Ride The Wild Range Read online

  The other men had all gathered around, and even Mrs. Colbert and her daughters had come outside and stood watching. Marshal Eddington began to holler like a wild man when he saw everyone watching him.

  "I've got witnesses! Kane, you're going to pay, one way or another! You and that whelp of yours—"

  Jacobi took a step forward, planting his foot squarely on Eddington's wounded thigh, directly over the bullet hole.

  "Son of a bitch!" Eddington screamed. He tried to roll, but Jacobi dropped to his knees, grabbing Eddington's arm and twisting as he kept his weight on the wound.

  "Don't threaten me, Eddington. Never, ever threaten my family, or me." He leaned close and spoke so softly no one else but me and Marshal Eddington could hear. "Don't force me to pick one of those 'hundred ways', Marshal. I promise you, I will do it."

  Slowly, he came to his feet, releasing the marshal's arm and relieving the pressure on his thigh. "Mount up, Will," he said, without turning to look at me. He was keeping a close eye on Eddington, but the marshal made no move against him now. He lay, defeated, in a whimpering bloody pile on his bedroll, amidst the remains of his breakfast.

  I did as I'd been told, quickly getting astride Arrow, and taking Blackie's reins up in my hand as I waited for Jacobi. He turned away from Eddington and started toward where I sat, ready to ride.

  Eddington rose up on one elbow. "Don't walk away from me, you damned half-breed! Don't you have anything to say?"

  Jacobi kept walking. He reached for the pommel of the saddle and swung up easily into it. Finally, he looked at Eddington, meeting his hate-filled glare with a steady gaze of his own that never faltered.

  "Yeah. I've been wanting to do that for a long time, Eddington. Cross me again, I can promise you more of the same. Stay away from me, you sorry bastard."

  Jacobi glanced over at where Marshal Trask and Sheriff Kilmore stood, giving them a farewell nod.

  "Thank you, Jacobi!" Sheriff Kilmore called, lifting a hand in salute. "Hurry on back to that woman of yours." He gave him a wide friendly grin, and Jacobi returned it.

  "Stop by on your way home, Miles. I may have a new member of the Kane family to introduce you to."

  Amidst laughter and more good-natured teasing, we headed southward, riding toward home. It was as if Marshal Eddington didn't matter. Like Mama would've said, right now he wasn't nothing more than a toot in a whirlwind. He lay forgotten on his bedroll. But I could feel his eyes boring into my back until we rode around the bend in the road, out of sight. I knew he wouldn't forget what had happened on this hot July day, but neither would Jacobi.

  We rested the horses often, because even as hot as it had been during the whole time we'd been gone, that day was the worst of all. As we rode, we could see the heat shimmering up from the ground ahead of us, and it was like riding into an oven that just never ended.

  But we were stopping at the places Jacobi knew along the way that might have even the barest trace of water for the horses, and shade for us.

  I'd eaten part of the biscuits and bacon Mrs. Colbert packed for us and sat now at the edge of a small creek in the sweet shade of the big trees along the bank. I'd taken off my boots and socks and put my feet in the cool water. I never wanted to get back on a horse again.

  I glanced guiltily at Arrow. He probably was ready for a good long rest himself.

  "We're almost home," Jacobi said from behind me, and I could hear the laughter in his tone.

  I sighed. "I'm glad. Aren't you?"

  He walked over to lean on the huge old tree I sat beneath, chewing on a stalk of grass. "You know it. I didn't want to go in the first place."

  I could see the worry in his face as he thought of Laura. "I bet everything's fine," I said. "She's probably already had our baby by now. And you had to keep your promise."

  He smiled, and when he did, there was a warm light in his eyes for me that let me know in my words he'd heard something that meant a great deal more to him than what I'd actually said.

  He didn't answer for a few seconds, and I began to wonder if I'd said something wrong, instead. He was looking past me now, toward the other side of the creek. "Yeah," he murmured. "I had to keep my promise."

  There was somethin' that had me wondering ever since Jacobi had killed Laughing Wind. Now, I blurted it out like some dang fool. "Do you believe your wife knows you've done it?"

  He looked at me as if he didn't understand at first, then he chuckled. My face flushed hot and I could feel my ears burning.

  "Yes. She knows," he answered, laughter still in his voice. "But, son, she would have understood if I hadn't been able to keep my promise to her."

  "When you promise, though, you have to do it," I said solemnly. I'd never thought to hear Jacobi say it would be all right if you broke a promise!

  "Yes, that's true. But there are exceptions. I promised to find Red Eagle and his band and kill them for what they did to my family, and to me. So it was partly for them. But, Will, you were the one who made me see I was giving up living because of what had happened in the past."

  I nodded. I remembered how we'd talked about wanting to be happy again, both of us, despite what those red devils had done to our families.

  "I don't believe Deborah, or Rebecca, or Dalton would want me to give up being happy again just to avenge their deaths."

  "Then why did you go? I don't understand."

  "I went because of them, partly. But mostly I went because of...of you and Laura. And our new little one."

  "But – Laughing Wind wasn't after us. We're safe enough where we are now."

  Jacobi smiled and looked down. "Yes, we're safe enough now, Will. But Laughing Wind and his followers didn't give up after Red Eagle was killed like I thought they would. They continued to raid and kill and destroy, and they got bolder and bolder. Someone had to stop them. It's my job to make the world a safer place for you and your new brother or sister."

  A silence fell between us. My heart felt like it was about to squeeze out of my chest right then. He went for me? I wouldn't have ever thought that in a million years. It was right then it hit me between the eyes that anybody who would walk right into an Apache camp to rescue a young boy, as Jacobi had done for me, must care a great deal. To go out again to fight Indians to keep me and Laura and the new baby safe only proved again that the impossible had truly happened.

  Jacobi Kane had done something for me I didn't believe my own father would have done.

  Jacobi truly loved me as his own son. Somewhere in these past months, something had happened between me and Jacobi that I couldn't explain. I couldn't name the instant I'd become more than a victim he'd rescued, more than a boy with no home he'd taken in. But the relationship between us now was closer than I'd ever had with my own father. To hear him say he'd gone to fight Laughing Wind, risked his life again – for me – was like being handed a wonderful gift I'd never expected in my life. I meant as much to him as he had come to mean to me.

  "Will?"

  My eyes filled with tears, and I kept my head turned. I swallowed hard to try to get control of myself. The next thing I knew, Jacobi was on one knee beside me. I turned and buried my head against him. "Thank you," I managed to say.

  He gave my shoulder a quick squeeze and tousled my hair. "Guess we oughtta thank each other," he said roughly. "I wouldn't have this life I've got if it hadn't been for you." After a moment, he stood up. "Let's get going."

  Reluctantly, I pulled my feet out of the water and wiped them dry on my pants legs, then put my socks and boots back on. I hated to leave that cool running stream, but I was suddenly as anxious to get back home as Jacobi had been all along. For the first time, when thoughts of my new brother or sister came to me, I was surprised to discover I believed I would be happy with either one. This was our family. The new baby would have all the love – and protection – Jacobi and me and Laura could give.

  Chapter 25

  We had us another half a day's ride left when we made camp that night. I knew Jacobi di
dn't want to push the horses. But I also felt he stopped a little early that evening because of me.

  "We could've made it on home," I said, as we lay on our bedrolls. We'd found us a little clearing beside a small creek just as the sun was going down. We were both so bone weary we didn't do anything about gathering wood to build a fire. We finished up what was left of Mrs. Colbert's food after we unsaddled Arrow and Blackie, and we bedded down as darkness fell, right after we ate.

  "We'll be there by noon-time tomorrow."

  My eyelids were already heavy. "Seems like we been gone a long time."

  "Yeah," he agreed. By the tone of his voice, his mind was elsewhere. "You thinkin' 'bout Laura?"

  "Huh? No. Thinkin' about Eddington."

  That brought me awake a little. "You ain't worried are you, Jacobi?"

  He chuckled. "No. I don't guess that'd be the word for it. But remember what I told you about not lettin' a man behind you?"

  I swallowed, nodding in the darkness. "He's behind us now. Is that what you're thinkin'?"

  "Yeah."

  "We're almost home."

  "I know. But it still pays to be careful."

  I smiled, just thinking about how Jacobi had quickly put an end to Eddington's taunts. He had sure showed ol' Marshal Eddington! "You sure whupped the tar out of him, Jacobi."

  There was laughter in his tone when he answered. "I had some help in that, I think, Will."

  "He didn't have any call to say what he did," I answered defensively.

  "No. But don't ever do that again," Jacobi said firmly. "You let me handle it. At least, for a few more years."

  Resentment rose up in my chest. "Why? I busted his damn lip for him—"

  "He could've done you some real damage, son. He's a grown man, with all a man's muscles and strength that you don't have yet."

  "Then, why didn't he?"

  "Because he wasn't expecting you to do what you did – same as Red Eagle, that night. Surprise is a mighty weapon, but an unpredictable one. You just never know when the other man's going to regain his ability to fight back."

  I was silent, thinking about what he was saying. In my heart, I knew he was right. I'd been too angry to be afraid, both times. I hadn't thought of the consequences. No telling what would've happened if Jacobi hadn't been there each time.

  I had put him in danger by my actions. I stopped breathing for a moment, at the very thought. My anger had made me foolish, in more ways than one.

  "I'm sorry," I said softly.

  "It's all right. Just somethin' to think on."

  "I won't do it again."

  "I'm countin' on that, son."

  After a moment, I added, "But it sure felt good."

  "I know. But Eddington won't forget."

  I wanted to tell him I knew that. But I was too tired to answer. My thoughts had already turned to home, and seeing Laura again. The last thing I remember was seein' the moon right over me, and the Evening Star. I made a wish, mumbling it aloud, but by this time, I figured the Good Lord already knew exactly what I was wishing for with all my heart, and He didn't need the Evening Star to help Him figure it out. A gentle breeze blew over us as if in answer, and I drifted off to sleep.

  * * * * *

  The next morning, Jacobi woke me early. "Let's get started before the heat sets in."

  Within the half-hour, we were headed south again on the last leg of our journey. Even Blackie and Arrow seemed like they knew we were nearly there. Arrow wanted to run full out, but I held him in check. It was too hot for that already, and we had to pace ourselves and our animals.

  Jacobi was right. We made it home when the sun was almost directly overhead.

  As we came around the bend in the road, we saw a gathering of horses and a buggy too, tied at the side of our cabin, where there was some shade.

  It could only mean one of two things, both of them serious. Either Laura was havin' our new baby, or...someone had...I gulped, unable to bear such a thought. It had to be the baby.

  Jacobi swore under his breath, and he and Blackie raced for home, with me and Arrow right behind them.

  In a flash, he was off of Blackie, running for the door. He crashed in, and I could hear several women greeting him. They sounded happy, and my pulse slowed. I dismounted and looped Arrow and Blackie's reins around the front post, temporarily. I'd come back and see to them just as soon as I found out what was going on inside.

  As I entered the front door that Jacobi'd left standing open, one of the ladies, Mrs. Winston, smiled at me. "Hello, Will! Welcome home! You've got quite a surprise waiting for you. Your mother has just had the new—"

  Jacobi opened the bedroom door, and leaned out. "Will! Come see!"

  There was an odd expression on his face. Though he was smiling, it was different, like he had some kind of secret.

  I hurried through the group of people toward him, and into the bedroom. He closed the door.

  Doc Adler looked at me from across the room. "'Bout time you Kanes got home," he said gruffly, but there was a twinkle in his eyes.

  Laura smiled at me and held out her arms. I came and hugged her, a lump rising in my throat. "I tried to wait for you two, but I couldn't," she said, releasing me with a pat on the arm.

  "Well, of course you couldn't, Laura Lee, not with the load you were carrying," Doc said. "Look here, Will."

  From the small baby cradle behind him, Doc reached down to pick up a new baby wrapped in a blanket. "Your new sister."

  My heart fell. But I kept a poker face. I had made a promise to myself that no matter what the baby was, I was going to love it and be the best big brother I could be.

  But she looked so tiny! I hadn't expected that.

  Doc turned to put her back in the cradle. My fingertips tingled. That blanket looked soft. I wondered if they'd ever let me hold her.

  "And...your brothers," Doc declared, holding up another baby...and yet another. "Triplets! First set I've ever delivered."

  "Three?" My voice barely came out.

  Laura and Jacobi laughed.

  "Looks like you got your wish, Will, and then some," Jacobi said. "I reckon the Evening Star heard every word last night."

  But from the light of warmth in his eyes, I knew he had gotten his wish, too. We had us a family for sure, now. Jacobi and I had both lost so much in the past, but we hadn't given up. We were alike, the two of us, even though we weren't blood kin. And now, I realized that part didn't matter. We looked to a future, for all of us. He'd made a promise to me by making me a part of his life.

  There wasn't ever gonna be a big brother any better'n me. I had a promise to keep now, too. And I aimed to do just that.

  Chapter 26

  Late September, 1877

  Fort Worth, TX

  Calling him back wouldn't do one bit of good.

  Our yearling, Fen, was more stubborn than any mule ever thought about being. Now, he'd kicked the rail out of the corral fence and was off on the run to freedom. Nothing to do but to go after him, and I was cussing a blue streak as I ran for the barn.

  "Will."

  Jacobi's voice was firm and disapproving as I rounded the corner. He'd been working on replacing the stall dividers for the last couple of days. He stood up in the third stall from the barn door and gave me a look that let me know whatever else I had to say better be kept quiet.

  Normally, I would've been brought up short...maybe even a little bit embarrassed. But I couldn't stop. Fen was loose, and I needed to go after him.

  "Gotta go after Fen again," I said hurriedly, throwing a saddle on Miss Elizabeth Bennett, Fen's mother. I figured he'd come along easier if she was there.

  "I'll help you." Jacobi laid down his tools and began to saddle up Blackie. His voice was irritated, but I knew he didn't blame me. This was serious business, though – Fen being out loose. My heart pounded every time it happened. We couldn't afford to lose him. We were counting on him for breeding stock.

  And I loved that horse with everything in me.


  Fen was named for James Fenimore Cooper, an author I admired greatly. He was just over a year old, the foal of Miss Elizabeth Bennett and my horse, Arrow. Fen was about the most beautiful horse I had ever laid eyes on. But more than that, I loved him for his spirit. He wanted his freedom in the world, and we tried to give it to him, much as we could.

  But everybody had limits, I'd tried to explain to him, knowing he couldn't really understand. Then, I felt silly for talking to him like he was a person. Now, I felt even sillier. He had not understood, of course. And he was going to show us he had the run of not only our ranch, but the entire world.

  Just as I mounted up, Deelie Ray came through the door.

  "I put the rail back in place so none of the others could get out," she said, all uppity. She could make the least little sentence sound like it was the most important thing anyone could ever want to hear.

  It kind of made me mad at myself, that I hadn't put the rail back in place before I ran for the barn. It was a stupid mistake on my part, and I especially felt it when Jacobi gave me a quick glance.

  "Tres bien. Merci beaucoup, ma petite."

  Of course, that brought a big smile to her face; the compliment as much as the fact that Jacobi spoke it to her in French. I felt the tiniest little bit of jealousy when he did that, even though I understood why he did it.

  Deelie Ray's parents were French. They had died of typhoid, and her uncle had brought her with him to Colbert's Ferry Station. He had no way of caring for her. Mr. and Mrs. Colbert's son, Isaac, had been coming south to Fort Worth for supplies. Mrs. Colbert had sent Deelie Ray with him, thinking maybe Laura could use a hand with the triplets.