Wild Innocence (20 page)

“You haven't been hiding!” Amelia exclaimed.

Rachel could only point out how much she looked like an Ojibwa, an Indian. “If this isn't hiding, then what would you call it?”

“I'd call it being smart,” Daniel said. “Staying protected.”

“Well, it worked just fine for me, didn't it?” she cried. “But it didn't do much for my father!”

She began to cry for her father, for the emotional upheaval she'd suffered at Jordan's and now Black Hawk's hands. Her involvement with Black Hawk hurt her more than had the end of her relationship with Jordan.

Amelia fought back tears as she looked helplessly at her sister and then her husband. “Daniel, I can't believe he's been taken again.”

Daniel nodded and pulled her into his arms.

“Did the Sioux brave say anything more?” Black Hawk asked. Daniel had been the one to receive the message that John Dempsey had been kidnapped and Clouds-at-Morning wanted Rachel in exchange for John's life.

“No more than I've told you,” Daniel said.

Black Hawk's features hardened. “We will find this man and rescue John Dempsey. No more will the Sioux hurt one of our people or yours.”

Amelia pulled from her husband's arms to go to her sister. “Come, Rachel. Let's lie down in the wigwam.”

“I can't sleep!” she cried. “Not while Father is missing!”

“Well, I need to rest,” Amelia said. “For the babe. Father would want me to, and I prefer not to be alone.”

As the two women left the men, Black Hawk's scowl deepened. He clenched his fists. His jaw clamped tight, and his dark eyes gleamed with fury.

“Clouds-at-Morning will not live until the next season of the summer sun.”

Daniel felt the same anger his friend was feeling, but he knew that Black Hawk had much more reason to hate. He hoped that hate wouldn't destroy the Ojibwa brave in the end.

“What should we do first?” he asked.

Black Hawk blinked, and the glaze of fury cleared from his obsidian eyes. “We call a council meeting, and we find horses. We will reach the Sioux only if we can travel as they do.”

“I can help with the horses,” Daniel said. “I can borrow them.”

“Soldiers?”

Daniel nodded. “And men I've done work for.”

“We must not allow Rachel to leave this village,” Black Hawk said with vehemence.

Daniel nodded. He was beginning to respect his sister-in-law. She had courage and wasn't selfish, as he'd first imagined. But if she was anything like her sister, then he feared Rachel was stubborn as well. Her determination to free her father could complicate the situation if she decided to leave the village and face the Sioux alone.

“Rachel must be kept in the village for her own good,” he said. “I fear she is much like Tree-That-Will-Not-Bend.” He glanced toward the wigwam where the two women had disappeared. “Perhaps Amelia should remain in the village also.”

Black Hawk nodded his head. “Yes. And Jane and Little Flower,” he replied.

The soldiers pulled their horses before the trading post. A sergeant climbed down off his horse, secured the mount, and entered Keller's store.

“Can you tell me where Daniel Trahern is?” the young man asked Jack Keller.

Jack narrowed his gaze. “Who's asking?” He noted the uniform hat, dark blue jacket, and light blue trousers.

The man took off his hat and cradled it under his left arm. “Cameron Walters of the United States Army,” he said, extending his right hand.

“Walters?” Jack hesitated before accepting the handshake. “I've heard the name.”

Walters smiled. “I've been here before, about a year and a half ago.”

Jack's eyes widened. “You're the young man who helped Daniel and Jane escape!” He grinned. “I knew I'd heard that name! It's nice to meet you, Private Walters.”

“It's Sergeant Walters now,” he said.

“Did that have anything to do with your bringing in Richard Milton?”

The sergeant nodded. “It did.”

“Congratulations.”

Walters thanked him as he looked around. “The place hasn't changed much, I see. You've added to your stock.”

Jack nodded. “Always looking to add new things for my customers.”

“Was that a hotel I saw coming in?” Walters asked.

“Sure is,” Jack said. “Run by Maeve Treehorn and her husband Samuel.”

“Good. I'm sure the men are tired of sleeping outside. A hotel room would be a nice change for them.”

“Men?” Jack inquired. “How many men?”

“Fifteen, with more on the way. Daniel asked us to come. Seems there's been some trouble with the Sioux.”

“They captured John Dempsey,” Jack said. “Been after his daughter.”

“Amelia? They're after Amelia?” Walters had befriended Amelia Dempsey when he was a private and she had worked at her father's infirmary. They'd met when he'd come for medical assistance from John Dempsey.

“No. They're after Rachel, his youngest,” Jack said.

“So Amelia has a sister . . .” He frowned as he thought of the good doctor.
Poor Amelia.
He didn't know her sister, but felt bad for her as well. He wished he'd arrived in time to prevent John Dempsey's kidnapping. “Where is Miss Dempsey?”

Jack hesitated before answering. “She's with the Ojibwa.”

“Black Hawk's people,” Walters murmured.

“That's right.”

“Daniel wasn't home when I knocked. Any chance you know where he went?”

“To the village. He's due back any time now.”

The door behind the soldier opened and shut. Both men turned to see who'd entered.

“Jane,” Jack said.

Jane Milton looked alarmed as she approached. “What's happening? Why are all those soldiers outside . . .” Her voice trailed off as she spied the sergeant. “Cameron?” she said. “Cameron Walters?”

Walters blinked, then smiled as he recognized one of the people he'd help rescue. “Mrs. Milton, it's wonderful to see you. How are you and your little girl?”

Jane frowned at the way he'd addressed her. Walters, realizing the “Mrs.” must have brought back bad memories, apologized. “I didn't want to take the liberty of calling you Jane,” he explained.

She smiled. “Please. Call me Jane. I don't mind at all.” She turned her attention to Jack. “Jack, Daniel's just come back. He wants me and Susie to go to Black Hawk's village.”

“Daniel's back?” Walters asked.

Jane nodded, and the sergeant excused himself with his intention of visiting Jane's brother. Jack and Jane were now alone.

“I think it's wise of you to go, Jane,” Jack said. His expression was soft as he gazed at her. “After what happened to John, I don't think it's safe here for you and Susie.”

“I know,” Jane said. She seemed upset by the thought of leaving her home. “That's what Daniel said, but . . .”

“The Ojibwa aren't the Sioux, Jane,” he said. “They'll treat you kindly. Remember, Rachel has been there for some time now, and apparently she is content.”

“Content?” Jane said with a rise in tone. “How can she be content knowing that her father was kidnapped?”

Seeing the sudden panic in her eyes, Jack placed his hands on her shoulders. “I'm sure she's upset now. But it's not because she's with the Ojibwa. Do you understand what I'm saying?”

“I don't want to go.”

He released one shoulder to touch her chin. “It will be all right.” He had loved this woman since she'd first entered his life after she'd been rescued from the Sioux and brought here to live near her brother. Jane was so sweet, so fragile. He wanted nothing more than to take her into his arms and kiss her breathlessly, to cherish and keep her safe forever. Her and her little girl. But Jane still suffered from the horror of the past and a husband who had been a vicious monster. Until she healed, he must keep his distance. There were times, like this moment, when Jack had a helluva time guarding his heart and keeping his hands off her.

“Jack, what if the Sioux come again?” Jane asked. “What if something happens to Susie?”

He brushed his knuckle against her cheek. “It won't. Daniel has enlisted the help of a lot of people. With aid of the soldiers and the Ojibwa and Ottawa people, we'll get John Dempsey back and drive away the Sioux for good.”

“We?” Her eyes flew to his in alarm.

“I'll not stay home while John Dempsey is out there and needs our help.

“Oh, Jack . . .”

“I'll be all right,” he said with a soft smile. “We'll all be just fine.”

“I hope so.” Tears pooled in her beautiful blue eyes. “I don't want anything to happen to you, too.”

“Jane,” he said with a groan. “Don't cry, darlin'.” Unable to resist, Jack pulled her into his arms and held her. He was ecstatic when she didn't fight him or try to pull away.

Progress,
he thought with a flicker of joy. He closed his eyes.
Praise God.

 

 

“Cameron and some of his men will be going with us,” Daniel explained to his wife and sister-in-law. “Jane and Susie will stay with you. Black Hawk has contacted other villages. The Ottawa have promised to help as well.”

“How do you expect us to stay behind and just wait!” Rachel exclaimed. “I'll go mad!”

Daniel scowled at her. “Rachel, I thought we discussed this already. You must stay here. We can't leave and do what we have to do if we have to worry about your safety!”

“How can you say nothing?” Rachel demanded of her sister.

“Because, unlike you, she's been through this before,” Daniel said with a gentle look at his wife. “She's learned that it's best to have the right people handle the matter.”

“He's right, Rachel,” Amelia said with tears in her eyes. “Because of me, those I love almost got killed. I'll not interfere in such things again.”

“Don't you see it's for the best?” Daniel said to Rachel. He drew his wife to his side and hugged her.

“Whose best?” Rachel challenged.

“Your father's,” Black Hawk said quietly, speaking for the first time.

The Ojibwa's soft voice did strange things to Rachel's insides. “Black Hawk,” she whispered, her green gaze filling with tears.

His expression held compassion. “Come, Rach-el,” he said. “Walk with me.”

Conscious of the presence of Cameron Walters's soldiers, Rachel flashed a brief glance at her sister and brother-in-law, then fell into step with Black Hawk.

The Ojibwa warrior stopped when they had left the others behind. She studied their surroundings. They were alone in the forest.

“Rach-el,” Black Hawk said, turning her to face him. “We will bring back your father.” He placed his hand on her jaw.

Her heart melted as she closed her eyes. “I don't want anything bad to happen to you,” she said. She lifted her lashes to study him. The sight of him never failed to stir her emotions. He wore face paint, which she'd never seen on him before. With his long, unbound dark hair, copper earrings, and Ojibwa clothing, he looked more the savage than ever before. But there was gentleness in his eyes that pulled at her heartstrings. She knew the power of his touch and experienced the kindness of his heart. She loved him, more than she had ever loved Jordan.

“Rach-el.” Something flickered in Black Hawk's expression as they locked gazes. Then, he startled her by kissing her deeply. His mouth clung, delved, and captured hers completely. Her world tilted, then righted itself as he pulled slightly away.

“I will return,” he said. “Nothing will happen to me.”

“I've already seen what can happen to you!” she cried. She was frightened for his safety. Her memory of his gunshot wound was painfully vivid. She couldn't stop loving him just because he didn't return her love.

“I was alone then,” he said. “I will not be alone this time.”

She grabbed the edges of his leather vest. “Promise me,” she gasped, her eyes filling with tears. She pulled him closer. “Promise you'll return, that you'll all return without injury.”

“I cannot promise that there will not be bloodshed.”

“And while knowing this you expect me to stay?”

He touched her hair, fingering the silky strands that fell across her shoulder. “I care for you. I hope you will stay because I ask you.”

“Black Hawk—”

“Say it, Rach-el,” he demanded. “Tell me you will stay.”

She felt as if she were drowning in his dark gaze. Her eyes fell once again to that sensual mouth. She knew at that moment that she was powerless to resist him.

She nodded.

“Say it, Rach-el.”

“I'll stay.”

His smile warmed her. “Good.”

“But Black Hawk,” she said as he captured her fingers. He led her back toward the village with her hand in his. “—I shall kill you myself if you don't come home safely.”

He grinned. “You? A doctor's daughter would harm this man?”

She closed her eyes and shuddered. “Just bring back my father and the others safely . . . and please don't let anything happen to you.”

Desire flared in his expression. He kissed her again until she clung to him, moaning.
“Giga-waabamin.
I will return to you, Rach-el Dempsey.”

 

 

The Sioux village was quiet. It was the dead of night and only a few warriors were posted as guards. The evening was clear, without a breeze to carry scents and sounds or to hide them. Black Hawk and his men, along with Daniel and the soldiers, had slipped into the area and surrounded the encampment. They kept their distance as they waited for Black Hawk to initiate the signal to attack.

Black Hawk's heart thundered as he narrowed his gaze and studied the Sioux village. As he thought of this enemy, he tightened his grip on the handle of his knife. John Dempsey was inside a teepee. Which one?

The Ojibwa war chief didn't move. During the hunt, he could sit for hours patiently, alertly, waiting for the right moment to move in for the kill. He was trained equally well to meet his enemy. He would sit outside this village all night without movement if necessary. He would not attack unless he was certain that it was time.

Black Hawk thought of Clouds-at-Morning, the Sioux brave who wanted Rachel.
Rachel!
Anger made him clench his jaw. The Sioux warrior would never have Rachel! Not as long as he, Black Hawk, lived and breathed and could protect her!

He had promised to rescue her father. He'd told her he'd return to her when it was done. But Black Hawk knew that he'd do whatever it took to free John Dempsey, even fight to the death. He would do that for Rachel.

Black Hawk stared at the village, and his vision blurred as the past returned with stark mental images of blood and death. He could hear the gut-wrenching cries of his father, Bear Tooth, and the other dying brave, Water Turtle. He could hear the
thunk
of wood and metal meeting bare flesh, the adult screams that followed . . . and the wild laughter of the savage warrior who enjoyed inflicting pain.
He-Who-Kills-with-Big-Stick.

Black Hawk was suddenly a little boy again, witnessing cruelty and death . . . his father's murder.

Tears filled his eyes as he relived the agony . . . the pain. He'd been unable to act to save his father. He'd felt helpless . . . powerless . . . saddened and enraged.

He heard the slightest stir of movement, and was suddenly forced back to the present. He exchanged glances with his friend Daniel, and realized that this day things were different. He had the power to strike back. Before him were the enemy. He would think carefully and outsmart them. He would win, not by senseless killing, but by making them feel helpless, powerless, enraged.

Black Hawk lifted a hand at Daniel's questioning gaze in a silent message that said, “Soon, but not yet.”

He felt the strength inside him build as he saw his friend's nod of agreement. He was Black-Hawk-Who-Hunts-at-Dawn, a seasoned warrior, an experienced war chief. He was not the child who had watched the senseless torture and death of his beloved father.

Black Hawk shifted his gaze back to the village and felt instinctively that the right time had come. Cupping his hands to his mouth, he hooted like a night owl. A distant call came as if answered by the owl's mate.

Then, within seconds, the rescue party shrieked wild war cries as they rose from their hiding places to attack.