Sarge leaned close. “We’ll take care of them.”
Ozzie said, “Consider it done.”
Jeff clapped Peyton on the shoulder. “Nice running into you. Maybe we’ll see you later in the day.”
Peyton directed his stubborn wife and her mama past him. “Move along quickly and I’ll join you in a couple of minutes.”
He watched the three confront the two men who’d followed his wife and Abigail. The three pulled the two miscreants into an alley. A few minutes later, the three he’d hired emerged and rejoined him.
When the four of them caught up with his wife and Abigail he guided her onto a side street and went toe to toe with her. “Now you know why I clearly said to go only a block in either direction from the hotel.”
She rested her hand on his lapel. “I’m truly sorry. I know it’s my fault. We asked at the reception desk about what we should see while we’re here and the clerk suggested the governor’s palace and the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi.”
She gestured toward the church’s direction. “I could see the church at the end of the street and forgot your warning.”
Abigail glared at Red. “I thought I was gonna have to shoot those two behind us. Made me real angry the way they talked. Didn’t know we speak Spanish or they’d have watched what they said.”
He kissed his mother-in-law on the cheek. “I didn’t know you spoke Spanish. You are a special blessing indeed.”
He gestured to the three men. “These are the men who’ll be going with us. Jeff Mason, Ozzie Elliott, and Sarge Dickinson. Gentlemen, my wife Judith and her mother, Mrs. Abigail Davis.”
The three men still gaped as if struck dumb.
Sarge recovered first. “Ladies, a pleasure to meet you.”
Jeff cleared his throat a couple of times. “Nice to make your acquaintance.”
Apparently Ozzie couldn’t speak but he stared and nodded.
Red smiled at each of the men. “I’m relieved to have you join us on our journey.” She looked at Abigail. “Isn’t that right, Mama?”
Abigail appeared to assess each man with a critical eye. “Mmm hmm, you men will set our minds at ease.”
Jeff gave a slight bow and stayed in place. “We’ll do our best to keep you safe, ma’am.”
Peyton smiled at his gorgeous wife. “We’re on our way to the general store. Other than attracting unwanted attention, what are you up to?”
Her face remained pleasant but her eyes shot sparks at him. “We ate lunch at the street stalls. We bought a few things. Now we’re going to the hotel for Mama to have a siesta. Perhaps I should go with you to the store.”
He gave a wide sweeping gesture. “Please do. I’m sure you can add commentary that will help us.”
“Mama, why don’t you go to the hotel and have your nap? This is the only chance you’ll have to take it easy for a while.”
Abigail acted as if thinking over the idea. “I believe I’ll do that but I’ll walk with you until we get to the hotel.”
They’d become a crowd and had to walk two abreast. He and Red led while Jeff offered Abigail his arm.
Sarge pretended to offer Ozzie his arm.
Ozzie batted his arm away. “I’m still mad at you for not dancing with me last night at the party.”
The three new employees and Abigail laughed.
Peyton exchanged a glance with Red. “Apparently the three of them go on like this a lot. Ought to keep our trip lively.”
“I’m glad they’re cheerful. I’m so nervous, a little laughter helps.”
They paused at the hotel.
Jeff turned to Peyton. “I’ll see Mrs. Davis to her door then catch up with you.”
Peyton visualized the two men who’d followed Red catching Jeff alone and seeking retribution. “Naw, we’ll wait for you on the bench over there.”
Jeff was a gentleman and continued to offer Abigail his arm as they proceeded toward her room. Peyton wondered if Jeff was as smitten with Mama as Peyton was with Red. Both were remarkable women.
Sarge nudged Ozzie. “I think we’ll have to remind our friend he’s a little old to play Romeo.”
Peyton raised his eyebrows at Sarge. “Didn’t know we ever got too old for love.” He figured Jeff was in for some ribbing when the other two got him alone.
Jeff soon returned. “Reporting for duty.”
Chapter Eight
Peyton, his wife, and the three men he’d hired quickly strode to the general store. Making purchases took more time than he’d expected. He stood watching Red discuss another mundane thing with the store’s owner. He supposed his impatience showed.
Jeff nudged him. “You invited her to come and to comment.”
“I didn’t realize she would deliberate on Every. Single. Item. I’ll have a gray beard by the time we get out of here.”
Jeff chuckled but offered no sympathy. “When everything is totaled and ready to be delivered to the wagon yard, why not let Sarge, Ozzie, and me go and you escort your bride back to the hotel? I know how to pack a wagon and I guarantee Sarge and Ozzie do as well.”
Peyton rubbed at his jaw. “I’ve overlooked something. I need to get the women and their luggage—and what little I have—to the wagons in the morning while calling as little attention to us as possible.”
“Any ideas?”
“They need to dress plain and for Red… um, that’s what I call Judith, to make sure her hair doesn’t show. Will you rent a rig and come pick us up early?”
“You bet. Tell me when and I’ll be there.”
Peyton pulled out what he figured the buggy rental would cost plus a bit and handed it
