A Woman Called Sage (19 page)

T
he Sunday morning hours with Bess passed much too quickly. Leah was late, but she could be busy at church or the parsonage. After all, she had five sons who needed her attention, not just one bounty hunter. Sage startled. Doctor and Mrs. Slader had nine boys. If not for the McCaws, she and Charles would have had a houseful of children.
Stupid!
Charles was an outlaw. There, shed admitted it.

Sage would have cried with self-pity if she hadnt been afraid the Sladers might return from church and find her behaving like awoman. Today the large family planned to check on her, then spend the rest of the afternoon at a ranchers for dinner. One of them could walk in and find the notorious Sage Morrow in tears if she werent careful. Instead, she allowed her mind to slip back to those last few days with Charles. Had he said something shed ignored?
Im a fool.
If only she could get out of the bed and ride out after the McCaws. If only

A light knock interrupted her thoughts. It had better not be Parker, because if it was, she mightshe might

Sage?

Leah.
Yes. Come in. She needed a diversion to take her mind off herself.

Leah walked in carrying something that looked like yard goods. Sorry Im late. Preacher Waller was long-winded today. How are you feeling?

Better now. Im glad youre here. Sage held her breath. Im
sounding as pitiful as an old woman. She pointed to the chair where Bess had sat earlier. Make yourself comfortable.

Leah eased down onto the chair, erect and very much like a proper lady. She smiled, an impish grin that defied propriety. I brought something for you.

Sages gaze slid to the bundle in Leahs lap. What?

If you have to stay here a few more days, and Bess insists upon holding your clothes hostage, then you can wear these. Leah held up a blue-green dress, one that reminded her of a mountain spruce. I know you wont try to ride after the McCaws in this.

Sage wanted to jump from the bed. Real clothes?

Yes, and Ill help you into them. Everythings here. I borrowed them from Bess, and I think they came from one of the girls working there. But they look respectable and should fit.

Longing filled Sages heart. It had been years since shed looked like a real woman. You have made this the best day since I arrived in Rocky Falls.

Friends do what friends dolove each other. Tears pooled Leahs eyes. Even if you hadnt saved my sons lives, I would treasure our times together. After a visit with you, I feel like I could do anything.

Hidden beneath the Leah everyone saw was a real western woman, and she was stronger than she realized. You can, Leah. Dont let anyone tell you otherwise. Believe in yourself and dont turn back. Encourage the ones you love, and they will be able to accomplish their dreams. Sage meant her sons, but Parker crept into her thoughts.

I want to help John manage our ranch without the help of anyone. And I want to grab the bull by the horns Leah covered her mouth. Mercy, I sound like a cowhand. Then she straightened. Why not?

The two laughed, and it felt so good. When they quieted, Sage
stared up at the ceiling. Dare she ask what was going through Leahs head? Did you see the Sladers when you came?

They were right behind me at church with all those boys piled into the back of their wagon. Why?

Do you suppose after Im dressed that I could get permission from the doctor to sit on the front porch? I despise this bed, and I dont care how much it hurts to sit out there. I want to reach out and touch my HawkEnjoy the sunshine.

Ill ask him straightaway. If he agrees, Im sure he and one of his strapping sons would carry you outside. Oh, Sage, its a beautiful day. Birds are singing, and its warm, but not too warm. Before we can think twice, fall will be here. But not today.

Hawk probably thinks Ive deserted him. She stared out her window to where her pet sat on the porch rail. I really miss him. He has a way of peering at me that makes me feel like Im his best friend.

Leah shuddered. Not so sure Id feel the same way, but Im sure hes missing you. Hes stood guard on the roof or the porch ever since Parker brought you here. Behave yourself so you can ease the poor birds heart. She giggled, as though the two were girls ready to embark on something they werent supposed to do.

A short while later, Sage sat on the Sladers front porch in a rocker with a pillow under her and another supporting her back. She felt awkward wearing a dress, almost naked without britches hugging her legs. A shift and ruffled drawers beneath it reminded her of the clothes packed away in a trunk in southern Colorado. Just the feel of a womans clothes caused her to recall her life with Charles, when shed been a full womanwhen it hadnt been necessary to track down his killers. Years had passed as though shed been in a fog, and the job still wasnt done. Why did she torture herself with the same grueling images? Especially when it looked like Charles had been one of them.

But she now had names to go with those faces, and she knew where to find them. In bringing in the McCaws, shed find out the
truth. Sage let the creak of the rocker soothe her troubled mind and carry her back in time. Her gaze moved to the mountains. The McCaws would not escape her again. Charles may have been an outlaw, but the gang had still murdered her baby.

You look very pretty, Sage, Leah said.

For a moment, shed forgotten about her friend. Thank you again for the dress and underthings. I feel like a lady.

You
are
a lady. A beautiful woman.

Eight years ago, maybe. Sage glanced down at the dress with the tiny bit of lace around the neckline and sleeves, and stretched out her bare toes beneath it. But Id rather have my own clothes.

Whatever for?

Those mountains are calling to me. Sage looked from the sea of dark green trees flooding the lower slopes to where the rocky crags emerged to touch the sky.

The McCaws, Leah whispered. Remember they nearly killed you. And dont forget what happened to Duncan.

Hawk, poised on the porch rail, turned to look at Leah as if he understood her words.

The reminders are why I have to be going. The McCaws will try, but Im more determined.

Leahs face paled. Let Parker and Mr. Zimmerman go after them.

Its not entirely their fight. How could Sage make Leah understand? Dont you want to see them stopped before another woman is made a widow or another child is forced to grow up without a father?

Leah nodded. I do, but I trust the law to bring them in. She glanced at Hawk and shivered in the summer heat. Leah was afraid of too many things. She had grand dreams, but shed need to step from her timidity to reach them.

You can survive the tragedies of life.
Once you said you could pull the trigger.

I couldwith no regrets. Leah paused and fretted with a loose thread on her dress. I just believe a woman has her place, and men have theirs. I dont mean to be judging you like Preacher Waller

What did he say today? Sage ceased to rock.

Leah flushed red. Nothing worth repeating.

I know he doesnt approve of female bounty hunters. And he doesnt approve of those who have befriended me.

Leah clasped her hands in her lap. If I repeated gossip, then Id be no better than the rest of those loose tongues. She sighed. But I heard it, so its not gossip.

Leah, what else?

Preacher Waller is a strange man. He lives right by the Bible

If you dont tell me what he said, Ill pester you until you door ask the preacher myself. Im sure hed tell me.

Leah stared at Sage as though the decision weighed heavily on her heart. Compassion filled her face. He reminded folks about you and Parker spending those days and nights in the mountains. And the proof of it was your wearing his shirt. He said Parker admitted his sinful life to them during prayer meeting. Leah shook her head and stood. I dont believe such nonsense. You were more dead than alive when Parker brought you into town. And he didnt look much better. Besides, no one else would go after my boys.

Sage studied the street leading to the church and parsonage. The gossip is ruining Parkers reputation as a fit marshal or a man running for office.
What else
happened today?

Leah shooed away a fly. Tonight after church, Preacher Waller is asking for the men to vote on whether to keep Parker as the marshal or not.

Anger burned in the pit of her stomach. I thought the whole town voted on who was supposed to be marshal. A legal election is not one in a church.

Youre right. But if he gets the church on his side, then he has the majority.

Sage understood. A legal election would be a mere formality. Waller would have his way. So would Bob Culpepper be the new marshal since hes now the deputy?

I dont know. Preacher Wallers been talking to a stranger whos looking to buy land. The man says he has experience with lawmen.

All of this because Parker saved her life. The unfairness made no sense. No sense at all. No wonder Sage was finished having anything to do with God. When He had spokesmen like Waller, who needed the Devil?

This is wrong. Sage wished she could march to the parsonage and put an end to the gossip. Is this town full of cowards?

Leah lifted her head. Bob Culpepper said if Waller followed through with tonights vote, hed make sure the governor found out.

And?

The strangerhis name is Richard Edwardssaid he knew those in Denver who would back up Preacher Waller.

A nest of rattlesnakes. This town has been in turmoil since I rode in with Aiden McCaw.

Parker and Preacher Waller werent getting along very well before then. You came to help, Sage. Dont you dare go blaming yourself.

But I do.

While Leah continued to protest, Sage made a decision. Shed wasted enough time at the Sladers. Shed give herself until early Thursday morning to heal, and then shed ride into the mountains and rest there until her strength returned. Parker may have stolen her heart, but shed not steal his right to be the towns marshal or discredit his ability to lead the people of Colorado.

Dont do anything foolish, Leah said.

Sage widened her eyes. Do you think Im going to gun down the preacher?

Leah covered her mouth and stifled a laugh. I shouldnt mock the man since hes provided a place for me and the children to stay until this is over. Buthe is overbearing. She peered beyond Sage to the street. Mr. Zimmerman is walking this way. He has an eye for you.

The last thing Sage wanted was another man looking at her in the way she wanted Parker to see her but couldnt allow. I hadnt noticed.

I have.

As if he knew they were talking about him, Wirt waved. Hed been to see Sage a few times and talked a good yarn. She was more interested in his abilities as a US Marshal than as a potential suitorBut seeing them together might get Parker to pay more attention to Leah.

He carried his hat and wore a clean shirt, but no matter how nice he looked, his boasting would drive a woman insane. Shed not pretend interest in Wirt for the short while she was here. Once she left town, Parker and Leah could rekindle what theyd lost years before. And their lives could resume again.

Wirt stopped in front of the porch. Afternoon, ladies, Hawk. Beautiful day, isnt it? But its no match for the two pretty ladies on this porch.

Sage had no desire to talk about the weather or listen to him smooth talk her and Leah. But she must pretend interest.

How are you feeling, Miss Sage?

Stronger every day. Thank you, Mr. Zimmerman. And how are you?

Little to complain about, but if I got started it might take me all day. He laughedby himself. I dont want to interrupt you and Mrs. Timmons, but is there a time I could come back today and discuss a matter with you?

Leah clearly became flustered and stood from her rocker. Oh
my. Right now is fine. I need to stop by the jail and see Parker and John before I return to the parsonage.

Sage tossed Leah a silent plea for her to stay. Being alone with Wirt was not the bright spot of her day. Please dont leave. We havent finished our conversation.

Ill check back later or tomorrow. Parker needs my answer about moving to his ranch.

Leah had mentioned on more than one occasion how easy it would be for her and the children to take him up on his offer. This would definitely force Parker and Leah together. Sage should be happy instead of feeling sorry for herself. So youve made a decision?

Leah looked every bit as sweet and innocent as always. I have, and he deserves to know as soon as possible.

Then Parker could ask Leah to marry him. An event Sage would not attend. Im sure whatever Parker is thinking would honor Gods name.

I just left Parker at the jail, Wirt said. Im sure hed welcome your company.

Leah stepped around to the other side of the porch to avoid Hawk. Once past him, she hurried down the street.

Thanks for the clothes, Sage called after her.

Wirt lifted a boot onto the porch. She could probably see her face in it if she took the time. Mind if I sit a spell with you?

She started to claim she was tired, but lying wasnt her style, and she needed to hear him out. He took the empty chair and studied her, seriousness etching his expression.

Do I have mud on my face? Sage wanted to ask more but thought better of it. Best she kept her manners intact for the few days she had remaining in town.

He smiled broadly, revealing his milky white teeth. No, just admiring how you look in a dress. Good teeth she liked. Flattery she detested.

It wont last. Bess has my clothes at the hotel. And Ill soon
be strong enough to walk down there and demand them. The best way to tolerate Wirt was to joke with him.

So youre healing all right?

Its slow, and Im not a good patient.

He toyed with the brim of his hat. Im not either. Staying in bed makes me short-tempered.

She wanted to get on the trail after the McCaws as badly as he did. This was Sunday, and she didnt want to hold Wirt or Parker back. If only her body would mend faster. But weakness plagued her morning and night. No point in being too stubborn and stupid. If they chose to leave sooner, she could catch up with them.