Echoes of the Heart Read online

  “Oh, Raeden, it’s stunning. Your imagination never ceases to amaze me.”

  Bursting with pride, Raeden smiled. “Of course.” She brushed the gown with loving hands, taking in the smooth textured shimmering fabric, so pleased with herself she had created an article of such beauty. Next, she pulled out the shoes she would wear and sat them beside the dress then reached for a small reticule of the same lace and satin with a ribbon cord to fit over her wrist.

  “I also have lace gloves I bought to finish it off. I have pearls Mother gave me for my sixteenth birthday. I’ll wear those, also.”

  Tears spilled from her eyes. Overwhelmed with sudden sorrow, she sat on the bed, head in her hands and began weeping.

  “Oh, Aunt Diane, I just can’t do this. I feel in my heart it is very wrong.” She turned watery eyes to look her aunt square in the face.

  Diane handed her another handkerchief and sat beside her on the bed. Her expression let Raeden know how much she sympathized with her predicament.

  “Well, there is only one thing to do.” She patted her on the knee then stood from the bed and grasped both of Raeden’s hands in hers. “We must call off the ceremony.”

  Three

  Charged with protecting the town, District Federal Marshal, Cash Rydell stood casting a long shadow along the plank walk while he surveyed the streets. The burgeoning growth of Chamberlain, South Dakota brought many changes along with the need for an additional deputy to insure the security of those in his safekeeping.

  In the distance, clouds of thick red dust rose over the heads of hundreds of cattle in holding pens at the Dakota Southern railway station eventually connecting to St. Louis and Kansas City, the center of meatpacking.

  Along with the increasing herds came additional ranch hands looking for a good time at the saloon keeping Cash and his deputy, John, busy mediating brawls and locking up drunken cowboys until they sobered. Nothing unusual, just the result from weeks of driving cattle. They needed to let off steam.

  Gold and silver mines in the Black Hills became a threat to the Cheyenne tribes making it necessary for him to try to keep the peace between the miners and his Indian friends. He needed another deputy in town to assist John while he spent many days out in his district tending to his numerous duties

  The railroad line, once completed, allowed commerce to increase rapidly, supporting the populace making it possible for the townspeople to enjoy the finer items their newfound wealth could buy, along with the vast estate houses erected throughout the area. All enjoyed receiving mail on a regular schedule.

  The increased growth in population near the southern borders of South Dakota helped build a significant political base for the new state. Along with frequent visits from Senator Wilcox to Pierre, the state capitol required Cash’s input and presence when he held meetings with the state legislature forcing him out of town more often, leaving John on his own.

  Under the sun’s warmth, Cash unbuttoned the top of his black buffalo plaid shirt and observed the workers installing wooden planks along the new shop fronts while he rolled up his sleeves. His boots made hollow sounds on the walkway as he strode toward the office.

  The town now boasted a big livery stable, eating establishments and a grand hotel. All marked the passage of time and the tide of progress since his childhood.

  While observing the project to improve the mud rutted streets, he could not help but be amazed at the signs of ever-increasing prosperity around him. The same growth made it necessary for him to sit on the city council meeting on occasion, not to his liking but his input regarding the expanding population and increased crime became paramount.

  Entering the office, Deputy John Ward, greeted him. His tall sturdy frame and ruggedness still showed some signs of immaturity, but Cash knew within a short time he would be especially intimidating if he chose. The blond young man, an excellent marksman, had on a couple of occasions saved him from being wounded or killed. Cash felt fortunate to have him as a second, watching his back

  The two men spent a great deal of time breaking up fights at the saloon; corralling drunken cowboys and watching for would-be thieves or dubious men looking for easy money. He took his position seriously and the people looked to him for their safety and protection.

  John flashed Cash a cheery smile where he stood near the small iron stove in the corner and handing him a cup of coffee. “Well, Cash. How is the street work coming?”

  “It’s progressing right along. Looks like the ladies won’t have to wade through the mud holes to do their shopping this winter.” He drank some of the strong, hot liquid while walking in long confident strides toward the desk on the far side of the sparsely appointed utilitarian room.

  “Have you seen the new livery since Watts finished the addition?”

  John sat near the desk. “Yes, I have. Who would have thought this town would need such a massive livery supply? He has room in there to accommodate a whole herd! I heard Watts has ordered two new buggies. They are due from St. Louis when the next train arrives.”

  Eager to get on with his work, Cash stood. “Well, John, why don’t you quit yapping and grab your horse and make rounds? I’ll go over to the store to make sure everything is going okay. I don’t want Diane and Mike to come home to a ransacked shop. Old Mr. Mills is getting on in years. I think they need to find someone else to help out when they are out of town.” He shifted his low-slung gun belt and stepped over the threshold.

  “I agree. I‘ll see you in a couple of hours. I think I’ll go over to the hotel and get some food when I’m finished.” He ran his fingers through the thick mass of pale yellow hair, placing his hat on his head as he smiled at Cash on his way to the door.

  ***

  Cash had dinner at the hotel in the evening eating heartily on a thick rare steak then decided to go to the saloon for a beer, maybe two. He ran fingers through his hair before replacing his low-crowned Stetson, checked his revolver by spinning the chamber then walked to Angie’s place. Spending a little time with her would be a nice way to pass the time indeed.

  He had met Angie when he returned after two years of venting his anger and frustration when his wife and newborn son died. The thoughts stayed with him however, eroding any peace he might find, but he managed to stay with the job, not traveling all over the country looking for a fight.

  As he entered Angie’s, glances turned in his direction then quickly darted away from his intense dark stare. He scanned the room thoroughly, searching for signs of danger while looking directly into each man’s eyes. Most turned their glances away, continuing to talk and nurse their drinks.

  He spotted six unfamiliar men seated at the poker table in the alcove, with Angie dealing, her flashy blonde curls falling over smooth bare shoulders exposed by a thin-strapped clinging dress. On noticing Cash, she quickly called one of her girls to take her place at the table. She met Cash at the bar where he had ordered whiskey with a beer chaser.

  “Hi, handsome.”

  His blood ran hot when she moved toward him, her honey-gold hair hanging over her shoulders in long curls. The blue eyes enhanced her smooth alabaster skin. Her hips swished beneath the bright red dress dropping just below her knees. The black net stockings revealed shapely legs and she wore red shoes on her tiny feet. The aroma of jasmine radiated around her. He knew of course, lots of other customers enjoyed her vibrant personality and expertise in bed and many of her regulars bestowed expensive gifts.

  He put an arm tightly around her shoulder, pulling her tight against his body while turning to face the front door of the bar. She looped her arm around his waist and reached to give him a quick kiss on the lips, a generous smile showed glinting white teeth.

  “Well, Marshal, how has your day been?”

  He felt a swelling of desire as his gaze followed the length of her sleek body. Before finishing his beer, he ordered a second shot of whiskey.

  “How are things going for you this evening? Can you spare some time for an old friend?” His eyes sear
ed into hers, as he pulled her tightly to his chest and pressed his hardness against her.

  “Oh, sweetie, I always have time for you. Let’s go upstairs. Everything is under control here.”

  Cash tossed back his whiskey and led her up to her second-floor room with a hand on her elbow. She opened the door and they entered her small gaudy apartment adorned in purple and orange tassels. A red worn carpet covered the creaky wood floor. He quickly grabbed her and carried her to the bed in the corner, plopped her down then hurriedly undressed.

  He could always count on Angie to take care of his needs without complications, ties or expectations and no uncomfortable scenes when he left her alone in bed.

  ***

  When he rose to get dressed, Angie reached for him, her hand soft on his back.

  “What’s your hurry? You can stay the night if you want.” She let the sheet drop from her chest, exposing her soft pink breasts and dusty rose nipples.

  He quickly shrugged free, and continued to dress. Cash never spent the night with the women he bedded, and did not intend to start now. “Angie, you know I won’t do it. If you persist, I will just have to find another girl.” He gave her a half smile and a quick pat on her rump. “I’ll meet you at the bar.”

  Stepping to the bar, he ordered another whiskey and tilted sideways leaning on an elbow to view the door, pondering how many drinks it would take to allow him to sleep a few hours and stop the constant visions haunting his nights.

  With a voluminous red smile painted on her lips, Angie descended the staircase walked to the poker table swaying her hips, avoiding eye contact with Cash.

  Cash downed anther shot and walked toward the door, his boots sounding hard on the wooden plank floor. Voices raised at the poker table made him spin toward the noise. Small hairs rose on the back of his neck. Muscles tensed as he strode toward the men.

  A mid-sized man wearing buckskins rose from his chair shouting. The chair fell back with a loud crack on the floor. He swung toward Angie, anger growled in his harsh voice.

  “You god damn bitch, I saw you deal from the bottom of the deck.” He moved toward her with a cruel glint in his eyes, nostrils flaring. Before Cash reached the table, the man arced a backhand across her right cheek. She snapped to the side and drew a hand to her face in defense.

  With the speed of a pouncing mountain lion, Cash had the man by the scruff of his neck and flung him to the floor. The man gaped up in surprise. With a boot on his throat, he pulled the man’s hog-leg from his holster and tossed it aside. He knelt to press a knee into his chest and let loose a solid punch to his jaw, the thud of the impact echoing throughout the saloon.

  Blood gushed from a gash on his cheek then streamed down his face and into his dusty brown hair. The man cringed at the low growling words spoken through clenched teeth. “How do you like getting hit in the face?” He yanked him up by the collar, bent his arm behind his back and started toward the door with the man’s feet shuffling along the floor. When he reached the swing-door, he pitched the man through with a force rolling him into the street. “If I ever see you around here again, I guarantee more than your face will be bleeding.”

  Angie had a wet cloth pressed to her face when Cash turned and paced to where she sat. Undisturbed by the incident, she glanced at Cash and smiled. “He’s just another cowboy having had too much to drink and didn’t like losing his money. He played like an idiot. Thanks for the help. Don’t worry, I’ll be okay.” She turned to go back to the card table. When Cash touched her shoulder, she glanced into his eyes.

  “You let me know if he comes in here again.”

  “It comes with the territory honey, but next time you can bet he will mind his manners.”

  Cash cupped her chin in his hand while surveying her cheek. It looked like it would bruise some, but nothing that would last. “Well, I guess I’ll go get some sleep. Sounds like you don’t need my help.” Knowing it to be well past midnight, he sauntered outside turning his head to survey the bar one more time before leaving to go to the hotel. He saw no sign of the man from the bar. Ever on alert, he watched everything along the way, glancing down alleyways and up at windows and rooftops as he went.

  The man at the desk greeted Cash when he walked into the hotel lobby of the newly refurbished hotel. In the last year new paint, expensive fixtures and plush carpet were added looking elegant and well suited for the elite class of businessmen wanting to get richer in the new expanded territory filled with silver and gold. The dining room had seasonal meals, closing up during the winter months as much of the town. When winter set in, enforcing the law became easier but traveling the region more difficult when prisoners from other territories coming under his jurisdiction needed to change venues for the proper courts.

  Cash ascended the stairs two at a time, glancing around the hotel then entered his room, taking in all four corners in a swift survey. Donated for the town marshal, the small room had a comfortable bed, though he would have preferred one larger to accommodate his stature. A thick tan carpet lay on the floor and a chest of drawers stood near the window to the left. The washbasin, pitcher of water and a glass lay on top of the chest along with his shaving gear. The rack on the side held a plush towel and an armoire to the right stored his clothing. One of the older rooms, he shared a bathroom down the corridor with other visitors occupying the less expensive section of the hotel.

  He undid the hold-down leather tie around his thigh, unbuckled his gun belt, hanging it on the bedpost within easy reach. He pulled a wood carved chair next to his bed and removed his shirt to hang over the back. Sitting on the bed, he pulled off his boots letting them fall to the floor with a thud. Standing to pull off his trousers, tossed them on the chair for easy access if something came up during the night.

  Cash reached for the bottle of whiskey he kept in a drawer, poured a generous glass of the clear amber liquid before setting it down on the stand by his bed. He downed the burning sedative then flopped on top of the covers, his arm under his neck, glancing at the ceiling. He hoped to fall asleep sometime before dawn.

  Four

  Raeden jumped up, facing her aunt. “What? I can’t call of the wedding. It’s tomorrow. Are you out of your mind?” The excitement brought heat to her face but a ray of hope began to emerge while her thoughts raced. She paced the room.

  Diane frowned. “Look, Rae. If you don’t think you want to get married then chances are you shouldn’t. You would be doing Chris a favor by letting him go. He is young, rich and handsome. There will be no problem finding someone else who really loves him the way he deserves. He will be fine.”

  She put her hand on Raeden’s shoulder and stared in her eyes. “Look, I will take care of it. I also think it would be a good idea if you came home with me to South Dakota. When the gossip dies down and things return to normal, you can come home and start over. Trust me.”

  Raeden’s cheeks burned hot while she paced, breathing in short gasps and realized she must appear a lunatic. “Oh, do you think I can do this? I really don’t want to get married but I don’t want to shame my family and Christopher’s.” She dropped her hands to her sides. “This is awful. I am so embarrassed.” She slowed her pace and could not help but notice the look of amusement on her aunt’s face, a Cheshire cat with shimmering blue eyes.

  “You’ll get over it.” Diane spoke in a matter of fact way while walking toward the door, her manner businesslike and concise. “I’ll get Mike and Craig, they can help. I will have Mike go talk to Tom and between the three of them, they can notify the guests the wedding will not happen. I’m sure Mike or Tom will talk to Chris, as well.

  “I will go speak with the minister and tell your parents. Your mother will be hysterical of course, but it won’t be the first time. You start getting your things together. The train leaves tomorrow night and we have a lot to do.” She left the room in a hurry and Raeden heard the sounds of footsteps running down stairs.

  Raeden stood staring at the open door, unable to think clearly. Oh
God, what is happening? Relief suddenly washed over her, a smile formed on her lips. Yes, this will work out just fine. She ran to the cellar and dragged several large trunks to her room. One stood in the corner already packed with her trousseau leaving the others for her fabrics, notions and remaining clothing. She could help at the store, do tailoring, and sew garments for the women in town.

  The thought of using her talents and starting fresh gave a burst of energy. If things went well, perhaps she could go to Paris in the spring with nothing standing in her way. She had read so much about Europe and the fashion world, the shows and famous designers. It would be there she could really make her mark.

  With things definitely looking up, she filled up the trunk and stacked packages of fabric, carefully wrapped in heavy Manila paper to avoid the dust on the train. Excitement amplified as she put her extra set of riding clothes in the trunk along with extra boots, warm cloak and riding jacket. No one would criticize her riding apparel now. Next, she would go to the stable to collect Arte’s gear.

  Her wedding dress hung in the armoire, the most beautiful garment she had constructed to date. She had spent many hours stringing the miniature pearls and it shimmered in the light when she removed it for inspection.

  Maybe she could sell it in Chamberlain. Surely, a bride would buy the gown. No, I will leave it for Cynthia. Her sister near marrying age and their size being the same, she pictured the gown on her sister. She knew it would look striking.

  Placing the wrapped dress carefully in a small trunk she added the shoes, veil and purse then pushed it into the back of the closet.

  The marriage completely out of her thoughts, she continued to collect the items necessary to make her stay at Diane and Mike’s comfortable along with all her toiletries and fancy silk undergarments.

  Deciding she might stay in Chamberlain if she liked it, she packed some of her favorite possessions, family tintypes and photographs to take along together with her jewelry, which she carefully placed in a lesser case to carry on board the train.