Rustlers and Ribbons

by Kirsten Osbourne

  Most folks only gave him curious looks and glances, but there were always some who stared at him with open mistrust, or even disdain in their eyes. After the Indian Wars, people were suspicious of anyone who looked like an Indian.

  He’d often been advised by well-meaning folks to at least dress differently, but why hide his heritage? Joseph Walker, his white father, had always told him to be proud of who he was – the great-grandson of a Bannock chief. His mother, who was the offspring of a Bannock woman and a French fur trapper, and whose skin tone he’d inherited, had always said the same thing.

  “I tried to deny my Indian blood and pretend I was someone different, but when I met my grandfather, he made me see all that I should be proud of,” Sophie Walker had often told him with a smile and pride in her voice.

  He gritted his teeth when someone bumped into him. The man was clearly in a hurry and hadn’t been paying attention. Looking startled, the man’s face turned a shade of red, and he spat, “Look where you’re going, Injun,” then continued on his way without another glance.

  Alexander gripped his rifle tighter. The station was teeming with folks from all over the place and all walks of life. Beggars sat by the buildings, holding out their hands to anyone passing by. They were mostly ignored by folks rushing past, pretending the poor didn’t exist.

  Rich men dressed in fancy suits that looked stiff and uncomfortable rushed by, and women wearing elaborate gowns and hats cast curious glances at him and moved aside as if he’d lunge at them at any second. While they pretended to be outraged by his appearance, the way their eyes inspected him with appreciation told a different story.

  Cattlemen, cow punchers fresh off the range and looking grungy, and men Alexander wouldn’t trust for a second, all blended together here. He continued to make his way along the terminals until he found the freight office. After handing over the order from Thomas Stanton, his former employer, and making his inquiries about which train carried the supply shipment Stanton was expecting, he headed out the door to speak to the man in charge of unloading the freight wagons.

  It didn’t take long to spot a man shouting out orders and directing traffic off the rail cars.

  “Are you in charge of a shipment of horses coming from New York?”

  The man stopped yelling and glanced over his shoulder. He looked startled for a moment, then faced him fully.

  “Yeah, got a wagon full of fancy thoroughbreds in the third box car.”

  Alexander handed the man a letter Thomas Stanton had asked him to deliver.

  “I was told to remind whoever is in charge of the animals to make sure they get on the right train to Bozeman, Montana, and that they are looked after properly. Tyler Monroe and Trace Hawley are expecting them to arrive in better condition than the last horses they had shipped.”

  The foreman snatched the letter from Alexander’s hand and shot him a disdainful look. “You sayin’ I ain’t takin’ care of my freight?”

  Alexander smirked. “Not at all. Except, if you consider horses as nothing more than freight, I’m not sure what kind of care those animals are receiving. Should I wire Bozeman and let the owners know you’re not taking good care of them? Mr. Monroe and Mr. Hawley are two of the richest horse breeders in Montana, and if their animals are being mistreated, heads are gonna roll, probably starting with yours.”

  The corners of the man’s eyes twitched, and his body tensed. “Take a look for yourself. Those horses are fine.”

  Alexander nodded and smiled. If he had simply asked to see the animals, the man probably would have denied him. Stepping around the foreman, he headed to the box car and pulled the door open slightly. He was greeted by several nickers, and horses shuffling their hooves in straw. A youth stepped into the light.

  “Is everything all right in here?” Alexander looked at the groom.

  “Everything’s fine. We’re waiting to unload the lot and change trains.”

  A final sweep with his eyes confirmed that the animals seemed calm enough, and had plenty of hay and water buckets. He nodded at the kid, then turned to leave. His obligation here was done, and it was time to head to his latest job.

  Walking up the line of box and passenger cars to avoid the mass of people scurrying about, Alexander nearly collided with a man in a conductor uniform in his attempt to avoid two young boys running and chasing each other. He caught a glimpse of blue fabric and the blonde hair of a woman standing by the conductor.

  “Sorry,” he said hastily and moved away. Behind him, the woman raised her voice.

  “What do you mean, my bag is lost? When did you lose it? It’s got all the money I have in it. How am I supposed to get to Laramie?”

  Alexander stopped. Against his better judgment, he turned to look. There was something in the woman’s voice that had caught his attention. Despite her firm words, there was something about her tone that wasn’t quite right. Alexander raised his eyes and caught a glimpse of her facing the conductor.

  She stood stiffly, clutching her little reticule in her hands in front of her. The hat on her head didn’t suit her at all, and neither did the dress. While it looked costly, it didn’t match this woman’s features at all. He blinked and mentally shook his head. What was it that was different about her? There wasn’t anything he could put his finger on. Her manner of speech, perhaps? She was nervous, furious, and arguing with the conductor, and quite possibly the most beautiful woman he’d ever laid eyes on.

  This time he shook his head for real. She was also exactly the kind of woman to stay far away from. He’d learned that lesson the hard way. Nevertheless, Alexander honed in on what she and the conductor were discussing so animatedly. The poor man didn’t stand a chance with her as her voice became more demanding.

  The conductor shrugged.

  “Lady, you can file a claim at the office, but it will take a while to look into the whereabouts of your missing luggage.”

  She put her hands to her hips and leaned forward. Alexander stared with raised brows. What fancy, well-dressed lady would do such a thing?

  “How long is a while?” she demanded.

  “Several days, I expect. Maybe a week or longer?”

  “A week? What am I supposed to do in the meantime? I don’t have a week.”

  “I’m sorry, but that’s the best I can offer, ma’am. I already checked, and no one saw anyone with your baggage.”

  “Well, someone stole it.”

  A smirk passed over Alexander’s lips. Her voice became more frantic, and more insistent. She clearly was a woman who wasn’t accustomed to having to wait for anything, and getting what she wanted, when she wanted it. He shrugged. It was none of his business. Why he’d even stopped and taken notice was beyond his comprehension.

  Time to get out of town. He turned to leave as a horde of passengers headed for the train. He hadn’t taken two steps when someone slammed against him in the scuffle of people. A flash of blue skirts and wavy golden hair flashed before his eyes, then a woman’s shriek and a curse that was anything but lady-like.

  Alexander glanced down as the woman flailed like a fish out of water, trying to right herself. Their collision had sent her straight to the ground, and she was in danger of getting trampled. He moved closer to shield her from the people that moved around her, and held out his hand. She stared up at him, looking furious rather than hurt. When her small hand grasped his, he hauled her to her feet.

  “This stupid dress is making me clumsy,” she mumbled, brushing her hand across the front of the gown. Her hat hung at an odd angle off her head.

  “I’m sorry for knocking you off your feet.” It really hadn’t been his fault, but it was best to apologize to spare her some embarrassment.

  She glanced up, her face flush with annoyance, and her blue eyes sparkling with suppressed tears. Alexander swallowed back the sudden lump that formed in his throat.

  “It wasn’t your fault. Some jerk in a hurry pushed me. As if the train is going to leave without him. I don’t know why every
one is in such a hurry to get onto that thing. Walking would be faster than riding that train.”

  She grabbed her hat with her free hand, and fumbled with the pins. Alexander released her other hand that he still gripped. Her golden locks spilled down her shoulders once freed from the confines of the pins, framing her lovely face. The strangest sensation came over him to reach out and touch her hair to see if it felt as silky as it looked.

  Alexander shook the harebrained notion from his mind. He had somewhere to be, yet he was unable to move. This woman was clearly in need of some assistance, and no one took the time to help her.

  “Well, I’m still sorry you had to stumble and fall,” he said lamely. “Are you expecting someone, or are you getting on that train?”

  She stared as if he’s spoken in Shoshone, then shook her head and laughed. “I just got off that train. Five long and miserable days, and now my luggage seems to be missing.” She threw her hands in the air. “I never should have agreed to this. I must have been crazy when I let that man, Reverend Johnson, talk me into doing this. Now I’m stuck here, without any luggage, without any money, and without a way to get in touch with the good preacher, or the guy I’m supposed to meet in Laramie.”

  Her voice rose as her speech became faster with each word she spoke. Alexander frowned. She had some peculiar words and ways of expressing them. For a finely dressed rich lady, there was something different about her. She certainly didn’t act like a damsel in distress, but she talked like one in some ways.

  “I can get you to the Union Pacific office, and you can file a report that your luggage is missing,” he offered.

  She scoffed. “Yeah, that’s what that conductor told me, already.” She pointed over her shoulder. “I need to get to Laramie and meet someone. What am I going to do now?” She glanced around as if someone else would come along to help her. “How could I have been so stupid to go along with this?”

  “Are you traveling alone?” The question was out before he had time to even think about the words.

  “Yes, and it was the worst decision of my life.” Her voice rose again, and she stared at him, as if he was to blame for her predicament.

  Alexander couldn’t argue with her there. Why would a woman travel across the country by herself? He glanced around, noticing many men looking and openly admiring her. A sudden sense of protectiveness came over him. There was enough riff raff here along the train depot, men who wouldn’t hesitate to take advantage of a woman like her. No sooner had the thought entered his mind, when someone stepped up alongside her.

  “Is this Injun bothering you, Miss?”

  Alexander faced a finely dressed, burly man who reached for her elbow, his moustache twitching. Flanking him on either side were two well-armed men, glaring at Alexander.

  The woman seemed startled by the question. Her eyes widened as she stared at her would-be rescuer, then dropped to Alexander, where they remained. It was as if she’d really looked at him for the first time, and her gaze traveled up and down, taking in his appearance. Alexander clenched his jaw. He should never have even talked to her, and simply kept walking rather than listening to her argue with the conductor.

  Behind them, the train whistle blew, and steam hissed as the engine came to life.

  “No, he’s not bothering me,” she said, returning her gaze to the man looking at her with a false smile on his face. His eyes conveyed what he was really thinking as they lingered on her chest.

  “May I offer my assistance?”

  She blinked as if she hadn’t understood him. She shot another glance at Alexander, then at the man with his hand on her elbow.

  “I think this man was helping me already.” Looking at Alexander, she said, “You were offering to take me to the Union Pacific office, right?”

  She pulled her arm free of the man’s hold and moved out of his reach. Alexander stared at the pompous gentleman, smiled, and followed the woman. No sooner were they out of earshot from the other man, when she stopped again and faced him.

  “I can’t stand fakes,” she said. “I’ve had enough of men like that to last me a lifetime. Thanks for your help.”

  Alexander smiled. She was sure something else. “Anytime,” he drawled. He held out his hand. Would she shake it? He held his breath. “Alexander Walker.”

  Without hesitation, she placed her hand in his for the second time in the span of a few minutes.

  “Nice to meet you. I’m Sherri Stucki, and I have no idea what I’m going to do now. You wouldn’t happen to know of a quick way to send a message to Laramie, would you?”

  “There’s the telegraph office, I suppose. You could send a wire.”

  “I don’t have any money, remember?”

  Alexander cursed when the thought swirling through his mind grew steadily into a formed plan.

  “I’ll pay for it, if you’ll let me. And I think I have a way for you to get to Laramie.”

  Her eyes widened, sparkling with hope. “You do? Can you get me on a train?”

  If he could, that’s exactly what he’d do, but he didn’t have that kind of money on him.

  “No, but I have another way to get there.” Regret already filled him for his harebrained offer.

  She sniffled, and seemed to think about it. “How long will it take?”

  Alexander shrugged. “Four weeks, give or take.”

  “Four weeks?” Her eyes nearly popped from her head. “I’m supposed to be in Laramie in four days according to the itinerary I was given by Reverend Johnson.”

  “That’s the best I can offer, Miss Stucki. Take it or leave it.” He paused, but his mouth was quicker than his head again. “A woman as pretty as you is surely worth the wait.”

  Chapter 4

  How did this happen? She must have been completely out of her mind to go along with that crazy old man and that woman’s plans. Sherri stared at the six covered wagons that were parked around her, her heart pounding and feeling nauseated. Her legs were shaky and she might pass out any second from the confining dress she wore.

  The reality of her situation, that the old man who called himself Reverend Johnson had told her the truth about being in a different century, had hit shortly after they’d left Harriett Long’s house in Beckham. Nothing had looked modern, or even vaguely familiar. There were no highways, no cars, no motorcycles, no cellphone towers. Instead of high-speed trains, there’d been steam engines at the train station.

  “Do you believe me now, Miss Stucki?” Reverend Johnson’s smile had become quite irritating.

  There was no other explanation for her surreal surroundings other than the truth – she’d been transported to the past. To the year 1885, to be exact. Before she’d boarded the train that took her from Massachusetts to Independence, the reverend had given her a final opportunity to back out of their arrangement.

  “I’ve never done anything this crazy in my life. If I can survive this and be better off for it when it’s over, I can do anything.”

  The reverend had looked pleased. “Once you arrive in Laramie and complete your task, you will have the life you’ve always wanted.”

  Her words of confidence had been fake, and she’d been filled with dread, but she’d still been upset by what had happened with Chad, and constantly being ignored by her family. None of her friends truly cared about her, so what did she have to lose? There’d been no reason for her to doubt the reverend when he’d promised that, if she completed her assignment, he’d make things different for her at home. If he could make time travel happen, he could no doubt change her circumstances.

  It couldn’t be that difficult to pretend to be someone’s wife. From everything she’d always read about this time period, women were stuffy and uptight, and men put women on a pedestal. For once, she’d get some attention for who she was, not for her money.

  “Have a safe journey, Miss Stucki. All you have to do is follow the itinerary I’ve given you. In Independence, buy a ticket to Laramie straight away. The man you are supposed to meet w
ill pick you up upon your arrival.”

  “Wait, you’re not coming with me?”

  Sherri had almost dropped everything and run from the train. Being stuck in the nineteenth century was one thing, but being stuck all alone, traveling across country, was quite something else. Was she truly up for that?

  The reverend had assured her with a calming smile and pat on the hand. “All will work out in your favor, Miss Stucki. I am confident that you will be just fine.”

  “But how can I reach you if I have questions or need help? As far as I know, there are no cellphones in the nineteenth century.”

  “You won’t need a cell phone. Besides, you’ve said you want a life not based on money. Letting go of convenience items is the first step.”

  “A phone is hardly a luxury item,” she’d argued, but the reverend had already walked away. If she had run after him, she’d have proven that she was nothing but a coward. Telling herself that this was no different than going to Europe on her own, she’d settled in her seat, despite her pounding heart.

  The train ride to Independence had been long and boring, and rather uncomfortable. Without her phone to text or play games on, it had been the longest ride she’d ever endured. There had been nothing to do but stare out the window, and even that was boring. The landscape was all the same, flat and empty.

  She hadn’t had a shower since the one she took at home before going to the cabin with Chad, and her clothes were hot, scratchy, and uncomfortable.

  The one time she’d unbuttoned a couple of buttons from the high collar on her dress because the material made her neck itchy, several of the men sitting near her had shifted awkwardly in their seats while a few women had gasped and shot her disapproving looks. Stuffy and uptight was exactly how these people acted.

  Other than being bored and uncomfortable, nothing had happened during the trip to Independence. No one spoke to her, except when she’d ordered meals. Judging by the way she was dressed, and comparing her clothes to most of the other passengers, she was considered well-off. At least the reverend and Mrs. Long had made sure she had plenty of money.