Tracie Peterson (13 page)

Chapter 18

H
ow? Where?” Maggie asked, her mind flooding with questions.

“Banditos,” Garrett replied. Maggie shivered uncontrollably. She felt cold and dizzy. Concerned, Garrett put an arm gently around her and said, “Come with me to the library and we’ll talk.”

Maggie tried to make her feet work, but her brain refused to function. She sat where Garrett directed her to sit, not knowing what to say.

Garrett sat across from Maggie and told the story. “Miguel never made it to the mission. When Mack showed up and told me about the butchered steers, I figured there wouldn’t be good news about Miguel. We looked for signs of him on the trail, but there was nothing. Then we decided to take a look at the water hole where you found the carcasses. We found Miguel at the bottom of the pond.”

“Dear Lord.” Maggie breathed the words, and Garrett knew they were a prayer all their own.

“We buried him. We couldn’t bring him back here in the shape he was in.”

Maggie nodded dumbly. She suddenly realized she had been at the site of Miguel’s murder. While she had sat on Thunder, Miguel had lain dead at the bottom of the water hole. The room began to spin.

“I’m so sorry, Maggie,” Garrett offered softly. “I know this is difficult. There was no easy way to tell you.” Again Maggie nodded and said nothing. Garrett continued talking, but Maggie’s mind went to Carmalita.

“Oh, Garrett,” she interrupted. “What about Carmalita? Does she know?”

“I told Maria. She said she’d break the news to her,” Garrett replied, rubbing the back of his neck.

Garrett was dusty and sweat soaked, but Maggie had never known a more welcome sight. God had sent him back safely to her. She offered a silent prayer of thanksgiving for Garrett’s safety, but she couldn’t forget Carmalita’s sorrow.

Slowly she got to her feet. “I’ll have Maria prepare you a bath. I must go to Carmalita.” With that Maggie turned and went in search of the two women.

Garrett stared after Maggie for several minutes. He was amazed at the change in her. Where once had been a childish young girl, now stood a woman. A woman who compassionately put her pain aside to tend to the hurts of others. Garrett smiled. His Maggie had grown up.

Maria went to draw a bath for Garrett, but she could offer Maggie little help in locating Carmalita. Maggie looked throughout the ranch house but found no sign of the missing girl. She searched the quiet courtyard without success.

Maggie finally made her way to Carmalita’s room. When there was no response to her knock, she quietly opened the bedroom door. A single lantern burned on the night stand, but Carmalita was gone.

Maggie returned to her father’s room and found him listening to David Monroe read from the Psalms. Knowing what comfort her father found from the Bible, she decided against disturbing them and went to seek out Garrett.

Garrett sat refreshed behind Jason’s large walnut desk. He was dividing his attention between a cup of black coffee and a ledger book when Maggie arrived.

“I can’t find Carmalita!” Maggie’s voice betrayed the worry she felt. Garrett looked up from the papers.

“Have you looked everywhere?”

Maggie nodded. “I checked the entire house. Oh, Garrett. I’m worried. Miguel was everything to Carmalita. Where could she be?”

Garrett pushed the papers aside and grabbed his coat. “I’ll check the barn and the corrals. You stay put. I’ll be back shortly.”

Maggie paced the room until she was certain she’d worn a hole in the heavy Indian rug. She tried to sit, but her mind was consumed with worry and grief. Just then, Garrett came rushing into the room.

“She took a horse. I’ve a feeling she’s gone to find where we buried Miguel,” Garrett announced.

Maggie rushed to where Garrett stood. “But it’s dark and growing colder by the minute.”

“I’ve sent a couple hands after her. I felt it was important for me to stay. I hope that’s okay with you.”

“Oh yes, Garrett. Please don’t leave me again.” For once, Maggie didn’t try to hide her tears. Garrett took her into his strong arms.

“Hush, now. I’m here and I’m not going anywhere—at least not without you,” he added softly.

“Señor, Señorita.” Maria burst into the room, panting from her hard running.

“What is it, Maria? Have you found Carmalita?” Maggie asked as she rushed to Maria’s side.

“I found this,” Maria said, holding up a piece of paper.

Garrett took the note from Maria. His eyes narrowed slightly as he read it.

“What is it, Garrett?” Maggie questioned anxiously.

“It says Carmalita knows who killed Miguel. She’s gone to avenge Miguel’s death,” Garrett spoke gravely. “I’ll have to go, Maggie. Maria, go find Bill for me, and hurry.”

“Sí.” Maria was still breathless, but she sped from the room.

“Garrett, you can’t go! What if it’s a plot? What if they want to kill you?” Maggie cried.

Garrett unlocked the gun cabinet. “I can’t expect Carmalita to face banditos on her own. She’s probably unarmed, and a lone woman approaching a rowdy bunch like that? Well, I’d rather not say what I’m thinking.”

Garrett opened the cabinet and took out a rifle and some cartridges. Maggie crossed the room to his side.

“Please don’t go. Send someone else.” She was crying. Garrett placed the rifle and cartridges on the table and took Maggie in his arms.

“Shh, don’t cry. It’s going to be alright. We might even catch up to her before she gets very far.” Garrett stroked Maggie’s damp cheek, knowing the tears she cried were from love for him.

Maggie lifted her face to Garrett’s and looked deep into his eyes. She saw his resolve. “I love you, Garrett,” she whispered.

“Maggie, you can’t know how I’ve dreamed of hearing you say that. I’ve waited a lifetime for you. I love you, and I’m not going to do anything foolish to risk the happiness I know we’ll share.” With those words, Garrett leaned down and kissed her. It was a long and loving kiss. A kiss that left Maggie flushed and breathless.

“Garrett,” Maggie’s voice still held the urgency she felt. “Let’s pray together before you go.”

Garrett smiled. “I can’t think of anything more necessary,” he answered. Taking down a well-worn Bible from the fireplace mantel, Garrett turned to Psalm 91. “ ‘He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High,’ ” Garrett read, “ ‘shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust. Surely He shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt though trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.’ ”

Garrett replaced the Bible and knelt with Maggie. “Father, we seek Your guidance. You know the situation and our need better than we do. We ask that You cover us in Your protection. Protect Carmalita too, Father. She’s out there somewhere. We don’t know where—but You do. Place a shield of protection around her. In Jesus’ name—”

“Wait,” Maggie interrupted. “Father, please watch over Garrett. I know I’ve been a stubborn child in the past, but Garrett has sought Your will for a long, long time. I know he places his trust in You. Sometimes it’s hard for me to trust, but I know You love him even more than I do. Please bring him safely back to me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

“Amen,” Garrett added and squeezed Maggie’s hand. “And to think,” he smiled. “I get to share this with you for a lifetime.”

Maggie smiled too. “I feel better. Now I can let you go without fearing the worst.” Getting to her feet with Garrett’s help, Maggie laughed nervously.

“What?” Garrett asked.

“I wish I had a piano.”

“A piano?” Garrett responded. “What does that have to do with anything?”

“Back in Topeka, whenever things got bad or I felt lonely, I would pound out my frustrations on the piano. It helped to pass the time, and it soothed my nerves.” Maggie smiled and looked around the room. “Father bought me a wardrobe full of clothes, but there isn’t a single piano on the ranch.” She feigned utter misery.

Garrett laughed and whirled Maggie in a circle. “You shall have the best and finest piano money can buy for a wedding gift from me,” he said as he finally let Maggie’s feet touch the ground. “Though I haven’t the slightest idea how we’ll get it here.” At this they both laughed.

Bill came rushing into the room, knowing the gravity of the situation from Maria’s brief explanation. He was somewhat confused to find Garrett and Maggie laughing. He cleared his throat to gain their attention.

Garrett was the first to sober. “Bill, we’ve got to go after Carmalita.” Maggie grew solemn.

Bill nodded his head. “Maria told me. I’ve got ten men who’ll ride with us.”

“Good. Then let’s be at it,” Garrett replied.

“There’s somethin’ else you ought to know, Boss.”

“What?” Garrett questioned.

“The boys finished a head count on the stock. We’re short nearly a hundred steers.”

“A hundred? Are you sure?”

Maggie didn’t like the tone of Garrett’s voice. Something in Bill’s statement had signaled more danger, of this she was certain.

“They’re sure alright. Herd’s been down from the hills for over a week. Them that we didn’t sell, we turned loose on the ridge. Since I saw signs of snow, I had the boys bring ’em on down. After we got ’em all corralled, we counted about ninety-eight missing.”

“What does this mean, Garrett?” Maggie asked.

“Most likely rustlers,” he replied and went to the desk to retrieve the rifle and ammunition.

“Rustlers and banditos? And poor Carmalita out there? Please be careful, Garrett.” Maggie’s voice quivered as she placed her hand on his arm.

“I will. Keep praying.” Then he kissed her and was gone.

Chapter 19

M
aggie went silently to her father’s room. David was reading the Bible in a gentle, even tone. Silently, Maggie took up her knitting and sat in a chair across the room. The words David recited offered her comfort as no others could.

David sensed something was wrong, but he knew better than to disturb Jason’s rest by asking questions.

After an hour, Maggie could no longer sit still. “Excuse me, David. I think we should let Father sleep now.” David nodded, sensing the urgency in Maggie’s voice.

“Jason,” David said. “I’ll be in the kitchen trying to talk Maria out of her spectacular custard. If you need me, just give a holler.”

“Thank you, David. You’ve been a comfort, but Maggie’s right. Sleep will do me good.” Jason’s words were hoarse whispers.

“Father, do you need more medication?” Maggie knew it had been several hours since his last dose of morphine.

“No, no. I feel surprisingly better. You run along and fix David up with something to eat. I’m fine, child. Really.” Jason raised his hand weakly to flag them on their way. Maggie took hold of it.

“I love you, Father. I’ll be close by. You just rest.”

Maggie led David to the kitchen, but Maria sent them off to the dining room, promising to serve them her best custard.

“Things aren’t as they should be,” Maggie began as David helped her with her chair.

“I thought as much, but I didn’t want to worry your father. He’s perceptive for a sick man.”

“A dying man,” Maggie murmured.

“Yes, that’s true. Hard to believe though,” David declared. “I’ve never met a man who lived life to the degree your father has.” David paused as he studied Maggie. It was easy to see why Garrett was drawn to her. “Has your father told you about the mission?”

“A bit here and there. Until a short time ago, we weren’t on speaking terms. And I wasn’t on listening terms, either. I missed a great deal of time with him because of my stubbornness.”

“You can’t live your life under a rock of regrets. We all have things we wished we’d done differently. Some things we wish we hadn’t done at all, but what’s done is done. We seek God’s forgiveness, change our ways, and make amends. You’re doing a fine job, Maggie. It’s clear you’ve brought him happiness.”

Maria entered the room and placed two warm bowls of custard on the table. Moments later, she returned with David’s favorite caramel sauce.

“You spoil me, Maria. But I love it.” David laughed and ran a hand through his straight blond hair.

“Thank you, Maria. It looks wonderful,” Maggie added.

“Don’t tell me you’ve never had Maria’s caramel custard?” David asked, a look of disbelief on his face.

“I might have and not remembered. Not much of the past few months registered. I was so angry. I could have eaten about anything and never known.”

“Mostly, Señorita didn’t eat at all,” Maria stated matter-of-factly.

“That’s true,” Maggie laughed. “Twice, Carmalita had to alter my clothes. Poor Carmalita,” Maggie’s voice sobered.

“What is it?” David questioned.

“Carmalita took off after the people who killed Miguel. She left a note saying she knew who was responsible. Garrett rounded up some men and took off after her.”

“It’s awfully cold and dark out there,” David began. “But Garrett knows
every inch of this land. If anyone can find her, he can. But I’m sure glad I did
n’t ask about this while we were with your father.”

“Yes,” Maggie said, tasting the custard. “Maria, this is wonderful!”

“Gracias, I’m glad you like it. I’ll be in the kitchen if you need me.”

Maggie nodded and continued explaining to David. “On top of everything else, some cattle are missing. It seems the rustlers and banditos are plotting to destroy us.”

Just then, Maria came rushing into the room. “Señorita, Señorita! You must come quickly.”

“What is it, Maria?” Maggie said as she followed Maria to the kitchen door. David was close behind the women.

Maria opened the door to admit a young Mexican boy. He looked twelve or thirteen, and Maria introduced him as her grandson. “He lives in the mountains,” Maria added, admitting to his life with the banditos.

Maggie looked back and forth from Maria to the young boy. “Well? What is it?” Maggie asked, no longer able to contain her concern.

The boy rattled off in Spanish, and while David nodded his understanding, Maggie didn’t know what was being said. When the boy finished delivering his message, David interpreted it for Maggie.

“He says his people didn’t butcher your cattle. He’s been sent here by his parents because they knew his grandmother would protect him,” David explained. Then he turned and questioned the boy.

The boy answered hesitantly, but his response satisfied David. “He says the banditos would never harm Señor Jason’s hacienda. He’s been very good to them, and that is why they’ve sent word to you. They don’t want to be blamed for this.”

“How did they find out about it?” Maggie questioned.

“They found the mess at the water hole. They knew someone had made it look like banditos were to blame.” David answered. “They wanted to vindicate themselves.”

Suddenly, Maggie grew cold. If Carmalita knew the person who had killed Miguel and it wasn’t done by banditos, then the murderer had to be someone on the ranch. As if reading Maggie’s mind, David instructed Maria to have her grandson stay the night and to lock all the doors and windows.

“David, the killer could be riding with Garrett right now,” Maggie sobbed. “I can’t lose him.” She started for the door, but David held her fast.

“I can’t let you go, Maggie. You know that, and you know why. Now come with me, and we’ll sit with your father,” David said firmly.

“But what of your wife?” Maggie asked. “Will she be safe at the mission?”

David’s jaw tightened. “Let’s go sit with Jason.”

The hours passed, and Maggie struggled to appear at ease in front of her father. David had started reading the Bible once more, and Maggie wondered if he were doing so in part to answer his fear for Jenny.

Jason had fallen into a deep sleep, so David put aside the Bible and stretched his long legs by walking to the bedroom window.

“If you like, I could show you to the guest room,” Maggie offered. Her own body was suffering from the tension. She had considered retiring to her room, but she hated to leave David alone.

“No. I think we should stay together,” David said, turning to meet Maggie’s worried expression.

“Don’t worry, Maggie. I’ve always been overly cautious. It’s one of my faults.”

Maggie smiled. She knew David was trying to put her at ease. The wind picked up, and a light mist started to fall. Maggie listened to the rain grow heavy, then lighten again. She remembered times in Topeka when she’d sat in her room listening to the rain. She’d loved to snuggle down under the covers of her bed as the rain beat against the window panes. It had always made her feel safe. What she wouldn’t give to feel safe now!

Uneasy, Maggie joined the others in fitful sleep. As the first light of dawn crept over the eastern mountains, Maggie and David were jerked awake by thundering horse hooves. Maggie glanced at her father, but he still slept soundly.

David went first to the window, then to the bedroom door. “Stay here,” he ordered, and Maggie nodded. For once, she had no thought of disobeying orders.

She went to the window, anxious to see if she could catch sight of the riders. The scene revealed nothing. Maggie twisted her hands together. She paced back and forth at the end of her father’s bed.

“Dear God, Garrett has to be alright. You have to keep him safe for me.” Suddenly, her prayers sounded selfish. Maggie reconsidered her words. “Father, I know You have a plan for each of us. I can’t imagine a plan for me without Garrett by my side, but I trust You. I believe You’ll care for Garrett and for me in the best way. I give it over to Your will, Lord.” Before Maggie could finish her prayer, voices in the hallway interrupted.

Maggie rushed to the door just as it opened. Garrett stood before her. Seeing that Jason was asleep, Garrett pulled Maggie into the hall and closed the door.

Maggie sobbed as she fell against Garrett’s chest. “You’re alright!” she whispered between her tears.

“Come with me, Maggie,” Garrett said, refusing to let her go. They joined David in the living room. Garrett led Maggie to the high-backed sofa and had her sit beside him.

“Is it—did they?” Maggie couldn’t bring herself to ask the questions on her mind. She was shaking from head to toe.

“It’s over. At least for now,” Garrett said softly, putting his arm around her in support.

“Carmalita?” Maggie dared to ask.

“She’ll be staying at the mission while she recovers from all this,” Garrett said. Noticing David’s anxious expression, he added, “Everything is fine there.” David sighed in relief.

“We can talk about this later if you like,” Garrett offered.

Maggie nodded, relieved that she wouldn’t have to hear the details of what had taken place.

“I think I’ll bid Jason good-bye and go home,” David announced. “Jenny’s bound to be beside herself.”

Garrett nodded and added, “I had a couple men stay on until you get there.”

A relieved look passed over David’s face. “Thanks, Friend.”

“I think I owe you thanks as well,” Garrett replied. They shared a nod, each acknowledging the other’s actions.

For a long time after David had left the living room, Maggie did nothing but allow Garrett to hold her. Silently, she thanked God over and over for bringing Garrett home safely. She praised Him for keeping Jenny and Carmalita safe too.

Just then, David returned. “Maggie,” he said. “Your father is asking for you.” Maggie dried her tears with her apron and followed David to her father’s room.

“I’m here, Father. What can I do for you?” Maggie tried to smile as she knelt beside her father’s bed.

Jason Intissar turned his weary blue eyes to the daughter he’d spent a lifetime loving. Behind her stood Garrett, arms folded across his chest, feet planted slightly apart.

“Father?” Maggie’s small voice drew Jason’s attention. “Is everything alright? Are you in pain?”

“No, Child. I called you here for something else.” Jason paused to take a deep breath. “Maggie, I know I’m not going to live much longer. I thank God for these few moments with you, but I’m not a selfish man in respect to life. I’ve had a good one, and I’m ready to meet my God and your ma.”

Jason stopped to draw another ragged breath. His body was seized by a fit of coughing, but to Maggie’s surprise the spell lasted only a few moments.

“Father, you need to rest. We can come back later,” Maggie said, getting to her feet.

Jason held out his thin hand. “Please wait.”

“What is it, Father?”

“I have only one request, Maggie. Just one thing before I die,” Jason said in uneven words. “I’ve already told David about it.”

Maggie turned to meet David Monroe’s tender eyes. She turned back to her father.

“I know a girl wants things a certain way on her wedding day and you’re deserving of that, but I want to see you married, Maggie. I don’t have the time for a fancy wedding, and I’m asking a favor of you.” Jason’s words died off into a barely audible whisper. “I want you to marry Garrett here, today.”

Maggie’s heart lurched. She worried about hurting Carmalita by marrying so soon after Miguel’s death. She also had no idea what Garrett had just been through. Perhaps he wouldn’t want to get married right away. But her father’s request was appropriate, and Maggie knew he didn’t have much time.

Almost fearing the intensity of Garrett’s eyes, Maggie turned to find him smiling. She blushed and lowered her eyes. Marriage to Garrett was what she’d dreamed of. It was hard to imagine in a few moments that dream would become reality.

Maggie turned back to her father. “I’d be happy to marry Garrett, right this minute, Father. Dresses, parties, and rooms full of people aren’t as important as sharing this moment with you. If it meets with Garrett’s approval, David can marry us this very minute.”

Jason’s face lit up with a huge smile.

“Well, what do you say, Mr. Lucas?” Maggie turned boldly toward Garrett. “Will you marry me?”

Forgetting the terror of the night and his deep concern for Maggie’s safety, Garrett relaxed and even managed to laugh. “Are you proposing, Miss Intissar?”

Maggie joined his laughter. “Yes, I believe I am.”

“In that case, I accept. But don’t go getting any ideas about bossing me around in the future. This here is just a favor to Jason,” he drawled, and everyone broke into laughter.