~ To Touch The Sky ~

by

Margaret B. Lawrence

Luke’s deep voice rumbled like an avalanche, mercilessly threatening, silky smooth with fury. “You boys are a long way from home. I think you need to mosey on along and take care of your business, and leave the lady alone.”

They whirled toward him, all three looking up at the same time to see the tall man smiling at them. Their hands automatically went to their guns.

He never looked away, his smile didn’t waver. Speaking so quietly they were unsure they heard him, he said, “Huh uh. I don’t think you want to do that.”

His eyes, glacial as he stared, chilled them to their bones. Jack thought them the coldest eyes he’d ever seen. All three knew they didn’t dare ignore the Winchester ‘73, .44-40 he held to his shoulder. Jack, known as a fast gun and a not-quite-bright individual, pulled his gun and pointed it at Sarah’s temple. “I think ya might wanta drop the rifle, mister.”

Barely audible, just a breath really, nevertheless he heard it. “Luke?” In his peripheral vision he saw her tear-filled eyes staring up at him and could feel her terror but he didn’t dare give in to their demands. He had to win this battle or they would both be lost.

Sarah closed her eyes. Just when I thought I would be saved, I’m going to be killed. I don’t want to die. I have to take care of Mama. She gulped, forcing the nausea down. What is he doing? Why doesn’t he let them have the rifle? Can’t he see they’re going to kill me? Oh, please. Let them have the rifle.

Luke smiled, and spoke gently, “Nah. I don’t think so. Now, let me see… I think what I’m goin’ to do first is take off your ears.” He nodded at Jack. “Hmmm? Yes, I like that idea. It might even improve your looks. What do you think?” His chuckle rumbled in his chest.

Sarah couldn’t believe this man, who seemed so nice yesterday, sat there talking about shooting off parts of this man’s body--and laughing. Why is he laughing? He scared her to death. What’s the matter with him? This isn’t funny.

Luke, not daring to take his eyes off Jack to look at Sarah, continued to smile. “Then maybe I’ll take off your toes. Uh-huh, toes second, then… let me see…”

Jack squinted up at Luke. This one was strange. Cold as ice. Jack snarled, “Are ya crazy, mister? Long before you get to my toes…”

Luke continued as if uninterrupted. “And what should I shoot off next…? I have some ideas… but I can’t mention them in front of the lady.”

“…I’d shoot the little lady,” Jack snarled. What Luke said finally penetrated his thick skull and feeling the blood drain from his face, Jack stepped behind Sarah.

Luke responded to the threat to Sarah’s life in a calm, dispassionate voice. “You could shoot her--and in your place I’d probably think the same thing.” His voice harsher he said, “But… if you do, then who will you hide behind?” Again his voice changed, sharpened, showing his anger. “And--I want you to understand this while you’re makin’ up your mind--before her body hits the ground I’d shoot out both of your eyes.” Now sounding like a teacher talking to a dim-witted pupil, he quickly glanced at the other two. “And then I’d drop your friends in their tracks before they could draw breath. Now… you might want to think about it for a bit… you know... just to make sure that’s how you want things to play out. It’s your call.” Luke’s eyes never wavered throughout the exchange.

Terrified by the way Luke talked, Sarah thought, He really would shoot out their eyes. Would he care if they killed me?

They looked at Luke, looked at each other, and decided they wanted no part of this. Sarah hung suspended and they dropped her to the ground as if suddenly unable to hold her. They leaped back on their horses, the leader, his anger and fear obvious, watched over his shoulder as they rode away.

Luke watched them to make sure they wouldn’t double back, then dismounted and walked to where Sarah sat on the ground, hugging her knees, and sobbing. He wished he could have prevented this frightening experience. Why didn’t I come along a little sooner? If I’d been here, she wouldn’t have had to face those hooligans. Oh, God, I want to hold her. To keep her safe.

She couldn’t move. Her legs, too weak to hold her, kept her huddled on the ground, rocking. Tears streamed down her face and great wracking sobs shook her body.

Oh, God, I can’t stand to see her cryin’ like this. Luke pulled her up into his arms, pressing her face to his shoulder. “You’re all right now, love. Don’t cry, sweetheart. You’ll be fine now.”