Echoes of the Heart

by Webb, Carole

  The prize Hereford bull, imported from England three years earlier, had been crossbreeding with his Longhorns producing quality beef. After three generations, his cattle added nearly three times the weight of Longhorns, still having the stamina to endure the winters in the Dakotas. In exchange for breeding, Cash would ask for horses. On the way to the house, Chuck motioned to Chad to come along.

  Orphaned at the age of twelve, Chad worked for Chuck and matured into a fine young man under the watchful eye of his boss. Chuck treated him like a son and Chad would do anything Chuck asked of him. Cash knew Chad to be dependable and make rational decisions while controlling a potentially harmful situation. An excellent marksman, he also possessed the wisdom to stay cool when necessary.

  The three men entered the back door of the house, stomping dust off boots on the porch. They removed their hats and hung them on the hat tree inside the door. The outsized kitchen area had pantries lining one wall and Cash noticed new cabinets, table and chairs. Crisp white curtains hanging in the windows allowed sunlight and breezes to enter giving the room a homey atmosphere.

  Cash shook hands with Chad. “Been working hard, Chad? I came out here to talk with you about a job for the winter. Do you think you might be interested?”

  Of medium build with long, shaggy dark hair and heavily muscled arms showed below rolled up sleeves along with rough calloused hands. Chad turned his sun-browned face toward Chuck Mitchell. Weathered lips smiled as he spoke. “Well I guess it depends on if it’s okay with Mitch.”

  Martha Mitchell entered the kitchen as the men poured coffee into tall mugs. “My goodness, Cash, it is nice to see you again.” Genuine pleasure glowed on her plump rosy face. “I’m just about to serve a late lunch. Of course you will stay,”

  She walked out on the porch where a wood burning stove stood, used when the weather became hot, to check on the meal she had prepared. Soon she would be cooking in the house again. The early morning temperatures had already dropped, a prelude of what would soon come.

  The aroma of beef stew filled the room when she removed the lid from the copper pot on the stove and carried it into the house placing it on the wooden sideboard by the sink. She stepped to the stove again and removed brown fluffy biscuits from the oven placing them in a breadbasket while the men went to the porch to wash off in the basin.

  They dried their faces and hands then sat at the new pinewood table as Martha set utensils for the men then went to the cupboard for plates. After filling each plate abundantly with stew, she placed them in front of the hungry men.

  Before spooning a bite into his mouth, he looked toward Martha. “This sure looks and smells good, Martha.”

  She sat a glass of water beside each man.

  Placing some of the hearty stew on a plate for herself, she sat next to her husband. “What brings you all the way out here?”

  “I came out to talk to Chuck about a winter job in town for Chad. Thought I would see if he wanted to get off his lazy behind and work for a change.” A slight twinkle darted across his eyes as he spoke then turned his attention toward Chad.

  “It will just be part-time, you understand. The Federal office already gave me the okay and I’m meeting with the mayor tonight to discuss the position.” He spooned stew into his mouth before continuing. “You will be able to stay at the jail with John. I hope we will be expanding soon, but in the meantime, it may be close quarters. We can use one of the old cells for you unless we get a run of drunken cowboys. I’m going to ask for four new cell rooms going off the back of the building, but I’ll settle for two.”

  “The job sounds pretty good to me,” Chad said as he began stuffing his mouth with a thick biscuit dripping with butter.

  Taking a second biscuit for himself, Cash nodded toward Chad. “Okay, it’s settled. I’ll fill you in when you come in with the herd.”

  The meal over, he rose from the table, “Thanks for the fine meal, Martha, your kindness never goes unappreciated. I need to be leaving now but I suppose I’ll see you around town before winter.”

  “You’re always welcome, Cash. Don’t be such a stranger. Come out and see us any time.”

  Chuck rose and walked alongside while Cash went for his horse. He led her to the water trough and let her take a long drink before the ride back to town. “I’ll inform Slim you will be coming by to pick up the bull. Maybe we can trade a couple of those pups I heard you have as partial payment. Stop by the office and we can go have a drink.”

  “I sure will, Cash. It’s been a long time since I have been to town. There’s also a shipment coming in on the next train for Martha. She wants to fill the house with fancy furniture and things. Guess she will be having extravagant dinner parties next.” He shook his head in bemusement. “I just can’t get over how much things have changed around here since the railroad arrived.”

  Cash shook hands in farewell then stepped into his stirrup, swinging his leg over the saddle.

  “See you later, Cash, and you are welcome to a couple of those cow dogs.

  Cash rode off at a swift pace toward town knowing there would barely be time before his council meeting with the mayor.

  ***

  Arriving in town, Cash went immediately to the mayor’s office. Not having time to change, he brushed off dust from his pants before he entered the meeting. The room held a long oval table with eight tall oak spindle-back chairs. Kerosene sconces hung two to a wall, provided adequate light reflecting off the highly polished wooden table.

  When he laid out his plans relaying his concerns about security for the town with its increased population and his need to increase the jail area, he received the okay on all his requests after two hours of discussion by the council and the continued efforts of Cash to persuade them to see his point of view.

  After the meeting ended, the men all gathered to chat and drink coffee before going home. Not wanting to spend any more time than necessary, Cash sauntered toward the door. He combed his fingers through his hair before adjusting his hat and was ready to depart when Mayor Smith caught his arm. “Hold on, Cash. There is something I wanted to discuss before you leave.”

  Cash turned to face Harry and paused in silence waiting for him to speak. “You know, you have quite a reputation around this state since being a marshal brings you into most areas. Have you ever thought about politics?” A serious tone chimed in his voice.

  Cash chuckled and raised a curved finger to his lips in an effort to hide his amusement. “I can’t say it has ever entered my mind. The thought just doesn’t appeal to me, Mayor.”

  He liked his job most of the time and enjoyed the freedom it gave him to travel the state. Barely able to tolerate the council meetings, he could not envision himself tied to a desk and running for office.

  He did not mind getting involved for someone else’s benefit, he considered it his duty to help them get elected but he preferred to stay out of the limelight and with his dubious past, there would probably be scandal and gossip if someone felt the need to ruin his image.

  Cash had no desire to have his personal life exposed for public scrutiny. He wouldn’t even to talk about it, much less have to defend himself or his actions.

  “Well, we need a new face in the governor’s office and I think you’re the man for the job. Why don’t you give it some thought? We could use you and your knowledge of the Indians would be a big help. They need a strong voice and maybe you could make a difference. We all know how much you care for them.”

  Cash’s face steeled and his jaws tensed while he attempted to control his rage. “I don’t know, Harry, I can’t see where it would do any good. I would have to think on it. In any event, their fate appears to be sealed. They refuse to go to the reservations and everyone wants the gold they are sitting on up in the hills. I think they will all eventually be slaughtered when the troops arrive.”

  Harry cringed while looking away from his stare. “If the harsh weather in the winter had not helped them stay secluded, they would already be wiped
out for the fact most white men can’t make it out there for any length of time has probably saved them thus far.

  “I get furious thinking our government will be sending soldiers into the hills next spring to drag them off their land. It looks pretty hopeless but you can bet if I thought being governor would do any good, I would take the position gladly.” His face burned hot while his jaw continued to pulse.

  “Just think about it will you? There is no real hurry but I feel the Cheyenne could use you on their side. You know those of us who have been around a while, have no problem with them, it has only been the Apache who have caused any problems. We can talk again.” He lightly slapped Cash on the back as they walked to the door.

  “Okay, Mayor. I will think about it, but don’t hold your breath.”

  He stepped outside into the brisk night air, walking slowly to allow his rage to cool while making his way toward the office to check with John before going to the hotel to sleep—or at least go through the motions.

  He had left a bottle of whiskey at the office to take with him to his room at the hotel but expecting another sleepless night ahead, he thought a visit Angie would help soothe his hostility. Right now, he could use a hospitable woman.

  Seven

  Along with her aunt and uncle, Raeden boarded the massive train. Its engine towered above them belching black smoke and ashes while passengers said their farewells. Blood surged through her veins thinking about the new adventure lying ahead.

  Workers closed screeching doors on metal rollers on cattle and baggage cars before slamming them shut, vibrating through the passenger sections, and Pullmans then made last minute checks. The train chugged slowly from the station jerking and clanking as the forward momentum caused tension on the steel connectors between cars when they grabbed hold moving toward a new phase in her life.

  She waved until her family could no longer be seen then settled in for the ride beside Diane. Since the train trip would take several days, they had sleeper accommodations in a luxurious stateroom and ate their meals in the dining car.

  Checking on Arte’s care, Mike went to the stock car holding the horse whenever they stopped for fuel and water. Raeden stayed glued to the window during the day so she could see the passing country. Mile upon mile of rangeland broken only by occasional trees and rock formations passed while Raeden stayed in her seat not wanting to miss anything.

  She observed herds of antelope and deer and coveys of upland game birds—quail, chucker and ring-necked pheasant sporting multi-colored tails over two feet in length.

  At one point, she spotted a vast herd of buffalo grazing on the prairie, black dots in the distance not allowing a closer look. Her uncle had explained how the buffalo hunters slaughtered thousands of the wild burly beasts to starve out the Indians. Soon there would be no buffalo left. The sinful waste of such majestic animals would surely leave a scar on the earth, which could never heal.

  Raeden brought along copies of Tolstoy’s War & Peace and Dickens’s Our Mutual Friend to read along with her sketchbook to help pass the time, and she talked for hours with her aunt and uncle about the store and the town where they resided.

  With each passing day, her anticipation grew and she believed her destiny of divine intervention when Diane and Mike mentioned she could help in the store and set up a space for sewing. She would dress all the ladies of Chamberlain in her own designs and maybe send some of her sketches to fashion houses in New York City. Filled with ideas for her gowns, her eagerness grew stronger as they neared the end of their journey.

  ***

  The size and expanse of the buildings when they finally arrived in town astonished Raeden. Immense pens lined the rails on one side of the track holding hundreds of cattle packed together awaiting shipment when the train returned to St. Louis.

  Dark russet dust clouds billowed above the pens and cattle voiced their objections in loud lows, the stench almost unbearable. She had never seen such herds before and the spectacle had her full attention while she covered her nose with a handkerchief to block some of the dust.

  Mike and Diane, already off the train and seeing to their merchandise, knew it would be a big job unloading so several wagons and youths from town waited to assist. Raeden swiftly amassed her belongings and stepped off the train into a crowd of bustling people while the workmen noisily began opening the doors of the freight cars. She caught site of her aunt and uncle and began walking toward them as wagons lined the area ready to load.

  As she approached, she noticed a tall man standing with them his back toward her, his widespread shoulders over a yard in width, and his frame inches over six feet dressed in snug fitting denims with a black leather vest. A gun hung low on his hip. She visualized him a gunslinger from one of the dime novels so popular these days.

  When she approached, he turned and stared. Her cheeks burned as his gaze slowly traveled the entire length of her body then back to her face while his eyes seared into hers, so dark she could hardly distinguish the pupils. Looking at his finely chiseled tanned face with dark hair showing under a black hat, she thought him the most striking man she had ever seen while she smoldered under his gaze.

  “Cash, this is my niece, Raeden Newell. She is visiting from St. Louis. Raeden, I would like you to meet our friend, Marshal Cash Rydell.”

  He stared into her face and held her gaze. No smile appeared on his lips but one eyebrow rose. “Well, aren’t you a pretty little thing?” A mocking grin spread slowly across his full lips as his eyes traveled to her breasts.

  Pretty little thing indeed. A smirk spread across his face as he stood legs slightly apart with a thumb hooked into his gun belt. His haughty arrogant stance infuriated her and she certainly did not care for his crude remark and lascivious stares. She snapped back at him. “Well, I can see the men in this town could use some manners.”

  Nose in the air, she turned her back and gazed toward the livestock car to watch Arte being unloaded. When she walked toward the car, she heard a deep chuckle behind her. Ignoring his taunt, she went to check on her horse. His dark red coat glistened in the sunlight while she rubbed his muzzle and spoke softly into his ear.

  She approached the wagon holding her trunks and packages, checking to make sure all had been unloaded. Her gaze moved toward her aunt and uncle and noticed them checking their list of the goods for the store while the men loaded wagons. They stood together talking, Mike’s arm around Diane’s shoulder. Her heart warmed when she saw them together. Touching and smiling at each other, showing their love in little gestures of affection.

  Diane approached with a smile on her lovely face. She still seemed like a young girl in so many ways, her slim figure, long blonde hair and a pink glow covering her smooth unblemished skin. “The wagons will take some time to load. I’ve arranged for a buggy to take you to the house so you can freshen up. Which of your trunks would you like to take with you? I’ll have the men load them.”

  Raeden picked the trunks she knew held the items necessary when the buggy pulled up with men to load. They moved Arte to the rear of the vehicle and tied him securely. After three days of riding in a livestock car, the opportunity to stretch his legs would be beneficial, allowing him to work off some of the unruly behavior.

  She would have preferred to ride Arte but since the traveling suit did not allow for straddling a horse, she walked to the passenger side of the buggy. Before she could raise her skirt to step up to the seat, Cash suddenly appeared beside her.

  “Allow me ma’am,” he said in a sarcastic tone while removing his hat and bending slightly at the waist. “I wouldn’t want you to think our town had no gentlemen.” His eyes blazed into hers and she could see a sparkle as he taunted her. He scooped her up by the waist, his strong arms lifting her effortlessly and sat her on the seat. She wanted to slap him but glared instead then noticed the hardness of his muscles. Suddenly feeling a little lightheaded, she breathed in his aroma of soap, tobacco and leather hanging in the air.

  Goodness, what is w
rong with me? He is nothing more than a vile, rude creature. She could not help but contemplate why he seemed so attractive, why the tallness of his frame and handsome face topped with thick dark hair made her feel flush. A breath escaped her when she noticed the masculine way he filled out his clothes while he strode to the rear of the buggy to check Arte’s lead then jumped onto the seat beside her.

  Raeden did not intend to endure his sarcasm all the way home. “What are you doing? Diane didn’t say you would be driving. Get someone else.”

  “Well since you don’t know the way, someone had to do it. I didn’t want to subject anyone else to your sharp tongue.” He flashed a wicked smile showing perfect white teeth. Raeden opened her mouth to give him a terse response but decided it would be better just to keep quiet. It made no sense to give him any more reason to insult her.

  Driving through town, she glanced in his direction as he deftly handled the team, her eyes wide as she viewed the homes and businesses stretching out for blocks in all directions. Expecting a small country settlement with a store and a few businesses, the thought had not occurred to her the town would be so extensive. This is going to be just wonderful. With a sizable population such as this, she would surely be able to make many garments for the ladies in town.

  Both remained silent as they continued down a rutted road past the edges of town. The view of an enormous beige three-story house with blue shutters hanging on all the windows made her excitement mount. A walkway made of stones set in the earth showed beyond the white fence, with well-tended gardens of quaint wildflowers and shrubs all around the exterior along with several large shade trees.

  She blurted out, too late remembering the aggravation she felt for the driver. “Oh, it is beautiful.” Her eyes dropped to her lap in an effort to hide the blush rising on her cheeks.

  “Yes, it is one of the nicest places outside of town. They just finished putting up a larger barn. I’m sure your horse will be reasonably content. By the way, he is sure a fine animal, looks like some Arabian blood. Seems like a spirited mount. Did you bring him along for show or can you handle him yourself?”