Under a Desert Sky

by DiAnn Mills

  How could Eva want to return to that life? “So you and Victoria spent a lot of time together?”

  “Oh, yes. She has a good heart, but she’s insecure. I see that now. Whenever I chose to visit away from home with a friend, she became very depressed, as though I’d replaced her. I felt so sorry for her that I’d give in. She has no one but me—no family or friends her own age. We took vacations together. Read and discussed books. I guess you could say we were inseparable.”

  Tahoma saw the relationship as unhealthy. He swallowed his thoughts. Who was he to question Eva’s company or her future? “Are you two corresponding?”

  “I’ve written often, but she’s not as faithful in replying. Of course she misses me, and writing me makes her weep. In one of her letters, she talked about coming for a visit.” She sighed. “I don’t think she’d fare well here without all the modern conveniences that she’s grown to appreciate.”

  “I’m sure you’d welcome a familiar face, and—”

  A loud pop startled him. The left front tire blew. Eva screamed. Another pop sent a bullet into the opposite side of the truck. He pushed her head down onto the seat out of the shooter’s range and prayed for her safety. The windshield cracked like a spider’s web, sending shards of glass across his lap and onto Eva. Something pierced his neck, and he fought for control of the truck. Gripping the steering wheel, he swung the truck around, bringing it to a stop dangerously close to a ravine.

  “Have you been hit?” he whispered.

  She didn’t move. “I don’t think so. Are you all right?”

  “Yeah, I’m fine. We’ve got to get out of here.” He felt a trickle of blood drip down his neck. “Whoever is shooting at us will be on us in no time.” Adrenaline rushed through his veins with hot urgency to get Eva out of the truck before a bullet found its way to the gas tank.

  “Tahoma, that means someone at the ranch has been following us.”

  “Looks that way.” Another bullet whizzed over the top of her head. He grabbed her arm, and she lifted her head slightly. “There’s more than one shooter.”

  Horror creased her features. “You’re bleeding.” Her voice registered near hysteria.

  “Eva, listen to me. We’ll both be killed if we don’t get out of this truck.” The truck had spun around, which meant the next bullet could send the truck up in flames. A rock piling to their right would shield them. “Open the door, and crouch low. I’m right behind you.”

  The door creaked open, and she crawled out, allowing the door to shield her. Tahoma pulled his way over the gearshift and to the passenger’s seat. Another bullet whizzed by him. Quiet sobs met his ears.

  “We’ll be all right,” he said. “Listen to me carefully. I’m pulling my rifle out from under the truck seat. I’ll fire it while you run for those rocks to the right. Understand?”

  She nodded, but words seemed to have escaped her. Shock, no doubt. He wrapped his fingers around the rifle stock. “You can do this. Pretend you’re with the Monarch boys, and this is a lesson. Go now.”

  He fired repeatedly while she ran for cover. He heard two more shots. Both missed his Eva. Her rifle sat back at Ghost Ranch, where it did them no good at all.

  Warm blood continued to roll down his neck, and the open flesh began to sting. He gauged how quickly he could make it to the rocks and how many shots he dared to fire. Reaching under the seat, he grasped a box of bullets.

  Tahoma burst from the truck and fired into the unknown while more bullets headed his way. He couldn’t be shot again, or he’d be unable to protect Eva.

  Reaching the rock, he slid over beside her. Bullets bounced around them. One look into Eva’s pale face told him she was fighting desperately to hold onto sanity.

  “Pray,” he whispered. “God is the only One who can get us out of this mess.”

  A barrage of bullets hit the truck. A second later the fuel ignited, sending a burst of metal and smoke into the air with an explosion that rocked the countryside.

  The sound would startle anyone within miles and send help.

  “Those shooters just made a mistake,” he said. “Ranch hands won’t waste any time getting here.”

  “Are you sure?”

  At the sound of her voice, a twinge of fear assaulted him. How long could they stay behind the rocks before whoever was after them circled around?

  CHAPTER 29

  My whole life seemed to lead from one life-shattering event to another—all drenched in blood—all because someone wanted me dead. Watching flames leap from Tahoma’s truck with the understanding we could have been inside paralyzed my senses. We were still trapped with no way out.

  I turned to Tahoma, the one person who would help me find the strength to fight this assault. A crimson spring poured from his neck, and I gasped. He had been shot. I reached to touch his neck, but he stopped me.

  “I’m all right. I’m sure it looks worse than it is.”

  “You’re bleeding because of me. What can I do to help?”

  He pulled off his glove and held it to his neck just as another bullet whistled over our heads.

  I trembled. Nothing had prepared me for this. My life had been spent in a cocoon where not even a hint of violence ever surfaced. I wasn’t smart enough to successfully dive into the mind of a killer to guess what he’d do next. And my dear Tahoma was—

  “We will get out of this.”

  “How? We’re pinned here, and we can’t see who’s firing at us.”

  “We’re also safe behind these rocks, and I have plenty of bullets.”

  Yes, until he passed out from loss of blood. “This is my fault, and I’m sorry for all the trouble I’ve caused.”

  “I suppose you sent the shooters an invitation on your Fortier stationery for a Thanksgiving celebration?” He moistened his lips, and his face hardened. “Meet me on a dirt road.”

  The sarcasm came from his injury, or I would have given him a fine rebuttal. Instead I did the opposite and held the glove to his neck, freeing his hands.

  “I’m sorry.”

  “It’s all right,” I said.

  He swallowed hard. “We’ll think of something.”

  I waited for him to gather his wits, for I was certain he knew of a way to escape. Staring into his dark eyes, I realized for the first time in my life that I truly loved this man, and I’d do anything for him.

  A man I could never have.

  When the killers were found, I must return to Syracuse and resume the responsibilities of managing the Fortier and Bennington estates with the help of Mr. Murdock. In addition, Victoria often claimed she’d die if not for my company. And my Tahoma had already admitted he could not leave the high desert.

  “Eva, the explosion was heard for miles. Either my family or those at Ghost Ranch will be here soon.”

  “The men shooting at us will realize that too.”

  “And maybe they’ll leave before anyone arrives.” He gave me a faint smile.

  So we would wait for help to arrive. I removed my own glove, a green velvet, and dabbed at the blood running down his neck. My thoughts strayed back to when I’d tended Walt Chambers. I took care of him, and he lived. And now he might be one of those trying to kill us.

  My foolishness had wounded Tahoma. Perhaps killed Pete or even Grandfather.

  A surge of anger rose in me, inciting feelings I’d never experienced before. I grabbed Tahoma’s rifle and shot it five times in the direction of the shots fired at us.

  “Listen here, you crazed idiots. You killed my grandfather, Pete Davidson, and now you’ve shot my friend—all because you want me for some insane reason. You fools.” I cursed. I actually cursed. “Why didn’t you kill me when you had the chance instead of telling me to run? In fact, why don’t you step out into the open? Only a coward or a rabid animal chases a woman. I’ll meet you on the road, and then I can look both of you in the eyes before you pull the trigger.” I started to stand. “I’m tired of—”

  Tahoma pulled me down beside him. Cle
arly shock from the gunshot had set in, for his eyes were wide.

  Or maybe his shock had another source. His voice shook. “What are you doing? You can’t expose yourself like that. And I can’t let you walk out there and face those men.”

  “What do you mean?” I began to tremble, and the reality of what I’d done and said caused my stomach to roll. “This has got to end. Maybe they want money. I have plenty, and he can have it all.”

  “Then they win and people have died for nothing.”

  I hadn’t thought of the matter that way. “I just want it all to be over.”

  “I know, and it will be soon.”

  I blinked back the tears. “I forgot to pray too. I–I just got so angry.”

  He chuckled, and I knew he hurt by the way he clenched his jaw. “Remind me never to make you mad.” He turned his head. “No one’s firing at us.”

  “I doubt I scared them away.”

  He moved so he could see around the rock. “Don’t celebrate yet. They may be making their way closer to us. Uh, can I have my rifle back?”

  The intensity of what was happening settled on me. We could be dead in a few minutes, and there were so many things I’d not accomplished. Why had I waited so long to make peace with God? My emotions scurried like the mice I’d seen at the ranch. I didn’t want to hide in a dark corner; I wanted to be free.

  “Is it too late for God to accept me?” I whispered.

  Tahoma’s eyes filled with compassion. “Only when you breathe your last is it too late.”

  I had no idea how God felt about a person facing death and comprehending a need for Him, but I couldn’t dwell on Him refusing my plea. If Tahoma and I survived, then I’d have to live life differently, not just for myself, but for God. Either way, I’d have made a good choice.

  My world was dark and confusing, and I needed hope.

  I slid away from Tahoma. With my back against the hard rock, I closed my eyes. I had no idea if a specific prayer would usher me into heaven, but I had a feeling from what I’d read and heard from church that the matter rested in my heart.

  Tears pooled my eyes, and I began my prayer by asking God to forgive me for all my selfish acts. I remembered the pastor in our church stating we should ask God to forgive the sins we unknowingly do, so I added that. I thanked Him for Jesus and what He’d done on the cross for me. And asked Him to keep my soul with Him forever. Tears continued to drip down my cheeks, but I let them dry there. It seemed fitting.

  When I opened my eyes, Tahoma gave me a tender smile. “Welcome,” he whispered.

  “Thank you. I feel wonderful.”

  “Are you ready?”

  I understood exactly what he meant. “Yes sir. I am.”

  “Eva, if—”

  A shot fired so close to my head that I thought at first I’d been hit. Tahoma pushed me facedown onto the hard ground. “At least one of them has changed positions.”

  Another shot bounced off the rock where seconds before my chest had been anchored.

  We rolled onto our stomachs to get as flat to the ground as possible. Tahoma lifted his pistol and fired in both directions.

  “We’re trapped,” he said. “And soon to be easy pickings.”

  I prayed it all would happen quickly and hoped that not wanting Tahoma or myself to suffer was not too selfish.

  From the stillness, rifle fire split the air, and it sounded like it came from a different direction. I heard a familiar voice and held my breath.

  “Tahoma, we’ve got one of the shooters,” Rex called out. “Stay put until we get the other one.”

  Rex’s words confirmed what Tahoma and I needed to hear. We’d been rescued. I couldn’t see him or the others, and yet peace flooded through me. We’d been rescued, and I’d never forget any of the happenings today. But why had we been spared?

  Gunfire exploded around us, and I froze in my spot beside Tahoma. Men shouted, and I wanted to raise my head to see. Tahoma must have sensed my curiosity, because he covered the back of my head with his hand.

  “It’s safe.” Rex sounded closer. “The other fellow got away. Had a horse hidden. Never saw the horse before.”

  Tahoma turned over onto his back. His pallor frightened me, and his neck oozed blood. I reached to give him a hand up, but he refused and clumsily rose to his feet.

  Rex and the other two ranch hands had never looked more handsome. I wanted to throw my arms around their necks and kiss their whiskered cheeks.

  “Tahoma needs care,” I said, restraining my scattered emotions. “A bullet grazed his neck.”

  “Charlotte can fix me up,” Tahoma said. “It’s not serious, and she’s bandaged up ranch hands worse off than me.”

  “I agree with Miss Eva.” Rex leaned on one leg and examined the injury. “You’ve lost a lot of blood. Might need to take you to Santa Fe.”

  “I’m not going anywhere,” Tahoma said. “Charlotte can do it.”

  Rex frowned and something behind us caught his attention.

  “Hey, Juan.”

  I whirled around.

  “Do you know this hombre?” Juan shoved a man toward us with the barrel of his rifle. “I say hang ’em.”

  My hand flew to my mouth.

  The shooter was Walt Chambers. I wanted to scratch his eyes out.

  “Did you kill Pete?” I stomped toward him, forgetting the promise I’d just made to God. “You are dirt, pure dirt.”

  “Stay back from him,” Tahoma said.

  His weak voice frightened me, and I stopped.

  “Almost had both of you.” Walt sneered. “Next time you won’t be so lucky.”

  Rex grabbed me before I punched Walt in the nose. I hadn’t been a Christian for ten minutes, and already I had to ask for forgiveness.

  CHAPTER 30

  I stood beside Tahoma in the kitchen of Charlotte’s home while she cleaned and bandaged his neck. The experience with Rex’s appendectomy had readied me for the blood and raw flesh. So had tending to Walt’s knife wound. I flinched at the thought of how I’d kept the miserable creature alive.

  Rex and Juan had taken Walt Chambers to Santa Fe. Good thing. I might now be a child of God, but I was having a real hard time forgiving myself for being duped by the man. I needed to talk to someone who’d been a Christian a long time to figure out a few things—like forgiveness.

  I wrapped my arms around my waist, feeling as though I might become physically ill. Ever since I’d arrived at Ghost Ranch, I’d started to change. The step of becoming a Christian was a good one, but I wondered about the reasons for other alterations I’d noticed. For example, I noted that I no longer spoke as eloquently, at least in my mind. Was that necessarily a detriment to my character, or had I simply wanted to be accepted by my new friends?

  Mercy, why did I fill my brain with such nonsense when the guilt over Walt’s betrayal made me so angry that I wanted to scream?

  I turned my attention to Tahoma. Oh, how I wanted to touch him. Sometimes when I let my mind wander, I thought about how it would feel to have his arms around me and mine around him. His shoulders looked rock-hard. I thought about other things too, things a proper woman should save for a wedding day. I fanned my face and hoped neither Charlotte nor Tahoma could see how he affected me.

  Shoving those thoughts aside, I focused on his wound. He’d been right about it not being serious. The open flesh looked better than the knife wound I’d tended for the man who’d tried to kill us.

  Who might be the man who’d killed Grandfather.

  Who most likely killed Pete.

  Who shot Tahoma.

  I shook with shame. I’d nursed a man who wanted me dead. Would the guilt stay with me forever?

  “Stop blaming yourself,” Charlotte said. “I can read your mind, and you had no idea Walt Chambers was part of the plot to kill you.”

  I bit my lower lip to keep from crying. “I remember the last evening I saw him. He told me he had a surprise for my next trip. He must have thought he had enough strength t
o overpower me then.”

  “He lied to you,” Tahoma said. “He’s to blame for what he said and did, not you.” He glanced up at me. “Hey, I’m not upset with you. No one is.”

  I nodded. “The other shooter is out there somewhere. If the missing man killed Grandfather, at least I can recognize his voice and what I remember about him.”

  “We’ve made a huge stride in bringing this to an end.” Tahoma’s voice sounded strong, as though Charlotte’s bandaging took away the pain. “You gave Rex a note to notify Mr. Murdock, right?”

  “Yes. Once they arrive at the sheriff’s office, he promised to call Mr. Murdock and explain what happened.”

  “What about your friend Victoria? Shouldn’t she be made aware?”

  I should have sent a note for Rex to call her too. “She needs to hear from me what has been going on. I’m afraid Mr. Murdock won’t contact her.”

  “Why?” he said.

  “They despise each other. Always have. Mr. Murdock and Grandfather may not have agreed about many things, but they did share a dislike for Victoria.”

  Charlotte tilted her head. “Mr. Murdock seems like a good man.”

  “He is,” I said. “The best. He’s always treated me like a daughter, which caused problems now and then between Victoria and me. However, I’d like to call both of them as soon as possible.”

  “That’s understandable.” Charlotte continued to dress Tahoma’s wound. “I’ll take you to Santa Fe in the morning. I have business there, so it’s no problem.”

  “Thank you,” I said. “What can I do for you?”

  Tahoma started to laugh, a low rumble that erupted into a full belly laugh, as I’d heard Rex describe it. Charlotte stopped her nursing and stared at him.

  “What on earth is the matter with you?” Charlotte’s wide-eyed look only made him laugh more.

  He attempted to gain control. “Let me tell you what Eva did when we were trapped behind those rocks. She lost her temper with one of the shooters….”