He lowered the glasses and met her gaze, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. She slapped her hat back on to hide the color in her cheeks and scrambled onto her wagon seat. He probably thought she was all googly-eyed over him. Sure, he was good looking, but looks weren't everything. Better to be ugly as a mud fence. If women weren't attracted to them, maybe men could control themselves. She sighed. She was becoming a bitter old maid. Not all men were unfaithful lechers.

As they watched, the figures in the dusty heat waves finally became recognizable as cavalry - even to the naked eye. The rest of the teamsters joined them and they all waited in silence as the horses approached and drew to an organized halt.

The dusty captain surveyed the gathering with red rimed eyes that came to rest on the Frenchman.

"Hello, Bordeaux. I'm surprised to see you out here. I heard you left the territory. Who are you looking for this time?"

Cassie glanced sharply at Bordeaux. Was he a bounty hunter? Yet the Captains' manner was respectful.

Bordeaux slung a long leg around his saddle horn and tucked the glasses into his saddlebag. All eyes were on him, but he appeared not to notice.

The captain chewed on his mustache and eyed Bordeaux thoughtfully.

"Are you looking for a job?"

Bordeaux casually lifted his gaze to the captain. "I have one."

The captain glanced at Pete and then addressed Bordeaux again. "Whatever he's paying you, I'll double."

Pete frowned. "He's not ..."

"I'm not interested." Bordeaux interrupted. "What's going on?"

"Some renegade Indians jumped the reservation. Found a family massacred a few days ago. We sure could use you."

"Sorry, but I have my own troubles." Bordeaux frowned. "I saw some sign about two days back. Unshod horses heading south. Looked like a hunting party of fifteen or twenty."

The captain eyed him thoughtfully and finally nodded. "Sounds about right. Thanks for the information. If you change your mind, you know where to find us then."

His gaze shifted to Cassie. "Ma'am, you stick close to these men. Those Indians would consider you a prize."

She favored him with a bright smile. "Thanks, but I can take care of myself."

Fritz laughed shortly. "They'd bring her back and beg us to hold her while they ran."

Pete laughed, and even Davis had to smile. Bordeaux was watching her in a way that brought color to her cheeks again. She patted the handle of her whip with one hand and caressed the stock of her rifle with the other. "Your concern is touching, but I know I can rely on my friends here in the wagon."




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