“Neat, huh?” She laughed along with him. “We’ll save those for another time.” Taking the opened can from him, she slipped the whole business into a gallon zip-lock bag and stored it in the refrigerator.
Reno watched her carefully, taking note of the odd things like the clear sack and the cold storage box. “So many things to wonder at.”
“Ask me anything you want to know.” Having him here was the most exciting thing that had ever happened to her.
“I will. I’m just a bit overwhelmed. Don’t know where to start.” Reno ate thoughtfully, his eyes on Journey as she picked at her food. She was unlike anyone he’d ever known. Beautiful as a picture. Lively. So self-confident. “You said you lived alone. In Austin?”
“Yes. I have an apartment.” She pushed her plate back, too excited to eat anymore. “I don’t have a fancy job. I didn’t go to college, but I make a good living selling beauty products and home remedies made with essential oils and herbs.”
He nodded. “My mother made many things with herbs.”
His comment made her smile. “And you work on a ranch.”
“Yes. I have six partners. My captain and other members of my unit.” He sopped a bit of biscuit through the remaining egg on his plate. “We fought for the Confederacy.” As if he’d just had a thought, he jerked his head up to pin Journey with a stare. “In 2019, does the United States still exist?”
“Absolutely. How many states were there in 1869?”
“Thirty-seven.”
She raised her eyebrows and leaned in to whisper. “There are fifty now. Including Alaska and the Hawaiian Islands.”
“Really.” He seemed surprised and his eyes widened further when something buzzed loudly. “What’s that?”
“Your clothes are dry.” She rose and exited the room. “We probably need to buy you some more pants and shirts.”
He started to argue but closed his mouth. She might be right. “I have money in my saddlebag.” A thought occurred to him and he rose, following her part of the way. “Did you find a small rawhide bag in the front pocket of my pants?”
“No. There was nothing in your pockets. I checked,” she called back to him.
“Huh.” He frowned. “I guess I lost it.” He hated that. Ela would disapprove.
“Here you go.” Journey announced as she returned, handing over the folded clothes. Part of her wanted to hide the garments. She hated to spoil the view. “We really need to get you some boxers or briefs. You’re going to burn up in that union suit.”
Reno gave her a funny look. “Are you talking about my unmentionables?”
Journey couldn’t help but smile. “Yea. I guess so.” She gave him a teasing look. “We’re not so uptight about underwear in the 21st century.”
“Oh, yea?” Reno wanted to ask about her unmentionables, but he held his tongue. “You’ll have to enlighten me further at another time.”
As he left the room, he gave her a sly wink and Journey had to grab onto the table for support. While he dressed, she cleaned the kitchen, and walked the dogs around the flower garden. Upon her return, she thought to check the answering machine. Sure enough, there were two messages. One was from Myra; she’d phoned while Journey was at the grocery store. “Gosh, I’ve got to get my car. I bet the stew meat is ruined.” She hoped Mr. Blue hadn’t called a tow truck to haul away her Subaru. The next message was from the Fredericksburg police department. They had located the two men who were now in police custody pending charges for aggravated assault and attempted murder. Later, she’d need to go in and make another statement. “First, I’ve got to get my car.”
“Uh, Journey?”
She whirled around to find him dressed once more. Boots. Hat. Belt. Only the duster and the bandanna were missing. “Yes?”
“I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. To ease my mind, I think I’m going to ride to King’s Ransom and check on things there. Just to be sure.” The whole world might be catawampus, but he needed to see it for himself.
“King’s Ransom is near Packsaddle Mountain, right?” she asked, her mind formulating a plan.
“Yes. Half a day’s ride, so I need to get going.”
Knowing what he was going to find, Journey sought to save him some time. “Let me drive you. It’ll be a heck of a lot quicker. We can walk over to the neighbors, get my car, then go from there.”
“In one of those horseless carriages?” As long as he was stuck in this unbelievable situation, he might as well go whole hog.
“Right. I have a red Subaru. Not too sporty, but it’ll get us from point A to point B.”
“I’m willing.” He gave her an agreeable nod and headed to the door. “I’ll check on Traveler first.”
Journey was right behind him. “Mr. Kota may be here already. If he is, I can ask him about my car.” She caught up with Reno. “I left it there last night when I was trying to get away from those men.” A shiver crept down her back. “You know, I think they were crazy enough to kill me. I’m sure glad you came along when you did.”
“Saving you makes this…debacle worthwhile.” As they made their way across the manicured lawn, Reno barely registered the plants and trees they passed. His mind was struggling with the possibility that Journey was right. What if he was a hundred and fifty years in the future? What then?
“Oh, there’s the grandson now.”
Journey waved her hand and took off running toward a young man who was busy giving Traveler a good brushing down. “At least someone’s enjoying themselves.” As soon as he muttered the words, he challenged them. If he wasn’t so worried and confused, sharing time with this gorgeous woman
