Echoes of the Heart

by Webb, Carole

  Cash chuckled. “I guess I deserved that.” He walked her to the store.

  ***

  They met for lunch the next several days. Raeden enjoyed their time together though found herself becoming edgy. Their stolen kisses left her wanting.

  Dressed for the ride home she looked up and saw Cash walking her direction as she prepared to mount Arte. He grabbed her hand.

  “Come with me, Rae. I’ll ride you home later.”

  Hand in hand, they jogged to the back stairs of the hotel and he hustled her inside his room. Within a second of the door closing, they began stripping, climbed into his bed, and made love twice.

  Wrapped in each other, Rae sighed. “I knew it would be nice in a bed.” She stretched her arms over her head like a lazy cat.

  Cash’s brows drew together, and he rose on one elbow to stare into her eyes. “Spend the night with me, Rae.”

  Raeden jumped up. “Oh, my God, what time is it? I have to get home, they will worry.”

  Reluctantly, Cash dressed and escorted her to the store to pick up Arte, with Rabbit trailing behind. Grasping the reins, he eased them over Arte’s neck then attached a lead rope to his halter and tied it to his saddle horn.

  After mounting Rabbit, he reached over for Raeden and scooped her up, placing her before him in the saddle then rode out of town toward the house.

  “I like to ride this way. How about you?”

  Raeden leaned back into his body, and his arms tightened around her waist. “I could get used to it, I suppose.” She ran her hand along his thighs and chills ran through his body. Maybe he should abduct her and return to his bed.

  “You had better stop, if you want to get home.” He lowered his face to nestle in her hair.

  “Maybe they will be asleep and you can sneak into my bedroom.”

  “Jesus, Rae, what are you trying to do? I am not made of steel, you know.” If she went on much longer, he would be a basket case. No matter how many times he had her, it never seemed to be enough.

  “Well, you said you wanted to spend the night with me.”

  “Don’t tempt me, if you know what is good for you.” The little devil. He could see she would make this difficult.

  “I’m not tempting, I am offering.”

  “In that case, you should have stayed in my bed.” Perhaps he should take her up on her offer.

  All thoughts of a tryst in her bedroom halted at the sight of the lighted house when they approached. Just as well. It would be far too complicated if they spent the night together in his bed or hers, obligated to marry after such a reckless action.

  Before reaching the house, Cash slid his arm up from her waist and fondled her breasts while he kissed the back of her neck.

  Mike and Diane stood on the porch at their approach. “There you are, Rae. We became worried.”

  Cash eased Raeden down from the saddle and untied the lead rope, handing it to Raeden. “It became late, so I thought I had better escort her home.”

  Raeden passed him a longing glance, making a lump in his throat form as he gazed into the dark green eyes reflecting in the soft light from the lamp on the porch.

  “Thank you for seeing me home, Cash.”

  “My pleasure, good night everybody.” He raised the tip of his hat before reining Rabbit in the direction of town.

  ***

  Cash scanned the room as he sauntered into the saloon for a glass of whiskey to release the tension, built up from the ride home with Raeden.

  While nursing his drink, the aroma of heady perfume rose to his nostrils when Angie walked up beside him and placed an arm around his back. “Hi, darlin,’ haven’t seen you around for a while.”

  “I’ve been busy.” He found himself wishing she would leave him alone with his drink.

  “I suppose you came in for some reason other than to drink.” Her blue eyes shot a lascivious stare.

  Cash thought of Raeden. He had no desire to be with Angie. “Not tonight, Angie. I’m tired. Just stopped by for a quick shot before retiring.”

  Her cheeks pinked and her eyes turned to slits while she dropped her hand from his back. “It’s the little bitch you’ve been fawning over, isn’t it.”

  “That’s enough, Angie. If I didn’t know better, I would say you’re jealous.”

  “Jealous of such a creature? You have to be kidding.” She turned and stomped to the card table and leaned over a player to whisper in his ear. After the hand played, the player rose from the chair and walked up the stairs with Angie.

  He chugged the rest of his drink and tossed a coin on the bar before turning to leave.

  Lying in bed, Cash inhaled the fragrance clinging to the bed linens where Raeden had lain. The more he had of her, the more he wanted. She had stirred the ashes of his extinct affections. How long could he fight it?

  He would think about it later. For now, he had plans to speak with Senator Wilcox when he arrived in Pierre. The Cheyenne needed his help, and he would do all in his power to voice their cause to any man in the White House who would listen. The battle within regarding Raeden did not compare to the political warfare ahead. For now, he needed to sleep. Closing his eyes, he fell into a deep restful slumber and dreamed of Raeden nestled against him.

  Thirty-five

  Cash sat at his desk reading the telegram from Senator Wilcox regarding his arrival in Pierre. He had time before the second session of Congress convened to make a visit. His expected arrival would be the end of November, if the weather remained stable.

  He leapt from his seat at the sound of gunfire, grabbed a rifle and raced out the door in the direction of the blasts. It’s the bank! John charged in from the opposite direction just as the door opened exposing the three men they had seen in town a few weeks before.

  Each man had a hostage, a gun to their head while they walked out on the planks, satchels over their shoulders. “If anyone tries to stop us, we’ll kill them all.” They edged toward their horses, Cash and John lowered their guns.

  One of the man’s eyes looked wild as they flicked from side to side. “Okay, Marshal, if you want them alive you’d better do as I say.” He paused, getting no answer, he yelled. “Do you hear me?”

  The man speaking, the tallest of the group, had a growth of dirty beard and his clothes dusty from riding. A scar ran along his forehead and dark hair hung below his hat in greasy clumps. All three wore dusters over their clothing.

  “I hear you. Why don’t you let them go and we can talk this over man to man.”

  “No more talking, just do as I say.” They reached their mounts. “Now you and your sidekick toss your guns into the water trough over there real careful like. I’d like nothing better than to shoot you where you stand.” His eyes flared and his face grew taught.

  For now, Cash realized they must do his bidding. They tossed their revolvers and rifles into the water. Cash felt his blood rising while he stood helpless to aid the victims.

  After releasing the hostages, they jumped onto their horses and spurred them north.

  Cash tore into the bank checking for casualties. The shots had been fired only to expedite their cause. Soothed by onlookers, the woman hostage appeared unharmed. Cash followed behind John who had already started toward the jail.

  They re-armed and saddled up to begin their pursuit, Cash yelled to a man on the street. “Get Chad and tell him to stay on duty.” He had been watching two drifters who had arrived in town. So far, they just drank and played poker but he would take no chances.

  ***

  Raeden heard the shots. In a state of panic, she ran to the front window and looked toward the bank. She saw Cash run into the street, gun drawn. Her heart rose to her throat and a wave of nausea gripped her stomach. Determined to watch, she ignored the discomfort.

  Mike grabbed a rifle and ran from the store but stopped dead in his tracks when the hostages appeared and Cash and John tossed their guns. Unable to help, they stood and watched the events unfold. They are going to shoot him, this can’t h
appen. She sank to the floor in a soft heap.

  Raeden blinked her eyes open to find her head in a lap, Diane peering into her face. What happened? I’ve never fainted before. She had never been one of those weak-minded women swooning at the slightest threat.

  Unable to deny her symptoms any longer, she hoped Diane would not guess and especially not Cash. She had been late and chose to ignore the nausea plaguing her the last few mornings, not wanting to admit she might be carrying Cash’s child. She had not ever really thought about having children, though she knew they would come in time, just not so early. It would be a big responsibility to raise a child by herself.

  Having never loved a man before, the feelings she had toward Cash had become an enigma. Even in her predicament, she had no doubt, she did not want to be married and spoil her plans. The reality their lives would go in different directions, made her silence paramount.

  She had known from their first encounter and the intensity between them, it would be hard to leave him even though she must. Sure, he would do his duty if she chose to trap him into marriage. It would be an unacceptable alternative and she held back tears wondering if she could remain strong. This inconvenience only meant she needed to accelerate her plans and get to New York before anyone noticed, adding to her shame.

  Raeden watched Cash and John ride after the robbers and prayed for their safety. The two men sat straight and sure in the saddle as if they had been born there. After they reached the outskirts, she ran through the store holding up her skirts, out the back exit and threw up. A cold sweat broke out on her forehead as she grabbed the hitching rail along the back porch for support and her head began to get fuzzy.

  Revived by the cold fresh air she filled her lungs and dabbed a handkerchief to her forehead. Diane joined her with a cool damp cloth and a glass of water.

  “Let’s go get some tea. It should help.”

  Wrapped in heavy woolen cloaks the women walked toward the hotel watching wagons and horses slowly traveling through the streets while people still gathered near the bank talking, no doubt about the robbery. Raucous laughter rang from the saloon when they passed. Two saddle tramps loitering outside the doorway stared through drunken bloodshot eyes as they hurried by, making Raeden uncomfortable and her pace quickened.

  Raeden knew what Diane must have been thinking and she felt ashamed and embarrassed. However, she would bear the consequences of her actions and never regret her time with Cash.

  ***

  Horace and Lester stood outside the saloon gawking at the two women walking past. Horace grabbed his crotch. “They sure got some pretty gals in this town, Les. Wouldn’t mind havin’ a piece of one of them. Mehbe’ we could haul ‘em in an ally like we did in Oklahoma.”

  “Yeah, they wuz pretty fun, ‘til we kilt ‘em. It wuz real nice of them gals to have so much cash in their purses. Let’s go have anuther drink.”

  They staggered back into the saloon and sidled up to the bar to order another drink then play some cards.

  They knocked back their shots then hailed the barkeep. “Hey, give us the bottle.” Horace tossed coins on the bar and grabbed the whiskey. They stumbled to the poker table, plopped into chairs, and chugged another drink while the dealer passed out cards.

  ***

  Only two customers sat near the warm welcoming fire burning in the fireplace in the café when they entered and sat a table near the hearth. Diane ordered tea and while they waited, Diane spoke first. “I have noticed you look somewhat piqued of late and your appetite has dwindled. Your eyes have dark circles and after the episode at the store, I am thinking you may want to discuss something.”

  Their tea arrived and Diane ceased talking until the waitress left their table. While the tea steeped in the ceramic pot, they made eye contact. “You know, honey, you can tell my anything. I won’t judge you. I just want to help.”

  Tears swelled in Raeden’s eyes and sobs racked from her throat while she unloaded her burden. “Aunt Diane, I’m pregnant. Please don’t tell Uncle Mike, I could not bear it. I know I have disappointed you, but I will leave town soon and no one has to know.” She wiped her eyes, the tears continued.

  Diane reached across the table and clutched Raeden’s hand to comfort. “Is Cash aware?”

  “How did you know? I didn’t mention anyone.”

  Diane laughed. “Excuse me for laughing, Rae. It is obvious you and Cash have been seeing one another. I haven’t seen him so happy in years. Don’t worry. He will do the right thing.”

  Raeden felt suddenly desperate. “No, he doesn’t know and I won’t tell him.” She fidgeted in her seat while wrenching her hands in her lap. “I could never force him into marriage. He would hate me and I couldn’t bear it.” Her tears stopped flowing. “Promise me you will not say a word about this.”

  “I don’t know if that is wise, Rae. You need to know a little more about him and the events in his life which have made him seem so callous before you make up your mind.”

  Raeden’s curiosity grew. She moved to the edge of her seat as Diane continued. “He married once and lost his wife in childbirth then his son as well.” She patted Raeden’s hand. “He always blamed himself. You know how he is. Afterward he left town for a couple of years and came back so bitter and resentful one could hardly recognize the person he had once been.”

  Raeden sat dumfounded and looked past Diane. “Oh my God, it’s so tragic.” Raeden’s voice trailed off. “No wonder.”

  “Since meeting you, he’s more like the old Cash. He jokes and laughs, he even played cards!” Diane moved in close. “Rae, I know he would welcome a baby, he loves children. Maybe it would help him forget his past torment. He is a good man, Rae. Give him a chance. If you like, I could break the news, let him sit on it before he talks to you.”

  Panic edged Raeden’s voice. “Oh, no please don’t. I couldn’t take the pity and remorse. He doesn’t want marriage. I don’t want marriage either.”

  “Rae, you are not being fair.”

  “I don’t care. I want my baby and I don’t need him.” She put her elbows on the table and dropped her head in her hands.

  “It’s his baby, too, Rae.”

  “No, its mine, I will consider it a souvenir.” She felt near hysteria. “I will deal with this on my own and I’ll leave on the next train out of here.” Her head started spinning while she gulped for air. “Promise me, Aunt Diane. I need to know my secret is safe.”

  “Okay, Rae, settle down. If that’s the way you want it, I’ll mind my own business, but I think you’re making a mistake.”

  “Mistake! No mistake is worse than the one I have already made. Just look where this has gotten me.” She threw up her hands in defeat. “I swear this baby will not suffer because of my indiscretions. I will raise it with all the love I have in me and there is plenty of money. I can make a fresh start in New York and begin my new venture. We will get along fine.”

  Diane shook her head. They finished their tea.

  Thirty-six

  When Mike and Diane left for the evening, Raeden stayed behind. She needed to think and maybe Cash would come back so she could rest easy knowing him out of danger. She lit a lantern and gathered a few items then checked out the window one last time, looking for Cash.

  On her way to change, she heard the doorbell jingle and stumbling footsteps enter. When she saw the two tramps from the saloon, she ran for the gun in her bag. A strong burly hand grabbed her hair and yanked her backwards. She stumbled and fell to the floor kicking wildly at her attacker, shrieking her protests.

  One man spoke in a drink-slurred voice. “Now ain’t you a pretty little thing and spunky, too. Mehbe we could show her a real good time.”

  She stood screaming and he clamped a hand over her mouth. His breath smelled of rotgut whiskey. His odor made her gag. She bit down hard on his hand. He let go shaking it wildly while the muscles in his face tensed and his eyelids squinted, brows drawn together. Yelling aloud, she kicked his shins and dug her nails into his
face then covered her mouth with the back of her hand in an effort to ward off the smell. Blood ran down his cheeks and he slapped her so hard her neck snapped to the side. For an instant, she saw white flashes. Survival instincts took over keeping her upright and she drew her leg back to kick him in the groin.

  The second man grasped her foot before it reached the target, sending her to the floor with a jolt. She jumped to her feet, fear heightened, knowing the town was practically deserted. No one could hear over the noise in the saloon. She continued to scream when he yanked her hair, dragging her through the rear entrance, knocking stock from the shelves and sending things flying in all directions as they went, while the second man cleaned out the register. She reached for his hand in an effort to remove his grasp from her hair, only to have him yank all the harder.

  Crying out in pain she stumbled beside him through the open doorway, a foot caught her dress ripping it from the waist. He reached down, tore the loose fabric, letting her skirt fall to the floor. He covered her mouth and she bit him again. With the back of his hand, he struck her full force across the face then stuck a gag in her mouth and tied her hands in back with a kerchief. The other man brought their horses to the rail.

  They mounted then he pulled Raeden across the saddle stomach side down knocking the air out of her lungs. She continued to struggle while they made their retreat toward the stockyards then loping into the grasslands. To Raeden’s dismay, no one followed allowing them to escape unnoticed. Fear welled inside at the enormity of her predicament while tears formed from the searing pain in her shoulders when they pulled back further as he tightened his grip on her coupled wrists.

  ***

  Cash and John trailed the men until their hard driven mounts required rest. They halted, allowing the animals to catch their breath and drank from canteens. Cash walked the area searching for sign on the rocky ground.