On the Mountain

by Peggy Ann Craig

  She had come close to revealing her identity that morning. Later, she had breathed a sigh of relief realizing what a catastrophe she nearly created. What appeared right in the moment would have only been a tragic mistake in the end. It was one thing to view her as a boy and feel a certain attachment. He had taken her on as his personal charge after the realization that she was left an orphan. She had no idea how he would react on discovering she was actually a woman.

  Sleep came quickly and she would have slept peacefully until morning if something hadn’t woke her. The bunkhouse was quiet, indicating the men had all turned in for the night. It was fairly dark, particularly in the corner in which she slept, but a faint glow from the wood stove cast shadows across the room. One shadow in particular had her awake in a flash.

  Even in the darkness, she made out the shape of Chuck Rhodes kneeling beside her bed. It was unusual to see him in the bunkhouse for he chose to sleep in the barn with the animals. There was a small bunk above the loft in which he had made his sleeping quarters. So there was no reason for his presence. Or next to her bed.

  Anna knew instantly the old man was there for no good.

  She went to sit bolt upright, but his hand snaked out and fingers, gnarled but remarkably strong, curled around her neck. He forced her head back down on the pillow and raised one finger to his lips in warning. Her pulse started pounding faster, panic rose swiftly up her throat. Eyes bulging, she stared up at him in the darkness, the sound of her own heart thundering furiously in her ears.

  His features were cast in darkness, but she could see his silhouette looming near. While keeping his hand still firmly grasped around her throat, he used his other hand to lift the wool blanket draped over her body.

  A feeling of hysteria bubbled in the core of her center and she struggled once again to escape, but his grip on her throat tightened. In that moment, a blinding light passed before her eyes along with the realization he was strangling her to death. For the briefest moment, she thought of succumbing to it. Then Wade’s face took the place of the bright light, and Anna knew she wanted to live.

  Knowing her best defense was to go limp in his hands, she fell still and hoped he would release the pressure on her throat. He did. His attention was drawn elsewhere and the hand squeezing her throat eased slightly. Enough for Anna to take a deep rasping breath. She was working hard trying to refill her lungs with air, when she realized the hand which had been wrapped around her throat was now beginning to snake inside the opening of her pants.

  Fear had her frozen to the bed, her breath coming out in jagged intervals. Her heart was pounding so hard and fast against her chest, she could feel its vibrations pulse throughout her body. The old man’s crooked fingers had slipped beneath the waist of her pants and descended quickly to the area withholding her secret identity. She felt his fingers touch her and instantly cringed in revulsion, releasing a pathetic gasp. He lifted a finger to his lips again, then removed his hand altogether from her pants. With horror, she watched as he brought his fingers beneath his nose to give them a sniff. And Anna knew instantly what he had been looking for. Confirmation of her sex.

  Silently she prayed he would leave her alone now, but instead he used both sets of hands to begin undoing the belt holding up her pants. A memory flashed in her mind and a familiar feeling of terror coursed through her blood. Sounds of screaming echoed in her brain and Anna was overcome with a new emotion. Hatred.

  With a strength she had no idea she possessed, she shoved the old man off her. He fell back on the floor and Anna used her legs to kick him with as much power as she could fathom. She heard him gasp in pain, but a fiery wrath had taken control of her now and she went after him like a wild animal. With fists flying she hit him with blow after blow and enjoyed the sound of him gasping for life. Blood covered her hands and she had no idea whether it was hers or his, but the old man continued to live and Anna vowed she would not stop until he was dead.

  “Jesus Christ, kid.” She heard Joe exclaim before she was forcefully dragged from the old man’s battered body. “What the hell is going on?”

  She vaguely noticed the audience gathered around the bunk area, her savage eyes were intent in seeking out her prey.

  “Neil, fetch Haddock.” Joe held her tight as she fought to free herself and pursue her retaliation. “Christ, kid, have you gone mad?”

  Her eyes finally focused on the old man laying contorted on the floor. His maimed body covered in blood. Some of the ranch hands knelt next to him and Anna knew they were checking for a pulse. She stopped moving in Joe’s arms to hear their verdict.

  “He’s barely breathing.”

  Her own breathing was heavy, but finally her sense of awareness came back around. It was as if she was emerging from a black abyss where she watched from a distance. The old man lay on the floor with his already crooked body bent at angles they were not meant to. Every one waited in silence until the door of the bunkhouse swung open and Wade entered followed by Neil.

  “What’s going on?”

  “We’re not sure,” Joe answered, still gripping Anna with steel arms.

  Wade frowned and looked down at her. “Let the boy go.”

  The lead hand hesitated, but complied. “He’s gone mad. Attacked the old man, he did and nearly killed him.”

  Wade’s eyes shot toward Chuck Rhodes lying unconscious and injured on the floor. The frown between his brows deepened before looking back at Anna. “Are you sure the boy did this?”

  Joe nodded and looked down at her. “Saw it myself. Would have killed him if I hadn’t stopped him.”

  That was when the shakes started. At the realization of what she had done. There was no excuse for taking the life of another human.

  Wade turned his attention back to the rest of the men. “Get the old man onto a wagon and take him into town to Dr. Patterson’s. Do it quietly and don’t draw attention.”

  The two ranch hands closest to Chuck Rhodes nodded and together lifted the old man and carried him out of the bunkhouse. Wade turned and snatched a wool blanket from the closest bunk and wrapped it around Anna’s shoulders.

  “Joe, I want to keep this incident strictly kept within the bunkhouse.”

  He nodded. “Sure boss. Don’t know what the old man could have done to set the boy off.”

  Wade took Anna by the arm and drew her out of the bunkhouse. “I’ll look after it.”

  He didn’t say anything as he led her up the hill toward the homestead. Inside, Prescott was up and obviously waiting for word. He wore a fancy robe which Anna had never seen anything of its kind in the area. She looked around for their sister, but there was no one else about.

  “How’s Chuck?” Prescott immediately asked as they entered the house.

  “I’ve sent him into town. I’ll send a ranch hand out tomorrow to see how he fared the night.” Wade did not let go of her arm. Instead he led her toward the fireplace and placed her in the same oversized lounge chair he had sat her in the night he and his wranglers came back from the mountain. The night he had told Anna her family was gone.

  Anna’s throat swelled up and she thought perhaps she would cry, but her eyes remained dry. Wade went over to the cabinet that housed the alcoholic drinks and poured three glasses. Prescott took the chair opposite Anna and looked deeply into her eyes.

  “What happened Peter?”

  She was startled to see compassion and understanding in his eyes. Anna had practically killed a man and Prescott appeared more concerned for her than the old man.

  “Was it a nightmare?”

  Anna looked away. Truth was, the whole incident was one awful nightmare. Though a memory had flickered across her mind, it had vanished just as swiftly. The same memory that had come to her as she lashed violently out at Chuck Rhodes.

  Wade appeared and handed Prescott a drink, then Anna. She looked at the toxic liquid and thought about drinking the entire contents in one swift gulp. Maybe it would knock her unconscious. Anything to take herself away from this
horrible night.

  Wade took a chair next to Prescott and leaned as far forward as possible, his elbows resting on his knees. “We won’t be able to keep this quiet for long. Stanford will get wind of it and be up here to drag your neck off to the nearest noose. That’s if old Chuck Rhodes doesn’t survive the night.”

  Anna’s eyes watered.

  “I’m not trying to scare you kid, it’s just a matter- of-fact.” She could feel his eyes watching her. “Unless, of course, you were defending yourself.”

  Her eyes rose to his face and Wade looked surprised. “The old man tried to harm you?”

  Anna hesitated. If she disclosed the truth, then her identity would also be revealed.

  “What did Chuck exactly do?” Wade’s voice had a sharp edge to it and Anna became frightened.

  She sat silently in her seat and didn’t look at either brother. One of them moved and it was Wade that came to kneel in front of her, his hands gripping either side of her chair.

  “It’s all right, boy. I made you a promise once and I intend to keep it. I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

  Her eyes stared into his blue depths and saw something she didn’t think she ought to see. Trust. He trusted her.

  “Did the old man attempt to harm you?”

  Anna hesitated and then nodded.

  Wade sighed heavily but continued. “Did you think your life was in danger?”

  She recalled the death grip Chuck Rhodes had on her neck. Again she nodded.

  “Can you indicate how?”

  Her neck still felt sore and bruised. Dropping the blanket she lifted her chin to expose her neck. She heard Wade curse and get up abruptly. Prescott came over to get a look himself.

  “Definitely evidence of finger marks. He must have had quite the grip.” Prescott looked into Anna’s eyes. “You’re lucky to be alive.”

  She glanced over at Wade. His back was to them, but he stood very still. She knew he was seething with anger from the wild pulses beating in the back of his neck. Prescott got up and walked over to him.

  “Why would he have done this?”

  “Dammit, I should have gotten rid of him years before.” She heard Wade mutter.

  “I thought the man harmless myself.”

  Wade turned around. “Not a word of this to Kathleen. Let’s not spoil her visit.”

  “Of course.” Prescott glanced back at Anna. “What about Peter?”

  Both men looked at her before Wade replied, “He can stay in the cook’s room tonight.”

  “And the constable?”

  “What about him?” Wade snapped at his brother.

  “I think we ought to let him know what happened tonight.”

  “And give him another reason to hang the boy? He already believes he’s guilty for the incident in the village.”

  “He believes the boy knows what happened in the village.” Prescott corrected his older brother.

  Wade didn’t look convinced. “If anything, tonight will prove the boy capable of killing.”

  The room went silent and Anna felt her heart grow cold. Wade was right. She was capable of taking someone’s life. Now, more than before, she felt responsible for whatever evil had transpired on the mountain.

  “I still think we ought to let him know that Chuck Rhodes attempted to kill Peter. He’s got the evidence on his neck to prove it.”

  Wade hesitated before speaking. “Let’s see what happens in the morning. See if Chuck Rhodes survives.”

  Prescott nodded.

  “And if he does,” Wade added. “I’ll kill him myself.”

  He was not looking at Anna, but she felt the rage oozing from every pore in his body. She ought to have felt frightened, but instead felt less alone than she ever did.

  Prescott looked over at Anna. “Come on Peter, you need to get cleaned up.”

  She looked down and saw the blood still fresh on her hands and clothing. Nodding, she got to her feet and followed him out of the room. When she came abreast to Wade, she stopped and looked up at him. He in turn looked down at her and something crossed between them. Without ever having uttered a single word, she had gained this man’s trust and belief. She felt a flood of love and without thinking stepped up and wrapped her arms around him.

  Chapter 11

  Wade felt the boy’s arms come around him and sensed his pain and fear. The night held secrets only the boy and Chuck Rhodes knew the truth about. However, Wade was certain those secrets were having a painful consequence. He sighed deeply and allowed his arms to come around and hold the boy close in what he hoped was a comforting embrace.

  In his arms the boy visibly relaxed and tightened his hold. A warmth stirred deep inside and Wade recognized for the first time that night, why his anger made such a swift and heated appearance. He had become fonder of the boy than he realized.

  A tiny frown creased his forehead as he drew the boy’s arms away from his body. “Best get cleaned up.”

  In the boy’s eyes, he could see so much turmoil and anguish, and Wade was startled at how much he wanted to ease that pain. He reached out and wiped a streak of blood from his cheek. “You’re going to meet my sister tomorrow and I don’t want you looking like a wild beast.”

  His eyes lit somewhat and Wade was happy for that small sign.

  “Get a good night’s sleep, boy.”

  He nodded, then followed Prescott toward the kitchen. Five minutes later his brother returned to the great room. “Well, I think we best call it a night in fear of waking Kathleen.”

  Wade vaguely nodded, and Prescott bid him goodnight then turned to leave.

  “Prescott.” Wade stopped him. “The boy didn’t cry.”

  Prescott looked confused. “I don’t understand.”

  Wade took his tumbler glass and refilled it at the cabinet. “The boy has been to hell and survived. Since arriving at our ranch he has endured more suffering than anyone should his age, and yet he hasn’t shed a tear.”

  “Maybe he’s tougher than you thought.”

  Wade shook his head. “I know he’s hurting. I can feel it.”

  “Then give him time to heal.” The wiser side of Prescott advised. “If the boy lost all memory of what happened that night in the mountain, then more than likely he is unconsciously blocking any painful memories. Perhaps when he recalls that particular event, it will release a tidal wave of emotion.”

  “Perhaps.” He verbally agreed but wondered if the damage done would be irrevocable.

  Prescott took his leave and Wade sat by the fire late into the morning. It was fruitless attempting sleep. His mind was far too concerned about the incident that occurred in his bunkhouse that night. As soon as the sun rose he went out to the barns and sent Neil into town to report back on the state of Chuck Rhodes.

  The remainder of ranch hands went about their business. Wade sought out Kim Whong and informed him the boy would cook breakfast for him and his siblings. Then he headed back to the main house to wake him. In comparison to the goings on outside, the interior of the home was quiet. Neither Prescott nor Kathleen had stirred.

  Going through the kitchen he went to the door to the cook’s room and opened it to find the boy sitting up on his bed. “Morning.”

  The boy gave a meek nod. Huge bags hung under his eyes indicating he had slept as much as Wade.

  “Would you mind preparing breakfast for Prescott, Kathleen and I?”

  He nodded and Wade thought he was going to smile, but it disappeared before it could form.

  “I’ve sent Neil into town,” He thought to update him. “I’ll let you know as soon as I know anything.”

  Again the boy nodded, then slowly rolled off the bed.

  “Did Prescott leave a change of clothes for you?” He wore an old night shirt that once belonged to Prescott, whom he assumed had loaned it to him after getting cleaned up the night before.

  The boy gestured toward the small table in the room where a pile of clean clothing lay. Wade gave a curt nod then turned to leave, but
something caught his attention. An exposed leg slipped over the bedside. A soft and willowy leg with plenty of skin. Wade instantly looked away and frowned at his thoughts. It was not unusual for boys to have soft curves like females. It was unusual, however, for him to find them appealing.

  He returned to the kitchen to put a kettle on the enormous white cooktop that Kathleen had insisted they purchase, heedless of the fact it would be used very little since Kim preferred cooking in the bunkhouse. Wade brought some wood in and began a fire in the pit of the stove for the boy to cook upon. After, he grabbed his coat off the hook near the back entrance and went out to chop wood. There was an ample supply so it wasn’t necessary, but Wade felt the need to release some pent up tension, or anger, he wasn’t entirely sure.

  He kept up with it for several hours, pausing only to notice the boy slip out of the house to the ice box. He shot a glance in Wade’s direction, but hurriedly went about his business. Wade had discovered the boy had yet another hidden talent. Cooking. If Kim Whong hadn’t been his long and trusted cook, Wade would have happily fired the Chinese man for the boy. He hadn’t tasted such wonderful cooking since his mother’s personal servant was released years before after her death. Even Kathleen, whom was a trained cook from the kitchens of Paris, could hardly compare. Granted she didn’t practice the technique since she herself used a servant in New Westminster.

  The sound of an approaching horse, had Wade raising his head and see Neil riding down the lane toward him. He lifted the ax over his head and lodged it deeply in a log. Stepping aside, he waited for his ranch hand to rein in his horse.

  “How’s Chuck?”

  Neil shook his head. “Crazier than ever but conscious.”

  Wade sighed with relief.

  “Kept going on about a woman disguised as a beast who tried to kill him.”

  “Just as long as he keeps shooting that nonsense.” Wade couldn’t be happier the old man’s lunatic talk would only benefit the boy.

  He dismissed Neil then headed for the house. Kathleen was sure to be awake soon, but hopefully Wade could have a private word with Prescott and the boy before she emerged from her room for breakfast. The house smelled of smoked bacon and fresh bread. His stomach growled, reminding him how hungry he was. Voices drifted from the kitchen and Wade found Prescott entertaining the boy with his usual banter.