by Webb, Carole
“Raeden, you have grown so thin. Even with the thick bandage it’s still too loose.”
Raeden didn’t care. She wanted to go to St. Louis and on to New York. “It doesn’t matter, I’ll wear the white shawl. It will cover some of the bruising and the arm. She glanced in the mirror for the first time since her ordeal and became nauseous. Her face drawn and gaunt and the discoloration made her look like a freak.
Diane looked at Raeden’s reflection. “Don’t worry, Rae. You will return to your old self in no time.”
“Well, at least I still have a bust line and my hair looks healthy.” How could anyone marry someone so ugly and disfigured?
A knock brought Diane to her door. An all too familiar voice spoke. “I have come for my bride.” Did I hear contempt in his tone?
Cash entered. “I see you’re all ready.”
I don’t want anyone to see me like this. She almost pleaded but pride kept her silent as he swept her into his powerfully built arms and carried her downstairs into the parlor where everyone gave their greetings while she sat on the couch seething. Her friends were earnestly concerned for her welfare. No one made her feel self-conscious about the injuries she had endured.
Cash kept tossing her sideways glances, a cat patiently awaiting a mouse to dart from its shelter and clasp the victim in its destructive claws. The aura of arrogant male dominance laced with the danger he always emitted pooled around her, sapping what little vitality she possessed.
How could she have been so foolish to think him as a friend? Had he only wanted to use her and was now caught in circumstance to protect his pride and save face? Did she use him as well? Perhaps.
She would show him. No one would do this to her. As soon as her strength returned, he would be history. Nothing would obstruct her plans.
Thirty-nine
The room peeled with laughter and gaiety she did not feel. Anger hid behind smiles and light conversation. She cast occasional hate-filled stares at the tall dark-haired lawman standing out in the crowd in a well-tailored suit.
He will be so sorry for this. Just looking at him and his cocky expression made her want to scream in his face.
Voices died down with the arrival of the minister arrived and a lump rose in her throat. The pastor mingled with the well-wishers all dressed up for the occasion then walked toward her, Cash by his side. Cash leaned over and spoke softly into her ear. “Are you ready?”
She wanted to object but his glare stopped her. Lips tightened as she turned toward him and said in a venomous whisper, “No.”
“Don’t bite Raeden. It doesn’t become you. Let’s not have a scene.” She wanted to slap the victorious grin off his face then scratch at his eyes for good measure.
Sitting beside her during the rites, Cash gripped her left hand, not releasing it until he placed the gold band on her finger. A stern unsmiling mouth bent to kiss the bride but she kept her lips rigid. He stood while the men shook his hand, the self-satisfied look of triumph beaming in his smile.
Her friends assembled around with gifts giggling like children, happy for her good fortune while her stomach churned. She held a fake smile while Sadie presented a cake showing off her talent. Raeden lavished compliments, her attempt at graciousness then sank back into the thick cushions to relax.
She picked at the cake Cash brought her, though managed to guzzle four flutes of Champagne. Whiskey in hand, Cash sat close beside her, legs apart one arm extended over a knee showing signs of concern. “You’ve lost so much weight, sweetheart. May I get you something to eat?”
Sweetheart indeed! Did he think she would relent to his words of endearment? A voice feted with sarcasm and contempt escaped before she thought twice. “I’ll eat when I am hungry. I don’t need you to remind me.”
A mere hint of hurt flickered in his coal black eyes before being extinguished by a veil of nonchalance. Immediately regretting the words, she said nothing. Her pride had taken enough of a beating for this day.
“Suit yourself,” was his only remark.
“I’m really fatigued. Will you make my excuses? I’m going go bed.” She struggled to stand on weak knees and plopped back in defeat.
His genuine look of concern made her feel guilty. “Stay still a moment.” Cash stood to address the small crowd. “My bride needs to rest and thanks you all for attending. Stay as long as you like and celebrate.” He scooped her off the sofa and taking two stairs at a time, carried her into the bedroom and began to help her off with the dress.
She grabbed her clothing, suddenly modest not wanting him staring at her broken used body. “I can do this myself.” At one point, she had relished the notion of the power she held over him when he gazed over her naked body. Now she felt only shame.
Mustering her defenses, she maintained an offensive posture. “I hope you are satisfied.”
His jaws tensed, voice remained unruffled. “Yes, I am satisfied. I suppose I should feel grateful you actually went through with this since you have made it obvious you don’t want me.”
“Saving face in this backward town is no reason to marry.”
“I don’t want to argue, Raeden. Can we call a truce? John and I are going away.” His voice turned sarcastic. “Do you need anything before I leave, Mrs. Rydell?”
“Let me assure you Marshal, I will do just fine.” If he thinks he can break me, he is in for a rude awakening. No further dialogue transpired as he casually sauntered from the room, making her even angrier.
Dropping her gown to the floor she crawled between sheets in her petticoat suddenly filled with emptiness in her womb for the lost child and an indefinable emptiness in her heart. Overwhelmed with exhaustion, she fell asleep.
Cash sought out Diane. “Thanks for everything, Diane. I appreciate all your help.” He really didn’t want to leave Raeden, but he knew she would be safe here with Diane and Mike while he tracked the men who assaulted and raped her, killing their unborn child in the process.
“It’s my pleasure, Cash. You’ll make a fine couple.”
Hah, sparing partners, maybe. How could she turn so hateful? Once she seemed to desire him, compliant and soft in his arms, smelling of roses driving him mad with desire. He wanted to do the right thing and she resented him for it.
“I’m grateful you will tend to her in my absence. In her condition I couldn’t have left her at the ranch.” He would never leave her if he had not been sure of her safety.
“Rest assured, she is in good hands. I will try to fatten her up some while you are away. Between the morning sickness and the att….” She did not finish, red-faced with embarrassment. “Sorry, Cash.”
He buried the guilt and anguish while standing straight as a mast. He looked into her sparkling blue eyes. “If things work out, I should show up in a few weeks. I left my will with Jacobs, just in case.” He approached John. “Are you ready?”
“I’m ready and able. Are you sure Rae is okay with you leaving so soon after the wedding?”
His eyes rolled to the ceiling. “Believe me, she does not mind.”
“I can see her point. I’m sure she wants them captured as much as we do.”
***
Dressed for riding they loaded gear on the packhorse and walked to the gun case, grabbing extra boxes of ammunition to pack in the saddlebags. Cash tucked a Scofield in the back waist of his jeans and pulled out a Winchester repeater to stow in the sheath alongside his saddle. Ever an admirer of John’s long-range shooting skills, he chuckled when John chose his Sharps Long Range .45 with Vernier peep site capable of hitting a target at 1300 yards.
“I see you’re taking the big gun.”
John flashed a sly grin, his brows lifted. “Just in case we can’t get close enough to see the whites of their eyes.” His tone turned hateful, and he spoke through fixed lips. “You know, Cash, I don’t know about you but when we run into those jackals, I’ll have no problem doing society a favor.”
Cash dropped his hat on his head and walked toward the door. “I gu
ess we are both thinking along the same lines.” He prayed they would make it easy to kill them without it looking like murder, but if it came to be, he didn’t really care.
“Do you think they’re still around Sioux Falls?”
“I doubt it, but it’s where we’ll start. If the weather holds, we should make it there in two or three days.”
Gathering up the last of their arsenal, they began their search, both anxious to bring the men to justice for their heinous crimes.
***
They rode in silence. John knew not to speak when Cash fell into his moods. He remembered him from a youth when he worked on his ranch and he had become more like his old self since meeting Raeden. John hoped their union would help bring back the man he once knew instead of the cold clandestine loner that emerged following his retreat.
. He had been surprised at first by his interest in Raeden. Cash had not attempted to know any of the nice ladies in town and never made commitments he would not keep so he never made them with women.
Darkness fell, surrounding them with cold damp air. They made camp near a stand of White Spruce reaching over ten feet tall, their umbrella of branches good shelter, with green grass remaining protected from the cold weather. The cones still hanging provided contrast to the white waxy coating on the forest green needles.
Cash hobbled the horses, leaving Rabbit unfettered as they made camp. They ate beans with salt pork and biscuits, curled into their bedrolls, heads resting on saddles and smoked a cigar while staring into the night sky.
“You know, John, I have been contacted by Senator Wilcox. He’s asked me to consider a position in the Senate. Cooper’s taken ill and will resign shortly.”
John sat upright, leaning toward Cash. “Geez, Cash, are you serious?” Somehow, the thought of him in politics seemed outlandish.
Cash glanced at John through the low flickering flames. “I believe I can help the Cheyenne. Unless I’m in Washington, there’s nothing I can do for them. Since most people around the state and the Federal Marshals know me, I have a good chance of the appointment.”
“Then you would move to Washington?” He could not picture Cash sitting at a desk in Washington with no excitement to curb his restless nature.
“Only part of the year when Congress is in Session. Rae wants to leave right now anyway. She would like it, plenty to do and all the latest fashions.”
“Have you discussed this with her?”
Confidence hung in his tone. “No, not yet, I’ll wait until she is feeling better before I throw out any changes. Since she is my wife now, there won’t be a problem.”
John lay back down and folded his arms under his head thinking perhaps there might be a problem if he tried to order his feisty little woman around. “You certainly have my vote and everyone else in town will support you, but they will be disappointed to lose you as marshal.” John knew he would miss him if he left and hoped he might change his mind.
“You’ll do fine, John. I already wired the bosses. All agree you are an excellent replacement.” Fragrant cigar smoke curled into the night air rising above their heads. “I’m getting tired of this life and it certainly would not be good for Rae. I plan to go on ranching during my time off and get things started up again. I think when this trip is over, I may resign anyway.”
He let out a swirl of smoke and turned onto his elbow. “I’m not interested in all this roaming around any longer. This way of life tends to rob a man of the chance of normalcy, constantly chasing after the dregs of society. Sometimes I feel like I am no better, like I’m becoming one of them and it makes my insides crawl.”
It pleased him to see Cash coming out of his shell, and he felt certain his friend would be much happier living a different kind of life with Raeden by his side. John couldn’t remember when Cash had ever confided anything other than their job or everyday chat. He’d always held his personal life close to his vest.
Pride rose in his chest thinking Cash thought him capable of being lead man. He had never considered taking Cash’s place, but the thought excited him.
The two friends talked for a while longer and then settled in for the night.
Forty
Raeden woke in the night soaked from perspiration, gasping for air. She had believed the nightly horror a thing of the past after last night when she had slept curled soundly in Cash’s arms.
Lantern in hand, wrapped in a soft robe, she padded gingerly down to the kitchen, filled the small tub near the stove with hot water and stepped into the bath.
She scoured her skin as to remove the residue of stains left by the attackers thinking she would never be clean again and soaked until the water became cool.
Unnerved by the shadows cast by the firelight, she lit every lamp then sat by the flames in her bedroom to dry her hair before changing the linens. Weary from her efforts, she laid down to stare overhead, found herself praying for Cash and John’s safety. She hoped they would find the sadistic monsters before some other hapless female fell pray to their torture and perish by their hands.
She pictured herself wrapped in Cash’s arms, safe from the world’s evils and sank into a blissful slumber, not waking until noon.
***
Determined to regain her strength as quickly as possible, she ate most of her breakfast, hoping her appetite would improve if she forced down food. Later, after a short walk to visit Nick and Arte she nestled beneath a quilt on the sofa peering through the paned window at the majestic peaks of the Black Hills outlined by enormous billowing clouds, stark cragged pinnacles dark and foreboding, so fitting a monument to the harsh cold Badlands surrounding their base. Awesome when she first viewed them, now they offered only a sinister reminder of the treacherous wasteland she would soon escape.
Dining early, she sat with Diane in the kitchen. A cheerful tone edged her aunt’s voice. “It appears your appetite is improving.”
“Not exactly. I need my strength back. I’m forcing it down.” After a few moments hesitation, she continued, assuming now would be the perfect opportunity to make her plans known. “I’m going back to St. Louis when I’m able.”
Diane sat down her teacup. “When did you decide this?”
“I have been planning to leave eventually, but now seems like a good time.” She didn’t want to express the fears haunting her constantly since the hideous incident nearly taking her life and killed her baby but decided to confide in her aunt, so tired of being afraid.
“I can’t live her any longer. I’m frightened, and I feel like something else is just waiting to happen. I have to get away.”
Diane’s blue eyes opened wide in amazement. “What about Cash? Is he aware of your plans?”
“What about Cash?” Her voice became bitter. “He has known all along of my plans.” Just let him try to stop her. She would make him so miserable he would beg her to go.
“Why did you get married, if you had planned on leaving?”
Raeden remained composed while her stomached turned over. “I didn’t want to get married. He had already arranged everything before he told me. I didn’t desire to make a scene, and you seemed so happy. Too tired to fight, I just went along.”
She poured more tea then continued. “Cash just wanted to save face by doing the right thing. He doesn’t want marriage either and he can’t make me stay.”
Diane sat wide-eyed, a baffled look on her face. “I don’t believe Cash the type to care what others may think. However, he does have a strong sense of duty. It’s hardly an excuse for not allowing you to decide. I thought you loved him.” Her shoulder drooped and sadness marred her beatific face.
Raeden reached for her hand. “At first I became swept away by passion. I never knew a man like him existed.” She sighed. “Then I thought we had become friends. He asked if I desired marriage, he would if I wanted. That’s no basis to get married in my mind. All this duty and responsibility nonsense makes me tired.” She raised her hands in frustration, her eyes pooled. “He doesn’t want me. No man
could want me after those men …”
She covered her eyes hiding disgrace and anguish. Diane stood to put an arm around her shoulder. “It’s not true, Rae. You’ll see this differently once you’re better.”
She wiped her eyes, lifting her face toward Diane. “I will never get over what happened. Dreams of their torture keep me awake half the night. If a man tried to touch my body, I am afraid I would get sick.” Standing from the table, Raeden’s eyes cleared and showed a hint of her old spark. “I’ll get the marriage annulled in New York. The train is due in a few weeks and I plan to be on it to get rid of this nightmare once and for all.”
Raeden rose from the table. She wanted to run, but held back by pain and stiffness she walked carefully to her room. She eased onto her bed and turned to her side then hugged her knees to her chest and felt less vulnerable and finally fell asleep.
***
Cash, John by his side, rode into Sioux Falls three days later and boarded their horses. The odor of charred wood hung heavy in the night air. Skeletons of burned buildings formed demonic statues, the debris from the town fire scattered in the streets.
The once thriving burg looked like a ghost town strewn with huge heaps of rubble. The saloon was one of the few buildings left standing.
Deserted by most of the population after renegade Apache set fire to Sioux Falls, they would have to sleep with their horses, left to eat jerky and hard tack. The remaining population was camping out in the outskirts of the rubble.
Cash casually scanned the exits when they entered the saloon, downed a double whisky served in a cloudy chipped glass. He opened a lapel exposing the tin star, reached in his breast pocket for the sketches then signaled the barkeep. “Have you seen these men?”
The man ran his fingers over a scruffy growth of beard. “Yeah, I seen ‘em. They done left just before the fire.”
