His eyes lingering on Sarah’s turned back. He wouldn’t see her all day. The thought left an odd empty feeling in him. He almost groaned at the thought of spending the day with Daniel. If he got lucky, maybe the man would have things of his own to do. Chase would simply have to make himself scarce somehow.
“Is there anything you’d like me to do while you’re gone?” he asked.
Aimee didn’t have a chance to answer. The door to the bedroom opened, and Daniel walked into the main room, a rifle in each hand. Without warning, he threw one towards Chase, who caught it in his left hand, looking at the older man in surprise. His expression was unreadable.
Score one for you, Russell. You passed the reflex test. It was hard to maintain a poker face. He stared at the flintlock in his hand, and all smugness left him. What was he supposed to do with that?
Daniel’s eyes assessed him without a hint of what he was thinking behind that dark stare. Abruptly, he turned toward his wife. “We’re headed north. We may not be back before dark.”
Chase watched the man’s hard face turn suddenly soft when he looked at Aimee. His hand rested on the small of her back, and she smiled warmly up at him. The love between Sarah’s parents was quite obvious. He didn’t have a single memory of his mother and father ever sharing a tender moment. He recalled plenty of yelling and door slamming, before his old man walked out on them for good.
His eyes wandered to where Sarah stood by the workbench. She was watching him. I love you, angel. He formed the words with his mouth. She smiled before darting a glance at her father.
“Have you finished eating?” Daniel’s voice startled him. His focus had been on the dark-haired beauty standing in the corner. Knowing her smile was only for him gave him an almost euphoric feeling. Why didn’t he tell her weeks ago how he felt about her? Then they could have explored their relationship without the constant presence of her parents. Aimee seemed more open-minded. But then, she grew up in a time where open displays of affection between unmarried couples was socially acceptable. Daniel seemed to be the stereotypical old-fashioned father, who would sooner shoot him rather than let him within a hundred yards of his daughter.
Chase hastily stuffed the rest of the food in his mouth, and washed it down with coffee. He pushed his chair back from the table, still holding the rifle in his hand.
“Ah, what am I doing with this?” he asked, raising the rifle slightly, hoping he didn’t sound too stupid.
“Where’s your weapon belt?” Daniel asked, instead of offering an answer.
“I left it in the other cabin.” Chase shrugged.
“First rule in the mountains. You never leave your weapons unguarded. Always carry them with you.” The impatience had left his voice. He sounded more like an authoritative teacher. “Let’s go.” He motioned with his chin towards the door.
Chase shot him a questioning look, his eyebrows raised.
“We’re going hunting,” Daniel said, as if that was obvious. He motioned again towards the door.
Chase’s eyes sought Sarah’s. He couldn’t help it. An invisible magnet drew him to her, and he couldn’t just walk out the door without one last look. Her eyes were wide as saucers, and she wore an almost panicked expression on her face. They both smiled at the same time. He wished he could have five minutes alone with her, but knew that wouldn’t happen, at least not for the rest of today.
“Chase,” Daniel’s stern voice prompted him to finally turn and head out the door.
After Chase retrieved his belt, Daniel led him through the forest behind the cabin, heading into the hills to the north. He cut through the dense growth of lodgepoles, following some imperceptible path. Chase had to conclude it was some kind of trail, since they seemed to avoid most of the downfall that lay about everywhere. At times, the older man picked up the pace, at other times he slowed to a brisk walk. He didn’t speak for, what seemed like hours.
Perspiration beaded Chase’s forehead, even in the crisp early morning air. The sun’s rays didn’t quite reach the forest floor. He hadn’t done this much walking and jogging since that day…..Anger welled up in him anew. He gripped the rifle he held in his hand. Perhaps if Daniel taught him to shoot this thing, he’d feel more confident the next time he came across some Indian. The tomahawk hanging off his belt felt more familiar. At least he knew how to use that.
“Are you paying attention to your surroundings?” Daniel’s voice broke into his thoughts. Without warning, he had stopped, and Chase nearly ran into him.
“What am I supposed to be paying attention to? There’s nothing here but trees. I figured you had a plan on where we’re going.”
Daniel cocked an eyebrow, and Chase knew that was the wrong answer. What was he supposed to say? Daniel hadn’t said two words to him since leaving the cabin. What did he expect? At least if he’d tell him what to look for, or what they were doing, he could focus on the task at hand. Having an attitude with Daniel was probably not a good idea. Chase inhaled a deep breath, trying to curb his annoyance.
“Can you find your way back to the cabin from here alone?” Daniel turned and raised both eyebrows at him.
Chase looked around. The forest was as dense as ever. Everything looked the same to him. His sense of direction was non existent. “No,” he reluctantly conceded, working his jaw. He felt like a kid who hadn’t studied for his algebra exam. He’d found his way back to the valley from the Tukudeka village that ill fated day he left, but he had a river to follow then. The middle of the forest was completely different.
“How did you outrun twenty Blackfoot warriors, yet you cannot focus on what is in front of you right now? The spirits must have smiled on you that day.”
More like a dark-haired angel.
“I had help. Sarah gave me some pretty good directions.”
Daniel’s face darkened. “My daughter gambled with her life that day. I hope you know that.”
Chase met his stare, his annoyance growing. “Yes, sir, I do know that, and not a day goes by that I don’t feel guilt over what happened.” He threw his hands in the air. “Maybe you should try coming to the twenty-first century, and see how well you get around when you don’t have a clue about your environment.” His voice raised in anger. Wheeling around, he kicked at the dirt. Shit! He felt bad enough as it was. He didn’t need a constant reminder as to his incompetence.
“I have been to the twenty-first century, and I understand about not knowing your environment.” Chase had to strain his ears to hear Daniel’s quietly spoken words. Slowly, he turned around.
“You’ve been to the future?” he asked. He couldn’t picture Daniel Osborne in a modern city.
“I went in search of my wife, after she was taken from me.” Daniel nodded. “I didn’t know what to expect. I had very little information to go by in order to find her, and to this day I believe it was by sheer luck that I managed to track her down.” He paused, and put his hand on Chase’s shoulder. “But I was determined. Never lose sight of what is important to you once you figure out what that is. Then focus to achieve your goal.”
Chase could only stare at the man, dumbfounded. His high school football coach had said those same things to him. Back then, he had been focused. But after Coach Beckman died, he’d lost that inner drive. What did he have to focus on now? His sole motivation since coming here was finding a way back home.
Sarah.
She’d become the most important thing to him, he realized with sudden clarity. The elated feeling that had swept over him that day, running for his life, when Sarah’s vision had spurred him on and he’d realized he loved her, suddenly came flooding back. He had to focus on her, doing what was right for her. Is she more important than going home, Russell?
Daniel smiled suddenly. “I see you are understanding what I say.”
Was the man a mind reader, too?
“I’ve been intent on finding a way home,” Chase said slowly. “It’s all that’s been on my mind. That, and….Sarah.” He rubbed the back of his neck
. Daniel dropped his hand, and Chase looked him in the eye. “Teach me how to shoot this rifle.” He moved his arm in front of him in a sweeping motion. “Show me how to find my way out of this forest.”
Daniel nodded. “There will come a time when you will be faced with making a choice, Chase Russell. And it will be a choice only you can make.”
*****
Sarah listened to the rhythmic chirping of crickets in the evening air. She sat by the woodpile on an overturned log, stroking Grizzly’s fur. The dog lay faithfully at her feet. The sun had long gone down, and there was no moon to give off even a little light in the distance. How long were they going to be gone? She and her mother had returned hours ago from visiting Little Bird and Snow Bird. The baby had grown in the nearly three weeks since his birth.
Her cousin Touch the Cloud had hovered outside the birthing hut most of the day, bringing water and firewood when Snow Bird requested it. Another week and he would finally get to meet his son. Sarah could tell he was anxious to be reunited with his wife as well. Hawk Soaring had, thankfully, not been in the village. Elk Runner made sure he informed her that he would be coming for a visit soon, then in the same breath, had inquired about Chase.
Grizzly’s head suddenly jerked up from its resting place on his huge front paws. His tail thumped the dirt. Sarah strained her eyes into the darkness. Her father’s familiar form emerged from the darkness, and several paces behind him, a taller figure that sent her heart beats racing.
She rose from her perch on the log. The light from the window in the main cabin softly illuminated the approaching figures. Her father moved with his usual confident stride. There was a noticeable difference in Chase’s gait. Sarah squinted her eyes. Chase was definitely limping. She rushed up to meet them, and her father’s hand prevented her from reaching the man she wanted to throw her arms around.
“It’s late. Go inside, Sarah,” her father’s firm voice commanded.
“Please, papa, just a minute,” she asked softly. He slowly removed his hand from her arm.
“You have five minutes.” She caught the reluctance in his tone.
Chase hadn’t stopped walking. Without a glance her way, he headed for his cabin.
“Chase,” she called out, catching up with him when he reached his door.
“Do what your father says, Sarah. Go back to the main house.”
“What…what happened? Are you hurt?” She reached out her hand to touch his arm. She noticed him clutching his side. Had he somehow reinjured his ribs?
“I’ll be fine in the morning,” he grumbled. “It’s been a long day. I just need to get to bed.”
“What about some food? You must be hungry.” Why was he acting so strange?
Chase inhaled loudly. “Sarah, I appreciate your concern. I’ll be fine.” Sarah could feel his eyes on her, but his body stood rigid. She ran her hand up his arm. He pulled away. “Good night, Sarah,” he said, opening the cabin door.
“Chase?” He stopped in his tracks. The tension in his muscles lessened.
“I had a run in with a deer, okay. Your dad can fill you in about my incompetence. I can’t seem to get anything right.” His voice was filled with self-loathing. He kicked at the door when it wouldn’t stay open. “Good night, angel.” He disappeared inside the dark cabin, the door closing swiftly in her face.
Sarah stood rooted to the spot momentarily. Reluctantly, she turned and headed towards the house. She needed to find out what had happened.
Her mother set a plate of stew in front of her father when she walked in. Her eyes met his.
“Is Chase hurt?” she asked.
“Only his pride,” her father said, a smile softening his features.
“You didn’t bring back any meat,” her mother remarked.
“No, we didn’t.” He grinned broadly now. “It seems the deer had other plans. Chase decided he was more proficient with his ax than the rifle, and took it upon himself to surprise the doe. His stalking skills are to be commended, but he neglected to stay down wind, or watch his surroundings. Another deer darted out of the thicket, knocking him to the ground.”
Sarah’s mother began to laugh, and her father joined in.
“Why didn’t you warn him not to do that?” Sarah asked, her hands on her hips, glaring at her parents.
“He learned his lesson today. He will not be making that mistake again.” Sarah conceded that her father was probably correct.
Chapter 28
Aimee stepped out of the bedroom, and spotted Daniel standing by the window, staring out into the distance. The gray early morning light held no hint of sunshine. July brought varied weather to her beloved mountains, and the sunshine they had enjoyed for weeks now seemed to want a day of rest. The fire in the hearth had already been brought to life, and water was set to boil for coffee. She walked up behind her husband, and wrapped her arms around his waist.
“What’s on your mind,” she purred, sliding her hands up his chest. He covered her hands with his own, and inhaled deeply.
“We made a grave mistake when we threw that device over the waterfall that day,” Daniel said solemnly. “We never expected it to resurface, did we?”
“No. I don’t see how that could have happened. We both thought it would lie at the bottom of those falls forever. I guess fate sometimes has its own plans. It must have somehow moved downstream and beached itself at the river’s edge. That’s the only way Chase could have inadvertently touched it in his time.”
“I have to find it. It has to be removed. Something like this can never happen again.” He turned towards her.
“You’re right,” Aimee sighed. “But what do we do about our immediate problem?”
“Chase?” his eyebrows raised.
“And Sarah,” Aimee nodded. “They remind me of us, Daniel. Two young people in love, from different worlds, each unsure of what to make of the other.”
“You wanted to be here,” Daniel stoked her cheek, smiling down at her.
“Your daughter has handled herself well. I can only imagine what had to be going on in her mind. She felt obligated to take care of him, but it went against all the customs she’s grown up with.” Aimee laughed. “I remember you barely setting foot in your own cabin when I arrived. You acted like such an honorable Tukudeka. Of course, I didn’t know your reasons back then.”
“You scared me to death.” He grinned.
Aimee rested her head on his shoulder.
“How do you feel about Chase now? You’ve spent practically every waking moment with him for the last three days. Is that because you prefer his company to mine, or is it to keep him away from Sarah?”
Daniel held her close and stroked her hair. “He has much to learn. He is young and impulsive. I believe he has not had much guidance in his life. When he finds his true path, he will be a great man.”
“As great as you?” Aimee raised herself on tip toes and kissed his cheek.
“In our daughter’s eyes, he already is.”
“I’m glad you won’t deny your daughter a chance to find love, Daniel. I guess time will tell where these two are headed.”
“If I find the device, he may choose to go home.” Daniel’s expression turned serious.
“True,” Aimee sighed. “I fear what this might do to Sarah.” She pulled out of Daniel’s embrace, and stood next to him, in front of the window. She laughed softly, shaking her head. “She hasn’t been interested in a man, ever, that I can think of. Then Chase shows up, a man completely unfamiliar with the ways she knows, and sweeps her off her feet. I’m telling you, Daniel, there are stronger forces at work here than you and I will ever comprehend.” Her eyes scanned the distance across the meadow, and she raised herself on her toes to see better.
“Is that Elk Runner?” she asked, pointing to the west.
Daniel looked to where she pointed. “And it looks like he’s brought company.”
Aimee turned her head and looked at her husband. A slow smile formed on his lips. Aimee’s eyes na
rrowed.
She turned back to watch her brother-in-law and another man approach. Her hands shot to her hips. “One of these days I’m going to have a serious talk with your brother. Him with his shenanigans.” She threw her arm out in the general direction of the approaching men, pointing a finger their way. “That’s Hawk Soaring he’s brought with him.”
“Why should that bother you?” Daniel raised his eyebrows.
Aimee glared at him. “He knows, Daniel. He knows about Chase, and how Sarah feels about him. Three days ago while we were visiting Snow Bird, he kept asking Sarah how Chase was doing. And apparently he also found out from some Crow about Chase’s run with the Blackfoot. I wonder if that’s why he’s here.” Her voice rose, and her speech became faster with each word.
“You’re getting too upset, wife,” Daniel pulled her up against him. “Perhaps he merely comes to visit with me. I haven’t seen him since before rendezvous.”
“You don’t believe that any more than I do,” Aimee scoffed. “He’s up to something.” She paused and angled her head at her husband. “And what are you going to say to Hawk?”
“There is nothing to say,” Daniel shrugged. “The decision rests with Sarah.”
Aimee pulled away from him and headed for the hearth. She busied herself pouring hot water in the coffee pot. Daniel went out to greet his brother. Loud voices and laughter outside drew nearer, and she plastered a smile on her face when the men walked through the door.
“You sure didn’t waste any time when you said you were coming for a visit.” She glared at her brother-in-law. Elk Runner smiled brightly.
“White Wolf, your wife is as disrespectful as ever. When will you teach her how to properly address a hunter of the Tukudeka?”
Daniel winked at Aimee from across the room. She greeted Hawk Soaring, then said, “If you’d like to sit, I’ll have some breakfast ready in a while.”
Elk Runner held a passel of freshly caught trout, already cleaned and gutted, out to her. “I bring the food, if you will cook it.” He took a seat at the table. “Perhaps this will placate your disposition, woman.”
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