Page 44 of Wagon Train Dreams
At his tender expression, she smiled and whispered, “I’d have a much better time if you’d come too.”
He held her gaze, allowing her to see his longing, then ducked his head.
“Next time,” she murmured before she hurried after the others. Only once did she look . He stood where she’d left him, his arms crossed over his chest.
“Maybe he’ll change his mind,” Louise murmured.
“Maybe.” If only he would. Hazel would be proud to walk at his side, as for those who didn’t realize what a noble, kind man he was…well, they didn’t matter.
It only took fifteen minutes to walk to town, where they discovered an array of businesses—a feed and lumber store, a mercantile and lawyer’s office, a livery barn, and a blacksmith, of course.
Hazel hurried into the mercantile on Ma’s heels. The large, well-stocked store offered the familiar aroma of pickles and burlap. The men headed for the back to find hardware. Ma went to the counter to order everything from rolled oats to cornmeal and canned fruit. The books drew Hazel’s attention. Joe liked reading but didn’t have a book with him. She examined the titles. Two were on setting up housekeeping in the West. She chuckled. Probably not something he needed. Another promised information on establishing farm sites. Again, not something Joe would likely enjoy. Then a title caught her eye.Kidnappedby Robert Louis Stevenson. Joe would like that story, and she took the book off the shelf. She also chose a picture book for Petey.
Satisfied with her purchases, she glanced at the others. Where was Bertie? She handed Petey to Irene. “I’ll go find our brother.”
Outside, on the step, she studied every direction. No sign of him. A faint sound caught her attention. Sounded like Bertie, and she trotted that way. The sound grew louder. She made out a word or two. He talked to someone. “Poor doggie.” That explained it. He’d seen a dog and followed it.
His tone changed. Grew troubled, and she increased her pace, skidding to a halt in the alley where three youths confronted him.
“Hey, look, it’s a dummy,” the biggest one chanted.
“Dummy. Dummy.” The three of them circled Bertie, crowding close.
Poor Bertie. He was big enough to handle all three at once, but he didn’t have an aggressive bone in his body.
However, fury burned up Hazel’s body, curled her fists, and fueled her feet. She marched up to the biggest boy, the ringleader.
When she tried to push him aside, he planted his feet and refused to move. His fist curled as he snarled down at her.
Chapter Eleven
Around Joe, the animals contentedly rested or chewed their cud, not caring that they were tethered. They didn’t need him. No, he was using them as an excuse for not going to town.
Hazel made no secret of the fact she would gladly have him escort her. He curled and uncurled his fists. He walked from one side of the camp to the other. He would be proud to walk at her side. But not if it put her in danger.
Maybe he could go as far as the nearest business and watch her. That wouldn’t invite anyone to judge her, but it would give him a large dose of pleasure. To see how her eyes lit up as she surveyed the displays in the store window. How she nodded to strangers on the street. Said hello to other mothers toting their babies.
Yes, he’d do that.
Without looking back at the animals, he strode into town, slowing his gait once he reached the first street. From there, he moved more cautiously. He hadn’t told Hazel, nor did he intend to, of times he’d been shot at. Before he reached the main street where he expected to observe her, a sound caught his attention.
Bertie? The man sounded upset, and Joe turned down the alley to investigate.
His heart thumped against his ribs. Three youths surrounded Bertie, mocking him. And then—Joe’s heart slammed so hard that he’d have a bruise—Hazel marched into sight and right up to the biggest of the three.
He couldn’t make out her words, but her tone was plain.
She was ordering the trio to leave her brother alone.
Had she no fear? One of them alone could do her harm. Three? He shuddered.
But she rose on her tiptoes and glowered up at the largest tormentor.
Joe hurried closer, clinging to the shadows of the nearby buildings. Surprise was his best weapon. That and the knife strapped to his leg.
No one noticed him, and he paused. When he was close enough and saw that Hazel wasn’t in any danger, he took time to admire the feisty woman. It seemed she didn’t have a fearful bone in her entire body. She faced men bigger than her without an ounce of caution.
He didn’t know if he should admire her or despair.
