“Well enough. The buffalo is scarce now, and my people require to eat. See you in the spring?”
“Yes, I hope the winter is kind to you,” Rafferty told him.
He nodded, took another long glance at Mae and then turned his horse.
Donald brought Shea a fresh mount, and the cutting of the cattle began. The men remained quiet.
“How many do you give them?” Mae asked, her voice shaking.
Rafferty reached over and captured her free hand in his. “Generally, about twenty or twenty-five. Probably twenty-five this time. I haven’t observed any buffalo either. That looks like a nice mare.”
“Can I keep her?”
Rafferty smiled. “I’d say you earned her. I bet she’s broke and ready to ride.”
Donald wound his way to them. “I’ll check her out. She might not be saddle broke, but she’s a fine one. If you don’t mind, I’ll take her now and see how she does.”
“Thank you, Donald,” she said as she showed him a dimpled smile. Rafferty kept hold of her hand and she didn’t seem to mind. It felt right to Rafferty in some strange way.
They waited for Shea to return before Cookie yelled that the food was ready to eat.
When they had finished eating Rafferty led Mae to a fallen tree close to camp. “Tell me about your life and how you got the cattle.”
They both sat. Mae paused and tried to get her hands to stop shaking. “I guess maybe my father became involved with the wrong men. I hadn’t allowed it much thought until he was dead, but things don’t add up.” She stared out into the darkness for a moment. “My pa was a dreamer. That’s what my ma called him. He always assumed the means to a better life was just up ahead in the next new town. Except for the farm we never lived in any place for awfully long. He’d come home with a wad of cash and off we went.”
Stealing a sidelong glance at Rafferty but unable to read his expression, she continued. “After Ma died, there was no one to rein him in. He searched for opportunities to make substantial money. I prayed continually that he wouldn’t gamble the small cabin away. He adored Ma and my brother and me, but he couldn’t seem to help himself from becoming entangled.”
Warmth shot through her when Rafferty set his coat around her shoulders. “Thank you. This last time men came to the cabin and they spoke with my father well into the night. I slept up in the loft and took the ladder so no one could come up. They talked and talked about cattle. I fell asleep. The next morning, Pa was gathering up our few belongings. He claimed we were traveling to take the cattle to the Chisholm Trail and meet up with the Kavanaghs. Then we’d continue and sell the cattle. He was positive this was what he’d been waiting for.”
She sensed his stare, and it unsettled her. “They had a supply wagon and they even gave my pa a bit of cash. They said they would remain with us on the trail until you showed up. Pa didn’t want to hear any doubts about the plan. They offered me a horse to ride, and off we went. Getting across the Red River turned into a nightmare. I fell off my horse and was being pushed under by the cattle. I was so banged up, but I clutched one of the smaller ones and wrapped my arms around his neck. I thought for certain I’d be gored by horns. One man grabbed me up after we crossed. He called me reckless and stupid.”
Restless, she stood and paced as she spoke. “I know how to ride, and I know how to drive cattle, but I’d never had to cross a river before. It left me shaking something awful. They returned my horse to me and we proceeded on. Two nights later, there was a stampede. I believe my horse threw me on purpose and saved me. The rest of the men and the cattle disappeared, and my pa was dead. The supply wagon was smashed, but there were a few canteens and a bit of food left.”
She gave Rafferty his coat back and then sat next to him again. “Funny thing, but our cattle had your brand on it. I can’t reason out why.”
“The Kavanagh brand?” He quirked one eyebrow upward. “My other brothers are in hot pursuit of cattle rustlers. Maybe they deeded the cattle to your pa to throw my brothers off the track. Then they probably took the cattle for themselves after the stampede. I can’t think of anything else that would make sense. They were looking for someone they could swindle.”
Grief filled her. It didn’t matter that her father had been duped. She loved him. Now that he was gone, her heart had a vast hole in it. No matter what, her father was a man to be proud of. He’d been the center of her life. She sighed.
“What are you thinking about?” Rafferty’s gentle voice wrapped around her.
“My pa. I miss him with every breath. All I seemed to do was look after him. Now I feel as though I’ve been set afloat without a direction to go in. I knew a cattle drive could be dangerous, but I never thought he’d be trampled to death or I’d be shot with an arrow. I’m just thankful you found me. Pa always provided for us but I’m sure he didn’t always work for what he had. He tricked people out of their money.” Tears filled her eyes, and she glanced away.
Rafferty took her hand back in his. “You have choices. There are towns not too far from the trail as soon as we get out of Indian Territory. I could have you escorted to one of them.” He hesitated. “Or you could stay with us. You’d have to work and draw wages like everyone here. I don’t think it will look right to some to have you here, a lone woman, but it’s up to you. Sleep on it. Oh, and I want you in the wagon as soon as the sun sets, unless you are helping Cookie with something. Most of the men I’ve known for years, but there are a few new ones. I’d rather be on the side of caution.”
His hand comforted her.
“I’ll follow your rules, but once my shoulder heals, I’d like the chance to show you I know how to ride.”
He smiled as their gazes met. “Sleep on it and you can ride your Indian pony when you are healed. I can’t make any promises about what job you’ll have.”
“Fair enough. I’d best get back to the wagon. Thank you, Rafferty.” She smiled at him as she stood and unclasped their hands. She could feel the heat of his stare as she walked to the wagon. There was a lot to admire about him. He wasn’t abusive in deeds or words, and everyone still did what he wanted. He seemed to naturally command everyone’s respect.
Chapter Five
Had there ever been a hotter day? The breeze blew blistering air on him. They were growing closer to the Wichita Mountains, but the heat was unrelenting. Hopefully, they’d have a respite from the sun as they traveled through the chasm. He never liked this part of the journey. They traveled between two vast walls of rock and it would be the ideal spot for an ambush. Someone could stand at the top and shoot down at them.
It had happened, but never to them. He instructed the men to be on high alert due to the rustlers. And where were his brothers? The drive should have met them on the trail by now. Hopefully, nothing had happened to them.
He spotted Phil riding scout up ahead, into the shadows of the mountains. Rafferty turned his horse around and headed back to the cook wagon. “Keep an eye out,” he told Cookie, who nodded.
Rafferty then rode to the back of the wagon. “Mae?”
She stuck her head out of the rear. “I’m here. I’m all set with the rifles. They’re loaded. Cookie told me what may be up ahead.”
“Good. Shea will be right behind you. I’ll be in front of the wagon. After we’re through, the cattle will be driven hard. Crooked Creek is just ahead, so they’ll stop there. If there is trouble, you hand the rifles to Cookie and continue loading. Keep your head down.”
She nodded but he had the impression she’d do her own shooting even with an injured shoulder.
He sped past the wagon and took his place in front of it. He had an itchy feeling on the back of his neck as though someone was watching him. He scanned above them but didn’t see a thing. So far, so good.
He turned his horse around and watched the cattle shoot out from the mountain gap. It was a stunning sight. How they managed to all get through uninjured always surprised him. Once through they spread out at the creek.
Ther
e was still plenty of prairie grass for the animals to eat. There were signs that there was an outfit traveling ahead of them, but there was ample. He’d been on the trail some years when the grass had almost been grazed down to nothing.
He rode with the drovers and got the beeves settled. Then he had Seamus and Frank set up a tent and told them to get some sleep. Their singing would be needed later to keep the cattle calm. He didn’t know what it was about this one area, but the least little thing might set the cattle stampeding. They needed to be on guard.
Finally, he handed his horse off to Donald. Donald would be certain to have a saddled horse for each of them in case of emergency. He strode toward the wagon and stopped a good distance from it. There sat Mae on the ground, twisting the tall grass thick enough to use as wood. There had once been enough dung from buffalo to make fires with, but each trip he’d seen less and less around. It was a pure shame. Mae grimaced a few times. Her shoulder must hurt. He proceeded on and met Phil near the wagon.
“Anything I should know?” Rafferty asked. The concern on Phil’s face had him bracing for bad news.
“The steers we’ve been trailing are getting farther away from us. They must be running them hard without proper rest. If they keep that up those animals will be too scrawny to sell. There are also tracks of unshod horses. It looks like the outfit ahead of us is being trailed. They could just as easy turn around and come at us.” He shifted his dark hat backward. “Do you know the Indians who have this Territory?”
They walked as they talked. “Not by name. They usually send a few of their men. They haggle and we always end up with the number ten. Ten heads to cross their land. They’re Comanche.”
“I have tobacco if needed,” Cookie offered.
“Tobacco?” Mae looked up at him.
“Different bands of Indians have specific demands. Who knows what happens from year to year, or if we’ll even see the men we saw before? Last year it was ten steers. They had wanted tobacco from each man. Reminds me I’d best hand it out so everyone has some to give.” Cookie nodded and climbed up into the wagon.
Her eyes were large when her gaze met Rafferty’s. “Am I expected to give them tobacco too?” Her voice wobbled.
Phil nodded. “We should have made you wear boy clothes and have you pass as a drover. It’s risky for a lady. Maybe we could cover her in a bit of mud or something.”
Rafferty shook his head. “They paint their own faces; I doubt a bit of mud will deter them.”
“What if I only had one leg?”
All three men stared at her. “I have to admit I’m baffled,” Rafferty said.
“I could use a crutch and tie my ankle to my knee. In a dress it’ll look as though I only have one leg.” Mae smiled. She stood and bent her leg back at her knee.
“You’d best start now,” Phil suggested. “No knowing who is watching us.”
“It doesn’t sound comfortable to me,” Rafferty replied.
“Probably not, but it’s better than being kidnapped,” she defended.
Rafferty took a step forward and caught her up in his arms. “No walking until we make a crutch. Not enough wood around. I guess we could pull a board from the side of the wagon and have one of us fashion one. It’s a crazy idea but worth it if it keeps you protected.”
“I can make the crutch,” Phil offered. “I’ll get started on it.”
Rafferty caught her gaze. She put on a brave front, but her eyes were filled with fear. She forced a smile.
Cookie made his usual beans with salt pork, though he also made cornbread for a change. Mae sat between the fire and the wagon. Her nerves were getting the best of her. Concentrating on twisting the grass for burning became a task beyond her. Looking around, she saw shadows. Were any of them moving? Sometimes she thought so only to discover she was staring at wind-rippled grass or a small bush, leaves fluttering in the wind.
The blackness that loomed around them made it worse. Most of the drovers were sleeping. Many had guard duty, but what if they missed seeing intruders creeping in? What if an Indian got into the wagon and killed her? She’d sleep with a six shooter for sure. She had a tight, narrow spot to sleep in and was grateful for it.
“Let’s see if this is at the ideal height,” Phil said as he brought the crutch to her. She stood and gasped when Rafferty swung her up in her arms and gently placed her down. He held on to her, pretending to steady her as she tried the crutch.
“Looks like I need to take about two inches off the bottom. I’ve been thinking, and I think it’s best to say your leg was run over by the wagon wheel. If the Comanche think we’re lying, they’ll kill us. Just drag one of your legs while you use the crutch.”
“Good thinking, Phil,” Rafferty praised.
“They might not want her. She’s plain,” Shea said. He didn’t seem to notice that he had insulted Mae.
She stared at the ground. He was right, though. If she’d been a beauty, she’d have been married. She never stood out and got noticed with her brown hair and dirt colored eyes. She’d accepted that long ago, but to hear a man express it hurt.
“I need to… I’ll be right back.” She smiled at Phil when he gave her the fixed crutch. As soon as her back was to them her smile dimmed. There was enough of tall grass to use for a bit of privacy. She allowed a few tears to fall, but then wiped them away. Crying would not help her survive. It wasn’t as though Shea told her anything she didn’t already know.
The grass swayed against the wind, and she hurried to finish up. She grabbed her crutch and hurried back to camp.
“Rafferty…” Abruptly she felt the heat of the men coming up behind her. It was impossible to talk, her throat was exceptionally parched, and she didn’t dare move. She should have put a gun in her pocket.
“Mae, come here,” Rafferty commanded. He nodded encouragement with each step she took while dragging her leg. She should have chosen the other leg. The crutch irritated her shoulder wound. The shaking of her body grew worse as she expected to be pulled back by her hair. Finally, she fell into Rafferty’s arms. He scooped her up and set her on the tailgate with Cookie guarding her.
One of the Comanche stepped forward and spoke. “One hundred beef to pass through.” The Indian standing behind him shook a spear at them. Mae almost lost her supper when she noticed the scalps attached to the spear. There were many with varied shades of hair.
Cookie wrapped a blanket around her. “Hang in there,” he whispered.
“Ten,” Rafferty countered.
Shea gave him a look of amazement.
“Ten and a bit of tobacco,” Rafferty amended.
“Fifty animals and all tobacco,” the Indian in the front spat out.
“Ten cattle and no tobacco,” Rafferty said in a voice that made it sound like his final offer.
The Indian turned and faced his men. He ranted and moved his tomahawk in a manner that looked as though he was cutting off heads. He suddenly grew silent and turned back to Rafferty. “I want the girl, no cattle.”
Mae gasped loudly and from the way he stared at her, she knew he didn’t want her for a wife but for something dreadful.
“That’s my woman. Ten cattle and half of our tobacco. That’s my last offer.”
There was plenty to admire about Rafferty, and she would have thought him wonderful if she hadn’t been mentioned at all.
“The girl is hurt?”
“Yes, a wagon ran over her leg. She’ll never walk right again. She can hardly walk with the crutch.”
The Indian’s eyes glittered. “We won’t need her to walk. We’ll hold her.”
“Oh no, you won’t! I’m not an object to be bartered. I’m capable to do a few chores around here, and I won’t have you thinking you can take me. I’ve already had an arrow in my back and I’m not going anywhere with you!” Everyone gawked at her in silence. Dismay washed through her. Why hadn’t she just kept her mouth closed?
The Indian eyed her with suspicion. “She is surrounded by evil spirits. I wi
ll have ten cattle and half the tobacco.”
Rafferty nodded. “We have a deal. Phil and Shea will ride out with you and help you with the cattle you choose. Cookie has the tobacco.”
The Indian kept gawking at her. Finally, he nodded and talked to his men. Most went with Phil and Shea.
Cookie climbed into the wagon and pulled her inside with him. He handed her a pistol as he grabbed a crate of tobacco leaves. “Stay down.”
Listening was not the same as seeing, but she got the gist of it and was more than relieved when she heard the Indians leave. She was trying to gather her thoughts when the wagon dipped.
“Are you all right?” Rafferty asked gently. He squeezed into the wagon until he sat behind her. Pulling her backward toward him, he wrapped his arms around her middle. “You’re shaking.”
“I’m not as brave as I pretend to be,” she whispered in defeat. Her heart beat faster with him so near.
“You did just fine. I think you scared them. They probably knew they’d never tame you.”
“Is that what they wanted to do? Tame me?” Her voice quavered.
“You don’t need to worry about what they wanted. They now know you’re mine.”
What was she supposed to say? She wanted to know if it was accurate, but pride kept her from asking. Being fanciful did no good.
“I just wanted to be sure you were fine. Good night, Mae. You’ll be guarded, so have no worries.” The wagon jostled as he climbed back down.
She prayed.
Thank You Lord. I would have fainted if not for the strength You gave me. Please keep us safe on our journey.
Chapter Six
Rafferty took off his hat and wiped his forehead. It would be awhile before cooler weather set in. It had been a few days since the Comanche had visited them. He kept looking but hadn’t seen a sign of any Indians in at least a day.
Mae was chafing to ride her horse. She hadn’t been happy riding in the wagon, and he didn’t blame her. It was bone jarring and hot inside. He carried her from the wagon when they stopped and then placed her back in for bedtime to keep up the charade. He should just let her use the crutch, but she struggled with it, and it seemed easier for him to carry her.
Rafferty: Cowboy Trail Boss: Christian Historical Western Romance (The Kavanagh Brothers Book 9) Page 3
