He finished with Gabe’s clothes and was surprised to find his own dirty pants and extra shirt at the bottom of the bucket. Obviously, Jessie had meant to wash his clothes, too.
With shooting pains up his back and an aching head, he rinsed the last pair of socks. Taking Sarah with him, Chase carried the rinse bucket to the back of the cabin and dumped the murky water on Jessie’s small garden. Almost everything was dead now that winter was at hand, but a few pea vines seemed to be hanging on to the bitter end.
Footsteps crunched on the frozen ground. He turned in time to see Jessie scurrying to the outhouse. Whatever was wrong, she wasn’t giving him the whole story. In a few moments, he saw her leave the outhouse and hurry down toward the creek.
Chase doused the fire and, taking Sarah in his arms, scooted around the cabin. As he came up quietly behind Jessie and stayed behind some trees, he and Sarah watched as she crouched next to the water. It looked as if she were rinsing something out.
If she had something to wash, why hadn’t she done it in the pot with everything else? Why hide it at the creek? She turned and made a wringing motion, then began to arrange what looked like strips of cloth over the rocks to dry.
Realization dawned on him suddenly, and he felt like a horse’s behind for not figuring it out sooner. The facts of life didn’t embarrass him. But they certainly would Jessie. He wished she wouldn’t worry about hiding—it was natural, and nothing to be ashamed of. Was she sad? Sorry she wouldn’t be having Nathan’s child? Women seemed to set such stock in babies.
Sarah began to fuss, so he made his way quickly back to the front porch. “Let’s get this soapy water dumped ’fore your ma comes back. She’ll be happy to see we finished all the washing,” Chase said with a grin. Sarah clapped her hands with excitement.
Jessie came around the corner of the cabin and stopped dead in her tracks, astonishment written clearly on her face. It did look odd—clothing of all shapes and sizes fluttering in the chilly breeze. Suddenly, he was mighty glad he’d made the effort to help.
“My goodness. You—you really shouldn’t have,” Jessie stammered. “I was planning on doing it right now.”
“We needed something to keep us busy, right, Sarah?” Chase bent down and picked Sarah up.
Jessie dabbed at the corners of her eyes.
“Hey, don’t cry,” he said teasingly. “Next time we’ll leave it all for you, okay?” Chase was trying to lighten the moment, but they both knew there wouldn’t be a next time.
“I’m worried about Gabe,” Jessie said, turning to look into the woods. He’s been gone several hours now, and I’m fearful he’s run off for good. I wish I could’ve explained things to him myself.”
Truth be known, Chase was worried, too. He’d thought Gabe would’ve returned by now. Danger lurked in these wild mountains, and an unarmed boy was easy pickings.
“Maybe he used his head and walked into town,” he said, trying to sound casual. “He’s probably having a grand time looking around as we speak.” He didn’t really think that was where Gabe had gone. The way the boy had been feeling this morning, he’d probably run off not knowing where he was headed. “I’ll saddle Cody and take a look around.”
Jessie nodded, looking wan and tired.
Sarah, hearing Chase was leaving, hugged his neck with her strong little arms, burying her face into his windblown hair.
“Bye-bye, Da.” She tilted her head, gazing into his eyes. Chase’s throat closed.
“Bye, Sarah. Take good care of your ma, you hear?” He kissed her forehead then set her on the ground. Hurrying to the barn, he threw a hand in the air as a good-bye.
Gabe wandered deeper into the forest, paying little attention to the distance he was traveling. How could they have lied to him like that? He was such a fool. Here he’d been admiring Chase and wanting to be just like him when he was grown. And all the while, Chase’d been dallying with Jessie. He still couldn’t believe it!
Should’ve bloodied his nose when I had the jump on him. Bloodied it good!
“I know what you always told me, Pa, that settling things with your fists ain’t the best way. But it’s just not right for him to be treating her like some common…common…Well, you know what I mean.” Gabe spoke to the sky as if he were directly addressing his father.
Gabe caught sight of Chase and Cody as they climbed up the steep trail he’d just covered. He stopped, waiting for the horse to approach.
“You all right?” Chase called, his voice harsh. “Jessie is worried sick.”
Gabe nodded. He didn’t feel like talking to the man.
Chase extended his arm. “Climb aboard.” Finally, after several moments, Gabe grasped it, swinging up behind Chase. They galloped back down through the trees.
As they neared the homestead, Chase brought Cody to a halt, and Gabe swung off.
“Look, Gabe, I know you’re disappointed in the way things have turned out,” Chase began, looking down at him. “But I’m sure you know by now that life’s not fair. Just when you’ve been dealt a winning hand, you can be sure the devil’s going to throw down an ace. That’s a fact.” Chase paused.
Gabe figured Chase was waiting for him to say something. Maybe tell him he understood. Well, he couldn’t do that. Not only had Chase hurt Jessie’s reputation, but he also planned to leave—breaking up what had seemed to Gabe to be a perfect family. A family he wanted to claim as his own.
“When I was fourteen, I had been on my own for eleven years,” Chase continued. “Just a little older than you. What I’m trying to say is, you’ve got to be the man of the house now. Accept responsibilities. Jessie needs your help. She’ll depend on it.” Chase cleared his throat. “So when something gets you down, you can’t just up and run off. Take it like a man, the good and the bad, and do what’s right for you and your family.”
Gabe stared at the ground. He’d been thinking Chase was doing what’s right for the family, too, before he’d learned the truth.
“I’m going into town,” Chase went on. “I’ll be looking for a horse for you and Jessie and picking up some supplies you’ll need this winter.”
Gabe watched as Chase galloped off in the opposite direction. Even after everything that had happened today, after all his feelings of disappointment and anger toward the man, no matter how hard he tried to hate him, he couldn’t.
He loved him.
There was no denying it.
Chapter Nineteen
Chase rode down the muddy street of Valley Springs, a small town that looked like any number of the small towns he’d traveled through over the years. Since it didn’t claim a sheriff’s office, he decided the next best place to deliver the news about Nathan would be the mercantile.
First, though, he’d stop at the saloon. Have a drink. It was a good way to get a feel for this sleepy little town, and to wet his dry throat.
As he tied Cody to the empty hitching rail, a man stepped out of an eatery from across the street. The man stood for a moment and stared boldly. Chase gave him a nod before stepping into the dark interior of the bar.
It took a few moments for his eyes to adjust to the dim light, and his sense of smell was bombarded with unpleasant odors. There’d been a time in his life when hanging around a bar, gambling, and plain cutting up had seemed enjoyable pursuits. But those days were long past. Whatever the attraction of those activities, he didn’t feel it anymore and couldn’t believe he ever had. Especially since spending the last few days with Jessie, where things were clean, sweet-smelling, and homey. There had to be more to life than this. Now the reek of unwashed bodies and stale smoke turned his stomach.
“What can I do ya for, mister?” the barkeep asked.
“Whiskey.” Placing two bits on the shiny bar top, Chase looked into the mirror behind the bar, studying the room through its reflection. He was alone except for a single man sitting at a corner table, shuffling a deck of cards. The man caught Chase’s gaze in the mirror and held out the deck in silent invitation.
“You new in town?” the bartender asked as he polished a clear glass tumbler. “Plannin’ ta stay?”
He was a short, stocky man with a shiny bald head. A bushy black handlebar mustache made up for the lack of hair on top.
Chase shrugged. He didn’t give out information about himself—a survival tactic he’d learned long ago. “Maybe.”
There was a sound from outside, and a youth came striding through the swinging doors. His hair, scruffy and long, was in need of a good scrubbing.
“Sorry I’m late, Pops, but Ma wouldn’t let me out any sooner.” He stood looking Chase up and down as he waited for the barkeep to answer.
“Oh, go on now and get your apron. If it’s not one thing, it’s surely another. Start with the sweeping and then empty the trash.”
“Sure thing.” The boy hurried into the back room, emerging with an apron in one hand and a broom in the other.
“This town have a place a man can get a bath and shave?” Chase asked as he watched the boy sweep. The lad reminded Chase of himself at that age. He’d had just such a job for a man named Rattlesnake. Meanest son of a cuss this side of the Mississippi. As soon shoot you as sell you a drink.
“Yeah. Across the street in the back of the eatery. Isaac Mahoney and his sister Megan have a tub they let out for fifty cents. Iffen you want a haircut and shave, Megan’ll do that for an extra two bits. Would you be wantin’ it now?” he asked.
“The sooner the better. I’m about as strong as I can stand.”
Pops turned to the boy. “Jake, run across the street and have Ike warm some water. And tell Megan to sharpen her razor. Don’t want no dull blade, haw haw.”
Chase didn’t see the humor in the old man’s remark but laughed anyway. “How ’bout a telegraph office?”
“Yes, indeedy. Just got a line in last year. Sure has been handy,” the little man announced proudly. “It’s down at the stage office on the north end of town.”
Chase took a sip of his drink. “Don’t suppose you’ve also got a smithy around here.”
“Well, I’m sure surprised you didn’t see the blacksmith shop as you rode in. Can’t miss it, block down from Holly-hock’s.”
“Now that you mention it, I do remember seeing the place. He any good with horses?”
“About the best in the territory. Name’s Garth Shepard. People think right highly of him around here.”
I’ll bet they do, Chase thought, tossing back the last of his drink.
“Another?”
“No, thanks.”
Jake, humming a tune, came back into the saloon, remnants of pastry clinging to his mouth. “Water’ll be hot in about fifteen minutes.”
“Thanks, kid.” Chase dug into his pocket and flipped him a coin.
Jake caught it midair.
“Thanks, mister. If you have need of anything else, let me know.”
“Hey, you work for me. Remember?” Pops said, wagging his finger at the boy.
“Sure, Pops, I know.” Jake went back to his sweeping and humming.
“You know anyone by the name of Lonnie?” Chase asked.
“Can’t rightly say I know him, but he’s been in here a time or two. Said he’s a prospector and has a claim upriver a ways. I think he’s just some no-account, blowing smoke. I haven’t seen him for a while, though,” Pops said, pausing to wipe his bald head with the cloth he’d been polishing the glasses with.
Chase looked down at his glass and frowned.
“Jake! You seen that gold digger Lonnie around lately?” the bartender called.
“Naw. Been nigh on a week since I seen him.”
“If he happens in while I’m still in town,” Chase said, “I’d appreciate you letting me know.”
“What’s your name, mister?” Pops asked. “Need to know who’m asking for.”
“Chase Logan. Don’t forget, now.”
“Sure thing.”
“Mr. Logan,” Jake called from the back. “I’m Jake. If you need anything, don’t forget to ask me.” Hefting the trash barrel, he stepped out the back door.
“Little hustler,” Chase said under his breath. The kid would do all right for himself if he stayed out of trouble.
Chase luxuriated in the steaming hot water. It’d been a while since he’d actually washed in a tub, so he decided to soak as long as the water stayed hot.
The tub was large, but then, so was Chase. His shoulders weren’t fully submerged, and his knees protruded out of the soapy bubbles like twin mountain peaks. Still, the hot water caressed his torso like a loving bride, easing away the pain of his sore ribs. Leaning his head back against the wall, he closed his eyes.
Uninvited visions of Jessie in a tub of bubbles popped into his head. Her hair was swept up in an enticing fashion on top of her head, just begging for him to pull out a pin to set it free, and little beads of water slipped slowly down her neck, stopping when they reached the firm swell of her breasts.
Chapter Twenty
“Ah, hell.”
“Did ya say somethin’, Mr. Logan? ‘Tis anythin’ you be needin’?” Megan Mahoney’s lilting Irish brogue made its way through the locked door.
“No, I’m fine, thank you.”
He wondered if the woman was sitting with her ear plastered to the door. She’d almost insisted on helping him off with his clothes and into the tub. He’d finally succeeded in shooing her out and turning the lock.
“My razor’s sharp, and I’m ready anytime you be. But take your time, don’t let me rush ya, now. I know how delightful a hot, bubbly bath can be.”
“Meg!” Ike’s scolding voice rang sharp. “Leave Mr. Logan alone. How can he relax with you squawking like a jabber bird? Now, skedaddle from that door until he’s ready to come out.”
“I’m just trying to be friendly, Isaac,” Megan said plaintively.
Chase reached for the large cloth he’d been given before getting into the tub. It was thin and threadbare from many washings. Standing, he quickly rubbed himself dry and redressed in his clothes.
As promised, Megan was waiting for him on the other side of the door. She hadn’t left, just stopped talking. She had her scissors and shaving kit all lined up, ready to give Chase a barbering.
“Now, just sit down and make yourself comfortable, Mr. Logan. Don’t be worrying…I’ve done this many times,” she said, smiling as he seated himself, then slapping a hot rag across his stubbled face.
Chase tried to relax, but Megan seemed awfully featherbrained to be trusted with a razor so close to his throat.
After lathering his face, she began to scrape. The first few strokes were nerve-racking, setting his heart thudding. But distracting noises floated in from the other room, where Megan’s brother was serving meals, and soon Chase was relaxed and enjoying himself.
It was close to noon, and the hearty aromas of lunches being served next door wafted in to taunt his empty belly. His stomach rumbled.
“Oh, my,” Megan said, sitting up and wiping the razor on her towel. “You’re hungry. You must try some of Isaac’s mutton pie. ’Tis as heavenly as hot cocoa for Christmas.”
It occurred to Chase that as recently as a week ago he would have loved the attention he was receiving now. Welcomed her flirtatious ways and pretty face. Megan was the sort of female any man would find very attractive. But now all he could think about was tying up loose ends and getting back to the cabin to make sure everything was all right…with Jessie.
“Meg!” Ike called from the other room. “Are you almost done with Mr. Logan? We’re gettin’ plenty busy out here, and I need your help.”
“I’m just about done. I’ll be right there.” She mopped the remaining bits of lather from Chase’s face and held up a mirror.
“Looks fine. How much do I owe you?” Chase pulled out his money bag.
“Don’t ya want your hair cut?”
“Not today—to
o much to get done. I’ll be back if I find some extra time.”
As Chase was leaving the building, he nearly ran into the blacksmith, who was entering the room at the same time. The door opening wouldn’t accommodate both large men.
“Are you Mr. Shepard, the blacksmith?” Chase asked, stepping back to give him room to enter.
“That’s me, all right. You need some work done?” Garth asked with a friendly smile. His gaze roamed the room until it landed on Megan, and he gave her a wink.
“I’m looking for a horse to buy. Has to be gentle.”
“Have a couple down at my place I just traded for some work on a prairie schooner. I don’t know too much about them yet, but you’re welcome to come take a look.”
“I’ll do that when you’re done with your meal.”
Chase set out for the stage office and sent two telegrams: one to the Rocking Crown, informing them of a short delay in his arrival, and one to the First National Bank of Logan.
Chase made it a practice to wire the better part of his pay to his bank account every few months. He kept on him just the bare minimum to make it to the next job, with a little extra left over. His savings were something he took seriously, a nest egg for the future. This time he kept most back, planning on using it for Jessie’s supplies. That way she could save what she had from Nathan for the future.
Back when he was eighteen, Chase had been as wild as they come, and after one particularly rowdy night he landed in jail for disturbing the peace. The town banker, Frank Lloyd, came and bailed him out. At the time it had been a mystery to Chase why he’d do such a thing. To pay off his debt to him, Frank had had Chase do small jobs here and there, all the while instilling in him a curiosity for finance.
Frank Lloyd turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to Chase, teaching him the principles of saving and investments and such. Chase was a willing pupil, with a quick grasp for figures. The two made contact every few years, and Frank watched over Chase’s money, making small investments for him now and then.
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