Page 5 of That Fateful Ride

“Bill?” He closed the rest of the distance, as did the others with him. “Get him down and inside.”

She stiffened when men surrounded her. Polaris crow-hopped a bit and she soothed him with a touch. Once Bill was clear, she reached down, removed the delivery, and handed it to the station master.

“Gotta name?” the large man asked after he hollered for the next rider.

“Robert.”

“Come on in, Robert. Bet you could use some hot food.”

“Yes sir. I just need to see to my horse. We only had a short break before setting out again.”Shut up! He doesn’t need to think I’m complaining.She shrugged to hide her embarrassment. “I’ll see to my horse.”

At his nod, she turned a weary Polaris to the stable passing the next rider on his way to start the next leg. She took her time unsaddling Polaris. God, she ached. Every inch of her was sore and stinky. The odor reaching her nose wasn’t pleasant in any form. Her arms shook as she brushed him down and checked him over. She left him with grain and a bucket of water before trudging out with her rifle in one hand and saddlebags over her right shoulder.

There was so much dirt and grit on her eyes she was amazed they were open. She had newfound respect for these riders. With a sigh, she pushed into the station.

“Set yer stuff down n’ help yerself to some food there.” This man was the opposite of Cyrus, small where he was large. Skinny in a wiry sense.

She released her items and picked up a plate. Soon she was seated and eagerly eating some warm and hearty food.

“Name’s Joseph. We thought we’d lost a delivery. You amazed a lot of us when you rode in with Bill. What happened?” He took a seat at the table, gnarled fingers curved around the chipped mug.

Shaking her head she swallowed her current bite. “Not sure. His horse came back without him, injured and blood on the saddle.” She shoveled in more food. “No one else volunteered so I took it.” A drink of water washed down the cornbread. Not as good as mama’s but considering the growling in her belly it would suffice just fine. “Followed some buzzards and found him.”

“We’ve got room for you so grab a bunk and get some shut eye. I know you need to go back.” He stood. “I’m sending another request for better protection. All over the territories, Indian attacks have increased. Leave your plate and don’t worry, I’ll turn out your horse.”

She did as instructed and found herself soon entering where the riders slept. Four men were in there and they all looked at her with a mix of uncertainty and amazement.

“Nice ride.”

“Thanks.” Good thing she was so tired, her voice was deeper anyway, and she could barely pick up her feet so they dragged.

Even so, it was still hard not to stare. Two men were shirtless and two in their underwear. It wasn’t that they were so handsome she had a hard time not looking, no, men had horrible habits when in groups, and they were no different. These men had nothing to hold her attention. She wanted to feel safe in a man’s embrace. Not wonder if she were stronger than him.

She took a far cot and sat wearily on it. A bath would be so nice yet sleep even better. With her last bit of energy, she undid her bedroll and closed her eyes after climbing in, willingly embracing the sleep, which descended upon her.

The room sat empty when she woke. Sitting up, she groaned at the stiffness, which owned her body. She retied the bandanna on her head and replaced her hat. She’d fallen asleep with her boots on so she only gathered her things and walked out.

In the privacy of the outhouse, she rewrapped her breasts then washed up at the pump. Wasn’t perfect, but better than nothing. She grunted and nodded in response to the few greetings she received on her way to the stable.

Without wasting time, she saddled Polaris and led him out to the pump. Reins on the ground, she worked the handle and filled her canteens. She carried three figuring with her lighter weight it wouldn’t hurt her horse.

“You heading back?”

“Yes sir.” She capped the final one and secured them on Polaris. “Did you need me to take a message?”

“I do have one for Cy. Stop in before you go.”

“Yes sir.”

Alone, she blew out a breath and watched Joseph walk away. One hand on her mount she sighed. “Working so far, Polaris. Just have to make it back and get some rides in.” She was on her way back within the hour. To Cyrus.

No, I mean to the station. Not to Cyrus. He’s nothing to me.

Cy wentto the door when the sound of approaching hoof beats reached him. He was pleased to see that large dun returning. While he wasn’t what one would call “close” to the riders, he had a great deal of respect for them given the perils they faced. It was hard on a rider especially without sufficient rest.

For a long time he’d wanted to be one but with his size, it wasn’t meant to be. His ride would tire far too quickly with him on its back. These riders were small and thin.

Stepping out onto the porch, he winced at the shaft of spiking pain that shot up his leg. A hiss of discomfort slid from his lips, and he gripped the railing for balance.I don’t need to fall on my face when Robert comes riding in.

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