her Cheyenne father.”
Nope.” Dallinger shook his head, enjoying the pain on her face. She’s dark ’cause she’s got an Arapaho mama. It’s a big joke, ain’t it? You been keeping that kid because you thought she was sired by that big half-breed when I knew from the first day I seen her that she was mine. You hear? Mine!”
For a long moment, she stared from his face to his hand with the telltale birthmark. Then horror and bitterness etched her face and she swore and buried her face in her hands. You bastard! You rotten bastard!”
Now is that any way to talk to the father of your child? It appears to me you should be grateful I’m willing to claim her.”
You don’t care about her! You don’t care about me either.”
Oh but I do. The brat may come in handy someday. In about ten years, she could be working right here at the Palace, turning tricks and making money for us both.”
You low-down sonofabitch! You’d do that to your own daughter?” She slapped him across the face.
He struck her back. Her head snapped to one side and blood ran from a corner of her mouth. Don’t play so righteous with me, Gray Dove. You don’t care any more about the kid than I do. You only hoped to use her someday to get that big Injun for yourself.”
She wiped the blood from her mouth and glared at him. The only one who really cares about the kid is Jones.”
He thought about the governess a long moment. She ain’t all that bad-looking and I figure she’s got a nice body under those prim clothes. I might just try her some myself. You know what they say, Still water runs deep.’”
Leave her alone! Suppose she quits? There’s whores a-plenty here at the Palace, but a good governess is hard to come by.”
Gal, I give the orders around here,” Jake said, and you still haven’t learned who’s boss, have you?” He caught her arm, pulled her to him, and ripped her bodice down the front.
Maybe I just haven’t humbled you enough, you brown bitch! Maybe you need more lessons on submission.” He reached out, cupped one of her big breasts with his hand, and squeezed hard.
Don’t, Jake, you’re hurting me!”
I like to hurt women,” he drawled. You oughta remember that—it’s exciting.” He pulled her to him, forced her bloody mouth open with his, and shoved his tongue into her throat while he squeezed and stroked her breasts. I’m gonna take you from behind, bitch, just like a stallion rearing up on a mare.”
Jake, no!” She managed to pull her mouth away. There’s a Saturday night crowd gathering downstairs, I need to go down.”
They’ll keep awhile longer,” he said thickly. The card sharps and the girls will keep them entertained. For the next few minutes, you are going to entertain me. And if you behave yourself and make me enjoy it, I won’t tell your brat I’m her old man yet.”
Jake, no!”
Don’t ever tell me no, you Injun whore. You’ll do exactly what I tell you to.” He slapped her, knocking her backward, then grabbed her arm and half dragged her through the office door into her bedroom. Come on, bitch, show me your talent and maybe I won’t hurt you too bad!” He reached out and ripped the whole front of her dress away.
I won’t submit to you anymore. I’m rich and successful—”
You’re an Injun whore and that’s your major talent. Don’t you ever forget it.” He reached for his whip. I want to watch you twist and squirm under me, watch your hot body get all excited when I do things to you.”
She backed away from him, shaking her head. Take one of the whores. Take the governess if you want, but just leave me alone!”
He grinned, and ran his fingers through his tangled, dirty beard. I intend to do all three, Gray Dove. As your partner, I kin do just about what I like.”
Silver had listened outside the door for the first few minutes of the conversation. So Jake Dallinger was Waanibe’s father! It didn’t make any difference to Silver; she had never know or even cared who might have fathered the child. In fact, she had almost been afraid it was Cherokee from a previous time. All she could think of now was that the Duchess or Gray Dove, or whoever she was, didn’t want the child. That meant Silver could have her ... or did it?
Quicksilver Passion Page 30
