Page 65 of Wagon Train Redemption
He turned to take in the view. “I can see for miles.”
“I feel like I can see for years.” She eased along, studying the carvings.
“Nice way of putting it.”
Finally, she straightened and released a huge breath. “Thank you for showing me this. I wonder if anyone has information on it.”
“Maybe one of the chiefs.”
“It would be interesting to know more.”
Ma and Gabe were below them, making their way back to the wagons. Soon Irene and Walt followed.
“We need to return.” The steep path leading down the hill would be easier to navigate than the hill they’d climbed. “Follow me.”
They began the descent. He led the way, taking his time. Beneath his boots, the shale shifted, and he skidded a few inches. “Careful.” He reached back for her hand.
Boss barked and whined.
“I don’t blame you, pal. The ground is slippery.”
Boss barked sharply, repeatedly.
Angie pulled Carson’s hand to make him stop. “Something’s bothering him.” She scanned their surroundings. “I don’t see anything.”
Carson looked in every direction. “I don’t see anything either.” Except the others making their way to the wagons. “We need to get going.”
Boss wouldn’t stop fussing.
“Quiet.”
The dog settled into a worried whine.
“Let’s go.” Carson took a step. The trail crumbled under his feet, leaving him with nothing to stand on and sending his heart to the roof of his mouth. Windmilling his arms to stay upright, he skidded to a stop in a pile of rocks and shale several feet below.
Boss barked loudly.
“Carson! Are you all right?”
The ground shifted under his feet. “Stay there. Don’t move.”
Boss pushed at Angie to force her back.
“Good dog.”
After carefully picking his way back to where the path had disappeared, he reached up to take her hand and guide her down. His feet slipped. At the same time, the ground at Angie’s feet crumbled. She flew toward him, hit him in the chest knocking him on his back.
Boss leapt down to their level and whined.
Carson and Angie lay amidst the rocks and dirt. Something sharp poked into his back. His breath stuck inside his chest.
“I’m sorry.” She scrambled off him, sitting back on her heels. “Carson, are you all right?”
He wanted to assure her that he was, but he couldn’t move. Couldn’t breathe.
Boss licked his face.
Angie bent over him. “Carson, say something.”
