Chapter Eight

 

THREE DAYS PASSED. Roni and Jeff spent the idle time cleaning tack, gathering firewood, exercising the horses, and doing chores around the cabin. She knew Jeff was sitting on pins and needles, wondering if she had anything else up her sleeve. She figured she’d let him stew a little longer. Just thinking about it painted an evil grin on her face.

“Need a refill?” Jeff said from the doorway.

Roni raised her empty coffee mug over her head from the porch step where she’d been watching dawn’s colorful arrival. “Thanks.”

“I can’t believe you can get up so damn early every day.” Jeff yawned at full volume. He took her mug and went back into the cabin. In a short time, he returned with hers and a full mug of his own. His hair pointed every-which-way, and his mustache, normally perfect, lay flat against his cheeks. Shadows circled his eyes, giving him a raccoon-like appearance.

“You’re looking a little haggard this morning.”

“I’m having a hard time sleeping the closer it gets to Beth having the baby. I’m a nervous wreck being away from her like this.” Jeff looked away from her but not before Roni caught the exhausted worry in his eyes.

“You’re just nesting. But I get it. I think about her all the time too.” Roni leaned her head against the post and closed her eyes. The sun had risen over the tree line, and its bright rays warmed the meadow and the front of the cabin. “Why don’t you take it easy today? Take a ride down to the hot springs and have a soak.”

Jeff looked at her suspiciously. “What’re you up to?”

Roni stared at him. “What? I can’t suggest you take care of yourself? You’re not going be much help to Beth if you’re sick or get hurt because you’re too damned tired to pay attention to what you’re doing.”

“I suppose you’re right. Maybe it would help me relax a little.” He swallowed the remainder of his coffee and got to his feet. “I’ll just pack a quick lunch and be on my way.”

“Take the rifle with you.” Roni followed him into the cabin. “That’s where I first saw the cat.”

“Right. I will.”

Roni washed the few dishes they’d dirtied while Jeff got ready. He came out of his bedroom bare-chested and wearing a pair of jeans.

She raised an eyebrow. “Half your blood will be drained out of you by the time you get there.”

“Nah. It’s still too early for the bugs to be out. Besides, the last snowstorm set them back awhile.”

“Don’t be surprised. I’ll have an IV set up to give you a transfusion when you get back.”

“Yeah, yeah, I’ll see you later.” Jeff pulled a freshly charged radio from its cradle and took the rifle from the wall. He grabbed his hat from the door peg and headed out.

Roni walked out behind him and sat back down on the porch. Puller moved from his place in the sunbeam where he’d been sleeping and climbed onto her lap. A slight breeze ruffled her hair and cooled her sun-warmed face. She considered how to spend her day, since she’d have the place to herself for a while. It was too nice of a day to stay inside cleaning, and she didn’t feel like reading. She looked across the meadow to the grazing horses. A flash of gold in the sky alerted her to an eagle circling above. Taking that as a sign, she realized what she wanted to spend part of the day doing. She set Puller on the floor and got up.

Jeff met her on his horse halfway to the pole barn. “What’re you up to?”

“Did you bring an extra lariat up with you?”

“Yep, it’s hanging on one of the packs.”

“I’m going to do some ground work with Sparky today.”

“Okay, have fun. I’ll be back later.” Jeff urged his horse forward.

“Be careful,” Roni called to his back. Jeff raised his hand in reply before cantering off through the meadow and finally disappearing into the evergreens.

Once she found the lariat, Roni walked back to the cabin and sat on the steps again. Within a matter of minutes, she’d fashioned a rope halter out of one end and coiled the remainder in her lap. Puller curled up on an old blanket and watched her with sleepy eyes. Roni pointed at him. “Don’t buy any encyclopedias while I’m gone.”

She strolled out among the horses and spoke to each one in a quiet voice. They raised their heads and watched her. The smell of horse was strong as she stood among them; the still warm air trapped the scent like a tent. Chenoa watched for Roni’s signal for him to come to her. He nickered and then resumed grazing. Sparky, on the other hand, watched her approach with guarded curiosity. Although he wore hobbles, which restricted his ability to run or walk too far, he fidgeted and swished his tail in irritation. He alternately pinned his ears and then pricked them in her direction. Roni stopped her advance. She heard muffled squeaking and was surprised to realize the horse was grinding his teeth.

Roni turned sideways to appear smaller and less threatening to him. Something was obviously stressing the horse. Was it possible that a past event in his life was causing all this anxiety? She sat down in the grass and watched him. He relaxed somewhat, but continued twitching his ears in annoyance. She remained on the ground, hesitant to make any move that would fuel his insecurity and fear.

Beads of sweat formed on her brow and ran into her eyes, and she cursed herself for not grabbing her hat before she came out. A steady stream ran down between her shoulder blades and from under her breasts. “I can’t believe how warm it’s gotten. The flies will be out pestering you guys in no time.” Roni knew Sparky recognized her voice, and she hoped hearing it would help him calm down some.

Knowing Jeff would be gone for a few more hours, Roni pulled the damp T-shirt over her head. She folded it into a makeshift pillow and lay back in the soft new grass. In her hurry to watch the morning sky emerge, she hadn’t bothered with a sports bra before donning her shirt. It was too hot anyway. The warm sun felt good on her exposed skin, and she closed her eyes, promising herself it would be for just a minute.

A horse’s surprised snort and the sudden rush of hooves woke Roni instantly. She sat up, blinked her eyes, and tried to focus. But all she saw were sunspots. She shook her head and blinked some more. She tried rubbing them away. Puller barked from the cabin.

“What’s going on with you guys? Goddammit, I can’t see.”

“Put your hands over your eyes for a few minutes,” a woman’s quiet voice said from behind her. “Your eyes need time to adjust.”

“What? Who the hell are you?” Confused, Roni blindly stood up. She wasn’t seeing anything but bright light. Despite blinking hard, she couldn’t get her eyes to focus on anything. Suddenly recalling she was naked from the waist up, she groped about for her shirt.

“Here you go.” A hand wrapped itself around Roni’s wrist, and she felt the fabric of her shirt draped over her arm. She yanked the shirt over her head and tried once again to look where the voice was coming from. “Stand still for a second. I’m going to cover your eyes. Keep them closed.”

Roni did as told. “You never answered me. Who are you?” She flinched as the woman wrapped something around her head that effectively blindfolded her.

“My name’s Selena Ayala, and if my navigational skills are up to par, which they usually are, you’re Veronica Oatman, also known as Roni.”

Selena’s hands were gentle and steady as she adjusted the blindfold. Roni relaxed under her touch.

“Let’s get you into the cabin so I can take a better look at your eyes. How long were you lying out here? You might have burnt your corneas.” Selena held Roni’s arm at the elbow and started to guide her.

“I can manage thanks.” Roni pulled her arm free. “I’ve walked this area a thousand times in the dark. I’m sure I can find my way.” She ignored Selena’s questions and walked toward the cabin. After several steps, she realized she didn’t hear Selena and her horse behind her. “Aren’t you coming?”

“It depends. Where are you going?”

“To the cabin.” Roni rolled her eyes behind the blindfold. Realizing the futile gesture, she crossed her arms over her chest.

“Well, perhaps you’d like to change direction.”

“What are you talking about?” Roni barely waited for Selena’s answer before walking off.

“You’re going the wrong way.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Roni said over her shoulder. “I know where I’m—” She suddenly stumbled, lost her balance, and went down in a heap. “Son of a—” She got to her feet, albeit a bit unsteadily, put her hands on her hips. “All right. I give. You can help me.”

It was bad enough she couldn’t see Selena and she’d already made a fool of herself; she felt like shit too. She had some dehydration issues, given the dizziness, but she wasn’t going to let Selena know. She’d just drink some water when she got inside.

Feet and hooves moved through the grass toward her. Selena again took her by the elbow and guided her in the opposite direction of where she’d been going.

“You never answered me. How long were you out there?”

“I don’t know. A little while I guess.”

“I’m not going to lecture you, but you do know the ozone layer is thinner up here and that increases the chances of sun damage.”

“I’d hate to hear one of your real lectures.” Roni staggered, but Selena’s strong, steady grip kept her from hitting the dirt again. She hated feeling this helpless.

“Sorry. I have a photographic memory and sometimes stuff just spills out of my mouth.”

The nearness of Puller’s excited bark told Roni they were close to the cabin. “If you put me by the steps, I can find my way inside. There’s a pole barn through the woods over there.” She pointed with confidence, now sure of her bearings. “Just follow the trail. You’ll see where to hang your saddle and stuff. If my dad loaned you the horse, it’ll wear hobbles. You can put him in the meadow with the others.”

Selena lifted Roni’s hand and placed it on the railing before Roni could object. “Okay. I’ll be right back. Don’t uncover your eyes.”

Roni made her way up the steps and through the door without mishap to herself, but she did accidentally step on Puller’s foot and he yelped.

“Sorry, buddy.”

Once in, she felt her way along the wall to the sink and had downed three glasses of water before she heard boots on the porch. Selena rapped twice on the door and came in.

“I hope you don’t mind me just coming in.”

Roni chuckled. “You’ve already seen me half-naked, what more do I have to hide?”

“Sorry about that. I didn’t see you until I’d ridden up closer. Anyway, can we go to a darker room so I can check your eyes?”

“Sure. My bedroom will work.” She walked to her room, thinking she may not be as sure-footed in the middle of the meadow, but she’d been traipsing through this cabin since she was a toddler. Once in, she sat on her bed and waited. “If you want, just pull the shade across the window.” She heard rustling and assumed that’s what Selena did.

“I’m going to uncover your eyes, but I want you to keep them closed until I tell you to open them, okay?”

Roni nodded and a second later she sensed Selena standing in front of her. The confinement of her room brought the musky scent of patchouli and horse to her nose. Who the hell wears perfume in the woods?

Selena removed the blindfold. “Don’t open them.”

Roni heard more rustling in front of her, and the small movement of air on her face indicated that Selena was moving around. Lifting her chin, she inhaled more of Selena’s perfume.

“You smell patchouli. Did you know that the ancient Chinese used patchouli oil as an insect repellent? They also used it as an herbal remedy, and it became popular as a perfume scent.” Selena stood in front of her once again. “I’m going to touch your face, so just relax.”

Roni didn’t resist as Selena’s warm hand lifted her chin. The patchouli scent was stronger, and she was sure Selena had used it on her wrists. The longer it remained in her senses, the more relaxed she got. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

“Open your eyes a little at a time. If you feel any pain, let me know.”

Anticipating discomfort, Roni squinted as she opened first one eye then the other. She still couldn’t focus, and everything was patchy gray and black. Her heart rate increased as her panic grew. “Am I blind?”

“No. Hold on, I’m going to check the dilation of your pupils. Tell me if you can make out any light, no matter how small.”

Roni felt Selena’s hand on her chin again. She desperately searched for light. There! She saw something. Or did she? “I think I see something.”

“Your corneas aren’t damaged, but your eyes are still reacting to the long exposure to the bright sun. Your pupils are very small and slow to respond to light changes. You’ll get better. I saw a lot of this when I lived in Greenland. It’s similar to snow blindness.”

Relief washed over Roni, and she breathed easier. “I was stupid not to have my sunglasses and hat on.”

“That may have helped a little, but you still might have been affected.”

Roni heard rustling again and the telltale ripping of tape. “What are you doing?”

“I’m making some temporary eye patches for you.”

“Patches? I don’t need—”

“Listen. It’s important you don’t put any more strain on your eyes by trying to make them focus. Let them take care of themselves. You’ll have to wear the patches for a day or two, and you have to stay inside.”

“A day? Or two? Are you crazy?” There was no way Roni could put up with an incapacitation like that, let alone not be able to go outside. “I can’t—”

“You will if you want to avoid permanent damage. As a SAR, you know how important good eyesight is. I’ve got some antibiotic drops for you too.”

Roni’s shoulders slumped in defeat. How could she have been so stupid? She knew better than to do something so senseless. She frowned and sat silent while Selena put the drops in and applied the cotton eye coverings. Roni’s hands ached from the fists she’d made in her lap.

“You’re not going to hit me are you?”

“What?”

“Your fists are clenched so tight there’s no color in your hands.”

Selena pried Roni’s hands flat. A stronger waft of warm perfume entered her senses. Selena was very close.

Roni felt calluses on Selena’s hands as they moved over hers.

“Excess adrenaline causes frequent eye movement. You need to relax.”

Roni snorted, but found she was calming down. “Is there anything you don’t know? You’re a walking encyclopedia.”

Selena chuckled softly. “I don’t know what I don’t know, so I don’t know.”

“This is weird. I don’t even know what you look like.”

“You’ll see me in a short time if you rest your eyes.”

“Touché.”

“You’ll probably get tired of seeing my ugly mug anyway, so count yourself lucky you have a reprieve for a while. Okay then.” Roni heard Selena slap her thighs. “Is there anything you want me to do? I can cook some.”

“Hmmm, this might not be too bad after all. No chores for a couple of days.”

Roni liked Selena’s throaty chuckle. “By the way, isn’t your brother up here with you?”

“He is. He took off on a ride this morning. He should be back any time.” As if on cue, Puller ran out of the room at the same time Roni heard Jeff’s heavy boot steps come through the door. “Speak of the devil.” She stood up from her bed. “Come on, I’ll introduce you.” She started to head out and ran face-first into the closed door. “Damn it.” She heard Selena’s already familiar laugh behind her.

“Sorry. I wanted to make the room as dark as I could.”

Roni sighed. “Please don’t close any doors without telling me.”

“I promise.”

“And one more thing. Don’t let Jeff move anything around while I can’t see.”

“He would do that?”

Roni nodded. “He’s evil.”

“No problem,” Selena said through a giggle.

Roni grasped the edge of the door and swung it open.

“I thought I heard voices,” Jeff said. “Already playing games with the new girl, eh Veronica?” His tone changed. “What the hell’s wrong with your eyes?”

“Told you he was evil,” Roni ignored that he’d called her by her given name. “Jeff, this is Selena, Selena, Jeff, and, smartass, we weren’t playing games. I had a bit of an accident outside. Selena was helping me.”

“Accident?” Jeff’s voice turned serious. “Are you okay? What happened?”

“Roni has a condition best known as temporary sun blindness,” Selena said. “She’ll be fine in a couple of days.”

“You’re sure?”

Selena’s nearness gave Roni more confidence. “Yes, she’s sure. Now how about making us dinner?”

“Okay, I can do that.”

Roni heard Selena walk past and into the kitchen, and she felt her way to one of the chairs there. Jeff started humming “Blinded by the Light,” as he clunked about the kitchen getting things together. Roni didn’t give him any satisfaction by making a comment.

“Can I do anything to help?” Selena said.

“Roni probably hasn’t told you where you’re bunking, has she?”

Selena must have shaken her head.

“You’ll be in the first little cabin on the way to the barn. Why don’t you go get yourself settled first, and I’ll yell when dinner’s ready.”

“Sounds good.”

Roni heard her go out the door.

“She’s nicer than I thought she’d be,” she said, when Selena’s steps faded.

“She seems to be. She’s not hard on the eyes either.”

“She’s not?” That piqued Roni’s interest. She tried to imagine the face that went with Selena’s soft, but somewhat husky voice.

“Oh, that’s right. You haven’t seen her yet, have you? What the hell happened to you, anyway?”

While Jeff moved about the kitchen, Roni relayed the events of her day. She conveniently left out the Selena-catching-her-without-her-shirt-on part. For a reason she couldn’t yet put her finger on, she felt she had an ally in Selena. Perhaps it stemmed from gratefulness or Selena’s gentle touch when she tended to her eyes.

“Did you see any sign of the cat on your travels?” Roni drew her legs up next to her.

“I saw a couple of old tracks in the mud by the elk rub, but no scat or carcasses.”

“Huh. I guess it’s possible it’s a transient male, but I’d like to know where it is just to be safe.” Roni leaned her head back and took a deep breath. Selena’s confidence that her eyes would get better allowed her to relax despite the constant urge to pull the bandages off.

“Me too. I might take another ride out tomorrow and do some scouting.”

Roni dozed as the kitchen warmed up from the fire Jeff made in the cookstove. Soon the tantalizing smell of home fries and sausage filled the room. The sound of the cabin door opening and closing alerted her to Selena’s return. She was too comfortable to move.

“Is she sleeping?” Roni heard Selena ask.

“She hasn’t started to snore yet, but that’d be my guess.”

“You shouldn’t be so hard on her. Losing your sight is pretty scary, especially for someone who relies on it to do her job.”

The scrape of a chair indicated to Roni that Selena had probably sat down at the table.

Roni could’ve hugged her right there and then. Selena had rendered Jeff speechless. Good for her.

“Did you get all settled in?” Jeff asked after several minutes.

“It took me awhile to herd the mice out. We had a minor standoff at the door, but they eventually surrendered and let me move in. It’s a quaint little thing for a wilderness cabin.”

While Jeff ranted on about the history of the property, Roni mused to herself. Selena had a good sense of humor and seemingly could hold her own against Jeff. Having her here for the season might not be bad after all. Now if only Beth were here too. That thought sent new threads of pining through her, and she missed Beth all the more. Between that and having to deal with the injury to her eyes, she felt compelled to drown herself in an entire bottle of whiskey.

Roni heard Selena ask about Jeff’s scarecrow, and she came fully alert. That’s all she needed was for her brother to tell Selena about what he knew. With sudden dread, Roni realized Selena had been close enough to see the hickey. She felt the heat of a blush rise up her neck.

“Jeff’s wife, Beth, couldn’t make it up here this year.” Roni sat up. Crap, she couldn’t even give Jeff a warning look. “So he made Agatha-Trixie while I was out on a rescue.”

Jeff must have sensed he was close to overstepping his boundaries because he said no more.

Selena’s laughter filled the cabin. “I must say this is going to be an interesting assignment, for sure.”