Texas Hero

by Ruth Ryan Langan

  "Rosita, this is wonderful. I've never tasted anything like it,"

  Caroline said after several more bites.

  "Thank you." The young woman flushed with pleasure.

  "You are familiar with our food?" Manuel asked.

  Caroline shook her head while Thad explained,

  "Miss Adam's from the East.

  Boston . They probably haven't even heard of half the spices Rosita uses." To Caroline he said with a smile,

  "You may want to go easy." He filled her glass with water and continued eating.

  The bread, Caroline noted, was soft like a pancake. The others ate it wrapped around a mixture of finely chopped meat and peppers, seasoned with an assortment of spices. There were more peppers on a platter.

  Some were fresh, some dried. The coffee was hot and very strong. For dessert there were thin, crisp pastries baked over the fire in narrow strips and brushed with egg white, honey and chopped nut meats.

  "You outdid yourself, Rosita." Thad leaned back, sipping steaming coffee.

  "I knew you two would be gone all day when you said you were hunting the mustangs," she said with a smile. "And I knew you would not take the time to eat."

  "Next time I will make him stop," Manuel vowed, "even if it means passing up a mustang or two." To Thad he said,

  "I know what you are like when you set your mind on something. You are like a plow horse with blinders.

  You see neither left nor right, but only the furrow you are digging." " Did you say horse? " Caroline asked teasingly.

  "Or did you say mule?"

  They all laughed while Thad merely arched a brow at her joke.

  "Manuel says that Senor Con way can see a hundred mustangs and choose the one that will fetch the best price or sire the finest foal," Rosita said with a glance at her husband.

  Manuel nodded.

  "It is true. I have never seen a better judge of horses."

  "I wish I was as good with people," Thad said.

  "You are a very good judge of people," Manuel said softly.

  "They do not fool you."

  "Don't like me much, either."

  ' "Those who do not like you are those who do not know you."

  "Or those who've been on the wrong end of my gun."

  ' "I have never known you to draw on a man who did not deserve it,"

  Manual said.

  While Caroline finished her meal, she thought about the high regard these people had for Thad Con way. It seemed in direct contrast to what she had expected.

  But what had she expected? she asked herself as she glanced around.

  Certainly not this civilized house with a cozy fire and warm, friendly faces around a dinner table. Not the desk in the corner, with open ledgers and a shelf of books above it. Books. Obviously Thad Con way could read and write. For some odd reason, that pleased her very much.

  Caroline was grateful that Thad had given her the water. She had a sudden thirst and drained the glass. These strange spices, she decided, should be taken in small doses until she was more accustomed to them. She felt Thad watching her and knew without looking that he was laughing at her.

  When Rosita began to clear the table, Caroline insisted on helping her.

  "There has been much excitement about your arrival," the young woman said as she washed the dishes and Caroline dried them.

  "The people of the town have long awaited a teacher."

  "And it feels as if I've been waiting a lifetime for an opportunity like this."

  "Then you are happy here in Hope? You do not, as the townspeople feared, find it too small for your taste?"

  "It feels just right."

  From his position at the fireplace Thad heard Caroline's words and was warmed by them.

  "Do you live here on the ranch?" Caroline asked.

  "Oh, no. Manuel and I have our own ranch, just over that rise.

  Actually, the land belonged to Seiior Con way. When we had saved enough money, he sold us a piece of his own land. With the money we earn from Senor Con way, we are able to add to our herd and enlarge our holdings." Her smile grew dreamy.

  "We are planning to make this land our home for generations to come."

  "That's what I find so wonderful about this part of the country,"

  Caroline said softly.

  "There's so much land, so much space. Even a person from the humblest of beginnings has a chance for a better life."

  Thad heard the layers of pain and hope in her tone and grinned. Damned if she wasn't falling under the spell of the land already.

  When the dishes were put away, Rosita went in search of her husband, who had already hitched their wagon for the ride back to their ranch.

  "Good night, Senorita Adams."

  "Good night, Rosita. Thank you for the lovely supper."

  "It was nice having another woman at the table." With a smile she bid good-night to Thad and hurried out to the wagon. Minutes later Rosita and Manuel were on their way home.

  Thad turned from the doorway. Caroline was standing in front of the fire, deep in thought, her arms wrapped tightly around herself. Despite the heat of the fire, she shivered.

  "All right." Thad's eyes narrowed at the movement, but he remained where he was. He'd seen the nerves in her when she'd first arrived.

  Though she was calmer now, the fear was still there, just below the surface.

  He had no intention of offering her the comfort of his arms again tonight.

  He knew where that would lead. He'd merely hear her out and send her on her way. Clean. Simple. That was the way he intended it.

  "What brought you all the way out here, Teacher?"

  She couldn't meet his eyes. Instead she continued staring into the fire as she said calmly,

  "I'd like you to show me how to use a gun."

  It took Thad a full minute to recover from the shock. Her strange request was the last thing he'd expected.

  "A gun." He indicated a pair of rocking chairs on either side of the fireplace.

  "I think you'd better sit down and tell me what this is all about."

  While he sat, she continued to stand. She was clearly too agitated to sit calmly and talk.

  "I've decided that you were right. I think I ought to have a gun in my cabin. And if I'm to have a gun, I ought to know how to use it."

  He watched as she clasped and unclasped her hands. Agitated, yes. And afraid. But of what?

  "Did something happen today?"

  "It was the first day of school. I've been very busy."

  She still hadn't met his gaze. She stared at the flames, then began to pace.

  He struggled to keep the impatience from his voice.

  "I mean, did something happen at your cabin today? Did someone bother you?

  Threaten you? "

  She whirled.

  "Why are you asking these questions? You were the one who suggested I keep a gun. Have you changed your mind?"

  "No. But I'm puzzled as to why you were so against it last night and so eager for a gun today."

  "You convinced me. Isn't that enough?"

  He kept his tone level.

  "No, Teacher. There's something you haven't told me."

  Exasperated, she turned away.

  "I can see I've come to the wrong man for help. I just thought since you know so much about guns..."

  "Whoa. Just a minute. Teacher." He moved with the swiftness of a panther and caught her roughly by the arm as she started toward the door. He could feel the tension pulsing through her.

  "I just wanted to know what brought about this change of heart. But I didn't say I wouldn't help you."

  He saw the light that came into her eyes.

  "You'll show me how to handle a gun?"

  He stared down at her, his own eyes narrowed in thought. "I'm probably going to regret this. But I guess I'll be the teacher's teacher."

  "Can we start now?"

  He shook his head firmly.

  "Now I'm going to see you safely home.
Then I'm going to come back here and fall into bed. I spent at least ten hours in the saddle today, and my body has decided to punish me."

  "But I can't wait."

  "Looks like you have no choice. I'll come by your cabin tomorrow, after your students have gone. I'll bring along a gun I think you can handle. Now come on," he said, leading her outside.

  "Let's get you home."

  "You don't have to go with me. I know the way."

  "Stop giving orders. Teacher." He helped her into the wagon, then headed toward the barn. Minutes later he emerged with his horse saddled and ready.

  On the way back, Caroline found herself looking out over the hills and wondering if anyone was out there watching. She shivered and was grateful that Thad had insisted on accompanying her.

  When they reached the cabin, he unhitched her horse and turned it into the small enclosure. While he worked he noticed that she remained outside with him.

  Something was clearly bothering her. She was afraid to go inside her own place.

  He walked to the door of her cabin.

  "How about a cup of coffee before I head back?"

  "Yes. Of course." He saw the brief smile that tugged at her lips and knew he'd made the right choice. She was definitely afraid to be alone.

  Inside, he saw her glance around before walking to the fireplace.

  Tossing a log on the hot coals, she filled a blackened coffeepot with water from a pitcher and placed it over the fire.

  While she worked, Thad took a few moments to glance around the neat cabin.

  He thought it odd that the bed covers had been pulled down. The glint of metal in the middle of the bed had him moving closer. As he drew near he caught sight of the knife. Picking it up, he turned it over and over in his hand, examining the ornate handle, the finely honed blade.

  Somehow it didn't suit the woman who was busy filling two cups with steaming coffee. But then, she was a woman of mystery. So many things about her seemed contradictory.

  She was carrying the cups to the table when he asked softly,

  "Yours?"

  She turned her head, then spilled the coffee as she hastily set the cups down. A savage oath escaped her lips before she seemed to catch herself and bite her lip. Again, for that one brief moment, he'd glimpsed a side of her she rarely displayed.

  "You burned yourself."

  "No."

  She pulled her hand away when he tried to inspect it. He glanced at the knife, then back at her.

  "That settles it." He sat down at the table, picked up one of the cups and began calmly drinking.

  "Settles what?" She couldn't seem to tear her gaze from the knife that glittered dully in his hand. Seeing the direction of her gaze, he set it down on the table.

  "Something's wrong." He'd already decided the knife couldn't be hers.

  She'd arrived here without a weapon. Except, he thought grimly, for the club she'd used for her protection that first night. There would have been no need for a club if she'd had possession of a knife like this.

  "And I'm not leaving here until I have an explanation."

  "You can't stay here." She seemed genuinely shocked.

  "And why not? There's a big empty room on the other side of that door."

  "It's a schoolroom. The children will be arriving in the morning."

  "If you're worried about your precious reputation, don't bother. I won't soil it. By morning I'll be gone. But for now," he said, draining his cup, "I'm going to sleep." As and spread it on the cold floor of the schoolroom " see that that outer door is firmly latched."

  She watched as he calmly lay down on the schoolroom floor and pulled his hat low over his face. She remembered the first time she'd met him. He had fallen asleep in the middle of a storm with only a saddle for a pillow.

  She banked the fire. As he'd ordered, she left the door between the two rooms ajar and latched the outer door. And then, with a final glimpse at the knife on the table, she quickly undressed and climbed into bed.

  Though she would never admit it to him, she was grateful. for his presence.

  At least for tonight she would be able to sleep without fear.

  Tomorrow would be soon enough to worry about the rest of her life.

  Chapter Ten

  He had leaned a hip against the window of the schoolroom and watched the first faint red light of dawn bleed into the horizon. Out of habit he checked his pistol before thrusting it into his holster.

  Moving softly, he crossed the floor and pushed open the door separating the schoolroom from Caroline's private room. He walked to the side of the bed and stared at the sleeping figure.

  She was curled on her side with one hand tucked up beneath her pillow.

  Her hair spilled forward, covering her cheek and eye.

  She appeared incredibly young. And dangerously tempting.

  He lingered a moment longer, enjoying the vision. Then he turned away.

  As he passed the table, he saw the glint of the knife. With a frown he remembered that she had given him no explanation last night.

  He jammed his hat on his head and let himself out, closing the door softly behind him. She could have a reprieve "Why do we blink, Miss Adams?"

  "It is an involuntary action, Lisbeth. Like breathing. On the other hand.

  Jack," Caroline said pointedly, " staring out the window is a voluntary action, and one that signals your disinterest in what is being discussed here in school." Several of the students began laughing as Jack's fair head swiveled to face the teacher.

  "Sorry, Miss Adams. I saw a man outside. He was too far away to make out.

  I thought he might be coming here, but all of a sudden he turned and went over that rise. I'm pretty sure he saw me watching him." Caroline's heart started racing, but she was determined to keep her fear hidden from her students.

  "All right, boys and girls. It's time to do our sums."

  There was a collective groan from the children and Caroline gave them an encouraging smile.

  "As soon as we've finished, we'll stop for lunch.

  Frank," she called, " if a rancher sold your father a dozen cows and four of them died, what would you have? " " A gunfight," the little boy said in a serious tone.

  "My pa would go gunning for anyone who sold him sick cows."

  The classroom erupted into gales of laughter. Minutes later, still chuckling, Caroline said,

  "I think we'll take our lunch break now and finish doing our sums later."

  Her announcement was greeted with cheers as the children scurried to a corner of the room to retrieve saddlebags and baskets filled with food.

  Afterward the entire schoolroom emptied as the laughing, shouting boys and girls, accompanied by their teacher, scampered outside to play.

  Watching the children chasing one another in a game of tag or swinging from the sturdy limbs of a tree, Caroline shaded her eyes and stared off into the distance.

  Her mind was troubled, her heart heavy. She knew the stranger Jack had spotted. And she knew why he'd come.

  Was he even now somewhere nearby, watching her? She shivered despite the warmth of the sun.

  Caroline waved as the last wagonload of students left for the day. As soon as she was alone she hurried to the door between the classroom and her private quarters. She opened the door and peered inside cautiously.

  Nothing seemed amiss. There was no scattering of ash or flower petals, no sweet scent of pipe tobacco. Upon checking, she found the door still firmly latched.

  Still, the fact that he hadn't entered her cabin gave her no 'relief.

  Finding the door latched, he could have easily left without being seen.

  She had the uneasy feeling that he'd wanted her to know that he'd been here.

  That was why he'd allowed young Jack to spot him.

  He was toying with her.

  She'd once watched a cat torment a wounded bird. The bird, its wing broken, its flesh torn, was allowed to take several halting steps before the cat swiped with its
paw, dragging the bird close. After inflicting a little more pain, the cat allowed the bird a few more feeble attempts at freedom before, growing weary of the game, it dealt the final blow.

  Caroline's hands curled into fists. She was not a helpless bird. There were ways to fight a predator.

  "Ready for your first lesson, Teacher?"

  With a gasp, she spun around.

  Thad Con way was leaning casually against the schoolroom door. He saw the flash of fear in her eyes before she composed herself.

  "Sorry." He straightened but made no move toward her. "I didn't mean to frighten you."

  "You didn't frighten me. You merely startled me. Haven't you ever heard of knocking?"

  "I did knock. On the schoolroom door." He motioned over his shoulder.

  "But I guess your mind was somewhere else."

  ' "Did you bring a gun?" She chose to ignore the question in his eyes.

  He opened his hand to reveal a small pistol.

  "This is a Remington. It has a little more range than a derringer, but it's still small enough that you can carry it in a pocket of your dress."

  She took the gun from his hand and balanced it in her palm, weighing the small piece of metal. It was lighter than she'd expected. And still warm from Thad's touch.

  "Will you teach me how to shoot it now?"

  "Not yet." When she looked up in surprise he said, "That's the last thing you'll learn. First you have to learn how to load it."

  Taking a handful of bullets from a small pouch, he set them on the table and showed her how to load and unload the gun. Then he handed it over and watched as she did the same, fumbling several times with the bullets.

  "Not bad," he said with a trace of admiration.

  "You're a quick study, Teacher. But there's more to it than that.

  Practice loading and unloading with your eyes closed or in the dark." He saw the question in her eyes and said firmly,

  "Remember, gunfights don't always happen in daylight. And your opponent won't call a truce while you take time to load more bullets.

  You have to be able to do these things in a matter of moments, while your life hangs in the balance. You won't have the luxury of making a mistake twice." She swallowed, and he realized he was finally getting through to her.