by Nan Ryan
Ignoring her, Suzette said to Perry, “I am not leaving my husband. I’m going to help you.”
“All right,” he responded, looking only at Austin. Anna left the room. Kate came in with the boiling water and clean bandages, then made a hasty exit, her face showing her concern for the big, injured man.
As Perry began cutting away Austin’s bloody clothing, he spoke quietly to Suzette. “Get the chloroform from my bag and set out a thick square of gauze.”
He took the chloroformed gauze from Suzette and stepped up to Austin’s face. “When I put this over your nose and mouth, breathe as deeply as you can, Austin.”
Without another word, he clasped it over Austin’s pale face and held it firmly in place while Austin fought it, twisting his head, his eyes rolling. Tom and Suzette held him down, amazed at how strong a wounded man could be. Suzette held her breath while Austin straggled. Finally it was over and his writhing body went limp.
Tossing the gauze aside, Perry rushed to cut away the remainder of Austin’s clothing. Tom, big-hearted but weak-stomached, quietly slipped from the room. Only Suzette remained.
Following instructions from Perry, Suzette washed away the drying blood and dirt from the wound, while Perry pulled away the pieces of flesh and blood-soaked shirt. Nervously glancing at the big clock on the sideboard, Perry worked rapidly and heard Suzette say resolutely, “I’ve heard Daddy say there’s nothing worse than a stomach wound. If a man is hit there, he has only an hour to live with the bullet in him.”
Without lifting his head, Perry said calmly, “We must hurry.”
Austin lay naked under a snowy-white sheet. Perry probed until he found the poisonous lead bullet. He lifted his eyes rapidly to the clock, lowering them immediately. Suzette, at Perry’s elbow, staunched the flow of blood with hands as sure and steady as those of the young doctor. In minutes it was over, the bullet extracted, the wound cleaned with a saline solution, and Austin bandaged from waist to thigh.
While Perry washed the blood from his hands, Suzette gently pulled the sheet up to Austin’s chest. Leaning close to his face, she murmured, “Austin, darling, I need you so much. Please, Austin, don’t leave me.”
“We must pray, Suzette. It’s in God’s hands now.” Perry put an arm around her slender shoulders. “I’m not going to move Austin for a while. Do you think you can go upstairs and sleep?”
Looking at her husband’s ashen face, Suzette shook her head. “I’m staying with Austin.”
Perry nodded and pulled up a chair for her. “I need coffee,” he explained and left the room. Perry told Anna to go back to bed, and within five minutes he was back inside the dining room, ready to begin the long vigil with Suzette.
When the chloroform wore off, Austin Brand lay babbling deliriously. This went on for three days and nights. Suzette stayed throughout, refusing to go to bed, dozing sporadically. Austin talked incessantly, though most of what he said was unintelligible. At times he simply said Suzette’s name over and over.
On the third day, Austin’s delirium ended, and he slipped into unconsciousness. Perry, though he hid it from Suzette and the others, had begun to think the big man wouldn’t pull out of it.
A week passed and still Austin was unconscious. Perry and Anna were scheduled to depart for Fort Worth and their new home, but Perry wouldn’t leave Austin. Perry’s replacement, a gentle doctor with fiery red hair and a winning smile, arrived in Jacksboro and immediately rode out to the Brand ranch. After conferring with Perry, the older man examined Austin and smiled. “He’s going to make it,” he announced in a deep, booming voice. “This man is made of stern stuff. He’ll be awake within twenty-four hours.”
Suzette, though grateful for the reassuring words, remained unconvinced. Alone with her husband as the long winter night dragged by, she studied the handsome face and felt that if he didn’t open his eyes soon, she would scream. He had to wake up, he had to get well. He had to live.
Rising, Suzette stood over him and her heart began to pound. She could feel tears stinging her eyes, but she didn’t try to stop them. Feeling she had to touch him if only for a minute, she very gently peeled the sheet down to his waist and laid her cheek on his broad chest. Contact with his warm body brought forth a well of emotion. She let the tears flow. “Please, Austin, wake up. Wake up, Austin.” She lifted her head and looked down at his face and her breath caught in her throat. He was struggling to open his eyes. “Austin,” she murmured and touched his cheek.
His gray eyes opened; he had difficulty focusing. When he did, he saw a beautiful laughing and crying woman above him. A hint of a smile touched his cool lips.
“Suzette,” he said softly and tried to lift an arm.
“Austin,” she said again and picked up his big hand in both of hers. “Austin. Oh, thank God!” She kissed him.
Before he could kiss her back, she was dashing from the room shouting happily, “Perry, come quick! He’s awake! Austin’s all right!”
22
As soon as Austin woke, he wanted to know the condition of his men. Shocked and saddened by the news that Bob Coleman and Randy Lancaster had died in the gunfight, he turned his head away and said softly, “They were good men. The best.” And then he turned back to Perry. “I think I got the youngest Taylor. Did he make it?”
“No.” Dr. Woods shook his head. “Carl Taylor died where he fell. One of the others was hit. He lingered two days and finally died.”
“Norman Taylor got away?”
“Afraid so. The sheriff got a posse together, but he didn’t have much luck.”
“Maybe Taylor will stay out of this part of the country now,” Austin said. “I’d hate to think I lost two of my best men for nothing.”
“I’m positive Taylor and his men are far away by now, Austin. Try to put it out of your mind. You need plenty of rest. I’ll be leaving you in Dr. Phillips’s care. He’s a competent physician and a nice man.”
“You and Anna are going to be missed.” Austin shook Perry’s hand.
“I hate to leave Jacksboro, but it’s a decision we made. You and Suzette must visit soon.”
“As soon as I’m well.” Austin smiled.
Austin Brand had spent two happy years coddling and pampering his pretty young wife. Now the roles were reversed and Suzette fussed over her husband from morning to night, refusing to let anyone else do anything for him. Weak from loss of blood, Austin didn’t argue. Flat on his back in his big bed, he smiled lamely while Suzette moved quickly about his bedroom, pulling heavy drapes to let in the winter sun, poking at the burning logs in the black marble fireplace, standing on a chair to choose a book from a high shelf.
Grateful Austin’s life had been spared, Suzette tried to make up for the times she’d taken him for granted. The days and nights he’d lain near death had made her realize how much he meant to her. Though she was not in love with him in the romantic, once-in-a-lifetime way, she wisely concluded that the closeness they shared was precious and that if she never loved him the way he loved her, the need and affection were enough—much more than most couples had.
Austin was pleased with all the attention. Spending every waking hour with Suzette by his bedside was a joy for him and it hastened his recovery. Dr. Phillips came to call and complimented Suzette.
“Mrs. Brand,” he smiled as he winked at Austin. “It appears you’re just about the best medicine this ailing man could have. I’ve never seen such rapid mending.”
Beaming proudly, Suzette stood at the doctor’s elbow and watched unflinchingly while he changed the dressings on Austin’s tender wound. “Why, thank you, Doctor,” she said, accepting his praise. “I’m the daughter of a doctor and I learned a great deal from him. In fact, although we welcome your company, I know you’re a busy man, and if you say the word, I’ll be more than happy to see to it Austin’s bandages are changed each morning.”
The doctor looked at Austin, who nodded his consent. “That will be mighty fine, Mrs. Brand. You sure you won’t faint or get s
ick?”
“Doctor,” Suzette reminded him, “I was here when they brought my husband home that night. I stood at Dr. Woods’s side throughout the operation when it looked as though Austin might bleed to death. If I didn’t pass out then, I assure you that cleaning his wound won’t bother me.”
“She looks fragile, Doctor, but my wife is a very capable, independent woman.” Austin reached for her hand.
From that day forward, Suzette took over the care of her husband. “You know, Austin,” she grinned wickedly one cold morning as he lay naked on his bed while she gave him his bath, “if it weren’t for your pain, this situation would almost be fun. For once, it is I in the role of protector and provider, and you in the role of helpless child, totally dependent on me.” She ran a soapy cloth over his hairy chest.
Austin sighed and twisted a long, shiny blond curl around his finger as Suzette leaned over him. “Tell you a secret, sweetheart—with a girl as fetching as you taking care of me, I’m rather enjoying it.”
And he was. Suzette went out of her way to be caring and tender. She insisted she feed him, though he told her that his arms were as good as ever.
“Maybe so,” she retorted, brushing his hands away and spreading a white napkin over his chest, “but I don’t want you tiring yourself. Dr. Phillips said you should do nothing for several weeks. I intend to see to it that you don’t.”
In the afternoons Suzette read to Austin in her sweet, clear voice while he lay quietly, his gray eyes locked on her. When he grew tired of the stories, Suzette would pull the curtains and turn out the lamp by his bed, leaving only the glow of the fire in the grate across from the bed.
“Don’t go, sweet,” he said sleepily.
“My dear, I’m not about to leave you.” Suzette smiled and kissed his temple. “Do you think you’d be uncomfortable if I stretched out beside you?”
His sleepy eyes opened. “Baby, yes. I mean, no. Come on in here.” He threw back the covers with a powerful arm.
Giggling, Suzette stripped to her underwear and got into the warm bed with her husband. Carefully avoiding any contact with his injured stomach, she kissed his neck and whispered, “Sleep, love.”
And then it was Christmastime. Tom Capps, Slim Hester, and the young wrangler, Denis Sanders, went up into the south pasture and chopped down a tall, full-branched cedar. Suzette clapped her hands when she saw the three red-nosed cowboys standing on the broad porch with the Christmas tree. Throwing wide the double doors, she welcomed them warmly and asked if it would be too much of a struggle to take the fragrant tree up to Austin’s bedroom. Assuring her it would be no trouble at all, the cowboys climbed the stairs with the big, beautiful tree.
Suzette received a Christmas greeting from one of her Louisiana cousins. Emily Foxworth Morrison wrote saying she and her new husband were making their home in Dallas and she hoped Suzette could soon visit them. Suzette shared the message with Austin, and when she refolded the neatly penned letter she asked excitedly if they could go to Dallas for a visit once Austin was healthy again.
“Austin, I’ve not seen Cousin Emily since I was a little girl, and now that she’s so close it would be nice to get to know her. She’s my age and the daughter of Daddy’s only brother, who was killed in the war. Oh, Austin, could we please visit?”
“In time we will, darlin’.” Austin nodded. “Is that the newspaper?”
“Yes.” She put the letter away and picked up the paper. “Shall I read it to you?”
“I’d appreciate it.” He patted the bed beside him and Suzette slipped off her shoes and climbed onto the bed, facing Austin.
She spread out the newspaper and leaned over it, pushing her hair behind her ears. Her eyes immediately fell on the article with the headline: DESPERADO’S LUCK RUNS OUT
The Prairie Echo
December 23, 1880
Jacksboro, Texas
DESPERADO’S LUCK RUNS OUT
The bold bandit often called “Prince of Darkness” took one too many chances and was apprehended in the Bon Ton Saloon on Fort Worth’s wild side, Hell’s Half Acre. Marshall “Long Hair” Jim Courtright, acting on a tip from unknown sources, surprised the cunning outlaw in an early morning raid.
Kaytano, the copper-skinned bandit, appeared impassive and unshaken when he was led away in iron cuffs. Marshall Courtright says he doubts the elusive lawbreaker will be so calm when he goes to the gallows. Wanted for robbery of a federal bank, the half-breed is being fitted for a necktie of rope.
Suzette lowered the paper and looked at Austin. His eyes were on the ceiling, a long arm bent over them. “Do you think they’ll hang him?” Suzette asked cautiously.
“Yes, I do,” Austin said in a flat voice. “I think they’ll hang him and I think that’s what he wants.”
“Austin, what a foolish remark. No one wants to die.”
“When you behave like that Indian bandit, there’s a good chance you’ll perish. To live such a life is to constantly court death.”
“Hmm, I guess so,” she mused. “Why do they call the man the ‘Prince of Darkness’?”
Austin lowered his arm. “Because he once robbed the Franciscan Brotherhood of their gold hoard on the way to California. After that infamous deed, he was considered a devil. Sweetheart, do you think we could change the subject? He’s just another criminal. There are hundreds on the frontier. What else is in the paper?”
The new year came and with it a nice, newsy letter from Anna. It had been a wonderful Christmas and they were looking forward to a visit from the Brands. Suzette read and reread the letter.
“I miss them. Don’t you, Austin?”
“Yes, baby.” Austin saw the wistful look on her face. “Tell you what, the Cattlemen’s Association is having its first big convention in Chicago in February. If I’m able, I’ve got to attend, and—”
Suzette interrupted: “May I please go with you, Austin? I would love to visit Chicago and—”
“No, darlin’,” Austin quieted her. “You can’t go this time. Several men from Graham, Bryson, and Jacksboro are going up as a group. None of the wives are going along.”
“Austin, I don’t care about the other wives. If we go in the Alpha, the other gentlemen won’t even know I’m along. Let me go, please, I’m just dying to go on a trip and I—”
“Suzette, I know you’re tired of being cooped up here. You’ve been an angel about taking care of me and I’m sure you long to go out and enjoy yourself. I’m sorry, I can’t take you to Chicago. I’m not taking the Alpha this trip. I’m booking a regular fare in order to be a part of the group. We’ve a lot to discuss and I’ll be taking my meals with them. I wouldn’t have time to be with you.”
Suzette, Anna’s letter still in her hand, slumped into a chair beside the bed. “Sometimes I wish I were a man,” she said glumly, her disappointment showing.
“Sweet,” Austin laughed and put out his hand to her, “I’m sure glad you’re not a man. Come here.”
Suzette sighed and laid Anna’s letter aside. She rose reluctantly from her chair and let Austin pull her across the bed.
“Listen to me, pretty girl. As I tried to tell you before you interrupted, I must go to Chicago in February. Why don’t you travel to Fort Worth with me and visit Anna and Perry while I’m in Chicago?”
“Austin!” she squealed. “Yes!” Her eyes sparkled with excitement and she soundly bussed her smiling husband. “Thank you, Austin. Thank you, thank you!”
Austin continued to mend rapidly. Dr. Phillips claimed that he had never seen a case like it. “Mr. Brand,” the good doctor said, shaking his red head, “you have a superb body and an astonishing constitution. Most men wouldn’t have lived through such a wound, and here you are, almost good as new.”
“Doctor, I’ve a lot to live for.” Austin grinned, indicating his wife.
“So you do, Mr. Brand,” the doctor agreed. “You’re a lucky man; she’s not just beautiful, she’s also resilient.”
“Will you two quit speakin
g of me as though I weren’t here,” Suzette scolded. “I thank you both for the gracious compliments. Now, Doctor, I want to know if my husband will be well enough to travel in February.”
“I see nothing to keep him from it. The wound is healing nicely and each day he grows stronger. You can plan on your trip if nothing goes awry.”
And plan Suzette did. She was eagerly looking forward to getting away. She’d not been out of the house since the night of the shooting, and though she was happy to wait on and watch over her ailing husband, it was confining, and she and Austin agreed that a change of scenery would be good for both of them. Suzette had suggested that they visit her cousin in Dallas while they were in nearby Fort Worth, but Austin said no. Suzette was disappointed, though she didn’t belabor the point.
She continued to keep Austin company. It was becoming a habit for her to read the newspaper to him as soon as one of the hands delivered it to the house. On a snowy afternoon in January, young Denis Sanders came to the back door and handed Suzette the morning edition. Suzette thanked him and walked through the house. At the bottom of the stairs, she paused, looking at the damp front page.
She didn’t climb the stairs but turned and walked into the library, dropping to the rug in front of the fire. Under a photograph of a darkly handsome man, she read the name: Kaytano. Suzette felt a chill run up her spine as she stared at the picture and at the dark, glittery eyes, the aristocratic nose, the hard mouth, the high, chiseled cheekbones, the thick black hair. Fascinated by the likeness of the renegade, Suzette trembled and let the newspaper drop to the floor. Still she could see the picture and it seemed the cold, beautiful eyes were looking at her. With shaky fingers she picked up the paper and began to read.
January 20, 1880
Fort Worth, Texas
In an unbelievable escape, the bold bandit Kaytano slipped from the clutches of the federal authorities. Like a snake slithering through the weeds, the mysterious man stole away from his cell in the city jail and out into the night. When the sun rose this morning, the jail’s most prized prisoner had disappeared into thin air. Authorities say…
