Massacre at Agua Caliente E-Book

Craig Rainey

• Herausgeber: Craig Rainey Creative, LLC
• Kategorie: Sachliteratur, Reportagen, Biografien
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Beschreibung

He is a ruthless killer. She is a Mexican debutante. Both carry a death sentence.
Read the thrilling tale behind the award winning screenplay.
Rainey keenly depicts an unforgiving landscape throughout this novel—a nearly lawless world where brutal violence can erupt at a moment’s notice. - Kirkus Reviews
In this western fiction classic novel, Boyd Hutton is a desperate and ruthless outlaw, known for his swift and deadly actions. His latest crime, the attempted robbery of the most secure bank in the western frontier, ends with the destruction of his devoted gang of outlaws. Alone, he eludes the pursuit of a vengeful posse and determined Texas Rangers. He is joined along the way by young Cab Jackson, who helps him across the Rio Grande into Mexico where Hutton continues his crime wave.

Leseprobe

Copyright © 2018 by Craig Rainey Creative, LLC.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed “Attention: Permissions Coordinator at the address below.

Craig Rainey/Craig Rainey Creative, LLC

Austin, Texas, USA

https://craigrainey.com

https://massacreataguacaliente.com

Publisher’s Note: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Locales and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, companies, events, institutions, or locales is completely coincidental.

Cover Design by ParamitaCreative.com

Massacre at Agua Caliente, A Western Tragedy/ Craig Rainey. -- 1st ed.

ISBN 978-0-578-40619-0

Other Novels by Craig Rainey

STOLEN VALOR

DARK MOTIVE

REASONABLE SIN

SOVEREIGN RULE

NATIONS LAW

THE ART OF PROFESSIONAL SALES

HOODOO WAR

Reviews

“Massacre at Agua Caliente by Craig Rainey is well-edited. The writing is done adeptly and the characters are realistic and flawed. Every turn in the book is surprising and unexpected. For every reader who is fascinated by the adventures of an outlaw, Massacre at Agua Caliente is the book to read. I rate it 4 out of 4 stars,”

- OnLineBookClub.org

“Rainey keenly depicts an unforgiving landscape throughout this novel – a nearly lawless world where brutal violence can erupt at a moment’s notice,”

-Kirkus reviews

“I am amazed that this is the first book written by this author. There are … moments that …speak to an author's story telling in any good book, and this story had quite a few. Bravo, I look forward to more of Mr. Rainey's works! Recommending to my friends and family,”

-Amazon Reader Review

“I loved the authentic language and the complexity of characters and their hardships and dramas. The conclusion is riveting and emotionally captivating,”

-Reader Review

"I love reading western stories... but this book is a must read as it is an outlaw story,”- Reader Review

Craig Rainey’s Massacre at Agua Caliente is a well written masterpiece. Detailed descriptions and captivating storytelling. How he manages to get the reader to stomach Boyd Hutton and his despicable nature is a wonder, great job!”

-Reader Review

For Alexandra

As with most worthwhile goals, this novel is the result of a lifetime of wanting and a few months of doing.

.

―CRAIG RAINEY

Contents

Foreword

The Mormons

Trail Boss

The Bank

Boyd Hutton

Helen’s Battle

Cab Jackson

Quinceanera

Pursuit

Rigo

Bounty Hunter

Cantina

Fear

Murder

Dark Stranger

Alone

Love

Pis Aller

Gonzaba

Foreword

San Angelo, Texas was not much different in the 60’s, when I grew up there, than it was in the late 1800’s and the early years of the twentieth century when my ancestors settled in the region. The car had replaced horse and buggy and we had a TV in every house with at least 3 stations available. But all one had to do was step outside, and the waning remnants of a passing era were easily recognizable in the fast-moving clouds and the warm acrid dust in the ever-present winds.

“Angelo,” as it was called by the natives, moved at its own pace. That pace was slow but not plodding. The hot days were oppressive, but you got used to it. Country wisdom was known simply as wisdom. Anyone without a west Texas drawl was a Yankee, even if he was from only as far north as Dallas.

You respected your elders - and that was a tall order in a town populated by a large number of older west Texans. We didn’t give the respect reluctantly. We youngsters depended on the unerring guidance of our predecessors.

West Texas culture is not carried on as one might a religious dogma. The culture is something with which one is born: not necessarily a birthright, but rather an instinct as vital as the will to survive.

In the sixties, my grandparents, great grandparents and their immediate families were celebrities in my view: they were the remaining witnesses and players in a rugged adventure only read about now. The significance of their first-person accounts was never lost upon me.

It seemed that the Old West lingered in west Texas as a passing stranger reluctantly leaves the comfort of a welcome fire. In those final days of the wild west, my great-uncle was the sheriff in Eldorado. After a vicious outlaw threatened to murder him in his sleep, he sat in his old rocker on his front porch where he waited through the night. A 12-gauge shotgun rested across his knees as he rocked and smoked cigarettes, ready for the vengeful outlaw to arrive in the dark to carry out his threat. My great-uncle was killed in the line of duty some years later, but he survived that night.

My great grandmother, Nanny, told stories of her youth where her family crossed Indian country in a covered wagon. Even in my boyhood, I remember the wagon livery which stood behind her old house, a large mound protecting the wagon and the occupants of the house from Indian attack. Many of my ancestors lived in nearby Paintrock where they battled angry redskins as a matter of course.

Growing up in the company of those who represented the last participants of a rich western heritage, and having been touched throughout my life by the magic of that oasis town at the edge of the vast sage and sand deserts to the west, it was no wonder that I craved the stories of the old west.

In those days, western novels were popular and inexpensive. Max Brand entered my world from the disorganized contents of an ML Leddy and Son boot box on a table at a garage sale. My mother purchased several books there for she and my father to read – they were, and still are, voracious readers.

The western novels were quick reads for them. I was younger and slower at the skill. The stories were wonderous in their similarities to those stories of my forefathers and mothers. Privately, I read slowly, savoring every word. Publicly, I blamed much of my slow reading pace on my father as he directed me to keep a dictionary handy rather than trouble him incessantly for the definitions of unfamiliar words.

Max Brand was the master of western dialogue. His prose were exquisite turns of phrase, seasoned with a genuine delivery as only denizens of the old west could achieve.

Zane Gray soon entered my worn paperback collection. My first Zane Gray novel was “Man of the Forest.” His descriptions were palpable and compelling. If he described cold and wet misery, I reached for a blanket. Hot desert scenes had me on my feet desperate for a glass of water.

My first efforts as a writer were less than admirable. I wrote my first story in my early teens. The characters were too perfect, and their motivations were painfully contrived. Although poorly conceived, those early imaginings were the tender seedlings of a strong desire which would beckon me all my life.

I entered the film business in my late 30’s. I have heard that 90% of all film actors make less than $2,500.00 per year at the craft. My claim to fame was that I was among the top 10% - just barely. Recently I was described as a failed actor. That is a painful observation based upon how low the success bar is set.

After more than 60 films, commercials, industrials, and other video productions, I was considered a minor celebrity within the Austin/San Antonio film market. I rarely auditioned, yet I appeared in 3 to 4 projects per year.

One of the directors with whom I worked on more than 15 films cast me exclusively as the heavy in many of his movies. Once, I asked him why he never cast me as a lead in any of his films.

As he considered his response, he pursed his lips and shook his head sadly. Finally, he told me that in the limited talent pool of the local industry there was no actor who could successfully convince an audience that a Craig Rainey character would have anything to fear from them. He blamed the predicament on my strong screen presence. He told me when he found a script where the bad guy was the lead character, he would surely cast me in that role.

Years later I worked with another film company, Mutt Productions, which made larger budget films with better known actors. I managed to land the lead antagonist role of The Mayor in the grindhouse film The Return of Johnny V. After acquiring the film, the distribution company requested a follow-up film falling in one of any of three genres including: science fiction, movies featuring animals, or westerns.

One of the producers with Mutt Productions asked if I knew of any available scripts for any of the genres. I said I didn’t, but of those listed I liked westerns.

As we talked further, I recalled my conversation with the director with whom I had asked for a leading role. A glimmer of an idea struck me. I snapped out of my reverie and interrupted the producer’s continued conversation, announcing to him that I had an idea for a western film. After a few questions about my idea, which I could not answer, I promised to produce a summary or possibly a treatment for a screenplay.

Less than a month later, I had the treatment completed for Massacre at Agua Caliente. The producer loved the premise and offered to forward it to Hollywood where vetted screen writers would create a full script. I asked if I might have a try at writing the screenplay. Reluctantly, the producer agreed. 30 days later, I had the first draft of the script completed.

The script was passed around to several production houses including two major film studios in Hollywood. Offers were made for the rights to the script. I turned them down, doggedly holding to the desire to play the main character – the villain.

With the return of the script came notes on how the film companies thought the story might be improved. Everyone agreed that the story was too long and complex. The most common criticism I heard repeatedly complained that it was two movies in one and would be too expensive to make.

Ultimately, the script was shortened, and the main character was softened to increase his likeability with audiences.

I submitted the screenplay to several festivals where it won many awards and official selections. Although the story was well received, over time the offers dwindled until the script was no longer the hot property it once was.

After 3 years, I felt driven by a desire to write the complete story I had originally created before the edits and redactions. The novel would contain every scene and present the main character as I had intended in the original script.

As I began the novel, I saw in my imagination the story told in the style of the books I had read as a child. I wanted the novel to be an ode to those turn of the century authors I loved, and who had influenced me so greatly.

To succeed, the dialogue had to be important, and the imagery needed to jump off the page and grab the reader, pulling him or her into the midst of the characters.

Because a novel is filled with description that a script never contains, I found it necessary and critically important to research many of the places, people and events peripheral to my story. With few exceptions, the locations and references to outlaws and Indian tribes mentioned in the book are accurate. Hurrah City is a real place. The name was changed in the early twentieth century, but it is authentic to the period.

I completed the novel five years after the final version of the script. Four additional edits refined the style until I was satisfied with the work. I knew I risked a great deal by departing from the quick prose and spare descriptive styles of modern novels, but I wrote the novel with the idea that it would ultimately be a monument to the genre.

I am a reader, and I know the styles of popular authors. I enjoyed the Sackets of Louis L’Amour. The grit of Larry McMurtry enthralls me still. Both are masters of their craft: their styles wisely modern and swift. Still, I dared to risk the dangers of my throwback novel.

My intention was to bring my readers a taste of those turn-of-the-century authors with the modern sharp edge of my present-day favorites. I hope I have succeeded. Only you, the reader, can know for sure. No matter the reception of Massacre at Agua Caliente, my goal was achieved.

I was in San Angelo recently – my first visit in more than 15 years. A new expressway runs through the middle of town. The Twin Buttes seem smaller and less significant, and one must drive as far as Mertzon to feel the few remaining ghosts of the old west. Dear reader, I believe you will find that same rare spirit I knew as a boy in the pages of this singular novel.

Thank you for your time invested in the reading of the book. May your visit be entertaining and memorable.

Craig Rainey

CHAPTER ONE

The Mormons

Hurrah City was a bustling gateway to the frontier. To her east, the Ozarks began an intricate stair step to gain their ultimate heights. To the west and to the southwest, the terrain gave up its arduous complexities for smoother lowlands and less densely wooded greenery. The most heavily travelled routes carried hardy adventurers to sparsely settled lands and the territories west amongst the lower elevations and to semi-arid regions. Less popular routes led into harsh regions containing Indian territories and savage lawless lands beyond the grip of civilization and its constraints.

Like a healing wound, soon to achieve the permanence of a ragged scar, a bright slice of railway was under construction and had reached within 10 miles of the outlying district, east of Hurrah City. The growing city’s expansion had been rapid – in fact, nearly panicked in its efforts to keep pace with the demand for goods, trades and personnel serving the approaching railway and its associated wealth. Commerce established with departing settlers’ trains had made the town as robust as was thought possible. The promise of lucrative railroad activity was likely to cause the little town to fairly explode with additional opportunity.

The main thoroughfare serving the village resembled a tree’s trunk from which intersecting lanes were random as branches. These paths of necessity were formed by wild growth rather than any real plan. Many of the buildings were rude wooden structures, hastily erected. However, the overwhelming number of business establishments and spare shelters for wayward families comprised dingy white sided tents.

Of the wooden structures, the largest and most impressive, by frontier standards, contained the general mercantile and saloon. The narrow saloon was no more than a broad hallway occupying the space to the side of the store. It spanned the depth of the building, separated from the mercantile by a thin plank wall. The chief feature of the smoky, dank establishment was the elbow worn top and boot scarred foot rail humbling the long high bar guarding the entirety of the outer wall. Entry to the raucous room was made either through the general store or by double doors at the front of the saloon.

As was common during the mild evenings of early spring, windows and front doors were cast open, pounding the night air with the din of the mad frivolity within the crowded saloon. The bar was lined with all manner of patrons. Some appeared to be lean-hipped, broad shouldered cow punchers. Others wore the soft clothing of settlers enjoying a last night of civilization before heading out for the territories. A small constituent was made of neatly dressed card sharps, weasel-faced grifters and a small contingent of female consorts.

Unnoticed at a corner table was Crease Cole, accompanied only by a dull bottle of Rye whiskey. His sandy hair and rakish moustaches served to sharpen the pointed gaze of his blue eyes. He tossed down a shot then leaned back to take in his surroundings more fully. He was in the habit of being aware of all who were in proximity. He absently fingered the death black butts of his pistols, poised impatiently in a well-oiled two-gun rig. His gaze met many, but few weathered the look.

Seemingly satisfied at his safety and comfort, he poured another slug and rapidly downed it, pinching his lips and moustache with thick blunt fingers to remove excess moisture. He clinched his strong teeth and exhaled warm vapor between them as heat made its way to his belly.

Crease’s gaze was drawn to the front doors where four men entered together. The first was a raw-boned whipcord of a man with his hat pushed well back on his head. Two of his companions were obviously easterners, probably settlers, due to their heavy clothing and round hats. The last man to enter was an unhappy, barrel-chested, gray whiskered man in suspenders and shirt sleeves.

All four were occupied in a sincere but mobile conversation. Led by the set jaw and singular intent of the raw-boned man, the four made their way to the bar. The stubborn leader placed a spurred boot on the foot rail then turned to the three men. He uttered an emphatic protest. Buried within the general din of the saloon, his words found no reach beyond his followers. His jutting jaw and defiant pose said much about his resistance to the other side of the conversation. With a gesture, he ordered a drink and listened to the older man of the shirtsleeves with an arched brow and an ugly grin. The drink arrived, and he downed it in an instant. He stopped the bartender abruptly and ordered another.

His companions looked about in protest and despair as if to implore some cool head around them to persuade this recalcitrant rebel to sense. The three men continued to state their case with lowered heads and firm gestures. Their entreaties went unheeded as that worthy downed three more drinks in quick succession.

By this time, nearby patrons focused more than casually upon the drama playing out at the bar. Many of those spectators regarded the scene with genuine interest and guarded smiles.

Some feet away, a buxom, thick limbed saloon girl eyed the newcomers with a wry smile as she stood from her table. She smoothed her dress carefully, giving her attention to her companion at the table: a man in a garish hat. He seemed to encourage her in her endeavor. She nodded to her companion a half attentive reply. She shook her luxuriant mane and made her way towards the group. She hid her intentions poorly as she feigned interest in other patrons: wandering, as it were, haphazardly, toward the group.

The rebellious drinking man noticed her as she approached. The spirits-fueled gleam in his eye hardened as he considered her with obvious desire. She moved in behind him and gestured to the bartender for a drink. She ‘accidentally’ bumped her quarry and uttered a demure “excuse me, cowboy” or so it seemed from Crease’s vantage.

With a daring look towards his wide-eyed companions, the leader turned with exaggerated surprise, doffed his hat and said something to the woman - probably meant to be clever. She smiled, then said something in return. The embarrassment and growing displeasure of the other three was obvious as they became more aware of their undesired roles on center stage.

The bare-headed leader moved in closer to the woman and bared his long-stained teeth as he shared another thought with her. The woman’s face changed by degrees as this last sunk past her mischievous front. Her intent had been to enter the limelight, but it was apparent she was not prepared for her role as it was playing out with the drunken stranger.

Enjoying her discomfiture, he followed up his last remark with another, still inaudible in the loud room. Her mouth dropped open and those who knew her also knew what would come next. Her mouth slowly closed, and her lips stretched into a smile which only a woman can wield. She batted her eyelashes then dashed her full drink into the man’s face. Amber liquid dripped down onto his collar. Her face transformed into a mask of fury and she began dressing down the insulting cowboy. She punctuated her narrative with a sound slap across the man’s face.

Quick as a wink, the cowboy’s fist shot. His fist was large enough that his blow completely covered her face. She went down with a sickening suddenness, completely unconscious. The bar fell immediately into silence. By degrees angry murmurs lifted like a rising plague. The assailant’s three companions recoiled from the scene with a very real horror and distaste.

The man of the garish hat, who had apparently launched her upon this mission, stood slowly, never taking his eyes from the bare headed attacker. He was a diminutive man with close-set eyes and a pencil thin moustache. His hat was a tiny hat with a red band, a green feather tucked beneath. He approached the assailant with stiff strides. As the small man approached the drunken cowboy, Crease could not resist an overpowering impression of the tiny man’s stature as that of an attacking leprechaun.

Apparently, the same thought occurred to the small man’s quarry because a cruel leer grew upon the taller man’s face as the slight man approached. The leprechaun paused above the prostrate woman. He bent and helped her to her feet. He removed a red kerchief and dabbed at the blood around her nose and mouth. She stood unsteadily. Her eyes rolled as she struggled to clear the mist from her mind. Two saloon girls approached and gently helped her away. They cast dark looks rearward at the assailant.

The villain crossed his arms and stared down at the smaller man. His sneer was now fully matured. He curled his lip in disdain. It was apparent that he was not intimidated by this angry dwarf.

The room was sufficiently quiet now for the words between the men to be heard by all.

“So, you like to hit women?” said the leprechaun. His Irish brogue completed the picture for the other.

The villain laughed heartily. He held his sides as he said, “You’d better get back to your toad stool or cobbling or whatever it is you keep busy doing when you’re not drinking with full grown men.”

This sally was not greeted with the raucous laughter the villain had expected. Conversely, if it were possible, the room became even more silent. The crowd was a study in reactions. On some faces there were expressions of veiled horror – even fear, on others, one could almost make out traces of pity.

“You are funny said the smaller man. “It is a sad thing these are your last words.”

The smaller man moved with surprising quickness towards his target. As he did, he drew a gleaming blade as large as his arm. The grinning villain hardly had time to straighten and reach for his pistol when the blade sunk to the haft into his chest. The smaller man rode him to the floor gripping his neck as he would a saddle horn. The bigger man’s body hit the dusty floorboards with a dull, heavy chunk. The dwarf kneeled on the dying man’s chest, looking at his surprised face with a grim countenance of squinting eyes and bared teeth.

As the villain died, the dwarf stood, withdrawing the blade slowly until the wound was empty save for a spreading blood stain upon the man’s shirt. He looked about the crowd. Those close by felt his gaze single them out.

“I am Liam ‘Kabash’ O’Flaherty. I fled my loving Isle for the killing of better men than this sack of shit that lies before me.”

His eyes scanned the room. Finally, he turned to the remaining three newcomers.

“Take your friend and go…now.”

The last was low but menacing.

The older gentleman said, “This poor soul was no friend of ours. We met him just yesterday. He was to lead our party through the Indian lands to our new homes in the territory.”

O’Flaherty didn’t move a muscle. He stood with his knife dripping crimson onto the worn floorboards. He waited for the three to obey.

Speaking to the throng in general, the old man continued.

“Is there anyone who knows the country well enough to guide us through?”

Not one of the patrons replied, nor did they show the slightest interest. Liam O’Flaherty was a known man whom had recently made Hurrah City his home. He had been tested on other occasions with similar results. When his passion was high, it was unwise to make oneself noticed.

The larger of the settlers placed hands upon the other two and drew them through the front doors. The Irishman watched them until they disappeared. He glanced at the dead man as if he had forgotten him. He turned to two men at the bar.

“You two muster up and haul this mess out into the street. We’ve drinking to do.”

Crease sat holding his empty glass aloft. With a start, he looked down and realized he had been frozen in this way for some time. He lowered the glass unsteadily and capped the bottle. He watched as the two men went to the body and obediently carried it out the front doors. Silence fell away once again, replaced with the slow gain of saloon sounds. Soon the saloon was once again bathed in its former clamorous noise.

Crease stood resolutely then made his way toward the front doors.

CHAPTER TWO

Trail Boss

The settlers’ wagons were encamped in a small valley just outside of town. The rising sun warmed the new day as Crease sat his horse atop a rim overlooking the valley. The settlers were slowly going about their morning chores. Smoke from breakfast cook fires rose lazily over women bent to their tasks. Men occupied themselves with any number of preparatory duties required of those looking to break camp for good.

Crease clucked to the bay mare as she picked her way easily down the slope towards the encampment.

Travis St. Peter, the older man from the saloon, puffed at his pipe as he watched the stranger at a distance making his way towards their camp. St. Peter was the leader of their group. He again wore suspenders and shirtsleeves as he had the previous evening at the saloon. He listened to the elders nearby debating alternative travel plans necessitated by the death of their guide.

Kyle Spears, the large farmer who had drawn the others from the bar, rubbed his chin in thought. He was a giant of a man with a large shaggy head.

He looked away from the discussion and towards St. Peter as the conversation continued without him.

His voice was low, booming gently as he finally said, “We can’t make the trip without a guide, Father.”

Shin Bruce, the third of the men in the saloon, was smaller but dressed similarly to Kyle.

He favored Kyle with a sneer. “I reckon that’s true. With a keen brain like yours, we should put you in charge,”

Kyle looked down at the smaller man. His gaze was mild, considering the words of the other. After considering him for a moment, Kyle said wearily, “Do you ever get tired of hearing yourself talk?”

“A stranger,” St. Peter said through a cloud of sweet smoke.

The others turned to watch the stranger’s approach. Crease had gained the edge of the encampment. He rode with a casual relaxed posture. He looked around at the Mormons with mild interest.

Much of the work stopped as other settlers turned to watch Crease.

“Welcome, stranger,” said Travis St. Peter when Crease was close. “State your business, sir.”

Crease stopped his horse and dismounted. He approached the three, looking around him as if he were memorizing each settler’s position.

“Crease Cole,” he said putting out his hand. “I hear you’re in need of a guide of late.”

The elders sized up the stranger as Travis St. Peter accepted his hand.

The leader shook his head. His eyes darkened at the memory of the grisly killing.

“I was there,” Crease said, seeming to read St. Peter’s thoughts. “That feller didn’t act with much sense.”

Travis nodded in sad agreement.

“We had just met him. We had commissioned him in writing. He met us at Hurrah City only a day before he was…”

“Bodine was crazier than an outhouse rat,” said Shin in disgust.

“Hush, Shin,” said Travis. “What are your qualifications, Mr. Cole?”

“I reckon I know this country better than most and I don’t drink much on the trail and carouse even less. Judgin’ from the man I’m replacin’, that is a big step up.”

Crease grinned at his own awkward humor. His expression sobered when his words were not met with lightened moods.

St. Peter cleared his throat to indicate a return to business.

“Have you made the trip before?”

Crease removed his hat and wiped his brow, looking around him.

“I ain’t been as far as the territory, but I’ve passed through your Indian country many times. Indians are the tricky part. Once we get through Tontantin Mesa, we’re in the clear. After that, it’s all keepin’ the Sun in front or behind from there.”

Kyle looked at Travis and Shin fixed a critical stare on Crease.

“Give us a moment, Mr. Cole,” Travis said as he turned and led the other two a distance away.

Once out of earshot, Shin said, “I don’t trust him, Father.”

Kyle rubbed his chin. Travis looked at Shin, weighing his own feelings. Shin took the gaze as invitation to give his opinion.

“He could be anybody: a robber, murderer, thief.”

Shin glanced over his shoulder at Crease, standing in the distance with his back to the three.

“He wears two guns. He is probably a gun fighter and criminal. We got our women to think of.”

St. Peter nodded as his mind busied itself with private thoughts. His assessment of their situation offered a limited number of prospects upon which he could count.

Shin took the nod as agreement and continued.

“Maybe we could wait until a little later in the season.”

St. Peter’s eyes lifted from their thoughts and he regarded Shin with a blank look. Shin realized that the older man had not been listening to him. He pursed his lips as he endeavored to keep his frustration to himself. Kyle looked at the smaller man, amusement pulling at the corners of his mouth.

Shin looked up at Kyle and his eyes narrowed in anger.

“Shin,” St. Peter said finally, “You and Kyle pass the word: Go back to your families and make ready to move out at first light.”

Helen was nervous. It wasn’t the hardships of the long journey that made her uneasy. The oxen’s slow laboring gait was comforting. Her surroundings were vastly alien to what she was accustomed in her young life, but the rough desert country was a continual source of wonder and discovery. Her discomfort sprung from many quarters. She labored eagerly at her chores with the others, but she didn’t feel a part of the Mormon group. She was a gentile, by their definition. She felt homesick despite the many weeks since she had left her home to join them.

The chief source of her uneasiness came from her new husband, Shin Bruce. The marriage had been arranged by her mother and executed despite her protests.

To call the woman ‘mother’ seemed unfitting of late. Helen’s father perished in the war, after which her mother had retreated into a world unwelcome to all but herself. Helen tried, on many occasions, to council her troubled mother to no avail. Indeed, her advances had been parried with a cold indignation, that tool wielded by those elders who hold little respect for youthful opinion.

It became apparent, soon enough, that Mother desired to be alone in her efforts to replace her dead husband. It wasn’t that her mother was slovenly. Rather, she sought a companion to occupy the lonely void within her which she would, in Helen’s opinion, never fill. Her father’s passing had broken her mother’s fragile heart. Helen believed broken hearts incapable of containing love. One could as easily ask a broken pitcher not to leak - so it seemed with her mother.

Helen came from modest means. Her prospects were numerous, though not substantial. She feared fate would relegate her to the role of sodbuster’s wife or perhaps the wife of a wild cowboy. As in so many things in life, her heart yearned for more. She felt from childhood that she was meant for more. Adventure dwelled in her soul and she felt she would die if that resource was not tapped.

The Mormon group, led by Father St. Peter, arrived in her small town as the leaves began to turn. Their intent was to winter near her village and wait out the snow for fairer weather by which to trek west.

She remembered the day she saw Shin for the first time. She noticed his attention towards her at the market where he accompanied the Mormon women tasked with purchasing supplies for the encamped assemblage.

She was accustomed to male attention from both young and old. Her Auburn hair and green eyes never failed to draw male notice initially. Her round limbed shapeliness and her ready smile succeeded in extricating them from any remaining measure of decent sensibility. Her very presence seemed to enthrall the opposite sex. Her mother was prone to criticize her for what she interpreted as a provocative air. Helen invariably reddened in frustration and embarrassment at the criticism.

She was a natural beauty and could no more control her allure than a wildflower could avoid blossoming in spring. Her mother seemed to harbor resentment, and even jealousy, at the attention given Helen. Helen believed her mother’s eagerness to marry her to Shin was intended to remove an irritating impediment to her own search for a mate.

Days after Shin’s appearance at the market, Helen heard rumors of his asking around town about her. Before long he appeared on her doorstep.

Mother, of course, observed all the ritualistic measures customarily observed in polite society. She eyed this young caller with motherly suspicion. She even protested at his daring to come “a-calling” unannounced. Her admonitions were never as harsh as Helen would have expected of a truly concerned mother. Mother’s rebukes contained enough ire to cause Shin discomfort. He blanched and wavered in his conquest. He weakened in the face of Mother’s half-hearted rebukes. Helen viewed his weakness of resolve as a character flaw unbecoming a man of the west.

Mother detected Shin’s flagging courage. Worried he would falter, she softened her barrage with poorly disguised reluctance. Her mother shushed Helen’s protests at her weakened resolve, instructing her that Shin was to be forgiven. His heart seemed true. Mother assured Helen his awkward manner was likely due to a lack of skill in social discourse than the result of a faulty make-up. She mused aloud that it was likely his devout Mormon upbringing was surely the source of his clumsy manner. She divined that he was true, evident by his youthful courtesy and honest discomfiture at offending the home at such an early stage of their courtship.

When she managed to receive him alone, Mother secretly encouraged young Shin with confidential reports containing exaggerated accounts of Helen’s reaction to him. She assured the smitten Shin that Helen seemed more absent-minded and listless since his arrival. She vouchsafed her belief that Helen seemed quite taken with the stalwart young man. Mother’s fabricated encouragement emboldened him, and he redoubled his efforts, pursuing her openly and with great relish.

Between his attempts at courtship, Helen complained to Mother that she was not interested in receiving Shin romantically. Her mother quelled her complaints summarily. She reminded her of her limited viable prospects and her diminishing opportunities to leave that dirty town. She attempted to persuade her daughter with an assumed air of concern for her happiness and future well-being. As always, Helen was certain her mother’s erstwhile concern was more for her own ends than Helen’s.

Helen’s resistance weakened about the time the Mormons announced their plans to depart. They announced their intent to make for Hurrah City within a fortnight where they would provision and depart for the territories west.

By this time Helen was properly introduced and it was agreed that she and Shin would be married in time for the journey.

Shin seemed unfazed by Helen’s distant manner. With the succor of Father St. Peter’s advice, Shin believed she was shy but would warm to him in time. They finally wed two days prior to their departure.

Helen awoke from her reverie with a frown on her lovely face. Her nervous state was a direct reaction to Shin’s insistent begging to have relations with her. She had done her wifely duty after the wedding, but she was decidedly not attracted to him in that way. She disliked his ungainly manner during the act, and he bore little stamina. What repelled her most was his demeanor - even his very smell. She had been near other men, and their musk had not repelled her as her husband’s did. No matter how frequently he bathed, the odor was unmistakable and unpleasant. When he objected to her unyielding defenses at his advances, his manner of speaking became whiney and complaining. Even among the men, his habit of winding into caustic tirade caused those worthies to cast baleful glances towards him.

His attempts to convince her to rut were equally objectionable and annoying. They had not lain together since starting the journey more than three weeks hence. He was becoming more and more resistant to her deflections and weak excuses. Often, he lingered uncomfortably when they embraced. She feared that each time he did so was the day he would succumb to his animal side and force her to take him inside her.

She struggled with her reaction to him. She was, after all, his wife in the eyes of God. She endeavored to find something within her which would sustain her for a lifetime with this man. She found nothing which could ease her discomfort at his touch.

It was after dusk when the Mormons finally massed the wagons and made camp for the night. Helen had been ready to stop for hours. Their guide, Crease, typically stopped no later than afternoon’s end. The late halt necessitated that much of the camp’s preparation would be done in the dark.

She climbed from the wagon and began drawing the night’s provisions from the rear. Shin would arrive soon, and he would be hungry. She was bent over the cooking fire when a buxom, matronly woman approached from around her wagon.

Myrtle St. Peter, Father’s wife, was a stern taskmistress, but she seemed fond of Helen. Among the men she was fearless and, at times, garrulous and of ready humor. With the younger members, she was to be respected and obeyed.

“Helen,” she said without preamble, “Shin will be delayed. Could you help me prepare the meal for those not in the work party?”

“Certainly, Mother, has something happened?”

Mrs. St. Peter smoothed her dress as she surveyed Helen’s camp handiwork.

“Mr. Cole has taken us to the edge of what he calls ‘Tontantin Mesa’ and the men are rigging the wagons for a marathon trek through the region.”

Helen straightened and considered Mrs. St. Peter for a moment.

“Is that why we travelled so late today?”

“Come dear,” she said as she walked away.

Helen lifted the rough iron pot with a tattered rag and followed dutifully.

“According to Mr. Cole,” Mrs. St. Peter said without turning, “we had to travel as far today as possible, or we would be ‘caught on the Mesa’ after dark.”

“That sounds a little mysterious, Mother.”

“Dramatic to say the least: but we are to travel as Mr. Cole sees fit.”

Helen bit her lip. She felt it wise to keep her thoughts to herself. She kept her eyes on Mrs. St. Peter’s broad shoulders as she followed. Her instincts troubled her.

As they approached another fire, women bustled about, and children played just inside the fire light’s circle. Mrs. St. Peter moved to the fire and stirred the simmering pots.

“Marjorie,” Mrs. St. Peter said to one of the Mormon women, “Gather the children. We need to get them fed and to bed at an early hour. We start out before first light.”

Marjorie, a thin, dark-haired woman, nodded and went off to wrangle the noisy youngsters.

“Helen, place your pot here.”

The camp was quiet, and the fire had burned down by the time the men returned from their labor. Crease led the way in silence.

Shin was close at his heels.

“I don’t like it Cole,” Shin complained. “If there is something you’re not telling us you need to say it.”

Shin tried to make eye contact with Crease.

“I am the guide on this trail, and I don’t need to break down my every decision for your approval,” Crease said without looking at Shin.

Crease accepted a plate of food from Helen with a grunt. He nodded his dismissal to Shin and repaired to a wooden crate where he sat heavily. He shoveled stew into his mouth and chewed, obviously tired.

Travis St. Peter accepted a plate from Helen with a smile and nod. He moved towards Crease. He lifted a steaming spoonful of the stew to his lips and consumed it as he looked down at Crease with a thoughtful gaze. He chewed thoughtfully then swallowed.

“I recognize there is little love lost between you and Shin, but I share his concern. It is curious to me that we would take pains to travel so far tomorrow to cross a region you have assured us is safe. I don’t question your authority in this matter, Mr. Cole, but the well-being of my flock is my responsibility.”

“Well, as they say, Mr. St. Peter, curiosity killed the cat,” Crease took another bite and looked emphatically at Travis. “We will be in the open, in Indian country, is all.”

Travis looked over his plate, considering Crease a moment more, not satisfied.

“Again, I ask you…”

Crease interrupted him. His lip curled as he spoke.

“Mr. St. Peter, this here journey ain’t a prayer meeting. No matter who you woulda picked to guide you through rough country, dangers are gonna be there. If you and your people didn’t expect some hazard on a trip like this, then you are all fools in a fool’s fantasy.”

St. Peter’s brow furrowed at this straight talk from his guide. After a moment more, he turned on his heel and moved towards the fire and his awaiting wife. He was obviously dissatisfied with the conversation.

Percy, Marjorie’s husband, took a seat next to his wife and watched silently. Percy was a smallish man with the demeanor of a teacher and the appearance of a rather large mouse. He wore spectacles and was in the habit of looking over the top of the rims when speaking.

Marjorie grasped his hand and said, “Should I be worried?”

Percy looked over the rims of his spectacles into his wife’s eyes. He seemed to find his answer in his observation of her lean features.

“Mr. Cole says no. My instincts say yes.”

The morning shared the darkness of night when Helen woke to the sound of Mrs. St. Peter banging on an iron wheel ring. The chill air kept her beneath the covers. She cautiously felt for Shin in the dark. The bedding was warm, but he was gone. She relaxed slightly. Fatigue had been her ally the previous night. After making a feeble attempt for her, he gave up and fell into an exhausted sleep.

She rose, fully dressed, thankful for the time saved. She invested the few extra moments gained in an effort to tidy up in case Mother inspected her wagon. She quickly climbed out from under the wagon cover and began stowing those few things remaining unloaded from the night before.

Breakfast was served at Marjorie’s camp as supper had the previous evening. Food service was well underway when Helen arrived to help.

Breakfast was a casual affair of bacon, potatoes and biscuits. Drowsy and hungry, families drifted to the serving board before moving away quietly to eat. The hour was early even for these hardy settlers.

The wagon train was under way well before a dim gray line brightened the eastern sky. Shin sat beside Helen on the wagon seat rather than in the saddle of his horse as was his custom. As the dawn colored red and gold, the increased light allowed her to see the tension in his face. He didn’t look at her as he concentrated on the task at hand.

“Are things that serious?” she asked.

“What do you mean,” he replied a little too casually.

“You aren’t riding today?”

“Long day. We need to make good time.”

She gave her attention to the horizon as she pondered his unspoken meaning.

The morning grew bright and warm. The wagons moved with a slow steadiness which belied the tension of all within. By degrees, Helen noticed a change in the terrain. Where once they travelled amongst gently rolling hills and feathered greenery, they now entered a region flat as a table with yellow grasses and spare twisted trees. The chief difference to Helen was the lack of birdsong. During her time on the trail, she made it a point to listen to the sound of birds as they gamboled about in their singular duties. She made a game of locating each singer and remembering its merry tune. Since the train had topped the ascent to the mesa, she had heard not a single bird. The absence contributed ominously to her sense of foreboding.

At the front of the caravan she spied a rider making his way back, speaking to the drivers of each wagon in turn.

Shin sat straighter in the seat. Scorn rusted his words.

“What does he want?”

The rider was Crease Cole. He finally reached their wagon and doffed his hat to Helen.

“Push your team, Bruce. We need to pick up the pace.”

“These are Oxen, Cole. We ain’t got horses in the traces.”

Shin gave emphasis to his words with a baleful look at Crease then gave his attention to the Oxen.

Crease looked at Helen. He let his gaze linger upon her for a moment longer than she thought appropriate. Finally, he again touched his hat and moved past them to the following wagons.

“I don’t like that fella’,” said Shin with a jerk of his head.

“I think he knows it as well as the rest of us, Shin.”

“Don’t sass me, Helen. I don’t reckon this here is going to end well.”

Helen peered at him, trying to understand his meaning.

“Tell me what’s on your mind.”

His jaw worked as he resisted the urge to say more.

“I’m hungry. You got any jerked meat about?”

Helen watched him for a moment. She was decidedly not satisfied with his mute resistance to her concerns. With a shake of her head, she climbed over the seat into the wagon to satisfy his request.

Father St. Peter hunched in the seat of the big wagon. The day was growing hot and he had used considerable energy pushing the oxen. The stubborn animals were not accustomed to the brisk pace and it took great effort and a sustained application of strength to keep the stubborn beasts at that speed. If his thoughts wandered or if he lost concentration on the task, the beasts immediately lapsed into a more comfortable gait.

Not long after midday Father wiped the sweat from his face with a dirty shirt sleeve. His attention focused upon what appeared to be a trellis works in the distance. It was ahead and right of their current heading and was too far for him to make out details. Myrtle noticed his attention to the thing in the distance and shaded her eyes to make out what he was seeing.

“What is that, Father?”

“I cannot say, Mother.”