Page 6 of A Wanderer's Redemption
I stand up, pulling her short form into my own in a familiar hug, and I feel her instantly relax. “Heavens no, I just wanted to steal you away … maybe you should just marry me, that way I will always have a clean house and good food in my belly. What do you say Judy, run away with me? Make me envied by all other men.”
She smacks me on the belly playfully before pulling away. “Reggie, you little devil, you have been asking me to marry you since you were five years old.”
“Hey, you are the love of my life, besides mother, of course.”
“You just love my cookies.”
“Well, that is only part of it.”
“You’re lucky I am not twenty years younger, and had I not chased your naked butt all over the halls as a youngster, I would take you up on that offer. Now eat your French toast before it gets cold and quit giving me heart attacks. I am too old for your teasing.”
“You have broken my heart, Judy. How will I survive in the wilderness without you?”
“My advice is you’d better stop looking at all the girls around here waving their fans in the heat because they’ve got the vapors and find you a little woman who can cook.”
“Wise advice, my dear Judy, I will take it to heart.”
Mother has had a smile on her face this entire time. “I swear Reggie, you are shameless.”
“You love me.”
“Yes, I do.”
CHAPTER 4
REGGIE
Standing in the depot, I watch as the last of the railroad freight cars are being hooked up, holding not only Grant’s items but now most of my own. After that is done, I personally take Bells up the large ramp of the stock car for horses, making sure her enclosure is properly padded and that she has everything she needs for the trip. Patting her lovingly on the neck I tell her, “I’ll check on you in the morning, beautiful.”
She nudges me playfully as I walk out of the enclosure. Stepping out of the car, I stroll through the depot, glancing down at the ticket in my hand, verifying the sleeping car number on it before going up the steps and handing it to the conductor stationed there.
“Welcome aboard, Mr. Kerns. We are happy to have you with us. Your luggage is still in the process of being delivered outside the door of your room. Until it’s available, the dining car is ready, and you are welcome to await our departure there in comfort.”
“Thank you. I also have a crew boarding a few cars back. Will you please notify me when they are all aboard?”
“Absolutely, I believe one gentleman has already checked in … but there are no worries, we still have an hour before departure.”
Rubbing my eyes I turn, heading toward the dining car, simply ready to get off my feet. I never thought I would look forward to being stuck on a train for days, but this last week has been extremely hectic. I don’t believe I’ve slept for more than a few hours at a time, and I am looking forward to some rest. The moment I plop down in the first empty seat I find, I lean my head against the window, my mind running back through all the things that needed to be done. A stranger’s voice suddenly jerks me out of my own thoughts.
“Sir, may I offer you some coffee or something slightly stronger?”
“Coffee would be great, thank you.”
Looking around the train, I watch several others come on board. I don’t mean to stare, but one couple catches my eye immediately. Both are dressed lavishly; the man is taller than most and broad in the shoulders, but it’s his long, straight black hair hanging halfway down his back that really catches my attention. This alone indicates that they are not from around here. He has his hand pressed possessively against his woman’s lower back, guiding her gently through the crowd. They sit down a couple of seats in front of me, and when he catches my eye, his nod is friendly. Before I can acknowledge him, the conductor is standing beside my table.
“Sir, we have a small issue I need to discuss with you. Could you please come with me?”
Hell! I haven’t even taken a drink of my coffee, and there’s already a problem. I push the table away and follow along beside him, shocked when he stops at the gateway between the cars.
“Sir, I wanted to speak to you about this discreetly. There is a young lady trying to board the train with a ticket she says you purchased for her. The ticket is valid, but it’s not for your sleeping car; it’s with the other men in the couchette car.”
“A girl, you say?”
“Yes, Sir. I am not good with ages, but I would say she is in her early twenties.”
“Give me a moment to look over the card I was sent.” Reaching into my pocket, I pull it out along with my own ticket. “Here it is, Colby, Jacob, Deven, and Jessie. Those were the only names on the list. Is she still waiting?”
“Yes, Sir as I could not morally put her in the train car with those other gentlemen even if she knew them personally.”
