Chapter Twelve

Del tried to blink, but his crusty eyes wouldn’t cooperate. He forced a hand to his face and pried them open. The modest log room seemed dim and blurry. A small oil lamp in the corner of the tidy room gave off a faint glow. No light through the little window. Must be night. Everything hurt. He shook slightly. A rope hugged him to the bed. Where was he? A voice interrupted his scattered thoughts.

“Mr. Lawson. Welcome back. My name is Rose Lyle.”

Del turned toward the sound. A pretty young woman sat in a nearby chair, knitting. Hair a tan blonde. Pleasing face, serious look. A large brown dog lay nearby, ears perked toward him. He tried to speak, but nothing came out. His mouth was parched and his tongue a foreign object. He worked a bit of saliva up. In a croak, he said, “Where…am I?”

“Fort Sumner. And this is as close as we have to a doctor’s office.”

“How long—”

“You didn’t miss much. Just a couple of days away from that cattle drive you’ve been on.”

Two days? He’d been out that long? Who was this woman? And why was she here? He shifted his legs on the bed. They still worked, sort of. He tried to push up off the cot but the pain in his left arm got the best of him. Where was Rodrigo? And Kip? He knew his head was a mess, but what about the bandaged arm? His whole body ached. He strained against the rope.

“Your arm may be broken. Maybe not. Elsewhere, you’re more bruised than anything. How long since your last drink?”

How’d she know? “A while.”

“You’re not shaking as much today. If I take the ropes off, will you stay in bed?”

Del nodded. She struck him as the kind of woman you listened to. She leaned over him, undid the knots then drew the cords off. He was alert enough to be stirred by her closeness.

The woman took a sip of what Del guessed was coffee. An aura of someone who knew something you didn’t surrounded her. And yet she looked about the same age as him.

“Here, take a drink of water.”

He sipped from the tin cup and forced his mouth to work again. “Who…are you?”

She dipped a small piece of cloth in a water bowl and placed it on his forehead.

The cool sensation cleared his head.

“I told you already.”

“But why…are you here? Where’s…the doctor?”

“My father was the camp doctor. He died recently…suddenly.” She turned away, ending the conversation.

Del stared at the rough lumber ceiling. He wasn’t sure what that meant. He wasn’t sure of much of anything. His pounding head made him wish he was still out. “Where’s Rodrigo, the little boy?”

“He’s with your friend, doing fine. He spent most of the last two days watching over you. Doesn’t talk much, does he?”

But Rodrigo had said something out on the trail, during the attack. He was sure of it. Or was he imagining it? The way his head was working, he couldn’t be sure. “Where are they?”

“Post adjutant’s got them bedded down with the enlisted. You can see them in the morning.”

Del nodded. “If it’s all the same, I think I’ll leave now. Thank you for tending me. Obliged.” She was prettier now that things weren’t so blurry. Hair up in a bun. Proper dress. Starched? Eyes that looked light green in the dim light.

“You’re welcome, and when you can walk out of here without falling down, you can leave. Try sitting first.”

Del forced himself up, then slowly swung his legs over the side of the bed. He righted himself with legs dangling, a hand to his head. A knock at the door and Rodrigo and Kip were ushered in by…what was her name?

Rodrigo swiped his hat off, eyes wide.

Kip removed his as well and strolled Del’s way. “Buenos días, amigo! Good news. You don’t look any worse than usual. Same sour face, too. You must be feelin’ okay.”

“I’m doin’ all right. Time to be gettin’ back on the trail.”

“No hurry. Goodwin and the boys pulled in this afternoon. They’re all bedded down, nice and cozy. Herd’s grazing a stone’s throw away. We’ll be here a few days, dickerin’ over cattle for the fort.”

Del started to get up. The room spun. He put both hands on the edge of the bed and sat back. Sweat beaded his forehead. “Need a second, and I’ll head out with you.”

Rose stood to the side, arms folded. “You aren’t going anywhere, Mr. Lawson. Another bump from falling off that bed and your head will likely be as useless as…”

She didn’t finish the sentence, but Del got the gist. He lay down and glanced at his visitors. “I’ll just stay here tonight and see you boys at breakfast. Go with you then, okay?”

Rodrigo nodded.

Kip shook his head. “You ain’t the smartest drover we got. Here you are, a pretty woman tendin’ to you and you want to leave for some bad-smellin’, foul-mouthed wranglers? Your head must be still messed up.” Big smile.

Del ignored that and eyed Rodrigo. “I thought you were talkin’ now, boy. Didn’t you say somethin’ to me on the trail? When we were bein’ attacked?”

Rodrigo looked away.

Del frowned. “By the way, Kip, who were those varmints? Did the soldiers catch ’em?”

“There was at least four of ’em left after two got shot, and I guess they split up in the night. Troopers brought back a couple but looks like the rest got away.” Kip smiled. “Soldiers are politely questioning the ones they caught right now.”

Del beckoned his friend over. He pulled Kip close. “Bring me a bottle when you come back, hear?” His eyelids fluttered. “I just need a little shut-eye…” He tried to block out the pounding in his head. His thoughts drifted as sleep stole over him. What was her name again? Time enough to ask when he woke up.

A pleading voice roused him. He glanced toward the anguished sound. Dim moonlight streamed through the small front window. He could just make out a dark form on a small pallet to the side. The woman talked in her sleep. Surely that wasn’t what she usually slept on. No. She must have given him her bed. What was she saying? Mumbling.

“I don’t want…don’t you dare…go!” She tossed and turned on the little raised platform. A hand flew up. “No, no nearer…Oh!”

A last gasp and the woman lay quietly, as if dead.

Del struggled up and steadied himself on the edge of the bed. A few deep breaths and he pushed off the cot. He shuffled to her and bent down. The dog stood stiff-legged watching him. His head throbbed. Should he touch her? He reached a hand out, then drew it back. A little dizzy. Not his business, ought to go back to bed. He stood for another moment, then put a hand lightly on her shoulder.

“What…?” Her eyes opened and she shifted his way. “What?”

“It’s just me, ma’am. You were having a bad dream, sorry to startle you.” Del dropped his hands to his sides. The pained look on her face seared him. Whatever she was dealing with was tormenting her. Like the raid on his family did to him. He stepped back.

She brushed a hand over her eyes. “Thank you for waking me. I’m sorry for disturbing you. I don’t know…things get blurry when the dream hits. Sometimes I can’t tell if I’m asleep or awake.”

Del nodded. Her thin army blanket had slid mostly off in her thrashing. Pale moonlight couldn’t hide her attractive features. She grasped the blanket and drew it back over her high-collared long gown. Brushed a hand through her hair.

Del cleared his throat. “You need to sleep in your own bed. I can make do here on this.”

She started to protest, but Del held a hand up. “Won’t hear of anything else. Please change places with me now.”

“But you need a comfortable place to recover. I’m fine here.”

“You already got me through the worst of it. I can get the rest of the way on that pallet just as well as that bed.” He motioned that direction and stood aside while she made her way there, blanket drawn tight. He eased down on the raised wooden platform. As he worked his aching body flat, rough slats pressed on his tender ribs. Maybe this wasn’t the best idea he’d had today. But he was here, and that’s where he was going to stay.

Morning found him with his eyes still open as golden sunlight stole through the small window. He’d been careful not to shift much. It hurt, and he didn’t want to disturb her. What was her name? Del reached his good arm to the floor and unbent himself from the curl he’d lain in for hours. Stiff. Painful. The dog raised its head off the blanket on the bed. Good looking hound. Big enough to give an intruder pause. Dark brown with white socks. The look of a watchdog.

His ribs let him know they weren’t ready to get up. As he pushed to a seat, his head sent only a muted protest. At least that was getting better. He took the splint off his arm and flexed it. Wasn’t broken. Working to a stand, he hobbled to the door. Squeaky hinges betrayed him, and the woman stirred. He looked back. Her longish hair spread casually on the white pillow. In the morning light, it was as if he was seeing her for the first time. Dark green blanket drawn up to her waist. Stop it. She’s your nurse. You can’t even remember her name, and you’ll be on your way soon. Never see her again…

His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. He creaked it open farther to see Rodrigo staring up at him, Kip standing tall behind. He put a finger to his lips. “Shh, nurse is still asleep.”

From behind him, “No, I’m not. I’m just waking, it’s past time to get up. You all turn around for a minute while I get dressed.” The dog stood guard.

Del felt his face flush. He wondered if she’d seen him staring at her a few minutes ago. He turned back to his friends. “Everyone out for a minute.” He closed the door behind them and whispered to Kip. “Where’s my bottle?”

“Musta forgot.”

Del scowled. Rodrigo held a cup of coffee up to him with a grin. Wasn’t hot, but still warm enough. “Why, thank you, son.”

The door opened, and she called out, “All right gentlemen, I’m decent.”

Del walked in with a hand to his ribs. She was so beautiful. He fumbled with his coffee. “Uh…you remember my nurse. Best I ever had.” She wore a different dress today. Drawn tight around her waist. Soft morning light danced off her hair. She’d let it down this morning, and it framed her face.

“I’m sorry, I must look a fright.”

Del wiped at his moustache. She looked anything but.

Kip broke Del’s spell. “My name’s Kip, ma’am. Yours?”

“Rose Lyle.”

Del cursed himself for not remembering. “Pardon my bad manners…Miss Lyle.”

Her eyes smiled back at him. “Rose. The patient is doing better, as you can see.”

Kip shook his head. “Don’t rightly know about that. From what I see, he may need lookin’ after a while longer. He’s standin’ there like a downright dope.”

Warmth rose from Del’s neck upward. He usually had a good comeback for Kip’s digs but didn’t have one for that. He glanced down at Rodrigo for safety. “…Uh, you doin’ okay, kid?” An enthusiastic nod. The boy walked over to the dog.

Rose said, “Best you not touch her. She doesn’t know you and doesn’t take kindly to strangers.”

Rodrigo didn’t seem to hear her. He put a hand on the dog’s strong head, then ran it along the animal’s back.

“Why, doesn’t that beat all. Haven’t seen her take to anyone like that before. Seems Daisy’s already your friend.” Rodrigo settled down next to the dog, who lay with the boy’s hand resting on her back.

Del cleared his throat. He snuck a glance at Rose. “I can walk without fallin’ over, which is what you said I needed to do before leavin’.” All of a sudden, his mouth was failing him. He didn’t want to go yet but couldn’t seem to stop his tongue.

She put her hands on her hips and rescued him. “That and when you can ride. You’re not going to walk to where your herd is grazing, are you?”

He hadn’t thought about that. Good excuse for staying. Not that he supposed he could ride yet, anyway. “No, guess not.” He glanced at Kip. “Maybe tomorrow.”

Kip nodded. “Even old Stoney asked about you last night. I told him you were a goner from what I could tell. Those red cheeks of yours say I’m right. Don’t think those are from gettin’ hurt, though.” He chuckled and gave Rodrigo a nudge. “Let’s go, little muchacho.”

Before he knew it, Del said, “Why don’t you leave the boy with me? Haven’t seen him for a while.”

Kip’s eyebrows arched. “Didn’t know you were gettin’ so attached. You know how to handle a nine-year-old by yourself?”

“A sight better’n you.” He grinned and motioned to Rodrigo to stay put. The boy’s face lit up.

Kip swept his hat in a low bow to Rose and closed the door behind him.

“Let me check your head wound.” She made him sit in the room’s small chair and unwound Del’s bandage. Her faint smell went to his head. Wasn’t perfume, it was her. His heart beat so loudly he was sure she could hear it pounding. Rose Lyle. Breathe. Again. Slow down. Fix on something else.

She finished cleaning the gash and wrapped a clean cloth around his head. “There. Healing nicely.”

“I am in your debt, Miss Lyle. Again.” He beckoned to Rodrigo. Daisy came with him. “You okay? Didn’t get hurt when they attacked?”

The boy shook his head.

“Thanks for lettin’ me know to duck out there.”

Rodrigo shrugged.

“Followin’ me around for a year has been hard, hasn’t it?”

Another shake of the head, but the boy’s bottom lip quivered.

Rose cleared her throat. “Uh, excuse me, but I need some things in the post supply. I’ll be back directly. Daisy can stay here.” She smiled at Rodrigo.

Before she reached the door, Del called after her. “I could sure use a drink, ma’am. Throat’s still mighty parched.” If she heard, she didn’t say anything. When she closed the door behind her, Del drew Rodrigo close. “I been doin’ some pretty stupid things. Puking in saloons, gettin’ whipped in fights, sleeping in stables, scroungin’ food for you and me. You’ve seen all the bad, haven’t you?” He kept his voice low. Wasn’t anything to be proud of or said loud. “Want you to know I’m sorry for not takin’ better care of you. Haven’t been takin’ care of myself.” He put a hand on the boy’s shoulder. “Not hard to see it’s been hard on you. Losin’ your family…” He thought of his son and choked up. “Bein’ near-killed when the outlaws hit my ranch, not havin’ a home anymore, no schoolin’, no friends, always on the move, livin’ day to day. You seen more than your share of misery for a boy your age. No wonder you don’t say nothing. Not sure I would either.”

Tears welled in Rodrigo’s eyes. He wrapped his small arms around Del’s neck and laid his head on his shoulder.

Del’s throat seized. He didn’t deserve the boy’s affection, didn’t deserve to be cared for. By anyone. Why had Rodrigo stayed with him? He’d been wallowing so long it was like he didn’t know anything else anymore. He wiped at his eyes. “Let’s forget the past year, okay?”

Rose bustled in. Del glanced at her sideways. No bottle. He reached for his glass of water.

She laid out a small stack of cloth on her little table, which she began to cut into pieces. Bandages?

“I know what you’re thinking—that I didn’t bring you a bottle. Never considered it. I don’t want you falling down drunk here, ruining all my care. Back on that cattle drive you can drink to your heart’s content. Get stupid drunk. Not here.” Had she heard what he and Rodrigo were talking about? Their eyes met for a moment. Her gaze penetrated into his soul. He felt naked and searched for something to say. “So maybe I can leave tomorrow? And Rodrigo.”

“If you feel up to it. Of course.” She stared at him for a moment. “I had an interesting conversation with the provost marshal just now. He asked if I knew anything about you. Said he’d spent some time with the two outlaws they dragged in here. The ones that shot you all up.” She continued fiddling with the cloths. “Any idea why those men would attack your wagon? They weren’t Indians, just bandits. He said that after a little encouragement, they let slip they were after someone in particular—a man—likely injured. Sounds like they were looking for you.” She looked away and started folding cloths.

Del paused. He hadn’t been prepared for this. “No…don’t know why they would have been after me, maybe they thought we had some valuables.” That sounded thin, even to him. The shooters must have been Tyson and his underlings. But Del still didn’t know why the murderous cur was after him. “Are those bandages you’re making?”

“You know they are. I see you’re trying to change the subject.” She unwrapped a cloth bundle of beef and put it in the wooden icebox.

That night, Rodrigo slept on the floor next to him covered with an army blanket. Daisy curled up by Rose on the bed. The next morning, Del whispered the boy awake, but Rose was already up, a respectable wood fire radiating faint warmth. Most of the smoke had the decency to escape via the ceiling pipe, but some lingered toward the top of the small room. Sizzling beef filled the air with a mouthwatering aroma. A coffee pot steamed on the stove.

Rose had them sit at the room’s small table. “Rodrigo, would you like to feed Daisy?” The boy jumped up and took the pieces she handed him. “Fill her water bowl, too—from that pitcher, please.” She handed Del a cup of hot coffee, his hand steadier. “Are you leaving today?” She turned back to the stove, eyes fixed on a spitting black pan.

Del took a sip. Best he’d had in a long while. He hesitated. “Yes, I believe I will. I’m fine to ride. I’ll take Rodrigo with me. Do you know if there’s a horse available? Maybe a couple?”

She spoke without glancing back. “…I’m sure you could find one or two in the post corral.”

She wore a different dress today. Looked ironed, with a faint floral pattern in white and light yellow. A figure even a loose dress couldn’t entirely hide. She started to say something when his mouth took on a mind of its own.

“I won’t leave if you don’t think I should. I mean, if I’m not healed enough. I could stay…”

She turned toward him with a spatula in one hand, a crumpled, dirty white hanky peeking out of the other. A frilly lace collar framed her face, her hair done up. “I only have three dresses and you’ve seen them all now, so you best be on your way.”

Regret swept over him. He fumbled for something to say. “Uh…I…how much do I owe you? For fixin’ me up and all.”

“Did I ask you for any money?”

“No, but I thought—”

“You thought wrong.”

Del’s cheeks burned. Just then came a knock on the door. A large officer filled the entry. He smiled at Rose. Didn’t take off his hat. “Haven’t seen you for several days. Been busy nursing these two?”

“Captain Jacobs! What are you doing here?”

The captain didn’t look Del’s way. Kept his gaze focused on her. “They look right healed. How about you and me going for a picnic?”

Del sized the situation up. Fear flashed in Rose’s eyes when she first saw the man. Boyfriend? Her face said no.

She shook her head. Blinked rapidly. “I…can’t today. I have to put this place back together. Have to put my father’s affairs in order, too.” She looked away.

The man’s eyes darted slightly at Rose’s remark. A long silence.

“Guess that’s a ‘no’, Captain.” Del felt adrenaline starting to flow. For the past year, that was usually followed by a fight. He motioned for Rodrigo to move back and rose from the table. Steadier, but not steady.

The intruder laughed. “You got a white knight now, after three days? You always did like taking in strays. This one looks like he can barely stand.”

Del clenched a fist, paused, and took a deep breath. He relaxed his hand and wiped the other across his bearded chin. A flush still warmed his neck. Nothing good would come of tangling with this man. For now, he’d keep his powder dry. Didn’t want Rodrigo seeing him fight anymore, anyway. His guess was Rose probably wouldn’t like it either. He turned his back on the officer.

The man leered. “What’s the matter, dust-eater? And what’s that smell? Stinks like cattle crap in here. Cat got your tongue?”

Del glanced back over his shoulder and squinted. “Yup.”

Daisy stood with a low growl. Rodrigo grabbed Del’s pant leg with his little hand. Silence screamed throughout the room. The man’s face reddened. He threw the wildflowers he’d brought at her feet and stormed out. When the door slammed, she slumped into the small chair, shaking. She covered her face with her hands, head bowed.

Del wanted to put a hand on her shoulder, tell her everything was okay, but he knew it wasn’t. Jacobs had triggered something deep within her. He didn’t know what, but he’d felt her kind of anguish before, wallowed in its emptiness, struggled against its power. He sat on the wooden pallet and drew an arm around Rodrigo. It was some time before she stirred. When she did it was like nothing had just happened. She drew herself up to full height. “I was going to say, come back and see me in a couple of days.” Her eyes widened. “I mean, not me…but, so I could see how you’re doing.” She smoothed a quick hand at her hair. “But I’ve changed my mind. I’m done with all this now. I’m going to pack up and leave.” She paused. “Will you take me with you?”

Del couldn’t believe what she’d just said. “You’re going to leave the post? But…”

“Yes. Been thinking on it ever since my father…died…just haven’t had the courage to do it until now. I’m going—with or without you.” Her eyes locked on his.

Del tried to gather his wits. He was returning to the drive—no place for a lady.

It was as if she read his thoughts. “A cattle drive would suit me fine until I get to Denver. I’ll be no bother. Then I’ll head east. Back home to Ohio.”

Del rubbed his stubbled face. He didn’t know what to say. “I don’t…I…”

“If you’re wondering who will care for the men here, another army doctor is due to arrive any day. I wouldn’t leave with no one to tend them. Besides, I’m not under contract to the Army. They’re not even paying me, just feeding me. Housing me in this rundown room.”

Del wondered. All this seemed to come from Jacobs’ visit. Fear clouded her eyes when she looked at the captain. What was the connection? Del had no right to ask. He’d leave any telling up to her.

She interrupted his thoughts. “I’ll be back soon. We’ll leave in an hour. All right?” She hurried out the door.

He walked to the window and watched her purposeful stride down the dusty street. She disappeared into the civilian sutler’s small tent. It struck Del that he didn’t have anything to pack up. Not much to show for twenty-nine years. He turned back to Rodrigo. “We’re leaving soon. That okay with you?”

A vigorous nod backed up by a smile. He pointed to the dog with a question in his eyes.

Del nodded.

Rodrigo hugged Daisy around the neck.

Del was as confused, yet intrigued, as he’d ever been. The unexpected feelings came from starting to care about something, someone again, for the first time in a long while.