Page 2 of Wagon Train Redemption
“Sit.” Patton shoved them so they landed half on their backs, half on their bottoms.
Cursing loudly, they righted themselves to a sitting position.
“Maybe they’ll be kind enough in town to feed you. Afterseeing what you did, I’m not so inclined.” He turned away from them. “I’ll accept that offer.”
Carson filled a cup and handed it to Patton, then found a plate, and dished up baked beans, adding two fluffy biscuits. They were still warm as if recently baked. Was that why Angela had stayed back? It hardly seemed to be an urgent matter. He poured coffee for himself, but before he sat on the nearest log stool, he looked to the wagon.
She was out of sight, but a movement of the canvas suggested she watched the proceedings.
Patton ate and took his time downing the coffee, then held out his cup for a refill. In slow, methodical movements, he pulled a pipe from his pocket and tamped it against a piece of wood before loading it with tobacco and lighting a sliver of wood in the red coals to get the tobacco burning.
“I’m not in any rush,” he murmured. “Might as well enjoy some good company.”
Carson grinned at the emphasis on “good.”
The two tied-up men looked fit to explode.
Nursing a second cup of coffee that contained a lot of grounds, Carson sat back. No reason not to enjoy the situation.
With his cup, Patton pointed toward the livestock grazing nearby. “Didn’t I hear something about a herd of horses?”
“’Spect you did. Constable Davis was in charge of them. When he was overdue, I came to find out if he had a problem. Turns out someone was trying to rustle the horses. Those men are now in custody.” The look Carson gave the restless pair was meant to inform them that the Mounties would see all evil men anywhere near the fort were taken care of in a like manner. “Davis and the men with him have taken the horses to Fort Taylor. I am escorting this wagon train there.”
Patton nodded, his expression curious and thoughtful.
Carson answered Patton’s question before he voiced it. “Remember how I said my family was coming out West to join me? This is them. They’ve traveled by wagon train. Unfortunately, I can’t introduce them as they’ve gone into town. Except for one sister.” Technically, she wasn’t his sister. Wasn’t even related. But describing her in that way informed everyone that he would guard her every bit as much as any of his sisters. “Angela?” he called.
The wagon rocked. The canvas shushed. But she didn’t appear.
He shrugged. “I guess she’s shy.”
Patton sucked back a huge gulp of coffee, spat out some ground, and enjoyed his smoke like he had all the time in the world.
Finally, he knocked the ashes from his pipe and waved it around to cool it. He touched the bowl several times before deciding it was safe to put in his tobacco pouch. A deep sigh emptied his lungs. “Where did you say the horses are?”
“I didn’t. They haven’t given that information, but I’m sure they don’t mind walking.” They both eyed the pair.
“I ain’t walkin’,” the bigger one said.
“They’s down by the creek in some trees,” the other volunteered.
“I’ll get them.” Carson trotted away. His steps slowed. He’d left Angela with three men. But Patton would guard her. Besides, had he forgotten the culprits were securely tied by his own hands?
The horses were sorry-looking, their hair matted, their hides dirty. One rolled his lips back and threatened to bite. Carson sidestepped the teeth and kept his distance as he led the animals back to camp.
“Horses are as mean and dirty as their owners.” Patton needed to know what he was up against.
Carson untied the smaller man’s feet while Patton did the same for the bigger one. The other Mountie had made sure ahunk of wood was nearby, just the right size to use as a weapon should the scoundrel think of kicking him.
They heaved the men into their saddles and roped their feet together under their horses’ bellies. Threats poured from the men’s mouths, but neither constable paid them any mind. Words were nasty but powerless.
“Maybe I’ll see you back at the fort.” Patton departed, leading the pair after him.
Hooves thudded on the ground, fading as the trio rode away.
Once they disappeared behind a stand of trees, Carson turned to the wagon. He waited, expecting she would jump down and join him. When she didn’t, he headed in that direction and paused a few feet away.
“Angela, is there something wrong?”
