by Webb, Carole
Hearing footsteps approaching her room, she turned to see her mother standing in the doorway, a scowl on her bright crimson face. Raeden straightened her back and held her chin high bracing herself for the inevitable humiliating confrontation.
The veins in Sophia’s neck bulged, her cheeks on fire when she screeched at her daughter. “What do you think you are doing? You can’t do this. I will never be able to face anyone in this city again.” Tears flowed uncontrolled while she put her hands over her eyes and began to weep.
Seeing her mother in this pitiful state, Raeden rushed to her enfolding her in outstretched arms. “I’m sorry, Mother. I don’t love Christopher and I can’t marry him. I don’t know why I let this happen in the first place. I want more from life and it may not include a man at all. If I did find someone I really wanted to be with, it would have to come second. I want to make a name for myself. It is very essential to me.
“If Aunt Diane can break away from the rules of society so can I. We both know I have always been independent and stubborn and I am sorry I have been such a disappointment to you and Father. You always said I acted just like Diane and maybe I am like her. Can you forgive me?”
Pulling free, her mother said in a calmer tone, “Well, I will never forgive you or Diane for this outrage. Your father is laughing. Laughing, do you hear me? He thinks it is funny. He is on his way to talk to Christopher as we speak.”
Her eyes glanced around the room and fixed on the trunks spread over the floor. “What is this? Are you leaving? Well, good riddance. I hope I never see you again.” She turned and stormed out of the room.
Raeden stared after her mother with her mouth agape. Raeden couldn’t believe she could be so cruel. Tears smarted her eyes as she turned to continue her task, growing angrier by the second. Even this outburst by her mother would not stand the way of her dreams.
When she had everything together, including her sewing machine, she quickly changing into a dress and walked out to the stairwell. Excited voices filtered from downstairs as she bounded down to face the group.
Her father looked at her with warm loving eyes. He stretched out his arms.
“Come here, baby. This will be over soon.” She ran to him and let him enfold her in his strong embrace. “Needless to say, your mother is tremendously upset but she will get over this in time. And Chris, of course, is not happy but he will be fine when he realizes it is for the best.” He rubbed her back with a warm flat hand.
“With his qualifications, some young lass will win his heart in no time.” He snuggled her close for a long moment and then held her at arms length. “It’s all right, Rae. Don’t worry.”
She wiped away tears and smiled. Her brothers stood in the corner laughing together and she knew they laughed at her. It would not be the first time being the brunt of their jokes. She could take it. She gave them a wry smile.
“It is good to see you smile, Rae.” Tom said.
It has been some time since I have felt truly happy.
“I’m going to get Arte’s things together and take the buggy into town. I want to withdraw my savings from the bank.” Her voice turned jovial. “You never know when a girl may need some money.”
Tom stared at his sister. “Arte’s all taken care of. I’ll take him to the train station first thing in the morning. We can load up the wagon tonight and take your luggage at the same time.
“Craig will take you to the bank. Later, I will go to the church and leave a message for the people we couldn’t reach about the deviation in plans.”
A warm smile curved Tom’s mouth upward, extending to his eyes. “You sure know how to cause a gossip fest, little sister.” Tom approached Raeden and wrapped his arms around her pressing her close. “I’m going to miss you while you are gone. Too bad you probably will not be here when our baby arrives, but Cynthia said she will be happy to come and help Margaret when the time comes, and of course, mother will be there too, first grandchild, you know.”
Raeden backed away and looked into his strong handsome face. She would really miss her family. “I’m so sorry, Tom. I didn’t want to cause all this trouble.” Looking into his eyes a little spot in her heart began to ache. Her life would never be the same.
“You just be cautious. I’m sure Diane and Mike will take good care of you and who knows, you may like it there.”
“You are a wonderful brother.” She pecked his cheek. “Well, I am off to the bank. Thank you for all your help.”
She bounded out the door and walked toward the stable, spotting Craig with the buggy. She jumped into the seat beside him and they headed for the bank. Craig showed white teeth while he grinned.
“Maybe you can get in and out before everyone in town knows what happened. You sure can cause trouble, Rae.” His mocking expression let her know he had not been upset with her decision.
Five
Cash managed a few restless hours of sleep. At dawn he rose and grabbed a clean shirt from the closet, dressed then poured water into the basin to shave. He wondered if he would ever be free from the torment plaguing him constantly.
Dampening his hair and running fingers quickly through the dark strands he placed the leather banded black Stetson on his head. He strapped on his gun then descended the stairs to eat breakfast, ordering a meal of side pork and eggs with black coffee.
***
He entered the office, slightly ducking his tall frame under the door’s low clearance and glanced at John. “Anything interesting happen last night?”
“Nope, everything’s fine. No problems here. Where are you headed this morning?” John walked to the gun cabinet and removed a rifle, resting the barrel over his forearm.
“I’ll take a walk to the livery and see how Watts is doing on Mike and Diane’s wagon. I’ll be picking them up at the train station. They’re bringing supplies from St. Louis when they return from the wedding. I’ll also stop by the store and see if Mills needs anything.”
John walked to the door, while placing his hat on his head. “How long have you known Mike and Diane, anyway? You seem pretty close.”
Cash glared at John. He never talked of the past and did not intend to start now. John looked uncomfortable as he turned in the doorway to face Cash.
“I’m going to get something to eat. I’ll take a ride around town and check things out afterward. Guess we will meet up later on.”
Cash strode from the office toward the livery. He turned down the side street leading to the stable. Once inside, he searched the area until he spotted Watts bent over, pulling worn shoes off a dapple-grey mare. Watt’s talents also included being the town farrier and veterinarian. Cash admired his versatility. “Hey, Watts, the place is looking great.”
Watts placed the horse’s hoof gently back on the dirt floor. “Got to keep up with the times, you know.” Being a short wiry man, he did not have to bend far while shoeing the animals making it easier on his back than someone taller.
Watts wore his hair long and his face showed lines from the sun. He had been in Chamberlain for years and everyone depended on him at one time or another.
“Say, how’s Mike’s wagon coming along?” He walked forward as he spoke and put out a hand.
The two men shook hands briskly. “Oh, nothing I couldn’t fix.” Watts straightened with pride. They walked to the wagon so Watts could show Cash his handiwork. The odor of horses and hay filled the air.
“Looks like you did a nice job on the wheel. Can I just leave it here until they arrive? It will save me going out to their place.”
“Sure, no problem, I’m not overcrowded just yet. The new wagons will be arriving on the train when Mike and Diane come in. Just wait until you see those beauties.” His lips expanded in a sly grin. “Now I’ll have something for our new upper classes to rent that won’t tarnish their images.”
In actuality, the people in town with their newfound wealth had not become the least bit snobbish. They worked hard for their money and remained down-to-earth people. But they en
joyed the increase in social functions in town, which also helped all the businesses when extensive groups assembled.
“I hear the hotel will be adding rooms next year. Any truth to the rumor?” Watts moved back toward the gray horse as he spoke, lifting another hoof onto his knee.
“Bill mentioned they would be adding on soon. The town is growing so fast, he needs more accommodations. I’m going to see the mayor this afternoon about adding another deputy marshal to the payroll. Many seamy characters ride into town when they bring the herds to the train station. We really need to stay atop of matters.” Cash had been anxious for some time to add another man as deputy. Now he only had to convince the mayor to contribute to the funds already promised by the Federal Marshall’s office.
Cash removed his hat and wiped beads from his forehead with the sleeve of his shirt. “Angie has problems but she sure likes the business they bring in. She says it just goes with the territory.” Tiny particles of dust swirled in the sun when Cash smacked his hat across his pant leg. “I’m also concerned with all the extra money the banks keep on hand, it’s an invitation for trouble.”
Watts began filing the hoof resting on his knee. “Guess you have your work cut out for you, Marshal.”
After thanking Watts, Cash strode out of the livery and headed toward the general store.
Cash could not help but marvel at all the new homes along the town’s main street. Many had flower gardens in front behind short white fencing while others had specially cut stones to form a walkway from the front gates to the porches.
Several homes had porch swings attached to the overhangs with brightly colored cushions on the seats. He watched several small children play in the street beside one of the new homes as he continued with extended strides toward the general store.
The new storefront façade, painted white, looked nothing like the old worn face of his youth. A new sign hung outside the upper story, reading Chamberlain General Store in crisp green letters. The new expansion, almost complete, still needed to be painted and the roof finished. Extra storage would be a welcome addition for Mike and Diane since the increase in demands.
He entered taking off his hat, his boots sounding his arrival on the wooden floor of the store. Seeing no one, he called out. “Hey, Mills.”
“Over here. I’m sweeping up after the builders before they begin again later today. Looks pretty good, huh?” Cash noticed Mill’s back had become somewhat stooped as he leaned over the broom for support. His aged face showed his years, but his hazel eyes still sparkled with life.
“Guess the Adams’ will be pleased when they come home with all the new merchandise they are bringing in from St. Louis. I went to check on the wagons to make sure we can haul it all from the train station when they arrive in a few days.”
Mills continued to sweep. “Lots of cowboys coming in I noticed. The stockyards are filling up fast, and the flies are driving me nuts. Sure, hope they put some extra livestock cars on the train.” Mills stilled the broom while he ran his shirtsleeve across his brow. “They will have big shipments this month and it would be real nice if they could take them all at once. I can hardly believe it’s the same town. Seems like yesterday when I worked for your father out on the ranch.”
Cash remembered well the days when the old man worked at the ranch. It seemed to him, Mills had always been old, even though he could work cattle and horses with the best of them. When the time came, Cash retired Mills with full pay for his years of service to his father and himself.
“I’ve never seen so many livestock buyers gather at the hotel. Looks like John and I will have our hands full when all the cowboys come in looking for some fun. I noticed Angie has some new girls, too.”
He spun on a heel and spoke over his shoulder while exiting the store. “I’ve got a big meeting tonight. I have to put on my Sunday best for the mayor you know, and I still need to ride out to the Mitchell ranch first. It will take the better part of the day.”
“Take care, Cash. Sure wouldn’t want you to miss your meeting with the money grubbing politician.” Mills smiled turning back to his broom. Cash had known Mills all of his life and always enjoyed talking with him about his childhood days but when the discussion came to the past few years, he always found an excuse to deviate from the topic.
Turning right toward the hotel, he spotted Angie crossing the street a few blocks down, her pretty figure shown off in a skin-tight black dress, her fair hair done up in curls cascading down her back.
Feeling a twinge of desire, he accelerated his pace and soon arrived back at the office where he stood in front for a moment watching wagons and men on horseback as they passed by.
The day turned warm and a slight breeze rustled through the turning leaves on nearby trees marking the start of another harsh winter in the Dakotas, knowing soon, he would have to make another trip to the Black Hills to take a load of blankets and winter supplies to the Cheyenne. He missed the childhood days running wild and free with the Indians playing their games of skill and hunting buffalo on horseback. He feared soon that they would be only ghosts of the past.
Noticing the jail could use a new coat of paint when he entered, Cash made a mental note to discuss the necessary maintenance with the mayor. With the rise in population, the jail could use another cell or maybe even two. For sure, he had to have another part-time deputy.
So often, his job led him out of town. His district covered the entire state and he did not like leaving the town with just one man while away on other federal business. Soon Senator Wilcox would arrive in town, and he would speak to him about some additional federal funding for the office as well as the problems with the Indians, having been a sore spot for some time. With the increase in the white population, the Cheyenne had diminished substantially and he would do all in his power to see them dealt with fairly.
Cash pulled a Winchester equalizer out of the case on the wall near the cast iron stove then dropped an extra box of ammunition into his saddlebags then went out the back door to the coral. He whistled for his appaloosa filly while he reached for the hackamore. “Hey there, Little Rabbit.”
A gift from Dull Knife at six months of age, her coat shone in the sunlight, the blanket of shiny black spots on her rump a sharp contrast to her glistening snow-white coat. The high angle of her muscled rear quarters rose slightly above her withers giving her the proper leverage to make a good cowpony. With ears perked forward, she trotted over to Cash nuzzling his hand searching for a treat.
“Not right now, girl. You’ll get something when we get back from Mitchell’s.” Placing the bridle on her proud chiseled head, he pulled her black forelock through the head strap. She butted her nose into his rump when he placed the saddle on her back and strapped the cinch around her girth before he led her outside the coral and swung his long leg easily over the saddle.
As he left, John came to the coral leading his horse. “Where are you off to, Cash? I just finished taking a ride around town.”
“I’m going out to Mitchell’s to talk with Chad Higgins about working part-time I have a feeling we are going to need a little more help when all the herds come in.”
John unsaddled his horse, walking through the paddock gate. “Sounds all right to me. I’ve never seen so many cattle together at one time. Guess the folks back east will eat well this winter. I’ll fill the water trough and clean up out here while you are gone.”
Rabbit spun on her rear hooves when Cash reined her to the east.
Autumn leaves floated whirling in eddies above ground as he rode slowly letting his horse warm up and looked around one last time. Once outside of town, he broke into a run, enjoying the sun and the breeze brushing across face. Beginning to turn brown in spots after the summer’s heat, the rangeland contrasted with the deep blue of the sky with billowy white clouds scattered throughout, another preamble to the weather ahead.
He slowed his gait and continued on to the Mitchell ranch trying to keep his thoughts centered on anything but the past
. The heartache masked by anger and rage had made him a disillusioned cynic unable to project any sign of weakness or allow anyone too close. Aware of the bitterness eroding his guts, he just didn’t give a damn.
Six
On the flat grazing land in the distance, a ranch house with a large red barn and silo appeared where a dark haze rose from cattle corralled for the long trip by train to Kansas City. A white three-story house with trees planted around for shade contrasted with the rusty red of the barn, built for feed storage during the winter months.
As Cash approached the barn, Chuck Mitchell came to greet him. “Hi there, Cash. It has been a long time. What brings you all the way out here?” A middle-aged man, his black hair showing some signs of gray, walked with swift strides showing he remained active and agile. The shirt and pants he wore indicated wear. His boots kicked up dust as he walked through the well-trodden soil. Cattle in the full pens bawled their discontent.
Cash dismounted and led his filly toward the barn. “I need to speak with Chad about a deputy position. I think we’re going to need more help in town while herds are coming in. Since you are usually among the first to bring in your stock, I thought maybe he might like some work for the winter.” The two men shook hands when they met.
“Come down to the house, Cash. We can get something to eat and talk. I wanted to discuss getting your bull soon so I can breed these cows before they go out for the winter. I figured breeding them with your Hereford would put a lot more pounds on the calves and get me some larger profits come time to sell next year. What do you think?” They turned and walked toward the house while continuing their conversation.
“Sounds like a good idea, Chuck. You know you’re welcome to come and get him any time you want to.” His lips turned up in a grin. “Just make sure you bring him back in good health. I sure don’t want to lose the old boy”
