Free A Woman Called Sage by DiAnn Mills

embracing the white mans mannerisms and their God. Sage didnt understand their insistence. Or maybe she didnt want to understand them.
    Sage heard a knock outside her door. Gripping the Colt tied to her right side and eying Hawk, she took a step to the door. Whos there?
    Parker.
    Had he gone mad? She unlatched the door to find the marshal leaning against the door. From the looks of his drawn features, the pain drained his strength. He needed another dose of medicinethe kind that would make him sleep and heal.
    Im in the next room. He stood as straight as his weak legs would allow. At least he appeared to do so, no doubt in an attempt to look tough. I checked into the hotel a few minutes ago. Wouldnt want you to leave without me in the morning.
    She crossed her arms over her chest. Are you drunk or just plain crazy?
    Im not a drinking man, and Im sane. Thank you for your caring questions. I have a couple of things to discuss with you if you have a few minutes.
    She gestured him inside. Thoughts of the impropriety of having a man in her room vanished from her conscience when she remembered she stayed in a hotel that rented rooms by the hour. Not that it made much difference. Most folks judged her morals once they learned shed convinced a Ute to teach her how to track and survive in the wilderness for the purpose of hunting wanted men. Are your intentions honorable?
    He smiled, sort of lopsided. Dont have any money on me.
    Then youre probably at the right room. The girls down thehall have a man slip a gold piece under the door. She laughed at the pitiful sight of him.
    She motioned for him to sit on the bed while she stood. The tiny room smelled of those who had come and gone for reasons she cared not to think about. Sort of embarrassing, especially with Parker sitting there.
    Ive been rummaging through my brain for what Aiden wants from us, and I have some questions, he said.
    If this was about Charles, she might not be able to answer. All right. I may have a few for you too.
    He sat straight up. Breathing had to be easier in that position. Aidens claim about your husband not telling you his rightful name is pestering me. You said you grew up in the same area. So you knew his family?
    Shed camped on this earlier today while Parker enjoyed the benefits of laudanum. They lived near the same town as I did.
    How did they take his death? I mean, were they shocked?
    They passed on shortly before we married. Charles inherited their ranch. I remember they were not happy with his frequent trips.
    Then he couldnt have lied to you about his name.
    Not at all. But something Papa said echoed in her mind. You made a big mistake, daughter. Lovin a man despite his faults is a good thing, but you loved him without any sense. Now hes dead, and he might have had a wife somewhere else.
    How did he pay for his trips away from home?
    Parker had edged dangerously close to sticking his nose too deep into her affairs. But wouldnt she do the same? Im not sure.
    Then it wasnt from your ranch?
    Parker and Papa had a lot in common. Shed learned how to read folks since those days. He never took much money with him.
    He nodded, digesting her answers like bad food. Did he take provisions?
    Very little.
    Did he say where he was going?
    Only to his ranch in northern Colorado.
    Did he mention friends there?
    The truth about Charles not owning a second ranch had come pounding at the door of her heart. No.
    So he was a loner type?
    Pretty much.
    Did he bring you gifts when he returned?
    She remembered a broach and ribbons for her hair. Sometimes.
    Expensive ones?
    Not really. Parker, your questions remind me of a fancy lawyer. She gathered her emotions with an understanding that he needed those answers just like she did in order to outwit the McCaws. Until today, I never considered him being an outlaw. He was gentle and kind, a good man. But She withdrew into the black cave of doubts. Ive been around enough men to know Charles could have been another man when he