“We did good, right?”
“Very good,” said Trace. “Thanks to you.”
“You two look terrible,” she said with a chuckle. “Out of shape, boys?”
Trace pulled her to her feet. “Hard keeping up with you, woman, but I think I like it. You are remarkable.”
“So glad you think so, husband dear.” Nick sauntered up to them.
“Yeah, well I could have told you that about her. But I’d label her reckless, with a saintly quality. The girl never gives up on a mission until she sees that her contributions are no longer necessary.” Nick gazed at Gen. “That’s why you left the farm, right? Time to hand the reins over to the new Mrs. Trafton?”
“Thought backing out was best for everyone, big brother. And since the fellas stopped knocking on my door a long time ago, I decided to go find me one of my own – well, it sort of happened that way. The man came with the job.”
“And this one – he’s treating you good?” asked Nick.
“Besides putting me in the frontlines of danger, he is treating me perfectly.” She grinned mischievously at Trace.
Trace threw his hands in the air and Nick laughed. “Rest easy, mate. Guess we both know where we stand with this lassie.”
Trace’s gaze connected with Gen and he held her there, a moment stolen in time. The mask concealed her heart today and he moaned. If only he could read her like he did others; it would help him know where he stood with her. Trace chastised himself for even caring. He was losing control of the borders that defined their relationship, and it made him angry. At the present moment, she appeared to be happy, so he’d be smart to settle with that.
“That brings the male forces against us down to six.” She addressed Nick. “Did you see what they did with the baby?”
“The painted ladies are tending to him, and are not too happy about it. Claims it wasn’t part of the bargain. One complained and it got her a slap in the face. Left a nasty bruise. She and the other two stay close to their wagon mostly. This is definitely not the party the men who hired them offered.”
Gen snickered. “Think I saw the red-head trying to entice the fella by the horses. He’d almost succumbed to her invitation, when her supposed husband showed up and slapped her, again. Now her cheeks are a matching pair. She huffed away, and he followed. Left the poor man minding the horses as easy prey when I beckoned him into the woods.”
“What about the second man?”
“The man following the hussy turned back, just in time to spot me. I flashed him a come-on, before disappearing behind the trees. Then I ran for all I was worth with the two panting rascals on my tail.” Gen sidled up against Trace. “Bet they never suspected I had two gallant gentlemen waiting to defend my honor.”
Trace roared. “Did anyone ever tell you that you’re a tease?”
“My sisters – but I told them they were just jealous that they couldn’t get their own way with a man.”
“Doesn’t make a husband too comfortable knowing you are gifted in such deception,” said Trace.
Gen appeared shocked at his accusation. “I’d never attempt to deceive you, sir. Not on purpose.” Her face did not entirely convince Trace. “Now if you will excuse me, I believe all that running has got mother-nature activated.” She disappeared behind a string of trees.
The boys gathered to compare war wounds from their recent scuffles and were not paying attention when a voice called out.
“Hands up, fellas, and drop the guns on the ground. This rebellion is over and you’re wanted back at camp.”
Trace removed the gun tucked into the waist of his pants and turned slowly, dropping the gun and raising his hands into the air. He’d let down his guard. What was wrong with him? Having feelings for a woman was proving to be a hazard in this profession. Nick did the same, kicking it a couple feet off to the side.
“Where’s the Mrs.?” the man asked.
“Right here,” came a voice from behind as a chunk of hardwood came crashing down on his head. He dropped to the ground. Trace scooped up his gun and raced over.
“Dag-gone it, woman. Are you everywhere?”
“Caught sight of him sneaking up before I got down to business. Decided to come to the rescue instead,” said Gen.
“Well, don’t let me stop you from taking care of nature’s business in the bushes. I’ll get rid of man number three.” Trace tried not to let the irritation he felt enter his tone. He hated being at his wife’s mercy. But she sensed it, and he witnessed the excitement drain from her face. She tossed her wooden weapon aside and made her way back into the trees.
Nick moseyed up behind him and slapped him on the back. “Kind of messed that opportunity to express your undying gratitude to the little woman.” His voice changed to a girly-squeak and mocked Trace. “Why thank you, darling, for saving my life – a second time.”
“Shut up. Help me drag this sorry carcass to rest in peace with the other two.”
Chapter 11
The three crouched low, close to the fire where four of the five remaining men lingered. Zack Scott, the trail master, Frezner, Andreas’s original connection, and three-piece suit, and another sidekick talked or rather argued.
The well-dressed gentleman, with the appeal of a slithery snake, appeared to be in control now. “Where’s Splint? Should be back with that runaway gal by now.”
“She’s got two men
