“Or have you ever considered he might be the one who planned your kidnapping all along?” Trace held up his hand when she started to object. “This is his band of merry men.”
Andrea covered her mouth to avoid the screech that leaked from the terror in her eyes. “What a horrible thing to say. Definitely it would be the first scenario, Mr. Stapleton. Terrance is a nobleman and would not stoop to such a devious plan.”
“Just speculating, woman. Who else has it in for you?”
“No one,” she hesitated. “Except a couple of beaus that I deserted when choosing to run away. Men were gathering in droves to seek my hand in marriage. All money hungry idiots I wouldn’t give the time of day to.”
“So, we shall add the gent with the two first names to our list of suspects,” said Trace.
“I find it odd that a Pinkerton agent just happens to be on this ridiculous ride across the country,” said Andrea.
“Ridiculous?” said Gen. “It was my hope that hiding off the beaten track would allow me undisturbed time with my husband. I suppose that didn’t work out as planned.” She smiled at Trace while confirming his story of her tagging along for the ride. This was not the time to claim her equality in their Pinkerton team effort. “And you, Andrea, seem to singing a different tune today. Yesterday you bragged that your future husband provided this means of travel for the poor and destitute.”
“I know what I said,” bellowed Andrea. “But I never did understand why the baby and I had to go this route. I wanted to take the train but Terrance was emphatic I experience the trip firsthand with his low-life charity cases.”
“Low life? A bit harsh, if his people had been legitimate,” said Nick. “But as it turns out, a good description of our fellow travelers.”
“Not to mention, another reason to keep the great Mr. Laker on the suspect list,” said Nick.
“Oh, Nicolas! Why do you want to hurt me so?”
“Hurt you! I took this lousy job hoping to bring you to your senses. All I ever wanted to do was love you, but you’d have none of that, oh high and mighty Miss Friskin.” He stood to his feet.
Trace intervened. “You are both distraught.” Kindness streamed from his words. “Rest easy. I am on the case now, and love always finds a way. Meanwhile, my true identity must remain our secret. Just the four of us. Everyone else still sees us as lovebirds.”
“You best brush up on your acting skills, mate. You don’t fool me,” said Nick.
“Let it go,” said Gen. “We do not have to prove anything to you or anyone else. Married couples grow intimate differently, and my husband is the gentlest supporter a woman could ask for.”
Nick laughed heartily until he bent over and groaned. “Is my sister being her cold frosty self?”
Trace refused to nibble on the bait and reached for her hand and squeezed. “Gen and I are doing fine, Nick. Like she said, don’t worry. I’m determined not to strike out with this gem. The third time is the lucky charm.”
“Nicely put,” agreed Gen. “Do you want another cup of coffee anyone?” Everyone raised their cup for refilling.
“Good and rich, sis. Just the way I like it.”
Andrea looked sheepish. “Maybe you can give me some cooking tips while we wait for these horrid men to ruin my life.”
“That is not going to happen. Not on our watch,” said Gen.
“You mean Trace’s watch, right little sister?”
“Stop nit-picking. No woman likes a nag.” She cast a firm look when she took his plate. “Come on, Andrea. We’ll chat while we wash up the dishes.” When she stopped to grab Trace’s plate she said, “Thanks for putting the water on to heat. You are so thoughtful.”
“My pleasure.” His expression played havoc with her senses and she felt the rush of heat racing up her neck. At least she couldn’t be labeled as frigid as long as these heated episodes continued to invade her staid composure.
The guards kept their distance allowing the small group of four a bit of privacy. When it came time for bed, Trace and Gen slipped away and escaped under the cover of their own wagon.
“What’s our next move? Will we just sit and wait for even more culprits to arrive?” asked Gen.
“We need to get Andrea out of here,” said Trace. “I kick myself for not making our move earlier to take her home.”
“That would have just brought the take-over earlier. Most of these hooligans have been with us for the entire trip. And you heard her; she’s still holding on to the dream of Terrance Laker so until this thing plays out, that girl is not ready to go home.”
“You’re probably right.” He ran his fingers through his hair and stared at the floor. Gen moved to his side and began to massage his neck. “You are all knotted up. I’d hoped you’d have learned some patience by now.”
“Yeah, well there’s a lot more needed in the intimacy department – Nick hit the nail on the head there.”
“That I am cold and frosty? Not my favorite description of myself,” said Gen with a nervous chuckle.
“I don’t believe it for a minute. When, or if the time is right, I don’t reckon we’ll have any problem cozying up to one another.”
“Is that what you’re hoping for, Mr. Stapleton?” There was tease in her voice and he relaxed.
“Hope and reality are two different things.”
“Don’t stop there. Let’s get this conversation out in the open once and for all.”
“Your brother was right about Sarah, my first wife and first trainee. Things went bad in Cheyenne. Too many coming against us at the same time. There was a shootout in the street and
