“Thank you.” She deliberately didn’t smile. He’d been around her a little too much lately for her liking.
“My pleasure.” He smirked and tipped his hat to her before he rode toward the cattle.
She shuddered.
“I’m glad you feel that way,” Cookie replied. “Like I said, don’t trust him and never be alone with him.”
“I know, otherwise he’s good to have on a cattle drive.” She chuckled.
“Using my words against me as a joke. I like you Mae, I surely do.”
Rafferty rode by her side. “We might as well cross the creek today. It’s lower than the last time I was through here.”
“Will do,” Cookie replied before Rafferty rode off.
“Nothing to worry about. Even when it’s running high, it’s nothing we can’t handle.”
Mae nodded, but she wasn’t a fan of crossing water. “What creek is this one?”
“This is Elk Creek. Go on and get in the back. I don’t want you to be thrown to the ground as we cross. It’s a simple crossing but rocky.”
She scrambled to the back and held on. He wasn’t joking about it being rocky. If she hadn’t been holding on, she’d have been thrown from one side of the wagon to the other. She’d have bruises and scrapes. Crates fell and boxes slid. Next time she’d have to be sure they tied everything down.
Finally, she felt them going upward on the bank. They’d crossed, and the wagon stopped soon after.
Her body ached a bit as she stood and moved things out of her way as she made it to the back. She turned and climbed down but was picked up in the air before her foot hit the ground.
“Don’t worry, it’s not Phil.” She knew it was Shea from his voice. He set her down.
“Thank you.”
“I noticed he’s been trying to stake a claim on you.” He stared at her.
“What?” Her eyes widened, and she pressed a hand to her chest in shock. “I can’t have that happen.”
Shea laughed. “Raffety would have a fit.”
“How much longer until we get to Abilene?” She hoped to change the conversation.
“Pretty far yet.” He tipped his hat. “I have things to do. I’ll see you at supper.”
Chapter Eight
Shea and Mae looked cozy. Rafferty frowned. He’d thought Phil and Mae looked the same earlier. What was she playing at? He needed this cattle drive to run smoothly, and a woman who behaved… womanly… could cause it to fall apart.
He made the rounds and praised each of the men except Shea. He practically growled at him.
Shea put his hands in the air in surrender. “I wasn’t stepping on your toes. I was trying to keep Phil from troubling her.”
Rafferty took his hat off and drove his fingers through his hair. “Not sure what to do about that.”
“She’s not interested in him.”
“I know, but I don’t trust him where women are involved. We need him. I must find a means to keep him away from her.”
“We’ll be out of Indian Territory in a few weeks. There’s bound to be a town you can drop her at.”
Rafferty put his hat back on and nodded before he rode on. That wasn’t happening. He’d need to know she was safe and leaving her off wouldn’t do it. He’d tell her to put her dress back on too. She was tempting.
He stopped at the wagon and swung down. Cookie was stirring something over the fire and he heard things being moved around inside. He stepped to the back but didn’t look in.
“Mae, I require you to wear your dress from now on.”
“No problem.”
“You’re drawing the wrong attention in your revealing clothing,” he added.
She climbed out of the wagon with her dress on. “I said no problem, boss. It’s not as though I have many options in what to put on and you instructed me to put on the shirt and trousers.” She turned and eyed him. “Do you really think I want attention from the men?”
The pain in her eyes hit him in his heart. Had he been so unfair in wanting her to wear her dress? “I just don’t want trouble.”
“Fine.” She walked by him and stopped at the fire next to Cookie.
Why was she acting like a brat? He’d never taken her for a spoiled female before. He shook his head.
“That smells great, Cookie,” he added when he neared the fire.
“Rabbit stew, and we have apple cobbler too.” Cookie smiled.
“I’ll set up the tent for you, Mae. It’ll allow you more room than the wagon.” He promptly strode away when she opened her mouth. She’d be secure in the tent. The camp was guarded.
He felt the heat from her body when she stood next to him. “Why the tent? What if they stampede and I can’t get out in time? I appreciate you looking after my comfort, but I’d rather sleep in the wagon.”
He hadn’t given his plan much thought. “You’re right. I just assumed you’d enjoy more privacy.” He wanted her away from Phil, that was why his plan was so hasty. Cookie would keep her close. “I need to think about safety first.”
She grinned. “It seems to me you usually do. Ready to eat?”
The rabbit stew was delicious, but it was the apple cobbler that put a bit of happiness in his heart. It reminded him of home. His happiness diminished. Where were his brothers? He couldn’t shake the feeling something was amiss.
The meal seemed to boost everyone’s mood. She felt as proud as Cookie when the men gave him compliments. He told them she’d prepared the cobbler. All would have been ideal if she didn’t have two men staring at her. Both Phil and Rafferty eyed her, and it was discomforting. She quickly finished washing up and said good night to Cookie. She hated for anyone to think poorly of her. Tomorrow would be better. She’d be certain to stay away from Phil. Maybe she should find a way to tell Phil to stay away from her.
After she pulled a makeshift night gown on, she blew out the lamp and settled in her cramped but cozy spot.
The jarring of someone coming into the wagon jostled her and she sat up, a screech on her lips. Why didn’t she have her gun?
“Just what was that?” Rafferty’s voice was full of accusations.
She shivered in the dark. “What are you talking about? And it’s not appropriate for you to be in here!” Hopefully, her raised voice would make him back away.
No such luck.
“You put on quite the show tonight.”
“Rafferty, could we talk about this tomorrow? I’m tired.”
“We will talk about this now!”
This was getting them nowhere and he scared her as he got closer with each sentence. She grabbed her blanket, stood and clambered out the front of the wagon.
“The front wasn’t cinched?” Rafferty roared.
Thankfully, there weren’t many men around when she dropped to the ground. She draped the blanket around her and then stared into the fire. Why was he acting this way? What had she done wrong?
Rafferty jumped out the back. “Come with me. We need to talk.”
Refusing wasn’t an option, and her shoulders slumped as she followed him to the other side of the wagon.
“I don’t understand,” she whispered. Her eyes filled with tears.
“Did you notice he was there watching?”
Her head hurt. What was he talking about? “He?”
“When you changed into your night clothes, you cast a very detailed shadow against the canvas.”
She backed up to the wagon and slid to the ground. Shame filled her. “I had the kerosene lamp on… How could I be so foolish? I know better.” Tears fell down her face. What must they all think of her? “Who watched me?”
“Phil and I were deciding how far to travel tomorrow. If anyone saw you from the other side, I don’t know. Are you trying to trap him into marrying you? I thought you didn’t trust him. Honestly, I don’t know what game you’re playing.” His voice was harsh.
“I rearranged things in the wagon after we crossed the river. Crates and supplies fell on me, and I have brui
ses, so… Well I wasn’t sure where everything was. I never needed the light before, and I…” she responded shakily. “I didn’t, I forgot, oh I’m a shameful woman.” Her body trembled, and she couldn’t make it stop.
“I didn’t say you were shameful,” he said, gentling his tone.
“Why didn’t you yell for her to turn off the lantern?” Cookie asked from his bed under the wagon.
“I had my back to the wagon until I noticed the look in Phil’s eyes.”
“Seems to me what’s done is done and best forgotten. There was no harm meant. Goodnight Mae,” Cookie said before he rolled over.
Rafferty was certain to send her away. Maybe she needed to find a husband, or maybe not. Oh, she didn’t know what she wanted.
Rafferty cupped her shoulders in his hands and helped her to stand. He immediately stepped back, and her body was colder than ever.
“Cookie is right. Good night. Oh, I want the front of the canvas cinched tight. It’s for your own protection.” He sounded almost contrite, but not quite.
“G-good night,” she stammered before she scurried to the back and scampered inside the wagon. She cinched the front. She’d need to ask Cookie to do it tomorrow. She couldn’t pull it tight enough. Then she sat for a long while. She’d never been in such a situation before. Would all the men think badly of her now? She wasn’t a good woman anymore, was she? Rafferty had been so angry. He probably still was. He must not think much of her if he thought she’d done it on purpose. She’d thought they were friends, but nothing was what it seemed. Everyone is out for what they can get. Her father had drilled it into her, though she hadn’t believed him. She must stay near Cookie. She couldn’t get into trouble being with Cookie.
Chapter Nine
It had been awkward at breakfast. Between Rafferty and Mae, it had been much more than awkward. He’d tossed and turned all night and still he didn’t think he’d been too harsh on her. Why, if she’d been his he’d… she wasn’t his. He should have talked privately about the kerosene lamp and cinched the canvas for her. But he hadn’t done either, and now all he could see were her sad puffy eyes. She avoided everyone but Cookie, from what he could see, just nodding good morning instead of her usual smiling greeting.
Everyone seemed to know what had taken place and Phil had the nerve to grin at him. Rafferty couldn’t act like an over the top trail boss on the outfit. He’d have to work on his anger himself. He’d prayed like his brother, Angus told him. They all went to church but more likely than not Rafferty wasn’t paying much attention. He’d find a quiet place today to pray.
“Listen up. We’ll go at our normal pace and should make it to Cash Creek. Griff saw a few prints from moccasins up the creek. So, keep your eyes open. We’ll still be in Indian Territory for a few more weeks. We’ve had an easy time of it so far. We can’t be certain who or what is ahead of us. Everyone carries their pistol. You have yours, Mae?”
She nodded.
“Good. Dress like a boy, I know it’s opposite of what I said yesterday but I’ve thought about it. Women, horses, and cattle seem to go missing near Cash Creek. Until we’re out of the Indian Territory, Cookie, wipe her down with mud. We don’t want them taking a second look. I realize most of you have been in skirmishes with the Indians before, and you know to look and listen. Let’s get going.”
Rafferty watched while the men all stood and walked to grab their horses.
“That was a mighty good speech,” Cookie said with a nod. “Couldn’t have done better myself.”
Rafferty turned to hide his grin, and his gaze met Mae’s. Her eyes were full of humor and she had her hand over her mouth. He’d have to think of some way to make things right with her. He’d missed her all night long. He’d missed knowing she was his friend. It was a dreadful, lonely feeling. He’d add that to his prayers, too. He mounted Maverick and rode off.
The grass became sparser the farther he rode on. Hopefully, this would be the worst it got. He turned Maverick up behind an outcrop of boulders, so he was above them. There, he stopped and turned his face to the sun. Blowing out a long, slow breath, he took off his hat.
Lord, thank You for getting us this far safely. Being responsible for everybody is not as easy as it looks. I need to keep my feelings to myself, especially my anger. Lord, I can’t allow the men to think I’m weak or jealous. I’m hoping You can help me with that. I also need guidance. There’s a woman, Mae, and I can’t seem to do anything right where she’s concerned. Every time I figure out a plan for her, it ends up not the right plan. I lit into her and embarrassed the both of us. It was just a mistake on her part, but I jumped on it and made it out to be something shameful. I told her she had to dress properly, then I just told her to dress like a boy. I need help keeping her safe. It just occurred to me that my plan might not be Your plan. I’ve been away from You, God. I prayed during the war, wanting everybody to come home safe and I never gave You the thanks and praise You deserve. Thank You, Lord. As far as Mae is concerned if You could show me the way. I’m not sure what to do with her. You’ll be hearing from me a lot, and I apologize for my absence. Thank You again.
He brushed his hair back with his fingers before he placed his hat back on. His burdens felt lighter, and a wonderful feeling took root in his heart, one he hadn’t felt in a very long time. Angus was right; it was easier to talk to God than to plant a fist in someone’s face.
“Come on Maverick, we have a cattle drive to tend to.”
Mae sputtered and tried to step backward. “Cookie, I think that’s more than enough mud on my face. I can taste it!”
“Of course, you can. I’m doing a right good job of making you dirty. Now grab that roll of bandages and into the wagon with you.”
“Roll of bandages? I’m not hurt.”
Cookie’s face turned flaming crimson. “How can I explain this without saying the wrong thing? Well you see with trousers you look like a boy but there are other places where you look too much like a woman. What I mean is… I don’t know what I mean. Never mind.”
Mud oozed into her mouth as she bit her bottom lip. “I understand, Cookie. It never occurred to me, but I know what you are trying to say. I’ll be right back.” She tried not to smile, and she ended up tasting more mud. Cookie couldn’t be in charge of the mud again. She went up into the wagon and wrapped the roll of cloth around her top, but she couldn’t breathe. She unrolled and then re-wrapped the cloth and nodded to herself. After tucking her hair up into her hat, she climbed up front.
“Let’s get going.”
Cookie looked relieved he didn’t need to explain anything else to her. He was a good friend to have. She held on to the seat as the wagon rocked up and down along the trail. She kept her eyes wide, looking for any hint of trouble. They passed three graves, and her stomach clenched.
“It could have been anything. Maybe they were sick or had a big fight. If they were drinking it could happen,” Cookie offered.
“Yes, or maybe it was Indians or outlaws.”
He nodded. “That could be true too. Those graves could have been there for a lengthy time. They didn’t live to tell us what happened.”
She smiled. “Cookie, sometimes when you’re trying to make me feel better you make no sense.”
“I make plenty of sense. It might not be the best sense, but it’s sense.” He chuckled.
“I’m frightened, Cookie.”
“I’ll look after you.”
“No, I’m afraid what will become of me. I should make enough from the drive to go somewhere. Where I don’t know. When Rafferty was yelling at me last night, I kept thinking he was going to take me to a town nearby and leave me. I need to go somewhere I can put down roots. Moving from one fine opportunity to the next was draining. I wonder what Kansas is like? Maybe I’ll like it there. I just don’t know. If I were a man, I’d stroll into the saloon in town and ask about jobs. Jobs for men. I bet there would be plenty of choices. We still have a ways to go before we get there, don’t we?”
“We sure do. Listen, the good Lord made you the way He wanted you. You’ll find a place for yourself. If you prefer peace around here, stay away from Phil. Rafferty was more riled last night than I’d ever seen him.”
“I will, Cookie. I don’t like Rafferty’s anger. It was a mistake I made. I didn’t mean…”
Cookie patted her hand. “Of course not. Hey isn’t that Maverick?”
Her breath caught. Rafferty wasn’t on the horse. Her stomach plummeted, and she felt sick.
Shea galloped to them and quickly reined in his horse. “Let’s get the wagon moving faster. Rafferty’s been thrown and he needs some patching up.”
She gasped and then brought her hand in front of her lips. “How hurt?”
“Hurt enough that he needs you and Cookie, but not hurt enough you have to race the wagon. I’m going to let the men know we’ll be stopping for the day soon.” Shea turned his horse and rode off.
“Do you think he’s bleeding? Maybe I should climb in rear and find the bandages. What if he needs stitches? Hot water will take a bit of time. I hope he’s awake and not passed out from the pain. What about Maverick?” She couldn’t seem to stop talking.
“Whoa there. Maverick is probably almost to the remuda where Donald will take care of him. If Rafferty were in danger, Shea would have given me his horse to ride up ahead and start patching his brother up. I know where the bandages are, and I doubt hot water or stitches will be needed first thing.”
“I’m not good in a crisis, I guess.”
“I wouldn’t say that. You’ve had plenty to contend with on this trip, and you’re just fine.”
She held on tighter as Cookie sped the horses up. Maybe he was right. It wasn’t as though she had fainted or cried upon hearing the news. She was nervous and anxious, though.
Chapter Ten
Rafferty: Cowboy Trail Boss: Christian Historical Western Romance (The Kavanagh Brothers Book 9) Page 5