A Woman Called Sage

by DiAnn Mills

  Does Sage know?

  He shook his head.

  I see. And you dont know how to tell her.

  And it wont happen today. I understand she doesnt need protecting, but the news would be hard while shes recovering.

  I understand. Bess picked up a knife and shined it on her apron. Mr. Zimmerman reminds me of a puppy scrambling for attention.

  Hed rather make friends with a wolf. My observations arent quite as complimentary.

  Theres always a reason for folks to be pompous and arrogant. See, I said it for you.

  This time he laughed. I keep telling myself he has his job because hes good at it.

  And so are you.

  Thanks. Im beginning to wonder with all thats happened. I really need a few good men of this town to volunteer as deputies. Doesnt help that Wallers accused me and Sage ofan improper relationship, when were just two people who risked their lives to return two boys to their mama.

  State it like it is, Parker. I see immorality in this establishment from so-called proper men of the community. If anyone chooses to believe such nonsense, then they dont know you.

  Or Sage. He blew out an exasperated breath. We were equals while searching the mountains for those boys. Not a man and a woman looking for time to be together. He took a gulp of coffee. Whats climbing my tree is how to rid this community of the McCaw gang.

  Youll figure out a way. Im sure of it.

  He frowned. If things dont change soon, I may need to find another job.

  This town needs you, Parker Timmons, and theyre all fools if they lose sight of it. Bess straightened and arched her back. As soon as I serve up you and Mr. Zimmermans breakfast, Ill be heading to the docs to sit with Sage.

  I appreciate that. She woke up yesterday. Of course she wants out of bed. And shes full of vinegar because her guns and clothes are missing. Smart idea you had.

  We might have to tie her up, or have Doc give her enough medicine to put her to sleep. I do look forward to getting to know her a little better.

  Shes a fine lady.

  Bess eyed him closely.

  Whats wrong?

  Nothing. I just havent ever heard you talk about a woman in that tone of voice.

  Parker thought Bess had gone daft. His voice didnt sound any different than it did a month ago. He sucked in a breath and hoped he didnt give away what was brewing in his heart.

  Bess patted his hand. Its all right, Parker. I have no intention of telling anyone. You deserve a fine woman, and from what Ive seen, Sage Morrow would do you proper.

  How was he supposed to respond to such an observation? Did he claim it was nonsense or own up to it?

  If youre going to run for public office, youll have to work on answering folks when they ask you about awkward personal matters. Instead of it showing in your face like a ripe tomato. Bess lifted her gaze to the stairway. Here comes Mr. Zimmerman. Put on your best poker face. Id slip you an ace if I thought it would help.

  Right now Id settle for two of a kind.

  Youve got a better hand than what you might think.

  Once Wirt reached the bottom of the stair, Parker walked over and shook his hand. Bess left them to fetch coffee for the US Marshal and two heaping plates of eggs, bacon, fried potatoes, and biscuits. She always said a full belly was the best way for two men to discuss important matters.

  Wirt sat and drummed his fingers on the table, then eyed Parker. Ive been thinking. We do need to get along, and I know I can be a horseswell, you know what. We need to work together to stop this string of murders. I heard folks talking in the hotel and saloon last night. Theyre scared, and most of them are speculating on what might happen next.

  The man did have a drop of decency in him after all. Good. Lets get started.

  For the next several minutes, while feasting on Besss good cooking, Parker repeated much of what hed previously said about the McCaws, emphasizing Aidens insistence that Parker and Sage had something he wanted. Sage and I had never met until she brought him in. For that matter, I never met her husband. From what Aiden has said, he believes we know what he wants. He hesitated. I hope the rest of what I say wont offend Sage, but she didnt ask me to keep it confidential. Charles Morrow told her he owned a ranch up this way, but he didnt. Aiden also claimed Sage didnt know Charless real name.

  It would be a sad thing for a woman to give up seven years of her life to find her husbands killer only to find out he was no better than a murdering outlaw.

  Maybe Parker could learn to like Wirt. Ive thought the same.

  We could still bluff our way with the McCaws and act like we know what they want. Possibly use it for leverage.

  Offer a trade, huh? Might work.

  Wirt pushed aside his plate. The only things that appeal to men like him are money and power. Youve already suggested it could be through political favors, but where does Sage fit in? He held up his hand. I know. We dont have any answers.

  Do we want to offer a meeting with a man we cant trust? Parker toyed with the blade of his knife. You know wed be carving our own tombstones if we dont know whats driving him.

  Youre right. Wirt grinned. You might want to write down my admission. It may never happen again. He sobered. Weve got to go after them, and the odds arent good.

  Now Parker wanted that ace Bess offered. When?

  Wirt picked up his coffee and downed its contents. I asked for deputies last night after the men had a few drinks. Nothing there. Theyre like old menrather complain than do anything about it. Id like for Sage to go, but it might take weeks for her to recover. She certainly is an unusual woman, and her record of bringing in outlaws is better than most bounty hunters.

  Shed string us both up if we went without her. Besides, Aiden wants Sage and me together. If you and I go after them, theyll simply pick you off for target practice. Its going to take the three of us and a plan to outsmart them.

  What am I going to do for the next four weeks until shes able to ride? Frustration topped Wirts words like foam on beer.

  Parker thought long and hard about suggesting Wirt take a job at the livery cleaning stalls. About time he nipped his sarcasm. Wasnt good for anything but putting distance between him and God. We could work on convincing a few good men to ride with us. We could also study maps of the area and the best way to get to the gang. My guess is theyre camped near the place where they held my nephews. At least for now. You and I both know a gang changes hideouts when they feel the law is getting close. Or you could ride to Denver and return in a few weeks. Maybe bring some help with you. In any event, the gang has someone watching the town. Nothing we do will be hidden.

  Im not a patient man, and four weeks is a long time.

  Nothing there Parker hadnt already figured out. Depends on what you do with your time.

  Getting to know Sage Morrow has its advantages. Shes a beauty.

  That wasnt something Parker wanted to hear. He changed the subject. I need to ride out and check on my ranch and Leahs. Her land is on the way to mine. Want to ride along?

  TWENTY-EIGHT

  The sky was just beginning to lighten in the east when Aiden saddled his horse, listening to Quincy cough. No amount of whiskey cut it, and the thin mountain air didnt help a bit. Desperation had started to set in for all of them, but Aiden continued to push it aside. As soon as Rex returned from his trip to Rocky Falls, the brothers would push forward.

  The one thing Aiden didnt want was to spend the winter in the Rockies. August would soon be upon them, and Parker had already proved that time meant little to him. But the cold would kill Quincy for sure. The idea of losing another brother nagged at Aiden like an old bullet wound. Just a little longer. All the McCaws needed to do was keep an eye on Parker and Sage until they made their move to leave town. Then he could take care of Quincy.

  All good plans took time, and hed spent hours laboring over the best way to draw Parker and Sage together. Money talked when it came to getting a job done, and he knew how to lace a mans or a womans pockets. Nabbing
those boys would have worked ifA string of curses singed his mind. He hated being outsmarted, and those two would pay with more than just money.

  This morning they had a little work cut out for them. Its gonna take some time to go through both of the Timmonss ranches, but well start with Parkers place. If hes got something hid, itll most likely be there, Aiden said. Sure would be somethin to find the money stashed at one of the ranches. Since he and Sage got together, they might have done that very thing.

  Or Parker could have the address of a bank where its at, Mitch said.

  Lets get going. Aiden lifted the reins on his horse. Jeb, you keep an eye out for us.

  What if we dont find what were looking for? Jeb said.

  That money is somewhere, and maybe we can get our hands on it. We dont stop looking until then.

  When will Rex be back? Quincy broke into a cough and spat a mouthful of blood.

  Tomorrow. By evenin, well have our plans in place. What else could Aiden do? The quicker they found the money, the sooner hed be able to get his brother to a doctor. He didnt trust the doc in Rocky Falls. And Aiden already knew it would take a fancy hospital in the city to cure his brothers cough.

  Im tired of the waitin. Mitch urged his horse down the ridge toward Parkers ranch. Parker and Sage have outfoxed us for seven years. If we dont get whats due us soon, Im going to finish what I started when we went after Charles.

  Mitch and the others werent any more frustrated than Aiden.

  TWENTY-NINE

  Early Sunday afternoon, Sage woke to the sound of John and Leah talking. Shed fallen asleep after the Sladers returned from church, when Bess was still sitting by her bed. Her eyes refused to open, but she could hear, and the conversation sparked her attention when she heard Preacher Wallers name.

  Wish I could write an article for the Rocky Falls News about how Preacher Waller has set himself up as God, John said.

  Merciful beans and cornbread, John. Although Leah spoke barely above a whisper, her tone indicated her displeasure. You mustnt blaspheme.

  Mama, the truth is not blasphemy, and you know Im right.

  Leah sighed. Youre getting more like your Uncle Parker every day.

  Thanks. I miss Pa a whole lot, but Im glad Im like Uncle Parker.

  Silence swept over the room, and Sage nearly drifted back to sleep.

  Have you talked to Mrs. Waller about the preachers sermon? John said.

  Of course not. I was needed here, and, besides, wed be thrown out of the parsonage.

  Is that so bad? At least youd be out from under Preacher Wallers thumb.

  And where would all of us go, son?

  Back home. Theres work to be done there. Lots of it. I rode out yesterday and helped Uncle Parkers men tend to the stock and mend fence. Thats wrong, Mama. We should be the ones working our ranch. Besides, look what Preacher Waller said about Uncle Parker and Miss Morrow this morning. She saved our livesDaviss and mine. How can you stay one more night under his roof?

  Youre being disrespectful to Preacher Waller and me, and I wont have it.

  Mama, Im a man, and Im not being disrespectful. Im telling you the weather on any given day. And the weather at the parsonage is condemning.

  Leah sniffed.

  Ah, dont cry, Mama. Im sorry. I know all of this is hard.

  John, youre right. I need to take your brothers home. Accepting Parkers help and generosity and not saying a thing while Preacher Waller judges a godly man and a fine woman make me no better than he is. But Im not as strong as you.

  You dont have to be. Johns voice was soft and gentle, reminding Sage of Parkers tender ways. Im here. Gods looked out for us in the past, and He will again.

  Give me a few more days to get used to the idea, Leah said.

  All right. I need to get going. I want to tidy up the jail before Uncle Parker and Mr. Zimmerman return from their ride. Tell Miss Morrow Im hoping she feels better real soon. Her hawk is waiting on the porch for her to get on her feet again.

  I will. Leah paused and sniffed again. Thank you for being a good son. Dont know what Id do without you.

  I love you too, Mama. Dont worry. Ill always take care of you. Ill check on you later. The door opened and lightly closed.

  So what had Preacher Waller said about Parker and her? The last thing Sage wanted was to cause strife in a family or in Parkers town. One more reason to climb out of bed and bring in the McCaws. She opened her eyes, and Leah smiled.

  How are you this fine afternoon? Leah stood from a chair at the foot of Sages bed and took a few steps closer.

  Feeling stronger. Doctor Slader said sleep was the best medicine, and Im following his advice. Sage peered into Leahs eyes and saw the cloud of sadness. How are you and the boys?

  John thinks we should go home. The sadness in Leahs voice said more than a widows apprehension about the future. I question if were really welcome at the parsonage. Its becoming more difficult to stay there. She gathered up her knitting and sat in the rocker beside Sage. This is not how I should honor Frank. Hiding out and expecting others to take care of us is a cowards way.

  I imagine youre cramped, and your children are used to lots of room to play. Sage hoped Leah would state what Preacher Waller had said in church earlier today. When they all returned from the service, she heard one of Doc Sladers sons ask what the preacher meant about Parker and Miss Morrow. Johns comment added to her apprehension.

  I wish lack of room was all there was to it. The WallersI guess, to be honest, are highly critical of others. He has his list of least favorite people, and his wife agrees with everything he says.

  What had she and Parker done to upset the towns preacher? Please tell me what Preacher Waller said about Parker and me. Leah, I can see in your eyes that his remarks were not good.

  Leah paled and fidgeted with one of the knitting needles. What makes you think something was said?

  I heard John talking to you about it. Sage wished she felt well enough to sit up in bed without the aid of someone to help her. But the pain still reduced her to a puddle of nothing. Shed be up and moving about if it hadnt been for that infection. I want to hear it from you.

  Im not sure I can tell you.

  Leah, please.

  All right. Leah swallowed hard. Preacher Waller announced to the congregation about you and Parker spending those nights

  in the mountains. And he had plenty to say about you wearing Parkers shirt.

  Anger threatened to ooze through Sages skin. What about the fact Parker saved my lifeand your sons?

  Leah stood and paced the small room. Im ashamed to admit I didnt stand up for either of you. I cower under Preacher Waller like a whipped puppy. She stared out the window. I owe you and Parker my life. Instead, my silence reinforces the evil accusations. Its as though Preacher Waller cant see the good in people, always looking for something that could be bad. She glanced back at Sage with tear-filled eyes. John said his piece. Told Waller and the whole congregation the truth about how you got shot while rescuing him and Davis. But Preacher Waller twisted his words into something ugly, as though John were a boyif you understand what Im saying.

  I do, and I appreciate what John tried to do. Sages temper rose. Leah, youve sat with me faithfully, both you and Miss Bess. Youve taken time from your children to tend to me. She moistened her lips. Doesnt the preacher know where you spend those hours?

  Yes, she said quietly.

  From the tone of Leahs voice, Sage gathered the preacher had given his opinion about how she filled her hours. My job is tracking down wanted men so folks can live without fear. You dont owe me anything.

  But I do. Without you, my sons would be dead. Besides, Parker rests easier when he knows Im here with you.

  So Leah was doing this for him? A twinge of hurt flew through her veins. She must push aside her tender feelings for him.

  Another blessing is Ive found a friend. I wish I could be as brave as you are. I want to speak up to the Wallers, but Im fearful. Afraid theyd make us leave. Lea
h took a few steps toward the bed. Its like when Frank continued to drink. I could voice my anger and fears to Parker, but I couldnt bring myself to confront my husband. I was afraid, and I had no reason to be. Parker took care of it all Her voice trailed off. Im so very weak. To make matters worse, Parker cant bail me out of this and speak to Preacher Waller.

  Why?

  Preacher Waller doesnt think hes fit to be the towns marshal.

  And you said nothing?

  Tears rolled down Leahs cheeks. What will Parker say when he finds out I didnt defend you or him? And my children heard it all. How can I care for my brother-in-law and the woman who saved my children and watch the town treat them so shamefully? I should have the strength to try instead of being a mouse. Please forgive me.

  I understand the tragic circumstances. Soon things will be better, and you can begin to put all of this behind you. Sage wanted to spit out a mouthful of accusatory words, but what good would that do? Shed be gone soon, though Parker deserved better treatment.

  Poor Parker. I must beg his forgiveness too. Such a dear, dear man.

  Sages heart plummeted, and in her own depths of hurt she vowed Parker would never learn of her feelings. Leah did love him, and she needed him more than Sage did.

  THIRTY

  Parker and Zimmerman rode the thickly wooded perimeter of Frank and Leahs ranch. The land lay sprawled out over a rich valley of green, perfect for grazing cattle and horses, although many blue spruce, pine, and fir trees still needed to be thinned. The St. Vrain River flowed through this ranch and on to Parkers, making it a choice area for any rancher. The view of the mountains never ceased to steal Parkers breath.

  Parker and Frank had cleared much of the land when they first arrived in the area, but over the years, Frank had ceased to keep the ranch in good condition or keep track of his cattle and horses. The livestock strayed to where they could find tender shoots of grass, making their home wherever they roamed. Rounding up calves at branding time was nearly impossible, but Frank merely raised a ruckus about someone stealing his cattle. John did his best with the aid of his younger brothers, and that was why Parker helped. He had known that someday the ranch would go to the young man who had worked the hardest at keeping it running.