Rafferty: Cowboy Trail Boss: Christian Historical Western Romance (The Kavanagh Brothers Book 9)

by Kathleen Ball

  Clouds really had shapes. The one above him looked like a wheelbarrow. The cloud before that had resembled an angel. Thankfully, the day wasn’t overly hot… yet. He saw a prairie dog lift its head from a hole.

  Rafferty was just glad Maverick was fine as far as he could tell. A snake had surprised them both, and Maverick reared. The rattler had disappeared, but Rafferty still had his gun in his hand, just in case. He had a bump on the back of his head, nothing serious, but Shea made him promise to stay put.

  It was amazing how much one cloud looked like a milk cow. It might be his imagination since he was thirsty. He didn’t want Cookie fussing over him. Grinning and bearing it was the only way to get the fussing finished quickly. A lesson well learned by all the Kavanaghs. Maybe Mae will stop giving him such a sour look. He wasn’t the one who put on a show for all to view.

  Sighing, he stared at the sky. The next cloud looked like a dove. Maybe he was supposed to make peace with her? And where were his brothers? What happened to the cattle Mae’s father supposedly bought? Hopefully, the thumping in his head would stop shortly.

  The noise of the wagon coming his way warmed him. He didn’t bother to stand; the thumping made him a bit unbalanced.

  Cookie and Mae’s feet both hit the ground at the same time.

  “It was a snake that spooked Maverick. I haven’t seen it since but be on the lookout for it.”

  Cookie kneeled next to him. “I don’t see any blood,” Cookie muttered.

  Mae looked him over. “Maybe he broke a bone or sprained his ankle?”

  “I’m right here, you can ask me what hurts.” Rafferty winced as he shook his head.

  “Well?” Cookie asked.

  “I have a bump on the back of my head. There is pounding in my head and the last time I tried to stand I swayed a bit and sat back down.” His lips twitched. “Sorry, no broken bones or sprains. I don’t require stitching either.”

  Her smiled cheered him. Perhaps she’d forgiven his outburst.

  “Ouch!” he exclaimed as Cookie ran fingers over his tender head. “Yes, you found it Cookie.”

  Cookie stood. “Let’s get a fire started so I can give him some tea to help with the pain.”

  “Just give me a draw of whiskey.”

  Mae narrowed her eyes. “That will not be happening. It’s bad for you if you have a head wound like yours. I didn’t know you were a drinking man.”

  He shrugged. “I drink occasionally. I learned long ago to never have more than one. I like to be in control of my thoughts and actions.”

  Her widening smile brightened something inside him, and that took him by surprise.

  “When you drink water, does it taste muddy?” He chuckled.

  Her face might have colored, but there was too much mud spread across her cheeks to tell for certain. “I think Cookie went a little overboard with the mud, but better safe than sorry. It was fine when it was wet, but now it’s drying and cracking. I’d best go help Cookie. If you can’t ride, then perhaps later you can help me find cow pies.” Her eyes twinkled.

  “I’ll have to see how my head is doing when it’s time to gather the pies.” His lips twitched. It was as though the discomfort between them had fled. She helped him to sit near the fire.

  Watching Mae as she helped Cookie was a treat. She didn’t seem like the type who wasted any time. She was more precise in her movements. Best of all, she didn’t look up to discover him staring, though Cookie grinned at him a few times. Cookie looked like a proud mother matching her kids up. Rafferty allowed Cookie to have his fun.

  Finally, Mae brought him a tin cup full of tea. She really had a beautiful smile. “Drink that, and surely your pain will dull. After supper and cow pie duty, I’m putting on new mud. Cookie said we could go for a lighter covering at night.”

  “Sounds good to me,” he acknowledged. Why hadn’t he paid attention to what his brothers had talked to their wives about before they were wed? He wasn’t good at conversation.

  He did turn out to be good at glaring at any man who looked Mae’s way that night. Most got the message and turned away, but Phil didn’t seem to care. In fact, he sat down next to her. Rafferty watched them and concluded Phil was definitely interested, too interested. He leaned toward her too many times as they spoke. Mae slowly backed away, one small movement at a time until she hopped up.

  “Can I bring anyone seconds? There’s more coffee too,” she offered. Soon she was too busy to sit.

  “Phil, what do you think would be the best plan tomorrow? The next creek is about half a day away. Stopping for an hour or do you suggest staying there until the next day?”

  Phil rubbed his jaw as though he was thinking. “Frankly, the sooner we get out of Indian Territory the better. I’ve seen signs of the Kiowa here and there. It looks like one traveling. Might be the lookout. We also went by many graves today.”

  “I only saw three graves, Mr. Barker,” Mae said.

  “I thought I told you to call me Phil.” He admonished and then grinned at her. “Many folks bury their dead under the trail and have the cattle tramp the dirt down.”

  She frowned.

  “Some believe Indians dig up the dead. I personally don’t think they do. Some do it to make it hard for animals to dig them up.” Phil sipped his coffee and kept staring at her.

  Her brow furrowed, and she caught Rafferty’s gaze. “My pa.” Her voiced sounded distressed.

  “Rocks keep the animals away. I’m sure he’s fine,” Rafferty told her. “Looks like the eating is done. Go relieve the others so they can eat too.”

  The men scrambled and handed Mae their plates and forks. She made quick work of cleaning the plates for those who hadn’t eaten yet. She poured herself a cup of coffee and sat down next to him.

  “Are you sure about my pa? I did put a lot of rocks on top, but I’m worried.” Her eyes widened, and she stuck her hand in front of her mouth. “I should ask how you are instead of disturbing you with my troubles.”

  He reached, lifted her hand away from her face and held it for a moment. He felt something between them every time they touched. “You’re allowed to have worries. I’m feeling much better.”

  “I’m so glad! You never know with head wounds. Maverick is quite the horse! Imagine him alerting everyone that you needed help. Did Donald train him?”

  “Mostly, but since he was going to be my horse, I helped. Donald really is fantastic with horses. There have been so many horses I was sure would have to be put down, but Donald sweet-talked them and gained their trust. In Abilene we’ll sell the remuda. Donald gets a substantial cut. He deserves it.”

  “You treat your men like family! I respect that. I’ve lived in many places and there generally was a division between the owners and the workers.”

  He chuckled. “In Texas, it wouldn’t work as well that way. Though there are a few of the bigger ranches operate that way. Besides, me and my brothers were the help while my father was alive. After the war, we had so many cattle we took on men to work. Usually for a trail drive we’d have almost twice as many drovers. I’m getting worried about my brothers. I expected them to catch up at the Red River.”

  She stared down at her hands. “I hope my father did nothing to harm them, though I’d been with him the whole drive up to his death. I’ll pray for them.”

  “Do you need help to get the mud off your face?” He smirked at her.

  “Actually, Cookie promised to wipe it off so I can sleep.” She glanced up at him. “I think that would be the best idea.”

  He drew off his hat and ran his fingers through his hair. She was right, and he shouldn’t have offered. “Make sure you keep your gun next to you when you sleep. I need to go talk to my brother. Good night.” He gingerly stood and slowly walked to the other side of the fire, where Shea had spread out his bedroll.

  Chapter Eleven

  The next day they traveled toward the Washita River. The cattle had moved faster as they drew closer to the water.

  “Coo
kie, how far away do you suppose they know water is ahead.”

  The wheel went over a rock and from the pain when she landed back onto her seat, she knew she’d be bruised.

  “I reckon a couple miles. Horses are the same. Animals have led many a cowboy to water. I have some jam in the back we can slather on biscuits and hand out to the men. We won’t be stopping at the river for awfully long.”

  She grinned. “I’ll get on it as soon as we stop. I had hoped to at least have time to wash clothes and things today. I’d give anything to wash up in the river.”

  “That won’t be happening anytime soon. You’d just get all dirty again. It’s over two days until the next river. There won’t be water to be spared until we reach the Canadian River.”

  Her back hurt, but she filled the water barrel before they left. Thankfully, it was a calm river crossing. She handed out the biscuits and most of the men thanked her.

  The sound of a horse galloping had her turning around. Bearing down on her was Phil. He had a glint in his eyes, and she wanted to run in the other direction. He leaned over as he rode by her and the next thing she knew she was sitting in front of him on his horse. He tightened his arms around her. If she tried to push him away she’d end up on the ground.

  Gritting her teeth, she glanced around and sent Rafferty a beseeching look. This was one time she appreciated his big frown. Rafferty quickly turned Maverick and yelled for Phil to stop.

  Phil slowed, but not fast enough. How dare he just pluck her up like that?

  Rafferty stopped next to Phil. “Put her down.”

  “I was just having a bit of fun. I thought she liked horses.” Phil shrugged his right shoulder.

  “Just do as I say. Having her sit in front of you like that sends a signal to anyone observing that she is a female.” Rafferty dismounted.

  Phil handed her to Rafferty and his anger was just below his skin. He set her on the ground and then glared at Phil. “We’re moving out in a few. I need you to do your job.”

  Phil gave him a hard stare back. “Until supper time,” he added as he gave Mae a nod. Her sigh was loud.

  “I’m sorry…” The closed expression on Rafferty’s face stopped her. It would be best to walk back to the wagon, alone. He’d probably have another lecture for her. He must think the worst of her; her sadness grew.

  “Mae, wait.” He caught up with Maverick trailing after him. “What happened? I could see you were upset on Phil’s horse.”

  “He… I don’t know… He makes me uneasy. He snatched me up without asking, and I didn’t like the way he ogled me. I wasn’t sure what to do, and I’m glad you came to my rescue. I didn’t encourage him. In fact, I don’t trust him. I’ll try harder to stay out of his way.”

  Rafferty’s frown didn’t fade. Her stomach churned as they walked. He didn’t believe her. Her shoulders sagged, and she stared at her feet. Just another reason for Rafferty to drop her off at the nearest town. The silence between them was uncomfortable, and she imagined all sorts of dire things he must be thinking.

  “I know that there isn’t a town near here. I’m hoping you will allow me to remain until there is a safe place to leave me. I haven’t spoken to men often. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong. I mean, Phil must think I’m a loose woman. He treats me like one. I know you need him to get to Abilene. I’m well, I was usually with my pa and no one dared to. I have always been a woman of good morals, and I don’t intend for that to change. Do the rest of the men think I’m…” It was getting harder to see as tears fell.

  “I’ve never observed Phil around a woman before. Usually he’s a loner on the trail. I will talk to him and inform him you are off limits. I promise to take you to the next town. It’ll be a few days.” He led her to the front of the wagon. “Mae, I’d help you up, but I really want anyone watching to think you’re a boy.” He turned and then turned back toward her. “And Mae, you aren’t any way acting that would suggest to anyone you’re…” He released a harsh sigh. “I know I said some things… before, but I do know you’re a proper woman and so do the rest of the men.”

  She scrambled up the wagon and sat. “I appreciate that.” From the way her face heated, it was no doubt she was bright red. She watched him ride away.

  Cookie grabbed the reins and started out. “I wish I could punch that Phil in the jaw. Stay close to me. He won’t try to insult you or touch you if I’m around.”

  A couple of deep breaths later, she nodded and smiled. “Thanks, Cookie.”

  Shea rode up next to Rafferty. “Why don’t I take the lead for a while. I’m afraid if you and Phil get close enough, you’ll end up fighting. He sure has been a pain this trip.”

  “A pain he is. I think he’s testing me too. Maybe he doesn’t like taking orders from someone younger than him.” Rafferty laughed. “You can enjoy him next year.”

  Shea shook his head. “One of our older brothers can be trail boss next year.” A scowl crept across his forehead. “I haven’t seen any sign of them or the cattle. I would have thought we’d have caught up to the stolen cattle by now. I haven’t seen anyone behind us either. Usually we are boxed in with one outfit in front of us and another on our heels.”

  “I guess making the trip earlier than usual has made the difference as far as anyone being right behind us. I agree, though. I have no idea where the rest of our herd is. As far as our brothers the only thing we can do is pray.”

  Shea shot him a show of bewilderment.

  “Yes, I’ve been conversing with the Lord.” Rafferty turned his horse and rode before Shea could comment.

  Rafferty got busy chasing strays and roping those that didn’t seem inclined to rejoin the herd. Being trail boss was considerably more work than he’d once imagined. He could handle it, but roping and riding were what he enjoyed best.

  Talking to Phil about his behavior wasn’t something he looked forward to. But he was just a nuisance. No, it was Mae’s comment about being taken to a town that ate at him. His stomach clenched at the thought. He was getting used to having her around, and he liked her smile. He almost laughed out loud. It much more than merely her smile. The way she had the spunk to continue on after losing her father was something he admired. He’d have expected more hesitancy on her part, but she seemed to accept everything in stride. He couldn’t blame her for wanting to leave them as soon as possible. Well, she would have to wait. He didn’t plan to ride for a town while the herd was in Indian Territory. They had towns in Kansas. It would be awhile before they got there. That meant a lot of mud on her face. He was sorry as could be about that. It must be painful for a woman to cover her beauty, especially with mud.

  As they slowed for the night, he saw three men riding toward them from the east. He rode out to meet them. Hopefully it wasn’t trouble.

  “Howdy,” he greeted as they all reined in their horses. “Is there something I can do for you?” He tensed as he awaited their answer. Who were these men?

  “We’re looking for a few men. Outlaws,” The biggest one answered. “Would you mind looking at a few wanted posters?”

  “I’ll look, but we have seen no one except for Comanches on the trail.”

  The big man had coffee-colored hair and a full beard. He held out the posters. “I’m Con and these are my brothers Hal and Cliff.”

  Rafferty flicked a glance in their direction. Yup, they looked like brothers all right.

  They didn’t offer their last name. Rafferty reached out and took the posters. “I’m Rafferty, trail boss of this outfit.” He shifted through the posters, but he didn’t recognize anyone. “I’m sorry. None of these men look familiar. We’re looking for stolen cattle ourselves. You didn’t see any outfits up ahead, did you?”

  Con shook his head. “Mind if we use your fire tonight? There’s a fort about forty miles west of here we’re heading to tomorrow. It sure would be nice to have a place to lay our heads.”

  “Sure, we have plenty of room.” Rafferty told them.

  “Everything fine he
re?” Shea asked after he joined them.

  Rafferty nodded. “We’re having guests. Let’s get you some food. We’re being vigilant with our water. The Canadian River is about twenty-four miles from here.” He turned his horse and rode to the wagon. He gave Cookie a quick nod.

  “Get Mae in the wagon and try to keep her out of sight,” he murmured. “It’s only one night.”

  Cookie nodded and sped off to get Mae. She was out collecting cow pies.

  Chapter Twelve

  If only there was something to do to occupy her time. Staying still and quiet went against her nature. She had sat all day in the wagon getting here and now she had to hide out from… Who were those men, anyway?

  She slowly pushed up the canvas, just a hair, struggling to peek out. She didn’t recognize any of them. They all had dark hair and beards. Probably brothers or cousins. Why wasn’t she closer? They were showing papers to all the men.

  Frowning, she raised the canvas a bit more then looked out again. Someone was leaning against the wagon, blocking her view. She clamped her lips tight and let go of the canvas. It was Rafferty. Of all the people to notice.

  He was probably frowning. Every little thing she did was wrong, and he always caught her. If it weren’t a matter of her safety, she’d find something to poke him with. Her lips twitched. It would have been funny.

  Soon it was too dark to see. The clouds shrouded the moon, and the fire didn’t cast enough light for her to see much. It was just as well; she was tired. She’d just sleep in her clothes. Quietly she crawled to the front of the wagon and was about to cinch the canvas tight when she saw him.

  She screamed and leaped back, struggling to pick up her gun to no avail. From what little she could determine, he looked just as surprised to see her. He was abruptly dragged back out the front and she heard what sounded like a blow to the face. It was a punch, though maybe to the face was her imagination.

  Her body trembled, and she didn’t wish to be alone, but she stayed hidden.