Rider on Fire & When You Call My Name: Rider on Fire / When You Call My Name. Sharon Sala

      Chapter 10

      Clouds were beginning to gather as Adam pulled up in front of Johnny Billy’s home. He eyed the sky, remembering that there were thunderstorms predicted for this part of the state later today. From the way they were building, it appeared that they would be here sooner. Still, he believed they had time for him to check on Patricia.

      “Do they know you’re coming?” Sonora asked.

      He nodded.

      “Are you sure it’s okay that I’m with you?” she added.

      He took her by the hand and gave it a tug.

      “Yes, I’m sure, and don’t try to make me think you’re scared of an ordinary family and one little girl…not after I know what you do for a living.”

      “There’s scared and there’s scared,” she said. “It’s far more scary to face rejection than it is to face danger or pain.”

      Adam was silenced by the simplicity of her words, and at the same time shamed. He’d grown up so confident of his sense of worth. He couldn’t imagine what it had taken for Sonora to become the self-possessed woman she was today.

      She was a true beauty. Her hair was thick and dark. He liked it when she chose to wear it down as she was today. Her eyes were brown, just like Franklin’s, and she had a jut to her chin, just like Franklin, when she was about to defy propriety. Still, he knew that the jut to her chin was also part of the armor she wore to protect her heart. He didn’t know what it was going to take to make her trust him, but he was willing to wait.

      “So let’s get this show on the road,” he said. “The weather doesn’t look as promising as it did when we left. We probably won’t stay very long.”

      “I’m lost when it comes to Oklahoma weather, so I bow to your greater understanding,” she said.

      Adam smiled as he opened the door and got out. Sonora slid out behind him, then followed him to the house. Just as they were walking up the steps, the front door opened. It was Linda Billy.

      Adam smiled easily as he gave Sonora’s hand a comforting squeeze.

      “Hello, Linda.”

      “Hey, Adam.” She glanced shyly at Sonora. “Welcome. Come in, please. It’s so hot this afternoon.”

      Adam put a hand at the small of Sonora’s back, and as he did, remembered the snake tattoo. The urge to jerk his hand back was instinctive, even though it was just a picture on her skin and not the real thing, the power of its presence was not lost on him.

      “Johnny still at work?” Adam asked as they followed Linda into the living room and sat down.

      “Yes. He took Eldon Farmer’s route for him this morning. Eldon broke his arm last night feeding cows, which means Johnny won’t be home until after midnight.” Then she gestured toward the sofa. “Please, sit down.”

      Adam cupped Sonora’s elbow. “Thanks, but there’s someone I want you to meet first. Linda, this is Franklin Blue Cat’s daughter, Sonora Jordan. She’s visiting him for a while.”

      Linda’s mouth dropped open. “Uh… I didn’t know… I mean…it’s very nice to meet you.”

      “It’s nice to meet you, too,” Sonora said.

      Before Linda had time to say anything about Franklin’s bachelor status that might be embarrassing to Sonora, Adam changed the subject.

      “How has Patricia been since I made medicine?”

      “Good,” Linda said.

      “Any residual problems with her sleep pattern?” he asked.

      “No, and we buried the little pot the next morning as you suggested.” The somberness of her expression changed with a soft, easy smile. “She visits the ‘grave’ every day with fresh flowers, and was so taken with the burial process that she’s since buried a dead beetle, a couple of grasshoppers, one of which was unfortunately, still kicking, and a mole that the dogs dug up and killed. I’ll be glad when this fixation with death passes.”

      She looked at Sonora.

      “Do you have children?”

      “No,” Sonora said. “I’ve never been married.”

      Linda giggled. “These days that doesn’t mean a thing.”

      Sonora laughed. She liked the young woman with the round face and happy eyes.

      “You’re right,” Sonora said. “Maybe my answer should have been no, I’ve never had the urge. However, my dad and Adam are so taken with your daughter, I can’t wait to meet her.” She touched her pocket, making sure that the piece Franklin had given her was still there. “I brought her a little gift. I hope you don’t mind.”