Page 12 of Wagon Train Melody
“I don’t mind.” He knew many songs that were appropriate for tender ears and sang, “‘Buffalo gals, won't you come out tonight? Come out tonight, come out tonight? Buffalo gals, won't you come out tonight, and dance by the light of the moon?’” The girls watched him, wide-eyed and intent. Their enjoyment was obvious.
He glanced back at Alice and watched her surprise shift to enjoyment and knew she liked the song.
He finished and the girls clapped. Alice joined them. “I remember hearing that once when a minstrel show went through town.” She studied him silently, assessing, measuring, deciding…
“What’s your conclusion?” he asked.
She blinked and looked away as if only now realizing how long she’d been staring at him. “I don’t know what you mean.”
“You were trying to decide what sort of man I am. What did you decide?”
Her gaze returned to his. “It’s impossible to judge on such short acquaintance.”
“Let me help you. As I told you, my name is Rudy Powers. I’m a cowboy. Been on my own since I was twelve?—”
“Why?” she asked. “Why were you on your own at twelve?”
“My parents had both died. I suppose I wasn’t truly on my own. I joined my Uncle Zeke on a cattle drive. After that, the two of us wandered around finding work wherever we could. Zeke was always moving on to the next adventure. Five years ago, he left me behind when he moved on, saying he needed space, and I was old enough not to need a nanny.”
“Oh.” Alice drew in a sharp breath. “That was hurtful. I’m sorry. Have you seen him since then?”
“I haven’t seen him in a couple years. I assume he’s down in Texas somewhere. Maybe he finally got what he always wanted—his own ranch. Maybe he’s had enough adventure.” He paused. “Don’t know that I’ll ever have my fill. There’s always something new and exciting to investigate.” His gaze went to the west. He’d like to explore the mountains.
Alice’s expression was full of shock. She looked about ready to say something when Sissy leaned forward. “Mr. Rudy, who takes care of you now?”
“Well, little gal, I take care of myself.”
“We’ll take care of you,” Sissy promised and both little girls patted his hands.
He swallowed hard, hoping Alice wouldn’t hear it. He didn’t need taking care of. Hadn’t in a long time. But the idea of these sweet gals wanting to twisted his heart into a knot.
“Girls.” Alice’s voice was firm. “Mr. Rudy is only helping us for a little while. Then he’s got his own life to live.”
The girls sank back as if they’d been scolded.
“That’s a very generous offer.” He hoped his words would soothe their hurt feelings. “But your aunt is right. I’ll be moving on soon.”
He glanced back. Could see no more dust and tried to relax. That rider might not even be the man looking for him, but it was too early to let down his guard.
Alice sat beside Bo.He thrashed about far too often for her peace of mind. Of course, nothing would ease her mind but Bo sitting up and being lucid. In his right mind as Sissy would say.
He sucked in a noisy breath.
She stared at his chest, waiting…praying…to see it rise and fall. It didn’t. “Bo!” Her voice grew harder, louder. “Bo!”
“There a problem?” Rudy called.
She pressed her fingers to her mouth, unable to answer.
He stopped the wagon and trotted to the back. Saw the shock that held her eyes open so wide she wondered if she’d ever be able to close them again.
“He’s…he’s…” She couldn’t bring herself to say the word.Dead.
Rudy climbed in beside her and put his hand on Bo’s chest. “Alice, he’s breathing. Look at my hand.”
It rose and fell slowly, steadily.
“I thought—” The words caught.
