Randall Renegade

by Judy Christenberry

  Nick grinned. “Patience and Jim seem to have a lot of friction between them.” He winked at Megan.

  Jim saw the wink and didn’t understand its significance. “She’s just being difficult. She thinks she can handle everything by herself.”

  “Is Patience upset?” Megan asked.

  “A little,” Nick said.

  “Let me go talk to her so she’ll come back to the house tonight. That’s important.” She walked into Nick’s office even as her son protested.

  Jim finally apologized to Nick for interrupting his meeting with Patience, but he believed Patience would let her pride get in the way. “She doesn’t have much patience, in spite of her name.”

  “I see,” Nick said, a grin on his face.

  “Why is that funny?” Jim demanded.

  “It reminds me of when I was courting my wife.”

  “No! No, I’m not…well, maybe eventually, but she needs time to settle her business.”

  “And that’s what I’m going to help her do,” Nick promised. “We may be able to get legal custody pretty quickly if the docket isn’t full. I’m going to try for the first of next week.”

  “That’d be great,” Jim said.

  Megan came out of Nick’s office. “We can go now, Jim. Patience needs to talk some more with Nick. She’ll be home for dinner, though. She promised.”

  Jim gave his mother a dark look and muttered a goodbye to Nick.

  When they were in the truck, Megan said, “Jim, you’ve got to remember that Patience is not a member of our family. She gets to make her own decisions.”

  “I was trying to help her, Mom.”

  “You were trying to make decisions for her,” his mother said. “Your father tried that a few times with me, too. But Patience has provided for her mother and her nephew for three years now, making her own decisions. You can’t take over her life.”

  “I’m not trying to,” Jim protested. “I’m just trying to help her.”

  “Well, until you marry her, find another way to help her.”

  “What? Mom, I’m not going to… I mean, we haven’t talked about… How did you know?” he finally asked.

  “Your father and I did quite a bit of arguing when we first met. It just reminded me of that.”

  Jim sighed. “I haven’t said anything to her yet. She may still be mad about what happened at college.”

  “I don’t understand what made you two break up. You’ve never told me.”

  Jim gave her a wry look. “And I’m not going to now, either. But I’ll try to work things out as soon as I can.”

  Chapter Ten

  Patience turned up at the Randall house for dinner as she’d promised. Immediately she started helping put dinner on the table for the children.

  When Tommy came downstairs, he ran into her arms. “Where you been, Mommy? I missed you. Grandma said you went to town. Did you bring me something?”

  “Sure. I brought you a kiss. I missed you, too.” She picked him up and kissed his soft cheek. “Did you play with Davy all day?”

  “Yes, and I played with Jim, too. He’s hurted and he has to stay in bed. His mommy said so.”

  “I know, sweetie, but he’s going to get better.” She only hoped she was right. Today he’d seemed as impatient as he always told her she was.

  After the children had eaten, she helped clean the table.

  “You’re a hard worker, young lady,” Mildred said.

  “I’m glad to help. The last thing you needed was three more mouths to feed.”

  “We’re glad to have you. That Tommy is cute as can be, and he keeps Davy occupied,” Mildred said. “And your mom and I have become good friends. She’s showing me how to make lace.”

  “Yes, she’s very good at that.”

  The door to the kitchen opened and Patience looked up. Jim came in, flanked by his parents and his brother. She immediately turned her back and began stirring a pot of beans on the stove.

  She was able to stay busy helping serve the meal. Then there was nothing left to do but take a seat at the table. That was when she realized she’d made a critical mistake.

  Everyone was seated except for Red, Mildred and her. They always sat in the same seats. Which left her a vacant seat right next to Jim. She desperately looked around for another option, but there was none.

  Jim smiled at her. “Come on, Patience. You’re holding up dinner.”

  She blushed. The last thing she wanted to do was create problems for the Randalls. She took her place and the blessing was asked. Then they all began talking and passing platters of food.

  Jim leaned toward her. “I owe you an apology.”

  She shook her head but said nothing. He didn’t pursue the conversation, but he asked her to cut his steak for him. “My right arm is still sore,” he explained.

  She hurriedly began cutting his steak. After all, it was her fault he’d been injured. When she finished, she withdrew again. She concentrated on her own meal, hoping to finish as soon as possible.

  “What’s your hurry? Are you going somewhere tonight?” Jim asked, frowning.

  “No! I want to help with the dishes.”

  “Not tonight. We need to talk.”

  She stiffened. “You are not my boss, Jim. You need to go back to bed, anyway, so you’ll get better.”

  “Not until we’ve had a talk. It’s dangerous for you to run around town by yourself. You shouldn’t have gotten your car. I’m sure Kane knows your car, since you’ve had it since you went off to college.”

  “I keep my doors locked.”

  “Yeah, and then you get out of the car. So how safe are you then?”

  “Jim, I can’t hide forever. Besides, he probably won’t come here again.”

  “I’m just saying you shouldn’t run around by yourself. I can’t get back in the saddle for a while, so I can go with you as protection.”

  “No!” she protested sharply, causing conversation to die around the table. With everyone staring at her, she stammered, “I’m t-trying to convince Jim that I don’t need protection now.”

  After an awkward pause, Chad said, “Why not? Do you think Kane has given up?”

  “No, but you said you had found his camp deserted. Plus, two of his lieutenants are dead, the third injured. I assume he doesn’t have any followers anymore.”

  “And that means he won’t be interested in his son?” Jake asked.

  “I don’t think he really wants Tommy with him. He wanted more soldiers. And he lost all the soldiers he had because of me and Tommy.”

  “She’s got a point,” Brett agreed. Both Jim and his father glared at Brett and he ducked his head.

  “I think he’ll be mad and want revenge,” Jim said. “You got the best of him the first time. He’ll be determined to pay you back.”

  “Oh!” Megan exclaimed, drawing everyone’s attention. “Did you ever find out what those strange coins were? The tin ones with the 30p stamped on them?”

  “Yeah,” Jim said. “Kane had them made. He believes God betrayed him when Faith, his wife, died. The 30p stands for the thirty pieces of silver Judas was paid for betraying Jesus. Kane thinks he shouldn’t have to pay for anything he wants, because God owes him.”

  “His logic is a little warped, since he’s the reason Faith died,” Anna said quietly, anger in her voice.

  “It’s a wonder he doesn’t blame Tommy,” B.J. said.

  As if a light clicked on in Patience’s head, she said, “Maybe he does, subconsciously. His behavior toward Tommy was fairly brutal.”

  “Then we’d best make sure he doesn’t get his hands on him again,” Chad said with a firm nod.

  There was agreement all around the table. “I won’t let him,” Patience assured them, trying to let them know that she didn’t expect any more sacrifices from the Randalls.

  Marilyn Anderson said, “Well, of course he won’t get Tommy as long as we’re here.”

  Patience pressed her lips together to hold back a groan. Her mother
was one of those women who expects to be protected. Now that her husband and oldest child were gone, she expected Patience to take care of her. “Mom, we’re only staying a few days. Then we’re going home.”

  Everyone looked at Jim, as if they expected him to do something. “We’ll talk about it,” he said, not looking at Patience.

  She wanted to tell him he was wrong. It was her decision and she’d already made it. But not in front of the senior Randalls. They’d all been very kind and she didn’t want to offend them.

  With a shrug she picked up her fork and continued eating. In spite of what Jim thought, she could be patient sometimes.

  As soon as the meal was over, Patience leaped to her feet, planning on busying herself with cleaning up while Jim left the kitchen.

  But Jim was prepared. He grabbed her hand and wouldn’t let go when she tugged. “I want to show you something at the barn.”

  She stared at him as if he was crazy. “It’s cold out.”

  “So wear a coat. It won’t be too cold in the barn.”

  “I need to help with the dishes, Jim.” She tugged again.

  “You can help with them when we get back,” he said. “You don’t mind, do you, Mildred?”

  “Of course not, Jim. We’ll manage. You go ahead, young lady. You’ve worked harder than anyone else since you came here.”

  Feeling trapped, Patience finally nodded, adding, “I won’t be but a minute.” She hoped Jim got the message.

  Jim nodded, as if agreeing with her, which was a surprise. Maybe he’d been serious when he said he just wanted to show her something. She relaxed a little, glad she didn’t have to fight another battle.

  Drew, at the other end of the table, leaned forward and said, “What do you want to show her, Jim? I can walk her down there while you go rest. It won’t be a problem.”

  “No!” Jim glared at his brother.

  Chad halted anything else Jim might’ve said. “That’s good of you, Drew, but I need to talk to you about tomorrow’s work. Let’s go to Jake’s office.”

  Drew looked surprised but nodded.

  Jim looked relieved, which made Patience suspicious again.

  Before she could ask any more questions, Jim stood. He wavered momentarily. Patience sprang up to support him before he fell.

  “I’m okay,” he said. “I need to remember to take things slowly.” He nodded to his mother. Then, still holding Patience’s hand, he turned toward the back door.

  “My jacket is hanging in the mudroom. Where’s yours?” Patience asked. She wasn’t going to be blamed for him catching a cold.

  “It’s out there, too.” Jim released her hand when they reached the mudroom and let her help him into his coat. She was surprised by his docility. It made her look at him sharply. Was he exhausted?

  “Jim, surely this can wait until you’re feeling stronger. I’m going to be here a couple more days.”

  “Don’t fuss over me. I’m fine.”

  Her concern hadn’t made him happy. Well, too bad.

  He led the way to the back door. The minute he opened it, they both felt a cold gust of wind. “Feels like another norther is blowing through,” he said with a frown. “I’m glad we’re not still up there.”

  “Yeah, me, too. Though the cabin was a good shelter,” she said, remembering the night they’d spent there.

  “Oh. I guess no one’s told you. Someone burned the cabin down.”

  She came to a halt before they were even off the porch. “Someone? You mean Kane? He was the only one in the area, wasn’t he? How terrible! I’m so sorry, Jim. I know how much your family enjoyed going there in the summer.”

  “Dad says we’re going to rebuild it this summer.”

  “I’ll help.”

  Jim sighed. Then he leaned over and kissed her.

  She froze. His touch was so warm, so exciting. It brought back memories she needed to forget. “Don’t do that!”

  He ignored her order. “Let’s get to the barn so we can shut out the wind.” Grabbing her hand again, he stepped down off the porch.

  He’d chosen the mother barn, so called because any animal, horse or cow that was experiencing difficulties in giving birth was brought to this barn. And he happened to know, since he’d quizzed his dad earlier in the day, that it was empty right now.

  They rushed in, pushing the door closed be hind them, and Jim clicked on the overhead light.

  “Are there any animals in here?” Patience asked.

  “Not right now.”

  “So what did you want to show me?”

  Jim sat down on a bale of hay. “Sorry, I need to sit down.”

  When he didn’t respond to her question, she prodded him. “Jim? You haven’t answered me.”

  “I said I wanted to show you something so we could have some privacy. I don’t like to grovel in front of my family.”

  Rather than joining him on the bale of hay, as he was indicating by patting a place beside him, she took a step back.

  “What are you talking about?”

  “I owe you an apology. I shouldn’t have burst in on you today at Nick’s office. That was your business and I tried to make it mine.”

  “Thank you,” she said, pleased by his apology.

  “But you’re going to have to change your ways, Patience.”

  That remark wasn’t to her liking, and it didn’t sound like an apology. “I beg your pardon?”

  “Honey, I’m not trying to be difficult, but you can’t run around by yourself, even here in Rawhide. That man presents a real danger, and you know it.”

  “He’s not in Rawhide. I suspect he’s long gone, trying to find more young gullible men he can enlist in a new army. He won’t have time for me and Tommy.” She prayed she was right.

  “And you’re willing to risk Tommy’s safety?”

  “I’m going to protect Tommy!”

  “How are you going to do that? If Kane finds you out on your own, he’ll subdue you, force you to lead him to Tommy.”

  “Well?” Jim prodded when she said nothing.

  “I’m buying a gun.”

  Jim sighed. “Look, Patience, I’d be the last one to think a gun is a bad idea. Without you having a gun, I’d be dead. But are you sure you can kill Kane? And what if it’s in front of Tommy?”

  “Stop! I don’t have a choice. I have to protect my son.”

  “You do have a choice. You can let us help you.” He grabbed her hands when he reached her. “Come on, Patience. We’ll help you.”

  “No. I have to stand on my own two feet. I’m not part of your family.”

  “Dammit! Patience, anyone in Rawhide would protect you. You know that.”

  “Everyone in Rawhide is kin to you!”

  “You’re exaggerating, Patience. We’re a big family, but everyone isn’t kin to us.” He gave her a smile.

  She didn’t return his lighthearted response. “I have to do this on my own.” She turned to go.

  Again he grabbed her hand. “Come on, Patience. I care about you and Tommy. You know that.” He pulled her and she fell against him.

  He wrapped his arms tightly around her, even though he grimaced at the pain. His lips covered hers and swept her back to three years ago, when Jim was her world. She’d wanted him, wanted to make love with him, but there had been too much going on in her life.

  Now, she couldn’t. Or maybe she could. He’d helped her. She could give him what he wanted, couldn’t she? “Jim, I…I owe you. If you want me, I—”

  Jim stepped away from her as if she were on fire. He stared at her. “I can’t believe you said that, Patience Anderson! What’s happened to you?”

  “What’s happened to me? I’m trying to survive, protect my family.” She fought back tears.

  “And you have no respect for me? You think I helped you, or tried to help you, because I just wanted to sleep with you?” He was livid, his face red.

  Patience swallowed. Hard. “I thought—”

  “I don’t want to hear it
!” Jim roared. “I don’t trade help for sex!”

  Patience turned and ran out of the barn. When she reached the porch of the house, she wiped her tears away with her palms before she went inside and hurried to her room.

  CHAD STRODE INTO the barn, looking for his son. He found Jim sitting on a bale of hay, running his hands through his hair.

  “Jim?” he asked. “What happened? Patience came running into the house and went straight to her room.”

  “I made a mistake,” Jim muttered, not looking up.

  “What do you mean? What mistake?”

  “I kissed her.”

  Chad released the breath he’d been holding. “That’s all that happened? You kissed her? Why did she act so…so upset?”

  Jim began pacing the barn floor, his right hand in his jeans pocket for support. “I kissed her and she offered to sleep with me as payment for my helping her!”

  “Why would she do that?” Chad asked.

  “We were in love during college. But Patience told me she wouldn’t sleep with me unless we were engaged.”

  “And that was so horrible?”

  “No! But I didn’t like being pushed into it. So I got stubborn. Told her I was too young to be tied down. I held out as long as I could. Two weeks later I called her. Her roommate said she’d gone home and she wasn’t coming back. I called her, but she didn’t want to talk to me. She just said she never wanted to see me again.”

  “Was that when her sister died?”

  “Yes, but I didn’t find out about all that until later. I made up my mind to put her out of my life. I purposely didn’t ask about her.”

  “Son, sounds like you and Patience have a lot to work out. It might be best to do some talking before you try anything else.”

  “Yeah, but even if we haven’t worked out the past, I never suggested she should pay me back with sex.”

  “I believe you, son. I know you wouldn’t do that to Patience. But if she refuses to let you stay close to her, we’ll have a hard time helping her if she has trouble.”

  “I know.”

  “Has she figured out how she’ll protect Tommy and herself?”