BELIEVE
Denise Meyers
“
If you truly believe clap your hands.”—Peter Pan
“Scotch!”
Her turquoise eyes shined liked polished gems in rage. “Who are you callin’ a
drink?! I’m a Scots-woman with an emphasis on Scot!”
At one glance a body wouldn’t think that a
woman like her had enough power to make a grown man shrink back in fear. But
the ticket agent did just that despite her being such a trim young thing. She
was tall and slender. Striking to any man who looked her way. Her loose
honey-blonde tendrils bounced from under the gathered brim hat that she wore.
Its rounded crown gave her a sass that emphasized her already riled temper. She
shook her fist at the rude little man in a demonstration of defiance at a term
that was not fancied by proper Scottish folk. Her voice thickened with a
Scottish burr as she continued the tirade.
“If ma
father was here he’d be givin’ ya what for!” she turned around to face the
younger and smaller woman to her side. “ Of all the nerve, I canna believe
people canna understand the difference between a drink and a person!”
“Now,
Aileen, there’s no sense wurkin’ yaself up ov’r it.” She tried soothing her, as
her familiar melodious Irish brogue earned the woman’s attention. “Come, sit ya
need to calm down a bit before that man be callin’ a constable a round about.”
The
younger girl ushered her to the chairs that lined the far wall where they had
placed their baggage. Looking on in concealed amusement as they waited their
turn were two very handsome former outlaws gone straight, Kid Curry and
Hannibal Heyes.
“Kind of
reminds me of grandma Curry don’t ya think?” Kid laughed in a hushed tone.
Heyes,
thought about it a moment and nodded in agreement. Stepping forth, “ Yeah and I
knew enough to get out of her way when she did. This fool just seemed to
aggravate that lady more, ” he turned to the ticket agent, “Two.”
Hearing
the last part of the conversation, the partially baldheaded man snorted, “She
ain’t no lady. Them kind are nothin but trouble. Wild and crazy woman ought to
be locked up. And tight”
A shadow darkened
on both outlaw’s faces hearing the insult. Going on about a lady was bad
manners and not usually tolerated in the West.
“Well you
musta said something upsetting to set her off like that.” Kid leaned over onto
the counter.
“Didn’t
say a thing. Just said those damned Scotch.” He denied, shuffling the money in
the draw and retrieving two tickets from another.
“Ahh,”
Heyes sighed with a false smile, and then turned serious, “You do know that
that’s a word that gets ‘em all riled up for nothing.”
“So, what
do I care?"
“You care
because we care,” Kid said simply then adding a smile.
“And so
who the heck are you that I should worry?”
“Two men
who could make your life very miserable. So you will go over there and offer
the lady an apology.” Heyes explained coolly.
The man’s
eyes narrowed and demanded, “And just because you say so, I’m supposed to?”
“No, it’s
because of the fact that if my partner has to suffer on that stage with an
angry lady; he don’t do sufferin’ well. And when he suffers I get ornery.” He
paused to let the man soak up the new information. “Now just get over there and
make the lady feel better.”
The man
just looked at him like he’d been sitting in the sun to long, but the firm set
jaw and narrowing glare gave him pause, as he thought about it being best to
simply do what he was told. He slipped the tickets across the counter, opened
the door begrudgingly to the small waiting area and stepped through. He
approached the ladies followed closely by the two former outlaws. With one swift
motion they flanked him to be sure he would make good on his apology.
Sheepishly
the man shuffled over like a child, engaged in a battle of wills with a parent.
“Ah Mam,”
Two
throats cleared, a subtle indication that he failed to do something. He thought
a moment then with an unpleasant jerk he swiped the visor off his head.
“Mam,” he
began again.
A couple
of coughs corrected him this time. He whipped around with a “what now?” look. Kid
simply jerked his head at the other girl while he stood poised with his thumbs
casually stuck in his gunbelt. Much to the man’s chagrin, he obeyed and tried
again. “Ladies,” he paused waiting for another correction. Getting none he
continued, “sorry about making you upset.”
Both
women simply stared.
Heyes
strolled up to the man, slapped him on the back in an exaggerated way that had
more meaning than words. “Now I think you can do better than that?” he said in
a conspiratorial whisper.
He glared
at Heyes in defiance. He had enough of this business. Kid reading the cues and
to support his threat slid up to mans side. He reminded the man, “ I really
hate being ornery.”
Irritated
he took the hint then tried for a third and hopefully final time, “ Ladies, I
do humbly hope that you accept my apology for being rude to ya’ll back there.”
He bowed his head, not in repentance but in complete embarrassment.
Aileen
first stared at the ruffled man, then to Kid and Heyes. “Apology accepted.”
Although she wanted to give the beastie another piece of her mind, the serious
way the two men had handled the situation proved adequate enough. And anything
else would be an affront to their good deed so she chose to curb her tongue.
Heyes withdrew his arm jerking his head over his shoulder as he released the
man to go about his duties. The wretched man grumbled the entire way.
“Thank ya
both,” she smiled in such a way that Kid felt something touch him. “But it was
totally unnecessary.”
Kid
returned a smile, “No Mam, being out here in the west sometimes a man needs a
reminder.” Both took off their worn and dusty hats.
“Even
with a lil’ proddin’?” the Irish girl asked astonished.
“Sometimes,”
the smile on Heyes’s face caused the girl to glance away, with one of her own
tickling her dainty feminine lips.
“Well
once again our thanks, to ya both.” She nodded in both of their directions.
“It’s
been our pleasure, ladies.” Both got out in unison and broke into a light soft
laughter.
Kid
looked to Heyes, then the ladies, “Our sincerest apologies ladies, we forgot to
properly introduce ourselves. My name is Thaddeus Jones and this is my partner
Joshua Smith.
Again she flashed them a perfectly innocent but bright and warm smile, “ This is my cousin Maggie Delaney and I’m Aileen Macleod. Maggie stood acknowledging both men, as both nodded in her direction.
“LAST
CALL”
“I think
we better get going,” Heyes, said eyes fixed on Maggie.
“Yeah or
that ticket operator is gonna start hatching chicken’s if the four of us stay any
longer,” Curry finished for his partner.
“Indeed,”
agreed Aileen smiling.
Maggie
bent to pick up her bag; Heyes reached for it at the same time. His hand
covered her delicate gloved one. With a warm caring smile, “Lady such as
yourself shouldn’t be worrying about carrying heavy things.”
“It is
not that heavy. Thank you Mr. Smith but I can manage nicely,” she protested
meekly as hint of a blush warmed her face.
“Go on
lass, it’s alright to be allowin’ Mr. Smith to help ya.”
“But I…”
“Nonsense.
It’s quite acceptable.” Turning to the boys, she’s not used to be treated as
such. When her papa went of and got killed…”
“Aileen!”
she was horrified.
“Let me
finish lassie,” she continued dismissing her completely, “Her and her mama had
to take over the farm and do all the work, with no men around.”
Maggie
rolled her eyes.
Sincere
sympathy reflected on their faces. They turned to Maggie and Kid spoke. “ Mam,
were awful sorry to hear that.”
Heyes
nodded and smiled. “Well then that only means there’s one thing to do,”
Maggie’s
emerald eyes danced with fear, “Mr. Smith?”
“That
I’ll personally have to see fit that you get proper treatment.”
The same
hand that he had touch quickly shot to her mouth in shock not knowing what to
make of it all.
Aileen tried
to swallow a small chuckle “I think he’s referring to the fact of treating ya
properly lass.”
“I’m
sorry Mam, I didn’t mean to scare you like that,” He apologized, his heart
tugged when she stole a look between the three of them, not only looking confused
but so innocent especially the way her dark spoon bonnet set on her head making
her look like a girl of about eight.
“And will
ya be seein’ to me as well?” Aileen asked eagerly, but not in a wanton way.
“Oh yes
Mam. It’d be my pleasure.” Kid flashed her one of his boyish smiles.
“Shall we
ladies?” both men asked in unison as they allowed them to pass in front.
“Thank
you.”
The boys
hung back a tad. “You’re gonna have to put an extra shine on that silver tongue
of yours cousin to get her to warm up to you.”
“Ah,
she’s just shy.”
“That’s
what I mean. “
“Like
yours is real the real friendly type huh?”
“Yeah. I
do like that.”
~~*~~
Hours
later the ride had left a lot to be desired. It was far worse than any road either
of the two outlaws had traveled in a while. Inside the passengers were treated
to a wayward ride that tossed them about like unfastened cargo. They’d all be
battered and bruised before they got to their destination. The only pleasurable
thing about it was the fact that the ladies often landed on them after a
serious bit of rough road. And they’d be considered fools not to have enjoyed
that.
It didn’t
go pass their notice that Aileen had shoed Maggie to the other seat, forcing
them to pair up. It was equally apparent that Maggie was not happy and very
uncomfortable. Curry and Aileen got along very well. In fact, she was so
comfortable with him she slipped her arm through the crook of his elbow keeping
it there, chatting happily.
Heyes on
the other hand was sure he had gotten the rotten end of the deal. Maggie it
seemed was harder to open than a Broker 404. But the journey wasn’t over yet
and being a man of determination he’d be the one to open her up. Without
warning the coach suddenly stopped.
“Why are
we stopping?” Maggie looked around worried.
“Rest
stop Mam,” Kid supplied evenly.
She
looked at Heyes to fill in what Kid left out, “Why can’t we just go on? I’m
fine, despite all this pitching about. Do all of ya need the break?”
Heyes
didn’t know what it was, was she naïve or daft? He had to drop his head to
compose himself. “Mostly it’s to switch off the horses. Horse’s can’t be
expected to go on to complete a full ride, and live.”
She
sighed deeply. “Oh that was quite stupid off me. I should have thought about
the animals.”
Kid and
Aileen stepped out while the two continued to talk. His eyes softened, noting
she might not be so self-centered after all. In fact she really might be shy. “
And even though you may not think of it now but you’re body will thank you for
getting out and walking around. Especially if your tall like Thaddeus and
myself. That tumbling about will wear on a person real quick.”
He
extended a hand up. This time she accepted it without comment or response.
“Yes, it
is tough when you’re tall,” Aileen smiled agreeing having heard Heyes’s
comment.
Maggie
contained a snicker that wanted to escape into a laugh, a private joke it was.
“Uh-huh, real tall and brave too.”
Heyes was
comforted with the fact that she had some potential and that getting to know
her might not be painful after all.
“Do ya
think there may be pie to go with that coffee? I must admit pie and coffee
sound really good right about now.” Aileen’s eyes sparkled like sun kissed
tropical waters.
Kid
laughed, he liked her enthusiasm. She reminded him of a cool breeze on a
blistering mid-summer day in
“Maggie, ya
know that pie is good for what ever ails ya as grandmam would say,” she said
turning slightly before she was led away by Kid.
“Not
hungry,” she mumbled in a child-like voice.
Heyes
offered her his arm, “Come on Miss Maggie, I promise you won’t regret the
break.”
She
couldn’t help but look up into his eyes this time. They were a chocolate brown
that boasted how very warm and inviting they were. She knew that she could feel
safe and protected by the man that owned them. But it was his youthful boyish looks,
the dashing tilt of his hat that made him seem playful and relaxed. Together it
reached out, gathered her up and enticed her. Making her feel as though he
could be trusted with the deepest secrets. But she couldn’t, wouldn’t.
Circumstances prohibited it.
“Perhaps,
you’re right,” she conceded, her face written with every thought that had just
occurred to her. “ But I need to find the privy Mr. Smith. If ya don’t mind
I’ll meet you inside. If that’s alright?”
He
smiled, “Sure Mam. I believe it’s over there to the left of the main building.
“Thank
you,” she replied sweetly and sincerely.
He
watched her as she glided easily over the ground. He’d keep a protective eye on
her throughout their journey he decided. He had suspected she needed some time
to herself being cooped up with three other people. Sometimes he’d get that way
and needed time for himself. Still there was something else, something hidden
just below the surface. She was afraid, of what exactly he wasn’t sure of. The more he got to know her the deeper the
puzzle got. And the more he naturally had to uncover.
~~*~~
He had
gone in to grab a cup of coffee, nodded his greetings to the station owners
then went back out to stand on the porch. He found it was a bit too crowded in
there for him. And he wanted to give his partner some privacy, well sort of.
The two of them appeared knee deep in conversation with sharing stories and
pie. Not that he minded his cousin enjoying himself it was rare that men like
them got to enjoy a ladies company. Especially the soft finer ladies and not
the hard types that they were routinely accustom to. Men like them had to take
it where they could.
He drew a
slow sip from the cup drinking in his surroundings as well. He knew that the
stop had been there for 8 years, but it looked worn in as if it had been there
forever. If it wasn’t for the amount of horses held up in the corral, the place
would just appear to look like a regular farm.
His quick
assessing eyes noted where the high and low ground was. There was a stand of
trees to his left on the other side of the road and the scrubs up the slope to
his far upper right. Neither making a proper place for an ambush. Thankful he
was of that considering their luck with layover stations. He was confident that
his cousin had already determined the area’s strong and weak points finding
nothing of concern.
Finished,
he decided there was nothing out of place except little miss Maggie. As if on
cue, he saw the hem of her skirts swirling about from the corner of his eye. Gone
was the playful girl. Back was the nervous filly. Disappointment settled in on
him. He was getting to like the other side of her. Carefully he analyzed how
her eyes flitted about, eyeing her surroundings. She raised his curiosity
several notches. Could someone be following them? He wondered. She acted as if
she did. But then there was her cousin. Didn’t make like someone who was
running. Unless she didn’t know anything at all. No it was evident that Maggie
was the only one nervous about something. And he was determined to find out
why.
~~~*~~~~
“A
wonderful piece of pie don’t ye think Thaddeus?” Aileen beamed hardly able to
contain herself.
“Yes,
Mam, very nice. But I think that your company made it all the sweeter.
She blushed.
Then moved to his side scooping up his arm again, “You will ask won’t you,” she
asked her eyes darkening in seriousness.
It was a
simple request and now that he got to know her, he felt like he could resist
her nothing. “Don’t worry, I’ll ask.”
She
smiled. Seeing her cousin she hopped down the steps to coax her inside.
“Maggie, lass ye still have na gone in and had a piece of pie.” Snatching up
her arm. “Honestly ye need to eat lassie. At least try a bite. The lady of the
house has several types to chose from.”
Heyes
didn’t take his eyes of the pair of them. “What?”
“What,
What?”
“You know
what.”
“Oh
that.”
“And,” he
turned to face the taller but younger man.
“Aileen
asked if we could be kind of like their body guards.”
“Bodyguards?”
“Yeah,
until we split off.” He watched them appreciatively, then added wistfully, I
wouldn’t mind guarding that body.”
“It
figures. How much are they paying?”
“ It
figures what? And about paying…”
Heyes sighed
deeply. His gut said no, but he did just decide he was going to do the very
same for Maggie. But he wasn’t about to let on. Heyes’s next sigh was akin to a
mouthful of words.
“I know.
I knew I should have said no. Tried even. But after all that back at the
station, I just couldn’t. And she’s just so happy all the time. I hate to
disappoint her. I couldn’t think of a better reason why we shouldn’t.
“Our
sanity.”
Before
Kid could get another word in edge-wise.
“Maggie,
ye’ re such a worry-wart it’ll give you wrinkles ye keep frownin’ like that.”
“Worry to
much?” she hissed in a whisper. “We’ve got lots to be worrin’ about and ya
should not have involved two strangers.” She paused for a moment glancing down.
As an after thought she added.” “Two very nice ones at that.”
They were
unaware that the “hole” the buildings provided amplified their voices carrying
it clearly to the men.
“They’re
experienced men, tough men, cowboys, they can handle anythin’. And by the way
ye are such a pessimist, missy. A dark cloud ready to open up rainin’ on
somebody’s parade.”
The two
men wiped away the smiles that snuck up on them. For some reason there was a
ring of familiarity about it.
She
looked up her eyes sincere, “I’m sorry,” pause, “ Wait a darn minute I’m not a
dark cloud.”
Kid shot
Heyes a meaningful look. Heyes returned with a ‘what?’ look of his own.
“I’m not
a pessimist. I’m just being practical.”
Heyes
turned, “See.”
What
followed colored his mood again.
“We’re in
danger, we should not be gettin’ them into it.”
“I dunna
understand this danger ye keep talking about. But I’m sure they can handle it,”
Aileen was encouraging, “ Why I bet Thaddeus is fast and smooth with that gun
of his. Like a legend I’m quite sure.”
The two
strolled up, “Miss Maggie, the stage is about to leave soon, you might want
that drink now.” Heyes offered an opportunity to cool down before they really
blew up on one another.
“Yes a
drink of water would be a good idea.” Maggie agreed.
They
looked on as the girls entered the house. “What do you suppose that was all
about?”
“Haven’t
figured it out yet,” said Heyes. “But I’m aiming too.”
~~~*~~~
Aileen
bounced out of the house cheerfully; managing to sweep away some of the clouds
that began to form over the trip. “She’s na happily eatin’, but she’s eatin’.
Thanks to ye Mr. Smith.” She leaned in placing a kiss on his cheek.
“Mam?” He
didn’t expect that.
Kid
simply watched, with arms folded in amusement.
“Ye got
her to do somethin’ I’ve been unable to for days.”
“And that
is?” Kid asked interested.
“To eat.”
“Now why,
would you have such a difficult time in getting her to eat?” Heyes tried. “I’ve
noticed that she has been a bit tense.”
“Tense?
Mister, call it as ye see it. She’s more nervous than a long-tailed cat in a
room full of rocking chairs.”
“That
would be a way of describing it,” he snickered sarcastically. “But why?”
“ Heavens
to Betsy man!” she exclaimed not certain of all this confusion, “Now why on
earth do ye think?”
“Aileen,
darlin’, seriously, were men not mind readers.” Kid leaned back against the
rail.
“Could be
a lot of reasons,” Heyes added looking to Kid for suggestions and not getting
any.
She
rolled her eyes, “Now surely if the both of ya would put yer minds to it ye
would be figurin’ that she’s homesick for one and two, all of this is,” she
waved her hand around to include the landscape around them. “new to her. She’s
not exactly worldly. A wee bit sheltered if ya ask me.”
“So why
didn’t you two just stay in
“Her mama
died. She was livin alone and so was I. So I went about to collect her up,
being the older more mature one decided it was time we struck out on our own.
With no family for either of us, it seemed like the right thing to do.”
“But, here?
It’s awful dangerous.” Kid did pull his share when he felt the need to.
Her eyes
questioned, his sudden switch from sweet fine boy to hard-lined distrusting
interrogator. Naturally it caused her to go on the defensive. “ There’s no
opportunities there in
Heyes
ruffled a bit, but not enough to be noticed. “You have a problem with
She
looked at him as if he was daft, “ I’m Scottish and she’s Irish, what do ye
think?”
Both men
acknowledged this “But you still didn’t answer his question, Aileen. Why do you
need our protection?” He felt lousy about doubting her, but Heyes was kith and
kin and you don’t turn your back on that.
She
pursed her lips giving him a hardened look that spoke volumes of her ballooning
annoyance, “ Had it occurred to ye our needs were a matter of convenience? I
simply asked that while we traveled together that ye keep your eye on things
not sign a bloody oath bindin’ us together.” She threw her hands on her hips
shifting into “that” stance. “ Did it ever occur to the both of ye that if we
came across highwaymen, wild beasties, or Indians for that matter, someone who
knew what to do would be a smart thing to have around?”
In truth,
the obvious was too easy and it really hadn’t crossed their minds. Only “the
what” did. But they didn’t feel shame in doubting them. Women could be as vile
and poisonous as men sometimes worse yet, especially if a man let his guard
down.
About
this time she was getting prickly, “Don’t let my bubbly personality fool ye
both, aye I’m carefree, and seem like I’m not about bein’ serious. But that’s
just my nature. And if I was anythin’ but, I wouldna be doin’ that young lass a
bit of good.”
Ok, that
was a fair argument.
“Now Maggie on the other hand has emotions
that are as fertile as freshly tilled soil, and an imagination to boot. She can
take a simple shadow and convert it into an evil little puppet bent on hell and
damnation.
Heyes
couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at her colorful descriptions. He took stock
in what she said. It was possible and made sense but still he was a man of
caution.
“Honestly
gentlemen, its ye’r presence that brings us a sense of security even if it’s an
illusion. And I had thought by ye’r demonstration back there,” she jerked her
head from the way they came, “at least, that I could impose upon ye for the
time being.”
Heyes
looked down, back up at her considering what she had said. “She was awful
agitated.”
“You
gotta admit that, Aileen.”
“ For
heavens sakes, what is it that ye are so disbelievin’? She’s a prideful girl
and not in a bad way, she doesn’t like beholdin’ to no one.”
“ And if
I remember correctly so are the Scottish.” Heyes argued not willing to back
down until he pulled out all of the truth.
She
couldn’t argue with that. “Aye true as that maybe,” the wind dropping out of
her sails, “ I’d be a fool not to ask assistance puttin’ both of our lives in
jeopardy. And as shallow and unlady-like as it is, I enjoy the scenery.”
A small
smile hinted at Kid’s lips. Heyes couldn’t help a smirk of his own.
“Darlin’ mind if I have some words with my
protective older cousin?”
“No,
please do.” She turned when she heard Maggie’s approach.
“Now what
is goin’ on?” Maggie requested, curious as to what her scheming cousin was up
to now.
“I think
they’re arguing about whether or not they’ll be helpin’ us.”
Maggie’s
shoulders slumped bearing the new weight Aileen inadvertently placed upon her.
She closed her eyes hoping to find the inner strength to endure it. “What did
ya tell them?”
“The
truth,” she said simply.
Maggie’s
eyes grew wide as saucers. She knew her cousin had a way of spinning things
just what exactly had she told them? “What truth?”
“Simply that
we’re two women, alone in a world without proper chaperones. Traveling in a dangerous world and that your
mind dances on the side of fancy.”
“What???!!!”
“Keep
your voice down, you’ll wake the dead.”
“Meanin’
what?!” She demanded lowering her voice.
“You’re a
nervous Nellie.”
“Oooooh!”
her eyes flashed, she stomped her foot, “By the saints you keep mixin’ up
trouble. WE don’t need anymore trouble.”
“I only
told the truth.”
“ That ya
may have, but ya have a way of spinnin’ better than a weaver turnin’ wool into
yarn.”
“Maggie,
I’ve about had enough of ye’r dark attitude. Soon ye’ll be draggin’ me down
into that well of despair ye have been dippin’ into.” Her eyes darkened
threateningly, or so it appeared. But in
truth it was hurt, that was brewing into anger. It was hard trying to help her
cousin.
Maggie
was determined to stand completely on her own and not be coddled by her cousin
nor ridiculed by anyone. She stomped off for a showdown with Kid and Heyes.
“Mr.
Smith, Mr. Jones.” Her tone was familiar yet polite.
Giving
each other a look that expressed the same sentiment, but best to stay
quiet, “Mam?”
Hell hath
no fury like an irate Irish woman or any woman for that matter.
“You’ll not be needin’ to be keepin’ your
word. At least not in full. First I’ll not be about beholdin’
to anyone.” She glared at Aileen as she emphasized anyone. “I made the choice
to come here knowin’ full well the risks I’d be about takin’.
And I’ll not be about havin’ anyone babysit me.
I’ll take whatever comes my way, as MY responsibility. With my head held
high!” She spun about to climb in the coach. The three of them were
flabbergasted, at a loss for words at her uncharacteristic outburst.
Aileen
choked out a few words that came out cracked,” It’s worse than I thought.
“Mam?”
“Aileen?”
“Don’t ya
see? In her moodiness, she’s been withdrawn. I thought perhaps maybe a spark
was left. But I was wrong,” she felt lost.
“Oh she’s
still got a spark.” Heyes remarked with a steadily growing annoyance
Her eyes
sparkled with tears about to spill. “She’s shuttin’
down can’t you see it?” Looking at Heyes then Kid.
Kid
couldn’t stand to see a woman genuinely brought to tears, so he put his arms
around her drawing her to him, as she tried to choke back the threat of tears.
“If I know my cousin, we’ll both help you as long as you need it.” Kid said
soothingly.
Lost and
helpless she looked up at him, he reached out and caught a tear as it rolled
down her face. “Hey, I wanna see the sunshine you make, not the rain,” he
whispered in her ear.
~~~*~~~
Heyes
watched little miss Maggie from his where he stood. A thousand thoughts went
through his mind, all in a struggle to decide if it all was a clever act or
not. He’d run into some good cons in his time this could be one, and yet he
fully wanted to believe in her.
He
observed how she took her seat. The same spot, but she half twisted herself
giving them her back. Putting distance and space between them all. About to
turn and walk away for air he caught a gloved finger swipe away a tear from her
partially hidden face.
That was
when she jumped up abruptly, reached to open the door. Her foot reached for the
step, missing completely. Her frantic hand gripped the handle of the door
tightly as it swung open. Reacting quickly Heyes leapt in before she could
further injuring herself.
“You
alright? He spoke into her hair gathering her into him. All questions he had
left him, for the time being.
“Yes, I
think so,” she whispered embarrassed and gasped mouthfuls of air in response to
the shock.
“You need
to watch carefully.” He scolded, kindly. “Rushing out like that you could have
broken that cute little ankle of yours or worse yet the lovely little neck.”
Flattering
words that were punctuated with a charming smile would have made any other girl
swoon; had the opposite affect on her. Instead her chest tightened in anguish.
Painfully her eyes worked themselves up again.
“It would have made everythin’ all the more
easier and Aileen would be free,” she thought. Her throat tightened when she
tried to speak, “ Then it would be finished, nothin’ left to feel.” There she
said it, the damn broke allowing the wayward tears to betray her further.
He
grasped her roughly about the shoulders lightly shaking her, a flush of anger
swept across his face. “ Woman, don’t you ever say a thing like that. Do you
hear me?” He understood that kind of pain more than she could know. But
throwing away a life so casually wasn’t something he’d accept from anyone. No
matter what the reason. “You’re young and extremely beautiful. Things will work
out. They have away of doing that.”
“Ya don’t
understand,” she whispered hopelessly.
“Yes I
do.” He was firm and unyielding about it.
“No ya
don’t. It would be better, and I’d be sure that none of ya get hurt because of
me, I’m tired of people dying because of me.” It was a frail and drained plea.
“What are
you talking about?” his baritone softened in compassion.
“Papa
died when he went to find work because I came along. Then mama died protecting
me.” She focused on his chest ashamed to look in his eyes.
“You mean
she worked herself into the ground.” He wanted to clarify what she meant.
She shook
her head, “An evil wicked man came to the house to take me away. Said it was
time but she wouldn’t let him. She shot him, but didn’t kill him. He swung and
she hit her head on the corner of the table.”
Heyes
closed his eyes, seeing it play out in his mind. “Time for what?”
“ Don’t know. But I ran and hid like a coward until he was gone.” She said it so flat and evenly, having buried it long ago. “ Do ya now see why I don’t want ya doing anythin’ for me? Why I don’t want either of ya and Aileen to bother?” It was a partial lie, for the most part was the truth as well.
His mind
took him away from her, Kid and the layover station. Taking him to a time long
since passed, and better off forgotten. His body reacted against the memories
that pushed to surface. His stomach rolled into a knot while his throat
contracted in the conspiracy to choke him.
Heyes wrestled to focus on her and not himself, it was horrible that a sweet young thing should take responsibility for something that was out of her control. Unfortunately the thought cleverly led him back to his own very personal situation, of how powerless he was to save his own parents or cousin’s family. The horror scenes flashed before him causing him to relive the past.
*****
He heard
the shots despite the distance. They had become a familiar sound having heard
about the trouble along the borders but being that he was all of 12 it didn’t
register. Taking it for granted that it was someone else and secure in the
knowledge that it wouldn’t come to his own doorstep. That was well and good
until he saw the lifeless bodies scattered around his house as if a strong wind
had came barreling in from a prairie storm whipping the laundry line apart
dropping linen and clothes everywhere.
*****
Maggie
could read the horror flickering behind his eyes. One of the few and extremely
rare occasions that he had let his guard slip. His grip tightened on her
shoulders as the worst of the memories clutched at him. She watched transfixed
as he vied for control and shook the images from his mind. His jaw tightened
while his eyes darkened dangerously setting his poker face firmly in place.
Then his voice dropped in a low whisper that caused her to tremble, “Get back
in there and stay put. And I’ll not have you talk about things being better if
you weren’t here.”
She
opened her mouth to protest but closed it just as quick. His hard cold glare
was enough to frighten a scared man straight. Meekly she climbed back in
settling into her place. He on the other hand backed away going opposite from
the coach to gather himself, to lock away the images hopefully, permanently.
It did
make him wonder about the intensity in which they had taken. They hadn’t gotten
that awful powerful in such a long time. A very long time. So why is it that
this woman comes along and pulls them straight out of hell, where he had buried
them?
******
When he
finally found Jed he was unconscious. A shot grazed his head leaving his face
bloodied and his hair matted. But thankfully that was all. Up until that point
he had thought for the longest that he had been a lone survivor. Especially
when he had taken on the horrific job of burying both families in stride. Not
once did he allow himself to mourn and cry. He didn’t know why then, but it was
all that he had left, it over rode any good memories he had. And it gave him an
edge. A fine honed edge found on a good blade of steel. He would need that to
survive and exact the bitter vengeance that rose in him like bile. But all that
had vanished just as quick when he found Jed. The edge however stayed never
leaving, as he needed it to look after the younger boy.
****
He balled
his fist punching it into his other hand. It was her fault for bringing all
this to the surface again. He wanted to shake her and hard. She was taking him
on a runaway wagon ride straight to hell. Damned he wanted to hate her for
making him feel this way and yet a part of him simply wanted to pull her close
hold her tight hiding her and he from all the pain. He shook his head to clear
his jumbled thoughts. His jaw tightened more. Kid often accused him of being
moody and melancholy, and there she was mirroring him and he didn’t like it one
bit.
She was
younger than him he’d guess by about five years. And she wanted to just throw her life away.
He shook his head. Just like he did when
he and Kid had split up before their reputations were made and legends born.
****
It wasn’t up until a few years after they
successfully ran away from
It
started off as a cool how do you do to strained conversation. From there it
progressed to both of them sitting in on a very boring out poker game that
ended with Kid backing up Heyes when a disgruntled player drew on him over a
play and a robust pot. They mended their shattered fences and come full circle.
Back home. And home was them being together. They were all they had left in the
world, each other. And by the grace of god they had been spared and neither had
the right to throw away such a simple gift.
They were
family. Cousins. No they were more than that. They were brothers. Special
kindred. There were three kinds of siblings, those got along, those lukewarm to
constant fighting. And then there were those who moved heaven and earth for
each other. Granted they still argued, but hell, that was expected when a body
is together nearly day and night. And that’s just how Heyes saw them. Family by
blood, brothers by soul.
****
Kid
watched feeling like an outsider from the side of the coach. He had helped Aileen
in already. But waited so Heyes would know he wasn’t alone. He hated when he
got like this, and when he did; it usually took a lot out of the older man. Kid
knew to be patient and wait for him to come back from the land of the walking
dead. He hated when Heyes would shut him out. He wanted to help him put to rest
whatever it was that ate at him. But Heyes wouldn’t accept help on this from
anyone. Not even Kid. Kid knew he was protecting him, and grateful for it. But
he also knew that it would eat Heyes alive if he didn’t let it go. Somehow he
needed to help him bury it all for good. Kid shook his head knowing that it was
all a waste of time to dwell on it. But sooner or later he knew Heyes would
come around. He always did. He just needed to give him time. That girl on the
other hand was going to drive him nuts in the mean time.
The
driver finally called time and the two silently climbed aboard. It was going to
be a long, hard ride.
~~~*~~~
Having ridden for quite a spell, the silence
had grown heavy and thick. Putting a strain on a complicated situation. Heyes
stole a glance at Kid and Aileen. Kid just sat there, eyes focused out of the
windows. It looked as though someone had taken away his new toy. Aileen’s smile
and beacon had faded. Now she simply rested her head on Kid’s shoulder.
And
little miss Maggie, she was completely turned around with her back to him
watching the night blink by. He let a sigh go. Clever man that he was, he
decided that he should do something about all of this. He leaned over Maggie’s
shoulder to see what she was pretending to look at.
Kid
raised an eyebrow in interest. Aileen looked up at him for an answer. He
shrugged his shoulder then jerked his head over to watch Heyes play this hand
out.
“Find
anything interesting out there?” he asked poker faced, yet like an interested
boy of 10.
She
turned her face toward his, feeling his warm breath against her cheek. She
blushed, and then blinked a few times in an attempt to figure out what he was
up to. But before she could open her mouth to speak, he slipped off his hat,
providing them some quick privacy. Stealing a kiss as quick as that.
“MMMMM…
apple,” he commented as he licked his lips then turned back around as if
nothing occurred. Maggie blinked again, putting her gloved hand on her mouth in
shock.
“So,
Thaddeus so just how long did Aileen say she needed us?”
~~~*~~~
The
stagecoach had stopped. Had been but for how long neither men knew. Alarm and
caution quickly converted into an alert state of being. Heyes shifted first.
Carefully laying a sleeping Maggie on the seat. Watching to see if she stirred.
When she didn’t he withdrew his gun, then motioned his intentions to his
partner. Kid had followed suit, but Aileen awoke. Quickly he silenced her by
putting his fingers to his lips before she could speak. Withdrawing his own
revolver he was poised and ready for Heyes sign. Heyes raised his fist, to
extend his fingers in count. On the rise of his third finger each man slipped
out of opposite doors ready for action.
Aileen
with eyes and a mind still clouded from sleep, watched wide-eyed when the doors
shut. Shuttering her and Maggie completely from the outside world. She had
noticed that sometime during the course of the ride someone had been courteous
enough to pull the shades down. She glanced over to the still form of her
cousin, thankful that the girl wasn’t privy to the goings on out side. But when
Maggie awoke, she feared the younger girl’s fears would seize her in a tight
grip and send her spiraling into another bout of hysteria. At this point she
was grateful that she had solicited the men’s help despite Maggie’s
protestations against it.
Outside,
both men completed a thorough sweep of the area securing it. Satisfied that there
was no threat they replaced their weapons into their holsters. The door creaked
open both reacted by reaching for their guns, but hardened skill and keen sense
kept them from drawing as Aileen peered out.
“It’s all
safe. You can come out if you like,” Kid pulled open the door offering a hand
to which she gladly took.
She could
see it was well into the night with a bright silvery moon high above her head
casting long creepy shadows over the semi-desert landscape. A shiver sent
chills over her covered skin confirming her fears in anticipation of Maggie’s
reaction. Kid saw her shiver. Mistaken he moved her close to keep her warm.
Maggie stirred. The stillness had slipped into
her unconscious rousing her from sleep. She yawned and stretched to shake the
cobwebs from her drowsy mind. Once clarity had asserted itself she indeed
became a bit anxious at finding the coach empty. The door had been left
slightly ajar, just enough to allow a sliver of moonlight through, behind that
were the voices. Rising to her feet her heel caught in the hem of her dress
tripping her, making her hit face first on the floor.
Kid being
closer rushed to the door. He reached in scooping her up into his arms. She
yelped crossing her arms in front of her defensively. He rocked her from side
to side, with a soothing brotherly voice,” Hey, hey now It’s just me Thaddeus.”
She
looked up calmed by his voice. When he was sure she was fine he carefully set
her on her feet. “What’s goin’ on?” Her voice trembled partly from fear, partly
from pain.
Heyes
strode over, hoping to add to her sense of security. He slipped his arm around
her tucking her close. He couldn’t stand seeing her fear. For a moment or two
she turned her head into his chest hoping to snatch up some strength and
calmness, her fist tightened in his shirt. He let her nestle there if that was
what she needed, gingerly he plopped a kiss on the top of her head. “We haven’t
quite figured that out yet.” He said in response to her question.
“Especially
on account that it doesn’t “make” any sense.” Kid added.
“What
doesna make sense?” Aileen was afraid to ask.
Both men
shot a glance to the front of the coach. It was empty, no driver, and no
horses. Just plain empty.
When
Maggie finally pulled herself from the comfort of Heyes’s protection to see
what they were talking about her eyes went wide, her skin paled as the white as
the moon. Aileen was most assuredly right. She could see it coming.
Stepping forward she calmly spoke, “Do na
worry, Joshua and Thaddeus are here they’ll be sure to keep us safe.” It had to
be said, if not for Maggie’s benefit but for her own sense of diminishing
confidence.
Her
effort was poorly rewarded. A gambit of emotions surged across Maggie’s face,
which Aileen wasn’t prepared for it. But the men reacted; Heyes stepped in to
deflect the storm that was about break, Kid pulled Aileen back placing her
behind him.
Fear,
coupled with a deep sleep she had come from proved to be a volatile
combination. She exploded, her barrage directed at her cousin. “I told ya not
to involve them! It was crazy, they’ll get killed trying to protect us.”
Heyes
tried to reassure her, he touched her arm, and “None of us are going to die.”
She
yanked herself away from him. Began to pace, absorbing her surroundings like a dried
sponge. Pure terror twisted her soft features into a tormented mask.
“What manner of place is this? Where are we?
What by name of all the saints is this kind of foul trickery? Is this evil
magic?” She pointed to the vacant space before the coach. Her wild frenzied
eyes bore into each of them. “Where are the trees? The grass? The life? There
are no hills, just cold empty rock! Where’s the green? I can’t smell the
green!”
Heyes
closed his eyes, he begged silently for this to end. “Take it easy, you’re getting yourself all
worked up over nothing.
“Maggie,
this is natural for this place. It’s sorta like a desert. It’s normal not to find a lot of green things
here because of the lack of water. Seriously there’s no magic or trickery.” Kid
explained hoping to put her at ease.
She
turned to Heyes, “Ya can’t honestly tell me that this place isn’t evil or
malicious can ya?”
“Well,
uh, no. I guess some consider it that way.” He admitted freely.
“You have
nothing to worry about you’ll be fine. You have our word.” Kid added.
She shook
her head. “Are ya all daft? I’m not worried about m’self. It’s all of ya that
concern me. How many times do I have to say it? I am not about to have any more
deaths put upon my head!”
“Enough! Margaret Mary Delaney! Do ye honestly
think that either of these men are incapable of seein’ us safely through lands
that are unfamiliar to us.”
“Well no
I don’t. But…”
“I
completely agree that this kind of land is something we are unfamiliar with.
All people are frightened of the unknown.”
“It’s not
in the unknown it’s…”
She
lowered her voice, “But these two kind-hearted gentlemen are far from whishy
washy. They’re strong and come from strong stock.”
“I never
suggested that they were incapable.”
“It’s clear
that time and circumstance has forged them into cool sharp steel, long on
honour heavy on smite. I ask ye who better to escort us then men such as these?
Who better than those that know the land, the beasties and people. Granted they
may not know what lurks behind every shadow, every nook and cranny, but they do
know what could.
Maggie
stopped trying, Kid and Heyes stood in awe.
“It all
comes down to this, my lass. Do you believe? Can ye find it within yourself to
believe that these two men can handle whatever comes their way?”
A spark
clicked finding something that had been hidden deep. Her chin dropped in shame
and embarrassment. She had been carrying on like a banshee.
Strong stock, she didn’t know what background
Smith and Jones came from. Yet there was something about her older cousin’s
knowing, she had to trust in that. But she couldn’t let go of what tormented
her, her own knowing. Well she was going to have to allow things to be as they
were. She squared her shoulders in a false resolve. Standing tall she looked
Curry dead in the eye. “My actions musta seemed like a crazed wild woman to ya.
But she’s correct.” She nodded in Aileen’s direction. “This place scares the
beejeebers outta me. I know not how to handle it properly. But I’d be beholden
to ya if ya would accept my apology. But if ya didn’t I wouldn’t blame ya
either.”
He never
faced such a sincere apology like that in his life and didn’t know how to
react. “No offense was taking Mam. It’s understandable how a fine lady such as
yourself could get worked up in a situation like this.”
She
nodded, moved to Heyes. “ And after the horrendous manner that I behaved I
wouldn’t expect ya to be feeling none to good about it either. And I don’t
expect to be sitting on your good side for awhile to come.”
“Honestly
Mam, you have had me a bit worried, but I understand what brought this on.
Sometimes it gets to me if I let my guard down. Which is what I suspect about
you.” He placed both hands on her shoulders looking onto her eyes. “ If there
is one thing I do know about women, Irish women especially, they can pull a
strength from way deep that will get them through most things.
Kid
choked back a chuckle, Heyes had just admitted to something he never does at
all. But he knew it was important for her to regain confidence. “How about we
head for that abandoned town I saw over that ridge.”
“Good
idea, and we can decide what to do in the morning when light breaks.” Heyes
agreed.
~~~*~~~~
Aileen
had somehow managed to pluck some sleeping dandelions on their way into the
abandoned town. Kid watched her do this, “You know those aren’t supposed to be
growing here.”
She
looked up, “They dunna know that.” She said it so innocently that he burst out
laughing.
“Now what do you plan on doing with them. They’re
all closed up.”
“Dunna
know yet. But as much as I like the moonlight, do ye think we can go inside
now? I dunna like being to far from her while she’s like this.”
“Joshua’s
good with people, he’ll have her forgetting about how scared she is.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
He nudged her forward on to the boardwalk
leading her to the hotel where Heyes and Maggie had already gone. Once inside
Aileen plopped down on the worn and long-forgotten divan that sat off to the
corner in the lobby. When she sat a cloud of dust poofed up around her. She
hacked and cough. Kid removed his hat to fan it away.
“Come sit
with me,” she patted the cushion causing more dust to fly.
He shook
his head laughing, “In a minute.”
She
watched him circle the room. He passed by the doorway that led in to the dining
room. Heyes was talking but it wasn’t clear enough to hear what he was saying.
Then again he wasn’t apt to be eaves dropping on him either. Satisfied and
comfortable he strolled back to Aileen.
“ Are ya
dun yet?”
“Yes
Mam.”
“Did ya
find evera thing in order?”
“Seems
so.”
“Good I
want to be tellin’ ye a story.”
She never
ceased to amaze him in the short time he came to know her. “A story?”
“Yes,
about how the dandy-lion got its name. It’s very special.” She was very
sincere.
Intrigued
he said, “Let’s hear it then.”
She
began, “Well now it happened a long, long time ago from what I heard. I think
somewhere up in the highlands but I canna be sure. There was this fine old field
where this little faerie princess would come and dance about. Ye see a secret
meadow hidden within a lot of brambles and ancient twisted trees. Some trees as
old as forever.
The
meadow was her favorite place. All a rollin’ carpet of green splashed with bits
of sun bursting flowers. This little pixie she danced in the early hours of the
mornin’ and be about kissin’ each flower so each one would burst open to
welcome the new day.
She would sing, frolic, and dance so full of
life that she was. Sometimes the wee lass was known to step up an curtsy to
each flower as if acceptin’ an invitation for a dance. Then she’d flitter about
holdin’ on to a leaf spinnin’ and twirlin’.
Not even
the rain could do much to stop her from her merry-makin.” She paused, reducing
her voice to a near whisper.
“But she didna know that she was bein’
watched and had been for days.” She looked around to make sure no one had been
listening. “ By a ruthless old hag.” She put her fingers to her lips.
“As the story goes she was evil, very
wicked. Always made the worst kind of remedies that turned out to be nothin’
but poisons. Some go on to say she was cookin’ up a special brew that required
faerie essence. There be just one more she needed. That it be one that be full
of ever-lastin’ youthfulness, happiness and bright joy. Aileen was all that.
Careful was the old woman to plot her next move. She went about mixin’ up a
special hex; a sleeping potion.”
Kid was
thoroughly entertained by the animation she presented the story with. Her voice
would raise and lower just at the right times.
Just how his grandpa Curry would do it he decided. His eyes twinkled at
the fond memory.
“So the
hag went about her nastiness, placin’ shiny objects through out the field
knowin’ just how the wee folk loved shiny baubles. Just as she had been expect
the little one floated in seeing the sparkly’s through the blades of grass she
became distracted. She buzzed around
like a little bee gatherin’ sweet succulent nectar. She picked up each stone
and examined it carefully.
Ah but
the dandy fellas swayed in the gentle ticklin’ breeze but they couldna speak to
warn little Aileen. She yawned, the hex was workin’ her gettin’ a wee bit
sleepy. Down she laid on a bit of soft green moss, tufted like a down bed
fallin’ fast asleep.”
Her eyes
grew wide in excitement “Hag made her move, steppin’ over the brambles she did.
As she placed her foot into the meadow somethin’ nipped at her ankle. She
looked down to find not thin’ there but a little dandy fellow. Evera time she
place her foot down, she got nipped.”
Almost as
good as Heyes he thought, almost.
She
hoisted up her skirt, sure enough there be wee bite marks and tiny droplets of
blood drippin’ from them. Figurin’ there was some kind of wee beastie runnin about.
Determined she bent down to picked up the little thing.” Her voice rose. “And that’s when she saw one
of the dandy’s reach out to nip her! Oh my!
His bloom opened full, he shook terribly so even a bit of a roar came
from his tiny little being. Old hag she reached again and a handful of them
dandies leaned in and bit.”
“Ach!
What wicked magic is this! She yelled.”
So did Aileen. “Of course there was no answer. A blindin’ roar shot up,
risin’ from the grass shakin evera thin’ around her. Scarin’ her in to a crazed
fright. She ran. A rut from a nearby tree lifted from the earth trippin’ her.
Droppin her to her face. Surrounded she became, the dandy’s all in a rage dove
in tearin’ into her flesh! Ach! It was a frenzy unlike any other seen before! In
minutes she was gone.”
“Now they
were about figuring how to wake the sleepin lass. Perplexed they were. Ye see a
normal a spell would wear off when the person who cast it was dead, but she
being an evil and malicious sort broke all the rules. Havin used ingredients
that were forbidden in the world of magic.
One grand
dandy tried his little voice again. First it come out a touch squeaky then
bellowed into a glorious roar. And right down the line the others followed suit
until she moved. She stretched and sighed. She got up looked around seeing the
field as it always had been.”
Kid had
been truly transfixed by her story. She had delivered with such intensity. He
was disappointed when it ended. He laughed, “So are you the little faerie of
the meadow?”
“Me? Oh
goodness no! Me a faerie, why would ye say such a thin’?”
“You’re
named after her for one.”
“Oh, that
I am.” She pinched the heads off of the flowers she held in her hand and
dropped them into Kid’s pocket.
“What are
you doing?”
“Just
somethin’ for ya to remember the story.” She smiled up at him.
He had a
thought, chewed on it a bit then announced, “I like the story but I think I’d
change a small piece of your story.
Shocked,
“What?” No one ever dared meddled with a tellers story.
“It
wouldn’t be proper for a lady to be going about kissin men folk, faerie or not.
She put
her hands on her hips and blushed a touch “Oh and why not?”
“Because
a gentleman should be starting the kissing. He said teasingly.
“Oh?” she
softened her approach, “How would that be?”
“Like
this.”
He leaned
in lips barely touching, gently laying his lips upon hers like a butterfly
kiss.
“I’m na sure I understood how that was supposed to be. Would ye
try that again?”
~~~*~~~
When Kid
and Aileen finally came in he relaxed some. It was surely turning out to be
some crazy ride! Why was it every time they got on a stagecoach something
always happened? He’d have to talk to Kid about that.
It was
amazing he thought how a derelict place like this was still semi furnished. It
looked as if the town folk just up and left terrified of something. He pulled
the frayed drape across the rod as he thought about it. When he turned around,
he caught miss Maggie deep in some curious business. Totally outta character
for what he’d come to the unpleasure of being treated too. Now this was
something new, very refreshing…he smiled, getting a glimpse at what lay secured
tightly in her sealed safe.
He
flicked his hat back on his head, lazily crossing his arms over his chest. He
was going to soak in the rare moment that she let her guard down. As he watched
he finally took stock in looking at her. She wasn’t as tall as her cousin. In
fact she was shorter, considerably so. But if he were to hold her close to him
she’d nicely fit under his chin. He could also tell the frumpy dark dress she
wore concealed not only the warmth and inner beauty that she let out freely
now, but a pleasant feminine form that made him react in a man’s manner.
She
stepped in the rays of the moonlight, the glow amplified her already simple
beauty into a radiance that made her seem like a magical creature. Ready to
steal his heart away. There she stood, reaching into the beams, forming them
into an imaginary ball within her hands. With those very slender and delicate
hands he watched her bring them to her face, close her eyes in a most
passionate way blowing on them. A throaty growl escaped, he shifted, stirred by
what he saw. Unable to maintain the distance between them he slipped up along
her side quietly so as not to startle her. He peered over her shoulder
whispering gently, “What cha got? A firefly?”
“Oh!” she
startled anyway.
He hadn’t
judged correctly how engrossed she was in her activity. To avoid a serious
mishap he quickly caught her in his arms fearful she would fall. “Sorry angel,
I just wanted to see what you had caught.” His baritone came to her ears in a
soft flowing whisper.
With wide
eyes she looked up at him. He seemed like a young schoolboy. Her face colored,
he knew he had embarrassed her. He waited patiently. His interest clearly
perplexed her.
“Oh it
was nuthin’ but a bit of whimsy.”
“I like
whimsy, “ he admitted, tilting his head with a playful smile sweeping across
his face.
That made
her lose all train of thought.
A fact he
could plainly read on her unschooled features. Using it to his advantage he
wanted to draw her out further. With another tender smile he commanded, “Tell
me.” The smile and the now husky laced whisky baritone made it difficult for
her to resist his command, it made her swirl inside.