Slocum's Sidekick by Jake Logan

Author:Jake Logan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group

11

“No, I ain’t seen that worthless turd, Doyle,” Kay McNeal said, taking down the corral bars in the cool midmorning sunshine. “Not hide nor hair of him since before you two went through, but I’ll damn sure lower my sights on the worthless outfit if he shows up.”

“Good,” Slocum said and led the sweaty horses into the pen to change harness to the fresh ones.

“You two made good time, considering all that happened to you.” She shook her gray head in disbelief. “Why, them two ain’t no better than damn dogs. Old Denton and you did the right thing. And I’ll sure put Doyle out of his misery if he ever comes around here.”

“Be careful, Kay. I think that Doyle’s been hired to stop the mail wagon from getting through. He might come back here and try to hurt you.”

“He better come with plenty of smoke. Why do you think that?”

“He’s been asking too many questions, and I figured it was more over stopping the mail wagon than Chris. Doyle is still dangerous, watch yourself,” Slocum said with an armload of harness to throw on the fresh horse. “He could hurt you.”

“I’ll keep an eye out for him. Whoa!” she said and jerked on the bridle to make the horse stand still for him. He slung the leather and chains over the animal’s back and began to separate them out. Kay took the opposite side, and soon the the straps were in place, and Slocum went to the other sweat-soaked animal and removed his set. Kay caught and brought the second big bay in close. Slocum quickly tossed the harness on him, and in a minute the team was ready to lead out.

Chris came from the house with the bread and meat Kay sent her after. Slocum finished hitching his side, and Kay coupled hers. He straightened and smiled at Chris after he stepped back. They were ready.

“There’s some water to wash it down with,” Chris said and put the pail on the wagon before the seat for him to dipper it. Then she presented him the sandwich, heaped full of meat.

Holding it in both hands, he took a big bite. The fresh sourdough bread and smoked meat drew the saliva in his mouth. He chewed thoughtfully, thinking about the road-miles left between them and Fort Wingate. A good team hookup at the trading post, they could push on to the last stop—maybe they would have fresh horses there this time. He could hope Pearcy had things organized by the time they drove up to Maggard’s place. The notion of it niggled him as he chewed and washed his food down with the sweet water from the bucket.

The two women went off to talk under a gnarled cottonwood while he ate. Perhaps Kay could say something that would comfort Chris. Over the night he had tried to think of ways he might. The attack left her numb and withdrawn, despite his best effort to help her. Damn that Doyle.

At last

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