Worry needled through his chest as he moved toward the corner where Callum lay on a cot, his face creased with pain. Two Stones knelt by his side. Only his face and one hand showed above the blankets. Were his injuries covered?
Two Stones met his eyes. "You are hurt?"
Callum glanced toward his right shoulder. "A small cave-in. Timbers hit my shoulder. Broke the bone, I think. Can't seem to get my energy back." His eyes held no strength. And the stench of sickness was much stronger here.
Two Stones frowned. "The bone is not mending. Will you let me see it?" He was no healer, but he needed to know how bad this was. He needed to know whether the man who called himself doctor in this town could help. It might take the touch of a wiser one.
Too bad this place was so far from the Coulter ranch. Jericho's new wife could help. God had given her the gift of healing in greater measure than any other Two Stones had met.
Callum's eyes drifted shut, as though he didn't have the strength to hold them open any longer. "Don't worry over me. But tell me, did you bring it?"
Two Stones swallowed down his worry. "I have it here." He held out the pouch, and Callum's eyelids parted.
He didn't lift a hand to take it though. Did he want Two Stones to open the pouch and hold up the necklace? Or maybe just press the gift into his hand. After all, the man's daughter was watching them from the doorway. Perhaps he wanted to surprise her with this token when they were alone.
Callum's voice finally sounded, more weak and rough than before. "Open it."
He pulled the string to loosen the tie, then lifted the leather flap and took out the chain and pendant. The gold setting gleamed in the dim light, and he lifted it up for Callum to see.
The man's eyes widened, and he let out a hoarse breath. "It's a beauty. Thank you." His voice had dropped nearly to a whisper but strengthened as he called to his daughter. "Heidi?"
The woman stepped forward, moving to stand by his feet. "What is it, Papa?"
"This...for you." His voice dipped again, losing strength.
Two Stones held the necklace and its leather holder out to her.
She studied the jewelry with wide eyes, but didn't reach for it.
"Your mother had one...like it." Callum's raspy whisper didn't tear his daughter’s focus from the gift. "She wanted you...have it. But...lost in...the fire."
Callum had to pause for breath between words, and his daughter's gaze shifted back to his face, worry marking her pale brow.
"Take it. Please." Callum had closed his eyes again, but he was probably attuned to every sound that would signal whether his daughter accepted the token.
In the years they’d known each other, Callum had spoken a great deal about his life here in these mountains, traveling from one mining camp to another. He'd even spoken of the wife he'dhad back east, how she'd died when their lodge burned in a fire. How much he missed her.
He'd spoken of a daughter who’d stayed behind, learning to be a woman from others. But he'd said no more than that. A pain had always settled in his eyes when their talk leaned close to her, so Two Stones hadn't pressed. Now, he had no knowledge of why she would refuse this gift.
Finally she stepped forward and took it from his hand. Her movement seemed awkward, as though trying not to touch Two Stones. Was she frightened of him? Or did he repulse her?
A shift from Callum drew Two Stones’s focus back to his friend's face. The man was looking at him through barely opened eyes. "Wood. Will you...stock...?"
"I will." Two Stones always did work around the place when he was here. Restocking the pile of firewood outside the shanty. Refilling the water barrel from the creek. Picking up a load of supplies from the trading post. Whatever he could do to ensure Callum would have enough to manage for a while. Callum should know this without asking.
Two Stones hadn't planned to tackle such tasks until the morning, but perhaps Callum wanted time alone with his daughter now. Time to tell stories of her mother and the necklace that had once belonged to her.
"I will see to all you need, friend." Two Stones pushed to his feet. "Then I will return to sit with you." They'd developed a habit of sitting by the fire, Callum telling tales of his time in the mountains and the colorful men he'd met. Maybe Two Stones could offer stories this time. Something to bring a smile and strength to his friend. Warm food from one of the hotels would help too.
As he left Callum's side, he glanced at the daughter, who stood motionless by her father, the leather pouch and necklace still lifted in her hands. Her gaze was fixed on Callum, though,with an expression not easy to define. Worry, yes, but much more.
She was older than he’d expected. A woman grown, according to the look in her eyes, but the pallor of her skin and hair made her look younger than she likely was. No wrinkles anywhere.
He turned his focus toward the front door. He would make sure these two had warmth, water, and food, then he'd see to Callum's injury, whether the man wanted him to or not.
CHAPTER 2
"Sit."
