A Woman Called Sage (26 page)

I
ts time to tell us where your husband hid our money, Aiden said for the second time. He circled a blazing fire at their campsite. Or maybe the question is, where have you and Parker stashed it?

Sage saw the outlaws patience had worn thin. Charles never talked to me about any money.

Aiden stomped to where she, Parker, and Wirt sat on the hard ground with their hands tied behind them. He bent to her level, his nose next to hers, his breath reeking like his filthy body. Lets start all over. First of all, lets call your man by his right name. The one he didnt use when he double-crossed us and killed our brother.

She had no inkling of what Aiden was talking about or demanding. Neither could she conjure up something to momentarily pacify him. His name was Charles Morrow. We grew up together in the same part of southern Colorado. I knew his parents. What more can I tell you?
Stall him.

He went by two names, and you arent makin me happy by playin stupid. Call him Charles Morrow if you want to, but he was a no-good US Marshal by the name of Adam Moorea black-haired devil who led us into a trap.

Sages mouth went dry. She couldnt utter a word. Of all the suspicions that had hammered against her heart and mind about Charles, his being a US Marshal was not one of them. Adam Moorethe US Marshal who had died mysteriouslythe man who died about the same time as Charles? Could the two men
have been one and the same? But it didnt matter. Charles did not have black hair. She hoped her words sounded stronger than she felt.

Adam Moore? Parkers voice hung in midair.

Thats right, Parker. You can stop playin stupid too. I done figured you out a long time ago.

Sage swung her attention toward Parker. She shook, not from fear, but from the unknown. Tell me whats going on.

Parkers stoic face stared into the leaping flames. He turned to Aiden and then back to her. Adam and I were friends. Good friends. He was a US Marshal who worked these parts and broke up a train robbery near Denver. Later he was killed, but I never learned how. Why didnt I put it all together? Adam penetrated the McCaw gang. Rode with them. He swallowed hard. Told me once his hair wasnt really black, that he used bootblack to dye it. He wanted to hide his identity from the McCaws.

But that doesnt mean he was Charles. Had she resorted to sounding like a frightened woman?

Aiden laughed. We followed him from the train job in Denver after Karl was killed. Saw how he spent time with Parker and learned he was a US Marshal. No point being ignorant. The railroad company said the money wasnt returned. Adam, Charles, whatever his name took the money for himself. He spit liquid tobacco on Parkers boot. Two years ago when I learned she hadnt died, I figured out you and Sage had the money.

Weve waited long enough for what belongs to us. Quincy started to cough, then doubled over.

A man who fought to breathe was one less man to fight.

He didnt steal it, Parker said low. He returned it to the Colorado Central Railroad. You got wrong information on that one.

Rex tossed another log on the fire. Remember the day you stood in the sheriffs office in Denver?

Sage remembered well. Shed been studying the wanted posters.

Remember the man who nudged you and said it would take a good bounty hunter to bring in Aiden McCaw? Rex laughed. I knew youd bite on it like an animal biting down on bait in a trap. Worked too.

So the bounty hunter had become the hunted. All of it had led her and Parker into a trap. She desperately wanted to believe Charles had been a US Marshal and not an outlaw. It must be true, for the truth spoke around her. Now she understood why he had been gone for days and weeks with only a vague accounting of where hed been. Hed kept the truth from her and his family and friends to protect them. She swallowed the tears of thankfulness and regret. Charles had changed his name for the federal marshals and used his real name with the outlaws. In his boots, she would have reversed it, but there would never be any explanation for his thinking. Hed taken that to his grave.

Aiden grabbed Parker by the throat. Filthy liar. You and Sage have been plannin this for seven years. You thought Id forget, didnt you? Took me a while to realize she hadnt died but become a bounty hunter. I hate waitin, so I suggest you remember where the money is before I start in cuttin and shootin.

Theres nothing more to tell, Parker said. Leave her out of this. She didnt even know he was a US Marshal. Adam never told me he was married.

Well see.

Aiden, Jeb called. Mitchs ridin in.

Is he alone?

Nope.

Aiden laughed and turned to Sage. Youll talk now. I guarantee it.

Her heart had not ceased its incessant pounding. She watched the man who had killed Charles and their baby ride into view.
Dark curly hair and hollow, wide-set eyes. Mitch McCaw
the
mere sight of him sickened her. The time shed spent with God praying about forgiveness had cleansed her conscience, but the bitterness rose again. The McCaws had to be stopped and brought to justice. But it was looking more and more like the McCaws would ride free again. Pulling at the ropes binding her wrists, she tore her gaze from Mitch and looked at a second man riding an Indian pony behind him. His hands were tied behind him, and the brown-rumped animal looked familiarSages heart plummeted. The man was Tall Elk.

S
age searched Tall Elks face for a sign of emotion, but he revealed nothing. The man had taught her how to survive the tragedies that came with living. Hed been hard at times, and hed been patient in his teachings, asking for nothing in return. Even when he shared his heart, hed not condemned her for refusing his love. She loved Tall Elk for his sacrifice, but shed never dreamed his cost would be his own life. Struggling with the ropes binding her hands, she longed for McCaw blood. Bitterness rose like a poison. Where was God now? Where?

Mitch pulled him from the spotted pony and shoved him toward the fire where Sage, Parker, and Wirt sat with their hands tied behind them.

Take a place beside Sage, Mitch said. Since youre so willin to come to her aid.

Tall Elk spit in his face. Mitch responded with a rifle barrel across his neck and shoulder, knocking him at Sages feet.

She gasped. He isnt a part of this. Let him go. Her plea brought a round of laughter from the McCaws.

Tall Elk rolled over and caught her attention. His eyes spoke what his lips could not. He did not blame her in this. For an instant, she saw the caring and the compassion from days gone by.

Mitch kicked Tall Elk to a position beside Sage. Now, were ready to find out where our money is.

Tall Elk stared into the fire. Think like one of us, he said in Ute.

Sage realized Tall Elk sensed her emotions powering over a
sound mind. She swallowed and tried to be strong. Sage recalled what Parker had told her about a US Marshal infiltrating a gang. If a marshal was caught with the outlaws, hed be pulled out. But if he were killed or discovered by one of the outlaws, there was nothing anyone could do. He worked alone. His choice.
Charless choice.
Hed been killed while working in disguisea hero, not an outlaw. A man of integrity who sought to make this country a better place to live. Now she understood why the local sheriff and the governor refused to help. No doubt theyd been told to leave the situation alone.

The memories of what happened the day she and Charles were shot repeatedCharless words to get her rifle. To use it. He knew the men were there to kill him, yet he didnt say a word. What could she have done if shed understood the circumstances?

The four of them sat bound beside the fire. Words shed never be able to speak to Parker and Tall Elk and even Wirt would follow all of them to their graves.

Since no one knows the whereabouts of our money, youre all useless. Aiden raised his gun. Ill begin with the Injun.

No! Sages voice echoed around them. Shed tell them whatever they wanted to knowmake something upbut not this.

Wheres the money? And dont give me the story about Charles returning it to the railroad.

Its deposited in a bank in Denver.

Shes lying, Mitch said. We checked every bank in Denver, and none had an account with her name on it. Or Charles or Adam Moore or Parker Timmons. He walked over to where she was tied and bent to her level. He grabbed her chin and squeezed. So you either tell us or were going to cut up your Injun friend before blowing a hole right through his head. Then we move on to the good marshals here. You know how we McCaws feel about the law. You will be the most fun of all. He tossed a sneer Parkers way. Your brother was just a warning of what was to come. Fool man stumbled into our camp and tried to arrest us.

Frank had been innocent too. He had left a fine legacy for Leah and their sons.
Think, Sage.
How could she stall for time and tell them something believable? She did have a little money in a bank in Durango, but not the amount they were looking for.

Im waiting, Aiden said. Or this Injun here will find out what a little fire and a knife can do.

Horror swelled like a snake poised to strike. Her heart cried out for Tall Elks deliverance. Charles never talked to me about any money. As far as I know, he never had any.

Kill em all and be done with it, Rex said. Im tired of chasing fools gold. He lifted his rifle and aimed straight at Tall Elk. Ill make a respectable marshal for Rocky Falls. Got the preacher on my side.

We already have a marshal, a mans voice boomed.

Sage startled. Whose voice split the night air?

Come on out and show your face, Aiden said, looking around him.

Believe me. We have two for each one of you. Isnt that right, fellas? Several men responded from different directions. Put down those rifles before one of you pays, and Ill start with the devil who claimed he was fit to be our marshal.

Where had she heard that mans voice?

Rex raised his rifle, and a bullet ripped into his right shoulder. He grabbed his bleeding flesh and dropped his weapon. Curses fell like the rain threatening to release on them.

Aiden, youre left-handed, so I know how to get to you. Im counting to three. One. Two.

Aidens rifle fell against a rock, along with his brothers rifles. Sage watched Bob Culpepper step out from the brush, followed by Doctor Slader and John Timmons. John reached her first and cut the ropes binding her wrists. With one hand on his rifle, he freed Tall Elk while the other two men untied Parker and Wirt. The men of Rocky Falls had remembered their dedication to Parker Timmons.

Preacher Waller slipped from behind a boulder. Marshal, what do you want me to do with these outlaws?

That was his voice shed first heard?

Parker laughed and stood. I never thought Id be glad to see you.

Me either, Wirt said. I figured youd be preaching my funeral.

Guess I had that comin. My old days of bluffing and using a gun came in handy. The Lord had some use for those days after all. You and I have some talking to do later on. But what do you want us deputies to do with the McCaws?

John laughed. Looks like I got deputized after all.

Still grinning, Parker caught Sages eye. Take them in alive so we can collect the reward money. I believe the town has a few widows and orphans who could use some help.

I was looking forward to building them pine boxes, Bob said, yanking Rexs gun from his belt. Had the boards all sanded nice and smooth.

And I was ready to dig their graves. John spoke firm, confident.

Yeah, and I was lookin forward to giving them a good send-off before the hanging, Waller said.

Sage stood and took in a deep breath. What had happened to the preacher who had successfully turned the town of Rocky Falls against Parker? Then againGod had singled her out. She turned to Tall Elk who gave her a brief nod.

An arm clamped against her throat, and a knifes blade pressed against her flesh. Now its my turn, Aiden said. Yall drop your guns, or Im going to slit her throat.

And he would. She was sure of it.

In the firelight, the townsmens faces turned solemn, and they silently complied. Sage stole a glance at Parker. Theyd lost their chance at whatever happiness they could have found together
because Aiden would not let her live. He had too many years of hate blackening his soul.

Just let her go, Parker said. Ride out of here while you can.

Aiden chuckled like a devil, the deadly evil that marked him. Shes going with us to ensure you boys dont follow. Well drop her along the way. He threw a quick glance at his brothers. Get your rifles and then to the horses.

Were not fools. Parkers voice steadied. Get to your horses and leave her here. Well give you a good head start.

Maybe youd like to watch? Aiden took a step back toward the horses, dragging Sage with him. She felt the knife scrape across her flesh.

She knew hed kill her in front of them. That was Aidens way. The truth swept over her; Unlike she expected, she was ready to die. Shed made her peace with God, and the eternal weighed more than the present.

Take me instead of her, Parker said.

How noble. Again Aidens satanic laugh filled her ears. Its not going to happen your way. I have plans.

A posse of US Marshals is right behind us, Waller said, his voice shaky and lacking the intensity shed heard earlier or what shed just heard from Parker.

Right. Rex covered the distance between himself and Waller. Youre nothing but a sniveling coward, trying to run your town with a Bible. Now you think you can scare a McCaw. His clenched fist smacked against Wallers jaw. Shut up, preacher man. No one here is listenin to you.

John took a step forward, but Rexs rifle aimed in his direction and stopped him.

Aiden continued to pull Sage toward the horses. A gut feeling told her the McCaws would attempt to shoot all of them before the townsmen retrieved their own weapons. Seconds passed, and she heard the horses snorting behind her. You think you can outsmart me? he said. The wolves will be lappin up your blood
within the hour. The knife pressed against her throat, the blade digging deeper into her skin.

A flap of wings and Aidens screams pierced her ears. He dropped the knife, and she struggled loose while Hawk buried his talons and beak into Aidens neck and shoulders. The outlaws hat flew through the air, and Hawk continued his attack on the mans head and face amidst the outlaws screams.

Sage fell to the ground and grabbed Aidens rifle. Mitch raised his gun and fired, and she fired a moment after him, sending a bullet into his leg. In the midst of the confusion, Parker and the townsmen took control. She whirled around. Aiden lay with his head and face a bloody mass, and Hawk lay on the ground still, his leg bleeding from Mitchs bullet.

A gasp flew to her lips, and she kneeled beside her companion. Oh, Hawk, dont die on me too.

Arms encircled her shoulders, and Parker whispered her name. She peered up into his face and didnt try to blink back the stinging tears. Ive got to help him.

Parker eased down beside her. He is still breathing, and hes strong. Will he let you tend to him?

I believe so. She reached out to soothe the bird. Easy, Hawk. Let me look at your leg.

Sage swallowed, hoping to gain control of her feelings. Even if the bird hadnt been hurt and frightened enough to fight back, the number of humans around him would have made him aggressive. Tall Elk bent to her other side. The hawk is strong, and he has a will to live.

Can I help? Sage recognized Doc Sladers deep voice. I brought some things with me in case someone needed doctoring.

Sage nodded. Ill keep talking to him. It looks really bad.

So did you a few weeks ago, and you healed just fine. He patted her shoulder and disappeared, no doubt to get his medical bag.

Parker, what about Aiden. Is he alive?

A moment of silence slipped by. She didnt want to look at the
outlaw. He embodied all that was evil. Hes gone, Parker said. Hawk took care of him. The bird did what the rest of us could not.

She remembered the small bird that Tall Elk had brought to herthe bird shed trained and poured out her devotion on. I dont want him to pay with his life.

Doc will do his best.

She turned to Tall Elk. And youre all right?

He nodded, and even in the darkness, she felt his love. His bronzed body, skilled hands, and endless wisdom represented a part of her she treasured. In many ways they were alike and inseparable. Tall Elk lifted his gaze to Parker. Take care of Sage. She is a fine woman. The broken English, the language shed taught him, reminded her of the time spent with the Ute.

I will. I promise to always take good care of her.

Good. Tall Elk stood, and his gaze bored into hers. If you ever need me, he said in Ute, you know where to find me.

Sage bit into her lower lip and lifted her chin. He needed to see her strong, not weak and imprisoned by emotions that left her speechless. May the Great Creator of the earth ride with you.

Tall Elk turned and disappeared. A rush of memories continued to sweep over her. All good ones. All ones shed one day share with her own children.

A man cleared his throat, and she caught sight of Preacher Waller. Ill do some praying for the bird, Waller said. God may not have been listening to me in the past, but I think He will now. I owe a whole lot of people an apology, and you two are at the top of the list.

Accepted, Parker said. What happened to change your heart?

Sage kept her eyes focused on Hawk, and her ears trained on Wallers words.

I overheard my youngest daughter playing. She was pretending
to be me, and her perception wasnt anything about God. In her story about David and Goliath, I was Goliath. In that moment, God grabbed me by the shirt collar and let me know how far Id slid away from Him. How Id tried to be a god. How I thought I had all of the answers. The more I reflected on my daughters play, the more I realized how much Id disappointed Him. He snorted. When I think back about how I was the worst character in town before God cleaned me upand how I became such a hypocriteWell, if my life hadnt belonged to God, Id have pulled the trigger on myself. But Im a changed man, and I hope you and the rest of this town will give me an opportunity to prove it.

Sure we can, Parker said. You saved three lives tonight. And Im grateful to be in one piece.

And I owe you thanks for taking in my family when Pa was killed, John said.

Thanks. Im a preachermaybe a poor one, but the last thing I want is your job.

Parker lifted his arm from Sages shoulder and reached up to shake his hand. Well get along fine. Thanks for bringing this posse.

Bob liked the idea, and it didnt take long for these fine men to grab their rifles.

Im grateful for all of you, Wirt said, his gun fixed on the remaining McCaws. I wasnt ready to meet my maker. Maybe I ought to find out how to do that right.

Preacher Waller chuckled and shook Wirts hand.

Doctor Slader bent to the ground with his bag. He dragged his tongue over his lower lip. If youll watch your hawks beak and talons, Ill bandage him up.

Sure. Sage stroked Hawks feathers. The bullet cut a hunk of his flesh, but its not lodged in his leg.

Like someone else I know. Doc forced a nervous laugh as he worked. Within fifteen minutes, Sage cradled Hawk in her lap.
The townsmen had the McCaw gang tied and ready to take back to town and Aidens body thrown over his horse.