* * * *
Clint rode up beside Zeke. “Well, everything looks fine down the line.”
“Good. That’s what I like. A day where there’re no problems.”
“Other than a few scares, it’s been a good trip so far.” Clint nodded to the man. “I heard you were one of the best trail bosses.”
“Thanks, Clint. I do feel responsible when I take a group of people this far. Some people say I’m too strict about who goes and who doesn’t go and that I probably refuse some people who would make good travelers.” He had a half smile on his lips. “I liked you the instant I met you. So I decided to let you go, though I knew you’d twisted the rules to get a wagon.”
Clint raised his eye. “What do you mean?”
“Come on, Clint. I know you only met Fiona Webb in Independence and passed her off as your sister-in-law to get on this train.”
There was a short pause, then Clint said, “I guess you caught me. You’re not going to make us turn back, are you?”
“No, I’m not. I’m glad to have you along. You’ve been a big help and I know Mac appreciates you filling in for him. There’s one thing that worries me.”
“What?”
“Your wife seemed desperate to get away from Independence.”
“She was, Zeke.”
“Will you tell me why?”
Clint swallowed. He wasn’t sure how much he should tell this man. Finally he said, “Rose and I are distant cousins. We’ve always been close. When I was in trouble back in Baltimore, she was there to help me out. She always knew if something happened she couldn’t handle I’d be there for her.”
Zeke didn’t say anything and Clint went on. “A few months ago, Rose sent me a letter saying she was in trouble and asking me to come to Baltimore. When I got there, I found her in a state of almost panic. Something had happened to her and she felt she had to get out of town. I agreed to take her back to Texas with me, but when we found out she was pregnant, I insisted on marrying her. We let her folks know we were married and they didn’t like it. Her father kept saying he was coming to make her go home where he’d have the marriage annulled and she could start over in Baltimore.”
Clint took a deep breath and continued, “When we got to Independence Rose heard about this train forming. She insisted we try to get on it. She thought if we could get to Oregon, her father wouldn’t come after her. I had a partner on my small ranch in Texas and sent him word that we wouldn’t be back for a while. He said Wade Fillmore had come to Texas looking for Rose, but before he knew the circumstances he told Wade where to find us.” Clint shrugged. “That’s about it. I hope we got away from him before he got to Independence. Rose couldn’t face going back to Baltimore and I feel Wade would insist she go even if he had to kill me to do it.”
Zeke removed his hat and scratched his head. It was several minutes before he spoke. When he did, his words shocked Clint. “You didn’t get away from him, Clint.”
Clint pulled the reins to stop his horse. He looked directly at Zeke. “What the hell do you mean?”
“I’ve got Wade Fillmore and his partner, Leo Carver, tied up in Ira’s wagon.”
“That son-of-a-bitch! I’ll kill him.” Clint started to ride off.
Zeke caught the reins. “Slow down, boy. You can’t go killing your father-in-law.”
“It’s not him I’m going to kill.”
Zeke frowned. “You want to kill his partner?”
“That bastard is the reason Rose had to leave Baltimore.”
“Why?” Zeke was still frowning.
“Trust me, Zeke. It’s not my story to tell, but I know what I’m talking about.”
“There’s something else, Clint.”
“What now?”
“Carver is the one who snatched the little Fritz girl.”
“Hell and damnation! What are you doing to do?”
“I want to get him to the fort where we can turn him over to a federal marshal.”
“I don’t want Rose to know they’re here.”
“Four of us know they’re here. You, me, Granny Weatherbee, and Mac. I don’t want it to go any further, but I thought I owed it to you to let you know.”
“I appreciate it.” Clint began to walk his horse. “I’ve got to think about this.”
“Remember these are my prisoners, Clint. You can’t interfere. I only told you because of the family connection.”
“I promise you I won’t do anything without talking to you again, Zeke.”
“That’s fair.” He leaned forward on his horse. “Now, I’m going to ride ahead and make sure we can make it to the river tonight. Keep these wagons moving.”
“I’ll do it,” Clint said as Zeke rode off.
Chapter 20
The wagon train stopped at the river. Joey helped Fiona build a fire and she was making a Vinson stew from a deer one of the men had killed. She was glad it was the custom to share the meat when a big animal was killed so the meat wouldn’t go bad. She turned from the fire and caught her breath. Clint had Hope in his arm and he was helping Rose from the wagon. “What...”
“I decided I wanted to join the family for supper tonight.” Rose smiled at her. “I told Clint, I’d been in that wagon long enough.”
“I’m delighted you feel like getting out, Rose.” Fiona hurried to her and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
“I even borrowed a camp chair for her,” Clint said. “I thought she’d be more comfortable than she would be sitting on a bucket.”
“I’m glad you’re so thoughtful, Clint.”
“Joey, I propped the chair up there at the end of the wagon. Will you get it?”
“Sure, Uncle Clint.”
When Rose was settled in the chair, Sarah came over to see the baby. She was followed by Hannah.
“She sure is a cutie, Rose,” Hannah said.
“Yes she is,” Sarah said. “Enjoy her while she’s little. It doesn’t seem any time since Benny was little.”
“That’s what I’ve heard.” Rose looked at the two sisters. “Would you like to hold her?”
“Since I helped her into the world, I sure would,” Hannah said.
“Take this chair.” Rose handed her the baby and stood. “I was thinking of making some biscuits to go with our stew tonight. If you’ll baby sit, I’ll do it now.”
“Rose, I can make my pan bread,” Fiona said.
“I know you would, my friend, but I bet these guys would like to have one of Rose’s biscuits.” She looked at Clint and Joey. “Wouldn’t you?”
“I sure would. I love Aunt Rose’s biscuits.”
Clint ruffled Joey’s hair. “I love her biscuits, too, Joey, but I don’t want Rose to over do. She’s still a weak woman.”
“It will do me good, Clint. Now it’s settled. I’m going to make biscuits.”
Rose did make her biscuits and they all ate their fill. Before and after supper several neighbors came by to see the baby. While Rose was busy entertaining friends, Fiona slipped down to the river and took a bath.
It felt good to have the cool water flowing over her tired body. She ducked her head and washed her hair with the scented soap Rose had lent her. There were a few other women at the river so she had a nice chat with them. She felt reluctant to go back to the camp, but she knew she needed to help Rose back to bed. The woman had been up long enough. She pulled her waist-long hair back, plaited it into one long braid down her back, and slipped into her clothes. Gathering the few pieces of clothing she’d washed, she headed toward the wagon.
As she walked up she heard Clint ask, “Are you tired, Rose?”
“Not bad. In fact, if Fiona doesn’t mind helping me, I think I’d like to go to the river and wash.”
“Are you sure you’re up to it?”
“I’m sure.”
Fiona approached them. “I’d be glad to accompany you, Rose.”
“Good. Hope’s asleep.” She turned to Clint. “If you’ll put her to bed and watch her, I promise not to
be gone long. All I need to do is get some clean clothes.”
“I’ll get them for you, Rose.” Fiona hung the wet clothes on the makeshift line and went into the wagon.
When they got to the river Fiona took a seat on the bank and Rose stepped into the water. “This feels so good,” she said and giggled. “It’s the first time I’ve had my whole body in water since we left Independence.”
“It made me feel good, too.”
Rose splashed about then washed her hair. “Fiona, this has been one of the best nights since we left on this trip. It feels good to know I’m with people who care for me.”
“Of course we care, Rose. You’re such a special woman.”
She laughed. “If you knew some of the secrets I have you might not like me at all.”
“Don’t you know you and Clint have become like family to me?”
“I’m glad.” She rinsed her hair then raised her head. “You like Clint a lot, don’t you, Fiona?”
Fiona was glad it was almost dark because she was sure she blushed. “Of course. I told you I think of you both as family.”
“I think it’s more than that, but I won’t go into it now.”
What was Rose getting at? Fiona was confused. “Let me assure you, there’s nothing...”
“Don’t take offense, Fiona. I want you to like Clint. I think it was meant for all of us to meet.”
“I don’t understand.”
She smiled and came out of the water. Taking the towel Fiona held out for her, she looked into Fiona’s eyes. “When I’m gone, Clint will have you.”
Fiona started to speak, but Rose went on. “There’s a lot about Clint and me you can’t know now, Fiona, but one day you will. One day he’ll be able to tell you the whole story.”
“Rose...I...”
“Come now. Let’s not talk about it anymore.” She started toward the wagon.
Fiona fell into step beside her. “Rose, please tell me what you’re talking about.”
“Not now. I just want you to promise me you’ll remember this conversation one day. When you do, I want you to know I’m happy for you and Clint. You’re both wonderful people and you deserve happiness.”
No matter what Fiona asked, Rose wouldn’t explain any further.
* * * *
“What is this slop?” Leo glared into the bowl Ira handed him.
“It supper. Eat or go hungry. I don’t care.”
“Leo, it’s some kind of stew. I think this one is made of pork. Probably bacon. Eat it and be grateful.”
“But it’s the same thing we’ve had every night. I want something different. Maybe chicken or at least eggs.”
“I take it. You no eat till morning.” Ira reached for the bowl.
“No. No. I’ll eat it.” Leo began to shovel the food in his mouth.
Ira laughed and Wade dropped his head to hide a smile.
The sound of a horse came from outside the wagon. Ira looked out. “Eat. I be back. No yelling.”
As soon as Ira stepped out of the wagon, Wade set his bowl on the floor. “Now, Leo, I want you to listen and keep your mouth shut,” he whispered.
“What?”
“I said be quiet. I have a plan to get us out of here.”
“Great. What is it?” Leo was excited, but he did whisper.
“They’re probably going to gag you again, so don’t fight him. Relax.”
“I’ll try.”
“The blacksmith hasn’t been tying my hands very tight. I think I can untie them when no one’s around.”
Leo grinned. “I like this plan.”
“Do as I say and I think we’ll be able to escape.” He picked up his bowl. “Now hurry and start eating again.”
Leo nodded. For the first time there was a glint in his eyes. He knew he was going to see Rose again. Before he could dwell on it, Ira climbed back into the wagon.
“Mr. Smith have broke wheel. I go fix. You stop to eat now.” He took Leo’s bowl and gagged him and tied his wrists. He then took Wade’s bowl and tied his wrists. As before, he left the man’s mouth uncovered.
As soon as Ira stepped out of the wagon, Leo began to wiggle. Wade frowned at him, but he only continued.
“For God’s sake, be still, Leo. He’s out there gathering tools or something. Don’t be so impatient.”
After a few minutes Wade said, “It’s time.” He began working with the rawhide around his wrists.
It took a while, but he finally got the rawhide off and turned to Leo. As soon as his partner was free, Leo reached up and grabbed off the gag. They both untied their feet and moved to the back of the wagon.
“Look, Wade. Here’s a pistol. It’s loaded. Should we take it?”
“Let me have it.”
“Don’t you trust me?” Leo whined.
“I’m not as apt to get excited and shoot it.”
“Well, here.” He handed the gun over. “Let’s get out of here.”
Wade put the gun in the back of his waist band and the two men jumped to the ground. The wagon train was circled. “Do you think they’re expecting Indians?”
Wade chuckled. “No, Leo. I think they’re circled because they have the livestock inside the circle.”
“Oh.” He looked around. “Now which one of these silly looking wagons belongs to Larson?”
“Why don’t we circle around the outside and see if we can figure it out?”
“It’s an awfully long way around,” Leo whispered. “It’ll take us a while.”
“Do you have a better idea?”
“We could ask someone.”
“Leo, I didn’t realize what a fool you are.” Wade stared at him. “These people don’t know us and they certainly wouldn’t trust us. Do you think they would tell us anything?”
Leo sighed. “I guess we might as well get started around then.”
The night was warm and there was a half moon and a spectrum full of stars. They didn’t have any trouble seeing where they were walking as they moved from one wagon to the other. They heard families talking together, men discussing their destination, a man playing a fiddle softly, and a baby crying.
“Wade...” Leo stopped suddenly and said in an excited voice, “I see Rose.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure.” He started clapping his hands. “Yes it’s her. It’s beautiful Rose.”
Before Wade could stop him Leo went running between the wagons and bounded toward the Larsons’ campsite. He was shouting, “Rose, my beautiful Rose. We’ve found you at last. Thank God we found you.”
Chapter 21
Rose screamed and jumped from the camp chair, holding her baby tightly to her chest. “No! It can’t be you. No! No!”
Clint jumped to his feet, drawing his gun. “Stop! Don’t you come any nearer to her, you bastard.” His mind was racing. How could these two have gotten loose? How did they know which wagon to come to?
Leo skidded to a stop and Wade almost ran into him. “But I must see my Rose.”
Wade pushed Leo out of the way. He looked at his daughter and said, “It’s me, Rose. Don’t be frightened. I’ve looked everywhere for you. I had to find out if you were all right.”
Rose moved behind Clint. Her eyes grew large and she stared at Leo Carver. She didn’t seem to know her father was talking to her.
Fiona hurried to put her arms around Rose’s shoulder. ”Nobody will hurt you, Rose. Clint won’t let them,” Fiona whispered.
“You two move away from here.” Clint waved his gun at Wade and Leo. “Rose doesn’t want to see or talk to either of you.”
“Larson, I only want to see that my daughter is safe and goes back home. I can’t believe she’s here because she wants to be.”
“You’re wrong, Fillmore. Rose is exactly where she wants to be. Now, move.”
“I know he’s lying.” Leo straightened up. “This is no place for a lady.”
“Clint, tell him I want to be here with you and I’m not going back to Baltimore. I don�
�t want to go back.”
“You heard her, Fillmore. Now take your partner and leave us alone.”
Leo looked at Clint with hate in his eyes. “Rose doesn’t know what she’s saying. How could you take a beautiful innocent girl away from her home and everyone who loves her, then bring her on such an uncivilized trip?”
“How can you ask such a question, Carver? You know good and well why Rose left Baltimore.”
“You’re crazy. I don’t understand it at all. I love Rose. I want her back. She knows that.”
“Shoot him if he tries to come near me, Clint. I don’t want him anywhere near me.” Rose’s voice trembled. “Please don’t let him touch me.”
Fiona tightened her arm around Rose’s shoulders. “He’ll not let the man near you, Rose.”
Clint’s eyes blazed. “I should take Rose’s advice and shoot you, Carver. A disgusting thing like you doesn’t deserve to live.”
A crowd had gathered.
“Trouble, Clint?” Rufus Watson came into the area with his shot gun over his arm. “I hope you don’t mind, but I told Joey to stay in the wagon with Benny. I didn’t think he should hear this talk and he’ll be safe there.”
Clint nodded.
“Thank you, Rufus. We appreciate it,” Fiona said.
“My family is here if you need us, Clint.” Herman Fritz had his gun in his hand and Bruce was beside his father with a rifle.
Other men and a few women came up. All of them were not only curious, they were armed and ready to help their neighbor.
Clint looked at the group. “We appreciate your support, but I hope it won’t come to anything drastic.” He spotted Bruce and looked directly at him. “Would you go get Zeke?”
“I sure will.” He handed his rifle to his mother. Nina took it and pointed it toward the two strangers without hesitation.
Leo started to go toward Rose again, but Wade pushed him out of the way. “Rose, please. All I want to do is to talk to you. I have to know if you’re all right. Please, darling. Your mother and your sisters are worried.”
“Tell them I’m fine,” Rose said without coming out from behind Clint.
“We want you to come home, darling. You don’t belong here. You don’t have to live like this.”
Fiona's Journey Page 16
