On the Mountain (15 page)

Anna’s eyes watered.

“I’m not trying to scare you kid, it’s just a matter- of-fact.”  She could feel his eyes watching her.  “Unless, of course, you were defending yourself.”

Her eyes rose to his face and Wade looked surprised.  “The old man tried to harm you?”

Anna hesitated.  If she disclosed the truth, then her identity would also be revealed.

“What did Chuck exactly do?”  Wade’s voice had a sharp edge to it and Anna became frightened.

She sat silently in her seat and didn’t look at either brother.  One of them moved and it was Wade that came to kneel in front of her, his hands gripping either side of her chair.

“It’s all right, boy.  I made you a promise once and I intend to keep it.  I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

Her eyes stared into his blue depths and saw something she didn’t think she ought to see.  Trust.  He trusted her.

“Did the old man attempt to harm you?”

Anna hesitated and then nodded.

Wade sighed heavily but continued.  “Did you think your life was in danger?”

She recalled the death grip Chuck Rhodes had on her neck.  Again she nodded.

“Can you indicate how?”

Her neck still felt sore and bruised.  Dropping the blanket she lifted her chin to expose her neck.  She heard Wade curse and get up abruptly.  Prescott came over to get a look himself.

“Definitely evidence of finger marks.  He must have had quite the grip.”  Prescott looked into Anna’s eyes.  “You’re lucky to be alive.”

She glanced over at Wade.  His back was to them, but he stood very still.  She knew he was seething with anger from the wild pulses beating in the back of his neck.  Prescott got up and walked over to him.

“Why would he have done this?”

“Dammit, I should have gotten rid of him years before.”  She heard Wade mutter.

“I thought the man harmless myself.”

Wade turned around.  “Not a word of this to Kathleen.  Let’s not spoil her visit.”

“Of course.”  Prescott glanced back at Anna.  “What about Peter?”

Both men looked at her before Wade replied, “He can stay in the cook’s room tonight.”

“And the constable?”

“What about him?”  Wade snapped at his brother.

“I think we ought to let him know what happened tonight.”

“And give him another reason to hang the boy?  He already believes he’s guilty for the incident in the village.”

“He believes the boy knows what happened in the village.”  Prescott corrected his older brother.

Wade didn’t look convinced.  “If anything, tonight will prove the boy capable of killing.”

The room went silent and Anna felt her heart grow cold.  Wade was right.  She was capable of taking someone’s life.  Now, more than before, she felt responsible for whatever evil had transpired on the mountain.

“I still think we ought to let him know that Chuck Rhodes attempted to kill Peter.  He’s got the evidence on his neck to prove it.”

Wade hesitated before speaking.  “Let’s see what happens in the morning.  See if Chuck Rhodes survives.”

Prescott nodded.

“And if he does,” Wade added.  “I’ll kill him myself.”

He was not looking at Anna, but she felt the rage oozing from every pore in his body.  She ought to have felt frightened, but instead felt less alone than she ever did.

Prescott looked over at Anna.  “Come on Peter, you need to get cleaned up.”

She looked down and saw the blood still fresh on her hands and clothing.  Nodding, she got to her feet and followed him out of the room.  When she came abreast to Wade, she stopped and looked up at him.  He in turn looked down at her and something crossed between them.  Without ever having uttered a single word, she had gained this man’s trust and belief.  She felt a flood of love and without thinking stepped up and wrapped her arms around him.

Chapter 11

Wade felt the boy’s arms come around him and sensed his pain and fear.  The night held secrets only the boy and Chuck Rhodes knew the truth about.  However, Wade was certain those secrets were having a painful consequence.  He sighed deeply and allowed his arms to come around and hold the boy close in what he hoped was a comforting embrace.

In his arms the boy visibly relaxed and tightened his hold.  A warmth stirred deep inside and Wade recognized for the first time that night, why his anger made such a swift and heated appearance.  He had become fonder of the boy than he realized.

A tiny frown creased his forehead as he drew the boy’s arms away from his body.  “Best get cleaned up.”

In the boy’s eyes, he could see so much turmoil and anguish, and Wade was startled at how much he wanted to ease that pain.  He reached out and wiped a streak of blood from his cheek.  “You’re going to meet my sister tomorrow and I don’t want you looking like a wild beast.”

His eyes lit somewhat and Wade was happy for that small sign.

“Get a good night’s sleep, boy.”

He nodded, then followed Prescott toward the kitchen.  Five minutes later his brother returned to the great room.  “Well, I think we best call it a night in fear of waking Kathleen.”

Wade vaguely nodded, and Prescott bid him goodnight then turned to leave.

“Prescott.”  Wade stopped him.  “The boy didn’t cry.”

Prescott looked confused.  “I don’t understand.”

Wade took his tumbler glass and refilled it at the cabinet.  “The boy has been to hell and survived.  Since arriving at our ranch he has endured more suffering than anyone should his age, and yet he hasn’t shed a tear.”

“Maybe he’s tougher than you thought.”

Wade shook his head.  “I know he’s hurting.  I can feel it.”

“Then give him time to heal.”  The wiser side of Prescott advised.  “If the boy lost all memory of what happened that night in the mountain, then more than likely he is unconsciously blocking any painful memories.  Perhaps when he recalls that particular event, it will release a tidal wave of emotion.”

“Perhaps.”  He verbally agreed but wondered if the damage done would be irrevocable.

Prescott took his leave and Wade sat by the fire late into the morning.  It was fruitless attempting sleep.  His mind was far too concerned about the incident that occurred in his bunkhouse that night.  As soon as the sun rose he went out to the barns and sent Neil into town to report back on the state of Chuck Rhodes.

The remainder of ranch hands went about their business.  Wade sought out Kim Whong and informed him the boy would cook breakfast for him and his siblings.  Then he headed back to the main house to wake him.  In comparison to the goings on outside, the interior of the home was quiet.  Neither Prescott nor Kathleen had stirred.

Going through the kitchen he went to the door to the cook’s room and opened it to find the boy sitting up on his bed.  “Morning.”

The boy gave a meek nod.  Huge bags hung under his eyes indicating he had slept as much as Wade.

“Would you mind preparing breakfast for Prescott, Kathleen and I?”

He nodded and Wade thought he was going to smile, but it disappeared before it could form.

“I’ve sent Neil into town,” He thought to update him.  “I’ll let you know as soon as I know anything.”

Again the boy nodded, then slowly rolled off the bed. 

“Did Prescott leave a change of clothes for you?”  He wore an old night shirt that once belonged to Prescott, whom he assumed had loaned it to him after getting cleaned up the night before. 

The boy gestured toward the small table in the room where a pile of clean clothing lay.  Wade gave a curt nod then turned to leave, but something caught his attention.  An exposed leg slipped over the bedside.  A soft and willowy leg with plenty of skin.  Wade instantly looked away and frowned at his thoughts.  It was not unusual for boys to have soft curves like females.  It was unusual, however, for him to find them appealing.

He returned to the kitchen to put a kettle on the enormous white cooktop that Kathleen had insisted they purchase, heedless of the fact it would be used very little since Kim preferred cooking in the bunkhouse.  Wade brought some wood in and began a fire in the pit of the stove for the boy to cook upon.  After, he grabbed his coat off the hook near the back entrance and went out to chop wood.  There was an ample supply so it wasn’t necessary, but Wade felt the need to release some pent up tension, or anger, he wasn’t entirely sure.

He kept up with it for several hours, pausing only to notice the boy slip out of the house to the ice box.  He shot a glance in Wade’s direction, but hurriedly went about his business.  Wade had discovered the boy had yet another hidden talent.  Cooking.  If Kim Whong hadn’t been his long and trusted cook, Wade would have happily fired the Chinese man for the boy.  He hadn’t tasted such wonderful cooking since his mother’s personal servant was released years before after her death.  Even Kathleen, whom was a trained cook from the kitchens of Paris, could hardly compare.  Granted she didn’t practice the technique since she herself used a servant in New Westminster.

The sound of an approaching horse, had Wade raising his head and see Neil riding down the lane toward him.  He lifted the ax over his head and lodged it deeply in a log.  Stepping aside, he waited for his ranch hand to rein in his horse.

“How’s Chuck?”

Neil shook his head.  “Crazier than ever but conscious.”

Wade sighed with relief.

“Kept going on about a woman disguised as a beast who tried to kill him.”

“Just as long as he keeps shooting that nonsense.”  Wade couldn’t be happier the old man’s lunatic talk would only benefit the boy.

He dismissed Neil then headed for the house.  Kathleen was sure to be awake soon, but hopefully Wade could have a private word with Prescott and the boy before she emerged from her room for breakfast.  The house smelled of smoked bacon and fresh bread.  His stomach growled, reminding him how hungry he was.   Voices drifted from the kitchen and Wade found Prescott entertaining the boy with his usual banter.

“Good Morning, big brother.”  Prescott had noticed him first and offered a bright smile.

“Actually, it is,” he said with truth.  “Has Kathleen been up yet?”

“No, but I heard her moving about.”  Prescott told him.

“Then I’ll make it quick.” His eyes sought out the boy’s.  “I’ve got word from town.  Chuck is conscious.”

The boy’s face clearly showed his relief, confirming what Wade had believed.  A temporary madness had overcome the boy.  From what he had escaped in the mountain, it was no wonder.  Prescott may have been right on that account.  The boy was holding back emotions.  The problem was, they were not being released in a healthy manner.

“That’s a relief,” Prescott sighed.  “He isn’t talking, is he?”

“No worries there,” Wade stated.  “He’s only speaking rubbish.”

He looked down at the boy and saw the bruises still visible on his neck.  Wade was taken aback by the unexpected flash of rage he felt.  Safer to concentrate on another topic, he asked, “Ever met a lady before, boy?”

A perplexed look had Wade grinning.  “I’m not talking about a girl, kid.  I’m talking about a genuine lady.”

The boy shook his head.

“Well, you’re about to meet one.  Kathleen is more lady than the entire town of Lantern.”  He informed him.  “There is certain rules in behaving around a lady.  You will not serve until she has seated.  If she chooses to speak with you, remain perfectly still and keep eye contact.  If she offers you salutation, simply bow your head.  We’ve already updated her of your inability to speak.”

Prescott withdrew his pocket watch.  “I informed her last night that breakfast would be served at eight.  She will be here shortly.”

Wade glanced down at his clothing.  “Right, I’ll need to go change.  Boy, my sister will sit to the right of me.  Please set the table accordingly.”

He hurried off to his room to change in proper attire.  He loved his sister dearly and her visits, but admittedly could do without all the proper etiquette.  Quickly showering, then changing into a set of clean clothing, Wade made his way back to the dining room.  Prescott was at the table enjoying a cup of coffee.  Kathleen had yet to make her appearance.  He had just filled his own mug when she glided softly into the room.

“Good morning, my darling brothers.”

They both stood and she walked to them individually to offer a kiss.  At her oldest brother, she stopped to reach up and place a gentle hand against his beard.  “You could not have shaved for your sister, Wade?”

He smirked and removed her hand.  “You know how cold it gets in winter.  It helps keep my skin warm.”

“I see Prescott has shaved this morning.”

Wade glanced at his brother whom he already noticed had removed the small amount of growth on his chin.  However, unlike his brother, he wasn’t entirely submissive to their sister.

“Then it will be his frost bite you will need to return and mend.”

She only responded with a smirk and then turned back to Prescott.  “So, where is this Peter of yours?”

The evening before after Prescott had returned home from Lantern, he and Kathleen had talked at length.  Wade had sat silently in the lounge chair listening as his brother discussed the boy in a possessive manner.  Admittedly, he hated the childish jealousy he felt.  Since the arrival of the boy, they had formed a special bond which Wade hadn’t wanted to share.  Realizing how ridiculous this was, he decided to ignore it and allowed his brother to claim the boy as his own.  As he had his mother and sister.

“I shall call him,” Prescott said, then proceeded to do just that.  “Peter.”

The boy took longer than Wade thought necessary and he frowned slightly wondering if he hadn’t emphasized enough the proper protocol around his sister.  At last the boy emerged out of the kitchen looking small and very timid as he stared up at Kathleen.

Prescott stepped forward to make the proper introductions.  “Peter, I would like to introduce you to my sister, Mrs. Kathleen Rideout.”

His sister offered a warm smile to the boy, then it faltered only so much.  Two delicate brows dipped slightly.  “This is Peter?”

Prescott nodded.  “Yes.”

The woman’s smile returned in full force before turning to look from one male to the other.  “My dear brothers.  You must believe me ignorant or extremely gullible.”

“What do you mean?” Prescott asked.

“I may not know the difference between a cow and a bull, but I do know the difference between a boy and a girl.”

Wade saw the boy’s face grow pale.  He glanced at his sister confused.  “What are you talking about?”

Kathleen’s bright smile dimmed once more and a puzzling frown creased her smooth brow.  “You’re not serious?”

Wade kept the irritation he felt from showing on his face.  “It’s far too early for riddles, Kathleen.”

Shock lit her eyes.  “You are serious.”

“Kathleen,” he said in a low warning tone, barely keeping the disdain from his voice.

She sighed, but gave her oldest brother a warm, almost pitiful smile.  “Wade, I’ve always felt you really have been living out here in the wilderness too long.  You really ought to emerge yourself in more of a civilized culture.  However, Prescott, I would have expected better.”

“What exactly are you going on about Kathleen?”  Prescott’s frown accompanied his question.

She gestured toward the boy.  “Your boy.”

“What about him?” Wade snapped, realizing his frustration was at a breaking point.

“Is a girl.”

Wade stared at his sister as if she had grown horns overnight, not clear if he even heard her correctly.  It was Prescott that responded first.  “Don’t be ridiculous, Kathleen.  I think the boy knows whether he’s a boy or a girl.”

All three looked at the boy.  His chin dropped and he stared at the floor.  The first wave of numbness swept through Wade’s body.  It felt like eternity, standing there waiting for a response from a mute boy.  But none came forthwith.

A feeling of utter shock took hold of him.  It felt as if he were dreaming and merely a spectator in a horrible performance.  As the boy continued to remain completely still, his chin glued to his chest, his eyes downcast, Wade watched as his usually pale face grew even more ghastly white.  A silent confirmation of his sister’s words. 

A coldness swept over Wade.

“Oh my,” Kathleen said.  “Maybe I shouldn’t have said anything.”

Prescott shook his head in denial.  “That can’t be true.  Peter, tell her.”

But the boy continued to stare at the ground and did not reply.

“Peter?”  A look of distress crossed his brother’s face as the realization of the truth finally sunk in.  “Is it true? Are you a girl?”

Very slowly, the boy nodded.  Prescott dropped down heavily in his chair.  The visual admission was the trigger that snapped Wade out of his numb state.  Anger flooded his veins as he thrust a hand through his neatly combed hair.  “Why?”

But the girl who had been known up to that point as the boy, remained silent.