by Angel’s End
Leah blushed. The eyebrow he cocked in her direction seemed mischievous, almost devilish.
“No one knew it was broken,” she said quietly and turned back to the apples.
“Hmm.” He poked a long screwdriver into the pipe and held it up to the light.
“What about Jake?” He moved the lamp from the table to the sink and peered down into the pipe.
“Jake?”
“The idiot who is worried about you?” There it was again. That devilish quirk of the eyebrow. “Why did your friend feel the need to apologize for him?”
“Because he was angry with me.”
“I see.” He jerked the pipe back and forth and then stopped to put his hand on his side.
“You really shouldn’t…” Leah began.
He held up his finger to silence her and then knelt on the floor, and opened the cabinet. He removed the contents carefully. “Hold the lamp for me please.” He gingerly turned over on his back and slid inside.
Leah obliged, after navigating around his long legs. Nate’s shirt was too short, as she knew it would be, and hiked up around the bandage which left the area above his once again sagging pants exposed. Her skirt brushed against it as she moved into place and he gave a small jerk.
“So is this Jake person sweet on you?”
“Jake Reece,” she reminded him. “From the search committee.”
“He must have had ulterior motives for finding a preacher.”
“What do you mean ulterior motives?”
“A wedding?” There was a lot of rattling and clanking going on beneath the sink.
She peered down into the space where the pipe was. “Nope. No wedding.”
“Can’t see,” he said. Leah moved her head and returned the lamp. “Why no wedding? Is he mean? Doesn’t have a job? Doesn’t like kids?”
“He owns a ranch outside of town. He raises cattle. And he’s very nice to Banks.”
“Sounds like a great prospect for marriage.”
“Except I don’t love him.”
The clanging stopped. “Can you pour some water inside the pipe?” Leah did as he said. “Aha! Found it.” The clanging started again. “Does that matter so much?”
“Does what matter?”
“Loving him.”
“Yes, it matters very much.”
“Ouch, damn it!”
“You sure do curse a lot for a preacher.” There was complete silence. Leah peered down in the hole again. He had his thumb in his mouth. “But maybe there are times when it’s called for?”
He took his thumb from his mouth and once more gave her that devilish look that looked all the more so, as his face was mostly in shadow.
“Should I have blessed my curse first?”
“What do you mean, bless it?”
“Put God’s name before it.”
“Wouldn’t that be taking the Lord’s name in vain?”
“So you’re a stickler for the Commandments?”
“No.” Leah laughed. “I mean I try, but usually fail.”
“Don’t we all. Watch out.” The pipe came up through the hole. “Hold this while I reattach it.”
It wasn’t a command, or even a request. It felt more like a casual intimacy. Well, they had kissed…Leah took a firm hold on the pipe and felt tiny jerking motions as he connected it.
“I guess I could say holy first. Like holy hell?”
“I wouldn’t recommend saying anything like that outside these walls.”
“Would that offend?”
“Certain folks would find it offensive.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
The man was peculiar. It got quiet. No noise from below the sink at all. Leah couldn’t see down the hole anymore as the pipe was attached. She let go and it didn’t wobble. She moved to look beneath the cabinet. He was very still. “Are you all right?”
“I think you’re going to have to help me up.”
“I knew you shouldn’t be doing all this stuff so soon.”
“Well it’s done now.” He stuck out his arm and Leah took it. He pulled on her for leverage until he was able to slide out from under the cabinet. He sat up and hit the top of his head on the overhang.
“Holy…” His voice trailed off and he grinned at Leah. She shook her head and went back to the stove. The apples were ready so she placed them in a bowl and put the food on the table while he connected the pipes. He dipped some water from the pot on the stove and poured it down the pipe to prime the pump before attaching the final piece, and with a few quick pumps water flowed forth.
“Thank you so much.” Leah didn’t waste any time filling a pot with water and putting it on the stove to warm for the dishes. They sat down to eat and he quickly filled his plate and started in.
Leah watched him for a moment. He didn’t say grace…
“Is something wrong?” he asked.
“No. Nothing is wrong.” She smiled at him. “Nothing at all.”
The fire had melted the surrounding snow. It burned so high and so hot that the ice pellets that poured from the sky dissolved long before they hit the ground. Ward felt sweat running down his neck beneath the kerchief he wore over the lower half of his face to protect him from any contagion. Seventeen bodies had gone into the fire. Men, women and a few children. It was heartbreaking, yet it had to be done. They didn’t know their names, nor could they go through their things to find out. Everything was burned. Every piece of clothing, every blanket, every tent, even the pots and pans were thrown into the fire. The smell was horrible, as if hell itself had opened up and spewed forth its rot.
Who had started the epidemic? It must have been a traveler, someone moving through the area. Had that person perished here or left, not knowing that he or she carried death with them? Ward tried to think of any strangers who’d been through recently; most stopped at the Heaven’s Gate and nearly all ate at the Devil’s Table. And now Leah had been exposed and would most likely catch it. And if she did, would anyone else in town? She’d poured his coffee this morning, right after she touched those children. Ward sighed heavily. He wasn’t ready to die. Was anyone ever ready for that? At least now they had a minister to prepare them for the afterlife.
But Leah dying…I’ll take care of Banks…it’s the least I can do…Ward couldn’t help but cringe as he replayed the night when Nate died. He should have done something…he should have stopped him.
Gus Swanson rode up beside him. The man’s face was ghastly pale. Ward knew he’d puked his guts out at the sights and the smells. Gus was not hardened by war like he’d been at a young age. Gus wiped at his sweaty face with his kerchief. Jake and Jim, who’d circled the camp one last time, joined them by the fire.
“Gretchen asked the preacher if he’d come up here later and say a prayer over them,” Jim said as they watched the flames leap against the darkening sky.
“Poor bastards,” Jake said. There was nothing left for the men to do, so they turned and started the hard journey back to town.
The wind pushed against them and tiny ice pellets stung the parts of their skin that were exposed to the elements. It was a miserable ride. Jake fell in beside him when they exited Rattlesnake Canyon and the road widened enough for them to ride side by side. The only thing on Ward’s mind was staying warm beneath his heavy coat and the shot of whiskey he’d have as soon as he got back. And Lady. It was funny how he’d taken to that dog so quick.
“I reckon this is where she came from,” he said to Jake as he came up.
“Who?”
“The dog. Lady.” Jake looked at him in confusion. Ward was so used to having Jake around that he’d forgotten that he didn’t know about the arrival of his newest friend. Although she’d been right by his side when Jake stormed into Heaven’s Gate and told him about the devastation at the mining camp.
“A dog turned up on my stoop this morning,” he explained. “And the Martins had a momma cat with a bunch of kittens show up in their barn.”
“And I g
ot the donkey,” Jake said.
“If you’re claiming it then I’ll send you the bill for its feed,” Jim called out.
Jake shook his head. “The last thing I want is a donkey. Keep it and sell it for all I care.”
“Fine with me,” Jim called back.
“So I hear you finally met the preacher,” Jake said.
“Yep.”
“And?”
“And what?”
“You’re the only person who’s talked to him. Besides Leah.”
“Gus’s wife talked to him. Said he ate half a cake.”
Jake shook his head. “What do you think?”
Ward couldn’t help but enjoy himself at Jake’s expense. “About what?”
Jake let out a heavy sigh. The truth of the matter was, Ward didn’t know what to think. The few minutes he’d spent with the man hadn’t been helpful. Ward usually knew when he was being played, but this guy…this preacher…Ward needed more time and more conversation to figure him out. Dodger seemed to like the man, which went a long way in Ward’s opinion, but still, there was something about him that just didn’t set right.
“If you’re so interested in the man why don’t you go talk to him?”
“Going to be kind of hard if he’s got the measles.”
“Well at least he and Leah will both be in the same place and we can isolate it if they do get sick.”
“Yeah,” Jake muttered. “They’re both locked up together.”
Ward laughed. “So that’s what’s got you so twisted up. You’re afraid Leah is going to go sweet on the preacher.”
“Won’t do them any good if they both wind up dead,” Jake growled.
Ward put a hand on Jake’s arm. “Look, I know you’re worried about her. Hell, we all are. But there’s nothing we can do about it now. If she gets sick then she gets sick and we’ll do what we can for her and Banks.”
“So basically you’re saying it’s in God’s hands?”
“I reckon I am.”
“Somehow that doesn’t make me feel any better.”
Ward shook his head. “Me either.”
SEVENTEEN
I can’t believe I told her my name. It wasn’t as if he lied. Kincaid was his middle name. Matthew Kincaid Gentry, Kincaid after his mother’s family. Cade stood in the hallway, silent, and watched Leah as she slept with the kitten curled up against her back. The wind rattled the window above her head. He hoped in his heart that she would forgive him someday.
You’re turning soft…
Dodger stood watching him with his head cocked to one side. Cade wore Timothy’s heavy overcoat. Beneath it Leah’s dead husband’s gun was strapped to his side. Leah had fallen quickly asleep after dinner and he’d made good use of the time.
“Go to sleep boy,” Cade quietly urged the dog. Dodger followed him to the back door. “Be quiet now.” Dodger made to follow him but Cade quickly latched the door in his face.
The thick wet snow made it a miserable night to be out and that suited Cade just fine. Several inches of snow had fallen in the hours since it started, which was a good thing. It would cover his tracks. Cade walked out to the opposite side of Leah’s shed and looked back toward town. Heavy, fat flakes covered his coat in a matter of seconds. All he could see was the faint outline of the buildings and the occasional dim glow of turned-down lamps behind windows closed securely against the weather. Behind him was nothing but darkness and a swirling mass of snow. He knew there was a stream, and beyond that a heavy forest of pines that led up into the mountains that sheltered the valley.
If not for the snow he’d move that way. Lose himself in the mountains. Maybe head for California. He’d always wanted to see the ocean. This time of year it would be suicide. Especially in the shape he was in. But he couldn’t afford to get stuck here all winter. The town might not have a sheriff but he was pretty certain it had a jail. They’d lock him up for sure if they knew he was impersonating Timothy. And more than likely accuse him of his murder.
Cade moved on. The livery was a few houses down. There was a corral behind it that went all the way down to the stream. Smart move on Martin’s part. The water was right there for the horses. Beyond it he saw the glow from the forge. It was sheltered under a roof that was open on three sides. Another smart move. Less risk of fire but cold work this time of year.
The corral was empty. Cade looked behind at his trail and was happy to see his tracks had already filled with snow. By morning no one would be able to tell what had passed through here, only that something did.
A wolf howl sounded. Long, sharp and mournful, it froze him in place. It carried into town, drifting through like a silent wraith. A dog, not Dodger thank God, barked from behind the stout walls of his house, heroic because he knew he was safe inside. The wolf was close, come down from his mountain into the valley to hunt. More would follow. Coming up against a pack of hungry wolves was a battle he’d rather not fight. Not until he was much stronger at least.
Cade gingerly climbed between the bars of the corral. His ribs were killing him. Just the thought of mounting up and riding out was painful, more proof that he was in no shape to go. Digging the washtub out had taken nearly all of his strength. Yet here he was prowling about town when he should be resting up for when he could go. But he couldn’t help himself. He wanted to get a lay of the land for future reference.
Two wide doors from the stable opened into the corral. They weren’t locked, not that a lock had ever stopped him if he wanted what was inside. Thankfully he didn’t have to mess with it as it was so cold his fingers would be practically useless if he took off his gloves. He opened the doors enough to enable him to quickly slide inside.
Cade paused a moment to give his eyes a chance to adjust to the darkness that engulfed him. The only light was on the opposite end, from a lamp turned so low it was barely more than a pinpoint. The wind rattled through the doors and windows, finding the weakness of the stable’s defense against the weather. A low grumbling growl sounded and the horses sheltered within tossed their heads in ghostly apprehension. Cade stood, silent, while they shifted around in their stalls. A ghostly white head appeared at the one closest to him. Cade recognized the horse that had carried him through the blizzard.
He rubbed the long nose. “Hey there boy. I never had a chance to thank you for saving my life.”
The horse snorted in response and snuffed against Cade’s gloved palm.
“I reckon they’re taking good care of you here.” The horse dropped its head and nibbled delicately at the straw beneath its feet.
A cat stood in the middle of the stable when he turned. She studied him for a moment with eyes that glowed like coals and her tail twitching before she stalked off, confident that he was no threat to her domain. There were a few more horses that stared at him curiously as he walked through. The gear was stashed in a small room close to the street side door. Saddles lined up on a rail and the bridles hung neatly from hooks. A donkey was penned across from it. The creature stared up at him and stretched its lips out as if he wanted to say something. A feed bag sat on a barrel outside the tack room. Cade flung a handful at the donkey’s feet and then checked the street by offsetting the doors.
The saloon was directly across from where he stood. It was difficult to see if anyone was inside with the heavy snow falling down. Or maybe it was because there was something in the middle of the street. The statue? Cade moved to a window.
He’d expected the saloon to be open. It was late, but not that late. He suddenly realized he had no idea what day it was. Hopefully a Monday so he could be good and gone before Sunday got here. The doors were barred and the only light shone from a room up above. Still it’d be best if he went out the back of the stable. If anyone was up and watching they’d surely notice someone walking down the middle of the street.
Cade went out the way he’d come in. Quietly he circled the town, moving slowly, so that he was nothing more than a shadow covered with snow. He tested the locks at the back
of the general store and the assayer’s office. Cade moved on and came to the end of the line of buildings. He wandered down the trail a bit before crossing to the other side. He skirted the back of the buildings on the opposite side of the street, making sure to stay well away from the saloon. When he came to the back of the sheriff’s office he placed his hand against the wooden building. It was as cold as ice and no smoke came from the stovepipe. He cautiously looked in the window and confirmed his suspicions. Angel’s End wasn’t only lacking a preacher; it was also without a sheriff. The last building on the south side of the street was the diner. It was locked up tight.
Cade walked between the diner and the deserted sheriff’s office next to it. He stood there for a moment, lost in the shadows and the snow and stared at Leah’s house. The quiet settled over him like the flakes of snow that obliterated his body from view until he was no more than an extension of the building he leaned against. Yes, he was cold and yes he hurt like hell, but he ignored it, as he’d had to so many times in his life.
Leah…Of all the times in his life to meet someone like her. If things were different, if he wasn’t on the run, if the past had been different. If he was a different man. If he was good and honest and she knew him as what he could be with her.
“All those blows to the head must have rattled your brain,” he said to the empty streets. Thinking that way would get him killed. He had the wound to prove it. Thinking that way was what got him in this predicament in the first place. It was another one of God’s jokes. The one time he tried to do good he paid for it. The smartest and the safest thing to do was get out of town as fast as he could. Maybe in a few days he’d be feeling better. In his present condition there was no way he could survive the elements.
Cade looked to the north. The church stood there, the steeple taller than any other structure in town. He felt as if the church stared down at him with expectation. He’d felt the same thing when Timothy looked at him. Cade shook his head at his foolishness. He should skirt around the diner, cross behind the church, and return to Leah’s.
