Chapter 44: Tarak

~A friend may be waiting behind a stranger’s face.~ —Maya Angelou

Once the errand at the post office was complete, Jake had one of his own to do.

“I’ve got to meet someone and exchange a horse with him. Would you join me, Dannie Preston?”

“Sure.”

“Only…” Jake hesitated. “He’s an Indian. But he ain’t dangerous.”

Dannie indicated that she wasn’t afraid, and they headed together to the stables, collected a beautiful thoroughbred, and walked off toward the edge of town.

“I’ve known Tarak for a long time. He’s a scout and is often hired by the army. I still don’t dare meet him in the town as most folks here are paranoid. Can’t tell a good man from a bad one when it comes to the Indians.”

“So I’ve noticed,” Dannie agreed.

In the distance, standing under a tree, a man was waiting for them.

Tarak was dressed in a white cotton tunic and vest. Beads and feathers decorated his belt, and he wore a band tied around his head. His trousers were dark brown, and his leather moccasins were also decorated with small beads. His long black hair was graying in several places, and he had a rough, tired look on his handsome features.

His dark eyes lit up with curiosity at the sight of a woman walking with Jake. Beside the man stood a dark brown young mare.

“Howdy, Tarak,” Jake said once they had come close. “This here is Danielle Preston. Dannie, this is Tarak. He’s of the Apache people.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Tarak.” Dannie gave a bit of a bow and held out her hand. Tarak returned her smile and shook her hand.

“Likewise, Miss Preston.” His voice was deep and strong, with just the slightest hint of an accent. “Are you Jake’s woman?”

The color rushed to Dannie’s face, and she looked down. Jake chuckled. “I’m hopin’ she will be.”

“I thought you hated women?”

“Yeah, well,” Jake scratched the back of his neck, “I suppose I’m allowed to change my mind.”

Tarak laughed, and his eyes went to the thoroughbred. “Is this the horse you promised me?”

“Yup. She’s six years old and well-trained.” Jake led the horse to Tarak.

Tarak, in turn, handed him the reins of the horse that stood beside him.

“Just like we promised. This one is also a mare. She’s five years old and knows how to take orders. She’ll make you a fine horse, I guarantee. There are few white men I trust, but you are one of them. If you should ever want to do more business, you know where to find me.

“Goodbye, Miss Preston. You are a good woman, I can tell, kind to all creatures and to all people. You did not judge me, even though I am not of your people. She will make a good wife, Jake.”

Tarak bowed to them, mounted his new horse, and rode off.

“He is very straight to the point,” Dannie said once Tarak was out of earshot.

“Yeah,” Jake said, scratching the back of his neck again, his gaze unable to meet Dannie’s. “He’s a good man, for all of that.”

“He must be, for you to have so much trust in him. Why did the two of you exchange mares?”

“’Cause I wanted a mustang, and when it comes to training them, the Apache are best at it. I want to crossbreed her with some thoroughbreds and see what becomes of it.”

“What will you name her?”

“Apache.”

“How creative.” Dannie reached over and stroked the horse’s nose.

Jake, in the meantime, reached out and put his arms around her waist. She twisted to look at him, disapproval on her face.

“Don’t go lookin’ at me like that!” Jake scolded.

“How very inappropriate of you, Jake!”

“I ain’t doing nothin’ wrong!”

“I know Tarak said I would make you a good wife, but we are not married yet, so please let me go and let’s get going.”

Jake grumbled and released his hold. He opened his mouth to say something smart, but no words came. Instead, he widened his eyes as he looked intently in the direction of the town.

“Is something wrong?” Dannie asked.

Jake shook himself back to reality and turned to her with a slight smile.

“Nope, sorry, don’t know what came over me.”

“Are you sure you are all right?” Dannie didn’t quite believe him.

“Yeah, I’m fine, just a bit jumpy,” Jake reassured her. “Let’s get back to the town. I suppose I am allowed to offer you my arm? That wouldn’t be improper in yer books, would it?”

Dannie rolled her eyes but took the arm Jake had offered. They walked back together, flirting and teasing. Every so often, however, Jake would discreetly look around. He hoped he had been imagining it, but for a split second, he had been sure he had caught sight of Bessie.

The woman had been just a distant figure, but something about the way she stood, and the glint of copper in her hair, had been horribly familiar.

He shook his head. He was getting paranoid and seeing things.