“Should they try I assure you those men will not survive to abduct me.” The steel in her voice left no doubt she would deal with the two. “What I want is for each of our party to survive intact.”
“Wouldn’t mind that myself, Red. We can’t help your brother otherwise.”
After a few minutes, she said, “We must keep in mind those two men may be going to Los Perdidos for their own business. I don’t believe that to be true, but stranger things have happened.”
“You count pigs flying as one of those strange happenings?”
“I’ve heard of flying pigs all my life,” she scoffed with a sly grin. “I’m hopeful that someday I’ll see one.”
He couldn’t keep from laughing.
Half an hour later he turned off the road. “Mules need a break. This grove of trees by a creek looks as good a place as any. I’m ready for breakfast.”
“People need a break as well. Mama and I will make good coffee this time.”
He hated to waste time brewing a drink. The air was still chilly and he supposed they could use the hot beverage. Judith had a fire built in no time and Abigail had coffee boiling.
He and Jeff drove the teams into the water without unhitching them while Sarge and Ozzie watered the horses. Each of them kept a lookout for anyone approaching. Tonight they’d have to unhitch the mules but he didn’t want to do so now. He had a hunch their two followers would love to drive off the team.
While they were eating, another group passed. They traveled with a buckboard piled with something under a tarp. Six men on horseback rode with the wagon. They waved but kept traveling while one of the horsemen broke away and rode to speak to them.
Peyton quickly climbed on his wagon and drove his team from the water, set the brake, and climbed down to join the women. Each woman had a hand in her pocket while she worked clearing up their picnic. Good to know they were remaining alert and cautious. Still, he wanted to appear the protector and head of the group.
The stranger took off his hat and nodded to the women. “Howdy, friends. We wonder have you heard anything about trouble on the trail heading north?”
Peyton frowned. “Not a thing. You expecting trouble?”
He acted worried. “Hope not. Heard the Comanche were riled up.”
Peyton shook his head. “They usually are but we heard they were a good ways east of here raiding into Texas. Hoping we heard right and you didn’t.”
“Me, too. I’d sure like to keep my scalp. You folks going far?”
“A far piece, headed toward Kansas.”
“Kansas, you don’t say? If I was you I’d a gone by train.”
“Wish we could have because it would have been a lot easier. Southwestern corner of Kansas only has stage service and seldom even that. Where you folks headed?”
“We’re on the way to Mora. Well, have a good trip and stay clear of Comanche.”
After the man rode off Jeff strode up to Peyton. “You see the brand on that horse?”
Peyton lowered his head but watched the man catch up to his group. “Yep. Like the one in Josiah’s letter. I’ll bet all of those animals have the same brand.”
“I wouldn’t take that bet.” Jeff stomped to the other wagon and drove it from the creek.
Sarge’s face solemn, he led half the horses up from the water. “Sure was a friendly fella, wasn’t he?”
Ozzie led the other half of their horses from the creek. The usually cheerful man scowled. “First time I ever knew someone to question the way you were traveling. Not his business whether you go by train or wagon. Lucky he didn’t get shot.”
Red stood up. “I saw that man staring at me. I didn’t look up but I could see him from under the brim of my bonnet.”
He took her hand. “Red, his horse had the brand your brother drew.”
“I knew it, that despicable coward pretending to be friendly. Next time I see him I will shoot his—”
He clamped his hand over her mouth. “Remember the big picture. First, there are seven of them. Second and even more important, we are the good guys. We don’t shoot people first even if we think they work for a criminal.”
She crossed her arms. “He could have been the one who beat Mr. Corrigan. He could have done the same to Josiah.” He saw tears gather in her eyes and her bottom lip tremble.
He circled his arms around her. “You don’t know that for a fact, honey. We’ll win in the end, Red. Don’t let them get to you this soon. We haven’t even arrived in Los Perdidos yet.”
Abigail had stored things in the wagon but hurried up. “What is wrong? Why did you cover Judith’s mouth? Why is she crying?”
Jeff took Abigail’s arm and walked her a few yards away while speaking softly.
Peyton closed his eyes and clasped Red. He’d had an idea he’d like having this woman in his arms but he’d underestimated how much. She was a heavenly being sent to earth.
She sniffed and stepped away, brushing at her eyes. “I’m sorry, Peyton. Mama’s right when she says I’m too impetuous. I’ll douse the fire and we’ll be ready.”
Even in her ridiculous costume she set his senses reeling. He watched her move away, the disguise unable to hide her graceful movements. Dadgum but he was in big trouble this time.
Driving through mountain roads with numerous places for adversaries to strike kept them all nervous. They were certain they’d be attacked and didn’t want to be caught off guard. By the time they reached a place suitable for camping for the night, Peyton was bone tired and could see Judith was exhausted.
“Walking around will be welcome.”
