Silver's Redemption

Velvet Shoe Collection

An Unlikely Arrangement

An Unlikely Beginning

An Unlikely Conclusion

An Unlikely Deception

Success Your Way

That One Moment

Somewhere Between

Silver’s Redemption

Rescue At Wiseman’s Pond

Book Liftoff

1209 South Main Street

PMB 126

Lindale, Texas 75771

This book is a work of fiction. Therefore, all names, places, characters, and situations are a product of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, places, or events is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2020 Patty Wiseman

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever.

Interior Book design by Champagne Book Design

Printed in the United States of America

Wiseman, Patty

Silver’s Redemption / Patty Wiseman.

Contemporary—Romance—Fiction.2. Mystery—Romance—Fiction.

Fiction. | BISAC: FIC 027020 FICTION / Romance / Contemporary.

FIC027380 FICTION / Romance / Later in Life

First Edition.

ISBN: 978-1-947946-50-7

ISBN: 978-1-947946-51-4

www.pattywiseman.com

www.bookliftoff.com

TITLE PAGE

BOOKS BY PATTY WISEMAN

COPYRIGHT

DEDICATION

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

CHAPTER THIRTY

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

EXCERPT FROM SOMEWHERE BETWEEN

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

This book was inspired by all women of a certain age. Women judged by their age and not their ability or experience. We acknowledge the world spins fast and caters to the young, but what a treasure trove of valuable information is lost when we don’t take advantage of the wealth of knowledge these women accumulated over the years. It’s like re-inventing the wheel as the younger generation strikes out with eagerness to make their mark. We love these young women and their enthusiasm. But take a moment to learn at the feet of those who came before you. They were once young and eager, too. So many problems could be avoided by taking the mentoring advice these seasoned women have to offer.

This book is dedicated to the women of a certain age who found their world turned upside down because they reached an age where the world no longer saw their value. I hope reading this will give you strength.

It is also dedicated to the young women coming into their own. Take a moment to look at who came before you. Reach out and glean the advice they have to offer. You will be in their position one day. Show respect for the fight they fought. You have it easier than they did.

To all women, use your experience to mentor others. Together we can make the world a kinder place for us all to live.

Two ragtag coyotes crouched beyond the sun-bleached wooden fence waiting, ears tilted forward, wary, hungry, poised to take advantage.

Georgiana Fellowes, or Silver as her friends call her, fired a bolt-action rifle into the air to scare the mangy creatures off. The crack of the shot echoed for miles.

Not this time fellas. Besides, you wouldn’t want Joey to get a hold of you, she hollered after the fleeing critters. She turned back to the mule. "Time to lock you in for the night, ole friend. Those boys must be awful hungry if they’ve come to prey on you."

She slid from the jagged boulder just in front of the dilapidated cabin deep in the West Texas Mountains. After watching the night sky emerge from the fading light as it did every evening, the sun gave up its abundance of vibrant colors in a final showdown of the most beautiful sunsets in the world, as if to say, ‘top that’!

She usually loved this dusky interim between day and night. For all its beauty and vainglorious efforts, the blue skies of Texas didn’t compare with the unpretentious arrival of what is, for lack of a better word, the universe. In the most glorious sunset, the most beautiful blue skies, and the fluffy drifting of a white cloud, you only see as far as the blueness. But, when the night sky makes its graceful entrance, another dimension reveals itself.

Tonight, however, nothing moved her. The mountains didn’t erase the scenes embedded in her mind. The nightly vigil wore thin as she led Joey to the small weather-beaten barn and secured the rusty lock on the door. The barn needs paint. The door needs new hinges. After years of neglect a mountain of work faced her.

She was weary. Tired of the isolation, rationing food, and probably worst of all, the lack of companionship. More than once she kicked herself for making such a knee-jerk decision to give up and come to West Texas to find an abandoned silver mine on the land her father left her. The most discouraging part was, she hadn’t even found it yet. Days of bouncing along in the battered old jeep she procured in town left her discouraged. He didn’t leave her a map. Only something scribbled on a piece of paper that suggested the location. To the left of the camel rock. A rock shaped like a camel? What did it mean? Am I really such a failure, even at finding the mine?

The humiliation she suffered back East took a toll on an otherwise strong constitution. For a while, she pretended the age-related rebuff didn’t happen. Until she couldn’t anymore.

Fifty-six years old and they tell me I no longer fit the company image. All the while my replacement simpers beside Steve Walker with her flowing blonde hair, forty-two-inch implants, red stilettos, and a snarky smile on her unwrinkled face. So much for loyalty from my boss.

Silver packed up her office belongings that day and went home. Alone in the pent-house style apartment she purchased ten years prior, the carefully chosen décor did nothing to lift her spirits. If anything, it depressed her even more. Stainless steel kitchen, white cabinets, a hint of red in the flowers and hand towels. The living room was all white. Rugs, desk, sofa. What was she thinking? No personality. All of it suddenly meant nothing considering what she endured on her last day at that office. What had she worked for all these years? How did she arrive at this point in her life, alone and replaced by a younger woman?

Darkness fell, but she didn’t turn on the lights, instead, hid under a white blanket on the alabaster sofa.

Until morning.

As the sun came up, she took a long look in the mirror and studied the reflection. Short-cropped silver hair, thus the nickname, fine laugh lines around eyes the color of maple sugar, straight white teeth.

And suddenly, she knew what to do.

She addressed the mirror with a confidence she wasn’t sure she possessed. They say I don’t fit anymore. So, I’ll go where I do. Father’s old cabin is empty. That’ll be my home from now on, no mainstream society, no social footprint, not even an address.

The only human contact lay twenty miles away in a small municipality where she gathered supplies. Her only companion—Joey. Three weeks passed since her last visit to the scruffy old town called Diamond Gulch. One more week to go before those supplies ran out.

In the meantime, the search continued for the lost mine. At nightfall she watched the evening sky.

When night fell, she held her breath as each star popped into view. No matter how long it took, she waited until one particular star decided to show. It was small, but it drew her in, held her attention. There was something different about the light pulsating from the blackness of the sky. The twinkling orb always took its sweet time to make an appearance, but once in view, totally worth the wait.

The unusual light captured the imagination and she wondered at its pull on her. Is someone up there like me? Are they sending a message?

This night she watched the star, yearning to communicate, willing it to give her a sign, give meaning to her life, and save her from this self-imposed meager existence. A continuous argument played in her head. I’m still useful, I have more to give.

Once more resigned to the loneliness of the cabin and the dawn of another pointless day, she heaved a great sigh, as she’d done for countless nights, and stood. One more glance at the ‘star’ and something came over her. A voice deep in her soul struggled to be heard. I want my life back.

Foley York stared at the calendar stuck to the office wall, the red X’s across each day a reminder of Silver’s impending trip into town. Her choice to live twenty miles away in the wild mountains of West Texas concerned him.

As the deputy sheriff of Diamond Gulch, the welfare of its townspeople fell on him. Even though she wasn’t officially an inhabitant of the city proper, she was in his jurisdiction. A woman alone in the mountains didn’t set well. Anything could happen. Wild animals, a rogue criminal. If she died out there, weeks might pass before anyone found out.

He could ride out to her place, but he tried once before. She’d shooed him away with a rifle, said she wanted her privacy and to leave her alone.

The next time she came to town for supplies he’d made a point of talking to her.

Either charge me with a crime or leave me the hell alone, she responded.

He backed off.

A decades old map of a lost silver mine rested safely in his pocket, and with it the knowledge it likely lay hidden somewhere on her land. He turned away from the calendar and moved to the window, hands behind his back and studied the motley crew that made up the majority of the town’s population as they scurried across the dusty main street. Most kept to themselves. A commonality of mistrust their only bond.

His hand went to his salt and pepper mane of hair. I need a haircut. She’ll be in town soon. I’ll make sure I find out what’s really going on out there, if she knows about the mine, and more importantly, if she has found it.

A ragged straw hat hung on the peg above his rifle. He slapped it on and headed toward the only barber in town, Shiner’s.

The pungent fragrance of Bay Rum and tobacco changed his sour frown into a smile as he entered the cracker box shanty the barber called an establishment. Two barber’s chairs, a sink, and various pin-up girl posters made up the entire décor.

Hey, Shiner. I need a shave and a haircut.

The deep rumble of the barber’s laughter fit his short, plump physique. His shining bald head spoke to his nickname. You got it, Sheriff. I just happen to have an opening.

No one ever had to wait to get a haircut. Most men wore ponytails with shaggy beards. Very few had the money or the inclination to stay impeccably groomed in the dusty Texas town.

I don’t know how you make a living, Shiner. I never see anyone in here. Sometimes I think I’m your only customer.

Ah, well that’s my little secret then, isn’t it?

He raised an eyebrow at his friend. Anything I should know about?

Why Sheriff, if I were to divulge what goes on here, I’d have to leave town. What goes on between a man and his barber is as sacred as a priest, doctor, or a lawyer. You know people around here. Their business is their own.

His glance around the room took in the establishment. He surmised it was too small for a gambling house. Well…as long as it’s legal. You wouldn’t pull one over on me, would ya?

Nah, just some people have little problems they don’t want to see the light of day. Rest easy, big guy. I wouldn’t test your patience with anything against the law.

He chuckled. Well, you know what would happen if you did. This bunch out here—they don’t cotton much to the law. That’s why they’re here. We walk a fine line. I pick my battles to keep the peace. I keep a light hand, but I have my limits.

No worries, boss. I still think it might be easier for you if they let us have another lawman out here. You wouldn’t have to sleep with one eye open.

No money, Shiner. The county won’t put out for it. I’m the deputy sheriff, the only law we have.

The barber grunted and slapped a hot towel over Foley’s face.

He relaxed under the steam and let Shiner do his magic.

Thirty minutes later, freshly groomed, he pulled out a wad of bills and tossed it on the counter. Mind you let me know if anything gets out of hand, ya hear?

You know I will.

He stopped. By the way, I’m kind of worried about Silver. Was thinking of riding out there this week. See if she’s okay. Wanna come? I could use some reinforcements.

Shiner shook his head. Nope. I heard what she did the last time you did that. I don’t want a rifle in my face.

Ah, she won’t really shoot. Just tough talk, I reckon.

You got a soft spot for her? Shiner taunted.

Foley shot the barber a warning look. Watch it, Shiner. I’ve got a job to do, that’s all.

Shiner shrugged. Anything you say, Sheriff.

He slammed the door behind him.

The two-day trek to Diamond Gulch challenged even the stout of heart. A good pack mule could make fifteen miles a day. Certainly, she could push it and do the twenty miles in one, but Joey was her companion. His presence helped maintain her sanity in the self-imposed isolation. No way would she jeopardize his health.

The five-year-old sorrel mule stood still while she arranged the necessary supplies. Occasionally, his hind quarter quivered, a sign he knew what was coming—a small display of excitement.

I know it’s early, Joey. The silence is getting to me, buddy. I need human contact. I’ll take it easy. Thank you for being so dependable.

A soft whinny was all the answer she needed. He never went into a full hee-haw, just a simple whine-like sound.

The morning dawned cool, but bright, a perfect day to start out. The small cabin, locked tight, quickly disappeared as she and Joey moved deeper into the desert. Shade and water waited for them at the halfway point. Even though she promised to take it easy, the excitement made them both walk a little faster.

When she was about a mile out, she took one last look over her shoulder. What she saw made her stop and turn back toward the cabin. What is that? Smoke? A mirage?

To the far left of her ranch a hazy plume reached into the sky. She shaded her eyes and watched until the tall cloud dissipated. The silver mine continued to elude her, even though she searched almost every day. Something stirred in her heart. The plume drifted over a part of the vast acreage yet unexplored. Squatters? A cave in? Claim jumper? A rogue Indian? Should I go back and check it out?

The vaporous feather of cloud came out of nowhere but dissipated as she watched.

I’ve been out here too long. It’s probably my imagination. I’ll search that area when I get home. For now, I’m heading to town to regain my mental equilibrium.

She faced the trail again and urged Joey forward.

The mule plodded along at a steady pace, but the excitement in his step transmitted a tingle through her own body. I think you want to get there as much as I do, my friend.

Nothing unusual broke the monotony of the first day. Not one soul appeared along the trail. Scrub brush and an occasional tumbleweed buffeted by the wind provided the only entertainment as they walked along. A large brimmed, battered straw hat sheltered her from the bright sun. This time of year, the heat was bearable, but she did look forward to the oasis at the end of the first day.

As it came into view, Joey picked up the pace.

There it is, boy. We’ll have a nice rest tonight and be in Diamond Gulch tomorrow. You did real good. She patted him on the rump as they approached the ring of trees.

He whinnied.

The nature-made watering hole enveloped them as they faded into its shade.

Joey swished his tale a little faster when the pack was removed from his back. He ambled down to the water and drank his fill.

Temptation to undress and take a nice cool dip in the water almost overtook her, but she quickly dismissed the idea. She couldn’t risk putting herself in a vulnerable situation while alone out here. Instead, she jerked the red handkerchief from around her neck, dipped it in the water, and washed her face and neck.

Time to make camp, Joey.

The mule meandered up the short rise and settled under a tree.

Camp was up the hill, away from the water. Predators came here to drink. Not a good idea to make camp near the watering hole. There wasn’t too much to do. Feed Joey, make a fire, open a can of beans. She spread a bedroll near the firepit, a ring of rocks left by previous travelers. A large log offered back support as she ate her beans, feet up on a rock, smiling at the prospect of real conversation.

Then, she waited…

As the sun set, her star came into view high in the night sky. She drifted into sleep watching the pulsating light.

On the second day, packed and well-watered, she and Joey set out again. They should arrive in town sometime around five o’clock. Anxious to see a couple of her new friends, she walked faster.

Joey didn’t seem to mind.

After a noon meal, they hurried toward their destination etched in the skyline.

Diamond Gulch boasted one of everything. She looked forward to the hotel and a hot meal at what the locals called simply, The Roost.

As the buildings in the horizon came into focus, Joey’s pace quickened.

Are you looking forward to a nice stable tonight, my friend? Maybe you’ll have some company like last time.

Joey swished his tail and hurried on.

I wonder if you understand what I say? She ruffled his ear and tried to keep up.

Diamond Gulch resembled a wild west town, frozen in time. If a traveler didn’t know better, they’d think it was a ghost town, its rundown, dusty appearance adding to the credence that no one lived there. The townspeople wanted it that way. The population consisted of those running from the law, or disillusioned people seeking isolation, or those just