Rachel walked over and took Sarah’s arm. “Don’t forget to leave the key at the desk.” Rachel was once again dressed up like a young boy.
“I’ll take care of it right now. Go ahead and supervise the boys and make sure they get loaded.” Sarah walked over to the desk. “Here’s your key back. Thank you for all the kind service.”
“I hope your stay was enjoyable and that you’ll visit us again when you’re in the area.”
Sarah smiled and tipped her hat. “You never know, I just might do that.” She walked outside and stopped. Two men were loading some boxes into the back of her wagon. “What’s going on?” She recognized the clerk from the mercantile.
“Good morning, sir. You had said you wanted an early start so we thought we’d give you a hand and get you loaded up.” He nodded toward the back of the wagon. “Filled up a water barrel for you at the spring behind my house.”
“That’s very kind of you. How did you know this was my wagon?”
He laughed. “Amos, down at the livery, is my brother. We had supper together last night and he told me you’d been to see him.”
Sarah grinned. “Well, I can’t thank you enough. You’ve saved me some time.” She held out her hand for the man to shake. “I’m thinking I should get me some kind of covering to put over my supplies in case we run into bad weather.”
He chuckled. “I don’t think the farmers here about think of rain as bad weather, but it might not do your supplies any good.” He thought for a moment. “I’ve got some heavy canvas from one of the covered wagons left over. It’s big enough to wrap around the boxes and protect them if you meet up with rain.”
“That would be perfect. How much do I own you?”
He shook his head and started back toward his store. “No charge, it’s just sitting in the back room gathering dust. It’s not really big enough to do much with. I’ll be right back.”
Sarah pulled the boxes toward the front of the wagon.
“Here you go, son.” He hurried over and spread the small, gray canvas over her goods. Together they tucked the edges under the boxes. “That should keep things safe, for awhile at least.” He moved back and glanced up at the children. “You folks have a safe trip.”
Sarah smiled and climbed up into the wagon. “Thanks again.” She turned and looked at Daniel. “Hand me the rifle, Daniel.” She took the gun and placed it next to her legs so she could get to it easily. She’d stored the pistol in her valise. “Is everybody settled?”
“We’re all set, Samuel.” Daniel’s voice carried.
Sarah looked at Rachel. “Did you remember to pack up the extras from breakfast?”
“Yep, we’ve got ten biscuits with ham in each one. That should do us for lunch so we can keep traveling.”
“Everything’s working out, Rachel. I’ve still got plenty of money to buy us a place where we can have a garden and a good life.” She straightened in the seat, placed her feet solidly on the buckboard and picked up the reins. She took a deep breath, and then slapped the reins against the mule’s rumps. “Git up!” Slowly, they began to move out of town.
“What kind of wagon is that, Samuel?” Jonathan pointed toward a huge covered wagon coming toward them.
“Some people call them Prairie Schooners, Jonathan.” Sarah nodded to the exhausted-looking man and woman riding on the seat.
“I never heard of that. Why do they call them that?”
“Well, it’s because the canvas covering the back looks like the sails of a ship when the wind is whipping it around on the trail.”
“Have you ever seen a ship, Sarah?” asked Daniel.
“Remember, I’m Samuel, not Sarah, Daniel. And no, I’ve never seen a real ship, but I’ve seen pictures of them in books. They’re really quite beautiful.”
Jonathan’s head popped up beside her shoulder. “Why didn’t you get us one of the schooner wagons?”
“Because they cost more than three times the amount of the buckboard and we need to make our money last as long as we can. Besides, we’re not going as far as those people.”
“Where do you think they’re going?” asked Zeke.
“Probably Oregon, if I had to guess. That seems to be where most folks head to these days.”
“So, why ain’t we going to Oregon?” Zeke pushed Jonathan back so he could lean over Sarah’s shoulder.
“Because we’d have to go through Indian country and there aren’t many good places to farm. It’s cattle country and I don’t know anything about cattle.” The boy seemed satisfied with her answer because he went back to sit down with the other boys.
Rachel scooted closer. “How long am I gonna have to dress up like a boy?”
“I don’t know, Rachel. At least until we get a place of our own. We’ll draw less attention if there aren’t any girls traveling with us.”
“Will you go back to being Sarah when we find a place?”
Sarah shrugged. “I haven’t decided yet. As a man, I can buy us a farm and pretty much anything else we need. They wouldn’t even let me have a mortgage in my own name.” She looked over and smiled at the young girl. “We’ll just have to play it by ear and see what happens.”
Rachel sighed. “I guess things will be a lot different for us now.”
“Are you sorry you came with us?”
“Oh, no, not at all. I’m grateful that you wanted me to join you. We both know what would have happened to me if I’d stayed. Miss Rivers would have sold me the first chance she got.”
“You don’t have to worry about anything like that ever again. You understand that I’m going to keep you safe, don’t you?”
Rachel clasped her hands together in her lap, and looked off toward the road. “You’ve never asked me anything about where I came from. Did Miss Rivers tell you about me?”
Sarah stared at Rachel’s profile and frowned. “No, she didn’t say anything to me.”
Rachel took a deep breath. “Then there’s something you’d better know.” She wiped at her eyes with the sleeve of her shirt. “My Ma worked in the rooms above the saloon before she died. I didn’t have no Pa to speak of and that’s why they sent me to live at the home.”
“Okay, I’m not sure what you want me to say.”
Rachel glanced over her shoulder at the boys and then lowered her voice even more. “I’m what they call a bastard, Sarah. No decent people want to have nothing to do with me.”
Sarah snorted, and then reached over and covered Rachel’s hands with one of her own. “That’s absurd, girl. It doesn’t matter who your parents were, what matters is what kind of person you are.” She smiled and put her hands back on the reins. “You seem like a pretty decent, God-fearing girl to me. I don’t think you have anything to worry about.”
“You really believe that, Miss Sarah? You think folks won’t care where I came from?”
“They won’t care because they won’t know. There’s no reason we have to tell everybody our business. We can be whoever we want and nobody will know the difference. Just wait, Rachel, we’re going to have a grand life, you’ll see.”
* * * *
“Excuse me. Is it too early to get breakfast in the dining room?” Ike watched the young hotel clerk continue to stare out the front window. “Is there something wrong?”
“No, I’m sorry.” The clerk pulled at his collar, clearing his throat. He fiddled with his shirt sleeve and then raised his gaze to Ike. “What can I help you with, sir?”
“You sure there’s nothing wrong? You look a little rattled.”
“It doesn’t make sense.”
Ike shook his head. “What doesn’t make sense, besides you?”
“You’ll think I’m crazy.”
“Well, you just let me be the judge of that. What’s eating at you, boy?”
“I was working the desk yesterday afternoon so I know what I saw.”
“You’re still not making any sense.”
“I could have sworn that I checked in two boys and three girls to room
two right before dinner.”
“Okay, so what’s the problem?”
“They just checked out and now there are five boys.” He sighed heavily and ran a shaking hand through his short hair. “I guess I must have been more tired than I thought last night.” He gave Ike a wide smile. “Was everything all right with your room?”
“Everything was fine. You didn’t happen to hear where that family of boys was heading, did you?”
“No, sir. But I know he made arrangements for a wagon and horses with the livery. They delivered them before six this morning. They might know where they’re heading.” He thought for a minute. “They also had a wagon load of supplies delivered including a big water barrel. I’d say that pretty much says they’re hitting the road for somewhere.”
“Thanks, I appreciate the information.” He threw a silver dollar onto the counter. “That’s for your trouble.”
“Didn’t you say something about wanting breakfast?”
Ike grinned. “No time, I’ve got me a mystery to solve.” He dropped his hat on his head and hurried toward the livery.
* * * *
“Sure, Mr. West, I remember selling the buckboard and mules.”
“Mules, he bought mules?”
“Sure, he was heading south to Big Springs and I figured the mules would make the trip easier.”
“You’re sure he’s heading to Big Springs?”
“Well, I can’t be one hundred percent sure, but he asked my advice on finding a small, friendly town that might have some farming opportunities. I thought about Big Springs right away.”
“How fast you figure they’ll travel?”
“Well, he didn’t have any experience with mules, so I’m guessing it’ll take them two or three days at least. Those mules have their own agenda sometimes, and it don’t always coincide with whoever’s behind the reins.”
Ike chuckled and had a brief vision of a pair of mules sitting by the creek, refusing to move. “I thank you for your help. Is my horse ready?” Ike had stopped in the night before and bought a black gelding. He hadn’t planned on buying a horse, but something about the proud beauty called to him.”
“Yes, sir. Blackie’s been groomed, fed, and watered. He’s ready to be saddled.” He walked over to the fence and pointed to a brown leather saddle. “They delivered this from the mercantile this morning and said it was yours. Do you want me to saddle Blackie for you?”
“No, I’d rather take care of that myself.” Ike walked over to the first stall and clicked softly to the horse. He pulled a piece of apple out of his pocket. He’d saved it from his dinner the night before. Holding out the treat, he smiled when the horse nibbled it off the palm of his hand. While he chewed, Ike rubbed the area between his eyes. “You and me are gonna get along just fine, aren’t we feller?” The horse looked well groomed, but he still went around checking each of his hooves. Once he was satisfied everything was good, he saddled the horse quickly. He’d been heading to Big Springs to meet up with his brother, Abe, anyway. He’d just make it a real leisurely trip so he could keep watch on the strange family. Something wasn’t right about them, and he was determined to find out what it was.
* * * *
“Whoa!” Sarah pulled back firmly on the reins. The mules brayed and reared against their traces but settled quickly. She pressed her palm against her aching back and shifted in the seat for the hundredth time in the past hour. Her eyes watered from all the dust the mules had been kicking up all day. “I’ve had as much of this hard seat as I can stand today.”
Daniel jumped to his feet. “There’s a stream over there through them trees.”
Sarah nodded. “Yes, I saw it. This looks like a good place to camp for the night. I know it’s a little early to stop, but we’re not on any kind of a schedule so it’ll be okay to take it easy.” She turned and looked at the three boys. “I want you to spread out and gather some firewood, but stay in sight. Don’t go wandering off and be careful where you put your hands. You don’t want to be making friends with any snakes or such.”
“You can count on us, Sarah.” Daniel jumped to the ground and turned back to help Jonathan and Zeke. All three took off for the tree line.
Sarah turned to Rachel. “You can help me pull some supplies from the wagon so we can heat some beans for dinner.” She put the brake on and jumped off the wagon, then turned and helped Rachel to the ground. “You have to admit these pants sure make getting on and off easier. You don’t have to worry about flashing your ankles to anybody.”
Rachel giggled.
Sarah quickly unhitched the mules and led them down to the water. She tied their leads to a tree leaving them enough slack to reach the water to drink. Giving the mules a final scratch behind the ear, she looked around while the boys gathered small bits of wood. There weren’t many trees, but they seemed to be finding what they needed for a fire.
She walked further down to get a look at the stream. She’d had a bath the night before, but planned on taking advantage of the cool water while they camped. She felt like she was carrying ten pounds of prairie dust on her body from riding behind the smelly mules all day. The dark water meandered along at a snail’s pace, large, smooth rocks breaking the surface. The banks consisted of dry, cracked mud and the pungent scent of wildflowers filled the air.
“Miss Sarah!” Daniel and Jonathan came running up. Daniel was carrying a long, slender stick. “Can I have your knife so I can sharpen this into a spear?”
“What on earth are you going to do with a spear?”
Daniel grinned, holding up the stick like a weapon. “I’m gonna get us some fish for dinner.”
Sarah gave a hesitant nod. “Uh, you really don’t have to do that. We’ve got some canned beans we can heat up easily for dinner.” She reached into the wagon and pulled out the knife she’d purchased.
Jonathan came forward and took the knife from her hand. “Don’t you bother none with them beans, Miss Sarah. Daniel is the bestest fish catcher in the whole world. We’ll eat his fish and save your beans for another day.”
Sarah shrugged. “Okay, but if you don’t catch any soon we’ll have to go with the beans. I want to have supper over and done so we can clean up and get to bed at a decent time. I want to get an early start tomorrow.”
Daniel grabbed the knife from Jonathan and both boys scurried off.
“Be careful around the water and watch out for your brother, Daniel.”
“Can I go, too, Sarah?” asked Zeke.
“Sure, Zeke, just be careful.” Sarah turned to Rachel. “Keep a sharp eye out. I’m going downstream a little ways to wash up. I want to get some of this trail dust off before I sleep tonight.” She grabbed a towel, bar of soap and one of the clean shirts she’d bought. “Take a couple of buckets of grain down to the mules. I’ll be close so just call out if you need anything.” She started toward the water.
“Sarah, wait.” Rachel grabbed the rifle and handed it to Sarah. “You should take this with you.”
“I’ve got the Horse pistol, why don’t you hang on to the rifle?”
“Okay, I’ll keep it handy.” She put the Sharps up over her shoulder. “You watch yourself, and be careful.”
“I will, don’t worry. That’s my job.” Whistling, Sarah went to take her bath.
* * * *
“Thank God, they’re finally stopping.” Ike stayed back, hidden among trees. He’d been trailing Samuel’s family for a good portion of the day. The slow riding was harder on him than an all-out gallop. As he watched, Samuel took off walking downstream carrying something in his hands. “Let’s just see what you’re up to.
Ike tied his horse loosely to a small bush where he had plenty of grass to munch. As long as he had feed, he shouldn’t wander off. He took off his hat, and left it draped on the horn of the saddle. Slowly, he followed along behind Samuel, staying hidden in the bushes and trees. He watched the boy lay out a towel and begin to unbutton his shirt. “Well, hell, he’s just taking a bath. I’ll just go do
wn and talk to him like I’m camping nearby. Without the kids around he might be willing to talk a little more freely.” He started to walk out in the open when Samuel pulled off his shirt.
“What the hell?” Ike stopped and stared. A huge white bandage curled around the boy’s chest. Had he been hurt? Shot maybe? He waited a minute, not wanting to intrude, and watched as Samuel started unwrapping the bandage. Suddenly, Ike broke out in a cold sweat. Samuel dropped the long, white material down by his shirt on the ground. He wasn’t covering any wound, he was hiding two, beautiful breasts. Samuel was a girl!
Not wanting to get caught, Ike slid back into the bushes and hunched down on the ground. Quietly, he watched the young woman prepare to take a bath. In no time at all, she’d stripped out of all her clothing and moved to the edge of the water. She had a beautiful body, long tapered legs with muscular thighs and dainty feet. Her full, round breasts were topped with strawberry-colored nipples that were standing at attention in the gentle breeze across the water. She reached up and pulled off the low, slung cowboy hat, tossing it on the ground behind her. Long, brown tresses tumbled halfway down her back.
Ike shifted his legs to ease the pressure behind the buttons of his pants. His breath caught as she walked carefully across the rocks into the stream.
“Oh, my, maybe this wasn’t such a good idea. This water is cold.”
Ike had no trouble hearing her as she moved slowly into deeper water. He began to feel a little guilty for spying on her and started to move back, when he saw the bar of soap she held in her hand. As he watched, she began to slowly glide the bar over her body, building up a foamy white lather of soap all over her skin. He bit back a groan when her hand ran the soap between her smooth, pale thighs. His eyes zeroed in on the patch of brown, curly hair at the apex.
Closing his eyes for a moment, Ike let his hand wander down to his pants and quickly unfastened the four buttons holding in his burgeoning erection. Three swift strokes of his own hand had him shooting his seed into the dusty grass, holding in his cries of release.
Martine, Missy - Star Wishes (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) Page 5
