A Woman Called Sage (21 page)

B
ess, I need my clothes. Sage leaned on the registration desk at the hotel. If Bess refused, shed have to find a way to buy new britches, a shirt, and boots before heading out in the morning.

Bess appeared to size her up, frowning and puckering her lips as though someone had given her a pickle. Looks to me like you have clothes on. Did you walk from Docs?

I did. But I dont have shoes.

Besss face flushed. Heaven forbid, Sage. Whats got into you? And why didnt you ask for them this afternoon?

Sage ignored the question. Im going to prayer meetin.

Besss mouth dropped open. You must still be smartin about this afternoon.

Yes, maam. Now, do I get my clothes?

I suppose. Tillies dress looks more like what youd wear to prayer meetin, though.

Probably so. But I need my own things.

Bess reached below the desk and pulled out her folded britches, Parkers shirt, and her socks and boots. They were clean, and her boots were repaired. Not since her mother had a woman been so kind.

Thanks for all youve done for me, Sage said.

My pleasure.

Parker needs to have his shirt returned.

He told me to keep it in case you needed it. Bess continued to stare. I wonder if I should go to church with you.

To protect Preacher Waller? Sage hid a smile.

The corners of Besss mouth lifted. To see what youre up to. Been told hes a fair shot. Might be a real show to see him get beat.

Calling the preacher out into the street might be the easy way out, but, in the end, Parker would be the one to suffer. This battle will be fought with the truth.

Besss eyes widened. Sounds like youre going to do the preaching.

God would strike her with two bolts of lightning for pretending to be friends with Him. Im going to speak my piece. Thats all. I know Parker explained his side of what happened in the mountains, but now its my turn.

The hotel door opened, and a slender young man stepped inside. Miss Morrow, I have a response to the wire you asked John Timmons to send for you a few days ago. He pulled a folded piece of paper from his shirt pocket and handed it to her.

Do I really want to read this?
Thanks. How did you know Id be here?

The young man, not much older than John, shifted from one foot to the other. I saw you walkin down the street. He tipped his hat and left the hotel.

Studying the paper, Sage realized the contents would answer many of the questions piercing her heart. She opened the message. Her stomach twisted and turned.

Whats wrong? Bess said. Youre trembling.

Sage glanced up, her throat dry. Bad news.

Do you want to tell me about it?

What good did it do to hide the information? Eight years ago, the McCaw gang held up a train outside of Denver. A man who rode with them claimed to be Charles Morrow. For sure Charles must have double-crossed them, or they wouldnt have come after him.

Im sorry. Parker told me he suspected the same.

Another rise of deceit and betrayal settled on her like a bad cold. First Charles and now Parker. This is proof that Charles was an outlaw. She drew in a breath in an effort to calm herself. However, it doesnt change the fact that the McCaws killed my baby. And they are wanted men who need to be brought in.

Bringing them to justice wont stop the hurt.

Its what I have to do. Sage would contemplate what shed learned about Charles later, when no one was around to see her tears. Ill wash this dress tonight and get it back to you. She glanced around the hotel and into the saloon already filled with drinkers, gamblers, and the girls. Faye and Tillie were busy serving drinks. Their laughter was as false as the words they said to the men. Id sure like to see Faye and Tillie out of the saloon.

Bess planted her hands on her hips. Its their decision, and they cant change unless its their idea. I have money put aside for both of them. But they will have to approach me with plans to leave town before they know of it.

Sage would have liked to talk to them moreto let them know their visit today was appreciated. Will you tell them thanks and I wish them well?

Of course. And dont go washing that dress. Youll set your healin back a week. Ill stop by and get it in the morning.

Emotion tugged at her heart. After tonight, she might never see Bess again. Being a bounty hunter meant every day could be her last day. She supposed that was true of everyone, but more so when a person earned her keep with a gun. The widow had become more than a friend, and theyd shared their inmost secretsthe agony of their hearts. Youre a special lady, Miss Bess. I wont ever forget you.

The womans eyes pooled. Youre leaving arent you?

Soon.

Parker will be upset. He thinks highly of you.

Leah needs him. Not me.

Bess startled. Youre wrong. So very wrong about him.

Sage adjusted the clothes in her arms. I think Ill just slip on my boots and wear the dress to church.

You wont reconsider?

Sage understood Bess aimed her question at her leaving town instead of attending prayer meeting. Ive already made up my mind. I hope the girls here understand they have a gem in you. She turned and left the hotel before she gave in to all the sentiments that made her a woman.

When Sage arrived at the church, the last of the congregation was filing inside. Already weakness from the walk had latched on to her, but she must do this for Parker. Integrity walked with him, and she couldnt leave Rocky Falls without making sure the towns respect had been restored.

Preacher Wallers booming voice welcomed folks to the meeting as Sage slipped into the last pew and laid her bundle of clothes beside her. Midway on the left side sat Leah and her five boys, but they didnt see her. The church was larger than most and furnished with oak pews and a matching pulpit. Three windows on each side were open to allow a bit of fresh air. The July day had grown hot by late afternoonmuch like the temperature would soon rise inside this building designated as a house of God.

Preacher Waller led them through three verses of A Mighty Fortress Is Our God. The voices rang strong, even without a piano to accompany them.

Tonight we have some special prayer concerns, he said. Mrs. Felter has been put to bed. Ever since her dear husband was shot and killed by the McCaws, shes not been her normal self. Grief and the fact Aiden McCaw has not been arrested has made her ill. Yesterday, Doc Slader ordered her to bed.

Last Sunday we voted to ask Marshal Timmons to resign in order to avoid public embarrassment. Since several of you thought he should be replaced, I asked him to step down. But he refused. The Bible speaks about the conduct of deacons and
elders, but I tell you that Pauls mandates are for our elected officials too.

A man shouted a hearty Amen.

Another claimed, Thatll preach, Brother.

As though spurred on by the affirmations, Preacher Waller stepped from behind the pulpit. Our town deserves a man who is upright and moral, a man who loves God and His laws for man. We dont have that in Parker Timmons. We will be forced to call a special election. Hes

Sage stood and grasped the back of the pew in front of her for physical support. Preacher Waller, I dont believe you or these good people know the truth about what happened in the mountains. So Ive come to make sure all of you fine folks have an understanding about what kept Marshal Timmons and me there.

We dont want to hear about your unrighteous behavior. Preacher Waller shook his fist at her, but shed faced outlaws and wild animals. Hed not deter her.

Sage fought the anger threatening to unleash in a most unholy manner. After all she was in Gods house, and He honored truth, not lies. I will continue whether you like it or not. The day I brought in Aiden McCaw for the murder of Mr. Felter, Marshal Timmons had just buried his brother, who was also murdered. That night, the McCaw gang broke Aiden out of jail and beat your marshal nearly to death. Then Marshal Timmons learned his nephews John and Davis were missing. The next morning, he rode out with me to find those boys and hopefully the McCaws. He had bandaged ribs, and his face was bruised and swollen, but he had a sworn duty to perform. Not a man among you would go with him. We found the McCaws with those boys and rescued them. In the process, I was shot. Marshal Timmons could have ridden back down the mountains with John and Davis. Instead he stayed with me because he knew I was dying. Your marshal tended to my wound and prayed over me. She paused. Not a sound came from the congregation, but Wallers face blanched.

Yes, he prayed over me more than once. The reason it took us so long to get back was because he walked beside me to make sure I didnt fall off his horse. Thats not a man who is immoral. Thats a man who is dedicated to preserving the law and keeping folks safe. This town and this state need more men with integrity like Parker Timmons.

Waller raised one fist, then the other. You have no right coming into my church and blaspheming.

Every word Ive told you is true. Sage swallowed the unfairness of his accusations. Im not an educated preacher like you, but I do know the Bible says the greatest commandment is love. Your marshal loves this town and the people in it. I think hes a man youd want to keepthe kind of man youd want your children to model their actions after.

She felt every eye on her, and suddenly her anger subsided to pity. These people were following a man who they believed spoke for God. The truth rang in their hearts, while their preachers words echoed in their ears.

Preacher Waller stepped down from the pulpit. Get out of my church. You have no right to be here among the righteous.

Sage glared at the man who judged a persons character by his own standards. Is it your church or Gods church? Did you write the Bible or did God give the words to ancient prophets? Gathering up her belongings, she made her way to the door and down the wooden steps to the outside, where the air did not reek of hypocrisy.

The angry voice of Preacher Waller bellowed from the church. Leah Timmons, if you walk out of here, you are no longer welcome in my home.

Sage refused to turn around and interfere with Leahs decision. Besss words earlier resounded in her ears. Folks needed to decide for themselves where life would lead them.

Leah, you heard me.

Leah, think hard about what youre doing. You may need to be strong sooner than you wanted.

Preacher Waller, Im grateful for what youve done for me and my sons, but I think its time we returned to our own home.

Leahs and her sons footsteps tapped a brisk procession behind Sage. She hadnt intended to turn friend from friend, but only for the people of Rocky Falls to learn the truth about Parker. Her inability to stay out of the way of a McCaw bullet had caused the uproar, but her leaving Rocky Falls would help them all to forget the rumors and resume the peaceful life theyd known before the McCaws went on a murdering binge.

With a heart full of regret for Leah and her sons, Sage turned to her friend. Are you sure this is the road you want to take? With Leahs bonnet shielding her eyes, Sage couldnt see her friends face to detect fear for the unknown.

I am very certain. Every day at the parsonage has been filled with lectures and gossip and ugly accusations that are wrong. I should have taken a stand sooner. Preacher Waller also said horrible things about Frank in front of the children.

But it means returning to your ranch with the possibility of the McCaws seeking revenge. Or have you decided to take Parker up on his offer?

This afternoon I told Parker it was time I took care of my own family. He has his own life without being saddled with a widow and five boys. Theres work to be done at our ranch, a means for my family to eke out a living. You have shown me how to be strong, and Ill forever be grateful. Ive always depended on others to help me and the children when Frank wasnt around. No more. John has been urging me to stand tall, and hes already told me how we can make the ranch work.

Im proud of you, Mama. Johns words were wrapped in affection. Preacher Waller is more interested in himself than helping the folks of Rocky Falls.

We mustnt judge, son. But I agree.

John laughed, and he sounded like Parker. Lets get our things from the parsonage and go home.

Tonight? Sage fretted that Leahs and Johns eagerness ruled over common sense.

Of course tonight, Leah saidand even added a giggle. John, you get our wagon and horse at the livery while the rest of us fetch our belongings from the parsonage before Preacher Waller calls prayer meetin to a close. I want to sleep in my own bed and greet the morning from my own front porch.

Sage wished they would reconsider, perhaps stay the night at the hotel. Id be glad to pay for a couple of rooms at the hotel. You could head home in the morning.

Goodness, Sage. Theres no reason for such luxury. The wagon ride home is about forty-five minutes. The boys and I have much to talk about, and the time will fly by.

Sage couldnt let go of her concern. What if the McCaws are watching your ranch?

We cant live our lives in fear of what might happen. Johns deepened voice resounded around them. Yes, he was a man.

Youre right, son, Leah said. You and I know how to use a rifle, and one of the first things were going to do is show the other boys how to handle one too. Were staying on the land your papa bought for us.

I already know, Evan, the twelve-year-old said. And so does Aaron. Mark will learn soon and then Davis.

Sage reached out to grasp Leahs hand. Parker would have a fine wife in this woman. Shed even be independent and determined.

F
rustrated that Leah had made a decision without consulting him, Parker left a note on his desk for Wirt stating he was riding out to Leahs ranch to check on his family. He refused to think about anything happening to them, knowing the McCaws would use whatever means they could to pull him and Sage into
the mountains. Why couldnt Leah have waited until the McCaws were brought in? Danger stalked everyone in this town, and shed already been the outlaws target twice.