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Authors: Sabine Starr

BOOK: Lady Gone Bad
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Chapter 35
O
n the summit of Robber’s Cave, Lady gazed out across a wide expanse of brilliant green wilderness slashed by deep, dark gorges and up-flung boulders. Below her, men and women in colors ranging from dull black to vivid red moved here and there, jockeying for better viewing positions, looking up, growing silent in anticipation.
Lady appeared her best, and knew it. She wore the new Paris gown with a stylish fringed apron in front and a high bustle in back, all in eye-catching crimson. She even wore fancy underwear with a corset that lifted her breasts while allowing her to draw deep breaths. Red heels gave her extra height. She’d let her hair down, knowing men found long tresses desirable. She wished she had her guitar, but her voice would simply have to do.
She checked the front of the crowd for Rafe, but for some reason he’d abandoned her just when she needed his support. She guessed if he didn’t have a bargain, he didn’t show up. He was probably searching for Lampkin. Still, she felt hurt. But she couldn’t let her feelings matter or stop her. She had the Hayes Brothers to help her. Bob was down below, holding the ten-gallon hat and keeping an eye on the crowd. Burt had placed a canteen of water and a shawl behind her. He planned to introduce her. Who would have ever thought the Hayes Brothers could turn out to be such good showmen? Maybe they were destined for a new line of work in the near future.
She looked for Rafe again, and then gave up. She glanced at Burt and nodded, ready to go.
He smiled in encouragement and stepped up beside her. “Ladies and gentlemen,” he called, deep voice carrying across the plateau. “Take your places and get ready to hear . . .” He made a dramatic gesture toward Lady. “The one, the only, the bodaciously divine ...
Lady Gone Bad.
”
Cheers, catcalls, and foot-stomping rose up from below.
Lady felt chills tingle her spine and took a deep breath. She’d never been presented this way before, and she didn’t know quite how to respond. Flutters in her stomach alerted her to the fact that she was not as calm as she would like to be. She was just so excited to be singing for such a large crowd.
“Did you hear me say
bodaciously divine
?” Burt called, motioning to the audience for confirmation.
Voices below called out even louder, chanting Lady’s name.
“Lady Gone Bad is
your
huckleberry . . . today, tomorrow, and always.” Burt held his arms out wide as if encompassing the entire crowd.
Lady could hardly believe Burt was generating all this excitement for her. She hoped she didn’t disappoint after his amazing introduction.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you,” Burt hollered above the noise of the crowd, “the one, the only . . . your very own singing sensation ...
Lady Gone Bad.
” He made a final, elaborate gesture toward Lady, and then stepped back out of sight.
She stood alone. Hundreds of people looked up at her. She knew she must project so her voice carried to them. And she wanted to connect emotionally with each and every one of them.
For a moment she froze, but she noticed a movement to her left and glanced over there. On the edge of Lookout Point, a white mare reared and pawed the air. Surprised, Lady wondered how the horse had gotten up there just as the mare disappeared into thin air.
Epona.
She felt comforted, not alone nor abandoned at this critical hour.
And Spider Grandmother must surely have spun a web that had drawn all these people to Robber’s Cave. So many outlaws, plus their folks and friends, would normally never gather in one place out of concern about garnering too much attention and making themselves too vulnerable to the law. Justice must surely be within her grasp.
Peace settled over Lady. She smiled and held out her arms, as if embracing the audience below.
“Thank you so much for being here deep in Choctaw Nation. I know you have many favorite songs.”
Cheers followed her words.
“First, I’d like to sing “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” composed by Choctaw Freedman Wallace Willis while he was working at Spencer Academy, a Choctaw boarding school. He was inspired by the Red River that reminded him of the Jordan River. I know this song means a great deal to all of us.”
I looked over Jordan, and what did I see
Coming for to carry me home?
A band of angels coming after me,
Coming for to carry me home.
Lady took a deep breath, thinking she’d never sung so well, so clearly, and with so much emotion. Her voice floated over the valley as if carried on the wings of angels, and she knew this time, this place, was meant to be.
Swing low, sweet chariot
Coming for to carry me home,
Swing low, sweet chariot,
Coming for to carry me home.
She felt as if she was finally coming home, letting go of the pain, the anger, the loss associated with her parents’ terrible deaths. Justice would be done. She felt it deep in her bones. She would soon be able to let the past stay in the past and move on into the future.
Words and music flowed through her as she moved from one song to another, watching the crowd sway in time to the music. She had never soared so high, so long, or felt so able to enhance the well-being of others. A humbling experience. She would eventually need to come back to earth and deal with the difficulties of life again, but not just yet.
When the time finally came for the songs to end, she smiled at the audience, feeling loss as well as gain from the experience.
“I realize you all have much more planned for the evening, so as the sun goes down, I’d like to end with “The Ballad of Lady Gone Bad,” one of my favorites and I hope one of yours, too.”
Cheers, cat-calls, and foot-stamping rose up from below as the audience agreed with her.
They always curse to lose their horses.
They surely cry to hand over their gold.
But on Lady’s trail at the wide Red River,
They better make sure not to ride alone.
She clapped her hands and beckoned to everyone. “Sing with me now!”
She’s a wild woman, a renegade, a lady gone bad.
As the last note fell away, Lady felt relaxed and satisfied at a job well done. She looked again for Rafe. This time she found him. Shock caught in her throat, turning her mute. He was locked in the arms of a tall, slim woman with long sorrel hair. He’d broken their bargain already. She felt sick to her stomach. And furious!
She bowed her head, looked up and saw Bob passing the ten-gallon hat. “Thank you very much. Enjoy your evening.”
Stepping back from the edge, she glanced at Burt.
He winked and moved in front of her. “Now, folks, give generously! Lady done sung her heart out for you. Bob is passing the hat. If he don’t find you, you find him. We all want Lady to sing for us again, so be generous. Thank you.”
He turned toward Lady, grasping her hands, squeezing, and then letting go. “You done good, real good. You’re our huckleberry.”
She smiled, although she felt hard, hot pain in her chest. “I want you and Bob to take fifteen percent of the hat.”
“But Lady—”
“I mean it. You two made all the difference and deserve it.”
Burt grinned. “Thanks. You trust us to count it?”
“You know I do.” She reached up and patted his broad shoulder. “You ought to think about doing more with your showmanship. You’re good.”
He ducked his head, then looked back at her. “You think?”
“Yes, I do.”
“Bob and me been talkin’. We’re thinkin’ we could get you lots more places to sing so you could rake in the money.”
Lady smiled. “And you’d get a percentage?”
Burt nodded, looking hopeful. “Twenty, maybe?”
“Let’s shake on it.” Lady held out her hand.
“You mean it?” Burt appeared astonished, but thrust out his big hand.
After they shook, Lady realized she was already moving onward, letting the past go, stepping into her future. She’d find Copper soon. Somehow, some way. She just knew Epona would never allow him to be put down.
Burt tossed his hat into the air, and caught it when it tumbled back down. “Let’s go tell Bob.”
She smiled at his happiness, but she was burning mad inside. “Let me change clothes.”
“Don’t want you to ruin that fancy dress.”
“I’ll need it for the next performance, won’t I?”
“You bet. There’s gonna be plenty of ’em.” Burt gestured toward the tent. “I’ll wait right out here for you.”
“Thanks, Burt, for everything.”
She jerked open the tent flap, and stepped inside. She planned to dress for trouble. That meant her green split-skirt and blouse, cowboy boots, and most important of all, her six-shooter.
If Rafe Morgan thought he could toss their bargain aside so easily, he had another think coming. And he was going to get it right quick.
Chapter 36
R
afe felt a blaze of fury strike him from behind like a violent storm front. He whirled, right hand dropping to his Peacemaker. Sharlot bore down on him, scattering well-wishers who backed off as if escaping lightning strikes.
He didn’t know what he’d done, but she must think it was pretty bad, certainly worth ignoring those of her audience who wanted to thank her for her performance. Light dawned on him. He hadn’t been front and center. He hadn’t whistled and clapped. He hadn’t been there when she’d finished her spectacular performance. He
was
in deep trouble.
He glanced at Crystabelle, the reason why he’d ignored Lady. Caught between the two women in his life, he’d let one come out on the short end of the stick. Sharlot wasn’t a woman to take that lightly, or at all.
Lady marched up to Rafe, stopped, raised a hand, and slapped him hard across his face, eyes blazing fire. “You low-down conniving polecat!”
“You know him!” Angel grabbed Lady’s hand. “I’m your biggest admirer!”
Lady glared at the other woman and tried to tug her hand free, eyes blazing even hotter.
“Introduce us quick!” Angel hung on to Lady’s hand.
Rafe’s face stung, but the discomfort was mild compared to his situation. “Lady, this is Angel.” He tried to smile. “You sounded good up there.”
“Good?” Lady finally jerked her hand free and turned on him. “How could you tell when you were in the arms of this ... this strumpet!”
“Oh!” Angel’s eyes grew wide. “You
do
know him.” She tossed Rafe an admiring glance.
He glared at her. “Be quiet!”
“Not a word.” Angel grinned, teeth tugging at her lower lip. “I’m all ears.”
“Lady, let me explain.” He held out his hand, but she slapped it down, stinging his skin again.
“Is this ... this hussy all our bargain means to you?” Lady asked.
“She’s got nothing to do with our bargain.”
“Nothing?” Lady’s chin jutted forward as she put her hands on her hips. “Broken bargain means I can entertain plenty of offers around here.”
“We’re drawing attention,” Rafe said, dropping his voice. “I didn’t break any bargain.”
“Then who the hell is this sorrel-haired, green-eyed, long-legged, scantily-clad strumpet who had her arms around you?” Lady gestured toward the other woman.
“Me!” Angel clapped her hands together in delight.
Lady and Rafe glared at her.
“Better own up.” Angel grinned, raising an eyebrow at Rafe. “Or you’re never getting out of hot water.”
“Keep your voices down!” Rafe hissed, looking from one woman to the other.
“Don’t tell me what to do,” Lady and Angel yelled at the same time, and then looked at each other in surprise.
Rafe sighed. Nothing was going according to plan. Sharlot was getting a big head due to her performance and the Hayes Brothers kowtowing to her. And something had happened to Crystabelle. She wasn’t the same soft-spoken, gentle schoolteacher he’d left in Bonham. That big, blond Viking had to be to blame. If he’d sullied Crystabelle’s reputation as a lady, there’d be hell to pay.
When he realized both women were staring at him, silent, he knew he had to do something ... anything, as long as it was fast and smart. But he couldn’t let Sharlot know he was pleased about her jealousy.
“Lady, there’s something I haven’t told you.”
She regarded him with skepticism. “Only one thing?”
“Oh bother,” Angel said, flapping a hand toward Rafe. “Men are such babies. Don’t know why he can’t find the words to tell you I’m his sister.”
Lady starred at her in shock. “You are?”
“All my life,” Angel said, chuckling.
“I guess I owe you an apology.” Lady gave the other woman a thorough once over, looking at her from head to toe. “You do favor him. And really, you look much more like a lady than a strumpet.”
“I hope not!” Angel patted her hair. “I’ve been working on this look with you in mind.” She winked, chuckling. “Angel gone bad.”
Rafe gasped. “Don’t even think such a thing.”
“I’m not your little sister anymore.” Angel turned serious as she focused on Lady. “What do you think? Could you write a song about me? I’d help!”
“You’re a lady and a schoolteacher. You can’t go around doing things like this,” Rafe said, trying to reason with her. Yet he was beginning to fear the wildness of Indian Territory had somehow infected Crystabelle.
“Okay for me, but not for her?” Lady asked, giving him a hard stare.
“That’s not what I mean.”
“Have you been looking for your sister all this time?”
He was in trouble, bogging down deeper every moment. “Lampkin, too.”
“And you didn’t tell me?”
“Don’t be mad at him,” Angel said, patting Rafe’s arm. “He’s such a worrier. I imagine he’s had all sorts of ideas about outlaw power plays and such.”
Lady raised an eyebrow, questioning Rafe.
“Thought crossed my mind that my sister could be used against me and make it harder to rescue her.”
“I’m right!” Angel tossed back her hair, and then pointed a finger at Rafe. “Look, enough of this chitchat. I’ve got to get right back to the Viking.”
“Before he sends somebody after you?” Rafe hissed, frowning. “Crystabelle, are you truly okay? Has anybody hurt you? I’ve been out of my mind with worry.”
“Truly, I’m fine.”
“But you’re not safe, not here. We’ll walk away right now and hide you. I’ve got a lot of questions and you’ve got a lot of explaining to do.”
“Brother dear, I don’t have time for answers. I’ve got to keep an eye on the Viking, not the other way around.”
“What do you mean?” Rafe felt more confused than ever. “I can buy you new clothes and get you back to Bonham.”
“But you can’t buy me the Viking.”
“Why would you want him?” Rafe asked, a puzzled look on his face. “Didn’t he buy you like a slave?”
“Silly! I’m in love with him.” Crystabelle smiled blissfully, combing long fingers through her hair as she gazed longingly up at the sky. “He loves me, too. Not that he realizes it yet. But that’s a small matter. I must stay with him long enough for him to understand that I’m his own true love.”
“What!” Rafe blinked hard, looked in confusion at Sharlot, and then anger washed over him.
“Let’s lower our voices,” Lady warned. “We don’t want to draw attention.”
“Are you out of your mind?” Rafe grabbed Crystabelle’s upper arms and shook her. “You are going with me right now. If you won’t go back to Bonham, I’ll take you to Fort Smith, lock you in a jail cell if I have to.”
Angel jerked free. “Touch me again and I’ll yell to high heaven that you’re not Fast John. You’re Deputy U.S Marshal—”
“Better not say it,” Lady interrupted. “Too many ears around here.”
“You wouldn’t expose me, would you, not after I explained my position?” Rafe asked in astonishment, feeling hurt.
“Big brother, I’m a woman desperately in love. I won’t leave my man.”
“What about your job as a schoolteacher?”
“Too dull for words.” She winked at Lady. “Plus, I have role models now. Lady Gone Bad. Belle Starr.”
“But they’re outlaws,” Rafe protested, wondering how he could have lost his sister this way. “Lady, help me explain to her why—”
She smiled at Angel, holding out her hand. “My real name’s Sharlot. What is yours?”
Angel grinned, shaking hands. “Crystabelle. But call me Angel. Nobody uses their real name in Indian Territory, so why should I? Even he’s Fast John.”
“Good reason for it,” Rafe said. “Crystabelle, I’ve heard enough of this nonsense. You can stay in Lady’s tent till we leave. We’ve got more business here.”
“Yes. I’m looking for a horse,” Lady said.
Crystabelle rolled her eyes. “More horses than people around here.”
Lady chuckled, beginning to like Rafe’s sister, especially now that she wasn’t competition.
Rafe knew he had to get this situation under control, so he tried reason again. “Let’s go up to Lady’s tent and—”
Angel gave Rafe a quick hug. “I’ll always love you, but I’m not going with you. The Viking is a once-in-a-lifetime man. I’m giving it everything I’ve got.” She grinned. “I’ll invite you to the wedding.”
“Lady, please talk some sense into her,” Rafe pleaded, feeling as if he was losing the battle.
“You’re a lady and a schoolteacher,” she said. “Are you sure this is the life for you?”
“It’s good enough for you and Belle Starr, so it’s good enough for me. I want to be famous, too.”
“Will this Viking help you get there?” Lady asked.
“Right now, it’s enough that he’s the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen. And he rescued me. He bought me with four horses. He said I fit in with the sorrels.” She tossed back her long mane of hair that was the color of a sorrel horse’s glossy coat.
“But I thought you were kidnapped,” Rafe said.
“Not by the Viking. I wouldn’t give up my reticule on the train when those outlaws were stealing everything. They got mad and kidnapped me along with my carpetbag.”
Lady chuckled. “Gave them a hard time, did you?”
“They’re disgusting brutes.”
“They didn’t hurt you, did they?” Rafe asked, fists clenched. She must have really made them mad, since he had rarely heard of outlaws kidnapping anybody.
“Made a mess of the clothes in my carpetbag looking for jewelry. Most exciting thing they found was my underwear.” She rolled her eyes. “’Course, they liked that.”
“Do you know who they are?” Rafe asked.
“Sure.” Angel shrugged. “Zip Rankin and his gang.”
“Did you say Zip?”
“Yes. They’re mean. I can’t tell you how glad I was to get away from them. If the Viking hadn’t come along looking for horses to buy soon after I was taken, well, I don’t want to think about it.”
“You aren’t the only one who has had a run in with Zip. He’s a dangerous man.” Rafe rubbed the bruise around his throat. “I owe the Viking a thank you.”
“I’ll thank him for you. The Viking rescued me and he’ll marry me.” Angel stepped back. “Got to go now.”
“Wait a moment,” Lady said. “You know how to reach Rafe at Fort Smith. If you’re in Delaware Bend, look up Manny at his livery stable. He’ll get me a message or he can be a friend.”
“Thanks,” Angel said, turning to leave. “Good to know.”
“Not so fast,” Rafe said. “I want to thank you for Justice. He’s a great horse.”
Angel smiled. “I knew he was perfect for you the moment I saw him. Got my friends to deliver him under the cover of darkness. Bet you were surprised to find him waiting for you at dawn.”
“Shocked, more like it. But glad, too. First hint I’d had that you might still be alive.” He reached out and squeezed her hand, realizing that she was all grown up with a mind of her own. “Wasn’t the first time you’ve surprised me.”
She laughed, clasping his hand with both of hers, then letting go. “Won’t be the last time either.”
Rafe shook his head. “I hope this is it. Come on with us. We have a lot to talk about. I want to know exactly what happened to you. I’d like to get names, if possible, for arrests. And we can discuss your future. If you don’t want to teach school, you can—”
“Oh no!” Lady pointed toward Lookout Point in horror.
Rafe whirled around, smelling smoke. Lady’s tent was on fire. Red and orange flames shot up into the sky along with billowing black smoke. Top of Robber’s Cave looked like a dang inferno. And no water up there to douse the raging fire.
He grabbed Sharlot’s hand, and then Crystabelle’s fingers. He tugged both women with him as he ran toward the fire, trying to figure out a way to save Lady’s belongings. He dodged the crowd that had started toward the blaze, too. He bumped into somebody, felt Crystabelle’s hand slip away, and glanced back. She was lost in the crowd. He started to turn back for her, but Lady pulled hard at his hand.
“Look!” Lady pointed to the north side of the mesa. “Pecos Pete is running away from the fire.”
“Means he set it. And that means Zip Rankin is set on revenge.” Rafe glanced around. Everybody else was focused on the fire, so nobody noticed the outlaw scrambling down through trees, scrub, and rocks to get away.
“Can we put out the fire?” Lady cried. “My beautiful gown. All my—”
“Too late!” Rafe kept an eye on the outlaw. If they didn’t move quick, he’d get away. He glanced back, hoping Crystabelle had caught up with them. No sign of her. He had to accept that she was a grown woman and knew her own mind. If she wouldn’t listen to him, she wouldn’t listen to him. Zip was a danger to them all, and they had to deal with him before things got worse.

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