Holdin' On for a Hero (21 page)

John interrupted her. “You mean they wanted to kill Wyatt as well.”

“No.” She shook her head. “I heard Matt say something to Greg about how Greg’s father had given specific orders that Wyatt wasn’t to be killed. Greg didn’t seem to like that much. Then they all walked over to me. They were arguing over who was going to be first.”

She put one hand to her forehead and closed her eyes. “Then—then…it was so unreal. This-this, I don’t know—
something
—like some warrior out of the past suddenly appeared. Tsa’li, he really was scary! He attacked the men, killing one before anyone hardly had time to blink. Then everything went crazy. The men were running and screaming, trying to get away. The warrior grabbed one of the men and lifted him up off the ground. The man was kicking and trying to scream and the giant slit him open. His insides spilled out all over the ground. The warrior threw him down and went for another man. Greg and the others jumped in one of the trucks and disappeared.”

She paused to take a breath then continued. “The warrior slit the man’s throat he had on the ground then ran after the truck. I don’t know what happened because I couldn’t see. But the next thing I did see was that white woman. She untied me and told me to come here. She gave me this coat and told me to take the truck.”

“And what about Wyatt?” John asked. “Did you see him?”

Jenny dropped her eyes before she looked at him. “No, but that woman said to tell you that he was safe at home.”

Billy looked from John to Tsa’li then at Jenny. “What happened then?”

“I asked her about the warrior,” Jenny said. “She said he was someone who needed help. That was all. I got in the truck and pulled out on the path and—this sounds crazy I know, but there were all these wolves there. They came with the white woman. They were just standing there and the warrior with them. The last thing I saw was when I looked in the mirror and the woman kneeling down talking to one of the wolves. Then she stood up and she and the warrior disappeared into the trees.”

No one spoke after she finished. Billy was staring at her wide-eyed and Tsa’li was looking at John. Iris was watching everyone with a curious expression. John broke the silence. “Billy, why don’t you take Jenny to Wyatt’s old room? There should be something there she can wear. Then get her something warm to drink.”

Billy helped Jenny up and they left the room. Tsa’li stood and walked to the front door. John watched him then turned to Iris. “Excuse me, please.”

He followed Tsa’li outside. “You knew she had gone after him.”

Tsa’li turned and looked at him. “She did what she had to do. It was her place.”

“And the warrior Jenny spoke of?”

Tsa’li’s hard face softened and he put his hand on John’s shoulder. “I love him as well, John. But in this we cannot interfere. It is his destiny and we must not stand in the way.”

“But why involve Chance?”

Tsa’li looked up at the stars for a long time before he spoke. “White Woman with the Eyes of a Wolf is as much a part of this as he. You must try to understand, old friend, all things must be balanced. As there is high there is also low. As there is male there must also be female. As there is evil there must also be good.”

“Are you saying that my son is evil?”

Tsa’li shook his head. “The evil does not dwell in him. Not even the other is evil, my friend. He is very powerful and wants very much to once more live in the world of man. He makes war because he is angry that his life was taken too soon. His power need not be evil unless evil is stronger than good and he is swayed by its temptation.”

“Then there is an evil here.”

“Oh, yes.” Tsa’li nodded. “Evil is present and it is very close.”

“And that’s where Chance comes in?”

Tsa’li turned to him once more. “She is the only chance your son has.”

John sighed and looked up at the sky. “Is there nothing we can do, Tsa’li?”

“Only what you have always done. Do what is right, my friend. Let your heart guide you.”

John looked at him with sad eyes. “Sometimes that’s easier said than done.”

Tsa’li nodded in agreement. “Yes. Take care of Jenny. I must go.”

John watched the old man step off the porch and walk away. Within moments his form had disappeared into the darkness. With a sigh John turned and went inside.

“Would you like to tell me what in the world that was all about?” Iris asked as soon as he walked in.

“The reason you’re here, Miss Waters. This killing has to come to an end. Now, you heard for yourself what happened and who was involved. I suggest you earn your money and get the people responsible arrested. If you’ll excuse me.”

He didn’t give her a chance to reply but left her standing in the front room with her mouth hanging open in surprise. She stood there for a few moments then went outside, got in Wyatt’s Jeep, and pulled out onto the road.

* * * * *

“I’m telling you he was like some kind of fucking monster!” Greg shouted, waving his arms and pacing the floor. “Ask anyone! Wolfe just appeared out of thin air and started killing everyone.”

Winston frowned at his son and stood up. “Okay, that’s enough. Just sit down and shut up.”

Greg turned to him with a look of disbelief on his face. “Didn’t you hear what I said? That bastard killed three men!”

“I heard you!” Winston barked. “Now sit down and shut the hell up so I can think!”

“What’s there to think about? We’ve got to get some more men and some dogs. Track that bastard down and kill him.”

Winston held up one hand and walked over to Greg. “Just simmer down a minute and listen to me.”

Greg fell silent and Winston studied his face for a moment before he turned away. What Greg had described was the very thing he had been having nightmares about for over twenty years. But he was not about to let Greg know. He poured himself a drink and drained the glass then turned to Greg again.

“Okay, consider this. You had all been drinking and were worked up and suddenly Wolfe shows up, all decked out like some Indian warrior and it just took you off guard. We both know he’s got the training and the skills to kill like you described.”

Greg shook his head and flopped down in a chair. “It was a nightmare.”

Winston walked over and took a seat across from him. “I know, son, and I want to nail the bastard who did this as much as you do. That’s why I want to have Wolfe picked up. I want you to have the boys meet here in half an hour. I’m going to call the police and have them come over. When they get here I want you and the others to tell them you were just out having a little fun, drinking and talking. You say that the Indian girl asked to go along with you, that she’s been trying to get in your bed for a long time. You tell the police that Wolfe showed up and started attacking you for no reason. Every one of you is going to swear to that. We’ll have the police go out and get the bodies, dust everything for prints, and I’ll bet you a dime to a dollar they’ll match Wolfe’s.”

“And what about the bar?”

“That’s already been taken care of. If anyone asks, there’s a whole lot of people who were here earlier that’ll swear you and your friends were here until the barbecue wound down. Then you left to go meet some girl. That’ll fit your story about the Indian bitch.”

Greg nodded and smiled for the first time. “And they’ll arrest Wolfe?”

“You can count on it,” Winston replied. “’Course, he’ll probably resist arrest and they’ll have to rough him up a bit.”

Greg’s smile widened to a grin. A moment later he and Winston were both laughing.

* * * * *

Chance stopped at the edge of Wyatt’s yard and looked up at the Warrior. “I guess you must love this place.”

He looked down at her with a frown. She gestured around them. “I can understand it. It’s so peaceful and beautiful here. You could almost imagine that there’s no one else in the world—that you’re all alone.”

His frown lessened somewhat and he watched her curiously as she walked across the yard and leaned against the rail on the front steps, looking up at the moon overhead. “Wyatt loves it here.”

Following, he moved close in front of her. “And does Wolf Eyes?”

Chance looked up at him. “I love you, Wyatt.”

“I am the Warrior!”

“You don’t have to get upset,” she said gently, reaching out to put her hand against the bare skin of his chest. “I know who you are. But Wyatt’s inside you. He’s part of you and even if you won’t let him speak, I still know he’s there.”

The Warrior blinked several times and Chance thought she saw a flicker in his eyes. For a split second she thought she saw Wyatt looking at her. Hoping that she was not making a mistake she took a chance.

“I wish you were here with me, Wyatt,” she said softly. “I’m so afraid of losing you. After all those years of wanting you and loving you, to lose you now after just finding you is so frightening. I don’t know if I can bear it.”

“That is enough talk,” the Warrior said in a less than convincing tone of anger.

“No, it’s not.” Chance moved closer to him. “I need you, Wyatt. I love you so much and I need you here with me. You’re a good man, Wyatt, a good decent man who wants to do the right thing. There’s nothing evil about you. Even the Warrior isn’t evil. He just doesn’t understand. He’s angry and confused because his life ended abruptly, too soon. He doesn’t realize that by holding on to his ties with you he can’t move on. He doesn’t understand that. He can learn, though—if you help him. You’re the only one who can. You have to help him understand. But right now you need to come out. I know it’s safer to stay hidden in the Warrior, that his rage and his power keep you safe from your own fears and uncertainties. But it’s not where you belong. You belong here, Wyatt—with me. I know that now. Tsa’li helped me see the truth. He gave me my name and showed me that I belong to you and you to me. So, please come back.”

The Warrior shook his head and stepped back from her. “Wyatt, please,” she whispered. “I love you.”

A cross between a cry and a roar came from the Warrior. Within moments it was over. In place of the Warrior stood Wyatt.

He shook his head, appearing disoriented, and she ran to him. “Wyatt! Oh god, Wyatt, it’s you!”

“Chance!” He pulled her into his arms and held her tightly. “I didn’t think I could do it,” he whispered. “I didn’t know if I was strong enough.”

“You are,” she replied earnestly. “Wyatt, you’re stronger than he is. You proved it. You came back.”

“You brought me back,” he said holding her at arm’s length and looking into her eyes. “It was you.”

She shook her head. “No, it was us. He can’t beat us as long as we’re together.”

He pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply. Chance looked up into his troubled eyes as the kiss ended. “What are we going to do? Those men—Chance, I killed them.”

“No! It wasn’t you! The Warrior’s responsible for that, not you.”

“But he’s part of me.”

“But when he comes out, you don’t have any control, so you can’t be held accountable for his actions.”

Wyatt stared at her for a moment then a ghost of a smile appeared on his face. “You sound so sure, I could almost believe you.”

“You can believe me.” She took his face in her hands and searched his eyes. “Wyatt, I promise we’ll get through this. We’ll find a way to deal with the Warrior, make him understand that violence is no longer the answer or make him leave you. I don’t know what exactly, but we will find a way out, I promise.”

Wyatt took her hand and kissed the palm. “I love you, Chance. Thank you for being here with me.”

“I couldn’t be anywhere else. Now, come on, let’s go in before you freeze. You need to get some sleep.”

A haunted look took hold of Wyatt’s face and he shook his head. “I don’t think I can sleep.”

She smiled and caressed his face. “Okay, whatever you want.”

He seemed to pull himself together for a moment then a deep frown took hold of his face. “We can’t stay here.”

“Why?”

“Because three men are dead and Greg sent Billy to tell me so I’d show up.”

“And?” He raised his eyebrows at her and her mouth dropped open. “Damn! You’re right. Okay, fine. Let’s get cleaned up and we can go…where? Where can we go?”

“I think I know a place,” he said as he opened the door.

Chance made a face as she followed him inside. “I’d be willing to bet this place doesn’t have room service. Right?”

Wyatt forced a smile. “No, but it does have a great view and a warm bed—sort of. And didn’t I hear you say something about taking someone into your bed?”

She shrugged, trying to go along with his attempt to lighten the mood. “Well, yes, but—”

“Then let’s get moving,” he said as he pushed her ahead of him toward the bathroom.

Chance sighed and let him propel her along. “You know, life with you sure isn’t dull.”

Chapter Seven

John Wolfe opened the door to find the sheriff standing on his porch. “Hey, Tom, come on in, I’ve got a fresh pot of coffee on. What brings you here so early?”

Sheriff Tom Smith followed him inside. “This isn’t a social call, John. I have to bring Wyatt in.”

John turned around and looked at Tom with narrowed eyes. “What’s this all about?”

“Winston Holling. Tell you what, pour me a cup of that coffee and I’ll fill you in.”

John poured two cups of coffee, handed one to Tom then sat down at the kitchen table. Tom took a drink of the coffee and pulled out a chair across from John. “Got a call from the state police a couple of hours ago. Seems Holling’s boy, Greg and three of his friends claim Wyatt attacked them up around Black Camp Gap. Greg and six others went up there last night after a barbecue at the Holling place. They were drinking and carrying on with some girl and say that Wyatt showed up and picked a fight. Three men wound up dead.”

John was silent for a moment, his dark eyes focused on Tom’s as if looking inside his mind. “They say who this girl was they were with?”

“Jenny Watts. But no one’s seen anything of her since last night.”

“You mean since Holling and his boys shot Jimmy Martin and took her at gunpoint from the bar,” John said in an angry tone.

Tom’s eyes widened with surprise. “Where’d you get that information?”

“From me,” Jenny’s voice came from the door that led into the hall.

Tom turned and looked at her then looked back at John with one brow arched. “You want to explain this?”

John stood up and poured a cup of coffee for Jenny. She accepted it and took a seat at the table. John sat down again and twirled his cup for a few seconds then looked over at Tom.

“Holling and his friends shot Jimmy in cold blood. They took Jenny and had Billy Hawkes come here with a message for Wyatt that they were going to rape her and then skin her and if he wanted them to come to the Gap.”

Tom looked at Jenny. “What do you have to say?”

“That’s exactly what happened, Sheriff,” she replied, meeting his eyes. “They took me up to Black Camp and tied me down on the ground and said that when Wyatt got there they were going to beat him up and make him watch.”

“And is that what happened?”

“No,” Jenny replied, twisting her hands together nervously in her lap. “Wyatt never showed up.”

“Then who killed those men?”

Jenny cut her eyes over at John and he nodded. Tom watched the exchange but made no comment. “Well?” he asked after a few moments of silence.

“It was…” Jenny’s voice faded and she stood up to pace back and forth a few times. “It was like something out of a myth…you know. He had eyes that glowed like some kind of black crystal and his face…his face had the hardest look I’ve ever seen…like he wouldn’t think twice about ripping your heart out. He was sort of tall, I guess, and long dark hair and-and he was like some-some—” Her eyes widened and she stopped pacing to look at Tom. “He was like some ancient warrior out of the legends. Stronger than a normal man. He picked up Curly Wilkes like he was a doll and held him up over his head with one hand and slit him open with the other.”

She shuddered and hugged her arms around herself tightly. “As soon as he grabbed Curly, he killed Brad, and then Greg and the others hightailed it for the trucks. Joey Sykes didn’t make it. That-that thing killed him then ran after the truck.”

Tom was listening with a frown on his face. “So how did you get free?”

“A…” Her voice faded and she looked at John nervously. “A white woman.”

“White woman? What white woman? The lawyer?”

“No.” Jenny shook her head. “The one with the golden eyes—you know the one that’s been here a couple of days asking questions about Wyatt. It was her. But it was so weird, like something out of a movie. She appeared with a pack of wolves. Don’t look at me like that! I’m telling you the truth. She ran out of the trees with these wolves and shouted at that giant to stop and he listened to her. She untied me and told me to come here. I took Clay Roper’s truck and did like she said. It’s parked right there, out back. See for yourself.”

Tom stood up and walked to the door, looking out. “Okay, so who exactly is this white woman and what happened to her?”

“I don’t know.” Jenny turned  to look at him. “The last I saw of her she was with-with that…warrior.”

Tom sat back down and focused his gaze on her. “Are you willing to swear that what you’ve told me is the truth?”

“On my life.”

“Fine, I’ll need you to come with me and make a formal statement. Why don’t you get ready?”

Jenny looked over at John and he nodded. “Go on, get cleaned up. I’ll go with you.”

She left the room and Tom turned to John. “Do you believe that story?”

“Yes.”

“An ancient warrior?” Tom asked in disbelief. “Who appears out of thin air and a white woman who runs around with a pack of wolves. Come on, John! It sounds like some old story Tsa’li would tell.”

“Have you lived so long with the whites that you have forgotten your heritage, Tom?”

“Don’t start that shit with me,” Tom barked irritably. “John, listen, I just want to find out what really happened.”

“Jenny told you.”

Tom leaned back and stared at John with a grimace on his face. “Okay, so how about this white woman? What’s the story on her?”

“She came to see Wyatt.”

“And does she have a name?”

“Yes, her name is Chance,” John answered without elaboration.

“Chance,” Tom repeated the name. “Chance what?”

“Davenport.”

“Davenport!” Tom exclaimed letting his chair bump down on all four legs with a thump. “Jesus! What’s she doing here looking for Wyatt?”

“She and Wyatt are…” John paused for a moment. “They’ve known one another a very long time. You know that.”

“Do you know where I can find Chance Davenport?”

“She was staying at Mrs. Carter’s. Check there.”

“Yeah, I’ll do that,” Tom said and drained his cup. “You know, this thing is liable to be nasty.” He heaved a sigh and rubbed his red eyes.

John got up and freshened his coffee. “Jenny told you what happened. She was there. What more do you need?”

Tom snorted and rubbed his eyes again. “What more? Well, think about this, John. I’ve talked to over two dozen people already who swear that Greg Holling and those men were at the Holling’s place during the time Jimmy Martin was shot.”

“Then you’ve got two dozen people who are lying!” Jenny exclaimed as she walked back into the room.

Tom blew out his breath and looked from her to John. “Just between us I don’t have any doubt that Holling is lying through his teeth. Just like I don’t doubt that his old man paid those people to support Greg’s story about being at the barbecue. But the truth is, my hands are tied on this one. Winston Holling called the county and state police on this and I just don’t have the authority to buck them. There’s a warrant out for Wyatt and I have to take him in.”

“As you can see he’s not here.”

“When was the last time you saw him?”

“Last night. He was here with that lawyer, Miss Waters.”

“All night?”

“No, he left.”

Tom stood up and picked up his hat from the table. “Don’t make this any harder than it has to be. I’ll do everything I can for Wyatt, you know that. But it’s best if I take him in instead of letting someone else—if you get my meaning.”

John stood up and crossed his arms in front of his chest. “I understand.”

“Then you’ll tell me where he is?”

“Can’t tell you what I don’t know, Tom. Try his house.”

“I already did. He’s not there.”

“Then I don’t know what to tell you. Except that if you want to see justice done, you should be locking up Holling and his pack of animals.”

Tom put his hat on without comment. “Jenny, you ready?”

She looked at John. He nodded and picked up his coat. Together they followed Tom out to his car and got in the backseat. John looked back at the house as they pulled away. Tsa’li was disappearing into the trees that bordered the yard.

* * * * *

Wyatt stopped halfway up the steep incline, looking around as the sky began to lighten. Chance would be waking up soon. He had not been able to sleep. Visions of what had happened at the Gap kept playing over and over in his mind until he felt as if his head was going to explode.

It was not so much the sight of death that bothered him. He had seen death up close and personal more than once. It was the feelings. During the time the Warrior had taken over his body he had felt like he was being held prisoner, pleading and screaming to be heard but being left alone in the dark unable to do anything but witness what was happening. That feeling of helplessness was terrifying.

He ran as fast as he could up the incline to the opening of the cave, trying to push thoughts aside.  When he took a look inside the cave he saw that Chance was still asleep. He walked back to the entrance and looked up at the sky.

The cold air soothed his parched throat as he sucked it in greedily, gaining strength from its purity as a parched man might from a clear mountain stream. He sat down and closed his eyes, listening to the steady drumming of his heart. His pulse slowed and a curious warmth stole over him making him feel strangely at peace and relaxed. A vision took shape and swept him up in it.

He was sitting in a small clearing overlooking the valley. It was autumn and there was a chill in the air. The leaves had lost their green and now blazed with colors of orange and red. The sound of someone calling his name made him turn and look over his shoulder.

Chance ran toward him. Her hair seemed to float out behind her in a golden halo and her eyes were bright with happiness. In her arms was a small dark-haired child.

Wyatt got to his feet and started toward them and he marveled at the love that filled him. This was his family, his wife and child. The realization made him feel joy unlike anything he had ever experienced. He broke into a run and the distance between them closed.

He was just feet away when suddenly something dark and malevolent barred the way. Chance stopped suddenly as if she had run into an invisible barrier and the smile on her face turned to a look of horror. The air around her swirled like a dark cloud, whipping her hair about and making the baby cry fearfully. Wyatt tried to reach for her.

A bolt of energy sent him hurtling backward. He hit the ground and scrambled to his feet, intent on reaching her. The dark cloud around her was moving faster and faster, like a tornado. He tried to run to her but it was like moving through molasses. His legs strained against the unseen force that held him back.

“Wyatt!” she screamed and reached out one hand to him.

He tried again to get to her, all the while watching as the whirling cloud grew darker and thicker. Abruptly it stopped and gathered in a dense column in front of her. Both she and the baby screamed at the same moment. A split second later Wyatt felt a scream tear loose from his own throat.

Where a moment ago had existed a column of darkness now stood a man. His hair was dark and his shoulders were broad. Wyatt could tell he was strong by his build but could not see his face.

Chance was staring at the man in terror. Her eyes were wide and her face was pale as death. The man reached for her and she screamed again, trying to back away.

“No!” Wyatt shouted. “Leave her alone!”

The man paused and turned to look at Wyatt. The moment he did everything shattered like glass.

Wyatt felt a touch on his shoulder as the vision faded. He looked up and saw Chance kneeling beside him with a concerned expression on her face. “Are you okay?”

He nodded without speaking and she took his hand. “Come in by the fire.”

They went inside the cave where the fire burned brightly. Wyatt stripped off his sweater and sat down on the sleeping bag. Chance sat down beside him, watching him as he stared into the fire. He was thinking about what he had seen. The man in the vision must have been the other, and if the vision was true, he was going to prevent Wyatt from having the future he wanted, unless Wyatt could find a way to stop him.

“Chance, if the Warrior shows up again I want you to get as far away from him as you can,” he said after a long silence.

She looked at him with a puzzled expression. “I don’t think he’ll hurt me.”

“That’s not it.” He looked away from her.

“Then what?”

Wyatt didn’t answer for a few moments but finally he turned to her, putting his hands on her shoulders. “Just promise me that you won’t let him touch you.”

Her brows drew together in bewilderment for a moment then arched. “No danger of that!” she exclaimed, flushing slightly and dropping her eyes downward.

“What?” He put his finger under her chin and lifted her face.

Chance made a face and chewed her lip for a moment. “Well, let’s just say that one of you is more than enough.”

Wyatt smiled in spite of himself and she blushed. “But what made you think of something like that?”