“I will gather clothes from the other women, and we will pray for her.”
“Thank you, Mother. I think she will need a miracle.”
“What do we do with her clothes?” Another woman asks, staring at the offending garments.
“Burn them,” she snaps.
“What did you find, Dad,” Trent asks walking over to the group of men standing around the horse.
“The horse definitely belongs to a soldier,” his best friend, Sutton says gesturing to the saddle. “Underneath each is a leather branding indicating who it belonged to.”
“The real question is how did she end up with it?” his father asks.
“Let’s hope she shot him and stole his horse,” Trent replies.
“This isn’t good. We should expect questions. I can take the horse to town tomorrow and sell it. We could say we found it, wondering. Until we know her story and who did this, there is no need for others to know she’s here,” Sutton snaps.
“Agreed. Billy can stay with us tonight,” his Father offers.
“Thanks, Dad.”
Chapter 14
Small towns have cropped up all over Wyoming between Forts and along the wagon train routes. Riverton is named so because of the four rivers which converge outside of town. Harris rides in and asks for directions to the livery. He will need a fresh horse and to replenish his supplies before starting his search again. The past five days have been spent riding hard and searching for Kimani. He road along the Snake River, searching for any sign and what he found chilled him.
A dead horse wrapped in wire, along with a dead soldier. “What the hell is happening?”
He’s beginning to lose hope but he’s not ready to accept defeat. Riverton had only been a twenty-mile ride.
“I need a fresh horse, and a place to get a good meal,” Harris tells the man at the livery.
“No problem, Mr.?” the older man states as he looks over his horse.
“Doctor Rivers,” Harris replies automatically.
“Well, Dr. Rivers, you won’t find a better meal and bed than at the new Rollins House Hotel.” He points across the street to a three-story brick building.
“Thank you, I won’t be staying the night, but I could use a meal. Can you have the horse ready in an hour?”
“Of course.”
“Any chance you have a runner who could collect my supplies for me?” Harris asks pulling out money to pay him.
“Absolutely. Tell me what you need.”
After a few minutes of discussion and payment, Harris hurries to the Rollins house to eat.
“Welcome to the Rollins House, I’m Beverly, would you like a table?” A female voice greets him when he enters the restaurant.
Harris smiles at the young hostess. Blonde, pretty and dressed to entice. Her blue dress is low cut, highlighting her ample bosom. The smile of invitation makes him sigh. Though she paints a pretty picture, his mind is on Kimani.
“Thank you, yes.” Beverly leads him to a table. Once he’s seated, she takes his order and smiles prettily at him.
“Will you be staying with us… I forgot to ask your name?” she asks.
“Doctor Rivers, and no, I’m only here long enough for a meal.”
“That’s too bad, Dr. Rivers. The Rollins House is eager to provide our visitors with a memorable stay.” She leans low and pours his coffee, making it clear that she is offering more than a warm meal.
“As tempting as that is, I’m only here for a short time.” He quickly gives her his food order and glances away, dismissing her. Beverly frowns and moves to the kitchen to place the order.
The Rollins House is a tempting retreat after days in the saddle, but his heart is urging him to hurry. Kimani needs him. He is sipping on a bowl of stew, fresh rolls and coffee when a man approaches him.
“Excuse me, are you Dr. Rivers?”
Harris lowers his coffee cup in surprise. “That didn’t take long. Who’s asking?”
“Sutton Calibar. Can I join you, Dr. Rivers?”
Harris nods, “Please forgive me, Mr. Calibar, but I’m going to keep eating. I have to get back on the trail soon.”
Sutton sits quickly and waves at the waitress to order a cup of coffee. As she pours it, he leans forward, “I’m in need of a doctor and please hear me out before you say no. I’m a sheep herder. A few days ago, while working the herd,” he pauses and looks at the waitress.
Beverly takes the hint and turns to serve the table next to them. “We found a soldier, shot on a horse. He was fevered and unresponsive but breathing.”
Harris sits back and stares at Sutton. “Why didn’t you bring him to town? I’m sure there is a doctor here who can help.”
“No, he can’t be moved. His injuries are bad. It looks like he tried to sew his own leg up.”
“Look, I’m sorry, I can’t just stop what I’m doing to come to your homestead,” Harris snaps.
“I expected you’d say that, but there is just one problem,” Sutton sips his coffee and waits for Harris to ask.
“What’s that?”
“The only thing he’s said when we asked his name was Rivers.”
“What?!” Surprise has Harris sitting back. The waitress whirls around.
“Is everything okay, Dr. Rivers?” she asks.
“Yes,” he snaps not taking his eyes from the man sitting across from him. She hurries away.
“I know, it’s a strange coincidence Dr. Rivers. You showed up on the same day that I came to look for a doctor. Our homestead is only fifteen miles from town. We have over five hundred head of sheep on five hundred acres. I can pay you for your time, Dr. Rivers.”
“Did he give a first name?” Harris
