Chapter Nine
Range War
Erik's POV
My insides are twisted in knots. Not from any illness but from frustration. I am either going to have to make some move to further my relationship with Hannah or send her packing. Neither idea has any appeal. If I do make some gesture and she rejects me I would likely send her packing no matter if I have already told myself I wouldn't. I am not a man who can live with anything that reminds me of pain I have suffered or will suffer at some future date.
Christine's ring nearly resided in the dark and murky bottom of the ocean on the voyage to America. I had been deeply depressed one evening after having observed so many happy couples sharing something so mundane as a meal. Imagining all that Christine shared with her husband pulled me deeper into my depressive state. Everything looked black and bleak. I could see no light around me, not one positive thing to shed even the smallest ray of light in my darkness. Just as my hand had raised to hurl the ring overboard the wind had picked up and I know as mad as it sounds I heard Christine beseeching me to stop.
I had gripped the ring so hard that I carried its imprint for days on the palm of my hand. I am still in the dark as to why I let my imagination keep me from ridding myself of such a real reminder of how I failed as a man. I have since placed that ring inside a wooden box I buried underneath all the opera house memorabilia at the very bottom of one of my trunks. I know it is there but do not have to see it and remember my shame. There are days now when I do not even think of Christine at all. The spot that used to ache in my chest now only has a twinge now and then. I am glad God saw fit to let my past fade so as to ease my suffering.
Today we will head toward the place where Hannah's husband had built a temporary pen. Replacement wooden slates have been brought to repair any damaged by the weather or two legged animals. Usually I like riding with the other men but for now I need my solitude. Having spent most of my life in solitude I rarely seek it out anymore. I prefer companionship. I have built a good rapport with the men. Those first couple of months they tested me as no one else ever did and live to tell of it. My restraint during that time still amazes me. One short year before and they would have gone to bed one not and not awoke to see the sun. I had learned to take their practical jokes in my stride with only curses to show my anger. I did not strike out physically or fire anyone even though I would have had just cause. In this way I feel I earned their respect and loyalty. They appreciate my ideas just as I am willing to learn from them and take advantage of their experience. Out here everyone must form a bond and work together or suffer the consequences just as Clayton Garrison did. The men didn't like speaking ill of the dead but felt duty bound to let me know just where things had been left untended so they could be fixed before they were beyond repair.
Riding drag is not one of the most amenable places for anyone to have to sit on a horse sometimes for hours at a time. I volunteered today so as to take myself out of temptation's way. Hannah is up ahead with some distance between me and the wagon she is driving. A few strays have been picked up along the way. With the sun beginning its descent we will need to make camp soon. Tex said there is a good place over the next ridge that a small branch of the river flows through. It will be perfect for setting up the temporary pens and convenient for bathing and cooking. Not many like to ride behind several moving head of cattle as the dust and other not very pleasant occurrences make it a very nasty place to be. At the end of the day whoever this unlucky person is will undoubtedly be coated in a thick layer of dust.
It is a bit cooler than I like it for outdoor bathing so I have brought along the portable tub. I took a lot of flack when I asked for it to be loaded but by damn I'll be using it as I please. Too many years living as an animal have instilled pride in my appearance and a liking for cleanliness. A tent has also been added to the luxuries I have brought along. The men may do as they like but I shall partake of these bits of civilization and enjoy them immensely. I did notice several men packing a towel in their saddlebags. They may use my tub but I'll not fetch the water or heat the kettle for them. My generosity ends at providing the means to hold the required amount of water for bathing.
I am brought out of my introspection by shouting and several men cutting away from the herd to ride out a distance to the west of us. They pull up to a sudden halt that brings the horses to a near sitting position as they dismount. Clearly this is a matter of some urgency. Signaling for Jedediah to join me I keep watch on what is happening that has them so excited. Spurring his horse he rides over to me. When he reaches me he pulls up and asks, "What'cha need boss?"
"Take my place. Something is wrong just to the east of us. Tex and Shorty have gone to check it out but I'd like to see what is wrong for myself."
Tipping his hat respectfully he says, "Sure thing boss." Looking up he says, "Something dead or dying. Vultures are circling overhead."
I am not well versed in such things but have learned a gathering of these birds does not bode well for someone or something. We have not said anything but we both know what is likely happened. Something has taken down a cow or it has had some unfortunate accident. Jedediah is grimfaced and that is all the emotion he will show. Men out here must be hard at times. It is a balancing act they have between being hard as nails when needed then softer with the womenfolk and children.
Even though he is young at only eighteen he is a hardworking and trustworthy young man. Knowing I can count on him I head Apparition in the easterly direction Tex and Shorty took. It only takes me a minute to join them. As soon as I am alongside them I can see what has caused their concern. A cow has been shot. Not far from her is her calf. It has been shot but it is still alive. Knowing it is beyond saving Tex pulls his gun out to take care of what needs to be done. If we had found the calf earlier I would not have let Tex end the poor creature's life. It has suffered long enough. The breaths it takes are too shallow and too far between to have much fight for life left.
I can't bear to look as Tex raises his gun and a shot rings out echoing over the valley and perhaps into the distant mountains. Whoever did this horrible thing will pay. I know it is someone from Roland's side of the fence. Those men he hires are just short of criminals. Not of the same criminal background as the men I have at the ranch but men more dedicated to doing harm on others especially if the price is right. Some do it just because they enjoy inflicting pain or it adds another notch on their gun if they take a life whether by fair means or foul. One hired gun in particular has already had a run in with me, Jake Duggan. That man is a gunslinger out to earn a name for himself. He has drawn several young men into gunfights. The sheriff would like nothing better than to run him out of town. I cannot imagine why Roland puts up with him. My own experience with the man left a bad taste in my mouth. He had accosted me in front of the dry goods store where Hannah had gone to pick up some material to make a new dress for Nicole. Since I rode in with her and the children on the wagon I had to wait for them to come out.
While I waited Jake had come along tossing out sly innuendos about Hannah and our living arrangement. If Hannah and had not come out followed by Nicholas and Nicole I would have dealt with the man properly. He would perhaps have come away with his life but he would have learned never to insinuate such vulgar things about me or Hannah. I ignored him as he continued to hurl taunts at me and Hannah. Her cheeks burned with shame, undeserved or not. I do think that man is the one doing all of this mischief as a way to force my hand. I may just have to take him up on his offer whether I want to or not. I have become fast and very accurate with a six-shooter. I can't say if I am fast enough to win over Jake but being of a brighter mind I can plan where and how we shall meet and it won't be with a few of his cronies sitting in wait atop the roofs of surrounding buildings as in the case of his last few gunfights.
"Boss me and Tex'll take care of this. I figure you can break it gentle like to the youngins. They've taken to you right nicely. I ain't no coward and neither is Shorty but when it comes to women and children crying we'd rather face a mad bull."
Well I could have told them that I am not immune to a woman's tears or the hurt children suffer. Too many times I myself suffered horrendous treatment and then later I had to deal with Christine and her grieving for her father and later her tears over me and Raoul. I still do not care to have others cry around me. I feel pain with every drop that falls from their eyes. It was that way with Christine and I suppose it will be that way with Nicholas and Nicole although I think Nicholas will try manfully to hold his tears at bay.
If I could avoid them knowing altogether I would do almost anything to make it so but already the wagon is headed this way with Nicholas riding beside it. Nicholas is the first to arrive only seconds before the wagon. I see him swallow back a cry and turn my eyes toward the wagon. Nicole's eyes immediately fill with tears and she clamors down from the wagon before Hannah can stop her. I want to grab her before she can see the whole horrific mess but she runs toward us then falls to her knees by the calf. Reaching out a hand she strokes the small head. She keeps her hand above the neck so as to avoid the blood. Looking up at me with tear drenched eyes she asks brokenly, "Why?"
I don't know if she is asking why someone shot the innocent creature to begin with or why he had to be put down. As the terrain is flat in this area I do believe they would have seen what happened.
Before I can formulate an answer she gets up and launches herself at me grabbing me around my hips. It is all I can do to retain my balance. I won't reprimand her or demand she let me go. This is the same delightful child who connived me into carrying her this morning faking a dreadful injury.
I can't remember ever having such an emotional connection with anyone other than Christine but with Nicole leaning against me as she holds me as if she will never let go I feel something warm and tender flow through me. A frightening realization strikes me. Not only do I have feelings for Hannah but Nicole and Nicholas have stolen their way into my heart. Little by little without me being aware they wormed their way in. How could I let this happen? I am not fit to care for anyone. Likely I will let my inner beast out to ruin anything that might develop.
Of course I knew I cared for them but I tried to fool myself it was only caring as one human being cares for another. I have lied and I shall pay dearly when I do something to turn them against me as I am sure I will. Even as my mind tells me to distance myself so I might protect my own slightly broken heart I know I cannot push any of them away. Whatever the cost it is a price I will pay ten times over just to savor the moments I can and store them away for the time when I am alone once more. A lasting relationship of any kind has always been just out of my reach. After Christine I thought I had firmly let go of that nonsense of forever when it comes to people in my life.
Nicole pushes away from me. Giving me a watery smile she whispers brokenly, "It's alright Erik. I know it had to be done. I was only crying because he's so little. God will let him into heaven don't you think?"
Something I can't explain urged me to bend my knees and pick her up in my arms. Wiping her tears with my fingers I say the words she wishes to hear whether I believe them or not. Who am I to say what God will and will not let into heaven?
"I don't know anything for certain but I believe that God would want all of his creatures to reside with him in heaven when they leave this world." Any further reassurances are interrupted by Gabe riding to join us. He has been scouting ahead for signs of cattle. He tips his hat respectfully then turns to me looking grim.
"Boss I think you might want to come look at what I found. Shorty, Tex, stay with Mrs. Garrison and the youngins. I need the boss to come with me. Ride the perimeter and keep your eyes open."
Gabe is usually the jokester among the men. At the moment his face holds only grimness. Even his eyes hold not a glimmer of his usual joie de vivre. Setting Nicole on her feet I stoop down so we are eye to eye. Brushing the few strands coming loose from her braids I try to say something reassuring.
"Everything will be alright. Stay with your mother and Nicholas. When I get back we shall deal with the departed properly." As ridiculous as having a burial for cattle I can see it pleases her that I consider them worthy of respect. What harm will it do if she feels I am a of a kinder nature than is true. Truth is we would have had to rid ourselves of the carcasses before they began to rot and draw predators down on the herd.
Mounting I take on last look at Hannah before I set Apparition in motion. This time away will allow me a few moments to collect myself before I have to face Hannah and her children. My defenses need to be shorn so I can better withstand the onslaught of emotions I am sure to feel upon my return. Death has a way of bringing people together even if it is only the death of an animal. Death is death and affects most people. Only the ones with little regard for human life can take a life with no regrets or remorse. I have my own regrets for the lives I took. If I could undo any of it I would pay whatever price God demanded.
We have only been riding about five minutes when we come to the scene Gabe wanted to show me. Bringing Apparition to a slow walk I can see nearly twenty or so cattle lying on the ground which is covered in blood. Pools of it are near each of the carcasses. These cattle are not shot, they are riddled with arrows. Training my eyes to the ground I can make out prints in the churned up earth. The horses were shod so they were not Indian ponies. This was an attempt to put the blame on some wandering smaller band of Indians to throw us off the track of the real slaughterer of my cattle.
If I follow the prints they will lead to Roland's property I am sure. The fence will be cut. Until now the fencing cutting had only been a nuisance. Now this is an all out declaration of war. Talk of a range war has been spoken about during every get-together in the area. The larger Cattle Barons are trying to push the smaller owners out so that their land can be opened back up for grazing and a shorter path to water.
When I bought this place I had no idea a range war had been already brewing. Ranchers have been shot while tending their herds, wire has been cut, animals have been shot or poisoned. All of this has been done in the name of what the Cattle Barons claim as a God given right to open range. There is still open range set aside by the government but little enforcement is coming from Washington as Wyoming has yet been declared a state in the Union. Any justice that is to be had will likely come from whoever wields the most power. As for myself I would rather live in peace. The river does not look as if it will suddenly dry up in the next few years and as long as we do not interfere with nature too much it should continue to flow as it has for hundreds of years. The same can be said for the grasslands. As long as we do not overstock the land or make the mistake of not letting it be replenished then even the grasses will grow again. Moving the herd is essential for new growth to happen.
"Gabe stay here. I need to return so I can send out a couple of men to begin digging a pit. These carcasses must be disposed of. I don't want Hannah or the children to see any of this. Be careful. You may want to remove your rifle from your scabbard just in case."
With a nod from Gabe signaling he understands I turn Apparition back the way we have come. I'll have to tell Hannah what has happened but the children do not need to know of this latest senseless brutality. Such carnage is something one might expect of a rabid wolf with nothing to curb its basic instincts. Knowing this heinous act had been committed by human beings with clear thinking minds is unsettling. Might they not escalate their activities to include the people living and working on my ranch? Roland is the only one who stands to gain from this and yet he continues to claim he has no hand in any of the actions taken against me thus far.
If I did not have a sense that he speaks the truth I would have dealt with him after the first incident. I can see now I'll have to begin nightly rounds on my own. I have always had the ability to blend in with my surroundings and remain unseen when it suited me. I will need to hone my skills with my old friend the Punjab. It is a quieter and very affective weapon and requires no replenishment of ammunition.
When I returned to the others it was just as difficult to relay what had happened as I thought. A cowboy has an affinity with living things as it is their lot in life to safeguard hundreds of animals over long distances during a drive. Too lose so many senselessly understandably angers and frustrates them. I know they'd like nothing better than to hunt down every last culprit and do some very uncivilized things to them but they know just as I do that we still have responsibilities to the living to keep us busy.
Hannah had taken the children to the wagon asking them to help set up camp. This afforded me the opportunity to relay all the gruesome details to the others as well as the trickery of the men who committed this crime. As predicted they voice there anger as I expected but cool down as I remind them of the task at hand.
Tex and Shorty have gone to aid Gabe. They may have to spend the night out if they don't get the task completed tonight. They should be back by afternoon tomorrow. We will have packed up and moved on but they will be able to follow our trail and join us later.
As I am placing my bedroll on the ground I can't help but send Hannah a few admiring glances. She has managed to start a roaring fire with a tripod of metal bars over it from which she has a large pot in which I do believe is stew. The aroma has my stomach making noises I am glad no one is close enough to hear.
There is a pan set just on the outside of a pile of smoldering coals. She turns it every so often. Unless my senses deceive me she has managed to make biscuits. Fresh baking bread is just one of the many memorable smells Hannah has imbued in my brain during our association. The first morning I woke smelling freshly baking bread I would have sworn I had died and gone to heaven. Now she creates the same miracles for the pallet out on the open range. For her cooking skills alone I can't imagine why some man has not snapped her up. This thought brings a bad taste to my mouth. I believe thinking of Hannah with anyone other than me is not something I care to think about. This is further proof just how far gone I am. It will take only a slight nudge to topple me over into territory I should not enter given my history and what my mask hides.
The meal is appreciated but eaten in relative silence. Even the children seem to know that tonight is a solemn occasion. Hannah refuses help from everyone other than Nicholas and Nicole. Nicholas of course would rather sit around the fire with the men and speak of manly things but his mother is adamant. He will help clean up then water will be warmed for baths. I am glad Hannah brought up the subject of baths as I am dying to rid myself of inches of dust and dirt from today's ride.
Since it is so late using the tub is cut to just a few minutes. I can take a longer one the next time. I have only been settled in my bed for a short time when my ears pick up the sound of an approaching horse. It is only one rider. The fire has died down but has enough wood to last until morning so it lights up the immediate area. Slipping out of bed I quietly make my way just outside the circle of light. Long unused talents come back so easily it would frighten me if I were not so grateful to have retained them. I know I will only use my skills on someone seeking to harm me or anyone or anything under my care.
Since there is little cover where we have made camp of necessity I must crawl on my stomach which negates the benefit of my bath. Luckily I remembered to pull on my gloves as now my hand rests in a still fresh pile of something I don't which to name. Smell alone identifies what it is. Seeing a rider coming nearer to camp all I can think about is protecting Hannah and the children. If any harm ever came to them I hate to think what I would do to the perpetrator of such an offense.
When the horse came just ahead of me I spring up and raise the gun I had at the ready should I have need to protect myself. I can't say this person is a criminal mastermind if it had been his intention to sneak in and murder us all while we slept. He did not even have a sidearm although there is a rifle in his scabbard.
"Stop right their or I will place a bullet in the base of your skull." I invoke my most frightening Phantom voice I used to use on the personnel of the opera house.
"Now Erik is that any way to treat a neighbor who comes to offer you his help rounding up strays?"
I recognize Roland's low baritone at once but still do not lower my weapon. I feel I can trust him but I find I do not like it that he has come just when Hannah is with us. He always shows up just when Hannah is around. Sometimes I do think he has a little bit of my former personas capabilities when it comes to spying and finding out information.
"I am not feeling kindly disposed toward you since I found over twenty head slaughtered today. It was staged to look like an Indian raid but the horses were shod and besides that an Indian would have taken the meat and hides. They do not believe in killing an animal without reason. This brutality would give them no advantage but would bring the army down on them. It isn't likely they would attack the herd and leave the ranch house untouched."
I hear Roland cursing enough to burn my ears were I of a more tender nature. I bet he never let fly such language when Hannah was present.
"Erik I am truly sorry but let me assure you I did not sanction anything like this. I may not mind if someone takes it into their head to cut a fence wire or pull up a post now and then but that's as far as I will tolerate breaking the law. Believe me I will get to the bottom of this. Now if you don't mind I'd like to put my hands down and not be shot in the back like a common cattle rustler."
Hoping to irritate him for a few seconds longer I delay giving him my answer. When I do he turns and gives me what I am sure is one of his famous white toothed grins. The kind Hannah is bound to find attractive. I am glad she will be fast asleep and will not be getting a look at this western Romeo. If I have my way he will gone long before the sun comes up.
"I see you do not have a bedroll. What a shame you will not be staying." That cretin has the gall to give me one of those damn smirks I hate. Without saying a word he begins to walk toward camp. I have to force myself to keep from running at him from behind and tackling him to the ground. If I had not vowed never to kill again perhaps I would shoot him. No, I cannot do that. I would have to explain to Hannah and the children why I shot him in the back.
Catching up to him I ask casually, "So should you not be heading home?"
"Well since you have not offered a bed to me I suppose I will just have to ask Hannah if she has room in the wagon. I do think it will be mighty cozy don't you Erik?" I don't have to see the cheeky grin on his face to know it is there. I know he is trying to rile me by suggesting he sleep in such close quarters with Hannah and I damn sure cannot keep him from knowing just how badly I want to wipe that smile from his face.
"If you take one step closer to that wagon everyone could look for months and not find your body." Casually I place my hands on my guns. I have no intention of using them but I must put on a show in any case. He is challenging my manhood in a dangerous way. I have made no open declarations as to my intention toward Hannah but men know when another man has an interest in the same woman they do.
He slaps me on the back with enough force to have me stumbling to the side as he laughs at my expense and declares, "Erik you are so predictable. I can twist you like a top and have your head spinning without even breaking a sweat."
Stepping in front of me he says in a more serious tone, "I give you fair warning. If you haven't made some move to put your brand on Hannah then I will. That woman is too pretty and sweet to be on her own. Her first husband didn't know what he had and damn it all she deserved better. I can give her better than she had. So if you have no feelings for her I'll be claiming her for my own at the next dance. The next two weeks are all the time you have. After that I will come to call with my hat in my hand."
Wanting to drive my fist into him is an impulse I must conquer. It isn't the same as when Raoul came after Christine. Raoul knew how I felt and so did Christine. I had declared my love for her many times even if it sometimes came out in song. Every word spoke of my devotion and deep regard for her. With Hannah one moment I am hot and randy then the next I back away and become distant. It would serve me right if she did turn me down and seek comfort in the arms of another. Why she has not given Roland permission to court her is beyond me. He is the type of man every woman wants while I…am not.
Knowing I won't sleep a wink tonight I saddle Apparition and head out for the herd. Perhaps I will sing to them. Music calms them and usually someone sings while another plays a harmonica. It has been too long since I have used my voice for anything other than speaking or raised in anger. It is time to bring the music in my soul back to life.
