“Captain Jones, do you believe the Indians will attack us? Please tell us the truth,” Mrs. Freeman asked.

  Captain Jones took off his hat to wipe the sweat off his brow. “No, ma'am. I don't. I think they would have attacked already if they were going to. There hasn’t been trouble with the Sioux for quite a while now. We haven't given them reason to hurt us.”

  “Unless those two darn fools did,” an older man shouted out.

  “I guess we won’t know the answer to that until the men come back,” Captain Jones replied sternly.

  “If you don’t think the Indians are going to attack, why are you insisting we all stay together?” the same man asked.

  “There is safety in numbers. I am telling you what I think but I could be wrong.”

  “I vote we stay here. I got laundry and other chores to catch up on as do all the other women. I can fire a gun as can my girls,” Ma said.

  “I can too, Ma,” Stephen piped up.

  Captain Jones offered the ones who didn’t agree the chance to go on alone but they weren’t too keen. After much muttering, they decided to stay with the rest of the train.

  Eva spotted the relief in Captain Jones’ eyes. He may not believe the Indians would attack but he still wanted to leave sufficient men to guard the women folk while at the same time providing enough protection for the search party. She hoped David would be one of those left behind.

  Before anyone could move, Stephen shouted excitedly. “Indians, look, they're coming, Pa. Will I get a gun?”

  “Stephen, whist, will you, I can't hear my own head. Captain Jones, what do you make of it?”

  “Everyone on guard. Let's not make any sudden movements, but women and children, try to find shelter in the wagons. Walk slowly.”

  Captain Jones mounted his horse. Immediately, David followed suit. Eva moved forward, her hand on her mouth, but her ma held her back. “Leave it to the men.”

  Eva watched as David and the captain rode very slowly out to meet the Indians who had stopped just a bit out on the plain. They seemed to be waiting for something to happen. She watched as Captain Jones tried sign language. Thankfully, there was an Indian who seemed to speak a little more English than Captain Jones spoke their language. The Indians parted ranks that allowed the pioneers to see the missing men for the first time. A woman screamed as the men looked a bit roughed up. But apart from a burst lip and a couple of bruises, they hadn’t fared that badly from what Eva could see from this distance.

  Captain Jones said something to David who turned back toward the wagons. “They want something,” Pa said.

  “What is it David? What do they want?” Eva asked.

  “They want to see the women and children.”

  “But why?” Ma said over Eva shoulder.

  “They got the impression we were a party of men on our way to join the Blackfeet, another tribe of Indians who are their sworn enemy. Captain Jones reassured them we aren't. They want proof. Indians don’t allow their women to go with them on war parties. He's hoping they will leave when they see you women.”

  Eva stepped forward but her ma pulled her back. “You stay with your sisters and brother. I will go with David. Who is with me?”

  A couple of the married women moved forward. Eva saw Sheila Freeman’s ma push her inside the wagon. The ladies who volunteered looked grim.

  “I ain’t letting you out near those savages,” Pa said but Eva saw her ma's face tighten.

  “Be ashamed of yourself, Paddy Thompson. I didn’t marry a man who judges others just because they don’t follow the teachings we do. I will speak to you later.”

  Ma walked out like a soldier prepared to do battle.

  “There are some days when I would pay an Indian to take your ma. She has no right to be speaking to me that way.”

  But Eva knew by the anguished look in her pa's eyes he was worried sick for his wife. Rightly so, too, judging by the interested looks the Indians were tossing her way.

  “They like a woman with spirit,” David said softly. Obviously, hoping her pa wouldn’t hear him. As luck would have it, the wind carried his words.

  “Most real men do lad and that’s a fact.” Pa started to chuckle. Eva turned to see why only to catch her mother slapping an Indian’s hand away as he tried to touch her hair. The Indian seemed mesmerized as her ma showed him the full force of her Irish temper. The other Indians around him laughed and for a second Eva was worried her ma had gone too far. But then the Indian started laughing too.

  Captain Jones beckoned David once more and when he came back it was with a demand for some alcohol, skins and ammunition. “Captain says we are to look as if we are searching but we are not to give them more than a couple of robes and some mirrors. Seems their wives love the mirrors the white ladies use. Don’t under any circumstances give them alcohol or bullets.”

  “We don’t need any crazy drunk Indians killing us with our own lead,” a man nearby said quite loudly causing more than one person to tell him to shush.

  “Why did the Indians catch Harold, Bill and Simon?” Ma asked David.

  “That’s a story I will leave Harold to tell you.” David’s face was grim.

  Chapter 38

  Later that evening, when Captain Jones finally signaled the train to stop, Eva rushed through her chores.

  “Becky, can you do my share tonight? I will do yours tomorrow. I want to see David.”

  “Go on, give lover boy a kiss from me,” Becky said cheekily.

  Eva gave her a quick hug before taking off her apron and brushing down her dress. She didn’t want to waste time rebraiding her hair. She needed to know what had happened with the Indians.

  She found David near the Long wagon. She whistled just like he had taught her. To other people it sounded like a bird but it was their signal to meet. She was a bit surprised to see him walk straight toward her. Usually, he was discrete in case people were watching. Tonight, he didn’t seem to care. As he got closer, she saw the anger in his eyes. David didn’t often get angry but when he did, he usually took a while to calm down again.

  He took her arm, not roughly, but not quite gently either, when he stopped beside her. Was he annoyed with her? She hadn’t done anything, had she?

  “David, what’s wrong?”

  He didn’t answer but drew her behind some trees.

  “When are you going to let me speak to your pa?”

  “Not tonight anyway. In fact, I don’t think I will stay to speak to you either.” She turned to leave but he caught her hand, twisting it behind her back as he pulled her into his arms. His lips claimed hers roughly, his whiskers scratched her skin as his mouth devoured her. She put up one hand to push him away but all resistance melted with the heat between them. She groaned as he left a trail of kisses along the hollow of her neck, up to the smooth curve of her throat before reaching her tender earlobe. She grabbed his shirt closing the slight distance between them. He groaned and jerked her closer as his mouth returned to ravage hers.

  Someone coughed in the distance bringing both of them back to reality. He pushed her away, his heavy breathing mirroring hers. She licked her swollen lips as she struggled to speak.

  “Can’t you see this is torture? Your pa would rather that fool Chapman graced his fire.”

  She went to rub his arm but he jerked it away turning his back on her. She moved closer, putting her arms around him, laying her head on his shoulder. “I’m sorry, so sorry,” she murmured.

  “Eva, I want you so much. I need you as my wife. Can’t you understand that?” His bleak tone struck her heart. She closed her arms tighter around his waist wishing he would turn to face her but knowing he hated to show weakness.

  “When Pa hears the truth about Harold and the Indians, he may change his mind.”

  “You think? The Indian chief didn’t take that long to see his real character. He told Captain Jones he wasn’t surprised we wouldn’t trade many goods for his safe return. If Harold was one of his braves he wouldn’t want him back either.”

  Eva would have smiled at the chief’s words if she had heard them from anyone else. She heard what David left unsaid. If a so called “savage” could read a white man’s character so quickly, why couldn’t her pa?

  She held him tight in silence for a few minutes trying to think of something to say to make him feel better. He turned before she could say anything. Rubbing a finger gently over her lips, he kissed her face all over with butterfly kisses. “I’m sorry I got so carried away.”

  “Don’t be.” Eva leaned up to kiss him lightly on his lips. “I love you with all my heart, David Clarke. I will never settle for anyone but you.”

  David held her close. They stayed cuddling in each other’s arms until reluctantly Eva broke away. “I better get back. I love you.” She quickly kissed him before picking up her skirts and making her way back to her parents’ wagon.

  Chapter 39

  The next week passed quickly. They didn’t have any more issues with Indians. They knew they were around because they spotted them in the distance sometimes but they didn’t come near the caravan.

  “Probably afraid of your ma,” her pa had whispered when someone commented on the Indians keeping their distance.

  They were making good time and the good weather held. David had come for dinner more than once and the Longs had invited Eva to sit by their fire one evening. Mrs. Long was a wonderful cook, and she had enjoyed listening to Mr. Long’s stories as Julia sat on her knee. They passed a trading post belonging to the Salt Lake Trading Company but purchased very little. Pa's preparations had been so thorough they needed very little, unlike some of their company who fell victim to the high prices the store charged for basic provisions.

  She was pleased her pa seemed to be tolerating David more. It wasn’t much but she was grateful for any improvement. She was also happy her pa hadn’t forgiven Harold for his Independence Rock escapade as he called it. Harold had come calling but Pa had sent him on his way much to Eva’s relief.

  “Eva, come quick and bring your ma. We need her. There's been an accident.”

  David’s shocked tone and white face told her it was someone he knew well.

  Eva's stomach turned over. “Who?”

  “Mr. Long. He's been shot.”

  “Shot?” Who would shoot Mr. Long? He was a lovely man. She didn’t have time to ask David anything. He had already raced away.

  “Ma, did you hear David?”

  Her ma's white face showed she had heard. She reached inside the wagon to take some things out of the medicine box. She also took some white bed linen.

  “Becky, watch your brother and sister. Eva, you come with me.”

  Eva followed her ma but neither of them spoke. They found a group of people around the Long wagon. Mrs. Long was being comforted by another lady, but Eva didn’t recognize her. Mr. Long was laid out on the grass, his shirt a mass of blood. Eva's step faltered.

  “Come on, girl, he needs our help.” Ma’s steely tone had the desired effect. Eva stood straighter, ready to do whatever she could to assist her mother.

  Eva watched in awe as her ma kneeled beside Mr. Long and started talking to him in a soft voice. His answers took time as he was struggling to breathe. David moved closer to Eva.

  “Do you know when your pa and the others will be back?”

  “No. Captain Jones said they would be back an hour or so ago.”

  “Eva, help me, please. We need to get this wound cleaned.”

  Eva helped her ma as best she could but it was obvious there was little they could do. Ma offered Mr. Long some laudanum but he shook his head. He looked toward his wife. Ma seemed to understand what he wanted. She stood up and drew Mrs. Long over to her husband. Half carrying the distraught lady, she whispered something in her ear, and Eva watched as Mrs. Long took a deep breath and stood straighter. She even tried to smile.

  “Leave them be now. They need a bit of privacy,” Ma said making everyone draw back.

  “Please, Mrs. Thompson, is there nothing you can do?” David's voice shook.

  “Sorry, lad, but no. The bullet did too much damage. Maybe if we had a real doctor but I don’t think even he could do anything. Were you there when it happened?”

  David flushed a little. He wouldn’t meet her ma's eyes.

  “I asked you a question, David Clarke.”

  “I wasn’t there, Mrs. Thompson. I heard the shot and came running.”

  “So who shot him?” Ma’s stern face would have frightened most.

  David looked at the ground. “I don’t know. Not for certain.”

  Eva ached to go to him but she couldn’t. Not with Ma looking on. She didn’t like the atmosphere. It was almost as if Ma was blaming David. But she couldn’t be, could she? David wouldn’t hurt anyone.

  “Ma, I think Pa and the others are coming.” Eva pointed in the direction of some riders.

  “You go tell your pa and Captain Jones. I best stay here with Mrs. Long.”

  A scream from behind them had her ma running to Mrs. Long who was now lying over her husband. Eva had to get away but David's arm stopped her. “You know I didn’t shoot him, don’t you?”

  “Yes, David, but I also think you know who did.” She looked him straight in the eyes willing him to deny it but he couldn’t. He looked away.

  “I hope whomever it is deserves your loyalty,” she said before spinning around to go find her pa and Captain Jones. The men were coming nearer.

  “What’s going on, Eva?” Pa asked.

  “There's been an accident. Mr. Long... I think he's dead.”

  “Dead? How?” Captain Jones asked.

  “He was shot.”

  The men around her pa started muttering. Captain Jones stepped forward.

  “Who shot him?”

  “I don’t know, Captain Jones. Ma came to help him but she couldn’t. There was too much blood. It was everywhere.”

  “Okay, girl, let's be taking you back to our wagon. You need a hot drink. Come on now. Captain Jones will speak to your ma.”

  Pa led her gently back to their wagon. She didn’t know why he was being so nice but she didn’t care. She wanted to get the bloodied shirt out of her mind, but it kept wrapping itself around a picture of David’s face. He knew more than he was telling.

  Chapter 40

  The entire wagon train spent the rest of the day at the same spot. They didn’t have wood to make a proper coffin so his body was rolled in a blanket. The men dug as deep a grave as possible.

  Eva watched as a man recited the bible as the body was lowered in. Mrs. Long wrapped her arms around her children who were all crying, the younger ones clinging to her skirts. Eva wiped away a tear as well. She hadn’t known Mr. Long well but she’d like him. Not only was he a kind and considerate boss to David, he was also a dutiful husband and loving father. She wondered what the family would do now.

  Later that evening she got her answer.

  “Mrs. Long has decided she will stay with the train only until we meet some people traveling back. She can't face going on to Oregon without her husband. In the meantime, David Clarke will drive her wagon.” Pa said.

  David. What would happen to him if the Longs turned back?

  “It's very early to make such a big decision. She may feel differently in a few days’ time,” Ma muttered as she stirred the stew.

  “She's not like you. She's not a fighter.”

  Ma gave Pa one of her looks. “All women are born fighters. Those that have children prove that over and over again.”

  Pa didn’t reply. He seemed stunned by her response to what he'd obviously meant as a compliment.

  “There are questions to be answered about the shooting. I am going up to talk to Captain Jones. Girls, help your ma and make sure you go to bed without a murmur. Stephen, are you listening to me?”

  “Yes, Pa.”

  Eva would have laughed at the expression on her brother’s face if she wasn’t so concerned about the meeting with their leader.

  “Pa, can I come with you?”

  “No, girl, it's men only. Why did you want to come anyway?”

  Eva had to think quickly as Pa's speculative look washed over her. “I just keep seeing Mr. Long lying there on the grass. I can't imagine why anyone would do something like that.”

  “We will find out. Young Clarke was there. I think he knows more than he's saying. Probably trying to save his own neck.”

  Eva couldn’t stop herself saying no.

  “You got something to say, girl?”

  “I don’t think David would hurt anyone, Pa.”

  “Hmph.” Her father muttered as he strode off toward the men gathering in the center of the circle.

  Eva ran to find David knowing her ma would understand. She found him saddling his horse.

  “David, you can't leave. You will only make yourself look more guilty.”

  “They believe I shot Mr. Long.” David seemed to be speaking more to himself than to her.

  “Tell them who did.” Eva could have shaken him at the mutinous look on his face. “This is not a game, David. We aren't in school anymore. You have to tell them.”

  “They won't believe me.” He didn’t look up from his horse.

  “I will,” Eva pleaded with him.

  “I can’t tell you. It could put you in danger.”

  Eva struggled to get a grip on her temper. She didn’t need protecting now. He did.

  “Please don’t go.”

  “Eva, I am not leaving. Whatever else I am, I am not a coward.” He didn’t let her reply. “I have to go out on rounds.” He continued to get his horse ready.

  She stalked off. She had to find someone who would listen. She spotted the caravan leader sitting alone at his fire. The meeting must have ended. That had been very quick. She hoped it was a good sign.

 

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