3

Julia looked up from her reading, enjoying the sound of rain hitting the roof. This storm was not a typical midsummer Texas gullywasher, which hit quickly and violently, most of its water running off, but a good rancher’s rain, a steady rain which would last for a day or so, sinking deep into the earth. After the recent dry spell, it was just what every farmer and rancher had been praying for.

The rain had kept Jim inside all morning, which he’d spent roughhousing with Charlie. Julia’s reading had been interrupted more than once by the sound of shouting and laughter as Charlie and his dad wrestled and chased each other around Charlie’s room. Jim would groan in mock pain when Charlie bounced up and down on his stomach. Charlie’s giggles became almost hysterical when Jim caught him, pretending to be a “belly monster” who would chomp out Charlie’s guts. The boy loved that silly game. The noise of her husband and son playing brought Julia great contentment. All too soon, she knew, the Rangers would have orders for Jim. He would hit the trail once again, Julia not knowing when, or even if, he would return. Still, Julia could never love another man the way

she loved her wandering Ranger. His long absences only made their time together that much sweeter.

Julia soon realized the sound of the raindrops and gentle breeze had become so much clearer because of the silence now emanating from Charlie’s room. For the past several minutes she had not heard a sound, except that of the rain.

I’d better see what those two are doing, she thought. When they’re this quiet, it usually means they’re up to no good.

Julia set aside her book and went to Charlie’s bedroom, following a trail of discarded boots, socks, and finally shirts. She found Jim and Charlie sleeping. Charlie was snuggled against his dad’s side, his head resting on Jim’s chest. Jim had one arm wrapped protectively around his son.

I guess they finally wore each other out. I’ll just let them sleep.

Julia stood in the doorway for quite some time, quietly watching Jim and Charlie while they napped.

If I could stop time, I’d do it right now, she mused. Her reverie was broken by the sound of an approaching horse and rider. Jim stirred at the hoofbeats. He sat up on the edge of the bed.

“Reckon I fell asleep. Someone comin’?” he whispered, not wanting to awaken Charlie.

“Yes, there is,” Julia answered.

“Best see who it is.” Jim padded barefoot across the floor, retrieved his Winchester from its rack in the kitchen, and opened the door. Todd Jensen, the young clerk from the Western Union office, was just tying his bay mare to the rail.

“Howdy, Todd,” Jim greeted him. He placed his rifle against the wall.

“Howdy, Lieutenant Blawcyzk. I’ve got a wire from Austin for you.”

Todd slid from his saddle, climbed the stairs to the porch, and shook water from his dripping Stetson. He reached inside his slicker and removed a telegram from an inside pocket. He handed the message to Jim.

“Thanks, Todd. Why don’t you come inside and have a cup of coffee to warm up?”

“I’d appreciate that.”

C mon in.

“Julia, it’s Todd Jensen,” Jim called, when they entered. “He’s brought a message from Headquarters. I invited him in for some coffee.”

“Hello, Todd. I’ve got some cornbread to go with that coffee, if you’d like,” Julia offered.

“That would be fine, Mrs. Blawcyzk,” the messenger answered.

While Julia poured a mug of black coffee for Todd, Jim scanned the contents of the yellow flimsy. His blue eyes took on the hue of chips of glittering ice as he read.

“What does Captain Trumbull say, Jim?” Julia asked. “Will you be leaving soon?”

“Yeah,” Jim answered. “In fact, as soon as I can get packed and Sam saddled.”

“I thought there weren’t going to be any funds for the Rangers before next month.”

“The legislature came to its senses. They issued an emergency spending order.”

“They must have a good reason for that.”

“They do. Webb Patton is back in Texas. I’m to take Cody and track Patton down.”