by DiAnn Mills
Deputize some of the men here, and lets go after that bunch, Wirt said, straddling a chair opposite Parkers desk at the jail.
None of them want the job. Parker swallowed his pride with the understanding that Wirt wanted the gang brought in too. The last deputy was murdered, and no man wants to take his place.
Wirt frowned. Dont they care about their town? Are they going to stand by and do nothing while more crimes are committed?
Of course they want the gang stopped. But they care more about their wives and children. Were not talking about some two-bit thieves. Were talking about a gang whos ridden together since the war. If the McCaws ride in here and start shooting up the place, then the towns men will grab their rifles. But not until then.
That doesnt mean the McCaws cant be stopped.
Parker had begun to think the man had left his logic in Denver. I agree, but we need trained men, not ranchers and store-keeps. A couple of the men here might go if you had professionals riding with them.
And I believe a US Marshal and the towns marshal are enough trained professionals for any posse.
Parker wasnt in any mood to argue. After all, he and Sage had trekked out after the McCaws and barely escaped with their lives. While Leah sat with Sage, Parker put up with a US Marshal who didnt understand how an outlaw gang could break into a jail, free a prisoner, and nab two boys under the nose of the local marshal. The surly side of Parker was starting to creep in.
Wheres Sage Morrow? Wirt said. I want to meet her and hear her side of what happened.
Shes at the docs. One of the McCaws shot her when she rescued my nephews. When Doc had told him that Sage might not make it, the news had scared the sin right out of himso to speak. Odd how a woman could get to a man that quickly.
How bad?
She nearly died. The bullet went straight through her side, and infection set in.
Wirt cringed. Can she talk?
All lawmen had to do what they could to find criminals, but Wirt could have been more considerate of Sages condition. Not unless shes wakened this afternoon.
Lets head over there and see. Wirt nodded and grinned. Heard a lot about that Indian woman. Anxious to talk to her. Is she as pretty as they say?
Whos they? I think shes comely. But theres a lot more to Sage than a pretty face. Shes got a lot of guts.
And Id like to find out more about her. Stories say shes half woman, half witch. Heard a hawk rides with her.
Parker forced down the fury rising in him. Sage didnt need the likes of Wirt Zimmerman questioning her. She could take care of herself and put the nosey US Marshal in his place, but not while she struggled to heal. Ill check on Sage. If shes awake, Ill ask her when you could come by.
Wirt eyed Parker. I havent time for special permission. Stay here if you like, but Im going to check on the Morrow woman. I need to think through the best way to go after that gang.
Parker stood from his chair and opened the door. He needed to work with this man to bring about an end to the killings, but he wasnt the easiest fellow to like. At this moment, hed rather send Wirt back to where he came from and figure out how to bring in the McCaws with Sage.
As much as Sage enjoyed Leahs company, the constant talk about Parker and how Leah had always relied on his help and how much he meant to her and how she loved Frank and how she once loved Parker was giving Sage a headache.
Then there was the time that Parker took me on a picnic, and Frank found out. Just when I opened the basket of food, Frank
A knock at the door interrupted any more talk. Leah stood and opened the door. She was a tiny little thing with a face like a childs doll. Parker would be foolish not to want her in his lifeas badly as the thought hurt Sage. We were just talking about you, Leah said.
At the sound of Parkers voice, Sages heart swelled like a rock sending ripples across water. She had to fight this. What if he could read her eyesor her heart? He stepped into the room, hat in hand, looking far too good for a man who couldnt ever belong to her. A taller man strode in behind him, but she only had eyes for one.
Glad to see youre awake. Parker picked up a chair and set it beside her bed. Your colors improved from ashen to white.
Im glad you think Ive improved. She captured his gaze. How could she be disagreeable to the man whod saved her life? Thanks for taking care of me.
Youd have done the same for me. John and Davis are mighty grateful. You did a brave thing.
Shed never known how to handle complimentsmade her feel uncomfortable. Id like to get out of this bed and to the hotel. Ive work to do.
He pressed his lips together and shook his head. Doc says youll be staying put for a few weeks. You nearly died when that bullet hole got infected.
A few weeks? She wanted her words to sound strong, but instead they squeaked out like a frightened kittens meow. Then a spark of hope ignited. Leah said four weeks. Has the doc changed his mind?
Parker rubbed the back of his neck. He did say four. The best thing you can do is rest so you can heal faster. Aiden is quiet right now, which gives us time to talk through what we can do next. Parker spoke softly to her like he did when they were in the mountains. But instead of comforting, his words irritated her.
I tried to explain that she needed rest, Leah said. But shes stubborn.
My guess is her stubbornness is what kept her alive, Parker said. But lifes too short to take chances with it.
The longer he talked, the more Sage realized her heart would certainly show if she didnt turn away from him. Ill talk to the doc myself. I heal fast. I understand Widow Bess has my clothes, and Id like to have them returned.
And I locked up your rifle and Colts. I have an idea to discuss with you later on.
The last I heard, taking a bounty hunters guns means a man is looking for a fight. And I thought you were trying to make friends for the upcoming election.
Some things are more important than winning an election. The gentleness of his words confused her, especially when she shouldnt read any more into them than a towns marshal concerned for an injured woman. Although he had talked about the two of them getting to know each other better. I expect to have my guns back in this room before dark. The pain shed battled for the last hour grew steadily worse.
Parker gave her a slight smile. Feisty as ever.
The other man in the room cleared his throat. Parker motioned to him. Sage, Id like for you to meet US Marshal Wirt Zimmerman.
She closed her eyes, torture sinking its teeth into every part of her. Im sorry youve come all this way to pick up Aiden McCaw. Fire hurled through her side. She clenched her fists in an effort to fight the accompanying dizziness threatening to pull her inward.
The man removed his hat. Well get him and his murdering brothers caught again.
Through the haze of rising agony, she studied his face, so different from Parkerspale gray eyes and smooth skin. Some would call him handsome, but to her he seemed a bit of a dandy. I have a vendetta against one of them.
Whys that? You know which one shot you?
Which time? I didnt see who pulled the trigger. Hed killed Charles and Timothy, but that was none of Wirts concern. And my reasons are personal.
He peered at her as though she had two heads. Im looking forward to talking to you about Aiden and what he has against you and Marshal Timmons.
She and Parker both wished they had the answers to that question. This towns seen enough trouble from that gang.
Wirt nodded. None of it would have happened if Aiden hadnt broken out of jail.
Anger grabbed hold of her, and she couldnt let it slide. If my memory serves me correctly, Aidens brothers broke him out in the dead of night. She wasnt about to let her weakness stand in the way of truth. Not much anyone can do when youre outnumbered.
Wirt chuckled. Now that Im here, the odds are a little better. You rest up, maam, and Ill check on you tomorrow.
Looks to me like she needs to rest for a few days before you question her again. Parker stood, and the room
grew eerily quiet. Sounds of the boys playing outside met her ears. Parker was challenging the US Marshal. But why? Sage fought the urge to look at Parker, to see if any animosity had passed between the two men.
Wirt opened his mouth. She could tell he had more to ask. Ill still stop by tomorrow and see if you feel like talking about what happened in the mountains.
Parker knows as much as I do. Even more, since I was shot.
But Id like to hear it from you.
The firmness of his words alerted her, as though she and Parker had been judged as incompetent. Why?
Its my job to bring in outlaws and find out what theyve been up to.
Sage chose not to say a word until she felt better and could size up US Marshal Wirt Zimmerman with a clear head. In the meantime, shed guard her tongue. Or at least try.
Ill bring supper in a few hours, Parker said. Widow Bess asked me to stop by and pick up a couple of bowls of stew and cornbread.
Dont forget my guns and my clothes. The pain in her side had grown worse.
Ill see what I can do, Parker said. Are you planning to get out of bed and go after the McCaws?
She tossed him a glare, and he laughed.
Are you staying here again tonight? Leah said. Cause if you have things to do, I dont mind.
Surely Parker hasnt been staying here at night? He had a ranch in addition to his duties for the town of Rocky Falls.
Ill be back. I feel better knowing shes sleeping sound.
Sages breath caught in her chest. Youve been keeping vigil?
Didnt see a need for Doc to stay up all night. Someone might need him. And Mrs. Slader has her hands full with those boys.
That doesnt make sense when you have a town to protect.
Leah wrapped her arm around Parkers waist. Because thats what Parker does. He takes care of folks when they need help.
TWENTY-SIX
Parker set the bowls of stew and plate of cornbread on the table beside Sages bed. He detected something wrong, and he wondered if her wound had grown worse. The lamp was lit and cast a soft glow on her face. How could one so strong still look so vulnerable? Mrs. Slader had helped him prop her up against the pillows so she could eat supper.
Are you feeling all right?
I believe Im on the mend.
You seem bothered by something. Then he knew exactly what was wrong. Wirt Zimmerman must have gotten under your skin like he got under mine.
A faint smile lifted the corners of her mouth. Ive dealt with worse characters.
He thinks hes pretty special.
Parker, you should be ashamed of yourself.
For speaking the truth?
She turned her head, but he saw the smile. He must be good at what he does. We just have to figure out what that is.
It felt good to talk to her this way, as though serious matters werent a part of their lives. Can you eat a little? Besss stew is always good.
She met his gaze, warm and tender. Ah, hed love to get to know the many sides of Sage Morrow. When this was over, he would court her proper. Ill try a little.
Do you want me to feed you?
Her gaze shadowed. My arms are just fine, Mr. Timmons.
Yes, maam. He laughed.
While he finished his meal, he took note of how much stew Sage had been able to eat. Shed lost quite of bit of weight, and she needed to build her strength. When he saw shed finished, he took the bowl. He had a little time before returning the items to Bess.
What were you like as a little girl?
She closed her eyes and leaned back against the pillow. Papa called me his wild child.
What did you do?
I already told you about my pets, and there were lots of them. The lines that deepened around her eyes when she was in pain were gone. I wanted them with me all the time. Mama and Papa didnt share in my interests.
Did you skip school?
Her eyes flashed open. Who told you?
Hawk.
Ill need to have a word with him. She paused. I have good parents. Mama put up with cruel gossip, but more so from the men than the women. Seemed like the women were ready to be friends, then their husbands stopped it. That carried over to the other children. She worked very hard to fit into a white mans world. She still does.
Charles and his family were different. He and I spent hours fishing and playing together.
Sage had lost a friend and a husband when Charles died. The thought of him being an outlaw must be harder on her than Parker thought. Any brothers or sisters?
Just me.
Thank you for telling me about the wild child, he said. Wish I could stay and talk longer, but Ive got to go.
Im hoping to move to the hotel.
Who would take care of you?
Ill be fine. For now, I need to let my body heal naturally.
Parker took a deep breath to ask the question hed been thinking about for the past few hours. Would you feel more comfortable at my ranch?
Surprise etched her features. I dont think so.
I could make sure one of my hands was close by. Id be there in the evenings and early morning. Youd have peace and quiet, and my foremans a fair cook.
Parker, you dont need a guest with the McCaws out there. What if they found out where I was staying and killed your hands?
He realized his desire to have her close by had taken priority over good sense. Youre right. He stood and gathered up the bowls, spoons, and cornbread tray. Get a good nights sleep.
I will. Next time its your turn.
He tossed her a confused look. My turn?
Yes, to tell me about your boyhood.
And he would. This was a beginning. He could be her friend just like Charles, but with a different ending.
The moment Parker left, Mrs. Slader entered the room to help her with personal needs. Sage was still weak, and it aggravated her to be so dependent when she wanted to take care of herself and her responsibilities.
She allowed herself the luxury of remembering the time spent with Parker this evening. More than she should in light of Leahs confession this afternoon. Leah needed a good man to help her with the ranch and her children. But that didnt stop the lilt of Sages heart when she was with Parker. In a way she wondered if she was betraying Charles.
She wondered about too many things regarding Charles.
TWENTY-SEVEN
Parker had more work to do than a farmer had weeds, and at the top of his list were the McCaws and how to pacify the obnoxious Wirt Zimmerman. Though the lawman never came out and accused Parker of shirking in his capacity as a marshal, he made it abundantly clear that he didnt understand how Sage and Parker couldnt figure out their connection to the gang.
You sleep on what Aiden wants from you and the Morrow woman, Wirt said. Then meet me for breakfast at the hotel tomorrow morning around eight oclock. Were going to bring an end to this gang and soon.
Parker gritted his teeth. The man standing before him had more in common with a rooster than a human being. I usually attend church
Wirt snorted. Not tomorrow. I need to get Aiden brought in, and your inability to figure out what theyre after is in my way.
Parkers head roiled with all the things hed like to say to the mannone of which were good. Now how godly was that? If you think you can do a better job, then take my badge.
I might before this is all over with.
Look, we have to work together on this. We can bring in the McCaws like grown men who have a commitment to keeping the law, or we can climb down each others throats every time we talk.
Wirt fastened his thumbs on his gun belt and leaned on one leg. I have the jurisdiction here, and this matter will be handled my way.
Heat crept up Parkers neck. I understand. But this is my townmy friend and my brother who were murdered, and my nephews who were nabbed to draw me and Sage into the mountains, and Sage who was shot. Rocky Falls is the home of my family and friends, who have the right to walk these streets in peace. He took a breath to keep the dyn
amite in his body from exploding. I have more of a stake in this than any US Marshal with a fistful of credentials. This is my town to protect, Mr. Zimmerman, and I suggest you swallow that before we go a step further.
Wirts red face could have lit the night. I could report you.
Parker laughed. That works both ways. Governor Eaton and I have been friends for years. And Id like nothing better than to wire him for help to bring in the McCaws. But like you said, this is your jurisdiction. Senator Bowen was here about six weeks ago, and we discussed the same problem. So when you file your report about Marshal Parker Timmons of Rocky Falls, make sure they get a copy.
Wirt stiffened. Eight oclock in the morning. Be there. And for your information, the governor doesnt have a man to spare right now. Ive already made the inquiry.
Parker wasnt one to call another man a liar, but he sure doubted the words flowing from Zimmermans mouth. Ill be there, not because you demand it, but because I want that gang brought to justice. Not to mention he didnt want to hear another one of Preacher Wallers hell-and-condemnation sermons, especially when it would probably be directed at him. He could swallow a bit of his own pride and start the day before sunrise with his own time with the Lord.
The following morning, Parker made sure he was at the hotel at seven-thirty and drinking Besss coffee before Wirt made his grand entrance. He was determined to show a better attitude, and hed drunk enough coffee and prayed enough to give it his bestthrough Gods help. This wasnt the time to let a pompous US Marshal get under his skin. He fretted over Sage and hoped hed be able to spend a few hours at her bedside. That depended on Wirts plans for them today.
Do you need a friend? Bess said as she refilled his cup.
Parker leaned back in his chair and smiled his thanks. Oh, I need lots of things, but a friend sounds good.
Whats bothering you the most?
He lifted a brow.
Oh, one of those days. She eased her round shape into a chair opposite him.
Bess, on top of everything thats been going on, I found out that a man by the name of Charles Morrow was part of a train robbery some years back.
