“Well lookee there,” an unfamiliar voice cackled. “Th’ boy’s a girl after all.” Amanda stood and faced two figures outlined in shadows.
“Where’s yur old man?” rasped one as he gazed at her parted coat.
Amanda looked around for Hogan. She stepped back, putting the fire between her and the strangers. “What do you want?”
Fletcher came into the light. “We just want to visit a spell.” He opened his hands. “See, no weapons. We ain’t gonna hurt ya none.” While Fletch spoke, Blackie slipped from sight.
“You wait right there,” she said to Fletch. “If you fellows need food, we’ll share some of ours.” As Fletcher’s eyes brazenly lowered to her bosom, Amanda panicked. She turned to flee. All at once, Blackie’s arms encircled her waist.
Amanda screamed before Fletch ran over and covered her mouth. “Shhh!” he growled. “Be quiet or we’ll hurt th’ old man!” With his free hand, he fumbled with the buttons on her shirt but Amanda slapped away his fingers. “Hold her,” Fletch said, removing his hand so Blackie could clamp her mouth. With both hands free, Fletch succeeded in unbuttoning part of her shirt. Terrified, Amanda squirmed even harder.
“C’mon girlie,” Blackie said, laughing. “Fighting ain’t gonna do yu no good.”
The click of a hammer preceded a loud voice booming from the darkness. “Hello boys! Now, I don’t mind sharing vittles, but, ain’t you being a mite unsociable?”
The men looked around. “Where is he?” Fletch whispered. “I can’t see him.”
“I’m afraid you’re gonna have to release my client,” Hogan’s voice snarled. “She didn’t pay to get mauled by filthy varmints.”
“There’s no need to git riled,” Fletcher said, reaching under Blackie’s coat. He pulled out a gun. “We wuz just gittin’ friendly.”
Hogan’s voice moved in the darkness. “Let her go, boys. I ain’t too particular on shooting me a couple rattlesnakes.”
“Where is he?” Blackie asked as he gripped his squirming captive.
“Shut yur pan!” Fletcher hissed. “We need to git out’a this light.” As they dragged her toward the shadows, Amanda’s terror increased. Fuelled by desperation, she ceased tugging at Blackie’s hand and instead bit with all her might. Blackie screamed before yanking away his palm. Wasting no time, Amanda lifted her booted foot and stomped hard on Blackie’s instep. Drawing a yowl, then a muffled ‘oomph’ when her elbow punched his midsection, Blackie doubled over, releasing her. Amanda stumbled away just as the sound of a gun exploded.
Fletcher shrieked. Dropping the pistol, he clutched his hand and fell to his knees. “You son of a bitch!” he said, panting. “You shot me!”
Hogan stepped into firelight. “Drop your weapons,” he ordered. Soon there were three guns lying on the ground as Blackie tossed his revolver and fished another out of Fletcher’s pocket.
“You’d better find something to wrap that wound,” Hogan said. “Or, your partner’s gonna bleed to death.”
Blackie hurriedly wound a kerchief around the Fletcher’s hand while Amanda rushed to get behind Hogan. In the flickering light, she couldn’t tell whether the man still possessed all five fingers.
“Now, if you’re a God-fearing man, you can git this scoundrel to a doctor. Though, it won’t cost me a lick of sleep if he dies. I could’ve kilt you right off. But, I felt sorry for you since there’s only two of you against just one of me.”
Blackie nodded, his eyes focused on the barrel of Hogan’s shotgun. After lifting Fletch up, they hastened away, their curses drifting through the darkness.
Amanda suddenly felt weak and would’ve collapsed if Hogan hadn’t caught her. Leaning against his chest, she began sobbing.
“What’cha crying for now?” Hogan sighed. Fumbling for a hanky, he stuffed it in her fingers while patting her back. After several moments she quieted, allowing him to help her to the pine-bough mattress.
“Listen. It’s time to git some sleep, but keep your boots on,” Hogan said, tossing her a blanket. “It feels like it’s gonna turn cold.”
“Where are you going?”
“Back to my post where I can keep an eye on you.” He kicked snow over the bloodstains before gathering the dropped guns. “You never know if those wastrels will be stupid enough to come back.”
“Hogan?”
He paused, looking back at her.
“Thank you.”
Without answering, he entered the woods and disappeared from sight.
Sometime during the night a light snow began to fall. Dropping temperatures turned the swirling snowflakes into tiny, glass-like shards that coated the earth with a hard crust. Amanda burrowed under her blanket, unaware of the storm silently imprisoning camp with rime.
Blissfully, in her dreams she had reached the cabin and even now lay snug within Reagan’s warm embrace.
Chapter Forty-Nine
Hogan had watched over camp, snatching bits of sleep while propped in the crotch of a tree. Toward dawn, the sound of snapping branches drew his attention. His gaze passed over the burned-down fire, stopping where Amanda lay sleeping. With a start, he saw her body quivering like a cowering mongrel, her blanket covered in ice. Using his shotgun as a balance he half ran, half slid to her side. The blanket crackled as he yanked it away and turning her over found her face alarmingly pale.
“Mrs. Burnsfield!” He tossed his rifle and shook her. “Amanda, roll out!” Instead of opening her eyes, Amanda only mumbled slurred words before curling into a ball. Hogan’s voice rose apace with his fear and twisting her arm around his neck, he lifted her, setting her on unsteady feet. “Dammit girl, wake up.”
Amanda’s legs crumpled and she would’ve fallen had Hogan not caught her against him. “You got to wake up, girlie,” he said. “C’mon, now.”
Rubbing her back briskly, he continued to support her until she lifted her head from his shoulder. “That’s a girl,” he said. Keeping a wide stance, Hogan set Amanda again on her feet. Though she wavered and her eyes remained closed, she could stand. Hogan gripped her waist and taking small steps, stomped through the ice while she hobbled stiffly beside him.
Amanda soon became aware someone was holding her, urging her awake. Yet, it took several times around the campfire before she lifted her eyelids. The images she saw confused her and when she tried speaking, no words came. Turning her head, she was surprised to see concern in Hogan’s eyes. “Wha-?”
“Don’t talk yet,” he said. He sat her down and wrapped her in his sheepskin coat. Breaking ice off sticks of wood, he soon had a fire. The aroma of strong coffee wafted to Amanda’s nose just before Hogan shoved a cup to her lips. She grimaced but sipped the brew while Hogan made soup from a can of beans.
As she ate, Hogan packed provisions then fed the animals. He saddled the horses, all the while cursing himself for taking this job. He should’ve known he’d have to play nursemaid to the girl. His best bet now was to deliver the twit into the arms of her husband and be rid of her. By the time he brought Amanda her horse the sun had crested the eastern sky.
She stood, holding out his coat. “Thanks. I’m better now.”
“You sure? You were kind of foggy for awhile.”
“I-I think so,” she said, limping to her horse. “My head feels clearer.”
Hogan stood close as she footed the stirrup. He wasn’t surprised when she hadn’t the strength to mount and without asking permission, hoisted her up.
As they rode, he kept a constant eye on her. It was one thing to take a spoiled brat on a journey, quite another to have a nice girl mauled by scoundrels and then nearly froze to death. Damned if she didn’t get to him too. She never complained when he knew damn well she was cold and miserable.
“We’ll be hitting McKean in a couple hours,” he said, breaking the silence. “We can stop for a hot meal if you’d like.” He glanced at Amanda. “Wipe that grin off your face. This don’t change a thing. I’m still in charge, you hear?”
Once they entered McK
ean, Hogan headed for the first hotel in sight. He surprised Amanda by putting down his own coin for meals and a bath. Carrying her saddlebags, Amanda followed the matron to a small but immaculate bathing chamber where cabinets held towels as well as an assortment of soaps, tonics and skin creams.
Once the tub had been filled, Amanda added scented crystals before undressing then sinking into hot water. The heat relaxed her aching muscles and even her feet, which had pained her all day, felt free from the throbbing discomfort. Closing her eyes, she imagined her reunion with Reagan and giggled as she pictured first his shock and then delight at her arrival.
It was a much-refreshed Amanda that descended the stairs in a clean set of clothes, her damp hair rebraided. The dining room was empty save for Hogan. He had long since finished his meal, but stayed to keep an eye on his client.
Amanda took a seat and when the waitress brought her food, finished everything on her plate. The tea was a refreshing contrast to the strong brew Hogan usually prepared. Though Amanda could feel fatigue creeping over her, she stood up. “If you’re ready, so am I.”
“I gave the horses extra rations,” he said. “If they don’t get some rest, they’ll turn sour.” He pointed a thumb over his shoulder. “I paid for a couple of rooms while you were soaking in…” he sniffed loudly, “…rose water. The clerk’s got your key.” Amanda grinned but said nothing as she turned away. Hogan called after her. “If you need anything, just pound on my door across the hall. I’ll be there, strait away.”
“Damn women!” he muttered after she left. “Always knowing when I ain’t telling the truth. It’s a good thing I never married.”
The next morning, Amanda was awakened by a loud knock on her door. “You up, girl?” Hogan’s voice rasped. “We need to git going.”
“I’m coming,” she called, rubbing her eyes. After getting dressed, she stopped at the open door of the bathing room to comb her hair and use scented hand cream. By the time she joined Hogan in the dining room, except for wearing men’s clothing, she felt almost womanly.
Amanda noted Hogan wore clean clothes and his face appeared freshly washed. She knew better than to mention it, but the scout had obviously bathed.
After their meal, a clerk provided a lantern for the walk to the stable. Amanda thought she had been doing a good job saddling her horse until Hogan checked the cinch. “This here horse, he’s got you fooled,” he admonished in a fatherly tone. “See, he don’t like being saddled tight. So he puffs out his belly until your done. When he lets out his breath, the saddle is nice and loose.” He lifted his knee hard, bringing it into sharp contact with the horse’s ribs. As it grunted, the gelding released its breath and Hogan tightened the cinch.
Amanda’s jaw dropped. “Why, you little traitor!” she said, poking her horse. “I thought we were partners.”
“Ain’t no man or beast, that won’t turn a situation to his advantage if a fool will let him,” he said while fastening her saddlebag. “My advice is to be wary of others trifling with you. You’re young, but you don’t gotta be stupid.” Turning away, he strapped supplies to the packhorse, leaving her to wonder at his words.
After leaving the barn, Hogan surprised Amanda by tossing her a pair of mittens. She tried thanking him but he ignored her. In other ways he began granting comforts along the trail. Additionally, they always seemed to be near a town at nightfall with Hogan insisting they stay at a hotel or boarding house.
In the primitive town of Stockton, Amanda put on her last change of clean clothes. She didn’t care that she wouldn’t be in her best finery to greet Reagan. His smile would be enough.
When she entered the dining room she handed Hogan his fee. “You’ve done it,” she said. “I might as well pay you now.”
“Now hold on, girlie. We ain’t there yet. You sure you want to pay me before the job’s done?”
“Oh, Hogan, I’m not letting your temper ruin my day.”
“Huh!” he snorted, stuffing the bills into his pocket. “It ain’t a day too soon.”
“Are you saying you’re not glad I hired you?”
“I’ve regretted every step,” he growled. You’re a burden I’m happy to be rid of.”
“Oh, you!” She swatted his arm. “You’ve been nothing but irritable, ill-tempered, annoying…”
Hogan grinned. “That’s because only a fool argues with a skunk, a mule or a woman. Now, let’s go. We’re wasting time.”
Later, as they saddled their mounts, Amanda secured the cinch to its proper tightness. Though she still swam in her overlarge coat, she no longer felt lost in it. Indeed, a new assuredness had taken hold. It was a budding poise, unknown even to her.
But Hogan knew. He knew by the way she sat her horse and the way she held the reins. He realized she was the type of woman he would’ve been happy to marry had he been fortunate enough to find one. He sighed. The sooner he had her delivered to her husband, the better.
By late afternoon and miles into a timberland, heavy snowflakes began to fall. As shadows darkened the forest, they came upon some tracks.
“Men on foot, and two horses dragging a tree,” said Hogan. He turned his horse to follow the new path. “These ain’t but an hour old.”
Chapter Fifty
Reagan had just left his cabin to go to the cook’s shack when he saw two riders approaching. He knew one of two things. They were either passing through and needed a place to bunk, or they were drifters hoping to find work. As the riders approached, he noticed an older man leading a packhorse while a lad brought up the rear. “Hello,” he called. “What can I do for you?”
“Looking for a Mr. Burnsfield,” the bearded man said.
“Speaking,” he replied.
“I have something to deliver to you.” With that, the man turned his horse back to the forest. Passing the boy, he tipped his hat before slapping the rump of the lad’s gelding.
Mystified, Reagan took a step closer, watching as the boy drew near. The brim of his hat protected his eyes while the drawn up collar hid most of the face.
Amanda’s voice stuck in her throat when she saw Reagan standing there. When it became obvious he didn’t recognize her, she dismounted, and calling his name, stumbled forward. She was almost upon him before he realized the boy was really a girl.
“Amanda?” he said, yanking off her hat. “Is that you? What are you doing here?”
“I-I-” Although she had planned her words carefully, Amanda was struck dumb at his distraught look.
“Has something happened?” he said, grabbing her arMs. “Has there been an accident?”
“No! No, nothing’s wrong! I only came because…because…I wanted to be with you!” she blurted.
“What?”
“I-I wanted to be here…with you…I-I thought you wanted me here….”
“Are you mad?” Reagan shook her with talon-like force. “You little fool! You could’ve been hurt!”
Amanda couldn’t believe her ears. He was angry with her. No not angry, he was furious! With a cry, she broke his grip. “Reagan, stop it! Stop it!” Her tears tumbled as fast as her words, drenching her cheeks. “I couldn’t stand being alone all winter… without you…I deceived everyone…dressed like this…” she said, throwing open her hands, “…I nearly froze, just to get here…” Unable to go on, she covered her face and began to weep. Before leaving Cantonsville, Reagan seemed eager to share her company. But now he acted as if she were the last person he wanted to see.
Hearing voices, Danny came from the cook’s shack. “Anything wrong, boss?”
Reagan pointed at Amanda’s horse. “See that nag? Bed it down!” He picked up Amanda’s hat, then taking her by the arm, half-lifted, half-dragged her to his cabin. Thrusting her inside, he threw the hat before slamming the door.
“Explain yourself,” he said, putting his arms akimbo.
Amanda wiped her eyes, too ashamed to look up. “I must’ve misunderstood. I thought you’d be happy to see me. You said you wanted to take me with you�
�”
“I didn’t mean that literally!” Reagan said, pushing her toward the stove. “This job keeps me too busy. What were you thinking?”
“I thought we needed time together,” she said, sniffing.
“I’m never here except at night,” he snapped. “And when I am, it’s to work at my desk or sleep. This is no tea party, madam. There’s no time for pleasantries.”
“I see,” she said, mopping her face with a sleeve. “I didn’t realize….”
“Who brought you?”
“Hogan.”
“Who the hell is Hogan?”
“The man I hired to bring me.”
“You what? Never mind! Why did my father agree to this?”
Amanda’s chin rose. “I told you. I didn’t tell him or anyone. He thought I was visiting Aunt Ella.” In the sudden silence, she gazed around. The room seemed smaller than she imagined.
Reagan set a chair before her. “Sit,” he commanded. As she sat down, he unbuttoned his coat. “You were a fool to travel this time of year and a bigger fool to come here. We have no conveniences for a lady. One way or the other, you’re going home.”
“But Reagan, I’ll stay out of your way.”
“I will not have my wife in a lumber camp. Your presence would distract the men.”
Amanda rubbed her eyes, already dreading the return trip. “But, I came all this way….”
“Amanda, it’s impossible. I couldn’t be with you all the time. I’d hate for someone to get hurt because your presence caused him to do something stupid.”
Amanda nodded. Her eyelids felt heavy as the stove’s warmth enveloped her. “Then, I guess I’ll be ready to go come morning,” she said, her shoulders hunching.
“You look exhausted,” he said, motioning toward the bed. “Get some sleep. We’ll talk tomorrow.”
Obediently she rose and fumbled with her buttons. With an exasperated sigh, Reagan pushed away her hands and unbuttoned the coat himself. “Good Lord, this is my old coat,” he said, draping it over a chair.
Threads of Betrayal Page 24
