The morning’s light shined strongly through the laced curtains in Lou’s room. Its brightness convinced her to rise and begin the day. As she rose, she pulled Buck’s note from under her pillow and read it once again. Gently she pressed it against her chest, and remembered the comfort it brought her the previous night. Kid had been rescued to her relief as well as her companions. Staying behind last night was a difficult task for all of them. It wasn’t something they were accustomed to doing.

After returning the letter to its resting spot, Lou prepared for the challenge that laid waiting for them. The meeting with Callahan. It was time to see if they had passed the test.

An urgent knock arrived at Callahan’s door, and Marcus ordered Mabel to answer it since he was still getting dressed. At the door was the town’s messenger boy. The letter Marcus had been awaiting was clutched tightly in his hands. Without a word, he handed it off to Mabel and quickly disappeared. Mabel sensed the fear Marcus had put in the boy. Why else would he disappear without expecting payment for his services?

“Well?” Marcus inquired as he put on his fine silk vest.

“It’s a letter for you,” Mabel answered quietly.

“That I can see,” Marcus commented sarcastically. “Read it.”

My dearest Marcus,

News has reached me that your new acquaintance, Mr. Cody, has been creating much trouble for the army. It seems his ambitions are as great as yours. He too has a fancy for gold and weapon shipments. Mr. Cody might prove to be a worthy business associate. My husband says the army plans on transporting a rather large shipment of weapons off to Fort Kearney within two weeks. Your men might find that to be of some interest. However, the guns will be heavily guarded. I should have more news for you soon. Take care my darling.

Love,
Claudia

“Excellent,” Marcus exclaimed as he rubbed his hands together.

Another knock on the door interrupted his excitement. Without being told Mabel knew to open the door. She was surprised to find Davis standing there with a worried expression on his face. He brushed past her roughly.

“Bad news, boss,” Davis admitted fearfully. “He’s gone.”

“Who’s gone?” Marcus demanded.

“The spy,” Davis spit out. “The sheriff and the deputy, they lost him.”

“How?!” Marcus cried angrily. “This better be good.”

After spending the early morning hours covering their tracks, Buck finally rejoined his friends. He had done his best to create the illusion that they were heading south. Now it was time to rest, so Buck joined his friends in front of the small fire Kid had built. They sat silently, eating what little breakfast Ike had managed to catch in the small stream. Because Buck wasn’t there to guide Ike through the technique of spear fishing, most of his prey managed to escape. Still, there was enough to satisfy their hunger.

“What are we going to do now, Teaspoon?” Kid asked in concern.

“Don’t know,” Teaspoon admitted. “Haven’t got that far yet.” He set his plate aside, and eyed the Kid carefully. “Don’t be so hard on yourself, Kid,” he suggested. He knew the young man well enough to notice the self blame that reflected in his eyes.

Kid shook his head at the notion. He had placed his friends in a very dangerous predicament, and it tore heavily at his conscience. Now the woman he loved and his two dear friends were on their own.

The temporary riders managed to improve their work ethics after Rachel displayed her need for order. They began doing some of the assigned chores, and even managed to dress more properly. Having Noah at the station helped relief the stress Rachel was feeling.

After hearing of his fellow riders predicament, Noah felt obligated to help them. However, he also realized the assistance Rachel needed. The station would fall apart with these riders. In the end, Noah decided to remain at the station. With the temporary riders the company sent, Rachel would need all the help a friend could offer. Besides, the others knew how to take care of themselves.

On to Chapter Nine