Worry for his brothers plagued him. They should have caught up days ago. His outfit undoubtedly could use the help with the cattle. The men all worked hard. Harder than their share. There would be bonuses for them after they sold the cattle.
As he rode by a line of five graves, he grew solemn. It was a reminder that they were still in danger. The graves didn’t look to be particularly old. When he was younger, he’d make up stories in his head about how people ended up in their graves. There were so many ways to die out here, but he always had outlaws and shoot-outs in his stories.
Clouds rolled in, and he didn’t like the look of them. Dark and heavy with rain. Out here on the plains, there wasn’t anywhere to take shelter. He’d drop back and let Cookie know to set up the tarp and get a fire going before everything got soaked. He’d have a tent set up too. They seldom had much use for them, but it might keep Mae dry.
He turned the bay he rode and loped to the wagon.
“You see what I see?” Cookie asked.
“Yes, and the wind is whipping up. Let’s get the fire started and the tarp up.”
Cookie pulled the reins and stopped the horses. “I’ll take care of it. You’d best get those beeves settled.”
“I was hoping to put the tent up for Mae. I’ll do it when I get back.” He didn’t even get a glimpse of her. It would have made his day to have seen her smile.
He saw Shea and he nodded before he turned his paint. Shea knew the routine and rode for the far side of the cattle to let Hank and Jeb know it was time to prepare for a storm.
Griff did the work of two men, and he didn’t require to be told either. He tipped his hat as Rafferty rode to the O’Reilly Brothers, who were riding flank. Most men hated being in the rear with the constant dust in the air, but they never complained.
“Remember, stay out of the path of stampeding cattle!” he yelled to Seamus.
“We’ll do just fine,” Seamus assured him.
Donald was farther behind the cattle than usual.
“What’s the hold up?” Rafferty asked as he slowed his horse to the same step of Donald’s horse.
“I held up when I spotted the clouds. I want to see where the cattle settle before I decide where to settle the horses. I always keep them well behind, but I need to be sure if the cattle turn the horses aren’t in the way. Let the men know to change horses more often in the storm. I know which ones will hold up best.”
“I’m glad you’re with us on this trip, Donald.”
Donald smiled. “I needed a bit of space from Angus and Julian. I was sweet on her.”
Rafferty nodded. “I understand. How’s that horse of Mae’s?”
“She’s one of the best horses I’ve seen in a long while. She’ll be fine for Mae.”
A big drop of rain splatted on Rafferty’s hat. “See you in a while. Be sure to come in for hot coffee and food.”
Rafferty rode just a hair quicker than the cattle. Anything could set them off. A flash of lighting streaked across the sky, and he could see their uneasiness in its flash. He turned his bay and established a decent distance between him and the cattle before he spurred on. He needed to get in front of the cattle. Once he was ahead, he cut over and helped Shea and Phil slow and stop the herd. It helped that they were hungry.
“We can hold them, Rafferty. You might as well go on and check on your gal.” Shea chuckled.
Rafferty shook his head and rode away.
The rain fairly poured, and Mae held on to the pole holding the tarp for dear life. It threatened to whip out her hands, but she refused to be responsible for the fire going out.
“Hold on one more minute while I set the coffee up and the beans to cook!” Cookie yelled above the wind.
She gritted her teeth and nodded. The wind was growing stronger, and she was apprehensive she’d fly away with it. The next thing she knew Rafferty was behind her, attaching the tarp and staking it down. He grabbed her hand and pulled her under the shelter.
“What happened to your hand?” he asked.
Looking down, she saw a long cut along her palm. “I don’t remember feeling it.”
Rafferty went to the back of the wagon and returned with a bandage. He was gentle as he tied it around her hand.
“Thank you. This is working up to be a nasty storm.” Her wet hair kept flying in her face.
“It sure is. I was going to put the tent up for you, but it’ll blow down. Stay as dry as you can. The men will be in and out getting food, and a few might wring the water from their clothes. I just wanted to warn you so you can turn your back. You’re far enough away from the cattle that I think you’ll be safe enough.”
Thunder drowned out his last few words. “We’ll be fine,” she assured him.
He stared at her intently before he nodded. “I know you will. You need to think of a name for your mare. Donald said she’s one of the best.”
Her face heated at his perusal. “It’ll be nice to ride.” Lightning struck the ground close to them, and she jumped, bumping into Rafferty. His arms instantly went around her. It amazed her how much comfort she drew from having arms wrapped around her.
“You’re shivering. I wish I had extra clothes for you.”
“She can wear one of your shirts,” Cookie replied. “It would be almost as long as a dress and she wears trousers under her dress anyhow.”
Her entire body was probably red. Cookie didn’t need to tell anyone her business. Before anyone could say another word, she scrambled up into the wagon.
“There’s a crate sittin’ two crates over from where your head is. There are a few shirts in it. Clean too!”
Laughter! They were laughing at her. How embarrassing. She was all for propriety, but her dress was soaked and heavy. She peered around. No one was looking. Hurriedly she had her dress off and a long-sleeved button-up shirt on. If only she could hide, but Cookie would require her help to feed everyone.
She crawled out and her one hope of Rafferty being gone was dashed. He took her hand and helped her down.
“I’ll be, it is certainly long on you. I never realized just how tiny you are.”
Putting her hands on her hips, she gave him her best glare. “I might be small, but I’m mighty.”
Rafferty put his hands up in surrender. “I already see you’re mighty. I must go back out there. Try to stay dry.” His grin warmed her.
It grew darker and the rain lessened, but the thunder and lightning could still be heard and seen. Mae’s eyes grew wide when she heard a familiar sound as the ground under her feet quaked.
“Get under the wagon!” Cookie yelled in a panic. He must have expected her to obey him. He went around to the other side of the wagon.
Fear filled her, and she couldn’t move. Suddenly she was able to run. She shot and ran west. The farther away from the gruesome cattle, the better. She ran through the tall grass until she had a stitch in her side, and it was hard to take a full breath.
Would she be left again? Would everything be plowed under the cattle hooves? What if it was just like before? Every part of her shook, and it wouldn’t stop. Squatting, she covered her ears and sobbed. She was all kinds of coward, but she couldn’t bring herself to even look in the direction she’d just run from. Even with her ears covered she heard shots coming from long guns. What was happening? She needed to know, but fear paralyzed her.
Finally, she stood and looked behind her. There was suddenly an eerie silence. Was she the only one alive? It was so dark as she stared toward camp. Was that a voice? Straining, she tried to hear, but it was gone. Would she be greeted by Indians? Maybe it was cattle rustlers. Neither boded well for her. Swallowing hard, she stared up to the heavens.
Lord, help me. I have to see if they need help, but I can barely get my feet to move. Walk with me and stay close, please. I need You. Thank You.
Her deep breath was all she had to fortify herself before she walked back. Even with God walking with her, she was frightened. Had she really run this far? If only the clouds
would allow the moon to shine down. A few big gusts of strong winds hit her, and miraculously the clouds left the sky.
Tears shimmered; the wagon still stood. With a cry, she ran toward it. A horse and rider descended upon her, and she was scooped up into powerful arms. She knew by his scent it was Rafferty. She slumped against him. It was a brief ride and she wished it longer. He made her feel safe and almost cherished.
Shea took her from Rafferty’s arms, sporting a big frown. “We thought you dead.”
“I… I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to run, I just did.”
Rafferty swung down and helped her to sit. “We’re trying to revive the fire.”
“Glad to see you in one piece,” Cookie commented with more than a little emotion in his voice.
“God was with me every step.”
“He must have been, Mae. I’m glad of that. Imagine my terror when you weren’t under the wagon,” Cookie said as he handed her a cup of water.
“I’m sorry, Cookie. Something in me said run, and I did. I’m a coward.” She hung her head.
Rafferty sat next to her and placed his hand under her chin, lifting her head back up. “You are by no means a coward. After what happened to your father, you had enough sense to save yourself.”
“What about the rest of the outfit? Is everyone fine?”
Shea nodded. “We were able to turn them by shooting our rifles. We’ll end up devoting the morning to rounding them all up. Well it’s late, since the fire has been started and the coffee is on, I’ll start relieving the men.”
“Not both O’Reilly brothers at the same time. Their songs are soothing. Shea, start in the front and I’ll start relieving the men in the back. Mae, I want you in bed. Tomorrow is going to be a long day.”
With arms folded, she glowered. “I could help now.”
“Who is in charge here?” Rafferty asked.
“You are,” she responded in an almost whisper.
He smiled. “Good night.”
With his help, she could sit at the back of the wagon and take her muddy boots off before she climbed in. It was a good thing she found out how bossy he was; she was falling for him.
He’d been right all along. A woman did not belong on a cattle drive. It had seemed as though his heart had stopped when he discovered her missing last night. He’d been prepared to ride out until he found her. If he found her at all. He was responsible.
He rode to the back of the herd to the remuda. Donald Dill was talking in a low voice to the horses. Donald had been on the ranch since they were both kids, for as long as Rafferty could recall.
“Any casualties?” Donald asked.
“No. Mae ran off for a bit, but she’s back and sleeping now.”
“I can’t imagine how she felt when the cattle stampeded. I’m glad she’s safe. Here to let me get some chow by any chance?” Donald grinned.
“That’s exactly why I’m here. Don’t rush on my account.” He watched Donald ride a wide swath from any of the animals. Frank’s softly crooning voice could be heard in the distance. Many of his songs were of pride for his country, but every once in a while, the English weren’t painted in a very good light.
He didn’t have a choice, Rafferty decided. He had to take Mae with them. He didn’t dare leave her on her own anywhere. Maybe someone in Abilene would take her in. He’d make sure she was safe. There was no longer any sense pretending she was lame. He’d see about getting her on her horse soon.
He smiled at her trousers. He’d seen women in trousers before. His sister-in-law Julian had pretended to be a boy at first. He smiled as he thought of Angus. His brother had been acting happier these last months. His wife had sure tamed the wild beast inside him.
Abruptly, Rafferty felt left out. Most of his brothers were married and all they talked about was their wives and children. He could remember when they talked about the prettiest girl in town, not that they ever agreed who that was. He had to admit he wasn’t the best of uncles. He played with all of them, but as far as names went, he was hopeless. They expected it from him now, and the children thought it to be funny.
The air grew still, and a blissful calm could be felt. It was nice to take a deep breath after the last couple of hours they’d had. If it stayed calm till morning, he’d be happy. Thrilled.
Cookie seemed taken with his new helper. She smiled a lot when she was with him. Imagine holding on to a tarp that had sliced your hand just so we could build a fire. She sure had grit. At the same time, she’d been through so much it compelled him to reach out to offer comfort. If nothing else turned up, he’d take her home. He’d know for sure she was safe.
Chapter Seven
Mud, mud, mud everywhere. It tried to suck her boots in. Walking was a chore, and they hadn’t even left yet. Mae busied herself by trying to lay some wet blankets on the wagon canvas to dry in the sun. Too many would make the whole thing collapse.
Shea had ridden in and informed them they wouldn’t leave for at least a few hours. Mae took the time and made batches of biscuits. She even helped create an apple cobbler. It smelled so good; she didn’t want to wait until supper.
Phil rode back carrying three rabbits with him. Her mouth watered. Something to eat beside beans.
“This is a true treat, Mr. Barker,” Mae said with a smile.
“Call me Phil. I can help you skin them if you like.” He was just about to swing down when Cookie stood in front of her.
“I’ll show her. It’s my kitchen.” Was Cookie glaring?
“I’ll look forward to supper.” Phil tipped his hat and rode out again.
Cookie took the rabbits from her, grumbling under his breath.
“Don’t you like him?”
Cookie shook his head. “Not where you’re concerned. Some men can’t be trusted with a pretty lady, and he’s one of them. He’s one who will whisper sweet words to a gal and then after he gets what he wants, he leaves. He’s a good man to have on your side in a fight, though.”
“Oh.” What were sweet words? Did Cookie really think her pretty? “I can skin those.”
“I can do it. My kitchen, remember?” He chuckled.
She pulled the apple cobbler from the fire and set it on the tailgate to cool. Her biscuits filled two baskets.
“You sure been busy!” Cookie praised.
“It feels good to do something for all of you. We’ll probably pull out shortly.”
She turned and she widened her eyes. Donald was leading her horse to her.
“I thought you two should get acquainted before you attempt to ride her,” Donald suggested.
“She sure is pretty. She’s lighter brown than a bay.”
“I like that she’s spotted. It makes her different,” Donald told her. “She’s gentle and thoroughly trained.”
Mae drew close enough to touch the horse, while the horse smelled her. “I’m going to name her Prairie.”
Donald grinned. “A fitting name. I don’t have a side saddle.”
“I don’t even know how to use a side saddle. When can I ride her?”
“Rafferty is trail boss, it’s up to him. You’re welcome to visit her anytime as long as Cookie knows where you are.”
Her breath caught. Was he chastising her? “Of course, thank you.”
Rafferty rode up. “No riding yet.”
She wanted to sigh loudly, but she nodded instead. “Donald already told me I’d have to ask you. Are the cattle rounded up?”
Rafferty nodded. “Cookie, can you be ready to go in half an hour?”
“You know me, I’m always ready. Half hour it is.”
Rafferty swung down from Maverick. The poor horse was more muddy brown than his normal white. Rafferty walked closer to the wagon. “Is that apple cobbler I smell?” He grinned.
“Maybe you’ll find out after supper,” Mae told him.
“You are a hard woman, Mae. It’ll be all I hope for.” His grin spread wider. “Let’s get things packing.”
They needed help to get th
e wagon out of the mud, but with a few good pushes by the men, they were on their way.
The sun was bright and there wasn’t a cloud to be seen. Mae rotated all the blankets, putting some out to dry hanging on the tailgate. She’d offered to dry the men’s clothes while they changed into something dry. They smiled and declined. They said their clothes would dry on them.
She also picked up cow chips for the fire. Occasionally she’d run across a few buffalo chips, but not many. She’d heard that wealthy men came and wiped out the buffalo for fun. What a waste. Didn’t they think about the people who relied upon the buffalo to eat? She already knew the answer. Those men would have to answer to God for their supposed fun.
The smell of the cow chips wasn’t pleasant, but they’d dried quickly and would be usable when they stopped. Cookie had mumbled something about staying at the next creek for the night. He didn’t mention how far, but they were moving slower than ever. Rafferty wanted the cattle nice and calm. What was Abilene like? She’d easily find a job. She’d found jobs in most towns her father had taken her to. More than likely she’d be taking in laundry. It was hard work, but it was respectable work. It took a toll on her hands, though. But she’d be just fine. The fact that she’d be on her own scared her, but she’d act courageous when the men left.
How much would she be paid at the end of the drive? Rafferty said he’d pay her wages, but he never disclosed how much. Enough so she could live in a dry place for a couple weeks until she could find something more permanent? She had never known where she would end up seeing as Pa had wandered from place to place, but it looked as though Kansas would be her new state.
“Mae, get in the wagon. The cattle can smell the creek and will run by us any moment now!” Cookie yelled.
Before she even caught up to the wagon, she was swooped up and placed in the front, next to Cookie. She knew it wasn’t Rafferty. He’d always smelled pleasant. Turning her head, she was surprised to see Phil smiling at her.
Rafferty: Cowboy Trail Boss: Christian Historical Western Romance (The Kavanagh Brothers Book 9) Page 4