He was still eating but thought he had a story. “Let me keep this as simple as possible. We’ll be headed toward Kansas on our way to her brother’s ranch because he’s been hurt and needs our help. That’s all the truth.”
Jeff used his fork to point at him. “I see you got your thinker going. Better let the women know before they lord it about.”
“I’ll head back to the hotel for a quick talk with them. How much of a draw you need to get your saddle and pay the stable?”
Jeff named a fair price. Peyton gave him the money from his petty cash pocket. Danged if he didn’t feel like a walking bank trying to keep track of all his stashes.
He took out a small notebook and pencil and wrote down what he’d spent for breakfast and the amount he’d advanced Jeff. With all he’d be spending today, he figured a detailed record would be required by evening.
“Wagon maker’s next door to Sanders’ Livery Stable, the one I used. It’s two blocks north of where we’re standing now. I’ll wait for you there.”
“Won’t take me long.”
“Two women? Son, you don’t know a lot about women, do you?” Jeff walked away chuckling.
Up until he’d met Red, Peyton had thought he understood women as much as any other man. The thing was, she wasn’t like any woman he’d ever met. Even Abigail was different.
When he got to the hotel, he met them coming down the stairs. Another surprise because the hour was still early.
He tipped his hat and spoke quietly, “Ladies, I was coming to discuss something privately. Do you mind returning to our room for a brief conversation?”
“We were going to breakfast. Have you eaten?”
“Yes, and I’ve hired one of our cowboys.”
Abigail took Red by the arm and announced, “Oh, dear, I forgot my shawl. Let’s go back and get it.”
“Please allow me to escort you.” Peyton put his hand at Red’s waist and offered his arm to Abigail. They climbed the stairs and went to Abigail’s room.
In Abigail’s room, he explained the plan to them. They agreed it would be less dangerous than if people thought they carried money or a bank draft with them.
Red appeared to be considering their plans. “So, instead of wealthy socialites shopping, we can appear as worried as we really are. I still intend to walk around the town. It’s so different than any place I’ve ever been.”
“You should but stay close to the hotel. There are plenty of shops within a block in each direction. Some stalls on the street sell food. Other stalls sell about everything you can imagine.”
“I saw them from the window in our room. I could smell meat from the stalls that were cooking food. The aroma was tempting.”
He looked at Abigail. “Do you want to get a shawl, Mama?”
She laid a hand on her cheek. “I can’t get to one because it’s in the trunk stored downstairs. I should have thought before I spoke. Instead I was as impetuous as Judith.”
Red shrugged. “Say you lost yours. There are stalls selling them near the hotel.”
Abigail appeared annoyed. “Then let’s go downstairs.”
At the bottom of the stairs, Abigail spoke loudly. “I can’t imagine where that shawl went. I had it on the train.”
Red patted her arm. “You must have left it there.”
He worried about them fending for themselves in an unfamiliar place. “Will you be all right on your own or should I stay with you?”
Red snapped, “We can handle shopping, thank you. You go do your stuff. Perhaps we’ll see you and go with you part of the day.”
He’d expected Red to raise her hackles so he was prepared for her sharp answer. He clamped on his hat and bid them goodbye.
***
Judith escorted Abigail into the dining room and they were seated. After they’d given their orders, she drummed her right fingertips on the table.
“Now what has you riled?”
“I don’t like having things in upheaval. We agreed on a plan and,” she snapped her fingers, “like that he’s changed it. Hmph, that’s just like a man.”
Abigail leaned toward her. “Judith Ann, what is wrong with you? He is doing what he is supposed to do. What he said makes sense. Don’t let your stubborn pride get in the way of your priorities.”
“It’s not stubborn pride.” Realizing she’d raised her voice, she looked around. A few diners had glanced her way. She lowered her tone, “I’m afraid if we don’t stick to a plan we’ll make mistakes.”
Abigail laid a hand on hers. “Listen here, baby, I know you’re as worried as I am. We’ve chosen our path by joining forces with Peyton. You have to have faith he’s as good as his reputation.”
Her insides ached with fear for her brother. “Josiah can’t afford for us to mess up now. I know he needs our help.”
“That’s what we’re doing but if we don’t do this right, then we won’t make it to help him.” Abigail spoke clearly. “You have to quit worrying so, baby. Soon we’ll be headed toward Kansas to help your brother. I can’t wait to see my boy.” She pulled a handkerchief from her cuff and dabbed at her eyes.
“Yes, Mama, I’ll try to be calm. Perhaps after our meal we can look at the stalls and find you a new shawl to replace the one you left on the train. That might cheer us.”
After they’d finished their meal, Judith asked at the registration desk for suggestions of sites they might wish to see. The clerk suggested the governor’s palace and Saint Francis of Assisi Church and the San Miguel Chapel. They strolled to the sidewalk and paused. The streets appeared to radiate like spokes of a wheel from a central
