Chapter 9

As morning dawned, Heath rolled out of his blankets, eased stiff muscles into action, and started his day. It was early, and he had the time, so he sat and watched the circle, that would later warm the day, peek over the hills. It was a vision of which he never tired. Sometimes it was no more than a changing of black, to blue, to lighter blue, to blue-white until the full white light of day emerged. Other times it was awash in colors too exact, and yet too subtle, to be created by anyone, or anything, as limited as man. Always, for Heath, it heralded new hope, a new chance for a better life. Above all it spoke to the miracle that he still lived, was here to have that hope, and enjoy the sight.

With economy of movement, born of long practice, he soon had breakfast done, the fire out, his horse readied, the site cleared, and himself in the saddle headed to town. He was still surprised how quickly and easily he and Barkley had made contact. Remembering Frank's caution, he was equally assured that their meeting would generate no attention. He was there to sell horses, the other man was there to buy some. His thoughts now were directed toward that final decision he had to make: which horses would he put on the block and which would he save to start his own herd.

Now that Sawyer had set in motion the means … or at least the potential means … to settle the matter of Ucroft's murder, it seemed like a good time for Heath to move on. The stopover at the Barkley spread was a bonus. He'd have some money by then, hopefully enough to buy some grazing for whichever horses he opted to keep. If he could leave them there, long enough to visit Mama and find a place to set up a more permanent camp, he could begin his plans for his future.

One decision he had made. He'd not be staying over after the auction. He'd not be having any meals with Nick Barkley. Nothing good could come of it. The man made him uncomfortable. He could feel himself being drawn to him, and he was quite certain Nick felt something the same. He'd had that experience with a few others in his life … most recently with Cliff Ucroft. But this was different. He couldn't figure how it was different, but he knew it was. That difference was part of what contributed to the discomfort … and the surety that it only could bring trouble.

As he approached the auction area, he let his eyes gaze over the site. He wasn't looking for anything in particular. He was just making sure. Making sure he knew what was happening, and where, had never served him poorly … was a major contributor to him still being alive.

Reaching the space that corralled his mares, he sat for a moment, studying them closely. Once satisfied, he headed over to a nearby tree, and what would be the only source of shade as the day progressed. Dismounting, he tied Gal, with a long lead, to a lower branch. He then stripped his gear from her, gave her a quick pat, and with his usual frugal, neat, steps, headed for the stallion. Acknowledging the greeting he got, and satisfied that all was in order with the big bay, he left for the auction office.

The door was open, an enticement to the cool air that would in short order be replaced by the heat of the day. He walked on through, still paying close heed to his surroundings. There was but one man behind a table, and an already growing line of others waiting to gain his attention. Heath took a seat.

Boy howdy, don't see as how I'll get there any faster standing in line. And, it's a sure thing they ain't going to start this auction until all the animals for sale have been identified.

In due time, with but one person remaining, the blond stood and ambled over behind him. When that man moved away and headed out of the room, he turned his attention to the fellow at the table.

"Got two mares I'm selling, and one mare and foal pair. They're penned with a mare and another pair, I've decided to keep."

The man looked up at him. "Most people plan to sell whatever they bring."

Not knowing what might constitute an appropriate response, Heath remained silent. It was habit that had served him well.

Getting no response, the man shook his head, and requested descriptions, identifying marks, any other pertinent information on the animals going up for sale. As Heath described the first horse, the man meticulously noted what he said, and then handed him a card with a number, repeating the process with each animal.

"There's holes in those cards, and string in the bins at the corrals, so you can tie them to the horse, the halter, whatever you choose. Just make sure you match the right number to the right horse. When the auctioneer calls your name and number, you'll have to bring the animal into the show area."

"Yes sir, and I thank you," Heath murmured, before making his way out of the room, and back to his horses. After spending some time with a brush and curry comb, he settled back to wait his turn. He was a bit surprised Nick hadn't come by, and worked to quell the disappointment he could feel arising.

I suspect he's playing it safe. Doesn't want to arouse suspicions. Probably knows lots of people here that he'd want to spend time with, anyway. And, the less you see of him, the easier it is to keep a healthy distance. You're nothing to him, and he's nothing to you. Best to keep it that way.

A short while later, after a lunch of cold water from the nearby pump, he heard them call his name. As he led the lone mare around the small arena, he spotted Nick. He was standing with a couple of other men … one in a suit … and they seemed to be discussing the animal in question. As he completed the first round, the auctioneer opened the bidding.

Partway through the second round, he vaulted onto the horse's back and let her show her stuff, using nothing more than his legs and the lead rope. Bidding intensified. When he figured they'd seen enough, he slid off her, rubbed his hand under her mane, then gave her a couple of good pats, before starting her on a slow walk once more.

In due course, it came down to Nick and Suit. Nick won. Heath took her back to the others, and brought up the other single. He'd deliberately left the pair for last. This round proceeded much as the other, except Nick lost this one to some fellow in the far stands. Heath was well aware he only lost because he chose to do so, figured it was one more way to diffuse any ideas of there being a connection between the two.

When he brought in the mare and foal, there were appreciative murmurings. They looked a little flashier than the pair he'd opted to keep. He knew there was not much to distinguish between the two mares, but anyone who knew what to look for would see the other foal beat this one in almost every aspect … if, but marginally.

Bidding commenced, and quickly grew hot and heavy. His face may have shown nothing, but Heath was smiling inside. Even if he ended up returning a sizeable chuck of the final price, there was delight, as yet somewhat incomprehensible, in knowing Nick would be forced to the ropes on this one. And he was. Suit dropped out well into the fray, but the man beside him and a couple others in the stands, kept it going. These men obviously had money, and it seemed that neither was willing to let the other get what he, himself, wanted.

The outcome wasn't in doubt. Heath knew Nick had to buy this pair. What he didn't know, and maybe would never quite believe, was that Nick wasn't going to let these two go, even if he didn't have to buy them. He'd seen the final listing posted, before the bidding started. He'd discovered then that Heath had kept back the best pair … and the stallion. However, he'd seen them all up close, and he knew the difference between this and best was not that great. If this was all he could get … for now … he'd settle for it. And do so happily. And, he'd let nobody stop him.

When Heath went to collect the monies due him, he found himself surprised at what he held. He knew what the final bids had been, knew what he'd be getting, but knowing and having it in one's hand were not quite the same thing. He feigned surprise when Nick approached and inquired if they could work out an agreement to have the horses delivered.

Nick explained that he had pressing matters to get back to, and since he'd not bought anything else, it wouldn't pay to have them shipped. He'd compensate him well for his time and effort. Even cover his costs to stay over tonight, get a good rest and an early start in the morning. He'd guarantee him equally good treatment at the other end as well. He reminded Heath, he'd paid a goodly sum for these animals, and he wasn't about to turn them over to just anyone. Not even sure, when he thought about it, that he'd have been happy turning them over to the railroad. Nope. He figured the chances of them arriving in top-notch shape, could be had best if the man who knew them took on the job.

He'd made a good case. Anyone looking on would be hard pressed to argue against it … or deem it reasonable for Heath to refuse. They shook on it, and as the blond went to collect his horse and gear, Nick let him know he'd make arrangements for another room at the hotel. He was leaving in the morning too, but he'd be taking the train. He'd even buy him dinner tonight.

Boy howdy, that went well. Too well, maybe. Looks like I'm going to be spending time with him tonight. Oh well, settle down Heath. How bad can it be? Maybe you'll learn a bit about him. Maybe you'll even find you like him. No matter. You'll be moving on and you'll never have to see him again.