Dusty Haven#2 - AP & Epi 10/30/'13 - Page 17

Chapter 21 - Back to Reality

Shyam watched from the porch, not making a move to go down and meet El Coyote, who seemed to be having a little difficulty in the heat of the morning. His jaws tensed, and a small tic started at the side of his temple. He was aware that things had been delayed. He'd not expected El Coyote to show up here. A movement in the distance caught his eye.

A horse and rider came into view, then another, raising little dust as they emerged from the woods to the East. Rocky and Manny. He might have known! They would have been keeping El Coyote updated with all the goings-on here in Yerba. His black gaze flicked back to the man himself as he walked up the steps.

He wasn't as tall as Shyam, but he was just as powerful. His eyes were the palest grey, and right now, in the sunlight, they lightened to a silvery glitter that made them almost transparent. His sharp hat threw a shadow on his face.

Jha,' he stopped in front of Shyam, holding out a hand.

Shyam shook it. Dumas,' he responded, for nobody addressed El Coyote by any other name. It was only when they spoke of him that they called him El Coyote.

He gestured towards the house, stepping back as Dumas stepped into the house. He watched him look carefully around. This was the first time he'd ever stepped on the Striking-S property.

You've done well for yourself,' Dumas murmured, sweeping his hat off his brow.

Shyam grunted. There really was no answer to that. He had done well. Or at the very least, he tried to think so.

Rocky and Manny appeared at the door.

Dumas looked at them then licked his lips before flicking them away with a wave of his hand. The two stepped outside, pulling the door shut behind them.

Do you want something to drink?' Shyam asked warily. He knew why Dumas was here.

A glass of wine would be nice, but I doubt you'd have that here,' Dumas sank onto a comfortable couch. I'll take some water.'

Shyam poured him a glass and brought it over, before seating himself facing Dumas.

So what have you to tell me, Shyam?' Dumas' voice was a low murmur, his eyes almost hidden in the slits.

Shyam took a minute to assess what he wanted to tell Dumas, as apposed to what he wanted to hear. His gaze took him in once more before he dropped it and began speaking.

Box-Lightning was sold before I could get my hands on it. Rudy had sold it to the Guptas. I tried to buy it from them, but Arnav Singh Raizada got in the way. He decided he wanted to have a stake in the BL. So he tricked Shashi Gupta into giving him a partnership.'

Nothing showed on Dumas' face. He steepled his fingers and rested his chin on them, his index fingers pushing up his lips as he listened.

What about Gupta's family?' he asked.

A wife, two daughters, a friend and his wife,' Shyam responded. Other than a few hands.'

Two daughters.' Dumas let the words linger in the air. Then he spoke softly, What have you done about them?'

They're spoken for,' Shyam was defensive.

Not before they got here, I would presume,' Dumas retorted. So why didn't you choose one of them?'

The older one was already spoken for,' Shyam said.

And the younger?'

She's spoken for too, or soon will be.' Shyam could feel a small sweat bead trickling down his spine.

So you decided to marry ASR's sister? Rudy's daughter-in-law?' Dumas' question left Shyam in doubt that he already knew what was happening in Yerba.

She's ASR's sister, and the Rudy's heirs' guardian. I started wooing her before the Guptas arrived. I had no reason to believe that Rudy would have sold his ranch to them. I couldn't change my affectations at that point.'

Couldn't?' Dumas raised one cynical eyebrow. Or wouldn't?'

Couldn't.' Shyam was firm. It would have been odd. So I continued to court her.'

Dumas' silver gaze ran over his face. He held firm, refusing to look away.

Dumas turned away, pacing over to the window. Shyam waited the muscles in his back coiling with tension. His breathing was shallow but soundless, his nostrils flaring at each breath.

I put a lot of money into the Striking-S, Jha. I gave you the seed money as an investment. You were supposed to buy the land that I'd pointed out to you. Instead, you've done nothing.' He turned around. NOTHING!' he thundered. Shyam jerked. What is the use of my being in Washington, or Austin, if you do not follow orders?' he hissed, the silver of his eyes paling to almost white, the pupils dilated and dark. He leaned in close to Shyam, forcing him to lean backwards. Forcing Shyam to feel every word as a breath on his cheek.

He flicked a finger against Shyam's cheek. You're no use to me at all, Shyam,' he growled. What should I do with you?' The words were almost whispered, mockingly despairing. He turned away.

Leave,' he said quietly. Shyam stood there, his mind racing. Leave!' Dumas repeated.

Shyam left.

Dumas stood there, twitching. He reached into his jacket pocket and took out a cigarillo. Lighting it quickly, he puffed on it for a few minutes, before heading out the door.

Rocky and Manny sat on the verandah trying hard to listen to the barely audible conversation inside.

Rocky!' They heard the call from inside the room. Rocky got up and rolled his head, relaxing his shoulders.

I wonder what El Coyote wants now,' he said, as Manny revealed his tobacco stained teeth in a big grin.

They ambled inside to find Dumas sitting at the table. He looked up at them as they walked in.

Arnav Singh Raizada.'

Rocky and Manny raised their eyebrows.

Get rid of him. Now!' said Dumas his eyes still on the papers in front of him.

*****

Khushi walked along the meadow. A soft breeze lifted her hair, the hem of her muslin gown flowing behind her. The deer stood by the water, drinking. She lifted her head and looked at Khushi.

Why are you here?' the deer said.

Khushi smiled. It is lovely here. So peaceful and calm.'

The coyote is here. Beware of him, but he will try to take the eagle first,' the deer said.

Khushi frowned, her heart slowly thudding in her chest, the rhythm rising as she listened to the deer.

Who is the coyote?' she asked the deer.

It turned away looking to the mountains. The clouds will darken. The call will come. You need to be there.' With that, he leapt and bounded away.

She raised her hand to call him back ... but the ground shook under her feet ...

*****

Khushi!' Garima was calling her, her hand on Khushi's shoulder. Where were you?'

Khushi looked around dazed. She couldn't understand how she came to be sitting in the kitchen shelling peas! Garima and Abeja were looking at her exasperatedly. Some of the peas had rolled into her lap. Her mouth and eyes rounded in an O'. Thoughts of the night before flew from her mind.

Abeja slapped her forehead. La diosa de la locura! Her madness grows every day,' she grumbled as she swung away. Now she sits and stares into space, while she should be shelling peas. Who's going to do to do the work, I ask you?'

Khushi rolled her eyes. Garima shrugged helplessly. Payal walked in and looked at them.

What's going on?' she asked, the corners of her mouth tilted in a smile.

You tell me, sis,' Khushi grinned naughtily, thankful for the interruption. Did the good doctor have something to tell you last night? I noticed the two of you were away for a while.'

Payal blushed and slapped Khushi lightly. Silly,' she laughed lightly, while Garima and Abeja looked on, interestedly.

Well, did he say something?' Abeja asked coyly, draping one plump arm around her shoulder.

Payal nodded, eyes downcast, before flashing upwards again. We have come to an agreement,' she said firmly, looking from one to the other.

The three of them gasped, in happiness. Payal!' Garima got up and hugged her, as Abeja beamed from over her shoulder. Khushi bounced around until Garima let Payal go, before she hugged her.

I am so happy for you,' she was teary-eyed, kissing her sister on her cheek.

Garima had seated herself back at the table and pulled carrots from the basket in front of her. Which reminds me,' she looked up from dicing the carrots. Where were you yesterday, Khushi? I didn't see you , not for quite some time.

Khushi had never been more thankful that her face was hidden as a blush spread deeply over her face. Taking a little moment in her sister's arms, she got herself under control and turned around to answer calmly. Nanny Raizada asked me to tuck the children in. That must've been when you were looking for me, Mama.'

Garima frowned. No. This was much later.'

Khushi shook her head, I was around, Mama. You might have missed me.'

So what did you think of Shyam?' asked Abeja as they all sat back around the table, industriously chopping vegetables for lunch.

I am so glad that Anjali has found happiness,' Garima said sweetly. She deserves to be happy.'

Si, that she does,' Abeja agreed.

Talk of Anjali reminded Khushi. She needed to meet Arnav. He hadn't told her the name of the man who he thought of as the killer. She'd been sure he knew who it was. If it hadn't been for Aman ... she sighed. She'd have to get out of the house soon, she decided. Giving herself a little more time, she got up casually and headed to the door.

Where are you off to, mi chica loca (my crazy girl)?'

Of course, it had to be Tia Abeja!

Khushi stopped, one foot in the air. She turned with a long-suffering look on her face. I need to go to the Circle-R,' she sighed dramatically. I forgot that Miss Anjali had asked me to come in today.

What?' Garima looked up in horror. You will be late!'

No, mama.' Khushi crossed her fingers behind her back. She said to come in, in the morning. But she did say, I could take my time coming in.'

Well then, be on your way,' Garima said, making shooing motions with her hand.

She ran to her room, and after a quick wash, pulled on a pair of jeans and a shirt, and picked up her rifle. She worked the bolt action, making sure it slid smoothly. Braiding her hair and tying it back with a rawhide string, she slapped her worn hat on her head. Finally, she slid a knife into the sheath hidden inside her boot. About to step out of her room, she stepped back in. An ammunition belt lay on the dresser. She picked it up and made her way to the corral, whistled for Red. She looked around. Rusty was nowhere to be seen.

Saddling him quickly, efficiently, she was astride and on her way in a few minutes. She kept Red to a canter, the horse more than glad of the exercise. He tried to be a bit frisky, but there was a firm hand on the reins.

She was a few miles away from the Circle-R when she spotted another rider on a brown horse, coming fast towards her. Squinting, she tried to make out who it was. It was only when he was within hailing distance that she realized who was astride the unknown horse.

The killer!

Her heart stopped for a minute and then raced, thundering through her veins and in her ears. Raising a quick prayer to the Virgin Mary, and holding her reins with her left hand, she raised the rifle with her right, holding it vertical, ready to flip forward easily.

Miss Gupta!' she heard him call.

He knew her!

Eyes widening in fright, she drew Red to a halt, hostility written in every line of her body. She wasn't going to let him see how badly she was trembling inside, fear screaming through every inch of her innards, her eyes watchful as he drew to a halt in front of her.

Do you know where ASR is?' he asked.

She blinked. What?! That was the last thing she'd expected him to say. Her mind cleared and she took a better look at him. He was sweating. Well, it was hot. But didn't seem to be why he was sweating. He licked his lips, and his eyes darted around the landscape as if he wanted to make sure they stayed alone.

I don't know where he is,' she said, trying to understand what he wanted to do.

Listen, I don't have much time. Tell ASR. Tell him, they're coming for him,' he said, almost desperately.

Red stepped back a pace as the brown crowded him. She gripped the reins.

Who?' she almost cried out. Who's coming for Arnav?'

El Coyote,' he said. He's here.

El Coyote?' she whispered, cold hands sliding along her back. She shivered and swallowed. Who is El Coyote?'

The man who wants to kill Arnav,' he said. Tell him.' With that, Shyam spurred his horse, turned it around and galloped away.

Why?' she yelled after him. He didn't turn around.

She sat stunned watching the little dust cloud disappear. What just happened? His words rang in her ears. With a quick spur to Red, she galloped towards Circle-R. Who was El Coyote? And why did he want to kill Arnav?

NK watched her ride up, frowning at the speed at which she was riding. What was so important?

Whoa!' he exclaimed, Red skidded to a stop next to him.

NK, where is Arnav?' she gasped, sliding down next to him.

What's wrong?' he asked instead, his calmness steadying her raw, jumping nerves.

Where is Arnav?' she asked again, slower.

He's in Yerba. He needed to meet with Aman,' NK said.

NK. He's in danger,' her words came out rushed.

Danger? What now?' His eyes narrowed.

She shook her head and then said, I met someone, on the way over. He told me, that El Coyote was in town and that Arnav was in danger from him.'

El Coyote?' NK looked disbelievingly at her. Dumas. What was he doing here? Are you sure?' he asked her again.

She nodded vigorously. Who is he? Why would he want to kill Arnav?' she asked him worriedly.

He's not somebody good, Miss Khushi,' NK said in his slow, deliberate way. But I don't know why he would want to hurt ASR.'

For a moment they stayed silent. Khushi thought back to her dream. The call will come,' the deer had told her. It had come.

We need to find him,' she threw over her shoulder as she hastened to Red.

I'm coming with you, Miss Khushi,' NK said. Wait her.' With that he strode off towards the barn.

She waited impatiently while he ran to the barn, and came out riding in a just a little while, leading a white horse for her.

For you,' he explained the horse that trailed behind him. You've ridden Red hard. Let him be. Take Night Hawk instead,' he held out the reins to her.

She opened her mouth to protest and then decided he was probably right. Soon both of them were riding back along the trail to Yerba.

Just over the rise of a hill, they drew up in surprise.

Shining Cloud sat on his horse looking at them impassively, and regally. Behind him sat five equally impassive braves.

Greetings,' NK said respectfully.

Shining Cloud briefly flicked his gaze towards him. Then he spoke. Khushi tried hard to follow what he said, but the guttural sounds that he made, made absolutely no sense to her.

Tell him we need to find Arnav,' she mumbled under her breath to NK.

He tilted his towards her, but didn't take his gaze off the brave's face, a slight frown on his brow. Then he spoke to the man, obviously asking him something. Shining Cloud answered him. He nodded and turned to Khushi.

Shining Cloud is coming with us,' he told her.

She nodded, more than happy to have more people around to help protect Arnav.

*****

Arnav was on his way back from Yerba. All that he'd learnt, all he'd heard. He was fully focused on this thoughts, trying to work out how he would deal with this. Most of all, he worried for his sister. Anjali. Why did it have to happen to her again and again? But never mind. He was there for her. He would always be there for her. As would Akash, he was sure of that. And he knew Khushi would also be there.

For a moment the thought of her created a faint pang of guilt. Had he not been so focused on her, he would have looked at Shyam harder. But he hadn't. And now, when Anjali was on the verge of losing her fragile grasp at happiness, he was looking at his own. His Khushi.

Shyam was a threat to her too. He couldn't allow it. He would have to get to Shyam first. He twitched the reins on Shadow, heading towards Striking-S. He didn't have a plan, not yet. But he was pretty sure that he would have one by the time he saw Shyam.

Suddenly, Shadow's ears pricked up.

What's up, boy?' he kept his voice soft and low. Without moving his head, he let his eyes wander as far as they could over the hills on either side. Lifting his head a little, he heard it then, the soft blowing sounds of a horse.

Slowly he slid his hand towards his gun.

I wouldn't if I were you,' the voice came from behind him.

He slowly turned in his saddle. Shyam's two henchmen " what were their names? Rocky and Manny were on the trail behind him, their guns trained on him. He turned back and noticed three more men coming out of the rocks. He breathed low and slow, cursing inwardly. He'd been so wrapped up in his thoughts, he hadn't been keeping an eye out, for just such an ambush.

Just keep those hands where'n we can see em,' said Rocky, grinning as he came closer to Arnav.

*****