Page 22 of Cade’s Quest (The McIntyres #1)

Chapter Eighteen

T he thunder of galloping horses mixed with the pandemonium of angry yells suddenly drew Cade’s attention. Then shots rang out, and Jones dropped from his horse. At least Rain would be safe now. Everything began to fade as he swung. His pain had vanished.

This was the end for him.

He’d never thought much about what heaven must be like, but this was nice. His parents must be somewhere here if he knew how to find them.

He’d often heard stories of how kinfolk who had crossed over would come to your side but there was no one. Had everyone living and dead abandoned him? If they hadn’t, where were they?

Funny how he always figured there would be angels flying around and harps playing. This was eerily quiet.

“I’ve got you,” a gentle voice said, as hands lifted him.

The voice sounded like his father’s. He wanted to call out, only he couldn’t get his tongue to work or his eyes to open.

“Cade!” the voice yelled. “Come on now. Breathe!” Then the owner of the voice slapped his face.

His eyes flew open, and he gasped for air, clutching a handful of clothing.

“Good, that’s it. Keep breathing, brother.”

That voice. He had to look. Cade turned his head just a little and stared into Jess’s face.

“What are you doing up here in heaven?” Cade’s words came out scratchy and weak. “Have they killed you too?”

“You’re not in heaven, little brother, and we’re not dead. At least not yet and not for the lack of trying.” Jess chuckled, a smile curving his lips. “When the time comes, no doubt I’ll go to the other place.” He held a canteen to Cade’s lips. “Drink. You need it but take it slow.”

“I’m so confused. I’m really alive?” Cade gulped the water, grateful to wet his parched, bruised throat. He glanced up at the dangling rope and everything came rushing back. “You cut me down.”

“You’re really alive. I had to save you.” Jess helped Cade sit up.

“Jones?” The word came out as a croak.

“Dead. And good riddance. The world don’t need people like him.”

Then it all flooded back. No one would ever have to worry about Luther Jones again.

“Did you do the deed?” Cade asked, rubbing his eyes.

“Nope.” Jess sat back on his heels, thumbing his black Stetson away from his forehead.

A rebel strand of hair fell onto his forehead and the familiar scar on his cheek added a dangerous air.

“Don’t know who fired the shots. No one could tell where they came from.

Jones fell dead, the bullet piercing his head.

An excellent shot. It could’ve been anyone from town.

Maybe one of his own men or one of the Texas Rangers.

I know they shot at him. Don’t waste your time trying to figure it out. Not worth it.”

Tall and lean, Jess got to his feet and pulled Cade up. They hugged as brothers do, slapping each other on the back. Cade couldn’t restrain a sob or the flood of emotion. It had all been too much.

“Sorry.” He stepped back and bent over. The world was dizzily spinning.

“Are you all right?” Jess asked.

“Will be.” He took a deep breath and stood tall, wiping his eyes on a sleeve. “It’s really good to see you again. Up close this time.” Cade still couldn’t believe he was standing face to face with Jess. “Thank you for leaving Mama’s locket in the dugout. How did you know I’d find it?”

“I followed you after you left Eagle Flat. It was the most logical place to go. Thought you might need the pictures to bolster you.”

“How did you know the locket would give me the strength I needed?”

“Because it helped me too when I rode back to find everyone gone. That was rough and I wanted to curl up and die. Then I went through the house and found the locket with the picture and I could hear Dad’s voice telling me I had things to do.

” Jess put an arm around Cade’s waist, supporting his weight.

“Thanks for the help. I’m still woozy. I was at my lowest when I found the locket and it lifted my spirits.” He peered up into Jess’s scarred face. “Is this another dream? Or is this real?”

“It’s real. You’re alive, brother. We’re both alive and well.”

“I’m really confused.”

“It’s going to take time to recover. Don’t rush it.”

Cade rubbed the back of his neck. “Jess, why didn’t the rope snap my neck like it was supposed to?”

“I guess they didn’t know how to make a proper noose. That’s all I can figure. And too, I got you down fast.” Jess patted Cade’s chest. “But mainly you had guardian angels watching over you just like Mama said.”

“If so, you and me both are sure giving them a workout.” Cade tried to chuckle only it wouldn’t come out through his bruised throat.

“Do you think you can make it back to the jail under your own power? Maxwell wants to see you.”

“I think I can, but where are you going?”

“I have to leave. I risked a lot to be here.” Jess removed the arm bracing his brother and lifted his horse’s reins. “Ladies, he’s all yours.”

Ladies? Where? A noise to the right drew him and there stood all three, all but Abigail crying.

Panic at losing his brother once again rifled through Cade. “Jess, can’t you stay and help me find the twins and baby sister? Don’t you care about them? About us anymore? Summer’s at the boardinghouse here.”

“I know. We talked. Yes, I care about all of you. Every single one.” Jess picked up Cade’s hat, dusting it off, and putting it on his head. “Hang onto your hat.” Then he pulled something from his pocket. A silver medallion of some sort. He handed it to Cade. “This might help you. You earned this.”

Cade read the words: Per Ardua . “What does this mean?”

“Translated, it says, Through Hardship or Difficulty. And the word under it, Cruachan , is the McIntyre battle cry.”

“We have our own coin?”

Jess chuckled. “Not just us, McIntyres everywhere.”

On the flip side of the coin, were the words: Honor, Truth, Courage.

“This is…I love it.”

Overcome with emotion, Cade was silent for a long moment, desperately trying to hold himself together. Stilling a quivering lip, Cade finally glanced up. “I can’t tell you what this means.”

“I know. I had the same reaction when Dad gave it to me.” Jess patted his shoulder.

“Our ancestors left us a great legacy. I’ll treasure this and maybe one day I’ll give it to my first born.” Cade sucked in air through his teeth. “Thank you, Brother.”

“Anytime.” Jess gave him a crooked grin. “I have things to do, and a reunion will have to keep until I finish this job. I’m sorry but this is the way it has to be.”

“What kind of job?”

“I’ll explain it all another time.” Jess swung into the saddle on a prancing black stallion.

What could he say to make his brother stay? Cade stared up at his brother, looking for the truth. “Jess, are you riding with the Alonzo Dakota gang like the wanted posters say?”

But Jess only laughed and winked. “We’ll talk the next time I see you. By the way, I like your Comanche girl. She’s got guts.”

“Can’t agree with you more.”

“Turn around. She’s watching you. Be good to her.” Jess touched a heel to his horse’s flank and they were off like a flash.

As he watched Jess ride off, Cade yearned to go with him. His brother might need him. He clutched the medallion that he hadn’t even known existed.

They were the McIntyres and McIntyres stuck together. Always.

Cruachan!