Letting
GoLetting
Go
by Karen
Disclaimer: The characters of “The Young Riders” were created for television by Ed Spielman. The series aired on ABC TELEVISION from 1989 - 1992. This story takes place during the portions of the episode “Survivors” that followed Buck, and continues on from where that episode stopped. I would like to thank Sameena for all her help with this story. I couldn’t have done this without her.
Chapter One
Buck pulled his horse up short. He leaned forward and gently patted her neck, “Easy girl,” he said. The mare moved nervously. Buck continued to talk to her in a soothing voice. “I know,” he said, “I feel it too. There’s something wrong ahead.”
As his mare calmed down, Buck eased his pistol from its holster. He gently urged his mount forward into the trees ahead. As he entered a clearing, he passed the first body. He noticed the second one closer to the wagon. Buck slowly dismounted, dropped the reins; his horse started to graze on the lush grass.
Buck stepped past the dead draft animal, and made his way toward the man he’d noticed as he rode in. As he knelt to check for any sign of life, Buck let his eyes drop towards the man on the ground.
“Don’t you touch him!"
Buck looked up to face a woman with a shotgun leveled at his chest.
“I don’t want to hurt you,” Buck said making sure his own weapon was not in a threatening position.
“Just step away from him, and throw that gun over here,” came the reply.
Buck gently tossed his pistol towards the woman, never taking his eyes off her face. “My name’s Buck Cross. I ride for the pony express. Let me help you,” he said.
“Oh, you’re going to help me alright. You’re going to give them a decent burial. Now, throw that knife over here, too.”
Buck eased his knife out of its sheath and tossed it next to his gun. He watched as the lady stepped from beside the wagon and moved to collect the weapons.
He waited for her to tell him what to do. He didn’t want to frighten her and have her shoot him. He decided he needed to win her trust so he could get her to Rock Creek and under the doctor’s care.
Buck tried to get her to tell him what happened, but she wouldn’t say anything. She never took her eyes off him and always kept his gun pointed at his chest.
He buried the two men and stood by a few feet away while she said her good-byes. He didn’t know who they were, but he could feel her pain at having lost someone close. Maybe that was why he told her about Ike.
“Ma’am, you need to rest,” Buck said.
“I’ll rest when we’re in Rock Creek,” she answered.
“I’m going to go get some water so we can fix something to eat,” Buck said as he turned towards the wagon and its supplies.
“No, you’re going to fix my wagon so I can go on to Rock Creek,” she replied. “Now move.”
Buck continued towards the wagon. He looked it over and found what he needed to repair the broken wheel. He began to work, all the time trying to convince this woman that he meant her no harm. As he prepared to put the wheel back on the wagon, he tried once again, “Why don’t you sit and rest? This is going to take a while.”
“I already told you, I’ll rest when we get to Rock Creek,” she said
“You haven’t slept in two days. That can’t be good for your baby,” Buck continued.
“We’ll both be fine. Just keep working.”
Buck moved to go back to work when he noticed movement at the tree line. As the first shot rang out, he grabbed the shotgun and gently pushed the lady back against the wagon.
“It’s out of ammunition,” she said defeatedly.
“What?” asked Buck.
“I ran out. Your’s is all we’ve got,” she said handing his gun to him.
Buck took the offered gun, “Get in the wagon,” he said as he helped her to the front. As she climbed into the wagon bed, Buck dropped down in the tall grass and hid.
The three men rode up and found the woman. “Where’s your man?” asked the leader.
“There’s only me,” she answered.
“We saw him,” the leader said. He turned to one of his men, “Look around.” The man rode his horse around the wagon. Buck pushed himself closer to the ground and willed the man to miss him.
“Maybe he’s in here,” suggested a second man, pointing to a closed trunk.
“What about it lady? He hiding in there?” asked the leader.
“There’s no one else here . . . .”
“Shoot it,” ordered the leader.
“No! There’s nothing in there but some sheets and dishes,” the woman cried.
The three
men emptied their guns into the trunk. As one of them flipped open the lid,
Buck moved into position.
“There’s nothing in here. . . . “
Buck jumped up pushing the trunk closed and fired. He took down two of the men before the third managed to wound him while fleeing. Buck tried to continue shooting, but the pain and fatigue were too much. As he fell to his knees, the lady was there. She hugged him and began to cry. He hugged her back and comforted her, “It’s over now,” he said. “It’s all over.”
Later that evening they sat by the edge of the clearing. The lady had fixed Buck’s arm and explained that her husband and brother had been killed by a similar band of outlaws shortly after they had been abandoned by the wagon train they were traveling with. The others hadn’t wanted to wait for them to fix the wagon wheel because they were so close to Indian land. They were also upset with her husband for traveling at a slower pace due to her condition.
“No wonder you didn’t trust me,” Buck said.
“I should have been able to tell,” the lady said. “I should have been able to tell.”
Buck smiled. “You know something?”
“What?”
“You’ve never told me your name. I know much about you, but I haven’t any idea what to call you.”
She smiled back at him. “I haven’t been using my best manners today. I’m sorry. I’m Rebecca, Rebecca Granger.”
“Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Rebecca Granger,” said Buck.
“And I’m pleased to meet you, Mr. Cross,” she replied.
“Buck, please,” said Buck.
“Only if you promise to call me Rebecca,” she said.
“Fine. So, you were moving to Rock Creek?” Buck asked.
Rebecca nodded. “Thomas, that’s my husband, and Andrew, my brother, were going to try their hands at ranching. Thomas had located a place for sale. We were going there to buy it and begin our new lives out west.”
“It sounds like you loved him very much,” Buck said.
“Thomas and I always knew we’d get married. We’d been friends since we were little. It had gotten to where we knew what the other was thinking. We didn’t have to speak,” Rebecca said.
Buck nodded, “It was like that with me and Ike. He’d look at me and I’d hear the words.”
“He’s the one that was shot?”
Buck nodded again. He fingered the neckerchief he was currently using for a sling. “This was his. Even though he’s gone, he’s still looking out for me.”
“What happened?”
“He met a girl, Emily. Normally Ike was shy around girls, but with Emily it was different. They fell in love. Her father was killed, and she went after the man responsible. Ike got in the middle of it.”
“Oh,” said Rebecca.
“He didn’t have to die that way,” said Buck.
“Oh, but he did. If he really loved her, he couldn’t do anything else,” Rebecca corrected him.
Buck turned to face her. She turned to meet his gaze then doubled up in pain.
“What is it?” Buck asked.
Rebecca straightened. “How much do you know about birthing babies?” she replied.
Buck stood. “Not much, but we’ll do fine.” He helped her into the wagon and made her as comfortable as possible. He got some water and bathed her face and neck. Buck talked gently to her. When the time came, he encouraged her to push and shortly presented her with her son.
The next morning they stopped by Ike’s funeral site. As they admired the view, Buck told Rebecca that this was where they’d brought Ike.
“It’s beautiful. A lovely resting place,” she said.
“Death doesn’t bring rest,” Buck said. “It sets the soul free. Ike should be flying high by now.”
“You know, Buck, Thomas here needs a middle name,” Rebecca said. “I was thinking of naming him after you. After all, you did bring him into the world. Do you mind?”
“I’d be honored,” Buck replied. “But I’d be even more honored if you named him Ike.”
Rebecca smiled, “Thomas Ike Granger,” she said. “I think that suits him just fine.”
“Thank you,” said Buck as he turned towards the wagon. He assisted Rebecca back onto the wagon seat and they headed into town. Buck couldn’t shake the feeling that he was missing something important. Something that he needed to do, to understand. Something that could help him move one and put his grief behind him as Teaspoon had told him. There was a key here if he could just find it.
As they neared Rock Creek, Buck had an overwhelming desire to stop by the Metcalf place and check on Emily. He turned to Rebecca, “Do you mind if we make a quick stop before we go into town and try to locate your place?”
“That would be fine,” answered Rebecca from the back of the wagon. “I think my legs could do with a stretch.”
Buck nodded and turned the wagon towards Emily’s place.
The sound of the wagon startled Emily as she tended the stock. She hoped it wasn’t more people from town come to offer their condolences. That always turned into some man trying to convince her that she needed to sell the place and return to her family.
She glanced up. This wasn’t someone from town by the looks of things. Probably someone who’d lost their way and had meant to go into town. The longer she watched the more familiar the driver became.
“This is all I need,” she said to herself when she recognized Buck. “I wonder what’s going on.”
She stepped out of the stock pens and moved towards the house. As the wagon came to a stop, she raised her hand to wave a greeting, “Morning, Buck. What can I do for you?” she asked with just a hint of concern.
Buck secured the reins to the wagon brake and answered, “I just wanted to see if you were alright and to apologize for making you feel guilty about Ike.”
“Something happen to make you change you mind about it all being my fault?” she asked.
“Not something,” Buck replied. “Someone.” He dismounted the wagon and went to the back to help Rebecca down.
“Emily Metcalf, I’d like to introduce Rebecca and Thomas Ike Granger. Rebecca helped me see the error of my reasoning. I wanted to let you know and see if everything was alright.”
Rebecca smiled at Emily. She liked her immediately and could understand how a young man could easily fall in love with her. “Pleased to meet you, Miss Metcalf,” she said.
“Emily, please,” came the reply. “It’s nice to meet you too. I don’t have much in the way of refreshments, but I’d be happy to share the little I have. Please, come in.”
“Thank you, Emily,” said Rebecca. She turned to Buck. “Do you mind?”
Buck shook his head, “No, Ma’am. I think the break from the wagon will do you and Thomas Ike good.”
Buck turned to Emily, “I need to get back to the station. I’m a couple of days late already. Could I borrow your horse? I’ll bring it back as soon as I get cleaned up, and find Doc.”
Emily nodded. She noticed Buck’s bandaged arm. “You need any help?” she asked pointing to it.
Buck shook his head, “No. Just take good care of Rebecca and Thomas Ike,” he said as he headed towards the barn.
He quickly saddled Emily’s mare, gathered the mail pouch and was one his way. For the first time since Ike’s death he felt like things might be all right. He knew they would be if he could just figure out what he was missing from before. If he could only understand what he needed to do.
Buck was brought back to reality and out of his thoughts when he heard Kid yell, “Rider coming! Looks like it’s Buck!”
The others all ran out to meet him. Noah met the horse and held it while Buck dismounted. “I’ll get ready to go,” Noah said taking the monchila and heading to the barn leading Buck’s mount.
“Ride safe, Noah,” said Cody before turning to Buck and asking, “What happened to you?”
“Saved a damsel in distress,” said Buck. “Where’s Teaspoon?”
The other riders just stared at him waiting for more information. Finally Lou said, “In town with Rachael and Jimmy getting supplies. You need me to go get him or Doc?”
Buck shook his head. “I want to clean up first and then I need to go get Doc and get him out to Emily’s place. That’s where I left Rebecca and her baby. Doc really should check them out.”
“Left who?” asked Cody.
“My damsel in distress,” said Buck as he headed towards the bunkhouse and a change of clothes.
“Sounds like you had almost as much excitement as we did,” said Cody after Buck had explained how he came to leave a wagon with a woman and her newborn son at Emily’s place.
“You’ll have to fill me in on what happened here when I get back,” Buck said. “I really need to get Doc out to Emily’s. I promised her I wouldn’t be gone too long.”
“How is she?” asked Lou.
“Seemed fine,” answered Buck as he left.
A few minutes later, Buck and Emily sat on her front porch while the doctor checked Rebecca and Thomas Ike over. “She’s a really nice lady,” said Emily. “Thanks for bringing her here. I didn’t realize how much I've missed having someone to talk to.”
“You’re welcome,” said Buck. He sighed. He’d promised Ike he’d look after her, and all he’d done so far was make her feel bad. He’d have to do better from here on.
“I’m really sorry for being so mean. It just hurt so much,” Buck tried to explain.
Emily looked at him and saw her own pain mirrored on his face. “I know,” she interrupted. “It hurt too much to see you, too. It hurt too much to see any of you.”
“Rebecca helped me realize Ike had to do what he did. He couldn’t not do it and still be Ike,” Buck continued.
Emily nodded, “Still, if I hadn’t been so set on revenge, so angry. . . “
“Then you wouldn’t be you,” said Buck, “And Ike probably wouldn’t have noticed you. It was that spark that caught his attention in the first place.”
After a few minutes of sitting in silence, Buck smiled. He knew what it was he needed to do. It was so obvious he wondered why he hadn’t realized it sooner. He turned to face Emily, “I have another favor to ask you. I really probably should talk this over with Rebecca first, but . . .”
“Discuss what with Rebecca first?” asked Rebecca as she and the doctor came out onto the front porch.
Buck stood as they came out of the house.
“Everyone’s fine,” said the doctor. “You did a good job, Buck. They’re both going to be alright with a little rest.”
“Thanks, Doc,” said Buck.
“Are you planning on staying here a few days, Mrs. Granger?” Doc asked. “I could come out and check up on young Thomas in a day or two it you’d like.”
Rebecca looked at Buck and Emily. “I’m not sure where I’m staying, Doctor. I’ll have Buck let you know as soon as I can so you can come check up on us. Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it,” said the doctor as he climbed into his buggy and left.
“Now,” said Rebecca, “What did you need to discuss with me?”
“Where you’re going to stay,” replied Buck. “I checked on the place you were planning to buy. Seems someone else from your wagon train bought it. The old owner told me that he’d heard you were all dead.”
“Oh,” said Rebecca as she sank to the porch next to Emily.
“Why don’t you stay here?” asked Emily.
“I couldn’t impose on you like that,” said Rebecca.
“Really, I’d love the company. There’s plenty of room, more than enough work, and,” she glanced at Buck, “the neighbors are helpful and friendly.”
“Well,” began Rebecca.
Buck sat next to her and took her hands in his, “Give it a try. If you don't like it, I’ll help you find a place, or I’ll help you go back east. I’ll help as much as I can here until you two have the farm up and running. I’m sure the other riders will help too.”
Emily looked at Rebecca, “Please,” she said. “I’m tired of being alone.”
Rebecca smiled. “Alright,” she agreed. “We’ll stay for a while.” She stood and went back inside the house to check on Thomas.
Emily looked at Buck, “Was that your favor? Getting her to stay here with me?”
Buck nodded. “Part of it. I wanted to help her get settled in somewhere nearby so Rachael and the others could keep an eye on her and help out as she needed. I figured if she was here, you would feel better about leaving for a few weeks. You’d know the place was being cared for.”
“Where am I going?” asked Emily.
“That’s
the other part of the favor,” explained Buck. “I need you to help me keep a
promise I made to Ike. I want you to go to
“If he were still alive, I know Ike would want you to meet Emma. She was special to him - to us all really - but especially to Ike. I can’t explain it.”
Emily looked at Buck. “She’s the lady who was with you before Rachael, right?”
Buck nodded.
“Ike told me about her. He said she reminded him of his mother, but at the same time she was very different from his mother. He said she was special, and that he still missed her. I’d be happy to go with you. When did you want to leave?”
“Rachael!” called Buck as he stormed into the main house, “Where’d you put Ike’s things?”
Rachael glanced at Teaspoon who was finishing a cup of coffee before heading into town.
“Might as well tell him,” said Teaspoon, “or he’ll tear the place apart looking.”
Rachael sighed and stood to go face Buck. “Calm down,” she said. “I’ll get it for you, but only if you settle down.”
Buck stopped his pacing. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I just need to find something.”
“Fine,” said Rachael. “I’ll go get them. You sit down and visit with Teaspoon.”
Buck nodded and sat at the table.
“Good,” said Teaspoon. “Now you have time to fill me in on the events of your last run. How it is you came in two days late with a family in tow.”
“Not much to tell,” said Buck. “Outlaws attacked their wagon and killed her husband and brother. I happened along soon after they left and stayed to be sure she got to town safely.”
Teaspoon nodded. “Alright. So, why the sudden interest in Ike’s belongings? They’ve been put away for a while now.”
Buck looked at Teaspoon. He saw the concern in the other man’s eyes and smiled slightly. “I’m trying to do what you told me to do,” Buck said. “Remember? You told me I had to let go of my grief and move on.”
Teaspoon nodded.
“Rebecca, that’s the woman I brought into town, helped me realize that Ike couldn’t have done anything differently. Once I stopped thinking about how much I miss him, I realized that there was something important I needed to take care of,” Buck continued.
Teaspoon
waited patiently, allowing Buck to compose his thoughts before he continued.
Buck took a deep breath, “I need to tell Emma what happened, and I need to introduce
Emily to her. I was hoping to take a couple of weeks off and take Emily to
Teaspoon thought for a while before answering. He was glad now that he’d never gotten around to notifying Emma himself, “That sounds like a good idea, but what does it have to do with Ike’s belongings?”
“I remembered that shortly after Emma and Sam moved, Ike showed me a box he’d made. He told me that he wanted to give it to Emma. It was supposed to be a wedding present, but he hadn’t gotten it finished in time. I wanted to see if he still had it. I figured as long as I was going,” Buck let the sentence trail off as he shrugged his shoulders.
Teaspoon nodded, “When you plan on leaving?”
“Leaving?” asked Rachael with concern as she returned dragging Ike’s trunk.
Buck stood and went to help Rachael. “No, Ma’am,” he said. “Just planning on taking a short trip.” As he took the trunk from Rachael he said to Teaspoon,”I’d like to leave as soon as possible. I just need to make sure Rebecca and her son will be alright while we’re gone.”
“They’ll be fine,” said Teaspoon. “You just find what you need and I’ll take care of making sure Miss Rebecca is looked after.”
“Thank you,” said Buck. He opened Ike’s trunk and carefully moved items around until he found a small wooden box. He took it and set it on the table before closing the trunk. “Where do you want me to put this?” he asked Rachael.
“I'll get it,” said Rachael. “You go get ready for your trip.”
“Thank you,” said Buck.
“You’re welcome,” said Rachael. “I’m just glad to know you’re coming back to us.”
Buck managed a weak smile,” Me too,” he said as he picked up the box and left the house.
“Are you sure you don’t mind?” asked Emily as Buck loaded her trunk onto the buckboard.
“For the last time, I’m sure,” smiled Rebecca. “You have everything running so well. It would be a shame to have all your hard work go to waste because you had to leave. Miss Dunne has promised that someone will stop by to help everyday. We’ll be fine. Go, enjoy yourself.”
Emily hugged Rebecca, “You’re a godsend.”
Rebecca hugged Emily back. “So are you. I’m just glad to be of assistance.”
Emily turned to Buck. “I’m ready.”
Buck nodded and helped Emily onto the buckboard. He then faced Rebecca, “Thank you,” he said.
Rebecca reached out and gently hugged him. “You’re welcome. Be careful and don’t worry. We’ll be fine.”
Buck nodded and joined Emily on the buckboard. He picked up the reins and they headed to town. In town, they left the buckboard at Teaspoon’s office and boarded the stage.
Emily sat facing Buck. She twisted her skirt in her hands. Buck smiled at her, “It will be alright. Emma’s gonna like you just fine.”
“What if she hates me because I got Ike killed? What if she thinks I'm not good enough because . . . .” Emily let the question die as she placed her hands on her belly.
“She won’t. She’ll understand. You need to relax, or this is going to be a long two days,” Buck replied.
“Tell me about her,” Emily said. “Maybe that will help.”
Buck spent the next few hours telling Emily about Emma and what she had meant to the riders. He told how she had mothered them and helped them become the family they were, how she had seen what was best in each of them and worked to strengthen that as well as rid them of their weaknesses.
As they pulled into the stop over town, Emily was feeling much better about meeting Emma. They gathered their belongings and headed towards the hotel. When they reached the hotel, Buck went to see about getting their rooms. He was a little worried that the hotel may refuse him service. He spoke to the man at the desk then returned to Emily.
“They only have one room,” he said. “I’ll help you get your belongings up there then I’ll go see if I can bunk in the stables.”
“That’s silly,” said Emily. “We can share a room. One of us will just have to sleep on the floor.” She glanced around the lobby. “Besides, I’d feel much safer having you here with me.”
Buck surveyed the room as he picked up Emily’s trunk. He noticed that one or two of the men were sending hostile looks their way. “Alright,” he said. “Let’s go put our things away, and then get something to eat. We have an early start in the morning and I’d really like to get some sleep.”
“Fine,” said Emily picking up the smaller bags. “Lead me to our room.”
Buck led her up the stairs to their room. They quickly put their things inside, and freshened up. Then they went to find some supper. As they walked out of the hotel, one of the men sitting in the lobby said, “I always hate seeing a respectable white woman giving herself away to an injun. Makes me wonder if she’s really so respectable. What about it, Honey? I pay you enough; will you come be my woman?”
Buck started to respond, but Emily put her hand on his arm and kept him moving. As she passed the man who had spoken she said, “If you were half the man he is, I still wouldn’t have anything to do with you,” and walked out into the night.
“We may have trouble with him,” said Buck. “I can still go to the stables if you think it would be better.”
Emily smiled, “I think he’ll be too scared to try something again. He just wanted to get you to start some trouble.”
“You sound sure of yourself,” said Buck as they crossed the street.
“I am,” replied Emily. “I’ve seen his kind lots of times with Pa. Lots of talk, never any action unless someone else starts it. Just don’t let him get you mad.”
Buck nodded and opened the door to the local diner. They enjoyed a quiet meal and returned to the hotel. When they entered the hotel, the man who had been bothering them was gone. They were headed up the stairs when the manager called, “Mr. Cross.”
Buck turned, “Yes?”
“The man who was talking with you earlier left you a message.”
Buck crossed to the desk and the manager handed him a slip of paper. Buck opened it and read. His jaws clenched and his eyes became angry. He glanced around the room as he crumpled the note and let it drop to the ground. His breath quickened and he quickly returned to Emily’s side.
“What’s wrong? What did it say?” Emily asked as Buck hurried her up the stairs.
“Nothing important,” Buck said. “Let’s just say I’ll be glad to leave here in the morning, and morning can’t get here soon enough.”
The next day dawned clear and beautiful. The air was crisp with the beginning of fall. The sun was painting the sky many shades of orange as it greeted the day. Buck rose early and welcomed the sun. He quietly put away his things and got ready to leave. He let Emily sleep as late as possible and then woke her. “Emily, we need to be going. I’m going to start taking things down so you can get changed.”
“I’d rather you didn’t leave me alone,” Emily said. “Just turn around.”
Buck nodded
and went to look out the window. The town was beginning to awaken. People were
starting to move around. Today they would reach
“Ready,” said Emily. “Let’s go get some breakfast and be on our way.”
Buck slowly turned to face her, “What?”
“I’m ready,” repeated Emily. “Are you alright?”
“I’m fine,” Buck replied as he went to gather their bags. “Just thinking.”
“You worried about what you’re going to tell her?” Emily asked.
Buck nodded. “That’s part of it. I think I’ll feel a lot better once we’re gone from here.”
They started down the stairs, “You still worried about the men from last night?” Emily asked.
“A little,” Buck replied. They headed towards the stagecoach stop. They left their bags and went to the diner to get breakfast.
They ate in silence. Buck kept looking around the room as if he was expecting trouble. As soon as they finished they returned to the stage stop to await the driver. He arrived shortly and they were one their way. The longer they were on the road the more Buck relaxed. After a few hours, he stopped checking the path behind them.
“What did that note say? And don’t tell me it was nothing. You’ve been so nervous that I get scared just watching you,” Emily said.
Buck looked at her and smiled. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you. It said something about me being sorry and having to pay for defiling you. I guess you were right after all.”
“Right about what?” Emily asked.
“You told me last night he was all talk. I should have trusted your instincts,” Buck replied.
“Why? It’s not like we really know each other,” Emily said.
“Ike trusted you,” said Buck. “That should have been enough for me. I’ve been having trouble doing what I should lately. I’m sorry.”
Emily smiled. “It’s not like I expected you to be over everyday. In fact, I could have made more of an effort to keep in touch with everyone. It was just easier not to.”
Buck nodded. “I know. I missed him so much and seeing everyone else being able to accept his death just made it that much worse. I was angry at Ike for leaving, and mad at the others for not missing him. I was upset with myself because I let him down. I . . .”
“Didn’t know how I was going to get through the day, and wished there was some way to not have to,” finished Emily.
“Exactly,” said Buck. “And I hurt too much to realize you might be feeling the same way. So, I’m sorry.”
“I’m just glad you decided to bring Rebecca to stay with me. She has been such a joy to have around,” Emily said.
“You’ve been good for her too,” Buck said. “She told me she really enjoys being with you and hopes she can stay.”
All of
a sudden the stage jerked to a stop. They heard voices, but couldn’t make out
the words. Then the driver said, “I’m not carrying anything of value. Just a
young couple headed to
There was the other voice again, a shot, and then the door was pulled open. “Thought I’d forgotten about you, didn’t you, Injun?” the man asked as he pulled Buck from the stage. His partners grabbed Buck and tied his hands before he had a chance to do anything. Emily could smell the whiskey on the man’s breath even though she had scooted to the far side of the stage. “Don’t worry none, Honey,” the man said. “We’ll take care of you as soon as we finish teaching your man here some manners.” With that he closed the door and the three men rode off with Buck running along behind their horses.
There were a few minutes of silence then the driver opened the door. “Miss, you alright?”
Emily nodded. “Are you? Can you go after them?” she asked.
The driver shook his head. “The stage can’t make it over that ground, but I’m fit enough to get us into town. Then I’ll bring the marshal out and show him where they were headed. You ready for a rough ride?”
“Don’t worry about me, just get us to town. We need to get help before they kill him,” said Emily.
“I don’t think they’ll kill him,” said the driver. “He’ll probably wish they would, but I think they plan to just hurt him."
“Just drive,” said Emily. “Either way he needs help, and he needs it fast.”
The stage pulled into the station and the driver collapsed to the ground as he tried to open the door to let Emily off. The stationmaster ran out of his office, “Someone get Doc and the marshal!” he yelled.
He knelt by the driver, “Take it easy, Homer, you’ll be alright.”
The driver struggled to sit up, “There’s a passenger,” he managed to gasp before he passed out.
The doctor arrived and tended to the driver. The stationmaster opened the stage door, “Are you alright, Miss?” he asked.
“I’m fine,” said Emily, “But my friend was taken off the stage by three drunken men who want to hurt him. I need someone to help me find him. Where’s the marshal’s office.”
“No need to go there,” said the stationmaster. “The marshal’s on his way here. Why don’t you get on out and have a seat in my office?”
“Thank you,” said Emily. “Is the driver going to be alright?”
“Doc’s tending to him as we speak. I’ll let you know as soon as I hear anything.”
“I’d appreciate that. Could you be so kind as to get me my trunk? I need to get ready to ride.”
“That won’t be necessary, Miss,” said the marshal as he joined the growing crowd. “Let’s go inside and you can tell me what happened.”
They made their way into the stationmaster’s office.
“Jake, get rid of all these people. Move them on their way. There’s nothing to see here,” said the marshal. Once inside, he found a chair for Emily. “Now, Miss. . .”
“Metcalf,” said Emily. “Emily Metcalf.”
“Miss Metcalf,” said the marshal. “Tell me what happened.”
Emily sighed.
“We were traveling to
“You sure it was the same man?” asked the marshal.
“Yes, sir,” Emily replied. “He let us know by what he said. I figure that they thought the driver was dead so I didn’t have anywhere to go. He mentioned coming back for me.”
“Do you have any idea where you were when they attacked?”
“No, Sir, but the driver does,” said Emily.
“He’d still unconscious. Doc’s working on him now, but I’d like to get going as soon as I can. The longer we wait the longer it is ‘til I find them.”
“I could show you,” said Emily. “I just need to get changed. If we backtrack the stage trail, I’m pretty sure I can find the spot they attacked us.”
“Fine. I’ll get your things.”
The marshal left. When he returned he was accompanied by a woman. Her red hair was pulled back into a bun, but a few stray pieces curled around her face. “Sam, what’s going on? Why would someone shoot Homer?” she asked.
Sam placed the trunk he was carrying on the floor in front of Emily. “Had something to do with this young lady and her traveling companion. Now, Emma, if you’d get out of the way and let me leave, the young lady here could change and we’ll go find her friend.”
Emily stood holding the change of clothes she had taken from the trunk. “Excuse me,” she said, “But you wouldn’t happen to be Emma Cain, would you?”
“Why yes,” said Emma. “Do I know you?”
Emily shook her head. “Buck was bringing me to meet you. It was really important to him that I come along with him.”
Emma gasped. “Buck Cross?” she asked as she escorted Sam from the room.
Emily nodded as she closed her trunk. “He has something important to tell you, and he wanted me to meet you.” Emily quickly changed her clothes. As she was buttoning her shirt, Emma asked, “Are you sure it’s wise for you to be riding?”
Emily turned to look at her. “Show’s already?” she asked.
Emma nodded.
“How else can the marshal find him? I have to show him where to start looking,” Emily said. “I’ll be fine.”
“Sam’s a fairly good tracker. Did you see anything to help him know where to start? Trees, hills, bluffs, anything?”
“There were some odd shaped bluffs in the direction they were headed,” Emily said. “They rode to the north. It took us two hours to get here, but we were traveling flat out. Would have probably taken close to three at the regular pace.”
“Let’s tell Sam and see if he feels like he can find it without you,” suggested Emma. “Then you can come and stay with me while we wait.”
Emily nodded. They invited Sam back in and Emily described the landmarks she remembered.
“I think I know where that is,” Sam said. “I’ll stop by and check at Doc’s, maybe Homer is awake. You two go to the house. I’ll bring him back, I promise.” He left and headed for the doctor’s office. They saw him leave a few minutes later as he headed out of town.
They traveled north for a few hours. Every so often, Buck would fall and allow them to drag him a few feet. He'd struggle to make it look like he was trying to escape. In reality, he was doing his best to slow them down and leave a trail for whoever might come looking for him. There was no point in escaping. There was no place to hide and the three men were all on horseback, and even on a good day he couldn't outrun a horse.
Each time he fell, Buck eventually managed to get back to his feet without making the men stop. He wasn't sure how far he could push them before they became angry enough to hurt him. He knew they weren't concerned about speed because they figured no one was following them.
The men finally reached their destination, a small cove of trees that hid an underground cave. They rested the horses in a crudely built corral near which they tied Buck. After they made sure he was tied tightly, they settled down to finish drinking the bottles of whiskey they'd brought from town.
A few minutes later, the leader stumbled over to Buck. "Want a drink?" he asked pouring some whiskey onto Buck's head. Buck shook his head to keep the liquid out of his eyes and nose. He could use water, but there was no way he'd let this man know.
The leader stopped pouring. "No, well that's fine with me. That means I get more," he laughed. He knelt down next to Buck, "Why don't you rest up for tomorrow. We'll be getting an early start. After all, most serious rituals begin at dawn." He left Buck to wonder what they had planned.
As twilight fell, Buck hoped that the driver of the stage had really moved as they were leaving. That meant Emily had a chance at getting away and finding help. Hopefully he could hold on for a day or two. The only problem so far was that he'd hurt his leg the last time he fell. He wasn't sure how badly, but it was making it difficult to find a way to sit that didn't cause pain.
Buck did
his best to make himself comfortable. He noticed one of the men had started
a small fire. The three of them ate and then settled down to sleep. Things weren't
too bad so far. If the driver had been alive and they made it to town, help
could possibly be one the way. If the help was Sam, it could be arriving before
Buck had finally drifted off when he was awakened by someone kicking him in the ribs, "Wake up, Injun. It's time to start having fun," said one of the men as he kicked Buck a second time.
Buck rolled away from the kicks only to be met by the feet of the second man. "Where you going? Don't you like our little game?"
Buck pulled himself into a ball and managed to keep most of the kicks from landing on his ribs. When the leader came over, the kicking stopped. He reached down and grabbed Buck's hair. "Good morning," he said leaning in close to Buck's face. "It's such a nice day for a lesson on why it's wrong for you to be with a white girl. You ready to begin?"
Buck pulled himself free and glared at the man. There was something about him that was both unsettling, yet familiar. He really seemed to have a set ritual. He meant to punish Buck for being seen with Emily. The man grabbed Buck again; this time he also reached down and took Buck's knife out of its sheath. "I know the punishment for not staying with your own kind. I've seen it used to discourage beautiful young women from accepting gifts from unsuitable young men. You had no business being with her and taking her from a white boy."
It dawned on Buck then that this man thought he and Emily were a couple. He wondered if telling him the truth would help. Somehow he doubted it. It probably would only make things worse. Buck decided silence was his best option.
"Okay, Boys, time to start. We're running late so we'll have to cut short the opening beating. I'll let you have him again when you get back with the girl. Take him to the special tree and string him up."
The other two men grabbed Buck and pulled him to his feet. They drug him to a cleared area in the trees where one large tree stood off by itself. Using his knife they cut his hands free and then fastened them into straps that hung in the tree. He was now suspended about a foot off the ground, hanging from the branches of this lone tree. Buck fought back the urge to struggle; it would have been useless anyway. He felt exposed and helpless. The leader came and inspected the straps. Satisfied they were secure; he took Buck's knife back and sent the other two men away. He carefully began to cut away Buck's vest and shirt all the while mumbling, "I never should have let them know. I should of just kept it secret. She'd still be alive. Wouldn't of had to leave. Should of kept it secret . . .”
Suddenly Buck knew why the man looked familiar. He decided to try talking. There was a chance it would work, especially if he was right about who this was.
He took a deep breath, "She's not my woman," he said. "She was the woman of a friend of mine. I'm just taking her someplace safe. I owe it to him."
The man stopped working. He looked at Buck. "Stop your lying. Be a man and take your punishment."
"You didn't," Buck said. "I know. I was there, Yellow Fox."
"I don't know what you're talking about,” the man said stepping away from Buck.
"Yes you do. You know the same as I know what you were talking about before. I was there. I helped you get away, and then I left a short time later," Buck explained.
"I don't know . . ." the man started
"Firefly," said Buck. "I'm talking about . . ."
"Stop it!" yelled Yellow Fox. "Don't mention her. I didn't do anything. They wouldn't listen. We didn't do anything."
Buck said, "I know. I know they wouldn't listen. I was there. You're doing the same thing now. I told you, she's not my woman."
"Really?"
"Really," said Buck. "She was seeing a friend of mine. He was killed. I'm taking her to introduce her to someone special to him. You need to go get her; she's going to be needing water by now."
"The others have already left to go and bring her here," said Yellow Fox. "I never let them watch. It's a secret ritual. I just let them have fun beating the person up." He looked at Buck then dropped to his knees and started to cry, burying his face in his hands. "Once they leave I let the victim go with the threat that if I ever catch them in my town again I'll finish what was started. I'm not man enough to punish anybody."
After a few minutes, he was able to pull himself together. He stood, glanced around nervously, the said, "They'll be angry when they get back. It would be better if we weren't here."
He began to cut Buck down. "We can't leave,” said Buck. "I can't go without Emily. I promised to look after her."
"Maybe if we rode really hard, we could beat them there and keep going," suggested Yellow Fox as he cut the last strap.
"Not with one horse," said Buck as he did his best to stand before collapsing to the ground.
"There's no need," said Sam as he entered the clearing. "She's safe at my house."
"Sam will find him," said Emma. She and Emily had kept themselves busy doing everyday chores and visiting. Emily had explained to Emma the purpose of the trip. They were now sitting on the porch of Emma and Sam's home shelling peas to prepare for dinner.
"I just pray it's in time," said Emily. "Buck's been through enough pain without having to endure this too."
Emma smiled at the young lady, who she was quickly beginning to think of as a daughter, mentally adding her to her family. "From what you've told me, you've had as bad a time as Buck," she said. "I mean you lost your father as well as your. . ." she stopped as Emily began to cry.
"It's my fault, they'd both still be alive if it wasn't for me," Emily sobbed.
Emma quickly set aside her bowl of peas and gathered Emily into her arms. "No, it wasn't your fault. You didn't do anything wrong. You can't keep blaming yourself; you'll make yourself sick. You need to take care of yourself."
Emily composed herself and nodded. "I'm sorry," she said. "I didn't mean to be a burden for you. I just miss them both so badly."
Emma found herself starting to tear up. She quickly dried her eyes. "I know," she said. "It will get better. It may never go away completely, but it will get better."
Emily gave her a weak smile. "I know," she said. "I'm just tired of feeling so sad."
Emma sat back on the chair and picked up her bowl of peas, "So, let's talk about something else. You've told me how Ike died, but you haven't told me how you met. That must be a happier story."
Emily dried her eyes. "It is," she said. "Father and I had just moved into our new place. I sent him into town to buy some supplies while I started to clean up the place and unpack our few belongings . . . ."
Emily continued describing to Emma the events that led up to her meeting Ike. When she came to the part where Ike rescued her father and her, Emma interrupted. "He always did have a way of finding someone in need of help. He never hesitated . . ." she stopped and stared off towards the horizon.
"What is it?" asked Emily.
"Sam," replied Emma.
Emily followed Emma's gaze. There were two men riding towards the house. One of them was riding a horse that was dragging something behind it.
"Oh God," sighed Emily. "Please let him be alright."
"He can't be hurt too badly," said Emma. "They didn't stop at the doctor's office."
"Or it's so bad there's no need to stop," said Emily.
Emma shook her head. "Sam wouldn't tell you that way," she said. "He'd be more caring."
"I hope you're right," said Emily putting aside her bowl and moving towards the riders.
When they were close enough to tell, Emily ran to Sam's side. Sam stopped his horse and dismounted. "He's a little beat up. We decided not to make him ride, but I'm sure he'll be fine. Just needs some rest and Emma's home cooking. I'll have Doc come check him over once we get him settled."
"Thank you, Marshal," Emily said. As she made her way toward Buck she recognized the other rider. "Why isn't he tied up?" she asked.
"I asked Sam not to," Buck said.
"Why?" asked Emily.
Sam left his horse and walked with the other rider up to the house where Emma was waiting.
"It's a long story. Turns out he's an old friend. He needs some help letting go and moving on with his life. The woman he loved was murdered by an Indian while he was forced to watch. He's never gotten over it."
"And it's fine that he decided to take it out on you?" asked Emily.
"Not me personally," said Buck. "Could you walk the horse on up to the house? I'll explain everything once we're inside."
Emily nodded and began to walk towards the Cain's house. "I'm glad you're alright," she said. "I don't think I could have survived losing you too."
It turned out Buck had broken his leg the last time he'd "fallen". The doctor had set it and ordered him to stay off it for a few weeks, maybe a month. The doctor had just left, and Emma was settling him into the bed. "Remember," she said, "you are to stay off your leg for the next two weeks. If I catch you trying to stand, I'll tie you to the bed myself. Understand?"
"Yes, Ma’am, I understand. I'm to stay in bed unless someone else moves me to where I need to go," Buck said with a grin.
He waited a few seconds as Emma finished adjusting the covers around him. Then he asked, "Could you send in Yellow Fox? I need to talk to him. It's really important."
Emma looked at Buck with concern. "I'm not sure I trust him. He is the reason you are hurt," she said.
"He won't hurt me. I know it sounds strange, but I know he won't hurt me. He's a friend from my village. I'll explain it all after I talk to him. I need to know how much of his story he wants to share. I owe it to him to make sure this time," Buck said.
"All right, but I'm standing right outside the door in case you need anything," said Emma. "And I'm not letting Sam leave until this Yellow Fox is out of your room and gone from my house."
Buck nodded his agreement and waited for Yellow Fox to come in. A few minutes after she left, Emma returned followed by Yellow Fox. "Remember, I'll be right out here," she said. "If you need anything just holler."
Buck smiled at her. "Yes, Ma’am. I will."
When Emma left, Yellow Fox sat on the floor next to Buck's bed. "You wanted to speak to me, Running Buck?" he said.
Buck nodded. "We need to decide what we're going to tell them. I need to explain why I'm not having you arrested. Telling them you were my friend, but didn't recognize me at first, won't be enough. Emily will demand to know more. How much can I tell them?"
Yellow Fox sat and thought for a few minutes. "Why not tell them everything? It would make it much easier to understand."
"I don't know everything," said Buck. "I just know what happened in the village. You were only there a few years. You never told me about your life before, and I have no knowledge of what lead you here."
Yellow Fox thought again. "I see your point. I guess I will have to tell them. Can I do that now, or do you need to rest?"
"Now would be fine," said Buck. "I don't think I'd be allowed to get much rest if I let you leave without answering Emily's questions."
"Why don't you have Mrs. Cain call everyone in, and I'll tell my story. Then your friends can decide what should happen to me," said Yellow Fox.
Buck nodded. He called to Emma and asked her to have everyone join them. Once they were all settled into the room Yellow Fox began his tale.
"I was taken by Indians when I was around 8 years old. I was used as a slave for a year and then traded for a horse or something to a band of Kiowa. A family that had recently lost a son close to my age took me in, but I didn't take well to being Indian. I remembered my own family too well, and didn't want a new one. I resisted becoming a member of this family and accepting them for a long time.
"After a couple of years, I gave in and began to try and be accepted by the tribe. There was one family that tried to include me in their circle. There was a boy in this family that wasn't accepted very well by the others in the tribe because of his father. His name was Running Buck. We became good friends even though he was a least 4 years younger than me."
Yellow Fox stopped and looked at Buck. He smiled slightly and then continued, "While I was spending time at Running Buck's home, I met a beautiful young girl named Firefly. She was his cousin. I liked her immediately, but she was promised to the eldest son of the chief. When he passed his test of manhood, which was to occur in a few years, they were to be wed. Firefly and I started spending time together. She wanted to learn the white man's tongue and I was glad to teach her because it gave us a reason to be together.
"Our friendship was not approved by the council. They found me to be most unworthy. They forbid her to have anything to do with me, and she complied. Red Bear, that's Running Buck's older brother, suggested that if I would tell my adoptive father that I wanted to become a warrior, maybe once my test of manhood was completed, they would allow her to speak with me again. I took his advice. I was a few years older than the chief's son, so I was allowed to take my test before him. I passed and was accepted into the tribe as a warrior. I was then allowed to spend time with Firefly again.
"The more time we spent together the more we realized that it wasn't just friendship we shared. I was now 14 years old. She was maybe 13. The chief's son was 12 or 13.He was finally ready to take his test of manhood." Yellow Fox stopped taking time to compose himself, and keep the pain from controlling him. He took a deep breath and continued, “I would have been able to handle her being promised to someone else if she liked him, but she couldn't stand this boy. He was mean and a bully. He was the one who started all the others picking on Running Buck. Once when she caught her promised one tormenting Running Buck, she tried to stop him. He hit her. No, he beat her and told her that if she ever interfered in his business again or caused him embarrassment in front of his friends, he'd kill her. It was a promise he kept a few months later."
Once again Yellow Fox stopped. He was beginning to have trouble continue. He looked at Buck who nodded and took up the story, "I had to explain to Mother and Red Bear how I had been injured. In the course of telling my story, I let it slip that Firefly and Yellow Fox were in love, and that Standing Bull was cruel to her. Red Bear asked me why I had not told the council about how Standing Bull treated Firefly before since it was obvious I had seen this behavior before. I told him that I had tried, but since I couldn't even get him to acknowledge that Standing Bull picked on me, I didn't figure that I had a chance of getting the council listen to me.
"Red Bear looked at my beaten face and decided to go visit Firefly. He managed to get her to verify my story. He then went to talk to Yellow Fox. He told the same story. Red Bear took his information to the council; they listened, and decided to investigate.
"Standing Bull found out about the investigation, and decided to make it look like we had made it all up to get Firefly excused from her promise. He made it look like Firefly had given herself to Yellow Fox and the council believed him instead of Yellow Fox and Firefly. I didn't matter because I was only a boy, and a half-breed at that. The council decided that I had been used by the other two in order to discredit Standing Bull. I was let go with a warning to not ever bring false witness against anyone again."
Buck paused. He looked at Yellow Fox and gave him a sad smile. He looked at Emily and then Emma, took a deep breath and finished the story. "Standing Bull was allowed to punish the two of them. He tortured Firefly and he forced Yellow Fox to watch. He kept cutting and hitting her. Finally, Red Bear stepped in and the council elders agreed that it was enough. It was too late; however, because Firefly died the next day due to her injuries.
"Standing Bull was going to do the same to Yellow Fox, except I helped him escape. We did a very good job of making it look like he managed to get away on his own, or at least a good enough job that there was no way Standing Bull could prove I had anything to do with it. Either way, I didn't get into any trouble. It was only a few months after Yellow Fox left that I left the village."
"I didn't know what happened to Yellow Fox. I haven't seen him from the day he left until the other day," Buck concluded.
Yellow Fox took up the tale again, "I wondered around for a few days, lost and guilty because I didn't do anything to stop Standing Bull, before I stumbled into a small settlement. A couple there took me in and nursed me back to health. I told them I had escaped from some Indians that had taken me when they killed my family a few years before. The people asked if I could remember my white name. I told them no, so they gave me the name Herman. The man who became my third father eventually became the mayor of the town, so the people of the town gave me leeway when it came to my dealings with any Indians who wandered in. I found a couple of boys who hated Indians as much as I did, and we became drinking buddies. Every so often when we were good and drunk, we'd find some poor unsuspecting Indian and take him out to the cave. I always planned to do to him what Standing Bull did to Firefly, but I usually sobered up enough to stop myself before I hurt anyone too badly.
"I'm not sure why I stopped so early in the game with Running Buck. I guess there was just enough of the person he knew hiding inside me. He knew how to reach that person and help him to the surface."
He stopped speaking and turned to face Emily, "I'll understand completely if you want to send me away forever or better yet, hang me. I do want to let you know that once I sober up I always feel terrible about what I have done. I usually avoid my buddies for a while, but they always manage to find me and get me to go back to that hotel with its bar. Lots of Indians come to stay there because it's well known in these parts that they are welcomed there. One my drinking buddies owns the place, they use it to trap them for me. If you let me stay out of jail, I'll do my best to help find them, and will do whatever it takes to bring them and myself to justice."
Emily looked at the Buck and then Yellow Fox. She sighed and the tears started to slide down her cheeks, “I understand your pain. I know what it feels like to shoulder the guilt of the death of someone you love. I can't decide this. It isn't my decision to make. You took Buck, not me. He should decide."
"I already made my decision," said Buck. "I made it as soon as Sam showed up at the cove. Yellow Fox needs a spiritual cleansing, and some new friends. He knows how to do the first, and I think that, if you are all willing to give him a chance, he has found the second."
"Is there anyway we can help with the cleansing," asked Emma as she wiped the tears from her eyes.
"Yes," said Emily also drying her eyes, "What can we do to help?"
"Allow me to build a sweat lodge near here, and help me find a place to stay so I don't go back and find my old friends and start drinking again," said Yellow Fox.
"Done," said Sam. "I even know a good place for you to build. I'll show you in the morning."
"Thank you," said Yellow Fox. "Thank you all for understanding."
"I told you they would be good friends," smiled Buck.
Emma stood and went to Buck's side, "You look tired," she commented. "We should be letting you rest." She bent and gave him a kiss on the forehead. "Yellow Fox is lucky to have a friend like you. We all are," she remarked as she ushered the others out of the room.
Buck sat on the edge of the bed, his head hanging down. It had been two weeks since he'd been brought to Emma's. The bed rest was driving him crazy. He'd decided he was going to test out his leg and had just started to stand when Emma entered with his breakfast tray.
"What on earth do you think you're doing?" she asked.
"Trying to stand," he answered.
"Did you not listen to the doctor? It won't get better if you don't stay off it," she scolded.
"I'm tired of staring at the ceiling," Buck answered. "I just wanted to look out the window for a change."
Emma softened. "I know it's hard being cooped up, but you need to do what the doctor says or your leg may not heal right. Is that what you want?"
"No,
Ma’am," Buck said. "I just want something to do besides count the
boards of your ceiling."
"Tell you what," said Emma. "You sit back on the
bed and eat your breakfast. I'll go get Sam and Herman. They can move the bed
so when you sit up you can see outside." She handed Buck his tray and left
to go find her husband and his newest deputy.
Shortly after Emma's departure, Emily entered. "You mind some company?" she asked.
Buck looked up at her, "No, that would be nice," he said.
She came in a pulled a chair up next to the bed. Something was bothering her. Buck waited. He knew not to rush her; she'd tell him when she was ready.
He put the tray aside. Emily took it and placed it on the table on the other side of the room and returned to her seat.
"Are you doing alright?" Buck finally asked her. "I haven't seen you since Sam brought me here."
"I'm fine," Emily said. "I've just been thinking and trying to figure things out" She smiled before continuing. "You amaze me."
"Why?" asked Buck. "Since I've met you I haven't done much to amaze anyone. I've let my best friend get killed, allowed my grief to keep me from doing my job; almost gotten you killed, and possibly hurt myself in such a way that I won't be able to do my job any longer."
"You've also saved a woman from outlaws, delivered her baby, brought her to a place where she could be happy, managed to make me not feel guilty about Ike, made sure you kept your promise to Ike about getting his gift to Emma, managed to not get yourself killed, and possibly stopped a man from killing anyone else. You could very easily have let Sam lock Herman up and throw away the key, but you didn't. You chose to help him too."
Buck looked at Emily. "It was nothing. He was a friend, and, as you know from his story, the incident was partly my fault. I did accidentally tell that they were in love." He sighed.
All of a sudden he sat up straight. "Where are my things?" he asked.
Emily shrugged. "I don't know," she said. "Why?"
"I haven't kept my promise yet. I didn't give Emma her gift. It's in my bags."
"I'll see if I can find them," said Emily.
"That's alright," said Buck. "It can wait until Emma gets back. You wanted to talk to me, remember?"
Emily sat back down. She glanced at Buck and then looked back at her lap. She started to speak, but stopped.
Buck waited.
Finally Emily said," When you go back to Rock Creek, I'd like to stay here. Do you think Rebecca might want to buy my place?"
"I'm not sure," said Buck. "If not, I can arrange for the town clerk to sell it for you."
Emily smiled. "That would be fine."
"What made you decide not to go back?"
"Three things," she said. "Memories, Emma, and . . ." she hesitated.
Buck grinned, "Yellow Fox."
Emily nodded, "Ever since you told us his story I've felt closer to him," she added, looking away. "I understand that kind of pain. We've been spending time together. He's a really caring man, and he doesn't care about the fact that I'm carrying Ike's child. He's asked me to stay. Emma said I could live here while we get better acquainted," she said in a rush.
"That's wonderful," said Buck. "I'm sure you two will be happy. I'm also sure Ike wouldn't mind."
Later that evening after Emma had Sam and Herman rearrange his room, Buck sat looking through his belongings. He found Ike's box and sat waiting for Emma to bring him his dinner. He'd heard the others talking earlier; and knew his meal would be coming soon.
As the others cleared the table, Emma prepared a tray to take up to Buck. She hoped he was hungry. He certainly had lost weight since she'd left. From what Emily had told her it was all in the last few weeks since Ike's death. Emma shook her head; she couldn't believe that Ike was gone. She knew she needed to talk to Buck about it. There hadn't been time this past week. She'd make time now especially since he was doing better.
Emma took the tray and headed upstairs. She knocked softly on the door. "You ready for dinner?" she asked as she pushed open the door.
"Yes, Ma’am," Buck said. He put the box under the covers and prepared to receive his dinner tray.
Emma crossed the room and set the tray on his lap. "How do you like the new room arrangement?"
"It's fine. Thank you," said Buck. "It's much better to be able to see outside. Has the doctor told you how long I have to stay off my leg?"
"Last time he was here he mentioned that he like to have you try standing when he comes back. That should be early next week. Why?"
"I was just wondering. I need to be getting back. I just came for a couple of weeks. It's been much longer than that already, they'll be worried."
Emma sat down on the bed. "When the doctor comes back, I'll ask him about you being able to travel. Maybe we can take you back. It would be nice to see Mr. Spoon and my other boys again," she said.
Buck smiled. "That would be nice," he agreed. He ate a while in silence. After a few minutes, he turned to Emma. "Would you mind putting this somewhere else for a while?" he asked handing her his tray.
"You can't be finished," she said."
"I'm not," he reassured her, "but I need to talk to you first."
Emma took the tray, set it on the table, and then sat back down on the bed. Buck reached under the covers and brought out the box. "Ike made this for you. He wanted to give it to you before you and Sam got married, but he didn't get it finished," Buck said as he handed the box to Emma.
He continued, "I don't know what's in it, but I know he had meant to get it to you."
"It's beautiful," said Emma as she took the box from Buck. She turned it over in her hands and admired it from all angles. "This was his big secret wasn't it? The thing he worked on in the barn late at night."
Buck nodded.
Emma wiped her eyes. She carefully opened the box. Inside was a dainty, white lace handkerchief. Nestled in the center of it was a simple cross necklace and a note. Emma opened the note and read:
Emma,
This belonged to my mother. I would like for you to have it. I had hoped to be able to give it to you before your wedding, but I needed to finish fixing the box. It's the box the necklace came in. My grandfather made it to hold the necklace when he gave it to my grandmother on their wedding day. My father gave it to my mother when they got married. I was to give it to the woman I marry, but I want you to have it to remember me by. I miss you and think of you often,
Ike McSwain
Emma let the note fall to the floor and started to sob. She set the box on the bed and buried her head in her hands. Buck reached out and pulled her towards him. He held her while she cried herself out, and then gently pushed her up so he could look at her face. He wiped the tears from her cheeks. "He really admired you," Buck said. "I knew I had to get that to you once I got past feeling sorry for myself. That's why I came."
Emma took his hands in hers and looked at him. She noticed that he was crying also. She let go of his hands and wiped his face, "I admired him too," she said. "I admire all of you," she continued. "You all had so much to over come and did it without becoming bitter. You became my family, and made me very proud."
Buck smiled. He gently hugged Emma. "Thank you," he said as he let her go.
"For what?" Emma asked.
"Caring," Buck answered.
Emma wiped her eyes and picked up the box. She bent down and retrieved the note. She put the note in her apron pocket before handing the box with the necklace to Buck. "I can't keep these. They should be given to Emily," she said.
Buck nodded his agreement, but refused to take the box, "You should give them to her," he said. "Ike wanted you to have them. He had time to give them to her, and he didn't."
Emma pulled the box to her chest and nodded. She bent and gently kissed Buck on the forehead. "You're right," she said. "I'll give them to her."
She set the box on the table and picked up Buck's dinner tray. "You finish this while I go put this away. I'll be right back."
A few days later, the doctor had okayed Buck traveling by wagon or buckboard back to Rock Creek, if they went slowly and rested often. Emma was preparing the back of the buckboard so Buck could rest comfortably. Sam, Herman, and Emily were trying to move Buck from upstairs without letting him stand. Finally, Emily said, "Wait a minute. What happened to the thing you brought him here on? Couldn't you use that to carry him down?"
"It's under the bed," said Herman. "I put it there when we moved him in here."
Sam bent and pulled the travois out from under the bed. Herman helped him get it onto the bed and then assisted Buck as he maneuvered onto it. Sam and Herman carried Buck downstairs and placed him on the buckboard where he managed to move himself off the travois and settle in. Sam then finished loading the luggage and the travois around Buck while Emma went to say good-bye.
Soon they were on their way. After a few hours, they stopped to enjoy a picnic lunch. "When are they getting married?" asked Buck.
"Next month," answered Emma. "I decided to give her Ike's box as a wedding gift."
Buck smiled. "Ike would like that," he said.
"I thought so too," said Emma.
Nightfall found them almost to the town where Emily and Buck had first run into Herman and his friends. They decided to camp outside of town to minimize the risk of meeting the two other men again.
They were on their way early the next morning, and by dinnertime were pulling into the station. Lou came in from the barn, "Someone's coming," she said.
The others all went to the door to see who it was. "It's Sam and Emma," said Cody.
"Looks like someone is in the back," said Rachael as she watched the buckboard approach.
"It's Buck," said Noah. "I hope whatever has him sitting back there isn't too serious."
"Me too," said Lou. "Also, I wonder where Emily is. Didn't she go with him?"
Rachael said, "Maybe they dropped her off first."
"Couldn't have," said Teaspoon. "They're coming from town. Her place is the other way."
Everyone made their way out to meet the buckboard. As soon as Sam stopped the horses, Emma was off and hugging "her boys".
Noah helped Sam move Buck inside as Rachael led the way. She stayed to make Buck comfortable while the others caught up and Noah helped Sam unload.
"Emily's
staying in
"I'm sure she would, but you can ask her yourself tomorrow. She usually comes over on Saturday evenings," said Rachael.
She finished helping Buck settle in. "I should be going downstairs and playing hostess. I'll send up some dinner as soon as I can." She smoothed down her apron, fixed her hair, and chewed on her lip as she turned to leave.
"She'll like you," said Buck.
Rachael stopped and turned to face him, "What?"
"Emma will like you," said Buck. "You'll get along fine."
"Thank you," said Rachael and she went downstairs to meet Emma and Sam Cain.
The next morning, Rachael brought Buck's breakfast tray over to him at the main house. Emma was sitting on the porch swing. She stood and opened the door for Rachael, "Would you like me to take that to Buck for you? I know how impatient the other boys can be if they have to wait for their meal."
Rachael said, "Thank you, but I've got it taken care of. The others are already eating."
Emma smiled. "Do you think they'd miss you too much if I stole you for a few hours?" she asked as she went with Rachael to Buck's room.
Rachael shook her head, "I could probably get away for a while. Why?"
"I'd like to see about getting myself a new dress for Emily's wedding, but I'm not sure where to go. I thought maybe you could take me shopping," said Emma.
"I could do that," said Rachael with a smile. She gently pushed open Buck's door and took him his breakfast. "I'm going to go to town for a few hours. Do you need anything before I leave?" she asked.
"Do you think I could go outside? I promise I won't try and do anything I'm not supposed to," Buck said. He grinned at Emma standing outside his door.
"Sure," said Rachael. "I'll have Noah and Kid come help you. I'll even get you settled in on the porch before I go."
"Thank you," said Buck. "I can't wait until I can start walking again. This lying around all day gets old fast. Cody can have it anytime he wants." He chuckled as he took his tray. As he began eating, Rachael and Emma left to go get things ready.
A short while later, Buck was sitting outside on the porch swing watching Rachael and Emma head into town. He sat and watched his friends go about their chores and enjoyed their company when they took time off to come over and visit.
A little before lunchtime, Teaspoon came to sit with him. Rachael and Emma had returned from town and chased Teaspoon out of the kitchen where he'd been trying to fix some lunch. "It's good to have you back, Son," he said as he sat down next to Buck.
"It's good to be back," Buck said. "I'm sorry for all the problems I caused."
"That's alright," said Teaspoon. "Just glad you managed to find you way out of your grief. I know it hasn't been easy. You take as long as you need and get good and strong before you try to start riding again."
"Yes, Sir," said Buck. "I'm hoping that when the doctor comes day after tomorrow he'll let me start trying to walk. At least then I can help out with some of the chores here, and maybe even take the buck board over to help Rebecca some."
Teaspoon smiled. "You missed her a bit while you were gone, didn't you?" he asked.
Buck blushed slightly and nodded. "She's quite a lady," he said. "I don't know how she does it, but she always makes me feel special and welcomed. She's doing an excellent job running the farm, from what everybody says. The people in town all seem to have accepted her and Thomas Ike, she's not bitter about her lose, and she's always ready and willing to lend a helping hand."
Teaspoon nodded. "She missed you too," he said. "That's why she comes over here at least once a week, to see if you're back. I think she was worried you'd be the one to decide to stay away."
Teaspoon stood. "I think I'll head back over to the bunkhouse and see if I can help out any in the kitchen. Maybe get myself a cup of coffee. How about I send Noah over to help you come and join us for lunch?"
"I'd like that a lot," said Buck.
Teaspoon started towards the bunkhouse. As he stepped off the last step, Buck said," Teaspoon,"
The older man stopped and returned to the porch. "Yes?"
"Do you think it would be possible for Noah to take me to the river so I can wash up before lunch or at least before tonight? I'd like to be a little more presentable when Rebecca stops by."
Teaspoon nodded and went to find Noah before he made good on his offer to help the women with lunch. He was smiling such a big smile when he entered the bunkhouse that both Emma and Rachael stopped working just to look at him. Finally Emma asked, "What is it, Mr. Spoon? Why so happy?"
"It's just good to see the family moving on and getting back to normal," Teaspoon said helping himself to a cup of coffee. "I think things are finally going to settle down and work themselves out. I do believe that everything is going to be just fine, and I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if you and Sam had to be making another trip this way soon."
Rachael glanced at Teaspoon and then went to look out the door towards the porch where Buck had been sitting. Noah was now helping Buck into the back of the buckboard. "You really think so," she asked as it dawned on her what Teaspoon was hinting at. "You really think he's going to ask her?"
Teaspoon took a sip of his coffee and nodded. "He's going now to get cleaned up before she gets here. He just needs to give her some more time to finish mourning her husband. We'll be having a wedding of our own right here in Rock Creek soon enough. Just you wait and see. Things always have a way of working out once you can let go and move on. Yep, everything's gonna be just fine."
THE END