Beatrice and the Beast, page 14
‘I was thinking the same,’ replied his pard.
They walked their mounts in opposite directions until they were able to approach the rocks from different angles and carefully, eased closer while still shielding themselves behind their horses. Then without warning, a woman’s voice yelled out to them.
‘Stay back Mister Zelletta he’s going to shoot you.’
Both men stopped abruptly and stared over the backs of their horses, but were unable to pinpoint where the voice had come from. However, only a few moments later, a man’s voice rang out, a voice both Frank and Charlie recognized
‘I coulda shot hosses and then you and Charlie any time I wanted Frank.’
‘Goddamned sonofabitch,’ growled Zelletta?’
‘What the hell you doin’ takin’ a bead on us?’ Yelled Charlie
‘Deciding whether to shoot yuh or not.’
‘You better not have hurt the girl Rappo,’ yelled Zelletta. ‘If you have there ain’t a bullet in the world will stop me from gettin’ at yuh and breaking your goddamned neck.’
The Indian laughed mirthlessly.
‘You ain’t changed Frank. Your woman fine but this Injun might hold her for ransom.’
‘To hell with your goddamned ransom Rappo. I’m giving you a chance to let her go now. If you don’t, I’m coming in there shooting.’
‘Ain’t like you to be reckless Frank. The woman means much to you huh?’
Zelletta hesitated for a moment. He was loathe to admit, even to himself, the woman had gotten under his skin. He also recognized he meant nothing to her apart from somebody to keep her safe and escort her to her destination. She would see him as the big ugly brute his was. A beast who frightened folks into crossing the street to avoid him. Therefore, he didn’t think it prudent to give her cause to avoid him by letting her know his feelings for her.
‘She’s worth a lot of money to me. If anything happens to her, I won’t get paid.’
Beatrice’s mouth dropped open in incredulity when she heard Zelletta’s revelation.
How could he say that? She thought. After I risked my life to warn him. I should have expected that from him. The man is an opportunist and a mercenary who has no feelings or compassion for anyone or anything except money.
She repositioned herself on the hard rock where she sat at the feet of the Indian who stood peering over a large boulder upon which his rifle rested.
‘Seems Zelletta’s interest in you is how much he sell you for,’ announced Rappo. ‘Maybe I make bargain with him and share your price.’
She was astounded at the way they spoke about her as though she were a possession, something to be bought and sold like a chattel and she became so indignant, her outrage took precedence over her fear.
‘I am not for sale,’ she yelled. ‘I’m not somebody’s object to be auctioned off to the highest bidder. For your information, Mister Zelletta is being paid to escort me to Texas where my betrothed awaits to make me his bride.’
Just then the sound of Zelletta’s voice came to their ears.
‘Rappo, you gonna let the girl go or do I come in shooting?’
‘She ain’t my prisoner Frank. She can go anytime she wants I ain’t gonna stop her.’
‘Then what the hell’s all this about?’
‘I was gonna steal hosses ‘til she told me who you wuz.’
‘Why the hell is she up there with you?’
‘Dunno, maybe she likes me more than she likes you.’
‘That ain’t likely. Even your own mother didn’t like you.’
Rappo guffawed loudly.
‘You got that right Frank.’
‘Yeah, well you can send her down now.’
‘You better come get her, don’t think she can climb down all by self.’
Zelletta contemplated Rappo’s motives and wondered if it was a trap. But he wanted the girl back safe and would risk anything to achieve that. Besides, he’d known the Indian a long time and they were once friends, or as close to being friends as anybody good get with Frank Zelletta with the possible exception of Charlie.
‘You still got that old Sharps Rappo?’ Called Zelletta.
‘No, I got a Winchester now. A repeater.’
‘That belongs to the girl, you better give it back.’
‘I got another Winchester, the Sharps got busted.’
‘Well I’m coming in make sure you point your goddamned Winchester at the sky savvy?’
‘That where it pointed Frank wouldn’t wanna shoot yuh by mistake.’
‘Miss Mellowday,’ yelled Zelletta. ‘Are you okay?’
‘Yes, thank you Mister Zelletta.’
‘Has he harmed you at all?’
‘No, I’m alright.’
‘You know me Frank. You know this Injun wouldn’t hurt woman.’
Zelletta had ridden with Rappo many times. He was an excellent tracker and he and Charlie had used the Indian’s skills to help hunt down outlaws and bring them to justice for the bounty on their heads. He had never seen Rappo disrespect a woman and he’d had ample opportunity in the past. But that didn’t mean a damned thing to Zelletta. Folks change given different situations. However, he realised Rappo had the advantage and could easily have shot and killed him and Charlie if he’d a mind. The Indian was an excellent shot and could have brought them both down when they were more than two hundred yards away and still mounted.
‘I’m comin’ in Rappo,’ Zelletta yelled.
He replaced his rifle in the saddle boot and stepped from behind his horse before taking the reins and leading the animal toward the rocks. After a while, Charlie did the same and arrived at the rocks a few yards behind his comrade. As soon as Zelletta entered the jumble of rocks and boulders, the girl’s voice called to him.
‘I’m up here Mister Zelletta.’
He looked up hoping to pinpoint the source of the sound and saw her face peering round the side of a large boulder while waving her arm. He ground reined his horse and made his way around the back of the mound of rocks and boulders until he was able to see where they had climbed up. Beatrice was standing on a flat rock around seven feet from the ground. He scrutinised her for any sign of injury, but apart from a very pale face peering down at him, she looked fine.
‘Where’s the Indian?’ He asked.
‘Over here Frank.’
Zelletta turned to face Rappo who stood a few feet away with his rifle trained on the big man.
‘I thought we had an understanding,’ growled Frank.
‘We do Frank. But Injun feel safer holding gun while we talk.’
‘We ain’t got nothing to talk about. The woman’s safe so you can get the hell outa my sight.’
‘I got somethin’ talk about.’
Zelletta glared at him for a moment, then softened slightly when he remembered how Rappo had helped pull him out of some perilous scrapes in the past.
‘Okay Rappo, let me get the girl down then we’ll talk and you don’t need the gun, you got my word.’
Without waiting for an answer, he turned back to where Beatrice was perched.
‘I can help you climb down,’ he said. ‘Or I can lift you down from here if you’ve a mind.’
The modest lady side of her wanted to climb down with just a little help from perhaps, his hand holding her arm to steady her. But having felt his big gentle hands on her waist and the strength in his powerful arms as he lifted her so effortlessly, she was shocked when a feeling of desideration for it to happen again overwhelmed her mind.
‘I may lose my footing trying to climb over those rocks Mister Zelletta. So perhaps it would be a wise course of action, were you to lift me down.’
His wish was rewarded. Any chance he got to feel her nearness, he would take even though he felt a certain amount of guilt that he was taking advantage of her vulnerability. Especially as she felt nothing in return apart from her reliance on him.
She sat down and shuffled forward so she was sitting on the edge of the flat rock, allowing him to easily reach up and place his hands on her waist. Once he’d set her down on the ground, she, as had become a ritual, lingered for a moment or two with her hands resting on his shoulders before quickly turning away and walking toward Charlie who stood nearby.
‘Take care of her Charlie,’ said Zelletta. ‘I’m gonna see what the hell Rappo is up to.’
While Charlie led the girl back to where the horses were hobbled, Zelletta turned to face the Indian.
‘What you done with the girl’s Winchester Rappo?’
The Indian reached behind the boulder by which he was standing and picked up Beatrice’s gun by the barrel before holding it out for Zelletta to grip by the butt. Then holding the Winchester loosely by his side, he regarded the Indian and spoke.
‘Why you playing games with us?’
The Indian grinned.
‘Didn’t know it was you Frank. Not ‘til your woman told me. I coulda took her and your hosses and gone a long time before you got here.’
‘Why didn’t you?’
‘You need to ask me that Frank?’ You my friend, Charlie my friend. This Injun don’t steal from friends even if you do.’
‘What the hell do you mean by that?’
‘Talkin’ ‘bout five hundred dollar you owe me.’
‘How do you figure that?’
‘Bounty money you promise to leave with Mooney for me.’
‘I did leave it with him and it was six hundred dollars.’
‘Mooney tell me you don’ leave nothing for me.’
Zelletta scowled.
‘That goddamned lying bastard. I thought I could trust him. I’m gonna pay him a visit when this is all over.’
Rappo studied Zelletta’s angry face and figured he was being truthful.
‘Maybe Mooney figure you wouldn’t see me again.’
‘Yeah and I was there a couple a days ago. Even did some business with the sneaky bastard. He didn’t mention the money and I was too busy taking care of a pair of gunnies to think about it. I thought I could trust him anyhow.’
Rappo grinned.
‘I think you tell the truth Frank.’
‘Damned right I do. Have you ever known me to lie?’
‘Nope, but this Injun still short six hundred dollar.’
‘I’ll get your money for you Rappo even if I have to take away and sell every damned thing in that trading post. But first I gotta take the girl down to Texas. That comes before anything.’
‘I come with you, then we go see Mooney huh?’
Zelletta hadn’t seen Rappo for nearly a year and so could understand the Indian’s reluctance to let him out of his sight again for god knew how long. Six hundred dollars was a lot of money to lose and if he were the Indian, he too would want to stay close.
‘That’s up to you, hombre, but it’s a long way to where we goin’ and there ain’t no tellin’ what’s gonna happen on the way.’
‘I ain’t got nuthin better to do and maybe you could use another gun along the way.’
‘If you come all the way to Laredo,’ said Zelletta. ‘I’ll give you three hundred of the six you got cheated out of and we’ll come back this way together and get the rest from Mooney one way or another.’
‘This Injun always say you a good man Frank.’
‘Well don’t spread the word, I got a reputation to keep.’
EIGHTEEN
Soon, the four of them were heading south but at a greater pace than earlier. Zelletta had planned to make Salt Fork River before nightfall, but having lost nearly two hours trying to find their pursuer, he figured there would only be around three hours of daylight left.
Beatrice had been astounded when she was told Rappo, the man she thought was a potential enemy, would be accompanying them on the journey, so after travelling less than a mile, she dropped her horse back to where Charlie was riding drag and confided in him.
‘Is it wise to let that man join us?’ She mouthed conspiratorially. ‘He may well kill us all in our beds while we sleep.’
Charlie laughed for a moment, then when he saw the deep concern on her face, he sobered.
‘Rappo’s a good man to ride the river with, Beatrice. He wouldn’t murder anybody, especially a woman. He’s killed a few men in his time, but only ‘cos they gave him just cause.’
‘Is he an old friend?’
‘I guess you could say that.’
‘When I told him who I was with, he acted as though you were his enemy and I honestly thought he was going to shoot Mister Zelletta when you were approaching those rocks.’
‘I can understand why he would be mad. He thought he’d been swindled outa some money. But Frank’s as straight as they come and would rather be broke than cheat a friend.’
‘If Mister Rappo thought he had been cheated, then it would appear, he doesn’t hold Mister Zelletta in as high regard as you do.’
‘I believe he does. I think he found it hard to believe Frank cheated him and was relieved when he heard what really happened. I figure the reason he didn’t shoot at us was because he wanted to hear Frank’s side.’
‘I will have to take your word that he is trustworthy Charlie. But I think I will be a very nervous sleeper as long as he accompanies us.’
‘Did he hurt you at all when he was alone with you?’
She thought about it for a moment.
‘Actually, no he didn’t.’
‘Did he manhandle you?’
‘Only to help me in the climb up the rocks and on that occasion, he simply held my hand to steady me.’
‘Don’t you think if he’d wanted to do you any harm, his best opportunity would have been while we were away?’
His logic made perfect sense and she decided if Charlie and Zelletta were willing to place their faith in the Indian, then so would she. He looked fierce and she still feared him, but she vowed to make an effort to be civilised toward him, at least on the surface.
By the time they reached Salt Fork River, night fall was rapidly approaching. But the fading light gave them enough time to unsaddle the horses, unburden the pack mules and collect enough kindling to build a fire. Then before it became completely dark, Beatrice was able to find a secluded spot to relieve herself before washing at the river’s edge. When she returned, the fire was blazing well and food was cooking over the flames, compliments of Charlie. The huge steak she was given to eat was very tough and far too big. But with the help of a sharp knife and her fingers, she was able to eat a good deal as well as some of the fried vegetables which accompanied it. Afterward, they all sat around and drank bitter black coffee, something Beatrice felt she would never completely acquire a taste for. But the hot liquid had a calming effect and helped take her mind from the aches and soreness of the hard, final ride to the river. They had all eaten in silence, but as she sipped her coffee, Charlie, who’d been sitting close by broke into her reverie.
‘How you doin’ Beatrice?’
She glanced his way and smiled.
‘I’m doing very well thank you Charlie. The food was nice and I’m enjoying the coffee.’
Charlie grinned.
‘We both know that ain’t true young lady. You don’t have to be so polite and say what you think we want to hear. Frank and Rappo already showed their distaste for my cooking.’
‘Then perhaps Mister Zelletta should do the cooking tomorrow and see if he can do any better.’
‘Trust me Beatrice, he can’t. He can’t even stomach his own cooking and has to be starving before he’ll make himself a meal. You’re lucky I’m along to cook, because if it had been just you and Frank you would both have been pretty desperate before you ate anything he cooked.’
He studied her face for a moment before continuing.
‘Unless you were to prepare the meals.’
She looked a little embarrassed before answering.
‘I have to confess Charlie, I’ve never had any reason to prepare any kind of food. In truth, I have enjoyed a largely, privileged existence until quite recently and our household employed two cooks.’
‘Then you gonna have to put up with whatever I serve up for a while. ‘Cos after we get to Fort Worth, you’ll have to learn to cook damned fast or risk being poisoned by Frank’s dubious skills with a skillet.’
She made a wry face and Charlie laughed loudly attracting the attention of Zelletta and Rappo who were on the other side of the fire from them.
‘What’s funny Charlie?’ Growled Zelletta.
‘I was just telling Beatrice about your cooking skills Frank, or lack of ‘em.’
‘What’s wrong with my cooking?’
‘Where do you want me to start? Overdone, underdone, soggy, dry. Nothing is ever done to perfection. I feel sorry for Beatrice when you ain’t got me along, and Rappo is worse than you.’
‘If she don’t like what I give her, she can do it herself. My job is to get her safely to Texas. Nothin, says I gotta nursemaid her along the way.’
‘Excuse me Mister Zelletta,’ snapped Beatrice. ‘I am here in case you hadn’t noticed. You are allowed to talk to me instead of around me.’
Zelletta mumbled something incoherent and went back to staring into the flames. Beatrice climbed to her feet and made her way around the fire with the intention of confronting him about his rudeness. But once she was standing in front of him and Rappo who was sitting close by, she lost her nerve. He looked so intimidating even sitting down where even in that position, he was almost as tall as she was. She realised she must say something or risk being made to look a fool. Therefore, she took the only course of action she could think of at such short notice.
‘Um…’ She said hesitantly. ‘We haven’t been formally introduced Mister Rappo. I am Beatrice Mellowday and I’m pleased to make your acquaintance.’
She offered her small hand to the Indian who regarded her with a look of confusion on his face.
‘What’s she want, Frank?’
Zelletta, who had just taken a large mouthful of coffee from his mug, coughed as he tried to contain his mirth and sprayed the coffee into the fire. Then he had a coughing fit as some of the hot liquid caught in his throat. Beatrice stood with her arm still extended and her hand offered to Rappo and felt very foolish as she looked on in horror while Zelletta choked on his coffee. The Indian sat grinning as he watched and Charlie guffawed merrily giving Beatrice the distinct feeling, they were having fun at her expense. She turned and directed her anger at Charlie who was now chuckling as Zelletta managed to bring his coughing fit under control.
