Wagon Train Melody

Chapter 11

CHAPTER 11

R udy heard Alice’s quickly indrawn breath as she looked behind them. His heart jolted. Had Big Al caught up to him? If so, he would have to put the girls in the back and race the horses for all their might. They couldn’t be far from the fort. Maybe they’d encounter some Mounties out on patrol. The thoughts raced through his head as he jerked around. He saw what had alarmed Alice and chuckled.

“It’s only a cow moose.”

“It is?” She shot him a look of disbelief then squinted at the animal. “It is. I thought….”

“No need to say it. I’m afraid it’s a constant risk. One I wish I wasn’t responsible for. I’d ride away except….” He let the words trail off. Except they needed him. And he liked being needed. How selfish was that? But they did need him and that’s what counted.

She shifted forward and arranged Kitty who’d been disturbed by Alice’s movements. “We’ll soon be at the fort, and you’ll be free to ride away as far as you want. In the meantime, I’m grateful for your help although I know it slows you down to stay with us.”

“So, you’ve said before. Alice, but no one is making me stay. I’m here because I choose to be.”

She turned to meet his gaze. “I think you’re here because your conscience won’t allow you to leave us on our own.”

“I suppose that’s part of it.” How could he make her understand it was more than that? Especially when he didn’t understand himself? He’d never felt this way before. Sure, he did his share on a cattle drive. He’d helped the men he worked with on the various ranches where he’d found employment. Even living in Skunk Hollow he’d shoveled snow from the paths of two widow women. But it wasn’t the same.

And he didn’t know what was different.

He glanced at Sissy, pressed to his left side. The child was happy just to be with him.

He looked down at Kitty, curled up on Alice’s lap. She seemed to find comfort from his presence.

Bo sat in the back, watching the trail behind. He liked the boy.

Raising his gaze, he looked at Alice. He felt something he’d never felt before. A sense of…he didn’t even have a word for it.

He shook his head. Once they reached the fort, they’d have no more need of him, and he could go about his business. Whatever that was. He’d ridden from Fort Benton without a plan in his head except to avoid Big Al. But then, he didn’t need a plan. Never had. He simply followed whatever opportunity presented itself. It had always worked for him in the past. He expected it would continue to work for him. After all, he wasn’t the sort to put down roots.

With that settled in his mind, he turned his attention back to guiding the horses.

That night they camped on a knoll with little protection. Buffalo chips provided the only fuel they could find. He had to give Alice credit. She didn’t complain.

Kitty’s earache had subsided, and she and Sissy chased each other around the wagon.

Bo stomped the ground and made sure there were no snakes then helped Rudy take care of the animals. They were forced to give them water from the barrel. The chores done, Rudy lay back on his elbows and watched Alice preparing food for supper tonight and for the noon meal tomorrow.

He knew her supplies were quickly dwindling. After all, she hadn’t expected to be feeding a man. If they didn’t reach the fort within a day, he’d go hunting. Fresh meat would be a treat for all of them.

Alice grew aware of his study of her, and her hands stilled. She turned slowly to look at him. She smoothed her skirt and brushed her hand over her hair. “I must look a mess.”

He sat up. “You look just fine. The wind teases your hair.” As if to verify his words, strands blew across her face, and she brushed them back. “I was just thinking how your hair seems to catch bits of sunlight.” Oh, glory. When had he ever spoken such fanciful words?

Never.

Her eyes widened, full of shock. Or maybe surprise. And then she chuckled. “Next you’ll be telling me you found bits of gold tucked away in my hair.”

He twirled a blade of grass in his fingers, a little hurt at her reaction. “Some women would have been flattered by my comment.”

She shrugged. “I figured you were teasing.” She turned back to stirring the pot of soup she made. With undue vigor, he thought.

“Are you always so dismissive of a man’s compliments?”

She kept her back to him a moment then turned slowly. “Seems that a man only gives compliments if he wants something.”

“Alice, you have a poor opinion of men.”

“No, I don’t. My father was a very nice man. So was John.”

“But?”

“Well, if you must know, I’ve found too many men are selfish. Not that I blame them overly much. I mean, who would want to take on a woman with a younger brother and two little nieces to raise?” She dug into the supply box, making a great deal of noise.

“Maybe there are some who would consider it an honor.” He knew she made too much racket to hear him. He sprang to his feet and strode away. He didn’t know how far he would have gone if Sissy and Kitty hadn’t chased after him and Bo hurried to walk at his side.

Seems they liked him more than she did.

Pushing the idea from his head, he listened to Bo’s talk and took turns swinging the girls into the air.

Alice hadn’t meant to offend Rudy. She’d heard him say some men might consider it an honor to help raise her family. But he hadn’t included himself in that comment. Not that she expected him to. After all, he had two counts against him as marriage material. First, he was on the run from a murderer. And if that wasn’t enough, he was not a man who wanted home. No, she was clear on that matter. He hadn’t come right out and said so, but she understood he would always be seeking his next big adventure.

She finished preparing the meal and called them in. As usual, they clasped hands. It was her turn to offer the blessing. She swallowed hard. There was much on her mind. Not the least, forbidden longings for someone to share this task with her.

What was she thinking? There was Clint. He’d help her.

She spoke softly and quickly, not letting her feelings dictate her words. “Dear God, thank You for getting us safely this far. Thank You for the food. Amen.”

“You should’ve thanked God for Mr. Rudy.” Sissy sounded annoyed at what she perceived to be Alice’s failure in the matter.

Kitty nodded vigorously. “He helping us.”

Even Bo studied her a moment. “They’re right.” And then, as if afraid of offending his sister, he turned his attention to his food.

Alice could not look at Rudy. Of course, she knew she owed him thanks. But she was doing her best to put distance between them. At least in her thoughts. “I’m grateful,” she murmured, keeping her eyes downturned.

He grunted then chuckled at something Kitty did.

She looked up to see the little girl pressing to his side, smiling up at him with such adoration that it hurt Alice’s heart. The children had suffered so much loss. Growing so fond of Rudy would lead to another painful parting. But she didn’t know what she could do about it until they reached the fort. And then it would be out of her hands. They’d begin a new life with Clint and Rudy would….

She shrugged. He’d have to keep running or face a man that she sensed would not hesitate to kill him.

It was easier to think of Rudy forever leaving their lives.

Her thoughts tangled and twisted until it was all she could do not to moan.

Thankfully, they all went to bed early that night.

Alice lay on her quilt and stared into the gray light. Lord, give me strength and wisdom to keep my head and heart focused on what I must do.

And that was to provide a home for the children.

The next day, the fort came into sight. An answer to her desperate prayer the night before. Now she’d begin her new life. Rudy would go on with his.

At least if Big Al didn’t find him. She looked back and studied the horizon for any sign of the man even though Rudy had recently checked.

“I don’t understand why he hasn’t caught up,” she murmured, not wanting the children to hear as they played in the back and Bo walked beside the wagon.

Rudy shrugged. “I might have left a trail that was hard to follow. I headed south along a well-traveled road to begin with. He may have assumed I was on my way to New Mexico or further.”

She nodded. “So, he might never catch up to you. Maybe he’ll forget about it.”

“Big Al is not the forgiving or forgetting type.”

“That means you might spend the rest of your life looking over your shoulder.” Just thinking of it sent shudders up and down her spine. What sort of life was that for anyone? Certainly not the kind that was conducive to peaceful family life.

“Big Al isn’t stupid. When he doesn’t see any sign of me and no one has seen me and my golden horse, he’ll realize what I’ve done.”

“Maybe you should sell that horse.” She sniffed. “Like you said, it’s hard to hide him. Get a brown or black animal that is like most others.”

He grinned at her. “I’ve thought of it, but King is mine.” His eyes held hers in a contemplating way. “It sounds as if you’d like me to stop running.”

She jerked her attention straight ahead. “Won’t you get tired of it?” She glanced out the corner of her eyes to see his reaction.

“There’s a lot of country to disappear into.” His tone suggested it was the answer for him.

Alice fell into silence as they drew closer to the fort. She breathed slowly and deeply, filling her whole being with resolve. She knew what she must do. She would do what was best for them all.

She’d start a new life here. Rudy would continue running. She suspected that even if he didn’t have to stay ahead of Big Al, he would be moving on. It was his way and he’d not once given her a reason to believe it would be otherwise. Her growing feelings for him were her own problem.

“We’ll soon be there.” He sounded relieved.

“And you can leave us.” She forced her words to be steady. Then Kitty and Sissy pressed to her back, anxious and curious about the town ahead of them and she said nothing further on the subject.

Not that there was anything more to say. All that was left to do was forget about him.

She knew she would never be able to do that.

But surely, he would become only a pleasant memory.

As they headed for the fort itself, they passed houses and places of business that constituted the town. Alice studied them carefully. From what Clint had told her, she knew his house was situated there and wondered which one was his.

They went directly to the fort. A guard waved them forward, asked their business, then directed them to the office of the Mountie in charge.

A red-coated man stepped from the doorway at their approach and asked how he could help them.

Rudy jumped down to address the Mountie. “I have a crime to report.” Then he turned to Alice. “And this is Miss Easton. She wishes to be directed to her brother’s home. Clint Easton.”

The sergeant signaled to a young man walking by. “Do you know which house belongs to Mr. Easton?”

The man nodded.

The sergeant made introductions. “Joe works for the Mounties. He’ll show you to the house. You—” He signaled to Rudy. “Come into my office.”

Alice bit back a protest. This was it? How they’d part? Shouldn’t it be a bigger event? After all…

She drew in a steadying breath. Now or later. In the end, it was all the same.

Rudy turned to Alice. “I’ll be along shortly.”

Her lungs expanded and filled with air. So much for persuading herself it didn’t matter.

She nodded as Joe took the reins and drove the wagon from the fort, past several businesses, and down a side street. He pulled up in front of a house and jumped down. “This is it, ma’am.”

Alice saw a simple, one-story house that had windows overlooking the street. The big yard showed signs of neglect. She couldn’t tell the size of the abode from where she was, but it would be their home, and they’d make the best of it.

She didn’t wait for Joe’s help in alighting but climbed down and rushed to the door. She knocked. No answer. Should she walk in? After all, this was to be her home.

She knocked again.

Joe sidled closer. “Clint isn’t going to answer. He’s gone.”

“Gone? Oh of course. He’ll be about his work. When should I expect him to return?”

“He left. Gone looking for gold. I ain’t expectin’ him back any time soon.” He swallowed hard. “If ever.”

Gone?

Her heart stalled. If Clint wasn’t there, she was on her own.

Not a muscle in her body heard or obeyed a non-existent command. Not a thought surfaced in her brain.

This was not what she’d expected.

What was she going to do?