Chapter 8
The next day Gen prepared their breakfast, then washed and packed the supplies back in the wagon. Trace returned just as the trail-master shouted. “Time to move out, folks. Got miles to travel today if you want to make Colorado Springs on schedule.” His laugh held an eerie tone Gen did not like.
“Will we be staying with this group for the duration of the trip?”
“Don’t reckon this bunch will ever reach the final destination.” He helped her onto the boarded seat before climbing in the driver’s side next to her.
When the wheels started to turn, Gen spoke. “Have you learned anything new, Trace?”
“Nothing definitive. Talked in circles. But I did overhear the fellows arguing over the take – whatever that is. Seems some are throwing their greedy weight around with threats.”
“Do the cowboys put up their guard when you’re present?”
“Sure do. Not too friendly to the honeymooners who joined up at the last minute. We are unwanted outsiders.”
“Then why would Mr. Scott let us ride with them? It doesn’t make sense.”
“That remains an interesting question, my dear,” said Trace.
“Maybe we’re the scape goats for whatever is going down here – ever think of that?” asked Gen.
“I’m hoping that is not the case, but we’ll remain on guard just the same.”
“These couples were supposed to fall under the definition of poor and needy,” said Gen. “Even Andrea senses the contradiction and is not comfortable with the bunch of riff-raff that Terrance agreed to support for the trip.”
“These blokes are far from poor and needy, Gen. There’s trouble afoot, and we are smack dab in the middle of it.”
“Where we should be,” grinned Gen, the twinkle of the adventure flashing in her eye.”
He squeezed the limp hand on her lap. “We’ll need to watch our backs. Not sure who to trust,” said Trace.
“Even Nick?”
“Especially Nick.”
Gen had hoped her idea of her brother being stupid in love was the reason he’d agreed to escort the woman to her fiancé. “That would leave only you, me, and possibly a naïve Andrea as the only ones not involved in this – whatever this is.”
Trace squeezed her hand and his fingers lingered there. “Your gun is still in your handbag, right?”
“Yes.”
“Carry it wherever you go, and don’t be afraid to use it. You wanted adventure, my dear. I’m afraid we may see it out here in the wild. No lawman is coming to our rescue.”
“It is what I signed up for. Don’t worry about me.”
“For now, we’ll lay low and watch for things out of the ordinary.”
It didn’t take long. The trail-master yelled out a shout for the wagons to pull up. It was too early for lunch and Gen felt Trace tense in his seat.
“Is Simon Frezner trailing us?” Trace asked.
She looked behind. “Can’t see him.”
“I’m going to stop and you are going to take your bag and disappear into the trees off to the right. Do it quick and don’t let anyone see you. Hide there and let’s see about this little stop before you show yourself again.”
“But we’re a team.”
“Do as I say. You’ll not be dying today, Mrs. Stapleton.”
Gen witnessed the panic in his eyes and nodded. “Fine.” She gathered her skirt so as not to trip, and as soon as the wagon stopped, she slid from the seat and raced toward the trees. A few feet in, she noted a thick bush and snuggled inside. She could hear the commotion and loud voices and she spent the time praying for Trace. That surprised her the most. She felt concern for Nick but terror to think she might lose her husband.
The job she’d signed up for was dangerous – she knew that. Gen drew herself up sharp, forcing her mind to focus. This was her chance to shine and prove she was a valuable asset to the agency and Trace. First came a scream from Andrea, then a gunshot. The baby exploded into hysterical howling. Gen was at a disadvantage and was about to crawl from her hiding place when she heard a voice growl at Trace.
“Where’s your woman?”
“We had an argument. She stormed off after breakfast. As mad as she was, she’s probably half way home by now.”
“You expect me to believe you let your wife walk back.”
“She’s resourceful. She’ll find a stray horse somewhere along the way.”
“And you just let her go?” the voice asked. “Why does that story just reek with deceit?”
“I don’t care what you think. She’s headstrong. I’m better off without her.”
Even hearing him say the words wounded her soul and lodged in her heart. She knew he was lying to protect her, but what if he meant it somewhere deep inside. It spewed from his lips so freely. If it were her, she’d have invented a different coverup. She’d heard from the pulpit that the mouth speaks from the heart – she’d so hoped his was more in tune with hers. Gen was falling for the man and could do nothing to stop it.
“I don’t believe you.” The man shouted into the morning air, loud and clear, and it reached Gen like a sword to her soul. “I’ve already shot your brother, Mrs. Stapleton. My pistol is aimed at your husband’s head right now. I’m going to count to ten before I pull the trigger. Don’t test me, lady, cause I ain’t got no schooling – ten is the highest I can count.”
“One,” then silence.
“Two.” Gen scrambled from her hiding place and hurried to a split in the trees to peer out.
“Three.” Sure enough, Trace stood in the clearing with the barrel of a gun resting against his temple. A leering rogue she did not recognize from the travelers was next to
