boys in the morning, Sage said. If it wasnt so close to dark, Id go now. Ill track them down and get them back to you as quickly as I can.
I keep praying for God to protect my family. But troubles keep happening. Leah sniffed back a sob and shook her head as though to chase away her tears. Strawberry blonde hair curled around her face, and freckles dotted her nose and cheeks. Both characteristics gave the impression of Leah being a mere girl, but her girlish days were gone. She turned to Sage. What if John or Davis runs into the McCaws or a bear or mountain lion? What if the McCaws took them?
As a child, when Sages parents had taken her to church, she heard the sermons expounding on Romans 8:28 and Jamess call to patience and perseverance. She hadnt appreciated folks repeating them during her own tragedies, and she wasnt about to heap them on Leah. I dont have any answers for you, but Ill do my best.
Leah took a deep breath. When Frank died, I thought my worries would be about putting food on the table, not losing my John and Davis and even Parker. II know youre a smartwoman and know ways to track down people. But can you really find my boys?
Sage swallowed the emotion rising in her throat. Given a choice, shed gladly rear a dozen children instead of looking for Charless killer. But Tall Elk had taught her how to read trails like a scout, and shed use every skill within her power to find Leahs sons. I promise you I will not stop looking until I find them.
Bless you, dear Sage. Youve given me hope. Tears flooded Leahs eyes, and Sage blinked to stop her own. Shed given up on ever having female friends when she was a girl. Good Christian women forbade their daughters to have anything to do with Sage, never mind that Sages mother had abandoned the gods of the Ute to worship the white mans God. But at this moment, Sage didnt care what Leahs beliefs were about Indians. What mattered was getting those boys back to their mother.
Sage had planned to give Leah and Mrs. Felter most of the bounty from Aidens capture, but now that he was on the loose again, she couldnt lay claim to any money. Why dont you go home and be with your other sons? Im sure theyre missing you.
Youre probably right. One of my younger boys cried when I told him I was coming into town. I couldnt bring myself to tell him about Parker being hurt. Leahs large brown eyes gave her a look of innocence, which contrasted with how much shed seen of the harshness of life.
Sage wrapped her arm around Leahs shoulder. Your children need you. Ill leave at dawn. I
Not without me. Parkers raspy voice sounded weak. He had a little more color, but hed be of little use with his constant pain in catching each breath.
You cant ride in your condition, Sage said. Besides, youll slow me down.
Watch me. His chest lifted and lowered. My ribs are wrapped, and Ive slept most of the day.
I think you were unconscious most of the day, Sage said.
Still asleep.
Hawk and I work better alone, she said, but she shrugged. No point arguing with Parker. She didnt want to mention her suspicions that Aiden might have those boys or that they might be harmed if she wasted time, and odds were hed sleep right through her departure in the morning.
He said nothing, only stared at the ceiling as Leah said her good-byes and left.
What are you thinking? Sage said.
He frowned, and his distorted face resembled a walnut. The same thing you are. That the McCaws most likely have Davis and probably John too. He swallowed hard. And Im hoping those boys are still alive.
A knock at the door interrupted Sages thoughts. Come in.
Mrs. Slader stepped in, a tall thin woman with a kind face. I found this on the front porch. She held out a folded piece of yellowed paper. One of the boys said a man rode by and put it there. It has Miss Morrows name on it.
Sage took the note, angst rising as to the sender. Thank you. Did he recognize the man?
It was my middle boy who brought it to me. I asked him, but he said it
I keep praying for God to protect my family. But troubles keep happening. Leah sniffed back a sob and shook her head as though to chase away her tears. Strawberry blonde hair curled around her face, and freckles dotted her nose and cheeks. Both characteristics gave the impression of Leah being a mere girl, but her girlish days were gone. She turned to Sage. What if John or Davis runs into the McCaws or a bear or mountain lion? What if the McCaws took them?
As a child, when Sages parents had taken her to church, she heard the sermons expounding on Romans 8:28 and Jamess call to patience and perseverance. She hadnt appreciated folks repeating them during her own tragedies, and she wasnt about to heap them on Leah. I dont have any answers for you, but Ill do my best.
Leah took a deep breath. When Frank died, I thought my worries would be about putting food on the table, not losing my John and Davis and even Parker. II know youre a smartwoman and know ways to track down people. But can you really find my boys?
Sage swallowed the emotion rising in her throat. Given a choice, shed gladly rear a dozen children instead of looking for Charless killer. But Tall Elk had taught her how to read trails like a scout, and shed use every skill within her power to find Leahs sons. I promise you I will not stop looking until I find them.
Bless you, dear Sage. Youve given me hope. Tears flooded Leahs eyes, and Sage blinked to stop her own. Shed given up on ever having female friends when she was a girl. Good Christian women forbade their daughters to have anything to do with Sage, never mind that Sages mother had abandoned the gods of the Ute to worship the white mans God. But at this moment, Sage didnt care what Leahs beliefs were about Indians. What mattered was getting those boys back to their mother.
Sage had planned to give Leah and Mrs. Felter most of the bounty from Aidens capture, but now that he was on the loose again, she couldnt lay claim to any money. Why dont you go home and be with your other sons? Im sure theyre missing you.
Youre probably right. One of my younger boys cried when I told him I was coming into town. I couldnt bring myself to tell him about Parker being hurt. Leahs large brown eyes gave her a look of innocence, which contrasted with how much shed seen of the harshness of life.
Sage wrapped her arm around Leahs shoulder. Your children need you. Ill leave at dawn. I
Not without me. Parkers raspy voice sounded weak. He had a little more color, but hed be of little use with his constant pain in catching each breath.
You cant ride in your condition, Sage said. Besides, youll slow me down.
Watch me. His chest lifted and lowered. My ribs are wrapped, and Ive slept most of the day.
I think you were unconscious most of the day, Sage said.
Still asleep.
Hawk and I work better alone, she said, but she shrugged. No point arguing with Parker. She didnt want to mention her suspicions that Aiden might have those boys or that they might be harmed if she wasted time, and odds were hed sleep right through her departure in the morning.
He said nothing, only stared at the ceiling as Leah said her good-byes and left.
What are you thinking? Sage said.
He frowned, and his distorted face resembled a walnut. The same thing you are. That the McCaws most likely have Davis and probably John too. He swallowed hard. And Im hoping those boys are still alive.
A knock at the door interrupted Sages thoughts. Come in.
Mrs. Slader stepped in, a tall thin woman with a kind face. I found this on the front porch. She held out a folded piece of yellowed paper. One of the boys said a man rode by and put it there. It has Miss Morrows name on it.
Sage took the note, angst rising as to the sender. Thank you. Did he recognize the man?
It was my middle boy who brought it to me. I asked him, but he said it
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