Page 43 of Luna

“We’ve got to move before the brakes give out. Everyone out of this car and into whatever seat you can find on one of the others. Move quickly.”

People rushed to gather their things and enter the car ahead of them. A porter and Hunter managed to move the sheriff to a Pullman car, where a berth was quickly made ready for him. A nurse was found in one of the other cars, and she came to tend to the sheriff.

The car they’d vacated was closed and locked to keep everyone away from the dead outlaw as the train resumed its journey.

Luna sank into a seat and felt the warmth of Hunter’s presence beside her. His clothes and hands were smeared with the sheriff’s blood. It wasn’t until that moment Luna realized she had blood on her clothes, and her hands were hardly any cleaner than Hunter’s.

“We need to wash up,” Hunter said, motioning for her to stand. He led the way to the washroom and stood guard while she washed her hands and face, then he washed up as best he could, and they returned to their seats.

“This is not exactly how I envisioned our journey home,” he said, giving her a tired grin as his head rested against the back of the seat. He’d lost his hat somewhere in the chaos. It was likely on the floor of the car they’d vacated, probably covered in blood.

“It is not the kind of adventure I was anticipating,” she said, boldly taking his hand between hers and giving it a tight squeeze. “Thank you for protecting me, Hunter. I’m grateful and a little … awed by what you did.”

He shrugged as though he used his body as a human shield every day. “You’re welcome, Luna. I told you I’d do everything in my power to keep you safe, and I meant it.”

“I realize that now. Again, my thanks to you.”

Hunter shifted so his hand held both of hers. “I’m so proud of you, Luna. You jumped right in and helped make the sheriff more comfortable. I know the situation had to be more than trying for you.”

“Thank you. I felt the darkness closing in, as it tends to do sometimes, but knowing the worst was over and there was something I could do to be useful helped.”

Hunter nodded, then kissed her fingers. “You are something else, Luna Campanelli. I really am incredibly proud of you and amazed by your strength.”

She blushed, embarrassed by his praise when she felt so undeserving of it. “You’re the one who stepped in to help the sheriff until a nurse was located. Do you think he’ll recover?”

“Absolutely. Angels were keeping close watch over him. If that bullet hadn’t hit his pencil case, he’d likely be in the car behind us with the outlaw.” Hunter closed his eyes but continued holding Luna’s hand. “We might as well try to get some rest. When we get to Pendleton, I have a feeling it will be a long while before we can go home. Kade, Lars, and whoever is available will likely interview all the passengers and take statements. Someone from the newspaper will probably be on hand too.”

Luna sighed, not looking forward to what awaited them, but followed Hunter’s advice. She leaned back in the seat and closed her eyes. Before she knew it, the train was braking to a stop at the Pendleton Depot. A crowd waited for them, including Nik Nash with an ambulance for the sheriff.

The conductor stepped into their car long enough to tell them the authorities wanted everyone to remain seated until they’d given their statements to the police.

Kade and Lars entered the car and spoke with the sheriff, then Lars helped Nik move him onto a stretcher and carry him to the ambulance while Kade began interviewing passengers. Luna saw Lars return and step into the car where the dead outlaw’s body had traveled the rest of the way to Pendleton.

When Kade reached their seats, he gave Luna a shocked look, as though he hadn’t expected to see them there. “Are you two well?”

Hunter glanced at Luna, and she nodded. “We are, Kade.”

“Good. That’s good.” The deputy glanced down and saw the blood on their clothes, and his face paled. His voice held concern as he reached a hand out to Luna. “Are either of you injured? Little Luna, are you hurt?”

“We’re fine, Kade. Just exhausted. Hunter helped the sheriff after he was shot. I got towels for him. We were in the car where the shoot-out took place.” Luna took his hand and stood, finding her legs felt unsteady.

Kade placed a big, warm hand on her shoulder and gave it a light squeeze. “I’m glad you both escaped unscathed. Can you tell me exactly what you remember?”

Luna and Hunter relayed all the details they could recall, then Kade told them they were free to go.

Hunter helped Luna down the aisle and off the train. They’d only taken a few steps when Quinn Williams caught them and began asking questions for a newspaper article.

It took another thirty minutes before Quinn thanked them and went in search of more people to interview.

Weary beyond belief, Luna was grateful Hunter had driven to the depot. He helped her into his car, drove her to Tony and Ilsa’s home, and walked her to the front door.

“Today has been an unforgettable adventure,” he said with a sardonic grin.

“That it has, Hunter. If I had to go through this experience, I’m glad it was with you.”

“Me too, Luna Moona.” He took both of her hands in his and boldly kissed her cheek.

Before she could rebuke him for using such a silly name, scold him for kissing her, or abandon all propriety and pull his lips to hers, he winked at her, rushed down the steps, and waved. She watched him start his car, then zoom down the street and out of sight.

---