Where the Wind Blows (11 page)

As soon as the buckboard stopped, Mrs. Hollyhock spryly climbed from the wagon without Chase’s assistance and rushed to the door of the cabin. Moments later Jessie was enfolded in her embrace, and the little woman was rocking her from side to side. Gabe and Sarah watched from the fireplace, not knowing who the stranger was.

Mrs. Hollyhock pulled back and studied Jessie’s face, then sucked in her breath.

“You’re white as a sheet, girl. Come lie down before you fall over. I’ll bet my bloomers you’ve not had a bite to eat all day.”

Jessie glanced furtively out the door, searching for Chase. She hadn’t seen him yet and was frantic with the thought he hadn’t come back. Finally she spotted him alongside the wagon, and relief flooded her. He’d gotten a shave and bath, and looked utterly gorgeous. She caught his glance and searched his eyes, and suddenly she longed to feel his arms holding her tight. As if he could read her thoughts, he took a step in her direction, but before she could respond, Sarah came at Chase like a cat after a mouse.

“Da’s back, Da’s back,” she sang, vaulting into his embrace. Chase lifted her high. As he swung Sarah down, Jessie heard him whisper into the child’s ear.

“Shhhh…Your ma’s not feelin’ well.”

His voice, soft as worn leather, sent tingles dancing down her spine. She shivered, then glanced at Mrs. Hollyhock’s face to see if she’d heard what Sarah had called Chase. To her relief, the old woman was in her own world, fussing over Jessie as she hustled her into the bedroom.

Secluded in the room, Mrs. Hollyhock insisted that Jessie remove her shoes and lie down. She propped her feet on a pillow and bustled about, fluffing blankets and opening the window.

“Oh, poor girl. It must’ve been a horrible shock to learn your man’s passed on. Iffen you’d like, I’ll stay out here with ya till you’re over the worst of it.”

“That’s very kind of you, Mrs. Hollyhock, but it’s really not necessary,” Jessie said, struggling to sit up. Mrs. Hollyhock pushed her gently back onto the pillows.

“You look weak. Just stay where I put ya. You don’t know what’s good for ya at a time like this.”

Sighing, Jessie lay back on the pillow and closed her eyes. A sharp cramp caught her off guard, and she groaned.

“What is it, girl?” Mrs. Hollyhock peered anxiously in her face, as if she suspected Jessie of having some horrible ailment.

“Nothing much, really. Just a little pain.”

As if summoned to duty, Mrs. Hollyhock began eyeballing Jessie for symptoms. Leaning forward, she inspected her eyes, muttering speculatively.

“The whites ain’t yeller, so it ain’t the liver,” she said, sounding relieved. “Roll your head to the side so I can have a look-see into your ear.”

Jessie raised her eyebrows. “I’m
fine,
Mrs. Hollyhock. It’s just my monthly. For some reason I seem to have a hard time with them.”

“Well, why didn’t you say so, child? I have a pouch full of herbs that’ll make ya feel better right quick. I’ll be back before you get the chance to miss me.” Winking, she whisked out of the room in a flurry of flannel.

Reentering the main room, Mrs. Hollyhock saw Gabe and Sarah for the first time. “Who’s this strapping young
man helpin’ put the supplies away?” she asked, looking from Gabe to Chase. “He your son, Mr. Logan?”

Before Chase had a chance to answer, she’d moved on to Sarah. “And to think I doubted the existence of wood pixies. Here sits one right ’fore my very eyes, as sure as I’m standing here.”

Sarah looked up from her seat at the table. She was nibbling on some raisins Chase had bought in town. Covering her smile with her hand, she giggled when Mrs. Hollyhock tickled her tummy.

Chase had no choice but to introduce the children. “This is Gabe Garrison and Sarah. They’re going to be living here with Jessie—I mean, Mrs. Strong.”

Mrs. Hollyhock stared at him in surprise.

“Mrs. Strong has adopted them,” he explained.

Silent for a moment, Mrs. Hollyhock eyed all three. Then, breaking into a smile that bespoke of great secrets, she zeroed in on Gabe. “Would you mind puttin’ on the kettle to boil? I have some herbs that’ll have your new ma feelin fine in no time a’tall.”

After Jessie had finished her tea and was fast asleep, Mrs. Hollyhock tiptoed from her bedroom and called the family to order.

“Jessie will be fine in a day or two. Be sure she don’t wear herself out doin’ for you and the little one,” she said, looking at Gabe. “It’s a shock to become a widder at such an early age. She’ll have some adjustin’ to do.” Virgil, slumped in a chair by the fire, hadn’t moved since they’d arrived. His snores sounded like the drawing of a saw blade.

“She’s asleep just now and probably won’t wake till mornin’,” Mrs. Hollyhock went on. “Help yourself to the soup I made, and Gabe, be sure to feed the little one before
she gets hungry and starts whining. I don’t want Jessie to worry about nothin’ at all.”

She turned her attention to Chase. “What be your plans, Mr. Logan?” she asked innocently. “You have a family to rush back to?”

Chase almost winced. Here sat the only family he’d ever known. It’d felt nice being a part of it, even for such a short time. His thoughts turned to Jessie, tucked in her warm cozy bed, and his heart gave a little stutter.

“No family. Just me and my horse.” Chase stared at the ground. He didn’t want to see the effect his words were having on Gabe.

“Well then, will you be riding on tonight? You certainly can’t stay here.”

He glanced at Sarah, hoping the child wouldn’t choose this moment to speak up. “Seems as if everything—”

“Because iffen you’re interested,” Mrs. Hollyhock interrupted, “I have a room I let out above my mercantile. It’s yours if you need it for a day or two, or however long you decide to stay.” She straightened her skirt and continued. “My boy Tommy used to live up there. Did I tell you how much you resemble him? Why, at a glance I can almost believe it’s him standing here. Such a fine man, my Tommy is.”

Chase chanced a look at Gabe. Not being able to see the hopeful look on the boy’s face would be like not feeling the sun on a spring day. And, truth be known, he wasn’t ready to leave quite yet. Just a couple of days more…to make sure Jessie was feeling better.

“That’s a kind offer, Mrs. Hollyhock. I’ll take you up on it for a day or two.”

Gabe looked Chase square in the eyes, issuing a silent challenge. “Besides, Mr. Logan, I’ll bet your head still hurts where the bullet grazed your scalp,” he said softly.

“You’ve been hurt, Mr. Logan?” Mrs. Hollyhock hurried
toward Chase. “Would ya like me to take a look at it, make sure it’s healin’ up proper? Ya wouldn’t want no gangrene ta set in.”

“No thanks, ma’am.” Chase pulled back to a safe distance. “It’s just a little sore.”

Gabe cleared his throat from his seat by the hearth, and Chase felt a hot stab of apprehension.

“Mrs. Strong sure did a fine job of doctoring him up,” the boy volunteered nonchalantly. “For a while we weren’t sure if he’d even make it. He was as helpless as a frozen snake.”

“Well, I’ll be.” The woman stood, looking startled. “I was under the distinct impression you’d jist arrived.”

She was drumming her fingers together slowly as she spoke, and Chase was starting to feel as spooky as a green colt.

“When was it you said you arrived, Mr. Logan?”

Ruining a girl’s reputation was not something to be taken lightly in these parts. Respectable women, widows included, were hard to find. The good ones were watched over and protected by the townspeople. Chase knew it would only take a word from the boy to send the old women scurrying for a preacher. And by the boy’s expression, Gabe knew it, too.

A hush fell upon the room. At some point in the conversation, Virgil had awoken. He and Mrs. Hollyhock waited for Chase’s answer.

“I didn’t.”

At that moment Jessie’s offer came floating back to Chase like something from a dream.
You could stay if you wanted.
Her sweet invitation flowed over him like warm honey, making him long for the goodness of her. Could he take a chance and put the past aside? Take a stab at something more solid than his horse and the next trail?

“I guess that’s so,” she said, darting a knowing look at Virgil. “Well, go on, enlighten us.”

Hold up, he thought. Telling the whole truth now wouldn’t give Jessie any say in a decision that would change her whole life. On the other hand, lying even more set about as well with him as sharing a den with a polecat. Deciding to give as little information as they’d accept and letting the cards fall as they may felt like the most honest thing to do.

“Been here a handful of days.” Chase ran his fingers through his hair, realizing he still hadn’t gotten it cut.

“Two days after I arrived, someone shot me, and Mrs. Strong saved my life. When I was able, I rode into town, and you know the rest of the story.”

It put him on edge to have to explain his actions, especially with Gabe sitting there knowing he was leaving out a major chunk of the story.

“Hummm.” Mrs. Hollyhock stood rooted to the floor. The color came up in her face, and it looked as though her eyes would pop out of her face at any moment.

“My-my-my,” she stuttered, all the while shaking her head. “Just what exactly did ya plan ta do, Mr. Logan?”

She was working herself up, no question about it. Her voice squawked like that of a plucked jaybird.

Virgil stared at her as if she’d just sprouted another head.

“Didja plan ta ride off after ya had a piece of the pie, a taste of the pudding, not carin’ what happens to Jessie, possibly leavin’ her with another mouth ta feed? And her bein’ a married woman and all! You should be ashamed of yourself, cozying up to her and playin’ off her sympathies!”

“Hold on just a minute!” Chase shot back. “That’s not the way it happened at all. And she’s not married, at least not anymore.” Mrs. Hollyhock had it all wrong. But there was no stopping her now.

“Just what kind of chance will she have of findin’ a decent husband after people find out she’s been livin’ out here with
the likes of you?” With that, she sighed wearily and plopped down into a chair at the table.

“That Garth…now
he’s
a fine man, iffen I’ve ever seen one. He’s always had an eye for the girl, ain’t that right, Virgil?”

Virgil seemed surprised that she’d remembered he was even in the room.

“Reckon so,” he mumbled.

“But now…” Her voice faded as she slumped in the chair. At the moment, all bent and defeated, she seemed no stronger than a feather in a gust of wind.

“Why, it’s only a matter of time before the whole town knows, being any young’uns I’ve ever known could never keep a secret. And me and Virgil”—she slowly shook her head—“we know what kind a life a ruint girl has. You’ve seen ‘em entertainin’ upstairs at the saloons, the likes of any man who will pay for it…one after another.” She’d lowered her voice and turned her face to Chase so the children couldn’t hear her last comments. “Just a
shame.
”

Chase’s mind flashed back to times when he himself had taken his ease in the arms of a woman like that. No, he couldn’t picture Jessie doing that. He was jolted back to the present by a half sob from the old woman.

“I can’t bear to think of Jessie at the mercy of some drunken…”

She left that sentence unfinished and suddenly snapped to attention, drilling Chase with an ice blue stare.

“Why—why, you was here when Garth brought Jessie back from town the other day. Weren’t ya? Oh, heavens!” Mrs. Hollyhock looked as if she was about to swoon. “I’m sure he must’ve known there was somethin’ amiss.”

The tremble in Mrs. Hollyhock’s voice, the glare in her eyes…If he didn’t think of something—and quick—he would find himself the groom at a shotgun wedding.

Seeing the frightened look on Sarah’s face, Chase dismissed his resolve to keep his distance, and picked her up. “It’s all right, honeybunch, everything is fine,” he said, stroking her hair. Sarah put her fingers into her mouth and laid her head down on his shoulder, never taking her eyes off the imposing little woman.

Gabe had been conspicuously quiet through the whole discussion. Chase figured after the boy’s useful details about Jessie doctoring him up, he might be feeling a little sheepish about facing him. Or maybe he was just waiting for the right moment to drive the last nails into his coffin. If he let slip how he’d spent the night in Jessie’s bedroom, pretending to be Nathan…

“Virgil, ya better head back ta town before dark,” Mrs. Hollyhock said. “I’m stayin’ here ta make sure the snake don’t crawl back to the henhouse while I’m gone, so to speak.” She gave Chase a cold stare.

“And you, Mr. Logan, can just saddle up and head on out.” As she said this, she seemed to be holding her breath.

Here was his chance. He could make thirty miles tonight
if he pushed Cody hard. No one would be able to find him if he decided to get lost.

Just go! a part of him urged. But…he’d promised Jessie he wouldn’t leave without saying good-bye.

This was one promise he wasn’t going to break.

“I’m not leaving until I talk with Jessie.” Chase had gone up against countless men in his life. He wasn’t about to let this half-pint female, more wrinkled than last year’s apple, throw him out like yesterday’s slop.

“Iffen your mind’s made up, so be it, but you ain’t wakin’ her tonight. Get your gear and head out to the barn. You can sleep with the other animals, where ya belong.”

Mrs. Hollyhock held out her arms for the little girl. Chase hesitated a moment, then reluctantly handed Sarah to the woman. Instantly, he missed the sweet feel of her, and the tenderness she brought to his heart. His arms felt empty.

Exiting the cabin, Chase glanced at Gabe, who shrugged his shoulders and gave him a bewildered look. But pretend as he may, the boy couldn’t hide the smile that was curving the corners of his mouth.

As soon as the door closed behind Chase, Mrs. Hollyhock took on a whole new demeanor. Her scowl vanished, and she went about humming cheerfully, as if she’d just received an invitation to tea with the queen of England. She sent Virgil off, telling him to rush someone to Clancy in the morning for the preacher.

“Bring him out as soon as you’re able, and don’t let the grass grow under your feet. Be quick about it.”

After Virgil departed, Mrs. Hollyhock set three bowls on the table and dished up the corn soup she’d made shortly after she’d arrived. Thick and creamy, it tasted mighty good on slices of bread. For several minutes, the room was quiet while everyone concentrated on the meal.

Gabe looked into his bowl. He was doing more pushing than eating, and feeling more than a little guilty about the trouble he’d started. “What about Mr. Logan?” he said finally. “Do you want me to take some supper out to him?”

“No, I’ll do that myself,” Mrs. Hollyhock replied. “You get this little gal ready for bed,” she added, nodding at Sarah. “I’ll be back in a jiffy.”

Taking the largest container Jessie had, a blue mixing bowl, she filled it to the brim with soup. She placed the bowl and four thick slices of the bread on an old tray she found behind the cupboard and headed out to the barn.

“Well, Sarah, she sure is a funny old woman,” Gabe said, helping the girl on with her night rail. “One moment she wants to string him up, and the next she’s fussing over him like he’s the town mayor.”

Chase was mending the chin strap of his bridle by rigging the worn leather together with a strip of hide and hoping it would hold together until he could buy a new one. Working with his hands helped him to sort things out. It kept him busy. One more knot and he’d be done. He was past frustration, worry. Anger enveloped him.

He heard Mrs. Hollyhock’s footsteps outside the barn door as she approached. She walked with the same fullskirted shuffle that had so reminded him of a chicken, but now it didn’t seem quite so endearing.

“Mr. Logan, you still here?” she called. “Mr. Logan?”

“Come in.”

“Thankee. I brought you some supper just in case you hadn’t run off with your tail ’tween your legs. Come get it, iffen you’re hungry.”

That stung. She’d expected him to sneak off. Well, she had another think coming.

“Yeah, I’m still here.” He hung the bridle over the pom-
mel of his saddle and turned to acknowledge her, annoyance burgeoning inside. “Believe it or not, I’ll be here in the morning, too.” The warm aroma of soup vied for his attention, but his stomach was knotted like an old rawhide rope. Food was the last thing on his mind.

She sat the cloth-covered tray on a dusty milking stool long forgotten in the corner, and wiped her hands on her apron.

He fought the urge to intimidate the old bird, to use his size to extract some of that “I know your kind” from her eyes. Though it was tempting, Chase wasn’t the kind to bully a woman—and a little old one, at that.

“Is that all you wanted, to bring me some supper?”

She took her time to answer. “Like I expressed before, I was a-wantin’ ta see iffen you was still here. What your intentions were. I hope you understand I jist have Jessie’s best interests at heart, since now she don’t have no one ta look after her. And now she has the young’uns, too. I’m hoping you’ll do the honorable thing and marry the girl.” She clasped her hands behind her back and peered up at him. “Her destiny is in your hands,” she finished dramatically.

Chase mentally counted to five, then took a breath. “I
intend
to sleep in this barn until tomorrow, then talk with Jessie. I told you before, I won’t leave until I do,” he said evenly, barely containing his anger. “I have something that belongs to her.”

Standing her ground, Mrs. Hollyhock did her best to look him straight in the eye. “That so? Well…” She sniffed. “Good. The right thing would be ta marry her, make her yer wife. She needs you.”

She headed for the barn door but stopped with her hand on the wrought-iron handle. “Now, as you ponder on that, try ta get some shut-eye. Tomorrow’s promising to be a busy day.”

She pushed open the squeaky door and was off before he could get another word out.

“I’ll bet it is,” Chase said to himself. He had a sinking sensation tomorrow was going to be a lot more to him than just busy. If he wasn’t careful, it’d be his wedding day, too. Confound it, he wasn’t one to get bullied into anything he didn’t want to do. He should’ve given Jessie the bankroll days ago and been gone. As it was, things were getting pretty involved. He’d do it tomorrow morning and be on his way. She could marry up with the blacksmith, and everything would be fine.

Chase unbuckled the left side of his saddlebag, the one he used only for important papers, money, and such, and reached inside. He rummaged around for a few seconds before several alarm bells went off in his head. Where was the pouch with the money? And locket?

Turning the saddlebag upside down, he dumped its entire contents onto a bale of straw and stared at the odd and ends. The pouch was gone. Nowhere to be seen. When he’d been shot, he’d also been robbed.

Now Jessie really was in dire straits. Without the means to make it though the winter, she’d somehow have to find employment in that tiny town. What would she do with Sarah when she was working? Besides, that was if and only if someone would hire her after they found out she’d been living out here with him. She was caught between a rock and a hard place, and it was all his doing!

Of course he would repay her, but it would take some time to make a withdrawal of that size and get the money wired here. Tarnation! Besides, now all the good she thought of him would fly out the window when she realized he’d never intended to be kind, to be thoughtful. He’d only come back to return her rightful belongings. And he hadn’t even done that yet!