Costly Mistakes
** PG 13 -NC17 - Strong sexual situations both hetero & homosexual **
Chapter One
As Buck Cross exited Tompkins’ store, he noticed a young lady struggling with her travel trunk across the way. She had just gotten off the stagecoach, and no one seemed to be there to meet her. He took a deep breath and headed across the road. “May I help you?” he asked her.
She looked up at him and smiled. “Please,” she said. “I need to get to my Aunt Abigail’s place. She was supposed to send someone to meet me; I guess she forgot.”
Buck asked, “Are you Rebecca Walters?”
The young lady nodded.
“She didn’t forget,” Buck said. “She just gave me the wrong day. I’m Buck Cross, and I’m was told to meet you on the 3rd.”
Rebecca laughed softly. “I forgot that I’m arriving a day early; I was able to catch an earlier stage, but I didn’t know how to get word to her, so I decided to just chance it. I guess my luck is changing. Usually, it would be that she really just forgot I was coming.”
Buck smiled. “She’s been looking forward to your arrival ever since she received your letter asking if you could come for a visit. She told me that she hopes she can convince you to stay forever.” Buck didn’t mention that she also told him that Rebecca wasn’t being treated fairly at home due to some type of disability.
Rebecca’s smile grew. “Really?” she asked.
Buck nodded. He reached down to take hold of Rebecca’s trunk. “Let me take this over to the marshal’s office so it will be safe until I can come back with the buckboard. I’m afraid my horse won’t be able to fit it and the two of us.” He paused, “That is if you don’t mind riding double with me.”
Rebecca’s smile vanished. “I’m not sure I can,” she said.
Buck said, “I understand completely if you don’t wish to be seen riding with me that way; most young ladies here in town would have told me to go away and leave them alone way before now. You can wait with Teaspoon at the marshal’s office if you prefer.”
Rebecca said, “I didn’t mean to offend you. I’d be happy to ride with you; I’m just not sure I’m capable. I’ve never been on the back of a horse. My parents didn’t think I would be safe.”
Buck smiled. “I’m sure you will do fine. If you’re uncomfortable once I get you on Warrior Spirit’s back, you can always wait with the marshal.”
Rebecca’s smile returned. “Let’s go then,” she said. “I really want to see my aunt.”
Buck picked up the trunk and started to walk down the street. He soon realized that Rebecca was not next to him. He turned to see her struggling to keep up. “I’m sorry,” he said as he waited for her to catch up. “I guess I didn’t realize how much longer my legs are.”
“It’s not that,” said Rebecca. “Point me in the direction I need to go and watch me.”
Buck pointed out the marshal’s office and waited for the young lady to start walking. It didn’t take him long to notice that her gait was unsteady. After a few steps she stopped and turned to face him. “One leg is shorter than the other. It’s too much shorter to be corrected with shoes so…”
Buck nodded. “I’ll walk slower,” he said.
Rebecca smiled. “You aren’t ashamed to be seen with a cripple?”
Buck shook his head. “Not any more than you seem to be to be seen with a half-breed,” he said.
Rebecca laughed. “I think we make quiet a pair.”
Buck nodded and they continued on their way to Teaspoon’s office. Once there, Buck explained the situation. Teaspoon agreed to keep the trunk safe until Buck could return with the station’s wagon. The two young people then went outside to see if Rebecca were capable of straddling a horse comfortably.
When she was settled on the saddle, Buck asked, “You think you can make it?”
“I’d like to try,” Rebecca said. “I always want to try new things.”
Buck swung up behind her and started his mount walking. “Once we get out of town, I’ll see if you can handle him going faster,” Buck said. “I don’t want to cause a scene here in town. I have a feeling that wouldn’t be good for either of us.”
Rebecca nodded.
The two young people were soon entering the yard in front of the Abigail and Elias Jenkins’ farm. Buck pulled Warrior Spirit to a stop and quickly dismounted. He helped Rebecca down. “Take your time trying to walk,” he said. “I remember the first time I rode for a long time it took me a few minutes to move without pain.”
Rebecca nodded. She took hold of Buck’s arm. Just then the door to the house opened and Abigail stepped out. “Buck?” she asked. “Is something wrong?”
Buck shook his head. “Your niece just arrived a day early,” he said.
Abigail looked at the young lady standing next to Buck. “Rebecca,” she said, “It’s so good to see you. I hope your journey wasn’t too difficult.”
“It was very pleasant,” said Rebecca. “Especially this last part.”
She looked up at him and smiled. “Please,” she said. “I need to get to my Aunt Abigail’s place. She was supposed to send someone to meet me; I guess she forgot.”
Buck asked, “Are you Rebecca Walters?”
The young lady nodded.
“She didn’t forget,” Buck said. “She just gave me the wrong day. I’m Buck Cross, and I’m was told to meet you on the 3rd.”
Rebecca laughed softly. “I forgot that I’m arriving a day early; I was able to catch an earlier stage, but I didn’t know how to get word to her, so I decided to just chance it. I guess my luck is changing. Usually, it would be that she really just forgot I was coming.”
Buck smiled. “She’s been looking forward to your arrival ever since she received your letter asking if you could come for a visit. She told me that she hopes she can convince you to stay forever.” Buck didn’t mention that she also told him that Rebecca wasn’t being treated fairly at home due to some type of disability.
Rebecca’s smile grew. “Really?” she asked.
Buck nodded. He reached down to take hold of Rebecca’s trunk. “Let me take this over to the marshal’s office so it will be safe until I can come back with the buckboard. I’m afraid my horse won’t be able to fit it and the two of us.” He paused, “That is if you don’t mind riding double with me.”
Rebecca’s smile vanished. “I’m not sure I can,” she said.
Buck said, “I understand completely if you don’t wish to be seen riding with me that way; most young ladies here in town would have told me to go away and leave them alone way before now. You can wait with Teaspoon at the marshal’s office if you prefer.”
Rebecca said, “I didn’t mean to offend you. I’d be happy to ride with you; I’m just not sure I’m capable. I’ve never been on the back of a horse. My parents didn’t think I would be safe.”
Buck smiled. “I’m sure you will do fine. If you’re uncomfortable once I get you on Warrior Spirit’s back, you can always wait with the marshal.”
Rebecca’s smile returned. “Let’s go then,” she said. “I really want to see my aunt.”
Buck picked up the trunk and started to walk down the street. He soon realized that Rebecca was not next to him. He turned to see her struggling to keep up. “I’m sorry,” he said as he waited for her to catch up. “I guess I didn’t realize how much longer my legs are.”
“It’s not that,” said Rebecca. “Point me in the direction I need to go and watch me.”
Buck pointed out the marshal’s office and waited for the young lady to start walking. It didn’t take him long to notice that her gait was unsteady. After a few steps she stopped and turned to face him. “One leg is shorter than the other. It’s too much shorter to be corrected with shoes so…”
Buck nodded. “I’ll walk slower,” he said.
Rebecca smiled. “You aren’t ashamed to be seen with a cripple?”
Buck shook his head. “Not any more than you seem to be to be seen with a half-breed,” he said.
Rebecca laughed. “I think we make quiet a pair.”
Buck nodded and they continued on their way to Teaspoon’s office. Once there, Buck explained the situation. Teaspoon agreed to keep the trunk safe until Buck could return with the station’s wagon. The two young people then went outside to see if Rebecca were capable of straddling a horse comfortably.
When she was settled on the saddle, Buck asked, “You think you can make it?”
“I’d like to try,” Rebecca said. “I always want to try new things.”
Buck swung up behind her and started his mount walking. “Once we get out of town, I’ll see if you can handle him going faster,” Buck said. “I don’t want to cause a scene here in town. I have a feeling that wouldn’t be good for either of us.”
Rebecca nodded.
The two young people were soon entering the yard in front of the Abigail and Elias Jenkins’ farm. Buck pulled Warrior Spirit to a stop and quickly dismounted. He helped Rebecca down. “Take your time trying to walk,” he said. “I remember the first time I rode for a long time it took me a few minutes to move without pain.”
Rebecca nodded. She took hold of Buck’s arm. Just then the door to the house opened and Abigail stepped out. “Buck?” she asked. “Is something wrong?”
Buck shook his head. “Your niece just arrived a day early,” he said.
Abigail looked at the young lady standing next to Buck. “Rebecca,” she said, “It’s so good to see you. I hope your journey wasn’t too difficult.”
“It was very pleasant,” said Rebecca. “Especially this last part.”
Chapter Two
Buck explained, “I had to leave her trunk in town. I am going to go get the buckboard and get it now.”
“Take our wagon,” said Elias Jenkins as he stepped onto the porch. “It will save you time, and you can join us for dinner.”
Buck smiled. “Thank you,” he said. “I’ll be back soon.” He walked his horse to the Jenkins’ barn where he unsaddled him and gave him some oats. He then quickly hooked up the Jenkins’ wagon using their work horses. He then headed out with a wave.
Rebecca waved back. “He’s a nice young man,” she said. “I hope everyone here is as accepting.”
Abigail Jenkins put an arm around her niece. “Buck is special,” she said. “The other Pony Express riders are also pretty nice, but the people in town can be a bit more critical.”
Rebecca sighed. “That’s what I was afraid of. I hope my being here doesn’t cause you any trouble.”
“No more than our treating Buck like part of the family does,” said Elias. “He’s here quite often helping out – sort of like a son would.” He chuckled. “I guess he’s going to be your older brother.”
Rebecca smiled. “I think I will like that,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to have a brother.”
Abigail hugged her tight. “You couldn’t ask for a better one. Now, let’s get you inside so you can see what it is I expect you to do for us. I’m so glad you agreed to come help.”
Rebecca hugged her aunt back. “I’m just glad you were willing to let me come. I know you could probably found a more able person to work for you.”
“None that we wanted,” said Elias. “I already told you that for some strange reason people around here aren’t real fond of Buck, and they don’t want their daughters spending time around him.”
Rebecca shook her head. “That’s a shame.” She followed her aunt into the house.
When Buck returned with her trunk, Abigail and Rebecca had prepared a full meal and had set him a place at the table. “You can’t not stay,” said Elias. “The womenfolk went to a lot of trouble.”
Buck smiled at the older man. “I told Teaspoon that I would most likely be eating here and then possibly helping out with a few of the evening chores. He said to tell you not to tire me out too much; I still have chores to do back at the station this evening.”
Elias Jenkins laughed and ushered Buck into the house.
“Take our wagon,” said Elias Jenkins as he stepped onto the porch. “It will save you time, and you can join us for dinner.”
Buck smiled. “Thank you,” he said. “I’ll be back soon.” He walked his horse to the Jenkins’ barn where he unsaddled him and gave him some oats. He then quickly hooked up the Jenkins’ wagon using their work horses. He then headed out with a wave.
Rebecca waved back. “He’s a nice young man,” she said. “I hope everyone here is as accepting.”
Abigail Jenkins put an arm around her niece. “Buck is special,” she said. “The other Pony Express riders are also pretty nice, but the people in town can be a bit more critical.”
Rebecca sighed. “That’s what I was afraid of. I hope my being here doesn’t cause you any trouble.”
“No more than our treating Buck like part of the family does,” said Elias. “He’s here quite often helping out – sort of like a son would.” He chuckled. “I guess he’s going to be your older brother.”
Rebecca smiled. “I think I will like that,” she said. “I’ve always wanted to have a brother.”
Abigail hugged her tight. “You couldn’t ask for a better one. Now, let’s get you inside so you can see what it is I expect you to do for us. I’m so glad you agreed to come help.”
Rebecca hugged her aunt back. “I’m just glad you were willing to let me come. I know you could probably found a more able person to work for you.”
“None that we wanted,” said Elias. “I already told you that for some strange reason people around here aren’t real fond of Buck, and they don’t want their daughters spending time around him.”
Rebecca shook her head. “That’s a shame.” She followed her aunt into the house.
When Buck returned with her trunk, Abigail and Rebecca had prepared a full meal and had set him a place at the table. “You can’t not stay,” said Elias. “The womenfolk went to a lot of trouble.”
Buck smiled at the older man. “I told Teaspoon that I would most likely be eating here and then possibly helping out with a few of the evening chores. He said to tell you not to tire me out too much; I still have chores to do back at the station this evening.”
Elias Jenkins laughed and ushered Buck into the house.
Chapter Three
After the meal, Buck spent some time helping Mr. Jenkins. As he prepared to leave, Abigail joined him. “Thank you for bringing her to us,” she said.
“I’m just glad I happened to be in town today,” said Buck. “I’m not sure what would have happened; I can’t believe no one else tried to help her.”
“She said she hadn’t been there very long,” said Abigail. “My guess is no one else had a chance.”
Buck nodded. “I guess that’s possible,” he said. “I’m just glad I was there. I’ll try to stop by again tomorrow.”
“Great,” said Abigail. She went back inside her house, and Buck headed back to the way station. There he quickly finished up his chores and went to the bunk house to prepare for bed.
*You alright? * Ike asked as Buck settled onto his bed.
Buck nodded. “Just tired; it’s been a long day. You need to go with me to meet Rebecca Walters. She arrived a day early.”
* Tomorrow?* asked Ike.
Buck nodded.
Ike smiled. *Let’s get some sleep then. *
The two young men were soon joined in slumber by the other riders.
Buck rose early the next morning and completed his chores. At breakfast he asked to be allowed to go check on how Rebecca was settling in.
“She cute?” asked Cody.
“I guess,” said Buck. “She’s white and related to the Jenkins so she’s sort of family.”
Lou smiled. “Baby sister?”
Buck nodded. “That fits,” he said. “She’s really sweet and nice; she’s also going to need someone to look out for her.”
“Why?” asked Kid.
“You’ll find out when you meet her,” said Buck. “Not my place to say anymore than I have.” He stood. As he left, he asked Ike. “You coming over later?”
Ike glanced at Teaspoon who nodded. * See you as soon as I finish up here,* he said.
Buck smiled and left. He was soon at the Jenkins helping Elias tend the stock.
“I’m just glad I happened to be in town today,” said Buck. “I’m not sure what would have happened; I can’t believe no one else tried to help her.”
“She said she hadn’t been there very long,” said Abigail. “My guess is no one else had a chance.”
Buck nodded. “I guess that’s possible,” he said. “I’m just glad I was there. I’ll try to stop by again tomorrow.”
“Great,” said Abigail. She went back inside her house, and Buck headed back to the way station. There he quickly finished up his chores and went to the bunk house to prepare for bed.
*You alright? * Ike asked as Buck settled onto his bed.
Buck nodded. “Just tired; it’s been a long day. You need to go with me to meet Rebecca Walters. She arrived a day early.”
* Tomorrow?* asked Ike.
Buck nodded.
Ike smiled. *Let’s get some sleep then. *
The two young men were soon joined in slumber by the other riders.
Buck rose early the next morning and completed his chores. At breakfast he asked to be allowed to go check on how Rebecca was settling in.
“She cute?” asked Cody.
“I guess,” said Buck. “She’s white and related to the Jenkins so she’s sort of family.”
Lou smiled. “Baby sister?”
Buck nodded. “That fits,” he said. “She’s really sweet and nice; she’s also going to need someone to look out for her.”
“Why?” asked Kid.
“You’ll find out when you meet her,” said Buck. “Not my place to say anymore than I have.” He stood. As he left, he asked Ike. “You coming over later?”
Ike glanced at Teaspoon who nodded. * See you as soon as I finish up here,* he said.
Buck smiled and left. He was soon at the Jenkins helping Elias tend the stock.
Chapter Four
A couple of hours later, Ike arrived. Buck introduced him to Rebecca.
“You’ll need to teach me to sign,” she said.
* Miss Abigail can do that,* said Ike.
Buck translated and nodded.
“Really?” asked Rebecca.
Buck replied, “Both she and Mr. Jenkins know how. They had me teach them once I started coming here on a regular basis. They said they would need to be able to converse with Ike on their own.”
Rebecca nodded. “So, how did you happen to start coming here on a regular basis?” she asked as she settled onto the porch swing to begin the chore of churning some butter. “I think it’s wonderful that you did, but it is a little strange.”
Ike smiled. * You sit and tell her,* he said. *I’ll take over working with Mr. Elias. *
Buck nodded. “Let me see what I can do here while we visit,” he said.
“You can snap beans,” said Rebecca indicating the large bowl on the table next to her.
Buck picked it up and sat next to her. He then said, “It started not too long after the Express opened here.”
“So tell me the story,” said Rebecca.
“Mr. Jenkins hired me to accompany Mrs. Jenkins into town to do her shopping. One of the mares here was close to foaling and he couldn’t go. I had helped her carry some supplies out of the store to her wagon the week before so…”
“He felt you would be a good option,” Rebecca said.
“You’ll need to teach me to sign,” she said.
* Miss Abigail can do that,* said Ike.
Buck translated and nodded.
“Really?” asked Rebecca.
Buck replied, “Both she and Mr. Jenkins know how. They had me teach them once I started coming here on a regular basis. They said they would need to be able to converse with Ike on their own.”
Rebecca nodded. “So, how did you happen to start coming here on a regular basis?” she asked as she settled onto the porch swing to begin the chore of churning some butter. “I think it’s wonderful that you did, but it is a little strange.”
Ike smiled. * You sit and tell her,* he said. *I’ll take over working with Mr. Elias. *
Buck nodded. “Let me see what I can do here while we visit,” he said.
“You can snap beans,” said Rebecca indicating the large bowl on the table next to her.
Buck picked it up and sat next to her. He then said, “It started not too long after the Express opened here.”
“So tell me the story,” said Rebecca.
“Mr. Jenkins hired me to accompany Mrs. Jenkins into town to do her shopping. One of the mares here was close to foaling and he couldn’t go. I had helped her carry some supplies out of the store to her wagon the week before so…”
“He felt you would be a good option,” Rebecca said.
Chapter Five
Buck nodded. He smiled as he thought back to that fateful day. “It was probably one of the best days of my life,” he said. “We had a pleasant drive into town. When we got there, I asked if she minded if I ran an errand of my own before going to the store with her…
“You do whatever you need to and then come find me,” Abigail told the young man standing before her.
“Thank you,” Buck answered. He then left her and went in search of Marshal Cain. He had a message for him from Teaspoon.
A few minutes later, Buck quietly entered Tompkins’ store and went to join Abigail Jenkins. As he made his way to her, one of the local boys caused a display to fall. Without thinking, Buck knelt and began to pick things up and put them back.
“Stop,” said Tompkins.
“I was just…”
“Get out,” the older man said, as he made his way to where the young Kiowa stood. As he pushed Abigail, he brushed her arms causing her to drop her supplies.
“I don’t want to tell you again, get out. You are not welcomed here,” Tompkins said.
Buck nodded and quietly left. As he walked out the door he heard Abigail say, “You have no call to treat him that way.”
“Wh – What?” Tompkins stammered.
“You heard me,” Abigail snapped. “You have no call. All he was doing was trying to help clean up a mess that he didn’t make.” She returning to retrieving the items she had dropped when the young man in question had literally been thrown from the store.
Tompkins continued to stare at her in disbelief. He regained his composure and stooped to assist her.
“I’ll get them myself, thank you,” she snapped, pushing his hand out of her way.
He sat staring at her. “Now just a minute,” he started, realizing that she was angry with him for throwing that no-good half-breed out of his own store.
“He’s been told he ain’t welcome. I don’t want his kind shopping in my store; bothering my respectable customers,” Tompkins said, his own anger beginning to build.
Abigail turned her flashing eyes on him. “Then I guess I’m not welcome either.” She stood. “I’d like my money back for these items. I’ll be taking my shopping elsewhere.”
“Now, Mrs. Jenkins,” Tompkins said, gathering the spilled items. “There’s no need…”
She cut him off. “There is if that’s how you treat people. I’ll have not part in helping people like you spread your venom.”
Tompkins looked up at the lady. “I’m sorry,” he said softly. “I didn’t mean to upset you.” He took a deep breath. “Please, let me help you gather your things.”
She just stared at him. “It’s not me you owe an apology to,” she said. “I’m not the person you were rude to.”
“Well,” Tompkins sighed, “I can’t do anything about it now. He’s not here.”
Abigail looked at the store owner. “He’s standing right outside waiting on me; he’s my driver today.” She smiled sweetly. “We can gather my things and you can apologize when you take them to the buggy.”
Tompkins once more just stared at her. “You’re crazy,” he finally said. “I ain’t apologizing to no Indian.”
“Fine,” said Abigail, once more standing as tall as she possibly could. “Then return my money so I can head over to Blue Creek.” She held out her hand, waiting.
Tompkins took a few seconds to think things over. This would cost him too much monetarily; maybe apologizing wouldn’t be so bad – it’s not like there were a lot of people around. Abigail Jenkins was too important to lose.
He quickly finished gathering her purchases. “I’ll tell him I’m sorry,” he said dejectedly as he headed toward the door.
Abigail beamed. “That’s much better,” she replied. “I’d hate to have to move my business just because you’re a stubborn old fool.”
“You do whatever you need to and then come find me,” Abigail told the young man standing before her.
“Thank you,” Buck answered. He then left her and went in search of Marshal Cain. He had a message for him from Teaspoon.
A few minutes later, Buck quietly entered Tompkins’ store and went to join Abigail Jenkins. As he made his way to her, one of the local boys caused a display to fall. Without thinking, Buck knelt and began to pick things up and put them back.
“Stop,” said Tompkins.
“I was just…”
“Get out,” the older man said, as he made his way to where the young Kiowa stood. As he pushed Abigail, he brushed her arms causing her to drop her supplies.
“I don’t want to tell you again, get out. You are not welcomed here,” Tompkins said.
Buck nodded and quietly left. As he walked out the door he heard Abigail say, “You have no call to treat him that way.”
“Wh – What?” Tompkins stammered.
“You heard me,” Abigail snapped. “You have no call. All he was doing was trying to help clean up a mess that he didn’t make.” She returning to retrieving the items she had dropped when the young man in question had literally been thrown from the store.
Tompkins continued to stare at her in disbelief. He regained his composure and stooped to assist her.
“I’ll get them myself, thank you,” she snapped, pushing his hand out of her way.
He sat staring at her. “Now just a minute,” he started, realizing that she was angry with him for throwing that no-good half-breed out of his own store.
“He’s been told he ain’t welcome. I don’t want his kind shopping in my store; bothering my respectable customers,” Tompkins said, his own anger beginning to build.
Abigail turned her flashing eyes on him. “Then I guess I’m not welcome either.” She stood. “I’d like my money back for these items. I’ll be taking my shopping elsewhere.”
“Now, Mrs. Jenkins,” Tompkins said, gathering the spilled items. “There’s no need…”
She cut him off. “There is if that’s how you treat people. I’ll have not part in helping people like you spread your venom.”
Tompkins looked up at the lady. “I’m sorry,” he said softly. “I didn’t mean to upset you.” He took a deep breath. “Please, let me help you gather your things.”
She just stared at him. “It’s not me you owe an apology to,” she said. “I’m not the person you were rude to.”
“Well,” Tompkins sighed, “I can’t do anything about it now. He’s not here.”
Abigail looked at the store owner. “He’s standing right outside waiting on me; he’s my driver today.” She smiled sweetly. “We can gather my things and you can apologize when you take them to the buggy.”
Tompkins once more just stared at her. “You’re crazy,” he finally said. “I ain’t apologizing to no Indian.”
“Fine,” said Abigail, once more standing as tall as she possibly could. “Then return my money so I can head over to Blue Creek.” She held out her hand, waiting.
Tompkins took a few seconds to think things over. This would cost him too much monetarily; maybe apologizing wouldn’t be so bad – it’s not like there were a lot of people around. Abigail Jenkins was too important to lose.
He quickly finished gathering her purchases. “I’ll tell him I’m sorry,” he said dejectedly as he headed toward the door.
Abigail beamed. “That’s much better,” she replied. “I’d hate to have to move my business just because you’re a stubborn old fool.”
Chapter Six
“That sounds like her,” said Rebecca. “My mother told me that my grandparents disowned her when she married Uncle Elias because they felt he wasn’t good enough for her. They did their best to keep my mother from having anything to do with her; that’s why I hadn’t met her before now except for letters.”
“Was it hard for you growing up?” asked Buck.
“Only when I had to deal with nonfamily members on my own,” said Rebecca. “My family was always very supportive, except when it came to allowing me to try things that they felt were dangerous.”
“Like riding a horse?” asked Buck.
Rebecca nodded.
“Not to be rude,” Buck continued, “but if they were so supportive why did they send you away?”
“To keep me safe,” said Rebecca. “There were a couple of young men who decided I was fair game for pranks. One of their jokes almost killed me, and the local law did nothing so…” she let the sentence drift.
Buck nodded. “I know that feeling,” he said.
Just then Ike joined them, and the conversation drifted to happier topics. Eventually Buck and Ike took their leave and went back to the waystation.
The next day, Ike and Cody went into town to pick up supplies. Rebecca was at the store with Abigail to be introduced to Tompkins so she could purchase things with and hassle.
One of the local women noticed her limp and said something about keeping cripples out of sight. Abigail explained that Rebecca had been in an accident when she was young, and it had damaged her leg which kept it from growing correctly. The lady was embarrassed to have been overheard so she apologized for being nosey and went on her way. He son decided Rebecca would be a good target for his particular type of fun, so he quickly went to gather his friends.
They had just started their teasing when Ike and Cody arrived. Cody quickly dispersed the boys while Ike assisted Rebecca and Abigail.
“What made them do that?” asked Cody. “They are usually a bit better mannered.”
“I did,” said Rebecca, “just by being here.”
“How?” asked Cody.
Rebecca sighed. “Watch closely,” she said as she walked around the wagon so she could mount it opposite Abigail.
“Oh,” said Cody. “Still, they should know better. Especially the red-headed, freckle-faced, twin that seemed to be in charge.”
* Someone needs to teach him a lesson, * said Ike.
“Just leave him alone,” said Rebecca. “I…”
“No,” cut in Abigail. “Mr. McSwain is correct. I’ll visit with Buck later. He’ll know what to do.”
Ike and Cody nodded. They helped the women gather their items and made sure they left town safely before going about their own shopping.
“Was it hard for you growing up?” asked Buck.
“Only when I had to deal with nonfamily members on my own,” said Rebecca. “My family was always very supportive, except when it came to allowing me to try things that they felt were dangerous.”
“Like riding a horse?” asked Buck.
Rebecca nodded.
“Not to be rude,” Buck continued, “but if they were so supportive why did they send you away?”
“To keep me safe,” said Rebecca. “There were a couple of young men who decided I was fair game for pranks. One of their jokes almost killed me, and the local law did nothing so…” she let the sentence drift.
Buck nodded. “I know that feeling,” he said.
Just then Ike joined them, and the conversation drifted to happier topics. Eventually Buck and Ike took their leave and went back to the waystation.
The next day, Ike and Cody went into town to pick up supplies. Rebecca was at the store with Abigail to be introduced to Tompkins so she could purchase things with and hassle.
One of the local women noticed her limp and said something about keeping cripples out of sight. Abigail explained that Rebecca had been in an accident when she was young, and it had damaged her leg which kept it from growing correctly. The lady was embarrassed to have been overheard so she apologized for being nosey and went on her way. He son decided Rebecca would be a good target for his particular type of fun, so he quickly went to gather his friends.
They had just started their teasing when Ike and Cody arrived. Cody quickly dispersed the boys while Ike assisted Rebecca and Abigail.
“What made them do that?” asked Cody. “They are usually a bit better mannered.”
“I did,” said Rebecca, “just by being here.”
“How?” asked Cody.
Rebecca sighed. “Watch closely,” she said as she walked around the wagon so she could mount it opposite Abigail.
“Oh,” said Cody. “Still, they should know better. Especially the red-headed, freckle-faced, twin that seemed to be in charge.”
* Someone needs to teach him a lesson, * said Ike.
“Just leave him alone,” said Rebecca. “I…”
“No,” cut in Abigail. “Mr. McSwain is correct. I’ll visit with Buck later. He’ll know what to do.”
Ike and Cody nodded. They helped the women gather their items and made sure they left town safely before going about their own shopping.
Chapter Seven
Back at the station, Cody and Ike told Buck about Rebecca’s experience. “She really said to do nothing?” Buck asked.
Ike nodded. * I think she’s afraid she’ll get in trouble. *
Cody agreed.
Lou said, “I have an idea how to make him leave her alone without anyone getting hurt.”
Buck looked at her. “What is it?” he asked. “I have plenty of ideas on how to get him to leave her alone, but…”
“Have them let you know the next time they are going to town so you and I can be there waiting for them. If the mayor’s sone is there, before he can start anything you go greet them. Make it seem like you and Rebecca are a couple. I’ll be sure to be close enough to our friend so that I can mention that you are a jealous lover. I’ll point out what happened to that idiot Rance when he messed with that witch Kathleen Devlin.”
“I’ll need to talk to Rebecca first,” Buck said. “If she’s hoping to meet a fella…” he again left the thought unspoken.
“Ask her tonight and explain the plan. If she’s okay with it, we can put it in place tomorrow,” said Lou.
Buck nodded. “That’s definitely less dangerous than what I had in mind; also, not as satisfying, but…” he shrugged. He then quickly finished up his chores and went to visit with Rebecca and the Jenkins. They all felt the plan was a good one, so the next morning, Lou and Buck made their way into town. They waited outside Tompkins’ store.
Not long after they arrived, the mayor’s son and his gang of followers showed up. They went inside. Lou went in shortly after. When she noticed Rebecca entering the store, Lou moved closer to the boy. As he started to make his way to where Rebecca was shopping, Lou got in his way.
Just then, Buck entered the store and pulled Rebecca into a crushing embrace. “I missed you yesterday,” he said.
Lou looked at the mayor’s son. “I’d hate to be the person who upsets her,” she said.
“Why?” the boy asked. “She’s a cripple.”
“True,” said Lou, “but she’s also Buck’s sweetheart. And she really likes him, not like that Devlin woman, and look what happened to the man that upset her.”
“You mean Rance?” asked the boy.
Lou nodded.
“What exactly did happen to him?”
“Buck killed him,” said Lou. “Rance was mistreating Kathleen, so…” she let the sentence drop. “Buck also came up with some rather interesting forms of punishment for a couple of Rance’s friend’s that tried to intimidate him.” Lou sighed. “Just saying, I’m going to be real careful not to upset Miss Walters or the Jenkins.” She left the boy standing there.
Buck let Rebecca go. “You get everything you need?”
Rebecca nodded.
“Let’s go then,” said Buck. He put his arm around her and walked her outside. As they walked an idea struck him. He stopped and moved so Rebecca was on his right side. “Put your foot on mine,” he said softly.
Rebecca looked up at him but did as he requested. “Now move that leg when I move mine,” Buck said.
They started walking. After a few steps, you couldn’t notice Rebecca’s limp at all. “Whenever we’re together, we can walk like this,” Buck said. “If anyone asks why I am walking on the wrong side of you, I’ll just explain that I need my left arm free to protect you.
Rebecca smiled and they made their way to her wagon.
Ike nodded. * I think she’s afraid she’ll get in trouble. *
Cody agreed.
Lou said, “I have an idea how to make him leave her alone without anyone getting hurt.”
Buck looked at her. “What is it?” he asked. “I have plenty of ideas on how to get him to leave her alone, but…”
“Have them let you know the next time they are going to town so you and I can be there waiting for them. If the mayor’s sone is there, before he can start anything you go greet them. Make it seem like you and Rebecca are a couple. I’ll be sure to be close enough to our friend so that I can mention that you are a jealous lover. I’ll point out what happened to that idiot Rance when he messed with that witch Kathleen Devlin.”
“I’ll need to talk to Rebecca first,” Buck said. “If she’s hoping to meet a fella…” he again left the thought unspoken.
“Ask her tonight and explain the plan. If she’s okay with it, we can put it in place tomorrow,” said Lou.
Buck nodded. “That’s definitely less dangerous than what I had in mind; also, not as satisfying, but…” he shrugged. He then quickly finished up his chores and went to visit with Rebecca and the Jenkins. They all felt the plan was a good one, so the next morning, Lou and Buck made their way into town. They waited outside Tompkins’ store.
Not long after they arrived, the mayor’s son and his gang of followers showed up. They went inside. Lou went in shortly after. When she noticed Rebecca entering the store, Lou moved closer to the boy. As he started to make his way to where Rebecca was shopping, Lou got in his way.
Just then, Buck entered the store and pulled Rebecca into a crushing embrace. “I missed you yesterday,” he said.
Lou looked at the mayor’s son. “I’d hate to be the person who upsets her,” she said.
“Why?” the boy asked. “She’s a cripple.”
“True,” said Lou, “but she’s also Buck’s sweetheart. And she really likes him, not like that Devlin woman, and look what happened to the man that upset her.”
“You mean Rance?” asked the boy.
Lou nodded.
“What exactly did happen to him?”
“Buck killed him,” said Lou. “Rance was mistreating Kathleen, so…” she let the sentence drop. “Buck also came up with some rather interesting forms of punishment for a couple of Rance’s friend’s that tried to intimidate him.” Lou sighed. “Just saying, I’m going to be real careful not to upset Miss Walters or the Jenkins.” She left the boy standing there.
Buck let Rebecca go. “You get everything you need?”
Rebecca nodded.
“Let’s go then,” said Buck. He put his arm around her and walked her outside. As they walked an idea struck him. He stopped and moved so Rebecca was on his right side. “Put your foot on mine,” he said softly.
Rebecca looked up at him but did as he requested. “Now move that leg when I move mine,” Buck said.
They started walking. After a few steps, you couldn’t notice Rebecca’s limp at all. “Whenever we’re together, we can walk like this,” Buck said. “If anyone asks why I am walking on the wrong side of you, I’ll just explain that I need my left arm free to protect you.
Rebecca smiled and they made their way to her wagon.
Chapter Eight
Lou’s plan worked perfectly. The mayor’s son let his friends know to steer a wide berth around Rebecca and the Jenkins. He informed them that Buck could possibly kill them and get away with it because he hadn’t gotten into any trouble when he killed Rance. “After all,” he told them, “he is good friends with Marshal Cain.”
Buck and the riders did nothing to make it seem like that rumor wasn’t true. So life for Rebecca and the Jenkins settled into a pleasant routine. Buck went by as often as he could.
One day, when Buck had gone to the Jenkin’s place, Abigail approached him. “I have a huge favor to ask,” she said.
“What is it?” asked Buck.
“I want you to escort Becky to the dance next week,” said Abigail.
Buck took a deep breath. “Why?” he asked.
“She needs to meet people,” said Abigail. “If she’s there, it’s possible some of the young ladies will stop by to talk to her.”
“Not if I’m sitting next to her,” Buck pointed out.
“So you take her. Dance with her once or twice, and then excuse yourself to go help the marshal with something. I’m pretty sure none of the young men will bother her, but the other riders can run interference if they do.”
“Is Miss Walters alright with this plan?” asked Buck.
“She doesn’t know that I’m asking you,” Abigail admitted. “But, if you ask her, she will go.”
Buck nodded. “I will need to talk to Sam to let him know he needs to come up with something that requires my assistance. Once we have that figured out, I’ll ask her.”
“Thank you,” said Abigail.
A couple of days later, Buck asked Rebecca to go with him to the dance that weekend.
“You sure?” asked Rebecca. “Don’t you have someone else you want to be able to dance with?”
Buck smiled weakly. “I don’t even really want to go, but Emma insists that we all participate in all the activities for the people of town that we possibly can. I couldn’t get anyone to trade runs with me. It will be much nicer with you there. Besides, we are supposed to be a couple.”
Rebecca smiled. “Alright,” she said. “I’ll go, but I don’t want to dance too much.”
“One or two at the most,” said Buck. “I’m not that good. We will probably want to practice a time or two to get it figured out how to do it like we do the walking.”
Rebecca nodded. “I’ll talk to Aunt Abigail,” she said.
Chapter Nine
Later that week, Buck escorted Rebecca to the town social. It had been decided to let Rebecca in on Lou’s secret since all the other riders, Emma, and the Jenkins knew. This done, Lou decided to go as Louise so Rebecca wouldn’t be left completely alone if none of the other young ladies cared to be sociable and introduce themselves.
As soon as the riders entered the building there was a quiet buzz of curiosity about not only Rebecca and Buck – “What could she possible see in him? Isn’t she scared he’ll take advantage of her? What makes him think he’s worthy of her?” – but also the strange young lady with Kid – “Who is the world is that? Where did she come from? Why haven’t we ever seen her before?”
Buck and Rebecca danced a couple of dances before he escorted her to a table near the Jenkins and then went to get them all something to drink. Not long after Buck had sat down next to Rebecca, Kid and Louise joined them. A few minutes later, Same came and apologetically asked Buck for his assistance. “I promise it won’t take too long,” he said.
Buck glance at Rebecca who nodded. He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and left with the marshal. Once they were outside, the made their way to the side of the building to a place where they could keep an eye on things without being seen.
It didn’t take long for a few of the bolder young ladies to make their way over to the table. They exchanged pleasantries and then Amelia, the mayor’s daughter, asked, “Aren’t you scared that half-breed will attack you? I mean his father…”
“Was a white man,” cut in Kid.
“But still,” Amelia continued.
Rebecca placed her hand on Kid’s arm. She shook her head. “Buck is one of the kindest men I’ve had the pleasure to know. He would never knowingly hurt me.”
“But he’s a savage,” one of the other girls said.
Lou bristled, but Rebecca spoke up. “No he’s not. He’s been living in the ‘civilized’ white world almost as long as he has memory of living in the village, and the part of his life he has spent outside his village is where he had learned the most about how to behave as a gentleman.” She stood. “If you ladies will excuse me, I think I’d like to get some fresh air.”
As she made her way outside, Amelia asked. “Why doesn’t she limp like that when she’s dancing? Or walking on his arm?”
“Buck steadies her,” said Kid as he stood and offered his hand to Lou. “Shall we go join her?” he asked.
Lou nodded and took Kid’s hand. Then followed Rebecca outside. They were all soon joined by Sam and Buck. “Everything alright?” asked Sam.
“Fine,” replied Rebecca. “I just got tired of their questions, and their prejudice.”
After a few minutes, they all went back inside. Rebecca and Buck once more danced a bit before going to sit down. The rest of the evening was uneventful. Everyone went home happy.
As soon as the riders entered the building there was a quiet buzz of curiosity about not only Rebecca and Buck – “What could she possible see in him? Isn’t she scared he’ll take advantage of her? What makes him think he’s worthy of her?” – but also the strange young lady with Kid – “Who is the world is that? Where did she come from? Why haven’t we ever seen her before?”
Buck and Rebecca danced a couple of dances before he escorted her to a table near the Jenkins and then went to get them all something to drink. Not long after Buck had sat down next to Rebecca, Kid and Louise joined them. A few minutes later, Same came and apologetically asked Buck for his assistance. “I promise it won’t take too long,” he said.
Buck glance at Rebecca who nodded. He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and left with the marshal. Once they were outside, the made their way to the side of the building to a place where they could keep an eye on things without being seen.
It didn’t take long for a few of the bolder young ladies to make their way over to the table. They exchanged pleasantries and then Amelia, the mayor’s daughter, asked, “Aren’t you scared that half-breed will attack you? I mean his father…”
“Was a white man,” cut in Kid.
“But still,” Amelia continued.
Rebecca placed her hand on Kid’s arm. She shook her head. “Buck is one of the kindest men I’ve had the pleasure to know. He would never knowingly hurt me.”
“But he’s a savage,” one of the other girls said.
Lou bristled, but Rebecca spoke up. “No he’s not. He’s been living in the ‘civilized’ white world almost as long as he has memory of living in the village, and the part of his life he has spent outside his village is where he had learned the most about how to behave as a gentleman.” She stood. “If you ladies will excuse me, I think I’d like to get some fresh air.”
As she made her way outside, Amelia asked. “Why doesn’t she limp like that when she’s dancing? Or walking on his arm?”
“Buck steadies her,” said Kid as he stood and offered his hand to Lou. “Shall we go join her?” he asked.
Lou nodded and took Kid’s hand. Then followed Rebecca outside. They were all soon joined by Sam and Buck. “Everything alright?” asked Sam.
“Fine,” replied Rebecca. “I just got tired of their questions, and their prejudice.”
After a few minutes, they all went back inside. Rebecca and Buck once more danced a bit before going to sit down. The rest of the evening was uneventful. Everyone went home happy.
Chapter Ten
Life once more settled into a routine. The young ladies in town were polite to Rebecca but didn’t go out of their way to include her in their activities.
A few months later, Sam asked for a couple of the riders to go with him on a special mission. Teaspoon sent Kid and Ike. He then made arrangements to borrow a rider for another station.
The day after Kid and Ike left, Rebecca pulled into the way station wo see if Buck could assist her with a delivery she needed to make for Abigail. She was surprised to see a rather handsome stranger talking to Teaspoon just outside the bunk house. “Who’s that talking to Teaspoon?” Rebecca asked Buck as he met her wagon.
“Don’t know,” Buck replied, “I just got back from town, it might be the rider from Harper’s Ridge that’s here to help until Kid and Ike get back. Want to go see?”
The young lady nodded.
Buck offered her his arm and they walked across the yard from Emma’s house to the bunkhouse. When they reached the porch, Buck said, “Teaspoon, would it be alright for me to go with Miss Walters to make her delivery?”
Teaspoon asked, “You done everything you need to do here?”
“Almost,” Buck replied, “I just need to clean Warrior Spirit’s stall; I can do that when I get back.”
“Alright,” said Teaspoon.
“Thank you, Mr. Hunter,” said Rebecca.
“You are welcome, Miss Walters,” said Teaspoon. He noticed that the young lady was studying the boy next to him almost as intently as the boy was studying her. He grinned. “Where are my manners?” he said. “This is Hank Thomas. He’s helping us out while Kid and Ike are gone.”
He turned to Hank. “This is Miss Rebecca Walters, housekeeper for our neighbors, the Jenkins, and Buck Cross, one of the other riders housed here.”
“Pleased to meet you, Miss Walters,” said Hank with a smile. “Buck,” he added with a glare.
“Please to meet you, Mr. Thomas,” said Rebecca.
Buck simply nodded.
“See you around,” said Rebecca as she took Buck’s arm and headed back across the yard.
“They seeing each other?” asked Hank.
Teaspoon shook his head. “Just friends,” he said. He figured it wasn’t his place to say anything about Rebecca’s leg. That was something the young man would figure out on his own or she would share it with him.
When Buck returned he quickly tended Warrior Spirit’s stall and then went to clean up. As he went to get his change of clothes, Hank made some comment about the smell. Buck decided to ignore him; after all the boy was only going to be here about a week.
A few months later, Sam asked for a couple of the riders to go with him on a special mission. Teaspoon sent Kid and Ike. He then made arrangements to borrow a rider for another station.
The day after Kid and Ike left, Rebecca pulled into the way station wo see if Buck could assist her with a delivery she needed to make for Abigail. She was surprised to see a rather handsome stranger talking to Teaspoon just outside the bunk house. “Who’s that talking to Teaspoon?” Rebecca asked Buck as he met her wagon.
“Don’t know,” Buck replied, “I just got back from town, it might be the rider from Harper’s Ridge that’s here to help until Kid and Ike get back. Want to go see?”
The young lady nodded.
Buck offered her his arm and they walked across the yard from Emma’s house to the bunkhouse. When they reached the porch, Buck said, “Teaspoon, would it be alright for me to go with Miss Walters to make her delivery?”
Teaspoon asked, “You done everything you need to do here?”
“Almost,” Buck replied, “I just need to clean Warrior Spirit’s stall; I can do that when I get back.”
“Alright,” said Teaspoon.
“Thank you, Mr. Hunter,” said Rebecca.
“You are welcome, Miss Walters,” said Teaspoon. He noticed that the young lady was studying the boy next to him almost as intently as the boy was studying her. He grinned. “Where are my manners?” he said. “This is Hank Thomas. He’s helping us out while Kid and Ike are gone.”
He turned to Hank. “This is Miss Rebecca Walters, housekeeper for our neighbors, the Jenkins, and Buck Cross, one of the other riders housed here.”
“Pleased to meet you, Miss Walters,” said Hank with a smile. “Buck,” he added with a glare.
“Please to meet you, Mr. Thomas,” said Rebecca.
Buck simply nodded.
“See you around,” said Rebecca as she took Buck’s arm and headed back across the yard.
“They seeing each other?” asked Hank.
Teaspoon shook his head. “Just friends,” he said. He figured it wasn’t his place to say anything about Rebecca’s leg. That was something the young man would figure out on his own or she would share it with him.
When Buck returned he quickly tended Warrior Spirit’s stall and then went to clean up. As he went to get his change of clothes, Hank made some comment about the smell. Buck decided to ignore him; after all the boy was only going to be here about a week.
Chapter Eleven
The next morning when Rebecca stopped by to return the baskets Emma had sent to the Jenkins, Hank pushed past Buck to be the one to greet her.
“She’s too good for you, Injun,” he snarled as he did.
Lou started to say something, but Buck stopped her. “Leave it be,” he said. “He’s only here a short time, and Becky thinks she likes him.”
“Why?” asked Cody. “He’s been nothing but rude.”
“Not to her,” said Buck. “He was kind of charming yesterday when they met, and she thinks he’s cute.”
Lou sighed. “Alright, but he’d better stay charming once he learns all about her.”
“Agreed,” said Buck. “If he hurts her, I’ll help you teach him some manners.”
“Can I help as well?” asked Jimmy as he joined the group.
“Don’t see why not,” said Buck. “I have a feeling it will take all of us to make sure he learns the lesson. Until then, since I’m the only one he seems to dislike, let’s leave him be.”
That evening, Hank once again went out of his way to insult Buck. When Buck didn’t take the bait and start a fight, Hank went to his bunk mumbling to himself.
“What was that all about?” asked Emma as Buck helped her clean up the mess that had been made.
Buck shrugged. “I think he resents my friendship with Becky so he’s trying to intimidate me.”
“Has he ever seen her…” Emma let the sentence drop.
Buck shook his head. “Not that I know of. I figure I can put up with a few days of his bravado to keep her from being upset. So far all he’s done is talk tough.”
Emma sighed. “Don’t let him treat you too badly; you do not deserve that and Becky needs to know what type of person he really is.”
“Yes, Ma’am,” said Buck. “I’ll be sure no one gets hurt.”
“She’s too good for you, Injun,” he snarled as he did.
Lou started to say something, but Buck stopped her. “Leave it be,” he said. “He’s only here a short time, and Becky thinks she likes him.”
“Why?” asked Cody. “He’s been nothing but rude.”
“Not to her,” said Buck. “He was kind of charming yesterday when they met, and she thinks he’s cute.”
Lou sighed. “Alright, but he’d better stay charming once he learns all about her.”
“Agreed,” said Buck. “If he hurts her, I’ll help you teach him some manners.”
“Can I help as well?” asked Jimmy as he joined the group.
“Don’t see why not,” said Buck. “I have a feeling it will take all of us to make sure he learns the lesson. Until then, since I’m the only one he seems to dislike, let’s leave him be.”
That evening, Hank once again went out of his way to insult Buck. When Buck didn’t take the bait and start a fight, Hank went to his bunk mumbling to himself.
“What was that all about?” asked Emma as Buck helped her clean up the mess that had been made.
Buck shrugged. “I think he resents my friendship with Becky so he’s trying to intimidate me.”
“Has he ever seen her…” Emma let the sentence drop.
Buck shook his head. “Not that I know of. I figure I can put up with a few days of his bravado to keep her from being upset. So far all he’s done is talk tough.”
Emma sighed. “Don’t let him treat you too badly; you do not deserve that and Becky needs to know what type of person he really is.”
“Yes, Ma’am,” said Buck. “I’ll be sure no one gets hurt.”
Chapter Twelve
The next morning, Hank managed to cause Buck to spill his plate of food.
“Watch where you’re going,” he snarled.
“Sorry,” Buck said as he began to clean up the mess. Emma helped him and brought him a new plate of food.
When breakfast was over, Emma took Buck’s plate from him. “Can you do me a favor this morning?” she asked him.
“Yes, Ma’am,” Buck said. “I just need to muck the stalls today.”
“I’ll do that,” said Lou. “I owe you from last month anyway.”
“Great,” said Emma. “I need you to take a starter bread and some material scraps over to the Jenkins’. Abigail said to tell you to plan on staying for lunch; she has some chores for you to do to help Elias.”
Buck smiled. “Thank you,” he said. “It’s been a while since I’ve had a chance to get over there and help.”
“Help me get these dishes back to the house and we’ll get you packed up,” said Emma. The two of them left.
“Where’s he going?” asked Hank.
“The next place over,” said Cody. “The elderly couple that live there have sort of adopted Buck as a grandchild.”
“Why?” asked Hank. “They Injun lovers or something?”
“Or something,” said Jimmy. “They’re just a very friendly couple of people who happen to think Buck should not be treated differently because his mother had the misfortune of meeting an ill-mannered white man.” He pushed past Hank. “Lou, I’ll help with those stalls. I owe Buck as well.”
Hank glanced at Cody. “You got chores too?” he asked.
Cody nodded. “I’m supposed to help Emma up at the main house. Kid or Ike would be checking on the stock up in the far pasture and making sure the fence is in good repair. I’ll trade if you want.”
Hank shook his head. “I’ll go check the pasture,” He quickly gathered his mount and left. When he finished, he decided to go visit Becky and see if she would be willing to go out with him. As he approached the place she’d told him was her home, he realized it was the same place Buck had gone. His dislike of Buck grew when he saw the two young people sitting on the porch swing snapping beans and laughing.
“Watch where you’re going,” he snarled.
“Sorry,” Buck said as he began to clean up the mess. Emma helped him and brought him a new plate of food.
When breakfast was over, Emma took Buck’s plate from him. “Can you do me a favor this morning?” she asked him.
“Yes, Ma’am,” Buck said. “I just need to muck the stalls today.”
“I’ll do that,” said Lou. “I owe you from last month anyway.”
“Great,” said Emma. “I need you to take a starter bread and some material scraps over to the Jenkins’. Abigail said to tell you to plan on staying for lunch; she has some chores for you to do to help Elias.”
Buck smiled. “Thank you,” he said. “It’s been a while since I’ve had a chance to get over there and help.”
“Help me get these dishes back to the house and we’ll get you packed up,” said Emma. The two of them left.
“Where’s he going?” asked Hank.
“The next place over,” said Cody. “The elderly couple that live there have sort of adopted Buck as a grandchild.”
“Why?” asked Hank. “They Injun lovers or something?”
“Or something,” said Jimmy. “They’re just a very friendly couple of people who happen to think Buck should not be treated differently because his mother had the misfortune of meeting an ill-mannered white man.” He pushed past Hank. “Lou, I’ll help with those stalls. I owe Buck as well.”
Hank glanced at Cody. “You got chores too?” he asked.
Cody nodded. “I’m supposed to help Emma up at the main house. Kid or Ike would be checking on the stock up in the far pasture and making sure the fence is in good repair. I’ll trade if you want.”
Hank shook his head. “I’ll go check the pasture,” He quickly gathered his mount and left. When he finished, he decided to go visit Becky and see if she would be willing to go out with him. As he approached the place she’d told him was her home, he realized it was the same place Buck had gone. His dislike of Buck grew when he saw the two young people sitting on the porch swing snapping beans and laughing.
Chapter Thirteen
Hank quickly turned around and rode back to Emma’s. As he rode, he decided Buck had to go. He figured he could take the Kiowa in a fight, he just needed to figure out what he needed to do to get Buck to start it. It needed to be self-defense when he killed the worthless breed.
He tried again that evening to goad Buck into starting something, but the young Kiowas once more managed to not respond in anger.
That night, Buck sat on the bunkhouse porch cleaning his knife. He sharpened it, wiped it down and then dipped it into a small clay jar. He let the knife dry as he put the jar back in his trunk. He then wiped the knife again before putting it back in the sheath on his boot.
The next day, Becky came by to give Emma one of the bread starters. When Hank tried to rush out of the bunkhouse to be able to greet her, Lou got in the way allowing Emma and Buck to meet the wagon.
As Buck helped Becky down, Hank turned on Lou. “You did that on purpose,” he snarled.
“Yep,” said Lou. “You deserved it.”
Hank pulled a knife and moved toward Lou only to be grabbed from behind and spun around so he was facing Buck. “Leave Lou alone,” Buck said.
Hank kept the knife at the ready. “Let’s us go then,” he said. “This has been a long time coming.”
“I don’t want to fight you,” said Buck. “I especially don’t want to get in a knife fight with you.”
“You yellow?” asked Hank.
“No,” said Buck. “I’m not afraid of you; I just don’t want to kill you.”
“What makes you so sure you’d win?” asked Hank.
“Experience,” said Buck. He turned and began to walk back towards the wagon where Becky sat watching the exchange.
Hank rushed at him and jumped on his back, knocking Buck to the ground. As Buck moved to stand, Hank kicked his feet out from under him. Buck’s knife flew out of the sheath and slide across the ground.
Cody picked it up and moved to use it on Hank.
Buck managed to reach around Hank and grab the blade. “No,” he said as he pulled the knife away from Cody. “I don’t want him to die.”
Jimmy pulled Hank off Buck as Becky climbed down from the wagon and made her way to Buck’s side. “Where’s the medicine?”
“Green pouch in my coat pocket,” said Buck.
She stood and limped her way to the bunkhouse and Buck’s bed. She grabbed his coat and searched the pockets. She returned holding a bright green leather pouch. “This it?”
Buck nodded.
Jimmy tightened his grip on Hank. “You say anything ugly to her and I’ll kill you; I don’t care if Buck wants you dead or not. If it had been left up to me, you’d have been put in your place the first night you were here.”
He tried again that evening to goad Buck into starting something, but the young Kiowas once more managed to not respond in anger.
That night, Buck sat on the bunkhouse porch cleaning his knife. He sharpened it, wiped it down and then dipped it into a small clay jar. He let the knife dry as he put the jar back in his trunk. He then wiped the knife again before putting it back in the sheath on his boot.
The next day, Becky came by to give Emma one of the bread starters. When Hank tried to rush out of the bunkhouse to be able to greet her, Lou got in the way allowing Emma and Buck to meet the wagon.
As Buck helped Becky down, Hank turned on Lou. “You did that on purpose,” he snarled.
“Yep,” said Lou. “You deserved it.”
Hank pulled a knife and moved toward Lou only to be grabbed from behind and spun around so he was facing Buck. “Leave Lou alone,” Buck said.
Hank kept the knife at the ready. “Let’s us go then,” he said. “This has been a long time coming.”
“I don’t want to fight you,” said Buck. “I especially don’t want to get in a knife fight with you.”
“You yellow?” asked Hank.
“No,” said Buck. “I’m not afraid of you; I just don’t want to kill you.”
“What makes you so sure you’d win?” asked Hank.
“Experience,” said Buck. He turned and began to walk back towards the wagon where Becky sat watching the exchange.
Hank rushed at him and jumped on his back, knocking Buck to the ground. As Buck moved to stand, Hank kicked his feet out from under him. Buck’s knife flew out of the sheath and slide across the ground.
Cody picked it up and moved to use it on Hank.
Buck managed to reach around Hank and grab the blade. “No,” he said as he pulled the knife away from Cody. “I don’t want him to die.”
Jimmy pulled Hank off Buck as Becky climbed down from the wagon and made her way to Buck’s side. “Where’s the medicine?”
“Green pouch in my coat pocket,” said Buck.
She stood and limped her way to the bunkhouse and Buck’s bed. She grabbed his coat and searched the pockets. She returned holding a bright green leather pouch. “This it?”
Buck nodded.
Jimmy tightened his grip on Hank. “You say anything ugly to her and I’ll kill you; I don’t care if Buck wants you dead or not. If it had been left up to me, you’d have been put in your place the first night you were here.”
Chapter Fourteen
Becky handed Buck the small leather pouch. He managed to open it and pulled out a plant. He took a bite and chewed and swallowed. He looked at Emma. “Use some to make a weak tea. I’ll need it later.”
Becky turned to Hank. “He wouldn’t need to do anything but cut you. His knife has poison on it. It always has poison on it. He just saved your life and may have ended his own.”
Hank hung his head in shame. “I…”
“Don’t,” said Becky. “I do not want to hear it.” She hobbled back to where Buck lay and settled down next to him. She took the knife away from him and carefully put it back in the sheath on his boot.
Emma returned with water and bandages. “The tea is brewing,” she said. “Do I just clean and bandage this, or do I put some of the medicine in it?”
“Just clean and bandage,” said Buck. “The bit I ate should help some; I will need to drink a swallow or two of the tea when my heart starts beating wrong.”
Emma nodded. She looked to where Jimmy, Cody, and Lou stood keeping Hank in place. “Take him up to the house and figure out how to secure him to the chair in the guest room, then two of you come help me move Buck in there to the bed while the other goes to get the doctor.
The three dragged Hank across the yard. They tied him tightly to the chair. Jimmy and Cody went to help Emma while Lou went after the doctor.
As Emma settled Buck into the bed, Becky went and stood next to Hank. “You sorry you put yourself in danger over me,” she asked, “now that you know my secret?”
Hank shook his head. “I don’t care how you walk,” he said. “I just thought you should have better than…”
Becky slapped him as hard as she could. “I have no idea what makes you or anyone think they are a better man than Buck, especially when you don’t even know him.” She took a deep breath. “You realize he knew exactly what would happen to him when he grabbed that knife and that there is a good chance that even with the medicine he won’t make it out of this alive?”
Hank nodded.
“If your places were switched, would you have stopped Cody like Buck did?”
Hank dropped his eyes as he shook his head.
“And you have the nerve to think you are better,” Becky said. “You are going to get to see exactly what he saved you from; that’s why Miss Shannon had them put you here. While you watch, you’d better pray he lives.” She walked away and settled herself on the edge of the bed next to Buck with her back to Hank.
Becky turned to Hank. “He wouldn’t need to do anything but cut you. His knife has poison on it. It always has poison on it. He just saved your life and may have ended his own.”
Hank hung his head in shame. “I…”
“Don’t,” said Becky. “I do not want to hear it.” She hobbled back to where Buck lay and settled down next to him. She took the knife away from him and carefully put it back in the sheath on his boot.
Emma returned with water and bandages. “The tea is brewing,” she said. “Do I just clean and bandage this, or do I put some of the medicine in it?”
“Just clean and bandage,” said Buck. “The bit I ate should help some; I will need to drink a swallow or two of the tea when my heart starts beating wrong.”
Emma nodded. She looked to where Jimmy, Cody, and Lou stood keeping Hank in place. “Take him up to the house and figure out how to secure him to the chair in the guest room, then two of you come help me move Buck in there to the bed while the other goes to get the doctor.
The three dragged Hank across the yard. They tied him tightly to the chair. Jimmy and Cody went to help Emma while Lou went after the doctor.
As Emma settled Buck into the bed, Becky went and stood next to Hank. “You sorry you put yourself in danger over me,” she asked, “now that you know my secret?”
Hank shook his head. “I don’t care how you walk,” he said. “I just thought you should have better than…”
Becky slapped him as hard as she could. “I have no idea what makes you or anyone think they are a better man than Buck, especially when you don’t even know him.” She took a deep breath. “You realize he knew exactly what would happen to him when he grabbed that knife and that there is a good chance that even with the medicine he won’t make it out of this alive?”
Hank nodded.
“If your places were switched, would you have stopped Cody like Buck did?”
Hank dropped his eyes as he shook his head.
“And you have the nerve to think you are better,” Becky said. “You are going to get to see exactly what he saved you from; that’s why Miss Shannon had them put you here. While you watch, you’d better pray he lives.” She walked away and settled herself on the edge of the bed next to Buck with her back to Hank.
Chapter Fifteen
When the doctor arrived, he asked everyone to leave the room. “Hank stays,” said Emma. “He needs to see exactly what Buck saved him from; we can put him far enough away that he can’t hear you talk, but he stays.”
The doctor nodded. He then went and sat on the bed next to Buck. What’s the poison?”
“Veratrum,” said Buck.
“How’d you make it?”
“Boiled some lily root,” said Buck. “Keep it in a clay jar in my trunk; use it every time I sharpen my knife.”
“You take anything to combat it?”
“Chewed some belladonna,” Buck answered. “Emma’s making some tea for later.”
“Cramps started yet?” the doctor said.
Buck shook his head. “Should be starting soon; I’m hoping it won’t be too bad since I took the medicine almost immediately.”
The doctor nodded. “In that case, let me see if I”m going to need to stitch up your hand.”
Buck gave the doctor his left hand. As the doctor carefully removed the bandage he said, “You don’t need to answer this, but why on earth do you put vertrum on your knife?”
“Habit,” said Buck with a grimace of pain as the doctor pushed his fingers back to examine the palm where the blade had cut deeply.
“Sorry,” said the doctor. He quickly looked over Buck’s injury. “I think I should sew it up to keep it from pulling open every time you move your fingers.”
Buck nodded. “Can you get me something to bite down on? I can’t take laudanum; I’m allergic to poppies. Makes it hard to breathe.”
The doctor reached into his bag and pulled out a leather strap and his suturing equipment. He helped Buck get comfortable and then went to work. Buck bit down on the leather strap to keep from screaming as the pain flooded over him. As the doctor tied off the last stitch, the first cramp hit Buck and he doubled up in pain and moaned.
The doctor dropped his kit and moved quickly to get Buck on his side so when the younger man became ill, it would fall on the floor and not make Buck choke.
Once the sickness had passed, the doctor helped Buck lay back and then he wiped the young man’s face with a damp cloth. This done, he returned his attention to Buck’s hand. He bandaged it so the fingers stayed straight. He then settled back on the edge of the bed.
“So, habit huh?” he asked, picking up their earlier conversation.
Buck simply nodded. He once more moaned in pain as another cramp hit him, but it passed quickly and he didn’t get sick. “I think the medicine is helping,” Buck said. “Last time I was wishing I would just hurry up and die around now.”
From the corner of the room where he sat, Hank asked, “This has happened to you before?”
Buck simply nodded as another cramp overtook him.
The doctor nodded. He then went and sat on the bed next to Buck. What’s the poison?”
“Veratrum,” said Buck.
“How’d you make it?”
“Boiled some lily root,” said Buck. “Keep it in a clay jar in my trunk; use it every time I sharpen my knife.”
“You take anything to combat it?”
“Chewed some belladonna,” Buck answered. “Emma’s making some tea for later.”
“Cramps started yet?” the doctor said.
Buck shook his head. “Should be starting soon; I’m hoping it won’t be too bad since I took the medicine almost immediately.”
The doctor nodded. “In that case, let me see if I”m going to need to stitch up your hand.”
Buck gave the doctor his left hand. As the doctor carefully removed the bandage he said, “You don’t need to answer this, but why on earth do you put vertrum on your knife?”
“Habit,” said Buck with a grimace of pain as the doctor pushed his fingers back to examine the palm where the blade had cut deeply.
“Sorry,” said the doctor. He quickly looked over Buck’s injury. “I think I should sew it up to keep it from pulling open every time you move your fingers.”
Buck nodded. “Can you get me something to bite down on? I can’t take laudanum; I’m allergic to poppies. Makes it hard to breathe.”
The doctor reached into his bag and pulled out a leather strap and his suturing equipment. He helped Buck get comfortable and then went to work. Buck bit down on the leather strap to keep from screaming as the pain flooded over him. As the doctor tied off the last stitch, the first cramp hit Buck and he doubled up in pain and moaned.
The doctor dropped his kit and moved quickly to get Buck on his side so when the younger man became ill, it would fall on the floor and not make Buck choke.
Once the sickness had passed, the doctor helped Buck lay back and then he wiped the young man’s face with a damp cloth. This done, he returned his attention to Buck’s hand. He bandaged it so the fingers stayed straight. He then settled back on the edge of the bed.
“So, habit huh?” he asked, picking up their earlier conversation.
Buck simply nodded. He once more moaned in pain as another cramp hit him, but it passed quickly and he didn’t get sick. “I think the medicine is helping,” Buck said. “Last time I was wishing I would just hurry up and die around now.”
From the corner of the room where he sat, Hank asked, “This has happened to you before?”
Buck simply nodded as another cramp overtook him.
Chapter Sixteen
“So you knew…” Hank let the question go unasked. “Why?” he asked instead.
“Miss Walters likes you,” Buck said. “I didn’t want to upset her; and you seemed to really like her. I was hoping you still would once she let you know her secret.”
“You don’t care she wants me instead of you?” Hank asked.
Buck had to once more wait for another wave of pain and sickness to pass before answering. “I think of her as my younger sister,” he said. “I’m pretty sure she thinks of me as an older brother. Possibly, and overprotective older brother.” He shrugged.
Hank dropped his gaze. “I think she hates me now.”
Buck struggled to a sitting position so he could look at the boy. “No, she doesn’t. She’s just upset and worried. You’ve seen her walk; she didn’t get to prepare you.”
Hank looked up and met Buck’s gaze. “She thinks I’d care that she limps.”
“Others have,” replied Buck. “Some even made fun of her.”
“They should be shot,” said Hank. “I’d never want to hurt her. I thought you were trying to…”
“I know,” cut in Buck. “I just needed to be sure you weren’t like those others before I told you different. Like I said, overprotective older brother.” He once more doubled over in pain.
The doctor helped his lay back down and rolled him to his side. As the pain left, Buck said, “I think it’s time for the tea. My chest feels tight, and…” he groaned.
The doctor nodded. He went to where Hank sat tied to the chair. “I’m going to cut you loose so you can make sure he doesn’t choke on anything if he gets sick again while I go get Miss Shannon.”
Hank nodded.
When the doctor freed him, Hank went to Buck’s side. He sat wiping Buck’s face with the damp cloth while silently praying that the Kiowa lived.
“Miss Walters likes you,” Buck said. “I didn’t want to upset her; and you seemed to really like her. I was hoping you still would once she let you know her secret.”
“You don’t care she wants me instead of you?” Hank asked.
Buck had to once more wait for another wave of pain and sickness to pass before answering. “I think of her as my younger sister,” he said. “I’m pretty sure she thinks of me as an older brother. Possibly, and overprotective older brother.” He shrugged.
Hank dropped his gaze. “I think she hates me now.”
Buck struggled to a sitting position so he could look at the boy. “No, she doesn’t. She’s just upset and worried. You’ve seen her walk; she didn’t get to prepare you.”
Hank looked up and met Buck’s gaze. “She thinks I’d care that she limps.”
“Others have,” replied Buck. “Some even made fun of her.”
“They should be shot,” said Hank. “I’d never want to hurt her. I thought you were trying to…”
“I know,” cut in Buck. “I just needed to be sure you weren’t like those others before I told you different. Like I said, overprotective older brother.” He once more doubled over in pain.
The doctor helped his lay back down and rolled him to his side. As the pain left, Buck said, “I think it’s time for the tea. My chest feels tight, and…” he groaned.
The doctor nodded. He went to where Hank sat tied to the chair. “I’m going to cut you loose so you can make sure he doesn’t choke on anything if he gets sick again while I go get Miss Shannon.”
Hank nodded.
When the doctor freed him, Hank went to Buck’s side. He sat wiping Buck’s face with the damp cloth while silently praying that the Kiowa lived.
Chapter Seventeen
In a short time, Emma, Becky and the doctor returned. The doctor and Hank helped Buck sit so Emma could give him some of the tea to drink.
After a few minutes, Buck relaxed. “Thank you,” he told them all. “I’m sorry to be causing so much trouble.”
Emma moved a strand of hair off Buck’s forehead. “You aren’t causing trouble,” she said.
Hank had moved to the corner of the room after helping Buck sit up. He stepped forward. “I’m the one who should be apologizing,” he said. “If I hadn’t been such an idiot, none of this would have happened.”
Becky turned to face him. “Why did you behave that way?”
Hank dropped his gaze. “I wanted you to like me more than you liked him.”
Becky glanced at Buck in confusion.
“He thought I was sweet on you and that you were sweet on me,” said Buck. “I didn’t do anything to change his mind because I wanted to see how he reacted to your…”
“Oh,” said Becky as Buck let the sentence drift to fight off another cramp. She turned to Hank. “Would you still be willing to fight him for me?”
Hank simply nodded.
Becky smiled. “Good, then you can help me take care of him so the doctor and Miss Shannon can do their jobs.”
“If Buck doesn’t mind,” said Hank.
“I don’t mind,” said Buck with a slight groan of pain.
“What’s wrong?” asked Becky.
“Stomach,” said Buck. “It’s gone now, and they’re getting better.”
The doctor packed up his things. “I think you’re going to be fine. Keep that tea close by and drink a few swallows if your chest tightens up or feels strange again. If anything new happens, come get me.”
Buck nodded. “Thank you, Doc,” he said as he slid down on the bed so he was once more lying down.
Emma showed the doctor out. “Anything else we can do for him?” she asked.
“Get him to stop putting that stuff on his knife,” the doctor said. “Each time he’s exposed to it, it’s going to be harder to survive even if he takes the belladonna immediately.”
Emma nodded. “I’ll talk to him,” she said. “Not sure it will do any good, but I’ll talk to him.”
After a few minutes, Buck relaxed. “Thank you,” he told them all. “I’m sorry to be causing so much trouble.”
Emma moved a strand of hair off Buck’s forehead. “You aren’t causing trouble,” she said.
Hank had moved to the corner of the room after helping Buck sit up. He stepped forward. “I’m the one who should be apologizing,” he said. “If I hadn’t been such an idiot, none of this would have happened.”
Becky turned to face him. “Why did you behave that way?”
Hank dropped his gaze. “I wanted you to like me more than you liked him.”
Becky glanced at Buck in confusion.
“He thought I was sweet on you and that you were sweet on me,” said Buck. “I didn’t do anything to change his mind because I wanted to see how he reacted to your…”
“Oh,” said Becky as Buck let the sentence drift to fight off another cramp. She turned to Hank. “Would you still be willing to fight him for me?”
Hank simply nodded.
Becky smiled. “Good, then you can help me take care of him so the doctor and Miss Shannon can do their jobs.”
“If Buck doesn’t mind,” said Hank.
“I don’t mind,” said Buck with a slight groan of pain.
“What’s wrong?” asked Becky.
“Stomach,” said Buck. “It’s gone now, and they’re getting better.”
The doctor packed up his things. “I think you’re going to be fine. Keep that tea close by and drink a few swallows if your chest tightens up or feels strange again. If anything new happens, come get me.”
Buck nodded. “Thank you, Doc,” he said as he slid down on the bed so he was once more lying down.
Emma showed the doctor out. “Anything else we can do for him?” she asked.
“Get him to stop putting that stuff on his knife,” the doctor said. “Each time he’s exposed to it, it’s going to be harder to survive even if he takes the belladonna immediately.”
Emma nodded. “I’ll talk to him,” she said. “Not sure it will do any good, but I’ll talk to him.”
Chapter Eighteen
That evening, when Teaspoon made it back to the station, he accompanied Emma to check in on Buck. They sent Hank and Becky away so the two of them could get some food and some rest.
Teaspoon settled in the chair next to the bed. “Habit?” he asked.
Buck smiled weakly. “Doc talked to you?”
Teaspoon nodded.
Buck took a deep breath. “The warriors and hunters use it on their arrows,” Buck said.
“They put it one just before they shoot,” said Teaspoon. “Seen them do it when I lived with the Indians.”
“I wasn’t allowed arrows,” said Buck, “but Red Bear helped me make a knife when I was six summers old. He taught me how to hunt as well as fight with it. I started putting boiled lily root on it when I was hunting to be sure the animal died just like the hunters did with arrows and spears. I only put it on when I was going in search of food.” He paused. “I started putting it on all the time when one of the older boys who tormented me left me alone when he saw that I had my knife with me. I figured they would all leave me alone if they thought I was carrying a poisoned weapon.”
“You could have just pretended,” said Emma.
Buck nodded. “I could have, but I liked knowing they would really pay if they came at me again. To be completely honest, I wanted them to give me a reason to use it on them.” He once more paused. “Then I left, and it made sense to me to continue to use it so I’d be protected.”
“Think you can bring yourself to stop now?” asked Teaspoon.
Buck nodded. “It would be easier if someone takes away the jar,” he said. “It’s in my trunk.”
“Won’t be when you get back over there,” said Teaspoon.
Buck nodded once more. “Please don’t destroy it. My mother made the jar, and it could come in handy in the future.”
Teaspoon stood. “I’ll keep it safe,” he said.
Emma sat in the chair Teaspoon had just vacated. “You feeling alright?” she asked.
Buck nodded. “I should be fine by morning,” he said.
“What about Becky and Hank?” Emma asked.
Buck smiled. “I think they make a cute couple,” he said. “He really likes her and doesn’t care about her leg at all.”
“Good,” said Emma with a smile of her own, “because I’m going to see if he can stay on indefinitely.”
Buck’s smile grew wider. “Probably won’t stick with the express long,” he said.
Emma nodded. “I was thinking that you could introduce him to Abigail and Elias Jenkins. They could use a full-time groundskeeper as well as housekeeper.”
Buck spoke as Teaspoon was leaving the room. “Did Ike, Sam, and Kid make it back safely?”
Teaspoon turned. “They did. You want me to send Ike over to keep you company?”
“Please,” said Buck.
“I’ll have him bring you some water for the tub as well,” said Teaspoon. “I think a soak in a warm tub may do you some good.”
Teaspoon settled in the chair next to the bed. “Habit?” he asked.
Buck smiled weakly. “Doc talked to you?”
Teaspoon nodded.
Buck took a deep breath. “The warriors and hunters use it on their arrows,” Buck said.
“They put it one just before they shoot,” said Teaspoon. “Seen them do it when I lived with the Indians.”
“I wasn’t allowed arrows,” said Buck, “but Red Bear helped me make a knife when I was six summers old. He taught me how to hunt as well as fight with it. I started putting boiled lily root on it when I was hunting to be sure the animal died just like the hunters did with arrows and spears. I only put it on when I was going in search of food.” He paused. “I started putting it on all the time when one of the older boys who tormented me left me alone when he saw that I had my knife with me. I figured they would all leave me alone if they thought I was carrying a poisoned weapon.”
“You could have just pretended,” said Emma.
Buck nodded. “I could have, but I liked knowing they would really pay if they came at me again. To be completely honest, I wanted them to give me a reason to use it on them.” He once more paused. “Then I left, and it made sense to me to continue to use it so I’d be protected.”
“Think you can bring yourself to stop now?” asked Teaspoon.
Buck nodded. “It would be easier if someone takes away the jar,” he said. “It’s in my trunk.”
“Won’t be when you get back over there,” said Teaspoon.
Buck nodded once more. “Please don’t destroy it. My mother made the jar, and it could come in handy in the future.”
Teaspoon stood. “I’ll keep it safe,” he said.
Emma sat in the chair Teaspoon had just vacated. “You feeling alright?” she asked.
Buck nodded. “I should be fine by morning,” he said.
“What about Becky and Hank?” Emma asked.
Buck smiled. “I think they make a cute couple,” he said. “He really likes her and doesn’t care about her leg at all.”
“Good,” said Emma with a smile of her own, “because I’m going to see if he can stay on indefinitely.”
Buck’s smile grew wider. “Probably won’t stick with the express long,” he said.
Emma nodded. “I was thinking that you could introduce him to Abigail and Elias Jenkins. They could use a full-time groundskeeper as well as housekeeper.”
Buck spoke as Teaspoon was leaving the room. “Did Ike, Sam, and Kid make it back safely?”
Teaspoon turned. “They did. You want me to send Ike over to keep you company?”
“Please,” said Buck.
“I’ll have him bring you some water for the tub as well,” said Teaspoon. “I think a soak in a warm tub may do you some good.”
Chapter Nineteen
Emma waited for Ike to arrive before leaving. She explained what the tea was for and then left.
When she was gone, Ike locked the door before coming to sit on the edge of the bed. *This the stuff that slows your heart?*
Buck nodded.
*It bad?”* Ike asked with concern.
Buck shook his head. “I think I took the medicine fast enough; I just need to make it through the night.”
*What me to help?* asked Ike. *I can keep your heart beating without having to drink that tea.*
Buck smiled. “We can do that if you really want to; I wouldn’t want you to do anything that makes you uncomfortable.”
Ike went to get the tub ready. When it was, Ike helped Buck undress and get into the water. He then checked to make sure the windows were covered and the door was locked before quickly removing his own clothing and kneeling beside the tub.
As he began to wash Buck, Ike leaned in and captured the young Kiowa’s mouth with his own. Buck moaned in pleasure as Ike began to stoke him as their tongues danced.
When they broke the kiss, Buck said, “Let me…” Ike silenced him with another kiss.
This time when they broke apart, Ike said, *I get to please you first.* He once more began to stroke Buck. When Ike could tell Buck was close, he took a deep breath before ducking his head under the water and taking Buck’s member into his mouth. He worked quickly to give Buck relief. He then once more kissed his companion making sure their tongues danced and Buck was able to get a taste of himself.
Buck sat catching his breath. “That definitely had my heart beating,” he said once he could speak.
Ike smiled as he began to clean up the water that had spilled from the tub. This done, he helped Buck dry off and get back into bed. He then dried himself before joining his friend.
*Feel better?* he asked as he lay down next to Buck and pulled the covers over their naked bodies.
Buck nodded.
*Think it’s safe for me to sleep a bit?*
Buck nodded once more. “I’ll wake you if I start to feel bad or need my heart rate to speed up again.”
*Promise?*
“Promise,.”
Ike gave Buck another quick kiss and then lay his head on Buck’s chest listening to Buck’s heartbeat. He was soon sleeping soundly.
A couple of hours later, Buck shook Ike awake.
Ike instantly sat up and reached for the cup of tea.
“I’m fine,” Buck said. “It’s just that Emma or someone will be bringing food soon. I figured we didn’t want anyone finding us like this.”
Ike nodded. He leaned over and kissed Buck tenderly. He then crawled out of bed. He quickly dressed and hid Buck’s clothes under the bed before unlocking the door. He had just sat down when there was a soft knock on the door.
Ike went to open it and Emma entered with a tray of food. “You feeling any better?” she asked.
“Yes, Ma’am,” Buck replied “I should be fine by the morning.”
“We’ll see what the doctor says when he comes back tomorrow. Until then, you stay where you are.” She handed Ike a plate of food before settling the tray on Buck’s lap.
“Do you need help?” she asked.
“I think we can get it,” said Buck. “If not, I’ll have Ike let you know when he brings his plate down.”
“Alright,” said Emma.
When she left, Ike closed the door. He then helped Buck eat as he also enjoyed the meal. When they were finished, Ike took everything down to Emma.
*I think we’re going to try and get some sleep,* he said. *I’m going to lock the door to prevent anyone stopping in to visit; if you don’t mind.*
“That sounds like a good idea,” said Emma. “You come get me if anything happens.”
Ike nodded and made his way back to Buck. Once he was in the room with the door secured, he quickly undressed and joined Buck in the bed.
*You need to get your heart going again?* he asked with a smile.
Buck returned the smile. “This time I get to…” he had to stop speaking when Ike once more kissed him.
*I’ve been thinking,* said Ike when he broke the kiss.
“About what?” asked Buck.
*Us,* said Ike. *I know when we first started this I said I didn’t want you to do anything to me except kiss me and occasionally suck me; I agreed to do whatever you wanted me to do to you, but…” he stopped when Buck took hold of his hands.
“I remember,” said Buck. “I agreed because I love you and want to be with you however I can.”
Ike freed his hands. *When I heard you were sick because of the poison on your knife and realized that you might die, I figured out that I love you as well.* He paused. *When you pleasure me tonight, I want you to take me face to face. I want to be looking at you when you fill me with your seed.*
Buck smiled as he pulled Ike close and kissed him passionately. He then slid over so Ike could lie down on his back. “I promise to be gentle,” Buck said as he straddled Ike’s form.
When she was gone, Ike locked the door before coming to sit on the edge of the bed. *This the stuff that slows your heart?*
Buck nodded.
*It bad?”* Ike asked with concern.
Buck shook his head. “I think I took the medicine fast enough; I just need to make it through the night.”
*What me to help?* asked Ike. *I can keep your heart beating without having to drink that tea.*
Buck smiled. “We can do that if you really want to; I wouldn’t want you to do anything that makes you uncomfortable.”
Ike went to get the tub ready. When it was, Ike helped Buck undress and get into the water. He then checked to make sure the windows were covered and the door was locked before quickly removing his own clothing and kneeling beside the tub.
As he began to wash Buck, Ike leaned in and captured the young Kiowa’s mouth with his own. Buck moaned in pleasure as Ike began to stoke him as their tongues danced.
When they broke the kiss, Buck said, “Let me…” Ike silenced him with another kiss.
This time when they broke apart, Ike said, *I get to please you first.* He once more began to stroke Buck. When Ike could tell Buck was close, he took a deep breath before ducking his head under the water and taking Buck’s member into his mouth. He worked quickly to give Buck relief. He then once more kissed his companion making sure their tongues danced and Buck was able to get a taste of himself.
Buck sat catching his breath. “That definitely had my heart beating,” he said once he could speak.
Ike smiled as he began to clean up the water that had spilled from the tub. This done, he helped Buck dry off and get back into bed. He then dried himself before joining his friend.
*Feel better?* he asked as he lay down next to Buck and pulled the covers over their naked bodies.
Buck nodded.
*Think it’s safe for me to sleep a bit?*
Buck nodded once more. “I’ll wake you if I start to feel bad or need my heart rate to speed up again.”
*Promise?*
“Promise,.”
Ike gave Buck another quick kiss and then lay his head on Buck’s chest listening to Buck’s heartbeat. He was soon sleeping soundly.
A couple of hours later, Buck shook Ike awake.
Ike instantly sat up and reached for the cup of tea.
“I’m fine,” Buck said. “It’s just that Emma or someone will be bringing food soon. I figured we didn’t want anyone finding us like this.”
Ike nodded. He leaned over and kissed Buck tenderly. He then crawled out of bed. He quickly dressed and hid Buck’s clothes under the bed before unlocking the door. He had just sat down when there was a soft knock on the door.
Ike went to open it and Emma entered with a tray of food. “You feeling any better?” she asked.
“Yes, Ma’am,” Buck replied “I should be fine by the morning.”
“We’ll see what the doctor says when he comes back tomorrow. Until then, you stay where you are.” She handed Ike a plate of food before settling the tray on Buck’s lap.
“Do you need help?” she asked.
“I think we can get it,” said Buck. “If not, I’ll have Ike let you know when he brings his plate down.”
“Alright,” said Emma.
When she left, Ike closed the door. He then helped Buck eat as he also enjoyed the meal. When they were finished, Ike took everything down to Emma.
*I think we’re going to try and get some sleep,* he said. *I’m going to lock the door to prevent anyone stopping in to visit; if you don’t mind.*
“That sounds like a good idea,” said Emma. “You come get me if anything happens.”
Ike nodded and made his way back to Buck. Once he was in the room with the door secured, he quickly undressed and joined Buck in the bed.
*You need to get your heart going again?* he asked with a smile.
Buck returned the smile. “This time I get to…” he had to stop speaking when Ike once more kissed him.
*I’ve been thinking,* said Ike when he broke the kiss.
“About what?” asked Buck.
*Us,* said Ike. *I know when we first started this I said I didn’t want you to do anything to me except kiss me and occasionally suck me; I agreed to do whatever you wanted me to do to you, but…” he stopped when Buck took hold of his hands.
“I remember,” said Buck. “I agreed because I love you and want to be with you however I can.”
Ike freed his hands. *When I heard you were sick because of the poison on your knife and realized that you might die, I figured out that I love you as well.* He paused. *When you pleasure me tonight, I want you to take me face to face. I want to be looking at you when you fill me with your seed.*
Buck smiled as he pulled Ike close and kissed him passionately. He then slid over so Ike could lie down on his back. “I promise to be gentle,” Buck said as he straddled Ike’s form.
Chapter Twenty
A couple of days later, Buck took Hank over to the Jenkins to introduce him to the elderly couple. The two of them then stayed and helped Elias with some of the work around the place.
“You really think they’d let me work here full time?” Hank asked as the two young men made their way back to the express station.
Buck nodded. “Especially if you make it known that you plan on marrying Miss Walters. She’s the daughter of Mrs. Jenkins’ younger sister.”
“You mean they’re her family?” Hank asked.
Buck nodded.
“Why doesn’t everyone know that?”
Buck shrugged. “I think it’s because they didn’t want people to give them grief about paying her for working for them. She wants to eventually be independent, and no one around here would take her seriously if they knew the only way she could find a job was with family.” He sighed. “It’s sort of like the way some people in town won’t do business with them because they treat me fairly.”
“That’s ridiculous,” said Hank.
“Really?” asked Buck. “You sort of did the same thing when we first met.”
“I would have been just a rude to any of the others if I thought they were the competition,” Hank said. “It was just easier with you because of you being part injun.”
Buck nodded. “Good to know,” he said. “I really do think of Becky as my little sister, and I can be an awfully protective big brother. Just ask around about what happened to a couple of the other young men in town who decided to treat her wrong.”
Hank smiled. “I already heard,” he said. “I was told the first day I was seen dining with her that I had better be careful; you were a jealous lover and I was liable to experience a strange and horrible accident.
“Becky just laughed at them and said you were not jealous or her lover, you were just her guardian angel.”
Buck blushed.
“Didn’t know she felt that way?”
Buck shook his head. “I told you, I thought she felt I was an unnecessarily overprotective older brother.”
Hank nodded. “Well, she did say that at times she felt you went a bit too far, but that mostly she enjoyed knowing that there were people here who cared for her.”
Buck smiled. “I’m glad to know that you are now included in that number. She really deserves to be happy and have a home and family of her own.”
Hank blushed. “So, you don’t care that I asked her to marry me?”
Buck shook his head. “I just want to know exactly when the wedding is so I can be sure to have off.”
“Great,” said Hank, “because she wants you to walk her down the aisle.”
“You really think they’d let me work here full time?” Hank asked as the two young men made their way back to the express station.
Buck nodded. “Especially if you make it known that you plan on marrying Miss Walters. She’s the daughter of Mrs. Jenkins’ younger sister.”
“You mean they’re her family?” Hank asked.
Buck nodded.
“Why doesn’t everyone know that?”
Buck shrugged. “I think it’s because they didn’t want people to give them grief about paying her for working for them. She wants to eventually be independent, and no one around here would take her seriously if they knew the only way she could find a job was with family.” He sighed. “It’s sort of like the way some people in town won’t do business with them because they treat me fairly.”
“That’s ridiculous,” said Hank.
“Really?” asked Buck. “You sort of did the same thing when we first met.”
“I would have been just a rude to any of the others if I thought they were the competition,” Hank said. “It was just easier with you because of you being part injun.”
Buck nodded. “Good to know,” he said. “I really do think of Becky as my little sister, and I can be an awfully protective big brother. Just ask around about what happened to a couple of the other young men in town who decided to treat her wrong.”
Hank smiled. “I already heard,” he said. “I was told the first day I was seen dining with her that I had better be careful; you were a jealous lover and I was liable to experience a strange and horrible accident.
“Becky just laughed at them and said you were not jealous or her lover, you were just her guardian angel.”
Buck blushed.
“Didn’t know she felt that way?”
Buck shook his head. “I told you, I thought she felt I was an unnecessarily overprotective older brother.”
Hank nodded. “Well, she did say that at times she felt you went a bit too far, but that mostly she enjoyed knowing that there were people here who cared for her.”
Buck smiled. “I’m glad to know that you are now included in that number. She really deserves to be happy and have a home and family of her own.”
Hank blushed. “So, you don’t care that I asked her to marry me?”
Buck shook his head. “I just want to know exactly when the wedding is so I can be sure to have off.”
“Great,” said Hank, “because she wants you to walk her down the aisle.”
Chapter Twenty One
The wedding was held a couple of months later. Hank had Buck show him the trick he and Rebecca used to make her limp unnoticeable so he could walk her out of the church that way. He also had Buck show him how they managed to dance smoothly. He wanted Rebecca to be comfortable dancing at their reception – even if it was only one dance.
Everything went smoothly and soon the town was toasting the well-being of Mr. and Mrs. Hank Thompson. Once they were alone together, Hank carried Rebecca into their new home. As they entered the dwelling, he asked, “Do you want to sit up and visit, or should we just go to bed?”
“Let’s just go to bed,” said Rebecca as she stretched up and kissed him tenderly.
Hank carried her across the room to the small bed in the corner. He placed her on it, and then made his way back to the door to close it and be sure it was securely latched. This done he returned to her side.
He was pleasantly surprised to find her laying in the bed without her clothes. He quickly undressed and joined her.
They lay there in silence for a few minutes before Rebecca leaned over and gave Hank a kiss on the cheek.
“Thank you,” she said.
“For what?” asked Hank, moving so he could put his arm around her shoulder.
“Completing me,” she whispered huskily as she once more kissed him. This time she captured his lips and as their mouths met, she ran her tongue across his lips. She was pleased when he opened them to allow her tongue in.
As they kissed, she moved so she was kneeling in front of him. She ran her hands through his hair.
Hank broke the kiss, and moved so he could place his arms around Rebecca. As he worked, he nibbled on her neck and whispered softly to her telling her how much she meant to him - how she made him feel whole - how much he wanted to be one with her.
When Rebecca felt his lips on her bare shoulders, she pulled back. “Are you sure?” she asked. “What if someone comes by?”
“No one’s coming,” Hank assured her. “It’s our wedding night; they might come make noise outside, but no one would dare come inside.”
He returned his attention to her shoulders; he started to kiss his way off her shoulders. At the same time, he moved so that he was laying on his side next to her.
As she was lying there, he lay back so he could take in the sight of her bare chest, the rise and fall of each breath, the beauty of her face. He gently ran his hand down the side of her body. “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my whole life,” he told her as he kissed her tenderly.
He once more sat back to drink in her beauty. Rebecca felt herself blush as Hank studied her. Finally, she sat up and reached for him.
“Fair’s fair,” she said as she pushed him onto his back so she could study him as he had studied her.
Hank smiled. He once more kissed her tenderly. He then deepened the kiss. His tongue danced inside her mouth while his hands slid over her body, finally coming to rest on her waist.
When he felt her hands on his back, Hank leaned forward and helped Rebecca lie down once more. He then broke the kiss and began to trail kisses down her neck until he reached her breasts. He ran his tongue across her right nipple and gently teased it until it became a hardened little nub. As his tongue worked its magic there, his hand massaged her left one. He pinched the nipple to cause it to also harden.
Rebecca moaned softly and moved her hands to grasp Hank’s head and pull him closer to her. She felt her stomach tighten and a warm sensation swept through her. When his hand left her breast and moved to her thigh, Rebecca once more moaned softly. She breathed deeply and then moved so she could touch him. She was pleased to find his manhood hard. She squeezed it gently, causing Hank to release his hold on her breast as he reacted to her touch.
His back arched and he moaned deeply as Rebecca started stroking his shaft. Hank tried to return his attention to her nipples, but had to give up as she continued her assault.
Everything went smoothly and soon the town was toasting the well-being of Mr. and Mrs. Hank Thompson. Once they were alone together, Hank carried Rebecca into their new home. As they entered the dwelling, he asked, “Do you want to sit up and visit, or should we just go to bed?”
“Let’s just go to bed,” said Rebecca as she stretched up and kissed him tenderly.
Hank carried her across the room to the small bed in the corner. He placed her on it, and then made his way back to the door to close it and be sure it was securely latched. This done he returned to her side.
He was pleasantly surprised to find her laying in the bed without her clothes. He quickly undressed and joined her.
They lay there in silence for a few minutes before Rebecca leaned over and gave Hank a kiss on the cheek.
“Thank you,” she said.
“For what?” asked Hank, moving so he could put his arm around her shoulder.
“Completing me,” she whispered huskily as she once more kissed him. This time she captured his lips and as their mouths met, she ran her tongue across his lips. She was pleased when he opened them to allow her tongue in.
As they kissed, she moved so she was kneeling in front of him. She ran her hands through his hair.
Hank broke the kiss, and moved so he could place his arms around Rebecca. As he worked, he nibbled on her neck and whispered softly to her telling her how much she meant to him - how she made him feel whole - how much he wanted to be one with her.
When Rebecca felt his lips on her bare shoulders, she pulled back. “Are you sure?” she asked. “What if someone comes by?”
“No one’s coming,” Hank assured her. “It’s our wedding night; they might come make noise outside, but no one would dare come inside.”
He returned his attention to her shoulders; he started to kiss his way off her shoulders. At the same time, he moved so that he was laying on his side next to her.
As she was lying there, he lay back so he could take in the sight of her bare chest, the rise and fall of each breath, the beauty of her face. He gently ran his hand down the side of her body. “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my whole life,” he told her as he kissed her tenderly.
He once more sat back to drink in her beauty. Rebecca felt herself blush as Hank studied her. Finally, she sat up and reached for him.
“Fair’s fair,” she said as she pushed him onto his back so she could study him as he had studied her.
Hank smiled. He once more kissed her tenderly. He then deepened the kiss. His tongue danced inside her mouth while his hands slid over her body, finally coming to rest on her waist.
When he felt her hands on his back, Hank leaned forward and helped Rebecca lie down once more. He then broke the kiss and began to trail kisses down her neck until he reached her breasts. He ran his tongue across her right nipple and gently teased it until it became a hardened little nub. As his tongue worked its magic there, his hand massaged her left one. He pinched the nipple to cause it to also harden.
Rebecca moaned softly and moved her hands to grasp Hank’s head and pull him closer to her. She felt her stomach tighten and a warm sensation swept through her. When his hand left her breast and moved to her thigh, Rebecca once more moaned softly. She breathed deeply and then moved so she could touch him. She was pleased to find his manhood hard. She squeezed it gently, causing Hank to release his hold on her breast as he reacted to her touch.
His back arched and he moaned deeply as Rebecca started stroking his shaft. Hank tried to return his attention to her nipples, but had to give up as she continued her assault.
Chapter Twenty Two
Rebecca managed to sit up without letting go of Hank. “Let me show you how much I love you,” she whispered huskily as she quickly kissed him before moving so she could take him in her mouth.
She made sure to keep herself out of his reach, as she kissed the tip of his evident desire. She wanted to please him, to show him how wonderful he made her feel just by being near her. She couldn’t think of a better way than to pleasure him without allowing him to do anything but enjoy himself.
She slipped her hands under him so she could cup his cheeks and hold him completely inside her mouth. She circled the head and then slowly moved her lips down his shaft until she had him completely inside her mouth. She then pulled her mouth slowly up the length of his manhood, grazing him lightly with her teeth.
Hank’s hips moved off the bed and he gasped for air. The sensations that were flooding his body were a bit overwhelming. “Please,” he moaned as he worked to catch his breath.
Rebecca paused when she reached the tip and glanced up at Hank. Without completely letting him go, she asked, “You want me to stop?”
Hank shook his head. “I need…” he stopped speaking as she once more sucked him into her mouth. When he could once more speak, he called out her name. Not long after that, his hips once more jerked off the bed and he released his seed.
Rebecca managed to stay with him as he calmed down. “That was…” Hank couldn’t finish. He reached for Rebecca and pulled her to him. He captured her lips and kissed her deeply. When she pulled back, Hank was still trying to bring his breathing back to normal.
Rebecca sat back to admire him. She smiled at him, and then leaned in and gave him a gentle peck on the cheek. “We should probably be getting some sleep,” she said as she moved to retrieve their clothes.
ank took hold of her hand. “We probably should since we both need to work in the morning, but we can do that without those.” He shook her hand and made her drop their clothing. He then pulled her back down on the bed so that her head rested on his chest.
“We can just sleep like this,” he said as he kissed the top of her hear. “I want to be able to wake up to the most beautiful sight I could possible behold in the morning.”
She made sure to keep herself out of his reach, as she kissed the tip of his evident desire. She wanted to please him, to show him how wonderful he made her feel just by being near her. She couldn’t think of a better way than to pleasure him without allowing him to do anything but enjoy himself.
She slipped her hands under him so she could cup his cheeks and hold him completely inside her mouth. She circled the head and then slowly moved her lips down his shaft until she had him completely inside her mouth. She then pulled her mouth slowly up the length of his manhood, grazing him lightly with her teeth.
Hank’s hips moved off the bed and he gasped for air. The sensations that were flooding his body were a bit overwhelming. “Please,” he moaned as he worked to catch his breath.
Rebecca paused when she reached the tip and glanced up at Hank. Without completely letting him go, she asked, “You want me to stop?”
Hank shook his head. “I need…” he stopped speaking as she once more sucked him into her mouth. When he could once more speak, he called out her name. Not long after that, his hips once more jerked off the bed and he released his seed.
Rebecca managed to stay with him as he calmed down. “That was…” Hank couldn’t finish. He reached for Rebecca and pulled her to him. He captured her lips and kissed her deeply. When she pulled back, Hank was still trying to bring his breathing back to normal.
Rebecca sat back to admire him. She smiled at him, and then leaned in and gave him a gentle peck on the cheek. “We should probably be getting some sleep,” she said as she moved to retrieve their clothes.
ank took hold of her hand. “We probably should since we both need to work in the morning, but we can do that without those.” He shook her hand and made her drop their clothing. He then pulled her back down on the bed so that her head rested on his chest.
“We can just sleep like this,” he said as he kissed the top of her hear. “I want to be able to wake up to the most beautiful sight I could possible behold in the morning.”