Cassie's Surprise

by Patricia Pacjac Carroll

  “Now, what? Guess I better get back.” Cassie held the bucket tight and ran for the wagon. Along the way, she prayed for Travis’s safety and that he’d come back to her quickly.

  ***

  Travis chased a mustang back into the herd. He and Matt had decided to leave early in the morning in hopes they could get back to the wagon train before they got too far away. He tried to see Cassie and give her a note, but she wasn’t at the wagon, and Ethel told him to leave her alone.

  When the old goat said Cassie didn’t want to see him again, he knew she was lying, but he didn’t have time to look for her. If they hurried, they’d only be a couple of days behind. Still, he regretted pulling out before he had a chance to talk to her.

  He’d written a note to Cassie telling her how much she meant to him and that he’d be back. He’d included the lace in his letter and told her what the lace meant to him. He hoped she’d wait for him. Cassie was the woman for him, and he wanted her to have his grandmother’s lace.

  “Travis, there’s three more trying to go back.”

  Travis shook his head and looked the way Matt was pointing. He was right, and he reined his horse toward the wandering mules and chased them back.

  He had Cassie’s mare and filly. Ethel had made sure that he took them. But he knew Cassie had wanted them to go to a good family and be safe. Travis smiled. Cassie was something else. He loved her.

  Matt rode up beside him. “Where’s your head? Or do I need to ask? Shame, you couldn’t see her before we had to leave. Think she’ll get your note?”

  “I would think that even Ethel wouldn’t be so cruel as to deny giving her my letter.” After Travis said it, he had to wonder himself. But the woman had promised him that she’d give it to Cassie. If he’d have thought, he should have given it to Abbie. But Ethel saw it in his pocket and asked about it.

  Matt nodded. “I hope so. We’re making good time. I’ve been watching the mare and filly, and they’re keeping up. Thought we might stop at noon and take a break. The grass is good, and the animals could use a break.

  “Good idea.” Travis pointed to a couple of big oaks. “Let’s eat under those trees.”

  Matt didn’t answer just galloped toward them.

  After catching up with his partner, Travis laughed. “Guess you were ready to stop.”

  “I am. I’ve been hungry for the last five miles. In fact, right after breakfast, I was ready to eat.”

  Travis laughed. “I feel the same. I sure am going to miss Mrs. Hunts cooking.”

  Nodding, Matt pulled out a couple of packages. “Speaking of Mrs. Hunt, she sent these along for us.”

  “Bless her. I’m sure she’ll find a good husband before long. A good man would be a fool to pass her up.” Travis looked at the piece of pie she’d sent along. “Yes, sir. I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s married by the time we catch up to them.”

  After eating lunch, Travis stretched out for a nap. He didn’t know how long he’d been out when he awoke to the sound of gunshots. Bolting up, he looked around and saw Matt on his horse chasing after a couple of Indians.

  Travis ran for his horse and joined in. The scoundrels had stolen three of their horses and were getting away. He pulled out his rifle and shot, wounding one of the Indians. The other two broke away after seeing Matt had company.

  “How’d you see them?”

  Matt shook his head. “I heard the filly nicker and opened my eyes just as the Indians were making off with the horses. I’d have woken you, but I just ran after my horse and grabbed my rifle.”

  Travis herded the three horses back to the herd. “Guess we better keep going. If we push them hard, we can make it close to town. I don’t like the idea of those Indians knowing we’re here.”

  “Me either. I’m sure there’s more where they came from.”

  Travis pushed the horses hard. He knew the filly was worn out, but he was afraid to stop for her. She’d have to keep going, or they risked losing everything.

  Finally, as the sun was kissing the top of the hills, Travis held his hand up and called a stop.

  Matt came up to him. “I was afraid you were never going to stop. I haven’t seen any sign of Indians. So maybe we put them behind us. How far do you think the town is?”

  “Should be a few miles to the east. You all right with staying with the herd while I look for the town and a buyer?”

  Matt nodded. “I’ll be fine. Watch yourself.”

  Travis nodded and urged his horse onward and patted the gelding’s neck. “Sorry, boy. We have business to do.”

  If he was right, Travis figured it’d be just about nightfall before he saw the town. Captain Watkins said it should be big enough for him to find a buyer.

  Travis rode maybe an hour when he came upon a road. Feeling easier, he let the horse stop for a few minutes. As the darkness flooded the land, he thought he could see lights up ahead.

  Confident that he’d soon be resting in a hotel, Travis pushed the horse to once again speed up. “You’ll get a good night’s rest and grain, buddy.” Soon, they were on the main road and riding through the center of the town.

  Travis rode to the livery and found the owner feeding the horses in his corral. Travis nodded. “Have a stall available?”

  “Sure do. Does he need grain and hay?”

  “Yes. Are you in need of good horses and a few mules?”

  The man threw the last of the hay and turned to him. “I just might be. There’s a wagon train on the way, and the last one took the best I had. Most of those in the corral are the ones they traded in.”

  “My partner and I have about thirty head. We’re looking to trade for a wagon and supplies.”

  The older man smiled. “I’ve got just the one for you. Had a family quit and stay in town. Wife got sick and found out she was with child. The wagon has the supplies and all you need.”

  “Great. My partner and I can have the horses here by tomorrow afternoon. He’s camped out just west of here about two hours away. I’ll go back in the morning, and we’ll bring them in.”

  “My name is Arthur. You need a place to stay the night?”

  “Sure do. A place to eat, too.” Travis grinned at the idea of sleeping in a bed.

  “The hotel is just around the corner. Nice place and good food in the diner. Tell them I sent you. We can work out the details once you bring the herd in.”

  “Thanks. I’m Travis Andrews. Good night.” Travis handed him the reins to his horse and walked to the hotel.

  It was nice and clean. He paid for a room and then went to the diner and got a bowl of stew. Knowing he had a busy day tomorrow, Travis went to bed early. No time for any saloon life. Not that he frequented the places.

  Both he and Matt had seen their share of wild times, but they were done with that. Especially now that Travis was thinking about marriage. He was going to Oregon to start a horse ranch with Matt.

  Hopefully, he’d have Cassie by his side. Who knows, Matt might even marry Abbie. He liked her.

  Travis looked out the window and saw the moon. He smiled, knowing Cassie would be looking at the moon and thinking of him. There was a connection between them. He’d felt it the moment he saw her come from behind the wagon that first day.

  “Wait for me, Cassie.”

  Chapter 7

  “Cassie.” Her name was spoken in a snarled whisper.

  Groaning, Cassie woke up and looked up into Aunt Ethel’s disapproving face. “What?”

  “Hurry and get dressed.” Ethel looked behind her but didn’t say anything else.

  Cassie dressed and found her aunt holding her satchel at the back of the wagon.

  Handing her the bag, Aunt Ethel nodded toward Uncle Sean and the bay mare. “Sean is going to take you to the town up the road. You can find work in the hotel.”

  Shock stole Cassie’s voice. After a moment, she shook her head. “But Travis is going to come looking for me.”

  “He’ll get over you quick enough, and you’ll find someo
ne in the town. Sean checked it out and made a deal with the hotel owner. You can have room and board for cleaning the rooms and helping in the diner. It’s a fair trade for you.”

  Cassie’s eyes burned with tears, but she wasn’t going to give her aunt the satisfaction of seeing her cry. “I can’t believe you’re turning me out like this. Father would not be pleased.”

  “I let you live with us long enough. The wagon is too crowded, and we need the supplies for our family. You’ll do fine. The hotel owner might even be interested in marrying you.” Aunt Ethel turned away from her and pointed at Sean. “Better go. I expect you back today.”

  “Yes, dear.” Uncle Sean turned to face Cassie and shrugged. “Sorry. We better go. Climb on behind me.”

  Cassie shook her head. “Let me tell Abbie.”

  Aunt Ethel took her by the hand to the horse and boosted her up. “I’ll tell her.”

  Cassie knew she wouldn’t. Knew it. “Abbie—”

  Sean kicked the horse, and in minutes, they were too far away for Cassie to get Abbie’s attention. “Uncle Sean, tell Abbie where I went. Travis, too, when he comes to look for me.”

  Her Uncle nodded. “I’ll see what I can do.”

  The tears she’d held in fell. She knew her uncle wouldn’t tell. Too scared of his own wife and daughters to live, the man would stand silently when her friend and Travis asked about her. How would she ever find Travis again?

  Cassie thought about jumping off and running, but where would she go. Sean would make her get back on. He may have been the nicest of the family to her, but he didn’t go against Ethel.

  She reached for her locket, but it was gone. She rarely took it off, but remembered, she taken it off to look at. It hadn’t been there this morning. Anger boiled inside her.

  Did they have to take everything from her? She grabbed the satchel and opened it. She found her pouch and looked inside, and her heart fell to her toes. Her father’s money was all but gone. She had enough for a few nights stay in the hotel and dinner.

  “Sean, where is my money?”

  He looked back at her. “Your money?”

  “Yes, the money from my farm. Did you know that Ethel took it?”

  He shook his head. “Sorry. If I can, I’ll send it to you.”

  Cassie knew that was a lost cause. Feeling alone, she hung onto what little she had and waited to see what her future would look like. At least, her mother’s Bible was in her satchel. Cassie took comfort in having something from her mother.

  She wept for the loss of the locket and the picture of her parents. Cassie closed her eyes and tried to picture them. It had been so long now that their images were dim. Her mother’s was all but gone.

  After riding for three hours, the horse stopped, and Cassie looked about her. It was a small town with but six or seven worn buildings. She didn’t see a sign to tell her the name of it, but she didn’t like it. Not at all.

  “Get down. Hotel is over there.” Sean pointed down the street. “The two-story building. The owner’s name is Sam Calder. He’s waiting for you.”

  Her uncle didn’t even look at her but rode off at a gallop. Cassie took some solace in that he must care for her but couldn’t disobey his wife. She watched until he was out of sight. Then Cassie turned.

  There was nothing she liked about the town. The only people she saw were outside the saloon. All men and they were watching her like hungry coyotes.

  Cassie put her shoulders back and her head up. The best thing she could do was not act like prey. She walked past them and to the Calder Hotel. Next to it was Calder General Store. So, the Calders owned half the town.

  She walked inside the hotel, looked around, and would have walked out if she had somewhere to go. She didn’t. Cassie tapped on the bell on the counter.

  “Coming.” A voice growled from the curtained area to the side of the front desk.

  She waited.

  After a few minutes, a man came out. He must have been at least in his mid-thirties. Unshaven, wearing dirty clothes, he came to the front desk and stared at her. Almost licking his chops, he grinned. “You must be Cassie Taylor. Your uncle said you’d be in today. He paid me some money to take you, but seeing you, Missy, I’d have taken you for free.”

  “I will work for my room and some pay. This place is a pigsty and will take days to be cleaned.” She decided to act like Ethel and hope she could bluff the man to keep him from bothering her.

  He pursed his lips. Then he nodded. “Done. I’ll pay you two dollars a month.”

  Cassie stared at him. “Five.” She’d say more, but by the looks of the place, he didn’t make much.

  “All right. And if I need you at the store, you’ll work there, too.” He grinned. “Maybe I’ll get you to like me. I could use a wife. A pretty young one like you.”

  “I’m engaged.” Cassie said it hard and with force, hoping it would change the man’s mind.

  “That so? I don’t see him anywhere.”

  “He’ll come for me.” Cassie wished it were true, but Travis wouldn’t know where she was. Sean wouldn’t tell him.

  “Well, I’ll believe it when I see it. You can have the small room up the stairs to the left.”

  She stared at him. “Where’s the key.”

  He turned, grabbed a key, and threw it to her. “I have another key.”

  She glared at him. “Don’t try anything.” She didn’t have a gun. But he didn’t have to know that. She’d make sure to put a chair under the doorknob at night. In the meantime, she’d look for some kind of weapon.

  Cassie walked up the stairs and stopped halfway up. “What’s the name of this town?”

  He grinned at her and pointed to his chest. “Calder. I’m the mayor, the sheriff, and own most of the buildings. That ought to impress you.”

  She turned and continued to her room, ignoring his mocking laughter. Cassie knew one thing, she needed to get her mother’s Bible and read it. She’d ignored God for too long. Angry at losing her parents and being thrown into Ethel’s family, she’d blamed Him.

  Now, the Lord was her only hope of escaping this nightmare. She’d spend her time praying and asking the Lord to forgive her for ignoring Him. She’d been wrong. Even at her tender age, she’d known the Lord wasn’t to blame.

  After opening the door to her room, she wanted to scream. The window was open, and the breeze blew through tattered curtains. The sheets looked as if they hadn’t been changed for months or more.

  There was a table leaning against the wall as one of its legs was broken. At least, there was a chair that she could put against the door. She ripped the sheets from the bed, grabbed the blanket, and headed down the stairs.

  “Where do you wash your sheets?”

  Sam shrugged. “Out back, by the well in a pot next to it. I’ll start the fire if you wash mine.”

  Cassie nodded. “Bring yours out, and I’ll wash them too. Do you have a line to dry them?”

  “I’ll make one.” He smiled. “I’m going to like having you around.”

  “Just get your sheets and start the fire. What about lye soap?”

  “At the store. I’ll go and get it after I start the fire.” He muttered as he walked to the back.

  She heard a door open and followed him through his room and outside. The town smelled. Was she going to have to clean the whole thing? “Sam, does a stagecoach stop in this town?”

  “Nope. We’re off the beaten path. Once I thought they would, but they passed us by for another town farther east.” He looked at her. “Don’t be getting any ideas. These are rough parts, and there are men that even I wouldn’t want to be caught alone with.”

  “Why don’t you try and make this town something. Clean it up and advertise for those going west.” She didn’t see why people saw fit to sit in their failure. Like Uncle Sean. Maybe that was why Aunt Ethel had become so mean.

  Sam frowned. “I don’t know.”

  “So, why are people even in your town?”

  He shru
gged and lit the fire. “I’ll get the rope for the line. I think you’re going to be more trouble than you’re worth.”

  Cassie shook her head. She wasn’t going to sit here in the dirt. Sam better get used to it because she was going to push him to make this town something.

  She had her sheets in the tub and was stirring them. It was going to take two washings at least.

  Sam came to her and gave her the soap. “Guess I should have cleaned them.”

  Cassie looked at him. “You think? They’re so filthy that I’m going to have to wash them twice. I’ll do yours tomorrow.”

  He nodded. “Guess so. Sorry.”

  She stared at him. What a miserable excuse for a man. At least, she didn’t have a nasty woman like Aunt Ethel breathing down her back to make her life hard. And perhaps the best way to get out of this town was to make Sam want her to leave.

  After three hours of hard work, she had the sheets and blanket drying on the line. Hungry, she went inside and asked Sam if the diner was open.

  With a frown, he shook his head. “Haven’t had a customer in a month.”

  “Then what do you eat.”

  Sam shrugged. “Beans, hardtack, jerky.”

  She shrugged. “Do you have anything I can cook?”

  His eyes brightened. “Would you?”

  “Show me.”

  Sam took her to the diner next door. “There’s some stuff here.”

  “Do you have any meat?”

  He shook his head. “I could ask one of the men to hunt up some prairie chickens. Maybe an antelope.”

  She put her hands on her hips. “Look, get me some meat, and I’ll cook. But I’ll take the money for the dinners. Yours are free.”

  Sam nodded. “All right. A deal.” He ran out of the hotel and down the street.

  In minutes, Cassie heard horses galloping down the street. The whole town must be starved for good food. She cleaned the kitchen, started some beans, and found flour to make biscuits.

  She had a plan now. Once she got enough money, she’d buy a horse and leave this place. Hopefully, it wouldn’t be too long. She needed to find the wagon train and Travis. Tonight would be a time of praying that was for sure.