Peyton nodded toward the table they’d used that morning. “Let’s get something to eat while we’re here. I’m starving.”
Jeff’s expression was incredulous. “After that breakfast? You must have two hollow legs.”
They ordered the day’s special, which was enchiladas, tamales, and beans.
Peyton rubbed his temple. “All these decisions made me hungry. I sure like the kind of Mexican food they have in Santa Fe. Besides, I’m a growing boy.”
Jeff patted his own flat stomach. “You’re gonna be growing a belly if you’re not careful.”
“Naw, I’m not worried. The men in my family eat a lot but don’t get fat.” For which he was grateful. He couldn’t think of any male in his family that weighed too much.
Their food arrived.
Jeff wasted no time before eating. “I’m not complaining if you’re buying.”
“From the time you hired on all your food, hotel, and your horse’s care is paid for by my wife. She’s not stingy. I worry because she’s using her inheritance that’s supposed to last her the rest of her life. I’ve explained all that to you so you know she’ll do as she pleases and so will I.”
“Sounds like a fine woman. I’ve been skimping while I tried to decide what to do next. Almost took a job riding shotgun on the stage but then met up with you.”
“That’s a dangerous job. Well, guess it’s not that different from the one I hired you to do.”
Jeff leaned forward. “Can’t explain why, but to me it’s a lot different. One thing, I’d sure rather ride a horse than on a stage. Even if you want me to drive one of the wagons, that will be better than riding shotgun.”
“I agree and I’m glad that’s the way you feel.”
Two newcomers strolled into the eatery. Jeff waved then motioned for them to join him.
When the newcomers had approached the table, Jeff gestured to Peyton. “Fellas, this is Peyton Knight and he just hired me. The grizzled fella is Sarge Dickinson. The other one is Ozzie Elliott.”
Sarge stuck out his hand. “My real first name is Winifred but I prefer Sarge.” He appeared close to forty. The man wasn’t grizzled but could use a bath and haircut. He was a big man—tall with powerful-looking shoulders and arms and a good man to have on your side.
Next Peyton shook the second man’s hand. Ozzie was younger, maybe a year or two older than Peyton’s twenty-six. He was wiry and of medium height but he sized up as intelligent.
“Won’t you join us? I’m buying.”
Each man took a seat. When the two newcomers had ordered, Peyton looked from one to the other. They chatted with Jeff while he listened and occasionally injected a comment.
As they finished their food, Peyton nodded to Jeff then looked at Sarge and Ozzie. “I understand you’ve been prospecting but are taking some time off your search. I have a job offer if you’re interested.”
The two men exchanged looks then Sarge cleared his throat. “We’re through prospecting, at least for now. I’d like a job with regular pay guaranteed.”
Ozzie leaned his elbows on the table. “I sure would, too. What’s the job?”
Peyton said, “Do I have your word that whether or not you want the work you’ll keep what I tell you secret?”
Sarge shrugged one of his shoulders. “Sure, makes no difference to me.”
Ozzie grinned. “Only people I know to tell are at this table.”
“A lot of soldiers are heavy drinkers and gamblers. You?”
Sarge didn’t appear happy being questioned. “I don’t drink to excess. Gamble? You know we went prospecting so tell me what’s more of a gamble than that?”
Ozzie shook his head. “He doesn’t gamble much. Me either. Hard not to play cards or shoot dice in the Army. Now we’re out we can do as we please.”
“Don’t take offense but I wanted to be sure you won’t get drunk and spread my information. Or that while you’re supposed to be working you’d drink and pass out. Jeff said you were good men so I’ll share what the job is about.” He explained the situation in detail and answered each question.
When he’d finished, he leaned back in his chair. “What’s your decision?”
The two men looked at one another and apparently a silent signal passed between them.
Sarge slapped a hand on the table. “We’re in.”
“Great. You have horses?”
Ozzie nodded. “We sold the mules but kept our horses.”
Peyton remembered Red’s list for each man. “I wonder if the three of you will accompany me to the general store. I believe it’s in the next block.”
Sarge looked at Jeff. “We’ll have to cancel our meeting with the governor.” He broke out in a wide grin.
Jeff grinned. “Don’t bother, I already told him you’d be busy today.”
Both men laughed.
Ozzie looked at Peyton and shook his head. “This is how they are when they get together. You may be the one shooting at those two before the trip is over.”
“Beats working with cantankerous people. Done that a time or two, haven’t you?”
Ozzie grimaced. “I was in the Army so guess that answers your question.”
The four of them strolled toward the general store. Before they could enter, Sarge stopped and they bumped into him.
Sarge stared the way they’d been headed. “I’ll be dadgummed, are my eyes playing tricks on me? Did you ever see such a beautiful woman?”
When Peyton realized the man meant Red he sensed a mingling of pride and jealousy. That is, until he saw Red’s lovely green eyes held distress and her face was pale. He stepped around Sarge and Jeff to stride to Red. He put his hand at her waist. “What’s wrong?”
“Don’t look but there are two men behind us who’ve followed us from the church. One is dressed in black with a red scarf
